THE NATION FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Fresh intrigues as governors elect new chair tomorrow

AMNESTY CRISIS Why militants are up in arms

• Plot to split NGF uncovered

–PAGES 62-63

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Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.07, No. 2412

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

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FEBRUARY 24, 2013

KIDNAPPED BRITISH, ITALIAN HOSTAGES

Security agents in dilemma over rescue Expatriates relocate to Abuja, Southern states

President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Nigerian Army during her visit to Abuja yesterday.

Obasanjo’s men hit El-Rufai Attribute book to loss of presidency to Yar’Adua Memoir sells 10,000 copies in 48 hours –PAGE 4

–PAGE 2

Photo: NAN

Five die as football match sparks religious riot in Taraba –PAGE 5

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NEWS S

ECURITY agents are proceeding with utmost care in their search for the seven expatriates abducted by terrorists in Bauchi State penultimate Saturday, it was learnt last night.

The agents are keen to avoid a repeat of the loss of a Briton and an Italian during a military operation to rescue them from kidnappers in Sokoto on March 8, 2012.

Their target this time is to ensure that all the seven employees of the construction company, SETRACO, who were seized by members of the Islamic sect,

Fires raze PDP chief’s house

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

British, Italian hostages: Security agents in dilemma over rescue From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

• Expatriates relocate to Abuja, Southern states

Jama’atu Ansaril Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan (Vanguard for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa, or simply “Ansaru”), return home alive.

In the den of the kidnappers are five Lebanese, a Briton and an Italian.

Sources said in Abuja that the security agencies saddled with the task of locating and setting the hostages free have adopted a ‘tactical’ approach to accomplishing the task without bloodshed.

One of the sources said: “Certainly, we have got

appreciable clues but our ultimate target is to rescue the hostages alive. All hands are on the deck to meet this target.

“We have established that Ansaru has a link with Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb.

The group might have been hurt by the UN intervention in Mali. We are approaching the operation from both local and end and Mali side.

“We have got a marching order from the presidency to ensure that this mission is successful. And it is also in our interest to

carry out a successful operation.”

It was also gathered that most construction firms with expatriate workers have resolved to adopt “limited engagement” in the 19 Northern states.

This, according to one source, is based on security advice.

“We have adopted a policy of limited engagement in the North. Apart from security beef up, we may carry out contracts only in safe states in the region,” sources said, adding:”Virtually all con-

struction firms in the North have recalled their foreign expatriates until the security situation improves.”

It was learnt that the extra security measure was put in place on the advice of several embassies and the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO).

The latest FCO advice reads in part: “The main terrorist threat in northern Nigeria comes from Islamist extremists who aspire to establish Islamic law in Nigeria.

“The majority of attacks

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

T

HE Makurdi, Benue State, residence of a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Chief Abu King Shuluwa, was yesterday razed by fire.

The cause of the inferno was not immediately known but the damage to the sprawling compound was extensive.

Shuluwa, a former federal commissioner of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and his wife were at Katsina Ala township stadium for the installation of Bishop John Adobah as the first Bishop of the new Kastina Ala Diocese when the incident occurred.

•Ijora Badiya Shanty being demolished by the Lagos State Task Force yesterday.

Photo: MUYIWA HASSAN

You can’t be a billionaire without corruption—Akinyemi

F

ORMER Minister of External Affairs, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi says it is impossible for anyone to become a billionaire in the country without engaging in corruption.

He is also of the view that until government fights corruption with determination, it will be difficult for the poor masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Professor Akinyemi spoke during a lecture entitled; “Leadership, Democracy, and Development” in Akure as part of the activities marking the inauguration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State for a second term.

Majority of Nigerian billionaires, according to him, are promoting corrup-

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

tion, adding that the result is that the present generation of Nigerians have lost hope in their leaders.

The former minister said: “No one can be a billionaire in Nigeria today without being corrupt. If you are a businessman, you would have evaded tax or other levies like import duties with the active connivance of those in charge.

“Your entire income as a political office holder, either elected or appointed, cannot make you a billionaire without indulging in corrupt practices.

“It is also not possible for you to work and retire as

a civil servant in whatever capacity and become a billionaire without being corrupt.

“I know I am stepping on sensitive toes but I can handle that. Unless our leaders tackle the issue of corruption and offer selfless service to the people, our democracy may not produce the desired development we are all expecting.”

Akinyemi lamented that Nigerians had sacrificed their value system on the altar of greed, indiscipline, selfishness and insatiable craze for material wealth.

Continuing, he said: “There are no more values to hold on to. Parents not only encourage their children to cheat in order to beat the system, but also aid and

abet them in their nefarious activities. No one believes anymore in the concept of society.

“Nigerians have created their own God in their own image. In my youth, to be accused of theft or any other criminal offence was tantamount to being banished from the society while to be convicted was tantamount to suicide.

“However, today, no one asks for the source of wealth.

People in jail, accused of murder, run for and win election.

“More than a score of members of the Nigerian Senate have EFCC court cases hanging against them.

Only in Nigeria do you steal billions and escape with less than a million naira fine.”

The former minister explained that Nigeria’s problem which invariably led to its backwardness in all ramifications, started after the military coup which displaced the first civilian generation of leaders in the country.

His words: “Only three years after independence, whatever system existed was shattered by the thoughtless overthrow of the Western Regional Government and from then on, politics of development was replaced by politics of looting.”

Akiyemi did not spare the judiciary, saying criminals who should be in jail are moving about because the judiciary has failed to play its role effectively.

occur in Borno and Yobe States, but there has been a significant increase in attacks in other Nigerian states, mainly in the north.

“Attacks are mostly against Nigerian targets including government and security institutions, police stations and places of worship, but public places have also been targeted.

“The attack against the United Nations building in Abuja in August 2011, which killed 23 people, shows that international and Western interests could be targeted.”

Some British aircraft are said to have arrived Nigeria bearing security officials from London to assist their Nigerian counterparts in the operation.

Ansaru emerged last year motivated by an antiNigerian Government and anti-Western agenda.

It is believed to be broadly aligned with Al Qa’ida and responsible for the murder of British national Christopher McManus and his Italian co-worker, Franco Lamolinara, last March in Sokoto during an operation by security personnel to free them.

The wife of one of the guards who held the Briton and an Italian hostage, Hauwa, said the two men were taken into a bathroom and shot dead during the attempt to rescue them.

Chris McManus and Italian Franco Lamolinara were kidnapped in May 2011 while working for a construction company in Birnin Kebbi.

Hauwa said bullets flew into the room where she and her husband were staying, killing her husband.

“After that, there were about six men who came out of the house with the two hostages,” she said.

“They came into our wing of the compound, pushed the captives into the toilet and just shot them. I screamed.”

She said she had lived in the house for four months after her husband got a job there as a guard.

But she said she never suspected anything was wrong.

The people using the main house arrived at night and usually left very early in the morning, she said.

Ansaru claimed responsibility for the kidnap of a French national in Katsina State on 20 December 2012. It also claimed responsibility for the attack on a detention facility of the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Abuja on 26 November 2012.

Column

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Soccer as political allegory O

NCE again, Nigeria’s legendary luck and mysterious provenance have been on grand display in the recently concluded soccer fiesta in South Africa. Against better fancied and indeed better prepared teams, the eagles have prevailed. It is a tad short of the miraculous. The eagles’ victory came against the run of play both outside and inside the field.

Yet as this column never tires of asserting, Nigeria is a profound tribute to the subversive genius of the colonial imaginary; a prospective candidate for greatness and the salutary ironies of adversity. When it gets its act together, Nigeria is like its own football team at the summit of its genius. It is pure poetry in motion.

But no nation has ever lived on football. Otherwise, Brazil would be the greatest nation on earth. If soccer is the new opium of the people, it is a poor tranquiliser indeed. The pains and the torments often return to the afflicted in greater measure.

The crises and contradictions resume with greater intensity. The morphine of soccer glories is not always available even under the counter. To forget his woes, an alcoholic has to be permanently drunk, which is impossible. A person who dreams of great riches without hard work has a pact with punitive poverty.

Now that that the euphoria has died down and the protocol of pundits has vanished, it is time to face once again the ugly realities of our existence. Now that the denizens of public parks and their celebratory fireworks have retreated to their dens, it is time to put the eagles’ victory in proper perspective and within an analytic framework. There are surely lessons to be learnt and it is important to get to the root of the matter before the wrong conclusions are drawn.

This is not to take anything away from Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

An unlucky president also deserves his lucky break. We must be generous even to our political adversaries. Jonathan has every right to milk the eagles’ triumph to its maximum possibility. Napoleon rated good luck above sheer proficiency when it came to assessing his generals. A man may have uncommon abilities, but the gods may conspire against his being catapulted to human greatness.

If Jonathan’s minders had the presence of mind and are not too consumed by fatuous carping and bitching, they ought to have persuaded their principal to take a picture with the victorious eagles wearing their jerseys. That is what those who have an eye to history and posterity do. There is an iconic picture of General Yakubu Gowon in Eagles’ jerseys as he welcomed the victorious Eagles team of 1973.

Shortly after that, the eagles were handed a 5-1 shellacking by the no-nonsense Zambians.

Still, this last one was sweet and sublime victory. Snooper shared in all the hoopla and euphoria. It was great and good to be a Nigerian once again. In the global circuits, only those who travel frequently can describe how national misfortune can determine the fortune of the national. At Boston Airport last Monday, an American Custom official cheerily and heartily waved Snooper on, congratulating him on the victory of the eagles. Have a good country and you will travel. It is a profound irony that Nigeria’s great-

S

3

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Keshi

est soccer moments in the last 30 years have come either in time of unwholesome military dictatorships or under-performing civilian governments.

In the end, nothing must take away the sterling performance of the eagles’ boys and the sublime coaching skills of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Nobody gave the boys a chance. Official support was niggardly. There were dark and ominous hints that Keshi himself has been penciled for dismissal after the game. The seamy racket involving the recruitment of foreign coaches was about to unfurl again.

I

N the end, all politics is local.

While we are still talking about accelerated economic development for the greatest benefit of the greatest number, it is meet to report on the latest efforts in the regional integration department. For the past one week, Snooper has been trampling and traversing some major intellectual and economic powerhouses of American global supremacy with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the energetic and indefatigable governor of Osun State, Nigeria.

Snooper often relishes the role of intellectual mugger and bouncer all rolled into one, and it has been a memorable cultural and cerebral feast. From Harvard in Cambridge, Boston, through the Carnegie Mellon empire in Pittsburgh to Howard University in Washington, Snooper was there, sparring and not sparing and with the fury of an ageing boxer threatened by terminal retirement.

The aim of the visit is twofold. First, to avail potential investors, particularly well-heeled Nigerians in the Diaspora, of the bold and visionary developmental strides undertaken by the Osun State government. Secondly, to test the main intellectual planks of the regional developmental paradigm against the critical interrogation of an academic audience that does not take kindly to flabby-minded drool-

But Keshi triumphed against all odds and adversities. Having conjured something out of nothing, his achievement is nothing short of the miraculous. It is an interesting irony that having travelled around a bit, it is at home that Keshi would finally find his moments and materials. There is often an ineluctable logic to human destiny.

Stephen Keshi has shown us what is possible when grit, persistence and determination combine with natural talents and homemade resources. In a sense, this ought to be the story of Nigeria itself, but why it is not so is a ques-

tion the Nigerian people and their political elite would have to answer before the court of history. Keshi has shown the character and aplomb, the cheeky brilliance and the ability to cock a snook at adversity which have made Nigerians to be unique specimens around the globe.

In other words, what we are saying is that the eagles’ soccer triumph is a political allegory for Nigeria. It points at , and at the same time, points away from the political quagmire of the present and what can be achieved once the correct lesson has been drawn. It shows what can happen to a nation once ethnicity, quota system and federal character are shunned in the recruitment of national leadership. Keshi has proved to us that once these viruses are taken on headlong, the nation can come up with its true First Eleven on the field of soccer.

But soccer has never rescued a nation or its political class from internal contradictions or a crisis of development and eventual damnation. Snooper once asked a famous American professor friend why he thinks that the US lags behind Brazil in soccer, despite its immense riches and resources. My friend looked sternly at me as if Snooper had lost his mind.

“Well, we can’t allow our boys roaming the beaches in the morning and practicing soccer when they should be in school. In America, any youth who plays soccer in the morning will end up with the police in the afternoon.” Then he added the devastating clincher.

“For every Pele and Maradona so produced, there are at least a hundred miscreants. These are social pellets and time-bombs.”

A rendezvous with Rauf ing and empty posturing.

It was going to be very hard to convince an audience steeped in western hegemony that there is no single monolithic route to modernisation and economic development. Western modernity is just one version of the multiple narratives through which human development can be framed. There was nothing preordained or inevitable about it. The advanced society does not wear a single coluration or complexion.

Aregbesola spoke convincingly to these issues without being fazed or overwhelmed by the distinguished audience. Only the massively self-assured could go to a Harvard teeming with monetary school cold warriors to defend the importance of Keynesian economics and massive state intervention Perhaps Snooper should drop an ironic mea culpa for all those who equate regional integration with a secessionist ploy.

Aregbesola was once accused of being the political arrowhead of this separatist agenda with Snooper duly fingered as its intellectual godfather by the same columnist. This usually perceptive chap ought to know much better, but that is a matter for another day. If one is going to be intimidated by an animal with horns, it is not going to be a snail.

Next week, snooper would bring the full report of the trip. It was not just an intellectual tour de force, it was also socially engaging. Among many others including the Walter Carrington couple, Snooper was treated to a rousing meal of pounded yam in the home of his childhood friend, Jacob Kehinde Olupona, Professor of African Traditional Religion at the Harvard School of Divinity only to be ambushed the very next day by Tayo Akinwande, a.k.a Tata, a software prodigy and Professor of Electrical Engineering at M.I.T, who could barely contain his excitement on hooking up with Snooper after so many decades.

There he was, now impressively beefed up and exuding the aura of absent-minded brilliance, hollering Snooper’s undergraduate nom de guerre with great relish.

Snooper had been their adored leader and campus generalissimo in the department of sophomoric delinquency. Forty years later, the table turned as the leader became the led and yours sincerely barely managed to survive Tata’s onslaught at a downtown Boston bar. Sweet revenge came when our man spent about 20 minutes frantically searching for his phone. It was in his pocket all along. Oh la la, as they say.

When a soccer-besotted Snooper thus lamented the fact that in the event, America would never be a great footballing nation, the professor snapped. “Well better a great country than a great footballing nation. In any case, all your great and exceptional footballers will end up in the west to entertain us. Many of them will never go back and you will never hear of their children as footballers, but as successful professionals in other fields.”

Still, it will be a poorer world without great soccer stars and great footballing nations. The tantalising and intriguing question must now be posed. Will Brazil trade off something through the great and sterling efforts of its recent leaders in lifting more and more people out of the poverty loop and in clearing the slums and the beaches of their gifted urchins?

All pointers are in that direction. In recent years and as Brazil gained greater economic prosperity, political justice and racial equality, its soccer fortunes also appear to have dipped. The endless production of soccer prodigies has not quite halted but the factory line appears to be stalling and spluttering. In recent years, Brazil appears to be no longer at the cutting edge of soccer artistry.

Its last truly great team were the 1982 World cup soccer wizards including the recently departed Socrates, Falcao, Junior and Eder, he of the dipping outrageously long shots. It managed to win the World Cup in 1994 after a tedious and uninspired performance. The bulk of that team would later succumb to an inspired Nigerian team which came from behind to beat them at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

We have now come up with a troubling social and historical conundrum. Brazil and Nigeria present us with allegorical parables. Could it be that the more underdeveloped a nation is, the more overdeveloped its football is? Germany and to a lesser extent, Holland, Italy, Spain, France and Britain are obvious exceptions. But it could also be that the great irrational alchemy which produces the truly outstanding soccer maestros such as Pele, Tastao, Garincha, Revelino, Eusebio, Puskacs and Maradona could only thrive on poverty, biblical misery and great social inequity.

No son of a truly rich person has ever become a great footballer, or legendary boxer for that matter. A madman is a grand spectacle as long as he is not your sibling. For many Africans and Latinos, soccer is the surest escape route from the poverty loop. But in this case individual salvation does not lead to collective salvation.

The choice is stark for developing countries like Nigeria.

They may have to choose between soccer glory and accelerated development. Without economic development, the powerhouse of soccer is nothing but the football of the real powerhouses of the world. They will almost be kicked to death until they escape the prison house of soccer glory.

It is a tragic paradox but such is the stuff of human history.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

News

Obasanjo’s men hit El-Rufai F

ORMER Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir elRufai, is under fire from some loyalists of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

They are riled by the former minister’s scathing attacks on Obasanjo in his memoir.

They claim that el-Rufai’s attacks were borne out of his frustration by Obasanjo’s denial of the ex-minister the presidential ticket of the PDP for the 2007 election.

The ticket instead went to the late Umaru Yar’Adua.

Some of the Obasanjo loyalists are desperately trying to mop up the book, which sold 10,000 copies within 48 hours, from the shelves.

An undaunted el-Rufai has placed order for 20,000 additional copies following demand for the book.

According to a source, Obasanjo and his core loyalists are unhappy with elRufai and have made their feelings known to the former Minister.

The source said: “We felt the ex-Minister, who was a privileged member of Obasanjo’s Federal Executive Council, is unfair to his benefactor in the book.

“That was why some of us boycotted the book launch. In fact, Obasanjo was so embittered, was shocked that a trusted former Minister in his cabinet attended the launch.

“After a review of what must have led to such bitter criticisms of Obasanjo, we all concluded that it had to do with the scramble for the presidency in 2007.

“Obasanjo told some of us that el-Rufai is embittered because he did not make him his successor in 2007. Some of the loyalists also felt the

• Attribute book to loss of presidency to Yar’Adua • Memoir sells 10,000 copies in 48 hours From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

choice of Yar’Adua pained el-Rufai.

But a source in el-Rufai’s camp said the former minister has been fair to Obasanjo in the book.

He said: “We are aware that Obasanjo and some of his loyalists had complained that el-Rufai wrote the book because he did not make him the President in 2007.

“What most people do

not know is that there were many things el-Rufai was forced to remove from the book in order to be fair to Obasanjo. At a point, he told his team that he would not publish the book again when we insisted on the deletion of a few more things.

“Those aggrieved have not paid attention to the good things el-Rufai said of Obasanjo in the book.”

On alleged bitterness over the choice of Yar’Adua, the source said: “Contrary to

insinuations, Obasanjo had tried three times to persuade the ex-Minister to succeed him but he chose to return to school.

“Each time he told elRufai that ‘I will like you to take over this seat (presidency), el-Rufai was always saying “I want to go back to school.” So, el-Rufai was never ambitious to be President for a day.

“In fact, when the late Yar’Adua heard the rumour of el-Rufai’s presidential

ambition, he came to the former Minister to offer him his nomination form.

Yar’Adua said as a sitting governor, he could afford another N50million to buy a new form. But el-Rufai declined to obtain nomination form.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “We are aware that some loyalists of Obasanjo have been trying to mop up the book from the shelves. The book sold 10,000 copies within 48 hours. They even wanted us to stop the sale of the book.

But we have placed order for 20,000 more copies instead because of demand.”

• Real Brass Band of Akwa Ibom performing at the burial of Justice Emmanuel Ndoma Egba in Ikom, Ogoja in Cross River... yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Fresh intrigues as governors elect new chair tomorrow

T

HE high wire politicking to oust Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) moved into another gear last night.

Election into the office has been scheduled for tomorrow in Abuja, barring a last minute change, contrary to the agreement reached at the forum’s last meeting on Thursday to adjourn indefinitely on the matter.

Forces bent on terminating the governor’s leadership of the all- powerful NGF are understood to have regrouped last night in Abuja to perfect the plot to deny him a second term in office.

Their grouse against him is that he is using his position to promote his joint presidential ambition with Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State ahead of the 2015 election thereby jeopading the chances of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term.

The anti-Amaechi forces have also hatched a “Plan B” to split the Governors Forum should he

• Plot to split NGF uncovered From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

be re-elected.

They are not ruling out a court action to stop the NGF from going ahead with the election if it is glaring that Amaechi will win.

On the card is a push for a caretaker committee or an interim chairman to run the affairs of the NGF until the planned litigation is over .

A smear campaign against Amaechi has already commenced as part of the plan to ‘put him in his place’ following his alleged interest in the presidential race.

A highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence last night, said ”after consultations last night the governors elected to hold the election on Monday to get over this issue which is causing distraction.

“The election is assuming a dirty dimension because of the desperate bid of some individuals in gov-

ernment to stop Amaechi from being re-elected.

“The more we defer the poll, the dirtier the politics will be and the NGF might be worse for it.”

Asked about the politicking so far, the source said: “There is anxiety everywhere among the governors and even in the presidency. An otherwise harmless election is now being turned into a show of strength.”

The anti-Amaechi forces were meeting in Abuja at press time in what a source familiar with the development called ”strategic manoeuvring”.

Investigation confirmed that those coordinating the campaign against Amaechi include a governor from the North-Central, who has being posturing as non-aligned in the crisis.

Others are some Ministers, a topshot in the presidency, a former governor, two South-South governors, and two South-East governors.

The source added: “When these strategists met, they became desperate to the extent of considering a likely split of the Governors Forum if Amaechi is reelected.

“Alternatively, they are planning to use the legal process to stop Amaechi at all costs.

“The governors are aware of this Plan B, that is why they are being cautious in handling the election matter. The D-Day is certainly Monday.”

Amaechi and Lamido have dismissed speculations about their presidential ambtion.

The matter recently sparked a dirty war of words between Amaechi and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe.

It was gathered that the anti-Amaechi forces are unwilling to forgive him for daring to threaten President Jonathan’s bid for a second term in office, moreso when the governor is from the South South like the President.

The Governors Forum is already divided over the is-

sue.

Rooting for Amaechi are: Sule Lamido(Jigawa);Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso( Kano );Aliyu Babangida( Niger );Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Tanko AlMakura (Nasarawa); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Adams Oshiomhole ( Edo ); Babatunde Fashola( Lagos ); Kayode Fayemi(Ekiti); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Ibikunle Amosun(Ogun); Kassim Shettima ( Borno); Ibrahim Gaidam( Yobe); Rochas Okorocha (Imo);\ Abdulfatahi Ahmed (Kwara); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo).

Against him are: Godswill Akpabio(Akwa Ibom); Henry SeriakeDickson(Bayelsa); and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina).

The position of the other governors is uncertain for now.

The pro-Amaechi governors are making their own move by launching a counter-move by wooing their colleagues on the need to preserve the sanctity of the Forum.

Health workers strike paralyses services at OAUTH

T

HE strike by federal health workers at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, on Friday paralysed services at the institution, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN observed that health care services at the hospital were skeletal and most offices were deserted, with only the doctors attending to the few patients in the wards.

A doctor who spoke with NAN on condition of anonymity, said that the workers started the strike on Thursday with only the doctors attending to the patients.

He added that the hospital was running skeletal services and hoped that the strike would be called off on Monday.

He said that their demand included the implementation of the report on harmonisation in the health sector and promotion of health professionals from CONHESS 14 to 15.

“No less than 90 per cent of the patients were discharged before the commencement of the strike.

“We retained those that their condition required strict medical attention, to save their lives,’’ the doctor said.

According to the doctor, the problem is beyond what the management of the hospital can address at the local level because the strike is national.

A cross section of the patients, who spoke with NAN, appealed to government to address the demands of health workers urgently because of the lives involved.

Mrs Onaola Ogunsanya, a diabetic patient at Cardiac Ward, said that nothing in the hospital was working because there was no water, light, food and even drugs.

Mrs Bunmi Akinwoye, at the ante-natal ward, said she could not cope with the situation and had decided to move to a private hospital.

At neo-natal ward about 16 babies were in the incubators, but the doctors and other members of staff attending to them refused to comment on the situation.

NAN, however, observed that an electricity generator was used to supply power to the ward.

Some other patients called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene, in the interest of those who could not afford private hospitals Mr Olu Bello, Public Relations Officer of the hospital and the union leaders refused to comment on the matter when contacted by a NAN correspondent.

News

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

64 persons convicted for environmental offences

Ex-CBN chief urges FG to provide effective guidelines for SWF

From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

O

M

R Titus Okunronmu, a former Director in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday urged the federal government to provide effective guidelines for the take-off of the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that there was the need for sharing formula guidelines to ensure transparency.

According to him, states will not need the same amount of money at the same time, so the federal government needed to devise a way of meeting each state’s demand at different times.

According to NAN, Mr Uche Orji, Chief Executive Officer of the fund, on February 21 after the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, said it would begin full operations in March.

“If the government saves the money for the rainy day, when do they share it and who gets what? Will it get to the states when they need it or when the federal government decides to share it?’’ he asked.

He said a critical issue of concern was who would control the sovereign fund because the money belonged to the federal, states and local governments.

Okunronmu said that saving money for the rainy day was not a problem but what it would be used for, adding that experience in the past showed that such funds were not judiciously utilised.

He urged the federal government to implement a sharing formula that would impact positively on the people’s standard of living when the fund became operational.

Health workers strike paralyses services in Ife

T

HE strike by federal health workers at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, at the weekend paralysed services at the institution, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN observed that health care services at the hospital were skeletal and most offices were deserted, with only the doctors attending to the few patients in the wards.

A doctor who spoke with NAN on condition of anonymity, said that the workers started the strike on Thursday with only the doctors attending to the patients.

He added that the hospital was running skeletal services and hoped that the strike would be called off on Monday.

He said that their demand included the implementation of the report on harmonisation in the health sector and promotion of health professionals from CONHESS 14 to 15.

“No less than 90 per cent of the patients were discharged before the commencement of the strike.

“We retained those that their condition required strict medical attention, to save their lives,’’ the doctor said.

5

•From Left: Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba being consoled by the Senate President David Mark, and the leader of government delegation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim at the burial of Justice Emmanuel Ndoma Egba in Ikom in Ogoja, Cross River yesterday.

Nigeria, Brazil trade volume hits $9 billion

VER 67 persons were on Saturday, arraigned before a Benin Chief Magistrate Court by officials of the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, for alleged violation of environmental sanitation laws of the state.

Out of the 67 arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Rachael Ogbevoen, 64 were sentenced to 14 days imprisonment, while three others were discharged.

Operating from a mobile court, at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Chief Magistrate Ogboevoen who ordered that conviction should be with 'hard labour,' however gave an option of N5, 000 fine for each of the convicts.

Permanent Secretary in the environment ministry, Maj. Lawrence Loye (retd.), said government will henceforth enforce laws on environmental sanitation to 'the letters including charging all those that are in violation to appropriate courts, including mobile ones, for quick dispensation of cases.'

•To cooperate on international peace, security Five killed IGERIA and Brazil From Augustine Ehikioya, in Taraba gions and expressed readi- its national unity and terriyesterday in Abuja Abuja ness to work together to pro- torial integrity, building signed a Memoran- Abuja as soon as possible to mote international peace and democratic institutions and religious dum of Understanding follow up the outcomes of security, democracy as well as fighting the twin scourges of crisis (MoU) covering agriculture terrorism and organised President Rousseff's visit to development."

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and food security, petroleum, power, bio-fuel, trade and investment, mining, education, aviation, infrastructure management, finance and culture.

It was the high-point of the visit of President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil to Nigeria.

President Goodluck Jonathan said at the end of bilateral talks between the two countries that a bi-national commission will be set to implement the MoU. The MoU, according to him, will be used to "leverage on the economy of our people, improve the lot of unemployed young men and women and make sure Nigerians and Brazilians are happy people."

Also speaking, President Rousseff said: "Our exchanges have actually outgrown significantly between 2009 and 2012, years marked by crises.

Our trade exchanges have grown and for 2012 the figures come to $9billion."

"We agreed that we must diversify and make it a more balanced trade."

Later in a communiqué, the two leaders directed their ministers of foreign affairs to commence the immediate implementation of the agreement.

It said:"Both sides expressed their readiness and strong commitment to expand cooperation in various fields and promote the growth of the partnership between the two countries in line with the principles of mutual benefit, mutual respect and mutual interest.

"The two leaders instructed that the joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil should convene the 7th meeting scheduled to hold in

Nigeria.

"Both Presidents welcomed the positive trends in the development of their bilateral trade and pledged to work together towards attaining a more balanced, diverse and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

"The two presidents noted the importance of implementing bilateral air services agreement (BASA) and agreed that the facility of direct air links between the two countries will encourage better people to people exchanges and enhance trade between Brazil and Nigeria.

They therefore underscored the need to take appropriate measures to promote the reestablishment of direct air links between the two countries.

"The two leaders noted the significant roles played by the two countries in the maintenance of peace and security in their respective re-

In the area of Political and Security Cooperation, the Presidents agreed to "encourage exchange of visits by officials in the Defence and Security sectors with a view to boosting cooperation in these areas; to promote training cooperation involving military officers of both countries by encouraging participation of Brazilian and Nigerian military officers in training programmes at the staff colleges of both countries."

On the crisis in GuineaBissau and Mali, they pledged their support for "the global approach to the solution of the Malian crisis, as set out by the ECOWAS, African Union and the United Nations Security Council.

"They commended the efforts of the international community, the ECOWAS and the neighbouring countries aimed at supporting the Malian people in restoring

crime."

They also expressed serious concern on the present political and institutional crisis in Guinea Bissau and the deterioration of the socioeconomic and humanitarian situation of its people".

The leaders also discussed the importance of cultural and educational exchange programs in solidifying closer ties and friendship between Nigeria and Brazil as they instructed the Ministers of Education of both countries to work through existing MoU or establish a relevant one on cultural and education exchange cooperation.

The Brazilian President was coming from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where she attended the just concluded Africa-South America Summit.

President Jonathan also attended the Malabo summit.

JTF kills two at Kano checkpoint

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WO suspected terrorists were yesterday shot dead at a security check point in Kano by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF).

The suspects, who were riding in a Sienna bus-car , were alleged to have attempted to attack soldiers at the check point on Gunduawa-Hadejia Road after their vehicle was picked out for screening.

The soldiers, however, outsmarted them by pulling their trigger first.

The duo died on the spot while some other occupants of the car were injured.

In all, there were nine

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

people in the bus-car, including a woman.

It was gathered that the bus-car was singled out for security search from a long queue of vehicles by the soldiers.

The suspected terrorists apparently did not like that and jumped down from the vehicle to confront the security personnel who immediately opened fire on them.

They slumped and died on the spot.

An eyewitness said: "Our vehicle was behind the Sienna bus in the traffic jam at the check point. Once the military

men sighted the vehicle, they moved towards it and asked all the occupants to disembark for screening.

"In fact, it was the only vehicle picked out for screening which suggests that the soldiers were acting on a tip-off.

Unexpectedly, we heard gunshots close to which the military men responded and the next thing we saw were two dead bodies. The other occupants including a woman, were blind folded and taken away in a Toyota Hilux after they were thoroughly searched."

Spokesman for the JTF, Captain Ikedici Iweha, confirmed the development.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

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FOOTBALL pitch argument between two amateur players yesterday sparked an orgy of religious violence in Wukari, Taraba State, leaving at least five people dead.

Many others were injured and properties estimated at millions of naira destroyed as Christians and Muslims took on one another.

The Police immediately swung into action to quell the violence and prevent a spill over to the neighbouring states of Benue and Nasarawa.

It was not immediately clear what the argument between the two footballers was all about during a practice session.

Eye-witnesses only said one of the players, a Muslim, pulled a gun and shot the other, a Christian.

Within minutes hell was let loose and the area was engulfed in violence.

News of the incident soon spread to other parts of the town.

Zealots on both sides were said to have capitalised on the confusion to perpetrate mayhem.

An eye-witness said: “The two players disagreed over a football related issue during play. One of them felt too aggrieved. He dashed home and returned with a gun with which he shot the other footballer.”

Yesterday’s violence came barely three months after a clash between Muslims and Christians in Ibi Local Government Area of the state left over 10 people dead, with churches, mosques, commercial and residential buildings torched.

Police Spokesman Amos Olaoye confirmed the crisis, saying heavily armed policemen were drafted to the crisis zone to maintain law and order.

From Du Dama

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

News

ACN chieftain berates Accord Party, Ladoja From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), in Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Oloko, has berated the former governor and leader of Accord Party in the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, for making what he referred to as cheap blackmail against the incumbent administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Oloko, who was reacting to a statement issued by the Accord Party’s media director, Prince Dotun Oyelade, where he criticised Governor Abiola Ajimobi for terminating the appointments of 12 directors in some councils in the state, while others were redeployed, noted that the Ajimobi-led government is an administration that follows due process, adding that there is no law in the constitution which forbids the termination of appointment of any worker that runs foul of the law.

“The directors were not sacked unjustly as being speculated in some quarters.

Accord Party and Senator Ladoja should mind their business and desist from feeding the public with lies. Accord Party wants to cause crisis in this state, but the good people of the state will not allow it to happen,” Oloko said.

According to Oloko, who is also a member of the Oyo State Health Management Board, Accord Party led by Senator Ladoja did not in any way contribute to the electoral success of Sen. Ajimobi as being peddled in some quarters. He added that if not for the magnanimity of the present administration, he wouldn’t have extended a hand of fellowship to members of the Accord Party.

‘Reducing maternal mortality remains global challenge’ G

OAL 5, a policy aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal health remains a global challenge to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol, has said.

Gbeneol said though the nation has recorded immense developments in other goals maternal mortality is currently moving at a slow pace

From: Olugbenga Adanikin and Jane Maha, Abuja

of 4 percent.

The presidential aide disclosed this during a technical workshop of the MDGs Acceleration Framework (MAF) at the weekend in Abuja.

She said, “In order for Nigeria to succeed in achieving Goal 5 by 2015, a concerted effort is required to mitigate this growing in-country divergence. By comparison to

progress in other goal areas for instance, goal 4 where progress is around 13% reduction per year, progress in goal 5 is only a 4% reduction per year.

“Maternal mortality is a travesty in today’s society, given the medical expertise available.”

She identified lack of equal supply of medical experts across the country as a contributing factor stressing that healthcare professionals

are clustered in urban centres.

However, she noted that intervention schemes such as the Midwife Services Scheme (MSS) have had an effect in increasing the number of skilled health professionals present at births.

Describing MAF as timely, she added that her Office had to prioritise MDG 5 as the first goal to undergo the acceleration process. Maternal mortality has been selected due to the large in-country variation in

Delta DPP leaders at war over Ewherido From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

T •From Left: Wally Jiang (WESTCH, China) Nebojsa Nakicenovic, International Institute for Applied Systems Anaylsis, Gernot Grimm, Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology, Austria, Simon Bransfield-Garth, Azuri Techologies, SUSTAINIA, James E. Rogers, Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership, Paul Odili ( Representing Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan), Delta State, Walter Koren, Austrian Economic Chambers..at the Vienna R20 Conference on Sustainable Energy Future

Veteran Anti-graft laws too weak to fight corruption, says don university don, Prof. educationist when you give chieftaincy earmarked but one person Taiwo Asaolu, has latitles to suspects, it gives dif- will go away with it and nothmented the weakness ferent impression. In sum- ing will happen. This is a dies at 80 of the nation’s anti graft laws lenges in the country; we have mary, corruption is the cause wrong approach to apply

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veteran educationist, Mr. Dennis Umweni Asemota, is dead.

Aged 80, the deceased died a few days to his birthday. Born in Benin City on February 9, 1933, he attended Government School, American Baptist School, Immaculate Conception College, all in Benin and Benin Delta Teachers College, Abudu.

Asemota taught in many schools in the old Western and Midwestern regions and earned the nickname D.U. He was ordained a deacon in the Baptist Church, a mission he had served from his elementary school as a chorister of the American Baptist Church, Benin in the late 40’s.

Asemota is survived by his widow, Cecilia, children and grandchildren, among who are Mrs. Joy Ikuemonisan, Deputy Registrar, College of Education, Benin.

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to fight corruption in the country.

Addressing a press conference on the Management Lecture series organised by the Association of Executive MBA Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, the don recommended stiffer legislation to curb the menace.

Asaolu, who is also the Coordinator of the Executive MBA Programme of the institution, said the anti-corruption legislation made in the country is meant to deal with the poor people and not those at the highest levels of government.

He described the cashless policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a failure, saying that all these are “indices of a failed society.”

He said: “There is no doubt that we have leadership chal-

From: Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo.

weak institutions and legislation. As a nation, morally we are weak. We celebrate corruption in this country and this is where we have missed it.

“Even, culturally we celebrate corruption because

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By Oziegbe Okoeki

tion at the College of Education, Ijanikin yesterday.

He said the amount was the result of an agreement between the House of Assembly and the executive arm following the hike in the tuition fee of the Lagos State University (LASU).

Last year, the state government announced an increase in the school fees of LASU from N25,000 and N62,500 re-

of the various challenges facing the nation and the cause of failure in the system.

“To gain admission, you have to know people and make some influence. Look at our roads, so much would be

laws,” he said.

Asaolu maintained that what the nation needs is strong institutions and a legal framework that can stand the test of time in fighting the menace of corruption in the country.

Experts stress need for safe abortion

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TATISTICS have shown that safe abortion procedures have contributed significantly towards the reduction of high maternal mortality rate globally, according to experts.

Speaking at a week-long training which ended in Lagos yesterday, Dr. Moses Alao of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, said, it is disheartening to note that “Nigeria, which is just one per cent of the world’s population contributes over 10 percent to the maternal mortality rate globally as a result of pregnancy-

Lagos earmarks N500m for indigent students

member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ojo 1 constituency, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi, has disclosed that the Lagos State government has set aside a sum of N500million in its budget for indigent students in the state.

Ogunyemi stated this during an empowerment programme he organised for residents of his constituency as part of the activities marking his 50th birthday celebra-

progress.

According to her, MAF was designed to identify challenges that hinder attainment of the MDGs, after which solutions will be provided.

Gbeneol revealed that plans have begun to support pregnant women to access free health care services from conception to child delivery through increase in midwife nurses.

“In order for this tool to be successfully moulded to the Nigerian context, your input is required. You represent the different stakeholder groups who are crucial to decreasing the number of mothers dying in childbirth.

“Amongst you are representatives from all 36 states and the FCT. Your colleagues at this workshop are doctors, nurses, midwives, medical record officers, traditional birth attendants, health directors, representatives from NGOs, community health extension workers and village health workers, amongst many others. In this group, we have the collective knowledge on the impediments to progress across the country,” she added.

MAF is a UN tool designed to increase the efficiency of attainment through the identification of bottlenecks and barriers to progress in the run up to the 2015 deadline.

spectively to between N193,750 and N348,750 depending on the course of study.

Ogunyemi said the N500 million was currently being managed by the State Scholarship Board.

“Every indigent student has access to scholarship,” he said, adding that the amount each of the indigent students is entitled to would be almost equal to the increase in the school fees.

By Remi Adelowo

related complications among other factors.”

Thankfully, he said, “Safe abortion procedures administered by skilled health personnel have helped to drastically reduce the soaring maternal mortality rate globally.”

Of necessity, Dr. Alao stressed, “is the need to review our obsolete abortion laws, which tend to criminalise those who procure abortion and this further drives people to solicit abortion from quacks thereby endangering their lives. We cannot afford to be left out in the global drive towards reduction of maternal mortality.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Olajide Johnson of the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Lagos emphasised that safe abortion techniques recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other global bodies have been well-received by other countries, adding that it is high time health practitioners in the country acquire the right skills set for the application of such

techniques for the benefit of their patients, who according to him, have had to subject themselves to illicit abortion by quack health personnel.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Abdulhafiz Ishowo, Service Integration Technical Specialist, Partnership for Transforming Health System (PATHS2), while justifying the theme of the workshop tagged: “Safe Abortion/Post Abortion Care,” an initiative of PATHS2 and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, said it was aimed at equipping medical officers and nurses operating in 57 flagship healthcare facilities across the state with the right skills set in administration and management of abortion-related cases.

According to him, participants are expected to step down the training at their respective healthcare facilities, even as he hinted of plans by the organisers to put in place a supportive supervision/ mentorship programme to monitor the progress of the participants for the duration of eight months.

HE Delta Central Senatorial District Executive of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), yesterday at an enlarged meeting of the party, passed a vote of confidence on Sen. Pius Akpo Ewherido, member representing Delta Central senatorial district in the National Assembly.

The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by Hon. Cyril Ogodo, member of the party from Sapele Local Government, and seconded by the DPP Vice Chairman, Udu local government area, Comrade Peterson Diaka, following an earlier vote of no confidence passed on Sen. Pius Ewherido at a meeting of the party conveyed by the State Secretary, Engr. Lance Orhiero.

The meeting, which held at Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area and convened by the Delta Central Vice Chairman of the party, Mr. Henry Olori, said that the vote of confidence on Ewherido was to acknowledge the lawmaker’s empowerment programmes across the eight local government areas of Delta Central.

While condemning the vote of no confidence passed on Ewherido by the Orhiero last week, Olori, who reaffirmed the confidence vote passed on the senator, explained that it is against the constitution of the party for any executive of the party to summon a meeting and take any decision without the consent of the Chairman, Delta Central zone of the party.

Olori said, “The State Secretary of the party has no right to call any meeting of Delta Central Senatorial District, take decision or to go ahead to pass a vote of no confidence on any elective official of the party without the consent of the Delta Central party chairman. It is against the constitution of the party and it is null and void.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Aregbesola plans reward for loyalists, supporters From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo.

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HE Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has promised to introduce a new way to reward his supporters and loyalists.

He said modalities for the reward of various constituencies in the state would be perfected for collective and far- reaching interest of the public next year.

Aregbesola made the promise at the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam’s empowerment scheme for thousands of artisans, farmers and transporters in Ejigbo, Osun State.

Addressing a huge crowd that thronged the venue of the programme, the governor commended Salaam for making available work implements, tools, and cash gifts for his constituents.

In his remarks, the speaker, who explained the rationale behind the empowerment scheme, said he was motivated by the zeal to banish poverty and begging culture in his constituency.

News

Plateau ends three-day fasting, prayer over crises ... We opted for prayers instead of vengeance, says Chaplain T HE people of Plateau State and their government have brought to an end three days of fasting and prayer over violence that has persisted in the state in the last decade.

The prayer and fasting session ended with a call on citizens of the state to draw nearer to God in prayers and fasting so as to enjoy divine miracle in their lives and that of the state.

The event, known as Plateau Solemn Assembly, was arranged by the Chapel of Grace, the Government House Chapel, so as to engage citizens of the state to

From Yusuf Aminu Idegu, Jos

prayer for God's intervention in the current efforts to restore total peace in the state.

Only last Thursday, unknown gunmen killed 12 members of one family during a wake keep for a deceased grand, mother.

The chaplain of Government House Chapel, Chapel of Grace, Government House Rayfield, Jos, Pastor Chidi Harry, who served as the chief host of prayer assembly, said, "The special prayer session was

the second of its type, meant to pray to God over the tireless efforts of enemies of the state to bring down Plateau State. The first one was held sometime last year and we have just rounded off this year's session."

He said, “Government at federal and state levels are trying their best to stop violence in Plateau State, security agencies are trying day and night to restore peace in the state, but in spite of all these efforts, the enemies of the state have not relented.

So, since the enemies have not relented, we as a people will not relent as well in our prayers.”

Pastor Harry commended people of the state for turning out for the prayer session and encouraged them to commit their lives to prayers instead of thinking of revenge for violence.

The three days events attracted thousands of Christians in the state from various denominations and particularly top government functionaries.

Ekiti group hosts Fayemi in Lagos

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BODY of Ekiti State indigenes, the Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE), will on Thursday, February 28, 2013, host the Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in Lagos.

A release, signed on behalf of the group by Aramide Tola Noibi, said the meeting, a dinner, scheduled to take place at Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Close in Victoria Island, will feature an exray of Governor Kayode’s score card and highlight areas of critical needs in the state.

The release said the group’s chairman, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode and publicity secretary, Dr. (Mrs) Funke Adebajo, with other officials, are working earnestly both to ensure a fruitful event that day and to help improve the economy and social bearing of the state.

Igbimo Ure Ekiti, according to the release, is not affiliated to any political party.

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•From Left: Registrar /Chief Executive (ICSAN) ,Mr. Dele Togunde with President /Chairman of Council ICSAN ,Mr. Tunde Busari, and President/Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. James Kayode Makinde during the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) at Babcock University premises at Illshan, Remo in Ogun State recently.

Five-year old girl electrocuted FIVE-year-old child has been allegedly electrocuted in Benin City.

The victim, identified as Agbonmwanre Vincent, popularly known in her neighbourhood as 'Orobor,' was found stonedead beside a barbing saloon at 13, Amuamwosa Street, off Airport Road, Oko, Benin City at about 11.25 a.m. yesterday.

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From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin Though, the actual source of electrocution remained unknown, a naked wire allegedly connected illegally by the barber was noticed near the corpse.

While some residents alleged that the electrocution came from a well-connected iron strip used to properly affix a concrete pole with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) high tension cables, others, however, believed that the child may have accidentally held the wire that supplies current from the barber's small generator to his saloon as he may have forgotten to hang the loose wire when PHCN restored electricity to the area on the fateful day.

When our reporter visited the scene, sympathizsers besieged the spot as the barber was said to have immediately locked his saloon and escaped.

A police patrol van with the inscription 'Airport Division' and marked "NPF 6208C, with four policemen were seen taking the re-

mains of the little child away.

A lady in the street blamed the mother of the girl for negligence as the victim and her siblings were famous for wandering in the neighbouhood.

A visit to the victim's residence, about four

houses away from the scene of death, revealed that the parents had gone to the police to report.

Her elder sister, Adesuwa, who bemoaned the death of her sibling, disclosed that her mother did not know when she left home.

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Tension as hoodlums pull down Ojukwu’s Centre in Owerri …MASSOB vows to expose culprits From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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HERE was palpable tension yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, following the sudden collapse of the multi-billion naira Ojukwu’s Memorial Library and Resource Centre under construction yesterday night.

The ongoing project, built by the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), was flagged off last year by Ojukwu’s widow, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, and was expected to be completed before the end of the year.

The leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, who expressed shock over the incident, said he was away for a burial ceremony outside the state with Ambassador Ojukwu, only to return and find the structure in ruins.

MASSOB director of Information, Uchenna Madu, described it as ‘an act of sabotage, alleging that those who are not comfortable with the activities of the movement were responsible for the sudden collapse of the building.

He confirmed that no life was lost in the incident as everyone, including the workers, had retired for the night.

According to him, “the level of damage was too much and we know that those who are determined to frustrate the project were behind the incident. But MASSOB will not be deterred by the incident as we are ready to sustain the vision behind the building of Ojukwu’s Memorial Library and Resource Centre.

MASSOB will investigate the matter further to expose the identities of those responsible for the action.

Be more open over your ailments, Nigerian leaders told

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IRST Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan's recent admission that contrary to official denials, she was sick and underwent nine surgeries in Germany last year, has continued to attract reactions, from concerned Nigerians.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, a medical practitioner and former National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, frowned at the attitude of our leaders over their ailments.

He told The Nation in a telephone chat, “It does not make sense for our leaders to continue to lie over their ailment. Yes, every individual has a right to keep his health challenges as some-

By Sam Egburonu thing personal, that is speaking medically, but these are leaders and as public figures, they are not expected to keep such a thing secret. This is so because if they come open, it will help to stop unhealthy and wild speculations that will further create tension in the polity.

“We should change our attitude about illness. There is nothing wrong about a human being being ill. We should be able to say look, I have headache, tommy ache, radiclopathy and so forth.

When the former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, had this leg challenge, he said so, went and got it treated. There is no big

deal in this,” he said.

Making references to what obtains in other countries of the world, Ikedife said, “Look at what is happening in Venezuela where the treatment of the 58 year old President Hugo Chavez is made public willingly.

“Also look at the case of 84 year old Ariel Sharon, the former Israeli prime minister, who had been on life-saving machine for over a year.

As bad as the case is, it is not held as a secret. Report of the last brain scan made on him was released just this week for all to see. I don't know why Nigerian leaders will continue to create unnecessary political anxiety over mere ailments. This must stop.”

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News

Infrastructural Development: Money is not the problem, says Obi

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NAMBRA State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi has charged Bishops and pastors in charge of construction of various missionary hospitals and institutions to double their efforts towards the completion of the various projects.

Obi also gave the same charge to contractors handling different projects in the State ranging from roads to water projects.

He said this yesterday during the routine visit to some of the hospitals, including St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu; Iyienu Hospital, Ogidi; School of Medical Laboratory of immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, Umuoji; Old People’s Home, Nkpor, Girls’ High School, Agulu, among others, where government is building various structures.

Obi assured them that money will not constitute any hinderance in the completion of the projects, as his government, through savings and prudent management of its resources of the State, has enough money for all ongoing projects in the State as well as those that will be started in no distant future.

Obi, who distributed cheques totally N100million to them, explained that government’s support for missionary schools and hospitals were informed by the fact that those institutions render quality services to the people of the State at subsidized prices.

Besides, he said since the government started executing projects directly through the beneficiaries; the culture of endless variations has stopped. “I am even willing to deepen my collaboration with the Church and all organisations of goodwill.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Transport Ministry to partner Navy on maritime safety T

HE Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has re-affirmed his ministry’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy to safeguard operations of the maritime sector.

Umar spoke at the weekend while receiving Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, at the ministry in Abuja. He stated that the partnership was vital to enable the ministry achieve its mandate.

Umar said, “Relationship between the Ministry of Transport, its parastatals and the Nigerian Navy is absolutely necessary for safety of the sector, because most of our activities are done on the water.

“Nigeria is very key and strategic as far as marine is concerned. So for us to have comfort and for us to continue to play our leading role, Nige-

From: Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

rian Navy is very vital.”

The Minister, while assuring the Navy of more commitment to achieving the same goal, disclosed that the Presidential Committee on Security and Safety of the Maritime Sector had made useful recommendations that will further empower the force.

He said the proposal, when approved by the National Economic Council (NEC), will enable the Navy to discharge its duties effectively.

“We believe that the outcome of whatever the Presidential Committee on Security and Safety of the Maritime Sector finally presented to members of the Economic Management Team (EMT) and subsequent approval will go a long

way in taking Nigeria to its rightful position. From the recommendations we have made so far, I know that the Nigerian Navy will be fully equipped so that it can perform its constitutional role and responsibilities,” Umar noted.

In his remarks, Ezeoba said that partnering the ministry will enable the Navy perform its obligations effectively.

