Saturday 9th April 2016 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Morgan Stanley Index May Exclude Nigeria from Emerging Markets over Capital Controls Obinna Chima Index provider, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) is seeking feedback from investors on the ease of access to the Nigerian equity market, a move that could lead to the country being excluded from MSCI's

Frontier Markets index. The consultation followed the introduction of restrictions on foreign currency trading, MSCI said in a statement, adding that it would announce its decision on or before April 29. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was designed to measure equity market performance

in global emerging markets. It is a float-adjusted market capitalisation index that consists of indices in 21 emerging economies. Nigeria, Africa's biggest economy, is facing its worst crisis in decades as the falling price of oil has slashed revenues, prompting the central

bank to peg the currency and introduce curbs to protect foreign exchange reserves, which have fallen to 11-year lows. The International Monetary Fund had called on Nigeria to lift the curbs and let the naira currency reflect market forces more closely, as the restrictions

have significantly affected the private sector. This had also led to the removal of Nigeria from JP Morgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets as well as from Barclays index. “Nigeria will be removed from the flagship Emerging Markets Local Currency Gov-

ernment Index as of February 1, 2016,” MSCI said in a statement, adding that the debt would continue to be eligible for its broader Emerging Markets Local Currency Government Universal Index. However, Reuters quoted Continued on page 6

Bayelsa Stands Still for Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan Pays Tribute ...Page 6 Saturday 9 April, 2016 Vol 21. No 7647 Price: N150

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Bloodbath Averted: Five Female Suicide Bombers Killed in Maiduguri Air Force Chief: Military at tail end of operation in North-east

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri, Senator Iroegbu, Adedayo Akinwale and Nosa Enobhayisobo in Abuja

What could have been a black Friday was yesterday averted in Maiduguri as five female suicide bombers were intercepted by members of the youth vigilante group, popularly called Civilian

JTF in Borno State. However, a similar statement from the military claimed soldiers were the ones that intercepted the suicide bombers and neutralised them with injuries to three of their men while unexploded improvised Explosive Devices were safely detonated. In a related development, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS),

Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar yesterday expressed joy with the progress made in the war against Boko Haram and added that the Military was at tail end of the anti-terrorism operation in North-east. Speaking toTHISDAY on the averted attack in Maiduguri, the spokesman of the youth vigilante group, Barrister Jubrin Gunda said the five suicide

bombers were intercepted at about 5:20 am trying to gain entry into the town. He said members of youth vigilante group had prior intelligence that there would be suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri and as such, beefed up security around the troubled town. He said the suicide bombers were sighted at the outskirts of

the town around Polo and Giwa Barrack areas and were shot dead by the youth vigilantes. Gunda also revealed that they did not come in at once but at different times and since they did not stop to be searched by the vigilante, they had to be shot. He lamented that three of the vigilantes suffered serious injuries during the attack and

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

Yemi Adebowale in Lagos, Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti

Continued on page 6

CASSANDRA IWULE I Aspire to be Miss World or Miss Universe

FEC Meets, Reviews Budget Details Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday presided over the emergency meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to scrutinise the 2016 budget details forwarded to the Presidency by the National Assembly on Thursday. President Muhammadu Buhari who had earlier summoned the meeting was however conspicuosly absent. Also yesterday, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose warned the President against

had to be taken to the hospital. "Three of our boys had injuries from the attacks and are presently on admission at the hospital. We were happy that the five female suicide bombers that wanted to sneak into the town to cause havoc were killed. He added that: "We were

HASSAN BALA I Will Reposition Learn Africa and Lead by Example

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ALL EX-KC STUDENTS AT FEC

L-R: National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno, Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbeh and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma Udo at the Emergency Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday Godwin Omoigui

UNILAG Shut Following Lingering Fuel, Electricity Crisis ...Page 6

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Bayelsa Stands Still for Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan Pays Tribute Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The burial rites of former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha commenced yesterday with former President Goodluck Jonathan paying tribute to the late Ijaw leader who was governor of the state while he was deputy. The burial rites grounded commercial activities in parts of the state, particularly in Yenagoa, the state capital and Amassoma, the late politician’s

hometown. Shops, markets and schools were shut in Yenagoa, as the body of the ex-governor arrived yesterday afternoon from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for onward journey to his home town, for interment today. Jonathan, who spoke at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa said Alamieyeseigha, described as the GovernorGeneral of the Ijaw Nation, was a man who believed in the oneness of Ijaw people. While acknowledging the

role played by the man in his life time as a politician, the ex-president stated that Alamieyeseigha was his boss. He added that Alamieyeseigha left the scene when “the ovation was loudest,” noting that the late former governor would be missed by not only the Ijaw people but also by the entire Niger Delta people. “The man that made me, that I used to call my boss is gone. A man that believed in the true oneness of the Ijaw people and Nigeria is gone. He left the stage when the ovation

was loudest,” Jonathan said. Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson said the late Alamsieyeseigha supported him against all odds in the last election because of his belief in genuine governance, which he (governor) represents. While paying tribute, the Ijaw Youth Congress, (IYC) said the late politician was a victim of political persecution and victimisation for standing up against marginalisation and for fighting for the restoration of true federalism. "Today is a sad one for us as

Ijaws. Though, we are putting on smiling faces in order to pay our last respects to our hero, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, but we must not lose sight of the circumstances of his death. "Alamieyeseigha was a victim of political persecution and victimisation because of his struggle for resource control in the Niger Delta. “When he was governor, he was the governor-general of the Ijaw Nation, because he was a unifying factor for Ijaws in the region and in diaspora. He stood as the leading light

of the Ijaws. "Alamieyeseigha was one governor who mobilised other governors. Today, there is no governor that has been able to mobilise other governors. He possessed incredible leadership qualities that will leave footprints in the sands of time," the IJC said. The late politician was elected Governor of Bayelsa State in May 1999, but was controversially impeached on allegations of corruption on December 9, 2005, during his second term.

UNILAG Shut Following Lingering Fuel, Electricity Crisis Uchechukwu Nnaike As the current fuel scarcity in the country lingers, affecting all facets of the economy, coupled with epileptic power supply, the management of University of Lagos (UNILAG), yesterday suspended all academic activities and shut the institution with immediate effect. The closure of UNILAG followed a protest by the students on Thursday over the unavailability of water and electricity in their hostels; they also boycotted lectures

to draw the management’s attention to their plight. They regretted the inability of the students living off campus to attend classes daily as a result of the scarcity of petrol. A statement issued by the Information Unit, Vice-Chancellor’s Office said the senate at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, considered the situation on campus occasioned by the ongoing agitation of the student body over poor electricity and water supply in the community, and the difficulty faced by the large

number of students living off campus to attend classes as a result of the fuel crisis. The statement reads: “Senate noted that the problem of poor municipal services is a national issue that the governments at both state and federal level are addressing. However, in order to forestall a further breakdown of law and order on campus, senate resolved to take the following decisions until the situation normalises. “All academic activities on campus are hereby suspended with immediate effect; the university is therefore closed with

immediate effect. All students are to vacate the various halls of residence immediately. No student should remain in the halls of residence after 10am on Friday April 8, 2016.” The management added that the decision to open for normal academic activities would be taken as soon as municipal services improve; and called on all members of the university community to go about their normal activities as adequate security measures had been put in place. However, THISDAY learnt that the students put up a

resistance to the directive and locked the gates of the institution to prevent anyone from leaving. Some of the female students who tried to leave around 8am were forced back to their hostels. While the gates were locked, some students who desperately wanted to leave the campus were seen climbing over the gates, while others went through the canal behind the university. Condemning the management’s decision to shut the institution, the students’ union said in a statement

that it was unfortunate that despite priding itself as the “university of first choice and the nation's pride”, UNILAG management could not manage what it described as a simple issue. “The vice-chancellor has demonstrated his insolence towards the welfare of the students. Despite his availability on campus today, he refused to avail the students of his presence.” The union described the directive for students to vacate the campus as an inhumane move with a dastardly motive.

terrorists at Madiyari village. The third suicide bomber was intercepted and neutralised at Jimini-Bolori village". Unfortunately, he said, three soldiers sustained injuries in the process and had been evacuated to the unit’s Regimental Aid Post (RAP), for treatment. According to him, the two unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on the suicide bombers were safely detonated by a combined team of Nigeria Police and our Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) experts. In a related development,

Usman said the troops also arrested three suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Nwagafete village comprising two women and a 16 year old boy who were connected to suspected terrorists’ food vendors earlier arrested. Air Force Chief: Military at tail end of operation in North-east… The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar is happy with the progress made in the war against Boko Haram and added that the Military was at tail end of the anti-terrorism operation in North-east. The Air Force Chief stated this

yesterday at a press conference in Abuja, where he briefed journalists on the activities for the 52nd anniversary ceremony of the NAF, which also coincides with the 2016 re-union of the Service. He said, "even though, the military was not in any way surprised that a large number of terrorists are surrendering, considering the level of attacks that had been unleashed on them both on air and on the ground by the troops in the ongoing counter insurgency in the North-east". Abubakar stressed that lesson

drawn from the reunion coming up in Bauchi state is desired to form the basis of the review of NAF tactics, techniques and procedures in the way its confronts prevailing and emerging security challenges in the country. The CAS explained that though the military was not able to meet up with the Presidential directive handed down in December 2015, and coupled with some pockets of attacks which are still being witnessed., but stressed that a lot had been achieved between 2014 and now.

secretaries began the critical examination of the document. Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed said: "We have received the details of the 2016 budget from the National Assembly yesterday and an extra-ordinary Federal Executive Council meeting was called this morning to avail every minister to look at the details of the budget and see how it affects each of the ministries. "And also at this point, it is still work in progress, we have broken up to resume later in the afternoon. We will come out with a statement later." The president had insisted on seeing the details of the budget before he could append his signature to the 2016 Appropriation Bill. While he submitted a total

of N6.08 trillion as the budget estimates, the National Assembly pruned it down to N6.06 amid allegations of padding. It was yet unknown whether FEC would recommend the signing of the document into law after the meeting as the president is believed to be leaving for China next week. Fayose tells Buhari not to mortgage Nigeria’s future… Meanwhile, Governor Fayose yesterday warned Buhari against taking a $2 billion loan from China to finance the 2016 budget. Fayose said Buhari’s scheduled trip to China was part of the measure targeted at sealing the deal for the loan, describing the move as an attempt to mortgage the future of Nigeria and its people. The governor, who said the 2016 budget was not a reflection

of the present economic reality in the country, added: “By the time they borrow N1.84 trillion to fund their N6.06 billion budget, I wonder how Nigeria will survive in 2017 when the Federal Government will be servicing debt with about 50 percent of its budget.” In a release issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: “In elementary economics, you don’t propose to spend more when your income reduces and I still can’t understand this Buharinomics in which Nigeria is going to spend N6.06 billion with crude oil bench mark of $38 per barrel when the country budget was N4.5 trillion in 2015 when crude oil bench mark was $53 per barrel. He said since the President claimed to have recovered and still recovering trillions of Naira looted from the treasury and over N3 trillion saved from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the 2016 budget should be funded with the recovered fund. The governor said he was alerting Nigerians to the danger in the federal government plan to fund the 2016 budget with loan, adding: “Tomorrow, it will be said of me that I did not keep silent when Nigeria was being mortgaged to unnecessary debt.” He warned that with the proposed N1.84 trillion borrowing, $2 billion of which President Buhari is already going to borrow in China, the nation may soon be going the way of Greece because Nigeria

will be borrowing N5 billion per day for the next 365 days. “If your income was N200,000 per month last year and your expenditure was N195,000 per month; does it make any economic sense for you to propose to spend N300,000 per month this year that your income has reduced to N120,000? “Only President Buhari can explain to Nigerians what manner of economic theory encourages borrowing of N1.84 trillion to fund a N6 trillion budget. As for me, it is nothing but a voodoo economic theory and Nigerians must take note that the income that should accrue to them in five years’ time is about to be spent in one year by the Buhari APC government.” Meanwhile, Adesina refused to comment on Fayose’s claims, but said that the President’s visit to China would, among other things, enable him follow up on some Memorandum of Understandings signed by previous regimes with the Chinese government on railways and power projects. He told THISDAY that previous administrations failed to provide their counterpart funding for some of the projects, resulting in delays. This, he said the president would straighten during his visit to China. According to Adesina, a power project in Mambilla, Taraba State; the Lagos to Calabar and Kano to Abuja railway projects are some of the projects the presidents aims to revive with his visit to China.

BLOODBATH AVERTED: FIVE FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBERS KILLED IN MAIDUGURI lucky to have received prior information of the intending attacks and we were watchful throughout night and day at all points of entry into the town." Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondents said they heard heavy blasts in the early hour of Friday and thought it was the military that was test running their ammunition. Gunda however said the heavy sound was the result of the blast that greeted the shooting of the suicide bombers. He noted that when the suicide bombers were shot, the

bombs on the females detonated and that was what resulted in the injuries of the three youth vigilantes. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, had in a statement yesterday, said: “At about 4.00am, troops of 101 Battalion of 7 Division received a tip off about impending attack in Maiduguri city by 4 suspected Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers from Sambisa forest through Cashew Plantation. “The troops responded decisively by intercepting and neutralising the suspected

FEC MEETS, REVIEWS BUDGET DETAILS

an alleged plan to seal a $2 billion loan deal from China to finance the 2016 budget during his trip to the Asian country next week. No official reason was given for the president’s nonappearance at the FEC meeting. The President’s Media Adviser, Femi Adesina declined to comment on the Buhari’s absence when THISDAY spoke to him last night. A presidency source told THISDAY that he could not fathom why Buhari did not attend the meeting. “He (Buhari) summoned the meeting and then, he was nowhere to be found. It looks a bit funny,” said the source. Many Nigerians were surprised by the president’s nonattendance at the critical FEC meeting; members of the FEC made up of the 36

ministers, the Vice President and the Secretary to the State Government, SGF were indeed also surprised. All the FEC members arrived early for the meeting fixed for 11am. While exchanging pleasantries amongst themselves, they were interrupted by a clap of hand, a sign to signal them of the president's arrival to the meeting. But there was no sign of the president in the room. It was the SGF, Mr. David Babachir who verbally called the meeting to order while Vice President Osinabjo called for opening prayers. At this point, Journalists were excused from the meeting and the meeting eventually kicked off without Buhari while Osinbajo took charge. Thereafter, the vice president, ministers and some permanent

MORGAN STANLEY INDEX MAY EXCLUDE NIGERIA FROM EMERGING MARKETS OVER CAPITAL CONTROLS MSCI to have said that ease of capital inflows and outflows was one of the key criteria in its market classification framework. "Introduction of restrictive measures, such as capital or foreign exchange controls, which can lead to material deterioration of equity market accessibility, may result in the exclusion of such market from the MSCI Frontier Markets Indexes and a reclassification to Standalone Market status," it warned. In his reaction, the global chief economist at Renaissance Capital, Charles Robertson, said in a note yesterday that the possibility that Nigeria might lose

its place in the index had been a risk since it was excluded from key bond indices by JPMorgan and Barclays last year. "Now the risk has become acute. Robertson said: "Being excluded would create a higher hurdle to attracting future investments, as there would be no need for passive frontier market funds, which track the MSCI index, to hold Nigerian stocks. Equity investors already have at least $0.5 billion less in Nigeria than they should have if they were exactly tracking the index (and a billion less than the $1.5billion they might have if they were optimistic and "overweight" Nigeria). Now

the remaining $0.5 billion is under threat too. "The government prefers longer-term foreign direct investment rather than more volatile foreign portfolio investors. However we suspect it is tough to attract one without the other. We think the desire for a decent return on capital is a key motivator for both portfolio and direct investors. Nigeria's exclusion from bond indices and threatened exclusion from this key equity index, is because investors' ability to make that return is now jeopardised by currency restrictions. "Moreover, bond or equity index inclusion helps makes

portfolio investors more sticky - they tend to invest around the benchmark weighting of a country. Indeed - Nigeria still has $0.5bn (N200billion) of equity investments in the country - because it is in this frontier index. Being excluded from such indexes creates a higher hurdle to attract future investments. Nigeria would have to become so attractive to foreign investors that they would make it an off-index investment." According to analysts, Nigeria's hopes of attracting private sector investors have been dealt another blow.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2016

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Cassandra Iwule

I Aspire to be Miss World or Miss Universe Beautiful, graceful, youthful and soulful, she stands before the cheering crowd with her right hand in the air waving gently, majestically at her admirers. The glitter in her eyes brightens her face, adding to the dazzle of gorgeous dress. As the crowd cheers on, the smile on her face widens and she intermittently blows a kiss at them. At 20, she has come to know torturous path that separates the rich from the poor. With a heart of gold and deep sense of philanthropy, she has committed her life to helping the needy. Please meet the winner of Miss Imo USA 2014-2015, Cassandra Chidera Adaeze Iwule, who speaks with NDUKA NWOSU about her life’s journey from Iba in Lagos State to becoming a graceful beauty queen in the United States and how she came back to Nigeria to lift the souls of the downtrodden

Cassandra Iwule

he Redeemed Christian Church of God International Chapel at Queens New York can boast of being a parent church to many others in the jurisdiction. It can beat its chest as well for producing the first beauty pageant representing Imo State from the same jurisdiction. This Sunday morning one of its beautiful daughters Cassandra Chidera Adaeze Iwule was on the pulpit giving her testimony and thanksgiving, not for winning the beauty pageant, Miss Imo US Nigeria, which she has been celebrating but to offer thanks for God’s faithfulness for journey mercies and a successful trip to Nigeria where she went to work for her NGO, the Dera Unity Cultural Foundation. “My name is Cassandra Chidera Adaeze Iwule. I am 20 years old. I was born September 15, 1995. I started my NGO, Dera Unity and Cultural Foundation, at the age of 18. The idea is to assist orphans and in so doing be a voice for the voiceless. I want to be the voice for the voiceless – the less privileged and orphans. The focus is on youth empowerment and provision of basic necessities like clothes. In the future, we hope to extend this to the establishment of small-scale businesses. My American dream is a cause for joy as it keeps unfolding like the rose bud by the day. I am satisfied with the unfolding expectations of this dream. I finally put my NGO on course here. America gave me a better platform to study,” Miss Imo-USA said. Adaeze had left her comfortable nest in the Queens New York suburb and boarded a flight to Owerri from Lagos but along the way it turned into a nightmare but for God’s journey mercies that salvaged what could have been a fatal crash. The beauty queen has come a long way as a girl. Starting her foundation at 18, she encountered many obstacles but reminded herself that every attempt at a higher goal comes with tests and trials. She did not allow the mid-air nightmare to frighten her out of her passion to identify with the less privileged. When a seemingly inevitable challenge stands between her and her dream, her childhood experience comes to the fore as one who cares and has the heart of Mary Slessor, Mother Theresa, or that of a typical 18th century missionary willing to show kindness and experience; some self-deprivation for the sake of others. At her Iba residence, Adaeze encountered a homeless single mother and with the help of her parents was able to provide her a home. Along with that, she made sure that the woman and her family had three square meals until they were ready to stand on their feet once more. That experience that occurred when she was still in her primary school summarises the charity

works of Miss Imo USA. On the inspiration that drives her project, the young lady said, “I am a youth. I know how it feels for anyone to survive without someone to lean on. I feel so sad when I see young people waste their lives, practising prostitution, experimenting with and doing drugs. I want to be in the league of those that are there for such people. I want to help them understand they can still do something better with their lives; that there are lots of diseases and risks out there and by focusing on Jesus, things will get better for them. “I know a friend who went into prostitution and today her life has become miserable and disease-laden. I share in her pains because she comes from a home where she was abused and nobody cared for her. She moved into the streets hoping life could be better but that was how she ended her life. I am not here to judge but to help such people refocus their lives and get out of that situation. I want to let them understand that somebody out there cares for them and is willing to share their pains.” So when her friends laughed at her initial efforts at formalising her desire to reach out to those in need, she was unrelenting and determined to carry it on to the end. Success smiled at her eventually. “My argument has been if you don’t do it now that age is on your side, when do you hope to get it done? Always follow your dream. Don’t give up. The beginning of every project is not very smooth. I had my tough moments walking the ropes and I still do even in trying to get things done but you don’t retreat because this is a mission that calls for delivery, for accomplishment and this is when the moment of joy arrives,” she told her audience. What influence does her Christian faith have on her life? She said, “Honestly, without the backing of my Christian life, I would not be here. Because with every new level of achievement comes a new challenge. But with all the tests and trials, one’s knowledge of God and the fact that one has been grounded in the Christian faith, reminds you the battles fought are not physical but spiritual.” Speaking on the beauty pageant she contested in, Adaeze recalled that her designer disappointed her and she had to fall back on her old over-sized dress which was taken to a dress maker for the relevant adjustments – which sounds like the stone the builders rejected. The dress that was rejected as a gift turned out to be the one the judges fell in love with at the Radisson Hotel at the JFK Airport; that was August 2014 at Queens New York. “The reception was above average

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY My American Dream is a Cause for Joy...

