Sun News - August 19, 2012

PAGE 9

OBJ, IBB need deliverance

N200

•VOL. 6 NO. 487

–Evah

Terrorist tag

How US scholars saved Boko Haram PAGE 5

Happy Eid-el Fitri

AUGUST 19, 2012

•As FG welcomes peace initiative PAGE 7

We’ll Catholic Priest becomes traditionalist give our husbands Fulani herdsmen condoms attack Enugu •Says nothing wrong with masquerade •Wears red cap with eagle feathers, blows flute

PAGES 11

PAGES 23-25

–Aneke twins

•Kill 2 students, rape women •Bereaved father dies from shock

PAGE 7

Catholic Priest becomes traditionalist N200

AUGUST 19, 2012

•VOL. 6 NO. 487

•Says nothing wrong with masquerade •Wears red cap with eagle feathers, blows flute

Terrorist tag

How US scholars saved Boko Haram PAGE 5

Happy Eid-el Fitri

PAGE 9

We’ll OBJ, IBB need deliverance give our –Evah scarcity bites husbands Fuel harder in Abuja condoms Fulani herdsmen attack Enugu PAGE 12

•Fares up by 250 percent

PAGES 23-25

–Aneke twins

PAGES 11

•Kill 2 students, rape women •Bereaved father dies from shock

PAGE 7

Catholic Priest becomes traditionalist N200

AUGUST 19, 2012

•VOL. 6 NO. 487

•Says nothing wrong with masquerade •Wears red cap with eagle feathers, blows flute

Sallah eve tragedy

Ocean sweeps away 16 PAGE 11

Happy Eid-el Fitri

•Fashola orders relocation of coastline residents PAGE 9

We’ll OBJ, IBB need deliverance give our –Evah husbands How US scholars saved Boko Haram condoms You can’t impeach Jonathan PAGE 5

PAGES 23-25

–Aneke twins

–Prophet Duromola Samuel

PAGE 62

...Says President ought to be pastor, not politician

PAGE 7

Catholic Priest becomes traditionalist N200

AUGUST 19, 2012

•VOL. 6 NO. 487

•Says nothing wrong with masquerade •Wears red cap with eagle feathers, blows flute

Terrorist tag

How US scholars saved Boko Haram PAGE 5

Happy Eid-el Fitri

We’ll Ocean sweeps away 16 give our husbands OBJ, IBB need deliverance –Evah condoms You can’t impeach Jonathan PAGES 11

•Fashola orders relocation of coastline residents PAGE 9

PAGES 23-25

–Prophet Duromola Samuel

–Aneke twins

PAGE 62

...Says President ought to be pastor, not politician

2

SUNDAY SUN

August 19, 2012

MI, Omawumi to host The Headies 2012

By BOLATITO ADEBAYO

B

EST-SELLING singer/songwriter, Omawumi Megbele, and hip-hop icon, Jude ‘MI’Abaga, will host the 7th edition of The Headies - Nigeria’s biggest music honours event.

Announcing this recently, Executive Producer, Ayo Animashaun, sayid the pair had been selected in line with the awards’tradition of picking talented and inspiring entertainers to front an awards ceremony that parades some of the continent’s biggest entertainers.

“It’s a very important year for us at The Headies, and for the Nigerian music industry in general,” Animashaun, who founded the awards in 2006, said. “And we found in MI and Omawumi, two great entertainers, who are very passionate about the awards, about their work, about the music business and a great source of inspiration to young, upcoming artistes, because of their peculiar stories of climbing up.”

Omawumi, 30, came second on West African Idol in 2007.

Her success on that show provided a strong foundation for her career, and she hasn’t looked back for a minute. With her debut single In the music released in 2008, she established herself as a talent to court, and a singer whose eyes are on the global stage.

The success of that single, won her the coveted ‘Next Rated’ prize at The Headies in 2009. The award came with a brand new KIA Optima. Omawumi has moved on to become a remarkably successful singer, actress, performer and philanthropist.

Omawumi’s co-host, MI, has risen from grass to grace in just about half a decade. And, from a Jos-bred wanna-be, who worked hard to find a niche in the hip hop community, MI has now become the lead rapper and hip hop ambassador on the continent, with many medals to show for his achievements. The Chocolate City rapper is a multiple winner at The Headies, his prizes including Best Rap Album and Revelation of the year (both in 2009). He has won a total of nine Headies, starting from his first surprise win in 2008.

SUNG GIRL

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

MI and Omawomi

Sunday, August 19, Weather Report CITY

Aba

Max Temp

28ºC T’Showers

Min Temp

21ºC

Abuja 25ºC Heavy Rain Shower 27ºC Benin 22ºC Heavy Rain Shower

22ºC

Birnin-Kebbi 25ºC T’Showers

21ºC

Calabar 26ºC Thundery Shower

23ºC

Enugu 27ºC Heavy Rain Shower

23ºC

Ibadan 26ºC Heavy Rain Shower 21ºC Ilorin 28ºC White Cloud Jos

21ºC

22ºC Heavy Rain Shower

17ºC

Kaduna 23ºC Heavy Rain Shower 20ºC Kano 26ºC Thundery Shower

22ºC

Lagos 26ºC Heavy Rain Shower

23ºC

Maiduguri 27ºC Thundery Shower 23ºC Onitsha 28ºC Thundery Shower

23ºC

P/H

19ºC

23ºC Heavy Rain Shower

Sokoto26ºC Thundery Shower

23ºC

Zaria 24ºC Heavy Rain Shower

20ºC

CMYK

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If yes, sign our consent/release form, send your pix/bio-data to 2, Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Estate, Apapa, Lagos.

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4

SUNDAY SUN

August 19, 2012

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

5

Top stories TERRORIST TAG:

How US scholars saved Boko Haram

By WILLY EYA

A

S the nation battles the menace of the Boko Haram sect, more revelations have emerged about the reluctance of the United States of America to list the group as a global terrorist organization.

Checks by Sunday Sun revealed that despite the orgy of bloodletting by the dreaded sect, it may never be listed as a terrorist group because of the long term implication on the future of Nigeria and America’s interest.

The development came amid reports of efforts by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to woo the United States to list the sect as a terrorist group.

In a letter to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, made available to Sunday Sun, 21 American scholars on African politics with special interest in Nigeria, had urged the United States not to designate Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

The scholars in a letter dated May 21, 2012, acknowledged the horrific violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, including attacks on both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria but cautioned that an FTO designation would internationalize the sect, legitimize abuses by the nation’s security services, limit the State Department’s latitude in shaping a long term strategy and undermine the U.S. Government’s ability to receive effective independent analysis from the region.

They argued that a lasting solution to Boko Haram would require robust political and developmental components initiated by the federal government and broadly endorsed by the Nigerian people through democratic processes that enhance the rule of law.

The scholars argued that an FTO tag on Boko Haram would limit American policy options to those least likely to work, and undermine the domestic political conditions necessary in Nigeria for an enduring solution.

Part of the letter reads: “An FTO designation would internatonalize Boko Haram’s standing and enhance its status among radical organizations elsewhere. Boko Haram’s recent tactics, including the use of suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices, raise questions about their foreign links.

“The network’s focus has been overwhelmingly domestic, despite an August, 2011, attack on the United Nations office in Abuja.

“Rhetorically, some of Boko Haram’s critique of northern underdevelopment and elite corruption are within the realm of mainstream political discourse. But there are clear indications that their tactics and targets have turned most Nigerians against them, including local populations in the North”.

The scholars warned that an FTO designation would potentially shift the organization’s posture towards the US and validate the more radical factions’ analysis of outsider influence in Nigeria.

They argued that it would also undermine the federal government’s ability to address the problem through law enforcement and thereby improve the rule of law.

The scholars also noted that the designation would give disproportionate attention to counter-terrorism in America’s bilateral relations, and increase the risk that the US becomes linked to abuses by the security services warning that it would effectively endorse excessive use of force at a time the rule of law in Nigeria hangs in the balance.

“There is already evidence that abuses by Nigeria’s security services have facilitated radical recruitment. This was made unequivocally clear in 2009, following the extrajudicial murder of Mohammed

…CAN woos America

•L-R: Ladi Thompson, founder and senior pastor of The Living Waters Unlimited church, Richard Smith, U.S congressman and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President Christian Association of Nigeria.

Yusuf, which was broadcast across the internet.

“That incident was immediately followed by Boko Haram’s radicalization, splintering, and increased propensity for large scale violence.

“Moreover, the routine use of the military for domestic law enforcement is a cause for alarm in a country with a deep history of military rule, and where formal declarations of states of emergency have historically led to broader political instability”, the letter further stated.

The scholars also reasoned that accurate understanding and proper addressing of the issue of Boko Haram would require a diplomatic, developmental and demilitarized framework, and emphasized that the State Department and its civilian developmental partners must be in the lead.

The letter further stated: “Less attention has been brought to the damage that this system does to academic inquiry more generally.

“An FTO designation would prevent independent scholarly inquiry about Boko Haram, and increase suspicion in the future about researchers with no governmental ties. Public policy benefits from dialogue with public scholars, and an FTO designation would effectively criminalize broad categories of research”.

But in a counter argument, President of CAN, Ayo Oritsejafor, told the US House Sub-committee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, that the activities of Boko Haram maximally qualified it to be listed as a global terrorist group.

In a statement dated July 10, 2012, he presented to the committee, Oritsejafor said that Boko Haram has waged a systematic campaign of terror in Nigeria and seeks an end to western influence and removal of the Christian presence in the nation.

He recalled the killing of 58 people in Christian villages in Jos, Plateau State including a senator and a state lawmaker describing such activities as outright terrorism, not legitimate political activity or the airing of grievances.

The CAN president said that by refusing to designate Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization, the United States was sending a very clear message, not just to Nigeria but to the world that the murder of innocent Christians and Muslims who reject Islamism were acceptable losses.

“It is hypocritical for the United States and the interna-

tional community to say that they believe in freedom and equality, when their actions do not support those who are being persecuted.

“A non-designation for the group only serves to hamper the cause of justice, and has emboldened Boko Haram to continue to strike out at those who are denied equal protection under the law.

“The frequency, lethality and sophistication of Boko Haram’s attacks raise disturbing questions regarding training and logistical support they have received from other like-minded international terrorist networks”, he said.

He argued that though the designation of Boko Haram as foreign terrorist organization was not the final solution to Nigeria’s problems, it would be an important first step towards restoring the confidence of those who support freedom and equality in the eyes of the law.

The cleric regretted that Boko Haram increasingly turns towards genocide through the systematic targeting of Christians and Christian institutions in pursuit of its goals, adding that history would not forget the actions or inactions of the United States.

He wondered why the State Department designated Boko Haram’s current leader, Abubakar Shekau and two others as “specially designated terrorists’, but fell short of designating the organization as a terrorist group pointing out that it would be the equivalent of Bin Laden as a terrorist and Al Qaeda as not a terrorist organization.

“Since its creation, the Boko Haram network has never hidden its agenda or intentions. Boko Haram has openly stated that they reject the Nigerian State and its Constitution and seek to impose Shari’ah Law. “To this end, Boko Haram has waged a systematic campaign of terror and violence. They seek an end to western influence and a removal of the Christian presence in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, my people are dying every single day, and it is only a matter of time before the international terrorist links and anti-democratic Islamist agenda of Boko Haram turns its attention to the United States”, he said.

On May 24, 2012, three Americans including Messrs Brown of Massachusetts, Chambliss, and Risch introduced a bill before the Senate of the United States requiring a report on the designation of Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization and for other purposes.

6

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

Nigeria’s London Olympics disaster

COMMENT

N

IGERIA’S dismal performance at the just-concluded 2012 London Olympics is no surprise. The failure of the nation’s contingent to win a single medal at the world’s biggest sporting fiesta is just another reflection of the sorry state of affairs in all sectors of the country.

While smaller and less-endowed African countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya won 1, 7, and 11 medals respectively, and the United States, China and Russia garnered 104, 87 and 82 medals respectively, Nigeria did not appear at all on the Medals Table.

The disgraceful performance, undoubtedly, is a fallout of the lack of preparedness of our contingent to the event. Our lacklustre outing at the games boldly underscores the nation’s lack of commitment to doing what is required to be successful at serious sporting competitions. As had always been the case with most past international sporting events, it was obvious from the outset that our representatives were not properly trained for the challenges of the competition.

Reports indicate that money for preparations for the competition was not released until about two months before it kicked off.

Yet, the Olympics is an intensely competitive event featuring only the best from different parts of the world. Countries that hope to make a mark in the meet spend a lot of money, and many years, training their representatives. It is not at all a competition to be approached with a lackadaisical attitude. It demands a thorough and meticulously implemented programme of training and mental orientation for participants. Instead of this, what Nigerians witnessed was a belated and halfhearted commitment to the exercise.

Beyond the preparations for the London Olympics, sports development is generally not given the attention it deserves in the country. Sporting facilities are not made available, as they should be. The National Stadium, and other stadia in the country, are not well kept.

They are not properly equipped to support production of world-class sportsmen and women. Appointments into the nation’s top

sporting offices are also politicized. There is so much corruption in the use of money voted for sports development and sporting activities. Our sportsmen are neither well taken care of, nor properly motivated to strive for excellence in competitions. There is no serious effort to discover sporting talents at early stages with a view to grooming them for international competitions. All these make a mockery of our quest for laurels at international sporting events.

To worsen matters, lamentations that follow Nigeria’s poor performances at sporting events mostly end there. The authorities thereafter go to sleep only to wake up just few weeks to the next international competition.

Meanwhile, for serious sporting countries, the end of an important sports meet such as the Olympics signals the beginning of preparations for the next one.

Another problem with sports development in Nigeria is that there is so much instability, both in the system and in the country, generally. This is reflected in frequent changes in helmsmen of sporting authorities. No one is sure of who would be at the helm of any sporting organisation or authority at any point in time. Even the president of the country, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, is unsure of who would be in office during the 2016 Olympics. With the low level of political maturity in Nigeria, this affects long-term planning or commitment to anything, including sports.

This is the reason for the misguided, ad hoc approach to all issues in the country, be they economic, political or social. Our leaders hardly look forward, because the future is never certain. Moreover, their orientation is mostly towards what they can gain from their positions on the short term, and not what they can do for the country on the long term. From the foregoing, it is glaring that to achieve success in sports, as in other sectors of our national life, we need to stabilise the polity and re-orientate our leaders to plan ahead.

The authorities need to get their acts together.

They ought to work out and execute a comprehensive plan for development of sports and other areas of national life. Nigeria cannot fail on all fronts and hope to succeed only in sports.

The time to begin preparations for the 2016 Olympics and the coming Commonwealth Games is now. We urge President Jonathan to set a good example by supporting preparations for these events. He should not worry about who would be at the helm of affairs in the country at that time. Let him do his best to lay a solid foundation for sports development because governance is a continuum.

To go far in sports, Nigerians also need to get politics right. We need to strive to build a cohesive country and promote an enabling environment for sport and other development activities.

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7

SUNDAY SUN AUGUST 19, 2012

Top stories Catholic priest leads Igbo culture crusade

By ALOYSIUS ATTAH (princemmy@yahoo.com)

. Wears red cap, eagle feathers . Blows flute and supports masquerades

Y

OU know the Catholic priest by his characteristic white cassock, rosary and calm mien. By his calling, he is presumed a non-conformist with any tradition and culture.

But Rev. Fr. Fidelis Okechukwu Onwudufor of the Onitsha Archdiocese and a lecturer at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe in Anambra state, is of a different mould. The cleric, a self-confessed lover of the Igbo culture, is known for his regular traditional wears that would pass him for a titled red cap chief in Igbo land.

Flaunting such traditional instruments like wooden flutes, elephant tusks and hand fans, the priest has a mastery of the local flute and often thrills the audience during Christian ceremonies in the Archdiocese.

In this interview with Sunday Sun in Ogidi during which he blew the flute and his N280, 000 elephant tusk trumpet, Rev. Father Onwudufor said his crusade was for people to appreciate what God has given to the Igbo and use it to worship Him in truth and in spirit.

Excerpts: My early years I was born in Jos before the civil war but the hostilities of the war brought us back to the village in Eziowelle in Idemili North Local government area of Anambra State. The war delayed my school that I started when I was eight years old. After my primary education, I was fascinated by a tailor from my village, who was in Jos, and I wanted to be like him. Unknown to my parents, I was to travel with him to Jos, but my father later frustrated that move because he was determined to train his children up to the secondary school level despite

his financial handicap. I paid dearly for it because I spent one year at home assisting him in farming and wine tapping.

Call to priesthood We agreed to move into bigger business when we make much money, but suddenly, my call to priesthood came and I lost interest in the business. My partner was angry but he had no option than to wind up the business and we shared the capital.

When the thought of priesthood life came, I told myself, “imagine you, a Gentile, becoming a priest”. This was because when I was in the university, I could count with my fingertips, how many times I went to church. So when I heard a voice asking me to go for Catholic priesthood I told myself, “Okechukwu, how would you look in a cassock?” But the voice kept coming until it concretized into a particular idea.

I didn’t know anything about the priesthood then. It was so bad that I went to my village catechist to teach me how to say the Angelus. He wrote it down for me in a paper and I learnt the prayers.

One day, I met one Monsignor Akukwe who was Director of the Catholic Social Centre in Onitsha, and he encouraged me to give it a deep thought and offer myself into prayers.

He gave me examples of those who went to the university and eventually made it to the priesthood. I entered the seminary and was ordained as a priest after ten years.

I was ordained by Cardinal Francis Arinze. He came all the way from Rome because he is from my hometown. My ordination came seven years after the last person was ordained in my town, so it attracted lots of dignitaries.

Promotion of Igbo culture I studied History and Archeology, but I promote Igbo language and culture.

People thought that I studied Igbo language but I didn’t. I teach Social Studies presently at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra State but I grew loving Igbo culture. When I was about a year in primary school, I used Igbo proverbs. Among my siblings, I was more at home with culture to the extent that when people visited us, I was the one my father called to present kola nuts.

It was while in class one in secondary school, that I started working on my book, Mmannu Eji Eri Okwu- A collection of Igbo proverbs in 260 pages.

The book took me 29 years to put together.

My age grade also knew me as a lover of tradition. It influenced my choice of career. Archaeology is all about ancient things, remains and old cultures. I didn’t learn what I do today in the university but it broadened my horizon.

My love for the flute I learnt to blow flute in the seminary

for three years. As I said earlier I entered the seminary as an adult I thought of what would assist me in my priesthood ministration. I knew that the flute would facilitate it and I developed interest in fluting when a new dance was introduced to us in the seminary. I volunteered to learn how to flute with two other seminarians and when they saw that it could not be learnt in few months, they ran away but I persisted. It took me three years to become proficient in fluting. It’s a very difficult skill and It was after mastering it that I learnt other instruments like the trumpet.

As a priest working in Igbo land, I knew that the flute and trumpet would facilitate my ministry. In fact, when my Archbishop, Valerian Okeke, was consecrated, I blew my trumpet at the ordination ground.

The NTA reporters asked me why I carried it as a priest when it was characteristically made for pagans but I told them they were wrong. I told them that it belongs to my Eternal Father, God and Jesus Christ, that God created it to be used to worship Him, but because Christianity did not come early to this part of the world, pagans cornered them.

But now that we are here, we have reclaimed all of them.

Red cap not for pagans The red cap does not belong to pagans or traditional religious worshippers, likewise the flute. The truth was that when Christianity wasn’t here, they converted those things as instruments to worship their gods but now that Christ, the owner of all these has come, He has reclaimed all of them.

How clergy reacted to my traditional regalia My Archbishop is a lover of culture. I remember that he smiled the very first

day he saw me in this pattern and has not asked me any question on this. But I appear like this at clergy meetings and other big ceremonies in the Archdiocese. Other priests love it except that some of them lacked the foundation or courage to join me. I have been more like a lone ranger in this crusade though I have made a lot of converts.

It’s a gradual thing because we have lost a lot of ground due to the civil war, modern civilization etc. which have all interfered with our own culture.

Why the campaign I decided to undertake this campaign because as a priest, I know I would be more effective on it. People would believe more in my person than a layperson. There is the tendency that people may see a layperson propagating this culture as fetish but because people see my open mindedness in the campaign, they tend to believe more. Right now, the Archbishop has appointed me the chairman of the Culture and Title Commission in the Archdiocese that presides over any controversy regarding some Igbo titles and the church.` No conflict with Christianity The flute was mentioned severally in the Bible. Psalm 150 says you praise God with flutes, harps, tambourines and trumpets. The trumpet is meant for high chiefs and a priest is the ultimate high chief. One day, I was in my village, Eziowelle, to welcome Cardinal Arinze, in this traditional regalia and the titled chiefs cornered me and said, “Father, when did you become a chief in this town?’They said it jokingly but I knew that they wanted to confront me somewhere after their discussion. I told them that as a priest, all other titles have been subsumed. Once you become a priest, you surpass both Ozo and any other title in Igbo land.

Oshogbo’s first varsity graduate dies 2 weeks after 100th birthday From BAMIGBOLA GBOLAGUNTE, Osogbo

F

OR Pa Julius Oladunjoye Omigbodun, an elder statesman, administrator, teacher, clergyman and first university graduate in Osun state, life was an accomplished journey having fulfilled his dreams before he died in his sleep last Wednesday.

He lived a fulfilled life as a teacher who bestowed on his children and those who went through his tutelage, as the first Principal of Osogbo Grammar School between 1950 and 1970, the doctrine of hard work and determination.

His major teaching for almost 50 years that he taught in primary and secondary schools, was that people should believe in themselves.

There was hardly any dream that Pa Omigbodun, who was until his death, the Chairman of Osun state chapter of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) and the Ashipa of Osogbo left unfulfilled. He came, saw and conquered. Little wonder why eminent personalities including the Deputy Governor of Osun state, Mrs Grace Tomori rushed to his residence when the news of his death filtered into the air in the late hours of Wednesday.

The life of Pa Omigbodun who died at the age of 100 was an accomplished one. He lived a life worthy of emulation and generations yet unborn would continue to remember him for his good works in the education sector not only in Osun state, but in the entire South West geo-political zone, having taught in virtually all parts of the region. Many eminent personalities in virtually all sectors of life including state Governors and members of the National Assembly benefited from the late teacher.

•Omigbodun Last month, Pa Omigbodun celebrated his 100th birthday amidst pomp and pageantry with eminent Nigerians including Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state and wife of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Omolola, in attendance.

According to one of the sons of the late elder statesman, Mr Goke Omigbodun, the greatest desire of his late father was to live to witness his 100th birthday celebration. Pa Omigbodun’s last birthday was unique as it spanned a week and climaxed with a thanksgiving service at All Saints Anglican Church, Osogbo, where he served as a clergy for several years.

Since his death, his residence has become a Mecca of sort for sympathizers. Some of the early callers at his Church street, Osogbo, recidence were the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Tomori, representatives of the Ataoja of Osogbo, members of the state Executive Council, federal and state lawmakers and Local Government chairmen from across the state.

Pa Omigbodun had an encounter with Sunday Sun few days before his passage to the great beyond. Below is the excerpt of the last inter-

view: Background I am a native of Osogbo, the present capital of Osun state. I was born on August 1,1912, in Osogbo and by the grace of God, I am 100 years of age now. I have been living in Osogbo since my retirement and for the past 26 years, I have not left the town for any reason. I attended All Saints Anglican Primary school, Osogbo, and I passed out in 1926.

As a cleric in the Anglican Church, I worshiped in the church and developed interest in church activities. I was in the choir when I was told to go to Inisha as Head Teacher in a school and I spent three months in the school. The school was a one-room structure as at that time.

After some time, I was posted back to All Saints Primary in Osogbo. I passed my standard five examinations that was the highest class at that time. Although it was in 1927, that the education system was extended beyond primary five, which was called standard five, I later took the standard six examinations even as a teacher in the school. I, thereafter took entrance examination into the Saint Andrew College of Education, Oyo, now Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, where I spent four years from 1929-1932. I passed out with a Teachers Grade 11 Certificate and I was posted to IpetuIjesha. That was the style then, if you went to Missionary school.

After spending nine years there, I became the Headmaster of the school and three years later, I requested for transfer because I was fed up with the village life and the authority posted me to Abeokuta. After spending two years in Abeokuta, I opted for another transfer and I was transferred to Ilesa Grammar School between 1944 and 1946. Then, I proceeded to Foray Bay College in Sierra-Leone and I studied there for

three and a half years. I bagged a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics Education and Zoology.

I was preparing for my Post-graduate studies when my people requested me to start a Grammar school in Osogbo and I complied. I started the Osogbo Grammar School and I served as the Principal of the school for 20 years.

The School developed under me from zero to Higher School Certificate Examination centre.

Life as first Osogbo graduate As the first graduate in Osogbo, I have remained very humble because the missionary training did not allow me to swell with pride. I just took things easy. Don’t forget that I had a very humble background and I could not afford to forget where I was coming from. Besides, I had where I was going as a person in life and I could not allow the glory of being a graduate to prevent me from attaining the height I had set for myself in life. Up till now, I humble myself and nothing can change my style of life.

Secret behind good health I am already 100 years, as I was born in August 1912. To me, everything is just God’s doing. The Bible says, “Every good and perfect gift comes from above”. So, all that I have enjoyed are from above. The good health I’m enjoying is from above. When I look round and discover that many of my colleagues have gone, I keep thanking my heavenly father who has sustained me in all the journeys of life. God is the reason for everything. I still work around today and exercise my body to the glory of God. As a Christian, I believe this is the doing of the Lord and it is marvelous in my sight.

No regrets To the glory of God, I have no regret in life.

God has been so marvelous to me and He has been very mindful of me in all that I do.

AUGUST 19, 2012

SUNDAY SUN

8

Top stories Susanne Wenger:

Osun priestess who died barren

By BAMIGBOLA Osogbo

H

GBOLAGUNTE,

ER absence since her demise in 2008 casts a shadow of acute sense of loss and nostalgia of her invaluable role in upscaling the status of the annual Osun/Osogbo festival into an international tourist and cultural event.

That was Susanne Wenger, the Austrian, who came to Nigeria with her husband, renowned German artist, Prof Ullie Bier, in the 50s, fell in love with and got converted to the Yoruba traditional religion, particularly the worship of Osun, the river goddess, reputed to give children to childless women and with magical powers in her waters credited with healing all manner of ailments.

Most of her contemporaries, who arrived in Nigeria about the same time with her, were Christian missionaries, who came with the Bible on one hand and western education on the other hand, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and converting residents from their traditional idol worshiping to Christianity.

Adunni Olorisa, as she was later fondly to be known and called, finally decided to make Osogbo and the country her home, adopting the Yoruba deity (Osun Osogbo), as her object of worship and rising to become her chief priestess until her death.

Wenger, who after spending some years in Osogbo, divorced her husband, a Professor of History, and married a local drummer in Osogbo, who was not literate in western education, however, had no biological child of her own. She was, however, survived by 17 children, all adopted in Osogbo.

As the Osun State capital suns in a line up of assorted cultural fiesta to mark this year’s Osun Osogbo festival to climax in a throng to the goddess grove next Friday, August 24, Wenger’s spirit must exult at the realization of her many dreams for the festival and the deity.

The people of Osun State, nay Nigeria, will not forget in a hurry her contributions to the listing of the Osun grove as one of the UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites in 2005, a major landmark achievement not only for the state but the country at large. It was this achievement that contributed to the establishment of International Centre for Black Africa in Osogbo. This year’s celebration is coming with additional glory and recognition for Osogbo as a significant centre of culture, with the naming by the National Museums and Monuments of the former chief priestess’house, where she lived and died, as a museum in the country.

The late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Adenle, who was on the throne when the woman arrived in the town, had in the true tradition of hospitality the Yoruba people were known for, donated the two-storey building located on Ibokun Road, Oke Baale area to the Austrian artist, who reportedly came to Osogbo with only clothes. The house was said to be the best in the whole of Osogbo at the time. Wenger molded

•House listed as national museum

•Inset is Wenger’s Portrait

•Visitors at the grove sculptural masterpieces in the house, which made the National Museums and Monuments to name the house as one of its centres in the country.

She did the same thing at the Osun grove. It was on record that her artworks and sculptures beautify the Osun shrine and aided its enlistment as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Since her death in 2008, the house has been preserved by the National Museums and Monuments. The maintenance of the house and the artistic work therein is now done by the National

Museums and Monuments. It is today a beehive of activities for traditionalists and tourists, including students seeking knowledge about Yoruba culture, arts and sculptures.

At the initial stage of her sojourn in Nigeria, according to records, Wenger was on a mission in search of knowledge about the Yoruba ways of worshipping gods, particularly the Osun/Osogbo.

Ironically, the goddess of Osun/Osogbo, which is believed to be the source of giving children to many women, and which was credited with giving many Nigerian and foreign women children, could not

help Susanne Wenger produced a child of her own throughout the 54 years she devoted her strength and time to worship it. From the entrance of the shrine to the inner grove, the artworks of Susanne Wenger could be easily seen and adored by worshippers of Osun and traditionalists, who besiege the shrine yearly for the annual Osun/Osogbo festival.

A prominent Osun devotee and associate of the late art collector, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, disclosed that the late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Adenle, named Wenger “Iwinfunmi Adunni Olorisa” considering her dedication to Osun and other traditional festivals in the town. Also, her interest in Yoruba culture, Elebuibon said, encouraged the then Ataoja to install her as chief priestess of Osun shrine, a position that made her the chief custodian of the shrine. The foremost Ifa priest, recalled that when Wenger arrived Osogbo in the 50s, her basic intention was to research into the mythology of Osun river and she eventually got convinced about the powers of the river, which include its ability to solve every problem of life, especially childlessness.

The research conducted by Wenger, Elebuibon said, included the living fish that periodically came out of the water during the Osun festival, saying that her research later brought other foreigners from Germany and Austria to Osogbo, who conducted similar research. Also, Wenger reportedly used her influence as a foreigner to promote the Osun/Osogbo festival to the outside communities and made it an international festival to the extent that the festival was being celebrated in far away France, Germany and Austria, among others. Elebuibon, a professor of Ifa Mythology, said the contributions of Adunni Olorisa to the Osun grove would remain indelible in the minds of its worshippers as she devoted the better part of her life and her resources to beautify the shrine. She carved various artistic works to beautify the entire Osun shrine and made it to a standard that is delightful to all foreign and local worshippers.

He said a committee known as Sacred Arts Committee would be set up to take care of the artworks of the late Susanne Wenger, saying this is to ensure proper preservation of all her works and to fulfill part of her wishes of preserving her artworks after she might have died. Wenger could be said to have achieved all her aims and desires following the enlistment of Osun grove as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, being her major goal in life for which she received a national honour from the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua two weeks before her death.

Although she was unable to receive the award personally due to her fragile and failing health then, another prominent artist in Osogbo, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, did on her behalf.

SUNDAY SUN AUGUST 19, 2012

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POWER GAME SERIES

OBJ, IBB need deliverance –Evah C

By OMONIYI SALAUDEEN

OMRADE Joseph Evah, National Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, needs no introduction.

Apart from his activities concerning agitations of the Ijaw nation, he has also carved a niche for himself for his caustic and unrestrained comments on government policies. Still in his usual element, he dismissed the impeachment threat against President Goodluck Jonathan by the National Assembly as mere rabble-rousing in this interview.

Excerpts…

How do you see the impeachment threat against President Goodluck Jonathan by the National Assembly?

Impeachment threat is not new to any Nigerian. Everybody is already used to the drama. But let me quickly add that impeachment is one of the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly if the executive misbehaves. It is there in the constitution. But the present National Assembly is not the type of institution that can threaten the executive over any misconduct or misbehaviour. Since 1998 to date, the National Assembly has remained the problem of this country. And this is because 99.9 per cent of them were never elected by the Nigerian people, but rather imposed. Most of the members are gamblers and they have been gambling with the lives of Nigerians since 1999. So, it is a hopeless and irresponsible institution. Every Nigerian knows they are just looking for settlement with the impeachment threat. They have no moral right to threaten the executive because most of them are contractors. So, none of them has the guts to point any accusing finger to the executive.

Then, what is wrong in asking the president to give account of how the budget has been implemented, if you truly believe it is their constitutional responsibility?

Of course, it is their constitutional responsibility to do so. But the point I am making is that they themselves are the problem we are facing in this country. For example, when the executive sends budget to the National Assembly, they will always review it in their own interest. It is no hidden secret how the members used to call ministers and heads of parastatals for night meeting to negotiate certain terms in the budget. If we have a responsible anti-graft body like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), 99.5 per cent of the National Assembly members are supposed to be in jail.

Why? Because they are the ones that always negotiate with ministries and parastatals how some items that are not in the original budget proposal are included. In the process, they cause delay in passage and implementation of the budget. That is why the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is not making any progress in the Niger Delta region. There is no progress in the Niger Delta because those members of the state and National Assembly are all contractors. They always terrorize board members and parastatals to ensure their interests are included in the budget. Even when they get the contract, they will not execute it because they know that nobody will query them. If we are in a sane society like Ghana, 99.9 per cent of the National Assembly members are supposed to be in jail.

Then, you should also blame the executive for compromising its responsibility...

(Cuts in). Why not? As we are talking now, settlement is going on between the executive and the legislators. Both the executive and legislature are the burden Nigerians are carrying in this 21st Century. If not for the Yoruba nation that mobilized Nigerians against the fuel subsidy, all the trial that is going on now would not have happened. It is the Yoruba nation that is saving this country. If not for the Yoruba that closed down the economy of Nigeria in the Southwest, by now, the National Assembly and the executive would have conspired against the people and transferred the suffering of the cabal, who never supplied fuel to the masses, to the masses. And the ongoing trial would not have come out. You would not have seen the son of Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) facing trial. Over the years, Awolowo had built structures that helped the people from this part of the country to mobilise against bad governance. Because of the lead-

ership training they have been exposed to over the years, they don’t care whether it is their father or mother that is power. The Yoruba nation is the most advanced among the ethnic groups that formed this country called Nigeria. If we are in a sane society, we are supposed to lay down all these legislators and flog all of them in the same way Jerry Rawlings flogged corrupt people in Ghana. It was because of what Rawlings did in Ghana that Ghanaians whom we sent away in 1982 are today driving away our people. This is the only country in the world that never learns from past mistakes. So, what the National Assembly is doing is the normal madness in the Nigerian political system since 1999. They cannot do anything; they only need money from the executive. It is unfortunate.

What do you make of the recent statement credited to Obasanjo and Babangida, saying there would be no more coups in Nigeria?

They are indirectly telling you that military can take over. These guys were not born yesterday. Likewise the people of this country were also not born yesterday. So, we know them. They cannot tell us their true colour. For the two of them to combine to issue such a statement, they are telling Nigerians that military can take over. That is what they are prophesying. Whatever they say in this world, they mean the opposite. Only those who don’t know them will take their matter seriously.

Why would they ordinarily contemplate military take-over?

Because they are confusionists; they are the ones giving bad advice and making things to stand still. They are always hungry for power. And it is in their blood. They inherited this lust for power from the military and using guns to harass people. Do you know the type of crimes these people committed during the civil war? They should thank their God that they are in Nigeria. If they had been in Ghana, we would have forgotten about them because they are part of the problems of this country. Yet, they don’t want to repent. Every Friday, they are in the mosque; on Sundays, they are in the church. We need to call their pastors and Imams for their deliverance. They should be very careful about the kind of advice they give. Go to Zambia, you will see past leaders giving sincere advice to their upcoming leaders. But here, the moment they want something and they didn’t get it, they will make sure the whole system crumbles.

And do you think any ambitious military officer would want to overthrow the present civilian government?

Let me tell you, it was the Southwest that saved the collapse of the present democratic dispensation during the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua sickness and death. Every responsible person in this country knows. If not because of the Southwest led by the Wole Soyinkas of this world, the Bakares, the Femi Falanas and the Odumakins, who mobilized against the Yar’Adua cabal in the military, soldiers would have taken over this country. If they had succeeded, they would have told the international community that there was chaos in this country for them to intervene. All the drama arising from overseas travel of Yar’Adua for medical treatment and the controversies as to whether or not he wrote a letter to the National Assembly was already pointing to that area.

In fact, some interest groups within the cabal were already moving towards military take-over. It was the Southwest that mobilized against the military take-over and exposed how military officers were changed in the Villa and how Generals were being moved and all that. If not, by now, we would have been under military rule. It was the fear of the reaction of the Southwest that checkmated the military intervention. In particular, it was the mobilization in the name of Save Nigeria Group (SGN), which some of us joined later, that saved the country from military takeover. So, nobody can insult us by telling us that military cannot take-over. We know their roots, we know their background. This has been their character over the years. So, they are up to something again. But I will advise them to do what will bring peace and progress in this country. It is a shame that they are coming to public functions to issue such a statement. Are they not the ones that caused all these problems we are facing today?

Don’t you see the present security situation in the country as impetus for military adventurists to attempt a take-over?

I have advised the president on what to do, but he refused to take my advice. I told him he should tell the Vice President to relocate to Borno to meet with Boko Haram people in the same way

Yar’Adua asked him to relocate to the creeks to hold talks with the militant youths in the Niger Delta. If he goes and they see his humility, they will pipe down. Jonathan paddled canoe to Camp 5 to hold talks with the militants. Let Namadi Sambo too climb on camel or donkey to Bauchi or Borno to meet with the Boko Haram people. Alternatively, let Jonathan declare a full state of emergency in at least two or one state in the North. But he cannot direct his vice to relocate because of political reason. They are fooling us by telling us they don’t know Boko Haram members.

How can you say you don’t know your people who voted for you? I also told the president to relocate to Port Harcourt. Gen Ibrahim Babangida relocated from Lagos to Minna when the Okar coup plotters stormed Dodan Barrack. He felt his life was no longer safe in Lagos because 99.9 per cent of those who participated in the coup were from the South. President Goodluck Jonathan too, should relocate his office and working structures to either Port Harcourt or Yenagoa. If a military President could relocate his office to Minna because he saw danger, why is Jonathan wasting his time sitting in Abuja? He should relocate immediately. He should order Vice President Namadi Sambo and the governors of the northern region to go and talk with Boko Haram.

They are only paying lip service to this matter. Let the vice president go and sit down with the Boko Haram people in the same way Jonathan sat down with the Niger Delta people to resolve the agitation of militant youths in the area. Jonathan went to the creek to discuss with MEND. What is Sambo doing in the Villa? Let him relocate to Maiduguri or Kano. We are also challenging the President to declare a state of emergency in one of these northern states the way Obasanjo declared a state of emergency when there was tension in Jos. By the time he does that and all their political leaders have no money to share again, they will meet the Boko Haram people and resolve the issue. That is the simple solution to the problem. America knows the government of this country is playing politics with Boko Haram members.

Are you aware that the North has formed a reconciliation group to find a way of resolving the crisis?

The Vice President is the political leader of the North. If he humbles himself and moves to Bauchi or Borno along with other prominent leaders of thought like Shehu Shagari, you will see a bit of compromise with the Boko Haram people. Jonathan came down to the level of militants by going to the Camp 5. It was Yar’Adua that directed him and he obeyed. Let Sambo too try that humility angle and see if bombing will still go on. Why he is hiding in the Villa is my problem.

How do you cope with the crowd waiting to see you?

You cannot criticize people without proffering alternative. I don’t just talk on television to say I am a human rights activist.

You can see the crowd of people waiting for me. Among them are pregnant women, disabled people and unemployed youths, who believe that the moment they see Joseph Evah their problems would be solved. These are the challenges we face here daily, but our political leaders don’t understand. Since Makoko problem came up, some of the affected people have been calling me, lamenting that they are homeless and needed help. And on our part, we have been calling on Lagos State government to provide them relief. I don’t believe in just making noise on television; we must mix with the people and get their feelings. That is why sometimes when we talk, we talk like drunkards. But some people will think you have taken some drugs. It is because we have seen the pains of the people directly. Some of the people you see here are from Ogbeha, the president’s home town. They cannot go to Aso Rock to see the president because he is always surrounded by armoured tanks; so, they come to me.

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SUNDAY SUN AUGUST 19, 2012

POWER GAME SERIES

Nigeria under siege –Bishop Chukwuma

By CHUKS EZE (fazec1@yahoo.com)

A

NGLICAN Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Emmanuel Chukwuma, (OON), is embittered by events in Nigeria. Among the issues he is not happy with are the level of leadership, and representation exhibited by South East leaders and National Assembly, (NASS), members from that zone. He says that it is both disappointing and worrisome that the South East parades both the Senate committee chairman on works and same in the House of Representatives but virtually all roads in that zone are in embarrassing condition.

In this interview with Sunday Sun, the bishop who is also the Chairman of Enugu state Pilgrimage Board says that though the recent changes made by President Goodluck Jonathan in the area of security management is commendable, it will only be appreciated if such move translates into complete flushing out of the Boko Haram sect.

He also tackles questions on other issues of national concern. Excerpts…

Last time you spoke to us, you urged President Jonathan to sack his security chiefs because of the security lapses in the county then; and eight months after, he has done something in that regard. Are you okay with his moves so far?

Well, so far, so good; the President made a commendable move by effecting some changes. But we are yet to see the seriousness and effect of it. It is only when the Boko Haram is totally wiped out that we can say that the security move has been very much effective. We do not know who is going to be the Minister of Defense yet. But it will be very much out of order if he makes a Muslim the National Security Adviser, (NSA); the Inspector General of Police; and also the Minister of Defense. It will be one-sided and therefore security will be at risk. So, I think he has to consider that also. But so far so good, there is much to be done by everybody to make sure that we keep watch over the security of this nation and work hard with government to make sure that something positive happens.

Do you think the church has been given a fair opportunity to help in finding solutions to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency?

The church is not properly involved because what we are doing is praying. We have not been given much to intervene because all we are doing now is to see how we can be able to survive the menace and the violence - particularly trying to see how we can defend ourselves and how we can also make sure that we do not allow this situation to affect our existence. All we are looking for is peace; but where people do not want peace and they want us to retaliate and want us to have a reprisal, we will have no alternative than to make sure that we do not keep our hands crossed while being killed and our property destroyed. We definitely resist any sort of

violence against us or attempt to stamp out Christianity in this nation. We are ready for it and the best thing for us is to co-exist and to have peaceful atmosphere for the development and wellbeing of our nation and its people. So, if anybody thinks they can destroy the economy of this country with the violence, then they will have themselves to blame. We are sympathizing with the people in the North and we pray they do not come to the south because we are very much spiritually and physically ready to defend ourselves and to make sure that this menace is stopped.

Mr President has already stated that the security challenges in the North have distorted his programme for the country especially in the area of provision of jobs to the unemployed. What is your reaction?

I believe him because definitely, if you are going to provide employment to people, there must be an atmosphere conducive for planning. If Mr President decides to now focus attention on planning for the southern people where there is relative conducive atmosphere, the North will feel marginalized and that will also cause a stir.

So, automatically, everything should go together. But the thing there is that even the money being spent to maintain security in the North alone are huge monies that would have been channeled towards employment generation. I believe the president got his statement right there. And that is why the Boko Haram people have to realize that they are not doing Mr Jonathan any harm but the whole country, especially their people. As they continue thinking they are targeting the president, he will finish his tenure and go but the destruction they have incurred will remain forever and that will be to their own shame.

Sometime ago, you also expressed dissatisfaction about the involvement of the northern leaders especially the religious leaders saying they were not doing enough. Do you feel they have improved on that?

The religious leaders are handicapped in the North because they are afraid of being attacked and that is why we in the southern part are speaking for them. In as much as they are praying and want to really hit hard, they are also trying to make sure they protect themselves. But all we are doing here is to support them and speak on their behalf harshly and strongly to ensure that they are safe and their lives are not in danger.

The Muslim leaders are not doing much because they seem to be selective. They have issued a statement urging them to try to avoid violence during the on-going Ramadan. Why should that happen whereas during Christmas and Easter celebrations, there were violence and bombings targeted at Christians. So, if we watch and during this Ramadan there is no violence or destruction, then it means that the Muslims have a question to answer. It means they did not want to disturb their own Ramadan and so it is their people that are behind the Boko Haram thing and so Nigerians will know where to channel their aggressions of the Boko Haram menace. Then, this country will now be able to determine whether it is truly a religious war. In Maiduguri where they recently stage-managed bomb explosion, why did it not kill anybody or destroy any valuable belonging to non-Christians? So, such manipulations against Christians must be resisted and opposed. We refuse to be deceived and oppressed.

You have always been an advocate of constitutional conference and constitution amendment and now the National Assembly is gearing up to amend the country’s constitution; what is your take on that?

If the audience forum from which they collect information about the constitution review can help to give people’s interest attention and views that can help to avoid the national conference, then it is okay. What we are looking for now is to make sure that they put into real record and effect that which the people want so that the constitution can really gather and reflect the wishes of the people for their country.

Some concerned people in the South East have expressed concern over the inability of their political leaders to form a formidable force to fight the course of that zone. Do you align with such concern?

Yes, some of them are selfish. We do not feel comfortable the way they are representing us because you find that right now, the roads in the South East are not in good order. The roads are in embarrassing and pitiable condition whereas the chairmen of the committee on works in both chambers of the National Assembly, (NASS), are from the South East. So, one wonders why those influential legislators and other political leaders cannot do anything to make those very important roads receive adequate attention from the federal government and be properly fixed till now. It is both disappointing and worrisome. That is exactly what we are feeling. It is a terrible thing and we feel disturbed about it. Again, they are not sensitive about the needs of the people around us in the east.

Many of our people are still un-employed; many hungry and you find that poverty is still going higher every day.

Something has to be done to make things better. And until they go back to their constituencies and spend their constituency monies to better the lots of the people, nothing is yet done and the people will not be happy. We are saying that all those who have sworn to represent the people must come back to give account of themselves. And I tell you that under the auspices of South East branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), we are planning to invite our political representatives to give us accounts of their stewardship. When they fail to do that, we shall take it from there.

Some of them are bench warmers who have not even raised a single bill from their constituency. For such people, we will ask for their recall which will bring disaster to their future political career. That is where we are heading to now.

Enough of poor and selfish representation in the South East.

There has been recurring bloodshed in the country in recent time with many productive lives of Nigerians lost to the Dana plane crash and tanker explosions in different parts of the country. There is still the problem of Boko Haram in the North. What is the problem with Nigeria?

Nigeria is under siege and we feel so bad that it has continued to be under siege. We therefore feel that something must be done to save the country. It is not a palatable news that Nigeria is under siege and nothing is done to liberate her.

Something must therefore be done to allow peace to rain. So we are looking forward to a better Nigeria and all of us have to work together to make sure that Nigeria becomes a better place. That is our concern.

What will be the faith of Nigeria if nothing is done?

It will affect the people and the people will be downcast.

That’s why we want to make sure that we defend the people.

In the North, you find that many Christians have stopped going to church for fear of being killed by the Boko Haram people. We are going to resist it because Islam cannot wipe out Christianity. And what we are saying is that the people who are Christians should take heart and be courageous enough to defend their faith and make sure they are not afraid to worship God; and to make sure that whatever they are doing, they do it with absolute commitment knowing that vengeance belongs to God. So, we continue to uphold our northern brothers in prayers believing that situations will get better. We are therefore, calling on the federal government to do something urgent to make life safe for our people in the North and for all citizens of Nigeria because security will bring peace and peace will bring advancement.

Do you have a word for politicians who may want to heat up the polity even before 2015 general elections draw near?

They should concentrate on the present term that is still running. It is too early to be talking about 2015. They should remember that the current tenure has not even run half. What we want now is result; we want action. Every politician that is either occupying an elected political office should bear in mind that it is their fruits that will definitely sell them. The result of your office by way of your stewardship will sell you.

You cannot be in office, refuse to perform and then think that you can rig yourself into office. No. That era has passed.

What happened in Edo State is a test case now that Nigerians are not concerned about parties any more. People are concerned about what you can offer as a person – personality in action matters so much to us.

AUGUST 19, 2012,

SUNDAY SUN

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NEWS Sallah eve tragedy:

16 missing in Ocean surge

By CHRISTIAN OJI and OLUWOLE FAROTIMI

•Fashola orders relocation of coastline residents

O

Among those feared drowned were12 persons said to be fishermen and unidentified picnickers. They were said to be in a canoe when the surge increased and swept them away. The state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko later sent policemen to cordon off the area.

Only one body had been recovered as at Press time.

The unfortunate incident compelled the Lagos State

NE person was confirmed dead and 15 others missing in an ocean surge that occurred yesterday on the Lagos coastline.

The tragedy, which occurred on the Kuramo axis as Lagosians prepared for the Eidel-fitr celebration, spoilt the fun of residents.

It was gathered that the surge started on Friday night but became dangerous about 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to order relocation of residents of the area.

Addressing journalists few hours after the incident, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Segun Oniru, said the government’s action was aimed at saving lives.

He explained that evacuation of the state’s waterfront residents was being done to avert

possible disaster from the seven days of highwaves accompanied by a strong ocean surge, which hit the country’s coastlines with Lagos being among the worse hit due to its location.

The commissioner said the process of evacuation had started with the immediate evacuation of the Kuramo Beach to make way for movement of sand into the area.

He told reporters that the

action was taken immediately to avert the disaster of the Atlantic joining the Kuramo Waters and subsequently the Lagoon.

The Commissioner said the state was getting the extreme of the weather condition due its location.

According to him, the other coastal waterfront areas badly affected and from which people would be expected to move include Badagry and Ojo

A/Ibom to negotiate with C’River over 76 oil wells

G Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, exchanging pleasantries with Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe at the Sam Mbakwe Int’l Cargo Airport, Owerri.

Fulani herdsmen attack Enugu community From KASSIDY UCHENDU, Nsukka

T

HE people of Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State are now licking their wounds following a recent attack on the peasant farming community by Fulani herdsmen.

At least two villagers were killed in the mayhem unleashed on them by the herdsmen who allegedly settled on the community’s farmlands in contravention of a subsisting court order.

The invaders also allegedly

raped women, burnt houses and vandalized yam barns before fleeing the area.

According to sources, the only ‘offence’ of the villagers was that they dared to tell the herdsmen to take their herds of cattle off the farmlands of their hosts.

During the attack, two students of Nimbo Community Secondary School were shot dead by the herdsmen.

Those killed were identified as Thaddeus Utazi (17) and 19year-old Michael Okeja , both JS3 and SS II students respectively.

It was gathered that Thaddeus’ father, Chief Ugwo Utazi, fainted when he heard the news of his son’s death and died four days later. He was buried before his late son.

The entire community was still mourning the dead when Sunday Sun visited the area.

At the home of the Utazis, the graves of the father and son were side by side. Mother of the late Thaddeus, Mrs Caroline Utazi, was seen inside a hut apparently devastated by the death of her husband and her son, described as the family’s

Gunmen fire on policemen in Okene EMMANUEL ADEYEMI, Lokoja

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KENE was turned into a battle ground yesterday as gunmen opened fire on mobile policemen on patrol leaving one of them dead. Already over four persons have been arrested while one of the gunmen was shot dead by the armed Mobile Police men.

An eyewitness account stated that the incident occurred at Idare, Okene when the policemen who were on patrol stormed the hideout of the gunmen.

It was also gathered that rocket launchers, guns and bombs were recovered during the raid.

The source added that the battle, which lasted for about three hours, threw the entire place into confusion as economic activities

CMYK

of Okene came to a standstill.

It was gathered that all shops, market, commercial motorcyclists shut down for business during the three-hour gun battle.

The Kogi Police Commissioner, Mr. Muhammed Musa Katsina confirmed the story on Saturday but said they were robbers.

He stressed that when his men stormed their hideout, the robbers opened fire on them but his men were able to confront the situation as one of the robbers was killed during the operation.

He also confirmed that they recovered one Beretta pistol from the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Dr. Ado Ibrahim has called on the people to stay at home today, Sunday,

and observe their prayer because of the security situation in the area.

The development followed a communique issued by the Ebira Area Traditional Council after the meeting of stakeholders held at the palace of the Ohinoyi on Saturday.

It therefore enjoined Muslim worshippers to observe today’s Eid-el-Fitr congregational prayers in private places to pray for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the area.

The communique further stressed the need for the worshippers to pray for the repose of the innocent victims including two soldiers that were gruesomely murdered in cold blood in the area recently.

breadwinner.

Family sources told Sunday Sun that when he regained consciousness initially, her husband had vowed that he would not be alive to bury his son. He died before the police released Thaddeus’ body for burial.

The story was the same at the family-home of the late Michael Okeja, as scores of plastic chairs used by mourners littered the compound while some villagers sat in groups.

