The Nation September 16, 2012

OIL THEFT ALLEGATION

Iheanacho released, vows legal action against NIMASA •Alleges plot to cripple his business

–Page 4

Naira rain for Paralympians, Falconets Gold medal - 5m Silver medal- 3m –Page 7

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.06, No. 2250

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

CORRUPTION

EFCC moves

against two CJs

Three other judges probed over fat bank accounts –Page 2

Floods: 40,000 sacked in Kano, Benue •Jonathan

•Mark

•Buhari

•Sambo

•49 Cross River communities threatened –Page 4

•Atiku

2015

•Okorocha

–Page 23

•Sanusi

N5000 note: Senators, Reps plot showdown with Sanusi

THE EMERGING FIELD Anti-US protests: Benghazi attack was revenge -Al-Qaeda •Aliyu

–Page 2

•Demonstrations spread to Australia

–Page 7

INSIDE Interview

2

NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

‘Disunity not peculiar to the Igbo’ —Pg26

Miscellany

Much ado about jukwu's Will —Pg 53

F

IVE judges, two of them State Chief Judges, may have fallen foul of the law against corruption.

They are now under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly keeping fat accounts.

The anti-graft commission has already obtained the statements of accounts of the affected judges and how funds were wired into their accounts.

It was gathered yesterday that they may be arrested for questioning.

In addition to the chief judges, there are three judges of the Federal High Court.

A source familiar with the

EFCC moves against two CJs •Three other judges probed over fat bank accounts From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

matter said: “This investigation has to do with alleged financial crimes committed by the judges, especially issues bordering on suspicious lodgements into their accounts.

“These slush funds were paid over time into their various accounts by litigants and their lobbyists to allegedly

influence judgments.

“We have obtained the statements of accounts of the affected judges and our investigation teams have been analyzing ‘curious’ lodgements into the accounts.

‘So far, there are appreciable traces of suspicious lodgements in the accounts of these judges. We have requested the banks for further details of the transfer of these funds.”

Asked if the investigation was at the instance of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the source responded: “We are talking of financial crimes, not judicial matters, which are within the jurisdiction of the EFCC. “Whatever our findings are the law will take its course.

We are likely to arrest the affected judges soon for interrogation.”

The names of the judges

Life

Awe’s mysterious lake and fish Pg 55

Insight

•L-R: The book Presenter Prof. Jerry Gana, President Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur PDP National Chairman and Chief Launcher Arthur Eze during the presentation of the book The Global Villager to mark the 77th birthday of Alhaji Tukur at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja.

Photo Akin Oladokun

N5, 000 banknote: Senators, Reps plan showdown with Sanusi 2015 presidential race: The field takes shape—Pp 23 & 26

Pp 36, 37, 38

The Arts

Gallery of eloquence—Pg 51

A

show down is looming between the National Assembly and the Governor of the Central Bank (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi over his insistence to introduce the N5000 banknote.

The two chambers are due to resume from their annual recess on Tuesday with members determined to stop the introduction of the new banknote.

Influential members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are said to have been meeting to strategise on their move following the pronouncements of the CBN governor to forge ahead with the plan and his description of critics of the banknote as bad economists.

It was gathered that the NASS members are likely to first approach President Goodluck Jonathan to prevail on Mallam Sanusi to have a rethink on the policy.

The lawmakers, one source said, are angry that in spite of the opposition to the new note, the CBN is pressing ahead with its proposal to introduce the larger bill and convert the

FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

N20, N10 and N5 bills into coins as from 2013.

According to findings, the Senators and Reps met in Abuja last Wednesday and Thursday and resolved that their position on the matter has been strengthened by a recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The survey confirmed that 75.1 per cent of Nigerians are opposed to the currency restructuring. Only 16.1 per cent of the populace are in strong support of the CBN policy while 4.04 and 4.62 per cent are partially in support and against the currency restructuring policy respectively.

The anti-N5000 banknote federal lawmakers resolved to make the new note a major issue upon resumption from recess.

A source at the meetings said: “We have met and concluded that since the new note is unpopular, we will ask the CBN to stop the minting of the new currency.

“We won’t be part of any policy that will lead to inflation because the consequences will be too much

for the economy. In a country, where people live on less than $2 in a day, it is not ideal at all.

“Definitely, we will overrule the CBN on this policy which is a contradiction of the cashless policy of the government.”

A principal officer of the House said: “Some of us have been meeting because the NBS survey has shown that it is not a popular policy.

The economy is better run based on the interest of the citizenry.

“Why will a good government go against the popular wish of all Nigerians? We want to lay the card on the table on why the new note policy is illtimed.”

A Senator from the South-East said: “Most of us prefer mass employment to minting of new notes. There is no point having a higher note without empowering Nigerians to spend it.

“The cost of producing the new note and coins, whether locally or abroad, can provide many jobs.

This is a question of opportunity cost.”

On his part, a highranking Senator added: “Some of us are trying to prevail on the leadership of the National Assembly to hold dialogue with President Goodluck Jonathan to reverse the policy because it will hurt the economy.

“We want to try as much as possible to avoid a fresh row with the Executive. But if the President does not listen, we will pitch our tent with the masses.”

were not disclosed.

Continuing, the source said: “We do not want to start revealing their identities in order not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation. But we are closing in on them.”

It was learnt that immediately the judges are arrested, they might be suspended by the NJC pending the conclusion of their trial.

And in the event that they are found guilty, the NJC will be expected to invoke Section 292 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The section says: “A judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstances- (a) in the case of (i) Chief Justice of Nigeria, President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and President, Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate. (ii) Chief Judge of a State, Grand Kadi of a Sharia Court of Appeal or President of a Customary Court of Appeal of a state, by the Governor acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly of the state, praying that he be so removed for his inability to discharg the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct. “(b) in any case, other than those to which paragraph (a) of this subsection applies, by the President or, as the case may be, the Governor acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council that the judicial officer be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct.”

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ONLINE SPECIAL (TODAY) The attraction for Ghanaian universities

Column

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Elephant and Castle (The political economy of royal succession)

S

TRANGE things are happening all over the country. Everything points at some apocalyptic convergence of malignant forces. The mysteries are mounting, and they are beyond the purview of ordinary people. Amidst rumours of mysterious ailments in high places, a woman was reported to have given birth to a goat and newspapers carried pictures of the horrid miscegenation without any sense of shame. There were reported sightings of a man on horse back riding through the clouds.

Strange floodings and oceanic distemper are the norm. The end of time may be nigh.

Snooper had been woken by a historic din. Thinking that the hour of man was at hand, yours sincerely rushed out half-naked to meet his maker only to be confronted by a truly outlandish sight. There was the sinister Okon in the uniform of a master workman supervising a huge boiling cauldron which hissed like a thousand vipers. There were about half a dozen hefty workmen who strangely deferred to him as he spewed a torrent of instructions. There was Baba Lekki affecting the solemnity of a profes-

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

J

UST in case you are thinking of the huge and sprawling shopping complex to the South east of metropolitan London, this is not about shopping. Or rather let us just say that this is about shopping for a president in a royal jungle. It is about the political economy of succession in an animal farm. All animals are equal, but some animals are truly more equal than others.

Sorry folks, we have to return to the feral and furry realm of animals once more. A few weeks back, we had thought that we were done with animal tales. But there are compelling reasons to return to the magic world of crawlies and good old Comrade Napoleon. This is what happens when the tools of conventional Political Science fail dismally to explain or grasp the dynamics of an unfurling political drama.

Conventional Political Science rests on a set of stable variables for its analytical validity and integrity.

To a large extent, you can predict the outcome of the inevitable collision of human and social forces.

After all, when you have eliminated all that is impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, is the truth, to appropriate the great Sherlock Holmes. But in the postcolonial jungle, nothing is set and everything is variable. It is the ultimate nightmare of the political scientist.

You would have thought that only a year after the last presidential election and given the dire and fraught situation of the country, a nasty succession battle would be the last thing on the mind of our political class. You would have thought that amidst country-wide social unrest and given the fact that the north of the nation has virtually imploded politically and economically from the Boko Haram scourge, presidential election would be the last thing on the mind of politicians.

You would have thought that the conventional wisdom is to fix what is broken first before deciding who should handle it. But you are profoundly mistaken. This is Nigeria, Blackman’s own country.

And who would have thought that at this particular moment the Jonathan presidency would come to resemble the Yar’Adua presi-

S

3

•Elephant

dency in its inert and futile probing like a stalled caterpillar and its mix of political and physiological ailments? It is all beyond our human ken. It points at some malignant tricks of some powerful occult forces.

If anybody had thought that the next presidential election or the impending succession battle would be fought over the Boko Haram plague or how to secure the political stability of the nation by redesigning its grand architecture, they had better perish the thought. A plantain plantation or Banana Republic does not require architectonic wonder. Just allow the oil to flow and all will be well.

It may be an economy based on extractive predation, but it is an economy all the same. After all there is demand and there is supply, which is the first law of economics. Secure the oil rig first and the electoral rigging can come later.

This is the political economy of royal succession in an animal farm.

Last week, there were some sig-

nificant moves on the chessboard which foreshadow a great battle of will and wits in the coming months.

It points towards another epic succession battle. It is a play of giants and both the grass and the grassroots are already trembling.

Against the selectorate, the electorate have no chance. The kingmakers only vote after the king has been chosen for them. This past week, the elephant rumbled and the castle quaked as if it has suffered a tectonic concussion. Let us return to the elephant and the castle.

With its mammoth brains, the elephant is gifted with phenomenal memory. It neither forgives nor forgets Its powers of photographic recall are a tad short of the miraculous. It remembers human faces and scant topographic features. It stalks those who have attempted to harm it with chilling resolve. It often lies in wait for those who would ambush it. When roused to fury and indignation, the elephant is a truly formidable picture of elemental rage and umbrage, tearing at and

pulling out everything in sight and out of sight. Its capacity for absorbing punishment is legendary and even in death—as the Yoruba will attest—the skull of an elephant is no luggage for children.

In anger and angst, not even the castle is safe and secure from the elephant, more so when the elephant itself has sojourned twice in the castle. A bid to secure permanent residency met with massive popular discontent in which the earth quaked with towering indignation and disgust. The elephant retreated in shame and misery. But it has not forgotten old business or forgiven old businessmen. In military parlance, it is known as discreet evacuation of troops while awaiting reinforcement.

Last week, Nigeria’s surviving pachyderm from the Jurassic Age, the irrepressible and inevitable General Olusegun Obasanjo, finally roused himself to political battle but from the economic trenches. With well-controlled indignation and in an act of political marksmanship quite stunning for a man of his advance age, Obasanjo took the economic policy of his political protégé to the cleaners. The proposed introduction of the 5,000 naira mega-bill, he averred, was not only going to further compound the economic miseries of Nigerians, it was bound to fuel massive inflation.

All hell was let loose at the castle. This was the political equivalent of Pearl Harbour when the Japanese suddenly overwhelmed the imperial might of America. You would have thought that as a distinguished member of the Council of States and Jonathan’s political benefactor and godfather, Obasanjo had a safe and secure communication channel, a hotline as they say, to communicate his misgivings to the presidency. But this is what late M.K.O Abiola famously described as “high-wire politics”.

A succession war is in full swing. The elephant has bared its battle-tested trunk. Knowing fully well that transformation is the kernel of Jonathan’s message and selfdeclared mission, and knowing fully well that a sound economic

Okon becomes currency controller sorial fraud. There was a man with the languid superior airs of a northern aristocrat who came with his own praise singer and drummer.

“Okon, what is all this nonsense about?” an irate snooper demanded.

“Oga, no be nonsense at all at all. We dey cook dem new naira note,” the crazy boy retorted with a fiendish grin.

“Meaning what?” snooper snarled.

“Oga as dem Yaro for Centre Bank say him wan print dem five thousand naira for dem local printers naim I say make Okon come tender before dem Ibo pikin come flood dem place with dem Taiwan naira. Okon don dey look for money sotey man come tire. I no dey play football with dem money again. Na

penalty I dey play now. Person who no sabi how dem dey make money him go waka quench,” Okon offered.

“So which line of business is this?” snooper demanded from the crazy boy.

“Okon dey sell naira. Some people dey steal money, some people dey steal oil, some people dey steal dem aeroplane,some people dey

Birthday wishes to all nine-niners

L

AST Sunday, September 9, snooper added another year.

As usual, the whole day was spent entirely in bed amidst a crushing avalanche of books, journals, periodicals, newspapers etc.

After a lifetime of gruelling exertions, it is not just the failure of expectations and the expectations of failure that turn one into a social coward. It is the failure of Nigeria to justify the immense suffering and misery it has inflicted on Nigerians.

Snooper wishes to thank

those who sent felicitations, particularly our sister and aburo, Deputy Governor and dancing Diva on the high hills of Ekiti-land, who sent a big okura with the stern warning that Okon should not steal his master’s meat. That will be the day, maam. Okon now goes by the title of Chief of Domestic Staff to snooper with concurrent accreditation to the boudoir.

Snooper sends belated felicitations to all glorious nine-niners who berthed on this mystical day and in particular, General Buba

Marwa, Hon Dipo Akingbade, our in law, our very young friends, Chukwuma Kanu, Oluwafolajimi Oladunni, the families of late Professor Ojetunji Aboyade and our late friend and classmate Aderemi Adesoye, a.k.a “Gurube”, a former permanent secretary in Ogun State, who was born exactly the same day as snooper. This fact was only discovered after reading his in memoriam a few years ago.

Memories are made of these. God bless you all.

policy is the heart of transformation, the great elephant has wrapped its trunk round the presidency’s soft and septic underbelly.

This is a textbook military operation, a bold Panzer strike at the jugular before the mopping up operation. Once Jonathan is rendered combat-ineffective, it will be a question of time before his limping presidency is taken out of contention. Obasanjo is a past master of the politics of delegitimation.

His artillery bombardment of Babangida’s “deficits of honour, credibility and integrity” prepared the ground for the Minna General’s crucial lapse of concentration and hurried exit from power.

The same gambit led to the eventual unravelling of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Mohamadu Buhari and lately the Yar’Adua presidency. In the particular case of Alhaji Shagari, Obasanjo gave a damning and devastating critique towards the end. When the Daily Times deliberately published a garbled and mischievous version, the irate general sent a blistering rejoinder.

Abacha who could read the game very well swiftly impounded him, but this did not prevent the goggled one from meeting a similar fate.

For months, there have been rumours of a final and terminal parting of way between godfather and godson. It was deliberately leaked to the press that Obasanjo was eyeing a Sule Lamido/ Rotimi Amaechi ticket. This was swiftly and hurriedly denied. The stinging economic rebuke is the clearest indication so far that that the Jonathan administration is an object of stringent scrutiny by Nigeria’s power mafia and the report card may not be too flattering.

Predictably, the presidency has been placed at the equivalent of a war footing. Presidential canine sentries simply tore into Obasanjo. There were even echoes of Michael Okhai Akhigbe’s infamous put-down of the old warhorse as a frustrated farmer.

Continued on page 65

sell dem people, but na naira Okon dey sell. When naira come jam naira for market, dem Centre Bank mala go no say even warder sef get master and no be only for Guinea dem dey make brocade.”

“So who is this man?” snooper asked of the Sahel aristo who was eyeing him with calm disdain.

“Na Alhaji Makuri, naira controller, na him dey supply dem chemicals,” Okon replied with a sheepish mien.

“Na Malam Mercury be dat one,” a tipsy Baba Lekki interjected icily. “We don dey reach Weimar Republic gradual by gradual,” the crazy old man added with a scholarly guffaw.

“Baba, shut up. I no dey like dem Wema Bank. Na dem Yoruba bank. And dem Yoruba no be better people at all at all. Na dem Yoruba cashier for dem Wema Bank for Okokomaiko who come steal dem first Yoruba wife from Okon .I beat dat one sotey he come forget him shoes.” Okon snorted in self-importance. It was at this point that the crazy boy lost his concentration. The witches’ brew exploded with volcanic gusto, sending everybody running for cover.

4

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

News

Kidnapping: Ihejirika backs South East governors From Chris Oji, Enugu

T

HE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, yesterday rallied behind South East governors in their plan to use the army in tackling robbery and kidnapping in the zone.

Gen Ihejirika is convinced that with the initiative coming from the governors the twin problems would soon “be put behind us.”

The army chief spoke at the end of this year’s Regimental Sergeants’ Major (RSM) Convention hosted by the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu.

He said: “The issue of kidnapping is a problem the army is very familiar with, having dealt with kidnappers in the past in Abia State, and having helped to restore normalcy to Aba. As you are aware, the kidnappers are aided by the use of GSMs and the proliferation of weapons. But what will help most is the cooperation of people in giving out vital information to the security agencies.

“It’s a very welcome development that the South East governors have come together just like the Northern governors have all come together to help tackle the menace of terrorists.

So, with this type of interest shown by the governors, I believe the problem of armed robbery and kidnapping in the zone will be put behind us.”

On the RSM Convention Gen. Ihejirika said: “The RSM sending off today has been quite successful and the turnout was quite impressive. All the RSMs of all units of the Nigerian army are in attendance except those involved in operations currently. And the topics discussed boarder on the contributions RSMs must make towards enhancing the performance of the Nigerian army, maintenance of discipline among soldiers, preserving our ethics and values amongst others. So I believe that with the turnout and the level of enthusiasm shown, it has been a success.”

The five South East governors, at a meeting with security stakeholders in Enugu last week set up a committee headed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigeria Army, Enugu, Major General Oluwaseun Oshinowo to proffer solution to the insecurity in the zone.

A

BOUT 40,000 people in Kano and Benue States, many of them women and children, have been displaced from their homes by floods in the last one week.

Their property, including farms and livestock estimated at millions of naira, are also under water or washed away.

Forty-nine communities in Cross River State may be next to be affected, according to a report yesterday.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) estimates that 25,000 from 14 communities are now homeless in Makurdi and environs in the aftermath of the overflowing of River Benue.

The authorities in Cameroun were said to have released massive water from the Lagdo Dam into the river precipitating the overflow.

The other 15,000 people were displaced from five villages in Warawa Local Government Area of Kano State by water from Tiga Dam. Submerged are Laraba Jigawa, Katarkawa, Garundau, Wambanto and

Floods: 40,000 sacked in Kano, Benue •49 Cross River communities threatened From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano/Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi/Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Litau villages.

Farms and livestock of the residents have also been submerged or washed away.

Five camps have been created for the victims at Token Primary School, NALDA Secretariat, Emawa Primary School, Laraba Jigawa and Dan Hawan Giwa Primary School,according to the Director of Personnel of Warawa Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Bichi.

However, the displaced people have cried out about inadequate shelter, food and medication.

One of them, Hajiya

Amina Yusuf, a mother of eight said government officials are hardly available to cater for the needs of the displaced people.

She said: “It was only this afternoon that they brought us gari and sugar. I have about eight children with me, what can we do with three cups of gari? This is pathetic and I call on those in authority to do something urgently to alleviate our plight.

“We did not cause the flood. We are victims of a natural disaster and that does not mean that we should not be treated as human beings.

In everything, we give Allah the glory that all of us survived the flood.”

Alhaji Bichi has pledged

that efforts are being made to make the victims as comfortable as possible.

He said the situation could have been worse if the people had failed to heed the warning by NEMA to leave their villages.

“We have started making plans for their resettlement.

As you can see, some relief materials have just arrived the camp and more efforts are being put in place to get them more provisions, particularly, food items,” he said.

Relief materials already distributed to them included 60 bags of gari, 30 bags of sugar, 1,300 loaves of bread and 500 bags of sachet water.

Nineteen people were reportedly killed by earlier

Akume condoles with Benue flood victims •Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan, Tsvangirai (R) kisses his wife, Elizabeth Macheka (L) after exchanging vows at a customary law ceremony during their wedding held in Harare, yesterday.

AFP PHOTO

Zimbabwean PM defies court, goes ahead with wedding

T

HE Zimbabwean prime minister went ahead with wedding celebrations yesterday despite a court ruling that cancelled his marriage license on allegations that he would be committing bigamy.

Morgan Tsvangirai, 60, and his bride exchanged vows and rings at a luxury convention facility in Harare but did not sign the legal marriage register.

A court on Friday declared Tsvangirai already married under tribal law af-

ter seeing video footage of traditional bride price being paid last November to the family of another Zimbabwean woman. Polygamy is recognized in tribal law but not in Zimbabwe’s national laws.

The Herald newspaper,

controlled by loyalists of longtime President Robert Mugabe, yesterday accused widower Tsvangirai of promiscuity and said errors of judgment in a string of alleged affairs made him unfit to lead the country.

Iheanacho, former minister released

F

ORMER Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, returned home a free man yesterday, 24 hours after his arrest in connection with alleged stolen petroleum products.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) claimed on Friday that petroleum products diverted from a hijacked vessel, M.T.Grace were traced to the tank farm of Integrated Oil and Gas Limited owned by Iheanacho.

He was handed over by NIMASA to the State Security Services (SSS) for interrogation.

He was, however, released yesterday.

The conditions attached to his release were not immediately known.

Iheanacho was arrested on Friday while three man-

flooding in 30 Local Government Areas of the state.

In Makurdi, the raging River Benue submerged farms and houses up to five kilometres away from its banks.

NEMA says although it has set up three camps for the displaced people, many of the victims are reluctant to relocate.

It was gathered that many of them find the cost of transporting their property beyond their means.

The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency said yesterday that over 49 coastal communities across seven Local Government Areas of the state are at the risk of severe flooding from water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

The affected local government areas are Yala, Ogoja, Ikom, Obubra, Abi, Biase and Odukpani.

The Assistant Director of Information of the agency, Mr David Akate, said in a statement that farmland in some communities have already been submerged, destroying yams, cassava, vegetable cocoyam, melons and other cash crops worth millions of naira.

He said 11 persons have been reported killed by flood in the state this year while hundreds of houses have been submerged and pulled down, displacing thousands.

Also hundreds of houses have been flooded while over 10,000 livestock have been affected, the statement indicated.

Speaking in Isejah, one of the affected communities in Obubra Local Government Area, Director General of SEMA, Mr. Vincent Aquah, o expressed fears that the magnitude and severity of damage to lives and property would increase as the level of flood rises.

•Alleges plot to cripple his business

By Oluwakemi Dauda

agement staff were arrested on Thursday.

The tank farm was also sealed off.

The former minister, The Nation gathered last night, alleged that his arrest and that of his staff and the sealing of the tank farm were aimed at crippling his business.

He vowed to institute legal action against NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy should they continue to occupy his facility.

When The Nation contacted him on phone yesterday to react to his arrest the call was picked by a man who was hostile and declared that the ex-minister was not prepared to answer any question.

However, sources close to

him said he was not taking the matter lightly.

Sources said the vessel that was allegedly used to move 3,000 metric tonnes of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise known as diesel obtained clearance from the Nigerian Navy (NN), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), NIMASA, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) before it discharged its cargo at the tank farm. The sources added that the exminister’s company accepted the cargo of the ship after it produced proof of the statutory clearance from the government agencies.

A senior official of the company who craved anonymity said the NN clearance issued to MT Grace was signed by the Commanding

Officer of NNS Beecroft on August 28 while the DPR clearance to discharge was issued a day later.

The official said NIMASA’s clearance for the ship to sail was signed by the agency’s Director of Operations and Shipping Development on August 31, 2012.

“We do not discharge any vessel that does not have clearance from the relevant authorities and this particular ship had all the necessary clearance. We only leased out the facility to the owners of the cargo. The cargo is not ours and we have nothing to do with it.

“The owner of the cargo is clearly stated on the documents, so why don’t they go after him? Why do they keep harassing us here always?

They have crippled us and I believe there is an ulterior motive to this. We have not traded product on our account for about four months yet we are subjected to all these harassments,” the official said.

But speaking with The Nation over the plan by the former minister to challenge NIMASA in court, the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Hajia Lami Tumaka said the agency has no regret over its action.

“The man was arrested by our officials and handed over to the men of State Security Services (SSS). We have no regret over his arrest because it was done based on the information at our disposal and it was done in the cause of performing our responsibility and the job given to us as an agent of the Federal Government,” Tumaka said.

S

ENATE Minority Leader, Chief George Akume, has commiserated with the victims of the recent flood that ravaged some communities along the banks of River Benue in Benue State.

In a statement which he personally signed, he expressed sadness at the level of devastation caused by the flood to the people of the area, whom he, noted, were being confronted with other challenges.

Akume, the immediate past Governor of the state, said he was saddened that he could not personally visit the affected areas to identify with his people as he is currently out of the country.

His words: “But for the fact that I have been away abroad at the moment and even before this misfortune reared its ugly head to carry out some of my oversight responsibilities, I would have been with you in person to show my support at this very moment.”

Assuring the affected communities that respite is on the way to cushion their plight, Akume urged relevant agencies of government at all levels to “act quickly in a manner that is uncharacteristic of nations in this age to alleviate and bring to an end the undeserved suffering of my beloved people are passing through in the interim and to initiate measures that will forestall a reoccurrence”.

He asked local and international organisations to provide necessary assistance to the flood victims.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

US sends spies, drones to Libya

T

HE U.S. is sending more spies, marines and drones to Libya, trying to speed the search for those who killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. But the investigation is complicated by a chaotic security picture in the post-revolutionary country, and limited American and Libyan intelligence resources.

The CIA has fewer people available to send, stretched thin from tracking conflicts across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

And the Libyans have barely re-established full control of their country, much less rebuilt their intelligence service, less than a year after the overthrow of dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

The U.S. has already deployed an FBI investigation team, trying to track al-Qaida sympathisers thought to be responsible for turning a demonstration over an antiIslamic video into a violent, coordinated militant attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.

Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other embassy employees were killed after a barrage of small arms, rocketpropelled grenades and mortars tore into the consulate buildings in Benghazi on Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of 9/11, setting the buildings on fire.

President Barack Obama said in a Rose Garden statement the morning after the attack that those responsible would be brought to justice.

That may not be swift. Building a clearer picture of what happened will take more time, and possibly more people, U.S. officials said Friday.

Intelligence officials are reviewing telephone intercepts, computer traffic and other clues gathered in the days before the attacks, and Libyan law enforcement has made some arrests. But investigators have found no evidence pointing conclusively to a particular group or to indicate the attack was planned, White House spokesman Jay Carney said, adding, "This is obviously under investigation."

Early indications suggest the attack was carried out not by the main al-Qaida terror group but "al-Qaida sympathisers," said a U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the investigation publicly.

One of the leading suspects is the Libyan-based Islamic militant group Ansar alShariah, led by former Guantanamo detainee Sufyan bin Qumu. The group denied responsibility in a video Friday but did acknowledge its fighters were in the area during what it called a "popular protest" at the consulate, according to Ben Venzke of the IntelCenter, a private analysis firm that monitors Jihadist media for the U.S. intelligence community.

The U.S. had been watching threat assessments from Libya for months but none offered warnings of the Benghazi attack, according to another intelligence official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly about U.S. intelligence matters.

News

Catholic bishops urge sincerity in fight against corruption

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HE Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria [CBCN] has called for sincerity by the Federal Government in the fight against corruption if it wants the citizenry to join in the crusade.

The CBCN believes that serious allegations of corruption against former and serving top government functionaries have been left largely unprosecuted.

The bishops in a communiqué at the end of their week-long Second Plenary Meeting in Umuahia regretted that those who have been identified as corrupt have either escaped from prison custody, granted indefinite bail or set free, therefore making mockery of the entire exercise.

Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

They cited the oil subsidy scam and called for thorough investigation and prosecution of suspects.

The communiqué signed by the CBCN president, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, and the secretary, Bishop Alfred Martins, said: "The Nigerian citizenry has the right to receive comprehensive reports on the management of the fuel subsidy along with the appropriate application of justice on the criminals. Fighting corruption requires sincerity and the fight has to start from the top to the lowest cadre.

"Politics in Nigeria is still perceived by many in authority more as a self-serving opportunity for easy money and prestige than genuine service for the good of all. Recent

probes on fuel subsidy have exposed the depth of corruption in the highest echelon of our government."

The Bishops also decried the current level of insecurity in the country, saying: "Nigerians continue to live in fear and tension despite the acclaimed efforts to beef up security in the nation. Bombings and killings of innocent Nigerians continue in the northern part of the country while periodic murders and armed robberies continue in the southern part.

"In the face of the sustained attacks on Christians and churches in Northern Nigerian, we insist that our patient response is not borne out of cowardice, but is of universal Christ-like love, religious maturity and genuine patriotism. We fear that

in the face of continued onslaught, Christians might resort to legitimate self defence."

They, therefore, called on government to wake up to their duty to protect the life and dignity of everybody in the country even as they advised the government to be more vigilant in checkmating foreign-sponsored terrorist activities in Nigeria.

They nevertheless commended Muslim and Christian leaders who are raising their voices to condemn the on-going barbarism. ''We also commend all Nigerians who are earnestly working for a better, safer and more united Nigeria and ask them not to relent," the communiqué said.

• Sunil Vaswani, Chairman of the Stallion Group receiving an award from Prime Minister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, at a

ceremony organised by the Thai Government.

Lawyer dedicates SAN award to human rights community

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newly-appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Abeni Muhammed, has dedicated the award to the human rights' community.

Speaking at a reception organised in his honour at the Akwa Ibom House, Abuja, Muhammed said he owed his new status to his antecedent as

perpetually pitch his tent with the under-trodden in the society.

"I grew up in a family of seven children where I was the only one who was sent to school on the singular advocacy of my late mother who could only see me up to Modern School level.

"I owe all my life achievements to Almighty God and I renew my pledge that no client will ever

S

highest regard for its partners who share a common vision of sustainable growth of trade between countries. At Stallion, we believe in progress through partnerships: the one we have with Thailand is invaluable and is critical to our future plans."

The Stallion Group is present in over 18 countries employing 10,000 staff. It is engaged in commodities, agribusiness, automobiles, food products, FMCG, industries and services.

be turned back from my chamber on the account of lack of legal fee," he declared, adding: "That has been my policy and so shall it remain."

Earlier, a retired high court judge from Kwara State, Justice Banji Orilonise, who was chairman of the occasion, described

Muhammed as an epitome of humility, hard work and Spartan discipline.

Justice Orilonise stressed the need for all members of the bar and the bench to always defend the rule of law, truth and the course of justice under all circumstances.

Christians denounce Stallion Group wins anti-Islam film Thailand award

TALLION Group has won this year's "Thailand's Best Friend" award. At a ceremony in Bangkok, the Prime Minister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, lauded the company for winning the award for the fourth time in a row.

Sunil Vaswani, Chairman of the Stallion Group received the award at a ceremony organised by the Thai Government. He said, "This gesture signifies Thailand's

C

HRISTIANS in Kano yesterday denounced the anti-Islam film which has sparked protests in the Arab world.

Bishop Ransom Bello, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said the film should be condemned by all lovers of peace and true Christians all over the world.

Bello emphasised that any action capable of desecrating any religion should not be tolerated.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

He said: "We, as Christians, don't support such recklessness and intentional mischief to promote religious conflict. We should rather emphasise on issues that promote peace and stabilise our system."

He appealed for calm, saying: "We want to appeal to our Muslim brothers to understand that Christians are not involved in this and will continue to condemn any act that is capable of undermining other peoples' faith."

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California man linked to anti-Islam film taken in for questioning

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California man convicted of bank fraud was taken in for questioning yesterday by officers investigating possible probation violations stemming from the making of an anti-Islam film that triggered violent protests in the Muslim world.

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, 55, voluntarily left his home in the early hours of yesterday for the meeting in a sheriff's station in the Los Angeles suburb of Cerritos, Los Angeles County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.

"He will be interviewed by federal probation officers," Whitmore said. He said Nakoula had not been placed under arrest but would not be returning home immediately. "He was never put in handcuffs... It was all voluntary."

Nakoula, who has denied involvement in the film in a phone call to his Coptic Christian bishop, was ushered out of his home and into a waiting car by several sheriff's deputies, his face shielded by a scarf, hat and sunglasses.

The crudely made 13minute English-language film was filmed in California and circulated on the Internet under several titles including "Innocence of Muslims".

The film sparked a violent protest at the U.S. consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi during which the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans were killed on Tuesday.

Protests have spread to other countries across the Muslim world.

U.S. officials have said authorities were not investigating the film project itself, and that even if it was inflammatory or led to violence, simply producing it cannot be considered a crime in the United States, which has strong free speech laws.

Two attorneys visited Nakoula's home hours before he was taken in for questioning. They said they were there to consult with him.

Nakoula, whose name has been widely linked to the film in media reports, pleaded guilty to bank fraud in 2010 and was sentenced to 21 months in prison, to be followed by five years on supervised probation, court documents showed.

He was accused of fraudulently opening bank and credit card accounts using social security numbers that did not match the names on the applications, a criminal complaint showed. He was released in June 2011, and at least some production on the video was done later that summer.

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News

Pam, Dung, Giwa cleared for Plateau North From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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HE Plateau State chapters of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Democratic People’s Party (DPP) have cleared their respective flag bearers for the scheduled bye-election into the vacant seat of Plateau North senatorial district.

In separate affirmation congresses held in Jos yesterday, Jonathan Yusufu Pam emerged as the ACN candidate while Colonel David John Dung (Rtd) emerged as the flag bearer for DPP. Chris Giwa also emerged as the flag bearer of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

Giwa, who was earlier disqualified by the ACN, decamped to APGA, which cleared him to fly its ticket.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed October 6th for the bye-election necessitated by the death Senator Gyang Dantong.

The Barkin Ladi Constituency of the Plateau House of Assembly is also vacant.

National officials of ACN supervised the congress where Gyang Ezekiel was also affirmed as the party’s candidate for the Barkin Ladi constituency.

Delegates from the six local governments unanimously affirmed the candidacy of Jonathan Yusufu Pam to fly the party’s flag on October 6th.

This was after disqualification of two other aspirants, including Chris Giwa.

Pam promised to make peace and unity of people of the zone his priority.

Dung said he will use his wealth of experience as two- time military administrator to better the constituents if elected.

All the parties paid glowing tributes to the late Dantong and Hon Gyang Fulani for their roles as peace makers in the zone.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Edo traffic officials escape mob action, as trailer crushes six vehicles

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EN of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency under the Ministry of Transport yesterday escaped a mob action after a trailer ran into six vehicles along Ikpoba slope in Benin City.

The mob attacked the officials whom they blamed for causing the accident, with sticks.

It was gathered that the driver of the trailer was being chased for going against traffic when he had a brake failure and ran into cars held in a gridlock.

The Edo State traffic officials were said to have driven off when the accident occurred.

An electric pole was also knocked down when the trailer belonging to Dangote Groups rammed into a Toyota Camry.

Other vehicles involved in the crash included a Mercedes Benz truck; a tanker belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with registration number Delta A 274 GBJ and a trailer belonging to Dangote whose number was not in good shape at the time of filing this report.

There were also a brand new unregistered Toyota Camry car; an unregistered Toyota Yaris Car with dealer number (DED140Edo); a Green Mercedes Benz CClass Wagon with registration number Edo BEN 552AL and a Green Toyota Camry with registration number

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Edo, USL10AE. A policeman supervising the evacuation of the affected vehicles to ease vehicular

movement said six vehicles were affected.

All affected vehicles were badly damaged.

The driver of the Toyota

Camry was said to have died on his way to the hospital.

Other injured persons were also rushed to different hospitals.

•Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ram Moshe discussing during the visit of the former to the Embassy in Abuja recently

Minister signs performance certificate with parastatals, agencies

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HE Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, at the weekend signed a performance certificate with Heads of Agencies and Parastatals in the ministry.

He described the pact as an evaluation tool for measuring their performances.

The Minister disclosed that the performance agreement signed with President Goodluck Jonathan last August was part of efforts to fos-

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

ter purposeful and meaningful leadership in the country.

He informed that the ability to actualise the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the ministry and its agencies will serve as proof of quality service delivery to Nigerians.

Key objectives the ministry must achieve, he stated, include resuscitation and re-

vitalisation of the railway system for haulage of goods and carriages of passengers; repositioning of the nation’s port system in line with global best practices; increasing use of inland waterways to stimulate economic activities as well as enhancing maritime safety and security.

Others are improving inter modality of the transport system; enhancing private sec-

tor participation in the sector; and provision of policy, regulatory and administrative services.

While insisting the performance agreement was nonnegotiable, the Minister directed “all matters coming from the agencies must be attended to and disposed off within a maximum of two weeks from the date of receipt of such matters.”

Why military should not monitor elections, by Amosun, Oyo Speaker

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GUN State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu, yesterday insisted that the military should be the last resort in quelling electoral crisis in the country.

Amosun and Sunmonu explained that police, who are constitutionally empowered to provide security for such internal exercises, should be allowed to play the role in election

monitoring.

They spoke at a lecture marking this year’s Press Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State.

Amosun, who was represented by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in his lecture entitled: “The Role of the Military in Strengthening Democratic Process” noted the development theory of the military, which re-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

quires them to cooperate with elected leaders and other democratic institutions to ensure that the country is well governed.

He said: “The military can achieve this through constant contribution of ideas on internal security, economic development, foreign affairs and political intelligence.”

The Governor also stressed the need for the military to play a better role in fostering inter- agency

Medical college holds lecture

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HE Faculty of Paediatrics, National PostGraduate College of Nigeria, is to hold its Faculty Day Lecture on September 19. The title of the lecture is The best brains are pre-

served in alcohol; not necessarily so for foetal brain.

The lecture holds at 10 am at the Malaria Research Centre (MRC) of the LASUCOM, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital

(LASUTH), Ikeja.

It is to be delivered by the Provost, College of HealthSciences, Niger-Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Dr Ralph Oruamobo.

relationship.

In her remark, Sunmonu pointed out that the government would have no reason to deplore military personnel if citizens and politicians played the game by the rules.

She urged Nigerians to obey the law and uphold the ‘one man, one vote’ mantra of democracy.

According to her, monitoring of elections is basically the task of the police and other Para- Military agencies.

How ICT raised Osun IGR by 100%,

by Aregbesola

By Bukola Afolabi

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HE proactive deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is responsible for the improvement of the monthly Internally Generated Revenue of Osun State from N300m to N600m.

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this at the 2012 Nigerian Telecoms Awards where he was conferred with the ICT Governor of the Year.

Aregbesola said one of the many areas where ICT has been deployed to drive service delivery was in tax administration.

According to him: “We have stopped the old practice of tax collection by travelling clerks.

“Rather, all taxes, rates and levies payable in the state are now done through the banks and paid directly into the accounts of the government.

“With this technological innovation alone, we have blocked loopholes and have been able to double the internally generated revenue of the government from N300m to N600m monthly.”

The Governor also said the administration has embarked on an aerial mapping of the entire state and the establishment of Geo-Spatial Land Information Systems, adding that the project had reached an advanced stage.

“At the end of the exercise, farm holdings are now easily validated, records updated and geo-referenced using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) devices and the data sets were then imported into a GIS environment to allow for storage, retrieval and analysis of the spatial datasets,” he said.

He further explained that with the Agricultural Land Parcelling Information Systems (A-LPIS) scheme, the state would have access to information relating to agricultural lands available and real time at the touch of a button.

He also explained Osun ICT youth–centric scheme, christened OYES TECH is aimed at providing digital empowerments for the youthful elements.

Aregbesola said each of the 5,000 OYES agents under the initiative would be given a terminal (POS/POT machine) and its accessories, which will be financed upfront by the partnering firm.

“The terminal will be used with skills acquired to earn a minimum monthly income of N40, 000 under the firm’s mentoring and training,” he assured.

State, community policing non-negotiable’

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IGERIA must as a matter of urgency embrace State and Community policing to save the nation, the Special Adviser to the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Antiterrorism and Security Matters, Rev. Ladi Thompson, has declared.

He said the best time to adopt State and Community policing was yesterday, stating that the security challenges facing the nation make

By Sunday Oguntola

them non-negotiable.

According to him: “Nigeria is far behind schedule based on the realities on ground. If we are to save ourselves from the imminent bloodshed and disturbing global terrorism, we better adopt State and Community policing.”

Thompson rejected the argument that State and Community Police will be abused by Governors.

He reasoned that the Police Force cannot possibly be abused more than “it is in the current Federal structure.”

State and Community Policing, he said, will enhance security in the nation and preserve the cultural identities of the federating units.

The cleric said states not favourably disposed to having their Police Force should be left alone while those desirous of having their own should be allowed to.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16 , 2012

FG raises technical committee on flood From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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HE Federal Government has set up a technical committee on the impact of flood in some states in the country.

The committee is to assess the impact of flooding especially in the five states where its impact has been devastating. These are Plateau, Jigawa, Adamawa, Benue and Kogi States.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, in a terse statement said the committee headed by the Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafia, has four days to turn in its interim report.

Other members of the committee are Minister of Water Resources , Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, Minister of Works , Mike Onalememe, Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office and the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, which is also to provide Secretariat.

Oshiomhole, Uduaghan taking cue from Ogbemudia’

News

Al-Qaida says US consulate attack ‘revenge’

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L-QAEDA has described the deadly attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya as a revenge for the killing of the network’s number two Sheikh Abu Yahya al-Libi.

“The killing of Sheikh Abu Yahya only increased the enthusiasm and determination of the sons of (Libyan independence hero) Omar al-Mokhtar to take revenge upon those who attack our Prophet,” SITE Intelligence Group, a US-based monitoring organisation quoted alQaida in the Arabian Peninsula as saying in a statement.

Al-Qaida’s Yemenbased offshoot did not claim direct responsibility for Tuesday’s attack on the US consulate in Benghazi that killed the US ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans.

But it stressed that “the uprising of our people in Libya, Egypt and Yemen against America and its embassies is a sign to notify the United States that its war is not directed against groups and organisations ... but against the Islamic nation that has rebelled against injustice.”

The statement came four days after al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri issued a video eulogising Libi, his late deputy and propaganda chief who was killed in a drone strike in June.

The Libyan authorities claim to have identified 50 people involved in the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.

So far four people have been arrested and are being questioned, officials have said.

“We know of 50 people who were involved in the attack, we have names and we know who they are, but there could be more,” AbdelMonem Al-Hurr, spokesman for Libya’s Supreme Security Committee, said.

“Four have been arrested. Some of the others may have escaped via Benghazi airport, maybe to Egypt, but this not confirmed.

We have given their names to all of the Libyan border entry points.”

Mohammed alMegaryef, the head of Libya’s national assembly, said the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi was planned and

“meticulously executed.”

Tuesday’s attack by armed men in the eastern city of Benghazi came amid a wave of protests in the Muslim world against a US made amateur Internet film deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammed.

Suspected Islamic militants fired on the consulate with rocket-propelled grenades and set it ablaze on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States by al-Qaida.

Libya’s assembly chief said the attack on the US consulate was planned and “meticulously executed”.

“I don’t want to talk about what happened in other countries but as for Libya, the operation was meticulously executed,” Mohammed alMegaryef said of the wave of protests across the world over a US-produced film mocking Islam.

“There was planning. It was not a peaceful protest which degenerated into an armed attack or aggression.

That’s how it was planned.

“The attack itself and the manner in which the attack occurred... confirms that this was

planned and programmed to achieve a purpose,” Megaryef said.

The attack “was prepared, especially since it coincided with the date of September 11”, he said, referring to the 2011 attacks on the United States claimed by al-Qaeda.

“I do not exclude discovering things that will link alQaeda and the US consulate attack,” Megaryef said, adding however that it was “very early to talk about the investigation”.

A senior US official said extremists appeared to have used the demonstration against the film as a “pretext” to attack American interests on the anniversary.

Megaryef also said foreigners may have been involved in the attack.

“There are non-Libyan actors present in Libya. They aim to carry out their own plans in our territory... [But] we will not allow that Libyan territory be used to implement these plans,” he said.

Sudan yesterday rejected a U.S. request to send a platoon of Marines to bolster security at the U.S. embassy in Khartoum.

From, Osemwegie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

F

ORMER minister of state for works and chairman, Project 80 planning committee to organise the celebration of the 80th birthday of General Samuel Ogbemudia, Engr.

Chris Ogiemwonyi, yesterday gave kudos to Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for the massive infrastructural development in the state.

Ogiemwonyi, who was fielding questions from journalists at the residence of Gen. Ogbemudia, said, “Looking at the roads and schools, both in the urban and the rural areas, it is quite clear that both Oshiomhole and Uduaghan have taken a cue from our father, Gen. S.O Ogbemudia, who we all know developed the infrastructure we now have as Edo and Delta.

‘Unite to lift Nigeria up’

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IGERIANS have been urged to pull resources together to make the country better.

The call was made by Dare Babarinsa, a senior journalist, and co-founder, Eko Hospitals Ltd, Amaechi Augustine Obiora.

They were speaking at the investiture of Emeka Okolonji as the President, Rotary Club of Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

The duo berated the mad rush to acquire wealth indiscriminately and reiterated the need to plough back into the society.

They charged Nigerians to pull their resources together to confront poverty.

Okolonji expressed his profound joy and appreciation to God and promised to do his best to uplift the club.

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No pipeline vandalism along NNPC Osisioma depot line- Abia govt.

Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

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HE Abia State government has denied that the recently reopened Osisioma Depot of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company [PPMC] in Aba has been facing series of pipeline vandalism, insisting that the pipeline has been duly monitored by soldiers and other security agencies.

Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, the state commissioner for petroleum and natural resources, Don Ubani said the state government will never compromise the safety of the pipeline after working hard to see to the reopening of the depot eight years after being in a comatose situation.

Ubani said since the depot was reopened, the economic activities around the area has picked up, pointing out that it will help to keep the youths of the state in check and reduce the constant pipeline vandalism being noticed before now.

The commissioner, who was reacting to a letter allegedly written to the state government by the PPMC over the alleged vandalism along the pipeline leading to the Osisioma depot, said the letter did not emanate from the owners of the depot.

He appointed fingers at some unscrupulous petroleum marketers who want to create problems that will make the PPMC to stop the supply of the Premium Motor Spirit [PMS].

“They want to create problems so that petrol dealers will come to their farm tanks to buy fuel,” he said.

Anambra kidnapping saga: Court grants bail to suspects From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

•L-R: Master of ceremony, Princess Damilola Adekoya; Guest of honour, Dr Titilola Akinlade; and President Jakin NGO, Mrs. Olubukonla Adebiyi during the Dress- A- Child- For -School Project in Lagos at the weekend PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Jonathan splashes cash on Paralympians, Falconets •N5m for each gold medalist

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan last night opened the vault and showered cash on Nigeria’s delegation to the just concluded Paralympics in London and the Falconets,the women Under-20 football team for their exploits in Japan.

The President at a special reception in honour of the Paralympics athletes and officials as well as the Falconets,gave each of the gold medalists N5million and the silver medalists N3million each.

The bronze medalists went home with N2million each while the other members of the delegation were rewarded with N500000 each.

The Falconets who placed

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

fourth in the World women Under-20 football completion got N1million each for their effort.Their coaches got a similar amount.

The Nigerian special athletes won a total of 13 medals- six gold, five silver and two bronze medals. On the overall medals table, Team Nigeria finished 22nd position in the world and third in Africa behind Tunisia and South Africa that placed first and second respectively. officials got N1million.