The CONS disclosed that historically, the Nigerian Navy was under the works department of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) before it was approved as a naval force.

Describing the visit as a home call, Ezeoba noted that the Navy had partnered NIMASA, Nautical College in Oron and the Shipping Council, thus collaborating with the ministry was imperative to achieving desired objectives.

“The Ministry of Transport is a very cardinal agency of government that we need to partner with in the course of discharging our constitutional mandate,” he said.

According to him, the Naval Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NIMASA on the enforcement of maritime law in order to ascertain their functions.

“There is a synergy that has existed in the middle of government, the Navy and Transport Ministry and its parastatals, so we felt the need to visit today to reaffirm those bond of co-operation and synergy to chart a common course and develop a framework that will guide us to ensure ultimate attainment of our constitutional mandate and to make our economic activities prosper.”

‘Over 400,000 living with HIV in Anambra’

•L-R: Regional Sales Manager, Nestle Nig. Plc., Dayo Adekoya; Finance Director, Nestle nig.plc. Martin Krugel; Managing Director, Osun State Investment Company, Bola Oyebamiji, and Managing Director, Nestle Nig. Plc., Martin Woolnough, during the Outstanding distributors award bestowed on Osun Investment compay in Lagos recently.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Family accuses Edo lawmaker of using son for ritual

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VER 400,000 people out of the over 5 million population in Anambra State are living with HIV and AIDS. The state Director of Action Committee on AIDS (ANSACA), Dr. John Ndibe, disclosed this when the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Margeret Obi, paid her annual visit to the nine HIV and AIDS clusters in the state in Ihiala, Ekwusigo local government area excluding those with the Primary Health Centres.

Obi’s wife, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Lady Henrietta Agbata, lamented the prevalent rate of HIV and AIDS in the state and appealed to the people to live a positive life in order to avoid spreading the virus.

She gave each of the clusters N130,000 cash donation and 8 bags of rice,8 bags of beans, cartons of Milo, cartons of custard and crayfish, to mention but a few.

She reminded them that HIV is like every other disease which if they follow the directives on medication and live a healthy lifestyle, they would live longer and happier. She chargied them not to neglect acquiring a skill from the free skill acquisition centres in the state made available for them by the state government.

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HE family of a driver attached to a lawmaker in the Edo State House of Assemly, Hon Victor Edoror, has accused the lawmaker of using their son for ritual purposes.

The family on Friday protested at the premises of the Assembly complex preventing staff from gaining access.

Their victim, Victor

•It is untrue, says lawmaker From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Igbinovia, was abducted on 3rd February this year alongside the lawmaker by eight armed men at Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

The lawmaker was released two weeks later but the driver is yet to be re-

leased.

Placards carried by the family members has inscriptions such as ‘Edoror bring back our son’, ‘Where is our son, your driver’, ‘Tell us what you have done to our son’. ‘Why are you silent on our son’s release?’

One of the family members, who gave his name as

Kaduna to tackle insecurity with employment generation

K

ADUNA State governor, Mukthar Ramalan Yero, has said that the government is to tackle the current insecurity situation in the country through concerted efforts at reviving the nation’s industrial sector and create job opportunities for the nation’s youth.

Speaking at the opening of the Kaduna International Trade Fair, Yero said governments at all levels have commenced the process of reviving industries for employment generation in the country.

He described the Kaduna International Trade Fair a milestone in the lives of the people and government of

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Kaduna, pointing out that the fair has served as meeting point for businessmen and investors both within and outside the country.

He said, “We are working to ease the cost of doing business in Kaduna. Government has commenced the process of reviving industries for employment and a committee has been set up in that regard. I assure the private sector that government will improve the process of doing business in the state.”

In his address, Minister of Trade and investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, said that peace and security of lives and properties are prerequi-

sites for a meaningful development of any society.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dauda Kigbo, the minister said, ”Peace and security of lives and properties are prerequisites for meaningful development. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired transformation, the federal government has further strengthened the nation’s counter terrorism strategy to protect lives and properties of Nigerians.

“The present administration has also continued to promote greater coordinated joint action among the security agencies while putting in place workable strategies to ensure delivery.”

Eric, said they were yet to get any information about the whereabouts of their son.

From the Assembly complex, the family members took their protest to the palace of the Oba of Benin.

But in his defence, Hon. Edoror said it was uncivilised and myopic for the family to accuse him of using his driver for ritual purposes.

The lawmaker said the kidnappers have not called to demand any ransom for the release of his driver.

He said the kidnappers took the driver away in his official vehicle and that was the last time he saw the driver and his vehicle.

According to him, “I have been putting heads together with the family to look for what to do. The kidnappers are not calling. They are not asking for anything.

“The accusation that I have used their son for ritual purposes is out of illiteracy.

It is uncivilised. Look at my hands. I was tied for two weeks. I couldn’t stand straight. I sympathise with the family. I don’t want to believe that the driver was a part of my kidnapping. He is very close to me. I took him as my younger brother. I attend to his private needs. The security agencies should determine whether he was one of them (kidnappers) or not.

Impersonators are using our name, Biu Forum alleges From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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HE umbrella body of the Biu people of Borno State, Biu Forum, yesterday in Kaduna alerted of those it called faceless people trying to use the name of the Forum to create political tension in Borno State.

National President of the Forum, Mohammed Bulama Saidu, told newsmen in Kaduna that some people were using the name of the Forum to create problem between the state governor, Kashim Shettima, and his deputy.

A group that calls itself Biu Progressive Youth Forum had in a statement asked the governor to drop his deputy and pick someone else, accusing the deputy governor of working against his boss.

But Saidu said they were not aware of the existence of any group among the Biu people that goes by such a name, adding that the signatories to the press statement were neither members of the Forum or executives.

Saidu said, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to some faceless people that we are calling for the removal of the deputy governor. Biu Forum is one body that has identified with the giant strides of the current government in Borno State and the deputy governor in particular has influenced lots of projects to Biu area.

“There is the construction of road projects and the Biu General Hospital which was comatose has been fully rehabilitated. We know that they have stationed drillers in Biu that are currently drilling boreholes from constituency to constituency. There are many other projects that are ongoing in the area.

Court slams N10m against Army for illegal detention From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

A

Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State, has awarded the sum of N10million against the military top brass of 14 Brigade in Ohafia for illegally detaining two sons of HRM Eze Bernard EnweremaduDestiny and Mustard over alleged case of armed robbery and kidnapping.

The court presided over

by Mr Justice M. G. Umar while delivering his judgement awarded the sum against the army for unlawful detention and ordered the military to hand over the two princes to the police for proper investigation on the alleged offences.

The two brothers were taken away from their father’s palace on April 7, 2012 when the soldiers raided the place over a report that armed robbers, who are also engaged in kidnapping, are living in the palace.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Umar said that it is wrong for the military to assume the role of the police when they are meant to take care of the territorial borders of the country be it air, sea or land as may be specified by the relevant laws establishing them.

NEWS REVIEW

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

•Oshiomhole

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HE criticism started as soon as the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, announced government's intention to undertake the nationwide tour to inspect projects executed by federal, state and local governments. Modelled after a similar project by former Minister of Information and Communication, Professor Jerry Gana, some Nigerians, from onset, felt it would amount to another huge waste.

On paper, Maku's justification for the tour is that over the years, 'Nigerians have heard and read of projects approved and executed by governments mainly on the television, radio and pages of newspapers without a corresponding reality of such projects on ground for the people to see.' The idea seems to be that the tour will allow the delegates the opportunity of verifying the projects.'

But critics of the project say it is nothing but another jamboree.

Why critics fault the tour Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, is one of the latest critics who have dismissed the project as a waste.

Speaking during the week, in Benin, Edo State, Soyinka berated the Maku-led tour, aligning with the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who had earlier dismissed the project as wasteful.

The Nobel laureate told journalists in Benin that he was happy Oshiomhole told the leader of the Good Governance tour, Labaran Maku, to go to hell.

The team got its first major attack when the Borno State government bluntly asked that the state be exempted from the exercise 'because the federal government has no single project to showcase in the entire Borno State.' A statement from the state's

•Maku

Maku’s tour hits turbulence

The relevance of Good Governance Tour was a subject of controversy during the week. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu captures the verbal exchanges and reports that the war of words may have affected the confidence Nigerains have on the project

information commissioner told Maku that 'it would amount to a meaningless jamboree and media stunt for the federal government team headed by the information minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, to embark on any good governance media tour to Borno State.'

Oshiomhole, a former labour leader and governor of Edo State, finally punctured the ego of the Good Governance Tour team last week, when he said publicly that he had rejected a proposal from the Maku- led team urging the state government to bankroll the Edo leg of the tour, pointing out that doing so would amount to 'a waste of public funds.' Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) also called for the

dissolution of the team, describing it as a huge scam.

As Oshiomhole put it: "The resources accruable to the state cannot accommodate the expenses of hosting the Minister of Information and his Good Governance tour team. Why should I take Edo State tax payers' money to finance a federal government project? I don't need Abuja to help me tell Edo people what I am doing in the state. Anytime any state official goes for official duty in Abuja, the state takes responsibilities of its expenses, so, I expect the federal government to finance its officials.'

Former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, is also not impressed by the performance of

the team so far. In an article, Kalu said of the project:'The whole idea was to build a synergy between the federal and state governments and in the process remove the usual bad blood and mutual suspicion between the two.'

He, however, lamented that the project has not only been politicised but may also have been hijacked in some ways. Making comparisons to the original tour carried out by former Minister of Information, Prof. Gerry Gana, which he contended operated independently, he said: 'Strangely, the team (Maku team) had no control over which projects to inspect and which not to inspect.

They were totally at the mercy of the governments and their

overzealous officials who were bent on scoring cheap political points. In fact, from what we have seen so far, it is like playing host to the team is a do-or-die affair. The outlandish reception, coupled with the fanfare that greeted the arrival of the team in every state it had visited thus far, underpinned the desperation to impress the team at all costs, even when it is glaring that some of them had nothing to show in terms of concrete achievements.'

On the allegation of politicisation, Kalu said: 'I wish to state without any equivocation that the Maku team, by engaging in partisanship and undue influence, has lost credibility. This is the truth the team must have to accept... This could explain why the Borno State Government dissociated itself from the impending visit of the team to the state. In fact, it warned the team not tobother coming to Borno State.'

In defence of the tour Since the tour commenced, most of the governors, who were highly praised by the group after the guided inspections have been singing praises of the project. Even after Oshiomhole's bombshell, the team has enjoyed some commendations from some top government officials.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, is one of such officials.

While Maku and Oshiomhole were still exchanging words over the propriety of the tour and it's financing, Uduaghan said President Goodluck Jonathan's approval of the Good Governance Tour shows that he is transparent in his dealings and wants to be assessed accordingly.

Speaking on Thursday in Asaba, when the team visited his state, Uduaghan said, 'I want to appreciate what this team is doing. We will continue to support this programme.'

Maku also used the opportunity to defend himself and the federal government as he informed the governor and the people of the state that 'the Good Governance Tour was not a federal government programme but a national programme put up to help promote the country's democracy.'

According to him, 'it was a programme supported by the 36 state governors and the federal government to showcase the progress made so far in the 13 years of democracy,' adding that the tour has nothing to do with partisan politics.

According to him: 'This programme is not a federal government programme. It is a programme supported by the 36 state governors after extensive consultations and deliberations.

'It is to showcase the progress made so far in different states to promote democracy. We are putting partisan politics aside. We will not be partisan. We have sworn to be transparent and neutral in our assessments.'

As it was before The idea of a national Good Governance Tour to be coordinated by the Minister of Information first started when Professor Jerry Gana occupied that position during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's tenure as a civilian president.

“Even then, the good governance tour came under heavy criticism for deviating from the original objectives and allegedly veering off into the arena of the politics. It was alleged then that the Gana-led team, sometimes scored states depending on the relationship the state executives had with Abuja,' said Dr Fredrick Eke, a social commentator and analyst.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

News Review/World

65 Islamic rebels, 13 Chad troops killed in Mali

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HE Chadian army says that its troops killed 65 Islamic extremist rebels and destroyed five vehicles in fierce fighting northern Mali.

The Chadian military said in a statement yesterday on state broadcasting that 13 Chadian soldiers were also killed and six were wounded in the fighting Friday in northern Mali.

The statement said the clashes were in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains of northeastern Mali.

Chad has deployed some 1,800 troops in Mali as part of the multinational military intervention begun in January to wrest control of northern Mali from the Islamic radicals linked to al Qaeda.

The Islamic rebels retreated to mountainous hideouts near Mali's northern border with Algeria, after being expelled at the end of January

by French and Malian forces from the major towns in northern Mali.

Vatican slams rumours surrounding Pope's resignation T HE Vatican's chief spokesman has hit back at rumours surrounding the Pope's resignation. Writing in an editorial on Vatican Radio's website, Father Federico Lombardi, claimed there were people using "gossip, misinformation and sometimes slander" to discredit the church following the announcement last week that Pope Benedict XCVI would be stepping

down.

He said that those speculating on the reasons behind the pontiff's departure "present themselves as moral judges, making heavy moral judgments" but "do not, in truth, have any authority to do so".

Although not addressing it

specifically, Father Lombardi's editorial comes two days after a report in Italian newspaper La Repubblica that claimed the Pope's decision to resign was influenced by a gay 'network inside the Vatican, some of whom were being blackmailed by outsiders.

Egypt slammed for spending $2.5m on teargas amid financial crisis

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ARIOUS activists have slammed Egyptian government for purchasing 140,000 canisters of teargas worth 1.7 million pounds (around US $2.55 million) at a time when its foreign reserves are at critically low and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan has been delayed Egypt's interior ministry made the emergency order at the end of January, according to records.

It came at the start of a week of civil unrest sparked by protests against President Mohamed Morsi, his Muslim Brotherhood, and police malpractice, it reported.

They also see it as yet another example of the government's unwillingness to rein in the police force, whose brutality was a major cause of the 2011 revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak, and whose behaviour has come under renewed scrutiny this year.

Teargas has been repeatedly used during protests this year, at times rendering it unsafe to navigate thoroughfares in downtown Cairo that lie several streets from the clashes.

At one point in January, Tahrir Doctors, a group of volunteer medics who treat protesters hurt in clashes, warned that teargas in Tahrir Square had reached dangerous levels, the paper reported.

Iranannouncesuranium finds, nuclear plant expansion

I

RAN says it has found major new uranium deposits and is planning to expand its nuclear power programme. It said 16 sites had been identified as suitable for the construction of new power plants over the next 15 years.

Iran said the find - which has not been independently confirmed would treble the size of known uranium deposits. Under UN sanctions, Iran is banned from importing nuclear material. It is due to hold talks with Western powers on Tuesday about its nuclear programme. The US and its allies are widely believed to be planning to offer Iran some relief from sanctions at the talks in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

France confirmed a "substantial" new offer would be made, French news agency AFP quoted the foreign ministry as saying. Three rounds of meetings in Moscow ended last June in stalemate.

Iran denies charges that it is secretly developing atomic weapons and insists that as a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) it is entitled to develop a nuclear power programme.

•Thousands of Kenyans from all over the country pray for peace during a rally at the Uhuru Park in Nairobi yesterday. Kenya is gearing up for presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial elections on March 4, the first since bloody post-poll violence five years ago in which more than 1,100 people died after contested results.

AFP PHOTO

Violence could mar Kenyan presidential polls, Annan said in a statement.

ORMER Secretary-General of "Yet, intimidation, electoral the United Nations (UN), Kofi says Kofi Annan violence and ethnic rivalry have the

F

Annan, the man who helped save Kenya from spiraling deeper into election violence five years ago warned yesterday that intimidation, ethnic rivalry and violence could undermine Kenya's

March 4 presidential vote.

Annan said that Kenya is on a positive trajectory five years after post-election violence killed more than 1,000 people and forced some 600,000 from their homes. But he

reminded Kenyans that their country stood on the "precipice of s e l f destruction" after the country's last vote. " T h e elections must be peaceful, free and fair.

They must b e conducted i n accordance with the rule of law. They must be carried out w i t h integrity, and must reflect the will of the people.

Only then w i l l national u n i t y , stability a n d cohesion be safeguarded,"

potential to undermine and jeopardize the whole process," he added. "And that is why recent violent events and increasing tensions in the run-up to the elections are deeply worrying.

Kenya cannot risk a return to those dark days."

Annan in early 2008 helped broker a political deal between the top two contenders for president.

That deal saw Mwai Kibaki remain president and challenger Raila Odinga become prime minister.

Kibaki is not running this year because of term limits; Odinga is one of two top contenders for president.

Annan told Kenyans in his statement that elections should not be viewed as a winner-take-all competition. He noted that Kenya has a new constitution and an improved judiciary, and he said the results of free and fair elections must be respected, and disputes settled through the courts.

Annan had been making regular trips to meet with top officials in Kenya in the hopes of helping avoid election violence, but the former U.N. chief has not visited in several months because some Kenyan leaders began to see those visits as outside meddling The March 4 vote sees a raft of local, regional and national level races. But unless Odinga or his top challenger Uhuru Kenyatta wins at least 50 percent of the vote, a runoff for president will be held, likely sometime in April. That vote holds even more potential for violence than the March 4 ballot, according to analysts.

The paper claimed the alleged network was described in a report presented by to the Pope by cardinals assigned to investigate the 2012 so-called 'Vatileaks' scandal.

The newspaper claimed the Pope made the decision to resign on or around the 17th December, which was the day he is alleged to have received the 'Vatileaks' dossier from the three cardinals.

The dossier, which was commissioned by Benedict himself, was compiled by the cardinals after the 'Vatileaks' affair, when the Pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele, was arrested and charged with stealing and leaking papal correspondence that depicted the Vatican as a hotbed of intrigue and infighting.

The dossier was compiled by a three man commission, a Spanish cardinal, JuliĂĄn Herranz; Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi, a former archbishop of Palermo; and the Slovak cardinal Jozef Tomko.

La Repubblica claimed that the cardinals described a number of 'factions' in their report, including one in which individuals were "united by sexual orientation".

The newspaper also alleged the dossier states that members of this group were blackmailed by laymen with whom they entertain relationships of a "worldly nature".

Quoting an unnamed source the paper said "Everything revolves around the non-observance of the sixth and seventh commandments."

The seventh commandment forbids theft, while the sixth forbids adultery - but it is also linked in Catholic doctrine to the proscribing of homosexual acts. The newspaper claimed the dossier identifies a series of meeting places in and around Rome.

While Father Lombardi refused to comment at the time, he writes in his editorial today: "Those who consider money, sex and power before all else and are used to reading diverse realities from these perspectives, are unable to see anything else, even in the Church."

Syria: Opposition pulls out of talks

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HE opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) has pulled out of a series of international meetings in protest at what it said was the "shameful" failure to stop violence.

The SNC said it had decided not to attend a meeting of the Friends of Syria Grouping in Rome next month. It was also turning down invitations for talks in Washington and Moscow. A statement singled out Russia for supporting and supplying weapons to President Bashar al-Assad.

"The international silence on the crimes committed every day against our people amounts to participating in two years of killings," the SNC said.

"The Russian leadership especially bears moral and political responsibility for supplying the regime with weapons," it added.

The decision to boycott international diplomatic meetings in Syria effectively torpedoes the initiative launched by SNC leader Moaz al-Khatib. Three weeks ago he announced that he was ready to meet Syrian government representatives to discuss an end to the violence. The initiative was strongly backed by international powers including Russia and he was invited to Washington and Moscow. Now those visits will not take place.

The SNC will also boycott the Rome meeting of the mainly western Friends of Syria group, which supports the opposition. It is particularly enraged by the use of Russian-supplied Scud missiles to bombard rebel-held areas of Aleppo - Syria's biggest city.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

News Review/Worldview

11

• Friends of Laurent, Valentin (pictures foreground) and Gnilane, the two teenagers and their sister, aged 16, 14 and 9, found dead by their father, yesterday, in Dampmart, east of Paris, mourn during a "marche blanche" (white march) of homage to the victims yesterday, in the streets of the village. The children were found throat-cutted at their home. The mother, who was first unreachable, was found later by policemen at some relatives's home in Paris and hospitalised following a psychiatric examination.

AFP PHOTO

•Indonesian policemen examine the site of a traffic accident in Cianjur yesterday. A traffic accident killed 16 people in Cianjur, West Java province yesterday, after a truck experienced a failure in the braking system, hitting two small city buses, some motorcycles and houses.

AFP PHOTO

• A Tunisian young girl waves a national flag during a demonstration yesterday, on the Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis. Hundreds of demonstrators marched to protest against the Islamist party Ennahda in power, and demanded that opposition leader Chokri Belaid's killers be found. At background, Belaid is featured on the placard.

AFP PHOTO

• Members of the first Kurdish female battalion named Martyr Rokan Battalion lining up in military fatigues in the northwestern Syrian city of Afrin, on the Syria-Turkey border, yesterday. The announcement of the Kurdish women's battalion comes a month after pro-regime forces set up the National Defence Forces, a paramilitary unit in which women of all ages have been asked to volunteer.

AFP PHOTO

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News Review/World

HIS past week, finance ministers and central bankers of the G20 nations met. Joining them were the Managing Director of the IMF and her World Bank counterpart. Lurking ever in the interstices were the emissaries of the global financial houses. These private concerns influence governments to the extent that no policy is made without their input. No policy is implemented which they genuinely oppose. Even more than before the 2008 Great Recession, these private forces retain the impregnable status of a government outside and beyond government. This impregnability harvests a sense of arrogant entitlement leading the financial houses to think everything must be done so that their profits always maximize or not be done at all. This might not be the best nature of things but it is the present order of them. The finance ministers gathered not to correct the global economy; they gathered to pet the interests of Money Power.

The final communiqué was as shallow and meretricious as a prostitute’s embrace. The group proclaimed member nations must eschew competitive devaluation of their currencies. Devaluating one’s currency, through either enhanced deficit spending, loose monetary policy or both, stimulates an economy’s export sectors.

However, when many nations devalue at once, a currency war looms as each nation later attempts to outdo the others by enacting even steeper devaluations to gain the export advantage. This is a cynical way to promote jobs and exports by literally pilfering them from those nations whose currencies remain static.

Marginal tinkering with a currency’s value is tolerable to the financial class.

Because they have inside information or some inkling of movement, the financial houses make windfalls from transferring liquid assets from one currency into another. However, too much downward movement in the value of too many currencies makes hash of this managed game, causing both financial uncertainty and significant economic dislocation in the process. In truth, prolonged currency warfare is a race to nowhere. Thus, on a superficial level, the statement against currency wars was condign. Sadly, the other actions and inactions of the ministers reveal that their cardinal purpose was not strengthening the real economy where the majority of people live. Their great obsession was to assuage the clannish financial markets. Whatever solace given the rest of the economy was collateral and incidentally done.

Concerning the flaccidity of their overall economies, the ministers acted with the disorientated perspective of penguins confined to a dark, narrow closet, all making unintelligent noises while ceaselessly bumping into each other. If justice prevailed in this world, these ministers would be sued for malpractice; successful defenses would not avail them. Brandishing the crooked wand of austerity, they have transmogrified sickly economies into shrinking ones.

In the final quarter of last year, the entire Eurozone contracted by 0.6 percent, a fall much steeper than mainstream economists predicted for some had predicted growth. Orthodox minds thought Germany, the continent’s largest economy, inoculated from the infirmity afflicting the Mediterranean nations. Yet, the Teutonic dynamo was felled by a bout of economic measles.

Germany’s export-driven economy contracted like an overstretched rubber band because its southern neighbors have become too ravaged to buy German goods in quantities that would sustain German production levels. Confronted by the dire and obvious logic of this economic contagion, the Germans still appear incapable of grasping the deeper lesson of this morality play. The rich man who impoverishes those upon whom his commerce and wealth are based depletes his wealth to the degree his avarice undermines the welfare of others.

Going around the globe, America contracted during the same period. Japan contacted so severely that its government quickly embarked on a loose money policy and a concomitant spending spree in financial markets in

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Financial speculation feeding food and job crises •Whosoever steals from the poor is like the mad swine intent on devouring those who labour to feed it.

•Finance ministers at the recent G20 meeting in Russia

BRIAN BROWNE

the vain hope of escaping its third recession in less than ten years. Britain’s bullheaded insistence on austerity produced a second recession in three years. Meanwhile, Greece has descended so headlong down the gutter that it is a nation on perpetual strike and nearing riotous strife. Millions would migrate but the sapping economic conditions deprive them of the funds to do so. In Spain, when two youths meet, they are sure at least one is unemployed. Italy is so much wracked that serially discredited Silvio Berlusconi might once more elected Prime Minister.

Despite their withering economies, the finance ministers were unable to come to grips with the malevolent evidence of results of their beloved austerity. During the Great Recession, they touted austerity would spur private sector growth. What austerity has done is abet the financial sector’s dominance of the overall economy by further weakening the productive sector, making the latter vulnerable for the speculative plucking. After years of intense such plucking, the bird has no more feathers. The experiment has gone terrible awry. Austerity has produced the “Son of the Great Recession.” So steeped in foul craft of orthodox economics, the finance ministers could not bring themselves to understand the economic carnage that lay all about was not an inevitable thing; it was a matter of their own doing. Their economics, their beloved pseudo-science, has proven to be nothing more than a graven idol that blasphemes reality rather than explains it. These arrogant men in their arrogant fashion believed they could tell reality how to behave. Upon the shining altar of their false deity, tens of millions have suffered; too many lives have been lost in futile sacrifice to their dumb, uncaring god.

Instead of admitting the failure of austerity, these ministers proclaimed austerity has served its purpose because growth waits on the horizon. Yet, isn’t this what they said last year and the year before it? Misery has appeared in legion manifestations but economic growth remains a rather bashful thing adverse to human companionship. There is a rather peculiar attribute about horizons.

The closer you move toward them, the

more they seem to move away. The horizon never gets closer; it is too well mannered to become intimate and thus keeps ample distance. Thus, people do want economic growth to be on the horizon. They want it in their hands.

The ministerial participants maundered that austerity should be attenuated for the time being. This was like a team of assassins appearing at their victim’s burial and the lead killer surmising that they should lessen their attacks on the decedent given that he is six feet underground. However, the ministers simply could not break completely break from this belief to which they are so emotionally attached despite its obvious inhumanity. While talking down austerity, they parroted terms like “fiscal discipline” which is austerity with a less odious moniker. It is a sign of our desolate times that the IMF Managing Director was the meeting’s leading proponent for employment creation and economic growth via fiscal stimuli. However, few ministers listened seriously to her. The leadership of these nations has so imbibed hyper-capitalist doctrines, i.e. financialism, that each government has become a draconian IMF unto itself and its people. Never in the history of mankind have the world’s most affluent nations heaved so much unnecessary pain on their people in peacetime for the most unwarranted reason: the stubborn adherence to mean policies ruinous of the many, profitable to only the chosen few.

Consequently, the ministers did not adopt fiscal stimuli as the path for their nations to emerge from the obvious downturn. Empirically, fiscal stimulus or deficit spending is the most effective measure in the current environment.

This assumes helping the working and middle classes is the objective. If the aim is to secure the financial elite, then fiscal activism is not the preferred cup into which your tea is poured. Instead, you would do as the financial ministers and central bankers have done. They have engaged in lax monetary policy by embarking on large scale purchases of financial assets. In exchange for these assets, the central banks place new money in the hands of the former asset holders. Theoretically, they will use the

money to buy things or invest in additional financial assets, thus increasing asset prices and spurring economic growth. While the public may be duly hoodwinked, those in the know also know this mechanism works differently than advertised.

Speculators hold many of the assets purchased by the central authorities.

Giving additional money to speculators is like handing cocaine to an addict. He will not invest for the wise or the longterm. He will search for the next speculative high. Money will not trickle into the real economy. It will circulate in the financial sector. Like a rapid dog, it will bound from one end to another, chasing the highest return possible. As a result, the balance of funds in the financial sector as compared to the productive sector will worsen. The financial sector will be flush with money, the real sector starved of it. The planners will increase asset prices; the victory will prove hollow, if not pyrrhic, because it is based on an inversion of cause and effect.

Economic growth inevitably produces price inflation. However, the engineers of lax monetary policies assume the reverse is equally true: that price inflation produces economic growth. It is not. As an orange tree grows its branches come to bear fruit. This is a farmer’s dream.

However, it is the height of folly for a man to walk into the grove to hold up an orange at branch height, expecting a tree to miraculously grow, attaching itself to the object in outstretched hand. He will soon tire from the exertion or caring relatives will escort the man to the nearest institution that cares for people with his type of affliction.

So is it with policy that targets asset prices. Because the money does little but chase its own scent within the confines of the financial sector, financial asset prices indeed rise. Yet, economic fundamentals remain mired, heavily burdened. Financial speculators gain windfalls. However, employment and wages stagnate. Consequently, we see soaring stock markets in many nations while their overall economies wade the brackish water.

The stock and financial markets have delinked from the overall economy.

Stock and financial markets are no longer the bellwethers for the rest of the economy. These markets are no more reliable indicators of the health of an economy than is the casting of lots.

Financial assets and stock prices climb when investors instigate firms to cut costs by reducing their work forces. This provides transient benefit to speculators but penalizes the real economy and the labor force which depends on it. Lax monetary policies rewards the financial class and its allies while slowly amercing the great wash of people in these nations.

In the end, the policy mixture employed by the developed nations ensures bloated hyperactive financial

sectors on the verge of producing new speculative bubbles and weak productive sectors on the verge of constriction and collapse.

Worst, these errant policies hurt the developing world. As previously stated, financial speculators obsess for the next high. Prior to the 2008 recession, they believed real estate was the guaranteed high. They plowed funds into real estate only to see that market and their nominal worth sink into the quicksand.

Since then, they have searched from hill to valley for the next “sure” bet. Many believe they have found it: food. Real estate was viewed as certain because people need a physical location to live and work. Demand exists as long as people exist. With food, the demand is more compelling. Everyone might not own land but all must eat. Fed easy money through the lax monetary policies of the developed nations, speculators are becoming increasingly active speculating in agricultural commodities.

The presence of these financial middleman increases the price of food.

For them to retrieve the profits they seek, while farmers and others in the chain of production retain their profit levels, necessarily means prices must increase.

For poor and struggling Africans, this is the kiss of hunger blown from afar by esoteric financial dynamics about which they know little and understand less.

What they will come to know is the difficulty of contending with rising food prices that eat at their static incomes. The people will pinch here and scrape there.

Meager meals will become smaller.

Plates and bowls will appear bigger to children because there will be less food on them. Hunger will bite its stinging bite. The weak and sickly will become more so. More will die while the speculators sip the delectable nectar of their profits. This is just the beginning.

As financial speculators gain more control of agricultural markets, they will dictate the quantities and types of crops cultivated. Those with the highest profit margins will be encouraged. Those with lower yields will be ignored.

Lamentably, the interests of the financialists will not always coincide with those of the people. Moreover, there already is a move afoot whereby massive international agricultural concerns acquire large tracts of arable African land, in the process displacing peoples from their ancient homesteads. These firms, now abetted by speculative investors, will not be geared toward commodities for the local African market. The African consumer does not possess the money these companies seek. These concerns will produce for abroad. More and more African land will be used to feed and furnish others while displaced African will be left to taste of the compound bitterness of being displaced yet having no alternative location to farm for their livelihoods.

Financialism continues to dominate the global political economy despite the vast damage it has brought so recently.

Developed nations abhor the only practical remedy — fiscal stimuli through deficit spending – that would enliven the broadest base of their economies. Instead, these governments cosset the financial sector and leave orphan the productive economy. The lax monetary policies of the developed nation constitute a nearly perfect storm of financialist malevolence against the humble masses in both developed and developing worlds.

In the developed world, these policies stifle fuller employment while exacerbating the inequitable power balance between the financial sector and the productive one. In the developing world, the policies have placed international speculators in a position where they can unduly influence food prices to the detriment of the billions already living at the edge of poverty and malnourishment. The speculators will push tens of millions into the grip of starvation in the coming years.

Once they have done their handiwork with food, water supplies may be next.

More and more, it seems the financialist elite so lacks humanity that it sees the quickest route to poverty eradication is to do away with poor people.

08060340825 (sms only)

13

COMMENT and ANALYSIS THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

AIDS deaths and the pharmaceutical industry

A moment to reflect on the Talakawa condition in Nigeria and our world S Talakawa Liberation Herald

BY BIODUN JEYIFO

Talakawa: Hausa, noun: Of or pertaining to the poor. The poor as a social category, as a community of the desperately needy deserving of the solicitude of the wealthy and powerful

T

HIS Sunday, February 24, 2013, I begin this weekly column in The Nation.

Readers accustomed to reading my column, Talakawa Liberation Courier, in The Sunday Guardian, will immediately recognize that there is an echo of that column’s title in the title of this new column in another newspaper: Talakawa Liberation Herald. I could have retained the former title in this new discursive context, this new journalistic space. But since my “migration” from The Guardian, so to speak, represents for me a momentous event in my journalistic work of more than forty years in the Nigerian press, I decided that it was necessary for me to also change the title of the column.

Perhaps some months or maybe even a year or two from now, I shall write fully on why I left The Guardian for which I have written continuously since it was founded in 1983, perhaps the only one left among the old or aging writers, academics and commentators that were there at the beginning of the Guardian group. For now, all I will allow myself to say is that I left without rancour or bitterness but with a great deal of sadness and anger. In the meantime, my “migration” to The Nation, I feel, is an occasion that provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the column itself, hoping in the process to clarify both for myself and for my readers what it is I have tried to do - and continue hoping to do - with and through the column. In a nutshell, this exercise entails the question of the informing perspectives, ideas and values on which the column is based. And of course, with regard to these perspectives, ideas and values, the central concept is the term “Talakawa”. Concerning this concept, I wish to address two central propositions, two cardinal theses that the readers of this piece will be as startling and as confounding as I find them. What are these two theses or propositions?

In our country, Nigeria and in many regions and nations of the world, age-old cul-

•Destitutes on a street

tural definitions and social meanings attached to the poor as a definite, recognizable demographic category are changing beyond recognition to include social groups and strata that would never have been remotely close to the actual and potential ranks of the desperately poor or needy. That is the first of our two propositions. Permit me to expatiate on it carefully.

Now, I do not speak Hausa and neither can I claim to have deep ethnographic knowledge of Hausa culture and society. What I do know about the meanings attached to the term “Talakawa” comes mostly from information I have gleaned over the decades from colleagues and comrades who both speak the language and have insiders’ ethnographic knowledge of its culture and traditions. From these colleagues and comrades, I have learnt that with the addition of the suffix “wa” to any ethnic or social group, a distinct collective identity is inscribed on the designated group. Examples are “Hausawa” or “Yarubawa” for the Hausa and the Yoruba ethnic groups respectively. I have learnt also from these “native informants” that in the wake of the oil-boom and the rise of a class of arriviste nouveau riches whose special symbol of new-found, lavishly

“

Show me any part of the country in which, no matter how well the elites are doing politically and economically compared to other regional, zonal and ethnic competitors in the political class, the masses of the people are faring better than ordinary folks in other parts of the country and I will mortify my spirit by attending an all-night vigil of one of our most fanatical evangelical sects!

“

Herald: English, noun. 1.

A person, event or thing that precedes or comes before; forerunner, harbinger. 2. A person, event or thing that proclaims or announces: A good newspaper should be a herald for truth.

Dictionary.com (online)

spent wealth was the Mercedes Benz, the term “Benzawa” was coined on this same principle of adding that suffix, “wa” to identify and draw attention to a particular social group.

[Incidentally, in Kiswahili, we have “WaBenzi” for the Hausa “Benzawa”, the same word serving reverse roles as suffix in Hausa and prefix in Kiswahili!]

At any rate, the most important thing that I wish to draw attention to in the term “Talakawa” is implied in the first of the two epigraphs to this piece. This is the idea of the poor as a community of the destitute and the needy deserving of being indifferent to issues of great inequalities between the various regions of the world. In the case of Nigeria, I wish to give as much emphasis as I can muster in saying that poverty, or the “Talakawa” condition, is the one single factor that unites all our ethnic and regional communities. Show me any one single geo-political zone, any state or group of states in the country where the poverty rate is better than the 7 out of 10 absolute poverty level and I will eat my words.

Show me any part of the country in which, no matter how well the elites are doing politically and economically compared to other regional, zonal and ethnic competitors in the political class, the masses of the people are faring better than ordinary folks in other parts of the country and I will mortify my spirit by attending an all-night vigil of one of our most fanatical evangelical sects!

Indubitably, the “Talakawa “ question is the bottom line of all the crises bedeviling our country since it is both directly and indirectly linked to all the other crises and challenges.

This, by the way, is why this column can never possibly exhaust the range of issues it can and will take up. Beyond this and more impersonally, I would argue that the “Talakawa” condition ought to be the first item of discussion in a sovereign national conference that will sooner or later have to be convened if Nigeria is to survive as one unified, egalitarian and democratic society. In the weeks, months and years ahead, I hope to join my voice to the voices of other members of the “commentariat” [this playfully ludic term is, I believe, Victor Ifijeh’s] in The Nation and other organs of popular and progressive national conversation in our country.

Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

EVERAL years ago, I began to learn about what I would come to regard as one of the great crimes in human history, whereby millions of people in Africa and elsewhere were cynically allowed to die of AIDS, while western governments and pharmaceutical companies blocked access to available low-cost medication.

The outrage I felt as I discovered the details of this story was exceeded only by a deep sense of betrayal mixed with shame for not having known more about it in the first place.

Today, I find those feelings mirrored in audiences who see my film, Fire in the Blood, which, incredibly, is the first comprehensive account of this horrendous atrocity and how it was eventually halted. As anyone who knows anything about pharmaceuticals will tell you, the name of the game is monopoly. In the case of medicine, monopolies emanate from patents. Typically a patent lasts for 20 years, but drug companies are expert at getting them extended. As long as the monopoly is in place, the company selling the drug can essentially charge whatever they want for it. Pricing is unrelated either to the cost of production (normally a few pennies per pill) or how much was spent in development, but a simple calculation of how to maximise revenue. Though most western countries do have price controls, these typically only keep price levels consistent with other comparable countries, so restraints are minimal.

Why does society accept this? The narrative the industry has been immensely successful in selling is that it spends vast sums of money on research and development, that this R&D is very high risk, and that monopolies and high prices are a “necessary evil” needed to finance innovation of new medicines. These arguments do not hold up under scrutiny. 84% of worldwide funding for drug discovery research comes from government and public sources, against just 12% from pharma companies, which on average spend 19 times more on marketing than they do on basic research (paywalled link). When we screened our film at the Sundance festival last month, audiences were dismayed to learn how much of their tax money goes to discover medicines which are then sold back to them at monopoly prices nearly half of all Americans surveyed say they have trouble affording.

In developing countries, where people typically pay for medicines out of pocket, the situation is far worse. Pharmaceutical company representatives have told me that in (relatively prosperous) South Africa, they price their products for the top 5% of the market, while in India their customer base might be just the top 1.5%. The rest of the population is of no interest. At the same time, drug companies are working toothand-nail to cut off supplies of lower-cost generic drugs originating in countries such as India, Brazil and Thailand, to make sure that they don’t miss out on a single customer who could possibly pay their sky-high prices.

At the industry’s behest, governments in the US and Europe use a dizzying variety of trade mechanisms, threats of sanctions and so on to curtail supplies of affordable medicine in the global south. The potential impact of these measures in human terms is nothing less than cataclysmic. As Peter Mugyenyi, director of Africa’s largest AIDS treatment centre, says: “We are on standby awaiting another bloodbath.”

To any suggestion that the prevailing system of monopolies on medicine is hugely inefficient, immoral and unsustainable, industry apologists contend that “it’s tried and tested”, whereas any proposed alternative would represent a massive gamble. This, again, is totally disingenuous. A vital first step is to raise the bar for granting patents: 90% of drug patents have no meaningful clinical advantages for patients, but nonetheless impede access.

More significantly, for 70 years Canada had a system prohibiting monopolies on medicine, where patent holders received a statutory royalty on sales of generic equivalents. This maintained profit incentives for innovation, while ensuring the public was not held to ransom by monopoly pricing (it did not, however, produce the windfall profits to which the industry is addicted – so US trade negotiators had it killed under Nafta).

As unthinkable as it may seem, the horror that saw millions of people die unnecessarily of HIV and AIDS while being denied safe and effective generic medicines produced at a fraction of the prices brand-name companies were charging, could be a mere taste of things to come.

14

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Comment & Analysis

“Human memory awakens and extinguishes at will. It dulls and sharpens actions, enlarges and shrinks those who perform them. It humbles and exalts as it desires.

When summoned, it slips away, and when it returns, it will do so at the time and place that suits it. It recognises no chief, no overseer, no classifier, no ruler. Stories mix and mingle, facts sprout new shoots.”

-Meir Shalev, a Russian writer

There was, indeed, a country

I

HAVE just finished reading Prof. Chinua Achebe’s There was a Country: A personal history of Biafra. Since the publication of the memoir last year to a welter of controversy over what the writer wrote or failed to write, I have declined to enter the fray because I didn’t want to fall into the same line of thought that I always accuse people of that is judging a book only by its cover or blurb.

Although I got the book almost as soon as it was off the press in Nigeria, but I never got to read it until recently because I already had some books lined up for reading before its publication. However, I read the excerpt published in The Guardian of London which led to the hail of controversy that subsequently made the book become such a hot cake that it instantly became the first book in Nigeria, at least to my knowledge, which though not a recommended text was pirated in the first few weeks of its publication. In Lagos traffic today the pirated copy is the most hawked and available book apart from the ubiquitous ‘pure water’.

Although many reviews of the book have been written both in local and international newspapers, I feel that as a reader and as some-

By Olayinka Oyegbile

one who grew up reading the respected writer and regarding him as a role model and no doubt one of the early influences that made me chose my line of career, the book under consideration falls short of what he has, for me, stood for in all his other books, most especially The Problem with Nigeria.

There is no doubt that Nigeria is a country in search of heroes and role models and intellectuals such as Achebe and the rest of them should at the twilight of their lives look for things that would unite rather than further divide their country of birth.

In reading There was a Country, I came away with the impression that despite the fact that the civil war ended over four dec-

ades ago, people like the much-respected Achebe still, feel the war against his people was still on. This siege mentality must stop and those in a better position to stop it are the Achebes of this world. But if people like him still feel the way he wrote about it in the book, then we have a long way to go.

I was barely five or so when the war started and I was living in the north then, and though it was not the centre of the war I can, however, attest to it that the pogrom was real and those not killed there died while running back to the East just as it has been happening of recent with the incessant ethno-religious crises that have gripped the North in recent past.

However, as the Yoruba say, “if you don’t forget yesterday’s shortcomings you will never get one to play with.” It is high time we put the war behind us and think more of how to move beyond our present challenges.

The unfortunate civil war has become a sort of industry for many who use it as an excuse to be aggressive and ride roughshod over others and feel sidelined (the siege mentality).

I was born in the North and lived and schooled there for over three decades, I have also lived in the East and now live in the West. So if anything, I can claim to know Nigeria and Nigerians as much as I know the back of my hand, if you permit the cliché.

There are so many claims and assertions in There was a Country, which should not have come from a writer with the standing of Achebe. Take for instance this, “There are many international observers who believe that Gowon’s action after the war were magnanimous and laudable. There are tons of treatise that talk about how the Igbo were wonderfully integrated into Nigeria. Well, I have news for them: The Igbo were not and continue not to be integrated into Nigeria, one of the reasons for the country’s continued backwardness, in my estimation.”

I beg to differ. What I can deduce from this claim by this respected writer is that only the

Igbo hold the key to the development of this country! I am afraid; it is this kind of thinking and frame of mind that is holding our country down and responsible for our predicament. This is ethnic supremacy and nonsensical dismissal of other ethnic groups as backward and only meant to be gatemen, gardeners and cooks.

That is not all; the respected writer believes the decision by the federal government to ban the importation of stockfish and second hand clothes, “two trade items that they knew the burgeoning market towns of Onitsha, Aba and Nnewi needed to re-emerge. Their fear was that these communities, fully reconstituted, would then serve as the economic engines for the reconstruction of the entire Eastern Region.” How can the use of second hand clothes and consumption of stockfish achieve this?

Come on we must grow up.

By my own reading, one of the major pitfalls of the book is that the writer with the role he played as an envoy for the late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu to the former President of Senegal who himself was a distinguished poet and writer, shows that he (Achebe) was a close ally of the late Ojukwu, and based on this premise, a reader like me expected that he should give us a more accurate and detailed portrait of the late Biafran leader.

But what do we have? Just passing comments that in no way pointed to the mind of the chief planner and executioner of the plan to take his part of Nigeria out of the federation.

In this memoir at least, we know where the writer stands where the issue of the war, the federation known as Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon and most especially the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo are concerned, and to some extent, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

But what does he think of the late Ojukwu? He was dodgy and unclear where the late Biafran leader was concerned. This is not the Achebe I grew up to know and admire. Many things were left unsaid while some of those things said were done with a forked tongue.

There was, indeed, a country and a war memoir.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Comment & Analysis

15

A matter of honour If President Jonathan signed a one-term agreement, for honour’s sake, let him abide by it

I

T was a political bombshell by any scale and for good measure, it is bound to keep reverberating in the polity until the next presidential election begins mid next year. And the bearer of the high-octane message is not one to shy from a political bout; in fact, it is almost his nature to get in the fray of such rows.

Babangida Aliyu, governor of Niger State, has told the world that President Goodluck Jonathan signed a pact with some governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to serve only one term in office. Aliyu who is a governor from the PDP platform and chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) made this claim during an interview with a Kaduna-based radio station, Liberty FM, penultimate Saturday. Aliyu has raised a pithy point. This singular remark has the power to change the course of Nigeria’s history. That is how serious it is.

While the nation has been squirming under the seeming revelation, the Presidency has immediately denied the claim and of course denounced the bearer to boot. The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, responding, said, “President Jonathan did not sign any agreement with anybody to the best of my knowledge.” Gulak, living up to the status of the presidential hawk he is, would not let Aliyu go so easily. He introduced a diversionary twist to the story thus: “The alleged agreement only exists in the figment of the imagination of somebody with presidential ambition.” He also put a spin to it by reminding the governor that President Jonathan did not win in his Niger State in the last election.

As has already emerged going by the presidential adviser’s tone and manner of response, this serious issue that affects the number one office in the land and borders on the honour and integrity of the number one citizen would soon veer into the realm of political gamesmanship, chicanery and even attention- diverting buffoonery. But nothing, absolutely nothing, will obliterate the germane question of honour that is inherent in this.

For the purpose of clarity and posterity, some questions should be answered. Did a meeting of 20 out of 27 governors hold December 16, 2010 to discuss the issue under reference? Was it true that Jonathan’s assent to a one-term pact was required before the convening of

T

HE plan by the Osun State government to move students of IkejiIle High School SSS (Classes) I – III to another school should be given a second thought in order to save the Ikeji-Ile community and the students from hardship.

Time was when there was no post primary school in IkejiIle Ijesha (presently in Oriade Local Government Area). This made the indigenes that were yearning for higher education to embrace Ipetu-Ijesha Grammar School and the Local Authority Secondary Modern School located in Ipetu-Ijesha after the completion of their primary education.

Unfortunately, because this period was when the availability of commercial vehicles in this area was sparse, coupled with the poor financial standing of the farmer-parents, indigenes, which made the tedious daily journey to and from the schools (about 13 kilometers) hard.

This tradition was passed down by several generations of Ikeji-Ile Ijesha indigene-students until succour came in 1976 when the then Military Governor of old Oyo State, Major General David Jemibewon, established IkejiIle High School, with the first set of students coming from various cities and towns of the federation .

The public announcement of this long expected creation of a saving grace in the name of a grammar school was welcomed with spectacle which

the NEC meeting of the PDP? According to reports, President Jonathan described the governors as field commanders who should not be toyed with. Did the president say so?

It must be stated upfront that President Goodluck Jonathan has not made any official declaration to run for a second term in 2015. It is significant that no PDP governor has denied or affirmed the Aliyu allegation.

The issues are that first, he emerged under a peculiar circumstance. Second, the all-important question of presidential honour and integrity cannot be vitiated.

President Jonathan is a child of circumstance having emerged as Acting President upon the demise of his boss, President Umaru Yar’Adua, in 2010. In a moment of national angst, the Senate had to concoct a special dispensation termed ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ to unction Jonathan onto the vacant seat and calm frayed nerves across sections of the polity. No sooner did Jonathan seize the reins of power than election time came. Would he run or would he not? Under the law and the constitution of the land, he was entitled to run but there were equally important ethical and political considerations that could not be ignored. His party, the PDP, has documented quota arrangement which he was privy to and which rendered him ineligible for the 2011 election. The nation was torn into two down the middle: he was the incumbent and his part of the country had been disadvantaged since independence but the North needed to complete its term in the prime office. The PDP bent its quota rules in favour of the incumbent, Jonathan.

It was a bitter and hard-fought presidential primary in

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

which everything allegedly was deployed including a bit of horse-trading, arm-twisting and even cash. It is under this circumstance that Jonathan wrung out a win.

It is not unlikely that in the heat of all this and the desperation to win his prize, he may have penned some pact. For sure, there were a series of nocturnal meetings especially with the governors of the North who were under an especial pressure from their people not to bargain away what seemed like their inalienable right. If there was such a pact, it would have been yet again, another special dispensation in favour of Jonathan. It indeed required an element of particular forbearance for the political bigwigs of the North to have allowed Jonathan jump the queue and assume the high office.

It is on this score that if perchance there was a pact – written or verbal – President Jonathan would do well to honour it regardless of how hurtful the proposition may seem. We state with vehemence that it is in the best interest of his person, the presidency, the polity, the values of a refined society and even the populace that he does not renege on such a pact. He should ignore the multitude of carpet-baggers, hawks and vultures egging on the president and dredging up reasons why he must run. The president must shun them and allow his better sense to prevail.

We want him to consider how the world will probably stand still that remarkable day, that historic moment when he would make that unforgettable speech telling us that, on his honour, he would not run a second term because he promised not to do so. May we also remind him that it is never how long you sit on the throne but the impact you bring to bear on it. Examples abound: Nelson Mandela served only one term yet he remains the greatest man alive today and there are Nigerian leaders alive today who were president for two terms and more yet they do not have much regard in Nigeria and are actually scorned among the community of great leaders.

