Saturday 16th April 2016 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Foreign Investors Now Reinvesting Trapped Funds in Equities Market Yemi Adebowale with Agency Report Still smarting from inability to convert their Naira funds into United States Dollars and repatriate same home, some foreign investors are now reinvesting their trapped Naira in

the Nigerian equities market, reports the world’s leading investment firm for frontier and illiquid markets, Exotix Partners LLP of London. “A lot of our clients have trapped naira sitting in Nigeria; so, now, we see recycling of that Naira back into the equities market.

There is no point sitting in a foreign-currency line not knowing when you are going to get your FX. You may as well buy the stock that you like over the long-term and hold it,” Ali Khalpey, head of equities at Exotix said yesterday. “While the amount of

investor funds trapped in the country is unknown, it’s increasing. People aren’t allowed to take their dividends out. Clearly, that number is growing on a daily basis,” Khalpey added. Nigeria risks being kicked out of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI)

Frontier Markets Index by the end of the month because of the currency controls. If the New York-based organisation decides to exclude Nigerian stocks, the country could see about $480 million of equity investments exit, Oscar Onyema, the chief executive officer of the

Nigerian Stock Exchange, said in an interview on Tuesday. With the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Central Bank of Nigeria has rebuffed demands that it devalues the naira, a sore point for many in the market. Continued on page 6

Adeosun: 363,000 Companies Never Paid Any Tax ...Page 6 Saturday 16 April, 2016 Vol 21. No 7654 Price: N250

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Navy Launches Massive Operation to Secure N/Delta

Action coming 48 hours after Buhari’s warning to vandals Accuses Tompolo of being behind resurgence of N’Delta militancy Osinbajo: Vandals as bad as terrorists

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja In response to the upsurge in piracy and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta region of the country, the Navy yesterday launched a massive operation to ensure effective

security of the maritime sector of the nation. The operation, which is code-named 'Operation Tsare Teku', is coming barely 48 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari issued a strong warning to deal decisively with the

trouble makers in the region in the same manner the federal government is tackling the Boko Haram terrorists. The Navy also indirectly accused former Niger Delta war-lord, Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo of

masterminding the resurgence in militancy in the Niger Delta. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral IbokEte Ibas who spoke at a press briefing in Abuja, said that he had set up the Task Force Committee (headed by

a Commodore) to handle the operation aimed at clearing the nation's territorial waters of criminals. Ibas who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP), Nigerian Navy (NN), Rear Adm. Henry

Proofof-Life Video Credible, Says Shehu Sani

Continued on page 6

THISDAY HOME DEBUTS TODAY

MATTHEW ASHIMOLOWO

Yemi Adebowale with agency report

Senator Shehu Sani has thrown his weight behind the CNN proof-of-life video, which showed 15 of the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok town two years ago, saying that the video is credible. Sani and his colleagues in the Senate had on Thursday

Babalola, disclosed that seven Nigerian Naval Ships (NNS) would be involved in the operations. He said that four had been deployed and they are: NNS

Being a Pastor Doesn’t Mean I Should Dress Ugly, Ugliness Isn’t Holiness

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

GLOBAL ECONOMY ON THEIR MINDS

L-R: President, Center for Global Development, Nancy Birdsal; Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Rwanda, Clover Gatete; Minister of Finance, Nigeria, Kemi Adeosun and Deputy Managing Director, lnternational Monetary Fund (IMF), Mitsuhiro Furusawa during the Sub-Saharan Africa Seminar, themed; Just a Rough Patch at the World Bank/lMF Board of Governors Springs Meeting in Washington DC ...yesterday Abiodun Ajala

Saraki Fails in Another Bid to Stop His Trial at CCT ...Page 10

SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2016

SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2016

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, ApRil 16, 2016

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Adeosun: 363,000 Companies Never Paid Any Tax Kunle Aderinokun, Chika Amanze-Nwachuku and Funke Olaode in Washington DC Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has disclosed that in the last seven months, the Federal Government has discovered 363,000 companies operating in Nigeria that have never paid any tax before. These companies were said to have evaded several billions of naira in taxes. Adeosun, who made this disclosure yesterday at a panel discussion on “Sub-Saharan Africa: Just a Rough Patch” on the side-line of the ongoing 2016 spring meetings of the IMF-World Bank in Washington DC, USA, said getting the tax evaders to fulfil their tax obligations and ensuring unpaid taxes are remitted to treasury is a major priority of the government. Adeosun stressed that there were enormous revenue realisable from taxation to keep the

economy going on a sustainable level without bothering about oil revenue. Realising that taxation is a goldmine yet untapped, she pointed out that the government had been working assiduously to ensure it plugs all loopholes in tax revenue collection. According to her, “there are still low-hanging fruits in revenue collection. We are using technology, we are using cashless platforms and we are very serious about hitting those targets. Are there risks, yes, are we aware of them, are we trying to mitigate them in our action plan, absolutely yes.” Lamenting that at the moment, the economy recorded only 5 per cent government revenue to GDP but now targeting 10 per cent, Adeosun noted that the level of compliance in VAT revenue collection was 12 per cent. Adeosun explained that the federal government’s approach was focused on improving the efficiency of tax collection and broadening the tax base.

“We are using technology to enhance collection, linking up databases from diverse government agencies, auto debits of VAT from corporate entities and government contractors and the rollout of Biometric Verification Number (BVN) across bank account holders. We have also ensured that FIRS staff receive increased incentive pay for delivery on targets,” she said. Contrary to widespread notion, the minister insisted that Nigeria’s economic future is not gloomy. “We have a framework for our economic future,” she argued. According to her, “this framework for the future will tackle our problems through three critical areas, namely fiscal discipline, targeted investment, diversification of the Economy.” In the area of fiscal discipline, she said plugging the leakages must be approached simultaneously by tackling corruption, inefficiency and negligence. This, she noted, the administration had been

doing. Said the minister: “This administration has a strong focus on transparency and an increase in government openness. We will remain solid in our anticorruption drive and continue in our commitment towards a streamlined administration. “We will guard against wastage and leakages within the system, strengthening institutions weakened over the years through corruption, inefficiency and in some cases simple negligence. “We have lacked sufficient and adequate systems for monitoring how funds are being utilized nor did we embed the controls to arrest the leakages.” “Therefore, along with the transformative capital investment we are undertaking, we will concurrently develop the much needed systems and controls for monitoring, tracking and ultimately optimising the investments we intend to make,” she added. Specifically, she stated: “The government has launched

offensive against corruption. As part of our fiscal housekeeping, we have introduced programmes designed to audit and rationalise personnel related expenditure, which accounts for over 40 per cent of total government expenditure, reduce overheads, increase expenditure efficiency, and consolidate extra-budgetary revenues.” Besides, Adeosun noted that, the government will focus on policies that will stimulate economic growth, reduce the cost of governance and strengthen institutions to combat corruption extract efficiencies in public service, she said. More importantly, the minister pointed out that, the government is focusing on infrastructure development to unlock economic growth rather than things that will attract spending such as travels and training. In addition, she noted that the government was working hard to diversify the economy and growth of the non-oil sector. IMF Deputy managing

director, Mitsuhiro Furusawa, said even though there was currently a slowdown in economic growth in Africa and globally, he was optimistic in medium and long term prospect of the continent. Essentially, he said the Africa Rising mantra was not over as he was optimistic about the future. “I see a bright future.” He nevertheless pointed out that, despite the global slowdown in growth, many countries were moving fast. “For instance, the China GDP has moved faster. Thirteen countries including Ivory Coast are enjoying growth in the last four years in their business environment. So, I am optimistic. I went to Chad and the situation there is different. Though the growth is slow but the stakeholders are trying. There is a lot of significant variation in the region. And some policies being introduced are favourable to the system. So Ivory Coast is gradually recovering from the rough patch.”

I Did Not Indict Jonathan, Says Okonjo-Iweala

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The former Coordinating Minister for the Economy/ Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has debunked some media reports purporting her to have indicted the President Goodluck Jonathan administration for lacking the political will to save for the rainy day when oil prices were high. Citing her speech on “Inequality, Growth and Resilience,” at the George Washington University, United States of America on Thursday, some media reports

had quoted the former minister to have indicted the Jonathan administration of not having the political will to save when oil prices were selling at over $100 per barrel. But reacting to the reports yesterday via a press statement captioned “Low Savings: Okonjo-Iweala Did Not Indict the Jonathan Administration”, her Media Adviser, Paul Nwabuikwu said some recent media reports have distorted the comments "Contrary to the slant given by these loud headlines, Okonjo-Iweala did not indict the Jonathan administration in

NAVY LAUNCHES MASSIVE OPERATION TO SECURE N/DELTA Okpabana, NNS Kyanwa, NNS Sagbama, and NNS Andoni, while the remaining three naval ships would join the operation later on. These are NNS Centenary, NNS Burutu, and NNS Zaria. The CNS said that the nation's economy was feeling the bite of the piracy and other related criminal activities in the maritime area. He warned that no serious country would tolerate the sabotage of the vital sectors of its economy and vowed that the region would be cleared of all criminal activities. "As you are all aware, the jugular of the Nigeria economy is at the maritime area of Niger Delta. So, when we noticed

an infringement in that area, it affects the economy of the nation. "The CNS has inaugurated Operation Tsare Teku to clear the area of these miscreants. It’s to be headed by a Senior Flag Officer in the rank of Commodore," he said. Speaking further, Ibas observed that the criminal activities increased after some former Niger Delta militant leaders were declared wanted, in addition to the fact that the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) would soon end. Even though, the Naval Chief did not mention names, his description of the major suspect behind the criminal activities

which she served. Rather, she was referring to what many Nigerians already know; the strong opposition by some governors to the Jonathan government’s efforts to save in the Excess Crude Account and the Sovereign Wealth Fund sabotaged this important national priority. “The governors’ criticism of Okonjo-Iweala’s many calls for the country to save for the rainy days are still fresh in the minds of Nigerians. This opposition culminated in the governors taking the Jonathan government to the Supreme Court in furtherance of their position

that the Federal government had no right to “compel” them to save,” Nwabuikwu said. The statement added that several knowledgeable persons including a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi confirmed these facts. “So the issue of OkonjoIweala indicting the Jonathan administration over this very public issue simply does not arise. We urge the media to always consult for clarification whenever the need arises,” Nwabuikwu admonished. To lend credence to the position that the ex-minister’s comment was not an indictment

on Jonathan, she had in an interview with an international magazine, Le Monde, last weekend said: “When I was finance minister, the first time, the volatility of oil prices, and therefore state resources, cost at least three points of growth in the country. “We then 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, no one had heard of Nigeria because the country was able to tap into this fund. And that I am very proud of.

“When I returned to the department in 2011, there remained only $4 billion on this account while the price of oil was very high! I tried again to put money aside. The president agreed, but the governors did not accept. “I suffered a lot of attacks from them and now that the country would really need this account, these same people accuse me of not having saved. If Nigeria had been more careful, we would not be here today. It hurts me. We have the mechanism, we had the experience, but we were prevented to act.”

pointed towards Tompolo, who has been declared wanted by the Federal Government. The CNS stated that the Navy has measures in place to arrest the situation, having identified the two major hotspots in Brass and Bonny in Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively. He said: "There is no nation in the world that will allow this to happen in its maritime domain. It’s not as if the Navy has not been doing anything all this while to secure our maritime environment. This is because we have had more ships in the maritime area than any other time. However, since January 14, 2016, we have had increased pirates activities and ship hijacks.

"In every society, we have criminal activities. However, you must note that up until January 11, 2016, we have had zero criminal activities but from January 14, this changed. "Meanwhile, you are well aware that some persons were declared wanted (Tompolo) and we promised some actions. You know that it was no longer business as usual and coupled with the facts that the Amnesty programme is about winding up. So these criminal elements might have gone back to their activities." "The major thing is that the criminal groups have regrouped. We have localised these problems at two major areas, offshore Brass and offshore

Bonny. These are two major areas we have been having the challenges," he said. The Naval Chief, while noting that Buhari's pronouncement is for a larger military operations, clarified that the current operation was a purely NN initiative in line with its rules of engagement and scope of activities. "This is not totally divorced from the matching orders the President gave but it is part of our statutory role. The order from Mr. President is for the whole armed forces. It’s not the kind of blind response to the Presidential pronouncement as we are guarded by rules of engagement," he clarified. Ibas also said that the Navy

had been up to the task in policing the coastal areas of the country, collaboration with other neighbouring countries and international partners. He disclosed that the NN recorded one of the biggest naval successes in the rescue of a Naval Ship Maximus, which was hijacked off the Ivoirian coast. "We have arrested the pirates that hijacked the Maximus. We want to tell you that it was hijacked off the Coast of Cote D'Ivoire and we were alerted by the US and pursued it towards the tail end of Sao Tome & Principe. It was a big success that some countries were amazed that we could pull off such feat,” he said.

proof-of-life video, calling it credible during an interview on CNN's Christiane Amanpour. Asked why the security chiefs had not appeared before the Senate at any

point in the last two years, Sani told CNN by phone that the government's focus had been on military action against Boko Haram, the terrorist group thought to be responsible for the

kidnapping. “The military has succeeded in rescuing hundreds of women and girls, but CNN's video has now given the Senate renewed impetus and added a new dimension. “CNN's reporting of the Chibok girls' proof-of-life video makes it clear that the kidnapping was not a hoax and that the girls had not been killed or sold as sex slaves," said Sani. Images of a broken Rifkatu Ayuba who recognized her daughter, Saratu, in the video produced by her captors and obtained exclusively by CNN prompted renewed outrage over the 2014 kidnappings. From protesters marching in Nigerian cities to social media users in distant countries raising their voices, the story stirred fresh outpourings of anger and

frustration at the atrocity, and the official response. The video, obtained by CNN and showing 15 girls in robes identifying themselves, is believed to have been made in December during negotiations between the government and parties claiming to represent Boko Haram. Shot on Christmas Day, it was released by someone eager to give the girls' parents hope that some of their daughters were still alive, and to prompt the government to help secure their release. Two of the three women to whom CNN screened the footage recognised their daughters; a third was distressed that it did not show her daughter. A classmate of the missing girls also identified several of the teens in the footage.

PROOF-OF-LIFE VIDEO CREDIBLE, SAYS SHEHU SANI demanded updates from the nation's security agencies on attempts to rescue the girls. "With the video and other things brought in, we need the security agents to brief us on what they have been

able to achieve. We expect the security chiefs to speak to the Senate early next week, " Sani told CNN by phone yesterday. Sani was the first Nigerian senator to comment on the

FOREIGN INVESTORS NOW REINVESTING TRAPPED FUNDS IN EQUITIES MARKETS “There comes a point when he needs to understand that the whole country has already devalued,” said Kato Mukuru, Exotix’s head of equity research. Exotix also reported yesterday that the Nigerian foreign-exchange controls were undermining political reforms by President Buhari and making Nigeria uninvestable for buyers who measure returns in dollars. “The reorganisation of the state oil company’s structure, changes to the nation’s bureaucracy and Buhari’s efforts

to curb corruption all point to root and branch changes to the country’s governance structures,” Hasnain Malik, head of frontier markets strategy at Exotix said in an interview in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. “All of that is a pretty powerful political and governance reform story. It’s undermined from a foreign institutional investor standpoint by a very repressive economic policy and specifically a currency policy,” Malik added. The Nigerian central bank has pegged the Naira at 197-

199 per dollar since March last year, and restricted trading in foreign currencies, making imports more costly for a nation that’s a net importer of refined fuel and food. Importers struggle to access foreign exchange at the official rate, with the naira falling to around 320 on the black market. “If you’re a dollar-based investor, you can’t get over the fact that you could see either a major deterioration in the dollar value of your investment or your investment may be stuck,” Malik said.

The Nigerian stock exchange’s All Share Index has lost 14 per cent of its value this year alone. Share-trading volumes plunged to a sevenyear low in the first quarter, as foreigners shun the market while they wait for a devaluation of the Naira and as the country’s economy grows at its slowest pace in 17 years. “Volumes have recovered in the past two weeks as companies have paid out dividends and those who are prevented by the foreign-exchange policy from repatriating their funds are reinvesting,” said Khalpey.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2016

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 16, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Matthew Ashimolowo

Being a Pastor Doesn’t Mean I Should Dress Ugly – Ugliness Isn’t Holiness The fervor in his voice is heart-warming; the choice of his words is contemplative and his demeanor is soothing. Gesticulating, looking right into the eyes of his congregation and nimbly moving to and from the rostrum, he lifts each one up as they give him a rapturous standing ovation. His practical messages are both soul-searching and heart-stirring. But the debonair preacher does not just talk the talk through some fanciful Bible quotes – he is known to always walk the talk too. Nigerian-born but London-based pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo, popularly known for his charismatic and often televised ministry, Kingsway International Christian Centre, (KICC) with headquarters in London and many branches all over the world, has been a voice to be reckoned with in terms of inspirational and soul-lifting messages. Recently, he has been doing more than that. He has delved into something exceptional. In this interview with Mary Ekah, Ashimolowo speaks about his long-time dream that came true, the reason behind his newly established Kings University and why he chose to start it off on charity by placing all the pioneer students on scholarships unlike every other Christian-based university With Kings University, My Dream is to Transform Lives I Read Hundred Books a Year

ou are a well travelled man, what’s your perception about Nigeria?

I believe Nigeria is great. Nigeria has great hope. I travel around Africa every year; sometimes I visit eight to 10 nations. Nigerians are the most complaining but they don’t know what they have. I go to some African nations, when I come back, I feel like kneeling down to kiss the ground of Nigeria. We are very blessed. Multiplicity of ethnic groups, various kinds of opportunities, multiplicity of even food, just thinking of the soup you can eat in Nigeria and there will be no less than 500 recipes of foods. Some African nations all they have is corn. In fact, anything below Cameroon, all they eat is corn. In Nigeria, we have rice, we have beans, and we have versatility. Africa cannot survive without us. I go to eight to ten African nations sometimes every year; I look around Africa and my heart is broken because I see resources without good managers; without good leaders. With all due respect to many of our governors, they collect money from the Federal Government and spend 70 per cent in paying salaries. That’s bad business. They should find a way to invest the money. If you were using 70 per cent to do salary, how would you build infrastructure in the future? The average Nigerian wants to do business; many don’t know how to do it. We teach people why you should own your own business. I lectured in a church recently on 30 reasons why you should own your own company as a young person. It was a young boy of 20 years old who started Facebook and all of us want to be on Facebook and now he is the second wealthiest man on earth at the age of 30. It’s just a simple concept. Be proud of Nigeria. I believe our president is a man of great integrity and a man who wants the best for Nigeria, but please spend 20 per cent of your time to pursue those who stole, spend 80 per cent of your time to create a future for us, so that we who did not steal, are not punished. In the interim, create an enabling environment that people will come and invest. 20 per cent of our time should be spent to take care of the past and face the future because if your eyes are on the rear view mirror all the time you cannot drive fast.

Ashimolowo

Now that you have finally inaugurated Kings University, how do you feel? We are very excited that finally after so

many years Kings University took off today. It is very challenging to have to go through the Nigeria process of starting the university. It is very discouraging, because N2 billion was tied down here and the NUC is the final authority, they say anything they like and whatever term they like. If it were a business then we would have been bankrupt. Our dream is to transform lives; our dream is to change lives and we know they have a good reason for their method but many of our kids are running to other nations. It is my opinion that they should encourage private universities. If anybody thinks private universities are profitable they don’t know what they are talking about; Maybe not Kings University because N2 billion built this place and the students admitted are on scholarship – every one of them. So we are the first private university that offered 112 scholarships to students. The only thing they have to do is to buy books. We are taking care of every other thing including paying the lecturers and the accommodation. Academics and accommodation should have been between N400, 000 and N500, 000. Is the scholarship only for Osun State indigenes? No, it is not. We made it open to the whole of people in Nigeria not just Osun, as long as they are ready to conform to the principles of our university. We only gave indigenes of the town opportunity to bring a few students because it is where we are sited but aside that we have different names; people who came all the way from Anambra and other parts of the country. It’s our dream and joy that we are able to do something for the nation. What is the focus of the university? The focus of Kings University is to specialise in particular areas. We have many faculties but we want to be a university that emphasises on Information Technology, Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ILE). We believe that you can use timely technology to achieve timeless things. Leadership is the biggest problem for Africa. I go to like 10 countries of Africa every year and when I look around Africa my heart is broken because I see resources without good managers and leaders. The average Nigerian wants to do business but many don’t know how to do it. For example, we teach people how to own your own business. And here we want to raise young people in Kings University who will use timely technology, who will be

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 16, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY I Visit Eight to Ten African Countries Every Year...

