Why I have not met Jonathan - Atiku

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 3

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 — PAGE 5

Why I have not met Jonathan – Atiku

Continued from page 1 Sunday Vanguard questionnaire through his media adviser, Garba Shehu, alleged that a meeting called by Jonathan to discuss the issues with the former Vice President was sabotaged by the President’s staff who seemed not to be interested in solving the crisis in the party. He explained that a day after the walk-out he and six PDP governors staged at the Eagle Square, Abuja Special National Convention ground, word came to him that the President wanted a meeting through his aides and that the Turaki should be present at home at 7:00pm on the given day.

“Atiku cancelled all appointments and asked that the house be cleared for an important delegation from the President. At that time, it was unclear whether it was the President himself who was coming or his representatives”, the media adviser said. “He waited from 7:00pm until well after 9:00 but nobody showed up. The Turaki learnt later, to his dismay, that the leader of the delegation reported to the President that Atiku had made himself unavailable for the meeting”. Garba Shehu said Atiku had a string of international engagements beginning the next day and he left as scheduled. He explained that Atiku had met the President not less than four times in the past and had, at the end of each meeting, indicated his readiness to be present whenever he was required to do so by the President.

“This is out of the respect for the office he occupies. From this, it is clear that around the President, there are people who prosper from this crisis and they don’t want it to end”, the media adviser said.” The former Vice-President also explained why he lent his support to the faction of the PDP led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje, citing the need to entrench internal democracy in the party as basis for his decision.

Atiku, in the interview, noted that the decision among aggrieved leaders of the party to walk out during the convention of the PDP, “was the culmination of several attempts to call the attention of the party to how things were going in the wrong direction.”

According to him, “there had been several behind-the-scene efforts involving respected leaders of the party to correct certain wrongs in the PDP”.

He continued, “It appeared that the party was not ready to give consideration to all these com-

plaints and it got to a point that some people felt that it was time to salvage the PDP, before it tarries far beyond redemption. ”I recall that not less than four

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NASARAWA CONFLICT SURVIVORS

‘For three days, we waited for security agents to rescue us’ *Gov Al-makura laments: Destruction is unbelievable

BY ABEL DANIEL

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O fewer than 50,000 people have been rendered homeless as Asakio, Odobu and Obi local government areas of Nasarawa State are turned to ghost towns as a result of the conflict between the Ombatse militia and the Alago ethnic group.

Governor Tanko Al-makura visited the affected communities in the company of his commissioners to assess the level of damage and to also sympathize with the victims displaced and taking refuge in nearby communities.

Al-makura, while being taken round the areas, lamented the destruction of houses, particularly those of the paramount rulers in Obi and Asakio. “I can’t believe what my eyes are seeing today, this is inhuman”, he said.

Worst hit were the Alago settlements in Asakio, Odobu and Obi where no single house including economic tree was left

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ty collapses. ”At that point, I asked myself which was the right direction to go: to leave the party in the hands of Bamanga Tukur and watch the party I helped build to collapse,

From left: Governor of Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha , Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Osun State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, during the graduation ceremony of Rochas Foundation College, Ibadan and the 51st birthday celebration of its founder, Okorocha, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, yesterday.Photo by Dare Fasube

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different delegations were sent to me, three of which were led by former state governors and one by a serving governor, on why we need to act fast and salvage the PDP before the par-

or join hands with like-minded people and rescue the PDP. I think at the end of the day, I took the right decision. ”What we did by the actions we took is to say that infractions to democracy and impunity will no longer be tolerated in the PDP.” Atiku pointed out that the desire to salvage the PDP was the sole reason he backed the protesting governors, saying, “the effort to correct the wrongs in the PDP didn’t just start now. And that is why I will want to correct you on the appellation of ‘ rebel governors.’ ”Those of us who have come together to champion crusades to return the PDP to the dreams of its founding fathers are not leading a rebellion against the party. What we are doing is to further strengthen the PDP and reconnect it to the Nigerian people. ”I decided to join the governors in their protest after four delegations, one after the other, were sent to me. I did not give them any terms or preconditions because I believe in their sincerity of their purpose.”

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untouched by the assailants who took their time to unleash terror on the communities. It was a sight no one will wish even his enemies.

Among the places visited were the refugee camps in Namu, Qwann pang local, government in Plateau State, Keana and Akwashi in Nasarawa where some of the internally displaced persons, mostly women and children, are taking their refuge.

“I sympathize with all of you.

I want to assure you that my administration will do everything possible to make sure you are properly taken care till when the situation would be brought under control so that you can all return back to your homes”, the governor said.

However the refugees expressed bitterness over poor relief materials since penultimate Friday when they were forced to flee their homes.

One Mr. Ishage Amodu said that they were disappointed over the delay in sending security agents to the troubled communities, saying, “When the crisis started on Thursday, no single security personnel could be found until after three days. That is why those criminals had enough time to cause the kind of damage you all saw at Asakio and Obi”.

Earlier, the governor, in a state broadcast, announced the banning of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as OKADA, in Lafia, Obi, Doma, Nasarawa Eggon and Keana local governments between 700pm and 600pm.

He assured the people of Nasarawa State and in particular those in the affected communities that his administration will not allow any group of persons to take the law into their hands or destroy lives or properties. He appealed to the citizens of the state to remain calm as government was on top of the

situation.

Meanwhile the National Emergence Management Agency (NEMA), on Friday, distributed relief materials to over 25,000 Internally Displaced Persons taking refuge in Keana and Namu.

NEMA Director General,

Mohammed Sani-Sidi, represented by Mohammed Suleiman, North Central zonal planning officer, who presented the items to the IDPs in those camps, said the items were meant to ameliorate the plight of the displaced persons especially women and children.

Native and Vogue: Designers raise bar with innovative designs

BY JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

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HE much publicized Native and Vogue Port Harcourt International Fashion Week, kicked off, on Friday, in Port Harcourt, with designers raising the bar with vibrant innovative collections.

The event place Aztech Arcum, venue of the show, was packed full with fashion enthusiasts and eminent citizens of the state led by its number one citizen, Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Organized by Rivers State Government in conjunction with Allure Vanguard, Neo Mantra and Frank Oshodi of Bunor Creazioni, the first of its kind show is part of Amaechi’s efforts to bring Port Harcourt back to peace and possibilities after a long time of militant activities, according to Ibim Semenitari, the state Commissioner for Information.

Five designers, Beelicious by Bee, Zhalima Grazioni Davida, Tejiri and Prince Alvince, showcased their collections on the catwalk.

The show was opened by Beelicious whose collection was dominated by black and white monochrome dresses that were very striking.

Zhalima brought a lot of drama with his long evening dresses with layers of frills and volume that brought grace and opulence as the models sashayed down the runway. While his organza dresses broght back girlie

fashion, his white bustier evening dresses with frilly details were simply compelling.

Davida, known for her characteristic dramatic sleeves, lived up to its billing. Lace frabric featured prominently in her collection with sequins and frills forming her detailing. For once, Davida departed from just showcasing blouses alone and included in her collection some graphic two piece trouser suit.

Tejiri was simple with his collection of shirts and trousers.

It was a case of less is more with clean lines and sophisticated cuts.

Perhaps more dramatic, innovative and vibrant was the collection of Prince Alvince. It was a good way to close the show with a collection that showed intricate detailing, innovative dressy suits with sequins, as well as shirts with graphic embellishments. Prince Alvince brought back the 60s skinny trousers with safari cut suits. His collection left a grateful audience on their feet cheering and wanting for more. Speaking to vanguard after the show, London based designer Adebayo Jones, described the show as an absolutely beautiful show. “I love the ideas, I love the fact that they had a lot of innovation in their designing and a lot of detailing.

I could see the intricacy of the beading and all the embroidery and even the styling as well.

There were beautiful models to showcase them. It was vibrant and it was fabulous”.

PAGE 6 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Why S-East is backward, by Prof. Nnaji

BY TONY EDIKE former Minister of A Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji, has listed crisis of

Rt Hon Ochei-Speaker, DTHA supervising the rescue and evacuation of accident victims at the scene of the mishap.

Worries over Bayelsa oil spill

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa

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he people of Ikeinghenbiri in Southern Ijaw Council area of Bayelsa State have expressed concern over the slow response of Nigerian Agip Oil Company to last week oil spill in their community. They lamented that the spill from Agip’s oil field, noticed on Monday, had impacted their community negatively.

Deputy paramount ruler of the community, Chief Collins Adikoko, said, yesterday, at the riverside Ikeinghenbiri that though they had reported the spill to the oil firm, it was yet to be fixed. “The spill resulting from the leakage has exposed members of our community to hazards and untold hardship; we understand the oil is coming from an underwater valve,” Adikoko said. “The first thing we want is for them to stop the oil from leaking into our creeks and ponds,

but six days after we reported, nothing has happened, we want them to hasten their response.”. The community, he said, had experienced frequent spills from the oil fields in the area operated by Agip which adversely affected the fishing occupation of the residents.

He called on the company to deploy its response team to commence immediate clean up and work out plans to ameliorate the sufferings of the fishermen affected.

The deputy paramount ruler noted that oil bearing communities who suffered the negative impact of oil exploration and production deserved special consideration by the oil firms in the provision of social amenities.

Officials of Nigerian Agip Oil Company have scheduled a joint investigative visit of the spill site with representatives of the community and oil industry regulators.

Mr Marshall Josiah,

Chairman of Ikeinghenbiri Community Development Committee, said that officials of the oil firm had visited the spill site ahead of the joint visit from September 23.

values, lack of unity in practical terms and absence of joint planning of development as some of the often over-looked factors militating against the socioeconomic development of the South-east. Nnaji, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Geometric Power Limited, made the assertion in his key note lecture during the 2nd South-east Media Summit, which took place at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, yesterday.

Speaking on the theme, “Role of the Media in Southeast Integration”, Nnaji stated that there is fast erosion of culture and values in the zone, stating that societies which have a high stock of social capital develop faster than those which have a low stock of such values as; trust, loyalty, honesty, solidarity and

cooperation.

“We certainly do not want and should not allow our beloved Igboland to become the Sicily (where mafia and criminal organizations exist to make the area perpetually backward) of Nigeria and so the assault against our sacred cultural values must be fought with all our might and talent, “the erstwhile minister said.

“Our culture cherishes honour, integrity, trust and profound respect for the dignity of the human person.

But these values are fast being eroded. There is perhaps nothing which dramatizes the collapse of values than the new phenomenon of kidnappings for ransom”. He identified insecurity as a critical area of integration where the South-east governments can work together by jointly procuring tracking equipment, the type used in Abuja by federal security agencies; and devise security information sharing strategy..

In terms of planning together, Nnaji harped on the imperative of drawing up a long-term development plan with all the Igbospeaking areas; including those in Delta and Rivers states as well as the diaspora. He said that such plan should include how to bring bid businesses such as state-of-the-art hospitals, high quality educational institutions, electricity and other projects, which will enable thousands Igbo people working in places like IBM, General Motors, Ford Motors, General Electric, Motorola, Massachusetts General Hospital and the rest in the diaspora to return home.

The chairman of the occasion and senator representing Abia Central, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, stated that proper integration should be an added advantage to the people of the zone since they are already industrious, courageous and highly determined.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 7

Gunmen attack monarch, abduct wife

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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IFE of the tradition al ruler of AbbaIgogoro in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Omale Nwogbo, Adiza, has been kidnapped by unknown persons who invaded her home. The woman was kidnapped days after some armed men invaded the palace and inflicted machete cuts on her husband before shooting at three other persons with him in his palace at about 8pm.

According to police sources, the traditional ruler was meeting with some people in his Igogoro palace when the gunmen struck and reportedly shot one Joshua Urama at the back while Igwe Ogbo himself, Emmanuel Tobechukwu Idoko and Sunday Ogbo sustained injuries on their heads and faces. Igwe Ogbo was said to have been reportedly given three machete cuts on his head.

The attack took place at a time members of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the local government were holding the

Ward Congress at Enugu Ezike to elect delegates for the local government congress to elect chairmanship candidates for the local government elections scheduled for later in the year.

Igwe Ogbo and the other victims, who sustained serious bullet wounds, were rushed to the Bishop Shanahan Hospital Annex in Enugu Ezike, the council headquarters for urgent

medical attention. However, Adiza, 85, was abducted by some people who reportedly claimed to have come from the neighbouring Isugwu community, exactly four days after her hus-

band was attacked in his palace.

The police were still trying the unravel the reasons behind the attack on Ogbo when his wife was abducted.

Trouble in Edo PDP over vote of confidence on Ogiadomhe •He was qualified to vote at convention —Group

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH and GABRIEL ENOGOLASE

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N Edo North based socio-political group, Edo North Consultative Forum (ECF), has dismissed claim that the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, was not qualified to vote in the last Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Special National Convention that took place in Abuja.

According to the ECF, in

a statement by its public relations officer, Dr. Leo Fadaka, it criticised the advertorial by a group which described the participation of Oghiadhome at the convention as fraud.

ECF said as a leader of the PDP in Edo North, and a two term deputy governor of Edo State, the Chief of Staff was qualified as a delegate at the PDP convention.

Fadaka said: “It is high level of mischief and inconceivable on the part of the faceless group to descend so low to score a cheap po-

litical point even if it meant concocting lies and other unpalatable things.”

Meanwhile, the Edo North Senatorial Zone of the PDP may have passed a vote of no confidence on Oghiadomhe, over what they described as his insensitive leadership.

The leaders of the party, said to have taken the decision at the weekend at an expanded leadership of the party meeting in Polaris Hotel, Afashio- Jattu, near Auchi, said it was aimed at re-strategizing and improving the fortunes of the PDP Zone come 2015, even as they called for his immediate sack by the President.

2015: Kinsmen Want Ihedioha as Imo Governor

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ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCE: From left: A former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, Chief Tony Anenih, Chairman of the PDP BoT, and the widow of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, during the BoT’s condolence visit to the Agagus’ home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, yesterday.

HE Mbaise nation of Imo State has called on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,Chief Emeka Ihedioha, to throw his hat in the race for governorship in 2015 without further delay.

At a solidarity visit to the Deputy Speaker at his country home –Mbutu, in the Aboh Mbaise LGA and attended by prominent politicians of Mbaise extraction, the Mbaise nation, in a position paper, insisted that Ihedioha with a towering profile

and enviable pedigree is the best material among the contenders for the Imo State number one office to move the state forward.

“He will provide a government that will demonstrate a noticeable ability to halt and reverse the unemployment rate and increasing pauperization of the state and will immediately restore the security of life and property in the state and protect the safety of the state itself which have been put in serious danger”.

‘Why we want Ifeanyi Uba as Anambra gov’

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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (l), receiving the address of mandate to vie for 2015 Imo State governorship from Chief Barr. Joe Ndu, who led a delegation of eminent persons from Mbaise to the Deputy Speaker, at Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State on Friday.

The decision followed a motion by Chief Sylvester Eruaga and observation by Suleiman Asekhamhe that Oghidomhe was not living up to his responsibility as the senatorial leader of the party and as such should be removed.

Those who spoke at the meeting allegedly complained that members of party were not happy with his conduct as a leader and were not benefitting from his leadership.

It was further learnt that one of the Chief of Staff ‘s loyalist from Etsako Central local government, Shikh Ustace, who objected to his removal, was asked to leave the venue.

UPPORT has come for the Labour Party candidate Ifeanyi Ubah in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election from Chief Sunday Akabueze.

Speaking to newsmen in Awka the Anambra State capital, Akabueze, the Chief Executive Officer of Sakab International Limited, said his support for the Labour Party governorship candidate stemmed from the fact that Ubah is the only candidate who can the state.

Explaining his support for Uba, he said, “There is lot of infrastructural decay

in the state right now and he has come to fix them and bring them back to life.

“The colonial masters did some of the roads in Anambra State you are seeing today. A few others were done

by Dr. Chris Ngige when he was governor. So, modern infrastructure is seriously lacking in Anambra State and this is a state that produced people like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Odimegwu Ojukwu and so many others. So the question now is, why this state should remain in this state of decay?

BRIEFS Edo Commissioner faces alleged libel

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM THE conflict between the Chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Council of Edo State, Mrs Lucy Omagbon, and the state Commissioner for Special Duties (Oil and Gas), Mr Orobosa Omo-Ojo, worsened, yesterday, when the council boss threatened to slam N500million suit on the Commissioner and Publisher of Midwest Herald for alleged defamation of character.

The Chairman, through her counsel, R . O Isenalumhe and Co, in a letter dated September 17, 2013, is contending that the Midwest Herald Newspaper defamed her in its Vol. 7, No. 293 edition.

In his reaction, OmoOjo explained that the genesis of the problem was the state government’s directive to councils not to collect haulage and road tax law, a directive he alleged the council chairman flouted.

Feyi-Sobanjo appointed professor in Paris Dr. Olufeyisan Taiwo Feyi-Sobanjo has been appointed a Professor of Information Technology and Telecommunications Law and Director of Information Technology and Telecommunications Law Programmes at the International Centre for Technology & Contemporary Laws (ICTCL) of the IPE-Management School-Paris, France by the Senate of the IPE Management School, Paris, France with effect from July 2013.

ICTCL is an independent, non-partisan collaborative research centre of the IPE and PPA Management Schools in France, dedicated to examining the legal and policy dimensions of national and global issues in Technology & Contemporary Laws.

PAGE 8 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

NEWS EXTRA

Enugu in record fourth council polls

BY CHIKWADO EZIKE

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XCITEMENT remains palpable over the forthcoming local government elections in Enugu State even as leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to endorse the September 14 primaries that produced the 17 chairmanship candidates for the November 2 polls.

In the Coal City state, election fever grips aspirants to the councillorship and chairmanship seats with party chieftains and opposition elements applauding the Sullivan Iheanacho Chime administration which will be conducting record fourth council polls in the current democratic dispensation since coming on board six years ago, especially in a country where some states are yet to organize a single exercise.

One remarkable revelation from the September 14 primaries of the ruling PDP was the green light given to 12 council chairmen to seek second term, contrary to the fear and speculation that Chime was going to drop those local government helmsmen perceived to be loyal to some National Assembly members from the state.

The chairmen and their supporters, thus, heaved a sigh a relief when the governor, prior to the shadow election, made passionate appeals to different stakeholders from the council areas to allow first-term chairmen fly again the flag of the ruling party in the November 2 exercise. The final result was that the 12 chairmen would be seeking re-election while five candidates seek to take over from those who are completing their second term.

The chairmen seeking reelection are Christopher Nwobodo (Aninri), Mathanus Nze (Awgu), Cornelius Nnaji

Gov Sullivan Chime (Enugu East), Emeka Edeh (Enugu North), Emeka Ozoagu (Ezeagu), Festus Ozoemena (Igbo-Etiti) and Bonaventure Onuh (Igbo-Eze North). Others are Festus Ozioko (Igbo-Eze South), A u g u s t i n e Nnamani (Isi-Uzo), Sam Iyiogwe (Nkanu East), Chinedu Iloeje (Udi) and Cornel Onwubuya (UzoUwani).

The five new entrants are Victor Agbo (Enugu South), Afam Okereke (Nkanu West), Charles Ugwu (Nsukka), Chideofor Onyemechi (Oji River) and Amaechi Nwodo (Udenu). They emerged as PDP candidates to take over the slots to be vacated by outgoing chairmen who are completing their second terms in office.

PDP chieftains have continued to pay tributes to Chime for consistently organizing council polls and also to the party leadership for the peaceful conduct of the primaries.

“I praise the party (PDP) over the peaceful and transparent way it handled its primaries,” says Chief COC Egumgbe, the first chairman of the ruling party in the state. “To be honest, it’s not usually easy to conduct primaries where

Governor Chime showed uncommon large heart and wisdom by living above such petty lines and encouraging the system to support all the chairmen who are in their first term in office candidates emerged without any violence or acrimony like we saw in Enugu State.

“But we have to credit all that to Governor Chime who has continued to provide the right environment for the participants to do the right thing. Well, like we all know, there are many states that have been running their councils via caretaker committees that are against the dictates and spirit of the law. To conduct four different and successful Local Government elections is something that all lovers of democracy must applaud.”

Egumgbe predicts the November 2 exercise will be hitch-free. “The point is that because of the consultations always done by the governor and the transparency at the polls, we had often had violence-free council elections. This year ’s poll won’t be any different.”

Hon. Afam Ani, a chieftain of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in the state, expressed satisfaction with the regular conduct of council elections. He praised the governor for providing the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) the logistics to hold the elections.

“It’s true that we’re opposition parties but I must tell you that we’re happy that Local Government elections are held every two years in our state,” Ani said. “We know what happens in the country, even in our neighbouring states where they have not been able to hold one LG poll.

So, we’re quite happy that the government of Sullivan Chime has made it possible again for all of us to test our strength at the polls. What we don’t want is this idea of caretaker committees that are unconstitutional.”

Speaking in line with the pervading air of excitement in the state over the prospects of the forthcoming electoral exercise, Senator Ben-Collins Ndu voiced out his approval of the primaries.

According to Ndu, “as a lawmaker, I’m always for anything that conforms with our laws. In that regard, I am, therefore, pleased with the conduct of the primaries of our party from which our councillorship and chairmanship candidates emerged.

“While thanking the party leadership for the peaceful conduct of the primaries, I must put on record my appreciation of the efforts of

our governor (Chime) to do the right thing. Through consultations, he set the tone for the successes we had across the seventeen council areas. We must also recognize that it’s not pretty easy to hold Local Government elections. So, for the governor to hold four of such elections says a lot about his commitment to deepening democracy in our country.

That’s something others must emulate.” Prince Mathew Agu was more philosophical about the emerging development.

He insists that the governor lived above parochial lines to have given his nod for the twelve chairmen to return.

“Let’s face it, we all know that some of these chairmen were sponsored by some of our brothers who are, today, saying or doing certain things that tend to undermine the state government.

“So, Governor Chime showed uncommon large heart and wisdom by living above such petty lines and encouraging the system to support all the chairmen who are in their first term in office. It proves that as he’s always said, PDP in Enugu state is one large family. And this is good for our democracy.”

The stage is, thus, set for the fourth Local Government election to be organized by the Sullivan Chime administration in Enugu State and as Chuks Ugwoke, the Commissioner for Information told Sunday Vanguard, necessary steps have been taken to ensure successful and hitch-free polls.

“The state government,” he says, “has put the necessary machinery in place to have free, fair and credible electoral exercise come November 2.

The state Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has been empowered according to the provisions of the law to prosecute the elections in a ver y transparent manner.”

The ball is in the court of the political parties to sponsor their best candidates and for the electorate to elect the candidates of their choices.

Moving education in Anambra forward

BY CHINWOKE AKOMA

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NAMBRA State may have produced illustrious sons like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Prof.

Chinua Achebe, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Prof.

Ben Nwabueze among others. But falling standard of education in the state has become a subject for open discussion.

Many Nigerians who understand the quality of persons that the state has produced in various professions are worried that the lofty ideals pursued by the founding fathers of Anambra and, by extension, the Southeast have been left to collapse like a pack of cards.

At the Igbo Day celebration in Lagos last year, some Anambra citizens came together to agree that there

was the need to address the fallen standard of education.

Barrister Greg Okafor, the convener, said he nearly wept the last time he travelled home and visited some schools. He said that while the government of Peter Obi may have injected some funds to reform education in the state, the effort is a far cry compared with the enormity of problems on ground.

He advised the group to take up the gauntlet to see that the issue was approached headlong and resolved before it becomes a hydra-headed monster.

Some members, who were part of that solemn assembly, agreed with Okafor ’s suggestion while also expressing their disappointment with successive governments in the state that had pursued personal vendetta or selfish agenda at the expense of the

growth of the state.

While the gathering is a step in the right direction, how far the group has articulated and pursued this desire is a matter for conjecture.

Hillary Okonkwo, a journalist from Anambra said he was at the forum but remarked, tongue in cheek, “I can tell you that typical of our people, the matter has not been discussed again since that day”.

Like Okonkwo said, this is a familiar path. The interesting thing however is that most Anambrarian recognize that there is a problem which, if not solved, portends danger for the future of the state.

From investigations, many women in Anambra are not happy that their children just growing up desire to go into spare parts business or to go Lagos to join some of their friends in Alaba or Ladipo

markets to trade.

These women of course are not against their wards wish to do business but what they are saying is that if education in the state is something to look forward to, the youths will direct their energy to productive education that will enhance trading, if they eventually decide to pursue it.

It is not surprising, therefore, that the citizens of the state heaved a sigh of relief when, recently, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, Labour Party governorship candidate in the state’s November gubernatorial election, flagged-off his campaign with a firm promise to reform education.

Ubah told the people that he will invest substantially in the education sector and provide world class infrastructure for schools.

He said he will ensure that

no Anambra child is prevented from acquiring education as a result of his inability to pay school fees.

He promised “to end the many years of nonemployment of new teachers, establish special technology schools in order to build the capacity of our people to thrive in an increasingly technology driven world and adequately fund our tertiary institutions and ensure that their courses are accredited.”

Also he said that he will review the Teachers Salary Scale (TSS) to improve the moral and productivity of teachers as well as ensure that all funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) due to Anambra State prudently utilized.

Those who spoke to our correspondent said they could not wait for him to implement his full manifesto on education.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 9

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. E-mail: sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com

President should intervene on the state pardon gazette release Dear Sir,

I

write in reaction to a letter published on this page about two Sundays ago, titled, “State pardon: Delay in gazette release worrisome”, written by Ukachukwu Ugo from Awka, Anambra State. I want to join him in appealing for the process of gazetting the pardon to be fast-tracked because justice delayed is justice denied.

Let us put ourselves in position of those Generals who have long suffered untold hardship. I know that our President is responsible and responsive and it is only that kind of personality that is needed in getting this done once and for all. We should not forget that this pardon has dragged since the time of former President Olusegun Obasanjo through late President Umar Musa Yar ’Adua till now.

I have to personally appreciate the fact that an Igbo group – WE WANT JONATHAN 2015, whether recognized or not, was coming up for the first time to fight for the rights of a group of retired Army Generals in the likes of General Oladipo Diya, a former military Vice President; General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, a former Minister of Communications; late General Abdul-Karim Adisa, a former Minister of Works and Housing and others largely of Yoruba extraction. I must, however, raise here that findings revealed that President Jonathan, like Ugo asked him to ensure the finishing of the pardon process to assuage frayed nerves against the feeling of

ethnic marginalisation, has worked on the gazette.

But I want to quickly remind the President that what he did according to the grapevine remains a little to see the light of the day. He should still call those in charge of these things to order and ask questions why the delay.

What is important to us as watchers of events as they unfold is to see that the President does not carry grievances of some aggrieved people who should be instrumental to his success in his 2015

re-election project to the electioneering period if he decides to to contest, as that may be counter productive.

Like Ukachukwu, coupled with an opinion by one Bashir Adefaka a Lagos-based journalist earlier before the Ugo’s letter rightly said, President Jonathan needs to consider the sufferings that these Generals have been subjected to and order immediate release of the gazette to the effect of their state pardon. This is so because,

I understand from both write-ups that the reason the Army High Command has withheld the payment of their entitlements and restoration of their status is because of the gazette that has not been released.

The earlier this gazette is released this time, the better. God bless our Presdient, Goodluck Jonathan! God bless the Generals. God bless the good people of Nigeria! *Omolayo Olukebu wrote from Lagos. 08163323906.

Help! GSS Oyigbo in bad shape Dear Sir,

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F the pitiable condition which the Government Secondary School Oyigbo in Rivers State is currently in, is applicable to other public schools in the country, it therefore stands to reason that Nigeria is making mockery of itself as regards restoring the quality of education by 2015.

The poor condition of the erstwhile solidly built storey buildings in GSS is better witnessed than imagined. I am just giving an eye witness account because I went there in person.

The school satisfies all the requirements of college of education or university status in terms of structures, accommodation, serenity and what have you, but unfortunately due to sheer lack of maintenance, the multiple storey buildings there have become an eyesore. All the roofs are

dilapidated with some parts blown off by the wind.

Apart from the deplorable condition of the structures, this densely populated institution has no enough seats and desks for students and teachers. Some of the desks provided by the Universal Basic Education, UBE have been stealthily removed by hoodlums.

Consequent upon this development, the students study while sitting on the floor. A situation that is detrimental to their educational pursuit.

I know very well that the Federal Government makes budget for this sector every year and under normal circumstances, the amount budgeted are supposed to be used for maintenance of school buildings, provision of chalks, dusters and other writing materials, as well as payment of teachers’ salaries, but from what is going on in our public schools today,

it appears the fund meant for this sector is either misappropriated or misused.

By October 1, this year the country will celebrate its 53rd Anniversary, but laughably there is virtually nothing to show for it in terms of development.

What a pity! It would be foolhardy for the government to start a programme it cannot finish. If the Federal Government is determined to restore the quality of education it should make haste to rehabilitate all the dilapidated structures in our public schools and create enabling atmosphere for effective learning by providing them with all the necessary materials so that the country would be at a vantage position to rub shoulders with her oversea counterparts.

Nkemakolam Gabriel Port Harcourt 08072257360 gabchiz56yahoo.com

PAGE 10 —SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Forget Ghana, try Nigeria’s best universities – 2

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HE story contin ued by reporting that Mr Fidelis Chukwujindu and his accomplice, Mrs Ngozi Ayoha, operating University College Hospital Ogboko, Ideato, P.O. Box 1960 (Nigeria’s year of independence if you don’t remember), Orlu, Imo State, had collected N8,000 from prospective candidates this year alone for application fees alone.

Only God knows how much had been collected thereafter from “successful applicants”. But, N40 million thrown down the drain, in one scam called university, should by now alert stakeholders in the university education sector to the fact that I am not embarking on a quixotic venture in the attempt to identify for all honest participants in the system those universities which are worthy of our attention and patronage. To the best of my knowledge, there are at least twenty five such

bogus universities operating now in Nigeria.

My advice to parents and prospective students is this: if you are in doubt about any university offering admission to you or your kids, please get in touch.

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he first part of this series touched briefly on two private universities.

One, ELIZADE UNIVERSITY, at Ilara Mokin, was specifically named. The other was not. I went on physical inspection of ELIZADE and just as I was about to be conducted around, a young man from the Niger Delta came accompanied by his father’s staff, driver and armed police escort. He was at first meant to travel to Canada, where he went last summer for a visit. After the four hour tour of ELIZADE campus, the young man looked at me and announced, “Daddy, may be I won’t go to Canada again”. For now, so much for ELIZADE. Let me go quickly to Adamawa State – and specifically Yola – where the American University of Nigeria, AUN, is situat-

Even the man of God is not immune "The wicked fear the good, because the good are a constant reproach to their consciences. The ungodly like religion in the same way that they like lions, either dead or behind bars; they fear religion when it breaks loose and begins to challenge their consciences." ?

Fulton J. Sheen am very sure that nothing fazes the Ni gerian, he/she innately readjusts his/her shock absorbers and quickly adapts to any situation no matter what.. No shock too big, no tragedy too tragic for his/her state of being.

The Nigerian simply adjusts. He\she shakes off every volley of disaster, disgrace no matter how audacious. It simply rolls off the back of the Nigerian. Not so long ago, there were lines we did not cross as children, adults and as people. Now those lines have either disappeared or have been disregarded all together.

We have no respect for ourselves, each other; we value money more than

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people; positions and titles more than valour.

We are ruing the day that we cast aside our morals and virtues. We talk religion and piety but we have fallen so short of what is expected of us as individuals and as a nation.

The Anglican Archbishop, Ignatius Kattey, the Dean of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, has at last been freed by his kidnappers.

Who would have thought of it? The man of the cloth?

Yes. But who would have not, after all this is Nigeria where, nothing is out of bounds or out of the ordinary. Kidnapping has become a means of business and after all, they have kidnapped a king, a chief, the poor, the rich and elderly.

This is not normal but, the Nigerian takes it in his\her strides and just adjusts. So, why should he\her bother when it is not happening to him\her but to others.

There lies our problem.

We have failed to be our brother's keepers. We have become selfish,self centred

ed.

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any of us old enough to remember can recollect the common saying, “See Paris and die”. It was meant as the ultimate

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“Native Doctor poses as Vice Chancellor in Imo. Dupes 5000 Students”.

Saturday Mirror, September 7, 2013.

taking oasis of beauty and excellence in the Sahel. It is absolutely impossible for me to cover all the aspects of that already great university in a column. So, permit me to mention a few things about this unique institution. You are invited to go to my website to read the rest. Students and parents wishing to visit should get in touch.

My announcement, at home, that I was going to Yola was received with as much enthusiasm as if I had proclaimed that I was going to commit suicide. Wife and daughter exclaimed together, as if

Nigerian politicians are desperate; and none is more desperate than Goodluck Jonathan. Nobody likes to be openly repudiated and humiliated – especially after exercising great power. But, he is not alone. The entire political class is caught in the frenzy for political survival

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complement to the city regarded as the most beautiful in the world – surpassing London, New York, Rome, Vienna, Frankfurt and Moscow in attraction. The American University of Nigeria is the ultimate in private university education; not only in Nigeria but in West Africa or even Africa as a whole. f you have not seen it, you have seen nothing in African universities. It is a breath-

programmed, “Daddy why now? You want to get yourself killed by Boko Haram”? But, I am not a stranger to Yola and I still have friends there who have assured me that the place was safer than both the JTF and Boko Haram would have us believe.

At, any rate, I have a job to do. It is my intention to visit every private university in Nigeria before the end of December 2013 and to document what they have to offer.

and one dimensional.

About time we know we know we are in this together and unless we address this problem collectively,we will all suffer the consequence together. It is OUR PROBLEM. We have to solve it together.

So the Archbishop was kidnapped while on route with his wife in Eleme Local Government Area of

in while addressing the concerned Anglican clerics that he promised that the government would do all it can to ensure the Cleric's release.

This is all empty gestures of course. Kidnapping has become a regular occurrence and it happens to ordinary people and does not often get reported.

