APC mobilises against Jonathan, visits Obasanjo

C M Y K

P AGE P AGE 2, SUND AY PA PA SUNDA

C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

SUND AY SUNDA

C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 3

PAGE 4 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

From left: Chief George Osemwengie Agbonlahor, groom's father, Mrs. Josephine Agbonlahor, groom's mother, Mrs. Asabi Ajani, representing bride's mother and Mr. Oluwatosin Ajao, representing bride's father, during the solemnization of holy matrimony between Oluwatobi Ajoke Ajao, daughter of late Engr. Omotoriola & late Mrs. Beauty Ederhovwo Ajao and George Osemwengie Agbonlahor (Jr.), son of Chief George Osemwengie Agbonlahor, at Living Water Unlimited Church, Anthony Village. Photos: Bunmi Azeez.

From left: Mrs. Oladepe Amuka, George Osemwengie Agbonlahor (Jr.), his wife, Oluwatobi Ajoke and Mr. Eyituoyo Amuka, during the wedding .

LAST WEEK IN BRIEF

Alamieyeseigha, Aminu, others to APC: Stop abusing Jonathan

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

F

ormer governors, deputy governors and governorship candidates of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), among others, have lashed out at the All Progressive Congress (APC) over what they described as unwarranted criticisms and attacks on the person and office of President Goodluck Jonathan.

They also took a swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the 18-page letter he wrote to the president describing it at “unfortunate”.

Rising from a meeting, Friday night, under the aegis of Goodluck to Goodluck Project 2015, they declared their support for Jonathan’s aspiration in securing a second term in 2015.

They also appealed to

the defected members of the PDP in the House of Representative to reconsider the action in joining APC, revealing that there was still room to accommodate them in the ruling party.

Members of the group include former governor of Bayelsa State and Jonathan’s former boss, Chief Diepreye Alamieyesiegha, who was granted state pardon by the president early this year, national coordinator

of the group and Edo State PDP governorship candidate in 2012, Major General Charles Airhiavbere, coordinator of North-west and former Minister of Sports, Col. Abdulmumuni Aminu, National Organizing Secretary, Comrade Bello Osaretin, South-south Coordinator, Chief George Kwohodu, and coordinator, South-west, Chief Mrs. Bolajoko Doherty.

A communiqué signed

Leaders of ethnic groups promise said it was the peace in South-west organisers first time that the leaders bout 200 leaders of (JODER) with the of the ethnic groups in the A various ethnic support of the United South West were working groups in the South west States group, the Ford together out of their own have promised to work together to ensure peaceful co-existence in the region. The leaders, which met under the auspices of the Journalists for Democratic Rights,

Foundation interacted for two days in Lagos after which a working group was established to create the mechanism for sustainable peace in the South West area. The

Delta Central bye election: Why PDP won, by Omo-Agege

F

ormer Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) and Chairman of Urhobo Political Congress (UPC), Chief Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has attributed the success of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recent Delta Central bye-election to the achievements of Governor Emmanuel U d u a g h a n ’ s administration.

Omo-Agege, who spoke at Orogun, Delta State, during a victory rally organized by Ughelli North Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to celebrate the success of the party in the election which saw Senator Emmanuel Aguariavbodo emerging

by the National Secretary of the group, Comrade Osariten, at the end of the meeting said: “The letter, they said “the letter written by Obasanjo was unfortunate, juxtaposing the contents of that letter with the transformation policy of Mr President.”

Expressing their support for Jonathan in 2015, they said: “We commend Mr. President and enjoin all Nigerians to support his on-going transformation agenda.”

victorious, maintained that the party would not have been celebrating without the resolute support of Uduaghan whose strong leadership made the victory possible.

He said the people of Delta State are better off than when the governor took office in 2007. “I am so proud of our governor ’s record and grateful for all he has done to make us safe and stronger. The infrastructure he has built to drive our economy and more importantly for his vision of Delta Beyond Oil which has laid a solid foundation for future economy that can sustain itself when oil

become less significant in our national life,” Omo-Agege said.

Omo-Agege, who recently emerged as the Chairman of Urhobo Political Congress (UPC), pointed out that PDP won the Delta Central senatorial byeelection because the party had superior organization that is evident in the structures it has built over the years in every ward of the state.

According to him, “Our unity in the election made the difference between success and failure. The opposition expected us to fight ourselves and when we did not, they failed strategically and we succeeded in winning back our seats.”

volition instead of at the instance of political interests. A greater percentage of leaders of ethnic groups in the South West were represented at the meeting.

The key note speaker, Prof Ayo Olukotun, a member of the Punch editorial board said the conference was imperative at this critical moment in Nigerian history when the nation is facing the challenge of unity and harmony.

Speaking at the event, the JODER representative Mr Adewale Adeoye said the conference was significant, coming as Nigeria inches close to the 100 years of her creation by the British. He said the country fought a civil war that could have been avoided adding that irrespective of the political challenges of the country, the citizens on their own can say a collective no to violence, hate and killings propelled by ethnic prejudices. Mrs Joe OkeiOdumakin, speaking for the civil society said ethnic conflict in the country usually leave behind bloody footprints on women and children.

By Mariam Eko

Privatization of refineries approved by President

The privatization process of the four refineries has commenced following the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan. He gave the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) the directive to begin the process.

Disclosing this to newsmen, Director General, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, in a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe, said the refineries to be privatized are: the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) I; Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC) II; Kaduna Refining & Petrochemical Company Limited (KRPC) and the Warri Refining & Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC).It was revealed that the President also approved the steering committees involved in the privatization process. The committee includes relevant stakeholders, ministries and agencies.

37 PDP lawmakers defect to APC

37 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, decamped to the All Progressive Congress (APC) The National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, had, recently, held a meeting with party members in the House.

The meeting was to check the defection with the PDP leadership wooing the lawmakers with automatic tickets to run in the 2015 elections.

With 37 members defected, the APC needs only seven more members in their fold to attain the simple majority of 181 approved in the Constitution to take over the leadership of the House.

Borno military barracks attacked by Boko Haram again

Bama Barrack in Borno State was attacked by suspected members of the Islamist group, Boko Haram. The Defence Headquarters could not ascertain the number of casualties as well as those injured.

The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, said the number of casualties would be announced at the end of the cordon and search operations in the area.

Suspect of 2011 Xmas bombing bags life jail

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced Mallam Kabiru Umar (aka Kabiru Sokoto) to life imprisonment over his involvement in the 2011 Christmas Day bombing at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Suleija, Niger State.

About 44 worshippers died as a result of the attack when insurgents drove a car packed with explosives ran through the gates of the church on December 25, 2011, at the time they were trooping out of the church. Also, houses few metres away from the church were affected. Kabiru Sokoto, who escaped from police custody after his arrest, denied the allegations levelled against him, despite the confessional statement tendered in court indicting him . Justice Ademola Adeniyi sentenced Kabiru Sokoto to life imprisonment on first count and 10 years in relation to the second count of the twocount charge.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013 — PAGE 5

Jonathan replies Obasanjo through proxy *Accuses ex-president of inciting mob action Democratic Party, having himself been responsible for the crisis currently rocking the party.

According to the politician, it was Obasanjo, who planted the seed of discord that is threatening the party and not Jonathan. ”It is ridiculous that Chief Obasanjo, a selfacclaimed democrat, should accuse President Goodluck Jonathan as the one responsible for the lingering crisis in PDP, which pre-dated his emergence as the leader of the party ”, Ebute said. ” President Jonathan’s alleged crime is his refusal to publicly denounce those craving his return in 2015.

Chief Obasanjo further accused President Jonathan of clandestinely dictating the actions of the party Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

These

BY SONI DANIEL

I

N what appears as an indirect response by President Goodluck Jonathan to the letter written him by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a pro-Jonathan politician, Senator Ameh Ebute, yesterday, blasted Obasanjo for daring to castigate Jonathan for the nation’s woes.

The former senator accused Obasanjo of instituting unprecedented corruption in Nigeria and trying desperately to illegally extend his tenure for selfish reasons, thereby lacking the credibility to accuse Jonathan of any wrongdoing.

Ebute, a one-time Senate President of Nigeria, responded in an 18-pages letter to the letter fired by Obasanjo to Jonathan, in which he accused the president of failing the nation in several ways and committing blunders that threaten to destroy the country.

The politician, who did not say whether he was authorised by the Jonathan or not, however, wrote as if he was a spokesman for the Presidency, blaming Obasanjo for the current problems in Nigeria, which Jonathan was battling to resolve.

Ebute noted, “As an obsessed letter writer, Chief Obasanjo may unwittingly view his tirades against sitting governments as building a legacy to be celebrated when he departs; he does not see the effects of debasement, deformation, destruction, disunity, hatred and defamation in his actions. ”Selfless leaders with character build peace, build harmony, build unity and build love. However, it appears our erstwhile President has lost it all.

Like what Billy Graham said, “When character is lost, all is lost”.

He said that Obasanjo had no moral grounds to accuse Jonathan of destroying the People’s

APC mobilises against Jonathan, visits Obasanjo Continued from page 1 consultation in the coming weeks by the party ’s top brass are Second Republic President and Vice President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari and Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, respectively, and former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. Before yesterday’s visit, the party leaders had consulted with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as well as two former military leaders, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

One of the party leaders in attendance at the meeting with Obasanjo told Sunday Vanguard that the “ill-wind blowing in the country as a result of the mis-governance of President Goodluck Jonathan is ominous and most right thinking leaders as opposed to the sycophants surrounding

SOLUTION

G

O

M

B

A R

E

A

C

B A

L

T

A

P

E

V

C I

T

C

A A

E R

R

R

T

E

E

T

E

A

T

R

C

I

G

L

V

E

L

S

I

N

A

O

R

U

E

I

B

C

A

N

I

K

E

N

E

A

T

L

E

A

T

B

U

A

R

G

G R

D

T

P

R

E

E

G

H

V

A

D

G E

L O

I

D

I

P E

E

E F

T R

E

W L

E D

R

W

E

V

O

G

E

E

M

G

L E

O

A

S

A E

E

R

V X

G

T E

G E

E N

From left: Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla (rtd), Chairman of the occasion; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; President, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu and honouree/Co-Chief Launcher, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), at the 90th anniversary celebration of the society in Lagos, yesterday.

unsubstantiated claims posit a curious but intriguing parallel and calls for selfexamination on the part of the Owu Chief. ”When in 2002, before INEC officially signaled political activitiesfor the 2003 elections, posters and propaganda materials adorned all nooks and crannies of Nigeria for Chief Obasanjo’s re-election, how many of such people did he publicly denounce? ” Even when it became open knowledge in 2005 that Chief Obasanjo surreptitiously attempted to use his cronies to insert in the output of the National Political Reform Conference a clause to elongate his tenure for a third term, since he thought it was only he who had the single inalienable right to rule Nigeria for life, did hereunder any public denial? ”Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has no moral credentials to accuse President Jonathan of responsibility for the travails of the PDP. These crises, as earlier noted, predate the incumbent leader of the party.”

R E

R

W B

E

T S

E

Y A

T

O

P

the President are worried.”

The leader pointed out, “Even those we have so far visited and those we are going to be visiting are also concerned”.

According to him, “ what we are doing is not scouting for leaders to come and join the party.

What we just want to establish is that since we are all stakeholders and what binds us is the unity a n d stability of the Nigerian state, we are consulting with the elder statesmen with a view to sensitizing them to the moves we are engaging so that they are in the know.

“And whereas we are not recruiting them into our mission and vision, we would not want them to create obstacles on our way to rescuing Nigeria from a clueless administration.”

Yesterday ’s meeting, sources confirmed , had been fixed long before the defection of the five Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors.

Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, led the pack of other APC leaders, including the party ’s Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari; former Borno State governor, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff; Senator Bukola Saraki; and Alhaji Lai Mohammed to the meeting with Obasanjo.

The APC leaders and the PDP governors who defected started trickling into the former president’s Hilltop Mansion from 5:22pm when Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State arrived in company of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

Other APC governors at the meeting are Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) and Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).

The Chairman of the New PDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, led some of his members to the crucial meeting. ‘ Be navigator’

APC

In his remarks, Tinubu begged Obasanjo to be the navigator for the APC. “You have come out of tribulation and held the highest position in this country. We are here because of your courage and salient points. Nobody can say he has information more than you,”the APC leader said.

“You have surmounted a number of crises. Nigeria is divided more than before.

To realise a stable Nigeria, we want to encourage you to continue to speak the truth. We have resolved and determined to rescue Nigeria. We want you to be our navigator” .

The interim National Chairman of APC, Akande, explained the rationale behind the meeting with Obasanjo.

He said, “We have come to introduce our party to you; we are in the support of the 18-page letter written to Jonathan, you are capable”.

Speaking on behalf of APC governors, Imo State governor, Okorocha, urged the former president to be upright.

He said: “You should be upright on the issue of Nigeria. Many of the governors passed through your political school, the battle is for the generation on board. It is a task that must be done”.

Responding, Obasanjo declared that the APC has been enhancing democracy in Nigeria through its reactions to issues.

The former president begged the opposition party to play politics without bitterness.

He, however, turned down the request to become a member of the APC. “ I am a card carrying member of the PDP but the politics I play traverses Nigeria, Africa and world in that order,”Obasanjo said. “ I am a democrat and one of the essential ingredients of democracy is opposition. A democracy that has no opposition built into it is not democracy.

“As an opposition, you are enhancing democracy, you are at home, you are welcome to being at home.

As time goes on, I will just appeal that the politics you play is politics without rancour, without bitterness, with decency, that has Nigeria at heart. I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. I am totally committed to Nigeria and nothing will divert me from that commitment”.

Obasanjo declared himself as a political father who has no rival, saying, “In whichever party, for whatever office that contested or aspired in Nigeria since 1999, such a person, young or old man or woman can claim to be my political child and I can claim to be by virtue of the political office I have held.

I can also claim to be political father; so, you are here and you are welcome”.

Crucial Consultations

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has initiated moves to placate members of the National Assembly as he has been having series of nocturnal meetings with members and the leadership of the National Assembly.

Since Monday, Jonathan was said to have been meeting with members and leaders of the National Assembly individually to find a common ground on some of the issues agitating the minds of the l e g i s l a t o r s .

The meetings, it was gathered, began when the issue of impeachment of the president was broached by members of the opposition APC over alleged breaches of the c o n s t i t u t i o n .

So far, Jonathan has met with the Leader of the Senate, Senator Ndoma Egba, the Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, and the Deputy Senate, President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, culminating in a midnight meeting with the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Though details of what was discussed at the meetings could not be ascertained, the recent defection of some members of the PDP in the House of Representatives to the APC as well as the call for the impeachment of the president by the APC may have featured in their discussions.

Sack defected lawmakers, PDP tells INEC

In a related development, the PDP has written to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, asking him to declare vacant the seats of

Continues on page 42

PAGE 6 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Christmas: Prices of cloths soar in Kaduna

BY MAYEN ETIM ride along the busy Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna Central Business District, yesterday, revealed a sea commuters and shoppers as prices of goods and services made remarkable increases days to Christmas.

At the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Junction, where used clothes are sold, there was a beehive of

A

activities as shoppers who could not afford new clothes went for fairly used ones.

One of the shoppers, Mrs. Goddya Gambo, a house wife, said “ I am here in Kasuwan Barchi to buy fairly used clothing and shoes for my four children.

“What ordinarily would have gone for N600 was given to me for N2,500.”

Mr. Joseph Auta, a civil

servant, complaining about the traffic occasioned by the last-minute shopping for Christmas, said, “I parked my car at home and joined a commuter because of traffic problem. I paid N250 for a ride from Sabo to Stadium. Ordinarily, the ride is N40 on government SURE-P bus, while the smaller ones goes for N50 – N70.”

Land speculators demolish pastor’s house in Onitsha

BY OKONKWO EZE

I

RATE youths suspect ed to be land speculators yesterday pulled down a three-room apartment and a kitchen allegedly belonging to the head of Rosh of Ohr Adonai Synagogue Church, Nkpor-Agu, near Onitsha, Anambra State, one Pastor Sylvester Agu. The incident, according to sources, was the climax of the pressure mounted on Agu and his family to vacate the land for the speculators laying claim to the land.

It was gathered that the speculators, led by one Amechi and acting on the instructions of a prominent Onitsha businessman, stormed the compound at about 6 a.m. yesterday, and demolished the house.

Addressing newsmen at the scene of the incident, Agu claimed he acquired the land about 15 years ago from one judge, built the structures and moved in.

The pastor explained that as soon as the family moved in, they planted many economic trees by the Nkisi River side to check erosion,

adding that the trees had already started bearing fruits.

According to him, speculators showed their face for the first time in the middle of 2013 persuading him to sign a document that the family would pack out of the compound by January, 2014 and relinguish the land to them.

Consequently, Agu said he agreed to sign the document, adding that he did so because the family was already pursuing its Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), from Anambra State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development.

The ministry, he said, confirmed that the land belonged to the Agu family.

The pastor said the speculators kept loitering around the compound until Wednesday when they stormed the compound and cut down all the economic trees and then went to the police at Onitsha Area Command where they leveled kidnapping and gun running allegations against him.

Thereafter, Agu said armed policemen moved into the compound as early as 5 a.m. on Thursday, searched the compound and whisked him to the station where he was detained and interrogated for hours before he was released on bail in the afternoon.

Abimbola Fashola tasks youths on reading culture

T

HE first Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace reading culture as a tool for self discovery, self development and nation building. She said this at the public presentation of the book titled ‘the Eagle’s personality written by the founder, Covenant Harvester Christian International Ministry, Dotun Ojelabi, in Lagos recently.

Emphasizing the importance of reading to youth and national development, The First Lady of Lagos State Dame Abimbola Fashola who was represented by Gbemi Sasore, that “there is urgent need for Nigeria youths to embrace the culture of reading, as it is the only path towards sustainable development”.

Lamenting, the backdrop of reading among the youths, she noted that children and most people now stay glued to television rather than read.

Harping on the ideals propounded by the book, she noted that a cthread that runs throughout the book from the beginning of the first page to the last chapter is deep spiritual insights with its relevant references from the scriptures coupled with wise practical nuggets for anyone that picks up this book to live a life that

is bound to fulfill destiny, actualize ideas and reach the zenith”.

Reviewing the book, the CEO of lanterna books, said that DotunOdewusi has done well by drawing from his wealth of experiences over the years. According to him, “the book encourages individuals to rise to their potentials which God has created them. It aims at igniting the fire in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges in life. Quoting extensively from the Holy Scriptures, as well as other formidable voices of our time, the Eagle’s personality, emphasis the necessary quality individual should possess.

There are seven chapters in this book, with each chapter dwelling on the personality of the eagle.

Roll call at the well attended event include Tonye Cole, CEO Sahara group, Pastor and Mrs Itua Ighodalo, Femi Pedro, former deputy governor of Lagos state, Pastor Remi Ceo of Latena books, Mrs. Kali Alahaja Brown, Femi Adefarasin, first lady of Lagos State, Dame Ambibola Fashola represented by Gbemi Shasore, Dele Momodu, Publisher, Ovation magazine, Senior Pastor guiding light assembly, Kayode Sofola SAN, and a host of others

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 7

Expect total strike from Jan 6, pharmacists issue doctors warn …as own ultimatum

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE & CHIOMA OBINNA

A

S the five-day warning strike called by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, ends today, Nigerians have been alerted to brace up for an indefinite doctors’ strike as from January 6, 2014, even as pharmacists, under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, are threatening to team up with the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, to embark on strike on December 28, 2013.

Issuing the warning in a statement at the end of the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja, NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, and Secretary General, Dr. Akpufuoma L. Pemu, urged Nigerians to appeal to government to do the needful to avert the full blown doctors’ strike already scheduled to begin in the new year.

In the statement, it was confirmed that the NEC has resolved to continue with the warning strike action as previously planned, until more concrete efforts are made to meet the minimum demands of the NMA. ”The NEC reaffirmed the earlier decision of the Association to limit the duration of the warning strike action in deference to the yuletide season and as a mark of the Association’s appreciation of the appeals of wellmeaning Nigerians, but to commence a total strike action (if the issues are not satisfactorily resolved) on January 6, 2014,’ the duo remarked.

In a related development, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm Olumide Akintayo, described the NMA warning strike as uncalled for.

In a statement entitled: “Doctors’ Strike: Matters Arising”, Akintayo said it is pertinent to observe that strike actions by Nigerian doctors are purely motivated by pecuniary gains. ” What goes on presently during strike action of doctors is that they are paid for services not rendered during strike. Government needs to halt this by employing doctors who are desirous to work on locum basis as we have seen practiced by some State Government with great efficacy.”

He said pharmacists, under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, have never really supported strike actions as a means for achieving profession-

al privileges.

“If for any reason Government compromises the spirit of its agreement with Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, in August 2013, the Federal Government will leave the PSN with no other choice than to mobilize pharmacists in both the public and private sector

to join forces with JOHESU which has given a December 28, 2013 deadline to government to enforce the right of its members via the agreement it reached with representatives of the Federal Government at its meetings of August 26th to 27th, 2013 in Abuja,” Akintayo warned.

•Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State commissioning a project during his pre-budget village meeting recently.

DEFECTION OF 37 LAWMAKERS Intrigues as APC, PDP battle for House of Reps leadership

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

I

N a bid to grab the leadership of the House of Representatives, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the defected PDP members are in a move to woo the Deputy Speaker, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, and other principal officers of the House.

Sunday Vanguard reliably gathered that the move became necessary after the defection of 37 members of the ruling party.

Ihedioha is seen as a die-hard PDP member and may not want to dump his well rumoured gubernatorial ambition.

But our source countered this saying “our party chieftains will soon meet with him and advise him to allow the present Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha to complete his two terms. “ The source added: “Then he can conveniently got the governorship position in 2020 and run under our platform, the APC. ”Once this has been achieved, we can change guards in the present leadership structure in the House. “ He explained further that “by so doing, the 7th Assembly will maintain the unity and cohesion it has enjoyed since inception. “ The APC needs just nine members to take charge in the House following last Wednesday’s defection of 37 PDP members to the opposition party.

This resulted in the increase of the number of APC members from 138 to 172.

PDP that had a comfortable controlling majority with 208 members had the figure slashed to 171.

APC needs a simple majority of 181 members to displace PDP and take over the leadership of the House.

Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord Party have some members in the chambers. While La-

bour has eight members, APGA has five and Accord four .

The PDP too is not resting on its oars as their leader, the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Leo Ogor, has been running from pillar to post.

According to Ogor,” the load is heavy but I’m equal to the task and PDP will bounce back stronger than before”.

He went on: “All the noise they are making is a mere storm in a tea cup; we are ready for any showdown.“ Also, Hon Kaka Kyari Gujbawu(PDP, Maiduguri Federal Constituency believed that all the defecting members would come back.

Gujbawu explained that the PDP caucus in the House was moving fast to halt a further drift .

He said: “What has happened in the House is disturbing. We know that we are faced with a huge challenge and we are working to stop further assault”.

Worst hit Those who would be worst hit are some principal officers . The Speaker, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, is unlikely to be affected no matter the side the pendulum swings because both PDP and APC members are comfortable with him. But such cannot be said of his deputy, Ihedioha, and the Majority Leader, Hom Mulikat Adeola -Akande. Perhaps what will save Ihedioha is his cordial relationship with Tambuwal and the moves to woo him into APC. The Wednesday defection was marked by an interesting drama.

The drama started soon after the lawmakers commenced the business of the day. The first shocker was an executive session which lasted less than 10 minutes, making it one of the shortest closed door sessions in the history of the 7th Assembly.

Immediately on resumption to the plenary from the closed door session at about 11.56am, Tambuwal announced that

the House had adopted the report of the joint committee on harmonisation of the crude oil benchmark and the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

He said, “In our closed door session this morning we discussed the MTEF and the benchmark for the sale of crude oil and adopted $77.5 for the 2014 Budget estimates.”

But the shocker came when the Speaker announced that he had received a communication from a group of 37 members of the PDP announcing their defection to APC. The announcement caused a stir in the chamber.

APC legislators gave a ricocheting applause to the announcement.

In the letter read to the House by Tambuwal, the lawmakers claimed they decided to leave the PDP because of the division in the party.

PDP members immediately shouted ‘no!no!’ The Speaker continued after the noise subsided.

Reading from the letter, he said, “Our 37 colleagues elected under the platform of PDP have decided to join APC as a result of the problems in our party and we have merged with APC according to Section 68 of our 1999 constitution. “ Judicial matter He had barely finished when Hon Kingsley Chinda (PDP,Rivers) raised a point of order, citing Order 9 Rule 57 of the House rules . He re-

minded the House that there was a judicial matter still pending in court over defection of PDP members to APC. APC members and the defecting lawmakers interjected and shouted him down.

The Speaker however responded to Chinda’s observation and promised to look into the point of order. He said , “I’ve listened to you attentively and I’ve taken note. “ Tambuwal’s response was hailed by APC lawmakers.

The Speaker quickly announced the names of all those that defected.

This led to another round of joyful noise by the APC members.

Each member as his name was called received a loud ovation from the vociferous APC lawmakers . They later filed out to have a handshake with the Speaker.

However, Tambuwal raised the point of order raised by Chinda and explained that he was aware of a court ruling barring him and the Senate President on the matter in question. He pleaded with the House to allow him seek legal opinion on the ruling and report back to the House.

The new APC legislators include Hons Abdulahi Balarabe (Sokoto), Abudulmumin Jibrin (Kano), Ali Ahmad (PDP, Kwara), Abudulahi Wamako (Sokoto), Aliyu Pategi (Kwara), Ahmed Zerewa, Aishatu Ahmed (Adamawa), Aiyedun Olayinka (Kwara), Alhassan Garba (Kano), Aliyu

Madaki (Kano), Aliyu Shehu (Sokoto) and Aminu Shagari (Sokoto).

Others are Aminu Suleiman (Kano), Aminu Tukur (Adamawa), Andrew Uchendu (Rivers), Asita Honourable (Rivers), Bashir Babale (Kano), Blessing Usiegbe (Rivers), Dakuku Peterside (Rivers), Dawari George (Rivers), Gibson Nathaniel (Adamawa), Gogo Bright Tamuno (Rivers), Isa Bashir (Sokoto), Kabiru Achida (Sokoto), and Maurice Pronen (Rivers).

Also in the group are Sabo Mohammed, Mpigi Barinada (Rivers), Mukhtari Muhammad, Musa Ado (Kano), Musa Sarkin-Adar (Sokoto), Mustapha Dawaki (Kano), Mustapha Mashood (Kwara), Ogbonna Nwuke (Rivers), Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara), Sa’ad Nabunkari (Sokoto), Sani Aliyu (Kano), Shuaibu Gobir (Sokoto), Sokonte Davies (Rivers), Umar Bature (Sokoto), Yusuph Dunari Sule (Jigawa), and Zakari Mohammed (Kwara).

With 172 members, the APC has a slim majority and will need nine members to reach a simple majority of 181 to enable the party elect the leadership of the House.

APC members are hopeful that their brothers in the Labour Party can easily be poached to have a clear majority in the House.

PDP on the other hand has lost sleep as Ogor and the remnant PDP members are prepared to fight back like wounded lions.

Why Binis are neglected under Jonathan — Owie

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City

F

ORMER Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie, yesterday, said the people of his Benin ethnic group should not complain about being marginalized in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan since they supported All Progressive Congress (APC) and not the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Benin Forum, an umbrella body of Binis, had lamented Benin absence in the Jonathan administration.

Owie said yesterday: “Edo South (Binis) cannot blame the Federal Government for their marginalization. In politics, the yardstick for sharing things is productivity.

Why won’t the district be treated that way when it never produced any elected office holder that is in the PDP? “The four members of

the House of Representatives and the senator from the district are all from APC. When PDP controlled Edo South in 1999, the Binis had the governor, chairmanship of many boards including PPMC and a Grade A Ambassador in the person of Prince Ehenede Erediauwa. However, our community leaders declared in 2012 that the entire Edo State is peopled by the Binis, the Binis voted massively for Oshiomhole.

P AGE P AGE 8, SUND AY PA PA SUNDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 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

That governorship election in Anambra State Dear Sir,

T

HE longest day of a politician’s life is Election Day, when millions are deciding his fate and he can do nothing whatsoever about it.

Senator Chris Ngige of APC after his initial prevarications took the plunge.

There has to be a contest he said.

I think what informed his decision to run was the enthusiastic, indeed great support he received from crowds that greeted him at campaign stops. All these convinced him that he could win, despite the fact that some of his party men have an unspoken contempt for him. He remained confident he could ride out these difficulties and win the election. Most people admired him for his poise and tenacity. His previous election victories in the state boasted his candidacy. Opinion pools conducted before the election saw Dr. Chris Ngige almost running neck to neck with Dr. Willie Obiano. Why the senator would suddenly slump to a third position is difficult to fathom, INEC should know better. The senator indeed was the focus of attention if the nation was listening to him!.

During one of him campaigns before the election of Nov. 16, he queried where are all those new houses you were promised?

He said people could not find homes at prices or rents they could afford. Many could not find housing at all. Even the housing project at Nkwelle Oyi LGA which was abandoned since the inception of this administration should have been completed to reduce the housing needs of the people. When he finished his speech people surged around him to shake his hand and compliment him. On the campaign mounted by the Peoples Democratic Party,

the senator queried “How could the same party that created mess in the state be expected to clean it up” as he arrived in our neighborhood Onitsha North Local Government during the campaign, his wagon was fitted with portable sound equipment which played a popular song over the loudspeaker. He was standing at the back of his car waving and looking at the cheering crowd. It attracted at least 200 people. He spoke for some minutes and then answered few questions. He berated the government for neglecting to reconstruct Nkisi Aroli Street and

promised to rebuild it if he won. Even bemused passersby stopped to hear the aspirant lambast government’s ill treatment of the ward. One of the residents said for years they cried to unsympathetic governments to come to the aid of the community in rebuilding their gateway to Awka road. All access routes inward and outward of this road is bad and dilapidated. A road that does not stretch up to half a mile. Inhabitants merely endure hoping that one day it would be alright. He said APGA was throwing up smokescreen of smears, innuendos and

half truths to try to confuse and mislead the voters.

Dr. Ngige promised to restore law and order if he won. He said here in Anambra State every one cheats and lies. Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth he said to see it as it is and tell it as it is to tell the truth, to speak the truth and to live the truth.

Mr. Cletus Okereke, Political commentator. writes in from Anambra State

Mr President, where is Urhobo minister?

Dear Sir,

P

LEASE permit me to use your high source of news to intimate our amiable president, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan that the fifth ethnic nationality in Nigeria, the Urhobo people are still openly oppressed by the policies of his administration. The Urhobo can beat their chests and proclaim their immense electoral contributions to your emergence as the president of this nation.

Politicians are said to respect, value and in turn reciprocate the electoral constituencies that empower them with their votes. Regrettably, the 800,000 votes the Urhobo constituency in Delta State gave to you in your presidential bid and poll have been reduced to nothing in terms of appointments and other government patronages.

Even other geographical “ethnicities” that contributed zero percentage to your victory are more accommodated in the presidency. As we write, the Urhobo have

delivered “sealed and signed” the socalled senatorial seat to the PDP at the upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

However, the list of the ministerial nominations published recently does not contain any Urhobo nomination, hence this letter to Jonathan to redeem his pledge as espoused by political soul mates in Delta State.

Reminiscently, the Urhobo and the Ijaw in Delta have always played reciprocal politics hence the former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori collaborated with the Federal Government to restate Warri South Local Government headquarter back to Ogbe Ijaw town after it was taken to another town in the council area. It was also a fact that Ibori administration constructed a bridge across the river Forcados to Bomadi town, a feat no government has done before. This bridge now allows our Ijaw brothers and friends to drive their state-of-the-art cars to their various communities.

However, we wish to applaud the statement credited to an Ijaw activist, Joseph Evah who sometimes ago in the paper appealed to Jonathan to as matter of necessity to include the Urhobo in his cabinet and if not possible give them chairmanship positions in the grade A public institutions. As a matter of fact Evah once declared the engineered takeover of the Oceanic Bank as an affront on the Niger Delta people while some us with subdued agitations were looking for excuses to support the religious-ethnic economic vampires’ manipulation of the banking mayhem.

We are, however, not amused of the antics of some Urhobo self-acclaimed pliticians, activists, professors, business moguls, lawyers,professionals etc. who always look for excuses when issues that affect their fellow Urhobo are raised..

Anagbo Temienor (Jnr) writes in from Jesse Town, Delta State.

PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

“In Bassa, LGC, of Plateau State, we have Bache/Rukuba, Irigwe, Buji, Arno, Landere and two more..0815-2207041..Ogbasu (Ndoni Area), Ogba, Egbema all of Rivers State. Ukwuani, Aniocha..all of Delta 0803-307-3706…Igede, Etulo, Agila, Ulayi, in Benue State 0803-6377322…Old man! You omitted the Ndokwas of Delta State 0806-8525958…Presido,…I want to add Buji, Jere, Chokobo, Gusu, Tarya, Lemoro, Kurama..0703557-8551…My ethnic group is Yakurr. We speak LOKAA language..in central Cross river State, 0815666-7471…Your list did not include Mandara from Southern Borno and Mwaghavul in central Plateau, 0803-6099046…Borgu territory is made up of the following languages: Boko, Batonu, Bokobaru, Bisan and Dendi, 0803-7075398..Tangale in Biliri , Akko LGA of Gombe, 0803-364-8292..I want to add my ethnic group..Nikyob. Pls note that Atyap is the same as Kataf. 0809-127-9397.

O each of these people who have assisted in getting me and my readers better informed about Nigerian ethnic groups, I express my deepest grat-

T

itude. I am sure other readers will benefit from this joint exercise because this is the first column I would write in almost twenty (yes twenty) years on these pages) whose contents will be partly contributed by others. I promise to publish the entire list when it is finished.

Last week I pointed out some of the reasons the Southwest might not be as peaceful as people think in the event of a break-up. Let me repeat that it was deliberate; I don’t want anybody reading ethnic hatred into what I would say about their own zones or ethnic groups. As it turned out I am learning about some ethnic groups for the first time in my life.

Those asking for a national conference of ethnic nationalities must now begin to think of how they will handle the enormous task of mediating the demands that will come from all of them. It is not going to be easy.

Next to the Southwest, the Southeast would appear to be another solid bloc; after all, they speak the same language and share some of the same customs. But, the SE would start out with four disadvantages, among others. The first is leadership; the second is ge-

Pot calling kettle black!

"Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others.

And having no respect he ceases to love." -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky do not know what it is, but Nigeria is de scending into free fall and the unnerving thing is; that we all stand helplessly by to watch. So OBJ wrote to GEJ, trying to score cheap political points? At what point does the kingmaker stop demanding obedience from the king?

It is a bad state of affairs that we are saddled with this type of people. I am sure that the death of Mandela may have played a role that it seems that some people are seeking absolution from the people? Or is it to cultivate and build Nigeria or do they yearn for a legacy and ascertain that there

I

would be nation grieving for when they are gone?

The question is do we really care? What does it mean to the poor, the young, unemployed, the displaced and the vulnerable? Protesting publicly at this time by our greedy, moronic and out of touch so-called leaders is too little, too late.

Nothing will change unless, our leader do what is right by each and every Nigerian and create a government and equitable systems that addresses the needs of all Nigerians and not for the selected or favoured few.

I know it will be a miracle for Nigerian politicians to hold their hands up and own up. OBJ's letter did raise brows; and shows that they have no respect and do not care for the common folks, just their own political survival.

Their greed and lust for power is what binds them together. What was OBJ thinking preening a18page letter to GEJ? PDP is

ography, the third is boundary adjustment and fourth are reparations. Selection of a leader for the new nation would be the most difficult of all the zones. The SE, like the SW, has had only two leaders who enjoyed almost unanimous support – Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ikemba Ojukwu. Both, however, emerged as leaders not in elections among the Igbo people themselves, but, by accidents of history and both lived long enough to experience humiliation dur-

,

Thoughts on the National Conference – 3

nounce today that he will not seek a second term in 2015, but will endorse the selection of a candidate from the SE, then, the world will experience the largest number of prospective candidates for the office of President in any country in history – accompanied with the largest outpouring of defamations against each and every candidate.

Nothing less than forty wanted to be Anambra governor after Obi – mostly jesters.

The proposed nation will also be confronted by the facts of geography – the new nation will certainly be oil-producing with Abia, Anambra and Imo contributing. But, it will be almost landlocked – lacking direct

Those asking for a national conference of ethnic nationalities must now begin to think of how they will handle the enormous task of mediating the demands that will come from all of them. It is not going to be easy

,

ing elections in the second, third and fourth republics from the NPN, SDP and now the PDP. When it came to voting, Igbos praised Zik and Ojukwu but voted against them. The records of all our elections are there for all to read. Today, just as in the SW, nobody can claim leadership of Igbos.

And once again, a group without a leader is a mob.

The obvious question is: who will lead the separate nation which MASSOB seeks?

If for any reason, President Jonathan should an-

access to the sea. Anyone automatically assuming forbearance by the SS nation which will be a competitor for oil exports and sovereign must tell us why the co-operation must be granted.

Third, it will need some boundary adjustment if some of its people are not to be left behind in Delta, Rivers and Benue States where they run the risk of becoming marginalized minorities.

Lastly, reparations will constitute a mind-boggling problem. Igbos, more than any other eth-

sinking and the old man now wants to jump ship and extricate himself from the political complicity that had gone for decades and some under his watch. The old man had fingers in all the common wealth pies and that had gone on for years so it is a little too late to want to appear whiter than snow; that is not going to wash. They are, with-

ed? Does OBJ know what GEJ does not know?, or is the old man making moves to grab the crown off GEJ and give to another "deserving yes person" come 2015? The trouble with PDP is, there have long been dissent in the ranks and they have been too complacent for too long and now they are fire fighting and failing miserably failing to control the all mighty fire. OBJ doth protest too much when he said that: "I want nothing from you personally except that you should run the affairs of Nigeria not only to make Nigeria good, but to make Nigeria great for which I have always pleaded with you and I will always do so. And it is yet to be done for most Nigerians to see, "OBJ added that he was speaking out because he was troubled that "Nigeria was moving in the wrong direction". Wow! That is so rich, Nigeria has gone the wrong direction for many years and now he validates that. That is not a bad request; it is actually reasonable but really, do we all have to be privy that OBJ has been chiding the President of Nigeria all this time? I am sure that Nigerians jolly will make up their mind come the election (if they vote with conscience ) and if they want a better future for them, their children and Nigeria. As usual, it is left for the president's spin doctor to land a salvo of equal insults.

,

Nigeria is not working; has not worked in years and our leaders are siphoning our wealth to line their pockets while embarking on another binge

,

out exception, tarred with the same brush. History will judge these feckless people and when we look back they should be used as an example of how not to behave in government and public office. In the leaked letter, Obasanjo warns GEJ that unless he tackles the problems of corruption, piracy, kidnapping and oil theft confronting Nigeria then Nigeria could slide back to military rule. He should know that the boat has sailed and no use closing the stable door when the proverbial horse has bolt-

nic group, have made the majority of their investments outside their own zone. What will happen to those investments?

Will they leave them and walk away? And, if not, who will pay the reparations and, if paid at all, would Igbos have to start all over again in their own nation? Will this even constitute a fair settlement and lead to peaceful co-existence?

So, to our brothers in MASSOB and others who believe in their separatist doctrine, my advice is: be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. And, I am not so sure you will like it.

If you think the “Oduduwa and Eyimba” (for lack of other names to call them) nations will have problems, then you have failed to distinguish between ordinary rashes, measles and leprosy.

Next week, take a trip with me to the Southsouth; then you will begin to understand the complex problems breaking up will cause. Start by compiling the list of ethnic nationalities we have already discovered in the zone. Bear in mind that more are on the way; then ask yourself if a nation formed out of that zone will not merely repeat, on a smaller scale, all the problems of Nigeria as we know it today but might make them worse.

“GO AND DIE”: TEMPEST IN A TEA POT. “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”, William Shakespeare, 1564-1616, in HAMLET. Now that the noise had subsided on the three words which set tongues wagging and pen over-

flowing with ink and bile, perhaps we can safely put it into proper perspective by recalling two real life stories. First, on a Sunday morning, at Onipanu Bus Stop, Lagos, an old woman dashed across the express road, right under a pedestrian flyover. She missed being crushed by a petrol tanker by inches. Everybody, including those clutching Bibles shouted at her “Mama why don’t you go to your house and die”. Second.

Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State governor, celebrated his birthday – which was attended by Babangida, Abacha, all the Service Chiefs, Ministers and the highest traditional rulers in the land. At the end of the ceremonies, his true friend and Publisher of this paper, our own dear Uncle Sam, went up to Osoba, and said to him. “You have had a great day. You should go home and die.”

Does anyone in his/her right senses actually think that those two declarations should be taken literally? Poor Oshiomhole, who is one of the few good Executive governors we have had since the early 1970s, must feel like Benito Mussolini, 1883-1945, the Italian fascist leader who exclaimed, after one of his pet projects was defaced by vandals: “Ruling Italians is not impossible; it is merely useless”. We want development in Nigerians and when governments try to deliver vandals wreck their efforts and we blame the governors. Haba!!

V i s i t : www.delesobowale.com

Reuben Abati said it was "highly unbecoming, mischievous and provocative" to leak the letter to the media and it was a deliberate effort to "question the integrity of the president". What did I tell you? We lack respect for ourselves and each other. Of course, they deny all the allegations as spurious and inappropriate. The fact is there for all to see. Nigeria is not working; has not worked in years and our leaders are siphoning our wealth to line their pockets while embarking on another binge. It is a free country after all, last time I checked, Nigeria is a democracy, so OBJ is entitled to his opinion but it is the hypocrisy and the mendaciousness in his letter that speaks volumes. Do I think GEJ has done well for the country? Absolutely and categorically no. Has the present crop made things worse? Unequivocally Yes! Not for OBJ to write and publicly leak to the media.

GEJ has the right to be judged by the country when they cast the vote in 2015.

dies are not championing this, raising and promoting awareness of this heinous crimes. The role of the first lady I would hope is to take on worthwhile causes, like child poverty, education, nutrition, health care domestic violence and child bride cases. If they are really worth their weight in gold as they purport to be; can they stand up for the defenceless and the vulnerable? Also from the beginning, people look to the First Lady as the leading or most famous woman in the state and the country. They can use their influence for good causes, charity and establish institutions to help others.

In Nigeria, we have a bad case of small people syndrome; the need to act big when they are in fact, very small. As a result these men (and women) want to dominate, humiliate, isolate and they also have the affront to deny and blame the victim for their aggression. Up and down our country we have young, old, rich, poor, uneducated and educated who guilty of these heinous crimes and our society feels it is normal and no one is speaking for the voiceless. We have by our denial, omission and complicity, creating a society of narrow minded, bigoted, megalomaniacs, and tyrants, cruel, cold, emotionally detached and ego driven people.

First Ladies' Club

"The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." -- John Wooden Nigeria needs a champion for women and children.

The rate of domestic violence and abuse against our children and women is unacceptable and I cannot see why our first la-

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 11

Kwankwaso’s Transparency: A challenge to other Governors treasury are always available to be prudently managed to attain fiscal responsibility. As a matter of fact, many states have as much funds as they have leakage sources. One major source is government house. As Kwankwaso would testify, a saving of N500million every month has been achieved in Kano through abolition of frivolous expenditures hitherto in-

,

E

XACTLY one week ago, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) decorated Governor Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State as the best Nigerian Governor in the area of Fiscal Responsibility- a concept which refers to openness, discipline and accountability in governance.

This writer was proud to serve as guest speaker on the occasion because it was a remarkable award that was specific, credible and indeed verifiable. It was obviously not purchased like the ones that are given to those who had donated huge sums to the issuing body. In the case of Kwankwaso, the several memorable developments in Kano State for which he was honoured are exceedingly persuasive. What are these developments and what challenges do they pose to other State Governors?

First, Governor Kwankwaso converted Kano State into a viable entity by raising its internally generated revenue from N400million naira to N2billion monthly. He then blocked all leakages so that funds in the

the board these days where people are made to pay multiple taxes for no service.

Second, as a democrat, Kwankwaso believes that a political leader should give an account of whatever he does to the people who elected him into office.

Consequently, everything including any expense on security is accounted for in Kano State because Kwank-

Governor Kwankwaso converted Kano State into a viable entity by raising its internally generated revenue from N400million naira to N2billion monthly.

He then blocked all leakages

curred in the offices of the governor and his deputy as well as in the state bureaucracy. This should challenge other governors to embrace self-help and reduce dependence on federal allocations. However, aggressive revenue drive must be handled with a human face; not what we see across

,

waso sees security vote as “an avenue for stealing”.

The NUJ honoured the governor not only for his strong belief in accountability but also because he concentrates on the real needs of his people and not on frivolities. Hence, education-the key to human capital development has since 2011re-

PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos,

08116759758

How religion underdeveloped Nigeria (1)

This is because Christmas fever (some cynics say madness) is already upon us, and given the universality of the occasion, it would be awkward not to discuss it albeit in passing. All over the world, a few weeks before December, people start engaging in frantic activities connected to Christmas.

However, the attitudes of individuals and groups to the occasion differ. Whereas countless number of Christians look forward to the event, millions anticipate it with apprehension.

Yet, inspite of the difficulties and apprehensions associated with Yuletide, celebration of the purported birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 is the most popular festival in the world.

According to Awake magazine, the celebration has spread to non-Christian lands. For example, in Japan these days most families celebrate Christmas, not in commemoration of its religious significance but purely as a festive occasion. In a largely atheistic country like China, the red cheery face of Santa Claus

is emblazoned in shop windows nationwide, to the extent that, as documented in a report by The Wall Street Journal, "Christmas fever is gripping China's newly rising urban middle class as an excuse to shop, eat and party." Predominantly Muslim lands such as Indonesia, Lebanon and Turkey are increasingly under the gravitational pull of Christmas. People in these countries have adapted the event to suit them, and do not necessarily adhere to the December 25 timeline.

Hotels and shopping malls sponsor festive events in which children dine with Santa or pose for photographs with him. In Nigeria, as in other countries all over the globe, extreme commercialisation of Christmas is a major economic boost for transporters and businesspersons who deal in all kinds of commodities such as foodstuff, clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, household and items, and so on. Meanwhile, there is increasing realisation by enlightened individuals that purely economic factors connected to Christmas celebrations are obliterating the spiritual essence of the event envisioned in Christian theology, namely, the birth of a God-ordained and chosen messiah who offered his life in exchange for the emission of sins. For most Christians, the fancy and intimidating shopping

malls filled with gift items and resonating with Christmas carols constitute a new form of idolatry. It is well known that, as Christmas approaches, power and wealth intoxicated "men and women of God" mobilise different strategies and tricks to collect more tithes, offerings and gifts from gullible Nigerians who naively believe that they are genuinely serving God by so doing. In financial terms,

ly got a job in one state to tar a road at N400m per kilometre. Again, no one gets to know when bids for government projects are purportedly publicised; the contractor who won, how and why he won is also never known. At the same time, the job hardly ends without a variation in its cost, so much so that in the end many jobs are executed with at least twice the real amount needed. Unfortunately, many people do not get to know how much certain projects consumed in some states. As a result, they hail governors who commission projects which in actual fact were a rip off.

Fourth, one of the attributes of fiscal responsibility is wise spending. This cannot happen in states whose recurrent estimates are higher than capital allocation. In such states, government merely meets personnel emolument while development projects on substantive issues like education, health and agriculture are virtually ignored. In the case of Kano, the 2013 budget merely allocated 25 % only to recurrent expenditure while it wisely reserved 75% for development projects. It is therefore not surprising that Kwankwaso has successfully established 3 new cities -Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo.

This has no doubt enhanced even development in the state. In some other states, governors waste ample resources on existing urban centres. In some cases, they

focus on demolition of so called illegal structures that were earlier approved by government just because they want to straighten and widen the same roads that their predecessors had earlier experimented upon.

How then can the state grow?

In Kano, even development is the key word as 5kms of roads were recently dualized and electrified in each of the 44 local government areas in the state.

Each of the said local government areas also has one Technical School, one School of Islamic Studies, one Garment Industry and one Micro Finance Bank.

Of course urban migration cannot be attractive in a state like Kano. It is a sharp contrast in certain states where even “elected” councillors operate from the state capital.

To be financially responsible, a leader ought to keep to the provisions of an approved budget. There ought not to be bogus spending.

The practice of succumbing to local pressures and the emotions of the moment to make donations that are not captured in the budget is irresponsible. It is worse when a political leader engages in governance by publicity and spends more funds publicizing a project than the cost of executing the project. One benefit of following the example of Kano is that it can help to reverse the trend in Nigeria where some poor states are doing better than some of the wealthier states.

period of joy, giving, sharing, and merrymaking. Yet, in virtually every country, especially in poorly governed and backward societies like Nigeria, the grossest debasement of the human spirit dominates as men, women, and children indulge in all manner of immorality to outdo one another in celebration of self-indulgent materialism.

Hence, even if the originators of Christmas (a celebration cloned by Christians from ancient Roman festivals held in December around the time of winter solstice) had good intentions, over the centuries the event has become an excuse for licentiousness and debauchery. That said, during Christmas (or at any other time of the year for that matter), people hardly

has affected peoples' lives and the country generally, based on my conviction that periodic intellectual auditing of our practice of life is extremely important because human beings are fallible and pone to error.

Moreover, we are presently living in a rapidly changing and globalising world, with new challenges and anxieties that demand utmost mindfulness, or else people would continue to repeat errors of the past and take decisions that might lead to unprecedented manmade disaster.

Bringing to public consciousness the Socratic dictum that "an unexamined life is not worth living" is very appropriate at this time of religious festivities; at least it would encourage people to keep a watchful eye on how they celebrate.

From another perspective, commentators on national affairs have failed to notice that uncritical dogmatic adherence to the teachings of Christianity and Islam constitutes a serious obstacle to genuine national development. Therefore, to fill that lacuna, I have deliberately chosen to analyse some of the ways, sometimes insidious, by which religion has contributed to Nigeria's underdevelopment as a counter argument to the almost unanimous belief in the goodness of religion. Over ninety-five percent of Nigerians accept without question that it is good to be religious and that unbelief, or atheism, is a terrible thing - that is why religion is the fastest and most lucrative business in Nigeria right now. Interestingly, if you ask most of them to justify their unhesitating approval of religion, some would tell you that they have never really thought about the matter

whereas others might cite passages in the scriptures that prescribe religious devotion as the best solution to human problems and guarantee of eternal life in heaven. However, as an unrepentant sceptic, I believe it is just not good enough to assume the goodness of religion because the vast

,

A

LTHOUGH our discourse today involves a critical examination of religion as one of the most significant causes of Nigeria's underdevelopment, we shall begin with a few comments about Christmas.

ceived a lion share of the annual budget of the state.

Oh yes, with 300 computer schools, an aggressive adult literacy scheme, primary schools with boarding facilities, free food for students 5times a week, provision of uniforms, desks and multifarious instructional materials, training of 100 Pilots, monthly allowance for medical students and soft loan scheme for teachers, Kwankwaso appears set to attain for his state, his target of 100% literacy on or before 2015.

Rather than focus on such people oriented programmes, some governors go for grandiose self-fulfilling projects like building new government houses notwithstanding that there was nothing wrong with the mansion where the immediate past governor lived.

Others collude with their wives to siphon public funds to some illegal ventures like the one called the office of the first lady which is unknown to the Nigerian constitution Third, transparency in governance is premised on open government. Kano is a model here because anyone who cares to know about any government project does not have to labour to get the details as the government publishes such details in the media every week. This is a challenge to states whose governors manipulate the execution of public projects. In such states, the value of projects is hardly known. The other day, a contractor reported-

Commentators on national affairs have failed to notice that uncritical dogmatic adherence to the teachings of Christianity and Islam constitutes a serious obstacle to genuine national development

this translates into billions of naira for the general overseers of churches such as Lord's Chosen Ministries, the Synagogue of all Nations, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Living Faith Ministries, Daystar Church, House on the Rock, Christ Embassy and so on. It is ironic that an event, which supposedly commemorates the birth of "our saviour," has gradually evolved into the highest celebration of the best and worst in human beings.

Christmas, no doubt, is a

,

meditate on the impact of religion on their lives. Indeed, the average Nigerian takes it for granted that religion is a good thing, that without it the country would have been torn to pieces by the devil, and that religious devotion is far more important in nation building and personal development than the attitude of scientific reasonableness. Disagree with the popular approbation of religious faith.

Hence, this Christmas offers a fresh opportunity for re-examining how religion

majority of people think so or because the scriptures stipulate that it is the right thing to do. We have to examine the facts as dispassionately as possible to arrive at a position robust enough to withstand the searchlight of rational inquiry. For starters, let us clarify what religion is all about, because some Christians deny that Christianity is not a religion but "a way of life," as if such a verbal manoeuvre would automatically erase the weaknesses inherent in Christianity and elevate it spiritually above other religions.

Etymologically speaking, the word 'religion' derives from three Latin words, namely ligare (to bind), relegere (to unite or link), and religio (relationship). It follows that 'religion' connotes a relationship between at least two persons, a human being and a supernatural being. Religion is essentially a bi-polar phenomenon: at one end are human beings or adherents of particular religions, at the other is God, who is presumed to exist and is worshipped by believers.

To be continued.

P AGE P AGE 12, SUND AY PA PA SUNDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

SUND AY SUNDA

C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE PPA AGE 13

PAGE —14 SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

C M Y K

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013 — PAGE 15

C M Y K

P AGE P AGE 16, SUND AY PA PA SUNDA

C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 17

T

I

C M Y K

CHRISTMAS

The origin, traditions and significance

By SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA The date of Christmas is based on the date of Good Friday, the day Jesus died.

Since the exact date of Jesus’ death is not stated in the Gospels, early Christians sought to calculate it, and arrived at either March 25 or April 6. Then, wishing to calculate Jesus’ birthday, they followed the ancient idea that Old Testament prophets died either an anniversary of their birth or of their conception. In Jesus’ case, they reasoned that he died on an anniversary of the Incarnation; so the date of his birth would have been nine months after the date of Good Friday— either December 25 or January 6. The date December 25 became popular.

The dispute and the October date God’s Kingdom Society, GKS, has argued that Jesus Christ was not born on December 25 but some time around October advancing several empirical data to support its stand. It contends: “In The Explanatory Catechism of Christian Doctrine, it is stated in answer to Questions 50 and 51, that our Saviour Jesus Christ was born at Bethlehem on Christmas Day (which is) December 25.

But how the churches came about this date, no one cares to ask. The erroneous belief that priests and catechists cannot

,,

HE origin of Christmas is controversial as the precise date of the birth and historicity of Jesus Christ, over the ages, generated so much debate. Christmas, literally meaning the Mass of Christ, is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar. It takes place on December 25, every year, to commemorate the birth of the progenitor of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ. Christmas is, however, celebrated as a secular holiday throughout the world, including countries with small Christian populations like India.

Various theories of the origin of Christmas exist that give a clear insight into the celebration of Christmas.

Date Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in all Christian churches including Eastern Rite, Roman and Protestant.

Since most Eastern Orthodox churches have not accepted either the Gregorian calendar or the Revised Julian Calendar reforms, December 25 will fall on the civil date of January 7 for the years from 1900 to 2099. It is believed that the nativity was set on December 25 by a Roman bishop around the third century AD. The roots Christmas is from Christes Maesse, which means Christ Mass. It is referred that during the 4th century, the celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25 was gradually adopted by most Eastern churches. In Jerusalem, opposition to Christmas lasted longer as according to them the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ is unknown. It is said that December 17-24 was the period of Saturnalia, a well-known festival in pagan, Rome. December 25 was the birthday of Mithra, the Iranian god of light. This day was adopted by the church as Christmas to counteract the effects of these festivals.

The acceptation Though the true origin of Christmas is filled with controversy and compromise, today, Christmas has turned out to be one of the most popular festivals that fills joy, happiness and love in people’s life. The festival of Christmas has absorbed various customs and traditions of the world and December 25 has emerged as the most important day for Christians, irrespective of its roots. It is taken as a day that reflects the power, glory and salvation of Jesus Christ and his message of hope to the world.

Theories of the origin As the origin of Christmas has been a debatable issue, various theories have been suggested, supporting December 25 as the birth of Jesus. Few of them include: Roman Festival of Saturnalia t is an appropriation by early Christians of a day on which the birth of several pagan gods, Osiris, Jupiter, and Plutus, or the ancient deified leader Nimrod, was celebrated.

It is an appropriation of the Roman festival of the birth of Unconquered Sun, celebrated on the day after the winter solstice, or the Roman festival of Saturnalia.

Jewish Festival of Lights It derives from the tradition that Jesus was born during the Jewish Festival of Lights that falls on December 25.

Good Friday

God’s Kingdom Society, GKS, has argued that Jesus Christ was not born on December 25 but some time around October advancing several empirical data to support its stand. lie makes church goers accept this teaching with quiet contentment. The people therefore go all out to celebrate Christmas NOT out of a scripturally grounded faith but because they so were bred.

“A true Christian does not do a thing simply because the whole world or majority esteem it highly and do it. Before he does anything, he must first of all satisfy himself that it is in accord with the will of God as revealed in the holy Scripture. Christ himself said: ‘ For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God’ “ (Luke 16:15).

“After a diligent research into both sacred and profane history, we have no doubt in our minds that Jesus Christ was born in the month of October, and NOT in December! The day, month or year in which Christ was born is not positively stated chapter and verse in the Bible for the unlearned or those who do not search the Scriptures to understand.

But there are scriptural records including the Bible chronology from which we can show to those with open minds that his birth took place in October.”

Bible account The GKS goes on: “In those days, there were appointed 24 Jewish priests, the sons of Aaron, to serve in the temple in a year. Everyone officiated according to the order of his course or turn—two every month.

The first priest served from the beginning of the first month called Nisan or Abib and retired at the middle of the month; and the second took over from the middle to the end of the month.

“The priest Abijah served in the eighth course according to I Chronicles 24:1-10.

The eighth course started from the middle to the end of the fourth month known as Tammuz, which, according to the Jewish Calendar, corresponds with

Continues on page 18

PAGE 18 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

The origin, traditions and significance of Christmas Continued from page 17

C M Y K

,,

the latter part of our June to early July. (vide The Oxford Encyclopedic Concordance, page 197, and The Universal Bible Dictionary by Buckland & Williams, page 475.)

“Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, was a successor of Abijah. It was when he was officiating in the temple in the order of his turn — “the course of Abijah” — that an angel of God appeared to him saying that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear him a son to be named John. (Luke 1:5-13). After the completion of Zacharias’ period of duty in early July (Tammuz), his wife became pregnant, and she hides herself for five months. (Luke 1:23-24).

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s conception—-Chisleu, which is our December—the angel Gabriel was sent

by God to the virgin Mary and he announced to her that she would conceive and bear a son to be called JESUS. The angel added: “And behold, thy cousin, Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:26-31, 3637).

“Consequent upon the annunciation, Mary, no doubt, was in high spirits. With haste she went straight to a city in the uplands of Judah to meet Elizabeth. She stayed with her cousin about three months (i.e. from January to March) and then returned home. (Luke 1:39-40,56) “Something dramatic occurred when Mary visited Elizabeth. As soon as she entered Zacharias’ house and greeted Elizabeth, the babe (John) stirred in her womb. The words of Elizabeth to Mary at that instance, which were motivated by the Holy Spirit, show clearly that Mary herself was already pregnant.

“Not only did Elizabeth bless the fruit of her womb but she went on to address her outright as “the mother of my Lord”. (Luke 1:41-44). According to medical authorities the span of foetal life under normal conditions is 280 days, which is nine months; any time in the 10th month the child, by God’s grace, can be born. This was the case with John the Baptist.

“The angel appeared to Mary in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s conception and Mary went to her and stayed three months: six plus three equal nine. It was then “Elizabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son” — obviously, in the 10th month, April. (Luke 1:36, 56-57).

“Having been equipped with this knowledge, let us now count Mary’s conception from that January as was manifest in Elizabeth’s declaration, we will arrive at September as the ninth month; then in the 10th month OCTOBER, Jesus Christ was born. But on which day in October his birth took place no one can tell because there is no record.

“We of the GKS say only what we can prove. With regard to the year of Christ’s birth, historians disagree with one another. Some hold to BC 2 or BC 4, and others suggest BC 6. We are no

As is with any festival,

Christmas too has many traditions and customs which are being carried forward by families the world over historians, and so we do not wish to be entangled in their disagreements.

Physical facts ccording to the GKS, the phys ical features of Palestine in re gard to the climate lend support to the view that Christ was not born in December. “According to the Gospels story, there were shepherds attending their flock in the open fields by night when Christ was born. This could not have been possible in December, because all accredited authorities agree that December, which corresponds with the Jewish ninth month, Chisleu, (Zechariah 7:1) was usually a time of winter in Palestine when the people could not stay outside in the night owing to the intense cold.” the body explains.

“The Oxford Encyclopedic Concordance states that there was “snow on the mountains”.

But October is the Jewish seventh month called Tisri or Ethanim. (I Kings 8:2) It was a time of normal weather that permitted of outdoor or outside activities.

A

Again, the fact that the churches of Christendom observe the death of Jesus Christ (“Good Friday ”) in April confirms that his birth could not have taken place in December.

“Of a truth, he was killed in April, which is Nisan or Abib, the first month of the Jewish year, when the Feast of Passover or Unleavened Bread was celebrated.

“We all agree that Jesus Christ lived for 33 1/2 years. Now, let us admit that he was born in December, as the churches teach, it will mean, therefore, that his 33rd birthday anniversary fell on December, and six months later, which was June, he died. If it was so, why then are the churches celebrating his death in April and not in June? The truth is that he was born in October. His 33rd birthday then fell on October, and six, months later, that is, in April, he was slain.”

Historical facts The GKS believes there is no authentic history in existence that gives support to the teaching that Jesus Christ was born in December. “We challenge anyone who may argue this to cite any authority to the contrary to prove us wrong. There was no such festival as Christmas until the fourth century, and it was the Romish Church in its characteristic tendency of “meeting Paganism half-way”, that just fixed December 25 as Christ’s birthday.”

The group cites extracts from the book: Jesus’ birth, the untold story, published on December 25, 2005 on www.angelfire.com, and which states: ‘ Each December, articles inevitably appear in newspapers and magazines pointing out the ancient origins of today ’s Christmas customs. All authorities agree that the customs

surrounding Christmas, the Christmas tree, mistletoe, holly wreaths, yule logs, stockings on the hearth, exchanging gifts and so on, were practiced in connection with pagan religious celebrations centuries before the birth of Jesus. None are of Christian origin! Anciently, December 25 was the date of the pagan Roman Brumalia, the final day of the popular week-long Saturnalia celebration, celebrated in honour of the god Saturn. It was the day of the “invincible sun”, a winter solstice festival. “Christmas” was not among the earliest festivals of the Church. It was not until the mid-fourth century that Pope Julius 1 decreed December 25 to be Christmas (“Christ-Mass”) Day. He sought to overshadow the popular Brumalia by imparting “Christian” connotations to the day.’

We cannot do without making reference to the evidence of the wellknown ecclesiastical historian, Alexander Hislop, the GKS says. “In his distinguished work, The Two Babylons, he wrote: ‘ There is not a word in the Scriptures about the precise day of His (Christ’s) birth....What is recorded there implies that at what time so ever His birth took place, it could not have been on December 25...The cold of the night, from December to February, is very piercing, and it was not the custom for the shepherds of Judea to watch their flock in the open fields later than about the end of October. It is in the last degree incredible, then, that the birth of Christ could have taken place at the end of December., “ (Pages 91-92) The vanity of Christmas, the GKS stresses, has been exposed enough.

“History condemns it. The Holy Bible, which is the law book and guide for all true Christians, does not justify it.

Just as the Lord’s Witnesses in their book The True Bible Code at page 688 stated: ‘ The issue is not a matter of indifference.

Since Christmas was not instituted by God; it should not be approved or tolerated in the official practices of the Church. Ministers and Church officers are not being true to their ordination vows, if they encourage or tolerate Christmas observance in their congregations.’

“What is more, St. Paul declared: ‘It is GOD Himself, in His mercy, who has given us this wonderful work (of telling His Good News to others), and so we never give up. We do not try to trick people into believing – we are not interested in fooling anyone. We never try to get anyone to believe that the Bible teaches what it doesn’t. All such shameful methods we forego. We stand in the presence of God as we speak and so we tell the truth, as all who know us will agree.’ (2 Corinthians 4:1-2 [Living Bible]) Jesus Christ says, ‘He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.,” Traditions As is with any festival, Christmas too has many traditions and customs which are being carried forward by families the world over. These traditions and customs may be as varied as the diversity in cultures. Some, though are common to everyone celebrating Christmas in any part of the world.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 19

•Alhaji

Lateef Jakande.... It is very sad

JAKANDE TO LEADERS

,,

Some people thought it was also impossible when I said we were going to build houses all over the place, saying the houses would be poultry houses

‘Save Nigeria from collapsing’ *Says corruption today is unimaginable

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

F

ollowing the nagging issues in the polity, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, a former governor of Lagos State, also known as LKJ, bares his mind on the demise of Madiba, corruption, the education sector and leadership.

For Jakande, whose emergence as an upright leader was the product of his service delivery and the simple life he led in a country where vanity was beginning to creep in and where folly had taken the place of virtuous living, it is indeed fitting that he should speak truth to power on the issue of corruption.

