How N120b will be shared by Vanguard Media Limited

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Boko Haram killed over 8,000 members of my church —EYN President BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

From left: Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State; his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State, during the South East/Delta States' Security Conference, held at the Governor's Lodge, Awka, Anambra State, yesterday

resident of Ekklisiyar Yan’uwa A Nigeria, EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), Rev. Samuel Dali, has said that, despite the harm insurgency has done to members of his congregation in the North East zone, there is hope as the war against Boko Haram will be won. He disclosed over 8,000 members of his church had lost their

lives and 70% of church facilities in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States destroyed but he was confident that President Muhammadu Buhari would end the activities of Boko Haram. He called on Nigerians to pray and support Buhari at all times. Speaking with journalists in his office in Jos, Dali, whose church is headquartered in Mubi, Adamawa State but temporarily relocated to Jos, Plateau State due to insurgency, lamented

that most of the church pastors had lost their jobs as their places of worship had been burnt and members killed, adding that 176 of the kidnapped Chibok girls were his members. “Nigeria will overcome the Boko Haram challenge soon. 70% of our churches have been destroyed in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states by Boko Haram; over 8,000 of our members were killed. 176 of the girls kidnapped in Chibok are our members,” he stated.

2 die, 4 injured as police, MASSOB Philip Ezekiel, an Assistant clash in Onitsha Commissioner of Police, BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

wo persons, suspected T to be members of the Movement for the

From left: Chief Akali Tasamana Wayman, Chairman of PDM, Bayelsa State; Moses Siloko Siasia and Chief Francis Igwebuike, South South Chairman of PDM during the defection of Siasia to PDM at Kaiama Town Sqaure, yesterday

Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, were yesterday, feared dead in Onitsha, Anambra State, while four others, including a policeman, were critically injured in a bloody clash between some MASSOB members and policemen. The incident, according to a source, occured along Oguta Road when a team of policemen allegedly tried to impound some commercial motorcyclists for plying Oguta Road, one of the routes prohibited for

I realised democracy benefits on Abacha death row — Obasanjo BY DAUD OLATUNJI, ABEOKUTA

ormer President Olusegun Obasan jo has pledged to support the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to succeed, saying there is no alternative to democracy. Obasanjo spoke on Friday at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta when officials of the National Association of Nigerians Students paid him a visit. The former president, while narrating his near death experience under the late Abacha administration, recalled that he and some retired military officers and civilians were jailed in 1995 for allegedly plotting to overthrow the administration and released after Abacha’s death in 1998. He said, “The alternative to democracy is worse than democracy. I experienced that. Abacha put me in prison and I was about to be killed. If it was under democracy (democratic rule) that would not happen. “I will work for the success of this current dispensation. There is no excuse, because there is no alternative to democracy.

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“The alternative to democracy is worse than democracy. I experienced that. Abacha put me in prison and I was about to be killed. If it was under democracy (democratic rule),

that would not happen.” Obasanjo, who said no matter what the critics of President Muhammadu Buhari might be saying, added that in the last two and a half months Nigeri-

ans had started to witness a Nigeria of their dreams. He noted that the country had headed toward the precipice so many times before, but God had not allowed it.

Masquerades arrested for stealing N57,000 Two masquerades were, yesterday, arrested by police on the Nsukka/Oballo-Afor highway in the Ovoko Community of Nsukka, Enugu State. The masquerades were arrested for allegedly beating up a passenger on a commercial motorcycle and robbing him of N57,000 on his way to Obollo-Afor to see his mother. The victim, Mr. Chinonso Ezewaji, a trader, who deals in clothing materials, reported the incident at the Nsukka Police Area Command which led to the arrest.Ezewaji said: “They beat me, searched me and collected N57,000. “When they left, I ran into the bush and, when I discovered they had gone some distance, I came out and went to the police to report. A police source said: “The escorts of the masquerade however ran away. “There were eight masquerades. They blocked the Nsukka/Obollo-Afor road and harassed people.

“The two arrested masquerades however denied collecting the N57,000 from Ezewaji but claimed they know the person who collected the money from the victim. “When we searched one of

the arrested masquerade, we saw Indian hemp in his pocket.” Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Mr. Ebere Amarizu, said they have launched an investigation into the incident.

Anambr ribunal: PDP candidat Anambraa TTribunal: candidatee closes case in Rep’s seat tussle

he Elections Petitions Tribunal 1 sitting in Awka, Anambra State has fixed Sept 11 for the final submission of written and oral addresses by the parties to a petition brought by Mr Dozie Nwankwo against the declaration of Dr Okey Eze as the winner of the Njikoka/ Dunukofia/Anaocja Federal Constituency in the March 28, 2015 elections. This was sequel to the closing of the case by Eze and his Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) without calling any witness yesterday. Nwankwo, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the election, in his objection to the

declaration of Eze as the winner of the poll, had dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC), Eze and his party, PDP,before the tribunal seeking the nullification of the declaration and to order his return as the winner. Earlier, the counsel to INEC, Mr Chukwudubem Anyigbo, told the tribunal that the electoral body had no witness and was therefore relying on the evidence from crossexaminations. Later when Eze took the stand to defend his case, his counsel said they had no witnesses and were relying also on the testimonies from cross examination.

motorcyclists by the state government. An eye-witness said the victims were shot dead by one of the policemen on patrol while trying to enforce the state government restriction of motorcyclists plying the route and, in the ensuing mayhem, the policeman’s AK-47 rifle allegedly went off and hit one of the victims who died instantly. It was gathered that after the death of the victim, who was wearing MASSOB insignia, the policeman allegedly started shooting sporadically into the air to scare the people in order to escape mob action. Stray bullets were said to have hit and killed the second victim and injured four others before the policemen escaped. The Police Area Commander for Onitsha,

ACP, confirmed the incident, but referred Sunday Vanguard to the Divisional Police Officer incharge of the Central Police Station, CPS, Onitsha, Isah Abubakar (CSP), who said information about the cause of the incident had not yet been ascertained because the policeman was so critically injured that he could not talk from his intensive care unit of the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. However, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO in-charge of Inland Police Station, Mr. Cosmas Ezeh, who also confirmed the incident, explained that the MASSOB members, who were coming back from their meeting, had first confronted the policemen on their way to buy fuel and met at the point of the incident.

‘Muslims misconstrue the teachings of Islam’ BY ISHOLA BALOGUN (London)

he second day of the 49th Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the United Kingdom continued, yesterday, at the vast Hampshire farm known as ‘Hadeeqatul Mahdi’ with more delegates and guests trooping in. Over 35,000 people from over 90 countries including Nigeria are present at the event. The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered the Friday Sermon, where he said the purpose of

the Jalsa Salana was to promote the true and peaceful teachings of Islam. Ahmad said: “In this day and age, it is of great regret that some Muslims have misconstrued the true teachings of Islam to such an extent that the world has become fearful of the beautiful and peaceful teachings of Islam. “When people are presented with the true teachings of Islam by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, they are left shocked or surprised. Many have said to me personally that if what you present are the true teachings of Islam then the world will gladly once again turn towards religion and towards Islam.”

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 5

My prison experience, by travails can’t quench Sule Lamido •Say his love for Nigeria two sons that ‘don’t forget that your father was a governor and that there are people who do not like me and they will go after me”. When asked if he felt bad about the treatment,the former governor fired back: “It is not my problem; it is their own problem. I am not worried about what happened to me. I am a Muslim; it is part of my faith. The purpose was to humiliate, destroy and crush me and my two sons.” Prodded on what his children said to him when they found themselves in prison, Sule went biblical, saying: “We have a very strong bond and understanding and, as they say, children are gifts from God and, therefore, a gift from God is more than anything to me. “You cannot rewrite what God has ordained. God has set destinies for all his children and, as such, no one can take the place of another. But God will test His servants with some difficulties to see whether they appreciate His mercies. So, to me, what happened was just a test and, with Allah, I will go through it”. The former governor, who sounded defiant, said he had resolved to work ever harder to help make Nigeria a better

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

MMEDIATE past governor of Jigawa State, Dr. Sule Lamido, has said that those who masterminded his recent incarceration wanted to humiliate and crush him. Sule, who spoke exclusively to Sunday Vanguard in Kano, said that his travails over alleged money-related crime had rather emboldened than break his spirit and resolve to be involved in the Nigerian project. According to him, though the main goal of his traducers was to humiliate, destroy and crush him, he had decided to forge ahead in the strong belief that a leader must pass through good and tough times in the course of service. He, however, admitted that the joy of leaving office and settling down with his family was temporarily shattered by the trauma of seeing himself and his two sons in prison. Asked what he told his two sons in prison, Sule said he made them to realize that he was a governor and that there would be people who might not be happy with him and would be going after them. Lamido said: “I told my

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

THE FIRST TIME (2) By Richard Eromonsele

Now,we must realise that we may not succeed the first time we make attempt to do something.What this means is that we should be ready to try harder,again and again, until we get it right.Perfection is obtained through practice.For instance,the first time we try to speak in public,how was the experience like?The first time we try to ride the bicycle,did we enjoy it?The first time we try to drive a car,was it pleasureable?Ask a woman her experience the first time she gave birth,she will tell you it was not what she bargained for.The first time is challenging but, if we endure it,we will live to tell the story.Think about it. T

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country but did not elaborate on what he was going to do to bring about a better society. Lamido and his two sons had been arraigned by the EFCC over allegations they accepted N1.3 billion gratification from a contractor who had completed a N13 billion road project the governor awarded the Nigerian firm. After appearing in a Kano Federal High Court with his two sons, the judge remanded them in prison until five days after when another jurist in Abuja admitted them to bail.

ANTI-MALARIA PROJECT: Deputy Director, Health Education, Lagos State, Mrs Omowunmi George; Head, Malaria Research Project Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Dr Samsom Awolola, and Marketing Director, Mortein, RB West Africa, Mr Oguzhan Silivrili, during Mortein’s Own a Community Project on Malaria Press Conference held in Lagos.

NASS JUMBO 2015 BUDGET

How N120b will be shared BY JIDE AJANI

ONTRARY to the belief that the annual budget of the National Assembly is carted home by the 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives, investigations by Sunday Vanguard has revealed that there are about 4,000 individuals, 145 committees, nine local and foreign bodies as well as four agencies that will share the N120 billion allocated to the federal legislature in the 2015 budget. Part of the money is also to be expended on capital expenditure, general services, packaging of public hearings, litigations, hiring of consultants, oversight functions and foreign and local travels. Documents obtained from the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly late last week indicated that against the huge figures about funds available in the National Assembly, the current assembly has the smallest allocation of N120bn, which is just about 3% percent of the N4.5 trillion 2015 national budget and N30bn less than what was allocated to the same institution in the last five years. The reduction in budgetary allocation for the National Assembly this year was initiated by the lawmakers in response to the dwindling revenue of the federation. Sunday Vanguard discovered that 7,200 individuals draw salaries and allowances from the National Assembly and these include 109 Senators, 360 members of the Federal House of Repre-

sentatives, 13 commissioners in the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), 3,208 members of staff of the commission and 337 members of the management staff, 3,024 legislative aides, seven members of board of the National Institute of Legislative Studies (NIALS) with 115 staff of the institute. Also, funds are allocated to servicing of the 54 Senate standing committees and 91 House of Representatives standing committees; the legislative institution also fulfills its financial obligations to bodies like the inter-Parliamentary Union, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Pan African Parliament, ECOWAS Parliament, African, Carribean and Pacific- EU Joint Parliamentar y Assembly, Shoora/Arab Parliament and National Conference of State Legislatures. From the fund, it was discovered that a senator gets a monthly salary of N1.4 million while

his colleague in the House gets N1.1 million a month. The breakdown of the monthly salary include wardrobe allowance of N42,216 and N41,358 for Senator and Representative respectively; N337, 733 and N330,868 for Housing Allowance. Other components of the monthly salary include basic salary (N168, 866 for Senators and N165,435 for Reps), vehicle maintenance (N126,650 and N124,075), entertainment, utility, domestic staff, constituency, newspaper, recess and personal assistant. The salaries and allowances, are fixed by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) which is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of determining the remuneration appropriate for all political, judicial and public office holders. The National Assembly also spend money on General services which includes but not limited

to maintenance of its huge complex, fueling of power generating plants, insurance of building, vehicles and other capital assets. Funds are allocated to purchase of utility vehicles, purchase of office equipment as well as rehabilitation and repairs of the National Assembly complex. Sunday Vanguard discovered that members of the National Assembly are not allocated funds for constituency projects. They are neither given funds to execute projects in their constituencies nor do they prequalify contractors for such projects. The practice is that, some relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the executive arm of government allow members of the National Assembly to indicate where certain projects should be sited in their constituencies. The procurement processes as well as funding for these projects remain functions of the executive

Reckless driver kills FCE student on ‘rag day’ occurred when the stu- road and ran into the By DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

RAGEDY struck in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital when a 200 level student of integrated and computer science education, at the Federal College of Education (FCE),Osiele, identified as Oluwatobiloba Adeniyi, was reportedly killed by a rec kless driver. The tragic incident

dent was participating in a programme tagged “rag day” as part of the activities marking the Students’ Union Week of the institution. Adeniyi was reported to have been knocked down by the driver, in front of the Ministry of Agriculture (Agro Services Division), at Asero area of Abeokuta around 7.20am. The driver allegedly lost control while on top speed, veered off the

victim. It was further gathered that the driver of the Volvo car was travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State capital to Abeokuta. The victim was said to have breathed his last at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC),Idi-Aba. The driver is on police custody over the matter. Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi,could not be reached at the time of this report.

PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015

Armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism still rampant in S/E, Delta — IG By Vincent Ujumadu, Awka

SANITATION: Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (middle), flanked by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III (r) and Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, at the flag-off of Sokoto's expanded environmental sanitation exercise in Sokoto, yesterday.

HE In s p e c t o r General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, s a i d , y e s t e r d a y, i n Aw k a , t h a t a r m e d

Rita-Lori’s case against DESOPADEC: Okowa, Reyenieju visit Olu of Warri By Egufe Yafugborhi

OVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, held a closed door meeting with the HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, to rub minds on the Itsekiri’s position on the new law on the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development C o m m i s s i o n , DESOPADEC. The governor was led to the palace by member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, and according to a source, Okowa told the Olu he had penciled a palace chief for the Itsekiri top spot in the DESOPADEC Board to be constituted.

The source said, “The Olu told Okowa and Reyenieju that he did not know the nominee mentioned, and that he would prefer a nonpartisan representative. A certain name, Victor Wood, currently working in an oil major, was mentioned. “The Olu further advised Okowa not to undermine the Igba of Warri, Chief Rita LoriOgbebor, in negotiating the interest of the Itsekiri as it affects DESOPADEC” . The governor was said to have left, promising the Olu to look into his advice and recommendation. The visit was said to

have been provoked by the hardline posture of Lori-Ogbebor to drag Delta State government to court with the intent to abolish DESOPADEC. The activist argued that the the law, which grants DESOPADEC 50% of the accrued 13%

derivation fund to Delta, was unconstitutional to the extent of its contradiction of the Nigerian Constitution which, she believes, supports 100% of the derivation being used for the development of only oil producing areas of the state.

robber y, kidnapping and cultism had remained rampant in the southern states of Nigeria. The IGP, who chaired the security conference organized by the South East and Delta State governors, promised that the police would collaborate with the governors to provide adequate security in the zone. Apart from the Anambra State g o v e r n o r, Wi l l y Obiano, Governors Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia were in attendance, while Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State sent his secretary to the state

Excitement trails Ugwuanyi’s victory at tribunal By Francis Igata, Enugu

HE judgment of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu delivered, last Friday, which upheld the election of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has elicited excitement across the state. The tribunal struck out the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives

Congress,APC, in the state, Okey Ezea, on the grounds that it was frivolous, lacked merit and against court processes. The news of the tribunal’s decision elicited wild jubilation from anxious supporters of Ugwuanyi who thronged the court premises singing victory songs. Ugwuanyi, on hearing of the news, drove round major streets of Enugu,

Slain Catholic priest for burial August 31 By Chidi Nkwopara, OWERRI

HE provincial leadership of the Claretian Missionaries, Maryland, Nekede in Ower ri West local government area of Imo State, has fixed the burial of the slain Rev. Fr. Dennis Osuagwu for August 31. The Catholic priest was murdered by yet-to-be identified hoodlums, August 15 while on his way to the 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze, to discharge his clerical duties. Meanwhile, the Rector of Imo Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Rev. Fr. Wence Madu, has sent

a condolence message to the polytechnic community, on the death of Fr. Osuagwu. Speaking to newsmen in his office, at the weekend, the Rector said the death of his brother priest sent cold shivers down the spine of the staff and students of the institution. “Fr. Osuagwu was a highly respected priest, who paid his dues in both the institution and the Christian community. The late priest, who was in charge of the Students Industrial Work Scheme, SIWES, put a lot of energy in making sure that the students were properly trained”, Madu said.

accompanied by local government chairmen, to thank the people of the state for their support and prayers. Reacting on the judgment, Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described it as a reflection of the wishes of the majority of the people. The party ’s Publicity Secretary, Dr. Okey Eze, said the judgment had proved that Enugu is a PDP state and the governor was freely elected by the people. He added that the party was not expecting that the APC governorship candidate will go on appeal as the tribunal had proved that his case had no locus standi. A former Commissioner for Inter-Ministerial Affairs in the state, Mr. Beloved-Dan Anike, who was visibly elated, said the judgment was a confirmation of what the people voted for while urging the governor to do those things for which the people reposed confidence on him. The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu also congratulated Ugwuanyi on the victory, describing it as victory for the people of the state.

government, Professor Bernard Odoh. However, Imo State g o v e r n o r, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, was conspicuously absent. The conference, held under the theme; ‘ Security: bedrock of governance’ , was also attended by the Director General of the Department of State Service, DSS ,Hauwal Musa Daura, federal lawmakers, state legislators and traditional rulers. Arase said the initiative by Obiano to hold a security conference not just for his state, but to also bring in his fellow state governors to form an alliance on ways to ensure the security of the states in the zone was commendable.

APOLOGY

Re-Golden Doris: From the Church to Nollywood On page 41 of Sunday Vanguard of August 16, 2015, we published a story with the headline above but with the wrong picture of Golden Doris. The mix-up is regretted

– Editor

Golden Doris

APOLOGY On page 9 of Sunday Vanguard of July12, 2015, we published an article titled, “ Freedom after 34 Days”, in which imputations were made against Aghara community in Kogi State. We hereby retract the said publication as it affected Aghara community and apologise to members of the community for any inconvenience the publication may have occasioned them – Editor

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 7

N183.7 BILLION ALLEGED FRAUD

Our case against Auditor General’s report, by Ogiri, NDDC Executive Director Dr. Henry Ogiri, Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in this interview, speaks on the controversy surrounding the Auditor General of the Federation’s allegation that NDDC cannot account for N183.7 billion

ou must have been shocked by recent headlines of corruption in NDDC and the general impression that the commission is a cesspool of corruption; one organization where goats have been eating our yams illegally. First and foremost, it is important to state that the period covered by the Auditor General’s report is 2008-2012. The present NDDC management was inaugurated on December 2013. And so the period is clearly outside the purview of our administration. But government is a continuum and the NDDC is a going concern... And so we will not say because we were not in office at the time when this report concerns, therefore we will not respond to the issues that have been raised. But I would say that the manner in which the Auditor-General provided this report to the public and then the National Assembly and granted interviews is not good. Two things come to mind. Firstly, apart from the fact that the period was not covered under our tenure, there is this attitude of playing to the gallery in view of the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari has taken the decision to fight corruption head-on, and then people are now like, ‘let me do this to play to the gallery’. Secondly, the report did not conform to ethical practices in the accounting profession. How? Lord Justice Lourdes says the auditor is a watchdog and not a bloodhound, and that he should approach his duty with care; and he should not approach his duty with suspicious mind; and where he is in doubt, he should carry out further investigation and, if possible, engage expert opinion. Now, there is a process before you can pronounce fraud. The Auditor-General has produced a report which dates back to 2008. In the first instance, why do we have to wait for five years? That’s a very crucial point Yes, five years to do a special investigation on the NDDC. Because from accounting point of view, the further you go backward into an event, the less likely you are to get a realistic position. And there are so many issues that the Auditor-General has raised that, on a prima-facie, don’t hold water. While we will not be holding brief for the management and the board that were in place at the time the report concerns, we are responding to the auditor’s queries; we have communicated to the Auditor-General’s office to tell him that this is a report that we understood took him seven months to prepare and you cannot expect people who came in after the

audit and after the event had occurred to produce answers in one month. It is not possible...This is a 307-page document; with so many queries, some of them on trivialities. But we are determined to respond to them to show that, in good faith, we are managers indeed. And we will take responsibilities for explaining the records as far as the records are available. And the report did not follow the ethical process, because if you look at the… Is that why you described it as premature? It is premature, because it has not gone through the processes yet. And again, it has not satisfied the SMART objective. For a report to be meaningful, the management may need to use it, it must be Specific, it must be Measurable, it must be Accurate, it must be Reliable and it must be Timely. A five- year report will not be very reliable and accurate for making decisions in 2015. And so, I believe strongly that the Auditor-General’s report is out of tune with the ethical requirements of the accounting discipline. You raised the issue of ethical standards. Is it a standard practice that it takes that long to audit an agency of the government like the NDDC. I assume that the office of the AuditorGeneral works every year and that every agency should turn in a report every year for the Auditor-General’s office to conduct its own investigation.