The Falconets presented a jersey with the players autograph to the president.

Speaking at the occasion,

•Falconets receive N1m each Jonathan decried the abysmal performance of Nigerian athletes at the London Olympics, describing it as a huge disappointment.

He underscored the urgent need to revamp the sporting sector to restore it to its glorious days.

To achieve this, the President said government will convene a national sport retreat to address critical issues in the sector.

He said key actors in the federal and state governments, the private sector, retired and active sports men and women will participate in the retreat.

Jonathan also called on state governments to take sport seriously and engage youths in various sporting competitions with a view to catching them young.

He commended the

Paralympians and Falconets for their outstanding performances and assured that government will ensure that preparation for any global sporting event starts early.

He equally noted that attention will be paid to the provision of infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers and Sport Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi disagreed over the possible cause of the failure of the country’s team at the 2012 Olympics.

While the minister blamed indiscipline and lack of determination on the part of the athletes, the governor said it was mainly as a result of inadequate preparation.

A

N Ogidi High Court, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, presided over by Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, yesterday granted bail to detained hotelier, Mr. Christopher Udoh, proprietor of three Arthur Garden hotels at Nkpor, which was sealed by Governor Peter Obi, over alleged kidnapping complicity.

It would be recalled that an Otuocha High Court presided over by Justice J.I Nweze, had earlier granted the hotelier bail but it was not honoured by the police.

In a fresh application for his bail earlier this week, the lead counsel to the defendant, Frank Molokwu, assisted by Mrs. M.C Ilondu, told the court that from the proof of evidence before the court as submitted by the police, the hotelier was not complicated in any kidnapping and that it was only the name of his hotel that was mentioned.

Also joined as counsel to the defendant were Darlington Okeke and S.O Chukelu.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

NEWS REVIEW

9

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

•Odili

N

IGERIANS from all walks of life love to give and be given awards and other forms of recognitions. Out of the 149 Nigerians listed for national honours this year, the highest, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), goes to billionaire businessman, Mike Adenuga Jr., owner of one of Nigeria's biggest telecoms companies, Globacom.

Others on the list include Gabriel Suswam, governor of Benue State, Tony Elumelu, Bishop Mike Okonkwo (TREM), Justice Mary Odili, Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Justice Kayode Esho, Wole Olanipekun, M.D. Abubakar, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, BrigGen Mobolaji Johnson and Teco Benson, a Nollywood producer.

Since the news which came via a statement by the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties office) in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Henry Akpan, there has been mixed reactions from the public. One peculiar difference of the honours list under President Jonathan's administration is the conferment of the second highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), reserved for Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents and Chief Justices of the Federation, on businessmen like Mike Adenuga (2012) and Aliko Dangote (2011).

Drums of celebration

•Adenuga

National honours or a bazaar?

Last week, the federal government announced the names of 149 eminent citizens who are to be conferred with national honours this week. Yetunde Oladeinde takes a look at the list.

Should we roll out the drums and celebrate? "Why not? These are people who have done so much for the nation as well as helped to create opportunities for citizens all over the country. By giving them national honours, I think they would serve as motivation for others as well as inspire them to do more. Those who are criticising the move are just over reacting," says Tola Ajibade, a businessman.

But some others think the honour has become an all-comers affair. According to the Executive Secretary of the Anti-corruption Network and a former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, the award has lost its essence - to honour outstanding citizens.

"In 200 years of the existence of the United States of America, they have given national honours to less than 500 people.

In about 30 years of award in Nigeria, we have given more than 30,000 people." Melaye

wonders why someone who was appointed a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health less than a year ago is being honoured with the CFR award.

"What I am saying is that, you don't award a gold medal to any athlete until the race is over." The said permanent secretary still has some years to serve.

Another school of thought believes that the honours would be more meaningful when they are given to the downtrodden, especially those who have made significant contributions in their own way. "If merit and patriotic national service is considered as the yardstick for giving national honours, the paralympians should be celebrated with their efforts rewarded with befitting honours. They have shown the resilient Nigerian spirit by winning 13 medals which include six gold medals, and they made us proud as a nation," says Tosin Adeyanju, executive director of Conscience Nigeria.

For the acting General Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Chris Uyot, "as far as we are concerned, there is nothing wrong in giving awards to meritorious Nigerians and among the list, there are obviously very hardworking and committed Nigerians who have made tremendous contributions to national development."

He, however, adds: "But we are surprised that most of those that are being honoured are either politicians, top bureaucrats, in short money bags, and we believe that there is need to appreciate the contributions of people of Nigeria who are honest, committed and have contributed so much to national development without necessarily being rich people."

Lagos lawyer and activist, Bamidele Aturu, also has some reservations about this year's list.

"It shows that Nigeria belongs to the contractors. When they give award, they give it to themselves; they feel the country belongs to them. To me this award is meaningless.

People just love titles in this country. I don't regard this award at all and if they give it to me, I will reject it."

Withdrawal of honour Just before this new list, President Jonathan had ordered for the compilation of the names of holders of the awards who had been convicted or facing trial for criminal offences. This was preparatory to having the honours withdrawn from such awardees.

One name that comes to mind in this category is Chief Bode George who was sentenced in 2009 to a 30month jail term by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of the Lagos High Court. The PDP chieftain was found guilty of contract splitting and inflation when he was chairman of the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Like George, Tafa Balogun, another holder of national honours, has been convicted.

He pleaded guilty to eightcount charge of money laundering in 2005 and was sentenced to six months imprisonment by Justice Binta Nyako. Erastus Akingbola and Cecilia Ibru also fall into this category. Ibru was convicted

by Justice Fatima Dan Abutu of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Interestingly, Africa's foremost storyteller and one of the world's most celebrated novelists, Chinua Achebe, has twice turned down this honour, first in 2004 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration and also in 2011 from President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Nigerian national honours are a set of orders and decorations conferred upon Nigerians and friends of the country. The honours were instituted by the National Honours Act No 5 of 1964, during the First Republic to honour those who have rendered services to the benefit of the nation.

In descending order the Honours include, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

No matter what is done, many still hold the strong belief that the scroll of honour needs a second look to be worth the paper it is written on.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

News Review

A topless princess and rage National awards for Adenuga, 148 others

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HAIRMAN of Globacom, Dr.Mike Adenuga jnr. and 148 other Nigerians with diverse political and economic backgrounds will, tomorrow in Abuja, be conferred with national honours

by President Goodluck Jonathan. Adenuga is to receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the nation's second highest national honour. Also listed for honours are six serving justices of the Supreme Court and two retired justices of the court, and four serving governors.

a

HOLY ANGER

Protesters angered by an anti-Islam film made in the US stormed the grounds of the American embassy in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Police shot in the air in an attempt to hold back the crowds, but failed to prevent them gaining access to the compound and setting fire to vehicles. Photo:Reuters

Rampaging robbers kill three policemen, three others in Lagos

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gang of robbers went on the rampage in Lagos on Sunday killing six people, three of them policemen. The other victims were a bureau de change operator, an okada rider and a commercial bus driver. At least 10 other people were injured during the raid which the robbers launched at Agege where they attacked bureau de change operators. From there, the eight-man gang proceeded in two SUVs to Ikeja, passing through Guinness on Oba Akran Avenue. They ran into a police patrol team and opened fire on them, killing three. The police vowed to arrest them.

South-East govs launch fresh initiative to fight kidnapping

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OUTH East governors and security chiefs resolved at an emergency meeting in Enugu on Sunday to set up a joint security committee to tackle the surge in crime, especially kidnapping in the zone. The move, according to the Chairman of the South East Governors' Forum, Mr.Peter Obi, is part of the strategy to "take the South East to a safe haven." The committee, which is headed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Olayinka Oshinowo, is expected to submit its report within two weeks.

2015: Only performance can earn Jonathan says PDP

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HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declared on Tuesday that the only yardstick by which President Goodluck Jonathan and firstterm governors of the party can get its ticket for a second-term is performance. The party's National Working Committee said in Abuja that there will be no automatic ticket for anyone and all party members shall be guaranteed a level-playing field for the purpose of picking its candidates for the 2015 elections at all levels.

Court orders police probe of borrows $1.1b from China for railand Uba, Achigbu over $15m bribe Nigeria finance ministry said on Wednesday.

Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt IGERIA has signed a deal to

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N Abuja Magistrate Court on Tuesday ordered the Inspector General borrow $1.1billion from of Police to investigate Senator Andy Uba and a businessman, Chief China's Export-Import Bank, Chibuike Achigbu, over their involvement in the $15million allegedly offered as bribe to the EFCC by former Governor James Ibori of Delta State. $500million of which will be used to Chief Magistrate G.O.Okagu gave the order following a Direct Criminal build a railway servicing the capital Complaint brought by a Lagos lawyer, Mr.Festus Keyamo. The police have Abuja and surrounding areas, the till September 26 to report back to the court.

PROTESTS

The loan was agreed at 2.5 percent over a period of 20 years, with a grace period of seven years, the ministry also said. Another $500million will be spent on the provision of four state-of-the-art airport terminals in

BIGAMY

Embassies under attack Zimbabwean court halts prime minister's wedding over anti-Islam video

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ROTESTERS attacked Western embassies in Tunisia, Yemen and Sudan, as a wave of demonstrations against an antiIslam film swelled and swept across much of the Muslim world after Friday prayers.

Protesters waved the flags of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements, and set fire to American flags, chanting "Death, death to America, death, death to Israel".

The US embassy was the common target while the UK and German embassies in Sudan were stormed by angry mobs. In response, the United States sent warships towards Libya which one official said was to give flexibility for any future action.

In Nigeria, where radical Islamist sect Boko Haram has killed hundreds this year in an insurgency, troops opened fire in the air outside a mosque to disperse protesters in the city of Jos. In Tunis, the Tunisian capital, crowds scaled the US embassy walls and set fire to trees within the compound.

Zimbabwean court has stopped the planned weekend wedding of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai after his ex-lover claimed they were still married, a lawyer said.

"The marriage licence that had been issued to the premier has been cancelled. There is in existence a customary law marriage between the prime minister and Ms Locardia Karimatsenga [Tembo]," Everson Samkange said on Friday.

"If he goes ahead with the wedding he will be committing bigamy."

Earlier on Thursday Tsvangirai's plan to get married faced a second legal challenge from another woman who said she was romantically involved with him, fuelling a scandal that has already hurt his reputation.

The dispute has handed long-serving President Robert Mugabe political ammunition as he seeks to extend his three-decade rule in an election expected within a year since Tsvangirai is his main rival.

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Enugu while the remaining $100million is earmarked for the Galaxy Backbone ICT infrastructure.

China has made a string of cheap loans in the past few years with

CONTROVERSY

Magazine runs topless pictures of Prince William's wife, Kate

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UST weeks after the scandal about pictures of naked Britain's Prince Harry in Las Vegas, a magazine has sparked fresh controversy by publishing pictures of topless Prince William's wife, Catherine, while vacationing.

The duchess of Cambridge is "upset" with the magazine - a French publication called Closer, a royal source told CNN. Palace officials, threatening legal action, have blasted what they call a "grotesque" invasion of privacy.

The grainy pictures appear to have been taken with a long camera lens while the couple was staying at a private chateau in Provence, in southern France.

They were "hugely saddened to learn that a French publication and a photographer have invaded their privacy in such a grotesque and totally unjustifiable manner," a St. James's Palace spokesman said.

These new privacy controversies have dredged up the royal family's often rocky relationship with the press and put a spotlight on how the palace deals with the media after the tragic death of William's mother, Diana, as she fled photographers in Paris 15 years ago.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

News Review

against America Police tighten security after US embassy attacks

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HE Inspector General of Police, Mr.Mohammed Abubakar, on Wednesday ordered tight security around police formations and embassies in the wake of violent demonstrations in some parts of the world triggered by an American film described as religiously offensive. The IG

warned potential trouble makers to steer clear of the streets as offenders will be dealt with squarely. The US Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and three other embassy staff were killed on Wednesday when unidentified gunmen attacked the US Consulate in Benghazi in angry reaction to the film.

I won't tolerate interference with judiciary, says CJN

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HIEF Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, declared on Wednesday that she would not brook interference from other arms of government by upholding the rule of law and strict adherence to the Constitution.

Speaking at the Special Court Session in Abuja to kick start the

commencement of the 2012/13 legal year, Justice Mukhtar said the judiciary, under her, would remain the "last bastion of what is good and decent and Godly about humanity." The occasion also featured the swearing-in of 25 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs)

'Stay Away From Seattle Day' marks Emerald City's anti-love letter to the nation

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project, others countries in Africa, a continent which supplies oil and raw materials like copper and uranium to the world's most populous country and second-largest economy.

ACIFIC Northwest residents are well regarded as some of the friendliest folks in the nation. But that doesn't necessarily mean they want visiting guests to stay forever. To that end, some of the city's 3.4 million residents will be celebrating "Stay Away From Seattle Day" on Sept. 16.

The tongue-in-cheek holiday even has its own Hallmark page, in which the world's most famous greeting card maker describes the day as follows: "Because frankly Seattle doesn't want you coming around, stinking up the joint. And last time you tracked mud all over the carpet and some of the special occasion dinnerware went missing. Seattle will let you know when it's ready to see you again. Until then, keep your distance. You think we're kidding but really this day was championed

by Seattle residents tired of sharing their space with tourists."

Now, that may be a slightly misleading description of "Stay Away From Seattle Day's" true

ASSAULT

China sends warships to disputed islands

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IX Chinese ships have sailed into waters around a d i s p u t e d archipelago, with Beijing saying they were there for "law enforcement" around islands Japan nationalised earlier this week.

The move, dubbed "unprecedented"

by Tokyo, came on Friday as it was reported Japanese nationals had been physically attacked in China, marking the latest stage in a deteriorating row between Asia's two biggest economies.

Japanese living or visiting China were warned to take extra precautions after assaults and harassment were reported to the consulate in Shanghai, a base for Japanese businesses and a popular tourist destination.

Tokyo summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest what it insists is an incursion into territorial waters around islands it controls, called Senkaku, but claimed by Beijing as Diaoyu.

origins. As King5 News reports, the faux holiday was actually created by a comedian from Pennsylvania who has never even visited Seattle.

And even he stopped promoting the holiday 15 years ago. But what does creator Tom Roy really want to do? Well, visit Seattle, naturally.

"Everybody talks about Paris," he told the station. "I want to go to San Francisco, I want to go to Seattle."

As King5 notes, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce does not endorse the holiday.

Seattle isn't the only Pacific Northwest destination to establish some boundaries with its visitors.

Former Oregon Gov. Tom McCall famously had signs installed on his state's border with California that declared, "Welcome to Oregon, we hope you will enjoy your visit."

The message was widely interpreted as letting visitors from down south know that while they were welcome to stop by the Beaver State, they were expected to head back home after spending their tourist dollars.

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THE WEEK IN QUOTES "Anybody who wants to run for the presidency should prepare to run. Why should they wait for anybody to tell them whether he would run or not? That is part of the things that are not right with our democracy…That is why when I see some people say they are waiting for Jonathan to decide whether he would run or not, I look at them as very stupid."

—Chief Orji Kalu, former governor of Abia State, on the suggestion that Igbo wishing to contest the 2015 presidential election should wait until the incumbent declares his interest first.

· "The story of Sunday robbery should not repeat itself. I could not sleep throughout because some of you were sleeping…We cannot fold our arms anymore and allow a few criminals to terrorise residents. The robbery incident is an embarrassment to the force. It can never be accepted anymore" —Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar on last Sunday's robbery in Lagos

"I know President Olusegun Obasanjo to be a very successful farmer. But he is a bad economist. President Obasanjo is also known to have the record of the president under whose tenures the highest bills have been introduced and their introduction didn't cause inflation because of tight monetary policies."

—CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on ex-President Obasanjo's opposition to the planned introduction of N5000 banknote.

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"The Igbo in politics should look beyond the ruling party. We should study the political terrain very carefully and take decisions which are in our own very best interest. We should always remember what our ancestors taught us that when answering the call of nature, we should go with two pieces of stick. If one falls by the wayside unnoticed, the other can still be relied upon to perform its duty when the need arises."

—Dr.Ogbonnaya Onu, National Chairman of ANPP, on how the Igbo can produce president in 2015.

•Kalu

•Abubarka

•Sanusi

•Ogbonnaya

VICTORY CORRUPTION Egypt's ex-Prime Minister Ahmed Andy Murray wins US Open Nazif jailed for corruption after defeat of Novak Djokovic

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NDY Murray ended Britain's 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam singles champion with an epic victory over Novak Djokovic in the US Open final.

Murray, 25, emulated Fred Perry's 1936 achievement, winning 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 in four hours 54 minutes in the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Murray also reached the Wimbledon final and won Olympic gold this summer.

"When I realised I had won, I was a little bit shocked, I was very relieved and I was very emotional," said Murray.

Despite his other successes, this result will arguably have a greater impact on his career and the future of tennis in the United Kingdom.

Murray - the new world number three - lost his first four Grand Slam finals to share an Open-era record with coach Ivan Lendl, but like the Czech he has triumphed at the fifth time of asking.

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court in Cairo has s e n t e n c e d Egypt's former Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif to three years in prison for corruption.

Ahmed Nazif, who was prime minister from 2004 until last year's uprising, has also been ordered to pay a fine of 9m Egyptian pounds (£900,000; $1.5m).

Last year, Ahmed Nazif was given a one-year suspended sentence after he was charged for unlawful gains in a business deal.

Nazif is one of several Mubarak-era senior officials on trial. He was arrested months after leaving his job in January 2011, shortly before President Hosni Mubarak stood down.

About a dozen former Egyptian officials have been charged either with conspiring to kill protesters or with various crimes related to corruption.

Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison in June for complicity in the killing of protesters.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

13

COMMENT and ANALYSIS THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Lekan Otufodunrin Otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net 08023000621 (SMS only)

The case for public schools

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•Dana air craft

Air crashes, sacrificial cycles and the weekend phenomenon T

HE Dana Air crash and the recent lifting of its suspension from flying in Nigeria has once again brought to the fore the issue of plane crashes and the safety of air travel in our country. The fact of the matter is that ninety nine per cent of fatal air crashes that have occured in Nigeria in the last 10 years have taken place on a weekend. The question is why is this so? Is it a mere coincidence or is there something more to it? What is it that is so different about those three precious days of Friday, Saturday and Sunday that make up our weekends? What is it that makes planes and helicopters drop from our skies, that causes the blood of our people to flow and that cuts short so many precious lives during the course of those three days? The facts are as follows. EAS Airline crashed in Kano on May 4th 2002 resulting in the loss of 77 souls. This took place on a weekend. An Aenail spray aircraft belonging to Berfieex Nigeria crashed in Bauchi State on March 6th 2004 with the loss of all the souls that were on board.

This was on a weekend. A Nigerian Airforce jet crashed into some farmland in Yar Kanya, Kano State on Jan 28th 2005 resulting in the loss of the souls on board.

This took place on a weekend. Bellview Airlines crashed in Lisa village just outside Lagos on 22nd Oct 2005 resulting in the loss of 117 souls. This took place on a weekend. Sosolisso Airline crashed in Port Harcourt on 10th December 2005 resulting in the loss of 108 souls. This took place on a weekend. ADC Airline crashed in Abuja on 29th Oct. 2006 resulting in the loss of 105 souls. This took place on a weekend.

An aircraft belonging to Harka Air crashed in Lagos on June 24th 2005 with the loss of all the souls on board. This took place on a weekend. A Nigerian military plane crashed in Oko village, Benue State on Sept. 17th 2006 with the loss of 15 Generals of the Nigerian Army. This took place on a weekend. An OAS service helicopter crashed in Warri, Delta State on Nov. 10th 2006 with the loss of 4 souls. This took place on a weekend. Wings Aviation Airline crashed on March 15th 2008 in Cross River State with the loss of 6 souls. This

By Femi Fani-Kayode

took place on a weekend. In 2009 and 2010 there were a series of small light aircraft crashes, an Airforce jet crash and helicopter crashes that all resulted in the loss of souls. They mostly took place on a weekend.

An OAS Helicopter crashed in Ife Odan in Osun State on 29th July 2011 resulting in the loss of 3 souls. This took place on a weekend.

On June 2nd 2012 A Nigerian cargo plane shot off the runway into the highway behind Accra’s Kotoka Int. Airport resulting in the death of 10 Ghanaian nationals that were driving past the airport in a bus. This took place on a weekend. The following day on June 3rd 2012 Dana Airlines crashed into a residential area in the suburbs of Lagos resulting in the loss of 176 souls. This took place on a weekend. Curiously the Dana crash of June 3rd 2012 took place exactly 10 years and one month (less one day) after the EAS crash of 4th May 2002 had taken place. This clearly represents the end of a 10 year sacrificial cycle. Another curious fact is that there had been an earlier ADC Airline plane crash on 7th November 1996 in which 142 souls had perished. Exactly 10 years (less 9 days) later, on 29th Oct 2006, another ADC Airline plane crashed with the loss of 105 souls. This again represents the end of a ten year sacrificial cycle. If the skeptics are ready to waive away the weekend crash phenomenon as a mere coincidence that has nothing to do with the paranormal, what would they say about the ten year cycle? Is that a coincidence too?

I do not seek to create panic, alarm or fear by sharing this information and neither do I wish to disrespect the dead or to be insensitive to their loved ones. I rather believe that we have a duty to find out and expose precisely who and what was responsible for their deaths and to do all we can to ensure that such terrible things and such strange patterns of events do not recur. We owe both the living and the dead that much. Without digging deep, looking within ourselves, indulging in spiri-

tual reflection and thinking outside the box we cannot possibly do this. Quite apart from that I am very mindful of the fact that knowledge is power and we need to begin to gather all the relevant facts and do the research in order to fully appreciate and understand precisely what we are dealing with. All that is done in darkness must be brought to light and all that is hidden must be exposed. Secrecy, strange practices, spiritual wickedness in high places, rituals, sacrifice, ignorance, occultism and mysticism must give way to the power and workings of the Holy Spirit and to the light of truth.

They say to solve a problem one must first recognise it for what it is. In order to break this jinx and free ourselves from this strange pattern of events and frightful cycle of crashes the aviation authorities must continue to work very hard, the necessary reforms must be put in place, the airline operators must be far more mindful of their responsibilities, the flying public must be far more vigilant and, most important of all, we must all pray to the Living God to keep our airspace and our air travellers safe and sound. The importance and efficacy of such prayers cannot be overemphasised if this evil cycle and pattern is to be broken. The great philosopher C.S. Lewis once said that the greatest trick that the devil ever played on mankind was to make him accept the idea that he does not exist. Many have fallen for that trick, yet the sad truth is that he not only exists but that he is also alive and well on planet earth. Worst, still he has many followers and many delight in doing his bidding. After the attack on the United States of America on September 11, 2001, George W. Bush said the following famous words, ‘’It is enough to know that evil, like good, exists. In those that do such things, evil has found a willing servant.”

This is wisdom. Sadly, evil has found many willing servants in our beloved country Nigeria. May the souls of those that have perished in our skies continue to rest in perfect peace. Happy flying.

•Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Aviation

ARLY this year, I was invited by a Non Governmental Organisation to address some students of a public secondary school in Ikorodu, Lagos during a career programme.

As I stood before the packed hall of students with some of them not having a seat, it occurred to me that some of them may be wondering if they could ever become as ‘successful’ as I appeared to be based on the introduction by an official of the NGO. I therefore started by telling the students how I used to be like them. I recalled how I grew up in Ajegunle in Lagos and attended Ajeromi Ifelodun Public School. I asked if they know a town called Iperu in Remo Local Government Area of Ogun State where I had my secondary education- Christ Apostolic Grammar School- only two of them raised their hands.

If I could accomplish whatever I have in journalism despite attending the obscure primary and secondary schools, I assured the students that they can do better as their future does not depend on the schools they attended, but their will power and how serious they take their education.

I told them how lucky they are schooling in Lagos State as many of their colleagues in schools in many remote parts of the country do not have half of the facilities and teachers they have.

I was reminded of the career talk last week while listening to a three- part phone-in programme on the quality and cost of education in private and public schools on Inspiration FM, my favourite radio station.

Like most people of my generation, I attended public schools from primary to the university level. There were a few private primary and secondary schools then, majority of which were owned by missionaries but at a time the military government took them over.

Because the government then at all levels largely lived up to their responsibility of providing qualitative education, the quality of instruction was good and the cost was affordable by the majority. Some governments even offered free education and bursaries.

So much has, however, changed in recent years with the quality of education in public schools being so poor that attending private schools from primary to University levels is becoming the order of the day. If most Nigerians have their way, they would prefer to send their children to private schools in the country and abroad like many are already doing.

Due to poor budgetary allocations for education, the standard of public schools has fallen in addition to lack of basic facilities for learning. Notwithstanding, some public schools have managed to retain an above average performance and their students sometimes do better than graduates of private schools.

Expectedly, the fees charged by private schools are very high and not affordable by many who particularly at the university level are unable to get admission even when they perform well due to limited spaces.

There have been concerns about the high fees charged by private institutions, which have not provided them an alternative for those who at the university level cannot get admission even when they do well in the matriculation examination.

At the rate we are going, good education is gradually becoming the privilege of the minority who can afford them and not the right of everyone as it should be.

Government at all levels more than ever before have to allocate adequate resources for public schools to retain the high quality they were associated with. If most of the present leaders benefitted from government funded education, they owe it a duty to provide same for all now instead of leaving parents at the mercies of some school proprietors who have turned education to big business even when what they are offering is not necessary excellent.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Who will stop this national dishonour?

Ogochukwu Ikeje ohgeeoh@gmail.com 08084235961 (SMS only)

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IGERIANS do not judge the greatness of their country by the number of national honours compatriots and friends receive. If they did, no country would match theirs which bristles with over 150m souls. Rather than ascribe any greatness to this annual ritual, they are largely filled with contempt. Tomorrow, a hefty batch of 149 Nigerians and others will wear assorted batches of honour, adding to the discomfort of critics.

I criticise the awards but am compelled to put things in perspective. First, a nation’s leadership ought to recognise citizens who lift its profile. There are people of unimpeachable character who made the shortlist. To that extent, there is nothing wrong honouring one’s own. Second, those who oppose the awards do not necessarily have any personal grouse with people who made the shortlist, else the critics’ exertions will amount to nothing more than “bad belle,” as we say in local parlance.

Three, opposition to the awards is not a blind attack on the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency or administration. Before the President came on the scene, these dubious awards were already a tradition, cast in Aso Rock.

That is precisely why this piece seeks a rethink of the awards with a view to removing the dishonour that has trailed the national honours. That is why I hope that Jonathan will be the man to make the difference and offer us something profound, worth celebrat-

About time we re-jigged the honours awards ing.

I am aware that the National Honours Awards is backed by a piece of legislation dating back to 1964. But I do not doubt that majority of Nigerians believe the exercise is far from what its initiators had in mind. I imagine that creators of the awards hoped to reward sublime service to the fatherland and, by that token, inspire every other Nigerian. I imagine that those who fashioned the awards did so not in their own image but to reflect the unquestionable contributions of countrymen and women. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, was not hailed GCFR or Grand Commander of the Federal Republic. Nor was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President. Nor, indeed, were Premiers of the Regions. Can we, by any stretch of the imagination, contend that latter-day administrators and recipients of national honours are giving more to the fa-

therland than their predecessors did?

Every society, no matter how small or remote, has a way of recognising and rewarding its heroes and heroines. That was why, in a village, you could have just one or two persons addressed as Chief or picked out for one form of honour or another. They probably defended the community in a way only few did or ever will. Maybe, they saved lives at the risk of their own. Maybe, everywhere they went their integrity preceded them. One way or another, they deserved to be honoured, but neither paid nor lobbied for it, nor were foisted on the people by powerbrokers.

This picture has since changed, of course.

You can get any honour you please, even a crown and throne. If none existed, a new one can be fashioned in your image.

We all agree that the standards have since crashed in matters of chieftaincy titles. Now,

“I imagine that those who fashioned the awards did so not in their own image but to reflect the unquestionable contributions of countrymen and women.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, was not hailed GCFR or Grand Commander of the Federal Republic. Nor was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President. Nor, indeed, were Premiers of the Regions. Can we, by any stretch of the imagination, contend that latter-day administrators and recipients of national honours are giving more to the fatherland than their predecessors did?”

we must all concede that the principles of the national honours have also been lowered. There are more questions asked, less answers given. For instance, what qualifies you for the national honours? Is it the office you occupy or your impact in that office? Or is it the size of your bank account or fleet of cars? Is one’s character a determining factor? And what is the expediency of these awards?

Some of our present-day heroes, as determined by the National Honours Awards, are picking up their awards in the first year of attaining office. In other words, the office makes the award, not the officer. It offers the wrong sort of incentive to such office seekers including those seek it through foul means. The end justifies the means, I must conclude.

There are those, too, whose bank accounts are very deep, their cars a dizzying fleet, but their constituencies remain eternally unsatisfied and angry at the way those moneybags became their leaders. Are those people worthy of our national honours? And then, there is the issue of where the physically challenged stand in the matter. The point has been made that they deserve to be honoured. Why not? If the aim is to reward excellence, it is even a more compelling reason to celebrate those who do well in spite of deformity. They have a bigger story to tell than their able-bodied compatriots.

While the strong, as it were, foundered at the Olympics, the weak broke records at the Paralympics. What a way to tell youngsters that victory awaits those with a will to fly and fly high enough.

A certain inspired man called Paul, once said all things may be needful but not expedient. It may be needful to bestow awards but must it be an annual ritual? And considering the challenges facing the country, why continue to indulge in a ritual that adds to the challenges?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Comment & Analysis

15

National bazaar Another National Honours season and again, President Jonathan fails to make a statement T was nothing short of a debacle last year. The icing on the unsavoury cake was during the ceremony when right there before live television, the president ran out of medals to hang around the necks of some of the awardees. The round metal ware simply finished and the procedure had to be suspended. Well before the elaborate ceremony, the sheen had been taken off what ought to be a glorious national affair when by far the most illustrious nominee among the pack last year, Professor Chinua Achebe, declined the largesse. Having turned it down once before in 2004, he said the deplorable conditions for which he did so had not improved.

Achebe’s snub, the sour retort from the Presidency and the ensuing uproar framed last year’s show, making what ordinarily ought to be a cherished little metal almost worthless to recipients and prompting the President to promise a review of the process the following year.

Here we are again, the list of national honorees is out and nothing really has changed.

The number is still large and unwieldy; a total of 149 – far more than what an American president would give out in four years in the equivalent Presidential Medal of Freedom (PMoF). In fact there are so many things wrong with the manner Nigeria’s National Honour is managed today that the wise option may be to suspend the show for a few years.

Apart from the large number, an award that must only be bestowed on those who have most distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour as stipulated by the law establishing it, is now handed out to anyone who wants it badly enough. Thus populating the list are politicians, elected officials, businessmen and government appointees. We see for instance, about a dozen Senators and House of Representatives members on the list who have been selected not for any

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AM writing to comment on the effectiveness of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system which was introduced on the Ikorodu Owode - Mile 12 road a few years ago by the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State.

Since that road was decongested by the BRT buses, it has been very easy and safe for commuters to travel from Ikorodu to other parts of the state. There is no doubt in the minds of those who do not even want to see anything good in the state to appreciate the fact that IkoroduOwode-Mile 12 residents are happier now.

T times when I behold the scene in Aba, Abia State, I wonder why the town is the way it is. I only but concluded that something has gone wrong somewhere. It will interest you to know that Aba was a town that once competed with big ones like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and others.

Aba even was leading, once upon a time, history had it that the economy of Aba was so buoyant that desperadoes ventured into its heart so much. After the

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remarkable legislative work but perhaps, because they are favoured. It is the same for Justices of the Supreme Court. Not for any notable excellence at the bench or landmark pronouncements and bodies of work, no; it seems only sufficient to rise to the apex court to be deserving of the high honour of a Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

The same logic holds true for handing out the award to sitting governors, federal ministers, permanent secretaries and all manner of nominees from state governments. We strain to see the criteria employed by the selection committee but cannot find any; neither can we see the requisite rigour needed in discharging a duty of this magnitude which output ought to symbolise the very essence and character of our nation. The highest award in the land ought to project the most distinguished and the best exemplar of our national life. But we see on the list, people who bear about them, the bold question marks of infamy and some who are currently under the scrutiny of graft agencies. There are even

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Festus Eriye •Deputy Editor Olayinka Oyegbile •Associate Editors Taiwo Ogundipe Sam Egburonu

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

LETTERS

allegations that certain categories of the award were on shelves where those who wanted them desperately could acquire them. We can only put it down to a mindless debasement and bastardisation of what ought to be one of our most prized national assets. And it brings us to the question: what is our national essence?

We admit that this year’s list is an improvement on the last one but only by a token, as the deserving awardees can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

This award is strictly the prerogative of the Presidency and it is the place of the President to restore credibility and respect to it. There are Nigerians high and low who are truly deserving of honour and it will be a test of the perspicacity of the Presidency to find them, wherever they may be across the globe, and single them out for honour. As we have said on this page several times before, the Presidency must stand firm in dispelling the notion of the National Honour as a largesse to or reward for loyal friends and party stalwarts. It is not a status symbol or a badge of ‘honour’ for the high and mighty. The awardees need not be more than a dozen each year who would symbolise the very essence of our nation.

It should never be given to serving government appointees or officials unless in exceptional circumstances.

Let people buy up all other awards on earth but our National Honour must be pristine and must be jealously guarded and preserved. If we honour unfit characters, we elevate these traits to our national ethos and it is indeed an affront and assault to our collective psyche. Handing out our National Honour to the undeserving is an affront to our fatherland. What we ask of the President does not require a billion naira budget or any especial rigour, but the sheer will to do the right thing no matter the odds. That is the touchstone of quality leadership.

The BRT on Ikorodu Road When I moved to Ikorodu in 2006, it was hellish. In fact, near impossible for me to go to work every morning. Often, I’d wake up as early as 4.30a.m in order to beat the early morning traffic. It got to a stage that my wife suggested we abandon our home in Ikorodu to go live somewhere closer to Apapa where my office was located.

However, I contemplated on the incessant movement of the kids and my young family then. Today the BRT buses are sta-

tioned in choice and popular bus stops in the whole of Ikorodu metropolis; all you have to do is move to the bus stop nearest to your house.

There you can board the one going to CMS, TBS or Costain directly and from there to other destinations.

The arrangement is so comfortable and appealing to the people that today the usual tension on the roads and at the bus stops have considerably reduced. People can wake up at their own time now, walk leisurely to the bus stop and

in a few minutes be at their destinations. Good soup, like we usually say in a local parlance, na money make am.

Whoever says good thing is not good, well, let his wife beget a monkeylike baby for him and let’s see how he will feel. Governor Fashola has a human touch, with the zest of an urbane leader, civilised and foresighted. He is not like other Nigerian leaders who will travel abroad only to admire the good things there. When they

come back they’ll glorify what they saw and enjoyed.

Fashola visited places abroad where BRT is a huge success and came back to give us a replica of what we need here to live good and reasonable life.

For those who may wish to know, BRT is a remarkable project in places like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador and Porto Alegre, all major cities in Brazil in South America. Also in Bogota in Colombia, Brisbane in Australia and Jakarta in Indone-

The menace of Aba metropolitan city Biafran war; things began to take a negative turn.

Those investors began to look for town where things are moving well. Whereas, Aba was totally devastated by the war, war is evil. Indeed, Aba became a victim.

A town once the chief business centre in Africa. Oh, the problems, of Aba grew worse when the originals of Aba began to challenge the

government of Orji Kalu, this warranted the government to show the town its back.

Aba was totally annihilated when kidnapping became the order of the day, may be to frustrate the people living in the land. This brought the great town to its knee despite its great achievements. The government, of Theodore Orji

showed total disregard and negligence to the affairs of the town that once humiliated his predecessor by throwing pure water on him.

This town has been over taken by evil, religious deception through black magic exhibition, injustice, hatred, wickedness, lack of forgiveness, rituals, extortion and other social vices. I may not

be able to explain further on the happenings in this town that has become a nightmare to the world.

Majority of the people are living in poverty, so much pain is encountered. It is only God that will save Aba. God help Abia State!

By Ezinwanyi Ugwuala, Aba, Abia State.

sia, this mode of transportation have been in operation over time.

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city of twenty-five million people, sitting precariously on the Atlantic Ocean, the BRT system has come to put smiles on the faces of residents. It is so effective that most commuters even shun the rail and the underground tube. The success of BRT in Rio is so remarkable because like Lagos, it was the former capital of Brazil and today it is its main commercial nerve centre. The city is also 75% sand filled just like Lagos. I therefore commend Governor Fashola for his steadfastness in this regard.

If he had done this system the other way round, people would have risen against him today.

All we are saying is: let him travel more to come and replicate more juicy things to make life more pleasant for Lagosians. Ikorodu people will continue to give their kudos to him. Very soon Ikorodu will be a town to emulate.

By Kola Ibitoye Ikorodu, Lagos

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HAT’S happening on the ground in Cairo and Benghazi appears to be a case of political opportunism no, not by Mitt Romney, though there was some of that on Thursday - but by Salafist Islamic extremists who are unhappy with the success the more moderate Islamist and secularist parties in Egypt and Libya have had in building political support.

We’re still in what I like to call the “fog of revolution” in both countries, where it’s hard to know for sure what’s happening and who benefits, so my reporting comes with a basic caveat.

But based on conversations with sources who were on the streets Tuesday in the midst of the Cairo demonstration, and who have been following events in Libya closely, it’s possible to pierce the fog a bit and offer some basic analysis: First, the situation in Cairo: The Arabic banners of the protesters moving toward the US Embassy identified them as members of the Nour Party and the Asala Party, the two leading Salafist groups that have competed in the Egyptian elections.

The Salafists, whose name connotes respect for the Islamic “ancestors” of the Prophet

Femi Orebe femi.orebe @thenationonlineng.net 08056504626 (sms only)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Comment & Analysis

OTHING can be more indicative of the synergy between the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Federal Character Commission in their determined bid to protect inequity at INEC than the fact that while Prof Jega, the INEC Chairman had caused Kayode Idowu, his Chief Press Secretary, to do a lengthy defence of INEC’s indefensible management composition, Prof Oba has, himself, resorted to granting newspaper interviews to achieve the same result. But only the unwary can be deceived by either of these two professors who head very vital, indeed strategic, national institutions.

In my article: ‘What game is the North up to at INEC?, 18 August, 2010, and sundry other publications, attention was drawn to the overwhelming preponderance of officials of Northern extraction in the management of INEC. My aforementioned article went the extra mile of accusing the Federal Character Commission of being an accessory to the fact of this out rightly illegal composition going by the constitutionally prescribed functions of the FCC. In his laboured defence, Prof Shuaibi Oba Abdulraheem, the Executive Chairman of the commission said as follows: ‘the Federal Character Commission is essentially focused on the public service recruitment, at the entry point only. That is when we ensure equity of opportunity of all persons to be able to enter into an establishment by drawing the benchmark for merit’. In a quick volte face, as if he could not see the contradiction, he went on: ‘the other point which we get interested in is at the management level, which is where the INEC thing you are talking about comes in. We encourage all estab-

Piercing the fog of revolution

By David Ignatius

Muhammad’s time, are more conservative and less pragmatic than the Muslim Brotherhood that is now ruling Egypt.

An analyst who was in the midst of that crowd Tuesday told me he thinks the Salafist demonstrators were using the pretext of a supposedly anti-Islamic American film to send two messages: the first was obviously antiAmericanism, which is potent in today’s Egypt; the second and more interesting message was a challenge by the Salafists to their rivals in the Muslim Brotherhood government of President Mohammed Morsi.

As is so often the case in revolutions, the Cairo uproar appears to be partly a case of radicals wanting to undermine a more moderate governing party. The Salafist demonstrators’ threat was augmented by violent hooligans, who are often described as soccer fans but increasingly are inflammatory anarchists.

A similar process of post-revo-

lutionary jockeying is going on in Libya, and it tragically led to the death Tuesday of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. The Salafists’ assault on the US Consulate in Benghazi at first appeared to be a “copycat” attack like the one in Cairo, but US officials said it may have been planned by extremists linked to al-Qa’ida. They were augmented by a well-armed Islamic militia.

Their anger, again, is mixed between a baseline anti-Americanism (sadly, always a draw in the region) and a challenge to Prime Minister Abdurrahim el-Keib and the secularist parties that are the backbone of the new Libyan government.

Does America have an interest in the internal fights taking place in these countries still quaking from the Arab uprisings? Yes, of course it does, especially when US embassies are targets of protesters and American diplomats get killed in the crossfire. But this isn’t really about America: It’s about different factions battling

for power in a fluid political situation.

Unfortunately, the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 is an apt parallel. That was the work of a group of extremist Iranian “students” who were unhappy that the post-revolutionary government of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini wasn’t proving radical enough. They captured the revolution when they seized the embassy. The lesson of that disaster is that local security authorities must quickly restore order - and if they can’t or won’t, then Americans must move out of harm’s way.

Also worrisome is the link between Salafists (whose posters disturbingly appear in Cairo neighbourhoods near Heliopolis populated by members of the military) and the more violently “takfiri” wing, which believes it’s permissible to kill apostate Muslims, and has links with alQa’ida. The takfiris hate the ruling Muslim Brotherhood, if that’s any consolation.

The delicate political bal-

ance in Egypt and Libya makes the blunderbuss campaign rhetoric of Romney, the Republican presidential candidate, especially unfortunate. His comments make this crisis more “about America” than it needs to be.

Let’s return to the main trigger for these events: It’s the success of the tolerably non-extremist (I won’t say “moderate”) governments in Egypt and Libya in consolidating power, and the anger of the more radical Salafists at this success. Morsi, for example, has just won pledges of billions in financial support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Gulf Arabs are making a bet that over the next year, Morsi can stabilise Egypt and get the economy moving again. Despite Wednesday’s tragic events, the US should make the same bet.

Source: The Australian •PROF. ROPO SEKONI’S COLUMN RETURNS IN TWO WEEKS

Defending bigotry and cant at both INEC and the Federal Character Commission INEC and Federal Character Commission have to do more to convince Nigerians that they have no ulterior motives lishments that when it comes to management positions, there must be a practice of equity of distribution of offices among the various interest groups in Nigeria. The issue of INEC is about the management structure which is arising from the internal development of the individuals within that structure up to a particular level. Yes there are some issues there, but it is not intentional in the sense that at the management level we have given instructions, guide lines. Our circulars are there, that for all establishments, all management positions must be advertised and made public, even while we are practicing equitable distribution, but some institutions have been sufficiently clever enough and have been protected by whatever forces, I don’t know how they are able to manipulate the internal structures and appoint persons into, for instance, management positions…’

Exactly the point that critics now being demonised are making.

But beyond that it can safely be said that Prof Oba was being economical with the truth when he claimed that FCC is concerned only with the entry point, that is, unless he has since changed the practice at the Federal Character Commission since he became the emperor.

One of the earliest reactions to my article of the 18 August, 2012, was a telephone call from my former boss at the University of Ife, (Dr J.G.O.Adegbite who, for many years represented Ekiti State on the Federal Character Commission .As he vividly recalls, the commission was nothing but an ombudsman which guided not only entry point appointments but also ensured an effective federal character pres-

ence in the workforce, especially, at the management level. Otherwise, why would Chief Executive Officers, only, of federal agencies and ministries be invited to present and defend their extant staff positions? Indeed, Dr Adegbite remembers, in particular, an occasion when, Mallam el Rufai, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Privatisation Agency, was about being refused entry into the chambers believing he was not the Chief Executive Officer, because of his generous stature.

Professor Oba should tell Nigerians if he has since changed this procedure.

Dr Adegbite also went further to inform me that non-compliant agencies, where management placements are noticed to have been unduly skewed in favour of a particular zone were always given a 6-month grace period to make amends. I will personally not be surprised if this has changed since our professor took charge of affairs at the commission.

And what was INEC’s effete defence?

Let us listen to Mr Idowu.

After berating the Media for being a washed with what he called weird tales of goings-on within the commission, he generously informed us as follows, like we were some kindergarten: It is also alleged that there is regional disproportion in the chairmanship of INEC committees by the National Commissioners. That, simply, betrays grievous ignorance of legal provisions setting up the Commission and governing its operations.

Section 14 (1) (a) of Part 1 (F) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Federal Constitution (as amended) provides that The

Commission shall comprise the following members: (a) a Chairman, who shall be the Chief Electoral Commissioner; and (b) twelve other members to be known as National Electoral Commissioners. In practice, the 12 National Commissioners are appointed by Mr. President on geo-political basis: two from each of the six geo-political zones making up the country. Also, Section 7 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as gazetted) provides that “the Commission may appoint one or more committees to carry out any of its functions under this Act.” He then went further to educate us on the criteria for appointment into the chair of these committees which he listed as: ‘personal expertise, previous experience and ultimate responsibility.’

What he failed to tell us is that only Northerners have these in overflowing abundance since we would have required that eternal truth as proof positive of how unbiased the composition of INEC management is.

For ease of reference, and to help Mr Idowu, I recall writing as follows in my article under reference: ‘INEC’s top management is made up as follows: 1. Prof Jega (Chairman)- Kebbi 2. U.F Usman (Director of Logistics) –Kebbi 3.A. Muktar (Director of Human Resources) –Sokoto 4. A.A Uregi (Director of Finance) –Niger 5. M. Kuta (Internal Auditor) –Niger 6.

E.T Akem (Director ICT) –Benue 7.

I. Biu (Director of Voter Education) – North East 8.I.K Bawa (Dep. Director, Legal) –Plateau 9.Okey Ndeche (Director, Operations) – Anambra 10. Nyise Torgba (Director M& E/Performance) –Benue 11. A.A Adamu Head, Commission, Secretariat) –Kogi 12.

M.Ekwunja (Director, Civil Societies) 13. E. Umenger (Director, Pub-

lic Affairs) –Benue 14. Regina Omo-Agege (Director, Political Monitoring) –Delta. 15. B.E Edoghotu (Estate & Works).

INEC’s national commissioners who head the vital committees overseeing the most important departments are as stated hereunder though he tried to delude us into thinking that no committee is more strategic than the other: 1. Col. Hamanga ( Chairperson, Logistics Committee) – Adamawa 2. Dr Nuru Yakubu ( Chairperson, Operations Committee) – Yobe 3. Ambassador Wali (Chair person, Procurement Committee) – Sokoto 4. Prof Jega (Chairperson, F&GP) –Kebbi 5. Prof Jega ( Chairperson, ICT) –Kebbi 6. Hajia Amina Zakari (Chairperson, Political Monitoring) – Jigawa 7. Membership of a newly constituted INEC 9-Man Strategic Planning Committee reads as follows: Nuru A. Yakubu, Istianus Dalwang, Mustafa Kuta, M.S Mohammed. Torgba Nyitse, Emanuel Akeem all from the North with only Mike Igini and Okechukwu Ndeche from the South.’

What needs be added is the undue emphasis on the restructuring going on in INEC. What Nigerians have seen, and which I suspect is the leitmotif for the exercise, is Professor Jega’s undue eagerness to emerge much more powerful by being crowned the commission’s accounting officer as if not being that had, in any considerable way, stymied his effective performance.