In fact, Jakande pooh-poohed the situation where leaders pay lip service

to the developmental needs of the people. He gave examples of how his administration in Lagos State was able to turn the tide.

His words: “I remember that when we came into office in 1979, our priority was to give quality education to the masses. We had three shifts of learning - morning, afternoon, evening - and we were able to accomplish it. So if we could accomplish it during our time in office, why can’t they accomplish those petty projects now? I pray that God should touch the hearts of our leaders”.

For the former governor who was fondly referred to as Baba Kekere (a reference to him as Junior Obafemi Awolowo), governance is about deter-

mination and the need to serve the people.

“It is very simple, once you put your mind in the right place, you will certainly achieve. In public service, the average Nigerian must come first and that was the reason I was able to resolve educational problems in Lagos State within a week. Some people thought it was also impossible when I said we were going to build houses all over the place, saying the houses would be poultry houses. I hope the critics are still alive today to witness what they thought would be poultry houses. What matters most is determination and clear cut program”.

Excerpts: Continues on page 20

PAGE 20 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

of our present leaders.

All we hear them talk about now is spending billions on projects that do not add to our progress.

How do you react to the embattled PDP governors that decamped to APC? Quite frankly, the idea of moving from one party to another does not help the country.

People in partisan politics should do it on the basis of commitment and not moving from one party to another for any reason. If they have problem in their party, let them resolve it. Let conservatives be conservatives and the progressives be where they are and look at service to our people which is the major thing we need.

I hope they spare us these nagging issues.

What we need is Continued from page 19

,,

Most of our leaders today are not helping Nigeria, but I pray God will make Nigeria better

How do you see the demise of Dr. Nelson Mandela?

Nelson Mandela was a great man.

When he was alive, he made public service inspiring because he lived his life in all possible difficulties and I am grateful to God for the enviable life he lived. What would South-Africa have become today if not for the antiapartheid struggle led by him.

Apartheid is now a thing of the past in South-Africa. We have every reason to thank God for creating a man like Mandela. I pray, may he sleep well.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has written to President Goodluck Jonathan saying he is unfit to run for the presidential race in 2015 and describing his government as corrupt. Do you share his perspective?

I am not interested in any open letter to anybody neither will I comment on it, but the level of corruption in this country is a national tragedy and we have never had it so bad. (In retrospect, the allegation of corruption which forced the military to overthrow the Second Republic now appears misplaced in the context of what is presently going on in the country).

So many people in this part of the world see you in good light based on your contributions as an Awoist in terms of politics, health and education. What is your take on the education sector in Nigeria today?

I am not quite happy with what is going on.

For instance, I am very sad that university lecturers could stay out of

work for more than five months. It is a thing of shame on both ASUU and the Federal Government because the government carries the burden; the government should have done everything possible to prevent such a situation from happening.

At the end of the day, it is those who cannot afford private universities that suffer and this country cannot afford such situation to happen.

What is your view on dilapidated structures in primary and secondary schools nationwide?

It is very disappointing to see those who benefited from the free education we initiated during our tenure doing virtually nothing to bail out the nation. I would like to appeal to my friends and colleagues in government to give education priority; after all, the future belongs to children.

I remember that when we came into office in 1979, our priority was to give quality education to the masses. We had three shifts of learning - morning, afternoon, evening - and we were able to accomplish it.

So if we could accomplish it during our time in office, why can’t they accomplish those petty projects now?

I pray that God should touch the hearts of our leaders.

Nothing is more rewarding than building men of stature. The other day when I was in a gathering, I met some people that came to appreciate me saying they were products of my educational system.

I can never thank God enough for the privilege because I ask myself every time what would these people have turned out to be if they had not had such opportunity.

I pray that God will enter the hearts

service to the people.

Are you impressed with the performance of today’s leaders in office?

Most of our leaders today are not helping Nigeria, but I pray God will make Nigeria better.

They should save the country from collapsing. They should put the interest of the Nigerian people at heart. They should go into politics with the determination to serve because there are so many things to be done and this country is greatly in need of them and I hope that they clear up the mess in order to get back to the right course of serving our people.

If you have the opportunity to correct anything, what would it be?

It is very simple, once you put your mind in the right place, you will certainly achieve. In public service, the average Nigerian must come first and that was the reason I was able to resolve educational problems in Lagos State within a week.

Some people thought it was also impossible when I said we were going to build houses all over the place, saying the houses would be poultry houses. I hope the critics are still alive today to witness what they thought would be poultry houses. What matters most is determination and clear cut program.

What is your advice for Nigerian leaders?

Nigeria is growing and we have a great future. I am totally convinced that we shall get there because this is a country created by God and we will not go back.

God has given us all the resources we need to be a great country, why should we fail?

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 21

I

am familiar with your Foundation and know the kind of people you normally bring in as guest speakers during your annual lecture series. Can I know why you have not considered it imperative to use Nigerians as keynote speakers?

At our inaugural lecture the keynote speaker was the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Bishop Obinna. And that had to do with the topic of that lecture which was the holistic approach to human existence and development. So it is not all together correct that we don’t use Nigerians; we had Prof. Bolanle Awe and a host of other Nigerians who had been keynote speakers.

I know what easily attracts these global figures to your foundation, because I am aware that you have brought people like former US Vice President, Al Gore; De Lama; Musharaf and this year you brought President Joyce Banda of Malawi.

I would not use the word easily attracted. Rather I will say that it is a combination of genuine interest , goodwill, acceptance and appreciation of our father’s work; because there is a time for the universal application of our father’s work. These are some of the reasons why they make themselves available to us. Our father, Oynechere Anyiam Osigwe, put his works into writing. What informed the topic of this year’s lecture was that we looked at our father’s work and what is most needed in the society today.. The issue of democracy you will agree has been on the front burner in our country, particularly the question of how we are practising democracy at the moment.

The raging issues in Nigeria’s democracy today are not what we are supposed to be focusing on. It should not be ethnicism or where someone comes from. The emphasis should neither be on religion, rotation or where a person comes from. The democratic debate in the country now should focus on the best man for the job or rather we should re-establish the tenets of democracy or what can make the country genuinely democratic. What is happening now indicates that we are not yet a nation of one people, •Anyiam-Osigwe since our ethnic background determines our interactions as a people. For instance, we see ourselves as South/south, Ohaneze or Arewa before we see ourselves as one people. Where is the Nigeria we all need in all that? It shows that we don’t have a nation of one-minded people.

In view of this, it becomes important to re-examine democracy. Anyiam Osigwe looked at democracy as genuine democracy. He agreed that we inherited democracy but in his works he posited that we lack genuine democracy. That is why we are showcasing his arguments by trying to unravel what he called the perversion of democracy in the country.

You just mentioned the perversion of democracy and having a genuine democracy is ICHAEL Anyiam -Osigwe, Coordinator General of Anyiam Osigwe prominent among the ideals of Foundation and Honorary Consul-General of Malawi to the Federal this Foundation. Would you Republic of Nigeria, in this interview, regrets that the issues of rotation, then say that 15 years since ethnicism and religion have remained the burning topics in Nigeria’s democracy. you have been preaching and As far as he is concerned, political aspirations should not be slaughtered on advocating good governance the altar of sectional or group interests, adding that democratic debates should you have succeeded in bringing focus on how best to produce suitable men for public offices. Anyiam-Osigwe about relative genuine also speaks on other issues of national significance. democracy in Nigeria?

If you look at our continent, the kind of Nigeria we want, you will find all kinds of things

By CHARLES KUMOLU because we can’t talk about nagoing on like people being in tion-building and development charge of their countries for over not so much disappointing in without dropping out ethnic aftwo or three decades. When you this country but we have taken filiations. What we should be compare that with the Nigerian so many steps forward and looking at is to have the most situation, you will conclude that backward. competent person, who can deNigeria is doing tremendously If you ask me our challenge liver on the job. well. In that sense, we have in Nigeria, I will say that the Are these observations done better than most African institutions that conduct against the backdrop of the countries. In those countries elections should separate recent Anambra State where those leaders had passed technical challenges from governorship election or from on, you will find out it is either electoral malpractice. INEC a general perspective? their son, brother or crony, who appears to be having technical During the election before succeeded them. That negates challenges any time they Anambra, there were technical the principles of democracy. conduct an election. They challenges and same scenario What we are saying is that we should look at that as to isolate played out during the Anambra need to re-examine democracy. malpractice from a technical election. Whether the problems And that demands having an challenge because at the are man- made or not, the issue inclusive and participatory moment technical challenges government. It is not are mistaken for malpractice. groupings, we should now be of technical challenges should necessarily where the person The other challenge is that we talking about how to build a be addressed. If you are not able comes from, it should be to have can still not be talking about nation. We need to come out of to isolate rigging from technithe best man for the job. It is Nigeria in terms of our ethnic our ethnic cocoon and build cal challenges, people will

Our democracy should isolate rotation, ethnicism — Anyiam-Osigwe *’INEC must separate technical challenges from malpractice’

M

If you ask me our challenge in Nigeria, I will say that the institutions that conduct elections should separate technical challenges from electoral malpractice

muddle up things. We can still not be talking about Nigeria in terms of our ethnic groupings.

We should begin to think more about how to build a nation. A man who is hungry in Owerri and Maiduguri has the same challenges, so we need to address our national challenges as one.

Some have argued that the recurring issue of technical challenges, could be resolved with e-voting?

A lot of people have said that elections should not be conducted in areas where there are no infrastructures. And that is right because majority of Nigerians are in the rural areas.

We should just ensure that we separate the time-line between what is a technical challenge and rigging because people seem to muddle both. And that creates more problems for the commission. Before we start talking about e-voting or digititalizing, we have to consider the rural environment, which is not suitable for evoting. What I think we should do is make sure that we achieve a degree progress through proper planning. We need to go back to the basics and do things right. In the urban areas, you can talk about e-voting but not in rural areas.

What do you think Nigerian leaders can learn from Banda, who was your keynote speaker this year and what informed her choice?

With her background at the NGO level and activism, she understands her people and knows how to solve the challenges facing the country.

She sold the vision that her country can’t just be a nation, dependent on aid to her people.

The Malawian leader is the second female president in Africa and focused on the lecture’s central theme, Genuine Democracy: The Price and The Prize. She has shown herself as a leader of example among her peers in Africa as she has focused her programmes and policies on tackling the problems of poverty and infrastructural deficit of her country since she assumed office one and a half years ago.

Mrs. Banda inherited a country in total mess and within a short period she is turning around the fortunes of the country. She is restoring hope to Malawians who have been despondent. Her people can see steady and remarkable progress. She knows what she wants for her people and what her priorities are.

Even when the country seems not to have the means in terms of money like other countries within the continent she is focused and determined to turn around the fortunes of Malawi. She is expanding the revenue base of the country.

She has a strong will to make Malawi the biggest example of what a great leader can do to turn-around a country.

,,

P AGE 22—SUND AY Vanguard , DECEMBER 22 , 2013 SUNDA

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

Could your boobs be dangerous to your health?

S

U D D E N LY , health pages have turned to must-read portion of newspapers and journals. No self-respecting editor dares publish without feeding his readers on what to eat and do to make life worth living and what items to give the wide berth if you don’t want to swell the coffers of your doctor.

Lately, there’d been a deluge of advice on the merit of staying away from mobile phones. According to these ‘experts,’ mobile phones are dangerous to men because they lower men’s sperm count. “Nobody ’s sperm count could persuade me to give up my mobile and shackle myself to the old wire and dial model,” protest Esther, a writer. “lf the men are so worried, instead of thrusting their mobiles deep into their pockets, why don’t they take up handbags instead? My phone nestles in my bag, accompanying me wherever I go, linking me to my friends, family and the world.”

The Vatican once threw its hat in the ring of antimobile users. During the Lenten period, it urged believers to give up sending text messages and use the phone!

Words fail me at the importance of this message.

Suffice it to say thast pubtic indignation had more than shown how unpopular this penance was!

The bra is another item that could be in danger of being banned because there’s a possibility they give women breast cancer! I mean how can your boobs be possibly bad for your health? “How could a lace sling designed to counteract gravity and

emotionally, there is no doubt that men are dangerous.

We can contract diseases from them and have our hearts broken by them. There are compensations, however.

They can open a bottle of champagne better than most women. And if the right man pays you a compliment, it will put a sparkle in your eyes more effectively than cosmetic surgery.

Easy Steps To Making A Decision

give extra bounce have the sinister effect of blocking my lymph glands, so causing cancer? The medics should consider the dangers of banning bras,” says Esther, a cosmetologist in her 30s. “Millions of female joggers would run the risk of serious black eyes. It would also be a disaster for the retail trade. What would the husbands do at Christmas without the thrill of buying something quite unsuitable in red or shocking pink for their wives? And where would the advertising industry be without a cleavage feature on hoardings?”

As for deodorants, they’re supposed to contain carcinogenic chemicals, and to avoid the damaging effects, you’re advised to go natural - a giant leap bac:k to the prehistoric days where you allow hair to grow and perspiration runs

free. According to Esther: “That might have been bearable in those olden days, when reliance consisted of a knock on the head with a wooden club, and people lived in caves full of bat droppings. But imagine rush-hour, or the cinema, or a long haul flight without deodorants.

Life might last longer but would it be worth living?”

Here are other tongue-incheck comments on other “vices” you should give up: Cars: They pollute, they kill people, and roads destroy the countryside. But in return, they give us freedom, independence and somewhere to put the shopping. Actually, no matter how much harm cars do, they’ll never be banned because men are addicted to them. They use their cars the way Medieval Man used his codpiece to inflate his ego.

Babies: A gynaecologist was once asked what single thing a woman could do

to prolong her life and hang on to her youth.

He said: “avoid having babies. Child birth damages a woman’s body as badly as a car crash.” Once your baby is born, there’s no let up. Years of sleeplessness gives you indelible wrinkles. Babies throw up on the shoulder of your expensive dress. They develop a high fever just as you’re about to go out. Then they give you that gummy grin and fall asleep on your chest, breathing out that special fragrance of talcum and baby oil.

Irresistible!

The Internet: We’re constantly warned about new dangers. You can be deluged with junk mail, harassed by pornography, conned by fraudsters or lured by peadophiles. But it unites the world and leaps over all barriers or frontiers. With one click, every reference book is open to you,

fast growing into a strong iroko tree,unshakeable by any wind and storm life would bring. And if I die and resurrect again I will still love you again,again and again.

Akachukwu Ferdinand, 08063819314

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"

Ocean of love

In us abound a deep sweet ocean of love which has never existed among human beings. And it is

To the single ladies,

Let's speak to the single ladies today.

No man ever wants a 'crazy' wife! It is only guys who want a 'crazy' girlfriend, so don't be deceived. A guy who wants you to party hard every weekend, expose your boobs, wear skimpy clothes,loud make ups and get down with 11 bottles of beer while he is on 15 will NEVER marry you! A guy who wants sex everywhere with you when he is not yet married to you will see you as a whore when the time for marriage eventually comes... Have you ever wondered why most of these crazy guys go for the 'timid' and 'local' looking girls when it comes to marriage but

you can trawl through history or literature, indulge your favourite hobby, meet friends or find true love. We’d be isolated and ignorant without it.

Milk Chocolate: It’s supposed to be crammed with fat so it’s bad for your heart; it’s almost pure sugar so it rots your teeth; and if it’s made in English, it contains practically no real chocolate.

Who cares? In the 18th Century; chocolate was banned because it makes you feel so good. As a mood enhancer; it’s far better than gin.

Stiletto heels: They shorten your tendons, dig holes in wooden floors, get impaled in grass and break when you run. They have no practical use, but they flatter the fattest ankle and lengthen the shortest leg. Beauty queens have always known their power - so no wonder it’s become fashionable to wear with bikinis.

Men: Physically and

“Get in touch with your values. What are you like when you are at your best?” ‘l so asks a Psychologist. What kind of passion do you want to be? Assess all the facts; What you specifically want to happen, what’s interpretation and what’s truth.

Analyse your feelings and become dear on what they are. See if the big question breaks down into separate sub-issues, each of which might benefit from a fresh solution.

Phrase each issue as a question, starting, “how to ... “ or “in what ways might I”. Mentally follow both decision paths and compare results. For each, keep asking “and why is that important to me?” to see which leads you closer to your own values.

Don’t canvass opinions from others. Stop. Step back; go for a walk somewhere beautiful; wait. Try out each decision internally and see how it feels. Put a time frame on this; decide to look at it again in a few hours or days. Act - and “own the outcome of your decision.

Accept that it was your choice made freely and, with due consideration”.

dump the sexy,sassy and gorgeous looking ones? A man wants more than beauty for marriage! Those boobs you are flaunting everywhere will eventually sag someday so invest in yourself!

A man really wants a place he can call home, he wants a woman who is modest and can take care of his parents, one with whom the children can confide in, the one he can take major decisions with and tell all his fears. He wants a wife,mother and sister all in one...

I'm not saying that looking good is bad. In fact, looking good is good business, but you have got to look beyond that and pay more attention to things that keep a home. If you truly want to attract a decent man, please be decent yourself and do not let any man use you to pass time! ...... May God grant you the wisdom to be the woman a man truly needs!

Chris Onunaku dekris4real@gmail.com 08032988826/08184844015.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 23

08112662589

Look out for love dupes this Xmas!

Y

OU’RE fired!’ It might be amusing when Donald Trump says it on The Apprentice, but it was no laughing matter when Joseph’s lover of only 12 months recently gave him the heave-ho quite unceremoniously. A lovely lawyer in his early 30s, I had always ribbed him to settle down soon by getting married. “1' will wait for the right woman for as long as I have to,” he always assured me.

“I’ve always wanted more of a one-on-one relationship than have one night flings.

The way I was raised, it was very intimate between me, my parents and my siblings.

That’s why I look for that same honesty and rapport with a woman. I take relationships very seriously. But I’d probably say my problem is that I jump into them a little too early. Some early relationships I ever got into started off with ‘you’re the only one for me.’

'And then the male ego thing comes in because you might just find another woman attractive. You might stray as a result and that’s why I’ve learned that, until you’re ready to be monogamous, don’t take it to the next level. Just date and have fun. That’s what I’m having now until I find that one person who wants more than momentary pleasure'.

He saw how amused I was by his little speech and gave me a ‘just you watch’ look. I didn’t have long to wait as he called excitedly, months later, that he’d found ‘the

one’; “She works with one of these mobile network providers and earns megabucks. Would you believe she belongs to two prestigious clubs paid for by her company? ... “ On and on he babbled until he slowed down enough to ask when I would have the time to give ‘miss perfect’ the once-over. “You’re my favourite aunty and your approval matters to me,” he said when I hesitated.

So we agreed on a Sunday afternoon-lunch time.

He was a couple of hours late and he apologized profusely, saying he had to wait for Susan, his girlfriend, to come back from the hairdresser’s. I gave Susan a cursory look. Almost as tall

as Joseph, she was pretty alright, in an extremely sophisticated way.

Overdressed for a casual lunch date”she greeted me enthusiastically, her every sentence ending with ma’am as if I were a formidable looking school principal. Joseph had graciously brought two bottles of very expensive red wine.

“Susan loves this a lot,” he said as he looked at her as if she were one of the wonders of the world. He was all over her as we tucked into the spread I’d reheated on the dining table. She was a woman-of-the world, no doubt about it. A bit of a name-dropper, she knocked back the wine as if it was

ordinary water. The more inebriated she got, the thriller her voice. But loverboy just hung on her every word It was.a relief to see the back of her, believe me.

But, I had cause to see her a few times either at parties, with Joseph hanging on her shirt, or on short visits to the family home. In all those times, I still had my misgivings but said nothing. Only a few months into the relationship, Joseph came into my office, looking as if he’d just been to the funeral of a close friend. He’d lost his sparkle and his clothes were as if he hadn’t bothered to iron them. “I need some money sis,” he said sadly. Can you give me a loan?” Anticipating my

next question, he continued: My rent is due and Susan is yet to repay the loan she got from me,” loan?

How could he lend her money judging by the hefty salary and fringe-benefits she was getting from her super duper job?. ’She wasn’t the top official she said she was,” he said sadly, he was only personal assistant to one of the top shots”. Even then, I pointed out, she should be earning enough to look after herself. And to think she subscribed annually to those fancy clubs! She never belonged to any of the clubs,” he said, embarrassed, I didn’t know she was using her sister’s membership cards. She (the sister) married well and her husband put her name on his cards.

I really thought she loved me. She was always eager to make love, eager to fall in line with my plans on top of which she was a smashing cook. I met her when I felt strongly that I’d reached the stage in my life where I really wanted to find the right person and get married - so many of my friends seemed to be ‘doing it and I felt as if I was being left behind. 1 wanted someone who was intelligent, ambitious and good looking. Is that too much to ask?” Poor bloke! As a rule I seldom lend money, but the amount he needed to top up his rent wasn’t much, so I gave him the cheque. He was too heartbroken for me to tell him I wasn’t surprise Susan turned out to be a heartless

gold digger. A lot of them abound these days’ and they’re so convincing you need to be a soothsayer to know which ones are genuine. And the sad bit is that girls like Susan are seldom heartbroken. They always have more than one man on the boil that when one relationship breaks, there’s always a replacement to step into an ex’s shoes. As Joseph got ready, to leave, I couldn’t help asking; 'Why lent Susan so much money if you suspected she couldn’t pay?” I didn’t suspect a thing at first” he replied sadly. “We’d planned that she should hold on to the payment due to me so we could celebrate Christmas in one of the neighbouring countries. I’d done that with an ex and it was quite enjoyable. Now I am skint and my plans for Christmas and the New Year are in ruins. This is going to be my bleakest Christmas ever. And to think I was thinking of making her my wife. She must have had a good laugh at my expense ... “ Why is it that good guys get hurt more than cads?

It’s going to be Christmas in a few days‘ readers, and some of you are bound to be up to your usual tricks of playing one lover against the other. Only don’t be too smart or you might inflict unnecessary pain. Don’t promise more than you can deliver and you might just scrape through.

08052201867(Text Only)

Make yourself more active

C M Y K

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 commitment 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 let's get cracking.

Try the following for waking up muscles and getting set for the daya.

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

,

P

ROPER body management isw the key toi being more alive, more active and less tired.

What does proper body management 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 breathing 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 mandated 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

You stand a better chance of making the most of what you have taken in, if you have mandated the system well with enough breathing exercises

,

flexibility.

Chandrasana (backsides) Technique: Standing with feet together and knees locked raise the

hands up as you talk a deep breath. Breath on thoroughly and been backwards. Stay in the position for a slow count to five.

Benefit: This posture life the one above also conf 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 outside 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.

Theen is malsyendrasana or the two postuire.

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

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

Chandrasana (backsides)

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

PAGE 24— SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013 Email: vanguardwoman@gmail.com (08054650907- SMS only)

Wh ther eed Whyy mo mother therss should breastf breastfeed exclusiv ely ffor or six months clusively Stories by JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

B

eyond strengthening the bond between a mother and child, breastfeeding has over the years proven to also be of health significance to both parties. For busy mothers who intermittently have to be away from their infants and working mothers in Nigeria who must return to the workplace after three months of maternity leave, adhering to the gospel of exclusive breastfeeding could be a major challenge.

Consequently, the baby is abruptly weaned.

Benefits of breastfeeding

Hope for moms as kids display talents in autism T here’s good news for mothers who’re on the verge of giving up on their children living with autism.

Reason: that child may not remain forever dependent!

Really, if their performance at the recent Talent in Autism Show 5 was anything to go by, then children living with autism are likely to invade the global entertainment scene soon.

At the Patrick Speech & Languages Centre-PSLC annual event staged in Lagos, it was almost impossible for anyone to believe that the different entertainment groups that regaled audience with performances ranging from dance to drama, choreography, Bible recitations, and piano presentation consisted of children living with autism.

Widely known as the second fastest growing global disorder, experts say autism is a complex developmental dysfunction of the central nervous system that affects how an individual communicates, interacts socially and behaves.

Fielding questions from Feminista on how PSCL was able to transform autistic children naturally known for their staccato behavioural patterns, Mr.Yinusa Abidemi, Head, PSLC, said, “It involves a lot of efforts by therapists and parents, especially mothers. Children

with autism can learn; if only we are willing to help.

However, this requires consistency and tolerance on the part of the therapists because the children will keep making similar mistakes for a long while.

Since we began in 2006, however, we’ve integrated scores of children into regular school virtually every session. One thing

about children with autism is that they often show you, through their behaviour, what you’re to teach them.

They lead you to their strength and if you’re able to identify that strength, you’ll get the best from them. So, my advice is that parents should learn not to give up easily on them but should continue to love and tolerate them.”

For mothers, researchers say breastfeeding a baby exclusively for the first six months, and then continued breastfeeding in addition to appropriate solid foods until 12 months and beyond, assists the uterus return to its pre-pregnant state faster, can enhance weight loss, reduce the risk of ovarian and pre-menopausal breast cancers, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and reduces the risk of mothers with gestational diabetes developing Type-2 diabetes.

For children, with breast milk ingredients not found in any formula, breastfeeding builds their immune system so that they’re less likely to fall ill.

Its easy-to-digest property helps to reduce vulnerability to diarrhoea and above all, breast milk leaves no carbon footprint.

Working mothers and breastfeeding Immediate Past President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria-MWAN, Dr.Dumebi Owa, believes no excuse is tenable for nonadherence to exclusive breastfeeding.

“Cows give calves their own milk, dogs give puppies their own milk and cats give kittens their own milk. Why should human beings not give their babies their own milk? Why can’t we be specie-specific? Why do we prefer to give to our

children animal milk?

Mothers who feel they are too busy to complete the six months exclusive breastfeeding should key into the alternative of expressing(pumping out) their breast milk! They however should be mindful of the risk of bacterial growth that could occur when breast milk is not collected or stored correctly.

For Dr.Ekanem Ekure of the Paediatrics Department, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, employers also have a duty to protect the right to life of children and mothers, by providing mother-friendly workplaces equipped with crèches. That way, mothers who cannot express their breast milk could be closer to their babies and still be economically productive.

“Children have a right to live and breastfeeding is a source of life because it is the first immunisation provided by God; breast milk is very rich in antiinfective agents that protect against infection. We still have a high burden of pneumonia and the statistics as at 2008 showed that 177 under-five children who died in Nigeria had pneumonia. Unfortunately, non-inclusive breastfeeding for the first six months could also help prevent pneumonia.

Pra or deliv erance, Ola wale Cole ttells ells violent husbands Prayy ffor deliverance, Olaw

P

resident and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr.Micheal Olawale-Cole, rained fire and brimstone on male folks over what he described as their insensitivity towards the female gender.

Cole, a foremost Rotarian, who spoke at an event organised in Lagos by Inner Wheel Club of Isolo, District 911 Nigeria, to celebrate women, condemned acts of violence perpetrated by some husbands on their wives.

“I’ll advise such men to pray for deliverance. To me, beating-up one’s partner is a very extreme behaviour!

Government too should do more by engaging in moral persuasion so that we can have more peaceful homes; as against homes where we’re exchanging bullets or boxing. Children are

watching and believe me, most of them too will become abusive.

“I agree that women talk a lot and can upset anybody, but to be realistic, that’s their nature; though not every one of them. So, real men should learn to adapt so they do not become nuisance to their families”, the one-time Lagos Commissioner who has been married for over 40 years said.

In like minds, President, Inner Wheel Club of Isolo, Ronke Solomon, and member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon.Funmilayo Tejuosho, advocated the need for younger people to be counselled.

“There aren’t hard penalties for domestic violence because we don’t want all our husbands to be in jail.

What we need is mentorship- older men and

*Olawale Cole

women mentoring and guiding younger ones.

While I was doing my research during my Masters in Law, there was a guy who was always abusing and beating his wife. Do you

know all it took to stop him from that act was just a big and popularly-feared man in the society whom he realised was treating his wife at home like a queen?”, Tejuosho stressed.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013,

PAGE 25

Email: vanguardwoman@gmail.com (08054650907- SMS only)

Physical exercise isn’t just about reducing body size — Jane Amuta, fitness coach

J

ane Amuta is the chief executive officer of FIT, an ultra-modern health, fitness and beauty facility in located. This is coming at a time when most people are suffering from health related issues that could have been avoided through physical exercise. A mother of two, Jane holds a first degree from Abia State University and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar. Before veering into business, she had worked with Fidelity Bank as a customer relations officer. In this interview with ESTHER ONYEGBULA, she talks about what it entails to run health fitness and beauty business, the peculiar challenges, her aspirations, the importance of exercise in living a healthy life.

M

ost Nigerians do not engage in exercise, what informed your decision to establish a health fitness and beauty facility?

I have always been an advocate for fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. It has always been my passion. Right from when I was an undergraduate to when I went for youth service, I organised workout sessions and early morning jogs for corps members. Apart from the fact that I am a fitness advocate, it is obvious that there are so many health

engaging in conscious exercise?

There are so many benefits you get from engaging in exercise even when you think that your schedule is so busy, you don’t have time, or you are so stressed.

Engaging in exercise takes off the stress that could kill you, helps you to rebuild, and cope better with the day to day challenges that you face. Exercise helps to loosen up, as well as to improve your mood.

Exercise is not just about the dress size or the look; it is also about being alive and alert. The more you engage

,,

Exercise is not just about the dress size or the look; it is also about being alive and alert.

The more you engage in physical activities, the more mentally alert you become

related issues cropping up in our society today. It is common to find people who are overweight and obese; even young kids are not left out. So, it is imperative that we embrace the culture of exercising regularly. The passion has always been there; thank God that my dream has finally turned into a reality.

What are the benefits of C M Y K

in physical activities, the more mentally alert you become.

How do you intend to run this business when you didn’t study physical education?

We have on ground certified professionals and experts- physical trainers, who provide one on one training for clients. We have physiotherapists who

provide massage services for clients and certified nutritionists who educate them on nutrition because what you put into your system is also as important as any physical activity.

Apart from having experts, believe me, it is not about what you studied but about your knowledge base. With a Master degree in Business Administration and my work experience, I would run this business to enviable heights.

Interestingly, Yoga exercise is one of the services provided here; but do you think Nigerians are ready to embrace that kind of exercise?

Yoga is a beautiful exercise that helps you to quiet down from the inside. A lot of people are so busy running up and down because the stress level is high, especially in Lagos. But if you can just pull yourself together, and just have an hour of Yoga to yourself, you will be better for it. And I think when Nigerians begin

to realize the benefits of Yoga they will embrace it.

Who are your target clients?

We have specialised packages for everyone, tailored to individual needs.

So, our target is not restricted to a particular segment of the society. We have packages for kids, teenagers, adults, and for people above fifty. Exercise is a lifestyle thing; until you die you just have to be physically and mentally fit.

For those that cannot access or afford your membership requirement, what is your advice on healthy living?

Even if you can’t afford a gym’s membership card, there are so many other ways to keep fit. You can play and run around with children, do some of chores, etc. In Nigeria, we rely more on house-helps but it is important to run around, cleaning and tidying the house, as it engages you physically.

What are the services you offer?

We offer aerobics, personal training, cardio training, dance sessions, group spinning sessions, yoga and taekwondo sessions, saloon services, nail studio, nutrition counseling and health and beauty services.

We also have in-house doctors who check clients’ vital organs to verify that they can actually participate in a particular kind of exercise before they engage in any physical activity.

These are some of the things that we are doing to ensure that people also stay alive; not just coming in to work out when you know your heart can’t even take it. Every individual’s physical exertion is different from others, which is what our in-house doctor does regularly to ensure that everyone using our facility is fit, except for those who have clearance from their doctors.

PAGE 26—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

08116759757

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM Benin City

E

do State Police Command and the family of one Sam uel Imaikop have been engaged in war of words after the family claimed that Imaikop, who was among the five suspected armed robbers killed by the police, penultimate Sunday, at Benin Bypass, was a farmer. The family, led by Pastor Ime Imaikop Browson, protested in Benin-City on Monday, calling on the police to release the corpse of their brother whom they insisted took some farmers to his farm at Ute when he was shot dead. But Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Adebanjo, debunked their claim, saying the statement of the family was an attempt to ridicule the Command and distort facts. He insisted that the police had not committed any form of extra judicial killing.

Following the protest by the family, CP Adebanjo played to Sunday Vanguard a video tape in which one of the suspected armed robbers, who identified himself as Sanda from Kebbi State, confessed they were robbers who came to rob along the Auchi Benin Bypass before he gave up the ghost. Sanda, who spoke in Hausa language which was interpreted to us, said he needed money to go back to Kebbi and pleaded with some friends to assist him. “ But they said I should come to the bypass, that they will collect money there and give to me”. He further confessed that they were involved in robbery operations along the Benin Bypass before they met their waterloo in the hands of the police on that fateful day. Sanda died after making the confessions due to the bullet injuries he sustained during the shootout with the police. After watching the film, Adebanjo lamented that the despite the efforts being made by the police to curb crime, some Nigerians continue to rubbish the efforts of the police through lies.