Clearly so. The Auditor-General is expected to carry out spot checks on the NDDC activities based on the reports of the external auditors of which the Auditor-General is party to appointing. He must confirm before he is appointed. When the Auditor-General conducts a spot-check, what will he be looking at? If there had been perhaps petitions or...maybe there are issues that are not clear...where the auditors expressed an opinion that the books are not properly kept as far as they are concerned...then they will have to conduct spot checks, to look at vouchers, procedures for payments, bank lodgments and things like that. Obviously, there is dereliction of duties on the part of so many institutions, including that of the Auditor-General and probably the NDDC management in the past. The headlines were sensational and I was really taken aback, especially when I got a call from a friend in America. For a sensational report of that magnitude to be directed at people who were not even in office at the time of the audit report clearly shows that it was ill-intentioned. Are you saying that the AuditorGeneral didn’t know the process... I strongly doubt if he knows that; if he knows, then it is unfortunate because I believe that very senior members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria are also watching the unfolding drama and I believe they will also take action in this direction because it is just queries and I can disprove on primafacie evidence, I can dispose a whole numbers

•Dr Henry Ogiri

of issues. For instance, he calculated money that was received into a bank from off-shore companies like 20 million dollars into an account. Now the date the instruction was given and the date when the money hit the account is different by about eight days. He now calculated that and said, so the interest that would have been earned by the Commission using current interest rate is missing and you are reporting that as missing money and I look at that and... Using 2015 interest rate? Yes, 2015 and you are recording that as money taken away or diverted. I looked at it ... Those are notional interests. If you buy shares from say Shell and there is an announcement tomorrow that Shell has discovered a new oil well. At the 11th Floor of the NSE in Lagos, price will go up immediately. Now you will be happy. I bought it at N2, now it is N2.50k. If the next day or the next week, a report now comes out that the oil that was discovered was not good... Immediately, there will be a reverse of that trend. This is a response to efficient market hypothesis. Whatever profit you would have made or interest you would have made on that period is notional, because until you sell, you don’t realize that money. So, he (AuditorGeneral) is doing a kind of a deductive accounting as far as I am concerned, and you can’t use the deductive accounting to justify fraud. But how long does it take to respond to audit query? This audit query I understand took those about seven months to raise. Queries are easier to raise than to answer. I can look at a voucher and say ‘where are the supporting documents to these?’ Or ‘why was so and so date not corresponding with this and that?’ Some of the queries that are even in this ( Auditor-General) report are ridiculous. If they say we did a one-kilometer road, it does not necessarily mean one stretch of a straight road. It can be made up of 2 or 3 adjoining internal roads in a community that added up to make up one kilometer. And then they used some elementary engineering mathematics to say because this place is 800 meters, it is not up to one kilometer. They calculated that and then said, money is missing. I have never seen where deductive accounting is used as the basis to establish fraud. Fraud is not a gamble. To establish fraud is not a gamble. You must be certain of what you are saying. So, when this report came in, we were not aware and then, by the time it got to us, a couple of months back, it was just a cover letter, reminder that you have not sent responses to the queries. We now asked: ‘Where are the attachments?’ You can’t respond to a query based on just a single sheet of document. They said they have sent it to the office of the MD. The MD now wrote back to ask for the full documents because what he got was just a letter saying ‘we have sent you the report’. Send the entire documents let`s see. They now forwarded the report. This was like three months ago. I told you that it is a 307-page document, with numerous queries and we are doing justice to it. I communicated to them to give us a few more weeks and they will get a complete response to their queries. Then...they sent this out to the public...I cannot justify or defend all the issues he queried but there are clear cases of misrepresentation, misinformation, ill-intention to divert the minds of the public and portray the leadership of Barrister Dan-Abia as a corrupt team. This is very sad for this country. We can`t fight corruption, we can`t even support the president`s anticorruption drive with documentations like this. It is really unfortunate.

PAGE 8—SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

My student, you almost killed me, but I forgive you

hen Vincent Uzomah left his home in Leeds, United Kingdom on June 11, 2015, he had no idea he was going to encounter death face to face. A sharp dresser he is, I can imagine him adjust his tie in front of the standing mirror, say goodbye to his wife, Uduak, and off to Bradford, a neighbouring city, for his day job. Vincent, a Nigeria-born supply teacher was posted to Dixon Kings Academy, Bradford to fill in for a short period of time. I am not sure he had a premonition of what was about to happen to him on the said day. On the other side of Bradford a 14 year old boy routinely rose up from bed, jumped into his uniform and shoes. He packed his bag the night before, but instead of putting his pencil case, he took along a knife, with the intent of murdering a teacher. He had bragged about this to his friends many times in the past. And it seemed he had a target now – the black supply teacher. Fuelled with racial hatred and a brain that has lost touch with reality as a result of drug use, the boy had no feeling as he dug the knife into the stomach of Vincent, the teacher. Immediately after running away from the scene, he went on the social media – Facebook – to post an update about his “attempted murder” of Vincent. He got a few likes from his equally deranged friends. Vincent, a few hours into his day was struggling to stay alive, as paramedics were called in. He had been stabbed for asking the student to hand over his mobile phone as it was against school policy to use it during school hours. The attack would keep Vincent on hospital bed for days on treatment. Fast forward to August 11, 2015 when he walked out of the Bradford court, with his wife in tow. He looked around at the reporters and photo journalists who had gathered outside the court hall to record his reaction to the verdict on his assailant. While the photo-journalists were all jostling for spaces so as to have very good pictures of him, it was apparent his thoughts were far away from the media activities around him. If one could guess the thoughts of Vincent, it would be of gratitude to his maker for keeping him alive to witness the day. The joy of Vincent, his wife, well wishers and the prosecution team on the extended sentence pronounced on the assailant could not be hidden. While nobody was overtly laughing or smiling out of place, it was however clear by their body languages that the 11-year extended sen-

tence, consisting of six years in custody and a further five years on licence handed on the student was well worth it. Although the boy could be released on parole after only three years, this, definitely, was no worry on his mind. To Vincent, a born again Christian, his thoughts was for his assailant. He had not come to court seeking revenge, rather he had come expecting justice to be done. He had not come with the mind of long custodial sentence for this young boy who had just started life, but for a correctional measure that will put the boy “right” for the future. He came out of the court with one thing on his mind. And that is to offer public forgiveness to the student that almost snuffed life out of him. While he cannot completely forget the events that left him hospitalised for days, he knew for the sake of his salvation, he could not hold this against the boy. The 50-year old came out and to the surprise of all said: “As a Christian I have forgiven this boy who has inflicted this trauma and pain on me and my family. Our prayer for him is that he will make use of the opportunities and support that will be provided to him to become a changed person who will make a positive contribution to the society.” Vincent is a man I know very well. When I moved with my family to the city of Leeds from London a couple of years ago, he was one of the few Nigerians we first related to. A patriot, gentleman to the core, and a practical Christian, loving husband and father. He is a very courteous and well liked individual, who does nothing but always strive to put smiles on peoples faces. A few years ago, Vincent invited me and my family to a breakfast fellowship meeting in his home. A pastor friend of his, Dr. Ferdinand Nweke had come to town and by his nature he felt we should “benefit” from the words of this impressive preacher.

Sometimes in this part of the world you hear some Breaking News, shrug your shoulders and mutter words of thanksgiving to the Almighty that danger is no where near your abode

While the meeting achieved the spiritual goal, it also offered a social bonding opportunity for the families present at the occasion. The following year, he invited us again to another programme hosted by Dr Nweke in Headingley. You can therefore imagine my surprise at the news that someone could think of harming this quiet and unassuming gentleman. When the news first broke on the morning of June 11, I attached no importance to it. Sometimes in this part of the world you hear some Breaking News, shrug your shoulders and mutter words of thanksgiving to the Almighty that danger is no where near your abode. On the first Breaking News, there was no mention of the identity of the teacher. I shook my head in pity for the “teacher ” who obviously was a victim of a product of a broken home or a product of a drug or alcohol inspired pregnancy. I put my mind into archive mode as I recollected how a few months ago, a teacher, Ann Maguire, was stabbed to death in Leeds by one of her students. The murder had happened in the glare of other students in the Leeds Catholic school while Ann was performing her normal duties. The stabbing of Vincent has once again brought to the fore the dangers teachers face in the discharge of their duties. While it is easy to conclude that working with children is a safe job, the realities on ground, especially in the advanced countries have proved otherwise. Everyday, all over the world we read news of unprovoked attacks on teachers by the kids they are meant to be imparting knowledge into. While in the United Kingdom, it is the knife culture, in the United States of America, students go to schools prepared with guns as if going to fight in Iraq. In many of the random gun attacks in schools in the US, many teachers and students alike have lost their lives needlessly. There is need for extra protection in a society that is becoming increasingly dangerous. This is necessary when drugs are readily available on the streets, while wayward school kids get high on cheap drugs. The lives of the teachers are in the hands of “stoned” students. Here is hoping that more efforts would be made by various agencies to protect the teachers in the classrooms. Obviously the education of children would be affected when teachers start looking over their shoulders while performing their duties.

Obs yful home Obsttacles ttoo a jo joyful It is not uncommon these days to find beautiful young girls with good careers and manners, who ought to have settled down, still believing God for life partners. Thousands of them can be found in churches praying for life partners. Many of them are quite amiable but have never had men say a word to them about relationship, let alone marriage. My decision to write on this issue is reinforced by a testimony read by Pastor Oso at Laughter Foundation and a testimony which Pastor Adeboye has repeated several times and has now documented it. In his daily devotion manual, Open Heavens, of August 15, 2015, Pastor Adeboye stated, “ In the journey of life, the enemy can place obstacles in the way of a man to prevent the actualization of his destiny”. He made reference to Haggai 1:1-2, Zechariah 4:9 and Ezra2: 1-2 in respect of God’s choice of Zerubbabel to build a house for him. Pastor Adeboye noted: “ Inspite of these facts, the enemy still put difficulties along his way to prevent him from fulfilling God’s divine destiny for his life”. The point here is that some human beings derive pleasure is seeing others in sorrow. Those who can stop you are usually those referred to as “ unfriendly friends “ by Pastor Kalejaiye or even relations as stated in the testimony shared by Pastor Adeboye . They could even be siblings. This reminds me of Pastor Oso’s popular statement that it is a grave mistake to assume that “ all siblings are friendly”. He often refers to the story of Joseph and his brothers. Did I hear you say that was a polygamous home? You are wrong. One was privileged to witness a deliverance service at Laughter Foundation where an evil spirit spoke through a sister who was being delivered. It was the voice of her sister who asked, “Why should she be the most successful amongst us”. In other words, her siblings were envious of her progress and decided to do something to stop her. For years, this lady remained unmarried while the siblings got married and had children. It got so bad that they not only attacked her spiritually but also physically. How? They would always ask her to pay their children’s school fees giving all sorts of excuses.

Consequently, they began to drain her financially. What do you call that ? Of course envy. If you think an attack can only come from siblings or other relations, what about mothers who, for their selfish needs, want to keep their daughters permanently out of wedlock. Pastor Adeboye, in the Open Heavens of August 15, 2015, again referred to a testimony in which he stated that a word of knowledge came that there was a lady whose mother was obstructing her marriage and that, if she didn’t repent, she would die within a week. The daughter repeated this when she got home and a furious mother went to meet the pastor accusing him of teaching children bad things. Of course, according to Pastor Adeboye, he asked the daughter, ‘did I mention anybody’s name?’ She replied in the negative . After the daughter stepped out, the mother asked the pastor if it was true the person obstructing the daughter’s marriage would die. Her confession was that she was responsible for this because she would have no one to care for her when

Sometimes, relations, especially parents, attack their children with loneliness because, they fear that, once the children get married, whatever they have would be for themselves and their wives

her daughter marries. What do you call that? Selfish interest? So, the pastor promised that he would tell the lady and her husband to continue to take care of mama after marriage. It was only then that she left her daughter off her spiritual hook. Within a short period, the daughter got married. One also had the opportunity to witness a deliverance service conducted by Pastor Oso in which a lady had been stopped from getting married by a spirit of

vengeance. While the service was on, and this happens every Sunday, a voice spoke from a lady saying: “Don’t rescue this lady from me, she has offended “. Of course, the deliverance service continued with the pastor using the word of God to rebuke the evil spirit. The good news is that the lady was set free and got married. Now if you think this challenge is for ladies alone, wait for this. Men also have similar challenges . When you see a man in his 40s or even late 30s unmarried though he has everything it takes to get married, then you should suspect a spiritual problem. Sometimes, relations, especially parents, attack their children with loneliness because, they fear that, once the children get married, whatever they have would be for themselves and their wives. In other instances, it could be because they want the man, especially if he is an only son or a first son, to educate his siblings. So, they take evil steps to attack his marital destiny. However, there are people who are victims of evil forces themselves. A certain young man once had a disappointment. His fiancée left him for another man. So, his worried mother went to a herbalist to help save her son from the shock of the disappointment. This was about 20 years ago. Unknown to mama, the steps taken by the herbalist also meant that the young man will never have any other relationship that would end in marriage. Consequently, as I write today, the young man, in his late 40s, is still unmarried. However, let me borrow the words of men of God that every challenge commenced one day and would end one day. Recently, Pastor Oso read to the Laughter Foundation congregation a testimony. A lady, who is almost 60, just got married. Are you saying it is too late? No, God is never late. May you not experience loneliness. Those who go through it know what it means. Isn’t is it better to wait for your own time to settle down praying about it so that you do not make a mistake than to allow a man to use you to address his imaginary marital challenges? Ladies who allow themselves to be deceived into polygamous marriage because the real wife cannot have children, most of the time, do not end up well. We’ll return to this in our subsequent columns.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 9

Nigerian Elections: Amina Zakari is not the problem

imi and I served as technical experts on elections with the Independent Elections Commission of Liberia to organize the first post civil war election in that country in 1997. Some 5 days ago, he called me to commend last week’s article in this column, titled, “Who should the police tear gas?” Tim was delighted that i openly commended Mrs. Amina Zakari, the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for her policy decision not to defend in court an election marred by malpractices done by her officials. He also liked my suggestion that INEC must bend backwards to develop a positive disposition towards candidates who protest any unwholesome electoral conduct. As a veteran election observer who knows the high degree of harassment to which the electoral commission in Nigeria is always subjected, Timi hoped that Nigerian

politicians would soon appreciate that the independence of an electoral body includes the reverence with which it is treated by political parties and their candidates.

Anyone who takes the simplistic view that Amina Zakari is the problem of our political system would be quite far from the truth. The true position is that the average politician considers improper and condemnable anything not immediately to his own benefit Nigerian politicians no doubt need to evolve a tradition of some measure of decency in its dealings with INEC instead of the current practice of everyone throwing missiles at the commission over anything they are dissatisfied with which leaves her with a fragile credibility. In earnest, a cursory look PhD,Depar tment of Philosophy, University of Lagos 08116759758 opuruiche2000@yahoo.com

Areas of concentration for President Buhari (2)

n the other hand, P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari must find a way to immunise himself from the toxic sugary insipidities of praise-singers and search within himself for the intellectual and moral stamina required for actualising the most important components of his campaign promises. Of course, the President must be commended for frankly admitting that his advanced age would limit his performance, even as some of his supporters and aides were pretending that age does not matter in a demanding position such as the presidency of a fractious, democratically immature, and economically underdeveloped country like ours, by making tendentious allusions to Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe of the United States, South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively. Going back to what I consider areas of concentration for President Muhammadu Buhari, the most important item on his to-do list is the defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-Eastern part of the country. The reason for this is not far to seek. Peace and security are the conditio sine qua non for the achievement of both individual and collective goals in the society. Therefore, it is imperative that the federal government should deploy its military resources, including covert

into media reports in Nigeria would easily suggest that INEC is about to fall apart as a result of an “unqualified” acting chairman. Anyone who takes the simplistic view that Amina Zakari is the problem of our political system would be quite far from the truth. The true position is that the average politician considers improper and condemnable anything not immediately to his own benefit. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wants Amina Zakari removed from office because she is reportedly related to the current President. It is like after a

intelligence mechanisms, to liquidate the Islamic fundamentalists in the shortest possible time. In addition, governors of states where the Boko Haram plague is deadliest, namely, Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe, should work assiduously in concert with the federal government to embark on serious social engineering programmes anchored on poverty alleviation through employment generation, education, and advocacy for deradicalisation of the youths from extremist Islamic teachings in order to discourage them from joining the murderous group. But the Boko Haram problem is not the only security challenge facing the federal government right now. Kidnapping, for instance, is still rearing its ugly heads, particularly in the South-East and South-South, with disastrous consequences on the economy and wellbeing of the people. Mutatis Mutandis, the same programme of social reconstruction and education recommended as a nonmilitary strategy for discouraging young women and men from joining Boko Haram is also required to reduce the rate of kidnapping and, indeed, other social vices that stem from poverty, unemployment and lack of proper education. The next critical issue for the President to tackle working closely together with members of the National Assembly is corruption, the

family meeting, Buhari brought into INEC his own sibling. Yet, the same Zakari was nominated and duly cleared as a fit and proper person to serve in INEC by the previous PDP government of Goodluck Jonathan. Can the lady’s proven integrity immediately vanish as soon as Buhari became President? If so, I still believe that a better way to irrational ruinous perversion of official position for selfish interest or personal gain. Historically speaking, the problem of official corruption began during the colonial period. But it worsened after the attainment of independence in 1960. In fact, corruption amongst politicians of the First Republic was the major reason Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and his fellow coup plotters attempted to overthrow the lacklustre government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, with disastrous consequences for the country. Since then, corruption has evolved into a very deadly virus eating away the resources of our country such that unless creative, bold and drastic measures to kill it are embarked upon right away by the relevant anti-corruption agencies, Nigeria’s quest for rapid sustainable development would remain in the limbo of unfulfilled expectations. Corruption is not a mono-causal phenomenon. An aetiology of corruption in different countries of the world would reveal that poverty, greed, weak or unavailability of safety nets that protect individuals from the vicissitudes of changing economic fortune, sociocultural values and practices that extol materialism and psycho-spiritual disequilibrium tend to engender corruption. In Nigeria, the problem is compounded by inappropriate obsolete laws that prescribe extremely light punishment for those found guilty of horrendous acts of corruption, poor investigative and prosecutorial skills of public officials handling toplevel corruption cases, as well as by extremely corrupt judicial officers, especially magistrates and judges. From the foregoing, it is clear that

question a person’s eligibility is not through press statements or other forms of media hype that would usually heat up the polity, but through the due process of law because we are in a democracy which presupposes the rule of law. Another point argued against Zakari which is rather laughable is that Jega did not hand over to her. From where, does Jega derive the power to determine his successor? No one becomes chairman of INEC simply because he is nominated by the President. Another arm of government must confirm it. So, anyone opposed to the appointment of Zakari should take 2 simple steps. First, go to court to obtain an order to compel the President to begin the process of appointing a chairman. If he nominates Zakari, then do everything possible to stop her clearance. Second, if step one fails, then either go on appeal or let the law prevail and allow her to work. To continue to protest the issue without exhausting all the legal opportunities available is illegal. The same is true of a refusal to abide by the determination of the subject in court. Our political class irrespective of party affiliation has unfortunately made no effort to allow some sanity in the nation’s political arena. They shout themselves hoax on any subject and become quiet as soon the issue at stake is

resolved only to find cause for alarm soonest. This played out the week before when aggrieved members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) got many analysts including this writer to condemn the refusal of INEC to allow them inspect documents used for the last governorship election in Rivers State. Unknown to the public INEC had set up a high powered task force made up of its top most technocrats in Bayelsa, Cross River and Ebonyi States who had actually begun work in Port Harcourt and according to an INEC statement, the team is to “ensure that political parties that participated in the last general elections in the state collected the certified true copies of documents used in the elections, to enable them pursue their petitions at the tribunals.” Of course, the cause of the relative peace by the hitherto aggrieved Rivers politicians will not similarly be publicized the way the protest was done. Accordingly, the public can hardly comprehend elections in Nigeria because rather than play by the rules, politicians in Nigeria play by the noise. That is why we lose considerable sleep in this country about who is INEC chairman without realizing that there is so much that the holder of that office cannot do. Can an INEC chairman really over

rule majority opinions in the commission? If he can and as such determine who can win elections, then the contributory negligence of the commissioners should be rightly laid at their door steps. Again, why is it that simple issues like “polling agents” cannot be met by political parties? As election observers would confirm, many parties have no agents in many booths during elections, making it clear that they have no justification protesting what happens in such booths. Even where there are agents, many of them are unemployed deviants who are ready to sign concocted results that adversely affect their so called principals. So is Amina Zakari the real problem and if so is PDP best positioned to point it out only a few months after having taught everyone how to manipulate the election process? For instance how can the party argue now that bodies like the Department of State Security (DSS) should not meddle in election matters when they used security operatives while in office to unduly postpone our last set of elections? While accepting that no security agency should interfere in elections we think the DSS should be encouraged to concentrate on providing useful data during political clearance to stop many 419s from getting into politics at all

any serious attempt to fight corruption and reduce it significantly to a level that would not hinder the emergence of a truly great Nigerian nation must be creative, comprehensive and decisive. President Muhammadu Buhari, based mainly on the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) he inaugurated during his tenure as military head of state, has managed to make a name for himself as an incorruptible leader, a man of integrity with zero tolerance

Adekunle Ajasin, former governor of old Ondo State, were completely innocent of the charges levelled against them. Since retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida unceremoniously kicked Buhari out of office in August 27, 1985, it appears that successive administrations had been competing among themselves for the thoroughly despicable title of “the most corrupt government in Nigeria since independence.” It is within the context of escalating corruption and impunity in governance over the years that one can situate the successful packaging and presentation of Buhari to the electorate by the APC media machine as a better alternative to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in the war against corruption. Since he assumed office, President Buhari has made it clear that he will fight corruption to a standstill. Many Nigerians really believed him, on the strength of his anti-corruption reputation. In my opinion, Nigerians must support any President who, through words, deeds and exemplary leadership boldly confronts the problem of corruption. But that support must be based on objective assessment of concrete results with respect to the calibre and status of those caught in the anticorruption dragnet and the quantum of funds and assets recovered from them. In other words, Nigerians should be careful and try not to be deceived by relentless media reports that the President said he will do this, he will do that against corruption, or that this-and-that will be recovered from so-and-so not backed up with further investigation to ascertain whether actions matched the fine rhetoric. When one thinks about the billions of dollars stolen by members of the ruling elite especially since 1970 and the tremendous value such funds

could have added to different sectors of our national life, one expects every patriotic and reasonable Nigerian to support President Buhari’s anti-corruption pledges. Irrespective of the year the stealing was perpetrated, all corrupt public officials, particularly those at the topmost echelons of power and authority, must be dealt with severely as a deterrent. Now, some Nigerians believe, uncritically, that the APC federal government under Buhari can deliver on its promise to “kill corruption before corruption kills the country.” But, sentiments aside, I am not so sure for the following reasons. To begin with, it seems that the President is as squeaky clean as his media hirelings and ardent supporters portray him to be. Certainly, because of the inherent fallibility of humans no one in this planet is squeaky clean, and it would be futile to expect Buhari to be so simply because his admirers think that he is. Although it does not follow that every successful war against corruption must be led by a saint, in order to win and retain people’s trust and confidence in such a herculean task, a leader should not ignore or treat as inconsequential allegations of corruption against him or her weighty enough to be investigated by an organ of government. President Muhammadu Buhari, to the best of my knowledge, has not addressed adequately the allegation of missing $2.8 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) when he was federal commissioner for petroleum resources. Exculpatory hot air on the matter from some selfacclaimed experts in economics or oil and gas is insufficient.

