July 2018 edition

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 20. NO. 174 JULY 2018

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Reactions on June 12..

M.K.O. Abiola now GCFR

M.K.O. Abiola finally recognized as President elect after 25 years of wait

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Contents

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The Voice Magazine Volume 20. No 174 July 2018 Edition

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Page 4 - Editorial: The unending story of M.K.O. Abiola: The legacy of June 12 1993 reechoes Page 7- My encounter with M.K.O. Abiola Pages 8- Feedback/awardees – A page for your letters and opinions Pages 10 – 13 - The man M.O.K. Abiola: On the match again Page 14 – Commemoration & investiture honouring the heroes of June 12, 1993.

Page 15 - Dr Josephine Ojiambo receives 2018 “Caring Citizen of the World” Award Pages 24 & 25 - Man Vastgoed: Offer to own Real Estate without stress Pages 26 & 27 – June 12 Tsunami and the ones who won’t forgive Buhari 28 - Positively Dutch in the Global Village Pages 34 & 35 - Farming-A biographical film of Adewale A. Agbaje Pages 40 – 42 - Buhari and the June 12 saga Pages 44 & 45 – Alpha Solar Systems Training program in Lagos, Nigeria Page 46 - OPINION: The move of a desperate President Page 47 - Calls for New Narrative on African Migration Page 49 – Where the streets have no names in Cameroon Pages 50 & 51 - International AIDS conference in Amsterdam Pages 55-55 - June 12: New democracy day Pages 56 & 57 - Porpori Charity Foundation: Caring for the needy and changing lives in Nigeria Pages 58- 60 - Tribute to a Distinguished Nigerian - Late Senator (Engr.) Mustapha Bukar (Madawakin Daura III) Page 61 Pages 62 – 63 - Abiola and Gani were humoured Page 64 - Super Eagles designer unhappy of neglect!

Page 65 - Poor outing for African teams at World Cup 2018 in Russia.

Page 68 - Laila’s Business Gate signs deal with Kosan

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SUBMISSIONS: Articles and photographs for publication are welcome but the publisher while exercising all reasonable ­caution cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.

Please ensure that all materials are sent by e-mail to our official email.

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Editorial

The unending story of M.K.O. Abiola: The legacy of June 12 1993 reechoes

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ove or hate him, President Muhammad Buhari has gone down in history to accomplish what the likes of Ibrahim Babangida, the coward, weak and selfish General who denied M.K.O. Abiola of his hard earned victory on the excuse of fear from the powers above and invested interests. I wonder where those powers and interests are now that President Buhari has recognized Abiola and put his name back into the proper history books of this nation called, Nigeria. We are so happy that this took place in Babangida’s life time so he could spend the rest of his life in disappointments and regrets even though he will not publicly admit it. Apart from Babangida,

there are the likes of Chief Shonekan, a fellow tribe man like Abiola, General Abdulsalam Abubakar and of course the most shameless of them all, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yoruba man like Abiola and of then Goodluck Jonathan. All of these past Nigerian leaders had the chance and the opportunity to right the wrongs done to M.K.O. Abiola and over 12 million Nigerians that voted him in as President of Nigeria but was denied by the few led by Babangida.

With this recognition, is it not possible for Babangida to be arrested and tried for crime against humanity? He singularly denied a people of their chosen leader and no one would ever know what type of leader M.K.O. Abiola would have been, both the people and the nation was denied of that victory and mandate.

Secondly, hundreds and if not thousands loss their lives in that struggle and many displayed. Literally chased away from their homeland, the publisher of this noble magazine, Pastor Elvis Iruh was a victim of the atrocities done to M.K.O. Abiola. For

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his interview, with (Abiola) which he granted to Razor magazine in 1993, he and his publisher, Moshood Fayemiwo became guests of detention centers, court litigations and charges of treason. Severe persecution on their persons and families until they fled out of the country, Pastor Elvis Iruh left in late 1995. For three years he sojourned in a foreign country denied of his Pastor Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief human dignity living as a refugee and as asylum seeker.

Having said all of these, removing all the political innuendos associated with this gesture of M.K.O. Abiola being recognized, we are pleased for the family of M.K.O. Abiola, friends and loyal associates that finally his name will no longer be forgotten in the history of Nigeria. M.K.O. Abiola is our man so says his slogan in 1993, the slogan still remains the same for those who stood with him and for him. It does not matter what all the commentators are saying, the fact remains that M.K.O. Abiola deserves more than an award and recognition. His name should be immortalized into our history books and constitution as a man who won a free and fair election in this country but denied the right to govern by few criminals who disguised themselves in military uniform led by one General Ibrahim Babangida, this should be taught in our schools so that it serves as a lesson for the future. We don’t know if this would help Buhari to win or lose the next election but he has shown after all that he is not insensitive as he has been accused and more intelligent than most of the previous leaders put together before him. He certainly beat all of them hands down with this gesture to M.K.O. Abiola.

Enjoy this edition dedicated to the life and story of M.K.O. Abiola This month in solidarity for people living with HIV/Aids, I have accepted to participate and lead a prayer session during the conference in Amsterdam. It is important for my constituency, the church family to know that people with HIV/Aids are our brothers and sisters. The disease do not discriminate, it is real and it affects people we know. So they need our support and love and prayers..

Enjoy your July edition of The Voice magazine.

The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-­ governmental organizations and in­dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way af­ filiated to any of these bodies or to any other ­publishing institution or political interest or group.

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On the Editorial board are Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A OR Stichting Paddi Europa Knab Bank Account No: NL77KNAB0725202238 Swift Code: KNABNL2H

THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu i.ezeagabu@thevoicenewsmagazine. com Advert Executive Faith Ehanire ehanire4607@gmail.com Project Editor (Nigeria) Chiedu Harris Ify henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com BUREAU CHIEFS Gbenga T. Okunlola (London) teejayok@gmail.com Joel Savage (Belgium) juskosave@yahoo.com Femi Ikutiyinu (London) afpaprint2000@yahoo.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhall CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Nicholas Noghayin Ehioghiren (Madrid, Spain) nicholasmicnita@yahoo.com Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria)

aigimoru@yahoo.com Rev. Tammy Abusi (Port-Harcourt) t.abusi@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Eubaldus Enahoro enabadus2000@yahoo.com Principal Photo Editor: Handy Tims Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Graphic Designers David Banjoko Wil Gomersbach (Web Master) George Adegite Printer: Drukkerij Palteam www.palteam.nl MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare You can as well contact our Office Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is ­published online from 2016 around the world. It is registered at the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam. The Voice aim to serve as a vital link among African readers in the Diaspora and we ­provide ­objective information and organizes opinion exchange among African people both in the ­continent and abroad. Thus it strives to foster and enhance complete understanding of ­developing c­ ountries problems and bring information to help address those issues. TV

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My encounter with M.K.O. Abiola

By Elvis Iruh

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cannot remember exactly the date of this interview; it is between 2nd and 3rd November 1993, just after M.K.O Abiola returned from his 53 days abroad after the annulment of his victory of 12th June 1993. Many had speculated that he went on self-exile but to proof them wrong, he returned to Nigeria.

Before then, my Publisher, Mr. Moshood Fayemiwo had made several attempts to interview M.K.O. Abiola.

I was given the task to lay ambush at his home in Ikeja for an exclusive interview.

Rumours were there that he planned to declare himself President. He wanted him to say those words and Razor will announce it to the world.

As luck would have it, I finally met him at the comfort of his home surrounded by hundreds of people, he quickly granted me this interview. The reason he did was simply because of my publication – The Razor. He said only your publication at that time would have the courage and boldness to quote me and I report exactly what I would say. I never forget the look on his face and when he declared, “I’ll be President by the wish of the People”. He defiled every argument for him not to do it. In fact, he told me I will not give you the exact date, location or time but I will do it when the right time comes. “I am the custodian of a sacred mandate freely given which I cannot surrender unless the people so demand”. If

by December 1993, the Interim government does not uphold the result of June 12 election and swear me in, I would call on the good people of Nigeria to swear me in as required by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. He went further to say, “I want to serve Nigeria in such a way that my name would be written in gold, I promised the people”.

As we were beginning to enjoy the interview because of my probing questions, he was interrupted by a call from one Arthur Nzeribe, the man whose role led to the court injunction to withhold the announcement of the final result. It was part of the consultations going on then.

M.K.O. Abiola gave me a Thursday appointment to complete the interview but I could go ahead with what I had already which I did but that Thursday never came between us again – when I returned on Thursday, M.K.O Abiola premises had been taken over by the military junta and he was been arrested for declaring himself President. I never saw M.K.O Abiola again. Matters of weeks, I was also under arrest as well as my publisher and the whole Razor magazine publication thrown into disarray. History will justify the role we played to see that justice and fairness was done.

Many of us were punished along with M.K.O Abiola but many of us escaped with our lives but Abiola did not.

He was the big fish they were after and they caught him.

His last words during the interview was, “I come in peace and I’m ready to put m in my house in order (referring to SDP) before I go into dialogue with any other party or persons involved in the June 12 election controversy. I will be back”. Truly M.K.O. Abiola his back and his ghost are going to hunt many to their graves.

Rest on Peoples’ President, M.K.O. Abiola.

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FEEDBACK Dear Editor WRONG PICTURE PUBLICATION FOR MY INTERVIEW Kindly be informed that a photograph used on my interview with your Editor-in-Chief is not me. I don’t know how the photo was used but kindly correct it.

The interview was published in your June edition for 2018.

By Vivienne Diamond Lagos, Nigeria. ***** Editor’s Reply Thank you for your letter. We have however made a quick correction and please accept our apology for the mistake.

Editor

Acceptance of The Voice Achievers Award 2018 Dear Editor, As a minister’s daughter and having parents who allowed me to dream, this is an honor for me to have met Princess Solarin and a fellow sister in Christ. I gladly accept this opportunity to further the world of the plight of the children in Africa and around the world. Thank you very much and I look forward to meeting you and accepting such an Award of honor from your magazine “THE VOICE” Kindest regards, Gloria R. Jones

Dear Editor, First of all I would like to thank your award committee. I am very pleased and honoured to accept this award.

I am sending you this mail to confirm my presence at your event.

God bless you and thanks once again and hope to hear from you soon with all the information I need.

Kind regards, Gideon Boateng Antwerp, Belgium.

Dear Editor, Congratulations on your birthday!

May God bless you more and more as you continue to offer invaluable service to mankind through the magazine and through preaching the Gospel?

Still in Cambodia, our court schedules may wind up in 2021. I will then go home to rest, thanking God for His blessings.

Stay well in God’s care.

Justice Florence Mumba.

Cambodia

Article for publication Dear Editor, Thanks for the voice magazine I get often. Please can I send you an article to be published in your magazine? This is a senator who had distinguished himself with the development of projects in his Senatorial zone. He died a few weeks ago. I just thought it was worth publishing so that people will know that it is not all politicians that are corrupt.

He was a family friend. If you agree I can send you the write ups plus pictures.

Thanking you so much.

Hajia H Yusuf Den Haag, The Netherlands Editor’s Note: Thank you Madam Yusuf. Kindly send the materials to us, we would consider using it in our next publication.

Dear Editor, What can I say? Wooo! Thanks for the appreciation and honor. The only things that we owe each other in this soil that’s originally not ours is encouragement and support. I’m going to reserve the dates in my agenda.

Kindly follow up with details of the expectations as the time approaches to enable me plan well to grace the special event in any way I can.

Uche Nwatarali (Mrs.) Amsterdam, The Netherlands

AWARDEES The Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief, The Voice magazine Dear Sir, RE: NOMINEE FOR THE VOICE MAGAZINE ACHIEVERS AWARD 2018 “OUTSTANDING AFRICAN GOVERNOR AWARD” Mr. Governor has received your letter notifying him of his nomination for the Outstanding African Governor Award. He is impressed that his effort towards improving the lives of Edo people in the state is resonating well in the diaspora.

He thanks you for this nomination and has agreed

to accept the award. To this end, a letter of acceptance will be written and officially sent to you.

However, if the governor or his representative cannot attend the ceremony, we undertake to bear the cost of having the plaque mailed to us.

Once again, His Excellency thanks you immensely for recognizing his efforts and please accept the assurance of our highest regards.

Crusoe Osagie Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy 17th of May, 2018

My acceptance

On behalf of Essifon Group, I accept this nomination with humbleness and with deep humility.

Essifon Group will also be present during the ceremonies.

Thank you for choosing me for this prestigious Award and God bless you and your Term while I look forward in receiving the Award in person.

Regards

By Onyendu Amb. C.O. Onyeike Bremen, Deutschland Dear Editor, Thank you for this honour and this prestigious award.

I thank Princess Deun for her nomination and I look forward to meeting you all in November.

Best regards Patti London, United Kingdom

Governor Obaseki of Edo State, NIGERIA

THOSE WHO HAVE EARS LET THEM HEAR! Dear Editor, Thank you for appreciating and acknowledging the work that I do. It’s a big honor for you/the Voice magazine to nominate me for the 2018 award. Am so honored and thankful that, I just have no words to express my gratitude to you and the voice magazine.

I accept the nomination and I look forward. This is inspiring, motivating and encouraging.

I will be waiting for next step.

God bless, Christine Among Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Dear Editor, This is to inform you of my acceptance for the Voice Magazine Award, and I will be there Personally to receive it by God grace, I really appreciate and thanks again.

By Tony Airhenbuwa Hamburg, Germany

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Celebration OF SUCCESS

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n 1956, Moshood Abiola started his professional life as a bank clerk with Barclays Bank in Ibadan, SouthWest Nigeria. After two years, he joined the Western Region Finance Corporation as an executive accounts officer, before leaving for Glasgow, Scotland, to pursue his higher education. From Glasgow University he received a first class degree in accountancy, and he also gained a distinction from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. On his return to Nigeria, Abiola worked as a senior accountant at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, then went on to US firm Pfizer, before joining the ITT Corporation, where he later rose to the position of Vice-President, Africa and Middle-East. Abiola spent a lot of his time, and made most of his money, in the United States, while retaining the post of chairman of the corporation’s Nigerian subsidiary. In addition to his duties throughout the Middle-East and Africa, Abiola invested heavily in Nigeria and West Africa. He set up Abiola Farms, Abiola Bookshops, Radio Communications Nigeria, Wonder Bakeries, Concord Press, Concord Airlines, Summit Oil International Ltd, Africa Ocean Lines, Habib Bank, Decca W.A. Ltd, and Abiola football club. He was also Chairman of the G15 business council, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Patron of the Kwame Nkrumah Foundation, Patron of the WEB Du Bois foundation, trustee of the Martin Luther King Foundation, and director of the International Press Institute.

Moshood Abiola married many wives; notable among them are Simibiat Atinuke Shoaga in 1960, Kudirat Olayinka Adeyemi in 1973, Adebisi Olawunmi Oshin in 1974, Doyinsola (Doyin) Abiola Aboaba in 1981, Modupe Onitiri-Abiola and Remi Abiola. He fathered many children.

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The man M.K.O. Abiola: On the match again …….

Moshood Abiola sprang to national and international prominence as a result of his philanthropic activities. The Congressional Black Caucus of the United States of America issued the following tribute to Moshood Abiola: Because of this man, there is both cause for hope and certainty that the agony and protests of those who suffer injustice shall give way to peace and human dignity. The children of the world shall know the great work of this extraordinary leader and his fervent mission to right wrong, to do justice, and to serve mankind. The enemies that imperil the future of generations to come: poverty, ignorance, disease, hunger, and racism have each seen effects of the valiant work of Chief Abiola.

Through him and others like him, never again will freedom rest in the domain of the few. We, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus salute him this day as a hero in the global pursuit to preserve the history and the legacy of the African diaspora.