Ooni of Ife and Ashimolowo at the event leaders and who will be entrepreneur. Why is the university sited in Ode Omu, Osun State? Firstly, this is the origin of my father; secondly, it is a state that needs encouragement. Thirdly, part of the challenge of Nigeria, in my opinion, having lived in Europe for 32 years, is that there is no even distribution of infrastructure and facilities, businesses, governmental institutions, but instead, every thing is concentrated in Lagos and Abuja. And so we have problems because people are stressed out in those places. So I think a university in Ode Omu would encourage even development in the country and lastly, imagine the serenity and quietness of this place. You are able concentrate and I am confident that we are going to be rolling out students with minimum of 3.0 GPA because of the fact that there are limited distractions for the students who are here. You seem to have a good understanding of the education system in Nigeria. How would you assess the standard of education in the country today? I think we are at the crossroads of great challenges. I don’t want to say too much but I have to say this: certain people prefer the disorder because the disorder is enriching somebody. If a student passes JAMB, why can’t you keep that result for two years, so that if I cannot get admission this year because space is limited, then I can easily have my admission the next year? But it is not so here; students are meant to pay another year to sit for the exam even when they had passed it the previous year while their admissions for the previous year is considered invalid – that is for the regulators. Then when we come to the school, we need to talk to our young people that it is not about paper but it is about being a rounded person; preparing yourself to be a leader, a transformed man and to contribute to society. We who are building this university are putting in huge sum of money and you would even wonder if we are okay. My wife and I paid for the 300 hectares of land bought in this town for the university project. We have nothing really to gain here. Our children are all graduates who have finished their Masters and they don’t even live here; they live abroad. We are doing all these because we want to transform society and be part of change. Then you find that there are people we give this kind of platform and yet they want to be notorious and want to destroy it. That is why you hear some students in private universities causing riots after their parents have paid half a million Naira for school fees. Not everything requires banging and tearing down, I think our students have to wake up. Cultism and prostitution must stop. The unfortunate thing is social media has made the world to be a global village. The whole world is reading and they have no respect for degrees coming out of our university. You are so versatile in messages. How do you get these inspirations? I love to be informed. I love reading. I read two books a week, and I try to go through hundred books in a year – most times not really within theology but anything that will really make me very well informed. We expected to see high-rise buildings around here. There isn’t any here. Why? The reason we started it this way is to maximise the little we have. Many people have asked that question. In the phase two, this place will just be a college. The phase two of the university that is where you will have the high-rise building and all you have here is the college under the university. You are a pastor, writer and now a chancellor; do you have time for recreation? I relax. I play golf a lot and very often. You need to learn how to live what I call strategic living or quadrant life. You put things

Deputy Governor, Osun State, Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo during the official flag off of Kings University, Ode Omu

A cross section of prominent clergymen in Nigeria who graced the event

Newly admitted students at Kings University in box. As strategic living is when you see me stand to preach, that sermon is a CD; it’s a DVD; it’s a TV broadcast and it’s a chapter of a book. That message, when my congregation hears it, it’s for that moment, when it’s on CD it’s for 10 years, when it’s in DVD it’s also 10 years. For social media, we don’t know how long that will last. It’s a new technology. I’m on Twitter, I have 70, 000 following. I’m on Facebook, I have 800, 000 following. But every message I preach is a chapter of a book but book last forever. You are a very stylish man, how do you achieve that? I do not think that being Christian should make me dress

ugly. I think it’s a total package. I’m 64 but young people want to hear me; the reason is because I speak their language and I didn’t see in the Bible anything that makes a person to think that ugliness is holiness. The Bible calls us peculiar people, royal priesthood, holy nation. We are royal, and when kings came in here today we knew. When the Ooni of Ife came in, we knew. Then he stood up and said he has known me before and that he came to my house and I was trying to find out when. When he now came and whispered to me, I almost fell apart. You see what royalty has done to him. Believers are royal, not arrogant, not the one making the fashion statement but being decent; that is the best way to reach our world.

People Think My Wife and I Are Crazy Giving Free Admission into Kings University

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 16, 2016

NEWS Saraki Fails in Another Bid to Stop His Trial Before CCT

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

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki yesterday lost his bid to stop his on going trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), as the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja okayed the powers of the tribunal to try him. The court also held that the trial of Saraki was not in any way a breach of his fundamental human rights. Saraki had approached the court seeking to enforce his fundamental human rights as provided by Chapter IV of the 1999 constitution. Saraki also sought to stop his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on grounds that it lacked jurisdiction to sit over the matter. He had also asked the court to quash the charge against him before the tribunal. Delivering judgement in the suit, the trial judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati held that on careful perusal of Saraki's application, it was meant to stop the on going trial at the CCT. He further held that the CCT was competent to prosecute the applicant over assets declaration related issues. Justice Kafarati noted that the applicant had earlier taken the same application to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and the judgements there were against him. He also noted that Saraki

had also argued the same issue before the tribunal but was dismissed. Justice Kafarati held that if he decided otherwise, his judgement would be in conflict with the earlier decision of the tribunal. On the breach of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution, the court held that the trial had not in any way breached the provision of the chapter and that the applicant could raise a no case submission after the prosecution had closed his trial. He added that reliefs sought by Saraki were not available under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. The court further held that the application constituted an abuse of court process and consequently dismissed it. Justice Kafarati had earlier refrained from delivering judgement in the suit on the grounds that an online report alleged that a sum of money was paid into his account in order to favour the applicant in his judgement. The judge had then showed his displeasure about the report and consequently returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. The CJ, Justice Ibrahim Auta however on Tuesday mandated the trial judge to go ahead with the delivery of the judgement. The Federal Government is prosecuting Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on 13 count charges bothering

REWARD FOR HARDWORK... L-R: Director, Brian Munro Limited, Brian Voakes; winner, Ndubuisi Onyenanu; and Area Manager, Campari International, Michael Reder at the 2016 Campari Distributor Awards held at Classique Events Centre Ikeja, Lagos recently

on alleged false declaration of assets. Saraki had traversed all the hierarchy of courts in the land to stop the trial, but the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court had in separate rulings held that the Senate President should go back and face his trial. Saraki had also challenged

PDP to Pick Presidential, Other Candidate through Direct Primaries Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Ahead of its national convention, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it was planning to amend its constitution to provide for the emergence of all it's candidates for elective offices through direct primary election. On its silence over national issues, the party said it had decided to temporarily stay off from criticism so the ruling party could devote energies to putting its house in order. Speaking during a meeting with the former National chairman of the opposition party in Ghana, the New Patriotic Party, Peter Mac Manu, the PDP Spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh said that as part of the reforms taking place in the party, the leadership had proposed a constitutional amendment to allow its candidates for the 2019 general elections to be selected by the people at the grassroots level. "We intend to elect our presidential candidate starting from ward level. We are going to apply Option A4 in electing our presidential candidates, means it is not going to be restricted to presidential election but others like governorship, senatorial,

House of Representatives and all, everybody would be elected from the ward level," he said. The proposed amendment which Metuh said had already been sent to state chapters of the party nationwide would have members line up to vote for the candidates of their choice in a manner similar to the pattern popularly known as 'Option A'. Metuh said, "People would have to queue up behind the candidates of their choice. This proposed amendment has been sent to the state chapters for their inputs in line with our desire to have people’s opinion. "PDP is changing and in the convention we would present it for people to vote. We are going to change our system to be that our presidential candidate would be voted for by all party members in the country. It would be done at the ward level, we would no longer elect presidential candidate at the national convention. "It would now be for every party member to vote for whoever would be our presidential candidate. Whoever would vie for our presidential ticket would have to tour the entire country before he can be elected. This is part of the reform we are coming up with. Basically, this would be the last convention where we

would have people to be elected at the national convention. We are taking the party back to the Nigerian people," he said. He said that the amendment was part of the reforms that was contained in the Ike Ekweremadu's committee recommendation. Metuh also lamented that as the opposition party, PDP was presently faced with various challenges ranging from persecution and defection by members into the ruling party, adding that the leadership was working hard to reposition things and to ensure that the next convention brought about a new lease of life to the party. "Some people defect because they are hungry, that they are not well treated, while others defect because they want to be part of the cake from the ruling government or the party in power. Whereas, others also defect because they are afraid of prosecution in the belief that once they belong to the ruling party, they are safe from all manner of embarrassments," he added. On his part, the Ghanaian opposition party chieftain said that the PDP had a lesson to learn from his party's experience, especially in the area of restructuring and rebranding.

the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try him. The Chairman of the tribunal, Danladi Umar while ruling on the application had dismissed Saraki's request and consequently assumed jurisdiction. The prosecution had since opened its trial by calling the first witness, Michael Watkas.

The witness had told the tribunal how Saraki operated three different accounts in Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), namely; Naira account, Dollar account and Pounds Sterling account. He also told the tribunal how Saraki made about 70 lodgements into the account

on a single day through one of his personal assistant. The witness had also told the tribunal that the Kwara State Government was still paying salary to Saraki four years after he ceased to be the governor of the state. The tribunal had since adjourned till April 18 for further hearing.

Grazing Reserves Bill Portends Grave Danger for Peace, Unity of Nigeria Anayo Okoli

A pressure group, Igboekulie, committed to the cause of good governance and the upliftment of the economic status of the Igbos, has called for the stepping down of the National Grazing Reserve Commission Bill in the National Assembly. The group in a statement signed by its chairman and Secretary, Prince Ben Onuora and Mr. Benjamin Obidegwu, said the bill, which had passed second reading in the Senate portends grave danger for peace and unity of Nigeria. According to the group, the bill, if passed, would create many other problems. "The bill has the potential of creating more tension and ultimately more violence. The bill is wasteful, self-serving, retrogressive, discriminatory and deceitful. “In the Senate, there is a bill for the creation of National Grazing Reserve Commission and it has passed the second reading. Though the bill had been proposed in the past and was thrown out for good reasons, there is an attempt to resurrect the bill and rush it through the legislature process.” Analysing Section 17(1) of the bill, the group said, “There is an element of compulsory acquisition

power granted to the Commission once ‘it appears’ to it that the land is good for grazing to seize the land of peasant and other farmers all over Nigeria for the use of the herdsmen for whose benefit the Grazing Reserves are to be created. This is unacceptable. Otherwise, we should expect violent resistance across Nigeria. “This bill seeks to violate the Constitution of Nigeria by authorising the Commission to merely give “due notice” in Section 18(1) to any State Governor in whose state land is to be acquired. “It follows that the Commission has the power to seize people’s lands for the benefit of Fulani herdsmen who conveniently fall into” any class of persons”. This bill must fail on account of this alone. “Which Nigerian would permit his land to be seized by the government and given to another ostensibly for a public purpose which is indeed private? Robbing Peter to pay Paul is a recipe for disaster and ethnic crises.” While stating that the federal government had no business participating directly in the business of planting and maintaining grass for herdsmen, the group noted that land was not as abundant in the South, particularly in the South-east zone where people find

it difficult to even get a plot for building a house or farming. “With the attitude of the average Fulani herdsman, most Nigerians are indeed skeptical of this attempt to legitimise the occupation of other people’s lands with the connivance of the Federal Government. No legislation can cause this suspicion to disappear. Therefore, the bill has the potential of creating more tension and ultimately more violence. “It is clear that this bill is unconstitutional, wasteful, self-serving, retrogressive, discriminatory and deceitful. It is a time bomb capable of igniting monumental crises in all places where attempts are made to dispossess the poor who are victims of the aggression of the herdsmen of their lands. “The bill, if allowed to be passed into law, will shake the fabric of this nation in terms of the violence it is bound to generate. It is an ungodly attempt to reward impunity and ironically, further punish the victims of such impunity who are mostly poor. “We hereby call on the members of the National Assembly with conscience, civil society groups, farmers and all other Nigerians to rise up and ensure that this bill is jettisoned immediately. The bill must fail as it did previously. A stitch in time saves nine”, they insisted.

APRIL 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Osinbajo and the Message from Seething Masses of Kano

ice President Yemi Osinbajo was in Kano State last Saturday to commiserate with traders at Sabon Gari Market who lost billions of Naira in a fire incident that destroyed a large chunk of the market. The visit provided an opportunity for the seething masses of Kano State to confront Osinbajo over the economic hardship foisted on the people by the archaic economic policies and the scandalous ineptitude of the Buhari administration. Efforts by security agents to suppress hundreds of Sabon Gari residents failed as they chanted, “We are suffering, no fuel, no power, no money.” Some also carried placards with different engravings lamenting the current economic conditions across the nation. This was a big opportunity for Osinbajo to meet face-to-face with the real Nigerians feeling the brunt of our sliding economy. It was an opportunity to meet the masses, most of whom had been reduced to beggars in the last 11 months of this administration. Of course, the vice president tried to console the seething masses of Kano State with the usual rhetoric. He told the protesters that the government was aware of their suffering and had rolled out several policies to cushion the effects. It was Just the same old story. There was nothing new to tell the people in practical terms. Osinbajo was just showboating. For me, the most important thing our vice president should do after this visit to Sabon Gari is to sit his principal (Muhammadu Buhari) down and present to him the facts and figures of what transpired at Sabon Gari Market on Saturday March 9, 2016. Buhari is expected back in Nigeria from China tomorrow. So Osinbajo should do the needful. He should let Buhari know that the masses across the nation are boiling, based on this first-hand experience. Is Buhari not already aware of the agony in our land? I guess this is the big question many would probably be asking me this morning. Yes, wailing Buhari and his deputy are already aware, but have not taken any practical step to suggest that they care. Perhaps, the Sabon Gari experience will ginger them into action. This

Osinbajo

is why Osinbajo has to sit his boss down and narrate the Sabon Gari experience to him. If they are not careful, the smoldering masses will start stoning them from Lagos to Kano. The nation’s economy is not just in trouble. It is in tatters and the masses are feeling the squeeze. Just this week, it emerged that inflation had jumped to 12.8 per cent in March. The currency curbs introduced by this administration, coupled with the fuel scarcity contributed to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation, to 12.8 per cent in March, compared to 11.4 per cent in February and 9.6 per cent in January. This is according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). It blamed the 1.4 per cent rise in the headline index on an increase in the prices of goods and services across the country, the highest year-onyear rise since July 2012. This is galloping inflation and it is killing our nation. Also, the latest unemployment statistics

Buhari Received on Arrival in China by ‘Assistant Minister’ I was so depressed on Monday after seeing pictures of President Muhammadu Buhari being received on arrival in the People’s Republic of China by Mr. Cheng, the Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs. The level of the Chinese government official sent to receive him speaks volumes about the regard Chinese President Xi Jinping has for our President and our country. This was a clear case of insult. Haba! How can they send a junior minister to receive our own Buhari? I thought that with all the hype to the State Visit by the Nigerian government, Xi Jinping would be at the Beijing International Airport waiting for Buhari. This was not the case. This is what a country and its leader get when they go all over the world begging for all sorts of funny things. Ours is now a beggar nation. The Chinese President knew that we were coming to beg. That was why Xi Jinping simply sent a junior minister to receive Buhari. He did not even send Vice President Li Yuanchao or Premier, Li Keqiang. They no longer have regard for us because we are always running to them

Buhari

for all sorts of loan. Now, let’s look at the ugly side of the Chinese loans we beg for. They determine the cost of the projects we propose; award the contract to China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) at whatever amount they want and pass the cost to us as a loan. If some of these projects we push to them to fund are allowed to go through Open Competitive Bidding, the cost will certainly be lower; the CCECC may not even get many of them.

by the NBS pointed to the fact that rather than a decrease, the unemployment index rose to 10.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year (Q4 2015) compared to 9.9 per cent in the previous quarter. Buhari’s job creation strategies, if there is any, appear to have yielded little or no concrete results for now. The latest unemployment figures by the NBS showed that a total of 22.45 million of the total labour force of 76.96 million were either unemployed or underemployed in Q4 of 2015 compared to 20.7 million in Q3 and 19.6 million in Q2 of the same year. No doubt, the forex policy of this administration is creating crisis for the economy, particularly the refusal to allow the Naira to float, thus aggravating the unemployment crisis in the country as companies resort to sacking of workers to survive. This forex policy, which encourages corruption, has led to unprecedented colossal speculative trading and roundtripping. Again, we are still contending with the piercing fuel crisis, epileptic electricity supply, decaying infrastructure, hunger and disease. Just as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said on Monday, Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) government are largely responsible for the depreciation of the economy and the ensuing suffering of the masses. For ASUU, our president and his party are running a change government that is devoid of transformation. The remarks of the ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Isa on the 11-month administration of Buhari is instructive. It is food for

thought. He said: “The symptoms of the prevailing economic crisis have become obvious with its attendant consequences and overall burden on Nigerians. There is no doubt that Nigerians are suffering. There exists a socio-economic crisis in Nigeria. We are all aware of the manifestations of the crisis. There are many symptoms of the crisis - rising level of poverty; increasing rate of unemployment and heightened expectations leading to heightened frustration among Nigerians due to the failure to realise an improved living standard.” “Food prices are higher and access to health facilities has not improved; life and property remains insecure. In short, Nigerian people are still suffering. The disappointment of Nigerians stems from the fact that we have a government whose leadership promised change but which is not practising transformation (deep, fundamental change). Democracy in Nigeria is still seen superficially as what leaders do for the people rather than government by the people. Democracy is essentially popular participation in governance and popular sovereignty.” I sincerely hope that our Johnnie Walker will listen to the voice of wisdom and take steps to reduce the suffering of the masses. Lest I forget, kerosene, patronised mainly by the masses, is now selling for between N150 and N200 per litre in government–approved fuel stations. This is the same kerosene that ought to be selling at N76 per litre. No government official is talking about this. May Allah save the suffering masses of this country from the “change” that has turned to “chain”.

Yes to the Bill to Remove CCB, CCT from Office of the SGF In this part of the world, when the executive and the legislature are at loggerheads, the people profit. We are clearly profiting from the current bitter relationship between Buhari and Saraki. Until last Tuesday, many Nigerians were not aware that two sensitive bodies in the war against corruption - the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) - are parastatals in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This is undoubtedly preposterous. For years, the executive has been using this power to deal with its political opponents because these two bodies take instructions from the SGF. This is what the current SGF, Babachir Lawal is believed to be doing with the two bodies. Again, the National Judicial Council (NJC) can’t discipline CCT judges because they don’t report to the council. This was why the NJC could not discipline the current Chairman of the CCT, Justice Danladi Umar, in spite of the huge corruption petitions against him. Many are not even aware that Justice Umar is on administrative bail from the EFCC after being grilled for alleged corruption. I was very happy when a Bill to amend the Act establishing the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) passed the first reading at the Senate on Tuesday. The amendment aims to move the bureau and the tribunal away from the office of the SGF. Some may say that the move is coming because the current President of the Senate is on trial at the CCT. This point is immaterial here. The proposed amendment is about the future of our country and our democracy. It is about equity and justice. The objective of the proposed amendment is just and fair. How can bodies performing a quasi-judicial function reside in the executive arm of government? They should be moved to the judicial arm of government to reduce manipulation by the executive.

I fully agree with the sponsor of the CCB Act amendment Bill, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who said: “The secretary to the government is a politician and can use it against political opponents or perceived political opponents. He oversees the CCB and the CCT; they report to his office. Since the Supreme Court in their judgment has said that they are a court of some sort, they must be seen to be neutral in nature and not to report to a politician. We want to make it completely neutral, either move it to the judiciary or move it to the National Assembly that has the power to remove the chairman and members of the tribunal. “Otherwise, one day like we are seeing now, if you are an enemy to the SGF, he will use the CCB to put you into trouble and charge you there like we are seeing now. The intent is not because of what is happening; you cannot put a quasi-judicial arm under the control of the SGF who is a politician, appointed by the President.” The senator added that the amendment to the Act would include stipulating a timeline within which the bureau should investigate assets declared by a political office holder. This is also just and fair. It is clearly out of place for the CCB to prescribe that a political office holder should declare belongings at the beginning and end of his tenure while the bureau decides when to investigate. Nwaoboshi clearly made sense when he added: “Within the time you came to office and the time you are leaving office, they (CCB) must have investigated your assets; what is left is to investigate the assets declared when leaving office. You do not just leave it for so many years, and then all of a sudden, someone wakes up and says `56 years ago you did not declare your asset’; that should not be so. The court has said that it made a mistake in Tinubu’s case which means another political party can come up tomorrow and pick up Tinubu.”