The stepfather of the deceased, Mr Wilfred Okeja his wife hardly spoke as sympathizers trooped in and out of the compound.

Mr Okeja who is staff of UzoUwani Local Government told Sunday Sun that Michael was working in their farmland located at Ugbo Owerre when the herdsmen struck.

“My son was killed in cold blood by the Fulani people who had been a thorn in the flesh for our people for some time now.

Michael was not armed. He was the third child in a family of seven children and had been a quiet hardworking child.

“His offence was that he challenged the Fulani for bringing their cattle into our farmland.

That was the third time they invaded our farmland in one week and, they shot the boy dead. The Fulani were using sophisticated weapons like Ak47 riffle. They raped our women with reckless abandon and impunity”, Okeja lamented.

Waterfront areas, Bar Beach, Kuramo Beach, Goshen Estate, Maiyegun and Alpha Beach.

Oniru said the state emergency services have already been mobilized to continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly, and urged the people of the state to remain calm as government was doing everything possible to avert loss of lives and property to the surge.

OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has said he is not averse to entering into a dialogue with the Cross River State government on the issue of the 76 oil wells affirmed by the Supreme Court in a recent judgment.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria had in its recent judgment in a case brought before it by the Cross River State government affirmed that the oil wells were in Akwa Ibom territory.

Chief Akpabio speaking on Saturday during the monthly prayer meeting held at John’s Chaplaincy, Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, said: “Akwa Ibom is extending a further hand of fellowship that despite the Supreme Court judgment Akwa Ibom is still ready to enter into dialogue with Cross River State on the issue of the 76 oil wells’’.

He deplored some newspapers in the country for misquoting him during the legal tussle on the disputed 76 oil wells earlier controlled by Cross River State, and said he would gladly enter into such dialogue with Cross River State in the interest of brotherhood, peace and ancestral bonds.

The Governor said he would not be distracted to break the box of democracy, promising to do his best with available resources and leave the rest for his successor to continue from where he will stop. ‘’I won’t be angry like the Biblical Moses who broke the tablet of the Ten Commandments. While in the office with so much work done, I am still being criticized. I see the criticisms as good for my administration’’, Akpabio noted.

On the Etebi-Enwang Road, he pledged his administration’s resolve to complete the road with the longest bridge in the state, acknowledging the economic value of the road to Akwa Ibom people.

Akpabio, however, called for continuous prayers for Akwa Ibom in all areas of life, believing that God would use such to avert any tragedy that would have befallen the state.

The governor used the occasion to congratulate Idara Thompson on his emergence as the Speaker of Nigerian Students’ Parliament and advised him to shun bad friends and focus on his educational pursuit, observing that it was a

Jos bomb scare: Muslim/Christians advised to trek to worship places From MARIAM ALESHINLOYE, Jos

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HERE was confusion Saturday afternoon at the D B Zang Gyel area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state following the discovery of an abandoned briefcase in the area believed to be a bomb.

This came a day after there was an attempt to blow up a police station in Rikkos area of Jos, roughly 10 kilometers from D. B. Jang junction. The discovery of the briefcase made residents to run helter-skelter in a bid to escape explosion of supposed bomb.

This led men of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crisis to quickly secure the place and invite the Police Bomb Squad to scene.

But it was later discovered that the briefcase did not contain any explosive but the personal belongings of someone suspect-

ed to be a traveler, which must have fallen off a moving vehicle.

A statement issued by the media officer of STF, Captain Salisu Mustapha reiterated the need for the public to continue providing the STF with useful information, assuring the public of their utmost confidentiality.

Towards ensuring a hitch free Sallah celebration and Sunday service today, the STF advised worshippers to go places of worship closest to their residence to avoid having to go long distances that would require transportation.

STF also said no bags should be carried to worship places and that people should only carry their prayer mats, Quran or Bible while there would be restriction of vehicular movement to some areas of the state as designated parking places would be earmarked.

It advised people to use more of their legs other than cars to get to worship centers.

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Cop shoots 12-year-old boy in Kano From DESMOND MGBOH, of Police, Magaji Musa Majiya, said that immediKano ately after the shoting, the ANO State Police affected policeman was Command has disarmed and arrested.

Magaji, who is Acting arrested a police officer in Kano, Sergeant Public Relations Officer Laminu Adamu, for (PRO) of the Nigeria allegedly shooting and Police in Kano State, injuring a 12-year-old explained that soon after the shooting, the victim boy in the state capital.

Sunday Sun gathered that was rushed to the Murtala Specialist the tragic incident hap- Muhammed pened at 1 p.m. on Hospital for medical attenSaturday, which resulted tion.

According to the statein panic among residents of the neighbourhood ment, Commissioner of where the shooting Police in Kano State, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has since occurred.

The victim, one Hassan directed that the Sergeant Muhammad, is a resident be taken into custody for of Gwale Quarters in orderly room trial, adding Kano, said a source who that following outcome of added that he was shot at a the trial, he may be charge spot very close to his resi- to court.

The statement said the dence.

What actually led to the command would not conshooting was not estab- done any act of negligence lished at press time, but a and indiscipline from its statement signed by personnel in the discharge Assistant Superintendent of their duty to members

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of the public.

The Commissioner of Police, said the statement, also urged members of Nigeria Police Force to be highly professional and civil while discharging their assigned duties to the public.

Fuel scarcity bites harder in Abuja

By IHEANACHO NWOSU, and commercial vehicles Abuja stayed off the roads. Major petrol filling stations in the city ACTIVITIES within the were shut. The scarcity occaFederal Capital Territory were sioned by the ongoing industriliterally paralysed yesterday as al action embarked upon by fuel scarcity hit harder. Busy the National Union of areas like Wuse, Asokoro, Petroleum and Gas Workers Utako, and Garki were virtual- (NUPENG) entered its fourth ly devoid of the usual hustling day yesterday. and bustling as both private A few taxi and commercial

Govt ’ll upgrade Rivers Poly –Amaechi IVERS State G o v e r n o r , Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said his government would upgrade facilities and improve academic environment at the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori.

Governor Amaechi said upgrading the Polytechnic was necessary to meet standards set for the institution and also produce graduates whose technical and professional competence would not be doubted anywhere in their areas of specialization.

Governor Amaechi disclosed this at the Bori

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Polytechnic’s 14th to 17th convocation for 9,000 graduates on Saturday.

The Rivers governor said, “The first step is to hire lecturers, equip the school with the necessary scientific infrastructures that you need to teach these children.

“Rivers State is no longer waiting; we are beginning to produce and do things that would grow the economy, we need the manpower to grow the economy.

“We must now begin to equip the school with scientific equipment. We want to see this school get back on its feet.

“I agree completely that your management and the councils have done well, but beyond what they have done in terms of administering the school, you also need to ensure they have the necessary environment and the necessary facilities to run a proper polytechnic,” he added.

According to Amaechi, upgrading the Rivers State Polytechnic would even produce for the state the much needed middle-level manpower to run some of the state’s investments in agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

He congratulated the graduands for successfully com•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right), addressing Pilgrims pleting their programmes from Lagos and other states during a Tafsir programme and Special Prayers for the and wished them well in Nation organized by the Lagos State Moslem Pilgrims Welfare Board in Mecca, their future endeavours.

Earlier, Rector of the Saudi Arabia, at this year’s Lesser Hajj (Umrah) on Wednesday.

Polytechnic, Obianko

2O15: Suswam urged to ignore calls for Senate

By BOLATITO ADEBAYO GOVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has been advised to remain committed to the actualization of his developmental blueprint, ‘Our Benue, Our Future,’ and ignore calls by some stakeholders to drag him into politics ahead of the 2015 senatorial election.

President General of the Benue Youth in Diaspora Association (BYDA), Comrade Philip Agbese, said this at Abuja on the clamour for Suswam to return to the National Assembly and begin preparations, calling on the groups to give Suswam more time to consolidate the ongoing rapid transformation of Benue State in line with international practices.

Comrade Agbese lamented that the excellent achievements of Governor Suswam in the last five years were enough

reasons for him to serve in any capacity in the world, but added that the calls are very untimely considering how negative it would affect the focus and concentration of the governor on good governance.

According to Agbese, stakeholders all over the country are already mounting pressure on Governor Suswam to return to the National Assembly in order to continue with his wellthought out political mission for the good of Nigeria.

“We passionately appeal to Governor Suswam to remain focused and committed to his developmental blueprint, ‘Our Benue, Our Future’ and ignore the numerous calls to go back to the National Assembly in 2015.

“We quite agree with the feelings of Nigerians that anyone who has demonstrated the rare qualities Governor Suswam brought to bear in the national scene should not be

allowed to go into premature retirement, but the concretization of the numerous achievements of the Suswam administration is imperatively necessary and sacrosanct to the new spirit of Benue State.

“We appreciate these noble and genuine calls for national

service on our performing governor as a credit to his outstanding leadership qualities, the building and re-engineering processes of our dear state must be allowed to continue in earnest under the close supervision of Mr. Infrastructure,” Agbese concluded.

Nwolu-Elechi, who was recently appointed from within the Polytechnic community, had congratulated Governor Amaechi for financially sustaining the Polytechnic, but said the school needed more assistance from the state government.

In his address, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic, Prof.

Augustine Ahiauzu, said the “overall focus has been toward raising the Polytechnic to an appreciably high standard, where students would acquire appropriate learning that would enable them meet the middle-level manpower needs of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general.”

Eid-el-Fitri: Jonathan reaffirms commitment to national unity From JULIANA TAIWO- of the month-long annual OBALONYE, Abuja fast.

He prayed the Almighty PRESIDENT Goodluck God to grant them all the Jonathan has congratulat- rewards promised to the ed all followers of Islamic faithful for the pious obserfaith in the country, who vance of its injunctions of have successfully conclud- piety, abstinence, self-discied this year’s Ramadan. pline, constant prayer and This is even as he assured charity. all Nigerians again that the Against the background of imperatives of national persisting challenges to unity, peace, harmony, col- unity, harmony and peaceful lective development and co-existence in the country, progress will continue to Jonathan reaffirmed his inspire and motivate all poli- administration’s absolute cies and actions of his and immutable commitment administration. to the unity and indivisibility In a statement by Special of the Nigerian nation.

Adviser to the President on He applauded the exemMedia and Publicity, Dr. plary leadership exhibited Reuben Abati, the President, by Christian and Muslim who fasted along with the leaders in the country, who Muslims during Ramadan, showed real commitment to said he rejoices with them as peace and greater security Nigeria joins the rest of the for all by openly sharing the world in celebrating Eid-el- rigours and joys of the Fitri, which marks the end Ramadan with each other.

He further commended the efforts of these religious in active service and in retire- leaders to promote national unity and peaceful co-exisment.

“In response to genuine agita- tence by visibly reaching out tions from the institute’s pen- to those of other faiths in the sioners for payment of their true spirit of all who believe accumulated pension arrears, in One God. President Jonathan urged we initiated a process to address their concern and all Nigerians to follow the through that mechanism we laudable example of such were able to settle all backlogs religious leaders by showing of arrears of pensions from similar commitment and willingness to live peaceful2004.

“In fact, by May 2011, the ly with each other in spite of institute commenced regular differences of tribe or relipayment of pension claims, gion.

He wished the entire simultaneously with the salary nation a joyous and peaceful of our employees on active Eid-el-Fitri celebration. service.”

NTI’s salary attracts workers from outside –DG From NOAH EBIJE, Kaduna ATIONAL Teachers’ Institute (NTI) has migrated from the civil service salary structure to the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS).

According to DirectorGeneral of NTI, Dr. Aminu Ladan Sharehu, the institution has started paying its workers CONTISS salary structure, similar to that of staff in other tertiary institutions across the country.

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Speaking with newsmen in an interview, Sharehu said the enhanced salary structure is so attractive that academics from other institutions have begun to show interest in NTI. “At present, the institution pays its staff CONTISS, similar to that of workers in other tertiary institutions in the country.

“In addition to improved salary structure, we have also paid monetization arrears, which nearly became elusive to the staff. The NTI staff now work harder because we reward them excellently while

bus operators, who spoke with Sunday Sun, lamented that they had to go as far as Minna, Niger State capital, to buy petrol.

A taxi driver, who identified himself as Kareem Olawale said, “I had to pay extra N500 before they agreed to sell petrol to me. For me to recoup my money, I have no option than to increase the fares I charge.”

In view of this development, many commuters now have to trek to their destinations to avoid paying the exorbitant fares. This is as black marketers make brisk business, defying the risk associated with buying petrol with Jerry can, some car owners were seen patronizing the black marketers, albeit without smiles.

Gwagwalada to Berger, which used to cost commuters about N150 now goes for N350, while Kubwa to Berger is now N800 by taxi. A drop of taxi, which hitherto cost between N250 and N300 has now gone up to about N600.

Worse hit by the current situation are those travelling out of FCT for the Eid- el- Fitr festivity.

Mallam Usman Kabo, who spoke with Sunday Sun at Jabi Motor Park, lamented that he had to pay N1,000 more than the normal fare to Kano.

AUGUST 19, 2012,

SUNDAY SUN

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NEWS

Boko Haram: FG welcomes sect’s peace initiative From Abuja

AIDOGHIE PAULINUS,

HE Federal Government yesterday formally replied the Islamic sect, Jam’atu Ahlis Sunnah L’dda’awatih wal-Jihad known as Boko Haram, over its claim that it was negotiating with the government.

The government in a statement titled, ‘Statement by the Federal Government of Nigeria’ signed by Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, and made available to Sunday Sun in Abuja, said it welcomed any initiative that would usher in peace, security and tranquility in the country, especially in the light of the security challenges the country faced in the last two years.

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The statement reads in part: “In this context, we welcome the statement by Ahlul Sunna Lil Dawaa Wal Jihad acknowledging that they have been in contact with the Federal Government through its representatives and have started negotiations with the objective of reaching a final solution to this crisis.

“In this regard, the Federal Government wishes to reiterate its willingness to listen to the grievances of the sect. It is our hope that this process will lead to restoration of peace, security and tranquility in Northern Nigeria.

“The Federal Government also takes special notice of the disclosure by the sect in its statement that there are individuals and groups in the society who have been using the

name of the group to attack and kill innocent Nigerians for their own selfish ends,” the statement read.

It would be recalled that the move to negotiate with the Boko Haram had in the past met a brick wall following what the sect termed as ‘insincerity’ on

the part of government.

However, all hopes have not been lost in finding solution to the series of killings by the sect. The

peace move, if realized, will bring back peace to the troubled northern states of the federation and other parts of the North.

N200m ransom for ESUT VC ridiculous –Don From PETRUS OBI, Enugu OORDINATOR of ESUT Business School, Dr. Okey Enudu, has described the N200 million ransom demanded for the release of kidnapped vice chancellor of Enugu State University of Technology as ridiculous.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after a special prayer session by students and staff of the school, Enudu wondered how the kidnappers could make such unreasonable demand.

Said he; “I am not from

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the family and I have not had contact with them, but if the kidnappers asked for N200 million, that is ridiculous; I don’t know about that; I think the family is handling that; it’s a family affair, but we are solidly with them because it’s part of ESUT family.”

He explained that the students and staff of the school sought the face of God with regards to what is happening in ESUT, seeking divine intervention of the Almighty God and prompt release of the VC to the family unharmed.

“What happened is very unfortunate, very sad and we

pray that God will intervene; not just in his case alone but in the cases of other people that may be having such experience. We pray that God will hear our prayers so that this kind of criminal activity will stop,” Enudu said.

On the perceived shift of the attention of kidnappers to thigh institutions following the kidnap of the deputy registrar of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, he said: “There is no right place for the kidnappers, they should not go anywhere; they should not steal human beings; I think it’s a sin against the Holy Spirit;

that is the height of stealing, so they should not do it; its man’s inhumanity to man; nobody should be kidnapped.”

Enudu endorsed the Enugu State government’s ban on commercial motorcyclists (okada) in Enugu metropolis, saying that this had led to reduction in crime, adding that the ban would continue to pay off positively.

He, however, noted that some innocent okada riders may have been thrown into the unemployment market, but expressed hope that they would adjust by engaging in other legitimate economic activities.

ANPP, guber candidate differ over expulsion From NOAH EBIJE, PDP because we know he Kaduna cannot carry any member of ANPP with him to PDP. HERE is palpable Nobody will follow him fear in Kaduna because he was expelled State chapter of for anti-party activities. the All Nigeria Peoples He was expelled from his Party (ANPP) that the ward in Malali, as well as expulsion of its guberna- at the state level. So, torial candidate, Senator where is his power and Mohammed Muhktar credibility to move any Aruwa, may force many member with him? ANPP of his supporters to is still a strong family. leave the party for There is no division in the another. party. One member out of But, publicity Secretary the party cannot be a diviof the state ANPP, Alhaji sion in the party, Sanusi Abdulkadir Sanusi, has said. dismissed the fear as He told Sunday Sun unfounded, saying Aruwa that the gubernatorial cancould only bark but can- didate was expelled for not bite. According to what he described as, “his him, no single member of secret romance with the the party will follow him state government as a to wherever he is going. result of which he ditched “We are not bothered the ANPP at the electoral about his movement to

T •Governor Gabriel Suswam (left) of Benue State and his Taraba State counterpart, Danbaba Suntai, at a ceremony to honour the latter in Dananachi, Taraba, on Saturday.

Constitution review must include state creation, group insists

By CHUKS EZE GITATORS for creation of Adada State have vowed to challenge any move to amend the constitution without an additional state for the South East.

Operating under the aegis of Adada State Movement, they said the South East deserves a new state to correct the present imbalance in the number of states per geopolitical zone, insisting that creation of states must be made a cardinal reason for reworking the constitution.

Spokesman for the movement, Chief James Ugwu, who made the stand of the agitators known in an interview, however, did not state whether they would challenge moves to amend the constitution in court or through advocacy for its realisation.

The group also stated that even the recent clamour for convocation of a national conference, which may mean a referendum to select delegates for such a national parley, would have no

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moral basis without first creating two additional states in the South East zone of the country. The movement insisted that talks of reforms, constitution amendment or national conference without first addressing the present injustice of leaving the zone with only five states would amount to further subjugation of the people of the South East. He urged stakeholders in the South East zone to rally in solidarity to actualize the creation oftwo additional states in the area and end the psychological agony of being held down in spite of the huge population of the zone.

Further giving reasons on why state creation should be effected without delay, Ugwu queried, “If they are talking about referendum for constitution amendment or even any criterion for selection of delegates to a national conference as being proposed by some elders, are they not going to select the delegates on the basis of the present number of states and local councils in which our zone is clearly

“made to be a minority?”

He added, “In the Senate, whereas the zone with seven states have 21 senators, the entire South East zone has only 15 senators while the zones that have six states each has 18 senators each.

He recalled that request for the creation of Adada state has subsisted in the past four decades and the agitators had been going about it in a most peaceful way and having supported the creation of Ebonyi State in deference to the popular views of the Igbo political leaders at that time, who prevailed on the Adada agitators to back down and keep another date with history.

He pointed out that the passage of the leader of the Adada State Movement and foremost parliamentarian in the defunct Eastern House of Assembly, H.R.H Igwe Charles Abangwu, has become a renewed wake-up call for the people of Enugu North district who have been longing for creation of the state.

tribunal midway into the case against the governor without consulting party officials.”

However, Aruwa in a swift reaction through his media spokesman, Shaibu Mohammed, said he left the ANPP on his own volition having concluded arrangements to join the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

“The so-called expulsion letter of the ANPP came much later, long after the senator had left the party on his own will.

In fact, he left the party on July 10, 2012, and the letter came on July 27. So, how was he expelled from the party, having followed due process in leaving the party,” he saidd.

Tears flow as Anambra Speaker buries husband From ALOYSIUS ATTAH, In a homily during the Onitsha pontifical high mass, the Archbishop of Benin, Most IGNITARIES and Rev. Augustine Akubueze, eminent personali- charged Nigerians to live ties converged on lives worthy of emulation as Odekpe, Ogbaru Local one can only be remembered Government Area, by his footprints while on Anambra State, on Friday earth. at the burial of Prince He said the deceased had Patrick Nwaebili, husband fought his own battles and of the state’s Assembly finished the race, and that Speaker, Princess Chinwe. the people he left behind Not even the heavy down- should take solace in the fact pour that started early in the that he lived a good life. morning could affect the The host Archbishop, burial ceremony, as security Valerian Okeke, prayed God officials had a Herculean to console the young family task controlling both human he left behind and expressed and vehicular traffic. optimism that God would Among those in atten- continue to empower his dance were Catholic wife, Princess Nwaebili, to Bishops of Onitsha, Awka, carry on where her husband Nnewi and Benin, and stopped.

Anambra State Governor, Obi, who represented Mr. Peter Obi. President Goodluck

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Jonathan and the South East governors, condoled with the family and prayed that Anambra will continue to witness a better future. He also pledged N5 million on behalf of the state, federal governments and the five South East governors toward completion of St. Patricks’ Catholic Church, Odekpe.

A philanthropist, Obinna Uzoh, also condoled with the bereaved family and expressed regrets that Patrick died at the middle age of 52 when the family still needed him.

It was a sober moment when the remains of the deceased were lowered to the grave at exactly 2.15 p.m. amidst wailing by his children, Nonso, Ifeanyi, Obianuju and Charles.

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3 Fulani men killed in Plateau From MARIAM ALESHINLOYE-AGBOOLA, Jos

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VEN as efforts on to reconcile all warring groups in Plateau State, gunmen on Friday

ambushed five Fulani men returning from a journey in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state, killing two instantly while the third died in hospital.

The other two, who are

currently receiving treatment, are said to be in critical condition.

National Secretary of Miyetrti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Sale Bayare, said the men were ambushed on their way

Sambo breaks fast with Christians From JULIANA TAIWOOBALONYE, Abuja

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ICE President Namadi Sambo yesterday concluded his Ramadan fast by dining with Christians, Muslim clerics, Head of Service of the Federation, Bello Isah, and other top presidential aides.

In his short remarks, Sambo prayed Allah to grant the prayers and sup-

plications offered during the holy month of Ramadan and grant the nation peace.

He also prayed God to grant wisdom to President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to implement the transformation agenda.

Prayers were said by the Chief Imam of National Mosque, Musa Mohammed, who prayed for peace and unity in the nation.

Earlier, Vicar of Aso

Chapel, Obioma Onwuzurumba, said breaking fast together with brethren of both faiths simply amplified the hope and unity in Nigeria, even in the face of challenges.

He prayed that Nigeria would remain indivisible and that the spiritual benefits of the fast would be felt by all Nigerians.

He prayed that God would strengthen the leadership of government and others in position of authority for them to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

to Sho village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

He gave the names of those who died on the spot as Yero Goman and Wada Usman, explaining that Mokaka Maggogo died at Sunnah Hospital in Jos while receiving treatment.

Names of those still on

admission in the hospital were given as Abdulahi Mukaka and Useni Ahmadu.

Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Special Task Force on Jos Crisis, Captain Salisu Mustapha, said the fifth person, Saleh Shuaibu, escaped unhurt.

He said the STF would not

Flood: Plateau govt to relocate communities near riverbanks From MARIAM ALESHINLOYE-AGBOOLA, Jos

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OMMUNITIES living by riverbanks in Plateau South Senatorial Zone would be relocated to forestall future flooding, which recently destroyed hundreds of homes and several hectares of farmland in the area.

Governor Jonah Jang, who disclosed this while on assessment tour of the areas and bridges affected by the flooding, said the state government would need the support of the Federal Government, compa-

nies and public-spirited individuals to properly resettle the affected persons.

Governor Jang, who inspected eight bridges in five local government areas, namely: Wase, Langtang North, South, Shendam and Mikang local government areas, said the people living close to the rivers needed to be convinced on the need to be removed from their present places of abode to a safer territory.

According to him, most of the bridges affected were on federal roads, and appealed to the Federal Government to begin

Community seeks to install monarch From CHIDI NNADI, Enugu

T L-R: Assistant Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Mrs. Ojoma Ochai; Senior Manager, Segment Marketing, MTN, Cherry Eromosele; Creative Director, Style House and Founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Mrs. Omeyemi Akerele and High Value Segment Manager, MTN, Mr. Kelvin Orifa at the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2012 press conference held at Didi Museum.

Amosun calls for better Nigeria

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GUN State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria for the successful completion of one month Ramadan fasting, wishing them happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

He also used the occasion to call for a better Nigeria based on the lessons imbibed during the holy month.

In a press release signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Senator Amosun said the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-fitri should mark a turning point for all Nigerians.

According to the governor, “the lessons of piety, self-discipline, spiritual awareness, brotherliness, love and compassion imbibed during Ramadan, if allowed to guide our future private and public conduct, will bring within our reach and attainment the dreams of our founding fathers for a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

He called on the Muslim faithful to lead the campaign for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and respect for the sanctity of life, noting that “Islam is a religion of peace.”

He enjoined all adherents of the faith to continue to strengthen

their relationship with Allah through fasting and prayers, reading of the holy Koran and obedience to all the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) even after the holy month of Ramadan. Amosun wished all Muslims a happy Eid-el-fitri.

Yuguda preaches peaceful co-existence From PAUL ORUDE, Bauchi

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AUCHI State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has commended religious leaders in the state for their prayers, which had kept the state together and made it a safer place.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Adeyemi, said there was no alternative to peace, because God created all Nigerians for them to co-exist.

He told Nigerians to put aside their ethno-religious and or political differences and live harmoniously with one another.

He appealed to Muslims to ensure purity in their normal

lives, pointing out that religious activities should be used to move closer to God and not as a means of destruction and separation.

Governor Yuguda, who assured that his administration would continue to ensure adequate security of lives and property of all innocent citizens of the state, thanked Allah for the rains that were regular during the year. He expressed hope that there would be bumper harvest and food sufficiency in the state, just as he sympathized with victims of devastating floods across the state, assuring that government would help to alleviate their hardship.

leave any stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of this dastardly act, warning that any individual or group of persons bent on fomenting trouble with the sole aim of truncating the peace of the state would only succeed in making themselves enemies of the state and be treated as such.

HE people of Amangwu Obuoffia Awkunanaw in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State have appealed to the state government and Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to allow them install their Igwe-elect, Chief Moses Ohaa.

President General of Amangwu Obuoffia Awkunanaw, Chief Chibuike Owo, who made this appeal at

Chukwuma Nnamani buries mum

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HE death has occurred of Mrs. Ngozi Nwowoifi Nnamani, matriarch of the Nnona Nwanneji family of Agbede Ogonogoeji Ndiuno Akpugo, in Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State. She was aged 75 years.

A peace-maker par-excellence, the late Mrs Ngozi Nwowoifi Nnamani was a community leader and an exemplary Christian, who lived a fulfilled life in the service of God and humanity. Until her death, she was a committed member of the Christ Apostolic Church, Obinagu.

According to a release signed by Hon. Chukwuma Nnamani, a PDP chieftain, who represented Nkanu West in the Enugu State House of Assembly during the 3rd and 4th republics, her remains would be laid to rest on September 28 at her compound in Agbede O’ Eji Ndiuno Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State, after a Christian burial rite. She is survived by children, grandchildren and other relatives.

the weekend in Enugu, said the coronation of Ohaa as traditional ruler of the community would help bring lasting peace and development to the town.

Owo also commended Governor Sullivan Chime and Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Musa Daura, for their prompt intervention in the crisis that arose from the community’s effort to elect their traditional ruler. He expressed happiness over the eventual return of peace in the town, saying their meeting was hitch-free and devoid of rancour.

Another prominent son of the community, Chief Christopher Onovo, who also attended the meeting, commended efforts of the police in restoring peace to the town. He noted that the arrest of some elements within the town’s union executive accused of defrauding the community through projects running into several millions of naira helped to restore peace in the community.

rehabilitating the bridges. He commended the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for moving in almost immediately to assess the damages with a view to initiating repairs at the sites.

Governor Jang recalled that the state experienced similar flood in 2008, but it was not as devastating as the recent one, adding that because of the worldwide climatic change, efforts must be made to find a permanent solution to the problem.

On the condition of farmers affected by the flood, he said it was too late for them to replant because the rainy season would soon be over.

Sallah: Zamfara governor to visit emirates From ATTAHIRU AHMED, Gusau

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AMFARA State Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, has asked emirs not to pay him sallah homage, preferring instead to visit emirates to celebrate Eid-il-fitr with the people in their rural communities.

Governor Yari also called on citizens in the state to build on the teachings of the Ramadan by joining hands with the present administration to promote development initiatives and rapid transformation needed in the state.

“Muslims in the state should use teaching of the Ramadan and pray for peace, progress, socio-economic and political development of the state and the country at large.”

Mimiko urges religious tolerance

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S part of his Sallah goodwill message to the Muslim faithful, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has called on Nigerians to show love, peace and tolerance to one another.

These, he said, would help to strengthen commitment of all to the realization of the Nigeria project.

In line with the spiritual benefits of fasting, he urged the “nation to take advantage of the just concluded holy month of Ramadan to usher in a new era into the country devoid of conflict, blood-letting and every trace of evil.” His words, “The long period of self-restraint and

self-purification was a great spiritual exercise that should not be allowed to come and go in vain. We must allow for the impact of the just concluded spiritual exercise on our nation because we cannot afford to remain the same. The spiritual exercise should usher in the rebirth of Nigerians for a more peaceful and enviable Nigeria nation.”

While congratulating Muslims for the Sallah festivities, Mimiko called on Nigerians as a whole, irrespective of their religious leaning, to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, love and good neighbourliness among themselves as enshrined in the holy books.

SUNDAY SUN

AUGUST 19, 2012

15

Vista

Jonathan and the London Olympics

By REUBEN ABATI T is no longer enough to participate in the Olympics. Nations go to the Olympics to win medals, because an Olympic victory is an effective vehicle of national rebranding and assertion. The Jamaicans have Usain Bolt. They beat the Americans in the 4x100 men’s relay. They won 4 gold medals, broke two world records, and grabbed a total of 12 medals.

All that raised the level of Jamaican patriotism a few more notches. It was a case of a country re-affirming its confidence in its ability to impress the world. The Americans, forever sure of their own supremacy, were again excited by their dominance at the London 2012 Olympics.

They came first with the largest collection of individual heroes: Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin, Gabrielle Douglas, Serena Williams and more. China again wrote its name in gold.

Britain, good old Britain, almost a second or third fiddle or a non-starter in many of the games that it gave to the world, this time around, showed up on the final medals table in the third position, with many of its athletes including Andy Murray, and Jessica Ennis, posting historic feats. Andy Murray who lost to Roger Federer only a few weeks earlier at the Wimbledon Finals, took the shine off the world’s greatest tennis player convincingly.

The London Olympiad brought Britain clear intimations, and affirmations of glory, not just on the field, but also in the overwhelming applause that its organization of the events attracted worldwide. The games are over, now.

Jamaicans are walking tall. Grenada, (pop., 105,000) is celebrating its single 400m gold medal. The nations that won nothing are ashamed. In 1996, Nigerians remained awake as the country’s football team won gold, and Chioma Ajunwa took a long jump gold at the Atlanta Olympics. It was an unforgettably fine moment.

In 2008, Nigerians again found cause for cheer with four medals in Beijing. In 2012, we have returned empty-handed, and with jeremiads by the Sports Minister, the National Sports Commission, athletes, and an angry commen-

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tariat.

President Jonathan was angry too, I can report. On Wednesday, August 15, council meeting had just ended, and it was time for AOB. Something about setting up a committee to prepare the White Paper ASAP, on the report of the Presidential Committee on Police Reform and the volunteered, additional report on police reform by the Retired Inspectors General of Police Forum. Everyone was in a relaxed mood, until the President said he was surprised that the Minister of Sports had not briefed Council about the outcome of the London Olympics.

“You are taking your time eh”, he said jokingly.

“Okay, don’t worry, we understand.”Peals of laughter. Then, the President’s tone changed.

“How can we possibly go to the Olympics and come back with nothing?,” he asked rhetorically. “Four years ago, we did better. It is something that we have to address. Nigeria is a country of talented people. We must identify those talents, all over Nigeria, and begin to train them for the next major sporting tournament. This idea of starting preparations at the last minute and achieving nothing must stop.

We must get the private sector to invest in sports and governments at all levels must also do their bit. We are a country of gifted people.

We must identify those areas in which this country can excel and work hard at them. We must win medals and bring glory to our nation.

“And I don’t mean going to the bus stop to recruit athletes. I mean serious business. We must get our acts together.

“I remember one man who won an Olympic gold medal in the past. A Nigerian!. When the medal was announced, they said it belonged to Canada, because the fellow was representing Canada. We have to address that too,” he said.

The Minister of Sports raised his hand. The President acknowledged him.

“Minister, I have provoked you to say something at last. Okay, go ahead.”

The Sports Minister thanked Mr. President for his concern, and the interest that Team Nigeria’s performance had provoked with a pledge that his Ministry was prepared to do everything possible to address observed laps-

es.

The President’s clear message was that winning glory for the nation through sports is not always about finance and money alone. It is also about higher values, commitment, patriotism and the determination to excel by all persons and at all levels.

“I watch these things on television. I listen to the commentaries. We have to take the matter seriously,” said Mr. President.

A keen sportsman, himself, he understands the transformative power of sports: its psychological impact, its physical value, and its economic potential, its political strength and its ultimate relevance as a tool of international relations and diplomacy. At least twice a week, President Jonathan plays squash. I have watched him play at the State House Squash court, and in Government House, Yenagoa. He also plays table tennis. Each time he picks up the racket or the tennis bat, he tells his opponents. “You play your game. Don’t say because I am President I must win. Just play a normal game.” And he goes into the match, a completely different man, sweating for victory. And the aides who take up the challenge, actually play hard and ferociously as if they had been sent by the ACN or CPC. But it never matters. The President is a sportsman.

Gracious in victory, magnanimous in defeat.

A compulsive reviewer of situations, after every event, every trip, he wants a postmortem. He wants serious criticism and honest ideas. And he keeps warning:“don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. That is not the purpose of this meeting. I want us to move this country forward.”

If there is any lesson arising from Nigeria’s performance in the 2012 Olympics, it is that certain issues must be addressed. In Nigeria, excellent performance in sports is perhaps the strongest symbol of unity. Nigerians love sports. They enjoy victory. They crave it.

When their country fails, the people mourn.

The situation calls for leadership.

Faced with our performance in London, President Jonathan believes that it is time to have a comprehensive rethink of sports administration in Nigeria with a view to working out a clear and implementable strategy for return-

ing Nigerian sportsmen and women to winning ways.

As one who sees him up close and personal each day, I know the President will insist on a thorough review of our entire sports architecture. He will get all critical stakeholders and actors to sit together to identify what went wrong and the best way forward. If it means revisiting the past and reviving the culture of the private sector sponsoring yearly athletic meets like the Mobil Open and such like, then we must revive that. If it takes a reinvigoration of the Inter-House sports tradition in our secondary schools then it will be done. If it means developing sports academies in every state, then that must be undertaken.

But certainly, what Nigeria must do is to properly utilize her sporting assets. Many sportsmen and women of Nigerian origin won medals for various nations including the U.S, U.K and Canada to mention a few. What makes them choose to fly another nation’s colours? Is it remuneration? Is it alienation from Nigeria? Whatever it is must be identified and addressed.

These and other steps I see the President taking.

President Jonathan is determined to transform the country’s sports sector. That is one silver lining to the clouds of Nigeria’s Olympic 2012 defeat. What he requires, however, is not the cynicism of the commentariat, not the brittleness of the nay-saying absolutists, not the one track-mindedness of the opposition, not the hypocrisy of sports bureaucrats, rather a national team spirit –that same spirit that propelled Nigeria to its Olympic glory in 1996 and the Flying Eagles to the miracle of Damman in 1989. What this moment requires is not rhetoric, but action.

Fittingly, when the Minister of Information went ahead to brief the press about Council’s deliberations, the Sports Minister was not with him as convention requires. He had gone ahead as directed to begin the process of change in the sports sector.

•Dr. Abati is the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), to President Jonathan

Ar thur Nwankwo: The intellectual patriot @ 70

By OWEI LAKEMFA DID not really set out on an impossible mission to capture the essential Dr. Arthur Agwuncha Nwankwo in a single piece. Where do I begin the assessment of this outstanding Nigerian and Pan-Africanist, who turned 70 today (August 19, 2012). Is it to analyse his intellectual prowess, which has over 20 books to show for it? Is it as one of Africa’s most successful publishers, whose Fourth Dimension Publishing Company (FDP) has churned out over a thousand books?

Is it as a courageous and dogged human rights fighter, who would not compromise? Or do I assess him as a principled politician, who refuses to join the rotten lot? To mark the seventieth birthday of this Ajali, Anambra State-born Ike-Ogu (tireless fighter of the people) I decided to set myself the very modest task of celebrating Nwankwo from the prism of my interactions with him and how he affected my professional being as a journalist, writer and political activist.

I do not know when I made his acquaintance; he is one of those great minds you grow to know or you assume you’ve known all your life. But I recall that before meeting him, he had affected my life as an undergraduate at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Some of us undergraduates, who wanted to work for the liberation of Nigeria, were told by our lecturers like Gordinin Darah that there was a book by Mokwugo Okoye, which explained some of the tragedies that had befallen us as a nation. Unfortunately, it was out of circulation. Then, out of the blues the book, Storms on the Niger, was reprinted by Nwankwo’s Fourth Dimension. Also, there was a raging “war” on literary criticism on the campus with the legend, Professor Wole Soyinka, in the thick of it. Quite often, pieces of writings by the Bolekaja critics; Chinweizu, Onwuchekwa Jemie, and I. Madubuike, were quoted. Then the Fourth Dimension published their literary fireworks in a book form, which made an instant hit.

When I began my journalism career, I was one of the beneficiaries of a war on freedom of expression and press freedom, which Nwankwo had won against tyranny and officialdom. He had written and published a book, How Jim Nwobodo Rules Anambra State. Nwankwo was in 1982 bundled before the High

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Court and charge with sedition. That was the British colonial law used to whip nationalists into line or send them to prison. He was found guilty and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.

Nwankwo went to the Federal Court of Appeal, Enugu, which upturned his conviction and pronounced the sedition law dead with the declaration: “We are no longer the illiterates or the mob society our colonial masters had in mind when the law was promulgated… Those who occupy sensitive posts must be prepared to face public criticism in respect of their office so as to ensure that they are accountable to the electorate.” Nwankwo’s victory was also a victory for press freedom and the people’s fundamental right to criticise their leaders.

The Nwankwo books I find most interesting are those on the National Question. He wrote widely acclaimed books like Biafra: The Making of a Nation, Nigeria: The Challenge of Biafra, and The Igbo Nation and the Nigerian State. In them, he dissects the Igbo Nation, not as an irredentist, but as a patriot and Pan-Africanist.

A few years ago, I decided to write the biographies of a handful of patriots, including Nwankwo. I contacted him for possible interviews to which he readily agreed. I then set about collecting the books he authored; I got 17, and from references, I discovered there were at least 25! It is quite a challenge, but I hope one day to face it with the courage Nwankwo faces tasks before him.

It is not only on the literary field or journalism I encounter him. We were involved in the challenges to military misrule and dictatorship. One of the most trying periods in my life was engagement in the pro-democracy struggles during the Babangida and Abacha regimes. It was a dangerous enterprise to mobilise the populace and confront trigger-happy policemen and soldiers on the streets. But like I used to tell my friends, if we had elders like Doctors Beko Ransome-Kuti, Tai Solarin, Arthur Nwankwo and Professor Soyinka in the thick of the struggle, what excuse could we have?

Nwankwo was National Vice Chair of the opposition National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). While many NADECO leaders were in exile, Nwankwo decided to return home to coordinate the struggle against the Abacha dictatorship. On June 3, 1998, while he was holding consultations in his Enugu home with some pro-democracy activists, the Abacha goons attacked

and captured the activists.

Nwankwo and his comrades were battered, and rather than being put in the cars they had brought, the invading soldiers and policemen stuffed the activists into the boots and dumped them in a detention centre at the Enugu State Government House.

While the activists were awaiting “deportation” to Abuja, headquarters of the Abacha murder squad, words filtered to Nwankwo and his comrades on June 8, 1998, that the country’s Tormentor-In-Chief, General Sani Abacha, had died. The country erupted in a gigantic wave of excitement. The irony was that while Nwankwo was stuffed into the boot of a car on his way to detention, Abacha’s corpse was stuffed into the cargo-compartment of the presidential jet on its way to be interred in Kano.

After military rule, Nwankwo was one of three plaintiffs, who successfully prosecuted Abacha’s successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in the United States for gross human rights abuse.

Whenever I am in Enugu, I make my way to the Chancery, Nwankwo’s home, bracing myself for the inevitable intellectual engagement with a man whose understanding of the Nigerian and African political scene is amazing. They are memorable visits I love making, except on one occasion. Chief Victor Uzoma Nwankwo, the 58-year-old younger brother of Dr. Nwankwo, was assassinated on August 29, 2009. Nwankwo told me the assassins were after him and had chosen to hit him where it hurts most; murder his brother. It was indeed an open secret that with his full engagement in political struggles and writings, Nwankwo had in 1984 left the Fourth Dimension to his brother, who built the publishing house into a giant on the continent.

If I were to summarise what I learnt from my interactions with Nwankwo, it is that the citizenry of a country is like a farm; if you do not cultivate or tend it, weeds like Boko Haram and ethno-religious crises would sprout and begin to choke the seeds of peace, unity and development planted over the ages.

We are blessed as a people to keep producing committed intellectual giants like Mokwugo Okoye, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Bala Usman, Akinwumi Ishola, Odia Ofeimum and Arthur Nwankwo.

Nwankwo’s life of dedication to the liberation of the mass of our people from the clutches of backwardness, hunger, poverty and oppression, is worth emulating.

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AUGUST 19, 2012

SUNDAY Sun

Opinion

Take this subsidy away (1)

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INCE last week, long lines have returned to the filling stations in Abuja with the petrol importers and FGN trading blames. I quickly remembered what I have written in this column before, that the only way out is to allow a deregulated market. At that time, many Nigerians called for my head, but today people are paying over N800 per litre to buy petrol. It reads: Can anyone imagine that many Nigerians are now buying fuel for as high as N700 per litre in places such as Port Harcourt and Bayelsa, the same places that gush out over N2.5 million barrels per day of crude that sustains the nation? Now, the palm wine tapper is buying palm wine from very black and bleak market. Everything that can happen in a poorly regulated and totally disorganized market is now happening.

Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry is now in shambles, begging for rescue. Tanker drivers, the group believed to be readily available as tool for destabilising any regime, is now working hard to destroy Nigeria. Very often, especially in the South-South, they park their beastly-looking trucks for one flimsy excuse or the other.

If their member is caught participating in oil bunkering and is arrested by legitimate organs of government, the rest would park their trucks and refuse to load. Now, it is being said that the youths of Eleme wanted to collect toll from a tanker, which refused to pay, and the scuffle led to burning of the tanker, all others have now parked. Admitted, the youths went too far and the authorities should take action on them, but crippling an entire economy because of an argument that has not gone beyond the elbow looks wicked to a people, but that is the smaller picture. The bigger picture is that because scarcity is a goldmine, almost every participant in the downstream wants scarcity because it is the time new jeeps are bought, new houses are built, and new millionaires are made. So, why would tanker drivers not be useful in this venture?

Remember that most of the fuel station owners are also owners of the tankers. There is one particular tanker driver who has 53 of such tankers and also owns about 15 fuel stations around the oil region. He is also a union leader.

So, he is in a position to declare strike, in a position to know in advance when tankers would not operate, and also in a

position to shut down sales as he likes until the strike he declared and sell as he would begin. He would likes.

He then decide how much he would now would sell to a starved have to society. Yet, he is also the depend on darling of the society, is turnover to seen as a common man make apprewho is oppressed by a ciable profit, government, meanwhile plus some he is the real oppressor. low-level

BY EMMA OKAH cheating such When such people cry out on television against as adjustment emmaokah@yahoo.com, removal of fuel subsidy, of meter.

08033211999 we think the common man Now, no maris crying. The gullible society would not keter would tolerate delays in delivery know that this man and his cohorts do and scarcity in his stations. Competition not like stable prices, but glow in would create real marketers, who would scarcity when they can merely trap fuel survive on customer-loyalty such as is for few days and sell at about 10 times now the case in the telecomm industry. higher than normal. The moment subNigerians would discover that just sidy is totally removed it will expose like the same NITEL that used to brag is these hawks, including friends of Mr. now begging, these fuel station owners President and give them no further and their callous colluding tanker owncover. ers and drivers would surprise you by Few months back, this column insist- working day and night. This would be ed on continuation of fuel subsidy for because everyone would be free to the sake of the masses, but now that all import, refine, export, etc. Eleme petrothe facts are on the table, it has become chemicals that never one day had prodnecessary to press for the removal of ucts to sell are now exporting, after duly this cover that hides all manner of fraud. satisfying the local market.

There is no gain hoping that proper NAFCON (now Notore) that never management of subsidy would solve the had fertilizer for sale at home is about to problem because there would never be a begin export, having almost satisfied proper management on a sustained the local market. They even have smallbasis. When we make noise, they cease er sizes just to attract more farmers. for a moment, then, come back more Dangote that was a king importer is wicked. It is only a subsidy regime that now set to export cement, having quickwould allow a party man to become an ly met the local demand. Fellow importer. oppressed Nigerians, what is happening Remove subsidy and many importers has proved that the day, the minute the will fizzle out, because they would need fuel subsidy is off and genuine to be professional about it to survive. It importers resume the international is the cover of subsidy that would make route, crooks will flee and fuel will not a man to import fuel and take it back to only be available and cheap but will be the high sea and file papers for another refined locally and one day, one very subsidy. It is a cover that would make a day, we will rather be exporting. This man get paid and still sell it in the black will not be because of government, but market and make triple gains. It is a despite it. This stand is not because of cover that would make a man get sub- what the government is saying or doing sidy and move the fuel to the northern but because we now know our real eneparts or divert the product to neighbour- mies. Fuel subsidy removal is because ing African countries to sell at another government has failed, not because they price. Fuel has never been sold at N65 have done well. This is because fuel can per litre or normal price in Aba, but the be subsidized and managed well so that dealers got the same subsidy that others it will be cheap and available and yet got. When the law does not give you healthy to the economy, but let no genbreathing space to cheat in other states, uine common man hope for such. It will take the fuel to the jungle town of Aba never happen, so let them remove it fast where government is inexistent and sell so we can suffer it once and recover fast as you like. and move ahead.

Now, if subsidy is removed (we are Mr. President has said now there are angry, anyway), the importer would buy no more palliatives to give. He has just

adjusted the budget and brought in the much-talked about subsidy allocation (N800 billion) for 2012, and his position is, if he votes such an amount to give us subsidy, where would he get another fund to give us palliatives.

Now, the tragedy is that Nigerians would never even get the subsidized fuel, we would still buy it at over N150 per litre. So, no development, no subsidy, no palliatives; is it not better, folks, for us to go back to the streets, demonstrate and call for removal of subsidy, and hope to get at least N800 billion worth of infrastructure or palliatives? Look at it this way. We have been told that we spent over N2 trillion to subsidize fuel in 2011. So, the N800 billion for 2012 would be a drop in the ocean and for that reason, the moment fuel is not completely subsidized as was the case before now, the hawks in the system would react and scarcity would take over. The moment there is scarcity, fuel would sell at any price, and we would still buy, thereby making nonsense of the subsidy regime. The bottom line, folks, is that partial subsidy is worse for the economy and for all of us than total removal. They either do full subsidy or none at all.

What is happening now is that most of those who were importing and those processing their papers (collaborators) are under probe (sorry for the few that were genuine). For this reason, they are no longer importing. Also, because of lack of refund for fuel already imported, only few have the guts and resources to go back to the foreign market. This has created scarcity and the middle men are cashing in on this, milking us even in the face of partial subsidy.

The situation may lessen, however, now that the FG has returned fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget, but make no mistake about it, the amount is inadequate and its release henceforth is going to be strict because of the probes, scandals and new guidelines coming. When this happens, scarcity will occur, but because we are in a badly governed environment, the scarcity would be deliberately made worse to allow the crooks make huge profits. The moment this becomes clear to them they would do it now and then, and intermittent scarcity would become the new way of life.

To be continued

In defence of Dana Airlines

By DELE ORE AM constrained to comment on most aspects of the report of that Technical and Administration Review Panel on Domestic Airlines, which was set up by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and whose report was submitted recently.

The report has shown that the panel lacked the capability for their assignment based on the skill, knowledge, experience and qualification of its individual members and panel collectively. Because of the panel’s limitation, it is therefore not surprising the low quality and misleading final report. The uninitiated members of the public were fed with the panel’s report that is only fit for the dust-bin.

The report should be thrown away in its entirety, otherwise when we analyze it fully it will embarrass the government and people of Nigeria. The report will expose Nigeria into unlimited liability.

Coincidentally, President of ICAO, Dr Gonzalez, only last week was full of

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praises and admiration for the effectiveness of the safety oversight system available in Nigeria. This same system in Nigeria has been ignorantly adjudged faulty by this panel: The panel definitely did not have sufficient time and expertise to do a good job, hence the bundle of misinformation.

Specifically, the panel found that certain maintenance practices by DANA Airline, particularly the use of technical log book, were not in conformity with Standard and Recommended Practices.

This cannot be true, but it can be deduced that the panel did not understand the proper use of Technical logbook.

Another grievous issue is contained in this quote from the panel’s report, that: “The panel discovered in the course of its investigation that Dana Airlines carried out an engine compressor wash” on some of its aircraft without any prior entry in its technical log book to show what necessitated this action.”

On this issue, you are expected to praise DANA Airlines foresight and ingenuity to

start that programme, which is pro-active.

The panel erroneously concluded that “engine compressor wash” was a maintenance action carried out without any recorded engine status. They inferred that: “It is improbable that the engine compressor wash was carried out as a routine maintenance activity since it was not within the programmes interval in the Maintenance Control Manual.”

I am very surprised that no member of the panel was knowledgeable on the subject matter, leading to this incorrect judgment and resulting in castigation of DANA AIRLINE instead of commending their effort on this.

For the records, please note that the Dana programme as we now know was specifically embarked upon as a requirement mainly due to the dusty environment in which the engines operate, knowing the Sahara Desert is just north of Nigeria and the damaging effect is more pronounced during harmattan dust haze.

Over the time the environment could cause components of the engine internals

to accumulate dust, which could deteriorate engine performance. You don’t have to have any recorded defect in the engine before embarking on engine compression wash.

All these misinformation and public sentiments are capable of unnecessarily prolonging the continued grounding of the remaining aircraft on the fleet of Dana Airline. May I therefore, use this medium to call on everyone concerned to allow Dana Airline to resume commercial passenger operation without further delay.

The airline has lived up to her responsibility and continued grounding will do more harm than good to the industry. We share in the grief of bereaved families and our condolences to all friends and relatives as well as the President and Commander-in-Chief, and the entire people of Nigeria for the unfortunate disaster.

•Captain Dele Ore, an aviation industry analyst, can be reached on delaviation@yahoo.com

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AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

ME, MY HUSBAND AND GOVERNANCE

PAGES 20-22

–Eunice Egwu, former Ebonyi First Lady

ADAM & EVE

Spouse-attracting makeover PAGES 18/19

WARDROUND

Heart-good oral care PAGES 49/54

18

AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

Adam &Eve SINGLE TOO LONG...

Give yourself spouse-attracting make-over –Pastor Patrick Ohio First give me a little background about yourself.

My names are Patrick Ohio. By the grace of God I am a minister of the gospel and the senior pastor of Pure Grace Assembly, Lagos. I also organize a programme for singles called SOE (Singles of Excellence) and Jesus Family Clinic. I am married to Pastor (Mrs) Stephanie Ohio.

Actually, God started seeking my attention, calling me, when I was very young. Right from my formative years, I began to feel the call of God upon my life. But I didn’t yield to it immediately, because I had a lot of plans for myself. Ministry was not what I was thinking about because of this ‘church rat’ syndrome that those in Christian ministry were poor. So I wanted to just do business, and was succeeding in it.

But when I could no longer ignore the call, I folded the business and went into ministry. I have not regretted my decision, because it has taken me places. For now, my wife is the one engaged in fulltime business, but she is also involved in the ministry.

When did you get into ministry?

I have been in ministry for about 18 years.