From 1972 until his death Moshood Abiola had been conferred with 197 traditional titles by 68 different communities in Nigeria, in response to his having provided financial assistance in the construction of 63 secondary schools, 121 mosques and churches, 41 libraries, 21 water projects in 24 states of Nigeria, and he was grand patron to 149 societies or associations in Nigeria. In addition to his work in Nigeria, Moshood Abiola supported the Southern African Liberation movements from the 1970s, and he sponsored the campaign to win reparations for slavery and colonialism in Africa and the diaspora. He personally communicated with every African head of state, and every head of state in the black diaspora to ensure that Africans would speak with one voice on the issues.

Remembrance of M. K. O. Abiola Chief MKO Abiola’s memory is celebrated in Nigeria and internationally. 12 June remains a public holiday in Lagos and Ogun states. Remembrance events are arranged across Nigeria.

MKO Abiola Stadium and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic were named in his honour, and there were calls for posthumous

presidential recognition. A statue, MKO Abiola Statue was erected in his honour.

MKO Abiola was criticised by political activists and detractors.

Controversy was caused by a song by Nigerian musician, Fela Kuti, a charismatic multi-instrumentalist musician, composer and human rights activist, famed for being the pioneer of Afrobeat music and a controversial figure due to his unusual lifestyle and apparent drug use. It is believed that Kuti had entered into an acrimonious dispute relating to a contract with MKO Abiola’s record label. He used the abbreviation of International Telephone & Telegraph (IT&T) in a song criticizing big multinational corporations. The song, ITT, accuses such companies of draining Africa’s resources and says, “They start to steal money Like Obasanjo and Abiola”.

Awards and honours Moshood Abiola was twice voted international businessman of the year, and received numerous honorary doctorates from universities all over the world. In 1987 he was bestowed with the golden key to the city of Washington, D.C., and he was bestowed with awards from the NAACP and the King center in the USA, as well as the International Committee on Education for Teaching in Paris, among many others.

In Nigeria, the Oloye Abiola was made the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, the highest chieftaincy title available to commoners amongst the Yoruba. At the point when he was elevated, the title had only been conferred by the tribe 13 times in its long history. This in effect rendered Abiola the ceremonial War Viceroy of all of his tribes’ people. According to the folklore of the tribe as recounted by the Yoruba elders, the Aare Ona Kakanfo is expected to die a warrior in the defense of his nation to prove himself in the eyes of both the divine and the mortal as having been worthy of his title.

Continued on Page 12

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M.K.O. ABIOLA: THE WINNER OF JUNE 12 1993 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA BUT..........

Continued from Page 11 He was awarded the third highest national honour, the Commander of the Federal Republic posthumously in 1998.

He was also awarded the highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic posthumously in 2018 with the date of the annulled election made Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

Involvement in politics

Abiola’s involvement in politics started early on in life when he joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) at age 19. In 1979, the military government kept its word and handed over power to the civilian.

As Abiola was already involved in politics, he joined the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1980 and was elected the state chairman of his party. Re-election was done in 1983 and everything looked promising since the re-elected president was from Abiola’s party and based on the true transition to power in 1979; Abiola was eligible to go for the post of presidential candidate after the tenure of the re-elected president. However, his hope to become the president was shortly dashed away for the first time in 1983 when a military coup d’état swept away the re-elected president of his party and ended civilian rule in the country.

After a decade of military rule, General Ibrahim Babangida came under pressure to return democratic rule to Nigeria. After an aborted initial primary, Abiola stood for the presidential nomination of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and beat Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to secure the presidential nomination of the SDP ahead of the 12 June 1993 presidential elections. Abiola had managed to work his way out of poverty through hard work. He established Abiola bookshops to provide affordable, locally produced textbooks in the 1980s when imported textbooks became out of the reach of ordinary Nigerians as the naira was devalued.

He also made available daily necessities such as rice and soap at affordable prices in the market.

Presidential elections

For the 12 June 1993 presidential elections, Abiola’s running mate was Baba Gana Kingibe. He overwhelmingly defeated his rival, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention. The 12

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election was declared Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential election by national and international observers, with Abiola even winning in his Northern opponent’s home state. Abiola won at the national capital, Abuja, the military polling stations, and over two-thirds of Nigerian states. Men of Northern descent had largely dominated Nigeria’s political landscape since independence; Moshood Abiola, a Southern Muslim, was able to secure a national mandate freely and fairly, unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. However, the election was annulled

by Ibrahim Babangida, causing a political crisis that led to General Sani Abacha seizing power later that year. During preparations for the 2011 Nigerian Presidential elections there were calls from several quarters to remember MKO Abiola.

Imprisonment In 1994 Moshood Abiola declared himself the lawful president of Nigeria in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island, an area mainly populated by (Yoruba) Lagos Indigenes. He had recently returned from a trip to win the support of the international community for his mandate. After declaring himself president he was declared wanted and he was accused of treason and arrested on the orders of military President General Sani Abacha, who sent 200 police vehicles to bring him into custody. MKO Abiola has been referred to as Nigeria’s greatest statesman. His second wife Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was assassinated in Lagos in 1996 after declaring public support for her husband.

Moshood Abiola was detained for four years, largely in solitary confinement with a Bible, Qur’an, and fourteen guards as companions. During that time, Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and human rights activists from all over the world lobbied the Nigerian government for his release. The sole condition attached to the release of Chief Abiola was that he renounces his mandate, something that he refused to do, although the military government offered to compensate him and refund his extensive election expenses. For this reason Chief Abiola became extremely troubled when Kofi Annan and Emeka Anyaoku reported to the world that he had agreed to renounce his mandate after they met with him to tell him that the world would not recognize a five-year-old election.

Death

Abiola died in suspicious circumstances shortly after the death of General Abacha, on the day that he was due to be released, 7 July 1998. While the official autopsy stated that Abiola died of natural causes, Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, al-Mustapha has alleged that Moshood Abiola was in fact beaten to death. AlMustapha, who was detained by the Nigerian government, but later released, claims to have video and audiotapes showing how Abiola was beaten to death. The final autopsy report, which was produced by a group of international coroners, has never been publicly released. Regardless of the exact circumstances of his death, it is clear that Chief Abiola received insufficient medical attention for his existing health conditions.

As recounted at the time in a BBC interview with special envoy Thomas R. Pickering, an American delegation which included Susan Rice visited Abiola; during their meeting with him, Abiola fell ill, with what was presumed to be a heart attack which caused his death.

A clause in Abiola’s will required that his heirs prove that he was their father. Over seventy people were able to show that Abiola was their father using DNA tests. Seven children were descended from his second wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

On 29 February 2016 former South African President Thabo Mbeki gave his views on what happened.

“President Mandela resisted all this until news came through that on the very first day of the 1995 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held I. New Zealand CHOGM, the Nigerian Government had executed Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his Ogoni colleagues. He then immediately joined others strongly to condemn the Abacha Government and approved the suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth.

“Thereafter, despite strong presentations about human rights, South Africa’s strenuous efforts to get SADC and the OAU to impose sanctions against Nigeria produced a negative response throughout the Continent, leaving South Africa isolated on this matter.

“President Mandela had visited Nigeria in 1994 and engaged General Abacha on the matter of the release of Mr Abiola.

“In July 1995 I led a small delegation of our Government to Nigeria to meet General Abacha. This time our focus was on the two matters of persuading General Abacha and his Government to release the Ogoni leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and his co-accused, as well as to release Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Yar’ Adua, who were detained for allegedly having been involved in a planned coup d’état.

“We met General Abacha at 02.00 hrs (2 a.m.) at his offices.

Having heard us out, he told us that he would reflect on what we had said and would respond to us before we left Nigeria.

“A day or so later, then Chief of Defense Staff and effective Deputy to Abacha, Lt Gen Oladipo Diya, invited us to lunch.

During this lunch he gave us General Abacha’s response to the issues we had raised.

“This response was that with regard to the matter of Ken SaroWiwa and his co-accused, Gen Abacha could not intervene to stop a legal judicial process which involved murder charges.

However, if the accused were to be found guilty and sentenced to death, he would use his prerogative as Head of State to reprieve the accused so that they would not be executed.

“Gen Diya also reported that Gen Abacha had said that there was a military tribunal which was considering the matter relating to Generals Obasanjo and Yar’Adua.

It was necessary that he should allow the tribunal to complete its work. His view was that the tribunal would recommend the release of the two Generals, failing which he would again intervene to release them.

“After asking Gen Diya to convey our thanks to Gen Abacha for the commitments he had made, we suggested to him that it would be best that the Nigerian Government makes the necessary announcements when the time came, rather than that we should do this. Diya agreed to this and said that Gen Abacha would issue the necessary orders at the appropriate moments.

“Our delegation still had a small challenge to address. We had travelled from South Africa with a journalist. Treated by our Nigerian hosts as a member of our delegation, she was present at the lunch where Gen. Diya gave us Gen. Abacha’s response.

“She therefore had a real “scoop”! Together with her we agreed that if she were to publish what we had been told by Gen Diya, the likelihood was that not only would the Nigerians deny the story, but this would also inevitably condemn Ken Saro-Wiwa and others and Generals Obasanjo and Yar’Adua to death.

“A principled person, she kept her word not to publish her “scoop”, convinced as all us were that Gen Abacha had made a commitment to President Mandela and South Africa which he would honour.

“It was with this knowledge that President Mandela left South Africa to attend the New Zealand CHOGM meeting. When Ken Saro-Wiwa and others were executed, President Mandela was truly surprised and genuinely outraged that Gen Abacha could evidently so easily betray his solemn undertaking in this regard.”

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REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE COMMEMORATION AND INVESTITURE HONOURING THE HEROES OF JUNE 12 1993 WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE, 2018

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oday, I am very happy to be present and to preside over the Commemoration and Investiture, marking the formal official Federal Government recognition of June 12 as National Democracy Day. 1. The decision and this event is not meant to be and is not an attempt to open old wounds but to put right a national wrong. Nigerians of their own free will voted for Late Chief MKO Abiola and Amb. Baba Gana Kingibe, the Presidential flag bearer and running mate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 1993 elections. The Government of the day inexplicably cancelled the elections when it was clear who were going to be the winners.

2. We cannot rewind the past but we can at least assuage our

feelings; recognize that a wrong has been committed and resolve to stand firm now and in the future for the sanctity of free elections. Nigerians would no longer tolerate such perversion of justice.

This retrospective and posthumous recognition is only a symbolic token of redress and recompense for the grievous injury done to the peace and unity of our country.

3. Our decision to recognize and honour June 12 and its actors is in the national interest. It is aimed at setting national healing process and reconciliation of the 25 year festering wound caused by the annulment of the June 12th elections. I earnestly invite all Nigerians across all our national divide to accept it in good faith.

4. Our action today is to bury the negative side of June 12, the side of ill-feelings, hate, frustrations and agony. What we are doing is celebrating and appreciating the positive side of June 12. The June 12, which restate democracy and freedom.

The June 12 that overcome our various divide and the June 12 that produced unity and National cohesion. This is the June 12 we are celebrating today and we will nurture it to our next generation.

5. Accordingly, on behalf of the Federal Government, I tender the nation’s apology to the family of Late MKO Abiola, who got the highest votes and to those that lost their loved ones in the cause of June 12 struggle.

6. At this juncture, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like everybody present to stand and observe a minute silence in honour of the memory of Chief MKO Abiola and Chief Fawehinmi and indeed all those who lost their lives in the struggle of June 12 1993.

6. Thank you all and God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

June 12: Buhari apologizes to Abiola`s family President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday apologized to the family of the presumed winner of June 12, 1993, presidential election, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Buhari tendered the apology on behalf of the federal government after conferring the title, Grand Commander Of the Federal Republic on Abiola.

He said the event was not an attempt to open any wounds but to right the wrongs, adding that June 12 produced unity and national cohesion.

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“We cannot rewind the past but we can at least assuage our feelings, recognize that a wrong has been committed and resolve to stand firm now and ease the future for the sanctity of free elections.

“Nigerians will no longer tolerate such perversion of justice. This retrospective and posthumous recognition is only a symbolic token of redress and recompense for the grievous injury done to the peace and unity of our country.”

Dr Josephine Ojiambo receives 2018 “Caring Citizen of the World” Award

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mbassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo the immediate past Deputy Secretary General at the Commonwealth Secretariat received the 2018 “Caring Citizen of the World Award” from the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC), a New York-based not-for-profit organization with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Although some 35 renowned world leaders have received the prestigious award since 1996, Dr. Ojiambo becomes its first African recipient.

While handing out the award at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mr. Steven C. Rockefeller Jr, the Chairman and CEO of the Rose Rock Group, the Co-Founder of China Culture and Art International Organization and grandson of Nelson Rockefeller, the 41st Vice President of the United States stated that the Award was in recognition of Ambassador Ojiambo’s many special talents and achievements, including visionary foresight and creative endeavors, especially her inspiration and dedication to new mindsets, and for

commitment to promote greater understanding between generations, governments, and her advocacy for a more holistic approach towards meeting the needs of the elderly and the aging. Attendees recalled Dr. Ojiambo energetic and solid contribution to diplomacy, multilateralism and intergovernmental processes when she served as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Ojiambo stated that she was both humbled and honored by the recognition. She thanked ICCC for creating valuable platforms that foster inter-generational thinking, dynamism, creativity and the innovative capacity of the young people to tackle the attendant challenges that the elderly face today and in the coming years. She stressed the importance of meaningfully engaging the youth and young ones, and affording them opportunities to think, create and share solutions to our attendant challenges and contribute towards a more sustainable urban ecosystem.

Founded in 1994 by the late Dr. Albert Bush-Brown, architectural historian and Professor Dianne Davis, ICCC stimulates and showcases innovative concepts that address global longevity challenges and opportunities. Two other individuals were recognized for their work in this space.

Dr. Urs Peter Gauchat, Dean Emeritus and Professor at the College of Architecture and Design, New Jersey Institute of Technology received the “Caring Citizen of the Humanities Award” while Mr. Bernahard Windrich, CEO of Normfest, one of the largest suppliers of motor vehicle parts in Europe was given the “Public Private Sector Leadership Award”.

Monday 11 June 2018 United Nations, New York NY Details: International Council for Caring Communities ICCC www.international-iccc.org

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The man known as E-money: Emeka Okonkwo

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meka Okonkwo aka E-Money is one of the most popular requests on the Internet today that resulted from his constant display of wealth on social media platform like Instagram and Twitter. Because of his lavish lifestyle people want to know how he made such a fortune, this is why he has become one of the most sought after non-celebrity in Nigeria today. As an ordinary man, he started his hustle from nothing but today we know him as one of the wealthiest business tycoons in Nigeria. I know so well that you are curious to learn what his success secret is, and I will personally counsel you continue reading this Biography to get inspired with his amazing life story.

Meeker Okonkwo is his real name but he has come to be known and nicknamed E-Money after the wealth and fame that came into his life. He was born on February 18, 1981in Ajegunle Lagos where he attended his primary and secondary school education. He is 37 years old and pretty young for the magnitude of successes he has in the past few years. People gave him the nickname E-Money or Arabic Money because of his style of spraying money at events.

Seem not care less on how he spends his money but this is not true of him for those who are close to him. The Voice magazine was shown the other side of Mr. Okonkwo that

for many is new. He is a great encourager to people with business ideas and do not have the financial muscle to pull it through. He has become very popular in the Nollywood circle yet he is not an actor; he is a greater sponsor of major movies being produced in Nigeria today. He has become synonymous with the entertainment industry, his CONNECTION to entertainment has grown and right now he sponsors a music label belonging to his brother. For a young man born in Ajegunle, a densely populated area of Lagos State used to be known for criminality has produced one of the big boys in Nigeria in terms of charity works that he is engaged. His desire is to see poverty tackled among the majority of the people of Nigeria.