Corruption has evolved into a very deadly virus eating away the resources of our country such that unless creative, bold and drastic measures to kill it are embarked upon right away by the relevant anti-corruption agencies, Nigeria’s quest for rapid sustainable development would remain in the limbo for corruption. Many Nigerians in the appropriate age bracket still remember how soldiers dealt severely with people for minor infractions such as throwing pieces of paper or banana peels along the street, jumping the queue and so on. Also in their minds are the lengthy jail terms handed to several politicians of the Second Republic for corruption, although it later transpired that several of them, including former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Chief

To be continued

PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUAT 23, 2015 first brief meeting, he struck me as one of the most friendly, patriotic Nigerians who related excellently with fellow Nigerians from all corners of the country. He was not just a traditional ruler, he was a national leader. And he was full of

Tribute to late Ooni of Ife by Attah “A man’s real life is that accorded to him in the thoughts of other men by reason of respect or natural love.” Joseph Conrad, he death of the late Ooni of Ife, like those of many great Nigerians, brought the usual avalanche of tributes from far and wide. Based on the timehonoured principle of never speaking ill of the dead, the tributes were generally positive. I would have loved to join the crowd but, to be honest, I met the Royal Father only once in my life – when he called a small group of Yoruba leaders of thought, to the Palace, to form a NonG o v e r n m e n t Organisation. The organization was meant to be all-embracing, politically non-partisan (I would not have joined if it was), non-discriminatory on the basis of gender,

age, income, state of origin, religion or status in society. It was the sort of NGO for me. Unfortunately, that was all the meeting there was. The NGO itself collapsed two years after for reasons to be disclosed at a later date. Consequently, all I know about the late Ooni is second hand – certainly not enough on which to write a tribute. But, I know someone who was closer to the late Ooni and on whose words I can bet my life – Obong Victor Attah, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Most people might not be aware of it, Attah is one of the Chiefs of Ife; he became one by virtue of the late Ooni. To Attah I turned and came away with the following tribute to our departed Royal Father. “I had known the late Ooni of Ife for several years, and right from our

To serve and protect “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” -Greek Proverb r e s i d e n t Muhammadu B u h a r i announced that his administration is going to recruit 10,000 police officers to boost security and help tackle youth unemployment. He also announced that they will introduce CCTV monitoring system in major cities to check crime (there are no functional CCTV monitoring system in any of the cities in the country, but that is another story). Recruiting youths to tackle unemployment really tweaked my interest in so many ways and set some alarm bells ringing. It is true, that Nigeria needs to boost its security but to project that 10,000 new police recruit could replace the deficit in Nigeria police force, is just naïve. It is commendable and laudable but there needs to be an overhaul of policing system in Nigeria and 10,000 new recruits would not change the corrupt practices and the indiscipline that is synonymous and endemic within the force. Presently,

the Nigerian police have between 375,000 and 800,000 officers (depending on who provides the figures) at the moment. So, Nigeria needs much more than an additional 10,000 policemen to manage the crime rate and civil unrest. It has nowhere enough police officers for its population and way below the United Nation's recommended benchmark of one police officer per 400 citizens. The existing Nigerian police officers lack adequate equipment, illdiscipline, inadequate training for modern policing, some of the present crop of police officers are very corrupt, mostly unfit, uneducated, poorly paid and unmotivated. The Nigerian police are often deployed as muscle for the politicians and their flunkies and this leaves an already depleted force not fit to protect or serve its ordinary citizens. It has been interesting, looking at the Nigerian police academy website. It had the requirement for joining the police as : “a Nigerian citizen,18 and 22 years of age, and must have a height of not less than 5 foot 6 inches (1.68 metres)

pleasant surprises for those fortunate to be close to him. You can imagine my own total surprise when he took me unawares by calling to

substitute for the joy I felt that a great monarch could reach way across the Niger and offer a permanent hand of fellowship and permanent friendship to my humble self. May God grant His Royal Highness perpetual peace.” Now, I know how great the man was. OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUHARI ON BEHALF OF LAGOS STATE INDIGENES – 2 “Fiat justina et ruant coeli (Latin), meaning, Let justice be done though the heavens fall.” Lord Mansfield, 17051793. English jurist. Lagos State indigenes have no interest in political appointments in any other state. We don’t covet what belongs to our fellow Nigerians. All we are saying is simple. The WAYO involved in the prevailing

Lagos State indigenes have no interest in political appointments in any other state. We don’t covet what belongs to our fellow Nigerians. All we are saying is simple. The WAYO involved in the prevailing situation in which others tacitly proclaim “What is ours is ours; what belongs to Lagos belongs to all of us”, must stop inform me of my appointment as a Chief of Ife, the foundation of the great Yo r uba nation. Words failed me for several minutes before I could respond with a weak “Thank you” – which was a poor

situation in which others tacitly proclaim “What is ours is ours; what belongs to Lagos belongs to all of us”, must stop. Unless there is active reciprocity, it cannot be allowed to continue. The ethnic group whose members wrote to

for males and 5 foot 4 inches (1.63 metres) for females. In addition, male candidates must have an expanded chest size of not less than 36 inches (91 cm) and candidates must have obtained a minimum of six credits in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO) in not more than two (2) sittings and includes a credit in both English and Mathematics including subjects relevant to the candidate’s chosen field of study”. I wish these criteria were the true reflection of the police on the beat, but it is clearly not the case. Many become very portly after a few years on the job and so seem as educated as the entry is stipulating. (Also, why is it that an application to join the police has to be paid for? This practice has got to stop.) It is a start to refresh the police force but more has to be done to get the calibre of police that are fit for purpose and one that is proud to wear the uniform of the force they represent .More training and education need to be done, the living conditions of the police barracks has to be urgent addressed . I wrote about this over two years ago, in what the president saw, January 27, 2013 in OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, and I am sure not much has changed since then. I have some of the excerpt below as reference; “The depiction by the Channels TV regarding the appalling state of the Police College, Lagos has

indeed given us the reasons why our police are the way they are. It goes further than that: it is a microcosm of how every aspect of our everyday living condition has gone to pot. It is also indicative of how much value the government, the people and our society place on themselves and each other. We know there is money

There is a lot to be done to overhaul the police force first before throwing an extra 10,000 recruits in the mix in the country; the politicians are aflushed with it. But this programme does not prepare you for the miserable depths of the inhumane and contemptible sights of the police living conditions. The mere fact that the disrepair has been so long in the making is intolerable but on the level of disregard for human condition and health, it is a monumental example of who we are as a people. When do we ever complain about the despicable way we are treated day in day out by the rich and powerful? We rather keep mute and pray things improve. We do nothing, we have learned to play the victim so well, and it has become second nature. Until now the public was not

Ambode demanding for appointments will not dare such a thing in Borno State. You see the difference? Lagos State was one of the twelve original states created by the General Gowon regime; it remains the only state that has not been carved up into more states despite the fact that it has a larger population than the four smallest states put together. At the time, Lagos State received one twelfth, or 8.5 per cent of all allocations made on the basis of equality of states. When Murtala/ Obasanjo increased the number of states to nineteen, Lagos States share dropped to just over 5 per cent. Babangida increased the number of states from twenty one to thirty over eight years; Lagos State’s share plummeted to 3.5 per cent. Abacha completed the onslaught against our state when he increased the number of states to thirty six; Lagos allocations went down to 2.7 per cent. By contrast all the other original eleven states have been split. Some now receive three times the percentage of allocations. Is it fair? Going back into history, records would show that political appointments in all the original twelve states went to indigenes of those states. Under the government of Mobolaji Johnson, Lagos State

was no exception. Even when under Murtala/ Obasanjo non-indigenes were sometimes posted as military governors to states, the pattern was maintained. The Second Republic, which started in 1979 and ended in 1983, also followed largely the same pattern. Former Governor Jakande’s cabinet consisted of people whose family roots are deep in Lagos. The same was the case in all the nineteen states which constituted Nigeria at the time. In fact, when the Governor of a Northern state wanted to appoint a Yoruba to the judiciary in his state, the lawmakers would have none of it. The change, as far as Lagos is concerned, came during the Babangida and Abacha era when non-indigenes of Lagos State started making appointments, while non-indigene governors of other states continued to appoint only indigenes to political offices. Since 1999, Lagos State’s political appointments had gone to non-indigenes in large numbers. At one point, close to half of the cabinet came from other states or zones – including South East and North Central. Unless the reader can point to another state where this occurs, sending a text message protesting this article will amount to a waste of time. I never expect those cheating others to willingly give up their ill-gotten gains.

aware of the dilapidated nature of these colleges. So the rot has been festering for so long unchanged. Apparently, no President has visited the college in over 70 years! So that begs the question. Who is present at the police passing out parade? Does the police commander visit these colleges? Who does the yearly maintenance? Where is the public health body, who should have condemned the college so long ago? To rub salt into wounds of the graduating police, they have to buy their own uniform and equipment, so you wonder why they are “collecting” the dividends from the public on their “investment”? There is a lot to be done to overhaul the police force first before throwing an extra 10,000 recruits in the mix. So on the basis of tackling youth unemployment, 10,000 is a drop in the ocean, the Nigeria has a very high youth unemployment, with the Bureau of Statistics putting the rate at over 25 percent, now this is a gross underestimation, it still means that over 25 million of Nigeria's youth population are unemployed and this is deplorable and a real threat to the very survival of Nigeria. 10,000 new police recruits goes nowhere in addressing the very issue of a forgotten generation. We need to address the many youths that are not educated, employed or have any skills. They have never had the opportunity

to attend school or complete schooling for this very reason. Nigeria has forgotten to invest in its youths and it is a high price to pay for such omission. What we have is a generation of young people escaping poverty by all means possible, prevalence of thuggery and hoodlums, cultists, kidnappers and hustlers. So where do we begin to right the wrong of a forgotten generation? This is an urgent debate that needs action, it is critical that, the whole society and government tackles this urgently. There has to be an inclusion drive across the nation only then, can change really happen for the young people in Nigeria. This is possible, and there are examples of good practice in Nigeria already. In Osun State,they have the OYES corps, where young people are engaged in gainful training, develop work ethics, discipline and a sense of purpose. The programme can be replicated to address the mass unemployment of the young people across Nigeria. Pay them an allowance while training, teach them and instill selfworth, discipline and integrity .And from these new graduates, will be young people who are prepared and ready for employment in emerging industries and other employment opportunities other than the police. At this stage, recruiting youths to fill a gap in an already indiscipline police force, is like asking the cat to watch the meat. There will be more indiscipline police and power drunk with weapons; this is not a very good combination.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 11

2016: The battle for Bayelsa BY BESTMAN OFONI

ntil recently, I did not take keen interest in who becomes the next governor of Bayelsa State, but recent defection of some bigwigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) since the emergence of the latter, as the ruling party, has attracted my attention to the issue. Two political parties are in contention for the gubernatorial seat. The PDP has been in power in the state since the inception of the fourth republic in the country. The party has produced four governors in 16 years. It is one of the states in Nigeria with the highest turnover of governors. The first governor who took office in 1999, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, did not complete his second term. He was impeached over allegations of corruption. Dr Goodluck Jonathan, then deputy governor, took over from Alamieyeseigha. In 2007, Jonathan emerged as the vice presidential candidate to Alhaji Umaru Yar ’Adua, while Chief Timipre Sylva took over the administration of Bayelsa. Sylva was however disallowed from contesting for second term by Jonathan who had emerged president. Meanwhile, Sylva was accused of having nothing concrete to show as the governor of the state. Then came Seriake Dickson, who was the ‘anointed’ candidate and the fourth governor of the state courtesy of Jonathan, the then president. Dickson is currently battling to survive within and outside his party, the PDP. Only time will tell if he will win next year’s election as the APC, the ruling party at the federal level, is determined to wrest power from the PDP and occupy the Creek Haven Government House, Yenagoa come 2016. APC has made inroads in the state since its formation. Two major factors responsible for the APC popularity in Bayelsa are the internal crisis in the PDP and defection of some big names from the PDP to the APC. The APC may be on the way to take over the administration of the state. But as the December governorship election in the state draws nearer, prominent indigenes of the state from the two main parties have shown interest in contesting the poll. It is true that Bayelsa is a traditional PDP state but if PDP fails to put its house in order, a good candidate from another party may be considered, even if the candidate is from the APC or Labour Party. If the other parties also fail to present credible candidates, we must appeal to our sons and daughters in and outside the country to come to “Macedonia” to help us. There is nothing wrong if our elders and youth would appeal to some of our sons and daughters in government to show interest in the development of the state. Chances of the aspirants? Governor Dickson Being the incumbent governor, this is an advantage for Dickson. But for those of us at home, not Abuja or diaspora indigenes, Dickson has not managed the internal crisis in his party well to the extent that the state PDP

• Governor Dickson

• Emmanuel Paulker

•Timi

Alaibe

• Warman Ogoriba

•Heineken Lokpobiri

• Moses Siasia

Chairman had to quit. Good luck to the PDP if the party goes ahead to present Dickson as the candidate in the election, who, for now, appears not to be popular with the people. Timi Alaibe Timi Alaibe, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is a formidable aspir'' He was also Special Advisant. er to the President on Amnesty Programme. Alaibe is from the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state. Having occupied at least two high profile offices before in which he acquitted himself, this is a plus for him in the election. He is the aspirant to beat. Heineken Lokpobiri Senator Heineken Lokpobiri was Speaker of the state House of Assembly and two times senator representing Bayelsa West. He is from Ekeremor local government area, the third largest local government area in the state. He is a strong candidate but not widely accepted by the people. Secondly, he has problem with some leaders of his party, the PDP. Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and his godson, Dickson, control the party apparatus and are not likely to support him; especially given the governor’s second term bid. Emmanuel Paulker Senator Emmanuel Paulker is another aspirant in the Bayelsa guber race. This is his third term as a senator representing Bayelsa Central, but he has been accused of non-performance, Jonathan was said to have been instrumental to his emergence as senator. Unfortunately, Jonathan is no longer the President. For this reason, he may not go far in the race.

• Godknows Igali Warman Ogoriba Honourable Warman Ogoriba represents the young generation of politicians in the state. He was two times member of the House of Representatives, and hails from Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area. Meanwhile, the aspirant has limited public service experience. The state needs somebody with experience to take the state to the next level. Moses Siasia Moses Siasia is so far the youngest of those who have shown interest in the gubernatorial seat. He is the President of the Young Nigerian Professionals Association. His strength lies in the fact that he is a young man and a successful business man. However, he has no public service experience. I strongly believe that he is a good candidate for deputy governor. Through this, he will gather experience. Reuben Okoya Arch Reuben Okoya has never hidden his interest in the governorship of Bayelsa. He was a commissioner in the state and later a Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory. He is an intelligent person but many people believe he is not a home person. Godknows Igali Dr (Amb) Godknows Igali is

•

Barclays Ayakoroma

Dickson is currently battling to survive within and outside his party, the PDP. Only time will tell if he will win next year’s election as the APC, the ruling party at the federal level, is determined to wrest power from the PDP and occupy the Creek Haven Government House, Yenagoa come 2016 another aspirant who, though not actively engaged in party politics, has contributed meaningfully to the development of the state. If the criteria for selection should be integrity, experience and commitment to the development of our Bayelsa, Igali, who is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Minis-

• Reuben Okoya try of Power, has shown love for his state. He is a seasoned administrator who has served in various ministries. He was a Nigerian ambassador to the Scandinavian countries. Bayelsa will definitely benefit from his national and international connections. Some of the points in his favour include his commitment to the development of the state; his open door policy to Bayelsans; irrespective of the social status, and his impeccable public service record. Many people say he is a detribalized Nigerian. He hails from the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, the second most populous local government area of the state. What may, however, stand against him is his support for Jonathan. It is on record that he stood behind the former President to the end. Secondly, he is still in service. This should not be a problem however. The former governor of Niger State, Alhaji Aliu Babangida, was a Permanent Secretary before being invited by his people to come and serve. Igali, if he decides to join the race, may be the aspirant to beat. General Boroh General Boroh had a distinguished military career and intellectually inclined. His recent appointment to manage the Amnesty Programme was welcomed by many Bayelsan youths. However, he has limited experience in administration. He may be a factor in the forthcoming election. Barclays Ayakoroma Dr Barclays Ayakoroma has not shown interest but his name is mentioned in some circles. If he eventually shows interest, he is likely to be a popular candidate. The only problem is that he has limited public service experience.

PAGE 12—SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

rexmarinus@hotmail.com

‘DESOPADEC reconstruction will impact positively on oil bearing communities’ •Says Okowa is not playing ethnic politics BY LUCKY OJI

Hon. Daniel Omayone Mayuku, is the fourth term member representing Warri South-West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, DTHA. In this interview with Sunday Vanguard, the acclaimed legislator speaks on the new DESOPADEC law, independence of Delta State House of Assembly and other issues affecting the state.

s Delta State cel ebrates her 24th anniversary, despite the successes recorded so far, many controversies have been thrown up by recent developments in the state. For instance, what is your take on the controversy generated by amendment of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, law and would you say that the controversy is over with the passage and signing into law of the amendment? Any legislative exercise of public importance which happens to generate intense public interest will always simultaneously generate its fair share of controversy and even avoidable acrimony. I believe it is all part of the democratic process and it is in many ways indicative of a democratic culture that is continuously evolving. It is of course unfortunate that several commentators and interest groups would appear to have become unnecessarily too emotional during the process. We had nevertheless consistently assured them that Governor Okowa meant well with the amendment and that we would end up with a result that will be satisfactory to all those genuinely committed to the welfare of the oil producing communities. But you cannot pretend that what you passed is not manifestly different from what was sent to the House. I beg to disagree. What His Excellency sent us was entirely motivated by a desire to reform DESOPADEC for the benefit of the people of the oil producing areas of the state. These are our own citizens who have long suffered neglect and abandonment, economic strangulation and environmental devastation. Everyone in this state is Governor Okowa’s constituent. Everybody’s problem is his problem and it is out of his genuine concern for the welfare of his constituents from the oil producing areas that he brilliantly initiated the amendment proposal by way of an executive bill. To all intents and purposes, what the House has passed is completely in tandem with His Excellency’s vision of a reformed and restructured DESOPADEC capable of effectively impacting the living conditions of our brethren

•Daniel Mayuku

The fact that the House in her own wisdom decided to expunged “Ika ethnic nationality” from the DESOPADEC Amendment Bill, bears eloquent testimony of her independence from the oil producing areas. I can assure you that not once did Governor Okowa attempt to influence the House in its deliberations. In fact, he kept his distance in respecting the time hallowed doctrine of separation of powers. What we have passed is a testament to genuine parliamentary business guided by the overall interest of the electorate. There have been allusions to Ika Agenda or Anioma Agenda and Governor Okowa has been accused of particularly favouring his own ethnic enclave and Delta North in general with appointments and projects… Which projects? Which appointments? The first project he paid for is Sapele Market, a long abandoned project in Delta Central. As someone with the entire state as his one and only constituency, His Excellency was so concerned about the welfare of his constituents from Sapele, who by the way are Okpe and not Ika, that he pleaded with our royal father, His Royal Majesty, Orhue I, CFR, the Orodje of Okpe to keep an eye on the allocation process for stores in the market to ensure that original allotees affected by the fire that destroyed the market are not sidelined or left out in the process. There is absolutely no evidence that Governor Okowa has by any means favoured Ika or Delta North in anyway. How many projects are in Ika area? How many appointees have come from Ika. What is happening in Delta North compared to what is happening in Delta Central or Delta South? Not only has the Governor mostly favoured Central and South over Delta North but his fair, just and equitable distribu-

tion of appointments and resources are being celebrated by objective commentators from across the state. How would you assess the independence of the Delta State House of Assembly, DTHA? Contrary to certain snide and ill-informed comments out there, this is certainly one of the most independent if not the most independent House of Assembly in the country. The facts incontrovertibly indicate that we are not by any means a rubber stamp to the executive arm. Do not forget that we are Deltans and as we say over here: “Delta nor dey carry last!” The fact that the House in her own wisdom decided to expunged “Ika ethnic nationality” from the DESOPADEC Amendment Bill, bears eloquent testimony of her independence. The Delta EPZ project which happens to be in your constituency has been generating a lot of controversy. Is it that it is impossible for Ijaws and Itsekiris to live and work together in peace? Ijaws and Itsekiris have always been capable of working together in peace, just as we all live and work together in peace, amity, cooperation and peaceful coexistence with our Urhobo brothers and sisters as well as other ethnic nationalities. This is no longer the era of saber rattling on either side but a time for us all to come together for our common good. The EPZ project is well on course and we already have an agreed template for the successful fruition of the project. This is a project that will be of eventual benefit to Delta State, Nigeria and the world at large and absolutely nothing should be allowed to truncate the process. We may have had our differences in Warri but as far as I am concerned this EPZ project has the remarkable potential of bringing all of us together rather than further tearing us apart. You may not like this, but you are certainly one of the most celebrated legislators in the State Assembly. What is the secret behind what many marvel at as your mercurial rise to power? The Lord has been my strength and will continue to be. What I have learnt from the flood of blessings the Lord Jesus has showered on me is to thank Him by giving back to the society. I respect all my elders who were there before me and acknowledge my mates in the struggle with me. As for my constituents, what they should expect from me is continued fight for their interest all the way. Under the leadership of my Speaker, Hon. Monday Igbuya, principal officers of the House, and, my excellent colleagues, the honourable members, Deltans should expect quality legislative representation in the current dispensation.