By ENYERIBE EJIOGU (enyeribee@yahoo.com)

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E is a whiz with computers. For him digital graphics is as simple as drinking a glass of cold water. If he ever felt the urge and had the time, Pastor Patrick Ohio will easily knock out a web design. But these days, his primary attention is devoted to the work of the gospel and helping singles find marital fulfillment and families live out the joy promised by Jesus Christ to His followers, when he said in his last earthly moments: “My peace I give unto you, but not as the world gives, giveth I unto you.”

God’s peace passes every understanding, Pastor Ohio says, and adds that couples should always endeavour to luxuriate in the beauty of marital peace, which God in His infinite mercy makes available to the many who rely on his grace, abundantly provided in an intimate, loving and trusting relationship with Jesus Christ. He believes that single men and ladies can equally enjoy this peace in marriage if they would take some simple necessary steps to achieve a make-over that would attract a worthy spouse. When they do so, then their prolonged bachelorhood or spinsterhood would come to an end as they suddenly get married. In this interview, he explains in more detail.

Excerpts…

Generally, we are seeing an increasing number of single men and ladies. What would you say are the major factors preventing these singles from marrying?

It is really a big concern when you see a lot of people who reached the age of marriage, but they are not married. It is a lot of concern.

There are major pressures on these individuals from different directions. From the person, members of their family and the society at large. I have always had a passion for people who find themselves ion this situation. I have done a research on this to find out what the causes of delay in marriage.

The number one factor is what I call the satanic cause. Of course, you would expect people who are not spiritually grounded to object to this. Marriage is God’s idea, and the devil would not want anyone to get into marriage. So he would do everything to frustrate anyone from getting into marriage. Satan can pick on an individual or family through the inroad of idolatory. As Africans, somehow in our roots, someone could have been involved in idol worshipping. Through that the devil can come into an individual’s life and place a spell, curse or jinx of delay in marriage. These things are real.

You find that in the families of men or ladies, they experience delay in marriage. In my counseling sessions with singles, I have met individuals who by all standards, in terms of achievements, looks and economic standing should have been long married, but they find it difficult to marry as a result of such satanic curse. But the good news is that the curse is broken, when the person undergoes a deliverance process by a credible servant of God. And you see the person suddenly get married.

Second cause of delay in marriage is the economic factor.

Looking at the Nigerian situation, the economic factor contributes to delay in marriage. Most eligible men have to save up a lot of money to be able to meet up the demands of marriage. A man who cannot cater for himself and pay his bills may likely not think about marriage. I have found out that at a time some ladies from the Eastern part of Nigeria were having a problem in this area. The simple reason for this was that the high cost of the dowry demanded by most families. Of course it affected the men from the Southeast too. But I think that the people of the Southeast are trying to moderate this.

The number three factor is what I call marital-phobia cause of delay in marriage. I discovered through my counseling sessions with singles that there are individuals who have a phobia for marriage – they are simply afraid of marriage. This could be the result of a terrible experience that makes them develop a phobia for marriage. Some men or ladies are products of broken homes and had to grow up with either parent, and had witnessed the ugly situation that led to break up of their parents’ marriage. While growing up, they would have had to consistently from the divorced about how bad and mean the other spouse (either the father or mother). If it is the mother, she could say, ‘men are terrible’ and or vice versa. So a child that grows up consistently hearing this could develop a phobia for marriage. He or she would therefore not want to have the same bitter experience and do everything possible to avoid marriage.

For others, particularly ladies, it could even be that someone they really loved in a very deep way broke their heart; so the fear that a new relationship might end up the same way takes root in their mind. Then you have people who were once married and the relationship didn’t go well and they had to divorce. So getting married again becomes an idea they don’t want to think about at all because of the bitterness of the heartbreak they suffered before.

The fourth reason many people experience delay in marriage is the social cause. A lot of youths are carried away with the social hype of liberty of being single. They believe that marriage can wait; they believe that wedlock is a padlock that restricts their freedom. The idea of marriage irritates people who have this mindset. They want to be free to attend parties and generally enjoy the single life to the hilt before settling down to face the ‘encumbrances’ imposed by marriage. Sadly, many ladies fall into this bracket. They completely forget to recognize that the biological clocks of men and women are very different. By the time they are ready to marriage, they have lost their glow and beauty and no one seems to be interested in them anymore. With the widespread incidence of sexually transmitted infections, my candid advice to them is that they shouldn’t destroy their lives and sacrifice their future on the altar of youthful exuberance. Many people have gone down this road in the past and ended badly. My advice is that they should know their status and start thinking of settling down now.

Lastly the fifth factor has to do with religion. Some people get too fanatical about the issue of religion. I have observed that non-Christians do not so much experience delay in getting married; they get married quickly. Those affected most are Christians and this bothered me a lot. When I looked into this, I found that there are many things that non-Christians are doing right, which work for them, but Christians, in the name of religion, are not doing these things; rather they get locked up in prayer rooms and spiritual spookiness. Let me say at this juncture say that marriage is a terrestrial thing and celestial thing. It is for human beings and not for spirits. Marriage is on earth. In heaven there is nothing like marriage. Hence marriage is a natural and physical thing, being over-spiritual can also be a big problem that could cause delay in marriage.

When you say ‘over-spiritual’ what exactly do you mean?

AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

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Adam &Eve ‘He is a sex addict’ Hello Njigirl, LOVE your column. Thank you for the good advice you give to people regarding their relationship challenges. I have a problem, and do hope you can advice me on what to do. I have dated 10 guys, but only had sex with four of them. The last guy likes sex too much and I think this is destroying my relationship with him. Actually, we have had sex four times. I don’t have the urge to continue with this practice. Please what do I do? Should I go on with him or just quit the relationship, because he is a sex addict.

DAMSEL

I

Hello Damsel, First of all, you have not indicated how old you are and when you started dating but I think that 10 guys is an awful lot of guys to date. It appears to me that you “give yourself” to these guys to satisfy a need within you. Do you have a selfesteem problem? It looks like you do, Damsel; you do not need to “give it up” for any of these guys. You complain that the new guy is a “sex addict” which tells me that all he wants from you is sex. This is bad; really bad for you. I would advice that you deal with your underlying issues first. Lay off dating for a while and try to “find yourself.” You need to determine why you have a need to be with a guy at all times. Do you have issues with loneliness, lack of love, abuse or feelings of worthlessness? Why do you have these issues? Please reach within your core being or your inner self to find answers to why you are needy. Once you have recognized these problems, you can then isolate them to discover if there are things from your past that are instrumental to your neediness. You may then seek the help of a psychiatrist to help you deal with those issues. Learn to love yourself; you will not have the urge to give up on yourself. As for this present guy, please cut him loose. Sooner or later you will find a true lover, who does not make unnecessary demands.

Dr. Nj Hello Njigirl, I met a girl at an occasion sometime ago and fell in love with her immediately. I told her about my feelings but she said she was seeing someone. We did not communicate for sometime, until about four months ago. We started talking again and

I asked her out on a date and she obliged. Nevertheless I still told her how I felt about her and also asked about her boyfriend. She said they were in a complicated situation.

During that time, we got really close and unfortunately for me, I fell more in love with (Njigirl, your problem solver) her. Recently, she later told me that she and her boyfriend were back together. She said njigirl@hotmail.com that she would have told me earlier but didn’t know how to tell me. Right now, we still talk but not like we used to. Her intention I think, is trying to create Dear Njigirl, a gap so that I would tone down my feelings for her. I have I am a 22-year-old undergraduate. I have this desire to take never loved any girl the way I love this girl. So please, I need my family’s background to a better height. Now this 32-yearyour help on how to get this girl off my mind because she is old graduate loves and wants to marry me but from his stanall I think about and whenever we talk, I feel so hurt that we dard cannot help me in achieving my desire. What do I do? are not dating. So please help me out here. One more thing, I TROUBLED GIRL would appreciate your reply straight to my email, as I do not want my story in the papers.

Dear Troubled Girl, UNHAPPY GUY Let me quite understand you. Are you saying that you are looking for someone who is already affluent and can upgrade Hello Unhappy Guy, your family by virtue of being with you? Are you saying that I am sorry I have to publish your mail as I do not perform you are only looking for people of means? Are you only interprivate counselling. Your email and name have been removed ested in men who have money and can support you? There is to protect your privacy. So, this is a case of being with another a name for that you know? What role does love and affection man’s girl. This is a no, no. You could get hurt by “coveting play in your idea of a relationship? Although I think that the another man’s wife” as stated in the Holy Bible. Please cut all gap between your ages is wide, the guy that you speak of ties with this girl and find a person who is free to love and be appears to want you for who you are; why not give him a loved. You may think you “love her more than you have ever chance? I think that making wealth and affluence a condition loved” but you are merely lusting after her. Part of the reason for your relationships would not augur well for you. Some may for this lustful feeling is because she represents something that argue that money buys happiness but I want to believe that is unattainable. When it comes to nature and man/woman there are many simple pleasures of life that begin with having relationship, men usually pursue the female and when there is a caring, honest, loving and patient partner. Hard work will a challenge, the more intensified the chase or pursuit becomes. surely pay off and is the spring board for money to surface.

It is just about the competitive nature of men. The fact that this You ought to decide to complete your education and seek gaingirl belongs to somebody else makes her more alluring. You ful employment. Do not seek a “sugar daddy” that may end have to wake up and smell the coffee; she is not yours; please up deceiving you, and bring shame and scandal to you and find someone else before you lose everything. your family.

Dr. Nj

Heart

Clinic

with Njideka Nwapa-Ibuaka

‘Success shouldn’t delay marriage’ I mean that relying on prayer alone cannot get you married. Prayer can bring a suitor who is interested in marriage in contact with you, but there are other factors that would make the person to remain with you until they sign the dotted line.

What are those other factors?

Take for instance, the question of character.

A person who wants to marry will look beyond the physical, the looks. He will ask: does this person have the character of someone I want to spend the rest of my life with?

Is this person trustworthy, open and transparent? Is this person ‘marriable’ – somebody who has the credentials of someone you would want to marry? My advice is that while you are praying to God to bring your future spouse, you should work on your character, looks and other physical things that would make you attractive to the prospective spouse.

Do exercise, lose weight and get a good shape that would be an attraction. If your spirituality brings a person to you, there should be other physical things that the person can see and make the person remain with you. If you look around, ladies are desperate to get married.

They do everything to ensure that they ‘land’ the man. But look at Christians – they just rely solely on prayer. They don’t develop themselves in cooking skills. There is a saying that the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach. Somehow this is factual. So a lady that desires to marry should develop these physical things that will help to get married.

The next thing is dress sense. Some Christians dress in a way that makes them unappealing – covered from head to toe because of religious ignorance. The man has nothing to see. That the bible enjoins us to dress decently and moderately does not mean that a single lady should dress like a married person. You should dress to show that you are

single and ready for marriage. You can dress decently without exposing vital parts of your body. And yet you look attractive.

I have heard instances where certain successful individuals remained single for long. Is a fact that success can hinder somebody from getting married?

I would want to agree with that in general terms. I think that those who allow success to get into heads may have difficulty finding a suitable mate. Many years I watched the movie, Coming to America, which featured Eddie Murphy in the leading role. He was a prince who didn’t want somebody that would marry him because of what he was; he had to travel out of his kingdom to a neutral place where nobody knew his status to find a bride that would fall in love and marry him just because of who he was. He found a lady that was purely interested in him and not in his money. He was successful, but did not allow it to get into his head.

The fact is that some successful women that drive posh cars, live in an intimidating house and build a persona around them might find this could be a factor hindering some men from approaching them for marriage. There are single ladies who don’t allow success to get into their heads; they are simple and approachable. Success when not properly managed can cause delay in marriage.

What about career, tribe and religion?

When a person is in career that takes too much of their time, to the extent that they rarely find time for other things but their careers, this can be a contributory factor to delay in marriage. You have career men or women, and all that matters to them is the money they are making. They are carried away with their businesses or career. They are not thinking of marriage. Later when they are

ready for marriage, they find that time has passed.

In the same way, tribe can also pose a delay in marriage. When you inform your parents that you want somebody, the first thing they want to know is where the person comes from, because tribe matters a lot. When it comes to religion, the bible says that says that we should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. That means both of you must have similar belief system, before you marry somebody. If a Christian marries somebody from another religion, they are bound to have problems because all religions are not compatible in our mode of worship. So on the ground that both intending singles are Christians, it does not matter what part of the country they come from is immaterial because the Christian faith has a belief system that overwhelms tribe, tongue, and all that. As long as the person is a Christian, and has the tradition of the gospel, there will be no problem. There would only be a problem if the person is not a Christian. That marriage won’t work, and if they marry, it will not last. Those who have done it, they are regretting it.

Concerning individuals who have written off marriage because of a bitter early divorce, what advice can you offer such people?

First, let me draw an analogy: that people drown in rivers, streams and the sea does not stop anyone from using water.

So my advice to such individuals is that they should seek marital counseling, open up, admit the problem and be willing to help themselves by following through on the counselor’s advice, and they will just discover that they will be fine again.

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Explore Interview

I never lived in Govt House like I’d not leave it one day –Eunice Egwu, wife of former Ebonyi State governor

By CHUKS EZE (Fazec1@yahoo.com)

S

OFT-SPOKEN Mrs Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, wife of first Executive Governor of Ebonyi State and former Minister of Education, Dr Sam Ominyi Egwu), was very active during husband’s tenure. She reveals, her husband’s rise to power was prophetic. As the First Lady of the state, she did a lot to touch the lives of women, especially widows and the less privileged in very positive ways.

Though out of office, she has not slowed down as her nongovernmental organization, Widowcare Foundation, continues to reach out widows, offering them succour by building houses for them. In this interview, the mother of six recalls her time as Ebonyi First Lady and talks about how her husband rode to Government House as the first civilian governor of the state.

Excerpts…

How would you describe your experience as First Lady of Ebonyi State?

My experiences in office were very challenging because my husband came in as first civilian administrator of Ebonyi State; which was like a virgin state then. So, we were trying to do everything at the same time to bring up the state to a level where it would be appreciated that at least something was going on in the state. And coupled with want of funds, we struggled to manage the little resources that ware

available to make the impact that we did. But I must tell you that it was very challenging.

People likened your style of leadership to that of Mariam Babangida, late wife of Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.

Did you have any relationship with her before you became Ebonyi First Lady?

No; but she was one of those women that I admired so much. I grew up in an environment that I was able to appreciate what it means to be poor and backward. So, I determined in my mind that if I had the opportunity, I would do the much I could to ensure that positive changes were noticed especially as regards women. God later gave me that opportunity and, we were able to pull the women out and make them feel they have the right to belong, be appreciated and empowered just like other woman anywhere. We also exposed them to a lot of experiences such as travels and sight-seeing, skills et cetera. We also made sure that a lot of them who had opportunity to go to school were helped to update their academic standard. We did a lot to give women attention and recognition and I am happy that they still appreciate it till today.

How did your upbringing influence your lifestyle?

The thing is that I was brought up by a mum who was highly disciplined. That’s one. Then I had a Christian background. The third reason was because, from the day I entered into Government House, I knew that I would leave that place one day.

I saw it as ephemeral stage and that since it would pass one day, I should do my bit within my ability to touch the lives of our people while it lasted. So, that reality made me to be focused and coordinated during that period because the opportunity wasn’t just about me. God gave it to me to ensure that the people of the area would have a feel of what governance is; and that’s why we tried to introduce so many programmes for women, widows, children and the physically challenged. Even the generality of men were able to have a taste of good life.

Apart from what you have said, is there any other thing about your life that you feel will be beneficial to the present crop of First Ladies?

It is just that everyone should realize that this world is not our home. We are all passing by and there is nothing anyone can do to take anything away from here. As you are going back to your God, it is practically impossible to take along that gold box, mansion or posh car. So, it’s not about yourself but about what you are able to impart on the lives of your people. Just ask yourself how many people that will be able to see you and say that during your regime, this positive thing happened in their lives.

Those were my motivating words throughout our tenure.

Tell us about your parents. Are they still alive?

No. They are both late.

Oh! I’m sorry.

It’s okay.

How close were you to them?

My father was a traditional ruler and he had so much interest in the education of his children. He was a polygamist and we were many in the house.

So, when we were very young, he would call us to line up, even when we did not understand what he was talking about, and say this person would be a lawyer; that person a medical doctor and so on. He did not bother whether you had the interest, talent or ability to become what he wished for you. He made sure that we all went to school; and anything you requested for that concerned education, he provided immediately.

Also, I had a mum who was a civil servant and a great disciplinarian. In fact, I feared her next to God. She was a major force in my life and my role model,

too. Up till today I still work with many things that I learnt from her. My mum was a very prayerful woman who also had a gift of prophesy and she taught us to be contented with whatever we had.

When our dad passed on (I was still in the secondary school) we were left with her to take care of us, alone. But she made sure that all of us completed our education and always encouraged us and urged us on.

Did your mum prophesy that you would someday become a governor’s wife?

(Laughs) Ha! No, she did not. But my husbans’s emergence as governor was prophetic. However, my mum had always told me that God was promising her that something great would happen in our favour. She was not specific though. She only told us severally that what God was showing her about us was really great but that she did not know what it was and how it was going to come. We never even imagined that such favour would come through politics.

You didn’t like politics, then?

We admired politics but we were not active members.

How did the prophesy come?

It is a long story o. It started when we were living at Nkukka, (Enugu State). So, in the old Enugu State, there was a rumour that my husband would be made a commissioner but eventually, his name was not announced. I later called one elderly woman who used to pray with us. There was a Christian Ministry then called Pan African Christian Women Alliance and I was their Abakaliki coordinator and we met every Thursday. So, I called that woman who was also from Ebonyi State and asked her to pray with me for three days so that I can find out the source of that disappointment.

Did you inform your husband about your decision to pray?

I did but he asked me not to worry. He also said to me that anything that was for us would surely come and that whatever was not for us would not come no matter how much we struggled. But I did not give up. So, I did three days fasting and praying with the woman. While we were praying, she told me that what she was seeing about my family was great. She said she saw us living in a massive compound and moving in a convoy with policemen everywhere.

She was not literate but she described to me that something was contested for before we rose to that status.

What was your immediate reaction when she said that so?

I said, “No mama, I do not want anything that would be contested for.” I explained to her that we did not have the money and that we were Christians and not politicians. So, she said okay. The second day, we converged again and when we started praying, she said she had started seeing the same thing again. At that point, I stopped the prayer and asked her if she knew what appointment meant and she said no. I then explained to her that it meant when somebody is in his house, another person in position of authority would call him and give him an office to handle. I taught her to recite and memorize the word “appointment” so that while praying she would be able to mention it to God. So, when we continued with the prayers she started shouting appointment, appointment and I was hollering, “God, I do not want anything contested for” After that day’s prayer, she called me and said, “My daughter, what I’m seeing looks so real and as I kept shouting appointment, it even became clearer.” She said the building was painted white with red roof and all that. That time, the longspam aluminium roofing sheet was just new in the market. I told her no; that I

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‘I feared my mother next to God’ SECURITY •Continued from Page 20 did not want to pray the third day. You know, my motive for the prayer was to determine why my husband was not appointed commissioner and it was being defeated. She was not happy with me but I gave her a piece of wrapper and told her, “Thank you, mama; let me pray alone” When I saw that she was leaving in anger, I called her back and promised her that if what she saw about my family ever happens, I would build a house for her. But that promise did not brighten her up due to my unbelief.

Did you relate your encounter with her to your husband?

I did and he laughed and told me that I should remember the woman did not go to school and may not have understood what she saw. He said he did not want to go full blast and become a politician. So, we just forgot it. One day, my husband and I were coming out of the university - he was a lecturer then. A young man was standing at the gate of College of Agricultural Sciences, (CAS), now known as Ebonyi State University, and trying to flagging us down. My husband stopped and he bent down and said God sent him to give us a message. My husband looked at me, then looked at the man and asked if he wanted to disclose the message there or in the house. He said anywhere. Then my husband asked him to enter the vehicle. He entered and said so many things to us. He prophesied how Ebonyi State would be created; how a naval officer would become the first administrator; the final liberation for the Abakaliki people; and how General Abacha would not succeed himself; and that if he tries it he would die et cetera. But immediately he mentioned Abacha, my husband rebuked him and said, “Please, I am a civil servant, don’t say this kind of thing in my car.” He said, “sorry sir” He later continued, and when he said my husband would become the first civilian governor of the state, we looked at each other and had this loud, spontaneous laughter.

The guy joined and laughed un-seriously.

He even talked about the end time and so many things we cannot discourse now. He later asked us to stop him somewhere and we did not even ask what his name was.

Immediately he alighted, both of us started laughing again. We said, “you know when they see us they think we have money and feel they can extort some from us.” But after chatting with the man we went to visit and were about leaving, my husband told our host the story and he advised us not to laugh over it but believe God to make it come to pass since it was a positive thing.

What happened next?

My office used to be where we now have the Cabinet office. So, one day, while I was inside the office, I saw that boy passing by and rushed out to ask him his name. He said, Festus. There was a newspaper publication about state creation, which I showed him and said there was nothing mentioned about Ebonyi State; rather, it was Anioma State. But he looked at me and asked if he had ever known me or begged for anything from me and I said no. He then told me, emphatically, “If what I told you does not happen, then know that God has been removed from His throne.” I became afraid and started begging him, but he just left without saying anything further. In fact, from that day anything that happened in our house, the man would come to direct us on what to do, including domestic issues.

He would just come and state everything the way it happened as if he witnessed it happen or someone had told him. Even when Abacha died he came and told us some political parties would be formed and that we should join anyone that has “P” and “D” in it. Somebody would come to me and if I give harsh reply; before you know it the young man would come and tell me

that God has asked him to tell me not to reply anybody harshly and that I should forgive people and leave everything to God. It was like we were being monitored from somewhere. So, the day new states were to be announced, my husband and I were practically glued to our television just to know if what he said would come true.

And when it was announced, we screamed and chorused, “Go and look for him, Go and look for him” You know that kind of thing.

Did you find him?

I went to that place we dropped him the other day to ask after him but I was told he was an apprentice inside the market where they used to cut materials, (fabrics). So, I went there and after walking about for a while I saw him where he was watching me and smiling. So my husband later invited him to the house; we got to know him more and he told us he was an Anglican.

He continued coming to tell us the steps to take in virtually everything. It got to a point that a dog that belonged to the people living in our boys’quarters ate up the things I kept and I was so angry. When I complained to the woman, she only laughed it off. That even angered me more and my husband asked me to leave them. Next thing, the woman stopped talking to me and even stopped putting her stuff in our fridge. So, the thing was disturbing me, even though I was the one offended. I then sent my house girl to buy some dried fish so I can give to her to make her happy and then we can start talking again. You know, you cannot be a Christian and be keeping malice. I was just preparing our meal when Festus came and said the Lord has told him there was somebody that lives around that was not happy with me, even as she was the one that offended me. She said I should go and beg her. He wasn’t even interested to hear what happened. In fact, there were so many spectacular and amazing things about us and that young man. I bought a new dress one day and wore it to school the next day and one of my friends saw me and admired it. Two days after, she sent a young girl to collect that cloth from me. I grumbled and later gave her the dress. Aday after Festus came and asked why I grumbled while giving out something. He then said God has asked me to give out everything I had, cheerfully, that He will so shower blessings upon me. So, bit-by-bit, Festus foretold everything about us including when my husband was made a commissioner till he became a governor and counting.

Do you still see him today?

No, I cannot give account of him now.

Is he an indigene of Ebonyi state?

No, he said he was from Anambra State. But we still have people who used to come to us and tell us what God has said and so on. So, being Christians have been the bedrock of whatever and whoever we are.

W h a t about the old woman that prayed with you initially?

She still

comes here, we still relate very well and I still built that house for her. I even bought her a motorcycle which her son rides because she cannot. I also placed her on a salary and as well made sure that Festus was happy.

Where do you come from?

I am from this village, Ohaukwu. My father’s house is just across the major road.

What was your growing up like?

Ha! Growing up was such a fun. You know, we were many in the family. And because my dad was a traditional ruler, we were not allowed to leave the compound.

He had the first storey building around here. So, everybody came for sightseeing.

So, we had a very privileged upbringing. It was only when he died that things started falling apart.

Which of your parents were you closer to?

I was closer to my mum.

How many children did your mother have?

We were six. I had five brothers but one is late now.

What is your position?

I am the second child and only daughter.

As the only daughter, you must have been a spoilt child?

No, my mother was not that kind of person. We all had our routine duties. My brothers can compete with women in cooking because my mum made them to learn every household chore including cooking.

How did you meet your husband?

There was not actually a formal meeting the way it is done now. But I remember that when I was in Class one, he was the Senior Prefect (SP) of the school, (Community Secondary School, Ezillo). So, my mum came one day and told me the school was so rough and that she would transfer me to Sharon Secondary school. I did not know my husband then. So, it was one day we were watching the boys playing football, and the SPwas among them, that my friend told me he was from my town. So, during our JSS 3 long vacation, after I had changed to Sharon Secondary school, I was just sitting in my mother’s corner when he walked in with a friend. They were doing the Operation Feed the Nation, (OFN), and he came in with their full regalia and I was like, SP! you are in our house, and he said yes. He had come to see my elder brother. So, we exchanged pleasantries, chatted a little and I left. So, he continued visiting and one day, my mum called me and said that he had told her he wanted to marry me. At that

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&POLICE

...with Ben Okezie 08034959119 (SMS only) okezieben@gmail.com

Restoring glory of the police

M

ANY concerned citizens who are admirers of the Nigeria Police as well as former personnel of the institution are often quick to say that force has lost the glory it assiduously built years ago.

It is even more pathetic when such statements come from the very people who passed through the institution to attain the heights they have reached today. The questions that should be asked are: at what point did the glory of the police start dimming? What prompted the decline? What has been done to restore it?

These questions need to be asked so that the ‘green horns’of the Force do not get unfairly get blamed. This whole issue of the police losing its glory hit me hard recently, when I listened to Mr. Parry Osayande, chairman of the Police Service Commission make some off-the-cuff remarks at the recent decoration ceremony of very officers at the police headquarters, Abuja. He admonished the top echelon of the force and reminded them to use all their abilities to restore the lost glory of the police force.

His lamentation hit me in the marrow. What immediately struck me was th so someone in authority is aware that the police has lost its glory? It was like a mother who noticed how her daughter was behaving and with the benefit of motherly experience knew that she had had lost her virginity. Yes, if the truth must be told, the police has lost not only its glory and pride but its virginity! I left the venue to confirm the exact meaning of the word “glory” and the dictionary told me: “fame, praise or honour that is given to someone who has done something very important.”

What then did the police do that attracted glory from members of the public? If you ask me, I will say many things. It was the police that gave Nigeria its first Olympic medal; it was the police that first began starching its uniform to the admiration of the public. I have written how as a young school boy, I sheepishly followed a policeman from Okesuna in Lagos Island to Yaba in mainland out of mere first impression and youthful curiously.

The police in the days of Parry Osayande were trailblazers, who fought the likes of Anini, Oyenusi and Shina Rambo, who were notorious robbers, put them where they belong – in the grave. The police of those days were good judges and stood for justice – not collecting bribe from either the complainant or the suspect. The police in those days were like judges with few friends and were respected in the community. They were dedicated, loyal and forthright. All they were interested in was the image of the force and not how to line their pockets. They would not demand or collect any gift. The few still in the service are being suffocated and some are already being compromised. They are the shining light of the force.

Just like respect, glory is earned. If the officers and men of the force want their glory back, then all their hands must be on desk so that the nauseating reports about them can be drastically eliminated. The truth is that a reciprocal effort should be put in place if the public and the government want the police to regain its lost glory.

It is the government and members of the public that helped the police to lose its glory. They jointly helped to ‘dis-virgin’the force.

They encouraged the police to collect bribe, they cheated the police by denying it of its welfare and a better, befitting wage for all its labour like their colleagues in other countries. The government compelled the police to be wicked to the public who in turn hated the force while the government looked the other way like an innocent master. What was the instrument of government to quash civil unrest, mass rallies and demonstrations? The police of course! Such actions turned the police into a cricket ball that is hit to and fro – it was like giving the dog a bad name so that members of the public could hang it.

The remedy being canvassed is to first clean head as being exemplified by the present leadership at Louis Edet House, the Force Headquarters. The Inspector of General Police, Muhammed Abubakar, no doubt knows his onions and has so far lived above board as an exemplary leader. He has embarked on drastic retraining of the officers and men. He started first from his top officers and has been going down the cadre, including the retraining of mobile policemen. In all of these, what is the government and members of the public supposed to add? There is a popular saying that the people get the type of police they deserve when they believe and trust their police. This would happen they help to restore the integrity of the force and change their attitude towards the force and not use the police like rag that is only good for cleaning dirty shoes. The police has shown enough readiness to regain its lost glory and reposition itself as the pride of the nation in security. Let us help them for our own sake.

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EXPLORE AUGUST 19, 2012

Explore Interview •Continuesd from Page 21 time, it appeared sort of abnormal to see a girl and just tell her you want to marry her. And because of the kind of person my mum was, you needed to secure her consent before attempting to approach me. I so much relied on her and if a guy told me, “I love you,” and stuff like that, then, I would just go home and tell her. And because a lot of people were coming to ask for my hand in marriage, she advised that I should accept him because, according to her, out of the lot, he looked more mannered, wiser and had brighter future.

That day you and your friend watched your husband play football did you experience a kind of love at first sight?

No, no. I did not feel attracted because he was too slim and I did not like very slim guys. I never even thought I would ever have anything to do with him in this life. But as you can see, here we are now.

So, how did you say yes to him?

(Laughs) Well, I do not think there was any ceremony. When my mum told me what he said to her and later advised me to consider him, I knew she had discussed with him. So, I could not say otherwise. We just started getting along, exchanging letters and all that. He was already in the university then. When I left secondary school and got admitted into University of Nigeria, (UNN), he was already doing his National Youth Service.

And as I was finishing, we wedded.

So, you did not date before getting married?

No, there was nothing like that. My mum was not the kind of person that would let you embark on that kind of trip. And our church was against that too. So, when he finished his National Youth service, (NYSC) in Maiduguri, he got a job with a research institute there, came back later and we wedded. Then we moved to Maiduguri but the weather there was so harsh I could not bear it. So, when my complaint became intense, he decided to take up his Masters degree programme in UNN. That was how we came back to Nsukka and I took up a teaching job there. He was also doing part time teaching and we were managing the young family. When he finished his programme, I suggested that we relocated to Abakaliki where things would be more affordable for us. He agreed and applied for his PhD programme at the Abakaliki campus of then Enugu State University, (ESUT), now Ebonyi State University, (EBSU). He also got appointment as a lecturer jand I started gardening at the back of the staff quarters.

Where did you find yourself the first time you kissed him?

(Laughs) I don’t know.

How would you describe your husband?

Hmm, he has changed o. He has changed a great deal. Initially when I knew him, he was quicker in taking decisions. He could even take abrupt decisions that could shock you. For instance, if I am walking along the way and a man comes to say unwholesome things to me, he could come and slap that person. But after his duel in governance, all that changed. If you even report certain things to him these days, he will just ask you to leave those people; that they are just looking for trouble. Also, when he was much younger, if he saw his child crying, he would deal with whoever that made the child to cry no matter the person’s age or size. But now, all that have changed. He talks peace at all times. So, I’ll just sum it up by saying that he is a nice person and I love him.

So, will it be out of place if one concludes he is a jealous husband?

He was before, but I think it has reduced now because of advancement in experience, age and all that. Before, he used to tell me that he was going to be very rich and that he would not want me to do anything or suffer; and that he would just buy a car and hire a driver for me so I could stay in the house and take care of our children. I would tell him it was not the best for any human being. He was just trying to assure me that he could take care of all my needs and that I did not need to suffer.

What level of trust would you say existed in your marriage as a young couple?

We trusted each other so much and there was no room for unhealthy jealousy or suspicion such that when he travelled, I would start thinking who knows who is with my husband now and things of that sort. Such things did not arise.

What do you do to keep his memory around you when he travels and you are miss-

‘My brothers can compete with women in cooking’ ing him?

It used to be more difficult before but with the GSM now in place, I just call him to know how he is faring and that would serve as soothing balm. You know, these days, I am so busy, he is so busy and sometimes, a day isn’t even enough for me. And I’m sorry to say that sometimes I even get so busy that I only remember to call him when I return and want to relax. He calls me more often than I do. He would call in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening he would also call to ask after me. If he feels I’m staying long in the office, he would ask me to start going home.

Just stuffs like that. Sometimes when I call him late, he would say to me, “You mean you could actually stay for a whole day without calling me, I can’t believe it” And I would apologize and explain why to him. So, when there was no phone, I would just be praying to God to bring him back safely. We just have a fantastic relationship and I’m grateful to God. What did you study as your first-degree course?

I did diploma in music education, first, because I was curious and wanted to study everything.

Afterwards, I taught for a while in secondary school and then proceeded to study educational administration as my first degree course.

Did you influence your husband’s decisions when he was thegovernor?

No, I can’t remember any. The only thing I remember doing was that each time he was making appointments, I would plead with him to always remember to put women. Sometimes he would ask me to suggest and also state how such person was qualified. I remember when one Mrs Akanu won a certain Bournvita competition. I think it was the Best Teacher Award and I pleaded with him to do something for the woman because she was flying the flag of the state. The woman was later appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs and I think she is presently a Special Adviser to the present governor. I did not know the woman before and usually I did not

have to know anybody before I did something for the person. It also paid off when I suggested to him the need for government to start a scholarship scheme for the very smart children who lacked the opportunity to go to school because they came from indigent families. He later set up a committee of about six women who went round the state to conduct screening tests where each child that came first was taken. We later sent them to the US for leadership training. Many of them were also enrolled into Hope High International School. About three of them were later helped to get federal government scholarships. I am talking about children of the poorest people in the state among whom are orphans but super intelligent. And we were able to train about 80 children – exceptionally smart children. Most of them still call me today to appreciate what God has done for them through us and that makes me a lot fulfilled. Those were some of the little ways I helped my husband to take certain decisions then. Some of the programmes were good but it was difficult for a number of them to sail through because there were a lot of misconceptions about many steps that we took then.

Do you remember any such programme that was misconceived at that time?

Yes. When we finished building houses for widows and were commissioning them, I invited Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to commission some of the houses. So, when we were driving in the car from Enugu airport, she told me she heard that I took some children to America and I said yes.

She then told me it was being discussed in the (Presidential) Villa that I was using it to siphon Ebonyi State’s money. I explained to her that I did not even know when the bill was prepared and asked her to personally investigate it through the ministry of finance. Such thing makes you feel that in this country even if you stake out your neck to make things work people will still talk ill of you and if you do not have a strong heart, you could be demoralized. God is my witness that I did not make one kobo from the three trips they made to the US. All I wanted was to pull out those

children that were inside the hinterland to have a feel of good life and fresh experiences. I felt it was my duty to do that. In all I still feel fulfilled because we could see young lives develop to become great individuals. If you saw the kind of things those poor widows were living in and called them houses, you would shed streams of tears. And those that were criticizing such projects were speaking from the comfort of their homes. We were able to complete 48 of them.

Even now, my NGO, Widowcare Foundation, is still building one at Akaeze; and gradually, we shall put up a house for every poor widow in the state.

Apart from building houses for the widows, what else does your NGO do?

Initially, we used to take care of HIV patients – buying drugs and other material for their upkeep, free. But due to the huge financial demands, we could not cope because we were not receiving any grant or sponsorship from anywhere. So, at the moment, we also take care of some orphans by training them in schools. We as well have a cooperative where we train the youths. On August 15, we held askills training for youths and distributed eye glasses to those with vision problems; and we also organize parties for widows every year. In addition, we teach them skills. We just concluded another session recently, bought their materials and did the handing over ceremony. Widowcare is really doing a lot and I just wish we could have some sponsorship so we can step up our pace.

So, you have not received any sponsorship at all?

The only thing that we are hoping for is the promise made by the Dangote Group. The leadership of the cooperative had a connection with Dongote Group, which promised to donate some items to the Foundation. So, when their representative visited and saw what we were doing he screamed and asked if we had gotten any grant, I said no. He expressed shock and asked me to give him all our material that he would be of assistance. That’s the only major promise that we have received and we are still praying for it to materialize. But some individuals do bring soap and things like that for us to give to the widows..

How many children do you have?

I have six lovely children, three, both ways – a balanced equation!

Is any of them married?

My first child, a girl, is married with two little sons. Then my second child is also a girl and she is married with a son. Chuka is my first son and I’m looking for a pretty wife for him, (Laughs).

The third child is a boy and still studying at the university. Obinna, my last son is also in the university. Then, my little daughter will be seven by September 2012.

You said you are looking for a pretty wife for Chuka, my name sake; do you believe that mothers should still determine who their children should marry?

I feel that they can suggest but it is left for the child to say yes or not. But parents can make impute. So, we have been praying for all of them and God has been answering our prayers.

Do you still cook for your husband personally?

I do but not always. But whenever I really want to cook, I will inform him and after the exercise, he will confess that I did not enter the kitchen to play. But anytime we travel out of Abakaliki to maybe Abuja or the like, I cook almost every day.

I am less busy when we travel.

What is his favourite dish?

He loves swallow very much. Then he enjoys ukwa much more than any other one. But he is not a picky person as far as food is concerned.

But usually, anything he finds on the table, he eats.

Does he still buy you presents and take you out?

Em, he still buys me presents but as for taking me out, we no longer enjoy such privacy.

Anywhere we go to, people usually come around to greet and before you say Jack, people are all over you. He never misses to buy me birthday presents.

What do you miss due to your present status?

I miss walking freely. It is not easy for me to walk along the streets freely without people touching me and trying to cluster around you. As someone who grew up in the village, I used to walk to the church, market et cetera. When I got married, it was still the same and suddenly, all that changed, at least within Ebonyi State. It’s pretty difficult to cope with. Before, I could see a friend on the road and we would chat along but now, people will not allow you to do that any longer. I just miss all that.

Dr. Sid in threesome sex?

Charles Granville loses car, cash after playing Good Samaritan AUGUST 19, 2012

23

ENTERTAINER

EDITED BY TOSIN AJIRIRE O8056008696

Aneke Twins

We’ll give our husbands condoms for safety

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AUGUST 19, 2012

ENTERTAINER

By NKECHI CHIMA-ONYELE

T

hey are marvelous to behold. Delectable, hard working and talented, Nollywood twins, Chidiebere and Chidinma Aneke have carved a place for themselves in the industry. The actresses cum producers have over 18 movies to their credit. The Enugu-based acts stormed Lagos recently to celebrate their birthday with the less privilege as well as release a new movie, National Experience and National Service.

In an encounter with The Entertainer, they talked about their lives as producers and actresses, why they keep male rather than female friends, why they don’t hunt producers for roles, and their upcoming epic movies among other issues.

Enjoy it:

celebrate our birthday in Lagos to enable our fans here partake from what others in the east have been enjoying.

You released another blockbuster movie, The Light and The Eyes recently, what were the challenges you encountered during the production?

Most drivers do plan with others to rob their passengers, so it is imperative for transport companies to carry out thorough research before employing their drivers. It is advisable for them to know their drivers background. Though, we didn’t encounter many challenges except the usual mosquito bites in the bush.

You featured Iyabo Ojo in the movie, what is your relationship with her?

She is our very good friend not just a colleague. She is our You just celebrated your birthday, how sister from another mother. We usually pray to God with the old are you?

We added a year this August but we promise to tell you our names of our cast before producing a movie and if God says you are the one, we don’t doubt Him. If you watch the movie age on our wedding day. you will discover that she gave us the best, you will see her Why did you choose to celebrate in Lagos in a character that’s well interpreted. And everybody is attesting to it. instead of Enugu where you reside?

We already had plans to be in Lagos for the preparation of How much does it take to shoot a movie? our new movie, which would come out soon. We decided to It depends on the script you are working on and the cast involved or the kind of camera you want to use. Honestly, you can’t place a particular figure on a movie until after production.

How many movies have you produced so far?

We have produced more than 18 movies including Onoja, Personal Desire, Desperate Soul, Jealous Friend, Revenge of the Gods, Compulsory Risk, Ujuaku the Tigress, Sister’s Face, The Eye and The Light, National Experience and National Service among others. Right now, we are preparing to release our new movie, National Experience and National Service. I remember during my youth service, it was very obvious that most corpers didn’t get to the place of their primary assignment while some didn’t do what they were asked to do; rather they indulged in prostitution and other vices such as robbery, kidnapping and cyber-crime. I actually served in Ibadan and the primary purpose of National Youth Service is to inculcate discipline in the youth by instilling in them a culture of industry, patriotism and loyalty. But I discovered that just few of the corpers followed the principles of the NYSC. Secondly, we found out that the bad habits displayed by the youth emanated from the homes.

Some parents don’t care about their children rather

•The twins on their birthday with the less privilege

they devote more time to wealth creation. They don’t care to know what their children do behind their back, either in school or during the NYSC. Who wrote the examination including those expensive handsets and clothes their children bring back home? This attitude has to be corrected and that is why we’ve decided to shoot a movie on it so that parents would dissuade their children from such ungodly acts.

Which movie are you working on now?

It is an epic movie, which we intend to shoot in the East but we would not give you the working title now until it is released. Though, it is an olden day story, it is a true life story.

How soon would you release National Experience?

The movie will be released any moment from now. We don’t have a specific date because we leave God to direct us.

The movie featured notable stars like Mama G, Iyabo Ojo, Abraham Nwodo, Chidinma and Chidiebere, and Ijeoma Chukwura among others. It was shot in Enugu.

Which movie would you say gave you financial breakthrough?

“The path of the just is like a shining light that shines more, more”. We cannot say that our yesterday is better than our today but each time we released a movie, it makes waves and we realize profits. For instance, The Eye and The Light is really making waves in the market. In fact, if it not profitable we would have stopped producing movies but God has been so merciful and we give him the glory.

You are young and aspiring ladies, how were you able to have a breakthrough against all odds.

It is by the grace of God. He said that He is the father of the fatherless. The earth is of the Lord and the fullness thereof so whatever we want we go to Him in prayer. Secondly, when He gives you a vision, He backs it up with a testimony. If it’s not His vision, it would not work. So, we are a step away from our destiny. Our prayer everyday is for God to lead us in the right path without mistakes.

When did you lose your father and what are the things you missed most about him?

We lost our father in 1998. Since then, we’ve missed all his fatherly love. But I miss all his disciplinarian actions. I remember whenever he saw us hanging around downstairs (we lived upstairs) he would cane us so badly. He always takes us out to catch fun as well as do some shopping. In fact, my father imbibed in us the culture of wearing a uniform dress and we have grown with it.

AUGUST 19, 2012

25

ENTERTAINER How many are you in the family?

My father had three wives. In all, we are 10 children, six boys and four girls in the family. But from my mother side, we are two boys and three girls. The first wife has two boys while the third wife had two boys and a girl, though she is late. We love ourselves, there is nothing like envy or jealousy in the family. My elder brother is a movie marketer in Aba. When our father died, some people were scared that the family would separate.

Though, people tried, it didn’t work because the bond our late father built in us lives forever.

What is your relationship with the governor of Enugu State?

We are daughters from Enugu State and we appreciate our governor’s fatherly care.

He is like a father to us and he appreciates our level of intelligence and hard work. Once you have such virtue, you would be able to gain his closeness and you also learn from him because he despises laziness with a passion. We must confess that he is a very good man.

In the movie, Sister’s Face, you played twins sisters who deceived and played on their husbands’ intelligence by sleeping with each one of them. So, have you in real life cheated on your boyfriends?

No, we have not done such. It is just a movie, so they are different from us. We cannot share our men. In fact, we will guard them jealously. If I am dating a guy and he later tells me that he wants to date my sister, no matter the kind of love we share, it dies that minute because we don’t do it. For the movie you referred to, we got embarrassed by a woman at the market who called Chidinma a very wicked girl for sleeping with her sister’s husband. In fact, it took people’s intervention to convince t h e woman that it was just a movie.

Would you make love to a man as twins?

No! God forbid. Our man is our separate property that we cannot share.

Are you in any relationship?

Most of our friends are guys instead of girls because they have business ideas.

Concerning if we have boyfriends? No! We don’t have boyfriends, if we have, you would have seen them at our birthday cutting the cake with us. Right now, we are not in any relationship but we have special friends.

How do you handle your male admirers?

Whenever any man admires us because of our movies, we accept them

as platonic friends, friends without intimacy.

Are you saying suitors are not coming?

They are coming; we would not lie to you. We don’t want to eat any man’s money after praying and getting confirmation from God that he’s not the will of God for our lives. You don’t have to get married because your friends are getting married. You will live to regret it for the rest of your life. Once you make such mistake, it is forever. Our mother didn’t marry our father and then divorced him so why would we leave our husbands after marriage? If eventually we get married and we are told that our husbands are having an affair with other women, it would bother us because they have given us the certificates of marriage. But if he is traveling, we will give him condoms for safety. Whatever he is doing outside would not be our business though it is not easy, it the surest way to guide a marriage with an unfaithful husband. You don’t expect him to change to your desired man in a second; you have to work it out. This is why some of our colleagues in the industry are having crashed marriages. When they are getting married, they will tell you he is the nicest man, and tomorrow he has become a devil. Why don’t you make your

tinue from where we stopped. And we also argue a lot though we settle our differences immediately to enable us discuss present issues. We settle our differences rather than wait for someone to settle it for us, not even our mother settle our differences.

You always wear same clothes do you also wear the same under wears?

Yes! You can have a look at our under wears for proof after all you are a woman like us homework? (laughter). When we go shopping, we Don’t you think you may lose also buy same pants. In fact, we collecyour husband to another tively choose the clothes and under wears we wear for the day. woman?

You would only lose him when you conYou hardly feature in movies tinue to go through his phones to keep details of his calls and messages. Though, it produced by others, are you is not easy, we will pamper our husbands in facing difficulties in getting such a way that they would not look at any roles from other producers?

No, we believe that God assigns every other woman by the grace of God. role we get; we don’t go after roles instead we are contented with the ones Who is your Ideal man? we get and it is the reason why we We pray for a man with consent don’t have any problem with to conquer our fears because any artiste like the way others there is no way he would hurt do. us, and above all, a man with the fear of God. What is your message to young ladies You are so close to who are aspiring for each other; does it greatness in life? mean you don’t quarThey should always rel? believe in themWe hate quarreling with people selves. You don’t but we cannot do without quarrelneed to sell ing among us. In fact, we were your body quarreling before you came to be and immediately you achievers or leave, we would conget the good things of life.

We have elastic brains, you can start a business with little amount of money and God will direct you to your destiny.

Prostitution is not good, you are not supposed to be selling your body, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Although, sometimes we do sin against God because we are not married but selling your body is not worth it. Ladies should not be carried away by the kind of clothes their friends wear or cars they ride, all fingers are not equal.

Just live a life that is worthy of emulation.

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AUGUST 19, 2012

ENTERTAINER

Charles Granville loses car, cash after playing Good Samaritan

BY TONY OGAGA ERARHIEFE

G •Granville

ospel singer, Charles Granville has revealed how he lost his car, blackberries and cash after he let a stranger into his home.

“I am still in shock, why did he do this to me?” lamented Granville. He disclosed that

before Jack popped up at his door on the night of August 7, they had only met twice during which they exchanged numbers after Jack claimed to be an artiste manager.

Granville says further that after weeks of persistent phone calls, he finally invited jack over to his home where they discussed and later told him he did not need his services.

WAP TV targets October 1 transmission date

A

fter running award-winning programmes like Superstory, Papa Ajasco & Company, Thislife, Oddworld and Nnena & Friends on several TV stations across the nation, Wale Adenuga Productions has succeeded in getting a special TV license to run a TV house on its own.

The broadcast license, which is a Direct To Satellite (DTS) enabled, would see the new station, which would be called “WAPTV” transmitting to several parts of the world from

October 1, 2012.

According to the man at the helms of affair, Wale Adenuga, “since the news came to us, we’ve been in a joyous mood. This is an opportunity for us to give Nigerians a real family entertainment channel, first of its kind.

We’re grateful to NBC, our viewers, staff and management of WAP for their support over the years.”

Already, talks have been concluded to see WAPTV transmitting via Startimes bouquet.

•Adenuga

Niger rocks with Winners emerge on Glo Big Friday Show Gbagyi Youth fter what seems like a long process, handsets and Glo High Speed Internet winners have started emerging modems, were for the various competitions Carnival and Awards from the segments of the Glo spon- for viewers of the show.

From segments like “Prank Yo Peoples”,

A

sored The Big Friday Show.

Anchored by Glo ambassador and comedian, Basket Mouth, the first batch of winners in Glo Presents The Big Friday Show, were last week presented with prizes at the MTV Base office in Lagos.

The prizes, which included Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Blackberry Bold and Torch

“Celebrity Surprise”, “Ask/Reply” to “Video of the Week” and “Meet Me,” a total of 11 winners emerged. This is coming at the 9th episode of the TV show, which had rave Chuddy K as the main guest and also had a new segment called “Dr Love” hosted by Basket Mouth.

NGT auditions showcase Niger Delta talents

•Pade E. Baba

T

he first annual Gbagyi Youth Carnival and Awards has been scheduled to hold between November and December this year in Niger State. Powered by Shiroro Local Government, the carnival is organized by Mark of Generations in conjunction with Red Page Media.

Located in the middle belt of Nigeria, the Gbagyi people emerged as one of the most popular and effective tribes around the region, inhabiting several states including Abuja, Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Abuja. They are known to be basically farmers with lots of respect for their cultural and traditional heritages.

According to Carnival Director, Pada E. Baba, the event has been put together for the upliftment, encouragement, entertainment, enjoyment, and preservation of the Gbagyi people’s cultural and traditional heritages, with great focus on uniting the people under an atmosphere of love, joy and peace, thereby promoting the peaceful co-existence of the indigenous citizens and settlers in Niger State and Nigeria in general.

“The carnival is a concept of Mark of Generations and it will be held at Shiroro Local Government Area, while the award is basically to encourage the individuals and personalities who have contributed to the upliftment and encouragement of the people in different ways,” he says.

igeria’s Got Talent, sponsored by Enugu, and Calabar) have proven that bringing Airtel, continued to defy expecta- the NGT franchise to Nigeria made great sense. tions as throngs of Nigerians, young There were Guinness World Record chasers, and old, last week showed up at the audition physically challenged persons, dancers, acrobats, singers, ball jugglers, magicians, and many venues in Niger Delta to try out other incredible talents in each of the for a chance to win the N10 cities where the auditions held. million star prize.

The show will air on terrestrial and Beverly Hills Hotel, Port cable TV between July and December Harcourt; BB Hotel, Warri and this year.

Excalibur Hotel, Benin City The next stop for the Nigeria’s Got were the audition venues at Talent auditions are the South Western which the judges and audience States of Ibadan (August 16) and watched the NGT hopefuls Lagos (August 18 and 19). Interested exhibit their talent. participants can simply log on The sheer breadth of talents towww.gottalentnigeria.com; that graced the auditions in all www.airtellive.com or physically regthree cities, and indeed in the •A boy showing ister at the auditioning centres. cities visited earlier (Abuja, off his talent

N

Capital F.E.M.I engages DJ Tee, Mex for new videos

I

t’s no longer news that after five interesting singles, the much-awaited debut album of Kennis Music R&B singer, Femi Adeyinka, who is well known as Capital F.E.M.I would be released on Friday August 24.

However, what is not known to many in the industry is the fact that the American returnee has also engaged the services of two top music video makers, DJ Tee and Mex for the shoot of two new videos. Insiders at Kennis Music squealed that the R&B singer has been shuttling between the video sets of DJ Tee and Mex, who

are shooting the videos for his songs. While the expertise of the famous DJ Tee has been sought for the self-titled song, Capital F.E.M.I, the services of Mex have been engaged for the video of the current single, Don’t Let Go. The album, entitled The Year of R&B, would be heralded by an industry night on Wednesday, August 22. It consists of 17 tracks including Baby I Got (Money, Money) which features label mate, Eedris Abdulkareem, Never Felt A Love, Get Low, In The Name Of Love and the most recent hot single, Don’t Let Go, which was produced by top American producer, Hakeem the HAK.

However, Granville who starred in Last Flight To Abuja, said on the day of the film premier, Jack gave him a call requesting to go see the film and he invited him over. After the show, they all went to his home to sleep and in the morning gave Jack N5000 after dropping him off at Ikeja bus stop. But on the night of August 7, around 9pm, Jack called Granville requesting for an umbrella, which he forgot in the actor’s car when he visited.