Mr. Okonkwo is a truly family man with his children

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The man known as E-money: Emeka Okonkwo Gone are the days when he struggled to make a living but God smiled on him and make him a popular figure that needs no introduction both locally and internationally.

Fast forward to today, E-Money has several source of income, he is the proud CEO of Emmy Cargoes Limited. As the CEO of Five Star Music label, he has helped to produce artistes like KCee (The Limpopo crooner), Harry Song, and Skibi. He is also involved in oil and gas industry.

The business man had disclosed that he never had anything and had struggled for a long time even when he had his traditional marriage, he had nothing but things turned around while he was on his way back with his wife from their traditional marriage.

The successful Billionaire disclosed that it was on their way back he received a call that he has been awarded a contract worth 2 million dollars and that was the beginning of his success story.

He would not go into details but today he is the boss of The Five Star Music label which his brother, KCEE, a successful musician in his

own right is managing today. He has vast business interests both at home and abroad particularly in Marine.

He is also well known for his philanthropist gestures and even though he does not like to disclose how many people he has helped but through his instagram activities, we know each day he is helping a child go back to school, a poor widow start a small business to fed her family, he is developing projects that contribute to societal advancement and helping struggling artistes to get back on their feet. He is sort after by all in the entertainment industry. He is contributing to the Nigerian economy He is happily married to Juliet Okonkwo and he proudly socializes with her in public events across the country. He says she is the true love of his life because she has been there for him in the bad and good times. His favorite colours are gold and white.

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Victory Outreach is a Pentecostal Church, Bible based believing people in the trinity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

What would you like to know? Our vision?

Which activities we organize? Or would you like to hear testimonies about how we follow God? One thing is certain, we would like to get to know you and therefore you are more than welcome to visit one of our services. You can visit us every day of the week.

You may have been a believer for many years already.

Or you might still be searching for the meaning of life and asking yourself whether or not there is God. Within Victory Outreach Almere we would like to help you find the answer. We will gladly teach you the exact meaning of “a living faith�. With us you will truly see and experience the supernatural power of the living God. You can always count on love and comfort when you need it.

You will discover that we have a wonderful diversity of people with lots of different backgrounds, characters and personalities. But there is one thing we have in common.

We all follow the same God, Jesus Christ.

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In that diversity and love for God we are a family where you are more than welcome.

We personally hope to meet you during one of our services.

God bless you as you come in Jesus Christ name. Amen

Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastor Victory Outreach Almere.

Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere Telephone: 036-8417007; Telephone: 036-7505571 info@voalmere.nl www.voalmere.nl

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LEGALITY OF POSTHUMOUS GCFR AWARD TO CHIEF MKO ABIOLA

By Femi Gbajabiamila The Leader of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Abuja, Nigeria

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n June 6th, Nigerians were met with breaking news that President Buhari had done what many before him were unable to do. He had awarded the late MKO Abiola of blessed memory the highest honour of the land, the Grand Commander Of The Federal Republic and posthumously too. This move has triggered a heated debate between pro and anti Buhari elements of our society. I will not jump into such fray, for to do so will be to debase and reduce the value of this particular award to this particular person. I believe politics should never be taken to the level that may tend to blunt the beauty and symbolism represented by actions such as this taken by the President. We must be careful not to kill the joy of the Abiola family in an attempt to read the President’s mind and motives. Now even if it wasn’t done in good faith, a suggestion I completely disagree with, it should have been left alone if only for the sake of the memory of the man who paid the supreme price for the democracy we are all a part of today. I will therefore limit myself to the legality of a posthumous award under the National Honours Act. I think I know a bit about the National Honours Act being a legislator and having been a nominee (though not a recipient), some years back. At the time I studied the Act to see how we could improve on it so it could achieve its objective as intended by its framers. This one award is perhaps the most deserving in the history of the awards system in Nigeria.

The learned Jurist in whom I have profound respect, Justice Alfa Belgore rtd, has stated that the National Honours Act does not provide for posthumous awards except in the case of the military. I must beg to differ.

Firstly in interpreting any Act we must consider the intention of the drafters where and if there is ambiguity. In this case can it be truly argued that a Nigerian who gave his or her all to the country for instance an ambassador who maybe got us out of some major crisis abroad, or perhaps Dr Stella Adadevoh who in a rare act of bravery saved the lives of millions of Nigerians and died whilst doing so cannot be honoured posthumously because she is not in the military? Somehow I don’t think this was the intention of the law. Such would be preposterous.

Now let’s look at the express provisions of the law. Section 1 declares “Subject to the provisions of subsections (4) and (6) of this section, the President may BY WARRANT (emphasis mine) make provision for the award of titles of honour, decorations and dignities (in this Act collectively referred to as “honours”)

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Subsection 3 provides: “A warrant under this section may make different provisions FOR DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES (emphasis mine)……” and Subsection 4 says “ The power to make awards in pursuance of a warrant under this section SHALL be exercisable by the President in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999” The combined reading of these sections makes it abundantly clear that The powers of the President in conferring an award or honour under the National Honours Act are wide and unfettered and he need not consult with any committee. Indeed the National Honors Committee (I stand to be corrected) is unknown to the Act and a creation of the presidency itself, perhaps for ease of administration). Nowhere in the Act does it say the President must consult with anyone in exercising his powers. It is by executive fiat! For those who may want to make reference to the Council of State in the constitution, it’s role, is merely to advise on national awards where such is sought or needed by Mr. President. Nothing in the constitution makes it mandatory for him to seek such advise.

shall have effect as if it had been made on such date (not being earlier than the day when this Act is deemed to have come into force ) as may be specified by the warrant, and an honour……………….shall be deemed to have been awarded in pursuance of the warrant”.

In other words the award can be backdated and therefore posthumous!!!!!!

Lets read a little further.

Section 2 deals with eligibility of appointment and the only qualification is citizenship. Nowhere does it talk about being a living person.

Going further yet again, Section 3 of the Act refers to Mode of appointment and states clearly that all the President need do is to publish same in the official gazette. Section 3 subsection 3 states that the award is to be presented by the President to the recipient in person but yet again making room for posthumous awards, it goes further in subsection 3 to allow for presentation in absentia. It states; “If in the case of any person it appears to the President expedient to dispense with the requirements of paragraph 2 of this article, he may direct that that person shall be appointed to the rank in question IN SUCH A MANNER (emphasis mine) as may be specified in the direction.

The Act does not exclude posthumous awards. If not excluded expressly it cannot be implied. Indeed subsection 3 referred to above adequately cover posthumous awards with the general words “FOR DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES”. Yes posthumous awards are specifically spelt out in the military category for whatever reason only God knows. Even in that category, not all military men are entitled. It depends on your rank and not all categories of military awards can be conferred posthumously. This is inelegant drafting at best and must be amended. To come to any other interpretation other than the above will be preposterous and illogical to say the least.

To drive home the point, subsection 5 is the most telling. It provides: “ A warrant under this section may provide that the warrant In other words award can be given posthumously and received by his heirs in succession.

In any case, it must be noted that section 42 of the Constitution comes down hard against any law or policy that tends to discriminate and for me a law that allows for posthumous awards to the military and not to civilians is discriminatory and cannot stand constitutional muster.

Furthermore where there is ambiguity we must always look at international best practices.

Finally I would want the President to go beyond this and exercise his powers under Section 7 of the Act, titled deprivation, to strip all manner of undeserving past awardees dead or alive off their awards so that MKO Abiola can be in good company.

Congratulations to the Abiola Family. Well done Mr President.

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Man Vastgoed: Two ladies helping you to engage in Real Estate without stress After their own successful investments in real estate, the ladies decided to turn their passion into their profession more than a year ago. They offer their clients, including the smaller investors, the possibility to invest in real estate.

Anuschka Wiebers was formerly a tax adviser at the PwC office in Amsterdam-Sloterdijk. Johanna Held worked for years as a traffic advisor at the municipality of Amsterdam.

Johanna explains the change: “We are passionate about real estate and have made good investment properties ourselves in recent years. We have, among other things, a number of buildings and a building plot in Purmerend. Apart from passion, we also have a feeling for real estate and we really enjoy sharing this with others. Our own successful investments and the pleasure we have in searching for new projects gives us so much energy that we have opted for a career in real estate. “Johanna adds:” Real estate is there for everyone, not just for the big ones. It is precisely the little man who has the

opportunity to invest with us. We issue certificates for this, which are notarized. Investors receive a five percent return and a 10 percent redemption premium. That is something else than hardly any interest from a bank. “ Property management

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JUNE 12 TSUNAMI AND THE ONES WHO WON’T FORGIVE BUHARI

By Garba Shehu

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n old Chinese proverb says: Do good, reap good; do evil, reap evil. This short proverb sums the intensity of attacks against President Muhammadu Buhari, not leaving the ratcheting up of violence in some the States after a period of relative calm, in the wake of the political tsunami honouring the heroes of June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled thus preventing the widely-acclaimed winner, Chief M.K.O Abiola (of blessed memory) from taking office as the President of Nigeria.

Even at that time, it was pretty obvious that the unjust annulment was a huge elite conspiracy, well beyond the schemes and machinations, for which the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida had established a formidable reputation.

June 12 annulment was inspired and supported in spirit, cash and in kind by high-level citizens who saw an opportunity for themselves and cashed in upon it.

Beyond the coterie of two dozen or so military officials whose names have been documented as literally having had a gun to the head of their Commander-in-Chief in trying to induce the annulment, there were tens, possibly hundreds of coconspirators who either forced the annulment in one way or the other, or joined the sustenance of the injustice done to Abiola and Nigerian voters which, from then evolved into an industry of a kind, supplying incomes and conferring privileges of state upon those in the plot.

Many have forgotten by now that an interim government was contemplated at that time and a number of retired army generals were on queue, having been invited to get ready

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to head it. There was the foremost social scientist of the Yoruba stock who prophesied to the then rulers, on the day the announcement of election results was suspended that “the Yoruba will not be angry with the Head of State if he will go ahead to annul the election.” Then he did it.

In the media, there were many who conspired against the June 12, including the publisher who told their editors not to “lose your heads over this June 12. After all, was it not Abiola who thwarted the ambitions of ...?”

In the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE where I was one of the three Vice Presidents at that time, rising to become the full occupant of the office a few years later, we had our own battles.

For example, when Vanguard newspaper correctly quoted me as asking that Abiola be freed or, in the least be tried in court because detention without trial, even under the military was wrong, newspapers, both of them now out of print circulation, the New Nigerian (which still maintains an online presence) and Today, lambasted me for expressing that view. Their editors, themselves members of the executive committee of the NGE said in a counter statement that those views were not of the Guild since, as they said, the organization hadn’t met to take a position on the matter.

If you are counting the large number of Nigerians united by that annulment, and who must now be very, very angry with President Buhari for righting that wrong which nourished them, one must not leave out the men and women in the temple of justice who used one subterfuge or the other to keep June 12 buried and its biggest symbol, MKO Abiola in detention until his end came (or was induced). Naturally, there is also the fear of the unknown. What will come after this?

Remember that since the incident took place, no past administration in 25 years has asked the question, why was the election annulled? Who annulled it? What were the consequences? Beyond Abiola and his late wife Kudirat, how many people did the nation lose? In terms of the economy, how much was lost? How much of a dislocation was it, socially, politically and internationally? Overall, how much damage did it cause the nation?

Now would there be an inquisition into all of the things that happened? I have not been briefed if there is going to be any.

Neither have I heard of any discussions on this. I cannot, therefore, speculate.

Should anyone be afraid? Our very erudite and sharp minister, Lai Mohammed said no Nigerian should fear for their rights under President Buhari, unless they are guilty of wrongdoing.

I haven’t still mastered the art of predicting army Generals, not even this one. On this question, only the President can say “yes” or “no” if there will be a probe as many have begun clamouring for.

Understandably, anger against the new Democracy Day and honour to Abiola in a few quarters, the intensity of attack on President’s person would mount as the momentum he gains becomes manifest, even as we recognize that the opposition had been gearing up for offensive towards 2019 elections.

In normal times, even before the shocking master stroke honouring Abiola, President Buhari is a leader who had not been in the good reckoning of a powerful, very vocal section of the country’s elite. The reason is basically that they would lose when you put in place corruption-free governance, institute economic growth with special focus on farmers, and a strong drive for inclusiveness particularly regarding women and marginalized sections.

The Buhari Administration has annoyed these groups by putting in place long neglected infrastructure, establishing a social welfare scheme, the Social Investment Programme targeted at the basic needs of the common citizens and has given the country a major jump in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings.

Railways and federal roads are being rehabilitated and new ones, including a standard gauge rail are being put in place to bring better and more efficient transportation services. Power generation and distribution have more than doubled with many consumers reporting 16-17 hours and in some parts of the country, actually enjoying up to 22-23 hours of power supply a day.

Foreign relations have improved and the awesome investments in defense and security sectors are paying off through peaceful economic activity in the Niger Delta and the on-going restoration of normalcy in the northeast and north central states.

President Buhari’s journey to the Presidential Villa had been long and tortuous– having contested three times and ended with appeals at the Supreme Court before he was fourth time lucky.

A candidate many had taken as the unlikely one considering

that he had been a man who is separate from the political establishment. That he emerged at the contest as winner was itself enough to rattle the political elite.

In trying to explain the gush of criticism and increasing resort to blackmail by those who have lost out under this honest man of humble origins, and frank dispositions, who has succeeded so far in running a clean government, it is important to note that these are qualities that only a few Nigerian politicians possess.

To borrow the words of another writer, “bitterness is inevitable for those who have been pampered and coddled and suddenly the suckling tit is removed from them and they become ordinary citizens without anything “special” or appropriating disproportionate political clouts.’’

If you read the history of our country, hardly do we have the top elite joining hands for the good of the nation. While Buhari’s tsunami on June 12 has stoked the anger and the fear of this group, the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day and the conferment of National Honours on MKO, his running mate Ambassador Kingibe and the foremost pro-democracy activist, late Gani Fawehinmi was, in another breath, greeted with great enthusiasm and warmth by Nigerians, most especially on the social media.

Barely after 48 hours by my count, there were over 150,000 Tweets on Twitter Trend discussing the new Presidential directive. Thankfully and expectedly, over 80% of these Tweets and reactions hailed Mr. President’s decision.

In what could be described as a twist, many of such applauses came from well-known opposition voices like Femi Fani Kayode (@realffk) amongst others.

The story on Facebook was not an exception. Nigerians were thankful to President Buhari for upholding Democracy and staging a surprise when it was least expected.

Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Positively Dutch in the Global Village P

ositively Dutch in partnership with Hello gorgeous, Atlas2018 and the HIV Vereniging (Dutch HIV Association) has pull together and combine their efforts during the International AIDS Conference to create a Global village.

Global Village Positively Dutch will have a stand in the Global Village, an exhibition space devoted to HIV and AIDS-related topics.

At the Global Village, Atlas2018, the HIV Vereniging and Hello gorgeous will come together, and other groups like Shiva, Mara and Noppal will have an opportunity to hold their own presentations in our stand. Together, they will showcase what it is like to live with HIV in the Netherlands – and what their various groups are doing to make living with HIV in the Netherlands as pleasant as possible and to fight the stigma. The stand will serve as a meeting place and a space for holding workshops, presentations and other activities.