Mischief “Edo State Police Command wishes to refute a statement credited to Sahara Reporters dated 7 th Dec.2013 which described as extra judicial killing the recent achievement recorded by the Command for

Extra-judicial killing in Edo? Victim was armed robber — Police

z

zHe

was an innocent farmer — Family

Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Adebanjo (m), and his men and on behalf of the Edo people in the killing of five confessed and confirmed armed robbers at the Ahor axis of the Benin/Oloku Bypass”, the CP said. He went on: “This speculation and the claim by the family of Imaikop is not only mischievous but a calculated attempt to mislead the people and put the police in bad light. Recently, there have been incessant cases of armed robbery on the Benin-Oluku Bypass and, as a result, some operatives of the Command were deployed to check the ugly trend. “Fortunately, on the 24th of November, 2013, the Command operatives, while on patrol, encountered this group of armed robbers numbering about ten barricading the road.Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire thereby prompting an exchange of gun fire. In the process, four of the hoodlums were gunned down while the fifth suspect who sustained bullet injuries was arrested. During interrogation the suspect confessed being a member of the robbery gang and narrated how he was initiated into the group. He also gave a detailed account of the robbery operation on the fateful day before he gave

up the ghost while being taken to hospital for treatment. The confession of the fifth person was made in the full glare of the public including journalists. The Command wishes to reiterate that due observance of the rule of law, protection of human rights is a priority under the present leadership of the Force High Command. The Command therefore urges the public to report any case of bullet injuries to the police and disassociate themselves from rumour peddlers as they join hands in making Edo State even safer”.

Innocence But the Imaikop family disputed the police claim. In a statement by Pastor Ime, it said: “We observed that the man shown on television by the police commissioner who made some confessional statement before he died was not with our brother when he was killed in his farm in Ute. The man who confessed being involved in robbery to the police was not among those with him when he drove to his farm. Our son and brother was a farmer and had carried three persons in his vehicle to the Be-

nin Bypass on the fateful day. The fourth, a person dropped off along the by pass to attend to his broken down vehicle is still alive today and, a few minutes later, the police carried some corpses in their van which included my brother and his three labourers and were driving our brother ’s bus along with theirs. The man is alive today and can attest to our claims. We want to affirm that our brother remains innocent and had no business whatsoever with the man shown on television by the police. Apart from the cutlasses they left with, they were not carrying any weapon in the vehicle. It was the cutlasses the police displayed along with their corpses. We want to emphasize that our brother had no criminal record. We are from Akwa Ibom State.

He has been farming in Ute for over twenty years and is well known in Ute community”.

Meanwhile, a coroner court sitting in Benin-City, presided over by Mr. F. E. N. Igbinosa, has given an order, directing the Edo State Police Commissioner to exhume the bodies of the four persons killed as alleged armed robbers.The Magistrate ordered. “Mr. Samuel Imaikop, 42 years, and the three unknown persons extra-judicially killed by the police from Edo State Command be exhumed for the purpose of examining the corpses to ascertain the causes of their death.”Igbinosa also ordered that medical experts other than the police pathologists should carry out the examination or be part of same.

But reacting, CP Adebanjo said, “We have not received any order from the court and, as a responsible organization, we will always abide by the law.

But let me make it clear that there was no extra judicial killing, those who were killed engaged the police in a gun duel and we over powered them.

Like I said earlier they were armed robbers”.

Amosun warns against illegal structures in Ogun

G

overnor Ibikunle Amosun has reiterated the commit ment of his administration to engender infrastructural development of Ogun State. Amosun who made the statement at the launch of the Ogun State Homeowners’ initiative said the initiative was borne out of a genuine desire to develop the state and not revenue drive.

The Governor revealed that a Geographical Satellite imaging of the state revealed that a vast majority of residential buildings in the state have no valid papers. He states that the data and results are significant with far reaching consequences for the development of the state. Amosun laC M Y K

mented that the culture of building without approval has been rampant with sheer volume of development not being monitored. He asserted further that the consequences of building without approval are extremely serious both for property owners and government.

The Governor who underscored the commitment of his administration to embarking on urban renewal said the uncontrolled buildings hinder the provisions of social amenities to the various communities. This is equally linked to the undervaluing of the Ogun State properly market.

Amosun said in a bid to address the situation, “the homeowner s’ charter

becomes a more potent tool to move forward in our mission to rebuild the state”. The Governor said the programme is conceived to enable people regularize their property status with huge discounts while those who build illegally should also obtain relevant documents.Amosun emphasized further that the state needs enumerical data to support developmental plans which informed the conception of the home charter initiative. While calling on the people to embrace the programme which is a once in a lifetime opportunity, Amosun said the charter provides a vantage platform for medium and long term planning for overall development.

In his welcome address, the Director

General Lands, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo said the homeowner s’ charter initiative is designed to ensure security of tenure for homeowners at a friendly cost. Oshinowo said it has become worrisome that not up to 20% of properties in the state have relevant documents. He states that the Geographical Information System (GIS) study conducted revealed that less than 20% of 35,000 houses in a particular area have proper documentation. The situation according to him was corroborated by a World Bank study on the state which described the situation as a disincentive to housing delivery in the state.

He appealed to property owners in the state to commence regularisation of their property documents by visiting the homeowners’ charter centres created across the state.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 27

08116759757

NASARAWA!

The thriving Indian hemp trade BYABELDANIEL

T

C M Y K

,,

he rate of consumption of marijuana, aka Indian hemp, and alcoholic drinks by youths in Lafia metropolis and some parts of Nasarawa State is alarming. Every one wonders whether officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) saddled with the responsibility of curbing the scourge are actually on ground. These hemp guys have grown big and almost untouchable even by the police as hemp is seen being sold the way candies are sold to children.

Virtually in all major joints in Lafia, you find youths in groups idling away. Many of them really don’t seem to know what a classroom looks like; some are school drop outs, others not exactly drop outs but are hit by the gale of unemployment in the country.

They look at passers-by with cold indifference. They are perpetually angry and despondent. You can read frustration and defiance in their eyes. But they appear to have devised a way out of their unsavoury condition - narcotics, particularly Indian hemp.

Sunday Vanguard findings revealed that there are many no-go areas in Lafia for the NDLEA due to the heavy presence of drug addicts and other notorious boys. At public occasions, the boys are seen in groups feasting on hemp with smoke rising from their nose like chimney. Sometimes police officers who are fed up with the rising smoke go to plead with them to relocate in the interest of second hand smokers at public gatherings.

Spots such as Agwan Jaban, Kilema Junction, Tundun Gwandara, Cashew Heaven, Agwan Tiv, Maraba-Akunza, as well as Tundun Kauri and 16 Mangoes are no-go areas for like lily-livered. The Law enforcement agents know these areas but act as if nothing is going on.

If you are a reporter looking for the real story of the drug ring holding Lafia by the jugular, you do not need to look for the blood-shot–eyed rough neck by the road side.

All you need to do is get close enough to the trader selling legitimate items like tea. He sells his tea but his thriving business of Indian Hemp is under the table. And there are many like him all over town.

However, findings showed that only those schooled in the signs and language of the drug business can get the item to buy. “They know their customers,” a source familiar with the trade confided in Sunday Vanguard. According to him “they don’t normally sell it to stranger(s).” The source further said that “the dealers have some notable personalities in the society as customers who he said, “are a cog in the wheel of operations of law enforcement agencies.” The big men don’t go there to buy, they use aides.

It was gathered that some mobile patent medicine sellers also sell drugs. Although, NDLEA destroyed two big hemp farms in Keana and Keffi local government areas of the state last year, the trade in drug continues to thrive.

While marijuana is grown in Nasarawa, it was, however, learnt that some of the dealers smuggle it into the state through neighbouring Benue, Taraba and Plateau States

Sunday Vanguard findings revealed that there are many no-go areas in Lafia for the NDLEA due to the heavy presence of drug addicts and other notorious boys

and sometimes, from Abuja through Nasarawa-Toto. It was gathered that some notable personalities are backing the deviant youths. These powerful people “engage security operatives whenever they are arrested,” a source said. The boys are so emboldened by their godfathers that they dare law enforcement agencies to try them.

Confirming this in an interview with journalists in his office, the state commander of the NDLEA, Manassa Motaa Dishidi, said there were many dangerous areas for the agency, made even difficult by lack of logistics. He said the agency had only one vehicle (a Peugeot 505), adding that all efforts made to ensure that the Nasarawa government came to the agency’s aid had not been successful.

“We have one vehicle and many times,

it breaks down with suspects inside.

We will then look for another vehicle to tow it with suspects inside it. At times, officers resort to trekking if the suspects are too many. The situation is terrible. All efforts made by the agency to get assistance from the state government have not been successful.

There was a time the governor invited me and asked about our challenges, we told him and he said he will get back to us. But up till now, nothing”, Dishidi said.

“We have succeeded in arresting over 200 suspects, 20 were convicted, we were able to rehabilitate 25, so we are making efforts to assist the state. We have to appreciate the Federal Government for opening an office here,” he said even as he called on parents to be forthcoming on information that

could assist the agency. “There was a man who wanted us to rehabilitate his son but the mother said no, that NDLEA is a killer and we enlightened the woman that we are not killers. So, we later advised the father to take him to the police station that we would go and pick him there,” he explained.

These Indian hemp consumers and drugs addicts are said to be involved in crimes of all sorts in Nasarawa State. It is for this reason that crime is believed to have gone up in places around the Nasarawa State Polytechnic even with the absence of students who are not on campus due to strike.

According to a security operative who preferred anonymity, a gang held a meeting one night in an hotel around the polytechnic before proceeding to rob five houses on two consecutive nights recently during which an officer of the Department of State Security Service (SSS) living around the area, was injured when he engaged the robbers.

However two of the robbers were identified and later arrested and are now in police custody.

It was gathered that a joint around the polytechnic is a a notorious hideout where robbers operates from.

PAGE 28—SUNDAY, Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Super deluxe wedding Kenn olugbo’s ennyy Ok Okolugbo’s of Senate President’s Thankgiving daughter MR Kenny Okolugbo, commissioner representing

A

President Goodluck Jonathan (r) congratulating the bride and daughter of the Senate President, Anne (l), while the groom, Mr Emmanuel Egwa (m) looks on.

nne David Mark, daughter of the Senate President, Senator David Mark, signed the dotted lines with her heartthrob, Emmanuel Egwa, penultimate Saturday in Abuja.

President Goodluck Jonathan led other dignitaries who attended the wedding ceremony held at Regina Pacis Catholic Church, Abuja.

Ndokwa on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, organised a thanksgiving which was well attended by family and friends

R-L: Sir Ken Okolugbo, Chief Chris Ominimini, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro and Hon. Festus Utuama.

L-R:PDP BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih; Senate President's wife, Mrs Helen Mark; groom, Emmanuel Egwa, bride, Anne , President Goodluck Jonathan; Dep. Gov of Benue' State’s wife, Mrs Margaret Lawani; and Dep. Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

L-R:President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President, David Mark and the Dep. Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

H

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, David Mark, his wife, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Chief Tony Anenih.

Dr. Okolugbo Neku (m), consultant, HOD Surgery, Oghara/DELSU Abraka, flanked by his wife and Mrs Comfort Owhode

L-R: Mrs Pat Esegbue, Mrs Florence Okoh, Mrs Victoria Abanyi and Mrs Kanwulia Omoko, PDP Women Leader.

Wedding bells ffor or K ess and K en Kess Ken

oly Matrimony between Agatha Kess Salami and Kenneth Okojie held at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Zappa, Asaba, Delta State. Family and friends graced the occasion.

The couple: Mr and Mrs Ken Okojie

R-L: Chief and Chief (Mrs) Onisuru Salami, bride's parents, Engr.Ike Oduah,the Couple, Kess and Ken with Prince Okojie, groom's Parents.

R-L:Chief Onisuru Salami, bride's dad,HRM Uku Ojievworo, Akpomeyema Majoroh,Ojeta 11Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom,the couple, Kess and Ken, Arc. (Chief) O.C.Majoroh and Mr.Mac Emakpore

SUNDAY, Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 29

Hallmar ks of Labour celebrat es 1 7 Labour HALLMARKS of BJ Hallmarks celebrates 17 AN holds maiden BJAN Foundation celebrated its 17th anniversary, Saturday, conference

From left: Prof. Umaru Shehu, Chairman, Board of Trustees of Hallmarks of Labour, Mrs. Patricia Otuedo-Arawore, Executive Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary General and Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, member and chairman of the occasion, Prof. Joseph Irukwu, an awardee, and Rev, Msgr[Prof] Francis Ogunmodede, representing Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie

From left: Mr. Segun Adeniji, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Amb. Oluyemi Adeniji, former Permanent representative to the United Nations, an awardee, Mrs. Patricia Otuedo-Arawore, and Mrs. Olubunmi Adeniji.

From left: Chief Olu Akinkugbe, presenting the HLF Role Model Award to Chief Molade OkoyaThomas.

December 15, 2013 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Highlights of the event include presentation of awards to great Nigerians who by their works and sacrifices have put their footprints on the sands of time. Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Professor Joe Irukwu, Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Hon. Justice George Adesola Oguntade, Prof.

Adetokunbo Oluwole Lucas, Prof Oyewole Tomori and Dr Josephine OkeiOdumakin were all honoured at the event.

Photos by Bunmi Azeez

From left: Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Chairman, Doyin Group of Companies, Chief Rasaq Okoya, Chairman, Eleganza, his wife, Shade ,and Chief[Mrs] Modupeola Oguntade.

B

rand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) held its maiden conference at the Continental Hotel, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The theme of the conference was “ Repositioning Centenary Brand to Align with Modern Ideals”.

Brand journalists across the nation graced the event.

Photos by Akeem Salau

L-R: Mr Goddie Ofose,Chairman, BJAN, Mr Sola Balogun, SA on Media to Ogun State Governor,Yusuf Olaniyonu,Hon Commissioner, Information and Strategy, Ogun State, with Mr Afesojaiye Oladepo of UAC and Deji Ademigbuji,CIO BJAN.

L-R:Mr Goddie Ofose,Chairman,BJAN,Victoria Onwubiko,and Princewill Ekwujuru,Vice Chairman, BJAN

L-R:Mr Goddie Ofose, Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu and From left:Chief Philip Asiodu, presenting the HLF Mr Sola Balogun Role Model Award to Prof. Joseph Irukwu.

Voyage end-of-the-y ear par ty end-of-the-year party

Lai Mohammed’s daughter weds

THE Voyage Committee of Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos Port Complex held its end-of-the-year party Photos by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

From left: Mr. A. Lamina, chairman, Mr. Adamu Michael, Ag. chairman, Mr. Oludare Bayo, terminal operator and Omo Oba Samuel.

Mr. A. Lamina, chairman (6th left) and other members.

L-R: Groom’s mother, Alhaja Muinat Taiwo; bride’s father/APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Muhammed; the bride,Aisha; her husband, Buliaminu Taiwo; the groom’s father, Architect Mikhail Taiwo, and bride’s mother, Alhaja Kudirat Muhammed

PAGE 30— SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

C M Y K

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 31

C M Y K

PAGE 32— SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Edo 2016: Oshiomhole, Ikimi, Ize Iyamu battle for the soul of APC

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

T

HE battle for 2015 elections and 2016 governorship election in Edo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is a great challenge for Governor Adams Oshiomhole just as it seems the governor has succeeded in grabbing the structure of the new party in the state with the constitution of an interim committee of the Edo APC which is expected to run the affairs of the party until substantive executive is elected sometime next year. But the constitution of the interim committee, led by Chief Osaro Idah, has pitted the governor against some leaders of the party, including the former South-south Vice-Chairman of the former ACN, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Ize-Iyamu was the Secretary to the Edo State Government during the administration of Governor Lucky Igbinedion.

•Oshiomhole He has not hidden his desire to run for the number one seat in the state masterminded by Ikimi whose at the end of Oshiomhole’s ten- relationship with the governor ure. Hence the pastor, who is is now said to be frosty. While from Orhiomnwon LGA, where Ize-Iyamu is angered with the Oshiomhole’s deputy, Dr Pius current structure which he beOdubu, also hails from, would lieves is in favour of Odubu, the want to have control of the struc- deputy governor, who is regardture of the new party in the state, ed to be very loyal to his boss, particularly when he is faced has been calm because while with challenges from the camp Ize Iyamu is being hunted due of Odubu and the Edo Solidar- to his role during the Igbinediity Movement (ESM), a politi- on administration in the state, cal machinery led by the Politi- Odubu is receiving the endorsecal Adviser to the Governor, ment of the Crown Prince of Charles Idahosa. This move- Benin Kingdom who has on ment, which seems to have po- several for a admonished the litical understanding with Edo governor to hand over to his in Safe Hands, another group deputy for showing absolute led by the Commissioner for loyalty in the past five years.

Works and former Chief of Staff And luckily for Odubu, he has to the governor, Barr.Osarodion always fought his political batOgie, and the Majority Leader tle with in the structure of his of the state House of Assembly, boss while Ize-Iyamu has his Philip Shuaibu, are die-hard own political structure different supporters of Oshiomhole and from that of the governor. When are willing to unleash their po- Ize-Iyamu’s camp insisted that litical skills against any per- Odubu will not come back for ceived enemy of the governor second term, the governor ’s structure, Edo in Safe Hands, any time they are called upon.

However, after the constitution came to his rescue and that setof the interim committee of the tled the matter.

And on the issue of 2016 govAPC led by Idah, Ize-Iyamu saw it as a ploy to kick him out ernorship election in the party, of the governorship race. The it was learnt that Oshiomhole argument of those in his camp is mindful of the challenges that is that it would be difficult for may come with it, and therehim to get the governorship tick- fore insisted that he must not et of the party since key leaders be distracted from the infrastrucof the interim committee are tural development being carmembers of the Edo Solidarity ried out in the state by his adMovement. It was said that the ministration. He warned all pastor, a tactician when it comes those nursing governorship to political situations, walked ambition under the APC that it out in that meeting where the was premature for them to comAPC interim leaders emerged mence electioneering activities, after he disagreed with the emphasising that the best way choice of the governor. The Vice to completely annihilate the Chairman of the APC in the hopes of the PDP in the state is South-south, Chief Tom Ikimi, by providing basic amenities to was said to have seen reason voters. While the governor is with Ize-Iyamu but he became keeping the issue of who suchelpless when they failed to grab ceeds him close to his chest, he is scared not to be accused by the structure of the party. the Benins who have given him Frosty relationship Sunday Vanguard learnt that immense support that he inOshiomhole’s camp is not too tends to hand over the state back happy with Ikimi particularly af- to the Igbinedions who actualter Mrs Evelyn Igbafe, an APC ly assisted him into power. That chieftain, used abusive words is the challenge Ize-Iyamu is on him during a meeting at the facing and not as if he is not Igueben chief ’s residence. qualified to be governor.

Options Oshiomhole’s camp allegedly Ize-Iyamu’s camp is said to be believed that Igbafe’s action was

•Ikimi considering three options: First, to remain in the party and continue to fight and maybe things might change in future; two, to dump the party for Labour or PDP; three, to remain in the party and do a dirty job within if he is not given the ticket. The third option should worry Oshiomhole because Ize-Iyamu and former Governor Igbinedion applied it when they worked against their own party, the PDP, in 2007 and supported Oshiomhole’s ACN, just to teach the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, some lesson. Their action eventually kicked out the PDP from Government House via an Appeal Court judgement. But if Ize-Iyamu decides to move to Labour or PDP, Captain Hosa Okunbor, a close friend of both President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Olusegun Mimiko, can always convince them to back the pastor. But they have to convince Anenih first to be able to give Ize-Iyamu the PDP ticket.

Though looking at Oshiom-

•Ize-Iyamu which appears to be the youth wing of the movement. Again, Oshiomhole has a respected former governor, Chief Odigie Oyegun, who can play a stabilising role in the party. And if his feud with Ikimi continues, the governor will definitely rely on Oyegun to show leadership and, in his usual manner, checkmate Ikimi, Ize-Iyamu and Senator Ehigie Uzamere.

Who it has been rumoured, may dump the APC for the PDP. The senator is perceived to have committed a political blunder when he decided to anoint an NDDC Commissioner without the consent of Oshiomhole. It would be recalled that Oshiomhole embraced Uzamere and Senator Domingo Obende when they parted ways with Anenih in the PDP. That was during Uzamere’s first tenure as a senator. Then Uzamere fought against the attempt to stop Oshiomhole’s NDDC nominee, Don Omorodion, at the Senate by the Anenih forces and he won at the end and that gave the governor’s man the NDDC job. Oshiomhole was delighted

But if Ize-Iyamu decides to move to Labour or PDP, Captain Hosa Okunbor, a close friend of both President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Olusegun Mimiko, can always convince them to back the pastor. But they have to convince Anenih first to be able to give Ize-Iyamu the PDP ticket hole’s politics so far in Edo, he has become a political tactician that cannot be underrated. As a master negotiator, he is capable of taking the bull by the horn when the time comes. He may also decide to look elsewhere for a successor outside his deputy and Ize-Iyamu, depending on his political calculations. Luckily for him, he has succeeded in recruiting veterans under the umbrella of Edo Solidarity Movement to complement the efforts of the Edo in Safe Hands

and as a result backed Uzamere’s bid to return to the Senate for a second term in 2011.At the end, Uzamere defeated Senator Daisy Danjuma of the PDP, making him the first senator from the area to get a second term. However, one year after the victory, Uzamere’s camp complained of being marginalized in terms of appointments and even choice of councillors and the local government chairman in his Ovia Local Government Council. Consequent-

ly, he decided to submit the name of one of his loyalists for the NDDC job when President Goodluck Jonathan gave him the nod. But the move was punctured by a petition against the nominee from Oshiomhole and Anenih and that led to a stalemate. Since then, all has not been well between the governor and the two-time senator from Edo South senatorial district. Following what Oshiomhole’s camp now described as a political blunder committed by the senator, Oshiomhole, in a recent function at the home of his deputy, Odubu, apologized to the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Matthew Urghoghide, whom the party denied the senatorial ticket in favour of Uzamere. On that day, Oshiomhole told Urghoghide: “You warned me that Uzamere will disappoint me but I did not listen; today he has disappointed me, so I apologize publicly to you”.

Tested and trusted However, Sunday Vanguard learnt that Uzamere’s disagreement with the governor has forced the APC leadership in the state to reconsider their style of picking candidates, particularly ahead of the 2015 and 2016 elections. It was learnt that the party hierarchy may no longer be in a hurry to give tickets to new entrants, rather they would prefer to give to those who have been tested and trusted. And while it is being rumoured that some of these leaders may dump the APC for the PDP, people like the former Minister of State for Works, Chief Chris Ogienwonyi, and three- time House of Representatives member, Barr.West Ehioge Idahosa, who were in the PDP, appear set to dump the party for the APC. The real action in the Edo APC will commences when registration of members commence early next year and that is when the political coast will be clearer. But as it stands today, Oshiomhole is fully in control of the structure of the APC in the state and the undisputed leader of the party.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 33

‘How Gov Dickson is transforming Bayelsa’

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

Works and Infrastructure Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Hon. Lawrence Ewhrudjako, speaks on how Governor Seriake Dickson has turned the state into a huge construction site.

Excerpts:

W

•Hon. Ewhrudjako

•Gov. Dickson

the roads is the 38-Km Oporoama Road, which we started early this year. Already we have done four kms with asphalt and 6.6 kms with stone base and 9.8km sand filling.

At km 15 of the road, we are putting a major bridge that will be crossing to Oporoma.

So with that, we are sure, we are opening up that part of the state for investment and development.

Towards Bayelsa West, we are doing the Tororowa-Ekeremo-Agge Road. On that road, we have achieved 3.5 kms of sand filling and they are working hard to do the first level of asphalting. We are stockpiling sand for them to backfill and quicken the work. After that we will take the next road to ensure that all the three Senatorial districts in the state are provided with major roads that will open the areas up.

What is the state doing to checkmate crime?

We are also providing adequate security across the state because we cannot do anything without security.

Synonymous with development is peace and security and we have consciously built the Integrated Security and Command Centre, which will enable us to monitor what is going on across the state and we are also installing Closed Circuit Television Cameras in all strategic places in the state.

There is already a law that may compel all hotel operators in the state to mount CCTV cameras in their facilities to monitor what goes on in those places at all times. You know that before now criminality was walking on the streets of Yenagoa but today, that has been effectively contained by the present administration of

Governor Seriake Dickson. So nobody can commit a crime in the state and successfully hide away. So in terms of infrastructure, the government is laying a very solid base in the city and across the state.

We are also constructing two major flyovers in the capital, Yenaoga to ease traffic and make life very easy for road users. In the next few weeks we are going to pay compensation to those whose houses have been affected by the flyover project. We are going to pay over N1.2 billion to house owners, whose details have been worked out.

It is quite huge because the

,

HAT has the D i c k s o n administration been able to put in place so far in order to develop the state and attract investments?

Well, what His Excellency, Governor Seriake Dickson, has put in place is quite massive; massive to the extent that all the facets of development and tourism have been well greased by the governor. I say this because even in the tourism sub-sector, there is a lot of work going on there. We are developing our infrastructure in two categories: what we call the social infrastructural and then the investment infrastructural development. The investment infrastructural development is intended to attract investments while the social infrastructural investment development is undertaken as a duty and obligation of government, which has a duty to provide social amenities to the people of the state. In that vein, we have the Outer Ring Road, which is under construction- the outer Ring Road is like the Nnamdi Azikiwe Road that is around Abuja and the essence of the road is to decongest the Yenagoa City Centre so that people are not held up unnecessarily. To ensure that that is achieved, we are developing another sixside profiled roads; we call them Road 24, Road 30, Road 38, Road 21, Road 27c, Road 31 and Road 28. These roads are all emptying from the Isaac Boro Road, which we are dualising into the outer ring road so if there is traffic congestion anywhere, you can just sneak through any of the dualised roads into the outer ring road. What we are doing in Yenagoa is that all internal roads have dual carriageways.

We have taken note of all the single-lane roads in the capital and we are going to expand them because some of them are less than six metres.

All we want to do is to construct standard 8-metres road across the capital so that we can have standard drive ways, walk ways, flowers, street light and drainage.

For the investment infrastructural development, we are building an airport at Amassoma and we are also building a deep seaport at Agge. To ensure that the hinterlands are also taken care of, we are constructing the Three Senatorial Road. One of

tion to demolish and build. So in terms of preparation, I think the necessary foundation has been laid in the past one year and we are building on that foundation. I believe that in the next two years given the speed that the governor is going in his silent revolution in infrastructural development, a new Dubai would have emerged in Bayelsa State.

The Impression outsiders have is that there is only one road in Bayelsa and the rest is water. So what has the administration done to increase accessibility to and from Yenagoa?

We believe that after putting a conducive atmosphere in place, the investments will roll in. We have done a lot in terms of attracting investments. There is no week that passes without the governor receiving requests from groups and individuals for investment. We are looking at investments from two fronts: tourism and the oil industry and agrobased industry

,

area is built-up already. I can say that since we came into office, we have paid over N3.4 billion as compensation to enable us to undertake our development projects. We are having two problems in the course of development of infrastructure. The first is difficult terrain that makes our cost of construction very high and built up areas which require payment of compensa-

We have done a lot. First, the Outer Ring Road is one and the other is the road to Amassoma.

We are constructing a bridge at Torogbeni, which has 12-span.

Work on the bridge is progressing and once the water recedes, more attention would be paid to it. Before the end of March, that road would have been completed. That road will take us strait to Sagbama. We

are not going to have only one road coming into Bayelsa. We are going to have three roads into Bayelsa. Even the Glory Land Drive Phase 2 is part of what we are doing to open up another vista from which you can get into Yenagoa not necessarily from Mbiama. We are trying to diversify the roads through which one can access Yenagoa, the state capital with ease.

What are you doing to industrialise the state?

We believe that after putting a conducive atmosphere in place, the investments will roll in. We have done a lot in terms of attracting investments.

There is no week that passes without the governor receiving requests from groups and individuals for investment. We are looking at investments from two fronts: tourism and the oil industry and agro-based industry.

As we speak we have established a starch production plant in Eberebiri and a Cassava farm, a banana farm, and green farm and an aquaculture farm for production and export. We also have plans to revive our palm estates. We have put up at least 50 houses in each of the Local Government Areas and major towns. Within Yenagoa, we have three major housing estates and the Golf Estate that is coming up for the big players and a tourist island. In case of power generation, the state has just signed a contract with IPP America for the generation of additional 120 megawatts of power to add to what we have.

We are also looking at power clusters scheme with hydro electricity.

PAGE 34— SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Critics are unfair to Gov. Orji —Nwosu

W

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

•Gov Orji state Secretariat, the High Court Complex, the new Government House, the housing estates, the dialysis centre and huge investments in the health sector, does it not occur to you that his predecessors did not get their priorities right? I make bold to say that Abia has been turning round and round before Orji came on board. The governor deserves to be commended for his vision and supported to do more. He has laid a solid foundation for the state.

But his critics insist he has done little to develop Abia?

People who hold such opinion are the missing the point.

They are the greatest enemies of the state. First, they have to find out how much Abia receives monthly, how much is spent as wage bill, how much is left for capital projects, how much is the monthly IGR. Any comparison without these factors is unfair. When they say

national committees including the PDP caucus. Again, the new power station at Ohiya is one of the gains of the partnership.

Power supply has improved in the state capital and neighbouring communities. The era of kidnapping which brought the state to its knees in the past is a good example. The NNPC depot at Osisioma Ngwa which supplies petroleum products to Aba and environs was reopened through his partnership with the Federal Government. The depot was closed for 10 years before his intervention. However, there is room for improvement. In Abia as in any other state, challenges of development are glaring and visible.

The poor state of infrastructure is as a result of age-long neglect by successive governments particularly in Aba. Gov. Orji inherited it and has been doing his best to salvage the situation. He has started by rehabilitating some roads in Aba. Thank God, he still has some years left, more roads will be done. I urge the people to be patient because no one administration be can solve all the problem of any state.

What would be your advice to residents of the state, particularly those who are opposed to the governor?

One thing is that you cannot get everybody ’s support no matter how good you are. You cannot stop people from expressing their opinions. Those who you call critics are people who never support anything good. I call them detractors.

What the governor needs is support from residents of the state.

People would readily point at Aba. We have 17 local governments, but he knows the problems of Aba which are road and power. Both problems are being tackled.

The Senator Femi Okuronmu led advisory committee on national conference by President Goodluck Jonathan has submitted its report but it was greeted with mixed reactions.

What is your view?

The inauguration of that committee by the president deserves to be commended. It showed that Jonathan has the interest of Nigeria at heart. I don’t think there is anything wrong with somebody saying, let’s sit down and talk. Opposition to the national conference is unfounded and highly misplaced. If you analyze the flank from these oppositions came from, you will discover that it is from the same people and groups who have been clamouring for a national conference even before the advent of Jonathan’s administration. Is it not the same Bola Tinubu who has been shouting himself hoarse on the issue of convening a national conference? Does it not show double standard? For those who insist the confab is too close to the general elections, it is mischievous for them to say it will give the president an edge in the poll as he is entitled to contest election in 2015. If the people of Nigeria want him, the few disenchanted minority cannot stop him.

Abia 2015: It’s the turn of Ukwa-Ngwa people—Hon. Azubuike

Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike is former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.

He currently represents Aba North/ South Federal Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives where he also chairs the House Committee on Public Petitions.

In this interview, he speaks on his intention to run for the governorship of Abia in 2015.

Excerpts: S 2015 draws near, the clamour to have an •Hon Azubuike Abia State governor of Ngwa extraction is gathering not alone in the campaign, I momentum. What is your read an interview Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, a very senior take?

First of all, let me use this op- Abia State citizen granted to portunity to thank the Abia State The Union Newspaper recently, Governor, our own dear Chief he also said this same thing; T.A Orji, who is already lead- that power will move to Ukwaing the campaign for an Abia Ngwa in 2015. That means that State governor from the Ukwa- Abians are united in the camNgwa extraction in 2015, and paign. Having said that, let me he has remained consistent in also say that to us, the Ukwathe campaign. He say it any- Ngwa people, as far as 2015 is where he goes. And his empha- concerned, we are firm about it, ses on this has been for equity for us, 2015 is not negotiable and fairness, that power should able.

But a group known “Enyimmove to Ukwa-Ngwa region. I know the governor that he does ba Patriots”, in an advertorisay what he can’t do, or what al, accused you of saying 2015 he does not have the capacity has been thrown open to all to do. He knows the implication zones of the state.

