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AfDB: Buhari sends Atiku to Zuma to lobby for Adesina
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ORMER Vice President A t i k u Abubakar over the weekend commenced lobby for the candidacy of Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). A statement issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja said that Atiku Abubakar’s shuttle diplomacy to shore up much-needed support for the Nigerian candidate follows a mandate from President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari to the former Vice President to leverage on his contacts to lobby for the emergence of Adesina. Buhari, who is backing the candidacy of Adesina, had last month conveyed his support to the President of Ghana, John Mahama, when the two leaders met in Abuja. According to the statement, Atiku travelled with Adesina to South Africa over the weekend where the two met with President Zuma at the Presidential Residence in Durban. “His Excellency former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met President Zuma in the company of Dr Akinwumi Adesina during which the directive of
President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari was conveyed to Zuma. “The issue of South Africa and the Southern Af-
rican region support for Nigeria’s candidate was exhaustively discussed and well appreciated,” the statement concluded.
Emir of Lafia loses four guards in auto-crash By ABEL DANIEL
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he Emir of Lafia, who also doubles as the Chairman, Nasarawa State Traditional Council, Alhaji Isah Mustapha Agwai, yesterday lost four of his palace guards in a ghastly motor accident. The accident occurred at Tilde Fulani, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The sad event happened in the morning when the Emir was on his way to Bauchi to condole with Governor Isah Yuguda of Bauchi State who lost his mother last week. Ajiyan Sarkin Lafia, who spoke to newsmen in Lafia, the state capital, explained that the four guards died when their Sharon SUV car collided with an incoming vehicle. He said that the four guards - Gambo Isah, Mohammed Umar, Sani Umar and Mohammed Yakubu - died on the spot while a fifth occupant in the car is in a critical but stable condition in the hospital.
Alhaji Abdullahi said that the palace guards have since been buried in Lafia, according to Islamic rites, yesterday.
There is this general belief that only rich people can be contented with their possessions in life.But this is not absolutely true.There are rich people who are discontented.In fact,there are discontented millionaires.For example,Paul Getty was an American millionaire who committed suicide some years back.There are rich people who are contented,just as there are poor people who are contented.Cotentment has nothing to do with your possession,riches , wealth,colour ,creed or education.It is basically a function of the mind. T
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otable Igbo leaders, including retired army generals, led by the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife, have appealed to the presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to give Ndigbo their pride of place in his in-coming administration, not minding that Ndigbo did not give him massive vote during the just concluded presidential election. The leaders, who made the appeal during a private visit to Buhari, confessed that the people of the South-East voted heavily for the PDP and not very much for the APC, thereby creating the impression that the president-elect was not supported by the Igbo.
Disclosing this to newsmen at his Nnewi home, yesterday, Ikedife declared: “Our private visit to the president-elect was to let him know that he is the president for all and that he has to accommodate people from the South-East in his administration, whether they voted for him or not, afterall, Ndigbo are not saying that he did not win the election”. Ikedife noted that the purpose of the visit was to appeal to Buhari not to leave the Igbo in the cold in his appointments and infrastructural development because of the low support he received from the South-
East during the presidential election. “We have people who are capable, qualified, hardworking and technocrats who can work with him in Igbo land. We have people like the former Governor of Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, very brilliant and very respectful. We have Oscar Udoji and other people of high integrity and dedicated politicians like Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige. And there are people who worked tirelessly for the APC to win in the South East, people who did not vie for any elective position, no matter the low number of votes they attracted because of the overwhelming South East support for the PDP. It is important that these people should be accommodated”, the Igbo leader said.
he Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, T Ustaz Musa Muhammed,
From left: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, during Atiku’s visit to South Africa, following a mandate from President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to the former Vice President to lobby for the emergence of Adesina as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
is dead, aged 68. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, announced the passing on of the Imam in a statement in Ibadan on Saturday. The statement said Musa Muhammad died during a brief illness at Abuja National Hospital. It added that there would be prayers for him today at the National Mosque, Abuja by 10.00a.m.
Senate presidency: Crisis hits North East Senate Caucus By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja
By Richard Eromonsele
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Ikedife, ex-Ohanaeze boss, leads Ndigbo to Buhari, pledges Igbo loyalty
Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque dies at 68
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
CONTENTMENT (2)
BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO
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VEN as the na tional leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is yet to resolve the disagreement over the zoning of positions in the party, the North-East Caucus of the Senate has been hit by crisis over who emerges as its candidate for the Senate presidency. Before now, the candidature of Senator Ahmad Lawan, from Yobe State, was getting the support of virtually most of his colleagues as he is allegedly backed by the outgoing leadership of the upper chamber.. It was gathered that Senate President David Mark has given full support to Lawan taking over from him even against his kinsman, Senator George Akume, who some had claimed was one of the most qualified for the Senate pres-
idency. Lawan was said to be one of the die-hard supporters of the Senate President and that Mark will feel more comfortable seeing him (Lawan) as his successor than Akume, Senator Bukola Saraki or Mohammed Goje. Akume and Saraki are from the North Central geo-political zone where the Senate presidency was initially said to have been zoned before the agitation from the NorthEast. Besides, the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had reportedly given his backing to the Akume aspiration before the recent last-minute change of mind where he is reportedly supporting Lawan who is allegedly the wife’s preferred candidate. However, senators from the North-East, on Friday, dumped their own, Lawan,and said that for the time being, the seat
had not been alloted to their zone, though they are still agitating for that. It was gathered that the zone was more comfortable with Ndume or Goje for the plum position. Ndume, despite his alleged involvement in Boko Haram activity, is said to be a team player, very accessible and with good relationship with his colleagues. He is also said to have an edge over his other colleagues from the zone having been one-time Minority Leader in the House of Representatives as well as coming from the state that had always been steadfast in the opposition party. Addressing journalists in Abuja, the leader of North-East caucus senators, Goje said the caucus was appealing for the zoning of the highest position in the National Assembly to the North-East considering the special needs of this zone. He said, “In other words, we resolved to
call on the leadership of our party to formally zone the highest office of the National Assembly to our zone in view of our special circumstance. “This caucus should be allowed in consultation with the party leadership, other caucuses, zonal leaders, other stakeholders to nominate the senator suitable to occupy such an office which is zoned to our area”. Meanwhile, a senator, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said the Senate will never allow external influence to decide who becomes the next Senate president and promised senators will fight it out with the last drop of their blood. It was also gathered that some of the new senators are rooting for Saraki, Akume or Ndume as one told Sunday Vanguard that the allegation of arrogance and pomposity against Saraki was just political gimmick.
PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015
•From left: Chairman, Raple Gold and Apple Direct Ltd, Mr. Jamiu Ekungba; Vice President Namadi Sambo; National President, Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Sirajudeen Abdul-azeez Folayemi and Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, during MSSN National Stateholders 60th conference held at the Nation- •Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State (left) with General Yakubu Gowon during the former head of state’s courtesy visit to Obiano, yesterday. al Mosque Comlpex in Abuja, yesterday.
Jonathan’s men plotting to split PDP, leadership raises the alarm •Calls for resignation: Muazu fights back By Henry Umoru
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ATIONAL leader ship of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused aides of President Goodluck Jonathan of planning to cause crisis in the party to pave the way for more members to dump the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC. The PDP warned that it had concluded plans to sanction the aides of the president whom it described as over ambitious and taking advantage of their closeness to Jonathan to split the party, adding that it soon would expose such individuals and make them face the full weight of the party disciplinary measures if they failed to immediately retrace their steps. In a statement, yesterday, by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said, it was “aware of the clandestine activities of such aides and associates of the president including their unholy alliance with some elements in other
parties to undermine and weaken the PDP by attacking its leadership. “The NWC is aware that these same individuals who mismanaged the presidential campaigns are now desperately seeking to cause crisis in the PDP with a view not only to divert attention from their misdeeds but also to ensure that they remained politically relevant by hijacking the party structure for their selfish purposes,”the statement said. “We are aware that these individuals have been trying to arm-twist the President to summon a meeting of party leaders at the Presidential Villa in the coming days where the NWC members would be put under pressure to resign thereby triggering a crisis in the leadership at the national level. “The party is aware that the same group has been sponsoring series of amorphous bodies and negative publications in a section of the media to peddle false allegations against the NWC to back their heinous and uncon-
Mob attacks Ter Makurdi’s palace By Peter Duru, Makurdi
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HERE was tension in Makurdi, Benue State capital, yesterday, when aggrieved youths in the town sacked the palace of the paramount ruler of the town, Ter Makurdi, Chief Sule Abenga, razed some buildings and vandalized six cars packed in the palace. An eye witness said the youths had stormed the palace, located by the ever busy Makurdi-Otukpo highway, at about 9am, protesting the alleged involvement of a relative to the monarch in criminal activities in the town. According to the witness, the youths barricaded the highway and demanded that the paramount ruler produced the said relation to explain his alleged involvement in
rising crime wave in the town. “They insisted that the young man should be produced to explain his alleged roles in several crimes in the town, and when it was becoming obvious that the royal father and his family were shielding him from ‘justice’, the youths became infuriated. “It was at that point that they decided to move into the palace to search for and arrest the young man, but the situation degenerated when guards within the palace resisted the move. “The mob resorted to destroying several cars that were packed within the vicinity and in the process also touched some buildings in the palace while the paramount ruler and his family members ran for their lives.”
stitutional demands that the President should sack the NWC before the handover date of May 29, 2015. On the issue of the performance of the party in the general elections and allegations of mismanagement of presidential campaign funds, the NWC reiterated that it had no case to answer, as Nigerians already knew the truth regarding those who managed the campaigns including the funds, adding, “Nigerians are not at loss as to the fact that the PDP NWC did not manage the campaign and its fund. Those who managed the campaigns have already submitted their reports to the President who in his wisdom gave them the mandate and they have been applauded for a job well done at that level.” Meanwhile, following the calls for the sack of the PDP NWC, the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, yes-
terday, took a swipe at those behind the calls, warning that the attitude of ‘use and dump’ must stop. Muazu, who warned PDP governors, leaders, stakeholders, elders and members that the party cannot continue with the culture of changing National Chairmen and members of the NWC, said the infighting and mudslinging in the party after losing the 2015 presidential election was uncalled for. In a statement in Abuja, the PDP leader noted that the present leadership of the party has until next year to run its course, stressing that the party would, in 2016, decide how to deal with zoning of the next leadership and strategies for winning the 2019 elections. Defectors from PDP to APC are political harlots — Hon. Akinlaja In a related develop-
ment, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, following the latter ’s nationwide victory in the presidential ,National Assembly and gubernatorial elections across the country have been advised to return to the PDP to help rebuild the party. Making the appeal in Lagos,a PDP member of the House of Representatives representing Ondo East-Ondo West Federal Constituency, Hon Joseph Akinlaja, implored the defected PDP members to have a rethink of their action, adding that the defeat of the party at the polls didn’t mean that the party had collapsed. “PDP is still very much alive. PDP is not dead. PDP will rise again. Our defeat during the elections by APC should not discourage PDP members. Defec-
tion is not then answer. The best thing for all of us to do is to re-strategies, and come back as a formidable political party to challenge APC with a view of becoming the ruling party again”, he declared. While saying the PDP will strive to become a stronger political party, he told the defectors: “I don’t want the defectors to see politics as bread and butter affair alone. Politics is also about principle . Why should you cross carpet or defect simply because your party lost an election? Election is about losing and winning. When you win, you celebrate and when you lose it is not the end of the world, you only need to go back to the drawing board to plan for the future. If you jump ship anytime your party have challenges or lost an election,then you are a political harlot, and that is not good for your image”.
VP Sambo drums support for Buhari’s govt T
HE Vice President, Arc Mo hammed Namadi Sambo, has urged Nigerians to give the incoming administration the maximum support to enable it succeed. Vice President Sambo made this call at the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Stakeholders’ Conference, which held on yesterday at the Main Conference Auditorium, National Mosque Complex, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. He said “Government as you are aware is a continuum and with the coming of a new democratic dispensation, it has ushered in a new government, which will soon be inaugurated. I urge you to continue to give maximum support and cooperation to enable the in-coming government succeed.” He noted the contribu-
tions of the MSSN in positively shaping the moral upbringing of the Muslim youth, adding that “I am delighted to note that it has remained one of the veritable tools for grooming our youths to become responsible future lead-
ers; which in turn translates into the emergence of outstanding and eminent personalities. Most importantly, MSSN has continued to promote national unity and harmony in the country.” He assured of the
“Federal Government’s support for the forum and all others with similar objectives and will also do our best in encouraging you to achieve peace and stability by forging inter and intra religious harmony.”
Coronation anniversary: Olu of Warri hopes for better governance by incoming govt By Egufe Yafugborhi
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HE Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, has expressed the hope that the incoming government in Nigeria would offer better leadership for the people following the just concluded general elections. This expectation formed the thrust of the Olu’s speech to the Itsekiri nation during the activities to mark his 28th coronation anniversary, yesterday.
Speaking after his subjects and friends of the kingdom paid him homages at Aghofen, the Olu’s palace in Warri, the monarch expressed joy that the widespread fear of violence did not happen during the 2015 elections. The Olu said, “The people we have elected, some as we wished, some not as we wished, but we thank God for them all. We pray that through them, there will be prosperity and progress for us all.
“We hope too that those elected will learn to do better in office so that our burdens in the nation may be made lighter and for life to be better for us and our children.” Atuwatse II, the 19th on the throne of the Itsekiri Kingdom, further expressed joy in realization of the ground breaking for the Federal Government’s Ogidigben Gas Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project before the 2015 elections.
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015 — PAGE 7
Expatriate construction worker kidnapped in Edo By Simon Ebegbulem
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RMED men suspected to be kidnappers, on Friday, abducted an expatriate worker attached to a construction company after disguising as job seekers in a construction site in Auchi, Edo State. Consequently, vigilante groups from Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State and Ivbiaro in Owan East local government area of the state have been combing a forest in between the two communities since the incident occurred in search of the expatriate
staff. It was gathered that some of the kidnappers first came to the site and disguised as workers
seeking to be engaged for work in the site before they struck. The other set were said to have come fully armed
and engaged the policemen on duty in a gun duel that was said to have resulted in the shooting of one of the
policemen guarding the workers. The suspected kidnappers were said to
have taken their victim and ran into the forest that borders Auchi and Ivbiaro.
Fuel Importation: PENGASSAN tips PHRC for TAM T HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN9, has tipped Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC, for Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, as it is key to the reduction of refined products importation into Nigeria. PENGASSAN said that PHRC is also key to increasing and improving local refining
capacity in the country; and conserving the nation’s foreign reserves and enhancing the naira value. Commenting on the importance of the refinery and why it needs urgent TAM, PENGASSAN, Rivers State Chairman, Comrade Fidelis Ighodaye, said PHRC is made up of two refineries. “The old refinery commissioned in 1965
with current nameplate capacity of 60,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd) and the new refinery commissioned in 1989 with an installed capacity of 150,000 bpsd. “This brings the combined crude processing capacity of the Port Harcourt Refinery to 210,000 bpsd. It has five process areas, with the new refinery made up of Areas 1 to 4, while the old refinery is
Area 5. “PHRC produces varieties of products including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Kerosene (aviation and domestic),
Automotive Gas Oil (AGO - diesel), Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO), unleaded gasoline produced by PHRC meets international standard,” Ighodaye said.
World Press Freedom Day: Anticorruption war needs journalism — NGE boss
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N the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day today, the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Femi Adesina, says it affords “us opportunity to reflect on the state of the media in our country, particularly post-2015 general election. “One of the key electoral promises of the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) government is zero tolerance for corruption. And such battle needs a synergy between government and the media. If there is any time government should strengthen relationship with the media towards a healthy, progressive country, it is now”, Adesina said in a statement last night. “A free press will accelerate national
development, give fillip to the fight against corruption, and engender a better society. As once observed by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, `freedom of expression, independent media and universal access to knowledge will fortify our efforts to achieve lasting results for people and the planet’. No government can achieve lasting results without independent media. “For long, the fight against corruption in Nigeria has been sluggish, even halfhearted. At the break of a new dawn, we must go beyond rhetoric. The government that will emerge from May 29, 2015, must walk its talk on fighting corruption, and must take the media as an ally.”
Immunisation: CS0 solicits media partnership By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja
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SSOCIATION of Civil Society
Organisations Working in Malaria, Immunization and Nutrition, ACOMIN, Kogi State chapter, has solicited media partnership for increased access to vaccines. The state Chairman of the group, Mallam Sani Abubakar, who made the call at a CSO/Media
Roundtable in Lokoja yesterday, said increased access to vaccines would enhance immunization against life-threatening diseases especially among pregnant women and children. He said this year World Immunization Week, held under the theme: “Close the Immunization Gap”, focused on global platform to strengthen the collective efforts to ensure vaccination for every child wherever they live.
Patriarch of Ndokwa politics, Okolocha, dies at 94
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founding member of the Peoples
De mocratic Party (PDP) and the patriarch of Ndokwa Politics in Delta State, Hon. Anthony Olisejindu Okolocha, is dead. He was aged 95 years. He is survived by his wife, Lady Anna Okolocha, and 13 children, among whom are a former Commissioner for Lands in Delta State, Professor Chike Okolocha; former
Member of the House of Assembly, Delta State, Hon. Eugene Okolocha; Director of Delta Local Government Service Commission, Chief Joseph Okolocha; and Prof. (Mrs) Charity Emaviwe of Igbinedion University, Okada. He will be buried on Friday at his residence in Abbi, after a requiem mass at St. John’s Catholic Church in the town.
PAGE 8, SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015
INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES
HAYFORD ALILE AT 75:
I was the only non-Yoruba speaking student at Loyola College •'How I emerged student union leader in UI without campaigning' BY SAM EYOBOKA Apostle Hayford Ikponmwonsa Alile served as Investment Adviser and Broker at Investors Diversified Services Inc., Minneeapolis, USA from 1972 to 1973 before returning to Nigeria to become the Head of Management Consulting Department at Centre for Management Development and later pioneer Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The man who turned 75 on April 24, is a leading investment analyst who has, in the last three decades, made valuable contributions to national economic growth and public policy formulation. Alile was the Chairman of the defunct Oceanic Bank International Plc. until January 22, 2007. He serves as the Chairman of the Board at Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited and UTC Nigeria Plc. He was the Chairman and Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc until May 10, 2011 as well as Director of The Central Bank of Nigeria from 1999 to 2005. He was for 12 years a Trustee and Treasurer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. He is the Spiritual Leader of St. Joseph Chosen Church of God. He is a recipient of the Nigeria National Honours awards of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM). Alile attended the University College, Ibadan and thereafter proceeded to Howard University, Washington D.C. where he earned his B.A degree. He later attended Rutgers Graduate School of Management, New Jersey for his M.B.A and the Harvard Business School for AMP. In this interview, he is full of hope for the nation if the new political leaders will block all leakages in the system, build our collective confidence and create employment for the army of Nigerian youths through a sustained agricultural development, which, according to him, was the mainstay of the nation’s economy until the emergence of hydrocarbons. How’s life at 75? e are all humans. There are some human beings who just take it like that. The clock is ticking. There is peace in my mind, and anxieties to get some few things accomplished; to see something tangible that one has contributed to his environment to better the lives of other people. These things preoccupy me more than anything else. And I’m taking good care of my children and my wife, especially my children so that tomorrow they will be better citizens of the land. I’m very concerned about my co-workers. Are they improving in knowledge? Can I share my experiences in life with them? Will it make them better? In my latter days, God has so blessed me with assignments and work for Him.
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There’s the leadership of St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God. He has been wonderful in making me involved in a lot of endeavors for the betterment of the environment and the human beings around. To other people, they think they must celebrate this clock of age. Honestly, I don’t believe that. But do you harbour some fears sometimes that you are getting closer to meet your maker, because you’ve always told me that there are so many things deposited in you that you have not been able to unleash. Does that make you fear? Yes it does. I’d love to see this man (pointing to his P.A., Victor) grow two or three times higher than what he is now. That makes me a bit afraid. I ask myself, can I face God? Especially in areas where He has revealed to me to do things which have not been accomplished yet. If I want to stay longer in this world, it’s to plead with Him for me to accomplish those things. What was it like 75 years ago? (Laughs) It’s only my mother than can answer that. It was when I was about seven to eight years that I began to appreciate the environment I found myself. It was a tough time materially. I remember starting school in Ahmaddiya Muslim School, Benin City, just behind my grandfather’s estate. I come home with homework in those days and there’s no electricity to do the homework. We would blow the fire, the flame will come on, then quickly we would use chalk to write on the slate. In that estate, my grandfather gave the land to Ahmaddiya Muslim Society to build the school for their ministry. In that compound, there were so many fruits. When we were tired at home, we would assemble under the trees. So life was good. There was no water in the house. The pipe borne water got spoiled. Our family was one of the predominant families in Benin kingdom. They put a water tap in our neighbourhood where others come to fetch water. Things were pleasant and at the same time, difficult for a lot of people. Was it as difficult as we find t o d a y ? Compare the life at that time and the life t o d a y , which is better in Nigeria?
At that time when I was about seven or eight years old, life was pleasant because my parents and uncles that were around were always making sure that they gave us attention. But today, parents are so busy that they hardly give attention to their kids. The demands from the children vary. You give your child a pencil, he wants a pen; you give him a pen, he wants electronic gadgets. It can be very expensive to manage children today. In spite of that, I think Nigeria is blessed, there’s abundance of everything here. Unfortunately, parents and leaders do not know how to manage the resources. When we were growing up, there were not much identified resources. The ones that were identified coming from the farmland which were agricultural products, were always at our reach. Today, for a child to get a good bowl of mango, it will cost a lot of money. I want you to take a look at family cohesion in those days and today, do you think there was more unity then? You are quite right. In those days, I didn’t believe that I had an exclusive room to myself. In our area then which is Ogbe
community, next to the palace in Benin, whenever my father was going to see anyone, I will go with him. Immediately I get there, some of the wives would take me to the building and feed me to my satisfaction. Nigeria was a very lovely place to be in those days. What do you think has gone wrong? Where did we miss that kind of African attachment that we had for one another in those day? I attribute it to Western civilization. It’s unfortunate but that’s the truth. Can we go back to that age? It would depend on individual families. The culture was there to embrace all of us and make all of us share joy and happiness in those days, but that culture has more or less collapsed. Your family donated a piece of land to a Muslim organisation. How was it to some of you in those days? I grew up to meet it. At least, to me, there was a school very near me, so we just walked across and we really enjoyed it. If you were asked to choose between your
days and today, which one would you prefer or want to recommend as an ideal setting for children to grow in? Maybe a mixture of the two in the sense that, then as a child, you didn’t have to beg to have a share of what your father has or what your mother has or what your neighbours have. Today, we have to work for it to share in the joy of others. If you don’t love your neighbour that you have and you say you love God that you don’t see, then you are a liar. That didn’t exist much in those days, but today, it’s a different thing. People don’t look at it seriously, they prefer to talk directly to God than through their neighbours. In those days, there was some form of spirituality though not church-based. For instance, when children returned from school and their parents had gone to the farm, neighbours took care of them unconditionally. How do we marry these two contradicting worlds? That time was very good because you didn’t have to work for it to appreciate or experience it. But today, I have to make efforts for my neighbour to know that I am real, genuine and loving. Even if you are a Christian, your Christianity is sometimes limited to your denomination. The other denomination is very suspicious of you. If you are not a member of their church, you are not accepted. So generally, what was growing up like? It was a very blessed experience on both sides, my mother’s side and my father’s side. They loved us. They took time to tell you stories of past experiences and you loved it. Today I don’t know what stories to tell my sons and daughters except to tell them of the Bible. Apart from the bible, maybe I tell them about what I saw on television and so on and so forth. A lot of effort that has been made by television houses, recording stories being told by some of these artistes on television, tales by moonlight, those things don’t happen nowadays. How many were you in the family? We were four; two boys, two girls. My mother had four other boys before me, they all died. So I inherited the first seat. How was the family relationship? It’s very strong even up till tomorrow. The four of you are still alive? Yes. After leaving home for school in Ibadan, how was it like for you? Going to school in Ibadan was very good. I was the second to the smallest boy in my set. We were the first set at
Continues on page 9
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 9
INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES
‘I emerged student union leader without campaigning’ Continued from page 8 Loyola College. It was a Catholic school. The principal was very loving. The second week after we got there, they asked me to be the prefect, I said no because of the tall boys. How and why they chose me to be prefect, I don’t know till today, except to say the grace of God. Ibadan is a Yorubaspeaking environment and we were only three non-Yorubas in the school then. The other two, their parents were civil servants, so the two of them were speaking Yoruba too. I was the only non-Yoruba speaking student there. And I was asked to be the prefect. I couldn’t cope with that. The reverend fathers insisted. The third year, I couldn’t explain why I couldn’t do it, so I became the senior prefect. The day I dropped my pen after writing WASCE, as I was packing my load, our teachers sent a classmate to call me to see them in their office. They asked what was the next thing I wanted to do and I said I was packing my load to go to Benin City. And they asked what I was going to be doing in Benin, and I said I would just wait until my school cert result was out. They said I should go home and spend three weeks with my parents and come back to teach classes. So that was how I started work in the campus teaching practical physics, chemistry to classes five and six. And I was teaching mathematics to classes one and two. They also said when I came back, they wanted me to be the house master. I was the first house master. I kept asking why. Physically, I was too small to harass my colleagues. After six months of teaching, the reverend fathers asked me to go and prepare so that I could take my entrance examination to University of Ibadan or wherever. The Catholic Church also arranged for me to go to the University of Cork, Illinois; they were to give me a scholarship to go there. I took the entrance examination, the result came, and I was fifth in the whole country. Those days there were very limited spaces in the university and the first 10 positions were declared state scholars immediately. That scholarship used to come from the Governor General’s office. I was fifth and they gave me a scholarship to study physics. It was a wonderful experience. The whole Western Region gave me scholarship. The Federal Government, the Catholic Church and the state gave me scholarships. State scholars in those days was too tempting. They not only pay your school fees, allowance, textbooks, uniforms and so on, if your parents are not working they pay them certain allowance. I had an experience from somebody from Mid West at that time. He was studying agriculture and he didn’t have money to pay his school fees. He was two years ahead of me in the university. I can’t remember what motivated me to do what I did but I sold a television I used to have and added from my pocket money and gave him to pay his school fees. And I totally forgot that man until one day, my younger brother just graduated and was working in the same ministry of agriculture. My younger brother asked me if I remembered the man I paid his school fees, he said he is now assistant director of forestry in that ministry. This just makes me
happy. My second year in University of Ibadan, I went into students politics. I did not campaign for it. Members of my hall, Sultan Bello Hall, recommended me for Secretary General of National Union of Nigerian Students. I didn’t campaign but I was elected. I got to know a lot of things, students movement and government. I learnt a lot that year. I got to know a lot of things that were being planned. The military boys used to come and discuss with us in the campus. The military boys and the students were looking at who they could give leadership to that will make Nigeria a good place to live in. By and large, we were very patriotic. We agreed that we should give the leadership to somebody who was bright, articulate and have sense of leadership. Eventually, they chose Michael Okpara, the then premier of Eastern Nigeria. They chose him for reasons that he was patriotic. He never made decisions based on whether he came from the West or from the South. Most of the leaders we had around us were tribalistic. We were very lucky to say that we who formed the cabinet of the student’s movement came from different parts of the nation but we were very patriotic. Every time I remember our president, Rasaq Sulaja, or Adebiyi who was our public relations man, I never forget that and that gives me a lot of confidence for the future of Nigeria. We’ve gone through a circle of tribalism. We need to get back to what is best for this country. Are you saying now that the Student’s Union Movement was actually involved in that first coup? No. We were just agitated. We were feeling the same way the military boys felt. We felt that our leaders were not united. We wanted men who were ready to work not minding where they were from. Were you disappointed when the coup happened and how it turned out? Yes, to a certain extent, I was. Lo and behold, after Gen. Yakubu Gowon emerged, there was peace. The leadership was very strong. So you believe and hope that someday Nigeria will rise above tribal politics that has bedeviled the political evolution? Yes. Anybody who thinks he would lead this country successfully by being tribalistic will be so disappointed. God has a purpose for Nigeria. I have said this over and over. God’s time is not our time. We think a lot of things can be achieved in a day. Our 1,000 years is like one day in His eyes. That brings me to the recent elections. What is your assessment of the just elections? I’m very fortunate and blessed to say that I serve and worship God in a spiritual church. The Lord in His Bible said several times that anything that you want, ‘ask Me’. And He said, ‘if you take My word for it, My word will be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your pathway’. When I saw how things were going, where we were coming from, we were not very happy. We needed to put strong leaders who are God-fearing. We asked God to reveal to us and the answer to our prayers was very clear.
Alile...Going to school in Ibadan was good
A new group that was just forming a political party was going to lead at this election. It was very clear to us. Then suddenly another party evolved, which is APC. I personally was questioning God. We finally agreed that PDP may be very large and strong but will not win. Our duty is to now tell our God, ‘thy will be done’. That was the prayer of my church. All along, I know God has a purpose for bringing us into one umbrella called Nigeria. No political party will stop God from using us to do something for humanity. So you settle for a fact that God’s will has been done? During the campaigns and elections, I didn’t have any vibrations at all. I just felt God’s Will will be done. Now, the politicians have done their bit, the rest is for Nigerians to do theirs. The ruling party and the opposition, they are volunteering themselves for assignments for this country. Nobody is perfect. The democracy that we have adopted is not also perfect. All the mathematical models that have been put together to evolve a political structure, these models always throw out the best democracy. Even if you look at the Bible and heaven, it’s democracy. The way we are doing things now, the assumptions that you take to throw out democracy as the best model, there are certain critical assumptions. The culture must be almost the same in terms of prosperity, wealth as human beings. There’s too much difference between the upper and the lower. The language must be one language that all of us should speak. As it is for Nigeria today, it’s about 40% literacy. The cultures are different. A number of languages are spoken here, about 400. The things that make the foundation for democracy are not here yet. It will take us time. Nobody should force leadership on us. One of my grandchildren came here last night and I was trying to convince him to do something, he refused. Democracy takes time to evolve. There’s a limit to which you can force human beings to do things. Also, I think Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is very blessed in accepting decisions and actions that have been taken by his predecessor now. I thank God that there are a lot of bright young men around him. If he likes, he can set up two or three cabinets. The real cabinet must be made up of men and women of bright, articulate and modern skills of getting things done. He has a serious challenge as far as the economy is concerned. Most of the things that are challenging in the economy are man made. In some cases, it’s global. Nigeria has bright people. He should look at our financial situation, look at all those things we can immediately do,
My second year in University of Ibadan, I went into students politics. I did not campaign for it. Members of my hall, Sultan Bello Hall, recommended me for Secretary General of National Union of Nigerian Students. I didn’t campaign but I was elected
short term, mid term to rally wealth and generate comfort. Every year of the 24 years I spent at the Nigeria Stock Exchange, we used to send a memorandum to government on what to do to get the economy moving: employment generation, wealth creation and so on and so forth. In those memos, there is about a thing or two on agriculture. The greatest investment in this country now is in marketing of processed imported items, whereas what the population profile is showing us, almost 60-70% of our population are still in the rural settings, which means we are basically still an agricultural country. What our Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has done now is fantastic. He’s promoting agriculture and he’s talking about agro-business, agriculture that you can handle using modern technology. He has approached agriculture for the 21st century in the right manner and we hope the new administration will sustain it. Our Finance Minister has done a lot of work for the country. Some mistakes here and there but she has done quite a lot. Look at Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, fantastic. People also talk about the railway. I remember it was in the first administration, he was a Minister of Finance and Minister of Transport. The two of them were joint owners of road transport company and we turned their faces on. The way the railway is brought up today, I’m very impressed and I hope General Buhari will encourage that so that students on holiday can jump into the train to travel. I pray God that things work out well for him. I want you to look at President Jonathan’s acceptance speech; a lot of people praise him for it. Do you also praise him? Yes. But I think the issues are a bit more than the eyes can see. That’s how a leader should react. Don’t force on yourself on something you will not be able to carry. I’m sure he must have looked at it very seriously that if he continued, there would be uproar and he just conceded to God saying ‘Lord let thy will be done’. So far, there are signs that the economy is picking up. Is it as a response to the APC victory or Buhari as a person? When the naira collapsed, the prices of our critical products that move our economy collapsed, a lot of us were shaken. And if on top of that, the elections now tell us that there’s uncertainty and we were not quite sure who would win, and the president tries to prove to us that his party won or could have won, there would have been trouble. Our consciousness as a people was to just accept it. Even America predicted that 2015 was the end of Nigeria, it did not happen. Everybody got up. All those things, when we put them together, it’s just to gain the consciousness of all of us, leading to confidence. I looked at the price and value gains on the stock market in one week, it’s a lot. It’s because there was something to arouse us that we would not collapse and we can still take the next step forward. All those things have to be sustained by the new political leaders. They should now come forward and sustain our confidence in whatever they do. It should be less of talk and more of action. What’s your birthday message to Nigeria? Think less of yourself and more of the country.
PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
INEC’S ELECTORAL PERFIDY -- 1
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he appeal by Mrs Ogakwu to the Police must occur to most observers of the nearly concluded elections as strange indeed. Every election before now had always been preceded by announcements about restriction of movements on election day by the Nigeria Police. Stern warnings are given to violators that they will be dealt with if they failed to comply. Yet, in every election, some individuals, with the obvious complicity of the police violate the restrictions to cause havoc. The 2015 elections which should be partly concluded on April 25,
2015, provide another example of INEC officials, the Police, the DSS and, even the army failing to deliver what they promise on Election Day. It was not only in Imo, Abia and Taraba where bands of roaming thugs went about unchecked by security forces, the same things occurred in Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. I had spent the week before the Governors and State Houses of Assembly elections touring those states in order to obtain an idea of how the elections might turn out. The results later announced by INEC were totally at variance with the wishes of the people in those states. In fact, if some of the video evidence now in possession of various individuals were not the record of atrocities allegedly perpetrated with the connivance of INEC and security agencies, one would have regarded it as a Nollywood comedy. But, now available in colour,
Hoping for good news The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." — Marcus Aurelius veryone that has been following the plight of the Chibbok girls had wished upon hope that the army would deliver and rescue the Chibook girls alive and well. How they must have prayed that the girls will all come home, safe and sound. So when the news broke that the Nigerian military had rescued over 200 girls and 93 women from the forest hideout of Boko Haram, there was euphoric responses that the good news will be that the Chibook girls will be among their numbers. The military did say that the said girls were being "screened and profiled" to determine where they came from as the troops had captured and destroyed three terrorists' camps where it was believed that the girls were been held at the Tokumbere camp in the Sambisa forest operation. Home and abroad and the media poised for a favourable confirmation and of course, it was not to
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be. The army said that the hundreds of women and girls rescued from the BH camps last Tuesday, were indeed not the same ones who were kidnapped from a Chibok school last April. A year after the girls were abducted, it would have been the good news that Nigeria was waiting for. 'Bring Back Our Girls' campaign's founder, Obiageli Ezekwesili, said it was "heart-breaking" that the Chibok girls were not found, but added that any rescue is good news. So true. She said; "That these girls and women who were also captives of those savages (for God knows how long) can now breathe the air of freedom is certainly victory," she told TIME magazine. And she added that; "We can seize on their rescue to add more pressure on our Government to spare no effort in finding our #ChibokGirls and all other abductees." Time the insurgent is consigned to the history book and people can truly start living again and the country can no longer be held to ransom by a rag tag motley crew. Although, this is good news, the Chibook girls
we can see how despite the announced restrictions, a few individuals not only moved around to snatch electoral materials – card readers, result sheets, boxes etc – they even
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“We also call on the Police to ensure compliance by political actors with the restriction on movement in places where elections are holding”. Mrs Augusta C. Ogakwu, INEC official on rerun elections in Imo, Abia and Taraba. PUNCH, April 25, 2015.
been allowed to secure through foul means insurmountable leads which the results of the second election could not erase. INEC had allowed some individuals to benefit from the proceeds of crime openly committed. Let us pause to recollect that Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia and Akwa Ibom were the hot beds of opposition to the use of card readers. And, everybody knows those who were against a mechanical device introduced to prevent fraud. It was not surprising therefore that in every case where polling units were
Each time an IGP is capriciously removed, and a new IGP is appointed, several top officers are forced to retire prematurely. Invariably, Nigeria loses a lot of experienced people
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had the audacity to shoot either people resisting them or to scare away prospective voters from polling units. Thus, in one short step those individuals compounded ordinary felony with treasonable conduct. C o n s e q u e n t l y, supplementary elections held on Saturday, April 25, 2015. Invariably, that amounts to shutting the gates after the cows have fled from the ranch. The perpetrators of evil have
invaded by armed thugs the card reader was their first target. They invariably ensured that the equipment was taken away and forced INEC staff to resort to the traditional fraudulent system of voting – where voting took place at all. But, in some cases, when that approach was not enough to allow the thugs to perpetrate electoral fraud, they carted away everything
have become the symbolic rescue that the world and the nation are waiting for. It would have been a tremendous psychological release, for everyone who had followed the campaign. It is equally a relief nonetheless as Amnesty International estimated that this year alone,over 2,000 women and girls were kidnapped and that the insurgent have so far killed nearly 20,000 people. Information gathered from the rescued or the escaped told of their horrors
Nigeria of this scourge once and for all. Too many lives have been lost and the damage to property, lives and business is incalculable. One of the damage is that of the emotional damage it has inflicted on ordinary citizens. This will be felt for many years to come. At the moment, the lives of the affected areas are dispersed and true costs in monetary terms is unimaginable but crucially is the true costs of lives interrupted, lives destroyed,
The experiences that the rescued women and girls have gone through does not end with the freedom, in fact the nightmare will continue for some time yet and that most were often raped, forced into marriage, or sold into sexual slavery. Disturbingly enough, some of the abductees have been forced to become soldiers, suicide bombers to attack their own villages. Civilians have borne the brunt of the violence and, according to human rights group, Amnesty International more than 5,500 civilians have been killed and more than 1.5 million people, including 800,000 children, have been displaced and many becoming refugees in neighbouring countries. This is definitely a crime against humanity and we hope that the collective international army deliver a substantial blow to rid
trauma of losing family or loved ones. This has not been at least to public knowledge, been dealt with nor addressed. The experiences that the rescued women and girls have gone through does not end with the freedom, in fact the nightmare will continue for some time yet. They may be initially excited over their freedom. The full reality of what they endure will hurt them and then the symptoms of the trauma will manifest. In fact before they are returned home they should be debriefed, assessed and offered the service of counsellors for them and their families. The experience and the exposure to wanton violence over a prolonged period,
from the polling units and merely announced results from unknown places. What was INEC’s response to all these? Professor Jega, who had attempted to be totally impartial and who had come under attack from one political party out of over twenty-five over the introduction of card readers, who was being threatened with dismissal by these same political party, turned funny. Where identical electoral offences were committed in different states he gave two different judgments. In a book written about the REFORMATION IN ENGLAND Merie d’Aubigne, writing on Cardinal Wolsey, 14751530, remarked that “To the right he said yes, to the left, he said no. What would it matter that these perfidies were one day discovered, provided it was after the elections”. Jega, not wanting to further enrage the ruling party, despite overwhelming evidence refused to cancel the flawed elections and order a fresh election. To him it mattered not if the perfidies were discovered later by courts.
FOUR IGPS IN FOUR YEARS – A WASTE OF RESOURCES
“Every organisation is the lengthened shadow
undoubtedly means that they will experience posttraumatic stress disorder. As people, we often down play such manifestation and dismiss any form of mental anguish outright, we can become impatient and judgemental with people dealing with such trauma. The rescued, carry not just the physical but the psychological scars for much longer, if not addressed. These abductees cannot simply pick up their lives where they left off before the abduction. They would need help and understanding to adjust to life after such trauma. They will exhibit depression, suicidal ideation, overwhelming sadness, intrusive thoughts, survivors guilt, isolation, sometimes mutism, flash backs, nightmares of their life in captivity, severity and frequency of trauma-related mental suffering, particularly of those who have been abducted and exposed to a prolonged and sustained level of violence and depravity. The longer they have been abducted, the higher the risk and the severity of the PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) I do hope that there are provision for the newly liberated girls and women are given access to counsellors and assistance to resettle them and their family in a safe place when they can begin the healing process. The healing of such trauma takes time and understanding from family, relatives and friends.
The Knives are out
"When men speak ill of
of one man.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, 18031882. With the forced exit of former IGP Abba, President Jonathan has established another record. Four IGPs, granted one is acting, would have served under him by the time he is through. That is akin to one important division or subsidiary, in a Group of Companies having four Chief Executive Officers, CEOs, in four years. Anybody, with the minimum of patriotic feeling must be asking how we can expect the Nigerian Police, the first line in our security defence, to perform under the circumstances. As it is, even the Acting IGP might not last long on the seat. The post being political, the selection of the poor fellow might have amounted to a kiss of death.. But, that is the minor problem. Each time an IGP is capriciously removed, and a new IGP is appointed, several top officers are forced to retire prematurely. Invariably, Nigeria loses a lot of experienced people. Between 2010 and now the cast-away of senior police officers had been unprecedented in our history. Is this any way to run a government? Or, to govern a nation? thee, live so as nobody may believe them." ... Plato I see the knives are already out and sharpen to cast aspersions that GMB cannot adjust to civil life and of course, to declare and ram in their accusation all along; that he has reverted to type; a dictator. The ban on AIT was announced as something GMB has decreed. Ban on AIT. It was reported that President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, had instructed all his staff, including the personnel attached directly to him, to steer clear of all dealings with the media, and leave all media affairs to his official media team. And when the story took a life of its own the rumour mill were happy to fan the fire even more. But in a later statement by the Directorate of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, that APC which had earlier expressed disagreement with the temporary barring of the African Independent Television (AIT) from covering GMB and his activities. So what exactly is going on? Of course the People's Democratic Party, PDP, were rubbing their hands in glee to convince Nigerians that they were right all along about GMB. So GMB stepped forward to chide the overzealous aides in his party that; "I would like everyone to henceforth stay within his/her defined area of responsibility". He has also said that his media team should be left to continue to deal with their media colleagues in the best possible way.
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 11
subject generated was doused by two developments. First, the APC established that no such policy was discussed
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ne of the headline news of the week which ended yesterday was the story that the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari had directed his aides to ban the Africa Independent Television (AIT) from covering his activities. From my personal knowledge of Buhari, I ourightly disbelieved the story. But I was however dead sure that because the statement validates the hate documentaries directed at the man during the last electioneering period, many Nigerians would have cause to wonder aloud if truly, a dictator has not been thrust on them. I imagined that civil society groups, human rights activists and publicity conscious politicians would condemn the policy and for the better part of the week throw missiles at Buhari and his political party-the All Progressives Congress (APC). I was not proved wrong. Luckily, the tension the
Nigerians have always looked forward to a strong opposition party that would keep the ruling party on its toes for the benefit of the governed. If the PDP would do so to the APC on the people’s behalf as from May 29, 2015, it would be a welcome development
and agreed upon making it quite easy for her to promptly disown it. Second, the President-elect himself similarly disowned the story. But not many people believed the denials because the rationale which Buhari’s media aide who first disclosed the plan gave for it showed that the party was up to some reprisal that some people expected would happen considering the hate campaigns transmitted by some broadcast stations
PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos, , 08116759758
Innocent Egwim and his rendezvous with history
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UE to the unsavoury experiences Nigerians have had because of incompetent political leadership at various levels over the decades, there is a seeming consensus amongst them that politics is a dirty game. This negative perception of politics, which I disagree with anyway, has discouraged many wellmeaning Nigerians from active participation in politics. Corruption, politically motivated violence, assassinations, and different forms of electoral malpractices existed even in the First Republic when the most influential triumvirate in Nigeria’s political history, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, were setting the pace in the political evolution of the newly independent country, Nigeria. Consequently, the problems associated with Nigerian politics still constitute serious impediments in our journey on the road to political maturity. That said, it is regrettable that the topography of financial rascality, politics-withbitterness and electoral manipulations by politicians vying for various elective positions has expanded with time, to the extent that, despite the establishment of anti-
corruption agencies, the National Orientation Agency, and the knee-jack introduction of electronic data technology to forestall electoral fraud. Those eulogising the performance of Prof. Attahiru Jega-led Independent National Electoral Commission in the just concluded elections exaggerate the limited successes of the polls and ignore or downplay the shenanigans that characterised the elections, which were worsened by deliberate skewed distribution of Permanent Voters Cards and epileptic performance of the Card Readers. However, since genuine progress in the socio-political domain can mainly be achieved little by little, as the Austrian-born British philosopher, Karl Popper, correctly observed, it is imperative that the next INEC chairman should build on Jega’s modest achievements. By far the biggest problem of Nigerian politics is the high turnover of selfish and rapacious politicians with grotesque understanding of the essence of leadership. Politics, as Aristotle said, is a vocation for the noblest of human beings. Therefore, the core value of political leadership is provision of selfless service to members of the community. Unfortunately, because of several factors too complex to be discussed here,
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happened, the acrimony between them and the offending media may take some time to heal, but we plead for maturity, magnanimity and remorse on all sides. If the truth is to be told, we will not hesitate to reject any attempt to gag any media organization in Nigeria. But we will not stop there. We will in addition continue to deprecate the transmission of hate speeches by the media during the last Nigerian politicians are yet to internalise the values necessary for responsible leadership. Their mindset is still dominated by insatiable craving for bulimic accumulation, which constitutes a serious mental disposition that requires psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. Even the political problems we highlighted earlier are traceable to the inordinate desire of egoistic politicians to win elections at all cost. The inappropriate mental disposition we are talking about cuts across ethnicity, religion, party affiliation and so on. Moreover, it reflects the crisis of values consequent upon the gradual erosion of moral consciousnesses that should guide individual conduct. Dr. Babangida Aliyu, outgoing governor of Niger state, captured succinctly the moral leukaemia of Nigerian politicians when he remarked that there is no morality in Nigerian politics. As a result, when a good natured and compassionate politician is elected for whatever position, he or she should be celebrated as a model for others to emulate, especially in a society where exemplary politicians are difficult to find. Barrister Innocent Arthur Egwin, member-elect representing Ideato North State Constituency in Imo State House of Assembly, is a politician with a concatenation of attributes necessary for top class political leadership. At a time in our political evolution when a sizeable percentage of legislators both at the federal and state levels are half-baked, clueless, and lacking basic knowledge of jurisprudence for effective representation
to act unprofessionally. The argument that the professionals should not have allowed themselves to be willing tools in the hands of government is unrealistic. It is because government can intimidate virtually everyone that journalists transmit hate speeches at its command; it also explains why our security agencies watch as ballot boxes are snatched at election venues just as it shows why supposed men of proven integrity in our electoral body announce fake votes the same way men of courage and wisdom in the judiciary give jaundiced judgments. Government can in fact push soldiers to speak from two sides of their mouths about the school certificate of their former commander in chief. What then can government not do? In other words, government has powers to manipulate any public officer, just as it has enough resources to buy people in the private sector to do its bidding. As recent media reports suggested, even the self-acclaimed men of God saw divergent visions because of m a t e r i a l i s t i c considerations and could not be surpassed by traditional rulers who were paid to lose their ‘father of all’ status. Thus, the government that has just finished doing all of this should be scorned for purporting to condemn others because as the saying goes only those with clean hands are allowed to
come to equity. A government that can relieve a tested statesman like General Martin Luther Agwai of his job few hours after exercising his constitutional right to hold an opinion and canvas it should let our wounds heal from its assaults before delivering its ‘wisdom after event’ treatise. Meanwhile, the denial by the APC and the Presidentelect of any attempt to gag the media ought to be taken in good faith. Even if they had earlier planned to do what they have now denied, it is a sign that a government which would be sensitive to public feeling is on its way. Indeed, the reaction of the public to the subject clearly suggests that Nigerians cherish a free press that can help them make government accountable to the people as envisaged by Section 22 of our constitution bearing in mind that for the aggressive posture of the media, independence in 1960 and all that we have today would have been hard to achieve. Any antimedia disposition at this point when Nigerians are hopeful of societal regeneration would be against the run of play. Therefore, neither Buhari nor his party is expected to engage in ‘tit for tat’ or to be as petty as their predecessors; rather, what we expect is leadership by example that can throw forth not just strong individuals but strong societal institutions
of their constituents, here comes a man with both cognitive and emotional intelligences for the job of lawmaking. Chief Egwim, who rose from grass to grace, from poverty to affluence by sheer determination and willpower to succeed, is not only well grounded in the rudiments of legislation but also has the sagacity to represent his people in accordance with the best
good. Innocent Arthur Egwim was born of a humble background, and right from childhood his pulsating intelligence and love for learning were evident to his parents and everyone around. The young Innocent could not continue his quest for education beyond the secondary school level due to financial constraints: in 1992, he had to forfeit the offer to study law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Undaunted, he channelled his considerable talents into business, and was resoundingly successful. That success did not deter him from pursuing his dream of higher education. In his own words, “Poverty should never be a barrier to education or anything, a fact of which I am a living proof. My undying love for education led me back to the university at the age of 40. I read law, went to Law School, took a Masters degree, and I’m currently a doctoral student of Law at UNILAG.” Chief Egwim believes strongly in the aphorism that “charity begins at home.” I have observed him from close quarters; I can confidently say that Akuabata, as his friends and admirers fondly call him, is a passionate philanthropist always prepared to serve his people anytime. For example, upon his return from the United Kingdom, he accepted the position of President-General, Ishiokpo Autonomous Community, an office he held meritoriously for several years. While in that office, he attracted many developmental projects such as roads, portable water and electrification. It is in recognition of his enormous contributions to his
community that, under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Egwim (the people’s servant, as he refers to himself often), won a well-deserved landslide victory over his rivals in the April 11 Imo state House of Assembly election. Anyone who meets Chief Egwin for the first time would simultaneously be disarmed and impressed by his humility, his honesty and bonhomie. Unlike most politicians, he is genuinely compassionate and kindhearted, and is always willing to lend a helping hand in times of distress and suffering. Based on what I know about Barr. Egwim as a bridge-builder to the core, I am completely convinced that the people of Ideato North made a wise choice by electing him into Imo state legislature. Because he is knowledgeable, creative and focused, it would be highly beneficial for the state generally if governor Rochas Okorocha and members of the legislature tap into the incredible qualities of Chief Egwim by giving him solid positions of responsibility to serve the people. Akuabata has the potentials to be a senator, governor or president In future - indeed, with his election, he has begun a rendezvous with history. Barr. Innocent Arthur Egwim’s electoral victory is a befitting reward by his people for his achievements and stepping-stone to what promises to be a glittering political career in the future. As an astute strategist, he recognises the importance of building his political career from grassroots level as a necessary foundation for political consolidation. Jide nke iji, my amiable, smart and hardworking friend!