Finally, greatness comes in different hues. Though a leader may not come in the mode of a great transformer and radical change agent, being honourable in dealing with his people, showing character in his actions and donning always the garb of the meek and humble would also earn such a leader his place in history. For Jonathan, history beckons.

LETTERS

Open letter to Aregbesola culminated in mass street dance by the entire indigenes.

However, the community saw in the establishment of the school a great relief from the pains and anxiety of parents anxiously waiting and praying for the safe return of their loved children from the neighbouring community schools without coming home hurt from scuffles along the roads (which usually ensued then over frivolities).

While the likes of High Chief I. O. Akinmokun, late Pa J. O. Oluwatudimu, late Chief George Esan, Chief Olabode Akinyele (an ebullient princi-

I

THINK Ambassador Walter Carrington was right when he urged US blacks to trace their roots. This call has become imperative in view of the incontrovertible fact that all blacks are sons and daughters of Africa whether they choose to hide under the nomenclature of African-American. I understand the feelings and reasons though some may not understand.

It’s a pity that at this age, some African-Americans still live in irredeemable delusion.

They try to separate themselves from Africa and even prefer to be called Americans. Most times when we tell them to trace their

pal of several notable secondary schools), late Chief T. A. Awe, High Chief I. O. Morakinyo (the current Orisakeji of Ikeji-Ile), Pa Philip Fagunleka and Mr. Olubayo Ijaseun, among others, provided firm leadership, the community rose into action like a wounded battalion to contribute ‘hugely’ as to the capacity of each one to put the gargantuan edifice that was the pride of the community in place and which is still standing there today anyway, but with dilapidated structures. The community also procured for the school a

brand new Toyota Coaster Bus which was the envy of all the schools within Ife-Ijesha axis of the then Oyo State; being one of the first to acquire that wonderon-wheels as against the then popular Austin/Bedford Lorries which most of the secondary schools in the state were noted for.

In October last year, a Savethe-School letter for the rehabilitation of the school buildings together with adequate provision of teaching staff and security personnel was written to the state government by the Old Students Association; a copy of which was acknowledged by

the Governor’s Office.

It is based on efforts of the community and the old students that I appeal to Governor Aregbesola to have a rethink on the ‘rumoured’ proposal to move some students of the school to Ipetu-Ijesha that has about five government owned secondary schools as well as private ones.

What could be ideal at the moment is for government to set in motion machinery to rehabilitate the decaying infrastructure within the school and to expedite actions in providing the school with adequate qualified teachers. With these in place, one can be rest assured that many Ipetu-Ijesha parents as well as those in other neigh-

bouring towns will again start to send their children to IkejiIle High School; which was the practice during our time there because we were always on top in academic, sports, debate and cultural competitions, among others.

Therefore, I join other well meaning sons and daughters of the community both at home and in the Diaspora to appeal to our Ogbeni Aregbesola to live up to being the first true Omoluabi of the state by sparing us the pains and anguish of subjecting our children to the unpleasant voyage of trekking several kilometres on daily basis to and from Ipetu-Ijesha all in the name of becoming educated citizens of the state.

Osun a dara!! ‘ ‘

By Samuel Oloyede Oriowo, Ikeji-Ile, Osun State

Walter Carrington and African-Americans roots, they say to us that they can’t because of insecurity. Yet they live in a nation where agents of sudden deaths invade schools, home and movie-theatres with automatic guns to kill and destroy.

How are these agents of doom different from armed robbers and even kidnappers which sometimes carry out their nefarious trade in Africa?

If we tell them to trace their roots, they will be quick to submit that Africa is nothing but a garden of injustice. Yet they forget that America

would have been the most dangerous jungle in the world if not for the selfless sacrifice of the likes of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, Jesse Jackson and W.D. Dubois. These men were African-Americans and they laid the solid foundation for justice, equality, peace and progress in America. Some of them even forgot that if not that their forefathers were stolen out of Africa via slavery, they would have been home with us.

Tell them to trace their roots; they will say Africa is under the spell of corruption. Yet they live

in a nation that is home to looted funds from Africa. Most of them even live in rented apartments and work in companies which belong to corrupt African leaders. Yet, they forget that if we must defeat the force of corruption, the ‘West’ must stop being a virgin soil on which looted funds are kept safe and invested.

Tell them to trace their roots, they will say oh no, development is far from Africa. Yet they forget that America was once imprisoned by under-development. I know, no matter how

hard Carrington tries to appeal to them to trace their roots, many will never care to listen him.

I want to place on record that whether they trace their roots or not, Africa will one day rise above its current challenges.

In this month of Black movement, let us remember to always say silent prayers for African-Americans and indeed Africa.

God bless Africa.

Godfrey Ehi, Benin City, Edo State.

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16

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Comment & Analysis

Yoruba marginalisation: To what effect?

Jonathan administration relishes unsettling of Lagos 2 Ropo State economy and that of the entire Yoruba region Sekoni

ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

NOTHER aspect of actual marginalisation is the type that affects all Yoruba citizens. This pertains to direct and indirect neglect of infrastructure in the Yoruba region. Such neglect appears to be designed to disempower and discomfort the generality of Yoruba people. All the federal roads in the Yoruba region are in a state that destroys Yoruba business and frustrates citizens that travel on such roads. Even federal roads in Yoruba states that contribute significantly to non-oil revenue for the country are generally neglected.

For example, the roads to Apapa, the country’s largest port for goods into Nigeria, Niger, and even Mali, are all neglected by the federal government. Most businesses that bring VAT revenue to the federal government from Lagos, Ibadan, and other Yoruba cities where consumers abound are slowed down by badly

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

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S is often the case when there are matters of great moment, this column is being yielded today to Chief S.B Falegan, Economist and Banker, former CBN Director of Research, and governor Kayode Fayemi’s deliberate pick for the Chairmanship of the Ekiti State Sure-P Committee, who takes a deep and dispassionate look at other areas of South-West marginalisation by the Jonathan administration. Happy reading.

I hope and believe those who are speaking about the marginalisation of southwest Nigeria are not limiting their comments to human capital alone, but should look also at structural capital especially infrastructural development. The recent announcement by the Federal Government to construct 10 new rail lines as appeared in PUNCH of Monday December 24 2012 page 26 (business and economy) further confirms and reinforces the discrimination by the Federal Government against the Southwest of Nigeria especially the Core south west of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States. The information as contained in page 26 of that paper is partly reproduced below The Federal Government has announced plans to construct 10 new rail lines to cover other parts of the country currently not linked by rail. The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, said on Friday that already feasibility studies had commenced on seven of the proposed railway lines. Umar, who spoke in Lagos at the inauguration of the Lagos-Kano train service and resumption of fuel haulage by train from Lagos to Offa, said that the feasibility studies on three other planned rail line would be done in 2013 . He gave the total distance of the areas to be covered

maintained federal roads that connect various Yoruba states: Lagos-Ibadan; Lagos-Benin; Ibadan-Ilesa-Akure; Ibadan-Osogbo-Offa; Ife-Ore; Ibadan-Ogbomoso; AgegeAbeokuta; etc. Most Yoruba states that produce cocoa, coffee, and other exportable produce are hobbled by the neglect of the roads from such states to the port city of Lagos.

In addition, the Jonathan administration gave the impression during his campaign for office in 2011 that his government would deregulate or privatise establishment of rail transport system. It has not happened since he got elected. It is even being rumoured that some Nigerians selected to meet legislators during the one-day consultation over constitutional amendments last November have said (who,where and how?) that they do not want the federal government to allow states to have any role in establishment and running of rail transport. To be fair to Dr. Jonathan, he did not create most of the problems, but what can be honestly held against him is that the core of his election promise was (and still is) Transformation. Certainly, the Yoruba region has seen in the last

few years more of regression than transformation in terms of infrastructure.

We said last week that Jonathan’s main problem with regards to exclusionary government policies and practices is that he sings the promise of transformation to the nation while his government excludes the Yoruba region (more than any other region) from access to federal government jobs and federally-funded infrastructure. And this is despite the fact that the Yoruba region constitutes about 22% of the nation’s population.

A lot has been said in the media about Jonathan’s direct exclusion of Yoruba from the federal public service. There have been reports that many of the federal ministries and agencies under the president’s watch have encouraged retirement of more Yoruba (than people from other regions) from the country’s public service and hiring of fewer Yoruba (than people of the other five regions) into the service. But very little is reported about indirect disempowerment of the Yoruba region under President Jonathan.

There have been several subtle but striking efforts by the Jonathan

administration to slow down development in the Southwest.

It is obvious that Lagos State is the country’s most cosmopolitan state. It is generally referred to by politicians and regular citizens as Mini Nigeria, a state that has more people from all the nationalities in the country than any other state. It is also common knowledge that Lagos State has more Yoruba people than any other state in the federation. It is no exaggeration to say that all extended families in Yoruba section of the country have their mostendowed sons and daughters in Lagos State. In terms of intellectual and material resources, Lagos State stands out as the most developed state not only in the Southwest but also in the entire country. In effect, any effort to unhinge the economy of Lagos State is a sure way to unsettle the average Yoruba family.

In a way similar to Obasanjo’s hostile attitude to growth and development in the Yoruba region in general and Lagos State in particular, the Jonathan administration appears to relish unsettling of Lagos State’s economy and by extension the economy of the entire Yoruba region. In the time of

Obasanjo, the federal government did everything possible to stop federal allocations to Lagos State on the excuse that the state created additional local governments. In the case of Jonathan, he demonstrates insensitivity to efforts by his government to disrupt development efforts by Lagos State government.

There is a report that the Jonathan administration is set to introduce a special petrol consumption tax that is to be collected and spent by the federal government or its agency. If more than 30% of all vehicles in the country are used in Lagos and over 50% of all vehicles in the country are used in the Southwest, it is clear that any effort to introduce petrol consumption tax that is to be controlled by the federal government is tantamount to denying the Southwest of additional revenue that should come to the region from such consumption tax. As if the loss of revenue by Lagos State and other Yoruba states via federalisation of VAT and issuance of driver’s licence and vehicle registration is not bad enough, President Jonathan’s government is eager to impose another consumption tax that may not be used to service the communities from which such tax is collected. The parlous state of socalled federal roads in the Southwest does not indicate that revenues

Continued on page 66

Evidence of further marginalisation of core Southwest

by the seven rail lines as 3,421kilometeres. The minister said that at the completion of the feasibility studies, the railway development project would be undertaken through public private partnership arrangement. “Upon final construction of these lines, it will improve mass movement of Nigerians and open windows for rapid economic development and regional interaction,” he said Umar stressed that all the new rail lines would be constructed as standard gauge track for the movement of fast trains. According to him, the new lines will cover Lagos-Sagamu-Ijebu OdeOre-Benin (300km); Benin-AgborOnitsha-Nnewi-Owerri-Aba, with additional line from OnitshaEnugu-Abakaliki (500km).

It also included a 615km-highspeed rail track from Lagos to Abuja, passing through Lagos, Oshogbo and Baro. The minister listed Ajaokuta (Eganyi) – Obajana-Jakuru-Baro-Abuja, with additional line from Ajaokuta to Otukpo (533km); Zaira – Kaura Namoda-SakotoIlela-Birnin Koni (520km) as other areas to be covered. Others are costal rail line linking Benin-SapeleWarri-Yanogoa-Port Harcourt – Aba-Uyo- Akampa-Ikom-Obudu Cattle Ranch (673km); and Ajaokuta- Eganyi- Lokoja Abajiabuja line (280km). The other three lines, whose feasibility contracts would be awarded next year, are Port Harcourt Unuahia-EnuguMakurdi-Lafia-Kaduna-BauchiGombe-Biu-Maiduguri; IkomOgoja-Kastina Ala-WukariJalinhgo-Yola-Maiduguri and Kani-Nguru-Gashua-DamaturuMaduguri-Gamborun-Ngala.

With ten new railway lines, that exclude the core southwest, pray does the phrase “other parts of the country currently not linked by rail” include Oyo-Ekiti-Ondo? Pray why is such planned railway not extended between Oyo State (Ibadan) and Ekiti State (Ado-Ekiti) to Ondo State (Akure)? Pray how will these economic benefits extend to those neglected states? Pray how do they benefit from economic integration so orchestrated? Indeed,

Why is none of the federal roads in the core Southwest not receiving federal attention? this deliberate policy has further shifted the operations of companies like Lafarge Wapco Cement, Dangote Cement etc who operate enormously heavy duty trucks and trailers to the neglected states to further destroy the few federal roads and those being reconstructed by these neglected states from their meager funds. You need to travel Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin road to see the daily carnage. Ekiti State is completely caught off between Akure and Ado—Ekiti unless you go via Akure-Igbara OkeIgbaraodo-Ado in a circular way.

Why should Okitipupa-OndoAkure-Benin road not be dualised?

Or the Akure-Ado-Ekiti-Omuaran road from the same SURE-P? More questions are begging for answers.

The Role of SURE-P As an instrument of nation-wide intervention development strategy.

In its decision to remove oil subsidy, the Federal Government set up a subsidy withdrawal organ (SURE-P) which is to use the proceeds for financing development projects nationwide While each state is free to use its own share for projects of its choice, the federal share is to cover the whole federation in key areas. SURE-P, in concept, coverage, and policy implementation discriminates against the Southwest, especially the Core Southwest as shown in SURE-P documentation.

Item 2.9 List of Road Projects: of the 1,326km roads, the 295km allocated to SW/SS covers BeninOre-Sagamu dual carriage way. It should be observed that the BeninOre-Sagamu dual carriage way has always been in the annual federal budget for the past 20 years. The NATION of Saturday 16th February 2013 page 6 has the story that the Federal Government has obtained fund from the SURE-P to construct the dualisation of Abuja-Benin

Road. Yet the federal authorities are aware of the appalling state of federal roads in middle and core S/ W (Ondo-Ekiti-Osun): Akure (Ondo State) to Ilesha in Osun State. The same is true of Iyamoye (Kwara State) to Omuo, Ikole, Ogotun in (Ekiti State) to Osun State. Ekiti State has the shortest federal roads in the federation and yet not one km of these roads is considered worthy.

Item E1:33 Irrigation Projects: 19 irrigation projects are listed with 4 going to NE, 3 for NW, 3 for SE and 3 for SS. The two listed for SW go to Ogun and Oyo State as if those are the only states in SW. The Ero Water Dam and Lake, covering 11kilometres in Ekiti State is one of the largest water/irrigation projects in Nigeria established at the same time as those listed above in other parts of the country which are to benefit from SURE-P. Why should it not qualify for SURE-P like others listed above?

Item E2:34 Rural and Urban Water Supply Projects: The little Osse mentioned in Ekiti State is put there merely to demonstrate federal presence and involvement. The Ero Water dam mentioned above can combine both irrigation for agriculture and water supply while Arinta Water falls should quality for tourism under the federal scheme. Item 36&37: Selected Power Projects: What is needed here from the Federal Government is a second 132/ 33KV power substation project in the northern part of Ekiti and the urgent completion of the on-going one which is no more adequate for the state capital not to talk of its adequacy for the whole state. If the Federal Government can embark on all these projects with or in addition to SURE-P funds, why is none of the federal roads as shown earlier in these core southwest not receiving federal attention?While our

legislators must continue to be vigilant and alive to their responsibility to the electorate, they must not underestimate the power of policy formulators who deliberately and mischievously plan and execute such policies of discrimination to their sectional advantage. That is why I appreciate the action and vigilance of Senator Femi Ojudu (Ekiti Central) in detecting the fraud in the 2013 budget proposal for road construction where one or two roads in other states were shown as Ekiti State roads.

Senator Femi Ojudu should go and take a critical look at the Dredging and Canalisation work at Ureje River under the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja. The contract was awarded for N1.2billion and reported to have been completed and paid for in 2010 whereas no work has been done on the site which is already overgrown with weeds. The contractor who quoted for N890 million for the job lost out.

I have at my disposal a list of 44 Water Pump Projects by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for Ekiti Local Government areas in the 2012 appropriation act which a detailed examination shows are mere repetition of previous years’ appropriation. Yet there is the impression that the projects for the bore holes have been executed and completed. That brings into question the role of Benin-Owena River Basin authority in Ekiti State development.

Walls have ears, windows have eyes.

MUYIWA IT’S YOUR DAY. With thanks to the Almighty God, here’s wishing my dear friend and brother, Chief Olumuyiwa Runsewe of Singafrique Engineering Ltd, Lagos, happy birthday as he celebrates the 65th of his glorious and chequered life today. Long may you live in great health, my brother.

Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Tunji

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

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AZARUS must have been green with envy hearing that Mrs. Patience Jonathan was in the valley of the shadow of death for one week. We had thought that Lazarus’s had been an unbroken record, having stayed only four days in the grave before Jesus Christ came and woke him up. But our president’s wife has broken that record. Although she acknowledged that she is not Lazarus, she nonetheless made public the miracle that God has done in her life at the thanksgiving service to mark her return from the ‘land of her ancestors’: “I am not Lazarus but my experience was similar to his own. My doctors said all hope was lost …It was God himself in His infinite mercy that said I would return to Nigeria. God woke me up after seven days”.

Never mind that her aides had merely told us she went abroad to rest. One would have thought we had more than enough rooms to rest in the country. Even if we don’t have one befitting the status of the First Lady of the Federal Republic, what stops us from awarding billion naira contracts for construction of worldclass rest rooms in the Villa? Anyway, she left without a tangible word to hold on to for those of us who were concerned, and rightly so, for her whereabouts. When we were persistent in trying to get something from the government concerning this, one of her aides was almost angry with nosey newsmen who kept asking about when madam would return from her trip. He asked them whether

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

Oyinkan Medubi 07057012862 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

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HERE is a regular, beer-parlour joke about marriage and it goes thus. In marriage, the priest usually intones, ‘a man shall leave his mother and father and shall cling to his wife with whom he shall become one’. Yes, a much beleaguered man replies to his neighbour, the question is which one. True, when two people decide to come together in a marital union, it is all you can do to stop yourself from pulling one or the other aside and asking in consternation, have you quite thought this through? Listen, what you’re about to do will not only land you in hot soup, you will even have to cook it yourself. More importantly, in the history of the world, no perfect couple exists; indeed God is still looking for two people who agree on the brand of toothpaste to use.

So, with two people not being able to manage a marriage, here we are asking a country of different nationalities to manage their contrived and greatly multiplied ménage of strange bedfellows. Ha! This is why chaos rules in this land, ok! In this country of the deaf, lame and blind, all kinds of ideologies have come to play. Just listen here.

Currently, we have an ideology that says one for one, none for all. This enables every individual to get to positions of power and then use

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Patience Jonathan’s second chance We will soon be told that’s an assurance of same for her husband in 2015? she was his mate that she would take the trouble to disclose such vital information to him!

Yet, not a few persons had accused the presidency of lying on this issue.

But it is wrong to accuse the presidency of lying because the presidency cannot lie. It merely amended the truth, by saying that Mrs. Jonathan had only gone to rest abroad, following the rigours of the 2011 elections and after hosting the African Ladies Forum, when in actual fact the woman was already having a tete-a-tete with her ancestors and would have been admitted to the league of Saints Triumphant but for Divine intervention.

Anyway, we should thank God for Patience Jonathan’s life because it is not all the time that people who die ‘resurrect’. As a matter of fact, Yoruba people would warn that no one should play with fainting because many people who did never had the privilege of returning to this world; by the time they woke up from their expensive joke, they did so in the great beyond. That is particularly so if the people involved were Muslims. But that was not the portion of our First Lady; glory be to God. Since what the president’s wife

experienced was a rarity, she must know that God has a purpose for bringing her back to life. Even in Yoruba mythology, when someone dies prematurely, it is believed that he or she would be sent back to earth at the border between the earth and heaven. So, for Mrs. Jonathan to have been sent back to life meant she had an unfinished business which the heavens wanted her to complete.

Many of those who claimed to have had the same experience returned to tell us tales about what the other side looks like.

So, did Mrs. Jonathan see any vision for Nigeria throughout her ordeal as a dead person? Or, what precisely did she see? Did she see any of our departed elder statesmen while she was dead? Are they on the same side with Father Abraham or are they on the other side? Are they happy with the way we are?

Are they looking back at what we are doing in the country, or they have completely abandoned us as a lost cause? Are they impressed with her husband’s style of governance?

Did madam see Lazarus whose record she has just beaten?

While madam is preparing her answers to these questions and probably more, I can imagine the kind

‘How many of us in Mrs Jonathan’s shoes will succumb to death just like that, leaving behind all the opulence of Aso Rock Villa, and Jonathan another Eve married? Where were such Eves all the years that they ‘siddon look’? I can imagine Death itself fleeing in the course of the battle to take Mrs Jonathan’s life, lest it got demystified in the process.’

of fierce battle she would have had with that ultimate leveller, Death. To be quite frank, how many of us in Mrs Jonathan’s shoes will succumb to death just like that, leaving behind all the opulence of Aso Rock Villa, and Jonathan another Eve married?

Where were such Eves all the years that they ‘siddon look’? I can imagine Death itself fleeing in the course of the battle to take Mrs Jonathan’s life, lest it got demystified in the process. Remember the story of Jacob who wrestled with an angel all night until the angel succumbed before daybreak, so that human beings and angels would not meet.

But to have been dead for one week is not a child’s play; as a matter of fact, Mrs. Jonathan should write about her experience and she will make billions from the title/s. Imagine all the big people who would run over themselves to drop their cheques at the launch! I am surprised people are not yet putting congratulatory advertisements in the media over Madam’s speedy recover (pardon my Sir Shina Peters’ expression) from the dead. Yet, some people who never like people in power would not rejoice with our first family. Indeed, I saw some of them on my way to the General Post Office in Ikeja, Lagos, last Monday, who were speaking blasphemy about the report that Mrs. Jonathan said she was raised from the dead after seven days. They were querying why that had to be our problem when neither ‘the woman’ nor her handlers told us why she was taken abroad in the first place. How then does her thanksgiving make such big news? I literally took off from the scene because such careless talk in those days of military rule could land one in Gashua. Thank God

for democracy.

In the lighter mood, when people return from Mecca, we call them Alhaji or Alhaja. In the same vein, when people return from Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, we know they are called Justices of the Peace (JP).

Now that our First lady has just returned from the valley of the shadow of death, how do we refer to her to distinguish her from people who merely fainted or were in a trance?

But Mrs. Jonathan said something that was not funny; she said that some of her aides, thinking she was dead, had already started selling some of her personal effects. This is something that is common among the ordinary folks and one would have thought that is an affliction to be found only among them. Now that we have seen that the rich also suffer such affliction, it might be interesting to know how the president’s wife has been coping with such aides with itchy palms, who were not honest over little things. Are they also having a second chance or they have already been jailed, while awaiting prosecution?

And, talking about second chance, I guess that would be the new song in the country for some time to come.

As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised if very soon someone comes up with the ingenious idea that since God was kind enough to give the First Lady a second chance, then, the First Citizen’s second chance is already signed and sealed in heaven; it is only waiting to be delivered, come 2015.

But on a very serious note, two fundamental questions remain to be answered in spite of the celebrations, the thanksgiving and all. The first is what was Mrs. Jonathan’s ailment?

And the second is how much it cost the taxpayer?

Time to rethink Nigeria, I think When I heard about the N195 billion fraud, I just thought, where is Michael Jackson to sing ‘This is it!’? Anything after this I think will make Nigerians leave Nigeria for this government. that position for himself, family and group against the interests of the overall majority. Then there is another ideology that says some for one, none for all. By this, every individual is constrained to defend his or her tribal kinsman against the interests of the national majority. Finally, there is the strangest of all the ideologies: all for one, yet none for all.

This permits all individuals to worship another individual who has elevated himself to the national common hood of thievery at the great expense of the vast and silenced majority.

In all of history, no rat, elephant or lion has ever been known to adopt any of these ideologies for its own survival. It is not just because they have no pockets to hide things in, nor is it because they cannot open bank accounts to hide money in; it is more because I think they have not been able to throw away the sense of decency that God wrote into their genes in the way some Nigerians have thrown theirs over the shoulder. This is why a lion might kill to eat, but would hardly kill for hoarding or sport; a rat might hoard one or two things but believe me, it only takes things people don’t need or miss.

I am thinking about the leaders in Nigeria who manage to show the entire world how not to manage exalted public positions. Take the example of the most recent storybreak in the land involving hundreds of billions of Naira. The story is so nauseating its worse than cholera. Indeed it’s an outbreak that makes you go, ‘Yuk, what kind of

country is this where people do what even animals don’t condescend to do?’ What is an individual doing with hundreds of billions of Naira, feeding?

When we heard the story of the fellow who was alleged to have pilfered over twenty billion from the police pension funds, I reported here that it had me whistling in astonishment. When I heard recently how a certain chieftain of the Pensions Reform Task force, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, was said to have made away with something between one hundred and ninetyfive to four hundred billion naira, pension funds of a group of people, I could no longer whistle. My lips puckered but nothing came out, especially when we heard he had been allowed to escape from the country with his loot. I just kept thinking, where is Michael Jackson to sing ‘This is it!’? This has got to be it. Anything after this I think will make Nigerians leave Nigeria for this government. Well, it would have failed to arrest the slide into total abyss, would it not?

Anyway, I think it is not a normal situation that a citizen would fail to appear before the legislature, no matter their character, in defiance of the national law; it is not a normal situation for a police chief to be asked and fail to arrest the said citizen in spite of the fact that he was within the country and enjoying the fresh air of the same country he so flagrantly betrayed; it is certainly not a normal situation for the police chief to not be able to arrest any citizen in the land.

I remember writing something in the papers a few years ago that displeased the police and I assure you, they located me all right in the little corner of the little city I lived in then.

You have to agree that the situation begs for both questions and answers; I think it actually begs for more questions than answers. Why is it possible for such gargantuan levels of fraud and stealing to continue to take place? And as we look on, before our very eyes, why are the figures rising? Why are we now so helpless, police and all, if indeed we are? Have we completely gone bereft of our senses? Are there not enough things to use such monies for so that generations to come can bless us: an efficient rail transport system for the nation, electricity in every village including mine, public water flowing through every pipe in the land, a co-ordinated waste evacuation system in all the cities ... people, there is so much to do with money in the country that this is just not the time to go diverting it.

The problem with this country from the start has been the strange set of ideologies adopted by leading individuals in the course of our history and across the land. With our lips, every one of us has paid homage to a ‘new Nigeria’ but we have all failed to go to work creating one. A new, indivisible Nigeria, with a ‘non-negotiable unity’ requires selflessness, an ideology that, apparently, none is ready to adopt.

So, rethinking Nigeria for new-

ness involves three simple steps.

First, we must change our national ideology. The ideology of selfishness must be replaced by selflessness. This is where everyone brings into the national purse his/her talents and resources in order to add and construct, not to take and destroy. The habit of destroying, knowing that regional, ethnic and even religious group adhesions would readily give support to individuals in case of prosecution, remains one of the most serious poisons working against this country.

Secondly, there must be a new set of ethos to replace the current one which appears to give nearly every Nigerian the droit de seigneur over other Nigerians in his/her post. People easily forget that they are working for the public and get too carried away by all the power in the office.

The greatest abusers of traffic laws are the police drivers, and drivers of state functionaries, including governors, lawmakers and those from government house. As a member of a sadly small but still sane community in Nigeria, whenever I have seen a government vehicle on the roads, I have given them right of way. That way, I ensure I get back home.

This complete disregard for the law will not profit anyone in the long run. For us to rethink Nigeria, there must be a new regard for the law and this can only happen when leaders retain objectivity. Allowing someone who has committed such a financially heinous crime to escape is tantamount to allowing expediencies to drive the government. Evil portends evil.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

MISCELLANY

A FAREWELL TO FEAR People clash with riot police during a demonstration to demand jobs for the unemployed, against government austerity measures and alleged corruption of Spanish politicians in front the regional Parliament, in Pamplona, northern Spain. Photo: AP

She may be handing back that CBE soon

•Osama

Merchants of death scared of death

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hey love to blow others to bits with crude IEDs. But despite the promise of 72 dark-eyed virgins awaiting them in Paradise, it turns out the terrorists are themselves in no hurry to quit this sinful world. A document containing al-Qaeda's 22 tips for dodging drone attacks has been found in a building abandoned by Islamists in Mali. One of the 22 tips advises the killers who find a drone on their tail to “hide under thick trees because they are the best cover against the planes.”

Cowering under trees-a sure mark of bravery!

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ESTSELLING British author, Hilary Mantel, by Queen Elizabeth 11 in her 2006 Birthday honours list with the award of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her contributions to English literature.

The Royals must be wondering if they didn't make a mistake back then following Mantel's recent unprovoked attack on the popular Princess Katherine. In a

•Mantel

More Papal conspiracy theories

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The pot and the kettle

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e should have left well enough alone. The former lead detective in the case of murder involving South African Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius, Hilton Botha was himself taken off case he was charged with seven counts of attempted murder It emerged that Botha, who had given an unconvincing performance in the witness stand on Wednesday, and two other police officers are accused of drunkenly firing shots at a minibus carrying seven passengers in October 2011.

The case had previously been dropped but the charges against Botha were reinstated on Wednesday, as he argued before Pretoria magistrates court for Pistorius to be denied bail. The longserving officer is due to appear in court in May. One suspected murderer making the case against another suspected murderer.

recent piece she declared Kate to be a 'machine-made' princess, 'designed by committee and built by craftsmen', a 'shop window mannequin' with a 'perfect plastic smile and the spindles of her limbs hand-turned and glossvarnished'! Ouch!

Here's a picture of the rather ample Madame Mantel, and the fragile Katherine Middleton. Judge for yourselves.

•Pope Benedict

E have certainly not heard the last of the circumstances that led to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. An Italian newspaper is claiming the Pope took his decision to resign after receiving a "potentially explosive" report that revealed a network of high-ranking gay clergy inside the Vatican.

According to La Repubblica, Pope Benedict XVI decided to quit on 17 December the same day he received a dossier revealing a faction of gay prelates.

The Pope's spokesman has declined to confirm or deny the claims.

Commissioned by Benedict himself, the dossier is said to have been prepared by Cardinals Julian Herranz, Salvatore De Giorgi and Josef Tomko, the former chief of the Vatican's secret services.

The three cardinals were delegated to look into the so-called 'Vatileaks' affair, after the Pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele, was arrested and charged last May with stealing and leaking papal correspondence that depicted the Vatican as a seething hotbed of intrigue and infighting.

Moonwalk for Morsi

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aving tried and failed to violently overthrow him in recent weeks through street protests, Egyptian opposition groups desperate to get rid of President Mohamed Morsi, are becoming more creative. The April 6 Youth Movement - one of the major protest groups responsible for leading the 2011 uprising that toppled former dicta-

tor Hosni Mubarak has entered the country's Islamist president's name in an online drawing for a trip to space!

On its Facebook page, April 6 Movement wrote of the contest, “For sure no one in the universe can put up with blatant lies, reneging on promises except for the brotherly people of the moon.” Here's wishing the president bon voyage!

•Kate Middleton

POLITICS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Ogun PDP: Has peace come at last?

•Obasanjo

•Tukur

The national leadership of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has of late taken drastic steps to resolve the intricate crises bedevilling its Ogun State chapter. In this report, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, examines the development and wonders if peace has returned to the party.

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HE Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is irked by a lack of generally accepted leadership that can unite its distraught followers and reposition the party as the strongest opposition party in the state that it ought to be.

But following last week’s sweeping decisions by the national leadership of the party, which gave recognition to one of the warring factional state executives and sacked some National Working Committee members from the southwest in obeisance to a court order, analysts say it is possible that peace may have finally returned to the embattled party.

The national leadership had withdrawn its recognition of the state executive led by Senator Dipo Odujinrin.

In its stead, the Adebayo Dayo-led committee was pronounced the authentic leadership of the PDP in Ogun State. The action, according to some party chieftains, will help to douse the raging battle among the factions.

Those sacked from office were the National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha, and the National Vice-Chairman (SouthWest) Mr. Segun Oni. While Mustapha was replaced with Fatai Adeyanju, the NWC set up a caretaker committee to replace Oni’s southwest executive committee.

The decision to remove these officers were taken at the meeting held in Abuja on Thursday by members of the National Working Committee. The meeting was presided over by the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Citing the outcome of a series of suits filed on the last nationwide congress of the party, amongst which include FHC/ L/CS/1248/2011, FHC/L/CS/282/2012 and FHC/L/CS/347/2012, the PDP said: “That the Executive Committee constituted for the PDP in Ogun State at

congresses, conducted by the Bashorun Dayo Soremi-led harmonised executive committee for the wards, local governments and in the state in March 2012, are valid executive council of the party at the various levels in Ogun State and are entitled to their four-year tenure.

‘That the PDP is to organise a fresh South-West Zonal Congress at which access is to be given to delegates elected at congresses conducted by or under the supervision of the Soremi-led Ogun State Executive and accept the candidacy, for offices zoned to Ogun State, of only the persons nominated at the said congresses for the said offices.

‘That the South-West Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, conducted in March 2012, is nullified.’

The party said it took the decisions after much deliberation on the various crises rocking the party in the southwest.

‘The decision is a good move and we are hoping that it will be the beginning of a new era in Ogun PDP. With the recognition of the authentic leadership as directed by the law court, I am optimistic that members of the party will now have a sense of direction and those on the other side will have no choice than to embrace the new era.

“Respect for the rule of law is one major ingredient of democracy and I am sure these developments will really help us in Ogun PDP to find the much needed path to peace. There cannot be a better time for this to happen. I just want all our people to take advantage of this opportunity to return our great party to greatness,’ Pegba Otemolu, a chieftain of the party, said.

But some chieftains of the party do not share Otemolu’s optimism. In fact, some argue that the development is an affront on certain leaders of the party and is bound to create more problems within

the troubled party.

Tunde Oladunjoye, deputy gubernatorial aspirant of the party in the 2011 governorship election in the state, sees the removal of the Odujinrin-led executive as a direct attack on the person of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The former council boss, who made his opinion known in several posts he sent out through the social media immediately the announcement was made, posited that an end to the crisis rocking the party is nowhere in sight.

Since the run up to the 2011 general election, the party has been struggling to enshrine some form of decorum and harmony amongst its many factions. Three major factions have been battling for the control of the party in the state. The fierce struggle among these contending forces has left the party worse off.

While the Adebayo Dayo and Senator Dipo Odujinrin factional state executive committees have fought fiercely in and out of the courtrooms to determine which is the authentic leadership of the party in the state, another faction loyal to former governor Gbenga Daniel is daily adding to the confusion within the fold with its frantic effort to be allowed to return to the party it left way back in 2011.

The Dayo faction, which all along is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is backed by bigwigs, including party financier Buruji Kashamu. The Odujirin-led faction, which before now enjoyed the support of the PDP headquarters, is alleged to be loyal to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Both factions, which suspended each other recently, have expended more energy on the raging supremacy tussle than repositioning the party, following its woeful performance in the 2011 election. The consequence is that much effort was concentrated on crisis

resolution within the party.

The Daniel faction, which defected to the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), wants to return to the PDP. The party is clearly divided over the matter. A section believes that the return of Daniel’s men may reduce the influence of certain party chieftains. But the national leadership of the party and the presidency is believed to be favourably disposed to Daniel’s return.

While Jonathan and Tukur see the former governor as an asset that should be courted back into the party, the two warring factions in the state have maintained that the former governor worked against the party in the 2011 election and as such does not deserve an easy return to PDP in Ogun State.

Speaking on the recognition of his faction and the way forward for the PDP in Ogun State, Dayo said with the replacement of imposition with justice and democracy by the national leadership of the party, the PDP in Ogun State is back on the path to greatness.

‘The situation is that for a very long time, dictatorship has been reigning in many areas, not only in our party but all over Nigeria. But this time around, our party sat down, we had a lot of deliberations and they decided that the only way out is to have a very clean party by following the rule of law.

“So, the rule of law has prevailed. Our party does not want any imposition. We want to have a very clean internal democracy. That is what is happening now. What I can assure you is that once again, our party is back in the road to greatness,” he said.

But will the other factional leaders close ranks with Dayo to accelerate the obviously very long walk to Ogun PDP’s return to political reckoning? Time, and only time will tell.

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Politics

Yoruba marginalisation:

Myth or reality?

I

T started like a subtle complaint. Not many people gave it a thought. But in no time it assumed the dimension of an agitation. That was when Nigerians started paying attention to what was then an emerging issue. Today, the issue of Yoruba marginalisation is nothing short of a burning national issue with more and more people lending voice to the raging debate.

First, it was the Afenifere Renewal Group that formally called for discussion on the issue a few months ago. A few days after that, a group of older Yoruba professionals and politicians, held a press conference and reeled out details of efforts by the Jonathan regime to neglect and relegate Yoruba interests to the back burner of Nigeria’s socioeconomic process.

Shortly after that, a delegation from the zone visited President Goodluck Jonathan to complain about non-inclusion of Yoruba politicians in top-notch positions in his government. Though the delegation met with the President, it was not clear what was achieved with the trip as the allegation of a systematic marginalisation of the Southwest continued long after the team returned home.

Checks by The Nation revealed that the alleged relegation of the Yoruba is not just about the composition of the federal government. Concerns are also being raised about how the region is left out of appointments in several agencies at the federal level.

Comrade Soji Korodo of the Oodua Liberation Movement (OLM) said. “A situation where the total appointment for the entire Southwest falls short of those of a certain states speaks of either a deliberate effort to ignite ethnic resentment or a glaring outcome of total collapse of coordination in the machinery and records of government.

“Available data indicates that the Yoruba have lost more than half of their appointive positions since former President O l u s e g u n Obasanjo left office.

This is why we are alleging that this is a deliberate attempt to shortchange us for reasons best known to the people perpetrating this.

“Obviously, the situation is not due to lack of qualified and experienced men and women of integrity in their numbers and quality across all spheres of human endeavour in the Southwest.”

However, there are others who saw nothing in the allegation of being marginalised, as claimed by Yoruba leaders. According to this school of thought, the situation is not as bad as ARG painted it.

“It is bad sportsmanship for the Southwest to claim • Gbonigi

Elders and leaders of the Southwest geo- political zone have been complaining of glaring marginalisation of the Yoruba in today’s Nigeria. In this report, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, takes a fresh look at the claims it is being marginalised now. This is a zone that was in the presidency for eight years just a couple of years ago. Aside the presidency, the Yoruba occupied several other juicy positions for years. Nigeria is not for one tribe and it should be understandable that these things will move round all the federating units. That is the principle of rotation. That is what is keeping us together as a nation,” Sanni Abba Yerima, a chieftain of the Northern Union said.

Yerima, who was quick to remind the Southwest that the position of Speaker was zoned to the region by the ruling party but was lost because the zone voted for the opposition party, added that the issue of marginalisation is being championed by politicians who failed in their bid to corner certain positions in the current dispensation.

But for a fact, no Yoruba man occupies any of the top six political positions in the country. This forms a major grouse of those promoting the allegation that the region has been shut out of the nation’s power corridor. These top six positions and how they are currently distributed are as follows: President (Southsouth); Vice President (Northwest); Senate President (Northcentral); Speaker (Northwest); Deputy Senate President (Southeast) and Deputy Speaker (Southeast) It is also instructive to know that cur-

rently, the Chief Justice of Nigeria is from the Northwest; Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF), Southeast; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Northeast; Chief of Staff to the President (COS-P), Southsouth; Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, Southeast; Chairman Police Service Commission, Southsouth; National Security Adviser (NSA), Northwest. Non of these is a Yoruba.

“It is so bad that there is no Yoruba person in the CJN succession radar for the next ten years,” a judiciary source said.

Findings by The Nation also revealed that there is no Yoruba man among the chairmen of the 10 key federal agencies listed in section 153 of the constitution. These bodies include Code of Conduct Bureau (Northeast) and the Federal Character Commission(North central) The others are Federal Civil Service Commission( Southeast); Independent National Electoral Commission( Northwest); Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission(Southeast); Independent Corrupt Practices and Allied Offences Commission( Southsouth); Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(Northeast) This was the situation when some Yoruba elders met recently in the rocky city of Ibadan, Oyo State, to once again take another look at the place of their race in the nation’s political configuration. And by the

•Adebanjo

time they were through, it was no longer easy to believe that the issue of Yoruba marginalisation is being raised by a few politicians.

At the end of the February 7, 2013 meeting, the gathering, which had eminent sons and daughters of Yorubaland across party and religious divides, unanimously submitted that the people of Southwestern Nigeria have been shortchanged in the scheme of things politically.

In what can best be described as a collective lamentation of woe, the leaders rose with a demand that what they described as the socio-political marginalisation of the Yoruba race should stop forthwith.

The current situation was worrisome for the elderly men and women that gathered that day. The leaders, under the auspice of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), buttressed their position with examples of how the race has been less favoured in the sharing of leadership positions at the federal level, especially in the current dispensation where, according to them, a Yoruba man was not considered good enough to occupy any of the first 10 leadership positions in the country.

The gathering also lamented how the Yoruba race has allegedly been sidelined in the distribution of appointments into Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs of the federal government.

• Falae

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

•Olajumoke

Leading lights of the race who were part of the Ibadan declaration included Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Senator Kofoworola BucknorAkerele, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, Chief Olu Falae, Sen. Tony Adefuye and Dr. Kunle Olajide.

Others were; Chief Charles Ekundayo, Chief Akin Omojola, Alhaji Rasak Folunso Chief Yemi Falade, Mr. Tola Noibi, Chief Biola Ogundokun, Chief Dipo Jimilehin; Prof. Adenike Grange, Chief Biola Ogundokun, Chief Dipo Jimilehin; Chief Akin Omojola, among others.

According to Professor Grange, the pedigrees as well as the important positions held previously and currently by those at the meeting served as reminders of a once glorious past of a race that was always in the forefront of the socio-political development of the country.

Speaking to The Nation on the issue, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, who convened the Ibadan meeting, regretted that the marginalisation of the Southwest geo-political zone in the distribution of political positions was an attempt to relegate the zone in the federation.

“There is no argument about whether we are being marginalised or not. It is a fact with evidences all over the place for us all to see. What we are witnessing now is very painful, particularly for people of my age. And this is happening because some of us are very selfish because we do things only because of money.

“Take a good look and show me a Yoruba man in any of the apex positions like the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Federation, Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Acting President, Court of Appeal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, National Security Adviser and Head of Service of the Federation.

“You will find none and we say we jointly own the country. It has never been this bad. The degree of marginalisation of the Southwest zone borders on attempts to excise the zone out of the federation,” the retired Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese said.

But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, said the political leadership of the

Politics

•Bucknor-Akerele

Southwest is to blame for the marginalisation of Yoruba people, not President Jonathan.

“The issue of marginalisation of the Southwest was a political misadventure and political accident, brought about by the Yoruba themselves. If you would recollect, the Yoruba were supposed to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which is the number four position in Nigeria.”

“But due to the political mishandling of the leadership of the Yoruba and also the sabotage of the Yoruba people by the Yoruba leadership, I am talking about the people in the political party now, the Yoruba people in the opposition conspired against the Yoruba people and allowed the position to be taken away. That is the beginning of marginalisation.

“You see, when people sit down to share what is not enough and you don’t have anybody to speak for you, there is a

“

‘We have the details of the situation which we intend to present to the President. It is as if the Southwest has been excised from the country. If you look at all the top political positions and appointments in the country, it is not hard to see that Southwest has been marginalised in this administration.

”

21

•Adefuye

problem,” he said.

However, Senator Femi Okunrunmu, chieftain of the Yoruba Unity Forum wants the issue of Yoruba marginalisation to be taken very seriously in the interest of the country.

He is of the opinion that the President should promptly address the matter.

“We met with Jonathan to complain about the marginalisation of Yoruba, but he has not done anything about it. So, we have decided to pay him another visit. We have already made our intention known to the Presidency. We are now waiting for the President to give us an appointment.

“We have the details of the situation which we intend to present to the President. It is as if the Southwest has been excised from the country. If you look at all the top political positions and appointments in the country, it is not hard to see that Southwest has been marginalised in this ad•Olajide ministration.

“Check from number one, which is the President, to number 15, you won’t find a Yoruba person there. Look at the people controlling the economy, the finance minister, the Central Bank Governor, no Yoruba person is there. The first lawyers in this country were Yoruba. Today, Yoruba are marginalised in the judiciary.

In the National Assembly, the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yoruba people are not in leadership position. It is bad.

It’s as if Yoruba are not wanted,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, another prominent Yoruba leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, said the present arrangement is very unfair to the Southwest. He added that even in the distribution of projects like the repair of federal roads in the country, the Southwest is being marginalised.

‘While others would be enjoying roads built with money from our national treas-

ury, we, in the Southwest will have to pay for the repairs of the federal roads in our region as our own federal roads are given out to concessionaires who would collect toll from users.

“The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway concession is an example. That is unfair. Why are there not roads under concession in the North, Southeast and Southsouth?

Yoruba people have been marginalised,” he said.

“While Okurounmu and people like him continue to wait on Jonathan to address the alleged undue shortchanging of the Yoruba in the scheme of things today, the agitation for an immediate solution continues among several other groups and individuals who daily remember the glorious days gone by when the region held its own in the comity of federating units in the country.

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Politics

‘Leaders demand restructuring, national conference’ Leaders from Igbo land and some others outside the zone, took another look at the sociopolitical and economic fortunes of Nigeria when they met at the 14th National Conference of Igbo Youth Movement in Enugu and contended that only restructuring, achieved through a National Conference, can save Nigeria. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, presents the highlights

E

MINENT Nigerians, who gathered last week’s Saturday at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, at the 14th National Convention of the Igbo Youth Movement, (IYM), may not have expected the current verbal crossfire, especially from the presidency, when they alleged symptoms of a failing state and demanded that only restructuring would save Nigeria.

They had also called for convocation of a national conference before 2015 general elections to save the perceived ‘collapsing nation.’

But throughout the week, verbal arsenals from government officials and presidential aides are indications that the country’s seat of power is not taking kindly the suggestions from the political leaders and elders.

The IYM convention, tagged; ‘National Conference before 2015 Elections, Only Roadmap to a Truly Greater Nigeria,’ had in attendance, elder statesmen and leaders of thought from Igbo land and featured speakers from the zone and some other parts of the country.

Distinguished speakers at the well attended event included, Prof.

Ben Nwabueze, General Alani Akinrinade, Col. Joe Achuzie, Amb. Joseph Ayalogu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Sen. Ben Obi, Col. Ben Gbulie, Chief Solomon Asemotah, Chief Dipo Famakinwa, Chief Michael Orabator, Chief Ayo Afolabi, Rev. Ukandu Ucheya, Chief Kunle Famoriyo, Prof. Mark Odu, Prince Emeka Onyesoh, Chief Toke Benson Awoyinka and Mazi Obinna Obi. In his remarks, the National President of IYM, Evangelist Eliot Ukoh, said the choice of the theme became necessary because, according to him, “the survival of Nigeria as one indivisible nation is blinking.” Elliot added that though the Igbo youths believe in one Nigeria, they know that “such would not be effective without a restructuring of the country.”

Chairman of the occasion and renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze, also said the “convocation of a national conference is overdue.” The elder statesman added that there are so many variables indicating that Nigeria

• Nwabueze

is on the verge of becoming a failed state, pointing out, therefore that only a national conference can bring Nigeria back. He also warned that if proactive steps are not taken to checkmate the impending danger, like convocation of a national conference before 2015, “the country might head to the rock.”

‘This country is on the verge of becoming a failed state. There are so many failed states in Africa and Nigeria is on the verge of getting to that status of a failed state.

More than any other contribution, Nwabueze’s assertion that Nigeria is exhibiting signs of a failed state has been a subject of debate since then. The presidency in particular is not amused by the assertion. So, soon after the meeting in Enugu, presidential spokesmen did not hesitate to reject the assertion that symptoms of a failed state are manifesting in the Nigerian state.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, in his reaction, was decisively combative when he described Nwabueze’s comments as “irresponsible” and “unpatriotic.”

He contended that “available facts and figures do not suggest anything near a failed state in the country.”

In his words: “A failed state is where there is erosion of legitimate authority, where there is instability and the country cannot afford to provide public services like the provision of light, good roads, water supply and security services.

“In Nigeria, there is a serving national and state Assemblies providing quality legislative services and issuing out good and quality legislations for the good governance of the country and the states.

But the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alani Akinrinade and Col. Joe Achuzie (rtd), who also spoke at the Enugu event, said the situation in the country had gone so bad that the present leaders must go beyond rhetoric and seek solution to “what has obviously become a complex problem for the country.”

Akinrinade, who attributed the problem of the country to the constitution which was handed over to us by the military, insisted that a democratic nation state like Nigeria cannot be ruled by military fiat. He was of the view that efforts should be made to prepare acceptable and workable constitution for the nation by Nigerians themselves.

Achuzie pointed out that the existence of many nations within the country was becoming a major

threat to its continued existence as one nation, explaining that the national conference would help in addressing the challenge.

“Unless we go back and convene a national conference where all the ethnic nationalities will say how they will co-exist, there will be no movement forward. Something must be done to rescue the situation,” he said.

Former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, said the IYM’s call for national conference was faultless. “I agree with IYM that Nigeria must have a national dialogue, “if not for anything else, after 100 years of our existence, we should be able to talk about ourselves, we will remain together but we have to understand ourselves.”

Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN, in his contribution, said “the constitution we are operating now is very defective. Even the National Assembly has agreed to that and that’s why 60 areas have been short-listed for amendment.

But the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, in his speech said President Goodluck Jonathan and indeed the federal government was not against the convocation of a National Conference, but that the agitators of such conference should organise themselves and meet with both the president and the leaders of the National Assembly.

“We’ve all agreed to a national conference but at this time, we should be able to go beyond calling for national conference and initiate action towards realising same. Even the president himself has never said he is opposed to the conference but we need the right calibre of men and women to go to Abuja and demand from both the president, who is heading the executive and Senator David Mark, who is heading the legislature, on the need to convoke a national conference.

Prof. Mark Odu, in a paper presented at the occasion, titled: ‘Ndigbo: Identity crisis has ended,” said “only people who are relevant to a people will lead them from here on, just as the era of cash and carry politics is at an end and our identity, born of our history, should dictate our trajectory.

‘Ndigbo should have no other identity crisis to move on in Nigeria. They should just make up their minds about what is right, proper and in the general good of Nigeria and use their population to move Nigeria there,” he said.

Other eminent Nigerians in attendance, included Chief Guy Ikoku and Prof. Felix Oragwu.