Iwule in handshake with Governor Okorocha think a governor can see someone like you? Are you a senator’s child? Don’t waste your time!’ Well, no man is God. To wrap it up, I had a handshake from his Excellency Governor Owelle Rochas.” Back in the US, the ex-beauty queen has graduated from Queensborough where she earned an Associate Degree in Health Science and expectedly continues with her studies at the degree level preferably at her neighbourhood York College or an equally prestigious American university.

Cassandra embracing his mother and beyond what we expected. My parents were very supportive. My siblings and friends were all there for me and I am very grateful I was crowned Miss Imo USA 2014-15, although my reign is over. It was awesome and it has given me the platform to carry on my NGO activities to a much higher pedestal and visibility. It was a keenly contested pageant with 20 participants under the auspices of the Imo State Congress of America (ISCA). As a queen I was involved in many outreach activities, doing humanitarian work and kept my foundation on hold,” she noted. Was there a monetary value attached to the victory? Adaeze answered in the affirmative but stressed she did not set out to wear the crown because of material returns. For her, wearing the crown has provided her a stronger platform to attend to the needs of the less privileged. She was in Imo in December 2014 for her charity work and worked as a volunteer at the Imo Foundation where she attended to the needs of people. “I was glad I did because working with older people gives me joy and I hope to go back to the Foundation for the Elderly to offer my assistance,” the ex-beauty queen noted. During the second inauguration of the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Adaeze was in Owerri to deliver her crown to the First Lady, Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha, pledging to work with her in making deliverables available to schools, SOS villages and such places where her NGO would be helpful. She later visited the Owerri City School to address the kids to do charity work. Adaeze, who had an audience with the state governor, later wrote on her

Cassandra in her evening dress Facebook wall, “I remember when I told a friend that someday I will love to pay a courtesy visit to the governor of my state. He laughed at me and said, ‘Who the hell do you think you are? Do you

She is asked to compare her experiences back home and in New York. “I have been in the USA for five years now. While in Nigeria I was living in Lagos around the Iba Estate. My father was the first to go to the US and later the rest of the family relocated to join him. I passed through three colleges including Pentecost and Prime Touch after my primary exposure at Learning Field. My American experience has been one of joy on a comparative note. US facilities are easily accessible and make learning a fun. “Power failure is unheard of and everywhere is lit while the technology is highly advanced. You have all that you need to move forward. Nigeria, on the other hand, has grounded me in my culture, good manners and how to be a good cook. The culture back home does not compromise discipline unlike in the US. An exposure to both cultures has made me a better human being,” Adaeze pointed out. Her parents, she admitted, are wonderful. “Without them I will not be here today. When I started the NGO I was not having anything. My dad Ben and mum, Mercy, came to my support. We have a great home; my two sisters are twins and we have two boys. Even though she has been a beauty queen, Adaeze still looks ahead to contest in other pageants. “I am thinking in that direction and maybe after two years of completing my degree programme, I will think of other pageants including the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Miss World and Miss Universe as well as Miss Nigeria USA pageants,” she said.

I know a friend who went into prostitution and today her life has become miserable and diseaseladen. I share in her pains because she comes from a home where she was abused and nobody cared for her. She moved into the streets hoping life could be better but that was how she ended her life. I am not here to judge but to help such people refocus their lives and get out of that situation. I want to let them understand that somebody out there cares for them and is willing to share their pains

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 9, 2016

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Christians Tackle El-Rufai over Muslim Majority Claim in Kaduna John Chiklam in Kaduna

Recent claim by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai that Muslims constitute 70 per cent of the population of the state, has pitched him against the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), an umbrella body for ethnic nationalities in the Christian dominated part of the state challenging him to produce empirical evidence to authenticate the claim. El-Rufai was quoted as saying that Muslims had majority population of 70 per cent in the state, when he featured on Channels Television programme "Sunrise daily" aired April 6, 2016. "Here in Kaduna we have a significant Muslim majority, 70 per cent and 30 per cent Christian minority...”the governor was quoted to have said during the television programme. However, SOKAPU in a statement on Friday said the governor's claims were baseless and ridiculous. According to the statement which was signed by the President of the Union, Mr. Solomon Musa, the 2006 population census excluded questions on religion and ethnicity, wondering how the governor came to such conclusion that Muslims constituted 70 per cent of the population. "We were both amazed and

concerned at the religious ratio of 70 per cent Muslims to 30 per cent Christians that he gave on national TV. "This is because, based on the 2006 census, there was no question asking Nigerians their religious leaning. "So it came as a shock that Governor El-Rufai could carelessly and recklessly give the ratio of the two major religions in the state without any empirical evidence. "That to us, this is a most unfortunate statement from a governor who is expected to know the risk of stoking the flames of religious intolerance by deliberately misleading Nige rians", the statement said. Musa further stated that SOKAPU was gradually getting a peep into the mindset of the Governor through such utterances, alleging that some of the policies of the governor, "since assuming power have been tainted by his dangerous belief that Muslims hold the majority in the state". According to SOKAPU, the skewed appointments in Kaduna state, "so far are the worst that we have seen for a long time". He noted that for the first time, the Governor, the Minister, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, the Principal Private Secretary, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and so many key aides of the governor were from his own stock.

Navy Redeploys 34 Rear Admirals, 4 Commodores Senator Iroegbu in Abuja in Abuja

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral IbokEte Ibas, has approved the redeployment and posting of 38 senior officers of the Nigerian Navy (NN) to various strategic positions including 34 Rear Admirals and four Commodores. The Director of Information, NN, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said the changes reflect the current effort to reposition the NN for greater efficiency and inject fresh drive into its operations and administration in line with the CNS' Strategic Directive. Those appointed include the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral RO Osondu who hands over to former Navy Secretary Rear Admiral FD Bobai; and the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral AS Abdulkadir who hands over to Rear Admiral JO Oluwole; while the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral AO Suleiman hands over to Rear Admiral T Dick. Others affected in the latest

reshuffle, are Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral AA Osinowo, who hands over to Rear Admiral JO Okojie; and the Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Rear Admiral EG Ofik who hands over to Rear Admiral SAG Abbah. Meanwhile, the newly appointed Principal Staff Officers at the Naval Headquarters include Rear Admiral JA Ajani – Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLANS), Rear Admiral OC Medani – Chief of Administration (COA), Rear Admiral HH Babalola Chief of Naval Transformation (C NTRANS), Rear Admiral AA Osinowo – Chief of Training and Operations (CTOPS), Rear Admiral EG Ofik – Chief of Naval Safety and Standard (CNASS) while Rear Admiral AO Odeh takes over as the Chief of Naval Engineering (CONE). In addition, Ibas appointed new helmsmen for two major Directorates at the Naval Headquarters including Rear Admiral IO Mohammed as Director of Project Implementation Directorate (DPIMED) and Surgeon Rear Admiral EE Enechukwu as Director of Medical Services (DMS).

LAST RESPECT...

L-R: Son-in-Law, Mr. Alobo Hakeem Bakare; Mrs. Tosin Bakare; Pastor Itua Ighodalo; Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Mrs. Yinka Taiwo and Mr. Deji Okoya-Thomas during funeral Service in honour Late Lady Mrs. Olivet Abosede Okoya-Thomas held at Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos yesterday Mubo Peters

"This, to us is deliberate and a true manifestation of his belief that fairness and equity shouldn’t be reflected in his administration. "We also want to tell the Governor that he goofed when he said that no killing took place in southern Kaduna in

the last six months. On March 24, 2016 Mr. Daniel was shot dead in his house around 7pm in Antor, Aboro District of Numana Chiefdom, Sanga local government area. Same March, a man was butchered in Ancha Gida, Ancha district of Ninzo chiefdom in his farm

by suspected Fulani gunmen. Another man was killed last December on his farm by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Yaute, Wasa district of Numana chiefdom. "The governor probably doesn’t consider those killings worthy of his attention

since in the same interview he said the killers were victims of the 2011 crisis, and then went further to justify the killings on innocent people of Southern Kaduna by saying that the Fulani have a long memory of revenging any killings" the statement said.

INEC Expresses Readiness for FCT Polls as Police Warn Electoral Offenders Onyebuchi Ezeigbo and Yemi Akinsuyi in Abuja. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that it had deployed officials and materials for in today's elections in the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory. This is as the police in the FCT have warned would be trouble makers and intending electoral offenders that their men had been deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful elections where violators of electoral laws would be arrested. As the preparations for the elections entered the final phase, the commission said movement of people on Saturday would be restricted between 6 am and 4pm. Speaking to THISDAY of telephone on Friday, the Deputy Director, Media and Publicity at INEC, Mr. Nick Dazang said that every preparation had been made to have a hitch-free election. "We have moved election materials to all the Area Councils. After receiving the materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria vaults, they were taken to the commission's offices in the council headquarters. Similarly, all the staff to be involved in the election have

been asked to move to their areas of assignment where they are expected to pass the night so that they can report for duty on time", he said. Dazang said that there would be simultaneous accreditation and voting during today's election. He also confirmed that collation of results of the election would be handled at the council headquarters where winners of the contest are to be declared. However, THISDAY findings around the FCT indicates that the smooth movement of officials and materials might suffer disruptions due to the ongoing fuel scarcity which is presently biting hard. The Commissioner of Police on election duty for Federal Capital Territory, Foluso Adebanjo gave the warning while briefing the media on the Police preparation for today’s council election across the territory, also warned that anyone caught in the act of thuggery as well as their sponsors would be prosecuted. “May I state at this point that the Police is fully prepared and committed to the successful and peaceful conduct of this Election. I want to also assure members of the public that the Police will remain neutral and provide all

with a conducive atmosphere to exercise their voting rights. “However, the Police will not hesitate to apply the appropriate sections of the law in dealing with any individual or group of persons arrested trying to foment trouble or sabotage the electioneering process”, he said. The CP, who stepped into the shoes of the substantial FCT Police boss, Wilson Inalegwu for the Area Council election said the command deployed Police personnel to respective polling units and voting points by name for the purpose of accountability. He said: “It is pertinent to state at this juncture that Police personnel for this election duty have been properly briefed on their roles as stipulated in the electoral act. They will be professional, non-partisan, civil but firm in their approach and relation to the public.” Adebanjo said aside the aforementioned, the Police had been working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to provide water tight escort for the safe movement of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to the respective destinations. Continuing, he said: “Adequate security arrangements have been made for the protec-

tion of INEC staff and all ad-hoc staff being used for the conduct of the election. Also, security at all INEC offices across FCT have been beefed up.” The CP said in order to properly monitor the election, the Joint Operations Centre, JOC, domiciled in the FCT Police Command Headquarters, had since commenced operation. He said the centre was manned by personnel drawn from all the security agencies and they would be working with the sole goal of receiving real time situation reports and monitoring the conduct of the elections. Adebanjo insisted that the restriction of vehicular movement still remained 7am to 4pm and enjoined FCT residents to feel free to come out and exercise their constitutional mandate as the Police in collaboration with other security agencies would be on ground to provide security for the seamless conduct of the election. He advised FCT residents to be vigilant and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities through the FCT Police Command Helplines; 08061581938, 07057337653, 08032003913, 08028940883.

APRIL 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Buhari’s Irritable ‘16 Years of Waste’ Mantra

am always depressed and very angry any time President Muhammadu Buhari blames the previous regimes for Nigeria’s existing economic woes and the deficiencies of his 11-month administration. Our president has spent the last 11 months telling us stories about how the country was badly managed in the past 16 years. The man who was voted to bring about ‘change’ has spent virtually the last 11 months blaming his predecessors while the country wallows in darkness, unending fuel queues, poverty, disease, hunger, unemployment and malnutrition. For me, this ‘waste’ mantra is a mere propaganda to cover up the failings of the government. Buhari was aware of the country’s economic situation before he promised ‘change’. Our president was at it again on Monday, telling a delegation that, “in the past 16 years, we made a lot of money without planning for the rainy day. We showed a lot of indiscipline in managing our economy, and that is why we are where we are today.” He spoke at a reception for a delegation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), led by its President, Dr. Bernard Aliyu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The truth be told without sentiment; the economy handed over to Buhari on May 29, 2015 was a fairly good one with consistent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and industrial capacity utilisation. Under Obasanjo, late Yar’Adua and Jonathan, industrialists and SMEs were running their businesses with little encumbrances. The Naira and supply of fuel were fairly stable. The forex policy was also friendly to industrialists. That was why industrial capacity went up in the last three years of the Jonathan administration. So, how well-managed has this country been in the last 11 months under wailing Buhari? Are there positive stories to tell in areas like the value of our currency, economy, electricity, fuel supply, manufacturing, job creation and so on? The truth is that in just under 11 months, this administration has squandered virtually all the gains of the last 16 years. I challenge the president to point to a single tangible achievement of his administration in critical sectors like security, education, health, road, economy, power, housing or fuel in the last 11 months. All we hear of is the war against corruption while the country depreciates. The last 11 months brought pain, blood and tears to Nigerians, with thousands of businesses and manufacturers gasping for breath. Thousands of Nigerians have lost their jobs in the last 11 months. The Naira, our symbol of nationhood has never had it so bad. At a point, it was trading for as high as N400/$. This is the same Naira Buhari inherited at about N220/$. In this country’s 55 years of nationhood, the supply of petroleum products has never been this bad. In the last two months, Nigerians have been forced to turn fuel stations to second homes. Under Buhari’s watch, petrol is selling for as high as N400 per litre in government-approved fuel stations in some states. The corruption we are witnessing in fuel stations across the nation today is unprecedented in the history of this country. Which corruption is bigger than buying petrol in a governmentapproved fuel station for N400 per litre? Now, let’s go to power. The Buhari administration inherited a daily power generation capacity of 5500mgw and could not sustain it within 11 months. It is now struggling to do about 1800mgw daily. As a result, this hapless nation is perpetually in darkness. The epileptic supply of electricity, coupled with the piercing fuel scarcity has crippled this nation’s generator-economy. Many small and medium scale enterprises have crumbled under the weight of this twin monster. Homes and schools are also crumbling.

Buhari

The crippling forex policy of this administration has also led to the crisis in the manufacturing sector, with so many plants shutting. In the area of security, under Buhari’s watch, over 3000 have been killed by Boko Haram; the same Boko Haram that had been restricted to Sambisa forest on May 29, 2015. This is the same Boko Haram he promised to eliminate within two months. He eventually shifted it to December 2015 without result. So, what is our president talking about? Buhari has so far failed to sustain virtually everything he inherited from his predecessors, let alone improving on them. Yes, this country did not get as much as it should from the previous regimes in the last 16 years. Yes, there was so much waste, ineptitude and corruption. However, it was not a complete failure as being chanted by Buhari. It was clearly not 16 years of waste. The undisputable facts are there. Industrial capacity utilisation rose to 49% between 2012 and 2014, as confirmed by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. Maybe Buhari has suddenly forgotten that during these 16 years under review, Nigeria’s economy became the biggest in Africa, pushing aside mighty South Africa. We surpassed South Africa and our economy is now the largest in Africa and the 26th largest in the world. Between 2011 and 2014, GDP growth hovered around 7%per annum, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. According to a World Bank data, the Foreign Direct Investment in just the first six months of 2014 stood at $9.7 billion. Over $27 billion FDI flowed into Nigeria under five years of Jonathan; the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. The moribund automotive industry was revived during this ’16 years of waste’. Vehicles are currently being assembled in Nigeria after over 30 years comatose. Unfortunately, we have been losing all these gains in the last 11 months of the Buhari administration. The GSM phone Buhari is holding is a product of these ‘16 years of waste’. The GSM companies created thousands of jobs, paid trillions of Naira in taxes and contributed significantly to our GDP. Under Goodluck Jonathan alone, 13 federal universities were established. This ensured that every state of the federation had at least one federal university. In the area of politics, there were gains in the last 16 years with a stable democracy. Jonathan greatly deepened democracy in this country with consummate respect for free press, freedom of expression, human rights and virtually all democratic ethos. We must also note that Jonathan allowed a strong opposition party to emerge without ‘influencing’ INEC. That was why the then

The truth be told without sentiment; the economy handed over to Buhari on May 29, 2015 was a fairly good one with consistent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and industrial capacity utilisation. Under Obasanjo, late Yar’Adua and Jonathan, industrialists and SMEs were running their businesses with little encumbrances. The Naira and supply of fuel were fairly stable. The forex policy was also friendly to industrialists opposition All Progressives Congress emerged. Buhari benefited from this by emerging president last year. In the health sector, the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan in 2013 successfully carried out the first open heart surgery in the hospital; the first-ever in its over 60 years’ history, thanks to the massive refurbishment/modernisation of federal health institutions across the country by Jonathan. The UCH, just like many federal health institutions benefited in terms of world-class equipment and the training/re-training of its manpower overseas. The hospital has since carried out more open heart surgeries. The Aviation Master Plan and Road Map approved by Jonathan in January 2012 was passionately implemented. It was the first time that such a grand plan for the Nigerian Aviation Industry would be initiated and implemented ardently by any administration in this country. There are now two additional departure and arrival wings at the Murtala Mohammed international Airport which reduced queues during passenger processing. Some terminals in airports across the country were remodeled and upgraded. Regrettably, these projects have been stalled by this administration. Again, for the first time in the history of this nation, an international airport took off in the South-east. This is the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, upgraded by the Jonathan administration. Things changed on many federal roads across the country. There was a pleasant massive rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of major arterial highways by the Jonathan administration. This reduced travel time between most origins and destinations on these arterial routes. Take a drive on the new look Benin-Ore axis, and you will understand what I mean. The “Operation Safe Passage” launched by the Federal Ministry of Works in 2012 has led to the repair of the failed sections of many federal highways. This is visible on roads like Ilorin to Jebba, Lafia to Makurdi, Aliade to

Oturkpo/9th Mile, Enugu to Port Harcourt, Kano to Katsina and Odukpani to Itu. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road is also looking good. It is also not true that previous regimes did not save while making good money from crude oil. Under Jonathan and Obasanjo, this country saved for a rainy day. During Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s first time as finance minister, she established a stabilisation mechanism and opened an account for the oil surplus, which posted up to $22 billion. In 2008, when prices fell from $148 to $ 38 a barrel, Nigeria did not suffer because the country was able to tap into this fund. When she returned to the same ministry in 2011, the account had been depleted to $4 billion by our squandering governors. Many will still remember the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) initiated by the Jonathan administration. Billions of USD were saved in this SWF, thanks to the impeccable economic management of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Again, our squandering governors mounted pressure on Jonathan and depleted it. Even after that, $1 billion was still left in the SWF and was handed over to Buhari by Jonathan. It is also not true that Buhari has not been making good money in the last 11 months. I have heard Buhari’s legion of sycophants arguing that he is failing because there is no money to execute his plans. They attribute this to falling crude oil prices. This is not true. It is mere propaganda. This administration has been making good money from non-oil sourc¬es, including revenues from solid minerals and taxes. Good money has also been coming in from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). As a result, the three tiers of government in the last 10 months of the Buhari administration shared over N4.352 trillion from the Federation Account. The federal government alone got precisely N2.29 trillion as its share in 10 months – May 2015 to February 2016. Yes! N2.29 trillion. So what did our president do with this huge money?There is no single completed project in 11 months by the Buhari administration to justify this colossal amount. Contractors have abandoned virtually all federal projects across the nation. Just as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said, the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government has failed in several fronts in its promises to the people. In response to public outcry against the excruciating pain faced by Nigerians, the NLC is to declare a one-day nationwide strike. Also, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, said: “Nigerians didn’t vote change for suffering. We didn’t vote change for agony; we didn’t vote change for tyranny. We fully endorse NLC resolutions for strike.” This planned action by the NLC is clearly a good step in the right direction. Nigerians need to send a concrete message to our president that he has failed and must wake up from his slumber. Our dear president should stop his persistent excuses and get down to work. He must stop his globetrotting and spend quality time at home tackling the crisis this country is struggling with. This morning, I urge Buhari to reflect deeply about the recent statement of the Spiritual Father of the Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide, Most Reverend Samuel Abidoye. He said: “This administration will be a year in the saddle, yet, little has changed in the status of Nigerians, despite its posturing, its anti-corruption moves and general reform initiatives. Poverty has become a way of life for many Nigerians who could barely feed once in a day. This is not what they voted for. They voted for a better alternative. They want better lives for their children. They desire improved social condition for young graduates. They want to see infrastructure improved. Anger, frustration, fears and disappointment is building up among the people. The government needs to be concerned; very concerned.”