Open to the public, free of charge

Reina Foppen Community Network Officer for HIV Verenging, Holland

Our stand will be a meeting place for everyone at the Global Village. Everyone is welcome to visit the Global Village, not just conference attendees. That means the entire community is invited to join us and get to know one another at the stand. We look forward to meeting with and providing information to everyone, regardless of their HIV status.

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Farming -A biographical film of Adewale A. Agbaje

I

t’s been a good decade since the project arrived in draft form at Sundance Labs. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje The son of immigrants from Nigeria, the British born veteran Hollywood actor last year October wrapped up his first directorial biopic film here in London, the UK. Farming stars Akinnuoye-Agbaje alongside Kate Beckinsale, Gugu MbathaRaw, and Damson Idris.

During the 1960s and 1970 throughout 80s, tens of thousands of Nigerian children were farmed out to white working class families in the U.K. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje was one such case. In 1967, when he was six weeks old, his parents – a Nigerian couple studying Law in London – gave him to a white working-class couple in Tilbury, then a fiercely insular dockside community. But as they were in private foster care, many of them were never registered with social services, making them invisible to the authorities. Many were never reunited with their birth parents, according to Adewale. In the film, the lead character (Idris) is sent to the U.K. by his parents in hopes of achieving a better life. Instead, Idris becomes the feared leader of a white skinhead gang in 1980s England. And he spirals into self-destruction; a benevolent teacher (played by Mbatha-Raw) offers him one last chance at redemption. Beckinsale plays his foster mother. Farming details the true story of a Nigerian boy’s search for love and his life in a brutal skinhead subculture. The film also stars John Dagleish, Jaime Winstone, Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, and introduces Zephan Amissah.

“Farming” is produced by Michael London, Janice Williams, François Ivernel, and Andrew Levitas. It is executive produced by AkinnuoyeAgbaje and co-produced by Miranda Ballesteros.

HanWay Films is handling international sales and distribution, and is selling the movie at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, California. Farming is being rated the 100 most anticipated films to be released this year.”Farming is our first big drama investment and it’s an exciting development for us”, said Fiore. Farming is a powerful autobiographical story of success and of triumph over one’s extreme adversity. WriterDirector Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje brings this astonishing autobiographical story to the screen

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with epic vision and raw emotional power. Adewale, a law graduate of the University of London with Masters Degree has for the past 25 years featured in many notable Hollywood blockbusters movies.

Adewale is a famous and well-known British figure in the industry. He earned reputed names in the industry by his praiseworthy films and he is also a former fashion model.

And, a star of series Lost as Mr. Eko. Some will know him as Simon Adebisi, the intimidating African convict in the cult HBO prison series Oz; others may recognize his contributions to films such as Congo and The Bourne Identity; and no doubt his role as an American spy in the BBC-HBO series Hunted.

Writer/Director Dr. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Farming-A biographical film of Adewale A. Agbaje

By Gbenga Teejay Okunlola London Bureau-Chief teejayok@gmail.com

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SOUTH-SOUTH AND SOUTH-EAST OF NIGERIA MEMORANDUM OF CO-OPERATION WITH THE DU

I

t was a ground breaking event on the 5th June at the Central Hall, Westminster Storey’s Gate, London, UK as Prof.

Charles Soludo on behalf of South-South and South-East of Nigeria Investment Forum (SSENIF) signed a memorandum of Co-operation with the Dutch Council for International Business.

The summit was organized by the European Igbo Community led by Chief Oliver Nwankwor in collaboration with the Council of Igbo Communities United Kingdom, to present/ showcase the huge investment and business opportunities / potential that are in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria. The summit provides the platform for partnership between local and foreign investors/businesses and their Nigerian counterparts to harness the opportunities for their mutual benefit while bringing economic improvements and development to the South East and South-South regions of Nigeria and Nigeria in general.

The Chief hosts, Igbo Communities, UK led by Chief Mike Ndukwe, South South Organisations, led by Captain Ibinabo Solomon and Ohanaeze UK and Ireland led by Dr Nnanna Igwe, welcome the over 150 delegates.

At exactly 10:49am, Prof.

Charles Soludo, Professor Charles Soludo Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Chairman of Ohaneze Committee for National Planning and Strategy, the Representative of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Mr Dikko Bala Chairman of the IMSO Assembly and Nigeria’s Alternative Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation, Professor Dewanand Mahadew Managing Director Dutch Council for International Business, the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood, Ms Nikky Ibraheem, CEO Neasden College and Official Sponsor of SSENIF, Prof Dick Van Gelder and Alain Souloumiac both of World Creative Institute Paris, Mr David Smith CEO British Africa Business Alliance, Mr Mobin Rafiq CEO Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Ltd, Ranjiv Goonawardena of International Consultants, Neil Menzies CEO Fortis Wood & Francisco Da-Silva Director of

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Fortis Wood, Dr Kate Anolue Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield, Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, Cllr Caroline Kalu, Mr Emeka Ofomata, Hon Charles Nwufo Chief of Staff of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Alistair Soyode CEO Ben Television, Dr Boma Douglas Chair Central Report & coverage Association of Nigerians in

By Femi Ikutiyinu the United Kingdom, Country The Voice magazine Representatives of the European London Editor Igbo Community, delegates from Europe, Leaders of various South East and South South Organisations took their seats.

The event marked the realisation of a diaspora led initiative to kick start the movement for the urgent development and industrialisation of the South South and South East regions of Nigeria. According to Professor Soludo, the chairman of the event, the first SSENIF was fine executed and successful. The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Co-operation between SSENIF and the Dutch Council for International Business, which will see the inflow of investment funds from Dutch companies to joint venture partners in the South South and South East regions of Nigeria.

Other successes recorded at the event, included a proposed establishment of an educational institution in the region by Neasden College London and the setting up of textile and motorcycle factories in the region by Micro Small Medium Enterprises Ltd UK. The event witnessed several presentations including a presentation by a South East inventor Engr Michael Oparaugo, who showcased his car parts invention. David Smith; The CEO, British African Business Alliance exposed the participants and facilitators to how he accelerate project development by linking investors, entrepreneurs and other partners together both in the UK and in Africa. The President of the World Creative Institute informed the audience that Enugu has been chosen as the Global Head Quarters of World Creators Society for Music and Dance and invited investors to take advantage of the opportunity to partner with the institute. Several investment pipeline projects and opportunities were presented.

INVESTMENT FORUM, (SSENIF) UK SIGNED A UTCH COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS. The Voice magazine had a one on one with some Key presenters.

OBASI GEORGE-OBASI Who have set a very ambitious task for himself in a route less travelled, is a power Systems Engineer with extensive handson experience in electrical power systems engineering design, installation and maintenance in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria. He is the founder of Energy Creed Ltd, a renewable energy systems research and Innovation Company based in the United Kingdom.

Eight years ago, he set a life-goal for himself: to change the way renewable energy is perceived around the world, especially in developing countries; by designing, installing and maintaining power systems that will make clean electricity available in these areas and

David Smith, CEO, British African Business Alliance (BABA) has a wealth of experience in international business. He has developed strategy that stimulates business, investment and development through the empowerment of private sector businesses in both the UK and Africa.

BABA’s mission is to establish 10 UK networks with 100 members in each, and to get 100 projects active on the continent by December.

In 2020, BABA’s aim is to mobilize 10,000 business leaders in the Diaspora and UK business to be active in business development in Africa. They have access to a growing panel of international investors, who are looking to find the right projects, business opportunities and development programmes across Africa to feed their appetite.

BABA’s presence with her collaborative network is open in Scotland (Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow), Northern Ireland (Belfast), North England (Manchester, Yorkshire,

building technical capacity among the locals to make it affordable and sustainable.

His case study was Nigeria, where he was born and where he had gained first-hand experience of the challenges with power; having worked in the power sector there for about 10 years.

He was burdened that very little of the abundant human and natural resources is being tapped with a view to creating energy independence, even if at a small scale.

George who is from Uburu, Ebonyi State shares the same vision and passion with SSENIF to make the South East/ South South of Nigeria a global business and technology hub. It is logical if one understands the tremendous talents and resources available in that region, SSENIF is the space shuttle to overcome the gravitational pull of defeatism and mediocrity that has hitherto kept the region back, he said. He is also hoping that through SSENIF, the governments of South South/East of Nigeria and businesses as a whole in Nigeria will appreciate the need to support local research/innovation as a vehicle to economic independence.

When ask his next line of action, his reply was, I have proved to myself that my innovation will work by completing some proofs of concept and prototypes. We are now looking for collaboration, investment and sponsorship to register the patents and to continue with product development. We would consider collaboration with any reputable university, preferably in Southern Nigeria but also from any African university that shares our ‘audacity’.

George will be rated among Africans who have dedicated their lifetime and skills to developing more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly ways of generating and using energy.

Newcastle, Middleborough), Midlands (Birmingham and Black Country), London (Central, Enfield, Croydon, Southwark), South of England (Oxford, Reading, Kent, Sussex), East of England, (Norwich, Cambridge, Peterborough, South Essex). A dedicated Management Team, made up of members, runs these networks BABA operates in the best interest of its members.

Transparency in its operations, clarity in its business objectives combines with professional business skills to help members to reach new levels of success in their businesses and careers. At BABA, We work with you, as YOU drive your own project forward!

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South-South & South-East of Nigeria Investment Forum (SSENIF) UK signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Dutch Council for International business Continued from Page 37 Nikky Emelike the sponsor of SouthSouth and South-East Investment Forum is the founder/owner Neasden College, London. Neasden College is an independent Apprenticeship provider.

They specialize in Teacher Training Qualifications and also provide funded apprenticeships, Traineeship and different short courses.

Apprenticeships include elements of on the job and off the job training, leading to industry recognized standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice’s

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ability and competence in their job role.

The apprenticeship courses Neasden offers are, Business Admin, Customer Service, Teaching Assistant, Health and Social Care and Management.

They provide Funded Apprenticeships, Flexible learning, Qualified teachers, Classrooms fit for purpose, Qualified Assessors, etc. Neasden College will be investing in Education, partnering with 2 Universities in London.

The organizers would like to thank all our distinguished guests and participants for contributing to the success of the event.

The next SSENIF event comes up next year in Holland.

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OPINION

Buhari and the June 12 Saga There are three aspects - the strategic, the political and the legal - to the Federal Government’s decision to replace May 29 with June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, and to confer on the late Chief MKO Abiola, the highest honour in the land.

Strategy: Long before now, the Buhari government had needed to review its strategy of engagement with the public, move from blame-passing, propaganda, in-fighting, enemy-seeking approach to a more legacy-driven, result-oriented mode. It is like this: when a government is in decline, and it is losing popularity and goodwill, then it is time to change the narrative.

That is precisely what the Buhari government has done with the masterstroke of a special focus on June 12 and Chief MKO Abiola at a time when virtually everyone from the Catholic Church, the opposition, prominent political figures, the media to estranged members of the APC are carrying placards against the government.

When you change the narrative, what you do is to divert attention from the prevailing negative discourse; you find something else for the people to talk about in the hope that this will give the government a breather, and allow it to get back on traction and restore some goodwill.

Whoever suggested the June 12 and Abiola move to President Buhari is quite smart and I commend him and the government. But the “changing the narrative” strategy is not a deus ex machina. Its fall-out has to be managed, and government must be in a position to manage the gains or the challenges.

This strategy can also prove to be a test of a government’s status. An accident-prone government may even in the long run gain nothing from such a move.

For the Buhari government, however, the June 12 move should change the narrative for a few weeks, except there is another accident on the security or political scene. But whatever happens, President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered as the Nigerian President who successfully placed the proper historical accent on June 12, and MKO Abiola’s contributions to the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. The Jonathan government, which I served, had tried to do this in 2012 by renaming the University of Lagos after Chief MKO Abiola, but the UNILAG community - resident and alumni - reacted

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like cry-babies, they considered the name of their university too sacred, and too big for Abiola, and in the face of the overwhelming sentiment, the significance of the gesture was over-politicized.

The political: The politics of June 12 and Chief MKO Abiola has been a recurrent decimal in the debate about how best to remember the struggle that led to the exit of the military on May 29, 1999 and the role played by the pro-democracy coalition. Indeed, since 2000, the pro-democracy coalition and supporters of Chief MKO Abiola have lamented that the eventual beneficiaries of the struggle for democracy were the ones most determined to deny and erase Chief Abiola’s role in that significant moment in Nigerian history. They wanted Federal Government recognition for MKO Abiola. When this did not happen, the states controlled by the then Alliance for Democracy in the South West declared June 12, Democracy Day and a public holiday. In Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo, monuments were named after Abiola, his statues were erected, other heroes of the struggle were honoured and every June 12, pro-democracy processions were held in these states.

The celebration of May 29 as Democracy Day has therefore been consistently opposed on the grounds that it is wrong to celebrate the exit of the military but better to commemorate June 12 – the day in 1993 when Nigeria held the freest and fairest election in its history – the Presidential election of that day united Nigerians across ethnic, religious and ideological lines. But as it happened, some military leaders considered Abiola unfit for the office, for their own personal reasons and therefore annulled the election. This brazen assault on the people’s sovereignty resulted in a prolonged protest for the restoration of the people’s mandate, and a nationwide rebellion against military rule. For six years, Nigeria stood at the edge of a precipice.

June 12 is indeed a watershed in Nigerian history. Its formal recognition is symbolic and instructive. This should assuage the pains of the pro-June 12 group, and help to restore the memory of that moment in history and the aftermath. I once wrote about how many young Nigerians born in 1993 or after do not even know who MKO Abiola is. I was asked on one occasion by a young Nigerian: “This MKO Abiola, what about him?” In a country where history is not taught, that is what you get: an emerging generation that does not know Nigeria.

OPINION With June 12 now part of the country’s calendar, the story will be told, and that turning point in Nigerian history will be recorded permanently for posterity.

The decision to honour Chief MKO Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi post-humously, and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe with GCFR and GCON is a good move, but the question of legality with regard to Abiola and Fawehinmi has been raised and here we confront the dilemma of a conflict between what is reasonable and what is legal.

The legal aspect: Are the post-humous awards really illegal?

I recall that in 2014, the Jonathan administration had tried to honour Chief MKO Abiola and Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh by having their names on the National Honours List. Justice Alfa Belgore, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) who has now spoken up to declare the post-humous award to Abiola and Fawehinmi, “illegal” was the Chairman of the National Honours Committee at the time. The advice given at the time was that the awards could not be given post-humously, and that the law should not be bent to accommodate political interests. The Jonathan government, with the uproar over the re-naming of the University of Lagos still fresh in the minds of its officials, chose to tread with caution. It is noteworthy that this same issue of legality has again cropped up.

By giving post-humous national awards, the Buhari government has now provided us an opportunity to interrogate the law.

The relevant law is the National Honours Act No 5 of 1964 Section 3(2) thereof reads: “Subject to the next following paragraph of this article, a person shall be appointed to a particular rank of an Order when he receives from the President in person at an investiture held for the purpose – (a) the insignia appropriate for that rank; and (b) an instrument under the hand of the President and the public seal of the Federation declaring him to be appointed to that rank.”

The operative phrase here is “in person.” Can a dead person be honoured in person? I think not. But it would appear that upon a careful and calm reading of Section 3(3), the President is actually given the power of discretion to vary Section 3(2).

Section 3(3) states: “If in the case of any person it appears to the President expedient to dispense with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this article, he may direct that that person shall be appointed to the rank in question in such a manner as may be specified in the direction.”

With due respect, at issue is this: assuming that post-humous awards do not meet the conditions set out in Section 3(2), can the problem be cured by Section 3(3)? And is there any manifest ambiguity in the provisions or are the words in their ordinary meaning clear enough? Or could the action taken result in any absurdity? Or are there issues of procedure that may have been breached? Do we even have a National Honours Committee in place and if so, what recommendations did that committee make to President Buhari in pursuit of its functions as a clearing house?