Prospects for Igbo president of Nigeria in 2015 I T was not by mere conjecture or political gamble that the United Progressive Party (UPP) resolved to zone the presidential ticket of the party for the 2015 presidential election to the Igbo people of the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The decision to hand over the presidential flag of UPP for the 2015 election to a credible and qualified Igbo person was borne out of a deep research and highly intellectual analysis of the potential but latent political movement of Nigerian masses which only the Igbo have the natural force to galvanise and lead.

Ndigbo: A minority with a unique majority political force (a) It is a fact of Nigeria’s man-made geo-political structure that the core Igbo people of Nigeria have been confined to five (5) out of Nigeria’s 36 states structure. Ndigbo have

BY Chekwas Okorie

for several decades lamented over this lopsided structure designed and executed by the military junta that ruled Nigeria after the Biafra Nigeria war which ended in 1970 or 43 years ago. This has left Nigerians, including some unwary Igbo people, with the erroneous impression that Ndigbo are the least populated ethnic group in Nigeria and therefore least likely to ever win any presidential election in Nigeria in a democratic contest.(b) It is also axiomatic and beyond any debate that Ndigbo constitute the second largest ethnic group in the remaining 31 states of Nigeria.

Put differently, Ndigbo are the largest minority group in all of the remaining 31 states of Nigeria.

Implicit in this unrivalled geographical spread in Nigeria is an intimidating political force

which can surmount any political obstacle in a democratic encounter for the presidency of Nigeria if effectively mobilised, deployed and managed. (c) It is unarguable that minority groups whether religious or ethnic share common experience and face the same kind of problems in the states of Nigeria where they are domiciled. Even where such groups are indigenous in those states, they remain victims of oppression for as long as they are in the minority.

Expectedly, these more vulnerable groups have always looked up to the larger minority group which is Igbo to lead them in a concerted effort for political protection from their majority overlords and oppressor It is only on the platform of a truly progressive political party that is insulated from the control and

ownership of cabals that can be trusted to mobilise over-whelming majority of Nigerians for an enduring political revolution in Nigeria

UPP as the solution The United Progressive Party (UPP), with the tiger head as its symbol, is a mass movement, pure, and unencumbered. There are no money bags, cabals, political godfathers laying claim to its ownership and control. Our party's progressive credential is unassailable.

Our candidates in all forthcoming elections shall emerge democratically, without the usual imposition of candidates that characterise other parties. UPP is the miracle of 2015. We are here to challenge the status quo and nothing shall be the same any more.

The people shall from the next general election take their destiny in their hand through the instrumentality of the United Progressive Party (UPP).

In UPP, what we need and that is what we are working for, is a coalition of progressive forces on the undiluted and untainted platform of the United Progressive Party to overthrow the forces of oppression and retrogression.

Nigerians must come to terms with the hard fact that the missing third leg in Nigeria's political tripodal sub-structure is fully resurrected through the United Progressive Party (UPP).

We are fortified and geared towards an epic democratic battle with reactionary forces.

Chief Okorie (Oje Ozi Ndigbo) is the National Chairman of United Progressive Party (UPP)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Politics

Political Politics

Ajimobi,Ladoja’spactcollapses Signs of a major crack in the political alliance between the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and a former governor of the state, Rashidi Ladoja, may likely alter the political dynamics in the pacesetter state ahead the 2015 general elections, reports Remi Adelowo

Merger: Redefining the territory

T •Ajimobi

• Ladoja

Apart from this, his actions and utterances of his party’s spokesman, Chief Dotun Oyelade, against almost every policy of the state government, has turned Ladoja into the main opposition figure in the state.

ment, the governor allegedly exploited his blood relationship with Ladoja (both are said to be cousins) to cut a deal.

Compromises were made by both sides. In the end, ACN produced the speaker in the person of Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, an indigene of Oyo town, while Accord got the deputy speakership slot. In addition, Accord nominated two of its members as commissioners and also got some local government chairmanship seats.

However, the governor’s deal with Ladoja allegedly did not go down well with some chieftains of his party, who were of the opinion that given a reversal of circumstances, Ladoja would have breached such an agreement. The Nation gathered that those opposed to the alliance were also said to have impressed it on the governor that alliance or no alliance, Ladoja’s ambition to return to the government house overrides any other consideration.

But the governor refused to bow to this pressure. According to sources close to him, he was never tired of telling critics of his action that his word to include members of the opposition in his government remains sacrosanct.

•Continued on Page 26

How the 2011 alliance was struck It was one election that was keenly contested. But in the end, Ajimobi, the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was declared the winner, beating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Adebayo Alao-Akala and Accord Party’s Ladoja to second and third places, respectively.

The State Assembly election was no different. The ACN won 13 seats, PDP got 11, while Accord clinched 10. According to sources, this scenario presented Ajimobi with no other choice but to reach an accord with Ladoja, who, according to his close associates, was approached by PDP leaders to work with the party in the election to produce the leadership of the state assembly.

For Ajimobi and his party, allowing PDP to produce the speaker would be akin to committing political suicide.

To ensure the stability of his govern-

Political

ripples Gbenga More petitions Daniel on the way and his politicking F

S

turf

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

I

T was ex-governor Rashidi Ladoja that fired the first salvo. In an interview with a national newspaper some weeks ago, he had accused incumbent governor, Abiola Ajimobi, of alleged poor performance in his close to two years in office.

Amongst other issues he raised in the interview, Ladoja was unsparing in his criticism of the Ajimobi-led administration’s urban renewal programme, infrastructural development policy, construction of a new five-star hotel in Ibadan, to mention but a few.

Response from the state government was swift. About two weeks ago, the State Executive Council, at the end of its weekly meeting, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return some properties belonging to the state that were allegedly seized from Ladoja in the wake of his arraignment in court sometime in 2009 for allegedly selling some shares belonging to the state government running into hundreds of millions of naira to private cronies.

For keen watchers of the state politics, Ladoja’s outbursts were not unexpected. Sources revealed that after initial procrastination, the former governor, following pressures from his supporters, may have made up his mind to challenge Ajimobi for the governorship seat in 2015.

In the last one year, Ladoja, who is the leader of Accord Party in the state, according to sources, has been busy strengthening his party’s structures across the 33 Local Government Areas in the state.

23

INCE he left office in 2011, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has been somewhat quiet on the political scene.

That may just be a façade, said a source. Reliable sources disclosed that Daniel has been a regular visitor to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he is said to enjoy unhindered access to President Goodluck Jonathan.

We gathered that this may be Daniel’s strategy of remaining relevant in Ogun State politics where he seems to be at loggerheads with some powerful stakeholders in the PDP. On the other hand, the former helmsman of Ogun State is also alleged to have instructed his supporters to move to the Labour Party ahead the 2015 elections. Talk of not putting one’s eggs in a single basket.

OLLOWING National Judicial Council’s recommendation for compulsory retirement of Hon. Justice C. E. Archibong of the Federal High Court, Lagos, and Hon. Justice T.D. Naron of the Plateau State High Court, after its investigations, there are fears in the bench that more petitions against many other judges are on the way.

The NJC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, took the decision on Wednesday at its emergency meeting held in Abuja.

Ripples gathered that many aggrieved politicians, who had lost one case or the other in rather controversial circumstanstances, besides hailing the council’’ ruling, have approached their counsels to scrutinize evidence available to them, with the view of firing fresh petitions to the judicial council

HE merger of parties standing in opposition to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, while still awaiting consummation, is already creating ripples in the right places. The PDP that has consistently boasted that it would rule the country for a minimum of 60 years is gradually accepting that there could be an earthquake that could cause an unprecedented change on the political scene.

Our political history bears eloquent testimony to the fact that alliances, mergers and coalitions have not worked, despite a demonstration that it is the way to go and clear indication that it is the wish of the people that there should be two broad political tendencies to allow for choice, previous attempts at combination of forces have always ended in grief.

The closest to success was at the inception of the current dispensation when the All Peoples Party and the Alliance for Democracy, having watched the electoral trend, decided strategically to combine efforts by producing a joint presidential ticket.

The parties decided to field Chief Olu Falae of AD on the platform of the APP. His running mate was a powerful voice in the caliphate and security circles, the Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi of the APP. They ran a good race but missed the mark mainly because the leaders had to adopt an emergency approach. They sought to change the rules while the game had commenced. The PDP had already been seen by the electorate as the only party capable of winning the election. It is not even clear if victory for the APP would have served the purpose of stability and development.

The All Progressives Congress initiative is certainly welcome. The leaders appear to have taken some lessons from previous experiments. First, it is gratifying that the moves are being made very early, at a time that the next general elections are still about two years away. Second, they have opted for a merger, rather than a quick-fix coalition that more often than not confuses the people. A merger appears organic. It reassures the electorate that the promoters are ready to do business and take risks.

Besides, the estranged elements in the ruling party are duly served notice about an alternative route to power. It is obvious that the only glue holding the PDP together today is the patronage power. The slogan “Share the Loot” is fitting for the conduct of its leaders. In almost 14 years, the party has provided rudderless leadership and beneficiaries of the pernicious arrangement foisted on the country by the military are held together by the greed for largesse of office. The other route has remained unattractive as the outcomes of the presidential election, year after year, were known before the votes were cast.

The APC, from what I have seen so far in these early days, could break the jinx. The leaders have to watch out especially for spooks that have been planted, at a price, by a ruling party that realises that a change is about being forced. Leaders of the {DP are not so dumb as to miss the frustration in the system. The youths are particularly restive and could go to any length to secure their future. They have realised that poverty and squalor speak a universal language.

The name APC brought vividly to my memory years of childhood when the APC tablet, along with Phensic, codeine and iodine were always in the family first aid box. Any child who gave indication of body pains would get a dose of codeine; phensic was the first choice to attack an early hint at fever. When phensic proved inadequate in tackling the crisis, the APC is called to action. Would this APC be as effective as the APC tablet of those days?

There is also the military hardware, Armoured Personnel Carrier. Until the National Party of Nigeria bought a number of those ferocious machines for the Police in the Second Republic, I had no knowledge they existed. To protect the rogue party in power, the APC were ordered to confront the opposition. But, the resolve of the people could not be so effectively checkmated. The voters who know the quality of governance they had got from the NPN over four years rose against the attempt to subvert their common will. The APCs could not save the Shagari regime.

In recent years, the APC has been called to action by state governors to combat the menace of armed robbery, especially in the South West. It has been largely successful So, to what action is the new APC being called: to work for or against the people? There are, indeed, many obstacles to scale. The legal, as we had pointed out in the earlier piece on this subject, is easier to surmount. The political hurdle requires much more tact, perseverance, partnership with the people and adept tackling of the ruling party. The bottom line is how the APC leaders go about coupling the party together. Do they have a story to tell? Can they manage to convince the people that they mean well and have a programme to sell? Have they done their homework in terms of what to do to jump start the economy? Can they manage to win the support of the youths all over the country? These are daunting tasks. The next six months would give us opportunity to see what this modern version of APC is?

Would it be as ubiquitous and effective as the tablet? We can only keep vigil at our posts?

24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

‘Ties between Nigeria and Australia have become beneficial’

Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, Nigeria High Commissioner in Australia spoke with Soji Omotunde in Canberra.

He believes that the key thing is for respective states and government to identify their comparative area of strength and tap into what Australia has to offer.

W

cific and very important areas. So, I think in a way, if you look into the context of exactly what is happening, that it is people who will affect a transformational agenda. I think Australia’s support for Nigeria in the context of these scholarship schemes for people who will belong in institutions is a very key and significant aspect in terms of support for the transformation agenda.

I agree with you; but being here in Australia, I’ve seen impressive developments - the good roads all over the place, organized cities, flourishing economy, good educational sector. What do you think should be done to make Nigeria benefit from this kind of relationship so that it won’t be just that Australia has this and Nigeria has that when even with a relationship we are not seeing things being practicalized? What should be done to attract more investors and investible funds from Australia, and maybe New Zealand, to other sectors?

Let me give a good example of how I think the ties between our two countries have become very beneficial for Nigeria and indeed of course that Nigeria can also continue on the development trajectory that will be able to rate high in context of vision and development.

A little background:

“

I’m happy to say that we are witnessing a continuous increase in the number of scholarships for Nigerians, so much so that from about 15 awards last year, we are looking at 31 for 2013 in various areas: postgraduate scholarships for students in the areas of mining, public sector, administration, education, conflict resolution, population, health and in the area of climate and environmental studies

“

HAT is your assessment of the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Australia?

Well, I can say that our ties are at a very high level. In fact, in diplomatic terms we can say at the highest level if you go by the various agreements which have been signed between Nigeria and Australia. President Goodluck Jonathan had an official visit to Australia in 2011 during which an agreement was signed between Nigeria and Australia for the establishment of the Australian-Nigeria Trade and Investment council. It was signed between President Jonathan and the Australia Prime Minister Julia Eileen Gillard. Then of course, we also have the agreement MOU at the level of two foreign ministers and I don’t think we can have it better than that; it encapsulates very cordial ties between our two countries With that relationship, what has been the result of the bilateral discussion between the President and the Prime Minister? That is, how far with the agreed Australia–Nigeria Trade Investment Council? What has happened to it? Or has it ended just like that?

It has not ended. I’m glad to say that the Australia – Nigeria Trade and Investment Council has been established already. There is a council on the Nigerian side and we conceived there will be a council in Perth. Perth is the capital of Western Australia which is one of the very strong mining states in Australia. In Nigeria, there is secretariat in Lagos which of course is up and running already. The function of these secretariats is to coordinate foreign investments in four strategic areas: mining, agriculture, financial services as well as energy.

Those are the four areas and I am glad to say that a lot is going on. Perhaps, maybe I can mention that in the area of mining, we have witnessed an increase in the number of Australian mining companies from about six to about 10 or 12 now in Nigeria, with total investment running close to about 20billion Australian dollars. A lot is already going on.

But we didn’t see much of Australian participation in the energy sector when PHCN was being sold. The expectation was that the country will be supporting more of the transformation agenda of President Jonathan administration, of which energy is a crucial part.

Why was Australia not really incorporated?

You may directly not have the big Australian energy companies. In the area of services and others, you have a lot of Australian companies that are involved; also in oil and gas too as well.

But apart from that, you mentioned the transformation agenda of Mr. President. I think there is a critical component to that - and that is capacity building as well as human resources development. That is reflected in the total number of scholarships Australia has awarded and given to Nigerians, especially both at the post-graduate level and the public service. I’m happy to say that we are witnessing a continuous increase in the number of scholarships for Nigerians, so much so that from about 15 awards last year, we are looking at 31 for 2013 in various areas: postgraduate scholarships for students in the areas of mining, public sector, administration, education, conflict resolution, population, health and in the area of climate and environmental studies - an array of spe-

Australia is the 13th richest country in the world in terms of GDP. The basic of course, the areas in terms of its wealth comes from mining, education, in the area of infrastructure development and of course area of science and technology, research and development. So much so that today, people talk about Australian technology as the vanguard. In the field of mining and development, I think one of the things that they have done and we can benefit from, and they are ready to cooperate with us is that mining in Australia is mining for development. It is not that you excavate resources and you leave the place like that; it is sustainable mining and like I said, mining is total in the context that when, take for example, there is iron ore deposits in some parts of Australia, they build railways, airports, airstrips and new towns. The new towns come in the sense of high developments with infrastructures, roads and

everything, which include clinics and every other thing. So it is total development and that is why it is called mining for development.

This is one of the areas of Australia’s mining sector which I think we can benefit from and I’m happy to say that the Australian government, especially the state of Western Australia has offered Nigeria a lot of scholarships and have agreed to partner with us.

Are we responding?

Of course we are responding in various ways. We are responding in sending students here to learn, to be able to work closely and be attached to state development department of Western Australia. There is also the international mining for development centre which was adequately supported by the Australian government. We have Nigerians who are in these institutions as well.

So there is a response; there is an exchange between the two of us to replicate the mining sector in Nigeria, which has a lot of potentials across the length and breadth of the country to help in terms of development, that yes, we can work closely with the Australians to be able to also replicate what they have done here. And I am also very happy that indeed, there is a specific conference which is now becoming widely known internationally: The African Mining Downunder Conference.

Nigeria regularly attends this conference and a lot of states have taken interest. It is a forum, an avenue where Australian miners and state government with people who are in mining and resources in Nigeria meet generally. We have been there regularly, and last year I can confirm to you that there has been indeed a follow up. A lot of Australians are interested because we have something like an investment forum during that conference and I’m very happy to say that many Australians responded to our call to come and see and some of them have just come back from Nigeria. They visited states like Zamfara, Kogi, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River and some other states as well to look at what exactly the potentials are.

One great potential of Nigeria is in the agricultural sector and I think agriculture here is successful too. Is there anything being done specially beyond mining?

Yes. The agricultural sector is also an area of interest. Like I said, if you look at the agreement just signed between President Jonathan and the Australian Prime Minister, agriculture is one of the important areas which they are focusing on. In terms of animal husbandry, the Australians have been known to be very good in this. In fact, they export a lot of live animals: cattle, horse, sheep and very many across the world. So this is an area in which they are very good at and I am happy to say that some of their people who went to Nigeria had it in their discussion.

They looked at diary farming and are expected to establish farms and help to bring species of cattle to Nigeria. And then the other area is dry land farming as well, because don’t forget, the Central Australia is a desert, and we do have parts of the country which are bordering deserts. They have also expressed interest to work closely with us in this particular area, to push that. But I think the key thing for us is for respective states and government to be able to identify their com-

•Continued on Page 25

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

25

•Olukanni

“

their own as far as the mining industry is concerned, helping to maintain those sophisticated equipments. There are mining engineers and also some who are in the field of investments.

If these professionals are here and they are learning, are they ready to go back home so that they can be of use to their nations? Or are they here to stay permanently?

Well, thank you for that question. Now, what we did in the mission is to envision what I refer to as a draft programme of cooperation with the Nigerian community in which we identified very many of them and we are seeing in the context of the Diaspora initiative of the government. That is, how can Nigerian Diaspora in Australia contribute to development at home? So we have this draft programme of cooperation and there are various segments in it: sustainable development.

We are looking at it in the context of emigrational development. We are looking at them as the whole of Nigerian professionals in respective areas as far as Nigeria itself is concerned. We are also looking at them in terms of the context of cultural coorperation. How can we help in terms of preserving Nigerian culture? But in the context of development, you know the Nigeria Diaspora has been identified as very important in terms of Nigeria’s development aspirations and that’s why of course we can engage with the community. What we do, is that in fact, when anyone has any ideas in terms of wanting to go back home, we work closely with them.

Generally, of course, we are not saying you should carry your bag and baggage and go back to Nigeria, but you can contribute to development from where you are as a Nigerian, maybe as a Nigerian in the area of mining who has been in Australia for close to about 20 years.

During the last meeting at the mining conference, some of them came forward to us to present ideas on how we can improve the mining sector and I am happy to say that a few of them also linked with Nigerian prospective miners. Some of them went back home to offer ideas and floated companies which now makes them to go back to be part and parcel of the development at home. Some of them, of course, also have initiative in terms of the possible formation of the forum of Nigerian doctors in Australia that is their next initiative. The forum of medical doctors here in Australia, who will during a particular period, go back home, maybe to a particular state, they can pick a particular clinic to practice, to be able to offer their services free, pro bono.

These are some of the things. We are not saying we are going to give them jobs at home, but we are saying that from where you are, you can still contribute to the development of Nigeria.

We read in the newspaper of the improved consular services here.

So, how has it been working?

Like we say, to God be the glory. We thank God for what we have been able to do in the area of consular. When I arrived Australia, there was no passport machine in Australia, of course there was no biometric passport machine. So we decided that.

How was it being done then?

Well, actually people go to other places, maybe next door Malaysia or other places to process their passport. But looking at the size of the population here and the calibre of people, we said no, we must work towards that and I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate the Comptroller General of Immigration who in close cooperation with us, finally agreed and we were able to secure a biometric passport machine which we use in processing passport here for Nigerians. The long and short of it here is that the consular services in this particular area have greatly improved that you can collect your passport here in hours. I mean come to

think of it, Abuja or Nigeria is not next door to Australia. We are talking of a flight of 23 hours, and in terms of ticket, we are talking about close to the So we have average of three or four thousand dollars return. So, we owe this draft our people the duty to be able to programme of issue passport and at least provide basic consular services and cooperation of course this has been up and and there are running and we are very happy and also the community itself is various also happy that there is improved segments in it: services as far as the consular section is concerned. sustainable We learnt that the mission pardevelopment. ticipated in Canberra multi-cultural festival last February which gave an We are looking opportunity for the display of at it in the Nigeria’s art and crafts. How prepared is Nigeria to partake in the context of 100th anniversary of Canberra? emigrational First, let me say in context of what we refer to as our roadmap, development. because at the beginning of each We are looking year, we sit down in the mission to envision a roadmap, a at them as the roadmap which cuts across what whole of we can achieve in our political and economic relations as far as Nigerian public diplomacy, media and information are concerned and of professionals in course cultural as well. This is respective areas what we do regularly. So for us, the area of culture is very strong, as far as Nigeria very important area harnessing itself is Nigeria’s cultural heritage and putting it out there. concerned.

This is one of the driving forces why we participated in the national multi-cultural festival because Australia is now a multicultural society and the respective groups - the Chinese, the Malaysians, the Indians, Africans - everybody. It is a kaleidoscope of colours as well as cultures and that is why we are thinking that for us, we must be able to promote our own culture. We participated in the Canberra multicultural festival last year which gave us lots of exposure and you will be shocked by the number of people that attended and came to our stand. Apparently, a lot of Australians who have been to Nigeria, who have worked in various areas in Nigeria, way back in the 70s and also several people, even the Indians, whose parents were in Nigeria were all attracted to our place because we were able to project our culture. We had the Eyo dance, our music, arts and crafts, we also had out dresses and in fact it was very rewarding as our stall was one of the most attractive.

Now we built on that for 2013 when Canberra will be 100 years and the national multi-cultural festival in Australia is going to take an added significance because it will be a celebration of 100 years. So, we are preparing a group from Nigeria, and also of

“

“

•Continued from Page 24 parative area of strengths and to be able to tap into what Australia has to offer.

How is the Nigerian community in Australia faring? Is the far You have Nidistance between Nigeria and Australia not a problem? gerians in all The Nigeria community in these places as Australia is a great community.

It is a community of skilled mi- medical doctors, grants and I can say honestly, in nurses, lawyers terms of the quality, the calibre of the people you have here, you etc. I can give can say we have the highest example in number of skilled professionals here: medical doctors, lawyers, New South accountants, engineers - and Wales of directhey are all in various parts of Australia. Australia has about six tors in the office states and then there is one other of the auditor area which is the tourists’ island area. We have Nigerians in all general. Nigethese places like in the state of rian medical Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Southern doctors are all Australia, the Northern Terriover the place tory, Tasmania and Queensland.

You have Nigerians in all and ironically, these places as medical doctors, and they are nurses, lawyers etc. I can give example in New South Wales of very key and directors in the office of the auvery important. ditor general. Nigerian medical doctors are all over the place and ironically, and they are very key and very important. A lot of them are holding their own structures, especially the ones in the rural areas because if you come into Australia as a skilled medical practitioner, the first place they will send you to is the rural area. This is because generally their people don’t want to go to rural areas. In the rural areas, Nigerians are the ones holding most of these places.

Let me give you an example of my experience. At a reception, I came across some people, Australians who run chains of medical clinics and wanted to offer medical care and they got to know that I am the Nigerian High Commissioner. They introduced themselves and said that they have about 10 Nigerian doctors in their establishment, and they said: can you please help us because we want more Nigerian doctors? And I asked, why do you want more Nigerian doctors? And they responded saying, because the Nigerian doctors have the best bedside manners. I am very proud that my nationals have been described in those glowing terms. There are about 10,000 Nigerians in Australia, but some of them have also become Australians.

Are they the doctors?

I’m talking about the community generally, and ironically, they not only come from Nigeria. The Nigerian professionals, engineers and others come from different parts of the world and I’m also happy to say that they are also holding

•Continued on Page 68

“

26

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Politics

The speculated ambition of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, to contest the Imo State governorship seat in 2015 is expectedly generating ripples within the political landscape of the Southeast state, reports Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo

pendence Ogunnewe, a former member of the House of Representatives. Ogunnewe, from Imo State, was one of the ‘rebel’ lawmakers, who include Dino Melaye, that were suspended for several months by the Dimeji Bankole-led House in 2010, sequel to a botched attempt to effect a change in leadership of the House.

Ogunnewe, it was gathered, was alleged to have put his travails squarely at the doorsteps of Ihedioha, an allegation that a political associate of the deputy speaker stoutly refuted. “The decision to suspend Ogunnewe and others was taken by a unanimous decision of the House. The deputy speaker had no hand in it,” the associate told The Nation.

Critics of Ihedioha are also accusing him of being the brain behind the removal of Dr. Ada Okwonu as the running mate of former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim, in the 2011 general elections. Ihedioha, it was alleged, had prevailed on Ohakim to drop Okwonu, said to be his in-law, in favour of Professor Violet Onwuliri.

Mention was also made of the omission of Okwonu’s name from the ministerial list, with Onwuliri again the lucky beneficiary.

F

OR 14 uninterrupted years, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Chukwuemeka Nkem Ihedioha, has remained a constant figure in the corridors of power.

Starting out in 1999 as one of the media aides of the then Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Ihedioha, in 2003, contested and won election to represent Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor-Okpala Federal Constituency in the Lower House of the National Assembly. And since then, there has been no looking back for Ihedioha, who is a Knight of the Anglican Church.

From being a floor member of the House, the lawmaker, described by sources as ‘a deft politician’, was later elected as the chief whip of the Green Chamber in 2005, a position he held before his election, by his colleagues, as Deputy Speaker in 2011.

Now serving his third term as a legislator, Ihedioha like all ambitious politicians, is allegedly dreaming for post-2015 dispensation, with unconfirmed speculations indicating that he is set to challenge Governor Rochas Okoracha for the Imo State governorship seat.

Findings by The Nation, however, revealed that not all major political stakeholders in Imo State are favourably disposed to Ihedioha’s ambition. His critics are accusing the Deputy Speaker of sundry allegations, bordering largely on his alleged ruthless style of politicking.

Rumble in Imo over Ihedioha’s governorship ambition

The zoning controversy Many politicians, particularly in Aboh Mbaise/Ngor-Okpala, are up in arms against Ihedioha for allegedly jettisoning the zoning accord between Aboh Mbaise and Ngor Okpala. As the story goes, the two local government areas in 1998, resolved to rotate the seat of the constituency in the Lower House every four years.

Sources disclosed that it was on the basis of this gentleman’s agreement that the lawmaker from Ngor-Okpala, who was elected in 1999, served for only one term before stepping down in 2003 for another candidate from Aboh Mbaise, who happen to be Ihedioha.

But to the surprise of everyone, Ihedioha

has refused to step down, allegedly using his close relationship with the powers-that-be in Abuja to hold on to his seat. For this, according to a source, many politicians in his constituency have not forgiven him.

His battle with Bethel Amadi, other

stakeholders Ihedioha and Hon. Bethel Amadi have a few things in common. Both are members of the House of Representatives, the lawmakers also hail from Imo State.

But that is where the similarities seem to end.

The two young politicians, in spite of public posturing that a cordial relationship exists between them, are not the best of friends, The Nation reliably gathered.

The crux of their frosty relationship, according to reliable sources, may not be unconnected to how Ihedioha allegedly schemed out Amadi from the seat of Chief Whip, in a move that was described as a ‘palace coup’ against Amadi, who is currently the President of the African Parliament.

Another politician alleged to have an axe to grind with the Deputy Speaker is Inde-

Ihedioha vs. Okorocha With speculations rife that Okorocha is allegedly interested in a second term in office come 2015, stakeholders in Imo politics are already predicting a big battle between him and Ihedioha, who though has not formally indicated his interest in the race, but is allegedly putting necessary structures in place to enable him actualise his ambition in 2015.

The battle between the two political office holders is currently being fought through proxies, with indications suggesting the feud may assume a more frightening dimension in the months ahead.

In the last one year, Okorocha has been having a running battle with the ousted local government chairmen in the state over their tenure of office, which the state government insists has long come to an end, while the former LG bosses think otherwise.

The thinking in the governor’s camp is that the long-drawn battle between the former local government chairmen and Okorocha could not have been possible without the backing of some influential indigenes of Imo State, including Ihedioha, who is alleged to be bankrolling the prosecution of the several court cases instituted by the chairmen against the Imo State Government.

Countdown to 2015 The Nation investigations revealed that Ihedioha, conscious of the opposition his perceived ambition may face in certain quarters, is not leaving any stone unturned to plug all loopholes.

According to a source, some powerful Presidency officials are yet to forgive the deputy speaker for aligning with certain forces within the House and beyond for breaching the zoning arrangement in the election of principal officers of the Lower House in 2011.

Ihedioha, according to a source, has been making spirited efforts to warm his way back into the good books of the powers-that-be, but a few Presidency officials, it was gathered, are still adopting a ‘wait and see’ attitude on whether or not to throw their weight behind Ihedioha’s ambition.

Ajimobi, Ladoja’s pact collapses •Continued from Page 23 In a newspaper interview sometime last year, the governor said, ‘Agreed that these people (opposition party members) in my administration belong to opposition parties, they are not indigenes of opposing states.

So, they are entitled to contribute their quota in our quest to reposition the state.’

How things fell apart Sources in the governor’s camp said ambition, rather than any other consideration, is the motivating factor behind Ladoja’s recent criticisms of the Ajimobi-led administration. ‘The man (Ladoja) is obsessed about his desire of staging a comeback to the government house,’ said a source.

Until Ladoja finally decided to take another shot at the governorship election, opinions were divided among his close associ-

ates on whether the former governor should contest again, given his age (he is in his mid60’s). At some point, said a source, Mr. Bisi Ilaka, Accord Party’s senatorial candidate for Oyo Central in the 2011 elections, was penciled down as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2015 election.

But majority of the party members allegedly argued that Ladoja remains the best bet for the next election due to his perceived popularity in the state. They won. From this point, AP leaders allegedly resolved to begin a massive propaganda against the incumbent governor.

Ajimobi fights back While the governor has tactically refrained from openly exchanging words with Ladoja, he is said not to be taking the challenge from the former governor with kid

gloves. According to a source, this latest stance may have informed the state government’ call on the EFCC to speed up the prosecution of Ladoja and Ajimobi’s immediate predecessor, Akala, over corruption charges.

While Ladoja’s case has been in court since 2008, Akala’s case began early last year.

His other strategies Though the governor has not formally declared his interest in seeking for a second term in office, there are strong indications that he may do so later in the year.

The governor, it was gathered, has been busy reorganising his party, a responsibility that he assumed, following the death of the ACN leader in the state, Alhaji Lam Adesina. Just last week, the governor met with elders of the party from the three senatorial zones in the state. The parley was pre-

ceded by the governor’s meeting with members of the party across the state, including local government chairmen, who, at another meeting, endorsed the governor for a second term.

Besides redoubling his efforts in the urban renewal programme of his administration, intensification of the infrastructural development across the state, the governor, in a very quiet manner, is also maintaining his cordial relationship with different power blocs in the state and individuals.

These power blocs, it was gathered, include civil servants and pensioners, traditional rulers and opinion leaders, while in spite of rumours of a friction, the governor’s relationship with powerful individuals like Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, seems to be waxing stronger every passing day.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

I’m not just a r e t c a r a h c ’ y m m ‘mu –Caroline King –Pages 34 & 39

28

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Glamour

Kehinde Oluleye Tel: 08023689894 (sms)

E-mail: kehinde.oluleye@thenationonlineng.net

•Toyin Lawani

•Jennifer Ukoh •Funmi Ahmed

Leggings

Tips on how to pair it

craze S

EVERAL years ago, leggings surfaced back on the style radar. This season, the reborn '80s fad of choice is footless tights or leggings. Not only have they

•Sharon Ezeamaka

shown up all over the runways, but they have become favourite fare of young leading ladies. And the patterned leggings are the rage of the moment!

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Glamour

Trends

love!

to

•Bold stripe skater dress

•Jerilyn

•Low heel •Layole Oyatogun

Kunbi Oyelese

•Flat shoes

29

30

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Glamour

Embellish

your look with

JACKETS Lawal Adedayo

•Jojolara

•Ugonna Omeruo

•Dabota Lawson, Ex-Miss Nigeria UK 2010

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Glamour

Low hair-cut now the trend!

•Adaora Ukoh

By Olanike Akinrimisi

•Chidinma

•Halima Abubakar

•Eva D-Diva

31

32

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2012

Glamour

ALICIA K

EYS Playing by

own rules

Alicia Keys tells Neil McCormick why, after 12 years in the spotlight, only now does she feel free to be herself.

Courtesy: The Telegraph

THE NATION SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 35

OBOABONA OPENS UP 'Mum nearly stopped my soccer career'

Amal Fashanu suffers a wardrobe malfunction

36

37

NATION SPORT & STYLE SUNDAY, February 24, 2013

NATION SPORT & STYLE

Balotelli can't keep eyes off girlfriend

OBOABONA OPENS UP

FORMER NIGERIA OLYMPIC COMMITTEE SCRIBE,

Oladapo reveals rare love for dogs ...Picks football as Nigeria's biggest political party

By Morakinyo Abodunrin

Contd on page 38

'Mum nearly stopped my soccer career'

By Taiwo Alimi

My mum was not exactly happy that I was always out playing football when I was growing up and whenever l got a knock and feeling down she would tell me to stop going to the field

H

E kept the relationship quiet after his ex-girlfriend gave birth to his first child but it seems that things are really hotting up between Mario Balotelli and Fanny Robert Neguesh.

The couple were spotted kissing and canoodling as they watched the football match between AC Milan and Barcelona midweek.

The Italian footballer, 22, was seen staring at the Belgian blonde, clearly distracted from the action on the pitch.

Mario, who joined Milan early this year but was forced to sit out on the match, was also seen nuzzling into the model's neck and the pair shared a joke together.

It's clear that Fanny is very much comfortable around the footballer and

his friends and she even took part in a Harlem Shake video.

The footballer and his friends are seen jumping around while Fanny looks distinctly unimpressed in the video clip.

But after a few moments she is seen raising a smile as the boys jump around her. Fanny, who lives in Paris, has travelled all over Europe to spend time with the footballer.

Last month the couple were seen enjoying dinner and drinks in Manchester, but the pair made efforts to not be pictured together.

Balotelli's former on-off girlfriend Raffaella Fico gave birth to their child in December but it seems like he has forgotten his former flame or at least he had at the football match.

POSH V SUPER BITCH Beckham's wife faces daunting Tango with Ibrahimovic's WAG in Paris

• Oboabona (r) consoling Didier Drogba after a victory in South Africa

David Beckham has hit the ground running in France but his wife Victoria faces an uphill struggle to fit in with the Paris WAGs. The queen bee is said to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic's partner Helena Seger, dubbed 'evil super bitch deluxe' by the Swede. The former Spice Girl will meet the blonde businesswoman at Paris Saint-Germain's game against Marseille, with Beckham set to make his debut in the match.

Mercurial talent Ibrahimovic, 31 who scored a stunning goal against England last November admits his girlfriend is difficult to please.

In his autobiography I Am Zlatan he

reveals he named 42-year-old Helena 'evil super bitch deluxe' after they began dating. He also refers to her as a female version of Tony Montana in Scarface.

The PSG WAGs are rarely seen staggering out of nightclubs like their English counterparts and consider themselves to be champions of good taste.

Helena met Zlatan in 2002 and took an immediate dislike to him as she felt he was too arrogant, a summation with which few would disagree.

The striker chased after the stunner for months before she eventually came round. The couple have had two children, Maximilian, now seven, and Vincent, five.

Maradona takes the court for a swing with tennis ace Wozniacki Oboabona's Profile The Akure-born defender plays for Sunshine Stars in the Nigerian Premier League and was born on 16th August 1990. He made his international debut for Nigeria in 2012 and has appeared in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

He was called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and Stephen Keshi surprised everybody when he placed the defender in the centre of Eagles defence and pushed Efe Ambrose out on the right in Nigeria's opening game against Burkina Faso.

He failed to clear Jonathan Pitroipa's cutback pass, allowing Alain Traore to capitalise on the error and scored the equaliser to earn a point for his side in the final minute of extra minute. Despite that mistake, Oboabona was given another opportunity by Keshi and he did so well to prove his mettle.

•Kanu with Onyewuchi Abia

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 38

UN-FASHANU-ABLE

Amal Fashanu suffers a wardrobe malfunction

Oladapo speaks on life after NOC Contd from page 36

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Only few marriages survive cancer -Sola Adeoti S

OLA Adeoti is synonymous with City Express Bank. And since the bank is no more and you also went through a terminal illness, cancer, and survived, not many know what you have been doing since then.

City Express was how many years ago (she laughs)? Apparently the problem started with City Express. I was in City Express when it started and that was one of the reasons I believed that City Express Bank is no more coupled with all the happenings there; recapitalisation and consolidation. The issue started there and I had to leave and work on that challenge, which is cancer. I was told I could not work for five years because they thought the treatment failed. I have not been really up to much except creating awareness for cancer. That was one thing I promised God that if you are able to take care of this, I will tell the world and I will do everything that you have given me in my capacity to ensure that other people are touched in which ever way you can use me to touch them. And other people do not necessarily have to go through what I went through.

That's all what have been up to, nothing other than that.

Do you have an NGO taking care of this?

I have an NGO called MariaSam Foundation named after my mum and my dad just to honour them for being a channel to bring me into this world. I have been a pastor way before my cancer experience, and I believe that with what I have gone through it is God's decision to use me as a vessel. He gave me a scripture, Jeremiah 30:17, which says, 'I will restore health unto you and I will heal you of all your diseases.' I want anyone who may be going through any kind of affliction to hold on to this scripture, because when I couldn't pray, when I couldn't read the Bible, this was one scripture that I held on to. I always say to myself, 'This is your promise Lord, and you have to let it come to pass.'

And he did. We have about 70 volunteers comprising health workers, nurses, doctors and others in U.S, U.K and Nigeria because the foundation is registered in the three places. We work in those three continents and we get calls from there. By God's grace we also work with Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, and other hospitals here though we concentrate on the teaching hospital because they are the biggest health provider when it comes to cancer. Though they are not very adequately equipped but we believe they are still the most equipped in Nigeria. Sometimes God will tell me if the cancer will lead to death or not. If God tells me that the cancer will lead to death, what we do basically is to lead such persons diagnosed with cancer to Christ and make them confess their sins. They will do restitution, we give them Holy Communion until they go and meet their creator. If God says it is not unto death, we encourage such persons to fight and fight until the battle is won.

That is basically what MariaSam Foundation does and we advise people on how to live a healthy life.

You are one of the very few that survived breast cancer, can you share your experience with us?

People get frightened because they don't know what it is and when I heard from the doctor that I had breast cancer, I was frightened too. The first impression I had was that black people don't have cancer though my son was diagnosed as having cancer at age two, but you really don't think it's cancer. You think it's just one of those things and it went without treatment, without anything and just prayers he was healed. Solomon was divinely healed after I took him to the Redeemed Camp and daddy (Pastor Adeboye) laid hands on him and prayed. The cancer just disappeared within two weeks. And because I didn't have to go through anything for him, it did not register. But for me, the process of treatment started in January 2005. I was finally given clean bill of health in July 2011.

Glamour

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Pastor (Mrs.) Sola Adeoti, former Managing Director of the defunct City Express Bank, is one of the few Nigerians that fought the ravaging cancer scourge. In this interview with ADETUTU AUDU, the daughter of Prince Samuel Adedoyin, one of the country's foremost industrialists, tells her compelling story and how her grim experience provoked an urge to help people who have the same condition.

That was when I gave the vow to God that whatever I could do, I will ensure I do. And that's how this assignment came to be. Anytime I have I just invest it in the MariaSam Foundation. We have come a long way. I started the foundation when I was ending my treatment in America in 2006 and it was registered then. I actually started counselling and praying for others when I was a bit stronger and on my feet in 2010.

We started in Nigeria in 2008. From giving my testimony, people started meeting with me and I encouraged them and it started that way. A doctor called me and said she wanted to be part of it and we sat down and strategised and came up with a team of medical officials. That was how we started going to different institutions screening people and whatever we came up with we referred them to other hospitals and we raised funds to treat them, assisting them whichever way we could. Gradually we grew to the extent that we needed an office and decided we should start putting equipments together.

Being someone who is used to the board room, how did you feel not working for five years?

The thing is, life is more precious than anything.

Financially it was very stressing and extremely challenging. When you have children that you have to take care of and responsibilities as well and you are not allowed to work, and you've been used to working, it can be very demoralising, but with God I survived it.

How do spouses of sick persons manage during these trying times, especially for you?

Normally, I will not want to discuss my own personal experience. My husband and I went through a lot. We went through a process where we had nothing financially, because we had spent it all on my treatment. Everything we had- thousands of pounds in three figures - was gone. And I still had to go to the US for further care. I was pale and sickly; chemo had dried me up and I had lost so much weight, all I could do was hold on to the love and support of my family and the Church.

But I will tell you that very few marriages survive cancer. The people we have counselled, and I have had to sit down with husbands and wives and explain what it is to them. It is extremely challenging. Cancer is a very horrible ailment and it's not something that kills instantly, it kills overtime and it is not something that you even know you are carrying in your body. By the time they discover, it becomes terminal. People don't carry out medical check ups in Nigeria which should be done yearly not to talk of screening for breast cancer. Nigerians are very careless and our health does not come first. It is our outlook, it is what we are wearing that comes first. And they say that one should be beautiful inside out. People don't screen, they don't know that they are carrying death in their body. The day you discover and your partner also knows it can b e e m otionally draining and kill-

ing. And then all hands are on deck to save one's life.

The other partner gets distracted from work knowing that if this person dies the whole responsibility is on him. So it is very frightening and I don't like to blame anybody because it is only when you are on the other side that you know when the other person is going through. You that you are ill are more concerned about yourself and survival. You don't want to die. So the person around you, you really cannot say this is how they are feeling because you are concentrating on yourself.

That is why a lot of marriages don't survive because the fear is there.

Most people lose their hair when undergoing treatment. How did you overcome yours?

Fortunately my hair did not fall off. My hair thinned out and I had to cut it after. My hair used to be long, stretching to my back but I cut it off then and adopted a low cut. Now this is my natural hair. I get irritated by long hair now may be because of my experience.

How do you access fund for your patients, since treatment is expensive?

Treatment for cancer is ridiculously expensive. To treat one person, you are talking of between N 2.7 million and N8 million. It is through the assistance we get from people and organisations. My banking experience has played a vital role in reaching the high ranking people in the society. We have been able to send doctors abroad for training. We believe when they come back, they would use the knowledge they acquire to give appropriate treatment to cancer patients. The foundation has spent roughly over N60million and most of the money is internally generated.

•Continued on Page 68

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Glamour

Social

ADETUTU AUDU (E-mail: crownkool@yahoo.com, Tel: 08023849036)

Kim Kardashian rocks baby bump its slimming LACK clothing is known for ncy advances properties. But as her pregna Kardashian's there is no hiding Kim star stepped out in a growing curves. And when the rsday there was no monochrome dress on Thu n baby is on its way. hiding the fact that a Kardashia n four months to go The 32-year-old has more tha in Beverly Hills, however, as she shopped star looked ready to California, last Thursday the wn for her curvacious pop. Kim has always been kno a baby - with rapper figure. But now she is expecting eping Up With The boyfriend Kanye West - the 'Ke curves to a whole Kardashians' star has taken her her car at luxury new level. As Kim picked up w York, it seemed as department store Barneys Ne may not be able to fit. though the blooming beauty Courtesy: Daily Mail

Lanre Ojora plots shindig

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Tessy Oliseh finds love

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ESSY Oliseh, one-time Nigeria fashion designer of the year and baby sister of former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, is in love and this is for real. The young creative designer has been romantically linked with Ohimai Godwin Amaize, the Special Assistant on Advocacy to the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

The two lovebirds, we gathered, have been an item for a while now. Until recently, Tessy had taken a brief break from the spotlight. Sources said it is part of efforts to re-brand her label, Tesslo Concepts. Now her Tesslo Concepts is set to break new grounds and make its impact in the evolution of the Nigerian fashion industry.

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OPU LAR Lag os society lady, fashionista and widow of the late Bad e Ojor a, Lanre, until a few years ago, used to be a top socialite who was very well recognised for her very distinct style.

She seems to have retired now and is rarel y seen at parties or events these days. But very soon, a high profile wedding is brewing in the household of the Ojoras as Adeshola Ajibade Ojora, who is the Sales & Marketing Dire ctor at Primrose Development Company Limited owned by the grandmaster, Otunba Subomi Balogun, will be tying the nuptial knot with a Washington DC-based lady, Yemi Abayomi.

Shola is the only son of the late Bade and Lanr e Ojora.

Few years ago, the name of Shola Ojora rang so resonately in the Lagos social space; the handsome youn g man was the darling of many beautiful ladies. He enjoyed the best of times basking in their adoration. But for some years now, Shol a, reasons, no longer appears in high society shin for inexplicable digs and celebrity journals.

The late Bade was the younger brother of business mogul, Otunba Adekunle Ojora. The wedding, we gathered, has been slated for March all things being equal.

Murphy Okojie returns Biola Otufale A n ai smiles ag B IOLA Otufale is an epitome of beauty, and her striking looks and alluring physique give her away easily. She used to be married to an Ijebu-born chief, Otunba Kayode Otufale, the wealthy founder of Superscreen Television station, until the once love birds decided to go their separate ways due to irreconcilable differences. So far, there has been no sign of reconciliation in the horizon as both have gone on to chart new and separate courses for their lives. Sources said Biola is already in a relationship with a man, who is said to be spoiling her silly with the best that money can buy.

FTER his mysterious disappearance for over three years in the guise of a sojourn abroad - Dandy Murphy Okojie is back. Not only is he back, he has repackaged his fading Murphis Plaza on the Island.

The place which has lost its allure is now a pride to be identified with. It now bears a new coat, improved design and commendable ambience.

The London returnee also launched a new hangout Shaunz Bar & Karaoke Lounge in the plaza.

Before his disappearance and sudden reappearance, Murphy Okojie was one of the connected individuals with the correct fashion sense that made the social scene - particularly the Victoria Island circuit - tick.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Glamour

Lara Rawa n i a g a s w o l g

e a found fam MOLARA Raw ng cocktails eati and fortune cr gement by no ga en , an unusual m world of Law ri p e to th e Sh y. it means similar rs ve ad at the uni which she re d the shot in ose who calle th of e on as w y before she obile Compan the Anabel M pany. The own event com left to float her started last year had e outfit that sh profile jobs uple of high co a d le nd ha at short time. even within th ps and own fair of u ment Lara had her ge First, her enga downs in life. hich made her to give w long after was called off, ide berth. Not m she w a it u rc ci al ho soci her father w that, she lost Respite soon came with . adored so much by girl. She seems to ba r he of h rt she has the bi hind her as be l al t u p have her cocoon. stepped out of

Leke Alder sav ours marital bliss

T

HAT Nigeria n br Consulting, L anding maestro and princi ek pal of Alder the crash of his e Alder, has remarried fou r years after first marriage, But the gist is no longer n ews. marital bliss. is that the multi-talented The author of Alder is savo uri re wife Morenik e Popoola, a pute was spotted with his ng corporate br event. and manager new at an Leke Alder's strategy and cr name naturally evokes thou ea ghts on brand Popoola last ye tivity. He had a quiet wed ding with Mor ing, ar with only fe enike A widely tr w family mem av be introducing br elled man, his company rs in attendance. anding as a dis is credited with cipline to Nig eria.

O

Caroline Olaseinde now focuses on family

I

N her day, Caroline Rhodes, nee Olaseinde, was the quintessential party queen. She hobnobbed with the high and mighty and had women who dictated the pace of things within the social scene as friends. But all that came to an abrupt halt when the former senior manager with Exxon Mobil oil decided to quit spinsterhood.

Her decision to marry a pilot, Captain Lanre Rhodes, was fraught with its own drama. But many had thought that her disappearance from the social scene was only temporary, expecting her re-emergence shortly after settling down.

How shocked they were when she instead chose to stay off the social scene completely and raise a family. In her 40s and with the birth of her twin girls, Caroline cannot be happier and contented with her bundles of joy, both of whom she prefers to the ephemeral joy that partying offered her.

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u l o n i r o S e p m Bi e t a d l a i r u b s t e g u, the late IMPE Sorinol st er o f th e y o u n g er si t i S t a t e ki former E se, who gave yo Fa governor, Ayo last week after t up the ghos ncer, will be laid ca h it w battling d 6 in n March 5 an ee tw be to rest the U.K. pe p o st le B im T h e la te A the founder of was Sorinolu who s` In te rn at io n al n o si is el d B ab a M g at h er ed , h e w , y of es M in is tr ro th ngs (in the several meeti e trustees of her th death) with to roll ng her time ki ta ministry, well as al plans as w it h out her buri e y p e o p le ch a rg in g k s. different role that she warned Sources said tire at k ac bl ld wear ou sh e on by o ba n lour code is rather the co and blue for men. en the pink for wom learned that so al as t, w en It ar p ap r her hei d an d se ea te ec u d mp r ked on the co Damola, wor lans as e obituary p s for to perfect th re tu ose the pic they both ch the obituary.

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Feyi and Deola Bali beat retreat T

HE duo of Feyi and Deola Bali are alike in so many ways. The couple, who have been married for several years, are rated among Nigeria's most admired couples within and outside the social circle where they are wellrespected on account of their carriage and charisma.

Not only do they attend functions in the company of each other, their choice of attire often makes for discourse. Deola has, for long, made the list of best dressed elite. Her carefully picked attire are indicative of her vast knowledge of fashion do's and don'ts.

While the former is a successful business executive, the latter started her career as an audit trainee with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in London and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. There is no gainsaying that Feyi Bali ran into hard times, which is not unconnected with his conspicuous absence from the limelight of Nigeria's high-society, particularly in the tumultuous days of the Sanusi Lamido inspired 'bank-quake'. Before the 'sanutisatisation', Bali rocked the social arena with his imposing presence, all-consuming charm and exceptional sense of humour. A once bubbly lady, Deola too no longer appears on party circuits.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Glamour

&

Owo kingdom comes to Lagos

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ROM all walks of life, the Owo people of Ondo State, South west Nigeria came out last week Saturday to honour their monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III (CFR), at the public presentation of his book, ‘THE WILDERNESS OF LIFE’, at the Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos.