The buck stops with the present government and those before it and to a large extent;all of us for adjusting our sails and accepting low standard. Our homes, our roads, public places,workplace, streets and country has become unsafe and the government,is not doing anything to make the people feel secure nor safe.

I am very pleased that the Archbishop has at last been released by his captors and I am sure there was a hefty ransom paid.

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." -- Confucius

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We talk religion and piety but we have fallen so short of what is expected of us as individuals and as a nation

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Rivers State. And of the kidnapping, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, and Governor Chibuike Amaechi stated that: "The news came as a shock and,they wondered what was the offence of God's servant and why Kattey would have been abducted". Simple. It's greed and lawlessness. Is that not reason enough?.

That's reason enough ; because they can and because the environment is morally bankrupt that it breeds calibre misfits and of people that chose this as a means of livelihood.

Even the President waded

Dishonourable Lawbreakers

"No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care" Theodore Roosevelt Should we care what our lawmakers do on the floor of the house or should we just chalk it up as one of those things?

One of those things is amounting to a whole lot of something. Last week I wrote that the New PDP is

Yola and Wukari are the two farthest points and my itinerary calls for me to visit the farthest places first, if possible, and work down. So visiting Yola was inevitable and unavoidable.

The first and most important act most Nigerians must know is that the American University of Nigeria is as safe as any in Nigeria. The ratio of security staff to academic staff is about 1.5 to 1.

Although there is curfew in Adamawa State in general and Yola/Jimeta in particular, normal life goes on in that campus 24/7. If you don’t believe me, I will escort you there. ….

P

.S. For more infor mation on Nigerian Universities, read Thursday Vanguard Education page and visit my webs i t e : www.delesobowale.com

SO YOU WANT TO BE A MINISTER; BEWARE THE PITFALLS

political survival.

Henceforth, real governance will take a back seat to self-preservation – which, in any case, is the first law of nature.

Three Sundays ago, I announced on this page that a cabinet shake-up was coming soon. On Wednesday, three days after, nine Ministers were given the gate by Jonathan. More might join them. At any rate several directors of government parastatals will soon join the ex-this, exthat. So, there are vacancies in the Federal Executive Council,

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EC, to be filled.

Competence will not be, and might not be, the consideration for nominees. Real or perceived political value will be the top priority.

However, before those fortunate, or unlucky, to be nominated get into trouble, they will be well advised to get in touch privately first.

Appointments as Ministers, which hitherto, had brought joy to those concerned, will this year bring tears of anguish.

Since I announced the vacancies before they occurred, I also know something they don’t know. The individuals, who will be proposed, their friends and wellwishers, should urge them to seek advice. I don’t want to publicise the pitfalls awaiting them.

A word is sufficient….

“There are no desperate situations; only desperate men”. Joseph Goebbels, 1897-1945.

VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 38). igerian politicians are desperate; and none is more desperate than Goodluck Jonathan.

Nobody likes to be openly repudiated and humiliated – especially after exercising great power.

But, he is not alone. The entire political class is caught in the frenzy for

V i s i t : www.delesobowale.com

like old wine in the new bottle, the content remains the same. Nothing has changed and the melee in the house has proved that to be the case.

What possess the seven governors of the Abubakar Baraje faction of the People's Democratic Party to strut into the house? What were they expecting? An applause or a fanfare? That the other equally appalling members will play nice?

The fight does not exonerate any of the members of the House,neither the bystanders or the instigators .

This is what is so shocking about the so-called lawmakers, we are watching,the young,the old and the impressionable are watching them misbehave like thugs and imbeciles and they reckon it is okay? I do not think so.

The purveyors of disgrace in particular ,are Dagogo Peterside and Henry Ofongo, from Rivers and Bayelsa who, were determined to settle the score and in full view they did just that . If they are been paid the amount of money that we know they say they deserve ; then we need to the think again. Is this what the lawmakers are made of in highest house? Then there is not redemption for the rest of us.

These men and women are to be exemplary of good conducts and they throw punches,swing chairs at one another. I beg to differ. Our senate has definite-

ly gone to the dogs and any lawmaker worth their salt should come forward to denounce and condemn what happened in the house. Our lawmakers are a disgrace to themselves, their family, and their constituents and to Nigerians (home and abroad) in general.

Not long ago,there was a time we held our hollow grounds sacred so behaviours unbecoming and unprofessional was never taken lightly.

So who now metes out punishment to errant and out of control lawmakers?

Is there a school of decorum that prospective lawmakers can go to prior to making the grade to stand for representatives or the senate? .

Crucially,can they all undergo independent psychological assessments and testing? Most of the behaviours, manners and utterances of the lawmakers are out the ordinary and one cannot justify their outbursts as it is not in keeping with their positions or as a law abiding citizen.

Anger management should be an ongoing assessment,and should they have violent outbursts or physical altercations then, they should be reassessed and if that fails, they should be suspended, expelled or if they start throwing blows or of the mace then they should face the full weight of the law like everybody else. No one should be above the law. No one.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 11

Nigeria beyond Politics other parts of the body. This is more so as our political leaders have established beyond reasonable doubt that politics has neither ethics nor morality and that it is merely a game that is like a war, in which the end justifies whatever means The consensus today is that our politicians particularly the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, old and new, have overheated the polity to the extent that the

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BOUT a month ago, the Nigerian Guild of Editors held its Annual Convention in Asaba with the theme ‘Nigeria beyond Oil’. It is noteworthy that the conference took the form of a crusade to get the nation to diversify its economy and stop its over reliance on oil. For this reason, this column commended the move especially the pivotal role of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State. Considering that the crusade will evolve a plan B for even development of the nation, the need to evolve such initiatives in all sectors cannot be overemphasized.

Since 1999 when democracy returned to our nation, ample premium has been placed on political development. That is welcome.

But the nation desires to also pay a corresponding attention to its social and economic growth. Otherwise, the over politicisation of every issue can easily lead us to what Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State describes as ‘Kwashiokorism’a phenomenon in which only the head grows bigger by the day at the expense of

itician, irrespective of political party, who gets elected into office for a four year term, begins in less than 24 hours in office, different schemes for a second term?

It is therefore time to identify well-meaning patriots who can galvanize our feeble civic society into a formidable pressure-group to check mate majority of our politicians who have proven to be too drunk to be rational

Our civil society groups must wake up from their slumber and take their rightful position in returning the nation to the true path of development

rather fragile fabric of solidarity which binds our nation together has been stretched to breaking point. Can Nigeria afford to play politics all year round leaving little or no room for development and good governance? Is it fair that the typical Nigeria pol-

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The first assignment of the team should be to put pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to serve as a veritable umpire of our election process by employing best practices in the conduct of elections. The over-rated current manag-

PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos,

08116759758

Nigerian history and the morbid obsession with national unity (1) no distant future become the pride of black people?

The second question arises if the answer given to the first question is negative, namely, should the current geopolitical architectonic of Nigeria be retained or radically restructured along confederalist lines?

All the heads of state that have ruled the country, from Yakubu Gowon to Goodluck E. Jonathan, believe strongly that the present geopolitical structure is good and should be retained. That is why in their speeches they proclaim, with haughty confidence and braggadocio unwarranted by the centrifugal forces tending to tear the country apart, that "the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable."

The assertion that the geopolitical structure we have now is sacrosanct and must not be recalibrated means that no matter the level of resentment, opprobrium, injustice, oppression and anomalies in the federal republic of Nigeria, government will use every means necessary, including violence and force, to defend the country's territorial integrity. I think that time has come for Nigerians to begin questioning the presumption that we must continue to accept Nigeria the way it is presently config-

ured no matter the situation.

In this connection, the best way to ascertain whether it is wise or unwise to insist that Nigeria as presently constituted must continue inspite of all odds is to examine the merits and demerits of the present arrangement.

In otherwords, we must reappraise some of the defining moments in the country's evolution towards nationhood and consider whether a different political

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OMETIME ago, the federal government announced that it would celebrate the centenary of Nigeria. When I read that in the newspapers, my mind went to work. The first thing that occurred to me is to objectively consider whether the amalgamation process that produced Nigeria is worth celebrating, judging by the country's chequered history and the billions that would be spent (or wasted) to mark the occasion. Again, I felt that it is better that those in power right now, from the President down to local government councillors, should opt for a very low key celebration and use the opportunity to reflect deeply on the myriad of challenges confronting our country rather than waste taxpayer's money on frivolities in the name of centenary celebration.

Interestingly, just as there are reasonable grounds for modest celebration, one can easily give good reasons why the federal government should shelve its plans on this issue. Yet, whether it is worthwhile to celebrate or not depends on honest answers to two questions. One, to what extent has Nigerian leaders actualised the conviction of our pioneer nationalists who firmly believed that Nigeria would in

ers of INEC have to be told that the nation has not seen commensurate electoral reforms. The Commission has not even been able to conclude the registration of voters it commenced 3 years ago. All that we have remains a system of temporary voters’ cards with several announcements that permanent cards are coming “soon”. Again, INEC appears to believe that the system has improved simply because University Vice Chancellors (VCs) are now the returning officers in our elections. The INEC chairman himself a former VC, should note that no one believes that his former colleagues can stop election malpractices without the aid of technology having been unable to end examination malpractices in their universities. he present managers of INEC have to reject political pressures from election riggers and use technology to sanitize our election process so that we can elect into office, visionary leaders who can initiate and implement good development projects for the nation. In any case, in this age of biometrics where the Police, Immigration, Road Safety, Population Commission, National Identity Agency etc. are all using technology to identify Nigerians, INEC cannot remain in the stone age and buy the concoction that our gsm-loving population is not literate enough to participate in a technology and dynamics of British imperialism within the broad canvas of the scramble and partition of Africa by European powers worked out in the Berlin conference of 1884-85. The imperialist design for balkanising and dominating Africa was set in motion when the European powers shared the continent among themselves without consulting the autochthonous peoples or respecting the boundaries that demarcated different kingdoms and culture-areas which had existed for many centuries before colonisation.

Powerful European countries notably Britain, France, and Germany used manipulation, coercion and violence to implement decisions reached at the conference. In the early years of the twentieth century, British colonialists decided to unite and control centrally the administrative units they created in the areas that

Indirect Rule reflects the strategic thinking of British colonial administrators eager to minimise administrative costs by tapping into entrenched traditional hierarchies of authority

arrangement such as confederacy would have allowed different ethnic nationalities or culture-areas to make more progress than they have made under the current quasi-federal system. The best place to begin our inquiry is the very point when Nigeria began, that is in 1914. Of course, the amalgamation did not occur in a geopolitical and economic vacuum. For a deep appreciation of the dialectical forces at play in the process, it is necessary to situate the amalgamation

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later became Nigeria.

Of course, indigenous communities resisted tooth and nail the British: it took almost half a century of military bombardment by British expeditionary forces to subdue and bring them under colonial control. Anyone with even a casual knowledge of Nigerian history knows that Nigeria was created in 1914 by the arch British imperialist, Lord Fredrick Lugard, when he amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates. As usual, Lu-

based exercise. With such a resolve, people will no longer be able to manipulate their way into power making it easy for us to have a responsible political class that can drive the nation’s growth.

Governors who are unwilling to pay minimum wage should not be patronized.

What this suggests is that labour shall be a veritable part of the scheme

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ur civil society groups must wake up from their slumber and take their rightful position in returning the nation to the true path of development. All that is needed is not to organize destructive riots but to raise the consciousness of Nigerians and make every political conduct an election issue. In other words, all the groups must come together and in unionism refuse to vote for politicians who are unable to meet our collective desires. There is a catalogue of examples that cannot be fully exhausted here. A few would do.

First, Nigeria has enough money to build a few hospitals that can dissuade our current medical tourism.

Thus, Presidents and Governors as well as their deputies and their spouses who travel abroad for medical treatment because we have no good hospitals should not be voted back into office for a second term. Second, those who are unable to accord priority to education leading to incessant strikes in our universities should not return. The same should apply to those who are unable to provide employment thereby exacerbating our current high level of insecurity. Indeed,

hird, all those who have surreptitiously held- on to salaries that are internationally recognized to be the highest in the world should not be supported. Neither should voters condone any longer, politicians who deprive societal institutions of growth by demanding undue favours during oversight functions. The same should happen to those who impose candidates on organizations for employment.

The civil society grouping would have ample gender support when we add to those who should not return, legislators who initiated and or voted in favour of child marriage Fourth, political office holders who victimize ‘non indigenes’, minority groupings and their sponsors who seek to impeach the majority, those who in an election interpret 16 as bigger than 19, those who manipulate the impeachment of innocent deputies, men and indeed women of capacity who fight in the legislature, executives who build a-one kilometre road at the cost of 8, those who disobey court orders and those who deprive the citizenry of freedom of movement whenever they have a function should not return. With these, 2015 will be our year of strength rather than that of predicted extinction.

gard neither consulted the indigenous peoples he brought together before implementing the programme nor considered their interests and developmental aspirations in the process.

The amalgamation was motivated by two major reasons.

One, it facilitated and consolidated efficient exploitation of both the human and natural resources of the areas conquered between 1861 when the colony of Lagos was annexed and 1918 when Igbo heartland was completely subdued. Two, it allowed Northern Nigeria, which was economically and educationally backward relative to the South, to benefit from the latter. According to one competent historian, "the protectorate of Northern Nigeria was so impoverished that it had to be run with a subsidy by the government of the colony and protectorate of Southern Nigeria."

Therefore, the amalgamation benefited both British imperialism and the protectorate of Northern Nigeria. The interest of Southern Nigeria did not figure in the colonial calculus of Lugard and his cohorts. What followed the amalgamation were halfhearted attempts by colonial administrators to create a modern nation-state out of the pluralistic colonial amalgam under the tutelage of Britain. Thus, although the 1914 arrangement provided the Northern and Southern protectorates a common political platform in the form of Indirect Rule, the system did not operate uniformly throughout the country. In April 1, 1939, the governor, Bernard Bourdillon, bifurcated Southern Nigeria into Eastern and Western provinces, on the

ground that the lower Niger provided a natural administrative line demarcating the peoples of Southern Nigeria. Indirect Rule reflects the strategic thinking of British colonial administrators eager to minimise administrative costs by tapping into entrenched traditional hierarchies of authority. Hence, they tried hard to adapt the model to native administrations in the North, East and West.

Indirect Rule was very successful in Northern Nigeria, which had already evolved a highly centralised emirate system as a long-term consequence of the jihadist exploits of Usman Dan Fodio and his successors in the nineteenth century. In Western Nigeria, the system was partially successful. Lugard erroneously believed that Yoruba kingdoms headed by Obas who traditionally owed some allegiance to the Alafin of Oyo were of comparative status as the Northern emirates under the Sultan of Sokoto.

In reality, the Alafin did not wield as much power as the Sultan. Moreover, efforts to extend Indirect Rule to Egbaland failed because the British government had already signed a treaty in 1893 granting a quasi-independent status to Abeokuta where an influential class of western-educated elite had emerged which was suspicious of British intentions. The resentment that followed imposition of the system there led to Egba riots in 1918. Indirect Rule was unsuccessful in Eastern Nigeria, because it was an inappropriate system of governance for a people that are used to complex systems of acephalous republicanism in micro political units.

To be continued.

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PAGE 12—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Disband Nigeria? eternal joy living their separate lives.

“More than anything else the recent Igbo/Yoruba debate over the issue of the status of Lagos State and the deportation of a handful of Igbo destitute back to the east has proved to me that we as a person are very different from one another and that our interests may be better served if we are no longer bound together as one (sic).

Nigeria feels like criminal enterprise. The situation is stark, and it is a revolutionary moment. But there is the thorough absence of a revolutionary vanguard that could channel the energy of the mass and midwife revolutionary change. The Nigerian left is as compromised as the right. So the nation lies tottering at the edge

I dare to voice this opinion even though many Yoruba share it but will not say so publicly ” The illogic of this revanchist charlatan is profound: to disagree with Fani-Kayode about the status of Lagos within the construct of nation now amounts to Yoruba exceptionalism? Anthropological evidence links every group in Nigeria to the same cultural and racial morphology, needless to say. Nigeria’s crisis has always been fight over which elite faction controls the levers of power in Nigeria.

In the fight for the political control of

Paradise sought A

LMOST all religions embrace the concept of an afterlife, a continuation of existence on a spiritual realm when the physical life comes to an end.

Most propound that life (how well we live it) is an examination that leads to an afterlife in hell or paradise/heaven.

The human imagination is beyond comparison in imagery and we all have graphic ideas of heaven and hell. What we imagine paradise to be, I believe is a culmination of all our desires, our fantasies, and even needs. In the same vein, hell is all our nightmares raised to the power of 100!! Most images of hell feature fire, an unquenchable thirst, torture and everlasting angst!

Atheists don’t believe in religion, if any thing they consider religion the source of all evil. Atheists will tell you that an afterlife in heaven and hell are just theories used to control behaviour and keep man in check. They say those who believe in heaven, hell or even God are weak, that they have small minds and can’t grasp that man is all powerful and that this existence is all there is! Atheists say life is what you make it and that hell and heaven are right here on earth.

There is a universal longing for Utopia; a state of contented existence. That sums up paradise or heaven. Whether you believe in God or not, in an after

life, in heaven or hell, we all have a yearning to be content. Some call it a state of abundance. The billion dollar question is defining contentment or abundance. The streets of heaven according to the bible are paved with gold but Saddam Hussein and Mohamed Gaddafi had gold guns, gold bathrooms and gold toilets which did not seem to make them that happy. If it was an abundance of pretty women, King Solomon should have been deliriously happy in his paradise of 700 wives and 300 concubines but he seemed tortured in his musings half the time! Most of us would love to be rich and live in financial abundance but there are a lot of desperately unhappy rich people. A few decades ago, growing up in what can at best be called poverty, the life I have now seemed like paradise. Most of the fantasies and dreams of those days have come true and while I am extremely thankful to God for exceptional grace and favour, I wouldn’t say I live in paradise.

I am currently battling malaria in my big house, same as I used to in the very small one. I have days of abject misery, same as I did in the past. I have grown in faith yet my yearning to live in a state of bliss is even more intense.

The responsibility to make our own happiness is the burden that fuels the

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and another quarter in the gated houses reinforced by layers of concrete and steel to ward-off the common intruder. This is the reality of the Nigerian situation. A separate nation does not guarantee the happiness of its new citizens. Regular Nigerians do not want Nigeria to break apart. They want security, equality; economic and social justice. They just want to live in peace with a few ordinary pleasures.

But they remain fodder in the canon of the various factions of power who recruit them always like herd to the slaughter.

Is Nigeria to break or not? I should say longing for paradise. The choices we make over time have consequences that determine individual and corporate happiness and most of us are victims of fate! The decisions parents take often have lasting consequences for their children, same as a husband’s can affect the happiness of the wife. Managing our personal expectations and that of our families and even the larger society is why religion has so much power. We relinquish the responsibility of our happiness to a Higher pow-

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W

HILE he was enjoying the perks of public office, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode did not call for the break-up of Nigeria; he in fact earned a reputation as an attackdog for the president and the government of the day, which for him was the meaning of Nigeria. A child of privilege, Mr. Fani-Kayode has, it seems, often taken it for granted that Nigeria would always carter to his desires. It was not, as is often expected of his peers in other places, about public service. It was always about the convenience of his claims to unearned privileges. His father, the late Remilekun, was a great prop for privilege too. He trained as a lawyer in Cambridge. Even made a decent second.

But his greatest accomplishment was not alas in law; it was in politics and the vice that accompanies it.

"Is Nigeria to Break or not to Break?”

Because he is no longer in government, Nigeria must break in order to suit Fani Kayode’s political desires and fantasies? When he was enjoying ministerial privilege, the Nigerian construct was sacrosanct; an imperative of history; so much so in fact that he resorted to obloquy to press home the fact. He cussed out those, including Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Abubakar Umar, and others who out of deep moral convictions, rejected the state of affairs prevalent while Femi Fani-Kayode was in the center of power with his Mephistophelian master. Now, for him, it has become imperative to break this republic so that all those peoples fused together by the amalgamation Act of 1914 should find

Nigeria, these powerful interests provoke extreme ethnic tension, and soon become champions of convenient narrow interests. Fani-Kayode is playing that game because he is currently no longer in the thick of things at the center. Now, he has become a spokesman for the Yoruba. Of course, we must make clear the distinction that Fani Kayode speaks, not for the Yoruba labourer in Lagos or Ibadan who has to pay rent, buy food, pay transport, and carry on with all the dreary necessities of a peasant life.

These are not Fani-Kayode’s kinsmen. Mr. Fani-Kayode speaks for the propertied Yoruba. Fani-K has the dual citizenship of Nigeria and the UK. His children will have nothing to lose with a dismantled nation. They will live a quarter of their lives in the air, a quarter in the UK, a quarter in Dubai,

The choices we make over time have consequences that determine individual and corporate happiness and most of us are victims of fate!

,

er, to God. We live by a set of rules and doctrines that find general acceptance and leave the rest to fate or God. Atheism presupposes that most people embrace religion because their lives have failed, and that desperation and frustration is what leads them to the fantasy of God. Without the element of faith, one could say God is a fantasy, that heaven itself doesn’t exist. The element of faith is where in my opinion the atheists get it wrong, because life as we all know it is impossible without faith.

Faith in this context is the entitled expectation that there is always a cause and effect. Faith comes into every aspect of life because we can live without the small and great expectations.

that Mr. Kayode raises some important questions, but merely by indirection.

The plain truth is that Nigeria has imploded.

There is a firefight already going on, and it would take only another slight shove to shatter this edifice. The evidence is all around us: all the institutional systems that hold a nation in place have collapsed in Nigeria: the civil service is gone; the public system has been undermined; communities that were once the basis of civil society have been dismantled; the police and intelligence services have been compromised; the armed services are just hanging by the thread and seem only too likely to sooner break up into armed factions. The office of the president, the last bastion of executive authority has become systematically eroded and subverted. There is a sense of distinct gloom.

Nigeria feels like criminal enterprise.

The situation is stark, and it is a revolutionary moment. But there is the thorough absence of a revolutionary vanguard that could channel the energy of the mass and midwife revolutionary change. The Nigerian left is as compromised as the right. So the nation lies tottering at the edge.

It could fall apart, certainly, but not separate in the ways that Fani-Kayode envisions it. Armed gangs and militias will divide the elephant called Nigeria and run their different territories. In a place like Lagos, Oshodi will become its own nation, Ikeja its own independent Kalakuta Republic, Epe its own, the corridor between Orile and Badagry its own fiefdom.

Same goes for other parts of what is now Nigeria. We must be careful what we wish for. Whether it breaks or not, one truth is certain: whatever new nations succeed her will remain as fraught and uncertain by the unresolved questions of today. At the core of the Nigerian crisis is not really our ethnic differences, but the question of our individual rights as citizens. This is the point that the Fani-Kayodes continue to miss: that the social contract is individual, not ethnic.

Opening the tap is faith that water will come out, going to sleep is faith that you will wake up.

I was initially going to title the column “A fool’s paradise”. My mind had been fixated on perception and how wrong it can sometimes be. Living in a fool’s paradise means believing things that aren’t true, a reality based on fiction. Its like thinking you have a perfect marriage for many years and discovering the beautiful and devoted wife was a promiscuous adulterer after she dies! One may have been fooled but it was a paradise all the same as contentment and happiness were present.

I respect the belief anyone embraces but I am not an atheist. I hold the opinion that atheists are disillusioned and disenfranchised by a previous religion and as such become content with their discontent! I believe in better!! I believe things can always be better, that I can be better. I believe in heaven and even in hell, I believe my utopia is that place where I stop yearning for more things but can fully inhabit my moments. I believe a state of intimate communion with my maker will fill the void that material acquisitions, fame and fortune cannot fill! Is it a fantasy? Not to me, my faith is sure that there is a God who delights in me; who loves me in spite of me, who I get to spend eternity with. That is the paradise I seek, the communion between the creator and the created, intimate, warm, loving.

Does that make me weak? Maybe!

Could my faith have been generated as a coping mechanism to deal with harsh realities? Maybe. Is there a possibility that I will find that this life is all there is? To quote my atheist friend, “could you be living the ultimate fool’s paradise?” Maybe. But since I am happy and content with my expectation, who is to say this in itself is not paradise?

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 13

PDP CRISIS

PDP ADULTS BEHAVING BADLY

House of Reps goes to the dogs…again

BY JIDE AJANI

D

id anybody recognize Hon. Binta Garba last week? She was unmistak able. You couldn’t have missed her in the recording which revealed her wrestling and hard-hitting abilities. Ask Hon.Hafiz Adenowo from Oyo State: He not only got his cloths torn by Binta, a few slaps were added. The question is: Why would a supposedly honourable individual behave in a dishonourable manner? In Chapter 5 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the “Qualifications for Membership of National Assembly and Right of Attendance” as contained in Section 65 states: “(1) Subject to the provisions of section 66 of this Constitution, a person shall be qualified for election as a member of: “(a) the Senate, if he is a citizen of Nigeria and has attained the age of 35 years; and “(b) the House of Representatives, if he is a citizen of Nigeria and has attained the age of 30 years;..” Is the devil in the age? No. Because even primary school pupils know the weight of the sanctions regime should anyone be caught fighting not just in class but even on the playground! And the age of 18 is considered good enough for adulthood – forget the warped argument by Senator Yerima about the girl child and what constitutes adulthood.

Therefore, the silliness of adults in a chamber of the national assembly cannot be excused on

account of age – the age of 30. But when you consider the fact that there has not been a corresponding show of shame in the Senate, then, may be the age factor could be considered.

From the early days of Imam Salisu Buari as Speaker, to Umar Ghali Na’Abba, Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh, Dimeji Bankole and now Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a few members of the House had always demonstrated that they forgot their bag of decorum back at home. More importantly, because these people do not appreciate the price of everything and the cost of nothing, they fly into a fit of rage, bringing disrepute upon the House. According to Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, a bad habit is “an undesirable behavior pattern”. Psychologists agree that the earlier one recognizes these habits, the better it is to eradicate them. But psychologists, having studied the nature of man, also discovered that will and intention play a deciding role.

“A key factor in distinguishing a bad habit from an addiction or mental disease” they contend, “is the element of willpower. If a person still seems to have control over the behavior then it is just a habit. Good intentions are able to override the negative effect of bad habits but their effect seems to be independent and additive—the bad habits remain but are subdued rather than cancelled”.

But then, there is the role of reinforcers. These reinforcers are the factors which trigger as well as encourage

the persistence of such habits because “as you get older, it becomes more difficult to remove them because the many repetitions have helped with the building of the habit, and each repetition has unfortunately left its mark”. More unfortunately, what was thought to be an undesirable behavior pattern appears to be very desirable judging from the number of altercations and wrestling bouts that have been witnessed on the floor of the House. And this brings us to the real reinforcers!

What single most important factor has always caused the adults in the House to behave badly? Money! That is the root of all the evils. What was displayed on the table beside the mace during Na’Abba’s tenure? Money! What created tension in the seemingly lacklustre tenure of Masari? Money! What led to the many altercations in the House during Etteh before she was shoved aside? Money! When Bankole started having issues with Hon. Dino Melaye, leading to an all out fight in the House? Money!

Last week, the allegation was everywhere that some members had already been induced with $25,000, allegedly from the other faction that enjoys executive support, to ensure that the Abubakar Kawu-Baraje group did not visit easy.

Whereas Speaker Tambuwal made the slip of reading the request in the open chamber, there is no justification for the show of shame. Just imagine what would happen if a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2015 election other than President Goodluck Jonathan seeks audience with the PDP caucus in the House! This same set of male and female wrestlers would be at their worst behavior. And they will end up giving President Jonathan a bad name; because they would be thought to have been doing the bidding of Aso Rock. Would President Jonathan be the one to commission such acts of brigandage? Of course not!

But that is the way of bad behavior. What reinforces it is not the order issued; it is not even the funds alone, used to induce adults to behave badly. It is simple acquiescence to such acts.

And whereas many still see the difference between a rambunctious leader and Jonathan’s acknowledged gentility, the actions and inactions of those who appear to be doing battle on his behalf are making the line blurrier. That line may disappear in the coming months as the battle for re-election engages another gear. We may then see more adults behaving wilder. Except, of course, minders of President Jonathan and President Jonathan himself, make it clear that he would not suffer aggressive idiocy any longer – even if he would have to contend with many doubters.

C M Y K

PAGE 14 — SUNDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

PDP CRISIS Act 1 Scene 1

L

AST Tuesday, the House of Representatives had a rowdy session immediately after Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal read a letter proposing a courtesy visit by the Abubakar Kawu Baraje -led faction of the new Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. After saying the day’s prayer at about 11.05am and delivering his welcome back speech to his colleagues who just returned from recess, Tambuwal proceeded to read a communication from President Goodluck Jonathan on the transmission of the 2014-2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper, and followed that with the letter, asking for the visit by Baraje.

The lawmakers were instantly split. The drama started with the shouts of ‘no,’ ‘no’ by members of the old PDP, as well as arguments to the effect that PDP is no longer the majority party in the House, implying that Tambuwal’s leadership was no longer tenable.

Leading the pack of the nPDP, as the Baraje PDP is called, was Rep Abdulmunin Jibrin, House Committee Chairman on Finance representing Kano State and Rep Dakuku Peterside of Rivers State.

Attempts to restore order by the Chief Whip, Rep Isiaka Bawa, failed as members of the old PDP and the new bloc turned the floor of the House into a market place.

The Speaker had to repeatedly call the legislators by their first names and their various positions before order could be restored.

As soon as normalcy returned after the disruption that lasted for almost 30 minutes , Tambuwal announced that he had also earlier “received a communication from Chairman of our great party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, on the same subject matter” asking for a meeting with the PDP caucus, but that Tukur “withdrew his own letter early this morning.”

The Speaker however explained that he could not read Tukur’s letter on the basis of the withdrawal. He said the issue was a PDP affair and could not be debated on the floor of the House.

The Baraje team was billed to meet the PDP caucus in the House at 3.00pm.

Rep Kingsley Chinda rose through a motion on a matter of urgent national importance and cautioned that what had just transpired on the floor may send a wrong interpretation to Nigerians outside, and prayed the House to pass a vote of confidence on its leadership under Tambuwal.

He argued that whatever that was happening on the political scene outside should not in any way affect the activities of the House. “We remain a united House,” he stated, and advised members to ignore the imperious publicity directed at creating disunity in the House.

C M Y K

•Baraje •Tambuwal

NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER

Storm in the House over nPDP

By EMMAN OVUAKPORIE ”We all saw the welcome parade here this morning but the papers were all awash that the House was going to war.”

He noted that as a sign of the unity of the House let us pass a vote of confidence on this leadership.

Rep Toby Okechukwu, PDP, representing Aninri/Oji River Constituency, Enugu State seconded the motion., saying “we should be mindful about what we say about our leadership that has been giving us a good sense of direction”.

The motion was unanimously adopted.

Earlier while welcoming back members from the over two months annual recess, Tambuwal said he had no doubt “that we are returning more reinforced with constituency duties arising from the expectations of our constituents as well as the needs which we have become ceased of through our observations, interactions and experiences”.

He continued, “We should therefore be now guided more than ever before given that, the condition of our rural dwellers has witnessed only marginal improvements. ”Most of our people still can’t afford to live decently. They still can’t afford quality education for

far because of your sense of patriotism, mutual cooperation and cohesion. We must all continue to be attentive to the promptings of our conscience and the yearnings of our people. If we continue along this path, we are unlikely to go wrong. Make no mistake, I do not by this suggest that we are infallible, but if we have to make errors at all, they must be the ones that can pass the test of good conscience.”

The Speaker further stated that “recently, the polity has witnessed sustained heat generated by both interparty and intraparty squabbles.

“This is not all together unexpected given the approach of 2015. What is worrisome however is that these squabbles have further exposed the weaknesses of internal party democratic culture and interparty intolerance. These are viruses that we must resolve to dispense with in order to sanitize the political space. ”In the face of these, I must not fail to commend Honourable members for their general mature comportment in reacting to the issues Continues on page 15

His is not all together unexpected given the approach of 2015.

What is worrisome however is that these squabbles have further exposed the weaknesses of internal party democratic culture and intraparty intolerance. their children or good healthcare for their families. They still don’t have those basic needs of life - from clean water to adequate security and regular power supply that other nations take for granted. This means there remains a whole lot more to be done. ”With the greatest sense of modesty, I wish once more to commend you all for the great work you have been doing and the attendant sacrifices. I urge that we belt up for greater sacrifices even when this may appear not to be appreciated in some quarters. I am confident that gradually the people of Nigeria will get to know the truth and it is only then that what we are doing will be sufficiently appreciated. ”We have been able to come this

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 15

PDP CRISIS

Storm in the House over nPDP

endeavours. I make bold to say that within the allowable region of error, we card carrying members of Political parties contribute not more than 25% of the population, we must therefore abstain from heating up the polity unnecessarily. We must not take the rest of Nigerians for granted; we must not overstretch our goodwill and we must not overtask the patience of Nigerians. ”Let us therefore make conscious effort to allow national interest take the driving seat and not our personal ambitions. ”Once again on behalf of the caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives, I thank you for this visit”.

REACTIONS OF SOME REPS

R

ep Tajudeen Yusuf,PDP said, “We have only one PDP and that is our position on this issue. ”One indivisible PDP and nothing else”.

Rep Friday Itulah, representing Esan East/ West Federal Constituency, Edo State, noted, “What we are saying is that party issues should be resolved at the party office not in the National Assembly. “

•Tukur •Amaechi

Act 1 Scene 3

Continued from page 14 involved in the political face off.

This mature comportment has saved the situation from further escalation.”

ACT 1 Scene 2

Venue: Room 028 At 3.25pm Alhaji Abubakar Baraje led Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Ahmed Abdulfatah of Kwara, Aliyu Babangida of Niger, Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano and Magadaka Wamakko of Sokoto into the venue.