Any public-spirited person can go to court to test the National Honours Act and raise these issues. It is the duty of the courts to interpret the law, and with our progressive judiciary, I believe they

can and should guide us on the true intent of the Honours Act. Ordinarily, a national honour does not harm anyone nor is it likely to injure the country itself.

However, the National Honours Act is overdue for review, and the process

By Reuben Abati of appointing persons to the National Orders needs to be reformed. Should it become necessary to amend the Act, the National Assembly can do so in a week at most. In terms of process, the area of concern is the manner in which successive governments have tended to give out these honours as if they were mere chieftaincy titles or civil service allocations. Section 1(3) of the Act lists the number of awards that may be given every year, but the prescribed total minimum number is so large that every National Honours investiture ceremony ends up looking like a carnival where all kinds of undeserving persons are decorated.

Still on the legal aspect, some persons have drawn attention to Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act CAP 40 LFN - while that section of the law gives the President power to appoint any day as public holiday, it does not grant him the powers to unilaterally substitute a day with another as he has done with May 29 and June 12. The Schedule to this Act as it is, recognizes May 29 as Democracy Day, not June 12. The Public Holidays Act would still have to be amended appropriately but since there is no plan to declare June 12, 2018 a public holiday, and the President’s statement in its last paragraph specifically uses the phrase “in future years”, the Federal Government has more than enough time to seek a proper amendment of the Public Holidays Act by the legislature. So, I don’t see a problem here.

All told, the plan to honour the Abiola-Kingibe 1993 Presidential joint ticket and Gani Fawehinmi, the legendary human rights crusader, is imbued with much meaning and significance even if this does not automatically settle the matter about the results of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election. The Federal Government should take some additional steps. First, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be directed to release the results of that election officially and for Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe to be recognized strictly as a matter of record as President-elect and Vice-President-elect respectively.

The results of that election need to be validly declared to put a closure to the injustice that was committed. This is the more important matter. The major legal issue here, however is that both men cannot be accorded recognition as former Heads of State – they never took oath of office, and the Constitution under which they were elected – the 1989 Constitution is no longer in existence. It stands abolished. Since equity does not act in vain, what has been done is at best symbolic.

Continued on Page 42

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Continued from Page 41 To further heal the pains of the affected, the Abiola family should be recognized and compensated for his arrest and detention that ultimately led to his demise. On Gani Fawehinmi: I had expressed fears about the likelihood that his family may reject the honour, Chief Fawehinmi having rejected a similar honour while alive. The Federal Government must be relieved that they have accepted the honour.

Chief Gani Fawehinmi is of course most deserving of the highest honours in the land. For more than 40 years, he was in the forefront of the struggle for a better Nigeria. He was committed to the progress and well-being of the ordinary man, the rule of law and human rights as the main pillars of good governance. He pursued this objective through the instrumentality of the law. Of him, President Buhari writes: “…the tireless fighter for human rights and the actualization of the June 12th elections and indeed for Democracy in general, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN is to be awarded posthumously a GCON.” I can only add that there are others who were also part of that struggle for the “actualization of June 12” whose contributions were no less important, and pain and suffering no less, who should also be considered for national honour.

They even did more for the struggle than Chief Abiola’s running mate, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe who is now

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being honoured, not for his contributions, I assume, but merely for being part of the ticket! They include Chief Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Professor Wole Soyinka, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Frank Kokori, Col. Abubakar Umar, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Alao Aka-Bashorun, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Ayo Opadokun, Kudirat Abiola, Chima Ubani, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, US Ambassador Walter Carrignton and all the journalists and media owners who were lied against, harassed, shot, assassinated, or jailed. This list is by no means exhaustive but it is representative enough for the benefit of those who insist on ethnicizing June 12.

It was a pan-Nigerian struggle: between good and evil, between heroes and villains, and by the way, I agree that Professor Humphrey Nwosu – the man who presided over the election as National Electoral Commission Chairman – also deserves recognition.

The reading of motives – all that talk about timing, the South-West and 2019 - is beside the point. In the SouthWest, there were many Yoruba anti-June 12 elements who refused to acknowledge Abiola as the symbol and focal point of the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, and who may still be indifferent today. Timing – it is better late than never.

2019 – there is no strong indication that this would have any significant effect on the voting numbers in 2019. The Nigerian voter may not be as stupid as we often think he or she is.

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Alpha Solar Systems Training program in Lagos, Nigeria

A

lpha Solar Systems after recently completed its first major solar systems installation in Enugu, Nigeria thereby opening new doors for its expansion of business in Nigeria and in extension to the African market.

According to the owner of the company, Mr. Duncan Spier, “it is a wonderful experience going to Nigeria for the first time to execute this project. It was challenging but fulfilling to sell the premises in Enugu enjoy solar energy. Asked what the future holds for the company in Nigeria; he has this to say. “We are working on developing a team in Nigeria and develop, train and equip them to grow the market.

Having visited Nigeria twice now, what is your impression?

“Well I must confess it was all new for me, the first trip I was accompanied by our New General Manager for Nigeria, Pastor Elvis Iruh and every thing went smoothly but then my second trip, I travelled alone and I had to go through the Customs at the airport and that was an experience but in all I have met very nice people, friendly, accommodating and business minded so I can work with them” As Alpha Solar Systems, we seek to train professionals including electrical engineers, builders, architectural designers etc. To that effect, the company organized its first training session to introduce would be installers, marketers and agents to the business. The training took place at Enerx Limited in Ikeja, Lagos State. The turnout was impressive and trainees came from Kaduna. Cross River, Enugu, Delta, Edo, Ogun and Lagos. Each of the trainees expressed their

gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the pioneers of this product in Nigeria.

Our solar installation training courses are designed to guide you as you prepare to install our solar tiles — from the theory and scientific technology behind solar power through the advanced skills needed to safely and effectively design, size and install a full solar PV system. In addition 44

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to our training courses, you will become a certified Alpha solar system installer. Now what are the benefits of being a certified installer for Alpha Solar Systems?

• Alpha solar tiles can only be installed by a certified installer.

If not the customer will not enjoy the 25 years warranty on the product.

• You will gain access to all the new training modules that Alpha Solar Systems provides.

• You will be enlisted and promoted on the Alpha Solar Systems website.

• Payment for every installation will be done

by Alpha Solar Systems within 48 hours after every installation • You will be kitted by Alpha Solar Systems with our T-Shirt, face cap and a licensed barge (Which must be won at any given time on site during installation work) • Also your Identification card must be produced on demand client for verification of your person at any given work site.

• Our remuneration package is of international standard.

• Becoming a certified Alpha Solar Systems installer is an opportunity to energize your career!!!

Solar installers determine the design of the system and perform the installations. The solar industry has nearly doubled in size every year for the past four years, and this trend is expected to continue.

How to Become a Solar Installer The process to become a solar installer mostly depends on where an individual wants to install residential solar systems. Becoming an Alpha Solar Systems professional requires constant training and upgrading. If you are interested in know more about our company and products, send us an email at info@alpha-solarsystems. com Our slogan is “energize your homes”. And we want to do that for millions people n Nigeria.

Enjoy some pictures from the first training session held in Lagos this past month.

For more information, visit our website at www.alpha-solarsystems.com

First Alpha Solar Systems training program in Lagos, Nigeria

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OPINION: THE MOVE OF A DESPERATE PRESIDENT

By Umar Ardo, Ph.D The desperation of President Buhari to retain power at all costs has again manifested itself in his illegal act of both changing the National Democracy Day and the investiture of National Honours of GCFR posthumously to late MKO Abiola and GCON to Amb. Babagana Kingibe. Having realized that he has lost public support across the country as a result of his dismal performance in office, and poor handling of issues affecting his Political Party, the NASS, the Judiciary and key stakeholders of the country, particularly the Senate President, the Speaker, Presidents Obasanjo and Babangida, the president ill-advisedly came up with the so-called idea of making June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and giving National Honours to Abiola and Kingibe.

There’re two issues wrong with this move - i.e. legal and moral. Legally, the president has no powers to confer National Honours on anyone without the deliberation and advice of the National Council of States. The Third Schedule of the Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) at Section 6(a) iii confers on the NCS the powers to advise the president on the award of national honours. The fact is that the NCS didn’t meet to deliberate and advise on this so-called investiture.

Secondly, the National Public Holidays Act has listed 29 May as a National Holiday being the country’s Democracy Day. This means that the president can only change the Democracy Day if the Act is duly amended. And to the best of my knowledge this Act has not been amended. Therefore the president’s pronouncement is unlawful and of no moment. The only thing is that his action has but further affirmed the president as a norespecter of due process of law and constitutionalism.

On the moral side, the president cannot honour Babagana Kingibe on the basis of June 12 because Kingibe had abandoned Chief Abiola and the June 12 mandate when he joined his kinsman, General Abacha, and took a ministerial appointment in that regime.

It’s morally repugnant to now honour him for such an unsalutary act.

Besides, June 12 had never featured in Buhari’s politics. He worked with Abacha who incarcerated Abiola and denied the actualization of the mandate and he never raised the issue of June 12. In his electioneering campaigns in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015, June 12 was never in Buhari’s political lexicon. For 3yrs as president he never uttered the phrase June 12. Even last week when he addressed the nation on May 29, June 12 was not mentioned. So how come all of a sudden, like a bolt out of the blue, June 46

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12 became the new political darling of the president? There’re three answers to it that I can hazard:1. President Buhari has realized that he has lost the support of the Nigerian people, particularly in the Southwest, and so he was tricked into making this palliative in the vein hope of reganering support to his fledging presidency; 2. That he is now at opened war with IBB who annulled the June 12 election and OBJ who is the main beneficiary of the resolution of the June 12 imbroglio, he is made to believe that with this move he would regain his support in the Southwest at the same time rubbish the two former presidents; and 3. Unknown to him, he’s playing the political script of Babagana Kingibe and his kinsman, the COS to the president.

To all intents and purposes, the two are scheming a succession move to Buhari himself where, in the event of Buhari’s leaving office, Kingibe would’ve been well positioned to succeed him as president. Clearly, in the Northeast, no politician has Kingibe’s profile. He was a Permanent Secretary, Ambassador, National Chairman of the SDP, Abiola’s Running mate, Minister of Internal and External Affairs and Secretary to the Federal Government. Already, through their scheming, Kingibe has taken over the DNI, SSS and the villa. All they need is to resuscitate the spirit of June 12 to which Kingibe would be the major beneficiary. With the GCON conferred on him, the benefits have started dropping. This is a highly sophisticated political scheming that President Buhari wouldn’t perceive.

Nevertheless, the president is so engrossed with the trapping of power and its retention that he could fall for anything. And how big has he fallen! What a great pity for Nigeria!! What a great pity!!!

President Muhammud Buhari: We may never know his real intention over M.K.O. Abiola!

African News Calls for New Narrative on African Migration The two-day meeting of the High-Level Panel on Migration for Africa (HLPM) held in Geneva on May 28 and 29 ended after addressing the key issues in African migration as well as where the HLPM should focus its advocacy efforts. The meeting aimed to develop recommendations to help build Africa’s case for facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration, and contribute to the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration In her welcome remarks, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and HLPM Chair, noted that while a lot of work has been done on migration in Africa, taking into account all the research analysis and empirical evidence, “the truth is that we have allowed the perception to supersede the reality and not internalized the benefits of migration in our own policies.”

Ms Sirleaf said one of the key messages emerging from the Panel’s work is the need for African states “to pursue a course of action and rigorous implementation to harness the positive contribution of migrants for inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

Citing projections by the African Development Bank (AfDB) that Africa’s real GDP will grow from 3.6 percent in 2017 to 4.1 percent in 2018, Ms Sirleaf noted the economic opportunity created with the recent adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), describing it as “the largest trading bloc of participating countries since the establishment of the World Trade Center,” with a potential market of 1.2 billion people with a GDP of USD 2.5 trillion.

In the same light, Vera Songwe, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), stated that with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the continent “is riding on the crest of one of our significant achievements in recent years.”

Ms Songwe highlighted the need to sensitize African leaders “so that migration becomes part of the national political agenda,” and does not undermine democracy and governance.

She mentioned the strong ECA-IOM collaboration to produce high-quality data towards this end.

Describing ongoing efforts towards “a new economic PanAfricanism,” the ECA Chief highlighted the close links between the AfCFTA and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, based on the recognition that the free movement of people, not just goods and services, is necessary to achieve

Africa’s economic transformation.

William Lacy Swing, IOM Director General, stated that one billion people are currently on the move globally, “more than at any other time in recorded history.” He described the negative reactions to the migration crisis as “a perfect storm.”

DG Swing lamented that some countries “are trying to protect a reality that no longer exists,” and drew attention to the “historical, significant contributions that migrants make.”

Noting the need for data and data analysis to help make a strong case, DG Swing expressed hope that the HLPM’s

work would help draw attention to the contributions made by migrants, not just with regard to financial remittances, but also “social remittances” through the expertise and technical know-how, as well as business investments and trade by diaspora populations.

African Union’s (AU) Permanent Observer to the UN Office in Geneva, Ajay Kumar Brandeo, addressed the Panel on behalf of the Union’s Commissioner for Social Affairs.

He highlighted the AUC’s contribution towards regional policies for safe, orderly and regular migration in Africa, including a joint initiative with IOM, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and ECA to develop a common African position in the ongoing negotiations towards a Global Compact for Migration, as well as a flagship joint project on labour migration.

The outcome of the meeting will be incorporated in the final version of the report, which is expected to be finalized in time for the African Union Summit in January 2019.

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WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAMES IN CAMEROON

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wo days ago I was scrolling down the internet when I came across a set of videos and pictures. The pictures were so horrible that I do not want to put them up here except the one below. It is not better than the rest but at least it does not have the kind of graphic violence I saw in those videos. In one of them, a man whom they called the Amba general was being tortured by Cameroon soldiers.

With his hands tied, he had been placed under an ordinary table chair so that it was impossible for him to escape and his feet were exposed to the tortures. He had no shoes on and as he cried, a soldier was beating him on the soles of his exposed feet with an iron cutlass, the kind farmers use in Africa to cut grass. The beating was ferocious and made worse because another soldier was not only smashing him on the head with his heavy army boots, but the beating went on and on. It was not an interrogation, they were not trying to get information from him since we can hear what they are saying, but it was a barbaric use of violence. The soles of his feet had been beaten to such a pulp that the cutlass being used for the beating was bloody. It went on and on.

When I first saw that video the first thing that came to my mind was the words of the poet: Those to whom evil is done, do evil in return.

But here is my beef. On that Facebook page, both its owner and other Anglophones who commented were praising the army for being valiant and doing such a good job in fighting terrorists. Who in his right mind sees blatant barbaric torture and applauds? Do they really believe that by applauding what amounts here to a crime against humanity they are showing their patriotism? Do they really believe that this act was necessary to keep the country intact?

This is a man, not a “bare, forked animal” to paraphrase King Lear. This is somebody’s child, he has brothers and sisters, friends and relatives. Some people reading your post went to school with him. How do you think they feel about your country? Do you believe that these people will ever again feel safe in your country? Do you have any idea what tomorrow will bring?

As I was thinking about this, two things came to my mind.

One was the realization that there were really Anglophones who believe this will be resolved by the military and that it does not matter how many Anglophones they kill and how they do it. That realization brought me to another realization - that even if this conflict is resolved, for a lot of people things will never be the same again. For a lot of people, life will never again be safe in West Cameroon because they will never be forgiven and the government will not be in any position to protect them. No government can protect you against an anonymous individual who has written your name on a bullet in his gun. A night of the long knives will one day

fall upon us all.