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The so-called APC’s ban on AIT
including the AIT. It would be recalled that during the electioneering period, Buhari’s media aides had cause to worry over the high level of media partisanship against their principal particularly the allegation that they were denied advert spots by the media to put across Buhari’s messages to the electorate. If this
electioneering campaigns. This is because hate speeches can dismember the very society we all seek to live in. As a result, truth cannot justify hate speeches which can incite insurrection, genocide and fratricidal killings. We also denounce the failure of the media to provide a level playing field for the last Presidential election. But although such unethical behaviour was done by the media, we know as of fact that such media were coerced either by ownership control or outright purchase. For this reason, we believe that the nation should blame not only the media; a large share of the blame ought to go to such sponsors who often play dirty at elections. It is on this basis that we see as laughable the statement credited to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemning the alleged ban on AIT. Nigerians have always looked forward to a strong opposition party that would keep the ruling party on its toes for the benefit of the governed. If the PDP would do so to the APC on the people’s behalf as from May 29, 2015, it would be a welcome development. However, it appears rather too early to see the PDP frowning at a culture it invented and heavily invested in for so long up until less than a month ago. Any objective observer would agree that the ruling party has always coerced broadcast professionals in government owned media
Anyone who meets Chief Egwin for the first time would simultaneously be disarmed and impressed by his humility, his honesty and bonhomie. Unlike most politicians, he is genuinely compassionate and kind-hearted
,
traditions of lawmaking. After obtaining his first and second degrees in Law at the University of East London, Egwim returned to Nigeria and enrolled for his doctorate in Law at the University of Lagos. With such solid academic background and uncanny ability to relate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, it is not be surprising for those of us who know him well that the new member-elect is well positioned to put his deep understanding of the essence and basis of legislation and representative government into good use for public
PAGE 12—SUNDAY VANGUARD,MAY 3, 2015
UCHE CHUKWUMERIJE (1939-2015)
I
never met Uche Chukwumerije on the personal level, but I met his former wife, a classic Onitsha beauty who was also a former national athletics champion and educator. I was told by those who knew them well that they were well-matched in most things, and that they also drifted as many things also drift. Although I never met the senator, which now happens to be odd because I should have, given many a shared mutual contacts, he was always somehow in the orbit of my sensibility. He was a Marxist, in a generation riddled by petty bourgeois climbers; he was sartorially simple and elegant in an age of foppish overdress, he was disciplined, focused, and intellectually polished as a politician, in an era when politicians came largely, it seemed, from the gutters. He was already a legend by the time I came to full intellectual consciousness of his work, and I have this lingering image of him in a Daily Times article on the PRP in the 1980s; quite aside from the fact that one of his younger nephews, now a doctor in California was one year my junior at the Government College Umuahia – a truly, stubborn but brilliant ooin – who took many of the prizes at the UNTH medical school in his year. The Chukwumerijes are like that, stubborn, fearless
and brilliant; driven by a kind of internal music, than many of us may hear. Uche Chukwumerije, says everyone who knew him, was like that: articulate and fearless; brilliant; driven by a high sense of public duty, and a moral quest governed by that urge to defend the powerless; a quest that indeed governed his not inconsiderably textured life. I salute his spirit today. The news of his passing was sudden and unexpected by all accounts. But given the cause – lung cancer we are told – it must have taken real toll on him. Yet it must have equally taken an incredible force of will to conceal the personal suffering and pain that must have accompanied his treatments, and that made it impossible for many to glimpse any flagging of spirit in the senator. As the journalist and biographer, Chuks Iloegbunam has revealed, up to the last day of his life, Chukwumerije did not seem to be anywhere close to the thresholds of eternity; not in his public conducts, or in his personal bearing. He was indeed billed to meet with him that Sunday, when on arriving, he was informed that his friend had passed. It must have been such a shock, but it has significance in the real sense of what it means to be stoical and preserved. Chukwumerije apparently, unlike many like me who belong to the
party of Epicurus, was like a true Paulian intellectual, stoic. His demeanor was constant and defined to its own objective. He was disciplined and spare. Like the Athenian Zeno of Cithium, he sought moral perfection: I think these were the underlying forces that drove him, first to Marxism, and later to Christianity, both of which he professed with zeal. There is in fact, an underlying relationship between Marxism and Christianity in that regard – one secular, the other divine – but either funded by the commitment to free the oppressed from the travails of their perplexing condition. This question towards a moral perfection is the only explanation that can explain Comrade Chukwumerije’s revisionist turn in later life to Christianity as an emotional choice at the exhaustion, as some would see it, of international communism in the era of perestroika, when Uche Chukwumerije suffered from his own moral and ideological crisis. Virtuous in his undertakings, from most of the accounts of those who steered close to him, there was a certain moral calmness to Chukwumerije, and in the testimony essayed last week by the columnist Olatunji Dare in the Nation, it is easy to deduce that Comrade Chukwumerije
DIASPORA MATTERS
Help! Nigeria’s pensioners on verge of ‘extinction’
W
hen the Olusegun Obasanjo-led government announced in 2004 of a revamp of the pension system in Nigeria, millions of pensioners across the country heaved a sigh of relief. They danced, clapped and sang praises of the then president for his thoughts towards their plights. The ideas of the 2004 Pension Reform Act were lofty and commendable as it aimed at making every indidividual who worked in the public or private sector receive their entitlements in timely manner. It was a reform designed to act as succour to the Nigerian pensioners and also instil sanity in the pension system operated in the country. While the act might have not succeeded in complete amelioration of the sufferings of pensioners in the country, it did provide a platform for a robust change in the system. Pension and entitlements to retirees in organised countries of the world are not taken lightly. Responsible governments know the
importance of the pensioners, and also appreciate the contributions these individuals made in the development of the countries. For example in the United Kingdom, pension is usually part of the campaign manifestoes of the political parties. In run up to elections, each political party outlines how it is going to manage the pension system. I guess it was the desire of the Obasanjo government to guarantee Nigerian pensioners a better postretirement life and an improvement in the system that informed the thought of the Reform Act. It is common knowledge that the plight of Nigerian pensioners before the turn of the millennium was pitiable. The successive governments had left them uncatered for, abused and exploited. Many of the pensioners went through hard times just to get a slice of their entitlements and take care of their families. The retirees from the Federal and State Civil Services were the worst hit as they were treated shamefully as if they were
people with no dignity. They were made to run from “pillars to posts” so as to get their pensions paid. Many of those who retired before the reform act had to go through the pains of waiting months and years before their gratuities were paid. Those who were “retrenched” from service when there were no plans for retirement were hung out to dry with nothing to fall back on. The anger of the pensioners were “clear for all to see”, as they openly expressed their regrets for serving the country with their “hearts and mights”. The delayed payment of their entitlements turned them to “experts” in hope and miracle. Many of them turned to prayers for God to touch the hearts of the officials in the supervising ministries to ensure their files did not get lost. To some, the desperation to survive pushed them to offer bribes to the officials. You would not blame them because that was their last resort to getting anything on time. While most, who were of old age, struggled to survive life on “basic rations”, the government officials responsible for the disbursement of their gratuities and pensions lived
radiated an ethicalradicalism that took its measure apparently from the words of another famous stoic, Epictetus, who averred that virtue is its own excuse for happiness. With double honours in Economics and Politics, from the University College, Ibadan, when Ibadan was still a real university and could count itself among world class universities, Uche Chukwumerije first taught English and Literature at s a secondary school in Lagos, before joining the Nigerian Broadcasting Service in Lagos. From the testimony
Chukwumerije was a brilliant propagandist, and used his skills to defend what he clearly perceived as a neocolonialist onslaught against Nigerian sovereignty of his friend, the now late Major Wole Ademoyega, one of the Five Majors that led the first military coup in Nigeria on January 15, 1966, in Why We Struck, an account of that event, it seems that Uche Chukwumerije only changed his mind in the last minute about joining the Army after graduating from Ibadan, because he discerned that the Nigerian military was a very dull and conservative institution. Nonetheless, following the coup of ‘66 and the widespread massacre of the lavishly openly in the society. They fed fat on the sweat of the pensioners. These citizens were called out most times for identification, before they could get their entitlements. The national television (NTA) was always on hand to record the “proceedings” as the pensioners file out in the rain or sun. There was no intervention from the successive governments as they turned deaf ears to cries of these pensioners. Tactically, they seemed to encourage the civil service officials to continue their
Pension and entitlements to retirees in organised countries of the world are not taken lightly. Responsible governments know the importance of the pensioners, and also appreciate the contributions these individuals made in the development of the countries “games” on the ‘poor’ people. The paltry sum of money allocated by the government for the payment of pensions most times were either diverted for personal use or “invested” in banks by civil service officials. These are real stories.
Igbo nation-wide, Chukwumerije fled to the East, and it was here, in the heat of war, that his true steel was forged. Chukwumerije did not design Biafra’s propaganda nor head its machinery. Michael J.C. Echeruo was the Director of the Biafran War Information Bureau, and Biafran propaganda was its forte. But Uche Chukwumerije and Oko Okon Ndem, were the public voices of Biafra, and they gave War propaganda one hell of a lift, to the point that to this day, it is still said that Uche Chukwumerije and Oko Okon Ndem nearly won the war for Biafra. Comrade Chukwumerije was a true and fervent Biafran, and gave that nation, while it lasted the passion of his irreducible spirit. And today, one of Biafra’s greatest elephants have fallen. Biafra, in spite of the unwillingness of Nigeria and Nigerians to face that fact, remains the unhealed sore of Nigerian history, yet men like Chukwumerije returned to Nigeria, and returned with them a passionate lesson from Biafra: a will to transcend adversity, and to commit the same passion towards nation-building in Nigeria. Comrade Uche Chukwumerije in that sense embodied in his life, that great Igbo spirit that would not permit itself to be detained by adversity or pummeled to surrender to intolerant fate. It was the Igbo, afterall, who said: “Onye kwe, chi ya ekwe.” When a man say, yes, his chi also says yes. This commerce between one and his in-dwelling god, was always negotiable, as far as the Igbo were concerned. And t that end, at the end of the war, with his broadcasting career in
tatters, and with new gatekeepers manning the gate, Chukwumerije took the bull literally by the horn, and launched his career as a publisher and magazine editor with his widely acclaimed magazine, Afriscope. The magazine suffered from the tyranny of the Lagos advertising cartel that squeezed it out of what is now known as the “LagosIbadan” press, until Chukwumerije abandoned it, and joined Aminu Kano’s people’s Redemption Party, PRP. His political and economic life was in abeyance from 1984, until he was appointed the Minister for Information in Babangida’s transitional government and as Secretary for Information in the very short Shonekan government. It was this role that gave him,after his Biafran propaganda, his last notoriety. Chukwumerije was a brilliant propagandist, and used his skills to defend what he clearly perceived as a neo-colonialist onslaught against Nigerian sovereignty. It was not a position against the principle of June 12. It was the defence of Nigeria that mattered because Chukwumerije, the old Marxist, read history dialectically. In his final service as senator for the republic, Chukwumerije proved himself to be a brilliant and effective legislator. It is thus that men must bear the mark of their time: Chukwumerije was a great senator, an intellectual and articulate politician; a man of ideas. His children should be proud of his legacy, and his tombstone should read: “Here lies, the voice of the Republic.” May time bequeath on his memory, even finer rubies.
My father retired from active service in the mideighties with service record split between the Federal and State governments. His retirement was meant to be home coming, to settle in his town and contribute to the development of his people. The expectations were high. By my “small mind” imagination, I had calculated a big gratuity payment off my head for him. I reasoned that coupled with his book royalties the family was made. Yes. It was meant to be the reward for his labour all these years. On reflections in later years, I realised I did not consider the Nigeria factor, whatever that was. It soon became clear to me that getting paid gratuity after retirement was not a “moinmoin” affair. My father had to wait so many months, running into years before he was paid his state gratuities, leaving out the federal bit. Like many other people, the system, represented by cruel officials, was unkind to him. Ideally his service for the federal and state governments would have been merged so he get paid his entitlement in a lump. No, the bureacrats at the Federal Civil Service Commission played him a fast one. They kept throwing “hurdles” in his path as he filed for his federal entitlements to be paid. Till he was called to glory a few weeks ago on April 4, 2015, after almost three decades of retirement, the Nigerian government did not pay him for the services he rendered as an employee of
the Federal Civil Service. For these number of years, the heartless bureaucrats succeeded in making sure he never got paid his dues. A few days before his passing on to glory, I asked him about his federal entitlements. He could not hide his disappointment at how the government of Nigeria had let him down. I remember the numerous journeys he had to undertake to Abuja at his old age, to make sure his due was paid to him. Many forms he filled, many documents he sent in for verification, and many doors he knocked on so he would not be denied his entitlements. Yet, his country failed him. Being a highly principled man, he never gave bribe nor ask for in his lifetime. In 2011 I informed him I had made contact with a few notable people who could put forward his case. His reaction was simply classic. In his usual character, he said clearly that he would not want an “armtwisted” tactic in order to get his entitlements. His case is similar to that of many patriotic Nigerians who served the country meritoriously in their early years, but failed by successive governments. Many of them put their hearts and souls to the development of the country without stealing a penny from the treasury of Nigeria. My father was a man of modest means who, while in service, was more concerned with living a good name than riches. Yet Nigeria failed him by ‘refusing’ him his entitlement till he died.
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 13
AFTERMATH OF POLLS
Oshiomhole’s triumphant return to Benin-City *The governor’s associates to watch
•Oshiomhole BY SIMON EBEGBULEM
‘I
am disappointed with all of you lead ers, what went wrong? You mean you guys sat here in Edo South and allowed the PDP to pick three House of Assembly seats? That is unacceptable and I am here to know what went wrong, because I know that our people in Bini here have rejected PDP. So somebody should tell me what went wrong”. With these words, Governor Adams Oshiomhole thundered before the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South shortly after the National Assembly and presidential elections which saw the party suffering a crushing defeat in the hands of the PDP. The meeting was at Government House, Benin City, on Monday, March 30. The leaders present were speechless as they had no explanation to give to the governor, who, despite the soldiers who flooded his Edo North to intimidate him on election day, battled to deliver victory for the presidential candidate of his party, Gen.Muhammadu Buhari, and delivered the three House of Representatives and senatorial seats in the district for his party. Apart from the blow the APC received from the PDP in Edo South, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, and the Minister of Works, Arch.Mike Onolemenmen, held Edo Central for the PDP. However, when the result of the presidential election started coming in, Oshiomhole’s hopes were rekindled and it became obvious that a new political leader in Edo in him will emerge after all. Despite the use of soldiers to intimidate APC leaders in the state during the presidential election as well as the hate campaigns in churches against Buhari, Oshiomhole garnered 45 per cent for his party’s presidential candidate which was a huge success.
Strategy
Prior to the general elections, the PDP’s strategy was to win majority of the National Assembly seats and pick the majority in the state House of Assembly so as to give Oshiomhole a turbulent time and, if possible, impeach him before the end of his tenure so as to stop him from producing a successor in 2016. Like Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was targeted by the Presidency, Oshiomhole was another target in the South-South following his vigorous campaign against President Goodluck Jonathan. After the presidential and National Assembly elections, the Edo governor went back to the drawing board to prepare for the House
C M Y K
•Obahiagbon
•Idahosa
The game changer was the victory of Buhari in the presidential election. Oshiomhole’s men went to work, while many who had left the APC for the PDP were all coming back to seek relevance of Assembly election. During the presidential and National Assembly elections, apart from the money said to have been used by the PDP to confuse the electorate, some APC leaders allegedly compromised and looked the other way as riggers reportedly went to work. Those people were said to have been identified by Oshiomhole and they were tasked to prove their loyalty to the party during the House of Assembly election or quit their leadership positions in the APC. The governor particularly expressed surprise at some party leaders who allegedly collected money from the PDP to work against their party. Of course, the game changer was the victory of Buhari in the presidential election. Oshiomhole’s men went to work, while many who had left the APC for the PDP were all coming back to seek relevance. The PDP got the first shocker when their major financier, Captain Hosa Okunbor, the Benin born billionaire, allegedly refused to fund the party during the House of Assembly election. The PDP became helpless in Edo after Jonathan lost the election. Okunbor is known for his benevolence for his Benin people. He was said to have invested over N1billion to help his friend, the President, in Edo and that was why the APC could not match the financial muscle of the PDP during the National Assembly and presidential elections. But after the defeat of Jonathan and his subsequent acceptance of the result of the elections, Okunbor was said to have informed his supporters to work for their brother, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, and APC candidates for the House of Assembly election, after he met with Oshiomhole. Apart from Okunbor, PDP leaders such Gen.Charles Airhiavbere, who ran against Oshiom-
hole in the 2012 governorship election, former Governor Osarhiemen Osunbor and thousands of their supporters dumped the PDP for the APC. Their entrance, coupled with the doggedness of APC supporters, boosted the chances of the APC in the House of Assembly election leading to the APC clearing 21 out of the 24 seats.
Road show
This time, it was like a triumphant entry to Benin City for Oshiomhole from his village, Iyamho, when he led thousands of APC faithful on a 10-km road show round major streets of Benin City, to celebrate the victory of the APC in the House of Assembly election. The “Thank You” road show, which commenced from Ramat Park on Auchi-Abuja Road, took the governor and the party faithful through Ikpoba Slope to Ewah Street, through Gani Fawehimi Layout, to Guobadia Street down to New Lagos Road to New Benin through Mission Road and ended at the Oba Ovoramwem Square, in the heart of the state capital. Addressing the mammoth crowd, who danced all through the road show singing melodious victory songs, at the Oba Ovoramwen Square, Oshiomhole said, the victory of the APC in the House of Assembly election was the final nail on “the political coffin of expired godfathers in the state”. “Everybody here, all Edo men and women have again spoken, you have reaffirmed your confidence and trust in my stewardship. You have renewed the vigor, your commitment to change and, last Saturday, you completed the first chapter in this journey”, the governor said. “You remember the President came to
•Ogie Edo and said Edo will fall in 2015 and 2016. I said God will not abandon us and that Jonathan will fall. Has he not fallen? We now have a completely new energetic, imaginative, rugged and dogged political leadership. I am proud of Edo people and I want to thank you so very much for being there for me and I promise that I will be there for all of you. I will give my all for the Edo people because if you imagine the plans of the enemies, while we were campaigning for change for progress and development, they were plotting to use acid to bath my political life. They did advertorials, they did all kind of abusive campaigns but God said the devil is a liar. Today, like I told you at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, people like us conquered fear many years ago. We will stand on our feet and fight on the basis of our convictions. We will not go down on our knees to beg those who themselves are living on the quick sand of time. “I am very happy for the referendum that took place on Saturday. I salute the fighting spirit of our people in Esanland. To the Edo woman, we will do our best to support your commercial life and we will do for you much more than we have done before. To our youths, this struggle was about you. You have all come out in huge number, you bore the risk, you sweated, you did not sleep and by the grace of God, we are now in a position to reposition you and to empower you. To our elders, we will revisit some of those programs that are specifically targeted at you because the elders have prayed, they have had sleepless nights praying against the devil and as you can see, God answered the prayers. To all the great people of Edo State, to the great Oba of Benin Kingdom, to all the members of the royal family, to all the Enigies of Benin Kingdom, to all the chiefs, to all the leaders of thought, the Benin Forum, the Benin Leaders of Thought, the great Benin women, the Odionweres, to everybody, I cannot thank you enough. God will bless your children as a reward for your sacrifice.”
Anointing
Having emerged as the new leader of Edo politics, having conquered his political enemies both at the federal and state levels, Oshiomhole is expected to anoint his key men from the three senatorial districts for positions at the federal level. Depending on where the Minister from Edo is zoned to, the governor has qualified and dogged aides he can anoint from
Continues on page 15
PAGE 14—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
Improving the Nigerian electoral system C
BY JUDE OPARA, ABUJA
ertainly the much anticipated 2015 general elections may have come and gone but the issues that played out before the exercise will surely linger for a very long time. There were a lot of predictions and permutations that heralded the polls. There was the much scary talk of the country disintegrating in 2015 and with the elections at hand, the tension was so high that not only the feeble minded decided to relocate to their ancestral homes before the elections. Most of the worries originated from the past elections which had always led to one crisis or the other. In Nigeria politicians usually do take elections as a do or die affair (apologies to former President Obasanjo) as they throw everything into it including the absurd. Frankly speaking the March 28 and April 11 national and state elections also had its fair share of the disturbing issues including the campaign of calumny that was order of the day. Politicians left issues and were busy running down their opponents and even with a number of assassinations recorded across the country. But be that as it may, one can boldly claim that the Nigerian electoral system has continued to improve from what it was in 1999 when the country returned to civil rule. Before now the electoral fraud used to range from ballot stuffing to ballot box snatching, over voting and outright manipulation of the will of the people by announcing in most cases people who were not voted for by the people. I recall one rather disturbing incident that took place in River State in the 2003 general elections. There were 77,000 registered voters in Brass local government area and curiously on the Election Day, everybody voted and all of them voted for just one political party. This means that nobody died or travelled during the period, nobody was sick and that the other parties did not have any member even the
•Prof. Jega local government party chairman never existed because if he did he ought to have voted for his own party. That was the type of electoral manipulations that was common until in 2007 when former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, came on board. Although Iwu was largely criticized after the conduct of the 2007 elections, he also added value to the electoral system by conducting an election that for the very first time saw the transition from one democratically elected government to another. However that does not mean that there were no serious issues with that election because even the very beneficiary, Late President Umaru Yar’Adua accepted that the electoral process that brought him to power was flawed. He immediately promised to look into the nation’s electoral system with a view to making it operate in line with what is obtainable in other parts of the world. Despite the fact that President Yar’Adua died on May 5, 2010, his deputy President Goodluck Jonathan in keeping with the promise of that administration to ensure an improvement of the electoral sys-
tem appointed another University don, Prof. Attahiru Jega as the chairman of INEC. Jega on assumption of office did not waste time in developing a roadmap for the reengineering of the electoral management body. To start with all the novel inputs of his predecessor like the use of the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as ad-hoc staff during elections, use of the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines for the registration of voters as well as the establishment of the Electoral Institute to enhance research in electoral matters were adopted and even improved upon. He began by carrying out the cleaningup of the Voters Register with the view to removing double registrants and names of some foreigners like Mike Tyson that was recorded as registered voters in some states of the country. That is how he conducted the 2011 general election which was adjudged by both the international and domestic observers as the best ever conducted election in the country before then. But despite the encomiums poured on his INEC for the transparent manner it conducted the election, Prof. Jega was always quick to tell anybody who cared to listen that in 2015 he intends to conduct a better exercise than even the much celebrated 2011 polls. He introduced the use of the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) as well as the Smart Card Reader with the view to making the electoral process more transparent. The devise was really aimed at checking the spate of electoral crimes that included multiple registrations and over voting. With the Card Reader, it was difficult for anybody to vote with another person’s Card Reader because as soon as the PVC and the device were brought close enough, it will trigger up the person’s biodata which has been imbedded in a chip. If it was genuine, the Card Reader will accept it and also show whether it really belongs to the bearer or not by display-
ing his picture and finger prints. However, there were some issues with the Card Reader which made some people to demand for its suspension. In some places especially during the presidential and national assembly elections, the device could not function. In fact it failed severally to read the PVC of President Jonathan and his wife among other high profile failures. But in spite of the hitches it had, it worked better during the second election which was the gubernatorial and state assembly elections which also prompted the Senate President, David Mark to urge Nigerian politicians to accept the Card Reader as a device of conducting elections because they “have proven to be effective, efficient and worthy for the conduct of elections.” Again it could be argued that the benefits therein far outweighs the little hitches noticed because with the device, the idea of multiple registration which is the cradle of election rigging has been taken care of. Secondly, it is better for the votes of the few people that exercised their franchise to count as against having millions of people turning out to vote but the process manipulated at some point. Nevertheless, now that INEC seems to have found a way of stopping electoral fraud, experience from the just concluded general elections have shown that politicians may have started the introduction of some other form of rigging which is hijacking of electoral materials to thumb-print as they wish. INEC must therefore device a means of stopping them from having their way. The National Assembly must assist to strengthen the commission so as to wield the big stick on anybody that runs foul of the electoral system. Now that we have succeeded in conducting an election where an incumbent president was defeated in a free and fair contest, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the next general elections in 2019 will be better that 2015.
‘Why Igbo never vote out of fear’ BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE In this interview, Mr. John Patrick Egesi, President/Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Shipping and political analyst explains why Igbo’s would always vote in gratitude to those who have been fair to them. Egesi spoke against the backdrop of the statement by Oba Rilwan Akiolu that the Igbo in Lagos should vote the APC candidate ahead of the April 11 gubernatorial poll in the state.
C
ontroversy has continued to trail the outcome of the March 28 election. What is your view on threat by the Oba of Lagos that Igbo should have voted for the must vote for APC in the April 11 election or face the consequences? Ever since General Buhari won the election, all sorts of people in all sorts of places have been busy telling the Igbo that they should have voted for the winning team, that they voted emotionally which is another way of saying that ultimate wisdom lies in voting for the winner. The latest was that of Oba of Lagos giving the Igbo a marching order to vote for APC or else. Now this piece is not about who the Igbo should vote for or not but to tell the world who the Igbo are. The Igbo are almost all Christians and their valuation of any situation emanates from their Christian values – which include among other things sacrifices and faithfulness to ‘friends’. That is why the Igbo, in all their dealings with other nationalities keep faith to fairness. As far as the Igbo are concerned voting for Jonathan is being fair to the man who has shown them genuine brotherliness and support for the Ijaws and South – C M Y K
strategizing to join the winning team.
Igbo do not vote out of fear of being marginalized by a predominant race or tribe wherever they reside. They vote in gratitude to those who have been fair to them South people who are producing an executive president for the first time and from whose territory most of Nigerian sustaining wealth comes from. They reckon that four years is not forever after all. Even when they know that they will suffer unexplainable persecution from their compatriots because of their inclination to fairness, they still went ahead and did what they perceived to be just. Even though they are well known to work hard for money but money usually takes a far second when it clashes with the dictates of conscience. They are probably the only group of Nigerians that you can predict with great accuracy whom they will vote for in an election.
•John Patrick Egesi Don’t you think their voting pattern has further exposed them as an endangered specie? Igbo do not vote out of fear of being marginalized by a predominant race or tribe wherever they reside. They vote in gratitude to those who have been fair to them. When the Igbo complained that Jonathan did not do much for them, it is not in comparison with former heads of state (who did absolutely nothing and left them to starve) but in comparison with what he did in the North and other southern parts of Nigeria. If Governor Fashola has been fair to Igbo in Lagos, without discriminating against them, over-taxing them, milking them of their hard-earned money, setting up all types of agencies to ensure that they do not do their business in peace, the APC have nothing to fear. Igbo have a way of saying thank you to those who have been fair to them. In my book, Voting with Conscience, what the Igbo do is far superior to
But the South-East voted massively for the PDP at the general elections even when they were not very pleased with the party’s performance? Ekerete Udoh When the Igbo voted massively for President Jonathan, it is because he kept faith with them. Has Fashola been fair to them in the past eight years? My humble opinion is that he dealt ruthlessly with them. Igbo should not be afraid of anyone but the Eternal who has been faithful to them in their struggle against injustice. Voting is about choosing a candidate who, given his past record, is likely to be fair and sympathetic to your cause and who has kept faith with you in the past four years. The Igbo should join other well-meaning Nigerians – Yoruba, Hausa, Efik, Fulani, Ibibio, Ijaw, Gwaris etc - in voting for those who will make Lagos truly metropolitan and not a tribal enclave. Igbo should not behave like other races because we are not other races – we are the NDIGBO and we keep faith with those who have demonstrated spirit of justice, equity and fairness and not those who treat them like aliens in their own country. Nigerian is not only about presidency. Decamping to the APC by some morallyweak politicians shows that they are in politics for their stomach and not for what they believe in. The only way the APC must be kept on their toes at the federal level is to ensure that they are not totally in control at the states’ level otherwise they will develop the sort of impunity that total control brings. I will advise Nigerians to vote for parties that will keep the APC in check all over the country.
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 15
Tinubu, progressive politics and Nigeria By Hakeem Adisa
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HO is afraid of Tinubu’s ‘war chest, vast network and very effective political structures?’ These are valuable outstanding points that the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has used to achieve results that are being widely applauded today. In the slimy terrain of politics, it is possible that insiders can paradoxically play oppositional roles, and the media can be used to carry out a programme to discredit a power player of distinction such as Tinubu. Could this be the case in the developing drama of Tinubu denigration? Whether the stones are being thrown from within his camp or from outside his circle, it is futile because the individual they seek to bring down is up and standing like the Rock of Gibraltar. Ironically, the renewed smear campaign targeted at Tinubu, following his phenomenal role in the political re-engineering project that produced presidentelect Muhammadu Buhari, is a blotch on the campaigners themselves. The timing of the obviously orchestrated hate business suggests that an extreme form of denialism consumes the operators. It is an essentially irrational response to realities that can’t be denied, which are that power has changed hands in the country and Tinubu can’t be discredited by demonization for significantly helping to bring about the CHANGE. This approach is unproductive and useless in the eyes of a discerning public. It is an old trick, and its promoters are obviously ignorant of the wisdom that the best trick is to avoid obsolete tricks.
The re-launched campaign of calumny against Tinubu may be more properly situated in the context of oppositional vacuity, whether encouraged by insiders or outsiders. Such is devoid of creativity but merely reeks of spite and malice, which could be the hallmark of the hooded promoters of the failed media plot. The negative labels pinned on the APC National Leader are unpersuasive and betray the frustration of the unscrupulous powerless. It is revealing that the purpose of the labour is to demystify Tinubu by those hidden technocrat turned politicians within the APC fold and outside it that he has turned to somebody in life. But can it work? Buhari’s acknowledgement of Tinubu’s creative contribution to the APC’s success could be considered predictable. However, when no other person than the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, pays an implied tribute to Tinubu, there must be something to his accomplishment. Muazu was
The negative labels pinned on the APC National Leader are unpersuasive and betray the frustration of the unscrupulous powerless
•Bola Tinubu quoted as saying, “I was unable to deliver Bauchi State; so was everybody unable to deliver because of the tsunami that has happened in the North. There was a political tsunami. But for what has happened we remain thankful. This is not the end of the world. A man may be defeated in a war but we will live to fight another one tomorrow.” It is no news that Tinubu was a driving force in the events that culminated in the “political tsunami”. And no envious spirits can erase this. It is a testimony to Tinubu’s centrality that he has lately earned the tag “game changer.” It needs to be understood that to be a game changer, it takes a game player who is a game planner. The scale and scope of the sweeping wind can be grasped from the results of the general elections. Apart from winning the presidential poll, the APC is in the saddle in 22 states, the PDP in 13 and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in one. The beauty of the mega force forged by an unlikely merger of major parties opposed to the PDP was not immediately clear, and the construction was expected to collapse. At a critical stage, Tinubu demonstrated impressive selflessness by playing down his ambition so that the new party could present more politically correct election candidates. Those who continue looking for a crevice in his
armour are playing blind to this supremely sacrificial factor in the APC’s victor y, Tinubu selflessly yield his own interest is in the overriding interest of the party, and by implication, the higher interest of the country. How Tinubu was able to sell his vision of a mega opposition party unlimited by ethnicity, religion or region must be a subject of wonder in a country where diversity is often exploited for narrow political and unpatriotic advantages. The tsunami is a reflection of the man’s pan-Nigerian imagination and has the potential to improve the country. No one can take that away from Tinubu. His patriotism and nationalistic vision perhaps date back to his days as a prodemocracy activist during the despotic military era of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s. His steadfast voice was unmistakable, particularly in the epic battle to reverse the unpopular annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). There is no doubt that Tinubu can be numbered among the genuine heroes who fought for the restoration of the democratic space in the country, when others were passive in the face of oppressive military rule. It is on record that, while the antidictatorship battle lasted, he lived in exile for safety reasons. In other words, he paid a price. By the time he was elected governor of Lagos State in 1999, Tinubu was well positioned to unveil his roadmap for good governance in what is known as the Centre of Excellence. The former federal capital witnessed a positive redefinition during his two terms, which ended in 2007. It is to Tinubu’s credit that his successor, Babatunde Fashola, whom he solely backed for governorship when nobody wanted that political greenhorn, has taken the megacity to a higher developmental level based on plans that were drawn up in Tinubu’s visionary period
in office. The demonstrable progress inspired by Tinubu is expected to continue under the governor-elect Akinwunmi Ambode who will govern on the APC platform. To his credit, the entire South-west except, Ondo and Ekiti states, are under the firm control of the progressives. Ekiti fell to the conservatives because of the guile of the outvoted APC governor who wasted the efforts, toil and resources of Asiwaju that brought him to power, ab initio. At the federal level, the stage is set for a possible actualisation of the Lagos developmental model, which is admired by many across the country. One fundamental angle to Tinubu is his relentless advocacy of “true federalism”, which his party now has an opportunity to pursue. With functional federalism, it is easy to see that certain manifestations of dysfunction in the polity would become history to the benefit of the people. This is the big picture that Tinubu represents, and small minds can be pardoned for not catching the view. The APC tsunami may be regarded as the icing on the cake for Tinubu who turned 63 in the same month that change came. Buhari said at the Seventh Bola Tinubu Colloquium to mark the birthday: “I have great respect for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; he does not consider himself; he is a selfless person who made a lot of sacrifice and commitment to ensure the merger was successful.” On the same occasion, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, now VicePresident-elect, described Tinubu as “a team player and astute leader ”. While Tinubu continues to grow from a senator to governor and to architect of return to of South-west and Nigeria into the hands of the progressives to his now elderstatesman status, his envious traducers are out of frustration groaning under suffocating indignation and malice. Ride on Tinubu!
*Adisa is a keen observer of Nigeria’s political events.
Edo governor’s associates to watch Continued from page 13 the three senatorial districts. From Edo South for instance, he has his Chief of Staff, Patrick Obahiagbon; Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie; and a veteran politician, Lawrence Orka, are his political foot soldiers. He also has a veteran politician in the person of Charles Idahosa, his Special Adviser on Political Matters. However, Oshiomhole might expose himself to danger if he sends somebody like Ogie to Abuja, particularly now that one of his trusted foot soldiers, the Majority Leader in the state Assembly, Philip Shaibu, is going to the House of Representatives. Oshiomhole can afford to go to sleep as long as the duo are available. So he needs to keep Ogie around. The meaning is that Obahiagbon (Igodomigodo) will be in a better position to grab that position if the Minister is ceded to Edo South. Obahiagbon has exhibited loyalty to the APC since he lost the House of Reps ticket to Rasaq Bello-Osagie in 2011. C M Y K
He moved on and campaigned vigorously with the governor in the 2012 governorship election. After that, he was named Chief of Staff and ran for the senatorial primaries in 2015 but lost to Samson Osagie. As a matter of fact, after he lost the ticket, he was seconded to the Buhari campaign team by Oshiomhole. His continued loyalty and calm mien each time he faces political challenges endeared him to the governor. So it will not come as a shock if he tops the ministerial list in Edo. For Orka, he enjoys the respect of Oshiomhole for not following his bosom friend, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to the PDP. The governor, however, might not anoint Orka for ministerial appointment but ensured he gets a good board appointment to spite his (Oshiomhole) former political ally, Ize-Iyamu. Orka has shown loyalty and dedication to the cause of the APC despite several overtures from Ize-Iyamu. From Edo North, you have the Secretary to the State Govern-
•Philip Shaibu ment (SSG), Prof.Julius Ihonvbere; former Deputy Governor, Rev. Peter Obadan; Commissioner for Environment, Clem Agba; former SSG, Simon Imuekheme; and the current Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Lucky James. Ihon-
vbere has all it takes to be a Minister and it will not come as a surprise if he makes it this time. He has remained loyal to the party and the governor. As a matter of fact, after he lost the senatorial ticket to Chief Francis Alimekhena, Oshiomhole’s kinsman, he campaigned vigorously for the party and its candidate. Like Oshiomhole corrected the perceived injustice against Akoko Edo people by giving the senatorial slot of the APC to the people, in 2011, when Deacon Domingo Obende emerged senator, he might want to correct the injustice meted at Ihonvbere by the PDP after he was deprived of both the governorship or any form of appointment in the PDP. Oshiomhole may want to showcase Ihonvbere to Nigerians so that Edo North and Edo people in general will benefit from his wealth of experience. However, Imuekheme and Agba could also be a threat to that ambition due to their vast experiences, loyalty and closeness to the Comrade Governor.
Chief Francis Inegbeneki has naturally emerged as the leader of APC in Edo Central. Despite the fact that he lost the senatorial election to the PDP candidate in the area, Engr. Clifford Ordia, he mobilized APC members to pick three out of the six House of Assembly seats from the district. He is a mobilizer and a dogged fighter. His leadership of the APC in the zone poses a great threat to the PDP dominated area. Oshiomhole might elevate him to the federal level. As the new political leader of Edo, Oshiomhole will comfortably search for his successor in 2016 and, as it seems, it is going to be a smooth ride following the daily defections of PDP leaders to APC. As his party has taken charge at the federal level, no one will intimidate him and his supporters any more with the federal might. He will surely install a successor of his choice in 2016 and go back to his country home in Iyamho to relax and coordinate the affairs of the APC in the state.
PAGE 16— SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015
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SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 17
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Emma Nyra, Ubi FFrankling rankling open up on their rif riftt
Ev er ything that’s hidden Ever erything will come tto o the open – Ubi Franklin
eriously, I never really made an acquaintance of Ubi Franklin. I got to him through a mutual friend who gave Sme his bb pin. Bingo, the guy accepted me and got on to
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t is no longer news that Triple MG boss, Ubi Franklin and his record label first lady, Emma Nyra have called it quits. Yes, and it was not a matter they resolved at a roundtable, the once chummy-chummy duo took each other to the cleaners and put up a bit of a show on social media to fill their fans in on all the shindig that went down. At a point in their creamier than cream relationship, the duo were virtually inseparable, which set tongues wagging that they must have been more than mere friends. While the hint of a relationship was being dropped around, neither Ubi nor Emma saw anything wrong with it. Until the song changed! According to reports, the song changed for them when Ubi Frankin proposed to Nollywood actress, Lilian Esoro, presumably, shunning his ward who has been waiting in the wings for years. The song went from sorry to sad when Emma Nyra reportedly blurted out in an interview that she was never romantically involved with Ubi. Now, the sad song went very bad when Ubi too granted another interview to counter Emma, saying they were at a point going out and claimed to have spent heavily in promoting her. With push coming to shove, it seemed the accident waiting to happen could but only happen. Ubi refused to renew Emma’s contract and she shrugged and walked away and reportedly relocated to her Houston, Texas base, while Ubi got to London either for business or pleasure. But trust your Potpourri, we tracked them down to bring you their reactions from their bases.
chat on the issue concerning Emma even when he didn’t say much. He even called from London where he is, currently, courtesy of a gentleman, I must say. But what really must have gone down between a gentleman and a lady to put them asunder? When I asked him what really went down between him and Emma Nyra, the Triple MG boss was as subtle as he could get. “ In every matter of this nature, there is always your side, my side, their side and the truth. Only God knows the truth and in good time, the truth will come to light. God never sleeps. Everything that’s hidden will come to the open in God’s time. No need to speak to defend yourself or defend anyone” he said.
Ubi terrorised me for years – Emma Nyra
•Ubi Franklin
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eautiful and suave Emma Nyra, as I know her, is never a person that gets into acts to impress anyone. She is down-to-earth, friendly and responsive. She doesn’t get into kinks most stars do, just for the hell of it. When I asked her if It was true that it was because Ubi Franklin dumped her for Lillian Esoro, was why she left the label,she answered with as much courtesy as an angry lady would. “Obviously, this is a lie” she said in our Whatsapp chat. “ Ubi and I never dated. Rather he terrorised me for years. He abused me and other members of the label with physical and verbal force. This is why I left Triple MG the first time. He claims he spent money on me but failed to mention that he never gave me my payment for all the tours I have done alongside Iyanya. The true story lies between me and other members of Triple MG who have all chosen to be silent because of fear of one man. I do not support abuse of women or men. That is why I left. “I don’t want to be involved with anything that has to do with Ubi Franklin ever again” she continued. “Honestly, I don’t want to see my name associated with Ubi in any way. Let these lies die down. I am moving on with my career. Thank God”.
I have never been close to Ibrahim Chatta - Bidemi K osok o Kosok osoko
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•Ibrahim Chatta
•Emma Nyra
idemi Kosoko on her part didn’t take kindly to the story of her dating Ibrahim Chatta and made her feelings known in an interview with Best of Nollywood. “It is really a funny story, and I am not taking it lightly. I have never been close to Ibrahim Chatta. Not in anyway. We only meet on locations for work and I have not really had a working relationship with him. I don’t have his contact; he is not on any of my social media platforms. So, I’m really surprised how the story came about. It was City People Magazine that first broke the story, and immediately, I called Seye Kehinde to ask where his source was. He apologized and said he would correct the story. The fact is I respect Ibrahim Chatta, but he is not my kind of man. I see him as a brother and colleague in the industry. I’m not trying to ridicule him in anyway, but I can’t date him. I’m a young lady trying to build a career for myself; i will not do anything to tarnish my image and that of my family. I •Bidemi will not date anyone in the industry that I will Kosoko not be proud to let the public know.”
I never fought Bidemi because of any man – FFunmi unmi A wele wa Aw elew
“I don’t know how the story started. They said that Ibrahim Chatta relocated to Ibadan because of me but it’s a lie. He relocated to Ibadan over 8 months ago. I only met him this January on location in Oyo. I like him as a senior colleague and I see him as a teacher because I learn from him. Many times, I let him know how much I appreciated his person. When the news broke I called him immediately and he said I should just ignore it” she said. On the allegation of fighting Bidemi Kosoko because of the actor, Funmi said, “ Bidemi and I used to be very close but had misunderstanding and went our •Funmi separate ways. It had Awelewa nothing to do with Mr Ibrahim Chatta. I never fought Bidemi because of any man”
Funmi Awelewa, Bidemi K osok o Kosok osoko debunk dating Ibrahim Chatta
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ontrary to the story that went viral on the social media recently that Yoruba actor, Ibrahim Chatta has dumped his alleged girlfriend, Bidemi Kosoko, daughter of veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, for an Ibadan based budding actress, Funmi Awelewa, the duo have come out to debunk dating the actor. The story was given wing to fly when the two friends, Funmi Awelewa and Bidemi Kosoko cut off their friendship and Ibrahim Chatta, who only just walked off one year marriage to the daughter of former governor of Kwara State, to get cosy with Funmi Awelewa on set of a film.
STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K
PAGE 18, SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com
If GMB makes N1 t o $1 in 4 years I wi ll ride from Abuja to Ch ina
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— Charly Boy
eteran entertainment personality, Charly Boy Oputa is always an item of wonder, be it in private or public. The grandfather is a man who airs his views without fear or favour and he did recently again through Instagram on the man who allegedly walked from Lagos to Abuja to celebrate General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the presidential poll. Charly Boy posited that if a man could walk from Lagos to Abuja because of the general’s victory alone, and another one rearing to walk from Sokoto to Abuja for same reason, he would ride his famous motorbike from Abuja to China if the president-elect could make the naira equal to dollar in his first four years of office. “Una remember the guy wey trek from Lagos to Abuja? Another Mallam wan
ride bicycle from Sokoto to Abuja, all for General Buhari. Hmmm. Makachukwu, If Buhari fit make 1 naira become 1 dollar in next 4 years, I go ride bike from Abuja to China, I swear” he posted.