In all, our friends at both INEC and the Federal Character Commission will have to do much more than what they have offered till date to convince Nigerians that there are no ulterior motives at play in INEC as things stand today, albeit, without a whimper from the almighty national ombudsman..

Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Tunji

Adegboyega tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

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NSPECTOR-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, appeared right on the mark when he said his men in the Lagos State Police Command were sleeping; that was after last Sunday’s robbery incidents in the state which caught many Lagosians unawares. Of course there had been pockets of robberies in Lagos before that incident; there had been some cases of car snatching and even armed robberies; it was just that they were not as serious as that day’s.

It must have been some two or so years that Lagosians were treated to such a rude shock by armed robbers who operated in broad daylight then, robbing banks and other places of value. As a matter of fact, such operations then usually began as part of the devil’s perilous package of the ‘ember’ months. So, for Lagosians, end-of-the-year accidents were not the only headache then; they were also worried about end-of-the-year robberies.

But the state government gave the robbers a good chase, equipping the police, boosting the pay of their men on patrols and assisting them with sundry other items that they need to facilitate crime prevention and crime fighting. With the kind of investment the Lagos State Government has made into providing security, the bulk of which is splashed on the federal police force, it would be interesting to know if it would require anything more substantial to run its own police force. Soon however, the investments began to yield

‘Black’ Sunday Men of the Lagos police command must wake up to sustain war on criminals result; the heat became unbearable in Lagos that the hoodlums relocated to neighbouring states, making residents in the state to be able to sleep with their two years closed for so long.

But that was until last Sunday.

Many people who went to church had probably just returned and were relaxing at home when the news hit the air waves. I was somewhere on Dopemu Road when a call came from a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) official who called the Lagos Traffic Radio and alerted of the robbery operation going on around the Agege area of the state. That was the road I and my family members that were going out were supposed to take; I only made a detour when I got to Dopemu Road so as to show them something along the way. So we did not have inkling of how serious the robbery was until we were returning and we took Capitol Road. It was there we saw a crowd of sympathisers and we knew it was not a joking matter.

Given the manner of their operations, it would seem that the robberies in the metropolis on the day were well planned. That it took the better

part of Sunday afternoon was one pointer to this. The robbers attacked a bureau de change at Agege where they shot some of the currency operators and carted away two sacks (Ghana-must-go bags) containing foreign and local currencies. They also reportedly gang-robbed in the Anthony, Ojodu, Itire, Ikeja, Ilasamaja and Gbagada areas of the state between 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m.

Obviously they came to Agege purposely to attack the bureaux de change operators there and they made a big catch. Indeed, if the stories of millions of naira and other foreign currencies the robbers were reported to have carted away there are true, then the people operating the bureaux de change attacked must know there are moles in their midst.

If not, how come the robbers knew when such huge sums would be found on them?

The robbers killed no fewer than six persons, including three policemen and a commercial bus driver.

The incident was unfortunate for one because the Lagos State Government has invested heavily in the police, even as it has led the private sector to do same. As a matter of fact, Gov-

“The command would also do well to apprehend the robbers as demanded by both Governor Fashola and Mr Abubakar.

That will be the icing on the cake and a true deterrence to others who might be planning to replicate the act. That naturally should be the least to expect from a police command that the state government has had to bend over backwards to provide mobility, allowances and other forms of assistance”

ernor Babatunde Raji Fashola of the state was to launch 114 new patrol vans presented by the 20 local government areas and the 37 local council development areas in the state, 40 motorcycles and other equipment for the police, to battle rising wave of crime in the Lagos metropolis the day before the robbers struck. Also billed for launching for the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, were four big vans and an ambulance vehicle, bullet proof jackets and helmets. The other equipment, apart from the patrol vans, were donated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, STF. Good enough, Mr Abubakar was present at the event.

Could it have been that the robbers carried out their operations because they felt waiting until the equipment were launched could make the job more difficult and hazardous for them? We might need to investigate if there was no collusion between the hoodlums and some bad elements in the police. This is much more so that there were claims that the robbers probably intercepted police communication, hence they were able to navigate their way without much hitches.

Well, the state police command has said the robbers made it easy because they (police) were trying to avoid a situation where there would be many civilian casualties. This makes sense. But the robbers’ success in their operations makes it imperative for the police to restrategise so they won’t be giving us the same excuse if the bandits decide to strike again. We are already in September and Christmas and the New Year celebrations are only a few months away. Everybody wants to celebrate; thieves, robbers and hard-working people. Whilst people who actually worked for their money would make their celebration low-key, knowing that January is usually a ‘long’ month, those who made cheap money from armed robbery, kidnapping and

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other crimes want to celebrate big because every day is Christmas for them until they are caught.

All said, we have to do something about unemployment in the country. Without mincing words, the governments, particularly the Federal Government, has to give Nigerians the enabling environment to do something worthwhile with their lives. It does not appear this government has the hands on the handle concerning what to do to stem the tide of unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, and if it has, it is damn too slow in making progress.

Well, the Lagos State Police Command has said its men are not sleeping. Its spokesman, Ngozi Braide, a deputy superintendent, also debunked claims that there is an upsurge of crimes in the state. In her words, “There is no upsurge at all.

Yesterday night (Tuesday September 11) we arrested eight suspected armed robbers with seven AK47 rifles and six locally made pistols. So, the men are not sleeping”. I agree with her that crime has gone down considerably in the state. But the state police command has to prove that it has gone down for good. And the only way to do that is to ensure, as the inspector-general has warned, that there is no repeat performance of last Sunday’s incident in the state.

The command would also do well to apprehend the robbers as demanded by both Governor Fashola and Mr Abubakar. That will be the icing on the cake and a true deterrence to others who might be planning to replicate the act. That naturally should be the least to expect from a police command that the state government has had to bend over backwards to provide mobility, allowances and other forms of assistance. It will also be a way of ensuring that their colleagues and others killed by the bandits did not die in vain.

So help them God.

For the large bank buildings, the economy was lost Postscript, Unlimited!

By

Oyinkan Medubi 08187172799 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

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HIS week, dear reader, this column is under the weather for various reasons. It is reeling right now under the weight of the Universal Madness Bug (UMB) that has bitten into different aspects of our universal existence. On the foreign scene, there is the one who allegedly makes a film in America while others pay the price for it with their lives without ever having watched the said film. At home, there is a government that has decided to be functionally indifferent to the protests of its people over its desire to introduce a central bank note of N5000. Then, there is the Nigerian market. Now, Nigerians have found themselves buying a small bowl of beans for the price it took them to buy nearly a bag of the stuff a year or two before. Yes indeed, friend, the world is gone mad, worse than the hatter! And the bank is to blame.

Oh yes, there is a connection all right. Listen. The most recurrent nightmare most men (or women) have in this world is not knowing where to empty their bladders and bowels. No, that comes second. The one that comes first is not having something to put into the system in

Right now, the banks cannot see the bad economy because their views are blocked by their large, beautifully exquisite buildings the first place that would require emptying. The story is told that somewhere in the world, people queued up for the services of a bathroom. The first man, who was rather fat, entered and everyone on the queue could hear the belch and the fart loudly as he relieved himself. He came out refitting his belt with quite some difficulty and everyone thought, there goes a highly satisfied man. Life has been kind to his mouth. The second man went in and everyone could also hear the gurgling sounds coming from his nether regions and everyone thought, as he also came out refitting his belt with difficulty, that life had treated his hands kindly. He got something to do. The third man to go in was a thin, desperately poor man who nevertheless hated to advertise the fact. He hated the fact that people would know he was poor if he could not bring out sounds of wealth from his bowels. So, he went in, sat a while on the bowl and began to make very impressive thunderlike sounds. Thinking it was about to rain, everyone ran for cover. After doing his little business, the poor man came out thinking, life is good.

Seriously, I read in the news this last week about how a minister was complaining loudly that the banks had contributed little to the Nigerian economy, and I thought, ain’t that right! I have said it umpteen times here (or was it in my dreams?) that the Nigerian banks are more pre-occupied with making money than rendering any service. All you have to do is listen to the obscene, year-end profits declared by these banks to

know that many things are not right.

I always think, what business has a bank to go declaring profits when it has not carried out its real business?

You ask me what their real business is? I’ll tell you.

The real business of the banks is to cater to my business needs. I want to buy/build a house, buy a car, plant pineapples, raise chickens, feed birds, buy shoes, etc., I should be able to contact my banker. Indeed, in many cultures, valued family relationships are often in this order: father, mother, family doctor-lawyer-banker, children, etc. In many societies, the banker gets called to a death-bed the same time as the doctor. So, who says bankers are not important? The truth is that Nigerian bankers have abandoned their first love: their clients, and have gone after money; or houses (in the fashion of the former Oceanic Bank boss) or both. This is why they cannot serve their nation, like good youth corps members. As I am writing this, I have no idea who the manager of my bank is; neither, I dare say, does he even know that I am his client, thank God. Nigerian banks can be more contributory to the Nigerian economy if they would just take a few short steps. First, our banks should please stop making money the end of, rather than the means to, good service. Imagine, how can a single bank be left in the enviable position to scramble madly for money at all costs? If I did that, I would be sent to prison. It is a distortion of duties when banks run wildly after money in order to make quick gains which the manager then

sits over, as we have seen done in many of the cases before the courts.

Don’t we know that puts the said managers in all kinds of danger, such as being sitting targets for all kinds of friendships? In gatherings now, bank managers are introduced after governors.

Now, listen to this story which really happened, I assure you. Once, someone was posted to a town to oversee the operations of the newly established branch of his bank. Naturally, he asked his nearest though poor relation in that town for a church he and his family could attend. At the church, the manager and his family were introduced to the overseer of the church by this same relation.

Soon, the same relation noticed a fast friendship developing between the overseer and the bank manager. In a short while, the friendship rapidly grew to the point of exchanging home visits. The poor man felt rather left out. ‘In all the years I have been attending that church, the overseer never visited me,’ he grumbled.

Again, I have sort of noticed that Nigerian banks seem to have a predilection to build preposterously big buildings and I always ask, whatever for? Why on earth does each bank feel so compelled to put up such mammoth, gigantic, beautiful, awesome buildings? No wonder my money does not come out of the ATM machine so fast: it has a long distance to cover. Clearly, you do not need a very large space to do business involving millions of any currency and I am talking from experience — no, not my own experience, some-

one else’s.

You remember the children’s rhyme that goes something like this: for the loss of a shoe, the horse was lost, for the loss of a horse the soldier was lost and for the loss of a soldier the battle was lost, don’t you?

Well, for the large buildings which shield our bankers and their operations, the Nigerian economy is going... going... Right now, the banks cannot see the economy because their views are blocked by their large buildings. I honestly cannot find any reason at all to construct large buildings, particularly now that ATMs are stationed by the roadsides where rain and sun and armed robbers visit the poor heads of the users.

So, here’s what I think. I think bank managers should go outside and take a look at their buildings and then decide if they really need them.

Their decisions may even help them reduce their overhead costs. Then they should commit more into agriculture. This is where our bowl of beans comes in. If farmers are made the targets of at least a good part of the banks’ resources, surely the advantages will come round to us all.

Food prices would come down. Families would, for instance, stop counting the number of beans to put on the children’s plates and, more importantly, the farmer may get to be able to bring some of his earnings back to the bank for safe-keeping.

Then, more agriculture-related businesses can open up. Seriously, I would rather that the central bank addressed this problem before thinking about introducing new notes.

18

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Nigeria’s shoppers rival Russia and the Middle East for West End spending O

N her twice-yearly visits to London from Nigeria, Victoria Appiah stocks up on everything she needs for the next six months. “I basically only do food shopping back home,” she says, standing outside Marks & Spencer’s flagship store in Marble Arch, central London. “It’s not that you can’t get these things in Lagos, but everything here is much more reasonably priced.

“If you want cheap products, Chinese-made have taken over in Nigeria, and you can’t always vouch for quality.”

Thousands of Nigerians agree. Visitors from the west African nation are the UK’s fourth biggest foreign spenders, ringing up an average £500 in each shop where they make purchases – four times what the average UK shopper spends.

Holidaying or visiting relatives abroad is increasingly open to millions of middle class Nigerians, with the number of visitors to the UK increasing by more than 50% to 142,000 a year in the decade ending 2011, according to the Office for

By Monica Mark

National Statistics. In a country projected to become Africa’s biggest economy next year, and the world’s fifth most populous by 2050, businesses at home and abroad are cashing in. In Debenhams’ Oxford Street branch, signs in Hausa, one of the official Nigerian languages in the country’s largely impoverished north, direct shoppers to items on sale. This year, the shop said that Nigerian customers were its biggest overseas spenders.

Daily flights plying the lucrative route between Nigeria and the UK have ballooned in the last decade. British Airways permits almost double the normal baggage allowance for the six-hour haul.

In some cases, Nigerians are literally using their deeper pockets on sprees. Shola Obadeyu wore a heavy duffel coat while queueing in Heathrow for a flight back to her sweltering home city of Abuja.

“I can save [airline] baggage

space by putting small things like vest tops and underwear in the pockets,” she said as she queued with other passengers, almost all struggling with bulging suitcases. Back in Abuja, Obadeyu sells wares bought in London “at prices that don’t kill you”.

Others are tapping the market. A mushrooming middle class snapped up 10m microwaves last year. Big name brands from Apple to Zara have sprung up to feed those aspirations.

The African-based discount supermarket giant Shoprite is pouring $205m into its current three outlets in Nigeria, while the US hypermarket Walmart sees scope for 50 outlets in the country.

On a recent trip back from Europe, Marie Claire Lienou lugged 50kg of frozen meat in a freezer bag back to Nigeria. “You can’t compare [Shoprite’s] prices here with their prices in Europe.

For 10 steaks there I can buy two here. You just pay what you have to for the convenience and

guarantees,” she said, pushing a trolley laden with relative luxuries such as bagged salads.

“Nigeria is very crowded, traffic is terrible, fakes [wares] are everywhere. The only thing I’ll buy from the market is fresh bulk vegetables, because there are no fake tomatoes,” she added.

Being middle class in Nigeria isn’t cheap. In a brightly lit KFC across the shopping centre, Taiwo Edun, an engineer, treated his girlfriend to crispy chicken and chips, a luxury beyond the reach of many at $20 (£13) a pop.

“I don’t consider myself in the super-rich class, I’m not chartering flights for my friends to go on holiday like some Nigerians can. But I can come here maybe once a month,” he said.

The widespread corruption and infrastructure woes that plague Nigeria – including daily power blackouts that are smoothed over by millions of generators – push up the costs of running businesses here, keeping most dependent on

informal, market-style retail.

Abrupt plans to introduce a new 5,000 naira (£20) note worth five times the current highest bill have caused an outcry, with market sellers saying it would drive up prices.

On the back of one of the notes will be Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, mother of the Afrobeat singer Fela Kuti.

Ransome-Kuti made her name as an activist with a mass protest against policies that increased prices for market women.

Meanwhile, those who can afford it continue to see a better deal abroad. The country’s central bank throws billions of dollars into propping up the naira at artificially high rates, hurting millions of local exporters and encouraging Nigeria’s shopping exodus.

Indicating her clutch of M&S carrier bags, Appiah said it was her five-year-old grandson’s favourite shop.

“As long as the weather is not too cold, Nigerians will be shopping in London,” she said.

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Nigeria: What went wrong? (2) I

N the part one of this writeup, I tried to stir up our minds regarding the good glorious days and the degenerating downward dip Nigeria seems to be heading despite all the natural and human endowments she is blessed with. It was pointed out in the first part, that there is the need to ask ourselves some probing and agitating questions now.

In starting this second part, it is pertinent to simply and squarely state that we as Nigerians must prepare our minds to answer and address these questions sincerely, seriously and assiduously if we are to get out of this conundrum of cluelessness, callousness and corruption devouring the soul and spirit of our nation. Hear one elderly Nigerian that gave a glimpse of those good and glorious days: “The 1970s? That was the time I was an undergraduate.

We all went to university free of charge and ate the best of food. While attending lectures or reading in the library, your bed was being made. All free!

Yes free. We ate the best of diets…Before you finished writing your degree exams, you had three job offers in your hand.” (sic) What Went Wrong?

Impatience Can it be stated that Nigerians are impatient with our leaders and the process? Could it be, if we had been patient with Tafawa Balewa or Murtala Muhammed/ Obasanjo or Buhari/Idiagbon, we would not have been at this messy bus stop our nation is?

It is alleged by some that Nigerians are impatient as we want good governance like an instant coffee. It is like, if we will

By John Ekundayo

have it, then, we must have it now: due process or not! Even in Singapore and Malaysia, where there were strong leaders with penchant, proactive and patriotic political will to initiate transformation agenda with commendable success, it took the duo of Lee Kuan Yee and Mohamad Mahathir respectively many years to inculcate and institutionalise the process of good governance and nation building into the fabric of their nations. My sojourn in the two countries for seven years and interaction with their citizens made me to come to this conclusion.

Within the West African context, Ghana today is far better in terms of virtually all indices for measuring good governance than Nigeria but they endure great trying times when Jerry Rawlings was having it raw with the system and the sycophants that were then dragging the country towards a precipice. Be that as it may, there are some other Nigerians whose opinions is that we have not been really blessed as a nation to have a real visible, visionary, viable and versatile leader at the saddle at the centre who is so passionate and proactive to initiate and institutionalise transformational changes at vital levels such as infrastructural development, agro allied, health, education, power, housing, security, and job creation.

Military Incursion Into Governance A section of Nigerians still think that the early political leaders would have adapted and adjusted to learning the democratic ropes had there be

no military aberration into governance. The main job of the military is to guard and protect the sovereignty of the Nigerian nation from internal and external aggression. However, in Nigeria, and most especially some countries in Africa, military incursions were popular few decades back. The men in uniform (khaki) surreptitiously came in to introduce ‘reforms’ which later were the undoing of many nations where they held sway. For instance, the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) during the heyday of General Babangida, is a good reminder of the road that we must never pass again as a nation.

Corruption: Hydra-headed demon Before signing off on the military incursion into our political life, it will be good to mention that even though corruption is present to a degree, it was during the military era that the hydra headed demon was dignified and deified to the point of institutionalisation.

Was it not during the infamous IBB regime that corruption was practiced and peddled in high quarters until it went viral like cancer covering the whole flesh, soul and spirit of the Nigerian nation? It was so bad then that it seemed every Nigerian has a price tag on his/her head. I remembered then that the most common word in the lexicon of Nigerians was “settlement”.

Oil Doom with accompanying evils The discovery of crude oil brought so much joy and Nigeria suddenly became wealthy.

After decades of oil prospecting, production, and marketing, Nigerians are very poor

with many living less than minimal level universally acceptable. In effect, one can state without mincing words: “Nigeria: Rich Country, Poor People!”

When we were growing up as teenagers, our elderly ones were then reveling in the richness of Nigeria while our leaders did not have the vision for growth; possessed little education regarding socio-economic development and management of human and natural resources. It was like too much money with little leadership acumen!

Then came the Udoji Award in 1973 resulting in the great increase in wages and promotion of many public servants with their emoluments backdated to upwards of six months! Many Nigerians were on spending spree buying electronics, clothing, cars, wristwatches, etc. Our leaders did not have the foresight then to aggressively develop our infrastructure. What do we have to show for our petrol dollar?

Howbeit, we still have some feeding fat on pension forgetting that the days of reaping and reckoning are coming for those who made lives difficult for the average Nigerians.

Bad Governance It is undeniable and almost incontrovertible that many Nigerians today attribute our parlous state to clueless and visionless leaders at all levels especially at the centre. This is the thought of Professor Chinua Achebe, the enigmatic and erudite scholar, as contained in his treatise on Nigeria: “The Trouble With Nigeria”, in which he saliently and succinctly stated that “I am saying that Nigeria can change today if she discovers leaders that

have the ability, the will and vision.” Achebe’s book was published in 1983, and I would say that that may be the situation then. Putting it simply and squarely, both leaders and followers are to be blamed for our present state. Be that as it may, the corrupt and cancerous climate gradually leading us to a precipice may be responsible for breeding bad followership who are cheering callous “dealers” (in sartorial splendour of leaders) to go on with catholic zeal and zest grounding the nation.

Need for Restructuring It is the stand and stake of some that the centre is over loaded with matters that the states should handle leading to insecurity, resource control agitations, militancy, greed, avarice, political instability, championing of ethic chauvinism, unnecessary demand for more states while many of the existing ones are on the brink of insolvency or bankruptcy, etc. In essence, there is the need to revisit the system. Are we truly operating federating units or just called a federation? There is the need to dialogue in a National Conference to iron out certain issues if Nigeria will continue to exist as one indissoluble nation knowing we have many nations with the “nation” called Nigeria. This brings us to the next point that will be discussed in the next part of this series.

I will sincerely value and appreciate your responses and/or feedback. Thank you for reading.

Dr Ekundayo, an organizational management and leadership researcher and expert based in Ikeja, Lagos, can be reached via: drjmoekundayo@hotmail.com.

POLITICS

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

•Ruma

•Aondoaka

•Late Yar’Adua

Whither Yar'Adua's forgotten men?

Until President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua died on May 5, 2010, these men wielded enormous influence and powers. As members of the late president's inner cabinet, they practically dictate the pace, pulse and policy direction of government. The change of baton following the death of their boss, however, forced them to recoil into their shell with questions now being asked about their whereabouts, writes Remi Adelowo

S

OMETIME in April 2008, speculations were rife that President Umaru Yar'Adua was about to effect some changes in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Expectedly, most of the ministers were apprehensive of their fate. This particular Wednesday before the weekly FEC meeting when the rumoured cabinet reshuffle was to be carried out, a palpable tension reigned in the air.

Shortly before the arrival of the president signaling the commencement of the meeting, most of the ministers had clustered around Dr. Sayydi Abba Ruma. Individually, they conferred with Ruma for a few minutes and before leaving for their respective seats.

No cabinet reshuffle eventually took place after the end of the three-hour long meeting. But one thing was obvious: among the ministers, Abba Ruma was a first among equals.

That his colleagues held him in high esteem was not in doubt.

Within the cabinet and in government circles, Ruma was acknowledged as a 'super minister' who had the ears of the president. As the Minister in charge of the strategic Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Ruma was alleged to be the 'go to' man for any top government official desirous of fixing any knotty issue with the president.

A doctorate degree holder from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Ruma had served as the Secretary to the Katsina State Government for about five years when President Yar'Adua served as governor. He had also briefly served as the Minister of State for Education at the latter years of the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency.

Step in Dr. Taminu Yakubu. Also from Katsina State like Yar'Adua and Ruma, Taminu served in the cabinet as the President's Chief Economic Adviser. A doctorate degree holder in Economics, Taminu was also a member of the National Economic Management Team (NEMT).

Other members of NEMT chaired by the president included Mr. Remi Babalola, the former Minister of State for Finance; Shamsideen Usman, Minister of National Planning; Dr. Rilwan Babalola, Minister of Power, Mrs. Sarah Alade, a Deputy Governor in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and former banker, Mr. Atedo Peterside, to mention but a few.

There is also Dr. Mansur Muhtar, who held the position of the Minister of Finance. An indigene of Kano, Muhtar is alleged to be one of the closest aides and allies of the late president whose words in the seat of government carry immeasurable weight.

The list of the influential kitchen cabinet is not complete without the mention of Mr. Micheal Aondoaka, the Benue State-born former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. Unabashedly loyal to the late president while his tenure lasted, the former minister courted controversy like a duck is attracted to water.

Two other men who had the ears of the late president were his Aide-De-Camp (ADC), Col. Mustapha Onoyiveta, an Infantry army officer from Delta State and Yusuf Tilde, the Chief Security Officer (CSO).

Outside government, the man said to be the late president's closest friend and associate was Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, a wealthy businessman from Katsina State. In his late 50's, Mangal was named as one of the major financiers of the Yar'Adua's election as governor in 1999 and president in 2007.

In early 2009, a newsmagazine published a report on Mangal, which detailed his alleged unsavoury business deals in Nigeria and neighbouring countries including Chad, Niger and Cameroun.

Beginning of the end?

Trouble began for Ruma, Taminu, Muhtar as a result of the long absence of Yar'Adua from the seat of power while on admission at a Saudi Arabia hospital due to health challenges.

The resultant constitutional crisis that ensued following Yar'Adua's failure to transmute power to his then deputy, President Goodluck Jonathan, was attributed to the alleged machinations of a 'cabal' comprising Ruma, Taminu, Onoyiveta and Tilde, who were accused of not only shielding Yar'Adua from Nigerians who wanted to know his true state of health, but also undermining the position of Jonathan.

So powerful and influential were these men, that they (excluding Aondoaka) were alleged to be the privileged government officials who had direct access to the late president

•Muhtar

on his sick bed.

But once Jonathan was sworn-in as acting president, the first person he fired from the cabinet was Aondoaka.

The trio of Ruma, Taminu and Muhtar with a couple of other ministers were soon shown the exit door after they were fingered as signatories to a letter allegedly sent to Jonathan (who had then assumed office as substantive president after the death of Yar'Adua) asking him not to relieve certain unnamed ministers of their duties.

For Onoyiveta and Tilde, their crime, it was gathered, was the secrecy under which they allegedly masterminded the return of the ailing president in the cover of darkness without the knowledge of the then acting president, Jonathan and relevant military authorities.

Their new lifestyles After his exit from government, Ruma took a break from the spotlight, while shuttling between Abuja and Katsina.

Before the 2011 elections, he decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) to contest for a senatorial seat in Katsina. He failed. The Nation, however, gathered that Ruma is working behind-the-scene in preparations for the 2015 general elections. His interest this time around is to succeed the incumbent governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema.

But until then, the once powerful man who was once allegedly referred to as the next powerful individual in the immediate past administration after Yar'Adua and his wife, Turai, had recoiled into his shell.

While the whereabouts of Taminu and what he does presently remains unknown, Muhtar is reported to be a consultant of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an arm of the World Bank.

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Politics

Power shift threatens politics of ‘three wise men’ Nicholas Kalu in Calabar reports that the current call for power shift in Cross River State may have dealt a major blow on the political covenant of the three wise men that have been controlling the politics of the state since 1999.

F

OR those familiar with the politics of Cross River State, the phrase, “three wise men” does not immediately conjure up the image of three sage-like figures riding on camels back from the East with gifts for the Holy baby Jesus on a cold winter night.

What comes to mind instead is actually the triumvirate of the sleek and suave-looking past governor Donald Duke, a calm and calculating present governor, Liyel Imoke and a behindthe-scene top politician and chairman of State Water Board, Gershom Bassey.

At a time, stories of how these three, under the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would wield power and control the state for 24 years one after the other before handing over to their cronies, could well be recited by the averagely politically conscious secondary school student in the state.

As speculated. Duke completed his eight year tenure as the state governor, from 1999 to 2007, and Imoke took over and is currently on his second term of eight years to expire in 2015.

But somewhere along the line, it appears something must have gone wrong as it does not seem absolutely likely that Bassey would take over in 2015.

This is because of the speculation that the group had fallen apart, apparently because they may not have taken into consideration the political configuration of the state. Cross River State is made up of three senatorial districts which are the northern, central and the southern. The southern had produced Duke, the central, Imoke, and the agitation that power must be rotated evenly is threatening to put an end to the plot of the three wise men, as Bassey is from the south.

On the surface, these do not seem to bother Bassey, the last of the trio, as he seems content with his current position as chairman of the Cross River State Water Board.

Imoke, at different fora has said that for the sake of fairness he would hand over power to the north in 2015. It was on the basis on this promise that political stalwarts supported him

•Donald Duke in his second term bid. Also in a state where political enlightenment has heightened significantly, it seems unlikely that three people can just sit down and decide how everything is run.

Some observers believe him to be singing a different song at a time he was rooting for Victor Ndoma-Egba to return to the Senate last year, when he had said the best material should always be given the job and not on the basis of where one comes from. At the time Patrick Iwara, with the Action Congress of Nigeria, who wanted to wrest the seat of the central senatorial district from Ndoma-Egba, had argued that the Central Senatorial District is made up of Old Ikom and Old Obubra (Old Ikom consisting of Ikom, Etung and Boki local governments, while Old Obubra is made up of Yakurr, Obubra and Abi local governments) and that Ndoma-Egba, who is from Ikom, and then serving his second term should also let it rotate to the people of Old Obubra.

But in a recent parley with newsmen, Imoke had said, “Cross River already has three senatorial districts. Two senatorial districts (southern and central) have produced by the grace of God, governors. One has not. Would it be fair for us not to allow the other senatorial district a governor? This is just a question of simple fairness; just like we had president from the north, then, southwest, now from south-south, etc. There is no big deal. It is a natural sequence. That is why I support it openly. Some people have been asking oga to keep quiet over this matter; this is not how to do it. I say I don’t know how to deal with what is honest, sincere, correct and right. This is what I

•Gershom Bassey

•Gov Liyel Imoke have always stood for in my politics. My politics has always been about uniting Cross River. That is why I started my politics by taking on the most difficult challenge. That was when they said no Efik man can ever be governor of Cross River State and I said no. So, there is a set of Cross Riverians that cannot be governor? So, I fought that. And then I wasn’t governor, I wasn’t anything, and by the grace of God we managed to win that battle that changed the face of Cross River. That united all of us. That thing that we used to be called an atavistic society perpetually at war with itself is no more. I challenged it. That I think is one of my greatest achievements – uniting our people. The final seal on that unity would be that the next governor of Cross River comes from the northern senatorial district.”

With his position, on where power should go in 2015, Imoke has declared the floor open for contestants in the northern senatorial district to get their act together to have a shot at the top job in the state under PDP ticket.

Among such people in the north, who are likely to run in 2015 is the former Secretary to the state government and current Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Fidelis Ugbo, who is believed to have Imoke’s blessing. He is believed to be simple, well educated, mature, a team player and someone who would be easily accepted across three senatorial zones. A lawyer, he has served in many capacities within and outside the state.

It is alleged that with Imoke he shares strong opinions on issues. For instance, Imoke in a re-

cent media parley had spoken strongly on the clamour for a Sovereign National Conference when he de-emphasized the call for the conference, saying what is needed is constitutional amendment.

Similarly Ugbo in an interaction with journalists in Abuja recently described the call for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference by a cross section of Nigerians as unnecessary.

Ugbo had argued that from the legislative houses from the local government to the National Assembly comprised of the representatives of the people with mandates to advance the interests of their constituents.

The senator representing the northern senatorial district, Prof Ben Ayade, is another likely candidate. Believed to be very wealthy and independent minded and in a system where more often than not it has been shown that money can sway the polity, the powers that be in the state, appear to be wary of him.

Ayade had in last year’s elections practically bulldozed his way to becoming senator as he was believed not to have government’s support.

He has already started registering his presence in the state by introducing a fleet of buses running routes from the Calabar in the southern senatorial district through the central senatorial district to Ogoja and Obudu in the northern senatorial district, thereby reducing the stress and cost of transportation across the state. The ubiquitous presence of the white buses boldly inscribed AYADE MOTORS, observers believe is a sign of things to come.

Strengthening grassroots development through LG creation: The constitutional and legal challenges

T

HE topic which I have been asked to examine is at the core of the struggle for true federalism which has been championed in a new way recently by the national leader of our political party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

As the Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu, assisted by the likes of Aregbesola - who was then one of his commissioners - fought a gallant battle against the Federal Government led

by President Olusegun Obasanjo, over some critical issues over how to properly organise a federal state such as Nigeria and the rights and powers of the constituents units vis-a-vis the government of the centre. That battle, interesting enough, was centred on the power of a state to create local governments within its jurisdiction.

That battle which was largely won by the Lagos State Government under Asiwaju Tinubu was an important point in the age-long battle to ensure that Nigeria is not a federal state only in name. The Supreme Court affirmed without any contradiction the power of the state to create local governments. However, the Supreme Court also recognised its own limitation as an instrument of the interpretation of the law and not as a law-making institution. The apex court was constrained by the 1999 Constitution, imposed on the country by the military without

By Babafemi Ojudu

consultation with the people of Nigeria. The fatal errors inscribed into that constitution has become part of the central challenges of the Fourth Republic, and indeed, the future of Nigeria.

As a public-affairs journalist, my own exertions were also directed towards ensuring the correction of some of the fundamental errors of that constitution, a cardinal part of which concerns the creation, funding and operation of local governments in Nigeria. I am here today to speak to the constitutional and legal challenges that we face in Nigeria which continue to limit grassroots development in Nigeria.

Let me say up front that I intend to ruffle some feathers in my proposals for a new order in the context of ensuring grassroots development through local governance in Nigeria. This is because we cannot continue to deceive ourselves by concentrating only on our rights to create and live under the political structures that we desire, without engaging with the duties and responsibilities that such rights impose on us.

Democracy, decentralisation and the rationale of local governance The concept and basis of the creation of a local government are basically about ensuring self-governance at the local level. Local government is the closest thing to the Athenian origins of democracy, where all the qualified citizens

met at the agora, which was at the centre of the political life of the Greek city-state…

A local government is constituted and functions to ensure the ideas of local governance: that is, to ensure that the local people participate in locally important matters, that they are the key decision-makers in determining their own fate and concerns, and that they are the ones who manage and learn from their local experiences of self-rule. It is important to also add that this implies that such a local system of collective action and collective rule would also translate to local accountability to the people of the locality.

In this context, experts in the democracy, development experts and democratic activists have, in different ways, emphasised the linkages between local governance, democracy and development.

They have emphasised the fact that "enhanced participation, greater control over programs by beneficiaries, and increased resource mobilization for development projects" at the local level serve as "foundation for democracy, and as tool to achieve better governance."

However, for local government to live •Continued on page 22

•Ojudu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

A

s the final preparations for the recent state visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Anambra State reached its peak, there was palpable fear that some individuals in Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of the east, may try to cause confusion in order to register their dissatisfaction with Governor Peter Obi-led state government. Government agents assigned with the Ojukwu Gateway project were particularly worried that they issued several public notices to warn such individuals against taking such actions.

During the visit to Onitsha in particular, where Jonathan finally commissioned the Ojukwu statue and the Gateway, security presence was breathtaking.

These measures were taken as part of the state government’s reaction to the criticisms against the state of Ojukwu’s statue and the multimillion naira Ojukwu Gateway in Onitsha.

Although no unhealthy scene was made by critics during the visit and the official inauguration by the president, criticism against the projects has not ceased since them. Instead, the number of critics has continued to multiply even as the state government continued to express its good intentions.

This week, however, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra and four other civil rights organisations took the controversy to its peak, when they issued a joint statement condemning what they described as the “desecration of the statue of the late Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the road named after him by touts and security agents in Onitsha, Anambra State”.

In the statement, issued last Sunday, September 9, 2012, MASSOB, along with the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, the Civil Liberties Organisation, the Human Rights Club and the Human Rights Develop-

Politics

Controversy over Ojukwu’s statue

•Ojukwu

ity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Okelo Madukaife, who pointed out that since Eze Iweka was a traditional ruler, who contributed immensely to the development of Onitsha, it would be humiliating for the current state government to dishonor him by renaming a street previously named after him.

According to him, “The proposal to de-honour an ancestral royal father, illustrious son of Anambra State, and prime mover of the development of Onitsha in order to honour Ojukwu, our own Ikemba, the legend, is tantamount to ridiculing two Anambra icons and honouring none, because it can generate altercations between individuals, families and communities that will erase any honour, if truly intended.

He added that “The ACN dissociates itself from this selfserving move and urges the government to retrace its steps, be more imaginative and take steps to respect, Ezeigbo GburuGburu rather than destroy another name to mock

Ikemba.”

The controversy commenced soon after Obi made public the agreement it had with the federal government to reconstruct part of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway and rename it Ojukwu Gateway.

Instead of attracting general applause from the people, majority of who adore the late Ikemba Nnewi, the move soon became a source of sharp disagreement even amongst commoners.

The first issue was the way government officials allegedly handled the clearing and relocation of traders and transporters occupying the two unused service lanes, from which the 10-lane space was designed to be carved out. Ikedichi Uzochukwu, a merchant in the area, told The Nation that “government officials were so uncaring that many of us immediately understood that they have motives other than honouring our hero, Ojukwu.”

But a source close to the Government House in Awka, reacting to the allegations, said the traders that occupied the area before scored zero in environmental rating and have over the years, not only polluted the place but have also been bribing government officials and have thus bee warding off government’s efforts to relocate. The present government, the source said, is being criticized because such tactics have failed.

It would be recalled that the Odumegwu-Ojukwu statue and the Ojukwu Gateway, the first three kilometres of the 107-kilometre OnitshaEnugu Expressway, were inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan on August 30, 2012 while on a state visit to Anambra State.

Donald Duke still on sabbatical

Political

ripples

A

Attahiru Bafarawa opts for senate

T

HE former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, may be warming up to take an active part in the next democratic dispensation if feelers from his associates are anything to go by. The ex-governor, who made a botched attempt at the presidency on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later the Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP), according to sources, is finalising plans to contest for an elective

•Bafarawa

position again, this time as a senator in his home state where he still enjoys a cult-figure status. However, it is not yet clear the political party he would chose to contest the election

LMOST six years after he left office as the Governor of Cross Rivers State and decided to take a break from politics, Mr. Donald Duke is still not keen on staging a comeback to the political turf.

The ex-governor, it was learnt, remain unconvinced about the direction his party, PDP, is headed and would rather prefer to watch events from the sidelines. The only •Duke major political event Duke has attended af- Esuene Stadium in ter he left office five Calabar. This gesture, years ago was the sec- we gathered, was after ond term declaration much pressure from his of his successor, Liyel friends and political Imoke, held at the U.J associates.

Chidi Offodile battles Peter Obi

T

HERE seems to be nolove lost between Hon. Chidi Offodile, a former member of the House of Representatives and Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi. A few days before the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Anambra State about three

Political Politics

Sam Egburonu reports on the current disagreements over government’s efforts to honour Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwo Ojukwu ment International asked Anambra State Government to reverse its renaming of the Headbridge-Upper Iweka section of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.

Point of debate: While there seems to be no doubt that the late Biafran leader deserves to be honoured, critics of the action are not satisfied with the location of the statue and the choice of the road named after Ojukwu. They have therefore alleged that instead of immortalising the late hero, he has been insulted because the area, especially the road, where his statue is located, is filthy. According to them, the late leader’s name, which ought to be venerated, has been desecrated.

The groups did not stop there. They in fact demanded that the statue be transferred to a more decent place “where it would be treated with respect and honour.”

The statement, entitled, ‘Ojukwu Gateway and Statue in Onitsha abandoned and converted to Sodom and Gomorrah — A joint report by Intersociety, MASSOB, CLO, Human Rights Club and Human Rights Dev. Int’l and signed by Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi,Intersociety; Comrade Uchenna Mmadu, National Director of Information, MASSOB; Mr. Aloysius Attah for CLO; Mr. Samuel Njoku, Human Rights Club and Mr. Peter Onyegiri for HRDI, likened the situation around the statue to what happened in the biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.

Other critics had earlier faulted the wisdom of Governor Peter Obi-led government of Anambra State in renaming the popular Iweka road after Odumegwu Ojukwu. One of them is Anambra State Public-

weeks ago, Offodile had called on the president not to inaugurate SABmiller, a brewery giant located in Onitsha. The company was one of the projects that the president commissioned during his state visit.

Offodile’s grouse, according to findings, was that the gov-

ernor allegedly used state funds to construct the multi-billion project, of which he is alleged to own substantial stake.

Though Obi had his way by getting the project opened, sources disclosed that Offodile is not giving up about dragging the governor to the court of public opinion.

•Obi

21

turf

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

Letter to my President (2)

L

AST week, I promised to continue with my passionate plea that you review the journey so far and make necessary amends in the interest of our dear country. I have just taken another look at the results of the last presidential election and I came to the conclusion that, indeed, no leader has been as lucky as you are in the chequered history of this troubled country.

The last person to have obtained the endorsement from nearly all parts of the country was the late Chief MKO Abiola.

But, he was denied access to the throne by the powers and principalities that have held the nation hostage since independence.

But, in your case, Mr. President, majority of Nigerians in the West, East, Southsouth, Northcentral and Northeast expressed their preference for you. Only in the Northwest did the opposition gain a foothold. Even then, your closest rival, General Muhammadu Buhari, failed to convert his general appeal to full electoral endorsement.

With that, many of us who were even opposed to handing this country to your care wished, and some hoped, that you would rise up to the occasion and shame the cynics. Some thought that the fact that God allowed you to move up the ladder meant that He wanted you in office to wipe tears from the faces of the poor. They reviewed the history of your political participation and suggested that having emerged the deputy governor of Bayelsa State when, truly speaking, you were one of the least politically prepared, then moved on to serve as governor as your boss, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was providentially shoved aside and, then, handed the vice presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at a time that even you could not have expected it, you deserved to be given a chance.

The unexpected then happened when another former boss of yours, the late Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua lost the battle for life and, despite the stiff resistance by those who had wanted to block you from assuming the most exalted office of the land; you were installed Nigeria’s fourth elected Executive President.

How else would one expect God to speak? It has been argued by some critics that many of your compatriots allowed sentiments to becloud their senses of reasoning; that some voted for you based on such banal considerations as being a fellow minority man or as a Christian. Some argued that the North had been in charge of national affairs for much longer, and felt a Southern minority should be allowed to try his famed luck.

Whatever may be the reason, here we are now. You are the President, Commander-in-Chief, Chief Executive and national leader. But, what matters to me is what you have done with the enormous powers inherent in the title you bear and what you may yet do in the next 35 months.

Mr. President, I was tempted to agree with you in taking your predecessors to the cleaners the other day. It is indisputable that they all failed and, in any decent society, they ought to keep away from the public square. As you observed, they had failed to build the roads, failed to grow the economy and failed in raising a new generation of Nigerians that could compete with the best in the world. But, the question to ask is, what have you done differently since you happened on the office?

I know that you do not need me to remind you that you have been Nigeria’s Chief Executive since February 2010, that is, 26 months now. Had it been a straight course, you would have moved clear of the mid-term mark. So, it is a convenient juncture to ask what has changed in the educational, social and economic sectors. Our athletes just returned from the Olympics with nothing. Truly, they deserved nothing. Our football is in shambles. There is yet no clue to how to revamp the education system. More Nigerians now move to India and South Africa for treatment of common ailments than at any other point in our history. Your party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), keeps fumbling and is clearly unable to shoulder the responsibility of mobilising our people for the task of building a new Nigeria. It is also obvious that the structural defects in the economy have not, and are not, being addressed.

When the list of recipients of national honours was released last Monday, I could not help shaking my head. I knew we had missed it again. We had left undone that which we ought to do and moved on to do what was most unnecessary. How is the list this year qualitatively better than previous years? When the wrong persons are honoured for destroying the country, how would the honest be encouraged to soldier on?

As Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has pointed out, why tie national honours to assumption of certain offices? If the expressed objective is to fish out those who have distinguished themselves in public service, what has a fresher done to be so classified? We saw Tafa Balogun awarded the CFR just as Mohammed Abubakar has. We saw Madam Patricia Etteh celebrated at the point of entry in the same way that Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has been invested with the emblem of honour. Is this the way forward? Is this the path to transformation? Besides, the former Presidents who were tagged failures by you were all awarded the highest national honour.

My dear President, I have written this from my heart. Please, if you do not want your name entered in the wrong chapter of Nigerian history, either as the man who seared the soul of the nation or as a do-nothing leader, you have to come up with a new formula for lifting the country from morass.

I sincerely thank you for taking time to read this and, rather than concern yourself with politicking for another term, concentrate on rendering quality service. I wish you well, indeed.

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Politics

W

HAT is your mission in Benin City?

We visited Oko Prison in order to review what has been happening in particular with regards to the prison facilities, security of the prisons, the training facilities that are there for inmates because the Senate is concerned about a number of issues. The Senate is concerned about the number of people who are awaiting trials; many people are in prison who ought not to be there, in fact yesterday, one of the most glaring and distressing report we had from the Comptroller of Prison was the case of four detainees who had been kept there since 1997 and they are said to be kept there on the order of the military administrator and we found it strange that there is this class of people who are detained in prison and that is an area of concern for the Senate.

Secondly, we are concerned about the security situation of our prisons; we had a number of prison breaks and we wanted to ensure that staff and inmate who are complying with the rules and regulations are not harmed by people who have mischievous design; so we are interested in what we can do to strengthen the security in the prisons and additionally we want to see that training facilities are available for the inmates such that when they leave prisons, they will be better citizens, well trained and we are very happy at what we saw. We saw a number of tailors and the women confirmed to us that they have been taught skills, and we have people who have been trained as electricians, plumbers and we think that this should be the case and we want to have more of that. The authorities also complained to us about shortage of manpower even though it’s increasing since the recent jail •Continued from page 20 up to the ideals of local governance, that is, confront and effectively and efficiently solve the problem of the concerned locality, there are certain requirements that must be met.

A local government must be able to (i) identify the problems of the locality, (ii) set priorities, (iii) mobilize resources, (iv) implement programmes, (v) evaluate results, (vi) learn from those results, (vii) and maintain popular legitimacy through their performance and accountability...

From 299 local governments at their creation in 1976, to 593 in 1991, Nigeria now has 774 local government areas (LGAs). However, because of the nature of their evolution, Nigeria's structural crisis and the challenges of our political culture, the process of the creation, the powers of the local government councils, and the capacity of the councils to deliver the goods to the people have been embroiled in controversy.

In its modern history in Nigeria, the creation of local governments was part of the process of return to democratic rule.

There were three fundamental elements of the 1976 local government reforms. One was to make the local government one of democratically elected local councils with its own resources, personnel, responsibilities, and autonomous legal existence.

Two was to distinguish it from the state and the national governments. Three - and this included the subsequent legal contexts in the 1989, 1995 and 1999 constitutions - was to empower local governments legally and transform them into a third tier of government in the federation.

State police: the timing is wrong - Bagudu Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, from Kebbi State, is the Senate Committee Chairman on Internal Affairs. During the week, the committee visited Oko Prison in Benin City, which was bombed on August 19. In this interview with Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, he spoke on prison reforms, national security and other burning issues. Excerpts breaks and we believe we will support any measure that will improve the manpower and security level in Nigerian Prisons.

You have spoken about prison reforms, but if you look critically at the number of inmates there, you observed that there were perhaps more inmates in the 608 Medium capacity facilities, what is the Senate doing about decongesting the prisons.

If you listen to what I said about the awaiting trial detainees, like you rightly said, the prison capacity ought to be 608 Beds but they have 1005 detainees as at yesterday when we visited and 932 of these are awaiting trial and so if the Judicial process is improved, yesterday one of the areas the Controller mentioned was that the Directors of Public Prosecution (DPP) in different states, it takes a long time before the investigations are finished and these people are taking to court, the trial takes place and concluded. So in most Urban Prisons, you find that the numbers of awaiting trial detainees are more than the numbers convicted. In fact Nigerian prisons population is about 49,000 and out of these, about 36,000 are awaiting trial detainees. The Senate in the last four months has considered prisons reform; we have considered many motions to deal with expediting the

processes such that the trials period will be enhanced; we have spoken about the need for the police to finish their investigations quickly, the Directors of Public Prosecution and Ministry of Justices to review their files and advice one way or the other promptly; the Chief Justices of the state should undertake periodic visit to the prisons so that they can review some cases on the spot because there are people who ordinarily ought not to be in prison.