The Speaker, his Deputy Emeka Ihedioha and other principal officers of the House were already seated waiting for their guests.

At 3.30pm the National Anthem was played and protocols followed but, suddenly, Rep Henry Ofongo, a massively built Bayelsa lawmaker, raised an objection, shouting” point of order, point of order” repeatedly.

This did not go down with members of the nPDP who charged at him.

This time, leading the pack of the charged nPDP members was Rep Peterside.

Some PDP legislators encircled Ofongo while Rep Chinda who earlier moved for a peaceful resolution of the PDP crisis started shouting “no, no, no.”

This did not stop the Leader of the House, Rep Mulikat Akande-Adeola, from reading her welcome address though her voice was heavily drowned by the noise

within our great party, the PDP.” He went on, “These developments have once again exposed our vulnerability and the status of the culture of intra-party democracy and interparty tolerance ”Political parties are the critical infrastructure of democracy. It means then that democracy can only flourish where there are strong Political Parties with well developed institutions and a firmly entrenched democratic culture.” It is important as politicians to constantly remind ourselves that the democracy we have belongs to the entire Nigerian people and not to politicians alone. ”Indeed all Nigerians fought to install this democracy and many paid the supreme price in the process, therefore we must not, by our conduct, treat this supreme sacrifice of our heroes past with levity. ” While acknowledging that the political party is the vehicle through which we pursue our ambitions and aspirations, we must all conduct ourselves strictly within the confines of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Law. ”I wish to caution also that Nigerians need a peaceful atmosphere to conduct their lives and business

Let us therefore make conscious efforts to allow national interest take the driving seat and not our personal ambitions. making PDP lawmakers.

Immediately Baraje started his speech, the lawmakers started chanting “Tukur! Tukur!! Tukur!!!”

His voice was drowned all through his speech.

Tambuwal was however lucky when he started reading his speech as order had been restored.

But immediately he mentioned “our party leaders” in his speech, Rep Chinda and his colleagues started chanting “Goodluck PDP! Goodluck PDP”.

Again order was restored and the Speaker successfully delivered his speech.

Tambuwal, in the speech, that “as politicians and leaders, we are all deeply concerned about political developments in the country in recent weeks especially the face- off

nPDP lawmakers to revers ‘impunity’

I

mmediately after the Baraje meeting with the PDP caucus, the nPDP legislators addressed journalists where they stated their position in clear terms.

The leader of the group, Rep Andrew Uchendu, said the essence of the briefing was to let Nigerians know that “we are the authentic PDP, the other one is a sham. “ He explained, “Agreements were reached before the special national convention was held on August 31, all the agreements were breached. ”This led to the walkout by the G7 Governors from the venue of the convention. ”If Nigeria must have a direction, the ruling party must have a direction so that Nigerians can heave a sigh of relief. ”The letter sent by our leaders was read on the floor of the House, the essence of the PDP caucus meeting is to ensure that we were properly briefed because most of us were abroad during the recess. ”But what we saw today was a reign of impunity, lack of tolerance whether to agree to disagree or to disagree to agree. ”This reign of impunity cannot be allowed to continue this way in this country”. Asked how many members were in his acclaimed authentic PDP, Uchendu said “we are 108 authentic PDP members. “ On whether there is any hope of a ceasefire, he declared with all finality “no ceasefire, consultations is on-going.”

PAGE 16 — SUNDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

PDP CRISIS

By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

T

he fear of the National Assembly seems to have become the beginning of wisdom in the Presidency. Since the resumption of the federal lawmakers from their annual vacation, there has been tension that the on-going crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will rub-off on the federal legislature.

Before the resumption, there were speculations that the first sitting in both chambers after their vacation would be turbulent, leading to fear gripping some presidential aides while the plenary session lasted.

The impression was that members of the National Assembly in the mainstream PDP, led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan (aka old PDP), and those of the splinter group (nPDP), led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje, with the support of the G-7 ‘rebel’ governors, were ready to flex muscles.

A presidential aide revealed that calls kept coming in during the Tuesday plenary by people who wanted to know the atmosphere and unfolding events in the National Assembly, and also to find out whether the bookmakers were correct in their prediction that the opening session was going to be rowdy.

To heighten the tension was the purported increasing membership of the nPDP in both chambers.

Despite the anticipated crisis, the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, dismissed the speculation. He said there was no way the Senate would witness any crisis.

Ndoma-Egba said, “First, let me concede the point that any crisis within the PDP will have repercussions on the polity generally for the simple reason that the PDP is the party in government.

Whatever crisis we have will certainly have consequences on the polity for better or for worse. But, having said so, let me remind that crisis is the feature of any active political party.

“But whether or not that is going to affect the leadership of the National Assembly, I can speak for the Senate. Like I said earlier on, no matter the crisis we have in the PDP, it is likely to impact on the polity generally. And the historical role of senate, not just in Nigeria but all over the world from time immemorial is to stabilize the polity in times of crisis and I believe that this time around, the Senate will once again, rise to the occasion of stabilizing the country in spite of the current tensions in PDP. “I don’t see the current tension in the PDP affecting the leadership of the Senate because the Senate is made up of statesmen who appreciate their historic role in stabilizing the polity and they will not do anything that will create instability.”

What nearly proved those who had predicted a turbulent session right was the visit of the G-7 Governors with the executive members of the nPDP-led by Baraje to the National C M Y K

Uneasy calm in Senate

*Ndoma-Egbe

I don’t see the current tension in the PDP affecting the leadership of the Senate because the Senate is made up of statesmen who appreciate their historic role in stabilizing the polity and they will not do anything that will create instability Assembly.

The ‘rebel’ governors and the PDP faction reportedly visited the two chambers of the National Assembly to draw support from the federal lawmakers which, if they had succeeded, would have been the beginning of impeachment process against President Goodluck Jonathan.

The nPDP and ‘rebel’ governors were received by the Senate President after the plenary. The leader of the delegation, Baraje, noted that the PDP had, in recent years, started

declining in its democratic image mainly due to what he described as “lack of internal democracy as a result of undue interference of the Presidency especially as it concerns the election of party national officers .”

According to him, the development has affected the quality and style of leadership that pride in illegal dissolution of state party structures and other acts of impunity.

Baraje said that as a result of the anomalies, “some governors, former governors, party elders and indeed members of the National Assembly decided to act to rescue the party from undemocratic tendencies and by extension save the country from collapse”.

He told the Senate President that their mission was to report to him most of their grievances against Tukur and Jonathan. The grievances are: the crisis in the Rivers State PDP, suspension of the Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, from the party, interference in the election of the Chairman of NGF, the dissolution of Adamawa State executive committee of the party and the exclusion of stakeholders from the

running of the party. Most importantly, he said that it was unconstitutional for Jonathan to seek third term.

Before the visit of the nPDP, the Senate President, while welcoming senators from vacation, had told them that the polity was assailed by political tremors on account of the 2015 elections. He reminded them that they are first and foremost senators; and though not impervious to the present centrifugal political pulls, they must put the interest of the country above every other consideration.

Mark told his colleagues, “We must not only rise above narrow, parochial and partisan considerations, we must also very eloquently, by deeds and words, demonstrate the capacity and willingness to moderate national discourse and balance the polity.

This we can only do by always standing with the people and on the side of truth and by painstakingly striving at all times to do what is legally and constitutionally right and morally justifiable.

“It is disheartening that even though the general elections of 2015 are two years away, political jobbers, sycophants and hustlers have prematurely seized the political space and are being allowed to set the tone of national discourse. This is unnecessary and avoidable distraction by characters or hirelings who are desperately in search of relevance.

“They are only out to feather their own nests and in the process unduly overheat the polity. They employ every weapon, including the threats of war and open saber rattling to advance their partisan causes. I am therefore compelled to urge restraint and to call on putative contestants to various political positions in 2015 to advise themselves and call their various supporters to order”.

He warned those behind the plots and drums of war to desist from it, saying, “beating the drums of war, chanting war songs and blackmailing the nation with fire and brimstone are outdated and unacceptable tools of political brinksmanship.”

In a statement after the plenary, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emordi, stated that those who had expected that the National Assembly would witness a rowdy session were put to shame.

She said, “Those prophets of doom underrate the patriotic spirit of the members of the National Assembly and their commitment to preserving our democracy knowing very well that Nigeria is bigger than any narrow group ambition.”

She reminded members that the legislature had always been at the receiving end of every truncation of democratic governance, but expressed optimism that the members were committed to preserving the democracy.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 17

PDP CRISIS

BY HENRY UMORU

T

HESE are not be the best of times for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the self acclaimed largest party in Africa and its managers following the lingering crisis and the inhouse bickering.

In the last couple of weeks, the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee, NWC, has been entangled in a debacle in which some party leaders try to outdo one another. At the heart of it all is the issue of who controls the machinery of the party ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Though the problems existed before Tukur became the National Chairman of PDP on March 24, 2012, the climax came on August 31, 2013 at Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of the PDP Special National Convention when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and six aggrieved governors staged a walkout.

Atiku and the six governors later addressed a press conference on the formation of a ‘New PDP’ with a former Acting National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, named the National Chairman; Sam Sam Jaja as Deputy National Chairman and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as National Secretary.

The aggrieved governors are Sule Lamido of Jigawa State; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa.

The governors were at the venue of the convention until 2.45 pm when they stormed out and immediately left for Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre to address the media. Their grouse, among others, was the exclusion of the names of their candidates in the election of national officers into the mainstream PDP including the immediate past Deputy National Chairman, Jaja, leaving only the former National Organising Secretary, Prince Uche Secondus as the sole candidate.

Three weeks after the emergence of the ‘New PDP’, there is suggestion that the road to the 2015 presidential election will be rough for the ruling party.

To resolve the crisis, former President Olusegun Obasanjo led other elders of the party to meet the aggrieved governors. The meeting was deadlocked as issues raised did not go down well gone with the Baraje-led faction and they stormed out.

At the end of the meeting, it was gathered that the Baraje-led PDP presented their demands before Obasanjo and the other party elders that Tukur must be sacked and a new convention organised to elect national officers as the August 31 convention was not acceptable to them, even as they asked for the recognition of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum by President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that the suspension placed on Amaechi by the party must be lifted.

A source said however that the Tukur group insisted that most of the demands of the Baraje faction were not responsible, adding that the NWC was validly elected and the decision to leave office would be determined by individuals and the entire party.

It was also gathered that lifting the suspension on Amaechi would suffer a major setback because of the governor’s court case, even as the source said only the President was capable of deciding whether to recognise Amaechi as the Chairman of the NGF or not.

It was also learnt that Jonathan might demand the backing of the governors for his second term if he was going to respond to the demands of the ‘New PDP’, especially the sacking of Tukur.

But barely 24 hours after the meeting and while peace moves were still on going, the crisis took a new dimension

President Goodluck Jonathan

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

Can it be the same again in the fractured PDP? We have started a process of total reconciliation and of course you know the house is very large, very robust and PDP is very entrenched and there is no way we can have internal wrangling without being able to resolve it as heavily armed police men sealed off the office of the Baraje-led PDP located on Plot 3206A, No 4, Oyi River Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

Reacting to the closure, the faction’s National Secretary, Oyinlola, who noted that they were not surprised by the action taken by the Tukur-led PDP to use the police to shut the secretariat, described it as the height of impunity.

Oyinlola added that security forces were mobilised to seal off the office based on a non-existent court injunction which the mainstream PDP claimed to have obtained. Also in the middle of the peace moves, Tukur sacked the Kano State PDP Working Committee, SWC, believed to be loyal to Governor Kwankwaso and replaced it with an 11member Caretaker Committee.

This has been interpreted to mean that the Tukur PDP may have concluded arrangements to move against Kwankwaso as the party Chairman was said to have pleaded with the son of the late military head of state and former governorship aspirant of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kano State, Mohammed Abacha, to join the PDP.

Mohammed Abacha, with the coast clear for him, last week, stormed the party national secretariat with his supporters, dumped the CPC and bounced back to the PDP which he joined in 2010 but also left same year.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that riding on the back of the expired Kano State executive to put in place a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the party in the state was part of the moves by Tukur to punish Kwankwaso.

There are also speculations of move to removes the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, for allegedly supporting the aggrieved governors and the ‘New PDP’, just as arrangements were on to destabilise the National Assembly.

A

n indication that it was not yet Uhuru in the PDP family was the decision of the Baraje-led PDP to stay away from the dinner which took place last Sunday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stressing that it was ironical to attend when Nigerians were wallowing in abject poverty and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, on strike with the university students at home, even as the group urged Tukur to leave Atiku, Amaechi and others alone and face the problems confronting the PDP. In a reaction, the PDP National Chairman said he was not prepared to exchange words with Baraje as his focus was how to redouble his efforts towards providing dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who spoke on behalf of Tukur, said, “We will not exchange words with our aggrieved brothers, reconciliation is on going and we will not provoke a dislocation of the reconciliation. Our focus is to redouble our efforts to ensure that our party members rededicate themselves to the party and for our elected and appointed representatives to work harder now more than ever before in satisfying the yearnings of Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, Jonathan held a trace meeting with the Baraje group. A follow up meeting is scheduled for October 7.

At the meeting, although all the issues were not resolved, a source said, ‘tremendous success was recorded and we have agreed to resolve the issues quietly.”

The source went on: “We agreed that there should be no more statements in the media because some of the issues are personal and they are not something you redress in the media. We agreed to set up a committee to iron out the issues and implement the resolutions we reached.

“On Rivers State, the party structure is the major problem. We agreed that the Board of Trustees should get involved and get both parties to withdraw the matter from court so that we can arrive at a harmonious result. ”On Adamawa, we agreed to reintegrate the party structure that was dissolved. The party structure before it was dissolved was with the governor and he demanded that it should be reinstated and we agreed. There was no Tukur’s structure in the first place. We had always agreed that the dissolution of the Adamawa exco cannot be allowed to stand.

“The committee being set up will look at the issues; there are about eight of them in number, and resolve them quietly. The Baraje nPDP/Amaechi and the Tukur PDP have agreed on the methodology of settling the issues. We will not allow the crisis to fester because PDP is too large.

If there is problem in the PDP, it will affect the whole nation.”

Also speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum and governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, noted that the reconciliation process initiated by the president would achieve a permanent solution when the parties involved in the crisis meet again on October 7.

“We have started a process of total reconciliation and of course you know the house is very large, very robust and PDP is very entrenched and there is no way we can have internal wrangling without being able to resolve it. So, clearly speaking it was just a family disagreement and the processes are in place now to bring everybody on board and Nigerians are very happy,” Akpabio said.

“On the issue of 2015, both sides agreed that it wasn’t an issue for discussion because every single person has a right to have ambition. Some of the governors may have ambition like I have ambition to go to Senate and you can’t discuss anything about another person’s ambition. You are the only person that can discuss your own ambition.

Ambition is personal. So both parties agreed to that.

“The disagreement differs from state to state. So, it wasn’t as if there was a major issue with all PDP governors.

There were few states that had difficulties. Some states complained about their delegates not being allowed entry to Eagles Square, some complained about party positions and some had court issues. But these are all things that we cannot allow to affect the fabric of the party and of course by implication the fabric of the nation because the PDP is Nigeria.

“We have been in power for the past 14 years and Nigerians have confidence that this is the only truly national party that expresses true aspirations of all and sundry and of course it is also the only party that is not owned by any individual. It’s a party that belongs to all Nigerians. Even the market woman in Sokoto claims ownership of the PDP and of course the same thing with the trader in Akwa Ibom state. The same thing with somebody in the south west and the same thing in south east. So, the PDP is Nigeria and so anything that affects the PDP will affect the entire country.

PAGE 18 — SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

.... CRIME AND NATIONAL SECURITY

By LUKA BINNIYAT

L

ance Corporal Adi of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP) is one of the heroes of the war against the Islamist group, Boko Haram, in the North-east. A native of Pakistan, Adi’s platoon was singled out for commendation by the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azibuike Ihejirika, for executing an operation in Maiduguri, Borno State capital..

“Acting on a tip-off that that there was a house in the town serving as an armoury for the terrorists”, recalled Major General Raphael Isa, Provost Marshall of the Nigeria Army, at a crowded gathering of serving and retired military officers, royal fathers and journalists at the parade grounds of the Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Basawa, Zaria, Kaduna State on Monday,” the house was searched thoroughly for weapons.

But not a single weapon was found”.

He went on: “Frustrated, the troops began to leave thinking the information was false”. But Adi and his colleagues refused to leave, insisting that there were weapons concealed somewhere in the house.

Since Adi is a dog - brown-white sported Labrador - and his team were international trained canines, the human soldiers had no choice than to respect the sniffing sense of the animal.

Adi was a gift from the Pakistani Chief of the Army Staff to his Nigerian counterpart when the latter visited Pakistan last year.

“On the insistence of the dog”, the Provost Marshall went on, “this time the house was taken apart pieces by pieces”.

“If you see the kind of armaments that were recovered from the house, you will shudder.

“You could imagine what kind of damage these weapons could have wreaked on human beings”.

He had interrupted a demonstration of the feat of the sniffer dogs to narrate the story.

In one of the shows, a row of army rug sacks was arranged with a sample of narcotics hidden in one. The sample drug was placed in one of the bags by the representative of the Director General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA).

It took just about five minutes for the dogs to search the bags to reveal the drug It would have taken about 60 minutes by a human to search the 12 bags.

Moments later, Lance Corporal Asko, a huge tailless German Shepherd - or is it a Doberman? -was led by its handler to the sacks. He went round sniffing from bag to bag. Some four minutes after, it arrived where the sample narcotic was concealed. It dipped its snout into the bag, sniffed and sat still beside the bag. The trainer opened the bag and took out the offensive substance to the wonder of the crowd, which clapped at the performance.

In another, a cocktail of “ingredients” for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) was put in can-coke container and hidden underneath a car. Lcp Zana - another fierce looking

The ‘dogs of war’ in Boko Haram enclave

*One of the dogs with sniffing sense

We have about 60 of them, and each can perform most of all the tasks though a few are specialists. They can crawl for long under enemy fire to rescue someone. They can find persons trapped in collapsed structures; help you find your way back home if you are lost, and so on German Shepherd - was led to find it among a row of cars. Wagging its tail, the dog smelled the first car from corner to corner, tyre to tyre and dragged away it handler to the next car, where the evil material was placed. As it went from corner to corner, it pulled its handler to the spot

where the bomb material was tugged up underneath the car. It went down, sniffed up, wagged its tail vigorously and went down on its four and refused to move, to indicate it had accomplished its mission.

In an interview, the person incharge of the training of the dogs, Capt. Nneka Olimma-Osakwe, opened up to Sunday Vanguard about her “soldiers”.

“They are trained to be disciplined, brave and tough”, she said.

“We have about 60 of them, and each can perform most of all the tasks though a few are specialists. They can crawl for long under enemy fire to rescue someone. They can find persons trapped in collapsed structures; help you find your way back home if you are lost, and so on.

Where machines may fail, the dogs don’t make mistakes. They are very dependable”, Nneka, who finished from Inland Girls Secondary School Onitsha in 1990 before joining the Army in 1993, said. According to her, the dogs and their handlers were trained in Nigeria and the US. “It takes a lot of effort, time and resources to train these dogs. But, most of all, you must have love for them if you must be an effective handler. It is all about love for animals, and dogs have the highest sense of smell among all animals. And you can take that advantage and make them do so many things for the benefit of human beings and still accord them their rights and respects as reliable

Capt. Nneka Olimma-Osakwe ... My dogs are my soldiers partners “.

“My dogs are my soldiers. They have their ranks and they also get promotion. If they are promoted, their salary is increased. And please don’t ask me how they spend their money .

But it is reflected by the extra luxury accorded them when promoted”, she said.

The dogs were brought in for demonstration during a one-day law enforcement seminar organised by the NACMP. At the opening ceremony of the seminar, Isa had this to say on the dogs: “The performance of the Military Working Dogs (MWDs) in the North-east is a testimony of the innovation of the Chief of the Army Staff. Currently, a platoon of MWDs are being used for search and rescue operation, cordon and search, detection and other sundry operations in which excellent results are achieved,” been given for the purchase of more, to form another platoon.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 19

Syria: Assad’s obstinacy and the power play in Capitol Hill B

EFORE August 25 when President Barack Obama declared that the US was going to respond militarily to the use of chemical weapon by the Syrian regime to attack its own near the capital Damascus, the hawks in America were strident and irritably loud in demanding the Washington must intervene to end the brutality of the Bashar Al-Assad’s government.

Notable among those leading the charge is Arizona Senator John McCain who Obama defeated in the 2008 presidential election and Madam Sarah Palin, who was McCain running mate then.

Senator McCain has never stopped to give Americans the impression that he was better than Obama in foreign policy issues, while Madam Pallin who was not aware that Alaska where she was once the governor, was once owned by Russia and as such share boundary with the United States, From Tunisia to Libya, from Egypt to Syria, from Bengazi to Bamako, the hawks in US political establishment, largely found in the Republican party have been trying to lure President Obama into another Afghanistan or Iraqi misadventure, in order to create another quagmire for America which is yet to exit from the blunders of former president, George W. Bush, who took his country into two costly wars without congressional authorisation, The War monger’s game When Obama played their game by asking the Congress to decide the appropriate cause of action to take in response to Assad’s CW attack on his citizens on August 21, the same Republican hawks became ambivalent.

Some of them describe Obama as the Waffler-in-Chief, while the American public openly disapproved any military strike on Syria. The objective of such a strike was dubious as it was aimed at weakening Assad’s military capability and strengthen the hands of the rebels, some of whom have Al-Qaeda support.

Before the Russian proposal for Damascus to surrender its CW, the Obama administration

had insisted the the intelligence report available to Washington shows that the strongest of the rebel groups in Syria are linked to AlQaeda.

The idea of a regime change was not attractive as the other rebel groups fighting in Syria could not be trusted to protect the interest of America or completely insulated from promoting Islamist agenda, all to the detriment of America and the rest of the secular world.

The Congressional debate which was to have started on September 9, was seen as an opportunity to humiliate Obama and turn him into a lame duck president by voting against his request for authorisation to use military force against Assad.

•Obama

•Assad

Vestiges of the cold war

T

he Russians have carried on with the Cold War mentality of opposing whatever your your enemy supports regardless of the merit. Moscow has been trying to show that it is still a power to reckon with in the international arena and nobody could send this message better than Vladimir Putin, the former KGB boss who returned to Kremlin through a controversial election.

What is playing out in the Syrian conflict is a dangerous game that is built on ultra deception by those who claim to love Syria more.

The Assad regime is in was a no win situation just as the rebels lack the capacity to win the war on their own. This underscores the need for

,

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affairs Editor

Jordan, Iraq, Egypt to escape being butchered in Syria.

About one million people have been killed in gruel some circumstances.

The Putin proposal to place Assad’s chemical weapons under international control seem to have averted the possibility of a military strike.

Other analysts have argued that the proposal was a face saver for Obama’s humiliation in Congress, Russia and China would have been the first to block such initiative if it had come from the US or its Western allies.

We have stated it severally that Russia built Syria’s modern economy and it has a military base in Syria.

Moscow’s role in Damascus is not based Santa Claus diplomacy as Putin would

What is playing out in the Syrian conflict is a dangerous game that is built on ultra deception by those who claim to love Syria more

international support to deal with the conflict.

So far, Russia and China have frustrated such international consensus in the past two years by voting against any resolution that was to bring pressure on the Assad regime.

Over three million Syrians have fled to Turkey, Lebanon,

seriously while hoping that Syria would at some point try to renege on its acceptance of surrendering the stockpiles of CW. The idea that this imbroglio will somehow disappear is certainly one that Obama is considering. But the Russians will not want that to happen.

Obama does not want to let Assad off the hook knowing that Iran also constitutes a threat with its nuclear weapons programme.

Strator analysts are of the view that “If the United States chooses to hit Syria, Russia can do nothing about it and will be made to look weak.”

According to their view, “the weakness of the Russian position is that it has no real weight while the constrain on Obama’s use of military action is purely coming from his reading of the domestic politics.”

The Chicken nodule approach

,

want the world to believe. this point, all signs indicate that the Syrian regime would cooperate with the international effort to rid the Middle East nation of its CW arsenal.

If the Russian initiative begins to work, Obama will be forced by domestic pressure to consider the diplomacy more

W

hether Obama would have acted without Congressional approval is now a matter of conjecture, but the fact remains that the US mobilisation of international support against Syria has sent clear message to Iran and of the readiness of an American president to respond to danger, real or imagined, The issue has drifted into a U.S.-Russian confrontation.

The public statements from both sides are now meant to obscure real plans and intentions of the protagonists and the antagonists.

While America wants to use the strike on Syria to warn groups like Hzebollah in Lebanon and show Iran a yellow card at the same time, and re-assure Israel that it has nothing to worry about Teheran’s nuclear enrichment programme.

Apart from trying to protect its economic and military interest in Syria, Russia wants goal to be seen as an equal of the United States in global politics.

In his much vilified letter to NYT, Putin tried to launched a diplomatic offensive that emphasizes to those Arab countries in the Persian Gulf that are opposed to Bashar al Assad and the Iranians who are supporting him, that there is a solution and all should join hand to the US to abandon plans for a military action. The message is that Russia will solve the chemical weapons problem, and implicitly, collaborate with them to negotiate a settlement.

According to a Nigerian based In San Jose, Mr. Patrick Oduma, President Obama speech on September 10,”shows that it is for not lack of will or courage to confront Assad or Putin that made Obama to accept the Russian proposal. Rather it is the reaction of American public opinion, especially that of Republicans who would accuse him of doing exactly what he criticised in GW Bush.

Let us not forget that all the battle against Obama is about how to rubbish his legacy as the first black President of the United States of America”.

PAGE 20 — SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Email: woman.vista@yahoo.co.uk

(07036819426)

View-Point

Helen Ovbiagele

T

he plane coming into the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos was meant to arrive at 7.30 pm, but it didn’t arrive until an hour later, and the passengers began to come out at about 10pm. Two of us were there, waiting to welcome a friend who was flying in that night.

At the best of times, that airport is not a place you should linger in, so, our anxiety began to grow as we scanned the passengers who were coming out, for our friend. How safe would it be for us to drive the long distance to the other end of town where she would be staying? Should we take the 3 rd Mainland bridge or Ikorodu Road, we wondered?

We were getting no response from her mobile phone, and our anxiety heightened.

“Look Helen, our safety is important,” said my companion, who could no longer bear the situation. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t normally stay out this long. If she doesn’t come out at 11, we should leave.”

“Hey! We can’t do that, and leave her stranded at the airport. I think we should wait until we’re told there are no more passengers left from that flight. Be patient. After all, we know that she’s on this flight, because she spoke to us when they had boarded.

We have a driver with us.

We’ll be okay. Where’s your faith?”

I began to feel unsafe too, as the crowd thinned, and shadowy figures loitered around us. What to do? We began to discuss again, whether to stay or leave.

Mercifully, soon, our visitor came out and we rushed to welcome her. Great relief all round!

On the way to the Island, she apologized for the late arrival of the plane.

“Ladies, I’m sorry you had to wait this long for me,” she

'Scarcity of aviation fuel, our shame' began, “I feel guilty for keeping you out this late. We had an hour ’s delay before take-off.”

“Oh, we’re sorry to hear that,” I said. “Was it a fault with the plane, or, were you waiting for late passengers?”

“None of those, Helen.

Actually, the underlying fault isn’t the plane or its operators.

Rather, it’s Nigeria’s.” she added with a giggle.

“Ah! Here we go again with

We were told that the plane needed to carry extra fuel with which to return, because there’s a shortage of aviation fuel in Nigeria. How about that? You guys are an oil-producing country, and planes now have to bring in their own fuel with which to re-fuel. That’s real funny!

,,

C M Y K

“There’s no such thing!” I protested. “You’re joking, right?” I asked with a sinking feeling.

“Sorry, I know how you feel, but sadly, I’m not joking. It was the first time I was hearing of such a thing, but other passengers who travel this route frequently, told me that it’s the normal. I was very surprised. Not to worry, my dear ladies. It must be a temporary thing, and the

Nigeria-bashing! What have we done this time to delay your flight from your country?

We refused you landing or what?” asked the other lady jokingly.

“We were told that the plane needed to carry extra fuel with which to return, because there’s a shortage of aviation fuel in Nigeria. How about that? You guys are an oilproducing country, and planes now have to bring in their own fuel with which to re-fuel.

That’s real funny!”

back-up fuel is wise.”

We switched to another topic in our conversation, but I must confess that I felt very let down by our rulers! Have things so deteriorated in this country that planes have to carry extra fuel with them when flying into Nigeria?

Carrying extra fuel in jerrycans while travelling in the country, is not strange here. Before you travel, it’s wise to ask around if there’s fuel on the way, and at your destination, so that you’re

not stranded at a point. I learnt that there are some parts of the country where there’s a permanent shortage of fuel and where fuel is never sold at the stipulated price of 97 naira per litre.

Well, this is a situation we try to contain.

However, allowing aviation fuel shortage/scarcity to persist and thereby expose to the world, our inepitude in managing our own affairs, especially oil-related ones, is a disgrace to the nation. No nation should be comfortable with airlines having to bring their own fuel into the country for any reason. Aviation fuel should be easily available and affordable, so that the aviation business can run smoothly for all concerned. Sometimes, we don’t have our own interests at heart. If we make things difficult for those who operate airlines, they may withdraw their services from this country. Yes, this may lead to loss of income for them, but it would also throw many Nigerians onto the unemployment market, and drastically affect the hospitality business, as hotels would have low patronage.

Part of the reason some airlines gave for higher fares here than in Ghana, was this problem of Aviation fuel, among other things. Next thing we know, we’ll be going to neighbouring countries to take flights to other countries.

Wouldn’t that be a disgrace to the most populous black

nation in the world?

I suppose the blame would be put on the deregulation of the prices of some imported oil products – gas, diesel, aviation fuel and kerosene.

These are not subsidized by the government, so, their prices and availability are at the convenience and discretion of the importers.

Kerosene, which I understand is close to Aviation Fuel, is meant to be sold for 50 naira per litre, because it’s supposed to be what the masses use for cooking. This price wasn’t observed for long, and instead, there’s been perennial shortage of kerosene since then; leading to high prices. The masses then have to turn to our traditional fuel for cooking – firewood and its derivative – charcoal. To get these they have to fell trees, to the detriment of the soil and environment.

Yet, we’re talking green, planting trees, and discouraging the felling of trees! If we’re serious about this, then kerosene, which at petrol stations presently hover around 140 naira per litre, should revert to fifty naira; gas which refills at 3,500 naira per 12.5kg cylinder should have its price lowered drastically, so that the man on the street can afford its use.

We have all the relevant experts in Finance, Oil & Gas industry, Security, etc. who can advise our government on how to make this possible, and bring the needed relief to our citizens.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 21

Email: woman.vista@yahoo.co.uk

(07036819426)

Nigeria is notorious for abandoning international treaties — Oby Nwankwo, Development expert

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA Ms.Oby Nwankwo is one woman who knows her onion.

She knew where her passion lies and therefore wasted no time at retiring voluntarily from her flourishing law career despite being a Chief Magistrate, to venture into social development. Now the Executive Director, Civil Resource Development & Documentation Centre, Enugu, and one of the 23 elected international experts monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against WomenCEDAW in 187 countries around the world, Oby is loving her bold decision. She’s also Nigeria’s representative on the CEDAW committee. In this inter view, she speaks on issues hindering the domestication of CEDAW in Nigeria and representation of women in governance amongst sundry issues.

,,

A

part from women getting political seats, of what national significance is the acclaimed CEDAW affirmative action?

Like we largely know, the affirmative action requires state parties to CEDAW to put in place temporary positive measures that will help close the gap which has been created by past marginalisation and discrimination. As you know, in the past, women were socialised to see themselves as people who were supposed to be seen and not heard. We all grew up with that mentality, but as time went on, we found out men could not cope, even within the home. In the past, they would ask their wives to stay at home and take care of children, but the economic situation has made them realise they need two incomes to be able to sustain their families. The same things have changed in governance! You find out that men alone cannot keep the system going and development is becoming slow! The United Nations observed years ago that development was slow because women were being excluded from the entire process. Now that women have been brought on board, because of past marginalisation, they find it difficult to compete

Ms. Oby Nwankwo

One of our problems in this country is actually high-turnover of female legislators. Not many of them make it back to the house for a second-term! So, most of the current parliamentarians are new and could be said to be in the learning process favourably with men who have had it all their lives and are conversant with the ropes. This is why we’re saying something has to give. We must make some special provisions for women temporarily, to close that gap. Note the word ‘temporary’ because once that gap is closed, we could withdraw the affirmative action. We’re not asking to be spoon-fed; all we’re emphasising is that a wide gap has been created from a long history of marginalisation.

What are your recommendations as an expert?

Quota system is one of the affirmative action’s principles. In the north for example, Nigeria has realised there is a wide educational gap between them and the South. So, mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the cutoff marks for students taking external

examinations from the north are lower than that of the south. So, once that gap is properly closed, the policy can be withdrawn. In Uganda for instance, seats were specially reserved for women and only women contested for those sits. If you read the Justice Uwais report, you will see that something like that was recommended; that’s proportional representation! That was unfortunately thrown into the wind. In Cross River State however, twinning system has been implemented to ensure that if for example the governorship candidate is a male, the deputy is a female. That way, more women would be brought on board. It’s sad to hear that out of 360 seats at the lower house in the National Assembly, we have only 24 women! Out of a Senate House of 109, we also have only four

women! That is totally unacceptable! Meanwhile, the UN Economic and Social Council-ECOSOC had recommended a long time ago that every state party should reserve at least 30 per cents of seats in appointive and elective positions. So, if the president is appointing 30 ministers, as a state party to the United Nations, we ought to have at least ten women. But the National Gender Policy which government approved in 2006 actually moved it up to 35% which we still do not have! I mean, we have less than seven per cent in the National Assembly! We’re not just talking about increasing the number of women but also about having solid women that will make contributions not just on women issues but also on economic, trade, etc.