I saw the advertorial, but deof what he is saying as the sitting governor, and before he liberately refused to respond to came to the public to say, it is a it because those behind it, as project he will accomplish. As far as I am concerned, are men far as Governor Orji is concern, of myopic reasoning. They’re handing over to an Ukwa-Ngwa men of little mind, trying to be man in 2015 is part of the lega- clever by half. If they were cies his administration is deter- brave, they should have sponmined to leave behind. He is sored the advertorial in their

A

neighbouring states of Abia, in this aspect of development, I think they refer to Rivers and Akwa Ibom. Have they cared to know the amount of money the two states gets monthly? I agree they are oil producing states as we are, but the difference is still very clear. Check the records for the monthly federal allocations of each of the two neighbouring states; it may be four times that of Abia. I think what is important is what the governor does with the money he receives. If any assessment is done with this in mind, such person would find out that from what is on ground, the governor has lived up to expectation.

Gov. Orji is not a profligate governor. He has managed the state’s resources well. Have they cared to know that he has not borrowed a dime since he assumed office? We can be proud to say that we have a befitting state capital now with the legacy projects the governor is undertaking. Another interesting area I score Abia governor high is his partnership with the federal government. I think the state is better for it.

Can you tell us the gains of this partnership with the Federal Government?

They can be found in various sectors: power, security. Governors are supposed to have cordial relationships with the president who is the father of the nation. I am happy Gov. Orji is one of the closest state chief executives to the president. This is why he has been nominated to some important party and

names, instead they chose a pen name. There is no group known as Enyimba Patriots.

Again, to show how naive and unserious they are, they were not able to quote me in their advertorial. That shows they are not serious and cannot be serious. However, I didn’t say what they alleged in the advertorial.

May be, the local newspaper that accosted me in my office in Aba, came from them with a

,

Mr. Friday Nwosu, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Abia State, speaks on Gov. Theodore Orji’s administration and the national conference, among other issues.

HAT would be your hon est assessment of Gov. Theodore Orji’s administration?

For some of us who are from the state and knew how bad things were before he assumed office, we know he has taken Abia to the next level with his developmental projects. But before we go to the issue of the projects, I want to emphasize that the greatest achievement of the Orji administration is the liberation of the state from idol worship and family domination.

Many administrations came before him yet the state does not have a befitting Government House, no befitting state secretariat, the ministries were scattered all over the place while parastatals operated from rented houses. I learnt the present Government House is a private property donated to the state.

Umuahia was a glorified state capital that had no conference centre which could accommodate more than 500 people.

Most of the structures Gov. Orji is putting in place now should have been done by his predecessors. Can you imagine if his predecessors had put all these structures in place, his administration would have begun on a solid foundation. By now, Abia would have had its own airport and other adjunct structures. So, I commend Gov. Orji for the projects he embarked on.

Looking at the International Conference Centre, the new

As far as Governor Orji is concern,ed handing over to an Ukwa-Ngwa man in 2015 is part of the legacies his administration is determined to leave behind

,

mindset to misquote me. I have always said that we, the UkwaNgwa people, should not think because the governor and other well meaning Abians are already supporting us in 2015, that people from other zones will not contest the governorship in 2015. From 1999 till date, people from all zones have always contested the governorship even when there was an

understanding that the governor will come from a particular area. So until those behind the faceless Enyimba patriots decide to show their face, I will not dignify them with further response.

But let me say that in 2003, when Orji Kalu was running for his second term, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in 2011, Chris Akomas also contested. In 2007, when Govenror Orji was runing for his first term in office, people of Ukwa-Ngwa also contested.

What makes you think Governor Orji will keep his word of handing over to an UkwaNgwa man in 2015?

It is normal for those who don’t know Governor Orji, or those who don’t have direct contact with him, to think he will renege on his words. But those of us that know him, know he is a man of his word.

When he said he was liberating Abia from an old order, a lot of people didn’t believe him, but we knew he was not going to leave any stone unturned.

Today the story of Abia is not longer the same. Abia has never been united as it now. He made the promise base on equity, fairness, love and unity that he will hand over to someone from the Ukwa-Ngwa by 2015.

So those of us from the UkwaNgwa part of Abia State, have infinite confidence him that whatever he says he will do, he ensures that he does it. We have no iota of doubt that through his

support, the Ukwa-Ngwa man will emerge as governor of Abia in 2015, who that Ukwa-Ngwa man will be is a different thing.

That will be a matter that will be addressed at the right time, but as for whether that promised he made will be actualize, we know that from his track records, we have no doubt that it is going to be actualized.

How may you asses Gov. Orji so far?

I have said before that there is no reason or basis I for comparison on Gov. Orji’s regime with any other previous regime in Abia State, whether military or civilian. I said this because, the first thing Gov. Orji concerned himself with in Abia was the restoration of peace and unity in the state. Without peace and unity, there cannot be meaningful development.

Some people didn’t like his initiative for peace and unity in the state, and that brought about the inconveniences that also gave him the latitude to liberate the people of Abia State from bondage and to liberate himself.

I can remember vividly what the governor said the day the liberation was concluded. He said and I quote him: “Today, our eyes are opened. It is a day Abians have heaved a sigh of relief. I was pushed to the wall and even beyond the wall and I am justified in any action I am taking now.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 35

INEC’S credibility on the line T

HE Independent Nation al Electoral Commission (INEC) is in a crisis of confidence. In the last six months it

had bungled two very important elections so badly that public confidence in its capability and even capacity to conduct a truly free and fair election over again has plummeted.

The elections in question were conducted in Delta and Anambra States. They were the first series of tests for INEC, and in the public opinion the institution failed woefully to convince Nigerians that it is above board, or could be trusted to deliver a fairly dependable electoral result.

So it becomes baffling, if not disgusting that the once revered chairman of the Commission, Professor Atahiru Jega, now confronted with a second series of elections in Ekiti and Osun which are due next year – is saying that it is a test case for how INEC would conduct the 2015 presidential election.

Prof. Jega didn’t say it correctly. The Ekiti and Osun governorship elections INEC will conduct in 2014 are the second and final series of tests, which will make or break the

,

BY KUNLE OYATOMI

The impression lingers – after the INEC performance in Delta and Anambra States, that the ruling party, in complicity with elements within the electoral body, is “testrunning” its new rigging formula, that it seeks to perfect next year with the Ekiti and Osun elections

,

Commission. Get those elections wrong, and you will be setting fire to the keg of gun-powder that Nigeria is already sitting on. It is as serious as that.

The impression already created by the conduct of INEC over the Delta process where results were declared from places where no election took place, seriously prejudiced the impartiality of the electoral body.

But by far the most disgusting performance of INEC in the first series of elections

Jega

under review was that of Anambra State where Jega himself presided over a failed process that produced an inconclusive governorship election that appeared programmed for a specific result.

That was the most obvious indictment of INEC for acting disgracefully below the highest of public esteem it was held. Anambra State election was a fiasco, a dangerous signal of a new format for rigging election, right under the supervision of INEC’s chairman himself.

That perfidy is not

acceptable in Yorubaland, and INEC has to be told that it is in inflammable territory: a territory in Nigeria where you don’t play on the intelligence of its people and get away with it.

The impression lingers – after the INEC performance in Delta and Anambra States that the ruling party, in complicity with elements within the electoral body, is “test-running” its new rigging formula, that it seeks to perfect next year with the Ekiti and Osun elections. That is the real test for Jega and INEC.

Will they play games with the ruling party? Will the electoral umpire look the other way as the process is seriously compromised and an unpopular party given victory in circumstances that fail all standards of a free and fair election? That is the litmus test that INEC must pass to redeem its image otherwise, Jega and his men will be held accountable for whatever disaster that will most certainly result from any attempt to rig next year ’s governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti States.

This country has seen clearly how Yoruba people react to such brazen acts of electoral fraud since 1964. They are even more determined now to protect their space from impostors and desperadoes whether or not they come in the garb of electoral fraud or so-called mainstream political desperation to rule over Yorubaland.

That is the test for INEC next year – to be fair and preserve peace, or to be fraudulent and create mayhem. *Barr. Kunle Oyatomi is the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, All Progressives Congress (APC), State of Osun.

Nigerian youth can deliver — Mike Omeri

T

,

HE world over, the youth are the pride of their nation. What gives them this place of pride is their energies, propensities, vibrancy, strength, large population, creative power and productive capacity amongst other potentials.

The Nigerian youth is the greatest amongst his equals.

This is because of his excellent innate potentials. In addition to all the other potentials mentioned earlier on, the Nigerian youth is resourceful wherever one finds him in this world.

Some examples of such youths that readily come to mind are Kanu Nwankwo, JJ Okocha, Victor Moses and our dear Ajunwa among several others who have made great strides in the field of sports.

Others are Chimanda Adiche (novelist) Tade Ipadeola (poet) few among several young literary artists and many other youth like Jide Omokore in steel, oil and dredging Industries Igho Sanomi in oil and gas industries, Fola Adeola in the banking industry, Gbenga Oyebode in

The growing number of youth who are involved in vices is alarming and impacting negatively on Nigeria’s national image. This situation is totally unacceptable, because our youth should represent the hope and hub of our nation and indeed the prosperity of our posterity or future

,

Mike Omeri law and investment, Michael Ade Ojo in car distribution business among so many youth whose activities are impacting positively on our national economy. If they can make it, you can!

However, like other nations, there are exceptions. There are some youth who have continued to drag the name of this nation to the mud by their conduct and attitudes. These are the bad guys! Youth who

are resourceful take advantages of the current Transformation Agenda to add value to their lives; and many are doing so through various platforms.

The growing number of youth who are involved in vices is alarming and impacting negatively on Nigeria’s national image. This situation is totally unacceptable, because our youth should represent the

hope and hub of our nation and indeed the prosperity of our posterity or future. For us, the immediate future is not far.

It is captured in vision 20:2020 and it will soon be with us. No nation toys with a lofty ambition such as ours, and risks to hand over such a dream to youth who can not deliver.

We know Nigerian youth can deliver. This is why we have organized this summit, so we can interface on those issues or vices that impede our

national transformation and on values and virtues that engender national development. This summit is well thought out with you in mind; with some of you as resource persons and participants. This is to confirm to you that there is now a paradigm shift from talking down on you to positive dialoguing.

What type of a nation for instance, would you like to see by the year 2020?

Our youth can only get there through guidance. There are obvious challenges on the way to getting to our national goals. The truth is that these threats are not outside us but inside us; and the threats are real and purely attitudinal and behavioral.

Attitudinal problems are not unsumontable; many youth whom their parents or society have given up on them are today the good guys. So change is possible! And change must begin with you.

Let us deploy our positive peer group influence on the right people as a way of helping them to come out of vices.

PAGE 36—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

BRAND NIGERIA -The CENTENARY of A Brand C

ROI). His ‘lecture’ at that conversation, was as a result of one of those articles we wrote on NEXIM Bank, by which we tried to articulate the institution’s relevance as a Development Fund Institution.

Globally, nations are leveraging on available resources for global competitiveness. We did mention in one of our developmental economic articles that in today’s world, nations are rated on the basis of economic power, as against the old consideration of military strength. Hence leadership in today’s concept is based on intellectual capabilities, deep strategic planning, functional creativity and growth-driven economic planning and investment management.

Oga Georgie’s concern for was the success potentials inherent in the development economic institutions so far set up. For him, the economic development icons principal for relevance or basic manufacturing, youth empowerment & employment, growing education/literacy rate, economic diversification, financial environment liberalization, agricultural sector development, social justice, law & security and democracy. The question, therefore, was…to what extent Nigeria as a nation can compete as a brand among nations - globally and within African continent - in the arena of global competitiveness.

So, what would we be celebrating?

Perhaps, the CONCEPT DOCUMENT FOR THE NIGERIA CENTENARY was written by a Consultant, or alternatively, a group of eggheads within the civil service

system…we read through the document for insight and awareness. We have chosen to not concern ourselves with the details, to keep with the focus of this piece. However, we think it is important to noted that somewhere in the said document, prominence was given to “…Nigeria now has over 100 million active cell phone lines and the largest internet traffic in Africa…” as a narration of our success story as a nation. Na wa!

The first reaction was to ‘lookaway’ from this information, as we did many others in the

,

ARRYING out a task without consequence for non-performance is the most exciting thing to do.

It is even more so, when the ‘responsibility’ is upon a very high profile personality, and has so much resources without corresponding executive responsibilities. At such instances it does not matter, whether the process of execution is either thorough or proper, so far the rules are clear: inconsequential engagement.

In the early days of my Brands Management career, the first lesson we learnt was being responsible for every action and inaction. The Carrot and Stick concept sank in in no time. From the minute an Account is assigned (to us in the Clients Service department) the only options were to either swim or sink with the task therefrom. The consequences for failure and reward for successes were clearly made manifest. To begin with, we were told there were no free launches anywhere.

So, the determination to succeed was dogged. I remember my General Manager and mentor then (Georgie Umunna) always saying “failure is a bastard, success has so many fathers”.

On the flip side is the Civil Service system that was not as challenging.

My colleagues then felt unfairly treated in those days of hard beginning, when we see how much ‘freedom’ our peers in the Civil Service at that time enjoyed: go to work when it is convenient, no mentally demanding assignments…like they enjoyed “free launches” everywhere they went.

We shall connect with the relevance of the narration above, as we continue. For now, let us appreciate our great country Nigeria, as a brand and further out appreciation of the objective(s) and rational for the Centenary celebrations.

This piece if purposed to help connect more Nigerians (than are presently aware of the great celebrations of January 14, 2014) with the CENTENARY. Sometime in May this year, my boss, Georgie Umunna, called to discuss BRAND NIGERIA with me. At that session, I was too far from his direction of thought to align with him. But I remember being challenged by his depth of professionalism as he ran through Nigeria as a business entity or a Brand. From his perspective, governance is about BRAND MANAGEMENT for which leadership or management should be as creative, strategic and accountable for reasons of profitability (what investors will consider as Returns-On-Investment -

OBJECTIVES: 1. Celebrate Nigeria’s history and unity 2. Celebrate our diversity, hopes and great promise that aspires our people 3. Re-enforce our hopes and express our shared values, to strengthen national consciousness and patriotism 4. Preserve our heritage, and document our history, achievements and progress 5. Institute legacy projects as a lasting reference for the Centenary 6. Promote enterprise

Essentially, therefore, we should invest our resources in re-ordering our investment priorities, as a nation, instead of funding frivolities. We at MC&A DIGEST suggest we begin to rebuild our nation, by investing in more enduring values

,

document, but it reminded us of one of The Late Fela AnikulapoKuti’s works, in which he compared the industry and sense of purpose of our “commissioner Of Dust-Bin Carrying” who went to London to learn how leaders there ‘carry dust bin’…when the counterpart party was busy concerning himself with scientific break-through (and atomic energy).

We did look at some aspects of the Concept Document as below: THEME: One Nigeria: Great Promise VISION: To project united, vibrant, progressive and respected nation eager to lead in world affairs MISSION: To re-inspire the unity of Nigeria

development, wealth, job creation 7. Promote women and youth empowerment, sports and tourism 8. Promote environmental awareness 9. Promote our national image and enhance our prestige In all, our take is, while the objectives for the centenary Celebrations focus on celebration (exactly like we did with the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture - FESTAC ’77 - the Theme, Vision, Mission and overall focus (“The Centenary celebrations are designed around the key concepts of unity, indivisibility, virility, progress and promise of the Nigerian

federation”) are lacking in strength of purpose and objective. In our professional parlance, we consider such proposals not being singleminded.

But on a more purposeful note, let us consider a probable alternative to the operative CONCEPT DOCUMENT. Recall our start-point, where the issues in consideration are value-based and global in impact; add to the characteristics, is the issue of global competitiveness, in juxtaposition with our contemporaries in the global committee of nations. As in Brand management, emotion gives way to rational thinking.

Every market-driven brand must be sure to deliver at established and verifiable value touchpoints, to be competitive. Among nations, little consideration is given to our February 14, 1914 start-date, compared to the impact our GDP and other fundamental economic growth indicators will have on other nations, for instance. What will the depth of internet usage penetration (questionable information) mean to brands operating at Cilicon Valley, when over 60% of school-age Nigerians is illiterate? What does it matter that we came to be as a nation since 1914, if as at today we still are irrelevant in technological advancement? What does our over 150 million population amount to when it is largely illiterate and too poor to afford basic needs? Please what do we think our unity is worth, when the insecurity and sectorial violence dictates our daily living.

While we are not unmindful of the prevalence of all of the abovementioned challenges across nations all over the world, we think finding solution to them should shape our political leadership. Essentially, therefore, we should invest our resources in re-ordering our investment priorities, as a nation, instead of funding frivolities. We at MC&A DIGEST suggest we begin to rebuild our nation, by investing in more enduring values.

For instance, would we as a nation, not gain more if deploy the huge expenditure set aside for this CENTENARY thing to funding good quality education?

Our Universities have been closed for such a long time, because our priorities are not right. The nation is drifting in character and failing as a brand, yet we choose to celebrate it, just to create a desired impression…!

The last word from us at MC&A DIGEST team: we need to re-order our priorities as a nation, for our economic prosperity and to be relevant at the global square.

If those who wrote the CONCEPT DOCUMENT FOR THE NIGERIA CENTENARY truly challenged, perhaps they would have been more purposeful and strategic in their thinking.

My contemporaries wrote better proposals, back in 1990.

SUNDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 37

Transforming South Africa beyond the Madiba era After the impressive funeral of the father of modern South Africa, the die is cast for the rainbow nation to stand on its feet in the post Mandela era. Hugo Odiogor, Foreign Affairs Editor, argues that the success or failure of South Africa’s transformation may not be in the stars, but in their ability to overcome the vestiges of apartheid.

F

OR South Africa and its leader ship, the end of Madiba’s era is a reality foretold. Now it is a different kind of reality and a new pathway to nation-building without the inspirational touch of their hero, whose presence held the centripetal and centrifugal forces in check. Where South Africans end up now is in their stars, not in their destiny.

After ten days of mourning and the interment of enigmatic Nelson Mandela who died on December 5, 2013 at the age of 95, South Africans are facing a new life without the Madiba magic.

South Africans confounded those who expected mayhem to accompany the news of the demise of Madiba. They rose to the occasion and organised a befitting funeral for their hero and international statesman.

Although there were some minor incidents among a restive crowd at a rainsoaked mass memorial in Johannesburg, it was of no significance as the burial ceremonies ended smoothly and with dignity.

There were real fears of possible gloom and doom as a tiny minority of white rightwingers were expected to foul things up but the feared race conflict never materialized.

The reception of international dignitaries, the planning of the funeral programme, the military honour and the church services, even the discontent within the ranks of the ruling African National Congress were managed to the delight of the world.

His funeral did not bleed the country or punched holes in the pocket of ordinary South Africans who had been expecting the exit of Madiba since March this year.

Mandela had lived a quiet life since he left office as president in 2004 and his last public appearance during the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg. Now the funeral is over and now is the time for South Africa to face the challenges of finding its place in the comity of nations.

The challenge for South Africa is how it deals with issues of inequality and developments in a multi-racial country of 55 million people.

Although there are so much expectations that South Africa will lead the continent’s reawakening, with just 20 years of democratic experiment, the journey is still a long walk.

Zuma under pressure

President Jacob Zuma was roundly booed during the memorials for spending $21 million public funds to renovate his private home in Nkandla. There are indications that at least 51 percent of registered ANC voters want Zuma to resign over the Nkandla scandal.

Five months to the general elections, they see Zuma as a political liability to the fortunes the 101-year-old ANC, the former liberation movement that fought against apartheid and white minority rule in South Africa.

Zuma, the fourth president, is plagued by controversies and scandal. The Zulu traditionalist and grassroots politician, with no formal education and a tendency

South Africa President, Jacob Zuma (c), sitting with Mandela’s widows, Winnie and Graca Machel for gaffes, is seen as a political liability.

Political schism

There is a growing disenchantment among ANC leadership and followers as can be seen in the speech of former President Thabo Mbeki where he took a swipe at Zuma, who ousted him unceremoniously as party leader in 2007.

According to Mbeki: “The transformation of South Africa is a very difficult task, in many respects, more difficult than the struggle to end the system of apartheid, because we are dealing with a more complex situation. That is why we need to raise the level of leadership.”

The ANC secured almost two-thirds of the vote in 2009, but the party is facing internal crisis led by its more ideological youth wing led by Julius Molema and the trade unions.

Now, the world will see how South Africa will cope with the restlessness within the labour unions and the youth wing of ANC where Molema has moved to form a political movement that will challenge the dominance of ANC in the politics of South Africa in next year’s election.

Prof. Victor Ariole of the Faculty of Modern European, Languages at University of Lagos said, “South Africa cannot be free with, people obsessed with libidinal prowess as against humanistic uplift like Zama taking over.”

Already, watchers of events in South Africa have argued that the discontent within ANC will inevitably, strengthen the position of the Democratic Alliance which has been expanding its political base to accommodate the multi-racial nature of the country.

This vital alliance, forged in the days of the struggle against apartheid, is crumbling and has prompted anxieties on whether Zuma is capable of guiding the country through the complexities of the 21st century and its rightful place in the global arena.

Economic uncertainties The country has medium-sized emerging economy, it is still being buffeted by inequality in income, the global economic recession and after-effects of the global financial crisis of 2008 and by three cen-

turies of white domination - crime, high unemployment, poor public education and yawning income inequality between whites and blacks.

Since the end of apartheid, South Africa’s economy has more than trebled in size, 85 percent of homes have electricity from just over half at the end of apartheid, and the tax base has grown from just 1.7 million whites to 13.7 million from across the racial spectrum.

The transformation of South Africa is a very difficult task, more difficult than the struggle to end the system of apartheid because we are dealing with a more complex situation Furthermore, Mandela, who deliberately served only one term in office, left behind a host of strong institutions, from a free media to an independent judiciary, all underpinned by a progressive and respected constitution.

But with the death of Mandela, South Africans will have to face its challenges of national development squarely, the era of falling on the evils of apartheid as the bogeyman for their predicament is over.

The former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel captured this succinctly when he said: “We should no longer say it’s apartheid’s fault.”

Manuel said in April that the country should get up every morning and recognize “that we have responsibility. There is no longer the Botha regime looking

over our shoulder. We are responsible ourselves.”

That is the new reality that South Africa has to face. Mandela recognised the challenges ahead in a country where his countrymen are still battling with the trauma of institutional racism and white minority rule.

The South African economy is still dominated by the whites and the agitation for expanding the economic opportunities are rising. The Marikana mining strike that resulted in the massacre of 34 mine workers points to the hectic days ahead as the mine workers went on strike to demand for pay-rise.

The August 16, 2012 incident threw back the ugly scenes of the apartheid days as the anti riot team re-enacted their brutality of old. Before the Marikani incident there had been another massacre at the Lonmin platinum mine.

The Mining sector is one of the pillars of South Africa’s economy. The level of unemployment, poverty and inequality in South Africa, has provided a fertile ground for xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, Zimbabweans and other Africans who migrated to South African in search of better life in the rainbow nation.

Examining the economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, Prof.

Kayode Soremenkum of Covenant University, Ota, said Nigeria’s economy is stile at a pre- industrial revolution stage and to that extent, South Africa is ahead of Nigeria.

He said “the West African has a huge population base that no country can ignore, its economy is still at rudimentary stage. ”Imagine when the yellow fever vaccine controversy broke and some Nigerians were deported, the reaction of the Federal Government elicited an immediate apologies from South Africa.

It was because they stood to lose more from their investment in Nigeria. Imagine the way Nigeria transformed telecommunication company, MTN into a global giant, just by the share size of our subscriber base.” “ the relations between Nigeria and South Africa will not witness any significant improvement as both countries contend for influence in Sub Sahara Africa”, he said.

According to the University Don, “Nigeria may have contributed significantly to end apartheid in South Africa and the release of Nelson Mandela from captivity, but the truth is that Nigeria did not have what it takes to penetrate into South Africa’s economy”.

He said “Nigeria fought the antiapartheid battle on a high moral tone, but over the years this moral high ground has been eroded by bad leadership and corruption. This has reduced Nigeria’s standing in the eyes of millions of South Africans”.

He said the situation is not made lighter by the fact that most Nigerians in post apartheid South Africa are there doing illegal businesses, especially in crimes such as drug trafficking. He paid his dues. South Africans should march on.

PAGE 38, SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES

*Alhaji Babankowa

BY OLALEKAN BILESANMI

A

lhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Babankowa, in his late ‘70s, was a police commissioner.

In this interview, Babankowa recounts how he led an operation during the January 1966 coup to discover the bodies of the Prime Minister, Sir Tafawa Balewa, his Finance Minister, Chief Okotie Eboh, and other members of the federal cabinet who the coup makers had taken to the outskirts of Sango-Otta, then in Western Region but now in Ogun State, and shot dead. He also shares his thoughts on some national issues.

How has it been since more than 30 years back that you retired?

JAN 1966 COUP

Ironsi detained me over Balewa’s, Okotie-Eboh’s decomposing bodies — Ex-police chief Quite interesting. I have seen a lot of things which I never thought could happen but are happening. Some of them come as a surprise and sometimes shocking. It is really amazing how things are going on in this country.

What role did you play during the 1966 coup and where were you at that time?

I am not a coupist and I didn’t play any role other than

my normal police role.

However I can tell you what happened. It was not only the night of the coup but it continued for about three days later when we discovered the bodies of the prime minister and some of his cabinet members. First of all, I was at Sango- Otta during the coup where I had been transferred. I was initially at Mubi. They called

it Southern Province which is the present Adamawa State. It used to be called Gongola State. I was drafted to the Western Region during the Operation Wetie crisis. I was drafted from Mubi to Kaduna and then to take riot unit to Ibadan. On my arrival at Ibadan, my late commander, Peter Pam, told me that Akure, Ondo and Owo were burning and I was moved to Akre, then

to Owo and then Arigidi, a border town between the West and the North. While I was there, Shomolu in Lagos was burning. I then deployed to Shomolu, and, suddenly, they said Agege to Abeokuta was burning as they were doing Oro (cult). Then I was later moved to Sango- Otta where I was on the fateful night of the coup. I was manning a road Continues on page 39

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 39

INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES district officer of those days.

But the police are now being controlled by whoever is in power. In my days, the police was independent. Their allegiance was to the nation, not individuals as we now see these days. In those days, whoever was in power could not control the police as he or she wished. It was run according to rules and regulations. What you find now is a police which are more or less in disguise as state police. The one in Rivers State is completely a different one.

But you find in some other states that whoever is the governor controls the police.

Continued from page 38

N

ow the Western Region crisis was no longer an issue because of the coup. Few days later, I had cold and had to go to hospital for treatment.

I understand a bit of Yoruba language, it was in the hospital at Sango -Otta that I was listening to some patients talking about some odour of some dead bodies in their vicinity.

They were complaining about the odour.

Meanwhile the nation was already talking about the missing bodies of these leaders. So, when I got to the office, I divided my men into groups, while some went to the particular place where the patients in the hospital talked about, others went the other way. Lo and behold, the bodies of these leaders were there on the ground, already decomposing.

Tafawa Balewa’s body was in his white attire, his cap on the floor and his rosary near the cap and maggots had started coming out of it. That was the most terrible sight I have ever seen in my life. So I reported the matter to the authorities. It was Kam Salem that was around at that time because Louis Edet was on leave. Kam Salem was the acting IG. Knowing how difficult it could be to get the IG, I decided to go to Ikeja Police Station, I knew the officer in charge, Alhaji Kafaru Tinubu. I told him I wanted to see the IG, and I told him the reason. So we called the IG in Tinubu’s office and he said I should come right down to the Force Headquarters in Lagos immediately. On getting

*Babankowa...Defected PDP governors, APC merger good for Nigeria

TROUBLE OVER DEAD VICTIMS

‘Kam Salem’s intervention saved me from Ironsi’ there, Ironsi had abandoned his barracks and took refuge at the police headquarters. He was operating from the police headquarters.

Why would he leave the barracks that is more fortified for the police headquarters?

I will tell you. When there is a coup, everybody is suspecting his colleagues. He already had loyal troops around the police headquarters protecting him.

Tanks were everywhere. He probably thought he was safer with the police and loyal troops protecting the place than staying in the barracks where he would not know who was for him or who was against him. On my arrival, I was taken straight to the office of the IG where he was sitting with Ironsi on the same table in the conference room. I was marched to the place bare footed and without cap or belt, this was after my pistol had been taken away from me. I can understand why. The first question came from Ironsi. ‘You said you saw the dead body of the prime minister?’ I said, ‘Yes, I did sir’. He was talking to me in Hausa. He spoke fluent Hausa. He was just like Odumegwu Ojukwu’s father who also spoke fluent Hausa.

He then asked how I knew it was Tafawa Balewa and I told him that I knew him very well

because I was security officer to the late Sardauna. We normally came to Lagos to see Tafawa Balewa and he knew us as security officers of Sardauna. He then ordered that I should be arrested and detained in the naval base, Apapa. Kam Salem pleaded that I should be detained in our own cell and anytime I was needed, he would produce me.

I was then marched out of the room and later I was marched in again before Ironsi now said Kam Salem could detain me and I was taken to Yaba Police Station. I was there till 1.30 am the following day. And suddenly I was hearing a voice saying ‘where is this Ibrahim Ahmed?’ And so I was brought out. I saw Maitama Sule, Madawaki of Bauchi whom I knew very well in Tafawa Balewa’s house, and Balewa’s ADC, immediately I knew they wanted me to take them to the site. When we got out, I saw trucks and ambulances and so I was asked to lead the way to Sango- Otta. This was in the night. Could you believe that my policemen who I asked to guard the place were still there when we got there?

That is the difference between the police of that time and those of now. These were officers that didn’t eat from the

previous day till the following night that we got there. If it were these days, they would have left there .Which police would you leave with a decomposed body for 24 hours now? We packed the bodies.

Six of us flew Tafawa Balewa’s body to Bauchi: Myself, Kam Salem, Madawaki Bauchi, Mataima Sule, William Garuba, ADC to IG, Tapgum, Tafawa Balewa’s ADC, in a small aircraft while the Balewa family members flew in a bigger aircraft. We arrived Bauchi on Sallah day. People

,,

block which was primarily to check the menace of the Operation Wetie. Suddenly we saw a convoy of military trucks and cars. It was in night, it was when they moved closer that we realised that army officers were in the convoy. We were happy and comfortable seeing them because our assumption was that they were also helping out in fighting the crisis, and we allowed them to pass and they moved on to Abeokuta which was the direction they were headed not knowing that in that convoy were the Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, the Minister of Finance, Okotie Eboh, Abogu and Kuru Muhammed. Not more than half an hour later, the convoy returned and headed for Lagos. We didn’t take any notice of anything not knowing that these leaders were actually taken into the bush and shot dead, six of them. It was the next morning we heard that there was a coup; and that Tafawa Balewa and co were killed.

Thought it is the Federal Government through the police Inspector General of Police that controls the police.

You are right but don’t forget that the governors have their own line of communication with the IG such that whatever the governor wants, once he contacts the IG, the IG passes the information to the commissioner and his biddings are carried out. The police, unlike before, are not structurally based but controlled by individuals instead of being institutional.

However, the problems with our police, in my opinion, started in 1983 when there was a military coup that ousted the President Shehu Shagari administration. Sunday Adewusi was the IG; I was still in the force at that time. The army realised that the police was getting too powerful and they did not want that because they wanted to rule without hindrance. So they tried to render it ineffective. It was starved of funds, salaries were poor; even the allowances were not forthcoming, arms and ammunitions including logistics were not forth coming, that was when the police began its descent and, up till now, nobody is willing

I am not a coupist and I didn’t play any role other than my normal police role

were coming out of the prayer ground and running down to the airport to welcome the prime minister but, unknowingly to them, we were bringing the dead body of Balewa. From there, Kam Salem said I should move my unit back to Kaduna and then to Mubi and then start my annual leave.

It is alleged that the police are partisan compared to the one you operated in, in your days. Do you agree?

This is an area I know very well. The policeman is like the

to do anything about it. Don’t ask me if we are ripe for state police because my answer would be no. Until there is justice, sincerity and fair-play, I will never subscribe to state police. We cannot handle state police now.

NEXT WEEK *Abacha’s draft Constitution better than new National Confab *We raided Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in search of missing girls’

PAGE 40 — SUNDAY

C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

SUNDAY

C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013 PAGE 41

PAGE 42—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

M

r Henry Okhuarobo, who is rounding off his first term in office as Edo State representative in the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in this interview, highlights some of the strides recorded in Edo State in last two years by the intervention agency.

Excerpts: Your tenure expires this week.

Can we know how it has been?

My experience in NDDC has been very heart warming. They say challenges bring out the best in a man. NDDC is one area where you see on daily basis the challenges our people face on the streets and in their daily lives. It is the place where you see there are no accessible roads, there is no water to drink in some communities, there is no health care system and other social amenities. In actual fact, this is an intervention agency and, on daily basis, you see yourself intervening in the lives of people by way of projects. That is my experience and it has been quite interesting.