APRIL 8 , 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

Sina Ogunbambo pays tribute to Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun State governor, at age 60

nce upon a time, Orile Imo, a settlement along Abeokuta to Sagamu road in Ogun State was in a sleepy state. The few houses were built with mud and thatched roofs. Apart from the farmers and petty traders, illustrious indigenes of this community rarely pass the night when they visit, as there was no electricity. As providence will have it, the story changed in the year 2003. A mechanical engineer named Justus Olugbenga Daniel, popularly called OGD (Otunba Gbenga Daniel) took the driver’s seat as the third democratically elected Governor of Ogun State. The action man who has done his homework and has a blueprint, “My Contract with the people of Ogun State”, got cracking on the dualisation of the Abeokuta -Kobape- Siun- Sagamu 37.5 kilometres express road. From the feasibility studies, it was evident that many of the mud houses along this road have to give way. The usual practice in government was to mark out such houses for demolition, get the job on course and pay pittance to the affected landlords who have original documents to prove ownership. The new helmsman in Ogun State was briefed on this procedure, but the man who came with his laptop (something new at that time) opened the “magic box” and showed his design to his special adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Kehinde Osikoya, who doubled as chief executive officer of Ogun Road Management Agency (OGROMA), a new agency made up of engineers and other technical experts in the public service of Ogun State. His directive was that the residents of Orile Imo and other adjoning settlements whose mud houses would be affected should first be provided with newly built interlocked-red brick bungalows with modern toilets, complete with electrification of their homes and after being resettled, the mud houses could then be demolished and road construction should then commence. This simple directive in 2003 turned around the fortune of Orile Imo, turning it into a bubbling village with modern facilities. Their Lagos and Ibadan based natives, including those in the diaspora, started returning home to erect new houses while some residents of Orile Imo whose mud houses were far from the road and were not marked for demolition were trooping to the Governor’s Office, lobbying that their shanties be demolished and replaced with this new OGD bonanza houses. In the history of Ogun State, this innovation is for the records as it amounts to solving the problems of the general public with a human face. This 13th Executive Governor of Ogun State who turned 60 on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, did not only dualise Abeokuta - Sagamu road, Lalubu road and a host of others, but commenced an aggressive road construction and rehabilitation road in the 236 wards of Ogun State. Electrification of roads in major cities was part of his programmes and he also succeeded in persuading the federal government to erect the first flyover bridge in Ogun State at Sango. With his business unusual approach, he penetrated the private sector in partnering with the government to industrialise the state and provide jobs for thousands of people. Nestle Foods, Dangote Cement at Ibese, Multirex Cocoa Industry, Coleman Wire & Cable and several other investments were attracted to Ogun State by his administration. He embarked on Agri-Cargo airport to a point, brought in a lot of Chinese investors, commenced the Olokola deep seaport project as well as Ogun Guadong. The zeal with which he drove the national sporting event, Gateway Games in 2006 remains unparalleled in the history of National

A MARVELOUS POLITICIAN, A GO - GETTER, A GENTLEMAN AND A RUGGED FIGHTER ON PRINCIPLES, SOME OF HIS FOLLOWERS AND ADMIRERS MIGHT HAVE SHIFTED BASE TO OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES BASED ON DYNAMICS OF POLITICS. HOWEVER, THEY ARE RESOLUTE ON THE PREMISE OF HIS DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP AND MONUMENTAL RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Sports in Nigeria. What is of more importance to the people of Ogun State, especially in Abeokuta was that it enhanced commerce to an unprecedented level. His eight years administration built new stadia at Ijebu - Ode, Sagamu and Ilaro and transformed the existing MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. That Ogun State has the record of having the first University of Education in Nigeria is to the credit of his administration. Under his administration the area boys and girls became “good boys and girls” earning monthly salaries as painters under the Ogun Employment Generating Programme (OGEGEP) of his administration. University graduates still scouting for job were provided with allowance and engaged by the government to work on certain days while searching for job. This has nothing to do with thousands of school leavers and graduates employed by the public service of Ogun State during his tenure. Artisans benefitted immensely from his administration as they were freely provided with sewing machines, hair dressers, generators, etc., to enhance their trade. Housing programme under Daniel’s administration was marvelous as it changed entirely the face of Abeokuta and other major cities. The Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop Estate, the OGD workers estate (which made 1000 civil servants of all grades including drivers and messengers to become landlord and landladies), the new phases of the State Secretariat and other numerous estates that were public/private ventures were part of the package. The computerisation of the entire Ogun State public service was achieved by his administration while a fleet of brand new buses were provided to ferry workers to their offices. In the area of tourism, he transformed Olumo Rock, turning it into a money spinning machine with the introduction of an elevator to take tourists to the top of the rock which a lot of people dread to get to manually. Bilikisu Sugbon shrine at Oke Eri in Ijebu also got a facelift and adire dresses were aggressively promoted. New hospitals were built by his administration and a lot of primary and secondary schools got new structures and general rehabilitation During his tenure, three former Presidents of Nigeria, namely, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr Goodluck Jonathan came to commission monumental projects and they all scored him high marks. In fact, a tome cannot be enough to document the achievements of his administration. A brilliant and charismatic personality with his trademark smiles and black cap, Daniel is really in love with debates and strategy sessions. This favourite student of late Professor Ayodele Awojobi brought in an appreciable number of technocrats to complement politicians in moving the state forward. Born on April 6, 1956 to late Bishop Adebola Daniel and late Princess Esther Olaitan Daniel, Daniel is married to Yeye Olufunke and is blessed with children. He attended Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta and University of Lagos where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration. A marvelous politician, a go - getter, a gentleman and a rugged fighter on principles, some of his followers and admirers might have shifted base to other political parties based on dynamics of politics, community decision, personal reasons and the change mantra. However, they are resolute on the premise of his dynamic leadership and monumental record of achievements in Ogun State. Ogunbambo, a journalist, was a member of Ogun State extended State Executive Council in Daniel’s administration

A LEAP TOWARDS PEACE IN KADUNA (2)

have extensively studied the Religious Preaching Regulation Bill and have consulted with lawyers. My clear take on the amended law is that it does not in any way abridge, threaten to abridge or violate the freedom of worship as enshrined in the constitution of our great country. On the contrary, the bill, if passed into law will establish Kaduna State as a bastion of peace and tranquility in northern Nigeria. Again, I can attest to the inalienable fact that Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, whom I have worked closely with for more than two decades, will never ever be part of any scheme, plot, programme or legislation targeted at abolishing, abridging or derogating the freedom of religion and religious beliefs as enshrined in the constitution of our great country. Like the governor and most other well-meaning citizens of Kaduna State, I totally support this law because I know that it merely seeks to ensure that religious preaching and activities in the state are conducted in ways that do not threaten public order, public safety and the rights and freedom of other persons. I also support this law because I am aware that a peaceful Kaduna will eventually become prosperous and become an investor’s haven. Mention has been made of the supposed opposition of religious leaders in the state to this bill. Yet, the initial apprehension about the law by the clerics was largely informed by inadequate information available to them. Political opponents

The Religious Preaching Regulation Bill is for the good of the people, argues Uba Sani of the governor had spread the falsehood that a new law that would emasculate religion was in the offing. Expectedly, our highly regarded Islamic and Christian leaders believed this crass misinformation by ill-intentioned political jobbers and panicked. However, after due explanations and with several of our religious leaders now availed of copies of the bill, they now have a better understanding. They are now aware that it is not a new law; that the bill does not in any way seek to negate or infringe on the freedom of worship; they are now aware that this law is basically aimed at deepening safety and security in Kaduna State and they are well aware that a peaceful Kaduna State would unleash the huge and enviable economic and other potential of our great state. Salient features of the proposed law include the establishment of an inter-faith ministerial committee to regulate the practice of the two main religions in the state, Christianity and Islam. The law provides for the establishment of a committee of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) with equal representation of the Izala and Darika religious groups, for Muslims, and another committee by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The inter-faith ministerial committee is expected to exercise supervisory control over JNI and CAN with a view to stemming provocative or public hate preaching

hence the restriction on the playing or blaring of religious recordings outside churches and mosques. Under the law, a preacher may be jailed for a period not exceeding two years if he preaches without a valid licence or engages in inciting religious teachings and uses derogatory terms in describing any religion. The law also stipulates that a preacher visiting Kaduna from outside the state is expected to obtain a permit to cover the period of his stay. For preachers who are resident in Kaduna State, the licence to preach has a life span of one year which may be renewed. Truth told, incessant hate and inciting preaching have for years been the main cause of religious upheavals in Kaduna State. Equally damaging has been the inciting statements credited to some overzealous or extremist preachers. The matter of hateful or provocative preaching was robustly addressed during the JNI’s 2015 annual pre-Ramadan conference in June 2015 in Kaduna when it noted that in spite of repeated calls by the Muslim leadership, some scholars still employed divisive comments during their Tafsir preaching in the month of Ramadan. According to the JNI, “there is a growing trend of mystic doctrines expressed by some unguided extremists which

are completely contradictory to the Islamic faith and principles.” The JNI leadership was also of the view that several of the media houses that air Tafsir during Ramadan do not care to censor statements capable of destabilising the Ummah. The JNI also expressed concern that negative conducts contrary to the established creed of the Islamic faith were being exhibited by some scholars in their Tafsir sessions. Consequently, the JNI insists that “the (Muslim) leadership should regulate the conduct of Tafsir, to control erring commentators and make it mandatory for any Mufassir to be screened and be given permission by the JNI or any authorised body before he can be allowed to venture into Tafsir.” The JNI’s solution to such infringements clearly tallies with the provisions of sections of the proposed new law that Governor el-Rufai is proposing. The JNI also agrees with the governor that Kaduna State should not and will no longer be the hotbed of needless religious acrimony or riots. The state seeks to harness the beauty in its diversity to strengthen social ties and bolster its economy and eventually restore the glory of the state as a bastion of peace and a pacesetter in northern Nigeria. Sani is the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir el- Rufai on Political Affairs

APRIL 8, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Not yet Uhuru...

As Edo Votes Again…

y January 2017 when the new governor of Edo State must have finally settled down in Dennis Osadebey’s avenue, it would be 120 years since the British ransacked Benin City, the capital of the state. It would be the state’s 5th gubernatorial election since the country returned to constitutional rule. The pervading feeling is that the seat is up for the state’s majority tribe. They had a shot at it before for eight years. Same as the leading tribe in the north of the state. But the central tribe apart from a brief stint is yet control the levers of power despite their array of prominent citizens. I was lectured by a leading figure of the majority tribe in the state of the political equation that works there, which really doesn’t balance like Chief Richard Akinjide’s 12 two-thirds. He told me the rotation is thus: two terms for the majority tribe and two terms for all other tribes put together. And since the outgoing administration is from outside the majority tribe, it falls due to them again. It was the same reasoning the majority tribe in Delta State tried to install one of their own but was overruled. It is why Mr. Ibori, despite all that have come his way, remains the political leader cum benefactor of that state. Despite some of his actions for which he has been jailed, Mr. Ibori empowered so many of his state indigenes and left landmarks across the state. Some 120 years after the British invasion, a Benin City’s son might well be at the helm of affair in Edo State. So much has been written of the role of a certain family in “collaboration’’ with the British invaders. Some still see it a sellout. Well, for others, it was being pragmatic. I am in custody of a publication vetted by the palace that proved that the very family head who “collaborated” was actually a close friend of the monarch at that time. And he actually might have done what he did in the larger interest of the state. There is something that has interested political scientists since the return of constitutional rule in Nigeria. It is the handing over of power on a platter to the uninitiated. And this overlord who thinks he knows what is best for his state, expects continual loyalty and to pulling the levers of powers from his bedroom outside the State House. It has largely failed almost everywhere it has been tried.

Chief Jim Nwobodo practically handed the state to an erudite America-based doctor. But a man brought up in America can hardly play a stooge to anyone. Dr. Uzor Kalu handed over power to his chief of staff inside Kirikiri prisons and he later came out and poked his 10 fingers into his benefactor’s eyes. Some say it was justified. Ask his benefactor how his eyes are faring. Donald Duke made sure his long-term pal succeeded him. Before long, they had stopped greeting themselves. The current one is the man who made his crony deputy governor for eight years and also as his personal assistant when he was Defence Minister. He finally handed over power to him as governor and no doubt, he is expected to still be over lord. The national dailies are reporting the shredding not only of his legacy but of his image. What would make anyone now think his own case would be different and he won’t be rubbished and demonised later? That the one he installed will continue with his plans and to continually take his phone calls and instructions? Cliff Chima, chimacliffchima@yahoo.co.uk

Buhari: Save the Downstream Oil Sector

s a Nigerian, I am disturbed by the alarming rate of job losses especially in the downstream sector of the oil industry. What is happening in the downstream sector has also triggered massive job loss in the banking sector and others. Recently, a company sacked a neighbour of mine who has spent all his youthful age working for a popular major oil marketing firm following the downsizing of workers. The worst hit are companies owned by Independent oil marketers. Over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their jobs due to the resolve by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to starve independent marketers of petroleum products. The Independent Marketer Programme came as a result of the petroleum products shortage of the 1970s which was partly attributed to lack of sufficient investment by the major oil marketing companies in petroleum retailing outlets, especially in the rural and more distant areas of the country. Consequently in 1979, the indigenous independent marketers’ scheme was established to increase the number of outlets, particularly in the rural areas and to permit the direct participation of Nigerians in the petroleum marketing and distribution

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

business. As of date, over 1,500 independent marketers spread all over the country, are registered with the Petroleum Products Marketing Company to lift products from all the depots. Today, most, if not all the independent marketers have been complaining bitterly about this sad development because unlike previous governments which recognised that independent marketers have the largest number of retail outlets (petrol stations) when compared to the major marketers, this present regime favours the majors in product allocation for inexplicable reasons. Unfortunately for the independent marketers, the umbrella body that represents their interest, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has broken into two factions and the disunity is adversely affecting their primary role and taking up this unfortunate development forcefully. The past few months have been terrible for the independent oil marketing community. Most independent marketers have reduced their staff and some have closed down their stations thereby increasing the number of unemployed Nigerians in the job market. How could the president feel unconcerned when his fellow countrymen are losing their source of livelihood? To compound matters, there are independent marketers that accessed and used banking facilities to develop their outlets and do their business that are now in default with the affected banks harassing them for loan repayments. It has been observed that the ongoing restructuring of NNPC appears to be in consonance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which provides for, amongst others, the ‘unbundling’ of the corporation and the creation of autonomous corporate entities that will be allowed to operate purely as companies in the private sector. This is a very positive development. However, in so doing the Minister of State for Petroleum/GMD, NNPC should also adopt and follow the true spirit of these reforms by creating a more level playing field for all participants in the downstream sector generally. That policy direction will allow for a more positive outlook going forward, since there is no way NNPC through PPMC can ever solely cater for adequate supply of petroleum products efficiently and effectively to the nation, taking into consideration the realities on ground. That is why the fuel scarcity is biting harder presently. Odita Sunday,oditasonny2002@yahoo.com

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 9, 2016

TRIBUTE

LettertoD.S.PAlamieyeseigha,NigerDeltaMartyr James Onanefe Ibori

SP, I write this with a mixture of a heavy heart and compelling sense of pride. Even as I mourn, I find comfort in the love, admiration, reverence and even veneration that have gushed out for you from all parts of Bayelsa, the entire Ijaw nation, and beyond, despite the political persecution and orchestrated disinformation that culminated in the public hysteria against you. You can imagine the mixture of emotions running through me as I write this. How can I possibly tell your story? Where should I start? It seemed like yesterday when we took over the reins of power from the military administrators in our respective states; Delta and Bayelsa. How can I ever forget the role you played in resolving the chaos and disorder in both states in 1999? Youth militancy, occasioned by deep resentment of the Federal Government’s political manipulation and interference in the Niger Delta, troubled both states. Unemployment, neglect, degradation of our ecosystem, oil pollution and poverty pushed our youths to convene a conference which gave birth to the Kaiama Declaration. Delta State was overwhelmed by the Ijaw/Itsekiri crisis. How can I forget what you did to incentivize the Chiefs, Peres and Agadagbas to intervene positively? You secured the peace that was essential for us to settle into governance. I can recall my first visit to Bayelsa State after the inception of democratic rule; it was a forgotten state with one road from the East-West Highway to Yenegoa and no more. We went everywhere by boat. Fast forward to two years later; you had transformed the state capital and the neighbouring towns and had by then started your fast-tracked development; establishing schools, notably the NigerDelta University, sending Balyesans to universities and vocational schools abroad on scholarship, etc. You provided stable power supply as Bayelsa was not on the National Grid. You actually integrated Baleysa into the Nigerian State and made it part of the modern world. How can we ever forget that? You rose like a phoenix from the ashes of political discontent and discord to bestride Bayelsa’s politics like a colossus. Your people’s love for you was displayed on your return from London in November 2005. The entire state was agog with joy not because every Bayelsan agreed with your politics but because most Bayelsans believed your travails were triggered by your commitment to their cause. Naturally, you had your ardent supporters as well as adversaries; yet, you rode into Yenegoa triumphantly like the biblical Jesus entering Jerusalem. That was a memorable day in Bayelsa’s history. Your enraged traducers sent a heavy deployment of troops to Government House, Yenegoa on a “kidnap or kill mission”. The rest is now history. How can we ever forget that part of our national history? You languished in jail having been slammed with spurious charges which you vehemently denied till you drew your last breath. As your health deteriorated, concerns were expressed at the highest level of Nigeria’s political administration. Emissaries were sent to plead with you to see reason and end the ‘torture’ by pleading guilty; an overture you resisted until one of our illustrious sons was dispatched to you in Lagos to assure you of the government’s intention to pardon you after your guilty plea. DSP, you know I have the credentials to testify to this fact. Oh, how can we forget your address in court on the fateful day you pleaded guilty? I have recalled your travails to remind your family that you died in action, and

to reassure the Ijaws that you more than earned your title; Ijaw nation’s GovernorGeneral. You also earned your epaulets as “General”. You led the battle from the front like Kings of Medieval Europe. You died from injuries sustained in battle. You are our martyr! Your spirit stoutly opposed injustice and tyranny. And in 2005 when Nigeria was under the grip of a budding tyrant, you felt that injustice must be confronted and that a society that cowers before tyrants is unworthy of freedom. How can we forget how furious you were when Odi was demolished - with youth militancy as a justification? And when a state of emergency was imposed in Plateau State, you publicly condemned it as an unconstitutional act of rascality. DSP, the events that led to your death climaxed well before your orchestrated arrest. The year was 2005 and the event was the National Constitutional Conference. The Federal Government convened a ruse in the name of a conference and appointed one of our illustrious sons, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, as its chairman. Unbeknown to the man, the confab’s outcome had already been predetermined in a document containing the final resolutions – though the confab was just starting. The document was handed over to the jurist; he rejected it and threated to resign. When he emerged from Aso Rock, he immediately called on you for debriefing, after which he came over to see me. As was usual of you, you immediately summoned a meeting of the Niger-Delta delegates at Oghara, after they staged a walk-out from that confab. You articulated the position of the Niger Delta; to insist on derivation principle of not less than 25% graduated to 50% in five years. You also advised them to coordinate the southern states in opposing any attempt to ride on the back of our demand for true fiscal federalism to impose a six-year single tenure as contained in that rogue report. The Niger Delta delegates led the assault against the single tenure proposal; the real agenda of the conference conveners. DSP, you had promised to release your memoirs, but could not do so before you were killed. We shall work with your family to ensure its timely publication in order to do justice to your contributions to the Niger-Delta/Nigerian debate. Unfortunately, many Nigerians who joined the public hysteria against you

DSP, time, the acid test of values, will affirm you a true leader who made invaluable sacrifices, including the supreme sacrifice, on behalf of your people. Time too will expose those who ganged up against you, framed and hounded you to death. A few weeks before your death, we had our last earthly conversation. Despite your travails and failing health, you were only concerned about the South-South