But in your own assessment, how would you score the current female parliamentarians vis-à-vis their male counterparts?

You know, many of them are new. One of our problems in this country is actually highturnover of female legislators.

Not many of them make it back to the house for a second-term! So, most of the current parliamentarians are new and could be said to be in the learning process. Sadly, by the time four years is over

and they want to continue because they’ve learnt the ropes, they are already out of the house! So, for me, to the extent of their capacity, they are doing very well.

As a National Representative for CEDAW, what exactly would you say is responsible for the dillydallying in its domestication?

One of the handicaps we have is Article 12 of our constitution which states that even when a government has ratified an international treaty, such treaty cannot be enforceable unless it has been domesticated. The truth however is that Nigeria is notorious for going to international bodies, ratifying treaties and coming home without bothering about domestication. By that ratification process however, Nigeria is under obligation to domesticate so that it will become applicable. CEDAW was ratified in 1985 and this is 2013! Some male legislators also have issues with some of the articles on the basis of religion and culture. These are all misconceptions; though we’re working to make sure these biases give way.

The main limitation is really the fact that it is a maledominated parliament.

Because female legislators are very few, their voices are always drowned! That’s why we’re appealing to genderresponsive male legislators to please domesticate CEDAW.

PAGE 22 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Time to face my studies!

Dear Rebecca

I

must confess that you are doing a good job. I am 21 years old, a second year undergraduate. I have been dating this girl for two years now and dis-

covered lately that my academic performance is very poor. I decided to stop relationships/dating since they seem to be all about sex and what have you! Above all, I want to be upright with God.

When I told her these, she was very upset, thinking I was dropping her for another girl.

Aunty, my decision is irrevocable. I know I’ve hurt her feelings but I just have to. Do you think I made the right decision?

Pete, Jos.

Has turned cold!

Dear Rebecca

I

AM a boy of 21, and I am seeking admis sion into the university. There is a girl I met in the place I usually go

to for lessons. We became friends and I visited her whenever I had free time. That made us become close friends.

A time came that I began to develop love for

REPL Y REPLY

I

F you had taken our regular advice on this page that young people should have members of the opposite sex as ordinary friends, so that they can get to study and understand them before embarking on a romantic relationship, this situation would not have arisen. You would have been having several girls as friends that you interact with, just as you have boys. There would be no special girl who would feel bad that you are dumping her.

At a only 21 and a second year undergraduate, you should have no special girl yet. A romantic relationship is time and energy consuming, and if it is embarked upon too early in life while one is still studying, it could affect academic performance adversely. Instead of concentrating on your studies so that you don ‘t have carry-overs, you would want to satisfy your girl in every way; buying her presents, taking her out, etc. so that she would not be attracted to other men. You would be anxious about whether she is faithful to you or dating other men.

You would get jealous when you see her with other men. If you are having sex in the relationship, there would be anxiety about satisfying her in bed, and also about her not getting pregnant. If pregnant, you then have to see that she has an abortion!

Quite a lot of stress, isn’t it? A relationship with a girl, even a romantic one when you have graduated, does not have to involve sex. Our young people are so anxious to be sexually active, either due to curiosity or peer pressure. Sex is full of risks.

An untreated or badlytreated venereal disease can lead to infertility in both male and female.

her. When I could not control myself again I told her my feelings. She accepted to become my girlfriend. About a week later, she began to cool off me. She would give excuses and would not want to go out with me.

She has never for once visited me, though she knows where I live. When I asked her she said it’s when her heart tells her to visit me that she would do so. I really love her, I don’t want to miss her.

Please help out. I need your advice on what to do.

Friday

REPL Y REPLY

I

Her friends mean more to her!

Dear Rebecca

I

WANT to thank you so much for the manner in which you have been advising young men like us as it affects relationships. My major problem now is that I have a lady I’m considering marrying if God permits, but the lady in question has a lot of friends which by the nature of my Job, I don’t like. Another thing is that she preoccupies herself so much with issues concerning her friends. She spends time visiting them. I have tried discussing the issue with her on several occasions but she always says she cannot leave her old-time friends because of me who she met only recently. Please, what do you advise I do to handle this issue before it gets out of hand?

Stanley

REPL Y REPLY

T

O be able to give useful sugges tions which could help those who write in, to solve their problems, we need to know the basic personal details like, age, family and educational background, job, etc. You did not give your ages so I don’t know if you’re adults or teenag-

ers. You didn’t say what you both do, i.e. whether studying or working.

One has no way of knowing if you are both ready for marriage now, and if the lady in question feels you are her ideal man. From her attitude as portrayed in your mail, she doesn’t seem to feel so; at least not yet. She’s probably at an age when having friends to move around with, matters a great deal. Someone who doesn’t get enough attention at home tends to cling to his/her friends, who they feel ‘understand’ her/him and see life the same way as she/he does. This is very important to us in our teenage years and sometimes, early twenties. As we get older, we begin to think for ourselves and develop our own style and personality, and this may be different from our age mates’.

I think you need more time to study this lady in order to find out if she’s the sort of lady you’d want for a wife.

She seems realistic about the relationship as she feels she doesn’t know you well enough yet to cling to you and leave the friends that have been her support

for quite some time. By the way, why do you want to isolate her from her friends? Is it because you feel their character is not good, or you want her to concentrate all her happiness on your company alone?

That’s neither wise nor healthy. What if you leave her later? Even when married, we need good friends of our own sex around us because they tend to understand our emotions and feel what we feel. I hope you too have some good male friends that you relate with. I wonder what sort of job you can possibly

have that would forbid your girlfriend having friends of her own. Any relationship that restricts us having friends is selfish and unhealthy. If you want to stay on in this relationship, encourage your girl to make friends with responsible ladies. Greet them warmly when you meet them and accompany her sometimes to go visit them.

If on the other hand, you can’t stand your girl’s ways, then end the relationship. I have a feeling she may not lose any sleep over your leaving her.

I think you need more time to study this lady in order to find out if she’s the sort of lady you’d want for a wife

THINK you should have left the rela tionship at friendship level. That’s all you need now, that is, make casual friendship with several girls so that you would get a chance to study and understand them. If you had been doing this, you would have understood girls well enough to know that you don’t pester them about visiting you in your house. You would have known that sensible girls guard their reputation well and do not visit boys anyhow or allow boys to visit them anyhow.

This is because usually, when people see a girl visiting a man, they assume that they are having sex, whereas that may not be happening. If that friendship ends and she goes about with another boy, rumours would begin to circulate that she is promiscuous and is sleeping around. Also, her parents may not want her to have male visitors so that she won’t be tempted to start having sex, as this could lead to unwanted pregnancy and early motherhood which can disrupt her education and life. Abortion can lead to her not being able to have kids later, if not well done, or even her death. So, try to understand a girl’s situation.

Since you say you love her, I suggest you accept the relationship as it is and try to enjoy it. It doesn’t matter if a girl doesn’t visit you or go holding hands with you in public.

•All letters for publication on this page should be sent to: Dear Rebecca, Vanguard Media Ltd, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail: dearrebecca2@yahoo.com

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 23

Loaded sugar daddies are not so bad!

T

HE last time I went out with a man of my age was years back,” recalled Prisca. A fitness fanatic, she runs a wellequipped spa on Lagos Island. She continued: “I was fresh from the university and had a job that paid fairly well. He was a graduate too but couldn’t get a good job, so he settled for a teaching job and continued searching. Any time we went out, I ended up paying the bills most of the time, his chorus was always “Thanks darling. Things are a bit rough now, but I’ll make it up to you”. When? I always asked silently. In the end, I stopped seeing him. I was lucky to have this influential ‘aunty’ who always gave lavish private parties.

It was at one of his parties that I met Nicholas.

“On our first date at his cosy guest house, he’d ordered some exotic snacks with bottles of champagne.

I was 26, he was in his 50s, but I didn’t care. As I ate the snacks and sipped champagne, I felt giddy with excitement. I could get used to this, I thought. Our dates became regular and when he asked if I had a valid passport and I told him I did, he arranged for us to travel abroad! I’d been away only once, and on a budget. But as soon as we arrived our destination, he gave me money to go shopping and paid for me to have my hair done. He said with pride, that he liked me look-

ing good for him, and so I did.

“Unfortunately, our relationship ended after a year but it had given me a taste for the kind of life I could have. Thank goodness I still saw my ‘aunty’ fairly regularly and even brought back some gifts for her from abroad. So I started calling at her place fairly regularly and in no time at all I struck gold as I thought I would. I met a couple of older and wellheeled men at her place.

Thanks to Nicholas, I had good clothes and poise. In no time at all, I had a string of ‘suitors’ and was dating a different sugar daddy most evenings. I was taken to fancy restaurants, on shopping trips and to their various VIP clubs. I also went on a couple of trips abroad.

“In no time at all, my taste for handbags and shoes became obsessive.

My wardrobe was bursting with the new clothes and handbags my ‘dates’ bought for me. Eventually, I settled down with Alfred, a very rich industrialist with a wife he said understood him. I was at his guest house one night when he suggested he rented an apartment for me so we could have our own space.

I was still living with my parents then and I jumped at the chance. My poor dad told me he couldn’t afford to help towards the rent, but I told him not to worry,

that my office would give me a loan. Mum wasn’t easily fooled and I had to come clean to her. She was disappointed. ‘What you’re doing is not right,’ she told me. ‘Why don’t you concentrate on being good at your job so you could get promoted and then you’ll be able to rent a place yourself?” I told her I’d never be able to afford the lifestyle I want even if I had triple promotions in my office.

She just looked at me sadly and shook her head.

“Alfred spoilt me rotten all the three years we were together - he paid the rent on time and gave me a very generous monthly allowance. I was able to have all the beauty treatments I wanted and he bought me

a cute second-hand car.

Some of my friends were jealous of my lifestyle and my best friend, who is now married, told me her husband didn’t approve of what I was up to and didn’t want anything to do with me. I was enraged. ‘You and your husband should stop being so judgemental,’ I told her.

‘Some women only date good-looking men. I like rich men. What’s the problem with that?’ But it was no use as I was no longer welcomed in their house.

“After three years though, Alfred had health issues and the relationship petered out . By this time, dad had already passed on and I moved back in with mum and my only sibling. I still continued with dating only

sugar daddies and they paid for my luxury lifestyle. Being wined and dined took up a lot of time and it became a full-time job. I started saving furiously as experience had shown these men could put a stop to the affair whenever they wanted. I sometimes worried about what will happen when I lose my looks and I knew I had to start building my own nestegg.. That was when I started toying with the idea of running a Spa and thanks to the generosity of these men, I was able to buy some of the equipments I needed even before I found a proper space to let. My Spa is doing better than I ever imagined and I have another sugar daddy that’s the father of my six-year-old. If and when he disappears from my life, I will be financially strong to look after myself and maybe look for a toyboy!”

Recently, whilst waiting to clear customs on my way back to Nigeria , a female passenger was on the phone to her friend. “The trip is a disaster,” she fumed. “You know his bitch of a wife came down with him and was watching his phone like a hawk? Any time his phone rang, it was her simpering voice that answered it. I couldn’t even get to see him as we couldn’t book a proper date. She went everywhere with him, just as she did back home. Old women like her think they’re smart.

You meet them at parties and they are a few paces behind their husbands. To go to church alone is another wahala - they’re right behind their vulnerable husbands, protecting their ‘properties’! They’re worse than the average ADC, sticking to their husbands as if they’re joined at the hips!”

“And why won’t they?”, fumed Benny, a seventysomething mother of four whose widowed best friend is at logger-heads with a mistress she termed a ‘scheming gold digger ’ who tricked her friend’s husband into having a child for him. As soon as the poor man died, she showed up at his funeral with a child that was now in his 20s. Her lawyer then wrote to the deceased’s estate, enclosing a birth certificate the love-starved husband had signed and wanting what the mistress said belonged to her son from his father’s estate. My friend vowed not-to even acknowledged the letter but her husband’s lawyers advised that the woman’s son should be settled if she wanted to get rid of both of them. And that’s what she did. When these men start misbehaving all over the place in their quest to rediscover their youth, they seldom give a thought to what would happen to the nuclear family after their demise!

08052201867(Text Only)

Bubble with energy through deep breathing

P

ROPER body management is the key to being more alive, more active and less tired.

What does proper bodymanagement entail? Well, there must be good nutrition followed by sufficient elimination. And then also there must be formed the habit of regular physical exercise and of deep breathing. Now, deep breating happens to be the most important component in a healthy life. Oh, yes, it comes even before the food you eat. You stand a better chance of making the most of what you have taken in, if you have mundated the system well with enough breathing exercises.

Well, you can’t build any form of tissue without blood and you can’t build a drop of blood without oxygen.

So, you see how crucial it is to know how to, and practise deep breathing.

You want to be bubbling with energy and full of enthusiasm for living?

You now know how. But there must be application, there must be com-

mitment to habits that conduce to such.

All true practitioners of yoga have one distinction – abundance of energy.

In any given situation the yoga will always be the last to feel tired. It is most energy-inducing

regimen known to man and it is also a therapy form.

You simply can’t beat yoga. All practitioners know so. Now lets get cracking. Try the following for waking up muscles and getting set for

the day. Chandrasana (sideways).

Technique: Standing with feet together put you hands up with palms together. Lock your knees as you bend to the left side. Maintain this position for as long as it takes to hurt. Then repeat on the other side.

Benefits: This induces flexibility.

C h a n d r a s a n a (backsides).

Technique: Standing with feet together and knees locked raise the hands up as you take a deep breath. Breathe on thoroughly and bend backwards. Stay in the position for a slow count to five.

Benefit: This posture like the one above also

confe flexibility on the practitioner.

MATSYENDRASANA Technique: As you sit with both legs outstretched draw up your right knee and place your right foot on the outsirt of your left knee.

Place your right hand midway at your back and then twist as you look over your right shoulder.

Your left hand should clasping your right thigh.

Then is matsyendrasana or the two posture.

Benefit: This is yet another posture that brings flexibility. It also gives massa to the kidneys.

Constipation sufferer also get relief with the practise of this posture.

Yoga classes at 32 Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island, Lagos, 9.10am on Saturdays The Wheel

P AGE 24— SUND AY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 22 , 2013 SUNDA

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

Forced by her fleeing husband to look after her step-children I

T’S a bit dishearten ing to know that there are some men out there who think “ nothing of ignoring their responsibilities.

They father children knowing it would be a miracle if they could be of any benefit to such children. Such men flit from one grand business project to the other, losing money in the process and abandoning the care of the children to their hapless wives.

Some 15 years ago, Clara a widow with two children met and got married the second time to Fatai whose wife had simply abandoned him and their three children.

“It was nice to be a whole family once again,” recalled Clara who works in the marketing department of an insurance company. “Thanks to the contact I made at work, the commissions I earned were good - better than my salary as a matter of fact. In the meantime, Fatai’s latest fad, a poultry business,took a turn for the worse as he lost most of the birds to a mysterious disease. A fairly carefree man, he neglected giving the birds the necessary vaccines on a regular basis, though he would be the last to admit to his carelessness. ‘’’Shortly after this disaster, a friend introduced him to the computer business. He actually did a sandwich repair course and later went to Britain supposedly to bring back second-hand computers that could be repaired and sold off at smashing profits. Only Fatai didn’t bother to come back to Nigeria.

He phoned once in a while that he was trying to earn enough to buy

old ourselves. The reason age discrimination is not going anywhere is that we all know we’re going to get old and we’re scared. We don’t want to know about it. Because we’re scared, we pigeonhole older people and tend to think that they’re not so valuable. It’s foolish because if we embraced and celebrated old age, by the time we became old ourselves, age discrimination would be gone.

his precious computers, but as time went on, we didn’t hear anything from him. The friend he travelled with was flustered that Fatai put him in such an embarrassing spot, but there was nothing he could do.

“I was left with my two children and his three daughters! At first, I was angry and bitter at his irresponsible behaviour, but I’d come to love his highly intelligent children and they looked up to me as the mother they didn’t really know.

Thanks to God we are now a close knit family and with God’s help it’s only the youngest that’s now at the university.

Even my own two have turned out to be my pride and joy. In all these years, we’ve seen Fatai only twice. “‘The shame and embarrassment he felt when he looked at the thriving children he cowardly abandoned to my care was enough vindication

Y

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"

All for love

I try day and night to be me, to be free, to be good.

I try to be better everyday, trying my best to be better

for the hurtful way I was treated by him. One of his daughters will be getting married soon and doesn’t want her father to give her away. We don’t even know where he currently is. Instead, my elder brother will be doing the honour. Fatai must be kicking himself now for missing out on the joy that comes from raising a family. If he has a conscience that is! What type of a man abandons his children to a much younger second wife without bothering to send any money for their keep? Does he even think of these kids when he sleeps at night? Men like him should be castrated!”

Why 60 Is The New 40 Life coach and author Butwell is appalled by the way anyone over 55 is considered over the hill. According to her: “As soon as I turned 50, I started getting junk mail about warden controlled accommodation. I was stunned and offended. I don’t think 60 is

what is used to be.

Most of my friends are the same age as I am and none of them plans to slow down any time soon. But not everyone has caught on to the fact that 60 is the new 40.

Recently a book came out on how to use the internet aimed at the over 50s that really made my blood boil. I don’t know of anyone my age who doesn’t use the internet a lot.

Then there’s the way TV soaps may show old people as being old in their ways.”

In reality, people are always likely to seek new experiences when they reach retirement age. Retirement is probably the first time in life when you don’t have anything mapped out for you. You’re free to do whatever you want. But younger people think it’s all about money. Pensioners are either seen as poverty

than yesterday. But I came to realize that I will be practically nothing, going nowhere than in circles, if I don't have love... love from God and from you.

Loving God elevates me, saved me. Loving you defined me, tickles me. I know you feel it too but words might not be enough to express it so we make do with wishes. Only to hope to be better in all we do, all for love.

Stan Opio opiobaba@gmail.com 08158630778, 07035709315

Sometimes

Sometimes you have to run away, just to see who will run after you!

Sometimes you have to talk quieter, to see who's listening, Sometimes you have to step up in a fight,

stricken because they can’t get by on their savings and pensions, or filthy rich and spending all their money on travelling. ‘’’You don’t hear much about the in-between, which is the reality for most people. F or many, the worst part of being over 60 is being treated as if they’re dim. I find that I’m being talked down to, especially by pharmacists. They talk to you as if you’re 12.

They have to ask you if you’re over 60 so that they know if you’re entitled to a free prescription. And if you’re over 60, they start explaining how to take the medicine very loudly and in great detail as if you’re completely stupid.”

So why do we seem to find it so difficult to stop treating pensioners as old fogies who don’t count any more? One reason could be that we’re afraid of getting

Getting It Right By The Nose! (Humour) A blind man went into a cocktail bar and said to the barman, “can you let me smell the empty glass of the person who just left?” Puzzled, the barman handed him the glass and the blind man sniffed it saying, ‘’”I’ll have the same, please.

That’s two shots of vodka, a dash of lemonade, twist of lime and three drops of cherry brandy.” The barman was amazed that the blind man had described the drink so perfectly. The following week, he came again and went through the same ritual. He smelled the empty glass next to him and ordered exactly the same. “May I have one shot of brandy, one shot of Martini, four drops of pure orange juice, a touch of soda and two ice cubes.”

“Clever little bugger,” thought the barman to himself. When the blind man appeared a few days later, the batman decided to have some fun. He found his wife Maureen in the office and asked her to rub the glass round her bum. Then he took the glass to the blind man for him to smell. “Well, I don’t believe it!” exclaimed the blind man.

“How long has Maureen been working here?”

to see who is by your side Sometimes you have to make a wrong decision, to see who is there to fix it.

Sometimes you have to let go of the one you love just to see if he/she loves you enough to come back".

Find the caring people around you & never let them go!!!

Chris Onunaku dekris4real@gmail.com 08032988826/08184844015.

My Nucleus!

I have never spent a day without you occupying the greater percentage of my mind. You are the nucleus where all my thoughts revolves and centres.

And you radiates,creates and gives happiness to my soul.

Akachukwu Ferdinand. aka5forever85@gmail.com 08063819314

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 25

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By EMMA UNA

D

id the death of a couple, Francis and Ann Edeh, along with two others, in an auto crash have some unseen hands behind it or was it just destiny at work. That is the question begging for answer several days after the accident.

The crash happened along the busy Abakaliki –Uge while the couple were on their way to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, to express their gratitude to friends and family members who graced their wedding in Calabar, Cross River State capital, the previous week.

What is raising the poser is the drama that involved the couple shortly before the accident that claimed their lives.

Frank and Ann, as they were fondly called, were said to be from Ebonyi State but resident in Calabar, where Frank had chosen to stay to carry out his electronics business.

According to sources, the duo left Calabar on the afternoon of Saturday, 7 September, heading to Abakaliki but, on getting to Amudo, some thirty kilometres to Abakaliki, their vehicle, a Toyota Camry, developed an electrical fault which prompted Frank to go in search of an auto electrician.

He took Okada to the electrician shop, about half a kilometre from the spot where the car had the fault. “The man came to my shop at about 4 pm and said his car had stopped and that he had tried to start it without success.

He suspected an electrical fault. So, I went with him on the Okada”, Omaka, the electrician told Sunday Vanguard.

After spirited effort by Omaka to get the car to start failed, he informed Frank that his former boss, Luke, might help but that he was operating at Onueke, some three kilometres away from Amudo. Frank asked the electrician to get Luke on phone which he did, asking Luke to come on Okada so that he would get to the place fast.

When Luke came, he asked Frank to pay the Okada man the fare, N200, but Ann objected, arguing that the man ought to repair the car before her husband would pay and this led to an argument.

“Luke took a motorcycle from Onueke to Amudo. When he got there, he told the man to pay the Okada man but his wife started shouting that why should her husband pay the transport fare when he had not even touched the car”, Omaka narrated.

“Luke still wanted to repair the car but when he opened the bonnet, I think he saw something which made him to change his mind and he told the man that he should allow the repair to wait until Monday and that even if he went on to repair the car, it still would not start”.

This statement by Luke got Ann more angry, causing Luke to leave the place and since there was nothing else the couple could do as nightfall was rapidly approaching, they had to leave for Abakaliki in a commercial vehicle.

The next day, Frank and Ann sought the service of another electrician at Abakaliki whose name was given as

DRAMA BEFORE DEATH

‘Newly-wed couple killed in crash warned against going on trip’ Ortuh. They asked the electrician to go with them to Amudo to fix the car.

“They refused to heed the advice of Luke that they should allow the repair of the car to wait till Monday. So, the next day, which was Sunday, they did not go to church but rather decided to come back with Ortuh from

outside work, but when I got there, I saw something and told them not to repair that car till Monday because my spirit told me that something was wrong. The woman was angry and thought I wanted to punish them”.

Though, the electrician would not disclose what he .saw, he queried why

Luke still wanted to repair the car but when he opened the bonnet, I think he saw something which made him to change his mind and he told the man that he should allow the repair to wait until Monday and that even if he went on to repair the car, it still would not start Abakalilki to Amudo in a chartered vehicle. On their way, the car suffered burst tyre and collided with a tanker.

All the four people in the car, including the couple, were killed in the accident”. Omaka said When Sunday Vanguard visited Luke at Onueke Motor Park where his auto electrical shop is located, he said Ann was unnecessarily quarrelsome.

“I told them that if not for my boy who called me on phone that I should come and help a man and his wife who just got married because their car had refused to start, I do not usually go on

Frank should take his wife the next day to where their faulty car was. “Why did the man take his wife the next day to Amudo to repair the car? Couldn’t she have stayed in Abakaliki while he alone with Ortuh go to repair the car?”

He said the fate of the two had been bound together by unseen forces, otherwise they would have attended service that Sunday and prayed to God and then, on Monday, Frank would have gone to Amudo to fix the car, and tragedy would have been averted.

A taxi driver at Abomege Motor Park in Abakaliki, Ogbada told Sunday

Vanguard that the driver whose car the couple chartered that Sunday morning used to be a tipper driver but recently bought the ill-fated Audi car, with which he plied the Abakaliki – Amudo- Abomege road, from the money he got from driving the tipper.

“I was the one the man (Frank) contacted first but I did not want to go; so I gave it to the former tipper driver.

The man (driver) appeared drunk that morning and so he collected N1,500 from the man even when we asked him to collect the complete sum for five passengers which is N1,800 since the transport fare from Abakaliki to Amudo is 300 Naira and his car carried five persons”.

He said nemesis may have caught up with the former tipper driver because he was not remitting the money he was scheduled to pay the owner of the tipper and was accumulating money to buy his own vehicle, “We were not happy with him because he collected N1,500 from the people (couple) and did not pay us commission (chop money) as the money was not enough for him to give to us and also buy fuel and now see where he ended”.

At press time, the tanker was still parked at the Onueke Police Station while the bodies of Ortuh, the electrician, and the driver had been taken to their villages for burial while those of the couple were in the mortuary of the Onueke General Hospital.

C M Y K

PAGE 26— SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

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By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

I

VIUKWE is one of the communities in Agenebode clan, headquarters of the Wepa Wano Kingdom in Etsako East local government area of Edo State. An agrarian community, it was in a state of shock, fasting and prayers when Sunday Vanguard visited on 31 August, following the kidnapping of their illustrious son, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

Ozekhome was abducted by some gun men between Ehor and Ekpoma on Thursday, 29 August, on his way to his home town while four policemen from the Ehor Police Division on rescue mission lost their lives as they were ambushed by the kidnappers.

The people wore forlorn looks, discussed in hush tones the fate of the fire brand human rights activist and Lagos based legal practitioner.

The kidnap saga brought the different religious groups in Iviukwe together as they embarked on fasting and prayers, appealing to God to touch the hearts of the abductors to release him unhurt and unconditionally. Places of worshipping in the town were jam-packed during the prayer sessions. St. Mary Catholic Church and Pentecostal churches in the community, among others, hosted the prayer sessions.

Sadness was clearly written on the faces of the children, youths and elderly as they wondered what Mike, as they fondly called him, may have done to warrant his abduction. The community cancelled the entry into adult hood festival, celebrated every two years, saying it could not hold without Ozekhome who they said had been their major benefactor. The age group festival called, “OUT-AGE GROUP”, is celebrated to initiate young men into adulthood.

The villagers acknowledged Ozekhome as a benefactor, leader and philanthropist.

He awarded scholarships to students running into millions of Naira, apart from giving interest free loans to women to embark on petty trading and other ventures.

However, it was a different scenario when Sunday Vanguard returned to the community on 12 September following Ozekhome’s release the previous day. Iviukwe erupted in joy when the news of the release filtered in. It was dancing, jubilation, backslapping and merriment.

Residents, especially women and children, who rubbed on their faces white chalk (Orue) to signify purity and happiness, marched through the streets to the Ozekhome family house, thanking God for touching the hearts of the abductors.

At the family house, elders of the community, youths and women joined his elder brother, Chief Pius Ozekhome, to praise God for the ‘miracle’that secured freedom for their kinsman just as a family member played Etsako music to the admiration of the crowd.

Speaking with Sunday Vanguard on the release of his brother, Chief Ozekhome said, “It has been jubilation in this community since the C M Y K

*A village agog over a benefactor’s release

13 DAYS IN KIDNAPPERS’ DEN

‘Our miracle working prayers saved Ozekhome’ news of Chief Mike Ozekhome broke.

I was part of the search party. We went to the jungle in search of him.

“He was not maltreated by the kidnappers. After his release, he was so lively, he was his usual self; jumping up and down. But he might have suffered after seeing guns and

Ozekhome appealed to government to do its best to stem kidnapping in the country just as he called for gainful employment for youths and social benefits for the needy.

Before the activist’s release by his abductors in the early hours of 11 September, members of the

He was not maltreated by the kidnappers.

After his release, he was so lively, he was his usual self; jumping up and down. But he might have suffered psychologically after seeing guns and not knowing what will happen next not knowing what will happen next.

The kidnappers released him after realising he was an unrepentant fighter for the common man. The release and well-being is the result of our miracle working prayers.”

The traditional ruler of Weppa Wano, Dr. George Egabor, said he was happy when Ozekhome called to inform him about his release.

“The fact that he personally called was a good thing. I feel so happy considering the fact that we had been through so much anxiety. The entire community is happy because he is our illustrious son who respects the authorities and fights for the good of the people”.

On his part, the Chairman of Estako East local government area, Prince Suleiman Afegbua, said, “We were so excited when we hard of his release and this calls for celebration although we do not know his state of health.

We have been very worried about his safety”.

Chief Charles Edosomwan (SAN) said Ozekhome’s abduction showed Nigerians helplessness with joy.

The President of the Weppa-Wano in Benin-City, Chief Andrew Ame, while welcoming the release Mike

community including his elder brother, Pius, spoke on what he is to them.

*PIUS OZEKHOME

I will like to appeal to those holding him captive to release him because he cares for the ordinary people. That is why he was declared the Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM) even before he was conferred with the prestigious honour of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This is a man who has been going to the prisons to look out for people detained unjustly. Here is a man who fought for this country during military rule and detained severally. This is not the way to repay such a person. I have no power than to implore God to touch the hearts of those who took him away to release him unhurt.

*SUNDAY MOMOH (CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND MD, CONOIL , IVIOGHE)

It is sad that Chief Mike Ozekhome is one that has fallen into the hands of kidnappers. It is just unfortunate that this is happening to him because

he cares for his community and the country at large. As a human rights activist, he fought for the common man. I join his family and all Nigerians to appeal to those holding him to look at his antecedents and release him. He has no such money that he is being asked to pay as ransom and there is no way the community can raise such an amount.

*CHIEF PATRICK OKEGA (VILLAGE HEAD OF IVIUKWE)

Everybody in Iviukwe community is sad about the kidnapping. We are sad because he is the only helper that we have. He feeds us, gives scholarships to our children, built our community hall, provides electricity for us among other social amenities. As the village head, I appeal to the abductors to release him because we are tired of weeping. We appeal to the police and those concerned to do their best to secure his release.

*EMMNAUEL UJAH (YOUTH LEADER AND COMMUNITY CSO)

When the news of the incident filtered into the community, we were so sad and helpless. We even declared mourning until he is released and we are still mourning because we have not seen him in our midst. What Chief Mike Ozekhome has done for us is unquantifiable. He is the live wire of this community. He is the one who raised the community from grass to grace; he bought motor-cycles for the youths including the one I am riding free of charge; every year, he devotes large sums of money to buy sewing machines and dryers for the women and awards scholarships to our children. As a result of the incident, the age group festival that was supposed to hold has been cancelled.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 27

08116759757

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

T

he last visit of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the ceremonial president in the first republic, to Zungeru, Niger Delta, his birth place, was on November 16, 1991. It was shortly after a colourful ceremony organised to raise funds to build Zik Centre, located in the town, to mark his 89th birthday. Earlier during the second republic, precisely in 1983, during his political campaign to Zungeru when he was the presidential candidate of Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP), Azikiwe took time off his political schedule to visit his birth place. He promised to uplift the spot by erecting a library of international standard to promote education and tourism. Eight years after that visit, that dream almost came to fruition with the fund raising to build the edifice. The gathering was held at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium under the chairmanship of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who was in power then. The target was to raise N50m to build the edifice. From the fund raising venue, Azikiwe and invited guests drove to the site in Zungeru for the foundation laying ceremony of the Centre. At the spot, Zik, as he was fondly called, said, “What would have been my wish and joy is to witness the commissioning of the Centre named after me as I have just witnessed the fund raising and foundation laying ceremony”.

However, that hope was dashed because it was his corpse that was brought to the uncompleted building about five years later. To be precise, the remains of the late Owelle of Onitsha was brought to the site on November 12, 1996 as part of the activities to mark his final funeral.

The aim of taking the corpse to the place was deliberate. It was to draw the attention of the Federal Government, the state governments and individuals to the uncompleted building and ginger them towards completing it.

The idea did not however work because 17 years after the demise of the elder statesman, the edifice remains uncompleted. Infact, it has now turned into the den of armed robbers with the structure dilapidated and used as public toilet while reptiles and other animals have also taken over the building. About 14 years ago, the national secretary for the centre, Rowland Anyanwu, in an interview few days to the final burial of Azikiwe, said the Centre had gulped N52m, adding that the money was paid directly to the contractor.

He explained that about N60m was realised on the spot during the official fund raising in 1991 but that due to galloping inflation especially on building materials between 1991 and 1992, the project could not be completed on schedule.

He said most of the pledges by

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

Azikiwe Centre or a den of robbers?

We should respect the spirit of the late nationalist—IBB Infact, it has now turned into the den of armed robbers with the structure dilapidated and used as public toilet while reptiles and other animals have also taken over the building prominent Nigerians amounting to about N8m were not redeemed then.

In other interview, the Eze Ndigbo, Minna, Niger State, Dr. Pampas Ngozi Nwahiwe, described the development as unfortunate and called for government intervention.

He recalled that the project was initiated by the associates of the late

Zik, most of whom were late while those alive were no longer strong enough to champion the cause.

He suggested the redesigning of the structure to accommodate a library which was the dream of the late Zik, a Conference Centre and facilities which will invariably attract tourists to Niger and improve the revenue profile of the state after which another fund raising could be initiated with the federal and state governments, especially those of the South-east, the prominent Nigerians involved.

Nwahiwe said after the burial of Zik, the burial committee, headed by a former Information Minister, Malam Garba Wushishi, and which he was a member of, presented a post-mortem report to the fund raising committee on the need for all stakeholders to come together to complete the building but the sudden death of Wushishi put paid to the plan.

Other prominent Nigerians had also spoken on the need to complete the Zik Centre. Just a week ago, Babangida lent his voice to the need for the Federal Government to take

over the completion of the building.