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Igwe Prof Laz Ekwueme; Author, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, his wife, Olori Ololade during the public presentation of his book, The Wilderness of Life, L-R: Mrs Sena Anthony and Otunba Johnson Fasawe at Nigeria Law School, Lagos

Mrs Nike Akande

L-R: Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogo and Dr. Winfred Awosika

OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

L-R: Chief. Kayode Ogunmekan and Hon. Justice Bisi Ogunmekan

L-R: Book reviewer, Prof. Nelson Fashina and Engr. Funsho Kupolokun

L-R: Deputy Governor, Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, Justice George Oguntade (rtd) and representative of Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Issa Mohammed Jimo, Balogun Ajikobi

L-R: Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Mrs Lola Banji-Alabi and L-R: Otunba Johnson Fasawe and Hajia Abah Folawiyo Oba Rilwan Akiolu

President, South-South and South-East Professionals, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Mr. Robort Tung, Minister for Power and Steel. Arch. Musa Sada, CEO African Finance Corporation, Mr. Andrew Alli; Consul General Peoples Republic of China Embassy, Mr. Guo Kun and Managing Director of Wempco, Mr. Lawrence Tung during the new year celebration at WEMPCO head office Ogba, Lagos.

Photo: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

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NE of marketing’s key tasks is differentiation: helping a brand to stand out from the crowd of other options. There are many different ways to differentiate a brand, but there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer; it’s simply a case of understanding what works best for your brand and the kinds of people you want to attract.

Price Differentiation This is the most basic form of differentiation, although there are a few variations on the theme: Super Discount Differentiation based on being the cheapest.

It’s clear to see why it appeals to consumers, but it’s a cul-de-sac for the brand: ever-eroding profit margins and constant compromises on quality make it difficult to sustain.

Highest Price People sometimes use price as a proxy for determining ‘quality’, particularly in complex or technical categories. This technique interprets that insight to suggest that a high price is actually desirable in certain circumstances.

This is particularly true in the pharmaceutical and child-care categories, where brands often play on people’s fears of the perceived ‘compromise’ they associate with cheaper brands.

It is also a favourite technique amongst luxury brands, who use exaggerated pricing to transform their offerings into status symbols and badges of wealth and success.

Mid Point Adopting a price point that lies between the prices of existing competitors establishes a safe, ‘middle-of-the-road’ positioning that neither offends nor excites anyone. It appeals to people who want to compromise, and as a consequence, it rarely delivers meaningful differentiation.

Quantifiable Superiority The brand differentiates its offering via measurable attributes, e.g.: The speed of a computer processor The amount of legroom on an airline The number of years a malt whisky has been aged This approach works well for brands that can deliver superior functional performance over time.

However, the brand risks losing its differentiation if another brand can deliver similar or superior performance, or if another brand succeeds in changing the basis for comparison to a different product or brand attribute.

It’s worth noting that brands can celebrate any attribute they choose, regardless of whether that attribute contributes significantly to its offering’s core performance, provided it can justify the relevance of that attribute.

There are a few variations on the Quantifiable Superiority approach: Size Matters This approach focuses on a comparative maximum or minimum of size, irrespective of how this impacts actual value – i.e. quantity over quality: · The hotel with the most rooms · The cable plan with the most channels · The smallest phone on the market A parallel to this is the ‘blanket advertising’ approach, where the brand attempts to differentiate by shouting as loudly as it can, so that people simply can’t ignore it.

These approaches are neither pretty nor subtle – they are the marketing equivalent of a man measuring his appendage – but their use is still widespread.

However, such popularity does not denote effectiveness.

Safety in Numbers This approach harnesses the ‘herd instinct’, using rational claims to overcome more subjective concerns: “Millions of satisfied customers can’t be wrong” “The nation’s favourite” “We work with more Fortune 500 brands than any of our competitors” This works well in categories where measures of performance are more subjective; where people aren’t sure what really matters; or where competing brands emphasise a variety of unconnected attributes.

Interestingly, brands can also harness the opposite approach – ‘small for a reason’ – to equal effect, e.g.: “For those who know the difference”

47

Brands differentiation

not without risk.

In particular, it suffers from the ‘emperor’s new clothes’ dilemma: it works brilliantly provided there’s real substance behind the exaggeration.

Subjective Superiority The brand asserts its superiority based on subjective measures that are difficult to measure: “Best-tasting brand” “Probably the best lager in the world” “If your pet could choose, they would buy this brand” This approach is often carefully controlled by law to prevent misleading advertising.

However, provided the brand stays within relevant guidelines, and as long as the execution fits clearly with the brand’s overall personality, it can successfully engage audiences.

It seems particularly effective when used with irreverent humour.

Emotional Appeals The brand highlights how it makes you feel, rather than what it does: “Open happiness” “A glass and a half full of joy” •Credit: This article is culled from a web resource: building better brand relationships« eskimon.

This is an exceptionally powerful route to difPublished October 8, 2009 ferentiation, because it allows the brand to break free from the limitations associated with functional This approach shifts the focus from the func- product features, and instead focus on areas that “Think different” tional attribute to the benefit that the attribute de- foster more enduring bonds.

“Go your own way” This is ultimately a volume limiting strategy, livers, but it suffers from risks similar to those The brand can emphasise any emotion it likes, but the approach supports premium pricing that associated with the Quantifiable Superiority ap- but those emotions that people commonly associproach, and consequently may not be sustainable. ate with the product’s functional benefits are often can offset lower unit sales.

Augmented Product Distribution the simplest to establish.

Effectively a derivative of the Rational AdvanThe places where you make your brand availIt’s worth noting that brands can still gain an tage approach, this approach highlights advantages able will play a strong part in establishing and advantage over competitors by harnessing emoreinforcing your positioning. However, distribu- offered by features other than the core product, tions that are generic to the category, provided tion can also be used as a differentiation strategy e.g.: The purchase experience they are the first or most credible claimants.

After-sales support in its own right.

Flattery and Justification Distribution or delivery Brands like Avon, Tupperware, and even Dell This approach is more of an advertising techWhen used correctly, these features become managed to break free from the traditional connique than a unique differentiating approach, but fines of their categories by making their brands more important than the product offering itself, deserves mention due to its ability to engage speand help to establish deep and lasting relation- cific groups: available through new and relevant channels.

There are two broad routes to differentiated ships with the brand’s customers.

“Because you’re worth it” Outstanding Promotion distribution: Wherever, whenever “You deserve it” Although common and seemingly attractive, Although it may not the key pillar of the “Go on, indulge yourself” brand’s differentiation, this approach is most fa- this approach is highly risky, because it encourThere are many variations on this theme, but mously adopted by Coke, with their ‘always ages people to focus on superficial aspects of the they all pander to some sense of inner insecurity. within arm’s reach‘ philosophy. Quick-service res- brand that have little to do with the product’s core Although not particularly subtle, this approach taurants and mobile communications networks benefit. can establish a deep bond, and is therefore worthy While this may be acceptable in spontaneous, often emphasise it too. of consideration.

It requires considerable commitment to in- low-risk purchase categories such as snacks, it is Pushing Up On Affinity troduce and maintain, and it’s fairly obvious if the rarely sustainable elsewhere.

This approach is more about establishing a However, attractive packaging, beautiful mer- differentiated brand personality than it is about brand doesn’t achieve it (“they’re everywhere, chandising, and slick advertising all help to solicit except when I need them!”). demonstrating tangible product differentiation.

However, when implemented successfully, it attention that enables the brand to introduce more The simplest approach is to highlight things creates ‘monopoly through ubiquity’; although it complex or substantial dimensions of differentia- that the brand has in common with the people it might not be a person’s favourite brand, they will tion. wants to engage – just as people who are meeting The Secret Formula, or Magic Ingredient continue to choose it because it’s always there when for the first time do. This is one of the main uses of This approach bridges functional and emoothers aren’t. sponsorship: brands attempt to connect with people tional claims by harnessing what could be termed Exclusivity by demonstrating shared ‘passions’.

Conversely, restricting the supply and avail- ‘irrational functional’ claims: A more difficult, yet potentially more engag“A formula known only to 3 people in the ing approach is to create a new focus for people’s ability of your brand can help to make it more desirable, particularly in categories like luxury world” attention. Red Bull has employed this strategy for “With patented compound Q16e” and ‘gadget’ technology. a number of years, and has enjoyed considerable “A secret blend of 11 unique herbs and spices” It can work well for high-quality brands if success with activities such as its Flugtag and Air Brands that have used this approach to vary- Race events. used in conjunction with other approaches – notably highest price - but basing an entire differentia- ing degrees of success include KFC, Kellogg’s Despite their simplicity, Affinity Plays are diftion strategy on restricted availability will most Frosties, as well as numerous cosmetics brands. ficult to implement successfully, because it’s very When it harnesses a relevant truth, or is exlikely just frustrate people and accelerate the easy for the brand to come across as a me-too ecuted with appropriate humour, this approach brand that’s trying too hard. brand’s demise. can be highly engaging.

Heritage However, brands that succeed enjoy lasting However, beware of relying on shallow claims, success, because they establish meaningful relaThis approach plays on the belief that longevity is a reliable indication of experience and trust- particularly in relation to pseudo-science; while tionships with people beyond the tangible and you may fool people for a short while, if people functional qualities of their products. worthiness; e.g.: discover or perceive that your brand is all ‘hot air’, “Established in 1823” The key is to demonstrate early and lasting “A family recipe handed down over the gen- you won’t have any equity left. commitment to the area of focus; arriving late to Implied Superiority erations” the party makes it much more difficult for the Exaggerating or downplaying other elements brand to establish credibility.

“The original…” of the marketing mix can infer superiority on the Although not as extreme, this approach sufThe Choice Of… fers from issues similar to Safety in Numbers: it is product itself.

A slight variation on Affinity Plays, this apWe’ve already seen how outstanding promo- proach highlights the choices of people or groups very effective in situations where people don’t know much about the category, or where it’s diffi- tion or unexpectedly high pricing work, but that the brand believes its target feel an affinity cult to compare competitor claims, but it loses its downplaying such elements can also work when towards. advantage as soon as a competitor establishes a carefully implemented: It builds affinity by association: Purposely bland packaging in a category where more compelling basis for comparison.

By appointment to the Queen extravagance is the norm Rational Advantage George Clooney’s choice “A well-kept secret – the specialist The brand demonstrates or claims superiorThe choice of a new generation connoisseur’s brand” ity through a rational benefit of its offering, e.g.: The approach is similar to Safety in Numbers, “We don’t need to advertise; this product sells · Saves you time but emphasizes emotional appeals over measures itself” · “Won’t let you down” of sheer magnitude or volume.

This approach can afford high margins, but is · Simple enough for anyone to use

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2012

‘Our children are growing up like semi-illiterates’ African fabrics and designs are making waves on the international scene. Yetunde Oladeinde spoke to Stella Essi Byll, CEO of Delavi Couture, about the challenges, clothing celebrities like Stella Damasus as well the prospects in the industry.

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TELLA Essi Byll studied marketing in England. When she came back to Nigeria, she worked with a pharmaceutical company and Greenspring Schools. At the moment, she is on her own and applying the skills acquired over the years projecting the brand Delavi Couture, amongst other things.

What is Delavi Couture all about?

“The company is bigger and we do a number of things but the clothing line is Delavi Couture. For us style is more than a look; it's a way of life. We have a number of off the peg staple African fashion knitwear in a wide palette of styles. Things we consider as quality African environmental friendly clothing for that confident look. At Delavi Couture there are styles for every kind of woman. You would also find a variety of waist coats, blazers and more.

“We are making clothes in hundred per

cent African fabric because we believe that the African fabric is the best type of fabrics for the African environment, the heat. These are hundred per cent cotton and the colours reflect our nature.

“We don't buy Chinese fabrics at all; it has to be made-in-Africa.

And we are making clothes that you can actually wear; we call them African Knitwear.

Things you can wear to the office on a daily or regular basis. A simple dress with a jacket; something you can wear to the office.”

Why did you go into fashion designing?

I started m a k i n g clothes for m y s e l f when I was about 17 because I was very small and I could not find anything that fit me that was ready made. Then I said rather than buying clothes and altering them, why don't I just go into this area. I found that I enjoy taking a piece of fabric and converting into something you can wear. I kept doing that.

I went to the Stafford University in England and did marketing and later did MBA from the University of Liverpool. I have worked with a pharmaceutical company called Upjohn and worked in a school, Greensprings, but I kept coming back to this. We started up at Obanikoro, and then I took a break and worked in the school. Now I am back fully. We have a lot of customers in the corporate sector especially ladies who like class. We also cater for some of our celebrities and Stella Damasus is our brand ambassador.

How would you assess our designers?

What I am not so happy about is the influx of cheap Chinese fabrics and unfortunately a lot of people use them and they do not know the difference

the people you work with.

Even the customers you work with, they like a good thing but do not want to pay for it.

They would rather pay for something western looking things that are of a poorer quality. There should be a mindset where we appreciate what is African as well as appreciate the talent of our We have really come into the scene. I people and reward them for it. remember when I started and we were Around here we have participated in using African fabrics. In the last 10 years some exhibitions like the Lost in Lagos there has been a new consciousness, more event. First, I believe in merit and it is and more designers have come in. They better to do what is good and people are doing a lot of interesting and would see it. For instance, look at our innovative things with African fabrics and national awards, a lot of things are wrong. accessories. What I am not so happy about Things must change and of course the is the influx of cheap Chinese fabrics and change must begin with us. unfortunately a lot of people use them and If you had to advise the president, what they do not know the difference. would you tell him?

What can be done to He should put money in check this? education. Our children are Government growing up like semi legislation can make illiterates. They do not the difference. When know what is happening we say government, in the world. Abroad, two who is government?

-year olds are pulling It is you and I. If computers all over the everyone refuses to place. But here 50 year buy them like I do olds don't know how to then they won't have use the computer. We a market. That again is need to put money in the people's power. good education.

Even the made in Nigeria I grew up in a wax, when it was available, period of was good. I have some that I hope. In have used for over 20 years, those days it was very good. y o u But now there is not worked much production being a n d done in Nigeria studied anymore because they . There have all been chased w a s away. From Ghana good you would find a educ lot of great fabrics. ation Chinese fabric is a n d very poor good quality. Africa medical can stand care. I b e s i d e didn't go anybody, to posh we have schools here quality but there and we w a s a h a v e standard. I went talent. to Ladilak What Primary School are the and Marywood challenges G r a m m a r for you as a School, went •Stella Damasus designer? abroad and Lack of came back. I government wish I could see infrastructure, my children in like electricity t h e s a m e and more. Then environment. lack of selfmotivation from

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24 , 2012

New WOMAN

49

with

YETUNDE OLADEINDE

molaralife@yahoo.com

Capturing a heart in grief

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Things a woman should know before getting married

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T is every woman's dream to be whisked away on a white horse by a prince charming from a foreign land.

However, soon after the dotted lines are signed and the wedding gown sits on a hanger, they tend to realise that marriage is far from the bed of roses they thought it would be. For many, it is a ride to hell.

In spite of the seemingly insurmountable difficulties associated with getting married, there are a few wisdom nuggets every spinster should have at the back of her mind before saying 'I do'. They will help moderate your expectations and give a guide on how to wriggle out of sticky situations.

1. Get Financially stable Far too many women are stuck in bad marriages simply because they do not have a valid way to support themselves or their children should they leave.

Get an education or trade and pursue a career that interests and challenges you. Know how to handle your finances, earn money on your own terms and only accumulate as little debt as you can realistically handle. Don't expect parents or partners to bail you out of financial trouble. Learn to be your own financial hero.

If your partner falls ill, your husband loses his job or something bad happens, you need to be able to financially stand on your own two feet.

2. Become a good cook That cliché which goes 'the road to a man's heart is through his stomach' is absolutely true.

Mrs. Agnes Sumonu, a wife and pharmacist, explains: “I have been married for 16 years and there is no day I have not entered the kitchen to prepare my husband's meals. It is not like I enjoy it but it is how I show him I care about him and every time he comes home, you can see the joy on his face when I serve him his food. In my house, there is no quarrel a hot plate of pounded yam and egusi can not settle.”

If you are not such a great cook, you can learn by going to a cookery school or getting a trusted friend to teach you.

3. Know when to stop fighting The gospel truth is that you cannot win every battle, even when you are right and he's wrong. Sometimes, he might just want to be stubborn or maybe he had a rough day at work and he wants to use that opportunity to transfer aggression or prove 'he is a man. Let it go!

Sharing a personal experience, Mary Ekpo who has been married for seven months says, “I learned my lesson the hard way. My husband knows I do not like it when he throws his clothes on the floor and I would start complaining each time he did it.

“After a while, this little issue began blowing up into major fights and he stopped listening to me completely.

By Rita Ohai Until one day, I prayed about it and decided I was going to stop complaining. Once he came home and dropped his clothes, I would calmly pick it and give him a hug. That solved it. After about a week, he began arranging the room and did his own laundry.”

Just like Mary, sometimes the solution to some of the challenges we experience are in simply staying calm and letting go.

4. Have a responsible mentor

No man is an island and everyone needs sound advice once in a while.

That is where a mentor comes in. She does not have to be your pastor or boss at work. She could just be a woman who is older and more experienced than you and has an evidently great marriage.

Your mentor is someone who you can count on not to lead you astray. But always remember to think through whatever advice you are given; if it does not match the teachings in the Bible or Koran, run for you life.

Finally read books. They will expand your mind and give a fresh perspective on every issue.

South Africa gets female opposition party leader

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AMPHELA Ramphele is among South Africa's most prominent and wellrespected public intellectuals - which is another way of saying that she talks with great passion and even greater common sense about the way forward for this restless country.

"They are looking for a box to put me in," she said, with a laugh. "And there is no box to put me in."

South African anti-apartheid activist Dr Mamphela Ramphele has set out her much-anticipated plans for a new political party whose first order of business would be to call for electoral reform.

Dr Ramphele is hoping her new party, Agang, will challenge the ruling African National Congress, which holds a clear majority.

"The key issue of the ANC is not a lack of policies, the key problem is leadership and capacity to govern,” she said about the ruling party in the land.

Now she says she is "disappointed and frustrated" that people have forgotten how to work together.

"What we have currently is a corrupt, unaccountable government," which is trying to follow East Asian developmental state models, she declared.

"We believe that the easiest way for people to understand what power they have is to demonstrate it," said Dr Ramphele, explaining the decision to challenge the recent reappointment of a controversial figure, weighed down by serious criminal allegations, as crime intelligence chief.

"Only in a culture of impunity would a government be able to think they could get away with choosing someone facing serious charges, to have those charges dropped and be given a key sensitive position. I mean it's inexplicable that they could have thought they could get away with it," said Dr Ramphele.

OVING somebody and getting someone to love you back on a fifty-fifty basis can be really 'good'.

The truth, however, is that the emotional pendulum is not static; it moves in a crazy way and that is what makes it unpredictable.

It can swing any way or anyhow. Your mood, state of mind and the 'bird' you settle for determine how balanced your emotional space would be. Shifting with a heart that is in grief can be a great dilemma but you can make it work, if you really try?

This kind of love deal, however, can't be struck on a platter of gold; you have to work hard because it's usually a hard emotional nut to crack. It can actually be boring doling out affection in quantities that you cannot reap.

Here, you must be ready to listen, give lots of love in return to the one who is on your affectionate thermometer.

Trust, forgiveness and a heart willing to live up to emotional promises and expectations are equally important.

When your hearts is heavy with grief, you need to do certain things to purge your emotions. The grief within has its own heartbeat and you can convert this to a positive energy. The greatest desire would therefore be to resist the rhythms of grief. You also need to get someone to stop this bleeding or weeping heart.

Ronke is feeling this way at the moment. Her husband died in an accident and it hurts because it is the only true love she has ever had. Since then she has struggled and struggled with her emotions without any luck. Her doctor tried to talk to her and at a point he gave her some antidepressants. BUT she is just so lost without the love of her life.

In the journey of the heart and soul, it can be very tough to find purpose when you are in grief. For some it is easy to find a replacement, while others take a long time to excavate a new heart; a heart that would bring meaning to their lives once more.

When you are in this state of deep-seated loss, what you need is someone who believes that the sun will shine again.

Omoshalewa is also feeling bad because she just lost her mother. Her eyes were swollen and she was still not tired of crying; tears for a mother she loved so much. How can this woman choose to depart from this world now?

Life can be really callous and her heart was sinking on a daily basis. It was actually a time she expected some emotional sympathy from her father.

Yes, she knew his heart was sinking too and she expected him to shower all the affection on her as the only child from that union. Unfortunately for our dear gal, this was not to be. Her father's affection shifted almost immediately via the shifting cultivation 'methodology'.

“When my mother died about a year ago she left a terrible vacuum for my dad and I. We just didn't know how to pick up the shattered pieces. Suddenly, my father's disposition changed - he looked happier and it was obvious that he had moved on.”

Naturally that should have been a plus but when the little girl discovered the 'tonic', she was disappointed.

“Midway, I realised that my father was dating my class teacher. They came close when she came for the condolence visit with two other teachers. She took his number and somehow they became very close.”

To her utmost surprise, it became a very serious affair and the visits became more frequent. “Then I realised that there was no going back for the two of them. That was just too fast and it affected me psychologically. I became very troublesome and my father had to send me to my grandmother's place.

This made me really angry and I began to hate my dad.

Does it mean that my father has forgotten my mother so quickly? Could it be that he never really liked my mother and was pretending all along? Or could it be that all this were my teacher's handiwork and she seduced him to take all the actions that he did?”

And before she could say jack, the woman was pregnant and she was delivered of a baby boy a year after her mother died. Poor gal. It is only natural to feel betrayed by your dad and class teacher. But again, that is the way love operates. It can happen anytime and anywhere. The demise of your mother had created a vacuum and in a short while he found another missing rib.

You just cannot blame him totally because he followed his heart. She ignited the flames and sparks that followed showed that they were really in love. As for your class teacher, she did not need to seduce him to win his heart. A lot of other people must have visited to condole, yet he did not swing that way emotionally. The truth of the matter is that love can catch up with you anywhere, anytime and any how.

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Etcetera

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

The song without

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

Defying inadequacies in local pop music, the writer sings his compatriots’ praises but hastens to prescribe and encourage remedy, failing which transition of the Nigerian artiste from local champion to world-famous icon could fall through.

ON ACCOUNT of talent, the Nigerian artiste most likely to break through the global music market is Innocent Idibia, otherwise called Tu Face Idibia or the more reverential Tu Baba. Regarded as a pioneer of pop music with typical Nigerian flavour, Tu Face’s music headlined by the hit, African Queen, is continentally favoured. Some might add that more recent act, Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa, is a budding female version, even if her reputation hinges on a first album, the soulful pop collection, Asha. But the artiste most likely, on current trajectory, to make the intercontinental transition fastest is Dapo Oyebanjo of the Oliver Twist fame.

While not the greatest voice to come out of the country or the most original performer, D’banj or the Kokomaster appears to make up for the deficit with stage flair pleasantly reminiscent of the late Afro beat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Lively performances of catchy tunes have seen D’banj emerge one of Africa’s most viable attractions in the last few years as his predecessor was decades earlier. Fela probably came closest to worldwide recognition with his trademark Afrobeat and accompanying gyration on stage, but whether he found his niche too late or left the scene too early is debatable. The world rues Fela’s exit, to be sure, but the greater lament is Nigeria’s for missing out on respect comparable to that continually paid roots reggae legend Bob Marley and his Jamaican roots from all quarters.

Despite multiple awards within the continent and without, D’banj, Tu Face, Asa, Whizkid (born Ayo Balogun), P-Square (Paul and Peter Okoye) at al have their work cut out. Pockets of support for Nigerian production may exist in Western Europe and North America – the base of popular art, culture and music –, but the foreign crowd is yet to see the best of potential east, west, north and south of The Niger.

And with popular music still in search of the next megastar after Michael Jackson’s 2009 demise, there is no better time to step up from local championship than now.

MJ’s crown may be a rather ambitious project for the most talented Nigerian act today, but can D’banj or indeed any other promising act from these shores be considered for the challenge sometime soon?

Hardly. Not when nursery rhymes and long-drawn choruses characterise lyrics and not when composition is shallow and hurried.

Long considered a piracy hotbed and the graveyard of intellectual property, the country must better habour song writers, music arrangers and instrumentalists for more refined work. Versatility may encourage genius, but great works often require technical collaboration on a massive scale as the rise and rise of relatively less talented foreign acts demonstrate.

Few, least of all Nigerian music enthusiasts on the continent, will today contest Nigeria’s leadership role in the propagation of culture as the local pop music video or song only has to be compared with African alternative for the difference to pop up. But there is much ground to be covered. And it begins with the local market. For too long the aficionado has relished mediocrity. That should no longer be. For the listener to cultivate an ear for music, more refined pieces should waft through as should the voice of the consummate critic, one motivated by excellence and societal well-being than pecuniary gains derived from endorsement of horrendous music.

If, however, change tasks the industry and the compatriot is pushed to self-help, the writer will have to compose and render something – croaky voice or not – for, in popular radio parlance, his ‘listening pleasure’. To start with, how about a title from any of the following that ends, as is prevalent, in ‘o’: Walakolomboko, Kalangalangolo, Kangolotolo, Tongoloto and Kokorokoro?

QUOTE It’s so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to.

—Annie Gottlier

Jokes Humour Collateral Image AN OLD villager wanted a loan for N10, 000.

The banker pulled out the loan application. “What are you going to do with the money?” he asked.

“Buy Silver, make jewelry, and sell it.”

“What have you got for collateral?”

“Don’t know collateral”.

“Well that’s something of value that would cover the cost of the loan. Have you got any vehicles?”

“Yes. 1975 Pigiot 404 pickup.”

The banker shook his head. “How about livestock?”

“Yes, I have donkey.”

“How old is it?”

“Don’t know, has no teeth.”

Finally the banker decided to make out the N10, 000 loan.

Several weeks after, the old man was back in the bank. He pulled out a roll of bills. “Here to pay,” he said and handed the banker the money to pay his loan off.

“What are you going to do with the

rest of that money?” asked the banker.

“Put in pillow,” said the villager.

“Why don’t you deposit it in my bank?”

“Don’t know deposit.”

“You put the money in our bank and we take care of it for you. Whenever you want to use it, you can withdraw it.”

The old man leaned across the desk and asked the banker, “What you got for collateral?”

Lawyer’s Last Stand LYING on his deathbed worried whether he would make heaven or not, a lawyer requested that his wife assemble all the spiritual men she could get as soon as possible.

Being a religious woman, she thought it a good idea and carried out her husband’s wish faithfully.

As soon as she returned with the men, the lawyer scanned the assembled group, his eyes darting left and right. Aware of the curiosity his action aroused, the lawyer said, “Help me, I’m looking for loopholes!”

•Adapted from the Internet

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AKING Writer ’s Fountain y o u r writing glow: Studying television or reply a question, or even speak coherently at all. Almost all communication is done ‘between dramas or soap operas.

Adapt scene hangers and you’ll soon have the lines’.

If you get that sub-text into your stories, a wealth of ways to link the episodes in your your characters will seem ‘real’. own stories, so that the reader stays hooked.

Find something boring to observe.

Act as a walking tape recorder.

A famous writer inspired the phrase, ‘I am a Boring? Yes. Here’s a wonderful way to make a camera’. It described his work. He had walk productive. Stop at random, wherever reproduced, without judgment or nobody can see you. And just look. Are you interpretation, what he actually saw and heard staring at a shop window? A poster? A car-filled in a post-war European city. You can do that in motorway or a serene park? And is the scene boring? That’s wonderful! Why? conversations that you overhear.

Imagine what a child would make of that Take a discreet note of every colourful turn scene, if he had never seen it before but of phrase. People say the most amazing things that you would never be able to invent for possessed an uncanny gift with words. A bare yourself. Real people may not speak the way brick wall becomes a magic landscape. An they do in books but you may be surprised at ordinary street is an adventure to be explored.

Write a description of that scene, using all how often people fail to complete a sentence, the five senses, as if you had never seen anything Miscellany: like it before. And pack all that sensual detail •A wind with a speed of 74 miles or more is into one sentence. Use words that precisely designated a hurricane. convey the uniqueness of that moment.

•Absolutely pure gold is so soft that it can be It may be a tough exercise. How do you moulded with the hands. describe, say, a graffiti-covered wall in words •A magic potion or charm thought to arouse that make it fascinating? But it’s the key skill of sexual love, especially toward a specific a great writer. Master it and you’ll be able to person, is known as a “philter.” ‘switch on’ this habit of perception instinctively.

THE ARTS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

My novels tackle criminal and cultural matters – Orubebe Ghandi Ebikeme Orubebe, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) is a prolific writer and a novelist. His two latest novels – Deserts and Missing Daughters, do not only dwell on the myriad of issues troubling the society, Orubebe also carefully combines criminal, social, and cultural issues to point the way forward. It is obvious that with his background as a sociologist, Orubebe’s penchant for corrective measures in his works cannot be faulted. He spoke to Edozie Udeze in his office in Osogbo, Osun State, on his writings, how his wife influences him and more

•Orubebe

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HERE is no doubt that prose writing is one of the most tedious things to do in life. For a society where there are already too many distractions, it is even much more difficult for one to sit down and write. But for Ghandi Ebikeme Orubebe, an Assistant Inspector General of .Police, (AIG), creative writing has indeed become more than a hobby. To him, it is now a way of life; something that must be done not only to help the society move forward, but to also point out some ills that bedevil the entire citizenry.

Why I write With his two latest novels – Deserts and Missing Daughters, he has proved that books can equally be used to fight crime and remould people’s attitude towards one another.

Reacting to the reason why he even chose this part to greatness, Orubebe enthused: “In the Police Force, apart from the idea of running after criminals, when you are posted to a staff college as part of your official responsibility, you are duty-bound to

teach the children well. But again over there, you have plenty of time to read books on your own. So, while I was there discharging my duty, I had time to read and write. Any book that caught my fancy I read in order to learn a lot more about the society,” he said.

Beyond this rare opportunity to acquire more knowledge not only for himself, Orubebe also nursed the urge to render unconditional help to humanity. He said, “Yes, right from the beginning, I had always been in love with novels; in fact all sorts of books.

And so, at a point, I felt it was time for me to put down my own ideas for people to read and learn from. And in producing most of my works, I carefully look at the various issues of crime, cultures and the like.”

And because he has decided to make writing a serious affair in his life, Orubebe deliberately retires into his study at mid-night when members of his household have all gone to sleep.

“Yes, it is more conducive to write when you cannot be disturbed. This is why I write very well at night. Most of

the time, I would be alone in the ambiance of my study. And for me to complete a story, it can take me one or two months. Usually, it depends on the nature of the story and how much time I devote to it. Before I do that, I would first of all gather the ideas together in my brain.

After that, the story idea then begins to flow,” he explained.

Dealing with issues In Missing Daughters, the AIG rummaged into the depth of the male/female syndrome in Nigeria. To him, it is a theme that needed to be revisited and treat well for people to learn from. “Ha, you know in Nigeria, people tend to attach too much importance to male issues.

I don’t know why it is so, probably due to male chauvinism. It seems if one doesn’t have a male issue, he is doomed for life. But everything really depends on what your kid can be in life; whether female or male. For me, however, both are good and should be seen so.”

He went on: “But because it is a societal issue that was why I gave it this attention so that people would be able to see how to handle it. No, it is not that I have a personal experience or encountered people with such problems. It was just a spur of the moment, coupled with what obtains in practically in all parts of the Nigerian society. The point also is that as a sociologist, I was trained to primarily feel concerned about societal problems. It is my duty too to correct the ills of the society in whatever way I can.”

As a born again Christian, Orubebe feels it is his moral responsibility to reach out to a lot of people through his works. “Oh, as a born again Christian,” he said, smiling reflectively, “you cannot shy away from being on the part of positivism. When you join these issues together, you have a burning urge to ensure that

you do things that help to correct the wrongs in the society.”

While at both the Federal Government Colleges, Bomadi and Ughelli, Delta State, at different times, the instincts to be a writer began to develop. Being a bookworm, young Orubebe promptly enrolled in the debating and literary societies of the schools to further sharpen his brain.

“It was then I began to notice that one day I’d write my own books. This was years back. There, at Government College Ughelli while I was doing my Higher School Certificate, I took time to read a lot. Then the books of Professor Wole Soyinka appealed to me a lot. Even though I love African writers generally, Soyinka influenced me most. I love the way he increases one’s vocabulary and makes his works hard.”

Familiar problems And because of this deep-rooted influence, Orubebe’s works concentrate essentially on basic familiar issues. He said: “Of course, some of the problems tackled in my books can be resolved depending on how you see them. It is just like the Police Force. It is usually said that a society gets the type of Police Force it deserves. That is exactly what these books should do to the people. If you are talking to a group of people and they are adamant, they don’t want to change and they can never change, no matter how you do it.

“But if the people want to change, little touches here and there can help them to change. You see the example of Jeremiah in the Bible. There came a time when Jeremiah was sent to the people of Israel. But they told him point blank that he was wasting his time. Yet a few of them later turned around for good. That’s what these books can do to the psyche of the Nigerian people. Even though I have written other books, these two are topical and address issues of the moment.”

In the main, Orubebe admitted that he uses his books to tackle crime.

Although he doesn’t dwell wholesale on criminal issues, he sees his works as basically corrective. “I don’t deal with only crime. The society has more problems. The cultural issues we have are indeed inimical to societal growth and progress. Take for instance the issue of Osu-caste system in Igboland.

Those things are not of God and we need to expunge them from the society. It is not good for man to find himself in those kinds of encum-

brances. By the time you handle issues like that the society will be better for all of us,” he further posited.

Patience’s angle In whatever crime issues he is involved in combating, the AIG sees plenty of stories in them. But in the first place, he made it clear that his wife, Patience, has the greatest influence on him. “Oh, yes, most of my stories were told me by my wife. Each time she told a story I’d make notes.

It was her stories that first inspired me to write. After she’d told the story, I’d amplify them to make them into fictions.”

Nonetheless, his books cannot be totally classified as fiction. “I don’t do fiction for the sake of fiction,” he said. “All I do is to use the story told by my wife to create real life scenarios; scenarios that are prevalent in our society. And with this, people can easily draw a lot of lessons therefrom.

You see, if you believe in hard work, the end result is that you’ll make it in life. You don’t need to circumvent hard work because that is the bedrock of success. You really need hard work to get to your destination.”

God’s touch Everything we have, comes from God. He created me to worship Him and I have chosen to worship Him for the rest of my life. For me, there is no escape route from that. That I have been able to come this far, is due to the grace and love of God, the creator of mankind and He has been guiding my senses in whatever I lay my hands on.

“Indeed I am not serving God to please people or to impress anyone.

Even if people say oh, how can a police officer be a born again, that is their business. All I know is that I love God and He has been good to me.

We have such people in the Bible; even tax collectors. But once God has chosen you to be His own, there is no one to change it.”

Orubebe who studied Sociology at the University of Lagos, also has a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan.

It was after his first degree that he joined the Nigerian Police Force. Today he has over eight books to his credit even though only two – Deserts and Missing Daughters are ready for launch. “Yes, I hope to do the public presentation of the two books on 8th of next month at Asaba, Delta State.

This is so because the two books appeal to the fabric of the nation presently,” he explained.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Arts/Reviews

A book of honour and squalor “E VERY good thing seems to be learnt with some conscious effort. Where, however, determined bid is not made to learn, evil sprouts instead. How total ignorance overwhelmed them! By distancing the rod from their daughter, an instrument of correction that purifies, they equally denied their daughter of correction in righteousness. The actualities of life not tempered with the rod therefore manifested in all aspects of Ado’s life continually.”

With this statement on page 41 of the novel, Deserts, written by G. E. Orubebe, it is easier to glimpse through the message and the total import of the book. The book tells the story of Ado, a spoilt child who had everything going for her. Unfortunately, her parents did virtually nothing to correct her excesses.

In the book, two families are pitched in different locations, where their individual backgrounds in terms of wealth and orientation help readers to understand the stories.

The essence of the stories coming from different backgrounds is to teach humanity how the lack of discipline in the society has become the bedrock of the total collapse of the values people attach to life.

This is why the author obviously chooses the story of Ado who is so beautiful but is unduly pampered by her folks to register the central point of his message. Ado is almost like a princess, whose beauty shines and blossoms in the bloom of life. And so, among her other siblings, her parents single her out for praises and often adorn her with other inconsequential niceties.

And with time, however, Ado becomes too over-bloated with pride due to those praises, that she loses her normal senses. As she goes into secondary school, her primary business and preoccupation is to hoodwink and seduce men to stupor. Essentially her concern is to have the best of the world, while her education goes to the dogs. This obnoxious habit of hers leads her from one trouble to another. In the process, she throws caution to the winds in order to perfect her life of idiocy.

On the other hand, Samuel, a boy born into an affluent home sets out to be nasty too.

In-between the time, his mother brings him back to his senses just in time for him to begin to fall in line. Samuel, in spite of his many youthful escapades, tries to listen to his mother. While in school, he makes serious efforts to conform to rules and regulations, albeit with in-built self-discipline and comportment.

The Deserts is a story weaved around the issues that make people become either useful or useless in future. For every single habit we display or exhibit in the process of discharging our duties in life, it all depends entirely on how much discipline and decorum we received while growing

S

OME moments remain indelible in the mind.

And one of such moments for members of The Weavers, a creative writing club at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), was last Friday, when they met with Jude Dibia.

The event was a literary interactive session which features as a monthly programme of the club. The session is a platform on which members of the club interact with established writers.

Part of the schedule of the evening was readings by the guest writer, and Jude Dibia read from his novels, Unbridled and Blackbird. Before the reading, the guest briefly shared his background, and how he came into writing, with his rapt audience.

Thereafter, Dibia fielded questions from the young

Women on the verge I

By Edozie Udeze

up.

The author spices the book with moral instructions to direct both the parents’ and the youths’ attention to the deteriorating situations in most homes in Nigeria today. Without sound and profound moral upbringing, no one can grow up into a useful and meaningful person.

People need to be told that God is the pillar of life.

The book of Psalms says that it is only a fool who says there is no God. And he who says that does so at his own peril, for God is real and He guides those who call upon Him. Therefore, discipline is of God, the maker of mankind.

It is amazing how the author, a senior police officer, could use the issues of morality and crime and culture to permeate his book. It shows that he has indeed perfected the art of story-telling in such a way that the infusions do not clash or distract.

It is pertinent to ensure that a child is taught the way of God right from cradle. The author sums it up thus: “The child grew up not knowing scolding, striking or spanking from those whose bounden duty it was to do so for correction. The love the parents thought they professed for her (Ado) became of little or no importance. Rather it only helped in making her a vessel of dishonor…”

The book draws attention to the very core problem area of lawlessness and disobedience which still beckon in the society. It is this issue that the novelist keeps hammering on in the book in order to encourage everybody to sit up. It is also a book totally devoted to the raising of the fabrics of the home; the complete indoctrination of the child to be able to face the realities of tomorrow.

In 330 pages, Orubebe has been able to let the world into the secret lives of mega rich families who breed monsters in form of human beings.

Yet, the lesson in it is for people to desist from such absurdity. However, there are few typographical and editing errors that need to be corrected forthwith. There are places where the inverted comas did not close or open properly.

And so for this book to make the list of the NLNG literature prize, those errors have to be corrected. Besides, it is a book for today and for tomorrow to help remould derailing characters.

T’S no surprise that the realistic short stories and pessimistic plays of Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, who began writing in the 1960s, were banned until glasnost. Her bleak fictions depicted Soviet women as the human workhorses they were. They did not live in castles or picturesque garrets but in mini-gulags, subdivided apartments, which deprived the generations of families and strangers forced to cohabitate of any sense of privacy. (As a child, Petrushevskaya and her mother lived under a desk in her mentally ill grandfather’s room.) Her work was suppressed because she matter-of-factly described the horrors of domestic life in a society that abolished the self.

Many of Petrushevskaya’s stories can be considered fantastic. Her breakout book in America, “There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor’s Baby,” was cheekily marketed as “Scary Fairy Tales.” These stories teemed with grotesque and supernatural elements that masked the real terror: how unrelenting misery transforms human beings into monsters.

The new collection, “There Once Lived a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister’s Husband, and He Hanged Himself,” is slyly subtitled “Love Stories.” These 17 tales, selected and translated

by Anna Summers, who herself grew up in those “cramped, ghoulish blocks of apartments,” follow Petrushevskaya’s writing career from her first published story in 1972 to one published on her 70th birthday in 2008. They are deeply unromantic love stories told frankly, with an elasticity and economy of language.

The characters are often pathetic, incomprehensible.

“Doctor Zhivago” this ain’t.

The first lines of the first story, “A Murky Fate,” establish the tone and themes of the book: “This is what happened. An unmarried woman in her 30s implored her mother to leave their studio apartment for one night so she could bring home a lover.” The lover turns out to be her co-worker — a slov-

This book by a Soviet writer called Ludmilla Petrushevskaya talks about human living and love affairs among Russian women

enly, narcissistic married man. The next day she discovers that despite their dispassionate and perfunctory encounter, she is madly in love. Is it possible that she truly desires this toad? Or does she just want to enter the kingdom of tragic women who have loved and lost? Does it matter? Is it so wrong to want to have a love story?

A few stories capture a character in a Chekhovian moment of clarity; some read like family lore, recounted without fanfare or urgency; others echo the gossip women exchange like currency. What is consistent is the dark, fatalistic humor and bone-deep irony Petrushevskaya’s characters employ as protection against the biting cold of loneliness and misfortune that seems their birthright.

Even when a story ends with the narrator suggesting that a couple lived happily ever after, it rings false. We suspect the teller has tired of

the story and is deliberately concluding on a mawkish note. What one can cling to is reward enough — a home, even if shared with a host of other miserables; children, even if they are scheming to steal your money and your home; a man, even if he is unfaithful, abusive and unpredictable.

The strongest piece, “Young Berries,” which seems to draw on Petrushevskaya’s own life, recalls a young girl’s stay at a sanitarium where she faces down bullies, finds her voice and begins to write. The narrator becomes infatuated with a beautiful and cruel boy who is drawn to her “whiff of shame.” He mocks and torments her, but her victory is in her survival. “The circle of animal faces had never crushed the girl; the terror remained among the tall trees of the park, in the enchanted kingdom of young berries.”

Culled from New York Times

An evening with Jude Dibia

By Kayode Odumboni

writers in a rather engaging atmosphere. He stressed the need to first of all be a humanist, in order to be successful as a writer. He explained that a writer must be able to empathise with others whose experiences he may not even share. This came as a response to how he is always able to create characters that are totally different from him.

Jude Dibia, who has published three successful novels, quelled a notion raised by a student-writer, that only rich writers who have the means get published.

“What I know for sure is that good writing gets published,” Dibia said.

He further urged the

•From L-R, Dr. Patrick Oloko, Dr. Austin Nwagbara, Jude Dibia and Professor Karen-King Aribisala

young writers to be wary of rushing to get published. He said that there’s always the tendency to be impatient to

get one’s work out, but that shouldn’t be the priority.

“Make sure you believe in the story you want to tell

first of all.”

At the end of the session, members of the club could not contain their joy. Atie

Oritsemolebi, a 300L student of English said, beaming with satisfactory joy: “it is actually one of my wishes for this year to meet the writer whose characters always keep haunting me even long after I have dropped his novel, Jude Dibia.” Another student, Ogu Kelechukwu who is in 200L, Mass Communications, said that it was a session that he wouldn’t have traded for anything.

Present at the event were the Head of the Department of English, UNILAG, Dr. Adeyemi Daramola, Professor Karen-King Aribisala, Dr. Patrick Oloko, and Dr. Augustine Nwagbara, all lecturers at the same department.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

53

A bird in your pants —PAGE 55

Herbs and ‘holy’ water babies Despite recent stepped up campaigns against herbal homes, many expectant mothers prefer going there and to churches to deliver their babies. Taiwo Abiodun investigates

M

RS. Sola Segun [not her real name] is based in Akure, Ondo State. She had been married for over 30years without a child. Two years ago at 56, her body chemistry changed. She complained of fever and dizziness; her legs got swollen and she began to exhibit symptoms akin to that of an expectant mother. She was advised to go to hospital for pregnancy test. She decided to.

The result of the test turned positive: she was indeed pregnant!

The doctor told her that at her advanced age, there was no way she could deliver the pregnancy unaided because age was no longer on her side. She was advised to get prepared for a Caesarean operation which would cost her some ransom. Her response to that was “I reject it in Jesus name.’’ Immediately, she stopped going to the hospital for pre-natal care and headed for an herbal and maternity home where she was periodically given a cocktail of herbs. In the ninth month, she was delivered of a baby girl. With her face beaming with joy she said, “I am hoping to have another one again and would not go to the hospital.’’

Mrs. Segun is a level 14 officer in the Ministry of Education, and a headmistress in one of the primary schools in Akure.

Asked why she shunned the hospital to deliver her baby, she said “I am afraid of surgery and I am not sure what would happen after.” She said she is at home with herbs than subject herself to a doctor’s scalpel.

Madam Stella James [not her real name] is a devoted Christian. She married late and at 45 she conceived but was advised not to go to the hospital or else she would be opened up for caesarean operation. She did not need much persuasion to shun the hospital because according to her, “When I was looking for the fruit of the womb I visited several hospitals many times but got no positive result until I came to this Christ Apostolic Church where God answered my prayer. It is holy water and anointing oil that I used. I was told that my problem was more spiritual and that was why I delivered my baby here too and God has been kind to me. I don’t care what people would say, this is where I had my two children and I have not gone to the hospital since.”

The stories of Mrs James and Segun are typical of many today. Many expectant mothers prefer to visit herbal maternity homes or churches to have their babies irrespective of the hygienic condition of the environment.

A visit to some of the labour rooms in these churches and herbal homes show how indecent and unhygienic they are for newly born babies.

Growing patronage of herbal homes At Aanuolapo Trado Medical Centre and Maternity Home, Abule – Iroko, Ogun State, which is run by ‘Dr’ Rasaq Ibrahim, the scent of herbs wafted through the air. Placed on wooden shelves are bottles and plastic jars filled with both liquid and powdery substances and concoctions. Local clay pots were

•Ibrahim giving Moriamo Jamiu some herbal medicine

on fire steaming, cooking some of the herbs.

Pointing at each bottle on the shelve in his consulting room, Ibrahim explained the functions of each ‘drug’ to the curious reporter.

Pointing to one of the containers he said, “This one is blood tonic, the other one is for pain relief while the next to this one is an antidote for body itching. We use all these for expectant mothers and it also depends on their complaints, He was beaming with satisfaction and confidence.

Inside the consultation room is a bed where he examines his clients , “In fact, I can read and interpret the result or what the scan says, ’’ he said and to authenticate his words he brought out a scan result of one of the patients, glanced at it and said “This scan is normal, the baby’s head is upside down, all these are important

when a baby is about seven months old in the mother’s belly,” he lectured the reporter.

Aanuolapo Trado Medical Centre, which he heads, is a traditional maternity and healing home where the sick and expectant mothers attend and are delivered of their babies.

According to him, “I will listen to their complaints and if there is need to give them herbs I will and if it is powdery concoctions [agunmu] I will also do so. I don’t give injection at all.”

As is the practise in orthodox hospitals, before any client is attended to he/she must purchase a card. He boasts, “I started doing this job over 25 years ago and since then I have no cause to regret because my clients deliver with ease and without any problem.’’

He added, “We don’t operate on pregnant women. When the baby is not in normal posi-

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

tion we know the herbs or powdery herbal substance to give the mother for the baby to make it turn to the right way but if it is the orthodox (doctors) they will quickly bring out their scalpel and open up the patient. We have different types for example, if it is to swallow, or liquid form or again local soap for bathing depending on the condition of the client.’’

He claimed that he is a trained herbal medicine practitioner, “I have my licence to practise. The Lagos State government used to train us and we attend workshops, seminars and other related courses in order to upgrade ourselves. I am a certified trado-medical practitioner. ’’ He, however, admitted that there could •Continue on Page 54

54

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Life

Herbs and ‘holy’ water babies •Continued from Page 53

be complicated cases of which he would not hesitate to refer such a client from his herbal homes to orthodox medical doctor or hospitals.

“But the fact is that we use traditional way to deliver babies but if we observe that the case is far from being ordinary and we cannot handle, we would then refer them to the hospitals.” He said the work is symbiotic as some orthodox doctors do refer some complicated cases to them because as he called it “to guard their loins against principalities.’’

He argued that it is not only the poor that need his services because “the rich ones also patronise herbal homes very well irrespective of their financial or social status. In fact, those who cannot come in the day would come at night in their big cars!’’

At Mama Meta Traditional Clinic and Maternity Home, Iyana - Ipaja, wooden framed certificates decorate the wall evidencing the job the woman is doing. Pregnant women were being attended to by the MD (‘medical director’) of the clinic, Chief (Mrs.) Temilade Fayemi, who is the chief consultant. According to her, there seems to be high number of expectant mothers patronising herbal healing homes and this is due, according to her, to the efficacy of traditional medicine. She said, “I have spent 38 years on this job and I have never encountered any problem. I inherited the practice from my late father who practised as a midwife then while I also underwent training both from the Lagos State government and the World Health Organisation. In fact, I cannot count the number of patients I attend to in a week. Nigerians now appreciate and believe in the power of traditional healing homes unlike before when the case was the opposite.”

Asked whether she delivered her own children in herbal homes, she declared, “I had my first set of triplets in the hospital while I had the rest four in my herbal home,. In fact, my apprentices acted as my midwives when I had all my children in this my clinic.’’

Among those who delivered in Mama Meta’s clinic is Madam Elasoro Rebecca. According to her, “My father in-law was a practitioner too.

All his children were delivered here.” For Mrs Alade Oluwasola [in her 40s], when she married she had delay in having children until she got to Mama Meta’s clinic. Her story about orthodox medicine is the same,

•Fayemi

•Owolabi

•Agbaje

WHO on traditional medicine

RADITIONAL medicine (TM) refers to the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and men-

T

tal illness. Traditional medicine covers a wide variety of therapies and practices which vary from country to country and region to region. In some countries, it is referred to as “alternative” or “complementary” medicine (CAM).

Traditional medicine has been used for thou-

sands of years with great contributions made by practitioners to human health, particularly as primary health care providers at the community level.

TM/CAM has maintained its popularity worldwide.