AVF se o pr oduce 1 8 sett tto produce 18 mo vies e ear movies evver eryy yyear By KEHINDE AJOSE udio Visual First (AVF), a seasoned and experienced team of advertising communications and content professionals are set to change the face of Nollywood through what they call ‘ AVF 50 Naira Story Initiative” which entails churning out 18 movies every year. The company who has been producing quality visuals and sounds for television and radio productions for 15 years, announced its preparedness to launch four films at a go. The films are Beneath the Veil, Night for Sex,Where Does Beauty Go? and One Minute “With the Nigerian movie industry having grown from near obscurity to be the third biggest film industry in the world, there is need for improvement in terms of the kinds of movie churned out. This need has birthed the AVF 50 Naira Story Initiative” says AVF spokesperson. “AVF 50 Naira Story Initiative has created a structure where movies are produced with a model quite reminiscent of a factory production line. The mandate is to produce 18 movies each year, with an aim of discovering new talents and creating more job opportunities for industry practitioners, as well as positioning the country’s vast people and resource in a positive light to the rest of the world” added the spokesperson. In Night for Sex,two married couples are on a second honeymoon to spice up their relationship, hoping to blur a past emotional abuse and infidelity. The only problem is that their spouses are on a search for their other half’s, with every step of the search revealing secrets that would change their lives forever. The movie features Moyo Lawal, Mary Njoku, Kalu Ikeagwu, Chinedu Emmanuel “Nedu”, Akinwale Sodade “Wale Rubber”, Mary Lazarus and many others. There will be a formal premiere of the 50Naira Story Initiative Movies on May 10, 2015, at the Film House Cinema; Apapa Mall, Lagos.
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Dabb Dabbyy Chimere premieres ne w mo vie, ‘The Sassy One’ new movie, By DAMILOLA SHOLOLA and TOFARATI IGE he long-anticipated premiere of the movie, ‘The Sassy One’ by actress and T producer, Dabby Chimere, finally held on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Surulere, Lagos, and it was full of glamour, frills, thrills, and
glitz associated with red-carpet events. A galaxy of stars strutted the red carpet at the event which was a fitting climax to the hardwork that had gone into making the movie a reality. The movie stars actors such as Shirley Igwe, Yvonne Jegede, Kenneth Okolie, and they were also present to lend their support. Speaking with our correspondent, Dabby thanked her friends both within and outside the industry, who turned out in their numbers to identify with her. She also shared her inspiration for making the movie which centers on drug abuse and its effect on families. She said, ‘It’s not as if I have had a personal experience about it, but you know that these things happen everyday. Many women choose mundane things like Brazillian hair and shoes over their families, and it usually has a debilitating effect on their children.’On her hopes for the movie beyond the premiere, she said, ‘I intend for the film to go very far, and I expect a lot of things to happen, money-wise.’ Chimere, who is the CEO of Dabz Movie Productions, also hinted that she still had more plans under her sleeves. According to her, ‘This is my first premiere, and I hope to do others. Expect more great movies from me. This is Dabby, and I’m here to stay, entertain and educate you’.’On her part, Shirley Igwe expressed excitement at being part of the movie, and noted that she had a lot of fun working on the project. She said, ‘I had a nice time working on this movie, and I believe it will teach people out there a thing or two about drug abuse and its deadly consequences.’ She also hinted that she is working on her own personal production which will be made known to the public soon.
STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 19 Onikoyi68@gmail.com
Adv er tising guru, Biodun dver ertising Shobanjo, TTrroyk a, bag yka, awards at Europe Business Assembly
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igeria’s Doyen of Advertising, Biodun Shobanjo shone like a million stars at the International Achievements Forum held by the Europe Business Assembly at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London, United Kingdom where he was honored as the Manager of the Year. The award, which came on the heels of the 70th celebration for Shobanjo is given to Chief Executive Officers (CEO), company owners and top managers who have given significant inputs to the successes of their companies by advancing the best management practices and services for employees and customers. According to the organisers, Shobanjo was selected because of his vision and leadership, innovativeness, creativity, professionalism, exceptional managerial skills, business ethics, company performance and effectiveness, as well as corporate social responsibility. Shobanjo Troyka Holdings Limited also received the award for Best Enterprise of the Year at the Forum. Notable companies like Insight Communications, All Seasons Mediacom, Media Perspectives, Optimum Exposures, The Quadrant Company, Hot Sauce (Digital Marketing), Black Onyx Properties and Halogen Security make up the Troyka Group. The awards were received by the Group’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Insight Communications, Mr. Jimi Awosika. Shobanjo said the awards were testaments to the innovativeness and creativity which had been the hall mark of the Group founded on Professionalism, Honour, Integrity and Passion.
•Biodun Shobanjo
Trending Songs By KEHINDE AJOSE
Shuperu- Orezi featuring Davido Orezi is gradually imprinting his star power on the music scene.He did it with his Shoki anthem and desires to create a hit out of Shuperu.The song is an Afropop dance track that will get heavy airplays on radio and in clubs.Even though no one knows what Shuperu means, the duo of Orezi and Davido might just be on their way to making another hit.
•Orezi
Bad- Mocheddah featuring Olamide This song is Mocheddah’s first single in 2015 and it’s a departure from what she is known for.With the acceptance of mainstream indigenous rappers like Olamide, Reminisce and Lil Kesh, Mocheddah tries outYoruba rap in this track blending it with English.The song is a mid tempo tune about Mocheeddah flattering herself saying she is ‘Bad’.Olamide pumps his energy into this song, Olamide throwing jabs at old rappers in the game.We hope this gets her back into the minds of music lovers.
•Stephen Omamuli
Lions Club International honours Omamuli t was an accomplishment well deserved for young but Iofhighly enterprising dude, Stephen Omamuli, the CEO Class Hospitality when the prestigious Lions Club International recognized him for his inspiring and outstanding effort in Nigeria’s hospitality industry. The event which took place in Lagos on April 26th was an award presented by Lions Club through Lagos Integrity Lions Club District 404B-2, Nigeria. In a convivial atmosphere of camaraderie and merry-making, the award of excellence was handed over by Lion Akintola Olugbenga Christopher and was received by Lion PCC Babatunde Jaiye Balogun, representing Barr. Omamuli who incidentally has been in the United Kingdom for over two weeks, on a working visit. The lanky and upwardly mobile Society big boy who brought professionalism to the industry has the grace of being one of the youngest employers of labour in Nigeria with hundreds of staff under his Class Hospitality Payroll
Our Lagos- Pasuma featuring Patoraking Pasuma is not your run-of-the-mill kind of Fuji artiste, he shows this with his smooth delivery in this dancehall song.Though the song doesn’t measure up when it comes to lyrical content,it makes up for that with the production quality and groove.Everyone knows Patoraking is a bonafide dancehall artiste and he shines through with his spotless and harmonious vocals.
•Mocheddah
Applaudise- Iyanya With Applaudise, Iyanya shows off his versatility by flowing on the Macossa themed melody.The beat reminds one of Kiss Daniels Woju.In this song, the Afropop artiste pours praises on his love interest saying :”We no be regular and your beauty na natural”.The song is produced by DJ Coublon •Pasuma
•Iyanya
Emi ni -Obesere produced by Lisma When a song gets wide acceptance from the majority, it gladdens the heart of an artiste.This makes every artiste dream of mainstream acceptance.Obesere’s attempt to do mainstream music should be reconsidered. In Emi ni, the self proclaimed Abassidophobia raps on a dancehall beat and creates an average song out of it.The song is produced by Lisma
STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K
•Obesere
PAGE 20— SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com
My best is yet to come — Essence By Tofarati Ige Popular singer and former Kennis Music signee, Essence, hasn’t been so visible in the public sphere lately, and she attributes this to the fact that she has been behind the scenes tirelessly re-branding her craft. The Theatre Arts graduate of the Delta State University, Abraka, who has been in the industry for more than a decade also revealed in a chat with Potpourri that her best is yet to come. Excepts... Do you think the Nigerian Entertainment Conference can solve the problems besetting the entertainment industry? We have to talk about our issues, before people will start to take cognisance of it. If we stay in our little corners and argue, and nothing is done, then nothing will change. Conferences like this are avenues for us to come together, rub minds, learn from people’s experiences, and tailor it to suit our own situation. As someone who has been in the industry for a while now, what would you say is its biggest challenge? It’s the same challenge that Nigeria as a whole is facing. Electricity, water, basic amenities...because if we don’t have these things, then the creative juices wouldn’t flow. Piracy is also
a big problem, because we have people reaping from where they did not sow. Imagine having to hustle to get your products out there with so little encouragement, then somebody just bursts your bubble. However, we’re still marching on.
you have not been seeing us together regularly, it’s because she’s into politics now, and she moves with her politics people. She’s evolving, and I as
her friend and sister, support her. Are you going to be joining her in politics? No o! I’m not a
politician, and I have no political inclination. Last words to your fans? Thank you for sticking with me this long. The best is yet to come. God bless you, and keep listening to good music.
You’ve been silent for a while now, what have you been up to? That’s because I’m rebranding, so I need to take out time to internalise. I’m still working in the studio though; I have a couple of songs in the works. When they’re ready, the videos will follow. Just expect new sounds and collaborations from me, but it’s still the quintessential Essence with that RnB feel. Can you address reports that you’ve fallen out with your mentor, KSB? Are you serious? I’m just hearing that for the first time. I dropped her at the airport when she was going to Abuja yesterday, so which falling out is that? So you guys are cool? Yes, now. What could we be quarelling about? If
Essence
Emma Ugolee, Juliet Ibrahim Foundation take fight against kidney disease to streets
F
ormer ace broadcaster Emmanuel Ugolee in collaboration with the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation held a very successful walk against kidney disease recently to awaken the consciousness of the masses and the government on the need to look into the ravaging scourge of the chronic kidney disease and the plight of those who live with it. Ugolee, who is reputed to be the pioneer of New School Naija hip hop, has been a kidney disease patient for over 3 years and has called upon his celebrity friends and those dealing with this ailment to call for the long overdue attention to it.
The massive turnout of people of all works included showbiz personalities, medical organisations, corporate Nigeria, kidney patients and donors, media personalities and well-wishers was proof that the call was heeded. It became a very emotional moment for those present as a Miss Susan Ironuah spoke on behalf of people like herself who were living with the disease. She also called on the government to assist with the high cost of weekly dialysis. She remembered the late radio personality, Chaz B, who passed on from the sickness in near tears. Past kidney donors also asked that people be more emphatic in sacrificing to the plight of those who deal with this ailment.
STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 21
Making a relationship work? BY ONOZURE DANIA
K
nowing how to make a relationship work is really simple, yet most lovers overlook the simplest of things in a relationship. Perfect relationships are the simplest things on earth to hold on to. But most of us give it so little attention and care that it vanishes into thin air before we even start to care. A happy love life can give you a positive outlook towards life. It can also make you feel happier and free of stress. But if there’s one thing we have noticed, more people have difficulties knowing how to make a relationship work than anything else.
Networking/ Sponsorship
•Bright, 29y, a promoter and media presenter needs sponsorship to air his business. 08062861528 •Ruth, an undergraduate, needs sponsorship for her education. 08178784249 •Annie, 25, a student and resides in Lagos, needs someone who can sponsor her education. 0 9 0 9 6 6 2 3 5 2 1 •Tessy, 19, from Kaduna state, needs someone to sponsoring her education and acting career. 08149388376 Links •Chief M Bodje from Jeremi in Ughelli South Delta state wants to link up with Dr Emmanuel Onomakpome, from Arhagba-Okpe in Okpe LGA who he lost his contact since 1983, while they were students of University of Ibadan. 08056857478, 08163870355 Friends SearchingFemale •Princess, 43, needs a truthful, sincere and single male and female friend. for friendship. 08032445051 •Favour, 44, from Akwa Ibom state, needs a God fearing man for friendship. 09090894648 Searching Male •A guy, needs an industrious, tall, beautiful lady, who is an entrepreneur, from Enugu state aged 23-30, for friendship.07064996430 •Francis, from Benin, needs a female friend, aged 192 0 . 0 8 0 7 5 3 4 6 5 3 6 •Precious, 24, from Port
To make a relationship work, there is just one simple rule. You should understand your partner. That’s it. It’s quite simple but not very easy to follow. Does your partner have any flaws that could hold them back from reaching their true potential? Don’t be picky about little things like slurping soup or eating too fast. Think about real issues. Can your partner confront issues in life? Can your partner make a stand in front of someone else, or does your partner feel awkward to speak in front of an audience? If you feel there’s something holding your partner from becoming
a better individual, then point out their flaw. Your partner may frown or sulk for an hour but help them through their issue by talking about it and advising them. By helping your partner become a better person, they would be grateful to you once the transformation is complete and they have also become a better person. Improvement as an individual and gratitude in love is something that can make a big difference in knowing how to make a relationship work. Help each other become better individuals and your love
Harcourt, needs decent female friends. 08034194513
is ready for marriage, aged 40-50. 0 8 1 8 6 6 0 4 2 3 4
Lovers SearchingFemale •Alexandra, 19 and resides in Delta state, needs a lovely and caring guy, who is wealthy, for a relationship. 0 8 0 2 7 5 6 2 2 4 1 •Lisa, sexy and fun to be with, needs a tall, handsome and employed guy, for a r e l a t i o n s h i p . b b m 7 F F 8 F 3 3 A , 0 8 1 0 8 1 9 6 1 3 0 •Rebecca,25, needs a loving man, aged 30-35, who resides in Lagos state, for a serious relationship. 0 8 1 8 7 4 4 7 6 8 2 Victoria, 25 and busty, needs a man to satisfy her sexually.08068684663 •Chi-chi, 25, from Asaba, needs a man for a relationship that will lead to marriage. 07050481706 •A lady, 47, born again, employed, fair in complexion, a mother of two and resides in Delta state, needs an HIV positive man who is rich, for marriage, aged 55 -65.08054412814 •Jane, 29, from Imo state, needs a man for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage. 09092621370 •Mimi, resides in Lagos, needs a nice man, who is rich and also resides in Lagos, who can take care of her financially, aged 35-40. 0 8 1 6 6 9 9 3 9 0 7 •Leah, 22, a graduate, fair in complexion, needs a responsible man that will take care of her financial needs. 07039811276 •Grace 40, single mother of two, employed and resides in Abuja, needs a decent, God fearing and gainfully employed, single father who
Searching Male •Val,32, tall, employed and resides in Benin, needs a lady for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage. 0 8 1 7 8 7 1 9 6 8 1 •Sunny, dark in complexion, tall, handsome, God fearing, a graduate and from Kogi state, needs a good looking lady, from Niger Delta, for a relationship that will lead to marriage.08079859148 •Kingsley,30, needs a responsible and employed lady, aged 22-27,for marriage. 08063313750 •Elvis,24,dark in complexion, average height and from Delta state, needs a lady, for arelationship. 0 8 0 7 2 4 2 4 6 9 6 •Onyebuchi, 24, needs a lady, for a serious r e l a t i o n s h i p . 0 8 0 6 5 3 0 2 8 3 6 •Frank, 38, tall, HIV positive a businessman, from Anambra, but resides in Lagos, needs a pretty, jovial, homely and a sharp graduate employed or business lady, preferably from Anambra state, for a relationship. 0 9 0 9 8 5 0 7 4 7 5 •Babalola,36, from Kwara state but resides in Lagos, needs a single religious Yoruba Muslim lady, aged 30, for marriage. 0 8 0 8 7 0 7 4 6 4 0 , 0 8 1 3 8 8 5 6 9 0 0 •Hope, 25, from Abia state, but resides in Lagos, needs a sexy lady, who resides in Lagos, for a relationship. 0 9 0 9 3 9 1 4 7 8 5 •Simon, employed and resides in Delta state, needs a God fearing and fair in complexion lady, aged 1925, for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage.08063937437 •Uche, 44, good looking,
DISCLAIMER! Dear readers, please note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking. Also note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests which may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public. We therefore request that text must be sent through at least one of the numbers for contact. This notice is necessary to enable us serve you better in our refreshingly different style. You can send your requests to 33055. For enquiries, text or call 08026651636
will blossom and become stronger as the years go by. Most people just put up with partners or give up on them when this happens. You become two individuals living together, not a couple in a relationship, and that can ruin a relationship in the years to come. Most of us are very strong headed when it comes to apologizing, we just don’t like it because we have been told that saying sorry makes one appear weak. In love, it couldn’t be further away from the truth. All of us have an ego and we can portray that to the world. But in love, you should have no ego or pride. You should have enough humility to cry like a baby in your partner’s arms or perform a victory dance like an arrogant
monkey after a bowling strike. Many relationships fail because of arrogance. Lovers just don’t want to give up a fight and that’s really stupid. What are you trying to prove, that you are right? What difference does it make? In love, we should avoid trying to prove points. Instead, you should learn together as a couple. If you want to know how to make a relationship work, you need to understand this pointer. A relationship comprises of two individuals with unique likes and dislikes. And you can’t really expect your partner to like everything you like, or vice versa. But if you want to make a relationship work, you need to try and understand your partner’s likes and dislikes.
intelligent, hardworking, God fearing, resides in Onitsha, needs a faithful, busty, employed and nice, Ibo lady, aged 25-36, for marriage. 0 8 1 3 0 1 7 8 1 7 3 •Austine, 45, employed, a single father of two, resides in Abuja, needs an educated and employed lady, for a serious relationship that can lead to marriage, aged 30 40. 08023318390 •Mbra,HIV positive, needs a lady who is HIV positive, as a life partner, aged 23-33. 0 9 0 9 8 5 0 7 4 7 5 •Pea,34,single,tall,dark in complexion, slim, employed and resides in Lagos, needs a good lady, aged 18-25, in Lagos, or South- South, for a relationship.08165807578 •A guy, 23, 5.6ft tall, gentle and loving, needs a lady in Owerri, for a relationship, aged 20-40.07083848215 •Fidelity, 25, needs a God fearing and sexy lady, aged 1830, in Edo state for a serious relationship, that can lead to marriage. 09035110581, 0 8 0 3 9 7 0 5 2 4 9 •Felix, 35, tall, handsome and a graduate, from Delta state, needs a beautiful, sexy and employed lady, for a serious r e l a t i o n s h i p . 07032185109,08050864630 •Abdul, 32, tall, handsome, a graduate and resides in Lagos, needs a tall, educated and decent Muslim lady, aged2027, from any tribe as wife. 08142751279,08062412774 •Damilola,36, 6.2ft tall, employed, needs a lady, that is God fearing and also employed, for a relationship that will lead to marriage. 07057847351
•Ben, 34, slim, dark in complexion and resides in Abuja, needs a sugar mummy, to support his business. 08171599512 •Tunde, 37, needs a sugar mummy, that can take good care of him, aged 39-45. 0 8 1 4 5 0 6 9 1 9 3 , 0 8 0 5 1 4 1 6 0 3 3 , 08187790735 •Solomon, 25, resides in Lagos, needs a sexy sugar mummy. 08133070080 •Chidi, 23, handsome, fair in complexion and resides in Delta state, needs a caring, sexy, loving, active and rich sugar mummy, for a relationship, that will lead to marriage, aged 2545. 0 7 0 6 7 4 2 9 4 6 9 , 08173771554 •John, 32, needs a sexy and romantic sugar mummy, aged 25-50, for relationship. 08037038098 •Joe, an applicant, needs a sugar mummy, within Delta, Bayelsa, Benin and River state, who is ready to pay his bills. 07035455423 •Jason, 23, needs a beautiful and caring sugar mummy,aged 3045 for a serious relationship. 08058826005 •Emma, 28, and resides in Onitsha, needs a rich sugar mummy, that will take care of him. 08064114057 •A guy, 25, from Akwa Ibom, but resides in Delta state, needs a lovely sugar mummy. 08162468170 •Gabriel, 19, , tall fair in complexion and from Delta state, needs a hot and sexy sugar mummy, for a relationship. 08143987791, 08143903037,or at my fb Gabriel Onorode •Dan, 25, a student, from PH, needs a hot lady, for a serious relationship.08131630236 •Donald, 25 a graduate and resides in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy.07036268438 •Ken 36, fun to be with and resides in Lagos needs a lovely and sexy sugar mummy,aged 35-60 for a secret relationship. 0 9 0 9 3 2 7 4 2 6 0 •Williams,26, genotpye AA, needs a healthy, caring and fat sugar mummy. 07011727853 •Emma, 27, needs a smart and caring sugar mummy, from the East to live. 07061582348
Sugar Cares Searching Female •Joyce,22,an undergraduate, romantic, pretty, caring and from Edo state, needs a sugar daddy, who is caring. 0 8 1 1 6 0 6 5 0 3 5 •Jane, busty, romantic, needs a sugar daddy that can take good care of her, aged 44 and above. 07069793584 •Angel, 25, needs a caring and loving sugar daddy. 08189833826 Searching Male
PAGE 22 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
Email: vanguardwoman@gmail.com
14-yr-old girl raped by father inspired me to establish rehabilitation centre —Founder, Mirabel Centre
Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba is the founder of Mirabel Centre, a foundation set-up to provide free-of-charge rehabilitation for rape victims. For being a trend setter and with her hard work and persistence for setting-up the first rehabilitation centre for rape victims in Nigeria, she emerged one of the three finalists at the much celebrated Vlisco Women’s Month Award 2015, which held at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Sunday. In this interview, Itoro speaks on her two-year journey of giving special care and support to over 562 rape victims, as well as enabling them to recover and move on with their lives. Excerpts: By IKENNA ASOMBA
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ou are involved in the fight against rape and there is a huge story behind how you got involved, can you tell us that? It all started in 2000, when I drafted the Domestic Violence Bill (DVB), the first of its kind in Nigeria. I went to 12 states in Nigeria to lobby its passage into law. I also went to the National Assembly. So, while I was working with Lagos State, I decided to test the bill by going to the streets to talk to people. Then, I came across a 14-year-old girl who told me a story that was so touching. She said her father had been sleeping with her since she was 11. She said when she summoned the courage to speak with her religious leader, he didn’t believe her, leaving her with no where else to go to. I said to myself that my mother used to tell me that when there is a problem in the streets, you run home, but when there is a problem at home, where do you run to? I decided then, to know if her case was an isolated case, but I discovered that there were a lot of young girls in secondary schools who are being molested in their homes by people that were supposed to love and protect them. Then I said to myself, what do I do to help this girl? Incidentally, in 2003, I went to a Sexual Assault Reform Centre, and the idea came up that I need to do this in Nigeria. So, since 2003 to 2013, my whole focus was helping rape victims. Fortunately for me, in 2013, I got funding from a programme of the Department of International Development of the British Council, to set-up the first Sexual Assault Reform Centre in Nigeria and that’s the second one in West Africa. What do you do at the centre? At the Mirabel Centre, we provide sacrificial support as well as medical treatments to survivors of rape and sexual assaults. Everything we do at the Mirabel Centre is free. We give medical treatments, drugs, transportation refunds, we give food to rape survivors if they have not eaten. We carry-out pregnancy test, HIV/AIDS test. It’s a full circle and we provide it free of charge. The youngest person that has been to our centre is an 18 months old baby, who
was raped and the oldest person is a 70-year-old grandma who was raped by her son’s tenant. Majority of the people that come to the centre are between the ages of 11 and 15. Interestingly, over 90 percent of the perpetrators are known to them. So, it’s usually cases of acquaintance rape. Rape cuts across genders However, the argument that rape only affects women is not true, because we have over 15 boys in our centre that were raped by men. They have come to our centre to receive treatment. So, rape is not an issue only for the girls or women; it cuts across genders. Anybody can be a victim or survivor of rape as the case may be. How have you been able to overcome the barriers associated with the stigma against victims of rape, especially when dealing with them? One of the things we do at Mirabel Centre is that we maintain a high level of confidentiality. We don’t give out information about our clients. I will like to say that since we opened the centre, as at the last count, we have had about
Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba 652 people coming in to receive treatment, and we have treated their cases as a confidential matter. But the most interesting thing is a child or a woman works into the centre looking
From left: Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, signing to endorse the campaign establishing the Sex Offenders’ Register, recently in Lagos; Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor and Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba, Managing Partner, Partnership for Justice (Mirabel Centre), look on.
suicidal, looking dejected, feeling bad, and when she walks out after the treatment, you could actually see the light in her eyes, and then she will confirm that, so, I can actually move on with my life, I can actually handle this. Just yesterday, we had our first-ever Survivors Forum and I got to meet a 16year-old child, who, after she had been raped, wanted justice. But there was so much pressure around her that she must drop the case. The pressure was much that she ran away from home. But she said, someone committed a crime against me, so that person must be punished for it. So, she ran away from home to the centre where she passed the night. Of course, we got in touch with the parents, but she insisted that she wants justice at the age of 16. Courageous ones We do have a lot of adults that are going through the same process, but would not want to go through the obstacles she had to go through in order to seek justice. So, there are too many of them. For us to have had over 652 cases in our centre doesn’t mean these are the number of people that have been raped in Lagos State within this period. But these are the courageous ones. I call them our diamonds and pearls because these are the ones that decided to seek comfort, these are the ones that have decided to speak about it and decided that this crime must be put to stop. In less than two years, we provided support services to 652 persons. So, you can imagine what will happen if I have numerous support. We are going to go to all the schools because majority of our clients are from schools. A lot of them have economic challenges. For instance, just yesterday, one of our clients said she was looking for just N5, 000 in order to pay her daughter ’s school fees. After the incident she suffered, we had to relocate her, change her accommodation and school, and for her to get into another school, she has to pay N5, 000, which she couldn’t afford. Interestingly, one of our ambassadors gave her the money to pay. Huge financial needs Honestly, there is a huge financial need for the survivors that come to the centre. Also, the funding we got for the centre will come to an end this month (May). So, we need funding in order to continue to provide these free services that we are giving. Somebody has once asked me, what we will do if the money is no longer there to run the free services; the person was asking if we were going to fold-up. But my response is that we will not fold-up, it will be criminal to do that. There are so many people that need the services, there are so many people that need a place to go to, where they can seek comfort and not be judged. That is the major challenge they have.
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 23
08112662589
How to get the sex life you crave!
'T
he cliché of the frigid wife who doesn’t want sex has been replaced by a new reality: Women who are married or in a committed relationship want to be having more sex”, so observed Philip, a sexologist at a recent workshop on how married couples could improve their love life. Sometimes the issue is simply about intercourse – they’re not getting enough, or what they\’re getting just isn’t that good. But in my experience, when women say they want more sex,often it goes beyond the physical aspects of a relationship to include a wish for more support, intimacy, tenderness, sensitivity, and acceptance. You want to know that your husband considers you a sexually desirable 2woman, and many of you just aren’t feeling that”. A few years ago, a Newsweek cover story spoke of rising numbers of married women, dissatisfied at home, who are seeking what they need from men other than their husbands. These women defended their behaviour, saying that they deserve to have a more fulfilling sex life. As convincing as they might try to sound, the argument is that they can
get it from their partners. Bringing passion back into your relationship is not solely up to you. But since the only person you control is you, it’s a good place to start. Philip continues: “Is it fair for you to be the only doing the work? Probably, not. Is figuring out what you can do differently the most efficient way to get what you’re looking for? Absolutely. It is not about a quick fix – it’s about taking an honest look at yourself, getting in stride with your partner, and together making a plan to break out of a rut and turn up the heat”. Easier said than done? You need to start somewhere and the fact remains that if you want to see your sex life improve, start by diagnosing the problem. Examine your life: Are you so busy that it’s impossible for the two of you to be sexually intimate on a regular basis? Have you gotten out of the habit because sex is now incompatible with all your other obligations? Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, and before you know it you can’t remember that least time yo made love. According to Philip, ‘sex
is a pattern, and unless it happens on an ongoing basis, other things will crowd it out. Use it or lose it. Try to trace the pattern back in time and figure out how sex got moved down the priority list. Was it when you started having kids? One of the biggest mistakes that couples make is that they stop being friends and lovers because they ’ve become moms and dads. It’s a mental shift; all of a sudden, being a romantic partner is no longer important. It’s like we decided: ‘Adolescence is over, I’m a mother or a father now, and I have to act like one’. “Add to that the time and energy required in raising children, and
sexually, the cards are stacked against you. But being a parent is just one of the roles we play, and neglecting the role of partner and lover is a huge error. Now ask yourself, `what might I be doing – or not doing – to contribute to the situation? And what can I do to change things?’ Back when there was passion in your relationship, were you taking more pride in the way you looked? For better or worse, men are responsible to visual stimulation. You can’t be oblivious to that fact. You may need to make small changes in your appearance, like getting rid of old boubous, going to the hair dresser’s more
often or losing the weight you’ve been complaining about for years. None of this is to say that his worn-out danshiki and protruding gut are a turnon’. “It’s important you decide within yourself that you’re making the most of who you are and what yo have to offer. Say to yourself, `I’m not just a mommy, I’m a hot number ’, and then act it”. This might explain why Theresa, an advertising manager who’d finally shifted a lot of weight since she had her three ids wanted to surprise her husband. She explained that at the office, one of her friends had told her a daring
move she made on her husband and paid of. “With my heart in my mouth, I decided to put her advise into action. After I’d fed my husband one of his favourite meals, I sat next to the TV as he settled down to watch a sporting programme. I had nothing underneath the boubou I careless threw on”, she explained. “Without warning, I threw a leg carelessly on one arm on the chair I was sitting, giving him a clear view of what I had to offer. He was startled to start with. He tried to get his attention back to on the box but failed woefully. Grunting like an animal, he swiftly crossed over to where I sat and sank h is head between my legs. The rest, so to speak is left to the imagination! I was glad it paid off. What if he’d told me off for trying to behave like a trollop!?” Whatever works for you, don’t forget to replicate it. Give yourself permission to get what you want. Claim your right, and give a voice to your needs. Being sexually satisfied and feeling wanted by your partner are legitimate and healthy parts of a relationship.
08052201867(Text Only)
Buck up, workout
W
hen your energy levels begin to fall, when you don’t sleep deeply enough, when you’re easily excitable, then it’s time for you to devise ways and means of bucking up. To build up physical and mental stamina, the surprising thing is not to get less active. The fact is the more the body does, the more it can do – within reasonable limits, ofcourse. It doesn’t help much to eat all the healthy stuff and have a lazy disposition. The body was built to be moved. If your livelihood doesn’t allow you enough physical exertion then what you have to do is introduce an exercise regimen to back you up. The exercise factor is very crucial in the maintenance of good health and vitality I do not in the learnt wish to encourage smoking but C M Y K
the fact is that smokers who exercise have been found to be healthier than those who don’t smoke but who also don’t exercise. The best means of safeguarding the body from unnecessarily falling ill is to make it a point to stretch and strengthen all the muscles of the body and to practise deep rhythmic breathing to purify the blood and improve the vital organs. Exercise, judiciously practised, is not only enjoyable but a practical way of understanding your body better. If you are not exercised in long while you can start off with a ten minute programme and gradually increase the time to your half hour. In the beginning not get too tough with the body or you’ll be too more soon and that might put you off. Success will come from
regularity. The following are some gentle Yoga exercises to help you tone up.
The Chair Pose
The Chair Technique: Stand up straight with the feet about two feet apart. Raise both hands to shoulder level and begin to lower the body by gradually bending the knees. You stay flat fooled till you can’t maintain the
flat hoodedness any more and then immediately tip- deeply. Stay in the pose toe and continue your for 7 to 10 seconds and way downwards till your repeat on the other side. buttocks are resting on Don’t go over again. your heels. Keep the arm Once on each side is enough with the twist. still at shoulder level. Backwards leg raise Now start your way Technique: upwards. Be sure to Lie flat on your belly remain tiptoed all the way up till you are completely and with the hands straight. Remain on your formed into fists tuck toes for slow count to ten them underneath you as and then drop unto your shown in the illustration. heels with the hands by Breathe in and with the your sides. Rest briefly knees locked, raise both legs as high up as you and repeat. can. Benefits: Benefits: The chair pose This pose strengthens toughens the muscles of the legs and buttocks. the muscles of the back, People with fallen arches the buttocks, legs and will benefit from the hands. In the initial stages, practise of the chair. it’s enough if you can Seated Twist: raise just one leg up and Technique: Sit straight on a chair then the next. and place the right hand on the side of the left thigh with the left hand clutching the Yoga Classes left top corner of the chair STARTED and turn the Physical Therapy Centre entire trunk leftwards. @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Keep the head, Victoria Island Lagos. neck and back 9.00am — 10.00am straight and on Saturdays b r e a t h e
P AGE 24 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3 , 2015
bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only
Why should you be mad because your ex found a better replacement?
W
hen a relationship breaks, and all the accusations have subsided, you might feel some sort of relief. For one ting, it would now be obvious your ex is no longer the love of your life nor is he your soulmate. For another, you no longer have to put up with his spending hours in front of the telly watching boring football whilst you get infuriated to the point of throttling him. Peace at last, you sigh. No more tantrums in restaurant and no petty rows at parties because other men flirted with you. You’re basking in this euphoria when you get a big jolt – you find yourself face-to-face with your replacement. All the good work you’ve done over the months trying to get over him is now out of the window. He might not be good enough for you, but why should he be attracted to someone else? Gladys didn’t meet her replacement at a party as most do – she met her at the bank. She’d gone to cash a cheque and the lady was ahead of her, explaining to the cashier why she didn’t have her ID with her, but could the cashier phone her fiance to confirm the authenticity of the cheque? She then proudly reeled off his phone number and name. “I was dumbfounded”, Gladys said, “I really experienced what gong cold means. I’ve heard he’s gotten hooked to another woman barely months after our separation, but to have to come face-to-face with her at the bank of all place was a cruel coincidence I never
envisaged. I took a critical look at her. I gave myself; a satisfactory pass mark. I was prettier, taller and more sophisticated than she looked. What on earth did he see in this one? Where di they meet? What does she do …? “All of a sudden, the man I’d do though I’d completely put at the back of my mind became larger than life. The bank clerk did phone as she suggested, mentioning her name and the whopping amount on the cheque. She got the money. As she walked towards me, I had this crazy urge to trip her. She didn’t know who I was of course, and I wondered what she needed all that money for. Was she a golddigger already milking Haruna, my ex who is always over-generous? When I got to the office, I pout a call through to Haruna’s best friend who I’ve remained good friends with. He confirmed knowing my replacement and told me that they would soon be getting married. “When I bombarded him with questions about her, Haruna’s friend was surprised at my sudden interest I was the one who virtually gave Haruna the push. Did I expect Haruna to pine for me forever? He confirmed that Haruna was in love with the girl who was a lecturer at a polytechnic. She was not a gold digger, he assured me and gave me the name of her wellknown parents. “I was surprised at home depressed I felt at being so successfully replaced so soon. So, I was the one who gave Haruna the push. But
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OUR column to express your loving thoughts in words to your sweetheart. Don’t be shy. Let it flow and let him or her know how dearly you feel. Write now in not more than 75 words to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E.mail: sunlovenotes@yahoo.com Please mark your envelope: “LOVE NOTES"
Baby, I love you
Baby... You know I do miss you, you know I want to be close to you, you know Ido love you, you know my heart beat for you, you know I do think of you, you know I want to take hold of you, you know I
I’d done that a couple of times before and he had come crawling back. The making up was always something to look forward to, though he’d warned me several times he had no stomach for the emotional roller coaster I was always putting him through. He’d threatened to call my bluff one of these days. When we had our last tiff, I really held back determined to make him see how indispensable I was in his life. Seems I’d gone too far this time and I have been replaced. I tried to talk myself into believing I wasn’t that obsessed with him. Still in hurts. Would it have hurt this much if I hadn’t found out he had a new lover? Or was it the indecent haste with which he did it that rankled …?” For about three years, Gbemi, a divorced mother of two, was in love with an industrialist who was married to a woman who had resigned herself to her husband’s philandering. She had her children to think of. “Inspite of this, Kenny was absolutely honest with me about his marriage. He made it
plain that he would never leave his wife and that he was not the polygamous type”, Gbemi said. “All he wanted was someone to have a relationship with, without the bother of a marriage. I’d had a bad marriage and the tyupe of package he offered was good – decent accommodation and generous monthly allowance. At first, I accepted the fact that I had to remain on the periphery of his life. We never went out together and I met only a handful of his friends. As time went on, however, I became bored being a biton-the-side. I wanted more than he was offering. It was inevitable that my resentment boiled over into a rage when we had our last argument. I told him coldly that although I agreed to go into the relationship with my eyes wide open, I found out being seen in public with him very humiliating. That our relationship over the years had been conducted only within the four walls of my room. He was furious. He told me arrogantly that I knew what I was letting myself
want to kiss you passionately, you know I want to caress your impeccable and sexy body, you know I really want to look into your eyes and tell you how beautiful and lovely you look, you know I only want to be your only man. You know I always worship the ground you walk on, you know you made me to be more emotional and romantic, you know you changed my world. How I wish you are in my arms to keep me company, how I wish you are close to me for us to act little of Romeo and Juliet. I miss you dearly, you know I do... Please come back soon my love... James N Okonkwo (Freesoul) ngesinaj@gmail.com +2348138055800 +2348066043380
Deeply in love
You are my bosom friend,my darling jewel,my sweet mummy, my soulmate and my adorable and loving heartbeat all roll into one. You came and changed my world,making it spin round in circles in many colours and in many ways. You’re now deeply rooted
in for when I decided to start the relationship, that he never for once told me that stupid story most men tell about their wives jot understanding them. I said a few hot words back and we parted not very amicably. We made up a few weeks later but it was obvious I could no longer take him on his terms. I wanted to settle down again, wanted more than two kids. “I was lucky to meet a widower shortly after we finally called off the affair, and we got married. Kenny simply disappeared as soon as he knew of my new relationship. He never let on whether or not he was hurt. A year after I remarried, the grapevine was agog with Kenny’s new mistress being pregnant. I couldn’t believe it. I was told she ran one of these fancy outfits you suspect are fronts for drug peddlers. A few days later, I deliberately went into the shop pretending to want a facial. As I was being attended to, she came in. Her pregnancy was obvious and she looked as if she just stepped out of a fashion
magazine – you could smell her sort a mile off. It was obvious she would have used all the tricks in the book to make him agree to let her have the baby. Her sort are usually that way ...” So are you currently suffering from what is commonly referred to as next lover syndrome? To help you get over this stressful emotion, you are advised to remember these facts: You are still fab. Secretly, we will like to believe we are irreplaceable. But your ex meeting his next lover does not mean you’ré not special. It just means life is moving on for hi9m as it will for you. Seeing your ex with someone else is certain to bring back the good times you shared and the things you miss about him. Remind yourself that your relationship was a mix of good and bad. Be realistic. Okay, so you may hear through the grapevine that your replacement is ravishingly beautiful with a degree in something unpronounceable and generously of Mother Theresa. But let’s face it, your ex is not going to tell people she snores like a banshees. Add a pinch of salt to everything you’re told about her (unless it is bad, of course, and you take pleasure in believing it). Don’t ever compare your replacement with you. It will only make you feel dreadful and if they ’re less attractive than you, you will just end up asking: what does he see in her? In truth, you can win. Take time to get over an ex. Don’t rush into something new just to make a point to your ex.
right inside my heart and uprooting you is practically impossible. I am not merely in love with you but I am deeply and passionately in love with you. Akachukwu Ferdinand. akachukwuferdinandc@yahoo.com 08063819314
The virus called love Love is a rapid and high spread virus, it takes just a few second for the virus to beat the antibodies of the heart and the mind. it takes a very bad repercussion when it’s been treated in a wrong way. it might lead a guy to be a alcholist and a lady to be doubtful mind about love. love is a virus that posses the heart and mind, make you feel as if you are stupid, when you are not. the spear of love makes you do what you can’t even do we your clear eyes or when you are not affected we the virus of love. CHARLES CHIDUBEM OGBONNA 08169186581
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 25
08116759757
BY CHIOMA OBINNA
a
I
rrespective of age or o c i a l status, being childless is
status no couple ever craves for. But when it happens, those affected go the extra mile to reverse the situation. It is common place to find couples grieving, these days, over not being able to have children of their own. Medical experts still wonder why there seems to be a rise in the incidence of childlessness. Childless couples, oftentimes, go through pains and pressures from families due to their condition. To find solution, many couples affected go from one church to another. Some even visit spiritual homes where they are forced to drink all kinds of concoctions in the quest to get pregnant. Today, the good news is that childless couples can have babies courtesy of In-Vitro Fertilisation, IVF. For these women, Mrs. Olubunmi Salako, Mrs. Jibor Patricia and Mrs. Eucharia Akpaje, IVF terminated their years of childlessness. Salako, 35, who was married for eight years without a child, is now a proud mother of four children courtesy of IVF. According to Salako, although she was not under pressure, she was never comfortable with her condition then. “I made a lot of efforts to get pregnant but it didn’t work out. As God’ll have it, we heard of The Bridge Clinic in 2000 and we decided to give it a try,” she stated. Salako, who was initially doubtful on the IVF procedure particularly when she was told the huge amount involved, however, succumbed after a deep thought. “When I and my husband got there, we discovered we had to pay a certain amount, even though huge, we believed it couldn’t have been equated to how much a child is worth,” she told Sunday Vanguard. “My question was if we pay this kind of amount, is there a guarantee that we will eventually have a baby? The doctor who attended to us explained that it is not a 100 percent guaranteed process, that they will only try to enhance my chances of becoming pregnant.” On hearing the doctor ’s verdict, Salako never returned to the hospital until two years after. “In 2002, I had my baby without any complications. At that point I became a strong believer in what they do at The Bridge Clinic, Victoria Island, Lagos,”she stated. “I went through the same process again and I had my second child. I went through the process for the third time but that one failed. So I had to ask if they changed any of the treatments they were
The doubts, the pains and the joy of IVF babies
,
s
I went through the same process again and I had my second child. I went through the process for the third time but that one failed. So I had to ask if they changed any of the treatments they were giving me before
,
giving me before. I insisted they revert to the previous one. I went through the fourth process with the previous drug and I had twins. At last, I am now a proud mother of four children, including twins.” Also telling her story, Akpaje, who had been married for seven years without a child, said before she got to The Bridge Clinic, she had tried all manner of things in the bid to get pregnant. “My husband at first was skeptical when I told him about coming to the clinic but we eventually went through the process and I was surprised that it was successful. Even the period of pregnancy wasn’t stressful,”she narrated. According to her, the pregnancy was like any other pregnancy: “I am an architect, so during those periods, I was always busy at work. I even climbed staircases and did my jobs, without having to feel any distress. Even the day I gave birth, I didn’t feel it was going to happen that day because doctor had told me it would be the next week,”Akpaje stated. On her part, Patricia, who said she was
introduced by a friend to The Bridge Clinic, explained that her first and second pregnancies were ectopic and was told by the doctor that her womb has been ruptured and would not be able to have babies any more. “At that point, I became closer to God. Then I stayed for seven years without being pregnant. When I got to The Bridge Clinic, the doctor told me I was going to pay N415, 000, which was a huge amount for me,”she stated. “Though it was not easy, I sourced the money. So I started the process, but, unfortunately, I wasn’t successful. I became really frustrated because age was fast running out on me. I summoned up courage while being hopeful. Then I went through the process again and I was successful. Today, I have a one year old child.” Mrs. Eremibo Omojoyegbe, who also spent seven years without getting pregnant, was advised to go to India for IVF but was later told by a friend that she did not need to spend that much as there was a clinic in Lagos
for such treatment. “After I registered for the process, and they had tested my reproductive organ and that of my husband, I was told that I only had three follicles and that I may be unable to get pregnant. The hospital management even promised to refund my money since they were not sure if I would be able to get pregnant,”Omojoyeagbe said. Despite the doctors’ verdict, she was, however, hopeful that God would be her last resort. “I told them to go ahead with the process because I believed the three follicles would be okay for me to become pregnant, she told Sunday Vanguard. “I successfully went through the process and today I am blessed with twins.” Speaking during the 16th Anniversary Children’s Party of The Bridge Clinic in Lagos, the Team Lead Clinical Services, Dr. Tayo Abiara, noted that infertility affects 1 in 4 to 9 couples. According to Abiara, because of the high premium placed on childbearing, infertility has become the major social and emotional problem and a cause of marital disharmony.
PAGE 26 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
TR OUBLE IN DEL TROUBLE DELTTA KINGDOM
You are not our king, community disowns contender BY OLAYINKA AJAYI
T
he people of Ukpedi Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have disclaimed a kinsman who allegedly referred to himself as the Ovie of the kingdom. In a letter addressed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and copied to the deputy governor, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), and the governor elect, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, and signed by representatives of the kingdom, the Ofuevu and Olorogun Wilson Macaulay, the Oghweta, the community, explained that HRM T.E.M Oviri (J.P) Ugo Okwagbe I is the Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom and as such all relevant authorities should disregard the kinsman’s claim to the kingship. The letter read: “We the undersigned are the principal members/ representatives of the ROF. Mervyn King, lawyer, academic, former P Supreme Court judge,
corporate mandarin, corporate governance maven, Chairman of the King Committee on Corporate Governance in South Africa, and current Chairman, IIRC has been confirmed as key note speaker and headliner of the 2015 Africa CEO Roundtable & Conference on Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility (AR-CSR™). This year’s event is particularly significant not just because it is taking place in Lagos but because it marks the fifth anniversary of the The ARCSR™ which has become the biggest platform for discussing issues of Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as the enhancement of a publicprivate synergy for the attainment of a credible business environment in Africa. This year’s AR-CSR conference will proceed under the theme: ‘From Corporate Governance to Sustainable Governance,’ and during the
various towns and villages that constitute Ukpedi Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. Our attention has been drawn to a publication wherein one of our natives referred to himself as the Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom. Your Excellency, we wish to state without any fear of contradiction that Ukpedi people vide a Notice of Emergency General Meeting, dated 11th day of December, 2000, through Ukpedi Union, invited five persons from each community within Ukpedi Union for a meeting fixed for 17th December, 2000. The meeting, held on the said date at Imode Town Hall, was attended by who is who from the entire communities within the Ukpedi Kingdom. At the meeting, it was unanimously resolved that Ukpedi sub-clan of Ughievwen should become a substantive kingdom of its own. In the same vein, the union resolved that Ukpedi
•HRM Ugo Okwagbe I, Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom Kingdom should be headed by an Ovie (king). The union unanimously resolved that Chief T.E.M Oviri [JP] should be elevated from the position of Senior Otota of Ukpedi, a position he th had been holding since 17 April, 1999, to the position of
the Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom. In the same meeting, it was also resolved that Chief Thompson Apah, who is the present Otota of Ukpedi Kingdom, should be elevated to the position of Senior Otota of Ukpedi Kingdom. After the said meeting, there were serious consultations with the heads of the various communities and traditional structures/ institutions within Ukpedi Kingdom and, at the end of the exercise, Chief T.E.M Oviri JP was, in a well attended and publicized General Meeting of the Ukpedi Clan held at Eyara Town, the ancestral home of the Ukpedi people, coronated st on the 21 day of August 2013 as HRM T.E.M Oviri JP, Ugo Okwagbe 1, the Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom.Since the entire kingdom coronated our said Ovie, he has been functioning as such to the admiration and general acceptability of the Ukpedi Kingdom.”