Challenges The challenges are two-fold.

First are the challenges of the communities and the challenges of NDDC itself. In terms of the challenges in the communities, you find that communities sometimes crave for projects; when the craving is answered, you find that some people bring in funny demands. They frustrate contractors, sometimes in schools, while projects are ongoing, people begin to distort one or two things in the projects, most times you fight with the youths of the community before work can commence. But some communities are very receptive and committed to partnering with us. One of our major challenges is that whereas the

NDDC can do better if...

— Okhuarobo

*Okhuarobo NDDC is supposed to be an intervention agency, an agency that should provide succour immediately, there are lots of bureaucratic bottlenecks. What I met was a bureaucratic organisation that for things to move you have to be on your feet on daily basis from one office to the other. Either in terms of jobs coming to fulfillment by way of execution, or in terms of payment of contractors, all these things are the things we saw. So much bureaucracy in NDDC and it is not good. We should look at how to change that style so that projects can be executed without much delay.

Siting projects Projects are sited based on

communal interest. In my office, I get requests on daily basis and weekly from communities asking for water, electricity, roads, health centres, youth empowerment and all types of social amenities. The requests guide us when we are putting together our budget and our intention for the financial year.

And when the projects are identified, it is my duty to supervise what contractors are doing. The communities tell us what they need before we move in.

NDDC achievements in Edo The projects that I have put on ground are many, I inherited a lot of on-going projects and I also have a lot of new ones that we did our best to complete.

Let me talk about the star projects: we have the University of Benin medical hostel; it is one of the big projects we inherited. It has been lying down for close to eight years, in less than a year and two months, this project was executed. It will house over 700 students. It is the best hostel in University of Benin because of the facilities. There is a bridge that we have built also. This bridge links Edo central and Delta. The bridge is beyond the imagination of many because they never believed NDDC could construct such a bridge. I am proud that in line with Mr President’s Transformation Agenda, the bridge, located at Okaigben community in Ewohimi axis of Edo central, has been completed. We have a road of over 20 kilometres also

executed alongside it but the bridge itself is something to write home about. Then we have Ebozogbe – Abudu road. It will open up Orhionmwon; more than 80 per cent of this job has been completed. And we are praying that the Bureau of Public Procurement will grant our request that additional work be done in that regard.

We have brand new 18 classroom - primary school in Aduwawa community,fully equipped and already in use. We have 13 classrooms at Obozogbe –Niro community. The secondary school there before was in tatters. The children had all migrated to Benin. That secondary school served over five communities and yet it was in tatters. There was also Obozogbe primary school which was built along the same side. Then we have Oben – Umogun road which is on-going, we have Esowereze road, it is on-going.

We have Orhionmwon electricity project which has been handed over. Orhionmwon in another three, four years will be a local government that people will be jealous of. That is our dream for the local government because of its position as the only oil producing local government in Edo State.

But Niger Deltans still believe that NDDC has not achieved its aim in the region in terms of development?

Our people are not wrong, good things don’t happen as far as we wish; NDDC is about 12 years old. But the NDDC in Edo State is the second biggest infrastructure developer and, in the time of the comrade governor, Adams Oshiomhole, since I have been

in the saddle, we have seriously improved on performance. He warned me when I started work that performance is the key and, by the grace of God, we have so many kilometres of road across the state. In Benin-City, we have many of them that are on-going and completed.

On the provision of water, we have provided water for Gelegele, Ebozogbe, Umogun N’ okhua and Aduwawa communities. We have Egboha bridge going on in Ovia North East. We have done a lot in Edo and I want our people to be patient with the NDDC. How were you able to achieve a lot despite paucity of funds I want to thank our contractors who understand that Rome was not built in a day. When I came into office, the first meeting I had with contractors, I went straight to the issue, and appealed to them that they should do their best to make sure that projects are executed and that they will be paid. Some of them fulfilled their obligations but on our part, because of paucity of funds, we were unable to pay them and this challenge is common. This is a bit of a challenge but it is our hope that those who are involved in oil theft would change their ways so that our funding can improve.

How has the National Assembly assisted the NDDC? The National Assembly is our key regulatory agency and they have been of great support to the NDDC. The senators that represent Edo State: Senator Uzamere, Senator Obende and Senator Ugbesia have operated very nicely with us, they did their best and defended our projects.

Some of these projects that we can boast of would not have been achieved if the senators have not stood their ground.

CAC 23-yr-old crisis may end – Factional leader Pastor Lagunju

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure faction of the Christ Apos tolic Church (CAC) says it is ready to support any move that would lead to the resolution of the 23-year old crisis rocking the church.“The President of the Supreme Executive Council faction, Pastor Gabriel Lagunju, said this in Akure during the Annual General Meeting of the church.“Lagunju said the faction was not happy with the development in the church.“However, he said the much" sought resolution must be based on justice and fairness and that truth should also be allowed to prevail.“According to him "many steps had been taken in the past to end the crisis but selfishness and ambitiion of some members of the church were responsible for the stalemate.”“The pastor said the latest move was made by the Unification and Peace Committee of the church which he said the faction supported and was willing to see to a positive end.“"The peace committee had members from both parties and organised a national unification

A

prayer which held in Akure but was not attended by the General Executive Council of the church, Lagunju stated.“He noted that the hard stand of the other faction to the crisis had not

helped resolution of the crisis adding that his faction was committed to the unity of the church. “"My own take on the crisis is that we should cooperate and pray fervently to God

for a quick resolution of the crisis, we should pray that God, who is the ultimate and incorruptible judge should intervene and enable truth and justice to prevail,”he added.“Also speak-

ing, the Secretary of the Peace and Unification Committee, Pastor Johnson Odedoyin, said the committee had made concerted efforts to end the lingering crisis rocking the church.

APC mobilises against Jonathan, visits Obasanjo Continued from page 5 the 37 members of the House of Representatives who dumped the party for APC. In a letter to INEC, dated 19 December, 2013, the party said there were no factions in its fold as it remains one PDP, just as it stressed that what the lawmakers did was contrary to the Constitution of the party and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The letter, signed by the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, and the National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon,

asked INEC to immediately conduct elections in the defected lawmakers constituencies against the backdrop that what they did was cross-carpeting.

According to the PDP, INEC must declare the lawmakers seats vacant and conduct elections unless they have a change of mind, adding that it has no factions as observed

by INEC and upheld by the court.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the PDP took the decision to write INEC for fear of losing the majority in the lower chambre of the House just as members of the PDP say the

APC could only take charge of the House if its members hit 181, basing their argument on

the rule that requires a simple majority to take over the leadership.

FG to commence registration of Artisanal Fishing canoes, crafts

BY EBUN SESSOU

I

N a bid to ensure that the Artisanal Fisheries operators are better organised and duly recognised, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Akinwumi Adesina has initiated the process of registration of Artisanal fishing canoes and crafts in the country.

Adesina who was represented by the permenant secretary of the ministry, Mrs Ibukun Odusote explained that, it will give the operators an identity

beyond the shores of Nigeria, especially when fishing in coastal waters shared with neighbouring countries ; accord them due recognition and ensure the fishing canoes of artisanal fishermen in the country are not used for Sea armed robbery or piracy.

According to him, artisanal fishing industry has contributed over 75 per cent of our domestic fish production, and in the last 25 years had been operating with fishing crafts that are not registered.

SUND AY SUNDA

C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 43

PAGE 44—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013 sameyoboka@yahoo.com

08023145567 (sms only)

Christmas, Season of Giving *ORITSEJAFOR, OKOTIE BLAZE THE TRAIL Costume Pageant and Competition which also carried a price of N1 million.

Charity organisations including The Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, The Sunshine Foundation, The Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria and the Strong Tower Mission were given N1 million each.

Boxing Day is traditionally the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts from their bosses or employers, known as a "Christmas box". Boxing Day is better known as a bank or public holiday that occurs on December 26, or the first or second weekday after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws.

By SAM EYOBOKA IT'S Christmas time again is a Christmas song

by American vocal group Backstreet Boys. The song was written by Backstreet Boys members Nick Carter and Howie Dorough along with Mika Guillory and Morgan Taylor Reid in early October 2012.

Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed holiday, celebrated generally on December 25 by billions of people around the world.

A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the 12 days of Christ-mastide, which ends after the 12th night.

Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians, and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season.

While the birth year of Jesus is estimated among modern historians to have been between 7 and 2 BC, the exact month and day of his birth are unknown. His birth is mentioned in two of the four canonical gospels. By the early-to-mid 4th century, the Western Christian Church had placed Christmas on December 25, a date later adopted in the East.

Celebratory customs The date of Christmas may have initially been chosen to correspond with the day exactly nine months after early Christians believed Jesus to have been conceived, or with one or more ancient polytheistic festivals that occurred near southern solstice (i.e., the Roman winter solstice); a further solar connection has been suggested because of a biblical verse[a] identifying Jesus as the "Sun of righteousness".

The celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and origins.

Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift giving, Christmas music and caroling, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, and the display of various Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.

In addition, several closely related and often interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, and Christkind, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season and have their own body

*Air Commodore Habiba Ruth Garba (rtd) receiving a cheque for N1 million from General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) while Rev. Chris Okotie (c) assists. of traditions and lore. Because giftgiving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

In keeping with the reason for the season, the Household of God Ministries held its annual God's Riches At Christ's Expense, GRACE programme where the founder, Rev. Chris Okotie dolled out about N6 million.

Guided by the philosophy that 'greatness does not consist in being great, but in the ability to make oth-

ers great," Okotie gave this year's Karis Award to the first female Air Commodore in the Nigerian Air Force, first female parade commander and the first commandant in the Nigerian Air Force and founder of A'l-Saleh Development Foundation for the education and upliftment of the less privileged especially the girlchild; Air Commodore Habiba Ruth Garba (rtd). The Karis award, started in 1996 by Rev. Chris Okotie, is given to Nigerians who excelled in their respective fields. She got N1 million.

The occasion which was chaired by General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) and Air Marshal Nsikak Eduuok as special guest also fearured a side attraction, Queen Esther Beauty and

War against poverty Come December 26, the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and founder of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor will continue his war against poverty in parts of the country as he empowers several Nigerians through an annual poverty alleviation programme.

He has perfected plans to give out six brand new cars, 12 tricycles, 100 grinding machines among other poverty alleviation items.

Last month, during the just concluded 26th Word of Life Bible Church Jubilee Word Festival, Pastor Oritsejafor gave scholarship awards to 40 indigent students to study courses of their choice ranging from mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, medical sciences to economics at different tertiary institutions of higher learning in the country and overseas.

The list included 36 fresh students in 100 level, three in 200 level while the remaining one is a 300 level student. One of the lucky students, Toritseweju Mene is admitted to read Economics at Memorial University in Canada.

For seven years Ajamimogha Road, Warri, had played host to unpre-cendented crowd of underprivileged who desire some lifeline. As early as 6.00 a.m. thousands of people are expected to converge on the street, waiting anxiously for the biggest yearly poverty alleviation programme in the country. It is the 8th annual poverty alleviation programme of Eagle Flight Micro-Finance Bank, solely owned by Word of Life Bible Church.

The CAN National President, Pastor Oritsejafor sees such largese as his own way of giving back to the society, especially the less privileged; arguing that the essence of wealth was all about sharing with the needy.

He appealed to governments at all levels in the country as well as corporate organisations to be more proactive in coming up with similar empowerment programmes that could drastically reduce the poverty level in the country.

Frills, thrills of RCCG Holy Ghost Congress

By SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA

A

FLURRY of fireworks tearing through the peace of the night accompanied by a cacophony of booms cascading the serene atmosphere marked the end of this year ’s Redeemed Christian Church of God’s year end spiritual revival known as the Holy Ghost Congress.

For about 30 minutes residents of the fast growing Redemption City and its adjoining communities were treated to a kaleidoscope of colour displays and high sounding booms per-meating the cool ambience of the rural community while some of the church excited youth quite naturally responded in ecstatic acknowledg-ement.

The youth had earlier same evening been given a moment to celebrate the end of another successful spiritual revival to the glory of God as they heartily danced to ministration from the C M Y K

church mass choir which had performed extremely well throughout the duration of the programme tagged, The Overflow.

And they poured out from all corners of

auditorium to the only available space in front of the upraised altar, to express themselves in any way they could; through dancing.

It may not have been intended but the musical interval, made the roads free for the dignitaries to leave the auditorium with relative ease.

As is usual with such religious programmes, there were several testimonies of healings, deliverances, instant miracles, a harvest of souls, prayers for the nation and her different sectors including secur-ity, education, economy as well as the different age groups. There were talks, discussions and seminars on Christian court-ship and marriage; Basic principles of good management; parenting in the Internet age, dieting, investment and the Internet.

There was spontaneous reaction when Deaconess Oluwatoyin Samson, one of the survivors of the recent Associated Airline with registration number SCD 361 conveying the remains of former Gov. Olusegun

Agagun from Lagos to Akure for burial, that crashed shortly after takeoff at Murtala Mu-hammed Airport took advantage of the mam-moth crowd to appreciate God for sparing her life in the crash. Thirteen persons died instantly of the incident which occurr-ed on October 3 this year.

Deaconess Samson, one of the cabin crew of the ill-fated Associated Airline plane that crashed in Lagos killing 15 per-sons joyfully thanked God for her survival but tearfully noted that her colleague, Mrs. Quin-eeth Owolabi’s toes and fingers were amputated as a result of the accident.

After a very loud 'Praise the Lord', she said "I appreciate God who delivered me from the Associated Airline plane. I was among those in-volved in the plane crash but God in His infinite mercy delivered me. My friend that we were to-gether in the plane swapped her seat with me, saying she didn't want to sit in the front.

"Few minutes after we took off, the

Continues on page 45

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 45

W

HERE is God in our adver sities? If God is a good God, where is he in the storms of life?

Why does God allow bad things to happen, even to his children? Habakkuk notes that everywhere there is oppression, murder, bribery, and injustice.

He asks God what exactly he is doing about this.

Jeremiah is equally perplexed. He asks God: “Why do the wicked prosper?” “Why are those who are treacherous so happy?” The obvious conclusion is that God does not care.

What does God know?

The LORD said to Moses: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.” (Exodus 3:7). But can God, being God, really know what we are going through? Job says: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” (Job 14: 1). Can God in heaven know what we are going through on earth? Can President Goodluck Jonathan really know the true condition of the man in the street?

When Queen Mary Antoinette of France was told the people were rioting because they were hungry and had no bread to eat, she replied glibly: “Let them eat cake.” Similarly, is God not too distant and too aloof to know or care about the ordeal of men on earth? If he really cares, why does he not do something about it, after all he is God?

DOES GOD NOT CARE THAT WE ARE SUFFERING? (1) The bible provides an enigmatic answer. On the cross of Calvary: “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27 :46). This plaintive cry still reverberates around the world today. Nowhere is it more poignant than in crime and corruptionridden Nigeria. It is the cry of agony of millions upon millions; overwhelmed by a country where truth has fallen in the streets and evil reigns supreme.

Does God forsake?

How are we to understand Jesus’ cry to God on the cross? It is easily understood in Psalm 22, where it came from David. But how come Jesus makes the exact same complaint against God? Does God forsake his sons? Does God even forsake man? Should Jesus, of all people, not know any better? Surely Jesus knows God does not forsake his people. Why then does he make such an outrageous accusation against God? Jesus’ cry contradicts the promise of God. God says in Isaiah: “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched

Jesus’ repetition of the cry of David on the cross is the greatest identification of God with man in the history of humanity with thirst, I the LORD will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.”

(Isaiah 41:17-18).

Indeed, when Jesus himself was asleep in a boat during a storm, his disciples woke him up asking: “Don’t you even care that we are going to perish?” Jesus asked them why they were so fearful. He chastised them for being of little faith. Then he rebuked the storm and the sea became calm. But then on the cross, Jesus himself asked God more or less the same nagging question: “Don’t you even care that I am suffering here?” “Why are you allowing me to go through this ordeal?” What are we to make of this seeming contradiction?

Fellowship of man’s sufferings Jesus repetition of the cry of David on the cross is the greatest identifica-

tion of God with man in the history of humanity.

By this cry, God in Christ entered totally into the mainstream of the human experience. God himself cried out on man’s behalf for salvation and redemption. Man in Christ cried out to God in desperation, in confusion, and in disillusionment: “Why, if you are God; why, since you are God, are you allowing this calamity to happen to us?”

In effect, on the cross of Calvary, God in Christ validated human suffering. God entered into the fellowship of our sufferings. God became our brother in adversity. And God in Christ himself became our advocate. Jesus became our lawyer, and he presented our case eloquently against God. “Why God? Why do you say you love us and then allow us to go through so much pain and suffering?

Why do you sit back and watch as we get raped, tortured, robbed, killed, and destroyed every day?

Why are you the Almighty, nevertheless you allow wars to happen, earthquakes to destroy, diseases and plagues to

ravage? Why have you forsaken your people?

Don’t you even care that we are perishing here every day?”

These questions have led many to atheism.

Many are convinced God does not exist because of the havoc they see in the world. Some insist that although he exists, he only took part in creation and, thereafter, went on sabbatical. Some are simply disappointed and angry with God. They were once believers but are not any longer. Others are very bitter against God. Thus, Naomi complained in the scriptures: “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruth 1:20).

“Why,” they reason, “should we serve a God who allows our children to die of sickle-cell anemia?” “Why should we bother with a God who watches while we are raped and violated?”

“What is the point of a merciful heavenly Father who stands by as our husbands marry other wives; as our sons contract AIDS even at the dentists; as our brothers and sisters die prematurely through human error?”

God’s plea But oh, how God cares!

He cares so deeply that

when you read the prophets, you get the distinct image of God as a mother-hen so worried and concerned about the wrong choices his children keep making that he shouts himself hoarse reproving us. God begs man, he cajoles, he pleads and he threatens: “Please choose life, so that you and your seed may live.” But systematically and procedurally we choose death. Then we rant and rage against God when we are dying.

The nature of this world, a place of sin, death and destruction, is not the making of God, but the making of men. We disobey God; we transgress against him; we refuse to follow his loving commandments; therefore we reap what we sow. Isaiah says: “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But our iniquities have separated us from our God; and our sins have hidden His face from us, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Nevertheless, the Lord would not forsake his people. God had a plan and this plan was in motion from the foundation of the world. God was not just interested in comforting man. That would have been too trite and impersonal. In the person of Jesus Christ, God was first and foremost determined to share in man’s ordeal. Therefore, Jesus “ was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).

(To be Continued).

Frills, thrills of RCCG 16th Congress Continued from page 44

plane started malfunction and it crashed.

L ater, I was conscious and I realised that the bodies of MIC boss, Mr. Tunji Okunsanya and his son were on top of me and besides me was late Gov. Agagu's son. I tapped him, he woke up and he struggled out of the plane but I found it difficult to go out. After a long while I managed to find my way out. I am grateful to God. P-R-AI-S-E the LORD!" And the large congregation roared H-A-L-LE-L-U-J-A-H! in appreciation of what God had done for one of their own.

There was also the intriguing story of a woman who came to the Redemption Camp to cook and sell food for

participants but ended in the RCCG Maternity where she was delivered of the first set of twins during the programme.

Over the years since the maiden programme in 1998 Divine Visitation, Victory at last in 1999, Open Heavens in 2000, Wind of change in 2001, Showers of blessings in 2002, A new song in 2003, The master key in 2004, The ultimate break through

in 2005, Heaven on earth in 2006, The next level in 2007, Joy unspeakable in 2008, Our God reaigns in 2009, All will be well in 2010, A new thing in 2011, Singns and wonders in 2012 and The overflow in 2013, the Congress has continued to provide some insight to what God does in the lives of human beings and in the lives of nations.

*A cross section of traditional rulers at the 16th Congress

'Prayer can stop Boko Haram insurgency'

R

ELIGIOUS leaders in the country have been enjoined to intensify prayers to address security challenges confronting the nation.

General Evangelist Motailatu Church Cherubim and Sera-phin Worldwide, His Eminence, Prof. Joseph Otubu, maintained that intensity

of prayer should be applied by the various faiths as a potent weapon to checkmate the Boko Harram insurgency and other security issues wrecking serious havoc in our country.

Speaking at the adoption thanksgiving service of the Motailatu Church in Lagos tagged 'A

celebration of Spiritual Rebirth; The Future of Aladura Churches', the professor of obstetrics and gynaecology said churches have the responsibility to continue to preach peace and justice for the well being of the nation.

The cleric admonished the Church to show love to

one another as Christ had exemplified, and endeavor to make provision for the poor.

He noted that the major problem confronting the nation is poverty, and as such, the church must address it squarely by providing for the less privileged in their midst.

The religious leader

enjoined the faithful across the religious divide to love one another as a way of promoting togetherness and rancourfree society.

According to him, we should learn to forgive one another to avoid continuous chaos in our nation, making reference to the late South African leader, Dr. Nelson Mandela as a classic example of how to forgive.

PAGE 46—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

BY SYLVESTER OKORO

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

•The gains of bilateral agreements with China as case study

I

N the wake of President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent London visit, where he presided over the Honorary International Investors’ Council meeting, Nigerians have the right to ask what benefits his foreign trips have brought to the country (and by extension her citizens).

As a concerned Nigerian, I am only interested in an objective assessment of what the nation has gained or stands to gain from the various trips the President has embarked on since coming into office over two years ago.

First, it is only fair to accept that visits to foreign countries by any head of state or government are an integral aspect of the office holder’s job description. Except for countries with pariah status, there is no leader of a free country that does not embark on visits to other countries from time to time. The aims of such trips vary from country to country and are determined by each country’s situational priorities. They range from purely diplomatic, economic, to even military concerns and beyond.

For a country like Nigeria that is in need of major economic boosts in order to speed up her infrastructure development, improve gross domestic product (GDP), and overall quality of life indices, it follows that beyond the pomp and ceremony that accompanies presidential visits to foreign lands, Jonathan should use the occasion of any visit to another country to further our economic interests. And furthering Nigeria’s interest should be examined in ways that apply directly to the ordinary citizen.

In this regard, this piece will focus on

,

VIEWPOINT

Indeed, the President may actually need to embark on more economically strategic foreign trips in the best interest of the country. This is because whether Nigeria can create new industries and generate opportunities for new jobs for its teeming population of young and agile citizens

,

the President’s visit to China in July, to negotiate the largest Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) loan ever, as a case study to determine the needfulness (or the lack thereof) of his foreign trips. The China trip is worthy of scrutiny for several reasons but the primary one may be because the contingent the President led to the Asian country was a large one. Four state governors and thirteen cabinet ministers were part of the entourage, and so were several captains of Nigeria’s private sector.

One may question why President Jonathan went to China with several people. In fairness, the answer is almost self-evident. China is no ordinary country.

Besides being a military superpower with the largest population of any country on earth, China has also emerged as a major economic powerhouse in the last decade.

Moreover, in recent years, China has made significant strategic economic incursions into African countries (including Nigeria) and invested billions of US dollars in such ventures.

It is against this situational backdrop that Jonathan’s Chinese adventure should be studied. Statistically, as Jonathan said, “At present China and Nigeria have

Between Oritsejafor and Ayodele VIEWPOINT

BY WOLE ADIGUN

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

•A perspective over the controversy in CAN

M

Y attention was drawn to page 25 of Sunday Vanguard of December 8, 2013 where one Sunday Oibe attempted to assume Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor ’s spokesman. But his effort was a very good example of a bad attempt at responding to the interview which Primate Elijah Ayodele granted Sunday Vanguard on November 24, 2013.

The Primate Elijah Ayodele I know will, like a true prophet of God, not join issues with anyone let alone with Oibe. The Primate Ayodele I know will believe God Himself will respond.

Although he will be more vehement and vociferous in reiterating (like his forebears the major prophets of old, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, God sent to the nation of Israel at various times) to warn that he is not happy with the leadership of CAN, any attempt at

vilifying the primate will be an exercise in futility.

The likes of Oibe had better heeded this warning. It is also about being truly being born again to be able to speak the mind of God (Philippians 2:1-5).

Let us briefly x-ray Oibe’s submissions in the Sunday Vanguard interview. His response concerning Ayodele’s advice on Boko Haram clearly demonstrates that he lacked proper understanding and perception of the genuine concrete concerns of the primate. He really cannot see beyond his nose. He is like critics of Jesus Christ who were told in John 9:14: “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin, but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains with you.”

You mean you cannot advise an organisation even when you are not a member not to talk of a prophet of the living God who warned CAN? Should we talk about the Methodists and Catholics who were seriously being discriminated against on their doctrines to the extent that, in Febr uar y, Catholics were almost pulling out of CAN? How else do we interprete Oibe’s

,

Jonathan’s foreign trips: Benefits to the political economy

annual bilateral trade exceeding US$13 billion.” In 2002, the figure stood at US$2 billion. Without doubt, such an astronomical leap calls for closer economic ties.

But beyond the huge amounts of money being bandied about by government officials, the pertinent question is, do these Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have any tangible effect on the lives and well-being of ordinary Nigerians? The answer, without going into any pontificating (which may be regarded by many Nigerians as the usual rigmarole of officialdom), is an unequivocal yes!

This is because, for instance, the US$100 million Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SME) MoU, which was signed between First Bank of Nigeria, Plc and China Development Bank, will directly translate into more economic empowerment and employment opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.

After all, the SME sector, as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, pointed out, already provides jobs for close to 32 million Nigerians. And while some may argue that only members of the elite class are likely to benefit from the MoU on Aviation that will see the construction of four new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, the MoU on electricity is aimed at providing 20,000 megawatts of power that will be available to all Nigerians.

To avoid a lengthy treatise that would merely serve to reiterate an obvious fact ad infinitum, it is fair to conclude that, based on the case study reviewed above, all available evidences point to a remarkable performance on the part of the President when it comes to the matter of furthering the economic interest of Nigerians while on foreign visits.

Indeed, the President may actually need to embark on more economically strategic foreign trips in the best interest of the country. This is because whether Nigeria can create new industries and generate opportunities for new jobs for its teeming population of young and agile citizens depends entirely on the quality and functionality of the enabling infrastructure which only government is in the best position to galvanise.

To be clear, let no one forget that the

Oibe should have at least done a little research on the primate he is taking on. He does not know that even presidents around the world are craving for his attention through his book of prophecy, “Warning to the Nation” which he has been rolling out on yearly basis since 1994 with almost 100% accuracy

,

response concerning Pastor Oritsejafor ’s invitation to white garment churches? Who is fooling who? Ayodele who is making a case for the voiceless people that the leadership of CAN is discriminating against or the CAN leadership?

Oibe should have at least done a little research on the primate he is taking on. He does not know that even presidents around the world are craving for his attention through his book of prophecy, “Warning to the

revolution in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed the way people all over the world live, work and conduct business today.

Wherever there is a reliable Internet connection, the potentials are almost limitless. But in order to successfully tap into this ever-growing field, Nigeria needs the goodwill and support of wellintentioned foreign partners. And these partners will not come knocking at our door if the President just sits at home all the time and does not embark on necessary foreign trips.

And this is precisely what the President achieved on his China trip. According to Dr Aganga, who was among the officials that accompanied President Jonathan on the trip, “there were very important and strategic MoUs that were signed.” Of course, to the average Nigerian, MoU is just another “big grammar” and may even be a bit annoying if a clear-cut explanation is not immediately offered.

President Jonathan and his Chinese counterpart, Mr Xi Jinpin, signed five bilateral agreements including the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Financial Cooperation in support of Nigerian’s economic development, the Preferential Buyer Credit Agreement for Nigeria’s four airports expansion projects, Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports; and Agreement for the prevention of theft, illegal import and export of cultural property.

Within the context of the bilateral agreements, some major were MoUs signed during the China trip in the areas of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs), Aviation and Electricity. In money terms, these MoUs are worth US$100 million, US$500 million and US$20 billion respectively. In addition to these, Bauchi State Government signed aUS$260 million MoU to generate 120 megawatts of power. Dr Aganga’s ministry also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) valued at US$900 million.

•Okoro sent this piece sylvesterokoro@yahoo.com

via

Nation” which he has been rolling out on yearly basis since 1994 with almost 100% accuracy.

Oibe does not even know that the Aso Rock Villa is not new to Primate Ayodele. Oibe seeks to know what the primate has done to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. For his information, Primate Elijah Ayodele runs INRI WIDOWS FOUNDATION (I.W.R.), a welfare/humanitarian service organisation.

This is a project many state governments are partnering with. The Foundation has affected many lives all over the country in the area of education as about 50,000 people have benefitted through scholarship awards up to tertiary institutions while there are also beneficiaries in the areas of health care delivery empowerment/ business development, shelter, vocational training, distribution of welfare//relief packages, home based care, care for orphanages and vulnerable children and youth skill acquisition/ capacity building initiatives.

The church has many branches in Lagos, Nigeria and Maryland, United States.

*Adigun is Senior Pastor, King’s Delight, Victoria Island, Lagos.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 47

BY CHIJAMA OGBU

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF •The facts and fiction in the apex bank's allegation on oil lifted

I

T is often surprising how Nigerians are easily taken in by spurious allegations. The reaction of many Nigerians to the allegation by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) kept away $49.8 billion of oil proceeds between January 2012 and this year underscores the gullibility of the Nigerian public. By Sanusi’s allegation, the NNPC paid only 24 per cent of oil proceeds into the Federation Account, and diverted or stole the remaining 76 per cent.

It is preposterous for anyone to believe such a claim. To start with, we have to credit even thieves with some sense. Even the most daring or daftest of all leaders will not just corner more than two-third proportion of a national wealth and spirit it into hidden accounts. In which bank will you hide such humongous amount? To which country will you take it.

True, there is corruption in Nigeria, but no perceptible mind will fall for this kind of unsubstantiated claims.

Interestingly, the CBN governor, a few days ago, admitted mistakes in his claims. He said, after several meetings with the minister of finance, the minister of petroleum resources, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC and acting Chairman of

Missing $49.8bn, CBN and the rest of us Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), that the missing money is now $12 billion, not $50 billion as he alleged in his leaked letter to President Jonathan. .

The minister of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, has, in the meantime, countered the latest claim, saying no money is missing and that the ministries and parastatals involved would trace the remaining $12 billion to appropriate revenue/ expenditure files. You can disagree with Okonjo-Iweala’s views, but you cannot impugn her integrity and expertise in financial matters.

Besides, the prompt reaction of the NNPC to the charge addressed the issue squarely.

According to the corporation, the allegation is borne out of misunderstanding of the workings of the oil and gas industry and the modality for remitting crude oil sales revenue into the Federation Account.

It even went further to correct the figures bandied by the CBN governor in his letter to the president. The NNPC said that the figure of 594.024 million barrels of crude oil given by the CBN as the total crude oil lifting for the period of January 2012 to July 2013 does not represent the correct picture of crude oil lifting. The correct figure it said is 618.55m barrels. This shows that the CBN understated the actual crude lifting by 4.13%.

By NNPC’s explanation, revenues from crude oil lifting are in various categories, namely: Equity Crude; Petroleum Profit Tax, Royalty, Third Party Financing and the

Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC. According to the corporation, revenues from each of these categories are statutorily collected by different agencies of the government. The NNPC collects only one of the aforementioned categories, namely Equity Crude.

Petroleum Profit Tax is collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Royalty goes to the Department of Petroleum

,

VIEWPOINT

The right thing the apex bank’s governor should have done was to seek clarification from relevant sister agencies before rushing to write President Jonathan and then go ahead to leak it

,

Resources (DPR); Third Party financing goes for Research, Development, Programme and Satellite fields Development, while NPDC goes to NPDC for upstream development.

While NNPC pays proceeds from Equity Crude directly to the Federation Account with the CBN, the FIRS and DPR pay PPT and Royalty respectively into the some Federation

Account. The sum total of these proceeds makes up the alleged unremitted revenues.

According to the state oil company, the 24% of total crude oil revenue receipts which the CBN governor acknowledged that NNPC remitted represents the proceeds from the equity lifting which NNPC is directly responsible for, while the alleged unremitted 76% was paid to the agencies that are statutorily empowered to receive them for onward remittance into the Federation Account.

This explanation raises three critical questions. Since Sanusi and his team have been in charge at the CBN since 2009, how come he is not aware of this operational structure? This structure has been in place for years. Was there any variation in the way the NNPC remitted revenue accretion to the Federation Account in the period in question from what it used to be? What effort did CBN make to cross check with the NNPC before firing the memo to the President?