Since the 1990s its use has surged in many developed and developing countries.

that she took many drugs without any result until she turned to herbal treatment.

For Madam Oluwasogo Agbesuyi [aka Mama Ibeji], she had her five children in the herbal home and boasted that she prefers it to any other. But for Jamiu Olawale and his wife, Moriamo who live in AbuleIroko, Sango in Ogun State, they confessed that they patronise herbal homes because of lack of money. According to Jamiu, “We are very poor and have nobody to assist or support us so we have no choice than to go to herbal homes for medical care. You can see that I am partially blind and my wife is blind too.” Their two children were delivered in traditional herbal homes. ....And to churches with holy water Churches and spiritual homes are not left out,. For instance, the Christ Apostolic Church [CAC] believe in what they call ‘miracle water’. At Christ Apostolic Church, Ibudo Iyanu, Abule-Egba headquarters is where Evangelist [Mrs] Celena Bose Agbaje practises as a midwife to the church.

According to the pastor in charge, Israel Afolabi, “God is performing wonders here through our midwives, ask Madam Agbaje”, he said with total conviction and full satisfaction.

Corroborating Israel’s words, Agbaje who has spent 15years practising as a midwife in God’s Vineyard said she is spending her sixth year in Ibudo Iyanu. To convince the reporter she took him round the labour rooms where there are several rows of beds. She said, to become a midwife is not just anyhow

but by calling. “It is like a pastor’s calling. When you are called you have to go to Faith Home in Ede in Osun State where you undergo spiritual training for two years and would then be qualified as a midwife, while there you are taught spiritual and medical training on how to handle cases of childbirth.’’

According to Agbaje , “Many expectant mothers prefer going to churches to deliver their babies because of spiritual warfare the world is facing. Many are pregnant for three to five years. Some after delivery would give birth to monsters and it is through the powerful prayer here that we are able to deliver them.

While evil forces reign in some women’s lives. A woman once delivered an imp. After delivery it was a still birth and she left it somewhere where she was organising to bury it but suddenly it transformed into an imp holding a mat while according to her , her head began to swell until the imp disappeared. This type of war can only be faced with spiritual warfare. If such a person had gone to the hospital she would have died!”

According to her, the CAC believes in their powerful spiritual water called miracle water [Omi Iyanu].

The well from which the water is drawn is located by the labour rooms. She pointed at the well and declared with strong warning: “A woman must not go near the water or take from it, only men are allowed to fetch it for us. You can see kegs of water here these were brought by members and non- members of the church. We don’t go to hospital here for we believe fervently in prayers and God has been doing it for us. Last

year we delivered about 93 babies. If a baby dies we pray and it will come back to life. We also use anointing oil by asking the pregnant woman to use it on her private part.”

Asked what happens if it gets to a point where an operation is needed, she responded, “We hardly experience such here. But in a case where a woman bleeds excessively we would quickly refer her to the hospital but this is very rare! We use prayer and holy water to do whatever we are doing here. There was a time the government sent spies or detectives here to know whether we are using medical treatment but when they discovered that we did not they left us alone. There is nothing God cannot do. Those who come here are sure they will meet God here. We use faith to do anything here ’’.

Evangelist Agbaje explained that they don’t discountenance orthodox medicine but advise their patients to go to the hospital and do scan, “If the baby is in traverse we will pray for the mother and the baby will come to the normal position. It is miracle and that is why people prefer coming to churches. When the doctor request for caesarean operation we would turn it down and pray while they would be given holy water to drink and that is all , the baby would be delivered . It is happening here.’’

He, however, expressed displeasure at the manner churches are being treated, saying “if a woman accidentally dies in the church the police usually arrest as if we are at fault but if it happened in the hospital and from doctor’s mistake, it is buried !” He considered this unfair.

At the Mountain of God Miracle Apata Igbala ,[ Cherubim and Seraphim] Guinness , Ikeja, a pregnant

woman sleeping on a mat was pointed at as a woman who conducted the reporter round the premises said, “If you come here on Sunday you will see miracles. We deliver babies here. Our headquarter at Agege has a hospital but we believe more in miracles. What we do is legitimate and it is God who assists us. We deliver babies here and it is through the work of God.’’ In the church compound are signs showing “Ward A’’, “Ward B’’, “Doctor’s Ward’’ etc.

The common thread running through all the places visited show that most of these so-called herbal homes and faith clinics are dirty, while they have poor management which often result to the deaths of many of their patients as they are handled by halfbaked medical practitioners.

Investigations revealed that some of these churches and trado medical centres employ auxiliary nurses. Layi Owolabi, a medical doctor with over 30 years of working experience, agreed that there is an increase in the number of pregnant mothers turning to herbal and spiritual homes.

He linked this to “poverty in the land as these people cannot afford to pay both the government and private hospitals fees.” Owolabi blamed the surge to herbal and spiritual homes on the fact that the two are allowed unrestricted access to the media to advertise their products while orthodox practitioners are barred from doing same.

According to Owolabi, “I am not saying there is no miracle but our people are so gullible that when a patient is advised not to eat at certain time it is then that you will see these so-called chronic believers bringing in anointing oil from their pastors and forced it into the patient’s throat thus ignoring the doctor’s instructions.

They are hoodwinked by men with sugar -coated tongues. There should be law guiding all these and it is very unfortunate that the government itself is not helping matter. To deliver a baby in the hospital you have to pay through your nose while to perform caesarean operation one needs money. And most of these clients cannot afford it so they go for the cheaper one at the risks of their lives. The state and federal government should practise the National Health Insurance Scheme[NHIS], and make medical bill affordable to all. Without this, our people will be dying in the hands of these so-called trado medical doctors and churches who cheat the gullible ones among us.’’

Your HEALTH

55

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

A

man's heart is connected to his reproductive part in more than a figurative way. Not surprising since from a physiological point of view, an erection is certainly an affair of the heart.

Erectile dysfunction may not be their favourite subject, but a new study shows why it's one health concern that probably should not be swept under the rug.

Analysing the mechanism for effective penile activity, Dr Maxwell Jideofor said”An erection happens when the two main tubes in the penis, called the corpora cavernosa, that run the length of the penis, become filled with blood. So when men begin to have erectile dysfunction it's a sign that there's more widespread disease and not just for the heart but throughout all the blood vessels in the body.

"In the penis, there are more endothelial cells than in any part of the body. So any disease that causes a problem with those cells, is going to manifest itself in a male particularly.”

As we notice an increase in the number of men who become infertile or are forced to live with reproductive troubles, it is observed that more men under the age of 50 are battling penile as well as cardiac issues.

Explaining the relationship between both organs, Jideofor, says “Both erectile dysfunction and impaired heart function can be caused by reduced blood flow, which can happen when blood vessels become less flexible because of high blood pressure or other health related issues.

“In a virile man,” he continued, “the blood vessels in the penis and other places need to dilate, allowing for increased blood flow and thus an erection. Likewise, if there is something causing the vessels to constrict, the heart will not be able to pump blood to the penis and he cannot have an erection.”

Although previous evidence has shown erectile dysfunction to be linked to heart problems, since the heart and penis rely on a healthy blood flow there is a current study

A bird in your pants It is often embarrassing for men to admit they have challenges with their reproductive organs.

But facing the truth can save them from heartrelated diseases and stroke, Rita Ohai writes. that finds that having a mild erectile dysfunction can increase one's risk of a heart problem, and even of death.

The study tracked 95,000 men and found that over 7,800 of the men who had been admitted to the hospital for some sort of heart-related problem had faulty reproductive organs, and just over 2,300 had

died.

It was also discovered that the men had a greater risk of all kinds of problems, like heart failure, stroke, and vascular disease among others. For example, men with severe erectile dysfunction had a greater risk of dying from any cause, whether they'd had heart trouble in the past or not.

One off the lead researchers at the Australia's Heart Foundation, Rob Grenfell, who doubles as the hospital's Cardiovascular Health Director, at a press briefing, said “These results tell us that every man who is suffering from any degree of erectile dysfunction should be seeking medical assistance as early as possible and also insisting on a heart health check by their general practitioner at the same time,” He also suggested that rather than simply treating the health problem with over-thecounter medication, looking deeper into what else might be going on to underlie it is probably a very good idea.

“If you have erection issues, it's a warning that you may also have issues with your heart. I urge any man suffering an erection difficulty to see their doctor to request a heart health check to measure their likelihood for having a heart attack in the next five years.”

Health professionals, however, advice people to rule out cases of diabetes and high blood pressure before commencing treatment for this condition.

As they say “Whatever improves the health of your heart and blood vessels is likely to improve your erections, too.”

Preventive measures

E

RECTILE dysfunction is caused by a wide range of factors notably increasing age, smoking, diabetes, depression, obesity, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure say experts.

Also nerve disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, low testosterone, and certain medications, particularly sedatives and some antidepressants can worsen the condition.

As a precautionary measure here are some actions you can take on your own: •Stop watching too much TV or sitting at the computer. The men who watched more than 20 hours of television a week had

almost half the sperm concentration as the men who watched zero hours a week.

•Eating better and watching cholesterol are also beneficial. If you smoke, quit.

Smoking increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.

•Check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly, and do what's necessary to keep them at healthy levels.

•Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes most days by walking, cycling, swimming, or engaging in a sport you like. Men who do moderate to vigorous exercise 15 hours or more per week have a significantly higher sperm concentration than those who worked out

less than five hours a week.

•Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. It is helpful to limit yourself to no more than two drinks a day.

•If you think a particular medication may be causing erectile dysfunction, ask your doctor if you can switch to another drug.

56

Your HEALTH

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Nigeria participates in forum to curb drunk driving T

HE International Centre for Alcohol Policies (ICAP), has held its international conference in Washington, DC, United States of America.

The conference which was attended by over 300 delegates from 45 countries representing over 140 different governments, industries, and health organisations is meant to sensitise road users on the dangers of drunk driving.

Dr. Tom Mboya Okeyo, Kenya's Ambassador to the United Nations spoke on World Health Organisation (WHO) global strategy to fight drunk driving while ICAP President, Mr Marcus Grant unveiled the industry initiatives.

Nigeria was represented at the conference by Alhaji Bello Kankarofi, the Registrar of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Jonas Agwu, Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Professor Iyiola Oni of the University of Lagos, Ms Busola Ogunnaike of the Federal Ministry of Health and

Dr Lanre Onigbogi of ICAP. Others were Mr Yusuf Ageni and Vivian Ikem of the Nigerian Breweries Plc. Agwu and Onigbogi participated in the panel discussion of the Africa session of the Drink

Drive interventions. Other Kankarofi and Yusuf, who spoke at the break-out session on self regulation in Africa.

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of 10 commitments signed by 13

of the world's largest producers of beer, wine, and spirits in five key areas to be implemented over the next five years with a report by an independent, third-party organisation due by the end of 2013.

•From left: Dr Lanre Onigbogi, Global Actions Manager, Mr Yusuf Ageni, Nigeria Breweries, Mr Sean O'Neill, Heineken International, Alhaji Bello Kankarofi, Registrar, APCON, Ms Busola Ogunnaike, Fed Min of Health, Mr Ken Williams, ICAP, Prof Iyiola Oni, University of Lagos, Mr Jonas Agwu, FRSC and Mr Vivian Ikem, Nigeria Breweries.

Lung cancer set to overtake Man-made chemicals cause of sperm and breast cancer other health problems, says UN report

T

HE rise in cases of lung cancer reflects a surge in the number of women who started smoking in the 1960s and 1970s.

In 2013, some 82,640 women will die from lung cancer, while 88,886 will die from breast cancer, says a report.

The number of pancreatic cancer deaths among both men and women also shows no sign of decreasing, largely because there are few effective treatments for this type of cancer.

Prof La Vecchia of the University of Milan, Italy, said: "This is worrying. It is the single major cancer that does not show any signs of declining in the future, despite fewer people smoking.

"Smoking and diabetes account for about a third of cases. But we do not know what causes most of the rest.

"But for lung cancer, we expect death rates to start to go down in around 2020 or 2025 now that the new generation of women are smoking less."

Sarah Williams, of Cancer Research, said: "It's encouraging to see that overall the rate of people dying from cancer in Europe is predicted to continue falling.

"This reflects improvements in what we know about how to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and shows that through research we are making inroads against the disease.

"But deaths from lung cancer in women are still rising, reflecting smoking rates in previous decades, so sadly most of these deaths were avoidable.

"These figures underline the importance of reducing the number of people who smoke both through helping smokers to quit and by introducing plain, standardised packaging to give young people one less reason to start.

A

RTIFICIAL chemicals in everyday products are likely to be at least the partial cause of a global surge in birth deformities, hormonal cancers and psychiatric diseases, a U.N.sponsored research team reported on Tuesday.

These substances, dubbed EDCs, could also be linked to a decline in the human male sperm count and female fertility, to an increase in once-

rare childhood cancers and to the disappearance of some animal species, they said.

"It is clear that some of these chemical pollutants can affect the hormonal system and may also interfere with the development processes of humans and wildlife species," the report declared.

The international group, academic experts working under the umbrella of the United Nations environmental

and health agencies UNEP and WHO, issued their findings in a paper updating a 2002 study on the potential dangers of synthetic chemicals.

Declaring "a global threat that needs to be resolved," the team said humans and animals across the planet were probably exposed to hundreds of these often little-studied or understood compounds at any one time.

Thousands of poultry slaughtered due to bird flu outbreak

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EXICO'S animal health agency says a bird flu outbreak at seven farms in central Mexico has affected as many as 582,000 chickens.

The Agriculture Department says more than a half million birds were exposed, but the number that will have to be

slaughtered has yet to be determined.

An outbreak of the H7N3 bird flu virus in western Mexico in 2012 led to the slaughter of more than 22 million hens and caused price increases in chicken and egg products.

But the department said Friday that the current

Hip implants a bit more likely to fail in women

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IP replacements are slightly more likely to fail in women than in men, according to one of the largest studies of its kind. The risk of the implants failing is low, but women were 29 percent more likely than men to need a repeat surgery within the first three years.

Women tend to have smaller joints and bones than men, and so they tend to need smaller artificial hips which can be tough to insert.

The message for women considering hip replacement surgery remains unclear. It's not known which models of hip implants perform best in

women, even though women make up the majority of people who have full or partial hip replacements each year to ease the pain and loss of mobility caused by arthritis or injuries.

"This is the first step in what has to be a much longer-term research strategy to figure out why women have worse experiences," said Diana Zuckerman, president of the nonprofit National Research Centre for Women & Families.

"Research in this area could save billions of dollars" and prevent patients from experiencing the pain and inconvenience of surgeries to fix hip implants that go wrong.

outbreak has not affected the supply of chicken products.

It said tests were continuing to determine the exact strain of virus involved in the outbreak, but said it did not affect humans.

Meanwhile, about 14,000 ducks at a German farm are being slaughtered following a bird flu outbreak.

A federal laboratory confirmed Friday the H5N1 virus was detected at the farm near Seelow, east of Berlin, the first such finding in Germany in more than three years.

On Saturday, officials started slaughtering the farm's ducks.

Local council spokesman Tobias Seyfarth told news agency dpa that all poultry within a one-kilometer (halfmile) radius of the facility will be kept under observation for the next 21 days, with owners told to keep their birds where they are and report any symptoms.

The H5N1 virus normally spreads between sick poultry, but it can sometimes spread from poultry to humans. Bird flu has killed 367 people worldwide since surfacing in 2003, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says.

HEALTH

Learn to stop vomiting Vomiting can often be discomforting and unpleasant. It is especially embarrassing when you are caught unawares in a public place. Here're some simple methods to get you to stop vomiting and make you feel great in no time. ?

If you feel like you're going to throw up, and absolutely can't help it, take deep breathes and relax. Let it just come out, and you'll avoid a whole lot of pain. However, remember to aim for a bag or a trash can - you don't want to end up making a disgusting mess on the floor or on yourself! ?

Breathe. Always remember to take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Also, don't drink while you're lying down, that makes it too easy for the liquid to come back up. ?

Take sips of liquids you can see through, they are easier on your stomach. Eating dry bits of food like biscuits can help too. ?

Know the causes of your nausea, if this has happened before you may be able to fix or avoid the feeling. ?

Try to walk around a lot or rock yourself in a rocking chair. ?

If you have a stomach flu try to only use one bathroom with all your germs in it and don't let anyone else in because they could easily catch it. ?

Try to eat healthy and bland things only. ?

Try not to drink too much water or other liquids, otherwise your nausea could get worse and a warm bath can sometimes help you feel better. ?

Try to stay away from an area with other people. It will get them sick, too. ?

Relax and take slow deep breaths.

Sometimes the anxiety or fear of being sick may increase the nausea and make it worse. ?

Try brushing your teeth to make you feel fresher and get rid of any bad tastes in your mouth!

Sea-bed to produce antibiotics

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team, led by scientists at Aberdeen University, is hunting for undiscovered chemicals among life that has evolved in deep sea trenches.

Prof Marcel Jaspars said the team hoped to find "the next generation" of infection-fighting drugs.

England's chief medical officer has warned of an "antibiotic apocalypse" with too few new drugs in the pipeline.

Few samples have ever been collected from ocean trenches - deep, narrow valleys in the sea floor which can plunge down to almost 6.8 miles (11km).

Yet researchers believe there is great potential for discovering antibiotics in these extreme conditions.

Life in these incredibly hostile environments is effectively cut off and has evolved differently in each trench.

The international team will use fishing vessels to drop sampling equipment on a reel of cables to the trench bed to collect sediment.

Scientists will then attempt to grow unique bacteria and fungi from the sediment that can be extracted and refined to discover new antibiotics.

Starting in the autumn with the Atacama Trench in the eastern Pacific Ocean - about 100 miles (161km) off the coast of Chile and Peru - the EU-funded research will also search deep trenches off New Zealand as well waters off Antarctica.

The average person uses antibiotics for only a few weeks and the drug itself only has around a five to 10-year lifespan, so the firms don't see much return on their investment.”

The inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics and an over-reliance on the drugs - has led to a rapid increase in resistant bugs and medical experts fear effective antibiotics might soon run out completely.

In January, Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies, compared the threat to global warming and said going for a routine operation could become deadly due to the risk of untreatable infection.

Project leader Marcel Jaspars, professor of chemistry at the University of Aberdeen, said: "If nothing's done to combat this problem, we're going to be back to a 'pre-antibiotic era' in around 10 or 20 years, where bugs and infections that are currently quite simple to treat could be fatal."

He said there had not been a "completely new" antibiotic registered since 2003 - "partially because of a lack of interest by drugs companies as antibiotics are not particularly profitable.”

WORSHIP

57

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

‘It’s not my business if our members are leaving their marriages’ Pastor Chigbo Ndukwe is founder of the controversial Jordan Ministries, Ikeja, Lagos, which has been in the eye of the storm lately over many unorthodox practices.

He responded to some of the sundry allegations against him in a chat with Sunday Oguntola. Excerpts:

•Ndukwe

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HERE have been a serious petition against you to PFN and CAN on the practices of the church, especially as it relates to how members are leaving their matrimonial homes. How do you react to it?

Thank you for coming to hear but make sure you also take it to God. Forget what I say or anybody says.

The ultimate judge who actually knows everybody and determines their end is God. Now, men have made allegations against me. If those allegations are true, what man can do to me cannot be compared to what God will do to me. The truth of the matter is what God thinks of me.

I will say it will be silly of me to try and defend myself. I would rather that the people speak for themselves.

But this is what I am going to tell: I stand for truth. I stand for the word of God. I stand to speak of whatever God has asked me to say.

One of the allegations against you pastor is that you encourage members to disregard all their other earthly relationships and adopt you as their father.

Sometimes, many married women, according to the petitioners, left their matrimonial homes and children for the church. Is this true?

I will say those are mindless allegations. I thought they were going to say I was teaching heresies and show me in the scriptures where I am wrong. But since they didn’t say that, they have no case.

No, they didn’t say that, but said your church is full of separated and divorced members. How do you react to this?

Okay this is what I am going to say: Sunday, the colour of your skin is red.

No, by no means No, it is.

No sir.

Okay, the point I am making is anybody can say

is just to teach the truth. If somebody is supposedly following God and making mistakes, the point is, are they not making mistakes when they don’t follow God? Can you make mistakes following God? It is not now up to me to determine that. Jesus says ‘my sheep know me and I know them. They hear my voice and follow me.’ My own assignment is to teach the truth. When you now follow that and someone says what you are following is wrong, then it is now up to you and God. But the person that tells you the truth hasn’t done anything wrong by telling you the truth.

How old is Jordan Ministry?

I will answer that this way. When a man connects with God, it is a whole life experience. But it was registered in 1996.

Can you also supply a little background on your spiritual heritage? What church did you use to be and all that?

No, I won’t do any of that. I am only committed to God. I will only discuss the call of God upon my life and not all that. People should go and ask God about me.

Do these allegations bother you?

I have come to realise that it is not the people making these allegations that are wrong. It is about the power of darkness trying to stop the truth. But at the end of the day, God knows everybody.

My life will come to an end and everyone too will die.

God will judge everyone.

anything but the burden of proof is on them.

But I have spoken with at least two men whose women left their homes because you allegedly encouraged them.

Did they say I asked them to go?

Well, the women claimed God asked them to but their husbands said they left because of your preaching If God told them to leave, what is my own? How does it bother me?

Can God ask wives to leave their matrimonial homes for any reason?

I will answer you this way because I have determined to detach myself from such things. Have you heard of a woman called Karthyn Kulhman?

Yes I have Were you aware God told her to leave her husband?

Well, the man was illegal in the sense that he was married to another woman without Kulhman’s knowledge Yes, yes but at that time she did not know all these that you are now saying. He was her husband as far as

she knew. It was later that God explained to her. So, it is not up to me to decide but up to God to determine. If somebody says God asks her to leave, leave God to judge them now.

Don’t you think you have a responsibility to mediate and protect the sanctity of your members’ marriages?

No, no, no. As a pastor, I have a responsibility to mediate on the things that God will want me to mediate when and how he wants me to. The truth of the matter is this man sitting here, have I ever mediate in his family?

These are allegations that people are making and they want me to react.

Do you take wives of other men to Kenya for convention without the consent of their husbands?

No, I don’t. How can I? I have meetings in different parts of the world. I also bring people from different countries. They come to some of these meetings of the church here.

Is the headquarters here or in Kenya?

No, no I can’t answer that question because this ministry does not gather people

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‘How to succeed in ministry’

HURCH leaders must remain true to God and strive to fulfill their ministries with fear and trembling.

This was the consensus at the International Church Impact Conference (ICIC) with the theme The exceeding glory, which ended in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, last week.

Thousands of gospel ministers attended the conference which held at the headquarters of the Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC) in the ancient city.

President of ICIC, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, lamented the increasing erosion of the original faith in the nation, wondering if the upcoming generation will be able to preserve the legacy.

By Sunday Oguntola He said there was a widening generational gap that must be filled with aggressive commitment to discipleship and insistence on original biblical tenets.

Rolling out heartrending tales of compromises in the church, Aggrey called for repentance and return to the original gospel.

He warned that “if we are not careful, the generation coming behind will bring Pseudo-Christian ministries that will break our hearts and God’s”.

Bishop Nissi Moses expressed worries over marital crisis among gospel min-

like churches do. Now, one of the reasons why I don’t hold meetings on Sunday mornings is so that people can be free to go elsewhere.

But in the evenings, we come together. So, I am not in the business of gathering people; there is nobody who comes here who doesn’t have access to somewhere else.

So, do these women have the consent of their husbands to travel with you?

How many people go with Adeboye to Houston or Malawi and Adeboye calls their husbands to know if they permitted them? However they are living in their houses is up to them; it has nothing to do with me.

So, how come your wife does not attend this church?

And whose business is it with what my wife does and doesn’t do?

People are just curious why she does not come here.

Does that mean she does not believe in you? Or maybe she does not submit to your authority?

This is the way I am going to respond to you. She lives with me in the house and that is the most impor-

isters.

He said once the marriage of a minister fails, he stands condemned because no one will be interested in listening to whatever he has to say.

Moses appealed to gospel ministers to save their marriages from collapse to retain their goodwill and win the confidence of all.

Bishop Emma Isong appealed to gospel ministers to always remember there is a season for everything under the sun.

He warned them against anxiety and unnecessary competition, saying God is capable of taking care of everyone he called

tant thing. Whatever we do in the house, nobody knows.

Her place with me in my life nobody knows. It is not for public consumption. Where she worships is up to her.

Everybody answers to God in the final analysis. My encouragement to everybody is to be where God wants you to be because God will judge you not man.

And already from the allegations, I can see that the whole intention here is to tarnish me. From just hearing you and seeing the direction this thing is going, I can only let God be my defence. I have respect for you and everybody can do whatever they want. If the battle is for God and His kingdom, He will fight back.

What I can see from all these is that my sin is telling people to go back to God and do whatever He asks them to do.

But how can they be sure they are hearing from God really considering the many queer decisions they take?

When Jesus was teaching the truth, was he teaching it from the angle of ‘what if I am wrong?’ or he just taught the truth? So, my role

to work for him.

According to him: “There is a season to be celebrated and a season to be rejected.

“Don’t complain whatever you are going through but understand what season it is.

“Before you start comparing yourself, ask yourself what season you are.

“If you don’t understand season, you will commit suicide before the good season comes”.

Bishop Jonah Katung said the church must rediscover its lost power to gain attention again.

The Jos-based preacher attributed most of the ma-

nipulations and compromises in ministry to absence of God’s power.

He challenged preachers to return to God for release of His surpassing power to be able to confront the many evils in the nation.

The host, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, told the ministers to trust God for financial provisions.

He said ministry without finance is frustrating and draining.

He charged them to learn to give and not cultivate the habit of only receiving, assuring that God will pour His resources on them for supernatural exploits.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Worship

ACROSS THE GLOBE Benny Hinn’s son detained over alleged assault

NEWS

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•L-R: General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, BSN, Rev. Dr. Fred Odutola; Makinde and Mobolaji Johnson, at the event

Makinde seeks return of mission schools •Gets BSN honours with others

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HE Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Sunday Makinde, has called for return of mission schools across the country to their original owners.

He said the take-over of the schools in the 70s by the Federal Government was the starting point of moral decadence in the nation.

Makinde spoke last week when the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) bestowed an award on him for his selfless service to God and humanity.

The cleric assured that the nation’s floundering value system will be restored if mission schools are returned to original owners and faithbased curriculum re-intro-

duced to the curriculum in primary and secondary schools.

The award was conferred on him and the others by the National President of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Dr. Aaron Nuhu, and the General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, BSN, Rev. Dr. Fred Odutola.

Others who received honours at the 5th founder’s day annual lecture and awards ceremony of the society include Sir Bode Akindele KJW and the first governor of Lagos State, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson(Rtd.) The theme of the ceremony, which held in Lagos, was selfless service: Key to achieving sustainable National Eco-

nomic Growth and Development.

A release by the Media and Public Relations Officer of the Church, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, stated that Makinde was described as a religious leader who has continued to live an exemplary life of selfless leadership in the midst of temptations and other present- day challenges and realities.

He was also said to be a leader worthy of emulation by the upcoming generation.

The keynote speaker, Professor Pat Utomi, said leaders must show the courage required to lead selflessly for the nation to move forward.

He said Christians must equally show the examples that reflect in totality the essence of their beliefs.

According to Utomi: “It is an anomaly that a country that is ranked the most religious country should at the same time be ranked the most corrupt nation.”

Church donates beddings

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HE Church of the Lord Aladura, Lagos North Diocese donated beddings to the General Hospital, Ifako Ijaye last week.

The donation which was done during the activities lined up for the Mothers’ Union Week was spearheaded by the women in the church.

According to Pastor (Mrs) Florence Abosede Owolana, Coordinator, Mothers’ Union of Aladura Church: ’’We are celebrating Mothers’ Union week and we found it worthy to come here and contribute our own quota. We don’t want to go and be throwing parties around, instead we believe these materials are needed here.” ‘ Continuing, she said, “we organised seminars and workshops on how to start small scale businesses like soap-making, tailoring, bead-

By: Taiwo Abiodun making and catering where our women, housewives, mothers and girls were trained in order to make them to be self employed. ‘’ Elder (Sister) Abosede Odelabu, Public Relations Officer of the Union, said the contribution was part of the Church’s sacrifice. ’’We have been doing this for a lot of hospitals, motherless babies’ homes, old people’s homes and we believe this time we need to extend it to the Ifako Ijaye General Hospital, and this will not be the last by God’s grace.’’

The apex nurse of the hospital, Mrs. Etti O. Diamond, along with her assistants, Mrs. Atere Folusho and Mrs. B. Kehinde Adesile, who received the beddings on behalf

•The women with nurses during the donation

of the hospital thanked the Church for their kind gesture and implored other organisations to emulate them. ’’This is a good thing the church is doing, we expect other churches to do more. Some individuals come here to celebrate their birthdays with the sick here and donate hospital equipments also .We should appreciate God for giving us good health and so those who are sick should be assisted morally and otherwise; nobody prays to fall sick.”

Mrs .Odun Owolana, the Church’s secretary, promised the hospital that the Church will come back next year in a big form. ’’We will come back again and donate more than what we have done. Apart from this, we pray for the sick to recover quickly from their sicknesses. ‘’

Photo: Taiwo Abiodun

HE son of charismatic evangelist Benny Hinn was detained along with two bodyguards employed by the ministry for allegedly assaulting a deaf and dumb man during an evangelistic event in Manaus, Brazil.

The Daily Mail reported that 21-year-old Joshua Hinn, Caleb Shirk, 26, and Konstantins Konstantinovs, 34, apprehended Hestephenson Araujo as he approached Hinn during his sermon with a bottle of water.

Araujo had reportedly attended the miracle healing crusade on Saturday at the Provos da Amazonia arena in hopes of getting a blessing from Hinn, who claims to

have an “anointing” or special power from God that gives him the supernatural ability to heal people.

Hinn, Shirk and Konstantins allegedly grabbed Araujo, 21, because they thought he was going to throw water at the minister.

They are accused of taking the deaf and dumb man to a trailer where they interrogated and beat him, the Daily Mail reports.

Araujo was eventually rescued by police, who had been called to the arena by “concerned members of the public.”

Although the three men were detained on suspicion of torture, no charges were filed.

They reportedly told police they did not know Araujo, who was treated at a hospital for his injuries, was unable to hear or talk.

Araujo’s father claimed he made a deal with Benny Hinn’s representatives to refrain from pressing charges allegedly in exchange for a “large sum of money,” the Daily Mail reports.

However, local authorities reportedly plan to continue investigating the alleged attack on Araujo.

Joshua Hinn and the ministry’s two body guards left the country without incident and returned to the US on Sunday, which was the final day of Benny Hinn’s miracle healing services in the South American country.

Egyptian Copts protest church attack

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UNDREDS of Copts rallied last Sunday against the torching of St George’s Church in Sarsena on February 15 as well as the escalation of destruction of churches by Muslims.

Several Coptic rights groups organised a march from Shubra, a densely populated area in Cairo to the High Court building in downtown Cairo to “demand justice” as the organisers said.

Demonstrators demanded the Sarsena church be rebuilt and the perpetrators be prosecuted in addition to the assailants of previous attacks on the churches during the last two years since the ousting of Mubarak.

“We are going down to

the streets for the church torched in Fayoum,” said Yvonne Mosad of the Maspero Coptic Youth Union.

The marchers chanted “Maspero, Maspero,” calling for the completion of their march to the state radio and TV building in Maspero, the site of the massacre that killed 24 Copts and injured over 300.

According to officials, the attack on St. George’s Church was triggered by a Muslim family living next to the church, who complained about the sound coming from the church during mass on Fridays and Sundays.

The Muslim family has been living next to the Church for 15 years and had

not complained previously.

During the attack on Friday, Muslims voiced the real issue, which was the Church is “an unlawful neighbour to the Muslims who live adjacent to it and must therefore be moved.”

Authorities placed a security guard at the gate of the Church. The guard prevented the media from filming the Church and prevented reporters and local parishioners from entering the Church.

A “reconciliation” meeting was held on Saturday evening, which many found to be unfair and humiliating, like all such previous meetings forced by authorities.

What and where?

The reception Community hosts Bishop-elect mences by 12noon.

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HE Ngorpala community in Lagos will today hold a reception at St.Jude Anglican Church, Ebute-Metta to celebrate the

consecration of new Bishopelect of Egbu Diocese of the Anglican Communion in Imo State, Geoffry Eyinnaya Okoroafor.

com-

A statement said the enthronement ceremony comes up in May in Imo State.

Motailatu Church commissions parish

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HE foundation laying ceremony of Motailatu Church Cherubim & Seraphim Worldwide (Kingdom Parish) holds today at Magbagbeola Layout, opposite Ilesha Garage, Osogbo, Osun State by 7.30am.

The Chairman of CAN in Osun State, Superior Evang.

(Dr) Abraham Aladeseye ,will

lead other prominent Church leaders like Assistant Secretary Organisation of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) Nigeria Region, Supt Apostle/ Prophet Samson Opadotun, and Chairman OAIC Osun State, Apostle General Adelani Adejumo, to the event.

The Superintendent of Motailatu Church C&S In-

Prepare leaders for next elections - Rev Adegbolagun

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EV. Solomon Adegbolagun, the President of Centre for Righteous Living (CRIL), a non-governmental Organisation, has charged Christians and all Nigerian politicians to prepare and get requisite training to practice politics and democracy in Nigeria ahead of the next several elections.

Adegbolagun made this statement recently at the monthly meeting of non-governmental organisations when he played host to the leaders of the group from different parts of Lagos in a special lunch session.

The cleric-cum-community leader reasoned that as politics has been seen as a career for some people to manage the affairs of others, the business

should not be placed in the hands of opportunists but committed and serious minded people. He charged the Church to be at the fore front of such leadership training.

According to him, current believers don’t have the required training because the Church has not been able to train leaders who can face the challenge of governance.

Said he: “If you look at other professions, except you train you cannot practice. In Nigerian politics anybody just comes and he becomes the leader without a full preparation for the challenges of leadership. If anybody wants to succeed in government he needs to have a thorough knowledge of governance and what leadership entails.

Even in the scripture leaders

ternational Sub-headquarters, Supt. (Dr) Israel Akinadewo (Omoeri), will coordinate the service with other ministers of God from the various parishes under the spiritual guidance of the Founder, Primate and Spiritual Head of Motailatu Organisation Worldwide, His Most Eminence Archbishop (Dr) Motailatu Akinadewo. were prepared and trained.

That was how Daniel got into governance. But in the Church today there is no leadership training; there is no Sunday School for leaders, and we need to have them. We need to do the same in Nigeria if this country should survive.”

On the planned Nigeria’s Centenary celebration, Rev. Adegbolagun congratulated the entire Nigerian people but was quick to advise government to place emphasis on things that could unite and stabilise the people of Nigeria.

He stressed that “the celebration is welcomed because this is against the backdrop of the prediction that the nation would not stay together for this long.”

He called on the government to allow Nigerians to express themselves through a Sovereign National Conference.

Worship

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

59

COLUMNS

Pastor Lazarus Muoka

HEAVEN AT LAST

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ELIEVERS, those who accept as true that the Bible is the word of God and that Jesus was born, crucified for our sin, was buried and on the third day resurrected for our justification and now at the right hand of God have right to the great reward at the end of life. All those who forsake their all for Christ shall have wonderful and everlasting packages in this present world and in the world to come.

This is the promise of God Almighty to all that are regenerated, all that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. Every child of God that is truly born again is in God’s miniature kingdom already here on earth and as long he is into that kingdom (family of God) he has inalienable rights to all the blessings of the kingdom.

Luke 18: 28- 30 says: “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. 29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting”.

Therefore, every true child of God must endeavour to get the awareness of his/ her rights in the kingdom. The reason being that in the absence of the knowledge of these rights such person will of a truth be in many sorrows That is why the Bible says in Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children”. The people referred above that are wallowing in ignorance are not unbelievers but the known people of God, believers who are suppose to educate others about the benefit of the Kingdom are even ignorant of the treasures of the Kingdom. What makes so many to be in continuous sorrow and pains, is the lack of the knowledge of their rights as believers. And seeing that it is never the will of God for

Believers’ rights in the Kingdom any of His children to suffer, He has decided to unveil the kingdoms privileges to us and as we know and take advantages of them it shall be well with us in Jesus name.

Daniel 11:32 says: “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits”.

If you know what belongs to God and which by extension belongs to you then you will do much exploits.

John 13:17 says: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them”. If you know what belongs to you and begin to lay claims to them you will be a happy individual. So there is need for knowledge in following the Lord, there is need to know of the things that belong to you and there is the need to know the things that belong to God and by the kingdom extension are also yours.

Claim them and God Almighty shall bring them to pass in your life for it is not His will that believers should suffer and perish.

Therefore, when you go before the Lord in prayers with the knowledge of the things that belong to you, He will remove every problem in your life. You should always prepare your minds and be ready to know and possess your kingdom benefits in Jesus name.

Our rights in the Kingdom explained All true children of God have the rights to all the blessings of God. All who are genuinely born again, who are living right, whose names are in the book of life and living to please God have the rights and all God’s blessings belong to them.

1st Cor. 3:21 says, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;. As long as you are born again, all things are yours. You have all things including the good of all things. The comfort of life is yours, and the end of life is yours, with the true use of it because the sincere Christian lives in the glory of God his father which secures his salvation. That which is in itself so terrible is for the believer’s advantage, their friend, their privilege, their passage to heaven and their deliverer from sin. All these are covenant blessings, which are dispensed in love to us.

Christ’s death was the death of death and by this exercise He has disarmed death of its sting, thus the believer therefore fears not its dart. It does no longer hurt, but now a healing serpent. There is no venom or malignity in it again. Behold all things are yours, life or death, things present and things to come.

Many who do not know about their rights in the kingdom are crying, begging from people, going to different hospitals wasting their hard earned resources and time, and in the process may have received all sorts of insults and harassments. Those who are unaware of their rights in Christ Jesus tend to bring reproach upon themselves and cause unbelievers to mock God due to their begging and sickly lifestyles despite owning all things as it were. Those who do not know their God and their rights in the kingdom always murmur, angry, complain and cry asking all the time of their portion in the Lord.

The children of God who do not know of the things that belong to them murmur, complain and become angry because they lack this knowledge as typified by this ‘son’.

All things that belong to God also belong to those who are truly born again.

So if you are included in this group of people and you are reading this message, God has brought this to open your eyes and cause you to know your rights in Him so that you can ask for them in prayer and they shall be given to you in the name of Jesus!

John 16:24 says, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full”. My beloved, ask from God your rights in His kingdom so you can begin to rejoice in full. You may have some things now but before God those things are nothing, ask from Him and you will receive full measure from Him. I pray that you change your mind in the positive manner regarding the way you seek God and continue to do more than you think you are already doing for Him and He will not fail to locate you to bring about astounding blessings upon your life and family in Jesus name.

Matt. 7:7-8 says: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened”.

Everyone that asks from God receives and I pray that you ask so that your joy may be full. Beloved, ask and it shall be well for you.

Violent Faith: Key to the Supernatural (4)

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ICK Vujicic truly does seem to be “unstoppable” (like the title of his latest book) these days—in Jesus of course—as he and his wife Kanae announced the birth of their son, Kiyoshi James, last Wednesday.

The baby boy was born a day after the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary, and a day before Valentine’s Day. Nick’s life continues to be an inspiration unlike any other, as the Melbourne,

Australia native, who was born in 1982 with no limbs, has battled through so much because of his physical challenges—victoriously,

Christ.

Nick posted a photo of baby Kiyoshi on his Facebook page saying, “Thank you all so very much for all your love and prayers!! Kiyoshi James Vujicic - 8 Pounds 10 oz, 21 3/4 inches long. Mama Kanae doing excellent as well.”

Over 80,000 people have already “liked” Nick and Kanae’s birth announcement on Facebook, and have left over 9,200 congratulatory comments.

AG News which quoted Mike McClaflin, AG World Missions regional director for Africa, as saying, “Escalating hostility and violence toward Christians in various places in Africa causes us grave concern for our brothers and sisters, and especially for our pastors.

“Our prayers are with the family of Pastor Mathayo Kachili as well as the other pastors of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Tanzania and missionaries from the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada labouring in East

Africa.”

Barnabas Mtokambali, the Tanzania AG general superintendent, encouraged Christians in the Tanzania AG to remain Chris-like in their faith.

“Our response as a Church is not one of violence and hatred, reflecting the attitude of those committing such crimes but that of Christ and reflecting his image by loving and praying for those who humiliate and persecute us, and not holding such sins against them,” Mtokambali says.

Living Faith

By David Oyedepo

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VERYTHING works by faith in the Kingdom of God. For things to keep working in your life, you must keep working on your faith. Last week, I threw more light on what faith was.

Also, we looked at why we needed violent faith.

This week, I will be showing you four characteristics of violent faith, and two brands of the Holy Ghost wine.

Characteristics of violent faith: • Violent faith is fearless. It’s the ‘if-I-perish, I-perish’ faith. Everybody was jittery in confronting Goliath, except David who told Goliath, “…I will bring down your head today, for the fouls of the air!” So, David without the regular kit of a soldier, brought Goliath down, and the latter died (I Samuel 17:32-37 and 51). Men and women of violent faith are fearless individuals.

• Violent faith is peaceful. Peace that passes all knowledge characterizes violent faith. For instance, Jesus was fast asleep in the ship, the raging storm notwithstanding. When He arose and rebuked the storm and the wind, there was a great calm (Mark 4:40-41).

Also, the three Hebrew boys were not struggling against being thrown into fire. Even in the midst of the fiery fire furnace, they had peace, because of their violent faith (Daniel 3:16-18).

• Violent faith grieves the spirit. You hate to see the devil molesting your life.

You are grieved, provoked and you are not comfortable with what is not Biblical. You are most uncomfortable with the manipulations of the wicked one. For instance, Peter’s spirit was grieved when Simon wanted to buy Holy Ghost Power with money. Peter told him, “Your money perish with you” (Acts 8:18-23). He was grieved! Also, when Elymas was hindering the deputy from hearing the Gospel, Paul’s spirit was grieved (Acts 13:8-10). Violent faith grieves the Spirit.

• Violent faith acts

ACROSS THE GLOBE

Limbless evangelists gets baby through his faith in Jesus

boldly. Violent faith demonstrates itself with bold steps and gallant actions. Whatever you cannot step out for, has betrayed your faith (James 2:18). For instance, David did not only believe in bringing down Goliath, he took bold steps to bring him down (1 Samuel 17:49).

No wonder, he was able to kill him!

Brands Of Holy Ghost Wine: It takes some special brands of wine, for you to be violent. The Holy Ghost is the base wine, and He manifests Himself through the following avenues: The prayer wine: The prayer wine is the one that makes you pray as a drunk.

It is the kind of prayer that Hannah prayed, and she was taken to be a drunkard! However, she explained that she wasn’t drunk, that she was only pouring her heart out to God (1 Samuel 1:9-15).

You can engage the prayer wine to arouse the lion in you, and stir up violent faith in you. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray according to the will of God. So, there is a Spirit of prayer.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

The Spirit of prayer helps us to pray according to the will of God, so we can get answers to whatever we pray for. So, when you are confronted with issues, you pray in the Holy Ghost to connect with the answers to those issues from the Lord. If we ask anything according to His will, He hears and answers us (1 John 5:14-15).

How does the prayer wine activate violent faith?

As I said, our base wine for the prayer wine is the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of prayer).

When you pray in the Holy Ghost, you are engaging the Holy Spirit to network scriptures that provoke holy anger, and engender violent faith.

The Spirit of God empowers our insight to the things that are freely ours. So, connecting scriptures with scrip-

tures is His job. Therefore, praying in the Holy Ghost is a fundamental way of generating violent faith. Praying in the Holy Ghost triggers violent faith.

The testimony wine: Testimonies are the acts of God that validate the truth of scriptures. That’s why, only teachings with testimonies are lively. Testimonies are spiritual intoxicants. That’s why you’ll hear somebody’s testimony, and it turns you on. Based on that, you make efforts to tap into it for your encounter.

Psalms 119:111 says: Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. Testimonies are “the rejoicing of the soul.” If testimonies are the “rejoicing of the soul,” then testimonies must be winey, because wine maketh merry (Ecclesiastes 10:19). That means, testimonies are intoxicants.

Every time you are reading anointed books, please don’t skip the testimonies.

There are wine genes in testimonies that turn people wild. For instance, the testimony of Wigglesworth turned me wild against the devil. From 1979, I have no iota of regard for any devil or his agent. I saw me being far above the devil, from Wigglesworth’s testimony.

Testimonies are highly winey. So, drink into the testimony wine, get provoked into holy anger, and take possession of all your possessions. Testimonies are ordained to reproduce after their kind. After the woman with the issue of blood got her healing, everybody started looking for how to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. As many as touched Him, were also made equally whole (Matthew 9:20-22; Matthew 14:35-36).

Testimonies are spiritual intoxicants that turn people on, in the face of battle.

Friend, the power to engage the testimony wine is available, if you are saved.

You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. From today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for saving me. Now I know I am saved!

Welcome on board Double Portion Flight 2013!

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with us through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Pastor beheaded in Tanzania

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ATHAYO Kachili, pastor of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church in Buseresere, Tanzania, was reportedly beheaded by a group of religious extremists in an attack on the Church on 11 February.

This was revealed by the

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

BUSINESS

•President Jonathan giving cassava bread to Vice-President Sambo

Hitches trail introduction of cassava bread The launch of cassava bread into the menu list of Nigerians was done with so much fun fare several months ago.

The euphoria has since died down, with no sight of the new bread on the shelves, reports Bukola Afolabi ment wants is being discussed,’’ he said. According to him, bakers do not have enough of the type of cassava flour required for bread-making. Obviously, as with every novel idea, there are questions bordering on the technical possibility on the part of the millers, and availability of the right type of cassava flour.

There may be need for some form of retooling to make the current machines handle cassava flour.

Naturally, there were a lot of reactions to this

change and gradually many started getting ready for the change. Unfortunately, many months after, the cassava bread is still very far from the oven, groceries and our menu list. So what are the challenges and how can bakers make the cassava bread dream a reality?

According to a source in the Ministry of Agriculture, “We are still testing the cassava bread; it is not much in the circulation now.” He, however, said, “we have cassava biscuits,

“

doughnut and other pastries. It is not in circulation now because we want to know how acceptable it would be in the market.”

The source also said that “some of the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are frustrating the policy because of their selfish interest.”

Ade Adegbokun, who also spoke on the matter, added that “the Federal Government always does things half way. Most times they would come up with a policy and move into another area without follow-

Obviously, as with every novel idea, there are questions bordering on the technical possibility on the part of the millers, and availability of the right type of cassava flour. There may be need for some form of retooling to make the current machines handle cassava flour

“

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OR a long time, Nigerians were satisfied with the taste of bread made from wheat and it was a constant item on the menu for many. However, the desire to look inwards made the government to announce a new policy on bread making in the country last year.

The big question on the lips of many was: How prepared is the nation for this? Were the bakers ready for the new formulation in dough preparation with a greater percentage of cassava flour? It was also important to find out if the millers were ready for the new experiment that now requires them to add a higher proportion of cassava flour to the hitherto predominantly wheat flour, and still give the bakers what they need to produce an acceptable bread.

What and how long will it take for Nigerian consumers to adapt to and accept the new look, texture and taste of bread in the country?

According to a miller, the issue is still being discussed by representatives of millers, bakers and the government. “Flour millers are using cassava, but the level at which the govern-

•Akinwunmi-Adesina

ing up on what they have started. To my surprise, the introduction of cassava bread started with some reservations; then a lot of Nigerians started embracing it when they realised that there was a lot of danger in flour bread, but government is not pushing it the way they should.”

Under the new policy, the government asked millers to raise to 20 percent the cassava flour in the flour for bread-making. This will be raised to 40 percent ultimately.

To encourage or force local millers to comply with the policy, the government announced in June last year a 65 percent levy on wheat flour imports. The levy took effect on July 1 and is in addition to a 35 percent duty

on wheat flour imports.

Government, however, provided an incentive for the cassava industry by abolishing a 10 percent duty paid on import of cassava-enhancing enzymes used by millers and bakers. Government will use part of the revenue from the 65 percent levy on wheat to establish a Cassava Bread Development Fund and the fund will be used to support the cassava value chain.UTC and Butterfield were called to be part of it.

Undoubtedly, ‘Starloaf‘ cassava bread, the brand from UTC baker’s stable, assumes the confectionery industry flagship product as it ventures into the ECOWAS market where consumers await delivery, a first of its Continued on page 61

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

BUSINESS

Sanusi warns against lending to holding coys

Hitches trial introduction of cassava bread

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Continued from page 60

kind.

UTC Plc Managing Director and Chief Baker, Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan, said the bread is ‘good to go’, having been under the certification searchlight of the National Agency of Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), millers and other international agencies for which it had got the nod, to set sail to grocer’s shelves within and beyond Nigeria’s borders and we have achieved it uptill 20%.

Starloaf brand is not only priced competitively and a health line product for those contending with gluten intolerance and glucose-release rate (from wheat flour), it is to be used to prospect export opportunities to support government advocacy in African countries.

Olaniyan informed that though the product had wide acceptance from the taste panels conducted, there is consumer choice between cassava and non-cassava bread, which is clearly labelled as requirements demanded for food display by regulation.

Obviously, what started as the usual government policy on paper is now transforming into another foreign exchange earning portfolio for Nigeria as the country struggles to break free from her mono-product economy, now employing agriculture in a practical sense.

“We have appointed agents for the products in Cotonou and Accra; we are waiting to fine-tune our MoU and paper works before we commence delivery,” she said.

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii, has said Nigeria will save N300bn annually from the use of cassava as bakery products instead of wheat.

His words: “We must reduce our reliance on raw materials from abroad, especially if we have it in Nigeria.

We will save N300bn if we start manufacturing cassava- based bread. In 2010 alone, Nigeria imported wheat worth more than N636bn, rice worth more than N356bn and refined sugar worth more than N217bn.

“Apart from saving the Federal Government N300bn, if we begin to eat bread made from cassava flour, it will create more jobs for farmers, the manufacturing sector and also save our foreign exchange. To decrease our dependence on wheat imports, and encourage the use of cassava for bread-making, companies should key into the cassava revolution initiative like the Vit A fortification.”