APRIL 16 , 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE FUEL CRISIS

There is need to address the challenges in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, argues Emma Agu

be Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, continues to remain in the eye of the storm as government tackles the fuel crisis. Although the agonisingly long queues, chaotic scenes, violent outbursts and endless frustration at filling stations are beginning to abate, it will be erroneous to conclude that we are out of troubled waters. If anything, forthright as ever, the minister has unequivocally stated that measures put in place to tackle the current crisis are indeed just short term solutions. I call them palliatives. In the nature of things, there are those who choose to remind us that fuel queues are still with us, that Kachikwu is yet to deliver on his promise to eradicate the queues on a particular day. That is, ignoring the fact that what he actually said was that the queues would begin to abate on a particular day. Nonetheless, if the queues are yet to abate, in spite of the demonstrable effort of the minister, it behoves us all, especially the media, to identify the cogs in the wheel of progress. But what I see is the persistent effort to paint the dark side of things, to always see the glass as half empty and not half full! Part of the problem is that we often dwell on the effect of poor policy or lack of it and ignore the root causes of our problems. By the same token, responsibilities that ought to be shared by the various arms of government are shoved to only the executive branch with other arms of government posturing as if they can extricate themselves from responsibility. We shall return to this shortly. One salutary effect of adversity is that it throws up opportunities that, explored, can lead to very beneficial outcomes. I think we stand a good chance of altering the balance in our favour if matters arising from the fuel scarcity are subjected to objective scrutiny. The first matter arising is that there exists, at all times, those whose stock-in-trade is to sabotage every government policy for personal benefits. They did it to Olusegun Obasanjo, they did it to Goodluck Jonathan; they are now doing it to Muhammadu Buhari. These unscrupulous petroleum marketers continue to sabotage the effort of the department of petroleum resources (DPR) to stabilise the fuel supply situation. To them, it does not matter if Kachikwu, like other ministers before him, decides to shout himself hoarse, adopt the most novel strategies or even preach to them from the pulpit. Ask any motorist in Lagos and you will be told how some petroleum marketers divert truckloads of premium motor spirit (PMS) or petrol from the city centre to the outskirts after escorts from the DPR would have left the gas stations. These unscrupulous dealers deploy every strategy to beat NNPC surveillance. Out of the prying eyes of the DPR, the diverted fuel is sold at much higher prices and the rest recycled to the city centre to be sold in the open ‘black market’ at cut throat prices. Certainly the fuel being hawked by vendors, Nigeria’s army of jobless youth, did not rain down from heaven. Somebody gave it to them. And it is not Ibe Kachikwu, who has been doing a yeoman’s job, trying to clean up the Augean stables created in the decades when the locust ravaged our common patrimony with reckless disdain and unconscionable rapacity. Now, we must return to the realistic choices that need to be made, no matter how unpopular they may seem in the short run. Here is the scenario. Over time, when PMS is scarce, vehicle owners are ready to pay any price to obtain it. Not only that, for

UNTIL WE CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ALLOWS LOCAL REFINERIES TO PROVIDE THE BULK OF THE COUNTRY’S PMS REQUIREMENTS, WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE PERIODIC DISRUPTIVE FUEL SHORTAGES

far too long, PMS has never really sold at a uniform price all over the country. Thus there have always been spatial and temporal disparities in the price structure. Paradoxically, for largely political reasons, government has always retained a uniform pump head price of PMS that defies practical logic or economic sense, rates that are unattractive to suppliers either from local refiners or importers. This explains the crippling subsidy that has been exploited by the oil cabal to the detriment of Nigerians. Either way, the people suffer double jeopardy: prices go up even as scarcity persists. To understand the situation, we need to listen to former treasurer of the western zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Shina Amoo. Quoting Amoo in its story, “Scarcity: Queues grow longer despite Kachikwu’s promise,” the Saturday Punch of April 9, 2016, reported thus: “The former IPMAN chief said oil marketers could not buy above the recommended price and sell below the price…” Punch quoted Amoo further: “The April date given by the minister (Ibe Kachikwu) is not feasible. The man first said the scarcity would end by May and he came under heavy attacks so he apologised and gave another date. I don’t think the scarcity will end earlier than end of May. “The last time I bought fuel, I paid N182 per litre and how much do you expect me to sell that?” he queried, adding: “It has to be higher and that is why filling stations now sell as high as N200 a litre”. Some home truth, you will say. So where do we go from here? Blaming Ibe Kachikwu or any other person for that matter is begging the question. We cannot eat our cake and have it too. Something has to give. We either restore subsidy, with all its adverse effects on public finance or we allow market forces to stabilise the system. Ask any cab operator or any vehicle owner and the response will be that they don’t mind paying more for fuel so long as supply of the product is guaranteed. I think that should be the strategic index in tackling the fuel crisis. If that is what the price modulation principle is all about, let’s muster the political will to get cracking! But the most important matter arising from the fuel crisis is the need to enact a policy framework deregulating the downstream sector in such a way that gives investors the confidence to prefer Nigeria to other investment destinations. Until we create an environment that allows local refineries to provide the bulk of the country’s PMS requirements, we will continue to experience periodic disruptive fuel shortages. We are back to the issue of shared responsibilities. What is the role of the legislature in all these? Why is the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) still circulating in the National Assembly? What prospect does it hold for a more robust and efficient oil industry? Why are those interested in killing the bill gaining the upper hand? Can the Eighth Legislature depart from the past and place itself as an icon of patriotism by passing the PIB without further delay? Rather than the thinly veiled campaign to discredit Kachikwu, as in the distraction of using a private jet on which NNPC did not expend a kobo, we should preoccupy ourselves with addressing the fundamental structural challenges that have discouraged investors in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. Agu is publisher of Zest Traveller magazine & CEO of Gavinta & Associates Ltd.

CHIBOK AND THE TALE OF TWO NIGERIA

Emmanuel Ojeifo argues Nigeria has created two standards of human valuation: one for the rich and the other for the poor

pril 14, 2016 marked two years since Boko Haram stormed the hitherto unfamiliar town of Chibok, Borno State, in the dead of the night and kidnapped over 200 secondary schoolgirls. To date, we have not been able to understand how this mysterious event took place. That over 200 young girls could be whisked away like a flashing light of thunder and no one could raise alarm, no one knew by what means they were transported and where exactly they were taken to, was certainly a symptom of systemic national security failure! Two years after Chibok: quo vadis? No one would have believed that two rounds of 365 days would come and go without us unable to account for the whereabouts of our children. For everyone who cares about the value of human life, this is surely the sorest point in our nation’s attitude to security of human life. For the Chibok girls, wherever they may be at this time, nothing else speaks more eloquently to them about their betrayal by this nation. Each time I pause to think about their fate, I don’t stop short of wondering: What shall we say to our own children a quarter-century to come when they ask us about what we did for those precious, innocent lives when it mattered most? After Chibok, other tragedies have happened involving our children. The more recent cases of teenage kidnapping and forced marriages only go to reveal the abyss of moral destitution into which we have plunged ourselves as a nation. A culture of silence, fostered by a climate of fear

continues to create the fertile ground for the treatment of our children as objects of gratification and predatory sexual pleasure. After over a century since the abolition of slave trade in Nigeria, modern forms of human trafficking continue to suck hundreds of our children and young girls into the vortex of despicable human merchandise. We cannot continue to live in denial, as if these problems do not exist. We cannot afford to fold our arms and watch the faces of our nation’s future being expropriated slowly and steadily in an abominable clandestine commercial system that feasts on vulnerable children. Sadly, our vulnerable children have suffered unimaginable abuses in this nation because we have created two standards of human valuation: one for the rich and the other for the poor. There are two “Nigerias” today and, indeed, two sets of Nigerians: the ordinary Nigerians and the prominent Nigerians. The ordinary Nigerians are those who are routinely slaughtered at checkpoints, who go for days and weeks without electric power, their slums and ghettoes besieged by merciless mosquitoes, obese rats and die-hard cockroaches; they are the ones who have no food on their tables, many of them with no sources of livelihood. The ordinary Nigerians are often the victims caught in the crossfire of armed banditry, and violence. Opposed to this group are the prominent Nigerians. While the ordinary Nigerians are

slaughtered at checkpoints, the prominent Nigerians even if they are certified criminals are guarded round the clock by a retinue of servile, bag-carrying police officers. Prominent Nigerians own big generators that supply them with power, build massive homes to house their inflated egos, and dream of ever more depraved ways of stealing from the commonwealth and pauperising majority of their misfortunate citizens. While prominent Nigerians commit crimes with chutzpah and go scot free, the ordinary Nigerians languish behind bars in Kuje and Kirikiri. No one seems to better capture this disconcerting narrative like Richard Dowden, a perceptive British journalist, in his book Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracle (2010). According to Dowden, “the rulers who steal Nigeria’s future and a poor man who steals a piece of yam at the market are judged very differently. Pinch a yam in the market and you will have a petrol-soaked tyre jammed round your neck and set alight. Trouser a billion dollars of state funds and everyone laughs and fawns on you.” It is this entrenched system of injustice and impunity that has created the fertile ground for the social dysfunctions that we are all witnessing today. Let Chibok, therefore, be the end of the manifestation of Charles Dickens’ “Tale of two Cities” in Nigeria. We must vehemently oppose the gradual conversion of our country into a modern version of George Orwell’s animal farm, where some animals are more equal than others.

Chibok must become a monument of change in our nation’s attitude to children. It must become the turning point in our collective effort to rid our land of human predators who feast on the body and blood of vulnerable children. It must become the watershed in our government’s effort to secure the lives of all Nigerian children, irrespective of creed, language, and social status. The life of the poor child in Kaura Namoda, with tattered clothes and catarrh-dripping nose, must have the same value with the life of the pampered child in Victoria Island. We must accord the same opportunities and provide the same level playing field for the child of a blacksmith in Askira village in Borno and the child of a Minister in Aso Drive, Abuja. This is perhaps the greatest legacy we can bequeath to our children – a society built on the solid foundation of justice, with equal rights, freedoms, and opportunities for all. On the contrary, when we treat our children with two different sets of standards, we provoke a disorder in the equilibrium of social justice with severe repercussion for human lives. When tragedy happens, it should force upon us the burden of critical thinking. With every tragedy comes the opportunity to build a monument of good governance, inspired citizenry and bold actions. Tragedy is an opportunity to do better, to create better systems and conditions that ensure that such tragedy does not happen again. Ojeifo is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja.

APRIL 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Where are they?

Nigeria: Waiting for Change

hat Nigeria is the giant of Africa is a hyperbolic expression. The fact is, Nigeria has the potentialities to become the true giant of Africa. One out of every five black person is a Nigerian. Nigeria has a humongous population. This is a plus for us. Nigerians in the Diaspora are contributing immensely to the development of their host countries, instead of helping Nigeria to achieve technological and economic growth, although they send remittances home for the upkeep of their immediate families in Nigeria. These people with skills, expertise, and knowledge can be lured back to Nigeria in order that they should contribute their quotas towards the development of Nigeria. Again, unlike in Europe, America, and Asia where acts of God, such as typhoon, Tsunami, and earth quakes cause the devastation of infrastructure, public buildings, and the loss of human lives, these natural disasters do not occur in Nigeria. Nigeria is a very large country that is peopled by diverse ethnic groups. Our strength lies in our diversities as we can utilise our diversities to achieve national growth. Rather, our country is bifurcated along ethnic and religious lines. Here in Nigeria, our weather condition is equable; and our land arable and fertile. Agriculture, which used to be the mainstay of our economy before the discovery of oil, has been neglected and relegated to the background. Has Nigeria achieved sufficiency in food production? The answer is a categorical no. Food shortages do afflict us. And mineral resources are deposited below our soil. Such natural resources as bauxite, limestone, coal, tin ore, and crude oil lie beneath our soil. Is Nigeria not the sixth largest producer of oil in the world? Our receipt of foreign revenues is dependent on the sale of our crude-oil. Consequently, the slump in the global oil prices has thrown our mono-economy into recession and tail-spin. So, why has Nigeria not attained a great height in terms of economic and technological development for all its human and material resources? Nigeria’s backwardness is not unconnected to bad political and military leaderships. Dictatorial, repressive, and fascist military regimes interspersed with inept and corrupt political leaderships ruined our country’s economy, truncated our political evolution, and stalled our technological advancement. Nigeria has not realised its potentialities simply because our country has not been led by its best politicians. The factors of the imposition of leaders, a legacy left behind by our colonial masters, and providential interference, threw up our national

leaders. Those unwilling leaders were overwhelmed by the demands and challenges of that topmost and exalted political office. Think about Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua evinced the tendencies of an able and visionary leader, but death cut short his stay in office. After making some futile attempts at winning the presidential election, Muhammadu Buhari clinched the presidential post during the last general election. The coalescing of some political parties into APC, and the political input of the political titan, Bola Tinubu, contributed to the electoral success of Buhari. He rode to victory on the crest and coat-tails of his distaste for corruption, and Spartan life style. More so, the APC campaign slogan of change resonated with Nigerians. Many Nigerians were disaffected and disenchanted with Jonathan’s insipid, rudderless, inept, and corrupt political leadership. During his electioneering, President Muhammadu Buhari promised to bring change to our polity. To be fair to him, he hasn’t stayed long in office. Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowulu – Obosi, Anambra State

Rivers is a PDP State

he world can now attest to the truth. Rivers State is purely a PDP state. This fact will not change for a very long time. At least, not until 2023. The choice to stand with the PDP was deliberately taken by the people in view of the presence of Nigeria’s most pro-people politician and leader, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as a member of the party. The rerun elections in the state have laid to rest the vain boasts of political armed robbers, clothed in ‘borrowed federal might’ unleashed on the people through noisy media tour and desperate intimidation on the day of elections, simply because ‘they’ want to capture the “Treasure Base of the Nation.” Those leaders who were convinced in their hearts in Abuja and Lagos that by simply handing over the security agencies to former Governor Rotimi Amaechi they would intimidate the Rivers people into allowing the APC rig the rerun elections now understand the depth of Governor Wike’s support base across the length and breadth of the state. Even those who thought they would change the outcome of the process by unleashing media violence, false propaganda, negative profiling and

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

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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

orchestrated violence should be wiser by now. They tested the resolve of the Rivers people and they have found out that the people know who is their leader. They found out that the era of impostors masquerading as leaders has been jettisoned in the state. Most importantly, they found out that the Rivers people will withstand any form of terror to attain development. By handing over the security forces to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi who declared that he will flood the state with soldiers, the ‘powers that be’ practically declared war on the state. They deliberately removed the neutrality of security forces and compelled them to operate from a political viewpoint. The powers that be simply gave life to the statement of embattled APC National Chairman, Mr John Odigie-Oyegun that the APC was ready to do anything to capture Rivers State. All the cases of violence witnessed on March 19, 2016, during the rerun elections were traced to the doorsteps of the military supported by the APC. They were extremely overzealous in their negative commitment to favour the APC. The four persons who died in the course of the rerun elections were victims of military high-handedness. That the atmosphere became charged during collation was because Rivers people resisted the several attempts by the military to supplant collated results with results concocted at the Novotel hotel in Port Harcourt. Elections were cancelled in eight local government areas because the people and other stakeholders stood their ground, insisting on credible polls despite provocative military intimidation. On election day, all the victims of violence were members of the Peoples Democratic Party. APC leaders were assigned soldiers with which they illegally arrested and beat up PDP members. This writer believes that the rerun elections were a referendum of sorts. Though Governor Wike and his man opponent, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, were not directly involved in the elections, the elections were a true test of who is actually on ground. The results are in the public domain. Following the heavy defeat suffered by the APC despite its control of the federal might, the party and her leadership have returned to their original turf, cooking up lies and circulating propaganda materials. The APC has conscripted paid groups to link the violence during the rerun elections to Governor Wike. Like every other issue, this will fail. Simeon Nwakaudu, Port Harcourt

APRIL 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Was it a Mistake Voting for Buhari?

ot many people will think twice before answering the above question in the affirmative mode. This is understandable. The myriad of problems facing Nigerians, ironically at a time they thought they were very near the Promised Land, is enough to wonder whether or not Nigerians were actually right in their choice of a new president last year. Indeed, I have heard and read, on the social media, a new campaign: #Bring Back Our Corruption. And the argument is that if with the monumental corruption of the previous government, we had petrol, inflation was single digit, U.S Dollar was about N200 and available, the electricity companies could still provide light for about six to 10 hours a day, and the general econometrics of life were yet attainable, then we should have that brand of corruption and let life continue. Those who hold this belief argue that Buhari’s fight against corruption, apart from appearing as the mono-agenda of his government, has not translated in any way to better life for the people both for those who voted for him and those who didn’t. I must admit that the arguments are indeed tempting. Matters are not helped by the fact that President Buhari’s legs seem to have been whipped by the spirits, hence he keeps junketing round the world and cannot stay at home to solve our crushing problems, especially the fuel scarcity menace , even as he is the substantive Petroleum minister. Those who are a little uncharitable liken him to Emperor Nero who sat atop his courtyard fiddling away while Rome burnt. As one who deeply believes in the Buhari ideology of Change and his ascetic disposition, I have been buffeted by calls, and enquiries, some of them in open mockery, on the “foolishness” of the “Change” we clamoured for. They settle for the lousy cliché that “the devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know”. The devil in this case being former President Goodluck Jonathan while the unknown angel is President Buhari. Everyday, wherever I turn, it is a heated and drawn argument. But as bitter and harsh as our experiences may be, I see the rising of the sun. The sun that will brighten our days and light up our lives. The sun that will usher in a new dawn and give us a new lease of life and hope. It is natural for people to resist change. It is even worse when the said change comes with long and sharp spikes. Yet, I know that the “glory of the latter House shall be greater than the former” Things will get better. My conviction is built on the Jarikre phenomenon. Jarikre is an Urhobo word that literally means “it is suffering that appears to last long”. And so it is, for the nearly one month that Nigerians have been going through hell sourcing petrol, it looks like eternity. Nigerians have truly had it to their hilt. It is perhaps trite restating the fact that the current mess Nigerians are wading through is part of the miasma of inefficiency inherited from past governments. Yes, the argument can be made that it is because of the sordid performance of the Jonathan administration that the Buhari administration was voted into power with steaming ululation from the Nigerian voters. But almost one year after, the Buhari administration does not seem to have come to grips with the reparative work it elected to fix. And Nigerians are getting impatient not only with the state d’affaires but also with the poor

ast Monday, it was the turn of the Nasarawa lawmakers to exhibit their shamelessness. The state governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura had appointed some sole administrators in some local government areas of the state and needed the approval of the House of Assembly to swear them in. While a majority of the lawmakers approved of the appointments, some six lawmakers accused the rest of receiving bribe from the governor, hence they are supporting the appointments of the sole administrators. The accusation led to a heated argument

Canticles...

Fayose and Aluko: A Shameless Pair

have always told you not to bet even an old rag for politicians. They are just not worth it. Their degree of inconsistency in all things is monumental. I can’t stand it. Gosh! What or who is getting you so pissed off like this?

Are the evidences that they are not reliable persons not overwhelming? Can’t we see their Camelionic nature everywhere we turn? Is it any surprise that they don’t keep their electoral promises? Don’t forget they have an operational creed that says. “In Politics, there are no permanent friends, nor permanent enemies, only permanent interest”. Bull shit! Does that mean no personal principle? No self esteem or no shred of honesty? Who exactly are you referring to? Don’t forget there are very decent and disciplined politicians as well. Buhari information flow from those who should reassure Nigerians of what indeed is happening. But more discerning persons do know that the country was deep in monumental mess. Sometimes, I wonder what our collective fate would have been if Jonathan won that election. Yes, so much money has been recovered and more are still being recovered from the treasury looters of yesteryears. The amount of financial malfeasance of the past is unimaginable. It strips some of the past leaders of whatever honour left of them. Even the recent revelations of the Panama Papers are quite very telling. Many quick-fix ‘experts’ are wont to ask what has been done with the recovered loots. In times past, loots had been re-looted. But I dare say that such cannot or would not happen in this regime. If nothing else, the Buhari administration has been able to tame the monster called impunity. I am certain that when all the lousy litigations of some of the recovered loots have been settled, the recovered loots will be ploughed into bettering the lives of Nigerians in very specific ways and manners that can be identified, seen and touched. My belief in Buhari’s capacity to revamp and redirect the Nigerian economy remains unshaken. I believe that soon as the petroleum product supply normalizes in a matter of days, and electricity supply improves, the economy will recover from the present inertia. Nigeria will be like a shrub cut down but ready to regenerate, trying to sprout forth from all the buds. My hope for a better tomorrow is not diminished by the present challenges, so long as we do not depart from the path of national recovery and redemption. My philosophical interpretation of this phase of our experience is that we are suffering at the moment so we can secure a better tomorrow. A friend countered this by saying that are the same sermon he had heard all his life, right from his primary school days where the gospel of “belt tightening “ has continually been preached. He asked: “when shall this belt ever be loosened?” So back to the Jarikre phenomenon, I am confident that by the time the teething problems of this administration have been addressed and we seemingly float into a new order of reprieve, Nigerians are very likely going to forget the present sufferings and hardships. The bliss of tomorrow will wipe away the tears of today. When that happens, the lesson of the Jarikre phenomenon would have been fully achieved.