D.S.P Alamieyeseigha were victims of media manipulation. I’ll only remind them and their manipulators, of the French writer, Emile Zola’s words: “It is a crime to lie to the public, to twist public opinion to insane lengths in the service of the vilest death-dealing machinations.” To the Ijaw people, I say thanks for the immense honour poured out for our leader, who fell in battle. Such apotheosis is given only to the truly great. DSP, the Ijaws and Niger Deltans salute you. We will honour you forever because we affirm you as our true leader who became a victim of a political “witch-hunt”. In 17th century medieval England, one Mr. Mathew Hopkins styled himself as “witch-finder General”. What an irony; the biblical Mathew was an ardent and devoted Christ-follower. Just like in 21st century Nigeria when political foes were victims of a witch-hunt, Mathew Hopkins hounded the innocent, the weak, the clergy and political opponents, exploiting the fear of naïve Englishmen and dispatched his victims to the gallows under the guise of cleansing England of witches. He earned notoriety in the process but earned money as well. Suspected witches (and several social, political and even religious opponents too) were so maliciously charged and tortured until they were either forced to confess or they died. Either way a person had no way of proving his innocence. One unfailing method then was the floating test: a suspect was tied to a chair and set afloat on water. If the person floated, he or she would be burnt as a witch, if the suspect sank and drowned, too bad. In the Nigerian witch-hunt at the turn of the millennium, a politician would be held in custody until a guilty plea is secured or he died in custody. DSP, you were a double victim; they forced you to plead guilty, yet, the medical complications arising from the years of physical, psychological and mental torture killed you. Even as I carry my own cross, I can never forget what you stood for. Those who knew the real you and the reason for your “death” will strive to wipe the dust of unsubstantiated blame off your gravestone and leave your name free from the undeserved dirt thrown by mudslingers, even as we wait in the unfailing hope that one day the truth about your travails

would emerge. As Zola said in that newspaper article (J’Accuse) of Thursday, Jan. 13, 1898, “As for myself, I have not despaired in the least, of the triumph of right. I repeat with the most vehement conviction: truth is on the march, and nothing will stop it. Today … the positions have become clear: on one side, those who are guilty, who do not want the light to shine forth; on the other, those who seek justice and who will give their lives to attain it. I said it before and I repeat it now; when truth is buried underground, it grows and it builds up so much force that the day it explodes it blasts everything with it.” DSP, time, the acid test of values, will affirm you a true leader who made invaluable sacrifices, including the supreme sacrifice, on behalf of your people. Time too will expose those who ganged up against you, framed and hounded you to death. A few weeks before your death, we had our last earthly conversation. Despite your travails and failing health, you were only concerned about the South-South. You said “Odidigboigbo, I eagerly await your return so that we can begin the great task of re-uniting our people so they could speak with one voice”. DSP, when I return, Nigeria will never be the same for me without you. Enemies of our people, enemies of true democracy which accommodates strong, courageous, vibrant and viable voices have actually done their worst; they have “murdered” you. My condolences go to your wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, and your children; Ayibatonye Gideon, Enetombra, Ebipadei, Emebelakpo, Saleaka and Oyinkari “Bayo-o”, DSP, “Mala’muke on parade”. Bayo-o, fellow bearer of the Niger-Deltan cross, and victim of political witch-hunt. “Bayo-o”, great navigator in the stormy waters of Nigerian politics you broke the waves, paid with your life but found devotion in the crew you left behind. Our people will surely find the shores for your life will be their guiding compass. This is not the end, my friend. The prize we sought will still be won. Rest in Peace great “General”. ––Ibori was the former Governor of Delta State

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 9, 2016

NEWS

In Brief Fake EFCC Operatives Arrested

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has on Friday arrested two persons who pose as staff of the commission. According to a statement from the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Abbas Attahiru and Mohammed Sufiyanu were arrested for offences bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. According to the statement, Attahiru and Sufiyanu’s arrest followed a complaint by a would be victim, that the suspects claiming to be staff of EFCC, informed him of a petition purportedly written against him. "The suspects promised to give him a “soft landing” provided he was ready to part with some money. Suspecting a foul play, the complainant contacted the Commission and he was asked to play along as the EFCC does not solicit for, nor accept payments/gratification from persons or organisations under any guise to settle matters.

Kidnappers Demand N10m Ransom

KICKSTARTING PRODUCTION

L-R: The Managing Director Africa and Middle East,Olan International, Mr Venkataramani Srivathsan; Sir Gbagyi Mallam Danjuma Barde and Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna State; at the ground breaking ceremony of the Animal Feed and Protein Business in Kaduna ...recently Idris Egaji

Again, Herdsmen Attack Falae’s Farm, Kill Guard Another farmer killed in Okada JamesSowoleinAkureandAdibe EmenyonuinBeninCity One of the members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) employed as security guards by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae on his farm against the invasion of herdsmen has been killed by the suspected Fulani herdsmen. In a related development, suspected Fulani herdsmen in Okada, headquarters of Ovia North East local government area of Edo state yesterday murdered a farmer simply identified as Alex. THISDAY gathered that the herdsmen stormed Falae’s farm located at Ilado in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo

State and kidnapped the security guard after the deceased and his colleagues resisted grazing on their principal’s farm. The corpse of the deceased, who was kidnapped from the farm last weekend, was discovered few days ago inside a pool of water which is few kilometers to the farm. A source said the guards repelled the herdsmen when they first arrived only for them to resurface after mobilising more of their men and kidnapped one of the guards. It was gathered that the matter was reported at the state police command following which a search party was organised and which discovered his corpse many days later. The state police command which

Fire Claims 7 Lives in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo It was a black Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital as seven persons lost their lives in a fire incident alleged caused by poor storage of fuel. The inferno which occurred about 2 am at No 33 Ntia Street, off Ekpri Nsukara within the Uyo metropolis, THISDAY gathered, claimed the lives of a woman and her three children as well as three grandchildren of the landlady of the compound. Luck was on the side of the Landlady, Mandam Monica Effiong and other occupant of the compound as they were rescued and taken to hospital. An eye witness, Mr Ekemini Obot, who is the grandson to the landlady said his wife noticed the fire in the next compound when she went out to urinate and raised the alarm which attracted neigbours. However, luck was not on the side of the victims as the fire had consumed them before needed help could come. Mr. Obot said his grandmother and another occupant in the compound were rescued and rushed to the University of Uyo

Teaching hospital for medical attention. “I am Ekemini James Obot, the grandson to the land lady who owns this house that has been burnt.“The incident occurred around 2 am when my wife went outside to urinate and saw the fire and raised an alarm so we came outside and met the house burning. “We noticed that the compound had been sprayed with petrol which helps the fire to burn easily. Names of those that lost their lives in the inferno were given as; Daniel Sampson, Helen Sampson Itohoinyene Sampson all grandchildren to the landlady. Others included; Nsikak, Queen, Nsisong and their mother Happy, all tenants. According him, they suspected the incident to have been masterminded by a man who had land dispute with his grandmother and had promised to revenge. He said the fire service men and the police came to the scene that night but were too late to be of any assistance. Corpses of the victims were picked by the Police and deposited at a mortuary along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo metropolis.

had sent out invitation for a press briefing on the matter put it off for undisclosed reasons. Though, the Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison did not give any reason for the cancellation of the media briefing, sources said the assignment may have been halted because the Commissioner had not gotten approval from the Inspector General of Police. When asked questions on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Command, Femi Joseph declined comment saying all the questions should be directed to the Police Commissioner. The Personal Assistant to Chief Falae, Moshood Adekunle Raji said the matter was a criminal one and

would be handled by the state Police Command. Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Farmer in Okada… The man killed in Okada yesterday was aged 64, was brutally butchered and his remains were found in a bush near his farm by a search party led by his younger brother. His wife, Margaret, pointed accusing fingers at the Fulani herdsmen in the area, saying her husband had been complaining about their activities on his farm. According to her, "They have killed my husband and left me to care for the children. The people that went there said they saw the Fulani people’s sandals in the place."

Kogi Police Parade 27 Suspected Kidnappers Yekini JimohinLokoja Kogi State Police Command yesterday paraded 27 suspected kidnappers that had been terrorising the state in the last three months. The Kogi State Police Commissioner, CP Yakubu Usman while parading the suspects before newsmen at the State Police Command said they were arrested across the state with dangerous weapons. According to him, on March 2, they got information that some Fulani's suspected to be armed robbers and kidnappers were sighted in a hotel in Idah, adding that his men quickly swung into action and arrested the suspects. The CP further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to have kidnapped one Isah Ibrahim with others and the sum of two million five hundred thousand was paid as ransom, stressing that the suspects also stated that in the month of December last year, they kidnapped one Mallam Isah Yusuf and the sum of five hundred thousand was collected and they killed the victim, because he could identify one of his captives.

"As a result of the arrest of the suspect his gang members went and killed the victim's father named Mohammed Yusuf at Idah" he said. Also paraded along other kidnappers was one Maha Musa who kidnapped Mr. Lily Yunpin a Chinese national. According to the Commissioner of Police, the suspect was arrested and during interrogation, confessed to various armed robbery, kidnapping, and attack on SARS base at Ejule, adding that himself and six others kidnapped the victim last month and a ransom of N3 million naira was collected while N100,000 naira was given to him as his share. Mohammed Isah and Iliyasu Abubakar were arrested for kidnapping seven years old boy in Aloma, Ofu local government council of the state. According to the CP, on March 20, one Sule Adamu Usman of Aloma Fulani camp in Ofu local government council of the state, reported that on that at about 4pm, one of his wives called him that his son named Halilu Usman seven years old was kidnapped by unknown gun men in the stream.

Following the unanimous demand by families and colleagues for the immediate release of the kidnapped Mr. Wole Akindutire in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, the abductors have contacted his family with a demand of N10 million ransom. Akindutire was said to have been adbucted on March 16 this year at Ada in PH by some unidentified armed men. According to his colleagues and class of 93/94 set of Faculty of Law students, Obafemi Awolowo University alongside his family told journalists in Lagos that the police had advised they waited for the call of the abductors. The Association had urged the IG of police as well as the Rivers state police to speed its search of the barrister and return him safe and sound to his families and loved ones They have called on every Nigerian still with vital information to help in the search.

Niger to Repatriate Almajiris

The Niger state Government is soon to commence the repatriation of almajiris to their states of origin, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has hinted in Minna the state capital. The Governor who was said to be disturbed by the large number of almajiris roaming the streets in search of food said a committee to advice the administration on how best to handle the situation had been set up. Governor Sani Bello did not name members of the committee or the period given them to complete the assignment. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Jibrin Ndace quoted the governor as decrying the increasing number of the almajiris “who are of school age from other states begging on the streets of Minna, the state capital”. The Governor made the observation when he stopped his convoy at a traffic light junction along Minna Western bye-pass to chat with some under aged Almajirs, who though came to acquire Islamic education, had to resort to begging for survival.

University Immortalises Izima

TheManagementofGregoryUniversityUturuhasnamedtheinstitution's Board ofTrustees and Governing Council chamber after a renowned jurist, Justice Cyprain Izima. Performing the naming ceremony, Chancellor and proprietoroftheuniversityDr.GregoryIbepraisedtheuniquedistinguishing lifestyle of the late legal luminary who while alive epitomised the virtues of honesty, morality and integrity in the conduct of his legal profession. Recalling the supportive role played by the late jurist during the formative phase of the young institution, Dr. Ibe enjoined his descendants to sustain the sterling qualities and numerous legacies of their father. In a welcome address, the Registrar, Dr. Austin Orisakwe informed the gathering that the late high court judge, apart from functioning as the pioneer Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Aba-Ngwa North, also had the rare honour of administeringthestatutoryoathofofficeonthepremiereBoardofTrustees and Governing Council of the university.

Sokoto Commences Sale of Hajj Seats

Sokoto State Pilgrims andWelfare Agency,Wednesday directed all local government councils in the state, to commence the sale of Hajj seats to intendingpilgrimsintheirareas.Thiswascontainedinastatementsignedby theMediaAssistanttotheAgency,MalamFarukUmar,andmadeavailable tojournalistsinSokoto,Friday.Thestatementadvisedintendingpilgrimsto depositN700,000withtheirrespectivecouncils,pendingtheannouncement of official Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission.The statement added that the National Hajj Commission had banned pregnant women, patients as well as the aged from performing this year's hajj exercise.

Hollandia Mix it Hits Market

Chi Limited, has introduced the new 315ml ‘Grab ‘n’ Go mixology pack.The mixologyGrab‘n’GoPackgoeswellwithone’schosenbeverage.According to the company, the Hollandia Mixology Grab ‘n’ Go Packs were also great for on the go fun as they were light and handy, with a specially designed prismaticshapeandanattractivescrewcapthatarecute.Commentingon the new product, the Managing Director Chi Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy said “We are committed to ensuring that our loyal consumers continue to get value and satisfaction from our products. Our customers are being offeredgreatvaluewiththenewHollandiaMixologyGrab‘n’Gopackswhich provide them a tasty and nourishing option to mix with other beverages.”

Juniac recommended for IATA Job

Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Air France-KLM Group, has informed the Group’s Board of Directors of the proposal he has received on the 5th of April 2016 from the Board of GovernorsoftheInternationalAirTransportAssociation(IATA)tobecome thenextDirectorGeneralandCEOofthisglobalorganisation.Alexandrede Juniacindicatedhewouldaccepttheproposal,whichisduetobediscussed at the IATA General Meeting (1-3 June 2016). The Air France-KLM Group’s Board of Directors has prepared a plan to appoint a successor to Mr. de Juniac given his imminent appointment as the IATA Director General and CEO, from 1 August 2016 at the latest. According to the Air France-KLM Board’s internal rules, the Air France-KLM Appointments and Governance Committee-withthehelpofaninternationalrecruitmentconsultancy-has initiated the process of identifying the best executive able to continue the Group’s consolidation and development.

SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2016 T H I S D AY

Plus Hassan Bala I Will Reposition Learn Africa and Lead by Example

THISLIFE AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 21 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 40 pg. 41

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 9, 2016

Plus

Bala

More Than Two-thirds of Book Industry Revenue Go to Pirates

He is every corporate organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream man at the top. Well suited, calm-looking and studious, he makes look simple the rigour of running a flourishing publishing firm. Erudite in thought and practical in approach and from being a foot soldier to being the head of his organisation, he knows what it takes to maintain the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning ways. Only one man has the depth of capacity to lead a publishing firm as Nigeria takes a dangerous bend in its economy. Hassan Bala, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive of Learn Africa Plc. (formerly Longman), recently made history as the first northerner to be appointed the head of the big publishing firm. Bala is not new to Learn Africa. In fact, he joined the organisation when it was known as Longman in 2000 as a sales representative in charge of Borno and Yobe States. He became an area manager in 2008 and by 2010, he was already an acting district manager. Three years later, he became the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s district manager. Thereafter, he was made head of sales for the North before he was announced as the acting managing director and chief executive officer. In this interview, he tells Samuel Ajayi about the state of publishing and its challenges in Nigeria, his rise to the top, the menace of pirates and why the future is still in the printed material

he book industry, especially the publishing industry, has been under pressure for some time now. How has Learn Africa been able to cope? The book publishing industry has been under severe pressures for some time now, just like agriculture, mining, transportation, oil and gas, textile, banking and almost other industries in Nigeria. The distinctive feature is that we are in an industry that is very crucial to the human capital development of our economy. Our operations influence almost every aspect of our existence as a nation. As a matter of fact, every family needs intellectual development and you can hardly achieve that without books. The poor reading culture in our country is a big challenge to the publishing industry. Books rank very low on the preference list of an average Nigerian and this has made it difficult to generate turnover that is commensurate with our huge population. Many people would rather spend their money on electrical appliances, jewellery, clothes and on unnecessary social events than buy prescribed textbooks for their children. It is very important for our people to

appreciate the fact that functional education can provide solutions to many of our current socio-economic problems. I must also say frequent bombings and clashes between insurgents and the law enforcement agents have forced many companies to close their offices while others have substantially reduced their operations and business hours. As a company, we are greatly concerned about this terrible situation, which has limited our promotional activities and revenue generation efforts. Our sales and marketing operatives have not been able to move extensively in order to sell the full benefits of our excellent learning resources to the teachers, school administrators and other influential persons in the educational sector. Several schools and bookshops have been closed down due to the destruction of facilities, widespread killings and threats to lives of students and their teachers. Many teachers in those areas have also lost the opportunity and interest to update their knowledge and upgrade their skills through attendance at capacity building events like the seminars and workshops that we organised in several locations across Nigeria. Moreover, many of the state governments that used to buy books in bulk

for distribution among students in their public schools have stopped doing so and this represents loss of significant business. Huge allocations are channelled towards fighting the criminal elements in order to guarantee security of lives and properties. It is important to state that despite the tough business climate, we have continued to meet our obligations to the employees, suppliers, authors, shareholders, government and other stakeholders. We are also making significant progress in our efforts to take this company to greater heights despite the challenges. We have been able to forge ahead due to the unflinching support of our shareholders, our solid capital base, wide range of excellent products, the goodwill of our customers, the resourcefulness and resilience of our employees, the committed management team and the visionary board. How much has piracy affected Learn Africa as a publishing firm? The greatest threat to the survival and prosperity of the book publishing industry in our country is piracy. It is a great assault on the intellectual rights of authors. As a matter of fact, some of the pirates pass off outdated books as

new editions to innocent buyers. It is also possible for them to use money that is derived from their criminal trade to finance other dangerous activities. It is painful that some criminals engage in unauthorised printing of fast-moving titles from established publishers and sell them at ridiculous prices. They neither pay royalties to authors as rewards for intellectual creativity nor pay taxes to support the developmental programmes of governments. Estimates vary, but there is a strong feeling that perhaps more than two-thirds of book industry revenue goes to pirates. The problem has affected the growth of the industry, limited its ability to generate employment opportunities for our growing population and reduced its contribution to the national economy. As a company, we have a standing anti-piracy squad that collaborates with the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the Nigerian Publishers Association and the law enforcement agencies in order to address this problem. We will continue to intensify efforts to minimise, if not eradicate, the menace of book piracy in Nigeria. We would also like to appeal to school authorities, parents, booksellers

APRIL 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus From Sales Rep I Became Learn Africa’s Managing Director and the general reading public not to purchase pirated copies.

books. We actually do not consider it to be a threat because we already have very good contents in the electronic format. I hasten to add that printed books and electronic books would continue to be available in the global book market for a long time to come.

How do you generate your contents? Generally speaking, we generate contents from specialists on different subject areas, many of who are independent authors. Sometimes, we commission carefully selected authors and team of authors to provide contents that would be suitable for publication as textbooks for the Nigerian educational system. We have actually partnered with representatives of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria and The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council in the publication of textbooks. From time to time, we also receive unsolicited manuscripts from established authors and aspiring authors. We evaluate the manuscripts on the basis of their relevance to our current publishing objectives, the target market and the identified needs of the reading public. We have contractual agreements with all our authors and we do our best to nurture mutually beneficial relationships with them. Why is Learn Africa mostly into educational book publishing? Learn Africa Plc was incorporated in August 1961 as a book publishing company. It developed as a subsidiary of the well-known international company, Longman Group UK Limited, now known as Pearson Education Limited, which is the world’s largest education business. Learn Africa’s mission at inception was the marketing and distribution of imported Longman Group titles, as well as developing publishing in English and the indigenous languages, to meet the growing book requirements of the Nigerian market. Today, Learn Africa is the largest educational publisher in Nigeria with over 5, 000 titles. We publish educational materials for pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary and professional levels. Our publications enjoy wide prescriptions at all tiers of education and are consistently extolled by all users for their excellent quality and pedagogical adequacy. Learn Africa’s objective is to sustain its leadership position through the provision of educational products of the highest quality. We have achieved an enviable reputation for our ability to identify, encourage and utilise the services of talented Nigerian authors. This effort has enabled us to publish some of Nigeria’s most successful learning texts, such as: NERDC Basic Mathematics, New Concept Mathematics, Stone & Cozens Biology, New Concept English series at the secondary school level, as well as Nigeria Primary English, New Method Mathematics and Basic Science and Technology at the primary school level. We are also involved in the publication of creative writing titles, continuous assessment booklets, school diaries and attendance registers. Learn Africa’s publishing skills and authorship resources are formidable; its book distribution network is very comprehensive and dynamic, while its products enjoy worldwide acclaim for their content and value. Our leading role in publishing in Nigeria has enabled us to secure and efficiently execute several and significant book-related contracts from governments and allied agencies. Our organisation was one of the few publishers appointed at the inception of the UPE in 1976, to fashion out a number of books in the core subject areas of Mathematics, English and Science at the primary level, for use in the implementation of the scheme. The company has subsequently participated in all the tranches of the World Bank and the PTF Educational materials procurement programmes and is a major player in the Universal Basic Education programme. In line with our corporate mission, we have remained focussed on the provision of first-rate educational materials that would be of great benefit to readers of all ages and interests. Who are your two closest competitors and how do they affect your market share? Without sounding immodest, I am confident that our new and backlist titles enjoy widespread acceptance and patronage at all levels of the Nigerian educational system. Our titles have been widely adjudged to be excellent in terms of contents and production quality. Besides, our highly motivated salespersons regularly engage school administrators,

How has foreign exchange restrictions affected your business? The foreign exchange restrictions have affected our operations because the book publishing industry depends on imported printing equipment and materials such as ink, film, plate and paper which are brought in at highly prohibitive foreign exchange rates. All these lead to high cost of locally produced books, which makes it difficult for us to achieve good returns on investments. Establishing letters of credit has become practically impossible while remitting payments after due dates of the already established letters of credit now takes forever. However, the reputation of good business ethics that we have built with all our vendors and suppliers is now working in our favour.