Cassava is Africa’s most important staple food crop, after maize, and Africa produces half of the world’s supply. The plant is used to make a starchy food called garri, and it is also a source for biofuel as well as animal

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•Cassava flour

feed. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) document repository, Nigeria is currently the largest producer of cassava in the world with an annual output of over 34 million tonnes of tuberous roots.

Despite its preeminent position in cassava growing, Nigeria is yet to make much impact on the global cassava market, since most of its crop is consumed domestically.

But with new initiatives under way aimed at increasing and improving cassava production and developing new ways to use the crop, Nigeria hopes to utilise cassava as part of its strategy to diversify its economy away from petroleum.

Prior to the discovery of oil in the 1970s, agriculture was the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, accounting for about two-thirds of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With the oil boom, agriculture’s contribution to GDP declined to 25 percent by 1980 and Nigeria moved from being a large exporter to a major importer of agricultural products. Since the mid-1980s, as a result of a decline in oil revenue and policy measures implemented under a Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), agriculture’s contribution to GDP has risen to about 40 percent.

Nigerian cassava production is by far larger than production in Brazil and almost double the production of Indonesia and Thailand.

Cassava production in other African countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda appears small in comparison to Nigeria’s substantial output.

This sub-sector, apart from being alternative source of revenue, also has the potential to generate the muchneeded employment for our teeming youths. It also promises to feed a variety of local industries which use cassava as raw material thereby reducing our over-dependence on other countries for materials we can produce locally. Such industries as pharmaceutical and bever-

age industries stand to benefit a lot from cassava and the economies of scale as so enormous that it ought not to be ignored.

A wide range of agro-ecological conditions allows for very diverse crop production.

The northern part of the country is suitable for sorghum, millet, maize, cowpea, groundnut and cotton. The main food crops in the middle belt and the south are cassava, yam, plantain and maize. Low-lying and seasonally flooded areas are increasingly being used for rice production.

Broadly speaking, the cassava-growing belt falls within three agro-ecological zones of the southeast, southwest and the central areas. The first two zones fall within the humid tropics.

The predominant soil types are the ferralitic soils which are rich in free iron but low in mineral reserves and are consequently low in fertility.

The central zone lies between the southern and the drier northern agro-ecological zones. The soils are poor, due to leaching from heavy and intense rainfall and so limited fertility is a constraint to agricultural production.

However, recently, Nasarawa, a state in the northern part of the country, is competing favourably with the southern states in cassava production, marketing and processing. Information has it that Nasarawa State has overtaken many other states of the federation in the mass or commercial production of cassava. Confirmed report also has it that the seriousness and commitment of the Nasarawa State government to the practice of farming earned the state this enviable position among other states of the federation.

Some agricultural experts who commented on the good news attributed Nasarawa State’s success to the willingness and readiness of farmers in the state to adopt and put into practice modern farming methods as well as the commitment of the state government to the development of agriculture in the state.

Some cassava produc-

tion experts, however, described the taking over of Nasarawa as the number one cassava producing state in the country as a major challenge to other states, especially states in the South and East, that used to pride themselves as champions in cassava production and processing. The experts and stakeholders who belong to this school of thought also lauded the relentless efforts of the country’s cassava researchers and research institutes like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), as well as other research institutes in the country in making sure that they increased the number of cassava farmers in the country, just as they celebrated the news with farmers associations like the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA). The experts have, however, called on the lawmakers at the National Assembly to consider and give speedy deliberation and hearing to the presidential bill of compulsory inclusion of 10 per cent cassava flour in the production of bread and other flour-based foods

by President Goodluck Jonathan in the recent time.

In Nigeria, cassava has great potential both for export and domestic consumption.

The usefulness of cassava plant has a wide spectrum ranging from the leaves to the roots which are mostly used in animal feeds and food processing. Cassava leaves have a high protein content (20-25% of dry leaves), while cassava roots have 25-30% starch but are low in protein. Many studies have shown the effect of different processing methods on the chemical contents and nutritional values of cassava leaves and roots; the use of cassava roots and leaves for feeding pigs; young stems and leaves for feeding cows; the use of cassava dried leaf powder as animal feed for chickens and pigs; using cassava stem to grow mushrooms. Cassava roots have multiple end-uses, such as for the starch industry, for food and feed processing, for pharmaceutical industry and export.

HE Central Bank recently warned banks against lending to their holding companies (HOLDCO). This directive was given by the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, while speaking at the 4th annual pan-Africa investor conference organised by Renaissance Capital in Lagos last week. Sanusi explained that such funds will be treated as returned capital by the apex bank.

Sanusi further explained that a circular will soon be issued to that effect.

He insisted that the move is to check abuse of shareholders’ funds, stressing that every measure will be put in place to prevent the banks from another crisis.

“The move is to protect the shareholders’ fund. We do not want banks to lend to the holding company or any other company within the HOLDCO. If any bank does that such fund will be treated as returned fund.

That is, it will be separated from the capital base. We do not want any banking crisis,” he stated.

Citing the cases of the banks that failed stress test in the sector in 2009, the CBN governor attributed it to massive abuse, stressing that the

Stories by Bukola Afolabi

apex bank will continue to roll out policies to check the banks in that regard.

It would be recalled that the apex bank reviewed the universal banking model in 2010 and require banks be separated from non-banking subsidiaries.

The banks currently operating under HOLDCO include First Bank Limited, FCMB and Stanbic IBTC. Also speaking at the event, the coordinating minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to recapitalise the Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in the country to enable them perform their roles in the economy.

•Sanusi

NDIC participates at Kaduna Trade Fair

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IGERIA Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is to participate in this year’s edition of the Kaduna International Trade Fair .

This is the 34th edition of the event and the focus will be to enhance public awareness on the mandate and activities of the corporation.

The NDIC activities at the trade fair, which takes place between February 22 and March 3, 2013 include the production/transmission of the NDIC radio and television jingles, display and distribution of the corporation’s in-house research publications with

branded souvenirs and the NDIC Special Day. The NDIC Special Day also serves as a platform to showcase the landmark achievements of the Corporation and its contribution towards the safety, soundness and stability of the financial system. In addition, the Special Day will attract dignitaries including chief executive officers of banks and other financial institutions, the academia, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and labour unions.

The other invited guests are primary and secondary schools’ teachers and students, mass media and market women.

Second language acquisition for IT practitioners

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XPERTS in the IT sector have started to find ways to enhance the productivity of practitioners. This is being done with the acquisition of a second language and the need to expand the frontiers of opportunities for practitioners. In this regard, the Council of the Computer professionals of Nigeria has approved the convening of a workshop that will assist its pool of registered IT professionals.

This is pertinent because of the huge opportunities available for Nigeria IT practitioners in the West Africa sub-region. The acquisition of a second language, especially French, has become imperative because of the proximity of the francophone countries

to Nigeria and the need for registered members of the profession to broaden their market.

The acquisition of a second language also has the potential of increasing the marketability of the pool of Information Technology practitioners in Nigeria whose skills and competence were needed in other countries especially in the West Africa sub-region.

The group therefore plans to collaborate with relevant establishments and agencies that could facilitate second language acquisition in Nigeria. The co-operation of agencies like Alliance Francaise, French Embassy and Nigeria-French Village will be explored in order to make the project a reality.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

INSIGHT

•Protesting militants

Amnesty: Rumblings

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HEN on June 25, 2009, the late President Umaru Yar'Adua invoked Section 175 of the constitution to proclaim amnesty for militants in the Niger Delta, he had proposed to bring "enduring peace, security, stability, and development to our nation's Niger Delta." The exPresident was also specific on the tenor of the amnesty programme by giving a deadline of between August 6 and October 4, 2009 to all militants in the creeks to renounce violence, surrender their weapons and accept the offer.

He had said: "It is my fervent hope that all militants in the Niger Delta will take advantage of this amnesty and come out to join in the quest for the transformation of our dear nation. The offer of amnesty is open to all militants for a period of 60 days."

But almost four years into the proclamation and with the consequent return of peace to the Niger Delta as manifested in the increase in oil output from 700,000 bpd to 2.4 /2.6m bpd, the list of exmilitants keeps on growing. According to findings, more ex-militants have surrendered after restoration of peace to the region than during the militancy period which made Yar'Adua to take a courageous step to introduce the Amnesty Programme. At present, the enlistment figure has risen to 30,000 exmilitants including the 3,642 disarmed Niger Delta ex-agitators who President Goodluck Jonathan granted a waiver in December 2012 to be integrated into the Amnesty Programme. The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku said: "At the expiration of the 60-day grace period on October 4, 2009, a total of 20,192 Niger Delta ex-agitators had surrendered large number of arms and ammunition to the federal government and accepted the offer of amnesty. Another 6, 166 persons were added in November, constituting a second phase of the programme and bringing the number of the persons enlisted in the Presidential Amnesty Programme to 26,358." Those in the third phase are about 3,642.

The gains of the amnesty scheme At a recent briefing, Kuku gave a comprehensive brief on how the Amnesty Programme had been managed so far. He said: "The mandate of the Presidential Amnesty Office which is domiciled in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, is three-pronged: Disarm, Demobilize and Reintegrate into civil society, the 30,000 former Niger Delta agitators enrolled in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

"Pursuant to this mandate, the Amnesty Office has since achieved the disarmament and demobilization of the 26,358 ex-agitators enrolled in the first and second phases of the Amnesty Programme. The Demobilization exercise which was carried out in Obubra in Cross River State,

in the creeks

In spite of the introduction of the Amnesty Programme for ex-militants in the Niger Delta, there are still challenges facing the scheme. In this piece, Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, examines the never -ending programme

entailed biometric documentation, wellness check, nonviolence transformational training, series of counselling and career classification for the exagitators."

He listed some of the gains as "one of the few countries in the world that achieved a successful closure to the Disarmament and Demobilization phases of its DDR Programme. For your information, virtually all the 24 United Nationspiloted DDR interventions in Africa since 1992 are still battling to achieve full demobilization even with huge financial and technical assistance from the United Nations and several other international partners." Some of the nations still battling to exit the Demobilization phase of their DDR programmes include Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kuku agreed that the most critical aspect of the DDR scheme is the reintegration and re-insertion of the demobilized ex-agitators into civil society.

However, Nigeria has crossed this Rubicon through the rehabilitation of 13,747 already demobilized ex-agitators in either formal education or skill acquisition centres both within the country and offshore. So far 8,372 Amnesty Programme's delegates have since completed their training and a number of them are now gainfully employed.

Savings for the nation Kuku also spoke on how the Amnesty Programme had attracted savings for the nation.

He said in 2012 alone, about N6.3trillion was saved.

He added: "To further underscore the fact that the proclamation of amnesty for former agitators in the Niger Delta as well as the successful management of the post-amnesty programme saved the economy of the nation from a looming collapse, kindly note that with Nigeria producing 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day as against the abysmally low 700,000 barrels per day at the peak of the Niger

Delta crisis in January 2009, Nigeria and its Joint Venture Partners are currently making production savings of about two million barrels per day. If you compute these savings with prevailing exchange rate of N160 to $1, daily production savings for Nigeria and its JV Partners currently stand at N33.4 Billion per day. If you break this down further especially given that oil production in Nigeria hovered between 2.4 and 2.6 barrels for all of 2012, you would discover that savings for Nigeria and the Joint Venture partners for year ending 2012 is estimated to be at about N6.3 trillion.

"Conversely, but for the Amnesty Proclamation and the successful management of the postAmnesty Programme by His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria and its Joint Venture Partners would have lost by year ending 2012, the staggering sum of N6.3 trillion or much more."

What the scheme has not stopped In spite of the Amnesty Programme, illegal oil bunkering is still prevalent in the Niger Delta leading to loss of revenue. In 2012, the Nigerian Army's Joint Taskforce (JTF) on illegal oil bunkering said 4, 349 illegal refineries were destroyed, 1 945 suspects arrested and18 vessels seized under Operation Pulo Shield The JTF commander, Major-General Johnson Ochoga expressed shock at the high number of foreigners involved in piracy, oil bunkering, illegal fishing, arms smuggling and other maritime crimes.

He gave the list as 60 foreigners - 21 from Ghana, 10 from India, 15 from Russia, some Lebanese and a few from Asian and European countries. He said: "JTF conducted 7, 585 illegal bunkering patrols along the creeks of the Niger Delta in 2012 and destroyed 133 barges, 1, 215 Cotonou boats, 187 tanker trucks, 178 illegal fuel dumps and five surface oil tanks; 36, 504 drums of illegally refined oil products; 638 illegal pumping machines and 326 outboard engines used to power boats used by oil bunkerers and pirates.

The arrest of foreigners has also shown that

illegal oil bunkering is not restricted to the Niger Delta militants, it involves a wide ring of foreign collaborators. According to the JTF commander, "The arrest of 21 Ghanaians and their five Nigerian collaborators, as well as the destruction of two vessels containing 1,300 tonnes of crude oil, is an indicator that there is a noticeable involvement of foreigners in illegal bunkering in the region.

Another instance is the recent arrest of 10 suspects of Indian nationality and four Nigerians on board MT Ashkay. This has brought to the fore, the need to monitor foreigners more closely in the region."

Besides River Nun in Bayelsa, illegal refineries are located in some creeks of the Dababilebu, Akitogbo, Adiloseimo, Obontonu and Akina-Zion communities. Other notorious areas are Akassa and Elekpa in Brass Local Government of Bayelsa State, and Egbekebor and Gbelekumor communities in Delta State where over 500 illegal refineries were destroyed.

Why the numberof ex-militants keep increasing Although 2015 is being proposed to end the Amnesty Programme, it might not be realistic in view of the fact that more "ex-militants" are emerging from the creeks. There are fears that oil pollution victims, unemployed graduates, and those who have chosen to be idle in the region are cashing on the spur of the moment to force the government to enlist them into the programme. Another dimension to the programme is the likelihood of some "smart" public officers taking advantage of the situation.

Kuku, however, gave in-depth insight into the challenge of enlistment confronting the office. He said: "Like was mentioned earlier, the mandate given the Amnesty Office by the Federal Government of Nigeria is to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate into civil society, a specific number of former agitators in the Niger Delta who accepted the offer of amnesty and got enlisted in the postAmnesty Programme. At the expiration of the deadline set by the federal government for the acceptance of the offer and the surrendering of arms, which was October 4th 2009, 20,192 disarmed exagitators were enlisted in the programme.

"However government eventually realized that several of the ex-agitators who accepted the offer of the amnesty and disarmed were not enlisted for the simple reason that they did not make themselves available for enlistment. They surrendered their arms through their leaders but hid from the men of the Armed Forces who were charged with the task of disarming and documenting them. Given their well-known less than palatable history with the Nigerian military, many of these youths were Continued on page 63

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013 From page 62

sceptical about the exact intentions of the federal government. Some even feared that the general idea was to round all of them up and arrest or even kill them. So, several of them who surrendered their arms and accepted the offer of amnesty through their leaders were not truly enlisted at the expiration date of October 4th, 2009.

However, now that some of them have realised that the government is serious they are now eager to join the amnesty train.

Has the programme been infiltrated A document made available by the Amnesty Office confirmed that some people who are not militants had been trying to hijack the amnesty scheme. In the document, Kuku said: "Now, there is a problem. We are currently facing a situation where every unemployed, uneducated or un-empowered youth in the states in the Niger Delta believes that his only ticket to a better future is the Amnesty Programme. This should not and must not be. The Amnesty Programme was designed for a specific number and category of persons.

For the past two years we have in press conferences and statements as well as in several meetings with critical stakeholders been making this point: that the Amnesty Programme cannot be for all unemployed, untrained and un-empowered youths in the Niger Delta. I regret to inform you that we have not succeeded in dissuading thousands of hapless Niger Delta youths from agitating for inclusion in the Amnesty Programme."

He added that those shut out of the scheme began to mount protests and block highways to be noticed, " We took several stringent measures including arrests and detentions to stop these

INSIGHT

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Rumblings in the creeks agitations and the agitators but we did not succeed in shutting out these persons. Matters were clearly made worse by the military and security formations, particularly the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, who severally accepted arms from these persons and promised them inclusion in the Amnesty Programme."

Ex-militants blame scheme administrators On February 12, a group of ex-militants led by Great Godwin Anuke however blamed Kuku and his officials for adopting different methods or benchmarks in demobilizing and reintegrating them. Anuke in Warri said: "You will recall that back in June, 2009, the late President Umar Musa Yar'Adua granted amnesty to the Niger Delta militants in what had become known as the first phase of the amnesty programme. On the road to the successful laying down of arms by ex- militants; the amnesty programme which should have ended on October 4, 2009 was extended to what is being called second and third phase.

Sequence to the third phase, under phase l and ll slots were slotted according to arms - one gun to two slots.

"However the unthinkable and injustice is now the case with the third phase - twenty guns to one slot or two slots. We, the former militants who have been mobilized during the extended phases of the amnesty project after surrendering our weapons are miffed that a different arrangement is being used for us.

"We are aware that the National Assembly had approved billions of naira as compensation to ex militants having surrendered their arms and ammunition to the federal government."

They called on the president to ask Kuku to run the scheme with fairness to all. "What can be deduced from the third phase of the amnesty programme is that it has been hijacked. We feel cheated that this regime lacks the gut and courage to tackle this baffling situation, this leaves room for several speculations, the most realistic of which is the assumption that perhaps the regime is unwilling and incapable of fighting corruption with vigour because as a regime, it is entangled and enmeshed in the web of the corruption that is undermining the very foundation of nationhood."

When will the amnesty scheme end?

None in the Amnesty Office could say exactly when the programme will wind up. Kuku who made a pronouncement of a 2015 tentative date at a briefing in Abuja was quick to add that it is not sacrosanct. With the 2015 poll approaching and the desire of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election, the amnesty programme is a campaign selling point which the president might exploit for political mileage.

The ex-militants could also be willing tools to mobilize support for their kinsman. Therefore, the amnesty programme is still politically expedient for the presidency.

•Kuku

Unending controversies over stipends

T

HE controversy over the management of the amnesty programme by the Kingsley Kuku-led committee assumed a new dimension last weekend when former militants who are beneficiaries of the third phase of the scheme threatened a return to arm struggle in the creeks over perceived injustice in the execution of the programme.

A former militant and self-styled 'Commander', Great Godwin Anuke, told our reporter that over 1,000 of his members in Delta, Bayelsa and other states of the region are "very unimpressed with the lackadaisical attitude of the management of the programme" to their welfare.

The secrecy code While some members of this group are still struggling to get into the system, those who are already beneficiaries are also crying foul over the implementation of the programme, particularly the recent delay in the payment of about N65,000 monthly stipend.

Our investigation revealed an air of cult-like secrecy about the disbursement of the fund and how much usually gets to the pockets of the ex-militants (or foot soldiers). Allegations of short payment and sharp practices are rife in the various groups with actual amount varying from month to month on the moods and desires of the various group leaders.

Apart from the accounts handled by the very prominent former warlords (Generals), there are those handled by 'non-violent' activists (aka peaceful agitators), mostly of Ijaw extraction, who are given contracts as middle-men to handle payment of various groups. This class of amnesty beneficiaries are those mostly from small camps and relatively unknown leaders, whose groups are clustered together under a contractor.

A prominent non-violent activist, Comrade Joseph Evah, who reportedly got contract for payment of the ex-militants was at one time accused of compelling beneficiaries on his list to dole out N10,000 for the development of his community.

One of the boys said, "After the amnesty training at Obrubar, we went to the second training. We were asked to drop our account numbers but surprisingly we discovered that while Tompolo boys are getting N65,000, our boss was paying us less; so much so that even John Togo boys earned more than us."

He added: "There are those (militant leaders/ contractors) who would collect the money and leave it in their accounts for several months to generate interests for them before they will start paying us.

After that they will start giving out the money to their boys as if they are doing them a favour."

Evah who was contacted at the time, justified the deduction, insisting that it is important to ensure that the beneficiaries of the amnesty programme set aside something for the development of their various communities.

He said, "Our problem in the Niger Delta region is lack of leadership. Even the blind students who we assisted to get scholarship paid two percent of the fund."

Those in his school of thought justified the action.

A leader of Ayakoromor town, which was invaded by the Joint Task Force in 2011 because of the activities of the late 'General' John Togo, said they felt the

Tempers rose in the Niger Delta region recently over payment of monthly stipend by the federal government to ex-militants, Shola O'Neil who has been monitoring the friction reports

pains of the 'struggle' even more than the so-called armed agitators.

"When the JTF came, they said they were looking for Togo and his boys; but they razed all houses in sight and there was no demarcation of militants from non-militants. So, it is good if some of this amnesty largess is extended to our communities." So the alleged deductions are sometimes channelled to the development of the communities.

There are, however, more serious allegations of outright fraud and stealing of amnesty fund. One of the aggrieved men under one 'General' Eddy Otobrise, explained how the alleged fraud in the disbursement is perpetrated. According to him: "The amnesty money is usually paid through our commanders and even the times when it comes early, they decide when to pay us and when not."

Speaking under strict condition of anonymity, he insisted that the fraud is usually perpetrated in connivance with officials of the banks handling the amnesty funds as well as some members of the amnesty office.

Short-changing beneficiaries "The way it is perfected is that our bosses work hand-in-hand with the bank official handling it.

They agree on the formula and when the money

comes, they will delay the payment for a couple of weeks. For instance, if the payment for January is released on January 28, they might drag the payment to say February 18. Shortly afterwards the next payment will come in and they will delay it again. At the end of the day, you will get paid twice in three months, while the extra money goes into their pockets.

"As a result of the level of those involved, when you go to the bank, the official in charge of payment will tell you that money hasn't come; he will report back to your boss that so-so and so boy came here and asked about payment.

"Then, when you protest to the amnesty office they will give your name to the boss and you can be sure that your name won't be on the list for the next payment. There was a time a colleague sent a text to (one of the top most member of the amnesty office whose name is withheld) and within one hour he got a call from the boss who read out the content of the said text.

"Since that time that man's name has been removed and he has gone back cap in hand to apologise. Yet his name is still to be reinstated. He is now on the street ragging (begging) those of us whose names are still on the list for money to feed his family."

Nevertheless, it was gathered that the payment methods being used by some notable leaders like Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), Boyloaf and Ezekiel Agbasibowei (Egbema 1) are more reliable and regular than those of their less known counterparts.

An aggrieved ex-militant attached to one of the contractors, August (surname withheld), told our reporter that he and his colleagues "envy Tompolo boys because their payment is very regular. When our friends who are under that 'General' (Tompolo) tell us that they will be paid at the end of the month, like clockwork, they get their money. But for us, we have to wait several days and even weeks later to be paid. That is how we got to know that there is wayo (trick) in all this amnesty payment."

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, told our reporter that he was forced to write a letter to the management of an old generation bank last year over claims of underpayment and refusal of the amnesty office to pay the beneficiaries directly.

Ikimi said he was told that after their training in Obruba Camp (Cross Rivers State) the exmilitants were asked to open an account with the bank, adding that rather than being paid through the accounts opened, the operators of the scheme went ahead to pay through the former militants' leaders.

However, Anuke fingered some very top officials of President Goodluck Jonathan government for the alleged corruption, saying the issue is beyond the various 'commanders' of the former militants.

For instance, he wondered: "Why is the sharing formula of the third phase - twenty guns to one slot or two slots? We have been intimidated and called common criminals. We the ex-militants have surrendered our weapons but the government on its part has failed us. This is unacceptable!"

A web of intrigues He lays the blame for the shoddy management of the payment system at the doorstep of government, saying, "What can be deduced from the third phase of the amnesty programme is that it has been hijacked. We feel cheated that this regime lacks the gut and courage to tackle this baffling situation, this leaves room for several speculations, the most realistic of which is the assumption that perhaps the regime is unwilling and incapable of fighting corruption with vigour because as a regime, it is itself entangled and enmeshed in the web of the corruption that is undermining the very foundation of nationhood.

"We remain convinced that the endemic and systemic nature that corruption has now assumed is a major driver of poverty, gross unemployment, particularly of youth, and the associated unprecedented level and dimension of insecurity in the country," he thundered.

Anuke was not speaking for himself; he spoke on behalf of over 1,000 ex-militants under the final phase of the programme, as the scheme draws to a close in 2015, according to government, the aggrieved ex-militants are threatening "fire and brimstone". How far can this truncate the peace of the region?

64

BUSINESS EXTRA

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

NEXIM: Orya and the burden of transformation I

N a world that is increasingly being defined by economic strength, whether at individual or national level, it is now imperative to recognise the institutions that make national economic growth possible and by extension the individuals that drive such institutions.

In Nigeria, such institution is the Nigeria Export and Import (NEXIM) Bank which has the responsibility of being an Export Credit Agency (ECA), a role that has seen it offer support to Nigerian exporters who need to raise capital for their businesses. While the bank has been playing its role dedicatedly since it came into being via an enabling Act in 1991 that made it replace the Nigeria Export Credit Guarantee & Insurance Corporation, it is now making more impact under the stewardship of its incumbent Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Robert Orya.

Upon assuming office in August 2009, Orya inherited a loan portfolio of N14.6billion of which 71% was non-performing. He wasted no time in calling for a review of the status of all the loans and acted professionally thereafter to put the bank on a sound footing.

After sorting out the bad loans which resulted in losses and aggressively recovering other debts, as early as December 2010 the management had turned around the institution’s loss and reported an audited profit of N189m.

Orya’s stint at NEXIM has seen him introduce innovations to how the bank does business. One of such is the drive to boost investment in the non–oil sectors that are crucial to driving export. As recently as November of last year, 2012, the MD revealed a partnership with the Export Credit Bank of Turkey to explore additional offshore financing for the bank and the people it services. The thinking expressed by the NEXIM MD was that such move would help drive employment and boost foreign exchange earnings. His tenure has also seen the bank being able to present a balance sheet that secured lines of credit from institutions like the African Export Import Bank, the Export Import Bank of India in addition to being

Beyond Talent

By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

Eva or pure water?

Choose your choice!

M

•Orya

By Philip Agbese

able to collaborate with other export-import banks like the United States Export Import Bank.

Under his leadership, NEXIM has intervened and opened up sectors whose exports previously had no added value. An example of this is the agricultural sector where the bank undertook its Greenfield projects that have grown to the extent of being on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, list of top 100 exporters in the country. The bank facilitated as much as N23.3 billion to support exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises, SMEs, between 2009 and 2012.

The bank has offered insight into its planned expansion of the entertainment industry, Nollywood, a project under the Nigerian Creative and Entertainment Industry Stimulation Loan Scheme (NCEILS) which is part of the Federal Government’s effort to bolster the industry that has key growth potential for employment and foreign exchange.

Orya’s touch at NEXIM has seen the financial institution excelling in other areas as evi-

dent in the $61.5million Sealink project that aims to boost maritime trade among members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Highpoint of this project is a new shipping company that will better connect all the West Africa’s seaports and increase trade among member states.

Such operational interventions resulted in the creation and sustenance of more than 14,358 jobs as at close of August 2012.

The confidence that the MD brought to the bank’s image is already yielding fruits as the shareholders – the Federal Government and CBN - injected fresh capital into the bank, in addition to offering other forms of support to strengthen the institution. This transformation drive by the management further paid off in NEXIM’s performance and ensured an appreciable return of the equity investments of the shareholders as a dividend for the 2010 financial year. As confirmed by Orya himself, improved performance at the bank has led to the declaration of dividends to shareholders for the first time since 2003 when dividend was last paid.

Today, NEXIM, thanks to

the management team under Orya, has moved up from just another institution to be one of the bastions in the quest to grow Nigeria’s economy by diversifying the country’s revenue base. The bank’s activities to promote non-oil earnings are yielding impact which has in turn made the bank to be corporately visible to citizens and businesses. It must be mentioned that Orya was able to take NEXIM to its new heights despite the distraction constituted by persons sponsored to sabotage the work of the bank internally and barrage of attacks from the outside. His winning personality, however, saw him bringing maturity to bear in making even the most ardent of his detractors to fall behind him and support the quest to grow the bank and in essence the Nigerian economy.

One must thus suggest that the relevant departments of government and agencies should take a second look at what made NEXIM work with a view to strengthening such practices and replicating same in other public institutions that can benefit from this type of management style.

L-R; Majid Zied, Cloud Manager, HP AfricaAlaa Alshimy, Managing Director, HP Africa; and Ime Umo, MD, HP Africa, at the media briefing to announcing the activities of HP as part of the MD HP Africa visit to Nigeria, in Lagos

Y father’s driver quit last month. At the end of January, he collected his paycheck and simply never came back. No resignation call. No “Thank you for keeping me gainfully employed for two years.” No quit notice.

Not a single word. In fact, when my mother was making future plans with him the day before, he carried on like it was business as usual, knowing fully well that he was going to disappoint her the next day.

The interesting thing was that no one from the family called him when he did not show up at work. This runaway-driver had “cried wolf” one too many times and we were tired of it. There was a general sense of good riddance and we were quite happy to have seen the last of him. I guess being used to receiving frantic calls from my parents every time he skipped work, he was quite surprised when his phone was as silent as a graveyard.

So why did the driver quit? He told another staff that he would come back if his salary was increased.

WHAAAAAAAAT! I am not opposed to a salary increase, but what was the justification. This is a driver who spends a significant part of his time “chilling” because he works for two elderly retirees who do not have many places to go. Someone who cleans the exterior of the car and hardly ever bothers to clean the interior. Someone who is hardly ever anywhere close when he is needed.

In fact, my father later discovered that his runaway driver had let the car documents expire in late 2012.

This self-serving, self-delusional, sense of entitlement got me thinking about how we measure our worth. You may think to yourself that this is the story of “a driver” and drivers are from another planet, but I dare say that many of us have an over-bloated and frankly unsubstantiated sense of self-worth. Not just that, we can also be absolutely clueless about what our stakeholders value. Take the example of the runaway driver. He believes his value is in driving my parents from Point A to Point B. But he could not be further from the truth. My parents are quite capable of driving themselves from one place to another. So why hire a driver?

Simple. FOR PEACE OF MIND, COMFORT AND ENHANCED EFFECTIVENESS. They can invest the time freed up by being driven in other things that are of higher value and priority.

My parents will never pay premium price for simple driving skills. Anyone can drive. It is like pure water, very widely available. What would they pay premium price for?

An employee who is at work on time, takes his job seriously and exudes professional pride in his labor, sees himself as a stakeholder not just a “driver”, takes excellent care of the interior and exterior of the car, ensures the car documents are always valid, is on top of the maintenance schedule, can be trusted at all times to be where he needs to be when he needs to be, is honest in all his dealings, does not put his life or the life and asset of his employer at risk, is always proactive in asking for his employers daily schedule so he can plan his routes, uses his brain not just his brawn, and appreciates the contribution of his employer to his standard of living. Now, that is a driver worth paying a premium for.

Like I said, you may think this story is just about a simple minded and illiterate driver, but it is not. It is the story about the decisions and actions you and I take every day that let others know whether we are Eva or Pure Water.

People that sell Pure Water, sell a mass commodity... water.

There is nothing remarkable or extraordinary about it. People that sell Eva, sell the “SWAG” that comes from drinking water out of a “plastic bottle” instead of a “nylon bag”, as well as the comfort of believing that the drinking water is produced under hygienic circumstances.

The next time you think about what you are worth, ask yourself if all you have to offer is Pure Water or if you go the extra mile to address the often unexpressed but very important intangible needs of the people you serve. Do not delude yourself into believing that you are Pure Water because you are only giving them the value that they paid for.

The truth is they pay you the price of Pure Water because you are too busy giving them what they can do without, instead of giving them what they cannot do without, and cannot get elsewhere.

People don’t pay a premium for Pure Water. They never have and they never will! They often reserve Pure Water for the less glamorous tasks. It is Eva that is put on display on important occasions.

• Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

65

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

66

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

‘Living witnesses’? No! N A T I O N A L MIRROR Editorial of February 21 welcomes us this week with a school-boy howler: “…there is no way any constitution amendment could mediate on (in) the invidious and divisive forces they spawn.” You can also mediate between A and B. “Then, I remembered yesterday when these same set of rulers.…”

Platform of shame: either this set of rulers or these sets of rulers, depending on context. “…after all, we are living witnesses (are there dead ones?) to the fact that powerful men of y e s t e r y e a r s (yesteryear)….” Just witnesses to the fact!

“So instead of constructing a borehole to bring portable water....”

Spelling counts, too: potable water. Always spell-check.

“It is an inchoate group, an amalgam of contending forces and power blocks (blocs).…” “…others blamed the government on (for) not having the patience.…”

“Others yet believe the dead soldiers deserved the treatment meted (meted out) to them because….”

“Despite the siege laid by the US, Britain and Northern Alliance forces against (to) Kunduz which is.…”

“They look relaxed even though the Pakistan (Pakistani) government had just announced the closure of.…” “…former Minister of Information…and former PDP National Secretary engaged themselves (each other) in a media war….”

“Tribunals of Inquiry Act: It’s ((Its) compulsive power contravenes citizens’ rights” “Proven gas reserve is estimated at…comprising of….’ Please, delete ‘of’ in the interest of lexical orderliness.

“No fewer than 36 persons lost their lives in a ghastly (fatal) motor accident on the Zariap Funtua road at the weekend.” Can reporters just leave out this ‘fatality’ verbiage which is encompassed in the loss of lives except the sentence has to be reconstructed.

“Jos, the capital of Plateau State (another comma, please) is one of the few cosmopolitan towns that has (have) enjoyed peaceful coexistence recently. This is underscored by the law of

proximity (towns that have—not Jos).

“On that note, he revealed that the in-flight service will speak volume (volumes) of Nigerian people and culture.”

“They point accusing fingers at the military.…”

For a better society, let us rewrite: They point the finger at the military….

“Infact (In fact), a trip to market squares and sweat-shops, which are….”

“Indeed (a comma, please) PDP is at crossroads.” Yes, indeed, PDP is at a/the crossroads.

“Those at the helms of affair in these institutions…” Fixed expression: at the helm (of affairs).

“For 150 years of independence of the Latin Americans, there have been over 100 coups d’etats caused by selfish political class.” Get them right: coups d’etat and a special political class or the special political class, as the case maybe.

“As the existing political parties in Nigeria tear themselves (one another) into shreds….”

“Man arrested over wife’s death” The man was arrested for his wife’s death.

“Recently, the chairman of Parents/ Teachers Association of Federal Government College….” Education: parent-teacher association.

“Insecurity in (on) campuses….”

“Remember the police are under the control of the Lord of Aso Rock who received no less than thirty million naira, unsolicited, from the Anambra-born moneybag (moneybags) when he contested the presidential election in 1999.”

“Taraba police begins ‘stop and search’ operation across the state” Sterility: ‘police’ always in plural form. And this: stop-and-search operation “Jukun, Tiv clash: Igbo women raped, properties looted.” ‘Property,’ in this context, is uncountable.

“I’ve seen too many progressives turn cold turkey in the end in spite of their honest efforts at the onset (outset, in this context) to change the system.”

“The successful bidding process, award of GSM licences and eventual launching (launch) of the services of the operators in Nigeria give cause for celebration.” “…he had to abandon

the bicycle that we borrowed (lent) him for that purpose and made a hasty retreat to….”

“Niger threatens to hands-off (hands off) sponsorship of pilgrims” “Over-aged players invade U-19 camp” Get it right: overage players.

“A senator who muted (mooted) this idea had this to say....” “…in their heydays (heyday) they never imagined the time would ever come….”

“The day after the panel’s first meeting with the president (a comma, please) one of the c o m m i s s i o n ’ s counsels….” ‘Counsel’ is unchanged even n plural applications.

“From the foregoing, Japan seems to have learnt it’s (its) lessons from the atomic bomb episode.”

“It did happen leaving immense tragedy and loss in (on) its trail.”

“And I am not just talking about the siege armed robbers have laid on (to) the home of virtually every Nigerian, high or low, rich or poor….”

“That was what I had at the back of my mind when I almost stopped my junior (younger) brother.”

“It is not that I see Igbo land as an hostile region.”

Modern trend: a hostile region “…the president and other stakeholders in the nation’s well-being rubbed minds (exchanged ideas/views….)

“He had ordered that more soldiers be posted to the troubled (trouble) spots….”

LAST LINE: I strongly believe that the presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, owes Nigerians an apology for deceptively mismanaging vital information on the First Lady’s ill-health.

FEEDBACK THE NATION ON SUNDAY of January 13, 2013, refers: “The starting point of new look is to jettison our selfish individualism.” Wouldn’t it have been better if it was just selfishness or individualism?” (Elder N.E. Ijachi/Otukpo/Benue State/08052612721) RESPONSE to last week’s edition: “Please, let Mr. Bayo Oguntunase know that ‘presently’ connotes ‘soon’ when it comes at the end of a sentence. Once it starts a sentence, it means ‘at the moment.’ “ (Charles Iyoha/Chairman/ Academy Press Ltd./ 07033775454)

•From left; Former Minister of External Affairs/Guest Lecturer, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Pro-Chancellor, Pan-African University/Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Christopher Kolade, Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, his wife, Olukemi, and the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi, at Governor Mimiko’s 2nd term Inauguration Lecture, titled: ‘Leadership, Democracy and Development: A Paradigm Relationship,’ at the Cultural Centre, in Akure, yesterday.

•Gbagy traditional cultural group on display, at the 34th International Trade Fair In Kaduna yesterday.

Yoruba marginalisation: to what effect? 2 Continued from Page 16 collected from petrol consumers in the Southwest and put under control of the central government in Abuja would be used readily to fix the roads in the region. Such policy to further de-federalise the country is more damaging to the economy of the region than direct reduction of Yoruba presence in the federal service.

Using petrol consumption tax to rob the Southwest of funds that should be used for infrastructure development and improvement of the welfare of citizens in the Yoruba region is an indirect way of additional disempowerment of the region.

Shortly after complaints by several groups about marginalisation of the Yoruba, the Jonathan administration announced its intention to build another sea port in Badagry. Lagos State may be the largest state in the country in terms of population but it is the smallest in terms of land area. The federal government under Jonathan has ignored requests from Lagos State for special status to enable the state improve the welfare of the teeming population of migrants from other states.

Even efforts of the Lagos State Government to get the Jonathan administration to guarantee a foreign loan to enable the state provide modern mass transportation to move over 18 million Nigerians that live in the state in a safer and more orderly manner have been rebuffed

by the current federal government.

It is, therefore, amazing that the same federal government is suddenly interested in building another port in Lagos State. Is this a part of the strategy to respond to charges of marginalisation, just as the superficial repair of Lagos-Ibadan and Lagos-Ore roads were put on the federal list of must-do items before 2012 Christmas to ward off complaints of neglect of the Southwest? How much space does Lagos State have for it to host another port in a country that is in a position to establish elsewhere several sea ports that can carry some of the burden that Lagos has carried for over a century?

Lagos State needs special intervention to make existing wet and dry ports in the small state run well, without having to damage business and residential opportunities in the state. The state needs to be given derivation benefits for existing wet and dry ports that have taken so much of the state’s limited land area. It is in the interest of Lagos State for the federal government to make ports in other parts of the country work and create jobs that can reduce the exodus of migrants to Lagos every minute. Lagos is already suffocated. What the federal government needs to do is to reduce the suffocation through special grants and policies that assist the state to improve its mass transit system, not another port that shrinks the place for indigenes and

residents or damages roads that the state has built for the benefit of its residents.

Without listening to calls from Lagos State for Jonathan’s government to repair the road to Apapa and Tin Can ports, the Jonathan administration is planning surreptitiously to make nonsense of the investment Lagos State has put into modernisation of the road between Badagry and Oshodi.

This is after heavy trailers going to other parts of Nigeria and even to Niger and Mali have made the road between Apapa and Ibadan dangerous for vehicular movement. If President Jonathan wants to reduce the burden on Lagos State, it should revive the rail line to Apapa and thus reduce the wear and tear on Lagos roads, not to use excuse of another federal sea port in Badagry to damage the soon to be commissioned OshodiBadagry road.

Apart from praying for federal governments under leadership of men and women that can respond to the demands and challenges of administering Nigeria’s multiethnic state in a way that gives each nationality a sense of belonging, it is also possible to provide structural changes that can reduce fears of marginalisation of any of the groups in the federation. Such structural changes will immunize the federation against leaders or federal governments that may lack the sensitivity needed to run a truly united multiethnic federation.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013 CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME AYOOLA

HARUNA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatoun Felicia Ayoola, now wish to be known as Mrs. Tola, Olatoun Felicia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Hafusat Haruna, now wish to be known as Hafusat Ahmad. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OGUNDOWOLE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebajo, Esther Shalom, now wish to be known as Mrs. Dumbiri, Esther Shalom. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEBAJO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundowole, Atinuke Dammie, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oriola, Atinuke Dammie. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OLALI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke, Ifeoma N., now wish to be known as Mrs. Olali, Ifeoma Anne. All former documents remain valid. PHCN and general public please take note.

UTULU I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Utulu Benedicta, now wish to be known as Mrs. Morka Benedicta Njoadina. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Defence (MOD) and general public please take note.

OLOWU I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Islamia Abiodun Olowu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Islamia Abiodun Aregbesola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OYELAMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Foluke Moji Oyelami, now wish to be known as Mrs. Foluke Mojisola Akinola. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and general public please take note.

IGBOABUCHI I formerly known and addressed as Grace Amara Igboabuchi, now wish to be known as Grace Amara Eric. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Mudi and general public please take note.

OSHAI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oshai Chidinma Catherine, now wish to be known as Mrs. Otoighile Chidinma Catherine. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

NWOSU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyere Nwosu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Caroline Chinyere Nwaorgu. All former documents remain valid. Abia State Ministry of Education, SUBEB and general public please take note.

EBOH I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidinma Charity Eboh, now wish to be known as Mrs. Chidinma Uche Echeweozo. All former documents remain valid. Evangel University Ebonyi State, Crusader Sterling Insurance Company and general public please take note.

AMUSAHIN

I formerly known and addressed as Amusahin Clement Femi, now wish to be known as Afolagbade Clement Femi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLORUNLEKE I formerly known and addressed as Olorunleke Ibitola Temitope, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oju Olorunleke Ibitola Temitope. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public please take note.

STANLEY-IDIKA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifuoma Sharon Stanley-Idika, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ifuoma Sharon Simon Iwe. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Medical Centre, (F.M.C.) Umuahia West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacist (WAPCP) and general public please take note.

SAMUEL I formerly known and addressed as Miss Samuel Chiamaka Diana, now wish to be known as Mrs. Fredrick Chiamaka Diana. All former documents remain valid. Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) and general public please take note.

OGBONNA I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Precious Chienyenwa Ogbonna, now wish to be known as Miss Precious Chienyenwa Izima.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public please take note.

ONYEKWE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkechi Onyemaechi Onyekwe, now wish to be known as Mrs. Nkechi Onyemaechi Onyenso.

All former documents remain valid.

University of Ibadan (UI) and general public please take note.

THOMAS

67 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

UGOANOCHIE

OLAWORE

ANDREW

JIM PAUL GENERATION NEXT INITIATIVE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugoanochie Nkolika Jennifer, now wish to be known as Mrs. Uche Nkolika Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olawore, Oluseyi Abosede, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ojurongbe Oluwaseyi Abosede.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Andrew Hope Omoye, now wish to be known as Mrs Olabanjo Omoye Hope. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FIYAI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Oluwaseun Afeez Babatunde is the same and one person as Oluwaseun Afeez Babatunde Olayinka. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Amuda Elelu Yusuf, now wish to be known as Mr Abiodun Elelu Yusuf. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Fiyai, Deborah Oyinmiebi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Isherhi Deborah Oyinmiebi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ESEZOBOR I formerly known and addressed as Miss Esezobor, Ohitonugbonta Hope, now wish to be known as Mrs. Omojiatanor Ohi Hope Cleopatra.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

TED

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Thomas Ateda Anthonia, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ugiagbe Ateda Anthonia. All former documents remain valid. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Ted Chijuka, now wish to be known and addressed as Frederick Rorobi.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

IDEGUN

I formerly known and addressed as Kareem Saheed Ademola, now wish to be known as Oriade Saheed Ademola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonia Emetome Idegun, now wish to be known as Mrs. Anthonia E. Oshiorihamhe Alao.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EPETE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ovuakporie Victoria Epete, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ovuakporie Victoria Epete Obahor. All former documents remain valid. University of Benin, Hospital Management Board, Asaba and general public please take note.

DAVIS I formerly known and addressed as Miss Fisayo Ruth Davis, now wish to be known as Mrs. Fisayo Ruth Alausa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SHOBAYO

I formerly known and addressed as Shobayo Mobolaji Olayinka , now wish to be known as Ogunnaike Mobolaji Olayinka . All former documents remain valid. LSWC and general public please take note.

KOMOLAFE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Komolafe, Olubusola Mojisola, now wish to be known as Mrs. Orindare, Olubusola Mojisola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KAREEM

OPAOUN I formerly known and addressed as Opaoun Fausat Joke, now wish to be known as Shotayo Fausat Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SOWEMIMO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbekeloluwa Margaret Olamide Sowemimo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Gbekeloluwa M. Olamide Atte. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPARA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpara Chinwe, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ibe Chukwudi Chinwe Kate. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and general public please take note.

ADENEKAN

I formerly known and addressed as Adenekan, Rhodaline Temitope, now wish to be known as Ogundele, Rhodaline Temitope. All former documents remain valid. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, NYSC and general public please take note.

OGUNDIRAN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundiran, Flora Adebanke, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oni Flora Adebanke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SULE

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Sule (Babatunde) Tunde Sarafa, now wish to be known as Mr. Babayemi Tunde Sarafa. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EHIZOGUAN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ehizoguan Francisca Obhajajebhen, now wish to be known as Mrs. Odumah Francisca Obhajajebhen All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNLOLA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunlola, Yemisi Victoria, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oyewola Yemisi Victoria All former documents remain valid.

The Polytechnic of Ibadan and general public please take note.

OYELEYE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeleye, Bashirat Olaide, now wish to be known as Mrs. Elegbede Bashirat Bashirat. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public please take note.

NWOKOLO

IREKA

AMADI

AKPABIO

OMOLE

AYANWU

UGWU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwu Lucy Uka, now wish to be known as Mrs Okezie Lucy Ogbonne. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FALOLA

CHINWO

I formerly known and addressed as Edema Eyiyemi Bukola, now wish to be known as Mrs Oluwatukasi Eyiyemi Bukola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDEMA I,formerly known and addressed MISS. CHINWO, PEACE HOPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JAMES-OKPIRI, PEACE HOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANYADIEGWU I,formerly known and addressed MISS. ANYADIEGWU HOPE IFEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EZEONUOGU HOPE IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WELENYA

I,formerly known and addressed MISS. WELENYA SILVER now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SILVER GOODLUCK. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALIGBALI I,formerly known and addressed MISS. RITA IZOUKUMO ALIGBALI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RITA IZOUKUMO SMART. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NDUDIM I,formerly known and addressed MISS. RUTH CHINONYEREM NDUDIM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RUTH CHINONYEREM NWOBU. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NZEOGU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimeto Hannah Mautin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oni Hannah Mautin. All former documents remain valid.

TASUED,NYSC and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Njideka Juliet Ozoene, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ugwu Njideka Juliet. All former documents remain valid. ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane and general public please take note.

LAWANI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawani Kehinde Bola, now wish to be known as Mrs Fashiku Kehinde Bola. All former documents remain valid. Olabisi Onabanjo University and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Falola Folaranmi Ibitola, now wish to be known as Mrs FalolaAbiodun Folaranmi Ibitola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that Mrs. Helen Chinyere Nwanya and Mrs. Nneoma Helen Nwanya is the same and one person. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

OZOENE

AMUDA

EBERE

I,formerly known and addressed MISS. EBERE GRACE CHINYERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MARCUS GRACE CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed MISS. NZEOGU KOSISOCHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWAGWU KOSISOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Amadi Obinchi Adaeze, now wish to be known as Mrs. Peters Moses Obinchi Adaeze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Genevieve Eberechukwu Ayanwu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Genevieve Eberechukwu Nwala. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Shakirat Yewande Temitope ‘Damilola Ifedayo Olayinka and OlayinkaYewande Oluwadamilola Olayinka are one the same person.

All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ireka Stella Chinasa, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ihearike Stella Chinasa. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwokolo, Ifeyinwa Annastestia, now wish to be known as Mrs. Onyema, Ifeyinwa Annastestia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Uduak Bassey Akpabio, now wish to be known as Mrs. Uduak Michael Ekanem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Olayemi Balogun is the same and one person as Oluwatosin Olayemi Balogun. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

JIMETO

CHARLES I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs Ekemini Mfon Charles, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Paulina David Umoh. All former documents remain valid general public should take note.

FATUNMBI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss FATUNMBI OLUWAKEMI JANET, now which to be known and addressed as MRS SHOTOMI OLUWAKEMI JANET. All former documents remain valid,Concern and General public should please take note.

IJAIYA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omole, Tolulope Oluwakemi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Atolagbe, Tolulope Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Rosheedat Adeola Ijaiya, now wish to be known as Mrs. Rosheedat Adeola Lawal All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Apadhin Nwoko-Iyeshim refers to one and the same person. I now wish to be known as Apadhiwhoni C.N. Iyeshim. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Agboola Funmilola Misiturat, now wish to be known as Mrs. Olubunmi Funmilola Misiturat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBOOLA

Formerly known as Jim Paul Foundation, now wish to be known and addressed as Jim Paul Generation Next Initiative. All other documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EGWIM I formerly known and addressed as Miss Egwim Nwakaego Faustina, now wish to be known as Mrs Edozie Nwakaego Faustina. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EZEAMAKU

I, formerly known as MISS EZEAMAKU NELLY MAURICE OGECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. DANIEL ONYEKACHI NELLY MAURICE OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. INEC and general public should please take note.

NJOKU I, formerly known as MISS NJOKU PRISCILLA NWANYIBUNWA, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. JONADAB PRISCILLA NWANYIBUNWA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should please take note.