Buhari: Probing the process

n just a couple of weeks, it will be one hundred days that the president, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, assumed office as the elected president of Nigeria. There will be a lot of panegyrics commissioned as usual in the buyable spaces of the Nigerian media by sycophants and hangers-on, in praise of the president. Some will compare him to God – in his, well, God-inspired-omniscience. Some will tell him that he is the best thing to have happened to Nigeria since the first woman went out first to discover how to fry Akara. Many, like the musician Onyeka Onwenu will find their way to Aso Rock, just to bow and kneel before him. There will be such carnivals staged by his partisans to celebrate this great Nigerian who has come to save Nigeria from Nigeria. Many will top it by committing that sacrilege of reason: ‘Ranka dede,” they will say to him, “only God makes rulers. God has selected you, so, carry-go!’ It will be all foie de grass – goose liver fattened for your money. They’d of course conveniently forget to add that nobody saw God near any electoral booth in Nigeria, or that God never appeared in any of Buhari’s campaign stops, nor is God even a resident, or a registered voter in Nigeria. Only voters – the common people of Nigeria – elected the president and gave him the mandate to govern, not God. And it is t these ordinary Nigerians that he owes duty, obligation, and explanations, as well as accounting. Without them, he is nothing. But in the moments when Nigerians, driven mad by faith, can neither sense the autonomy of their own acts, nor the necessary power in networking at the most basic levels for their own interests, in order to determine the direction of power, such institutions as the office of the president, even under a democracy will have the aura of the Emperor. That is what I sense of President Buhari’s presidency, and it is a dangerous trend. It is imperative that the Nigerian National Assembly intervene immediately to restrain the Presidential from presidential overreach. It will be one hundred years soon, and many Nigerians have not at all forgotten the president’s campaign promises, and the agenda he set for himself in the first hundred days of office. We are still to see these happen, all Nigerians hear are declarations of intent. The intention soon, for instance, to make Boko Haram history. Boko Haram is still terrorizing Nigeria, and Buhari has not achieved any more success than the former president Jonathan, and it is nearly one hundred days in the making of his presidency. In fact, within the month after Jonathan ceded power to Buhari, the economy slid down a good notch. Within weeks of his presidency, the Naira weakened substantially; reports indicate greater

number in unemployment; economic policy is unclear, and presidential action in that area is a wash. The president has spent his first hundred days handing out jobs, and taking jobs, and apparently positioning his own team. He is yet to appoint a Federal Executive Council, and therefore, the operational capacity of Nigeria without the complement of the ministers of state, has been reduced to the lone acts of the presidency. In many instances, appointments which the president has so far made, which require ministerial input, has been made, in breach of the law. Some of the appointments, like those into the board of AMCON remain

The president in overstepping his bounds risks the countermand of the law, since not even he, is above the laws of the Republic. In some quarters of course is the worry that the president is staging a purging of the South, particularly of the South East, from public positions unconstitutional because the law that established that body was clear in requiring certain Legislative oversight an inter-agency process; and the nomination of the MD of AMCON by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The president in overstepping his bounds risks the countermand of the law, since not even he, is above the laws of the Republic. In some quarters of course is the worry that the president is staging a purging of the South, particularly of the South East, from public positions. Again, on this, one is personally indifferent; and I should restate these views again and again: the president is at liberty to appoint even his favorite dog to a position, if he feels that dog capable of delivering on his promise to serve Nigeria, and fulfill that hopeful promise of his electoral campaigns. The president can make appointments based on his best judgment. But it should be clear also that the president will be judged by the deliveries of his promise, as well as for the precedents he establishes. Today, we now know that a president can, unless it is explicitly changed in the laws of Nigeria, govern for as long as he desires without appointing a Ministerial council. It is the Buhari precedent. An elected President may also choose to appoint all his

key presidential staffers from one region. Indeed, Nigeria has come to a great moment when the office of the president, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria for the first time in its history, are occupied by individuals from one part of Nigeria – the North – and no one has yet batted an eyelid. Perhaps it will teach us all to drive gently, just as the witty former Governor of Imo state, the late Dr. Sam Mbakwe told the police driver of the Black Maria conveying him from the Tribunal to Kirikiri: “Drive gently, because if you don’t, when next it is my turn to drive, I might be rough!” President Buhari should drive gently. But I do believe, it will require an active, and engaged National Assembly, and a highly independent National Judicial Council to keep presidential power in check. The president for instance has been busy talking about probes. But nobody yet, even the lawyers, have pointed out the tricky question of whether the president has the constitutional mandate to probe any administration. The institutions established by the Acts of our Union as a federation, cannot be circumvented by presidential power, and these institutions are sui generis to the order of the republic. The president can certainly order his Attorney-General to prosecute, after gathering evidence, in a constitutionally established court. But the power to investigate the government, past or present, belongs to the National Assembly. The National Assembly may then require the president, to use both the Attorney General’s office, who should normally compel the Investigative arms of the police to gather evidence forensically, to be presented before the courts on behalf of the state, and not the other way round. President Buhari may be overstepping his bounds in these matters, and must learn to work with the National Assembly, which must also give him the proper legislative backing, to investigate former public servants, some of whom still enjoy legal immunity. Finally, the president must certainly see that changing heads of organizations and loading them with his personal choices from one region of Nigeria cannot stem corruption. Corruption is system, endemic, and institutional. It would require a radical overhaul of the corrupted systems of public accounting and oversight, to change things. Recruiting one hundred new policemen nationwide, for instance, will not stem police incompetence and corruption. Changing the orientation, the operational mode, the quality of personnel and requirements for recruitment and training, as well as the reward benefits for the police will. It is time to civilize the police; create an office for the Inspector-General for Internal Reviews, reposition the Criminals Investigation Department, merge the EFCC to it, and overhaul the entire technical and scientific capacity of the Police services. It is the process that needs to be changed, Mr. President, not the symbolic heads. It is about time the National Assembly probed the process of delivering services that have often failed in Nigeria, and it is going towards the hundred days of Buhari’s presidency; and the president is still mostly full of talk.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 13

Ex-Gov. Fashola’s travails The issues, the intrigues BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

After Saraki, Fashola, Who Next? 14 C M Y K

‘In Bold Prints: Thoughts of Babatunde Fashola’ 14

arely three months after exiting government, former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, has, recently, come under severe attacks from some groups, notably BudgIT, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) and the Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project. BudgIT accused Fashola of wrongdoing while in office. It was alleged that he spent N78 million on website upgrade contracted to a private company, a sum seen as outrageous. The group, in a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleged “questionable expenditures” by the administration of Fashola. In the petition, dated August 10 and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, the group called for the probe of the controversial N78 million public money spent on his personal website. The contract for the website was awarded to Info Access Plus Limited through the Office of the Chief of Staff to the former governor. The company, however, denied receiving the amount, insisting that it was paid N10 million only. Other allegations levelled against the Fashola administration by the group included the N1.2 billion spent on the construction of pedestrian bridges along EtiOsa – Lekki – Epe expressway “which did not specify the number of bridges”; N17 million awarded for the provision of wall signage in three magistrate courts; N3.46 billion spent on the construction of a beach resort in Ilase; and N61 million disbursed for a Range Rover SUV and two Toyota Hilux trucks as the official vehicles of Lagos Chief Judge. There was also the claim of extra-marital affair against Fashola, said to have produced a child. CACOL, led by Debo Adeniran, also went to town,saying its investigation showed that the 1.36 kilometre Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge cost N6 billion, and not the N25 billion quoted by Fashola’s administration. Adeniran, who claimed he was not being sponsored by any individual, explained that several petitions, written to the EFCC to probe the various projects in the state in the face of the more than N500 billion debt left by Fashola’s government, were ignored. The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project alleged that the state refused to disclose details of the US$200 million World Bank education fund during Fashola’s tenure. However, Fashola, in a response, titled, ‘Setting the Records Straight: When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty’, dismissed the allegations. He linked the attacks to the insinuation that he may be appointed aMinister or Secretary to Federal Government by President Muhammadu Buhari, when he stated in his response: “I expect that there may be more distorted allegations without evidence, for reasons that remain in the realm of speculation, but I have been informed reliably that large amounts of money are being paid to some of these agents to bear false witness. “I cannot conclude without responding to the crusade of CACOL seeking my prosecution on allegations that have no proof and writing letters to the Presidency. “In case they are unaware, I am not looking for a job, and allegations are not resolved without evidence, neither are they resolved in press conferences. “I have served my state and, by extension, my country for twelve and a half years and I did so with my heart. “I am taking the rest that I believe I have earned and wish those who have the responsibility to now serve us the very best in their endeavours. “For those who wish to throw mud at me, they should look at their own hands. For those who still wish to remain in the mud, they should look in the mirror. As for me, I have moved on; my job

Continues on page 15

PAGE 14 —SUND AY —SUNDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

BY OLAOTAN ADEJUMO his is not a particularly rosy period T for ex-Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola. The political

platform which produced him as governor is now subjecting the one they called ‘actualiser ’ to barrage of savage attacks, aimed at undoing him and destroying him politically. And this attack is being sponsored, orchestrated and stage-managed by the same group for which he was once a standard bearer. A group called Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), led by Debo Adeniran, has chosen the period when President Muhammadu Buhari is considering nominees for ministerial slots to launch an attack on Fashola, who, obviously, is getting a good consideration by the top shots in the Presidency. Having known the President’s disposition on the issue of corruption concerning those who will serve in his cabinet and that it is enough to make an allegation, particularly when so much noise is made about it, CACOL decided to harass Fashola with claims concerning a N78 million website contract. It is believed in many quarters that the man who put Fashola in government is coordinating the campaign. The new administration in Lagos State is probably not opposed to what is happening to the former helmsman. That is why Alausa has kept quiet over Fashola’s ordeal. To further understand the scheme behind the campaign of corruption against Fashola, one should look at a development in Aso Rock in which an All Progressives Congress, APC, leader reportedly moved desperately to block any attempt by Buhari to consider him as Chief of Staff. As soon as speculation started becoming rife that Buhari may make Fashola his Chief of Staff and the President decided to put the exGovernor of Lagos State on his entourage on a foreign trip, the APC leader started calculating that he must stop the President in his track. Pronto, Mr. Ade Ipaye, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, under Fashola, surfaced in Aso Rock to work as Chief of Staff to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Knowing that the Chief of Staff to the Vice President is actually the President’s Deputy Chief of Staff, the plan is that once a Lagos man is DCoS

After Saraki, Fashola, Who Next? After Saraki and Fashola, the APC leader will definitely look for the next victim. The political war general derives his kick in designing the ambition of others. He has lined up those who will be publicly caned, politically though. The next person will probably be Vice President Atiku Abubakar •Saraki to the President, it will be difficult for another Lagos man to be CoS. Lagos cannot produce both the main man and his deputy. Well, Buhari has not formally announced Ipaye’s name because his own CoS has not been named but the nominee of the APC leader is already working in Aso Rock. This War Against Fashola or WAF is not new. The senior advocate experienced the same campaign of hostility in 2011 when Association for Better Lagos launched a vicious campaign against him in a bid to stop him from getting second term. This group did all they could to stop the then Governor. Public rallies were held, the House of Assembly was instigated, the police and EFCC got petitions, media houses were inundated with sponsored articles and stories, all these were thrown at BRF. He survived because the APC leader later realized he will be toying with electoral defeat if he tried to drop Fashola. So, the

‘actualiser’ got his second term by subterfuge and the APC leader is ready to ensure he does not go further, whether Buhari likes him or not, whether his intellectual capacity and competence as an administrator with a good record of performance, are needed in the new government elected on the promise of positive change or not. That is the context in which the WAF should be viewed. Are the anticorruption campaigners just waking up to see the documents given to them from Alausa? If there is need to probe Lagos State Government, then let it date back to 1999. It should be noted that what Fashola is suffering now is what Saraki has been battling with since he declared his interest in the Senate Presidency. When the APC leader decided to pay back Saraki for mobilizing against Muslim Muslim ticket and urging for sacrifice on all sides to ensure Buhari’s victory, he employed all weapons in his arsenal to deal with the senator. Saraki’s daring move in which he got the Senate Presidency, in spite of the APC leader’s belligerent position, is the reason

somebody decided that the 8th Senate will not know peace. After Saraki and Fashola, the APC leader will definitely look for the next victim. The political war general derives his kick in designing the ambition of others. He has lined up those who will be publicly caned, politically though. The next person will probably be Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The former Vice President’s crime is that he dared to be the Chairman of Board of Trustees of the APC and not to back the plot to impose the leadership of the National Assembly against the wish of overwhelming majority of members. The APC leader is also interested in the position, or if he cannot get it, he will like an acolyte to get it, not minding the fact that with the party Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, being from the South, the North will want a balance achieved by the emergence of a northerner as BoT Chairman. Atiku had been pilloried for allegedly supporting the National Assembly leadership, but the APC leader already has a script on how to further ‘deal’ with him. When Atiku’s is done with, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun may follow. He is said to have refused the APC leader ’s proposal to make a former Lagos State Commissioner the ministerial nominee from Ogun. Amosun’s supporters are said to have insisted that the former commissioner cannot come and reap where he did not sow. Already, some online publishers are descending heavily on a female commissioner in Amosun’s last cabinet because it was learnt that she may be the Governor’s nominee into Buhari’s cabinet. The Ogun Governor will have a tough time if the APC leader does not have his way at the end of the day. It is believed Amosun’s colleague in Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, may also be on the line for the special treatment from the APC leader’s men, depending on how he handles the issue of the ministerial nominee from the state. And so, many more will follow. The APC leader continues to publicly and politically ‘execute’ those opposed to him or whose political viewpoint he does not like while claiming to promote democracy, social justice and fiscal federalism, fighting corruption and advocating the success of the Buhari regime. *Adejumo is an Ikeja, Lagos – based public affairs commentator.

‘In Bold Prints: Thoughts of Babatunde Fashola’ ll eyes were on former Governor of A Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday, when three books were presented in his honour.

Memories of his strides while in office came alive as ‘The Great Leap: Speeches by Governor Babatunde Fashola’, ‘In Bold Print: Thoughts of Babatunde Fashola’ and ‘The Lagos Blow Down: West Africa’s First Controlled Demolition’ were launched amid fanfare and tributes. While the first two were edited by Fashola’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, The Lagos Blow Down was co-edited by Bello and publisher and film producer, Dapo Adeniyi. At the well attended event held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, several eminent personalities paid tributes to Fashola, saying his administration made fundamental progress in Lagos. Among such were a former Deputy Governor of the State, Alhaja Latifat Okunu; Founder and Chairman of Fate Foundation, Mr. Fola Adeola; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was C M Y K

•Former Governor Fashola (middle) during book launch represented by Prof. Tunde Samuel; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, who represented Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; a representative of Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki; Senior members of the Bar and the Bench including the State’s Chief, Hon. Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, Alumni Association members of the University of

Ilorin, Old Boys of Ansar-ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere, family members of the authors and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Although all the books had their different stories, the experience behind The Lagos Blow Down particularly stirred dramatic reminiscences. This was as a result of a

documentary showed, which brought the memory closer home. It showed how Fashola had to take the daring decision of bringing gown the dilapidated Bank of Industry building to stem imminent danger. Commenting on the exercise and the book, which was reviewed by a town planning expert, Moses Ogunleye, Fashola noted that when he became the Governor and commissioned the reconstruction of roads in the city, the contractor handling the area suspended work on Broad Street, saying he could not expose his workers to the danger posed by the eventual total collapse of the building. “We asked them if they could do the job of bringing the building down and they said it was well beyond their scope and so the search for the company to do the job began until we found the company called the Wreckers”, he said, adding that the company lived up to its name by bringing down the building without causing any damage to the surrounding structures. Fashola said though the Federal Government was thanked for granting him the permission to carry out the blow down, it

Continues on page 15

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 15

Ex-Gov. Fashola’s travails Continued from page 13 is done.” Fashola’s many sins Political commentators linked the attacks on Fashola to the alleged frosty relationship with his mentor, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State. The frosty relationship theory became pronounced last Tuesday when Fashola’s former Special Adviser on Media, Hakeem Bello, launched three books on his boss’ administration. Majority of those expected at the event were apparently absent. Though Tinubu did not attend physically, he sent a representative, Prof Samuel. Also, former and present National APC Chairmen, Chiefs Bisi Akande and John OdigieOyegun; Governors Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, among other dignitaries, stayed away from the launch meant to celebrate Fashola and, by extension, APC. Fashola’s problem with Tinubu was said to have started when he did not support the candidacy of Ambode as Lagos APC governorship candidate ahead of the 2015 polls, and even went further to counter the Ambode project by encouraging his former Commissioner for Justice, Olasupo Sasore, to contest with Ambode at the primaries. Fashola was accused of spending a huge sum of money to sell Sasore to the public. Fashola also allegedly met with the 57 local government chairmen in the state, promised to extend their tenure and even approve third term for those interested if they supported his candidate at the primaries. Of course, Ambode, against all odds, defeated the former governor’s candidate (Sasore) among others. That singular action was seen by the camp loyal to Tinubu as “treacherous” and waited for his exit from government to strike back. Although, it is believed that no administration or individual can be perfect, the former governor was accused of introducing duplication of efforts in government business during his tenure.

•Fashola Many believe that the website project was unnecessary as the state government was already maintaining a department under the Ministry of Science and Technology that could have operated the website efficiently and at minimal cost. But Fashola chose to spend huge public money. A government source also accused him of manipulating the Quality Assurance Department to have his wayon procurement approvals. Also, he was alleged to have jettisoned Lagos Television for a private owned TV station, where huge sums of public funds were allegedly spent on projects. In the meantime, he was said to be economical with funds for party leaders. It was said that he did not spend on the Action Congress (AC), as the ruling party in the state then, neither did he spent on the ACN ventures and, when he did, it was with reluctance. This was in contrast to Asiwaju’s principle. The generosity of Tinubu was said to have given him the political weight as well as earned him unalloyed support from the majority of the people within and outside the party in Lagos, which Fashola lacked during his tenure. When contacted, an APC chieftain, who preferred anonymity, ruled out the involvement of Asiwaju or the APC on the attacks against Fashola, saying, “The

groups are entitled to their opinions; and Fashola is capable of defending himself and his administration. It’s unfortunate that when anything happens, we are always looking for someone to blame. Focus should now be on Budg IT, the NGO that first blew the whistle on who hired it.” Many APC members believe it is time for the leadership of the APC and, particularly, Oba Akiolu to intervene before the matter gets messier. Already, the issues have started causing cracks within the ruling party in Lagos. “There is already division in the party, those in Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, comprising of elders of the party, have started holding parallel meetings,” the source confided in Sunday Vanguard. Last week, there was an emergency closed door meeting by APC leaders at the party’s secretariat to review some issues as well as the alleged involvement of Asiwaju in Fashola’s travails. A source said: “Those who are fanning the embers of discord in the party, political jobbers, should stay away. It is like trying to fall an Iroko tree; when it comes down, it goes with smaller trees. This is what destroyed PDP. Fashola, Amaechi were instrumental to PMB’s victory. Hence Fashola should not be persecuted on the altar of personal interest”. On the insinuation that the attacks are targeted at tarnishing Fashola’s credibility so that he does not make the ministerial list, some APC leaders are said to be uncomfortable with the rising profile of Fashola with Buhari. “Fashola remains the best governor in Nigeria and haters can do nothing to change that. All they are trying to preempt is the inevitable rise in his political profile which is considered as a threat to some people’s presidential ambition. Nigerians know who serve them”, a political analyst, Mr. Afolabi Adeoye, said. “Truth is like the afternoon. You cannot cover it. If many states worked as hard as Fashola did for Lagos, Nigeria would be counted as one of the advanced countries today. But the worst enemies of anyone are those within. Those afraid that Fashola will be appointed minister are doing all they can to stop him. But you

cannot stop a moving train. Ministerial appointment is not the only position in Nigeria. I agree 100 percent. He did a great job worthy of emulation by others.” The fresh wave of change which swept some Permanent Secretaries out of service in Lagos is also linked to alleged “unprofessional conduct”, incompetence and misappropriation of funds allegedly committed during the Fashola administration. The restructuring, referred to as “Tsunami”, is still claiming victims. The retired PS are as follows: Eng Bamgbose Martins Paul,Works & Infrastructure Mr. Ajanaku, Adekunle Mudashiru LTV Arch. Adedeji, Taiwo Adetunde Waterfront & Infrastructure Dr. Desalu Ad e r e m i Special Duties Mr. Pedro Lawal Alade Mohammed Justice Mr. Fadipe, Ashamu Sewanu Local Govt Service Commission Mr. Abari Dada La t e e f Local Govt and Chieftaincy Mrs. Obasa Regina Iyabode Energy & Mineral Resources Mr. Sodade Adebayo Olukayode Economic Planning & Budget Dr. Oshiyimika John Adesegun Youth & Social Development Eng. Ogunbambi Adeniyi Hakeem Environment Surv. Agbenla, Olorunjuwonm Joseph Surveyor General Eng. Adenekan Ayodeji Adebayo Drainage Services TPL Adediran Joseph Ayodele MVAA Mr Onabolu Folake Folashade Parastatal Monitoring Office But the Chief Press Secretary to Ambode, Mr. Habib Aruna, when contacted, explained that the restructuring is in line with the governor’s drive to re-position the civil service for efficient performance and service delivery and not for any personal interest or motive. “He (governor) needs people of likeminds to consummate his agenda and vision,” Aruna stated.