Bala

Our leading role in publishing in Nigeria has enabled us to secure and efficiently execute several and significant book-related contracts from governments and allied agencies. Our organisation was one of the few publishers appointed at the inception of the UPE in 1976, to fashion out a number of books in the core subject areas of Mathematics, English and Science at the primary level, for use in the implementation of the scheme. The company has subsequently participated in all the tranches of the World Bank and the PTF Educational materials procurement programmes and is a major player in the Universal Basic Education programme. In line with our corporate mission, we have remained focussed on the provision of first-rate educational materials that would be of great benefit to readers of all ages and interests subject teachers, government officials, booksellers and other relevant targets across Nigeria in order to convince them of the great benefits that are inherent in the various products that we have. Moreover, we update our textbooks regularly in order to align them with changes in the curriculum requirements, introduce new publications to meet new demand and come up with exciting initiatives to support teaching and learning. In addition, we have an extensive distribution network, which ensures that our customers can obtain stocks without any difficulty. I can boldly say that we are enjoying impressive patronage from all seg-

ments of the educational books market in Nigeria. As you might be aware, Learn Africa Plc has a rich heritage of excellence in books publishing and marketing. The current board, management and staff are committed to ensuring that we continue to set the pace for our competitors in terms of product range, quality of offerings, customer engagement, market share, turnover and return on equity. You have been in charge of northern operations of Learn Africa before your most recent appointment. What are you bringing into your new position? I joined the then Longman Nigeria Plc in 2000 as a sales representative (Borno/ Yobe States) and was promoted to the rank of an area manager in 2008. In 2010, I became an acting district manager; I was promoted to the position of a district manager in 2013. I was the head of sales (North) before my most recent appointment as the acting managing director/ chief executive. I have also been privileged to attend several courses on sales management, leadership, strategic management, and negotiation just to mention a few. I have been able to rise through the ranks to my present position through hard work, dedication and most important, the grace of the Almighty Allah. I am determined to bring my wealth of experience in educational books marketing and management of human and material resources to bear on the operations of Learn Africa Plc. I will lead by example and do all that is humanly possible to reposition, reform and transform all our structures, processes and activities, and instill the highest level of transparency and good corporate ethics in order to take our company to greater heights. We will continue to carry out periodic review of our operations with a view to maintaining very excellent relationships with authors, teachers, school authorities, ministries of education, educational agencies, booksellers and other relevant groups across the federation. We will never take our customers for granted because without them, there will be no Learn Africa Plc. We will always place strong emphasis on good corporate governance practices, cost containment and efficiency in order to guarantee optimum performance at all times. What roles do book fairs play in positioning Learn Africa as market leaders? We participate in many local and foreign book fairs. We seize the opportunity of such events to initiate relationships with policy makers in the educational sector, secure copyright permits, obtain exclusive marketing rights and broaden our partnerships with reputable service providers in the book publishing industry. How has the Internet affected the book publishing industry in Nigeria? As a proactive company, we are aligning with the growing interest in electronic

How much of your business is local content and how much is foreign? With the world having become a global village, business managers should ensure a fair mix of both local and foreign contents. At Learn Africa, we have continued to ensure this. We print locally and offshore. We source for authors locally and offshore. We edit and design our books locally and offshore. Currently, we do not have any expatriate on our payroll. In all of these, our local content will be in excess of 70 per cent with the balance sourced offshore. It is hoped, however, that the government would facilitate the revival of our paper mills and the production of other raw materials for books locally in line with the current campaign to reduce import dependency. Learn Africa NECO Excellence Award is regarded as a commendable initiative to reward outstanding performance. What is your organisation’s plan to expand the scope and sustain the award for the fifth year? Learn Africa Education Development Foundation was established to support the growth and development of the education sector through the provision of educational infrastructure and engagement in philanthropic activities that promote learning. I am happy to report that this corporate social responsibility arm of the company has been making remarkable progress. The objective was and remains to underscore the importance of excellence in education in our national development as well as encourage hard work, diligent scholarship and healthy competition. The awards recognise the top-three candidates at the June-July Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) nationally and in every state of the federation and Abuja. We also appreciate the overall best students in each of the following subjects – English Language, Mathematics, Biology and History. In addition, one teacher from the school that produced the first placed candidate is recognised while all the schools that produced winners receive free books from the foundation. The maiden edition of the event took place in 2012 during which 111 students, 97 schools and 37 teachers won various awards. A similar event took place last year and we are making preparations to ensure that the fifth year edition is even more successful. Reading culture in Nigeria is said to be on the decline due to the influence of social media. What can Learn Africa Plc do to revive this culture? We invest a lot of funds into the development of school libraries through the donation of books. We are interested in encouraging students to imbibe the culture of reading not only to enhance their academic performance but also as a means of developing their personality. I will like to appeal to the government to commit more funds to the effective operations of library boards so that they can provide conducive reading environments and current books for the benefit of our people. Public-spirited individuals and organisations can also contact us to find out how they can sponsor book donations to school libraries and public libraries across our country.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9, 2016

loud Whispers with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Jailed for Stealing Baby Food

Linda Ikeji vs Wizkid You see my annoyance knew no bounds following this dual display of arrant immaturity. Both combatants figuratively went after each other’s throats and in the process exposed themselves to ridicule, exposing their soft underbelly laced with a high sense of shallowness and bereft of any depth. That one reported that the other just got a quit notice led to such fratricidal engagement only pushed me close to the edge of my seat as I mourned the loss of sensibility amongst our youths as displayed by these set of so called role models. As I write, the mudslinging is still ongoing and my concern is really for the lady who has exposed her womanhood to such low levels of assault all because of the need to maintain a high profile career filled with slush. On the other hand, the boy singer only just showed me what I would not want my teenage son to grow up into. The fact that he has been lucky to churn out some funny cacophony of what he and his cohorts call songs to an unsuspecting population used to such ‘rubbish’ thereby making some money now puts him on a pedestal that he feels he has attained some level of immortality. Well, this is the disgrace the society has degenerated into. An abusive one where nothing is sacred not even the core of womanhood but what do you expect when our leaders call themselves unprintable names during scuffles displayed in the public space. Why won’t our little ones copy the Ogas and start describing how their private parts smell and all what not. Rubbish.

Ansalm Tabansi surprises me Ansalem na my man o. The tall and very fine gentleman threw his support for Loudwhispers during the week. Looking at the latest project figures, sweat started pouring out of my body and I was shaking like someone who had mistakenly entered a Boko Haram hideout. I

This is one story that has really touched me. The young man watching his new born baby cry for food and not being able to stand the sight simply went to steal the food and ended up in prison. This is a true Nigerian story and I must say is the story of millions in a country that remains wicked to the helpless. Nobody has come to his aide and no lawyer I hear even stood up to defend the man who only just needed to feed his baby. He has made the ultimate sacrifice of choosing to go to jail rather than watch his baby die. While not defending his poor choice,

knew I only had to just kneel down and pray to God for a miracle. God told me not to worry and that I should go to bed and immediately I wake up, he will give me a name and that name would save me. So I went into a belabured sleep through the heat of NEPA less night. On waking up, I saw Anselm’s name written boldly on the wall of my room. Kai, I called him and he picked that he was in his village. Village ke, he had to come back to Lagos cos there was a life he needed to save. He quickly agreed to meet me the next morning since he was coming back by night bus. We met at his wonderful hotel, Maison Farenheit. Kai, that place always stupefies me. The decor remains fascinating and with one big smile, he made my day. God bless him for me o. The show is back on. It’s Alibaba at The Muson in a play adapted from my book and Produced by myself and Olisa Adibua (I still dey look for that one sef). It promises to be a massively exciting outing as guests will have the rare opportunity of seeing me on stage doing what I know best to do- singing the Akwa Ibom anthem. Nasir El Rufai to die? The prophesy came and His Excellency has dared the prophet to name the date. You see these so called Prophets are really the root cause of all the problems we face in this country. I swear if we dig deep we will see that the true reason there is fuel scarcity and our failure to qualify for the next African Cup of Nations can be traced to these charlatans. Small thing they will be predicting people’s death,

I really do understand the desperation behind it. He must have been tired of begging, being ridiculed and refused by those closest to him. He must have just lost his job, refused employment and with nothing but a prayer walked into that shop that morning knowing that he had to do something or watch his precious little one die slowly. My prayers remain with him while in that prison and I am sure God in his infinite mercy would protect that child and give him succor in his fathers absence.

what is that. The last time I saw the Governor was at the Freedom Park in Lagos where he had come to discuss his book and he did not look like someone that was about to die. So where this prediction is coming from really beats my imagination. Back to sender Abeg and we should look for a way of regulating these prophesies. One had predicted my own death when I was younger, I almost died from fear. I stopped eating and could no longer plan my life. Why would I read to pass exam when I will soon die. If you see all the fine girls I missed because I was telling myself how will I enjoy these ones when I will soon die. What saved me was that I told my mother who was a no nonsense woman. She promptly arrested the prophet who after spending a night in the cell came out to recant his prophesy while also signing an undertaking that he would not prophesy anything for me ever again. So my dear Governor, please ignore these people they are just hungry. Uncle Segun Osoba welcome back I thank God you took my advise and not do the OBJ when you were leaving the APC. I had advised you not to tear your card just in case the day will come where you will run back and ask to be taken back. So today, you have gone back and I believe you owe me. So as we are busy celebrating your comeback, let me first ask this small question, would you have come back if APC had lost the last election? Don’t answer o, its just one foolish area boy that is beside me as I am writing that is looking for your trouble. How that question concern what is happening

really beats my imagination. The most important thing is that you are back and the price of Garri has gone down in all the markets around Abeokuta. Welcome back daddy. Fuel scarcity: I sleep naked The twin wahala of fuel scarcity and the permanent lack of power has made me resort to sleeping stark naked to preserve my sanity. When I come back from work everyday to the darkness that greet me, I strip naked take my bath like four times and in my birthday suit I lock myself out on the balcony to sleep. But to take on this past time there are some rules you have to follow. First make sure you don’t have little children awake, because your large tummy and skinny legs will scar your kids for life. If they are teenagers you send them on holiday with your mum in the village before you embark on this. Make sure your wife is securely locked in her room with a cold drink laced with valium before you head up to the balcony with your phone to embark on a wild journey of pursuit with your social media friends. While at it make sure you delete every picture or chat after each expedition. Invest in a good mosquito net and finally thank God for your life, you could have been born in ISIS controlled Syria.

Free tickets to Loud whispers the play? I want to give out 20 free VIP tickets to my most loyal readers. So the first 20 people who send me a text telling me just how much they like reading this column and also that I am the best writer to come out of Nigeria since Wole Soyinka won the Nobel will get the tickets. So start sending the texts and you will know via return text if you made the list. However, the following groups of people are disqualified from entering the competition- Fulani herdsmen, NNPC staff, Unilag girls, Queens College teachers, Ibe Kachikwu, Ekiti Lawmakers and the Masquerade of Lekki.

APRIL 9 , 2015 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

THIS LIFE Oluwole Falodun

How a Surgeon’s Error Made a Veteran Reporter Blind He was not born blind. He will be 74 this year. Born to an Anglican Priest in Ilaramokin, Ondo State, Oluwole Falodun was actually born in Lagos when his mother came to Lagos for the Women League meeting of the Anglican church. Falodun loved journalism. He wanted to practise it. And he did. He later went into public relations. All was well with him until he was scheduled for eye surgery, as he was battling with glaucoma . He had it in the right eye, but the surgeon put the knife into the left eye. And he lost the two eyes, permanently. This was in 1996. Since then, Wole, as his colleagues and friends call him, has been trying to make the best of what life has to offer. He refuses his photograph being taken when he had not put on his best dress. “I don’t want to portray the image of self-pity. I am always clean shaven and in best suits whenever I am going to church or any occasion,” he said. He is full of praises for Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who gave him a three-bedroom flat in Ogba and scholarship to his last child, who is in the university. Falodun says he wants to be taken care of in terms of his upkeep until he breathes his last. He also tells Samuel Ajayi his battle to change certain things about the doctrine of the Anglican Church, his family, journalism and why he will not like to discuss his marriage on the pages of newspapers

Turning Left? And it was a wrong turn… s that Samuel?” His voice echoed on the phone. Sharp as that of a wood pecker, he sounded upbeat. “Yes sir,” this reporter replied. “God bless you my brother. Kindly call when you are close by so I could direct you.” Muttering his gratitude, this reporter hurled himself inside his car and drove towards Abule Egba, a suburb of Lagos towards Abeokuta to meet Oluwole Falodun, ace broadcaster, journalist par excellence and public relations expert. Though Abule-Egba is actually along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and well known, but the problem was how to locate Falodun. “Turn left,” he directed. This reporter did but in actual sense, he was supposed to turn right! The merrygo-round continued until he asked a young man to come down and pick this reporter at the gate of the estate off the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. “Is that Samuel?” he intoned as he stood in front of the gate with his ‘guide’, a walking stick that is more than a companion. “I am very sorry,” he apologised profusely. He fumbled for the gate handle and opened it. When inside, this reporter offered to lead him by hand but he declined. “Don’t bother yourself. With this walking stick, I will find my way in. Just watch.” And he did. Even upstairs to where he usually sit inside the sparsely furnished sitting room. He expressed his gratitude again for searching for him and locating him at that corner of his own world. A world blurred by blindness in the last 20 years but which has not affected an intellect that is still as sharp as it was 50 years ago. “Please forgive me,” he pleaded. “I might miss timelines because I have been blind for the past 20 years. I have been sitting there for the past 20 years without learning new things. So I might not be coherent as you might have expected. I remember things but I may mix the years up. Kindly bear with me.” And truly he mixed years up but not history. He remembered every era of a glittering career that took him from broadcasting to print journalism and then to public relations. His journey into a life of darkness started when he was billed to do a routine surgery on his right eye that was affected by glaucoma. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, then a colonel

Falodun

of the Nigerian Army and military administrator of Lagos State had offered to foot his bill to Israel for the surgery, but Falodun said he told the military governor that it won’t be necessary. How wrong he was. The surgery that turned day to night… “I had glaucoma and at that time I was the publicity secretary to the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and also a member of the board of Lagos State Sports Council. I told Gov. Oyinlola and he made arrangement for me to travel but I said there was no point going to Israel,” the former reporter with Radio Nigeria told THISDAY. “I told him it could be done here and I went for it. I expected it to go well but it was not to be. It was my right eye that was affected but the doctor chose to operate the left eye and that was how I lost the two eyes.”

That was how day turned into night for Falodun “Bishop Awelewa Adebiyi, then Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, was transferred to Lagos and made some arrangement for him but the person who really took it up was Mrs. Ibadapo-Obe, wife of then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. She felt Falodun should sue the government for claims but the then governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, felt there was no point going to court as it may take decades to get the matter resolved. He promised to take up my responsibility and also pay the school fees of my children. He also said the government would give me a house. He gave me N100,000 that day and said I should come back after three months. “But throughout his first and second terms, I could not see him again. His aides just ensured that I could not meet him again. All efforts were frustrated.

I had attack of glaucoma and at that time I was the publicity secretary to the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and also a member of the board of Lagos State Sports Council. I told Gov. Oyinlola and he made arrangement for me to travel but I said there was no point going to Israel,” the former reporter with Radio Nigeria and son of a cleric told THISDAY. “I told him it could be done here and I went for it. I expected it to go well but it was not to be. It was my right eye that was affected but the doctor chose to operate the left eye and that was how I lost the two eyes This continued until Fashola came in and I tried to meet him too. But when my daughter was to marry in Ilorin, I went through Lai Mohammed the current Minister of Information and he gave me a paper. The following day, an aide of Fashola called and asked that I should send my account number. The governor graciously gave me one million

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9 , 2015

THIS LIFE

… with friends

Falodun with Arch. Bishop Olubunmi Okogie

Why I will Never Portray Image of Self-pity naira for the wedding. But that was not what I wanted,” Falodun said. Ambode to the Rescue… One day, Tunde Thompson, one of the two journalists jailed under Decree 4 of 1984, called and asked him what he was doing and Falodun told him he was doing nothing. Thompson now got in touch with Demola Osinubi of Punch Newspapers and a story was done. According to the veteran journalist, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State called Osinubi after the story was published and asked after him. This was in July last year. “Eventually, my children, who were promised scholarship by Tinubu, had graduated but my last child was still at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. In November last year, Governor Ambode called us and gave my son a scholarship of N500,000 per annum which has already been paid to him. He gave me a three-bedroom flat at Ogba. May God bless him.” Falodun was full of praise for Ambode. To him, with the gesture of the governor, his last days would be spent in bliss and contentment until he breathes his last. He thanked the governor for remembering him and giving him a roof over his head. “I want to commend Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for rising to the occasion. I thank him for the scholarship he gave to my son and the three-bedroom flat he gave me. It is a comfortable place and it is fantastic as I was told. Ambode is a true man of God. The Bible says let your light shine so that your good works can be seen and glorify your God in heaven. Ambode’s good works have started showing at Iyana Ipaja, Surulere, Abule Egba and so on. I cannot see but people are telling me. I appreciate him so much. “However, I want to ask him more. I need money for my upkeep and also to furnish the house he gave me. I really thank him a lot but I need to keep body and soul together. Something to feed myself until my creator calls me home, which I know won’t be so long again. This is what I want him to do for me and I will be eternally grateful to him,” Falodun pleaded. A Career so Glittering… Falodun is a thoroughbred professional who went through the mills to rise to the top of his profession. After his secondary school education, he went to the London School of Journalism where he honed his skills in writing and reporting. He came home and was employed by Radio Nigeria as a correspondent. It was the beginning of a career that would also take him to Lagos Weekend, a publication of the then publishing

Falodun with Chief Henry Oladele Ajumale and others APC chieftains

Gov. Ambode was Godsent to Me juggernaut, Daily Times. He was to later go into public relations. “I attended the 9th World Congress of Public Relations in Bombay, India in 1981 where I presented a paper. I was, on voluntary basis, the PR adviser to the late Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye, the late primate of Anglican Communion in Nigeria. With all modesty, the image of Anglican Communion, which I built, is still there and it is being built upon.” According to him, before the coming of Adetiloye, clapping, drumming and taking of photographs were not allowed inside the Anglican Church. Falodun said it was the paper he presented that changed that. And what actually set that in motion was when in December 1985, the then Chief Of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, came to the Cathedral at Marina for the Christmas service. Ukiwe was the then second-in-command to the military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida. The military leader’s press crew was chased out of the church and this got Yusuf Mamman, who was then a press attaché to the Chief of General

Staff, worried. Ukiwe himself was very disturbed. Cameramen from NTA, Radio Nigeria and so on were all chased out. “When Adetiloye became the Archbishop, he appointed me his PRO and that was it. We started the process of abolishing this practice. I must confess that it was not easy. I was called names and was insulted but we won the battle. Today, these things are allowed in the church and no one will say don’t take photographs inside the church again,” he said. The Wakabout Column… Falodun actually made his name with his ‘Wakabout’ column in the now rested Lagos Weekend. The column did not just come about. The then managing director of the Daily Times Group, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, had traveled to Accra, in Ghana and he came back with a copy of a weekend newspaper which was making waves in Ghana then. This was in 1970. Jose showed the newspaper to Oladipo Ajayi, who was then editor of Lagos Weekend who was Falodun’s year senior at Christ School. “Dipo came and showed me the paper and asked that we make Lagos Weekend look like this, can you join us? I told Dipo to give me one week to think about it and after that, I went to him with a material and he said good Wole. This is what we are looking for. It was a satire, gossip and short takes written in Pidgin English. The writer assumed the image of a riff-raff who was living under the bridge in Oju-Elegba. In fact, there was a prominent Nigerian then who married two sisters of the same parents and this was not proper. The column picked it and was blown out,” Falodun recalled.