“I remember seeing the umbrella. I told him I was traveling in the morning but I would give it to my gateman so he could pick it up,” Granville says.

However, two hours later, around 11 pm, Granville heard a knock on his door and when he opened; he was shocked to see Jack! “I rebuked him immediately because I didn’t invite him. But he pleaded with me saying that at the time he called me, he was already in my neighbourhood and it was too late for him to go home and besides, he was stranded!

“I gave him a duvet and a pillow before going to my room upstairs to sleep. I was supposed to wake up by 5am to catch my flight but I woke up by 9am with a serious headache. Probably he had drugged me,” Granville recalls.

When the artiste finally struggled out of his bed and came downstairs, the first thing he noticed was that his guest had disappeared! A search of his apartment revealed that his laptop, PS3, two Blackberry phones and an undisclosed sum of money had also disappeared.

“This is unbelievable because the person I allowed to sleep in my house is one whose pictures and profiles are all over the Internet.

It was hard to believe that such a person could commit such a crime so I had to sit down and ask myself, ‘have I offended this man in any way?’

“I was still pondering when I realised that my car keys were gone! That was the height!

I didn’t want to believe my car was gone as well so I got up to rush out if my car was still there but to my shock, all my doors were locked; Jack locked me inside my own house; it was then I knew that Jack really meant business. Finally, I found my way out after breaking the back door and when I checked where I packed my car, it was gone!”

The gateman informed Granville that he let Jack out because he was carrying a carton filled with bottles, saying that Granville had sent him to buy drinks with his car.

Luckily for Granville, he was able to recall Jack’s number and he put a call across to him.

“He picked at the first ring and the first question I asked him was that ‘why are you doing this to me? He said he was sorry that something just got into his head. He said he was going to drop my car somewhere.”

An hour later, Granville hadn’t heard from him so he called again. However, this time Jack said that he couldn’t come to where Granville was because he was afraid, adding that he was on the Island and heading for the Mainland and once he parked the car, he would reach out to Granville. An hour later, Jack sent a text that Granville should send the password to his phones because he needed some contacts in it.

“At that point I knew Jack was taking my kindness for granted. I called again and I realized that he had switched of all my phones.

So, I went to the police and reported,” he states.

Meanwhile, several calls put across to Jack since then have gone unanswered. He also refused to respond to a text sent to him.

However, police says that Jack would soon be apprehended.

AUGUST 19, 2012

27

ENTERTAINER WALL GECKO with Tunde Phillips

Dr. Sid in threesome sex?

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ne man, who has left fans and close pals wondering in the last few days after his decision to answer few questions from fans on micro-blogging site, Twitter, is the Mavin records rapper cum singer, Sidney Esiri popularly referred to as Dr. Sid. In the early hours of Wednesday, August

•Dr Sidd

15, the entertainer was briefly on Twitter, just for 20 minutes, where he answered almost all questions asked by fans that inquired to know more about him.

Answering via his Twitter handle, @IamDrSID, some of the questions asked varied from his relationship with his father, star actor, Justus Esiri, his favourite colour to his favourite football club.

However, a fan went a step further by asking if he had ever been involved in a threesome sex and with a terse reply, the singer affirmed. As if that wasn’t enough, another fan asked if he really left his seat when Tiwa Savage threw up on the airplane while traveling to shoot the video of Over The Moon, and he affirmed again

DJ Jimmy Jatt Dat Nigga Raw, Klint Da Drunk rebrand surprises wife on A birthday

L

fter the success of his last album with hit single, Spiritual Konji in 2010, Dat Nigga Raw has decided to rebrand his art.

Changing his moniker from Dat Nigga Raw to Mr. Raw, the musician has completed work on another effort and has released a new single entitled, Timboli Mbloli. The song, which is said to have revealed the playful side of the musician, is an adaptation of a playground song that is popular in the east.

In just two weeks of release, the song has made its way to the Raypower Song of the Week, as well as the MTN Top 10 Countdown.

ast Sunday, August 12 would be long remembered by the beautiful wife of popular DJ, Jimmy Jatt, after the disc jockey pulled a surprise on her, on her birth-

day.

Sources revealed that the famous DJ, who was in the United Kingdom for an event organized by the Nigerian Sport and Entertainment Village for the Olympics, had been scheduled to return to the country later in the week but decided to cut short his trip only to surprise his wife on her birthday.

Without informing any member of his family of his arrival, the entertainer made his way to his Lekki home quietly in company of some friends and showed up at his house, thereby leaving his wife speechless.

Though, the celebration was on a low key, few friends of the couple and their children gathered to celebrate the beautiful woman, who had been behind the success of one of Nigeria’s showbiz impresarios.

Yinka Aiyefele sacks band members?

G

ist in town has it that inspirational singer, Yinka Aiyele has sacked members of his Merry Makers Band.

Though, the gist remains unconfirmed, as the calls made to the singer weren’t answered. Those who should know alleged that the musician made the announcement to disband the Merry Makers last Thursday.

•Jimmy Jatt

Doris Simeon berths with Faaji Xtra D

electable actress and mother of one, Doris Simeon, has been working on several projects in the last few months without attracting much attention to herself.

Words from those close to her point to the fact that she has been on different movie locations, and the set of a television production.

Doris, it was revealed, has berthed with another side of her imbued talent coming to the fore as the host of a television programme, Faaji Xtra.

The Okpella, Edo State-born actress, who is currently in the United States, where she was honoured with two different awards, has concluded the recording of a season episodes of the TV programme that is

Speaking about the song, Mr. Raw as the singer wishes to be referred to says: “Timboli Mbloli is a playground song. I coined the name from the choruses sang while participating in the dance. Actually, it is a one legged dance. You hold each other while only one foot is on the ground.

That is what I repackaged and turned into a dance song, since the song is originally a dance song.”

In the same vein, comedian, Klint De Drunk, who used to be Mr. Raw’s music partner, has also rebranded and wants to be referred to as Mr. Klint as he has also released a single entitled, Happy People.

expected to go on cable television soon.

Speaking to us exclusively from the United States, Doris said: “I’m more than happy and grateful that several things are going on in my life at the moment. Yes, I was contacted to be the host of a TV progamme called, Faaji Xtra and we have worked on it. Secondly, my works were honoured and recognized by the people of my Okpella community in America.

I was given the Okpella Development Association Award for a Rising Star as well as honoured by the Afemiah Development Association, Texas. It’s a great feeling when you are noticed for doing what you know how to do best diligently.”

•Doris

The inspirational singer and Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), who underwent an eye surgery last month in Ibadan, has not shown that he doesn’t approve of the band’s competence.

Aiyefele, who is used to having rehearsals with his bandboys, might have found another alternative band members if the allegation is confirmed true.

•Aiyefele

Danny Young sings for Mimiko S

inger, Olumuyiwa Ajibola better known as Danny Young, has thrown his musical weight behind the incumbent governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko.

The Ondo State-born producer cum singer declared his support for the governor’s second term bid with his Danny Young’s Project Campaign (DYPC), which has recorded songs and audio-visual jingles in support of the governor’s second term.

Sources reveal that the Ondo State Government allegedly sponsors the Danny Young-led DYPC. Though, the singer denied the insinuation, saying, DYPC is a non-governmental movement comprising of young Nigerians, who are Ondo state indigenes and who have same ideology and philosophy.

In his words: “DYPC is a non-profit movement comprising young Nigerians who have the same ideology and philosophy. Our aims and objectives are to take necessary steps towards ensuring that government remains in the hands of selfless and visionary leaders. It was established few months back out of the passion we collectively have for Nigeria, most especially Ondo State and the good works of the present governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.”

Danny Young just returned to the country after a few weeks in the United Kingdom where he had gone to perform at some events during the just concluded London Olympics.

28

AUGUST 19, 2012

ENTERTAINER George Benson to headline Smooth FM Luxury Concert

A

fter surviving breast cancer, ex actress, Juliet Aguwa, is coming back home from her base in America to continue her campaign against the much-dreaded disease, which kills thousands of women annually.

The mother of two who survived stage 3 cancer in 2008 disclosed that she is bringing her awareness campaign back home because of the need to reach out to underprivileged African women undergoing the trauma.

Through her Courage to Dare Foundation, Juliet who appeared in several TV series and talkshows on NTA, Lagos, including Twist Away and Memorial Hospital before migrating to the US for advanced studies is looking forward to launching her educational breast cancer awareness programme this month. This is coming on the heels of an invitation from Imo State’s First Lady, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha.

Juliet says: “Through Courage to Dare Foundation, I am determined to ensure that individuals of African descent have access to information about breast cancer and also have access to preventive mammogram screenings.

“Breast cancer gave me a new life. Before I had it I worked hard on being a mother and wife, and I think one of the things I neglected most was me! So after cancer, I decided that you only have one time to live your life.

I want to go back to the film industry. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health in Wisconsin where I live now.

“I am also going to keep talking about breast cancer because people have to know that being diagnosed with the disease doesn’t mean that they are going to die. That early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer,” she said.

A

My breast cancer hell –Juliet Aguwa

Isabella Ayuk’s large heart

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ost Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Isabella Ayuk has kick-started her pet project across Nigeria.

According to Isabella, the move is in line with the millennium development goals “The MBGN 2012 project is in line with the millennium development goals and Queen Isabella is using the platform to campaign

•Ayuk

against typhoid fever because I lost my sister to typhoid, and also to empower widows because my mum is a widow, by creating small scale businesses for them. I believe that one of the problems facing Nigeria today is extreme poverty and hunger and when you empower a woman, you have empowered the whole nation,” she says.

Some of the places and projects the MBGN queen has done and visited included primary schools, widows, donating hospital equipment as well as granting scholarships to some students. She also visited a refugee camp, distributed free typhoid vaccines, renovated some primary schools as well as some houses belonging to widows.

Among the recipients of the queen’s good heart was a food vendor simply known as Mama Food Vendor, who is a widow with three children and who was also catering for her 79 years old mother in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Nassarawa State.

The next port of call for the queen will be representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe taking place in the United States in December.

Tony Elumelu to deliver keynote address at Future Awards

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he Central Working Committee (CWC) for The Future Awards has announced that renowned banker, Tony Elumelu will deliver the keynote address when the 7th edition of The Future Awards kicks-off in the Garden City, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on August 25 and 26. ?Elumelu, acknowledged globally as

s Smooth 98.1FM wraps up plans for its 3rd Love Music, Love Life Luxury Concert, which holds on Saturday, October 13, 2012, it has been announced that Jazz legend, George Benson, will headline the annual event.

The 10-time G r a m m y award-winning legend hit the limelight playing soul jazz with •Benson the likes of Jack McDuff before launching a successful solo career, alternating between jazz, pop, R&B singing, and scat singing. By the mid to late 1970s, Benson began to put his vocals on tracks such as This Masquerade and On Broadway, which won him Grammy awards with his triple-platinum album, Breezin, topping the Billboard 200 chart in 1976.

Benson’s breakthrough pop album, Give Me The Night made it into the pop and R&B Top Ten with the song, Give Me the Night. He also recorded the original version of Greatest Love of All for the 1977 Muhammad Ali biopic, The Greatest, which was later recorded by Whitney Houston. His newest album, Guitar Man, is a 12-song collection that includes a mix of jazz and pop standards.

Smooth 98.1FM came on to the airwaves in 2009 and launched its annual Love Music, Love Life Luxury Concert series in 2010.

one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, is the former chief executive officer of United Bank for Africa and current chairman, Heirs Holdings and also founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation.

The season 7 of The Future Awards was launched on May 29 and winners in all 21 categories will be unveiled at the event.

More Than Song unveils judges

A

s the countdown to the maiden edition of Nigeria’s premier gospel music reality TV show, More Than Song begins, the platform has unveiled the judges that would be central to determining who goes home with the star prize.

They are K-Sticks, Wole Oni, Soji Israel and gospel singer, Hope Davies.

Commenting on the choices, Joshua Ajakaiye, CEO, Cedartone Concept Enterprise disclosed that they were informed by the credibility of the personalities chosen. He says: “We chose these people because of their credibility in the industry. They have all carved a niche for themselves through sheer dint of hard

work and a tenacity of purpose and we believe that they command a great deal of respect from Nigerians.”

The show kicks off in September and the winner goes home with a Toyota Corolla 2012 model, N1.5m, and a threeyear recording contract. The first runner up gets N1.5m and a three-year recording contract while second runner up gets N1m, a three-year record deal among other consolation prizes.

ENTERTAINER E D I TO R I A L T E A M

Entertainment Editor: Tosin Ajirire Deputy Entertainment Editor: Sam Olatunji Correspondents: Sam Anokam and Braide Damiete Contributor: Tony Ogaga Ehrariefe Layout & Design: Paul Nnayereugo THE SUN ENTERTAINER is a weekly publication of THE SUN Publishing Ltd. 2 Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Layout, Apapa. PMB 21776, Ikeja, Lagos. 01-8980932, 6211239 Email: entertainer@sunnewsonline.com Website: www.sunnewsonline.com

Our leaders are undemocratic PROF. OLADIPO ADAMOLEKUN Ex-World Bank Consultant Page 32

YOUR SUNDAY MAGAZINE

AUGUST 19, 2012

Editor: SHOLA OSHUNKEYE

MONSIGNOR GABRIEL OSU Director,Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos

Me, Okogie and women

–Pg 30

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

30

ICON MONSIGNOR GABRIEL OSU

By SHOLA OSHUNKEYE and OLUWASANMI FALOBI

‘’

‘He (Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie) always says, ‘don’t forget your prayers.

With prayers, you have everything’. He is always saying, ‘Monsignor, Father, don’t forget your prayers. With prayers you can conquer all.’

PHOTOS BY SHOLA OSHUNKEYE

Like every man,every priest faces temptation I n those heady days of the military,when the khaki men trampled upon Nigeria like a rampaging army,and turned the country upside down like the bat of the night,he walked every step of the way with his spiritual father and mentor,the recently retired Catholic Archbishop of Lagos,Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie.In fact,for the 39 years that the retired archbishop spent in Lagos,as Bishop,Archbishop,and Cardinal,Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Director, Social Communications,Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos,followed the spiritual icon like a shadow.Wherever Okogie was,there you would find him also.

But after almost 40 years at the helm,and having clocked the mandatory retirement age of 70,Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie bowed out amid pomp recently as Archbishop Martins Adewale Alfred stepped into his giant shoes.

Having been part of the life of the Lagos Archdiocese for so long,the departure was not all that easy for the parishioners.

It was a hugely emotional event.And Osu,who turns 58 on September 5,sucked in every bit of the occasion.

For two hours on Wednesday,Osu,who embraced priesthood at the age of eight and was ordained in 1981 at the age of 27,went down memory lane to recall his years with the retired legend,pin-pointing the specific ways Okogie impacted on his life and ministry as a priest.Apart from always being in attitude of prayers at all times,he said he learnt courage and the need to be resolute about one’s convictions at all times.To him,Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie is a profile in courage and a prayer warrior of uncommon stature.

Osu speaks at length on his priesthood,the sacrifices that priests must make to make their service acceptable to Christ.

But he admits that like every mortal,Catholic priests are not immune to temptations,even temptations from women.

“Every priest faces temptation just as every man faces temptation,”he told the ICON team.“Anybody living in society faces temptation.Even a layman faces temptation.They say success has many cousins but failure is an orphan.Any man at all faces temptation.I am sure as you are looking gorgeous and handsome,I am sure women would be running after you.That is the truth.But you just have to use your common sense and exert your will power to say ‘no’;and pray to God on what you will not do.”

Although he could not say specifically how often he is faced with temptations,Osu states categorically that no matter the magnitude of the temptation,he always conquers with intensive prayers and rock-solid determination never to fall.

“As priests,we are not angels,”Monsignor Osu admits.“We are not super humans.Even Christ was tempted in the desert.After fasting for 40 days and 40 nights,Satan led him to the pinnacle,and,knowing that Christ was hungry,he asked Him to change stone into bread.He told Jesus;if you believe you are the Son of God,jump.If you believe you are this and that,do this.Christ himself was tempted thrice,but because of prayers,because of total submission to the will of God,He conquered.”

Still,that’s not all.The Director,Social Communications,Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos,also speaks on the state of the nation,especially on the unending Armageddon unleashed on Nigeria by Boko Haram,submitting that the situation is not completely beyond redemption.

Here are excerpts from the encounter:

Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie recently retired as the archbishop of Lagos, and a new person has been ordained. What is the feeling in the cathedral about the change of baton?

It is of mixed feelings, in the sense that people are happy to see a new bishop, by the name of Archbishop Martins Adewale Alfred, after 39 years of Archbishop Okogie.

Archbishop Martins Adewale Alfred is not totally new to Lagos. He was here at Holy Cross Cathedral around 1983/84 before he was transferred to Abeokuta as the new bishop, fourteen years ago. So people are happy that he is coming back as a new Bishop to be part of the present history. The other part of the mixed feeling is that of “sadness” because the people have been used to Archbishop Okogie for almost 40 years. He (Okogie) grew here, lived here, began priesthood, became bishop, became Archbishop and then cardinal. So, it is not easy parting with somebody that you grew up to know. But, again, we know he has to go after attaining the retirement age. It is not that he is dead or that he can’t still work but he has to abdicate in active service, retire and work in the Lord’s vineyard on a very simple and lighter way. That is why it is of mixed feelings.

Again, for the elderly who are so

Osu used to Cardinal Okogie, and grew with him, it is not easy seeing him retire. Meanwhile, the younger ones are looking forward to the new man because he is a younger man. But in all, we give thanks for our former archbishop and cardinal who has done his best and pray the good Lord make him enjoy his retirement. I am also happy that I am part of the history because I remember that as a young boy, I was with Cardinal Okogie when he was being ordained as a bishop in Oyo. I remember vividly all the problems we went through at that time. I am also happy that I am

also part of history to see him retire and see Bishop Martins come on board, and, if God spares our lives, to be round when he also retires. We shall tell the history to our children.

So, we thank God for their lives.

What would you pinpoint as the highest height of Cardinal Okogie’s tenure as the Archbishop of Lagos?

I don’t want to run the risk of canonizing him while he is still life, but I know that as far as human judgment can go, he has done his best. He is a man of principle, a man of prayers.

First and foremost, he is a man of prayers. He prays in and out of season. He prays and prays and he still praying today. He is man of deep faith that never misses his prayers.

For somebody like you, who has been with Archbishop Okogie for so long, what would be the greatest lesson he taught you that has imparted greatest on your ministry as a priest?

I was ordained by him, and have worked with him for about 30 years now. He is a prayerful man. He is a man of courage. Anything he believes in, he will follow to the letter.

And so one thing I have learnt from him, apart from prayers, is to be focused.

During the military era,

Cardinal Okogie was one of the most vociferous voices that stood up against the military. Did you learn enough lessons about courage as to be able to march out with the masses and defy oppressive regimes the way he did?

Well, I am what God created me to be. He is what God made him to be.

We are different people. Beside, I don’t think I am being faced with the military machine of his days, though we were at his back always, at that time, following him anywhere he went. He went to court so many times on a number of issues, we were there with him. He was not a fearful man, even when the lawyers wanted out, he pressed on. He was just forthright.

What was the greatest advice he ever gave you?

Prayers. Nothing but prayers. He always says, ‘don’t forget your prayers. Pray in and out of season.

With prayers, you have everything’.

Don’t forget your prayers. With prayers you can conquer all.’

What were the last official moments with him like, before his retirement?

It was with mixed feelings. It was like a father leaving his son. He has reached his peak and the ball is in our court. He never stopped saying ‘don’t neglect your prayers. With payers, the sky is the limit.’

What were the things you told him?

We talked like father and son. What advice would I give him? He works too hard and one thing I say to him is, take it easy, now, sir. He works and works. He doesn’t have siesta and now, we are trying to tell him to learn to take it easy. Relax. Listen to music.

What kind of music does he listen to?

He listens to cool music. Anyone, from juju to jazz. Just cool music.

Does he dance?

I have not seen him dancing. He listens to music and shakes his head, but before one starts dancing, there must be an occasion for it. Not that he won’t dance, but not just dancing for the sake of it. I have not seen him dancing, and I know it is because he is very busy.

How easy it is to manage human beings in the church?

Human management, anywhere and at any level is not an easy task.

Even in your office, it is difficult. The church is the worst.

It is the worst?

Yes, in terms of managing the different types of people that come to church, it’s not easy at all. To manage human beings in the church is so not easy because anybody coming to you, as a priest or a bishop, is not thinking about anything other than

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN we should give answer to his problems, And answers they must get.

As if you are a magician...

Oh yes. Yes, they want magic, but it is not strange because if you look at the life of Jesus Christ, too, when he was talking about multiplication of things, he told them you better work for things that would endure for life and not what food that will be for today. When He fed the 5,000, what happened? The people came more to him, to get more food as if it was magic. He saw it and he was very plain to tell them: ‘better work for what will endure for life. I am the bread of heaven, if you eat my body and drink my blood, you will live forever.’ Some left immediately. So, people come to the priest, expecting that he could be a magician because they want this and they want that. Not many people come to hear words of salvation or advice. It is, give me, give me. What people want to hear is ‘come and get miracles’. Miracles, miracles, miracles.

All they want to see is wonders. And more wonders.

Don’t you think that these could be as a result of the prevailing poverty in the country?

Poverty is a disease, but why our type of poverty is bad is because it is self-inflicted. We have no reason to be poor the way we are poor as a nation. The poverty in this country is as a result of negligence, wickedness and bad leadership. That is why we are poor. Our oil is still running, we are Number 6 in the world, and our land is fertile. So, why are we so poor? It is bad leadership and what pains me so much is that our leaders travel a lot and see how things are in other places. Let’s not go far, let’s look at Accra and Cotonou here and see their houses, their major streets, their planning, and the orderliness.

You see the kind of fencing they have there, low fences. See how they are living there, good atmosphere, and good life. Our own poverty is self-inflicted poverty. From the local government level to the federal, they only promise and tell us stories. Despite their ineptitude, they are even saying they want five or seven year’s tenure. Yet, it is when they get into office that they start thinking of what they want to do. That is when they form all manner of think-tanks, asking people to debate and tell them the way forward. And they begin to recycle old and expired people, who are part of the problem.

And I begin to wonder, dey wonder, like Fela used to sing. I begin to looku, dey looku, like Fela used to sing.

About two weeks ago or so, Boko Haram asked the president to resign. Before then, some people have said something similar because of the prevailing insecurity in the land. What is your take on this?

Resign for what reason? On what basis? They should tell him the basis they want him to resign, and he will look at it and decide. You just don’t say bishop resign or governor resign without a basis. Cite one, two, three, four reasons and if he sees they are cogent enough, he would decide on the next line of action. You have to prove the reason and not just say resign for the sake of resigning.

How competent do you think the president is in handling Nigeria’s problems?

I don’t want to limit it alone to him. It also about all of us; it’s all about we, the people. It is all about the people around him.

How do you mean?

I mean the people around him who have been chosen to advise and work with him. The president is just there to give order but if the people to enforce his orders are the mago-mago kind of people, we just keep going round in circles.

We’ll be making motion without movement.

Are you saying he surrounds himself with unscrupulous people?

Mago-mago people have found their ways around him; that is why he is not moving fast.

As the man who has the big stick and the carrot, can’t he exert his authority and get them flushed out?

That is what he is still trying to do and I hope he will be able to do it.

What do you think would be the best solution to this Boko Haram problem?

It is jaw-jaw, not war-war. They still have to dialogue. They still have to sit down. They still have to identify them and sit down with them.

The government says they don’t know those behind it.

Of course, they know. It just that they don’t want to publicly acknowledge it. The Boko Haram people are not spirits or some nebulous people somewhere. Government knows them and there’s a way to go round this with people in conflict resolution. If there is mutual respect and understanding for each other, the issues will be resolved. But the people are suspicious of the government and those in government are also

31

Lessons Okogie taught me

Osu suspicious.

What does it take to be a reverend father?

As a Reverend Father, what are the day- today challenges that you face?

What is takes to be a reverend father is sacrifice. You have to forgo a lot of things to be a priest. You have to learn to pray, which is the focal point.

How old were you before you were ordained?

About 27 years.

Before you were ordained, didn’t you have a girlfriend?

Girlfriend? What do you mean by girlfriend?

Is it the girlfriend in the Nigerian sense of the ‘monkey love banana’ kind of girlfriend?

Girlfriend in all ramifications, intimate relationship between a boy and a girl, as it’s rampant these days?

No, in the sense that we were caged in the seminary. We never had time to get out. For instance, I went to minor seminary, which was like secondary school, and then major seminary, which was like the university. And all these were within four walls. It is ordination that throws you out.

So, are you saying you never had any intimacy with a woman in all of your life?

No way! But I don’t want to start sounding like an ostrich. I have male and female friends that I grew up with but we were more conscious as seminarians, even for people to see you out.

We belonged to the ‘old fashion’ days. Not only did we have the fear of God, we also knew what we wanted…

Sir, I am asking whether you have ever had intimacy with a girl?

That is why I am also asking you what you mean by girlfriend. Is it this ‘monkey love banana’ thing that people do?

Sir, I don’t know what is ‘monkey love banana’…

Is it not what all these young people are doing?

Those are not the real things. In those days, things were hard and one didn’t have time for such. You studied hard; you read widely, and you were focused.

Though you are doing the work of God, but you are doing it in flesh…

And also in the society…

So, what do you do during those times when the flesh exerts itself and makes demands on you? You know what I mean?

That is when prayer comes in. As priests, we are not angels. We are not super humans. Even Christ was tempted in the desert. After fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, Satan led him to the pinnacle, and, knowing that Christ was hungry, he asked Him to change stone into bread. He told Jesus, if you believe you are the Son of God, jump. If you believe you are this and that, do this.

Christ himself was tempted thrice, but because of prayers, because of total submission to the will of God, he conquered. Every priest faces temptation just as every man faces temptation.

How often do you face temptation, especially the temptation of women?

How often? Can one quantify that? Anybody living in society faces temptation. Even a layman faces temptation. They say success has many cousins but failure is an orphan. Any man at all faces temptation. I am sure as you are looking gorgeous and handsome, I am sure women would be running after you. That is the truth. But

‘Human management, anywhere and at any level is not an easy task.

Even in your office, it is difficult. The church is the worst’

you just have to use your common sense and exert your will power to say ‘no’; and pray to God on what you will not do. So, these things will always come, but with prayers and determination, you will be able to forge ahead. You are not going to forge ahead because you are spirit living amongst men or angels pretending to be men but as a man. So, when you pray, ceaselessly, you are with God, and being with God is the majority and everything will be fine.

Apart from the temptation of women who want to fling themselves at you, what...

(Cuts in…) Don’t say women want to fling themselves at me, what about you? Do women not also fling themselves at you? (General laughter) Apart from women, do you have the temptation that comes with money?

The Roman Catholic priesthood is very well structured and you are not on your own in anyway. Church administration in the Catholic Church is such that you just can’t wake up to want to spend this or that. You are accountable to your local ordinance and your local ordinance is the bishop who put you there. We have a governing council and we have ways of doing things.

I hear that whoever is called to priesthood cannot lay claim to any property. Is that correct?

Yes. That is the spirit of detachment?

You mean you cannot have your own house or buy a car for yourself?

Cardinal Okogie is a typical example. Now, he is retired and he is not carrying anything to the house were he will lay his head. All these things are sorted out. We are not to carry properties around because of the spirit of detachment. If, today, I am transferred from this parish, I’ll go and don’t have to carry anything. That is the doctrine of poverty and self- denial that we have.

You don’t acquire things for self. That is not in the priesthood of Christ. As a priest in Roman Catholic, you are detached and you don’t acquire wealth or gather money or such physical things.

No, no, no! Any priest who is involved in that, at the end of the day, he is nothing. We know this already. So, you are not a priest to start acquiring things. Opportunities may come, but you have to turn everything to the mission.

So, as you are now, you don’t have a personal house, or personal building?

No. Where? This is my house as long as I am here. If they say tomorrow, go to Ejigbo, that too becomes my house.

You mean you are not allowed to own property?

Yes, and I knew that before I joined the priesthood. Before I was ordained, these are things that were clearly stated and I signed for.

So, if you don’t have anything on your own, how do you cope when relatives come to make demands on you? How do you deal with people who believe they have a big man in Lagos and they think they cannot have you at this height and you cannot do something to help them?

That is why you have to start educating your family along that line, that this is me o. I am a priest and not a manager in any place, anywhere.

I have faced that and I believe most priests face that. I receive demands not only from family members but also demands from ordinary people. My file is filled up with demands because when they see you on television and read about you in newspapers, they say ‘he is a big man’.

But what can I do other than go the extra mile to educate them that priesthood is a life of prayer, sacrifice and worship. Priesthood is not about acquiring material things.

Was there any time that you felt like calling it quits?

I thank God I have never felt that way and I pray and hope never to feel that way at all.

You mean that despite the challenges and limitations, you have never faced a situation when you say you want to opt out?

I don’t think so and I pray God that it does not happen at all. I am happy. I have been a priest.

Since I started as a young boy of about eight to 10years, till this day, I have not known any other vocation and I have been happy. I am happy and remain happy to be a priest.

Finally, if you have your life to live all again, would you still want to be a priest?

Yes. Despite all the challenges and sacrifices?

Tell me where there are no challenges and sacrifices! I am glad to be a priest and would like to still be a priest because I feel happy and I am convinced I am called and doing my work.

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AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

Interview PROFESSOR OLADIPO ADAMOLEKUN (National Merit Award winner,and ex-World Bank consultant)

It is sad that Mark is chairing the Senate.…His culture is fundamentally military,anti-democratic ‘…One thing about educational development, and a sophisticated,

Adamolekun

By CHARLES ADEGBITE,Ado-Ekiti (Continued from last week) ast week, Professor Oladipo Adamolekun, professor of Public Administration, National Merit Award winner, and ex-World bank consultant, who turned 70 on Thursday, July 19, 2012, opened a window into his life, recalling how the virtues he imbibed as a boy shaped his destiny and made him a metropolitan citizen.

He continues the story, this week, doing a critical appraisal on the state of the nation, proffering solutions to the myriad of malaise afflicting the country.

Please, read on: Education, our politicians and their military mentality I think we talked of Ibadan (UI) as being a world-class university at the time I was there; going from one university to another like Oxford. Now, that is no longer the situation. I think it is very sad that the decline has gone this far. My own position is that all the blames can be put at the door of the government. Part of the blame resides within the system itself. But I will give you an illustration. Government does not have adequate resources to fund university education at the required level to achieve the kind of quality that existed during our time. However, the same government follows this fiction that there will be no fees. My position is that no child who qualifies for university education should be denied the opportunity because he or she cannot afford the fees. There must be some ways of scholarship or loans; after all I grew up through this in a rural area. But having said that, it is rare in the world today to see university of quality education where you don’t pay fees. Governor (Babatunde) Fashola has just decided that he wants to make LASU (Lagos State University)

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Picture by CHARLES ADEGBITE

educated community is that such community can never produce any large number of fanatics’

a real university and he introduced fees.

Now, as long as there are arrangements that no child losses university education because of inability to pay fees then it is doable. Then, you contrast this with the Federal Government who is not having enough money. Then, they wake up one day and say nine new universities. My dear friend, the military mentality has polluted our politics.

The same thing happened in the changing of UNILAG (University of Lagos) name. So, the military culture like: (Senator David) Mark, (Chief Olusegun) Obasanjo is understandable because that is what they know. Although it is sad that Mark is chairing the Senate because his culture is fundamentally military; that is antidemocratic. His culture is anti-democracy. But what you find is that all your politicians who are under 50years grew up under a military culture.

The military ruled this country for 30years; extended for eight years because Obasanjo is fundamentally a military cultured man. The result is that people are used to the military.

Sadly, that is what is happening to (President Goodluck) Jonathan. He too is exhibiting the same military culture. Look at the mistake he made about naming a university after (the Basorun M.K.O.) Abiola. Surely the man (Abiola) deserves recognition, he deserves to have monument raised in his name because he made this democracy possible through the June 12 Presidential election struggle. But you don’t do that in a military fashion.

If you look at the behavior of the entire majority, 80% of our politicians today are having military mentality. So that is a huge challenge for our democracy.

Tackling Nigeria’s Economic Problem To tackle the issue of unemployment, to achieve rapid economic development, for me, devolution of power is a necessity, not a choice.

Devolution in the sense of reducing the

resources at the federal level to about one third of the total resources and limiting their functions to fine policies, micro economic policy, currency, external defense. When you talk about internal law and order, and you hear about community policing, but you cannot do community policing with a federalized police whereby they post a set of policemen to a place and they cannot speak the language of the people at their duty post.

Community policing means you relate with the people. And language is critical.

So, all those governors that are saying they don’t want community policing, I don’t know what they mean. I don’t know what they mean by saying there is no alternative to federal police.

When I lived in America, in my small town of about ten thousand people, we had our own town police. In Namibia, there is state police.

I’m convinced that in maintenance of law and order, you can challenge governors to be more responsible for maintenance of law and order.

They are called the Chief Security Officers but they cannot control police movement or command their activities. The issue of Boko Haram is simply due to weak intelligence and the weakness of the structure of our security system.

When I talk about devolution, I think the 36state structure is artificial. The 36 states are not constituent entities that make up a federation.

There is no foundation. We may not go that far but the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo talked about linguistic determinism. I’m not saying that that may be necessary but there must be some foundation for founding a state. I’m sure you aware there are about 80 to 100 new demands made by the most prominent traditional rulers and elites in the country. And we are having all kinds of demands everywhere. The South-South had their own summit; South-East had their own. The demands, to me, are fiction.

There is also the fiction of the northern governors forum. If it is a meaningful forum, the members ought to be at the forefront of tackling Boko Haram, tackling poor education level in

‘Each geo-political zone will make progress the moment you reduce the resources going to the centre and their functions. That was what happened in the 1950s and early 1960s’

the north, which is connected to the Boko Haram problem. They should address the issue of the huge poverty level in the north and stop playing the ostrich.

Tackling Boko Haram insurgency For instance, the poverty profile of Nigeria that was produced by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics in March, this year, the South West was relatively enjoying most prosperity. Or, at least, was the least poor. There is a connection between that and the Free Primary Education that was introduced in 1955 by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. And one thing about educational development, and a sophisticated, educated community is that such community can never produce any large number of fanatics. There may be few but certainly not large. For instance, there are over 100 evangelical churches in my own town (Iju, Ekiti State) here, but they don’t disturb anybody. So, they should be challenged.

Each geo-political zone will make progress the moment you reduce the resources going to the centre and their functions. That was what happened in the 1950s and early 1960s.

They say those who fail to learn from history repeat it or remain in their errors or so. I cannot see how anybody can argue that the meaningful devolution that started in 1954, until the military came, did not promote development, reduce poverty, and enhance education. Each region started its own university before the military took over and created states. It is not a magical wand that will solve the problems at the centre. Even with the one third of resources, we still need to help some zones more than others. There will be corporation. The geopolitical space called Nigeria is an important space for economic interaction and all that. But the maintenance of entrenched military culture is undermining the progress of this country. That is my considered few. Imagine the president going to build almanjiri schools in the north. Why can’t the states tackle that?

Promoting Regionalism for rapid development This rubbish started under the military when they started this nomadic education. What they did was just to be sharing money. Did anything meaningful result from that? If it was successful why do you have to start this al-manjiri one? The point I’m making is this, and I want to emphasize that Nigeria can never be developed from Abuja. The over centralization of power and resources in Abuja is adding a lot of our problems. People are competing to go to Abuja, to become Minister, Senator and even president; thereby making it a do-or-die affair.

Local Government Creation Another non-sense is the inclusion of a number of local governments in the Nigerian Constitution. There is no other country in the world where you have that. It is meaningless. A governor said, ‘for me to govern my people effectively, I need more local governments.’And he said the National Assembly has not approved or amended the constitution. That constitution which they are amending cannot be done in a way that will enhance development. It has to be thrown aside. Some things can be taken from it, but we need a people-oriented constitution. Each (geopolitical) zone will determine how many states and local governments it wants. What the South-West wants may not be what North-East or South-South wants. The challenges in each zone differ from others.

When states were being created for the first time in 1967, it was clearly stated that there shall be equal number of states in the North and in the South. Six each. Now what do you have? You have 19 states in the North and 17 in the South.

Let each region have whatever number of states and local governments it can effectively manage.

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AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

City Life

Lunatics take over Kaduna roundabouts

By NAFISAT BELLO aduna is the capital city of Kaduna State. But it is also the political headquarters of the north, being the erstwhile regional headquarters of Northern Nigeria.

The city, located on the Kaduna River, is a trade centre and a major transportation centre for the surrounding agricultural areas with its rail and road junctions. Named after crocodile as a result of the presence of crocodiles in their abundance in and around the River Kaduna (Kada means crocodile in the native Hausa language), Kaduna has a reputation as the city with the most round abouts in the country. If there were ever a diadem to be given to the roundabouts, Kaduna would unarguably emerge as undisputed champion. Once upon a time, these round about used to be tourists delight because of their high number and beauty. But all that is now history. Reason? The roundabouts have become an eyesore and abode of lunatics. To meaning residents of the metropolis, many of the roundabouts have become a great source of pain and embarrassment.

Although, roundabouts, are supposed to be beautified to add colour and grace to the environment, those in Kaduna have since been reduced to homes for lunatics and beggars.

Arecent trip round the major roundabouts showed that almost all of them within the metropolis are either occupied by lunatics who retire there to sleep after a long day trek, while the few others that are not occupied by mad people remain dirty and unkempt.

The Naira roundabout for instance, located in Kaduna South, just like every of the about 14 roundabouts within the Kaduna metropolis is now being owned by a lunatic, who has tastefully ‘furnished’it with different garbage.

Recently too, a mad woman has ‘rented’ a section of the apartment from him, if only to prove that what a man can do, a woman can also do. Her presence has raised the ante of the lunatic aesthetics of the area.

Awalk back to the popular Stadium Roundabout shows that it is not left out of mismanagement as it is also being defaced. This time, it is not by lunatics, but with posters of different advertisements and hues, even as there is a bold destructive writing on the symbolic football on the roundabout.

Motorists and pedestrians who spoke on the implications of the unkempt nature of the roundabouts and their occupation by lunatics believe that the roundabouts were too large, occupying a larger part of the road, which contributes to traffic congestions, instead of reducing it.

Others lamented that the roundabouts have turn to advertising spots for both political actors and advertising agencies.

They also raised concern over what they described as, “lack of maintenance of the place by government,” believing that such neglect gave opportunities for lunatics to occupy and display their talents at the roundabouts.

“Actually the roundabouts are ok, and they are commendable for now. In my own opinion they have helped to reduce traffic jams on our major road.

But government is not doing enough to keep the places clean and healthy,”

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Abdullah Danjuma Bello, a motorist said. He added: “Recently, I passed through the Naira roundabout on Kachia Road (in Kaduna South) and discovered that it has been taken over by a lunatic.

And then getting to the roundabout on Bank PHB area, there is another dressing by lunatic. I think it is as a result of neglect on the part of government and sometimes the neglect is from the relatives of these lunatics. My message to the government, therefore, is that there should be a total evacuation of lunatics from the roads, not just from the roundabouts, because they pose a big danger to motorists and can cause accident.

They should be taken to psychiatric homes and provided with accommodation and care because they are human beings like us. In addition, government has not been maintaining the roundabouts.

“In fact, efforts of the government are not commendable in the maintenance of the roundabouts; they only maintain them on special occasions. Then, you see them decorating it, painting purposely for that event, but immediately after the event, it becomes neglected, dirty and unkempt again. We used to have beautiful roundabouts in Kaduna with water fountains, but they are no longer working. In fact, it has turned to a playground for kids. And Stadium Roundabout that used to be very beautiful, with a football field on it, is no longer what it used to be,” he said.

Another motorist, Sunday Peters believed the numerous roundabouts had contributed more to the traffic hold-up in the state. “Instead of those roundabouts, overhead bridges should have been constructed if the main aim of a roundabout is to create conveniences when cars are passing. Unlike before, we have more cars, and the places are being over crowded every day and so it has contributed to the traffic problems. Government should build overhead bridges, instead of creating additional roundabouts. If you look at countries like South Africa, Benin Republic and Egypt, there are fewer roundabouts. The government should expand the existing roads and also create new ones, because people keep

increasing and that is the problem we are having in Nigeria; we don’t have profile; even our government doesn’t have profile. For example, if you go to the United State they have a Millennium city, which has been constructed, planned, built and well arranged, and no one is living there. It will take about four to five years before you see people leaving around those areas. They are able to do this because they have mapped out plans, that in the

next 50 years this will be the population of this Area, that is proper planning. But in Africa and other developing countries, there is nothing like that.

Nigeria should, therefore, try to plan their roads and the government should have a focus, think ahead of what will be the population of this community in the next 50 years, and then plan in order to accommodate every vehicle,” he stated.

Meanwhile, when contacted on the

implications of allowing lunatics in roundabouts, Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state sector command declined comment. However, one thing that appears imperative for now is, taking the lunatics away from the streets and roundabouts. This is so because, apart from posing a great danger to both motorists and pedestrians, they also constitute nuisance to the beautiful Kaduna city.

RICHARD A. NJOKU (1932-2012)

Exit of a philanthropist As a philanthropist, Richard. Alozie Njoku, an engineer introduced a scholarship scheme and made countless donations to encourage education in the community. He served as a mentor to many others both within and outside his immediate family.

Engr. Richard was a great community leader and indeed a pillar among his people. He showed this clearly when he shunned offers from the government for allocated houses in Owerri township but rather chose to live in the village among his people. He commuted from Obiangwu to Owerri Township where he worked and lived in the village till his death.

He was responsible for the building and approval of Obiangwu Commercial School and indeed drafted the constituition of the town “Obiangwu” Engr. Richard Njoku saw to the construction and tarring of the road from Enyiogugu Market junction to Eziala Obiangwu Njoku making a ring road in Eke Obiangwu Market through Umuwaoma Village to join the Airport Road. He facilitated the locating of the Sam Mbakwe Airport on Onyeaghalanwanneya soil.

He was born on June 4, 1932 in the village of Eziala Obiangwu, in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State to the family of Pa Jacob, a Catholic teacher and Mama Catherine Nwaibari Okele.

In 1947, then young Richard gained admission into St Patricks College in Iko- Ansa, Calabar, Cross River State from where he moved on to Bishop Shanahan College, Orlu, Imo State. He concluded his studies in Nigeria at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State. He left Nigeria as

a scholar of the Nigerian government and went ahead to obtain his Masters degree in Civil/ Structural Engineering in the United Kingdom in 1960 where he also became an active member of the Royal College of Structural Engineers.

He married former Miss Cecilia Chieke from Ogbeke, Obibiezina, in Imo State on March 3, 1962 in the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu. The union produced his first and only son, Charles Njoku, also an Engineer and five beautiful ladies all with their families and excelling in their various professions.

In 1960 he returned to Nigeria, he became the first Engineer to emerge from his community and went ahead to have a very colorful career. He started his working career with the Ministry of Works and Housing, Enugu and rose to position of Area Engineer then moved to Imo State Ministry of Works and Housing where he retired as Director in the Ministry and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in 1987.

Engr. Richard was responsible for so many civil projects in the course of his illustrious career including: the creation and erection of the Independence Slogan in Enugu in 1960; supervision of the reconstruction of the Niger bridge in Onitsha; building of the famous Bisala road named after the then Military Governor of Anambra State; supervision of reconstruction work in post war Enugu especially as regards the road network; played a very prominent role in building airports in Ugah and Ihiala airports during the Biafran War; actively involved in the set up, lay out and construction of the Owerri Capital Development Authority and so many others. On retirement from government service, he was appointed Technical Director in Hardel and Enic Nigeria Ltd.

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AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

The Big Question

Poor performance in WASSCE: How do we stem the slide?

By ADAEZE ATUEYI-OJUKWU, GRACE OKUNROBOR, SIMILOLUWA SIMEON and OGBONS PROGRESS

JOHN ABRAHAM EDUCATION AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

ut of a total of 1,672,224 candidates who sat for the last West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) only 649,156 passed. In other words, only 38 per cent of the candidates managed to obtain credit in five subjects and above including English and Mathematics. But if you think that is poor, then listen to this: it is the best result in three years, according Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, the head of the national council office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Indeed, dismal performance recorded by students in the exams in the last seven years has continued to be a source of concern to stakeholders in the country.

How do we stem this slide? As it is in our traditions, we took the question to experts and concerned citizens. These are their diagnosis of the malaise and their prescription.

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JOSEPH ABUGU ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, FACULTY OF LAW UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS I think the problem is inadequate resources being deployed to the educational sector by the government.

Repeatedly, notable academicians and professional bodies have been pointing out the need for more requisition of national resources to be deployed to education as the sector (education) is not receiving the right requisition in the area of funding.

Some may say that for some time

Do we build small oasis of hard work and integrity amidst a nation neck deep in corruption and moral burden? Do we ever adhere to the probity and accountability at the macro level as a nation before decrying the systemic collapse at the micro level? Until the government addresses the issue of corruption tenaciously and embark on ethical revolution from the top, the problem would persist.

now, the government has been increasing the resources that come into the funding of the educational sector. That may be so, but why are we not seeing the result? I can point to two thingscorruption and inefficiency. So, what you see is garbage in garbage out.

The truth of it is that the average Nigerian, whether as a student or a worker, is very resilient. The degree of performance we are even seeing is because of this element of resilience. A Nigerian student that is taking anywhere in the world where the resources and infrastructure aar available would always excel.

PROFESSOR SHERIFFDEEN TELLA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, BANKING & FINANCE,BABCOCK UNIVERSITY,

YINKA OGUNDE EDUCATION CONSULTANT One of the critical areas we must address is the quality of training being received by teachers. You cannot give what you do not have. A good teacher makes all the difference. The government must, as a matter of urgency, look into the issue of training teachers that will be able to effectively teach in our schools.

We must also ask why students are no longer studying hard. The world is a global village and any determined student has access to a wealth of information on any subject. I believe the government must take a good look at our educational system and be ready to address the problems squarely.

The quality of teachers we have is very low: since you cannot get quality result, there is need for the teachers to be retrained. There should be workshops organized for them. During vacations they should be made to upgrade their level of competence. I feel that this decline is as a result of the poor teaching staff and teaching method in our schools.

It is also true that some parents don’t encourage their children to work hard.

Again, there are some schools where they do everything possible to ensure that their students pass, so that people would see those schools as a good one.

Such schools also do not encourage the children to work hard. It is a general malaise that has to be corrected one way or the other. There is need for re-orientation, because when you have your children in that kind of environment, they would definitely grow up to be lazy.

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AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

The Big Question to talk about the education of their children, most parents don’t even bother to go. This is very bad.

Also, I would like warn parents to be mindful of the type of schools they send their children to because in most cases, it is the school authorities that provide the ‘expo’ for the students. A time will come when these children will not be able to use their certificates because in clear sense, the certificate is not for them. This is one of the major causes of unemployment in our country today.

ESTHER ISRAEL STUDENT.

Oladotun

MOTUNRAYO OLADOTUN EDUCATIONIST I would say that gone are those days when students burn the midnight candles in order to pass an exam. The kind of students we have now prefer to spend their time watching movies and visiting with friends. The latest distraction for them now is the use of phones. When I heard the news about the poor performance of students in the WAEC examination, I was not surprised, because children or students these days find it difficult to settle down and read their books.

Instead, they prefer to indulge in what they call fun. Some parents are not even helping their children; I have heard cases of parents who pay for mercenaries to write exams for their children.

OLUYOMI STEPHANIE STUDENT Most of our students find it difficult to settle down to read. My younger brother wrote the last WAEC exams; and I can sincerely say that I noticed it was difficult for him to settle down and read. I tried to find out what his problem was, and then I noticed that the school he attends normally supplies the students with answers in the exam hall. As a matter of fact, he was depending on the “micro chips” that would be given to them in the exam hall.

At some point, I used to think that the students were the ones lazy until I discovered that the school authorities also have a hand in bringing the children down. Imagine children being exposed to such corrupt practices at such a tender age. I only wonder what will happen in the university where they would have to defend their results.

MR OKE ABAYOMI CIVIL SERVANT In my own opinion, the problem include the parents, government and the students themselves. Parents do not spend valuable time assessing the work done by their wards in school. On the part of government, it has to with the quality of teacher being employ; these teachers who are expected to pass knowledge to the students are not properly trained. Let’s take the past examination for example, I was in a school on invigilation, but to my surprise, virtually all the students were unable to put down something meaningful. Out of curiosity, I demanded to see the teacher’s qualification. It turned out she was not a qualified teacher. Government should employ qualified teachers in all schools and offer them incentives to encourage them to do their work.

Aderibigbe needs to re-introduce the teachers’ college that has been scrapped in some areas. This would go a long way in upgrading our educational system.

KENNETH ADERIBIGBE CIVIL SERVANT Students should be put under intensive supervision; they should undergo research, do assignments and also be evaluated.

Reading culture should be inculcated right from primary school, which is the foundation. Government should also provide libraries and employ competent persons to supervise the process. This will minimize examination malpractices and reduce mass failures.

As a student who recently wrote the WAEC examination, I would say that some of us are very lazy. We keep ourselves busy with meaningless things. When it gets to examination time we start rushing to read; and whatever is done in a rush never really comes out well. Apart from that, there is something that we call special centres: in this centres, students are told to pay extra money, and when you do, the school authority supplies you with answers to the questions.

Even after the money had been paid, sometimes the school fails to supply answers to the students. When that happens, the students are left stranded in the exam hall. Because they did not read, they have nothing to write.

This is why there is mass failure. I hope there is something that can be done to stop this malaise so that it does not eat into the next generation.

OGBONS CHRISTOPHER LAWYER

I would say that nobody has a reason to fail. But in this part of the world, there are certain issues that can make people not to do well in whatever they have set their mind to do. In the case of the students who failed the WAEC examination, I can point out a few causes of their failures. Firstly, I would like to point to the fact that most parents are no longer dedicated to the education of their children.

Gone are those days when a child came back from school and the parents settled down to check their books and academic performance. These days, parents are too busy chasing after money. They forget that their major priorities are their children. Even when meetings are called in the school for parents

We do not have a slide in our educational system; rather we have a rot because when you talk of a slide, it means that you are at an elevated angle or platform and you are moving downwards. In Nigeria, we are stagnant in our educational system and we are rotting on the spot. Standards are falling. In the foundation or the fabric of education, you find students as early as the primary school pupil cheating in examinations. Also, you find parents trying to source admission to unity schools for their children, paying teachers thereby encouraging their children to cheat to get into choice secondary schools and so on.

When we have education being so corrupt at this early stage, one can’t talk of a slide but a rot in the system.

With this situation, the problem is not how bad the system is but the question should be, are we willing to change? Are we willing to make a difference? Are we willing to do the right thing? How much is budgeted for education and how much of this same budget is actually used for improving educational infrastructure in Nigeria?

We cannot have development, progress or meaningful existence if we do not pay attention to one of the important aspect in our society: education. As a person, my life is the sum total of the things I have learnt; by reading, by experience and by listening to others. This is the sum total of a man’s life, which is all that he knows. So if we begin to pay attention to this, we can begin to restore hope, balance and create a future were our children can live peacefully. Once we do that, our children can aspire.

Ezenobe

Abayomi

HAMMED KALEJAIYE SPORT JOURNALIST The first step toward stopping mass failures is to employ competent teachers.

Secondly, students are increasingly becoming lazy. They fail to prepare for examinations believing they will get answers from their colleagues in the examination hall. Another factor is lack of reading materials. The lack of textbooks for students to study at home or at schools means the preparation of the students will be hampered.

Other factors that are indirectly responsible include economy of the nation, poverty and environmental factors. In order to curb the mass failure, so many measures have to be put in place.

EDITH EZENOBE BUSINESS WOMAN

KUNLE PETERS EDUCATIONIST The problem is due to both internal and external factors. Internal factors in the sense that at the school level, some teachers do not even know their area of specialization. Some student also find it very difficult to speak simple and correct English, because they have taken pidgin as their language of communication. This affects their performance in examination. Also, some parents encourage their wards to cheat in examination. Most parents also go as far as fighting teachers who discipline their wards.

The government has been trying, but it

Men – O – Pulse

TONY IWUOMA

toniegoodlaw@yahoo.co.uk

The new Nigerian and Dis kin broda I am newspaperman; that is what I am or better still, a newsman. But this is not about news or about a kaduna-based news outfit so called.

This s about new realities in our amorphous conundrum called Nigeria. We are fast breeding new generations of Nigerians, who lack faith in the polity.