2015 – AR-CSR™ Ex-Supreme Cour vyn King, Courtt judge Mer Mervyn other ains oundt able otherss br brains ainsttorm at Africa CEO R Roundt oundtable
•Prof. Mervyn King conference, speakers, panelists and participants will seek to interrogate some of the following issues: “What is the role of corporate governance in
relation to sustainability?” “What is the link between the individual pillars of sustainable development and corporate governance?” “Is there a nexus between the economic, environmental performance, social performance and corporate governance of an organization?” amongst others. Other confirmed speakers are: Dr. Nat Ofo, Lecturer, College Of Law, Igbinedion University, Nigeria; Eric Hensel, Partner, Sustainable Square; Reana Rossouw, CEO, Next Generation Consultants South Africa; Prof. SHYAKA Anastase, CEO, Rwanda Governance Board; Audrey JoeEzigbo, Director, Falcon Corporation; Sune Skadegaard
Thorsen, CEO, Global CSR; Monaem Ben Lellahom, Partner, Sustainable Square. A statement by the conveners, ThistlePraxis Consulting, explains the choice of speaker and theme: “We have chosen Prof. King as our Keynote Speaker because he is the pre-eminent authority on the subject and we hope that his address will explore public concerns and practical issues deeply while attempting to rethink theoretical debates and institutional policies critically in the broad area of corporate responsibility, corporate governance and sustainability around the world.”
HOSTCOM leader faults Okirika’s claim over DESOPADEC
A
founding member and former Delta central chairman of Host Communities of Nigeria Oil and Gas, HOSTCOM, Delta State, Chief Moses Irimisose, has faulted Chief Wellington Okirika, former chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, over his suppor for the controversial bill to scrap the comC M Y K
mission. Irimisose, in his reaction yesterday, said “Okrikika has betrayed the host communities for whatever reason best known to him, asking why he did not start implementing it when he was chairman of DESOPADEC under Uduaghan’s government, if it was a good idea”. He faulted Okirika’s claim that DESOPADEC was an interim ar-
rangement, noting that Edo, Ondo, Rivers, and others were not operating same commission as an interim arrangement as wrongly claimed by Okirika. According to him “ Okirika was aware that DESOPADEC has not been getting the approved 50% of the 13% derivation adequately provided by the law since it was established but he never fought
against it, so the issue now should be where are the unremitted funds and not any deceitful reformation to protect the interest of an individual “. Irimisose thanked the Delta State House of Assembly for not passing the bill, which he said is the collective interest of host communities in Delta State.
Pastor for Change Conference The inaugural edition of Pastors For Change National Prayer Conference holds on Thursday at Block 48A, Lagos State Development Property Corporation, LSDPC Estate, near Labule Estate, Ogudu GRA, Lagos State. According to a statement by the group’s National Coordinator, Bishop Kayode Williams, the aim of the conference is to organize marathon prayers to herald the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress, APC-led government. ‘’Pastors For Change was part of the historical process that culminated in General Buhari’s victory.Right from the initial stage when many clerics were aligning with the PDP-led government of the day, prophesying all sorts of victory for out-going President Goodluck Jonathan,God spoke to a few of us and told us that Buhari is the chosen one, and this led to the formation of Pastors For Change and since then we have been involved in organizing series of prayers for Buhari”, he stated. While saying that Pastors for Change is poised to organize more prayers for Buhari and his team,Williams said: “We thank God that Buhari won the election,but we also want to ensure that he succeed in office, and this is why pastors for change movement is organizing this conference.
New online platform Riella Direct Limited has launched a new online platform that will allow users and consumers to select and pay for items online or on delivery, addressing an emerging need and establishing a new culture of online shopping experience. The services offered, which is in mini sites with captions like food court, gift lounge, Riella online (shopping mall), wedding registry, speedy movers and errand express, will make online shopping personal for users. Speaking in Lagos, founder and Managing Director, Gabriella Azonabor, said: “We believe a lot of people are busy and seek modern solutions that save them time. Riella Direct was founded to redefine the shopping experience with an innovative alternative, so our customers can get what they need from their favourite stores when they need it without having to go through the hassle of Google.”
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 27
We will continue to cr eate create value in products —SKG Phar ma Pharma Boss
BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU
•Benin City
Truce after cult killings in New Benin BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City
R
Benin
esidents of New
area ran helterskelter penultimate Friday when two persons were shot dead in broad day light inside Edo State government owned commercial luxury bus, popularly known as the Comrade Bus. As the victims were being trailed from where they entered the bus to their destination, unknown gun men rained bullets on them around New Benin area, jumped out of the vehicle and vanished through the neighbouring streets in a commando manner. Fear gripped residents and passers-by as they ran for their lives. That movie like scene was said to have resulted from a renewed cult war between members of the Manfight, Black Axe and Eiye confraternities. Sunday Vanguard gathered that the renewed war started somewhere in Second East Circular Road where, fight broke out between the Manfight and Eiye groups. A member of one of the gangs was allegedly hacked to death during the fight while the combatants dispersed before security agents arrived the scene. The war spread across Benin City. Last Sunday in a bar in New Benin, it was learnt that a Black Axe member was killed after some
gunmen, allegedly belonging to the Eiye confraternity, stormed the place in search of a member of the Manfight confraternity but, without identifying their target properly, shot a Black Axe member. The crisis snowballed into a full blown war as the Black Axe members, who have never trusted the Eiye group, went on reprisal attack. Two persons were said to have been killed in a wedding ceremony in Benin City last Tuesday. At the time of filing this report, seven people were alleged to have been killed in the cult war. When contacted, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer,
were going to encounter is this issue of cultism. I don’t understand how people will want to engage in killing one another. But we are seriously looking into it and arrests will be made. What they are doing is senseless and we cannot condone it. Parents should also talk to their children because anyone caught will be dealt with according to the law. We are investigating the matter and we will ensure that those behind the killings are arrested”. Meanwhile, Sunday Vanguard was reliably informed that the leaders of the concerned confraternities met Thursday night and agreed to lay down their arms. It was gathered that the resolution was reached after top members of the groups waded into the matter and stressed the need to stop what they described as “senseless killings of youths” in the name of cultism. A source his executive articulated short and long that all agreed and the term plans. said war is expected to be over. It He stressed that the short term plan would be recalled thatwas to draw the attention of all stakeholders to similar cult war occurred the plight of the school how to sustain when the and immediate past its reputation,Police while the long term vision Commissioner in Edo, was the development of the school, itsin Foluso Adebanjo, was infrastructure charge and in addition, to register and the ex-CP threatened arrest all the UCOSA as a body with the to Corporate Affairs leaders ofNational the groups if they Commission (CAC). The President produce explained that didn’t as a follow up, a those committee perpetrating killings headed by Professor J. Abuguthe was set up to then. Hiswhich threat draft a new constitution is forced a to toe the requirement forthem registration withpath the of peace and the situation was Corporate Affairs Commission, adding that calm until the latest the committee killings. met several times and worked
Stephen Onwochei, said he could not confirm the number of deaths. “We are still collating reports from the various DPOs; so I cannot tell you the actual number of persons that have been killed. But I can tell you that the Command is working round the clock to stop this madness”, he stated. Sunday Vanguard learned however that a crack team of detectives was posted to strategic locations in the state capital to bring the situation under control. When contacted, the state Police Commissioner, Mr Samuel Adegbuyi, said: “We are working round the clock to stop this. Before I arrived Edo, I knew that one of the problems we
Urhobo College Old Students plan for school BY JACOB AJOM
M
embers of Urhobo College Old Students Association (UCOSA) have pledged their commitment to the overall transformation of the School with the aim of putting it back on track to its old glory. The National President of the association, retired Admiral John Kpokpogri stated this recently while delivering an address during the (UCOSA) Annual General Meeting held at the Palace of the Ovie of Umiaghwa- Abraka Kingdom in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. According to him, it has been challenging and daunting running the association. However, he said, in spite of the challenges, on assumption of office,
tirelessly and was able to come up with a new draft constitution.
“We will continue to create superior value in product development to meet the yearnings of the customers for effective quality products,” Mr. Okey Akpa, Managing Director, SKG Pharma Limited has said. He made this assertion during the company’s Trade Partners Conference and Awards in Lagos, where he appreciated the trade partners whom he said have been adding value to the company by interfacing between SKG Pharma and the final consumer of the products. The company also used the opportunity to launch new products such as SKG Rexifen which is a 400mg Ibuprofen capsule product, SKG Galways 100mg vitamin C drops for newborns to 12 years plus, SKG Novadex Paracetamol 100mg BP drops for newborns to 11 months old babies with the advantage of being sugar free and SKG Novavite Multivitamin 15ml drops for newborns to 12 months old babies plus, this particular medicine helps fortify babies immune system against ailments and infections. The event was attended by trade partners all over the country. There were regional and national awards to honour high performing trade partners. These awards were complimented with mouth-watering gifts. The grand award winner, Jonaco Pharmacy based in Onitsha, through its Manager Chizoba Oleuku, thanked SKG Pharma for helping him grow his business. “SKG looks out for its distributors and makes sure they grow along with the company, no one is left behind and I intend to remain in the SKG family” Mr. Oleuku said as he lifted his golden trophy beaming with smile. Second position went to Simba Pharmaceuticals represented by Mrs. Oby Ibeh Okpareke while the third position’s trophy was lifted by Mr. Chidi Akabougu of Eternity Concept. Mr. Peter Bankole, Director of Enterprise development Centre, a pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, delivered a lecture on “Entrepreneurship” which generated many questions from the trade
C M Y K
PAGE 28 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015
RIGHT OF REPL REPLYY
Do not falsify Nigeria’s political history: Give Jonathan his due credit By Prof. Kayode Oyediran & Prince Adetowo Aderemi
I
N the Sunday April 12, 2015 edition of the Sunday Vanguard, Obi Nwakanma expressed the view that President Goodluck Jonathan’s ready concession of victory to General Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28, 2015 Presidential el ections”- has
been frankly over analyzed in the local and international media -”. He proceeded to state. “But those of us who are a bit more historically minded should know that concessions have been made in power by those who consider Nigeria far above their personal interest. It is on record that Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe won the 1957 elections, for which the British colonial Governor-General, Sir James Robertson, first setting the standard of electoral manipulations and gerrymandering in Nigeria, invited Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to come first to head the government at the centre even before the votes had all fully come in 1957 for the first home rule government. Azikiwe conceded and bid his time even though his party was compensated by having the highest number of ministers in 1957 – 60 in the independence elections of 1959, again Azikiwe’s party had the highest plurality of votes nationwide and would very easily have formed the National government with the Action Group. But against a threat of Northern secession, much like today ’s Boko Haram, compelled Azikiwe to agree to join the Northern Peoples Party in a ‘government of national unity”, one from which Awo’s Action Group opted out, but which along the road torpedoed the AG in due course.” All the foregoing statements and claims by Nwakanma are most incorrect. It is curious and worrisome that such grotesque falsification of Nigeria’s political history was made by someone who claimed to be “more historically minded”. It is also unnecessary and avoidable because the facts are available and easily accessible in various documents at the National Archives. They were th also published in the 5 Edition of Nigeria a complete Factfinder in 2004. It is very important to correct the falsehood presented by Nwakanma because, for far too long, the public especially our youth have been fed with lies about Nigeria’s history, and this has promoted disaffection among our communities. The correct relevant facts may be summarized as follows: 1. In 1951 the Macpherson constitution was proclaimed, and led to elections in the newly created Houses of Assembly which ushered in participation by Nigerians in
•President Goodluck Jonathan governance all over the groups of provinces. 2. On January 29, 1952 the Federal House of Representatives met for the first time with members selected by and from the Houses of Assembly, and the House of Chiefs in Ibadan and Kaduna. Regional governments were set-up in the groups of provinces and were controlled by the NCNC (East), NPC(North) and AG (West). Four Central Ministers were appointed from each of the three regions. 3. On March 30, 1953 Anthony Enahoro (AG) moved a private member’s motion for Nigeria to become independent in 1956. Alhaji Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto and leader of the NPC) moved an amendment to replace “1956” with “as soon as possible.”This led to uproar in the House, and the Governor, Sir John Macpherson, threatened to sack any minister who participated in the debate in reaction to this, the four AG ministers (Oba Adesoji Aderemi, Chief S.L. Akintola, Chief Bode Thomas and Chief Arthur Prest) walked out of the chamber and resigned their appointments. Their NCNC colleagues from the East also walked out of the chamber but did not resign from the cabinet. A constitutional crisis ensued. 4. When it was not possible to replace the AG ministers Mr. Oliver Lyttleton, then British Secretary for the Colonies, came to Lagos to try to resolve the impasse. After a series of meetings in Lagos and London, adjustments were made to the 1951 Macpherson constitution which resulted in the creation of semiautonomous regions (each with
It is also unnecessary and avoidable because the facts are available and easily accessible in various documents at the National Archives its own constitution, coat of arms etc), and a new Federal Constitution which took effect from October 1, 1954. 5. The Federal House of Representatives with members selected from the regions was dissolved, and direct elections into a new House were held on October 11, 1954 throughout the country. In the Western Region the NCNC won 23 seats as against 18 seats for the AG. That was the first time in Nigeria that a political party lost elections in a region where it was in power. It is important to emphasize that the regional Assemblies were not dissolved, so the AG’s control of the Western Regional government was not affected. The defeat of the AG in the federal elections in the region was a result of opposition to the introduction of the Capitation Tax in 1953 in order to generate funds for the Free Education programme which was scheduled to begin
in January 1955. However, the AG won the subsequent regional elections held in May 1956, some 18 months after the start of the free education scheme, with 49 seats to NCNC’s 31. 6. Because it won the October 1954 elections in the Eastern and Western regions, it was the NCNC that nominated ministers to represent both regions in the federal government – Raymond Njoku, Kingsley Mbadiwe and Matthew Mbu from the East, and Adegoke Adelabu, Kola Balogun and Festus OkotieEboh from the West. The NPC nominated Tafawa Balewa, Inuwa Wada and Mohammadu Ribadu from the North. Balewa became primus inter pares because his party had the highest number of 79 seats in the House, while the NCNC had 56 seats, the AG 23, and others had a total of 17 seats. 7. On August 5, 1957 self government was granted to the Eastern and Western Regions, the Northern Region declined because it was not ready for it. In a dramatic announcement on August 30, 1957 the Governor-General, Sir James Robertson (who had succeeded Macpherson in 1954), named Balewa as Prime Minister to head a broad-based National Government which would midwife Nigeria’s independence. 8. No elections were held in 1957. Contrary to Nwakanma’s claim, there was nothing like Azikiwe conceding the Prime Ministership to Balewa. Balewa’s cabinet was a carry over from the 1954 elections with Malam Bukar Dipcharima replacing Inuwa Wada, Aja Wachukwu replacing Mbu, and I.M. Johnson replacing Adegoke Adelabu. In addition S.L. Akintola and Ayo Rosiji
were appointed into the broadbased national government. 9. The next elections into the Federal House of Representatives were held on December 12, 1959. Whereas Chief Awolowo and Dr. Azikiwe resigned as Premier of their respective region to vie for seats in the Federal House, the Sardauna did not, Chief Akintola and Dr. Michael Okpara took over as Premier of the Western and Eastern Regions respectively. In the elections the NPC won 134 seats, NCNC/NEPU/89 seats, AG 73 seats and others 16 seats. Thus NO POLITICAL PARTY HAD THE SIMPLE MAJORITY TO FORM A NEW GOVERNMENT. 10.The leadership of the AG sought an alliance with the NCNC but the latter preferred to team-up with the NPC. In the ensuing horse-trading Balewa retained his position as Prime Minister and Azikiwe emerged as Governor-General at independence in 1960, a post which proved to be ceremonial. Azikiwe did not and could not have conceded anything to Balewa whose party won 45 more seats than the NCNC/NEPU. Moreover Nwakanma’s claim that”- threat of a Northern secession – compelled Azikiwe to agree to join the Northern Peoples Party (Congress) in a ‘government of national unity ’ from which Awo’s Action Group opted out” is pure fiction. There was no threat of secession; Azikiwe led the NCNC into alliance with the NPC for what they perceived as their best interests; and the AG did not opt out of any fictional government of national unity. Rather,Chief Awolowo did what he had said he would do if he lost the elections: he became the Leader of Opposition in the Federal House of Representatives at independence. In conclusion, President Jonathan’s concession of victory to General Buhari before the official announcement by INEC is the first of such occurrence in Nigeria whether at the federal, regional or state level. He must be given due credit for this irrespective of whatever analysis by any individual or group at local or international level. Dr. Azikiwe never conceded electoral victory to anyone at
any time. On the contrary, despite incontrovertible documentary evidence, persistent lies have continued to be peddled about the 1951 elections in Western Nigeria which the NCNC lost to the AG. Some of the admirers of Dr. Azikiwe should note that inadvertent or deliberate distortion of Nigeria’s political history tarnish rather than burnish his legacy. *Oyediran is a former VC, University of Ibadan while Aderemi is Publisher of Nigeria: A Complete Factfinder.
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Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 29
THE BA TTLE FFOR OR MORE P ARTIES BATTLE PARTIES
How Buhari helped the cause of Igbo, Yoruba, others — Kenny Martins
•‘Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Okiro and my N100bn police fund saga’
I
n this second part of the interview with Kenny martins, he reveals how late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and General Buhari resolved their differences arising from the 1985 coup. More interesting, however, he talks about General Buhari’s leadership abilities which he believes would solve many knotty problems in the country – the Apapa/Oshodi tanker drivers’ menace, for instance. Because as someone recently said, when there is too much smoke, it means there must be fire somewhere, an interview with Kenny martins would never be complete without the Police Equipment Foundation, PEF, story. For the first time, he reveals the details of a controversy that brought embarrassment to Nigeria and how it was discovered to be nothing more than scheme in high places to hijack the Foundation. For a man who had severally turned down ministerial appointments, Martins could be an engaging personality, even though you suspect he may be attempting to grandstand. To this he quipped: “Me! Some of my friends here know me and some even poked fun at me in 2011 when I voted for Buhari, that I was just wasting my vote because they were sure he would not win. I voted for him again in this election because he is someone I know personally and I can vouch for his honour and integrity. Ever ybody around me knew where I stood. I’m saying this now so that Nigerians can appreciate that they have a good leader” Excerpts:
C M Y K
How the five PDP governors decamped to APC It was on my insistence and Bukola was able to persuade the governors to attend the meeting in the Villa. There was an appointment to meet the President by 5pm. Amaechi led the team. I remember that meeting with President Jonathan and, immediately after that meeting, just as it is with most things around Jonathan, the next meeting scheduled for another day never held – they said ‘let the enemies go away’ . And I said to myself, that this PDP is the only party that would be sending people away; and that the more you do that the house will become empty. That was the beginning of APC. I used to tell them about the consequence of their actions. Let me finish; in fact, there would be those who would think you are doing this now because Buhari has won; and that this is your own way of jumping into the bandwagon? Me! Some of my friends here know me and some even poked fun at me in 2011 when I voted for Buhari, that I was just wasting my vote because they were sure he would not win. I voted for him again in this election because he is someone I know personally and I can vouch for his honour and integrity. Everybody around me knew where I stood. I’m saying this now so that Nigerians can appreciate that they have a good leader. We have failed repeatedly and we cannot afford to fail again, so, whatever type of sacrifice this man wants them to make, they should be ready to make it. We cannot discount the made by concession Jonathan. This is the first time a loser would willingly concede at the presidential level.
And when the case was thrown out, the American Exim Bank Group sued the Federal Government for disrupting the deal and wasting their time to come here. They sued the FG for $300m. We had to intervene so that the Federal Government would not have to pay for damages
Let me salute President Jonathan. I told those closest to President Jonathan and I made it clear to them that whether Jonathan wins or loses, he would still have been a winner – if he had won, he would be ruling Nigeria for 10years; if he had lost as it has now happened and he concedes as he has done, he would also be making This election is history. significant in many ways that some people are appreciating it. Look, some people accuse Ibrahim Babangida of not being able to handle the 1993 transition but the truth, really is that it was the Sani Abacha group that held the man down and made it practically impossible for him to hand over. And I also admonished the late Chief MKO Abiola in London that he (MKO), Obasanjo and Shehu Yar ’Adua would be lucky to survive Abacha when he fell for Abacha’s game by bringing the general to take over from the ING. Under Tafawa Balewa, we could not handle it. Under Shehu Shagari, we couldn’t handle it. Well, Abdulsalami came and did his magic but for God’s intervention, Obasanjo’s Third Term was something else. It’s always been like that. Obasanjo handed over from one government to another government. But Jonathan has handed over from a ruling party to an opposition; Jonathan’s government had all within its powers to force a stalemate; forget the consequences – he could have opted for that. So when you raise the issue of why didn’t I speak before now, what do you think would have happened if I’d publicly told Jonathan to hand over after losing; or that Buhari was a very wonderful man? Or you don’t think they could even say they want to kill the man if he’s that good. I work underground. When things are done underground it can be more effective.
Two things: How did meet General you Buhari?; then this talk about heroism and democracy democracy.. After he was released from detention, I was involved in instigating a sort of party for him at Obasanjo’s farm. You asked if I’ve seen some people cry yes, I have seen leaders close to tears. There was this day I woke up and at the four corners of my room I saw four heads, This was after we had bungled June 12 and Abacha had taken over – that too is part of the book I’m writing. I saw Obasanjo with a sword, General Yar ’Adua with a sword, General Abacha and General Diya and they were fighting and there was blood everywhere. It was like a vision. The only person I could call was Justice Mamman Nasir, the Galadinma of Malumfaci, a nationalist. He was then the deputy chairman of the National Confab. Justice Nasir confirmed to me that some Islamic clerics from Mali or somewhere were around some days earlier and they said the same thing that these men were going to be engaged in a bitter war that could break this country. He suggested we call a meeting of past heads of state and their deputies and work out a transition programme for the Abacha administration and that programme would be worked into the conclusions of the Confab report. He also said Obasanjo would sell the programme internationally and Yar’Adua, as the biggest politician in Nigeria, would sell the idea locally and there would be peace in the country.
Continues on page 30
PAGE 30—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
‘Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Okiro and my N100bn police fund saga’ Continued from Page 29 was where they brokered the peace between Yar ’Adua and Buhari. That was when I knew that here was a man of peace. He didn’t want the past to haunt him. How true is the claim that it was a former First Lady, Mrs Maryam Abacha, who brought president- elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, into politics? Incidentally, this again, forms part of the book I am writing, ‘The Nigerian project, My Testimony’. One critical area is the issue of General Buhari’s involvement in politics. It is something that has to be considered from many fronts and diverse angles. I do not believe that Madam Abacha brought General Buhari into politics. Buhari chaired the first panYoruba, pan-South and panNigerian meeting; the meeting held in Arewa House, traditional residence of the Sardauna of Sokoto. It was a historical meeting which is what has given us the democratic latitude we have today which allowed General Buhari to emerge on the platform of APC. That is why I said he was a beneficiary of something he was involved in at the beginning. Nobody knows how God works. It is beyond man’s understanding. You can start a process, but you may not know how it will end. So, I went to Baba Adesanya, by this time, there were already issues in AD. Bola Ige was already threatening to pull out of AD. Baba Adesanya and Afenifere were almost out in the cold. So, I told him why the party was going to break was because they made it a regional party. If you had stayed at the national level, you won’t have this problem you are having because it would have become a bigger party by reason of others that would have come in and you would have diffusion of tendencies’. I told him this is what I will do. ‘I am going to meet Chief Awoniyi’. By this time, Chief Awoniyi had been thrown out of the PDP. I went to his residence. I told him Paul Unongo and others will come to meet him. I went with Professor Nwabueze to the leader of Ohanaeze, Dr Joe Irukwu, we all met at different times and they all took a decision that there was a need to widen the political space in the country. We should not be restricted to PDP which now became what it is now. We should not all be in AD. We all needed a platform where there would be no issues. Senator Dafinone, Albert Horsefall, many leaders from the South- South, we all met at different times at the residence of Chief Abraham Adesanya. Then we all agreed on a date where the Niger-Delta, as represented by Dafinone, the Yoruba, as represented by Adesanya, Dr. Ghali, Opadokun who played a prominent role in this move, would meet at Chief Abraham Adesanya’s residence. We now fixed a meeting for Arewa House, Kaduna. A night to the meeting, Dr Ghali, on his own initiative, said he was going to C M Y K
call General Buhari to chair the meeting. So, we went to the man and challenged him on the realities on ground, we believed he was the man the country and world could listen to. General Buhari was the chairman of the meeting the following day where leaders of this country met. I don’t want to go into details of what efforts government did to make sure the meeting did not hold including blocking the road from Abuja leading to the venue of the meeting. But the meeting held. At the end of the day, there was a communiqué demanding more political parties because we have the constitutional right and no restriction should be placed on anybody. This was the beginning of the formation of those parties because after that meeting by the peoples of this country, we then had to come a step lower to the peoples leaders and then go to the politicians. I went to Alhaji Balarabe Musa in Kaduna, Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos. I met these political leaders to invite them to Abuja. The people had spoken. Let us put substance to the pronouncement and that was how the first meeting was held courtesy of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, and we demanded for more political parties. But, government said no, so, we ended up in court. That was how government allowed us. But we had to start another fight on the need to register more parties. We went to Abuja before the INEC had to now register 13 more parties. Today, those parties are what you called ACN, DPP, CPC and things like that and General Buhari has become the president on the platform of one of those parties which he chaired where the peoples of Nigeria pronounced the formation of more parties. When was this? That was 2000/2001. So when Mrs, Abacha said she brought General Buhari to politics, maybe she didn’t have the benefit of these developments to know what happened. You work in Vanguard, right! That problem you people appear helpless about in Apapa should not be a problem for Buhari. When he was PTF Chairman, he called me one day and said he was going to do something about the flooding problem on that road. This was a man in Abuja. Before now, the problem of that road, from the Coconut area towards Mile 2, was flooding. He mentioned the names of the area and I was wondering how he knew the place with such accuracy. He said he would – and he actually did it – do a big drainage that would evacuate the water from that Coconut axis straight down to the canal at Mile 2. It was a PTF project. The drainage was done that time and it solved the flooding problem. Today, it is the tankers. I believe as President and Commander-in-Chief, Buhari can find a solution to the madness on that road. The Police Equipment Foundation, PEF, became a very messy affair. At some point you were declared a wanted man and it was even said that your were running from pillar to post, seeking refuge? I never ran anywhere and I never sought refuge. Let me tell you, some newspaper publishers on whose head
•Kenny Martins
The following week when I went to meet the judge, he couldn’t believe it. He asked me, `you mean you are not a foreigner? But they came here and said you were a foreigner and that you were running away with Nigeria’s money that was why I granted the warrant’
were libel cases have since come here to plead that I withdraw the case against them because they just rushed to publish and they libeled me. Your paper is lucky. I would have sued you, too, friendship aside. But honestly, the Police Foundation is a total chapter on its own. The concept is simple. Some of us approached President Obasanjo at that time to say we wanted to raise N100b for the police. He said, ‘Kenny you can bring me the paper, but your magic cannot work because nobody will give police that kind of money’. And we said it was going to be a private sector-driven initiative. So, he said ‘let us see how it goes’. I met Alex Bozimo, the then Police Affairs Minister. I told him about it, he was surprised about it. He also asked how we were going to get it and I told him it was going to be private sector driven. But he said it will not be nice if he as a minister wanted to raise N100b and it was not taken to the Federal Executive Council so that others could buy into it. So, he drafted a memo and presented it to FEC where it was shot down. But the FEC said if it was a matter for the private sector, we could raise the N100b for the police. I looked at how police funds itself without government budget in other countries of the world. Even in New-York, the U.S, government involvement in the funding of the police is negligible. We went to Ukraine and other countries. We first raised N750m, that is N10m each from each local government area. We bought 5,000 vehicles. We were entitled to 10% of whatever we raised because that was how we could run the programme. This was approved by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Police Affairs signed the mandate before we took off. We were in the U.S., Ukraine, China, Poland we were everywhere and we were getting all kinds assistance from governments, presidents. They even wanted to site the rocket launch pad to shoot satellite into space, so we had the commercial angle to fund the police worked out. China was going to give us a car assembly plant for pick-up vans for the police. Then we raised 500million dollars from China, $1billion from Exim Bank in the United States. The
bank gave us the first $100m approval. I went to the meeting with Madam Cecelia Ibru, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur among others. When we finished the meeting at that level, and they approved the money for us, we came back. That was the beginning of the problem. While I was away, this statement was said to have been made by President Yar’Adua who had taken over, at the level of the National Security Council, ‘The foundation is doing all of these, see the vast equipment they have bought for the police, they shared so many to other government agencies. From their records, they are buying the vehicles half of the price of the invoice on my table here, so why not give them the licence to supply all the security equipment to all the agencies so that we can have efficiency in the system thereby saving enough money?’ That was what led to the problem concerning the foundation. What, you mean late President Yar’Adua discovered that the purchases being made by the federal government was double the price you were buying some of the equipment and…? (Cuts in) Yes. He was alarmed. He saw corruption in government and got angry. I was in hospital in London when a friend called me to say that some people had met and had decided they were going to nail the foundation and that we were going to be investigated. I said, ‘If they want to close the place, let them try, if they want to investigate us, we are clean. If they want to fight us, we will give them a fight’. So, I came back and went to the I.G.P then, Mike Okiro, and said there was nothing inside the foundation to investigate. Then one Keyamo wrote a petition that we embezzled N300b when we merely raised N7.7b. Meanwhile, we wanted to raise N100b. There was no money like $300b - even if you add $1b we had raised from Exim Bank in
Continues on page 31
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Continued from Page 30 the U.S. When we got to Exim Bank, they said, ‘Mr. Martins, your presentation is so wonderful that we have never in the history of this bank granted loans to arms-bearing organisation but based on what you have said on Nigeria and the need that we see, we are going to make an exemption’. Not only did they grant and to be released to us the $100m on the spot, they said we should go and put our banking papers in order, and exactly two months later, it has never happened in the history of Nigeria and it is yet to be repeated, the president of the Exim Bank told the American Embassy that they wanted to come to Nigeria to visit the foundation, and they were coming with the seven biggest corporations to back the foundation and to cause some kind of economic revolution in Nigeria to favour our polity and the economy. They came. We hosted them with all those seven banks backing us. It was a historical move. That was why when Keyamo went to court, the judge threw away the case. And when the case was thrown out, the American Exim Bank Group sued the Federal Government for disrupting the deal and wasting their time to come here. They sued the FG for $300m. We had to intervene so that the Federal Government would not have to pay for damages from our foreign reserves in New York. After the case was thrown out, Exim Bank now wrote us that they were reinstating the $100m and the $1b, everybody wrote that they were sticking to their pledges. That was the end of the PEF? Only God can save Nigeria. I was with Alhaji Jimeta Gambo recently where he treated me and four friends to a wonderful lunch in Abuja. Throughout the more than an hour interaction, he mentioned the need to restore the foundation four times and explained his regret for being misled by those in power then concerning the foundation. Okiro, by himself, may not have done what he did. We, inadvertently, attracted somebody to our foundation. All the members of Board of Trustees were my friends. Bamanga Tukur, I have known all my life. When I went to invite General Wushishi to be on the board of the foundation, I told him that we needed a national semblance structure that was globally acceptable. He then said he sold same idea to General Abacha while he was alive to help the police. Unfortunately before he could do anything on the proposal, Abacha died. Agabi, SAN, a former attorney general, was a member. One of those I consider as my mentor is Justice Mamman Nasir. I was with Sultan of Sokoto then, Maccido, a wonderful man. For example, when General Obasanjo was in prison, there were only five people in Nigeria who could talk to General Abacha about MKO Abiola. They were Buhari, Mamman Nasir, Ooni of Ife who gave me 10,000 dollars to charter Kabo plane to take all the Obas to General Abacha to argue the case of the man that was detained. There was General Jemibewon. There was the Sultan. These were the five people I know. I am talking about what concerns me. So, that was how close I was to Sultan Maccido. I want to talk while some of those people are still alive. C M Y K
Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 31
not get bail. Abiola totally disagreed. That led to Abiola not leaving that place, and just as I told Justice Nasir that Abiola may die in prison, that was how he died in prison. Although some say when that bail was granted, some people in Ibadan, I don’t want to mention names, arranged the bail, it was arranged by Sultan Maccido and Justice Mamman Nasir and myself with the support of the Saudi ambassador.
•Kenny Martins
‘The story of the bungling of Abiola’s release from prison’ People have asked me why writing a book now and I said it is better to write it now instead of 20 years time when there is nobody around. Let us write now so that those alive can corroborate it and it will be a lesson for all of us. The MKO Abiola angle you just brought in now…? (Cuts in) Let me explain! Chief Alex Akinyele was then the Minister of Reconciliation or something like that, appointed by Abacha. Abacha told Mamman Nasir to ‘tell Kenny to fetch Alex Akinyele’. This will be his first assignment as Minister of Reconciliation. I went to his house in Magodo and said General Abacha said `this and this and that you should lead the team to visit Abiola and come to Abuja next Monday, your office will be ready so that you can start your work’. He said `but I cannot find Kola, I can’t find Ore (Dr, Ore Falomo)’. I got them, took the two of them to Alex Akinyele. That was how we all went the following week and saw Abiola in prison for the first time in almost one year. And the man conceded to coming out on bail. But there was a proviso that he must, I think the late G.O.K Ajayi was said to have told him he should change it because it will complicate the case in such a way that he could
I went back to Yar’Adua and told him what I’d heard. Believe me, General Yar’Adua was almost moved to tears. He admitted that he was wrong and said he would make amends. I reported back to Justice Nasir
That plane crash in which the Sultan died…? (Again, cuts in) When his plane crashed as relayed to me by his son, I called President Obasanjo to tell him the plane was yet to be located and I said there were two helicopters in Kano that just arrived but didn’t have licences yet as they came to demonstrate their capabilities in the country. I told Obasanjo that if he could give a waiver, the choppers could join in the search because that was their specialty, search and rescue. That was how they went searching. The helicopters were for the PEF. Look, on the PEF thing, when Yar ’Adua became fed up with the problems, he said government officials should leave the police foundation alone. ‘These people are doing good job and invited some of you to come there and yet you are creating problems for them, he said’. Before we formed the foundation, we had already raised billions of naira, we already had the Ukraine helicopters I mentioned earlier, on ground. We wanted to do a demonstration on how the helicopters could go to the scene of problems with vehicles inside, from Eagle Square. Again, we were not paying them, we were to rent them and after seeing what they could do after a year, we may then buy them. We didn’t know that if you must fly the three arms zone area, you needed to take permission. So we went to the NSA to grant us permission, so when they started their katakata, the guys took their helicopters and left. Then suddenly, somebody said I stole the helicopters. Can I put the helicopters inside my compound? How could they be stolen? This wahala led to an assassination attempt on my life. And that was how President Jonathan, then vice president, helped me out. He was also a patron of the foundation. He came in and saved my life. How? When I got wind of my assassination attempt, I ran to the V.P. An insider in the plot told me that he was a Christian and that his conscience would not allow him, so he came out to tell me that there was a plot. He said the assassination plot was being negotiated in Awka and Benin. I published this as advert in newspapers. The assassins in Benin said no matter how much police protection I had, they will still get me. The assassins contacted in Benin was said to be asking for N5m. The one in Awka was asking for N12m. So, the Benin was cheaper. So, I went to the V.P that this was what I heard. God bless his soul. He sent for the D-G, SSS and said: ‘This is what Kenny Martins said. Go and investigate and make sure he is protected’. The then D-G of the NDLEA was my witness and partner in resolving the issue. To protect his life, the man that gave out the information had to be relocated to Badagry. I don’t want to say
the circumstances under which that man died, because they won’t allow him to rest. When it happened that neither the police nor the SSS was ready to arrest the assassins, I took my case to the media to ask, Who Wanted Kenny Martins Dead? That was how my life was saved. They wanted to kill me because of the Police Equipment Foundation. So, when people say why not revive it, my answer has always been that when you make the big money, they will come after you again. Is it worth your life? I am not afraid though but is it worth the wahala? But as Bamanga would always say, he went to prison without committing any crime. So, is the foundation still on? Yes the foundation is on. You cannot kill it. It is a registered company. All the funds you are talking about, were they pledges or physical cash? Physical cash waiting to be moved! The fight really was why do you want to buy vehicles for the police? Why do you want to build houses for the police?. They thought the money was there. Those involved in all the fight against us thought the physical cash was there and ready. Look, I brought the Chinese Exim Bank, the Exim Bank of the U.S, the Ukraine, Poland, we brought all our papers with the seven banks that were backing the project, the construction company to build 100,000 houses in five years, to Okiro’s house. And he said we should meet in his office by 1pm the following day so that he could call the C.P in-charge. By 1pm we were there, he called the C.P who took over the 100,000 forms to be filled. But some people somewhere assumed that because they had the forms they had the money. While we were with Okiro, somebody was at the Magistrate Court saying I was a foreigner and I was taking Federal Government’s $1b and I was running away, and that he should be given warrant of arrest. As I was in the plane after leaving Okiro by 2pm coming to Lagos, they called me from the Villa to say the President was being told that I was running away with FG’s money and that he has ordered your arrest. Even President Yar’Adua, later when he got the benefit of the full story became alarmed that which type of country is this. Somebody wants to help the system and it is the same people within the system who are trying to kill the initiative. The following week when I went to meet the judge, he couldn’t believe it. He asked me, ‘ you mean you are not a foreigner? But they came here and said you were a foreigner and that you were running away with Nigeria’s money that was why I granted the warrant’. Nuhu Ribadu had thrashed the case because there was nothing in it. But it was to be revived by another regime. But there is hope for this country. In fact, the whole saga was an attempt to get at Obasanjo. Two young men in EFCC came to court after they had resigned because they were to be used to build a case against us and they knew there was nothing to be built. By the time they came to give evidence as IPO in court, they had resigned from the EFCC and stated the truth after swearing by God. There is still hope for Nigeria in such young men.
PAGE 32—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015
Margare unk unbor w eds TTolulope olulope Olubo wale Margarett Ek Ekunk unkunbor weds Olubow
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L-R: Eng.Kehinde Adeyemi Olubowale (groom's father); Mrs Helen Esi Ekunkunbor (bride's mother) the couple; Mrs Kehinde Kikelomo Olubowale (groom's mother) and Mr Sonny Ekunkunbor (bride's father).
inding a good wife is hard enough. And finding one with beauty as well, is surely a blessing that must have come from nowhere but from the Almighty God. That must be the exact feeling Tolulope Olubowale, son of Engr. Adeyemi Olubowale, had when he placed the wedding ring on the finger of Margaret Ekunkunbor, daughter of Mr Sonny Ekunkunbor at the African Church Bethel, Biney’s Memorial, Barracks, Surulere, Lagos recently. Their families and friends were there to witness the union. Photos by Akeem Salau
The couple; Mr and Mrs Adekunle Tolulope Olubowale.
Chinese Consulate hosts V anguard cre w Vanguard crew
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ecently, Mr. Kan Liu, Chinese Consul General hosted a dinner at the Chinese Consulate General office, Lagos in honour of Vanguard management team who visited him.
Edeme Ogbuaga (l) and Mr Peter Arigbe.
L-R: Mr Henry Egbe, Mr Ben Atseyinku and Mrs Patricia Atseyinku.
Vanguard team and the Chinese General and his colleagues...
Consul
Ms Jemi Ekunkunbor (l) and Mrs Ayaba Edun. R-L: Mrs Annette Ogbechi, Mr Franklyn Ogbechi and Rev Leigh.
Sandra and Oluwole
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hiwedu Sandra Naeche and Olabisi Oluwole Olaoye took the giant step toward Holy matrimony after their traditional Marriage on the 3rd of April at Umuezuike, Nempi, Oru West L.G.A, Imo State.
Chinese Consul General (r) with Mr. Fred Odueme, GM (Brands) at the Chinese Consulate.
Engr Giwa Wale Alli-Oke (l) and Princess Wale Allioke.
L-R:Yewande Edun, Alero Ekunkunbor and Oma Babalola C M Y K
L-R: Mr Godfrey Amobi Naeche (bride’s father); Chiwedu Sandra Naeche (bride) and Olabisi Oluwole Olaoye (groom)
Mr. Li Yong, Deputy Consul General, Chinese Consulate, Lagos (l) with Mr. Victor Gotevbe, Administration Manager, Vanguard Media Limited at the Consulate.
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 33
Rh ythmic ffee ee ta @ 80 Rhythmic eett of Sunn Sunnyy Asemo Asemota
A
uto magnate, Chief Sunny Asemota, the Chairman of Sunny Motors and Omoregie Motors, has friends in high places and the fact showed glowingly penultimate Saturday when th the Edo-born socialite had his 80 birthday celebration. Even though the venue was abuzz with the cremede-la-creme of society, it was the octogenarian ‘birthday boy’ who stole the show when he took to the dance floor with his wife as he shuffled and wriggled to music being played. Photos by Biodun Ogunleye
L-R: Chief Gbenga Obasa, Dr Tajudeen Okoya and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu
The Celebrant, Sunny Omoregie Asemota and wife, Mrs Ireti Asemota
Sunny Omoregie Asemota (R) with Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa
L-R: Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande and Olori Mojisola Abass.
L-R:Chief Razak Okoya and Sir & Lady Keshinton Adebutu
L-R: Chief & Chief (Mrs) Mike Inegbese and Barr. Grace Egbagbe
L-R: Alhaji Musiliu Smith with Chief & Chief (Mrs) Adeniyi Williams.
L-R:Cleopatra Robinson, Karen Koshon and Stella Samuel
L-R: Chief Osato Giwa Osagie with Otunba Adekunle Ojora and Erelu Ojuolape Ojora
L-R;Mrs Kemi Shonibare, Chief Olu Falomo and Mrs Bunmi Craig.
C M Y K
Comrade Gloria Okolugbo-Ogbekene marks 46 th
L-R:Olorogun Sunny Kuku and Bashorun J K Randle.
Comrade Gloria Okolugbo-Ogbekene, commissioner for Energy, Delta State celebrated her 46 recently.
Dr. (Sen). Arthur Ify, Okowa; Mrs Nkem Okwofor also a recipient of the Mothers Day Special Award
Comrade Gloria Okolugbo marveling at the artistic work on the cake with a transformer gift,
birthday
Comrade Gloria Okolugbo-Ogbekene, her sons, Oghenemaga Ogbekene and Esiri Ogbekene supported by the delectable Mrs. Kachukwu
PAGE 34—SUNDAY
Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
2015 POLLS
Electoral offenders will go to jail –
BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City
M
ike Igini is the Resident Electoral Commissioner REC) in Edo State. In this interview, Igini reviews the just concluded general elections and suggests the need to set up a tribunal where electoral offenders will be prosecuted. He commends President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat at the polls and expresses optimism that elections in the country will get better in the nearest future. The REC spoke in Benin-City penultimate week. Excerpts: Assessing the general elections Evaluating the elections from our own perspective may be different from the perspective of the electorate. From our own end, we look at the election management processes at the pre-election, election and post-election phases. In doing this assessment, we are preoccupied with some parameters, such as the goals we set to conduct an acceptable election, the plans we devise to meet these goals using resources at our disposal, the structures and inputs, including guiding laws, human, time and material resources, we put in to enable the plans, the controls we use to govern what we organize and the leadership at every level that we employ to bring the whole of these into reality. First the main goal for elections is to bring about leaders who will help enable the developmental aspirations of a people, the goal of election management as a process is to conduct an acceptable election, C M Y K
that is an election which is accepted as credible by stakeholders. In defining what makes an election credible, we examine, whether there was equality of political participation and free competition, and whether the mandate derived from the election is regarded as legitimately given. Having met the overarching goal of conducting acceptable elections in 2011 and 2015 to a large extent, we can say that the Commission has succeeded in helping the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Democratic process, as a mechanism for ensuring the selection of proper representation of a jurisdiction, is the minimalist conception of democracy. Whereas democracy, as the totality of the processes, including the selection of leadership representation, and the derivable benefits in which such selected leadership and the institutions they represent helps to meet the developmental aspiration of the people, is the maximalist conception. Our role enables the minimalist conception, whereas all of us as a nation must then join hands to enable the maximalist level of democracy in Nigeria. That minimalist democratic goal is our primary remit. As to the maximalist remit of democracy which is the enabling of a democratic representation that helps to deliver the aspirational development of society, the remit is with the elected officials and everyone else in nation building from 2011 up to 2015 and thereafter. Are you saying that INEC has done well ?