Journalism then and now… Falodun said there was huge difference in the practice of journalism then and now. To him, journalists are lazy and untrained. Or perhaps, they have chosen not to train themselves. He lamented that now that journalists have so many working tools at their disposal, they are still making mistakes. “In our days, we did not have these gadgets that could make your job easy. In my days, it was tough. I wanted to do a five-minute programme one time; I had to travel to Ipoti-Ekiti to have a voice insert of the late Mr. B.A Ajayi, the first graduate from Ekiti State. I spent three days. Today, I could do it on phone. But then, things were perfectly done. But today, you have simple mistakes like ‘comprising of’. That is wrong. Nothing comprises of. Diaspora too does not have article ‘the’. It is Nigerians in Diaspora; not in the Diaspora. Here you are recording me with your small midget (the reporter actually used android phone) but in those days, what we call midget was as big as that television. It used 10 big batteries. You have to stretch the microphone to the then head of state, General Gowon, to be able to record,” he recalled. Falodun said he would not like to discuss his wife on the pages of newspaper. According to him, all he could say was that he was “separated” and when prodded further, he said he would not like to talk about it. When asked if the separation came after he lost his sight, he reluctantly answered: “after”. Falodun might have lost his sight, perhaps forever, but his intellect is still sharp as ever. He remembers events even if he mixed-up dates.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

EBERE WABARA

Augean Stables

HARITY begins at home this week as this medium offered readers this solecism on March 12: “Back then, I hawked pure (satchet or packaged) waterat the airport.” Next is DAILY SUN of March 24: “Eze Ndigbo title not affront on (to) traditional authorities” “The kids and I wishes (why?) you a special birthday today….” “14th year in His bossom” Spellcheck; bosom “Buhari is cleaning Nigeria’s Augean stable (stables)” Let us welcome TheNEWS to this column for the first time. Its edition of March 28 circulated this gaffe: “A week to the end of his stay in the House and office, the reputation of the House and that of himself look (looks) wretched.” “Osun Deputy Governor, SSG, others pay last respect as…goes home” (THE NATION SOCIETY, April 4) May his soul rest in peace (not perfect peace, by the way, as emotional people write): pay last respects. “Testimony galore at RCCG Holy Ghost Service for May” (Sunday Mirror, May 22) Praise & Worship: Testimonies galore…. “Ameobi lays siege for Baggies” (THE NATION SPORT, April 4) Sportsmanship: lay siege to (not for), if at all this lexical structure has to be used! “WAFU Cup Finals: Adedeji exonerates Siasia over Eagles’ loss” (Saturday Mirror Sport, March 5) Siasia was exonerated from (not over) Eagles’ loss. “Why Tantalizers is re-opening Abibu-

Oki outlet” (Saturday Mirror, March 12) Yet another phrasal verb catachresis. “It hasn’t been too good (sic) in the last four years and it’s something that borders (bothers) me.” (Nigerian Compass Politics, May 18) “The euphoria among workers over this year’s May Day find (finds) expression in the fact that they can now take their destiny in their own hands.” “It was an unenviable task given the palpable hostility that rented (rent) the air.” “ACN senator-elect advises colleagues to brace-up for the next republic” Politics Today: Still on phrasal verb brouhaha (brace up). It is not a syllabic entry. “The lack of adequate knowledge of the areas have (had) often made past exercises to be.…” “…execute programmes and policies which they promised the electorates (electorate) before being voted for.” “The redeployment of the sports administrator comes in (on) the heels of sweeping changes presently (sic) going on in the federal civil service.” Yank off ‘presently’ in the interest of purity and word economy! “…we are assuming that among the privileged specie (species) of homo sapiens….” “A major platform under (on) which banking regulation has been carried out in Nigeria over the years has been through the use of statutory regulation.” “…I thought I heard the preacher talked (talk) about the message of Jesus being rather simple….”

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“But, of course, the country is still indebted to the tune of a whooping $29 billion to the same IMF with service arrears mounting by $1 billion annually.” Spell-check: whopping. “Without my vote it could have been minus one vote for either of the two candidates.” It couldn’t have been ‘either of four candidates’! Delete ‘two’ in the interest of purity. “…that we are indeed free at last to breathe easy and live without the fears of yesteryears.” The last word in the excerpt cannot be pluralized. “Lack of other skills force (forces) men and women into occupations that carry more risk than others.” “The other week, illegal fuel hawkers at Ojuelegba, in the Lagos metropolis, fell out with some of their co-dealers and fourth themselves.” The miscreants fought one another (not themselves). “Areas like…have had one skirmish or the other (another) since last week Thursday. “Either last Thursday or Thursday, last week. “Ikedi Ohakim looked dazed and traumatized even as he beamed smiles to the crowd.” The man could not have beamed a frown! We should not ignorantly circumscribe meaning of words through redundancies. “It is regrettable that the police has (have) virtually turned Mushin and parts of Isolo into a police state, subjecting such areas into (to) a nightmarish reign of terror and anarchy.” “…the new chairmen and councillors would usher in improved grassroot development schemes for the welfare of the people.” Always: grassroots.

“During his investiture ceremony held at the college campus.…” Always on (not at) the campus. “The truth of the matter is that both the Liberian and Sierra Leonean crisis cost Nigeria a fortune.” Singular: crisis; plural: crises. “Also, the country’s educational and health institutions are in total shambles.” This way: in a total shambles. “Building and construction firms have began (begun) to submit bids for….” “…Nigeria was observing a mandatory requirement for the conferment of validity to (on) its 2011 elections.” “Your life is an examplary one…” This way: exemplary. “He who pays the piper dictates the tune.” He who pays the piper calls the tune. “In spite of distance and regional location, the two countries at one time has (had) so much in common.” “Murder: Lack of funds stall (stalls) prosecution” I appreciate the source of confusion. It is a recurring shibboleth. “…many Nigerians are dead, millions are today walking corpses, while unemployment, hunger and destitution is (are) rife in the land.” “Personal sacrifices and discipline are the only ammunitions civilians have for rescuing the nation from.…” This way: ammunition “One had thought that after the allegation levied (levelled) against Lionel Messi.…” “The UNIBEN Alumni Association has congratulated two of its members for (on) their achievements in politics.”

With Polls Over, Wike Walks the Talk Tekina Princewill

ith the distractions of the National and State Assembly rerun elections more or less a settled matter, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has demonstrated that he takes seriously the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as contained in Chapter II of the constitution and specifically section 14 (2) (b) which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” as he embarks on projects completion and inauguration that will not only bring development, but impact on the lives of those who freely gave him their mandate to reposition the state after locust years of his immediate predecessor. The bounce and enthusiasm which Wike has shown in ensuring that developmental projects are on track is no less infectious as his unalloyed commitment to give the Rivers state people some things to cheer about since he was sworn into office on May 29, 2015. It is to the governor’s credit that he remains in pole position amongst his colleague governors to be the only one who has intervened and completed two critical federal road projects in their 10 months in office. The NPA-Industry road and the Eleme Junction axis of the East West Road are testimonies to his remarkable effort amidst acute shortfall in allocation from the federation account to the states. The roads are outside the 50 other roads completed by his administration in four urban local government areas of Rivers State. On Tuesday, January 19, 2016, Wike extended his excellent record of performance by keeping to his campaign promise to the people of Etche and Ikwerre local government areas. It is a relief that when it concerns development, Wike has shun the temptation to shun projects kick-started by his predecessor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, but to complete them. For instance, the governor directed the immediate reconstruction of the Igwurita-Chokocho - Etche federal highway which was neglected by the immediate past governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The Igwurita- Chokocho- Etche federal highway is arguably one of the worst roads in the state. The deplorable nature of this road has crippled business activities along the axis. Flagging off the reconstruction of the 6.6kilometre Igwurita-Chokocho-Etche federal highway to be handled by Setraco Nigeria Limited, Wike said that the road will be funded through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account. According to the governor, the contractors will receive N400million monthly to defray the N2.4 billion cost for the

construction of the road. Wike directed his Commissioners for Works and Finance to liaise with the contractors to ensure monthly payment of the approved sum to the contractor. He said, “We believe that politics is about the welfare of the people. This road is critical to the people of Etche and their Igwurita neighbours. It is vital to their economies; hence we have resolved to complete it in a record time of six months. “I agree that this is a Federal Road, but we cannot sit and allow our people suffer. We will construct this road to the satisfaction of our people. We will pay Setraco N400million monthly through IGR to ensure work goes on regularly till the completion of this project.” The governor stated that it was unfortunate that Ikwerre local government area produced the immediate past governor for eight years with key Etche indigenes in his government, yet the economies of Etche and Ikwerre local government areas collapsed due to the bad road. He said, “When they were in power, they were receiving over N20 billion monthly, but they refused to do the road. Today, we are receiving only N5 billion monthly, but we have the political will and dedication to reconstruct the road. “This is because we are committed to our social contract with the people of Etche and Igwurita. This marks the end of suffering for Etche people. We are replicating this reality across Rivers State.” It is on record that the Wike-led administration completed a total of 42 roads within his first one hundred days in office, especially within Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor local government areas of the state. Speaking to newsmen on this feat, the governor explained that the essence of governance was to put viable infrastructure in place aimed at strengthening the economy. Recently, Wike stated that several of the ongoing road projects in the state will be completed and commissioned by the first anniversary of his administration on May 29, 2016, saying that the road construction projects will be sustained during the rainy season because of the technology being applied. In the housing sector, Wike commissioned 50 units of higher low income flats at the Iriebe Housing Estate in Obio/ Akpor local government area of the state. The houses, which are the first in the comprehensive housing programme of the Wike-led administration, are to be sold to the people at affordable prices without any profit to government. Speaking at the ceremony, the governor stated that his administration will be beneficial to all people of the state irrespective of their social status. The governor stressed that his housing programme will be targeted at the less privileged to ensure that their standard of

living is improved. Also, in the housing sector, the Wike-led administration recently began the expansion of the Federal High Court complex in Port Harcourt, so as to ensure that more residents of the state have access to justice. Speaking recently after inspecting level of work at the complex, the governor said the project will be delivered in August this year for dispensation of justice, pointing out that with the rerun legislative elections behind, the entire focus of his administration is to deliver on campaign pledges. While commending the contractor handling the Federal High Court annex for the quality of the job, Wike urged the contractor to maintain the tempo to ensure the work is delivered on schedule. He announced that the old Obio Customary Court will be demolished to create space for the construction of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal which will accommodate more Customary Courts. The governor, who stated that the new headquarters of the Customary Court of Appeal will be duly funded by the Rivers State government, said the present Obio Customary Court premise is constrained by space, hence the need for demolition and construction of a multi-floor building. He urged the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Christy Gabriel-Nwankwo to apply for the release of funds for the immediate commencement of work. Also, the Wike-led administration is constructing a new Law Centre for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), located opposite the Port Harcourt City local government council headquarters, in Old GRA, Port Harcourt. Speaking at the ground-breaking celebration, which was attended by the NBA national president, Austin Alegeh, SAN, the governor stated that his administration will continue to promote the rule of law in order to enhance the security of the state. He stated that his administration has taken proactive steps to encourage the bar and bench to promote the rule of law, adding that the Rivers State government resolved to construct new Law Centre for the NBA because of its commitment to enhancing law practice in the state with befitting facilities. Wike said, “We had to relocate the law center to create room for the construction of more courts in the High Court Complex. We also relocated the law complex for the purpose of providing befitting facilities for lawyers to practice in the state.” ––Princemwill, a public affairs analysts, writes from Port Harcourt

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Getting Personal with the ‘Orphans’ of Nairobi In David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage, Nairobi, Omolola Iyatemi finds a place fertile with emotional encounters…

Godoma and the Orphans of Nairobi… odoma keeps a close eye on me as I move towards the wooden gate separating us. He meanders with the rest of the herd just a few feet away, large ears and trunks waving over the early-afternoon drizzle, playing in the muddy water and occasionally pouring some our way. He wasn’t the only one; others were jousting with their tusks and generally behaving like a convivial elephant fraternity. Elephants’ ears are a little like an air conditioner. As elephants flap their wet ears on a hot day, the blood flowing through the many blood vessels in the ears is cooled. This, in turn, cools their large bodies on warm days. This is one necessary ritual the orphaned elephants have to perform everyday even if they have to do it in sets; there is only a number the small pond can take. According to Julius Shibegha, Project Manager with over ten years’ experience in the orphanage, despite its thickness, an elephant’s skin is very sensitive, to the point where it can feel a fly land on its back. Surprisingly, it is also sensitive to the sun, and baby elephants are even known to sunburn. Little wonder the species’ notorious love for mud and baths helps alleviate both of these problems. Godoma and its over 8,000 pounds mates use this opportunity to bond, play and eat. He seems utterly calm, completely at ease. But each time his deep-set iris of a warm brown to greenish colour meets mine, and he holds my gaze for a moment, I feel a deep and slightly disconcerting connection between us, although we have just met, here in the David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage, Nairobi. Godoma is a magnificent 8-month orphaned African elephant. Like every other animal here, they’re all orphaned. Rescued whilst trapped in a steep sided watering point of the Taita Hills Mountains adjacent to Tsavo West National Park last year, Godoma was named after the valley close to where she was rescued and estimated to be about five to six months old on arrival. Bruised and battered from her obviously life threatening struggle but conservancy scouts from the Taita Hills Sanctuary immediately came to her aid, retrieving her from the water and releasing her in the hope that her mother and herd might return for her. Still milk dependent, only a couple of months old, and cut a desperately vulnerable figure as she trailed a herd of zebra and three buffalo on the open plains. She was kept under observation for most of the day but there were no other elephants in the area, and how long she had been trapped for was unclear, so whilst there was still time to mount a rescue the DSWT (David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust) elephant Keepers from Voi were contacted. The sanctuary is situated 1½ hour’s drive from Voi rehabilitation unit and the men wasted no time getting to the site with much needed milk formula and some daylight in hand. Simultaneously, a rescue aircraft was mobilized from Nairobi and nursery keepers prepared the necessary rescue paraphernalia. The two teams met at the Taita airfield and handed over their precious cargo. The female calf was carefully prepared for her flight with an intravenous drip inserted into her ear vein before take-off. It was close to nightfall by

They need education, education is key to stopping poaching. That’s my point of view. Human beings are being greedier. People are fighting wild animals because of space which is so sad. If we can learn how to share, this world is enough for all of us. I share my disbelief in the theory that the Chinese don’t know the brutal way ivory is being obtained and he agreed with me saying, ‘yes they do but greed gets in the way I think.We are trying to work something on it and hopefully we will succeed

the time she arrived at the Nairobi Nursery with a carefully prepared stable awaiting her arrival. She cried much of the night, missing her lost family enormously but with the reassuring company of the rest of the Nursery orphans along with loving tender attention from her keepers she eventually settled. Despite her injuries, she did well physically, she has missed her lost family terribly and has taken a long time to settle and comfortably integrate into the Nursery herd. FOUNDER’S PASSION… Born from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is today the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organisations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick D.B.E, in honour of the memory of her late husband, famous naturalist and founding Warden of Tsavo East National Park, David Leslie William Sheldrick MBE. At the heart of the DSWT’s conservation activities is the Orphans’ Project, which has achieved world-wide acclaim through its hugely successful elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation program. The Orphans’ Project exists to offer hope for the future of Kenya’s threatened elephant and rhino populations as they struggle against the threat of poaching for their ivory and horn, and the loss of habitat due to human population pressures and conflict, deforestation and drought. To date, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has successfully hand-raised over 150 infant elephants and has accomplished its longterm conservation priority by effectively reintegrating orphans back into the wild

The writer chats with Julius Shebegha as he takes us on a tour of the orphanage

herds of Tsavo, claiming many healthy wildborn calves from former-orphaned elephants raised in their care which is overseen by Dr. Sheldrick, whose elephant experience spans a lifetime. It took her nearly three decades of trial and error to perfect the milk formula and complex husbandry necessary to rear an orphaned infant African elephant. FOSTER AN ELEPHANT TODAY… With US50 per year as the minimum fostering fee for an elephant which you can keep up with his growth over the Internet, what are you waiting for, foster an elephant way. Remember all orphans reared by The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are “elephants” again and integrated into the wild community by the age of ten, though always in their large elephant hearts will be a corner for the specific humans who were their family in infancy. ACCOMMODATING WILDLIFE… Like any orphanage, accommodation is key and DSWT is not any different with different accommodation types for elephants and rhinoceros. From large expanse caged rooms to double decker accommodations for baby elephants to stuffed hay beddings, the orphans are definitely at home. POACHING HASSLES… If not for its zero tolerance on poaching, it’s estimated an elephant will be killed in Kenya every 15 minutes for its ivory. The rampant poaching is hard to stop because high government officials profit from the trade. Across Africa, as many as 35,000 elephants are slaughtered each year – roughly 10 per cent of the continent’s entire elephant population. At this rate, they’ll soon be gone. One of the most magnificent species on the planet is being wiped out before our eyes. But Kenya’s poaching problem is nothing compared with that of some other African range states. It’s only losing a few hundred elephants a year. (Kenya has zero tolerance for poaching and banned the sale of all ivory, including its old stock, in 1989. There has also

Visitors admiring Maxwell, the blind rhinoceros home

been a blanket ban on all hunting since 1977.) Gabon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania are losing thousands. Chad, home to 15,000 elephants in 1979, has less than 400 left. Sierra Leone is down to single digits. There’s no doubt, poaching is the main reason why this orphanage exists in the first place but I’m not too sure the hard and punitive laws on poaching are working with the rate orphans are being brought in. Shibegha believes otherwise, saying the numbers would have been worse if not for these laws and greed plays a greater part in this role. But like most laws in Africa, enforcement is low. Buttressing his point, Shibegha said, “I keep on saying it’s an epidemic, what is happening in the circuit of an elephant life. If we look at the rate at which we are losing these animals, it is a big rate. In some instance you might find that elephants have been killed like twelve, in the last instance here

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

DESTINATION NIGERIA Mbanefo Visits Bachama Kingdom

he Hama Bachama of the Bachama Kingdom in Adamawa State, His Royal Majesty, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II), has described the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, as a strong, courageous and diligent woman, who has given hope to the development and promotion of the cultural heritage, history and tourism potentials in the Bachama kingdom. The monarch said this during the eventful visit of the NTDC boss to the kingdom, adding, “the people of Adamawa are so happy to host Sally Mbanefo who has brought the federal government presence to Numan Kingdom.” “The people of Bachama Kingdom are so overjoy for this historic and unprecedented visit. Sally Mbanefo is so courageous to visit and honour the Bachama Kingdom, and the Adamawa people at large. She came to Bachama Kingdom when people are afraid of Adamawa State because of insecurity. No Director General of NTDC has ever visited the kingdom.” Adamawa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mattias Ngaro, lauded the bold step of Mbanefo for visiting the kingdom and the state at large, with a view to collaborating with the people, the traditional authorities and the government of the state to develop the rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials in the state. “It is in my plans to bring the NTDC boss, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, to Adamawa State to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials. But till now, I could not achieve this. Thank God that His Royal Highness finally made this possible. The Adamawa State Government will cooperate and partner with NTDC to ensure that our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials are well developed

DG Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo (middle) and the Matriac of Bachama Kingdom and President of Pene Da Bwatiye Women wing, Mrs Irene hamadu, at Women Exhibition centre, Sangha, Lamurde local Govt, Adamawa State

and promoted for national and international acceptance,” Ngaro said. Displaying their delight for the visit of the NTDC boss to the kingdom were performances by various traditional dance troupes at the monarch’s house where the reception was held. The troupes include Wuro Kadwe from Lamurde, Jabin Imburu, Wuro Wajale from Lamurde, Igbo dancers and Mbowo Gra Njiya from Numan. After the special reception, the king took the NTDC DG on entourage to over seven tourism locations and attractions in the neighboring villages, where was also welcomed by different dance and warrior troupes, entertaining her with different fascinating performances. The tourism locations and attractions include the fantastic big lakes, which are far bigger than what is celebrated in America as the “big lakes,” and Women Exhibition Centre. “The performances of the warrior troupes made it that the people of Adamara are super warriors,” Mbanefo remarked.