They lack faith because the polity has not offered any reason for it. They lack faith because the polity has not justified the little faith it managed to invest in it. They lack faith because all the years of growing up, they had believed that one day, one day, e go better but have realised that the more they hoped, they more abused their collective destinies get. They lack faith because of jejune leadership, sitting astride the office of governance without the dimmest understanding of what leadership entails.

How about this? “On Boko Haram, yes, we have challenges there and we are working very hard to resolve it. You will agree with me that before now, none of us would have believed that a Nigerian would tie explosive on his body or in a car to go and commit suicide bombing; it was never in our system. In 2009, when a Nigerian was picked up in an attempt to blow up an American airline, we all said it was because he grew up in the West and that suicide bombing was not a part of us. But today, the reality has dawned on us. We never had security architecture to deal with that, especially when you have suicide bombers that are your own siblings. It is extremely difficult to deal with them. You cannot mobilise the whole soldiers to go and wipe out your entire family. So, it is more delicate.”

That was what President Goodluck Jonathan told the Nigerian community in Trinidad and Tobago. Do you now see why we are fast evolving into the new Nigerian? Because our brand of leadership has this obscure sense of gallantry for tragic fraternity.

Because leadership has learnt to trivialise serious issues with vaunting tokenism that tries to inveigle us to accommodate nebulous brinksmanship.

Pray, whom is the president fooling? Offshore Nigerians, who don’t feel the heat as much as we do?

How possible is it for him to convince fright-besieged Nigerians, who duck bombs everyday in markets and hallowed grounds of places of worship, that it is their brothers that wash the streets with their blood? Even Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada was so shellshocked by the heinous attack on Deeper Life Church in Okene he did not realise how insensitive it was to wear bulletproof vest inside hospital wards when he went to console victims. Who will protects us, ordinary folks, then from Jonathan’s brothers, when even a state governor is not sure of his safety inside a hospital ward of all places?

I think the president is at liberty to choose who his brother is but not for all of us, beleaguered Nigerians.

For me, to have a brother like the Boko Haram is worse than being bereft of any. I know I don’t need dis kin broda as Jonathan does. I also know that Nigerians are fed up with dis kin broda.

That is why the knives for carve-up are already laid. At the very soul of the beloved country. Bakassi, forgotten and tossed overboard to Cameroon by a drunken master as if there were no souls on the Island have decided to fight for themselves. The ‘State of Osun’ is now said to be a Republic in waiting within a sinking barge. Even the president’s home state of Bayelsa has rejected his warped concept of brotherhood by upping the ante, hoisting its own flag and anthem. Ogoniland has equally waddled through its ravaged, abandoned and deprived land to declare selfdetermination. Veteran Biafran Republic has gone to the United Nations and November 5 awaits the replay of history. Above all, the Boko Haram menace has put us all on the edge. Hardly a day passes without the sect, wasting innocent lives and the president and his team sleep while the nation burns. People are tired of rhetoric. People are tired of hollow promises of safety.

What is this idiotic noise about one Nigeria? To hell with one Nigeria with a brother called Boko Haram!

To accept this brother is naiveté personified. What brother drinks his own brother’s blood like champagne? Is this a nation of vampires?

My only fear is that Yugoslavia may end up better by the time Nigeria implodes if the likes of President Jonathan do not wake up and either accept the prospect of a negotiated peaceful parting of ways or tackle the Boko Haram madness frontally before the nation is blasted off the face of the earth. All due to comic and perfidious leaders, who fail in their duty to rein in bloodsuckers, masquerading as brothers.

Tufiakwa!

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AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

Women in Leadership NGOZI CONCHITA BRAIDE PPRO,Lagos State Police Command

A woman can only be sexually harassed if she permits

By TEMITOPE DAVID-ADEGBOYE he hugged the limelight just about two months ago when she became the first female Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Lagos State Police Command.Since then,she has warmed herself into the hearts of many Lagosians not for her beauty but for her effective dissemination of information. In an era where you find men and women of the force in ill-fitted uniform,some of them ‘complementing’it with rubber slippers or tattered shoes,Ngozi Conchita Braide,Deputy Superintendent of Police,would make anyone go grey with envy in her well-cut uniform,beautiful face and charming smile.Some persons have even crowned her ‘Queen’of the Nigeria Police.

A native of Okigwe,Imo State,she joined the Nigeria Police ‘against her will’in 1996,as Cadet Inspector.But today,she is enjoying every minute on the job.

“I’m so happy to be a police officer.In my next world,I would want to be a police officer because this is a job that gives you the opportunity to know so many things and do so many things,”she told ICON. Indeed,she has attended several professional courses both within and outside Nigeria and was part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Operation in Liberia in 2006,where she was appointed the head of Finance Unit of the United Nations Police in Liberia.

The new Lagos States command spokesperson has also served with International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) between 1999 and 2003.While at INTERPOL,she was also attached to Organized Crime Division (OCD).From 2007,she worked at Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and Special Fraud Unit.While at the SFU,she was attached to Commercial Fraud Unit and later she rose to become the sectional head of Oil and Gas Fraud Section.

So,when the posting to become the Lagos PPRO came,it was another call to duty.And she is determined to make her mark.

In this interview,the graduate of English Language from Lagos State University,and the 16th PPRO of the Lagos State command since the office was created in 1971,takes us through the journey of how she joined the police force,her experiences so far and how she intends to launder the image of the police in the state.

Did you actually grow up with the mind of enlisting in the Police?

No. As a matter of fact, I didn’t like the Police and never wanted to have anything to do with the police. Really, there was no attraction before I joined the police force. It was my mum who was in love with the police. She advised that I should drop out of the school to join. After my secondary school, I was admitted to Abia State University to study English Language. I was just 17 years then. In my second year, second semester, my mother called me and said she would want me to join the police as a Cadet Inspector. I told her I didn’t like the Police but she encouraged me. My father objected and insisted that I had to finish my degree programme. But you know women, when they make up their minds on something, they find every way to push it through. Eventually, dad agreed with her. That was how I joined the police in the second semester of my second year in school.

Did you have a godfather or mother to assist you get in?

I went for the interview without having any godfather or godmother. I was taken based on my academic performance and looks. Also, age was very much on my side. They looked at my result and saw that I was brilliant. At that time, to join as a Cadet Inspector, you needed to have six credits, English and Mathematics inclusive.

I made five A’s and three C’s at a sitting. The panel was so impressed. They selected me from my state and then sent me to Lagos for the final interview. That was in 1996. Based on my performance and physical structure, I was eventually recruited into the Nigerian Police.

How would you describe your career in the force so far?

Ever since I joined, the experience has been so wonderful and interesting. I’ve come to fall in love with the job.

It wasn’t a career you chose on your own accord. So, didn’t you feel like quitting?

At that initial stage in the Academy, several times, I felt like running away because the training was too tedious. I came from a middle class family where everything was provided for me. I never lacked as a child. I was not used to the kind of training that we were subjected to at the academy. On hindsight I want to thank God for the experience at the Academy because it has made me what I am today. The leadership training, physical training, law courses and all others have produced the Ngozi that you are looking at now. Apart from that initial stage at the Academy, I’ve not had any regret joining the

PHOTOS:BIODUN ADEYEWA

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Braide police.

Did you anticipate you would get to this position that you are holding now?

Yes, because I am a goal getter; and I know that this is just the beginning. I’m not surprised that I am where I am now. When the appointment (as PPRO, Lagos State command) came, it didn’t come as a surprise. And nothing would

until I get to the peak of my career because I always put in my best in whatever I do. As you know, hard work, dedication and perseverance always get rewarded.

The perception of most members of the public is that the police is corrupt and many of them are wicked because of the brutal killings some have witnessed or heard about.

As the PPRO, how do you intend to correct this image?

The problem is that there are some people who don’t see anything good coming from the police in this country, whether they are doing well or not. Such persons just see the negative part. The simple truth is that the police is not the worst organization in this society. And we enforce the law. So, naturally, there are people who would not like us for that. It’s just like when you were in school, the teachers that would flog you when you committed any offence, no matter how little, you would dub ‘wicked.’ They would never see anything good about that teacher.

Because we arrest criminals, prosecute them and so on, criminals do not like us. An incident where there are two people fighting, the complainant would always be on the side of the police while the defendant would not. If you, as a policeman, is trying to investigate the matter and you are asking questions to unravel the truth, the criminal is getting more annoyed with you. I’ve been in investigations since I left the Academy. More often than not, you find criminals telling you lies. One lie would certainly lead to another. So, when you are debunking those lies, they get uncomfortable with you.

They become aggressive and start shaking.

That is understandable. What about a case of the people who are not criminals and are subjected to ill-treatment by your men just because they are in uniform or they are carrying the rifle? How do you ensure that the public really become friends of the police like we see written on postal in your stations?

Many people are our friend already. But there is a reform that is going on. The IG (Inspector General of Police) has come up with a vision and the mandate is very clear. I am working with a commissioner of police that has zero tolerance to crime. You would agree with me that Lagos is a big city that is prone to crime. But the commissioner has come and reduced the crime rate drastically. I am here as the PRO to change some of these things too.

The truth is that we try to be civilized in our approach to things. Unfortunately, the average Nigerian likes force. But then, we are civilized people and we are also cultured. We are here to protect the public. We are not supposed to be the enemy of the public at all. Since I became the PRO, my phones have always been ringing. I get calls from everybody. But some people abuse these privileges. Some people would call me and raise false alarm or give false information. Somebody called me some time ago and to say a car had just been snatched around Akoka bus stop. Immediately, I started making calls to

‘When you have a passion for what you are doing, there is nothing like being a woman. This profession is not gender sensitive’

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AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

Women in Leadership our men to swing into action.

Funny enough, about five minutes later, the man called me again to say I should speak with the owner of the car. The owner now said that the car was not snatched but that his mechanic took it for repairs.

These are some of the challenges that a policeman face.

Taking you back to the question, we are supposed to be friends. If anything happens to any member of the public, they should be free to call on a police. But they should be careful to always get their facts right so they don’t raise false alarm.

Having said that, we agree that there are few bad eggs amongst us but there is no organization without bad eggs. The bad ones are always there but with this reform going on, you would see a new police force emerge In the course of doing certain investigations, have you had any threat-to-life experience?

Yes, it has happened and I reported them to the appropriate authorities who later got them arrested and prosecuted. What they don’t know is that nothing debars me from achieving success.

Did that experience not make you feel that this job is not meant for a woman? I mean, is it not tough for a woman?

Tough on a woman? No way.

There is nothing like being a woman. When you have a passion for what you are doing, there is nothing like being a woman. This profession is not gender sensitive.

You and the men are given equal training and if you don’t measure up to standard, even as a woman, you would not be in the police force. I have never faced any challenge that is peculiar to me. It’s just the normal challenge of you doing something right and somebody somewhere is not viewing it like that. I don’t belong to those who say it’s a man’s world because there is nothing I cannot do today in this job. I have headed a lot of very tough positions. In Liberia, I was the head of finance unit for the whole United Nations Police Officers. I came back to Nigeria in 2007 after serving in different parts of the world before being posted to the Special Fraud Unit.

How do you manage the men?

For one thing, I don’t have any complex. I don’t believe a man is superior. You’ve been here for some time now and you’ve heard me relating with my staff who are mainly men. I believe God created both male and female equal. We also have equal opportunity to succeed. Most of the people working with me are men. And we received the same training. When I was in the Police Academy, we went for a mobile training course and there’s a rope through which you ascend to a rock. This rope has no safety guard. It’s just you and the rope.

You’d be told that your life is in your hands and if you leave the rope, you are gone. We were to ascend a rock and I can tell you that most men did not ascend that rock.

We were like three or four women but I ascended that rock hanging on that rope. I did it. And we were the first set of female officers to wear trousers.

It was during our passing out parade practice in 1996 that a DIG came and observed that we were very bright and young but she observed that we were not raising our legs very well because we were wearing skirts. She also observed that women in our sister agencies wear trousers. So, we were the first set to wear trousers and when we came out in 1998, people were impressed. So, I don’t feel anyhow on this job. There is nowhere I cannot compete with

Braide

Police not the worst institution in Nigeria men on this job. Vocationally, intellectually, I know about the job and I cannot be intimidated.

Another thing is that on this job, it is either you are my senior or you are my junior. For my seniors, I accord them the respect they deserve. I also expect my juniors to accord me my due respect because discipline is the bedrock of this profession. If you are my junior, be it by just a few hours, you must respect me. I don’t condone indiscipline.

So, you don’t believe it’s a man’s job.

It’s not a man’s job. And I’m so happy to be a police officer. In my next world, I would want to be a police officer because this is a job that will give you opportunity to know so many things and do so many things. When I was in the

‘I came from a middle class family where everything was provided for me. I never lacked as a child’

Investigation Unit, I met a lot of people. Doctors would come to you with their problems; you’d solve medical problems and see yourself unveiling many things that you are not trained for. You’d see an accountant come and you see yourself dealing with figures.

So, it’s a kind of being jack-of-alltrades-and-master-of-all. So, it’s not a man’s job. These days, we have female command CPs unlike before; and they are doing very well. So, I’m very okay. I’m very fit.

Would you say being the first female PPRO is your greatest achievement so far?

I don’t see it as an achievement.

I see it as a posting that anybody qualified can get. I don’t see getting here as an achievement.

Maybe when my tenure ends and I’m able to effect one or two things, then I can say I have achieved. I see my new posting as a privilege.

How do you combine your career with being a wife and mother?

I am in love with my family and I am in love with the job. It’s not easy, especially now that I leave home very early in the morning and work till very late at night. The earliest I close is 9pm. But I’m trying so hard that nothing goes wrong. However, my family members understand. My husband understands that my schedule of duty has changed due to this posting. It’s all about understanding I understand that before you get married as a policewoman, you have to write a letter to the authority for approval. Is this still being practised and what is the rationale behind the order?

They still do it. As a policewoman, you have to be screened.

You have to write an application that you want to get married and the application would be approved.

You must state the profession of your spouse and the force intelli-

gence unit will screen the person.

This is to check if the person is of questionable character.

But some people may say this is discriminatory against the women, as the men don’t have to go through this process…

No. That was how we met it and there is no clear reason for it. But you see, in our society, when a man marries a lady, it is the woman that has her name changed. She automatically becomes the ‘property’ of the man. He is in charge. As a woman, your man is the head and nobody can just come and take you just like that again. Nobody wants to leave a policewoman to marry a criminal or someone with questionable character that wants to use that woman as a front or cover.

If any of your children wants to join the police force, would you encourage him or her?

Immediately. I have a sevenyear-old daughter right now. When she grows and she likes what I’m doing, I would encourage her. And if I have a son tomorrow, I would equally encourage him When would you say was your happiest moment ever?

That would be when I delivered my daughter, Valerie, in December 2004 at a hospital in Lagos.

Honestly speaking, that day was my happiest and most memorable one.

Having tasted the civilian life and being in the force where you are bound by some restrictive orders, do you miss freedom of the civilian life?

I don’t miss freedom because to an extent, I am very conservative.

Since I joined the force, it’s being work, work and work. I enjoy the job What are your likes and dislikes?

I like honest, straightforward, hard working, God-fearing, sincere, focused and transparent people. I dislike liars, unfaithful and dishonest people.

With your busy schedule, do you still have time to cook for your family?

Yes, no matter how busy, I still cook the food myself. Yes, I have a housemaid, but I do the cooking myself. Every month, I go to Oyingbo market when I want to do bulk purchasing, though my house help do assist with minor house chores.

What would be your advice to any woman who is aspiring to get into the police force?

The problem we have is that most women feel that they are the weaker sex and some don’t take their jobs seriously and men take advantage of that. When men feel that you are not doing well in your job, they take advantage of that.

What some women keep doing is shout sexual harassment, but it is only a woman who allows sexual harassment that is harassed.

Awoman should be bold, intelligent and firm. If you know what you are doing, nobody would harass you sexually. Sexual harassment is in all establishments but when the men try and see that you are a strong character, a firm character, they will leave you. Really, I think more women should join the Police Force because I’m a living example of what a woman can do.

They will have no regrets.

When this posting comes to an end, what would you want Lagosians to remember you for?

I am here to work in line with the directive of the IG and uphold the vision. We are here to make the people see the other side of the police; that we are not really as bad as we’re being portrayed. I’m here to build better relationship with the people so that we have better understanding of ourselves.

Talking Security with

FRANK ODITA frankcomltd@yahoo.com 08033078761

The new Lagos traffic law Welcome to another beautiful Sunday. I wish to start today’s column by congratulating our amiable Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), for the new Traffic Law. It is my fervent prayer that it works. Danfo and okada riders who are the worst traffic offenders should be made to obey the law or face the music. We also have those who are compelled to drive one way due to bad roads and those in a hurry to beat traffic. Local government chairmen can do well to repair the roads within their area of authority. Security officers and traffic managers can make the law work or mess it up by compromising themselves. The big shots in the society who cannot be in traffic hold-up should lead by example by asking their drivers to obey the law. It is, however, an act of indiscipline and irresponsibility to deliberately flout laws simply because you are a bigwig in the society.

Let us all make the Law work.

State Police The agitation for state police is coming up again at this time of our political development.

Some people who are making a case for it argue that it will make for efficiency. There is also another plank of argument that most state governments are virtually providing logistics for members the Nigeria Police operating in their respective states. Those against it also posit that the creation of state police will leave members of such state police at the mercy of politicians who will use them as tools for oppressing their political opponents. Whichever way the pendulum may swing, the truth remains that the creation of state police would not only created more job opportunities in the states and it would also help combat crime more efficiently. But there are fears that its creation would lower standards due to the poor state of the economy.

Uniforms, salaries and allowances and the provision of other tools for their work will be affected leading to promoting of corruption.

Political immaturity is another area that could lead to abuse as was witnessed during the Native Authority and Local Government Police era. The inadequacies of the Nigeria policemen to cope with the demands of modern policing that is embedded on not only scientific methods of crime fighting but also people-oriented is the other reason for people calling for state police.

All over the world, community policing is in vogue. The hope for Nigeria having a modern, scientific and people-oriented police force is not lost. The present Inspector-General of Police, Mr. M.D. Abubakar has a dream to transform the service into the kind the nation deserves.

What makes me believe he can, with the cooperation of government, corporate organizations, politicians, captains of industries and all of us achieve his dream, is the difference between the IGP and his predecessors – he desired to be IGP, worked towards it and on assumption of office, he made giant steps to address the nation’s problems in the war against crime, discipline within the force and capacity building. Members of the Nigeria Police should rise to be counted. If service delivery improves and public confidence is won, the call for state police will not be an issue.

Before I sign off, let me renew my appeal to our brothers in the North to have a rethink in these avoidable killings, and destruction of property.

Enough is enough, please!

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

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Special Assignment

New face of robbery Armed gangs and other criminals are devising new ways to dispossess and inflict pains on innocent individuals across the country

Robbers on parade

By ERIC DUMO ince that sad and traumatising event last July 8, Mr. Ola Apena, an insurance broker and his family have been forced to adopt new strategies to safeguard their lives, home and immediate environment.

Once indoors or out of the house, they ensure every entrance is properly and stiffly locked. You can’t blame them for taking such precautionary measures – they were robbed right inside their apartment in the early hours of that fateful day by some youths. It was a Sunday morning – around 11am. Everywhere was quiet, as most families had gone to church to worship. The men pretended to be asking after one Mr. Oladapo who in reality does not exist anywhere around the place. Before anyone could phantom what was happening, the men were already running their show. The apartment of the Apenas was the first stop for these unwanted visitors. The next 20 minutes that followed brought plenty with it – and also left plenty in its wake.

“The robbers came in and said everybody should lie down,” the light-skinned insurance broker recalled. “I was a little bit hesitant because I didn’t know what was going on. I couldn’t really comprehend what was going on until a few seconds later when the other man who came in pretending to be looking for Mr. Oladapo entered with a gun. It was then I realized that we are in for a serious stick up. Two of them came into the house while one kept guard outside. We had an occasion that ran late into the evening the previous day so we decided to rest at home that Sunday morning.

They made away with some money while at the other apartment, they made away with about five laptops and Blackberry phones. The operation in that apartment didn’t last long, about three minutes. They made a quick turn in front of the house and the people who were around said we should pursue them but I told them it was not wise.”

Apena maintained that he was always conscious of the security of his immediate surrounding but

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that the manner the robbers carried out the crime confounded everyone, including himself. “I don’t normally joke with the security of my surrounding.

But these robbers are skillful. I felt they were mechanics trying to repair a car; the car they came in. There was a bike man standing by and I thought they would need him to take them to wherever they wanted to pick spare parts. That was why I did not bother to challenge them when I first sighted them in the area. It was a big shock to later see these guys brandishing all sorts of guns. It was a terrible experience for us,” he revealed.

Austin Nwoji, a student, was among those who had a taste of that horrible experience. He was in the apartment next to the Apenas and had his siesta cut short by the gangsters. “We were three in the house that day,” he began. “I was sleeping when I

CP. Umar Manko

heard a voice saying bring the phone. When I opened my eyes, I saw a man pointing a gun at me.

One of them was dressed in a white gown, they were three and one was inside the car outside.

They ordered us to lie down before taking five laptops and phones. Two of them were ransacking the whole house while one was on guard. When they finished, they locked us inside from outside. We were very scared that day,” he narrated.

Indeed, memories of that sad Sunday still haunt this Yaba neighourhood. The mere mention of it would almost prick fresh, hurting wounds to the fore. Individuals and families affected are yet to overcome the nightmare. But many residents of the area like Apena and Nwoji say they have been made even stronger by that incident. “We have since tightened our security to the best of our ability,” Apena offered. “We are now more conscious and would challenge anyone parading our street and area indiscriminately. We now lock our apartments very well just to avoid being caught unawares.”

Nwoji who say they are working as a team now to protect their area reiterated his views. “We have been very alert since that operation. If we see faces that are not familiar, we challenge them because we can’t afford to slack again. Were are getting more conscious about our security.”

In 2010, Oduntan Street in Ketu under IkosiIsheri Local Council Development Area was thrown into mourning. Robbers, using similar tactics, had raided a compound down the street after finding their way in, leaving residents with the most unexpected and unwanted gift. They shot and killed Mrs. Ronke (surnames withheld) at close range. The soft-spoken banker had just returned from work and was making her way into the compound when she ran into the bandit who had a waiting motorcycle throttling outside. The robbers pumped bullets into her chest before speeding off with their loot.

Rebecca Obe, mother of one, was living in the building adjacent where the criminals struck at the time. She recalled the events of that fateful day. “It

was around after 8pm when some guys came on bike and parked in front of our house. Nobody actually cared about their mission at first because it was normal for okada people to stop and pick passengers. But it was after we heard gunshots that we realized they were actually robbers. They entered that compound when a maid was going inside after running an errand. Without that, they wouldn’t have gained access into the compound because the gate is always locked. So, it was after they had finished their operation that aunty Ronke came in from work. She did not know what was going on.

When she sighted the robbers, she exclaimed: ‘Jesus!’out of fear. It was that moment that the robbers shot her. She died while being taken to the hospital,” she revealed.

Her husband (names withheld), a successful businessman, has still not recovered fully from that experience. The wounds and scars have remained fresh almost two years after.

On May 15 this year, Ketu had another feel of daredevil robbers. This time, the armed men had big things on their mind. Instead of a single apartment or building, they were poised to ransack every house and apartment. The incident happened around Davies Street. After the operation, which lasted several hours, the robbers smiled away with baskets full of ‘harvest’. Also, many people sustained gunshot wounds. Victims told the Police that they were waylaid and trailed into their houses by the hoodlums.

Residents of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State are yet to fully get over the recent horror they were subjected to by a bunch of robbers. They had seen their daily working time and movement reduced to about 5:30pm when the men of the underworld who made life terrible for them usually started their operations.

Apastor’s wife was robbed of N20, 000 belonging to the women’s wing of her church during a recent operation while a pastor with The Apostolic Church, Okon Umo, was attacked in the church premises and dispossessed of N150, 000 – an amount he had set aside to settle his children’s

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Special Assignment school fees. Residents told the police that the robbers seem to know everyone in the community and their movements at every point in time.

However, last month, police pounced on a gang believed to be terrorizing the area after a tip off from a victim who was robbed of N250, 000 and shot two times.

In the Ojo axis of Lagos, robbers adopting similar strategy, made life difficult for residents recently. They attacked and shot Pastor Ezerike of the God’s Own Evangelical Ministries, making away with an undisclosed sum belonging to the church.

The hoodlums made their way through a wooden footbridge that linked Tedi-Town to Agric Estate before quietly trailing the pastor into the church.

Also on the same neighbourhood, armed men struck on July 18, leaving residents with bruises and pains. They first entered the house of Pastor and Mrs. Adeoye around 1am. They tied the clergy to a chair, locked his mouth before turning the entire flat upside down. The gang made away with several laptops, expensive wristwatches and other valuables, including ATM cards.

People living on and around Bisi Morafa Street, Ijokodo Ibadan, had a taste of this growing trend in armed robbery earlier in May this year. In a terror that lasted about 30 minutes, a gang of five attacked their homes and relieved them of cash and valuables. Mudashiru Ridwan, a victim in that operation, revealed that the robbers were armed with cutlasses and other deadly weapons.

He said they stormed the area around 2am and rocked their show without any hindrance. “My father’s phone as well as the sum of N38, 000 were also collected. A female trader in our house

lost her phones and traditional purse (Igbanu) which contained a large sum of money,” he disclosed.

Another tactics being used by hoodlums is to disguise as officials of Power Holdings Company of Nigeria (PHCN). They approach their potential victims claiming they want to take readings of their meter. No sooner they are allowed in than they bare their fangs. “Some even come with bills and even ladders, pretending to be NEPA staff.

Then once they are inside, it is another matter entirely,” a resident in Ayobo, a Lagos suburb told ICON. Like the saying that not all that glitters is gold, it is not everybody with bills or ladder that come knocking at your gate that is a genuine NEPA man.

It could also happen as a result of insider’s involvement. In this case, it could be a security guard, driver or even a blood relation spearheading such attacks. And they are not restricted to Lagos State. Recently, the State Security Services (SSS) paraded six suspects in connection with the killing of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, principal private secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

The sad event took place in his 65, Second Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin City residence on May 4. It was initially thought to be a politically-motivated killing. But the suspects have since confessed that it was a case of robbery. And it was carried out based on information allegedly provided by the late Oyerinde’s domestic security guard popularly known as ‘maiguard’in local parlance.

According to Ibrahim Abdullahi, one of the suspects, “We never had the intention of killing him.

We went there just to rob him and get away. When

we got there, he was relaxing in one of the seats in his sitting room with his wife and a baby in another seat.

“We commanded him to lie face down; he obeyed. We then noticed another man in the house who we also ordered to lie face down. Suddenly, the man (Oyerinde) jumped up and he was running towards his room. Being a big man, we thought he was going to get his gun. So, I shot him.”

To say hoodlums across Nigeria are getting innovative and daring by the day, is to put it aptly.

But Ngozi Braide, deputy superintendent and spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, told ICON that these types of crimes have reduced in recent months, especially since the new Police leadership in the state took over. “Since we came on board, these type of crimes have reduced. Though, we had some reported cases around Bariga area sometime ago, we have managed to combat the situation.”

Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr. Umar Manko, is also aware of this new trend in crime.

Even though he claimed his command is working tirelessly to curb the situation, he is of the view that people must also protect themselves and equally feed the police with useful information that would help them secure the society better. “I have been told about this type of crime but you see this is the more reason why I have been saying that if you are driving a car and you watch your side mirror and discover somebody is trying to follow you, if you suspect anything, the best option is to alert the security agencies around you. Those people you are talking about, people might have seen them

OLA APENA Insurance broker/victim

My encounter with new breed robbers You’ve been a victim of what appears like new breed robbers. Can you relate your experience? t was a horrible encounter. They came in and ordered everybody to lie down. I was a little bit hesitant. I couldn’t comprehend what was going on, until few seconds later when the other man who had come pretending to be looking for one Mr. Oladapo pulled his own gun. It was then I realized that we were in for some serious stick-up.

So, we lay down. While the guys were ransacking everywhere, the other stood guard outside. One of my daughters came out of the room, saw him and ran out through another door. One of the guys thought she had actually entered the bathroom, so he knocked at the door, but they later realized that she had already escaped. Sensing that she might raise the alarm, they ran out of the house and sped off. Some of the people who gathered with us outside said that we should pursue them but I told them that it was not proper.

We didn’t even know that the hoodlums had been to the next house and operated there for about three to four minutes.

When I first saw these guys (robbers), I would have challenged them.

But I thought the guy was a mechanic who had come to effect a repair on a car and that he would need the services of the bike man to take him to wherever he wanted to pick spare parts because it was a Sunday. So, I did not bother to challenge him. It was later I realized that while this other ones were holding the double barrel gun, the other with a pump action gun went upstairs to raid one of the apartments.

What really happened was that the previous day, we had a party, which ran late into the evening. So, we had some leftover of the money we used.

The robbers made away with it. At the other apartment, they made away with about five laptops and Blackberry phones. The operation in that apartment lasted for about three minutes. It was a horrible experience for everyone.

Do you agree with the Inspector-General of Police who said recently that crime has reduced in the country?

I will disagree with the IG to the extent that he failed to say what type of crime has dropped. That a highway robbery is subsiding may be due to the fact that roadblocks are no longer there.

All these problems boil down to the loss of moral values in our society.

Motivation precedes commitment; you can only get committed to a cause if you are motivated.

Even in the education sector, gone are the days when teachers were very committed to what they were doing. Back then; there was motivation to perform. Everyone wanted to be a teacher at the time because people were happy doing the job. Every teacher wanted to give their best.

But today, how motivated or committed are the teachers? A lot of them are no longer committed to their jobs because of lack of motivation. It is

I

same for the policemen as well. That is why most of these robbers who enter peoples’houses are taking advantage of Sundays when people would have gone to church to rob people in their homes.

What have this sad experience taught you?

It has taught us a lot. We have become more vigilant. We have adopted measures to protect our immediate surrounding. For instance, we now lock every door and entrance properly. Any strange person we see walking up and down the neighbourhood, we challenge, because most of these robbers first of all survey the area before operating. And even as a community, we are getting more conscious of the security and safety of the area. We have just been strengthened by that experience.

While we who have the mandate of ensuring peace, security of lives and properties will continue to do our work, we also urge citizens to be more conscious of their immediate environment. If you notice any suspicious movement, please let the police know. Luckily in Lagos, the 767112 works.

while they were still surveying the area. If these people are not members of your community, what are they doing there? Somebody should raise an alarm and ask questions. We should begin to know who our neighbours are and what they are capable of doing? By the time you start having this instinct, things would improve.

“While we who have the mandate of ensuring peace, security of lives and properties will continue to do our work, we also urge citizens to be more conscious of their immediate environment. If you notice any suspicious movement, please let the police know. Luckily in Lagos, the 767112 works.

We also made it compulsory for all DPOs (divisional police officers) to avail the public their telephone numbers. There is no police station you go to now since I came into office that you don’t find the DPO or DCOs (divisional crime officers) number written boldly on the wall. My own is all over the place. I have given it out more than 100 times.

People should get information and tell us. Some people have been doing that and we thank them.

Sometimes, these things have saved many situations, even though sometimes you go and realize it is frivolous calls. But it is part of it. There is no way you can differentiate the one that is frivolous and genuine at the point of call. People should make use of these facilities and let us know.”

The ban on commercial motorcycles in some parts of the city is among strategies Manko said his Command is adopting to combat the scourge. He told newsmen at a recent briefing that the tactics have been yielding tremendous results. “Suspected robbers numbering 244 were arrested by the police in the first half of the year and 160 guns, 948 rounds of ammunition were recovered from suspected armed robbers who had been terrorizing the state.

“About 54 robbery incidents were recorded during the period. No fewer than 59 suspected armed robbers were shot dead, while five policemen lost their lives in the various encounters with the bandits. This decline in robbery is due to the recent ban on commercial motorcycle operations in some parts of the state,” he noted.

But in spite of that laudable feat, many residents across the state are still experiencing serious brutality from several armed gangs who have continued to rob them of peace and dispossess them of cash and other valuables.

People living or commuting along Igando/Iyana-Iba have been facing difficult times lately. That axis has witnessed some of the most heinous crimes with both motorists and residents attacked in the process. The route habours several notorious hideouts – a safe haven for hardened criminals. “There is hardly a night that motorists are not robbed along this road. The operation usually starts from 8 pm and after that time, residential homes are attacked as well,” a resident of the area who simply identified himself as Gani Adesina told the reporter in a chat inside a commercial bus at the Mile 2 area of Lagos.

In other places like Iju-Ishaga, Ojodu-Berger, Agege, Akoka, Bariga, Iyana-Ipaja and Egbeda, the situation is not very different. Residents across many parts of the metropolis are groaning in pains at the growing level of this seemingly new form of crime. In some neighbourhoods like Alapere and Ogba, many streets now go to bed as early as 9pm for fear of robbers trailing people into their homes. But in spite of these precautionary tactics being adopted in many localities, this new trend in crime appears to be on the increase and might likely remain so except stiffer measures are taken to fight it.

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

40

Focus

How Akwa Ibom became Nigeria’s most desired destination, by commissioner

By TOPE ADEBOBOYE herever you go, everyone talks of the state as one with an uncommon transformation. And those that have visited the capital, Uyo, as well as the other towns insist that such a tag is no misnomer. Indeed, Akwa Ibom State has, in the past few years, earned itself a name as Nigeria’s most transformed state, with many asserting that the governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, is the best among his peers in the country.?The state commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, insists that Akwa Ibom has become Nigeria’s most desired destination since 2007 when Akpabio took over the leadership of the state mostly populated by the Ibibios, the Annangs and the Orons.

“Governor Akpabio has handled the affairs of the state with uncommon zeal, determination and pragmatism since assumption of office. He is putting the people first in the scheme of things and providing them with enduring projects, which have changed the landscape of the state. His approach to governance has been bold, decisive, and methodical. He has left no one in doubt that he was angry at the state of affairs that he met and therefore in a hurry to transform the state. These, he has done by embarking on monumental development projects that have changed the face of the entire state making the governor the harbinger of uncommon transformation,” Umanah says in a chat with this reporter.

Indeed, many people visit Akwa Ibom state these days, not only to enjoy the Ibibio’s popular cuisines, especially the delightful, globally renowned fisherman’s soup, but also to see the transformation that has taken place. And indeed, right from the airport, the transformation is clearly evident.

Taking each sector one after the other, the commissioner explains why different people have turned Akwa Ibom State into their most favoured address.

In the area of education, Umanah said the governor has bequeathed a great legacy to the people of the state with a free and compulsory education policy. Under the policy, children of school age attend school free from primary to senior secondary school level. The state also pays a N100 per primary school pupil and N300 on each secondary school student to cater for logistics and expenses for the administration of each child, says the commissioner.

Schools have also been rehabilitated massively.

Investigation showed that many school blocks have been reconstructed, and laboratory and science equipment provided. Besides, the government also pays examination fees for the senior secondary school certificate examination. Other achievements include payment of NABTEB fees for students in public technical colleges, implementation of the 27.5 per cent TSS for teachers, payment of grant to law students, pre-medical and medical students, construction of internal roads in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University and other major schools, and the construction of an e-library in the state capital, among others.

If you’re a parent in the state and your child is loafing around during school hours, you might be on your way to jail.

These days, many people insist that a trip around Uyo, Ikot-Ekpene and other towns in the state is a pleasurable venture. But until a few years back, it wasn’t so. Major roads remained in very deplorable conditions, with potholes littering every section of highways and intra-city roads. “Many roads, including the Afaha Obong – Etim Ekpo, Iwukem road; Abak – Ikot Ekpene road; Nung Udoe, Itak – Use Ikot Amama road, Enin Nsit and Ikot Ekpene internal roads in various local government areas were completely impassable, thereby cutting off residents of those areas from activities of the state,” Umanah informs.

Soon after mounting the saddle, Governor

W

Aka Junction

Umanah Akpabio started awarding road contracts. Right now, close to 300 roads, covering well over 1, 000km have been constructed, says Umanah. He informs that the government also installed modern digital traffic lights in Uyo and started the Uyo Urban Renewal and Regeneration Project. Dual carriageways have replaced hitherto narrow roads leading into Uyo, just as flyovers recently constructed by the government now ensure the free flow of traffic.

Collapsed concrete bridges have been reconstructed in many parts of the state, and the government also procured one grader in each of the 31 local government areas to ensure periodic maintenance of rural roads. To tackle flood and erosion in Uyo and its environs, the government constructed a N13.8 billion underground drainage system. It is also constructing a 10-lane ring-road III with two new flyovers, costing the state N28.5 billion.

The state government has also done a yeoman’s job in the area of agriculture, says Umanah.

Governor Akpabio, he asserts, initiated various programmes to boost agriculture and food production even as he also empowered women farmers and agro traders. A major programme of the administration, the commissioner says, is the Women Agro Entrepreneurship Development Programme WAEDEP. Under the programme, no fewer than 6, 500 women have received an interest free loan of N250, 000 each for their agro businesses. Besides,

hundreds of youths have been empowered with N500, 000.00 each under the Integrated Farmers Scheme.

Other interventions by the government, according to Umanah, include the approval of N11billion for the accelerated livestock and fish production programme (ALFIPP), procurement of 180,000 metric tons food storage and processing infrastructure at Abak at the cost of N1.5billion, under the Akwa Ibom State Reserve Food Programme, and the procurement and distribution of over 26,000 metric tons of assorted fertilizer at 60% subsidy to farmers in the last two years. The latter cost the government N2billion. Even the College of Agriculture, Obio Akpa, has since been converted to a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin.

In the agric sector, the state government says over 4, 000 jobs were generated while 1, 500 others got direct employment opportunities through the various programmes in the sector.

“The Akpabio administration has been supporting various externally funded programmes, including Fadama, community based natural resources management programme (CBNRMP), IFADassisted rural finance institution building programme (RUFIN) and World Bank/ Federal Government poverty alleviation programmes, among others,” the commissioner disclosed. Many foreign organisations also have agreements with the state government for the commercial production of and processing of rice and palm oil in the state. The state government also established three cassava processing centres at Nung Udoe, Ikot Okudom and Ikot Ekang in Ibesikpo Asutan, Eket and Abak local government areas respectively.

Umanah gives Akpabio a thumbs up for what the administration has done in the health sector. The th 20 Anniversary Specialist Hospital at Ekim Itam has been described as a world class facility. The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) has also benefitted from the state government, he informs, with the building of a paediatrics block as well as the donation of N50m. At the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, the first oxygen plant in the history of the state was built.

“The government also activated and expanded eight anti-retroviral therapy centres, 15 prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) centres and 37 HIV counselling and testing centres, all rendering free services. Others include the procurement and commissioning of state-of-the-art ambulances; construction of new primary health centres

in the three senatorial districts of the state; procurement of utility vehicles to close to 200 doctors employed by the state; construction of Cottage Hospitals in Essien Udim, Ibeno, Ukanafun, Eastern Obolo and Ika, and a high immunization coverage to eradicate polio and all other childhood killer diseases. There is also the provision of counterpart funding for all health programmes by donor organizations like UNICEF, UNFPA, Operation Roll Back Malaria and HIV/AIDs World Bank Assisted Programme,” Umanah affirms.

The commissioner says the governor is currently working on providing 10,000 modern and affordable houses to the Akwa Ibom populace. Akpabio’s government also constructed a functional Governor’s Lodge complex just as the state built 10 prime units mini estates in each of the local government areas for local government administrators. An ultra-modern banquet hall was also built within the Government House.

The present government, Umanah insists, has been working hard to make life better for women, children, the elderly and socially disadvantaged people. This category of people, he avers, have benefitted and continue to benefit from the government’s free medical services, including surgeries.

The Child’s Rights & Protection Law was passed in 2008 to enable children of Akwa Ibom origin enjoy all the privileges enshrined in the National Child’s Act 2004. In fact, an Akwa Ibom child is the present National Speaker in the National Children’s Parliament, he says. Women are also being encouraged to participate in governance just as orphans were empowered through various programmes.

The rural communities in the state also have a cause to smile, says Umanah. In his words, the government has taken over rural electrification projects from the local governments, just as no fewer than 1500 communities are now linked to the national grid. Many rural roads, schools and health care facilities have been rehabilitated across the state.

In the area of tourism, few states can claim to do it better than Akwa Ibom. In truth, many are those that daily troop to the state to experience the unique Akwa Ibom hospitality. The five-star Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort has been completed, and the multi-million naira Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre is nearing completion. It is a one-stop entertainment complex with Cineplex, galleria, malls, dry and wet parks, hostels and convention centre, among others.

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

41

Milestones

IBB AT 71

By ADAEZE ATUEYI-OJUKWU or his deft political maneuverings and engineering, many call him Maradona. His traducers call him the evil genius. But hate him or like him, even his most vitriolic critics agree that no matter, he is assured of a conspicuous space in Nigeria’s history. That man of history is Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, a General, former Nigeria’s Military President, statesman and an irrepressible bridge builder.

Fondly called IBB, and born on August 17, 1941, the General clocked 71 on Thursday.

Though he did not throw any wild party, like in the manner of some, friends and well-wishers still bathe him with encomiums, eulogizing what they felt was his gigantic contributions to the evolution of modern Nigeria.

But trust Babangida, it is not in his place not to make a hefty pronouncement on a day like this.

Which is why very few Nigerians were surprised when he told journalist, ahead of the anniversary, during the week, that he would never again canvass votes. He would never again seek elective office.

That would be good music in the ears of his fans and foes who must have been waiting eagerly for the pronouncement, preferring him to remain a statesman and a kingmaker.

A man of many parts, Babangida was born during the Second World War, precisely on August 17, 1941, in Minna, Niger State to Muhammad and Aisha Babangida. He began his primary education in 1950 and finished in 1956.

In 1957, he gained admission to Government College, Bida, where he passed his West African School Certificate Examination in 1962.

F

General Babangida enrolled at the Nigerian Military Training College on December 10, 1962, passed out on April 20, 1963, and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant.

He later proceeded to the Indian Military Academy for another course from where he graduated in April 1964. After his graduation, he was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron until January 1966, when he proceeded to the Royal Armoured Centre in the United Kingdom for the Young Officers’ course, which he completed on April 24, 1966. He was, thereafter, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant that year. Soon after, he was back at the same Royal Armoured Centre where he bagged a certificate in Armoured Driving Maintenance the following year.

In July 1968, he was appointed Commander, 44 infantry (The Rangers) and got elevated to the rank of Captain in August of the same year. It was also during his tour of duty as Commanding Officer in the same battalion, that he earned his promotion as a Major in April 1970. Based on his previous good performances, he was nominated for the Company Commanders’Course at Warminster in the United Kingdom between October and November 1970, and after a successful completion, he was appointed instructor and company commander at the Nigerian Defence Academy between 1970 and 1972. He commenced the Advanced Armoured Officers’ course at the Armoured School in the United States on August 16, 1972 where he, again, passed out with flying colors on June 8, 1973.

On his return, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in 1974-a position he held until his appointment as the inspector and, subsequently, the Commander, Nigerian Army Armoured

IBB Corps in 1975. In January 1977, he proceeded briefly on the senior officers’ course at the Command and Staff College, Jaji. After completing the course in July of the same year, he was redeployed to his former post as Commander of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps where he was until 1979 when he was promoted as a Brigadier. Soon after his promotion, he attended the Policy and Strategic Studies Course at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.

Later, he went in for the Senior International Defence Management Course at the Naval PostGraduate School in United States between January and June 1980. On January 5, 1981, he was appointed Director, Army Staff Duties and Plans, and was promoted as Major General on March 1, 1983. He relinquished his appointment

to become the Chief of Army Staff on December 31,1983. General Babangida was also a member of the Supreme Military Council – the highest policy formulating body of the government between August 1, 1975 and October 1979. He was re-appointed to the same vital government organ when the military took over the reins of power from civilians on December 31, 1983, in his new capacity as Chief of Army Staff. He combined both appointments until August 27, 1985, when he toppled the military government of General Muhammadu Buhari and became the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. On assumption of office, he changed the Supreme Military Council (SMC) to Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) over which he presided as chairman. On October 1, 1987, President Babangida was promoted a full General.

‘Quotables’ Compiled By PROGRESS OGBONS The best PR for Jonathan is a radical improvement in his performance. His critics will not relent in criticizing him, even at the risk of others defending him only because he is Ijaw from the South- South.

–Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, commenting in his column in the Vanguard, on the desperate attempts by the president’s men to make him look good despite obvious lapses, and prevailing insecurity in the land.

One thing I have learnt; when life tosses you the ball, play it; because nothing can stand in the way of a man who believes in himself.

–Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles player/coach relating his personal progress to his passion for football after being announced as the first Nigerian Johnnie Walker Giant by

the world’s number one selling Scotch Whisky-Jonnie Walker.

The act of crushing these men (political godfathers like Tony Anenih) would be easier if we enact a law for staggered elections timetable.

–Chinazo-Bertrand Okeomah, a public affairs analyst, commenting on the landslide victory of comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

The Presidency alone, the Armed Forces alone, the government alone cannot save us from Boko Haram.

Boko Haram can only be stopped when the elite in the North feel that they are sufficiently threatened and their lives and livelihood and positions are in jeopardy.

–Dr. Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Communication, commenting on the solution to the intractable Boko Haram I think Soyinka is difficult; that is different from being obscure. …The difference between being obscure and difficult is that

Soyinka thinks about a lot of things. He is thinking about possibilities and not the solutions. He has the tendency to provide a kind of violent solution. It is not his job to solve our problem, his job is to make us think about it and try to come up with our own solution.

–Professor Robert Elliot Fox, an American intellectual who taught in Nigeria for seven years, explains why Wole Soyinka is special.

It is our humble submission that experience has shown that in tackling internal security problems, there is need to adopt a holistic overview of strategies and organizations responsible for the implementation of internal security management.

–Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo, a former Inspector General of Police, advising President Goodluck Jonathan on policing and the general insecurity in the country.

Although the sun too quickly set on his life, what he stood for and what he accomplished continue to shine brightly.

–Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, paying tribute to the Late President

of Ghana, President John Atta Mills.

The road traffic law was not meant to send anyone to jail but to serve as a corrective measure.

–Governor of Lagos State, Governor Babatunde Fashola, responding to the criticisms that the new road traffic law was out to send people to jail.

Our target is that hopefully, this session of the National Assembly shall set a historic record by passing very critical legislations that would propel Nigeria to the 20 most advanced economies.

–Senate President, David Mark, refuting insinuation that the Senate is strong but weak on bills.

But the Abubakar government did not stop at giving people fish. It decided to create avenues through which people can fish and feed themselves forever.

–Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara State while distributing essential commodities to people during a Ramadan Feast.

42

SUNDAY SUN

The State of Our States

August 19, 2012

Special Report

The Mbanefo Report at a glance Yesterday, we served you the first part of what the States Creation,Local Government and Boundary Adjustment Committee set up by the late General Sani Abacha in 1996 recommended on creation of more local government areas in Kaduna State.Today,we continue with that aspect of the committee’s assignment.

Continued from yesterday OSUN STATE POPULATION: 2,203,061

EXISTING LGAs: 23

RECOMMENDED LGAs: 34

REQUESTED: 53 S/N

PRESENT LGA

PRESENT HQ

S/N

PROPOSED LGA

PROPOSED HQ

COMPOSITION

2.

AYEDADE

GBOOAN

3

AYEDADE

GBOGAN

EXISTING LOA. NO CHANGE

3.

BORIPE

IRAGBIJI

4

BOLUWADURO

IGBAJO

(i) IGBAJO LAND COMPRISING 206 VILLAGES/HAMLETS. (ii) ADA COMPRISING 7 VILLAGES (iii) IRESSI COMPRISING 8 VILLAGES (iv) OKERUN COMPRISING 4 VILLAGES.

5.

BORIPE

IRAGBIJI

RESIDUAL: ERIPA, IRESI, OKEERUN, IRAGBIJI. ADA, IGBODU, AJEBANDELE, PELEFU, TEMIDIRE. IBA.

6.

EDE SOUTH

AKODA

i) OLUWERE WARD WITH 6 VILLAGES ii) LOOGUN WARD WITH II VILLAGES iii) SEKONA WARD WITH 9 VILLAGES. iv) ALAJUE-OJA WARD WITH 12 VILLAGES v) OGOBI WARD WITH 8 VILLAGES vi) EZEWURE/ONIKOKO WITH II VILLAGES vii) OLODAN WARD WITH 9 VILLAGES viii) AGBINPA/IDIAGBO WITH 9 VILLAGES ix) AROLA/EGBEDA/ EREOSU WITH 9 VILLAGES x) AKODA WARD WITH VILLAGES xi) IDI-ORO/GAGA WITH 7 VILLAGES xii) PONLA/OBANSOLA WITH 9 VILLAGES

7

EDE NORTH

OJO TIMI EDE

i) JAGUN AGO WARD WITH 13 VILLAGES ii) POL YTECHNICIBABA ABIYE WARD WITH 14 VILLAGES iii) AGIP/SEVENTH DAY WARD WITH 8 VILLAGES iv) BARA EJEMU WARD WITH 4 VILLAGES v) EDEDIMEJI WARD WITH 10 VILLAGES vi) SABO/ELERIN WARD WITH 8 VILLAGES vii) AGBONGBE WARD WITH 10 VILLAGES viii) OKE·GADA WARD WITH 9 VILLAGES ix) BARRACKS/OLAIYA WARD WITH 9 VILLAGES x) ERINLE/AGBORE WARD WITH 8 VILLAGES xi) PEGBA WARD WITH 14 VILLAGES xii) OLOOGUN AGBAAKIN WARD WITH 14 VILLAGES xiii) OWODEIABERE WITH 9 VILLAGES

4.

EDE

EDE

5.

EGBEDORE

AWO

8

EGBEDORE

AWO

EXISTING LGA. NO CHANGE

6.

EJIGBO

EJIGBO

9

EJIGBO

EJIGBO

EXISTING LGA. NO CHANGE

SUNDAY SUN

43

August 19, 2012

The State of Our States 7.

8.

9.

IFE CENTRAL

IFE SOUTH

IFE NORTH

IFEI AJEBANDELE

IFETEDO

IPETU-MODU

Special Report

10.

IFE CENTRAL

AJEBANDELE

ITA ELEWA. ONILARI. ADESANMI. AKINYEMI OBASOLA. POPO. AGBOGBO. FATAPU.ARO.ADEPARAKAN. OKE·JJE. ELEWERAN. OKE·OPA. ALAGBEDE. AKALA. ILORE. IREMO. AGBEDE. ABA OBALAAYE. IGB IRA. ITAPA. WANISANNI, EREFE, ANIDIDUN. PANU, JAGUNOSIN, OKE-OPA. OLUBU, AJEBANDELE.

11.

IFE EAST

ENUWA

ALAKOWE, OJOAJE, SOMISENU ABA-AFIOJI, ERINTA, MOKUKO, ABA BALOGUN, OSOGUN, ORORU-OKO, AJAKA, LUKOSI. ENUWA, OKE-OPA, ALASE, MOSARAJO, EJIO, OGUN, OLODE, ITAMJASA, OWENA, OGUNKEKE, AGO-ADEYEMO, ALABAMETA, OKEREWE, ILODE, MODAKERE, ITA-OSA, ITA-ABI, MORE TOBA.

12

IFE-SOUTH WEST

ABIRI

AFASAGBOYE, ELEKOLO, ITAOSARA, KAJOLA, A WOWOLE, OLABAJU,ITAMARUN, OLOROMBO, AGANRAN, KEJI, AGBOROGBORO, DARANIJO, LASORE, LUKOSI, APASA, ABANLA,OGUDU,DAGBOLU, EKO OBA, KAJOLA ABE, DEBE, ORILE GIDI OGBO, AGIOI, 100POWINWA, OPA-AJE, ALADIRE, AIYE, OONI, AGBA BALE, IY ANFOWOROGI, IDI-A YO, IDUSOKO OYO, PANU, OKERMBETE, OGBAGBA OJUPA, AJEBAMIDELE, AKIRUN, IRESI, OYE-COKER, OSI SOKO, AIYEGBAJU, OLUGBODU, AGBONKUTA,OKE-ODUN, AFOLABI, OLUGBE.