INEC chief Igini Looking at these parameters, I can say that the Commission has covered significant ground and has done well even though we are not yet at the zenith we aspire to be, we can still improve many aspects of our activities. In the pre-electoral phase of planning and organizing, we have learned from the pitfalls we experienced and the learning informed some of the innovations that attended subsequent elections. In the election phase, we have also witnessed areas of strengths and weaknesses, and the principal lesson which came out of the postponement of the earlier scheduled election date is that when materials are distributed on time, it reduces election-day struggles. We also learnt that relying on road transport unions to make individual transactions through group leadership can result in unexpected outcomes for local logistics as we experienced here in Edo when the NURTW almost messed us up. We reviewed and changed our approach in the April 11 elections and we attained a resounding success, with personnel arriving at polling units as early as 6:30 in some places, while others got to polling units at 7am before the 8am official time of opening the poll. We are currently dealing with retrieval of materials, issuing CTC for post election dispute resolution and full evaluation of all processes to follow for documentation. What were the other challenges you faced as the REC? First, there was the issue of technical problems with the card reader on the first polling day, that is, 28th of March 2015, but that was a national issue. Then there was also the widespread arbitrary refusal of the road transport workers to respect agreements they reached with our field officers, but both issues were addressed by the second
papers, as well as two electoral officers removed from their duty posts and currently a subject of further inquiry. But for the lingering strike of judicial workers, those two corps members would have been arraigned in court. Be rest assured that these cases would be taken to court and appropriate remedies meted out to them. What will be the fate of their employment, especially the regular staff if found guilty ? If the matter borders on gross misconduct or electoral fraud, the legal and administrative implications are not the subject of opinion by myself or anyone else, they will be the factual subject of extant rules and laws and they will certainly run their course. What about the Imo election and the arrest of several people? Regarding the supplementary election in Imo and my involvement, that l call a second missionary political journey, having been there in 2011 with my other colleagues for the same reason. The key issues are that in 23 LGAs with a substantial number of registered voters, elections were cancelled for various reasons all rooted in the desperation by politicians to manipulate the process, either through compromised staff and, worse still, some ad hoc staff, like collation officers at ward levels, disappeared with result sheets in both elections of the 28th of March and 11th of April. All these informed the decision of the Commission for the supplementary election. The real battleground was Oru East LGA, described by the people we interacted with as an electoral flashpoint area, renowned for election irregularities and the alleged posting of humongous invidious figures by political merchants. With 62 polling units and 24,990 voters in possession of PVCs, which was the highest for any area
All those arrested in Umuma and who are now in the police net, who attempted to undermine the process, would have their day in court to explain their conduct, otherwise, there would be no end to this unrestrained electoral impunity in our polity election of 11th April. There were also places where elections were postponed or cancelled due to irregularities, these were addressed and elections finally conducted in the affected areas, some of these arose from anomalous conducts on the part of some persons, the extent of culpability is currently the subject of several administrative processes. How many INEC staff, regular and ad hoc, were caught in electoral offences and were they handed over to the police? Specifically, there are the allegations of two NYSC members who were said to have sold ballot
affected by the supplementary election, it was considered a real battleground of electoral contest, particularly for those who, for the first time, would be facing real oneperson-one-vote election in the area, unlike before when it was reputed that some people, somewhere, would sit down to conduct mass thumb-printing of ballot papers and then go ahead to allocate arbitrary figures. Hence, our insistence on due process, which changed the narrative and probably the ability of voters to determine the outcome, hence the more dignified and credible final figure which was far less than previous moon-slide or
landslide figures. The voters had their day and were apparently pleased to be unfettered. That is how it should be in order to sustain voters’ confidence in the electoral process. All those arrested in Umuma and who are now in the police net, who attempted to undermine the process, would have their day in court to explain their conduct, otherwise, there would be no end to this unrestrained electoral impunity in our polity. Such incidents further illustrates why we urgently need an Electoral Offences Commission with specialized electoral crime investigating officers adept in forensic electoral investigations and judicial officers specialized in the electoral legislative framework who can effectively prosecute electoral offences . Are you disappointed that despite the calls by some of you for the Electoral Offences Commission, we still do not have one? Common sense suggests and studies in criminology have confirmed that every act that is rewarded would be repeated. The absence of punishment for all previous cases of election rigging is the foundation and indeed incentive for the tragedy of our situation today. Many people secured elected offices without the votes of the people but through the kind of things we aborted in Umuma in Oru East. We still have variants of these violations in so many places, unchecked with the connivance of those entrusted to supervise the process. To bring sanity and probity to the electoral process, surely, we need to establish Electoral Offences Commission, with special jurisdiction inaugurated in an election year to deal with cases of voter registration, party primaries, rigging or attempt to rig election, or making false electoral return, etc. You consistently supported and sold to the public the significance of the use of the card readers for the elections. What is your assessment of its effectiveness and prospect for future elections? Yes, we stood for it head and heart and still stand by the idea of the use of the card reader, because of the tremendous value it brings to the electoral process. In evaluating the card reader, we must always keep in mind that it only plays a singular role in elections, authentication of voters to avoid ghost voters. Therefore, what it does is to restrict the voting outcome to the number of authenticated voters who actually show up to vote at elections and not about the total number of registered voters. It does not convince the voter to vote one way or another, so its utility is restricted to enhancing the fidelity of the voter register. But some people have questioned the credibility of some results from the elections despite the use of the card reader? In raising such doubts the statement must be appropriately qualified, recall that the card reader was bypassed in many instances
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SUNDAY
Continued from Page 34 deliberately by those opposed to it and also because of technical problems particularly in the March 28 election. Where they were used, no one has questioned the veracity of the polling unit results. In the April 11 election, the Commission issued a public statement that the card readers must be used and also followed it up administratively with two different memoranda to all states, to ensure the thorough use of card readers by electoral officers for both the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections. At any rate, the card reader is the only short–cut we currently have to a national identity system that can be used for elections. Many stakeholders, especially politicians in Edo, election observers have noted that election results in the state in both federal and state elections were remarkably different from other states of the South-South and even South-East but similar to SouthWest. What did you do differently? Well, first looking at the process, we did our best to follow the guidelines from the electoral legislative framework-viz the constitution, The Electoral Act, INEC guideline, etc; if you are guided by the legislative framework, the margin for error is minimal. In terms of outcome, the outcome is completely dependent on the wishes of the voters; from the outcome of the elections, the Edo people voted the pattern they wanted in both federal and local elections. Why they chose to do so is not for us to probe, that is for the political groups and analysts. However, with the benefit of one’s multi-disciplinary background in history, sociology and law, one can say that Edo state, being at the boundary between these political jurisdictions of the East and West, the potential for political ambivalence is high. But then, if we trace back to the First Republic, you will find that the politics of the MidWest has always been susceptible to the balancing of a multiplicity of influences. But at one point during the elections in Edo, there were reports of problems in Orhionwon LGA which led to a re-run election of the senatorial and House of Representative elections. What actually led to the cancelation of the election on the 28th? To go to the point, while elections were going on in that jurisdiction, there were several disturbing field reports from the electorate and key leaders from the parties about non-delivery of ballot papers at polling units at about 2pm, when accreditation was supposed to have been completed and voting ought to be well underway. We tried fruitlessly to reach our supervising field officers, and we had several reports from senior members of both major parties, the PDP and the APC, complaining about these same things. Matters got to a very disturbing point, when it became clear that some of the NYSC ad-hoc staff may be in danger if we did not act timeously. I reported the situation to the National Chairman who advised that the police declare some of the field officers that could not be reached wanted, until full information was available, and, when sufficient irregularities were established, the national headquarters ordered a cancellation. This is what led to the re-run election which has since been conducted. The affected officers gave formal explanations of what led to the situation and the matter has since been dealt with as is appropriate within the administrative control measures of the Commission. Do you think there was C M Y K
Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 35
’2015 polls better than 2011’ improvement in the conduct of politicians in the 2015 elections, compared to those of 2011? In some cases and places, there was improvement, in others there was regression. The improvement is in the areas of election day logistics, the process in terms of the card reader usage, behavioural pattern and disposition in that some politicians restrained themselves from disorderly conduct while others were on the loose. We observed some regression having regard to widespread violence in some places, as we have just alluded to, and some very shocking unethical collaboration between some field officers with politicians to subvert the process, something that we thought we had put behind us. Again, as l said before, it is best to wait until full evaluations have been conducted by the Commission with facts rather than opinions. One thing I would always want us to realize is that every pitfall and error or weakness should be seen as an opportunity for improvement because the ill of elections can only be cured by more elections. On matters of behavior and conduct of personnel, we cannot improve our systems if there are no consequences for extremely unacceptable conduct of people put in position of trust who betray same for material gains at the expense of the system. What was the improvement you noticed during the polls? The most important improvement is that the use of biometrics has forced down election results figures within and to the confines of the voter register unlike the embarrassing moon-slide and landslides invidious
•Igini.... biometrics helped polls this action ? True, the president did what has never been done in the history of presidential electoral contest in Nigeria. By his action he has erected a democratic hall of fame and earned himself a very respectable place in the national democratic escutcheon that emblazons that hall in which he is the first occupant,
The improvement is in the areas of election day logistics, the process in terms of the card reader usage, behavioural pattern and disposition in that some politicians restrained themselves from disorderly conduct while others were on the loose figures of pre-2011 elections. We have gone to the level of even printing ballot papers according to the number of our official PVC collected and not based on the total number of registered voters and that has curbed excess ballot in the system that could be used illegally to subvert electoral outcome. Additionally, the Commission customized the ballot papers making it difficult to use ballot papers from one unit in another unit. I suspect we will hear more about that in some election petitions where some desperate people may have been forced to use ballot papers from a different constituency, any case like that will be dead-on-arrival for the culprits. You can see that despite the efforts of many stakeholders who will like to turn the hands of the clock, the results had to be within the credible number of voters with PVCs who showed up. It is a good development on the long journey to credible elections. The next step is to ensure accurate census and national identity systems so that deviations from the electoral roll and consequently election results are brought down to very minimal errors. President Jonathan did what had never been done before in Nigerian history by accepting the outcome of election despite glaring shortcomings and thus saved Nigeria the rigour of post-election litigation. How do you describe
we look forward in future for more occupants who will earn enduring places in that citadel by their actions in nation building. What does this statemanly act of President Jonathan mean to other African countries? It is a very commendable benchmark that the President has set, because our continent, Africa, has been so enmeshed in the “bigchief syndrome” that, his action has helped to break the mold. We have also witnessed such emerging leadership enlightenment in Ghana and Senegal, where a party other than the ruling party won in a general election and a seamless transition followed. I use the term “big-chief syndrome” because it is not part of the African culture to remove a king or leader. Our cultural phenomenology on that issue is usually a very unpleasant one; when a chief or leader is removed, he must either be expelled or killed. So there is a certain degree of cultural expectation for resistance to such change, except it is voluntary, but like the other anachronisms that are being reformed in our traditional settings, not winning an election is not the same as the removal of a monarch, because a democratic leader is only the symbolic representation of an aggregate of policy ideas as purveyed in the political arena by a political party, hence losing at a democratic election is not the
rejection of the individual but a decision by voters to opt for alternative policy ideas from that offered by the losing party, of course in our context there are other confounding factors. However, by accepting the verdict of voters, even before the full results were declared, the president has displayed an uncommon understanding of the pristine value of democratic praxis, in which an election verdict is regarded as the choice of voters principally because of the instrumental impact or potential impact of policies on their lives and not merely a competition of personalities and congenial abilities. By setting this standard, he has made it easier for Nigerians to identify, in future, those who will lead the country out of the path of enlightenment by refusing to concede to the verdict of voters. His action is even more important because in our country it has no parallel at that level; only former Governor Kayode Fayemi has shown such level of enlightenment in his reaction to the Ekiti State election. Well looking beyond the process now, the outcome of the elections will result in governance changes with a new party controlling the legislature and executive at several levels. What should Nigerians expect from such changes? The outcome of the elections is different in many respects, and, as electoral managers, we do note the significant parameters and their developmental implications. We must keep in mind though, that the main goal of election is development. One of the significant developmental milestones is the maturity and lack of rancor which the incumbent president displayed in dissipating possible post-election dispute as I have already stated. Everyone has acknowledged that it is the game-changer for this elections at this level, the best global comparison with that action is the George Bush-Al Gore election, where Al Gore accepted the outcome to maintain the integrity of the American democratic institutions, even though he felt he could have justifiable grounds to contest the Florida results. Such statesmanship raises the bar for others who will follow and increases
the leadership expectations of the citizens that people who occupy such offices must also be able to set aside their own personal needs for national development. The second significant development is the resilience of the president-elect in staying on the course of democratic contest, by contesting despite several set-backs. He has shown that you may lose, but you can also win despite the odds. In this sense, they have both laid a foundation for breaking the mold of our national pyche that transition can only come through the barrel of the gun, this is important for democratic consolidation in Nigeria. On the expectation of Nigerians, first psychologically, we must admit that it has been a very competitive and adversarial election, so the first expectation must be for efforts to be exerted to bring the nation closer through deliberate actions that will not deepen the differences but help to heal the rifts, so that the next election can be seen as a cementation of brotherhood instead of a reenforcement of differences, because as I have constantly stated the aim of election is for the development of everyone. Then instrumentally, I can only repeat an important goal that I have often talked about. We can find the aggregate of the expectations of Nigerians in Chapter 2 of our constitution, the only difference that may come from any leader is how much attention is paid to that section, and the approach that is employed to make that attention manifest in the lives of people. The expectations of Nigerians are simple and complex, it is simple because looking at section 2 it simply asks, what can you do to enable economic progress for everyone? What can you do to improve their welfare; housing, education, health and so on? Then it becomes complex when you get to the “how to do it. The complexity derives from the fact that, to do it well, you have to do it for about 170 million people. And how to do it, raises the question of how much time you need, as well as the resources you need to do it. If you were going to do it for just 1 to 5 million people, with our resources, maybe it will be easy, but given our population, our experience has shown that you can’t do it well and quick enough, if you try to meet all these expectations from Abuja alone, this is why there has been a consistent advocacy for improving what is being done from the local governments. The answer is therefore improved participation, the only change that will therefore meet the expectations of Nigerians is the change that increases participation down to the grassroots by empowering governance from Local governments, if you examine the works of Rondinelli on decentralization, as well as the different theories and practices of developmental participation by Arnstein and other theorists, you will find that whatever expectations anyone has, will only affect the largest number of Nigerians in a short time, if it is devolved to operate from Local governments, therefore the expectation that should be preeminent should be to take development closer to the people by making development decisions more often from the local government or down to the local government level, with emphasis on a bottom-up as against top-down approach. What is your opinion on the death of the Kano REC? I have no specific opinion except that it is a very regrettable and sad incident that we lost one of our colleagues while in the service of the nation. One nice guy, well spoken, very unassuming and respectful. Sad indeed and very unfortunate.
PAGE 36—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
Sunday Tribute
BY LINDSAY BARRETT
I
N the annals of Nigeria’s left wing radical intellectual discourse, there could hardly have been any more surprising collaboration than that which once existed between my two recently deceased mentors, Alhaji M.D. Yusufu and Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, at a particularly volatile period in Nigerian history. I sincerely regret having to write about this now because I had actually thought that both of these incredibly committed and principled gentlemen would have survived late into their eighties or even nineties. They were both dedicated African nationalists and each, in his own way, contributed to my decision to live and work in West Africa rather than return to the Caribbean where I was born after I completed my service to the cause of Nigerian unity in the employ of the Yakubu Gowon-led Federal Government and the East Central State Government led by the late Ajie Ukpabi Asika. I was not aware when I became involved with this matter that I was setting out on a journey that would change my life profoundly and render me more involved with Nigerian issues than with my Jamaican roots for the rest of my life. In fact,t was Asika who was responsible for my close links with both MD and Uche. In the case of MD, although I had met him through the late Aminu Abdullahi, a broadcaster with whom I had worked at the Transcription Centre and the BBC Overseas Service in London in the early sixties, it was before and during the Nigerian Civil War that I really got to know him as a very supportive advocate of the American Civil Rights movement and Nkrumahism, two causes to which I paid particular attention in my journalism at that time. The fact that Alhaji Yusufu was then Head of the police Special Branch (the forerunner of the present day State Security Services/SSS) placed our early meetings under a cloud of suspicion on my part. Then I met Asika in Ibadan where I was working at the Mbari Artists Centre as a publicist and events director. We developed a close brotherly relationship because he was also devoted to the idea of building links between African governance and the populist impulses of the civil rights movement in the African Diaspora of the Americas. It was in his company that I got to know MD as a humorous and very sympathetic supporter of left of centre nationalist causes throughout Africa and one who was very tolerant of critical viewpoints on Nigerian government policy as long as they did not promote or encourage violent insurgency. Retention of Nigeria unity This was in mid-1966 and Nigeria’s preCivil War breakdown of order was at its height. As a consequence, many of the late night discussions among a tight-knit group of Black Nationalist supporters on the University of Ibadan campus discussed the possibility of Nigeria breaking into hostile enclaves. We argued that this would lead to a reversal of African progress and swore to work against it. This group included the Head of the Political Science Department Prof. Essien Udom, the AfroAmerican librarian Alhaji Khalil Mahmud, and Asika, then a lecturer in political science. When the Civil War broke out in the following year, it was this group that appealed to me to use my already reasonably respected access to international journals and radio channels devoted to African issues to advocate the retention of Nigerian unity. This was the basis on which I became the Director of Information and Public Enlightenment in the East Central State Government when it was formed in 1967. In that capacity I became the direct opponent to Uche Chukwumerije when he headed the secessionist Biafra’s Propaganda Directorate. There can be no doubt that Biafran propaganda was superbly motivated and implemented. Because we had neither the resources nor the talents to equal the vehement sense of outrage that drove the process on their side, I decided that we would express a deep sense of remorse and appeal to sentiments of unity and fraternal harmony in our responses. I also C M Y K
•Uche Chukwumerije
•M.D. Yusufu
M.D. Yusufu and Uche Chukwumerije Chukwumerije::
A surprising partnership decided to build a rational argument in favour of Nigerian unity in our interactions with the foreign media while acknowledging that mistakes had been made by both sides. This was not at first a very popular stance with the Federal Government’s information managers with whom I collaborated but, as the conflict worsened, I discovered that I could depend on MD to support me in pushing this line. That was also when I met Nigeria’s most prominent Nkrumahist, the late S.G. Ikoku in MD’s home. The trouble with Special Branch These encounters made me regard MD as the most remarkably innovative police officer that I could imagine. Instead of hounding people who challenged the status quo, he seemed to cultivate them. I was later to experience an incredible occurrence that reinforced this view when, as a columnist in a popular Lagos paper after the war, I wrote a trenchant criticism of the Gowon regime’s decision to reverse its plan to return the country to civil rule. I was living in Ibadan but spent at least three days a week in Lagos and I discovered that the Special Branch was looking for me in connection with my article. My friend Aminu Abdullahi was at that time living with MD as a house guest and so I went to see him to find out why I was being looked for. He told me to relax and just stay in MD’s house with him. That evening as we sat on the verandah by the lagoon enjoying the hospitality of MD and his family, an officer from the Ibadan office of the Special Branch came to report that they were unable to find “the fugitive journalist Lindsay Barrett”. MD asked him why and the officer opined that the fugitive might have skipped the country. It was only then that MD suggested that he look around at his visitors and, when he did, asked him if he would recognise Barrett if he saw him. The poor officer was mightily embarrassed when he realised that the fugitive was being entertained by his boss. We also became close friends. Chukwumerije and fallen Biafran government However before this period of our interactive friendship, it was the traumatic period immediately following the end of the Civil War that sealed a remarkable collaboration amongst us. Asika had ordered me to find certain members of the fallen Biafran government and ensure that they were given safe passage to his home in Enugu. First priority among those he directed me to find was to be given to Uche Chukwumerije. Up to that time, I had only
heard vaguely about the comrade’s role as the director and initiator of the imaginative repertoire of the superb Biafran propaganda machine. Asika told me that if Uche was taken to Lagos directly he might be treated in an inappropriate manner as one of the key collaborators in the secessionist movement and held in detention for deep intelligence de-briefing before being released. He did not want this to happen because he regarded Uche not only as a brother but also as a hero of the cause of African unity and renewal, and he wanted to ensure that he was recognised as such as a part of the restoration of peace and the establishment of the principle of “No Victor No Vanquished”. It is pertinent to note that although this phrase later became famous as being the principle promoted by General Gowon, it was Asika who coined it in his own speech to mark the end of the conflict. In response to this order, accompanied by my deputy, Jimi Johnson (later famous as Okoro in the television hit Village Headmaster), I scoured the devastated Biafran enclave and eventually found Uche in a village near Orlu. From our very first meeting, we got on like a house on fire. It was a remarkable period in both our lives. I was not certain what to expect since at certain periods during the war, the Biafran propaganda machine had described me as a “mercenary vandal”, and we, for our part, had constantly characterised their own operations as being the “product of fantasy and outright falsehood”. Uche was living in a kind of encampment along with several other key figures of the Biafran information and intelligence network. There were Bernard Odogwu Military Intelligence Chief, key propagandists like Mike Ikenze, Barrister Mike Amobi, Chief Jim Nwobodo, and Igwe Alex Nwokedi. These were among those who I now undertook to conduct safely through innumerable checkpoints to Owerri where we obtained further support from then Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo, GOC of the Third Marine Commandos Division, after he confirmed from Asika by SITRAP that he had sent me to bring the group to Enugu. We arrived in Enugu in the late evening and went straight to Government House. I will never forget the first re-union of the two old friends. We did not need to be told that these were men who had a deep respect for each other and enjoyed a friendship that would be revived after a brutal divide. Uche’s famous belly laugh rang out probably for the first time in days as it became clear that the expected trauma of detention and interrogation would not
be his lot at least for the immediate future. Together we enjoyed a leisurely chat over a few beers in a manner that was to become a habit for us in the future. Uche’s sincere expression of appreciation for my reports which he had read in foreign media endeared him to me. He liked them, he said, because I tried to be fair. The next thing he did was ask how he could contact his friend, Sam Amuka. The AFRISCOPE chapter I can only speculate on whether the link between Uche and MD was also initiated by Asika. I do know that when I eventually moved to Lagos and gave up my government job voluntarily and sought permission to stay in Nigeria for a while, MD told me that I could stay as long as I wanted and that whenever I chose to leave, I simply had to inform him. He also told me that if I wished to become a citizen, it would be made easy for me as a reward for my work on the Federal side during the civil war. Shortly after that I met Uche in M.D‘s house and he asked me if I would be interested in contributing regularly to a new magazine that he was establishing. This was AFRISCOPE, which was to be regarded for years to come as the best and most innovative political journal in West Africa. I became a pioneer Associate Editor of this remarkable journal and, through my association with it, I got to know Uche very well. He had an incredible passion for the principles of selfdetermination and liberation that had been articulated by the founding fathers of African decolonisation. He also believed profoundly that pan-African unity was an irreversible prerequisite for the development of human capacity for all the nations of the continent. At the same time, he was a rigorous and ever questioning advocate of clean government and strategic planning in all matters, whether economic, sociological, political or historic, that concerned the peoples of Africa. In this wise, the strident anti-apartheid stance of the paper reflected Nigeria’s increasingly radical viewpoint on some issues and this in turn was a strong reflection of M.D. Yusufu’s quiet, but relentlessly rising, influence. I did not take up the offer of official assistance and freedom of choice immediately however. Instead, I decided to take a break in Europe to replenish my old contacts and review my new awareness of African realities. I was away for two years. In this period, I strengthened and regularised my correspondent reporting for West Africa magazine, but also kept
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SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, 37
Sunday Tribute •Continued from Page 36 up my monthly contributions to AFRISCOPE. When I returned to Nigeria in 1973, I came back to face a personal crisis in which I found my marriage in tatters. This is not the appropriate place to describe the personal despair that confronted me but it is sufficient for me to say that when M.D. was informed of my problems through a call from London (to which I had returned after being blocked from re-entering Nigeria at the airport), he immediately put the entire apparatus of state security on alert and had me returned to Nigeria in style after I had stayed as a guest of Ambassador Leslie Harriman in the Nigerian Embassy in Paris for two days. On my arrival back in Lagos, Aminu Abdullahi told me that MD was ready to support any decision that I took on renewing my residency and so when I decided that I wanted to live in Benin City for a time to be near to my two sons who were there with their mother, he immediately facilitated this. However even as I was setting out to Benin City, I remember having an important and serious discussion with MD in his office in which he advised me to keep up my contributions to AFRISCOPE as he knew they were taken very seriously by leading figures around Africa. He also suggested that I study the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and make advocacy of that movement an important aspect of my reportage. At the time, the aforementioned S.G. Ikoku was Chairman of Nigeria’s Anti-Apartheid Committee. Ambassador Leslie Harriman who had been my host at MD’s request in Paris was later to become Nigeria’s U.N. Representative and a long serving Chairman of the U.N. Committees on Apartheid and Liberation in Africa. Friends in high places To a large extent under Uche’s direction, AFRISCOPE became the voice of a critical minority in Nigeria’s polity until the advent of the Murtala Muhammed Government in 1976. From that time, it became clear that Uche really had friends in high places. One of AFRISCOPE’s major contributors Dr. Patrick Wilmot (my fellow-Jamaican expat) who was teaching at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria became an unofficial but highly visible adviser to the government on issues of African liberation. Nigeria’s increased support in both moral and material terms for the liberation of Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, and Namibia became the hallmark of its foreign policy. In that period from 1976 onward until the transition to civil rule in 1979, Uche made AFRISCOPE the advocate of a government of the popular will for all of Africa. Those of us who worked closely with him then believed we were on a crusade. His style of hands-on advocacy and laissez faire editing, which allowed most of his contributors to vent their most deeply held convictions with hardly any restraint, made for exciting reading as well as influential reach. Whenever I travelled in Africa then I was surprised at the respect and deference accorded me in government circles, especially around West Africa where I discovered that the magazine had developed a loyal following among the middle class. At the same time I soon discovered, especially in places like Ghana, Guinea, Mauretania, Senegal, the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Niger Republic, and even as far afield as Somalia and Ethiopia, that M.D. Yusufu was actually well known to key figures in government and just a mention of his name often opened up sources for reports on the issues that interested me for my AFRISCOPE pieces. In trying to build my career with truth and relevance without being blinded by bureaucratic hypocrisy, it was refreshing and stimulating to find that there were officials who were prepared to speak frankly with you in confidence even though they were aware that your political slant was likely to be against the preservation of privilege. M.D’s friends usually respected that as long as you indicated that you would respect their privacy and confidentiality. In that way, the collaboration that existed between Uche and M.D. in a kind of
M.D. Yusufu and Uche Chukwumerije: A surprising partnership a publisher once the political transition collapsed. It is entirely possible that my recollection is not totally accurate but it seemed to me that it was in that period (1983-1985) that AFRISCOPE died and with it my close links with Uche seemed to wither away. In any case, I lost touch with him because I moved away from Lagos after the fall of the Second Republic and was actually concentrating on writing new columns for Daily Times, and then the Vanguard over the next few years. I kept in close touch however with Alhaji M.D. Yusufu, travelling often to Katsina or Kaduna to see him as he had become somewhat of a father figure to me. He never ceased lamenting, the halting of the publication of AFRISCOPE.
•Uche Chukwumerije
•M.D. Yusufu
unspoken conspiracy was exciting for those of us who were able to utilise it professionally as well as in personal terms.
driver ’s seat, MD summoned the commander and asked him why he was stopping the constable from doing his job. He threatened to discipline him there and then and proceeded to open the boot of the car and insist that the trembling constable and his commanding officer search it thoroughly before we proceeded on our way.
Surprisingly tolerant friend MD was a surprisingly tolerant friend who seemed more amused than annoyed by some of the most outlandish actions of some of his friends and I could regale readers with a long catalogue of evidence of this. There was the former Black Panther exiled from the USA in the sixties and declared wanted by the FBI who, after living in Nigeria for nearly three decades, set up home on MD’s doorstep for several weeks before deciding to eventually give himself up and return to the States. There was the former Minister in Lumumba’s Government who regularly drank himself silly and then visited MD in the late hours to hold interminable debates about the state of affairs in Zaire (then) now the Republic of the Congo. There is also the really hilarious incident when MD’s only personal car was an old SAAB that looked like a beetle and we drove together one night in Ikoyi up to a check point at Falomo. A police constable on duty insisted that he should get down and “open ya bottom”. By this time MD had actually become the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police. He smilingly complied with the peremptory order and suddenly an agonised shout came from the dark. “Abi you deh craze…sorry sah”. That was the commander of the checkpoint probably just waking from slumber who recognised both the car (which was well known to most police officers in Lagos) and the gentleman just going to open the boot of the car. But instead of returning to the
That barely a fortnight separated their deaths is sad. The emptiness they have left in my life will never be filled but their memory will remain as the indelible legacy of two surprising partners
Less tolerant Uche’s personal style was much less tolerant. He could be downright cranky and sometimes even dismissive of just about anyone. But there were times too when he could be surprisingly compassionate and generous to those less privileged than himself, and those of us who were intimated of his decision to marry Princess Nwoibo Iweka of Obosi shortly after the war ended saw a softer side of him than we expected. He proved to be a wonderful father and at least for some years a very solicitous spouse. We were able to observe this because for many years he lived upstairs from the offices of AFRISCOPE in Pedro village in Lagos and the division between his family life and his professional business was a very thin one. This might very well be part of the reason for the demise of AFRISCOPE. As the years sped past, Uche became increasingly preoccupied with family issues and especially with nurturing his highly talented children. However the exigencies of editing a controversial political journal, especially after the downfall of the civilian government that he had clearly looked forward to seemed to disturb him. He and S.G. Ikoku were founding members of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) led by Alhaji Aminu Kano. Doomed Second Republic I can reveal here now that the original manifesto and constitution of that party was actually authored by a committee of friends in which I also took part at the instance of none other than MD. This committee was chaired by Ikoku, and the technical director was Uche. The design of the party logo was produced by our late great graphic guru Mr. Jackie Payne (also a Jamaican) who was the production manager of AFRISCOPE. The major issues and clauses contained in the manifesto and constitution were put forward by, among others, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Alhaji Haroun Adamu, and the late Prof. Bala Usman, but the final production of the first pamphlets was done in Lagos and contained substantial changes made by us under Uche’s and S.G’s direction. Throughout the existence of the doomed Second Republic, it became increasingly clear that Uche was becoming more interested in the efficacy of political service and losing patience with publishing. Then he set up a major printing establishment and became more of a businessman than
MD and Abacha In the early 1990’s with the breakdown of law and order in Liberia I found myself drafted once again to help an African nation explain its struggle to avoid disintegration to an international audience. While I was battling the forces of insurgent disorder in Monrovia, I heard that Uche had become Minister of Information in military President Babangida’s Government. We did not meet then but spoke on the phone several times. He was always helpful with advice and support when we needed outreach in the official Nigerian media especially the electronic media. It was only after that period was over for me that I returned to Nigeria with M.D. Yusufu in 1997 to assist in publicising his decision to challenge General Abacha’s purported desire to stay in power as a civilian President. Many interpretations have been given to that campaign but one thing that should not be overlooked is that it was one of the most innovative attempts to challenge a sitting tyranny with the power of argument rather than through violence or the use of tactics of insurgent uprising. Alhaji M.D. tried to forge a national consensus of disenchantment by the use of cleverly worded newspaper ads and distribution of leaflets and posters. I am convinced that his campaign fell foul of regional fatigue as many of those who may have responded positively to his sentiments were simply convinced that northern domination of the leadership of the nation was the major problem of the time and were not prepared to subscribe to his appeal. The eventual outcome of the transition that followed General Abacha’s sudden demise seems to reinforce this assumption as General Obasanjo became the next president on a patently manipulated vote to produce a non-northern candidate. It was also noticeable that while S.G. Ikoku was present in the meetings of supporters of M.D.’s announced aspiration, Uche was conspicuously absent. Surprising partners That Uche eventually was elected a Senator from Abia State and served three memorably unique terms as a representative of his people suggests that my earlier assertion that when he grew tired of publishing he became enamoured with political participation could be right. I cannot say much about his role as senator in relation to his advocacy of people’s power as the source of good governance in his younger years. What I do know is that his contributions to debate and discourse in the Senate indicated that he remained a highly principled individual to the end and that he was never a forgettable or an irrelevant human being. Like his friend MD everything that he did was touched with a desire to serve the interests of many especially the downtrodden and the disenfranchised. That barely a fortnight separated their deaths is sad. The emptiness they have left in my life will never be filled but their memory will remain as the indelible legacy of two surprising partners.
PAGE 38 —
SUNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 3, 2015
BY PA TRICK DELE COLE PATRICK
I
He
met Onyemachi last year.
was easy to talk to but kept to himself. We were on a plane from Abuja to Lagos. Both of us were taciturn – hardly the hail- fellow -well met guy. I was reading a book on underdevelopment which pricked his interest. It turned out; he was a retired civil servant, having spent many years in the Ministry of Economic Development. I kept a running commentary on a thousand matters but I did not tell him my name. He relaxed and with a far away look in his eyes, he began his story. The following is what I remember from the story of that day and subsequent meetings as we sat to chat about early days. We had struck a good friendship which gave him an opportunity to unload some things on his mind. Onyemachi Demola Ibrahim – full name. A black man born and grew up in Nigeria. First son of five siblings was not a very likeable character he grew up with an attitude. Onyemachi’s sister once told him that Samson, his younger brother, beats Titi, his wife. Onyemachi asked his sister that if Samson beat his wife, how was that her business – did their father not beat their mother or did Titi’s father not beat Titi’s mother? Onyemachi was accosted by his wife for coming in late because his wife suspected that he was chasing after other women; Onyemachi’s reply was to ask his wife where she was coming from and what was wrong with her? Did her father not chase other women? Not only that, did her father not have four other wives? if he, Onyemachi, was only married to one, his wife, she should shut up and be happy otherwise he would go out and marry other wives (it probably was an empty boast) – he could hardly make ends meet with one wife and five children. The children were only five because the doctor saw the rapidity of the pregnancies of Onye’s wife; she was wasting away because of the pregnancies – always ill and pregnant. The doctor, on his own without telling Onye, tied her womb to prevent further pregnancies and further debt since Onye could hardly pay the maternity fees of his own children. Violence was never far from the surface in those days anything could cause a conflagration, it could erupt among wives of neighbours and before you knew it there was a tsunami of a fight involving everyone in the yard. Chores A woman could claim that her fire wood had been pilfered and accuse another woman of theft. Or that her neighbour wanted to seduce her husband – any ridiculous charge ended in fisticuffs. (These women were multi tasking before the West understood the word. – a typical woman would probably have a small display of pepper and other ingredients for sale in front of the house, also she might sell cigarettes; at the backyard she would grate or grind vegetables and grain). Chores at home for the
EARLY LIFE
•Dele Cole children included, peeling of cassava tubers; or plantain, soaking of cassava tubers to ferment, soak beans or corn to softer them or grind beans and corn for agidi, (eko) akara or moimoi. Children are constantly sweeping the room, the passage and back yard, front yard, or engage in wood selling or whatever mother could find to sell; doing home work but not regularly. The boys, girls, children wore same clothes – pants, shorts – sometime boys wore their sister clothes – playing pranks – until about age 11 or 12 when changes begin to appear in girls. Baths were outside the yard or in small three sided zinc (corrugated iron sheets) bathrooms 2ftx3ft. Mother and father use the same bathroom as other tenants in the house. When adults used the bathroom, they covered the open door with their wrappers – papa tied wrapper, mama tied wrapper to sleep and when at home. Papa has two trousers, and three shirts he used to work and church. Wor ms orms There was a Rediffusion box (a loud speaker box broadcasting only Nigerian Radio Corporation Programmes) the only communication instrument at the fan light at the back of the house which was always on – usually news and some propaganda about cleanliness, especially how to avoid guinea worm. Children and parents once a month drank some concoction to kill worms in the body. The name was tinapodium and castor oil to kill worm. If you did not, at night, the worms would creep out of your anus – horrible. Fifty or sixty years ago we started taking regular medicine – Antipar to kill tape worm; before antipar the worm medicine got rid of the worms
discarded doors – a stick standing on rocks in the middle of the door served as the net. Any thing flat was the bat and of course to have a ping pong ball was to be king on the land. While standing to wait your turn to play football or table tennis, Onyemachi’s friends provided easy access to jiggers which, like bed bugs, are blood suckers: but jiggers are parasites which live in the human body and, if not removed in time, like lice, would lay eggs in the toes of the foot or the lice would do the same on the head. You know you have jigger when a spot on your toes or sole started itching madly. Onyemachi would run to his mother or someone older who, after washing the feet, examines it. Sometime the jigger has gone deep inside – so it has to be tempted to come near the surface with some sort of oil – usually coconut oil. It would break skin and try to lick the oil: this exposes its presence and it is a small matter to remove it with a pin or needle. Sometimes the jigger follows one another, if so, care must be taken otherwise not all jiggers would be removed. (We have come along way from jigger infested Nigeria and bed bugs to the air conditioned marble floors of today). Many parents never told their children about their childhood (my parents do not talk to their children), so please forget the
Living in such close quarters nearly everyone had lice. Part of the job of children was to remove lice from mum’s and dad’s heads alright but you would see them come out. With Antipar, the worms were granulated and come out as excreta/faeces. There were four medicines available to Onyeamachi and the people of his age; this was the age of the Disperser, what in Europe would be called an apothecary: meaning they mixed the drug themselves; the drugs were mixedalba, castor oil, tinapodium and quinine, each more horrible tasting and smelling than the other. If Onyeamachi fell ill, he was given all four. Living in such close quarters nearly everyone had lice. Part of the job of children was to remove lice from mum’s and dad’s heads. Global suckers Bed bugs were prevalent. Onyemachi parents slept on bamboo chip or pough wooden beds – a favourite habitat for bed bugs- cans of hydrogen peroxide were always pumping away to get out the bed bugs; chasing and killing them – little brown horrible insects with swollen bellies full of human blood which when squashed produced blood and a horrible smell. All Onyemachi mates’ had jigger. No one wore shoes to school: Hardly any tarmac, the roads were sand or laterite; the welcome home of jiggers and thousands of other horrible insects. Onyemach’s friends made their own table tennis tables from old
poster adds of a young boy with a big house and swimming pool at the background speaking with his grand father about investment in Fidelity Bank). Lifestyle As I travel all around Nigeria today – to parts of the West, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Onitsha, Makudi, Kebbi, Lokoja, Jos – I recognize areas where Onyemachi life style has not changed in 80years. I do not know whether they have jigger and bed bugs now. I am sure they have similar pestilence and a life style vey much like Onyemachi’s when he was growing up. (And all this so called oil rich country). Onyemachi had + 5 siblings: 3boys and 2 girls. They all lived in a one room “face me I face you” house in Asata Enugu, next to the African quarters where educated Nigerians lived. When small they lived on breast milk and akamu poured into the throat of the child or children who could not feed themselves; if you looked at it, it seemed like forced feeding; soon every child was able to eat. The child is lying sideways on its mother’s lap, usually howling. The akamu – a corn based watery porridge is poured into the cupped hand of the mother who pours it down the throat of the screaming baby. The mother also manages somehow to
hold the nose of the baby further forcing the baby’s mouth open. Akamu is then poured into the mouth. Soon the baby is full; it burps, and is tied securely at the back of the mother. Baby fall asleeps and mother attends to other chores. They all lived in one room divided with a wrapper on a string which had bed of father and mother on one side, the rest of the room has 2 benches and maybe a chair. Father was the terror of the house, a taciturn authority figure Father clips his wife constantly – every day. The children did not receive any better from the father. Cooking was at the back of the house - enough occasions for brewing trouble which were constantly excuses for fights – fighting was regarded as an essential part of growing up – Onyemachi better not allow his father to hear that he was beater in a fight: if he did, Onyemachi received another beating from his father. Fights In the evening, the older men were to be found playing draught, usually at a barber’s shop, sometime at the tailor’s. If at the tailor’s – more fights were guaranteed since the tailor would leave work while playing draught- resulting in delays to customers. During the draught games- the language was robust and insults were frequently and freely handed around e.g about the stupidity of the opponent, his blindness, his lack of brain power which had resulted in his defeat. There was also little farm at the back or nearby for growing cassava, vegetables, etc. organized by mama. Children sold banana, mango, guavas (etc picked from houses of the Africans in the Government Quarters). The walls dividing the rooms sometimes have a fan light where there was one bulb for two rooms. People generally mainly spelt outside except during the raining season when everybody slept indoors in hot humid conditions. There was no electricity outage. The post office delivered letters regularly and often served as the local bank. Onyemachi had little or no relationship with his father. The mother was the matriarch of the home each day performing, for want of a better word, the miracle of feeding the family. Most times she also found the money for paying the school fees of the children especially when the father was broke or in between jobs. Sex education Onyemachi never had any sex education; nor indeed did any of his siblings. He and his brother were circumcised, a common practice. So were his sisters, a practice that continued until recently but in the West. It has attained some notoriety by being described as “female genital mutilation”. In early life, it had no such abusive connotation. Withth, no sex education and at 14 -16 hormones were running wild. Most boys had wet dreams but could not report to anybody. Without knowing why or what to do, confusion was their constant companion. There was some vague idea from what they may have heard from older people. Most young boys
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015 , PAGE 39
Buhari’s week of controversy His first salvo last week stirred the hornet’s nest. Palpable fear gripped many people. But that is for anyone who has baggages. From Sunday to Thursday, last week had interesting events that played out from the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari. By Levinus Nwabughiogu
H
E is like a gadfly, provoking thoughts. And last week, he fired the first salvo, causing palpitations across the land. Whether it was circumstantial, deliberate or premeditated, the point was that he had spoken, thereby putting into perspective the shape of things to come. Sunday-A day of provocation For anyone who still doubts whether change is imminent in the land, playing back of the tape of the meeting between the president-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari, and the Adamawa State chapter of all Progressives Congress, APC, would be necessary. Buhari was unequivocal on his agenda in correcting the social ills engraved on the Nigerian soil over the years. During the congratulatory meeting on Sunday, he openly showed his resentment on the suspicious deals at the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation, NNPC. Boldly, Buhari disclosed that he would look into the activities of the corporation. To start with, Buhari accused the Federal Government of hurriedly sacking a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, when he raised the alarm over the $20 billion allegedly missing from NNPC’s coffers. To him, what a responsive and responsible government should have done was to launch a large scale investigation, but that did not happen. Buhari did not stop there. He confessed that the military had failed Nigerians in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency. But to him, the Nigerian Army he worked with and also led at a time, with all its unassailable feats in subsaharan African and the world at large can not be held down by “mere” insurgents in the North- east for years, counting. Something must be wrong, he felt. The seizure of some 14 local government areas by the bandits was very embarrassing to him.
According to him, the issue of Boko Haram was not religious oriented but pure terrorism against the nation and the people. Monday—FG, PDP rattled/ the AIT ban By his utterances, Buhari shocked the Federal Government and the outgoing ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP replied Buhari on the NNPC issue, saying they were ready for any kind of probe. But the development did not generate as much controversy as the ban the president-elect unleashed on an “enemy” media organisation, the African Independent Television, AIT. While, journalists gathered at the Defence House to cover Buhari’s official events, news filtered in that AIT correspondent, Tenasopi Bebei, had been asked not to come up for president-elect’s assignments until further notice. Security concerns of Buhari’s family and the issues of professional ethics and standards were submitted as reasons for the ban. But many who kept tab on AIT’s programmes during the electioneering campaigns were quick to dismiss the first reason. To them, however,the second sounded more plausible judging from the allegation that hate campaigns and documentaries against Buahri were always on the station then. But the matter, one would say, died down when on Wednesday Buhari acted fast, seriously warning his aides, including the security team, to steer clear of media matters. Such, he said, should be solely left in the hands of his media aides whom he said knew how best to deal with. He added that he was not consulted before the directive was issued to the correspondent. Wednesday—Buhari inaugurates transition committee. Wednesday provided the president-elect an opportunity to inaugurate his transition technical committee. Headed by a retired federal Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, the committee was to interface with the
Federal Government to ensure a smooth handover of power on May 29. Dr. Doyin Salami is the ViceChairman while Adamu Adamu is Secretary. National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, and the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also made the list. Similarly, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Ameachi, a former governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, David Tam West, are also on the committee. Other members of the committee are Mr. Boss Mustapha, Mallam Muhammad Hayatuddin, Alhaji Abubakar Malami (SAN), Brig. Gen. Lawal Jafaru Isa, Sen. Hadi Sirik, Sen. Audu Ogbeh, Barrister Dalong, Mrs Bola Adesola, Mr Wale Edun, Mrs Nike Aboderin and Mr Festus Odimegwu. A statement from Lai Mohammed said that terms of reference of the committee was “to develop a clear framework for liaison with the out-going Administration for purposes of a smooth handover/take-over and to receive hand-over documents from Ministries, Departments and Agencies and itemise the most important or most urgent issues confronting the incoming government “It said the committee is also saddled with reviewing and making preliminary assessment of the balance sheet of government with particular emphasis on the status of assets and liabilities of government; cash flow position of the government; quantum of public domestic and external debt of government and their deployment; government’s out-standing contractual obligations and its ability to meet such obligations and the status of implementation of capital projects. “The committee is also expected to undertake a preliminary assessment of the security challenges facing the country and the counterinsurgency measures taken by the government thus far; the counter policy measures being implemented in the Niger Delta to deal with unrest and major economic crimes in the area. In particular, the status of the Amnesty Programme,
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari the readiness of the Police and other national security and intelligence agencies in addressing threats to law and order and provide a brief overview of CBN, NNPC, NCC, Customs and FIRS. “Other terms of reference of the committee include to suggest “quick fixes” which will result in tangible, visible and practical measures so that CHANGE will be seen after 30 days, after 100 days, after 6 months of the Administration taking office, and to make any other observations which in view of the Committee would be helpful to the transition and take-off of the new Administration. The committee has two weeks to conclude its
During the congratulatory meeting on Sunday, he openly showed his resentment on the suspicious deals at the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation, NNPC. Boldly, Buhari disclosed that he would look into the activities of the corporation
work.” Buhari at the inauguration told Nigerians that the facts in the activities of the outgoing government must be ascertained before progress could be made. But he also warned against any kind of witch-hunt. Thursday—Yet another probe disclosure Like Sunday, Buhari also sounded tough on Thursday. This time, his anger was directed to security personnel across all military and paramilitary organisations who had a hand in the illicit activities of either snatching ballot boxes or preventing the use of the card reader during the general elections. To this end, he said he would prosecute them, stressing that such crimes must not go unpunished. Essentially, that was the fallout of his meeting with the South-east caucus of the APC who was also at the Defence House to congratulate him on his electoral victory and to make a case for the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and the Speaker/Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives for their zone. To tell his seriousness, Buhari revealed that he had asked the governors of Imo, Edo and Rivers, where the incidences were largely reported, to document all the “atrocities” of the security personnel. Bottom line Indeed, Buhari provoked many thoughts with his statements last week. While some people saw him as being controversial, many however felt that the developments showcased him as a leader who has his eyes on his agenda; in other words, he has a genuine mission of salvaging the country, especially the oil industry. Will this be the case? The answer will become clearer from May 29 when he assumes the mantle of leadership from President Goodluck Jonathan.
PAGE 40—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
The booby traps before Buhari —Olisa Agbakoba •‘The problem with lack
of constitutional order, lawmakers’ jumbo pay’
A
head of the inauguration of the presidentelect, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and human rights activist, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, looks at issues in the polity which, according to him, border on national order, constitutional reform, devolution of powers, anticorruption, diversification of the economy, driving new public revenue, maritime, space and aviation. Agbakoba, however, says the litmus test for the presidentelect concerns the political will to deal with salaries paid to federal lawmakers as well as the huge budgetary allocation to the Presidential Villa. Excerpts: The elections have been lost and won, and the transition into a new government is only weeks ahead. What’s your critical assessment of the Nigerian state towards a New Deal which you spoke about in your recent letter to the president-elect, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari? One thing we must understand is that Nigeria’s problem is not its economic resources or its finances, but its lack of peace. This lack of peace has a history in the shape of three political constitutions we have operated. The colonial constitution, which was not in the interest of Nigeria; the civil constitution, which lasted between 1960 and 1966 and didn’t serve the interest of Nigerians; and
the military constitutions designed to empower the various heads of state but didn’t have the interest of Nigerians at heart. The makers of the constitutions were ruling for the sake of themselves and their constituencies. Therefore, there wasn’t any peace and that was why the prodemocracy movement rose to challenge and confronted them. Then, we had the Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan’s attempts to find peace in Nigeria. The National Conferences we have had were about peace and stability in Nigeria. That is why the biggest power the President enjoys is the power given by Section 5 to order the state of things in Nigeria, for the peace, order and good governance of the country. But, unfortunately, the National Conference process starting from Obasanjo, who had a third term agenda, was not genuine and the Jonathan process, which I was a party to, is incomplete. As I speak, we don’t have political compass for Nigeria. So, we are a mass of people with various cleavages and fault lines - religious, ethnic, linguistic - roaming in the
He has a historic moment to deal with lack of constitutional order. This is the major issue that Buhari must resolve. Once you are building a house and your architect gives you a design, building becomes easier
vast territorial space called Nigeria, which Chief Obafemi Awolowo referred to as a geographical expression. We have not condescended Nigeria into a national spirit which we can say for the love of country. Unless, this is tackled, we are heading nowhere yet. This is why I have written the presidentelect to be aware of the booby-traps. He has a historic moment to deal with lack of constitutional order. This is the major issue that Buhari must resolve. Once you are building a house and your architect gives you a design, building becomes easier. At the moment, Nigeria lacks the constitutional architecture that can drive the release of economic energy. If we don’t do this, we can’t go anywhere. Corruption, second most important issue The second most important issue Buhari must pay attention to is corruption. All governments of Nigeria have paid lip-service to the issue of corruption. Buhari has now presented himself as a person and he has gotten a groundswell of support from Nigerians across the divides to tackle corruption. So, he has to be held to account for
all the political promises he made. He should deal with the unconstitutional salaries of the National Assembly members. The Revenue Fiscal Mobilization and Allocation Commission (RFMAC) sets salaries, but the National Assembly refused to follow it. The money Nigerian lawmakers get constitutes about 25 percent of our national budget. Why won’t Nigerians want to go to the National Assembly if, as a member of the House of Representatives, I can get about N600 million, on the average, in a year? The lawmakers in the Senate get as much as N1 billion per annum; that’s why they kill themselves to go there. So, the lawmaker’s interest is not to go and make or pass laws, but because of the money that is there. That is also why they perform below average. I see this development as a corrupt practice and that is another most important thing Buhari must confront. The National Assembly must be brought to book. They must be made to conform with the constitution.