Indulge in the Natural Scenic Attractions of Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Godoma and his peers performing their daily ritual

in Kenya, nine elephants were killed in one family and let’s stay it’s a nuclear family of twelve or sixteen. So killing nine elephants at a go is only helping to reduce the numbers drastically and it’s so sad. This heinous crime is being perfected by human beings. And what people lack is the knowledge of what is happening on the ground. There is a high demand for ivory in China, no gainsaying about that. But they are deceived that ivory is picked on the ground like plants, not knowing these animals are being butchered to get this ivory. “They need education, education is key to stopping poaching. That’s my point of view. Human beings are being greedier. People are fighting wild animals because of space which is so sad. If we can learn how to share, this world is enough for all of us. I share my disbelief in the theory that the Chinese don’t know the brutal way ivory is being obtained

and he agreed with me saying, ‘yes they do but greed gets in the way I think. We are trying to work something on it and hopefully we will succeed.” I enquired further if there is no way ivory can be obtained without killing these animals, he answered: “It’s not possible because ivory is part of the teeth, they are incisors and you can’t pluck them out unless you kill the animal. We can just do away with Ivory and let these animals survive. Ivory cannot change our human value.” Interestingly, there is more emphasis on the rhinoceros ivory than the elephant type, which is why the rhinoceros are becoming more extinct faster than the elephants. Sadly, in Kenya, the rhinoceros population remaining is less than a thousand. In the early seventies, we talked about 100,000. What we need is just education and as Shibegha said, Ivory cannot change our human value.

ashaka-Gumti National Park being the largest and most biologically and ecologically diverse of the seven National Parks in Nigeria, can boast of breathtaking scenic beauty and an abundant wildlife. It was gazetted from two game reserves in 1991 and is Nigeria’s largest national park. The park lies in the mountainous northeastern region of Nigeria, bestriding the southeastern part of Taraba, which makes up the Gashaka enclave, bordering the temperate Mambilla Plateau, and the southern part of Adamawa State which is the Gumti section, stretching to the Cameroon border, particularly, the Faro National Park in Cameroon. Thus, the park is divided into two sections, north and south, with each having its unique habitat and unique species of fauna and flora. There is abundant river flow even during the markedly dry season. Enclaves for local Fulani pastoralists exist within the park boundary that allow for farming and grazing. The Conservator of the Park, Dr Agboola Okeyoyin, said the park’s ecosystems are essential for specification, citing the montane forests in the Gashaka enclave to “habour at least 24 threatened plant species, several of which are Afromontane endemics. Prunus Africana, a specie believed to poss certain medicinal properties for the cure of prostate cancer, is found in the thick forest fragments of the Park.” The park, with an estimated landmass of 6, 731 square kilometers of rolling landscape and deep plunging valleys, also has pleasant natural scenic attractions that can sweep the tourist off his feet. But the biggest challenge is the rugged terrain. If you are not adventurous, your heart will make so many somersaults taking a bumpy ride in the land rover, from Bodel, at the entrance of the park, through the winding jeep track, often plunging down the deep valleys and then labouriously climbing up the steep hills.

The park is home to a variety of animals including rare and elusive leopards, endangered elephants, lions, wild dogs, antelope, forest hogs, golden cats, as well as eight species of primate, including the chimpanzee, and many more. The park is also abundant with bird life, insects, aquatic life and reptiles. Mayo Kam, the headwaters of the Taraba and Benue Rivers: Mayo Kam being the biggest river in the park takes a meandering course, with looping bends defined by sedimentary rock formations, down River Taraba, River Katsina Ala and then River Benue. Just a few metres upstream from the seasonal wooden bridge is the hippo pool. The thick foliage on the river banks, the chirping birds on the verdure boughs of the trees and the swift flowing river would give you a paradisal feeling. But just when you are about to immerse yourself in the elixir of stress and boredom and free yourself in the wild world of nature, stories about crocodiles near the river gorge and the nearby hippo pool would make hairs on the nape of your neck stand up. Nevertheless, there are safe areas that guided by the park rangers, one can still enjoy the serene waters of Mayo Kam. It is a recognized site for sport fishing and the park management, with assistance from Chester Zoo, England, has built a Rangers camp to serve a dual purpose of a fishing camp for tourists and a rangers guard post, as according to Dr Okeyoyin, villagers around there have been using harmful chemicals and explosives to fish. Within the same Gashaka part of the park, particularly in the rainforest region, animals like the giant foresthog, leopard, yellow-backed duiker, golden cat and primate species like chimpanzees. The Gumti section in the north of the park has vast woodland, ideal for park-viewing of most of the mammals - buffalo, lion, elephant, wild dog, waterbuck, roan antelope, giant eland kob and hartebeest.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

AUTO

Toyota Debuts 2017 Highlander Mid-Size

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

oyota released the significantly enhanced 2017 model Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) recently at the New York International Auto Show. The popular Highlander, receives an array of new and updated equipment and technology, inside and out, including a new Direct Shift 8-speed (8AT automatic transmission). Highlanderisano-compromisemid-sizethree-row SUV that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability, and safety. Its exterior designconveysbothrefinementandstrength,which complements a refined interior that sets a high bar in its segment. The third- generation model, now entering its fourth year, offers room for up to eight, a choice of three powertrains and six model grades, including a new sporty SE model. The Highlander Hybrid adds two new grades, (LE and XLE) to its existing lineup of Limited and Platinum models for a total of four. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to be all-wheel drive (AWD). The six Highlander gas models will continue to be (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) available in both front-wheel and AWD. It all adds up to the ideal family vehicle. Greater Level of Performance Performance will be enhanced in the 2017 Highlander gas models with the addition of the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) that will be paired with a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine. The new transmission is more compact and will provide more transmission efficiency through its 8-speed gear range. The 8AT (Automatic Transmission) will be standard on all

2018 Highlander mid-size SUV

V6 Highlander gas models. The new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Engine will be available on all Highlander gas models and standard on all Hybrid grades. The new engine will generate significantly more horsepower, provide enhanced fuel efficiency, and deliver a more direct driving feel by expanding the lock up range.

In addition to Highlander, the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) and 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine powertrain will be equipped in the 2017 model year Toyota Sienna van. In an effort to help conserve fuel, Highlander V6 models (excluding LE) will come standard with a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). While driving the Highlander, the S&S allows the engine

to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and restarts when the driver lifts their foot off of the brake pedal The standard powertrain on Highlander 4x2 LE gas models will remain the 2.7-liter 4- cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to receive the electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

New Kia Sportage, Optima Win Design Awards

ia Motors has once again reinforced its reputation for the highest design standards, picking up two prizes at the 2016 ‘Red Dot Awards’ for Product Design, one of the most prestigious international product design competitions. The new Kia Sportage compact SUV and Optima sedan – the carmaker’s two latest models – both received coveted ‘Red Dots’. The independent judging panel even honoured the Kia Optima with a ‘Best of the Best’ award, the competition’s highest distinction, for which only the most ground-breaking designs in a category are eligible. The new generations of the Optima and the European Kia bestseller, the Sportage, were launched across Kia’s global markets earlier this year. These new prizes have seen both models defending their Red Dot Awards – both the previous generations of the Kia Sportage and Kia Optima also received Red Dot awards in 2011, while the Optima retains its ‘Best of the Best’ prize. Since 2009, when the first-generation Kia Soul won the carmaker’s first award in the competition, Kia’s design teams have gone on to achieve a total of 15 Red Dot Awards. Now, in 2016, every model in the current Kia product range has a Red Dot. Peter Schreyer, President and Chief

Designer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group, commented: “Our international design team has every cause to be exceptionally proud of these most recent awards. The first Red Dot Awards for the Kia Sportage and the Kia Optima were already great successes. It is a very special achievement to further develop a firstrate, prize-winning model so that the new design also convinces the expert jury of this globally respected and prestigious design competition. “The two award-winners are important models for our brand. The Sportage has been the brand’s bestseller in Europe for many years. The Kia Optima, which is one of the strongest selling Kia models worldwide, also embodies the development of brand in a very special way: the third generation, which arrived on the global stage in 2010, acted as the catalyst for the design-led transformation of Kia’s product range in the following years. Both the new Kia Sportage and the new Kia Optima stand out very strongly from their rivals in their respective categories on account of the clarity, distinction and sporty elegance of their exterior design. Both cars also feature a completely redesigned, premium-standard interior with modern, horizontally aligned and very ‘clean-looking’ design.”

New Kia Sportage

Dynamic Design, Bold on-road Presence

he new Kia Optima was developed by the international Kia design teams in Namyang (Korea), Irvine (California, USA), and Frankfurt (Germany), under the creative direction of Peter Schreyer, who was also responsible for the design of the previous-generation Kia Optima. The 4.86-meter long new model, whose dimensions have been altered only very slightly, features modern surface details, sharply drawn lines and edges, and a longer silhouette, giving it an even bolder on-road presence than its predecessors. This is partly due to the elongated window line, with the addition of a third side window behind the rear door. The characteristic profile with the

swept-back A- and C-pillars has been retained, both of which give the model the appearance of a sports sedan. At the rear, the back lights sweep around to the side, giving the Kia Optima a new, modern light signature. The new design of the Kia Sportage was developed under the leadership of the European Kia Design Center in Frankfurt with the support of Kia’s Design Centers in Namyang and Irvine. The most striking change to the exterior design is the distinctive new ‘face’ of the compact SUV.Theheadlights,which used to form a visual unit with Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille are now noticeably separate from the grille, making the front view broader and more stable.

Nissan , Teasing GT-R NISMO World Record

issan is planning to break a world record with the GT-R NISMO, but the question is, which one? Ateaser video released by the company confirms as much, though Nissan offered no details on when or where the attempt would take place, or even which record it will attempt to break. The revised 2017 Nissan GT-R was just revealed at the recent New York Auto Show, packing a 565 horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. The car seen in the video appears to be a racing version of the GT-R. Meanwhile, the Nissan GT-R has undergone its most significant change since it was originally

introduced in 2007. Making its debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the 2017 Nissan GT-R gets a fresh new look inside and out along with major driving performance enhancements and key features. The exterior of the Japanese automaker’s flagship sports car gets a thorough makeover. As expected, there’s a new “V-Motion” grille up front that has also been slightly enlarged to provide better engine cooling. The front grille also now has a matte chrome finish to go along with its updated mesh pattern. The facelift continues with a new hood, while the front bumper gets a freshly designed front lip spoiler and finishers found immediately below the

headlights. Nissan also gave the GT-R new side sills to direct air flow around the vehicle while the rear has received new bodywork with functional side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips. Helping make the car look wider and more aggressive, the beltline between the lower black section and the body panel has also been heightened. All said and done, the 2017 Nissan GT-R has a drag coefficient of 0.26. Heading into the redesigned cabin, you are greeted by a premium interior with an entirely new dash featuring an instrument panel wrapped in a single, seamless piece of Nappa leather. The shape of the

dash now adopts a “horizontal flow” to give a sense of high stability for front-seat occupants. The center dash layout has also been fine tuned to be more simplified with the integrated navigation and audio controls reduced from 27 switches to just 11. An eight-inch touchscreen monitor replaces the outgoing seven-inch version. Under the hood remains a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine now delivering 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque, representing an increase of 20 ponies and 4 lb-ft of torque. It now even corners better thanks to a more rigid body structure and new suspension.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

AUTO SAFE DRIVING

JONAS AGWU

with

(Asst Corps Marshal) Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS7 Abua phone 08077690700 FRSC TOLL FREE NO 122 Email:j.agwu@frsc.gov.ng

HowToVerifyVehicle Number Plates/Drivers’ Licence

Jeep Grand Cherokee

FCA Recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee Over Cracking Brakes Stories by Bennett Oghifo

iat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling about 15,000 SUVs over an issue with one of the front brake calipers. The vehicles in question are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango from the 2015 and 2016 model years, built between December 9, 2015 and January 14, 2016. In those vehicles affected, the front driver-side brake caliper may crack as it was made from incorrect material. A cracked brake caliper can cause the brakes to malfunction, causing the vehicle’s stopping

distance to increase. No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this issue. Dealers will inspect the brake caliper and replace it depending on the casting date. Meanwhile, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been given new tough and premium trim levels. Making their official debuts at the 2016 New York Auto Show are two new trim levels for the Jeep Grand Cherokee called the Trailhawk and the Summit. Similar to the Renegade and Cherokee Trailhawk models, this new Grand Cherokee trim level is tailored for going off road. Among the rugged equipment that comes with

Trailhawk models are standard skidplates, hill ascent control and the brand’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential and air suspension. It all adds up to a total ground clearance of 10.8 inches, but the biggest differences found on the Trailhawk is with the aggressive appearance with its matte hood accents, red tow hooks and Trail Rated badges, grey mirror caps and a roof rack, while optional Mopar rock rails are available for added protection. Inside, the Trailhawk gets black seats with suede accents and red stitching. All painted interior panels get piano black appliques and gun-

metal grey finishes. The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system gets additional off-road specific pages that provide information about wheel articulation and suspension height. Contrasting the Trailhawk is the new Summit model, which is designed to be a more premium and luxury oriented trim level. Visually, you can tell Summit models apart due to its updated front fascia, grille and LED fog lamps, along with the new 20inch polished aluminum wheels. The two-toned interior is the real highlight of Summit trimmed Grand Cherokees, with a Laguna leather wrap and Nappa leather dashboard.

Jaguar Land Rover Celebrates a Classic Future

aguar Land Rover has announced the renaming of its Heritage business to Jaguar Land Rover Classic. A statement by the auto company, recently, said Jaguar Land Rover Classic is a division of Special Operations and is dedicated to providing cars, services, parts and experiences to owners and fans of classic Jaguars and Land Rovers around the world. The rebranded division will continue to provide cars, services, parts and experiences for Classic Jaguar and Land Rovers and their owners. Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Tim Hannig said: “Renaming the rapidly growing global business to Jaguar Land Rover Classic best reflects the division’s overall capabilities in providing the best cars, services, parts and experiences for our customers. We aim to build an even more successful future by celebrating and nurturing Jaguar and Land Rover’s past.”

Land Rover Classic

Jaguar Land Rover Classic can now accommodate full restorations of classic vehicles at its UK sites, as well as providing a repair and maintenance service for customers. Jaguar Classic will continue to use the historic Browns Lane facility, where the six continuation Lightweight E-types were built

and a newly developed Land Rover Classic workshop at Solihull for the restoration of Land Rovers. Fully factory restored Jaguars and Land Rovers are now also available for purchase. Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts supplies genuine parts for models whose range has been out of production for over a decade.

The parts catalogue has over 30,000 individual and guaranteed parts, available to order from Jaguar Land Rover’s global retail network. Specialist technical advisors have extensive product knowledge and selected parts are available to order on the day for collection at local retailers.

Hyundai Elantra Named Best at Middle East Car of the Year Awards yundai’s sixth gen- comprehensive, independent Exhibition Centre on 31st March. us their first choice for quality,

eration Elantra has been named as the best new Sedan at the prestigious Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards for 2016. Selected by jury of 12 leading motoring writers from across the GCC and Levant, theMECOTYawardsarethemost

awards for carmakers in the Middle East. The Elantra was named ahead of joint-finalist in the Sedan category, the VW Jetta, while the Hyundai Tucsonwasamongthefinalistsfor SmallSUV.TheMECOTYawards were announced during a gala event at the Abu Dhabi National

“This is a great achievement for Hyundai, recognising the excellence of our products among our peers,” said Jin (James) Kim, VicePresident and Head of Hyundai AfricaandMiddleEast.“Hyundai models lead their segments in several Middle East markets, with customers consistently making

service and value. To win at these awards, which are exclusively for cars sold in the Middle East, and judged by experts based in the Middle East, is an honor both for Hyundai as a company, and for the distributors who have worked so hard in building our success.”

n Saturday, the 2nd of April, my friend Yinka who lives in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, sent me a distressed text saying, “my car (ABUJA) ABC992AH, Hyundai IX35 was impounded, say na fake number. Bros, I had all my family in the car which I have had for 3 1/2years. Wetin happen? Please kindly Check for me.” Yinka had probably forgotten that as measures to ease public worry, a portal had been developed on information verification to enable the public as well as corporate entities to verify information on any of FRSC line of operations such as the National Drivers’ License System, National Vehicle Identification Scheme, Driving School Stantardization, as well as the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme. The procedure requires the vehicle owner to text drivers license number to 33810, while in the case of vehicle verification, you text vehicle registration number to 33324. Alternatively, access the information through the web portal www.nvis.gov.ng or www.nigeriadriverlicence. org. You could also use the FRSC main website of www.frsc.gov.ng, where you will easily be directed to both drivers licence and vehicle registration portals. It is obvious that my friend failed to do this. But while I worry over the plight of my friend who failed to verify the status of his number plate, until it was impounded, I am equally worried by what was circulated in the social media. The disturbing message painted FRSC as fraudulent. The abridged version read thus: It was on the 14th day of March that I drove into one of the police stations to obtain the new tinted glass permit. In the process, it was discovered that the plate number of my car is being used by another car. My first question is “How is it possible?” Because I obtained this number from FRSC with all documents intact. I never knew the car was going to stay for 12 days in the station. “A file was quickly opened and the car became an exhibit. Thank God the car was registered by a very high ranking officer of the FRSC who was brought to the station. As the investigation was going on, it was discovered that some people were producing these fake and duplicate number plates and giving out to innocent and unsuspicious Nigerians, ripping them off their hard earned money. “My question is, should we now go and buy this numbers at a shop in Alaba or Idumota instead of the Federal Government approved agencies? In the course of my research, I stumbled upon the number plate verification system online. I started verifying cars of friends, church members and even cars that I see on the road. Ashocking revelationwasmadethatOUTOF

EVERY 10 CARS you see on the road with LAGOS and ABUJA number plates, that at least 4 is FAKE. You can check your own now. Go to www.nvisng.org/ numberplateverification.aspx 1) Enter your number in the space provided. Eg “ABC863AP 2) Click on verify button. Then information will be displayed below the button. Because FRSC did not want the general public to see the full details of the registration, you will only see the name of your car and the date of registration. “Many innocent Nigerians are suffering now because of impunity in our institutions. Note: this verification is only applicable to the number plates with this formatsABC123AB not AB123ABC. Let us spread this news until everyone is aware of this evil FRSC is perpetrating.” I am happy that FRSC quickly issued a statement titled, RE VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND NUMBER PLATES VERIFICATION to clarify and set the records straight for the interest of the general public. I havechosentorunthepublication but before I do, I need to explain that only the new number plate, which was introduced in 2011, can be verified on these platforms. Despitetheexplanationbelow,we must guard against the current practice of registering vehicles by proxy in the name that we are too busy to handle the process personally. Lastly, for emphasis, we must know that neither the FRSC nor its operatives has any business with vehicle registration. Now, I run the piece: The FRSC responsibility is to design and produce vehicle number plates by virtue of Section 5(g) and Section 10 sub section 3(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007. After production, the number plates are handed over to the States through States Board of internal Revenue (SBIRs) who now sell to the public. The payment for number plates by motorists is strictly within the purview of the States since such payments are regarded as road taxes. In like manner, registration of vehicles is also the responsibility of the State Licensing Authorities. The FRSC however, collaborates with the State agencies involved to set national standards and to develop a reliable national database for all registered vehicles in Nigeria. To register a vehicle, an applicant is expected to go to the MotorLicensingOfficeoftheState Board of Internal Revenue (SBIR) where he would be guided on the process and procedure of the vehicle registration. Alternatively, the applicant can apply online by visiting www.nvisng.org and fill form MVA 01, submit the form, after which an item number will be automatically generated which will be taken to SBIR for necessary payment.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9, 2016