In an interview at his Hilltop residence, the former military president said: “I call on the Federal Government to please make sure that the Zik Centre is completed. Zik was a nationalist, a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and so I think the responsibility falls on the Federal Government to make sure that the Centre does not lie waste. I therefore appeal to the Federal Government to see to the completion of the edifice immediately probably with individuals joining hands”.

Part of our National Anthem states: “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain ...”, and in order not to allow the labour of Azikiwe be in vain, there is the need for the Federal Government, South-east governors especially, and indeed other well-meaning Nigerians to rise to the challenge of completing the Centre in Zungeu.

This will not only immortalize Zik but also assure other Nigerian leaders that they will not be remembered only when they are alive but also when they are dead.

PAGE 28—SUNDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

ALLURE STYLE AWARD Native and Vogue Port Harcourt International Fashion Week, organized by Rivers State Government in conjunction with Allure Vanguard, took place last week. Some faces at the event as captured by Oscar Ochiogu:

From left: Frank Osodi-Richards,CEO, Bruno Creation; Elohor FreemanJohn; Tunji Olugbodi, CEO, Verdant Zeal; and Mai Atafo

Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Publication, Vanguard Newspapers; Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, MD, Shell Nigeria; and Mr. Sam Omatseye

From left: Ms Ibim Semenitari, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rivers State; Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority; and Remi Diagbere, Editor, Allure Vanguard.

L-R:Dr. Nyema Weli, Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, Tunji Olugbodi, and Ibim Semenitari.

Some of the collections showcased on the runway

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 —29

GCUOBA holds national fund-raising dinner Bab Alasa dedicates

I

t was a roll call of eminent Nigerians when the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) held its ‘annual national fund-raising dinner ’ at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Highlights of the day include the presentation of a book entitled,“ A Cradle of Excellence: History of Government College Ughelli (1945-90).

There was a pre-dinner symposium, held at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja. The theme of the symposium was, ‘A Framework for Secondary Education in the 21st’ Century’. Photos by Gbemiga Olamikan

From left, Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Alhaji Shehu Malami, presenting an award to Major –General David Ejoor while President General World Wide, Chief (Engr.) Joseph Akpieyi, looks on.

From left, Prof. Festus Iyayi , Skidd Ikemefuna and Mr Oyewale Tomori .

President General World Wide, Chief Akpieyi (left), with Alfred Okoigun .

From left, Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Alhaji Shehu Malami, presenting an award to Captain Robert Hayos . On the right is President General Worldwide, Chief Akpieyi.

From left, Mr Neil Croncher, Vivienne Croncher and Mac Emakpore, Chairman, Local Organizing Committee

child

I

t was another day to remember for Chief Bab Alasa and family last Sunday when they came before God at the Redeemed Christian Church of God Tabernacle, Satellite Town for the dedication of their new baby, Blessing Ewella Alasa. After the church service, it was merriment galore at the Alasas, residence.

Photos by Sola Oyelese

Pastor (Mrs) Aderemi Ogunnoiki (left) and Pastor Olalekan Yusuf, blessing the baby.

L-R:Mr Sunny Alasa Otuayele, Chief and Mrs Bab Alasa with baby Blessing and Evangelist (Mrs) Kate Hiasu Alasa

L-R: Mr and Mrs Victor Gotevbe with Chief and Mrs Bab Alasa From left, Alhaji Usman Jimaoli, Mr Alfred Okoigun and Alhaji Isa Ozi Sulami .

Senator Tony Adefuye’s 69th birthday

Nike and Sina Adesina Adetola and Adenike have celebrated their holy matrimony. The wedding took place in Lagos.

SENATOR Anthony Adefuye celebrated his 69th birthday recently in Lagos. Many high-profile dignitaries graced the occasion.

L-R: Senator Ayodeji Otegbola, Mr Aramide Tola Noibi and Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd)

L-R: Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Mr Aramide Tola Noibi and Senator Ayodeji Otegbola

L-R:The Oniropora of Iropora Ekiti, Oba Joel Olonibua, the groom, Adesina Adetola , the bride, Adenike, and the CEO, Marketing Mix, Akin Adeoya

PAGE 30—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 31

PAGE 32 —SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES

Nigerians pay for cancer treatment with their lives

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE NYINYECHI Okafor, an intelligent and healthy 14-year-old girl, never had previous history of head injury or trauma before she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain tumour known as Brain Stem Glioma in January this year. The entire left side of her body is paralysed and she is seeking assistance to raise N5 million to undergo an urgent life-saving brain surgery in an Indian hospital. The case of 25year-old Linda Godwin is not entirely different from Onyinyechi’s. Following a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, SBR Grade III, synchronous bilateral breast cancer, Linda, who has lost her right breast and is undergoing chemotherapy to mange her very critical state of health, is languishing at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in search of about N500,000 every three weeks to stay alive. These two cases only represent the tip of the iceberg of the cost of cancer care and management in Nigeria.

Financial constraint is the bane of most cancer patients seeking treatment.

More than two million Nigerians are known to have some form of invasive cancer, an estimated 100,000 are diagnosed annually, of which at least 80,000 die, making cancer one of the nation’s highest causes of death.

Although most cancer patients are not “catastrophic” overall, cancer is one of the most expensive disorders to treat and manage. The total life time cost of handling cancer in Nigeria is colossal, perhaps unquantifiable.

For the rich, only palliative care is available in most cases of late presentation, while for the poor, there is little or no hope for survival. Everything about cancer is expensive. Cost of treatment of cervical cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and any kind of cancer for that matter is mind boggling. Even the routine cancer therapy is no more affordable in Nigeria, than elsewhere. It is an expensive and impoverishing disease. “The poor cannot survive cancer and even the rich do not always survive,” said Professor Remi Ajekigbe, Head, Oncology/Radiotherapy Department LUTH. “The reason is because treatment is either unavailable or where available, it is extremely expensive. The cost involved in treatment, coupled with the impact of disability and loss of life, is significant. From the drugs, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the cost is prohibitive.”

O

The rich, the poor die Currently, Nigeria has no comprehensive cancer centre, and lacks adequate treatment facilities hence Nigerians are compelled to spend over $200 million annually on treatment abroad, often in India which has over 120 cancer centres, mostly established through non-

Linda Godwin ...lost breast to cancer

Professor Remi Ajekigbe

*Screning for cancer

Onyinyechi Okafor ... needs N5m for life-saving surgery

*A team of doctors during a cancer surgery governmental effort, with private sector support. Thousands of patients usually travel abroad for treatment at the end stage. Even for the rich who have the option of going abroad, they travel and still die. An average cancer patient, on regular screening, clinical assessment and chemotherapy, over the course of a year, may accumulate N5 million to N20 million or more in medical bills depending on the type of cancer, the type of treatment and where the treatment is being accessed.

Certainly many patients cannot afford costs like these. They—and their families—too often go broke, and die trying to pay for this and other treatments. The result is that average Nigerian cancer patient is less likely to get regular screening tests, such as pap tests and colonoscopies, which catch the disease in its early, more curable stages. That person is less likely to be in good health generally in the first place and thus unable to fight cancer if it occurs. He is less likely to be on a health plan that will enable him to get to the doctor sooner when cancer symptoms first appear. Among most people without health insurance, the prognosis is worse as the cancer is more likely to have spread by the time they see a doctor. The person is less likely to get highquality cancer treatments and benefit from state-of-the-art technology. Such “high cost patients” are those who become really sick. Cancer patients with

Cancer is the most expensive disorder to treat on the shortterm. It is also the most expensive long-term sickness, according to a report by the American Cancer Society no access to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery constitute the bulk of those who inevitably die. Unconfirmed sources say this would apply to over 80 percent of total cancer patients. However, cancer patients who receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and cosmetic surgery may spend N10 million – N20 million on the average.

Top three Sunday Vanguard investigations showed that three years ago, cancer was one of the world’s top 10 most expensive disorders. Today, it is among the top three. As if it’s not bad enough to get diagnosed with cancer, virtually every patient has to contend with paying for treatment, including somehow managing the high cost of drugs

(chemotherapy). Most cancer drugs are available in Nigeria, but the costs are prohibitive, distribution is inefficient, and efficacy is uncertain. Drug prices are so high in the first place due to the cost of researching the drugs. The average cancer drug costs an estimated N10 million to research. Worse still, there is no subsidy for cancer care, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Poor infrastructural development in the healthcare worsens the picture. Overall, cancer drug prices are skyrocketing. A decade ago, the typical new cancer drug coming on the market cost about N600,000 per month but over the last three years, the average cost has been around N1.6 million. In 2012, of the 12 drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for various cancer conditions, 11 were priced above N16 million for a year of treatment.

Unsustainable Several physicians—all of who specialize in managing cancer or its complications - confirmed that cancer drug costs are “too high, unsustainable, and may compromise access of needy patients to highly effective therapy ”. It’s hardly surprising that in several countries, cancer is now ranked as the world’s most expensive and deadliest disorder. Every year, over the last five years, the economic toll of cancer has cost an estimated $1,000 billion about 1.5 percent of the world’s annual Gross Domestic Product.

Cancer is the most expensive disorder to treat on the shortterm. It is also the most expensive long-term sickness, according to a report by the American Cancer Society. Cancer costs more in productivity and lost life than AIDS, malaria, the flu and other diseases transmitted from person-to-person, the report noted. Although the key message remains: “Early detection is your best protection,” while early detection is valuable, detecting and preventing cancer in the first

place are two different things.

Prevention consists of finding out what causes cancer and minimising those risks. In practice, this is easier said than done. In Nigeria, cancer is not covered by insurance; although some of the higher and comprehensive plans may offer limited coverage, no insurance company is ready to pay out the huge sums for the treatment and disability payments of cancer management ever y year.

Findings by Sunday Vanguard reveal that uninsured cancer patients were more than twice as likely to die within five years compared to insured patients.

Professor Clement Adebamowo, of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine & Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland, describes cancer as the most important risk factor for poverty and loss of social status among the middle class in Nigeria. “The implication is that most people do notice the early signs of cancer and just wish it would go away.”

When cancer strikes Adebamowo, who is Director of the Office of Strategic Information and Research Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria, laments that Nigerians cannot afford the cost of cancer care. “When cancer strikes, even the rich become beggars, because, the affected persons exhaust savings as they are forced to sell their property, and seek public assistance”, he points out.

Dr. Samuel Eyesan, an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and subspecialist in Orthopaedic Oncology (bone cancer management), says the only way to bring down the currently prohibitive cost of cancer treatment, is for government at the top to acquire a central coordinating role.

Next week: A cancer survivor tells her pathetic story.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 33

DIFFERENT STROKES....

Daniel, stowaway boy, goes to school; lives like king *Mother cries out: In-laws after me ‘over govt money’

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City

P

eople may have their different views about the action of the 13year- old stowaway boy, Daniel Oikhena, but he has become some sort of a super star, going by the attention being paid to him by security agencies and the Edo State government.

Daniel, on Saturday, August 24, stowed away in the wheel well of an Arik aircraft from Benin-City to Lagos.

After he was handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs by the officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Benin-City, penultimate week, Governor Adams Oshiomhole waded into the matter when he decided to meet with his parents to see how to assist the boy in his education. Following an interview with the boy at the Government House, the governor was convinced that the boy was intelligent but the separation of the parents may have resulted in his poor upbringing.

Consequently, Oshiomhole directed the Women Affairs Ministry to take over his training in order to afford

Monday, 16 September after he was examined by doctors and a psychologist and was found to be sound. Seeing the boy now is more difficult than seeing a governor.

This is so because the state government had taken up the responsibility to ensure that he gets good educated.

Efforts to meet him to find out how he was preparing to go back to school were frustrated by the security around him. When Sunday Vanguard met with the mother, Evelyn, to find out the whereabouts of the son, she said: “It is even difficult for me to s e e him some

I have been running up and down about Daniel’s matter, none of them cared about what I went through with my children. My daughters are supposed to have gone back to school now but due to no money they have not gone back. Their father does not care about that and it is very sad really Daniel the opportunity to realize his life’s ambition. Daniel’s mother Evelyn, had said the son wanted to fly a plane to America as a pilot.

Daniel went back to school on

*Daniel Oikhena

times because he is undergoing some training and that is being taken care of by the state government. I no longer have powers over him. It was even recently that I was able to see him.

They decided to allow me see him because they were preparing him to go back to school. The only thing I can say now is that the father and his people are bothering my life. They think the state government gave me money and, rather than think about the welfare of the boy, they think it is all about money. They accused me of saying my husband was sick or was even dead but I never said all that and God knows”.

She continued: All I said was that he left us and moved to another house.

I have told them I was not given any money. What the state government is doing is to give him good education because my son said he wants to be educated and that is why they are sending him to school. He used to be in a private school but he stopped due to the fact that we had no money because his father was not with us. But I thank God for his mercy and that is why it is painful, rather for the father to be grateful to God that the son survived in that aircraft, all they have been accusing me is money from government. I am just saying it because if anything happens to me, they should be held responsible since they want to kill me for something I know nothing about. Right from day one, I have been running up and down about Daniel’s matter, none of them cared about what I went through with my children. My daughters are supposed to have gone back to school now but due to no money they have not gone back. Their father does not care about that and it is very sad really”.

Meanwhile, Sunday Vanguard saw Daniel on his first day at school on Monday. It was during their break period. Clad in sparkling white shirt and dark green short, the stowaway boy was seen with other students playing. Daniel is in JSS 1 and a boarding student. You can only watch Daniel from afar, you are not allowed to get close to him Sunday Vanguard’s mission was to get him to relate his story in the aircraft wheel well. Other students were surrounding him. Apart from the plain clothes security operatives that were observed around him, his teachers were always around as if they were instructed to monitor him 24 hours. Sunday Vanguard met with a top official of the school to seek permission to speak with Daniel but he politely said it was a difficult task unless there was an instruction from the Edo Government House. He said: “You know that he is a government son now; so the instruction is to ensure that he is well monitored both for security reason and his education. So it is difficult for anyone to speak with him. The idea is to ensure that he forget about what happened at the airport and concentrate in his studies and, so far, the boy is doing well. We want him to catch up with all he has missed educationally because we understand he was in a private school before but due to no money he was almost becoming a drop out. Before he enrolled here we were told that he told government he prefers this school. And that is why he was registered here. And if you look at our history, you will know that majority of the great men and women from this state attended this school, so the boy may be in another journey to glory here”.

Going by the situation around Daniel, he has joined the league of those referred to as Oshiomhole’s children. These children are about 20, in different schools, and enjoying sponsorship from governor. Sunday Vanguard learnt that government officials have instructions to take care of the children who must enjoy the privileges accruing to the children of governor.

PAGE 34—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Functional creativity & advertising L

deliberate decision to provide answers to certain questions, for definite purposes.

We at MC&A DIGEST hold sacred, the rule that advertising must be FUNCTIONAL. The definitions and narratives above, is a deliberate effort to underscore the reason for purpose and intent in the development of advertising messages. Let us capture at this point the other point of difference between news writing and advertising messages generation CREATIVITY. Writing news stories attract a good level of creativity, but clearly, it takes deeper creative engagement, commitment and involvement to develop and produce a GOOD advert messages.

Perhaps the extent and depth of creativity in advertising is due to its role, but it is instructive to appreciate that difference.

Interestingly, it is that depth of creative involvement that has been the bane of advertising, both as a practice and as a role. We have had to consider FUNCTIONALITY IN ADVERTISING in one of our papers in the past, but from the perspective of overall structuring and alignment with PURPOSE or objective.

The common disconnect in the process of advertising is between structure and objective. In that piece, we emphasized the place of advertising brief and its importance in guiding the process, for purposefulness. In so far as the advertising brief is agreed, every element in the process must connect with it to avoid confusion of derailment.

As a creative process, however, advertising message development and communication depends a lot on copy writing. But we shall be careful here, to not place

too much emphasis on copy writing because it is also dependent on the strategic focus or direction which overrides every other consideration and determines the form of every other element in the creative process. So, if for instance, the strategic direction for a given advertising or campaign is communicate higher affordability for increased consumer engagement, the copy writer must understand that and must develop copies that supports that direction. So you see, copy-writing is a derivative and is dependent upon agreed strategic direction.

Unfortunately, all of these

,

ET’S start by defining the scope and purpose of ADVERTISING, as it is generally known, at least the street-level reference. For the purpose of this piece, we should see advertising, as making-known for purpose of selling goods/service, idea or person. We are aware of the class-room and other theoretic definitions that have defined advertising as “The activity of attracting public attention to a product or business, as by paid announcements in the print, broadcast, or electronic media”. It is a deliberate effort at communicating messages and other such information about a product, service, ideas and opinion…from a known and identifiable source to a group of defined target, for purpose of persuasion towards patronage or acceptance.

Advertising messages are dependent on the standard media vehicles or channels, for connect or delivery.

Advertising messages is a form of news. This similarity is fundamental and true for both forms of mass communication, in structure and purpose. The only classical point of difference between news and advertising (messages) is that news is not paid for, while advertising messages are paid for. Just as for the purpose and intention of news is to create awareness and enable anticipated reaction from the target listener (and the general public), it is same for advertising messages.

As it is with every endeavor of measurable benefit or value, advertising (services, messages and products delivery) is based on the principle of FUNCTIONALITY. It must deliver on certain values (and bring about CHANGE) to be worth the investment and efforts. It is upon the weight of anticipated or achieved CHANGE, that value is placed on invested effort or resource - whether for news generation and broadcast or brand communication. To the extent that advertising or brand communication is about “making-known”, same as with news writing, it is based on the fundamentals of mass communication, which is predicated upon the principle of The 5Ws & H - Who, what, Where, When, Why & How. The 5Ws & H serves the purposes of a guide to the source(s) of news and advertising messages and as fine definition of target receivers’ expectation. They can be said to function as the ultimate profiler. There no messages that are created if they are not created from answering the questions bellied in the classical 5Ws & H. It follows, therefore, that generating and communicating messages for either purpose, must be a

and functionality.

Going by the theory of the 5Ws&H, every communication message must answer questions or give information about (1) WHO is saying what (2) WHAT has or is to happen (3) WHY did or is it to happen (4) WHERE did it, or is it to happen (5) WHY is it to happen, and *HOW of the whole story. The sequence of this story breaks down purpose and functionality as a basic role for every communication, especially advertising.

As we noted at some point above, general news and brands communications serve same purpose. However, the creativity for advert messages

Far from the concept of creative license, creativity has fallen to a very low level due to mental laziness, inadequate training and lack of purpose. The entire creative process has become unguided

dependent elements of the creative process have become independent. Consequently, a great percentage of advert messages on air, prints and wire today, are not saying anything or serving their purpose, because they are disjointed, being whole on their own. Far from the concept of creative license, creativity has fallen to a very low level due to mental laziness, inadequate training and lack of purpose. The entire creative process has become unguided.

Creative products are no longer focused on purpose

,

development is deeper and much more demanding, because advertising messages are tilted towards value proposition. And that is the major difference between both forms of mass communication, leading all the way to investment/financial involvement, method of communication, scope of communication, and pattern of communication and profile of target recipient or target audience.

Advertising messages must SELL value in a competitive manner; they must be distinctive and frontal

in making promises and distinguish the subject purposefully.

Therefore, advertising must be very clear on purpose. If advertising messages must be definite on the abovementioned, does it not follow, therefore, that it must be functional? It is to this character of functionality we have encouraged clients to hold their advertising agencies or advertising service providers. As in accounting (financial accounting), advertising messages should be made to account for the financial investment, based on set-objective(s). For purposes of exactness, advertising objectives can be in quantifiable terms or otherwise. But r whichever way, advertising’s contribution can be measured - ask any expert!

It is only when accountability is brought to bear in advertising or brands management & communication that the right inputs will manifest. For instance, some of our readers have been asking to know the purpose and intent for advert messages such as “SPEED IS AN ATTITUDE”, for instance.

Unity Bank did spend good sum on their presently running TV Commercial in which they ran through some values, perhaps ascribing same to their corporate personality (as character traits?). Some of our readers are at a loss as to whether that was a corporate campaign really, but more importantly, the question is the purpose all of that effort serves.

The golden rule is that every advert message must make a promise. That is why value proposition must be seen to have been clearly made in every brand communication.

The creative process lends itself to all sorts of interpretation, but the bottomline is that the winning ingredients for advertising must be derived, not assumed.

It is assumption that driven by absence of professionalism, low intellectual state and mental weakness that permits meaningless brand communication; not given to purpose and functionality.

Every brand communication or advert message must FUNCTION to persuade and clearly make a promise that will enable profitable level of competitive advantage(s) for the brand, idea, person or opinion it is meant to serve.

Otherwise, clients should think of refund of invested funds from their advertising service providers.

Until accountability is introduced into advertising service provision, nonprofessionals and their likes will continue to turn out meaningless communication not even news-worthy.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 — PAGE 35

Continued from last week This is the concluding part of the paper by Prof. Ben Nwabueze, the leader of The Patriots, on Nigeria’s unity.

In the aftermath of the bloody conflicts of 1991 – 93, the bloodiest in the country’s more than 3,000 years of recorded history, the people of Ethiopia faced the fundamental issue squarely, and the solution they worked out at meetings of the ethnic nationalities, based on the tragic lessons of the bloody conflicts, was embodied in the 1995 Constitution, which is still, 17 years after (1995 – 2012), the basis of the continued corporate existence of the diverse “Nations, Nationalities and Peoples” comprised in Ethiopia. We in Nigeria must likewise squarely face that fundamental issue, and not expect that the grave threat it poses to our corporate existence can be made to go away by the gimmick of the National Assembly’s constitution review exercise. (In its 2013 Report, the Washington – based Global Advocacy and Campaigning Organisation ranked Ethiopia among the top performing countries in Africa; Nigeria, with all its resources, is not among the performing countries named.)

LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND FOR THE MAKING OF A PEOPLE’S CONSTITUTION The power of the National Assembly to make a law for the convening and holding of a National Conference is not in dispute, and can hardly be disputed. It derives from its power to “alter” the provisions of the Constitution conferred on it by sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution. Certainly, the power to make a law to alter the provisions of the Constitution necessarily imports the power to make a law authorising the convening and holding of a Conference to deliberate on proposals or issues relating to the making of a law with respect to such alteration.

However, the power of the National Assembly to make a brand new Constitution or to make law authorising the making of a new Constitution to replace the 1999 Constitution is disputed. The disputation is in order if the Assembly ’s power in that regard is viewed solely from the standpoint of its power under sections 8 and 9. For, quite indisputably, a power to “alter” a thing does not, and cannot reasonably, import power to replace it with something else entirely new.

But the National Assembly’s power in this regard is not limited to its power under sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution. The 1999 Constitution is enacted by Decree 24 of 1999, titled Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Promulgation) Decree 1999,

Nigeria: ‘Roadmap to stability, progress and Unity’

zProf Ben Nwabueze section 1(1) of which provides that “there shall be for Nigeria a Constitution which shall be as set out in the Schedule to this Decree”. The only other provision of the Decree, section 1(2), simply says that “the Constitution set out in the Schedule to this Decree shall come into force on 29th May, 1999”.

All that needs to be done is to repeal Decree 24, with its section 1(1), and the 1999 Constitution will stand abolished, and be simultaneously replaced with a brand new Constitution. To reiterate for purpose of emphasis, the repeal of section 1(1) of the Decree, which establishes the 1999 Constitution by way of a Schedule to the Decree, abolishes that Constitution, which will then be simultaneously replaced with a new one. The replacement has to be done simultaneously, as otherwise the National Assembly itself will no longer be in existence to enact a new Constitution or to authorise its making.

REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION hat was what was done in 1963 in the making of the 1963 Republican Constitution to replace the 1960 Independence Constitution which was established by way of a Schedule to an Orderin-Council made by the British Government (section 2), corresponding to the making of the 1999 Constitution by way of a Schedule to Decree 24; in other words, Decree 24 corresponds to the British Government’s Order-in-Council. The Nigerian Parliament in 1963 enacted a law repealing the provision of the Order-in-Council, section 2, that established the Independence Constitution by way of a Schedule to itself; the repeal abolished that Constitution, which was then simultaneously replaced with

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the 1963 Republican Constitution.

The use of the 1963 method for our present purpose raises the question whether the National Assembly has the power to do what the Nigerian Parliament did in 1963, i.e. to repeal section 1(1) of Decree 24 and to enact simultaneously a brand new Constitution to replace the 1999 one scheduled to the Decree. The Nigerian Parliament was able to do what it did in 1963 by relying on a power given to it by section 18 of the 1960 British Order-in-Council to “alter any of the foregoing provisions of this Order”, including of course the provision in section 2 which established the 1960 Independence Constitution by way of a Schedule to the Order; the Nigeria Independence Act 1960 made by the British Parliament also conferred the same power on the Nigerian Parliament in its section 2.

sembly shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List” and the Concurrent Legislative List set our in “the Second Schedule to this Constitution” – the term “Federation or any part thereof”, as used in the two subsections, refers, not to a political entity, as does the term “the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, but simply to territory inhabited by people. People never bother to consider why the provision in section 4(1) is put there, and what purpose it is designed to serve that is not served by section 4(2) & (4).

It seems not to be generally realised that section 4(1), (2) and 4) of the Constitution invests the National Assembly with a dual capacity, a dual capacity that is somewhat confounded by those subsections themselves. The National Assembly is, in one capacity, the legislative arm or branch of the Federal Government in a federal system, (section 4(2) & (4)), in which capacity it corresponds to the House of Assembly of a State; in another capacity, it is the legislative authority for the Federal Republic of Nigeria as one “indivisible” sovereign state

The power of the National Assembly to make a law for the convening and holding of a National Conference is not in dispute, and can hardly be disputed. It derives from its power to “alter” the provisions of the Constitution conferred on it by sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution POWER TO REPEAL The National Assembly certainly does possess the power to repeal Decree 24 of 1999, with its section 1(1), and by doing so, abolish the 1999 Constitution and simultaneously replace it with a brand new Constitution. Its power to do so derives from sections 4(1) and 315(1)(a) & (4) of the 1999 Constitution. Section 4(1) provides that “the legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in a National Assembly”; what is so vested in the National Assembly by section 4(1), it is important to note, is the legislative power, not of the Federal Government in a federal system, but of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a term wider than the Federal Government.

The provision in section 4(1) is followed by that in section 4(2) & 4(4) that “the National As-

regard less of the “division” into States; its capacity in this latter respect derives from the vesting in it of the “legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, a political entity, under section 4(1). It is the entire legislative sovereignty of Nigeria that is vested in it, although the exercise of the power is regulated by section 4(2), (3) & (4). It is important to note in this connection that the power of the National Assembly to make law for the peace, order and good government of Nigeria, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by virtue of section 4(1) is not limited to matters specified in the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists; it includes under section 4(4)(b) “any other matter with respect to which it is empowered to make laws in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution”; it

is in this respect and other respects mentioned in other provisions that the power vested in it by section 4(1) may come into play.

Section 4(1) has to be read in conjunction with section 2(1), which provides that “Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble Sovereign State to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. (the italic is for emphasis) It would be inconceivable and a palpable contradiction of the status of a “sovereign state” that anything whatsoever should be outside or beyond the legislative sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a sovereign state. That would constitute, not just a contradiction, but a denial, of the country’s status as a sovereign state. That is the reason why section 4(1) is put there, and it explains the purpose it is designed to serve. The National Assembly has therefore power to repeal the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Promulgation) Decree 1999 and thereby abolish the 1999 Constitution scheduled to it under its section 1(1), and simultaneously replace it or have it replaced with a brand new Constitution, as the Nigerian Parliament did in 1963 in regard to the 1960 Independence Constitution established as a Schedule to an Order-inCouncil made by the British Government.

EXISTING LAW he Constitution of the Federal Republic of Ni geria (Promulgation) Decree 1999 is “an existing law” under section 315(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which defines “existing law” as “any rule of law or any enactment or instrument whatsoever which is in force immediately before the date when this” Constitution comes into force.

The 1999 Constitution came into force on May 29, 1999 and the Decree on May 5, 1999. By section 315(1), “an existing law……..shall be deemed to be (a) an Act of the National Assembly to the extent that it is a law with respect to any matter on which the National Assembly is empowered by this Constitution to make laws”.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Promulgation) Decree 1999, being a law on a matter with respect to which the National Assembly has power under section 4(1) & (4)(b) to make law, is deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly, which can therefore make a law repealing it. It would be inconceivable and a manifest absurdity that there should be an “existing law,” as defined in section 315(4), which is beyond the power of the legislative authorities of the sovereign state of Nigeria to repeal.

Concluded

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PAGE 36—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 PAGE 36— SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Nationalism as a badge of honour

By Femi Fani-Kayode

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eing extracts from the speech delivered by a former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, to the leaders of Yoruba nationalist group, Kurunmi Front, on September 17.

Once upon a time there was an obscure little man who wrote a book that inspired the German people and lifted them up from the shame and degradation of their defeat after the First World War. That book and the philosophy that it enunciated gave them hope and delivered them from the humiliating terms of the Treaty of Vesailles in 1919 which effectively turned Germany into a weak, crippled and beggardly vassal state. That man’s name was Adolf Hitler and in 1934 he was elected in a free and fair election to lead the German people. In 1923 whilst he was in prison and long before that election ever took place Hitler had stirred up the passions of the German people and replaced their despair with hope by writing his famous book which was titled ‘’Mein Kampf ’’ which, translated into English, means ‘’My Struggle’’.

Hitler ’s ‘’struggle’’ and ‘’dream’’ moved Germany from the shame of defeat after the First World War and transformed her into the greatest political, economic, industrial and military power on the planet in his day in just a matter of ten years.

His views about German nationalism and the rightful place of the German people in the scheme of things fuelled the pride and inspired the vision of every single German of his day.

Consequently they sought to transform the world and establish a new world order which would have placed them, as members of the supposedly superior Aryan race, above all others. Thankfully they failed, though it took a Second World War, violent resistance from the whole civilised world (less Japan and Italy) and a casualty list of 50million dead (20 million of whom were Russians) to stop them. The Aryan race was eventually subdued, peace was returned to the world, history was written by those that won the war and the horrors of the Nazi’s were exposed whilst the atrocities that were committed by the Allies themselves were covered up. For example we know about what the Germans did to the Jews, the Slavs, the homosexuals and the gypsies at Aushwitz and the other concentration camps. Yet how many of us are aware of the atrocities committed by the Allied Forces during the bombing of Dresden where, according to some estimates, close to half a million German civilians were killed and a whole city leveled to rubble in just a few nights.

Again how many of us know about the bombing of the Japa-

We must never forget and we must never sacrifice that noble heritage or that concept of who and what we are on the alter of a new Nigerian state where we are, more often than not, envied, despised, held down, held back and cheated nese towns of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the Americans with nuclear weapons which resulted in the greatest and most devastating single massacre in human history.

You may well ask what is my point here and what is the relevance of all this to our collective struggle? Permit me to answer that. The first point is that history is always written by the side that is victorious after any struggle or any war and the loser always becomes the demon. very few people get to hear the loser ’s story and all trace of anything that is good or wholesome about him or his cause is wiped out and buried in the rubble of history. The morale of the tale is simple and clearnever lose a war and never fight a war that you are not sure of winning. The second point is that German nationalism, as enunciated by Hitler’s vision in ‘Mein Kampf’, was a very powerful tool which had it’s finer points and which served the interests of the German people by waking them up and causing them to rediscover their own sense of pride, dignity, self-respect and indeed greatness. I

am not a supporter of Adolf Hitler and neither am I a racist or a Nazi. I do not believe that one race is necessarily superior to another but I do believe that we are all very different and that some races have greater strengths in some areas than others. I also take great pride in the fact that I am a Yoruba man and that my race are second to none and have proved that over and over again during the course of world history.

Hybrid state The contributions of the Yoruba to a greater and better Nigeria cannot be disputed and our ability to tolerate the views and excesses of others, even where those views and excesses are detrimental to our own collective interest, are well known.

Yet, like the Germans after World War 1, we are beginning to forget who and what we are, where we are coming from and what we are meant to be. That is what the centralised, unitary and hybrid state of Nigeria, which was essentially conceived and established by the post civil-war military powers that were, has done to us. To get us out of that terrible mindset and psychological retrogression is my objective and my own ‘’struggle’’. It is my own ‘Mein Kampf ’ and my own dream and I urge the Kurunmi Front and indeed all Yoruba nationalist groups including the Odua Peoples Congress, the Odua Liberation Movement, the Odua Descendants Union, the Egbe Omo Yoruba, the Odua Solidarity Forum and others to help me to berth it by spreading the word.

The Yoruba have always thrived on a plurality of opinion. That is our way. We debate and discuss all things and we hardly ever agree on anything. There is nothing wrong with that provided we do not lose sight of the fact that we have a common cause and purpose- and that cause and purpose is to protect and preserve

the rights, dignity and integrity of our people in a wider Nigeria and to ensure that our values and divinely ordained destiny to be the first in all things in our nation is not thwarted. Nigeria is NOT and was never designed to be a hybrid state where we were meant to forgo our primary identity, forsake the vision of our forefathers and forget our fundamental differences with other nationalities. Nigeria was meant to be a federation in which there was unity in diversity and in which each of the various nationalities and tribes was guaranteed, by law and the constitution, the right to develop at their own pace, the right to preserve and nurture their own cultural heritage and the right to a certain degree of autonomy and separate development. That was the ethos and understanding upon which our nation was founded and it is my view that that ethos and understanding must be nurtured, preserved and handed down to the younger generation of the Yoruba if we are to survive into the distant future as a people and as a race.

Distinct race We must not give an inch and we must not allow our benevolent disposition to others to become our albatross or the vessel of our own undoing. Be good and be kind to those from other climes and nationalities and be gentle and generous to those who derive from a deficient culture and that have no history. Showing kindness to such people in the name of God, of fraternity, of national cohesion and of nationbuilding is indeed a virtue and we must continue to do that.