My second thought was that it won’t be long before a government s o l d i e r , preferably an officer is meted out the same treatment of torture that we just saw, by

By Jude Mortimer Kehla the Amba soldiers.

Revenge of course for their comrade will be one motive, but above and beyond

President Paul Biya of Cameroon that will be the fact that having seen this torture which must have been filmed by one of the soldiers for their own morbid entertainment, the Amba soldiers know what is waiting for them and can expect no mercy. Since this cannot cow them into submission it can only harden them and free them from the terror of their own fears. They have nothing more to lose and a man with nothing to lose is a very dangerous man.

Sooner or later we will see the response of this torture here on Facebook, mark my words.

This is the broken body of the Amba soldier lying on the street. I could not help but wonder whether the street has a name. The ground is hallowed with his blood and the air there will forever be filled with his cries and his pain. God help us all.

Jude Mortimer Kehla Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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International AIDS conference in Amsterdam From 23-27 July 2018, Amsterdam will be hosting the International AIDS Conference.

That means the HIV Vereniging (Dutch HIV Association) and all other Dutch organizations active in the field of HIV and AIDS are getting ready to welcome around 18,000 doctors, researchers and people living with HIV from all over the world. For all the latest information, follow the official website of the conference: aids2018.org.

Program The International AIDS Conference is held every two years, always at a different city on a different continent. The conference is organized by the International AIDS Society (IAS), a non-profit organization headquartered in Geneva.

Conferences like this require not only lengthy preparations, but also intensive coordination between many different groups to develop the right kind of program.

That means a conference program that is well-balanced, providing excellent scientific insights and bringing attention to all the groups playing a key role in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic. The program is now online available.

Pre-conferences On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July 2018, “pre-conferences” will be taking place. Pre-conferences are independently organized events that will also be held in the RAI. Participants in the main conference are welcome to attend the preconferences. If you are not a conference participant, you can purchase a day pass starting 20 July when registering at the RAI. Prices range from $320-$565, depending on your home country. Most of the program for the pre-conferences has already been set. On the conference website, you can see an overview that also indicates whether advance registration is required for a particular pre-conference.

Participating in the conference The costs of participating in the conference vary, depending on your home country and whether you are a general participant, a

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student or a member of the press. You can register to participate in the conference via the official website. If you have any questions about registering, you can contact registration@ aids2018.org or call +31 20 570 9633, Monday – Friday, 9:00

a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Global Village Local and regional organizations from the host country for the International AIDS Conference always play a special role.

Other organizations can introduce themselves as well. This all takes place at the Global Village, a part of the conference that is open to the public and free for anyone to visit. You are welcome here, free of charge, to get to know the active organizations and join in activities and workshops. You will find the Global Village in Hall 5 and the Atrium of the RAI Amsterdam, with over 8,000 square meters of floor space.

Positively Dutch The HIV Vereniging will also be on location at the Global Village, in partnership with hello gorgeous and Atlas2018 under the banner “Positively Dutch.” At our shared stand, we will be hosting a wide variety of groups and organizations who will introduce themselves and hold activities throughout the entire conference. We will announce more information about the plans for our stand starting in late April 2018.

Let us meet at Global Village for Positive Prayer Advertorial: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL

This month, the bi-annual International Aids Conference will be holding at RAI congress center in Amsterdam. Two years ago, the conference was held in Durban, South Africa and before that it was in Melbourne, Australia. The upcoming conference, called AIDS 2018, is organized in Amsterdam by the International Aids Society and expects approximately 18.000 visitors from all over the world. These include scientists, medical doctors, nurses, researchers, activists, politicians, NGO’s, pharmaceutical companies, et cetera. From July 21st, when the first pre-conference starts, until Friday 27th, when the official closing ceremony is held, the city of Amsterdam will be proudly hosting AIDS 2018 and is organizing many activities and side events throughout the

at 14:00 hours.

The Dutch NGO’s working in support of people living with HIV come together on the networking zone Positively Dutch, on stand No. 504, behind the main stage. There are many different stands and networking zones. During the week there are several presentations and activities on the Globally Dutch stand, open to anyone interested. And you are wholeheartedly invited to come as well. The previous conference held in Amsterdam was in 1992. Although there has been tremendous progress in treatment of HIV and survival, there are still many places in the world where HIV and Aids remain a huge problem, so our prayers and support are still needed. We invite you to join us for the Positive Prayer scheduled to take place on Thursday July 26th, starting at 15:00pm at the Positively Dutch booth Other interesting program items in the Global Village that same Thursday afternoon are: “The imagination of storytelling in creating awareness to prevent HIV among young people”, at 17pm at the main stage and the film screening of “Little Heaven”, a beautiful movie on educating and empowering children with HIV in Kenya, scheduled at 18.00pm.

The Global Village is a colorful, lively and global get-together of people from all continents. It is like an international market place.

You really do not want to miss the opportunity to check it out!

The Global Village is an excellent opportunity to meet people and organizations from your home country, during the week of the conference. We will meet you there! www.hivvereniging.nl Tel: +31 (0)20 616 01 60 ****************************************************

Positive Prayer led by Pastor Elvis Iruh

city, from concerts, to theatre, exhibitions, marches and church services.

Also in the RAI congress center, next to the hall where the scientific conference is to be held, the Global Village will be situated. The Global Village offers exhibition space and podium for a wide range of national and international organizations and networks and presents many interesting events and colorful cultural activities, such as music, film and dance. The Global Village is free of entry for anybody interested, from inside and outside the conference, from Monday 25th till Thursday 26th from 9:00 – 18:00 hours and on Friday 27th the doors are closed

I have been invited to lead a prayer session during this year’s AIDS conference in Amsterdam on Thursday, 26th July 2018. The idea behind this prayer is to show our love and support to our brothers and sisters who are affected by this disease. HIV/Aids is not a punishment from God therefore we should stop all forms of discrimination and speak out boldly and the church has a big role to play in all of this therefore I use this medium to invite all our Pastors and church leaders and members to attend.

God bless you all. I approved this message.

Pastor Elvis Iruh, Publisher of The Voice magazine

June 12: New Democracy Day

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resident Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, confer Nigeria’s highest honour to the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 election, late Moshood Abiola.

While Mr Abiola was given a posthumous award of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), his then running mate, Babagana Kingibe, was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Also, late human rights activist and senior lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, was awarded the GCON. President Buhari made the shock the decision on 6th of June and he declared that henceforth, Democracy Day in Nigeria will be celebrated on June 12 and not May 29 each year.

Already, several individuals and groups who played prominent roles pushing for the actualization of June 12 and its proclamation as Nigeria’s Democracy Day were invited to witness the event, which took place inside the conference centre of State House Villa, Abuja.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha is currently given the opening remarks and welcoming all personalities present.

Amongst those who were present included President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Chief Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Professor Wole Soyinka, Kola Abiola, first son of M.K.O. and Abba Kyari, and several States governors.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Mustapha said the conferment of honours on Mr Abiola and others was to further establish the fundamental principles of the Buhari administration. “Nation building requires the sacrifice of all citizens, we must therefore imbibe the moral rectitude to embrace our past,” he said. “We must, therefore, recognize the heroes of our democracy,” he added.

June 12, more than any other events in Nigeria’s history symbolizes strong democratic principles and experience, Mr Mustapha said.

He adds that the president has placed history in the right perspective by recognizing declaring June 12 as a Democracy Day and recognizing its key figures.

He thanked groups and individuals who have played roles in entrenching Nigeria’s democratic experience for the past 20

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years of uninterrupted republic.

Mr Mustapha says an announcement is underway for the list of individuals who have played critical roles in furthering the cause of democracy in Nigeria.

Buhari confers posthumous award on Gani Fawehinmi and it was received by Ganiyat Fawehinmi, wife of the late human rights activist, received the national honours on behalf of the family, coming nearly nine years after his death. In 2008, Mr Fawehinmi denied national honours when announced for him by former President Umar Yar’Adua. He died in September 2009 and his family rejected a similar honour during Nigeria’s centenary celebrations in 2014. The family said the latest award appropriately honoured the memory of Mr Fawehinmi and, therefore, accepted it from President Buhari.

The next person on the stage was Mr Kingibe, who received the award in person. Mr Kingibe was the running mate of Late Mr Abiola in the botched 1993 elections. A career diplomat, Mr Kingibe has been in politics since the second republic, 1979-1983.

He served the nation in various capacities.

The late M.K.O. had a rich background in business, establishing several banks in his lifetime. He was also the publisher of the defunct National Concord, which held sway as Nigeria’s topmost newspaper in the 1980s and 1990s. He joined active politics since the second republic, but became prominent under the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida, 1985-93.

Kola Abiola stood beside President Buhari to receive the posthumous award of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, Nigeria’s highest honour, on behalf of the family. The award was presented to him by the President, Buhari and he went on to deliver his speech.

“This event is not to open old wounds, but to put light on the nation”, the President declared.

“The government (of Ibrahim Babangida) inexplicably cancelled the (June 12, 1993) election when it was clear who the winner was. “We cannot right the past but we can at least assuage our feelings. “Nigerians will no longer tolerate such perversion of justice.

“Our decision to honour June 12 is in national interest,” the president says. June 12, 1993 was the day Nigerians chose the path to national unity, rather than ethnic eyes. “We redefined Nigeria through the ballot box,” Mr Kingibe says. “It is possible to revive the spirit of June 12 if we could imbibe democratic principles.”

Mr Kingibe was very close to Mr Buhari, and he is amongst his closest alies at the State House. He says the decision to honour Mr Abiola and recognize June 12 came “naturally” to the president.

Frank Kokori, a frontline labour leader who was amongst the advocates of June 12, says President Buhari was the least person expected to honour Mr Abiola’s memory, saying it was a confirmation that the president “has a great soul”. “If this is coming 25 years later, it means one day your country will remember you because some of us felt when we came out of Abacha’s gulag and we were not recognized. “I just felt what sort of country is this. Like my personal experience as one of the most famous prisoner of conscience in the world, I saw that my country did not even appreciate the four years I spent in one of the worst cells in the world. And we did all these for our country and the country did not recognize us,” Mr Kokori tells reporters on the sidelines of the event.

“So, now we are happy and we are very grateful to our President, the least president we expected who should have done this, Muhammadu Buhari. We thought people like Obasanjo should have done that for us long time ago. There was so much pressure not Muhammadu Buhari, we least expected it, so in doing it for us, he has a great soul and we appreciate it,” he added.

Mr Fawehinmi’s eldest son, Mohammed, says his late father would have accepted the award because June 12 was actualization.

The late Mr Fawehinmi was amongst the biggest voices for the realization of Mr Abiola’s mandate. “I feel very elated, I feel very proud, my family feels very honored that all the suffering was not in vain and that the Nigerian people have a chance of better governance in future,” Mohammed Fawehinmi said at the ceremony.

“I know he would have taken it, I know my father more than anybody here. There are two reasons why he would have taken it,” Mr Fawehinmi says in response to those insinuating that his father would have rejected the award in principle.

“One, because June 12 was actualized. Two, because M.K.O. Abiola was recognized as president-elect. And you can see from the suggestion at the Senate that they are going to eventually declare the election result and he is going to be given all his benefits after 25 years which he has lost. “So, for that reason that is victory for him because he went through hell and high waters to make sure that June 12 was actualized,” he says.

And for Ganiyat Fawehinmi, the later activist’s wife who accepted the honour on behalf of the family, recalled the past ordeal of the family that now makes today a remarkable one. “I

was a bit disturbed. Every time the security will come, turn our house upside down, even his office was broken into, they took away many files during Mr Babangida’s regime and they were not returned till date. “So I just thanked God that I am alive to witness today and I know that my husband will turn in the grave for this June 12 that is being actualized because he really fought and died for it. “I believe God has a purpose for it, I believe that is how God wants it because you can’t run a race ahead of God. So, God has a purpose of actualizing it today which is exactly 25 years after ‘Hope 93’ when Abiola wanted to be the President,” Mrs Fawehinmi tells reporters outside the event hall.

Former governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, says President Buhari demonstrated courage by honouring Mr Abiola and others.

“I was just telling Chief Kokori that the fact that the two of us

our alive to witness the event of today is a thing of joy. Because, Kokori became the last man standing when everybody was taken and I was wrongly accused which is not true. So I am happy that we are all alive today. “The significance of what we are doing today is that the president has the courage to do what others failed to do.

“Secondly, he has shown tremendous courage in recognizing Abiola as late president of this country because I hate the language the presumed winner of the annulled June 12 election, with this declaration of honour of GCFR, which is reserved for President and GCON for Vice President and other eminent Nigerians, shows that the president has answered our appeals over the years and I thank God I am still alive,” Mr Osoba says to reporters.

Mr Abiola is the second Nigerian to be honoured with the award of GCFR despite having not been president. Obafemi Awolowo, premier of the defunct Western Nigeria, was awarded GCFR by former President Shehu Shagari in 1982.

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President Buhari recognizes M.K.O. Abiola as President elect in 1993 & honours him & others Continued on Page 53 President Buhari has not declared Mr Abiola a former president, but activists are still demanding that this must be done to complete the process of honouring his memory. Mr Kingibe, in his acceptance speech, describes M.K.O. as the messiah Nigerians never had.

Kola Abiola yielded the acceptance speech to his sister, Hafsat Abiola-Costello. Mrs Abiola-Costello, says President Buhari was amongst the least expected person to honour M.K.O. Abiola because of their unsavory history. She accepts the honour on behalf of the family and says it is worth it, especially for a family which gave a lot.

Her mother, Kudirat Abiola, was amongst those who died struggling to reclaim the mandate given to M.K.O. Abiola in the 1993 election. She was killed in a suspected assassination in Lagos in 1996.

Ayo Obe, a human rights campaigner, also takes the stage to

announce the names of those who died in the civil society struggle.

Alfred Rewane, a nationalist, was also assassinated during the struggle by suspected elements of the state under Sani Abacha.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who speaks for the media’s aspect of the June 12 struggle, says it is never too late to right the wrong of history.

He says President Buhari did well by recognizing Abiola and the spirit of June 12, saying he should ignore detractors, most of whom were never a part of the struggle to begin with.

Mr Onanuga, who worked at TheNews Magazine during the June 12 struggle, is now the head of News Agency of Nigeria, appointed by President Buhari.

He says the June 12 that is currently being celebrated brought Nigerians together was grossly violated and, therefore, set Nigeria 54

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back decades. He says President Buhari’s final recognition of June 12 shows that the struggle cannot be buried.

Amongst the royal fathers at the event are Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, and Alake of Egbaland, Aremu Gbadebo.

Frank Kokori, a labour leader, says the resistance that followed the annulment of June 12 was pivotal. He cites examples of freedom fighters in Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa where he said and I quote, “you do not remove a ruthless dictator by carrying placards. You don’t do that at the Elysee Palace, they will listen to you. You do that at the Buckingham Palace, they will listen to you. You do that at the White House, they will listen to you,” he says.

Mr Kokori says his labour comrades did a lot of work as the arrowhead of the struggle against military dictator in the 1990s. Mr Kokori drops a bombshell, saying he was appointed by President Buhari to head the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund nine months ago, but has not been sworn into office till today. “I was treated with such ignominy,” he says.

Femi Falana says he was detained at Kuje Prisons during the June 12 struggle. He calls Mr Babangida “a criminal” and appreciates President Buhari for the historic decision.

“We had seven presidents that pretended the June 12 did not exist,” the rights activist says. “I urge you to direct all security forces in Nigeria, including the police, to respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians in the spirit of June 12,” Mr Falana adds. He also demands an end to the senseless killings across Nigeria.