13

IFE-SOUTH EAST

IFETEDO

IFETEDO, (i) OLODE WARD COMPRISING 26 VILLAGES, (ii) AYE WARD WITH 25 VILLAGES (iii) OGUDU WARD WITH (iv) OSI WARD WITH 42 VILLAGES. (v) KERE WARD WITH 32 VILLAGES. ALL OTHER TOWNS FORMER IFE SOUTH WITH IFETEDO AS HEADQUARTERS.

14

IFE OYERE

FAGBEWESA

ABORISADE, TORO, AJIBO, SALAKO, LOGUN, FAGBENRO, AREWA, AGIDI, ARA-ORIGBO, ADEOTI, OSI WARD WITH 42 VILLAGES, JAGUN, BABA KEKERE, OGUNYEMI, SAGI, EJESHI, AWURE-OYO AJINLOYE, AJEBAMIDELE, OLOGEDE AND AJEGUNLE

15

IFE NORTH

IPETUMODU

IPETUMODU, EDUNABON MORO, ASIPA, Y AKOYO, KAJOLA, EYEMU, IOIROKO TONKERE, OLAGBEDE ASA, ODURIN, ERINLE FASANU, ALAGBA, AKINLALU, ALICE, ELESIN, ONIKOKO AND ALL OTHER VILLAGES UNDER THEM. •MODAKEKE WHICH USED TO BE PART OF IFE NORTH HAS BEEN MERGED WITH IFE EAST.

10.

IFELODUN

IKIRUN

16

IFELODUN

IKIRUN

EXISTING LGA. NO CHANGE.

11.

ILLA

ILLA-ORANGUN

17

ILLA

ILLA-ORANGUN

EXISTING LGA. NO CHANGE.

To be continued tomorrow

44

Bruce Malogo

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

Notes of a Wayfarer

08033325888 Banmalogo@yahoo.com

Ibori’s bribe money and Delta State et’s start from the premise that what is morally wrong cannot be politically right. I am aware, however, that morality and politics are like oil and water – they are strange bedfellows. Which, of course, is particularly Nigerian. In Nigeria, politics starts where morality stops. In fact, here, morality is always the first casualty in the environment of politics. That is why a Nigerian politician would do anything most vile to win election; everything most devious to stay in power and all things most unorthodox to cover his tracks thereafter. It is in Nigeria, very unfortunately, that you find this as a philosophy for political survival and leverage.

A few days ago, to be sure, we heard that the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in Delta State is asking that the $15 million bribe money of his predecessor, cousin and political benefactor, James Ibori, be released to it. The money is said to be the bribe sum the jailed former governor offered to officers of the EFCC so they would compromise investigation into his alleged corrupt acts. We have been told that one Bello Yahaya, an EFCC official, who was one of those assigned to investigate the criminal case against Ibori had told Fedederal High Court in Abuja that in April 25, 2007, while the investigation was going on, “Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the then Chairman of the EFCC, called the investigation team headed by Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, the then Director of Operations, to pick up cash in the sum of USD 15, 000, 000 given to him and the Commission through an undisclosed agent of the said James Ibori.”

Yahaya further told the court that, “upon picking up the said USD 15, 000, 000, we deposited same on April 26, 2007 with the CBN, which was duly acknowledged and signed for by one M.M El-Yallud, a staff working in strong room 1 of the CBN.” These are some of the rest of his depositions: “That from the said April 26, 2007, the money remained in the custody of the CBN till date.

The issue was raised by me in my affidavit sworn to on January 9, 2008 in opposition to James Ibori’s bail application when he was eventually charged to court for money laundering offences.

“James Ibori denied through his reply to counter affidavit, dated January 10, 2008, of giving the sum of USD 15, 000, 000 to EFCC or its officials. That ever since April, 2007, no one has claimed ownership of the said sum and it has since remained unclaimed money in the strong room of the CBN. “That the said sum, if left untouched and unspent in the state it was kept in the strong room since April, 2007, may eventually be destroyed, defaced, mutilated and become useless.

“That it is in the interest of justice to, in the interim, make an order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria and allow publication to be made in the national newspaper to alert any interested member of the public to come out within 14 days to show their interest,

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failure to which this honourable court will make an order of final forfeiture in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“That the EFCC is ready to abide by the order that this honourable court will eventually make. It is in the interest of justice to grant this application.”

It was on the strength of that that the Delta State Government wants to claim the money. The state said, among other things in the affidavit deposed to through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice’s office, that: “Any money, asset or property recovered from Ibori rightly belonged to Delta State and same should be returned to it as it has always maintained its entitlement to any asset recovered from Ibori.” Although Ibori had denied giving the money to EFCC or any of its officials for that matter, the affidavit further averred that, “any denial by Ibori in respect of the money cannot affect entitlement of the state to the amount.”

Before we go further, please, let’s clarify this. Since the state government is, by that, saying Ibori was lying that he didn’t know anything about the money, that indeed the money belongs to it (the state government), we wouldn’t then have problem calling it by its proper name – theft. Ibori stole the money from the coffers of the state. Earlier this year, a Southwark Crown Court in London sentenced him to 13 years jail term over a $250 million fraud while he was governor of the state.

I wouldn’t know how others see it, but for me there is something seriously wrong about that request, something unholy about it. My concern is not whether or not it is politically right or whether it a just demand for restitution, which is the point the Delta State Government is making. The state is saying Ibori was in office when he misappropriated the money. In which case, the money couldn’t have been anybody’s but the state’s. That is a valid argument. Ibori would have stolen it from the state’s treasury, as we now know from his conviction and con-

fiscation of some of his assets across the world – even though the character of our judicial system was short of canonising him here.

I quite agree with the state government that the money belongs to it and, therefore, justice and fairness demand that the money reverts to the state. As I said, I have no quarrel with that. But where I have a problem is when it begins to dawn on us that releasing the money to the government of the day, would ultimately amount to giving back the money to Ibori. I’ll explain that.

One, what you have on ground today in the state is the rump, if not the essential of Ibori’s administration. At the political party level, his structures are still as intact and potent as they were before he became a convict in a far away land. The recruitment of the incumbent governor into politics – from being the state’s Commissioner for Health to being Secretary to the State Government (both under Ibori) to being the governor, and now serving second term were wholly Ibori’s making. Let’s just spare Uduaghan the suggestion that, as Secretary to the State Government, he wouldn’t have been unaware of most of what his boss was up to. But Ibori couldn’t have packaged Uduaghan for the highest political office in the state because of his (Uduaghan) contribution and importance to the party, PDP. Or because, of everybody in the state, he was the most qualified.

Uduaghan is Ibori’s first cousin and how the former emerged gubernatorial candidate and subsequently governor, flew on everybody’s face.

For, whereas while the former governor was facing graft charges at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, another Federal High Court was hurriedly put together in Asaba, the Delta State capital and the case was transferred there. Well, of course, we can’t discount the apparent interest the late president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, also had in the case.

That transfer of the case to Asaba

where he once bestrode and now where his cousin and the inheritor of his political bequest, is in charge was all that was required to clear him of the charges. And that was it.

He was acquitted of all the 170 charges against him. It is only logical, unfortunate as it is. It doesn’t happen that a diligent child of a farmer goes hungry, no matter how poor the harvest.

Ibori had maximum influence over the state apparatchik and there is nothing to suggest that, that effect is no longer there. Recently, for example, he turned 54 and the goodwill messages in the papers did not indicate a man scorned or influence diminished. Well, that ought not to worry the rest of the people. After all, monkey no fine, but him mama likam so.

There is no doubt that the state government is sentimental about Ibori; he is the father of the government, however you want to look at it. Therefore, my hunch tells that that money, if reverted to the government, would not end up back into the people’s till. “The state” owes the man so much political debts, therefore it is beholding to him. It would then be payback time. The man has lost so much and he will most likely lose some more. So, he would need something to fall back on; after all, he is not on life-sentence.

And please, don’t ask me what the State Assembly would be doing while this is happening. You and I know that in Nigeria, relationship between a governor and members of the state assembly ebbs and flows according to how much the one is willing to accommodate the other in the “sharing.” Conflict comes only when the governor begins to show assembly members head of yam and sounding like a headmaster.

That’s only when we hear their voices. Otherwise, all correct; the state is at peace and both arms are “partners in progress.” That, in fact, is the first lesson every governor learns, if he wouldn’t want to be woken up at 3am to be told that assembly members just impeached him 30 minutes ago.

I read also that the state government is asking for the money “for and on behalf of the government and people of Delta State.” And did they say “people?” You can say that again. In more straightforward societies, yes. But not in the Nigerian environment. I ask, since when did the people start counting in Nigeria?

Since when have the people’s monies started being used for their benefit? We know how the people come into all this. The people come when politicians want to hide under the cover of MY PEOPLE to do criminal things; when they want to do funny things with public treasury.

I think the time has come for these characters to stop using the People’s name in vain.

And so, what to do with the money? It should go to the state quite all right but definitely not to the state government. Let there be an independent body to manage it.

Call it whatever fund but let it be used truely and specifically for the people of Delta State from whom Ibori stole it.

THE SOUND OF JUBILEE Rev. Kunat Amos Achi Pastor, New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

Phone: 0802 307 0157.

Email: revakunat@yahoo.com

What is your name?

Everyone here on earth has a name or names.

Other living and non-living things are not exempted – they all have names. A name is a label or designation that sets one person or one thing apart from another. Let me quickly say that everyone has at least two types of names. The first is the one given when we were born, while the second is the one we acquire or we are given, based on our conduct.

The word “name”, in the general sense, includes the following: . Appellation: descriptive or designation; . Title; an official and also academic; . Epithet: given to mark some assumed characteristics either good or bad (righteous or wicked) . Cognomen: a family name (you get this by birth or marriage); . Style is the legal designation for official or business use. . Denomination: a specific and collective name, for example, Baptist, Redeemed, and Methodist.

The one I am emphasizing is an epithet. An epithet is an adjective or descriptive phrase that qualifies your character or your quality based on your conduct.

This is the kind of name that represents your true nature. It is the reputation you earn by your conduct.

It is the only one that counts here on earth and in eternity. And that is what God knows you and calls you with. There is an account of a man whose family ran into problem after his demise in “2Kings 4:1 -7”.

The wife of the man said “my husband is dead and you know that he revered the Lord”. My emphasis today is not on the miracle of the little oil that filled all the available vessels but on the very thing that brought about the miracle. This man left the most important thing in life for his family, a “good name”.

The wife approached Prophet Elisha and said to him, you know that my husband feared God. In order words, you know that my husband was a righteous man. What a good name! The word of God says “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold’ (Prov. 22:1).

The man left the best thing for his family and that brought about lasting solution to their problem. The man understood that no amount of riches here on earth could buy the good name we are talking about, because this is the name by which the people and God know and call you. You can’t buy it you can only earn it by your good conduct. What are you leaving behind for your posterity, righteousness or wickedness?

It is possible for you to be stealing and be causing pains for millions of Nigerians and still use the illgotten riches to buy appellations, titles, styles, or a denomination even a cognomen. But you can’t buy a good epithet you earn it by living a correct life.

How did you get what you now call your own?

Remember “dishonest money dwindles away” (Prov.

13:11) and “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinners wealth is stored up for the righteous” (Prov. 13:22.) As you can see no amount of wealth you accumulate through a dubious means will soon vanish away. This we have seen in the life of many of our political leaders. Apart from the fact that they go into their graves naked and empty-handed, some of them even become ridicule in the society, others become caricatures of their old selves while still living. And a number of them are in the prisons right now.

The Bible says calls Abraham a “righteous man”.

This is a good epithet that Abraham worked for and by so doing “became eternal glory and joy of many generations” (Isaiah 60:15.) Everyone now wants to be identified with Abraham not because of his wealth but because of his good name he made for himself.

No wonder, God was so happy with Abraham and said to him, “all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you”. (Gen 12:3.) It was good reputation of Abraham with God that delivered Lot from his destruction (Gen. 19:29.) What will your own memory bring to the people that are connected to you, a blessing or a curse?

Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and LORD today and God Himself will give you a new epithet (Isa 62:2-4.) It is the name (epithet) by which God knows and calls you that determines your reward. The Bible says “The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous” (Prov. 3:33; 12:3; 20:7.) Who are you, a righteous or a wicked person? The best legacy you can leave behind for your children is a GOOD NAME that you earn by your good conduct. May the LORD bless you and help you as you turn a new leaf today. Amen.

AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

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SUNDAY SUNR REVUE

EDITED BY TONI KAN tkeditorsun@ymail.com

INSIDE

Quotes on writing from the masters

Introduction: I have spent one week in Italy already with 5 more to go. My weekly entry “Dispatches from Italy” begins this week and is published in our News section. Find out how to deal with ghosts in a 15th century Roman castle.

We have a book review from Maxim Uzoatu who focuses his attention on Chioma Obiefuna’s ‘My Body, Mind and Spirit’ and a poem from Oluwafunminiyi Omojola who has written a poem to his son, Ireni.

We present the concluding part of Ladi Opaluwa’s short story, “A stark figure of hysteria” about love gone sour with a brief descent into madness.

In our “Critical Intervention” section we bring you a few months old essay by Kenyan poet, Stephen Derwent Partington. We have entitled it “The Caine Prize and Its Discontents” and he makes some pretty amazing points about the perceived benefits of the Caine prize to African writers and literature.A must read as the Caine submission season approaches.

We also have all our regulars on parade from quotes to book reviews and literary news. Enjoy.

Beware of Writers Who Tell You How Hard They Work: Beware of writers who tell you how hard they work. (Beware of anybody who tries to tell you that.) Writing is indeed often dark and lonely, but no one really has to do it. Yes, writing can be complicated, exhausting, isolating, abstracting, boring, dulling, briefly exhilarating; it can be made to be grueling and demoralizing.

And occasionally it can produce rewards.

But it’s never as hard as, say, piloting an L-1011 into O’Hare on a snowy night in January, or doing brain surgery when you have to stand up for 10 hours straight, and once you start you can’t just stop. If you’re a writer, you can stop anywhere, anytime, and no one will care or ever know. Plus, the results might be better if you do –RICHARD FORD

BOOK REVIEW

Do It Your Way: Write. Start writing today. Start writing right now. Don’t write it right, just write it –and then make it right later. Give yourself the mental freedom to enjoy the process, because the process of writing is a long one. Be wary of “writing rules” and advice. Do it your way –- TARA MOSS The Hollywood Totem Pole: In Hollywood, you’re dealing with a power structure where the writer is really at the bottom of the totem pole. Actually, I think that the writer isn’t even at the bottom of the totem pole—they’re at the part that they stick in the ground, and then there’s the totem pole

Cover Image: The Civitella Ranieri Castle by Toni Kan

–- BRUCE JOEL RUBIN

One poem for the road MANGROVE SAPLING STANDING ALONE (A thirst for reunion) (i) Mangrove sapling tanding alone Surrounded by ripples and blighted by wind, He Sways and bends, He dominates the water body He is misshapen, his destiny dictating Yet He will survive though standing alone

(ii) Mangrove sapling, child of spare dealing, In seasons sore and forced out waters Within a vengeful loam?His conception is complete Germinating in guttural silence, Distant ramblings from rancid breaths Sorrows, like beads, en-dotting his leaves He will triumph, still standing alone

(iii)

Drums of rancour rolled out before the planting seasons Seething, spiteful, poisonous and thunderous Now, Mangrove sapling grows, dancing alone Inhabiting his estuary We battle towards him The Tide and the Wave to this transit zone Standing aloof, he watches the archery Of cursing and fate Of noise and of silence

(iv) Be the arbiter, do calm the Tide Put chains of restraint on the Wave and bleed peace

(v) Mangrove sapling laughing alone, You shall find your roots In true soils that’s home.

(For my son, Ireni, A Magrove Sapling standing alone). © Oluwafunminiyi Omojola

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AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

CRITICAL INTERVENTIONS

The Cane Prize and its discontents

By STEPHEN DERWENT PARTINGTON

Editor’s note: The Caine prize submission season is here again and as we prepare our submissions, it would be great to consider Partington’s views and those of the writers he has quoted copiously regarding the Caine prize and what it really means to African writers and writing. This essay appeared before the winner of the 2012 prize was announced. Enjoy.

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RISKAIDEKAPHOBIA’ — meaning fear of the ‘unlucky’ number 13 — is an unfortunately ugly word. Thankfully, 2012’s shortlisted Caine Prize stories usually avoid any ugliness of expression, and yet this year — the thirteenth of this important prize — will like any other feel relatively unlucky for four of the five shortlisted authors: Nigeria’s Rotimi Babatunde, Kenya’s Billy Kahora, Malawi’s Stanley Kenani, Zimbabwe’s Melissa Tandiwe Myambo, or South Africa’s Constance Myburgh. Only one will get the £10,000 prize, the big literary contract and a seat on Oprah’s colour-purple sofa.

Modelled loosely upon the UK’s prestigious Man Booker Prize, which covers Anglophone novels from the Commonwealth, the influential Caine Prize similarly rewards the best shorter Anglophone fiction from, specifically, the African continent. Initiated by Sir Michael Caine, a former chairman of the Booker Prize, the prize was first awarded in 2000, when it was won by the fine Sudanese writer, Leila Aboulela.

Since 2000, it has been awarded to talented younger writers from across sub-Saharan Africa, from Nigeria to Kenya — Binyavanga Wainaina and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor — to South Africa. Uganda had a winner, Monica Arac de Nyeko, in 2007, and yet it’s worth pointing out that the Anglophone focus possibly marginalises Tanzania — although translations are acceptable — even though contemporary Swahili literature arguably comprises some of the most adventurous literary experimentation on the continent. As of yet, no one from the Maghreb or Egypt has won, although it’s fair to say that some of the strongest short-listed stories have, over the years, been from the North as much as from the East, South and West of our continent.

When he refused the 1964 Nobel Prize for Literature, the French Marxist Jean-Paul Sartre did so because according to him “a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution.” For those of us aware of Sartre’s tendency to hold forth in front of adoring young disciples in fashionable Parisian cafes, his utterance has a faint whiff of hypocrisy about it, and yet the warning remains valid if we take him to mean, “Writers and their readers should be wary of who is validating and canonising them.”

The Caine Prize judges and writers have, year on year, been reminded of this danger, especially by talented African academics who are acutely aware of how our continent has been negatively portrayed in much Western literature from pre-colonial travelogues (“uggy-buggy fuzzywuzzies”) to more recent representations in the Western media (“panga-wielding ululators”).

One of the most vocal critics of this perceived consequence of the prize is the Nigerian blogger, Ikhide Ikheloa, who last year wrote, “Many [African] writers are skewing their written perspectives to fit what they imagine will sell to the West and the judges of the Caine Prize. The creation of a prize for ‘African writing’ may have created the unintended effect of breeding writers willing to stereotype Africa for glory. The mostly lazy, predictable stories that made the 2011 shortlist celebrate orthodoxy and mediocrity.”

Ikheloa’s forceful critique, then, had two sides to it: a) a 2011-specific, value-ridden concern, shared by many commentators, that last year’s Caine shortlist was relatively uninspiring; b) a more profound concern that this UK-based prize, even when overseen by cosmopolitan African writers such as Ben Okri, the Caine’s new vice-president, has led certain of the continent’s short story writers to become native informants, cynically penning what sells to the West.

The implication is that some of our writers (willingly) succumb to the hegemonic represen-

tation of Africa as a place of famine, war, Aids, “tribal savagery” and entrenched corruption, prostituting the continent’s population in the process and, we might say, betraying the radicalism of earlier generations of writers and critics for whom countering such stereotypes was imperative. “Poverty porn,” it is called; the ability to thrill to Africa’s various impoverishments and, if you are a bleeding-heart American sophomore, make lemonade to raise money to “save” us.

It would seem that this year Ikheloa’s fair concerns — fair because certain past winners really have dwelt upon conflict and other woes — are being taken seriously by the very talented clutch of judges. For example, the judging chair, the prolific author Bernardine Evaristo, has explicitly blogged that she and her fellow panellists — CNN journalist Nema Elbagir, award-winning critic and journalist Maya Jaggi, post-colonialist scholar Samantha Pinto, and poet-editor Chirikure Chirikure — are “looking for stories about Africa that enlarge our concept of the continent beyond the familiar images that dominate the media: War-torn Africa, Starving Africa, Corrupt Africa, in short: The Tragic Continent.”

Whether the 2012 Caine Prize shortlist really avoids such portrayals of Africa is up for debate.

Or, if poverty porn has been avoided, it is possible that other cultural clichés affect certain of the stories.

For example, while being one of my favourites, Myambo’s tender La Salle de Départ falls into the hackneyed category of “emigration and return” literature. While various forms of “ unhousedness” — exile, emigration, displacement, diaspora, and so on — are core to the postcolonial experience of many, I find myself among the slightly bored readers for whom such an ubiquitous cosmopolitan theme is becoming overdone, especially when the characters are members of the more privileged classes.

Similarly, what to me is the weakest of the five stories, Kenani’s Love on Trial, is really little more than an overlong dialogue between a law student arrested for gay acts and an obnoxiously pious Malawian journalist. The problem with Kenani’s story is at least threefold: a) the reader feels that this story might cynically have been selected because of the topicality of the debate over (African) gayness in the Western media; b) being dull, we are sadly not inspired to care about the character or the pressing issue; c) by including such a preachy story (one that didactically “tells” the reader how to read its issue), the prize seems to be legitimising the rather hackneyed claim that “the African cultural aesthetic” is exclusively one that states messages-andmorals about social issues, with no interest in entertainment — certainly, Love on Trial has little about it that could be called entertaining. And so, some stereotypes are in danger of being entrenched just as others are consciously avoided by the judges.

Yet, all of the shortlisted stories have some redeeming features, and some are extremely good indeed. Further, it may well be that the judges’ and Ikheloa’s liberal concerns are already becoming a little old hat on a certain level, as younger left-wing academics begin to ask, “Yes, poverty-porn is vile, but if when rightly criticising it you liberals overstep the mark and prescribe that poverty may no longer in any way be discussed in African literature, aren’t you both supporting ‘bans’ of the sort that our literature has painfully experienced before and ignoring the genuine plight of the majority of people who do not live in the middle-class affluence of

the GDP-growing urban centre?”

A recent blogger, Carmen McCain, has argued that much of the present debate over the Caine Prize and African writing in general, puts the writers themselves in an impossible position, stuck between having to: a) write for a UKbased prize that might represent a Western readership that likes poverty porn; b) satisfy Africanists-in-place that they’ve not pandered too much and sold out; c) satisfy the new liberal Western academics who are pussyfooting around poverty porn ; d) be “true” to the social situation on the ground in vast parts of Africa, where some people (the majority) really do still often suffer. It’s a fraught business, this being a writer, and there are always more responsibilities than there are bonuses; more criticisms and obligations than there are ten-thousand-pound prizes.

However, I would argue that these complex and competing push-and-pull influences are possibly good, possibly more liberating for the writer than they are constraining. For, when we have more than one simple stereotypical assumption about what an “African short story” should do, we have in effect told our writers, “You have options to do many things and different things to what is usually expected.”

Consequently, we “Let a hundred flowers blossom and a hundred schools of thought contend,” encouraging diversity in our literary production.

Arguably, then, the Caine Prize, rather than straitjacketing African literature, has by opening up debate been a core factor in the increasing diversity noticeable in the African short story since 2000. This diversity is apparent across the five stories, some of which — Myambo’s and Kenani’s — have their stock themes and devices, some of which attempt to do something very new.

Take the excellent Bombay’s Republic by Nigeria’s Babatunde. This story takes us into the depths of Second World War Burma, where many subjects of the British colonies were taken to fight, from Nigeria and, yes, our own East Africa. While the choice of Burma might not be entirely original, as numerous excellent books such as Biyi Bandele’s Burma Boy have recently emerged that deal with the issue, Babatunde’s story does take us convincingly and intoxicatingly into the experiences of “Bombay,” a Nigerian soldier who undergoes numerous miniature rites-of-passage as he comes to realise how people across the world — from Sri Lanka to Japan to Britain — view Africans.

Not only are Bombay’s eyes opened to how Africans are stereotyped, but he also importantly comes to realise the frailties of whites who, back in colonised Nigeria, always portrayed

themselves as insurmountably powerful; Bombay’s “superiors” get killed, go mad, and generally fail to cope with the horrors of war.

They are, it is implied, just people, like you and me, and so colonialism can be challenged. Yes, this story, too, becomes preachy and predictable towards the end, disappointingly deteriorating into a standard 1960s allegory of postIndependence disillusionment, and yet most of its beginning holds the reader’s attention, thrillingly.

Or Myburgh’s Hunter Emmanuel, a darkly hilarious “detective” tale in which Hunter sets out to solve the mystery of a severed leg that he finds in a tree. In the end, it transpires that the leg had been sold by its, ahem, owner. There are possibly three ways that we can interpret Myburgh’s humour: a) as simply inappropriate, in which case we’ll unproblematically dismiss the story as sick; b) as cathartic, lightening the seriousness of the issue under scrutiny but never facing it; c) as so over-the-top inappropriate that it in fact performs a service, making us giggle our way into confronting a serious issue.

I’d opt for (c), and I think Myburgh achieves this well in a story that, throughout, expertly employs convincing free indirect discourse — the voice of the character expressed through the author’s report — a device that stops this story reading like Myburgh’s views and instead brings multiple character voices into play, and so generously allows multiple reader responses.

And yet, my favourite of the stories remains Kahora’s fine Urban Zoning, which I have now read four times, each time discovering something new, sometimes even reaching very different conclusions about how this excellent story might be read. If I’ve said that across the five shortlisted stories we may read the present diversity of short African literature, I believe that Kahora’s is the only one to within itself fully encapsulate this diversity, this thrilling ambiguity of “How can we live and interpret Africa, especially its swelling cities where the majority of us now live?” As such, it participates very powerfully and eloquently in the debate over representations of the continent without pandering to anybody’s preconceptions, and without feeling preachy.

Urban Zoning has a dissolute main character, Kandle, a 30-something Nairobian who lives in a drunken haze, who sleeps around and who suffers the oppressions of a heartless capitalism symbolised, most obviously, by the bank that he works for. He is a complex character — very impressively drawn as such in the brevity of a short story — whom we can neither like nor fully loathe as he wanders through his urban life, shirking work, drink-driving, and generally loafing.

He is, we learn, both a victim of the abuse that he suffers in his youth and the adult abuse of economics and someone who perpetuates that abuse as he treats women with disdain and tries to cheat his bank as it would cheat him. In the end, Kandle pilfers money from his employer, an act that we can either condemn as merely corrupt and so no better than the corruption of the elite, or as a promising little act of transgression or rebellion against the system by a man who is not yet fully dehumanised but who instead, like a candle, shines out some hope that the oppressive system can, in fact be challenged, even if only through small acts of infrapolitics.

Consequently, in Urban Zoning, we have neither only poverty porn Africa (Kandle’s “bad zones”) nor only the rose-tinted happy Africa (Kandle’s “good zones”) that certain middleclass liberals might yearn for. Kahora’s story makes Nairobi and the postcolonial city in general more realistically complex than it has ever been before in our literature; stepping beyond the 1960s and 1970s obsession with the cultural decay that city-dwelling “inevitably” brings, Kahora nevertheless refuses to view Nairobi as only a place of bright and beautiful lights, and so nuances and rounds the urban landscape, brilliantly.

•(Editor’s Note: Bombay’s Republic won the 2012 Caine prize. Stephen Derwent Partington is a Machakos-based teacher and author of the poetry collection, How to Euthanise a Cactus. Email: stepartington@yahoo.co.uk

AUGUST 19, 2012

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•Cocktail before the reading

The 10 fellows and 1 Director’s guest presently in residence at the Civitella Ranieri Centre held their first readings and presentation to a full house on Thursday August 9, 2012. There were presentations from the 3 composers, 4 artists and 4 writers.

Pictures.

•Toni Kan reads

•Dana Prescott, Executive Director, CivitellaRanieri, saying welcome

S S R MOVIE REVIEW REVIEWER: Uzor Maxim Uzoatu AUTHOR: Chioma Obiefuna BOOK TITLE: My body, mind and spirit PUBLISHER: Guide Masters, Lagos

YEAR: 2012

Next Week

IN

47

IN THE NEWS

EVENTS

CIVITELLA FELLOWS HOLD FIRST PRESENTATIONS

EXPLORE

T

HE journey to womanhood for a girl is a protracted task. It is not for nothing that the Russian writer Griboyedov in his book The Importance of Being Clever penned: “What a job it is to be a growing-up daughter’s father!” Among the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria the girl-child is given pride of place through the saying: “One is not yet a parent until one has begotten a girl.” It takes special care to groom the girl-child, and this is the great recommendation of Chioma Obiefuna’s My Body, Mind and Spirit. The 124-page book which is aptly subtitled “What every SMART girl needs to know” treats such germane issues as puberty, menstruation, peer pressure, selfesteem, body image, sexuality, company of boys, mood swings, rebellion, talking to parents and sundry adults, money management, spirituality, building character etc.

As a very necessary “Handbook for Young Girls”, My Body, Mind and Spirit by Chioma Obiefuna teems with nuggets of wisdom on how the girl can navigate, without much ado, the transition from girlhood to womanhood.

The Introduction renders the locus of My Body, Mind and Spirit thusly: “This book is the perfect tool to guide you on your journey from childhood to adulthood. In it, you will learn the basic things you need to know to help you grow into an extraordinary woman because it will give you tips on

SSR R 121

DISPATCHES FROM ITALY: FALLING MUGU IN ROME AND DEALING WITH GHOSTS My first one week went by in a blur of work and fun.

I arrived Rome late Tuesday evening and was immediately scammed out of 78 euros by a black girl who sold me a 5 euro SIM card and almost no credit for 78 euros. I still feel bad for falling ‘mugu’ in Rome.

The Ranieri castle is an impressive 15th century castle perched atop a small hill in Umbertide outside Perugia, some 3 hours out of Rome. It is a sprawling ancient enclave with modern appliances added to upgrade it. Are there ghosts here, I asked the evening I arrived? Because what is a castle without ghosts?

The jury is still out but I hear footsteps marching above my apartment all night and none of the fellows has claimed to work all night so, there might be a ghost after all.

What have I done in my first week here? Plenty. My routine is simple: wake, pray, make coffee then write till noon. Shower, eat lunch and watch a movie.

The center has over 200 dvds of amazing movies and I haven’t been shy. The first one I picked was Frida, the biopic of the amazingly talented and crazy Mexican artist, Frida Khalo whose love story with Diego Riviera is the stuff of legend. I have discovered a new drink called Pinochietto made from some leaves and vodka. I take it every evening for medicinal purposes; I hear it helps with digestion. (Wink wink.)

I have, however, managed to write a bit; 25,000 words so far which is well past the 10,000 word weekly target I set before I got here. (I will share excerpts next week) And it’s all thanks to the fellows in residence right now. Everyone seems focused on producing some work while here so, its type, paint/sculpt//design, compose all day.

I will share more next week including a trip we took to Sansepolcro and the museum that houses works by Italian renaissance painter and master of perspective, Piero Della Francesca. Make a date CALL FOR ENTRIES: THE GCLF WRITERS’WORKSHOP Entries for the 5th edition of the annual Garden City Literary Festival Writers’ Workshop are now being accepted. The workshop will hold in October 2012. The Writers’ Workshop is a creative platform where aspiring writers sit under the tutelage of their established counterparts.

You can only apply to ONE class. Participants are required to submit samples of their writing (in line with requirements for the different genres) before Friday 31st August, 2012, to secure a place.

All applicants must submit the following:?FOR SHORT STORIES: Sample short story of between 1000 and 1500 words (please highlight—in the subject of your email—how many words your story contains).

FOR POEMS: Sample poem (no longer than 1000 words). Please note: synopses or abstracts will NOT be accepted.

FOR DRAMA A ‘one act’ play script on any subject.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES MUST BE ADHERED TO: A one-page personal CV must be submitted along with each entry; Abrief paragraph about what you intend to learn from your chosen workshop must be included in submission; All manuscripts must be double spaced with a header showing ‘author’to the left, ‘title’in the middle and ‘page number’to the right; Handwritten entries or entries that do not adhere to the manuscript format above will not be accepted. All sample materials must be submitted to info@gardencityfestival.com not later than 12 noon on Friday 31st August, 2012. Materials submitted after this date and time will not be accepted.

•Guest writers at the 5th edition of the Garden City Literary Festival include Doreen Baingana, Lola Shoneyin, Veronique Tadjo, Noo Saro-Wiwa, Chibundu Onuzo and the Caine Prize administrator, Lizzy Attree.

how to deal with the new challenges and issues that will come your way.

With God’s grace, you will have an incredible time during your teenage years, and grow up to be a joy to your family and friends, a positive member of the society and an inspirational addition to your generation.”

Chioma Obiefuna illustrates her points with test-cases from the likes of Chinma who confesses that her teenage years were quite awkward and would have benefited a lot from having necessary information that was not forthcoming. According to Tomi, “I noticed that I was beginning to get so much bigger than my best friend. My breasts were already coming out and I had become taller than her. I didn’t understand why because we were both ten years old. I didn’t like it.”

Books such as Chioma Obiefuna’s My Body, Mind and Spirit should be in the Nigerian school curriculum to save our young ones from the troubles of growing to adulthood via uncharted but treacherous quarters. The need for sex education cannot be gainsaid, but what exists in Nigeria today is the perpetual waffle about wearing condoms!

At the end of every chapter Chioma Obiefuna leaves for the reader a reminder “Always Remember…” as per this vista on page 69: “Girls can be victims of sexual crimes like rape so when boys or men, especially those who are older, approach you, be wary and do not associate with them as you are not experienced enough to deal with them.”

She candidly advises rebelling against parents and other authority figures, asserting: “To get respect, you must give respect.” Respect is indeed reciprocal. It is incumbent on the growing girl to learn that it takes perseverance to make a success of life.

Chioma Obiefuna had in 2011 published Tales of the Single Woman, an insightful and humorous encounter with The Single Nigerian Woman.

Unlike the lightheartedness of Tales of the Single Woman, Chioma Obiefuna’s current book, My Body, Mind and Spirit, is indeed more serious and didactic. I am yet to see a book written in Nigeria that lends such consummate attention to growing pains.

The phenomenon of girlhood is elevated in such a manner that the emerging woman stands in grace.

For Chioma Obiefuna, GIRL stands for: Gorgeous, Intelligent, Resourceful, Large-hearted. In this new “www” age the author supplies a score or so online sites for further reading on the world-wide-web.

Chioma Obiefuna has written a very important book for these turbulent times. Every growing girl needs to own a copy of My Body, Mind and Spirit. All parents need copies of the book too. As has been earlier deposed here, the Nigerian school curriculum needs this book to guide our growing girls past the minefield of growth into womanhood.

Continues on Page 48

Next week we bring you an excerpt from Toni Kan’s novel in progress, Las Gidi as well as a tribute from a daughter to a father in Joybeth Mamudu’s heartfelt ode to her father, my teacher, Professor Ayo Mamudu and the usual.

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AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

SSR R

FICTION

A stark figure of hysteria (2)

By LADI OPALUWA

E had prayed that the note might be of mild effect but it wasn’t. It broke her heart and left it sore for a time, a time she spent hating to do anything else but cry. She would sit for long hours and cry, uttering dramatic growls, choking on her lamentation, holding her stomach, coughing and retching up her intestines. From the habit she got a persistent headache, an ache made prominent by the tautness of her Ghana-weave.

She would loosen her hair one row per day, two rows per day, until she freed her hair entirely of the hair extensions.

It was her desire to die. She prayed to God, asking his permission to commit suicide, or better, that it happens naturally, peacefully in her sleep, or violently even, by a stray bullet or a speeding car on her way to work. Morning after morning, with weeping and gasping, with heaviness of heart, she renewed her request to God. Every moment of consciousness became to her a proof of God’s inattentiveness to her prayers. By this conviction, she rested from her supplications and settled into a deep state of melancholia from which she was unwilling to rise.

So it was that she would lie in bed and from the pocket of her pillowcase retrieve the card there saved, and read, sometimes loudly and carefully, like a learner.

Aspects of the note evoked in her memories of their times together, most recurrent, the time with him at his parents’. She would see herself sitting primly in the hollow of a strange living room, observing the walls and ceiling, wondering whether or not she would be favourably received; standing in advance to greet as both parents descended downstairs towards her, each later on exacerbating her anxiety with a multitude of questions, both having about their manners the genteelness of the aged.

How often had these ruminations led her to lament her folly and the tragedy of the years wasted. Why did she cook him meals? Why was she excited about going to meet his parents? How was it possible to have been so guileless? Guileless and without premonitions. In quietude and with self-reproach she contemplated these questions, as many as occurred to her, as often as they did. She had no friends in town to whom she could pose these questions and be told to forget about him, that it was his loss anyway, that they never really liked him.

Now as she lay in bed reading from the card, halfway through, she became possessed with a sullen resolution to tear up the card and abandon her misery. She got up before the mirror that hung on her wall and saw for the first time her thick, tousled hair. Her gaze alternated between her image in the mirror and her wardrobe where hung an array of nightgowns of the colours pink, white, and blue. It occurred to her to affect the persona of an angel.

She applied herself hastily to the task, dressing up in an oversized, white nightgown, and for a minute stood flapping her hands. After a while she changed into an equally oversized, red nightgown pulled out from the bottom of her box. Regarding herself an incarnation, some succubus, she stood making odd facial contortions that stretched her face to the limits. Next she stripped into a nudist. She was appeased by the view that was reflected to her, not happy necessarily, merely satisfied.

She found in her reflection a companion to whom in a monologue she spent the entire afternoon revealing her plans to go shopping for clothes the next day, go in them to parties, take a vacation, make new friends, and so forget her misery. So excit-

H

ing did this seem to her that she wished they would all begin at once, but for the sky becoming cloudy. Even to her shadow at night she talked on, repeating and elaborating on her ideas. Only when there was a blackout and she became invisible did she rest. It never rained though. She lay on the bed From frequent readjustments a large component of her plan was discarded and with it went her excitement, yet she retained an interest in glimAs she stood, as she was wont, before the mirror one afternoon, there appeared before her the image of the lady that would be her replacement. Someone taller and fairer fitted with long wavy hair extensions. The banging headache, by which she was frequently afflicted, and for which there was no remedy returned, severe as in earlier times. The room was cold but her body was hot. Her breath, too, was hot. She went to the bathroom and showered. With her head swathed in a towel she returned to her post before the mirror. Water dripped from her hair. She shivered. All about her, on the bed and on the floor, were discarded clothing, dishes, and scraps of paper. The putrid smell of leftover meals filled the room. Her disillusioned idealisation of squalor dissipated and in its place came an awareness of her descent into hysteria. She heard slip from her mouth as if in a whisper, ‘this is madness.’

Outside the sky was darkening. She leaned towards the window to listen intently to a sound falling like grains on the roof. It was drizzling. A gust came and rattled the roof. Thunder claps could be heard hitting the roofs of distant houses.

After the storm it began to rain. She turned over the mirror and stood by the window watching out. A wave of rainscented breeze blew into the room. It nauseated her, as all scents seemed to. She sensed a shadow flush over her, and she swooning in the dark, the walls twirling.

She lay down, thinking that by lying down and grabbing the leg of the bed she could still the room, that by lying flat on her stomach she could make the floor her bed.

In a vision she saw her spirit rise up from within her, packing into a bag her clothes and toiletries, walking out of the wreckage; an ethereal being pulling along a holdall, walking out of the door. Its strides conveyed to her the beauty of death and of the place to which it was headed.

In an instance of wakefulness before morning, she found in her heart a longing to follow after her spirit. The thought of how she might accomplish her desire kept her up for a while. It would be as simple as taking a razor and slashing her wrist. It would be spontaneous. It would be without motivation. The pain would be unbearable, and the sin unpardonable.

It was about noon the next day when she

woke. She had slept on the floor and had woken with a rigor and it was taking quite an effort to sit up against the bedstead.

She sat gazing before her at the wardrobe stuffed with clothing that had been cleared in a surreal moment. She burst out crying, as though just realising her existence, like her life ought to have ended and she had lived on.

She slumped back onto the floor, shaking with sobs.

Before her eyes the square pattern of the ceiling blurred into a seamless white board. Thoughts of the future filled her mind. She could foresee no incidence that would be inversely equal to her present sorrows. So after all the grieving, she was thinking and crying out loud, she would resume work and resume her original disposition, the sedate mien that was the precursor of a suitably boring existence. And years on, the memory of this event would sour whatever joy she would have then.

She quietened on hearing a knock at the door. It seemed natural for her to ignore the caller. The harder the knock the more she stilled herself. It was her colleague, Inikpi, knocking, asking if she was in. She would knock, wait, knock, and call her name. There came a period of silence in which she, thinking the caller gone, let out a puff and set her knocking once more.

(Concluded)

AUGUS 19, 2012 EXPLORE

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WardR Round For good oral health, reduce in-between meals –Dr Adeyanju

By OGE OKONKWO adelineokonkwo@yahoo.com

T

HE mouth, as everyone knows, is the main entrance to the body.

And medical research has shown that oral health is integral to general health. Besides, it affects an individual’s depth of social interaction.

When bacteria from the mouth get into the blood vessel, medical science has shown that plaque can build up on the inner lining of these vessels and ultimately cause cardiovascular problems.

For this reason, medical practitioners like Dr. Segun Adeyanju of Divine Dental Home in Victoria Island Lagos, advise that proper oral care is important for good health.

Sadly, a number of individuals do not have good oral care practices. For instance, some people think it is okay to remove food debris from between teeth with toothpick, not recognizing that this can damage the gum and create microopenings for bacteria to invade the

Dr. Adeyanju

lem.

If your gums hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath then you need to see your dentist.

Any of these conditions may indicate a problem, but your dentist can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention •Tilt the brush at a 45° angle •Gently brush the outside, •Gently brush your tongue to during brushing and flossinside and chewing surface of against the gum line and sweep or roll the brush each tooth using short back- remove bacteria and freshen ing. breath. and-forth strokes. away from the gum line.

Practicing good oral hygiene Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums.

Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly.

Good oral health is impor•Be sure to clean beneath tant to your overall wellbeing. the gum line, but avoid •Use about 18” of floss, leav- •Gently follow the curves of Daily preventive care, snapping the floss on the ing an inch or two to work with. your teeth including proper brushing gums and flossing, will help stop mouth is an blood stream.

For most people too, it is unheard of to organ made of soft tissues like the problems before they develop and are visit a dentist for proper dental care, tongue, cheek, teeth and gum. When it is much less painful, expensive, and worriexcept when there is problem. Paying properly cared for and therefore in good, some than treating conditions that have visits to a dentist at least once every six healthy state with no injury, there will be been allowed to progress.

In between regular visits to the dentist, months goes a long way to ensure good no disease or inflammation. there are simple steps that every person Good oral hygiene results in a mouth oral health and avoid crippling cardiothat looks and smells healthy. In can take to greatly decrease the risk of vascular disease.

It goes without saying that poor oral essence, your teeth are clean and free of developing tooth decay, gum disease care can hamstring a person’s social life. debris; the gums are pink and do not and other dental problems. These As the average person knows, the hurt or bleed when you brush or floss, and bad breath is not a constant prob- Continued on Page 54 about dangers in converting right hand vehicles. Please can you explain further to let me know the implications because I intend purchasing one from abroad and converting it. Do you also know any place where it can be converted? Kindly advice. I am about concluding on purchasing the right hand car abroad.”

The second was the most instructive as the reader wrote: “Your article in Sunday Sun, August12, 2012, refers. In the article under reference you stated inter alia, “if the law prohibits importation, licensing and usage of right hand drive vehicles...I wish to invite your attention to the fact that the extant fiscal policy measures do not prohibit the importation of right hand vehicles into Nigeria. Refer to the Customs Tariff, 2008-2012. In the Customs Tariff, items under Schedule IV fall under absolute prohibition and that to my mind is the appropriate place to categorize the subject. Contact the Budget Office, Federal Ministry of Finance for the inclusion of the item therein for implementation.”

These two reactions are quite interesting as it shows concern not

Dangers in converting right-hand vehicles (2)

I

ROAD SAFETY

By JONAS AGWU,

Corps Public Education Officer

08077690055 (SMS only) jonasagwu@yahoo.com

Accident Emergency Numbers: FRSC, Lagos State: 08077690201, FRSC Emergency No: 070022553772

CMYK

F the law prohibits importation, licensing and usage of right hand drive vehicles, why then do people like Reuben and the retired officer engage in importing and converting right hand drive vehicles? Is it because of ignorance?

Or sheer deviance? Or is it because of economic considerations? It is obvious that patronage cuts across all classes, age and professions.

Most of the people who engage in this act include those that cannot afford a new car but go rather for a used ones. There are also those who look for a second hand car with high quality with less mileage and high specifications. Majority of those that buy these vehicles do so because such cars come extremely cheap.

Before I continue with the second part of the dangers of converting right hand drive vehicle, let me first state here that I got very interesting reactions over last week’s piece on the same subject. The very first was from one of my readers who said: “I read a comment about your article

only by the Corps but by other Nigerians, including those planning to join the league of converted right hand vehicles owners. However, I must confess here that right-hand drive vehicles are indeed tempting.

It is so tempting that any learned and safety conscious person might be tempted to give a try even for routine use as one of my close friends succinctly put it while attempting to justify the need for possible patronage. What it means is that a good number of those who buy these vehicles do so not because they are ignorant. Rather they place cost far above their safety. Irrespective of their faith, they don’t care if their actions amount to a contravention of relevant traffic laws or even if their action exposes others to unnecessary dangers.

But as the first reader rightly asked, “what really is the danger in converting a right hand drive vehicle? First, let me state here that most countries have banned the importation of right-hand drive vehicles.

Second and as stated last week, there is no special reason for lefthand drive. Back to the issue of conversion of right-hand drive, let me

begin by addressing the issue of steering conversion process, which is technical and is not limited to mechanicals but electricals also.

Since such vehicles have centrelocks, electric windows, etc, powerassisted steering has to be reinstated after the conversion so that the driver does not feel any different from the original. In the conversion process, the following are involved – the dashboard will be removed and replaced with LHD dashboard, the steering rack assembly will have to be replaced with LHD, the wiring harness behind the dashboard could be saved and simply inverted (turned around); the brake master cylinder will have to be repositioned and re-lined, the pedal assembly will be removed and repositioned, door panels and door mounted electric controls (depends on car) will be replaced with LHD door panels and controls (cars with electric control in the centre console won’t have this problem, wiper motor and mechanism must be repositioned or replaced, engine and transmission have to be removed to allow access to firewall and accessories.

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EXPLORE AUGUST 19, 2012

Fashion Court ...with ‘Justice’ BOLATITO ADEBAYO

Prosecuting Counsel: DELE ONATADE

STYLE WRECKERS

Ladies need to understand that the mammary glands can never be used as accessories and should not be flaunted the way

new bags and shoes are done. They are highly priced possessions which every woman ought to honour and guard very well. Sadly, many women nowadays public display their breasts

as if they are wares offered for sale. To all the style felons prosecuted today, who believe that wearing bra straps as sleeves is right, need to know that this is tacky and trashy.

The confusionist WE were so confused when we didn’t know what to focus on i.e the tattoo, necklace, hair, bra or the boobs? Our advice to you is that next time, try harder to shove it up to your collarbone then we will know you are in business. You have been found guilty of boobs battery and sentenced to cattle ranch in Adamawa to milk cows every morning for one year.

Cleavage palaver THE trailer-like cleavage wasn’t even our problem, what actually became problematic to us are the stretch marks on your tits.

Mummy, how could you commit this style offence, when you ought to be correcting your teenage daughter if she dressed like this. Or do you think we are deceived by that pile of pancake on your face? Pay N5million fine.

AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

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Fashion Court Bra infringement YOU were found guilty of flouting section 340 subsection 34(b) of the Bra Code. We are not interested in knowing the colour of your straps.

Besides, it is poorly fitted and makes the jury miserable. You’re hereby fined N2million.

Hairdresser §please!

THIS is the worst, slouchy look of the month. The wild hair, terrible make-up, and that bra popping out of its confines really look awful. We hereby refer you to a style therapist who will help us analyze and prescribe an appropriate style pill for you. In addition, pay N4million fine.

Weird sleeves SECTION 341 of the Bra edict states ‘never wear your bra straps as sleeves’, but you just flouted this edict. To us time to study the charge sheet, this case is adjourned until next hearing. You will be granted bail after you have satisfied all the bail conditions, which include getting a a Level-16 officer in thye civil service to stand as your surety. He must have a house in Ikoyi, Lagos and Maitama, Abuja.

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EXPLORE AUGUST 19, 2012

Explore fashion Stories By BOLATITO ADEBAYO

M

OST often going through your wardrobe and picking up what to wear to a particular occasion might be a lot of hard work. Getting something suitable for the occasion might also be tricky too and as usual Sunday Sun fashion is here to guide you.

Forget the fashion shows and the latest alien

looking styles . Here are real-life styles you can find helpful for every occasion.

With these lovely and carefully selected styles you can plan your outfits ahead of time and you will never be stuck in front of your closet again.

•MONDAY• Fashion week party

IF you attending any fashion event, your slogan for the day should be about turning heads without looking like you tried too hard. Strutting your stuff in chiffon floral dress qualifies you as an instant chic.

•TUESDAY• Film screening

WHETHER you are going to film screening or an album listening party, a short dress with a cute pair of heels will do the magic.

Don’t forget to let your hair down and apply a red lipstick for that sexy pout.

, s y a d n e Sev

•WEDNESDAY• Lunch with a friend

LOOKING hot in an ankara jacket on jeans trousers and with colorful sandals is a way you can look laid back with a friend.

Make your look spicier with ankara bangles and earrings.

•THURSDAY• Star- Studded premiere

FORGET the fact that you are not a celebrity, but you can dress up like one by wearing statement jewelry. Something flirty like a short dress or a floor length dress would dazzle all, but don’t forget your hair . Let it scream gorgeous from a distance.

AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

53

Explore fashion seven looks!

•FRIDAY• Fancy meal with him

You really want to catch his fancy without looking overdressed? Well, here is the best way to sweep him off his feet. Get something girly and casual at the same time.

Don’t be in hurry with your make-up, the smoky eyes will be an instant hit on him. Bet you he will not be able to take his eyes off you.

•SATURDAY• Wedding

Pleats are still in! You can get a pleated dress or skirt and accessorize it with pearls or jewelries for a more sophisticated appeal. If you are not wearing the aso-ebi this is definitely a sure way to stand out.

•SUNDAY• Church

WHETHER it’s a thanksgiving or a regular service, this is a refreshing way to look modest and at the same time stunning all through the service.

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EXPLORE

WardR Round Honey cures man’s painful eye infection SHOCKED man who spent eight years searching for a cure for a chronic eye condition couldn’t believe it when he finally found the remedy.

Frank Dougan, 62, lost his left eye when he was shot with a bow and arrow in a childhood accident and he later developed a painful infection called blepharitis.

He visited doctors and eye specialists and spent a fortune on different drops over the years but nothing worked.

But he was finally cured when he cut his hand while on holiday in Jerusalem and he was advised to put honey on it.

Surprised by the results, when he returned home to Glasgow he bought a jar of 99p Tesco Value Honey and tried it on his eyelid and within weeks the infection had cleared.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s incredibly effective,” he said yesterday.

“I have spent a fortune on prescription eye drops over the years, I have a fridge full of them.

“It’s funny that at the end of it all the cure would come in the form of a 99p jar of honey from the supermarket. And it’s not bad on toast either.”

The retired soul DJ, who has played for celebrity fans like Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton, lost his left eye as a 12-year-old lad.

He has worn a prosthetic eye ever since, but it caused irritation at the end of the day and he eventually developed the painful infection which blighted him for eight years.

Despite the pain, he kept on working as an international DJ, completing long residencies at top hotels around the world including Hong Kong and Düsseldorf.

Frank spent hours visiting doctors and eye specialists but none could find a long lasting treatment.

He said: “I got shot in the eye by a bow and arrow when I was playing with friends as a kid. It was a terrible experience but I got through it and never let it hold me back.

“Sometimes prosthetic eyes can cause irritation, especially at night after you have been wearing them all day.

“Over the years I have learnt to live with it and I get a new eye made every few years. But eight years ago

A

Honey

I began to get these infections that turned out to be blepharitis.

“Lots of doctors gave me eyes drops, I have a whole fridge full and I have spent a fortune but nothing worked.”

The fed up Scot retired three years ago and has spent his time travelling the world visiting historic monuments, all the while suffering intolerable pain.

But in February Frank stumbled across the cure while on a trip to Jerusalem.

He first spread the honey on his eyelid twice a day, including on his tear duct, and after just a few weeks the problem cleared up completely.