Did you not hear of the Aluko U-turn? How he went back to his vomit by reconciling with the man he accused of all kinds of electoral fraud last January? Did you remember how that man called Temitope Aluko, former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State literally stripped Fayose bare of his so-called election victory by revealing the sordid deals that made Fayose to win the election? Have you forgotten the finite details of the schemes that swung that election in PDP favour? Have you forgotten how this same Aluko addressed… Enough! Don’t forget it is a struggle for power. And the Machiavellian principle supports the end justifying the means. Just any how is ok, provided the ultimate power is grabbed. After that, all else can be settled. I don’t understand you. Are you justifying the return of Aluko to Fayose? Do you know that on account of the Tope and Fayose revelations of Aluko Maj Gen Momoh has been retired prematurely from the Nigerian army? Do you know how many people’s career are on the line because of the revelations? Do you realise how many people Aluko splashed mud on during his confessions? And after all those dirty deals, he goes back to meet the man he accused of these alchemic sins? Is that what you call politics? Or are you saying politics is a synonym for shamelessness? Wait a minute. The same Aluko has denied going back to want to reconcile with Fayose. Didn’t you read his denial? That makes him even more shameless. He was caught by a Channels Television camera in a hotel with Fayose, after a wedding. He spoke for almost five minutes. He defended his action by admitting there have been some pressure on him to make up with Fayose. He said his interest is to move Ekiti forward. Fayose even called him “ my son”. And that they are together again. Aluko said all kinds of things typical of a turncoat… now he denies seeking reconciliation with Fayose, less than 72 hours after. What kind of man is that? No permanent friend, No permanent ene… (cuts in) Away with those retrogressive clichés! Look, after all the things Aluko revealed, Fayose should have resigned. Or at best be shamefully quiet all through the rest of his administration. Rather, he had remained garrulous and noisy, tugging at the presidency like a frustrated school boy crying after bully. Is it true that the Tope Aluko is heading back to Fayose because the APC where he ran to did not offer him anything tangible? And that because typical politicians cannot endure political winter for a long time? Is it also true that he had attacked Fayose with his exposé because the latter failed to given him the appointment they had agreed on? Do I look like Tope Aluko? When next you see him, ask him those questions. Please spare me this shameless pair. That’s the way of politics my brother. Haven’t you seen all the alignments and realignments across board? Never take politicians too serious. That’s all I can say.

The Nasarawa Nonsense and the arguments led to exchange of blows and within a twinkle of eye, it degenerated to a free for all. Bedlam was brought down. They threw all kinds of things at one another. One of them started jumping from one seat to another like a monkey, and landed on his stomach right on the floor, but pronto, he sprang up and continued the fight. That is somebody’s husband, that is somebody’s father. That is indeed somebody’s (tor)mentor!

activities of marauding Fulani herdsmen, who have chased away their constituents from their homes. That never got them sufficiently vexed to “fight the good fight”. Here is a state where scores of Policemen, Almost always, it has to be money that DSS Operatives and top government will rev up our lawmakers to the point of officials were massacred few years back by exchange of blows. After the shameful interlude, the lawmakers, some of them with some notorious Ombatse cultists. Till date, torn clothes, and near bare chest looked no the matter is dead and buried along with the victims. Such issues do not trouble the different from the Tokyo Boys, the notoriNasarawa lawmakers. It has to be moneyous Ibadan agbero (NURTW chieftain), related. It is a shame! And greater shame after a motor park fight at Oluyole. They that some of them also went through appeared like scoundrels with their eyes twitching like those of low-base criminals. Universities where they were declared to have been “found worthy in Character Here are lawmakers whose state is and in learning” What a misnormer! almost a massive IDP camp owing to the

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 16, 2016

NEWS

In Brief Arewa Queries Chibok Girls Video

The Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF), has queried the authenticity of the video aired on Cable News Network (CNN) an international media network, coinciding with the second year of the girls abduction.The group also suspected that there could be an ulterior motive behind the video. President of the group, Adamu Adamu in a statement yesterday noted that analysis of the video, provided by CNN, suggested that the tape was shot sometimes around December 2015 and wondered why the network held on to the video for several months and decided to release it on the second year anniversary. Adamu said the Nigerian security agencies must probe the authenticity of the video so that it doesn't end up as mere movie prop that mattered only to the point of boosting viewership and growing ratings. "Without doubt, there are motives behind the release of the video on the anniversary of the day the girls were abducted", they said.

'Show Buhari More Understanding'

PARTNERSHIP THATWORKS... L-R: Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Willie M. Obiano and the State Commander, NDLEA, Anambra State Command, Momodu Sule after a security meeting in Awka, Anambra State

Tiv Group Faults Buhari's Silence over Fulani Killings

Bukola Eshun in Abuja

Abuja-based Club De Pals, a non-profit organisation comprising young professionals from the Tiv extraction, has faulted President Muhammadu Buhari on his failure to take decisive actions that will end the on-going killing of farmers and innocent citizens by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State. The group also accused President Buhari of marginalising and neglecting the Tiv people despite their overwhelming support for him and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections. In an open letter to the President, Club De Pals expressed concern that it was becoming worrisome that despite the global attention which the genocidal attacks in some parts of

the state had generated, the Federal Government continued to pay lip service to a crisis that had claimed several lives. Over 3,000 people have reportedly been killed and property worth hundreds of millions of naira destroyed since the crisis broke out in 2012. According to the group, President Buhari and his APC-led Federal Government needed to urgently treat the Benue crisis with the same seriousness being deployed to tackling the insurgency in the North-East, as the killings and destructions in Benue were as devastating as the Boko Haram operations in the North-East. "The latest round of the crisis which started in Agatu local government area with the killing of over 400 people in one single attack, has spread to Tarka, Makurdi, Guma,

Logo, Katsina-Ala, Buruku, Gwer West, Ukum and Kwande Local Government Areas of the state," the group stressed. Club De Pals noted that the attacks on innocent farmers by Fulani herdsmen who moved freely with sophisticated weapons in the state were coming at a time the state Governor Samuel Ortom had just carried out an amnesty programme where dozens of arms were retrieved. They therefore condemned the provocative comments by the spokesman of the Fulani socio-cultural group, Miyetti Allah (Cattle Breeders Association), Alhaji Banire, that the Fulanis were responsible for the attacks in revenge for the killing of their cattle. The group insisted that it was rather becoming clearer that the adventure of Fulanis into the

state was a well-planned scheme to destabilise Benue people and possibly snatch their ancestral lands by some expansionists who were only operating under the guise of herdsmen. "We state emphatically that the continued silence of Mr. President on this very significant national security matter, the response of the Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Danbazzau to convene a 'town hall meeting' without any specific date, the comments credited to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase during his visit to Agatu community that he could not see the bodies of the 400 people massacred in 10 villages, have all combined to give us the message that we are not liked, unsafe and unprotected by the Federal Government", they said.

BVN: Staff of 23 MDAs in Sokoto may not Get April Salaries Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto Staff of 23 out of the 96 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Sokoto State may not receive their April salaries for failure to meet the April 11 deadline for the submission of the Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) of their various workers. Speaking to newsmen in Sokoto Friday, the Head of the Service (HOS) in the state, Alhaji Bature Shinkafi, said the state government had early this month directed all the agencies

and ministries to submit the BVN numbers of all their workers latest by April 11. He stated that at the close of the deadline on April 11, only 73 agencies were able to meet the deadline, while 23 others failed to do so. ''The state government had also directed that any MDA that failed to meet the deadline will not get the April salaries of its workers. "In fact, the affected workers will only get their April salaries after facing a special verification committee

of reputable people, “Shinkafi said. He disclosed that a committee which will soon be set up would receive the details of the service records of the affected workers, after which they would be paid their salaries. Shinkafi emphasised that the exercise was not aimed at witch-hunting anybody but rather to ascertain the actual staff strength and wage bill of the state government. He explained that the staff strength of the state government now stood

at about 26,000, with an average monthly wage bill of over N 1.6 billion, adding that the exercise was aimed at sanitising the state civil service, as well as blocking all areas of leakages of the state government's incomes which are becoming leaner by the day. "The state government wants to avoid a situation where all its incomes goes to the payment of salaries, as this ugly trend will certainly incapacitate the state government from executing projects in the state," he added.

LASWA, Boat Operators, Dredgers Indicted over Mishaps on State Waterways Femi Durojaiye Dredging companies and operators of boat transportation have been accused of being the cause of the incessant boat mishaps on Lagos waterways with their activities. It was alleged during a Stakeholders Meeting on "The Incessant Boat Mishaps on the Waterways in the State: Causes and Solutions" organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly. They agreed that dredgers should be monitored and government agencies such as the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Lagos State Security Safety Commission, Lagos Ferry Services and

the Ministry of Transportation needed to do more to improve safety on the waterways. The representative of Man 'O' War, Mr. Oladehinde Charles set the ball rolling by accusing illegal dredgers and boat operators of not following the rules of the operation. He emphasised that there should be awareness amongst the passengers about safety jackets and other safety measures, adding that importance should be placed on first aid box, provision of manifest, distress call and compliance with safety limits. In his presentation, DSP Ogunbale Benjamin, who represented Marine Police, pointed out that abandoned

logs and timbers sometimes lead to boat mishaps, adding that this was common in Makoko Area of the state. "Some objects are submerged inside the water and these also cause accidents on the waterways. Weather is also a natural phenomenon that could cause boat mishaps and it could make the operators run into unseen objects. "Also, some of the operators are incompetent because they cannot navigate properly. Overspeeding is another problem and some passengers even encourage boat captains to overspeed. "Moreso, some boats are not seaworthy as they easily give way

inside the water. There is also a problem of inadequate safety equipment on the part of LASWA. Overloading and pollution are other problems in the sector," he said. Benjamin then suggested that the waterways should be cleared properly, while the operators should be properly certificated to eliminate charlatans. He advised the usage of light by fishermen, provision of safety apparatuses, prevention of overloading and effective sand dredging on the water, adding that dredging had caused a lot of shallowness inside the water.

Apparently worried that President Mohammadu Buhari seemed slow in his approach to governance, a businessman and community leader, Prince Henry Omorodion, has called for calm, understanding and patience. He said this in a statement made available to THISDAY over the weekend. Omorodion, who is the Chairman of Hensmor Group pleaded that given the rot that had pervaded the polity, it would take a lot of efforts to fix the country. He noted that the president was already tackling the issue of corruption and under sundry matters. “I can understand the expectations of Nigerians, but I am equally pleading for patience and understanding on thepartofNigeriansbecauseitwon’tbeaneasyjobtofixthiscountryback. It will take a lot of efforts as so many things have gone wrong. We should thank God that President Buhari is already repositioning the country and taking it back to where it is supposed to be in the comity of nations”, he said.

Ooni Extols Fajuyi

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has described the late Governor of the old Western region Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi who was killed alongside the former Head of state of Nigeria, General Aguiyi Ironsi during a coup in on July 29th 1966 as a patriotic Nigerian, victim of absolute loyalty and symbol of national unity that should not be forgotten in the history of Nigeria.The monarch declared this yesterday while playing host to a delegation of Adekunle FajuyiEducationTrustledbyitsExecutiveSecretaryMrs.DesolaOlajuyigbe ( Nee Fajuyi) at his Palace in Ile Ife.The delegation briefed him on plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the heroic passing of the former military Governor of the Western Region as well as the activities of the trust.The spokesman of the trust Mr. Patrick Doyle informed Ooni of the theme of the commemorative event slated for the 29th of July in Abuja, " Heroism and The Yoruba Race”.

Commission Arranges ‘Win a Trip to Israel’

In a bid to forestall a situation whereby only rich Nigerians could afford to travel on holy pilgrimage to Israel, the Nigeria Christians’ Pilgrimage Commission has resorted to raffle draw to help poor Nigerians. Briefing newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Friday on the raffle draw, the Southwest coordinator of programme tagged : ‘Win a Trip to Israel’ , Senator Ayo Arise , said the recent steps became imperative following the ways some states had backed out of sponsorship of holy pilgrimage due to financial crisis rocking the nation. Arise said the ticket for the raffle draw, which commencesonApril18inAdoEkiti,wouldcostN500andwouldbeavailable in all the branches of United Bank for Africa across the zone.The former Senator added that the programme would be prosecuted by Fortune Games Limited under the supervision of the Christians’ Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Lottery Commission. Arise, the Chief Executive Officer of Quick Win Lotto posited that winners from all the states of the federation would be sponsored by the commission after emerging from a transparent contest.

ABSU Honours Nkire

ABIA State University will today award Mr.Theo Nkire, the first Attorney General of Abia State an honorary doctorate degree in Law (LL.D Honoris Causa) at its convocation in Uturu. Nkire graduated with a Second Class degreeinLawfromtheUniversityofLagosin1978andhasbeeninpractice forthepast37years,includingasix-yearstintinNewYorkwherehehandled mostly immigration issues. A statement from him said his practices in Nigeria were more embracing. Nkire after secondary education at Ihie HighSchoolandGovernmentCollege,Umuahia,wasateacherandworked with Radio Nigeria in Kaduna and Jos as announcer and studio manager. He was the first lawyer that Radio Nigeria employed and he set up the Legal Department of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. He was a member of the 1988/89 National Conference that produced the 1989 Constitution. He was also the National Legal Adviser of the National Republican Party, NRC, which contested the disputed 1993 presidential election with the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

Glo Offers Free Phones on Data Purchase

Subscribers to Globacom, national telecommunications operator, are being offered free smartphone when they buy a data plan in a new promotion by the network. The company said in a press statement that the promo would enable subscribers to get a smartphone whose cost was equivalent to the value of the data plan they subscribed to. “For instance, when a subscriber buys a data plan for either N15, 000 or N18, 000, he will receive a smartphone worth the same value at no extra cost”, Globacom explained. In addition to the free smartphones, the subscriber would enjoy benefits offered by the plans. The N15, 000 data plan comes with 1.4Gb data bundle per month for 12 months, which translates to a cumulative of approximately 17Gb at the end of the plan period. A subscriber would also go home with a free handset worth N15, 000. “Similarly, a customer who opts for the N18, 000 data plan will get 1.7Gb data per month for the next 12 months, giving a collective data of approximately 21Gb, and a free smartphone worth N18, 000”, they further explained. The promo, the company said, would be valuable for customers who would like to upgrade their phones as well as for first time data users.

SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2016 T H I S D AY

Plus Prof. Itse Sagay

As a Young Man, I Was Shy To Relate with Women

MEMOIRS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FITNESS FASHION FILE

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

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2016

Plus

Everybody is Guilty of Corruption Including Me

Old but bold; blunt and brilliant, the legal luminary is forthright and ready to take on any government seen as working against the people. As a lecturer, he stood against the ills of a Vice Chancellor and the military government leading to his compulsory retirement. Suave, simple and cerebral, he is one lawyer who believes truth is the most important aspect of his profession. But, law has not always been his dream job. He wanted to study medicine. Heeding his father’s voice, he toed the legal path. Erudite and endearing Professor Itsejuwa Esanjumi Sagay, Managing Partner of Itse Sagay & Co Legal Practitioner and Consultant, is an advocate of fairness and moral uprightness. Recently appointed as chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Sagay speaks with Omolabake Fasogbon on corruption going on among judges, his love for his wife and relationship with his children, among other issues

ow do you find your new job as head of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption? It’s quite challenging. I must confess. It’s not a full-time job as you know that I also have other commitments. This one in particular takes most of my time. We have so many things to do in the committee and each task takes a lot of time to resolve. For instance, we take decisions and decisions are not just taken at a go. Afterwards, we settle for implementation and forward our advice and recommendations to the appropriate bodies. We are also interacting with judges to lecture them on how to effectively implement the Criminal Justice Act implemented in 2015 in such a way that it will achieve the purpose of the law; as most of the judges have yet to be familiar with the law and implementation process law which makes it more difficult for the committee. For instance, we have a new law which judges are not familiar with and are not ready to abide by the provision despite our interaction with them. This new law states that when a criminal case is brought before a judge and the defendant files a preliminary objection, the judge after listening to the preliminary objection which must have been argued by the defence and prosecution, goes to the corruption case proper and after the conclusion, gives the ruling and the judgment together. However, the reverse is what is obtainable in the sense that after judges might have listened to a preliminary objection, they settle for adjournment to give a ruling and this has been abolished a long time ago. It is most challenging with corrupt judges who are willing to compromise the ethics of law profession for any amount. All what we are doing now can only be fruitful if we have morally upright judges and they are hard to come by. Unfortunately, judges have been frustrating our efforts. They are the thorns in the committee’s flesh because no matter how we try to cleanse the society, cases still fall on their table. Given the sensitive nature of this job, how did you feel when you were first informed that you will head the committee? Though it came as a big surprise, I felt positive and so honoured because what they are asking me to do now is what

Sagay

I’ve been talking about in the public for decades. So getting this appointment offers me the privilege to work in a milieu about which I’ve been advocating. I now have official authority to perform in an area where I’ve been speaking as a private citizen. While I must admit that it’s a risky one in terms of security, I’ve always put God first in whatever I do and look up to him for protection and guidance. In addition to that, I also have adequate protection from state authority. What has changed about you since you got this appointment? The fact that I now go about with escort is a development that is very strange to me. I’m not used to such lifestyle. All my life, I’ve been a free person but such is not the case for now. I have escorts who follow me about to anywhere I go including parties, friends’ houses and at home. I no longer have my privacy to myself. Though their presence gives me certain level of psychological confidence that I am protected notwithstanding, it is a price I am paying for my country. Besides, their presence is much more important than my privacy. So far, what are the achievements of the committee in the fight against corruption? This kind of work, you don’t publicise the means to the end. In other words, there are some things we do that we can’t tell the public – such achievements will be between the committee and the Presidency. What I can only say is what I’ve told you before: that we are training judges on how to effectively implement the new law. We are also preparing a roadmap for prosecution of corrupt persons because there have been so many stalled cases in the past either because the investigations were not thorough or because the prosecutions were not properly done. So we are preparing a prosecution manual which starts from when a petition is made; the whole process of investigation is being road mapped by us. We are preparing forfeiture and acquisition of asset manual and a plea bargaining manual. These manuals will then serve as guide to be followed strictly long after the committee may have been dissolved. For instance, we are saying that at every stage of investigation that will lead to prosecution, there should be a committee and that committee should have a lawyer who probably will be the one to file the

This kind of work, you don’t publicise the means to the end. In other words, there are some things we do that we can’t tell the public – such achievements will be between the committee and the Presidency. What I can only say is what I’ve told you before: that we are training judges on how to effectively implement the new law. We are also preparing a roadmap for prosecution of corrupt persons because there have been so many stalled cases in the past either because the investigations were not thorough or because the prosecutions were not properly done. So we are preparing a prosecution manual

APRIL 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus I Prefer the Classroom to Going to Court to Argue… case so that it is the lawyer who knows the ingredients which constitute a crime, the prosecutor who may not be a lawyer may not be able to collect and identify evidence that will ensure conviction – so the lawyer will be there to put him through. We are proposing such committee, the process gathering evidence, preparing of charge, training of lawyers in the various anti-corruption agencies that it will get to a stage where they can personally handle a case without outsourcing it, a situation which is very common these days. We are also working on how to recover looted funds particularly on having a system where looted funds can be recovered without bringing prosecution against anybody. Meanwhile, all what we are planning and have put in place can only be justified at the end of the day if our judges could cooperate with us; unfortunately, they are frustrating our efforts instead. Even President (Muhammadu) Buhari acknowledged that his biggest problems are the judges. Like I told you, we are doing so many works and also preparing different manuals. Getting these manuals prepared didn’t come easy; we have hired specialists and consultant to do this along with us; reading the manual alone is quite tedious not to talk of preparing it. One can do all these works and still, at the end of the day, one unfaithful judge can ruin one’s effort. In essence, the integrity of the judiciary is the major obstacle confronting the whole anti-corruption struggle; that, however, is not to say that we don’t have some upright judges. We are also trying to identify judges in each state and federal high court who have established a reputation for integrity and a passion in the struggle against corruption. When they are identified, they will be transferred to the criminal division of their state’s high court, so they will exclusively handle corruption cases. Can you mention some of these corrupt judges? I would not want to mention any name because there are no concrete evidences to show for it. You see, judges are very smart; very smart that they will not indulge in any traceable deals. You won’t see them accept cheques or engage in any bank transactions because they know such can be traced. They rather prefer to accept raw cash which is either buried somewhere or kept at home but they will never bank it. Including the female judges? Female judges are equally as corrupt as male judges. But what could have caused the corrupt judges to compromise the ethics of the law profession? (I’ll link it to) High lifestyle and greediness. They may not buy jet but they want to travel abroad in style by first class. They want to send their children to the most expensive foreign schools. They want the biggest houses, the most expensive furniture from Italy. They want to drive the best cars. They want the best in everything; unfortunately, their income cannot acquire such for them. They want to own lot money that they may never need in their lifetime. In your own word, what is corruption? Corruption has so many meanings but I will define it as obtaining anything or value for yourself or any other person via illegitimate means. Some people believe that as far as corruption is concerned, nobody is a saint. If I may ask you: all through your life have you ever indulged in any corrupt act? There is no way I would not have done something that falls within the definition of corruption. There are situations in which in this country, one cannot survive if one doesn’t indulge in some of these things. For instance, in our courts, if you want to file a case and you don’t tip the likes of the clerk and the accountant, oh God, your case will never see (the) light (of the day). It will never be listed; or say a judgment has been given and you want to get a copy of that judgment, you still have to tip those who are operating where the judgment is given with either N1, 500 or N2, 000. Even the person that will type the judgment too will get his own

the First Republic when I was a young, the parties in power had always been the most corrupt .We had the NPC, which to me is the most corrupt; the best party was the Action Group under Awolowo and I joined as a youth leader and as a student. After the coup, I joined the UPN, still the opposition party. After that the next party I didn’t join but I supported was the AD and then the ACN and then finally APC. So you can see that there is a trend. It is just by coincidence that APC is in power and when I started supporting APC, it was not in power. It was in the opposition, so it’s a principled decision.