Is the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs worried about the rising security problem in the country; Boko Harram, kidnappings, etc?

The Senate has been in the forefront of increased funding to the security agencies because we recognised that our security agencies have been doing a great job but the challenges is multifaceted and the most obvious one which the Senate has paid attention to is to increase funding and increase interactions with the security agencies so that from time to time, we are appreciative of those areas that need to be enhanced. Last year, we passed the Anti-terrorism Act, which we also believe will strengthen it and with other Acts that we believe will enhance the state of readiness so that the security services are not limited by legalism so that they move faster and arrest crime wherever it is happening, whether it is

•Bagudu

Kidnappings in the East, Boko Haram in the North or it is people threatening to break away or whatever.

What is your take on the proposed introduction of N5, 000 note by the CBN? I am not speaking on behalf of the committee; I am speaking as a Senator and a Nigerian. I

am one of those who are critical of the reasoning behind the introduction of the N5, 000 notes by the CBN. Because in about 8 years ago, the Central Bank introduced new currency denominations and we thought that was a well thought out policy, so to quickly come in a very short period and say we

LG creation: The constitutional and legal challenges The fundamental elements of the 1976 reforms seemed to have worked well until 1979 when the Second Republic started. And let me say, with all sense of responsibility, that this was understandable. In deciding on the local government reforms, the military regime largely consulted itself and its chosen experts. The most critical structural problem of the 1976 reforms and subsequently laws establishing and governing local government in Nigeria was the fact of treating the local government as a federating unit. This was an aberrant innovation in the practices of federalism. In a federal state, there are only two fundamental, constitutional levels, the central government and the federating units (regions or states).

Any other lower level of government must be the creation of each of the federating units.

The centre is only first among equals. Any other level of government created by the constituent unit, such as local government or mayoralty, is not, and cannot be, a federating unit within the constitution. The attempt by the military-imposed constitutions since 1979 to subvert a fundamental principle of federalism by turning local governments into creations of the central government has brought all sorts of problems not only for local governance in Nigeria, but even for the relationship between the centre and the federating units, that is, the states.

The truth is that the people of Nigeria did not accept the strange principle of treating local governments as if they were federating units. There was no referendum in which the mili-

tary-imposed constitutions and this particular provision were accepted.

This is what produced the subversion which was experienced in the Second Republic and has been experienced in the Third, and is being experienced in the Fourth Republic. This is no argument for the non-democratization of local governments that we have experienced in many parts of the federation. But we must accept the fundamental fact that, while the local government remains a critical development and democratic point in federal governance, it cannot be accorded the right of a federating unit in a proper federation.

Therefore, the idea of a third tier of government recognized by the federal constitution in their names and whose creation must be sanctioned by the National Assembly or some other central institution is a direct and violent slap on the face of federalism...

I am not making an argument against increasing the capacity of local governments so as to strengthen grassroots development. In fact, on the contrary, as will become evident as I conclude this lecture, I am making an argument for increasing the capacity of local governments to deliver the goods.

However, my departure point is that the way it has been done in violation of federalist principles by the military-imposed constitutions - which we have failed to thoroughly and fundamentally revise - does not augur well for the development of local governance in Nigeria.

While I must admit that many of the states from the Second to Fourth Republics have abused the autonomy of local governments and subverted the

capacity of that tier of government to perform its duties, I will argue that correcting this trend should not involve the subversion of federalist principles. After all, the federal government in Nigeria's history has failed us repeatedly, yet its powers have been expanded over the last 50 years, rather than being reduced.

Why is it that the federating units must be the ones forced by an external authority - external in the context of local issues - to give up on their powers of supervision and control over the local governments that ought to be, originally, their own creations? How can the centre that is so far away from the people assume the wisdom for the number, size, and locations and even capitals of local governments over and above the states that are closer to the realities?

Strengthening grassroots development through LG creation: What should be done.

Let me say with all emphasis at my disposal that the first step that must be taken in the quest to strengthen grassroots development in Nigeria is to expunge the names of local government areas from the constitution. This is the core constitutional challenge. It is the biggest constitutional challenge faced in the efforts to strengthen grassroots development. And it is one of the core issues that must be addressed in a truly demo-

cratic, serious-minded constitutional review process…

Expunging the list of local governments from the Constitution is in many ways linked to the critical efforts aimed to making the Constitution and subsequently, the country, truly federal. In this context, let me quickly add that, as it is the practice in all truly federal systems, the all the states in Nigeria must and should have their own constitutions, just as the regions in the First Republic, had their own constitutions. It is one of the critical instruments of the assertion of the autonomy of the states in a federation. I call on the State of Osun to lead this process. Anyone who in uncomfortable with this important principle of federalism should go to court. I have no doubt in my mind that the Supreme Court will rule in favour of state constitutions.

There are many legal and other problems that this will resolve. One is the problem of injustice, inequity and lopsided allocation of resources. For instance, among the many reasons which necessitated the gallant and commendable action of the Governor Bola Tinubu-led administration in creating more local governments in Lagos State is the glaring injustice and appalling inequity that ensured that Lagos State had only 20 lo-

“I am not making an argument against increasing the capacity of local governments so as to strengthen grassroots development. In fact, on the contrary, I am making an argument for increasing the capacity of local governments to deliver the goods.”

are replacing these with coins, we think it reflects hasty reasoning on behalf of the Central Bank. Because if they had thought it out, they would have convinced us then whether we needed new coins or new currency because these things are expensive to print, and therefore the nation is bearing a huge burden and cost. Second issue is that over a decade there has been little use of coins in Nigeria and I am sure that none of you here today has seen coins in the last five years or has any in your pocket. Therefore if we don’t have the culture and it has not been explained to us why the nation should revert to currency for a significant number of denominations knowing that in our places where currencies are used heavily, we don’t see coins being used. The N5, 000 naira note is equally strange because the Central Bank has come out with policies that all Nigerians are commending them for; that is cashless society and we know that more Nigerians are using debit cards and points of sale are increasing everywhere, so I can’t see the rationale for a higher denomination currency which might affect the value of the currency.

How would you react to the agitation for the creation of state police?

As a member of the Constitution Review Committee, my view is simply personal because I am not supposed to be partisan on these issues. There have been pros and cons on these arguments and people are saying even if it is desirable, it doesn’t look it is time because of the various security challenges we are facing. Even though some of the arguments are cogent, the time is wrong. cal government areas while Kano State, even when it was split into two states, Kano and Jigawa States, continued to expand its number of LGAs - such that Kano state now has 46 LGAs and Jigawa, which was taken out of the old Kano State, has 26 LGAs. That adds up to 72 LGAs for the old Kano State against Lagos State's 20 LGAs. The flagrant disregard for justice and equity and the economic and development challenges peculiar to both old Kano and Lagos state is evident here. There would have been no problem and there probably would have been no such geometric increase in the number of old and new Kano and Jigawa States' LGAs but for the politics of oil revenue. The allocation of revenue on the basis of the number of LGAs is certainly the fundamental reason for the injustice in the number of LGAs across the federation. This is also why the military, in their lack of a sense of fairness and justice, created these LGAs at the centre and enshrined them in the constitution.

Conclusion What I am arguing for is that, if we desire the full democratisation of the processes of the creation of LGAs in Nigeria, we must also be ready to embrace the challenges that this will bring and not just the opportunities that come with it...

It is only in a people's Constitution and a truly federal one that we can have the guarantees of creating viable, effective and efficient local government areas that will genuinely lead to grassroots development in the State of Osun, as well as the rest of Nigeria.

Being excerpts from a speech delivered by Senator Ojodu at the 21st anniversary of the creation of Osun State, on Monday, 17th August, 2012.

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INSIGHT THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

•Jonathan

•Buhari

•Mark

•Namadi Sambo

2015 presidential race: The field takes shape

•Aliyu Babangida

S

WIFT moves for 2015 presidential election began soon after 2011 elections as various political families and interest groups retreated to restrategise. But the moves, though obvious and desperate, have been carefully disguised and shielded through public denials by the principal actors, most of who try to cover their tracks by giving misleading designations to their 2015 presidential campaign activities across the country.

These tricks notwithstanding, informed observers agree that the guarded plans of the various groups have reached advanced stages, though the actual election is still three years away.

While other interest groups have attracted less attention of critics and are therefore perfecting their strategies away from media attention, the position of President Goodluck Jonathan on 2015 race has continued to be of major interest, mainly because of the argument within the Peoples Democratic Party, as to whether he would contest again or allow the major claimants; the South-East and the North, to produce the party’s candidate in 2015.

Either to ward off attention or reduce tension in the polity, the Presidency laboured desperately to deny Jonathan’s interest in 2015, claiming that he is still paying attention to gov-

•Lamido

•Ibrahim Shekarau

•Atiku

Official insistence at the highest levels of government that talk about the 2015 presidency is ‘premature and a distraction’ notwithstanding, the race has indeed commenced in earnest. In this report, Sam Egburonu, Remi Adelowo and Sunday Oguntola present the behind-the-scene maneuvers, the undercurrents and the likely contenders for the coveted seat. ernance and that 2015 is still too far away. This position succeeded, to some extent in putting a knife on the debate on Jonathan and 2015 presidency.

Early this year however, Elder Godsday Orubebe, a top member of Jonathan’s kitchen cabinet and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, tactically opened the debate though in an offhanded way when he made what his critics called a reckless statement about Jonathan’s 2015 political future.

It was the first time a top federal government functionary of his standing would finally inform Nigerians publicly that Jonathan will seek for a second term in office.

Understandably, Orubebe’s declaration has been taken by many as a true reflection of Jonathan’s inner thoughts on his political future in 2015, though some of his aides are still dishing out denials.

After the statement, the first question was whether the minister was sent to test political waters and gauge the disposition of Nigerians to the president’s alleged desire to contest for

another term?

Next, was Chief E. K. Clark, a former Minister for Information during the First Republic, who has since assumed an informal role of Jonathan’s top spokesman. The prominent Ijaw leader and acclaimed godfather of the president at several fora and newspaper interviews, never misses the opportunity to inform his audience that his ‘godson’ would throw his hat into the ring when the whistle signaling the commencement of the race is blown.

More endorsements for the president came just some days ago, when prominent leaders in the South-South geo-political zone under the auspices of the South-South Peoples Assembly (SSPA), at the end of a meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, issued a communiqué restating their support for their ‘son’, while calling on the president to seek re-election in 2015.

For many Nigerians, the SSPA’s position could be the final confirmation that it is only matter of when, and not if Jonathan will contest.

So, instead of wondering if Jonathan will contest, the big poser today seems to be if he will have an easy ride retaining his seat come 2015?

The North gears up for battle The president’s alleged second term ambition will, most expectedly, face the strongest challenge from the North, which has repeatedly stated that it is its turn to produce the president in 2015.

It is no longer a secret that not a few prominent northern leaders believe rightly or wrongly that the president shortchanged the region by contesting the 2011 presidential elections after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who died in May 2010.

Based on the controversial principle of rotational presidency between the North and the South enshrined in the constitution of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jonathan, they argued, should have allowed a northerner to complete the •Continued on Page 24

24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

INSIGHT

•Nasir-El-Rufai

•Okorocha

•Rabiu-Musa-Kwankwaso

•Yuguda

The field takes shape region’s eight-year tenure in 2015 after a southerner, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, had taken the zone’s slot from 1999 to 2007.

A pointer to the north’s seriousness was the unambiguous resolution by the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) a few months ago at a meeting held in Kaduna that the region will pull all the stops to ensure the emergence of a president of northern extraction come 2015.

Sources disclosed to The Nation that the Presidency was ruffled by the northern governors’ stand after it had been assured by its North-Central governors’ allies that the issue of the 2015 presidency would not be tabled at the parley.

North’s presidential hopefuls From the North-Central, NorthEast and North-West, the region is, undoubtedly, not lacking in presidential materials.

Unconfirmed speculations has it that at least three northern governors serving their second term-Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) have told their close associates they will give the 2015 race a shot. The Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso is also alleged to be eyeing the race.

Apart from these governors, other names being bandied within the political circles as possible presidential candidates of the PDP include current Vice-President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who probably because of his position have been very careful not to be seen by the president as plotting to contest against him. But sources claimed that once Jonathan confirmed he would not contest, Sambo’s political machinery will come in the open full force.

Other major contenders from the zone include former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; Senate President, David Mark and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Northern aspirant’s chances and drawback Sambo: On the surface, the relationship between Jonathan and his vice, Sambo appears smooth, even though critics have tried to paint a contrary picture.

Given the president’s alleged interest in the 2015 presidential race, it is unlikely that Sambo will contest against his boss when the chips are

“

A pointer to the north’s seriousness was the unambiguous resolution by the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) a few months ago at a meeting held in Kaduna that the region will pull all the stops to ensure the emergence of a president of northern extraction come 2015.

“

•Continued from Page 23

down. If he does, the ripple effect of such decision is rather unimaginable to contemplate, said analysts.

But insiders said political platform is already available so that if the president declines interest in the race, the coast would be clear for the vice-president, who is currently the highest ranking government official from the north.

So, presidency sources said Sambo’s chances to win the PDP’s nomination and the election proper would only be boosted if the president, as the leader of the government and the party, throws his weight behind his candidature.

But he has drawbacks. Until he was appointed as vice-president in 2010, Sambo was the governor of Kaduna State, a position he held for three years.

He succeeded Ahmed Makarfi, now a senator representing Kaduna- Central.

A successful architect and businessman, Sambo was not known to be a politician until he was elected as governor in 2007 with the active support of Makarfi.

Not a few PDP top shots therefore still question Sambo’s political weight

to rally the support of northern elites behind his candidacy. This perceived lack of political strength, The Nation gathered, may embolden governors and other politicians in the north to contest the PDP presidential ticket with Sambo.

David Mark: Considered to be a very strategic aspirant, who may come in as a compromise candidate to balance conflict of interests, there is a major question today if the Senate President, David Mark can truly upset the apple cart?

However, it must be admitted that neither his public utterances nor body language today suggest any inkling that he is as interested in the 2015 presidential race as analysts have claimed.

This notwithstanding The Nation investigation shows that this shrewd political strategist, who has paid his dues in politics over the last 12 years and more, and a four-term senator from Benue State, is being fronted by top politicians in his geo-political zone to vie for the 2015 presidential elections.

If he does contest, Mark will garner substantial support from his PDP colleagues in the National Assembly where he has assumed a larger-thanlife status.

His candidacy may also draw the support of governors, influential politicians from the North-Central and the Christian community both in the north and the entire country.

The Senate President’s chances may, however, be dependent on the disposition of politicians from the core north to his aspiration, a factor that is difficult to determine accurately today.

Sule Lamido Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has been in the news lately, albeit for the right reasons.

Unconfirmed reports have it that Lamido, who is a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, is being prodded by powerful figures within and outside the PDP to contest the 2015 presidency, with Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

The first indication that there could be truth in the report was the alleged endorsement by former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for a Sule Lamido/ Rotimi Amaechi PDP ticket. Though the former president has since denied this report, the speculation has refused to die down.

Also at the 21st anniversary of the creation of Jigawa State, which held at the capital city, Dutse, last month, former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, publicly urged Lamido to ‘hearken to the voice of his people’ and

contest the next presidential election.

Though the governor kept mum on this issue at the occasion, The Nation learnt that his political associates are feverishly working behind the scene to ensure the success of the governor when he finally makes up his mind to give the race a shot.

As an individual politician, Lamido has admirers from the south and the strategy to pair with Amaechi could have worked if not the South-East factor which is likely to pose as a major stumbling block.

Isa Yuguda A two-term governor of the North East state of Bauchi, Isa Yuguda, is also alleged to have a secret ambition to become Nigeria’s president in 2015.

Urbane and cosmopolitan, the former banker-turned-politician, according to sources, will announce his interest in the race late next year.

The former MD/CEO of the defunct Inland Bank is believed to be banking on the support of core loyalists of his father-in-law, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

How this factor will boost Yuguda’s likely candidature remains to be seen.

Aliyu Babangida As the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), Aliyu Babangida’s influence in the polity is not in doubt. And this privilege, sources disclosed, would stand the Niger State governor in good stead when the race for the 2015 presidency finally kicks off.

The outspoken former federal permanent secretary, while playing host to some associates recently, tacitly confirmed his interest in the presidency, but added, ‘only God can determine whom he gives power or takes power from’.

On his chances, analysts say the governor could put up a good fight for the PDP ticket if he fully leverages on his position as NGF chairman, whereby all governors in the north decide to queue behind him in the race.

Atiku Abubakar The former vice-president, who contested for the PDP ticket with President Jonathan in 2011, is still not giving up on his ambition of ruling the country.

A prelude to his entry into the race was the recent resurrection of the once powerful Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), which comprises of associates of the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, the former VP’s political godfather.

The move, The Nation gathered, is to •Continued on Page 25

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

25

Putting faces to the opposition challenge

T

HE prospect sounds tantalising.

Opposition parties and politicians believe it is highly possible. Dislodging the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they argue, is going to happen. Come 2015, many imagine, the PDP will lose the presidency.

In established democracies, they would be justified in their optimism .

The dismal economic outlook, growing insecurity, infrastructural decadence, failing governmental organs and other challenges facing the nation threaten the PDP hold on Aso Rock.

But how ready are opposition parties? Are they capable of highlighting the glaring failures of the PDP to the voting public? Will they make the monumental losses the nation has suffered since the PDP came to power 14 years ago a campaign issue?

Can they mobilise Nigerians to believe in their alternatives to governance?

Can Nigerians trust them enough to lift the nation out of the doldrums? Do they have believable candidates to shove the PDP out of power?

The 2015 elections, if anything, reveal Nigerians vote more for candidates than political parties.

President Goodluck Jonathan won overwhelmingly because voters thought he represented a new order and fresh face. His I-have-no-shoes narrative struck the right chord with the masses. Many could identify with his rise from ground zero. Jonathan, they reckoned, would fix their challenges since he was once like them.

They cared less about his party, the PDP, which has been dashing their hopes and chose to give him their mandate.

These made him run away with over 90% total votes from the South-East, South-South, South-West and some parts of the North. Analysts believe if opposition parties must wrestle power from the PDP come 2015, they must field credible candidates with strong credentials and pedigrees. So, who are the leading presidential candidates from the opposition camps?

General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) He had the first shot at the presidency in 2003 against former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Since then, he has become a perennial contestant. In 2007 and 2011, Buhari emerged second to former President Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. In 2003 and 2007, he was the standard bearer for the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

Perhaps thinking his undoing had to do with the party structure, he founded the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) few months to the 2011 polls but still lost.

Political pundits believe Buhari is a victim of poor perception. Many Nigerians consider him an Islamic fundamentalist and a rigid politician.

He is also seen as too intolerant of differing political views and more of an ethnic leader.

Nigeria, they assume, will change too radically in such a short time should Buhari become President much to the discomfort of many.

Everyone agrees he is incorruptible but there are fears he may be too hard for everyone. They also do not believe he has imbibed enough democratic values because of his military background, a development that makes his critics say he might be too draconian. There is also no clear cut understanding of how the economy will fare under him but many Christians believe he might drag the nation to the Organisation of Islamic Organisation (OIC).

He has indicated interest in

“

Buhari’s major challenge is the perception of many in the opposition that he will be a hard-sell in other parts of the country.

They would rather that he anoints a younger candidate around whom all the other opposition parties can rally. It is an option he is not ready to embrace.

“

•Continued from Page 24

position the group as a counterfoil to whatever machinations the top apparatchik of the PDP may have in stock for the PDP primaries.

Sources alleged that having realised that wrestling the PDP ticket from Jonathan may prove almost an impossible task, Atiku is starting work ahead of time to reorganise PDM and if need be, float a new party under which platform he will contest for the 2015 presidency.

But Atiku told The Nation that the move is only meant to protect the interest of the group. What that interest would be remains to be seen.

From the South-East The South-East, which is insisting that it is their turn to produce the country’s president also have some hopefuls, though their chances are largely contestable because of divisions amongst political leaders from the zone.

The Nation has recently reported exclusively that Jonathan’s 2015 ambition has divided the opinion of Igbo leaders. While some of the leaders, led

by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, are allegedly working for Jonathan’s re-election, others have said it clearly that Ndigbo will no longer accept the situation where they are always denied the opportunity of producing the president.

So, the picture from this zone is more complex.

However, some political groupings, currently led by Governor Rochas Okorocha-motivated G-21 are working behind-the scene to mobilise the zone to speak as one on the issue of 2015 presidency. This group, which feature politicians like Senator Annie Okonkwo, its leader and Chief Victor Umeh, the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is currently focused on presenting a presidential aspirant from South-East zone.

They are however planning achieve this feat through political alliances.

The form this alliance will take is yet to be seen, but as Okorocha admitted recently, “you never can tell. In politics, your worst enemy today can be your bess friend tomorrow.”

The disagreement not withstanding, some hopefuls from this zone include: Rochas Okorocha: This APGA governor of Imo State, who is not a newcomer to presidential primaries in Nigeria, has become something of a rallying point in the politics of 2015 in the South-East, the crisis in his party notwithstanding. Although he is yet to declare his interest, insiders said he is working towards contesting as president in 2015.

It is also not yet known the platform he intends to use to realise the ambition, even as some of his close associates said he will prefer to seek re-election as governor of Imo in 2015 before renewing his well-known presidential ambition.

Orji Uzor Kalu: The former governor of Abia State, sources said, has been working behindthe-scene to resuscitate what is left of his political mechinary towards 2015 election.

Given the state of his political party, PPA, and his tricky relationship with PDP, it not certain which platform he may be aspiring to contest with.

Conclusion: Though the presidential election is still three years away and the presidency is busy denying its involvement, the politics of 2015 is hot and the various geo-political groups, especially the three zones in the north, the South-east and the South-south are deep in it.

The only zone left out of the game today, the South-west, has indeed become the beautiful bride, which is being lobbied to offer the much needed

INSIGHT

contesting again in 2015 after he earlier said he was no longer going to put himself up for the highest office. If Buhari is keen, the CPC’s ticket is his for the asking. He remains hugely popular with the Talakawas in the North.

Buhari’s major challenge is the perception of many in the opposition that he will be a hard-sell in other parts of the country.

They would rather that he anoints a younger candidate around whom all the other opposition parties can rally. It is an option he is not ready to embrace.

If he gets his way and runs again in 2015, he may be forced to make the kinds of concessions he was unwilling to make in 2011.

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai The former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is another leading light from the CPC, heavily associated with the presidential contest in 2015. El-Rufai was one of those allegedly considered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the run-off to the 2007 polls. He was a strong kitchen member of the administration then.

The controversial quantity surveyor has since pitched his tent with the CPC where he is an influential figure. There are talks he is being groomed to run for the presidency come 2015. He has since moved to douse some plans. In a tweet some weeks ago, El-Rufai said he had no such agenda.

His admirers however believe he will make a good president because of his principled stance on national issues. They say he can change the nation, especially considering how he cleaned up Abuja as a minister. But his critics allege that the way he handled affairs when he was minister was far from transparent. They say he will allocate national resources to himself the same way he allegedly allocated choice landed properties to himself and cronies as minister.

Should he contest, El-Rufai will be visited with much criticisms and running as an inexperienced candidate. He has never contested for any elective post throughout his political career. To begin from the highest office, many argue, will amount to overstretching his luck. But he has huge followers in the social media circle where his tweets have sensational

• Ribadu effects.

Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau In 2011, he vowed to capture the presidency just as he became Governor of Kano State against all odds in 2003.

He was the first incumbent to be re-elected consecutively in Kano. So, many believed him and expected an upset. But it never came to be. The ANPP standard bearer in 2011, Shekarau, is expected to contest come 2015 again. If he does, he will be running with much experience in his bag.

But many say candidates like Shekarau can never win the presidency in a nation as vast and as complex as Nigeria. They argue that he does not have enough financial muscle to campaign and win the race. In terms of structure, Shekarau does not have much too.

Unfortunately, the ANPP has lost many of its fortresses in the core north. The party has little or no presence anywhere in the South. Without a strong finance and structure to prosecute a presidential race, it is hard to imagine how far Shekarau can go.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu It is hard to know if the 2011 Presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) will be vying for the office again in 2015. This is because he is now chairman of newly established Petroleum Revenue Task Force. He is busy verifying all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues payable to the Federal Government. His committee is working towards transparency and accountability in the oil industry.

Pundits however said Ribadu is too ambitious to settle for something as small as chairmanship of a ministerial committee. Come 2015, they say Ribadu will be throwing his heart into the race again. But it is unknown under what party Ribadu will be seeking the office amid speculations he has returned to the PDP. But beyond party affiliation, Ribadu’s exploits at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continue to work in his favour. Many believe the nation’s anti-corruption efforts yielded biggest dividends during his rein. But his critics say he has a history of working against his benefactors. If Ribadu contests, he will have experience as one of his strongest points. But how far can that take him?

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

INSIGHT

‘Disunity not peculiar to the Igbo’ W

HAT has life after power been like for you?

Life has always been the same thing it has been to me because nothing changed. I live in the same house; I stay in the same place. So, I’ve not lost anything.

Since when I was governor, it’s the same house, the same bed that I’ve been sleeping.

Life has been very busy for me; travelling from one continent to the other and being in almost all sectors of the economy. It has been very challenging to make ends meet.

What has losing the power to control Abia State meant to you?

I never had any power of running a state before. I was just a mere messenger of the people and I left happily. This is why I’m saying I never lost anything. As governor for eight years, I was just a messenger of the people and nothing has changed. This is the house I had when I was governor, and I have not changed the house or the chairs.

How would you respond to the allegation by your successor, whom you almost singlehandedly installed, that you left virtually nothing behind and that he took the state almost from the scratch when he succeeded you?

I’m not going to discuss the governor. I’ll leave that aspect for the people of Abia to defend. I have tried since I left not to discuss him, whether privately or publicly. It has been a strong cause of my life not to discuss him. I leave that discussion to the people of Abia.

The day I handed over to him, I told him to govern with his conscience and this is the same thing I’ve continued to say.

At what point did you really fall out with Governor Theodore Orji and why?

This is what I told you, and I say it again, I am not going to discuss that governor as a matter of principle.

But Orji has alleged that the main source of disagreement between you was the refusal of his government to sell some properties of the state in Lagos and your native Bende Local Government Area to you.

It is not true. This I can answer you straightaway. There is nothing like that. We were building a university at Igbere and the university people asked the government to lease the Umunnato General Hospital, which I refurbished when I was governor and nobody is using till today. It’s overgrown with weeds. You can send your correspondent in Umuahia to go and look at it. So they asked him to give them 50 years lease; lease with payment. I am not going to make any profit from Igbere – to the best of my knowledge. Why should I ask him to sell property to me? I was governor for eight years when they were doing privatisation. This is a man I told that there was no need to sell government property. If I wanted to buy government property, I was governor for eight years, I could have bought it. But it wasn’t my desire. I have been living in this house at Victoria Island since 1986. I have my office at Apapa since 1986.

In an interview in Washington recently, you spoke with displeasure about the current situation in PDP. Are you regretting your exit from the party?

No, no, no. I was just saying that because many people there are now big billionaires, most are using government money to buy private jets and numbering them outside the country. But these guys were nobody at all before. 1 and Musa Adede of Cross River State…we bought the first private jets in 1989.

So if people who were nobody before now start calling others thieves, when they are the real thieves, it’s painful. It’s what I cannot understand. Nigeria is a community of jesters where people don’t really know what their problems are.

You were among those that founded PDP, which you left to almost single-handedly found PPA, but now you are not in any of the two parties. What does that says about your politics?

It just says a lot about the attitude of the Nigerian people who were not steadfast. I didn’t leave PDP: Obasanjo virtually drove me and Atiku away. I was deregistered by Obasanjo. I give God the glory; I don’t feel any harm because everything we do is vanity. I am standing on the solid rock. As far as

Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, is a politician who never pulls his punches when discussing national issues. He recently spoke with selected journalists on the build up to the 2015 electoral contest, Igbo political unity, his relationship with his successor, Governor Theodore Orji, among other issues.

•Kalu

“As far as I am concerned, it is either you give Igbos the presidency or nothing. Almost 48 years after the civil war, you are telling people they are not entitled to rule Nigeria. Unless an Igbo man rules this country, the country would not be well. That is the truth because we are the salt of the nation.”

I am concerned, Nigerian people have not shown commitment to democracy. Look at my governor, he worked for me. He knows that I am not a money man. If he will say the truth, which I know will come out one day; he knows I never asked anybody to do anything for money. If money were to be my problem, I would have followed Obasanjo because I had full access to him. My challenge in life is the people, not money. When anybody says I asked him not to work, the person is not being sincere. For instance, I own The Sun newspapers; I don’t interfere in their day-today job. I like process, I like system, and this is what most Nigerians lack because they were not prepared for leadership. Most people in positions of leadership in Nigeria today found themselves suddenly in the line of leadership. That is the problem Nigeria has to-

day, people are not prepared for leadership.

Were you also driven out of PPA? No. I left because democracy was no longer the process of choice, but force. People who do these things should be ready to face the consequences in future. If we want to come back to politics, it is either they do it right or everybody would be prepared to pay for it. It is disheartening that a lot of people who won elections are not where they have won elections. Apart from the South-west and some parts of northern Nigeria, democracy has not taken root at all. I am disappointed. This was not what we bargained for, which made me leave my business for politics. Nigerians, whether living or dead, will regret what is happening someday. Leadership is not about possessions, it is about the people. Once a leader cannot reconcile with the people, it

becomes a problem.

What are your plans for the future?

You will soon see my plans; my plans are great.

What is your take on the preparations for the 2015 elections, especially with regards to the president’s silence over his intentions and the South-East’s agitation for the presidency?

Anybody who wants to run for the presidency should prepare to run. Why should they wait for anybody to tell them whether he will run or not. That is part of the things that are not right in our democracy. I want to discuss the president on performance, not on 2015, and he has said we should give him till 2013, that we would see wonders then. I would be patient till about September or October 2013 to be able to discuss him. I will discuss him fully because I’m not afraid of speaking my mind. I wanted to discuss him this time, but I saw in an interview when he said they should give him another one year to see the miracle that he would perform. But any person who is prepared to run for the presidency should not wait for anybody.

How will you rate President Jonathan who has been there since 2010?

I have not seen anything in terms of concrete performance, especially in the areas of security and infrastructure. Here in Victoria Island we are almost always on generator.

The fundamental issue is the rule of law. Any president who wants to rule this country should respect the rules and give people justice. If there is no rule of law, there will be no society. The most fundamental issue in any good society for the people is the rule of law.

A minister’s son who violates traffic law, for instance, should be penalised like any other Nigerian. Political armed robbers who took the country’s money should not be allowed to walk free. Governance is not about gossip.

Once leaders start listening to gossip, they are failures already. People must run government by what the constitution says.

Do you think the South-east has been fairly treated with regard to access to the presidency?

The South-east has not been fairly treated.

That is why when I see some Igbo people say they are waiting for Jonathan to decide whether he would run or not… Nobody should decide for anybody. As far as I am concerned, it is either you give Igbos the presidency or nothing. Almost 48 years after the civil war, you are telling people they are not entitled to rule Nigeria. Unless an Igbo man rules this country, the country would not be well. That is the truth because we are the salt of the nation. Whether you want to believe it or not, that is the truth. Anywhere you go in Nigeria and you don’t see an Igbo man living there, nobody lives there. So why don’t you give them the opportunity to rule their country? If it is not Panadol, it can never be anything that looks like Panadol. They have given Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, and Jonathan room to rule. Now is the turn of the Southeast, it’s either the South-east or nothing.

But the Igbo do not seem to be united…

Who has had unity before? When they made Obasanjo president, were Yorubas united? When they made Yar’Adua president, were the northerners united? You people should stop deceiving the Igbos. This nonsense should stop. They would say Igbo people like money, who does not like money?

The election of 2011 was effectively put together by some prominent northerners, they collected money. So who does not like money?

Do you think the Igbo currently have a strategy for the attainment of their presidential dream?

I know the national appeal is there. I am going to play a leading role within my community to organise people for what Igbos are going to do. I wanted to be totally out of politics, but I’m going to sit back in my house and be part of their planning. I will plan for them and give them to go and execute. Awolowo wasn’t a president but he was a very important man in Nigeria. I’m sitting back to help give the Igbos what they don’t have: planning. I’m going to reconcile those who are

• Continued on Page 67

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

s e i g o l o p a o N for wearing s e h t o l c y p m i sk

-Ebube Nwagbo Page 43

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Glamour

•Juwon Ogundipe

•Abiola Otufale

•Tomike Layi-Babatunde

•Aashley

Box bags for all seasons Wumi Oguntuase

T

•Ada Ogunkeye

HERE are different types of bags in vogue now, but most common of all is the constant box bag. Either big or small, they fit you every time and will always look great with your outfit. There are designer branded ones like Louis Vuitton and Channel or just the plain ones that their designs speak volumes. They are very fashionable and can be used by both the young and old.

Another advantage is the room space. Some guys have said that you can find everything in a woman's bag, and what other type than the box bag to fit in all your items? Get one now and enjoy the benefits.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Glamour

Beautiful and smart Miss United st Nations 2012 and 1 runner-up Miss Lagos Carnival, Oluwagbemisola Scarlet Shotade, shares her top ten favourite things with Wumi Oguntuase

31

1

Favourite clothes designer Oscar de la renta and Jane Micheals

2

Favourite shoe designer CB, nine west and bamboo

3

Favourite wristwatch designer Omega and Cartier

4

Favourite piece of jewellery Cocktail rings

5

Favourite fashion quote Nothing is ever too old in your closet

6

Favourite food & drink Rice, snails and vegetable, watermelon juice

7

Favourite body product Shea butter and bio oil cream, Saint Ives scrub and facial cleanser

8

top

Shotade’s

0 1

Favourite perfume Amour

by Kenzo

9

Favourite make-up designer Black up and Iman

10

Favourite pet Dog

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Glamour

Dr Dre: He's all ears with golden Beats

From producing records to inventing the most desirable headphones in the world, the pursuit of perfect sound has made the LA hip-hop artist rich. Ian Burrell writes.

A

ND they said there was no money left in the music business. Dr Dre, the architect of the West Coast gangsta rap sound of G-Funk, has been revealed as the biggest earner in hip-hop with an income of $110m (£70m) in the past 12 months and he hasn't released an album since 1999.

Dr Dre (real name Andre Romelle Young) is the man who made rap music bump and bounce with all the smooth style of a pimp's "six fo" Chevy Impala rolling along the potholed streets of the Los Angeles ghetto. He is "the most influential producer in hip-hop", as Peter Shapiro put it in The Rough Guide to Hip-hop.

Dre is the beatmaker who introduced the world to Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent.

His own 1992 debut solo album The Chronic lifted the very epicentre of hip-hop out of New York City and relocated it in his own California hood of Compton. But though his earnings will include production royalties for such classic rap tunes as "In Da Club" (50 Cent), "What's My Name?" (Snoop Dogg), "The Real Slim Shady" (Eminem) and his own hit "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang", the fact remains that Dre's long-awaited but yet-to-bereleased long player Detox has been mired in production hell since 2005.

Headphones are the reason for Dre's latest prosperity. The kind of bulky aural accessory that many thought had become redundant a decade ago when Apple was encouraging iPod users to listen through the dinkiest of ear buds has been made immensely covetable, thanks to the cool conveyed by Dr Dre. Six years ago, Dre and his long-time music industry partner, Jimmy Iovine, came up with the idea of a headphones line called Beats by Dr Dre, which arrived on the market in 2008. In those two years, Dre worked intensely on honing the product with industrial designer Robert Brunner, who had preceded Jonathan Ive in making Apple a byword for desirable consumer electronics gadgetry. In no time at all, Beats by Dr Dre had seized almost 10 per cent of the headphones market and, earlier this year, Dre and Iovine sold 51 per cent of their Beats Electronics company to the Taiwanese technology company HTC for a whopping $309m (£190m).

The attraction to consumers was not just the sleek design and zipped carrying case. It was also the distinctive "b" logo that encouraged users to wear their cans in public and show fellow travellers just how serious they were about their music. The phones dropped a hint that the wearer might just be someone musically famous a rapper or a producer perhaps. This was also the sell from Beats Electronics. Dr Dre's pitch was that "people aren't hearing all the music. With Beats, people are going to hear what the artists hear, and listen to the music the way they should: the way I do".

Dr Dre was offering to unlock something that wasn't normally apparent to the mere punter. For the musical earpiece market, the Beats headphones were the equivalent of the film and television industry's 3D glasses or high-definition pictures. Indeed, they are sold as HD headphones. The marketing strategy included product endorsements from some of the biggest names in music such as DJ David Guetta and pop stars Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. The strategy helped to

ensure that sales of Beats by Dr Dre were not just confined to musical nerds but also had mainstream appeal.

When doing music production, Dr Dre is a self-proclaimed perfectionist who has been known to make a rapper do as many as 107 takes on a recording before accepting it. His headphones were thus not just a shallow sales ruse but the introduction of a genuinely innovative product even if they did cost an eye-watering (and profitgenerating) £280.

In an early review of the headphones on Geek.com, Joel Evans commented: "I was floored. Not only did I hear the highs and lows, but I heard background noise in a live broadcast of a James Taylor song that I've heard hundreds of times, but never before heard the noises. I also felt like the sound was coming from behind me at times, which is no small feat for a pair of headphones."

During an era when music was being increasingly listened to on lightweight mobile phones, suddenly headphone chic suggested something even heftier than the plastic headbands that had largely disappeared with the Sony Walkman a generation ago.

But that is Dr Dre. He has an ability to reinvent the past and make it feel like the future. It is the same formula that he used to take the Seventies funk of George Clinton and Isaac Hayes and turn it into the G-Funk of the Nineties. The results are not derivative. Rather than following the traditional hip-hop route of sampling older tunes, Dre likes to create something more malleable and current by using live musicians to build upon the influences of the past.

His sound often draws on the Moog analogue synthesizer and Rhodes keyboards and, from his favourite studio position sitting behind an Akai MPC3000 drum machine, he urges his cohorts on with the passion and commitment of an o r c h e s t r a conductor.

In a music genre where artists have been known to be cut down in their prime, Dr D r e i s a survivor in every sense.

He has been a major player in the rap game in each

of the past four decades but is only 47. Meanwhile, so many other hiphop icons have died young, from his Death Row Records labelmate Tupac "2Pac" Shakur to Eazy-E, with whom Dre founded the notorious group NWA in 1986.

"Niggaz With Attitude? Ain't nobody gonna put that out," fellow group member Ice Cube said when the name was first suggested. Ever practical, Dre is said to have responded: "We'll break it down to NWA and wait till people ask."

But there was no ambiguity in NWA's incendiary hit "Fuck Tha Police", which propelled the success of the album Straight Outta Compton and attracted the attention of the FBI. The Los Angeles Police Department will not be impressed that, 24 years later, Ice Cube is a successful film actor, and Dr Dre, who also has some movie acting credits to his name, has a wealth estimated by Forbes magazine at $250m (£157m).

He is not yet as wealthy as the New York rap entrepreneurs Diddy, who is worth $500m (£314m), and Jay-Z, who is said to have wealth of $450m (£282m). But last year, thanks largely to his headphones project, Dre made almost three times the amount of his East Coast rivals. He is also said to be planning to emulate the success of Jay Z in the drinks market by bringing out his own Aftermath brands of cognac and vodka, named after the record label he set up when he walked away from Death Row in 1996.

It's a remarkable story for someone who had to be removed from his inner-city school because of the threat of gang activities and who dropped out of the education system altogether to pursue a career as a DJ, later joining a rap group called the World Class Wreckin' Cru. He is the father of five children, one of whom died aged 20.

Dr Dre was never hip-hop's greatest performer on the microphone. He wouldn't make most lists of the top 50 rappers of all time. But as he is a survivor of the lifethreatening rivalries that plague the rap scene, so too has Dr Dre managed to endure in a career sense. As well as defining West Coast rap, he remained at the cutting edge throughout the 1990s by reaching out to Detroit's Eminem and New York's 50 Cent. If he had any doubters at the end of the millennium, he answered them with the infectious hit "Still D.R.E." from his album 2001.

The gold dust of Dre's production skills is still in great demand. And his fans are excited by rumours that, as well as finishing Detox, he is planning an instrumental album called The Planets, a rap version of Holst's opus. Considering his previous achievements, it doesn't seem an unduly ambitious challenge. Because this is a doctor who appears to have a formula for every situation.

Courtesy: www.independent.co.uk

THEATRE

t

BIGSCREEN

With VICTOR AKANDE

Fally Ipupa for Nigeria’s Unity Concert C

ONGOLESE sensational singer and 'ndombolo' dancer, Fally Ipupa, is expected to be in Nigeria for a Pre-independence Africa Unity Concert. The contemporary highlife musician will be joining other world class acts of African descent like Nigeria's J Martins, ARA-the female drummer and Ashley Stephanie of Cameroun among others.

The show which is being put together by the Lagos-based Effrakata Entertainment is said to be aimed at uniting Nigeria and other African countries through unique brand of music, while also boosting her culture and tourism potentials.

Effrakata Entertainment, it would be recalled, were the brain behind the last outing of Salif Keita in Nigeria in 2011. Reputed for using high brow

E-mail:

GISTS

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plus

victor_akande@yahoo.com

Darey takes in US returnee …headlines Sisi Eko Party

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•Fally Ipupa

hotels in staging her events, this year's show, organisers say will hold at the popular Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, on September 30, 2012.

Fally Ipupa, who presently lives in Paris, used to be a part of the band of Koffi Olomidé, Quartier Latin International, from 1999 to 2006 before embarking on a solo career. His first album was Droit Chemin, which was released in 2006, and his second album Arsenal de Belles Melodies (A2BM) was released in 2009.

One of the fastest rising African stars, Ipupa is not new to Nigeria.

He has visited the country a couple of times and was recently in Lagos, for the MTV Live show held at Tribeca on Friday, April 1, 2011.

AREY Art Alade's cofounded Soul Muzik has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Zaina to the label.

Darey describes Zaina, who recently moved back home from Atlanta, a “a supremely talented singer, writer and performer who has worked with some of the best brains here and abroad; a fierce entertainer who wants to make music fans happy.”

With this feat by Soul Muzik, Zaina joins the few female singers in the industry. It would be recalled that Chocolate City, Mavin Records and EME have equally signed female artistes in recent

times.

Zaina's job at the label is beginning with her debut singles Lolola and Totally Yours (featuring multiaward-winning Jamaican dancehall star Wanye Wonder) which have been released.

The artiste has in the past worked with the likes of eLDee, Styl Plus, Sasha, and •Zaina Lynxxx.

•Damilola

Meanwhile, Soul Muzik and Martini Rose in conjunction with the BT Company are putting together a show tagged Sisi Eko Party set to be staged on Friday, September 14th at the Kinabuti House in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Expected at the party are upwardly mobile young blokes and fun seeking gals dressed in glamorous and stylish Kinabuti designs while Darey Art-Alade is expected to thrill the audience with songs from his rich and edifying repertoire.

Damilola quits Tinsel

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ALENTED actress, Damilola Adegbite has quit playing Telema Duke in the hit MNet TV soap titled Tinsel.

Though no major reason was given for her decision to quit the role she has consistently played in the last four years, her management didn’t say much when they released a statement which reads: 'it was a professional career decision that had to be made'.

Meanwhile, a replacement has not been named and news making

the rounds suggests that despite exiting the TV soap, Damilola still plans to aggressively pursue her acting career as she is said to have her eyes set on featuring in main stream Nollywood in time to come.

She is currently in the United States to feature in a new movie with AMAA award winning filmmaker, Michelle Bello, where she is said to be playing a lead role. The fast rising actress is said to be very excited about the next phase of her career.

Gloria Ibru graces Dejavu

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•Fally Ipupa performing on stage

SOUND TRACK

S Gloria Ibru, one of the daughters of billionaire Olorogun Michael Ibru, was said to have grace a new hang out centre Dejavu, located at Plot 897, Balarabe Musa Cresent, Victoria Island, Lagos during the week with her presence and band.

According to reports Gloria recently released her first album after 25 years as a

professional singer, which includes everything she does on stage; high life, jazz and gospel.

Dejavu is in form of a relaxation house, with services that include restaurant, bar, lodging and activities like the Old Skool Jazz Nite, Ladies Nite, Live Band, Party Time, Karaoke and Comedy Nite, among others.

•Gloria

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Entertainment

Entertainment Nonso Diobi makes debut as producer

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

s e i g o l o p a No for wearing skimpy clotheasgbo

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Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah grace FAB magazine

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ITLED The Noir issue, Nollywood actors Rita Dominic and Ramsey Noah graced the cover of FAB magazine, Vol 2, issue 4, 2012.

Rita Dominic's issue is centred on success, stardom, and secrets of steady relationship, while Ramsey Noah's edition is on love, life and African cinema.

These two celebrities who are also Glo ambassadors have paid their dues in the movie industry, which have endeared them to many fans both home and abroad.

—Ebube Nw

Ebube Nwagbo is one of the notable faces in Nollywood.

The graduate of Mass Communication, in this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUKANMI, talks on her hair extension business, tattoo and skimpy dresses.

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OU recently established a hair extension business. How is it doing?

My hair line is doing very well and it has been very encouraging. We have been growing tremendously by the day, not forgetting that every new business has its own challenges. We have been able to conquer and we are learning to grow better, so as to meet up with the demands and tastes of our customers by giving them their money's worth. It has been awesome. I can't be more thankful. It is a journey, and we are getting there. We are growing.

Would you say it is more lucrative than acting?

Acting and doing business are two different things. Acting is my passion, so it is rewarding in its own very unique way. In terms of being lucrative, business is business.

The other is my passion and happens to have put food on my table even before Posh Hair came into existence. They are both lucrative and rewarding in their own ways. When going into something out of love, the financial aspect is not topmost on the list. I started out on that platform, but also have an industrial side of me which makes me invest into anything rewarding, but first, it has to be borne out of love.

What prompted you to go into hair business?

My going into Posh Hair was my love for looking good. I wanted to invest into something I love. A woman is never complete without a good hair, and at that time the craze for human hair just set in.

Every lady wanted to look good. But truth is it's not everybody that can afford to buy them because they are quite expensive. So I decided to do something for people out there that can't afford the luxury to look like their celebrities. With Posh Hair, you can still get the celebrity look without breaking a bank.

Posh hair cuts across for everybody. We have got varieties depending on your budget.

There's something for everybody. No matter who you are, we have different products to suit different tastes and classes. Going into posh hair was also because it is something

that will help me to expand and grow, because it was part of what I needed.

Will you be suspending acting to concentrate on your business?

I am not leaving any for the other. I juggle both. I am an actress as well as a producer and an entrepreneur. I am happy about that. It has not been easy, but hard work is very important in any success story.

For some time now, you seem to be socialising a lot, any reason for this?