‘In Bold Prints: Thoughts of Babatunde Fashola’ Continued from page 14 was actually the statesmanship of the late President Yar’Adua that made it possible in the face of the fierce opposition to the exercise by the opposition party in the state and the fact that they misinformed the President (late Yar’Adua) on the issue. The former state helmsman, who described the period of the blow down as a very challenging moment, thanked God that in spite of the expectations for the worst, the implosion was successful, recalling that the most tense moment was the ten seconds to the final blow down when he was handed a walkie-talkie and given the options to count down the go ahead or abort the exercise. “I still lack enough words to describe how almost surreal those last ten seconds were. I am sure that if anyone recorded my voice at the time it must have been shaky. But indeed go on we must because we were propelled, not by fear but by a larger cause to save human life and protect property”, he said. On his relationship with the author and his former Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, Fashola, who recalled that their paths crossed in 2006 when his political journey to the Government House began, explained that they met through a C M Y K

friend at a time when he had no clue as to how to deal with the media, pointing out that after their first interaction in his office as Chief of Staff, the former Special Adviser came back after a week to offer his service to him. In his remarks, Tinubu, who spoke through Samuel, a former Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, said the event had cemented the positive performance audit of Fashola. The APC National Leader said, “As I used to tell you any time we chatted that whatever you do today is an insurance for tomorrow, your surrender value has been further energised by today’s event. Your ability to intellectualise, your rugged determination to succeed have been well recognised by all. You have demonstrated the ability to combine the two very effectively to reach your goal in the service of the state.” In his review presented by a seasoned broadcaster, Angela Ajetunmobi, Emeritus Professor of Mass Communication, Olatunji Dare, said Fashola’s performance was outstanding. Dare said, “Fashola’s accomplishments as Governor of Lagos State have been universally acknowledged. Most recently, the global conflict prevention organisation, International Crisis Group, named him

one of seven outstanding personalities worldwide to be honoured with its annual Stephen J. Solarz Award ‘for his commitment to resolving social, economic and security challenges in one of the world’s most challenging urban environments.’ Previous recipients of the award have included former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; former Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. “For further perspective, hear this, from the International Crisis Group: “The award goes to a pioneer of peace, to a relentless fighter for the improvement of people’s lives, to someone who has built bridges, believed in change and mobilized others in the name of justice.” This is the rarefied company to which Governor Fashola belongs.” He noted that what stood Fashola out was his resolve to make a difference amid the challenges that Lagos particularly posed. Dare said, “What is the secret of his spectacular success in an office he never sought – an office into which he was literally dragooned? Answers to this important question are strewn here and there in The Great Leap and In Bold Print. First was his conviction that if you seek public office, you must prepare for it. And if even you are dragooned into it as he was, or stumble into it, you still have to prepare yourself to

discharge that office creditably. You cannot take office hoping to muddle through. Settled polities where relative contentment reigns can afford the luxury of muddling through; polities in a hurry to meet the basic needs of the people, develop and modernize cannot afford it. This conviction was backed by a fundamental article of faith: If you attain public office, you must use it to serve only the public good. On taking office, he set out on a comprehensive tour of Lagos State to identify and define the problems he would have to tackle. First, what were the underlying cause of the difficulties and frustrations of living in Lagos? Why would motorists, at great risk to themselves and other road users, drive against the flow of traffic? Why would petty traders turn pedestrian sidewalks into markets? Why would people clog he drains with refuse?. “It remains to add that one reason has Fashola succeeded so spectacularly is that he did not have to play politician. He was never mired in the horse-trading, the pandering to entrenched interests that often undermine the most clearly- formulated plans. He was splendidly insulated from that treacherous threshold by his predecessor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who did the political work, thus freeing Fashola to continue changing the face of Lagos without

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 17

Cynthia Agholor takes Cosy Orjiakor, Ngozi Ezeonu,others to Germany location

ULTRY Nollywood actress, Cynthia Agholor is set for the production of her third movie. The movie which she is co-producing with Germany-based Isaac Izoya will see top actors like Ngozi Ezeonu, Bishop Ime Okon, Cossy Orjiakor, Obi Madubogwu and a host of international stars go on location soon in Frankfurt, Germany. According to the Benin-born actress, the film is a big budget film and will be directed by Paul Julius. “It’s a serious story but full of comic relief. It is also starring Gandoki, the comedian” she says. Cynthia has produced two other films of her own: Sincerely Yours and Tears for Tomorrow.

ITH hit songs like German Juice and Lead me on under her belt, Cynthia Morgan is fast becoming Nigeria’s leading dancehall act. In recent times, she has been criticized for adopting patois in her music and the patois has been said to be unreal. In a recent interview, the Edo state born singer addresses the issue. “I don’t think I have heard that my Patois isn’t real. I am not Jamaican; I just happen to love the Jamaican culture and am someone that likes to

Only haters will say my Patois is fake — Cynthia Morgan

practice something different. I am not saying I am 100 percent perfect in speaking Patois, even Jamaicans listen to my songs and ask: Is she Jamaican? Anybody that says my Patois is fake is a total hater. I picked it up when I was growing up; I even had to get a Jamaican dictionary which I didn’t even read. Patois is a gift and you can’t take it away from it.

Stop calling me new actress, Sotayo Sobola cries out

The actress who won City People award 2015 in the ‘New Actress’ award category felt she should not belong in the category and voiced her thoughts as such. “So I got messages from people on Whatsapp and BBM that I won City People’s ‘Best ‘New’ actress (Yoruba). It’s quite funny when you look back and see the same people have been addressing you as an actress in years and suddenly you are new? Only City People understands their criteria for nominating and awarding. All the same, no be how far, na how well. •Tayo Sobola Thanks everyone. This is for you” he says.

EAUTIFUL actress and movie producer Tayo Sobola recently took to her Instagram timeline to express her displeasure at being referred to as a new actress in the industry.

•Cynthia Morgan

Search for Aquafina Elite Model Look 2015 begins in Lagos

•Cynthia Agholor

he casting for the prestigious international modelling event, Aquafina Elite Model Look 2015 took place over the weekend at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. Thousands of beautiful girls and handsome guys showcased style, elegance and glamour on the runway as they contested to be one of the 30 selected for camping. The 30 contestants will enjoy professional training by seasoned modelling tutors from which 20 will be selected. The chosen 20 will compete on the big stage at the final event of Aquafina Elite Model Look, in Lagos. According to Mr. Norden Thurston, Head of Marketing, Seven-up Bottling Company Plc,

Thurston “Aquafina Elite Model Look offers would-be models opportunities from the casting stage where everyone can showcase their talents, to the boot camp where the selected

contestants empowered to make the difference in the modelling industry and the final stage where they will have the opportunity to strut the runway in lovely outfits at the final of Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria 2015.” Last year ’s winners, Victor Ndigwe and Mayowa Nicolas were part of the panellist that made the selection from thousands who thronged the venue for the chance to be international models and both currently have modelling contracts with Elite Model in France.

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP!

PAGE 18— SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

Don’t sell your body for fame, IK Ogbonna tells upcoming actresses

Gulder set for another milestone re-launch

HEN top model and actor, IK Ogbonna posted on instagram that upcoming actresses should not sell their body, many took it on the wrong side and dissed the actor for the statement. But the actor, in a chat with Potpourri, reaffirmed his stand and drove it home in stronger language. “I feel it’s high time we tackled some certain things if we really love our people and want ourselves to grow. You must not sell your body to become someone in life; at that point you’re not fulfilled but when you become someone in life and you look back and you can tell yourself that you did not sell your body to become who you are, you have this inner fulfillment in you that no one can give you. Finally to all the millionaires and billionaires out there, let’s try and create millionaires.

You don’t wait for the government to do that, that’s not their work; the government is supposed to try and make things easier for us. There are so many rich men that give girls 10,000 dollars, 15,000 dollars every day after having sex with them. How about every month you bring out N10 million, look for someone that has initiative and a good business plan and invest in his life? You don’t need to dash him the money but let him pay you back in a year ’s time. If 100 billionaires can come out today and do this every month to make a millionaire, that way you are creating labour and making jobs for people and making lives better ”.

Kayode Ajulo returns to school L

IGHT skinned legal practitioner turn politician, Kayode Abraham Ajulo may have gotten to an enviable point in the journey of his life but what cannot be denied is that the vocal dude did not find himself where he is, overnight, but after he had paid so much price and held unto his dream. As a secondary student, Ajulo did not enjoy the luxury some of his mates enjoyed; rather, he used to trek to school on a daily basis. In his bid to make memorable the fifth anniversary of free transportation for students in Ondo State which he was part of, Ajulo dressed in the school uniform of the secondary school he attended, Aquinas College, Akure, and returned to the school to mark the day with the students. In the

course of the historic visit, the national secretary of the third largest party in the country, inspired and motivated the students by sharing his story of how he endured trekking to school in his days without losing focus and ended up being a success. He also made some donations to better the lots of the school as well as grant scholarship to a number of the students who saw him as a worthy role model. On the other hand, the brilliant lawyer who is also a lecturer is presently one of the most talked about in in some quarters in the Sunshine State, Ondo, and the simple reason his name is on every lip is that he’s said to be under pressure from those who believe in him to run as successor to Governor Mimiko as the later’s tenure inches to the end.

•Kayode Ajulo

Honours keep calling Dora Akunyili back to life

•Dora Akunyili

lthough she is no more, Dora Akunyili has continued to be remembered for the good work she left behind. To imortalize her name, Governor Obiano of Anambra State has concluded plans to rename the Women Development Center, Awka after the amazon. The event which promises to be memorable holds on Saturday, September 5. Since her demise, many nongovernmental organizations have bestowed honours on her. Not long ago, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria,PSN not long ago

conferred on her the ‘’Foundation Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy.’’ Also, the Human Right Writers Association bestowed on her the ‘’HURRIWA Legend’’. She also received an ‘’Integrity Awards’’ by integrity women, sons and daughter of Africa, in Kansan USA. The old Aguata district union equally conferred on her the “Adadioramma” title, just as African pharmaceutical Federation in Ghana, chaired by Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija and Dr. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. honoured her with the award of ‘’ Pillar of Pharmacy in Africa.’’

enowned for re-enacting the sphinx myth in the Nigerian beer market, Gulder beer, a premium brew from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc. is set for another trail-blazing experience in a few days; precisely on August 24. The event which is expected to attract global attention to Nigeria is slated to hold in South-East Nigeria, according to an insider at Nigerian Breweries. The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the latest move by Gulder is inspired by its quest to always stay innovative and maintain its tradition of pioneering ‘firsts’ in the beer industry. It would be recalled that the brand recently rebranded its bottle. The rebranding which was preceded by a massive campaign tagged “The Cube is coming” culminated in what industry experts have termed the most innovative beer bottle. However, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, when contacted said the Gulder re-launch was in tandem with the company’s penchant for innovation, which has sustained its leadership in the brewery sector. According to him, the new bottle launch is revolutionary and reflects Gulder’s stance to always be in the forefront of advancement. He said, “In 1946, the story of innovation started with Nigerian Breweries Plc. We launched the Gulder brand in 1970 in a unique brown bottle with a unique logo and unique recipe. This unique beer is loved by millions of Nigerians who savour the taste every day, every week, every month and every year.” Clearly marked with distinctive features, the new-look Gulder bottle wears a tougher but suave look, affirming that the brand confers strength on the strong and active man. It is the bottle of the future according to the immediate past Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Walter Drenth. The new bottle’s metallic label not only reinforces the strength and pride of the brand, it also enhances its look and feel. It’s striking double side embossment according to the brand “is the first in the history of bottle design in Nigeria and a concrete evidence of the brand’s innovative character”. So what does Gulder have for its consumers? Is it another cube? Is it another b o t t l e ? While the brand is keeping silent for now, the 24th of August is set to be another milestone in the annals of Nigeria’s beer industry.

•Nicolaas Vervelde

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 19 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

uditions for the competition will kick off in Abuja on Friday, August 28, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District. Thereafter, the audition train, led by Peter Okoye, will move to Accra Ghana, for the audition at National Theatre, South Liberia Road, Accra, on Tuesday, September 1. This will be followed by Benin, Edo State, on Friday, September 4, at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Center, Airport Road, Benin City. Lagos is next in line for the audition on Tuesday, September 8, at Bamako Studios, 1 Bamako Street, Ojodu, Lagos. The final audition for “Dance with Peter” will be held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, September 10, where prospective dancers in the show will be auditioned at the Atrium Event Centre, Stadium Road. Globacom said those who want to participate in the show can register by sending ‘DANCE’ to the short code 55517 in Nigeria and 3030 in Ghana through their Glo lines. Registration costs N100 for Nigeria and 0.5GHc for Ghana. “Once they send the SMS to the short code, they

“Dance with Peter” reality TV show berths in Abuja will then be requested to send their details, such as Name and Location, at no extra charge. All successful registrations will get a confirmatory SMS with instructions on what to do next. Globacom is offering mouth-watering prizes for winners in the dancing competition. The best dancer will go home with a brand new Toyota RAV 4 with N3million and the rare opportunity of featuring in P-Square’s next music video. The first and second runners-up, on the other hand, will receive a brand new Honda Civic car, N2million and a brand new Kia Rio car with N1million respectively and a chance to feature in top Glo Ambassador’s music videos. Dance legends such as Peter, Kaffy and Flex will feature in the show as judges, while Ehis Okoegule of MTV Base will be the host.

Hennessy unveils Praiz, Vector, Burna Boy for Artistry 2015

Nigeria’s first women radio station debuts

hat has been flying around as rumour will soon become a reality as it has been confirmed that the first radio station for women and the family in Nigeria (perhaps Africa), is set to hit the airwaves soonest. The gender sensitive radio communication initiative is the brainchild of Dr. Wale, Chief Medical Director at St. Ives Specialist Hospital, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos and veteran broadcast journalist, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, a Director of St. Ives Communications, owners of the radio station. As the unique, women and family-focused radio station WFM 91.7, formally commences operations in preparation for its test transmission, the station management revealed that it has been going through a painstaking process of talent discovery and outstanding personality to deliver on the unique operations target at a niche segment of the society –

women, the men in their lives and the family. According to one of the brains behind WFM 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, the interview exercise was painstakingly thorough and arduous. “When we sent out call for applications, the response was overwhelming. We received over 5,000 applications initially. We trimmed the applications down to less than two thousand after the initial chat with the applicants. And from the over 1,500 applicants interviewed, the judges shortlisted 15 for auditioning. The selected talents that will be voices and faces of the station will be unveiled soon,” she said. A source has also revealed that the radio station will not only focus on women and feminine issues, it will also cater for the interests of the male gender, the entire family while highlighting issues that are very important to women.

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

ll is set for the annual hosting of one of the greatest shows of celebrating music in the country, called Hennessy Artistry. This year ’s event is specially packaged to mark Hennessy’s 250th anniversary celebration. Therefore, to thrill fun seekers at the celebration, Rhythm & Blues singer and songwriter Praise Adejo, better known by his stage name, Praiz, Hip Hop lyricist, Olarenwaju Ogunmefun, aka Vector and Afro Fusionist, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, have been unveiled in Lagos as the three acts that will serenade music and Hennessy lovers in this year’s

event. Hennessy’s affair with music spans over its 250 years of existence and since the creation of the brand, it has partnered with different artistes and genres across different parts of the world. Hennessy Artistry has collaborated with renowned artistes like Rakim, The Roots, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Kanye West, Nas, Neyo, and LL Cool J. In Nigeria, since 2008, Hennessy has creatively engaged DJs, Producers, and Artistes. This year’s events will raise awareness for Hennessy’s love for music while providing an opportunity for its audience to own and identify with it. The Hennessy Artistry will be celebrated by brand representatives, brand ambassadors, lovers of Hennessy Cognac and a select group of affiliates who share the same interests as the brand. Previous Hennessy Artistry headliners include Jesse Jagz, Nneka, Cobhams, Kas, Jude “MI” Abaga, Banky W, Sir Shina Peters, Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, El Dee, Bez, Wizkid, 2Face and other notable Nigerian acts.

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP!

PAGE 20, SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

I can’t stand short men

Now you’ve got me thinking. I’ve kissed severally. I really don’t know, but I can’t go nude. Which is the most memorable kiss you’ve ever had on set? It was with Femi Branch. I’ve forgotten the title of the film now but we played lovers and we had to make it real, and we really kissed. He had his back turned at me, and he said something. Instead of me to respond, I just grabbed him and started kissing him; even the director was stunned. He is my friend though and I know his wife.

— Bimbo Thomas By TOFARATI IGE Nollywood actress, Bimbo Thomas has been in the movie industry for quite a while, but she shot into the limelight when she appeared in Funke Akindele’s popular movie, ‘Omo Ghetto.’ In this chat with Potpourri, she speaks on the early days of her career, her wine store, among other issues. Excerpts… Can you trace your genesis in the movie industry? I can remember it was during my undergraduate days at the University of Lagos studying Creative Arts. When I was in 100 Level, I met Tayo Odueke (Sikirat Sindodo), and she was already in the industry at that time. She noticed that I was doing well when it comes to projects and practicals in school. She then suggested that I should come into the movie industry since I have all it takes in terms of charisma and every other thing. It took me a while to decide though. Later on, I met with Lanre Abbey and he introduced me to the Odunfa Caucus under the tutelage of Yinka Quadri. Which of the movies you’ve acted in will you say gave your big break? I’ll say ‘Omo Ghetto.’ Which is the most challenging role you’ve played in a movie? Playing Nikky in Omo Ghetto was challenging. I had never broken a bottle before in my life, and I had also never been involved in a street fight, but I had to do all that in the movie. I put in my all and the character stuck. It took me some time to get that character out of my head. Are you comfortable with your size, or would you like to change anything about it? I’m okay. Right now, I’m even on a diet program trying to shed some weight. I know that I don’t want to go beyond this size because there are some sizes that are not good enough for a babe. And for a woman that has not started making babies, I should watch it if I don’t want to go way overboard. It was reported that your wine store cost N42m, is it true, and what informed your setting up of the store? This store, Bimbally, isn’t what I thought will come into place now. But the love for collecting wines, beauty and nature have always been in me. One

Which actor would you like to kiss? Internationally, it’s Idris Elba, but lately I’ve had a crush on Terrence Howard. Locally, it’s John Dumelo (Blushes).

day, I just thought of it that I haven’t really been working for a while now because I’m selective of the scripts I accept because I noticed that I was being stereotyped. I knew I needed a brand extension, and I thought of establishing a clothing line which I’m still going to do anyway, and a wine store. And the rest as they say, is history. The plan is to expand and have branches all over as time goes on. It was alleged that your sugar daddy gave you the money to set up the store, what do you have to say about that? It’s very funny when I hear things like that; I wonder where they think it up from. Looking at this shop, does it look to you like it’s worth N42m? No, but my eyes could be deceiving me, is it? I put this down with my own hard-earned money; no man gave me money. Even my family members were shocked when I opened the store because I didn’t inform anybody. My man was also surprised. Anyway, I think it’s a hype for me and I love it, except for the aspect of the man that they added to it. What’s the craziest thing you can do on a movie set?