Sagay (tip). Mind you, these charges are not official. Tipping is actually corruption but everybody is doing it otherwise, nothing can get done. Corruption is going on all through the court system. To answer your question, have I ever done anything that count within the definition of corruption? Yes! Minor ways like that because one has no choice, but I personally won’t do it. But say for instance, the young lawyer from my office goes to file a case, a person who is supposed to process it is demanding for a tip for the case to move, are you now going to go to the chief judge over that? Everybody else is doing that; it is quite unfortunate that this is inevitable in a very rotten system. But we are not dealing with these small fries. We are looking for those who have brought the economy down and who have destroyed the country by the huge amount they have stolen out of the system. What effort have the government and the committee put in place to ensure that the result of your exertion is being sustained even long after President Muhammadu Buhari might have left office? We hope for sustainability. In fact, what we are trying to do now is to establish ananti corruption court. I’m glad you raised this. We are working on Nigeria’s anticorruption plan which is a proactive one; basically to re-orientate Nigerians and make them know that they are stakeholders in the whole anti-corruption struggle and that they are the losers when there is any act of corruption. When your female cousin dies in the hospital at childbirth as a result of an ill-equipped hospital, it is due to corruption. When your uncle dies in a road accident because of a badly constructed road, it is due to corruption. We are working such that Nigerians will take corruption as a personal issue. They shouldn’t see looted funds as government money but as their money which as a result of being looted has deprived them of quality education, good roads, quality health care and so on. To get this done, we are planning strategic media campaigns: there will be jingles, plays and write-ups in newspapers. We will also take the campaign to schools to educate and orientate students. ICPC is already doing this. We want to turn the entire country to an anti-corruption brigade. Talking about the controversial interview with a national newspaper that never was, how did you feel the first time you read or heard about the interview? It came as a terrible shock, I must tell you. Luckily for me, it came late in the night after I already had a wonderful day with my friends and family. Just before going to bed at about 10 pm or 11pm, a call came in from the executive secretary of my committee; he asked me if I was aware of the news spreading on the Internet. I said on what and he then explained the content of the interview. I said no, I didn’t grant such an interview.

Not quite long, Sahara Reporters called me on the same interview; I told them no, I never granted such interview. Immediately, with my limited knowledge of the social media, I logged on to my Facebook page and posted a lengthy write-up, disproving the interview and explained that it was all faked, organised and done to bring a gulf between my committee and the Presidency. Other people then took it up from there before Tribune later apologised and admitted that it was faked. But what was the reaction that came from your people who saw the interview? Nigeria is a very strange country – very strange. The reactions I got were so funny. People started sending text messages and some called to congratulate me saying that they’ve always known me to be consistent and that I’m very courageous that I could even speak against Buhari that appointed me. I said no! I never granted such interview. I told them that if I relayed such rotten and evil ideas in such a bad English as portrayed in the interview, wouldn’t they have called and asked how come? I lashed out at them for congratulating me, for concluding that I could speak against Buhari. Left to me, I don’t oppose people for the pleasure of it – that is wrong. I told them not to congratulate people for speaking out to promote evil. But do you really think the interview was cooked or it was a case of mistaken identity as claimed by the reporter? No! It wasn’t a mistake; that was corrupt people striking back. The reporter was paid for the job and he did it. It was all planned to create confusion and to bring the Presidency and my committee at loggerheads with each other. You seem to always speak in favour of the ruling party, the APC; does that mean you’ve never found any fault in the party? Oh, that’s not it. The ruling party has thousands of people and many of them in my view ought not to be in a party that means well for the country. If you say I’m speaking well of the ruling party, I’m talking about the leadership, people like President Buhari, Tinubu, Oyegun; although Oyegun had made some mistakes in the past – mistakes of the heart and not (of) the head. I speak generally of the good intentions of the party; in terms of cleansing Nigeria and bringing sanity to governance in contrast distinction to the PDP, which were just out to totally misrule the country and virtually carted away our resources. All my life, I have always supported parties that stand for uprightness, integrity, honour and good governance. One question you didn’t ask me is how did I feel about being appointed by the party in power? I never thought I would ever have anything to do with a party in power because from

As a lawyer, what was the toughest case you’ve ever handled? I can’t really say which one was the toughest but there is one that I’m still handling till date that I can say is one of the toughest. We had a situation where Obasanjo as the Head of State wanted to boost the crude oil capacity of the Yoruba part of the country, so he now put pressure on the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori and that of Ondo State, late Olusegun Agagu to exchange territory so that part of Delta State that contain a lot of oil well was transferred to Ondo State while part of Ondo State that I will say contained the Ijaw militants be transferred to Delta State. Then, the Deltans who were transferred to Ondo State, specifically, the Itsekiris, said they did not want to be in Ondo State and that nobody has the authority to transfer them from their state to a foreign state as far as they are concerned. I am representing these people. At the high court level, we won the case and the agreement to transfer was invalidated and declared null and void. And so they came back; so we lost at the court of appeal. Again, I’ve appealed to the Supreme Court. The case is tough in many ways. One, it is a breach of human right for somebody to go to bed as a citizen of one state and wake up in the morning to realise that he has been transferred to another state by signing a piece of paper; it is inhuman. Secondly, he is doing this not because he loved them but because he wanted the oil that belongs to their territory. So you acquired them and their property as if they were slaves. There is also a breach of constitution involved; the constitution is quite clear about alteration of boundaries that you need to have resolution by the people representing the areas involved – two-third of the representation, the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly must vote in favour of the alteration and then the National Assembly too must vote two-third in favour of the alteration, but none of that was done. So it was a case in which I am emotionally involved because it involves ill-treating people. The fact that we lost at a court of appeal is still very strange to me. I read the judgment and I began to imagine what has gone wrong with the system. The case was clearly a constitutional one; the process involved was unconstitutional and anything that is against the construction is automatically null and void. Have you ever been tempted to compromise the ethics of the law profession? Absolutely no! In a situation that I am convinced that a client is guilty of an accusation and he admits that he is guilty, the highest thing I can do is to plead guilty on his behalf but of course, I will defend him. I will plead with the court to give such a person a soft landing based on the fact that we have not stressed the state and its resources by dragging the case for long. If he agrees that I should do that, fine and if he says no, then I will decline to defend him. What was the feeling like the first day you had the wig and the gown on? As a young man, I felt so excited and very happy being part of such a noble profession even though I had thought I was going into private practice, I was going to be a university lecturer and already at that stage, I had been employed as a lecturer in the University of Ife when I was in the Law School. But I was very happy to be a member of the learned profession. Did the fact that your father was a teacher influenced your interest in being a lecturer? Not really; I had personal interest in

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2016

Plus Godfatherism is a Curse to Nigeria’s Political Development Even if... (Cuts in) Don’t go there. I am not going to say anything more on that; both of us will stay married until one of us dies.

be. Efficiency is no longer there because the students can’t get more from the lecturers anymore. To be frank, I feel very sorry for the young ones of today because they are disadvantaged. In my own days, it was a sweet different world.

Senator Ndume recently advised men to marry more than a wife as a sign of respect to women. What is your take on this? I would suggest that we should not take this seriously. This man is talking based on the background he is coming from. He is a Muslim and again coming from the North-East where they believe in marrying more than one wife. As far as he is concerned, he believes the marrying of more than one wife is a way of solving problems. However, one misconception people have is that women are more than men. In actual fact, men are more than women. You can confirm that from the demographic data of the entire census that have been conducted so far in Nigeria. I think he is trying to help; he only feels by marrying more than one wife, all women will be married instead of remaining single.

One hardly finds lawyers in a social setup; is that the same with you? Maybe you are referring to judges. Lawyers of today are champagne-popping, chicken-eating and fun-catching. Left to me, honestly, I don’t fancy social functions as such. I am so reserved when it comes to such. However, at my free time, I read books; specifically novels, biographies and history. I’m also learning to play piano again. I used to play it when I was much younger and at my old age, I became interested in it again. The law profession is one of the risky professions in the country; does your wife agree with you being a lawyer? My wife loves the profession; she started as a nurse and retired. Then, she moved further to the university to study conflict resolution which is a closest discipline to law, after which she went to train as a mediator. Now, she is a mediator in multi-door court house in Lagos High Court. She really likes law as a profession. In fact, we discuss law together. She has her cases and I have mine too. So we are both more of a lawyer. Did your children go into law by choice or you influenced them? I actually influenced them to studying law. I have three children; unfortunately, I lost my first child. I don’t like saying this because I have not recovered and I know I will never recover from the loss. She just took after me naturally. In her own case, she wanted to be a lawyer but the small boy who is just coming up wanted to be a pilot – and I said over my dead body. Why did you say so? One, look at all these (pointing at the shelf of books in his office): who is going to inherit them? Again, if he becomes a pilot, he will never be home. Today, he is in one town; tomorrow he is in another town flying through the weather and all that. For a person with a small family, I said no. It will not make any sense for me if I allowed him to be a pilot. Eventually, he agreed and that’s what he is heading for now. I have another child in the US; in her own case, she said she wanted to read engineering and combines it with law. How she intends to go about that, I still don’t know. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Who are your role models in law profession? I used to have a role model who was solid on the ground and I must mention him first. That is late Honourable Justice Kayode Eso. He was the most famous judge Nigeria had in the last 20 years. There is also justice Oputa, Aniagolu, Obaseki and Karibe-White. I have chosen to model my life after them because these ones are real judges who stood for the truth and nothing else. They were upright with absolute integrity. They were principled and thoroughly fearless. These people did so many things that no Supreme Court in Nigeria has been able to follow. Their judgments were written to uphold justice and because of this, they took a lot of risk particularly when the military was in power. Of course, they gave so many judgments against the military; an example is the case between Lagos State and Ojukwu. Who are your most admired political leaders? I admire Awolowo so much. Awolowo is the greatest political leader that Africa has ever produced except for late Nelson Mandela. I put the two of them together but Awolowo has no rival. They were my models. Mention some of the traits you took from your father? My father was a very strict man; he had absolute integrity. He was contented with life. I remember when he was appointed as chairman of a Local Government Service Commission; some people who were lobbying to get one position or the other at the local government would come to our house and drop all sorts of gifts. My

Left to you, do you believe in marrying more than one wife? Not at all; absolutely no! That is not a good idea. For somebody from my background and culture, it is an anathema.

Sagay father rejected those gifts outright and anybody who accepted those gifts while he was away was in trouble because the person would have to look for means to return them. He established uprightness in us such that everybody in the house knew that corruption was totally incompatible with our existence. All these traits I’ve mentioned about him, you definitely find in me also. You were meant to study medicine but it didn’t turn out that way. Do you have any regret? Well, I wanted medicine but my father had always wanted me to study law from the beginning. He knew me more than I knew myself. So far, I have never regretted not studying medicine. You were denied a political position in the First Republic under the UPN. Are you still interested in active politics? No, I am too old for that now. But president Buhari is not young either. You are right. But I can also say I’m in politics by the virtue of my present appointment. I am a political appointee and that is the best I could do at this stage since I cannot contest to be president and one doesn’t contest to be a minister. So to some extent, I am a politician. Though, I have the zeal to go into active politics but the age, energy, physical and mental capacity are reduced. Take a look at what Fashola is doing now; combining those three energy-sapping ministries, you need to be half my age to be able to that. You need to be strong, young and agile to be able to do some things. Even if you look at Buhari, he is the standard; the one everybody looks up to but you will discover that he delegates a lot of work to Osinbajo, his vice. Do you think Godfatherism is necessary to hold a political position in Nigeria? Certainly, no; that has caused a lot of damage in the country. Godfathers are in for what they can get: patronage, money, position and for corrupting the whole system. Godfatherism is a curse on our political development as a country. Lawyers are regarded as liars. Have you ever lied? (Laughs)There is no human being who would not lie at a certain stage or the other, apart from Jesus Christ himself. Yes! I have lied before; there is no question about that. Even in the course of discharging your duty as a lawyer? Oh no! I would not do that. It is unprofessional. Professionally, lawyers are compelled not to lie and I have never lied. Okay, what kind of lies have you told? I won’t discuss that on the pages of

newspapers But lawyers are generally seen to be liars. No, not really. People seem not to understand some things about the profession. You know I told you earlier that if a lawyer is approached to defend a client and he is convinced that the client is guilty, the way out is to plead guilty. You see, most crimes have three or four ingredients, and for a person to be convicted, the four ingredients have to be present. But if there are three present and one is absent, the lawyer will press on that one that is not present and get his client free. Would you now say the lawyer has lied? That is not lying but simply following the law technically. In one of the interviews you granted sometime ago, you did say that you will go unconscious if you see a billion Naira. Did you mean you don’t have up to a billion Naira? This time around, I will not faint if I see a billion Naira. Yes because these days, I read it so much about people carting away billions of Naira. It is not a big deal anymore because this is what some people spend on ordinary shopping. You see, one thing this corruption has caused is that it makes us get too familiar with huge sums of money. People talk about billions of dollars now; not even Naira anymore. Familiarity brings contempt, even though I don’t have a billion Naira, I see it much everyday so it doesn’t mean that much to me anymore. You mean you don’t have a billion Naira? No way! God forbid. Where do I get that from? What was your relationship with ladies as a handsome young man? I caught up quite well with ladies I must say. But I did not womanise. In fact, as far as women are concerned, I was a late developer. I started developing interest in women so late because I was a bit shy to relate with them. Does that mean you never had a girlfriend before you met your wife? I never had a girlfriend until I started my post-graduate at age 25. In other words, as an undergraduate, I didn’t have a girlfriend. How did you approach Madam back then? I can’t remember how i went about it because its a long time ago. All I remember is that I had a strong interest that overshadowed my weakness as a shy person Would you divorce your wife for any reason? That’s too personal, but I’m sure that I will not divorce my wife.

The Senate recently dropped the gender equality bill. What do you think about that? The idea of gender equality is good but I think the proposal of the bill is not considered because already, there is gender equality. It exists already. Please if you don’t believe me, tell me one area that women are not equal to men, apart from Muslim law of inheritance which gives a female child a half of what the brother will inherit and this cannot be changed. Asides this, being a family lawyer, I am not aware of any area of Nigerian law in which the female gender is at a disadvantage. Our law deals with every gender parity, even at times to the disadvantage of the woman because we carry the parity thing too much. To the disadvantage of women – how? For instance, if one is married under the Marriage Act, and the wife is wealthy with the man dependent on the woman, if the woman divorces the man, the man can sue her for maintenance because she is bound to maintain the man. Nobody ever thought of that before. We always think a man should maintain a woman. Now, a woman can be compelled by court to take care of a man should the woman divorce a man whom she was maintaining. That is the level of gender equality we have achieved. Do you foresee a woman President in Nigeria? Oh Yes! That is inevitable. It will happen. First, we will have a woman governor and then a woman President. Women are beginning to demonstrate their excellence; if you go to our court now, you will discover that most of our judges are women. You now see a woman professor, vice chancellor, managing director and so on. I will be very happy to see a woman rule this country. I am a strong supporter of Hilary Clinton; I want her to be president of United States more than any other person. What is your view about democracy in Nigeria today? I think we are doing quite well. If you want to judge how well a democracy is working, go and read your newspapers and see how much criticisms and abuses the president is getting and he is shaking it off and carrying on as if nothing had happened – that is democracy working. Jonathan was called different names but there was nothing he could do; same thing with Buhari. You can’t number the amount of criticisms Buhari has got from (Ayodele) Fayose. Yet, he ignores them (the criticisms) and carries on. So, I think democracy has taken root in that regard. Where we still have problem is conducting elections in the South-South and South-East zones; those two zones are not familiar with democracy when it comes to election. These are the two problems zones that have rejected free and fair elections and want to continue in the old, bad ways of imposing people in power by force.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 16, 2016

MEMOIRS Tayo Akinnibosun

I Once Got Beaten for Getting Intoxicated At his youthful best, he was upwardly mobile. He would change jobs at will, not only within a country but across continents – he had once changed job from Europe to Africa. Filled with zest and intelligence, he was every employer’s delight. Vivacious, humble and hardworking, he’s lived life with purpose despite its vicissitudes. No longer young but still with that imaginative and inventive mind, if one wants a lesson of contentment in life and attitudeofgratitudetoGod,Engr. TayoAkinnibosun,wouldbeinabetteroppositiontoteachsuch.Jovial,humorous and active, he is still smart as an octogenarian. This, he attributes to the grace of God and self-discipline. Born in Ondo Town in Ondo State, he had the best life could offer as a young man. And even at his old age, he still hopes for a better Nigeria. Akinnibosun who turned 80 recently, tells Funke Olaode about the first time he visited Warri and Lagos, the many jobs he did and how he took a plunge by leaving the United Kingdom for Nigeria and how he lost his livelihood in the heat of the June 12, 1993 presidential election presumably won by MKO Abiola I Am My Mother’s Only Child

was the only child of my mother I thank God for good health and vibrancy at my age. I was born on January 30, 1930, in Ondo town in Ondo State. By the time I was born my father was a produce buyer and my mother was a trader. I am the only child of my mother; of course, my father married several wives and had many children. I coped very well amongst my half-siblings and my father played a big role in presiding over his family and didn’t experience the intrigues of polygamy. One would have thought that being an only child, I would be pampered. I wasn’t really pampered as my parents didn’t spare the rod. But I never lacked as my father had enough to feed us. My father was a disciplinarian and we looked up to him as a role model. He was the commander-in-chief of his household and his decision was final. And for those who wanted to display their rascality among us (the children), he had a cane tucked in the corner of his room. This always put us in check. And of course, it really shaped our character. Growing up in Ondo Ondo was a primitive setting when I was born. There was no electricity and many basic social amenities were absent. We were happy with our environment because that was the situation we met on ground. Again, you don’t miss what you don’t have or know about. We grew up with native light called ‘fitila’. Later on, lanterns were introduced and those who couldn’t afford lantern stuck to the native lamp. As time went on, gas lamp was introduced. So it was a gradual process to civilization. It was exciting and memorable the day I saw electricity for the first time. It was like a miracle. I think it was at Hussey College in Warri in the present-day Delta State.