His comments come against the backdrop of recent violent attacks in central Nigeria and other parts of the country, as well as the attacks on everyday citizens linked to police Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, in his comments, slams President Buhari for his recent praise of Sani Abacha. “You cannot honour Abiola in one breath and admire his tormentor in another breath,” Mr Soyinka said. Someone who if alive would be standing trial at the International Criminal Court, he says.

Mr Soyinka proposes a hall-of-shame for past Nigerian leaders who were infamous for their brutality to sound as a warning note to would-be bad leaders. Mr Soyinka says all the unsung heroes of the June 12 must be recognized. Amongst them was a man he described amongst the “instigators of physical confrontations against dictators, Comrade Ola Oni.” Mr Soyinka says he was “knocked out of my throat” by the apology rendered by President Buhari for the June 12 atrocities of Nigerian past dictators who were responsible.

He says he was on his way to Brazil when he was “literally yanked off” the plane and dragged to the event at the State House, Abuja, today but he has no regrets attending rather full of emotions from various speakers before him.

“I was at the forefront and active participant in the politics of the era,” he says of his first election as Ogun State governor in the early 1990s. He hails the decision of the president to halt the deceit and repair the damage of the past by taken this symbolic step of recognizing the politics of June 12 and the politics of Mr Abiola through this conferment of national honour.

“It is never too late to correct the wrong,” he says. He urges President Buhari to do more by building on the larger implications of the June 12 elections by implementing sustainable development.

“As a member of the party, I could always reach the president with suggestions, he adds. “We are ready to match behind you on any further legacies you may want to construct on the solid June 12 foundation.”

Mr Osoba thanks Mr Osinbajo for his role as the prosecutor of those who attempted to kill him during the dark days of the military. “He prosecuted Rogers twice for attempts to kill me,” he says of Mr Osinbajo who stood as a prosecutor against Barnabas Jabila, a.k.a.: Sergeant Rogers, who was said to be one of Mr Abacha’s hit men.

“Your apology is the greatest joker, it is the masterstroke beyond June 12,” Mr Osoba ends with the political lifeline the honouring of Mr Abiola and June 12 memory would accord President Buhari.

Bola Tinubu also spoke at the event and he said if a man with military background and a professor of law put heads together to set the record straight and create that hope that Nigeria can truly be committed to democracy and justice shows that you are a great leader, he says of President Buhari and Osinbajo.

Mr Tinubu extols the virtues of Abu Ibrahim, a serving senator from Katsina State, who was released from custody during the June 12 struggle but refused to go home until all his colleagues gain equal freedom. Analysts are going to come up with all sort of reasons why you decided to do this, but you did it, the former Lagos governor tells President Buhari I know a president who would have looked at me and through me out of the helicopter down in the jungle for mentioning June 12, he adds without naming names.

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agunwa Anekwe, recalls how Nigeria’s third republic was truncated in 1993. He says the struggle led to the carting away of the mace at the National Assembly by him and other lawmakers at the time. “Mr President, you have honoured not just M.K.O. Abiola, but everyone who died in the struggle for June 12,” he says. He says a major lesson that must be learnt is that if the people like a candidate, no matter the machinations, the individual will emerge victorious.

Iyorchia Ayu, a former Senate President, says President Buhari’s singular action might have erased the wrong doing of his predecessors, especially the dictators responsible for the June 12 infamy. “We played important roles in forming June 12. Unfortunately, that victory was nullified,” Mr Ayu says. He says the decision to recognize Mr Abiola is “simply symbolic.”

But the decision was actually a recognition of the collective values of Nigerians. “I appeal to you to respect the democratic tenets, the rule of law, the freedom of expression.

He asked President Buhari to “please have a heart to know that the opposition is not an enemy in a democracy.” He says his father was a soldier and he understood the instinct of persons with military background.

“Within you in the military, the opposition is an enemy you shoot. In a democratic process, the opposition is not an enemy,” the former top lawmaker says.

President Buhari, people have the notion that you are not forgiving, that you are intolerant of opposition, but I do not always believe this, I believe you have a large heart. “Extend this large heart to accommodate the opposition,” Mr Ayu says.

Your worse enemies are people who are around you who turn every Nigerian against you, but the people are actually your friends, Mr. Ayu says as he bounced out.

Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, while giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the state and the Abiolas, who are from Gbagura clan in Abeokuta, the state capital. “Words alone are not enough to express our gratitude for your thoughtfulness to confer this award” on Mr Abiola, he said.

“We are not unmindful of the fact that the GCFR is reserved for only those who have served our nation at the highest level.

“Today, M.K.O. is a symbol of democracy personified. He was an accomplished man whose footprints remain indelible” on different sectors of the country, the governor says.

Mr Abiola’s candidature raised hopes and Nigerians voted for him overwhelming and the June 12 remains the freest and fairest ever in the history of our country, the governor says.

Only those who are not conversant with political history will debate whether the M.K.O. deserves the award or not. A fitting tribute for June 12 is for all of us to embrace democracy in a peaceful and orderly manner, Mr Amosun adds.

The ceremony closed with the audience still discussing the effect of Buhari’s move to recognize Abiola despite all the oppositions. It remains to be seen what happens to other persons mentioned for recognition for their roles in actualization of June 12 1993

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Porpori Charity Foundation: Caring for the needy and changing lives in Nigeria Porpori Charity Foundation is an extra-ordinary charitable organization that is helping to put a smile on the faces of thousands of Nigerians in these hard economic realities. Apart from its weekly activities where they organize events to coach and teach people how to earn extra income and motivate them to help other, the foundation has added another empowerment program. According to the originator of the foundation, Queen Ure as she is popularly called by her members, in addition to the quarterly charity outings and weekly success training and coaching activities. “We now have the salary for life platform, which is a sustainable thrift structure through which every participant will get a monthly allowance for 12 months.

The foundation has been in existence for over 5 years now and doing massive charity works across the country.

But the new salary allowance platform was officially launched on 8th March 2018 and within this short period of time, nearly ten thousand people are registered and directly benefit from a start of contribution of 9, 500 naira to 38, 000 naira onetime payment. The salary for life platform was received with a lot of enthusiasm and is thriving on the integrity of the charity platform over the years. At the moment so many people have benefited from this God given initiative.

In just few months, thousands of people are paid each day from the month of registration for 12 months.

This initiative is the brainchild, Queen Ure Okezie an ex banker, a life coach, a music artist, an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. She has a passion for charity work and via this platform, charity outings are done every quarter where food items, provisions, educational materials, household items are purchased and given out for free to charity organizations and homes. She equally addresses the inmates/house mates/ residents of the various homes, motivating and inspiring them.

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These are list of some organizations and institutions that has benefited from this charitable organization in Nigeria.

The list includes; Medium Security prison, Kirikiri, Lagos State; Little Saints orphanage, Akowonjo branch; Bethesda Home for the Blind, Ojuelegba; Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Surulere; Wellspring Rehabilitation Centre, Ojodu; Lagos State Old people’s Home, Sabo, Yaba; Precious Pearls Orphanage, Egbeda, Lagos; Centre for HIV patients and abandoned Children, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos State; Light Of Hope Orphanage, Akute, Ogun State; Dorcas Widows Group, Ugba, Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State; Winiseph Care Home (Old Peoples Home) Omole Estate, off Ojodu Rd, Lagos State and recently they held their 12th charity outing which took place at Royal Diamonds Orphanage, Ojodu, Lagos State.

You can also be part of this great initiative by supporting the foundation in any of the following ways: Everyone is invited to become partners of this great initiative whichever way you can.

Become a partner by supporting either monthly or quarterly or yearly. Phone numbers +2348033000402, +2349093000444.

Partners’ forum holds every Thursday 11am. Venue – Porpori Office (Dream & Become Int’l) 14, Fadeyi Aladura, off Balogun, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Below are pictures from their past outings on the next page.

Happy viewing

Porpori Charity Foundation: Caring for the needy and changing lives in Nigeria

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Tribute to a Distinguished Nigerian - Late Senator (Engr.)

Mustapha Bukar (Madawakin Daura III) and his contributions in his Senatorial District within 3 years in the Senate.

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he Late Senator was born and raised in Daura town, Katsina State and he is survived by two wives, and twelve children as well as many grandchildren.

He obtained a Bachelor degree in Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University in 1978. He worked in the State and Federal civil service cumulatively for 30 years.

Within that period, he spent extensive time in the water sector starting his working career with the first World Bank financed Kaduna Water Supply Extensions Project as an Engineer.

He worked with various consultants and contractors on the design and construction of the various contracts on the project rising to the rank of Project Manager.

With the creation of Katsina State in September 1987, he was deployed and charged with the responsibilities for setting up of Project Department of the new Katsina State Water Board as Chief Engineer Projects and Head of Department.

In June 1989, he was appointed General Manager and Chief Executive of Katsina State Water Board.

With the creation of a new Ministry of Water Resources in 1991, he was appointed Civil Commissioner to establish the new Ministry. The post he held to September 1991 when with the rationalization of Ministries (which combined Agriculture and Water Resources), he was made the Commissioner of Agriculture and Water Resources. The post he held up to 2nd January 1992 when the Civilian Government took over the State Administration.

March 1992, he was appointed Director of Special Duties in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development. He was the Director in-charge of many large scale water supply projects. These included the World Bank Financed National Water Rehabilitation of urban water schemes in the 36 states of the federation & FCT, as well as the institutional development of the State Water Agencies. Other assignments, included private sectors reform programmes which included private sector participation in water supply in urban centres and small towns and a Water Resources Management Strategy for the Country.

In April 1999, he became Director Water Supply and Quality Control. The responsibility of the post was a combination of his function as Director Special Duties and other Projects such as Water Quality Laboratories Projects, UNICEF/FGN joint Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme.

June 2001 he became the Director Planning, Research and

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Statistics Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

In July 2005 he was appointed Director Planning Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Also he became the Director Permanent Secretary’s Office at Federal Ministry of Transportation from June 2007 – February 2009.

He retired from the civil service in 2009 holding the position of Director Public Procurement at the Federal Ministry of Works, housing and Urban and Development.

In recognition of his achievements and service to humanity, the people of Daura Zone in particular and Katsina State as whole, persuaded Engr. Mustapha Bukar (Madawakin Daura III) to go into politics and bring further development to the area. He registered with the APC and contested for a senate seat where he emerged as Senator representing Katsina North Senatorial District in the 2015 election.

Record of his activities and contributions in the Senate: A. Committees In The Senate a. Chairman Senate Committee on Capital Market b. Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Power, Works and Housing c. Member Senate Committee on Works d. Member Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs e. Member Senate Committee on Science and Technology B. Motions & Bills: B1. Motion: i. Financial Inclusion: A Tool for Socio Economic Development and Stability.

Tribute to a Distinguished Nigerian - Late Senator (Engr.) Mustapha Bukar (Madawakin Daura III) ii. Urgent need to stop the plan to raise a Federal Government secured bond of N309 billion to finance the short fall in the Nigeria Electricity Market and take steps to avert the impending crisis facing the sector. iii. Climate Change-induced Crop Failures in the Sudan/Sahel Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria iv. Raising a Motion before the Senate Committee on Works on Bad State of some Federal Roads in Katsina State. v. Non Usage of Coin Currencies in Nigeria and its Negative Effects to the Economy. vi. Need to Establish and Delegate Special Purpose Vehicles to Execute and Operate Major Power Sector Development Projects.

B2. Bills: a. Bill for an Act to Establish and Regulate the Nigerian Assets Management Agency – Second Reading b. Unclaimed Funds Legislative Bills – Second Reading c. Nigerian Building and Road Research – Second Reading. d. Federal Polytechnic Daura (Establishment, etc) Bill 2017 -Second Reading. e. A Bill for An Act to Establish the Legal Framework for Public Private Partnership (Bill 2016) – Second Reading C. List Of Executed Projects In His Constituency 1 Education Sector And Infrastructure The Senator arranged and executed 24 projects which included the following for example:

a) Construction of two blocks of classroom with Office and Store at Hassan Usman Primary School Kankia, Kankia Local Government b) Construction of new blocks and Rehabilitation of

classes at Dan’aune Primary School, Dutsi Local Government c) Construction of 3 blocks of classroom at Shargalle, Dutsi Local Government.

2 Water Sector (The Home Of Water Man as popularly referred to) The Senator arranged and executed 45 projects which included the following for example: i. Construction of motorized solar boreholes with overhead tank in three local government areas; Kofar Arewa and Musa

Primary Quarters both in Daura Local Government Area. ii. Construction of motorized solar boreholes with overhead tank at Batarge Katsayel Ward, Sandamu Local Government iii. Repairing of borehole at Kacika Daneji B Ward, Sandamu Local Government. iv. Repairing of hand pumps borehole a Karkarku Ward, Sandamu Local Government.

300 Tube wells Construction With Pump Machines Across The Zone In 12 Local Government Areas Including The Following For Example: Dutsi Local Government; Daura Local Government; Mashi Local Government; Kankia Local Government; Kusada Local Government Mai’adua Local Government; Ingawa Local Government and Mani Local Government.

Continued on Page 56

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Tribute to a Distinguished Nigerian - Late Senator (Engr.) Mustapha Bukar (Madawakin Daura III) Continued from Page 55 Health Sector In the Health Sector, the Senator executed many projects which include the following: a) Building Hospital at Maikoni Ward, Mai’adua Local Government b) Construction of six (6) toilets in General Hospital Baure, Baure Local Government c) Construction of twelve (12) toilets in General Hospital Kankia, Kankia Local Government d) Eye care treatment and medical glasses first round over 7,000 benefited in 2015

e) Eye care treatment and medical glasses second round over 15,000 benefited in 2017. f) Collaborated with Hon. Aminu Ashiru Mani (House of Representatives) in Reconstruction of Maternity room at Mani

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General Hospital, Mani Local Government Just to highlight few of his achievements in this sector.

Job Creation The Late Senator helped to secure employment for thousands of youths in various sectors in the nation’s economy.

Youth Empowerment And Social Welfare Late Senator was active in youth empowerment and social welfare for example: a. Empowering youths with 200 motorcycles across the 12 LGs of Daura Zone b. Distribution of 50 KEKE NAPEP across the 12 LGs of Daura Zone c. Distribution of 320 Sewing Machines across the 12 LGs of Daura Zone d. Distribution of 210 Grinding Machines across the 12 LGs of Daura Zone e. 3,000 Women Empowerment training in Liquid soap, air freshener, perfume etc. in 2016. f. 400 Youth and Women Empowerment Training in Modern Poultry and Yogurt in 2018 Electrification Projects The Late Senator was actively engaged in electrification projects in virtually all the local government areas by donating transformers with poles to the local governments.

Private Life He was engaged in intensive farming activities from 1980s till his death.

He successfully established Dan Bukar Educational Foundation in 1990, which comprises Nursery and Primary Schools in Daura, Mai’adua, Baure and Zango Local Governments, as well as Secondary School at Daura. He also established Madabia Potable Water as the pioneer company in Daura and Dan Bukar Book Shop.

The late Senator was a member of the following Professional Bodies: i. Chartered Engineers and Member, Institution of Civil Engineers, UK. ii. Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN) iii. Nigerian Society of Engineers. iv. American Water Works Association. v. Nigerian Institute of Management.

First President Nigerian Water Supply Association and Chairman, African Water Resources Management Forum.

The Late Senator died on 4th April 2018 at the age 63 years.

There is no doubt that the Distinguished Senator has left his footprints on the sands of time.

“Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names.” Author Unknown

RECOGNIZING JUNE 12 AND HONORING ABIOLA. Today, I could not hold back my emotion as I broke down in my lonely sitting room far away in Eket, Akwa Ibom State while tears role down freely from my face.