However we must never forget who and what we areproud sons and daughters of Odua that share an ancient and noble heritage and that come from a long line of innovators, great warriors and noble emperors and kings. Unlike some other nationalities that reside in the Nigerian state, the 50 million people that make up the Yoruba nation can trace our ancestral roots and heritage for many centuries back. We know that we existed as a distinct and clearly defined race as far back as 3000 years ago and we were loved, honoured and respected by many all over the Middle East, the Sudan, Egypt and north Africa for our numerous contributions to science, the arts, religion, philosophy and all manner of human endeavour.

We must never forget and we must never sacrifice that noble heritage or that concept of who and what we are on the alter of a new Nigerian state where we are, more often than not, envied, despised, held down, held back and cheated by so many others that do not understand and cannot poosibly fathom our ways. Worst still some of our very own have begun to espouse the ungodly philosophy of the mongrel nation

where they regard themselves as being Nigerians before being a Yoruba. Such people despise and seek to demonise those of us that are Yoruba nationalists even more than any non-Yoruba seeks to do. They are the enemy within- misguided souls that have forsaken their noble heritage and racial foundation for a pittance and that have been hopelessly seduced by the Nigerian dream of a harmoniuos, peaceful, happy and functional multi-ethnic and multi-cultural state which is simply an illusion and which does not exist. Such a state exists only in their minds and in the minds of those that sought, and failed, to establish it.

The enemy within We must not only guard against those from outside our shores that covet our land and that happily proclaim that even one inch of Yorubaland is “no man’s land” but we must also guard against the misguided few from within our own ranks that seem to agree with them.

Such people are the enemy within. They are filled with more error and poison and are more dangerous than any outside aggressor or indeed the snake that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

There is nothing more pitiful and repugnant to me than a selfhating Yoruba man who joins forces with outsiders to disparage his or her own. As far as I am concerned such people are to be pitied and are hardly ever worthy of a response.

The good news is that they are very few of them in our ranks and the overwhelming majority of our people have fully espoused the Yoruba nationalist philosophy and imbued the Yoruba nationalist spirit. It is that spirit and that majority that will keep the flag flying, that will keep our hope alive and that will lead us into the glorious future that the God of Heaven, who alone rules in the affairs of men, has promised us. This is an eternal covenant and it shall not be broken. The vision may tarry but it shall not fail, for it is for an appointed time. As surely as night follows day, God shall honour His word, He shall grant us our hearts desire and He shall liberate us from the cruel chains of the Nigerian state which seek to hold us in eternal bondage and perpetual servitude. Our hope and glory reside in our own hands and in the power of our God. We must take that glory and live forever in honour because it is ours to take. We must pray for it, fight for it and stand for it or we shall live forever in eternal shame.

Between Nigeria and Yugoslavia Permit me to end my speech with a few words about the war that took place and broke up the eastern European nation of Yugolavia into five different coun-

Continues on Page 37

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 — PAGE 37 Continues from Page 36 tries in the 1990s. For many years before that war broke out many saw it coming because the country, much like Nigeria today, was badly divided on religious and ethnic lines.

Many called for a sovereign national conference to settle their differences at the time or for a peaceful and orderly break up of the nation along ethnic lines but the die-hard centralists and unitarists, led by the all powerful dictator Col. Broznan Tito, silenced their voices and, more often than not, locked them up and gave them long sentences in jail for expressing their desire to break up the Yugoslavian state. Every single one of the five major ethnic groups that made up Yugoslavia, except for the Bosnians (who happened to be Muslims), began to prepare for war and to stock up massive arms caches and stock piles long before that war eventually broke out simply because they all saw it coming.

The Bosnians however always hoped for the best and they were by far the most open, accessible, accommodating, friendly and tolerant of all the ethnic groups in Yugolavia at the time. They allowed the Serbs, Croats, Kosovars and Monte Negrans to live in their territory without molestation and they regarded themselves as Yugoslavians before being Bosnians. It even got to a point that some Serbs were claiming openly that parts of Bosnia was actually Serbian territory simply because so many Serbs had moved there and contributed to it’s development. Sounds familiar? Yet the Bosnians did not

Nationalism as a badge of honour

complain because they believed that their liberal and accommodating disposition was a mark of civilisation and they refused to accept the aggressive nationalist philosophy that the Serbs and the Croats in particular had wholeheartedly espoused. They behaved in the same way that some of our own Yoruba brothers and sisters have insisted on behaving in Nigeria today regardless of what is going on around them and despite the continuous provocations and insults from those that are not from our land, Artificial world They continued to believe that they were safe in their artificial world where nationality or tribe had no meaning and where all that mattered was that they were Yugoslavian. Sadly they were also plagued with a

set of weak-minded, intellectually-defective, cowardly and visionless political and military leaders who could not muster the courage to accept the unfolding reality and who failed to appreciate the fact that the manifestation of weakness simply attracts aggression.

They did not learn the basic lesson of statehood and history which is that in order to avoid and deter war you must prepare for it.

When Tito died and the civil war eventually broke out the Bosnians paid a terrible price for their lack of foresight and understanding.

They were slaughtered like flies by all the other ethnic groups for a long period of time and they were not in a position to defend their own people because they had no arms, they had not prepared for war and there was a United Nations arms embargo put in place which prevented anyone from supplying arms to them. They were literally sitting ducks as their civilian population and women and children were slaughtered before their very eyes or raped and taken into slavery. It was so bad that after some time the U.N. was compelled to lift the arms embargo just so that the Bosnians could acquire weapons to defend themselves and their people.

It even got to a point that some Serbs were claiming openly that parts of Bosnia was actually Serbian territory simply because so many Serbs had moved there and contributed to it’s development

They lost so many and this was the terrible price that they had to pay for their indolence and their lack of understanding of what was unfolding in their nation long before the war broke out.

It was a failure of leadership on the part of the Bosnian intelligentsia, elite and political leadership who were so eager to prove to the world and to their fellow Yugoslavians that they were good liberals that always

put the interest of Yugoslavia before their own interests as Bosnians. This was regardless of the fact that no other nationality in that country thought that way or did the same thing.

Lessons from Bosnia It is my prayer that the Yoruba people and the leadership of the Yoruba nation learn the lessons of Bosnia and do not make the mistakes that the Bosnian leaders made before the war broke out in Yugoslavia in the name of liberalism or anything else. If they do we will all pay a terrible price and may God forbid that.

No matter what lies ahead for Nigeria, we the Yoruba, must be ready and we must be in a position to defend the people of the south west and their interests in the event of war or conflict. Let me make this clear. This is not a call for violence because I do not believe in violence and I abhor bloodshed. As a matter of fact, I am a pacifist by nature believing more in the power of the intellect than the power of the gun. However I do believe in the right of self-defence. .

We must not, in the name of liberalism, generosity or accommodation, be found wanting in this respect. We must find the courage to accept the reality of the Nigerian situation and in order to preserve the peace and ensure the security of the Yoruba people and defend our illustrious heritage we must prepare for the very worse and indeed any eventuality.

PAGE 38—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Lagos defective buildings to go... but govt pays *’How to respond to heavy rains, emergencies’

—Wale Ahmed, Special Duties Commissioner

By BILESANMI OLALEKAN

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r Wale Ahmed is Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties. Ahead of the demolition of some defective buildings at Oke Afa, Isolo, he presented N200,000 each to the occupants to relocate.

In this piece, he explains how the state government is assisting victims of emergencies even as he appeals to Lagosians(particularly those in flood prone areas) to relocate because of the anticipated intensity of forthcoming rains.

Lagos State government has put in place drainage infrastructure so that no matter the level of flood we have, the flood water would recede after sometime. But in certain areas like the natural low line areas, they will naturally get flooded. And these low line areas are not supposed to be habitable in the first place, they are not supposed to be dwelling places. When you are going to Ikorodu for example, around Ajegunle, both right and left side of the express road, these areas are not supposed to be habitable because they are supposed to be some kind of reservoir for flood water. But there are people living there; we are urging Lagosians to take cognisance of this fact so that they can move away from these areas before the rains become too heavy. On our own part as government, we are getting prepared everyday in anticipation of any unforseen thing happening.

Always, prevention, they say, is better than cure. We have relief camps every where we can keep people who are displaced by flood and similar factors. Part of that preventable action is what the state government is doing here today by giving some token(N200,000) to residents of houses that the state government has earmarked for demolition because of the defective nature. The house are located at the Low Cost Housing Estate, Oke-Afa, Isolo.

• Ahmed presenting cheques to those whose houses are to be demolished.

Demolition and reconstruction

Basic things

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he state government, after the demolition, will reconstruct and then move them back to the buildings. We gave the occupants notices more than 10 months ago.This is a preventable action on the part of government.

Also, Ministry of the Environment has developed a road map that show high grounds and low line areas in all the local government areas. We have also established local emergency management committees chaired by the elected chairmen of each of the local government areas and local council development areas. The local council chairmen have these maps and they know which are the high grounds and the low line areas in their local governments. So, when the intensity of the rains is getting too much, they know where to tell people to move to so that they will not be affected by the flood water.

The essence of these committees is actually to shorten the response time so that if there is an emergency for example in Amuwo- Odofin, it won’t be more than 30 minutes, on a Sunday when there is less traffic, to get there. If it is a day like today(Wednesday), it may take more than 45 minutes to one hour to get there. There is the golden time in disaster management, and that time is the minute that you get there and able to save a life or situation and we believe that with the local emergency committee, the response to that critical moment will be shortened. You know you cannot get to the disaster site faster than those who reside there. So that if and when there is an emergency, it is this committee that will go there before the state government gets there.

embers of the committee have been trained, they take ownership of the situation and then inform us at the secretariat here. They know the basic things to do to keep souls alive. If we get to the site before them, either through our 747 or 122 or through other means, we will inform them. Another problem we do encounter in disaster site is crowd control. True Lagosians help a lot, so you will always find them at the sites but the truth of the matter is that they are not trained to do such. The more fundamental of this situation is that the officials that are trained to carry out these services are prevented from getting to the site on time because of the crowd. In disaster management, time is of essence.

Dana plane crash

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o underscore the importance of this point, let me tell you what happened during the Dana plane crash. While we were on our way to the site of the crash, myself and Commissioner for Health in the same vehicle, there was an ambulance in front of us, blaring siren. And you could see people competing for right of way with the ambulance. This is the reason I am appealing to Lagosians to always give way to any emergency vehicles like fire service, ambulances,LASEMA and any other vehicle blaring siren, that vehicle is rushing down somewhere to go and save a life and or property. The governor does not use siren, so it could not have been Governor Fashola trying to meander through the traffic. So when you hear any vehicle blaring siren, it must be going on an assignment to rescue life and property.

These vehicles do not include bullion vans. We have stated severally that bullion vans do not have the right to blare siren.

Lagosians should also remember numbers 767 and 112. It may just be the numbers that would save life and property in an emergency or situations like fire, accident, robbery. If you call these numbers, the government of Lagos State has invested so much in infrastructure such that there are dedicated people working 24 hours to receive your calls. There are six different agencies of the state government that are directly concerned with emergency response, that we call first respondents. These agents are there on 24-hour basis to receive your call in the command and control centre.

While your call is coming through, it is immediately passed on to the agents who in turn activate the services. The call is free.

SUNDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 39

Many Ijaw are not proud of Jonathan – Prof Afejuku * ’The way out of Itsekiri, Ijaw conflict’

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE BENIN

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ONY AFEJUKU is a Professor of English and Literature in University of Benin. A former ASUU leader, Afejuku, in this interview, says he is happy in his “ little world of poverty.” He also speaks on the recent sacking of some Itsekiri villages in Warri North local government area of Delta State, his perception of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the need for President Goodluck Jonathan to do things rightly.

Excerpts:

You are a man of many parts: poet, critic, scholar, educationist, journalist, activist, trade unionist, mystic, humanist, public intellectual, etc. Why don’t you think of going into politics to help your people and Nigeria? Your experiences in these spheres would be of great benefit to us.

Politics is not my calling. I don’t have talents for intrigues and lies. Every man has his gifts. Intrigues are not part of mine. I am a straight talker, a straight shooter. Bluntness is part of my talents.

Betrayal, back-biting, back-stabbing in order to gain this or that advantage or to scheme a qualified person out of contention or a position he is clearly and eminently qualified for are foreign to my God-given peculiarities. I am not Janus-faced. Let me use my present talents to the best of my abilities and to the glory of my Maker. Politics is not the only way to help mankind. Give Caesar his due, and God His. The typical Nigerian politician never says what he means, and never means what he says.

Politics, Nigerian type? No way. I am happy in my little world of happy poverty. I can’t be a party to inflated and over-inflated contracts. Obviously, I must therefore be a danger to the Nigerian politician of the current dispensation. Leave me to be a teacher who never can be bribed with a manor house or a whole village. I am happy in my little world of poverty.

You are a very loud critic of President Jonathan. What do you have against the President from your region? Do you dislike him because he is Ijaw?

I don’t dislike President Jonathan. By my calling I must say truth to power.

He is the first Ph.D holder to preside over the affairs of Nigeria. He is also the first person from the Niger Delta and the first Ijaw to be in charge of Nigeria’s affairs. We wanted him to correct the errors of the past rulers, justly, so that we can nod in affirmation that a Ph.D holder like me and a fellow Niger Delta man came on board to teach others who were there before him how to do the job. We wanted him to be the gem Nigeria had been waiting for. We assumed that he would be the EXEMPLARY leader we all clamoured for. He is not and we are still in the woods. The northerners are even saying now that they will never cede power to the South again, all because of the way he is carrying on. I don’t

dislike him because he is Ijaw. It might you to know that I have Ijaw friends who are equally not happy with his presidential posture.

Recently, some Itsekiri communities in Warri North local government area of Delta State were allegedly attacked by some Ijaw youths, leaving on their trail destruction of lives and properties. What is your reaction?

To begin with, the action of the

I, as an Itsekiri man, will not be foolish to accept everything the Ijaw leaders you referred to said. If they meant what they said, they should help the Itsekiris and the government to fish out the culprits from their dens attackers is, to put it mildly, disappointing in the sense that whatever grievances the so-called Egbema youths had should have been resolved in a lawful and orderly manner. But we are in an age of neobarbarism. The Niger Delta, in fact, Nigeria as a whole is going through transition, the kind of transition that respects no law and order in all frontiers, hence the acts of barbarism we have just witnessed.

The governments at the local, state and federal levels should do everything to track down the attackers. If they don’t do so now, another wrong signal would be sent and more acts of barbarism would be committed. Nobody should take government for granted anymore.

But do we really have a government?

Do we really have an effective government that should really live up to its billing and responsibilities? That being the case, I would like to commend the way the Itsekiri, my people, have reacted. They restrained themselves

from making it a tit-for-tat.

I also would commend them for the comments and advertorials in which they have drawn attention to the aggression.

The complaint of the Ijaws of Warri North has been that elective and appointive positions have

Tony Afejuku

been lopsided despite the fact that the local government is 45 percent Ijaws and 55 percent Itsekiris.

Honesty speaking, I don’t understand what they mean. Their ancestors lived in peace with our ancestors. Why is it that those complaining can’t do the same thing now with the Itsekiri in their homeland? Who owns the land? Are the people complaining saying that Itsekiri should not be in full control of their Godgiven homeland of Warri as other ethnic groups in the Niger Delta and elsewhere in Nigeria are in control of their respective homelands? In any case, if their complaints are genuine, can’t they seek redress in appropriate quarters like the court of law. Or can’t they engage in lobbying that will benefit democratic principles and doctrines and their status as citizens of civilized communities?

Now I must commend the representative of Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, for what he has done so far. I want to believe that through his action, the House of Representatives has taken a very civilized posture on the on the Itsekiri people. Itsekiris may be a minority people in their territory, but they deserve to live and be in charge of their affairs. I think the House of Reps has endorsed the Itsekiris right to live unmolested in their homeland when the members unanimously condemned the unprovoked attack on my people.

But some of the Ijaw leaders came out openly to condemn the action of the youths.

I read some statements issued by some of these Ijaw leaders. But I have not seen any statement, even a mild one, by the big Ijaw leaders denouncing the attack. At least, for this reason I, as an Itsekiri man, will not be foolish to accept everything the Ijaw leaders you referred to said. If they meant what they said, they should help the Itsekiris and the government to fish out the culprits from their dens.

One of the issues raised by the Ijaws in Warri North is the need for a round table conference on how to share the political and elective positions in the area.

There is nothing wrong in that but what are they prepared to give? Must Itsekiris keep meeting the demands of compromise in their homeland? Are they saying that the Itsekiris are not entitled to have people that will govern them rightly or wrongly in their homeland? What are they bringing to the round table conference they are calling for?

Governor Uduaghan did say, in his reaction to the crisis, that he will not take a decision on thecrisis based on sentiments. What is your take in this?

I support the governor. He also said that he will not negotiate under duress.

I endorse fully his submission. But the governor should have gone ahead to ask: Why is it that this only happens in Itsekiri territories? What are the aggresors trying to prove? In Warri South-west, the havoc against Itsekiris is still very much green in our memories. In Warri South, we also know what Itsekiris are experiencing. As I said before, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

What is the way forward?

The way forward is to preach the gospel of peace that borders on fairness, justice and the doctrine of dounto-others-as-you-will-be-done-by.

Might is not right and it will never be right. We have a lot to gain by toeing the path of peace that prospers all.

Ijaws should let Itsekiris live and Itsekiris should let Ijaws live in their respective homelands as worthy neighbours committed to the great ideal of prosperous justice, love, fairness and togetherness. And we need to realize that he who is strong today is strong because who will beat him has not come.

PAGE 40 — SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 41 DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL BYE-ELECTION

Omo-Agege, Aguariavwodo, Majemite pick PDP forms

BY FESTUS AHON,

Asaba

A

former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta D e v e l o p m e n t Commission, Chief E m m a n u e l Aguariavwodo, and a former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Chief Fred Majemite, yesterday picked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, nomination and expression of interest forms for the Delta Central senatorial district

Obosi meeting

T

HE Obosi United Friends Club of Nigeria yesterday held its general meeting at its national secretariat at the Royal Paradise Hotel, Obosi in Idemmili North Local Government area of Anambra State.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Prince Obums Anene (NwalieOku) and Prince Okey Obi (Ochili-Ozua), President General and Vice President General, respectively, said top on the agenda was the forth coming gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

bye-election. Mr Solomon Edojah, a former Commissioner for Special Duties in the state, also the picked form. The party, on Friday evening, in a text message by its Chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, said: “Aspirants for the Delta Central senatorial district bye-election should take note that the sale of forms

would take place on Saturday, 21st of September, 2013 at 8am.“The screening of aspirants will take place on Sunday 22nd September 2013 at 2pm at the State Secretariat, Maria Babangida Way, Asaba.

Cost of nomination form is N2 million. Expression of interest form is N200,000.”

PHCN sales: Employees build capacity on terminal benefits

T

O ensure that p o t e n t i a l beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s severance plan for electricity employees do not waste the expected huge pay-offs and fall into hardsh ip, the National

Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have began capacity building for gainful business development for its members.

Senior General Secretary, Eastern Zone of the NUEE, Cyprian Akoh,who led a two-day workshop on finance and investment security for its members with training resource content from Icon Breeders in Port Harcourt, said the terminal benefits to those to be laid off or retired could spell doom for beneficiaries if not

properly guided.

He said: “Some of us are afraid considering the fact that the business world is

like a mighty ocean that gulps the capital of unprepared and ignorant businessmen. The stories of paid-off civil servants is hardly impressive financially. We cannot choose to duplicate them.”

Resource person at the workshop, Olivers Mendoh noted that “uncertainties await workers with large pay-offs and retirement gratuities. Some years ago NITEL was privatised and its staff paid off. Records reveal that over 75% of the beneficiaries could not hold back their money for more than two years, plunging into

dire poverty for lack of investment.

PAGE 42 — SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013— PAGE 43

We will get to the bottom of FCT land allocation – Rep Daramola

zOn Ekiti 2014: Guber ticket won’t zWhy I initiated Abomire scheme’

tear APC apart

H

on Bimbo Daramola rep resents Ekiti North Fed eral Constituency 1 (Oye/Ikole LGs) at the National Assembly. In this interview with Emma Ajibulu, the federal lawmaker speaks on the work of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on land allocation in the FCT which he chairs, the tussle for the APC ticket ahead of the 2014 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, the PDP crisis and his empowerment programme.

Excerpts: You were once in PDP. Going by what is currently happening in the party, what impact do you think that could have on Nigeria?

So many things are happening in the system, and I believe that the move of God, no man can predict. The truth of the matter is that everything you see in the polity today could just be a last ditch effort to save Nigeria from Nigeria, if it is well intended and if it is designed by God. It came to a point in the Bible and someone says, if it is of God, it will stand, but if it is not of God it will fail. As a mortal being, I hopefully think this is healthy, if you don’t stand up for something then you will fall for anything.

Forget about all the sound bites they are giving out to the peo-

ple out there, we should ask ourselves, are we better off than we were in 2011? I have seen a few things in my life, so it will be too early in the day to give those that broke away from the mainstream PDP all the applause and ovation. The applause, salutation and credit must be earned and won. They can only be applauded when they stand all the way, through test of time. I don’t have any grudge against President Goodluck Jonathan as a person, but I have everything against anybody who is doing everything to hurt this country.

I give a lot of respect and regard to the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Nigerians also know that Atiku stood for something in this country, so I can validate the fact that Turaki is standing for something, but we will need a critical mass. And I expect these guys would take a cue from the fact that Turaki was one man who stood against the third term ambition of Olusegun Obasanjo, and today we can validate his claims. I expect that all the co-travelers who may not necessarily have had the true chance to demonstrate and to prove their mettle will latch on this to show that it is time to join the progressive forces and stand for something so that we don’t fall for anything, and falling for anything may include all the pecuniary

I don’t have any grudge against President Goodluck Jonathan as a person, but I have everything against anybody who is doing everything to hurt this country

Hon. Bimbo Daramola

benefits and it is about time to say the pecuniary benefits may not be enough. So, let us stand for something and that thing is the soul of this country.

Tell us your experience as the Chairman of the House of Reps adhoc committee probing the allocation of land to companies and individuals in the Federal Capital Territory from 2010 till date.

My appointment was only announced on the day the House announced the commencement of its annual recess; so we have not really convene any meeting, the work has not really started, but I believe I will not disappoint Nigerians in offering my best in this oversight function and I must commend the leadership of the House particularly the Speaker of House of Reps for giving me this opportunity.

What do you have to say about politics in Ekiti State, particularly the heat being generated by the face-off between the supporters of Governor Kayode Fayemi and Hon Michael Opeyemi Bamidele?

The politics of today has gone beyond where it used to be. Before, it was, you don’t have anything to do, later you start to aspire to become the governor of a state, this is no longer so.

Whoever that is going to rule Ekiti State will be heavily recommended by the people. You won’t become the governor of Ekiti State because you want to ride on our ‘rustic nature’; you must have strong reasons you want to lead over three million people, because we would

not commit to the fate, fortunes and future of Ekiti people into the hands of someone who wanted to go on ego trip. I was part of the process that led to the emergence of Dr Kayode Fayemi as governor; Hon Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) was also very much involved; he’s got credit for that too. But the truth of the matter is that when we were at this process, there was a bigger picture, and we do not feel that, at this time anything should go wrong with that bigger picture.

T

he ambition to rule Eki ti State by Hon Opeyemi Bamidele is very legitimate, but any ambition that runs against the gains of public thought and interest will be an illegitimate ambition. I am not saying his ambition is illegitimate; but we would have a case where the people will have to determine what they want for themselves, whether Governor Kayode Fayemi or Hon Opeyemi Bamidele. And that will be on the basis of who they are, and what they represent and their score cards. The days are long gone now, the three years gains of Governor Fayemi have obviously shown that we cannot be shortchanged and cannot also go through that route of ‘anybody can come into government house’ because of ‘tokenism’.

For the records, there is no apprehension in Ekiti, although people reported some skirmish in Iyin Ekiti and that problem has been resolved. I have known Governor Fayemi since 1978; he was two years my

senior in secondary school back then, but only know MOB lesser than that. Dr Fayemi will never send anybody to prevent MOB from ventilating his ambition, I am sure of that. Well, there may be some overzealous loyalists of the governor who may want to go overboard, but it won’t still be fair to now associate that with the governor.

The governor will never endorse anything that can be detrimental to the short, medium or long-term interest of Ekiti people. The election of 2014 in Ekiti State would be determined by the hands of God and the thumb of the people. Inspite of the meagre resources of the state, the governor has discharged prudency, transparency and accountability. And like the rest of us, our stewardship will open doors for our reelection. Again, I am not saying the governor doesn’t have his faults, like every other person does, but the little and modest efforts of Fayemi will speak for him in his re-election bid.

Abomire has been a slogan in your constituency. What is it all about?

‘Abomire’ is a daily occurrence, not an annual event, it is not localized and also not isolated. You can see my constituents calling me for one intervention or the other: school fees, medical bills, and other sundry issues, even if I don’t have all the resources to deal with them, and that is not also my job as a legislator. But the truth of the matter is that we must also reflect the local sensibilities and realities of the environment as and when due.

The interpretation of the ordinary man on the street is that once you are in a political position, not too many people can differentiate between that position, that level of political relevance from the other. Once they

see the governor providing roads and schools, they also expect you to do so same. That is not my job, but we cannot run away from the softer-side of this position, which is reflecting the realities of our

people. ‘Abomire’ literally means ‘this is my report’. I take it to mean that I was considered fit, humbly speaking, by the people who gave their mandate to me to represent them at the House of Reps alongside 359 others in Abuja. And that ias what I have been able to do to the best of my ability in terms of motions, bills, being a critical voice to represent their interests.

However, the reality is also that one needs a critical mass to achieve the desired destination. I may just be a signpost and we know the signpost is not the destination, it is just a point to the direction to go. And for “Abomire 2’,’ we’ve had one before, tagged, ‘’Abomire 1” in Oye Local Government, but “Abomire 2” took place in Ikole Local Government.

My constituency is made of two local governments: Oye and Ikole. In that first phase, we were able to give succor to over 100 undergraduates N25,000 each, in addition to other levels of intervention including injecting capital into small scale businesses.

You will discover that there are thousands of people in and around Nigeria who feel that if they have N25,000 injected into their gari business, iru (locust beans) business, agbado (corn) business, they will make a lot of money. You can invest that amount into your capital and the business can grow and will make you create and recreate wealth for your own good and the local economy can also be vibrant. For “Abomire 2”, it brought us to the point where we bought two luxury buses, because I felt I may not be able to tangibly reach out to all my constituents, but if I have a mass transit support scheme, that will offer the people free transit to their next destination and save them money they could have ordinarily used as transport fare, and the money saved could be invested on something else which could add value to them. Apart from this, 18 cars, 42 Plasma TV sets, 24 ceiling fans, 12 grinding machine, 24 generating sets, 12 vulcanizing machines, 12 sewing machine, 12 dryers, 10 hair clippers, 24 farm sprayer, 12 deep freezers, and 12 motorcycles were given out. There was also cash support of N25, 000 each to 48 youths to start small scale businesses, 40 widows and other senior citizens. Moreover, there is a 38-bed hospital project at Ire-Ekiti which is under construction. By the grace of God, it will be completed and fully put to use before the end of 2014, and the service will also be free to the people. ‘’Abomire’’ has found relevance and acceptance with my constituents.

What is the attitude of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers to the mass transit scheme as it is likely to affect their business?

Yes, the drivers union saw the approach as an incursion into their business, but we’ve been able to reach a middle ground.

The buses are for everybody who need to commute and take advantage, not just for APC. It is a reflection of the fact that ultimate power is in the hands of God and in the hands of the people. I was not elected because I have BSc in geology or MBA, but the good people feel out of so many let us try this man out, and I will never let them down.

PAGE 44—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013,

Why the PDP sent Gov Shema to Anambra

BY BELLO MUSTAPHA

F

INALLY, the candidates for the four major parties-the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Congress (APC), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Labour Party (LP) – have emerged in readiness for the November 16 gubernatorial election in Anambra State. Comrade Tony Nwoye emerged for the PDP, Senator Chris Ngige for the APC, Chief Willy Obiano for APGA and Mr Ifeanyi Uba for LP. Each of the parties had its own intrigues dogging the primaries that produced the candidates. For instance, in APGA, many of the party’s visible aspirants were believed to have been knocked out of the race for one reason or the other to pave the way for the emergence of Obiano, said to be the candidate of outgoing Governor Peter Obi. The aspirants include the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Oseloka Obaze, Dr Chike Obidigbo and Prince Chinedu Idigo, all from Anambra North Senatorial District, and from which the noise had been loud that the governorship should be zoned to on the account that it remains the only area of Anambra that had not had the benefit of governing the state.

In the APC, the battle was between the trio of Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Annie Okonkwo and Mr Godwin Ezemo.

Ngige was obviously the

Governor Ibrahim Shema favoured aspirant. Okonkwo was said to have been prevailed upon to withdraw his aspiration since he already occupies the position of the Deputy National Chairman of the APC. He was instantly nominated as Ngige’s campaign manager while the party further went on to compensate him by giving him the task of running the Anambra chapter. In the case of Ezemo, who insisted on the APC conducting primaries to elect its flag-bearer for the Anambra gubernatorial poll, he was browbeaten by the party leadership which adopted the Option A4 to edge him out. Mr Ifeanyi Uba was the only candidate (LP) who emerged without stress.

For the PDP, the intrigues that preceded the emergence of Nwoye were mind-boggling. Initially, there were at least 22 aspirants chasing the

party’s ticket. Analysts attributed the large number of aspirants to the thinking that the PDP remains strong in Anambra, notwithstanding that it is not the ruling party in the state- APGA is – and that it is the party to beat in the November election. The aspirants include Senator Andy Uba, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo and Mrs Stella Oduah. It took the PDP leadership’s imposition of high expression of interest and nomination fees to cut the number of aspirants that eventually qualified for the primaries to 12. Even then, the Anambra PDP had to contend with two factions in the run-up to the primaries.

There was the PDP national leadership backed Prince Ken Emeakayi executive as against the faction led by Chief Ejike Oguebego. The Oguebego faction was said to have had strong backing from Chief Chris Uba. This was apparently to ease the candidature of Chris Uba’s brother, Andy, who was alleged to be averse to the PDP conducting primaries to determine who picks the party’s ticket. Some people say that, left to the Uba brothers, Andy should have simply been anointed as the PDP candidate for the Anambra election. Analysts went further to say that doing so, apart from it being undemocratic, had the capacity to cause implosion in the party as other aspirants would have kicked against it.

It was against this backdrop, according to the analysts, that the PDP national leadership

Most of the party’s gubernatorial aspirants were fully involved in the Shema-organised primaries to underscore their faith in the exercise and the person in charge to do a thorough job needed a tactician, somebody well-grounded in party matters, an objective and impartial arbiter to lead the team to conduct the Anambra primaries.

The lot fell on Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina State. The party trusted him to deliver rancour- free primaries and came up with an acceptable candidate. He did not disappoint. A source close to Wadaza Plaza national secretariat of the PDP said the party knew how delicate the Anambra situation was given the factional crisis on ground and needed a party leader with the capacity to carry all the aspirants along. ”Governor Shema fitted into the kind of party leader the PDP required to conduct the Anambra primaries because

2015: Jonathan must contest for 2nd term —Ominimini, DESOPADEC Commissioner

BY EPHRAIM OSEJI

He argued that Jonathan has no choice but to run for the second because he is in there representing the interest of the people of South-South and Niger-Delta region.

“I am calling on President Goodluck Jonathan that he has no choice but to

A

s the controversy over the sec ond term bid of President Good luck Jonathan continues to generate debate in the polity, the Commissioner representing Ughelli North and Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Hon (Chief) Chris Obiuwevbi Ominimini, says the President has no choice but to seek reelection.

Speaking to news men while receiving an award as “Most Accessible Public Office Holder in the South-South Region” bestowed on him by a group under the aegis of South-South Youth Assembly (SSYA) at Ughelli, Delta State, Ominimini said the constitution is very clear on the issue of second term for the President, adding that since Jonathan has only contested once, he is free to stand again for election.

He maintained that it is only the President who can stop himself from not contesting for the highest office in Nigeria.

According to the DESOPADEC boss, “Nigeria’s constitution is very clear on the issue. A president is elegible to context two times. President Goodluck

Ominimini ...The President has no choice but to seek re-election

President Goodluck Jonathan has contested only once and therefore he is free to contest for the second time. The only person who can stop President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting for second tenure is himself

Jonathan has contested only once and therefore he is free to contest for the second time. The only person who can stop President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting for second tenure is himself. That is if he decides that he is not running again.”

run for second term. He is there on errand for the South-South and NigerDelta people. We have no other candidate. We sent him to the presidency to represent us for eight years and he has not even completed his first tenure.

“We are calling on South-South indigenes that anybody who is being used

he had so many things going for him. Yes, he is one of the governors who have conducted the affairs of their states very well in the last six years. This is a thing of pride to the PDP leadership that we have a governor that is doing well on the home front. But don’t also forget that before Alhaji Shema took the mantle of leadership in Katsina, he operated at the highest level of the party as a Deputy National Chairman in charge of North-west”, the source said.

The source continued: “When Governor Shema was the PDP Deputy National Chairman, it is on record that he discharged the responsibility of that office with diligence and loyalty. It makes sense therefore that if there was any assignment like the Anambra primaries which the party found delicate and needed tact to deliver, the party leadership will not hesitate to use him.

“Now, the party leadership in Abuja is happy with the conduct of the PDP primaries in one of the most volatile states.”