If anyone calls me with a strange number and starts saying funny things like I like you, or I have so and so uncle I want you to meet, I just block the person’s line straight away

What’s your favourite part of your body? My lips. Have you ever been friends with benefit with anybody? No, I don’t subscribe to it. I’ve always had a smooth arrangement with everybody I’ve come in contact with. However, like the Kumi guy I told you about, we started out as friends, and you know we ladies always know when guys like us. But I, as a person, don’t like to drag it out of you. I’ll act as if I can’t read between the lines. Anyway, we gradually began a relationship, but I won’t even peck an ordinary friend; it’s that bad. There’s a lot of lesbianism talks in the industry nowadays, have you ever had a lesbian hit on you? Not from anyone in the industry, but outside. There was a time I was at a party and they played one of my favourite songs and I started dancing excitedly. I noticed a lady was looking at me in a funny kind of way. When I sat down, we got talking. And she began putting her hands on me, telling me that she had been admiring me for a long time. There and then, I shut her down and she apologised. The irony is that she’s even a prettier lady than I am. It is believed that many actresses these days are glorified prostitutes, what’s your take on that? When people say things like that, I feel it’s their opinion, which they have a right to. I have a lot of guys as friends and I know that they like actresses, maybe because they can boast with it that they’re dating famous people. There are many girls out there who can do whatever they like without public scrutiny, but it’s not so for actresses. But why would someone who is famous be prostituting when the attention of the whole world is on her? It doesn’t make sense. Being famous deprives one of doing certain things. If anyone calls me with a strange number and starts saying funny things like I like you, or I have so and so uncle I want you to meet, I just block the person’s line straight away. I’m not cut out for things like that. It takes a lot of effort for any member of the opposite sex to be my friend. For whoever is hiding under this umbrella to tarnish other people’s image, I think they should be checked.

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP!

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 21

Signs yyou ou are no xperiencing the nott e experiencing kind of real lo ou truly deser lovve yyou deservve BY ONOZURE DANIA

o you feel as if you just can’t get the time and attention you want from your man? He wants to go out with his buddies all the time or he doesn’t do what he says he will? Or maybe you’re the one who feels like he’s crowding

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• Ify ,33, slim, light in

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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

the other person away. In a relationship, neither person needs the other to “complete” them. Both people are awake to themselves, their feelings and thoughts, and are open to the flow of love and attention with one another. It’s about two equals celebrating together rather than “needing” something from the other. In short, a relationship like this is one where both people are in harmony. And that’s

exactly what it feels like: in tune, relaxed, and just plain fun. Entanglements, on the other hand, look and feel very different. Entanglements may look like a relationship on the surface. You might spend a lot of time together, you’ve met each other’s friends and family, and people refer to you as a “couple.” But you’re not having a real relationship at least not one that is characterized by love and harmony.

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PAGE 22—SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

Quackery remains bane of IT practice in Nigeria -Prof. Asor, CPN President

rofessor Vincent Asor is the newly elected President/ Chairman of Council of the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) [CPN].In this interview with Emeka Aginam, the University Don listed his major policy thrust, assuring that establishing a clear career path for IT professionals will be his top priority. He however, condemned in clear terms, quackery in the Nigerian IT practice. Excerpts: CPN mandate: s the regulatory authority in IT education and practice in Nigeria, the Council’s mandate is to provide a regulated and standarddriven environment for IT education and practice in Nigeria such that socioeconomic development is engendered. The Council also determines the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the computing profession and improve those standards from time to time as circumstances may permit. Progress so far: In its quest to ensure that the profession and its practitioners are strategically positioned to add value to the society, Council has made significant progress on issues such as: the establishment of a standard framework for qualitative IT education in Nigeria in collaboration with stakeholders in the education sector through the instrumentality of the National Information Technology Education Framework (NITEF), joining forces with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in ensuring that sub-standards computer products are not imported into the country, the establishment of the Computer Professionals Examination (CPE) that provides IT skills and knowledge that enhance IT capacity of public servants, among others. My policy thrust Regarding my policy thrust, I will say between now and the next two years that I am President and Chairman of Council, I want to ensure that IT is properly regulated. Beyond that, I also want to see government using information technology in doing her businesses. I want to see a doctor doing his job effectively using IT.I want to see IT in governance, in education and every sphere of life. IT is like oxygen that when you remove it from you, you will not die on the spot, but you will die gradually. The medical doctor can do anything he wants to do but whether he likes it or not, if he wants speed,

effectively he needs IT. The Accountant can do his work, write and get results but for efficiency, effectiveness and speed, he needs IT and that is where computational machinery comes to effect.We are not saying that because you have a computer for personal use in your home, you should come and register with us, no! But when you are using computational machinery to exercise some particular functions that will generate funds, that will cause you to be regulated because it could be used to cause havoc that is why government set CPN up. Also, establishing a clear career path for IT professionals in this country that will give them a sense of direction where they belong is top on my

•Prof. Vincent Asor agenda. Making sure that CPN and other sister Agencies like the Nigerian University

I will ensure that IT is properly regulated in Nigeria

Commission, NUC, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, among others work together is also top priority for me and I am pursuing it already. These are two fundamental things that I wish to lend myself to as President/Chairman of Council in the next two years of my tenure. By the time we are able to create a clear career path which is already almost completed, and people begin to see a home where they are going to belong and beyond that, by the time everybody now sees that he has

a home and I tell you that it is your responsibility to know and ensure that that person who has opened a computer training institute is not fully registered, that he has the wherewithal to train people, not just going to feed them with trash, then people will begin to pay attention. Those are my thrust issues. On quackery You see quackery is there in every business. Whether it is computing, accounting, medical or engineering profession, quackery will always be there. Quacks can be classified in several forms. We have people who are true professionals but still engage in the act of quackery. Then we have people who are not professionals, but claim to be professionals and engage in the act of quackery. And then we have those people who are not anywhere and they come to learn the trade and because of their intelligence, they engage in the act of quackery. Over the last few weeks after my election as President and Chairman of council, I have had the opportunity of having meetings with members of staff of the Secretariat of CPN. And then we are looking at how we can incorporate these artisans and drag them into the workforce. I want them to come. We are trying to establish a cadre for them so that they can understand that it is not good to be quacks so that we can also design a path for them.

MTN Token to boost SIM authentication, transactions via mobile devices F

or secured digital identity of customers in the 21st century digital economy, mobile telecoms operator, MTN Nigeria has launched the MTN Token to boost SIM authentication and transaction via mobile devices. While the mobile operators woes businesses and subscribers with secured services, the MTN Token has the stateof-art technology capabilities to secure customer’s transactions across digital platforms. Launched recently during the TECH+ Technology Conference and Exhibition sponsored by MTN Nigeria in Lagos, participants at the event included IT experts, SMEs, Manufacturers among others. The new MTN Token is expected to provide both customers on the mobile network across all spheres with a SIM authentication service which enables immediate and secure authentication of their digital identity and transactions via their mobile devices. The MTN Token service also provides the convenience of having a Single SignOn (password) for all digital authentications on different service providers’ platforms. This means that as a user you will not need to remember different passwords to log-in to different services. On how the MTN Token service works, an MTN customer purchases or swaps his/her existing

MTN SIM to an MTN Token SIM at any MTN store or service provider that sells the MTN Token SIM and then activate. Introducing the MTN Token service, Ms. Aisha Umar-Mumuni, Head, Innovation MTN Nigeria said that the product will provide the highest level of security authentication available. “There have been serious concerns about security particularly on transactions made across the various digital platforms. “With this on our mind, we have created the MTN Token to resolve and address these concerns. The MTN Token has been specifically designed not to transmit the user’s authentication details on the Internet. It also provides the authentication of cash-less payment on e-commerce websites, financial transactions on e-banking portals, cardless transactions on ATM Terminals, customer digital identity on websites hosting confidential information like insurance, pension and taxation web portals as well as authentication of staff identity on workforce mobile service. So, what we have in the MTN Token is simply a total package”. Further commenting on the benefits of the new MTN Token service to business enterprises across Nigeria, Ms. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, General Manager, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria

said the company was committed to enhancing seamless and secured transactions for businesses across Nigeria.. “We believe that businesses across Nigeria and indeed our subscribers will benefit from the latest technology behind the MTN Token. Among the benefits are a reduction in the high rate of electronic fraud cases which according to statistics cost the Nigerian economy over N40 billion in 2014; reduction in exposure to fraudulent SIM and users safety is guaranteed because with MTN Token their password is not exposed anywhere online. “The password is exclusive to only the user or identity owner without the knowledge of service-providers like banks, e-Commerce, or any other telecommunication firm because it is stored on the SIM” Ikenna-Emeka explained. Speaking earlier at the opening ceremony for the Tech+ Conference and Exhibition, Mr. Michael Ikpoki, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria stated that the global impact of technology across all areas of human endeavor has made it of greater necessity that individuals stay in touch with the world around them to be abreast with the latest technological advancements that could be of benefit to them.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 23

A gentleman is never afraid to ask a woman what turns her on!

o matter how athletic, young and good looking, a lot of men have confessed they don’t really know what to do with that panting woman in their arms. Playing on the ‘ you win some, you lose some’ rule, they just play by the ear, leaving their supposed conquests wondering what hit them. Paul, now in his 30s and a silver-spoon kid confessed that he had beginner’s luck when he first started getting intimate with a woman. “This gave me a false impression of my abilities,” he said. “At the university, I hooked up with a woman who virtually went to pieces at my slightest touch- she was that besotted with me. My ego was inflated, and I thought I was the God’s gift to women. When that affair ended and I hooked up with other women, I was puzzled and disappointed that they didn’t experience the same high as my former lover. In fact if they could talk, most of them would have said: ‘Just finish, I wasn’t going to come anyway...’ by the

enthusiasm they showed. Not only did I feel horribly inadequate, I felt completely frustrated.” “What the heck did these women want anyway? I was inside her for goodness sake, I used to scream silently. Why weren’t the women I bedded immediately clutching at my back and spasming in ecstasy? I mean we were now in a clinch, with me pumping furiously away, what else was required of me? Plenty, I later learnt that I knew next to nothing about what women really wanted. As a son of a gynaecologist, my understanding of sex was clinical. I knew that to make a baby, people had sex together. I didn’t know where the clitoris was, or the mythical G-spot for that matter, but I did know what I saw in movies and the movies told me that to take a lady to high heavens, some amount of oral sex was involved. So, I entered a period where much of my foreplay repertoire consisted of latching myself to a lady’s bits like a hungry baby to its

asked her if I could look in on her `for old time’s sake.’ Actually, I was expecting her to laugh in my face and tell me what I could do with my tackle. I was therefore surprised when she said she would be free the next day! What about the new boyfriend? I’d heard from mutual friends she was ‘happily ’ hooked. She said I should leave her to worry about that.

mum’s breast.” “Even with that, the results were mixed. I learnt from a few bold women what I was doing wrong - like not using my fingers and going too heavy on the tongue! I didn’t let the criticism bother me though. I soldiered on until I finally cracked it. I finally understood what it took to please a lady. Thanks to my finally finding the right one. We both had awkward bedroom fun until we got confident enough to compare

notes. One night, she told me how she liked it, what angles were ‘ no’ and which ones made her scream: ‘ yes! yes!’ I was happy she did.” “So you ladies out there, don’t be too reserved. Talk to your man. You tell a waiter how you like your food. Waiters aren’t mind-readers, and neither is your guy. Bringing a woman to orgasm makes us men feel unstoppable. A few months back, I ran into an old girlfriend. Playfully, I

“The next day, I was at her place like a flash, clutching a bottle of champagne. Within minutes, she was all over me and we were soon in the bedroom having wild sex. Then I remembered a friend telling me I should try other places to have sex in. So when she went to the bathroom, I was right behind her. Since then we’ve tried the kitchen, the living room and even the car – though I didn’t find that as comfortable as the others! She told me she was in love with her boyfriend but he is a pastor ’s son and chaste sex was all his upbringing would allow! I think that’s a load of crap! With all the shenanigans most of these pastors are always

up to with their ‘flock’, this lucky guy must be spoilt for choice about who he should be ‘ministering’ to!” “But who was I to complain? She further confessed no other man had quite rung her bell the way I did! I felt ten foot tall! Can you imagine growing from a fumbling, eager-toplease geek to a superstud! This escapade with her almost gave me the horrible thought of going after a few exes to top up their sexual needs, but I don’t have the heart to do that. I quite fancy my steady girlfriend and I would be gutted if she cheated on me. So, I’m sticking to this bit on the side for as long as I can get away with it. “So you guys out there, don’t assume that because you’re pumping away, you are a stud. Your partner is probably more experienced than you are, so ask her to teach you how to please her. Believe me, the lesson you learn might stand you in good stead with your next conquest. Happy hunting!”

The Plough and Leg Raise Postures

hese exercises will help you to emain fit and healthy. THE PLOUGH TECHNIQUE: Lying flat on your back with the hands by your sides, swing backwards both legs till the toes touch the floor. Drop the knees to the floor or quite close and

bring the hands to lie along the outside of the legs. Stay in this position for some ten seconds. BENEFITS: The plough instills suppleness to the spine and helps to massage the digestive organs. It also banishes indigestion and constipation. CAUTION: If you can’t

The plough instills suppleness to the spine and helps to massage the digestive organs

get your toes touching the floor don’t force. Let the feet hang off the floor till you’re flexible enough in the back. THE LEGS AND ARMS RAISE TECHNIQUE: Sit on the floor and raising both legs high up stretch out the arms in the slightly

arched. Stay in the posture between 5 to 10 seconds and drop the feet gently to the floor again, rest a while and repeat. BENEFITS: This exercise strengthens the muscles of the thighs and abdomen. It prevents a pot belly.

Leg Raise

Yoga Classes STARTED Physical Therapy Centre

The Plough

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

P AGE 24 — SUND AY Vanguard , A UGUST 23 , 2015 SUNDA AUGUST

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only

It’s no longer brains that line your pockets!

ONICA, a seasoned educationist who runs a thriving secondary school told me she’s really sad about the back seat sound education is currently taking in the society. “It’s no longer brains that line your pockets or attract admiration now,” she said sadly. “Look at brilliant young graduates pouring out of top universities each year who wind up running catering services or earning barely enough to keep them in decent shoes. Compare their earnings to those of `glamour’ models, actors and actresses who turn into ‘film production’ and raking in all the profits either earned or unearned! “When I was a young working-class girl, education was rigorous and it mattered. Good exam results and a degree were our way of avoiding the kinds of lives which had so restricted our mothers jobs as cleaners, factory workers or at best, typist and primary school teachers - followed by marriage, children, dependence on a husband. We dressed smartly, made sure our make-up was tasteful and that it would be our brains that would attract employers, who would respect our well-stocked minds and pay us accordingly. It was what society then required of us. We were expected to set aside the trivial, whether it be make-up, fashion, manicures or costly hairdos, and work hard to make our way professionally. “Sadly, women of our generation have encouraged our children to take a similar path, only to struggle with

debts from sourcing for education funds as our children struggle to find a decent job, paid peanuts if they get paid at all and with no prospect of ever saving enough money to buy a second-hand car. In the mean-time, their counterparts, who barely made it through secondary school turn up with very expensive hair extensions, fancy brand new cars and foreign trips to make the average foreign ambassador green with envy! Is it any wonder then that a lot of youths believe they might benefit from taking up a similar career rather than struggling along the academic route only to find no job at the end of it! “Some of the parents of children who attend the school are a good example. The welleducated are the ones who often fail to return envelopes soliciting for the development of the

school or any other philanthropic projects, whilst their ‘selfemployed’ counterparts stuff such envelopes to bursting point. “For too long, we’ve been deluded by the idea that everyone should have a degree to the detriment of service industries. Perhaps now, we’ll learn to value those not suited to an academic training, but who are hugely important when the school fees are due or when the landlord comes scowling down the drive. Last year, a father whose two kids got admitted into tertiary institutions looked desperate wondering where he would get the funds to pay for their education. The next time I saw him, he looked much relieved. ‘Their mother came up with the money,’ he said, not quite believing this small ‘miracle’. `She’d been offered two plots of land

in a remote part of Lagos years back and approached me for assistance. I told her to forget it, telling her the vendors were land speculators. ‘“My wife has a shop where she sells all sorts of merchandise and had over the years, been able to pay for the plots of land. When the fees problem came up, she said she sold one and still had cash to spare! I now look at her with a new respect! “Famous people cling to their talents to guarantee a seat on the gravy train. Even those who don’t get famous seem capable of making a far better living than their better-educated counterparts - sad though that might be to say. A few weeks ago, a young parent came to pick up her daughter. She dressed as if she just came from a glamour shoot. Her toes were so professionally done I

DEAR FUTURE WIFE,

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"

I don’t know when how and where we will meet but my heart says that we are destined to meet soon and I am anxiously waiting for that magical day. I want to fall in love with you from the moment I see you till the moment I close my eyes forever. I want to see in you every hope, every desire and every dream I have ever had of my soul mate. I want to fall in love with everything about you from the way you sip your coffee to the way you crinkled your nose and your goofy grin. I want to go on long drives and long walks with you and spend hours and hours with you just talking endlessly .I want to cook for you and pamper you like a baby. I want to read my poems to you and dance with you on love songs. I want to share all my dreams and fantasies with you and I promise to hold your hand and stand right next to you in your good and bad days. I want to grow old with you so that we can tell our love story to our grand children. I want us to be spiritually and emotionally and telepathically connected to each other’s souls till eternity and beyond. I am living this

surreptitiously looked at my feet and noticed what a terrible state they were in. I doubt I was the only ‘clever lady ’ who couldn’t blow a month’s wage on an expensive pedicure and a stint at a reputable spa. So who’s the stupid one now?! “Times have undoubtedly changed and the value system seems to have gone into reverse. The ones who hit the headlines and make the money are those who work hard - at being in the gym and beauty salons. They are the ones that get invited to various products launch and get mouthwatering corporate endorsements. And our so-called ‘public figures’ scarcely have mindbugling degrees to qualify them for such positions. It is only a matter of time before a lot of our youths wanting to ‘make it’ succumb to the pressure to become public figures, given the tendency to handsomely reward the less e d u c a t i o n a l l y advantaged.” Orgasm - Are Women Short-changed By Men?! New research have confirmed that single women have fewer orgasms, while their male counterparts have the most. According to one of the researchers, having an orgasm is more like running a marathon than a sprint, but for many women, it is uphill terrain. That when it comes to orgasms, women are still the underdogs. According to data from 2014 survey conducted by online marketing company, Columinate, in partnership with Durex on women’s sexual wellbeing, not even 50% of women climax: and not

only are they unsatisfied with their sex lives, they also have ‘ worrying’ low self-esteem. “They still patronise men’s orgasms,’ says Debby Herbenick, director of Indiana University ’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion. “ Perhaps it’s because when a man finishes, very often, sex does too or because, physically, the male orgasm is like a neatly tied bow, while the female is like a Valentino gown. (It’s complex and can take a while to construct but boy, is it gorgeous ... ) It can be hard to explain this to a partner - especially when you are both naked. The good news: women are making strides towards closing the gap. “It’s all about exploring what feels good for you,” she says. Not all women need to have an orgasm every time for sex to be hot, she continues. But most would like more. These are three tips she says can help you get over the edge: Do yoga for your vagina. Keep the energy flowing down there by taking deep breaths and imagining sending them to your lady cave. Sounds wack - but it’s basically the free female viagra. Don’t be afraid to reveal a kinky desire. No fetish is anti-feminist. Just because you sometimes like being called a slut during sex doesn’t mean you ever like it during dinner. (Silently) tell yourself how much you’re turning him on. Whether he’s a Chatty Charlie or a quiet type in the sack, seeing his face as he’s lost in ecstasy - and realising you’re making it happen - can be the push you need to cross the finish line!

dream just now and waiting to meet you soon. Your future Husband. Chris Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015.

I live for you!

I live to love you, I live to see you happy, I live to adore you, I live to put a smile in your face, I live to see your dreams come through, I live to be your only man, I live to care and cherish you all day long, I live to see you through the storms, Just know you are my princess;baby... And i will stand by you...,because i have chosen you as my one and only wife, I will love you till the end of time... James N Okonkwo (Freesoul) ngesina363k@yahoo.com, 08066043380

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 25

THE OONI SUCCESSION BATTLE

Ifa will select monarch — Prof. Aderibigbe, Ife prince *’Oba Aderemi, Sijuwade anointing stories not true’ Prince Adeyemi Adeoye Aderibigbe Ologbenla, a retired professor of economics, from Giesi Ruling House, one of the ruling houses in Ile-Ife, is versed in economics and the history of the cradle of Yorubaland. In this interview, he speaks on how his ruling house was denied the Ooni stool when the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade ascended the throne in 1980. He says, in this interview, that it is the turn of his lineage to present the next monarch of the town.

BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan Chronological order of previous Ooni of Ife from 1930 My father, the late Oba Aderin Ologbenla, who came from Giesi Ruling House, was the Ooni of Ife in 1880 and he was succeeded by Olubuse, the late Ooni’s grandfather, who ruled till 1910. When Olubushe died, he was succeeded by Osinkola. Osinkola reigned for only two months. After his death, Ajagun Ademiluyi from Lafodigo Ruling House ascended the throne. Naturally, he should have been succeeded by the Giesi Ruling House, but the elders at that time waded in. They said since Osinkola spent only two months on the throne, the ruling house should produce the king. That was why the late Oba Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi became king in 1930 and passed on in June 1980. 1957 declaration on rotation During his (Aderemi) reign, I like to believe that it was a pang of conscience that prevailed then and, in 1957, he proclaimed a declaration that set up the ruling houses orderly. Osinkola was to be the first, followed by Giesi and then Ogboru Ruling House. In 1976, during David Jemibewon regime, there was a Commission of Enquiry that was set up and led by Justice Adenekan Ademola, a retired Supreme Court Justice, and that commission changed the declaration of 1957. That declaration led to Ogboru coming to the throne. Oba Aderemi refused to sign revised declaration Before Aderemi died, he refused to sign that renewed declaration; he told some of us, Giesi children, that he had refused to sign because he saw nothing wrong with the initial declaration made in 1957. When he died in 1980, we heard that it was Ogboru’s turn C M Y K

again. That was why I went to court in 1980. Justice Falade of Ife High Court then ruled that I had no locus standi and I contested his decision in the Court of Appeal and there was an injunction that the court granted which restrained Oba Sijuwade from coming to the throne. But, when some elders stepped in, even though I was winning, I listened to their wise counsel. In 1976, they swapped positions. They made the number one ruling house number two and that was the position that subsisted until Ooni Sijuwade died. I am aware that there can be no declaration during interregnum. So it is Giesi Ruling House turn to present next monarch. Ifa oracle I have never been told from history

I read in your newspaper that somebody has been parading himself as having been anointed by Oba Sijuwade. It is the greatest falsehood ever peddled. He also claimed that Sijuwade was anointed by the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi and that Aderemi was anointed by Ademiluyi Ajagun. Nothing can be farther from the truth

when Ifa oracle rejected a candidate presented by the ruling house whose turn was it to present the king. I have also heard that a number of people have been presenting themselves or making claims that they want to be Ooni. I am in a position to know who the true Giesi children are and we are willing and ready to present a candidate or candidates whenever we are told to do so by the kingmakers, local and state governments. I read in your newspaper that somebody has been parading himself as having been anointed by Oba Sijuwade. It is the greatest falsehood ever peddled. He also claimed that Sijuwade was anointed by the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi and that Aderemi was anointed by Ademiluyi Ajagun. Nothing can be farther from the truth. It never happened because Ooni can never name his successor. The 1976 declaration is there and I am appealing to government to stick to that declaration to avoid problem from our ruling house. All those who are parading themselves have no claims to the throne. They are not even members of Giesi Ruling House. Giesi will present a candidate when called upon to do so. Since it is Ifa oracle that selects who becomes the new monarch according to popular belief, there is no way the late Ooni could have anointed any man. Sijuwade could not have presented or anointed him. Another thing is that Ifa oracle will certainly choose a candidate from the ruling house whose it is it to present the king. Ifa will never choose a candidate from outside the next ruling house. The person who talked in your paper has no claim to the throne.

Confirming that Prince Ramon Adegoke Adedoyin is not from any ruling house in Ife, he handed over his biography which was published in 2006 asking the reporter to read a portion from it. A portion of Adedoyin’s biography: On page four of the biography, entitled, “The untold story of a great achiever”, it is stated that he was born into the family of the late Alhaji Saka Adedoyin of LukounObalaaye Ruling House in Ile-Ife. The late Alhaji Saka Adedoyin was born by late Pa Adedoyin and late princess Omiwenu Adedoyin from Adogbodo Obalufe Ruling House in Ile-Ife. Aderibigbe faults Adedoyin’s claim Obalufe is never a member of the ruling house. He is the highest among the chiefs but has no right to the royal lineage. The man just

lumped the three ruling houses together in that interview. In Ife, you can only come from one ruling house. If you read that interview and his biography, how do you reconcile the two. Now, you said it is the turn of Giesi to present the candidate for the throne. What happens if the Ifa oracle does not pick a new king from your ruling house even though it is your turn to produce the next king? No, such thing has never happened in Ile-Ife since its inception centuries back. Warning from last meeting Yesterday (Tuesday), my ruling house, Giesi, met with the chiefs in the palace and I told them that they should realize that it is our turn to present the Ooni this time around. Jaaran(one of the chiefs) said that they were aware of the fact but warned that somehow some people were creating division within the ruling house and they have split into three different parts. He further warned that if I did not put my house in order, we stand the risk of losing our chance again. That I assure you will never happen this time around. Ifa won’t reject anybody and the chieftaincy law states that if there is a division, they would go into voting. When we are told officially, we will respond promptly. Consequence of imposing a candidate on Ifa Ifa will not reject anybody and say the candidate is bad so far he comes from the ruling house. Ifa oracle will say if you present somebody not chosen by it, there is likelihood that some things will happen during his reign. Since choosing a candidate outside the ruling house whose turn it is to present a candidate has never happened in the history of Ile-Ife, we are not going to import that in 2015. Does Ifa consider age in its choice? Ifa’s choice does not have anything to do with age. But we must follow the law. The law says nobody above the age of 30 should be prevented from becoming the Ooni. But, because of the world in which we are, it will be putting a wrong foot forward to put a man of 30 or 40 on the throne of the Ooni. There is a Yoruba proverb that says,”Omo ese agba, iwonba ni asise e mo”, meaning a mature person who heeds elder’s counsel hardly makes mistakes. Once a bad habit is cultivated, it will be difficult to correct. The ruling house will be well advised to present the right candidate and should not allow money to guide its choice.

PAGE 26—SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 27

C M Y K

PAGE 28 — SUNDAY, Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215

Matilda A wani laid tto o rest amid pomp Aw

ate Princess (Mrs) Matilda Fatimo Adiba Gray Awani (Nee Bakwo) was laid to rest with a Service of Songs on 13th and 14th Au g u s t , 2 0 1 5 . T h e funeral mass was at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Ekurede Itsekiri, Warri.Delta State. Interment followed immediately with the entertainment of guests at Gray Awani’s C o m p o u n d , Ajamogha Warrr i , Delta State.

Children, in-laws of late Princess (Mrs) Matilda Fatimo Awani and the officiating priest, Very Revd. Fr. Augustine Adaka.

Grand-children of late Princess (Mrs.) Matilda Fatimo Awani with the officiating priest, Very Revd. Augustine Adaka.

Juliana and Joseph

uliana Oluwaremifunmi Ariyo wedded Joseph Olaitan Oduyebo on July 18, 2015 at the Gospel Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

Executives and members of Iwere Knight Association (IKA) with Elder Charles Oritiseweyinmi Awani.

Odunewu’s son weds Oluwafemi Odunewu, son of Mr. Christopher Oladipupo Odunewu and Ebunoluwa Jegede were wedded recently at Christ Church Anglican, AmuwoOdofin, Lagos. Photos by Bunmi Azeez

L-R: Mr. Oladipupo Odunewu, groom's father, Mrs. Janet Jegede, bride's mother, Oluwafemi Odunewu, his wife, Ebunoluwa, Engr. Sunday Jegede, bride's father and Deaconess Victoria Odunewu.

L-R: Mr. Niyi Akindoyin, Samuel Adenekan. Oluwafemi Odunewu, his wife Ebunoluwa, Mr. Oladipupo Odunewu, groom's father, Hon. Ipoola Omosore and Mr. Eniola Ashaolu.

Pastor Ogundare’s son weds

ormer Miss Oluwatobiloba Oyefeso and Ayobola Ogundare, son of Pastor John Ogundare, the General Superintendent of the Christ Redemption Bible Church, Lagos, have wedded. The wedding took place at the Ketu headquarters of the church.

L-R: Mrs. Sarah Iruobe, Mrs. Gbemosola Daramola and Mrs. Emilian Oginni,

Olufunwa Children School graduation GRADUATION ceremony of Olufunwa Children School, Agric, Lagos.

The couple, Mr and Mrs Joseph Oduyebo .

The couple, Mr and Mrs Joseph Oduyebo and their parents C M Y K

The new couple, Oluwatobiloba and Ayobola Ogundare.

Bride’s father, Mr Emmanuel Oyefeso; groom’s mother, Pastor (Mrs) Martha Ogundare; the new couple Oluwatobiloba and Ayobola; groom’s father, Pastor John Ogundare, and bride’s mother, Mrs Oyefeso

The pupils in a procession during the graduation.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 29

NEC COMMITTEE ON REVENUE VERIFICATION FINDINGS

Nigerians will pelt Jonathan with stones if… — Oshiomhole

•Non-existent 2nd Niger Bridge: N140b spent on consultancy

•’Govt agencies didn’t make full remittances’ •Says Edo 2016 guber will be the easiest for APC SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

overnor Adams Oshiomhole, who chaired a special committee set up by the National Economic Council, NEC, in this interview with Sunday Vanguard insists that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration plundered the nation’s economy despite the defence being put forward by the former Minister of Finance, and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. As a matter of fact, the Governor who is a member of the National Economic Council, NEC, made further disclosures revealing that under the watch of Okonjo-Iweala, the Federal Government spent the sum of N140billion on consultancy for the Second Niger bridge. He said the money was sourced from the Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF, illegally, asserting that the Igbos must hold the former President responsible since such amount was expended with no bridge on ground. He insists that the nation cannot succeed in the war against corruption unless people are prosecuted, stressing that “If Nigerians know what these people did, they will stone them to death, jungle justice. 700 million dollars gone on second Niger bridge without any bridge to show”. Oshiomhole, visibly angry, said he may not be able to reveal as much as he would have liked but maintained that if Nigerians knew C M Y K

what actually went down during Jonathan’s reign, they would stone him and his cabinet members on the street. He also spoke on the Edo World Bank loan, the race for the Edo guber race in 2016 and other national issues. Excerpts: Sir, the National Assembly recently approved the 75million dollar loan to Edo State, but the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, opposed the loan deal saying the state is already heavily indebted, how would you react to that? First, is that the PDP does not believe in development and for them anything that will bring prosperity to the people negates what they stand for. Which is politics for the benefit of PDP leaders. And of course they are embarrassed by the amount of goodwill that we have continued to enjoy from the people of the state; it is not easy to be in government for six and half years and you can still walk the streets on and off. You find people trooping out to hail you and, see, they have been praying, with the declining oil prices such that many states can’t pay salaries. Their first shocker is that Edo State was never in the club. Then they started praying that okay if we can’t default in salaries we will default in our contractual obligations, that once people see that no job is going on, they will now cook up stories to confuse the people. So the PDP people are

worried that with more resources available to us to sustain the projects we have started and even start new ones, there is no hope for them in the state. But you know there is nothing I have ever done that the PDP did not oppose. While PDP states in the South South were taking bonds of N100billion, N200billion, we applied for N25billion and they went to court to try to stop it, but of course they failed. If you look at the document by the DMO - you have listened to the narrative by the PDP governors which give a window about the debt profile of the states in the South South - you will find that even Bayelsa with eight local Governments is far more heavily indebted than Edo state, we are the least. From a bond of N25billion we have been servicing it because we pay N530million every month and we have paid over N21billion leaving us with less than N5billion left. If you compare this with what is happening in other states across the country, Edo State is the least borrowing. Remember that our neighbours are super rich states but they have borrowed more than us. But even more outstanding for me, is that I am proud to say any day anywhere that our books are available. We have never borrowed a dime to pay salaries because I feel that will be the height of irresponsibility. To borrow to pay salaries because if you borrow to pay salaries what will you use to do projects. We have met our personnel cost strictly within our revenues while others could not.

If Nigerians know what these people did, they will stone them to death, jungle justice. 700 million dollars gone on second Niger Bridge without any bridge to show

So PDP’s worry is basically, ‘oh this guy is going to finish stronger even more than he started’. So everything must be done to stop him. But they claim that...... (Cuts in) What is their claim? Look, I have also said to them, when we look at how much PDP stole under Okonjo Iweala and Goodluck Jonathan who is their chief, from LNG alone, that they did not remit to the Federation Account, Edo State’s share of it is more than N30billion. Osun State’s share of that is more than N25billion, Ekiti’s share of it is more than N24billion, so if they did not steal the money that should have accrued to Edo State and other states of the country, what the World Bank has lent to us is not up to 50 per cent of what we lost as a state from one source LNG. If you add other sources together, if you add NPA, in 2014 alone, they spent N160billion out of N162billion that they earned. They only remitted N2billion to government. The total revenue that accrued to Edo, Osun and Ondo States from the Federation Account is not up to what the NPA spent. So it is like we are the victims of the PDP massive looting and they have gone round to cause distractions but I think Edo people are clear, they know that we are working and we will continue to work.

Continues on page 30

PAGE 30—SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

Continued from page 29 Was the loan really necessary? Let me make this clear, the World Bank facility, even the PDP Federal Government tried hard to secure such facility but it failed because it was never transparent. When you run a budget of 85 per cent recurrent and 15 per cent capital and even the capital projects as the National Assembly keep saying was never implemented up to 40 per cent, it means that for all the period of the past five to seven years of PDP, their capital expenditure was not more than 710 per cent of the total budget. Now, in Edo State, we revised these figures to 60-40 per cent in favour of capital. And we carried out massive reforms of our financial system. You have not heard me talk about ghost workers in Edo state because we computerised our operations and with the press of a button everybody gets his pay, not by a team of clerks and typists. And it is these reforms that we carried out that we reformed our tax system, we are now less dependent on the Federation Account compared to what it was under the PDP, where they collected N250million and out of that they paid 30 per cent as cost of collection to their agent. We don’t use agents, our cost of collection is even less than 40 per cent and we build institutions rather than contractors. These are the reforms the World Bank saw before they offered this DPO. Read the sentiments expressed by the bank as reason for giving us the loan. I think it settles all the questions. One point which they made, which I feel is amplifying is that only Lagos has enjoyed the facility and now Edo is second and that they hope that this offer of support which is like free money, when you borrow at one per cent with a tenyear moratorium in a country where the lending rate average is 20 per cent, then it is free money indeed. Even a fool can see the beauty of this kind of facility; but they only extended it to Edo and Lagos because we have shown capacity to sustain reform, to build transparency, accountability and a procurement process that will ensure that we get value for money. And talking about value for money, look at how much PDP government spent from Abuja to the Airport road in Abuja. On dry land using granite that you find even from the road. All the money we spent in Edo State over the past six years, both capital and recurrent is not up to half of what PDP spent constructing Airport Road in Abuja. We looked at their procurement policies, we have contractors that work for them that also work for us, we see their rates as compared to our rates. Everybody can see how much we are getting in terms of value for money to compare with PDP. So I think the loan was a bold testimonial, an acknowledging of the profound reform that we have carried out. They saw the books of Edo State under the PDP for ten years and contrast that with our record of performance under our tenure and it was clear. The only sad thing about this is that people

NON-EXISTENT 2ND NIGER BRIDGE:

N140b spent on consultancy -- Oshiomhole now talk about the 75 million dollars as if it is such a big money but really it is not when you look at the projects on ground. But how are you going to spend that money? We are working in all the sectors; we are not limiting the funds to a particular sector. You see the hospitals we are building in Benin and other areas, we are building a university, we are building schools, we are sustaining our investment in education, we are refocusing on technical education because we realised that a lot of young people graduate and no jobs, they can read and write but no skill. So we want to shift emphasis on technical education. We are not limited to any particular area, we are going to sustain all we are doing. Our urban renewal programme will continue but don’t forget 75 million dollars is not a big money. If you remember the debate about a kilometre of run way in Abuja that they were going to do for about N15billion per kilometre, this entitre money by PDP standard is not more than one kilometre of road. One project we are doing in Edo, the Benin City Water Storm Project which has helped to de-flood the city. When you hear flood problems in other states, it would have been crazy in Edo if not for this project. We have lost children and families to flood in the past during the PDP reign but today it does not happen. That project alone is N30 billion just drainage and construction of about ten adjourning streets. So we

appreciate the money but it is not the kind of money that can do miracles in the life of a state. Your Committee recently appointed auditors to look at the books of the President Jonathan’s administration, you must have discovered some shocking expenditures which led to your action, can we know some of them? Yes we have appointed auditors to look at the books and I think at this point we will allow them to do their jobs, to carry out a forensic audit and whatever they come out with people will know. So I don’t think it will be fair to say much about that. But you recently said $6billion was stolen and each time you make such comments, Okonjo Iweala comes up to dispute them, so are you still insisting that huge funds were stolen? This is the problem sometimes with the media. Vanguard should publish the three statements made by Okonjo-Iweala because they were all published in the Vanguard. When I said she took N2.1billion without approval and without knowing what it was used for, she denied and claimed that I lied that it was approved by the Commissioners under the auspices of FAAC. When the Commissioners met they said Madam, where is the minute? We never ever discussed this not to talk of approval, in any event it is not within our competence to approve. She realized that she could not hide under that she came up to say no, it was the President who approved it. These two statements were published

These are the same people who are saying that we need a President with political will, now you have one. Let me tell you witches will not be celebrated they will be hunted, particularly when the witches are responsible for the monumental bleeding of the economy

at different times issued by OkonjoIweala on the same subject matter. So, the problem I have is that the media some times for one reason or the other they don’t follow these stories. If a woman reports in the morning it is Commissioners of Finance, when those people now said no, ‘we were not the one’, she turned around to say it was the President. I expect Vanguard to ask if President Jonathan is in a position to spend the money of the Local Governments and that of the state governments. And which of this version will you believe, the first one or the second one. Okonjo-Iweala came with two, three versions and the more she tries to cover it the more she exposes herself. My position remains simple. If you celebrate publishing what you gave to Local Governments and states and Federal fine, why do you not also publish what is not distributed. Publish the total sum earned, how much was distributed and how much was left in the account for month to month so that Nigerians, researchers and commentators can follow through the transactions. Not a complicated argument. But I am happy that some editorials have captured this very well so it is not about what Okonjo-Iweala said. She just pretends because she worked in the World Bank and that does not mean angels work in the World Bank. The World Bank has had cause to sack some of its officials, so what the hell are people saying juts because she worked at the World Bank. But we are talking about the issue of stealing money here? Monumental stealing went on under her watch and supervision. Would she claim she didn’t know? Would she claim she didn’t participate? How could she be paying for fake subsidies? How can she be excused for making payment for fake subsidies some of which EFCC has charged to court? When Sanusi said money was stolen she was quick to defend even before the books were opened. Everybody knows who her agents are, who were the consultants who were handling all kinds of financial transactions in the Ministry of Finance. Who is Mr. Chi Chi? What is Chi Chi’s relationship with her? I think she does not know people know much more than she thinks. Now the umbrella covering her has been removed and the broom is now sweeping all the dirt they are trying to cover up. We have a duty that those who want to be celebrated must be honest with their jobs, Okonjo Iweala was not fair to Nigerians. People expected so much from her as a professional but she just buckled. And people have never asked the question which for me is one of the contradictions in our environment: She worked under President Obasanjo and everybody knows the circumstances under which she left Obasanjo had to move her out of the Federal Ministry of Finance. Till today nobody has asked that if she was so good, so helpful President Obasanjo moved her out and few years down the road, Jonathan moved her back and even gave her a

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SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 31

Continued from page 30 higher responsibility, why? So if you are a coordinating minister of the economy, how can you be excused that the economy suffered this kind of haemorrhage from every sector of the economy? Where is transparency when people earn and spend as they want? Like I tell people, we all can afford to keep quiet but it will not help us as a nation. It is not my problem it is her problem. I am speaking with facts, she can go to court but the auditors will show the truth. What did PWC tell the committee? Now PWC told us on record that although they were appointed publicly to go and audit but the government of the day did not want the audit and that is why they were forced to audit books that were closed and that was why they came up with a report that was neither here nor there. And look at the way they celebrated that report that meant nothing. How can she defend as she had done that NNPC could spent 47 per cent of their total earnings? And that is more than all the monies allocated to the 36 state governments, the 774 Local Governments plus the Federal Government. How? For me it is up to our people to choose to keep quiet or speak out but OkojonIweala is a failure there is no question about that. She cannot withstand rigorous public scrutiny and those she was having these transactions with they are alive and they are all talking, some of them are even singing. So she should know that the umbrella is no more there to cover and everything is open now. More revelations will come out; much more will come out. After the report of the audit must have been published, what next; because this would not be the first time that a government would make so much noise about probes and investigations? We are all stewards in the service of the President. The Federal government will decide what to do with the findings we are just appointed to help to play a role; the power belongs to the President. The position of the President on this issue is very clear, but it is not in my mouth to say, I am sure when the report is ready the President will do the needful. Your colleague governors in the PDP and their party have cried that this war on corruption is selective, do you agree with that? This is also the problem of the media, PDP crying that the probe is selective, the question you should ask: who has been in power for sixteen years? Who did the PDP share power with? All the federal institutions were run by the PDP for sixteen years. So should they go to Vanguard or Thisday to find out how NNPC was run? Should they go to Guardian or where, they are the one who ran the Federal Government and the treasury was