Continues on page 41
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015 , PAGE 41
‘The problem with lack of constitutional order, lawmakers’ jumbo pay’ Continued from page 40 It’s a big shame that the lawmakers are the ones that break the constitution and pay themselves the stupendous salaries they take home. I put this as a litmus test to Buhari. If he is able to tackle this issue of bringing the National Assembly within the lawful pay structure of Nigeria, I will clap for him. Then, of course, the profligate lifestyle of the average Nigerian politician has to go. Ten aircraft in the presidential fleet, when we have no national carrier? The government has a security vote as high as N2 trillion, which is almost half of our entire national budget. So, we see that this situation has contributed to the need for politicians to fight-to-the-finish for political powers. If as a governor I have N2 billion every month and don’t account to anybody, you can imagine how people will line up to die for that job, not for the love of the country, but for the love of the pocket. So, this is the task for the president-elect. It’s not rocket science. It’s is very easy to achieve this in this country. Again. the Presidential Villa alone spends about N50 billion. Why must everybody who go there be entitled to a meal? All these have to stop. It’s unfortunate that we are practising a culture that doesn’t promote accountability. These are the important things Buhari must do differently, otherwise, it will be the same old story. I think we are tired of election promises, because this time, we have a new President who has come to office on the major campaign slogan of incorruptibility and public accountability. So, it’s our duty as citizens to speak out and for the media to hold him to account. In the first 30 days, we want to see results. Toeing Roosevelt’s line Nigeria reminds me of the great depression in the US,
when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the President. The country had collapsed and people were despondent. Nigeria has that same parallel. So, what Roosevelt did is what I hope Buhari will do. He should have a massive plan of action which he executes. Having being elected President, he must have come with a clear idea of who and who will assist him develop the plan. I have raised some issues which I feel are relevant for Buhari to address in the letter I wrote him. But if he doesn’t tackle the issue of national order and anti-corruption framework, the other issues such as the economic matters, financial services sector, aviation/space, legal/ justice sector and housing/ mortgage will fail. Why Nigeria is bleeding For instance, in the financial services sector, it is inconceivable that a person in the UK will not be entitled to a mortgage after employment. Most employees in Nigeria don’t have houses they own. They are tenants, but they have jobs. In the UK, you will be owners of the houses, because the same ability to pay rent applies to the mortgage. So, they leave out the rent and use the mortgage. A lot of what they do abroad is not rocket science, but because they have the legal framework and they have policies that promote the public good, that’s why things are working for them. Now, a bank in Nigeria is not going to give any loan, but they will give the loan to about three to five big men who will trade and give them returns. I challenge a single Nigerian bank to say they are banks in the right sense of the word. They are all money lenders. The duty of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the financial regulatory authority is to prevent banks from exploiting the system to their own advantage. It has happened in the UK. Their own CBN even punished the Barclays Bank when they
you can see how we are suffering. Look at South Africa that is giving us problems today owns MTN. But MTN makes much money in Nigeria than Dangote Group of Companies and all the banks put together. Yet, they have nothing here. How can any serious policy planner allow such a leak, where people are allowed to come into the country, make money and take it away. With this, Nigeria will continue to bleed. So, financial planning requires Gen. Buhari to shed the roots and trees. He has to put Nigeria first. I had expected the Nigerian government to summon the South African ambassador and warn him that their businesses here will suffer if they continue to kill Nigerians in their country. Nigeria is a great country and I had only wished that the incoming President will fulfil his campaign promises.
Agbakoba...We need the right institutional framework to fight corruption
But if he doesn’t tackle the issue of national order and anticorruption framework, the other issues such as the economic matters, financial services sector, aviation/space, legal/justice sector and housing/ mortgage will fail
cooked their books. Over there, you find out that the regulators are always pushing the banks to the direction of public interest. So, I think Buhari should strongly work on the financial services sector because it’s the oxygen, real blood of the nation’s economy. So, the banking system supplies oxygen to the economy. Anybody who is not concerned about whether the citizens are getting oxygen is not fit to be President. You must be alert to what the banks are doing. The banks are supposed to lend to consumers. If the money is readily available, the people can borrow to meet their needs. This is called consumers banking. But in Nigeria we are operating traders banking, that’s why Nigeria is bleeding. No national carrier, but countless foreign airlines On aviation, I don’t understand why we shouldn’t have a national carrier, but we have foreign airlines dominating our airspace. If you are a true business man, money comes when you have several sources of generating it. I don’t know whether the Nigerian policies makers understand that money can’t only come from oil. Money will come from oil, agriculture, commodities and aviation put together. Nigeria’s entire cash package is too small. It’s only N4 trillion. But in just one sector, the aviation sector, foreign airlines take away a quarter of our budgets. So,
There is no doubt that Nigeria is already witnessing cash-crunch, thus a major challenge for the incoming government. In the light of this enormous challenge, don’t you think the new administration should go after past leaders who have allegedly stolen from the country to recover money that will be used to run the country? It’s going to be a difficult and a complex issue. One, you don’t want to give the impression of a witch-hunt, but at the same time you don’t want to let go of stolen monies. If I were President Buhari, I will adopt the blindfold of the Justice. If you erect the right institutional framework to fight corruption, it will catch the mice. It will be absolutely credible. But when you make it subjective, saying the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is a catch-cow, let’s go there, it won’t work. Create the structure and let it do its work. Whatever the structure turns-up, don’t interfere. Your job is to create strong police force. Unless Buhari promulgates a process to put in place a new constitution, it will be the same old story. I am looking forward to a situation where if the President errs, he gets a letter from the AttorneyGeneral, who writes him to say Mr. President you have erred. That’s the kind of anti-corruption process I want to see Buhari unfolds. Once you have done that the job is done. So, nobody will accuse him of any personal agenda or witch-hunting.
PAGE 42—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
Why I want to be Lagos House Speaker, by Hon. Funmi Tejuosho BY WALE AKINOLA
H
on. Funmilayo Tejuosho combines beauty with brain. Born into the family of the late Dr. Smith of Lagos, she is married into the famous Tejuosho royal family of Abeokuta, Ogun State. A fourth term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Tejuosho, in this interview, explains why she is the best candidate for the speakership of the parliament. Why exactly do you want to be Speaker of the Lagos House? I want to serve, not only my constituents but also Lagos people. I believe I am experienced. I have the qualification to lead the House. My colleagues have approached me to hold that position and I am very sure that with the various things I have done since 2003 in the House, they (colleagues) are very confident that I will be able to lead them. I am sure that, by the grace of God, I will be able to carry them along as a team player and, together, we will be able to move the House to the next level. In Lagos, we talk about continuity, but continuity has to do with improvement, making sure that you are not static in a particular position; improving our state, continuing the oversight and being effective. Our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, will tell you power is not served a la carte, you have to work hard to get what is due to you. That is why I am not saying, as a woman, the speakership should not just fall on my laps. I am saying that, as a woman, I should work hard to achieve it, and get what I believe it is that I can do. I am a lawyer by profession. It wasn’t something that was given to me. I had to work hard to become a lawyer. I believe that with my background, the experience that I have already in the House, I will be able to hold that position of speakership, with integrity, with honour and carrying my colleagues along. There are five or six of you in the race at the moment, and I think you are the only woman. What is your cutting edge? People always say what a man can do, a woman can do better. But I always say that what a woman cannot do, cannot be done. I feel that in terms of experience, I have gained a lot of that over the years. I was the Deputy Chief Whip in 2003 when I first came into the House. After that I became Deputy Speaker. Those are two principal offices as compared to my fellow lawmakers also aspiring to become the Speaker. As Deputy Speaker, I served as Speaker several times when Mr. Speaker was not available. Even when I was Deputy Whip, I served as Speaker when Mr. Speaker and the deputy were not around. I have handled my work with diligence. I continue to strive for perfection even though, as human beings, we cannot be perfect. Apart from that, my colleagues who understand how much effort I put into everything about my work in the House have come together to support me. Like you said, you have been consulting. What has been the response? The response has been impressive. Even when I don’t initiate meetings, some of my colleagues in the House do, that we should talk to the fresh people, and so on and so forth. You can see the zeal in my colleagues that I should lead them. I have also spoken to several notable people in the society and the response has been very encouraging.
What about the party leadership? Are you also reaching out to them? I have reached out to them and the response is very good. Being a woman who has been very loyal to the party, being somebody who has been steadfast and always of help to make sure that Lagos continues to be on the world map as a centre of excellence, I have been sufficiently encouraged by the party leadership to become the Speaker of the Lagos House. Zoning is a factor in government offices allocation. The Deputy Governor is from Lagos West, your senatorial district. Can the district have the numbers two and three offices with you as Speaker? We must appreciate that we have West, Central and East Districts. But Lagos West District is very large. The district is divided into two divisions – Badagry and Ikeja. The deputy governor-elect is from Badagry Division. I am from Ikeja Division. That is working in my favour. The senatorial district is very large, and, being that large, that is the only district that is divided into two in Lagos. Being from Ikeja Division, I am entitled to ask for the position of Speaker. However, there is no fast rule to the speakership being zoned to a particular area. We are talking about the competence of the office holder, we are talking about experience, somebody who can provide effective leadership. If some people are favoured in terms of where they are coming from, the rule of the House says as a first timer, you can’t be Speaker. We need somebody who is competent and experienced to lead the House to the next level. And I have these qualities. You are in the House for the fourth term consecutively. You must have struck the right chord with your constituents. What is the secret? I want to thank God that they (constituents) appreciate what I am doing. It is one thing to work hard, it is another for your constituents to appreciate it. I believe I have been able to bring dividends of democracy to my constituency. We see development in OdiOlowo/Ojuwoye Local Government, that is Mushin Constituency1, and we see how Lagos State government has been able to do a lot of roads, put street lights, ensure water is running in the taps in the constituency. I have been able to provide transformers for several streets in the constituency. I arrange GCE and JAMB forms free to students wanting to write the exams. I pay for their coaching and most of them do well in the exams. I buy school bags for young children. My constituents appreciate it because I was doing it even before I became a legislator in 2003. As a legal practitioner, I give them my services free. I help them to get employment not only in the public service, but also in the private sector. We have a lot of graduates in my constituency and we know how difficult it is to secure jobs. All these have helped to endear me to my constituents who believe I should continue to represent them. The name Tejuosho rings a bell. Many Lagosians are itching to know this woman who wants to be their Speaker?
I started off in politics as Mrs. Tejuosho, but my father, Chief (Dr.) Smith, of blessed memory, was from Lagos. I am married to the Tejuosho William family, a royal family in Ogun State. The royal family has achieved so much. I also want to do more. I have four children. Everything you do, you think about your family, you think about where you are coming from. In fact, my father told me to always remember the child of whom I am. That has actually kept me happily married for very many years. Some of my in-laws are also in politics. I have a brother-in-law who is a senatorelect in Ogun State. Obviously, I am portraying the family name in good light. I thank God that I have been able to serve the people of my constituency; I thank God that I am married into a family that is well known. But there is a lot of pressure on you to always do the right thing, but with the right upbringing, it is not difficult for you to do it. You are aspiring to break the jinx that has seen men being the Speaker of the Lagos House. What do you think the state stands to gain by
I feel that in terms of experience, I have gained a lot of that over the years. I was the Deputy Chief Whip in 2003 when I first came into the House. After that I became Deputy Speaker. Those are two principal offices as compared to my fellow lawmakers also aspiring to become the Speaker
having a female Speaker? We have so much to gain. Any position of authority you put a woman, she tries to put in extra effort to ensure she does not disappoint. She knows that all eyes are on her. First of all, the home has to be intact. The children must be educated. You must set good examples ,from the home front. From the example of being able to manage the home front, a woman can manage the public office. People say when you train a woman, you train a nation because everything we do, there is a ripple effect on the people around us. Giving the office of Lagos House Speaker to a woman will open the doors for other women to excel. If you look at other states, they try to emulate Lagos. But many other states have had women Speaker – Ogun, Oyo, Ondo. For us to be able to highlight the efforts of women, Lagos is where we can actually show what we can do as women if positions of authority are given to us. Definitely, we will make laws that will impact the home, impact the society. We have a lot of challenges of young girls growing up in Nigeria today, and when they see a woman in a position of authority, you become some role model. This encourages young girls to aspire. And their focus begins to shift from things that don’t have meaning in their lives. We should focus on things that will make our female children to excel. We still don’t have a woman governor. We were thinking of getting one from Taraba. Something like that encourages us, it gives us hope as women that ‘if that woman can do it, I too can’. We need that balance in the society; we call it gender equality. But we should not only talk about it, we should do it. I am sure you have a blueprint for the job you are aspiring to get. Can you let us into it? This is a blueprint of a House of 40, a blueprint that will not discriminate on the basis of governing party – opposition. We cannot be like the PDP – led government where Lagos State was victimised because we were in the opposition. Every local
Continues on page 43
SUND AY SUNDA
Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 43
public offices, if not better qualified, than men. Lagos is ripe for a woman to be Speaker.
Why I want to be Lagos House Speaker, by Hon. Funmi Tejuosho Continued from Page 42 where Lagos State was victimised because we were in the opposition. Every local government is important, and where you have a local government that is not getting attention, you have people migrating to the one that gets attention. That is not pleasant. We must thank Asiwaju Tinubu because when the local government allocation was withheld by the federal authorities, we were able to look inward to generate revenue internally. In the House, we have to work as a unit so that we can move the state forward. We must continue to make laws not only for women and children, but also for the whole society. We must recognise those in the minority, the less privileged, the physically challenged, women, children. We need that balance in education, health, commerce and industry so that we can provide for all these people. We need an insurance scheme. At the moment, there is a bill before the House on medical insurance. This, among others, is crucial to the survival of a nation. Medical treatment must be available for all and sundry, not just for children under five and over 60. We must have a social security system in place to cater for the people. We thank God we have the Office of the Public Defender where people can go for free legal services, but we need to have a system where can save people money that they can use for other things. We appreciate the fact that the incoming government wants to provide free meals for school children. This is important because if a child is hungry, what he is being taught will not be understood. All these things, as lawmakers, we need to put the machinery in place for the executive to act on. We must look at our laws. The criminal justice system of Lagos State is very good compared to other states,
but we are still looking into it to make sure it is even better. We know about rape. We have the Child’s Right Law. We have child marriage and so on and so forth. Despite the Child’s Right Law, we still have female genital mutilation. This is something we should include in the law. I have spoken to our Muslim sisters who told me FGM is not in the Quran. The society should accommodate the needs of the less privileged. Our laws should look at the issues and balance them. This does not mean we cannot accommodate some of our traditions that are not harmful. Many people misconstrue the role of the lawmaker to include the provision of infrastructure like the executive. What is your experience like? The reason the society is still learning the role of the lawmaker is because of military rule. Each time the military seized power in the past, they suspended the legislature. People didn’t really know the role of the parliament, but now there is stability. Now, democracy is here to stay. We need to let the people know the difference between the different arms of government. Even while we were campaigning, we tried to enlighten the people on the roles of the different arms of government; that the lawmaker is not the one to make roads, provide water, etc. We had town hall meetings which we should do more of. A lawmaker’s role is to make laws, ensure the budget is passed and do oversight of the MDAs. However, a lawmaker must be able to lobby the executive to do those things his constituents are asking for. The resources are limited, but the lawmaker must make case for his constituents so that they can get their dues in the various sectors – health, transport, education, commerce and industry, etc. You have been around for 12 years now in the House. Can we talk about your memorable bills? I have co-sponsored a lot of bills, but I have a private member bill. Private member bills are very rare. In
2003, I sponsored and made sure that the Domestic Violence Bill was passed. I think in that year I was the only member that brought a private member’s bill to the House. Since then we have not had many because private member bills are a bit more difficult to pass. Executive bills are easier. In coming up with a private member bill, you need a lot of research, you have to work with NGOs, make sure the bill can stand the test of time. So, I have the Domestic Violence Law to my credit. Right now, I am working on the Gender and Equality Law to make sure we have equality for all. I have co-sponsored a lot of laws. Child’s Right Law, we worked on it with Senator (Mrs) Tinubu when she was the First Lady. When the Domestic Violence Law was passed into law, the government of Babatunde Raji Fashola put the machinery in place to implement it. I wish to commend Asiwaju Tinubu because it was during his tenure that we put the law in place. He supported the law. We got a lot of people from Amnesty International to write on the issue. When we talk about gender equality, we need more women to come on board. And we must appreciate the fact that if the home front is at peace, every other thing is at peace. A man cannot function if his home is in disarray. We have the Public Procurement Law, the LIRS Law, bills on education, the criminal law which we made sure that all those things that should not be there were removed. For instance, you cannot say the penalty for rape is six months imprisonment and expect the punishment is commensurate with the crime. Do you think Lagos is ready for a woman Speaker especially when the position of Deputy Governor appears to have been ceded to women? Lagos is definitely ready for a woman Speaker. I have support not just from my colleagues in the House, but also notable people in the society who have called me on phone to encourage me to go ahead. It is not like in the past when women had no education, where when there was no money, only the male children were sent to school. Woman are just as qualified for
Women appear to be going beyond the 30 percent appointments the Beijing Declaration provides for them. They even want to take everything? I think it is a good development. The people say the hands that rock the cradle rule the world. We trained those men that become future leaders. If you look at those men that lead, they have mother figures in their homes, to balance the toughness in them. You cannot rule a nation and not have sentiments or compassion for people. If a woman can train a man and he becomes the president, why can’t the woman herself become the President, Governor, or Speaker? So not only are women ready, we are capable to lead in all ramifications. You have been around for 12 years. The House is a place of intrigues, high wire politics. Can you share your experience? I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly, and I believe that if I still have my held up high, I have been able to manage everything that is happening in the House and remain standing. I feel that we are 40 members with different upbringing, different backgrounds, different religious, but we have to work together as a unit. We should dwell on the strength of each, and use the stranght to balance the weakness. I have been Deputy Chief Whip; Deputy Speaker; Chairman, Women Affairs Committee; Chairman, Finance Committee. I have seen that the strength of my colleagues is powerful while some are very weak. I too have my weaknesses and strengths. But I have learnt to use my strengths to encourage my colleagues who are weak. That has made us close to one another to the extent that some tell me some of their inner-most secrets. My colleagues support my speakership bid because they see me as a person of integrity, a person they can trust. General Buhari has tried to become president for four times. His strength is integrity. Now that people want change, integrity, people voted for him. We have come to the stage in Nigeria where the people value integrity.
The battle for Lagos speakership BY DAPO AKINREFON
L
agos State House of Assembly is unarguably one of the the best state legislative houses in the country. The race for the Speaker of the assembly is hotting up. Before the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections, the current Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, being the longest serving member in the history of the House, was considered to succeed Adeyemi Ikuforiji but the outcome of the election has changed the game following his defeat at the polls. This has paved •Lanre Ogunyemi the way for some returning lawmakers to throw their hats into the ring. The zoning of political offices is not alien to the Nigerian polity. In Lagos, especially within the ruling party, zoning is a factor to ensure stability among the three senatorial districts. Based on the existing zoning arrangement, the governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode, hails from Lagos East while his deputy, Mrs Idiat Adebule, is from Lagos West senatorial district. It is thus expected that the next Speaker of the •Mudasiru Obasa House may come from Lagos Central, East or West depending on the decision of the APC leadership. With Kolawole Taiwo out of the race, some of the returning lawmakers have begun lobbying the party hierarchy in order to emerge the next speaker of the House. Lawmakers jostling Lanre Ogunyemi Lanre Ogunyemi, from Ojo 2, is returning to the House for the second time. Ogunyemi is from Lagos West. Mudasiru Obasa Mudasiru Obasa from Agege 1, is the current Chairman of the House Committee on Budget
•Rotimi Abiru
and Economic Planning. Obasa is considered one of the most respected lawmakers in the House and commands much respect among his colleagues. He is from Lagos West. Rotimi Abiru Rotimi Abiru, from Somolu 2, is currently the Deputy Chief Whip of the House. Interestingly, Abiru is the only principal officer that got elected during the just concluded polls. Other principal officers lost out either at party primaries or during the elections. Meanwhile, some factors endear him to both his colleagues and party leaders. His mien and attributes are perceived to give him the edge to lead the House. In addition, his experience cannot be overlooked as he is coming in as a third term lawmaker. Another factor analysts posit will hand him the mantle of leadership is his intelligence and articulateness. Also, owing to the fact that he has been in the House since 2007, Abiru has been one of the most active lawmakers. Abiru is also regarded as a good manager of human and material resources. He reads the mood of the House and proffers solutions/suggestions on issues where necessary; that is why he is nicknamed ‘Barometer’ by his colleagues. He is from Lagos East. Moshood Osun Moshood Olanrewaju Osun, from Lagos Mainland 1, will be representing his constituency for a third term, coming from a rich legislative background. Osun is also a respected lawmaker in the House and coming from the Lagos Central may be an advantage if the party considers his zone. Funmilayo Tejuosho
•Funmilayo Tejuosho
•Gbolahan Yisawu
•Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni
Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho represents Mushin Constituency 1. She is from Lagos West. She was the Deputy Speaker in the 6th Assembly. Tejuosho has remained consistently dogged and the most formidable amazon on the floor of the House. She is brilliant, articulate and capped it up with needed legislative experience. Leading the Assembly will not be new to Tejuosho as she had once served as Deputy Speaker in the Assembly where she presided over proceeding in the absence of the Speaker. Gbolahan Yisawu Gbolahan Yisawu, from Eti Osa 1, was said to have started lobbying for the post even before the party primaries and this development has made many of his colleagues to regard him as having inordinate ambition. He is from Lagos Central. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, from Lagos Island 1, was a member of the House between 1999 and 2003. Pundits posit that the absence of 12 years may have shut him out of the current legislative reality, though he is also from Lagos Central.
Page44 —SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
All letters bearing writers' names and full addresses should be typed and forwarded to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, Kirikiri Canal, P. M. B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. Email: sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com
The Igbo: A people in need of justice Dear Sir,
J
ustice for Ethnic Na t i o n a l i t i e s Initiative,JENI, a non -governmental organisation championing the cause of the oppressed, and the marginalized groups in Nigeria through non violent and democratic avenues, is currently embarking on a project tagged- Justice for Ndi Igbo. Ndi Igbo, a people living chiefly in South Eastern have for a long time suffered oppression and persecution within the Nigerian state. The unwillingness of the Nigerian government to address their complaints, to a great extent, was responsible for their quest to secede. This led to the Civil war of 6th July 1967- 15 th January, 1970 in which over two million civilians died from forced famine and starvation. After the war, the Nigerian government led by General Yakubu Gowon rtd said “The tragic chapter of violence is just ended. We are at the dawn of national reconciliation. Once again we have an opportunity to build a new nation.” This led to the announcement of the programme of reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation to repair the extensive damage done to the economy and infrastructure of the eastern region during the years of the war. Unfortunately, some of these efforts never left the drawing board. This much has been acknowledged recently by General Gowon himself while delivering a lecture
entitled No Victor, No Vanquished: Healing the Nigerian Nation to mark the 6th convocation ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, Igbarim in Anambra State. He maintained that an Igbo president will help heal the civil war wounds; That the abandonment of the development plans drafted immediately after the war by successive governments, resulted in the infrastructural decay in the eastern part of the country. The civil war experience has left the Igbo deeply traumatized and reduced to playing second fiddle in national affairs. Each time they raise the issue of injustice, oppression and victimization, they are frontally accused of harboring another secession plans. The messenger and the message are visited with attacks of monumental proportion. This was the experience of the late Professor Chinua Achebe when he launched his book, There was a Country. In the book he pointed out that starvation was a deliberate state policy in prosecuting the war. He was “descended” on like a swarm of bees and core issues raised in the book were swept under the carpet. Hence, JENI in seeking justice for Ndi Igbo has taken cognizance of the negative dispositions towards the Igbo when the injustices visited on them are raised by them. Accordingly, we have reached out to other tribes and nationalities to be the voice of the Igbo and cry out on their
behalf. The project is exclusively driven by non Igbo. If the wind of change blowing across our nation is to do us any good, we must in brotherhood, irrespective of tribe and tongue address the imbalance and injustice in our polity. In seeking justice for Ndi Igbo, JENI is working on two planks,horizontal and vertical planks. Horizontal: This involves meeting with religious, cultural and political heads of communities, youth groups and associations and soliciting their
support in letting Ndi Igbo carry out their lawful and legitimate engagements without molestations. Our recent history is replete with several cases of the Igbo being target and victims of religious fanaticism. Several of them had lost their lives and properties and means of livelihood on account of this. Vertical: Right after the war till date, successive governments have abandoned the three Rs programme enunciated by General Gowon’s administration. We plan to work
with government and her agencies in seeing to the actualization of that plan. We make available this platform for General Gowon and all those who prosecuted the war against Biafra to make contribution towards their total integration into the Nigerian project. Like General Gowon said, an Igbo president will help heal the wounds of the civil war. We in JENI are committed to the actualization of this noble objective. Afterall, if the injustice visited on the Yoruba aris-
ing from the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections could be addressed by the zoning and emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the president of Nigeria, six years after; then the injustice on the Igbo is long overdue to be addressed 45years after the war. What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. That is the minimum for justice. Lawrence Umoren, National Coordinator, Justice for Ethnic Nationalities Initiative, lives in Lagos
Ayiri Emami: Epitome of selflessness Dear Sir,
M
AN, inherently may be selfish, resources indisputably scare,nonetheless, sharing what one has with the needy, morally, is the essence of how to live right. Chief Ayiri Emami is evidently a perfect example of responsible citizenry and corporate personality who practices to the letter the principle of giving back to the society and making it a better place, with proceeds of his dedication, hard work and success. He is a cheerful giver, who meets people’s needs without hesitation. His giving spree trickles to all and sundry, as could be gleaned from several largesse consistently allotted to scholars, entertainers, and sportsmen alike. Chief Ayiri came from a very humble background, through a discipline and religious parents, who nur-
tured him to be honest, hardworking and aim to the sky, a caveat which later found fulfillment when at barely 28 years, the erstwhile Governor of Delta State got him appointed into the then famous Board of Niger Cat Construction Company; improved himself further and subsequently delved into the Oil and Gas sector, where he is today regarded as a key player. Having etched his foot in this priced sector, Bash Oloye (as he is fondly called by friends ) has this time around cashed in on his higher flight altitudes to attain more heights in the hemisphere of corporate, social and political leadership. From Delta, his home state, like other states in Nigeria and abroad, the jovial and energetic business kingpin has an endless retinue of admirers and followers, who came together to celebrate the life of a
man they agreed has impacted on them in very different but positive way. By virtue of his background as a community leader, Chief Ayiri seems naturally programmed to be a socialite. He looks it and plays the part. Anyone who had closely observed him over the years would certainly agree with the view that he is a very resourceful businessman in the similitude of the description of having the Midas touch. In April 2012, this famous son of Itsekiri joined the exalted league of titled chiefs with the appellation; “Uwa-oyibo-yami, alias Akulagba of Warri Kingdom” in recognition of his outstanding and visionary leadership in building critical manpower and human capital. So prominent is he that his annual birthday celebration is done with fanfares and colours, like his 40th, which he just celebrated. At 40, the age that
combines youthful verve with maturity, we know he has even more to give. He has practically manifested Abraham Lincoln’s assertion that: “it is not the years in your life that counts; rather, it’s the life in your years”. His birthday affords lovers of good deeds the privilege of saying well done to this social crusader who has proven that he is a truly patriotic and committed to the emancipation and development of his people. I wish Chief Emami many happy returns on this occasion of his 40th birthday and pray for God’s continued blessings on him as he expends himself in the service of Itsekiri , Delta State and indeed Nigeria. Bash Oloye, Happy Birthday Sir! Michael Tidi, a Principal Investigator in Political Fact-Finding Forum, lives in Warri.
SUND AY SUNDA
Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 45
BOKO HARAM AND THE BATTLE FOR SAMBISA
Echoes of Chibok girls' rescue trails freedom for 687 hostages BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri
T
he founding of Boko Haram in 2009, with base in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, by the late Mohammed Yusuf, was a matter of serious concern not only to the people of the region or the country, but also the world at large. After the killing of Yusuf, his second-incommand, Abubakar Shekau, took over Boko Haram leadership, triggering killing of people in their thousands including security operatives by the sect. With continuous raid of their hideouts in different parts of Borno as well as Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi and Adamawa states, the group had to relocate to Sambisa forest where it established its camps and launched massive attacks, leading to the capturing of communities in the affected areas which it turned into a caliphate. The first town that the terrorists captured was Damboa in southern Borno in July 2015. Thereafter, more communities and villages were seized by the insurgents. But with the collaboration of Chad, Niger and Cameroon, the terrorist group was given a bloody nose with the recapturing of some of the communities it took over. However, the battle to route the group within six weeks as promised by the Federal Government ahead of the 2015 general elections accelerated the battle against Boko Haram. One of such efforts was the one put in place by the Nigerian military to recapture Mubi in Adamawa from the fighters. The troops first moved to Abadam, Lake C M Y K
The conquests are traceable to a number of factors,which hitherto encumbered the operations of the military
Chad Basin of Baga, Borno State, and fought the terrorists, killing and recovering massive weapons. The military also launched raids on Gamboru Ngala, Kala Balge and recaptured them from the terrorists after unleashing serious casualty on the insurgents in early January, 2015. The military has since then recorded victories against Boko Haram, recapturing town after town in the north-eastern part of the country. In the last few weeks, the military stormed the Sambisa forest base of Boko Haram attacking and decimating the terrorists.
Factors
The conquests are traceable to a number of factors,which hitherto encumbered the operations of the military. Apart from partnering with the Chadian, Camerounian and Nigerien troops in confronting the sect, first is that the Nigerian Army and the airforce which, all along, didn’t have the requisite weaponry to fight the type of guerilla warfare that was visited on the country by Boko Haram, have become properly equipped. The Nigerian Airforce (NAF) was reinvigorated with the Federal Government’s procurement of 40 attack aircraft including helicopters with night vision capabilities. Before now, the Boko Haram fighters, aware of the shortcomings of the military, employed anti-aircraft guns with which some NAF aircraft were brought down. The noise level of such aircraft easily gave
them away during attack missions but that has been addressed. Many armoured personnel carriers (APCs) were also demobilized by the Boko Haram anti-aircraft weapons as well as landmines planted on attack routes by the terror group. But with the new acquisitions like the mine-counter APCs such as the Cobras, equipped with night vision, and designed to operate in any terrain, as well as the High Velocity T55 armoured tanks with mine sweeping capabilities, Boko Haram could not have been a match for the Nigerian military. The terror group is yet to understand what is hitting them. On Friday, January 30, 2015, the spokesman for the Defence Headquarters DHQ, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the military had reclaimed Michika in Adamawa, after the “operational searches for arms or stranded terrorists” and other casualties were concluded by troops. On how Baga and Monguno in Borno State were liberated, Olukolade, in the statement, said: “Meanwhile, the Nigerian officers in key command positions of the MultiNational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the North East sub-region are in the process of accounting for their actions leading to the loss of weapons, men and location in their area of responsibility in the mission Continues on page 46
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The battle for Sambisa forest
Continued from page 45 area. “This is a normal military procedure in major operations or after encounters. The essence is to extract and collate relevant information for subsequent missions. It could also lead to or determine appropriate disciplinary action where necessary. “These successes by troops could be attributed to heavy use of sophisticated weapons of mass destruction and sustained commitment and dedication by the troops”. “On February 16, 2015, troops from 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno State, in a coordinated operation and spearheaded by “highly coordinated air assaults”, cleared Boko Haram fighters from Monguno and other communities successfully”, according to the military. “With the clearance of the terrorists, Monguno, Marte and other communities on the shores of Lake Chad have also been reclaimed by the military, as the ongoing cordon and search operations are being determined”, a source said.
Mopping up
On February 18, the military spoke about mopping up operation in some Borno communities where “terrorists incurred heavy casualty”. “Over 300 terrorists were killed while a few were also captured. Several weapons and equipment were also captured and some C M Y K
•The freed hostages...last week destroyed”, a DHQ statement said. “It has been confirmed that that 5 different types of armoured fighting vehicles, an anti-aircraft gun, about 50 cases of packed bombs and 8 different types of Machine Guns, 5 Rocket Propelled Grenade, 49 boxes of various types and calibres of ammunition as well as 300 motorcycles were destroyed in the fighting. A total of 6 Hilux vehicles including those mounted with
anti-aircraft guns were also destroyed. However, 2 soldiers lost their lives while 10 others were wounded in the course of the operation. “The cordon and search operations is continuing along with aggressive patrols by troops who are now dominating the cleared communities such as Monguno, Gabchari, Abba Jabari, Zuntur, Gajigana, Gajiram, Damakar, Kumaliwa, Bosso Wanti, Jeram and
On February 18, the military spoke about mopping up operation in some Borno communities where “terrorists incurred heavy casualty”
Kabrisungul. The various phases of the highly coordinated air and land operations is also ongoing in the designated theaters being handled by contingents involved in the renewed counter terrorism campaign in and outside Nigeria”. On February 19, hundreds of Chadian troops battling Boko Haram to retake Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, according to a military statement, killed 17 fighters and arrested the Amir (commander) of the sect. Dikwa, the headquarters of the old Kanem Bornu Empire, had been taken over by Boko Haram in late 2014, forcing the first class monarch, Alhaji Abba For Masta II, and thousands of his subjects to take refuge in Maiduguri. A source told Sunday Vanguard that the recapture of Dikwa, after Chadian troops cleared Gamboru, Ngala, Kala Balge and several villages off Boko Haram fighters stormed Dikwa, which is less than 100 kilometers northeast of Maiduguri. He added that the raid, preceded by air strikes, inflicted severe casualties on the fighters.
Arrest in Shehu’s palace Continues on page 47
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Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 47
Continued from page 46 The source revealed that during the encounter with the troops, two Chadian soldiers lost their lives, while the Amir (commander) of the sect was arrested at the palace of the Shehu of Dikwa which troops suspected had been turned into the base/headquarters of the terror group. “The terrorists had established themselves in Dikwa after taking over all the prominent buildings including the Shehu’s palace, the local government secretariat as well as the official and private residences of prominent people”, he said. Same day, Olukolade said in a statement: “A concerted air campaign by the Nigerian Air Force is ongoing in furtherance of the mission to clear terrorists from all their enclaves. The air strikes which today targeted the training camps and logistics dumps of the terrorists in Sambisa forests and parts of Gwoza have been highly successful as it achieved the aims with required precision. The death of a large number of terrorists has been recorded while many others are also scampering all over the forest and out of the struck bases. Details of casualty will be determined in subsequent phases of the operation. “The strikes continue in other locations of the theatre heralding the advance of troops and other elements of the mission”. Meanwhile, following the onslaught around Gwoza which shares border with Sambisa forest and Askira Uba Council Area of Borno state, hundreds of suspected members of Boko Haram, who escaped, fled and invaded Askira Uba, burning homes and public buildings, and leaving scores dead. Askira Uba is south and about 220km drive from Maiduguri. It also shares border with Sambisa forest from the north axis. It had witnessed series of terrorist attacks since last year which led to displacement of thousands of residents before some residents took liver and resettled in the troubled town. On April 28, more than one year after the abduction of some girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Nigerian troops stormed the Sambisa forest hideout of Boko Haram and rescued 200 girls and 93 women in a daring operation. Some 276 female students had been kidnapped from the school on April 14, 2014 by Boko Haram. 57 of them however managed to escape while they were being conveyed to the forest. As the military operation in the foreest continued, last week, more hostages were rescued from Sambisa to bring the number to C M Y K
•Hostages...freedom at last
Echoes of Chibok girls’ rescue 687. The DHQ, in a statement, confirmed the rescue but said it could not yet determine if some of the girls were the abducted Chibok schoolgirls. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col S. K. Usman, and Olukolade, in a joint statement, said: “This is to inform you that our gallant troops have been making progress in the desired aim of ridding the nation of terrorists and their sanctuaries. “It is heartwarming to inform you that, troops continued the offensive and cleared four key terrorist camps in Sambisa forest, Borno State. So far, they have destroyed and cleared Sassa, Tokumbere and two other camps in the general area of Alafa, all within the Sambisa forest. “The troops have also rescued 200 abducted girls and 93 women. They are presently being processed. Similarly, a number of equipment and weapons have been captured.”
Boko Haram kills 22
Meanwhile, as the Sambisa forest operation was going on, last week, no fewer than 22 people were killed by suspected Boko Haram members in Marguba community and surrounding villages of Beneshiekh, the headquarters of Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. The insurgents, according to sources, also injured many residents after setting ablaze several houses, mostly those with thatched roofs, before looting foodstuff and livestock. The insurgents were suspected to be among those fleeing their camps from Sambisa due to the military onslaught.
Beneshiekh is north west and about 76 kilometres drive from Maiduguri. It is located on the fringes of Sambisa forest along Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano Road which had witnessed deadly attacks by insurgents. The attack came barely 24 hours after some insurgents laid ambush on some residents, killing 21 in Bultaram village of Gujba council area of Borno State while attempting to return to their sacked village to evacuate their abandoned foodstuff and livestock.
Ordeal
Our correspondent gathered from the survivors now taking refuge in Beneshiekh town that “the insurgents came from Sambisa forest axis and stormed the villages Monday evening, wreaking havoc as they had a field day without confrontation”. “Our communities have been ransacked by a group of terrorists numbering over 100 who came in over five Hilux vehicles, motorcycles armed with AK-47 rifles, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and local petrol bombs, killing 17 residents in Marguba community and other villages near Beneshiekh. “I was among the lucky survivors who escaped the attacks with my wife and two kids, we are presently taking refuge in Beneshiekh. “It is unfortunate that many people thought that with the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) at the March 28 presidential elections, things related to killings and destruction by the insurgents will end, but it appears that worse is still on the way as many communities were attacked by
On April 28, more than one year after the abduction of some girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Nigerian troops stormed the Sambisa forest hideout of Boko Haram and rescued 200 girls and 93 women in a daring operation
insurgents in the north-east after the elections.” Efforts to contact the Borno State Police Command acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Asso Emmanuel, were unsuccessful as his phone was not reachable, but a member of the Civilian JTF from Beneshiekh confirmed the incident, pointing out that 22 people were killed in attacks in nearby villages of Beneshiekh. He also claimed that the situation had been brought under control as troops with support from members of vigilante youth, were combing the area to apprehend fleeing insurgents. As at last Thursday, over 13 Boko Haram camps including the notorious Tokumbere camp in Sambisa forest had been captured. Other camps overran and destroyed by troops include Wulari Bukar, Gangala, Anguwar Bakwai, Jigide, Kotorima, Lagura Bello and Lagina Fulani. Reacting to the liberation of the communities taken over by Boko Haram, by troops and the bombings of Sambisa forest, a member of National Union of Road Transport Workers in Maiduguri, Mallam Yakubu Usman Jalo, in an interview, applauded the military, especially the troops from Niger, Chad and Cameroon for a job well done, noting that most of the closed roads linking Maiduguri will be reopened to motorists. Some internally displaced persons taking refuge at different camps in Maiduguri also expressed satisfaction with the military effort in confronting Boko Haram, but insisted they would rather stay in the camps than to go back to their communities while others indicated interest in going back to pick up their pieces and begin new lives.
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By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja
“
B
y the time we capture Sambisa forest completely, we will be able to find out where the Chibok girls are, because as it is now, anybody you ask in the captured territories so far, they say they did not see them; that they are not there”. With these words, Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, set the tone for the massive invasion of the vast Sambisa forest by the armed forces and the rescue of the hundreds of abducted young girls, women, children and some elderly citizens. “When we capture Sambisa forest, we will be able to know where the Chibok girls are and government will take it up from there. And in the next six months, I’m sure that Nigerians would have forgotten that Boko Haram existed and terrorized a region, I believe so”, Minimah added. At the last count on Friday, military authorities told Sunday Vanguard that about 687 young women and children had been rescued from the Boko Haram camps. But the fighting to break into the mine-laden Sambisa forest was not an easy task as revealed by military sources. Some parts of the forest were swampy, others undulating. There was also some desert stretch. Meanwhile, the over 30 camps of the Boko Haram fighters were built in a manner that if mine sweepers did not clear the swampy terrain, it may have been difficult locating the mines planted in the jungle. But the military, having had the time to plan their strategy following several reconnaissance and intelligence flights carried out by the Nigerian Air Force, stormed the forest. The fighters were taken unawares such that in the footage showed to the media about the military’s operation inside Sambisa forest, hundreds of the Boko Haram elements were seen fleeing as aircraft pounded their camps from the air while troops advanced launching artillery fired from the ground. Meanwhile, all the exit and entry points into Sambisa forest had been blocked. So, while several battalions were moving into the forest from Nigeria’s territory, parts of the forest that border Cameroon, and Chad were secured by troops from those countries. The military onslaught paid off with the rescue of the 687 women and young girls in three batches of 293, 160 and 234, respectively. Though the Borno State government came out to say the first batch of the hostages rescued were from Damboa area of the state, it did not detract from the importance of the rescue of such a large number of persons that were forced to move to the forest against their will. There were indications at the weekend that many more hostages were rescued from Sambisa forest by the armed forces. Confirming the rescue of the hostages, the Director of Defence
C M Y K
The military strategy that cleared Sambisa forest
Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said the Sambisa forest was being assaulted from different directions, noting that it will therefore be untenable for any criminal to escape the military bombardment. On the more than 200 Chibok girls taken by Boko Haram in April 2014, Olukolade said that the issue will be made clear as soon as the profiling of the rescued victims was completed. “The identities of some of the rescued women and girls are yet to be ascertained. At the moment, what is uppermost and of priority is their movement to a conducive place where they are now undergoing thorough profiling to verify where they come from, how they found themselves in the forest, etc. Additional number of persons is still being recovered from the forest. Until such comprehensive profiling is done, nobody can confirm whether they are among the Chibok girls or not”, the DHQ spokesperson stated. “Whoever they may be, the important thing is that Nigerians held captive under very severe and inhuman condition have been freed by our gallant troops. The joy and sense of hope being expressed by many Nigerians on hearing about the rescue operation is therefore understandable. “We would like to reassure them that the momentum of this operation will be sustained until that Sambisa forest is comprehensively cleaned out and all Nigerians held captive within the bowels of the forest are rescued. There is great hope for the recovery of more hostages of the terrorists. “The mission is not over. Until we reach the end before we can say if the girls are there. As I am talking to you today, more women and girls are being rescued and others are coming out from the forest, that is why it is difficult to give an exact number; and some of these people
But the fighting to break into the mineladen Sambisa forest was not an easy task as revealed by military sources. Some parts of the forest were swampy, others undulating. There was also some desert stretch
have to be stabilized because of the trauma they have undergone for God knows how long. After calming them, we will them ask certain questions. This is not something you do in a hurry” . Furthermore, he said, “As you already known, troops have commenced operations deep into the Sambisa forest after sustained aerial bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force. The main objective as you know is to decimate and clear the terrorists from the forest which is their last bastion. “The well coordinated operation is already yielding results as troops in the last few days rescued 200 girls and 93 women and an additional number of hostages. Over 13 terrorists camps including the notorious ‘Tokumbere’camp in Sambisa forest have been captured. Other camps overran and destroyed by troops include Wulari Bukar, Gangala, Anguwar Balowai, Jigide, Kotorima, Lagura Bello, Laguna Fulani among others. “Several Field Commanders and foot soldiers of the terrorist group have lost their lives, some armoured personnel carriers, Bufallo vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft guns, a truck and several Hilux vehicles were destroyed by troops. Also recovered from the fleeing terrorists are a number of Anti-Aircraft guns, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) and several AK 47 rifles. Unfortunately though, we lost one soldier in the course of the operation while 10 others have so far been wounded. “Already, the dislodged and disorganized terrorists are in flight on different directions and running helter-
skelter in the expansive forest. There is no longer any respite or sanctuary for them; they will be pursued and tracked down not minding the daunting challenges in the mission including hundreds of land mines and difficult terrain of the Sambisa forest. “It should be noted however that the essence of this operation is not to kill everybody in sight. We encourage any of the combatants who is desirous to surrender to come out, as the forest will no more be tenable as a haven for their activities. In the same vein, innocent civilians among those in flight are also encouraged to report themselves to the troops. We will continue to treat civilians in the most professional and humane way. “We thank all Nigerians for their continued prayers and support and assure them that ‘Never Again’ shall forces of darkness reign supreme in our country”. Minimah aptly captured the mood of the onslaught to rid Sambisa of the remaining Boko Haram fighters when the Army chief said, “I will tell you that right now, militarily, they (Boko Haram terrorists) are defeated. Those you are seeing are ‘armed groups, thieves, armed robbers, or people who go about to steal, burn markets and loot to go back to the forests’. That will continue for a while but it will fizzle out”.