The right thing the apex bank’s governor should have done was to seek clarification from relevant sister agencies before rushing to write President Jonathan and then go ahead to leak it. In fact, the president ought not to have come into this at all. Back in 2002/ 2003, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAAC), headed then by Haman Tukur, alleged some underpayments by the NNPC under its former Group Managing Director, Mr. Jackson Gauis-Obaseki, and

SEPLAT’S largess for host communities I

T was a double bill for the Seplat Petroleum Development Company operator of the SEPLAT/NPDC Joint Venture, OML 4, 38 and 41 on December 10, 2013 when it held the grand finale of the annual PEARLs Quiz competition at Okpe Hall Sapele and also commissioned the newly refurbished and equipped female and children ward at the Sapele Central Hospital.

The two events were in keeping with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives aimed at empowering and ensuring quality healthcare for their host communities.

Students of Staff Model Secondary School, Agboremerged winners of the 2013 PEARLs Quiz for secondary schools in Edo and Delta and they received a brand new school bus and trophy as well as scholarships worth over N1m naira. Four schools from each of the two Statesscaled the quarter final hurdle and they included winner of last year’s competition, Ufuah Memorial Group of Schools, Uromi; Niger College Benin City; University Preparatory Secondary School, Benin City, and Bay Flower College, City Benin (all in Edo State). Others include Staff Mod-

el Secondary School Agbor; Demonstration Secondary School Warri; Lords & Kings Academy Warri and Federal Government College, Warri (all in Delta State).

In the end it was Staff Model College, Agborwho emerged

tops with Demonstration Secondary school in second place. The runners up and otherswho made it to the qualifying stage, also received varying consolation prizes made of gifts and cash awards.

Speaking during the grand

finale of the competition, the GM Corporate Affairs, Dr. ChiomaNwachukwu described the programme“as an exceptional platform for promoting healthy competition between private and public secondary schools and a

What holds PDP together is melting – Osun APC

A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has described the massive wind of change blowing from Abuja as “the hurricane that will eventually dismantle the political culture of graft, corruption and impunity in governance which the People’s Democratic Party represents in Nigeria since 1999”.

Reacting to the defection of 37 PDP members of the House of Representatives to the APC, the party said that this is a “unique situation which will resonate throughout the country and cripple the forces of retrogression that have been at the core of the country’s descent into a banana republic”.

In a statement signed by Osun APC’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barr. Kunle Oyatomi, the party said “it will be a costly error for anybody to reduce this

event to a sheer struggle for political power”.

According to the APC, “a force perhaps beyond our comprehension has struck at the monstrous head of evil in Nigeria right there in Abuja which will cause the PDP house built on sand to collapse with a thunderous sound,” adding that, “things cannot be the same anymore with the ruling party because what held it together has melted from its own heat – corruption, graft, mismanagement of funds and total misrule of Nigeria”.

The party referred to the utter misuse of illegitimate violence to muzzle dissent and terrorize opposition parties, rig elections and frustrate the will of the majority of our people, as a crime that is playing out with impunity in several states. The party further alleged that this tactics “is also being planned to

be used to terrorize Osun and Ekiti citizens into submission so that the PDP may violently take over in the states”.

later under Funso Kupoloti, which generated media attention for months. But NNPC tried to explain itself. Although some gaps were established in their case ultimately, they were given the opportunity to explain themselves all outside the direct involvement of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Yakubu, in a response, had imputed political motive to the action of the CBN governor. And that appears to be the only rational explanation to the Sanusi shenanigan.

By writing this acerbic letter to Jonathan and allowing it to be leaked at the time he is facing political crisis, it appears that he just wanted to feed into the already raging fire and give political advantage to the president’s opponents. It is meant to further accentuate their wanton corruption going on under his watch. By his action, Sanusi makes himself a part of the well-orchestrated agenda to stop Jonathan from running for second term. Their strategy appears to be to continue to launch attacks from all corners until he is knocked out.

With such huge allegation turning out to be false, Sanusi ought to resign in shame. The responsibility of such highly esteemed office as CBN governor is that the occupant ought to be thorough and diligent.

In order climes, it is enough ground to resign or be fired.

*Ogbu is a Lagos-based media practitioner.

great opportunity to rekindle the spirit of academic excellence while encouraging them to study more passionately and regularly.”

She added :’By rewarding scholastic excellence, the competition provides SEPLAT an opportunity to demonstrate to the youths the benefits of working hard and taking education seriously.”According to him, “the company has once again demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the quality of education and by extension developing human capacity in the areas where it operates.”

2015: Group okays Mutu, endorses Jonathan

T

HE Comrade Ebiyekefe Stow-led Niger Delta Liberty Movement,NDLM, has appealed to Hon. Nicholas Mutu representing Bomadi/Patani Constituency to seek re-election to the House of Representatives to continue his good works of bringing rapid development to the people.

At a seminar to canvass support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 re-election in Bomadi, Comrades Stow, Debekeme Tunde and Ondokare Bernard taking turns to address crowd of youths, said “Mutu is reliable as he is unique as legislator representing Bomadi/Pata-

ni area” and urged him to re-contest in 2015.

Mutu, who is Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta development Commission,NDDC, in the House of Representatives had been reportedly empowering constituents besides granting home and foreign scholarship to students from the area.

The participants in a communiqué appealed to other politicians from the area to assist Mutu in reducing to the barest minimum the rate of crime among youths by acts of human kindness.

PAGE 48— SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Warri refinery.

PRIVATISATION

The looming war over refineries

BY UDEME CLEMENT

C

RISIS is brewing between the Federal Government and oil workers under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) as the two unions have vowed to embark on a nation-wide strike following the move by government to privatise the nation’s four refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri by first quarter of 2014.

Speaking in Lagos, the PENGASSAN President, Comrade Babatunde , warned that the unions would go on strike by the first week of January 2014, if government goes ahead with the sale of the four refineries to private investors.

His words: “Government deliberately under-funded the refineries and refused to carry out TAM just to have reasons for selling them off to their cronies. Rather that outright sale of the plants, government should adopt a modified process tailored towards the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) model with the National Oil Company (NOC) as owners of the four refineries, holding a

substantial minority shares while core investors hold the working majority with the staff, trade unions, and the host communities holding minority shares.

“Government must put measures in place to tackle the problem of pipelines vandalism, which hampers effective supply of crude oil to the refineries. The proposed sale of the refineries is against the overall national interest but in the interest of a few. Selling the plants is not the solution to importation of refined petroleum products but building more refineries to meet the demand of local consumption and for export trade.”

Meanwhile, a former National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Tunji Adedeji, advised government not to back out of it plans to sell the refineries despite opposition from the unions, stressing the urgent need for the plants to be privatised to increase productivity in the sector.

Adedeji told Sunday Vanguard at the weekend, “I am in support of government’s plan to privatise the refineries by selling those plants to private investors who have the technical-know-how and

effective managerial structure to run them for optimum production as well as revenue generation for the economy.

Privatising the refineries will serve the country better in export of refined petroleum products and beyond.”

He continued, “Aside from selling the existing plants, private investors must also be encouraged to build refineries across Nigeria. Doing so will create more jobs for the citizens, especially the

purpose.

He added, “I am supporting the initiative of government to privatise the refineries but it must be done through open competitive international bidding process and not by selection of friends or patronage. This is the only way to ensure efficiency in the system. Government’s plan is a welcome development and must be supported, because privatising the plants will bring about a complete change

I am supporting the initiative of government to privatise the refineries but it must be done through open competitive international bidding process and not by selection of friends or patronage youths.”

In the same vein, the executive secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Obafemi Olawore, advised government to ensure that selling of the nation’s refineries is transparent and must follow due process in order to achieve the intended

of ownership, which in turn will reduce corruption in the system.”

He enthused, “Selling the plants to private firms will further ensure faster implementation of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) and higher production capacity than what obtains now. This is because plants

managed by private investors who are also in business to improve their margin will be much more effective and efficient compared to government. A typical example can be seen in Eleme Petrochemicals Company limited ((EPCL) formerly owned by government and now privatised has been raised from comatose plant to a very profitable and optimum production level. The interesting thing is that the same staff who were there when government was in control and the plant was incurring losses are the same set of workers who are doing TAM and running the plant efficiently now. So, it is quite obvious that privatisation is the simply the solution”.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that a presidential audit of the facilities conducted last year recommended sale of the plants mainly due to inadequate government funding as well as sub-optimal production capacity of the plants over the years while under government’s control.

Also, the report submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan in November 2012 emphasized the need for the refineries with a combined 445,000 barrel-a-day production capacity to be privatised within 18 months.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 49

(4)

BY DELE SOBOWALE INTRODUCTION ISTORY was made on Thursday, December 19, 2013 in Abuja. But, it was not the sort of history which any President would like to want recorded or remembered. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the President of Nigeria had always gone to present the budget to the joint session of the National Assembly, NASS. Though the presence of the Head of State is not categorically required by the constitution of Nigeria, the presence of the President was a symbolic gesture indicating that the annual budget is a joint responsibility of the Executive and legislative branches.

Most governments even take the opportunity of presenting the Appropriation Bill to lay out before the lawmakers new social and political initiatives which will start during the coming year(s).

President Jonathan had faithfully followed this time honored pattern in 2010, 2011, 2012 and early this year.

Suddenly, the President delegated this important function to the Federal Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, for reasons which are not too difficult to understand.

Even a fool knows that no President abandons a forum which many national leaders had exploited to bolster their popularity among the masses by announcing wide-ranging measures designed to appeal to the majority of the populace.

Sometimes this is accomplished (or at least an attempt is made) despite the strong opposition of the legislature. The President uses what one American President called the “Bully pulpit” to force a recalcitrant NASS to bow to his will. But, then the President must have a core of support in the Assembly.

But today Nigerian politicians, the President included, are leading desperate lives. To many, any false step in the near future will mean the end of their political, if not their actual, lives. The 2014 budget is no longer as important as staying alive politically and actually.

Until early this year, Jonathan, like all the Heads of Government we have had, since 1960, enjoyed broad support in the NASS. Then something happened early this year to change the relationship between the Executive branch and the legislature. Although, this is no occasion to recollect all the bewildering political changes which occurred between January and December, they have collectively culminated in the opposition parties, formerly in the minority, almost gaining absolute majority in the House of Representatives. Similarly, several, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senators have crossed to the opposition and even those still remaining in the ruling party cannot all be counted on to support the President. For the first time in Nigerian history, a sitting President would have entered the hallowed chambers of the NASS to deliver the budget to a hostile crowd of listeners. Even polite applause was not guaranteed and there was every chance that he might be booed by those who recently changed political parties. Discretion being the better part of valour, Jonathan

H

Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Downgraded Budget For 2014 “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

David Thoreau, 1817-1862.(VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p159). wisely stayed away. It was nevertheless the first time a President would surrender the podium to someone else to deliver the annual budget to the NASS. It also portends grave dangers to the budget itself. One thing is certain. The budget which will emerge from the NASS in 2014 will be different from what the President presented in many ways.

President Jonathan has lost

that claim with a straight face. It is at best political and at worst deceptive. Every knowledgeable individual, economic group or institution in the world had pointed out that Nigeria’s claimed 6.8 per cent annual growth had resulted in enriching the top ten per cent while impoverishing the vast majority.

New job creation had lagged behind the number of job seekers released to the economy

Given reduced recurrent and capital expenditure and increased debt payment, it is difficult to understand how the Federal Minister of Finance can make that claim with a straight face. It is at best political and at worst deceptive

,,

control of the Appropriation Bill 2014.

BUDGET 2014 SUMMARISED “This budget is the budget for job creation and inclusive growth, meaning, it is a budget which will continue the President’s transformation agenda for several sectors of the economy.” Given reduced recurrent and capital expenditure and increased debt payment, it is difficult to understand how the Federal Minister of Finance can make

annually. So claiming that the 2014 budget will “continue the President’s transformation agenda” means nothing more than that unemployment will deepen; that the poor will continue to get poorer and the privileged will continue to enjoy duty waivers which don’t translate into jobs.

To be quite candid, the 2014 is a lazy man’s document. It presents nothing new that we did not know before; it lacks essential details about how the jobs will be created and how the

inclusiveness will be achieved.

Perhaps, that explains part of the reason why the President avoided the NASS. Increasingly, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, a former Managing Director of the World Bank, as institution bursting at the seems with world class economists, and who was only a player, now finds herself in the Federal Ministry of Finance with team mates who nobody in his right senses will describe as world class. It is like Messi or Ronaldo finding himself playing for Wuruwuru United of Nigeria.

Whatever talents the Minister possesses had long been diluted by the mediocres she must work with as Minister and the results are showing.

Forced to present the budget separately to the Senate and the House instead of the combined NASS, she eventually lost her composure –forgetting that she was on the lawmakers’ turf and that this is a democracy.

Certainly, no Secretary (Minister) in the US, where she studied would have told Senators they were rude. Her appearance in separate sessions is certainly a sign that the lawmakers had also returned the “insult” from the Presidency by downgrading the exercise to the level of appearances before the two houses. This has ominous consequences for the future.

Furthermore, she demonstrated all the signs of stress. Instead of being in command of the presentation what Nigerians observed was a Minister who had failed to do

her homework properly and instead relied on bullying the lawmakers into submission.

FIFTY QUESTIONS AND FORCE ADJOURNMENT At the House of Representatives, where she met with the House Committee on Finance, she entered “smiling and waving to lawmakers” according to reports. She left with fifty questions to answer when she returns to the House Committee–whose composition will certainly change if the current of party alliances stands.

If she finds the Committee hostile now, she will need a crash course in “How to Win Friends and Influence People” when she returns to the hot seat next year.

The APC, which is poised to take control of the House and the Committee will be on combat footing.

Her reception at the Senate was more polite, but, even that might change any time soon.

David Mark as Senate President will protect her.

But, if the position changes hands, she will find that chamber as hot as the House.

Perhaps the House Committee is more diligent than the Senate presided by David Mark because this is budget which calls for more than fifty questions to be asked.

Unlike the past when Presidents outline the budget thrusts and objectives, this one lacks any guidelines. What for instance are we to expect from education, aviation, agriculture etc.

The blank statement that “The budget is going to support the push in agriculture; it will kickstart the housing sector, where we can create more jobs; it is designed for our policies that will support manufacturing because jobs will be created there” sounds more like a badly written politician’s promise than a wellarticulated economic programme. There is nothing original or practical here – just a salad bowl of Ministerial illusions.

V i s i t : www.delesobowale.com

PAGE 50—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

To impeach the President the president. He cautioned them against “treason.” Dr. Abati is wrong. You’d think that as former fire-eating newspaper columnist, the man who now speaks for the president would know the difference between the felony of treason and the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech.

Speech is protected under the Nigerian bill of rights. It is one of those rights we fought for; why we chose democracy over tyranny. Those who are calling for the impeachment of the president cannot be accused of treason because they are expressing political thought and conscience.

It is one of the guarantees of democracy that the president can be constitutionally removed if he goes through the process in the National Assembly. Those who call for the removal of the president have a right to mobilize against this president in the National Assembly, and if their campaign gathers momentum, and the National Assembly impeaches the president, they would be within their rights.

They are however prevented from crossing two fundamental boundaries: they cannot deploy any means other than the constitutionally defined method for the removal of the president. In other words, they cannot remove the president by a violent means or by a secret plot leading to military takeover. They cannot deploy the use of coercive force in compelling any member of the National Assembly from taking an impeachment vote for instance. The constitution outlines the process, and indeed legitimizes the impeachment of the president or any head of government if such head of the government – be it at the

federal or the state levels – has been investigated by the senate, and by the proceedings of the two chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly. It is thus with utter disbelief that one reads Rueben Abati’s use of the threat of “treason” to dissuade those who seek the use of constitutional means to oust the president. The question is not whether the APC as a party can mobilize to impeach the president. It can, and it has the backing of the constitution. Two things

,

AST week, Reuben Abati, presidential L spokesman issued a full threat to those who are canvassing the impeachment of

Those who call for the removal of the president have a right to mobilize against this president in the National Assembly, and if their campaign gathers momentum, and the National Assembly impeaches the president, they would be within their rights

,

however are currently at play here: General Obasanjo’s letter on which the APC anchors its partisan grouse has laid a number of accusations on the doorsteps of the current president. The key and really more serious accusations include (a) that the president has authorized the training of a Black-Ops group of snipers to assassinate his political opponents leading on to the 2015 elections, and (b) that the President and the government he leads must account for the allegedly missing revenue from Ni-

gerian oil sales. These are weighty accusations deserving of investigation, and if indeed there is any truth to the allegation that the president is misusing his authority and power, it is incumbent on the National Assembly to impeach him. Reuben Abati therefore cannot threaten citizens of Nigeria exercising their rights with treason. He must understand the limits of presidential power. Although the constitution grants the president enormous and indeed wide-ranging powers, one of such powers is not the power to be court and jury. It is not up to the president or his spokesman to determine who has committed treason.

The laws of the land are quite specific about the nature of judicial authority, and the role of the courts, and even the meaning of treasonable conduct. A coup plotter is involved in criminal conduct. A political campaigner seeking the use of the legitimate constitutional framework, including the petitioning of his representative in parliament to seek the constitutional removal of the president is within his rights. It is democracy at work. Under the democratic mandate, there are two ways to remove a president: through the ballot box or through the process of impeachment. A president that oversteps his power and misuses the power guaranteed by the constitution, or fails to uphold the constitution he swore to protect can be put through the impeachment process, and can in fact be impeached by the parliament of the land and the heavens will not fall as a result. A president who no longer enjoys the regard, trust or confidence of the people can be impeached by the National Assembly.

The impeachment clause however is not a frivolous clause. It cannot be misused.

Which brings me to the question of the party calling for the impeachment of the president: they are yet to establish any grounds for which the president should be impeached. It is incumbent on Dr. Jonathan’s adversaries to provide clear proof that the president has misused his authority and that he no longer enjoys the confidence of a majority of Nigerians who elected him in the first place. Any moves against him might therefore backfire, and the blowback might lead to recall proceedings against those legislators who initiate the impeachment ploy. To be clear, this state-

ment is not a defence of the president, but it is important that Nigerians consider the following: the president of the federation is the executive authority of the land, he is not the final or absolute authority. The president for example cannot authorize the arrest of anybody, it is the duty of prosecutorial authority to do so. In other words, it is not the duty of the president to investigate and prosecute corruption. It is the duty of those constitutionally empowered to investigate corruption in government and prosecute same based on hard evidence.

The president can only be liable if he (a) interferes and shows unseemly disregard for established process in a bid to either protect himself or an associate under investigation (b) The president is directly or indirectly linked to misdemeanor, and (c) he directly authorizes, in disregard to process, the use of government resources to further his personal interest. But the president cannot bear the responsibility of a corrupt government alone. He can bear the responsibility of his executive mandate which is only one branch of the entire government.

The two other branches – the legislature and the Judiciary bear equal responsibility, and the president is not at the head of these branches. Did the president for example circumvent the law to establish a private army of snipers? That certainly should be investigated. But if the president authorized the Nigerian Army to establish a Sniper Squadron by the recommendation of the General Staff of the Army, does that amount to misuse of authority? No. It will amount to misuse of the power of the presidency if the president issues a direct order to his Army Chief to use such a force for his personal political goals. It is also the responsibility of the Chief of Army under such an illicit order not to carry it out, because clearly, each office is empowered by law to act within its own authority. Just because the president is Commander-inchief, does not make him Chief of the Army.

But has the president crossed those bounds? That is the question. The rule of law is clear: the president cannot be impeached on the mere whims of his adversaries. There must be grounds for his impeachment otherwise it’d amount to political caprice by the APC.

Massive seizures of rice in Oyo

BY UDEME CLEMENT As the festive period approaches the Oyo/Osun Customs Command of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has been recording massive seizures of rice in its daily operations. When Sunday Vanguard visited the Command, it was observed that its ware house was filled to the brim with seizures, mostly rice. While some bags of rice were seen in the open space, others were inside long trucks with which the stocks were intercepted, even as more seizures of rice were being brought into the premises.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, DC Oteri Richard, speaks on the strategies mapped out by his team to tackle the menace.

F

EW months after the interception of 56,750 rounds of live ammunition, your Command is in the news again for massive seizures of rice. What strategies did you use to achieve this?

To start with, we can not reveal our operational strategies but the reality is that our work currently is intelligence driven, which is made possible through the initiative of the Comptroller General of Customs Dikko Inde. We are determined to reduce incidence of smuggling to the barest minimum, as the current management has provided us with the wherewithal to accomplish this task.

This is the season of rice and we

have already renewed our strategy to tackle the menace in rice smuggling and to stamp out smuggling of other contra-band items in the Command, while urging genuine importers and exporters to engage in legitimate trades capable of promoting economic growth and development, rather than sabotaging government’s efforts in growing local industries. For instance, within this period we recorded over 11,175(50kg bags) seizures of rice with the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N123.4million and more seizures of rice are still coming into the Command.

Also, before now within just one month, we recorded seizures of 2,716 bags of rice, with DPV of N30.7million concealed with charcoal in a long truck to escape security checks.

Before now, Oyo/Osun was not known for recording massive seizures. What measures did you put in place to revive the C o m m a n d ?

Administratively, the execution of anti-smuggling activities in the Command has eight outposts, which include Odo, Orita, Eruwa, Saki, Igbeti, Iseyin, Igbojaiye and Igbokoko. In view of the porous nature of the borders, these outposts are policed with effective security surveillance and patrols by eight teams namely Team A-G and the Crack Squad. Aside from this, other officers are strategically located within the operational

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Oyo/Osun Command, Mr. Oteri Richard, inspecting the seized rice.

ambience to block all loopholes within the Command. This has impacted positively in our operations in 2013, in terms of revenue generation and seizures. For example, from January to November 2013, we realised over N13.8billion revenue, as against N11.1billion generated the same period in 2012, showing 28 per cent increase of the revenue collection of last year with N2.7billion difference.

The Command also recorded outstanding performance in duty payment on imported vehicles. As a result of the aggressive enlightenment campaign, a total of 1,556 vehicles paid duty of

N154.2million in 2013, as against 1000 vehicles that paid duty of N74.5million in 2012.

This shows that 556 more vehicles paid duty in 2013, with a huge difference of N79.5million over 2012, which is 51 per cent increase against last year.

Can you give us details of your enforcement activities in the C o m m a n d ?

Our new enforcement strategy has paid off greatly with a total of 252 seizures and DPV of N536.6million. Most remarkable of these seizures include, 56.750 pieces of live cartridges and the ford bus with registration number XD577GWA used as

means of conveyance was arrested along Igboho road in Saki axis of the Command, and the ammunitions were handed over to the police. Other seizures include 40ft container load of rice concealed with charcoal, refrigerated truck loaded with 300bags of rice, two truck-loads concealed with bags of groundnut shells, saw dusts, yam flours and bags of dried cassava tubers. Others were 36,444 cartons of frozen products with a DPV of N218.2million, 209 assorted vehicles were also intercepted between the months of January to November 2013, with DPV of N118.6million.

How many suspects did your Command arrest?

We made several arrests and it is pertinent to mention that the Command also arrested suspects with fake documents for smuggled vehicles within the same period. Investigation into this case is still on-going to uncover the syndicate specialised in forging Customs documents. This will help in reducing the incidence of smuggling imported vehicles and other forms of economic sabotage within the Command.

What is your expectation for 2 0 1 4 ?

The Command is poised in its resolve to continue building on the achievements so far made in the areas of revenue generation, antismuggling feats and policing the borders. This is expedient especially now that the current management has made the Service a place of pride and a force to reckon with in modern day customs world

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER, 22, 2013,PAGE 51

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,

Networking/ Sponsorship

•Nnaemeka Emmanuel needs help from good and well meaning Nigerians who c an sponsor his education account name Nnaemeka Emmanue, account number 02400680030980 U.B.A. bank.08145355872 •Mavel, 23, from Edo State and a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, seriously needs someone, who can sponsor her education, financially.08058911872 •Christian, 24, from Delta state, an undergraduate, needs financial assistance to further his education.

07062889029 •Princess, 30, needs a kind hearted Nigerian to help her stand on her feet.

08055656221 •Eddy, 33, needs a lady, who can sponsor his project.

08061255105, 08148062786

Links

•Alhaji Edalere, wants to link up with Dasola Ishola, an ex-student of Kwara poly from Ibadan state, who worked with Temidayo Bakery at Mushin in Lagos some years back. 08079753972 •Ikechukwu, wants to link up with Dr Mrs Ngozi Olejeme, who is the chairman board of director trust fund pension plc.08031903750 •Yola Arubayi, wants to link up with Peter Aikohi who left Sapele for Lagos in 1984.

08060333357, 07057502372

Friends Searching Female

•A lady, 25, needs female friends all over Nigeria, both single and married.

08130874492 •Sophia, 21, pretty, needs matured female friends.

07066829217 •Sheila, tall, chocolate in complexion from Edo tall with hips 46 boobs 36, with a charming smile needs friends.08075969526 •Grace, 18, chocolate in complexion, needs both male and female friends of aged 20-23. 07016601024 •A lady, 18, student, fair in complexion, average height and from Delta state, needs friends from any part of the world who can take care of her. 08131577290

Searching Males

•Itse, needs, a, rich, female, friend, aged, 17-24.

08130365875, 08050861586 •Valentine, 24, handsome, chocolate in complexion, from

Asaba Delta state, needs a female friends.07064276372 •Samuel, needs female friends, aged 18-23, in Lagos or Delta state. 08165566439, 08084647193 •A guy, 20, average height, fair in complexion and from Delta state, needs female friends from Delta state.

08103373729 •Kc, 24, graduate, handsome, average height and chocolate in complexion, needs male andfemalefriends.

08034845245 •Denis, 29, a student and employed, from Delta state, needs a nice and Christian female friend, aged 23-25.

08179607957, 07068342970 •Timi, 19 and resides in Warri, needs female friends, aged 21 and above in Warri.

08100860628 •Jubril, 20 and resides in Lagos, needs female friends, aged 18-26, from any tribe.

08089655533 •Anthony, 23, needs friends, aged 20 and above, in Warri or Port Harcourt.08146437162 •Friday, 19, 6ft 10inches tall, fair in complexion, from Imo state, needs a rich, caring and sexy female friends.

08068121731 •Tbaby, from Delta state, needs both male and female friends. 08146822057 •Otis, tall, dark in complexion, cute and resides in Benin, needs a sexy lady, for friendship.07037110597

Lovers Searching Female

•Princess, 24, sexy, bursty and pretty young undergraduate needs a kind and generous sugar daddy for a sexual relationship.08102362446

•Trichia,29, fair,pretty with sweet lips and pointing breast with a protruding backside needs a sugar daddy aged 50 and above to pamper her.

07067077883 •Nikky,30, tall, sexy, sassy and very attractive with a fresh body, full breast and a curvy behind needs a man aged 40 and above a lasting union.

08061395059 •Carole Alex, 25 currently in camp, copper, tall, sexy, elouent, beautiful, bursty, amasingly wonderful figured and a good backside needs a good man aged 35 and above for a lasting

relationship.08140313524 •Julie, 23, final year student, average height, smooth finely shaped legs, beautiful behind and succulent big boobs needs a man aged 38 and above for a s e r i o u s relationship.08113331982 •Nessa, 25, tall, curvy, extremely fair and bursty with a sexual appeal needs a mature man aged 35 and above to call her own 08107578275 •Favour, 24, sexy, pretty and bursty young girl needs a generous sugar daddy for a sexual relationship.

08102362446 •Juliet, 47, a Christian, Idoma by tribe, needs an Igbo man, for marriage. 08188957543 •Stella, 25, busty and hot needs a man, for a relationship.08068684663 •Joy, 30, resides in Lagos, needs a mature man that is Gods fearing, loving and caring, for a lasting relationship.

08111394957 •Zainab, 25, fair in complexion and a student, needs a loving man, aged 45 and above.

07066589543 •Blessing, 24, from Delta state, needs a caring guy.

07037237852 •Berry, 24, resides in Lagos, needs a dark complexion, tall and financially ok guy for a serious and long lasting relationship.081236099488 •Precious, 22, sexy and busty, needs a man, for a relationship. 08055925086 •Nicole, chocolate, in complexion, creamy and busty, needs a mature man, who is nice, aged 35 and above.

08101112310 •Sarah, 23, and a student who resides in Port Harcourt, needs

DISCLAIMER! Dear readers, please note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking.

Also note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests which may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public. We therefore request that text must be sent through at least one of the numbers for contact. This notice is necessary to enable us serve you better in our refreshingly different style. You can send your requests to 33055. For enquiries, text or call 08026651636

a responsible man, aged 2934, who is employed and ready to build a home.07039446049 •Beauty, 46, a widow, from Delta state, needs a man, who will take care of her for a serious relationship.08163433548 •Ella, 32, slim, fair in complexion, a graduate, from Delta state, needs a God fearing, caring, responsible and an independent man for a serious relationship.08052924500 •Lizzy, 28, needs a God fearing guy that can take care of her, for marriage, aged 38.

07033958533 •Bunmi, 30, a nurse, needs an educated,God fearing and employed man who is either from Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti or Osun state, for a serious relationship, that would lead to marriage, aged 32-37 .

08023515410 •Annabel, 24, sexy and a student, needs a sexy, strong and fun loving young man, for a relationship.08107310599 •Jane, 45, tall, dark in complexion, from Imo state, resides in Ph, a single mother of 5 needs a man, aged 45 and above, who is either a widower or divorcee for marriage .08069496894 •A lady, 24, needs a guy who is loving, caring, handsome and God fearing for a serious relationship.07069095402 •Gift, 34, needs a serious man that is ready to settle down soon.07037217584 •Comy,1.68 height, a student, chocolate in complexion and resides in Abia, needs a civil servant, marine engineer or an international business man, that is God fearing for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage. 08173211559, 08160506725 •Olamide,.34, humble, Christian minded educated and a mother of one needs an employed man, that will love and take care of her, for a relationship that will lead to marriage, aged.40-55.

08140275113 •A lady, average height, dark in complexion, needs a man, for a serious relationship, aged 40 and above.

08142928719 •Katherine, 27, an undergraduate, tall, slim, chocolate in complexion, Igbo by tribe, single, decent and a Christian, needs a nice, neat, tall and fair, in complexion man, for a relationship.

08089203175 •Rc, pretty, a graduate and a born again Christian, from Imo state, needs a sincere and decent born again Christian man, who is educated, tall, employed or in to business, aged 38-48, who has never been married and without kids, from either Imo or Abia state, for marriage.

08069193368

Searching Male

•Kelvin, 28, loving, honest, romantic, caring, humble, employed, Christian and from Abia state, but resides in Lagos, needs an employed lady, aged 20-27, for a serious relationship.

08169354747 •Dk, 32, a businessman from Delta state, needs a responsible lady, aged 27-35 for serious relationship that can lead to marriage.

08101970072, 08101970086 •Stanley, 32, from Abia state, needs a lady, aged 28-30.

08064645928 •Adeyemi,42, employed and resides in Lagos, needs a serious lady from any part of Nigeria, for a relationship.

08153408852 •Yusuf, 40, a businessman and resides in Lagos, needs a lady, aged 35-40, for marriage.

08111314613 •Israel, 33, average height, dark in complexion, handsome and employed, needs a lady, aged 20-27, for a serious relationship that can lead to marriage. 08067486764 •Sodiq, 38, a businessman, needs a lady, aged 32-38, for marriage.08029778713 •Jhon, 45, a businessman, from Edo state, needs a lady, aged 35-45, for marriage.

08032694909 •Destiny, 50, resides in Abuja, needs a matured, financially ok and highly connected lady, aged 35-65, who resides in Abuja for a very confidential sexual affairs.

07014043979 •Yamani, 49, HIV positive, needs an HIV positive Muslim lady, who is sexually active from either Edo or Kogi State, for a serious relation ship.

08184898088, 08122909191 •Feranmi, 38, a businessman and resides in Lagos, needs a lady, aged 26-38, for a serious relationship.07086679960 •Victor, 39, 5.8 ft tall, fair in complexion, handsome, employed and resides in Delta state, needs a very pretty, fair in complexion and tall lady, aged 24-30, for intimate relationship, that will lead to marriage. 08065000317 •Godson, 34, 5.7ft tall, dark in complexion and resides in Benin, needs an employed and good lady, for a relationship that can lead to marriage.07054365257, 08039326224 •Andrew, 25, dark in complexion, from Benue state but resides in Abuja, needs a girl, aged 19-23, who is from Benue state, for a relationship.

08033356093 •Tim, 38, from Delta state, needs a beautiful, God fearing and hard working lady, aged 20 -35, for a relationship.

07084526212 •Daniel, 22, handsome and light in complexion, needs a sexy, mature and God fearing lady, aged 30-45, for a relationship. 08137425433 •Frank, 34, employed and resides in Lagos, needs a God fearing lady for a wife.