Indeed, the PDP national leadership has cause to be satisfied about the Anambra primaries. Safe for the little distraction caused by Oguebego, the factional leader, who organised parallel primaries to satisfy the whims and caprices of his masters, the Uba brothers, who were determined to impose Andy as the party’s candidate, the Anambra PDP primaries, under Shema’s watchful eyes, went absolutely well.

by any northern leader or any leader from anywhere to disrupt the ambition of Goodluck Jonathan should have a rethink. Having said this, I call on all the Niger-Delta people and we will organize a rally to send signal to the detractor of Jonathan that he is not there for himself but to represent the South-South and the entire people of Niger-Delta,” Ominimini disclosed.

Thanking the South-South Youth Assembly (SSYA) who presented the award to him , the DESOPADEC Commissioner said what the group has done is to prove to the world that it is good to be accessible.

“If a public officer is not accessible, the dividend accruing to his office will be cut short. And again you have encouraged me to open my door to the people than it used to be. Another child is born today. By the grace of God, the entire Niger-Delta and SouthSouth region will reap from the fruit of the labour you have cultivated today.

“I have just gone through the internet to look at the contributions of this group.

The internet proves them right.

For example when men were men and women were won by those who deserve them, South-South Youth Assembly was able to prove their point. For example, when Late President Musa Yar’Adua was sick, the group made a pronouncement. When people were attacking Akpabio, the group was also there to add their voice,” he said.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013—PAGE 45

The onus lies on Jonathan to restore peace in the PDP – Hon. Odebala

BY JIMITOTAONOYUME In this interview, a former Chief Whip, Delta State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Hon Ejaife Odebala, urges President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent steps as the national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve the crisis rocking the party.

He also speaks on why his support is for Chief Ighoyota Amori for the Delta Central rerun senatorial election.

Excerpts: There is the speculation that you want to run for the Senate.

It is not politically ripe for me to run yet. For now I am giving my support to Chief Ighoyota Amori. He was a candidate of the PDP in 2011 for the senatorial election. I believe we should give him the chance to represent Delta Central. Amori has been very loyal and active politically in the PDP. He has worked faithfully for all the political leaders in the state and in Delta Central. He has been a leader to most of the politicians in the state. He has the dexterity and doggedness to represent Urhobo at this time.

While Amori was a Commissioner in Delta, he

Hon Ejaife Odebala

used to have Wednesday meetings in Asaba where people converged to discuss the interest of Urhobo people.

He influenced appointments of several Urhobo sons and daughters. As Commissioner for Education, there were scholarships for Delta children to study abroad. He gave board appointments to many. With that kind of skill in creating opportunities for Urhobo, I think that is the kind of person we need now to bring things home. We need somebody like him to build bridges. You will recall UPU visited Mr President complaining about the none representation of Urhobos in

the federal government. I believe that even though Mr President gave his word to the Urhobo leadership, there must be somebody with the competence and skill to explore opportunities for us.

Somebody should follow this statement up for the gain of the ethnic nationality.

Urhobo Political Congress, UPC, recently called on Amori not to present himself for the election.

I read the story that UPC asked Chief Amori not present himself for election. I want to say categorically that UPC as a body did not say so. . They did not say Amori should not run, it is not the position of UPC. It was that of some individuals.

Amori is the national president of UPC. There was no time that the body said he should not run.

He is the first to present himself to the body that he wants to run for the re run election. So they have confidence in him, that is why he is their president.

Amori is from Ethiope West, an area that gave over 85,000 votes to the PDP. PDP as a political party failed in several other areas in the senatorial district. It was only in Ethiope West that the party delivered the governor, House of Representatives in the senatorial district. Hon Akpodiogaga Emeyese got a little over 5,000 votes in Ethiope East. Ethiope West brought over 45,000 votes

President Jonathan coming for a second term Nigeria will be better for it. I want to commend the leaders of the party in the South-south zone

that made him win the House of Reps election. And as a show of gratitude, Hon Emeyese had to do his thanksgiving in Ethiope West. Who is more PDP in Urhobo than Amori? What are your credentials if you have not delivered the party in your area. Some said he failed in the past and that he might fail again. That is not true.

Any word on the rumoured second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan which is overheating the system?

President Goodluck Jonathan, even if he has not said he is going for election in 2015, we in the South-south are 100 percent behind him. And he will be sworn in as President in 2015. His transformation agenda in place should be encouraged. We have not been President of the country. The power sector reform, we see regular power supply to an extent now.

President Jonathan coming for a second term Nigeria will be better for it. I want to commend the leaders of the party in the South-south zone. I commend Steve Oru for his leadership in the zone. I know Oru and his team are on top of the situation in Rivers State, Tom Amioku in Delta central, they are doing a good job PDP at the national level is in disarray. What is your take?

It is of concern to all. The party is a very large family. And because of the interest of everybody, we see some friction. My advice is that the opposition parties are warming up, thinking they can take over from the party which is not possible. All political actors in the crisis from wherever should sheath their sword. Mr President should know that he is the father of the party, leader of the party. He should bring peace to the PDP family. Mr President is the leader of the party. I believe the party will overcome all the problems

PDP’s leaking umbrella is a blessing to Nigerians —Edo Majority leader

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

H

on Philip Shaibu is the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly. In this interview, Shaibu discloses the readiness of the Assembly to cooperate with the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration to ensure that all projects in the state are completed. He also speaks on some national issues. Excerpts: What will you say the House has achieved since this session started?One of the most important things that we were employed by our people to do is to make laws that will benefit them and at the end of last quarter, one important bill was passed; the antikidnapping bill and I am sure that our people welcomed it and they believe that the legislative arm has given a lot of backing to eradicating or possibly reducing the menace of kidnapping. There were also other bills that became law. We are having more motions this quarter.

There is controversy over the anti-kidnap bill as the

governor is yet to accent to it, what is the true position?

For now, we have not received official correspondence from the executive arm over the bill that we passed but for the House, we have done our own part and so we are expecting the assent of the governor and when we are communicated we will know what to do but now we have passed the bill and we are awaiting the governor’s assent.

There are worries that ongoing works in the state have slowed down considerably and that the state is broke, what is the true position?

I will not say the state is broke, but I will say the country is broke. The thing is that the governor has been shouting and getting our people to understand that the Federal Government is not doing its own part, that our allocation is not coming as and when due. When it does come, part of is deducted indiscriminately. The other day, the governor told us that over two billion Naira was deducted from our allocation and last month, there was another deduction. So, at the end of the day , you discover that the Federal Government is owing the state a lot of

Hon Philip Shaibu money. On-going projects are still on and you know the governor also avoids awarding more contracts and some are still under the design stage because Edo State does not do a job without proper designs and planning.

So things may be a little slow but work is ongoing. No contractor has abandoned any project site, you can agree with me on that. The reason many of them are not as forceful as before is because of the rainy season. As we enter the dry season, you will witness more activities on the roads. Where Abuja is affecting Edo Sate is in the area of contracts that the governor wants to award because you cannot award

new jobs when the funds you are expecting are not coming.

You have to sustain those already awarded,and ensure that contractors remain on site for those already awarded.

Is there any political undertone on this issue of non-release of allocation?

The federal government is not cutting its coat according to its cloth because media reports indicate the Federal Government is spending more than it is earning and this is affecting the states. I don’t believe it is a political thing, I see the greed of the Federal Government on the management of its activities and increasing its overhead as against working on the capital spending. You know there is also crisis of the budget between the Presidency and the National Assembly. I think the Minister of Finance is a problem to this country.

She is deceiving Nigerians.

She has an agenda to destroy the economy as against repairing it. Because for her to say only 37 per cent of Nigerian youths are unemployed speaks volume of what she is doing. It shows that she is not conversant with the Nigerian system and if she works with that system of planning for Nigeria on that basis, it shows that she does not have the statistics right.

It is a shame that the Federal

Government will come out to say people are stealing our oil. What is the Nigerian Navy doing? That means the government has failed in its responsibility, but I do not want to believe that the Federal Government has failed.

Taraba crisis It is unfortunate that the governor had to get to this level on his health. I think it is one of the carelessness that happens in a man’s life that becomes a stigma. I want to think that in the principle of equity and fairness, the ailing governor and his people should concentrate in his health to recover than to get him entangled on the political crisis that they want to create for him. If they really love him, they should pray for his quick recovery, than getting him entangled in this politics of governance. The state assembly as a matter of welfare should allow the deputy governor to continue to pilot the affairs of that state while other people that are supposed to be carried along, especially the governor’s men should be carried along since the governor was the one who picked the deputy, so the later should be loyal to the extent that his master should be taken care of.

PAGE 46—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

th

‘19 Economic Summit tackled investments in real sector’

BY UDEME CLEMENT

,

Dr. Godwin Oyedele Oyediji is a former chairman, Agriculture, Non-oil Export Trade Group, Lagos Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (LACCIMA).

He speaks on the just concluded 19th Nigeria Economic Summit (NES), the need for government to put measures in place to revamp agriculture for large scale production, the recent loan granted Nigeria by the World Bank to boost the sector for greater productivity and the state of the economy in the third quarter of 2013.

Y

OU are a stakeholder in the agric sector.

What are the economic benefits of the just concluded Nigeria Economic 19 th Summit (NES)?

The Summit provided a good platform for experts to brainstorm on measures that must be put in place to diversify the economy into agriculture, manufacturing and non-oil export sectors. Resources in the non- oil sector, particularly agriculture, if adequately harnessed, would boost economic growth now and long-term development. The Summit tackled important issues like human capital development, trade and investments in the real sector to enhance optimum growth, which are quite imperative for the economic transformation agenda of the Federal Government. Also, the Summit paved the way for local and foreign investors to see Nigeria as a good investments hub within the West African subregion.

Most discussants at the Summit focused on transformation of agriculture.

What step do you advise government to take in stimulating development in this sector?

Agriculture is a very important sector because it allows sustainable growth of the economy if adequately funded.

Developing the sector is a good initiative, as such would enable government to diversify the economy to discontinue this economic policy or budgetary system that centers on revenue from crude oil, which we do no have control over the price and demand from the international market. Therefore, in developing the sector, government must be pragmatic about implementing policies mapped out to enhance long-term economic benefits. For instance, the sector has the capacity to create not only jobs for the citizens in various locations across the country, but raw materials for the industries and sufficient food for the citizens. Also, before the discovery of crude oil, agriculture was our major source of income and our economy

experienced relative full employment and stability. This shows that agriculture is a sector that deserves needed attention to drive the nation’s economy.

Talking about job creation, can you give us statistics on the number of jobs that the sector can create either quarterly or annually?

If adequately funded, the sector can create about 500.000 jobs annually because agriculture has short and long term economic benefits.

Nigeria has a population of over 160million. As an expert in the sector, can you give us estimate of how many Nigerians are involved in agriculture currently?

Well, at present, looking at the aggregate analysis, about 70million Nigerians are into agriculture in Nigeria. These figures include direct and indirect labour work-force in the sector. This is because employment generation in this sector is often classified under skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour. This implies that with the population of over 160million people, agriculture can take 50 per cent of the entire work-force of Nigeria, noting fully well that 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population are youths from 15 years and above.

Agriculture can also generate revenue as additional source of income-flow in the economy. For us to achieve this, large scale farming with modern tools must be encouraged at different places across the country. Aside from that, the farm produce must be exported to other countries in order to attract foreign exchange for Nigeria’s economy. This is what obtains in advanced countries where modern agriculture is practiced.

Recently, the World Bank granted Nigeria $300million credit facility to boost agriculture. Why is Nigeria taking external loan when government is saving money in

For Nigeria to stop excessive importation, we must improve our production capacity to meet the increasing demand in the market

Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF)?

The approval of such a whooping sum for the sector is a welcome development but the most important thing is prudent utilisation of the money to achieve the intended purpose in the long-run. The World Bank granted that loan because they have seen the indices of growth and future prospect in

,

Nigeria’s economy. So, we must realise that this is a credit facility provided in foreign currency, which is also expected to be paid back in foreign currency as well.

Beyond that, we need massive investments in agriculture to enhance food security for Nigeria.

Don’t you foresee any

Bank urges customers to imbibe saving culture

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

U

NITY bank has urged Nigerians to cultivate the culture of saving as a tool for achieving financial stability and other economic goals in life.

The bank harped on the need to save financially during the draws for its 3-In-1 Aim, Save and Win Promo held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to reward some of its South Zone customers Zonal Head, South at Unity Bank, Dac Chukwura, advised participants to desist from waiting to earn big before

considering saving on incomes, adding that the essence of the promo was to encourage customers to develop the culture of saving and to drive retail banking to the grassroots.

In the draws held in Port Harcourt, Agoho Gabriel who banks with a Nenin branch got the star prize of a soundproof generator for categories of customers with minimum N100, 000 account balance while Ajamomu Philip Ethemena from Ozoro branch got an LED TV star prize for the N10,000 customer among other categor y, winners.

From left: Music Art, Harrysong; MTN Specialist, Digital Marketing, Mr Arafat Manliki; MTN Ambassador, KCee and Manager Events and Sponsorship,MTN Mr Dola Bamgboye, during the launch of MTN Songstar Application, in Abuja

problem with the loan in future?

My only fear is the exchange rate of the Naira to Dollar in the capital market.

For instance, the World Bank has just approved this loan for Nigeria and the exchange rate now is between N155 to N160 per Dollar. In future, the exchange rate can increase from N160 to N180, and if that happens, paying the loan back becomes very difficult.

Some Economists at the Summit also lamented about excessive importation of consumable items by Nigerians. What is the way out of this?

For Nigeria to stop excessive importation, we must improve our production capacity to meet the increasing demand in the market. For instance, Nigeria imports milk estimated at the monetary value of about $1million daily for local consumption. This shows that, there is the urgent need to improve milk and meat production in the country instead of spending so much on excessive importation of goods that can be produced locally. The issue is that, this money is spent in the face of increasing unemployment and poverty, when we can adequately harness the livestock potentials in Nigeria to produce these goods here.

The current import regime of more than 90 per cent of our milk requirement is worrisome, even as the wastage of the minimal local production is getting out of hand. The reality is that, excessive importation of goods is not helping our economy because it paves the way for capital flight.

Pharmaceutical society marks 20

T

HE society of Pharmacist under the auspices of, Pharmaton 693 CMSL, last week, celebrated their 20 th anniversary.

Speaking at the event, the president of the association, Gafar Medehin, noted that the society was able to attain an enviable height because of the discipline and commitment of its members. “ Over the years, the society has undergone tremendous transformation and together as a team, they have attained the enviable position of being one of the three best managed community-based cooperative societies in Lagos State and has also joined the league millionaire societies with limited membership.“ Pharmacist Deji Osinoiki FPSN expressed joy that some young pharmacists could come together 20 years ago and run a viable cooperative society.

He opined that if other pharmacists could copy this model, the issue facing the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria would be solved.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 47 sameyoboka@yahoo.com

08023145567 (sms only)

CAN, others blast el-Rufai

By SAM EYOBOKA & CALEB ANYASINA

L

IKE Macbeth in one of Shakespeare's epic dra mas, erstwhile Minister of Federal Capital Territory and Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai appears to have murdered sleep and will find it difficult to sleep as he continues to receive knocks from different Christian groups and individuals following his comments in an interview he granted Saturday Sun recently.

In the interview entitled: “My problem with Atiku, Obasanjo” Mallam el-Rufai was reported to have attacked the personality of President Goodluck Jonathan and the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Recent verbal attacks on the progenitor of the Christian faith and its leaders by el-Rufai and other influential Islamic officials, have attracted the wrath of CAN in the 17 Southern states, a coalition of Christian youth organizations across the country, The Christian Youth Vanguard, CYV, which expressed its anger by threatening to retaliate with equal measure in case of any further verbal attacks and several other Christian organisations like The TEKAN whose National Youth President, Dr. Samuel Nanle, described the former minister as a deficit to the newly All Progressive Congress (APC).

A senatorial aspirant for Edo Central, Mr. Egheomhanre Emmanuel Eyieyien in a separate statement urged other Christian groups to respond to the outbursts of the ex-minister, noting that lies have a way of being perceived as truth if often repeated.

CAN, in the 17 Southern States condemned the abuses and insults meted to the CAN National President, Pastor Oritsejafor, by calling him names and "this has become unacceptable to us. He (el-Rufai) is barking at nothing instead of seeking solutions to the crises rocking the nation. We are saying today that we shall not tolerate further abuses on any Christian leader else we shall start insulting leaders of other religious groups likewise,” General Secretary, CAN South, Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa warned.

“No man has the monopoly of abuses. El Rufai was a Minister of FCT and nobody has said anything about his tenure at the FCT. Nobody had asked how many plots of land el-Rufai and his wives and concubines have in Abuja? Enough is enough,” he stated.

The CYV threat is coming on the heels of his tweets on the

person of Jesus Christ and the minister's recent vituperations that the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and its National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor have become appendages of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In a statement made available to Sunday Vanguard which was signed by the group's national co-ordinator, Mr. Yakubu Mecham and secretary, Mr. Emeka Okoli, CYV argued that going by el-Rufai’s uncomplimentary remarks against *CAN National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor CAN, Pastor Oritsejafor and the Christian faith A word, they say, is enough for the wise. Come in Nigeria, it’s obvious that to think of it, between our CAN President and "someone needs to help el-Rufai the Sultan of Sokoto who is more guilty of those before he goes completely men- inglorious remarks by el-Rufai? Does el-Rufai tal." not know that the Sultan’s second office outside Sokoto is Aso Rock Villa where he gets a lot of patronage? Does he not know that there Blasphemous is hardly any state governor who does not host remarks The statement maintained that the Christian Youths who have been restrained over the years by their elders may be forced to deploy unorthodox means by beaming its searchlight on Prophet Mohammed and the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. The group recalled how el-Rufai not too long ago "made blasphemous and abominable tweets about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," adding "and it was swept under the carpet for the sake of peace."

The group queried what would have happened if such blasphemous remarks were made about the Prophet Mohammed, cautioning desperate politicians to stop acts that capable of plunging the nation into any further crises. According to the statement: "Enough of these insults on our Christian faith and our CAN President! The CYV hereby notify el-Rufai and his group of unpatriotic Nigerians that we will not sit back and tolerate insults directed at our Christian leaders any longer.

"We wish to stress very emphatically that henceforth any further careless statement, comment or insult on our faith or on the person of the CAN President will be reciprocated in equal measure.

We wish to stress very emphatically that henceforth any further careless statement, comment or insult on our faith or on the person of the CAN President will be reciprocated in equal measure the Sultan at regular intervals?

Dangerous incitement "Why is it that el-Rufai and his cohorts do not attack the Sultan with such disparaging comments?", the group wondered, asking why the CAN President has always been at wrung of el-Rufai's verbal attacks "which by extension are insults to the entire Christian Community in Nigeria. Is it because the CAN president was bold enough to call for the arrest of a bigot, a serial election loser, a Muslim fanatic, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). Is it not a well known fact that the unguarded statements and dangerous incitements by Buhari at a very critical and volatile period of the nation's history, laid the foundation for the insurgencies we are witnessing in most northern states today?"

Similarly, TEKAN, a conglomeration of 13 church groups in the North, expressed disgust at the ex-minister's comments, saying that it was unfortunate that APC which claims to

be a credible political platform is parading people like el-Rufai, admonishing the party to address deficit it brought into itself at the early stage.

Nanle, in a statement in Abuja, said that they would not be surprised to see elRufai later singing down fall of APC when the chips are down.

“It is regrettable that a party like APC which claims to be a credible platform parades the likes of elRufai who went on self-exile to run away from the fangs of the law during the days of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.

As interim deputy national secretary of the APC, we would ask the APC to address the credibility deficit he brings to the party early enough if the party is to be taken seriously. Just like when this canary was singing all hail Obasanjo and Atiku, now he is singing all hail Buhari, the very person he said was not fit to govern a local government, he will no doubt sing crucify the APC when the chips are down,” TEKAN warned.

The group further noted that “the stock in trade of the likes of elRufai to draw attention to himself when he is being forgotten is not new to us: and such his remark at best should fall flat and remain only news to the ears of those who are new to his antics of seeking to put behind the tale of his incredible service in our country."

The senatorial aspirant also lamented that despite the former

minister's state of mind, he remains the deputy National General Secretary of APC and some people listen to him.

Conspiracy to ridicule

According to him, "CAN cannot and should not ignore elRufai's outbursts because lies have a way of being perceived as truth when often repeated. ElRufai has taken up a crusade against the CAN president, Pastor Oritsejafor and has said several damaging things. He claims he knows the person who bought a jet which members of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, contributed money to buy as a gift for Pastor Oritsejafor to celebrate his birthday and his 40th Year in Ministry," Mr. Eyieyien stated.

Continuing, he said CAN has challenged el-Rufai to disclose who he says actually provided the funds for the jet. "How can such an issue be ignored by CAN when it calls to question the integrity of the official leader of Christians in Nigeria? Would Muslims ignore a conspiracy to ridicule and malign the Sultan of Sokoto, the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the leader of Muslims in Nigeria?

"How can el-Rufai say the CAN president is the 'propaganda spokesman of the PDP and some people cannot see the agenda at play? Is the CAN president a politician? Is he a member of any political party?" Mr. Eyieyien asked, maintaining that as the head of an umbrella body for all Christians in Nigeria, Pastor Oritsejafor cannot but speak on issues which have political implications.

"Does that make him a 'politician' or a 'PDP propaganda spokesman'? What insult!!! Have past CAN presidents like Anthony Cardinal Okogie, His Eminence Sunday Mbang, Archbishop Peter Jasper Akinola and John Cardinal Onaiyekan been apolitical? Did they not comment on issues in our polity? Were they then politicians? The CAN president must speak on any matter that concerns the Church and Christians in Nigeria. But he is non-partisan and cannot even be since his people, Christians, are from all tribes and geo-political zones in the country and there are Christian politicians in all political parties.

"El-Rufai is not just speaking for himself; he speaks for the APC and the feudal northern Islamists (as distinct from ordinary Muslims) who see the unity of Christians nationwide as a threat to their political interests particularly with regard to the 2015 Presidential Election."

PAGE 48—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

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N May 28, 2004, I was in vited to minister at the Holy Ghost Night of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The Lord gave me a message entitled: “Electricity;” based on this scripture: “It happened on a certain day, as (Jesus) was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.”

(Luke 5:17).

Jesus’ audience did not know the power of the Lord was present while he was preaching.

They only realised this when he healed a paralytic. Similarly, the Lord told me that for centuries upon centuries, men could not comprehend electricity. Although it always existed, few were aware of it. Until one day, electricity was discovered and we began to tap into it.

So at the appropriate time, the Lord told me to proclaim “electricity” to the unsuspecting congregation in Abakaliki.

When I did, the atmosphere suddenly became spiritually-charged. The power of God started moving and the people were shouting and falling like tops. Miracles ensued. Many were healed of diseases. The Lord even told me to proclaim changes in diseased blood.

Afterwards, people with AIDS came looking for me in Lagos all the way from Abakaliki and Enugu because they had

GOD IS TALKING TO YOU (1) heard of the service and wanted their blood changed. I had to appeal to them that I cannot heal anybody. It was the Lord’s doing, and it was marvelous in my eyes.

The voice of God As it is with the power of God, so it is with the voice of God. God is speaking, but many are not aware of it. Many Christians don’t know that God talks directly to each and every one of us today. Then there are those who don’t think he would want to talk to them personally. They just don’t think they are important enough or spiritual enough. However, Solomon says: “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7).

Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, also says: “According to your faith, let it be to you." (Matthew 9:29). Therefore, if we are not careful, our unbelief can make us clinically deaf to God. Do you realise that, as you are reading this, the Voice of Nigeria is being broadcast? The reason you cannot hear it is because you don’t have a radio. Or maybe you have a radio but your radio is not turned on. Or your radio is on but is not

There is a phone-call for you, and it is God who is on the line tuned to Voice of Nigeria. So it is with the Voice of God. God is speaking to you and you actually have a radio. But your radio may be turned off.

Or your radio might not be tuned to the God Channel. It may be permanently set to the World Channel.

Gloria Copeland wanted to hear from God. So she decided to tune her “radio.” She read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John again and again.

After a few days of this, she heard a still, small voice from within. “Gloria,” it said, “the light is on in your car.”

Surely that could not be God, thought Gloria.

If it was God, he would talk about something of far greater consequence.

Like many highfalutin Christians, Gloria did not know that God is concerned with even the smallest practical details of our lives. Finally, after a few more entreaties, she decided to check, just in case.

Then she discovered that the light was indeed on in her car. Soon, she

realised the import of that disclosure. She was home alone, with two small children. If the light had remained on in her car, the battery would have run down and she would have been marooned at home in the snow.

Hear and understand The God who answers our prayers can hear us.

The psalmist asks: “He who planted the ear, does he not hear?” (Psalm 94:9). Of course he does!

Moreover, God gave us ears to make us understand that we can hear from him. The question then is this: is God talking to you? Or does God only talk to the Adeboyes and the Oyedepos?

Don’t believe the lie.

God is talking to you.

There is nothing special about the Adeboyes and Oyedepos, except perhaps that they insist on hearing from God. There is a phone-call for you, and it is God who is on the line. God does not just speak to priests and

pastors, or to the socalled “great men of God.” There are actually no great men of God. There are only children of God. God speaks to everyone. In the scriptures, God spoke to little Samuel instead of high priest Eli. God spoke to Adam and Eve. Even after they sinned and fell, he still continued to talk to them and they were able to hear his voice. No less remarkable is God’s conversation with Cain, even after he had murdered his own brother.

This demonstrates that our ability to hear God is not based on our personal holiness or on the calibre of our personal relationship with God. God appeared to Abimelech, a pagan Egyptian pharaoh, and spoke to him. An angel of the Lord appeared to unbeliever Cornelius in a dream and gave him an elaborate set of divine instructions. If God talks to unbelievers, if he talks to murderers, how could you possibly think that God does not want to talk to you?

Listen and answer I was told the testimony of a lady. She had given a special present

Nigeria must tackle corruption, says Pastor Kpandei

C

HAIRMAN, Bonmenebari Leadership Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Pastor Charles Kpandei has stressed the need for Nigerians to eschew corruption to ensure a better future for the country. He stated this during the maiden edition of

Bonmenebari Leadership Foundation graduation, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Speaking further, Kpandei said it is time for Nigerians to join hands with government to eradicate corruption in the country, stressing that all hands must be on deck to get rid of monster, noting: “It is not

TREM hosts Manufacturing Sector

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HE Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) will this morning hold the 11th edition of her special Corporate Social Responsibility programme tagged BLENT (Breeding Leaders for Empowerment and National Transformation).

Time: 8.00 a.m.

The theme for this September edition is; “Nigeria: From a Consumption to a production oriented economy” with Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, erstwhile president/CEO Niemeth Pharmaceutical Plc and former

chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group as the keynote speaker and Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the presiding bishop of TREM as the chief host.

The objective of BLENT is primarily to support government initiatives at all levels and provide a platform to positively challenge the leaders of the country to rise up to a responsible governance which is the hallmark of true leadership.

Over the years, various topics have been treated during the BLENT events.

enough to criticise leaders.

Many Nigerians, for lack of knowledge about the role of leadership worship leaders and create problems for those who are put in leadership positions.

We criticise them ignorantly not knowing that we are part of the problem.”

The guest speaker, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Lagos State,

Pastor Ben Akabueze in his speech titled: “Are you ready to lead”, attributed inadequate preparation as one of the major challenges confronting leaders in the country. He urged churches to pay adequate attention to imparting leadership skill either through formal training or apprenticeship.

to her son, Austin, and the boy was over the moon. But one day, Austin could not find his present. He searched all over but could not find it, so he came crying to his mother. The mother suggested different locations for him to look, but with every suggestion, Austin came back even more distressed that it was not there. Finally, the Lord spoke to the mother: “Tell Austin to go to his room and ask me where his toy is and I will tell him.”

The mother was a bit apprehensive. What if she got it wrong and the Lord does not tell Austin anything? Nevertheless, she said to him: “Go to your room and ask God to tell you where it is.”

Austin went dutifully to his room. A few minutes later, the mother heard a big shout and a scream.

She was initially concerned that her son might have had an accident; but only long enough for Austin to come running, all shook up. “Mummy, mummy,” he exclaimed, his present in his hand and a big smile across his face, “God spoke to me!”

It was not lost on the mother that the fact that God had spoken to Austin was now more important to him than the fact that he had found his missing toy.

The Lord God Almighty, the maker of the heavens and the earth, is your God, whether you realise it or not. He wants to have a relationship with you. Over the next couple of weeks, I will endeavour to show you how you too can hear the voice of God.

Nigeria lacks moral leaders

Continued from Page 46 attempt by Government to oppress the organsitaions, saying that the law has always been there but it getting rave criticism now because the Corporate Affairs Commission have just decided to perform its statutory functions of monitoring organisations registered by it. Kasali, however, urged the EFCC not descriminate against any religion.

Odeleke urges holy living, ordains new ministers

By OLAYINKA LATONA

I

T was a time of celebra tion and thanksgiving as members and well wishers all gathered at the headquarters of Power Pentecostal Church, Okota, Lagos to celebrate the church's annual convention tagged: “Increase in Favour”.

The event which was well attended by participants within and outside the state was geared towards liberating people from the shackles of the en-

emy was presided over by the founder, Bishop Bola Odeleke.

The church national choir ministered in various songs to appreciate God for many years of fruitful ministry while the church leader used the occasion to ordain deserving members as deaconesses, evangelists, pastors and prophets respectively.

The Children Department was not left out in the celebration as the children were rewarded in accordance with their peformance during the

National Quiz programme, Ota Region came third, Ikotun second position while Ibadan region came first.

Bishop Odeleke in her sermon tagged: “Baptism of Favour,” urged members to shun sin and live holy lives, increase in faith and God, in His mercy, will show them favour.

Citing various biblical characters, the woman of God explained that God chooses whom He wants to bless despite their weaknesses or shortcomings.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22 22, 2013, PAGE 49 chimeena@yahoo.com 08056180157

By JAPHET ALAKAM LECTURE

*One of the stunning images by Cedric Nunn, funeral of two youths abducted and killed in the Natal war, KwaZulu, Natal,

South Africa’s Cedric Nunn brings apartheid images to Nigeria together to celebrate his 30 years engagement as a photographer. And as PHOTOGRAPHY the title suggests, Nunn who felt he has a vocation and that he can answer its call through his photography, here, FTER showing the captures powerful imagery dating back exhibition extensively in to the 1970s of economic, cultural, and South Africa and socio-political events in South Africa’s Mozambique, internationally recent history including the civil war renowned South African artist in Mozambique, the forced exodus of Cedric Nunn finally brought his people in KwaZulu- Natal and the one-man show to Nigeria. The l i v i n g conditions of The travelling exhibition offers Nithe black gerians stunning real images that tell population in the story of the apartheid system Johannesburg.

He has always better than what many knew about it kept human

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

A

,

documentary photography exhibition tagged Call and Response, an exhibition of blackand-white photographs by, Cedric Nunn is organised by The Ben Enwonwu Foundation (BEF) in conjunction with South African-based Galerie Seippel. The exhibition which is the artist’s first time in Nigeria was declared open on September 14 at Omenka Gallery, Lagos and will run till October 3, 2013.

Featuring over 30 real images all in black and white that captures some of the defining moments in South Africa, the travelling exhibition which has already recorded successes at other prestigious exhibition centres all over the world which is now on view finally offering Nigerians stunning images that tell the story of the apartheid system better than what many knew about it.

For the excited Cedric, who confessed that he came into photography as a means of finding a medium to express and articulate several issues, the exhibition was put

,

beings – and their cultural, economic, and social situation – at the centre of his creative work.

“I was particularly struck by the racism in my own mixed-race community and sought to understand this and why it was that mixed-race people were so prone to alcoholism, unemployment, broken marriages, teenage pregnancy, and other social ills” reveals the artist.

Though the pictures are elemental in a way art rarely is anymore. They seem to emerge from a place that is at once archetypal and very much of this world. Although the images are black-and-white photographs, mostly shot among the crumbling buildings, sweltering cane fields and burnedout savannas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, they sometimes evoke Renaissance masterworks with their balance and quiet power. In one stunning print, Nunn manages to capture people in his photographs in

an incredibly sensitive and truthful way. For example the incredible image Deborah Eksteen and Noel Norris Visiting the Grave of Deborah´s Recently Deceased Father.

In this shot he captures the whole tragedy and beauty of live. The couple, just married, is embracing each other beside the graveyard of her father. Relatives beside the scene are deeply involved emotionally.

Once one has seen this image one will remember it forever.

A Tenant Farmer Family Evicted from White-owned Land from 1988 was photographed in Weenen, KwaZulu-Natal. The complete tragedy of the apartheid system is given a face in this photograph. The poor family was forced to leave their land and instead live in tents. It is a quiet but strong image for the system of oppression, similar to the photograph “Migrant Worker from the Eastern Cape on a Sugar Farm from 1987. A young black man stands with his guitar in front of endless fields of sugar cane. Cedric Nunn, or rather his photographs have given a voice to all these people.

Dignity of subjects According to Dr Ralf- P. Seippel, curator at Bailey Sieppel Gallery in South Africa, “However difficult their circumstances, Nunn manages to capture people in an incredibly humane way in his photographs. His images preserve the dignity of both his subjects and his audience:’ For Mr Oliver Enwonwu, the director of The Ben Enwonwu Foundation and curator, Omenka Gallery, “one of the reasons for bringing the show to Nigeria is the close history that South Africa shares with Nigeria. The political upheaval and events of the apartheid regime in South Africa resonate strongly with the Biafra - Nigeria Civil War from 1967 - 1970, that claimed an estimated 3 million lives.

“Through compelling but yet subtle photographs, Call and Response tells the story of a people who existed on the fringes of reckoning, and conserves a memory that is timeless as it sparks significant contemporary discourse.

Three shortlisted for Nigeria Prize for Literature

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU LITERATURE

T

HE Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Litera ture has released the final shortlist of three Poets for the 2013 edition of the prize. The three shortlisted writers, are Tade Ipadeola (The Sahara Testaments), Amu Nnadi (Through the window of a sandcastle) and Promise Ogochukwu (Wild Letters).