My socialising lately, as you put it, is part of what I do.

I am into showbiz and you have to socialise if you are in the business. It goes with the territory. You can't escape from it. When I started out, I never knew it was going to be like this.

But it happened and one has to grow with the business.

You have this home girl look, which has made many wonder when they see you in skimpy wear. What do you have to say to this?

This question is very funny. I don't love skimpy things only. I love looking good and making a statement in whatever outfit I put on. That is me, looking good is very important to me. Because I know a lot of people look up and out for you once you are in the limelight. So having a homely face does not mean I have to wear floor-sweeping gowns that are not going to suit me or the occasion am going for. I love to look good.

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I don't love skimpy things only. I love looking good and making a statement in whatever outfit I put on. That is me, looking good is very important to me. Because I know a lot of people look up and out for you once you are in the limelight

No apologies, but I don't wear revealing clothes, I wear clothes that accentuate my God-given body.

You also appear to have a tattoo. Why and when did you get it?

Yes, I have tattoos. I got them on one of my trips abroad. I just had them because they remind me of something.

Would it be right to say you no longer have interest in acting?

That is not true. It is very wrong to say that I no longer have interest in acting. I still act and I have some new movies in the market. I was off for a while to take care of some things. I can never leave acting; it is my first love and passion. It brought me this far in life. But I might not be in every movie like I

used to, I still do my thing in my own way. For me, acting is not just because I want to be seen on TV. It has to be for the right reasons.

You claim to be very busy currently. What are you doing that is taking so much of your time?

Yes, I have been very busy because I am working on my first movie. I am producing my own very first movie, which is something that I have always wanted to do.

So we just finished filming and the editing is in progress now. I pray it comes out very well, because this has been my dream and I am happy it has came to pass. We will be starting work on the second one in few weeks time too. So this and other jobs have been what have been taking my time.

What do you like about this job?

People are always looking out for you.

You are like a role model to many people out there. Personally, I like being looked up to.

Who are your role models?

In the Nigerian film industry, I adore Liz Benson and Joke Sylva. Outside Nigeria, I've always liked Julia Roberts. I like the personality and acting of Liz Benson. Even now that people don't see her much on screen, they still talk about her. That is who

I want to be like. Then for Joke Sylva, I like her carriage and acting too.

Did you ever think you were going to get to this level when you started?

I did not. I am surprised about the way it turned out. You know the industry is so large now and for one to still be there and make an impact is something else. I met so many people that started acting before me, and I know where they are today. I remember the day I went to audition for a role, I met those who started acting before me but today they are still where they are and I wouldn't compare myself with them. I believe that if you know what you want and work hard for it, you will get it.

When did you start acting?

I started acting in 2003 while I was still in school.

EBUBE NWAGBO

•Ramsey Nouah

OVERS of Anambra Stateborn actor, Nonso Diobi who has been absent from the scene for quite sometime, are likely to start seeing him in movies again.

Reports have it that the actor has finally finished work on his first movie entitled Streez, which he produced and directed, Nonso started his journey in Nollywood with the movie Border Line which was shot by top director, Adim William, and since then, has never looked back. He is said to love listening to music, dancing, singing, playing lawn tennis, soccer on his PS2 and would want to own a studio and go deep into movie making and animations.

•Nonso Diobi

Diamond Pictures in double cinema release

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ITH the flicks Untamed and Spirit of the Assassin, Diamond Pictures is soon to take on the Nigerian movie industry with a cinema run alongside its sister company, Nollywood Cinemas. This is coming on the heels of a successful showing of four blockbuster movies in South Africa, Zambia and Lesotho by the outfit.

While Untamed hits Silverbird Cinemas November 9, Spirit of the Assassin (The Talisman) follows shortly after. At a press preview of both flick, Andy Boyo, the head of Nollywood Cinemas and Diamond Pictures, said that both movies were premiered at the Maponya Mall in Soweto, South Africa, on July 26, and immediately started showing at Sterkinekor Theatres, the largest Cinema chain in South Africa.

“Now, we are fully back to let Nigerians, especially movie buffs, have a feel of

these two wonderful and riveting movies, which will soon hit our major cinemas nationwide,” Boyo explained.

Directed by Boyo and coproduced by the trio of Kingsley Esele, Bunmi Okeafor and Faith Stephen, Spirit of the Assassin is an action-packed thriller which tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding several high profile assassinations within and outside Nigeria. Untamed on the other hand examines the inglorious issue of same sex relationships in the Afr ican society.

Starring in Spirit of the Assassin are Nollywood thespians including Yemi Blaq, Frederick Leonard, Constance Okoro, Andy Boyo, Hakeem Rahman and Faith Stephen while Untamed parades the likes of Patience Ozokwo, Van Vicker, Chinwe Isaac, Deborah King and a host of other talents.

Saheed Osupa excites fans at Beer Village

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NE of the side attractions to the popular annual Osun Osogbo festival is the Star Beer Village, where activities have never ceased to be low. This year's outing also recorded another memorable experience with Fuji exponent, Saheed Osupa, thrilling the locals and tourists at the festival to a dose of breathtaking music at the grand finale of the event.

The night also featured exciting performances from upcoming artistes as well as fast rising comedians. Seyi Akerele and Obama, well known comedians in the South West region were the anchors for the event. Also present to thrill fun seekers at the Star Beer village were upcoming hip hop artistes, Kokoro and Olamide Sholly. Both artistes gave a good account of themselves with their Hip Hop songs rendered in Yoruba.

The star of the night was Saheed Osupa. The Fuji star threw the crowd into frenzy for more than two hours and the audience kept asking for more.

But it was not only fun and music as some members of the audience walked away with fantastic prizes in a special raffle draw for the night. The star prize of the night was a live cow. A brand new Suzuki motorcycle was also

won. Other consolation prizes that were won were: LG TVs, generating sets, DVD players, bags of rice, and tins of vegetable oil among others.

Ameachi Amoke, a native of Abia State, emerged as the winner of the live cow while Wasiu Olagbinju from Osun State walked away with the brand new Suzuki motorcycle.

Obviously excited at the prizes, the duo danced on stage much to the delight of the audience.

Speaking on the concept Mr. Omotunde Adenusi, Brand

Manager, Star-Nigeria Breweries Plc., stated that the Star Beer Village was conceived to add more excitement to the Osun Osogbo International Festival.

“One of the unique things about Star lager beer is that we always seek for new and exciting ways of doing things. This beer village is just one of the ways that we seek to add Star brightness to the festival and we can all see the fun and brightness that the Beer Village is bringing to the Osun Osogbo celebrations,” he stated.

•Saidi Osupa performing on stage

Sport&Style SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

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Ferdinand Laments Luxurious Lagos' Lifestyle

... Reveals love for raw African music

E was bestowed with a chieftaincy title 'loud in Lagos' but four years after, Rio Ferdinand, ace Manchester U n i t e d ' s defender , has only scathing remarks about the f a m e d Centre of Excellence .

Ferdin and, who was the star act for the launch of the Lagos S t r e e t S o c c e r Tournamen t in 2008, was given the Fiwagboye title by Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos amidst pomp and ceremony.

At the event, Ferdinand was told that the Fiwagboye literally means 'character makes wealth' and it seems as if the 32-year-old English defender is as worried as anyone else about the growing gap between the have and have-nots particularly on the streets of Nigeria's commercial capital.

In a frank interview with Caspar Llewellyn Smith of London's Observer, the defender spoke passionately about his love for the raw African music amongst other things.

“I've got a soccer school in Kampala in Uganda, and I've been to Malawi and to Lagos in Nigeria,” Ferdinand said about his earlier exposure to the African culture. “ As a footballer it's not easy to get out and explore much of the culture, either you're training or you're playing but you do get a sense of how much football means to them there: it's absolutely crazy.”

Ferdinand who loves music with the same intensity with which he likes football,

PAGE 38

By Morakinyo Abodunrin

however, rapped over the glaring differences between the rich and the poor when he visited Lagos.

“In Lagos I was struck by the extremes of wealth, he stated matter-of-factly. “It's embarrassing to say you come from a ghetto in England once you've seen some of the poverty there.

“But then we visited (Lagos) someone who had plasma TVs hanging off every wall in the house. The opulence was unbelievable. There's a lot of money there, I just don't know if it's shared the way it should be but then that's everywhere, isn't it?” he revealed as he spoke passionately about his new-found love for African music.

Said he: “I went to Lagos to promote a local soccer campaign: it was a chance for kids to get scouted by bigger teams. I suppose that what I'm doing with Africa Express: it's about getting exposure for artistes, and if I can help that in any way, I'll be there. I'll be talking about it on Twitter, and when the train arrives in Manchester I'm hoping to get some footballers involved. We might even stage an event there.”

The former England's captain further explained why he likes African music and supporting Africa Express-which features 80 musicians on one train as it makes a string of stops across the UK. Hear Ferdinand: “I'd heard about it (Africa Express) through a friend and said I'd love to be involved. I'm a music fan so it was great to meet Damon Albarn and to hear about his trips to Africa and what he's learned there.

“I'm across a lot of the Afro beat music that's really popular in the UK at the moment a lot of the young kids are listening to it. But some of it is very commercial so I've enjoyed digging a bit deeper and seeing who's influenced the new guys like D'Banj.

“I love the rawness. I'll take any chance to be enlightened and educated about different kinds of music. With the influx of African players into English football, it's all the more important.

“Who doesn't like music? The gaffer [Sir Alex Ferguson] loves music. All the lads like music. But they won't all know these artistes so it's my job to introduce them to it. I came in fresh, too. I love the idea of mixing different genres of music, and if anything I can do gets more eyes on it and ears listening to it then that's my job done,” the Fiwagboye of Lagos enthused.

Taiwo Ogunjobi Uncensored

My wife is like my twin sister From page 35

“Whenever we were playing, the NSC staff would come out to watch us. They were like supporters of the team too and l met my wife during one of our matches. She had watched me play several times and in love with football so that made it easy for us to connect well.

“I met her in 1981 and two years later, we were married. I thank God that l married her because we share that passion for football together and up till tomorrow, my wife still feels serious emotion for football at club and national levels. Any club I'm attached to, she is also attached to. She sleeps football, eats football and drinks football and it is the same for our children. We are a football family.”

After 30 years together, Ogunjobi still remembers vividly some of her qualities that melted his heart: “Her humility, respectfulness and loving nature attracted her to me. She is very humble and loves me as much as l love her. The way l feel about her is the same way she feels about me. And we understand each other very much. She is like my twin sister. “Whenever l am away she copes very well. Even when l moved to Abuja as Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), she coped well and she was always there like a good defender to cover my back whenever I am away. I'm now back in school at the National Institute for Sport (NIS), where l am reading Sports Management and she is still coping well.”

Blessed with five children, Ogunjobi insisted that education comes ahead of sport in order of priority in their lives.

“My children are okay. They are interested in the game but l have to make sure that they take their education very serious too. Two of them just finished their Masters programme in London after obtaining their first degree here. They are Ayodeji and Olaoluwa and Lanre is doing his youth service now. Education matters a lot. In this country, you cannot rely on talent alone, because anything c a n happen along the way while playing.

A n d that is w h y some of our exinternatio nals are just Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi there doing nothing after

PHOTO: Bola Omilabu

Contd. on page 37

Ogunjobi’s daughter (r) and grandson

Entertainment

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Expectations and excitement! Those are the dominant moods as the ninth edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search draws near. From the rugged hilly ambiance of Ososo in Edo State where the eighth edition was held, Gulder Utimate Search will be making its way into the little-known Usaka in Akwa Ibom State. There, 12 brave, young individuals will make their way into the bowels of the rugged forest in Usaka and brave the odds in the most exciting adventure-themed reality show on TV. Even as we look forward to another action-themed edition of Gulder Ultimate Search, let's take a trip down memory lane to the last edition and capture some of the exciting moments that stood out in the jungle:

Reliving the exciting moments of GUS 8 T A myth broken

HE long-standing tradition in the Gulder Ultimate Search is that the first night in the jungle is usually a rainy one for the contestants. On those first nights, the heavens open up, as if to welcome them to the reality of the jungle.

That seemed to be the case when the first two batches of contenders made the way into Ososo hills and forests in GUS 8.

However, this myth was broken with the third batch as the 10 contenders endured a dry first night in the jungle. The first two batches were not so lucky. The rains poured down mercilessly on their opening night in the jungle, making a mockery of their ramshackle shelters.

Would Season 9 continue with the dry nights on the first day or will the raining nights continue? Only time will tell.

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Leaky shelters

ERHAPS one of the most daunting responsibilities the contenders face is erecting their shelter. It is usually the first task they are required to do before settling down to jungle life. They must go about this task without the aid of modern implements like nails, cement and others. Instead, the shelter is built primarily with bamboos, ropes and palmfronds. Indeed, it is never an endless task given the unpredictability of rainfall in the Ososo jungle. And more often than not, the shelters are not strong enough to withstand the elements in the jungle.

In GUS 8, the shelter constructed by the three batches of contenders turned out to be too inadequate to combat the onslaught of the rains. Batch C's shelter turned out to be the worst of the lot. Rain or no rain, the show must go on and the contestants battled on valiantly in the Ososo hills and forests.

Patience Ihongbe and Geraldine Obi: Tale of two opposites

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ALL them a paradox and you won't be far from the truth.

Patience Ihongbe from Batch C was never given any chance to qualify from her group following her poor performance and eventual eviction during the group stages. Yet she stunned everyone after she was voted back in to fight for the remaining ticket to the next stage of the show. Patience clinched the ticket to the next stage beating Geraldine Obi and Theodora Egbu in the process to creating one of the biggest upsets in the show. Geraldine, on the other hand, completely dominated proceedings in her batch, giving the men a run for their money only for her to crash out of her group stage. She was voted back in for the remaining slot but she was swept away by the patient Patience.

Tree of remembrance

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OW best do you immortalise colleagues who have been eliminated

from the jungle? The contenders in the reality show seemed to have devised the perfect plan; etching the names of the departed contenders on a tree.

The whole thing was started by Samuel Lazarus of Batch A, who carved Kehinde Fadojutimi's name on the Tree of Remembrance after Kehinde's eviction.

Sadly, Samuel was evicted shortly afterwards.

In Batch B, the task of carving the names was shared between the trio of Anthony Igwe, Tony Horsfall and Christopher Okagbue. Interestingly, they all survived eviction.

Ezeoba Okoraofor of Batch C took it upon himself to carve the name of evicted contenders until he suffered the unfortunate fate of eviction. Thereafter, Sunday Gyang took over the responsibility in the batch. He made it through to the next stage.

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Love in the jungle

OMANCE turned out to be a recurring factor in the jungle.

Amidst the hardship, some of the contenders still found time to dabble in romance. While the strain of the jungle stifled the romance in some cases, the fire of love still managed to burn in others, even in the face of eviction. For the remaining, the romance eventually did not bear any root because of eviction.

Chigozie Amangbo and Tony Horsfall, both of Batch B were the clearest examples of 'Love made in the jungle'.

Both contenders were joined in 'holy matrimony' by other members of the batch.

Interestingly, they not only became husband and wife, they were elevated to Father and Mother of the jungle. It was a title they gladly accepted. Sadly, the couple were eventually separated following the eviction of Chigozie.

In Batch A, the romance between Kevin Durst and Promise Ojiegbe ended as abruptly as it began. Initially, both contenders were always in each other's company, sharing their food and doing everything together. Suddenly, the romance fizzled away with both contenders accusing the other of insincerity and back stabbing. Batch C also had its share of romance with Sunday Gyang and Patience Ihongbe.

Unfortunately, the cold hands of eviction snatched Patience away just as the romance was blooming. Surely, there promises to be more romance in the jungle in the ninth edition.

Understanding Mopol

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HEN Goodluck Ohio was announced as one of the contenders in Gulder Ultimate Search 8, not a few people felt he would be the Ultimate Hero. The reason was not farfetched.

His career as a Mobile policeman, it was assumed, would give him the edge over other contenders, given the physical nature of the reality show. Not one to mince words, Goodluck, affectionately known as 'Understanding Mopol', announced to the world that his mission was to do the Mobile Police Force proud in the reality show.

Sadly, he was the second contender to be evicted from the reality show. So much for doing the Mobile Police proud!

Olarenwanju and Ezeoba: Two opposites that attract

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PPOSITE poles do attract. Or how do you describe the friendship between Olanrewaju Alawoki and Ezeoba Okoroafor, both of Batch C? Olanrewaju, at 21, was the youngest of the entire 30 contenders. No wonder, he

was known as Omo Mummy (mummy's boy). Though, he matured to an Omo Daddy (daddy's boy).

Olanrewaju was friendly, temperate and always calm. Not so for Ezeoba Okoroafor. At 28, he was the oldest contender of the 30. He was described as a bully and heartless by fellow contenders. Still, Ezeoba seemed happy in making enemies out of the other contenders, except Olanrewaju. Ezeoba crudely mocked Chimaobi Udodi when she was evicted from the competition.

According to him, the other contenders hated him because he was their biggest threat in the jungle. It turned out to be an empty boast as he became the fourth contender to be evicted from the batch.

His pal, Olanrewaju turned out to be the surprise of the pack as he beat the other contenders to the last two tasks, not only sealing his qualification but also winning for himself the much coveted leopard Skin Sash.

How Olanrewaju and Ezeoba forged a bond remains a mystery. Indeed, Olanrewaju literarily worshipped the ground Eze walked on and even described him as his mentor. The two formed a formidable pair and it took the crushing blow of eviction to separate them. Indeed, opposite poles do attract.

Hurricane Christopher

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E was not the biggest of the contestants. And by his own admission, he was not the strongest. But there was no stopping Hurricane Christopher Okagbue as he swept through Gulder Ultimate Search to etch his name in history.

It took him some time to get going in the competition but when he got into his strides, it was only a matter of time before he claimed the ultimate prize.

While it took a bit of luck for him to discover the lost helmet of General Maximillian, he certainly deserved all of

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Spinlet’s scorecard at American Music Festival

Surulere agog for St.Remy party

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•MI

•Bez •Naeto

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HEN one of the most famous music festivals- the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival - which held in the US recently , played host to some Nigerian artistes under the Splinlet platform, the experience only got music fans talking about the thrilling performances of Nigerian music stars before millions of excited fans in Austin, Texas between March 13th-18th, 2012.

The promotion of African artistes in this year's edition was facilitated by Spinlet, Nigeria's digital music

•Seun Kuti

distribution service, whose daily business mantra is powerfully hinged on empowering, protecting and promoting music artistes and in the nation's music industry as a whole.

Spinlet, Nigeria had 2face Idibia, M.I, Naeto C, Seun Kuti and Bez onboard, joining other artistes from other parts of the world at the globally renowned music fiesta.

Spinlet believes that a platform like the South by Southwest (SXSW) will further present African music to the international world positively. “We look

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forward to the day when Nigerian music and indeed African music as a whole, will not only take over the international music scene, but dominate it,” said Mark Redguard, Chief Marketing Officer of Spinlet.

Other countries from Africa at the event included Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa and Congo. At the event were stars like Beso Cantina, Blitz The Ambassador, M.I, and. Bez. Others were Sauti Sol, 2face Idibia, Baloji, Just a Band, Seun Kuti, Spoek Mathambo, Naeto C, and Chief Boima.

HE wide gates of Club Amnezia, located on Ogunlana Drive, Surulere will be opened to trendy fun seekers in the monthly club party organized by St.Remy. Organisers say the brand promises One of the hottest monthly events in the city of Lagos, organizers say this month's revelry is set to provide another night of limitless fun and excitement as the exquisite brand invites all to come party on the night, as new generation acts like Orezi, Tipsy, Y.Q, and Tillaman, among others, lead the cast of artistes slated to grace the event. Others include the irrepressible DJ Atte of Naija 102.7 FM and one of Nigeria's finest hype man, Shody.

St-Rémy Brand & Markets Manager, Antoine Couvreur, said that the brand never sets out on a task it wouldn't accomplish. He said assured all of top class entertainment. The monthly party is being supported

by Naija FM 102.7 and TRACE Urban TV.

•Orezi

Nollywood Divas Awards talks rule the internet

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N initiative of Eko International Film Festival, Nollywood Divas Awards, has been publicised as a scheme that is set to pitch Nollywood's

Other nominated actresses include Rita best female thespians against one another.

Dominic, Stella Damasus, Stephanie Already, 20 actresses have been Okereke, Kate Henshaw, Ini Edo, Funke nominated in the maiden edition of the Akindele, Monalisa Chinda, Omoni Oboli, event at a date to be announced Ngozi Ezeonu, Joke Silva-Jacobs, Uche by the promoters. Described as Jombo, Bimbo Akinbola, Tonto Dike, a prospective battle royale, the Mercy Johnson, Nse Ikpe Esim, Fathia buzz is already online with Balogun, Lillian Bach and Clarion Omotola and Genevieve F news reaching us is anything to go by, then Chukwura. we may not have heard the last about the recent occupying the guess debate by The contest for who will be crowned fans and movie buffs. The sacking of May D from Square Records. the first ever Nollywood Diva of the Year Sources have revealed that May D who is currently debate is much so especially is fast becoming the battle among fans of since the two actresses are in Malaysia for a show; is set to take legal action the top 20 nominees, with Genevieve against Square Records because his appointment perceived to be long-standing Nnaji, Ini Edo and Omotola Jaladewas not terminated legally. rivals.

Ekeinde attracting more fans so far.

According to him, he read about his sack on the internet and in the newspapers, and he is still dismayed at the way the entire scenario turned out.

Reports revealed that the song 'Chop My Money' IGERIAN Athens-based may have been the reason for May D's sack as the Athens and most African Embassies. reggae artiste, SK Rootman, artiste was booted out of the record label for telling He had also played alongside is currently seeking whoever cared to listen that he wrote the song artistes like Max Romeo, Capleton, without him being accorded any credit- an outburst acceptance into the Nigerian music Akon, One Drop Forward, Tuface, industry. “I am in Nigeria on that triggered his sack.

Olu Maintain, Danfo Drivers, vacation and also to use the visit to Dispero, Zulu Zulu, African showcase my music to my people China, and Kefee, among many that I have been representing all others, during their visit to these years in faraway Athens, so Athens. that they will know that I have Rootman says his kind of flown the Nigerian flag really high,” music is fast paced dancehall in he said. the mode of Sean Paul, Capleton, True to his word about flying the and Bennie Man. “And trust your Nigeria flag, SK Rootman made boy, I have infused the Nigerian history as the first Nigerian to set up feel that is now making heads reel the Dancehall Massive Concert in in Athens, because you know we 2005. He was instantly dubbed the got game, Nigerians. I took from Dancehall king of Athens. He had them (Greeks) and added our own performed shows at the biggest to prepare the mix and it's been a clubs and concert venues in Athens such as Magna Bootycall, All African wonderful experiment,” SK Rootman said.

Festival, Unceo, Mama Africa, •May D with PSquare

May D may sue Psquare

I

•Genevieve

Dancehall king of Athens comes to town

N

He is currently doing collaboration with some Nigerian artistes. One of them is singer and producer, K-Solo.

Entertainment

42

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

CINEMA GUIDE

BIG

LAGOS

PICTURE

Supported by: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS

Heroes and Zeros:

Serious entertainment

D

IRECTOR Niji Akanni is out with another work that furthers his reputation as a filmmaker outside the box called Nollywood. Is it a mere coincidence that the making of a Nollywood film is part of his critique as one would find in the highly thematic Heroes and Zeros, produced by KOGA Studios?

Niji's creative prowess pitches lousy ephemeral movie production against classic story of human and environmental interest. He makes it clear that the latter is what an artiste who wants his works to outlive him should go for.

In the same vein, Niji Akanni brings to the fore, a dreaded

S

picture of nemesis for exponents of Yellow Journalism, as supposed to developmental media practices. And this is the thrust of Heroes and Zeros.

Amos Fele was a wealthy celebrity director in the Nigerian film industry. Now he lives in a ramshackle flat, doing occasional low-paying TV commercials for nameless products. He's a daily comic relief on the local soccer practice pitch: because though he's already 45 years old, he nurses a new, insane dream of making it into the dollar-soaked world of international soccer!

His joyless marriage to Tinuke (Tina Mba), a junior bank worker, is crumbling fast, especially after the

death of their only child.

A boost to his sagging spirit comes when a big-budget FrenchNigerian film project appoints him as director. Suddenly, the press begins to (re)celebrate him.

Top actors and producers begin to call him up. To his wife's distress, Fele also quickly reestablishes his wane reputation as a first-class womaniser.

The plots come together neatly at every sequence, adding glamour to the boring life of Amos Fele, when his extra marital activities begin to overtake his sense of decencyplus, the blossoming activities of the young gossip journalist and his seemingly conservative editor.

The film stars Bimbo Manuel, Nadia Buari, Gabriel Afolayan, Olu Jacobs, Norbert Young, Akin Lewis, Funsho Adeolu and Chervel Bridgette among others.

Step Up 4: The dance revolution

TEP Up Revolution is the next installment in the worldwide smash Step Up franchise, which sets the dancing against the vibrant backdrop of Miami. Emily (Kathryn McCormick) arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and soon falls in love with Sean (Ryan Guzman), a young man who leads a dance crew in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called "The Mob." When a wealthy business man threatens to develop The Mob's historic neighbourhood and displace thousands of people, Emily must band together with Sean and The Mob to turn their performance art into protest art, and risk losing their dreams to fight for a greater cause.

Very enjoyable movie -It teaches strength of will and right attitude as main ingredients for getting what you want. It is not always about being in the right place at the

Ice Age 4 Featured Actors: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 min Ice Age 4 (3D) Featured Actors: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 min Madagascar 3D Featured Featured: Actors Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 min Snow White Featured Actors: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron Genre Action/Adventure Running Time 127 min Bol Bachchan (Indian) Featured Actors: Ajay Devgan,Abhishek Bachchan,Asin Thottumkal Genre: Comedy Running Time: 150mins The Amazing Spider-Man 3D Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 136 Mins The Amazing Spider-Man (Rating: 15) Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans

Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 136 Mins The Past Came Calling Featured Actors Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, John Dumelo, Marie Gomez, Oliver Jolliffer, Penelope Bouchot Humbart Genre Drama Running Time 110mins Think Like A Man Featured Actors: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union and Kevin Hart Genre :Romance Running Time: 122 min Madagascar 3D Featured Actors: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith and Chris Rock Genre Action/Adventure Running Time 93 min Men In Black Featured Actors Will Smith,

ABUJA

The Amazing Spider-Man Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Genre: Action/Adventure Married but Living Single Featured Actors: Funke Akindele, Joke Silva, Joseph

Benjamin, Tina Mba, Femi Brainard, Kiki Omeili, Yemi Remi Genre: Action/Adventure Men in Black III Featured Featured Actors: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin Genre: Action/Adventure Dark Shadows Featured Featured Actors: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 113 min The Avengers Featured Featured Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson Genre Action/Adventure Running Time 142 min The Hunger Games Featured Featured Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 142Mins

PORT HARCOURT

right time. But also making sure those two will meet you half way. The movie commands awesome moves, fitting soundtrack, and decent acting. It is refreshing in that it is a dance movie with a lot of skewing towards dancing and less to story.

The latest unashamedly

formulaic installments in the Step Up series is as exhilarating and unpretentious as a can of Red Bull.

The movie takes the viewer to the height of ecstasy with some tremendous high-energy dance sequences, into which this rather chaste film effectively sublimates the business of sex.

Ice Age: Continental Drift Featured Actors: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 Mins Snow White and the Huntsman (Rating: 15) Featured Actors: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 127 Mins Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Featured Actors: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith and Chris Rock Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 93 Mins The past came calling (Rating: 18) Featured Actors: Chioma Chukwuka-Akpota, John Dumelo, Nigerian actors, Nigerian actresses, nigerian movie directors, Nigerian movie producers, Nigerian movies, Ruke Amata Genre: Drama Running Time: 110 Mins The Amazing Spider-Man (Rating: 15 )

Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 136 Mins Think Like a Man (Rating: 18) Featured Actors: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union and Kevin Hart Genre Comedy Running Time122 Mins Ties That Binds (Rating: 18) Genre: Drama Running Time: 92 Mins

43

Y

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Glamour

‘Anyone considering cosmetic surgery should first see a psychiatrist’

OU were famous with millinery, at what point did you move into interior décor?

I started interior décor in 2005. It was a brand new house which I shared with my sister and brother and I designed the colour scheme, made the curtains, throw pillows, helped my carpenter sew the leather upholstery sofas, as I have a computerised machine that sews perfect stitches on leather and lots more.

Everyone who visited loved what I had done, especially with my dining and living room area and the general feel of the house. The choice of colours and arrangement of items had a calming effect on my visitors. It affected them psychologically and positively, but they couldn't tell what it was.

Soon after, friends started ordering my throw pillows which inspired me to design my first collection. And before I knew it, orders came from all over the country with clients requesting for a wide variety of items.

Your designs in Alex Otti's Morning Side Suites have been sending tongues wagging. How did you land the deal?

He is a family friend of ours, and he had already done the interior décor of his house in Abiriba. I had done throw pillows for his friend's house, so he liked it. His wife also liked it, and he said, why don't you come and do work on the Morning Side Suite?

I was called in at a time the building was not yet fully completed. It had a good structure and the owner trusted my design taste since I had previously done the décor of his country home. I w a s determined to do a good job of it, not letting him down.

At first we were f o u r interior decorators that were selected because I wanted it to be done on merit.

We were given a room to furnish and you were supposed to choose your colour scheme. We were judged by a lawyer, architect, internal contractor and Alex Otti himself. I did something different because I suspected others would want to do the same thing.

In a bid to make my work a little different, I designed the restaurant chairs in orange fabric and stainless steel, adopting a luxurious Victorian theme.

I chose stainless steel because I felt wood was a bit too common. The back of the chairs were inspired by an old evening dress of mine. The chairs were pleated at the back, each with a traditional looking tassel in the centre, with animal legs in front and crisscross legs at the back. In fact, a furniture re-seller in Lagos, Mr. Anslem Tabansi, whom I met at the hotel twice at a time I had almost completed my interior décor work there, was so impressed with my restaurant chair design that he asked if I had imported them from an Italian designer called Ipe Cavalli. At the time, I had no idea who Ipe Cavalli was, so I stared at him in confusion and happily told him they were my own designs Nena Kal Hunter designs. He very much complimented the interior décor work which I had done at Morning S i d e Suites.

That was

Nena Kalu Ogba, is a well known Milliner and Interior Decorator. Her works caused a stir at the recently opened Diamond Bank's CEO/MD, Alex Otti's hotel. Ogba shared with Adetutu Audu her experience in the millinery and interior decoration world. quite flattering.

You became popular with millinery business. How did you achieve the feat?

I had finished my Fashion and Textiles degree and just wasn't satisfied. I wanted to learn more about fashion i t e ms. I took short courses on handbags and belts design, but hats were such a puzzle for me.

When I looked at a hat, I couldn't find where the stitches were or imagine how a round shape could be formed without having to cut and join.

I enrolled in a short course at Kensington and Chelsea College, London, but the teaching was too slow for me as I easily u n d e r s t o o d everything. I wanted tough challenges. So I arranged to have private lessons with the college tutor Caroline Morris, who one day introduced me to a royal milliner who was at the time the Official Royal Milline r to t h e Quee n Mother of England. She taught me how to make h a t s .

When would you say the breakthrough came?

I've had so many career high points, for example, being noticed by the international press and featured in Vogue magazine, Brides UK, The Royal Ascot magazine numerous times and recently receiving an email from the editor of Harpers Bazaar. They also want to do a write up on my work.

The

se are major career high points for me because the magazines are international high fashion magazines which I used to look at and fantasised about when I was a small girl. So you can imagine how exciting this is to have been featured on their pages.

Another high point w a s w h e n I w a s commissioned by the Canadian Derby to make a hat which they auctioned to raise money for breast cancer.

I n my mind, I wondered how on earth they found out about me and I also got a lot of publicity in Canadian newspapers.

Another was when my university in England saw my work on Vogue magazine and wrote me a beautiful letter thanking me for making them so proud.

In the midst of all these, what have been your challenges?

There have been so many challenges but the worst ones were the carelessness of the courier companies. I had problems shipping my hats abroad to foreign customers who paid via my website. The couriers made sure they squashed my hats from time to time which made some customers complain, but I figured out a new type of packaging that ended all the complaints.

Another challenge has been maintaining prices because of the fluctuating rates of the dollar, euro and pound. I buy my work materials abroad and the cost of forex usually affects the final price to the customer, but I've also had that fixed by making accommodation for fluctuating rates.

I would have liked to mention lack of constant electricity as one of my challenges. I also had problems with customers wanting to pick up hats on credit. I used to allow that when I was a newbie in the business and desperate for customers but I found that I was spending more money chasing debts and so I stopped completely.

In my interior décor business, my challenges sometimes are getting manufacturers who can produce my sketches in my exact proportions, dimensions and finishes. I am a perfectionist and normally want things done exactly in the qualities I want. Every now and then, I run into a manufacturer who has eyes but cannot quite see and that's always a bit of a problem. Also language, time differences in different countries, and description of colour shades can be quite tricky, for example, the colour we refer to as beige in Nigeria can turn out to be a dark shade of cream in China. What we refer to as orange here, could turn out to be yellow in Belgium.

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs from?

I draw all my inspiration from God Almighty. He is the greatest designer and engineer of all time. Look at the world He created; the animals-zebras, leopards, giraffe, jaguar, snakes, birds, peacocks, butterflies - flowers, leaves and their various shapes, the sky, the sea, the stars, the moon, the rainbow. All of these have colours, shapes and patterns that have been carefully matched to blend. Look at the human palm with every human being and their own unique design, look at the design of the internal human body with every organ doing its job, then externally with two vertical legs carrying the weight of the whole body.

Isn't that amazing?

What is your favorite fashion item?

I'm shoe crazy. I have all these fabulous collection of shoes that I don't usually end up wearing but give them out. They just fascinate me. I keep them in boxes, bring them out once in a while, look at them, wear them, sing and dance in front of the mirror with my microphone, and then chuck them back in their boxes, hahaha. Even though I've got so many shoes, I wear my flats for everyday running around.

No doubt, you are a beautiful lady, what is your view on cosmetic surgery?

Well, I am too scared to undergo any kind of surgery, whether health or cosmetic. I hate pain and the thought of anesthesia scares the living hell out of me. But there are people who don't have these fears or aren't happy with some parts of their bodies or even some that have physical disabilities, and these are conditions where cosmetic surgery procedures can come in handy.

I won't condemn anyone for doing what they have to do to make themselves feel better, but the trouble is knowing where to draw the line. Just like bleaching creams, or cigarettes or drugs, or a certain type of food or alcohol, cosmetic surgery can also be very addictive. Once people start, they hardly can stop. They start to see other imperfections on their bodies and sometimes they even see things that others can't see.

Anyone considering cosmetic surgery should first of all see a psychiatrist to find out if the problem they see about themselves really exists. They should also consider talking to family and friends because in some cases, it could be psychological. Just as long as it's not a psychological or mental issue, it's ok.

We live life once, and if a person is unhappy about a certain part of their body, it can be fixed; if they are healthy and have the balls, why not?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Glamour

44

Social

ADETUTU AUDU (E-mail: crownkool@yahoo.com, Tel: 08023849036)

Ayo Adedoyin not in a hurry A

YO Adedoyin, scion of Chief Samuel Adedoyin, is one guy that surely knows his onions and knows how to handle knotty situations when the chips are down. Ayo, whose marriage to Oghogho Asemota crashed sometime back, is no doubt living his life so well that he has put the past behind him. This much is shown in the manner in which he has been managing his business.

His company, PeaceGate Limited, is excelling and he has chosen not to give a hoot to the persistent calls by people urging him to reconsider marriage, concentrating on his oil and gas business. He has

been blessed with two lovely daughters from the marriage.

Despite intense pressure from family and friends, this sociable dude has refused to settle down.

The Kwara State-born businessman landed another big one when he acquired two anchor handler vessels called Davidson and Seaway Agbamu, estimated at about $40 million to further c o nsolidate his foray into shipping.

T

HE CEO of Imose Concepts, Sofiya Imose's 31st birthday party will go down in history as one of the biggest and the finest of its kind in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital territory. The Los Angeles, California-based socialite brought all those that matter in Abuja social circuit to the VIP spot of Sofa Lounge located in Wuse 2.

The birthday was also an opportunity for the beautiful lady to launch her foundation.

The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of 31 cakes and popping of 31 champagne bottles simultaneously to indeed show that Sofiya is a party animal.

Sofiya, who was the PR consultant for the blockbuster, Ije, movie premiere in Lagos, is always a regular face at most highprofile events in town. She is said to have also done PR/Advertising for clients such as MUD cosmetics, Mannequin Magazine, MC Larry D, among others.

Sofiya Imose rocks

•Ayo

Secret burden Mic boss, Tunji Okusanya, bears

I

T is not news that Tunji Okusanya, the boss of MIC Funeral Services, has carved a niche for himself in the undertaking business he inherited from his father. Okusanya carries the burden of not being able to mingle with people freely. He confessed that immediately people sight him, they raise eyebrows, asking in hush tones: 'What does this coffin maker want now?'

Despite this, he still manages to catch his fun. He was among the well-wishers who stormed the diminutive comedian Teju Baby face's wedding few weeks ago.

•Sofiya

Laolu Saraki quits clubbing

S•Saraki

INCE July 2011 that Olaolu Saraki, the son of Kwara State political godfather, Olusola Saraki, married his long-term girlfriend, Carolina Del Val, in a plush ceremony in Spain, informed sources said he had quit clubbing.

Laolu, like every other silver spoon kids, rocked the social scene and had his own share of the opposite sex before he eventually tied the knot. Laolu, the youngest of the Saraki siblings, is not into active politics like others, but he was one of the directors of the defunct Societe Generale Bank, and sources say he has other business interests. But his wife, Carolina, has a successful business in Nigeria as an interior designer. She owns a company called Cameva Interiors based in Abuja, Nigeria.

•Okusanya

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Glamour

45

Damilola Adegbite moves on A

FTER a four-year stint playing a lead role as Telema Duke on M-Net TV's hit soap opera, Tinsel, Damilola Adegbite has confirmed her exit from the show. We gathered that Damilola Adegbite's exit from Tinsel is a professional career decision that had to be made.

The svelte actress' next phase of her career is on a movie set with AMAA award-winning film maker, Michelle Bello, where she will be playing a lead role. It will be recalled that in 2010, Damilola starred alongside her Tinsel Ghanaian co-star, Chris Attoh, in Shirley Frimpong-Manso movie, Six Hours to Christmas, and in 2011, she won a Best Actress in a TV Series at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, for her role as Telema Duke.

Patricia and Felicia Obozuwa on top of their game

A

MONG friends and peers, colleagues and associates, Patricia and Felicia Obozuwa are a set of abundantly blessed twins whose profile has grown. While Patricia, until few months ago, was the Head of

Property magnate, Babatunde Oyepitan, opens multi-million naira office

H

•Damilola

E is one successful businessman who shuns the kleiglights like a plague.

Fondly called SBO by friends and associates, Sunday Babatunde Oyepitan is the Chief Executive, Harrods Group, with big stakes in the oil and gas, property and hospitality sectors. A few weeks ago, the Ondo State-born business mogul added another feather in his cap when he inaugurated his new multi-million naira office in the Okota area of Lagos. Believed to have gulped several millions of naira, the edifice boasts the highest grade of office furniture and communica t i o n gadgets that make running a • Oyepitan 2 1 s t century business so stress-free.

But rather than pull all the s t o p s i n celebration of his latest conquest, Oyepitan simply invited friends, family members and associates to witness the dedication of the structure aptly christened 'Jesus House'.

Phil Osagie lands Emirates deal

Yeni Kuti finds love again

S

S

TILL fabulous at 50,Yeni Kuti, fondly called YK Power, the first child of the late Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, may have found love again after her crashed marriage to Femi Segun which produced her only child, 22-year-old Rolake.

The dancer-cum-dance instructor, we gathered, may not likely remarry, but she is sure happy and catching her fun.

•Kuti

• Felicia

• Patricia

Corporate Communications/ Brand Public Relations for Procter and Gamble, West Africa, Felicia is the Divisional Head, Human Resources and Change Management (HRCM), First City Monument Bank. Before her appointment as HRCM, she was Vice President and Group Head of Premium Banking.

Both of them are doing bewilderingly well. They live large and hobnob with the rich and mighty. They are endowed with everything that can make any young man fall in love with them. Coupled with their professional accomplishments, what you have are two sisters on top of their game.

However, from the look of things, they have remained single, consolidating on their individual successes and obviously not in a rush for any attachment.

Liz Atuche hibernates

E

LIZABETH Atuche, wife of the former managing director of BankPHB, Francis Atuche, has joined the ranks of 'former bubbly celebrities'. At the height of her husband's tenure as the top honcho at BankPHB, Elizabeth, who was known for her daring wardrobe, was a major player at most high-end parties.

Her name had become another synonym for fun-seeking and partying. The fashionable lady, who liked to often attend A-listed parties without her then busy husband, has now piped down unbelievably. She appears to have given up on the old lifestyle, and now clings to God. In her heyday, Liz had undying love for diamonds, sapphires and gold. She has suddenly become elusive at parties; she does not dress up to the nines any more.

OFT-SPOKEN Public Relations guru, Phil Osagie, is not resting on his oars. The head strategist of JSP Communications has landed a deal with one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Emirates.

Osagie-led PR outfit will be providing the press office function for the airline with focus on the global lifestyle themes under the 'Hello Tomorrow' banner.

Before establishing JSP Communications in 1994, Osagie was the pioneer Chief Executive of the Quadrant Company, the first fullfledged PR consultancy in Nigeria. He has over the years developed strategies and successful PR campaigns for some of the world's most admired brands such as NBC's Coca-Cola, GSK, Cotecna, Intel, M i c r o s o f t , FedEx/RedStar Lamai E x p r e s s , Symantec, Notore, Africa•Osagie R e , a m o n g •Atuche others.

46

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Glamour

&

OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

Idris Isa Yuguda hooks Bilkisu Hanifa Musa Babayo

By Austine Tsenzughul Bauchi

A

LL human activities penultimate Saturday, September 8, 2012, stood still and were focused at Azare, when Mallam Idris Yuguda, son, Governor of Bauchi State, hooked Mallama Bilkisu Hanifa, daughter of Dr. Musa Babayo, former acting Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the chair of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETF).

•Idris Isa Yuguda, wife Bilikisu Idris Isa Yuguda at their The Chief Imam of Bauchi Photo Austine Tsenzughul Central Mosque, Baban Inna, wedding reception in Abuja. on behalf of the Yuguda family, through the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, presented a sum of fifty thousand naira (N50, 000) as dowry in accordance with Islamic rites.

Ten cows were also given as part of the bride Price in compliance with the custom and tradition of the Fulanis.

Immidiately after the prayer all guests boarded flight to Abuja for a grand reception at the main bowl of the prestigious International •L-R: Groom’s father. Isa Yuguda and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Conference Center, Abuja.

•Gbenga Adeyinka and Dr. Muiz Banire

•Couple cutting the cake

•Prayer session

Teju Babyface quits bachelorhood

•Mr and Mrs Tunde Adewale (T.A)

ByOlusegun Raphael

P

•Teju Babay Face and wife

•Hon. Abike Dabiri and Jumobi Mofe-Damijo

•Kunle Bakare and Bisoye Fagade

•L-R; Richard Mofe-Damijo and Jimmy Jatt

•L-R; Holly Mallam, A.Y, and M.C Abey

•L-R; Evan. Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi and Shina Peters

ENULTIMATE weekend, Ace Comedian , Teju Babyface quit bachelorhood. The wedding ceremony began on Friday with a traditional right, and on Saturday 1st September, 2012, the union was soleminized at Christ the Light Church, Alausa, Lagos. After the joining, the wedding train proceeded to Muson Centre for a grand reception. Among those who attended the event were Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, MIC Boss Tunji Okusanya, Sir Shina Peters, Richard Mofe Damijo, Hon.Abike Dabiri-Erewa and host of others

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

47

VOL 1 NO. 037

Newspaper brand management: N

OT unexpected, though, so many of our readers reacted to our first part of this piece, making known their take on the news around the news magazine and the talk about its likely close-down. Againexpectedly, over 75% of the reactions we got were of directconcern for the NEWSWATCH magazine, wishing that the founding owners were more careful and determined to save it from the present “embarrassment”. Emotions were widely expressed by some of those who reacted, leading to somewhat unprintable comments too damaging for me to reproduce on this page.

It turns out that NEWSWATCHmagazine mean so much to so many people; they will rather that it is saved from dying.

For us at MC&A Digest, out interpretation of the present situation concerning the news magazine and our concern resonates at two fronts - instruction and education. In the first part of this two-part write-up, we did point out the need for a professional engagement in the management of mass communication service brands, much as brands and product outside the mass communication market do. As a reminder, we did point out the illusion leading on to the prevalent situation of DIY (Do-It-Yourself), because brand management can only be safely done by the experts. Even practitioners do not have the opportunity of a DIY when it comes to managing their own brands – it requires an independent and unbiased analysis.

Notwithstanding the emotional interests, we shall look at the NEWSWATCH magazine as a brand.

Brands are definite, responsible, structural and responsive to stimuli instructions; they are definitive in character and instructive in cause and outcome analysis. Because of their character and the scientific nature of managing them, they are open to manipulation. In other words, the concept of GIGO (garbage-in-garbage-out) is more apt in the case of brand management. So, the primary challenge for brand managers is charting the course for their brand’s journey along the product life cycle.

Profiling NEWSWATCH magazine will be from two fronts: as a product and as a brand. As a product, it is describable as an A4-sized glossy news magazine product focused in news reporting. On the other hand, as a brand, NEWSWATCH magazine positioned as a player in the market of news reporting with special focus on investigative journalism. From its value-offer (before the death of Dele Giwa), its marketing objective SHOULD be to meet the need of news readers with the specific desire for in-depth news reporting and analysis, based on reported proofs and support evidence(s) not common with the run-on-the-mills news papers – for a profit!

NEWSWATCH magazine hit the newsstands on January 28, 1985, and immediately positioned as the pre-eminent newsmagazine in Nigeria, with Dele Giwa as its founding Editor-in-Chief. Beyond the glamour of styling and the controversy stirred by Dele Giwa and his team then, by reason of sensationalism and controversy built around their pattern of news reporting and

keting and brands management is all that happens in-between these stop points. The bottom-line is brand sustenance and returns on investors’ funds (ROI). At MC&A Digest, we believe – the greatest assurance towards satisfying the two major interests in any brand is its EQUITY. We have written two articles on the value, power and importance of brand EQUITY in the recent past. The reason we did that was to encourage ailing brands’ managers in these troubling economic times. When “recession” manifests, the first symbol is panic. In the face of negative in the balance sheet, managers are wont to manage cost. If the situation persists it steps on the panic mode and triggers off all sorts – including looking for new INVESTORS for fresh funds.

However, management science has indicated that a brand’s equity is a store of value that can be called up in times of crises. We must state here that it is the equity of NEWSWATCH brand that its original owners put on the table in their negotiation with Jimoh Ibrahim. The problem is that they wrongly invested their asset - the brand’s equity.