But apparently, it was a tears of joy. As I reminisce on the very tough and rough road to actualization of June 12 1993 election.

That singular struggle for me and most people of my generation who were very young during the fight for independent was the actual independent struggle for us and I with some other Nigerians stood up to fight for that cause.

That a government in Nigeria today, recognized that struggle and posthumously recognized the symbol of that struggle brought out tears in me.

That June 12th now replace May 29th as democracy day is a victory for all Nigerians that queued to cast their votes that day, this is also a victory for all the Nigerians that lost their lives in the cause of that struggle above all, it is a victory that if falsehood travel

for so long, truth will catch up with it soonest.

I recalled with nostalgia, how myself and others like Sulaiman Jabata called out Nigerian students across all higher institutions in Ilorin at the peak of that struggle, how we jostle between Kwara, Lagos and Kano with some pro-democracy activists then including professor Attahiru Jega, Chima Ubani, Joe Odumakin and others too numerous to mention.

Even though the symbol of that struggle is dead, the recognition today of that event and the truism of what it represented is a deserved healing for that wound.

MKO ABIOLA AS A PEDESTAL?

of a national honor to Abiola and declaration of June 12th as a national holiday), and some are applauding?

To spice up the event, Buhari proceeds to state:”June 12th 1993 was far more symbolic of Democracy in Nigeria than May 29th or even the October 1st (Nigeria’s Independence Day)”. Really?

Poor Gani Fawehini - a posthumous award (illegal under the National Honors Act for non-soldiers and service personnel) from a President whose whole body is dripping with the blood of thousands of innocent Nigerians killed by herdsmen and under most worrisome circumstances? Gani will be revolting in his grave.

With more desperate acts anticipated, the 2019 Presidential elections sure promises to be interesting......

In a deft political chess-board game move, President Buhari has indeed discovered some people’s ‘EXCITEMENT BUTTON’ (MKO/June 12) and decided to press it in advance of 2019 elections.

The same Buhari w h o worked with and was in General S a n i A b a c h a ’s kitchen cabinet when the cancellation of Abiola’s election was sustained leading to the eventual death of Abiola, and continues to deify Abacha’s hideous regime announces Greek-gifts (posthumous award

May the soul of M.K.O Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Alhaja Suliat Adedeji and others that were brought down to their grave in the cause of that struggle rest in peace.

Nigeria shall rise again!

Kamal Badamasi writes from Akwa Ibom state.

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Abiola and Gani were humoured

By Hon. Azibola Omekwe

One wonders why it took our president this long to make us happy as a country. President Muhammadu Buhari for once did something that gladdened our hearts all by recognizing late Chief M. K. O. Abiola as the beacon of democracy we savour today. He has gone ahead to bestow on him with the highest honour in the land.

Like he did to Chief Abiola, he also to honoured late Chief Gani Fawehimni, the signpost of rights activism in Nigeria.

Going head on, Nigeria indeed is unfortunate. Based on Buhari’s antecedents, it was believed he had the magic wand to turn things for good in the country. He won an election, which shortcomings continue to unravel by the day like the popular child voting. His opponent, a sitting president, had the ample opportunity to have doctored the process for his own interest. But remember APC said it was impossible for them to lose the election. If they do, Nigeria would be ungovernable. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan being obsessed with peaceful coexistence and especially for the sake of ordinary Nigerians decided to hand over peaceably. His goodwill is haunting those who did not want him at all cost. Anyway that is not the matter for here.

And having achieved his goal of electoral victory, President

Buhari became contented and allowed Nigeria to slide into misgovernance. He has been at loss as to what to do. He has displayed crass ineptitude on governance. True to type, he abdicated responsibility to his cronies as he did in his days as PTF chairman, the ill-fated mini-Nigeria he chaired under late General Sani Abacha.

As a matter of fact, Buhari did not suffer to do anything special with this opportunistic action of mentioning Abiola and Gani, 62

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the latter being a defender of the rights of the masses. I tell you

Buhari knows which Nigerians to honor to win 2019 election: Abiola and Gani. Nigerians are damn happy with them. Because of their personality we momentarily thought of Buhari as Abraham Lincoln. But it was just for a moment. We know him to have plunged this country into the abyss and the present carnage. The motive is clear. What he did was a mere declaration geared towards hoodwinking timid voters who cannot afford food again to shore up his dwindling chances of becoming president come 2019. He must know that what he did to these patriots who died for Nigeria is already with us in our sub consciousness. They have written their names in gold and no amount of desperate decoration or humouring, especially from someone who never believed in their cause would surpass their sweat and blood for this country.

Recall that Buhari played a prominent role in late General Abacha’s government. Granted, that government did not cancel June 12, but it played a bigger role in sealing it. It had the ample opportunity to validate June 12. It chose to become its undertaker. Under Abacha, Abiola, his wife, Kudirat, and many activists clamouring for its validation were either killed or bundled into detention to obliterate anything concerning June 12. Where was our present president then? He was the most beloved personality to Abacha then. He was so influential that Abacha carved out a portion of Nigeria for him to run a parallel government under the banner of the dollar bloated Petroleum Trust Fund. That was an ample opportunity for him to honour June 12, but he elected to wine and dine with the goggled one.

Look at what a lover of June 12 did. In less than a month, Buhari praised Abacha and Abiola. Abacha’s regime represents a very dark side of our history. He partook in that government actively and was proud to say so. When he discovered a seething anger against his do-nothing regime, he decided to reinvent himself by associating himself with people of credibility. Praising Abacha was unconscionable.

But praising Abiola was conscionable, an act of invention. As for Gani, he has surreptitiously captured the attention of the youth he denigrates.

Chief MKO Abiola was a great Nigerian who had laid down everything he had, his life inclusive, for good governance in Nigeria. Buhari, our president, should have identified with his values rather than using his name to propagate himself.

Let us look at how Gani lives on. Incidentally before Buhari’s pronouncement, a friend visited. He was once expelled from the university and went back to the village to loiter and be a motor park boy. Gani took up his case pro bono, flooring the university at the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal. The university readmitted him and today he is a graduate of Civil Engineering. He lived throughout his life not knowing how to tell Gani thank you. Before 2015, he supported Buhari. Now he regrets he ever did. He is so angry with Buhari for identifying himself with Gani. And there are so many Nigerians seething with the same anger since the pronouncement.

This government is doing a macabre dance on late Chief Gani’s grave. It is a tragedy that Gani’s family would thank Buhari for honouring their father and accepting a mere wooden plaque for him. While he was alive, all governments coveted associating with him but they all fell short of his expectations. Those were governments who even did better than this present one. If by his act of sacrifice, he didn’t leave anything for them, they should accept it as part of his obsession to nation building that he lived and died for. They should not fellowship with a government that is against the masses. They

should remember their father was the only Senior Advocate of the Masses Nigeria ever knew. Gani’s name has been honored already and no political GCON would upturn that.

Let’s go back memory lane. The thought of the short-lived Shagari’s government would always provoke tears out of someone. That was a government that practiced true federalism. The state governments then did not know what federal allocation was. It was a beautiful journey until Buhari came with the guns to unseat it. Thank God Atiku Abubakar is preaching the gospel of restructuring and Nigerians are accepting it as a retrace to that beautiful journey. What we are advocating today, true federalism, which Atiku, a presidential hopeful, stands for was practiced to a great extent under the very government Buhari and his ilk sacked in 1984. Then we had 19 states and the federal government, the latter being unattractive in spite of its astounding developmental strides. Then there was Jakande in Lagos, Sam Mbakwe in Imo, Solomon Lar in Plateau, Abubakar Rimi in Kaduna, to mention a few. The president, Shehu Shagari, was even competing with them with his infrastructural strides. Painfully, Buhari sacked that government. With Decree 4, the junta he headed outlawed divergent opinions with a dreadful apparatus to checkmate the likes of Gani. Where would Nigeria be if Shagari with a retinue of 19 other ‘presidents’ had completed his eight years in power and civil rule had continued in 1993 with MKO Abiola? Sad Buhari sacked a government practicing true federalism to a large degree as opposed to the present governors who survive on bailouts. He should stop proselytizing what he does not believe in.

Some are already saying that Buhari deserves a second term for honouring MKO Abiola. They are political profiteers.

For them, unemployment, hunger, carnage in Zamfara and other places is worth living again. To them, the bloodletting in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kogi, Southern Kaduna and the general insecurity in the land should be re-lived again for another four years.

The good news however is that the Yorubas would not be deceived by this symbolic gesture but would continue to hold this government accountable to its unfulfilled promises. By making sure this government does not walk away from its responsibilities, they should save Nigerians from hunger, misery, pestilence, death from killer herdsmen and the incompetence and cluelessness that has become the order of the day. Abiola and Gani never befriended an incompetent government and would not do so in their grave. Happily, it is impossible to deceive the Yoruba people and indeed patriotic Nigerians across the country.

Hon. Omekwe is a former member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly and writes from Abuja and can be reached via azibolaomekwe@yahoo.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Super Eagles designer unhappy of neglect!

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efore the arrival of the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA world Cup which recently took place in Russia, the story making waves was the traditional attired adore by the Super Eagles players and officials, the dress was well and beautifully designed which gave the impression of a team going for a cultural event than to play football at the World Cup. The team was praised for their beautiful attires. However no sooner the news hit the airwaves, another controversy started back at home. The designer of the tradition attire was conspicuously not mentioned in the buildup of the team arrival in Russia.

It was alleged that Mr. Esimaje Awani, the designer of the Super Eagles traditional wear that cemented their ‘best fashion team’ award, has been found following outrage over absence of credits for designing the outfits.

Awani’s identity was revealed by a social commentator, Freedom Atsepoyi aka ‘Mr Jollof’. Mr Jollof took to the social media via Facebook video clip that has now gone viral to berate the media for not celebrating his designs as they celebrated Nike’s jersey designs which was an instant sold out on the day of release.

Awani is the CEO of GT Stitches; he is a Nigerian-Canadian designer that designed the ‘Buba’ and ‘Sokoto’ worn by the Super Eagles to Russia.

The white outfit finished with green neck embroidery, attracted media attention similar to the now sold out Nike jersey, and attracted further international interest.

Awani is from Warri, Delta State where he is based and he specializes in making male and female caftans.

Awani’s outfits earned the Super Eagles rating as “The team with the best traveling uniform” in Russia by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The rating comes days after a world fashion magazine GQ rated Nigerian Super Eagles Jersey as the best for the 2018 World Cup. At press time, the designer himself has refused to be drawn into the controversy probably as a mark of respect to the Super Eagles. The team how did not perform well as they could not manage a second round place in the group of defeat at the world cup.

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Poor outing for African teams at World Cup 2018 in Russia.

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nother world cup experience and Nigeria and the rest of the African countries at this year’s world cup in Russia are heading back home with regrets of what would have been probably their best tournament to go far in the tournament because many of the big names did not kick start the world cup on the right notes. Countries like defending World Cup, Germany, Argentina, France and even Brazil struggled. All the North African teams despite their dominance in Africa continue to find it difficult to make world impression; the likes of Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco were disappointments.

The most impressive African team was Senegal surprisingly coached by a Senegalese coach. NIGERIA,

the country that promises so much but delivers very little. Well, no one will take away the award of the most fashionable team of 2018 World cup from Nigeria. They could not transmit that on the football pitch, losing their first match to Croatia 2-0, despite the victory over Iceland, Nigeria failed to spark against Argentina losing 2-1.

Many choose to blame the referee for not giving a second penalty but I saw it as Nigerian players wasteful misses during the match and lack of technical understanding of the game.

Except for Ahmed Musa who shined throughout the tournament, the likes of Moses, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Etebo, Iwobi even for the few minutes he was given to play where shoulders of themselves. The team needs to be investigated, Super Eagles were said to be one of the youngest team in the tournament but the players played like 11 pregnant women on the pitch, tired after the first half. This is not the spirit of the Super Eagles of the past. Well we have another four years to prepare, let us start now and the same for the remaining African teams.

VAR for me has brought in a new pleasure and suspense to the game of football, whenever the referee goes to watch the screen, you never knows what will be the outcome of his short visit – smiles or tears.

We wait to see who eventually will be 2018 World Champion.

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Laila’s Business Gate signs deal with Kosan Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhall, the Executive Director

of Business Gate and Vice- President of the Voice publication for the Middle East recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work with Real Estate giant in Turkey, Kosan Real Estate company.

During the visit, she met with the owner of the company, Muzaffer Kosan and they reached a good working agreement. Some pictures taken during the award ceremony where Laila was recognized for her excellent ambassadorial work around the world. More details to follow this company and its owner, Muzaffer Kosan

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Jeff Ekhator manhandled by Dutch Police in Rotterdam

he owner of a popular Nigerian/Dutch restaurant, D’Afrique Food and Drinks Restaurant in Rotterdam, Mr. Jeff Ekhator was on the 19th June 2018 arrested and briefly detained in what he called a witch hunt and nightmare to him. The report of the incident got to our newsroom through a whats app message with photographs of him (Mr. Ekhator being handcuffed). Efforts by the publisher to reach him proved abortive until the next morning when he called The Voice magazine to narrate his ordeal in the hands of two uniformed police men.

His account of the incident “This incident happened on the 19th June 2018 in the afternoon at my restaurant at about 1:30 pm. The policemen came inside and they said they were looking for a suspect who abused someone few meters away on the same street where my business in situated. I told them nobody came in here and that I am alone with a female customer whom I had come to prepare some dishes she ordered

for. She was my witness as she sat alone waiting inside the restaurant. I also informed them that I was just opening my restaurant, no customer has come in yet today. I also off loaded my car myself so I didn’t see anybody ran pass my location or run into my business premises. Thinking to myself I wanted to

help them, I asked how this person looked like may be if I see any person like that I could call the police or in case I noticed any person fitting the description when I was off loading my car. Then one of the officers said the person they are looking for look exactly like me and put on the same clothes as I am wearing. I told them that the information cannot be true because I had my customized restaurant cloth on and I am the only person who wears it here. Then they told me I should not move from where I was standing but I asked why, you came into my restaurant, asked me if I saw any person running in and now you are accusing me to be the same person you are looking for. I just couldn’t belief what I was witnessing. I tried to talk to them in a very calm way but they would not listen. As we were having this discussion, I tried to look outside as people were peeping through the door, one of them grab me from behind and both of them pushed me to the wall and then pushed me to the ground and handcuffed me. They called for a backup with more policemen coming to my restaurant. My customer protested but they would not listen. She made these pictures I released. Before you know it, the whole street was parked with police cars, and you will think that there is a terrorist attack or something more serious going on. They took me to the station and they kept me there for an hour before I was released the same day without any charges.

Asked what has happened since the incident, Mr. Ekhator said nothing; they have not apologized or said it was a mistaking identification or whatever else they concluded.

This is the worst nightmare and embarrassment I have ever received from a Dutch police officer. They showed no respect for me or regard for my business. It was a very terrible experience to say the least. I was handled by the Dutch police worse than they handle criminals in this country. I am a law abiding citizen, doing my best to keep the law and yet the law enforcer comes to break the law in my premises. I have complained to my legal team and we are seeking readdress on this matter.

If I have committed a crime, I will surrender myself willingly to them but they have no regard or respect for my persons or business. They just came to harass me for doing nothing and no word from them.

Our effort to the side of the Police was not success. The only thing we were told is that nobody is above the law to be arrested even in the case of suspicion and they did not see any use of force in the matter, rather a procedure to protect both the accused and the persecutor to avoid any form of confrontation.

We shall keep our readers informed if there is any new development to the matter.

Mr. Ekhator has resumed his business again without any further harassment or charges brought against him.

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