Akinnibosun...cutting his 80th birthday cake recently

I once got beaten for getting intoxicated It was a strict upbringing and we dared not disobey our fathers in those days and this put our rascality in check. What I couldn’t display in rascality I diverted it to sports as I was very active and fairly good at it. I ran short distance races; I did 100 and 200 yards and sometimes up to 450 yards. In the jumps, I did high jump, long jump, etc. There was a particular prank that landed us in trouble. I, my half-brother and a cousin who was staying with us got drunk and we were severely dealt with. I remember a day my father hosted his friends. As children, we were curious about the green bottle they had been drinking and the cigarette they were smoking. We decided to taste the remnants in the bottles and glasses. It wasn’t particu-

larly tasteful. Nonetheless, we carried on and in the process we got intoxicated and when my father found out he didn’t spare the rod at all. Going to Hussey College was my first time outside Ondo I began my primary education at the age of seven at AnSarudeen Primary School, Ondo. It was exciting for me having stayed at home running errands. It was a different life and experience completely. We were taken to school by our elder brothers. I spent almost seven years there and took common entrance examination to various colleges and Hussey College was one of them. Ondo Boys School was in existence and Christ School in Ado-Ekiti was also popular. But when I was to go to secondary school I was allowed to take entrance examination to two places: Hussey College Warri and Ondo Boys’ High School. Fortunately, I passed and was offered admission into both schools. My father wanted me to go to Ondo Boys’ High School instead of Hussey College. I wept bitterly when my father raised that suggestion. Why did I weep? Because as of that time, I hadn’t stepped out of Ondo Town since I was born. I was about 14 years old then. I tried to convince my father that Ondo Boys’ High School was a good school and Hussey College too was good that I preferred Hussey College. I kept weeping and the same day my father gave it a second thought and called me that he had approved my going to Warri. This was in 1950. My joy knew no bounds as I journeyed out of Ondo for the first time. For me, it was an adventure. I loved it and was naturally happy. Hussey College was a mini Nigeria as pupils came from all over Nigeria. I was in the boarding house with a couple of other boys. Senior Augustus Ikomi from Sapele was there. There was Imadojemu; there were people like Aroloyes. One of them, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, is now the paramount ruler of Idanre in Ondo State. It was boys’ only when I was there and it was during my last year in the college that two girls were brought in. It was the introduction of the opposite sex into Hussey College. I entered Hussey College in 1950 and left in 1956. Seeking for greener pasture in Lagos After my sojourn at Hussey College where I obtained my West African Examination Council (WAEC), I came down to Lagos to look for employment. Prior to that time, I had visited Lagos and was amazed at the level of development going on. This encouraged me to look for greener pasture after my education in Warri. I got my first job in Account Department of Post and Telegraph

Cont’d on Pg. 22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER• APRIL 16, 2016

MEMOIRS I Haven’t Recovered From June 12, 1993 Crisis Cont’d from Pg. 21 (P&T) on Broad Street, Lagos. I was engaged as a dispatch clerk. I was earning Eight Pounds and 10 Shillings. My job was very easy and after mastering the job I found that I had enough time at hand. I spent about two years there. I was there when I saw newspaper advertisement looking for technical assistant in the Nigerian Railways. I applied and was employed. This was more interesting and challenging for me. I spent four years in the establishment and travelled to the United Kingdom for further studies. I first studied for a year in a polytechnic before moving to Poplar Technical College where I studied Mechanical Engineering. I was blown away when I got to England. It was a completely new environment. You know I had been used to seeing black people all my life. My inquisitiveness as a child influenced me into engineering My stint in the Nigerian Railways might have probably influenced my going into engineering. But as a child, I had always shown interest and inquisitiveness about the way simple things work. I was in the research laboratory of the Nigerian Railways doing metabological analysis. And of course, we had photography department whereby we developed photographs of some damaged components of railways. We went under the microscope to find out. Surviving in the UK I didn’t go to the United Kingdom on scholarship. It was my personal effort because while I was working in Nigeria I saved a lot of money that assisted me when I decided to further my studies abroad. I lived with my friend, the (now) late Chief Bayode Ajayi who happened to be my friend at Hussey College. We were sleeping in the same room when I was in Lagos. I stayed with him in the UK for some time before I got my own apartment. I was also lucky to have got a job less than four days after I arrived in the Great Britain. I was strolling outside when I saw a signboard with Employment Bureau written on it. I hadn’t heard about it before so I walked in to make an enquiry whether they could help me secure an employment. Immediately they interviewed me and directed me to a particular company around Trafalgar Square in Central London. I went to the company the following morning where I was interviewed and they asked me to start work the following Monday. They told me my salary. I asked, ‘Can’t it be more than that?’ The person who interviewed me consulted his senior, came back and they added to what they had offered me before with an instruction to keep my mouth shut about it. This is a Johnny Just Come (JJC) who hadn’t had any job experience asking for more. That was how I began another phase of life in Britain. I was employed as a supervisor in a departmental store. I immersed myself into what the country had to offer. I was combining the job with my studies. I actually changed jobs several times including working in a company where I produced spare parts for machines. I later landed a big one outside London. Expanding my tentacles in London I left the company and got another job with Standard Telephones and Cables outside London – Basildon; it was one of the newly created towns to decongest London. By then I had already been married and moved with my wife who was a nurse. I had two children in England but unfortunately I lost my first daughter. The surviving one in London is a lawyer now. I was still with this company in Britain when I saw another newspaper advertisement for a job in Nigeria. I applied and was interviewed. I was employed to one of the subsidiaries of UAC Group in Ilorin, Philip Morris, as a factory manager. I had only spent few months with them when I saw another newspaper advertisement from a company in Ikeja. I came for the interview and passed. Again, I was employed. I came back to Lagos to assume duty. However, I didn’t work in the company eventually because before my resumption date, the Civil War which was going on in Nigeria ended and the person who was the factory manager as of that time went back to the company that he was ready to come back. The managing director of

There was a time I went to Newcastle to meet her. After chatting for some time she pretended as if she was reading a novel on her bed. But looking closely I found that she was actually reading the novel upside down. This gave me a confirmation that she was actually thinking about me and the relationship would work. I eventually persuaded her to come back to London and she agreed and the relationship flourished. My family in Ondo decided to come to her family in Lagos where they were based to ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage. It was smooth sailing because we are from the same town and both families knew each other. We eventually got married in England in 1963.

Ondo Boys attending Hussey College, Warri in 1955: L-R: Jerome Akindiose, Ife Adeniyan, Bayode Ajayi, Ayo Adeduro, Tayo Akinnibosun, Elias Akinnibosun and Akin Oladapo

On his wedding day to his late wife, Kofoworola (nee) Ajulo in London in 1963

the company, a white man was kind enough to look for an alternative job for me amongst his circle of friends in the industry. That was how I went into Tower Aluminum on Oba Akran Road in Ikeja also as a factory manager. I worked in this company for some time until I resigned and moved into a smaller company. It was a furniture manufacturing company. I eventually retired from this company at over 60 to become my own boss. Becoming my own boss…producing wine Having traversed different companies, I felt the time had come for me to be on my own. While I was in Britain, I joined the Basildon Brewers Association. We were making beers and wines. In those days, if I had a party I would brew beer in kegs. I was making wines in big jars. So I saw this as an opportunity to re-awaken that passion for making beer and wine. I was already doing it as a hobby and was already ordering what I needed abroad while majority of raw materials were sourced in Nigeria. It was doing well in the market until the June 12, 1993 crisis broke out. The election result of the would-be President, MKO Abiola, was annulled. That dealt a devastating blow on my business and I haven’t recovered from that shock because it affected my means of livelihood. The seed I had sown was already growing and all of a sudden it was cut off. Most of the traders who were patronising me usually did business on credit. There was a time I went to the Federal Palace Hotel and saw an empty bottle of my wine in their trash bin. It gave me a sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, the election drove most of my customers away and many went with my money. Meeting my wife in London I met my wife, Kofoworola Awujo (now late), in Britain where she was studying nursing. She was a native of Ondo town. Our meeting was a mere coincidence because I wasn’t looking for a town girl. We met at a party in England and asked for her particulars and she agreed. Soon after we met, she had made up her mind to further her studies as a medical doctor. And within a short time of meeting she travelled to North England, Newcastle. We started communicating through telephone. There was a time I went to Newcastle to meet her. After chatting for some time she pretended as if she was reading a novel on her bed. But looking closely I found that she was actually reading the novel upside down. This gave me a confirmation that she was actually thinking about me and the relationship would work. I eventually persuaded her to come back to London and she agreed and the relationship flourished. My family in Ondo decided to come to her family in Lagos where they were based to ask

Akinnibosun...recently

for their daughter’s hand in marriage. It was smooth sailing because we are from the same town and both families knew each other. We eventually got married in England in 1963. My wife battled sickle cell anemia for 75 years… My wife was a very pretty and brilliant lady who battled sickle cell anemia for 75 years. She attended Methodist Girls’ High School, Lagos and the ailment was diagnosed while she was in secondary school. She was told she had to look after herself properly. In fact, they told her usually people with such condition don’t live beyond the age of 40. By the time we started courtship I didn’t know anything about her condition. She opened up when the marriage issue came up. She asked me, ‘Tayo, would you be able to look after me properly?’ I said I would and promised to do my best. I get emotional when I remember that moment. That she lived up to 75 years was the Lord’s doing. I didn’t back out of the relationship and I tried my best and we lived together for 50 years and blessed with children who are doing well in their endeavours. One of my children is lawyer and is based abroad. Another one is an estate surveyor,; one is also a pharmacist and the last one studied Business Administration at Owo Polytechnic. Fulfilling life’s aspiration… No man fulfils all life’s aspirations. In our case, Nigeria’s situation has not enabled many people to attain the level they would have attained in life. I remember by the time I tendered my letter of notice of resignation in England, the personnel manager called me to his office the following day and asked me why I resigned. I told him that I wanted to go back to my country because I didn’t come to Britain to come and settle down. This was a company that took me out of London and settled me in a newly built house and got everything new because it was a new town and all the facility was installed. The man said I should go and reconsider my position because he said he knew what was happening all over Africa. This was in the 60s. My mind was already made up to come back home. That was how I left England. The experience is better imagined; the Civil War and all the crises that we are still battling till today. All in all, I am grateful to God for sparing my life to attain the age of 80. My next move is to be of service to God and humanity.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 16, 2016

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

EBERE WABARA

Back-Page Errors

ATIONAL Mirror of March 24 circulated copious errors: “Dasuki’s absence in court again stalled (stalls) trial” “CDHR tasked (tasks) Buhari over recovered loot” “Marketers, NSDC trade blames over fuel scarcity in Ekiti” ‘Blame’ is uncountable. “Ajimobi mourns death of Oyo APC legal officer” We do not mourn someone’s death, but the deceased. “Governments and the ghost workers (workers’) saga” (NATIONAL MIRROR Editorial) “Majority (A majority) of secondary schools have neither computers nor….” “Tenure elongation: Court dismisses Nasarawa LG chairmen (chairmen’s) suit” From the back page of National Mirror under review comes this last entry: “It’s time (high time) something drastic was done about this hell-born evil in the skin of doctors” Daily Sun of March 25 takes over: “Area Commander reads riot act to criminals” Get it right: the riot act “Airfoce (sic) jet crash lands (crash-lands) in Yola” “NBA raises alarm over kidnap of member” a rewrite: NBA raises the alarm over member’s kidnap “5,000 Ogun residents benefit from Aisha Buhari’s health screening (health-screening) initiative” “NFF settles for foreign coach, shifts focus on (to) World Cup” From Daily Sun Back Page of April 1 comes this headline blunder: “Cat and mouse (Cat-andmouse) game in APC” Next is DAILY SUN City News of April 4: Murder of undergraduate: Court remands police officer in prison” Crime, Court & Living: Undergraduate’s murder: Court remands police officer “Osoba formally rejoins APC, holds close door (closed-door) meeting with Tinubu, Aregbesola, Ajimobi” “Taraba flags off 2016 planting season with loan disbursement” Instead of ‘flag off’, use ‘inaugurates’ or ‘auspicates’ Wrong: matriach Right: matriarch

“Her skills in presentation has (have) endeared her to millions of hearts….” Wrong: harrassment Right: harassment “…following series (a series) of allegations by the staff against the management.” “As Yakubu cleans the Augean stable (stables) at INEC” (Source: DAILY SUN OPINION Page Headline, April 6) “Igbo must overcome post war (post-war) trauma” Wrong: concensus Right: consensus “Eze Ndigbo title not affront on (to) traditional authorities” “The kids and I wishes (why?) you a special happy birthday today….” “14th year in His bossom (bosom)” “Back then, I hawked pure (satchet/packaged) water at the airport” (THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, March 12) Lest I am accused of being repetitive in this column, as long as systemic infelicities in multifarious collocations keep recurring, there would be no hesitancy in highlighting them until scholarly exactitude takes place. “Banks lay siege on lawmakers” A rewrite: Banks lay siege to lawmakers. Wrong: on the saddle Right: in the saddle “As human beings, we are the highest evolved specie.” (FRSC Road Safety Tip) For the Corp Marshal’s attention: species. “Creating a smoke free environment” Get it right: smoke-free environment! Don’t you appreciate the classicality (and, of course, correctness) of the punctuation mark? “Nollywood pays last respect for….” (National Mirror, April 12) There is no absolute individuality in orthography and other aspects of the English language: last respects to (not for). “Rooney’s wife looses temper after Twitter user comment” In doing this weekly critique, I cannot lose my temper. “Nigerian seamstress per excellence for Dubai fashion show” Just seamstress par (not per) excellence. “Efforts so far to speak with the Kogi State Police Public Relation (sic) Officer has (have) proved abortive (now a cliché!)” (SATURDAY TRIBUNE,

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

April 9) “It now takes residents leaving (living) towards the bus stop….” (THE GUARDIAN, April 12) “VC accuses lecturers of double standards” There is no periphery of options here: double standard (fixed expression). “Clearance of non-CRI goods begin (begins) at ports” “Siasia gets sweeping power” Get it right: sweeping powers. “…had said that Newswatch is (was) a credible publication, one not likely to misquote him or twist what he says in a free display of editorial freedom.” “Like (As) we have said at various fora….” “So these are the kind of things that create jobs but they take time to take off fully.” Either: this is the kind of thing or these are the kinds of things. “So the government cannot ask the Supreme Court to interprete the law.” Spell-check, always: interpret. “Meanwhile, no one can convince me that we are getting returns of any kind from either of these two countries.…” Stock phrase: either of these countries “…the reduction in the number of vehicle accidents and casualities (casualties).” “Self-styled armies sprung (have sprung) here and there …” “State, council relationship: chairmen pick hole (holes) in 1999 Constitution.” “This year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Week were rounded-off yesterday….” Once more, phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation. “The private sector in conjunction with the local governments are in a better position.” The private sector…is (not are), but the private sector and the local governments are…. “At these occasions, Nigerians have been fed with these noble and esteemed virtues that differentiate the men from the boys.” Not my opinion: On these occasions “As a result, majority of the citizens do not even know of the existence of the national population policy of four children per woman.” Many people, small world: a/the majority of the citizens “There was no signs in the air” Random musings: why the discord? “The truth lies somewhere between the two

extreme positions” (Already addressed) “Government has wetted the public appetite for information enough….” This way: whetted (note the spelling) the public’s appetite for information. “It is these people that Nigerians would ordinarily believe rather than some whose integrity are (is) in doubt.” “The research aspect of the campaign was targetted (targeted) towards (at)….” “Between 300 to 500 million people globally get malaria infection yearly, whilst a sufferer dies every fifteen seconds.” Combating the malaria scourge: between 300 and 500 or from 300 to 500. “In other words, successive budgets have failed to realize its (their) objectives of improving the living standard of the people.” “The NEIC should swing into action right from the onset (outset in this context).” ‘Onset’ usually smacks of unpleasantness. So, why not ‘outset’ to be on the safe side? This is my own personal view—without any shred of universalism or morphological authority, perhaps. “If the demand is granted on the ground (grounds) that he would play his own role….” “Talking about renaming our institutions after our falling (fallen) heroes....” “The news out of Libya in the past five months have (had) been about killings....” ‘News’ is uncountable, by the way. “Lateef Jakande as governor of Lagos State warmed (wormed) his way into the hearts of Lagosians with a single-minded pursuit of his housing programme.” “Querying Africa’s underdevelopment has become a political discipline of it’s own as much that facts are hardly advanced in the critical political human analysis of Africa’s problems.” Possessive: its. “…promote international co-operation having due regard to the United Nations charter and the universal declaration of human rights.” In the interest of harmony, let us have regard for (not to) lexical rudiments. Gentlemen of the Press, let’s think! “All these assertions I concord with totally.” I cannot concur with gradual annihilation of the English language. “LCCI boss proffers solution on education problems” What solution do we proffer to (not on) deteriorating journalism these days?

PEOPLE2PEOPLE...with Oke Epia

Of Chibok Girls and the Daughters of Damasak

he 2014 Chibok abduction affair easily headlines the terror reign of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Like its controversial crusade against Western education, the stealing of some 200 girls from Chibok community by the terrorist sect had sparked off a fierce furore which turned out to be a distraction to and impediment to the rather tepid war being waged against boko haram at the time. Some like Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State believe Chibok was a mere political contraption to capture power by the then opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Goodluck Jonathan. Others hold the contrary view that Nigeria’s soul stays seared as long as the Chibok girls remain in the captivity of bigoted and depraved outlaws. Yet there are those that are unable to make up their minds which side of the divide to belong. But a common denominator to the various shades of opinion on Chibok is the embarrassing reality that two years since report of the kidnap episode shot Nigeria into an unwholesome global spotlight, the country is still unable to resolve the fate of the girls or the facts of the matter so as to bring the sordid affair to a definite closure. And thus whatever the truth may be is suffused in speculations sustained by the political winds which drove the 2015 hustle for presidential power. Unfortunately however, the wind of change now blowing across the land has proved to be quite impotent in bringing about a solution to the quagmire. The fact that the Chibok girls’ narrative continues to attract global attention albeit on a cascading scale sustains pressure on the Muhammadu Buhari administration to actualize its pre-election promise to rescue the girls and reunite them with their distressed families. In spite of signals suggesting that the government is growing impatient with the relentless crusade of the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners led by the irrepressible Oby Ezekwesili, the administration is helplessly seized of the burden to free the girls. And one way or the other, it must have to deal with it. Recycled excuses would not sell sell if the issue of the girls remains unresolved. It is perhaps within the context of the pervading cluelessness surrounding the Chibok conundrum that government found it convenient to maintain an air of blankness on the reported kidnap of some 400 women and children from Damasak, Nigeria’s North-east Borno State, about a year after the Chibok raid. And maybe because Chibok was yet trending and useful as a political weapon at the time, the world paid little or no attention to an abduction of far more

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

OKE EPIA Telephone (sms only): 07059850016 Email: resourceman.oke@live.com. Twitter: @resourceme

morbid mortality than what took place in the sleepy Christian town of Chibok in April 2014. It has taken a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released this month to turn global attention to another human heist by boko haram that made Chibok looked like a test case. According to an article in the Globe and Mail of Canada, Damasak was the kidnapping that “the world ignored.” This is how the piece described the incidence: “Denied by the authorities, overshadowed by other atrocities, hidden by its remote location, the abduction of about 400 women and children in the Nigerian town of Damasak remains unsolved and shrouded in mystery a year later. It was the biggest-ever kidnapping by the Islamist radicals of the Boko Haram group, yet it was neglected by politicians and activists who focused instead on the heavily publicized abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014.” In its narration of the Damasak affair, the Huffingtonpost said thus: “Unlike the kidnapping of some 200 school girls from Chibok a year earlier, there was no international outcry, no hashtags, no rallies and no U.S drones scouring the Nigerian forest after the Islamic extremist group’s abductions in Damasak, in the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno. Excerpts of the HRW report in reference states thus: “Damasak is the largest documented school abduction by Boko Haram militants. Yet it has drawn far less public attention than the group’s widely condemned abduction of 276 school girls from a government secondary school in Chibok in April 2014. On November 24, 2014, Boko Haram attacked Damasak, a trading town about 200 kilometers northwest of Maiduguri, near the border with Niger, blocking all four roads leading into the town and trapping residents and traders. “The insurgents quickly occupied Zanna Mobarti Primary School, shutting the gates and locking more than 300 students, ages 7 to 17,

inside, according to a teacher at the school and other witnesses Human Rights Watch interviewed. The Boko Haram militants then used the school as a military base, bringing scores of other women and children abducted across the town there as captives. The insurgents separated the women from the children and the boys from the girls. Some of the women held captive later told Human Rights Watch they could hear the screams and cries of the children, but they were not permitted to go to them. Over the following weeks and months, the militants forced their captives to learn the Quran. Anumber of women and children died in captivity after they were fed putrid food, which caused severe vomiting and diarrhea. “Between March 13 and 15, 2015, soldiers from neighboring Chad and Niger advanced on Damasak as part of a cross-border military operation against the insurgents. As the troops approached, Boko haram fled from Damasak, taking with them the 300 children and an estimated 100 more women and children they had been holding captive there.” How a dramatic event of that nature escaped the prying eyes in the sky maintained by the US and other Western powers that claimed to have intelligence on the Chibok girls but curiously neglected to assist the Jonathan administration with such, betrays the duplicity of global powers on the fight against terror. Recall that former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock had recently spoken of how the Chibok girls were spotted by American and British surveillance operatives but could not take any action because of the high risks anticipated in a possible rescue operation. “Acouple of months after the kidnapping, fly-bys and an American eye in the sky spotted a group of up to 80 girls in a particular spot in the Sambisa forest, around a very large tree, called locally the Tree of Life, along with evidence of vehicular movement and a large encampment,” Pocock told the Sunday Times of Sunday. According to the former Envoy, “a land-based attack would have been seen coming miles away and the girls killed, an air-based rescue, such as flying in helicopters or Hercules, would have required large numbers and meant a significant risk to the rescuers and even more so to the girls. You might have rescued a few but many would have been killed. My personal fear was always about the girls not in that encampment- 80 were there, but 250 were taken, so the bulk were not there. What would have happened to them? You were damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 16, 2016

SHOWBiZFlAir

Tosin Clegg

NNENNA

I’m Enjoying Being a Mother Olayinka Olukunga Ademo, otherwise known as Nnenna, came to limelight about a decade ago with the Nnenna and Friends franchise. Over the years, the brand grew stronger and richer. In this interview withTosin Clegg, Nnenna talks about motherhood, growing up, her career and the Nnenna brand

Who is Nnenna?

Nnenna is a model, wife, a mother of a set of twins and she dotes on her children.

How did you come about the brand Nnenna... This followed the success of the award-winning Superstory series. Nnenna, a gift of love, is where I played the role of Nnenna who was a ghost. The love that viewers had towards the character, especially children, probably because of the supernatural powers she possesses which she uses positively, gave birth to the brand, Nnenna.

Do you regard the brand a success?

Yes! Its acceptance, over the years, by children, parents, schools, stakeholders, and multinationals is a proof to that. Just recently, we added to our accolades; Best Kiddies/Youth Programme of the Year at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award. It’s no gainsaying that we have been able to touch lives positively.

Tell us about your background... I am the first of four children, with a disciplinarian as a father and, a caring mother. Amidst all, it was fun with my siblings. I studied Marketing at the Lagos State University (LASU) and, just recently, I bagged a PGD in Educational Administration from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) due to my love for children and my zeal to acquire more knowledge.