NEWSWATCH magazine with such a strong pedigree had no business giving away its majority share holding to a prospect with uncertain interest in its business and concern for its market peculiarity. My worry since the trouble between Ray Ekpu & Co on the one hand and the Jimoh Ibrahim team started has been trying to figure out what the Ekpu-led team was thinking during their negotiation with the ‘new’ investor.

I know I will earn so much money from the term plate I have designed for situations like this, so I will not lay it out on this page; I will reserve that for my Clients. However, I will like to leave my readers and managers of news papers/ magazine managers – the new market environment for print requires creativity and strategic involvement that will see newspaper/magazine brands operate in markets marginally beyond “newspapering” for dependable level of profitability. Take this away with you: there are two major marketing objectives for brands in the print market segment (1) build your brand’s equity (2) engage in value-offering that is immediately outside your primary market – to enable you build a sustainable revenue base for your brand.

As we always say on this page, we are open for consultation and human capacity development (for brand managers) – and advert placement. We wish the NEWSWATCH team all the best in their quest to save the brand. But they should always have at the back of their minds, NEWSWATCH magazine is a brand, beyond anything else.

The Newswatch case study (2) analysis then, the magazine grew as a brand, and was a market leader because it delivered on uncommon value touch-points that resonated even among illiterates and the barely literate at that time. So, the first lesson here is that a brand will always succeed if it delivers on its market’s critical value touch-point, no matter the market.

It is that aspect of NEWSWATCH as a brand that the readers and indeed its owners lost sight of then

and now (immediately before the living owners handed it over to Jimoh Ibrahim). Between January 28, 1985 and October 1986 when Dele Giwa, the founding Editor-In-Chief was murdered in very controversial circumstances, Brand NEWSWATCH ruled as the market leader without a near-second place follower in news reporting in Nigeria. To Nigeria and the international market, NEWSWATCH was a new phenomenon. Practitioners and journalism students were made proud and the more confident at their aspiration to excel, by reason of the brand’s success. Dele Giwa and his team became instant celebrities. Their times in prisons wadded color to their stardom. Even this writer was greatly encouraged by the Dele Giwa style, then, to pursue a career in journalism. The fun was an all-consuming bug.

However, the unfortunate thing was that stakeholders were all sucked-in in the groove, and forgot to see NEWSWATCH magazine as a brand.

Brands are not given to sensationalism. Brands are definite on set-objectives and subject to periodic review on their delivery on carefully identified parameters. Brands are born for the ultimate objective of profitability – that is the leveler for all brands, not minding whether they call themselves non-profit organizations or not! The game is about profit making.

Globally, the major check-points for brands are (1) introduction/birth/market entry (2) growth (3) maturity (4) decline and (5) death. The excitement in mar-

MC&A DIGEST QUESTION FOR THE WEEK: What should NEWSWATCH owners have done to avoid the present situation the brand finds itself?

Please send your answers/comments to mcandadigestweekly@gmail.com All answers/contributions will be published on this page next week. Thank you.

48

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

We remember her as the young girl who urged 'parents to listen to their children, pay their school fees and give them sound education.' Barely five years old in the 1980's, her voice blared through television and radio speakers.

Almost 30 years later, she is back as the programme director of a self-named foundation set up to support education at the primary school level. In this interview with Rita Ohai, she answers intimate questions in a straightforward, yet interesting manner.

•Bidemi Mark-Mordi

Tosin Jegede:

l l a , r a t s d l i h C

! p u n grow

F

OR you who rode the spotlight as a child, how they still have issues with it, that's their problem. does it feel to live without the fame?

Since you have a musical background, what genre of music gets you excited?

I don't mind not being a celebrity because I am I actually like alternative music. I love strings and fulfilled right now with my work. I don't mind not being you can find it in all types of songs. I also love on stage and I am not hungry to have people scream my classical music, probably because of the strings. name every time they see me. I am really not particular There's something in me that reacts once I hear about wanting the spotlight because of what I would strings, the hair on the back of my neck just stands. gain since being in the spotlight is not my goal.

My favourite artists of all times are Oasis and the You lost your mom in June, what has life been like Killers for bands, but for R and B, it would have to be Whitney Houston. without her presence?

Can you tell us one unconventional thing you It feels horrible now that she is not here. It is really weird because when I had a mum, I used plan to do before you die?

I am not an adventurous person. When I go to the to say things like 'My goodness, why don't you mind your business mom?' and I parks with those really fast rides, I can get on the one have gone from being able to say that that will not make my heart race too fast. I do not to nothing, which is a bit dramatic. jump off planes and climb mountains.

In the past, I always just wanted to set up my But I have three sisters and foundation before I hit thirty years old. But now that there's always been that I have crossed that bridge, I don't think I have set that balance of us being able to goal yet. You have actually given me something to communicate with each think about. other plus my dad is There's barely any make-up on your face, do you someone I can tell have an aversion to wearing it? everything. That I don't, I don't wear make-up. If I ever wear makemakes it easier to up, it's probably just a dust of powder. If I have extra bear. I miss her time, I apply a little bit of mascara. but when she I love my hair. If there was ever a call for people to p a s s e d o n , serve as advocates for natural hair, I would love to t h e r e w a s do that job. Right now, my hair is relaxed so I'll some kind of probably rock it this way for a while. reassurance Being a plus-sized woman, how do you handle that she was the pressure from a society that rather prefers okay and that slimmer figures? is what keeps I live in my own world. The pressure I faced at the m e g o i n g outset came from comments by people. Initially, today. people would tell me 'Oh my gosh, you are so fat!', D o y o u and Nigerians don't know how to talk.

The other challenge is getting clothes that fit. In remember the most important Nigeria, there is still a problem of getting the outfit l e s s o n y o u r that's the right size to buy. The only alternative is to m o t h e rtaught you? get a tailor to make them and they might not get the Oh my goodness! She taught me cut right to conceal your tummy or burst.

Another issue is even when you think you are so many things. But I remember when I was much younger, she constantly said, perfect, you will still find a flaw because women are never satisfied. They always want to adjust 'Tosin, always let people help you.'

It seemed strange at that time because I always something.

How would you like to see more Nigerian wanted to do everything by myself. I still think I have that problem. Till date, even when I'm working or women portray themselves?

A lot of the women I have come across here, even trying to make a song, I would want to do things the among the educated ones, tend to act like they are way I think is best. However, I now realise that it is a inferior or second class to the men. That is so rubbish selfish way to act. and annoying.

As a lady in her thirties who is not yet married, I would like to see them more confident. Yes, we how do you handle the pressure from family and should strive to be on the same level as men, because friends urging you to tie the knot? sometimes we are better than them in specific fields, Initially when it seemed like I was going to strictly face roles or situations. my career, everybody got concerned. They began asking You run a foundation that pays attention to me if all I wanted to be was a career woman and forget education, which book are you reading right now about family. and which is the most interesting book on your I have had to deal with the comments from family bookshelf?

I am reading Poor Economics by Duflo and members telling me that I need to settle down and get married, but I think being able to sit down with them and Banerjee. It's not a novel but it's a pretty interesting explain things to them, coupled with the fact that I am book in the sense that it talks about how countries like India are handling recession and people you actually in a relationship shows that I have a plan.

Essentially, I have learnt that it is important to assume are poor are actually not what you think they communicate with them so that they are aware of what is are.

Ordinarily, I like mystery and thriller books. going on and then everybody is happy. Sometimes I just let Robert Ludlum's books are one of my favourites. them know that I am fine and if they agree, that's cool; but if Linda Laplant is also another favourite.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16 , 2012

New WOMAN

Why do women fight each other at work?

with

E

By Rita Ohai

you have to watch your back. One minute they are very sweet to you and the very next they become downright nasty in the time it takes you to turn around.

Suddenly you're bleeding, and you never even saw the knife that they will forget in your back," she said.

While women constantly bicker and fight over issues many consider petty, some say at the root of their hatred for each other is a sense of distrust and shaky confidence in themselves.

Juliet Edeh says, “Women have an unconscious competition going on among themselves, and when another woman comes on the scene it comes out. Ladies, whether they like it or not, like to have attention focused around them.

“So, if the presence of another woman is taking it away from them, then she gets a little intimidated and typically starts to hate. Very soon, they start to treat every other woman in an evil manner.”

In a similar light, Dr. Vera Amuh had this to say: “Most women are very insecure. It is easier to find a confident man than a confident lady. They judge other women according to their insecurities and what makes them feel better about themselves. They also look at the bad in other people so people won't see the bad in them. The main problem with women stems from their environment and the kind of people, especially mothers and aunties, they grew up with.”

The common perception also seems to be that female bosses are 'backstabbing', 'easily threatened', 'emotionally unpredictable' or 'irritable'. In fact, a lot of women claim to have felt undermined at some point in their career by other women.

Trying to explain this behavioural pattern, Mobolaji Abayomi, a banker, enthuses, “It's easy to understand this mind-set, since there are very few positions of power for women, so, of course, women have to fight tooth and nail

to get them. And when they do, why would they want to help another to take their throne? No woman helped them get that job, so why should they help another woman rise too?

“This mind-set makes them very aggressive towards the younger staff and they unconsciously make life difficult for them. And in effect, this vicious circle continues from the younger ones who eventually get to the top, until more and more women fall victims.”

While many other ladies work extra hard to make life difficult for their fellow ladies, it is necessary that we understand why they act the way they do and make up our minds not to be like the hater's.”

Here is a list of reasons psychologists say why women quarrel with each other.

1. Women feel that their biological prime-time is limited.

She can easily be replaced by a new, younger, more beautiful woman. Youth is a woman's fairweather friend.

2. Women feel that other women control their man's sexual fidelity.

3. Women feel that their level or degree of physical beauty is based on luck as opposed to something that they control.

4. Women feel that other women can take something that they have worked hard to earn by using their beauty on the job, school and the legal system because men will be taken by their beauty.

5. Women feel that other women cannot be trusted. They gossip too much, they are phony and they would take your man right before your eyes.

6. Women feel that other women divert attention away from them.

7. Women feel psychologically competitive with other women to be more attractive.

8. Women subconsciously believe that if they merely looked like another woman, they could inherit her life, her diamond, her man, and people would look at her with the same admiration.

P.S: Notice how most of the reasons are centred around 'men' and superficial looks.

YETUNDE OLADEINDE

molaralife@yahoo.com

Making mountain out of 'Love's' molehill

H

VERYWHERE we turn, at home, in schools, and definitely at the workplace, women are knifing each other with their eyes, talking behind their backs, constantly judging and ridiculing each other, and metaphorically pushing each other around.

Forget sisterly solidarity. Once many ladies arrive at the office, it is every woman for herself.

She backbites, plots and simmers resentment against her female colleagues simply because she can or is jealous with a low selfesteem.

Whether it's the mother and daughter-in-law relationship, female friendships in school, or female co-workers, it seems they are constantly pitted against one another.

As far as they are concerned, one woman has to fail for the other to succeed …or should they?

Tutu Ayoola, an estate agent and a woman who loathes a female colleague of hers, had this to say about her association with other women in her office, “Women can be funny. You can tell a fellow lady something in good spirit and she will just take it to the extreme. She might think you are trying to overshadow her or you want to prove that you know more than her and before you know it, she will start disrespecting you.

“But if it is a guy you are trying to correct, he will just understand and forget the matter. That is why I would rather work with a man than a woman.”

When asked why she had problems with a particular colleague of the same sex, she said, as a matter of fact, “The girl is just stupid. She acts like she might be a flirt. I just don't like her!”

The lady in question barely knows Tutu and rarely speaks to her.

Sharing a slightly similar view, Edirin Haastrup states why she would rather work with a member of the opposite sex than her kind.

“Men are competitive, but you see it coming because they are straight forward. As for women,

49

AVE you been to Love's molehill? Naturally, the answer would be either yes or no, depending on the side of the love coin that you are at the moment. Making a mountain out of Love's molehill reminds you of the idiom that refers to making too much of a minor issue. It could also refer to exaggerating the importance of something. So, in relationships, you discover that a number of people fall apart because of things that they should have overlooked, things that should have been inconsequential to the love matter.

Instead of showering the one we claim to love with affection, what we do is to look out for their mistakes, what they left undone as well as what we think they are likely to do.

Unfortunately, that is why we always run into problems.

Instead of holding on to the power of positive thinking, Love's Molehill is usually clustered and cluttered with negatives. The molehill interestingly is a conial mound of loose soil raised by small burrowing mammals, including moles.

The love animal thinks like these burrowing mammals, and keeps unearthing things that break the heart. You keep on fishing in troubled emotional waters, and the result is the heartbreaks we have these days.

It's actually a long, tiring journey and you need perseverance to survive the odds. You also need a trusty road map and love guidebook to benefit from the experiences of those who have been through the bumpy road, those who have climbed emotional hills with stress, those who got lost in valleys of lust, and the few that finally made it though the eyes of the proverbial love needle.

Solomon is looking for a babe, someone he can be happy with 24/7. Happily, he tells his friends the type of gal he is looking for and they laughed at him. Dreamer? “You are just too ambitious, you need to look around and if you find someone who fits into your target; if the babe meets up at least 50 or 60 per cent, then you are okay. But if you insist on having all the details a 100 per cent then it may just be a wild goose chase.

The first requirement is a gap-tooth and every smiling chic.

This can really be a great source of inspiration in any relationship. A frowning babe is not a great companion. She's going to drag you to the bottomless pit and make the whole idea very uninteresting. A bad bargain any day. Next he wants her to have sexy eyeballs. Well what is he going to do with a babe whose eyeballs are flat? “No way. It's more exciting when you are in a relationship with someone that excites you. The eyeballs are the first contact; you must be able to connect positively at this point. If the one you want to spend the rest of your life with possesses eyeballs that are not attractive, then it's not likely to work.”

That is not all. This dude also wants his babe to be intelligent or close to a genius at work.

Insatiable? Not really. A guy with class should go after what his heart desires. His dream is unique, not for ordinary souls.

This dream gal must be a pot pourri of some sort. An angel in the midst of other angels, something worth having forever. A diamond must be forever.

Well, we can't really blame him. So, are we saying that it may not be possible to have just one babe with all these assets? No, we just can't make that lazy assumption. Let him try, try and try again. He may just be lucky to find this missing rib somewhere and somehow.

Like a molehill, love can be very difficult to define. Most times, you may just have to make something out of nothing. You need to make the best of whatever situation you find yourself and make things work, if you can. Things are different from what we used to have in the past, obviously signs of the love times.

Two young lovebirds decided to go in search of a good Lovenest. Somewhere, they can live happily thereafter. Of course, they were not sure where true love was, they went to a love doctor for diagnosis. The doctor did the necessary tests to be sure that they were compatible. Once there was confirmation that they both had enough of Cupid's arrows in their veins to take them through this strenuous love journey, it was time to be practical.

Here he took them through a shimmering path that got higher and deeper with every step. It was fun and the two lovebirds laughed, sang, danced and shed tears of joy. The sun was shining brilliantly and fragrant wildflowers were blossoming abundantly all around them as they skipped merrily around this path of Love.

Just when you thought they had found Love, the unexpected happened; the euphoria was interrupted by a voice from the past.

“Susan, how can you do this to me? How can you bite the love fingers that fed you? Why did you break a loving heart?”

Yes, that was the voice of an old flame. It was a sad voice that was also warning the new Romeo. The message here was that he had been a victim and the new guy was going to fall prey soon.

Our queen is a fair weather lover, the type who shows affection only when there are goodies in the emotional bag, once the bag becomes deflated then she is going to take to her heels.

Utopia? Well, you would find out as you sink deeper and deeper into this Love quagmire.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

50

There can be law without justice but there can be no justice without law.

THE ARTS

51

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

•Oil on canvas

T

HE new art gallery built by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) in its corporate headquarters on Broad Street, Lagos, is a beauty to behold. In addition to the old relics of FESTAC’77 which belonged to all the countries that participated in the festival, CBAAC has gone ahead to collect new art works and artefacts that represent some important events and personalities in Africa and the Diaspora.

The essence of the gallery, according to the DirectorGeneral of the centre, Professor Tunde Babawale, is to continue to show the relevance of diverse Black and African peoples and cultures both on the continent and in the Diaspora. “All these,” he said, “attest to the creativity, industry and celebrated accomplishments of the peoples of African descent.”

The artefacts, for instance, speak eloquently of the greatness and potentials of Black and African peoples, both in the past and the present. They not only foretell all the glorious future awaiting the continent and its peoples if the creativity and industry exemplified in the artefacts are properly adapted, but that they can be used to meet contemporary challenges. This is why the gallery is wellpreserved and maintained to give endless protection to the array of beautiful and important works that are there, that go a long way to depict the myth, the history, the tradition and the sociology of diverse peoples of Africa.

In one of the works entitled Kolanut Bowl made of wood and coming from Edo State, Nigeria, the bowl shows how much respect people accord kola nut in parts of the country. Kola nut is a highly appreciated cash crop and stimulant of great cultural value.

It follows that such a valued nut should be served in commensurate ornament such as the elegant wooden bowl.

From Afikpo, Ebonyi State, came a unique traditional mask also made of wood. It shows that African masks are famous all over the world for their formal and conceptual beauties. In their awful elegance, they haunt the uninitiated and infuse fear into the society. Yet the impetus that culminated in modernism in visual art was primarily driven by inspirations derived from African masks. The Europeans actually

•Mask from Afikpo

•Ekpe Masquerade

•Oil on canvas

Gallery of eloquence The new art gallery by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) assembles both the ancient and modern African works and relics in diverse forms, writes Edozie Udeze

•Babawale

came in contact with these relics in the early 20th century and have made away with lots and lots of them.

There is also the African indigenous architectural technology from Zimbabwe. The picture shows a communal living

•Wood work

pattern prevalent in Africa. It is a total reflection on the living standard and pattern of the people in the olden days. In it, Africans were able to strike a balance between nature and man, a symbiosis that prolonged lifespan and protected the

environment. Even then, those from the riverine areas did not have to flee from there, but devised means of making the conditions suitable for habitation. This is one of the whole essences of the works; to show that civilisation in whatever form and quantum and

OAU hosts conference on humanities

F

ROM October 7 to 10, 2012, the Faculty of Arts of Obafemi Awolowo university (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State is hosting an international conference on the theme: RE-ENACTING LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA: THE PLACE AND ROLE OF THE HUMANITIES and calling for papers that engage any of the following and related issues are therefore invited for presentation at this conference: •Theoretical and conceptual issues in leadership • Traditional Authority and Leadership • The Academia and the Intellectual Leadership Space

• Leadership, Ethnicity and the Making of a Nation • Ethics of Leadership in Nigeria • Civil Society and National Leadership • Leadership Crisis and the Nigerian Space • Leadership and Poverty of the Nation • Idea-Based Leadership • Language and Mass Mobilisation • Leadership and Political Accountability • Nigeria and Continental Leadership • Religious Leadership and Democracy • Leadership and the Nigerian Press • Language and Leadership

• The Use of Music in Party Campaigns and and Political Participation • Women in Leadership • Screening and Staging in Democracy • Literary Writing and Leadership in Nigeria • Violence, Social Disorder and Leadership Abstracts of proposed paper should not exceed three hundred (300) words. Each should reflect the title of the paper and author’s contact details (institutional affiliation, email address and phone number). We also welcome short research notes that speak to any of the themes.

Send abstract todogungbile1@yahoo.com

PHOTOS: EDOZIE UDEZE

value was not lacking in Africa before the despoliation and outside interference began and worsened with time.

Some of the modern paintings dwell on Pan-Africanists in the persons of Funmilayo RansomeKuti, Nelson Mandela, and others who have done so much to uplift the dignity of the African peoples.

These works, according to Babawale, represent the total dexterity and dedication of African leaders towards the emancipation of the continent.

The works were done by African artists who have proved their worth in their profession. Today, African arts have come to occupy global stage in terms of style, form, theme, beauty and aesthetics.

Even from Australia, the works of the Aborigines whose life pattern related to those of Africans, reflect their style like those of Africans. The paintings sprawling elegantly on oil on canvas show peculiar inspiration and motifs from their cultural experiences, yet there is profuse use of circular dots and lines to anchor for uniformity and surrealism.

Then you have the sakara, omele, bata and leather drums. Each represents and presents its peculiar sound and purpose.

Mainly from Yorubaland, the sakara drum, for instance, forms part of an ensemble where it is used to accentuate rhythms and musical symbols. On the other hand, the omele, a smaller version of sakara, has high pitch sound that undulates as it is played The leather drums have been upgraded and are being used in Cuba by the Cuban Diaspora Africans.

The drums play significant role in the traditional festivals and merriments of AfroCubans, who are not only immersed in their African worship style, but have consistently maintained their African heritage and celebrations.

For them, the leather drums speak to their ancestors.

There are also the Ekpe masquerade from Efik and Ibibio traditions, the Amandla, symbolising the freedom of South Africans in the throes of Apartheid, paintings from ancient cities of Egypt and so on. In all, you have a total representation of African artistic values and norms, with each work throwing you back and forth into the historical excursion of Africans from time immemorial to the present.

52

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Arts/Reviews

What should motivate writing?

Edozie Udeze reports on an argument that recently came up: Should writers write for the sake of awards or just write for the love of literature?

T

HIS is a season of literary awards, not only in Nigeria, but globally. And Nigerian writers are not letting go; they have formed themselves into groups in their different state chapters to discuss the place of literary awards in the lives of authors.

Last weekend, the Lagos State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) threw open the debate with the theme: Should writers write for the sake of awards? It was a poser that encouraged authors to bare their minds on the issue and weigh both sides.

First to sound the salvo was Daggar Tola, Chairman of Lagos State chapter of ANA, whose stand is that writers should first write for the sake of writing. If, however, in the process, an award comes, it is all well and good. “The duty of a concerted writer is to write, believing that he is doing what he loves in order to touch the lives of the people,” he said.

Daggar’s presentation touched on the vibes of other writers who did not quite toe his line of contention.

For others, awards are parts and parcel of the life of a writer. A writer can go on to write with the intention of garnering an award.

There is nothing wrong with that, after all those awards are there for him to grab.

Examples were given about two sets of writers.

The likes of Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o and their likes did not have awards in mind when they began to write.

However, with time, some of their works began to generate awards for them.

For these set of writers, writing is a vocation, it is a total conviction embedded in their heart of hearts.

But the second category of writers, write purposely to win awards. This is more predominant among the younger generation of writers who are lucky that

T

HE hours ticked by as the year Slowly dawned on me, on me all Alone, slowly, minute by minute.

The new year comes calling At the dawn of the night As the skies rest in the steady Slow mist of the harmmattan breeze, And the nauseating endless noise Of banger knockouts intercepting

•Soyinka

“The likes of Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o and their likes did not have awards in mind when they began to write.

However, with time some of their works began to generate awards for them. For these set of writers, writing is a vocation, it is a total conviction embedded in their heart of hearts” such awards are now many for their asking.

With more literary awards being instituted in all corners of the world every year, why wouldn’t a writer seize the opportunity to write to win laurels for himself? The whole essence of this is for him to prove himself, win the award, savour it and use the proceeds to thrive, write more and reap the fruits of his labour.

Therefore, a common ground was arrived at: One, those who love awards, first and foremost, should

•Achebe

understudy the requirements for such awards and then write to tailor their style towards them. Two, those who love literature for the sake of literature should go on with what they are doing.

Instances were given about writers in developed world where there are popular literary writers and the core novelists.

Every week in the United States of America and Britain, newspapers announce best-seller books.

They take time to spell out these two categories – popular and core literature.

It is first to show that each category is not only relevant, but equally acts on its own strength and value.

So, let writers write in the style they are best suited. Every writer has his own audience; his own admirers and readers. As it is in all aspects of life, so it is in the way people take to literary issues. You stick to what you love and go on with it.

That is why the likes of James Hardley Chase, Jeffery Archer, Frederick Forsyth and their likes will continue to have followers, just like the likes of William Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw, Charles Dickens, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka have built their own clan of followers.

Life is all about varieties and choices and preferences.

POEM Waiting for 2002

By Edozie Udeze

The dew of the night, quaking many hearts.

But the waves defy all entreaties Stirring me unconstructively to consciousness Time in tow to give praises To the Almighty And in the middle of the night,

As the throes of heavenly bliss join In the glories of Allelluyah I raise my eyes, my voice crying In deep supplication: Yes, better to turn to God In this moment of grave torments Just to usher in the New Year Yes, the clamour of the year 2002.

Books

Surmounting bumpy ways

D

ESTINED To Win – Life of Joseph as Case Study, is a positive book that touches on the core values of a serious follower of Christ. In it, Pastor Soji Omotunde brings his many years sojourn as a man of God to bear on the presentation of the story of Joseph in the Bible. It is to teach a lot of people how to wait on the promises of God. The story of Joseph indeed represents the life experiences of many children of God who make it to the height of their profession and end the race of life rather gloriously.

Essentially, the beauty of the story of Joseph is that God’s plans for his own chosen children can never be altered by man. But in His own wisdom and divinity, God uses funny and incomprehensible ways to accomplish His goals in the lives of His favourite ones.

And when God’s plans are in operation, man may not understand it or even appreciate what is in the offing. It is mostly after the work has been fully accomplished that man will begin to see the handiwork of God in it all.

This is what Destined to Win exposes to mankind.

In order to make the book more appealing to readers, the author divides it into sections. Each of the subtitles has clear message to impact in the minds of people. For instance, chapter one is entitled The Apple of God’s Eye. And this is what Joseph represents in the Holy Book where he is so loved by Jacob, his father. This love evokes envy from his brethren who plot to undo him.

Besides, Joseph’s dreams drive fear and hatred into the minds and hearts of his siblings. Gradually, those dreams are fulfilled but in ways that are somewhat uncouth and strange to the people who witness and

By Edozie Udeze

follow it. Yes, here, like in most other such cases in the Bible, God proves that His ways are not our ways.

In tracing the background of Joseph to the height of his career, Omotunde succeeds in instilling the lesson into the subconscious of people so that they will be righteous for the sake of the kingdom.

Righteous life is the key but prayer and trust in the Almighty equally play vital roles for one to get God’s favours in life.

To justify each sequence in the life of Joseph who patiently and piously follows God’s destiny in his life, the author quotes portions and verses in the Holy Book to embellish the story. Each segment touches the heart and brings to the fore, man’s inability to pray fervently for God’s plan to manifest in his life. God is righteous and we, created in His image, fullness and likeness,

should endeavour to act likewise.

But then, God can mould one from nothing to something just to fulfill His dream for the person.

“This is why in The Cross before the crown, it is good for one to have a vision of where he is headed in life.

Yes, God’s style might be slow and His way might be b u m p y , windy and rough, yet it is the surest way because it can never fail you,” so writes the author on page ten.

Other sub-themes include: Obstacles as stepping stones, whatever you sow, God with us, delay is no denial, and lots more. The lesson here is that God is in total control of our lives and we should worship and trust Him. Our purpose here on earth is to worship and adore Him. This is the primary reason He created us – to be true to Him in all our ways. This is what Joseph epitomised even when temptations came to sway him. Let us take a cue from this story.

Even though there are many editing and typographical errors (for instance on pages 4, 11, 12, and so on) that does not still distort the lesson in the book.

It is written to teach people how to allow God to rule in their lives, no matter the bumpy way to the top.

The new orchard

“H

IS face was as pitted as the moon,” Coplin writes of her late-19thcentury protagonist, a wellmeaning orchardist named Talmadge whose familial yearnings are eclipsed by early misfortune: the mysterious disappearance of his teenage sister.

At the cusp of middle age, Talmadge forms surrogate kinships with Della, a young girl also haunted by the loss of a sister, and Caroline, the herbalist who attended his mother before her death.

Della rejects Talmadge’s attempts to assert a quasipaternal influence, opting instead to hazard a series of traditionally male occupations and pursue an obsessive mission to destroy her sister’s childhood tormentor, an evildoer of spaghetti-western proportions.

The dispassionate surfaces of the novel belie its subtext of psychological

crosscurrents as Della’s push for vengeance is confronted by Talmadge’s m u l i s h strategies to keep her out of harm’s way.

Coplin’s deliberately p a c e d account of D e l l a ’ s emotional d e s c e n t threatens to pull the book down with it, but she rallies with a startlingly orchestrated climactic sequence.

M a n y contemporary novelists have revisited the question of what constitutes a family, but few have

responded in a voice as resolute and fiercely poetic.

Culled from New York Times

53

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

T

HE controversy over the Will of the patriarch of the Ojukwu family, the late Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, who died in 1967, has resurfaced again because it has not been read. The Will was declared missing as a result of the Civil War, which coincided with the year of his demise. The Will, despite blitz of newspaper adverts, is yet to be read as nobody has come forward with the knowledge of its whereabout.

In addition, some family members are curious and anxious on what actually will be the content of the Will of the late former Biafran leader as the properties in contention were those belonging to Ojukwu Transport Limited (OTL), owned by the late patriarch.

The document which had been kept secret since Ikemba's demise has been generating a lot of interest and anxiety from family members. Those holding the directorship of the OTL at the moment are the late Biafran leader's siblings including Prof. Joseph Ojukwu as the chairman, Mr. Lotanna P. Ojukwu, Dr. Ike Ojukwu, Edward Ojukwu, Emmanuel Ojukwu and Lotanna A. Ojukwu.

But a recent dimension reared up on the issue of the control of the properties. The wife of the late Biafran leader, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, through her lawyers, has insisted that the estate management agent, Omuojine & Associates, said to have been appointed by her late husband, would remain in charge of the five properties in Lagos.

But the directors of OTL in a recent public notice disowned the management agent saying that at no time was it appointed by the company's board of directors to manage any of their properties.

The properties in question are, 13 Hawksworth Road, Ikoyi, (now 13 Ojora Road, Ikoyi) Lagos, 32A Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos, 29 Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, 30 Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos and 4 Macpherson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Counsel for Mrs. Ojukwu, Emeka Onyemelukwe of Emeka Onyemelukwe & Associates, in a letter dated May 28, this year, in response to a letter by the OTL counsel, Ifeanyi Okumah of Sterling Attorneys, Enugu, asking Omuojine to hands off the properties, informed the directors that the management firm was appointed by the Late Emeka Ojukwu to manage the said properties under his care and was not relieved of that responsibility until the Dim's demise.

Okumah, writing on behalf of the OTL Directors in a letter dated May 17, 2012, informed Omuojine and Associates that Massey Udegbe and Co had been duly appointed management agent of OTL properties in Lagos and that he (Omuojine) should not in any manner interfere with the firm (Massey Udegbe)

properties under his care,” adding that “they have not been relieved of that responsibility by late Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu-Ojukwu until his demise.”

“As our client, the next of kin to the deceased Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has not also relieved them of that responsibility. We therefore see your demands from them as spurious and fishy,” Onyemelukwe stated, explaining that the properties of OTL had for many years been managed by three separate branches of the family.

He disclosed that Omuojine manages some of the properties under the care of the late Ikemba Nnewi, insisting that “Massey Udegbe & Co has no business disturbing the properties under the care and management of Omuojine & Associates.”

“May we then use this opportunity to warn that you (Okumah) call your client, Messrs Massey Udegbe & Co, and the unknown director who briefed you to order? They should not in any way disturb the tenants, who reside, and or carry on their legitimate businesses on those properties under the care and management of Messrs Omuojine & Associates, in any form or manner inimical to those tenants' interests. If they do so, we may have to resort to appropriate measure/s to stop them,” Mrs. Ojukwu's lawyers further wrote.

Contacted on the seeming face-off, one of the OTL Directors, Dr. P. Ike Ojukwu, said that there was no complication whatsoever, explaining that the properties in question belonged to OTL. He claimed that “Omuojine is not an agent of Ojukwu Transport Limited and that criminality is criminality, whether it is by doctor, lawyer or even an ambassador, nobody is above the law.”

Dr. Ojukwu requested that those that claim to have power of attorney/management agreement on those properties should produce it, advising further that people with claims over property that clearly belongs to the company and not to any individual, dead or alive, should seek legal advice on the issue.“The public notices put out by the owners of the properties, Ojukwu Transport Limited, are very clear and any criminality will be adequately addressed,” he said.

The controversy notwithstanding, the Ikemba's Will will be read after the mourning period of his widow which takes one full year. Ojukwu died in a London hospital in November last year.

Eager to know who should benefit from whatever he left behind are his wife, siblings, children and other relations.

Much ado about Ojukwu's Will Controversy is engulfing the Will of the former Biafran leader, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, which is expected to be read any moment from now. Chris Oji takes a look at the controversies and the way forward. in carrying out its duties.

“You are reminded of the serious consequences of not adhering to the above and that to continue to parade yourself and/or your company as an agent of OTL constitutes economic breaches which are criminal in nature and highly unprofessional,” Okumah stated.

He further asked Omuojine to provide OTL with itemised list of all monies he collected while managing the said properties for several years and remit same to the company, adding that he should, among other things, “cease and desist from holding yourself out to

be their managing agent.''

Besides, the OTL counsel requested Omuojine to furnish the company with concrete documentary evidence of his appointment as the company's managing agent, including the management agreement and power of attorney purportedly issued to him as well as the statement of account of the funds so far collected.

But replying the OTL Directors on behalf of Mrs. Ojukwu, Emeka Onyemelukwe, her counsel, said that “Messrs Omuojine & Associates were appointed by late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to manage those

54

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Miscellany

How circular road will change the face of Ibadan T

HE state of health services in Oyo State has been a source of concern to many. In what ways is the current administration going about improving healthcare delivery?

The state of health in Oyo State is not different from the state of the state itself. Since the inception of this administration, if you want to compare the condition of the state before the inception of this administration under the leadership of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the state was totally collapsed in terms of infrastructure, social services and governance. We also discovered that nothing was working and that was why our hospitals were in the position they were. Take for instance, billions of naira were spent by the last administration on Adeoyo Hospital, but up till today there are instances when they have to perform surgical operations outside the hospital; water pipes are not running, no modern equipment and the structures are nothing to write home about. Do not forget that this administration promised free health services to the people, which is one of the cardinal points of this administration, and how would you deliver on free health when the infrastructural facilities are not there? We are lacking two things which are the human capital and the infrastructure which we need to deliver free health services. What this administration did was to conceive the Free Health Mission which was taking the hospitals to the door step of the people. If you are taking the hospital to the doorstep of the people, it means that all the medical personnel will be present with all the equipment. This idea was conceived towards the end of last year. So we kick started the first phase of the Free Health Mission. The state government planned for a quick impact before they will improve the conditions of hospitals. We started by bringing together three local governments into one location and attend to people, which meant that the exercise was conducted in 10 local governments in Oyo State bearing in mind that we have 33 local governments in the state.

You could see the enthusiasm, acceptability, support and joy the programme brought to those that were really in need of healthcare at that point in time, the programme then treated about 84,000 patients and out of the number, we have many hernia operations and those with infections in the eye were given eye glasses. Those with diabetes were given screening and treatments. We also had drugs for all sorts of ailments. That was when the popular demand started that the laudable programme should be adopted in teaching hospitals in the state. So the governor now called the local governments for their support so that we can have this free health programme in each of the local government headquarters and it was well received by

One of the major projects being undertaken by the Oyo State Government is the construction of a circular road around Ibadan as well as the establishment of a five-star hotel. In this interview, the Commissioner for Information, Bosun Oladele, shares with BISI OLADELE how the government came about the ideas and the reason for driving the projects, and other issues them to the extent that they wanted it instantly and that was what led to the second phase which was divided into three rounds involving 11 local government around, and on that trip we had over 120 medical personnel at every outfit. We had drugs and medication that would go round for 5,000 people at a go and the average treated in each local government happened to be about 4,500, and as I am talking to you we have over 200 thousand patients throughout the state that benefitted from the second phase of the free health mission. It was completed in late April this year, and even at that our people are still yarning for more, the programme became so popular but let me say that the government is not distracted, while our ultimate goal is to put all this facilities into adequate usage in a position where people can come in and get treated and go home joyfully.

Given the fact that the free health mission is a short term approach, how soon should people expect a long-term solution to this entire problem of shortage of personnel, facility and drugs?

We have the road map to the restoration of the health sector. The journey has started. The Executive Council has given approval for the purchase of 34 ambulances for emergency response and the ambulances will not be stationed in the hospitals. They will be where they can be accessible to attend to accident victims, to attend to emergency medical cases with just a phone call away. Also approval has been given for the recruitment of 1000 health personnel including medical doctors and am sure that you are aware that the advert was put out a month ago and the recruitment process is ongoing as I am talking to you, because there is no point getting the equipment without people that will man them, there is no point rehabilitating the hospitals and it will just serve as a relaxation centre. It must be functional. That is the hallmark of the government in power. They must be functional with the involvement of human capital.

Primary health centres are very close to the populace, especially at the rural areas.

What is the government doing in resuscitating the primary health centres and what is the position of national health insurance scheme in Oyo State?

Now the primary health centres are part of what the MDG department is doing to equip the non functional primary health centres. As a matter of fact, an assessment has been done throughout the state by the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) department and their assessment shows that those health

centres were just there without equipments for them to function. So, as a matter of urgency the government is equipping those health centres. Places where there were no health centres before the government is constructing one in each of the local governments. As a matter of fact, the plan is that at the end of the day each ward will have at least one primary health centre so that health care delivery can be available and affordable to the people. As for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Oyo State is not left out of it because the government has taken part in our responsibility and currently the Ministry of Health is on top of that because we don't want to be left behind.

People are taking benefit of the programme.

Before now not much was done to ensure that our people enjoyed that benefit, but now it's going to be a thing of the past because we want to make use of the maximum benefit of the NHIS and we are participating fully.

In what ways do you think this government has met the yearnings of the electors who voted for the governor a year ago?

I will say that to a large extent that this administration has met the expectation of the people, although there is no way you will not have some skepticism in any democracy. This is a government that is anchored on integrity, good governance and general restoration of Oyo State to its glory. And do not forget that the state prides itself as the ‘Pacesetter State’ but you will recollect that before now Ibadan used to be the centre where everybody in Southwest would visit when they needed anything, especially traders. But things degenerated in agriculture, industries were no longer functioning, manufacturing was at the lowest ebb, investment was low and what the administration has done, the first and the main germane thing, is to start by way of human capital development and that was why each member of the state Executive Council has been able to go for adequate training at the inception of this administration. Apart from this training, members of the management teams of ministries, departments and agencies have also undergone their own training. We now have in place key performance indicators, and we have mode of evaluation and assessment.

The socio-economic management team is in place to be able to check each ministry, department and agency to assess what it has been doing on quarterly basis.

Apart from that the next thing to do is infrastructural renewal. As you can see, Oyo State is fast becoming one big construction

site because the state government has completed about 199 roads. That is why we have been looking at infrastructural renewal in our first anniversary celebration. Roads take number one position in this administration. This is an administration that wants to be remembered for the development of infrastructural facilities. This is the first time an overhead bridge is built by a civilian government. The state government has commenced the construction of an overhead bridge at Mokola and the completion and commissioning will take place within the next 10 months. Also out of the 199 roads, there will be three in each local governments. The state government is also concerned about the state of education, that is why an education summit was held in May. It is so urgent and pertinent for us to have that so that we can restore the lost glory in the education sector.

We want to be number one out of the 36 states in Nigeria. Do not forget this is the capital of education in Southwest and in Nigeria. This is also the political capital in Nigeria.

The state has also ensured that school agriculture is encouraged so that our students can later become agricultural entrepreneurs. They are not to be ashamed of farming but take it as something that should be done with so much integrity, with so much enthusiasm with the hope that you can be rich doing that and also become an employer of labour.

In America, farmers are the richest.

So we want to create billionaire famers in Oyo State in the nearest future. Security is also not left out.

We set up the joint military team code named “Operation Burst’’.

This administration is also coming up with the launch of security trust fund. The peace we enjoy in Oyo State today is not achieved by application of force by the government.

You can see the NURTW members are behaving themselves now, they know where their limits are and they know they must operate within their limit.

Can you let us into the investment drive of this administration?

We will grow our GDP, especially in the area of infrastructural development. We have the Ibadan circular road which is coming up for investors that shows interest, because we discovered that no government can fund most of this developmental project by itself, not with our present mineral resources in Oyo State but that circular road will bring about a lot of development, it will reduce travel time when you want to pass through Ibadan to Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States and others. It will also assist in decongesting the metropolis. The road will start somewhere along the Ibadan-Lagos express way before you even get to the toll gate. It will go to Egbeda along Ife road, it will go through Moniya passing through Iwo Road and then it will come to Apata on Abeokuta road and go back to where it has taken off so that wherever you want to go on every exit in Ibadan, you can easily assess it and the town. I think the first phase is about almost 50 kilometres. We have got the assurance that it will be completed in less than two years. And apart from that for the first time in this part of the country, Ibadan is going to have a five star hotel.

It is not going to be solely government owned. The government will just contribute a few percentage. We have some people that have shown interest based on the fact that some international agencies are saying that Oyo State is back on their map because of the quality of presentation of this administration which is coming from a place where they never believed it can get in the last 12 years.

For the five-star hotel, the investors are bringing in about N5.5 billion. You will recollect that since the inception of the administration, the Financial Times has been saying Ibadan is starting to be investors' choice after the likes of Johannesburg and Lagos. So it shows that Oyo State is back on the radar that people can actually perceive.

What effort has been put in place to avoid flood disaster this year?

You will agree with me that the recent rains would have been very devastating if not for the fact that the drainages were cleared. Channelisation has been done in most of the rivers and streams.

These are efforts of the government to ensure that we do not have that devastating experience of last year when we had flood which led to loss of lives and properties. You can see that bridges are being constructed.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

55

Cattle seller kills friend over N1000 —PAGE 56

Awe’s mysterious lake and fish

Sogidi Lake in Awe near Oyo, in Oyo State has a reputation of being sacred, with lots of healing power. Due to this, people are forbidden from killing the fishes or serving them as delicacies. Taiwo Abiodun who recently visited the lake writes

T

HE environment is cool with lush green leafed trees enveloping the surroundings.

Apart from the fence, the trees also serve as a protection for the mysterious lake that has attracted many from far and near. Many make the long journey to this rustic town to verify the authenticity of the stories they have heard or read about the lake and its mysterious fishes.

In the lake are fishes of all sizes and shapes swimming, splashing water and jumping as if tempting the reporter to dare kill any of them!

However, a stern warning had been handed to the reporter by the guide.

He had said before conducting the reporter round that, “Don’t ever attempt to kill any fish or else you will blame yourself! Many have lost their lives and their beloved ones for trying it, I have warned you!’’ With this stern warning echoing in his mind, the reporter remembered his early biblical teaching “to obey is better than sacrifice.”

The origin of the lake Welcome to Sogidi Lake in Awe, Oyo State. According to the custodian of the lake, Pa Stephen Adebayo Ojedele, the lake has been there since 1750 when the town was discovered.

“It was discovered when the monarch, Ilemolu and his entourage were thirsty. The monarch then sent some hunters under the leadership of one Metio to search for water to quench their thirst. Along the line, while in the bush, one of the hunters sighted some monkeys on trees and they pursued them. As one of them corked his local riffle, ready to shoot, another hunter discovered a pool of water under the tree where the money was.

The hunters stopped their partner from shooting, having found what they were looking for [water].They believed it was due to the assistance of the monkeys that they discovered the water.”

Ojedele added that the hunters also saw some cherry fruits [agbalumo] by the lake, tasted it and said it was a real fruit, and having found it tasty and delicious they cried out in their local dialect that it was a real fruit , Eso gidi, this was later shortened to Sogidi, which later became the name of the lake till date.

In honour of the hunters’ discovery, the painting of a mermaid and monkeys jumping from one tree

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

•The Sogidi lake

•Sign post erected by Oyo State Government Tourism Board

to another, as well as hunters with their guns are drawn on the walls of the lake to serve as a memento and in appreciation of the efforts of the hunters.

Forbidden fish According to Pa Ojedele, Sogidi water could appear rough but it is clean, healthy and good for drinking as well as being highly medicinal. He said the

water tastes like any of the well treated and bottled water. The mystery is that as a lake which does not flow nor does any flow into it, it is good. However, during the raining season it overflows its banks. He added that there has never been any record of cholera breakout in the town as a result of drinking the water.

As early as 7a.m. women come out to sweep the surrounding and keep it clean. According to Ojedele, “Nobody is allowed to go into the compound with shoes or sandals on, that is the rule. Asides that, nobody is allowed to scoop the water with a bowl, but buckets are dipped into it in order to •Continued on Page 57

56

H

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Life

IS innocuous countenance coupled with his small frame is a sharp contrast to the crime he is alleged to have committed. The exhibit at the police disposal, however, confirms the allegation that Muhammed Moto killed Abdulahi Muftau during a scuffle resulting from an intense wrangle in the ancient town of Iseyin in Oyo State.

Currently detained at the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Moto is in a seclusion fervently praying to God to bail him out of his predicament as other inmates with whom he shares a cell have inundated him with the likely judgment awaiting him in the court of law.

On account of this, nothing else could distract him from observing his prayer as a devout Muslim he claims he is. With a heavy heart, the Ilorin-born lamented that what brought him into the detention could have been averted if he had exercised some caution, even though the deceased, according to him, was all out to overstretch his patience.

The duo, on August 21, at a joint in the town, met and the deceased offered a mobile phone for sale. Moto expressed his willingness to buy the article if the price was right. The deceased was said to have paused briefly before he asked Moto to pay N4, 500. This transaction occurred under an atmosphere in contrast with the tragedy that ended it five days after.

The aftermath “If I had known that that phone would lead me into this problem I would have saved my money to buy a new one. He also did not show that he wanted to use the phone matter to cause this problem. In fact, after we had agreed on N4, 500 I said I would pay him N3, 000, which I paid on the spot, with a promise to pay the balance later. He gave me the phone and we left the place for our different homes,” Moto said in Yoruba language in an emotion-laden tone.

The following day, the deceased without a prior notice, appeared at the place where Moto sells cow and ram. The deceased walked briskly up to him and told Moto that he wanted to buy a ram.

Moto suspected no harm in the deceased’s request and obliged him. The deceased’s choice was a N2,500 worth ram which he gladly handed over to him with a belief that the deceased would give him N1000 to balance the N1500 he owed the deceased.

But this expectation hit the rock as the deceased collected the ram and walked away without uttering a word. “I first wanted to challenge him for not saying anything but something within me just told me to leave him. I also told myself that it was more or less a relief of the debt I owed him.

But I still asked myself about my balance of N1000. Because this is the second transaction I had with him, I played it down and carried on,” Moto said.

It was gathered that the deceased’s decision to buy a ram in less than 24 hours after he had sold the phone to Moto might have been a deliberate action to force his balance out of him because he was unsure of when he would settle the debt.

A police source disclosed that investigation had not shown that the deceased ran a food canteen or had an occasion to celebrate to inform his purchase of a ram. The deceased, the source added, must have attempted to play a fast one

Cattle seller kills friend over N1000

The ancient town of Iseyin in Oyo State recently witnessed an incident of two friends who went to war because of N1,000 with one biting the dust in the process. Tunde Busari reports.

•Exhibit

on the suspect to maximize his profit on the phone sold to him.