NEWS ANALYSIS

Saraki

Mark

Dangote

Danjuma

Implications for Nigerians Named in Panama Papers

Ahamefula Ogbu s in the era of WikiLeaks, the world has once again been rattled by revelations about leaked information on secret accounts and other holdings of influential people around the globe. The Panama papers are documents that were leaked by consortium of investigators across continents, after they hacked the database of shell companies that were lodged in an enforcer’s records. In this kind of issue, it is usually predictable to find Nigeria on the list. It was, therefore, not surprising when, within days of the leakage, some serving public officers, and other retired ones, as well as oil moguls from Nigeria were named among those on the list. Facilitator of the hidden interests and companies for Nigerians and other world leaders in British Virgin Island, as shown by the leaked database of Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm, has brought grey hairs to some Nigerian public officers and has elicited denials and staccato statements from others. So far, those named in the documents are; the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ononefe Ibori, who is serving term in a London prison; embattled Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, currently having his time in court on charges that border on alleged false asset declaration; former military General and predecessor to Saraki from Benue State, Senator David Mark; and retired Army General and oil mogul, T. Y. Danjuma. Also on the list are; the world’s richest Blackman, according to Forbes, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his business partner, Sayyu Dantata. Their names featured as operators of shell companies. The question has been if it is an offence to register an offshore company in a tax haven. What are the implications if a public office holder has such interest, and what the Nigerian law has to say about it. Also of interest, is how such a holding can affect a non-public office holder. Tax havens are described as places where the influential can engineer their holdings in a sub-surface manner that takes attention off them and their investments. In the process, since such holdings are usually not directly linked to them, taxes that are supposed to be paid from such earnings are usually not paid and are, instead pocketed by the operators of the company. Directors are appointed to hold forth within short periods, which the laws

of incorporation in such places, mostly remote and small islands, allow till attention shifts and then they bring in those to run the company and operate without the extant laws of their home country and, where they can, navigate the laws of their hosts to take all profits without paying full or any taxes. Interestingly, lawyers who spoke to THISDAY on the issue were in agreement on the central issues of the leaked papers, though with different angles of explanation. While Chief Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, a Lagos-based Lawyer agreed with Mr. Onuoha Kalu, an Abuja-based lawyer on the fundamental that there was no law banning the operation of an offshore company in a tax haven, they however pointed out that it would become an issue if a political or public office holder was involved. Owonikoko said that, “There is no law banning a public officer from being a shareholder in a foreign company but the officer has to declare his interest fully in it. This is because he pays tax from his salary under the Pay As You Earn PAYE while the shareholding in foreign company also brings in dividends in hard currency which has to be paid into a foreign account that the officer is forbidden from operating. “The real issue will be when the officer fails to fully disclose such interest and what accrues from it. It affects both political office holders and private sector operators when they fail to pay their taxes correctly. To the political office holders, such offence as underdeclaration of assets and tax evasion could be established while the private sector operator could be guilty of tax evasion.” To him, Iceland’s Prime Minister, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, who has already resigned, because he was named in the leaked papers, may have done so out of moral burden and not necessarily for fouling any law unless there were other facts available to him to have prompted that. In Nigeria, however, resigning from ones position based on such leaks is rare. Kalu, who sees Nigeria as a “tax haven or sorts” since the country was not strict on ensuring filing of tax returns yearly, submitted that while having shares in offshore companies in tax haven was not an issue, lack of full disclosure on interests in such havens could pose a legal problem. “Lack of declaration of interest or lack of full disclosure fouls the law on asset declaration for political and public office holders and comes with issues of paying the correct tax. To those in the private sector, it would be a problem

when tax is either evaded or avoided. It is evaded when someone who should pay tax does not do so, and avoided when mechanisms are creatively applied either to pay less than one should or not pay at all,” he explained. How it affects those named Ibori: Allegedly working through a Swiss asset management firm, Clamorgan S.A. in Geneva, Ibori established several offshore companies, including Stanhope Investments Limited, Julex Foundation and The Hopes Trust, enlisting himself, his wife and daughters as beneficiaries. Ibori allegedly cooked transactions and even tried to obtain loans using some of the shell companies. He was later stopped and tried, before what appeared like a failed plea bargain landed him in jail in the United Kingdom. Most of the assets linked to him have relations and children as holders of interest in the companies. He was a governor and political office holder; so if it is proved that he had interests in such offshore companies without declaring them in his asset declarations, he may still face the law since time does not run against federal offences. His could be failure to fully declare his assets, as well as tax evasion. T.Y. Danjuma: The retired general and former Defence Minister was named in Panama papers as a user of offshore companies. The Mossac Fonseca files exposed his interest in Eastcoast Investments Inc, allegedly incorporated in Nassau, in the Bahamas. An online medium, Premium Times reported that aside Danjuma running such shell interests, he was fingered among global personalities found to maintain secret accounts, operated with codes, with the Swiss branch of banking giant, HSBC. “He was linked to HSBC account 15731CD, which was opened in 1993 and closed in 2001,” the medium said. If he was earning dividends and profits from such companies and did not pay his taxes accruing from them, he may have fouled tax laws and may be charged. Also, if such foreign accounts were being run when he was still in the Army or as minister, then it may mean trouble for the big fish. Mark: No fewer than eight companies were reportedly linked to David Mark and they are: Sikera Overseas S.A, Colsan Enterprises Limited, Goldwin Transworld Limited, Hartland Estates Limited, Marlin Holdings Limited, Medley Holdings Limited, Quetta Properties Limited, and Centenary Holdings Limited. However, Section 6 (b) of the Code of Conduct Act provides

that a public office holder shall not, “except where he is not employed on full-time basis, engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade. If the companies linked to him were not declared in his asset declaration form, which requires that interests of your agents, nominees and trustees must be disclosed, he may be put in the dock for false asset declaration while failure to pay taxes from such companies may earn him another tax evasion or avoidance charges, depending on the results of the investigations. He has already denied complicity in running the shell companies, insisting that he had looked through the document without seeing anything linked to him and has even threatened legal action. Saraki: He is majorly linked on issues bothering on hidden interests of his wife, Toyin, whose holdings in some companies, he failed to declare in full. There are at least four of such offshore assets listed under his wife’s name. The assets include, a property in London’s plush Belgravia neighborhood, two companies registered in the British Virgin Islands and a third in the Seychelles. The hidden property is said to be located at #8 Whuttaker Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 8JQ. It has title number NGL802235. He was, however, silent on the number of shares the former first lady had in Haussmann and Tiny Tee (Nig) Limited, among others. It will only further his charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal where he is already contesting allegations of false asset declaration. If it is proven that he had undisclosed interests, more charges could be filed or fortified, while issues of tax payment may also be introduced. Dangote and Dantata: Dangote is reported to be one of the most prominent clients of Mossack Fonseca, with 13 Shell Companies registered by the firm directly linked to persons and companies connected to the billionaire and his allies. Dangote and Sayyu Dantata, the founder of MRS Holdings, which bought Chevron-Texaco’s with equal shares of 12,500 each from OVLAS S.A, a Shell Company registered in Seycheles, a well-known tax haven used by businessmen and politicians and celebrities. On the same date also, a company they both own as at 2003, MRS Oil and Gas Co. Limited, bought 25,000 shares from OVLAS S.A. If the law can get at people of Dangote’s stature in Nigeria, then issues of tax evasion might be pressed against him, aside from the law looking at the manner of takeover of companies, whether they comply with extant provisions.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Title Dream PAGE. 29

9.04.2016

Christian Chukwu

Lifting AFCON Trophy in 1980 Remains Unforgettable

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Lifting AFCON Trophy in 1980 Remains Unforgettable The history of Nigerian football will be incomplete without his name. He captained the Green Eagles, as the Nigerian national team was then called to its first African Nations Cup victory in 1980 and led Enugu Rangers to their first and only continental success in 1977 among several domestic laurels. Christian Chukwu in this chat with Kunle Adewale bares his mind on a number of issues confronting the country’s football

hristian Chukwu is of the opinion that big money now associated with football was having a negative effect on the country’s football. “Many players are into football today not because they have the passion for the game but rather for money. These days, you even see parents paying coaches so that their wards can play football not minding if they have the talent and passion for it. “In our days, you dare not tell your parents you’re going to play football. We hide to go and play and if you are caught, you get scolded because they see football as game for drop outs.

Chukwu

Education was seen as the only thing that guarantees success. But now, football is seen in another light and unfortunately mediocrity is fast taking over talent,” Chukwu said. On the failure of the Super Eagles to book a place to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Gabon, the former captain and coach of the national team blamed successive football administrations for lack of planning and development of the game. “The team lacked the zeal to score goals in the early hours in that match. We played good enough, but we did not strike our opponent’s net early not until we were one goal down.

The boys should have strategised on how to score early in the second half, but instead they held on to the ball. I still give kudos to the coach for a good job. “Each time the tenure of an administration ends, there are always controversies as to who becomes the president and members of the board, which in most cases end in long court cases. At the end of the day, there is little or no time to take off. So, we don’t come in with any tangible programme. We just enter for competitions without proper planning. I have never seen any of the administration that shoots off with any developmental programme. We don’t have a sustainable programme; all we are after is just to participate in competitions," he added. Chukwu is also of the opinion that until we go back to the basics – school sports,

the country would continue to be confronted with the same problem. “It was from school sports and grassroots football that some of us emerged,” he noted. The former Super Eagles coach also faulted the idea of primarily depending on foreign-based players, saying attention should be focused on the development of the local league, whereby the nucleus of the national team should be home-based. “You don’t build a national team in a foreign land. You don’t build a national team with entirely foreign players. It cannot work, even if they are all Peles (Brazilian football legend). We have lot of talented players in Nigeria to form a formidable national team. We just need to inject three to five foreign players into the team. “That is how to build a national team. I don’t see why we cannot have a 19-year-old player in our national team?

APRIL 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Nigeria Professional Football League…

Rangers, IfeayinUbah in Top of the Table Battle After conceding the top spot as a result of the draw with Mountain of Fire and Miracle mid-week, Enugu Rangers will this weekend try recapture their top position as the Flying Antelopes host IfeayinUbah at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadiun, Enugu in a top of the table battle clash. Rangers were looking good for the three points at stage against MFM after Obinna Nwobodo shot them into the lead in the 36 minute before Stephen Odey’s 68 minute volley rescued a point for the home lad. However, In Nnewi, FC Ifeanyiubah shot to the

top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after beating Plateau United 1-0 through Pascal Seka's goal from the spot after 18 minutes of play. The Nnewi club now have 18 points, one more than Rangers in second place. It is therefore a big opportunity for the Imama Amapakabo led Enugu outfit to return to the summit of the NPFL log this weekend. "Enugu Rangers are a good side and you can't take that away from them. They've got a good coach and a good squad," MFN Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said after his side’s draw with Rangers on Wednes-

day. It would be recalled that Amapakabo had vowed to end Rangers title draught this season. "The objective is clear to everyone involved with this club that we are gunning for the big prize (title). From the players to the coaches to the fans everyone knows that this is one of the few remaining traditional clubs in the country. We want to win the title but we know it will require a lot of hard work," he had said. An encounter with IfeayinUbah is indeed a real test for Rangers Title ambition.

Chukwu exchanging greetings with Sam Ojebode during the Semi-final encounter of the Winners Cup in 1977 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

Lifting AFCON Trophy in 1980 Remains Unforgettable It took a lot of pressure to inject Kelechi Iheanacho into our national team. It is these young players that will provide longevity; that is how to build a team. It is not all about winning all the time. "Because I and some of my colleagues started playing early for the national team, we are able to play from the ‘70’s up to the ‘80’s before the set of Stephen Keshi took over the mantle to the ‘90’s. With that, there was continuity and the national team was not only able to record considerable success, but was respected across the globe. By the time the team qualified for its first World Cup in 1994, it was ranked fifth in the world by FIFA," Chukwu stated. "Even before the ’94 Mundial, players such as Kanu Nwankwo, Taribo West and some few others were already prepared to break into the team and some of them were even involved in series of friendly matches by the team. "Today, the reverse is the case. If a player scores a goal in London or in Sweden he is quickly invited to the national team. After a game, he is back to his clubs until Eagles have another match and as a result there is no bond in the team. With such an arrangement, how can there be continuity and longevity." Asked what he would have been if he had not taken to football, he said by virtue of the fact that he was very good at science subjects he would have been an engineer, which was a very popular profession while he was growing up in Enugu. “In those days in Enugu, engineering and medicine were the two most popular profession and every parents derived pleasure in being addressed as the father or mother of an engineer or doctor. I really wanted to be an

engineer before football discovered me as a child. I started playing right from primary school. But I’m very happy I took to the latter because the goodwill I enjoyed as a footballer and still enjoying today I might not have enjoyed it any other profession,” Chukwu said. On whether he made money in football, “Chairman”, as he was fondly called in his playing days, said: “When you measure it in terms of Naira and Kobo I may not be referred to as a rich man, but the goodwill that I enjoyed while playing football was unquantifiable; money cannot buy it. Everywhere I go today people recognise me and treat me with love and respect, which to me is more valuable than money.” One moment in his career he would never forget in a hurry was in 1980 when he lifted the AFCON trophy before the full glare of President Shehu Shagari and thousands of spectators at the National Stadium. “Before that deserved victory in 1980, the team had won bronze in 1976 and ’78 in Adiss Ababa and Ghana respectively. Playing on home ground was therefore one great opportunity we were not ready to let go. It was a great feeling lifting the cup before the President and over sixty thousand spectators, not to talk of millions of television viewers. It would ever remain an unforgettable moment in my life,” Chukwu recalled with nostalgia. After his playing career, he went on to coach Enugu Rangers. He was part of the coaching crew that qualified Nigeria to her first World Cup and won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia. Ten years later, he led Nigeria to winning the bronze. He failed to book a place to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He had coaching stints in Lebanon and with the Kenyan national team in 1998.

You don’t build a national team in a foreign land. You don’t build a national team with entirely foreign players. It cannot work, even if they are all Peles (Brazilian football legend). We have lot of talented players in Nigeria to form a formidable national team. We just need to inject three to five foreign players into the team

Where are the fans?

Okonkwo Shoots Down El-Kanemi Nonso Okonkwo struck in the 66th minute to fire Rivers United past a resolute El-Kanemi Warriors side 1-0 in an exciting Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest decided on Wednesday. The forward rounded off a flowing team move that saw youngster Daniel Israel provide the decisive pass as United won successive games in the NPFL for the first time this season. The home side struggled to break down the visitors in a first half that failed to spark into life at the Yakubu Gowon (former Port Harcourt Liberation) Stadium. Talismanic midfielder Obomate Frederick missed

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

out yet again for United as he failed to recover from the ankle injury he sustained in the 0-1 defeat to 3SC on match day seven. In his absence, United manager Stanley Eguma handed Ebuka Nnabue his debut and he excelled with an assured display in the middle of the park. The visitors hardly threatened all game with only a couple of gilt-edged opportunities to show for their exertions all afternoon. Eguma, while admitting that his side played well, refused to get carried away with the performance which guaranteed all three points. “Nobody is getting carried away here. We have

achieved nothing and will continue to work hard. “The league is a marathon and not a sprint. We still have 28 more games to play. “There is still room for improvement but we will get there eventually.”

Week 10 Fixtures Akwa Utd Heartland Abia Warriors Pillars Wolves Wikki Ikorodu Utd El-Kanemi

v v v v v v v v

Tornadoes Rivers Utd Lobi Stars Nasarawa Utd MFM Enyimba Sunshine 3SC

Plateau Utd

Giwa

Rangers

IfeanyiUba

Nigeria Premier League Table Team Ifeanyiubah Rangers Abia Warriors Wikki Rivers Utd MFM FC Akwa Utd Lobi Stars Kano Pillars Giwa FC 3SC Heartland Tornadoes Plateau Utd Wolves El-Kanemi Enyimba Sunshine Ikorodu Utd Nasarawa Utd

P 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 8 10 10 8 10 6 8 10 6

W 6 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 1

D 1 3 5 4 1 4 3 3 3 2 0 2 2 2 4 1 0 4 2 0

L 3 2 0 2 4 2 3 3 2 3 5 3 5 5 2 6 3 3 7 5

GF 14 16 10 12 12 12 15 13 12 10 11 5 13 9 3 11 5 8 6 3

GA 9 11 6 5 10 11 11 9 10 9 11 5 14 16 6 15 5 10 18 9

GD 5 5 4 7 2 1 4 4 2 1 0 0 -1 -7 -3 -4 0 -2 -12 -6

Pts 19 18 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 14 12 11 11 11 10 10 9 7 5 3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Harry Kane tries to waltze through Manchester United duo of Danny Blind and Smalling

Spurs Welcome United Amidst Title Chase Tottenham title ambition suffered a setback last weekend after coming out of Anfield with just a point, but the Lilywhites belief is not wavered as they welcome Manchester United to White Hart Lane in a game that could define the season for both teams. Meanwhile, Leicester fairy tales continue with their visit to Sunderland in a game that could inch the leaders nearer to the title or condemn Sunderland further to relegation waters

ottenham, whose hopes of catching Leicester were dented by their 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, could find themselves 10 points adrift of the leaders by the time they host Manchester United later on Sunday. United are involved in a local battle with Manchester City for fourth place and the final Champions League qualification spot and would love nothing more than to salvage an inconsistent season by overhauling their rivals in the table. However, Ander Herrera has warned his Manchester United teammates to expect a tough game when the Red Devils travel to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. Louis van Gaal’s men head into the game looking to make it three wins in a row in the top flight after their 1-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford last Sunday. That result left United in fifth place in the Premier Leaguetable and one point adrift of the top four heading into the final few games of the season. Tottenham, meanwhile, warmed up for their clash against the Red Devils by coming from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw at Liverpoollast Saturday. And although Herrera is expecting a difficult game, he feels that the fact United have a free week to prepare

for their trip to north London is a big boost. Speaking to United’s website, Herrera said: “We have now one week to train, one week to prepare for the game against Tottenham. It is not so usual. This season we have played almost every three days, so we have to prepare very good for that game because we watched their game against Liverpool.” Interestingly, Antonio Valencia is looking forward to this weekend’s enticing trip to title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur but admits the encounter will be tinged with frustration for Manchester United. The Ecuadorian admits the Reds would love to be in Spurs’ position on the table – in second place with six games to go and still hoping to overhaul Leicester City to become champions. Instead, the focus for United is on returning to the top four by building on back-to-back league wins, though Louis van Gaal’s side can have a big say in the destination of the title, both at White Hart Lane on Sunday and when Leicester visit Old Trafford at the start of May. Valencia told MUTV recently: "It'll be exciting for us as we're playing for our place in the Champions League next season. And when you're playing against opponents who are challenging for the title, in the shape of Tot-

tenham and Leicester, they are going to be big fixtures. "It will be interesting but a little bit sad in a way because we feel that we should be fighting for the title itself. But we have to make sure we keep on this winning run in order to achieve what we need to.We know how important historically the Champions League is here, how happy it would make the fans to qualify for that competition again for next season. So the main battle is to get back into that top four." Having been out of action from October to March with a foot injury that required surgery, Valencia is feeling fresher than he might otherwise have been at this stage of the season, and he's ready to play his part in the run-in. "I'm really keen to play," the versatile right-sided star continued. "After five months out of action, I'm happy with the way the operation went and overjoyed to be back and available. "I'm fully recovered and, when I play, it's very important for me to perform well to show how much I like being here and how much I love this team." When Leicester City faced Sunderland on the opening day of the season, even their most optimistic fans were expecting another testing struggle to avoid relegation. As they prepare to visit Sam Allardyce's side in the

It'll be exciting for us as we're playing for our place in the Champions League next season. And when you're playing against opponents who are challenging for the title, in the shape of Tottenham and Leicester, they are going to be big fixtures

APRIL 9, 2016 โ ข THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Spanish La Liga Fixtures

TODAY Madrid Espanyol Sociedad Betis SUNDAY Sporting Valencia Villarreal Bilbao

MONDAY Deportivo

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Eibar Atletico Barcelona Levante

15:00 17:15 19:30 21:05

v v v v

Celta Vigo Sevilla Getafe Vallecano

11:00 15:00 17:15 19:30

Las Palmas

19:30

Bundesliga Fixtures TODAY Frankfurt Ingolstadt Hamburger Bremen Stuttgart Wolfsburg SUNDAY Schalke Kรถln

v v v v v v

v v

Hoffenheim M'gladbach Darmstadt Augsburg Bayern Mainz

Dortmund Levekusen

14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 17:30

14:30 16:30

Serie A Fixtures TODAY Frosinone Chievo Sassuolo Milan

v v v v

Inter Carpi Genoa Juventus

Hot Shots

Premiership Table

Harry Kane

Tottenham

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

Romelu Lukaku

Everton

Sergio Aguero

Man City

Riyad Mahrez

Leicester

Odion Ighalo

Watford

Olivier Giroud

Azrsenal

Jermain Defoe

Sunderland

Diego Costa

Chelsea

Marko Amoutovic

Stoke

Gyifi Sigurdsson

Swansea

Georginio Wijnaldum Newcastle

Dimitri Payet

West Ham

Troy Deeney

Watford

Graziano Pelle

Southampton

Premiership TODAY 14:00 17:00 17:00 19:45

SUNDAY Empoli Napoli Sampdoria Torino Palermo

v v v v v

Fiorentina Verona Udinese Atalanta Lazio

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 19:45

MONDAY Roma

Bologna

19:45

West Ham

Arsenal

Aston Villa

Bournemouth 15:00