08152288957, 08158868095 •Kelvin, 22, from Calabar, needs a pretty and busty girl from a good home for a serious relationship, aged 16 and above. 08186999696 •Andrew, needs a pretty, nice, educated, God fearing and financially ok lady, aged 27-35, for a relationship.07088551416 •Ben, 40, needs a single lady, aged 30-40, who is beautiful and resides in Asaba,40.

08036459185 •Solomon, 31, resides in Lagos needs a lady that will take the responsibility of their marriage. 08102985772 •Wole, 46, honest and caring, needs an honest and caring lady for a serious relationship.

08092991140, 08071550826 •Chris, 26, from Delta state, needs a lady, aged 30-40, for a serious rela•tionship.

08036453132

PAGE 52—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013 japhdave@yahoo.com 08056402376

National Troupe preaches love with One Legend, Many seasons

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

n this season of love, one thing that is very vital is for all to imbibe the spirit of love and forgiveness as shown by God through the gift of his son, Jesus Christ whom the world is celebrating and also for the exemplary character shown

by Nelson Mandela who suffered for his people and had the opportunity to be a leader but choose to love and forgive even those that put him in jail.

It was in that same spirit that the National Troupe of Nigeria in rounding off this year’s traditional season of plays, presented a superlative command performance of the Stage Play titled; One Legend, Many Seasons, at the Cinema Hall 2 of the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos.

The play which is a stage creation based on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol was written by Femi Osofisan and directed by Josephine Igberaese with technical support from Teju Kareem (Zmirage) and Biodun Abe. One Legend, Many Seasons is a comedy that tells story of a mean spirited and miserly wealthy man named Arowolodu, who is supposed

to use his wealth to help others but refuses to do so.

The play takes a hilarious look at the human character.

It plays on the intricacies of self centeredness and explores the Biblical teaching of helping the needy.

Featuring a cast of popular artistes such as Albert Akaeze (as narrator), Muyiwa Odukale, (as Arowolodu), Taiwo Adeyemo (as Orekelewa/Iya Roli), Ebi PreBai (as Pa Olasore) and others, they were able to deliver throughout the duration of the play.

The drama was spiced with Christmas songs and good story telling technique which conveyed the theme of the performance in line with the

A scene from the play ushered in Arowolodu and his nephew that paid him a Christmas visit.

Although, Arowolodu is very wealthy, he just does not see any sense in helping oth-

,

I

DRAMA

Although, Arowolodu was very wealthy, he just does not see any sense in helping others, as he has no regard for the spirit of Christmas

story line.

With a house, bedroom, tables and chairs that served as the prop, fused with good make-up and costume to suit the season, the play opens with a Christmas song that

,

ers, as he has no regard for the spirit of Christmas. e lives his life like that, subjecting people working with him to untold hardship, looking down on poor people and making sure

H

he did not assist any one. In an attempt not to regret his life after death, the ghost of his dead partner, Makon, appears to warn him against his greedy and self-serving lifestyle. He promises him the visitation of three spirits( The Spirit of Christmas pastOsetura, The Spirit of Christmas Present- Orekelewa and The Spirit of Christmas yet to come- Orisanla).

The Spirits visits him and takes him through different journeys of his past, present and future, in the course of the visits fear comes on Arowolodu who implores the Spirits to alter his fate, promising to change from his greedy ways. And after that,

Flying Doctors presents hospital handbook BOOK LUANCH

P

enultimate week at the Civic Centre,Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd, West Africa’s first air ambulance service, launched a health care book on how to manage emergency situations in Africa titled, “Emergency PreHospital Care for Africa”, written by the organisation’s Managing Director, Dr. Ola Orekunrin.

The event, in spite of the fact that it employed completely different features and proceedure from those usually adopted during book presentations, had a touch of class and glamour. It was all about making sure every single individual irrespective of tribe or class, gets adequate attention; after an incidence, while in transit and eventually when the victim gets to the hospital.

And the organisers made sure that at the end of the programme, guests left the venue, with one thing uppermost in mind which is, to help save a life anytime and anywhere.

Beyond the glamour and ambiance of the occasion, Dr Ola who is also a helicopter pilot, assured people that Flying Doctors which has empowered over 50 individuals with necessary skills to administer pre-hospital treatment to accident, cardiac arrest victims and other emergency situations as well as the publication of her book, are for all Nigerians and Africans emphasising that “Pre-hospital care is a fundamental human right and not a privilege” Very spectacular features of the launch which attracted representatives from oil companiessuch as Oando,

,

By PRISCA SAM DURU

T

He urged theatre practitioners not to be weary but should continue in their job as the lesson of theatre must be the sustenance of our nation.

In attendance were; Ishaya Markus,Chairman governing board of National theatre/National troupe of Nigeria, Chief Martins Adaji, Artistic Director National troupe; Sir Peter Badejo; Engr. S.O. Uwaifo; Prof.

Ahmed Yerima, Dr Mike Ileka; Francis Onwuche and others.

motorable roads, lack of helicopters and heavy traffic in most cities), and equipment.

Lack of skill, was noted as be-

ing responsible for the death of so many Nigerians who die before getting to the hospitals hence, the need for medicals to articulate a policy to be taken to government and private sector for a change. They also, submitted that Nigeria needs

model training centres to train health personnel. The approach to saving victims before they get to the hospital they insisted must be multidisciplinary which should involve, the Police, Road Safety, LATSMA, etc.

Unveiling of the books documentary film and panel discussions.

It was all about making sure every single individual irrespective of tribe or class and glamour gets adequate attention, after an incidence

NNPC, SHELL, INTELS etc, and Nigerian Police Force, Road Safety Commission, NIMASA, NEMA, health practitioners, parents of the celebrant; Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana etc, were a

there was a great transformation on the part of Arowolodu. ourism, Culture and Na tional Orientation Minister, Edem Duke who watched the play urged all to learn from the lessons of the play, “love our family and nation, love our neighbours as our selves.”

,

While the documentary film was the project of Flying Doctors that chronicles some of the intervention works already done by the organisation in additon to pictures showing fatal accident victims and gory

scenes, the panel which was divided into two sessions, engaged experts in charting a way forward in the area of adding value to people’s lives.

The first session had 5 representatives from the participating companies, brainstorming on how accident victims can receive better care prior to their arrival at the hospital as well as challenges undermining their efforts so far.

They were unanimous in the challenges enumerated which ranged from lack of skill, communication, transport(

In addition to all the stated challenges, Simon Parker from INTELS made a starting revelation. It centred on care for a worker who suddenly slumps on duty. His revelation was that “most workers, are afraid that they might lose their jobs if they fail tests and so, run away from getting tested periodically, to be sure they are fit enough to carry out their obligation. “ fter all said and done, Dr. Ola stated that besides the fact that providing pre-hospital care requires the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector and the non-profit community, her book will help bring about the needed change.

A

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 53 japhdave@yahoo.com 08056402376

Sesu Tilley-Gyado wins 2013 National Art competition VISUAL

A

The winining work by Sesu Tilley-Gyado they decided this year to embrace a hybridity of artistic disciplines and forms, one that places primary focus on the conceptual underpinnings of their artistic projects. “ After hundreds of entries were received, twelve finalists were chosen to take part in an artist retreat, where workshops by

tional, just as Halima Abubakar/Zemaye Okediji’s mixed-media compositions which adopted a metaphorical approach to the theme of the competition by referencing concepts such as labyrinths, death, food and patterns to describe the complexity of identity outstand-

,

The 12 finalists were chosen to explore the interpretation of the theme of Identity through a variety of mixed media and installation

leading arts professionals allow finalists the opportunity to flesh out the conceptual threads of their proposals,” AAF disclosed.

Meanwhile, at the exhibition hall of Eko hotel and Suites, it was a colourful display of varied works of installations, sculptures and paintings. Sesu Tilley-Gyado’s winning works on display which focused on identity in the information age through references to telecommunications, billboards and virtual connectivity were excep-

,

ing.

In his remark, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Nicolaas Vervelde reiterated the commitment of Nigerian Breweries Plc to championing causes that would continually add value to the Nigerian society. “The sponsorship of national Art competition is, thus, a demonstration of our commitment to encouraging and promoting the development of the arts and artists in the country,” he stated.

100 year-search for national literature, a failure — Falola

BY UDUMA KALU CONFERENCE ne serious issue that occupied the mind of many at the just concluded Association of Nigerian Authors ANA 23rdinternational conference held in Akure recently was the issue of cultural homology.

As usual, the conference which was well attended by writers from all over the country afforded them, the opportunity to reflect on some issues bothering the development of writers in the country.

The issue was echoed by many, even in their stories, many of them talked about what they described as a cultural gulf between the Nigerian writers and their readers.

From the way the issue took the centre stage, it can be said that it was the essence of the conference.

The confab with the theme, Literary Imaginations and National Building in Nigeria

O

By KEHINDE AJOSE BOOK REVIEW

T

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU nother history was made last Friday, when renowned female artist and writer, Sesu Tilley-Gyado emerged the overall winner of this year edition of the National Art Competition, annually organised by the African Artists’ Foundation(AAF) in collaboration with the Nigerian Breweries Plc. Sesu defeated eleven other finalists to clinch the star prize. She smiled home with the sum of N2 million, while the Halima Abubakar and Zemaya Okediji who came second went home with the sum of N1 million. Victoria Samuel Udondian who came third was equally rewarded with the sum of N1 million.

Other finalists were Karimah Ashadu, Alayande Ayanwale, Chidinma Chinke, Chioma Mary Edoga, Chuka Ejorh and Olamide Udo-Udoma, Taiye Idahor, Felicia Tochukwu Okpara, Erasmus Onyishi and Olanrewaju Tejuoso.

Announcing the winners , at a glamorous exhibition of the works of the finalists held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, the organisers explained that the twelve finalists were chosen to explore the interpretation of the theme of “Identity” through a variety of mixed media and installation practices.

Explaining further, the organisers added that while previous competitions engaged a medium-specific approach to selection criteria,

Samson: True tales of an epic entrepreneur

since 1914, mirrored the search for Nigeria’s unity this past 100 years in literature.

The keynote address was Prof. Tanure Ojaide(reading) with other participants delivered by the nation in other places, Prof. Toyin Falola, a leading such as the anthem, the Nigerian professor of History pledge, and flag, but these in the United States. are not necessarily grounded In his paper, “Nigeria’s in sustainable collective myCentenary: Literary Imaginathologies,” he preached. tion and National DevelopHe accused the writers of ment”, The Jacob and Frances failing, for 100 years, to write Sanger Mossiker chair in the a national literature. All they Humanities and Distinhave done all this time, he guished Teaching Professor at said, is to write from the rethe University of of Texas at gional or ethnic perspecAustin, accused the writers of tives. not practising cultural homole therefore urged the ogy as they have not created writers,saying, “We cana national literature almost a not prescribe to authors how century. “Literary imagination they will manage their talents is yet to create a powerful and creativity; neither can we mythology for a common Nialways predict with certainty gerian nationality. The politihow their texts will be used. We cal leaders have borrowed the can only hope that their texts, words, and images will promote symbolisms and “cultures” of

H

his book can be re garded as the revealing introspective narratives of young entrepreneur who has made meaning out of his life against all odds. The author wears the toga of a story teller taking the reader by the hand, on his voyage of success and achievement attained by focus, discipline, a sense of vision and diligence.

Samson Olatunde is an unassuming business whiz kid , whose entrepreneurial acumen began to develop as undergraduate in the university. Refusing to be a liability to his parents, Olatunde conceived the reality of financial liberty and took radical steps towards achieving his goal.

Today the young dude who was dependent on the N4,000 stipends his parents were giving him, is now the Chief executive officer of Business impact limited, an I.T based and capacity building outfit for SMES. n an engaging six chap ters with a prologue and epilogue, Samson presents to the reader springboards on his success journey .In this autobiographical volume, he tells the story of his rise from a humble background to becoming an inspiring business leader at the age of 30.

The book is embellished with wise sayings, his personal philosophies which he aptly tagged: “Samsonlosophy”, reference to individuals who contributed to his success voyage e.t.c.

In an age where achievers are mute about the secrets of their success, Samson’s book is not just relevant, but timely as it will serve as a signpost to inspire other youngsters to succeed without cutting corners.

Samson grew up straddling two worlds, his modest beginnings cum entrepreneurial engagements. In the opening chapter titled: My Beginnings , authortakes the reader back to the memory lane- the day of his birth, the environment he was raised, and his love for football as a teenager.

He shares how he ventured into business and the power of mentoring in chapters 2 and 3.He saw the need to earn an extra income and together with his childhood friend Olamide Edun, decided to start a computer institute as an undergraduate.

On the importance of mentors which he calls Guiding Lightshe says:”If you really

want to get the best from life, go and get excellent mentors.”

Success is a team sport, this statement comes to light in chapter four where he mentions individuals who have been instrumental to his splendid achievements. From his family, friends, and partners, Samson indirectly emphasizes on the power of connecting with others in order to give birth to sustainable success. In chapter five titled: Reach for Greater heights, Samson steps down from the seat of a story teller to the lectern, preaching to the reader to forge ahead and reach for success in spite of the inevitable life blows.

In the concluding chapter, Mentors , Friends, and Others: What they’ve got to say.

The author gives his close

I

peace and unify the people.”

Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by the Executive Secretary National Institute of Cultural Orientation, Mr. Backlays Oyakoroma, expressed gratitude to ANA for choosing Ondo State as the host of this year’s convention and promised to ensure the comfort and security of the delegates.

Samson …Success and Achievement Made Simple Out of Nothing; Samson Olatunde; Business Impact Limited; 2013 mentors and friends the opportunity to talk about him.

This chapter is a dose of reality and sincerity as some of them didn’t engage in painting him all in glowing splendid colours.”As regards Samson’s blind spots , it’s a loophole every entrepreneur must watch. Firm structures that would stand the test of time and outlive him must be built” says Jimi Tewe, a seasoned career coach. hile the book is enlight ening and enjoyable, it has its short comings. The story is a proudly Nigerian narrative, but the beginning of every chapter contains sayings from individuals from other parts of the world. The author should have stuck to using wise sayings either drawn from Nigeria or inside Africa.

All in all, the book is an impressive leap by a man who doesn’t take small steps. It’s a treasure chest for replicating success hatched from small beginnings.

W

Governor Mimiko while addressing the writers disclosed that no society can rise above the ideas of its writers. “We read your books to find what can change the society. Yours is a thankless job. When people envisage a great future, you are not appreciated till the future is realized.

But we appreciate you. You must continue to challenge capitalists who impoverish the poor.”

54 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Suarez’s rising profile hailed by Okagbare, Nigerian juniors and team-mates, Sakho, Johnson world athletics T L IVERPOOL’S Uru guayan striker has proved to be the hottest property in the English Premier League since coming back from a 10match suspension, scoring 19 goals in 11 matches this season to help Brendan Rodgers’ side climb to second in the Premier League table.

That kind of form was enough to earn him the Football Supporters’ Federation’s player of the year award on Monday, with suggestions surfacing in the press that Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has opened new contract talks with the player ’s agent. Two of his

that Luis gives everything for the team.

“He really makes himself available for the group just like all the players here and that’s why Liverpool are continuing to make progress with every game.”

Qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League would help Liverpool keep Suarez at Anfield beyond the end of his current deal, which has two-and-a-half years still to run.

Sakho feels they are in the running for a top-four finish and possibly the Premier League title itself.

“I think it simply shows

•Suarez team-mates, Mamadou Sakho and Glen Johnson, both defenders, have praised his attitude amid speculation he may be offered a new long-term deal with the club.

While Sakho is keen to focus on what the Uruguay international can offer the team at present rather than being drawn in to speculation about Suarez’s future, Johnson believes his fighting spirit is what makes him so effective.

“For sure, it’s tough against Luis because he’s a world-class striker. That helps us improve,” Sakho told the club’s official website.

“I’m lucky enough to play with him, but the most important thing is

that Liverpool are right in the mix and that we want to remain in and around the top of the table,” he added.

“It’s a very strong message that we’ve sent and while our main aim is to be in the places for the Champions League, we will see how things stand towards the end of the season to see if we are in the running for the title itself.

“But the first target is to get back on the European stage once again.”

According to Johnson, “I’ve not known anyone like him in terms of living on the edge and wanting to win so badly.”

“There is a fine line and that is probably why some people get frustrated

when things aren’t going their way - sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes it’s not such a good thing.

“Obviously he had a few little mistakes - outbursts - on the pitch but nine times out of 10 he is perfectly normal and that is what we are seeing now.

“Providing things don’t stir up again you are seeing what we see every day now.”

Owner John Henry stressed in August that he would not entertain selling Suarez to a rival and Johnson says that the club must stand firm if they are to challenge for the title.

“Usually some owners will say that to push the price up but John Henry said that and stuck by his guns,” said the England defender.

“I think that was great and if we want to get the club back to where it belongs we need all our best players. He is clearly a massive player for us and some of the goals he has scored have been laughable.”

Johnson says that the squad has real strength in depth but admits other players have to start helping Suarez.

“We’ve not dropped outside the top four once and Luis didn’t play for the first five weeks,” he said.

“That is another sign that the squad is brilliant.

We need Luis to play and continue this form but we have a good squad, it is not just all about Luis.

“Clearly we want to be getting goals from setpieces, goals from midfielders, everyone chipping in, you can’t just lean on one person.

“Last season we were only a bit of luck away from doing what we are doing this season in terms of we absolutely battered teams and ended up drawing 00 too many times.

“At the moment the goals are going in so we are getting the points. I guess people are saying we’re not title contenders because we haven’t been that for the last couple of seasons.

“But we have a different team and squad and we are clearly fighting for the title. If that happens every week then we will be proving a lot of people wrong.”

HERE has never been more hope for Nigerian athletics like there was in the 2013 season. Now as the year winds up, the country’s athletics officials are full of expectations as they equally take measures to get good results next season.

The highlights of the year include Blessing Okagbare breaking the 14-year old African women 100m record. Okagbare ran 10.86 seconds to rest Gloria Alozie’s 10.90.

Okagbare was also tipped to shatter Chioma Ajunwa’s 7.12m long jump record, but she could only manage a 6.99m to win silver at the World Championships in Russia, Mosccow. She also won a bronze in the 200m. The glory of it was that; it was the first time in over a decade Nigeria will be winning medals in the championships.

It was also the first time an African made its presence on the podium in both the women’s 100 and 200m, US-based Ivorian Murielle Ahoure claiming two silvers, with Okagbare taking a 200m bronze.

Nigerian juniors were not left out of the glory moments. They topped the medals table at the maiden African Youth Championships held in Warri, Delta State and the African Junior Championships in Mauritius.

At the world level, Usain Bolt is still the dominant currency in a sport mired by doping and also seeking for survival . The towering Jamaican again dominated the sprints and underlining his formidable track prowess by claiming double individual gold in the 100m and 200m at the Moscow World Athletics Championships, respectively his second and third titles in the events.

The six-time Olympic gold medalist’s world medal haul now stands at eight gold, bringing him level with American women’s 200m specialist Allyson Felix, and retired US track stars Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson.

Bolt’s Moscow performances were the perfect tonic for track and field after pre-championships positive doping tests for, among many others, top sprinters like Tyson Gay of the United States and

Jamaican duo of Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown.

International track and field was given a further boost in Moscow by the confirmation of Mo Farah as one of the best distance runners in the world.

Farah emulated Ethiopian long-distance king, Kenenisa Bekele by adding double world 5000 / 10000m gold to similar exploits at the 2012 London Olympics.

Like Bolt, the Somaliborn Briton dominated both races, controlling the pace with aplomb and each time producing his now-trademark kick to burn off any opponents in the home strait.

But he will likely leave his fans disappointed next year as he has opted to compete in the lucrative London Marathon rather than the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Russian athletes topped the medals table for the first time since 2001 with seven gold, one more than the United States, boosted by a “super Saturday” where the team enjoyed stunning victories in the women’s high jump and 4x400-metres relay.

One stand-out performance at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium featured Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva.

The 31-year-old, who

•Okagbare

will now take an 18month break to start a family before contemplating a return at the 2016 Rio Olympics, brought the house down when she won her third world title, her first global championship victory since her triumph at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The shadow of doping remains, however, with 2014 likely to see further moves from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) to regulate testing, particularly from national bodies.

Wada audited the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO) after seven high-profile Jamaican athletes tested positive in 2013, Wada president John Fahey accusing the body of “dropping the ball”.

Kenya also came under Wada’s spotlight amid accusations of years of inaction from the east African running powerhouse.

The most impressive world record of the year went to a Kenyan, Wilson Kipsang shaving 15 seconds off the marathon as he stormed home in Berlin in 2hr 3.23min.

It was another story at the Boston Marathon in April, two explosions killing at least three and wounding 260, with a police officer later killed by the bombing suspects.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 22, 2013—55

Igali explains why he dedicated building to NWF, NOC STORIES BY SOLOMON NWOKE, Yenagoa

P

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation ( NWF), Dr Daniel Igali has explained the reason behind the one storey building he dedicated to the federation and the Technical Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) which was commissioned Thursday in Yenagoa by the NOC president, Engr. Sani Ndanusa.

Dr. Igali said that he erected the building with the view of having a functional structure as he hoped to perform his job as the wrestling federation boss and Chairman of the NOC Technical Commission.

“The edifice is for the NOC Technical Commission and the wrestling federation. The essence of it is that I cannot be in Abuja everyday and do my work . I live in and work in Bayelsa. The work that pays me as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly is in Yenagoa and I have to separate my activities as a member of Bayelsa House of Assembly and the work that I do for the NWF and NOC Technical Commission. That was why I elected to build this edifice to make my job easier first and foremost.

“Secondly, it’s also to let people understand that

Igali (l) in his wrestling days. He wants Nigeria to produce many more wrestlers of his calibre the business of sports is a very important one and for any investor or sponsor coming into the NWF or any sponsor who wants to talk about technical issues in the NOC, walking into our office will understand that it’s a serious office. And the business of sports has to be that way because, I get the tendency from people that sports is something that is done haphazardly, that we don’t have any planning and that sportsmen and women are people you could be taken for a ride.

I want to dispel that notion by people and I think that is why it’s been we’ll received . For me, the edifice is not only for wrestling and NOC Technical

Commission, other federations wanting to have a business to be done there I will gladly oblige them

Bayelsa wins Gov Dickson Wrestling tourney

B

AYELSA State proved that they are undisputed champions in wrestling in Nigeria as they emerged champions in the just concluded Governor Henry Seriake Dickson Wrestling Championship which ended yesterday in Yenagoa.

The state’s female wrestlers finished tops in the freestyle category but placed second behind Delta State in the Greco Roman wrestling and won a total of 13 gold, four silver and seven bronze medals to

New era in the NFF?

received “ALLfrommonies our World Cup

participation will be accounted for.”These were the words of Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the Director of Competitions at the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF during the week in Abuja. This is definitely a departure from the past and a new era in the administration of football in Nigeria.

It has never happened in football administration that the football house will address the press on issues of money accruing from the Super Eagles participation in the World Cup beginning from their debut in 1994 in the USA. According to Dr. Sanusi, the NFF is expected to receive about $9.5 million (N1.3 billion) between now and the end of the World Cup in Brazil next July, out of which the sum

of $1.5 million (about N233 million) is earmarked for the preparation of each of the 32 teams taking part in the competition.

He also disclosed that $8 million (about N1.2 billion) which is the difference after the money for preparation has been deducted, is the guaranteed money every team would get but quickly added that no team will get that exact amount as it is subject to with-holding tax, deductions on accommodation and all extras which he however, did not explain.

Still explaining how the money would be spent or distributed, he said that after all the deductions, the amount left is paid to the players who participated.

He did not say whether those who took part in the qualifying rounds are also entitled to benefit.

use it. We have very modern facilities there with internet .

There’s no way I want

to communicate with the world that I won’t be able to communicate in the office and I am happy about that. It also has a boardroom for any federation to have their meeting and make some presentations.

“If am no longer the President of NWF or the Chairman of the NOC Technical Commission, it is my private property that I have donated for this course, it means the NOC commission is not paying rent for this building. That is my donation, that is what I think I am giving back to sports and I think that is what a lot of sports men and women have to do”.

Also reacting to the gesture as he commissioned the edifice, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr

Sani Ndanusa hailed Dr Igali who doubles as the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) at the ceremony.

Engr Ndanusa who was in Yenagoa for the opening of the Governor Seriake Wrestling Championship said he was impressed by the efforts of the NOC Technical Committee Chairman in the propagation of sports in the country.

“I must confess that I am so impressed by the works of Dr Daniel Igali who heads the technical committee of the NOC since he became president of the NWF. He has proven to us that the choice of making him Chairman of the NOC technical committee was no mistake, and I sincerely believe that the secretariat for the technical committee would enhance further development of sports in the country”, the NOC Boss said.

The aspect that may force Nigerians to ask questions is his explanation that the FIFA money will not be enough for the NFF to prepare the Eagles as other areas like camping, friendly matches and general logistics are money gulping too.

If I may ask, what is preparation for the Eagles if camping and friendly matches are not part of it. Do you prepare any sports team without camping or playing friendly matches. Training without friendly matches to test how the players have adjusted or mastered the coach’s tactics and strategies is not complete, so I don’t know why extra budgeting should be done separately for camping and friendly matches after FIFA has approved money for preparation. Here

emerge the overall champions.

Delta state placed second with five gold,six silver and two bronze medals, while Plateau settled for the third place with three gold, a silver and two bronze medals.

Ondo and Cross Rivers were fourth and fifth with two gold,three silver and four bronze medals and two gold and silver and three bronze medals respectively.

The Most Valuable Wrestler award went to Bayelsa state’s Blessing Oborodudu who equally won the Best

Female Wrestler award at the recently held Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in Johannesburg in South Africa.

Other awardees are Adekoroye Odunayo of Ondo state who won the Best Female wrestler; Emmanuel Oworie of Cross Rivers State won the Best Greco Roman wrestler while that of the Best Freestyle wrestler went to Okpokiri Agala of Bayelsa state just as the Best Discovered wrestler went to Udochukwu Robinson of Imo state.

Reacting to the feat shortly after the championship, the Head coach of Team Bayelsa, Ibo Oziti commended his wrestlers for making him and the state happy . He said, “today I am the happiest man on earth. What this achievement means to me is that I am the best wrestling coach. This is as a result of hard work and commitment to the sport and we are not going to rest on our oars until we win an Olympic gold”.

is were the voodoo accounting system of the NFF is perfected to hoodwink the Federal Government which is always eager to release money for football which is seen as a ‘pill’ to assuage the feelings of angry citizens weighed down by bad governance which denies them basic amenities to make living worth the while.

Kudos must go to the Aminu Maigari led NFF which has broken the jinx of opening up its World Cup programme as it concerns finances.

Ironically he was head of finance during the tenure of the vilified Sani Lulu-led Board which was accused of misappropriation of the Eagles World Cup funds through various sharp practices like arranging of a sub-standard hotel which the government frowned at during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

This present Board seems to have learnt from the immediate past Board whose major officials are still explaining to the EFCC what they know about the 2010 World Cup funds, hence the attempt to be trans-

parent. But they have to ensure that they don’t get double money for the same purpose for which FIFA is paying each team about N1.3 billion.

Agreed, as Dr. Sanusi said, that FIFA won’t pay this amount until after the World Cup, but the NFF should be able to reimburse its financiers when it eventually receives its share of the FIFA largesse. The old order of keeping quiet and not letting the government know that it receives any money from FIFA should be bygone.

Past World Cup and even the Africa Nations Cup budgets the NFF presented to government included the same areas of the Eagles preparation that were taken care of by FIFA and no time were Nigerians told that money was refunded to government which provided the money for the team’s preparation.

Another grey area in the NFF budgeting is in players and officials estacoode which is calculated up till the final match.

The Eagles have never gone beyond the second round in her past World Cup appearances and no

refund was ever known to be made. The only time sanity was brought to bear in the NFF’s competition budgeting was in the 2004 Africa Nations Cup in Tunisia when the Finance ministry,during the second term of President Obasanjo, gave the federation their money piece meal as they qualified for each stage of the competition.

That method could be adopted again in order to save the country ’s hard earned resources which find their way into the private pockets of football officials fans derogatorily refer to as Nigerians Feeding fat on Football (NFF).

The government sees football as the major unifying factor for Nigerians and is proudly treating it as the king of all sports or number one sport in the country.And it is not pretending to support it financially and otherwise but the resources appropriated should be used for the purpose it is meant. With this, positive results would always be expected and Nigerians would be the happier for it. It is really a new dawn for the NFF, money wise.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Suarez celebrates new contract with a brace *As Liverpool hit Cardiff 3-0

L

UIS Suarez marked his new Liverpool contract with two goals yesterday to send his team provisionally top

Commonwealth Games: Glasgow’ll be different from India — Ndanusa

Utd, City win too

•Commends Bayelsa, Igali

M

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

P

RESIDENT of the Nige ria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Sani Ndanusa has urged all the athletes and sports federations enlisted to represent the country in next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland to redouble their efforts, saying it would be a totally different Games from the last edition held in India.

Engr. Ndanusa who was in Yenagoa to watch the maiden edition of the Governor Seriake Dickson Wrestling Classic which ended at the weekend in Yenagoa expressed delight at the performance of the wrestlers and urged them not to relent on their oars as they are bound to meet most of the world’s best athletes at the Games in Scotland.

The NOC boss opined that the Commonwealth Games in Scotland would be like another Olympics considering the large number of the world’s top class athletes expected to participate at the Games.

He said, “ Glasgow Games will be completely different from the Delhi Games in India because there are some countries and top class athletes that boycotted India for one reason or the other probably because they considered India as a developing country and all that, but Glasgow is in Europe, and I want to say that we are going to have the highest class of athletes attending.

So it’s going to be far far different from the C’Wealth Games that was held in India.

PROLIFIC... Liverpool’s record breaking hitman, Lius Suarez (l) celebrating his brace against Cardiff yesterday.

I must say the difference between the Glasgow and the Olympics is going to be slim.

So all the sports going for it should bear in mind that we are going for another Olympics because all the top class athletes in the Commonwealth countries are going to be there. So therefore, our game plan, energy, effort and commitment have to be increased greatly.

Continuing, he said, “ I must congratulate the people and government of Bayelsa state for supporting all this important tournament that brings all the wrestlers from about 22 states of the federation. Also I must give kudos to the leadership of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation for the innovation and commitment they have shown since they came into

TODAY’S MATCHES S’hampton v Swansea v Arsenal

of the Premier League with a 31 victory over Cardiff.

The Uruguay striker’s firsthalf double took his tally to a Premier League season-leading 19 goals despite missing the first five games while banned for biting.

On the eve of the match, Suarez signed a new Liverpool deal through 2018.

Between Suarez’s strikes, Raheem Sterling also scored for Liverpool, and Jordon Mutch scored Cardiff’s only goal in the second half.

Liverpool moved a point ahead of Arsenal, which plays Chelsea on Monday.

Tottenham Everton

2.30 pm 5 pm

Tomorrow’s match v Chelsea 9 pm

power especially, the president, Hon Daniel Igali. He has shown full passion and he brings to bear his wealth of technical quality and experience to repositioning wrestling in Nigeria. I watched most of the bouts and I must say there is great improvement so far. Some of the athletes that won bronze in the last Commonwealth Games in India were defeated here and that shows that there is great

ANCHESTER City moved up to second in the Premier League table after a thrilling victory against Fulham.

Yaya Toure scored direct from a free-kick and Vincent Kompany prodded in a second as City looked to be in control.

Fulham pulled one back when Kieran Richardson finished off a counter-attacking move before Kompany sliced a clearance into his own net for 2-2.

But Jesus Navas converted David Silva’s pass to restore City’s lead and James Milner tapped in a fourth goal late on.

Meanwhile Danny Welbeck’s first Old Trafford goal for 14 months helped Manchester United to a fourth straight win to leave West Ham a point off the relegation zone.

The England striker drove the ball low into the net from an angle early on as the dominant hosts recorded a seventh consecutive win at home to the Hammers.

Teenager Adnan Januzaj bent home his maiden Old Trafford goal, before substitute Ashley Young curled in.

development and I will discuss with the president of the NWF and technical crew of the wrestling federation to redouble their ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS efforts ahead of Liverpool 3 Cardiff 1 the Com- Crystal Palace 0 Newcastle 3 m o n - Fulham 2 Man City 4 w e a l t h Man Utd 3 West Ham 1 2 Aston Villa 1 Games in Stoke City 0 Norwich 0 G l a s - Sunderland West Brom 1 Hull City 1 gow”.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE 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)

1

2

3

7

4

5

6

8 9

10

11

12

17

22

27

18

23

14

28

15

19

16

20

24

25

29

33

30

21

26

31

34 35

37

13

36

38

SOLUTION on page 5

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa.

Advert Dept: :01- 7924470; Hotline: 01- 4707189; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail website: sundayvanguard@yahoo.com, editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com. Advert:advert@vanguardngr.com.

Internet: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: JIDE AJANI. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

32