NWANEGBO I,formerly known and addressed MISS. NWANEGBO IFUNAYA CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANIAMAKA IFUNANYA CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

NWANEGBO I,formerly known and addressed MISS. NWANEGBO IFUNAYA CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANIAMAKA IFUNANYA CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

ADARALOYE

ADEGBORO

I former MISS ADARALOYE, Mariam Oluwabukola having got married now wished to be called and named MRS OLADEJO, Mariam Oluwabukola. All my former documents and certificate remain valid. The public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEGBORO TOLUWALOPE OLUBUKOLA AINA, now wish to be known as MRS ADEKANBI TOLUWALOPE OLUBUKOLA AINA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Kareem Afusat Iyabo, now wish to be known as Mrs Durosinmi Afusat Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNWOYE

KAREEM

EZENWANMA

I formerly known and addressed as Ogunwoye Hammed Sanjo, now wish to be known as AbdulHammed Mohammed Sanjo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezenwanma Prisca Chinyere, now wish to be known as Mrs Okeawolam Prisca Chinyere. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

TAIWO

I formerly known and addressed as Chidile Gift Onyinye, now wish to be known as Chidile Gift Kido. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olukemi Taiwo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Olukemi Aromoloran. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SALIHU I formerly known and addressed as Zainab Salihu, now wish to be known as Zainab Salihu Abdulkadir. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IBISANMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Toyin Bosede Ibisanmi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oluwatoyin Bosede Dada. All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB Ekiti State and general public please take note.

ADEBISI I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEBISI ADEFUNKE GRACE. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEBAYO ADEFUNKE GRACE. All former document remain valid. Ekiti state local Government Service commission Ado Ekiti,community Health Practitioners Registration board of Nigeria, Abuja college of Health Technology Offa and General public to take note.

UMOH I formerly known and addressed as Miss Florence Emmanuel Umoh, now wish to be known as Mrs. Florence Udeme Elensi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that my name was wrongly spelt on my bank document as Hamed Adisa Azeez. My correct name are Ahmed Azeez Abudulai as appeared on my international Passport. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

AKANDE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akande, Temitayo Ruth, now wish to be known as Mrs. Abiodun Temitayo Ruth All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIDILE

IMASUEN I, formerly known as Best Eghosa Imasuen, now wish to be known and addressed as Best Eghosa Eze. All former documents remain valid. General Public please note.

OHUNYAN I, formerly known as Miss Ohunyan Josephine Ofure. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anyasi Lucky Josephine Ofure. All former documents remain valid. General Public please note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500. The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 2017220392 Account Name - VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide @yahoo.com or thenation_advert @yahoo.com For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2013

68

‘Ties between Nigeria and Australia have become beneficial’ •Continued from Page 25 course, perhaps I should say that there are various Nigerian cultural groups in and around Australia, in various states and we want to work closely with these ones to be able to make a good presentation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Significantly, going through Canberra, one can see similarities in Canberra and Abuja. If Abuja was modeled after Canberra and is going to have this kind of multi-cultural event, how is our own Federal Capital Territory getting integrated into that? At least to learn more about the place that it was built on?

Thank you. Honestly speaking, you are correct. When you drive around Canberra, you get the impression you are in Abuja; both in terms of the topography, also in terms of the layout, of the planning and also of the environment generally. I do say that Canberra inspired Abuja.

Administratively, here in Canberra, you have the ACT which is the Australian Capital Territory, which is replicated in FCT – Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. And then the concept of satellite towns too perhaps was also borrowed from here.

Maybe there are other capitals in the world too but this is what happens. We have the CBD and then you have the satellite towns from where people commute and come in. This is exactly what we have in Abuja and that’s why when Abuja was established, at the planning as well as during the process of implementation, we had a lot of delegation from 1975 up to when they moved to Abuja that came into Canberra in Australia to see. And so you can see this link in terms of Canberra inspiring the planning of Abuja.

At home, we read in the newspaper reports of financial challenges confronting many Nigerian missions abroad. So what’s the situation here in Australia?

Well, like they say, one illness that catches someone or a particular animal catches every other. We know the crises of fi-

nances as far as respective missions are concerned. So, Canberra is not immune to this.

But what we want to say essentially is that at least government has recognized that and we should give kudos to the president and to the present administration in terms of its determination to improve on funding of missions.

What we have done in our case is to as much as possible try and cut our coat according to our size, but we faced serious challenges because the Australian dollar is stronger than the US dollar and you have to convert to Australian dollars. It means that when you change ten thousand US dollars, you get about just nine thousand, so you lose some money. This is one of the challenges which we have faced here as far as the missions are concerned. But we are positive that this year, definitely, in terms of funding, things will be better.

We have those promises from the administration in the ministry and they have also recognised the importance of Canberra as Nigeria’s major diplomatic outpost in this part of the world to the entire pacific region because the mission also covers New Zealand, Fiji Island, Papua New Guinea as well as Vanuatu.

In view of the challenges we are facing back home, how is Australia seeing Nigeria? Or what is the perception of the outsiders as to what is happening back at home?

First let me take it from the perspective that Australia itself is said to have suffered from the tyranny of long distance. Australia is not your next door neighbour. By the time you travel 23 hours, it takes you about a week to get your body clock back in proper position. So, now it is taking advantage of what is referred to as the proximity of adjacency in the sense that it is next door to a very rich and emerging power, the Asian countries. But apart from that too also, Australia also has recognized that Africa is a very important continent and when it

‘Only few marriages survive cancer’ •Continued from Page 42

•Olukanni

was about to start its campaign to go into the Security Council, they embarked on a new policy initiative. It has a paradigm shift in terms of their foreign policy initiative.

So, they came up with the Australia-Africa initiative.

What that simply meant was getting closer to Africa and that 53 African countries cannot be ignored, because Africa also is the last frontier as far as natural resources are concerned. So, they now decided to look west rather than just look east. So, the Australia-Africa initiative was a foreign policy initiative in which Australia had decided to get closer to African and African countries and engage them. And of course, within the scheme of that, Nigeria occupies a very important post, that in context of the success of Australia–Africa initiative, it is also contingent on the success of the level of ties, success of Australia’s diplomatic relations in terms of ties with Nigeria. So that is why Nigeria is very prominent and they have taken it at a very serious matter. If you look at what I said earlier, the official visit of Mr.

President here in which he was feted by the Governor General, by the Prime Minister, all the states of Australia, I mean the major states of Australia, the business sector, all held a reception for Mr. President as well as the Nigerian delegation. And during the Commonwealth Business Forum which is a very important part of the CHOGHOM, the Nigerian delegation was the largest and we made our presence felt and the Australians were very happy with it and they were responding to that in terms of number of visits and collaboration at all levels.

So I must say that the ties are at a very high level, but beyond that, it is clear that Nigeria is a very strategic partner as far as Australia is concerned in terms of its context as far as the African continent as a whole and its foreign policy itself is concerned. Australia is now a permanent member of the Security Council. In January, it started a two-year tenure and I know that they had worked closely with us. They hold us in very high esteem.

There is this myth that cancer is the illness of the rich Before cancer, I lived a very healthy life. I visited the gym, my personal trainer was always there waiting. I exercised, at least, four times a week. I fasted a lot, and that made me follow a good diet routine. I ate healthily; I took a lot of fruits and vegetables. I had a nurse who took care of me. I went through physical therapy with massage oils good for the body, steam bath and other healthy trips. I had strong wellness awareness and I stuck to it. As a healthconscious woman with children, I didn't think I was the typical cancer patient. Cancer has broken its boundaries. I heard of a 22-year-old girl who had never been married who died of cancer just two months after she was diagnosed with cancer and even men are not excluded. As long as the breasts have tissues, then cancer is a possibility.

It used to be said that people who lived in villages couldn't be affected because of their unfussy lifestyle. We also believed that cancer was hereditary; or could only affect those with poor diet, but cancer has changed from all that. Everybody and anybody is at risk. It's no longer for people in their 40s; now I'd advise anyone from 18 years of age to go for a mammogram check-up. As you grow older you must develop the habit of visiting your doctor regularly for check-up.

Your dad once said if you had been around, the bank would not have gone under.

Would you say you were your dad's favourite?

I won't say I am. Everybody knows what a polygamous setting is like, rancour and suspicions! My mum died when I was six, the only memory I have of her is of her

striking beauty. After her death, I stayed under my father's tutelage. He was a hands-on man; very particular about prayers and morning chores. He was interested in our education and never compromised on discipline. I look back, and I think growing up in that setting was beautiful; everything was just wonderful.

Talking about the bank, I came back to Nigeria after chemo to debunk the lies about (me) running away with the bank's money. There were rumours making the rounds that my husband and I had embezzled a total of N380million. They went further to say that the entire PR executed by the bank was reversed into my personal account.

Members of staff were forced to lie against me, so by the time I came into the country, I fell right into the hands of EFCC. It was such a big mess. I had to come back to account for this by writing to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Through all of my pain, I was locked up by the EFCC. So many things were happening all at once - I thought of my frail health, I thought of my kids. I was so worried.

My marriage suffered under the pressure. I was not particularly worried about my marriage until I came back to Nigeria and I learnt my husband had been put through EFCC's hassle. They put a lot of pressure on him because I wasn't in the country at that time. In fact the CBN claimed I absconded, even though they knew what predicament I was facing at the time. It suited them to believe a lie instead. My husband took the brunt and that had its toll on our marriage. The trauma the family was put through was unbearable and very challenging.

Curbing the excesses of aviation critics

I

T is always easy to stay by the sidelines and criticise.

While some criticisms are constructive and objective, others are laced with malice and mischief depending on the intent of the person issuing them.

But in all, criticism is a healthy aspect of society especially in democracies and it is expected to serve as a check on governance. However, it has become the pastime of some jobless people of late to pride themselves as social critics, even delving into areas that should ordinarily not be their turf.

Most people with dubious intentions feel that the only way to appropriate public attention or solicit government appointment or patronage is to cast aspersions or haul invectives at people in positions of authority with the sole aim of besmirching or blackmailing them. A certain Group Capt.

John Ojikutu, a self-acclaimed aviation expert has been in the news lately, either screaming at roof tops or granting interviews to the press to the effect that the Nigerian airspace is not safe and that pilots have com-

By Okangbe Elina

munication challenges. With due respect to Ojikutu, what does he intend to achieve by excoriating the government in spite of all efforts put in place to enhance air safety in Nigeria?

What would he likely achieve by instilling trepidation and anxiety in the flying public?

Does he have the pedigree or latitude to speak on aviation matters? The much we can glean from Ojikutu’s background is that he had a stint with the Nigerian Air Force but that on its own does not qualify him as an industry expert.

The aviation industry is so sophisticated and technical that it cannot be an all comers affair.

Eminent aviation consultants such as Capt. John Obakpolor and Sam Akerele who have visited some of the latest communication facilities at the airports have spoken glowingly about remarkable improvement in aviation infrastructure including communication. It is therefore to the chagrin of many that Ojikutu has decided to tow the

path of dishonour by acting like an aviation ‘area boy’, out to do the hatchet job of some faceless pay masters.

Does Ojikutu have the moral high ground to sermonise about the purported ‘rot” in the aviation sector? My advice is that those who have skeletons in their cupboards should tread slowly in matters that border on integrity, lest they be consumed in a possible miasma arising from their past indiscretions. .For good measure, Ojikutu’s exposé on this issue as published in some newspapers recently, apart from being fraught with deliberate prevarications and histrionics, was lacking both in intellectual depth and objectivity. It also gave him away as an intrigant, out on a mission to prosecute a smear campaign against the Federal Government. For a man of his age, if he had good intentions for the government, one would have expected him to visit some of these facilities and infrastructures at the airports and have an on-the-spot assessment of how they function rather than

mislead the unsuspecting public with innuendoes and incendiary comments.

One would like to ask where Ojikutu was all these years when the aviation sector suffered the worst form of neglect and deprivation. Now that the Federal Government is revamping the sector, Ojikutu has suddenly popped into the scene, purporting to be the mouthpiece of Nigerian pilots who according to him are complaining. In any case, if pilots are complaining, who made him their spokesman? We are aware that there are feedback channels at the airports and even hotlines where pilots can air their views.

Ojikutu does not see anything good in the TRACON project which has brought the whole of Nigeria under a single radar coverage, or even remodeling of the airports across the country which is unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. Ojikutu is also unaware of the emergency lighting recently installed by NAMA at the runway 18/Left of MMA Lagos which has saved a lot of fuel and man hours for airlines. If he claims he is un-

aware of the transformation going on at the aviation sector, it is either that he is blind, or simply averse to change and development in which case he should go back to the caves.

If on the other hand, Mr Ojikutu is soliciting for government patronage, there are legal and acceptable ways to go about it rather than deploying cant and chicanery as a subterfuge.

While covert and subtle threats against government, character defamation and other such crude tactics may have worked for some people in the past, Ojikutu should be reminded that the present aviation minister Princess Stella Oduah may not fall prey to his antics. Gone are the days when the so- called ‘aviation experts’ fed fat with the instrumentality of blackmail.

For some of us who have been privileged to fly within the country in the past one year, it will be an understatement to aver that air travel has become both exciting and pleasurable under the leadership of Princess Stella Oduah. There has been a lot of improvement in infra-

structure, service delivery and general airport ambience. A dispassionate assessment and appraisal of the sector over this period would reveal that aviation in Nigeria has never had it so good and with the infrastructure and manpower training going on, added to the dynamic leadership of the present NAMA MD, Engr. Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, the Nigerian airspace is headed towards world class.

The likes of Ojikutu may not want to reckon with this, but discerning Nigerians and aviation experts are agreed that a lot of progress has been made in the sector to the extent that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has given Nigeria an ‘A’ rating. Given these remarkable achievements, in what light does Ojikutu’s ranting portray him and his ilk? They are indeed a negligible bunch of uninformed, depraved and jaundiced elements whose antics must be discountenanced by well- meaning Nigerians.

Elina,member ,Association of Aviation practising professionals, writes from Lagos.

News

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

Oyo to introduce 100 new luxury buses

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HE Oyo State Government is set to give out 100 new luxury buses to address the transportation problem in the state, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has disclosed.

The governor made this disclosure while addressing the executives and members of three transport unions – the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) in Ibadan at the weekend.

This move, he said, would mark the beginning of gradual replacement of all the rickety commercial vehicles currently plying the roads with new ones under the state mass transit scheme.

Governor Ajimobi said that a committee comprising members of the transport unions and representatives of the state government would be constituted to work out the modalities of the operation of the new vehicles.

He appealed to members of the unions to cooperate with the government in its urban renewal programme, urging them not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble or work against his administration.

The governor also enjoined them to continue to maintain peace for his government to achieve its desired goal of turning the state around.

In his remark, the state Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, commended the leadership qualities of Governor Ajimobi, which he noted was responsible for the prevailing peace in the state.

He pledged the support and cooperation of his members to the Ajimobi-led administration in the maintenance of peace and clean environment.

In their separate remarks, Mr. Kehinde Adeyemo of RTEAN and Mr. Bayo Adekunle of NARTO respectively, also assured the governor of the cooperation and support of their members.

We won’t condone violation of sanitation law, says Amosun

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GUN State Government is determined to enforce strict compliance with its monthly environmental sanitation law.

The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, disclosed this yesterday at Sagamu while monitoring the state of compliance with the February environmental sanitation.

He said the environmental sanitation law was made in good faith, “to ensure we all live in a clean and safe environment.”

“A healthy people are a wealthy people; we can prevent a lot of diseases when we live in a clean environment. When we spend less on health issues, we have more to spend on other social amenities all for the benefit of our people,” Amosun said.

On the fate of commuters arrested at Sagamu by law enforcement agents for breaking the sanitation law, Amosun called for their immediate prosecution in order to serve as a deterrent to others.

FRCN sued for breach of contract

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HE Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) has been sued for breach of contract over a land deal valued at N20 million.

A motor manufacturing company, Innoson Company Limited, dragged the Federal Government’s owned radio station to court asking for a repayment of the sum of N20 million naira for a failed lease agreement entered with it since 2011.

The company is also seeking the order of the court compelling the corporation to pay to it interest on the said sum calculated at the rate of 22.5% per annum, based on the Central Bank of Nigeria-approved lending interest rate, from July 8, 2011 till the determination of the suit.

The motor company in the suit filed by its counsel, J. H. C. Okolo (SAN) at the Federal High Court, Enugu, also asked the court to order the corporation to pay it another N80million for the flagrant breach of the agreement signed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2011.

The suit, the company said, is predicated on the ground that the corporation knew that the property had long been sold, yet it went ahead and collected the sum from it and has refused to refund the premium sum it collected in the past two years despite several demands.

In the suit with No FHC/ EN/CS/190/2012, the company claims that it had in response to an advertisement put out by the Corporation in 2008 for lease of the property situated at No 3, Savage Crescent, GRA Enugu indicated interest on it.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

It said it had further communicated this in writing on January 28, 2009 to the corporation in which Mr. Mike Yahwe, as Managing( Director of the corporation’s Directorate of Marketing, requested it (company) to submit the architectural drawings proposed for the site for approval by the venture’s board.

This, he said, was duly complied with and submitted for the consideration of the corporation’s board.

“After due negotiations as in letters of 22/7/2009 and 31/

11/2009, the parties agreed on the sum of N20 million naira downright payment for the project, as contained in the defendants letter of 3rd November 2009 on the condition that the premium agreed upon should be paid within 14 days thereof.

Thereafter at the request of the plaintiff, the parties executed a memorandum of understanding thereto in respect of which the defendants by cover of email letter dated April 22, 2010, forwarded a copy for the plaintiff comments, which was sent back to the defendants for approval”, it said.

According to clause 20 -2.1

set out in the equity participation on the project, “the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria is the bonafide owner of the land situated at No.3 Savage Crescent GRA, Enugu, being granted to the lessee/developer for the project for a lease period of 25years, which may be renewed by the Corporation thereafter if necessary” The Plaintiff stated that after the execution of the agreement, it was given 14 days to pay a premium of N20million or forfeit the offer, which it duly complied with as acknowledged by the Corporation’s letter of July 8, 2011.

•Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (L) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar at the 50th anniversary of Sheik Mamood Abubakar Gumi Memorial College in Sokoto yesterday.

Lagos allays fears over alleged terror attacks MIDST reports that Lagos is emerging as a likely target by terror group, Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, Jama’atu Ansaral Muslimana Fi Biladis – Sudan, the Lagos State government at the weekend urged residents to ignore the threats and go about their normal activities.

State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, who spoke to journalists shortly after monitoring the February edition of the monthly sanitation exercise, said the government has put measures in place to ensure the protection of lives

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...sacks transporters from Ojuelegba Under-bridge

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

and properties.

To this end, the commissioners, who during the exercise led a team of their personnel to comb under bridges and hidden places in Surulere Local Government Area of filth and suspicious materials, said the state government and security agencies are already working on security reports available to them.

Ibirogba assured, “I will say categorically that Lagos is safe; Lagosians should not entertain any fear. We have done all we are supposed to do for Lagosians to live safely. I want to just tell

them to go about their normal duties without entertaining any fear.

“The idea of Boko Haram coming to attack Lagos is nothing to scare anybody. This is a proactive government and Lagosians have confidence in their government. Lagos is home to everybody and I don’t think anybody in a right frame of mind will want to extend act of terrorism or violence to Lagos.

No matter how you look at it, people have one interest or the other in Lagos”.

Bello on his part, said the decision to send transporters

under the bridge in Ojuelegba packing became necessary to clean up the place and get rid of some unscrupulous elements hiding in the garage to perpetrate evil.

He said the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) will take over the garage and ensure the transporters polluting the place do not return to the spot to constitute environmental nuisance.

Meanwhile, the state government has beefed up security at the governor’s and his deputy’s entrance gates, just as they refused to allow vehicles into the state government secretariat.

Israel seeks support for anti-graft agency HE president of Galilee International Management Institute, a globally rated institution based in Israel, Dr. Joseph Shevel, has advised the leadership of the country to muster the political will by supporting anticorruption agencies.

He said the war against corruption would have more bite if some of the people indicted in high profile cases were sent to jail. Speaking at a dinner hosted for him and his delegation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) he said in Israel, the war against corruption has no respect for anyone.

According to him, “As I speak with you now, a former President and serving Minister of Finance are in jail for corruption,” adding that sup-

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port must be given to antigraft agencies in whatever form to ensure that indicted public officials, including ministers are punished in line with the provisions of the existing law.

Shevel, whose institute is globally rated in capacity building development, was at ICPC headquarters in Abuja as part of efforts to help build investigative and crime detection amongst the commission’s work force.

He said there was no way Nigeria could realise its full socio-economic potentials and become a leading country if corruption continued to thrive and those who perpetrated it were allowed to walk away without appropriate sanctions.

He urged Nigeria to learn from the experiences of Israel

where punitive sanctions were meted out to any corrupt official without any regard for political power or influence.

While noting that corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria, he, however, pointed out that the challenge of fully repositioning the ICPC for operational efficiency was one of those that government needed to address in order to realise the country’s full potentials.

Shevel declared, “If the commission fails to win the anti-graft war through failure of the government to provide it all necessary support, then Nigeria will fail. I am sure that corruption is actually contradicting economic and social growth and if corruption will be widespread in Nigeria despite the wealth of Nigeria in terms of intelligence, in terms of natural resources, in terms

of everything Nigeria is proud of, then Nigeria will not take off if ICPC is unsuccessful in fighting corruption.”

While receiving the Israeli delegation, ICPC’s member, Professor Olu Aina, who represented the commission’s chairman, said the visit of the Israelis was intended to further strengthen the relationship of the ICPC with other relevant institutions globally with a view to adopting best practices in its operations.

He disclosed that the partnership being forged with the Israel-based institute was aimed at building capacities among the commission’s workforce through training that would be helpful to the successful completion of the ongoing systems study and review of the Nigerian university system programme.

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Alaafin scores Ajimobi high on poverty alleviation, security From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, has commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi for his government policies towards poverty eradication and maintenance of security in Oyo State.

The monarch particularly praised the governor for his prompt approval of finances for local governments in the state, which facilitated the procurement of various equipments and tools towards alleviating poverty among the people.

Oba Adeyemi gave the commendation at the distribution of poverty alleviation materials to various trade groups and associations by Atiba Local Government held at Ode-Aremo in Oyo Town The traditional ruler said the duty of any responsible government is the welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing of the citizenry, in addition to the maintenance of law and order.

“Since the inception of the Ajimobi-led administration in Oyo State, people have been going about their lawful pursuits in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace,’’ he pointed out.

Oba Adeyemi praised the Caretaker Chairman, Atiba Local Government, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, for his giant strides in the local government area, noting “what is being done today is to demonstrate that citizens have the constitutional rights to demand from those elected into offices what belong to them.’’

Earlier, Prince Adeyemi, who extolled the virtues of the Alaafin, appreciated the timely approval and disbursement of funds by the state governor for the procurement of the poverty alleviation materials.

‘My work will speak for me’

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HE Abia State governor, Theodore Orji, has said his works are his testimonial before the citizens. Speaking to reporters in Umuahia, he said he inherited a state that, was deficit in infrastructural development.

According to him, “My pact with Abians is to change their fate by re-inventing the growth of commerce for which we are known through provision of enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” adding that this cannot be deterred by critics. He promised to provide adequate security to drive commerce in the state.

The governor added, “The veracity of our intention is not only unquestionable but also unequivocal because our people have suffered deceit of non-performance in the past as perpetrated by previous administration and as such their affliction will not happen a second time, and not under my watch.”

He said opposition both at home and the Diaspora will not deter his administration’s resolve to develop the state.

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Adeleye joins Russian club

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IGERIA international Dele Adeleye has joined Russian club Kuban Krasnodar on a three-year deal, the club have announced.

The 24-year-old defender last featured for Tavriya Simferopol in Ukraine.

Kuban once paid wages of Sani Kaita, his former team mate at Tavriya Simferopol.

Former youth and Olympic international Adeleye has played for Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam as well as Metallurg Donetsk in Ukraine.

The former Shooting Stars central defender has also played eight games for Nigeria as a full international and was on the squad to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Tottenham join race for £4m-rated Mba S UPER Eagles sensational midfielder Sunday Mba is reportedly on Tottenham Hotspurs' wish list for a summer move after an impressive showing at the just concluded AFCON 2013 tournament in South Africa.

The 24-year old midfielder was the star player for the eventual winners of the competition and his exploits while in South Africa attracted a number of scouts to monitor his progression.

A report by clubcall.com has it that Andre Villas-Boas has had a scout keeping a close eye on him,

Sunderland deny link to Ambrose

S Yobo's Fenerbahce warn fans against violence

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OSEPH Yobo's Turkish club Fenerbahce have issued a statement warning fans against further violence that could mar the success of the outfit.

Fenerbahce issued the statement on Friday after a flare was thrown onto the pitch during their 1-0 Europa League win over BATE Borisov on Thursday.

Yobo came on as a second half substitute in the encounter after helping Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The Istanbul giants had to play the match behind closed doors thanks to previous incidents of fan misbehaviour, but supporters were still able to get the firework into the Sukru Saracoglu via the use of a parachute.

And the club have reminded fans that such activities are illegal and could prove detrimental to the team's fortunes.

“This and similar stadium closures due to criminal activity could cause the team harm and are severe enough to interfere with the success of this club,”a statement from the Kadikoy outfit read.

Fener will play Viktoria Plzen in the next round of the competition, with the Czechs having knocked out holders Atletico Madrid in the last 32.

UNDERLAND manager Martin O'Neill has denied suggestions the northern club are interested in the services of Nigeria's Nations Cup winner and Celtic centre-back Efe Ambrose.

The former Kaduna United skipper has made himself indispensable to the Scottish champions since arriving from Israeli side Ashdod for a fee of N388m (1.5 m pounds) in the offseason. The 24-year-old's performances are believed to have

drawn interest from several English Premier League clubs, but O'Neill has denied discussing Ambrose's future with Celtic manager Neil Lennon. “ It's been news to me. I've not spoken to Neil Lennon about Ambrose,” O'Neill told the Sunderland Echo.

The defender was at fault for two goals and missed a glorious chance at the other end as the Scottish outfit succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Juventus in the Champions League.

Lawal seeks Martins' return to Eagles

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ARBA Lawal, a former international and a member of the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee, has called for the return of Levante striker Obafemi Martins to the Super Eagles set-up.

Lawal made the plea for the inform Spain based striker while speaking on a Lagos based sports radio station Brilla Fm as he argued that the goal scoring record of the former Rubin Kazan man is enough to earn him a second chance in the national team.

“I think he deserves another chance with the national team, I watched his Europa League game match against Olympiakos where he scored a goal and it shows again that he will be a good addition to the team, Garbal Lawal posited.“Well you can say continuity is needed for the team that went to the Nations Cup but additions like Martins will only make the team better.”

Indeed after being sensationally

Steenkamp's dad raps Pistorius

dropped from the Nations Cup squad, Martins has been in top form for Levante scoring great goals that has earned him praise from his coach and teammates alike.

UNPAID WAGES

Akwa United beg Eagles to shun victory party

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GGRIEVED Akwa United players have called on the Super Eagles not to honour an invitation from the Akwa Ibom State government to host them for winning the 2013 AFCON, reports MTNFootball.com One of the players said they don't know why the government would choose to reward the Eagles who worked for the nation and have been rewarded by Federal Government at their detriment.

"I am begging the Super Eagles on behalf of my fellow players at

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RANADA forward Odion Ighalo has claimed playing against two world class players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has improve his game this season and vows to lift the team out of relegation waters.

Ighalo and his club have maintained fine form of recent time and he's looking forward to consolidating against Celta de

Akwa United not to come for the reception the Akwa Ibom State government is planning for them.

This is because we have not been paid our sign-on fees for the past two seasons on the account that there is no money. Now they have money to shower on the Eagles who are rich already,” the player told MTNFootball.com “The Eagles should help us send a message to the governor to use the money he wants to spend on them to pay us because we are dying here. “We are being owed 20% from

By Taiwo Alimi

Vigo on Sunday.

“We played better against Barcelona, but we lost. Though we scored first but conceded two goals scored by Messi. All we need to do is to focus on winning again. “ Playing away to Celta de Vigo will be tough but I believe we can get attain victory at the

Flying Eagles land in Tunisia

N Chinwo begs Keshi for Eagles shirt F

ORMER U-20 star Kennedy Chinwo has called on Super Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi to take a look in preparation for 2014 World cup qualifiers.

Chinwo, who turned down a move to the Albania second division side, KS Tomori Berat says he wants to focus on Dolphins this season and hopes to lead the club to CAF Champions League. ”I'm happy for the Super Eagles because they were not given any chance in 2013 South Africa, but they went, saw and conquered. It's really amazing. Coach Stephen Keshi has made us proud and it is a good thing for local based players and the football

•Mba

2010/2011 and 80% sign on fees for last season. We don't know our fate this season.We need their help because they are big boys."

The player further said: "We tried to see the commissioner and the governor on our case to know what the problem is, but our chairman, Isang Isong, has always made it impossible for us to see any of them, may be he doesn't want us to expose him.

“This is an opportunity for us to let the governor hear our voice that we are suffering,"he stated.

Ighalo: Messi, Ronaldo make my game better

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EEVA Steenkamp's father has said Oscar Pistorius "will have to live with his conscience" whatever the outcome of his murder trial.

Speaking to South Africa's Beeld newspaper, Barry Steenkamp said Pistorius would not be spared from suffering even if he is found not guilty over the shooting death of Reeva on Valentine's Day. "It doesn't matter how much money he has and how good his legal team is, he will have to live with his conscience if he allows his legal team to lie for him," Barry Steenkamp said.

"But if he is telling the truth then perhaps I can forgive him one day.

but the north-London club are expected to face competition from Everton and Reading for the £4M rated midfielder.

“I won't lie, I have been inundated with offers from England, Spain, Italy and some other countries but I will not be hasty in reaching a decision now,” Mba disclosed as reported by clubcall.com.

Mba currently plays for Warri Wolves in Nigeria, but he has revealed he is open to a move away, after being inundated with offers from around Europe.

•Carzola

in the country.”

He believes that he has something to contribute in the senior national team. “I am aware the coach is still searching for more players and I know l have a contribution to make. I want a chance to show what l can do given my level of experience in the league and at the junior national team.

“I am also looking forward to helping Dolphins in the new season, we are aiming higher for greatness this season and I believe we can win the league again”.

IGERIA U20s arrived Tunisia on Saturday for a 17-day training camp ahead of next month's African Youth Championship in nextdoor Algeria.

The squad of 38 players and officials touched down at 1.30pm local time, which is the same time as Nigeria, on board Egypt Air from Cairo, where they played two warm-up games against hosts and another AYC-bound team Egypt.

They won the first game 3-1 on Wednesday, before they were held to a 0-0 draw by the home team in the second game on Friday.

The flight from Cairo lasted about three and a half hours and the squad were warmly welcomed on arrival at the

Aeroport Carthage Tunis by officials from the Nigerian embassy in Tunisia.

The team have since booked into the expansive, five-star El Mouradi Hotel in Gammarth on the outskirts of the capital city of Tunis.

The facility is well known to host top sports teams from across the world and it will be an ideal location for the Nigeria U20s to concentrate and fine tune their strategies for the defence of the AYC title they won in South Africa two years ago.

Local temperature was put at a chilly 19 degrees centigrade by the time the Flying Eagles landed, but it further dropped due to a light drizzle, which some team members described as “showers •Pitropia of blessings”.

end. Away game in Spain is always difficult because the fans are so passionate about their team but l think our recent performance will keep us on the track.”

Speaking further on his game, he said: “I am enjoying my game here, l am very much satisfied with my progress so far in the league.

“I think playing in Spain has helped me to be a better player. “ “Especially playing against the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and other great players in the league has really challenged me a lot to raise my game,” Ighalo added.

Results Premier League Results Fulham 1 - 0 Stoke Arsenal 2 - 1 Aston Villa Norwich 2 - 1 Everton QPR 0 - 2 Man U Reading 0 - 3 Wigan West Brom 2 - 1 Sunderland Sunday Fixtures Man City v Chelsea Newcastle v Southampton Monday Fixture West Ham v Tottenham

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SPORT EXTRA

Valentine Golf Tourney takes centre stage at Ikoyi Club

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koyi Club 1938 (Golf Section) is agog with festivities as this year's edition of the FirstBank sponsored Valentine Golf Tournament holds tomorrow.

This year's edition has been fixed for Tuesday, February 26th at the 18-hole Ikoyi Golf Course.

Organised by the former Lady Captain of Ikoyi club, Bola Cusworth with support from Nkechi Obinni and Ronke Iyiola, this year's edition, Cusworth explained, is geared toward uniting the family.

She added that this year's tournament which is backed by FirstBank Nigeria Plc, one of the event's major supporters over the years, will linger in the mind of participants for time to come.

While praising FirstBank for their yearly support for the tournament Cusworth said she's hoping on the institution to make this year's edition of the competition a success.

“FirstBank has been our backbone over the years, they have also promised to be part of this year's edition. I appreciate them for what they are doing for golf in this country,” Cusworth said.

Saint Valentine's Day is observed on February 14 each year and it is celebrated in many countries around the world.

It began as a liturgical celebration of one early Christian saints named Valentinus.

The day was first associated with romantic love in the middle ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards. However with the support of FirstBank, Cusworth has taken Valentine to the courses.

Ighile laid to rest in Benin

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HE remains of Joseph Ighile, the late sports presenter of Channels Television was Friday laid to rest in Benin City his home town.

The body of the sports journalist which arrived at the secretariat building of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council at about 11.30 am, in a motorcade, was received by the State Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia.

Chairman of NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Desmond Agbama, said the death of Ighile has created a vacuum in the journalism profession that will be difficult to fill, noting that "he contributed immensely to the pen profession."

"He came, he saw, he conquered. He is a colleague we respect so much," Comrade Agbama said, adding that every activities of the Council, including the State Congress, were put off as a mark of honour for him.

He urged all practicing journalists to be hard-working and diligent in their duties to earn them favourable comment when they are gone.

Ghana defender gets bail after alleged wife battery

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HANA defender John Pantsil was released on police bail on Friday night after being arrested for allegedly beating up his wife and causing grievous harm.

The 31-year-old player was arrested yesterday at his Trassaco residence, an affluent gated community in Accra, after his neighbour had reported the incident to the Legon Police.

Police officials had earlier on Friday confirmed that the Hapoel Tel Aviv star stabbed his wife, Richlove, and caused eye wounds which left her unconscious.

MTNFootball.com understands the couple were involved in an argument which degenerated into a fight.

Pantsil then followed his wife who had escaped to their neighbour to seek for help and it was there the Ghana international is alleged to have punched his neighbour's wife.

Man U beat QPR, move 15 points clear

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ANCHESTER United moved 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 away win over bottom-of-the-log Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday.

Goals in each half from Rafael and Ryan Giggs saw Sir Alex Ferguson's side move one step closer to reclaiming the league title, establishing a massive lead that piles the pressure on secondplaced Manchester City ahead of their crunch clash against Chelsea on Sunday.

United opened the scoring on 23 minutes through a screamer from Rafael. QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar punched out a low cross from Robin van Persie and the Brazilian right-back proceeded to strike a breath-taking volley into the top corner from a couple of metres outside the box.

Twelve minutes later the home side almost came up with an equaliser through Chris Samba, but his header was cleared off the line by Rafael. The United no.2 then proceeded to play a great diagonal on the counter attack to put Van Persie in on goal, but the striker was denied by a fine save from Cesar.

United suffered a blow five minutes before the break when Van Persie limped off with that looked like a hip injury, leading to Danny Welbeck's introduction, while Nemanja Vidic almost doubled the lead with a header that went just wide of the target.

United'keeper David De Gea had almost nothing to do in the first half, but 20 minutes into the second he produced a sharp reaction save to keep out an effort from substitute Loic Remy that looked destined for the back of the net.

The Red Devils ended the match as a contest on 80 minutes when Ryan Giggs sprung the offside trap and fired the ball past Cesar to make it 2-0. Two minutes later the 39-year-old veteran hit the crossbar with an impish chip as the visitors threatened to extend their

•Rafael hammers home Manchester United’s first goal against QPR on Saturday

Cazorla double gives Arsenal win

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ANTI Cazorla eased the strain on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with a timely double in a 2-1 Premier League win over lowly Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spanish attacking midfielder handed the home side a richly deserved success when he tucked

Unhappy Inter face buoyant Milan

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ESURGENT AC Milan, buoyed up by their win over Barcelona, meet an Inter Milan side mired in a midseason crisis in today's Serie A derby which also features maverick striker Mario Balotelli facing his former club.

The mood in the two camps could not be more different with Inter, who at one stage were one point behind leaders Juventus, in a slump and their rivals on a high after Wednesday's 2-0 win in the Champions League.

Milan have also enjoyed a resurgence in the league, helped greatly by the signing of maverick striker Balotelli who has scored four goals in three games since his move from Manchester City.

The wildly unpredictable "Supermario" will be facing the club where he spent four seasons and made his top-flight debut.

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has emerged victorious from both his previous meetings with AC Milan and badly needs a third win to rescue his side's season.

The Milan rivals have undergone a role reversal since the start of the year with AC Milan, whose early-season struggles led to weekly speculation over the future of coach Massimiliano Allegri, now ahead of Inter.

Milan have taken 23 points from 10 games since the start of

December and are third with 44 points, one ahead of Inter.

Inter have taken 15 points in the same period and have suffered three bad defeats since the start of the season, at Udinese, struggling Siena and a 4-1 thrashing by Fiorentina last Sunday.

away Nacho Monreal's cross on 84 minutes after some dogged defensive work by Villa looked like helping them escape from London with a draw.

Cazorla struck the opening goal for Arsenal on six minutes only for Andre Weimann to level for Villa on 68 minutes after Paul Lambert's side had sped up the field at pace.

Arsenal are within one point of fourth-placed London rivals Tottenham, but the win was greeted with real relief among the London club's supporters after back-to-back home defeats to Blackburn in the last 16 of the FA Cup and Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League over the past week.

Trainees praise SNAG golf experience in Lagos

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INE selected golf trainers and physical education teachers presently taking part in the first Starting New At Golf (SNAG) training in Lagos full of praises for the experience, saying it might be the biggest barrier breaker to getting kids to play the game in the country.

2AT Limited, a Nigerian outfit established with the vision to introduce golf in a fun and accessible way to as many children as possible is championing the introduction of the program tagged 'Let's Play Golf In Schools'.

A SNAG Master trainer Tony Howarth from SNAG Europe has been facilitating the training program. “It is interesting to see the trainers' attitude to the classes, it just goes to show how much fun awaits the kids when this is introduced to schools," he said.

Innocent Alonge, a physical education instructor in a Lagos based private school also said he is eager to introduce his pupils to golf; "this makes a lot of things easy for us, golf will no more be strange with this SNAG tools and the good thing is that we don't have to look for a big space to get this done,

By Taiwo Alimi apart from that, this is pure fun, the kids will like it."

SNAG, a proven first touch development programme designed for new learners of all ages, is the skills-acquisition programme used to introducing golf to over 8,000 children worldwide.

The programme is currently being used in the US (The First Tee Programme), Canada (Golf in Schools Programme), United Kingdom (Golf foundation), Scotland (Club golf), Belgium (Junior Golf Program) and Japan (School Golf Program) amongst other countries and is also recognised by the R&A. To formally introduce SNAG to Nigeria, 2AT Limited had a free session with kids at AstroTurf, Ikoyi last Saturday.

Sam Emehelu, one of the coordinators of the programme, informed that the Master SNAG Trainer also conducted a 'train the trainers' session for selected PE teachers and golf pros before the open session with the public. The event is backed by the Lagos Amateur Golf Association, whose representatives also attended.

It should also be welcomed by Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who went down in instalments in failing to keep out Weimann's low raking equaliser as it somehow eluded him from over 20 yards or so out.

Villa are 18th in the Premier League standings and remain deep in the relegation mire, but at least they did not collapse after falling behind.

Their strategy of soaking up pressure before playing on the break almost paid dividends, but Arsenal should not feel too much guilt having spent what felt like the entire second half attempting to unearth a second goal before Cazorla struck.

Carl Jenkinson and Abou Diaby had replaced Bacary Sagna and Lukas Podolski from Arsenal's 3-1 loss to Bayern on Tuesday with Monreal in for Laurent Koscielny.

Villa's Charles N'Zogbia recovered from the thigh injury he suffered during the closing stages against West Ham to start for the visitors. Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and midfielder Karim El Ahmadi were also available after illness ruled them out of the 2-1 win against Sam Allardyce's side.

•Carzola

QUOTABLE "If you say we are too powerful, whom do you want to lead the party? And you know governors are elected with all the powers and you say we should be weak.

If we are weak, would we be able to produce Jonathan? Didn't we produce him?...

Governors are extremely powerful and we will remain powerful."

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7, NO. 2411

— Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, dismissing insinuations that the Nigeria's Governors' Forum (NGF) has become too powerful in the country's power equation.

D

R Doyin Okupe, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, lit a fire under the buttocks of squirming Yoruba leaders about 10 days ago when he blamed them for engendering the marginalisation of their region. It was a beguiling view that upset this column last week.

On the surface, he was right to blame the Yoruba for authoring their own woes, but a thorough examination would show the foundation of his argument to be absolutely weak.

Let me quote him again: “The issue of marginalisation of the Southwest was a political misadventure and political accident brought about by the Yoruba themselves. If you would recollect, the Yoruba were supposed to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which is the number four position in Nigeria. Due to political mishandling of the leadership of the Yoruba and also the sabotage of the Yoruba people by Yoruba leadership elsewhere, I am talking of the ACN now, the Yoruba leadership in the ACN conspired against the Yoruba people and allowed that position to be taken away. That was the beginning of the marginalisation. You see, when people sit down to share what is not enough and you don’t have anybody to speak for you, there is a problem.”

Of course, every political observer is sensible enough to know that Okupe was wrong to have located the genesis of Yoruba marginalisation in the controversial election of Hon Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Marginalisation of the Southwest, which appears orchestrated under President Goodluck Jonathan, quite clearly predated the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) support for Tambuwal or the repudiation of Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola.

Okupe’s conclusion also glossed over the political complexities that convulsed the House of Representatives’ leadership election in 2011, and unthinkingly simplified the intrigues and motivations integral to the appointment and placement of public and security officials in Nigeria. Even if Hon Mulikat had been elected Speaker, and assuming that by some deft machinations she held on to that post for as long as Tambuwal has, few would be convinced she could blunt the factors that have led to the marginalisation of the Yoruba, which factors the Yoruba themselves apparently misunderstand and mishandle.

Okupe is not the first to polemicise the Yoruba marginalisation claim, even though his observation, on the surface, appears irreproachable. The YUF and the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), both of which broadly speaking represent two contradistinctively ideological pressure groups in the Southwest, have also made similar observations. That the Southwest is deeply marginalised is, therefore, not in doubt. What is in dispute is the cause of the problem. Okupe’s arguments foundered badly when he placed the blame on the ACN’s repudiation of Hon Mulikat. The YUF took a different point of departure in identifying the factors responsible for the problem. Both by the speeches of some their leaders and the communique issued at the end of their Thursday meeting, YUF suggested that lack of unity was responsible for the region’s marginalisation.

Perhaps this partly accounts for why the group has Unity embedded in its name.

But YUF also insinuated that in view of the political realignments going on in the country, Southwest politicians needed to avoid deceit in acquiescing to mergers. We can only guess what YUF meant when it talked of unity.

For reasons quite unrelated to the objectives of cooperation, the Forum is generally unenthusiastic about Southwest regional integration, which would have been a solid basis for the kind of unity they envision, assuming they truly think unity is a driving force in checkmating marginalisation. And since it is only the ACN from the Southwest that is in the process of merging with other parties, the warning issued by YUF could only have been meant for that party. However, both by its warning against merger and its lack of enthusiasm for integration, the YUF unwittingly lends credence to the existence of political and, maybe, too, ideological divisions in the region, which divisions it perhaps unknowingly exacerbates, if not endorses. YUF may in fact see Yoruba unity as one in which leading Yoruba political and business elites queue behind the Forum or

Okupe on Southwest marginalisation (2)

•Falae

•Okupe

at least pay allegiance to Ikenne, the home of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

But as I have argued in this place many times, that kind of unity is nothing but a chimera. It was never existent even in Awolowo’s time, and it may never happen. Moreover, it is doubtful whether it is desirable. Stripped to the bones, it is hard to see how lack of unity could have fostered marginalisation if other factors were not at play, or if the national political leadership had not been deliberately manipulative, mischievous, insensitive and even incompetent. If the presidency knew its onions, and had taken to heart lessons about how conflicts predispose countries to disintegration, it would have been proactive in promoting power balance, fair play and justice among ethnic and regional groupings in the country. Must Abuja be told what grave consequences often follow deliberately orchestrated power asymmetry, especially when power is skewed for purely parochial reasons or as a punitive exercise to undermine troublesome and exuberant opposition?

Let me state it once again that there will never be unity in the Southwest whether demographically, ideologically, religiously or politically in the sense being advanced by YUF. It is enough that the Yoruba are culturally united, and as a result, and to a large extent, are generally progressive. But their progressivism does not even rise to the level of ideology, and need not, for they are a people at bottom fractious, disputatious, and made up in many disturbing parts of pockets of unprincipled and subversive individuals and entities. They are the only people capable of producing a winner in Chief MKO Abiola, and creating the counteracting forces of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s enviousness and Chief Ernest Shonekan’s betrayal. They are the only people capable of producing the insightful and gifted Awolowo, and nurturing the equally gifted but contumacious Chief Ladoke Akintola.

Indeed, as the living Awolowos will recall, the opposition to their patriarch was so insidious at a

point that it seemed the whole Yoruba political and judicial elite united against him. I fear that YUF is tilting at windmills. They speak of unity and warn of treacherous mergers; but they had attempted to prop up Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State as the counterforce to the prevailing political leadership in the Southwest, in spite of his formless political and developmental visions, general lack of fidelity to noble ideas and principles, and lack of foresight.

If the marginalisation of the Yoruba is to be understood, it is certainly not in terms of unity or the lack of it of the people, and not in terms of their ideologies and political affiliations. There is no part of the country that is united, whether Southeast, South-South, or even the seemingly monolithic North. Yes, the Yoruba are to a large extent responsible for the marginalisation of their region, but it is not in the sense Okupe argued, nor in the sense proposed by YUF, nor yet in the sense analysed by most commentators. After all, if we must talk of political unity, it is only Ondo State that is out of the ACN column in the Southwest. Surely no one expects that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) must merge with the ACN in the region for unity to exist or for the region to escape marginalisation.

The single most important factor in the marginalisation of the Southwest is probably the image of itself projected by the region.

That image, though a little complex, is actually unflattering. Many observers have suggested, with good reason, that if Abiola had hailed from the North, and the head of state at the time of the 1993 elections had been an army general from the Southwest instead of Gen Ibrahim Babangida, not only would it have been difficult to annul the presidential election of that year, it would have been even more difficult to appoint an interim replacement. This logic may be simplistic and far-fetched, but it

“The Yoruba do not project that deterrence, that implacable force and power that would make it unattractive for anyone to marginalise them.

They are marginalised because their enemies sense their weaknesses, their isolation, their instinctive ethnocide. In their plaintive cry of marginalisation, they cut a pitiable figure of a people burdened by centuries of character flaw, of a people unable to subordinate their individual ambitions beneath their transcendental group objectives, and of a people so terribly buffeted by enemies that in the past few decades they have begun to doubt their own strengths, compromise their own foresightedness, and for the first time actually face a dilemma so cruel that their leaders have to seem to disavow their ‘Yorubanness,’ like Abiola and Obasanjo did, to win a major election”

was easy to undermine Awolowo in 1963, easy to replace Abiola in 1993, and even easier to + recruit those who connived at their replacements and colluded with the national leadership of the day to thwart their political victories.

Pursuant to this observation, I think the Southwest projects the image of an irresolute and long-suffering people in the face of external oppression and machinations. Just as they produce brilliant non-conformists and political juggernauts, they also produce enterprising reactionaries and subversive heavyweights.

Babangida had on many occasions insinuated that the annulment of the 1993 presidential election was at the instance of highly placed personalities, some of them from the Southwest. He also added that we would be shocked if we knew the identities of the conspirators. Before then, as if troubled by his conscience, Obasanjo had said the heavens would not fall as a result of the 1993 poll cancellation. And for effect, he added that Abiola was not the messiah we longed for. Conspiracy and treachery are not the exclusive preserve of the Yoruba. But they have managed to turn both into an art. This was why it was not difficult to find Southwest judges to put Awolowo away and stymie his political ambitions. This was also why Obasanjo actively endorsed the infamy of 1993.

And this is why Nigerian leaders always find ready accomplices among the Yoruba to subvert the aspirations and principles that have ennobled the Southwest for many generations.

But the image of group envy, group subversion and fractiousness projected by the Yoruba to the outside world is not a recent phenomenon. It predates colonialism. It manifested in Afonja’s rebellion when he took Ilorin out of the orbit and protection of the Oyo Empire in 1817; and when Ibadan for economic and political reasons attempted to address that historical anomaly, it took fellow Yoruba states working in concert to undermine that effort in the late 19th century. The talent to undermine one another is evergreen in the region. YUF, I think, sees unity in terms of its own goals and ambitions. If Mimiko resists friendship with ACN, it is not because he really fears that the progressive party’s hegemony would be destructive, but because his horizon is limited and is therefore unable to key in to wider regional economic and political aspirations. It should not surprise anyone that the much-ballyhooed Southwest regional integration effort is stalling. The region’s governors are not operating on the same wavelength, do not share the lofty vision of integration equally, do not have the capacity to clearly see the shape of the future, and cast wary glances at one another, fearing to be outdone or to be outshone.

In all this, the Yoruba, in spite of their principles, progressivism and civilisation unfortunately give the impression of a weak and exploitable people who crave for unity on the surface but are at bottom committed to undermining their own leaders, regional goals and survival. President Goodluck Jonathan simply does not feel threatened by them as he feels threatened by, say, the North. If he attempts to appoint a few more Yoruba into key offices, it will be nothing more than sheer tokenism designed for electoral gains, or a belated attempt to correct his own leadership shortcomings for having presided over such indefensible lopsidedness.

There are some countries you will think twice before attacking; and there are ethnic groups a leader will think twice before marginalising. The Yoruba do not project that deterrence, that implacable force and power that would make it unattractive for anyone to marginalise them. They are marginalised because their enemies sense their weaknesses, their isolation, their instinctive ethnocide. In their plaintive cry of marginalisation, they cut a pitiable figure of a people burdened by centuries of character flaw, of a people unable to subordinate their individual ambitions beneath their transcendental group objectives, and of a people so terribly buffeted by enemies that in the past few decades they have begun to doubt their own strengths, compromise their own foresightedness, and for the first time actually face a dilemma so cruel that their leaders have to seem to disavow their ‘Yorubanness,’ like Abiola and Obasanjo did, to win a major election.

Concluded

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