He said: “I was staying at a B&B when I cut my hand. I didn’t have a first aid kit and the owner recommended putting honey on it.

“I did what he said and the cut healed overnight. Then weeks later I was at home and got a terrible inflammation in my eye.

“I thought I would give it a try and I haven’t had any problems since. I have looked it up and honey has anti-bacterial qualities so that must be it.

“Before that the best cure I could find was J o h n s o n ’s tear free baby shampoo.

“I would wash my eye out with it and the pain would go away, but it was only a temporary fix and the pain would always come back. But I went to the opticians a few weeks ago after using the honey and she said she couldn’t find any trace of blepharitis.

“I have been all over the world and seen terrible illnesses in places where people can’t afford to go to the doctor. So to find a cure that’s so cheap could help so many people.

“It’s fantastic. My life has improved so much and for 99p I get a massive 340 gram tub which last for months.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “While we can’t attest to its healing powers, we can say for sure that Everyday Value Honey is great quality at a fantastic price and we’re delighted that it has helped one of our customers.”

Consultant dermatologist Dr Sasi Attili, from onlineskinexpert.com added: “Honey does have anti-bacterial qualities and is used in medicine for wound healing and conditions such as leg ulcers.

“It’s hard to say whether a particular treatment will or won’t work because everyone is different, but honey has obviously worked well for this particular patient.”

•Yahoo Lifestyle By SWNS | Yahoo Lifestyle – Wed, Jul 25, 2012 16:25 BST

‘Use a tongue cleanser daily’ Continued from Page 49 include: • Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily to reduce dental plaque and prevent gingivitis.

Adeyanju says an ideal brushing of the teeth shouldn’t take more than 120 seconds using the right kind of toothbrush and in the proper techniques. To get the right kind of toothbrush when buying one, look out for the tag soft written on the packet label. Stay away from any toothbrush with hard written on it. Regular flossing should take the place of toothpicks because use of one indicates that something is wrong with the oral cavity. Apart from the regular brushing, regular cleaning of the tongue is encouraged and is done with the use of a tongue cleanser which is different from the regular brushing used in cleaning.

• Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals is essential in ensuring good oral hygiene.

Cutting down on in-between snack/meals reduces the activity of bacteria because in-between snacks give a lot of food products in the mouth for bacteria to work on and could also cause tooth decay or more gum disease. Taking a lot of fruits and water in place of snacks makes for an effective good oral hygiene because the system produces enough saliva.

• Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste • Rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist tells you to • Drink a lot of water. Making sure that your children less than 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.

• Visit the dentist every six months.

By DR OLUBIYI ADESINA Consultant Diabetologist e-mail: fbadesina@yahoo.com 08034712568

Your diabetes questions answered (2) Dear Doctor Adesina, a friend who has been diabetic for only six months suddenly collapsed and died while dancing.

Autopsy showed that he had a heart attack. He was not hypertensive. Can diabetes actually lead to heart attack?

Could it have been prevented? Christopher.

EAR Christopher, people with diabetes are highly susceptible to having heart attacks and therefore sudden death. They have about a fourfold higher risk of having a heart attack than people without diabetes. This risk of sudden death is greater in women with diabetes especially those that have attained menopause.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart is blocked, this leads to lack of oxygen supply to that part of the heart muscle which then dies. Whether the individual that suffers the heart attack will live or die depends on the amount of heart muscle damaged by the event and how soon medical intervention is obtained. Measures to prevent heart attacks are available, and people living with diabetes must be aware of them.

The factors that make people with diabetes so highly vulnerable to heart attacks have been clearly identified and include a poorly controlled blood sugar level, poorly controlled blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, obesity, cigarette smoking and chronic lack of exercise among other factors. The afore-stated factors when not properly taken care of will lead to damage of and relentlessly progressive narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the heart itself thereby depriving this vital organ of the critically needed blood supply.

People with diabetes are also particularly endangered because they may be having a heart attack but may not experience the most prominent symptom of heart attack which is chest pain. This is because as the course of diabetes progresses, it may lead to damage of nerves in the body which are very essential for feeling sensation of pain and other sensations in the body; hence they may just drop dead within any prior warning of impending disaster.

This fact is very well recognized and to guard against this to a certain extent people with diabetes as part of their annual check-up should have an electrocardiogram done. This test checks the electrical activity of the heart and also shows if the heart is not being properly supplied with blood or if certain parts of the heart muscle are dead and no longer functioning.

In those with diabetes with intact nerves, the symptoms of an ongoing heart attack include severe central chest pain or discomfort that may manifest in uncomfortable pressure in the chest, a sensation of squeezing in the chest and difficulty in breathing.

Chest pain that occurs on walking may be a sign of critically reduced blood supply to the heart and an impending heart attack. When the chest pain occurs while the individual is at rest, the situation is grave indeed.

Other symptoms are discomfort in one or both upper arms, the neck, the back, the teeth and the jaw. There may be associated nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sweating.

Prompt recognition of these symptoms and call for help can be lifesaving. Delays are almost always fatal.

The risk of heart attacks can be reduced in people living with diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels within normal limits. Keeping blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels within normal limits also help in reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Eating a diet that is heart healthy has also been found to be helpful. Eat fruits and vegetables, reduce fried foods and fatty meat, reduce palm oil, use more of olive oil, soya bean oil and sunflower oil, eat more of fish than meat, limit pastries, stop smoking, and reduce alcohol to minimal amounts.

Certain drugs that are known to reduce the risk of heart attacks may also be prescribed by physicians. These include aspirin and drugs of the statin genre. Periodic physician visits and an annual comprehensive check-up are quite invaluable in reducing the risk of a heart attack.

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AUGUST 19, 2012 EXPLORE

55

Explore Extra Ndimele’s day of glory

…Installed Inner Wheel District Chairman with pomp CHUKS ONUOHA AND FELIX OLUNKWA, Umuahia

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HE Inner Wheel Club Nigeria has installed Dr (Mrs) Roseline Ihuoma Ndimele as the 25th District Chairman of International Inner Wheel, District 914. The event took place recently at Aba Sports Club, Aba in Abia State.

This means that for the next 12 months, Ndimele will pilot the affairs of the Inner Wheel Club, touching the lives of people as well as serving humanity, which was the reason why Inner Wheel was established.

Dignitaries defied the August 4, 2012 downpour in the city of Aba to grace the occasion, which ranks as possibly the first of its kind in a very long time in the city.

Dr (Mrs) Ndimele was born in Ndor in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. She holds Ph.D in Linguistics and was appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs, 2009, Commissioner for Youth Development, 2010, and then Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning. She went back to the university after the expiration of her appointment, to head the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies.

As a grassroots person, she has served as the president of Amizi Development Union, Women’s Wing for six years, and still leads the women till date in her capacity as the Ugoeze. She organizes annual gettogether for widows, during which she presents gifts to indigent ones.

She joined the International Inner Wheel Club of Umungasi Aba and has served as Club President, Treasurer, Secretary, etc and at the district level has served twice as the District Secretary before being elected as the Chairman. She is married to a traditional ruler of repute, Eze Dr Eugene Chimezie Ndimele, the current treasurer of Rotary International, District 914, and they are blessed with children.

In the address delivered during her installation as the 25th District Chairman of the International Inner Wheel, District 914, Ndimele said she joined the International Inner Wheel , partly because her husband was and is still a Rotarian and partly because she was convinced that the club would provide platform for her to touch the lives of people as well as serve humanity.

“The theme of this Inner Wheel year, ‘Be a friend,’ is so simple, but complex. It is easy to make friends with people who belong to the same class with us, same background socially, politically, educationally, economically religiously etc. If our friendship is limited to those we identify and can be identified with,

we have not achieved anything for humanity. When we extend our hands of friendship to the poor, the sick, the socially marginalized in the society, the abandoned, then we could be seen to touch lives,” she said.

She promised to make more friends with the abandoned, neglected, despised and downtrodden in the society, adding that they would reach out to touch as many lives as possible.

“Our project this year include donation of wheelchairs, procurement of exercise books and uniforms for indigent students, empowerment of indigent widows with materials and or cash, donation of equipment for skills acquisition to youths, enlightenment programmes especially on genotype and HIV/AIDS in secondary schools and tertiary institutions and visit to prisons and motherless babies homes,” the new chairman added.

She said that members of the club had been described in the past as vibrant and forward looking women who render services to their communities, adding, “this description is still very accurate because the passion and energy of Inner Wheel members in their service to humanity are unequalled.”

A guest lecturer, Dr Chuks Kamanu, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who is the current dean of Clinical Medicine at Abia State University, Uturu described Dr Ndumele as an amazon. “Not because of her height but because of her dexterity and diligence in executing every assignment that she sets out to accomplish,” he added.

He expressed excitement over the theme of the programme: ‘Be a Friend,’ stating, “ it is brief, simple, open-ended and I dare say pregnant.”

He said that doing good does not take extraordinary feat to trigger it and “this aptly captures one of the cardinal objectives of Inner Wheel, which is to encourage the ideals of personal service.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the chairman of the Installation Committee, Dr Mrs Ori Obasi lauded all who found time to attend the occasion, stating that International Inner Wheel is a worldwide organization founded on service to humanity, love, friendship and goodwill, all geared towards making life better for the downtrodden, the helpless and the forgotten in the society.

In her farewell address, the outgoing District Chairman, Lady Angie O. Ogbonnah, who enumerated her achievements before installing the new Chairman, thanked all who made her tenure worth the while.

She called upon all members of the club to give the new chairman the respect and cooperation due to her exalted office, adding, “May God grant you the wisdom and enablement to move the district to a more glorious level of achievements.”

District 914 Chairman 2012-2013 Ugoeze Dr. Ihuoma Roseline Ndimele and her husband HRM Eze Dr. Eugene Chimezie Ndimele (Treasurer of Rotary International, District 9140).

Right to Left PDC Chief Mrs. Ori Obasi, IWM Ihuoma Madu Awa, Lady U. L. Uhiara, PDC Dr. Ezimma Nnabuife.

District 914 2012-2013 Executive

Photos: Olunkwa Felix

9 to 5

Is it better to have a working mum?

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UMS who have to leave business meetings to make it to the school play in time, will welcome research that shows there are no significant detrimental effects on a child’s social or emotional development if their mothers work during their early years.

Any mums who juggle work and parenting will sigh with relief at a new study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ECRC) on maternal employment and child socio-emotional behaviour in the UK. According to the study, the ideal home scenario for children was where both parents lived in the home and both were in paid employment, however the impact of this arrangement partly depended on the father’s working arrangement.

The study also looked at the data form the UK Millenium Cohort Study the researchers discovered that the relationship between behavioural difficulties and employment of the mother was stronger for girls than boys. It also found that: • Boys in households where the mother was the breadwinner, displayed more difficulties at

age five than boys living with two working parents. The same didn’t apply to girls.

• It also found that girls in traditional households where the father was the breadwinner were more likely to have difficulties at age five than girls living in dual-earner households.

Dr Anne McMunn, the principal researcher in this study said: “Mothers who work are more likely to have higher educational qualifications, live in a higher income household, and have a lower likelihood of being depressed than mothers who are not in paid work. These factors explain the higher levels of behavioural difficulties for boys of non-working mothers, but the same was not true for girls.”

“Some studies have suggested that whether or not mothers work in the first year of a child’s life can be particularly important for later outcomes. In this study we did not see any evidence for a longer-term detrimental influence on child behaviour of mothers working during the child’s first year of life,” states Dr Anne McMunn.

Previous research has shown that children brought up in single-mother households or households where neither parent works were more likely to have challenging behaviour at age five than in households where both parents work.

Culled from Gurgle.com

EXPLORE

Photo-Scene-T Thesis

AUGUST 19, 2012

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DELE ONATADE 08023441526

Divine Favour Ministries celebrates Divine Favour Prayer Ministries held her 8th anniversary thanksgiving and ordination service on Tuesday, July 31, at the church premises, Oke-Aro, Ogun State.

L-R: Prophetess Modupe Ilupeju, Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye, Regional Evangelist, RCCG Worldwide and Omolara Ofou, Head of Church Protocol

Hon James Ayinde (2nd right) with other dignitaries cutting the anniversary cake

R-L: Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Evangelist Alawiye Aluko, Mrs Modupe Coker-Disu and Mr Aluko

Elder (Mrs) Abigail Soyemi and Evangelist Oluwole Olusola

L-R: Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye, Regional Evangelist, RCCG Worldwide, Prophetess Modupe Ilupeju, Rev. Ogedengbe and Pastor Solarin

Reception for Nebo Emodi Permamnent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Nebo Emodi was recently feted by the South East - South South Professionals (SESSP) at the Prime Chinese Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos.

L-R: Mr Andy Wabali, Mr Denzil Ketebe, Mrs. Ify Anazon-Akerele, DG, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping, Mr Emeka Ugwu-Oju, President SESSP and Mr Nebo Emodi

L-R: Mr Collins Chikeluba, Chief Chris Orode and Barr Emeka Akabogu

Joy Ibezieako and Helen Emodi

L-R: President, Institute of Directors, Thomas Awagu, Barr Joe Onyiuke and Mr Mathew Egbadon, Legal Adviser NIMASA

Mr Nwabueze Obi, Executive Director, NIMASA (left) and Alhaji Habeeb Abdulahi ,Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority

August 19, 2012

57

FIFA U-20 Women World Cup

Falconets face South Korea in Group B opener

Sports

igeria's female Under-20 team, the Falconets, will meet its first challenge at the FIFA Under-20 Women World Cup in Japan against South Korea in the group's opening fixture.

For the past one month, the Nigerian girls, coached by Edwin Okon, have been in closed camping in South Korea fine-tuning strategies

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Osaze leads West Brom to demolish Liverpool

Stories by ONYEWUCHI NWACHUKWU

t would be an unforgettable opening day of the English Premier League for Nigerian international, Osaze Odemwingie, following his West Brom’s superlative 3–0 routing of one of the perennial title favourites, Liverpool, at the Hawthorns.

The former Lille of France forward scored his side’s second goal from the penalty spot to prove why new manager, Steve Clarke kept faith with him by handing him a starting shirt in the game pundits had already predicted to be tough for the Baggies.

Zoltan Gera, Odemwingie and Romelu Lukaku, who is on loan from Chelsea, nailed Liverpool’s coffin in the encounter, which also saw Reds’ defender, Daniel Agger, receiving the marching order.

The defeat brought mixed feelings for new Liverpool’s coach, Brendan Rodgers, as his former club, Swansea, hammered QPR 5–0 at Loftus Road. With the defeat, the Northern Irish man’s Anfield revolution would have to wait, as it dampened expectations among the Reds and delivered a perfect start for former Liverpool’s coach, Steve Clarke, now he begins life as ‘number one’ with the Baggies.

Gera’s strike shortly before the break, arguably, came against the run of play after a reasonably bright first half from the visitors. But after Daniel Agger was dismissed for a foul on Republic of Ireland striker, Shane Long, Liverpool was run ragged by the host.

Pepe Reina saved Long’s penalty, but the Tipperary man promptly won another from Martin Skrtl, which Odemwingie put away before Lukaku added his debut goal for the team among a slew of chances that fell the way of the Clarke’s side.

Meanwhile, Swansea midfielder, Michu, scored a goal in each half on his league debut, as the Swans thumped QPR 5–0.

The Spaniard scored this season’s first goal in the Premier League, when his shot crept past goalkeeper Robert Green in the eighth minute before he doubled his tally after the break, thanks to Wayne Routledge’s inch-perfect ball from the left, which he fired into the net.

Nathan Dyer fired the third, again from a Routledge assist before he beat the offside trap

I

to score Swansea’s fourth goal, with Scott Sinclair’s strike rounding off new manager Michael Laudrup’s perfect start to the season.

Fulham hammered Norwich 5–0 at Craven Cottage, thanks to a dominant performance and a brace by Mladen Petric.

Republic of Ireland international, Damien Duff, opened the scoring when he latched on to the end of John Arne Riise’s diagonal long ball from the left in the 25th minute, before Petric headed the home side’s second with five minutes remaining in the first half. The striker, then, added his second before Alex Kacaniklic’s goal and Steve Sidwell’s 87thminute penalty wrapped up the win.

Stoke drew with Premier League new boys, Reading 1–1 at the Madejski Stadium after they gave away a penalty and were reduced to 10 men in the

dying minutes.

Michael Kightly fired Tony Pulis’ side into the lead from close range, with the ball slipping through goalkeeper Adam Federici’s fingertips. But the Royals salvaged a point when Adam Le Fondre equalised from the spot, as Dean Whitehead was sent off for his second carded offence.

Elsewhere, Kevin Nolan’s strike gave West Ham a 1–0 win over Aston Villa in their opening game at Upton Park.

Nolan scored from close range in the 40th minute from Ricardo Vaz Te’s assist to edge the Premier League new boys ahead before they had a penalty shout turned down after the break.

Arsenal dominated Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, but was unable to find the breakthrough and drew 0-0 in the opener.

•Osaze

Angry fans attack Sunshine Stars in Algeria ngry ASO Chlef fans, threw missiles at Sunshine Stars when they could not take in their team’s CAF Champions League home loss to the Nigerian side on Friday night.

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Sunshine achieved the double over the Algerian club after it again, won Chlef 2–1 after it had earned a 2–0 home win a fortnight ago.

The fans pelted stones and other dangerous objects at the Nigerian players on the pitch after Cameroonian midfielder import, Medrano Tamen, opened scoring in the first half of the added time. The attack intensified when the Akure club netted a second goal through Ukeyima Akombo in the second half.

•Olorundare

Medrano revealed that they were lucky not to be hurt from the attack.

“It was not easy because the fans were clearly disappointed after I scored the first goal. They could not contain it any longer and so, started throwing stones and other dangerous objects at us right on the pitch. It was a surprise that no one tried

to stop them, not even the police,” the midfielder reported.

“The situation became worse when Akombo scored the second goal. Then, they added broken blocks to what they were throwing at us, but thank God we were able to end the match without injuries.

“After the match, we could not leave the stadium immediately because we were held back by the police for about 25 minutes to allow the fans to clear from the stadium,” Medrano added.

…'We're not afraid of big names' for this year's World Cup, and today's game will go a long way in revealing how far they learnt from the elaborate training.

Two years ago, Falconets shocked bookmakers by being the first African female team to qualify for the final of any FIFA-organised tournament by virtue of playing in the final of the Under-20 Women World Cup in Germany.

In that final in 2010, Nigeria lost to a more organised host country, but the experience the girls gathered in the last edition has given them the confidence that they could go all the way and lift the trophy this year.

“No team is going to underrate us in Japan because of what we proved to the whole world in Germany two years ago. We are aware of the huge expectations on us and we are working towards improving on our performance this time around,” said striker, Desire Oparanozie, who alongside Ebere Orji, were the team's leading scorers with two goals at the Germany 2010 tournament.

The Falconets, under new coach, Edwin Okon, qualified in an emphatic manner for the Japan 2012 World Cup by demolishing DR Congo 7-0 on aggregate. Apart from South Korea, Nigeria has to contend with South American giant, Brazil and 2012 European semi-finalist, Italy, in Group B. But in spite of the big names in the group, Coach Okon is optimistic that his girls will scale through and probably go all the way to lift the trophy this time around.

“We're not afraid of any big name,” the coach said.

However, critics have argued that even if the Nigerian girls go ahead to lift the trophy in Japan the country would have gain nothing, since the same set of players has been representing the country since 2010, thereby negating the essence of setting up the age grade competition by FIFA. In other countries where the age group setting is well structured, players are supposed to graduate from the junior cadre to the national team.

But in the Falconets, players like Gloria O f o e g b u , Oparanozie, Esther Uchechi, Esther Sunday, Ebere Orji and Blessing Edoho, are still part of the current squad after taking part in the last edition of the Under20 tournament in •Oparanozie Germany.

Man City begins title defence against Southampton •Wigan must fall - Mikel E nglish Premier League defending c h a m p i o n , Manchester City is under no illusion that its title defence would be a piece of cake when it faces newcomer, Southampton in a potentially tricky encounter today.

City knew what it went through to win its first Premier League title in over 40 years last season. The Roberto Mancini coached side was almost losing the title to archrival, Manchester United, before Argentine striker, Sergio Aguero, scored the memorable goal against QPR to secure an epic 3-2 victory for City on the last day of the season.

This season, City has the advantage of remaining intact, as no key member of the squad has left the club, and

against Southampton today, it remains the favourite to emerge victorious.

Last Sunday, the star-studded City side gave a clue to what its level of preparedness to defend the title was like by beating another title contender, Chelsea 3-2, in the Community Shield that was decided at the Villa Park. With every indices working in its favour, Man City should not have any problem emerging victorious in its season opener today.

However, the champion could have picked up few lessons from the results of the opening day of the Premier League yesterday, where fellow title contender, Liverpool, was taken to the cleaners by

West Brom and Arsenal drawing goalless at the Emirates against Sunderland.

In other Premier League game of the day, Chelsea is away at Wigan with Nigerian international, Mikel Obi optimistic that the Blues will crush its opponent.

Mikel believes that being the league champion again would be top of the London club's wish list in the new season after it clinched its first-ever UEFA Champions League and FA Cup winners' medals last season.

The same last season, Chelsea finished at disappointing sixth position on the EPL table, well outside the top four it has been used to.

"I would have loved to win

the

•Mikel Community Shield, but it was not to be. We played well against City and we showed that we are ready to challenge for titles this season,” said Mikel. “We want to have a better campaign this season by adding the Premier League crown to what we won last season.”

He added: “We are looking forward to starting the season on a sound footing against Wigan Athletic.

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August 19, 2012

SundaySUN Sports

e-mail:erniestar@yahoo.com

OLYMPIC FLOP BLAMES

Stakeholders exonerate NSC, Katsina, Kano agog for Int'l Polo Festivals athletes A

By MADUABUCHI KALU, back from London

ollowing what could be described as Nigeria's worst outing at the Olympics in the recent time, stakeholders in Nigerian sports are trading blames and as well, suggesting the way forward for sports in the country.

In the catalogue of many, the President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) and the first Vice President of Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Dr Jonathan Nnaji, has exonerated both the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the athletes from blames for Nigeria's poor outing at the London Games.

While in a telephone chat with Sunday Sunsports in London, the Enugu State-born sports administrator said that Nigeria got what she bargained for at the Olympics, because, according to him, since the country failed to plan for the Games, we only planned to fail.

"I will neither blame the NOC nor the athletes that represented us for our inability to win even a single medal at the London 2012 Olympics. It does not matter what anybody might say, my position on the matter is that it is the system we have been operating for over the years that has failed us, and it will continue to fail us until we make the needed changes," Nnaji said.

He continued: "Let's face the fact. It is very wrong for the government to release money to the NSC just a month or thereabout to the Olympic Games. I have never seen anywhere in the world where money is released to the sports administrators barely a month to any competition.

Corroborating with Nnaji's submission, former Gombe State Football Association chairman and Public Affairs commentator, Alhaji Shuaib Ahmed Gara Gombe, described as embarrassing the inability of Nigeria to win medals in London. Gombe told Sunday Sunsports in a chat that he wished that Nigeria would learn her lesson from what happened in London.

Said he: "I'm not surprised that we could not win even a single medal at the London Olympics. Or if I may ask, did we plan to win anything at the Games? What preparations did we make prior to the Olympics? What level of training did we give to our athletes and what kind of facility did we expose them to? These are the basic questions we have to provide answers to before we lament over our inability to win medals in London.

Gombe continued: "The Hon. Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said it all when he pointed poor funding and shoddy preparations as major obstacles that militate against sports develop-

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...Frown at release of over N2b to NSC few months to Games

ment in Nigeria.

"It's embarrassing that a country with a huge population of over 160 million people would participate at an event like the Olympics and ended up winning not even a bronze medal. It's shameful. I think that we should begin to tell ourselves the bitter truth for us to make headway in our national life. This ugly situation reoccurs year-in, year-out, but we have refused to learn our lesson.

"Consider Jamaica, a country with less than three million people and what they are doing with sports. Think of the mileage that tiny country is getting among the comity of nations simply because of her athletes. None of Jamaica's political leaders can do better than the country's athletes in terms of building the image of Jamaica. I stand to be corrected.

"You cannot release funds to sports administrators about two months to the Olympics and expect miracle to happen. The Olympics is not a tea party. It is not an Inter-House Sports competition in a secondary school.

It is rather the gathering of the world's best athletes for serious competition.

"As at this moment, most serious nations already know the athletes that will represent them in 2020 Olympics. Those of them that will go for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro are already rearing to go. They plan ahead and map out programmes on how they would achieve their set targets. For such countries, funds are, of

course, made available to the relevant sports authorities as at when due.

"My advice, therefore, is that government should live up to its responsibility once and for all. This is not time for stakeholders' forum or conferences. The reports of the past meetings are still there. But it is senseless for government to release about N2billion to the sports authorities with only two months to an event like the Olympic Games. What did you expect to achieve with the late release of fund?

“For me, nobody should blame the minister or anybody

for our failure in London because we knew where we got it wrong. What we need to do now is to work towards correcting the wrongs.

“Meanwhile, the rate at which we change our sports ministers really calls for question. From 1999 to date, we have had more ministers in sports than in any other ministry. This situation does not allow anyone of them to make any meaningful impact in the sector no matter how lofty ones ideas might be, because as one is trying to settle down, he is shoved aside for a new sports minister to take over the mantle. This does not give room for proper development and implementation of ones programme, it is really bad," Gombe pointed out.

•Gombe

s festivities marking the end of the holy Ramadan end across the country, the game of polo, which took the back seat throughout the fasting period, is rearing to go, with the commercial city of Kano and the ancient kingdom of Katsina lining up two blockbuster events.

The two international polo extravaganzas headlining the second stage of the Nigerian polo season and being sponsored by communication giant, MTN, promises to be the biggest in years, as almost all the renowned Nigerian polo patrons have signed to be part of the grand fiestas, which will have a robust line up of foreign professionals.

It was reliably gathered that bearing any last minute change in schedules, the Kano 2012 International Polo Tournament should blast off on the first weekend of September, while Katsina, revered as the 'Home of Nigerian Polo', has concluded plans to stage its 2012 fiesta from the second week of September.

Both the Kano and Katsina events have for decades been a must-attend for polo aficionados across the country and beyond, even as they attract tourists, who usually arrive in the country weeks ahead of the festivals from Europe, American and around the continent.

For the second time in its rich history, the glamorous Kano event would be decided over two weekends of bumperto-bumper polo actions billed for the foremost Murtala Mohammed Polo Ground in Bompai. The first weekend will pitch low goal teams in fierce confrontations to decide the winners of the coveted

Enyeama: No fear on Israel return incent Enyeama has insisted that rival fans would not intimidate him after he joined Maccabi Tel-Aviv on loan.

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The Nigerian goalkeeper, last year, joined Lille of France, but this summer, Maccabi Tel Aviv reached an agreement with the French outfit for a seasonlong loan deal for him on the heels of his limited playing time last season.

Enyeama admitted that it was a tough decision to return to Israel to join the city rivals of his former club, Hapoel Tel-Aviv. But he is a professional and will face his latest task as such.

"Honestly, it hasn't been easy to take the decision to play against Hapoel Tel Aviv, but I'm a professional.

I'm a foreign player and I've taken the decision. Today, I want to only play for

Maccabi and this is why I'm here," Enyeama stated in Maccabi Tel Aviv's website.

"I've missed Israel, not only the football, but also, everything," he added.

Enyeama said he now expects the Maccabi TelAviv fans to give him a warm welcome.

"Maccabi's fans have always been very fanatical towards their team and now, I play for them. So, I hope they will move their support on to me and allow me to enjoy their passion.

Let's see what they will sing for me this time."

He said he's looking forward to a fruitful season with Maccabi.

“Thank God I have two weeks to train before the season starts. I will take it gradually. I will do my best to give the fans what they want. The season is a long one and I am optimistic of a

good season. I believe we will achieve something at the end of it,” he stated.

Enyeama moved first to the Israeli League when he was 24, after signing a contract with Bnei Yehuda.

After two years, he teamed up with Hapoel Tel-Aviv

and became one of the best goalkeepers in Israel.

He played for four years for Hapoel and won the 2009/10 double, the Israeli Cup for 2010/11 and even qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage.

•Enyeama

Dangote Cup and the glittering MRS Cup respectively. While the second weekend, which will ultimately draw the curtain on the Kano 2012 polo extravaganza, will feature highly ambitious medium and highgoal teams in the race for the event's biggest prize, the Emir of Kano and the prestigious Dantata Cups.

The final phase is guaranteed to live up to its competitive tradition, with the Emir of Kano Cup being the biggest prize on the offer. Visiting high goal teams and hosts, Kano teams, have already laid big claims to the newly elevated emirate prize that had hitherto been played as a subsidiary cup, but has now been elevated as the event's main trophy.

Other major prizes to be won during the polo carnival include the MTN Cup and the Muhammadu Sanusi Cup, whose match normally marks the end of the Kano Polo Festival.

Preparations for the Katsina 2012 event engaged its top gear two weeks ago with the appointment of 'Golden Boy', Tijani Hassan, as the acting captain of the foremost polo club. Hassan is standing in for the injured captain, Dahiru Bagiwa, who has yet to recover fully from the injury he capped in Minna two months ago.

As the first tournament of the Nigerian polo season, the Katsina event is clearly one of the biggest annual events in the country, which has continually attracted the highest crowd. It is usually a must-attend for all the top teams in the country.

Billed to gallop off in grand style at the legendary Usman Nagogo Polo Ground in Katsina, this edition promises to be the most competitive and most exciting in years, with the solid backing of MTN. With the guaranteed presence of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to present his cup on the final day, and a long list of first class emirs, diplomats and political bigwigs, Katsina Polo promises to be grandiose.

This year, the Nigerian Cup's warfare might as well be a recast of the 2010 event, as Kaduna's high goalers are set to battle Katsina big boys in another eagerly awaited final.

But there are strong indications that either former champion, Rubicon or the high-flying Bauchi Kari may join the Nigerian Cup fray this year.

Gen. Hassan Cup's favourite, Katsina Kangiwa, may need more than prayers to dissuade a litany of oppositions, particularly the ones from Kaduna, Bauchi, Yola, Abuja and Zaria. Like the situation in the Nigerian Cup, speculations are rifts that Port Harcourt is considering a possible Gen. Hassan Katsina Cup debut this year.

August 19 , 2012

59

SundaySUN Sports

My foreign-based colleagues not better than me - Goalkeeper Agbim From ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja uper Eagles' homebased skipper, Chigozie Agbim, has every reason to idolise Coach Stephen Keshi for the opportunity he gave him, not only to revive his waning career, but also to

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…‘In spite of obstacles, I'll play in French League’ actualise his dream of playing for the Super Eagles and as well, being the team's captain.

However, Agbim is not wholly happy with all that has come his way in the recent time and his reason is simple - as a

goalkeeper, he has yet to understand why Nigerians think that his foreign-based colleagues and rivals in the national team are better than him in manning the goalposts for the Eagles. In fact, he is not at ease with the second fiddle role he is current-

ly playing in the national team.

But with the reality on ground, Agbim has, though disappointedly, admitted that he would continue to wait for an opportunity to grab the starting shirt in the Super Eagles, which he said, it would never slip off his

hands if it comes.

Despite his age, the former Rangers International of Enugu player and the current safe hands of Warri Wolves FC, said he still dreams big of leaving the shores of Nigeria for Europe, even as he lamented that European clubs' preference for their own goalkeepers had not made things easy for African goalkeepers to excel in Europe.

In spite of those obstacles, Agbim still believes that he would one day ply his professional trade in the French League.

AGBIM AND SUPER EAGLES It's not like I've come to stay in the Super Eagles, but I'll keep doing my best to maintain my position in the team. I've learnt enough from my European-based rivals.

They've been playing in Europe for many years, especially Vincent Enyeama, who has also played in the UEFA Champions League. He has so much to offer as a goalkeeper.

SITTING ON THE BENCH I don't feel bad being on the bench in the Super Eagles. The foreign-based professionals have been ahead of me in terms of exposure. So, anytime they're around, they take the upper hand. I'll continue to wait for my time. But I have the confidence that once the opportunity comes my way, I'll grab it with both hands.

Meanwhile, I don't totally admit that the foreign-based keepers are better than me. The only difference could be that they ply their trade in Europe and the mentality over here is that anything that has foreign colouration is always better. I don't bear grudges about how Nigerians rate players that play abroad above those of us that ply our trade in the country. In my case, they could be right or wrong in their judgement, but I believe that time shall tell.

HUNGER FOR EAGLES' NO. 1 SHIRT I'm certainly not under any form of pressure to push my foreign-based colleagues to the bench. I'll, however, keep watching and working very hard while waiting for an opportunity to seize the shirt and take my rightful position in the Super Eagles.

hard and waiting for my time.

I've not left the Nigerian League because the club of my dream has not knocked at my door.

Mind you, I'm not implying that no foreign club had come for my signature, but I'm waiting for the right one. I can't jump into an aeroplane and travel abroad simply because others are there. I wouldn't want to take any risk I'd regret later. I've to make the right move.

NIGERIAN GOALKEEPERS AND EUROPEAN CLUBS Truly, it's usually difficult for African keepers to join European clubs because foreign club managers believe that their own goalkeepers are better than us. But I'm optimistic that I'll be there very soon. My dream is to join a club in the French League.

That's where my heart is.

BUT ENYEAMA FAILED IN FRENCH LEAGUE… I wouldn't accept that Enyeama failed in France. I rather think that he had a misunderstanding with the club's manager. If he were not a good goalkeeper, he wouldn't have joined the club at the first instance or even broke into the team, though he was subjected to the bench.

I was happy when I had that Enyeama has returned to Israel, because he wouldn't continue to sit on the bench in France; it's not good for his career. I'm sure he would be happier for it because keeping a regular club shirt will help him to consolidate his position in the Super Eagles.

WARRI WOLVES' POOR OUTING IN THE SEASON It happens like that in football. Some seasons you see a club flying very high and in another it crumbles. That's part of the game. It has happened, but I'm assuring you that Wolves will bounce back next season.

The painful thing is that we can't put our hands on what actually went wrong this season, but things will definitely get better.

GAINS FROM NIGERIAN LEAGUE I owe my joining the homebased Super Eagles to Warri Wolves, which gave me the right push. I did all I could in Rangers, but Wolves made me what I'm today.

My biggest challenge in football is to meet the tall target I set for myself; the target to remain at my best would always put me under pressure.

But in all, I'm happy with what I've achieved so far in my football career.

PLAN FOR EUROPE Of course, I've plans to leave for Europe at the opportune time. However, I don't believe that travelling to Europe should be a do or die affair. So, for me to leave Nigeria, a foreign club must first sign me on.

And since the one I love has not come, I'll keep working

•Agbim

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August 19, 2012

AUGUST 19, 2012 SUNDAY SUN

61

Power Game How Bayelsa House axed 5 LG bosses

From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa

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ANY Bayelsans were not surprised when on August 8, 2012, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly with a unanimous decision passed a resolution recommending the immediate sack of five local government council chairmen. The chairman include Tiwei Orunimige (Southern Ijaw), Sammy Boy (Ogbia), Eddy Julius (Ekeremor) Nathaniel Ngo Sylva (Brass), Pere Peretus (Sagbama).

Progressive Bayelsans who have been following the activities of the local government chairmen believe nobody should shed tears for the sacked council chairmen as Governor Henry Seriake Dickson implemented the recommendation inaugurating the Vice-Chairmen as Chairmen. They argued that on face value, the council chairmen represented the worst kind of administrators local governments should have as they ran the affairs more as emperors.

Facts were brought to the fore how under the very nose of the former administration of Timipre Sylva, the sacked council chairmen displayed ignorance of due process and transparency, insulted the intelligence of their people simply because their apron strings were tied to power brokers in the former administration who had erroneously sold a lie to the former governor that his reelection bid is doomed without the council chairmen.

However, critics of the Dickson administration while not defending the poor performance of the removed chairmen believed politics was the underlying factor in the development.

According to them, why did it take the House of Assembly this while to realize that the council chairmen had breached the law?

Citing the Kolokuma/ Opokuma council chairman, Ebikitin Doingoli’s case who was removed by the same Assembly in 2011 over flimsy excuses, they queried why it prefers to read the body language of the governor before it performs some of its oversight functions.

Handpicking regime Shortly before the nomination process of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in 2009, Pere Peretus, the erstwhile chairman of Sagbama local government council was in the living room of the governor’s lodge as part of his lobby to be candidate of the PDP in the council elections. He knelt down to the embarrassment of former governor Sylva, who told him to get up, assuring him that nobody would change his candidature.

It was not only Peretus that was handpicked; Doingoli was single-handedly picked by an erstwhile Sylva loyalist, Waripamo Dudafa for his council. Ngo Sylva was picked by a coterie of fierce loyalists of Sylva in Brass local government. Waribugo

Sylva is a sibling of Sylva and he was made the council chairman in Nembe. Former militant leaders from Southern Ijaw nominated Orunimige to be the council chairman. Sammy Boy (Ogbia), Eddy Julius( Ekeremor) and Michael Ogbolonsinger were all handpicked in the respective local government areas.

There was nothing in the council primaries that has any resemblance with democratic principles. And even when it appears other aspirants were coasting home to victory, the names already picked by Sylva and his inner team were the ones sent to the party secretariat in Abuja and recognized by the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission.

It was therefore not surprising that on assumption of office, the council chairmen with the then Commissioner for local Government, Dudafa who was sacked as Commissioner

by Sylva, conspired to make nonsense of local government administration. Many Bayelsans watched with utter indignation, how council chairmen rode roughshod on their people while a slumbering House of Assembly looks the other side.

They treated the legislative arm with disdain and in cases where the legislative arm proved too stubborn like Sagbama and Southern Ijaw, the council chairmen allegedly arranged for the impeachment of the leader and suspension of those considered as rebels.

Can of worms Close observers of the local government administration in Bayelsa were prepared for stunning revelations from the floor of the House of Assembly when it began the probe of the finances of the House. The worms that crawled out during the one week probe were hugely embarrassing.

For the first time in the state, people were allowed an insight into how funds meant for development of rural areas were brazenly misused. One after the other, the sacked council chairmen exposed their staggering incompetence paving the way for the House of Assembly to give them a political upper cut.

On the day of his appearance, Ngo Sylva and his top officials could not produce evidence of the council’s Finance and contract award over the years. The lawmakers rejected most of the documents presented by the council management team as there was nothing to show that it was approved by the legislative arm.

Under cross-examinations from Kuroekegha Dorgu (Southern Ijaw 1), James Ayobia (Nembe 2) and others, the Brass Local Government Chairman could not explain the duplication of contract awards and lack of approved establishment for the running of the council and the failed effort to reduce the staff strength of over 1,377 with 134 persons as cleaners, 31 messengers and 52 account officers.

Sammy Boy’s major political somersault was executing projects over the years not listed in the council appropriation law.

Documents presented by him indicated that he was the Chairman of the Tenders Board that awards contract and when he was questioned on this, Boy, a pioneer member of the Bayelsa House of Assembly became agitated.

He was to further stun the House when under cross examinations, it was revealed how he withheld the salaries of some councilors perceived not loyal to him.

The most shocking was Sagbama, Dickson local government, where the ousted chairman, Peretus, a lawyer engaged the legislative arm in a power tussle right from the first day in office.

Therefore, over the years, he admitted that there was no enabling law guiding the spending of council funds.

The lawmakers who took turns to lampoon Peretus expressed displeasure that the chairman, workers and political office holders in the council received salaries and allowances from January to June without an enabling law.

In a last ditch effort, Peretus who stated that he was embattled and so have been running from pillar to post expressed regret for violating the laws.

Ogbolonsinger answering questions could also not provide a satisfactory answer why as council chairman, he should be the one that signed that pre-qualification for projects advert when

there should be a Tenders Board in the local government.

Responding to a question by Hon Tonye Isenah( Kolokuma/ Opokuma 1) on the staff strength and rising wage bill, Ogbolonsinger described the local government council as a welfare scheme whereby people only come to work to collect salaries.

According to him, he inherited ghost workers on assumption of office and after several complaints, Governor Seriake Dickson has finally decided to set up a local government council verification team made of eminent Bayelsans.

The deputy speaker, Hon Sammy Victor Ateke accused Ogbolonsinger of dereliction of duty for paying 800 staffers in the administration department when half of them do not report to work. He reminded him that the House is performing its constitutional functions, stressing that any decision taken by the House on the poor performance of the council chairmen should not be seen as witch-hunting.

Eddy Julius and Tiwei Orunimige did not fare better as their socalled record of achievements was torn into shreds by the lawmakers who pointed out to them how they have breached the Income and Expenditure Transparency Law. The sack Investigation revealed that citing Section 24(6) of the Bayelsa State Local Government 2000 as amended, the House decided to remove the five local government chairmen, while Waribugo Sylva, Ogbolonsinger and Doingoli escaped the political sledgehammer.

Sources close to the House of Assembly said before the probe began, the lawmakers were aware that a lot of dirty details would be uncovered and they had made up their minds to act. The last straw was the statement of Dickson during the inauguration of the Talford Ongolo-led Local Government Service commission.

Dickson in his charge to the commission appealed to it to enforce discipline in the local government administration lamenting that council’s chairmen and senior staff of the council have turned the councils into a huge cocoa farm where funds meant for development are harvested into private pockets.

He raised eyebrows over councils operating without budget and its inability to perform its statutory duties to the people.

Not known to hide his feelings, Dickson who painted an ugly picture of the local administration said he was awaiting the report of the House of Assembly on the probe of the councils. Less than 24 hours after Dickson’s statement, the lawmakers meeting at the chambers for close to four hours struck.

Immediately the decision was communicated to the Government House, the five Vice- Chairmen were contacted immediately to move to the Government House. In a terse statement signed by the deputy- governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd) he said the House of Assembly removed the former chairmen from office over allegations bordering on gross misconduct.

Those who were inaugurated include Tony Ogola( Sagbama), Youssou Oberiakuma ( Brass) Felix Ayah( Southern Ijaw), Ibegu Richard( Ogbia) and John Ebikake (Ekeremor) Epilogue The announcement of the sack of the council chairmen triggered mixed reactions in the polity as some instantly accused Dickson of being behind the sack of the Chairmen because of the role they played in the tussle for the governorship ticket of the PDP between Sylva and Dickson.

The Chief Press Secretary to Dickson, Mr Daniel IworisoMarkson has dismissed this claim, arguing that Dickson did not in any way instigate the removal of the council chairmen.

According to him, it was pertinent to state that Governor Dickson had no hand in the matter. He explained that it smacks of mischief for anyone to insinuate that the five sacked chairmen were removed because of their loyalty to the former governor.

Iworiso-Markson declared that if that is the case, why was the Chairman of Nembe local government not part of the five that were removed being a direct sibling of Sylva. He added that the House of Assembly in its constitutional role has performed its duties and the Executive arm has done what was necessary in line with the constitution to inaugurate the Vice- Chairmen as the new Chairmen.

Political pundits believed that if the argument that Dickson plotted the down fall of the council chairmen holds no water, the untidy way the House of Assembly executed the exercise remains to be explained. According to them, that the House suddenly woke up to see the gaping incompetence of the council chairmen, which they could not try under Sylva remains suspicious.

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You can’t impeach Jonathan -Prophet Samuel ...Says President ought to be pastor, not politician

P

ROPHET Duromola Adedayo Samuel, General Overseer, Christ Worshippers Church, Osubi Road, Effurun, Warri, recently bared his mind to newsmen on pressing national issues. LAYI OLANREWAJU was there. Excerpts…

Nigerians see you not just as a prophet, but a social crusader as well as an advocate of justice and good governance. Some alleged that you have been silent since inception of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration as opposed to your critical views on government activities in the past. Is it because Mr President happens to be one of your spiritual sons or why?

God bless you. The most important fact is that the bible says there is time to talk and time not to talk, when there is nothing to talk about. Most of the things happening since inception of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had been predicted several years ago. Many journalists are aware of this fact and even published them in some dailies. The records are there. It is not because Mr. President is my spiritual son. It is because there is no need to repeat what has been said. The bible says that the whole world shall pass away, but the word of God shall not pass away unfulfilled. That is why I am not too bothered with the current happenings. God has spoken through me about all the current happenings such as the security crisis, oil subsidy crisis and others several years ago, but people are not listening to the word of wisdom from the lonely voice in the wilderness. I thank God they have been fulfilled, but I pray God to be merciful.

You are an ardent believer in Nigeria. However, America said Nigeria may break up by 2015. With the Boko Haram insurgency in the North, do you still believe Nigeria will not break-up?

American government is not Nostradamus, neither are Americans prophets. They are only talking about the social or economic situation they know about Nigeria. What God has joined together nobody can pull asunder, nobody can break Nigeria.

Nigeria in 2015 will still be Nigeria. There is nothing that can separate Nigeria, for now.

I will continue to be an apostle of a united Nigeria. This is because united we stand and divided we fall. We will become the envy of other nations because of our population and resources God endowed us with. As a result, many countries are not favourably disposed to Nigeria. When America says Nigeria may break-up, I don’t think they are sincere. To me, that is what man says, not what God says.

Most predictions you made in the past have come and gone, but are recurring again. What is the way out for Nigeria?

I have said several times that the way out is for President Goodluck Jonathan to kneel down before God and worship Him. I have said several times that until we abandon idolatory and forsake the evils we are doing the country will continue to wallow in crises. Most problems in Nigeria emanate from our leaders because are worshiping idols. Until we forsake our evil ways and do the right things, these problems would continue to haunt us. I have never been to Aso Rock. I have been invited several times, but I refused to go. I don’t go to any Government House to meet any governor. All that matters is for them to listen to the voice of reason - the lonely voice in the wilderness. What I am saying is that until we all believe God, until we worship God in truth and spirit according to the book of John 4:23, and forsake our evil ways.

Corruption has become endemic in Nigeria, the authorities are perverted, but I pray God would put an end to all these.

The country has been awash with the Femi Otedola versus Lawan Farouk bribery issue. What is your view on this?

Corruption in Nigeria is not just a matter of Otedola and Farouk; it has eaten deep into the fabric of every Nigerian. In every sector, there is corruption. Everywhere, even the civil service there is offering and collection of bribes. They are no more talking of millions, but billions of naira. There is need to punish some as scapegoats before this thing can be stopped. Let’s them jail culprits for between 30 and 40 years in order to stop the menace. Until some people are sent to jail, corruption will continue. The way forward is to ensure that people are quickly prosecuted. There is need for quick dispensation of justice. Looking at the list of those arraigned for trial in the fuel subsidy scam, the names of children of prominent Nigerians such as former PDP National Chairman, Ahmadu Alli, and the present one, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, are there. Do we expect justice and fairness at the trials?

I have problem with the issue of subsidy. President Jonathan said if subsidy is removed, it would be used for other things. I support total removal of subsidy. When subsidy is removed, Nigeria will move forward. As long as there is subsidy, corruption would continue to thrive. I would suggest total removal of subsidy.

It is shameful that sons of prominent Nigerians like ArisekolaAlao, Ahmadu Alli, Bamanga Tukur are on the list of those standing trial. Their parents are now denying them, saying they are adults. Therefore, they should be answerable for their deeds.

However, they have used their fathers’names to get those favours.

Their fathers should have been arrested for complicity. They give fuel to them because of their fathers. For instance, Tukur’s son received his because of his father’s name.

The point is that a few cabals have taken over this country. As long as this continues, the problem continues. Forget about Boko Haram. They are a bunch of criminals. They are a faceless group.

I don’t like faceless groups. When you are fighting, you must be able to come out openly. When you are fighting, you must be seen to be fighting for a cause; I don’t like people saying they are jihadists. Sinners would not go unpunished. You remember some people have promised to make the country ungovernable if they lose election. One of these days, nemesis would catch up with them and they would be exposed. Some people are just using them.

There is revolution in the offing. I don’t pray for bloody revolution. The so-called big men ruling us care less about the people, or how can the chairman of a ruling party say that his son is on his own as an adult. The so-called big men have made Nigeria what it is now. There is need for dialogue.

Many former governors have corruption charges against them, while some are now senators. What does this say about Nigeria?

Corruption trial in Nigeria is like a drama. After stealing about N15, N18 or N20 billion, they end up making plea bargain. They pay about N20,000 and N50,000. They would be taken to court and granted bail. You can imagine a senator in the Boko Haram trial granted bail and his international passport returned and allowed to go on pilgrimage to Mecca. We need courageous leaders who can take the bull by the horn. Without that we cannot succeed.

There are agitations for state police, especially by governors.

What is your view on this?

State police will be abused by governors and other state government functionaries. That is my fear. Even without the state police, state governments have started using vigilante groups for politics, to attack those holding contrary views. Nigeria is not ripe for state police.

You referred to the Boko Haram as terrorists. The Americans equally classified them as terrorists, but some Federal Government officials felt otherwise. What do you think?

Actually, they are not terrorists but agents of terrorists. They are a bunch of criminals. These people cannot give lives, why are they taking lives? Anybody that takes life willfully is a criminal. On the judgment day, God will destroy that person.

Do you see President Jonathan being able to curtail the security challenge confronting Nigeria?

The Goodluck Jonathan I know very well cannot hurt a fly.

That is why he is quiet. Nigeria does not need a quiet man now.

We need someone who is calculated and firm. He has the fear of God. If you ask me, President Jonathan ought to be a pastor, not a politician. Most of his critics cannot perform better if given the

opportunity to be president. How many of them have been able to manage their affairs well?

What is your view on the threat to impeach Jonathan?

It is a joke. It is the greatest joke of the year. I have said it before that nobody can impeach President Jonathan. Impeaching him is like telling the South-South people to go their separate way.

Jonathan will complete his tenure, go and write it down. I know what is happening in the Niger Delta region. I have lived with them for long. The ACN legislator that moved the motion is a Yoruba man. He should be careful and not allow some people to use him to disrupt the peace of the nation. He should protect the image of the Yoruba before other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

He is calling for the impeachment of a President that does not allow partisan politics to becloud his action. Look at what happened in Edo State. The moment a governor that does not belong to his party emerged, he was the first to congratulate him. He is above partisan political interests. I am not talking to curry any favour from President Jonathan, but he passed through me in life.

I cannot deny our past relationship in Christendom on his way to become governor and later Vice President and President.

My appeal to him is that when he completes his tenure, he should forget about second term.

As a prophet, you identified poverty as contributing to madness in Nigeria. Can you expatiate on this?

Poverty is so endemic in Nigeria today that you will see some people walking and talking to nobody on the streets. There are two types of madness now. When somebody is so poor that he cannot feed himself and children, it inflicts madness. Another form of madness is when somebody has too much money. Many rich men in Nigeria are mad. When somebody has billions of naira in his account and people around him are suffering, is that not madness?

The real madmen in Nigeria are the richest people, looting billions of naira and stashing them in different banks all over the world.

They are also the ones inflicting madness on the poor masses.

Some pastors are equally mad. When they are expecting money from members and it is not forthcoming, they start abusing their members. Is that not madness? A Bishop slaps a member, is that not madness? A man of God divorces his wife, is that not madness? How many times did Jesus or Paul marry? The first divorce we say is a mistake, but with the second, it has become a habit.

Can you explain a statement you made that Warri is supposed to be a light and pride to the nation, but it is now an international joke?

I said so because Warri is supposed to be a great city, a gateway to the country but it has remained the same. There have been no changes. I stayed in Warri for the past thirty-five years. There is no street that I don’t know in Warri. I got married to a Warri woman at Warri. There have been no changes in Warri. The Marine Quarters has remained a slum. At the mechanic village, every face you see there looks like they are tired of life. The only change or difference is that people are now building houses.

What is your advice to couples, some consider marriage a sacred institution, while some feel otherwise?

The issue of marriage has been extensively dealt with by Paul in 1st Corinthians chapter 7. Marriage is an earthly affair, but it is very important. For instance, a man of God that divorces his wife is not a true man of God. I am married to a wife and believe in the sanctity of marriage as an institution ordained by God. I am not judging anybody, but I am saying the fact of life.

As an Ondo State-born man of God from Owo, but resident in Warri, October 20, 2012, is the governorship election in Ondo State. Who wins, Governor Olusegun Mimiko or Rotimi Akeredolu?

I am not a politician, but you don’t need a prophet to know the direction of politics in Ondo State. This is the time of Governor Mimiko, like Oshiomole in Edo State. The people of Ondo State have seen the work of Mimiko. People nowadays believe in what they see. If I have my way, I would have advised my brother, Akeredolu, not to contest. The timing is wrong. He should not have put his hands in the murky water of politics. He has been fulfilled professionally. Anyway, it is good that he would have a record and make an impression.