“How can you sell your phone yesterday and come today to pick a ram without dropping a kobo?

It shows he deliberately wanted to do business with the dealing.

It is done everywhere by greedy traders. Unfortunately, he is dead and no more now to defend this claim because what we are talking about is based on what the suspect is saying. That is why we always advise people not to toy with their life. Now he is gone for good. He cannot rise up to disclaim what the suspect is telling us here,” the source remarked.

Another indication that the deceased might not be a gentle man was his alleged claim that the ram was stolen from his house five days after and his pressure on Moto to join him in searching for the ram. Moto who had not forgotten the N1000 deficit on the ram charged at the deceased and also warned him to leave his place to avoid embarrassment. The deceased would not take this. He stood his ground, alleging that Moto must know about the disappearance of the ram.

“When I told him I could not abandon my cows and follow him to look for his ram, he then said I should return the phone to him. He said if I did not return the phone to him he would make trouble with me. That was the beginning of my problem. I did not know he was serious until he refused to leave my place and decided to follow me about,” he said.

As at the time of this report the police were still working on how the duo found their way to the bush where they engaged each other in a physical combat that resulted in the death of the

deceased. The news making the rounds in Iseyin, especially among the youth, is that Moto deliberately lured the deceased to the isolated ground to have enough space to unleash his perceived accumulated anger on the deceased.

Royal intervention This argument was the basis of the youths’ attempt to cause chaos in the town after the news of the incident filtered out. It was learnt that the timely intervention of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul Ganiyu Salawu prevented the violence.

Oba Salawu, when he got wind of the planned violence, was said to have invited the youths to his palace where he pleaded with them with an assurance that the police would rise to the occasion and ensure their late colleague would not die in vain.

Although this royal intervention impressed the youths, the Iseyin Divisional Police Headquarters also lived up to its statutory responsibility by keeping an eagle eye on every nook and cranny of the town to avert a surprise action.

After preliminary investigations including a visit by a team to the scene of the incident and depositing the corpse at the mortuary, the suspect was hurriedly transferred to Ibadan also to douse the tension.

“In that circumstance, the best a DPO should do is to transfer the suspect immediately because you cannot predict those youths. You know some thugs who have been looking for opportunity to commit crime might exploit the incident. So, the DPO acted as an experienced officer,” another source said. Despite the fact that Moto surrendered him-

•Moto

self for arrest and his admission that he macheted the deceased, he insisted that the deceased provoked his act. He stated that when the deceased chased him to the scene and realised he was not going to listen to him, the deceased allegedly held his clothes, tore it and struggled with him.

Moto added that the deceased also struggled to remove a cutlass he kept in his pouch which was tied to his arm, the attempt which he said he resisted until the cutlass he was carrying fell on the ground.

“Unfortunately for me he picked the cutlass and started hitting me with it. I then used the stick I use to direct cows to disarm him. To say the truth, I picked

the cutlass and took a revenge on him after which he fell and died,” he said, looking pale as if he was pressured by a force to make the confession.

The acting Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Command, Daniel Oboyi, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP), confirmed the incident which he described as gory, relying on the pictorial image of the deceased.

The officer said Moto is still in the custody, stating that the investigation of the matter is near completion. “Soon after we are through with the on-going investigation, the suspect will be charged to the court. We only want to ensure that all grounds are covered for the sake of justice,” he said.

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

57

A lake and its mysteries

•Igi Aruwewe

•Ojedele •Continued on Page 55

fetch it (the water). In the olden days gourds were the only acceptable thing used to fetch it, but nowadays bucket is allowed, and this is dipped in once.”

He added, “The fishes are strange.

Some are as big as my lap, others are tiny, but it is forbidden for anyone to kill or eat it as a delicacy.’’ Asked about the repercussion that would befall anyone who flouts this, the guide said whoever kills the fish he or his family members are bound to die mysteriously!

To buttress this, he said: “Such had happened before. In 1973 when soldiers had their Barracks in Awe and Oyo, one of them had the effrontery to challenge the taboo. He went ahead and killed some of the fishes, and when he cooked them they didn’t get cooked. They were returned back into the lake dead. Seven days later three of the soldier’s children died, they were then living in Asalu’s compound, here in Awe.” However, this could not be independently confirmed but many of the residents vouched that it was true.

It is also said that an Igbo man killed some of the fishes and took them home for cooking but they were not done, he reportedly returned them again into the lake.

On the story that the fish was once a human being, Ojedele could neither confirm nor deny it. He, however, said he could only talk authoritatively on the fact that it is forbidden to kill fishes. He also failed to deny the existence of mermaid.

“Nobody must kill the fish no matter how spiritually strong the person is, the fish may die on their own in the lake

as a result of old age while some bigger ones always swallow the smaller ones but no one must kill and eat them, the Awe indigenes know this and would not even try it.’’

Mermaid The painting of the mermaid on the walls of the fence is evidence of the historical fact that the lake once had a mermaid living in it. Ojedele said, “It comes out in the afternoon when everywhere is hot. It has a woman’s head down to her waist and the rest of her body is that of a fish with a big tail wagging. It appears in November when celebrating Awe Day. The mermaid does not come out again because of dirtiness of human beings. But once in a while it shows herself that she is still around.

Anytime a doubting Thomas wants to cause a stir at the lake or doubt her or mock her, the person would experience a lot of things such as he could have his head being too heavy and unable to move or one may hear strange things or objects being thrown into the lake producing strange sounds! Most times, the water on one’s head could be turning or foaming, all these show that the mermaid is still in the vicinity.

Spiritual power of the water A woman who is in her 90s claimed that she used the Sogidi Lake water when she was looking for a child. “I know many would say because they are Christians or Muslims they would not believe, but it is what had happened and it is still happening today. While those who had benefitted from the mysterious water would be feeling shy to own up but in the wee hours of the day they would secretly come there to

take the water. It is real. I have delivered seven children through the assistance of Sogidi Lake.”

Mrs. Maria Okediwura, a native also testified to the healing and medicinal powers of Sogidi water. She said, “Many come from Oyo town, Lagos and from overseas to take from the water for healing and lots of people used to come irrespective of their religious affiliations. They will bring assorted cans, bottles and plastic bottles to take the water, in fact some send for it from overseas. I can testify to it that many women who used the water while looking for the fruits of the womb got children, some too got healings, yet we are happy that even the so called pastors do come there to scoop from the water and pray on it for their followers or for those seeking for God’s favour.

The Muslims, Christians and Aladura people come there too.”

Ojedele said one of those whose prayers had been answered by the power of the lake have returned to thank Sogidi and assisted in painting the wall, as a sign of appreciation.

Testifying further to the efficacy and spiritual healing of the water, Chief Oguntobi Joseph [88] described the lake as a gift to the town. “I am old now. I cannot tell you all but go and ask the custodian of the place he would tell you all about the mystery of Sogidi. It is a good tourist attraction for all activities, it is gift from the above,’’ the old man said with total conviction.

Neglected place Though it was once in a thick forest, Sogidi Lake has become part of the town, as buildings have been erected in the area, “It is now very accessible. Unlike in those days when nobody could near the vicinity around. Today one is free to go there at any time of the day, no more fear.”

In spite all the stories on Sogidi, the

place has not been given proper care, according to the custodian. “The Oyo State government has not done enough to make the place be a tourist centre as it should be, though some years back they came to assist and they built these brick moulded benches, and also provided the fence to make it secure but since then it had been abandoned and left alone. We as individuals are the ones taking care of the place, it is painful , that it is no longer appreciated by the government.”

Sacrifice for the lake When it is prayer time or when the town is facing a calamity, the Christians and Muslims cooperate with traditional worshippers to offer prayers by the lake.

Another mysterious thing is the disappearance of animals offered as sacrifices to the lake, “If it demands for a goat or a cow, what it demanded for is tethered on one of the trees at a spot there. And what surprise us is that before the next morning the animal would have disappeared mysteriously.

Nobody would go there to take it, and nobody dare try it and that is Sogidi for you. And again if there is need to offer a special sacrifice to the lake by the indigenes, each house will have to contribute money no matter how small and buy the cow or goat and when it is slaughtered no matter what, all the indigenes must partake in having their own share, no matter how small the size given out, every household must have their fair share.”

But how did the town (Awe) derive its name? Ojedele explained that when the natives migrated from Ile Ife they stayed under a tree called Igi Aruwewe, of which they later shortened to Igi Awe, the place is reserved till today for the coming generation to see. There is a tree which had been planted since 1750, and it is still surviving; it is called Igigi Ogogo. It is old and has holes in it but it never gets dry.

58

Your HEALTH THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Factors that contribute to gum disease

If you think gum disease is something that only happens to people in their old age,think again! Young adults and teenagers can get gum disease too, but proper oral hygiene can keep it at bay, writes Rita Ohai

W

Care for your gums, live longer!

W

HILE many pay attention to other parts of the body, the gums which stand at the gateway for internal organs is often ignored thereby putting the entire body at risk.

As a Chinese proverb says, "A smile will gain you ten more years of life." These words were written countless centuries ago, yet today they ring more true than ever. The links between oral health and overall health are being established on a near daily basis and the implications are shocking.

The mouth is a busy place, with millions of bacteria constantly on the move. While some bacteria are harmless, others can attack the teeth and gums.

“If a person's gums bleed when they brush their teeth, chances are they already have the mildest form of gum disease and this can increase their chances of getting diabetes or a heart problem,” says Dr. Vera Amuh, a dentist at the Ben Idahosa Dental Clinic, Benin, as she tries to explain the connection between healthy gums and other parts of the body.

“Gum disease can be sneaky. Many times the people who carry this disease do not even know it because it rarely shows any pain or irritation until permanent damage is done to your teeth. That's why regular dentist visits are things that everybody should make a part of their lifestyle so that they can spot trouble before it becomes full blown.”

Although the long term effects of carrying bacteria in the mouth can lead to some level of discomfort in the jaw area, there are often heavier repercussions.

Further revealing basic facts on gum health, Dr Vera says, “When you take a look at your teeth in the mirror and you find a colourless, sticky film called plaque around there, it is time to start paying attention. When the film is not removed regularly by brushing, plaque builds up

on the teeth and ultimately irritates the gums and causes bleeding.The beginning stage of gum disease is gingivitis.

“If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, which occurs when plaque spreads below the gum-line. The bacteria associated with plaque produces toxins, which trigger further inflammation.”

Over time, this heightened inflammatory response will ultimately deteriorate the bones and tissue that support the affected teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.

As periodontitis sets in, the dentist

would have to take major damage control measures to save that patient's teeth.

That's why brushing and flossing every day and regular trips to the dentist are important.

Since a large volume of bacteria live in the mouth, keeping plaque at bay can be a constant battle. This is essentially why feeding on a poor diet, too little sleep, and too much stress leaves people more vulnerable to infection anywhere in the body, including the gums, Dr. Vera said.

To avoid these problems, dentist suggests that patients rush to the clinic once they notice any of these signs: •Bleeding of the gums that occurs regularly when brushing or flossing.

•Discoloration of gums (healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red, swollen, or tender) •Any sign of gums pulling away from teeth.

•Bad breath that won't go away.

•Loose teeth

HILE plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease, scientists say that other factors are thought to increase the risk, severity and speed of gum disease development. These can include: Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. People who smoke are seven times more likely to get periodontitis than nonsmokers, and smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments.

Clenching and grinding teeth may put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed.

Hormonal changes sometimes make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.

Stress often makes it difficult for the body's immune system to fight off infection thereby giving micro-organisms the avenue to attack the body system.

Medicationscan affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.

Some drugs, such as the anticonvulsant medication and the anti-angina drug, Nifedipine, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.

Poor nutrition is known to make it difficult for the immune system to fight off infection, especially if the diet is low in important nutrients. Additionally, the bacteria that cause periodontal disease thrive in acidic environments. Eating sugars and other foods that increase the acidity in the mouth increases bacterial counts.

Prevention tips T

HE good news is that in most people gum disease is preventable.

Attention to everyday oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, coupled with professional dental visits twice a year, could be all that's needed to prevent gum disease and help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. The steps that can be taken at home are: Brush twice a day for at least three minutes each time, about the length of your favourite song, and floss daily. If you're not sure whether you're brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best techniques.

Always brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Some dentists also recommend daily mouth rinses containing fluoride. However, in place of a mouth wash, a very effective rinse is found in the combination of salt and water.

Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue. Be sure to replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months because a worn-out toothbrush can injure your gums.

Eat a healthy diet. Avoid snacks and junk foods packed with sugar that plaquecausing bacteria love to feed on.

Don't smoke! Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation and are very unhealthy for gums and teeth.

Regular dental care is extremely

important in helping to keep your mouth healthy. Visit your dentist for routine care, especially general teeth and gum cleaning, at least twice a year. Your dentist can remove hardened plaque and any tartar that you're not getting to with brushing or flossing.

BUSINESS

59

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

T

HE Consular General of South Africa to Nigeria, Ambassador Mokgethi Sam Monaisa, has called for stronger bilateral trade between Nigeria and South Africa for the realisation of the much anticipated growth and development in Africa.

Monaisa made this known in an interview with journalists at the launching of Ocean Basket Nigeria, recently, at Taimiyu Salvage, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ocean Basket is South Africa’s favourite family seafood restaurant. Favourite, because of its friendly people, homeaway-from-home atmosphere, fresh in the pan seafood and above all - great value.

According to him, the need to strengthen the economic ties between Nigeria and South Africa is very important as the two countries remain the powerful drivers of African growth and development.

Monaisa said that Africa has immerse human and natural resources but we can only harness them effectively through shared information, technology accessibility, culture and consensus building among member nations.

He asserted that there are emerging windows of opportunities among Nigeria and South Africa which could help in increased gross domestic product, employment opportunities and stronger institutions that are needed to entrench development in Africa.

He said “I am happy that the Ocean Basket Outlet is

Consul calls for stronger bilateral trade in Africa

By Adeola Ogunlade

here in Nigeria because we will now be eating South African food that we were used to. Al though, we eat Nigerian food and we feel that we can also introduce our foods to Nigerians.”

He added “We are here

to invest in Nigeria as the market is huge and there are opportunities for expansion especially when you think about investment. The market in South Africa is saturated, thus, we want to expand and invest in other countries.”

Monaisa noted that we can only harness our potentials,

talents, skills, energies and drive among young entrepreneurs in Africa when we provide greater level of competencies, knowledge base and attitude that can guarantee and sustain growth and development.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of

Ocean Basket Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Olu-Martins, said that Ocean Basket originated in South Africa and is rapidly expanding worldwide, with almost 190 restaurants, some as far afield as Mauritius, Dubai and Cyprus. And now the franchise is in Victoria Island, a stone throw from La-

gos with its eight million people, and part of the exciting vibe of world-class restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, bars, night clubs, movie theaters, schools and businesses.

Martins noted that as “Africa’s most populous country, with a population of some 160 million, Nigeria is one of the most exciting countries on the planet. Vibrant, colourful, with a rich diversity, and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, where more thrilling to open an Ocean Basket restaurant?”

Nigerian FLP distributors emerge top world distributors

“W

HAT happened in Phoenix, Arizona, USA during the 2012 Super Rally was simply incredible. It was Nigeria’s moment of glory, because at the time when our nation was not making any headlines at the London Olympics, with no medals for our participation, Nigeria was recording huge success stories before an international audience of multi level marketers.”

This revelation was made at a gathering of distributors of Forever Living Products from 155 countries around the world. Nigeria was therefore recognised for her impressive performance in the field of multi-level marketing. He adds that: “The 125 - Nigeriastrong contingent that represented the country was grate-

Forever Living Products, Nigeria/Benin Republic, as an FLP country, just back from the company’s International Super Rally, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, has been making waves for its achievements during the event. Company’s managing director, Mr. Cornelius Tay, spoke on the exceptional performance of Nigeria/Benin at this year’s global gathering of nearly 8,000 FLP independent distributors from more than 150 countries ful for the performance of the country. Contrary to what was happening at the Olympics, Nigeria was the toast of all the nations present in Phoenix, Arizona. This was made possible, because Nigeria came out with some of the best levels of performance in FLP World. First, Nigeria was ranked Number One in the world on Total Sales Increase over a period of 12 months, calculated from 2011-2012.”

This is a special ranking used to determine the company with the most impres-

•From left: Mr. Strihivasap Venkatappa, Chief Operating Officer, Visafone; Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder/Chairman, Mr. David Pnn, President, Huawei Technologies Nigeria and Ms Yolaada Zhang, Regional Marketing Director at the launch of the new Huawei Ascend C8655 Smartphone in Lagos

sive growth in sales to date.

“Last year, Nigeria was No. 2.

But this year, Nigeria had taken the 1st position as the most productive company in FLP globally. Another achievement was that in global sales in 2011. Among all the FLP countries across all continents, within the topmost five, Nigeria emerged 4th worldwide. USA/Canada was 5th, Germany/Austria/ Switzerland was 3rd, and Japan was 2nd. .The 1st position went to Brazil. This was a remarkable achievement because in

2011, at a similar event in Washington DC, Nigeria was ranked No. 11. So, for us to come from the eleventh position to 4th is a spectacular achievement within a year.

This was an accomplishment that brought a lot of pride and good feelings from all the African nations. To see an African country challenge all the big names, all the big countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia in the Forever World brought Nigeria huge respect and was seen as an indication of how successful FLP operations have been managed in Nigeria in the past one year. Yet, another achievement was that Nigeria took home the award for “FLP Company with Good Standing” in terms of overall management and operational

efficiency. This award is reserved for FLP countries that had exhibited prudent management and integrity on an annual basis.

Another accomplishment of note is that among the world’s top 12 distributorships, Nigeria produced three. These Nigerian distributors now sit in the Eagle Summit, the highest group of distributors who meet annually to advice on the future direction of the global company.

This year, the Eagle Summit met in Bryce Canyon for five days and Nigeria was well represented. This accomplishment shows clearly that Nigerians have mastered the discipline of multi-level marketing and that they are very good at it.

•Founder and Chairman, FLP International, Mr. Rex Maughan, recognise the achievements of FLP Managing Director, Nigeria/Benin, Mr. Cornelius Tay and wife, Mrs. Caroline Tay, at the Super Rally, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, recently

INSIDE BUSINESS

The other side of Sanusi’s coins -- Pages 60-61

You don’t have to be a professional to do any business -- Page 62

60

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

INSIDE BUSINESS

•Coins

R

EACTIONS keep pouring in on the planned conversion of lower naira denominations into coins. Recently, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, sparked controversy with the announcement that effective from 2013, the current paper notes for N5, N10 and N20 denominations will be converted to coins.

He hinged the move on reasons such as high cost of producing polymer notes, as well as the need to reduce inflation.

“We need to spend less on the production of our currency; much money is being spent on the current notes. That is why we came up with this initiative to curb inflation. Producing the new note and the coins would save the country about N7billion,” Sanusi said.

The CBN is not alone in this line of thought. Gboyega Sanni, a banker with a first generation bank, is confident that the introduction of the new coins will not only help to stabilise the economy, but will also reduce the cost of producing paper notes.

As a banker, he says coins are an important part of business transactions. On many occasions, he explained, customers make deposits that require coins to balance transactions for the day. The reintroduction of coins would therefore make work easier for bankers.

For him, there is no reason why Nigerians should be dis-

The other side of Sanusi’s coins The planned conversion of some paper denominations of the naira into coins continues to generate mixed reactions. Bukola Afolabi reports on enduring attitudes towards coins, and how the Central Bank’s action will impact the nation’s economy gruntled over the usage of coins, since there are some items that should be sold in coins. He cites the example of sachet water, which price was increased by 100 per cent following the fuel price hike last January. “The price of sachet water was increased from N5 to N10, but if we use coins in our economy, perhaps it would have been N6.50k,” he said.

Sanni also expects that the reform would help reduce cases of dirty notes in circulation.

“You know we don’t handle our notes well, but with coins we will have fewer dirty notes in circulation. Things like sugar, groundnuts and sweets should be paid for in coins. It is because there is no coin that is why things are expensive. When you buy something, you should be

able to collect your change to the last kobo,” he said.

But many are unhappy with the stand of the apex bank, warning that the new policy would spell doom for the nation’s already comatose economy. Economists and policy analysts are quick to recall that a similar attempt few

years ago by the immediate past CBN Governor, Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo, ended as a failed policy because coins, though still legal tender, are hardly ever accepted for any form of transaction in Nigeria.

Equally worrisome is the fact that while banks pay out coins to the public in some instances,

“

As a matter of fact, I am of the view that even N100 should be in coins. Coins should be used to purchase goods and other things like newspapers. This move is long overdue and should be welcomed

by Nigerians

”

deposits of same are not accepted by them. A top management staff of one bank told The Nation on Sunday that at the introduction of coins during the Soludo era, the public would enthusiastically pay in the coins in the banking hall.

But the same CBN which rolled out the metallic denominations soon issued a directive that banks should not receive coins as deposit from customers, but could pay them with it.

“It did not produce any meaningful result as Nigerians adamantly refused to accept coins,” the banker said.

Another banker source, who pleaded for anonymity, however, disputes the CBN governor’s position that the introduction of coins is a way of checkmating inflation. For him, Sanusi has not done his calculations well. Rather than changing to coins again, he feels more should first be done to address the other factors affecting inflation. Unless this is done, the N40billion expected to be spent on the exercise could end up as a waste of the limited public funds.

But backing the apex bank is Dr. Ayo Teriba, a renowned economist, who believes that the conversion is long overdue. He takes an even more radical position – arguing that even the N100 note should be converted to coins.

“As a matter of fact, I am of Continued on page 61

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Sanusi’s coins Continued from page 60

the view that even N100 should be in coins. Coins should be used to purchase goods and other things like newspapers.

This move is long overdue and should be welcomed by Nigerians. I am sure as time goes on, Nigerians will get used to it and prices of commodities will start coming down,” he says.

For his part, Nuru Abdulahi, who is self-employed, fears that the introduction of coins would lead to inflation. He particularly expects transport fares to rise.

He argues that unlike three decades ago when coins had appreciable value, the same cannot be said of present times. “Nigerians are no longer used to going about with coins. How do you expect traders, most especially market women who sell foodstuff everyday to carry coins? It would be too heavy for them,” he said.

Though Sanusi has insisted that the CBN would press ahead with its plans, Abdullahi, like many other Nigerians, has vowed that he would never accept the new coins when they are pushed into the market.

“Even if the National Assembly approves the introduction, I’m never ever going to use it, nor touch it. I cannot imagine coins jingling in my pockets,” he said.

Indeed, the resistance to coins by many is a sign of the times and a reflection of the parlous state of the economy.

Risikat Bello, a septuagenarian living in Itire, a suburb of Lagos State, recounts that in her days as a timber trader, business was conducted even in coins, and they had great value.

Such coins denomination came in 1/2, 1, 3 and 6pence, 1 and 2 shillings. The 1 and 2 penny coins were bronze and had hole, and they all had big purchasing power.

Solomon Osakwe, an economist, blames devaluation for the rejection of coins. Though he reckons with the efforts of the CBN in trying to mop up excess liquidity, price stability has become a challenge for the economy which is affecting the acceptance of coins.

He disclosed that in 1982, $1 exchanged for 79 kobo, thus making the use of coins valuable. Osakwe reasons that since the nation’s monetary policy is driven by debt and a volatile foreign exchange market, and its fiscal policy shaped by budget deficit and high recurrent expenditure, the place of coins in this dispensation may have been eroded.

Sola Oni, managing director and chief executive, Sofunix Investment Communications, sides with those who think the key issue in the coins saga is purchasing power. He says that at a time one kobo could buy a useful commodity, but the reverse was now the case.

He counsels government to focus on developing the productive sector of the economy rather than playing to the gallery with the introduction of coins, which he fears could lead to further devaluation of the naira in the long run. This is because, based on the Nigerian factor, prices of goods and services respond to the highest denomination. “It is not the quantum of naira that matters, but what it can purchase,” Oni says.

In an interesting dimension to debate, even clergymen are

INSIDE BUSINESS

61

Changing face of Nigerian Currency T

HE West African Currency Board was responsible for issuing currency notes in Nigeria from 1912 to 1959. Prior to the establishment of the West African Currency Board, Nigeria had used various forms of money including cowries and manilas.

On July 1st, 1959 the Central Bank of Nigeria issued the Nigerian currency notes and coins and the West African Currency Board notes and coins were withdrawn. It was not until 1st July, 1962 however, that legal

tender status was withdrawn from West African Currency Board. In 1963, Nigeria became a Republic, and this eventually led to the changing of the banknotes in 1965 to reflect the country’s new status. The notes were again changed in 1968 following the misuse of the country’s currency notes, during the civil war In 1973, Nigeria adopted a truly national currency in decimal form instead of the pounds, to replace the imperial system which she inherited from the British colonial administration.

The pounds and shillings were changed to Naira (N) and kobo (k), and four denominations of notes were issued as follows: 50 kobo; N1; N5 and N10. In response to rapid economic growth made possible by the oil boom, N20, and N50 note denominations were added in 1977 and 1991 respectively. Considering cost effectiveness and expansion of economic activities, higher denomination notes were issued. These are 100 Naira(1999), 200 Naira note (2000). 500 Naira was released

• Sanusi Lamido

• Lugard Aimiuwu

•Ayo Teriba

•Charles Soludo

wary of the effect of a new currency regime. They fear that coins would have a negative impact on the level of contributions made by members of their churches.

“What it means is that pastors will now be counting more coins. If one hundred members contribute N20 coins each during church service that means you will have N2, 000 in coins.

How long are you going to count that? You can imagine how heavy it will be. Some pastors will no longer want to collect N20 or N50 from their members. What will happen is that members will be forced to contribute nothing less than N100 and above because pastors will no longer value N50,” a pastor of a pentecostal church, who wants his identity protected told The Nation on Sunday.

Yet, another pastor reasoned that the trend could discourage some worshippers who may not be keen on coming to church except they have up to N100 to contribute as offering, because when coins are dropped in the offering basket, the sound would be heard and it may be embarrassing to them.

“The smaller notes would eventually become useless because people would no longer value them. Some people would start thinking that if they don’t have up to N100, they cannot go to church because others would look down on them. You cannot give somebody N50 and the person would appreciate it.

What CBN is trying to do is to make N100 note the lowest denomination which is not good,” he said.

Osakwe says the solution is

for government to focus on monetary policy that is discretionary. The solution to the problem of coin rejection lies in government’s will - if the executive and legislative arm of the government can be discretionary, then the past feelings over coin usage can be assuaged, he assured. He adds that if the nominal devaluation of naira is driving up prices, the real devaluation will stabilise the excess liquidity. Such thinking may be right considering that in the 80s, Israel and Argentina were faced with similar problems, but their focus was in stabilising price through infrastructural development, reduction of real interest rate and cutting the boisterous recurrent expenditure as well as creating a well structured tax system.

President and Chairman of

in April, 2001 while the 1000 Naira note was released in October 2005.

On February 28th 2007, as part of the economic reforms, N50, N20, N10 and N5 banknotes and N1 and 50K coins, were reissued in new designs. While a new denomination N2 coin was introduced.

Coins: N2, N1, 50 Kobo.

Withdrawn Earlier: 1959, 1965, 1968,1973, 1977, 1979, 1984, 1991, 2007

Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Chief Lugard Aimiuwu, urges the CBN to sensitise Nigerians on the need for them to accept the new coins. “Maybe Nigerians should be encouraged to support a culture of having coin boxes all over the place where people can pay for things in coins. For instance, the dual carriage rail system they say they are doing from Lagos to Ibadan; if they ask the passengers to pay with coins, this will support the culture of coin usage,” he suggests.

For now, all bets are off as to whether the CBN under Sanusi can get Nigerians to return to an age when the use of coins was a normal part of everyday business transactions – and not the subject of a full-blown national controversy.

62

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

‘You don’t have to be a professional to do any business’ Fidelis Ayebae is Managing Director of Fidson Health Care. The professional banker and native of Agenebode in Edo State discusses the challenges of growing of Fidson, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical companies, in this interview with Bukola Afolabi. He also proffers solutions to some of the problems in the industry

•Ayebae.

H

OW did it begin for you?

Fidson started 17years ago when I wanted to do something that would add value to the society. Somebody introduced pharmaceutical products to me, I did my investigation and it turned out to be right.

You were coming from the banking sector. How easy was it for you to have crossed to pharmaceutical sector?

From the days of my youth, I had always wanted to be an entrepreneur because where I grew up at Lawanson, there were very few businessmen. In fact, there were just three of them and all of them owned television. As a young man, the question I was asking myself was what differentiated these three gentlemen form the rest including my father who was a tenant. I discovered that they were entrepreneurs. Right then, I decided that if that is what it takes to own a television, a car, a house of my own, that is what I am going to do. I made the decision as a young man; it was not as if I had any real idea. I dreamt it then and it came to pass.

How did you come about the name Fidson?

Fidson is from my name.

It means Fidelis, Daughters and Sons.

When did the breakthrough come?

In 1991, I made that leap of fate because I knew I was ready.

If you had read some of my stories before, then you would find one of the most traumatic times that it is perpetually starring at me in the face anytime I reminiscence about my growing up. When my father retired from work then at the Nigerian Wire and Steel Company, he came back home and we saw a package with him. We were wondering what he put in the package. I thought he was to be happy that he was retiring but he was sad.

PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

INTERVIEW When we opened the package, it was a wall clock. He said that was all he got for working for over 30 years.

Even the entitlement he should have got had been used to offset his loan. The old man was extremely sad. That singular picture remained vividly in my mind and I said to myself I will never put myself in this kind of situation. When the time came to live my dreams, that picture came back. God has a way of arranging things.

There is a time and season for everything. When that season came, God reminded me about some of those things. At that time then, I was about 32 years old. I took the risk because I did not have many things to lose. It is either I succeed or fail. To God be the glory, I succeeded.

You are not a pharmacist.

How did you bring professionals together to run the company?

A: Anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. You don’t have to be a professional to do any business. What you need is the spirit of entrepreneurship. Once you make up your mind on a business to do, you then carry out what is needed to be successful. When I was going to go into pharmaceuticals, the first thing I asked myself is how do I lay a foundation for this edifice.

Some of the things I learned I needed to do were to incorporate a company. In doing that, I needed to have clear feasibility study, to know that what I want to do is affordable and have the skills to manage it.

The other was finding right partners I would run the business with, those who will take care of the technical aspect while I take care of the administrative aspect. Two of my first three staff were pharmacists. That made the differ-

ence.

Specifically, on the health sector, when you look at India, there is way that ensures that drugs produce in India are used in Indian hospitals. Don’t you think that government should specifically instruct our hospitals to use drugs produced locally?

I have been an advocate of if Nigeria must survive as a nation; we must first develop the spirit of patriotism. Our country is being rigged. It is only this country that our money is being used to procure drugs for the use of Nigerians. Rather than buying from Nigeria companies, we buy from Indians and Chinese.

Everywhere else, in the world, under procure regulation, there is a rule that says certain percentage must be purchased from local manufacturers. For pharmaceutical industries, if you go to some of our teaching hospitals, Federal Medical centers, General hospitals, even for essential drugs what you find are imported drugs.

Shouldn’t there be a law that says for essential drugs, only local manufacturers should supply them? During the Precolonial times, we were rigged by our colonial masters. Post colonial era, we are still being rigged by these people. Every country in the world is looking for countries to export their products to so that they can earn foreign currencies. We can’t even sell locally, so how do we export. If we can’t export, shouldn’t we patronize locally so that we can sustain our industries. A country that does not produce anything can’t survive.

Pharmaceutical companies have an association, what is the association doing to call the attention of the authority to this anomaly?

That association presented facts and figures asking for duties concession. We did input how to patronize local manu-

facturers. Nobody attended to it. They would rather do what they want to do for selfish interest. Several times, we have engaged government on things that will help the industry. The DG with Mrs. Evelyn Oputa of BOI has been discussing the N200billion pharmaceutical funds for the past 2years, but it hasn’t seen the light of the day. I get a minimum of 500 applications a week but I can’t employ one person. We say the economy is growing but not the pharmaceutical sector. Other sectors are growing How have you been surviving?

When you have something to do, in the face of challenges you must find a way of surviving. I am running this company on behalf of the people. So I must come out with ways that will make the company survive. I bought my first house at the age of 23 for N3, 500 and bought my first car at the age of 20. I got married at the age of 23 but today things are different. If a vibrant youth finds nothing to do, nature will create jobs for them in crime and that is what is happening. There are fundamental things that are happening with the society, which must first be addressed.

If there is no political will from government to back business, there will not be industries in 20 or 30 years time.

What is your share of the Nigerian market?

It is difficult to say because Nigeria is a country without statistics. If you are talking of turnovers, we can see that.

Among the quoted companies, we are number two in terms of pharmaceuticals. In terms of market share, we are number one in so many products.

Fidson has been known to be neck deep in social responsibility. Given the scenario that you have painted, how has the economic instability affected the social responsibility of the company?

We can only do a token we are doing now, but we can’t afford to stop doing it because it serves as palliatives for a frustrated society. We will keep doing our best to use resources available to us, to help society.

I count myself as one of the privileged in the society and unless we give back, we are not living according to the dictate of our religions.

Where do you see Fidson in the next 5years?

Fidson will continue to be at the top of the pharmaceutical industry. It will have a WHO certified factory and have qualified products that are exportable.

How do you relax?

In the morning I exercise in one way or the other, I find ways to relax.

Your wife?

She is Olufunke Ayeabe.

She is a director in the company. We started this place together though she is also doing her business.

Beyond Talent

By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

Teaming lessons from johannesburg

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HE end was finally here.

Ten strangers stood up to leave, but not before exchanging hugs, business cards and some homemade jam. As last words of appreciation and revelation filled the room, some of these compatriots were shaken by strong currents of emotion that washed allow it to define and sustain over them. They were happy its identity.

2. Members of a team exto be returning to their normal complementary lives, yet sad because some- hibit where deep inside they won- behaviors. They act in ways that dered if they would ever see complement each other and each other again. They had their actions when taken tocome to know, support, learn gether form a complete and from and laugh, bond and have balanced whole. In a team, fun with each other, over the members supply each other’s past four days. At that moment, needs and make up for what is these ten strangers, if they had lacking in one another. In ordesired it, could easily and suc- der to accomplish this, there cessfully have taken on the must be a high degree of self and interpersonal awareness world as a collective.

This was the scene at the that leads to mutual respect and end of my four-day Insights valuing.

3. Members of a team exDiscovery Licensed Practitioner Accreditation Program ecute interdependent tasks. in Johannesburg. I was struck There is a high degree of muby the fact that there was more tual dependence that exists besharing, caring, support, learn- tween the tasks to be accoming and authenticity in those plished in team settings. Confour days than I have had in sequently, teamwork is essensome of the corporate teams tial for teams to deliver great that I have spent years with. In results. There must be a high less than a week, we had estab- degree of responsibility and aclished more intellectual and countability between team emotional connections than members because of the high most teams see in years. There degree of interdependence. No were no “rights” or “wrongs”; single task on its own can acno good or bad; no winners or complish the desired objeclosers - only individual differ- tives.

4. Members of a team ences that flavored the learning experience with richness work in a deliberate manner. that benefitted everyone. It is Team members carefully and this experience with my nine thoughtfully weigh their acSouth African colleagues that tions and consider the impact inspired me to dedicate this those actions have on team week’s article to the concept of members and team results.

They execute their responsibili“Winning Teams”.

A team can be described as ties within the team in a pura group of people coming to- poseful, premeditated and volgether to achieve a common untary manner. They are fully objective. Every team is a group engaged and fully plugged into but not every group is a team. what needs to be done to acThe challenge in many organi- complish the team’s goals.

5. Members of a team are zations is the illusion that they have teams, when what they unified by common goals. This really have are groups of peo- is what transforms a collection ple who never truly evolve of people into a team. Without into teams, much less trans- common purpose, there is no form into “Winning Teams”. alignment, focus, accountabilMy definition of a winning ity or integrity within the team is, “A defined set of indi- group. When members do not viduals, with complementary buy into the collective vision, behaviors, executing interde- the energy and resources of the pendent tasks in a deliberate group which could have been manner, unified by their com- applied to create synergies and mitment to common objectives leverage are, instead, dissiand achieving a heightened pated i.e. is wasted or squanstate of collective performance dered. Commonality of goals that is superior to the sum of implies that there are no hidden agendas. their individual results.”

6. Team results must be I recognize that this is a fully loaded definition that re- superior to the sum of indiquires some “unpacking”. So, vidual parts. At the heart of teamwork is the belief that inlet me break it down.

1. A team is a defined set dividuals are able to achieve of individuals. There must be higher levels of performance a high degree of distinction and outputs when they coopbetween those who are part of erate, than when they don’t. the team and those who are Teams give members the opnot. It is essential to know who portunity to focus and specialmatters and who does not. ize in what they know how to Imagine a competitive football do best. A winning team is a game in which members of team that is able to deliver reboth teams wore the same jer- sults that exceed what its memsey and wore masks to hide bers can achieve working their faces. How would a alone.

Is your team a winning player know who to pass the ball to and who to support? A team or are you just pretendteam must have borders that ing to be one?

• Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER16, 2012

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EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

False rumours, by CBN

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HE GUARDIAN of September 11 lost its headline conscience, nurtured by truth, on two occasions: “Yakowa commissions projects in Kafanchan, Gidan Waya” Must this column define ‘commission’ every week? The use of the word here shows vacuity, half-literacy and shoddiness. It cannot function in this context— vide past editions of this column or standard dictionaries, please.

“False rumours on currency restructuring” (Fullpage Advert in THE GUARDIAN by CBN, signed by Ugo A. Okoroafor, Director, Corporate Communications) ‘False rumours’, connotatively and denotatively, reek of catharsis (to mitigate anger)! Do we have ‘true rumours’?

A ‘rumour’ basically means ‘a piece of information, or a story, that people talk about, but may not be true’. So, what is the essence of falsehood here?

We can talk of widespread or malicious rumours, among other correct qualifiers.

“Solving unemployment crises need (needs) structural approach, says…” This is a clear case of subject-verb disagreement unexpected from a medium of THE GUARDIAN’s status.

Let us welcome Nigerian Compass back to this column after a long skip.

Its September 10 edition showed signs of stunted growth: “CJN to flag off new legal year, swear-in new SANs on Wednesday” ‘Flag off’ is unknown to the English language etymology, while ‘swear in’ does not admit hyphenation being a phrasal verb.

“As stakeholders chat (chart) new course” “Again, when you look at the present political situation in the state, you will see that majority (the majority) are in support of the current government, so who is going to fight?”

“Mushin crisis: Police arrest eight, recover 30 AK47; (a comma—not semi-colon) (AK47s), 13,742 ammunitions” Security News: ‘ammunition’ is uncountable.

“Monarchs, clerics, others bag make National honours list” Either bag national honours or make national honours’ list.

“Wave of attacks kill 44 in Iraq” Around the world: wave…kills/ waves…kill.

“It was gathered that

the crisis between the duo blew opened (open) again as the….”

Lastly from Nigerian Compass: “Let’s take our progress serious” Let’s take our communication seriously.

“Such do or die attitude to power is responsible for political violence in Nigeria.” (National Mirror, September 6) Power configuration: Such a do-or-die attitude “The unyielding scourge of excess liquidity (excess cash) for over three decades is probably ample testimony of this failure.” (THE GUARDIAN Opinion Page, September 4) Get it right: an ample testimony to this failure.

“In a deft political move, Obasanjo sent the workers jubilating by acquiescing to (in) their agelong demand of 12.5 per cent pay rise”.

“Details of the other players were still kept under wrap (wraps) as a….”

“The governor equally advocated for the setting up of a committee….”

Yank off ‘for’.

“NCP rejects polls results, demand interim govt” Why the discordant tune?

“Lawal threatens not to handover” The governor must hand over whether he likes it or not.

“LAUTECH re-opens next week” ‘Reopen’ does not admit hyphenation.

“222 wrestlers converge in Ibadan for COJA 2003” All-Africa Games history: converge on Ibadan.

“Stand off between lawyers and Benin court deepens” No news: standoff. And this: “INEC blamed for low turn out” Voter apathy: turnout.

Finally, “Ex-Airways boss in police net for fraud” No to fraudulent grammar: over fraud.

“ASUU is still closeted in the anachronistic Marxist philosophy of yesteryears….” ‘Yesteryear’ is uncountable.

“Is it not blatant hypocrisy for our society to cry out against violation of human rights and yet support and atimes…? This way: at times.

“We are about rounding up.” I am not yet rounding off this treatise.

To ‘round up’ means arrest, while ‘round-up’ implies summary/conclusion/end….

“In a few campuses, such as the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)....” Right prepositional phrase: On a few

campuses.

“Vigilante groups warned against extortion” Get it right: vigilance groups (committees).

“Many members of the nebulous northern power block are numbered among the nationalists” No vagueness: bloc.

“The physical defects of damages that abortions can cause are now being experienced by very many women in addition to what denatured food is causing.” ‘Damage’ is noncount, except in legalese.

“This has (had) in the past led to serious communal clashes resulting in loss of lives and property” No lexical disturbances: life and property/lives and properties.

“The picture of black Africa as savages in (on) a dark continent painted by Europeans.…”

“The congestion on our roads are (is) very unhealthy for the economic sector.”

“A further review of the performance of the major currencies of Nigeria’s trading partners also indicate (indicates) that Euro….”

“During the heydays of Christian missionary activities in the southern parts of Nigeria, communities were actively involved in building schools.” Thoughts on education: ‘heyday’ is uncountable.

“Nigeria’s soccer house set to take the bull by the horn and change the face of the game.”

Sports journalism: take the bull by the horns. “…the victim is a specie (species) from among the wretched of the earth.”

“We could do nothing against such formidable odds giving (given) the worthless tolls at our disposal.”

“The euphoria among workers over this year’s May Day find (finds) expression in the fact that they can now take their destiny in their (own) hands.”

“It was an unenviable task given the palpable hostility that rented (rent) the air.”

“The lack of adequate knowledge of the areas have (had) often made past exercises to be….” “ … e x e c u t e programmes and policies which they had promised the electorates (electorate) before being voted for.”

“Such a fellow should not be in the corridor (corridors) of power....”

L-R: Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Joe Mmamel, Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, Group Head, Public Sector-Enugu, FirstBank, Mrs. Nwanneka Okolo, and Business Manager, Public Sector-Abakaliki, FirstBank, Mr. Chris Onwudiwe at the cheque presentation on the partnership between the bank and the state government for the forthcoming Enugu Cultural Festival, at the weekend.

50 die in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara in two months, says FRSC

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O fewer than fifty persons died in road accidents across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States highways in the last two months.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka, disclosed this at the weekend during the opening of the 2012 sectoral workshop for Special Marshals in Sokoto.

According to him: ‘’No other disease is killing people in the country like

From: Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

road traffic accidents and this is a source of concern for all the stakeholders.”

Chidoka, who was represented by the Sokoto zonal commanding officer, Mr. Alfred Adeboye, explained that fifteen of the victims died during the last Sallah celebrations in Zamfara and Kebbi States.

He lamented that the zone came third nation-

wide in the ranking of accidents during the period under review.

The Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, said the administration has prioritised roads construction and rehabilitation to ensure free flow of traffic.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Alhaji Bello Gwiwa, urged Nigerians to regard the business of roads safety as a collective national duty.

FBN Capital appoints Feyisitan as COO

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BN Capital Limi t e d , the Investment Banking and Asset Management business of the FirstBank Group, has announced the appointment of Funke Feyisitan as Director and Chief Operating Officer.

Ms. Feyisitan joins FBN Capital from JP Morgan in London, where she spent 15 years in product control, financial control and

business operations management, and functioned across the securities and investment banking business. She was an Executive Director running the business operations platforms for Global Equity Capital Markets, and the Debt Capital Markets and Acquisitions & Leveraged Finance businesses in EMEA. She started her career as an auditor at

BDO Binder Hamlyn UK, and then worked for Banker’s Trust (now Deutsche Bank) and SG Warburg (now part of UBS), before joining JP Morgan.

Ms. Feyisitan is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, and an alumnus of Queen Mary University and Brunel University, both in London.

Elephant and Castle Continued from page 3 Leading the pack of hounds is Doyin Okupe who ironically was Obasanjo’s former spokesperson. With patronising glee, Okupe dismissed his former boss as a private citizen who is entitled to his own views. One can almost hear the bellicose medico smacking his lips in relish.

It all recalls a passage from Job: “My desire is that mine enemy hath writ a book.”

But the icing on the cake of insolence goes to Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the feisty Central Bank Governor.

Virtually dismissing Obasanjo as an economic illiterate, Sanusi, with caustic severity, added that the old war veteran may be a successful farmer but he is a bad economist. The main plank of Sanusi’s diatribe was that it was Obasanjo

himself who had introduced mega-bill currencies into the Nigerian economy.

Yet in the very next breath, and in patent selfcontradiction, Sanusi added that Obasanjo’s introduction of mega-bills did not lead to inflation due to “prudent fiscal and monetary policy.” Does that not mean that in spite of himself, Obasanjo is not a bad economist after all? In any case, the Central Bank guru has not told us how the current massive run on the naira through various sinister scams and the Sanusi-endorsed unjust taxation of the poor called subsidy removal will not eventuate in printing more and higher megawatts naira thus fuelling more tacit devaluation and inflation.

As it is often the case with Lamido Sanusi, the ease, fluency and facility of

delivery seem to have got in the way of logic and deep reflection. In Nigerian officialdom it is not a crime to speak before thinking. Yet it is quite unlikely that these vitriolic denunciations could have passed without some tacit endorsement from the presidential bunker.

The elephant has the castle within its rifle sight.

But the castle is unmoved and unmoving. It all points at a nasty roforofo fight or what the Yoruba call yanponyanrin. The old general may be trying to return to his old political base. But for once in his career, he might have made a fatal political miscalculation with Jonathan. This is because other unstable variables might have crept into the equation. The chap from Otueke is unlikely to go down lightly and meekly.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Resolve causes of violence, Don tasks FG From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

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Professor of Criminology, Etannibi Alemika, has urged the Federal Government to find effective and long-lasting solutions to factors causing ethno-religious violence in parts of the country.

He spoke at the on- going 8th all Nigerian Editors Conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

In a paper titled Cost of Insurgency in Nigeria, Alemika pointed out that necessary preventive measures should be taken to develop and sustain the capacity of security agencies and citizens to deal with all phases of terrorism.

The University of Jos don explained that the media play a strategic role in tackling insurgency and terrorism, adding that media practitioners must display discretion in making sure reports on terrorism and insurgency do not weaken state capacity and counter-insurgency measures.

He also canvassed for necessary information flow between media practitioners and security agencies.

He identified the risk factors in the emergence and scale of insurgency and terrorism as economic, political, ineffective state capacity, religious and social division factors.

NEWS

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Revenue agents attack Anambra CLO chair

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USPECTED agents of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) nearly beat the Anambra State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Comrade Aloysius Attah, to death yesterday.

Attah was reportedly investigating activities of the agency’s operatives when he

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi ran into them.

He was attacked for querying their victims while the exercise was on.

The CLO chair, who is also a freelance journalist, however, survived the attack.