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 49
Living with the enemy ! *Inside wife beaters’ homes Battered women By Favour Nnabugwu
A
detutu’s domestic abuse story started like so many others with occasional violent attacks which she ignored in the interest of the family. But over time, the beating became so severe that she could no longer bear it. Adetutu did not have a history of abuse until she got married to her husband, Ademola. She recognised it when it began, yet she was drawn into it as the society brainwashed her into accepting that violent behavior of her husband was part of the terms of marriage. It was only after 17years of marriage that she finally realised what had been happening, and that it was time to put an end to it. Mrs. Adetutu Ademola and her husband have four children together in the 17 years whereas those years were not enough for her husband to endure or, at least, tolerate his wife. It was battering all the way. Sunday Vanguard met Adetutu at a hairdressing salon. She opened the injuries sustained from her husband’s battering to the owner of the salon while our correspondent joined them. The woman, in her early 40s, said she reported the matter to the police where she was told there was little or nothing they could do in family matters. She did threaten to go to National Human Rights Commission and also file for divorce. Adetutu is just one out of the many wives and ladies that increasingly receive beating from their husbands and boyfriends on daily basis in Abuja. Woman beaters, often times, cannot endure a simple matter. A woman regularly gets the beating of her life if she failed to set the table on time or maybe dinner was not just right; or maybe she decided to escort her best friend without telling her spouse about it beforehand; or maybe nothing happened at all, she is just a steady punch bag for her man. In this present day, men who pound their wives and girlfriends senselessly are viewed as out-ofcontrol barbarians, violent and virulent, often drunk on liquor or power or both. And, lately too, women have come to realize that they can no longer turn blind eyes to the plight of battering hence they have started voicing out in preparedness to set themselves free from those slave drivers. A self-confessed victim of domestic violence, Mrs Nsini Udonta, now Shelter
C M Y K
I have regained my self-esteem. I no longer live in fear. Though I may not have all the comfort at my disposal now, I have peace, and rest of mind which I cannot trade for anything in the world again Administrator of Project Alert on Violence against Women, who claimed to have escaped death by whiskers in the hands of her husband of 12 years, said she has regained her self-esteem after losing it to fear all those years. Speaking to Sunday Vanguard on her new life after three years of leaving her husband whom she has two sons for, Nsini admitted that life after domestic violence could be challenging but consoled herself with her strong will and determination to move on in life. Nsini said, “A woman is vulnerable. Not all the men that come around her have genuine intentions. A woman must be able to set the limits to which she can endure any form of abuse from a man. “The past three years has been challenging and it has been a learning process for me. I have been able to discover my inner will and my purpose on earth. I have regained m y self-esteem. I no longer live in fear. Though I may not have all the comfort at my disposal now, I have peace, and rest of mind which I cannot trade for anything in the world again. “I deserve to be happy. I cannot bring up my godly children in an abusive home as they may end up being abusers too. My two boys know they have to respect a girl no matter the provocation. Marriage, for me, is not a do-ordie affair. Violence is not part of God’s plan for marriage; as such, violence should never be endured. “There must always be disagreement between couples but issues can be resolved without violence especially when
good communication and understanding exist in a home”. Behavioral researchers argue that alcohol, joblessness, possessiveness, stress, insecurity, frustration, lack of money problems are not enough precipitants of abuse. On the other hand, batterers claim that smacking or beating a spouse or girlfriend frightens the victim and allows the batterer to get his own way. “Those men tend to be desperate about keeping their wives and beating them to prevent them from leaving,” Mr Samuel Abioye, a Marriage Counselor, said. “They are miserable, suffering low selfesteem, and are vulnerable to stress and hostility. They use battering to control their partners. “The violent partner might conceive his or her behavior as a ‘loss of control’, but the same individual, unsurprisingly, would not lose control in this way with a boss or friends”. Sunday Vanguard investigations revealed that not all men who batter their women realize that what they do is wrong. Further findings proved that injuries from domestic violence range from cuts, bruises, and black eyes to miscarriage, bony injuries, splenic and liver trauma, partial loss of hearing or vision, and scars from burn or knife wounds. Such violence is all too frequently excused and tolerated in communities where women are assigned an inferior role, subordinate to the male head of the family and effectively the property of their husbands. On who is to blame for the violence in the home, Mr Kevin Ebhohimen, a quantity surveyor who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, heaped the blame on men. “I blame 90 percent of domestic violence on men because a man has the ability to either control his anger or avoid it”, he said. ”It is only a stupid man that will lay his hands on his wife or any woman for that matter, no matter how provoked he may be. “For me, it is an act of cowardice for any man to beat his woman no matter the provocation”. Ebhohimen argued that men that beat their women do so out of frustration, insecurity and when they do not have money in their pockets, they tend to vent that anger on their wives. “In my own view, a man may go to the extreme only when infidelity is involved, otherwise, l see no reason any man will beat a woman no matter how hard a woman tries to frustrate him”. Interestingly, women and men
Mrs. Udonta...I blame 90 percent of domestic violence on men in Nigeria are drawing attention to injustice and discrimination against women, and asserting the rights of women and girls who suffer violence in the home. Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), a non-governments organization, frowns at the unacceptable way men inflict injuries on their spouses in the course of domestic violence. The Secretary-General of WRAPA, Hajia Saudatu Mahdi, said the organisation has been in existence since 1999 to eradicate the menace of violence against women. Mahdi said some men hide under the guise of Section 55 (1) (d) of the Penal Code which gives men the right to chastise their wives, arguing that men have not only misinterpreted that section of the law but massively abused it. “Some of those obnoxious laws give room for impunity and nonaccountability by perpetrators while also making discriminatory provisions on form of punishment for violence against males and females”, she said. Mahdi confirmed that most cases of domestic violence handled by the NGO are perpetrated by the men while, in some cases, women contribute to the violence in their homes. “WRAPA has been in the forefront of the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPP) Bill presently at the National Assembly. At a public hearing in March 2015, WRAPA and a host of women and human rights groups enjoined the outgoing lawmakers to write their name in gold by ensuring the passage of the bill before the end of the 7th
Assembly”. “The bill, when passed into law, will go a long way in curbing domestic and other forms of violence against all persons and in all locations where it occurs and irrespective of the gender of the perpetrator. This genderneutral feature of the bill recognizes the fact that victims and perpetrators of violence can be men or women”, the WRAPA scribe stated. Husbands, partners and fathers are responsible for most of the violence against women. The violence persists because discriminatory laws condone and even legalize certain forms of violence against women. Dismissive attitudes by the police and an inaccessible justice system compound the failures of the state to protect women’s rights. Speaking to Sunday Vanguard, FCT Police PRO, ASP Anjuguri Manzah, denied the police attitude to domestic violence. ”I think that is not true because we are out to intervene in situations to make sure things don’t go out of hand. Our duty is to bring family members together in domestic violence and address contending issues while we make sure they go back home amicably”, Manzah said. “We have a Gender Desk in our stations that deals with issues like that and we also have provision of security for such victims. ”It is our duty to investigate domestic violence whenever it comes up in our stations because the needful has to be done to avoid situations getting out of control. We do not and cannot treat such issue with levity”
PAGE 50—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
Our dream to build a 280-room flagship hotel in Abuja —Blankson, Denis Hotel GM
•George Blankson
BY ETHEL IGBOECHE & CALEB AYANSINA
D
enis Hotel, Abuja, one of the key players in the hospitality industry, is waxing stronger in spite of the daunting challenges confronting the industry. The General Manager, Mr George Blankson, in this interview on the 10th anniversary of the hotel, speaks on its success, challenges and projections for the future. Why the name Denis? Denis Hotel was named by our Chairman, Chief Euriel Chukwudum, after his father, Denis Chukwudum. We are a business hotel; not a destination hotel, we are in the middle of Wuse 11. Our recreational facilities are such that people not only come here for leisure, but we have a lot of corporate clients, NGOs, government parastatals, embassies, International organizations, who want to use our state-ofthe-art facilities, to deliberate and discuss values that will add to their areas of
expertise. What facilities do you have in place at Denis? We have 84 rooms, we have the pool bar, we have the pastry corner, we have the restaurant, we have the bar, we have room service. We have five food and beverage outlets that serve guests throughout the hotel, we have three meeting rooms, we have the Azia Hall, we have Ihiala Hall, we have the gym hall, and then, we have a board room for not more than 10 customers. The biggest (hall) can take up to 350 – 400 people, depending on the arrangement. If you want a round table with 10 people on each table, it will probably take 150 -170 people comfortably. …Staff strength? I can categorically say we have 1075 staff now. How has the journey been in the face of the challenges in the industry? I was among the pioneer staff of the hotel in 2005. I was initially brought in as a marketing consultant. I
Kiddies Talent Hunt reality show begins
T
BY JACOB AJOM
HE delayed Kiddies Talent Hunt TV reality show season 2 will eventually kick off next week with the auditioning of interested kids who want to be part of the show. Chief Executive Officer of KTH, Raliat Abdulsalam, who addressed the press at her Lekki office, said auditioning begins at the National Stadium, Lagos, May 9 through 16th. She explained that the programme has five stages – audition, selection, mentorship,
the grand finale and tutorship. She said about 500 kids are expected to scale through the first stage. “After auditioning, we will move into the next stage which is mentoring,” adding, “after the auditioning, the talents in the kids would have been identified and they will be grouped accordingly. Then mentorship begins. It will involve live shows and will last between May 30 and June 6.” She further explained that from the 13th June, the public will be involved in determining who among the participants remains in the show.
stayed for about six months before I left for training only to come back a few years ago. My description of how things have gone so far is based on my close interaction with the staff and the Chairman of the hotel, which is responsible for my even coming back, because it is such a success story that I think any other hotel owner should emulate. Like I said, we are located in Wuse 11 of Abuja; we had a grand opening on the 1st of April, 2005 and the hotel was commissioned by Bishop Kukah (the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto). We started small though, with a fresh young team we swung in to business and penetrated the market. The marketing team operated strategically and we can beat our chest today. We also had a good relationship with the Nollywood, the peak of our success story was the ability to bring Wesley Snipes, a very famous American actor. We had a very good outing with him. Do you operate on the basis of partnership? Yes, we partnered with many corporate organisations, airlines inclusive, between 2006 – 2008 and there was a remarkable increase in our return on investment (ROI); we began to engage more staff and expanded wherever possible. From 2007, we went into outdoor catering and we had four outlets, and this has been a huge source of revenue for the hotel. How do you manage competition in the face of “Members of the public will vote until the number is reduced to 24 and the final 24 will go into a boot camp.” She said that those who survive up to the boot camp will enjoy equal opportunities. “It is not only about winning. The advantages are enormous; the exposure, mentorship and boundless opportunities open to the participants.” She said the boot camp will last between July 26 and August 8. “We had 10 winners last season but in this edition, we are having 6 winners in both categories,” she announced. The top prize is N500,000, second prize is 250,000 while N150,000 is set aside for the third place winner as education trust fund. Last year’s winners were presented to the media and prizes awarded.
several hotels in the nation’s capital? The hotel business is just like the banking business; we must go out and source for customers and we have a very flamboyant team. Part of our strength is really our relationship skill; we seem to have relationship skill in terms of taking care of the customer ’s needs. We give you exactly what you want. In addition, we emphasise on training. My focus and the rest of the team has been to push on proper training, you can’t expect your staff to carry out the right duties, if they haven’t been armed with the right ammunition to take care of guests. Also, you cannot be in the market with price cutting. You have to move away from price cutting competition, slashing rates does not help in anyway, because if you slash your rates too low, you won’t be able to provide for the customer, you won’t be able to buy diesel, etc. It is very easy to say instead of N35, 000, I want to give my rooms for N10, 000 just to make sure the hotel is full. But if the hotel is full at N10, 000 and you are unable to provide services needed by your guests, you will lose them. So, instead of doing a price cutting competition with the new hotels coming in town, we have been focusing seriously on the customer experience. How do you feel when you walk into the gate? How do you feel when you walk into the lobby? Does it smell good? Are you greeted properly? Does the front office staff greet you with a smile? Do they know that you are coming to a hotel
already? Is your reservation guaranteed? How was the experience when you moved from your lift up to your room? Did he/she explain to you the proper facilities to use and what to do in the room, to make your experience better? When you come down to the restaurant or when you order from your room for instance, how is the meal? So our focus is not on slashing rates, but to enhance the customer’s experience, because it is the experience that makes them to come back. I am quite excited that we are heading towards a great direction, as we have become a major player in the industry.
What is your project in the next 10 years? Currently, Denis Hotel is building another hotel, a world class hotel with 280 rooms in Abuja. It is going to be five-star brand with the state-of-the-art facilities. So, I can see us in the next 10 years throughout the countries in African continent, once we have 280 rooms as flagship in Abuja Nigeria. What is your take on the challenges facing hotel owners in the FCT? Yes! There are a lot of issues affecting the hospitality industry in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that need to be addressed. You have the issues of multiple taxation, power supply among others. But I believe HOFA (Hotel Owners Forum Abuja) is currently taking care of the issues with government. There is a serious discussion going on with government to give us an enabling environment. Hospitality is the second largest employer of labour all over the world; in other countries they have the enabling environment to thrive; so why should Nigeria case be different?
Group passes vote of confidence on Delta APC leadership
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he Delta Youth Em powerment Front, has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Prophet Jones Erue, chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State. President of the group, Comrade Peter Okiemute, who spoke to newsmen yesterday in Warri, also commended all the leaders and members of the party in Delta for supporting Prophet Erue and his executives. “ The vote of confidence on
Prophet Erue and APC executives in the state, became imperative considering their commitment and contributions towards the growth of the party since they assumed office”. According to the group: “ We commend Prophet Erue for piloting the affairs of the party effectively and most importantly, his total loyalty to the national leadership of APC and also use this medium to appeal to all party faithful to continue to support the Delta State leadership of the party“.
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 51
Traders at the Broad Street, Lagos
US projects Nigeria’s economy to hit $1 trillion mark *‘New millionaires will come from agriculture’
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igeria is set to be the first A f r i c a n country with an economy larger than $1 trillion, according to the latest projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Africa’s most populous nation, which recently held peaceful elections, revamped its gross domestic product data in 2014 and pulled ahead of South Africa to become the continent’s largest economy with a GDP of $469 billion. Between now and 2030, experts predict annual growth rates as high as 7.92% resulting in a GDP of $1.05 trillion. “A lot of Nigeria’s growth will come from agriculture and services are huge in Nigeria,” says Charles Robertson, C M Y K
Given that power shortages have caused the country to cut its economic growth forecasts for 2015 by 0.5%, this will be a key area of the country’s infrastructure which number crunchers will be watching global chief economist at Renaissance Capital. He adds that he actually expects the country ’s GDP to reach $1 trillion before 2030. “Banking, retail, telecoms and Nollywood has been an explosive growth story in past couple of years.” As a source of employment for 70% of Nigeria’s population in 2013, the country’s $56 billion agriculture sector
currently accounts for 24% of GDP and the country ’s minister of agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina, has said “the new millionaires of Nigeria will be in agriculture.” Relative view These are huge numbers by Nigerian and African standards — however, they look less impressive next to others from around the world.
By 2030, the U.S. economy is expected to reach $24.8 trillion, China’s GDP will approach $22.2 trillion and Indian output will be at the $6.6 trillion mark. African view Closest behind Nigeria, when it comes to economic clout on the continent in 2030, is South Africa with a projected GDP of $810.6 billion. Given that power shortages have caused the country to cut its economic growth forecasts for 2015 by 0.5%, this will be a key area of the country ’s infrastructure which number crunchers will be watching. In February, during his first full budget speech, finance minister Nhlanhla Nene
identified the need to focus on the country’s power crisis, saying “electricity constraints hold back growth in manufacturing and mining, inhibit investment in housing and raise costs for businesses and households.” Egypt is due to follow South Africa, with the continent’s third largest GDP of $471.5 billion. The U.S Department of Agriculture foresees annual grow rates consistently surpassing 4.2% in the next 15 years and Renaissance Capital is bullish on the North Africa country. “Only 10% of Egyptians have bank accounts,” says Robertson, “so we can image banking will be a big story [In Egypt] in
the coming years.” Problem with projections While these numbers suggest significant growth is on the cards, projections for African economies have been revised in the past. “Forecasting tends to be optimistic, especially in underdeveloped countries,” says Morten Jerven, author of ‘Poor Numbers: How We Are Misled by African Development Statistics and What to Do about It’. “Models often overpredict GDP and underpredict inflation...U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting a stable growth pattern for Nigeria, and that is curious given that we have not seen that pattern in the past.” *Source: CNN
PAGE 52—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015
AMID PETROL SCARCITY
The biofuels alternative we need—Obada BYUDEME CLEMENT
Dr. Babatunde Obada is Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Global Biofuels Limited, a biofuels company in Nigeria. He speaks on the passage of 2015 Budget by the Senate without allocation for fuel subsidy, recurring fuel scarcity crisis in the country, the controversy trailing privatisation of the refineries and the need for the incoming government to invest massively in fuel ethanol to stop excessive importation of refined petroleum products Is it wise for the out-going government to remove fuel subsidy allocation from 2015 budget? am not sure if the out-going government truly removed fuel subsidy allocation from the 2015 budget. The budget is yet to be published for general consumption. Be that as it may, It is clear that fuel subsidy retention is not sustainable with the present state of our economy. It has to be withdrawn at a certain stage. The out-going Administration must be thinking its unwise to put such a huge burden on the in-coming government. Remember that subsidy removal almost truncated Jonathan’s regime? Having said that, the in-coming administration after taking over must decide whether or not to continue with fuel subsidy. It is a very hot topic capable of making or unmaking any administration in Nigeria. Nigerians must at some point learn to live without the subsidy considering our very lean purse and the fact of its opaque nature.
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What are the economic implications of removing fuel subsidy allocation from the budget? Right now our economy is experiencing low revenue inflow due to declining oil prices. Removing subsidy now will therefore give the incoming government more money to channel into other areas of need to enhance productivity. There is no doubt that the increased cost of fuel importation will be passed on to the consumers. People will feel the immediate impact negatively. It will impact on the cost of transportation of goods and services from the hinterland to the urban centers. The cost of food items may skyrocket. The cost of living may increase generally. Nigerians who have been used to this easy life will groan loudly. It could be short lived however if white products importation into the country is liberalised. Can the incoming government run the economy without reinstating subsidy? Buhari’s government should first of all look at the economic implications of removing subsidy and the effects on ordinary Nigerians, in order to decide whether or not to continue to pay fuel subsidy. If the removal is such that the masses can cope, then government should let it go. But if the impact is so severe and unsettling, then government should review the policy as a direct dividend of democracy. All
•Dr. Babatunde Obada will however depend on how quickly we are able to diversify our means of production. Fuel scarcity, importation of refined petroleum products and subsidy allocation have been nagging issues in the economy. Experts are advising the incoming government to invest massively in fuel ethanol production. How will this help the county? Fossil fuel that is consumed globally is very injurious to the atmosphere. Nigeria is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. This requires that every country must blend a certain percentage of biofuels with gasoline to reduce carbon emission. In Nigeria for example, it is possible to make an E-5, E10 or even E-20 blend without modifying any component of the cars presently plying our roads. An E-10 blend will remove approximately 900 metric tonnes of carbon from our environment. Again, E-10 blend translates to 10 percent less gasoline importation plus 10 percent less subsidy payment, all of which leaves more Naira in the purse of government. Also, E-10 blend means establishing 15 fuel ethanol refineries and business clusters across the country and the development of farm estates for sustainable cultivation of the raw materials for ethanol production. The leaves of the raw materials are used to fatten cattle housed in modern feedlots. The stem is crushed and the extracted juice is refined into fuel ethanol, while the biomass wastes are burnt to generate electric power. 15 of such industrial clusters will remove approximately 50 million Nigerians from poverty. President Obama focused on biofuels production as a deliberate national strategy but the Americans relied on corn as raw material. This strategy drove up the price of corn in the US and across the globe before it was deemphasized in favour of shale oil production. We have no such concerns in Nigeria because our local raw material will not compete with the food chain. If the in-coming government is desirous of driving down the price of fuel, closing the electric power infrastructure gap, stemming the herdsmen/farmers clashes, creating employment, diversifying the economy,
When will the queues at thefuel stations be over?
If government goes ahead to privatise the refineries in their present state, they will be sold as scraps. The private investors will revamp the plants and begin to charge market rate for their products reducing our carbon footprint and spreading goodwill across the board, they must focus on biofuels production. Some people are urging government to privatise the refineries. Is privatisation the solution to the inactive state of these plants? If the refineries were working efficiently, we won’t be importing refined petroleum products. Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) that used to happen within 45 days now takes up to two years or more. Sometimes you wonder why we got to this sorry state. If government goes ahead to privatise the refineries in their present state, they will be sold as scraps. The private investors will revamp the plants and begin to charge market rate for their products. I wonder if the average Nigerian will be able to pay the pump price. But Buhari himself was once our petroleum minister. We all worked under him. He worked with people like Dr. Thomas John, Engineer Mohammed Sanni Bello, Engineer Babajide Soyode, Engineer Gbenga Oshonowo, Engineer Jide Anubi, Engineer Sina Onabule and a host of other very capable hands. These people are still around, well and kicking. Let him invite them and ask them to proffer a solution. They will not disappoint. Do you also take cognisance of the fact that these plants were built many years ago? Yes I know. Refineries built over 100 years ago are still up and running. As a trainee Technician, I worked at the Rafineria Del Po,
Sannazarro De Burgundi, which was built in the 20s. That refinery is still up and running. The oldest of our refineries was built in the 60s while others were built between the 70s and 80s and none of them is producing at half the stalled capacity at present. Buhari said his government will probe the alleged missing $20million from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Do you see anything tangible coming out of such probe? I think people are misinterpreting the issue of the alleged un-remitted funds. The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), HRH Lamido Sanusi Lamido, who raised alarm about the issue did not say the money was missing. Rather, he said that NNPC did not account for a certain amount of money. A forensic audit has been ordered and the report has been published. That is a good starting point, isn’t it? The audit report contains certain revelations about the operations of the Corporation, which the incoming administration should correct. Beyond that, it is really not advisable for the new President to waste too much time and resources on probes. He cannot afford that kind of luxury, even if it will titillate some Nigerians. He should instead, focus on moving the system and the economy forward. The new team should look at the inherent structures. For instance, whether it is proper for NNPC to retain some of their earnings and use it to run their operations without
going through appropriation. The new government may decide that every kobo made from the sales of crude oil must go straight into the federation’s account and NNPC may not be allowed to retain any part of the money. As simple as it sounds, even that cannot be done by executive fiat. It must go through legislation and the amendment of the NNPC Act. Why are there so many controversies trailing NNPC? It is really unfortunate that NNPC is passing through this rough patch. It is a Corporation we felt so proud to belong. It is the cash cow of the entire nation of 170 million people. It is susceptible to attacks from everybody, militants, petty thieves, miscreants, organised robbery, mobbing crowds, name it. Their pipelines are routinely vandalised. Their operations are deliberately sabotaged. Through all of these, they are expected to be up and running 24/ 7 and 365 days. You can see how easy it is for them to get into trouble with virtually every Nigerian. What measures will you advise the incoming government to take in order to restructure the petroleum downstream sector and the economy holistically? Like I said before, the incoming President worked in NNPC before and he had a reputation for firmness. Without as much as pronouncing a word, I am sure that everyone will sit up. He can bestride on the novelty of that popularity and move quickly to put things in order and restructure the downstream sector. This is imperative because if within 100 days he does not make any positive impacts, Nigerians will start to grumble. Instead of focusing on probes that will arouse much litigation, he should assemble a group of technocrats to sit and deliberate on the challenges facing the economy and how to tackle them proactively. We heard from the social media that he is bringing back the likes of Tam David West and such other competent professionals. It is a welcome development. It is equally important for the incoming government to encourage the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to continue to assist the real sector of the economy.
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 53
Why Nigeria should not sell assets in joint oil ventures BY SONI OYEKAN
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am most uncomfortable with mortgaging Nigeria’s future via a knee jerk response to current financial challenges that oil producing and exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela, Nigeria and Mexico are facing due to significant drop in oil prices (over 45 % drop) over the past year. The oil prices are expected to return to respectable levels of greater than $75 per barrel within the next two years as some oil experts have suggested. At this time, Nigeria cannot afford to sell its major foreign revenue generating assets. Selling off oil assets to reduce Nigeria’s oil equity to that of a minority share in the oil joint venture partnerships would be tantamount to selling off Nigeria’s future. If and when the 15 trillion nairas are exhausted, my
optimistic estimate would be less than two years, it would leave Nigeria with significantly diminished annual revenues of less than 50 % of current from our oil assets. We cannot and should not make such a decision at this time. We have the responsibility to ensure that millions of current and future generations of Nigerians are not reduced to a life of everlasting impoverishment and with no hopes. We should also be fully reminded that the population of Nigeria is projected to be 246 millions by 2030, about a 45 % increase over current! Nigeria would surely need its oil revenues then and beyond. In terms of “unbundling” or the divesting of NNPC assets, the decision to actually divest a specific asset should be entered into after rigorous evaluation of current and future impacts on the national economy and the people of Nigeria. Certain assets can
•Diezani Alison-Madueke be possibly unbundled such as those that relate to oil refining, petrochemical plants and other national agencies, and those should be executed after appropriate necessary studies. Most of the other affected oil producing countries, and notably Russia, have responded aggressively by
shoring up their monetary reserves and currency via prudent short term fiscal actions such as bond auctions, increasing the cost of borrowing money and tax revenues. Nigeria should exhaust appropriate fiscal remedies before contemplating and making plans to sell the country ’s major oil assets. The options should include steeply graduated taxation rates with none for people of low to middle income, cleaning up the fuels subsidy program, increasing interest rate on loans and exploring other ways to increase revenue. As Nigerians, we are reminded of many multibillions dollars projects and their related scandals over the past decades including “Nigeria content” in oil exploration and production (E&P), oil blocks allocations, etc., that have not translated in any noticeable measures to
upgrading the lives of millions of Nigerians via education, reduction in the rate of job unemployment, health benefits and general improvements in the quality of life. Infrastructures have not been fully developed as we all know, and an infusion of 15 trillion nairas may also go the way of previous wastage of the national monetary reserves. Before, Nigeria embarks on any more multi-billions dollars projects and/or any financial recommendation to sell the nation’s assets, we would need to get our “house” in order with respect to endemic corruption and with respect to inculcating true sense of nationalism and respect for current and future Nigerians. We have to truly practice loving our neighbors, that is our Nigerian citizens, as ourselves. *Oyekan is President, Prafis Energy Solutions, Richmond, TX.
Buhari must embark on aggressive economic diversification’ BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE
The continuous slide in global oil prices has caused a sharp drop in government’s dollar revenues. Global oil prices have fallen from over 100 dollars a barrel to about 64 dollars per barrel. Consequently, the Federal Government claims it has less money at its disposal and the paucity of dollars necessitates austerity measures which, to many, have further undermined Nigeria’s economic pillars. In this interview, Mr. Larry SegunLean, Chairman, Africa Hydrocarbons Ltd, speaks on why the country should see the current price band prevailing through the year as a good lesson for the economy. Excerpts:
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ith the slum in global oil price, what do you think is the way forward for Nigeria’s economy? The slump in oil price is a factor of many variables, it adjusts as fundamentals base dictate. We see the current price band prevailing through the year. I think it is a good lesson for our economy to truly embark on aggressive diversification, make the economy more manufacturing based by adding value to base products economy. We should stop exporting raw products. Given the global economic trend, do you think there should be provision for petroleum import subsidy in Nigeria? With a budget predicated on USD53 per barrel oil benchmark and it is expected that this crude oil price regime will continue through the present fiscal year. Hence,
•Mr. Larry Segun-Lean there is no need for subsidy,considering the global economic trend. There is therefore no reason to appropriate any provision for petroleum import subsidy in the current budgeting. Subsidy was necessary in the previous budgeting due to high international market price of crude oil but in the last 10 months, we have witnessed between 40 to 50 percent drop in crude oil pricing as a matter of fact, pump price of petroleum products should have come down significantly to reflect the global price realities. However,subsidy is meant to cover products import price differentials which fortunately for government, at the moment, the adverse differentials does not really exist, rather we should expect lower pump price for consumers benefit without further recourse to subsidy regime as long as the present global crude oil price regime continues . The quest for greener pasture abroad has exposed vibrant Nigerians and Africans to several dangers, the latest being the xenophobic attacks in South-Africa. What in your
view should be done to revamp the country’s economy? The fundamentals of the economy are good but we need to make it more inclusive by strengthening the informal sector. Citizens go out to different parts of the world despite resentment and danger they face in the host countries because of lack of economic inclusion they face at home,the government need to create social-welfare fabric to accommodate the teeming unemployed populace. We also need to consciously block the leakages in the system. The in-coming government has told Nigerians not to expect miracles even when hopes are high. As an expert what do you think should be done to rescue Africa’s fastest growing economy and its large population from abject poverty? The incoming administration in my view should continue with the good works and strengthen the identifiable laudable projects of the outgoing government and make it more accessible to the average common folks. They should also encourage continuity where applicable while they also set out on their own agenda and manifesto,which is the principal reason they were voted into power. They should make poverty alleviation a cardinal principal on which social and economic policies are based. Access to qualitative and sound education is very crucial to the growth and development of our economy. ICT presently rule the world of business and the influence will continue in business and technological sphere. Therefore,
There is therefore no reason to appropriate any provision for petroleum import subsidy in the current budgeting. Subsidy was necessary in the previous budgeting due to high international market price of crude oil government should encourage investment in various sectors as a means to diversifying the economy of the country. Tourism,hospitality and security are critical to create a sense of modernity in the unfolding “global village”psyche. The airports are principal gateway to the country .New, modern and world class airports should be built. This can serve as tourist attraction and would make Nigeria a travel and conferences hub for West African sub region. This again, will translate to global acceptance of our space, creating a relaxed, panic absent environment. We should also make Nigeria Africa food basket through aggressive mechanised farming. We are blessed with rich arable land and sea shores and therefore we can create sea and agro- based products that would support manufacturing, identify produce that are specific to each local government in the country. Unemployment rate is very disturbing at the moment. How in your view can this be tackled headlong?
All the above multi pronged approaches will tackle the demon of unemployment and security challenge,if well implemented. Governance is continuum, a relay race kind of. You continue to pass the baton until we get to the finishing line. What is Africa Hydrocarbons about? Africa Hydrocarbons is an oil and gas trading company. We trade in equipment,drilling and completion materials. We intend to go into Floating Production System,Submersible and Floaters,we are also in discussion with partners for platforms, sub-sea, pipelines and control lines. Africa oil and gas market is presently dominated by Angola and Nigeria. Some of the most capital intensive developments takes place in offshore Angola and Nigeria,with Ghana Jubilee field taking a sizeable share of this investments,with Equatorial Guinea and Congo Brazzaville,huge gas finds in Monzabique and Tanzania will also play a major role in Africa contribution to global oil and gas trade. With these developments Africa Hydrocarbons is poised to take to actively participate in encouraging partners around its sphere of influence and contact globally to play in these markets, most importantly the business opportunities in Nigeria oil and gas industry but the petroleum industry bill would be a significant issue in investment decision by these multinationals,the economy needs commitment of IOC for new investment in the sector,I see Nigeria recording huge investment attraction with the passage of the bill.
PAGE 54—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015 sam.eyoboka@gmail.com
08023145567 (sms only)
Buhari must carry opposition along ---Bishop Ojo ...Marks birthday with wife ...presents biography By Bose Adelaja
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T was a triple cel ebration at Calvary Kingdom Church, Lagos last weekend, when the founder and former PFN National Secretary-General, Archbishop Joseph Ojo and his wife, Esther celebrated their 66th and 59th birthdays with a public presentation of his biography, Once Upon a Joseph authored by Lawrence Akapa. The church auditorium on Lagos-Badagry Expressway, played host to notable people in Christendom including the national president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr. Felix Omobude and the book reviewer, Bishop Amos Osadolor. In his sermon, Dr. Omobude said the best was yet to come of the archbishop and his ministry as the Almighty God had greater things in stock for them. Omobude urged the congregation to support the good work of the celebrants for God to reward people according to their stewardship. Rev. (Mrs.) Ojo appreciated the congregation for their moral and financial support for making the occasion a success while the archbishop in his welcome address, said he was immensely grateful at the occasion, saying the
*The couple cutting their birthday cake book was officially presented and dedicated for onward journey to book stands. Speaking with Sunday Worship shortly after the occasion, Archbishop Ojo said the 2015 presidential election was a pointer to God's will, calling on the president-elect to extend a
hand of love to the ruling party in order to have the blessings of democracy. ''The election was an answer to prayers. We have been praying for God's will and I think this is God's will for the nation. I am not saying it was God's will for Jonathan to lose the election but God saw that
even if he wins on a platter of gold, his opponents will not have accepted the result and this would lead to chaos,'' he noted. The cleric praised President Jonathan for accepting his fate after the elections, saying he was an instrument of peace. ''If God should use Jonathan to give us peace, then we should appreciate God. If he has deemed it fit to accept the result in good faith by congratulating the presidentelect, then we should appreciate him the more. Before the result was released, God answered our prayer and I thank God that His will has eventually prevailed.'' On the biography, he said his life was a testimony to all. ''My life was like that of the biblical Joseph who was sold into slavery out of envy, people thought he was dead but he was victorious. I am a Joseph who served his master for 30 years but was disengaged from the ministry without cause." He called on church leaders to imbibe the spirit of stewardship. ''People should learn to serve others so as to be rooted in the word. Some apprentices have become good masters because of the experiences they acquired from their masters. At the age of 13, I tapped rubber to pay my school fees. I was a taxi driver for many years before my discovery and I began my ministry at the age of 53. There are people whose lives are designed in heaven and I am one of them. My wife was born on April 17 while I was born on April 18. Young ministers should learn patience, the future belongs to the servants. The problem in Pentecostal churches is that many masters of today have never served others. That is why they are not better masters. Bosses are not needed in the ministry but servants.''
Has Christianity become too feminized?
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OMEHOW, a recent Fox News discussion about the Islamic State’s recruitment strategy veered into another equally urgent issue: the “feminized” church. Rachel Campos-Duffy, best known for her stint on MTV’s “The Real World: San Francisco,” appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Fox News’ “Outnumbered” to discuss the recent arrest of six people in Minneapolis and San Diego who were plotting to join the Islamic State. Yet Campos-Duffy had another pressing topic on her mind. The real problem, she said, is that Christianity has become too “feminized,” and it’s Pope Francis’s job to address it. “Christianity needs to offer a more robust, manly, not feminized version of Christianity,” she argued. “It’s a very interesting topic that I hope our pope will address when he comes to that joint session of Congress in September instead of climate change, which is what I understand he wants to talk about.” Campos-Duffy was referring to Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to the U.S. in September. He’s scheduled to visit New York and Philadelphia, and to address Congress in Washington, D.C. It is unclear what the connection between ISIS recruitment and “manly ” Christianity is, but she’s not alone in fearing the disastrous consequences of a womanly church. In January, Cardinal Raymond Burke blamed the “feminized” Catholic Church for sex abuses by clergy, as well as the priesthood’s declining numbers. “Apart from the priest, the sanctuary has become full of women,” Burke told Matthew James Christoff of the Catholic men’s ministry, the New Emangelization Project. “The activities in the parish and even the liturgy have been influenced by women and have become so feminine in many places that men do not want to get involved.”
Adeyemi urges women to expose nation's ills
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EPUTY Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos and convener of the just concluded Women of Destiny Conference, Pastor (Mrs) Nike Adeyemi has charged Nigerian women to speak out against the ills of the nation starting from their families. Speaking at the 3-day annual conference with a theme; 'God’s Change Agents', Mrs. Adeyemi argued that women are divinely positioned to get the attention of those in power to do the appropriate things for the benefit of the masses. On the role of women in nation building, Adeyemi averred that women can approach God on their knees praying to God, "we can get the attention of those in power to do the right things." According to her, “ women can lead change in the community beginning from their home fronts. We must constantly pray for our leaders in position of authority no matter what the issues are.” She also encouraged Nigerian women to take elective positions. “I encourage women to do whatever their hearts stir them to do. It could be politics or not but go for it after consulting God. Let us not put ceiling on women. "If any woman feels inclined politically, the rest of us should give her support and ensure she wins. The changes she will cause in political office will be enjoyed by all including men,” Mrs. Adeyemi stated. “We want to see women acting on behalf of God who is the author of Change. Women, who will step out there to effect good changes, make positive differences in the family, community and the nation.
After this conference, we believe women will live their lives with God’s purposes, not just living ordinary but living God’s way,” Adeyemi explained. Commenting on the Chibok girls, Pastor Nike Adeyemi urged their parents not to lose hope while admonishing the incoming government to “deploy the right military strategies in finding those girls. We believe in the change slogan of the incoming administration and hope such
will reflect in the lives of many Nigerians as soon as possible”. According to the deputy senior pastor, the theme of this year's programme was divinely inspired to make every woman a change agent of the family, community and the nation at large. A participant at the conference, Mrs. Adigun Adeyosola shared her experience
thus: “I have been attending this conference since it started some six years ago. I must confess this year ’s edition was awesome, powerful and glorious. I have been blessed beyond measure. I am inspired to write, create a new product or services, expand a long time idea, and develop a thought that will promote my business and home front."
2015 best elections ever —RCCG pastor
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*Convener, Pastor Nike Adeyemi, Guest speaker, Nkoyo Rapu and the Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi.
ASTOR-IN-CHARGE of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) Testimony Parish, Akute, Lagos, Pastor Goke Aniyeloye has commended the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for conducting the 2015 general elections to the satisfaction of majority of Nigerians, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Pastor Aniyeloye who specifically praised the INEC chairman for the introduction of Smart Card Readers (SCRs), is of the opinion that of all the elections conducted in Nigeria, none can be compared to the 2015 general elections in terms of credibility and fairness.
The cleric made the commendation while briefing journalists about the church special progra-mme tagged; ‘Seven Saturdays' beginning from May 9, 2015 with the theme: “Wonder-working God”. Continuing, Aniyeloye said what made the elect-ions unique was the introduction of the smart card reader, which he said, had mitigated massive rigging that characterised past elections in the country. According to him, the introduction of the techno-logy saved the country from postelection violence. He commended Prof. Jega for manifesting mat-urity and dexterity in the face of provocation and pressure from opponents of the machine. In his words: “Our pre-vious elections were fraught with a lot of malpractices. God gave Prof. Jega, an uncommon wisdom with the intro-duction of the card reader. The usual electoral mal-practices were brought to a minimal level. People adjudged the election to be better than past election conducted in the country”.
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 55
HAVE you ever had a prayer-meeting where, instead of praying, you groaned? Paul counsels that we should: “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers.” (Ephesians 6:18). Groaning is a kind of prayer. When we are pained and we groan, it is transmitted as a wordless prayer to God. David understood this. He said: “Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.” (Psalm 38:9). The scriptures record that: “The children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. So God heard their groaning.” (Exodus 2:23-24). God not only hears, he responds when we groan: “I have surely seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them.” (Acts 7:34). “The LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and harassed them.” (Judges 2:18). There are two types of groaning. The one is in the spirit: the other is with the Spirit. The one is initiated by the believer: the other by the Holy Spirit. Groaning in the spirit When we are confronted with unpleasant situations in the world, believers groan within ourselves. We do this compulsively, making it akin to Paul’s injunction that we “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). According to Paul, true
THE MOVE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (2) believers become ill at ease in the world. Therefore, “we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23). Therefore, it is quite appropriate to have a prayer-meeting where, instead of crying out to God with words; we cry out to him with groacrystal Jesus was so grieved at the needless distress of people at the death of Lazarus that he groaned at his graveside, even though he was about to raise him from the dead: “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, he groaned in the spirit and was troubled.” (John 11:33). “Then Jesus, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb.” (John 11:38). Groaning with the Spirit God does not only inhabit our praises (Psalm 22:3); he identifies with our pains. The love of God for us is so intense that in our affliction God himself is afflicted. (Isaiah 63:9). So total is God’s identification with us that when we groan, he groans. When God groans for us, he groans through us. lThis groaning comes not at the instance of the believer, but at the behest of the Holy Spirit who indwells the
A woman came to our mid-week fellowship and, immediately my wife saw her, she bent over and began to groan in pain believer. This is referred to as groaning with the Spirit. Once, a woman came to our mid-week fellowship and, immediately my wife saw her, she bent over and began to groan in pain. This groan came automatically at the instance of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Paul observes that: “The Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26). Later, the woman told us her ordeal, which was what the Lord was reacting to through Karen. Laughing in the Spirit Isaiah said Jesus would be: “a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” (Isaiah 53:3). This does not mean we are to be sorrowful all lifelong. Joy and gladness comes from the Lord. So indeed does laughter. I came to know this because the Lord anointed me with laughter dramatically after my “old man,” T.S.B. Aribisala, passed away. I thought I was the one laughing until I realised that I could not control the laughter and
Burnt Baptist Church:
Police arrest 15 youths, Kano Emirate summons district head By CALEB AYANSINA
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BUJA - THE Kano State Police Command have arrested 15 persons in connection with the recent burning of Baptist Church at Gidan Maso Village in Rogo Local Government Area of the state. It will be recalled that during the incident which happened on April 1 at about 7:30 p.m., the residence of the pastor, Rev Habila Garba, was burnt by irate youths, while one of his daughters died of suffocation. The attack on the Baptist Church came barely one week after a similar incident on a branch of the Living Faith Church popularly called Winners Chapel in Giwa, headquarters of Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State by two unidentified arsonists. Although the Kano State government sent one Alhaji Is’haq to assess the situation, the Christian community were said to have been disturbed by his statement in Hausa language which
interpretation means that “such an insignificant issue and destruction (where a life was lost) does not call for any mention at all, yet we went about publicizing it to the whole world.” President of “Tarayyar Masihiyawan Nijeria” (Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri Christians), Gen. Ishaku Ahmed Dikko (retd), revealed this while giving a situation report of the incident on Sunday in Abuja. He noted that in spite of the arrest, four of the youths were still “roaming about boasting and threatening the Christians because they have not been arrested.” His words: “In response to the cry of Tarayyar Masihiyawan Nigeriya (Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri Christians Association) on the above incidence and the publicity given to it by the Press, we received attention from the Nigerian Police, Emir of Kano and Kano State Government. “The Nigerian Police went and inspected the damage and on April 5 they arrested six youths. Later
on, they went back to arrest nine more who are all at the Kano State Police Command CID. “The action of the Police pacified and encouraged the Christian Community. One of our own, Barrister Inusa Bako, is representing our interest and monitoring the prosecution which is now in the hands of the Kano State Commissioner of Police. “However, there are still four of the youths that are roaming about boasting and threatening the Christians because they have not been arrested. Efforts should be made to arrest them,” he said. Dikko explained further that “on April 9, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed II, invited the Hakimin Rogo (District Head), Dagacin Kadana (Chief), CAN chairman in Rogo L.G.A, Rev. Bulus Fara, the Baptist Church pastor, Rev. Haliba Garba and the CAN P.R.O of Rogo Mal. Kabiru Garba to his palace. The district head read out the details of what transpired and the Emir expressed his dismay at what happened.
could not stop laughing. I laughed and laughed until I was out of breath. Since then, I have prayed for people to be anointed with laughter at fellowships and God has answered the prayer. People start laughing “in the Spirit.” This phenomenon has scriptural resonance. We laugh in rejoicing and thanksgiving at God’s testimonies. We laugh when the Lord confounds us with his wonderful works. The psalmist says: “When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:12). When God promised him a son: “Abraham fell on his face and laughed. (Genesis 17:17). Sarah too declared: “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:6). When the child finally arrived: “Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him- whom Sarah bore to him- Isaac.”
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HE Redeemed Christian Church of God, Glorious Cloud Parish in Ketu Zone, Lagos Province 54, plans to host a 14-day programme, comprising 7-day evening and 7-day vigil sessions to mark its 5th anniversary featuring interdenominational prayer, praise, salvation, prophetic and deliverance programme tagged ‘Double Restoration Service’ (DRS) with a theme: Soaring like an eagle. Event is scheduled for Monday, June 15 to Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 1, Samuel Street, off Sanni
(Genesis 21:3). God gave Isaac to Abraham, and Isaac means laughter. Therefore, God will give laughter to the sons of Abraham. Believers today can also operate in this confidence. No matter the adversity, you can rest assured that the Lord: “ will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing.” (Job 8:21). Therefore, the Holy Spirit sometimes gives us a foretaste of this assurance when we stand in faith by anointing us with laughter, even in some of our darkest hours. Covering of the Spirit Once, I was on my knees in prayer in the middle of the night in my living-room. Suddenly, I heard a loud noise in the room. Fear immediately came over me. But there was something dramatic about my experience of this fear, even as there was about my deliverance from it. The fear started from my toes; and it crawled up quickly until it reached my head. But immediately it reached my head, something else displaced it. A blanket came down from my head, just as dramatically; going gradually down all the way down to my toes. This
covering banished the fear, and I quickly realised it was the covering of the Lord. Then I discovered that the noise came from the domino effect of arranged Christmas cards falling down from the top of a side table in the foyer. There is a spiritual covering that God places on his people. It is invisible but sometimes discernible. If you are a child of God, the promise of God is that: “He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4). We are created for the glory of God and “over all the glory there will be a covering.” (Isaiah 4:5). In Isaiah, God complained about wayward Israel: “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.” (Isaiah 30:1). I was ministering at a night vigil at Pentecostal Assembly in Lagos when an inner witness told me a man standing in the front row was covered from head to toe with "juju." The witness said to me: "Give him the microphone. Let him tell the congregation what he did." The man admitted he had consulted a “babalawo” for protection. He took him through certain rituals, and "covered" him with "juju." The inner witness told me to remove manually the man's invisible “juju” protection, and to warn him severely never to return again to the "juju" man. “Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy” (Jonah 2:8).
RCCG Glorious Cloud marks 5th anniversary Jigide Street, Ogudu Bus Stop, Ogudu, Lagos, A statement by the host, Pastor Godwin Osademe, says ‘Double Restoration Service’ ( DRS) started on May 15, 2010 when he was Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Overcomers’ Chapel, and has enjoyed amazing support as a result of spiritual and physical transformation of lives in the RCCG Jehovah Shammah Parish and the RCCG Glorious Cloud Parish where he had been saddled with the
responsibility as pastor-incharge in the last five years. According to him, anointed men of God like Pastor Joshua Afolabi, Pastor Daniel Usie from Warri, Delta State and Pastor Olaniyi Aniya, Pastor Olayinka Adeniyi; Pastor Deji Adeniyi; Pastor George Oladipo; Pastor Emmanuel Kayode; Pastor Felix Abiodun; Pastor Martins Oyenekan, Pastor (Mrs) Funmi Balogun will minister.
L-R: Eze Onyero, Engr. Emmanuel Ogbu, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nworuh (SMMM), Vincent Omovusu, Donatus Onwuegbuzie, Osondu Ekechukwu and Benjamin Nmaele after receiving their awards at St. Monica Catholic Church, Igbogbo,Ikorodu, Lagos, recently.