On the international scene, you once predicted the success of Bill Clinton as American President, it came to pass. Who wins in the next American presidential election? Is it Barrack Obama or Mitt Romney?

If you follow the tradition and pattern of American politics, each ruling party spends eight years before change of baton.

Obama is more American than Afro-American, there is nothing beneficial for African countries in his foreign policy. Kenya, which is his root, has nothing to show for his presidency, talk less of Nigeria, which is the most populous country in Africa.

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Badagry LG poll: How I was robbed of victory –Hon Dada

By CHUKS EZE (Fazec1@yahoo.com)

S

ince the results of the October 22, 2011 Lagos State local government election were announced, things have not been rosy for some individuals who participated in that election.

One of such persons is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), candidate in that election, Hon Dada Mustapha who strongly claims he had a landslide victory at the polls. He said he was declared winner by the returning officer after the votes were counted, only for the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, (LASIEC) to rob him of his victory. In this exclusive chat with Sunday Sun, Dada who contested for chairmanship position in Badagry local government speaks on the crisis trailing the election.

Excerpts…

You are not happy with the judgment of the local government Election Tribunal; is it because you lost to ACN? I am absolutely pleased with the judgment.

Maybe you have not been following the whole saga. If you were up-to-date, you would have known that the presiding judge, Rtd Justice Francis A. Owobiyi ordered that I should be sworn in immediately as the rightful winner of Badagry Local Government Election. So, I did not lose the election in the first place; I had a clean sweep over all other candidates but I was later robbed of it by the ACN two days after I was declared winner by the returning officer in the full glare of various security officers and my teeming supporters. We went to the tribunal and after filing our evidence; the court saw the truth and graciously and transparently ordered the Attorney-General of Lagos State to immediately swear me into office.

You said the court ordered that you be sworn in. When was that and why have you not been sworn in?

I have not been sworn in because of the naked injustice and wickedness of the ACN. And I am surprised that Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is a lawyer, should allow that kind of thing to be happening in Lagos State.

So, what really happened?

What really happened was that on October 22, 2011, the Lagos State local government elections were conducted across the state including Badagry. After the election was concluded, and votes counted openly, I emerged winner. My party, PDP was declared winner by the returning officer for Badagry local government. I am the PDP candidate and I polled 7,353 to emerge winner. My closest rival, the ACN candidate polled 6383. CPC, ANPP and APGA got 425, 137 and 30 votes respectively. Votes were counted and announced openly. After the Returning Officer had announced the result, one man came on to say that he had received order from above to put the result of the Badagry Local Government Chairmanship election on hold; and that that of councillorship would remain as announced. I was declared winner by the returning officer for Badagry Local Government Area in full glare of everybody including the State Security Service, (SSS) agents, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), for Badagry, officers of the Civil Defence Corps and teeming voters and various polit-

ical party agents. I have the live audio and video clip of all that transpired both during and after the election.

Two days later, which was on October 24, 2011, the Chairman of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Rtd Justice Francis A Owobiyi, gave victory to PDP’s Hon Moses H. Dosu, my first runner up. Dosu was the incumbent Chairman but our people voted him out because he was not performing. He was imposed on the ACN faithful, they complained to the party leadership that they did not like him and they remained adamant. Moreover, I am a grassroots person and my people were pleased with me and voted for me massively. So, when the result was announced, I was ahead of other contestants with 970 clear votes, only for the LASIEC Chairman to turn around and announce otherwise. I was saddened by his action because a legal luminary like him should be a custodian of truth, justice and sincerity. But he unbelievably allowed himself to be used by politicians to perpetrate injustice in Badagry. It is also disappointing that the Lagos State governor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Fashola, would fold his hands while the mandate given to me by the Badagry people is being usurped. It was not even the LASIEC Chairman that was supposed to announce the local government election result. It is the Returning Officer of each local government.

You said you won the election but the incumbent Chairman is also saying he is the winner. He told us you are not credible to win any election; and that if you won, you wouldn’t have gone to the tribunal since losers and not winners go to tribunals. What is your reaction?

Who is talking about credibility here? If I should talk about credibility, and discuss his personality, you will shut your ears. Just go and ask him why his community, Ajara voted against him during the election. There was nothing ACN did not do to rig the election in Badagry but they failed. Now, after losing, instead of accepting defeat, they prepared another result and awarded victory to the loser.

A chieftain of ACN, Alhaji M.A Hassan told us he personally asked PDP members before the election to vote out ACN. He accused the ACN leadership of imposing

Hon Dosu on them.

Thank God that you heard from their party directly. Everybody who either voted or monitored the October 22 Badagry election knows that I clearly won that election and was declared the winner by the returning officer before the LASIEC Chairman to turn around two days later to declare PDP the winner.

Now that both PDP and ACN are laying claim to victory, and the incumbent says he has since settled down to work to continue serving his people, can’t you let everything go and allow him to serve out his second term?

If I abandon my stolen mandate, the implication is that I have abandoned my people. I will continue to shout and cry for Nigerians and the world to hear what is happening in Lagos State. I have followed legal means and secured judgment, but they are currently standing on the judgment. The five-man local government Election Tribunal Committee led by Rtd Justice Owobiyi ceded victory to my party, PDP and directed the state Attorney-General to swear me into office immediately but he has refused to do that. And for the impostor Chairman who told you he has long settled into office, I want to inform you that the Tribunal judgment was delivered on July 27, 2012, just three weeks ago. How could he have settled down when the tribunal was sitting? I will continue to fight until my stolen mandate is returned to me.

Apart from what you have said, do you have any other evidence to prove that you have been robbed of victory?

I won the election and I have bundles of documents and video clips as my evidence. I will also give you video clip of the live declaration of the election result at Ajara, the local government Headquarters. If you also go round Badagry and feel the pulse of our people, you will know that virtually all of them voted for me. And for you to confirm that I won, when the LASIEC Chairman upturned my victory by announcing that ACN had won, people took to the streets to protest. But with the help of the security agencies, the situation was put under control. And if you go to Ajara, the home of the ACN candidate, you would find out that people were against him. If you were here before the election, you would know that I am the one that the people wanted.

What is your interest in the Badagry LG Chairmanship?

Badagry people have been neglected for so long. Since democracy returned in 1999, Badagry has not witnessed any improvement in infrastructure or social amenities. It has been total neglect and the people have been groaning in pains. So, I decided to take the bull by the horns by contesting for the chairmanship position to enable me bring about the needed change and develop Badagry. It is both demeaning and laughable that Badagry which had the first storey building in Nigeria, first primary school that was built to compensate for slave trade activities in the area, as well as the popular Slave Trade Market, would be neglected to the extent that strangers who come for siteseeing hardly believe the place. So, it is my intention to make Badagry the Washington of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. I have already designed some programmes on tourism, which tallies with Badagry history as the first place the Europeans landed in Nigeria and the first place Christianity was preached in the whole of Nigeria. These are historical and tourist facts that could be promoted and turned into money-spinning venture for the local government. And I already have some investors who are willing to partner with us to achieve that goal. Badagry has been stagnant for long and we have to move it forward. Badagry is already a global issue and you cannot imagine the number of tourist attraction we will have when these programmes are achieved. You cannot talk about Slave Trade and Christianity in Africa without mentioning Badagry. But if you go there now, all those lively activities that existed during the colonial days have regrettably departed the area. It is a sorry situation.

What measures have you taken to retrieve your mandate?

The first hope of the common man is the court of law. We went to the Election Tribunal, with five councilors who were also robbed of their victory in an open and clear manner. The tribunal graciously returned victory to four of them and ordered re-election for the fifth one, which showed that PDP had won the election. If I may quote from the verdict of the tribunal Chairman, Rtd Justice Owobiyi on July 27, he said: “Hon Dada Mustapha of PDP should be sworn in with immediate effect.” That was his verdict.

Since the court has declared you winner and directed that you be sworn in immediately, what is holding you from assuming office as the substantive chairman of Badagry Local government area?

It is nothing but money. I say so because I have never seen a situation where a verdict was given without the report. We are still waiting for the report of the verdict which only needs to be typed out. Even before the verdict was given, it ought to have been ready. But unfortunately, three weeks after, they were still telling us that it has not been prepared. It was a verbal decision which was supposed to be put on paper. But I doff my hat for those members of the tribunal who queued behind the truth. Unfortunately, I wonder where Nigeria is going when even those that we rely on for justice are seen dancing to the tune of cash. So, I have to be sworn in before I can assume office. And it is the duty of the state governor to carry out that function.

Have you or your party made any effort to lodge official complaint to the governor or the Attorney-General?

We have not because they have not released the copy of the report of the tribunal to us. So, we can only go to LASIEC if we are given a copy of the tribunal declaration and the tribunal has not been disposed to give it to us. We have been visiting the office of the tribunal chairman on almost on daily basis to no avail. Each time they told us that it was not ready. So, there seems to be a hidden agenda somewhere because it only takes hours, and not weeks for such report to be ready.

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Raise defence squads, Sen Enang urges churches From JOE EFFIONG & EKOM General Assembly in Uyo on Saturday, Enang said though UMOH, efforts of the Federal Government in tackling the OKO Haram may be security challenges was comhaving their dialogue with mendable, the outcome was not the Federal Government actually enough, which was why in Saudi Arabia, Iraq or any- the church should work with where they like, but until this civil security organisations to yields fruits, those who had raise its own internal security been at the receiving end of mechanism.

He said the incessant attacks their atrocities believe the on churches were worrisome Federal Government is not and demanded urgent attention. capable of protecting them.

Based on this mindset, “Asituation where one would be Chairman, Senate Committee sitting in the church, worshipon Rules and Business, Sen. Ita ping God, and perhaps going for Enang, has advised churches a Bible study with just your and other Christian organisations Bible in your hands and a pen to make private arrangements to and notebook, and AK-47 fire is secure their places of worship as opened at the congregation of a counter response to the Boko defenseless worshippers is not encouraging.”

Haram problem.

Ita Enang, who represents Senator Enang, however, advised that such security outfits Akwa Ibom North East, urged should be registered and organ- Christians to rely on prayers, but ised by the Nigeria Security and above all, think more of how to Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) beef up security measures in the for them to be recognised as church during church sessions defence mechanism of the so as to defend itself because even God had armies. church.

Enang said he felt humbled As he received an award by the Presbyterian Church of with the award as it is a way of Nigeria during the church’s 20th being honoured and challenged

by God to put in more service for

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His kingdom and humanity at large.

He, however, said he was strengthened knowing that the life of any Christian must be marked by challenges, just as those of the prophets, and promised to give his best to God in the course of serving his community, as the strength to dispense his service to the community came from God. Prelate and moderator of the church, Prof. Emele Uka, did not seem to buy Enang’s self-preservation method. Rather, he felt Nigerian former leaders who led the country into international Islamic organisations should be prosecuted, because their action led to the foundation for Boko Haram sect.

Two of such leaders, Uka said, are Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he accused of breeding the Boko Haram by registering Nigeria in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) even when Nigeria was and is still recognized constitutionally as a secular state.

“This truth of the matter is that this country is supposed to be a secular state where no level of government should establish a state religion. That is in line with section 10 of the constitution.

But now we find a systematic violation of this constitutional provision by Moslem leaders.

By that, I mean Babangida, Abacha and Murtala.

“It was Babangida that registered this country in the OIC, and unfortunately, during the last meeting of G8 Islamic countries held in Egypt in 2001, Obasanjo identified Nigeria as an Islamic country by attending that meeting. Now, the people feel that Nigeria is an Islamic country.

“An Islamic country does not tolerate another religion; an Islamic country feels it is a sin for it to be ruled by a Christian leader. And that is why they say for this security challenges to stop Jonathan must convert to Muslim because they don’t see how a Muslim country can be ruled by a Christian.

“To solve the problem, Nigeria must delete itself from the G8 Islamic countries.

Nigeria must return to a secular state. I challenge members of the National Assembly; I challenge the executive arm why they should be while the constitution is violated and are not doing anything about it.

“These people, who sold our country to Islamic countries, should be tried for treason. It is the highest offence any citizen can commit against this country.

Unless Nigeria is removed from membership of Islamic countries, because Babangida and Obasanjo attended their meetings to confirm Nigeria’s membership, this state of killings would continue.”

Uka, however, said since the attacks on Christians were unprovoked, but God would

also respond but by human hands; arguing that it had happened before in history and when the people called upon the Lord, He answered.

The Moderator also said having a national conference or sovereign national conference to discuss Nigeria’s problem would be sheer waste of time, as such confab would amount to nought since it has no constitutional status. “Whatever decision they would reach would have no direction in the way this country is governed. So, it will be a waste of the country’s resources.

On corruption, Uka said the church alone should not be held responsible for the corruption, because whether someone is a Christian or Muslim or any other religion, embezzling money meant for all the people is not only a crime but a sin.

“I consider Nigeria as a failed state. People are not disciplined, because they are not punished.

Bankole was the speaker of the House and he went away with N42 billion, and we don’t hear anything about it. By doing so we are legitimizing corruption.

“I think it is our inability to deal with corruption at all levels that has legitimized corruption in this country. It is not a Christian problem; it is a judicial or constitutional problem, because all the people that have stolen money are not punished. If they were to be punished, corruption would have been reduced.”

Calvary Redemption Church celebrates

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CTIVITIES marking the 11th anniversary of Calvary Redemption Bible Church (Triumphant Arena), kicks off with a sixday revival hour from Friday, August 27, at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily.

It is expected to end on Sunday, September 2, with a thanksgiving service at 11a.m. The programme, which has “In Times Like This” (– II Timothy 3:1) as theme, is scheduled to hold at the Church Auditorium, 21, Alhaji Shittu Street, Agboyi Estate, Alapere, in Ketu/Agboyi LCDA. Speaking at a rally, the host who doubles as Senior Pastor, Isaac Ogundeyi said, “This is the end-time for strange happenings in the global community,” adding that the only solution to this turbulent times is to come to the side of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Other special features

include salvation, deliverance, healing, fruit of the womb, breakthroughs, blessings, miracles, among others.

Ministering pastors include Pastor Ayodele Akinwumi,

Pastor Henry R. Aghorunsa, Pastor Tunde Rufus, Pastor Olutayo Nathaniel Ojajuni, and gospel artistes that would thrill guests to melodious Christian tunes.

...First Light Christian Centre too

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HEAD of the maiden anniversary of First Light Christian Centre, the church will begin a five-day activity that would include a miracle meeting on Tuesday, September 4, at 7:30 a.m.

Visitation to Motherless Babies Home would be at 12 noon at Iju/Ishaga on Wednesday Sept 5; International women prayer conference begins at 8 a.m., while free medical outreach, including tests is also on the card.

Vigil and thanksgiving services will take place on Sunday, September 9, at 1,

Akilo Road, near Mobil Petrol Station, Off ObaAkran Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking on the programme tagged “Shine” (Isaiah 6:1), host Pastor Mike Ethapemi described it as a command from God, not a suggestion by him, adding that Isaiah 60:1 says “Arise, Shine, triumph and prevail over challenges of the present day,” saying that this can only be possible if you carry light.

According to Pastor Ethapemi, God does not want you covered by darkness as He’s set to use this annual conference to make you to shine.

Ezinne Onuegbu goes home

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HE Dafra pharma’s country manager, Ken Onuegbu, will this week, bury his mother, Eunice Adaigwe Onuegbu who joined her ancestors at the ripe age of 91.

The burial arrangement as announced by the family shows that there will be a vigil mass at Late Pa Ginikanwa Onuegbu’s compound by 5pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 while Requiem mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Amaigbo, by 10.00am on Thursday, August 23, 2012.

According to the programme, internment follows

immediately after mass at her compound in Umukabia Amaigbo, Imo State while the outing mass will take place at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Umukabia, on Sunday, August 26, 2012.

Late Mrs Onuegbu (nee Ebosie) is survived by 8 children among whom is Pharm.

Kenneth Onuegbu, Country Manager for Dafra Pharma Ltd, Lagos, 27 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

The deceased was the third and only surviving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ebosie Onumaegbu of Umuduruofor, Amaju, Amaigbo. She lost her father at an early age and was left

with her late mother, Mrs. Nwaihunna and brother Ukachunwa who both later passed on. She later got married to late Pa Ginikanwa Onuegbu, of Umukabia Amaigbo in Nwangele LGA of Imo State. Honoured with the Ezinne title, she was a devout Catholic, a highly focused mother and housewife who despite the vicissitudes of life, never lost hope in God. She was said to be a very caring mother who spent the greater part of her life building bridges of understanding, good family values, and love. The Onuegbu family are consoled by her special virtues while alive.

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SUNDAY INTERVIEW

INEC needs self-cleansing –Aduwo, human rights activist

By OMONIYI SALAUDEEN

Ooni of Ife thereafter gave him a royal blessing and became the Asiwaju of Yoruba. He led the Yoruba people to Gowon conference. When Agbekoya crisis broke out in the South West region, as a leader, Awolowo took it upon himself to speak to the leader of the group even though Governor Adebayo himself could not move around. Following, the death of Awolowo, Ooni led some Obas and some prominent sons and daughters of Yoruba to meet Baba Ajasin and anointed him as the leader of Yoruba. And you will recall the role he played in the June 12 crisis. When he died, more than 50 Obas were present at his burial ceremony because of his acceptance to the generality of the people as a leader. When Pa Abraham Adesanya assumed the mantle of leadership, he did not have good rapport with some of the Obas. That was why the issue of Afenifere became Ijebu-Igbo affair. Subsequently, Yoruba Council of Elders came on board to checkmate the Afenifere. Today, we have Afenifere Renewal Group, we have YCE and Yoruba Unity Forum headed by Mama HID Awolowo. All Yoruba Obas and politicians across party lines are always present in their meetings of Yoruba Unity Forum at Ikene. Now, if after eating pounded yam and bush meat, 20 or 30 of the members of YCE sat down in AdoEkiti and decided to confer the title of Asiwaju of Yorubaland on somebody, you then ask: what are the criteria? It was the same Adeyinka who was the Chairman of National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Ondo that worked against the interest of Awolowo to become president of Nigeria and rigged election against Adekunle Ajasin. Most members of YCE are 80 years plus who should be resting in their houses.

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S Ondo State inches towards October 20 gubernatorial election, there have been sustained campaigns by concerned stakeholders on the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to learn from its past mistakes to guarantee a hitch-free poll. The national coordinator of Rights Monitoring Group, a coalition of 45 civil society organizations, Mr. Olufemi Aduwo, was one of the observers in the recent Edo State election. In this interview, he challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put its house in order ahead for future elections. Excerpts…

What are your expectations of the coming Ondo State governorship election, especially bearing in mind the performance of the INEC in the recent Edo State poll?

I give kudos to Jega for the conduct of the election. Don’t forget that before the election, there were a lot of accusations and counter accusations among political parties. In fact, the ACN said Jega was going to rig the election for PDP. And he was able to prove bookmakers wrong. The INEC made sure they put all resources they had to make the election acceptable.

Even political parties agreed that the election was free and fair. But my concern really is about huge amount of money we spend in conducting these elections. On Edo alone, all INEC national commissioners were present, 10,000 policemen were deployed. When you look at the cost of organizing such isolated election, it is apparently on the high side. That confirms that without the presence of these people, the result could have been the other way round. Besides, the presence of soldiers in some polling units is a violation of electoral law. But again, the actors themselves have their own share of the blame. Take for instance, on the day of the election; the governor-elect himself accused the INEC of manipulation. If he had lost that election, it could have been the other way round. It is not only when the opposition wins that an election can be said to be free and fair. And it is not only when PDP wins that you have a credible election. But in Nigeria, if the PDP loses, it is free and fair.

But when it wins, it is rigged. The truth of the matter is that it is very hard to defeat an incumbent governor because he has security operatives and resources at his disposal. I also appreciate Mr. President for not interfering in electoral process. Since he became the President, he never interfered in any election.

Do

you

see the need for the INEC to conduct investigation into some of the allegations of irregularities observed in the election so as to avoid the same pitfall in the future?

One of the short ways of reducing allegations of irregularities like name missing, voters register being tampered with is to have permanent voters’ cards. Jega talked about it, but this has been a recurring issue in the last five years. By now, a standardized voters’ register should have been in place to avoid all these kinds of irregularities. INEC must look inward and find a solution to the problem within itself.

Human beings are working in INEC and they are all Nigerians. I am a bit worried by the INEC’s plan to sell the Data Capturing Machines used in doing the last registration.

The media also have their roles to play in electoral

‘In the days of Awolowo, majority of Yoruba belonged to the Action Group.

Only a very few people belonged to the opposition.

So, what we need today is a kind of forum where we can discuss issues concerning the general interest of the Yoruba. Why are people interested in this kind of leadership? Will Afenifere now agree that Adebayo is the leader of Yoruba?’

process. I read in a newspaper paper a day before the election where an editorial member endorsed a particular candidate in Edo election. There is no way such a person can report without being biased. We should be very careful about this so that journalists don’t become endangered species on the day of election.

Some people have criticized Yoruba Council of Elders for the conferment of Asiwaju of Yoruba on Gen Adeyinka Adebayo. Do you also have the same reservation?

Yoruba leadership has been a recurring issue over the years. About nine or ten days after Awolowo left prison, the drum of civil war is so hot that every region had to meet to fine tune one common position to present at Gowon-arranged conference.

Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo was then the military governor of Western region. He called the meeting of Yoruba leaders of thought. That was the first time Awolowo would appear in public after his prison.

When the meeting was about to open, Adebayo suggested that Awolowo should be the chairman to coordinate the committee. But somebody raised a point of order saying there was a need to appoint a Yoruba leader. Awolowo in turn raised an objection that it was not part of the agenda of the meeting. The controversy dragged on for about an hour before Awolowo was eventually endorsed by acclamation of the whole house as Yoruba leader. The late

What would you suggest as a way of resolving the leadership question facing the Yoruba?

As at today, we don’t even need Yoruba leader. In the days of Awolowo when regional politics was the in thing, it was quite understandable. But now, people no longer belong to the same political party.

Was there ever a time when everybody belonged to the same party?

In the days of Awolowo, majority of Yoruba belonged to the Action Group.

Only a very few people belonged to the opposition. So, what we need today is a kind of forum where we can discuss issues concerning the general interest of the Yoruba. Why are people interested in this kind of leadership? Will Afenifere now agree that Adebayo is the leader of Yoruba? All these groups should dissolve and merge with Yoruba Unity Forum and embrace a common agenda for the race.

YCE does not have the power to choose or appoint Yoruba leader. Yoruba race is the only ethnic nationality that has its members spread across geographical boundaries. You can find Yoruba in Togo, Dahomey and Cuba. Under the leadership of Ooni of Ife, we can have a kind of economic forum where people can brainstorm on development. What has the YCE done towards the development of Yorubaland?

They should tell us what they have achieved as a leader. Any time Yoruba is taking a decision on major issues, they always meet in Ibadan. And it has a reason. For us, this Asiwaju issue is inconsequential.

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SERMON 20 mistakes ministers make about money in ministry

RADIANT MISSIONS with Evang. FEMI OLAOLUWA E-mail: radiantlife40@yahoo.com 08056158736, 07063485261

Mission briefs 3 Super Nights of Wonders

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N preparation for this year’s ember months, Pentecostal Canaan Land Mission Inc. (a.k.a His People’ Church) will be holding a programme tagged Three Super Nights of Wonders. The theme of the programme is Recover Your Position. It starts on August 29 and runs through August 31 at 10pm daily . The venue is the church auditorium @ 26/28 Adewunmi Abudu Street, Off Osolo Way, Ajao Estate, Lagos. Pastor Nick Medo-Uwa will be hosting the programme.

Hour of Miracle

A three-day power packed Hour of Miracle will be holding at the Word of Hope Ministry Worldwide every last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the month. This month’s event will hold from August 29 to August 31 at 5:30 p.m with the theme God of Miracle (Genesis 18:14). The venue is Adesan Road, Daleko Bus-Stop, Mowe, Ogun State. Ministering is Pastor Isaac Ogundele and other ministers of God.

Radiant media & prayer support forum

A forum for pastors, other church ministers, christian writers, drama ministers\other Christian artistes, missionaries\other outreach ministers and Christians from corporate organizations will be gathering to pray, network and partner with each other to effectively reach out to souls and strengthen the body of Christ. It is powered by Radiant Life Outreach Ministries and Evangelist Femi Olaoluwa is the National Coordinator.

Humility: Pathway to glory

By Rev. Godwin Ojoka And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 Our Lord Jesus came into the world through the lowliest and most despised place called a manger, but that didn’t stop Him from becoming the Savior of mankind. This means if you obediently commit your life to God, every seeming disadvantage around your life will be used by God to take you from the lowest point to the highest point in life.

He was born to take you from the guttermost to the uppermost, from the pit to the pinnacle of grace. The plan of God to bring Jesus Christ to the world could not be frustrated and so nothing can stop God’s purpose for your life from coming to pass as long as you take sides with God. The glory of God descended upon a dirty place called a manger because of the presence of the Author of Life Jesus Christ in that place. As long as you are in Christ and He is in you, God’s glory shall surround and beautify your life irrespective of your lowly or despised background in Jesus name. As you give God the first place in your life always, your life shall also become a centre of attraction and attention for manifold blessings, promotions, prosperity, and all-round fruitfulness in Jesus name. . Rev. Godwin Ojoka is the Head Pastor of Christian Pentecostal Mission International, (Winners Centre), Ojota Branch, Lagos. For prayer and counseling, call 08033062447, 08033514193. E-mail: enjons@yahoo.com

Boko Haram as the church’s negligence

Texts: Act 1:8, Mark 16:15,16 As a Christian Journalist and in my almost two decades involvement in mission work, church planting and personal evangelism, I have discovered that many church people and even the so-called ministers of God are ignorant or simply don’t want to obey the great commission -‘go into all the world’ to win sinners with the “power of the Holy Spirit.” This negligence has given rise to Boko Haram and other social menace. As we fail to reach out to sinners with gospel of the truth and peace, they decide to meet us with the sword and violence.

CMYK

Continued from last week

15. No Separation Between Personal And Ministry Finance ENERAL overseers, senior pastors and church founders always make the mistake of lumping their personal money and that of the with Pastor DR BOLA AKIN-JOHN church together. Since they are the founders and they www.akingrow@yahoo.com started the ministry with 08023000714 their personal monies, they believe everything should 19. Failure To Plan Your Finances still belong to them now. They thereMost ministers make the mistake of fore spend the church money at will putting all their financial responsibiliand make no allowance for proper ties on God. They always say, ‘God accounting. will supply all my needs’ piously, without careful planning. Without 16. Extravagant Living – Matt. planning your finances, incomes, 6:19-21 expenditures, family size and accomLiving like kings and novorich of this world, displaying high taste, class modation, you will be perpetually and opulence in the erroneous believe struggling in debts and wants. While God will supply, yet He has given us that only the very best is good for the brain to plan and budget what He ministers, as many famous preachers has graciously supplied. are doing today, is a grave error of judgement in ministry. God has not 20. No Clear Vision called His servants to poverty and Without clear, concise and compenury, neither has He called them to pelling vision, no minister can draw ostentatious and extravagant lifestyle. out money from people in a substanLiving ostentatiously is not compatitial way. People don’t give to instituble with the spirit of the New Testament that calls for moderation in tions but to visions they believe in.

People give more all things. When your lifestyle and to a vision than to living standard is far higher than individuals. those you are called to reach, then Without vision, you are making a terrible mistake. people cannot give.

When your ministry cannot really When your vision finance your taste and you are living is unclear, beyond your means, you are in grave unknown or outdaterror, no matter how you justify it. ed, you will always have financial 17. Business Deals woes.

Too many ministers have made the It is now crystal terrible mistake of dabbling into busiclear that these ness deals with members in their twenty money miscraze for money and they have gotten takes are the chief their fingers burnt. Some have started architects of the contributions, cooperatives, stockfinancial woes that trading, currency trading and multihave befallen many level marketing inside the church and ministers and minwhen things did not go as planned, istries today. It’s the bubble burst and the church went high time we get asunder. Doing business with memout of these misbers, borrowing money and sharing takes and correct profits have led to church break our errors. aways, character stains and untimely B. Financial death through hired assasins.

Intelligence in Ministry – Pro. 18. Liability More Than Assets 1:20-22; 4:5-9 Majority of ministers don’t know Ministers must the difference between liabilities and replace their finanassets. They therefore make lots of cial foolishness mistakes in this regard. Liabilities are with sound finanwhat takes money away from you, cial intelligence in such as phones, cars. While assets bring money into your pockets – i.e. – ministry by doing the following:resources, good people and investa. Financial intelments. When your liabilities are much ligence is unlearnmore than your assets in ministry, ing, re-learning and then you are making a terrible finanlearning the truth cial mistake. When you spend much about money and more than what comes in, then you ministry through are in trouble. When what takes books, conferences money away are much more than and tapes. what brings money in then you will b. Financial intelruin the ministry financially. ligence is repenting of past mistakes

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GROWTH BOOSTERS

and embracing wholesome ways of running ministry with financial integrity. c.

Financial intelligence is not depending solely on salary but opening multiple streams of income gradually for yourself as God helps. d.

Financial intelligence is the strong desire to make your ministry a success through sound financial policy and prayers. e.

Financial intelligence is setting realistic goals for personal and ministry financial freedom and working on them f.

Financial intelligence is prudent management of the resources of ministry – income being more than expenditure. g.

Financial intelligence is placing yourself on a salary and living within your means. h.

Financial intelligence is setting aside 10% for tithe, 20% for investment and 70% on current expenditure. i.

Financial intelligence is separating your personal money from that of the ministry. j.

Financial intelligence is evolving a sound financial system in ministry that discourages murmuring, stealing, corruption and rewards hard work.

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People’s Parliament

Peter Obi has performed but… altogether. Similarly, the use of these roads are purely domestic for now, but should one put a small industry in the community, which implies that trailers, trucks and heavy duty vehicles would ply the road, then I tell you sincerely, forget about roads in Anambra State. The so-called roads will not last up to three months. Two vehicles can hardly park side by side without the roads being blocked.

In any case, the road designs have no plan for pedestrians or future expansion.

RALPH EGBU egburalph@yahoo.com

08186958958 (SMS only)

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EW weeks ago, I did a piece on Governor Peter Obi and his tenure in Anambra State, so far. My interest in Obi and the place of Anambra in Igbo politics has been there for a very long time. Obi, by all accounts, had done well for himself before he decided to go into politics. Knowing national politics and its peculiar characteristics, I have been wondering how and why Obi, a relatively unknown personality, chose the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as his launch pad. I am even intrigued that given the kind of grip godfathers had on the state at the time and the degree of manipulation that goes with our elections, Obi could still get the grassroots to understand and massively vote for him. That, again, told me there must be something peculiar about this man, who is of few words and a simplicity that challenges our rough ways.

The other aspects that attracted my attention came with the manner his victory was snatched and the way Peter Obi went about getting back what rightly belonged to him. At a time, it was fashionable for the elites to employ abuses, threats and raw might to settle scores, especially those of the political kind. Obi, a new entrant into politics, kept his cool and maintained a distance; preferring to allow the courts to play their role. What gave him that level of confidence on the Judiciary?

Did he not spend money as bribes? What went on inside him while things took shape? At some point in his tenure, he was impeached. Again, he took it calmly. He went back to the courts. He was there when his deputy began playing the kpankoro dance (human beings are the most unpredictable element on earth, psychologists say). How did Obi feel? What did he discover of the human behaviour? What has he discovered about the Nigerian development process? Why didn’t APGA grow very solid under his wings as their only governor in the South-East? Why the new trouble in APGA? Will the party survive it? Won’t Ojukwu’s transition affect the party? His deep romance with the Presidency; what is in it?

Won’t that kill APGA? Why is PDP so grounded in Anambra, in spite of over six years of APGA governorship? These are some of the points that make Anambra politics very interesting for me. When I ventured into Anambra few weeks ago, it was to attend Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s lecture. The journalist in me said, why not look round and ask questions, that I opted to do in company of my friends and an Awka-based journalist. The outcome was my observation that appeared on this page. The reactions came in torrents, showing that preparations have indeed started for the next governorship poll in 2014. Obi, I dare say again, has done very well, especially in rural settings. Part of the trouble is that most Nigerians hardly accord any importance to events in local areas. This is wrong.

Secondly, I seem to have this hunch that Obi appears to be taking on political fights alone. The crisis tearing APGAapart has left its foundation shaky. Obi does not know this. Then, many who would have acknowledged his efforts are angry over the non-conduct of elections into local councils. Finally, Awka and some areas in Onitsha need massive touch of urban renewal. I present below some of the interesting reactions that followed my article on Obi and Anambra; happy reading.

Chief Egbu, it is unfortunate that our people, especially those in the South-East, want to remain in the fossilized past of primordial politics of quick gain for a few at the expense of the majority. It is clear to any discerning person that Peter Obi has pragmatic plans to push the development frontiers of Anambra and the South-East. I am particularly excited about his strides in education. Never again will Anambrarians be bamboozled by any mafia-like system. Please, do a piece on Rochas Okorocha. Thank you. Chukwudi Iheanacho – 08033000371 I just finished reading your article on Peter Obi. He is a very silent operator. As they say, “silent waters run deep”. Like me, many Nigerians have concluded that Onitsha is inhabitable.

Keep up the good work. Ben Ulu – 07033762445 Sir, if I had my way, I would make you SSA to Mr. President for pouring out your heart sincerely. Keep it up; one day this nation will see the need for people like you. Chikezie – 08032741930

•Obi Your piece on Peter Obi is commendable. You wrote not as you feel, but as you saw. I have been telling some critics of Mr. Peter Obi that he is a governor of rural areas and not urban areas of Anambra State. Kudos to your pen! Decency – 07055201958 Brother, your write-up on Peter Obi is highly interesting and understandable. Honestly, our governor has done more work than all his predecessors put together. You have made it easy for people that cannot travel to Anambra State to understand more about our amiable and friendly governor. I plead with the governor to also construct Umunze-Uyo-Eziama road, NawfiaOgbunka road and Ezira-Umuomaku road to give the people of Orumba-South a sense of belonging in terms of road construction. Peter Adibe (Orumba) – 07034543055 I admire your pen after reading your piece on the above topic published in Sunday Sun. You said it all. You came; you saw and your pen did not deceive you. In addition to your observations, the people of Anambra-West LGA shall never forget Peter Obi’s administration. Since the creation of the state, these people have known no other means of movement other than canoe, but today, they have the light as Peter Obi’s government has linked these communities with standard/durable motorable roads and bridges. Recently, the local government introduced Mass Transit buses for the first time in the history of the area.

These buses now ply Nzam LG headquarters to Onitsha, a development they never dreamt of. A dozen of your type is what we need to put this nation on the right track. Kudos to your pen! Elochukwu E. Okeke – 08068633900 I read your write-up on Peter Obi in Sunday Sun, and I could not help sending this comment. First, we in Anambra recognize that our governor is hard-working. We also recognize that in Anambra State most communities never expected much from government – whether federal or state or community development. So, do not be surprised to note that some of the developments you see in the villages in Anambra State are the result of community efforts and contributions from indigenes. While we recognize that Peter Obi is being miserly with the use of money, we have to also respect and see reason with some of his critics.

I am not one, though, I am similarly not in line with some of his programmes and do not fancy some of the actions or decisions of his government in Anambra. I feel concerned because I am from the state and he is my governor. I love him and will like to tell him the truth. May be he could have better explanations.

1. The roads being constructed cannot stand the test of time.

The roads are very narrow and poorly layed. Most of the towns in Anambra are still within community development level and could be said to have access roads for now. But in the next five years all the roads will tear down almost at the same pace/time, maintaining them will amount to doing another roads project

2. Education: A typical Anambra indigene never looks to government for assistance as far as education is concerned. We pay contributions in town union meetings for educational development within our communities.

If you are in Anambra and attend your community’s monthly meetings, you would have known how much levies your town union imposes on educational programmes. Most schools in the state were built and maintained through communal efforts. Governmen’s input has been nothing except paying teachers’ salaries. No serious change has been noticed in the physical structure of schools from the time of Mbadinuju-Ngige-Peter Obi. Repainting of a building is not equal to development. Please, ask why has scholarship programme been a taboo in Anambra State? Is it a crime for Anambra State government to send indigenes for special trainings oversees, just as is obtainable in other states?

Is it a crime to pay students bursary? What is wrong with Anambra State sponsoring indigenes to study specialized courses oversees so as to compete with the rest of Nigeria when the need arises? There is no money? That is one of the reasons we are a poor state. Not poor people.

3. I would not go into commerce and industry. We have so many news in the air, but I think Governor Peter Obi (Okute Ndigbo), is having his hand in areas of commerce and industry while still serving us as governor. Let him finish his term, the factories and warehouses will always be there even after him.

4. The heath sector is no longer what it used to be, for goodness sake. When I was growing up in the North, anytime one of our kins got seriously sick, we recommended that they go home to seek better medical treatment in the East. The option had always been Enugu, Onitsha, Awka. These towns used to have the best doctors and can boast of available medical facilities to manage severe medical issues. I bet you, if you come to Anambra in the name of getting better care medically, you will meet God earlier than you wish. Please, try and find out when last international training was conducted for our state-employed doctors. Maybe our governor does not like advertising such programmes. Please, we the people, whose resources are spent need to know.

5a. I have other issues to bring to your understanding, but let me point out these few. There is no need calling companies to come and submit tenders for contracts when you have already decided who to award the job. This is useless because it is unfair to collect monies from companies over published tenders that would never run.

5b. There is no need to call companies to register in the state as contractors, collect all registration fees and never bother to even invite them for a meeting not to talk of discussing proposals.

5c. Why did the state go through the process of conducting LGA elections when Governor Obi knows in his heart that he would not allow such election to hold? He made poor Anambra people to spend their money buying forms only to give us one thousand reasons why he cannot give us elected council leaders. He prefers to hand-pick his people, so we the people of Anambra can go and die. But Anambra State belongs to all of us. The monies paid for party forms were never refunded to date.

5d. Why can’t we have LG election now? This and many more are some of the things I don’t fancy about Governor Peter Obi. I love him as a person, I respect him so much, I will never hate him, but let him do the needful and leave the rest to God. Nnoli Martins Okoye – nnoliokoyem@yahoo.com

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Jona’s Nigeria tions.

As a way out of this hell, that Jona’s land has become, babel of voices have been cacophonous calls for the balkanization of Nigeria, resignation of President Goodluck Jonathan, state police, among othsholaoshunkeye@yahoo.co.uk ers. There (0805 - 618 - 0011) have even been suggestions that our democracy has been so imperIGERIA is iled that it is susceptible, more in a dire than ever before, to attack by strait. We anti-democratic forces. Some need no have even mischievously soothsayer interpreted the recent stateto tell us that. All the omi- ment by General Ibrahim nous signs are there. They Babangida, who, at a lecture are plenty: the unrelenting he delivered recently at the mayhem by the terrorist War College, Abuja, opined group, Boko Haram, wan- that military intervention in ton killings by other ethnic Nigeria is permanently in the militias, ceaseless border abyss of history. The mischief disputes, election violence, makers twisted that and said and never-seen-before the former military president crimes, crimes that we was sending a coded message thought, in the years of yore, to the military. What a dangercould only exit in the realm ous interpretation. of fiction. But from what All the aforementioned has been unfurling before clearly underscore the desperour eyes these past years, ation of our situation. We are there would be few demons in a desperate situation. There left in hell. From what we is no shadow of doubt about see, it is crystal clear that that. There is despair in the Satan and his cohorts seem land. Nigerians are at their to have gained permanent tether’s end. And as they say, residency in Nigeria. They desperate situations require now crisscross the country desperate solutions, even in whatever name, stealing, impulsive responses. It is on killing and destroying, this platform that the cacophdemolishing just anything onous suggestions of the past and anybody in sight, weeks and days are situated. threatening the fragile They are in sync with the spirthread that binds us as a it of the times. nation. Hardly would you I will react to three of the open Nigerian newspapers desperate calls, one after these days without being another. First, let’s consider confronted with the morbid the calls for President evidences of the evil that has Jonathan to resign. On what enveloped the land. Satan basis? Has he conclusively seems to have possessed the proved that he is incapable of country. providing leadership? Is he And we are so helpless, mentally-deranged, intellectutotally at a loss, as to who to ally-crippled, and so sick he turn to. Even people that are could no longer cope with the so adept at proffering ‘solu- rigours of his beat, therefore tions’, albeit on the pages of incapable of continuing in newspapers, to the critical office as President and business of ‘moving Nigeria Commander-in-Chief? Has forward’ are horror-struck. he been investigated and Dumb. Bereft of new ideas. found guilty of some monuThey are out of gas, as the mental fraud? Or has he comAmericans would say. And mitted any serious breach of the government, whose pri- the constitution of the Federal mary duty is the protection Republic of Nigeria as to warand preservation of life and rant his impeachment? From property, is clueless, listless, the little we know, I do not and confused. In fact, it think any of these has appears it has thrown its hands occurred. up, having led us to that danThis, therefore, is my humgerous junction where people ble submission: In so far as now openly canvass: unto thy Jonathan has not been found tent, oh Israel. We are clearly guilty of any of these or any at that dangerous junction other serious breach of the where no one seems to be for constitution, the calls for him anyone; where the hapless to resign are baseless. They masses seem to be all by have no basis in law. In spite themselves, clinging only to his proven weakness at proGod. viding leadership, I think we Welcome to Jona’s Nigeria. should consider him a bagWelcome to the land where gage we have to endure till the few evil ones are desper- 2015 when we would have ately hunting the good and the the opportunity to chase him patriotic, the innocent and the away with our votes. vulnerable, like game, annihiNext is the call, in some lating them on the streets, at quarters, for the balkanisation home, before family mem- of Nigeria. Again, to me, that bers, at worship centres, even is far-fetched. Agreed, Nigeria at places hitherto thought to be may be a mere geographical impregnable-security forma- expression, like the late Chief

SHOLA OSHUNKEYE

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Obafemi Awolowo said, but having been forced to live together ‘in peace’ for 98 years (since the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by the British colonialists), it may still be too early in the day to give serious consideration to the disintegration of the union. Rather, and like many of our nationalists have been saying, we should work at reintegration by discussing and renegotiating the terms for our continued co-existence as a nation.

That is why the convocation of a national dialogue with full constituent powers will continue to remain an ever-present option, no matter how the antagonists, especially those currently calling the shots, might feel. Whether we dub it ‘sovereign national conference’ or slam it with whatever nomenclature that catches our fancy, it doesn’t matter; provided it has full constituent powers to frankly and honestly address all the issues currently threatening to put Nigeria asunder. Nigeria will continue to be a living nightmare as long as we paper over such issues as true federalism (which our nationalists have considered as panacea for political stability, “genuine political integration and sound economic development and growth”), equitable distribution of national wealth and power. Indeed, the air of uncertainty currently enveloping the nation would continue so long as we ignore the agitation by the federating units to wrest back and manage their social and economic activities in ways they consider best for their people, security, state police, among others.

Since the convocation of a sovereign national conference became an undeniable option for Nigeria to bail out of its perennial crises, the primary fear of its antagonists has always been that such national dialogue with full constituent powers may weaken their hold on power or even create parallel authority. But I think that is myopic. It is selfserving. It has no basis in our current realities. Many observers have noted with grave concern that part of the reason Nigeria is in its current dark alley is as a result of the warped and lopsided distribution of national wealth and political power. Rather than move it round, fairly and justly, among the federating units, power is concentrated in the hands of a cabal, a cult, that determines where the pendulum should swing. And most of the time, their decisions are not premised on national interest but on self or class preservation. As long as this continues, things may never be at ease with us. This is not a curse. It is a statement of fact.

For that not to happen, we must talk. We must discuss and agree on a national formula that would engender a process where elected officials and people in authority generally would see power as a rare privilege to serve and not to be served or service their greed. Now, more than ever, we need to discuss the imperatives of equitable distribution of national wealth,

autonomy for the states under a loose centre, locally-manufactured mode of government (home-grown democracy, if you like) that is suitable for our peculiar situation, effectively address our peculiar problems (anticipated or unanticipated) and make life generally worth living for the masses.

As a precursor to the convocation of the conference, we may need to revisit the reports of the previous national dialogues. And there is a surfeit to study and sieve from. For instance, we could start with all those memoranda that various nationalities submitted to the National Constitutional Conference organized by the defunct General Sani Abacha Regime. As retired Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu recalls in a paper he wrote in March 2002, titled Sovereign National Conference, “The common grains of these memoranda were the need for a proper federalism in principle and in practice, of power decentralisation and of revenue generation and distribution”, all of which would help bring into reality our dream of a progressive and prosperous nation-state; a just and equitable country that we earnestly desire.

That preliminary exercise should help us draw a robust agenda for the dialogue. For all-round progress, I am persuaded that the convocation of a sovereign national conference is the way to go.

Lastly, let’s briefly consider the current brouhaha over the imperativeness or otherwise of state police in our current situation. State police, you may recall, is one of the proposals before the Constitution Review Committee, currently taking a second look at the 1999 Constitution. You may also recall that state governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, have, until last week’s crack in the ranks, been crusading for the decentralization of the Nigeria Police Force, which is what the re-introduction of

•Jonathan state police is all about. They believe that, as the chief security officers of their respective states, it would afford them the opportunity to take full charge as against the prevailing arrangement where Commissioners of Police take their orders from the police high command in Abuja.

The issue has, naturally, attracted varied reactions from strategic stakeholders and Nigerians at large. In the report it submitted to President Jonathan on Tuesday, the Presidential Committee on the Reorganisation of the Nigeria Police, headed by Mr. Parry Osayande, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, also chairman, Police Service Commission, warned that establishing state police will sound the death knell for Nigeria.

The Retired Inspectors General of Police Forum also met the president the same day, warning that acceding to calls for state police will bring dire consequences to the nation.

Well, as experts on the matter of security, I lack the knowledge to fault them. But I align myself with the position of General Babangida, who on Thursday, said fears that governors would manip-

ulate and misuse state police to intimidate and cause mayhem, as was the case in the First Republic, were unfounded. “Left to me,” Babangida said during his 71st birthday press conference, “the whole essence of governance is to provide adequate security for the people and in whatever way this is achieved is acceptable.”

QED. In the Hobesian state that Nigeria is, where life is worthless, short and brutish, any security system, be it community police or state police, anything that would effectively protect us from the rampaging demons despoiling our land would be acceptable. Forget the governors and their rascality. When we get to the bridge, we shall cross it. But let’s get there first.

Last word To satiate those calling for his head, and more importantly for the sake of posterity, I advise President Jonathan to apply himself more to his job. He should stay more at home in these trying times, and steer this sinking titanic out of danger.

If he fails, the corresponding turbulence will consume all of us. And history would record an unsavoury chapter on Jona’s Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Olympic fiasco ERE, now, are the highlights of Nigeria’s Olympic story: Mojeem Maiyegun, a boxer, gave our country its first ever Olympic medal, a bronze, in the 1964 games in Tokyo, Japan. Twenty years later, 1984, in Los Angeles, USA, Peter Konyegwachie, another boxer, gave us a silver. In Seoul, in 1988, we suffered a severe drought. We didn’t even win a petal of flower. But the sun shone a little for the giant in the sun in Barcelona during the 1992 Games. We won three silver medals and one bronze. What appeared to be the glorious dawn of our Olympic experience came during the 1996 Games in Atlanta when golden girl, Chioma Ajunwa won gold in long jump, and Nwankwo Kanu led our football team to clinch the king of all gold medals.

Rather than build on the 1996 achievement, we simply went to sleep. So, the London Olympics came and we sent a 116-man contingent that cost Nigerian tax payers a staggering N2.2 billion, to the Games. For an event that takes serious nations four years to prepare, we had a month or so of ‘intensive’ preparation.

Then, we went into fasting and prayers, asking the Almighty to send us medals. Of

H

Bolaji Abdullahi, Sports Minister course, medals are not Manna. And God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he reaps. Little wonder, our contingent fell like a house of sand built on sand. Team Nigeria fell off the wall, like Humpty Dumpty, and shattered into irredeemable pieces.

Let nobody shed any crocodile tears. Let no minister or official try to explain this disgrace. President Jonathan should declare a state of emergence on our sports, send the loafers away, look for saner people and let us re-build. That, to me, is the way to avoid a bigger disaster in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016.

SHOLA OSHUNKEYE ON

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VOL. 6 NO. 487

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EXTREME MEASURES FUNKE EGBEMODE egbemode_funke@yahoo.com 08100993984 (SMS only)

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HIS happened in 1992 and it got me wondering. Just how far can and should a wife go to protect her marriage? What are the limits or aren’t there any, when it comes to securing your property and C of O (certificate of Occupancy)? What is the worth of a relationship and what are the things women do to keep trespassers from their ‘thing’? Of course, I also got curious as a reporter and started a discreet Intimate Affairs investigation, a report I published one year later in a two-part piece, in my column. But let’s go back to the first story that got me fishing.

Bisi and Ahmed (not real names, of course) had been married for 12 years and both were celebrities at the time. Bisi was a successful businesswoman and Ahmed a respectable industrialist. They seemed the ideal couple and acted it. They attended functions together and praised each other in every interview they granted. They had four children and things looked good. Now, everybody knew also that Ahmed was also a ‘successful’ womanizer. In fact, Bisi was not his first wife. She was the fourth but somehow had managed to eclipse her predecessors and was determined to be the last. So she kept her eyes skinned. If any fly buzzed around Ahmed’s head, Bisi whipped out a shotgun. She was determined to keep Ahmed, whatever the cost. Then she heard of Ajoke, a civil servant Ahmed was paying more attention than was due a fling. He was eating in her house and traveling with her .

Some of Bisi’s friends told her that on a few occasions when Ahmed had told his wife he was traveling out of town, he was actually holed up in Ajoke’s GRA, Ikeja home. Where did a civil servant find money to buy a house, or even rent an apartment in GRA? Bisi and her friends wondered. They started holding meetings to do something about ‘it’.

Bisi was agitated but she hid it. She also refused to quarrel with Ahmed. She went on as if nothing was wrong. She pretended as if she believed Ahmed’s lies but she obviously was angry, burning up inside. She kept on a happy face.

One day, around 7pm, as Ajoke was returning from a trip along Lagos- Ibadan expressway, she was stopped by gun-totting men. The highway was not busy and it was getting dark, so nobody knew of the evil drama going on. She was driving and

•Couple

panicked so badly she almost drove into a ditch.

She was convinced they were armed robbers but her worries were more for her life than for her car and the gold jewelry she had on. Still shaking in her seat, Ajoke begged the masked men ( yeah, in those days, robbers wore masks, they had shame) to spare her life. She removed her earrings as they dragged her out of the car, sobbing. The masked ones threw her jewelry back at her and told her that their brief did not include Ajoke’s gold. The ‘largest’ one told her to get on her knees while he barked to the remaining three boys to get to work. Before Ajoke knew what the entire drama was all about, her fine car had been doused with petrol and set ablaze. If these armed robbers did not need her car, why did they stop her? To what god were they offering her car as burnt offering? What was the point to snatching a car and then making a bonfire with it?

Ajoke did not have to wonder for long. The masked men told her their mission in very short sentences. Ajoke should take her man-snatching claws from the man who bought her the burning car otherwise next time she would be part of the ingredients for the burnt offering. They gave her a couple of slaps and kicks for added effect and disappeared into the darkness.

Ajoke was stunned, scared witless. One thing at a

time, she calmed herself. First, get out of the venue of the tragedy. She did, after trekking about a kilometer. Then she left town for a week to sort out her swirling thoughts. She knew where the bullets came from. She knew only a woman who could kill without batting an eyelid would go to the extent Bisi went to warn a mistress. She got the message and moved on. She cut her losses and told Ahmed armed robbers snatched the car. After that she started avoiding him. The affair eventually packed up.

That was a mean one, an extreme measure by Bisi. She eventually acquired a reputation as a mean wife and that if you were not ready to fight dirty, don’t go near her territory.

There was a story of another wife who told thugs to raid the home her husband’s girlfriend. They took everything she had except the nightwear she had on and promised to return to rape if she did not leave a certain man alone.

Did you sigh and said Jehovah? You don’t want to hear the more gory ones I have heard. Women can be mean if their territories are threatened. Now, what they do to husbands who betray them is worse, but that is a story for another day.

•Funke Egbemode will be back in two weeks

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