He is receiving treatment in

an undisclosed private hospital.

Recounting his ordeal, Attah said: “Having received torrents of reports from our office on various illegalities and human rights abuses perpetrated by various thugs acting as revenue agents for the Anambra State government, I decided to visit one of their operational offices located at the

old Ministry of Works beside Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha. ‘’On reaching there, I encountered a group of boys operating in a light blue Mitsubishi L300 bus as they were harassing and extorting money from the occupants of a Toyota Sienna with Registration No. Lagos LND 477 AJ.

•L-R: The General Manager Technical Services Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Alhaji Jelili Olubori, exchanging gifts with the Executive Chairman, Kosofe Local Government, Hon, Babatunde Sofola, during an official courtesy visit to the Council secretariat on ensuring best practices in environmental cleanliness ...recently.

‘’On enquiry, I was told by the driver of the Sienna, Collins Chidubem, that the boys accosted them on their way along Awka Road, hijacked their vehicle and took them to the Works ministry.

“He said they ransacked their bags, collected N9, 000. For a private car, Chidubem said they demanded N45, 000 from him as emblem fee, seized his car key and deflated the tyres.”

But then, the thugs descended on him.

Attah added: “Seven of them accosted me and demanded to know my identity.

As I was about to talk, one of them shouted ‘so you came to spy on us, do you know this people before?

“They then descended on me, kicking and hitting me at the same time. One of them they called Oga, hefty in stature, hit me on the chest and I fell down.

“As I gasped for breath, another picked a wooden plank nearby and rested the full weight on me. I shouted for help and they boasted that they would kill me and nothing would happen. ‘’I managed to run with the last strength in me and hopped into a taxi that took me to the hospital for treatment and to lodge a complaint with the police,’’ he recalled.

The Chairman of the IGR, Mr. Nwanne Ejikeme, did not respond when contacted.

‘Disunity not peculiar to the Igbo’ • Continued from Page 26 quarrelling and get one of them to lead. will get it right this time.

Have you identified such a person with the qualities you desire for a Nigerian president of Igbo origin?

They would emerge on their own. But give me some months to be able to consult. The most important thing is the process that gets who would run for president. The president is just a by-product of unity. What I’m talking about is to kick-start the process. I have to go back to the drawing board, go back to the academics, traders, politicians, etc, and reenergise them to move forward.

Do you see yourself as a potential Igbo leader, perhaps, in the mould of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu?

I purposely kept away when Ojukwu died because his burial became an avenue for sycophancy. People who abused Ojukwu in my presence, people who never believed in him were praising him in death.

I was surprised. That was why I sent a delegation to extend my condolences and I didn’t go. When Ojukwu was alive, they abandoned him. Most of these people who were talking abandoned him. Ojukwu’s brothers are there, they can speak because they know how close I was to him. They know I always tried to be with him at any point of his need.

PDP has embarked on a mission to reconcile its former members. If you are approached, would you be ready to return to PDP? Well, I don’t think so. I don’t think I am talking about party politics now. If I want to play party politics, I would play it in PPA. People cannot always leave when the condition is not good, people should also be there to defend the situation when the condition is bad. I’m not talking party politics now; I’m talking about advising everybody in Igbo land. I want to energise the base. In the next couple of months, I would put in motion the process.

You said you don’t to talk about Governor Theodore Orji?

I don’t want to say anything, whether good or bad. Orji is there today as governor

of Abia State. I know the value of the office of the governor. I know the value of the position of former governor of Abia State; I know the value of the office of the president. And I say I am not going to talking about it. They have published and said a lot of things.

But I know that the allegation that nothing was done during my tenure is wrong.

Almost all the roads in the state were constructed in my tenure. The Umuahia-Aba road (old road), the Obehie-Azumiri road, the Lokpanta-Udeato road, the EbemOhafia road, all were constructed in my tenure. When I was governor, the Aba roads were motorable. I don’t want to talk about these things. I want the governor to lead the people with his conscience. Conscience is a wound, only the truth can heal it. People are seeing today, they are not seeing tomorrow. I want Nigerians to start seeing tomorrow.

Go back to your archives. Obasanjo made me the action governor for that regime on account of the Aba roads that I constructed. He came to Aba and campaigned on those roads. Anywhere in the world, roads are maintained every two to three roads, if not, they will collapse. I cleaned up Aba. I like to be modest in my comments and allow our people to decide who is right or wrong. When I was governor, we had free education up to the secondary school level. When I was governor, there were problems in Warri, Rivers, parts of Akwa Ibom, Owerri and Nnewi.

People were coming to Aba and Umuahia to live and do their businesses. Nobody has given me credit for all these things because I fought the federal government.

I’m the only politician that his businesses were taken. What have I done to these people? I had helped them in the past. I have asked the international agencies to set up a real anticorruption outfit, let us know who the real thieves are. I’m ready to subject myself to the probe, and others, too, should come out. People have been given a lot of waivers, etc. The country is in trouble, it needs to be cleaned up properly. It needs to be given direction.

You are among the former governors that are being prosecuted by EFCC. Are you

saying the charges against you are trumped up?

My conscience tells me that I have not done anything. I have never discussed with anybody on how to make underhand deals. What I have spent is security vote, which is not much for the size of our state.

I applied it to the police and they were happy with what I did with the money. I am the only governor that is being prosecuted for security vote. Even the present governor knows that we were not making deals. Check the calibre of commissioners that I had – Awa Kalu (SAN), Lambert Mmecha, Professor Nkpa (present Secretary to the State Government), Professor Ogbuagu (currently a vice chancellor), Onyekwere Ogba, Ralp Egbu, etc. I will set up a foundation that will deal with the issue of anti-corruption. Material acquisition is not my problem, but jobs for the people. Nobody is talking about creating jobs for the people. Nobody talks about how to build a strong middle class that will be the engine of the society. A population of 160 million people still talking about repairing old rail lines! We must restrategise on how to build standard rail lines.

I told the federal government, when I was governor, what they were doing in the power sector that would not work. I gave him a blueprint on how we can have electricity in Nigeria. It is criminal for anybody to think you can draw power from Egbin power station to Abia State, or you will draw light from Lagos to EbereOmuma in Rivers State, or draw from Cross River to give light in Sokoto. We have to have cells. Distribution is a problem. Even if you generate, what of distribution? I told them, but nobody listens. Have you forgotten how they kept Abia contractors at EFCC for nine months auditing their books, when I was governor? Which other governor did they do this to? Have you forgotten how they invaded my mother’s house to force me to support them for their third term agenda? I resisted it. I disagreed with Professor Jubril Aminu, a very strong character, as students’ union president, and still eat with him. But that is what

Obasanjo does not like. Because I disagreed with him over Third Term, Obasanjo took away all my businesses, he killed my businesses, he tried to ruin me but God did not allow him. If he were patient he would have benefitted from people like us. I used to be Obasanjo’s best friend, but I never knew he doesn’t like hearing the truth.

What would you say is the legacy you left in Abia after eight years as governor?

All the low-cost housing schemes in Abia State were built by my government.

The Ehimiri housing estate, the two stadiums in the state, were built by my administration. The housing estate at Obingwa had been roofed before we left, even the one at Obakala, apart from the housing estate at Ubeku. Mind you, our resources then were lean – Obasanjo took away our 46 oil wells, which Yar’Adua returned. $650 million was deducted from the state’s allocations to repay money from the wells.

I gave Abia people purposeful leadership.

Go to the Federal Ministry of Finance and check how much we had from 1999 to 2007.

I never left any debt for Theodore Orji as governor. I want this to be on record. I left no debt the day I was leaving as governor of Abia State. I’ve heard people say I owed banks N28 billion before I left. That is not true. We were only banking with Hallmark. Hallmark stopped, and we went over to Bank PHB. The day I left, the account was N1.7 billion in overdraft, because Obasanjo asked the Ministry of Finance to hold the money. On June 6, 2007, the overdraft cleared. The documents are there for anybody to verify. I never owed any bank money, which some people now say Abia State is repaying. This is the first time I am coming openly to say this.

Well, in the process of governance, I’m not saying I was perfect. Wherever I have wronged our people, I’m very sorry for wronging them. Wherever I have done well, they should also praise me for doing well.

I’m not perfect, even Jesus Christ was not perfect. I’m human. I must have made several mistakes in Abia as a young man. I wasn’t 50 years old when I was governor.

Today, I’m 50 and above. So I know more things that are right and wrong today.

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‘Pastors in politics have derailed’ H

OW come a nation as religious as Nigeria is still corrupt?

It is true that Nigeria seems to be a religious country. And I still want to say that that aspect is what has been keeping this country one till today. One way or the other, everyone keeps praying for the country. They are always praying that there should be peace in Nigeria. But it is not enough for a country to be a religious country. The most important thing is that people are seeking for material things today than really showing love for God. If you look at those people that we call Christians today, you can see many in the church on Sundays. But every other activity like the weekly programmes in the church, Bible study where they can hear the word of God, you will never see many people there.

They don’t want to go to a place where they will know that they will correct the mode of their lives. If you see somebody committing fraud and he goes to a place where the undiluted message of God is preached, if such a person continually hears such messages, before you know it, he would be withdrawing from such a church.

My only advice is that our men of God should go back to the old- time religion where undiluted messages are being preached. That is how this country can be better off. We have it in history when our leaders in the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo would go to the church to recruit for the civil service in the old Western Region. Why is that not happening today? Because the so-called Christians and Muslims today are the ones you would find in this fraud and corruption we are talking about. Don’t be surprised to find even pastors, elders, imams, those who are still in the civil service. So what I would tell Nigerians is let everybody return to Jesus.

When we return to Christ Jesus, the situation of this country will become normal.

Fraud will become a thing of the past. It’s not just that ‘I want to go to church for protection, I want to go to church to keep my job, I want to go to church because I need a house to change my car.’

What is the responsibility of men of God? If men of God could reduce emphasis on material things, I’m not saying don’t preach prosperity but let our messages not be one-sided. If holiness, if sanctification are messages that we preach along with prosperity and material things, you will discover that this problem will reduce and no member will have the guts to steal money in his company and bring it to the pastor or the church.

He will have some fear in his mind. He would have known the kind of person his pastor is. He will know that even if I take this to the pastor, he will reject it. But today, I’m not judging or condemning, we have abandoned what we are supposed to do to help the society from all this corruption as a church. Because if the minister sees that a member of his church is driving a brand new SUV, he also wants the same and he does not mind where the money comes from. I want every minister of God to know whether we like it or not, rapture will soon take place, and everyone shall face judgement on the last day.

How do we solve the problem of Boko Haram?

I remember when President Obasanjo was in government, there was the issue of Sharia in some Northern states. But he diplomatically handled the issue and it died.

I think Boko Haram is more of a political issue. Let Nigerians not deceive themselves.

Those behind Boko Haram know themselves. And that is why our president should use every human connection to resolve it. If I were him, I will call a national prayer day. On that day, no company, no organisation, no school, no ministry will open. Everybody must gather at one particular place and pray for our nation.

INTERVIEW The General Superintendent of Christ Redemption Bible Church Ketu Lagos, Pastor John Ogundare, spoke with Okwy IroegbuChikezie on sundry national issues and the church’s 15th anniversary, among others. Excerpts:

•Ogundare

I can assure you the people behind Boko Haram are human beings and they were created by God. And the Bible says with God, all things are possible. God has the ability and power to put a stop to it.

After all, he said the heart of the king is in the hand of God. I know that some people are bent until this man finishes his four-year term, he will know no peace. And when there is no peace, how does he want to seek a second term? I was surprised recently when the presi-

dent said he could not even face the issue of power; that all his attention is on security. That, to me, was saying that the government has failed. What would have given his government some credits is this issue of electricity. But for him to have uttered those words means that they have collapsed his government. So the issue of Boko Haram is political and it has gone out of hand. It is political. If they don’t handle it well before 2015, only God know what would happen.

Should Christian leaders condemn government, participate in politics or just sit and watch?

A servant of God is called to the ministry. Our job is to pray for the peace of the land.

I don’t encourage any minister of God to go into politics.

Because the moment you do that, especially in a country like this, you have lost your focus. You have lost your calling. And such a minister of God would be messed up. If they have money, you may struggle to make yourself relevant again but that purpose of your calling is lost. Look at those who have done that in this country, they are still struggling to come back. Our mission is to stand in the gap for our land and preach peace.

Pray for peace and unity. Once in a while when the opportunity comes, you may advise the government. The Bible says we should pray for them, not to start fighting them.

How has the church been in the past 15 years?

We thank God. We just have to start by giving the praise to the Almighty God. You know to get to 15 years is not something that is easy. We thank God for being there for us. We still have a few challenges but that is normal in a ministry like this. But God is faithful. He has been the one that has been seeing us through.

What was your vision like then?

What God gave me as a vision and direction then was “Go, and depopulate the kingdom of the devil and increase my kingdom.” That is the vision. And that has been our mission in the past 15 years.

So that is what we do: preaching the gospel, undiluted; showing to the people that they need to give their lives to Jesus. There are many lives that God has been able to use us to touch through our teaching. That God has changed from evil to the way of God today. And we give God the praise. I remember when we started, it was just like we were playing. It was just like a fellowship. We never knew

it was going to turn into something big like this. We give God the glory.

What would be your message to Nigerians?

I have no other message apart from the one I’ve been preaching in the church and on TV. Nigerians should return genuinely to God. Like I am talking to you now, there are thousands of people on the mountains, in the camps, in many other places, praying for the unity of this country. If we are all doing it genuinely without waiting for a material reward, America will be coming behind this country. And I want to assure you, in the next five years, this country will be getting better. But we all need to return to God. It is not about going to the church or mosque. I must make sure I pray for my country and my leaders even though they are getting certain things wrong. We should remain one. I’m an advocate of a united Nigeria. There is no country that separated without a war. All the advocates of disintegration will run away from here as soon as it happens. Ghana, Togo, can’t take us.

How do you plan to mark the 15th anniversary?

Well, our first aim is just to thank God for what he has done in our lives in the past 15 years. And for the first time, we want to really move out and help our immediate community to see what we can do in terms of giving them health support, counselling, cleaning the environment etc. If you look around the church, you will see the drainage that we are constructing. We also plan to visit orphanages and help them. We will also hold a crusade to depopulate the kingdom of darkness. So we will have that programme and we will have a lot of God’s anointed ministers who would be doing this with us. On September 22, we are going to dedicate our international headquarters which, to the glory of God, has been under construction for about three years now.

NEWS

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O fewer than ten young entrepreneurs last week obtained non-interest loans courtesy of Victory Life Bible Church, Abeokuta Ogun State.

The scheme under the Youth Empowerment Trust (YET) of the church is designed to promote economic self-reliance and greater productivity.

YET’s co-ordinator, Dr Eniola Fabusoro, said the beneficiaries underwent one year free entrepreneurial training courtesy of the church to enhance their skills.

He said entrepreneurship remains the surest path to lasting wealth and national development, pointing out that fewer companies are offering employment these days.

VLBC empowers entrepreneurs with N2m

By Sunday Oguntola Fabusoro said: “The jobs are getting tougher to come by and more people are leav-

ing paid employment. This means only entrepreneurship can sustain people and that is why we are doing this”.

The beneficiaries received loans ranging from N100, 000N250, 000 to run their businesses.

Fabusoro said they were carefully screened and given between 3-6 months to commence repayment.

Oritsejafor celebrates 40th anniversary on pulpit

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HE National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, will mark his birthday and 40th anniversary in ministry next November.

His church, Word of Life Bible Church (WLBC), Warri Delta State, will also be 30.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi, will deliver a lecture titled “The Nigeria of our dreams: Towards the consolidation of the national unity” on November 13 to commemorate the milestones.

A statement by matriarch of the church, Pastor (Mrs.) Helen Oritsejafor, said emi-

nent Nigerians, including politicians, academics and businessmen have indicated willingness to attend the lecture aimed at proffering solutions to the nation’s challenges.

She said activities line up for the triple celebrations include a novelty football match that will feature ex-in-

ternationals such as Taribo West and Kanu Nwankwo.

They are expected to trade tackles with officials of the Delta State government.

Mrs. Oritsejafor added that there will be comedy extraordinary and other varieties to mark the occasion, which begins with on November 3.

The repayment plan, he said, was conceived to ensure their businesses survive, which is why the beneficiaries have been given 18-24 months.

One of the beneficiaries said she intends to run a hairdressing business in Ita-Eko area of Abeokuta.

She expressed belief her business plan will succeed, stressing that repayment will never be an issue.

According to her: “I have strong faith in God and the plan I have drawn up. This model will succeed and I should re-pay before the stipulated period”.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Love Fever (contd.)

Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi CHRISTIAN ROMANCE SERIES

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UT why was Tosin finding it difficult to submit and see things his way?

Ladi wondered with a frown.

There must be something they were doing wrong. They must be missing it somewhere, even though he couldn’t really place his finger on what it was.

Determined, he stood up.

He must find a way to break down this invincible wall that was between them. He needed his wife. He missed her love and her laughter. He had to make things right between them by all means. He knew there were times he was impatient with her and angry at her behaviour but he must bury that anger that had prevented him from reaching her somehow.

“How was office today?”

He asked her again.

“It was okay.” Tosin answered. Should she tell him about the baby sitter now?

What would she do if he said no again? But why should discussing a matter as trivial as this with her husband require so much planning? This wasn’t how they started, she thought angrily. In any case, the issue would probably bring an argument again, and she was too tired for that.

Ladi sat beside her, putting an arm around her waist. She jerked upright immediately, removing his hand. Ladi sighed and dropped his hands in resignation, giving her another of those long stares.

What’s wrong with this lady?

She picked her bag and shoes and went to the bedroom. The room which was painted cream was huge and simply decorated. There was a king-size bed on a side of the room with two large pillows at its head. A painting of their wedding picture hung on the wall, which was a gift from one of Ladi’s friends.

Tosin changed from her office dress and entered the bathroom leading off the bedroom.

It had a light blue bathtub and a matching blue washbasin. She soon came out in her bathrobe.

She wore a casual dress and slipped her feet into a pair of flat slippers and went out to the kitchen.

There, she looked round; everything was clean and in place.

The earliest time she got home every day was 9pm, and all she could do was eat and sleep. She had not been able to attend midweek services at the church for months now, and many weeks had passed since she had prayed, really prayed.

She always came home tired.

There were some weekends she went to the office, and on Sundays, she tried to catch up on some house chores, making Ladi go to church without her.

Knowing this wasn’t good enough, she felt guilty, but what could she do? That was the nature of her job, it was very demanding.

There was music coming from the guest room, where Sade was and Tosin hissed.

Opening the food warmer on the table, she served her food and brought it to the dining table to eat. Ladi was playing with Tireni, looking carefree and cheerful.

Later in the night, they lay in bed, with Tosin facing the wall, the coverlet pulled up to her chin.

After a moment’s silence, Ladi broke the ice. “Tosin?”

“Yes?” She answered, with a query obvious in her voice.

Face me.” He demanded softly.

Reluctantly, she turned around.

Ladi pulled her into his arms and immediately she stiffened, pushing him away.

Shaking her head furiously, though her eyes were closed, she gave the usual excuse.

“Please, I’m very tired!”

He expected to hear it, in fact, if she had allowed him to have his way, he would have been surprised, Ladi realised.

“Yes. I know you’re tired but I need you.” He said, obviously trying to be patient with her, controlling his own temper but he was not enjoying his wife’s attitude toward him.

Tosin wanted him too but she reminded herself she must not let him get to her. “No. I need to get some sleep. I think I’m developing a headache.”

She knew she was only giving an excuse but she had to, she told herself. She wasn’t

ready for any intimacy; he had hurt her deeply, several times.

Undeterred, Ladi tried to draw her again. “Don’t worry, Tosin.”

She removed his hands.

“No!” She said with determination. “I’m not feeling fine.”

Ladi frowned. That was the fourth excuse she would give within four minutes. There was a time she gave seven. He couldn’t continue this way.

“We’re still married, you’re my wife. You can’t be telling me no! “ He pointed out.

Tosin opened her eyes. She decided that attacking him would get the work done.

“You’re not being considerate!

You’ve always been like that!

Look at the time, almost ten o clock!” She said angrily.

“And do you think you are being considerate to me? Is ten o clock too late to relax with my wife?” Ladi asked, an edge to his voice.

Tosin was silent.

Ladi raised himself up, supporting his body with his hand, his elbow in the bed. “We are Christians, Tosin. Remember that the Bible says we should not deprive one another. You are depriving me, you’re cheating me!” He sounded bewildered.

“And you are being unfair to me! You can’t be trampling on my emotions and expect me to respond to you.”

With his frustration clearly showing, Ladi asked, “How am I trampling on your emotions?”

Tosin didn’t say anything.

There was no point, he would always give an excuse, defend himself. How would she put her feelings anyway? What would she say - that last year when he was preparing for a professional examination, he had also abandoned her and starved her of his affection? He would work all week, then he would spend the evenings and weekends studying, letting her go to bed by herself night after night? Or that he prevented her from having a maid, which she needed? Or that he had stopped spending time to chat with her?

There were times as well when she was really tired or not feeling too well to satisfy him, but he would have none of that, insisting on having his way.

To be continued.

For this novel and other books by the same author, Contact: 08023000773, 08058040949

God first, indication of revival

Bishop Abraham Olaleye

REVIVAL HOUR

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HEN revival comes, God takes His rightful place in our lives. That place is the first place. His presence becomes a home. We honour Him as the first. We see Him as the Alpha. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, begins with “In the beginning, God …” (Genesis 1: 1). Here, we see God, the alpha in manifestation. We see Him as the beginning of all things. The Word and the Spirit share the same attribute with God, the Father. To have God somewhere aside from the first place is idolatry. He does not manage even the second place. Revival is loving and putting God in the first place.

It is also about loving Him with our all. Moses told the children of Israel, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6: 45).

Whenever God is relegated to the second place, things begin to go wrong in virtually every area of our lives and ministry. We begin to run after men and trust in the arm of flesh - instead of God. The grace, the money and the things we need are held back. We know that God is a jealous God who demands total and unflinching commitment to Him. Revival therefore is the only process that brings God back to the first place. Your wife or husband or children do not and should not occupy the first place. The first place belongs to Him that gave you the family. The blessing we receive should neither take the first place from the giver of the blessing Himself. We should understand that the blessing would cease the moment the giver is relegated to the second place.

WACC, NGO train church leaders on HIV/AIDS

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UNDREDS of church leaders in Lagos last week received trainings on reduction of stigmatisation and discrimination against People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in their worship centres.

The 3- day training was organised by World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and Hope for Aids International (HFA) Lagos.

The training, which held at Ifako-Ijaiye local government, was the 8th of its kind in Lagos.

An officer of HFA, Mr. Tunde Fowe, underscored the essence of the training.

According to him: “these trainings are important because many are still ignorant about HIV/AIDS

and dissemination of the right information about the disease cannot be over emphasised.”

Fowe said the decision to focus on religious leaders was strategic.

“They are opinion leaders who command respect in their various communities,’’ he explained.

Another facilitator, Mrs. Gbemisola Olayinka, encouraged participants to step down

the training in their various worship centres.

She urged religious leaders to avoid words that could fuel stigmatisation, stating that infection with the virus is not a death sentence.

Mr. Ibukun Raji said with the conclusion of the exercise, the train will move to Oshodi/Isolo and then Ojo local government areas.

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HE home front is the biggest credential of gospel ministers, President of International Church Growth Ministries, Dr Francis Bola Akin-John, has declared.

He spoke last week at the International Renewal conference of the ministry with the theme “healthy homes, healthy ministries”.

Akin-John said ministers whose families are in tatters and unenviable have lost the moral

Cleric to Nigerians: be positive

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HE Senior Pastor of Crown of Christ Victory Church Lagos, Pastor David Ayilara, has tasked Nigerians to utter only positive statements about the nation.

He warned against being negative, saying whatever Nigerians say about the country

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Worship

By Aminat Adesina

will always come to pass.

Ayilara, who spoke with reporters, said being negative will not change anything but further drag the nation down.

He noted that Nigerians have no other country, saying

all hands must be on deck to help the nation achieve greatness.

According to him: “We must say positive things about this country. It is only when we believe in this country that other countries will believe in us.’’

The secret of durable blessing is to have the first place permanently conceded to God. Revival rearranges our priorities and corrects every spiritual flaw in our lives. It brings God to the first place and keeps Him permanently there. At that point, God takes the first from everything we have. God told the Israelites, “Sanctify unto me all the FIRSTBORN, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine” (Exodus 13: 2 KJV).

Samson was the first male that opened his mother’s womb. God took and used him to do great exploit against the Philistines.

Samuel also came into this picture because as soon as he was weaned, Hannah, his mother, promptly handed the lad over to God. John the Baptist was the male that opened Elizabeth’s womb and he became the repairer of the bridge, the forerunner of the Lord. Christ himself was the first male that opened the womb of Mary.

This ordinance of giving the first to the Lord is not limited to man, as God also demanded the first of the fruit of the ground. Moses said, “Of the FIRST of your ground meal you shall give to the LORD a heave offering throughout your generations” (Numbers 15: 21).

This command subsists as long as the earth remains. It is a generational ordinance.

When we collect our salaries, the tenth, which is God’s, is not only to be paid but has to be paid first. When the businessman or woman makes his or her profit, God is the first thought. In his or her projections, God gets the first place. Before any important decision is made in any area of human endeavour, God is the first to be contacted for counsel. May the Spirit of God bring all of us to this point.

The widow of Zarephath The encounter between Elijah the prophet and widow of Zarephath underscores the point I am stressing on honouring God with our first.

Ahab, one of the kings in Israel with his wife Jezebel, led the entire nation into sin. They worshipped Baalim and sacrificed to him. Elijah faced this great challenge and decreed

that there would be no rain in the land for three and half years (see 1 Kings 17). This famine affected everyone and even Elijah. God sent him to the Brook Cherith where a ravenous bird brought him bread and meat in the morning and evening. It wasn’t long when the brook dried and God told Elijah to proceed to Zarephath where he would meet a woman He had prepared to sustain him. As soon as he entered the town, Elijah saw the woman who was returning from where she had gone to fetch two sticks to fry the last meal for herself and her son. Elijah told the woman, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.”

As the woman made her way to bring the water, Elijah quickly added, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” The woman replied Elijah, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die”(1 Kings 17:12).

This widow was faced with a great challenge with her son.

They were left with their last meal that they hoped to eat and die. God had a plan unknown to the woman and her son. At this decisive point, God, using His servant the prophet, demanded to be served first. Hear Elijah, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it FIRST, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.” Imagine God’s demand!

The powder left was so meagre that the woman picked two sticks to fry it and God still demanded, in that situation, to be served first. As his children, God is calling us today to give Him the first place in everything we do and in every situation we find ourselves. The things that God demand from us may be highly challenging and difficult for us to obey. We can be rest assured however that when we do, He would release His own miracle, which is far and far bigger than anything we have given.

You can reach the Bishop Olaleye for prayer and counseling through adeewumi@yahoo.com OR Call 0806 285 6991

NEWS ‘Ministers must have healthy homes to prosper’

By Sunday Oguntola

right to point others to Christ.

According to him: “When the home front is healthy and fruitful, we can preach Christ better.

“We can lead others easily to Christ because they can see how the saving grace is making a difference in our families”.

He lamented that the marriages of many ministers are threatened and disintegrating, saying the development is a big minus to their gospel credentials.

“When you divorce or separate as a minister, what else is there to tell others? How can others want what you have?”

he queried.

He tasked ministers to work on their marriages and devote more time to their partners to have fulfilling ministries.

The Church Growth expert also challenged men of God to improve their parenting skills, saying that once their kids do not imbibe gospel traits, nobody will give attention to whatever messages they have.

He urged them to at least work towards saving their family members, even if they cannot save the whole world.

The week-long conference featured a red carpet and couple’s dinner all geared towards renewing marital bliss among ministers.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

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THE NATION SPORT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

SPORT EXTRA

Scholes marks 700th appearance with goal in Wigan rout

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AUL Scholes marked his 700th Manchester United appearance by sending the Red Devils to their biggest win of the season after victory over Wigan at Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson described Scholes' cameo at Southampton last month as like someone 'opening a door'.On Saturday, the veteran midfielder did not just open it. He sent it crashing off its hinges.

Mixing a typically astute performance with some of those thunderous challengers for which he is noted, Scholes also broke the deadlock with his 155th United goal.Few could have been converted in such ease as he tapped home after Ali Al Habsi had pushed Nani's low cross straight into his path.

Javier Hernandez, who missed a firsthalf penalty, bagged a second when he turned home Alexander Buttner's misdirected shot, then the Dutchman capped a fine debut by driving home the hosts' third, putting more pressure on an underperforming Patrice Evra, who watched from the stand.

Arsenal smash Southampton, maintain unbeaten run

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ERVINHO struck twice as Arsenal continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 6-1 demolition of Premier League new boys Southampton.

The visitors resembled a rabbit in the headlights for most of the first half as they failed to deal with Arsenal's pace and directness - epitomised as early as the 11th minute as Jos Hooiveld accidentally put into his own net.Lukas Podolski bent in a 25-yard free-kick as the onslaught continued, before Gervinho rifled home and Nathaniel Clyne netted an own goal to make it 4-0 inside 37 minutes.

AVB wary of Reading surprise

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NDRE Villas-Boas has warned his Tottenham team not to underestimate Reading as he believes they can cause a few surprises this season.

The Portuguese coach takes his team to the Madejski Stadium today looking for his first win since taking charge of Spurs in the summer.

The north London club have made a slow start to the season thus far, losing on the opening day at Newcastle before back-to-back draws with Norwich and West Brom at home.

With the club desperate to finish in a Champions League spot this term the former Chelsea boss will be desperate to get his first win under his belt as soon as possible.

While Tottenham are expected to beat Reading this weekend, AVB says he has been impressed with the Premier League's new boys in their two outings.

More sponsors join Soccerex Seminar Lagos

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OCCEREX is delighted to announce a new line-up of multinational companies who have signed up as event supporters for the Soccerex Seminar Lagos, 27-28 September 2012. The Seminar Lagos is the first international football business event in Nigeria and will provide Pepsi, Virgin Atlantic, Standard Chartered, Fourteen and Spier Wine with a unique and unrivalled opportunity to develop their brands in West Africa through football.

Virgin Atlantic is one of the most recognisable brands in the world and carried over 5.2 million passengers during 2011. As the official airline supporter they will be providing preferential flights for all of the attendees at the Soccerex Seminar Lagos.

Pepsi are the official soft drink supporters for the event and have a long and established connection with football, with some of the most famous players in the world as brand ambassadors such as Lionel Messi and David Beckham.

Odemwingie sees red W

EST Brom forward, Peter Odemwingie, was sent off in between Berbatov's strikes for violent conduct as Steve Clarke's side lost their first Barclays Premier League game of the season.The Nigerian forward was shown a straight red card by Roger East for kicking out at Sascha Riether right in front of the dugouts.

Fulham striker, Dimitar Berbatov, scored a brace on his home debut to guide Martin Jol's side to a comfortable victory over 10-man West Brom.The 31-year-old, making his first start since a deadline-day move from Manchester United, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute before adding a second from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time, with Steve Sidwell adding a third in the closing stages.

The second-half was noticeable for a string of superb saves from West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster as Fulham failed to add to their lead until the last minute when Sidwell volleyed home.The home side dominated possession in the opening stages as they pinned West Brom onto the edge of their own penalty area but it was Baggies' winger James Morrison who produced the first effort of quality.

On a rare early foray forward the winger, who signed a new contract yesterday, collected the ball from Billy Jones before forcing a smart save from Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.Jones then pulled a low cross back across goal but neither Shane Long or Marc-Antoine Fortune had gambled on making a run and the ball was eventually cleared.

Fulham's early dominance subsided but they were still looking lively in the final third without testing Foster in the visitor's goal and the final ball lacked quality on a number of occasions.Berbatov's goal came just after the halfhour mark following some good work from Alex Kacaniklic.The young winger showed good feet when surrounded by three West Brom defenders before rolling the ball into Berbatov who bent his effort inside Foster's left-hand post.West Brom came close to an immediate equaliser as Berbatov fouled James Morrison and from the resulting freekick Fulham skipper Brede Hangeland managed to throw himself in from of Jonas Olsson's shot to keep his side ahead.

Berbatov, who seemed to be at the centre of all of Fulham's decent play, came close to adding a second in the 40th minute but his diving header flew past the post.The hosts were awarded a penalty in first-half injury time when Jones fouled the busy Kacaniklic after the 21-year-old had

...as Berbatov hits double

Peter Odemwingie covers his face as he walks off the pitch yesterday

Osun loses volleyball player in auto crash

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s Osun State Sports Council is rounding off its preparation for the preliminary games preparatory to the forthcoming National Sports Festival slated for Lagos State, the council was on Friday hit by a tragedy with the death of Kunle Adeoye ,a Volleyball player, popularly known as Libero for his defensive skill in the team.

Adeoye died following an auto crash which incidentally occurred a few metres to the Osogbo City Stadium along BAFEMI Martins has revealed that he was Ikirun road. instantly sold the idea of joining Levante after holding discussions with sporting director Manolo Salvador.The 27-year-old will ply his trade at the Ciutat de Valencia for the next two seasons with the option of a third, following his release from Rubin Kazan earlier in the summer.

YO State Football He had previously enjoyed spells in Italy, Association and their England, Germany and Russia with mixed success, O g u n S t a t e but is now ready to reboot his career in Spain with last year's surprise packages."The team's doing counterpart have pledged to well and I hope to play with my new colleagues," give their support to private said Martins. "I'm here now and I hope to score establishment with genuine many goals."I spoke with [sporting director] interest for grassroots soccer Manolo Salvador, and since then I've always development but not to wanted to come here, so I must thank him."Martins i m p o s t o r s o u t t o m i l k is expected to fill the void left by 2011-12 top innocent parents.

The scribe of Ogun FA, goalscorer Arouna Kone, who left Levante in August to sign for Premier League outfit Kehinde Leo and Oyo State Wigan.Levante have four points from their first FA's Technical Committee three matches in La Liga and are placed 11th, ahead Chairman, Idowu Oloyede reiterated this in their of Sunday's trip to Malaga.

Martins happy to join Levante

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Unprecedented coverage for Copa Lagos

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It was gathered that the late player was on a commercial motorcycle when he, alongside the operator, was suddenly hit by an on-coming vehicle which allegedly lost control owing to a yet-to-be ascertained mechanical fault.

Efforts to safe him by a medical team at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching H o s p i t a l (LAUTHECTH),Osogbo came to naught as he died in

the evening while plan was being made to transfer him to t h e Un i v e r s i t y C o l l e g e Teaching Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.

The Chairman of Osun State Volleyball Association, Olanrewaju Amoran lamented the death of Adeoye and described it as a painful loss to the Osun State volleyball family. Amoran who extolled the doggedness of the late player as a strength of the team,prayed to God to repose his soul and stand by his family.

The remains of Adeoye was committed to mother earth yesterday.

Oyo FA pledges support for genuine grassroots soccer promoters

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HE 2nd edition of Copa Lagos will benefit from the highest level of media coverage for a Beach Soccer tournament in Africa.

Building on the success of the maiden edition, Kinetic Sports Management had announced that the latest edition starting on the 14th December, 2012 will be broadcast to an estimated 250 million households on over 20 International TV stations.

Media coverage will be supplied by the likes of Eurosports 2 (Europe), Al Jazeera sports (Middle East), Super Sports (Africa), Fox Sports (North & South America), ESPN star (Asia) and Sport TV (Brazil). Beach Soccer fans will also be able to view the action live online.

Super Sport and AIT are amongst the broadcasters who have renewed their

By Tunde Busari

partnership with Copa Lagos for the viewers in Nigeria. Organisers believe that such global coverage will result in driving the development of Beach soccer both home and abroad.

Copa Lagos sponsors are also in line to benefit from the global coverage, their brands and promotional material will be viewed by audiences from Europe through to Asia. The 2nd Edition of Copa Lagos will also feature live updates via twitter. “We are extremely pleased with the amount of coverage we have been able to get. This will showcase Beach Soccer and Nigeria to the world and we are delighted to be a part of that,� stated Samson Adamu, the CEO of Kinetic Sports Management, the organisers of the event.

separate speeches at the first passing out ceremony of players of FrenageProgression International Soccer Academy (FPISA) after completion of a 12week residential soccer course programme held in Ibadan.

Leo, Ogun FA scribe emphasized the importance of giving aspiring footballers a basic knowledge of the game of soccer but noted that lots of impostors have bastardized the sector with

sole aim of swindling parents.

Oloyede in his own submission affirmed the FA's resolve to partner private investors in developing the round leather game especially at the grassroots.

He added that FPISA has showed good example while advising the 20 players that would be travelling to Europe for trials to be good ambassadors of Oyo State and Nigeria.

QUOTABLE "I think it sounds like a stupid remark what the Attorney General was quoted as saying concerning the call for a revisiting of the matter. Who is he to say that the debate on onshore and offshore dichotomy is closed? Is he saying that Nigerians have no right to speak on an issue which onshore, offshore dichotomy is and on what ground?"

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7, NO. 2250

—Former VC of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ango Abdullahi, faulting the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke's call for an end to the onshore/offshore debate.

T

HOSE who say it is too early to talk of and plan towards 2015 obviously do not understand what politics is all about, or of the crushing burden of clearing the filth and stagnation years of misrule have brought upon the country. Nothing, not even universally accepted convention, excuses leaving things undone till the last moment. If Nigeria is to be liberated from the clutches of visionless rulers, the plans and permutations must begin early, whether President Goodluck Jonathan fears distractions or not. The next polls are a little over 30 months away, but the opposition is still struggling to design a vehicle for that great task of liberation ahead, while the ruling party itself, shorn of vision and the doggedness and commitment needed for societal re-engineering and transformation, sits complicit in ruminative indifference to the country’s destiny.

I have not encountered anyone not beholden to the ruling party who thinks the PDP has a concise vision for the country. If the party had a vision for the country in the excitable days of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and in the considerably sedate days of the late Umar Yar’Adua, it would have been fairly obvious, even if implemented shoddily. We would have blamed Jonathan for poor implementation of the vision, not condemn him for lack of one. But there really was none, and there still isn’t any. As I have indicated here so many times before, and even shortly before the last elections, we must, without necessarily being members of opposition parties, begin to look beyond the ruling party. The PDP has held the reins of power for more than 13 years since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, and in all that period, the party was never able to articulate a vision for the country beyond the routine and cavalier adumbration of five-point, six-point, sevenpoint or x-point programme.

I think it is time once again to reiterate the point that it is not projects, roads, education and health, etc. that drive a country’s greatness. The first grand task is to find either a party or a leader with an inspiring vision capable of freeing the country from the mediocre orbit in which it is locked. It is ideas that beget projects that beget greatness. Ask American how they got to the moon. There is no other order of precedence. We must find a leader who has been to the mountaintop and has conceived in his mind the heights he wishes to take the country. He must be clear in his mind what the dimensions of the Promised Land would be, and must also be able to articulate how to get there. He must understand the kind of democracy required to midwife a great country and be a convinced democrat himself, not a democrat as an afterthought. He must understand how comparably high the shoulders of his countrymen must be in relation to the other peoples of the world.

What gives concreteness to vision, however, is ambition. The leader (I use leader interchangeably with party) must himself be highly ambitious to imbue his country with great ambition.

If he does not think Nigerian democracy should be better than Britain’s, for instance, or our roads

Poll 2015 campaigns began yesterday

• Jonathan

• Buhari

better than those of Canada, we will never put the structures in place to achieve those goals.

And even if the constitution provides viable structures to underpin democracy and guarantee certain inalienable rights, as indeed the 1999 constitution has imperfectly done, the unambitious leader would undermine or exploit the document, as in fact Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan have done. The ambition described here is, of course, not personal ambition, for both Obasanjo and Jonathan, in particular, have displayed personal and humungous ambitions that war against their modest talents.

But while it is fairly easy for a leader to generate ambition, it is not quite as easy to generate vision, for vision, much more than ambition, comes from much studying, exposure to other civilisations, private character development, and an indefinable intuition and canniness that propel him into doing the right thing and making the right judgements. As the sectarian troubles in North Africa, Middle East and northern Nigeria are showing, the quality of leadership is declining precipitously virtually everywhere to the point where the so-called leaders in many places have become captives of the prejudice, hate and populism of the rabble. It was not until I read Chief Obafemi Awolowo copiously that I fully appreciated the depth of his knowledge and ambition, the breadth of his

vision, his courage both in the face of adversity and opposition, and his solid and cosmopolitan endowments in democracy, administration and planning. It was not until I read books on Sir Ahmadu Bello, the eponymous Sardauna of Sokoto, and perused his files in the days of the Northern Region, that I was struck also by the grand scale of the society he envisioned, his Spartan discipline, his administrative acumen, and the remarkable balance he maintained between his private piety and the liberalism the regional politics of the day required.

It was also not until I read books by and on Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe that I began to understand how impossible it is for a leader to generate vision without reading about others, and without having one’s own heroes. Zik dreamt big, perhaps far bigger than his region of birth could accommodate, and probably much bigger than his country could fathom. This perhaps accounted in part for why he was in some ways the least successful of the three great leaders in terms of regional idolisation, and maybe, too, why he seemed to have been overshadowed by the more charismatic and enigmatic Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in the East. It is indisputable that all three or four gentlemen displayed leadership and visionary qualities incomparable to the mediocrity Nigeria has been inundated with since the collapse of the

Labaran Maku’s implausible rationalisations

W

HILE delivering his goodwill message at last week’s opening ceremony of the 8th Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, was quoted by a newspaper as explaining that President Goodluck Jonathan’s tolerance of criticism and media attacks was not an indication of weakness. I am not aware any sensible person could draw that link and conclusion.

Indeed, what I know is that many analysts believe that the president’s irritability in the face of media attacks, not his grudging toleration of criticism, is the real indication of his weakness. Only a few weeks ago, the president exasperatingly regarded himself as the most criticised world leader today. Readers will recall that this columnist dismissed that hyperbole as far-fetched.

Even if Maku was misquoted on the link between the president’s toleration of criticism and assumed strength, it neither harms nor libels him. After all, the president had himself said in a church service many months ago that he found it quite appropriate to rebuff public

attempt to transform him into something alien to his gentle personality. He was neither an Egyptian pharaoh nor a rampaging general, he had deadpanned.

In the said goodwill message, Maku in fact said something quite disturbing and inappropriate. According to the newspaper report, Maku told his audience that the president’s patience in the face of criticisms and media attacks was due to his respect for the media and the fact that Nigeria was a very complex society. So, if he didn’t respect the media, he would not tolerate criticisms and media attacks? Do the constitution and our laws not enjoin him as an elected politician deriving his legitimacy from the people to accept, not even be patient with, criticisms?

Maku also talked about the president’s understanding of the complexity of Nigeria. But there is nothing in the president’s behaviour and speeches to show he understands that complexity, or that he knows what it means to operate constitutional democracy. The president is of course at liberty to ignore the constitution and refuse to be tolerant. If he did, he would

discover that if military regimes couldn’t hamstring the press, and couldn’t kill it either, not even he as president, were he to declare a state of emergency, abrogate habeas corpus, and call for censorship, could tame Nigeria’s boisterous media.

Surely, both Maku and the president need not be reminded that the media played a very major role in emancipating Nigeria from colonial tyranny. The present day media, proud legatee of the anti-colonial media, is unlikely to shirk the responsibility of joining forces with patriots to liberate the country from tyrannous politicians, if the occasion should demand it, and fight bitterly to maintain the country’s independence and integrity, even if that job should seem superfluous. Maku, a journalist himself, must rid himself of that appalling patrician mindset that regards presidential obedience of the constitution as benevolence that can be withdrawn at will. The provisions of the constitution concerning civil liberties cannot be abrogated, circumscribed or dispensed as favours. They cannot even be amended out of the constitution.

First Republic. All of them were at least deeper, braver, and more imaginative than today’s leaders, and would probably have attempted to respond boldly and innovatively to the sectarian menace and small-mindedness undermining the stability and future of Nigeria. Even if they failed, it would not be because of indolence, cowardice or lack of determination.

I also recall how imperative the visions and dreams of some of the world’s great leaders were to their societies. Recall Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grand Army (imagine the inspired name), his Continental System, and his military achievements. These followed his dream of recreating a new (Roman) Empire, equal or superior to that of Charlemagne or even the Caesars. There could also never have been the Soviet Union had Lenin not first envisioned it.

And there could not have been a modern and liberal Turkey rising from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire had Mustafa Kemal Ataturk not recognised that that was the only way to secure the rump of the empire and drag it into the modern era.

Nigeria is enfeebled and humiliated by lack of dreamers and visionaries. Much more despairingly, for the past 50 or so years, primordial and even primitive considerations have been at the bottom of leadership selection in Nigeria. The PDP under Obasanjo was supposed to lay a solid foundation for Fourth Republic democracy, but due to the limitations of his vision, his temperamental unsuitability, and the constriction of his unpresidential heart, he was incapable of laying a foundation for a modern society he could not conceive. He worsened the problem by foisting the wrong kind of leadership on equally prejudiced, fearful and passive electorate.

You do not have to belong to the opposition to know it was a tragedy enduring eight years of Obasanjo, three or so chequered years of Yar’Adua, and now halting, half-hearted opening years of Jonathan. It would be a disaster, however, to wait till 2014 to begin planning for the country’s liberation, or to succumb spinelessly once again to zoning, tribal or sectarian considerations in selecting a liberator capable of dreaming big for Nigeria. By all means, let 2015 begin now. The task ahead is too serious to be delayed for one or two more years.

Mimiko pressures truth

D

URING his campaigns last week, Governor Olusegun Mimiko was quoted as describing his disagreement with Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leaders as a face-off. I was also thoroughly flustered by his claim that he was pressured to join the ACN. Does he not expect other parties to try to win the state from his Labour Party (LP) if they cannot get him to defect? What face-off?

Since he stood pat on LP, is it not reasonable to expect that other political parties, of which he is not a member, would try to take the state from him?

Even more inconceivably, the governor describes the ACN effort to take Ondo State as an expansionist agenda. By dignifying this outlandish reasoning on the soapbox with his time, the governor shows his inability to think nobly. Every party exists to expand, not to stay in one place or to contract. The PDP hopes to gain more states, contiguously if it can manage, or by leapfrogging, if it cannot manage.

Does the LP not expect to gain more states, if it can find the competence and the ambition?

And in Mimiko’s quaint exegesis, it is haughtiness to express confidence in one’s party’s ability to sweep the polls. Has he not also expressed confidence his impending victory would disgrace the opposition and silence them for a long time? Would that qualify as pride? When Mimiko assumed office, many expected him to be capable of elevated ideas, even if he looked and sounded too flighty to replicate the administrative panache of Awolowo, the hero of his insincere contrivance, whom he quotes prodigiously. As I indicated here last week, the governor’s main campaign weapon is denigrating other parties’ ‘empire-building’ potential, which he says is evil. Let him quit idle chatter and instead focus on the modest achievements he has wrung from his fiefdom, if indeed those achievements can be described in such exalted terms.

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