What fueled the need to start Nnenna and Friends cartoon? We all know that the reading culture, presently, has gone into extinction thereby creating a vacuum in the market. This is why the Nnenna and Friends Entertainment Company, a

subsidiary of Wale Adenuga Productions, publishers of Ikebe Super, decided to bring back the reading culture. Hence, the birth of Nnenna and Friends Cartoon Magazine; “Clean Fun for the Whole Family.” But with so many subbrands attached to Nnenna, have been able to get to manage it all and it’s all been possible due to the hard work of my team.

Are you enjoying motherhood?

Motherhood, I must say, is a beautiful and wonderful experience. Nothing compares to it. So far, I have been able to set my priorities right and with the support of my family, friends and team, I have been able to juggle both side by side and create a balance. And if I weren’t doing all I’m doing now I would still be working for children, probably, in another form like teaching.

Do you have any future project?

Right now, it’s all about the Nnenna and Friends Cartoon Magazine, which made its debut into the market on April 5, 2016. Further projects will be communicated when due.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years I see myself doing much more for children, both locally and internationally, God willing.

What has kept you going over the years ? God has been my strength and driving force. Also, the belief in the Brand and its acceptance by all stakeholders.

Who’s your role model and mentor?

My parents and my boss, Mr. Wale Adenuga, whose belief in the brand has kept us strong all these years.

Ademo

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 16, 2016

SHOWBiZFlAir

MY STORY TOSIN BEE

AY HOLDS STAR-STUDDED BIRTHDAY FOR WIFE

Musicians Should Be More United

Nigeria’s foremost comedian, AY recently held a star-studded birthday bash for his wife. AY is renowned for his beautiful display of comic characters, entertaining vibes and lots more. The party was attended by big industry names such as Richard Mofe Damijo, KCEE, Dj Jimm Jatt, Ubi Franklin, Ayo Animashaun, Sexy Steel, Ali Baba and many more.

Adejumobi Oluwatosin Akinkunmi also known as Tosin Bee is a rare blend of simplicity, humility, dexterity and integrity making him a unique man. His sonorous voice continues to captivate his audience. In this chat with Tosin Clegg he talks about his career and more

ADEKUNLE GOLD DROPS NEW SINGLE, READY YBNL’s act, Adekunle Gold has dropped a new single, titled Ready, which would be the last single before his album, titled Gold that is set to be dropped later this year. The YBNL’s lover boy, thrills on this Pheelzproduced track. This love tune by Gold has additional strings by Fiokee and was mixed and mastered by sultry songstress, Simi. Gold never seems to fail in delivering master pieces, judging from his 2015 hit, “Pick Up”.

BIGMAXX: HOW DAGRIN INFLUENCED MY CAREER Fast-rising indigenous rapper, Bigmaxx, whose real name is Makanjuola Adigun Oluwaseun is a performing and recording artiste who grew up in the northern part of Nigeria. He was born in Oyo State and graduated with B.TEC degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. Bigmaxx began his professional career as an indigenous rapper many years ago and he has just released his official single titled ‘Lewon’. In a recent chat, Bigmaxx said the late rapper, Dagrin was a big influence on him, saying “Dagrin really

opened the way for many rappers like myself and several others. Truth is that Dagrin influenced a lot of indigenous rappers we have today and I’m just one of the many.” Asked if he copies the late rapper’s style, Bigmaxx said, “Not at all; my sound is quite unique and different, though I rap in Yoruba language but I also leverage on the trending ‘Trap music’ sound and you can feel it from my sound and production.” Over time, Bigmaxx has worked with popular pop stars like Vector, Phenom, Ill Bliss, Cynthia Morgan, Phyno, Tha Suspect and others.

ow long have you been in the music industry?

I started singing professionally way back in 2003, when I joined a group called ‘Da Roots’, a three-man band which consisted of Rumide, Sam and myself. We rocked the town and traveled through the western states of the country to bless lives through our music-ministration.

What is the genre of your music?

My style of gospel music largely consists that of R n B, HipFuji, Jazz, Ewi (Traditional Yoruba chant).

What are your biggest challenges as an artiste?

Challenges are common in life because that is the true test of your faith in Christ; you must face them and overcome them to become better and stronger. I just desire that the industry practitioners, especially the gospel ministers, should be more united. When there is unity of purpose, we can easily depopulate the kingdom of the devil. That is only what can take the industry to the next level.

Who have you worked with so far?

Wow! Quite a lot of people, but the ones that readily come to mind are Big Bolaji and Tosin Martins. But if you mean who I worked with on my debut album, Testimony, then I’ve worked with Nosa, Efe Nathan, Big Bob and Ayobamidele.

Who are the acts you intend to work with?

The industry is blessed with wonderful and loving people. I would love to work with anybody once I’m led to do so.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years is too long for the manifestation of God’s blessing in my life. I want to become a force to be reckoned with as far as Gospel music is concerned. I mean I want to be known as the one that carries the Fire of God, such that when I minister, it will be backed-up with supernatural happenings. Of course, I want to be on the big platforms too. But so far, it has been testimony galore and, in the future, it will still be testimony all the way.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 16, 2016

Auto

All-new 2017 Kia Sportage Receives Top Safety Pick Plus Rating

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

he all-new 2017 Kia Sportage has earned the highest designation possible – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front crash prevention. The rating reflects top scores in each of five crashworthiness tests as well as the integration of driver assistance technologies to aid in crash prevention. Officials said this demonstrates Kia Motors’ ongoing commitment to safety and continuous improvement. “The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is one of the most recognized and respected organisations in the industry when it comes to evaluating vehicle safety,andassuch,theTopSafetyPickPlusdesignation is a significant achievement,” said Orth Hedrick, Vice President, Product Planning, KMA. “We are especially proud to have our all-new Sportage earn thatTSP+ratinginlightofIIHS’new,morechallenging standards, validating the efforts of our engineers and the priority we place on safety.” IIHS testing parameters were changed for 2016, requiring each vehicle to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention in order to qualify for a TSP+. The 2017 Sportage is available with a wide range of driving-assistance systems and safety features includingAutonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)1, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)1, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)1 with Lane Change Assist (LCA)1, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)1, and Bi-HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light

The all-new 2017 Sportage

(DBL)1 technology, high-beam assist (HBA)1, and front and rear parking assist. Furthermore, the structure of the all-new Sportage is significantly improved due to the extensive use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). With 51 percent of the Sportage’s body-in-white consisting of AHSS, versus the outgoing model’s 18 percent, torsional rigidity has improved 39 per cent. In addition, the Sportage utilises more than a football field’s

length (338 feet) of structural adhesives. The all-new 2017 Sportage features advanced driver assistance technologies, significant suspension and steering improvements, and available intelligent AWD, while premium materials and world-class craftsmanship create a class-up experience in an otherwise utilitarian segment. The fourth-generation Sportage is available in three trim levels. The sporty SX turbo model is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four

that makes 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. TheLXandEXtrimsuseanormallyaspirated2.4-liter engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Inside the spacious, modern and refined interior, Sportage is the first Kia to offer UVO3, featuring 14 telematics services, eight GB of music storage, and access to onscreen apps and Wi-Fi tethering capability, complete with Android Auto2, Apple3 CarPlay® (late availability), all free of charge.

Over 70 OEMs Confirm Participation at Lagos Motor Fair

ver 70 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), from all over the world, are already preparing to be at the Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island to participate in the 11th Lagos Motor Fair and Spare Parts expo. The fair will hold at the Federal Palace HotelArena, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island Lagos from April 28-May 4. Disclosing this at a stakeholders/media briefing recently, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu said all strategies had been deployed to ensure that the fair, more than ever before, received the needed attention from participants, institutional, trade, professional and individual buyers as well as visitors. “We have packaged a show that could effectively be used by the participants and visitors to maximise the benefits that they drive from the fair. This edition will bring out all the potentials and investment opportunities that abound in the Nigerian automobile industry, which we know are very attractive so that the existing and potential stakeholders will utilise the opportunities offered by Lagos Motor Fair to get the best. “Strategically, as we have been doing since the last five years, we are laying strong emphasis on the Spare Parts sector. This is as a result of our guided intention to enhance the development of cottage industries in the spare parts sub-sector of the automotive business sector of the economy with the attendant multiplier effects on the economy of the nation. Our target is to attract many reputable Original Equipment Manufacturers of Spare Parts

from across the globe to participate in this edition as well as in subsequent ones. “In conjunction with our foreign partners: SENEXPO International Fairs Inc of Turkey, we have reached out to many of such companies and happily the response has been tremendous and we are expecting close to 150 of them. Our intention in bringing them to Lagos which is the hub of automotive business in West Africa is to enable Nigerians and neighbouring West Africans engaged in auto spare business work out rewarding and lasting business relationships with the main companies engaged in the manufacture of auto spare parts. These relationships which can come in the form of: sole agencies, distributorship, manufacturers’ representatives amongst others will ultimately boost their businesses. It would save them the troubles of going abroad to seal such business deals and most importantly it will bring these foreign companies into the country, resulting in increased activities in the sector, more productions and increased products lines and qualities; which will in both the short and long runs rub off positively on the sector.” Agwu said to fast track the establishment of automobile assembling plants which would lead to having them manufacturing in the country in the long run, “we must ensure that there are a lot of small scale companies seriously engaged in the production of different auto parts and accessories, so as to lessen the recourse to importing them from abroad. This will go a long way in making the cost of production cheaper and thereby making the products more competitive.

L-R: Managing Director, Stallion NMN, Mr. Parvir Singh; and Chairman, ASD Group, Alhaji Sani Dauda, at the inauguration of ASD Motors Limited as independent Nissan dealer in Lagos… recently

Stallion NMN Appoints ASD Motors as Nissan

tallion NMN, manufacturers and distributors of Nissan automobiles has appointed ASD Motors Nigeria Limited as independent Nissan dealer at a sign-on ceremony in Lagos to cater for growing Nissan clientele in North Central Nigeria and its adjoining states. The inauguration brings to seven the number of independent Nissan dealers appointed by Stallion NMN. They include: Gbose Automobiles Limited Ilorin – Kwara State, RealPoint West Africa Limited Warri – Delta State, Emmanuella Motors Limited Awka –Anambra State, SATAMotors Benin, Enebros Motors Uyo –Akwa Ibom State,AC Okocha Motors

Asaba – Delta State. Addressing ASD Motors’ executives including the Chairman of the Group, Alhaji Sani Dauda, the Stallion NMN Managing Director, Parvir Singh said: “the strategic appointment of dealers across the country is in line with Nissan business expansion plan to guarantee seamless access to valued Nissan products and services with provision of quality customer satisfaction.” He enjoined the new dealer to be steadfast and embrace Nissan global vision of being “customers’ lifetime companion while also moving closer to them to make Nissan brand customers’ preferred application.”

CIG Set Up 4S Ultramodern Showroom

frontline Chinese investor in Nigeria and the country’s exclusive distributor of GAC Motor and Gree Air-Condition, Choice International Group (CIG), has unveiled a new facility in Lagos to bolster investment in vehicle sales, spare parts and after sale services, among others. The organisation, which also unveiled a new 2016 GAC GA3s sedan, to compete with others in the marketsegment,saiditsvehicleassemblingplantwas almost completed and would soon be showcased to support government’s economic diversification plan, particularly in the automobile sector.

Speaking at the inauguration of the facility at Ojota, in Lagos, Chairman of the group, Ms. Diana Chen said: “This is a great move for us. We are determined to support government’s resolve to overhaul the automotive sector and turn the country into an automotive hub in Africa. “Also, today is a fantastic day for us, particularly as we continue to build bridge of investment between China and Nigeria and we are able to bring stakeholders from across the world, particularly China and Nigeria to witness our success growth as we invest in Nigeria.” Speakingaboutthecompetitivenessofthecompany’s

products in the Nigerian market, Chen said CIG, which also markets electronic and other emergency home appliances has delivered quality products which has been tried and trusted to meet needs in Nigeria. This is a testament to the fact that products from China are capable of competing globally. “We are careful about our image. Our intention is to sustainably build a lasting relationship in Nigeria. Thatiswhyweassociateourselveswithonlyproducts that we believe in. We have the best products and that is the reason we are able to gain trust, especially from stakeholders in the country”, she said. Chen insisted that the move was “a symbol that

the world is a global village and we need to be part of the success story of countries across world since nations are dependent on each other to build a stronger economy and empower individuals.” The event, which also bring together the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, Director of International Business Division, GuangzhouAutomobile Group (GAC), Motor Co. Limited, Jerry Liu; Chairman, Toyota Nigeria Limited, Michael Ade-Ojo; former Chief Executive Officer, First Bank Nigeria Plc., Bisi Onasanya, also put smiles on the faces of some participants as the organisation gave out brand new vehicles at huge discounts to reward loyalty.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 16, 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

Echoes On Speed Limiter Enforcement

All new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz Renders C-Class as an Outstanding Mid-size Premium Car Stories by Bennett Oghifo

enowned automaker, MercedesBenz has styled the new C-Class to be sporty, emotional and impressive, making it an outstanding vehicle in the mid-size premium segment that features inspiring design and driving enjoyment. Weststar Associates Ltd., is the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria. According to the company’s officials, “Superiority creates room for passion,” adding that the customer has maximum configuration options between energising comfort and refined sportiness. “The new C-Class Saloon appeals to a heterogeneous customer group - its alluring exteriors and interiors as well as a fresh, youthful vibe yields a classy appeal to its

customers. “When it comes to travelling in style, Mercedes-Benz is the first most reliable brand. Mercedes-Benz C-Class is here to stay particularly with its elegant features and specially assembled components,” they said. These features include; Distinctive and powerful front end, use of high-quality materials, sleek exterior bodywork and an attractive colorful scheme, better performance and higher energy efficiency. Compared to its predecessors, the C-Class engine is with lower CO2 emissions. The C-Class has an intelligent drive system. These intelligent systems actively support the driver and noticeably relieve the driver’s workload. They help to analyse and monitor the vehicles environment in order to warn and identify potential dangers.

Other generous safety functions include the attention assist, adaptive brake control system and the blind spot assist to mention a few. All C-class models use the company’s tried and true 7-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is greatly minimised due to the Blue EFFICIENCY function. This is responsible for shutting down the engine while the vehicle is stationary or in a red traffic light situation. Its powerful four cylinder engine also assures environmental compatibility and diligence as regards fuel consumption. The new C-class has more legroom (due to the longer wheel base) unlike the slightly cramped feelings of rear seat passengers in the past as well as bigger boot space (with a capacity of 480 litres). Other available features in the C-Class include; leather

upholstery, ventilated front seats, Audio-20-CD with touch-pad, a Burmester audio system, Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system, navigation, a rearview camera, parallel parking assist, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, a Wi-Fi hot spot (requires subscription to Mercedes’ mbrace telematics service), pedestrian and cross traffic detection, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, rear wheel drive, active lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and a hands-free power trunk lid. All-wheel drive (4Matic) is available in both sedan and coupe models. The new C-Class Saloon is the leading vehicle in the mid-size premium segment from Mercedes-Benz. The traditional high standard of quality as well as the various design options differentiates it from its competitors.

Toyota Recalls Certain 2016 Model RAV4, Lexus RX, ES Vehicles

oyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it was recalling approximately 4,170 Model Year 2016 Toyota RAV4; approximately 90 Model Year 2016 RX 350; and approximately 12,400 Model Year 2016 ES 350. Toyota has also recalled certain 2016 model year Sienna. The involved 2016 Model Year RAV4, Lexus RX, ES Vehicles are equipped with a Brake Actuator assembly that enables enhanced brake control functions including the Antilock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), among others. There is a possibility that a component inside the actuator could have been damaged during manufacturing, preventing the actuator from operating properly. This could cause a loss of vehicle stability control, increasing the risk of crash. All known owners of the affected Toyota vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Toyota and Lexus dealers will check the serial number of the

2016 Toyota RAV4

Brake Actuator and replace actuators assembled during a specific production period. Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-do-date Safety Recall information on Toyota, Lexus

or Scion vehicles, customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting toyota.com/ recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar. gov/vin. For any additional questions, customer support

is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 and Lexus Customer Experience at 1-800255-3987. Also, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. has announced that it is recalling approximately 230 Model Year 2016 Sienna Minivans.

y friend and brother, Patrick Adenusi of Safety Beyond Borders, a Non-Government Organization on road safety, once threw a thought provoking poser to a gathering of stakeholders when he asked rhetorically, ‘what is the value of the life of a Nigerian’? Frank Nneji of ABC Transport threw a similar poser when in response to the issue of thecostofaspeedlimiter;heasked if the cost of a speed limiter, no mattertheamountcouldbuyalife. This same question haunts me each time a road traffic crash claims the life of a Nigerian on our roads. It equally haunts me each time I receive a report of a staff killed by a driver for merely slowing him down from killing himself or maiming others. The same thought ran through my mind when prior to the April 1 deadline for the enforcement of speed limiter,, I read stories questioning the rationale behind the move by the Corps, including those challenging the authority of the FRSC to enforce the speed limiter. In fact, ever since the House of Representatives’ resolution halted theApril1,2016enforcementdate, I have deliberately adopted the siddon look posture knowing fully well that anyone who values thelifeoftheaverageNigerianwill naturally applaud the novelty in the introduction of the limiter by the Federal Road Safety Corps. My optimitism was further boosted when I had the privilege to attend the public hearing of the House Committee on the Federal Road Safety Commission on the subject last month where overwhelmingly the imperatives for the initiatives was drummed by over 99percent of stakeholders who attended the hearing. Even those who had reservations merely proposed for its implementation to be complimented by other technologies. However, my optimism was again partly jolted when I learnt of a litigation filed at the Federal High Court Abuja by the Registered Trustees of International Human Rights and Anti Corruption Society in Suit No FHC/Abj/CS/805/15 challenging the powers of FRSC on the speed limiter.I am relieved to hear that the High Court Presided over by Justice Chukwu last week dismissed the suit, describing the position of the opponents to the device as lacking in merit, stating that the FRSC has acted in line with its statutory powers by introducing, imposing and implementing the use of the speed limiting device in Nigeria. This statutory powers referred by the Court on the regulation on thecompulsoryuseofspeedlimiting device on vehicles in Nigeria is contained in the FRSC EstablishmentAct (2007) and the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012.In Section 10, sub section (m) of the (Establishment) Act, 2007,the

Commission is empowered in „ determining and enforcing speed limits for all categories of roads and vehicles and controlling the use of speed limiting devices . It states that „ All motor vehicles plying the highway shall be in possession of good electric or air horn, jack, wheel spanner, tools, fire extinguisher, • Inflated spare tyre, first aid box, emergency warning triangles or cones, laminated windscreen and mirror, speed governor(ie. speed limiter), wipers, insurance certificate and road worthiness certificate. Similarly, in the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR, 2012) it provides that,’’ A person shall not drive a vehicle on any public road which is not fittedwithaspeedlimiter(ie.speed limiting device). Iamnotahumanrightsactivists andIhavenothingagainstthemas I am convinced that their passion is for our general good which I believe should include buying in into government strategies to preservelifeincludingthisnovelty tocheckexcessivespeedingwhich according to my boss,Boboye Oyeyemi in his presentation during the Public Hearing has been identified as a key risk factor in road traffic injuries, influencing both the risk of a road crash as well as the severity of the injuries that result from injuries. Speed affects the driver, the vehicle, other road users and the environment underscoring the reason behind the FRSC initiatives. Thefunctionsofthespeedlimiting device he further maintained are therefore multi-dimensional. The effects of speed include: increased driver’s response time to objects and increase risk of collision, reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely and around curves and objects on the roads, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. Between January to November,2012,Nigeriarecorded increased rate of road crashes and a greater percentage (35%) was attributed to speeding and over 58% are speed related. Interestingly, there has been a downward reduction in RTC since Nigeria began the campaign on Speed limiter in 2012 and the Speed Violation (SPV) percentage has also fallen respectively, indicating that Nigeria has started reaping the benefits of Speed Limiter. The benefits of the initiatives include; lower speed resulting in less fuel consumption by vehicles, lower speed also cuts down vehicles maintenancecostandslowsdown depreciation value thus vehicles last longer. It will significantly impact positively in changing the individual driving behavior which has been hard to achieve over the years as it will reduce the speed of vehicle to pre-set limit thus reducing overall crash risk and likely to lessen severity of crashe.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 16, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH with