The final shortlist of three follows an initial shortlist of eleven; Obi Nwakamma, Afam Ake, Ede Amatoritsero, Nnadi Amu, Iquo Eke and Ogochukwu Promise. Others were Egbewo G’ebinyo, Gomba Obari, Tade Ipadeola , Launko Okinba and Raji Remi which were selected out of a total of 201 books submitted for this year’s prize.

The prize which is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited according to the chairman of the Advisory Board, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, rotates yearly amongst four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature. The 2013 prize is for poetry and comes with a cash prize of $100, 000.” The eventual winner of the competition will be announced at a World Press Conference on 9th October, 2013.

Poet and Lawyer, Tade Ipadeola who lives in Ibadan from where he writes and practices law has authored three volumes of poetry along with other published short stories and essays. He is the current President of PEN International, Nigeria Centre, an organization which promotes literature and advocates freedom of expression.

Amu Nnadi’s debut Poetry won the maiden edition of ANA/ NDDC Gabriel Okara Prize for Poetry. He is also the author of pilgrim’s passage. Nnadi, who is renowned for writing poetry without punctuation and capital letters as well as publishes without any personal data and name, lives in Port Harcourt, and currently works at the Niger Delta Development Commission.

O

gochukwu Promise, a PhD holder in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, has published several literary works including novels, children’s literature, short stories, drama, poetry and essays. In 2005, Ogochukwu was on the shortlist of three for The Nigeria Prize for Literature with her volume of poetry, Naked Among These Hills. She lives in Lagos, where she is actively involved in various charity programmes and activities.

PAGE 50—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22 22, 2013

NAL addresses decaying nation’s values

T

LECTURE

he Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), held its 15th Convocation Lecture and the investiture of new fellows, penultimate week at the University of Lagos(UNILAG) and topping the agenda at the occasion was the need to address the decaying values of Nigeria.

The occasion which had its theme as “Nigeria’s Cultural Tapestry” witnessed a large turnout from the academia and fellows of the Academy who appeared in their best to felicitate with their colleagues, stakeholders in the education sector as well as friends.

NAL president, Prof Munzali Jibril in his opening speech, lamented the level of moral decadence amongst Nigerians adding that, although it is almost 2 years to 2015, life is gradually grinding to a halt because of the attitudes of politicians.” He regretted that the level of corruption and looting of wealth continues to soar while the level of poverty and suffering of the masses continues to rise. Prof Jibril therefore, charged the elite to rise up and contribute their quota to help rescue Nigeria from her

present status, stressing that if they fail to do so, it will be hijacked by angry youths.

In a Lecture titled “Nigeria’s Cultural Tapestry and the Challenge of Development”, Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, FNAL and Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University Imota, Lagos discussed the central issue of diversity, which is critical to development in plural societies and of course its reoccurrence as an “issue in the post-Amalgamation history of Nigeria in view of “the challenges of nation-building

,

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

country as he observed that “No nation can develop beyond the knowledge and teaching of its history, a subject that shortsighted Nigeria. To him, “a better Nigeria is possible if Nigerian history is taught in schools as a compulsory subject to equip citizens with a

• Workshop session for budding writers

Leadership deficit is a major disaster that has befallen postindependence Nigeria

which seem to have defied the best efforts of our leaders and countrymen.”

His lecture therefore, focused on the interlocking issues of leadership, governance, diversity and development, while bringing out the relationship between diversity and development.

The respected don also emphasized the significance of the introduction of History of Nigeria in the curricular of schools throughout the

,

sound knowledge of the society that they may have to govern some day in future and whose peoples they must understand and interact with.

H

e outlined the benefits of culture which he said is key to development in the areas of, contributing to the global economy through tourism which is one of the fastest growing business sectors, investment in culture-related activities to revitalise the

Lindy Gems set to explore children’s talents with Funday

economy by utilizing cultural heritage and cultural events to improve the image of the country and attract investment and visitors which in turn, stimulate urban development, among others.

Other issues touched were public conduct in high places, noise pollution in cities, waste mismanagement and Police brutality against innocent citizens The link between the reality of diversity and the aspiration of development he said, is leadership and therefore, “leadership deficit is a major disaster that has befallen postindependence Nigeria, and it seems to be a component of our anti-developmental culture. as already indicated. What Ni-

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

W

I

n line with its vision to build self motivated, balanced and confident children across Nigeria and Africa as a whole, Lindy ’s Gems Foundation is set for this year’s edition of Funday.

This year’s event with the theme “Nigerian folktale in Colours” will take place on the 19th of October, 2013 at MuriOkunola Park VI by 10 am.

The theme is centred on exploring the minds of our future leaders and their interpretation of our folktales in Arts (pictures, crafts etc), even as the country celebrate her Independence. This theme will expose our underprivileged children to the world of art (against all odds).

The idea is to trigger the creative and artistic instincts in these children and for them to appreciate the value they can get through the Arts and begin to nurture dreams that can make them better people and in turn great leaders, says Mrs. Eme Aderinokun who is the brain behind this laudable cause.

“This year’s Funday event will be represented by 3 communities: Ajiran community Lekki consisting of children from

Ajiran community school and Supreme Montessori School;

• Children in an art workshop Itedo community Lekki represented by Itedo community school and Pinefield School; Victoria Island community represented by Victoria Island primary school and Corona School VI. These 3 communities will have the task of interpreting one of our Nigerian folktales in an art work.

“In line with our drive to promote Arts in the lives of these children, 3 galleries/Museum have signed up to work with the children representing these impoverished communities: Nike Gallery, Terra Kulture and Didi Museum. These Galleries/ Museum will work hand in hand with the children to produce an

art piece that will be judged at the competition on October 19th, 2013.

Resource persons to act as

judges and mentors of the event include, Jahman Anikulapo, Mrs. Mobalaji Adenubi amongst other notable arts lovers and promoters.

“T shirts, one of our key tools will be given out free to children.

The T shirts unify all children in attendance. This is one of the tools we use to bridge the gap between the privileged and less privileged children.”

L

indy ’s Gems Foundation was established in July 2009 under the Family Funday platform to develop the Nigerian child’s physical and emotional balance (especially children in Orphanages and impoverished communities) through organised play.

The Foundation holds its program every year in the month of October and has had four successful outings between 2010 to date with a crowd size of over 3000 children and adults.

A

ccording to him, “Select our “First Eleven” regardless of ethnicity, religion and politics.

Let federal character and quota system go on recess, while we build a country for all. Adopt asymmetrical federalism, which privileges the so-called minorities in holding sensitive positions, since they are not likely to be accused of wanting to dominate.

The three new fellows inducted were Professors A Olaniyan, Ishaq Olorode and Eno-AbasidUrua.

The lessons of life after pressure

BY JAPHET ALAKAM WORKSHOP

geria needs to bridge this chasm is the leadership that can envision, strategise and actualise.”

REVIEW

ith the present economic situation in Nigeria, where the corrupt leaders had made life difficult and people tend to identify only with those that made it , there is the need for one to be focused and dedicated to his work so that he can be able to make it and be recognised by his kinsmen. But the ugly side of it is that while one is planning for a smooth ride to success, the challenges of life always call on their way thus making it difficult to attain to that level.

This is what is at the heart of After Pressure, the debut novel by upcoming writer Eze Rita Ogochukwu. In the 46 page, six chapters book published by Amah press Owerri, the young graduate paints a picture of a family whose life was filled with a kind of unpredictable and incomprehensible tales and how they were treated by their towns folk in different situations.

The book tells the story of Mr Okafor who was described as a kind man, how he battles to make it in life but was cut down by death, and his children tries to pick up but were also confronted by the trials of life until succuor came their way and they laughed at last. In broad strokes, the novel

explores the challenges that confront man in his quest to make a living.

After Pressure is a beginners attempt to express her love for writing, though it is written for young readers especially pupils in the lower classes with some moral lessons for every body, but the book lacked the basic ingredients that makes a good book.

The business of writing books is not an all comers affair, any person who is interested should learn the basic skills and make use of the services of good editors and publishers who will help him to come out with something good for the reading public. However, I commend the author for making her dreams come true.

After Pressure; Eze Rita Ogochukwu; Amah press Owerri, Nigeria; 2011; PP. 46

H

Love

People no longer believe in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. They are beginning to believe that a very few times in your life if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you.

Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together. Cheers! i,

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PAGE 52 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Between Amaechi and sycophants

BY AUSTIN OBI VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF A call to ignore those in opposition to Rivers State governor

A

CAMPAIGN of calumny and unwarranted attack on the person and office of our mentor and governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, by an imaginary body that identified itself as ‘Concerned Citizens of Rivers State’ – with no treacable address, published in The Nation of Tuesday, September 17, 2013 (at page 61) – is rather unfortunate.

The statement by the ‘faceless’ group, signed by one Ephraim Nwuzi, centres on three areas, viz: (i) the motive of our celebrated governor in receiving President Goodluck Jonathan recently at the Port Harcourt International Airport; (ii) the siege on the governor’s convoy and the prevention of the governor from entering Government House – his official residence - as well as (iii) the persistent call for Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu’s redeployment from Rivers State.

Remarkably, ‘Concerned Citizens of Rivers State’ is not known in the state and, perhaps, merely came into

existence over night, ostensibly in search of political relevance; so one shouldn’t have bothered to react to the statement so as not to give credence , legitimacy and undue publicity to it, but I consider it incumbent upon me to do so in order to put the records

,

VIEWPOINT

Police partisanship must stop immediately because it poses a threat to our nascent democracy. Our police force must concentrate solely on providing safety and security for Nigerians who face ongoing daily threats of violence and kidnappings”

,

straight and abort the group’s motive of misleading the public to believe its statement.

Ephraim Nwuzi is a former chairman of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State who has no basis whatsoever to attack a performing governor.

Here is a man who came begging

Amaechi for appointment after his tenure as council chairman but was turned down. I am not surprised now that he is spear-heading this outrageous campaign of calumny against our pillar of democracy.

Nwuzi’s query of the motive of Amaechi in receiving Jonathan recently at the Port Harcourt airport smacks of lack of knowledge of constitutional and statutory provisions in such matters. It is the statutory obligation of a state governor to play host to the president while either on a visit to his state or during a stop-over.

Amaechi as a law-abiding and exemplary leader who has respect for constituted authority and holds the office of the president in high esteem, did just that –so his action cannot be faulted , under any guise!

His justification of the siege on Amaechi’s convoy and his prevention by the police from entering Government House, his official residence, merely exposes him as uncivilised.

Let me draw his attention to the widespread condemnation that greeted the ignoble act of the police. Here is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s reaction, for instance: “(The action of the police) is both incomprehensible and outrageous, for the police to subject Ameachi to harassment and humiliation. We were highly embarrassed by the excesses

and open political partisanship (of the police) against a democraticallyelected governor who is also the chief security officer of the state... It’s regrettable that the persistent harassment of the governor has gone too far to be tolerated by descent public opinion and other leaders...Police partisanship must stop immediately because it poses a threat to our nascent democracy. Our police force must concentrate solely on providing safety and security for Nigerians who face ongoing daily threats of violence and kidnappings”. (i) Nwuzi’s query of the repeated call for Mbu’s redeployment is myopic.

Rivers people and Nigerians at large have since spoken on the issue and are resolute that the Federal Government should redeploy Mbu. The National Assembly waded into the ‘Rivers crises’ before it proceeded on annual recess in July and the ‘wise men and women’ passed a resolution that Mbu should be redeployed.

Nigerians should ignore such rabblerousers and babblers like Nwuzi, and disregard their postulations and vituperations – as expressed in the said publication.

*OBI is the National Co-ordinator of Ndoni Vanguard, Rivers State.

Another SAN from the academia

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE TRIBUTE IN BRIEF Honour for the man to whom honour is due

O

N Monday, 23, September, no fewer than 15 lawyers who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession and academia will be honoured with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title by the National Judicial Council (NCJ). The title equivalent to the British Queen’s Counsel (QC) is the highest honour that every lawyer and those in academia hopes to obtain in their chosen profession.

The 2013 honours list included one from the academia. He is Prof.

Lawrence Asekome Atsegbua, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Benin.

Born in Kaduna in 1962 of Edo State parentage from Agenebode in Etstako East local government area, Atsegbua attended the Eghosa Grammar School Benin-City (I973 – 1978) where he had his West African Examination Certificate and the G.C.E O/L before proceeding to London where he read for the Advanced Level from 19791981 under the Davies Liang Tutors.

Between 1981 -1984, he studied at

,

TRIBUTE

Atsegbua has attended and presented papers at several conferences and seminars within and outside the country and a member of several professional bodies

,

the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England for his Bachelor ’s of Law (LL.B) and came out with 2nd Class Upper before proceeding to the University of London (Queen Mary College, England) for Master of Laws (LL.M). He came to Nigeria to attend the Nigerian Law School, Lagos for his Barrister-at Law, LL.B in 1985 – 1986 and the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme between 1986 and 1987.

He was at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada where he bagged Master of Laws (LL.M) specializing in Petroleum L aw.

Atsegbua, who has been teaching at

Prof. Lawrence Asekome Atsegbua the University of Benin for over two decades, held several positions in the university before his appointment as Dean, Faculty of Law, on 1 July, 2010.

He was Acting Dean of Law, Assistant Dean of Law, Examination Officer, Member Faculty Board of Studies, Acting Head, Business Law Department, General Editor, University of Benin Law Journal, Acting Head, Public Law Department , Head, Department of Public Law and several other appointments, The subjects he taught include Administrative Law, Law of Torts, Law of Evidence, Petroleum law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, Com-

parative Administrative Law and Advanced Oil and Gas Law. He has contributed over 65 articles published in reputable foreign journals and local and had won several academic laurels including the Honorable N.D McDermid Scholarship in Law, awarded by the Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Canada (1991/ 1992), Best Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Benson Idahosa University, Benin (2008 – 2009), Best Associate Lecturer, Benson Idahosa University, Benin awarded by the Association of Private Universities of Nigeria.

He has been an External Examiner to several universities in the country including the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Ebonyi State University, Delta State University, Abraka and Igbinedion University, Okada.

Atsegbua has attended and presented papers at several conferences and seminars within and outside the country and a member of several professional bodies. He has supervised over 80 LL.M post graduate projects and several postgraduate, Ph.D thesis. H e had written and published over seven books and coauthored over five others.

Fondly called ‘the Teacher’, Atsegbua is married with children and his hobbies include traveling, reading and writing.

PAGE 53 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Brazil 2014: Nigerians shouldn’t celebrate yet BYADEGBENRO ADEBANJO

E

XPECTEDLY some Nigerians are already celebrating the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Yet there are still two crucial mandatory matches to be played and the Eagles must win the matches for the country’s flag to be hoisted in Brazil, the land of the legendary Pele who held the World spellbound with his football wizardry and inimitable artistry and mastery of the round leather game in the days of yore.

Those who are celebrating hold that the Eagles last opponent, the Ethiopian National football team, will be a piece of cake. They are also buoyed by the chorus of ‘ we will decimate the Ethiopians’ coming from some key players of the Super Eagles and the so called pundits of the game. The optimists, many of them abound in the land, believe that the two matches will be a walkover and the Eagles will break little or no sweat on their way to Brazil due to what they describe as the most favourable pairing in the final qualifying round for

the World Cup. The statistics supports this optimism. Head to head, Nigeria has a wide advantage in the seven matches already played between the two countries. Nigeria won four, drew two and lost one.

The Ethiopian victory occurred on home soil in 1994 when they piped the Eagles by a lone goal. In the return leg at the National Stadium, the Eagles decimated their opponent by 6-0. And some months back in the land of Nelson Mandela during the 2013 African Nations Cup, the Eagles taught the Ethiopians some football lessons cruising home to a 2-0 victory on their way to winning the prestigious trophy for the third time.

And Ethiopia is nowhere near the Super Eagles in the FIFA ranking. On the face value therefore, the Super Eagles should have the Ethiopians for dinner over the two legged encounter and book Nigeria’s ticket for the World Cup in Brazil almost effortlessly.

But then, Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles and those directly connected with ensuring Nigeria’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup will

*Stephen Keshi

be making a grave mistake if they consider the Ethiopians a walkover and take the two important matches with levity.

The fact that should be sounded by all and sundry and which Keshi and his co -travellers must come to terms with is that this is a do or die and make or mar situation.

We are not in Brazil yet, there is one more major river to cross.

The Ethiopians are not going to help the Eagles to qualify. Rather they will throw everything into the battle to stop the reigning African Champions because they want to create an upset and make history.

Statistics count for nothing when national pride and personal drive come into play. In the past

some teams and countries have taken their opponent for granted to their eternal regret and the anguish of their compatriots. In Damman, Saudi Arabia during the 1989 World Youth Championship, the Russians were leading the Flying Eagles 4-0 and to the Muscovites it was all over for Nigeria. The technical crew substituted Oleg Salenko, the championship highest goal scorer just after scoring the fourth goal against Nigeria. They wanted him to be in the best of shape for the final which they thought was a foregone conclusion.

But after the substitution the tables turned. Just in the space of twenty minutes a miracle occurred. The Flying Eagles not only levelled

up but went on to win the ensuing penalty kicks to qualify for the final of the junior World Cup. Apparently the Brazilian Olympic football team did not learn any lesson from the Miracle of Damman.

In 1996 during the Olympic Games in Atlanta, the Brazilians parading the famous duo of Bebeto and Ronaldo, committed self immolation. They were leading Nigeria’s Olympic football team by 3-1 and Ronaldo was substituted apparently to keep him in the best of shape for the final. Nigeria eventually levelled up and took the match by 4-3 thanks to a clinical performance by Nwankwo Kanu. The Eagles should also ask the Tunisians why they had to resort to boardroom points to qualify for the last lap.

They were done in by Cape Verde, a country without any pedigree in football and which has continued to kill many giants in the last few months. But for the painful decision taken by FIFA which disqualified Cape Verde for fielding an ineligible player, Tunisian would not be playing in the final qualifying round.

The Eagles should also not forget what they did to Didier Drogba and his

gang in the semi final of the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. The Ivorians simply strolled into the field with brimming confidence since the bookmakers had predicted a comprehensive defeat for the Super Eagles.

But at the end of proceedings they ate the humble pie as the Super Eagles deflated their over bloated EGO. The Eagles and their handlers must not give room to complacency.

They should see the Ethiopians as a formidable opponent. They are not minnows. They are good and that is why they qualified for the last round. The Eagles have what it takes to win this ticket. And they will get the ticket only if they don’t underrate the Ethiopians.This is not a time for acrimony and boardroom politics. All hands must be on deck to nick this one for country.

Keshi and his boys have a crucial job to do. So before we start rolling out the drums let us get the job done first.

Adebanjo, former Sports Editor of TELL Magazine, sent this piece from the Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Commonwealth Games: AFN commences early preparations

G

INGERED by the impressive outing of Nigerian athletes in recent international meets, Athletics Federation of Nigeria officials are looking to make a grand outing at the Commonwealth

Games billed for July 23August 3, 2014 in Glassgow, Scotland.

Nigeria won two gold by Tosin Oke and Ajoke Odumosu in the men’s triple jump and women’s 400m hurdles respectively at the 2010 games,

Coaches protest stadium sanitation fees

A

thletics coaches training at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos have been threatened with expulsion from the venue if they failed to pay a monthly N1, 000 sanitation levy imposed by the stadium management.

According to one of the coaches, Isaac Ikhabome Osagie the stadium manager called them to his office and told them that each coach will pay N1, 000 every month for the cleaning of the stadium and this has not gone down well with the

coaches who see this as exploitation.

“I do not know what yard-stick the stadium manager is using to impose the levy. We discussed with him to make him release that we are in no way contributing to the littering of the stadium, but he is adamant.

“How can we be made to pay such amount when we are restricted to training twice a week at the stadium?

However, former international athlete, Enefiok Udo-Obong tried to intervene in the matter. “

which was boycotted by top athletics stars in New Delhi, India. According to AFN technical director, Omatseye Nesiama, the federation was keen on improving on that performance in view of the likely presence of quality opposition from British and Jamaican athletes. “We are starting condition camping for our athletes. The AFN is discussing with the Kwara State government to provide support.

“We hope to start first week of November and have a break in December. By January, we will come up with more comprehensive programmes that will put our athletes in top shape for the Games. Some of these include qualifying our relay teams for the Games and the 2015 World Championships in China,” said Commodore Nesiama. Continuing he said, “We are determined to build on the successes we recorded this year.

*Hurdling... Ajoke Odumosu in action. C0an she cope with the competition next year?

Bolt ready to strike in Glassgow W ORLD sprint king, Usain Bolt has confirmed that he will participate in the Commonwealth Games in Glassgow next year.

“I have said to my coach that I would love to go to the Commonwealths.

It’s something that I haven’t done before. It’s up to him, but I have said to him that I want to be a part of it.

My coach will think about it and we will see what he says. I am not

100 per cent sure. We will discuss it and we will see what he says,” he said.

Bolt would break Linford Christie’s record of becoming the oldest sprint champion in history if he competes at Tokyo in 2020, but the charismatic runner says that particular record does not appeal to him.

The six-time Olympic champion had previously suggested that he would bow out after the

2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, but he hinted that he could elect to continue in the sport for one extra year.

“I think that my sponsors and everybody wants me to continue so I’ve really sat and thought about it and maybe I will go on for one more year and just make everybody happy,” he told AFPTV. “My fans also are saying I should go on, so I think I might do another year.”

PAGE 54 SUNDAY

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 — PAGE 55

World Championship: Boxing Federation invites 30 to camp

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HE Nigeria Boxing Feder ation, NBF has invited 30 boxers and four coaches to camp ahead of the forthcoming International Amateur Boxing Association, IABA World Championship holding in Almaty, Kazakhstan from October 10-27, 2013.

President of the NBF, BrigGeneral Kenneth Minima, said the camping is important if Nigeria must do well at the world championship, adding that the championship was one of the reasons for hosting the just concluded national men and women Open Boxing Championship held at the Brai Ayenote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos by the Federation.

The boxers who have since resumed camping include, Wasiu Taiwo(49kg), Friday Osagie(49kg), Muyideen Oyakojo(49kg), Michael Anu(52kg), Yinka Yusuf(52kg), Momoh Maloye(52kg), Sikiru FataI(56kg), Okerinde Semiu(56kg), Omoniyi

Omotense(56kg), Joseph Otto(60kg), Soyoye Kazeem(60kg), Seyi Adegboyega(60kg), Aide Fijabi(64kg), Awolusi Olaiya(64kg), ahead Shogbamu(64kg), Korede Adeniji(69kg), Christian Abua(69kg), Kehinde Ademuyiwa(69kg), Oriyomi Michael(75kg), Monday Yusuf(75kg), Lukeman Lawal((81kg), Ekele Danuloko(81kg), Uviesherhe Otega(81kg), Gabriel Francis(91kg), Efetobor Apochi(91kg), Monsuru Akanji(91kg), Rasak Ramon(+91kg), Joel Esechie(+91kg), Segun Ibrahim(+91kg) while Efe Ajagba who also fights in the bo in the +91kg weight class which is super heavyweight division, completes the list of the thirty boxers in camp. The four coaches handling the boxers include Anthony Konyegwachie(head coach), Odaderia Gowon(Asst coach), Wasiu Bisiriyu(Asst coach) and Aura Olalehin( Trainer).

Smokin Hills golf club will mould stars — Ojo

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN, Akure

O

RGANISERS of the Ist Smoking Hills Invitational golf tournament in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State have said that they plan to make the event one of the top PGA tournaments in Nigeria.

And they also intend to mould future stars from the fledgling golf club built by the Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Ade Ojo. The one-day tournament ended yesterday amidst pomp and panache at the serene Smokin Hills golf resort and club on the outskirts of Akure, with winners emerging in various segments in the amateur and professional categories.

Graced by the crème-de-lacrème of golfing and business society, the tournament had about 82 golfers battling for honours on a well-laid golf course, which the Local Organising Committee touted as one of the best in this part of the world.

Speaking to Sunday Vanguard Sports , Dr. Ayo Ojo said that the golf club was on course to being the number one golf club in Africa in a few years.

Ojo, a medical doctor with wide interest in sports and tourism said that the golf resort in Ilara-Mokin has the potentials to host a European PGA event due to its breathtaking facilities and adherence to international quality.

He said that plans were on to build a six-star hotel at the resort to make it an haven for golfers and tourists.

“This is just the beginning of what we hope will be the centre of international golf in Nigeria

WATCHING..... Mr Adeleke Banjo at the Opening of the Ist Smokin Hillsl golf tournament in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State yesterday. PHOTO; Kehinde Gbadamosi

because what we have here at the Smokin Hills Golf Resort matches up to the best in the world.

“We are not saying what is not here. The facts speak for themselves. You have seen what we have and we plan to take it further by making sure that we project this place to the world through hosting of top championships that will be graced by the world’s best.

“The PGAN is excited with what we have on ground and it is ready to offer us any help to realize our objectives. Soon, we are going to host a top PGAN event and later, we plan to host world stars”, added Ojo. “The beauty of what we are doing here is that we are helping to develop local talents in Ilara-Mokin and its environs. The youths here are now caddies to these golfers and have started learning how to play golf.

“We also want to actively encourage these youths by training them on how to play golf and give them golf kits, so that they will have the tools to develop their talents. We are also going to allow them use the facilities so that they would not have to think that the game is out of the reach due to its high cost”, added Ojo.

Let it remain a rumour W

henever we seem to be on the right track in our thinking and actions, some people, out of personal glory, want to or actual throw spanners into the works and in the process cause the derailment of a worthy cause.

At a time the Abuja National Stadium went into disrepair as a result of poor maintenance, the Super Eagles were almost homeless until the governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke and his good citizens came to their rescue, providing the U.J. Esuene Stadium as their base for both the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The Stadium, though of medium capacity compared to the Abuja Stadium, was always filled to capacity on each match day with the spectators providing the electrifying ambience which the players really needed to overcome their opponents.

Unlike in Lagos where fans easily turn against the Eagles when they are under-performing or yet to raise their game or in Abuja where fans are not only always scanty but indifferent to the Eagles performance good or bad, Calabar fans are true students of late Ernest Okonkwo who preaches to fans to always cheer their team to motivate them into

scoring rather than react to the impulse of a goal scored.

In Calabar, the fans cheer on end irrespective of whether the Eagles have scored or trailing their opponents. A good example was the encounter against the Harambee Stars who led 1-0 with only a couple of minutes left.

Rather than boo or remain indifferent like their Lagos or Abuja counterparts, those disappointed just left the stadium but majority of them who had faith in the team stayed on and continued to cheer until Nnamdi Oduamadi pulled the chestnut out of the fire with the last ditch equaliser that gave the Eagles hope.

With the final second qualifier to be decided in the country a couple of weeks away, the powers that be are rumoured to be tinkling with the idea of taking the match to Abuja because, according to them, the stadium is now ready or matches and most astonishingly, to allow President Goodluck Jonathan join in cheering them to victory.

For goodness sake, if one may ask, how many of the Eagles matches decided at the Abuja National Stadium has President Jonathan gone to watch and cheer the team?

Why must it be this one now?

If truly he wants to cheer them

this time around, may we beg him to join the party in Calabar to do so since the Canaan City has proved a ‘fertile’ ground for the team.

Let us not in trying to massage the ego of some top government officials, throw the World Cup ticket that almost within our grasp. I know from the bottom of my heart that our football loving president would not want to go down in history as the one who helped his ‘eye-service’ aides to truncate the dream of a World Cp appearance in 2014.

Another plot against Keshi

It is like we are in a season of rumours. Another rumour making the rounds is that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, may not have forgiven Super Eagles Head coach, Stephen Keshi and still plotting to oust him whether we qualify for Brazil 2014 or not.

And how do they want to do this? A grapevine source hinted that they may have recruited a Nigerian football agent in Europe to the hatchet job by instigating FIFA to sanction Keshi over his alleged racist remarks against stop-gap coach of Malawi, Tom Sainfiet.

FIFA has alrady queried Kes-

OH MY GOD.... Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi during one of his tense moments during a match. Can he escape FIFA sanctions over an alleged racist remark?

hi through the NFF and the coach has answered the query, reiterating his earlier stance that he did not racially abuse the Malawi coach but only defending his team from a well worked out distraction heading into the crucial game.

The plot is that once Keshi is fined and or banned from the team’s bench for a couple of matches including the two legged final play-off, the NFF would then find an alibi to do away with him, pleading a case of embarrassment to Nigeria. That is the script and Nigerians should ‘shine’ their eyes and stop this wicked plot to scuttle the revival of Nigeria’s football through Keshi.

NFF fumbles again

The Nigeria Football Fede,

NFF can’t stop fumbling. This time with the just concluded Federation Cup in Lagos. The Cup presentation was an eyesore and nightmare for photojournalists whose it was supposed to be. That is small considering the blunder in awarding the top scorer of the competition to a wrong player.

When corrected by one journalist, Ojeikere Aikhojie who followed the competition very well, he was labelled as usual as not writing with facts.

Astonishingly, the NFF awarded the said player a goal scored during a penalty shootout after the game ended goalless. Haba NFF, do goals scored during shoot-outs count for highest goal scorer award?

May be it is a new rule FIFA is yet to unfold to the world.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Ameobi suffers injury blow N

Lawal warns against under-rating Ethiopia

BY EDDIE AKALONU

E

x-International, Garba Lawal, has told Nigerian football administrators and Super Eagles coaches, never to handle Ethiopia with kid gloves but to get the Eagles in real killer mood in the battle for the 2014 World Cup ticket.

Speaking to Sunday Vanguard sports in an interview, the Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist said “I would rather advise that we should focus our attention on getting the Eagles to be fit for a resounding battle.

Ethiopia should be seen as a good opposition for getting this far and NFF and Keshi should plan for some friendly matches with an intention to toughen the team and set them fit and ready for the crucial encounter.

I really do not think they should be taken for granted. A team that qualified for this stage of the qualifiers, must be accorded due respect because it is a feat and they are good,” he said.

The former Roda FC of Holland and Lobi Stars assistant coach, urged coach Stephen Keshi to do a shake up of his line up with a view to producing a team that

would stun the Ethiopi- but to do it, we must ans. We are among the work hard to make it best the continent has, happen,” he stated. so we need to beat them

Aston Villa S’hampton Hull City Sunderland Everton Fulham

1 1 3 0 3 0

TODAY’SMATCHES Arsenal Crystal Palace Cardiff Man City

v v v v

Stoke City Swansea Tottenham Man Utd

12.30 pm 12.30 pm 3 pm 3 pm

AFRO-BASKET FIXTURES Cape Verde Zimbabwe Angola Egypt Mozambique Nigeria

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have happened a lot in Shola’s career.

Shola has been injury prone and he rarely plays more than half a season without a major injury.

Nigeria are away to Ethiopia on October 12 in a first leg playoff for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Afro women basketball: D’Tigress restore pride, beat Kenya

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CROSS WORD PUZZLE

England 0 0 2 3 2 2

“Shola’s not available again, and could be out for one to three weeks,” Pardew said.

He was said to be nursing a slight knock, but that slight knock has turned into something that will now keep Shola out for up to three weeks or so, and that seems to

HE national senior team yesterday whipped women basketball Kenya 74-49 to win their second Group B match at the on-going 2013 Women African Basketball Championship in Maputo, Mozambique.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match which was played at the Maxaquene Stadium was the first Group B match of the day.

The Nigerian team known as D’Tigress had on Friday lost 46-60 to defending champions Angola in their first match in the championship which started on Friday.

The 23rd edition of the continent’s most prestigious women basketball tournament, which is featuring 12 teams, is billed to end on September 29.

The teams are jostling to grab the two Africa tickets to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Championship for Women in Turkey Meanwhile, the Nigerian side will face Mali today in their third group match and later meet Cape Verde on Tuesday.

The team will confront Cameroon in their last Group B game on Wednesday to see the Delightful... Chelsea’s Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi (r) celebrate with team-mate Branislav end of the first round of Ivanovic after he scored the second goal for Chelsea in their English Premier League football match the championship against Fulham at Stamford Bridge. It was Mikel ‘s second goal in his eight-year stay with the Blues.

Photo AFP

RESULTS Norwich Liverpool Newcastle West Brom West Ham Chelsea

EWCASTLE striker Shola Ameobi could well miss out on Nigeria’s World Cup playoff next month in Ethiopia because of injury.

Ameobi returned to Newcastle United with a knock after playing for Nigeria against Burkina Faso in a friendly in which he scored his first International goal.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said in his press conference on Friday that the Nigeria striker may be out of action for three weeks.

Cameroon Senegal Kenya Cote d’Ivoire Algeria Mali

9 am 11.15 am 1.30 pm 3.45 pm 6 pm 8.15 pm

ACROSS 1.Nobel-winning Archbishop (7-4) 5.Sailor (3) 7.Consumed (5) 8.Domesticates (5) 9.Ovum (3) 10.Electricity counting gadgets (6) 13.Highlander (4) 15.Poem (3) 17.One that contests (9) 20.Nigerian tribe (5) 22.Cereal (5) 24.Demoted (9) 27.Pig’s pen (3) 29.No one (4) 30.Sulks (6) 33.Away (3) 35.Presses (5) 36.Till (5) 37. Swine (3) 38. “The Man Who Saw Tomorrow” (11) DOWN

1.Sleeping vision (5) 2.Possessor (5) 3.Tax (4) 4.Depressing (9) 5.Argentinian dance (5) 6.Wash lightly (5) 11.Greek letter (3) 12.Distress call (1-1-1) 14.English boy’s name (5) 16.Obstacle (3) 17.Bovine animal (3) 18.Mindfulness (9) 19.Alarm (5) 21.Help (3) 23.Village house (3) 25.Gnome (3) 26.Vast age (3) 27.Condescend (5) 28.Youthful (5) 31.Circular (5) 32.Trades (5) 34.Old Russian King (4)

SOLUTION on page 55

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