Page 56 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
VIEWPOINT By Soyombo Opeyemi
VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF
No dissipating energy on a free and fair election
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UST as it is said in law that there must be an end to litigation in any dispute, there must also be an end to electioneering in any political contest. I am not aware of any rescheduled election in Ogun State that could warrant an indirect return to the soap box to canvass for votes. Losers emerged while winners were officially declared. On a day the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the general elections took his dispute to the Election Petitions Tribunal, he also took his case to the court of public opinion, where he unleashed vitriol against the current government of the state. While we shall leave the former to lawyers, his denigration of both the person and the office of the governor should not go without some comments. While one had thought the PDP candidate would take advantage of the olive branch extended to
Ogun Guber Poll: Between facts and fiction the opposition by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, during his victory speech by, at least, constituting himself into a credible opposition that is committed to constructive criticisms of government policies, what he merely regurgitated last Thursday were the rhetoric, empty sloganeering and other cock and bull stories that dominated the campaign of the PDP in the runup to the elections. Yes, we’ve heard them before. That the governor is so rich, that he bought many private jets, gave one to Obama, one to Putin, another to Bill Gates! But the governor is so generous that he did not even remember to buy one for himself! We also heard that he left the planet earth and travelled to Mars and Jupiter, where he built one storey in the former and a bungalow in the latter! These tales by moonlight are actually good for children but not the type that can be relied on to win elections. The problem is that these people do not know Amosun or pretend not to know him. Early in the life of his administration,
Amosun used to spend weekends in his house in Lagos while the Government House was under renovation. Then one day, from nowhere, a file emerged. It
The PDP candidate Gboyega Isiaka should not dissipate energy and resources on contesting a free and fair election that is clear to everyone, including himself, that he lost
contained travelling allowances running into millions of naira. “What is this for?” he asked the official. “Your travelling allowances to Lagos, Your Excellency!” Shocked, Amosun retorted, “Really, but I was going to my own house?” “That’s the way it’s done sir!” Amosun then dismissed the official with the file and warned against such frivolous expenditure in his government. While these people may prefer to denigrate the governor and his government, purely for political consideration, those who should know him actually know him. They include the masses, whose children enjoy free education, which they last enjoyed more than a generation ago. The market men and women, auto mechanics, battery chargers, barbers, hairdressers, video-club owners, business centre owners, automechanics, auto-electricians, welders, tailors, etc. who benefited from the hundreds of transformers distributed statewide to revive their hitherto comatose businesses. These and others, who now sleep with their
eyes closed, were the people that trooped out in their thousands to vote for change in Abuja and continuity in Ogun State. But for the fact that APC was denied thousands of PVCs in its strongholds and the PDP-led centre virtually strangulated the opposition states with funds in order to turn workers against them (which failed woefully here in Ogun State), the PDP would not have been able to garner up to one-third of the total votes in the 2015 elections in Ogun State. How would they when the party (PDP in Ogun) was polarised with godfathers competing for hold on the party. The PDP candidate Gboyega Isiaka should not dissipate energy and resources on contesting a free and fair election that is clear to everyone, including himself, that he lost. Now is the time to return to the drawing board with a team of respectable citizens as mentors or godfathers. •Soyombo writes from Abeokuta via densityshow@yahoo.com
2015 ELECTIONS: Lessons in political ALIGNMENT VIEWPOINT By Ugochukwu Ezeaba
VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF
The things we need in pursuit of national harmony
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HE triumph of GMB at the presidential election is the greatest lesson at political alignment ever to come out of Nigeria. With help from people including (as it is alleged) Lebanese-Nigerian business family of chagoury and acceptance of the only political truth of any relevance proffered by Chief Harry Akande, a stalwart of former ANPP now subsumed into APC, and David Axelro, managed Obama Campaign, it was obvious that Ahmed Tinubu and GMB must secure victory which was largely assured at the birth of APC. When Buhari came out of political retirement after losing
VIEWPOINT By Victor Idiong
VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF
The need for the NNPC boss to finish strong
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F Prof. Attahiru Jega is looking forward to a blissful retirement after such a Herculean national duty, he must address his mind to the serious issues that came out of Akwa Ibom and Rivers State after the general elections. The overall performance of the INEC Chairman in the conduct of the general elections are being blighted by the manner the Commission is handling the post-election cases in the two states. In the two states, the people were subverted, trampled upon and killed on March 28 and April 11 in the name of election. Yet the
the 2011 presidential election to join forces with Tinubu and Amaechi for the 2015 elections, it became obvious that the name of the presidentelect was highly indispensable.
The discipline garnered in years of being in opposition paid handsomely. The result is that a highly disciplined party was not stoppable in its quest for power
Without that brand, APC was not going to make any headway. Buhari, being at home with the largest followership in the North, must combine his resources with the Jagaban, who is largely the last southwesterner standing in the midst of the all-conquering PDP. Only a highly disciplined, coordinated and committed party as APC could unseat a ravaging the PDP, a party with a lot of things going in its disfavor since 2011. In spite of the tirades heaped on GMB about his 1984 – 85 reign, there is no doubt he arrested the decline that had set in at that time. APC identified the inglorious decline setting upon Nigeria and beckoned on GMB to lead the charge to arrest that decline. All the other gladiators undertook to support him, thereby
sacrificing their personal ambitions. It was easy for Governor Kwankwaso to return to the PDP after coming second in the primary election that threw up GMB. But he chose to stick with his new party. A u-turn on the part of Kwankwaso would have changed the balance in the run-up to the elections. A similar act by Atiku whose ambition has been the most volting amongst all presidential aspirants in APC could have led to similar result. These personalities chose to keep to the agreement reached within the party, not to rock the boat. The discipline garnered in years of being in opposition paid handsomely. The result is that a highly disciplined party was not stoppable in its quest for power. The triumph of APC is the masterstroke and watershed
alignment which cannot be swept away. Change appears to be the most powerful word in the endeavour of man when its time has come. Nigeria needs changes in the way practically everything is done in politics, business and so on. APC government of Buhari must assure Nigerians that it stands for one and indivisible Nigeria with plurality of ways of life. Jonathan has led the way in the change message by showing Nigerians that we can change the way we see politics. Commendations to him but also to APC which has demonstrated beyond rhetoric that change is not just a political buzzword. The party has brought change to the system of party alignment in Nigeria. It must go further to bring change to governance, party discipline and pursuit of national harmony. •Ezeoba is a solicitor
AKWA IBOM GUBER POLL: Before Jega retires....... perpetrators are walking free. The case of Akwa Ibom State of which I am very familiar is very sad. In the weeks before the elections, many sources had reported that the state government and indeed the PDP were making various plans to manipulate the elections in connivance with the state INEC. During the presidential and National Assembly elections, thugs, aided by the police, unleashed violence on the people, prevented them from voting and took away voting materials for ‘illegal secret balloting’. INEC officials in the state also diverted the sheets meant to record election results. Soon after that election, the APC and some of our leaders, who had earlier raised alarm,
notably a former governor, Obong (Arc) Victor Attah; a former Petroleum Minister, Chief Don Etiebet; Senator Ita Enang; Senator Aloysius Etok, and a host of others, wrote to the INEC Chairman about the criminal activities. The APC also forwarded a letter to Prof. Jega documenting misconduct during the presidential election. Prof. Jega did not even acknowledge receipt of the letters. It bears repeating that just as in Rivers, the governorship and state House of Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom were a show of shame. Security and hospital sources have confirmed that over 30 people were killed and a lot more wounded on April 11 in the
state. The independent Observer Teams from the European Union, British High Commission, US Embassy, Civil Society Organisations and even the INEC observers who came in from Abuja all confirmed that the elections in the two states were marred by violence, irregularities and ballot stuffing. If these elections have been so flawed, why are the two RECs still left on their jobs? In fact the case of Akwa Ibom is very tragic. The APC governorship candidate, Mr Umana Okon Umana, could not vote in his unit because there were no voting materials. Over a week after April 11, the House of Assembly election results in Akwa Ibom have not been announced at the local
government collation centres as the INEC guidelines stipulate; yet I understand that the results have been forwarded to INEC Head Office in Abuja! How can election results be forwarded to INEC in Abuja when they have not been announced at the polling units and collation centres as the law stipulates? If the INEC Chairman must finish the good work he started and bow out gracefully, he must suspend the RECs in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States from office so as to remove the fear that they might not cooperate on the evidences that would be required at the tribunals.
•Idiong teaches political science in a university
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, Page 57
Revisiting Okunbo’s politics of convenience VIEWPOINT By Mustapha Enakhimion
VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF
Post-election intrigues in Edo
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HE outcome of the 2015 presidential election has served as a good test of the quality of many Nigerian politicians. The Benin-born business mogul and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo South, Captain Hosa Okunbo, was among the first politicians to switch camp from the party, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), soon after the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election. Okunbo reminds one of Captain Francesco Schettino of the wrecked Italian cruise ship who, in 2012, abandoned his ship, leading to the death of 32 people. The captain was charged with criminal cowardice. In the same manner, South Korean Captain Lee Jun-Seok, at the highest point of danger, abandoned his ship and passengers to perish in April 2014. Captains are trained to be courageous and committed. It is unfortunate that Captain Okunbo chose to abandon the PDP ship midstream. His action is evidence of political instability
VIEWPOINT By Franklin Adejuwon
VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF
The potentials of tourism as a major revenue earner
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HE elections have come and gone. The results are the promise of God to give Nigeria a new opportunity for a change to the right course of probity, governance and moral behaviour. I concede to the drastic steps t a ke n b y B u h a r i / Tu n d e Idiagbon’s regime of 1983. The situation, which we all witnessed before then, had reduced the country and her citizens to a common bunch of bandits and unruly people. Corruption was at its highest;ministers, individuals were busy bragging and brandishing with “odd and even” licensed private jets in the sky as it were with clusters of vehicles on Lagos roads while most Nigerians lived in abject poverty. Those who made the policy of Buhari a political campaign issue could either have been part of such lawlessness or currently involved in the unabated sequence of corruption and recklessness that have almost sunk the nation again. Nigeria is presently on the threshold of divine intervention through political revolution. O b v i o u s l y, t h e i n c o m i n g government has a Herculean task ahead both at the federal and state levels. How to sustain their achievements there after may even be more of greater
or what, in popular parlance, is referred to as “political prostitution”. Since Okunbo’s betrayal, there have been comments in the media, some justifying his conduct as a call to serve the Benin people. The most common point made is that being a Benin man, he needs to align with the APC, which has won the presidential election and whose National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, is also a Benin man. This is a misconception. The intention of Okunbo’s action is not necessarily to serve the Benin people, but to minister to interests that are best know to him. Sooner or later, the Benin people will discover the true reason behind the political manouvre of their son. It is curious that Okunbo who has, for years, been closely associated with Jonathan, could shift political loyalty so suddenly. This is the height of betrayal! In politics, betrayal has grave consequences; and, he who betrays never really enjoys the loyalty and trust of others. The abandonment of Jonathan by Okunbo is not likely to attract genuine political allies to him either at the local or national level. There may be praise singers here and there, but their sincerity can never be guaranteed. That is the predicament that Okunbo must
now face. It is tragic that Okunbo had to abandon the PDP family after he had worked hard to deliver Edo South to Jonathan and the PDP in the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections. It is like a man, who turns round to destroy the house he has built. The danger of Okunbo’s action is that it begins to reinforce the
It is tragic that Okunbo had to abandon the PDP family after he had worked hard to deliver Edo South to Jonathan and the PDP in the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections
impression, whether rightly or wrongly, that the Benin people cannot be trusted. The interpretation of Okunbo’s action of trying to rise to a neutral level, over and above all political affiliations, is an afterthought. In truth, it is a cowardly act triggered by the fear of the APC influence both at the national and state levels: he is afraid of what Governor Adams Oshiomhole could do to him at home and not sure of what the APC government at the centre could do to his business interests. These are personal considerations rather than his avowed service to the Benin people as advertised in the media on April 9, 2015. His claim to seeking to liberate the ethnic nationality from “the shackles of p r e d e t e r m i n e d underdevelopment, occasioned by years of systematic and systemic political marginalization, which has denied the Benin ethnic nation prominent positions in the Federal Government,” is propelled by selfish agenda: to expand the frontiers of his business empire, give handouts to his people, not necessarily empowering them, in order to perpetually subjugate them to his political and commercial leadership. The justification, that Okunbo
Tourism, agric under Buhari task except stringent laws are left behind and no sacred cow is left without heavy punishment which should permeate down to individual families and siblings. While aiming at good governance, Nigerians should start thinking about how to support the president elect with prayers and feasible opinions that can guide the country to sustenance of effective changes in all ramifications. Most potent of the problem is the
If the tourism industry cannot be sustained at the moment,it should not be allowed to contribute to the economic destruction of the nation
provision of sustainable electricity supply. This problem is not alien to the president-elect who has been living a humble and simple life. In my own opinion, Nigeria should adopt the common approach in most developed countries and that is TOTAL DISCENTRALISATION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. Each state or even private companies should be licensed and empowered to set up and generate electricity from which ever source and sold to individuals without discrimination. Each state should be encouraged to go into massive agriculture and agro industrial business targeting such products it has relative and natural advantage of developing. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture should be able to coordinate and support very effectively the state efforts just as it was during the “operation feed the nation process”. This is the sector that touches my heart most because of my relation with the industry as the major field I have been involved in for almost four decades. I have brought up issue on this sector not because I am interested in any job indeed; far from it! I have given my best to the nation in the past almost forty years but because one can not afford to keep quiet seeing so much corruption,
mismanagement and open day roguery been perpetuated upon all one had labored to achieve for the nation, it is imperative one calls the attention of government to the situation on ground. It is sad to see all efforts of the yester years wasted and drowned in the pockets of some opportunists, mediocre who pretend to be what they are not. The existence and performance of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and it’s numerous and duplicated parastatals should be examined in the interest of the public and of the industry. It may not be the right time though to pursue or focus on the industry as a potential economic pursuit as there are more pressing issues to face: the financial recklessness in the sector calls for the eagle eye and should be curtailed very effectively. A national master plan was put in place by Obasanjo regime in collaboration with UNDP, UN-WTO. The master plan was robust and massive and covered all the facets of administration and development including security, immigration, hotels, transportation etc. It is a holistic road map which would have been useful to all sectors and local governments as tourism development influence and depend on the success of all these sectors. Implementation of the master plan was adequately plotted out
stridently seeks for his action of abandoning Jonathan (his friend) and his party (the PDP), in the guise of trying to protect and promote the interest of the Benin ethnic nation in collaboration with Oyegun, is untenable. It is a fact that the Oyegun-led APC, has now provided a veritable platform for Okunbo’s politics of convenience: to explain away his tragic act of political betrayal. But for him to harbour the impression that the vast majority of Benin people are gullible and have taken his claims hook, line and sinker, is to deceive himself. And by the way, who are those who determine an individual who assumes political vis-à-vis economic leadership of a people, in this case, Benin people? For political leadership, the people are in the position to take that decision; and, in Benin Kingdom, there are individuals and tested politicians, not businessmen, with pedigrees who can provide solid and stable political leadership. These are the people who should aspire for it. Consider the likes of Senator Roland Owie, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Senator-elect Matthew Uroghide, Pastor Osaze Ize-Iyamu, etc. Okunbo is a businessman. Business is his turf and he should be advised to restrict himself to that arena. His foray into politics is already a tragic failure; and, if care is not taken, his indiscreet partisanship could pose a threat to his business. •Enakhimion, a public affairs commentator, lives in Benin City. by UNWTO AND UNDDP and both organizations were ready to support Nigeria in all relevant cases that could Nigeria forward. But in the past six years, the Ministry of Tourism has deviated from the key issues with other wings of government. If the tourism industry cannot be sustained at the moment,it should not be allowed to contribute to the economic destruction of the nation. I shall therefore advise that all the ministry ’s jamborees are put on hold until purposefully and result oriented approaches are put in place. Besides, the personnel of the ministry are ill-constituted. Some gate crashed from nowhere into the system. Same problems are plaguing the ministry parastatals such as NTDC,NIHOTOUR where beauty queens and typist secretaries are politically imposed on positions which should be manned by world class experts,economists and professors in education , research and training. Without all these in place, Nigeria should for the time being forget about tourism entirely at the federal level and encourage the states and local governments to foster the industry within their limits. Certainly, the country is in a mess. Nigeria must pray for God’s guidance of the incoming government. •Adejuwon was Minister of State for Agriculture and former Chairman, Presidential Committee on Tourism Master Plan.
PAGE 58—SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015 japhdave@yahoo.com 08066625505
Mama Nike celebrates African culture in unique way By JAPHET ALAKAM CULTURE
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he Nike Art Gallery, which prides itself as the biggest art gallery in West Africa located in Lekki is a home of African art and culture. Apart from the beautiful art works that adorn the three storey building, the centre prides itself as a tourist site as visitors far and wide, visit the gallery on a daily basis. Last week, the centre witnessed an unusual number of visitors as people from all walks of life, especially expatriates, gathered at the gallery for the celebration of Nigerian Cultural day. It was indeed, a cultural day with every nation present, Africans,the Caribbeans, Europeans and others and the people were not disappointed as they were entertained with various aspects of the African culture. The event which is part of its way of promoting African culture was organised by the gallery in collaboration with the Nigerian Field Society. It featured a variety of African culture represented through spoken word, traditional tie and Dye, painting skill, batik making, music, dancing and a romance with various African foods and drink. The first stage featured what can be described as art made easy. Here, as one enters the compound, one will be welcomed with a canopy where people
•A performance by Nike dance troupe at the gallery
were taught the rudiments of tie and dye making. They will pick clothes and were taught how to do it. Beside it was a table where painting materials like canvas, different colours of paints, brushes etc were kept and many who have not painted before were seen trying their hands in it. And as one enters inside the
The event featured a variety of African culture represented through spoken word, traditional tie and dye, painting skill, batik making, music, dancing and a romance with various African foods and drink
building, sounds from drumming by the Nike cultural troupe welcomes you , drummers and dancers dressed in their customs were busy entertaining the audience who at one time or the other joined them in the dance. In this episode, some of the visitors, expatriates were taught how to use the talking drum to say words, greet and make sentences. They were also introduced to some of the dancing steps, an action that saw them taking traditional dance steps. In another stand, there was the display of traditional materials like walking sticks, traditional wallets, clothes, shoes, bags, statue of some traditional rulers, their caps, crowns, beads and others. The event came to an end with the celebration of African food where different types of African foods were displayed
and the audience took out their time to taste some of them which they washed down with the local palm wine. Speaking about the event, the German Consul General, Lagos, Micheal Derus who is a
regular visitor to Nike Gallery said, “I have attended a lot of events here, I must say every time I come here I discover something new about Nigeria. We have seen here the presentation of folkeric songs by the Nike dance troupe and that means that this is the place to be. The culture is rich because of the different ethnic groups with different traditions. It represents what we in Europe are striving to do, bringing a blend of culture.” For Robin-Hugh Campell, CoChaires, Nigerian Field Society Lagos branch, established since 1930, with a mission to explore the culture and environment of Nigeria specifically and West
Africa generally. “We are
Jazz musician/pr oducer ole Oni, releases debut single musician/producer oducer,, W Wole .....appeals tto o Ba tat e go vt tto o se ttle him Bayyelsa S Stat tate govt settle By JAPHET ALAKAM MUSIC
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fter about 30 years in the music industry, Jazz Musician, Maestro, MultiAward Winning Music Producer, and CEO of Instinct Productions, WOLE ONI, released his first single (song) titled ‘COVER ME LORD’. The song which is narrated by Brycee Bassey, features a 150 voice choir, and selected artistes such as Nene SoulDiva (The present voice coach for Nigerian Idol), Silver Saddih, Abraham Great, Darren Great, Raymond Chinedu, Amaka Oforbuike, Marie-Orange Dike,Emily liu, and others. Wole Oni, who is a United Nations International Ambassador for Peace, has produced well over 7,000 songs, both within Nigeria and the international circuits. He has recorded several notable hit songs such as ‘Olomi’ (Tosin Martins), Igwe (Midnight Crew), ‘If It A’int’ (Silver Saddih), ‘Hallelujah’ & ‘Ijoba Orun’ (Lara George), The centenary Theme Song, `mama peace etc. The quality of the musical expressions of Wole Oni’s
fare for my session men, Artistes invited, crew and other people you asked me to pay for on your behalf, from Lagos, and Abuja to Bayelsa due to a claim that Arik Air had not received a payment notice, and as such there was a delay.” Wole stated that he did the aforementioned in good faith,with the hope that his money would be refunded instantly at the venue due to •L-R: Eniola Olusoga, new artiste signed unto Wole Oni Music their claim that they did not Productions, CEO WOMP Records,Wole Oni and Bola Mogaji have cash at hand, and at a Press Conference needed an online payment piano playing, sizzling effect and His mercy and grace alone solution to save the situation, is calling on them to respect of the flute, the acoustic steel / has been my cover.”. Despite, the joy of the release the gentleman agreement he nylon and electric guitar creates a delightful of the album, Wole is not happy entered with them. Wole, who is worried over the cohesiveness, and the as he is still battling to make deliberate inclusion of the the Bayelsa Government pay situation, is therefore percussions adds a surround him for performing alongside appealing to the Bayelsa State width to ‘Cover Me Lord’, his band at the 2014 NIBRA/ government to as a matter of while the depth is considered BON 2014 Awards, in fact , pay him all the outstanding debts to enable as pioneering to this musical February. According to him, “I agreed his business continue. experience. Wole Oni documents the to covering up your Stressing that, “Productivity is secret of his successes over the organisations perceived an important guideline in any years in the word narration of planning flaws, financial hitch, business. When I find that my this single, and attempts to and logistic incompetence at a productivity suffers, I naturally pass that information across, time you were in dire need become concerned. Well, I am about my the motive being to give back when the award event was concerned to anyone who is willing to almost falling apart at the last productivity in collecting the listen. Wole Oni says “My minute. On your instructions, amount owed on your ‘Source’ has always been God, I went ahead to pay the flight account.”
pleased to help people understand a lot about their culture. We are happy to partner with Nike, who is an icon, that expresses the dynamic richness of the culture of Nigeria.” On his part,Tunji Akinsehinwa, Gallery Manager, Nike Art Gallery, says its Nigerian cultural day organised by Nike and The Nigerian Field Society to showcase to the different parts of the world the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. “It is a good day, people have come especially, the expatriates from different parts of the world, they have come to see the rich cultures in terms of our music, dance, food, arts, weaving, batik, painting etc.”
New novel ties African’s underdevt to retrogressive family system
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li, a new book by Ogbonna Nwokpoku, has been released by RoseDog Books of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania US. Ogbonna Nwokpoku’s Ali is a fictional series which chronicles issues of relevant interests. As a developing story on African values of contemporary rare interests, Ali keeps your suspense through action packed events that lead successively to one another. The story, set in agrarian African village in the post independent Nigeria, during the advent of western education, helps to understand the rate at which western education trickled down to the hinterlands of Africa and its cold reception. Ali in the 52-page paperback tells a story of Enyi, a local Councillor in a post colonial Nigeria who is forced to sacrifice his land inheritance to build a school for his village.
A theme that runs through the veins of the novel is one which is new in African fiction. The writer argues that the bane of African progress is in its family system. The African family system believes in quantity and not in quality. Monogamy is still frowned upon as an imperial culture and practically foreign. Even in the post colonial Africa, many people especially in the rural areas still cling to the old patriarchal polygamous family system. Owing to very low level of western education, civilisation is slow and therefore affects life in great many ways. As a problem that has bedeviled Africa for a long time and has
contributed greatly to its underdevelopment, the author tackles it strongly through this fictional representation. He argues that not even on the ground of loneliness should couples give birth to more children that they can cater to.
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 59 japhdave@yahoo.com 08066625505
Mother of multitudes... colleagues celebrate erudite Prof. Eko By PRISCA SAM-DURU BOOK LAUNCH
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n this part of the world, it is not often that good people are celebrated, rather, money bags who mostly constitute nuisance in the society are accorded accolades as though they are gems. It was with great joy therefore, that colleagues from University of Calabar(UNICAL), family, friends, former students, mentees and beneficiaries of Professor Ebele Eko, a retired professor of Comparative Literature and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL was celebrated in Calabar, recently. The occasion was the launch of Mother of Multitudes in honour of the erudite Professor. It held at the University of Calabar Hotel Conference Centre, Cross River State. The biography which was authored by her former student and mentee, Betty Abah, a journalist and activist, documents the professional and private accomplishments of the
By ELIZABETH UWANDU DRAMA
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n a concerted effort aimed at creating more awareness about the need to put an end to stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS, the Goethe Institut in collaboration with Lagos film society and Nigerian film corporation screened, a film tagged Stigma. The 2013 film directed by Dagogo Dominas and produced to celebrate 2013 World AIDS Day was performed at the Nigerian film corporation, Lagos last weekend. The emotional and heart breaking film tells the story of a mother and daughter, Ibiso and Venessa who contracted HIV from the job they do as traditional birth attendants in a village. Ibiso and Venessa were then ostracised by family and community members to die. Ibiso died as a result of the stigma, loneliness, and financial strain. But Venessa fought stigmatization and rejection and triumphed over death. Parading some of the best actors/actresses, like Jackie Appiah ( Venessa), Hilda Dokunbo (Ibiso), Emeka Ike( Dr Jide), Soibifa Dokunbo (Smart), Ngozi Nwosu ( Telma), Clem Ohamaze (Pastor), Francis Duru( Counsellor) and Anna & Bob Manuel (siblings to Venessa) they gave a ver good account of themselves as they were able
Nnewi, Anambra State-born Eko. Those who know her describe her as one of the greatest amazons Nigeria has ever produced as well as the greatest human influence in the lives of so many people whose paths have at one time or the other, crossed with hers. Fondly known as mommy Eko, the ever-smiling and amiable teacher and author, is also, a renowned author
Those who know her describe her as one of the greatest amazons Nigeria has ever produced as well as the greatest human influence in the lives of so many people
•Celebration time, friends and colleagues cut the cake of 15 books spanning poetry, grammar, criticism among others. Her books Include the widely read “Effective English book”, “Joy Unspeakable”, a collection of poems; “Masterpieces of African Literature” which was presented to the public in Calabar as well as Lagos, last year. The celebrant’s teaching experience in African and African-American literature both in Nigeria and the United States, spans over forty years. During this period, she became a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Florida (19851986) and Valdosta State University (1991-1992). She is also the first Desmond Tutu Professor, University of North Florida, Jacksonville (19982000). Eko is also reputed as the biggest authority on Nigeria’s iconic writer, Prof. Elechi Amadi, as well as for for bringing about reforms in the
Department of English and Literary Studies Department at UNICAL.
Describing the biography as a much deserved documentation of the work of the Amazon, chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ivara Esu, former UNICAL Vice Chancellor under whom Eko served as Deputy Vice Chancellor, commended the author for putting together such wonderful book that projects the good works of Prof Eko. He praised Abah for being one of their outstanding students who had made them proud. “As a wife, mother and a career woman, Mrs Eko has excelled. There are only a few women who have combined excellence in those areas and we can only thank God for giving her to us as a testimonial
of His faithfulness, to influence lives wherever we go” intoned Prof U.J Ekpe, who also served as Deputy Vice-
Film tackles HIV/AIDS stigmatization on stage to interpret their roles and deliver. And the audience were held spellbound and thrilled from the spontaneous reactions the film evoked and that made them to have a retrospection on their lives and living generally. The film tells the story of love, betrayal, friendship, forgiveness and survival of the human mind irrespective of the HIV status. It also,preached the message of survival of the man against self pity from himself and from any form of stigmatization of people. The film is not just a drama about ignorance and the consequences of carelessness but also about the power to over-
The emotional and heart breaking film tells the story of a mother and daughter who contract HIV from the job they do as traditional birth attendants in the village
•A scene from performance of the film, Stigma come desperate situations in life, to burst one’s bonds and finally to be what you want to be. Speaking on the uniqueness of the storyline, Hilda Dokunbo said, “various movies have dealt with the issue of contracting HIV/AIDS, but none has actually portrayed the stigmatization that follows after one is tested positive of the ailment.” “After this,the question that follows is what happens after he you are tested HIV positive, how do you live and how people around you see? Stigmatization is a killer, it is just means rejection and when people reject you, it is the same thing as when you are shown AIDS. So when people show you hate, because hate is a negative en-
ergy, you can not tap any form of strength. But you can tap a lot from love and that is what is unique about this film, Stigma.” she noted Speaking further, Dokunbo said, “we need ourselves as individuals, people, religious and professional guardian to survive any form of stigmatization. Venessa unlike her mother survived discrimination, loneliness and financial burden by determination in fighting stigmatization; through the pastors encouragement and by good friendship and counsel of Dr Jide and the Counsellor.” Stigma also, corrects the erroneous impression that HIV is gotten through sex
Chnacellor (Amin) at the same time with Eko. The author of the biography and Executive Director of a child’s rights and welfare NGO, CEE-HOPE, Betty Abah, told guests that she was motivated to document Prof. Eko’s exemplary life so as to inspire others to do good.”There is so much celebration of bad role models and outright charlatans in our society, to the detriment of the gems with which this country is blessed. As writers, as conciences of the nation, we owe a debt to hold up good people like Mommy Eko as mirrors before the nation especially as models for our younger generation. As pioneer female Deputy VC, she worked with Prof Esu and Ekpe to stamp out cultism from UNICAL in addition to instilling an enduring tradition of environmental cleanliness in the school.”, Abah stated. alone. As it can be contracted through other means by using unsterilised instruments used by HIV victims, through blood transfusion and the care of a victims of HIV without protection just like the case of Venessa and her mother, Ibiso who got the disease by attending to a woman in labour, who was HIV positive. From the film one is meant to see the every day living of the Niger Delta who despite having oil lack the basis necessities of life, one of which is good health facility. In the play Venessa had to leave her village to the city in search of good medical attention. Aside the above, Dagogo Dominas needs commendation as he blended the Kalabari language with the Queen’s language. Emeka Ike who played the part of Dr Jide who confessed that he decided to star in the movie for its human angle, said “stigmatization is not only shown to HIV victims alone but seen in one self, among people, and race. So any form of rejection is stigma. The moment we rise to the occasion of fighting stigmatization by accepting ourselves irrespective of class, status, or race, the better we will become.” Mrs Patricia Ajenufuja, a volunteer of HIV/AIDS said she really learned from the play the part of religion in the lives of people based on the role played by the pastor( Clems Ohamaeze).
PAGE 60— SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015
C M Y K
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 61
THE 28TH COR ON ATION ANNIVERS ARY OF THE OLU OF W ARRI, HRM. OGIAME AATUW TUW AT SE II CORON ONA ANNIVERSARY WARRI, TUWA PHOTOS BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE
Prince Victor Osaren of Benin Kingdom(left) paying homage to the Olu of Warri, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse II.
The Olu of Warri, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse II.
A cross section of Warri chiefs presenting gift items to the Olu of Warri
R-L: Chief(Mrs.)Rita Lori Ogbebor; Mr. Amah Agbajoh, PDP Chairman,Warri South,Hon and Mrs. Daniel Reyenieju; Alhaji Ali Abubakar, JIBIA MD/CEO PMCL; and Hon. Friday Asamah.
The Ukuekes
The wife of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Olori-Atuwatse
Chief Francis Omatseye in a chat with a distinguished guest.
Hon.&Mrs. Daniel Reyenieju
A cross section of members of Warri Council of Chiefs
A cross section of members of Faithful Sisters of Warri
A cross section of guests
The Omutse group entertaining guests
The Ugono-Jesus group entertaining guests
PAGE 62
S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 3, 2015,
Omatsola Morgan: Marathon mum with a big heart
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uedon (Tee) Omatsola Morgan was an another bored mum, but as a true Warri person, she never wanted to “carry last”. That zeal to break free, made her to discover a hidden passion... long distance running. And as if that was not enough, she has taken it to the extreme as it was demonstrated lately, when she participated in the North Pole marathon an event even the die hard extreme sports enthusiasts would think twice before joining in. But for Omatsola Morgan, the adventure was worth the while, it was the only way to keep pushing her body to the limits and for sure Jamaican sprint legend Marlene Ottey would look over her shoulder. Omatsola Morgan will be clocking 42 this year, blessed with four teenage boys, she is carrying on with the zeal of a 20 year old athlete who wants to conquer the world.
A little overweight problems pushed her to gym to burn some fat, and then walking and jogging followed. She started running, and then the world of marathon beckoned to her. She discussed her goal with a fellow runner and he practically laughed at her. She just shrugged and let him know, “You’re not me. I’m Tee, a child of God and I will run a marathon. Just watch me!” she spoke to Ben Efe recently about her experiences. You are the first Nigerian that has ever ran in the North Pole marathon. Why North Pole considering the fact that you are Nigerian and you reside in Qatar? Yeah I live in Qatar in the middle east, which is even hotter than Nigeria at 31 degrees Celsius. And the north pole marathon is -41 Celsius. In February I did the triple seven, that is running in seven marathon in seven days in seven conti-
nents and there was a lot of travel getting on and off the plane. It was my second time of doing it, but somehow I needed a new challenge and I read about the North Pole marathon, it is the coldest place and the coldest marathon on the planet. It is the most difficult race and a lot of people don’t finish. But I said to myself that I am going to do this. I wanted to prove to myself I can do it. I wanted to put myself in a position where other people can see me and also aspire to achieve something, it doesn’t necessary have to be the North Pole marathon it can be something else. There is no limit to what we human beings can do. I want other people to be inspired. When you were young and in school did you ever participate in sports? No! My P.E teacher will tell you my story better. I would rather serve punishment, scrub the bathroom and toi-
Bolt set for Gatlin challenge U SAIN Bolt says he is confident of regaining his top form ahead of the World Championships in August. The Olympic and World Champion tells reporters he can “can definitely get to that level, no question” and states his main goal for the season is to remain injury-free. Bolt stared in the men 4x100m at the World Relays in the Bahamas, he came against the United States’s Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay, who Bolt recently said should have been banned for life after being found guilty of doping offences. Bolt said last year he was in favor of banning athletes who cheat on purpose for life and has spoken against former top rival Tyson Gay receiving a reduced, one-year ban after he tested positive multiple times in 2013. Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic 100m champion, is five years
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•Dashing...Tyson Gay and Usain Bolt in a hot contest.
removed from a four-year doping ban but has denied knowingly taking performance-enhancing drugs. “When it comes to Justin Gatlin, I think he served his ban,” Bolt told reporters in The Bahamas. “For me, it’s not an issue. Justin Gatlin’s a great competitor. … He makes the sport interesting. I look forward to running with him this season. It’s going to be interesting, because he’s been saying quite a lot.” Bolt’s last 100m defeat came at the hands of
Gatlin on June 6, 2013. Bolt beat Gatlin at the 2013 World Championships, but they did not go head to head in 2014 as Bolt raced a total of 400 meters in competition all season due to foot surgery. Gatlin, meanwhile, ran five of the six fastest times in the world last year and was unbeaten. His fastest time in 2014, a 9.77, matched Bolt’s winning time from the 2013 World Championships. In 2012, Bolt said Gatlin once spat across his lane.
let than participate in Sports. I was one of those people who will help set up the tracks and other equipment that they needed for the sports event. I never laced up a spike shoe. I found participating in sports embarrassing in fact it was all about academics. I was one of those with the mindset that you have to be a doctor, an accountant, lawyer and engineer. A lot of parents didn’t see the need for their kids to participate in sports then. But since I have been doing this, it is been very fulfilling and I would recommend that Nigerians should take to sports. It will be nice if we have a sports culture in the country. I am not happy that Nigeria as country don’t have a marathon race that is internationally acclaimed. I am not talking about the half marathons that were once organized. But a full fledged marathon So now that you are into sports; and based on what you said. You want a lot of people to be inspired; are you thinking about doing something to encourage the young ones to participate in sports? Last December I was in Nigeria and I organized two races. It was a children and adult race. Just seeing those kids run made me to conclude sports can make you challenge yourself and you can stand all trials. I want to get involve in Nigerian sports, I want to see more youths taking to sports, if they can utilise their time participating in sports, they will not get themselves into things they shouldn’t be doing. Sports builds the youths for the future it puts them in a position of strength.
•More Than Woman... Tuedon Omatsola Morgan getting ready for a marathon challenge.
Then you will be in good position to advise our government on what to do to improve sports in Nigeria. Because the sports industry in Nigeria is more like a child’s play. Definitely, I have met a lot of Nigerian sports officials. I can say that some of them have not done enough to improve on the country’s
sports. They might have managerial experience, but they have never participate in sports. Someday, I want to come back home and be involved actively in sports management. I want to see the Nigerianflag any wherethere is a sports event. There are a lot of international races and there are few Nigerians participating. Sometimes I am the only Nigerian in those events. I want government and corporate bodies to get involved, they can support individuals and charity events. We only see Kenyans and Ethiopians in long distance races, we want to see Nigerians as well. Do you follow Nigerian athletes Yes I do. In May we have the Doha athletics meet and I have always gone to see them. I have met with Blessing Okagbare on two occasion and I am very much interested in track and field and running. I am also interested in other sports. In January, the swimmers where here in Doha and I also went to see them. I think that the Nigerian government need to invest more money into athletics, they feel that there are other things they want to do with money, but it is equally important to invest in the •Dad’s My Girl...Tuedon Omatsola Morgan with her dad youths to keep them from destructive activities. Engineer Joe Omatsola.
S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 3, 2015, PAGE 63
West Brom shock United M
ANCHESTER United fans were left in shock as West Brom ran away with a 10 win yesterday at Old Trafford. A deflected free-kick from Chris Brunt in the second half earned the Baggies the precious three points. Robin van Persie had the chance to draw level for the Red Devils from the spot, but the returning Dutchman saw Boaz Myhill correctly dive to his left hand side to turn to penalty away. Looking at the bigger picture, after Louis van Gaal had convinced many that he had finally found the winning formula at Man United after a recent run of four straight wins, his side have now lost their last three games on the bounce. More worrying in United’s defeats to Chelsea, Everton and now West Brom, the Red Devils have failed to find the target even once. West Brom are 13th in the Premier League, and the win takes them to the magical 40-point mark.
By Eddie Akalonu
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•DISAPPOINTING: Van Persie (left) was back in the United starting line-up after missing action since February with an ankle injury
Star SuperFans: Amazing Blues lose O
N a day when everything went wrong for Amazing Blues FC as they managed to score just one out of seven,
Ighalo fails to win English Championship crown
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IGERIA international Odion Ighalo is not an English Championship winner after his club Watford failed to beat visiting Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in the last game of the season.
The match ended in a 11 draw for AFC Bournemouth to emerge as champions after they thrashed hosts Charlton Athletic 3-0 to tally 90 points, a point more than Watford.
the team of five Chelsea fans were lucky to be only 2-0 down on this week’s episode of Star Football SuperFans. It could have been worse if the Shining Stars team of Barcelona fans had been more clinical. It was episode 3 of Nigeria’s biggest football gameshow powered by premium beer Star Lager and the N1 million prize money seemed destined for the
War in the Orient continued from B/P sides are unmatched on status but that the Nnewi-based side will teach their more illustrious opponents some football lessons. “Well, Gabros are quite new in the Nigerian Premier League compared with our opponents, Enyimba who are giants and household name in the domestic scene. “We’ve absolute respect for them but we won’t lie low and allow the side to walk over us simply because they’re Enyimba. “Our respect for them will end off the pitch as on the pitch we will prove to them that we are capable of kicking the round leather game. “We must give the
I‘ll keep this title for long, says Okorie
encounter everything in us to secure the three maximum points at stake. “We’ve told ourselves that we won’t forfeit any point on the home ground throughout the duration of the season. “Personally, I see the encounter as a new page or starting point to still prove existing superiority over Enyimba in all the teams I played in the past. “As Enugu Rangers player we dominated them same scenario at Heartland so I want to continue the fine run against Enyimba right now in Gabros’ colours,” said the Olympian. Gabros are fourth on the log on impressive 10 points from possible 18 in the six-week old Nigerian top flight.
•Mozez Praiz continued from B/P once silverware is secured. “I have replicas of every cup I won, and I don’t care about the replicas. Or the medals. They’re in my houses. I have some in Portugal, some here, some in my son’s room. I really don’t care,” said Mourinho. “What stays forever is the feeling, the emotion, the memory of the moment. I have clear in my head every one of these moments I lived.
Blaugrana. Host Mozez Praiz presented Chigbogu Paulinus, Agbowa Ugochukwu, Okwudili Okafor, Akinmosu Ibrahim and Owhofactor Esere with the chance to claw their way back into the game with the Show Your Passion segment and the responsibility fell on Owhofactor Esere. He took the stage in front of an expectant audience and steadied himself: Mozez Praiz returned to centre stage to ask the crowd to vote. Unsurprisingly, the crowd voted for Shining Stars and the score changed to 3-0. The next round of competition was just a formality as the game had been won and lost. 40 the final score and the Amazing Blues looked more like the Amazing Blues of Wigan Athletic than of Chelsea FC.
LOBAL Boxing Union, GBU Intercontinental supermiddleweight champion, Innocent Okorie of Nigeria has vowed to hold on to the title as long as he has the ability, saying “anybody who attempts to challenge me for it I will chain in the ring. The 34 old Okorie who won the crown in December last year in Messplatz, Karlsruhe Germany via a round three knockout of Adia Rosidi of Hungary, told Sports Vanguard in an interview in Lagos, the feat was only the beginning of good things to come as his target is to enter the European Boxing Union and WBC rating with eyes set at a world title. “I have the energy and I will continue to fight as long
as I can. Okorie, who goes by the ring name ‘Max Jumbo Maier ’, defended the title last weekend against Alexander Jankovic and won via another third round technical knockout still in Karlsruhe Germany, With another defense of the title slated for22 against a yet to be named opponent still in the European country, Okorie said “I have been able to do it because I use different techniques.”
•Okorie
Edu promises busy days for LLTC members
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EWLY elected president of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Barrister Rotimi Oladipupo Edu has vowed to make the club the best in the African continent in the nearest future. Speaking after his election Thursday Night, Edu said the new Exco will make the club’s eight (8) courts the busiest on the African continent through regular hosting of big tennis championships, and will attract top tennis stars from different parts of the world beside ensuring the friendship through recreation of members of the club founded in 1895. “Better days are ahead and I want to re-assure
every member that I will not disappoint in any way. “Very soon we shall be celebrating our 120th Anniversary and we plan to put the Lagos Tennis Club on the World map with regular tournaments and corporate partnership that will be beneficial to members and young tennis stars that we are nurturing.”
•Edu
Mourinho “What motivated me are the basic things in football, like when you are a kid, you play in the street with your neighbours, three against three, four against four, and you want to win. That’s the most pure feeling in football. “But the moment itself, it only lasts for a flash. For that moment a final finishes, or the game that gives you the league ends, you have like a
flash of the people you love most, the people who are with you, a little bit of the most important moments that lead to that trophy.
“It’s like a quick flash. And, with me, five minutes later, I move on. I have to think about next season, to prepare. We need to think about that.”
F/Eagles Success (CF Granada, Spain), Wilfred Ndidi (Genk, Belgium), Moses Simon (Gent, Belgium) and kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England) have been included and will join the squad in Germany. Nigeria are drawn with Brazil, Hungary and North Korea in the first round of the competition.
SUNDAY Vanguard, MAY 3, 2015
F/Eagles final W/Cup squad out May 15 N IGERIA have up till May 15 to submit a final 21-man squad to FIFA for the U20 World
Cup in New Zealand. The African champions flew out of the country yesterday
I’ll celebrate title for 5 mins—Mourinho J
OSE Mourinho says he will only take five minutes to celebrate before turning his thoughts to next season if Chelsea seal the Premier League title ttoday. Victory over Crystal Palace in today’s fixture will be enough to secure their first league
for a training tour in Germany. A 35-man provisional squad has already been named for the tournament, which kicks off on May 30. The squad has all 21 players who were at the African Youth Championship in Senegal last month, while the likes of Isaac Continues on Page 63
•Manu
championship since 2010. The Portuguese, who already boasts seven league titles from spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid, has fond memories of previous successes, but plans to swiftly refocus Continues on Page 63
•Mourinho celebrates his last EPL title
•RARING TO GO: Regina George is part of Nigeria’s women 4x400 Relay team
World Relays: Nigeria’s best legs out By Ben Efe
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S the IAAF World Relays gather steam today in the Bahamas, there are doubts if the Nigerian women 4x400m quartet can repeat or improve on the bronze medal they won at the last edition. It was Nigeria’s only medal in 2014. Folashade Abugan, the fastest quarter-miler last season has taken time off to face another
•As Egwero fails to travel childbirth, while Omolara Omotosho is out injured. The contributions of the two women were central to the team’s podium performance in the maiden edition. The women 4x400m final will be decided today and according to Patience Okon, they are going to put on their best performance to come out
in the top three. “We will miss Shade and Lara in the race. But I believe in Almighty God because he is the author and the finisher of everything,”Okon stated. The women 4x100m final will also be decided today, with Blessing Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu, Christy Udoh, Peace Uko and others poised to race for a medal, after they ran in
CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. House of Reps Speaker (8) 5. Assistant (4) 7. Praise (5) 8. Upright (4) 9. Lantern (4) 11. Tradition (6) 13. Lagos masquerade (3) 15. Exclamation (2) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 18. Agent (3) 20. Glitters (6) 24. Forward (5) 25. Nigerian state (6) 27. Boring tool (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric (5) 31. Perform (2) 32. Oshiomhole’s state (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 36. Vow (4) 38. Musical quality (4) 39. Inclination (5) 40. Eager (4) 41. Damages (8)
DOWN 1. Sample (5) 2. Niger state town (4) 3. Observe (5) 4. Lecture (6) 5. Everyone (3) 6. Use (6) 10. Inquires (4) 12. Carpet (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Resistance unit (3) 17. Coax (4) 19. Rollicked (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 22. Satisfied (4) 23. Nigerian state (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 27 . African country (6) 28. Endure (4) 29. Child (3) 30. Spoke (6) 31. Adorn (5) 33. Baking chambers (5) 35. Asterisk (4) 37. Possessed (3)
the 4x200m earlier this morning. However, Asumnu is worried about selections and decisions being made by the coaches. “I just have to laugh to keep myself from crying,” she said. “However, I remain focused, as if it is an Olympic event,” she said. The men 4x100m team missed the service of Ogho-
Oghene Egwero. Egwero one of best male sprinters in Nigeria could not make the flight to Nassau, after the the ticketing agent bungled arrangements. “He couldn’t confirm
the ticket as at Friday and so I had to sit back. But I trust that the men race will pick up this year we still have the world championships coming up.”
War in the Orient •As Ifeanyi Uba Utd. host Enyimba
G
ABROS right fullback, Chibuzor Okonkwo has said his side will not pay any
TODAY’S MATCHES NPFL Sharks v Taraba Ifeanyi Uba v Enyimba Giwa v Bayelsa Dolphins v Lobi Stars El Kanemi v Akwa United Wikki v Rangers Heartland v Sunshine Stars 3SC v Warri Wolves Nasarawa Utd v Abia Warriors Kwara United v Pillars EPL Chelsea v Crystal Palace 1:30 pm T’ham v Man City 4:00 pm
undue respect to oriental neighbours and two-time African champions, Enyimba. The Nigerian top flight newcomers will host the Peoples Elephant in today’s Glo Premier League encounter in Nnewi. Okonkwo said both Continues on Page 63
RESULTS
See solution on page 5
Leicester Aston Villa Liverpool Sunderland Swansea West Ham Man Utd
3 3 2 2 2 1 0
Newcastle Everton Q PR Southampton Stoke City Burnley West Brom
0 2 1 1 0 0 1
•Chibuzor
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