Stress in Your System

f you are flesh and blood, then you must have some element of stress in your system. This can range from minimum, that is at times, to maximum, when you are always stressed up. What then is stress ? It is the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change. Stress could be positive /good stress, Eustress, or negative /bad stress, Distress. This is so because this state can be perceive differently by different people. This is why in this article, we will be looking at everyday stress, and how it affects man and the remedy to alleviate and restore normalcy. Physiological stress is response to a stressor such as an environmental condition. Stress is a body’s method of reacting to a challenge. In response to a stressful event, the body’s way to respond to stress is by sympathetic nervous system activation which results in the fight-or-flight response. Because the body cannot keep this state for long periods of time, the parasympathetic system returns the body’s physiological conditions to normal (homeostasis). This is why it is common that people go in and out of stressful conditions. In humans, stress typically describes a negative condition or a positive condition that can have an impact on a person’s mental and physical well-being. Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life. Many events that happen to you and around you and many things that you do yourself put stress on your body. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts. Stress in humans results from interactions between persons and their environment that are perceived as straining or exceeding their adaptive capacities and threatening their well-being. The element of perception indicates that human stress responses reflect differences in personality, as well as differences in physical strength or general health. Risk factors: For stress-related illnesses are a mix of personal, interpersonal, and social variables. These factors include lack or loss of control over one’s physical environment, and lack or loss of social support networks. People who are dependent on others (e.g., children or the elderly) or who are socially disadvantaged (because of race, gender, educational level, or similar factors) are at greater risk of developing stress-related illnesses. Other risk factors include feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, extreme fear or anger, and cynicism or distrust of others. Common Symptoms The symptoms of stress can be either physical or psychological. Stress-related physical illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome, heart attacks, arthritis, and chronic headaches, result from longterm overstimulation of a part of the nervous system that regulates the heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive system. Stress-related emotional illness results from inadequate or inappropriate responses to major changes in one’s life situation, such as marriage, completing one’s education, becoming a parent, losing a job, or retirement. Psychiatrists sometimes use the term adjustment disorder to describe this type of illness. In the workplace, stress-related illness often takes the form of burnout—a loss of interest in or ability to perform one’s job due to long-term high stress levels. For example, palliative care nurses are at high risk of burnout due to their inability to prevent their patients from dying or even to relieve their physical suffering in some circumstances. Effects of stress : • The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger. • Stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. As a result, the person becomes overworked and stress-related tension builds. Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress -- a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated

Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life. Many events that happen to you and around you and many things that you do yourself put stress on your body. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. life goals, to find out if you have this kind of Research suggests that stress also can bring on or conflict in your life. How are you coping with stress? worsen certain symptoms or diseases. Your lifestyle choices can prevent your body • Stress also becomes harmful when people use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to try to relieve from recovering from stress. For example, as you their stress. Unfortunately, instead of relieving sleep, your body recovers from the stresses of the the stress and returning the body to a relaxed day. If you’re not getting enough sleep or your state, these substances tend to keep the body in sleep is often interrupted, you lose the chance to recover from stress. a stressed state and cause more problems. The way you act and behave can also be a sign • Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse of stress. Some people who face a lot of stress react health effects from stress. • Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor’s by smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating office visits are for stress-related ailments and poorly, or not exercising. The health risks posed by these habits are made even worse by stress. complaints. Your body feels stress-related wear and tear • Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, in two ways: • the stress itself , diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depres• and the unhealthy ways you respond to it. sion, and anxiety. With all of these looked at, you can now • Stress is declared stress a hazard of the ask yourself how quickly you recover from your workplace. • The lifetime prevalence of an emotional stress condition. How to deal with stress: disorder is more than 50%, often due to chronic, Engage in stress releasing activities like: untreated stress reactions. Meditation, Managing stress by measuring it : Get enough sleep, nap regularly, try to get at Stress can be Managed by Measuring it. What least about 7hours of sleep daily are the causes of stress in your life ? Massage, Feeling stress is a fact of life for most people. Swim leisurely, But it affects everyone differently. What causes Keep a journal. stress for you may not be stressful for someone Exercise regularly, as this triggers the release of else. That’s because how you view a situation affects how much stress it causes you. Only you chemicals in the brain , that blocks stress. Reading a good book can figure out whether you have too much stress Get into a hobby in your life. Engage help by walking, running, jogging with Ask yourself these questions to find out what a loved one, is causing your stress: Take a time to close down on intruding What job, family, or personal stress do you have? 1. Stress can be caused by an ongoing personal conditions, a deliberate time of shutting down situation such as: Problems in your family or everything. This can be done with only your close family enclosed. with a relationship. Cut off caffeine drinks, and taking tobacco. Caring for a family member who is elderly, has The secret is that you must deliberately reduce chronic health problems, or is disabled. Caregiving things that cause you stress. Live a healthy balis a major source of stress. anced life. Try and eat right, exercise and get 2. Your job. 3. Dealing with a family member who is under enough sleep. Taking decisive steps can actually go a long way. stress. Chewing gum, increases blood flow to your 4. Have you had any recent major life changes? Life changes such as getting married, moving to brain, this helps. Spend some time outdoors in a new city, or losing a job can all be stressful. You calm natural environment, it calms you. Take time can’t always control these things, but you can out , and be with friends and family that make you happy. Smiling with loved ones, relaxes the control how you respond to them. Always try to find out your current stress level muscle around your facial area, which helps to release tension. based on recent changes in your life. Talk all nagging issues with a trusted friend, What Is Your Stress Level? write down issues bothering you, it translates Do your beliefs cause you stress ? Some people feel stress because their beliefs to a burden shared. Think nice about yourself. conflict with the way they are living their life. This gives you the assurance that all will be well. Examine your beliefs, such as your values and

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Blues at War PAGE. 29

16.04.2016

Anthony Joshua

Boxing is a Sweet Science

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 16, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Joshua with

My Aim is to Beat Guys Like Tyson Fury He was born by Nigerian parents and spent much of his early years in Nigeria before going to the UK to join Kings Langley Secondary School. Last Saturday, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua defeated Charles Martin to claim the IBF world heavyweight title. With Nigerian boxing battling for revival, Kunle Adewale looks at what it could have meant for the country had the 2012 Olympic gold medalist opted to compete for his fatherland instead of Britain

ut for GOtv that is working to revive boxing in the country through its GOtv Boxing Night, which enters Season 7 on May 1, the game was virtually dead. Aside from the likes of Olanrewaju Durojaiye, Gifted Cole and probably Segun Ajose, no Nigerian boxer is in a good stead for a world title for now, Nigeria is in short supply of men with the "sucker punch." However, there are Nigerian-born boxers abroad who are winning laurels. One of them is the British boxer, Anthony Joshua, who recently won the IBF world heavyweight. Interestingly, Joshua, whose attempt to represent Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in China was allegedly frustrated by the Nigeria Boxing Federation, NBF, had played down his IBF world heavyweight title win, saying the Olympics gold he won four years ago would be more cherished. It was an emphatic, flawless statement from Joshua, the super heavyweight Olympic gold medalist of 2012 cementing his professional credentials when many said he had been rushed into this challenge for the IBF title way too soon. In fact, it was the belt holder whose keen acceptance of the money on offer – rather than choosing a less lucrative but easier option elsewhere – that aroused the more meaningful speculation that he was cashing in while he could. And so it panned out. “I ain’t gonna get too carried away,” Joshua said of his 16th straight stoppage

win from as many fights. But there are others who will do it for him, including his promoter, Eddie Hearn, who was quick to describe him as a global sporting superstar. “Every fight gets better and better,” the new champion said. “It’s not just about power. It’s about speed and precision. Martin was big and brave enough to bring his title to the UK. Respect to him.” Joshua admitted that he had felt more pressure going into the Olympic final in London in 2012 than he felt last Saturday night when he took the belt from American Charles Martin, which he won by second round knockout. "The Olympics was different level. That was crazy. That was different altogether, but it moulded me to deal with these occasions better. I would not downgrade yesterday, but for the fact that where I've been, coming through my last fight, the adrenaline that was involved, that helped against Martin, the boxer said." Joshua was still a novice - in amateur terms - during the Olympic Games. "Because it was in London, a home game, it got you used to the noise, the pressure. And amateur boxing at the Olympics is a serious business. These guys are elite. They have been around for years fighting. It is tough at that level," he added. Joshua recalled not just the pressure of expectation on British athletes to win in London, but being three points down against defending Olympic super heavyweight champion, Roberto Cam-

marelle, who was the defending gold medallist. "How many Olympics did he go to? Three? He knew his stuff. I boxed him in the worlds, so I knew he was a good fighter. So the pressure was there, and you had to deal with it. In these professional fights, you can look yourself away in the changing room, but at the Olympics, you can hear the crowd. "During the whole Olympics, the loudest noise was at the boxing. How many people were in the athletics stadium? Yet the loudest noise was at the boxing. How mad is that? That's why I said about that final that it was like 'Sparta' night, like something from the film 300. Knowing you are locked away behind stage. You can hear the crowd roaring for blood and you're fighting next. That was gladiator stuff. That was class, he said." Last Saturday night, and the buildup, explained Joshua, had felt like a "smooth" experience. The 26-year-old also felt as if he had boxed better against Martin. In his previous fight, last December, he had had an emotional build-up against London rival, Dillian Whyte, followed by a seven-round war in the ring. “Yeah, I was more patient, looking for the shot, setting it up, feinting. Camp was good and I had great sparring, so when I got in the ring I looked back and thought about how I fought against Dillian, but that’s just how we go to war. "It’s weird because when I stepped Cont'd on page 31

It was an emphatic, flawless statement from Joshua, the super heavyweight Olympic gold medalist of 2012 cementing his professional credentials when many said he had been rushed into this challenge for the IBF title way too soon. In fact, it was the belt holder whose keen acceptance of the money on offer – rather than choosing a less lucrative but easier option elsewhere – that aroused the more meaningful speculation that he was cashing in while he could. And so it panned out

APRIL 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Nigeria Professional Football League…

Emodi Joins COD United

Former CAF Champions League winner, Okey Emordi, has been appointed as head coach of City Of David (COD) United. The Nigeria National League (NNL) club announced the appointment of Emordi on Wednesday and explained their decision to hook the experienced trainer. The Lagos club added that landing Emordi as their head coach is "another demonstration of our ambition as a club to keep moving forward." “Okey Emordi’s knowledge, experience and record shows clearly that he has been the outstanding coach in the Nigerian football space in the past decade or so and we are very delighted he has decided to join us. His appointment is yet another demonstration of our ambition as a club to keep

moving forward and never rest on our oars. "We want to play in the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League) next season and we believe Okey’s appointment gives us a massive opportunity to do that. Once we shared our vision with him, he decided to take up the challenge and we are delighted he was convinced to join us having seen our vision for the club. We expect him to sustain and improve on all that we have achieved as a football club on the pitch and help our players and young coaches become even better,” COD Utd CEO, Shola Opaleye, said. Emordi is ready for the challenge of working in the second tier. He said he had to carefully make the decision to return to coaching and accepted the role at COD United because they are "a

very organized club with big ambitions." “I have joined a very organised club with big ambitions. As you know, I have worked with some of the biggest clubs in Nigeria and even Africa and so I had to carefully consider this. Having spoken to the club and seen what they have done so far, I am excited to take on the challenge of ensuring the club plays in the NPFL next season," said Emordi, whose last coaching role was in 2015 at former Nigerian champions, Kano. Emordi, who guided Enyimba to win the 2004 CAF Champions League, will take charge of his first competitive in the second tier with COD United against Abia Comets at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos on May 7.

Okpus to Miss Heartland Tie against 3SC Joshua Cont'd from page 30

My Aim is to Beat Guys Like Tyson Fury in the ring on Saturday night I thought to myself did I really go to war like that with Dillian in here? I could have just outclassed the guy. Boxing is a sweet science – why did I go to war with a guy like Dillian in the ring? I must have looked like a novice the way I fought that night. This was the time to show how good I really am and I fought like a bit of a clown. “The thing I wanted to do with Martin was take what he had. That was what I wanted to do. I knew he wasn’t going to beat me. "I can improve from here because I’m going to fight better fighters at an early stage. Just 34 rounds of boxing to win the world title. But with two more years, when it comes to serious boxing I should be in my prime. I should be handling my business and beating guys like Tyson Fury in four fights with ease,” the IBF champion said. Hearn, however, believes that Joshua "would walk through Fury now" and aims to make the match up with the two-belt world champion as soon as it is viable, which could be late this year, indoors, or outdoors in a stadium next Spring or summer. There will be no holiday, and Joshua could be in camp again in a fortnight. “No holiday, no, I want to fight again soon if I can. It wasn’t so much the fight that was hard but the camp was. I just need to recover from camp, which should only take a week or two weeks. Hopefully I’ll fight again in early July –maybe July 9. I’m sure Eddie Hearn (Joshua's promoter) has got dates pencilled in somewhere, a Plan A and Plan B. I’ll hopefully fight soon if possible and keep the momentum going," Joshua stated. Joshua also got a sense of his growing fame with celebrities and sports figures ringside last Saturday night, and by the reaction from the public. “Yeah, yeah, it’s growing. That’s what we’re saying, it’s more like mums and kids and stuff. Eddie said it yesterday and it’s true. Parents are actually saying to their kids to go to a boxing gym. Most parents didn’t like boxing but now they’re advising them to go and do it and take an interest, watch a bit of boxing," he said. Joshua was born in Watford to a Ni-

gerian mother and a father of Nigerian and Irish descent. He grew up for much of his early years in Nigeria and went to the UK to join Kings Langley Secondary School. Growing up on the Meriden Estate in Garston, Hertfordshire, Joshua was called 'Femi' by his friends and former teachers, due to his middle name 'Oluwafemi'. He excelled at football and athletics and broke the Year Nine 100m record with a time of 11.6 seconds. Meanwhile, NBF chief coach, Obisia Nwankpa has denied the claim in some quarters that the boxing federation frustrated Joshua in his attempt to represent Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics. “His (Joshua) is not the first. We’ve had similar cases like that before. Most of our athletes living or born abroad, anytime they want to represent Nigeria, they do not go about it the right way. Moreover, they believe by virtue of having lived abroad, they could just walk into the team without going through the trials. That is not acceptable,” Obisia said. Continuing, the man who was called golden gloves because of his finesse in the ring said it was impossible for Joshua to make the Nigerian 2008 Olympic team with the presence of Durojaiye in the team. “As at 2008, we had a boxer that was very strong called Durojaiye. At that time Joshua was not better than the Nigerian boxer. Even the fact that he won a world title does not translate to his being better than Durojaiye. He just happened to have a faster shot at the title by virtue of living in the United Kingdom, where there are opportunities. Durojaiye only moved to America recently and he is now the WBA number two contender,” the former Commonwealth champion said. Obisia, however, agreed that Joshua would have added value to Nigeria’s boxing had he competed in the colours of Nigeria. Another boxing veteran, Jeremiah Okorodudu, blamed Obisia and his cohorts in the boxing federation for denying Nigeria a great asset in Joshua. “He was not taken serious when he wanted to represent Nigeria. He would have added a great value to Nigeria boxing. At least he would have won for the country the elusive Olympic gold medal in boxing,” Okorodudu said.

Heartland defender, Brownbraye Okpus will not be available for his side’s today’s top flight clash at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Okpus picked an injury in his side NPFL matchday 11 clash 2-1 win against Rivers United on Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. An official of the Owerri outfit, Solomon Onuh said the medics advised that the player be rested for the clash at the Oluyole Warriors to avoid worsening the shoulder injury. “Okpus is not on the trip to Ibadan for today’s NPFL Week 12 clash against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). “The doctors that treated

him from the injury he picked in Sunday’s duel against Rivers United advised further rest to help the shoulder injury heal completely. “Okpus will just miss the clash at 3SC but will be available for selection against Sunshine Stars in Owerri. “Of course, the coaches know what to do in the absence of the rugged defender to ensure we get good result at 3SC. “Okpus’ absence will be felt in the game but will not affect the fortune of the side as there will always be replacements. “It will offer his replacements wonderful opportunity to raise their games as well as chance laying a permanent claim for the position. “Both teams have tradition

and respect for each other it is certain to be an interesting game that the players will always want to go home with something positive,” said Onuh tosupersport.com. The Naze Millionaires will be without their top striker, Fortune Omoniwari who picked a straight red card in matchday 11 clash against Rivers United.

Week 12 Fixtures 3SC

Heartland

Sunshine

El-Kanemi

Tornadoes

Ikorodu Utd

Nasarawa Utd

Plateau Utd

Rivers Utd

Pillars

Giwa

Rangers

Lobi Stars

Akwa Utd

Okey Emordi (right) signing his new deal with COD United CEO, Sola Opaleye, watching.

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

Nigeria Premier League Table

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

P 11 10 11 11 10 10 11 11 11 10 11 11 11 9 10 10 11 7 9 11

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

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

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

GF 17 12 14 17 14 12 13 12 13 7 11 11 13 4 11 10 13 6 8 6

GA 11 6 10 11 11 5 12 12 11 7 14 16 15 6 13 11 16 7 12 18

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

Pts 21 20 19 18 18 16 16 16 15 14 14 14 13 13 12 11 11 9 9 26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 16, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Can Chelsea stop Aguero?

Battle of the Blues as City Try to Solidify Champions League Spot Boosted by a semifinal place in the UEFA Champions League, the first in the history of the club, Manchester City would today storm Stamford Bridge as the Manuel Pellegrini side attempt to solidify their fourth position on the league table. Though Chelsea is already looking ahead to another season after suffering one of their worst in recent years this season, yet their pride is still at stake and therefore not ready to fall without a fight. However, it is the visit of West Ham to Leicester on Sunday that would attract more attention as Claudio Ranieri and his men continue their fairy tales

efending champions Chelsea FC will try to make the most of what they can in the few remaining games of a highly disappointing Premier League season. They now face contending squad Manchester City at the Stamford Bridge today. With six matches left in their current campaign, the Blues are looking to end the season on a high note despite being deposed from their lofty position as champions of the English top flight. After struggling in the first half of the season with former coach Jose Mourinho, the team found light under interim manager Guus Hiddink during the start of 2016. Chelsea is now set to be guided by former Italy national football team coach Antonio Conte moving forward as the team looks to move on from the disappointment of this campaign to a new season in September. Hiddink's boys are coming off a 0-1 loss in the hands of middling club Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium last Saturday, as reported by BBC Sport. The defeat marks the first time Chelsea had lost a match in their last 16 games as the interim manager experimented on a new offensive line of Oscar, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Pedro with new acquisition Alexandre Pato as the lead striker. Also, Manchester City nipped West Bromwich Albion at their home field of Etihad Stadium last Saturday. Meanwhile, instead of Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero taking top billing,

Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez now star in Leicester City's title challenge as it nears its conclusion over the next few weeks. From seven points adrift at the bottom of the table and seemingly relegation certainties a year ago to seven points clear at the top and in sight of their first English League title, Leicester's turnaround has become one of the most talked-about stories in world sport. Since joining the Football League in 1894, their best performance was a runners-up spot in the old first division in 1929 and, until this season, their chief claim to footballing fame, apart from three League Cup triumphs, was the unique achievement of reaching four FA Cup finals and losing them all. The Premier League is watched by audiences measured in the billions across more than 200 countries. Even the United States is no longer immune, with rapidly growing viewing figures and Newsweek magazine giving up three pages to describe Leicester's quest for the "upset of the century". Various global Leicester fan clubs, which for years tootled along quietly with a handful of dedicated members, have suddenly blossomed. Typical are the New York Foxes, founded by twin brothers Jordan and Jason Becker who became Leicester fans in 1998 when American Kasey Keller played in goal for the team. The club now gathers, along with fans of a host of other clubs, in The Football Factory cellar bar near the Empire State Building to watch the club's games.

"It used to be just a couple of us but we now connect with ex-pats and folks coming over on holiday and now that the club is raising its profile, more and more people want to be around and watch," Jason Becker said. "I mean, how can you miss a game right now - and Leicester is everyone's second-favourite team now, everyone seems to be pulling for us." His confidence did not quite run to backing his team for the title pre-season but he did not miss out entirely. "Sadly, I didn't get the 5 000 to 1 odds that other people had early in the season, but 7-1 is not so bad," he said of a bet he laid when most people were still predicting the bubble would burst. Thailand, home of club owner and duty-free magnate Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, has taken Leicester to heart too and Bangkok airport now greets arriving passengers with adverts featuring Leicester players. Market stalls in the Thai capital selling unofficial replica shirts have begun to carry the blue of Leicester alongside their staples of Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Japan has adopted Leicester's Shinji Okazaki as its new Premier League hero. A Reuters reporter in Tokyo last week was asked by his taxi driver the usual "Where are you from?" opening gambit and when he replied "England" the driver immediately asked the question on everyone's lips: "What about Leicester? Can they win it?" Cont'd on page 33

Since joining the Football League in 1894, their best performance was a runners-up spot in the old first division in 1929 and, until this season, their chief claim to footballing fame, apart from three League Cup triumphs, was the unique achievement of reaching four FA Cup finals and losing them all

APRIL 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY Getafe Las Palmas Eibar Celta Vigo

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SUNDAY Málaga Sevilla Eibar Atletico Vallecano

Madrid Sporting Sociedad Real Betis

v v v v v

Bilbao Deportivo Villarreal Granada Valencia

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

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

Bundesliga Fixtures

TODAY Levacusen Augsburg Darmstadt Bremen Darmstadt Hoffenheim Bayern SUNDAY Dortmund Mainz

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v v

Frankfurt Stuttgart Ingolstadt Wolfsburg Stuttgart Hertha Schalke

Hamburger Köln

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

14:30 16:30

Serie A Fixtures TODAY

Bologna

Torino