Oshiomhole: Go vt agencies didn’t mak ances Govt makee full remitt remittances

*Gov. Oshiomhole in their hands so where else do you expect the probe to go to? I think we are not just thorough in our commentary. If you monopolise power for sixteen years you must also monopolize the burden of investigation for that period. I don’t think it is a complex thing to do. And it is silly for people to say it is witch hunting. So far tell me who has been arraigned in court? And these are the same people who are saying that we need a President with political will, now you have one. Let me tell you witches will not be celebrated they will be hunted, particularly when the witches are responsible for the monumental bleeding of the economy. If they are not hunted down then Nigeria cannot make it. This is the only country where people want to celebrate fighting corruption, you are fighting a war and no casualties, is that war? There must be casualties and the casualties must be the witches that were responsible for the wrong doings that have caused so much pain and anguish in many families in the country. The worry is that this war on corruption may distract the President from fulfilling his promises to the people? Good, what did he promise? The President said three issues he was going to deal with. First he said corruption. He said if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us so he will confront it. Two, he said insecurity. We must rebuild, remotivate and rearm our Armed forces. The third is the economy so that we can create jobs and eliminate poverty. These are the issues. So how do you fight corruption by not prosecuting proven cases of corrupt practices. There is no distraction there in line with his promises. Don’t forget that our symbol is the broom, you have to use it to sweep, it is not for nothing that the broom is the symbol, it is meant to sweep clean. We must not allow these people to eat their cake and have it. But the people who want him to just move on and forget about what has happened, let it be business as usual, they can look for another party to vote for. But this government on the basis of

his promise, I expect him to keep his word. And what he is doing now is exactly in line with his commitment. But people are saying that the probe should start from the Obasanjo or others too if it must be total? Those who said it should start from the Obasanjo era are the ones who have a problem because I think that in normal accounting, you take a five year circle. You look at the years, if it shows that things went wrong beyond that five years, depending on your discovery you can now decide to go further backward. You cannot on the one hand say going to look at what happened in five years is a distraction then on the other hand you say look at the past ten years, look at sixteen years ago. Then somebody will say please go and look at 1960. So, you have to draw the line. There are matters that are timebased. I don’t think that argument makes sense. But if people have specific issues they want the President to do I think it is up to them to raise it. Some Nigerians are equally calling on the President to implement the Confab Report, what is your take on that? What is the confab report? That we should return to the old National Anthem? People should know that Jonathan put the Confab in place to buy time because he was under severe pressure in that confusion he realized that a good section of the Nigerian talking class were idle and he empowered them to go and talk and they talked. For that period the headline moved away from the villa to the Conference center, what did they say that was new? The only element there was devolution of power which the conference did not need to tell us; the constitution already said we should review our revenue formula every five years for sixteen years the PDP did not

We called them to appear before us and they said they spent 700 million dollars from the Sovereign Wealth Fund (money meant for the three tiers of government) and I asked them where is the bridge? That 700million dollars amounted to N140billion on the second Niger Bridge and that money belongs to the three tiers of government.

review the revenue allocation formula. Some people said the present constitution was done by the military it should be reviewed and I said this military people are they foreign Army, are they an invasion force, they said oh they were not elected. Then I asked the conference delegates were they elected. All the delegates were appointed. I also had the privilege of appointing some from Edo. Everybody who attended from Edo came from two forces, the ones I appointed and the ones appointed by the former President, what gave them legitimacy than those elected at the National Assembly. I think people don’t realize that we don’t need a national conference to deal with corruption; you don’t need it to deal with issues of unemployment and other stuff. When people talk about implementing the Confab report my question is what makes it a legitimate institution more than an elected National Assembly. What is there to implement? They should have got Jonathan to implement it. If you talk of distraction, that will be the distraction. We should build institutions. You have a parliament, you are spending so much to maintain the parliament; the parliament has the powers to do all of the things that are purported to be in that report. Let me tell you, Jonathan who convened that conference did not mean to implement anything from it. And I knew that we did not need that conference to deal with the issues. The diversity of Nigeria is rightly expressed in the composition of the membership of the National Assembly. All we need to do is to deepen the institution. The confab was meant to be a diversion and it achieved some purpose for those who needed it but they should have put the pressure on Jonathan to implement it, there was enough time for him to start. In Buhari’s campaign he did not say he was going to implement the confab report, it was never in the manifesto of the APC. People particularly from the South East are worried that appointments made so far by President Buhari are tilted in favour of the North? That is not correct, the NNPC MD is not from the North. Ministers have not been appointed, we still have many positions unoccupied. It is still very early for anybody to complain. When we have our son from the South South as President, what did he do for the South South not to talk of the South East. People should not bring these distractions. I don’t care where anybody comes from, what I care is about those policies and programmes that will deliver comfort and enhance the welfare of the Nigerian people. I don’t care where the driver comes from. For me, ethnicity is not an issue.

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Continued frrom page 31 But Ndigbo believes may be because they did not vote for APC, they are being victimized by this administration? Let me tell you, it is even wrong for anybody to feel that the Igbos did not support APC, they did and I am surprised they have not noticed. If you look at the votes Jonathan got in the East in 2011 and compare to what they delivered in 2015, it is clear that Ndigbo gave Jonathan less support in 2015 than they did in 2011. Where you got 2milion miracle votes before, this time you got 1million in 2015, so there was something positive in favour of Buhari on that. Even though overall you lost but in a sense the level of turn out and the number thrown up were not attractive as the PDP had expected. I think the President has told everybody that he is President of Nigeria, not President of those who voted for him and so far I have not seen evidence of tribalism. I think it is too early. I have not heard anybody that told me that this appointee made by the President did not merit it. In fact, when I listen to senior military officers they tell me that the appointment of military chiefs by President Buhari, that if you talk about merit, that was it. Yesterday I saw somebody appointed as Acting Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, you cannot question that appointment. But let me say this, where you come from must not be a qualification. For those who are interested in politics of sharing, I am not interested; I am interested in the politics of baking. If the competent hands come from one family and they will deliver to the nation so be it. If a Kenyan can be elected as an American President why should we continue to discuss South South or South East. The second Niger Bridge is what Ndigbo needs to ask Jonathan, where is that bridge? They did ground breaking, water breaking, where is the bridge? When Father Mbaka talked about the shame of OnitshaEnugu road, people misconstrued his comments. Let me tell you, if the Igbos were marginalized, it was by President Jonathan under the PDP. Even the consultancy they did in the name of the second Niger Bridge, the expenditure they incurred which is not on ground, about 700 million dollars of that was funded from the Sovereign Wealth Fund which is money not belonging to the Federal Government but to the 774 Local Government Areas, the 36 states and of course the Federal Government. We called them to appear before us and they said they spent 700 million dollars from the Sovereign Wealth fund and I asked them where is the bridge? That 700million dollars amounted to N140billion on the second

*Gov. Oshiomhole

‘Edo 20 16 guber will be 201 the easiest for APC’ Igbos should ask Jonathan to account for. Where is our bridge? Where is the dual carriage way from Onitsha to Owerri and Enugu. The roads in the South South as Obasanjo will say are embarrassment to the people of the South South Niger Bridge and that money belongs to the three tiers of government. Okonjo Iweala was shouting on the need to have a Sovereign Wealth Fund but you can see what they used the money for. Those are the issues the Igbos should ask Jonathan to account for. Where is our bridge? Where is the dual carriage way from Onitsha to Owerri and Enugu. The roads in the South South as Obasanjo will say are embarrassment to the people of the South South. You cannot drive to Yenagoa, no road; so much noise about East West road, where is the road? You go to Akwa Ibom

the Federal roads there are in bad shape. I have listened to governors from the South East, they will tell you there are no roads in the South East. So if the Igbos were marginalized, it was President Jonathan and the PDP. If Nigerians know what these people did, they will stone them to death - jungle justice. 700 million dollars gone on second Niger bridge without any bridge to show. On the issue of appointments? So this issue of appointments, I think the Igbos should ask for good roads, second Niger Bridge, things that will bring development and enhance trade and not concentrating on where the appointments are coming from because whoever is appointed will not even give you his salary. I want our focus to shift away from who gets what in cake sharing to who is benefiting what from government development policies. There has been this call for the National Assembly members to cut their salaries due to the economic situation, what is your take on that? There is no question that we all must cut the cost of governance, but as far as I know the cost of governance is not in salaries, it is not in emolument, it is in wasteful recurrent expenditure by whatever guise they are put and it is not limited to the National Assembly, that is

what everybody should focus on. In Edo State we tackled the cost of governance and we saved N5billion in my first year and that does not mean that we cut any body’s salary or legitimate allowances. When I see reports of people talking about cutting salaries, what is the salary? For instance, I am under paid. I am entitled to a wage right and it is not realistic to keep somebody’s pay. Since 1999 the wages of political office holders have not been improved. That does not make sense, we ought to have increased the legitimate wages of political office holders and cut the nonlegitimate ones. If you say a man earns N2million in a year earns too much? And the person asking you is a clerk earning about N5million as a supervisor in a bank or the oil industry, so it is not the salary. People who talk about this salary thing keep missing the point. Personnel cost is not synonymous with wages and allowances. It includes travels and all sorts of things, those are the issues to focus on. So those who are talking about salaries are playing into our hands, because anybody you ask will tell you we are not the ones that fixed the salaries and when you check you find out it is the truth. But that is not the burden of the economy, nobody tells you how many times you travel, nobody tells you how many people travel with you, these are your decisions and that is where the cost lies. So I think most of those commenting on this salary matter are not informed, the issue is not the salary. Though there is room for cut but not for salaries, I will not cut my pay, I don’t believe in pay cut, I believe in expenditure cut. Cut down your running cost. Right now I am entitled to pay rise, I cannot be on the same salary for 16years, it is wrong. In the face of inflation and massive devaluation of the currency, that is not right. So Nigerians should insist that public officers be well paid on the table but fight that other wastage in government must be cut. I remember when I was President of NLC, we organized a protest over N5million furniture allowance. Those are the kind of things. Salary is not the burden the burden is other hidden cost and they can be dealt with, they can be reduced they can be eliminated. And they have to be eliminated because with the current realities, if you insist on those wasteful spending you will have to borrow to sustain them. And if you have to borrow to sustain running cost where will you get money to do projects that will have impact on the lives of people. The PDP in Edo state is jostling to oust the APC, they have boasted on several occasions to match your APC come 2016 governorship election, how prepared is your party for the 2016 guber? To march presupposes that you have legs, but the PDP has no leg now how can they march. PDP members first have to look for their feet before they talk about matching APC.

But for me the next election is the best we are going to have God willing because it is the first election PDP will be participating in after the merger of the PDP and NNPC has been broken. Don’t forget the words of President Buhari when he said when ACN, ANPP and CPC were merging, the PDP went and reinforced their merger with NNPC, CBN etc. This election they are going to do in Edo, they will be doing it as PDP in isolation without the merger with NNPC. Secondly, PDP don’t even know how to campaign, they don’t know how to win votes, all they know is to rig. Now the instrument of rigging is no longer in their hands; this is the first time they will not be able to criminalize us, get the Brigade Commander to deploy soldiers to my house, or arrest our youth leaders or criminalize our leaders; this is the time they won’t be able to drag our leaders underground by misusing the armed forces and the police. So it will be nice to see PDP learning to win votes, and speaking to their records in office, whether their performance at the Federal level or their record of service in Edo State. You remember the Esogban of Benin and several other Benin Leaders of Thoughts, saying look all those who are ten years and above who knows what the PDP did in the state in the past ten years they were in power, that the PDP has huge reparations to pay not to talk about coming back in Edo. Who are they going to field? The next election will be the easiest, mark it. These people are not used to winning votes and that is why they use the word capture. And you know they were in Abuja oxygen and that oxygen has been switched off, they are now in political paralysis, they are now plotting underground and they will remain underground because that is where dead people are kept. So for me the next election is going to be the easiest we will ever have in Edo State because our report card is compelling and PDP report card is appalling. I will not say we are waiting for them because there is nobody to wait for there. We are looking forward for next year election. Goodluck Jonathan said the last time he came to Edo that Edo will fall and I said no, Goodluck will fall and PDP will fall even in Bayelsa his home state. Play back the state and find out who was right, Jonathan has fallen and PDP has fallen. And I said Edo will not fall and Edo is standing. We have more members in the House of Assembly now than ever before in my election we cleared 18 over 18, all the Local Governments. But what kind of guber candidate are we expecting from the APC? We have done it over and over. We have a lot of people who are qualified in APC so it is not a problem at all. Any one of them can lead Edo state.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 33

No hiding place for tax evaders — Olugbesan, former Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS

•‘Businesses worth billions are filing poor returns’ •Says federal, states should harmonise rates past? We probably didn’t know that the facility exists. That’s the way to do tax administration in Nigeria

This interview was conducted much earlier in the month. And nobody saw the appointment of Dr. William Babatunde Fowler, former boss of the Lagos State Board for Internal Revenue, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, coming. But politics and its accompanying nuances have crept in – this is without prejudice to the wonderful job Fowler did in Lagos. In this interview with Samuel Olugbesan, he outlines his vision for FIRS, especially the need for the state and federal governments to harmonise tax collection to avoid the perennial issue of multiple-taxation. He appeared to be in good stead for the job, especially because of his body-language which seemed to be intent on repositioning the agency for effectiveness. Excerpts: What is the message you’re propagating? understand the environment very well; so it’s not going to be the way we’ve done it in the past; I want to bring value and new changes to the tax administration regime of today. I have witnessed many reforms from 1979, 1983, 2002 - which are what we are still driving today. I have seen the benefits of each of those reforms and I can say where went wrong on some of them, why things didn’t work and how to avoid those pitfalls of yesteryears in our drive to ensuring that we are on the same page with our tax payers and for them to understand our message. The message is to achieve voluntary compliance.

What were those strategies you said did not work out? The informal sector is critical but where’s the presence of government? The last government made some in-road by establishing the Development Bank of Nigeria, DBN - that’s the starting point, which I believe the current government will improve upon. Look, government brings out money and gives to people doing business and says to them, ‘I am going to allow you 18 months moratorium period; don’t worry, I won’t discuss repayment with you and when we begin to discuss repayment, it’s going to be at low rate of about 10 percent better than the commercial rates which banks are offering’. With that, we have given them a lifeline. After 18 months, if I go back to them and say, ‘the law says you must file returns’, they’ll listen to me because they know what they’ve got from the government. But that wasn’t there before. We talk about SMEDAN, yes, but, for SMEDAN, you just give out money and nobody is monitoring the outcomes - that’s one of the institutional rigidities at that time and we didn’t really understand it, but I think it’s getting better. The last regime opened dialogue with the international community who were willing to help us. The funds that are available today by way of funds

•Dr. William Babatunde Fowler are not just Nigerian funds; much of them are coming from the African Development Bank-that’s engaging with the people. Before they agree to give you money, there are certain pledges you have to make too. The fact is that we are now able to segment our tax payers and that is another benefit. It wasn’t so before - we treated all tax payers as if they were the same; the large, medium, small and individual – we were applying the same; that’s still rigidity which we would try and address in the law. The large taxpayers are those ones that are not running away from the country for any reason-they have fixed places of business, with huge investments - the multinationals for example - they’re not running away and they account for about 85 percent of the revenue accruing to government. These are the large tax payers and they’re just about 4,000 in the whole country. Some of those who are telling us they’re still medium or that their turnover is low, when we access our web portal sources, we get huge information about them. When we aggregate their transactions, we find them running into billions of naira – and they keep telling us their return is just N200, 000. As we improve on our database through third party information, their number could increase further. For instance, when we are linked to the Customs Service, the Bureau of Public Procurement, the banks, Nigerian Identity Management Commission, Federal Road Safety Corps, etc. - huge in-

There are other issues like the N400 billion outstanding tax liability. MDAs alone owe over N200 billion of this amount which is also one of the reasons we are creating a new Department of Debt Management whose job will be to oversee these debts and ensure they are liquidated formation sources - the tax man will not need to run after the tax payer anymore, they’ll come because the information is there. All we need to do is just know where they are and we will be doing business together. A retired South African revenue boss came here - he said that in his country, even before the tax payer walks in, the revenue authorities already have information about him – it is ICT-driven and I said we can do it, but the question is: why haven’t we done it in the

Are you going to focus more on ICT-driven operations? Of course, 21st century tax administration and business operations are ICT-driven; the days of manual operations are over. The focus of every forward thinking organization will be how to utilise the tools of ICT to achieve desired objectives. I am also going to engage with people. I will collaborate with MDAs, with pressure groups relevant for tax administration purpose. BPE (Bureau of Public Enterprises) awards a lot of contracts - that is the central point. If we get information from them, key it into our system, we will be almost on the way already. I can say to the banks I need information or they should give me the opportunity to key into their platform so that everyone who issues or receives a cheque, the information would be available to me. With that, all those companies who come forward to say they are not doing business – there will be information on all transactions such that there will be no place to hide any more. The credit bureau companies, Interswitch are also some of the other agencies with a whole lot of information that is useful for tax administration. All those who are using ATM cards-they’re buying from supermarket, stores, etc., all those transactions will be reflected as charges to your account. We will then ask you questions not just because we want to tax you but for us to really understand what your business is, your turnover, investments, etc. It’s this kind of information that we need to do prosper assessment. Even if I can’t get hundred percent of the truthful transactions, at least I will be getting something about you. That’s better than coming to me and saying, ‘oga, I haven’t done any business for the year’-which is the refrain you hear everyday in this terrain. For example, go to Wuse market, they’re doing business, they also operate through the banks but the information is not known to us. Even if we say we want to work with a software firm to deploy cash registers to themyou know Nigerians; they can bypass that cash register and still not report the true position of their transactions. But we’ve already called on the banks-I met the CBN Governor and told him my problem and he was eager to help; he said I should put down all my requests and he would refer them to the appropriate departments to handle them. What strategies are you putting in place to drive non-oil receipts in view of the dwindling revenues from oil and gas? Already, we are well positioned and doing well; so we won’t do anything different from what we’ve done. But because we understand the system and the ter-

rain, it’s just a little fine- tuning and thwacking that we need. As soon as we came on board, based on our assessment of what was wrong, we reviewed our structure because there’s a whole lot we wanted to achieve in terms of transparency within the system which would give us higher revenue collection. I looked at the audit function, the debt management function and the tax payer’s function. What we had before now was where all these were under one tax office. And I took audit out of tax office. A situation where the man who raises the assessment is also the one who will pursue collection and is the same one who would go after this company to audit them and is the same person who would say ‘I want to talk to this group of tax payers so that they can understand taxation’-is awkward particularly the fact that the independence of the auditor is already compromised. So i reorganized the audit function such that we can sit down with the head of audit and get reliable and independent information on their audit activities in the field. So, you were actually prepared for the current situation? We launched the restructuring on May 1. Initially it comes with pain. Any change would disorganize your people but I knew that this change is one we need. So we had to transverse the whole country to talk to our people about what we are doing, share ideas. At the end of the day, we all agreed that it was a step in the right direction. There are other issues like the N400 billion outstanding tax liability. MDAs alone owe over N200 billion of this amount which is also one of the reasons we are creating a new Department of Debt Management whose job will be to oversee these debts and ensure they are liquidated. And lastly is the tax payers’ aspect of our work- this requires continuous enlightenment: many people don’t even know what is happening out there. But the reason this problem lingers is because, in this country, we have 37 tax authorities- states have 36 revenue agencies and, with the passage of the FCT revenue authority bill, it becomes 38. Each of these entities is discussing with its taxpayers: thereby leading to confusion. You find two states quarrelling on account of ‘who is my taxpayer’ or ‘who is your taxpayer’ or ‘who should collect which revenue and from where?’ You find a state issuing a tax clearance certificate to a tax payer saying ‘we’ve cleared you’ and another state saying ‘we would not accept that same tax clearance certificate’, etc...However personal income tax is administered on the basis of residency, that’s the rule. On the basis of residency, each individual would account to the relevant tax authorities. Forget about where you work-where

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PAGE 34 —SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

Continued from page 33 you work is just a matter of administrative convenience to recover your tax. In those years when the law was made, perhaps nobody envisaged that you’ll be living in one part of the country and working in another part. However, whatever happens, you are a citizen of the whole country and not just a part of it. If we agree to work together, FIRS will help you collect your personal income tax. We are collecting corporate income tax; the information your state needs to do assessment for the personal income is in the account which I am keeping-the account of a company- the state revenue boards will be looking at the employees records. So what happens is that we finish an audit now; two, three weeks later, the state revenue board goes to the same company to carry out their own audit. This automatically disrupts their work because you want them to give you payee returns. Can’t we work together? A country that needs foreign direct investment, a country that is trying as much as possible to minimize the cost of doing business and we are doing all these! How can we contribute to the building of an investment friendly environment for the country? What are you doing to harmonize the duplication? As the Chairman of the JTB (Joint Tax Board), it’s about engagement. I can do this job for the states without collecting one dime; I am getting four percent cost of collection from non-oil revenues that I collect, I would manage that. We had this same type of problem before we introduced VAT (Value Added Tax) in 1993then it was Sales Tax Administration- and, in six years, the total Sales Tax collected for the whole country (it was being collected differently) was N2.8 billion. Then we started VAT in 1994 and, you know, it’s centrally administered by FIRS-in the first year, we collectedN8.7 billion and, today, VAT is a money spinner for the entire country. What’s the current profile of VAT? VAT is giving us close to N80 billion every month, that’s about N960 billion per year. I think the target for VAT this year is about N916 billion and a lot of people are agitating for increase in VATthe moment you do that, is it not double? So, working together with the states internal revenue boards, we can have a common understanding and that, to me, is effective tax administration. We can harmonize our rates and, if we are able to centralize properly, all these issues of multiplicity of tax would be a thing of the past and the states would continue to focus more attention on road taxes and some of the other levies they are supposed to collect and let FIRS handle their personal income tax administration for them. What specific agenda did you bring in as Acting Chairman? First is the vision of the Service; improving tax payer services in collaboration with our stakeholders in order to make taxation the pivot of national development. Anything I do must anchor on that vision. I want to work to a stage where Nigerians and corporate entities will voluntarily file returns as and when due-that is, we don’t wake up every morning running after them. In 2005 when we started this idea of National Tax Policy, we told the minister at that time that if we were able to achieve it-we would make Nigerians pay tax with smile. I dream of Nigerians, students, employees,

•Dr. Fowler

‘Businesses worth billions are filing poor returns’ employers, businessmen, paying tax with smile because they’re in partnership with government, because they are happy with what government is doing. We can only achieve that by doing the right things. But if, as federal and states revenue boards, we remain scattered the way we are today, it’ll be difficult- so I have the opportunity to engage all other revenue boards. I will bring development partners who will help us engage with the governors. We developed the platform for TIN (Tax Identification Number) generation; the idea came in 2005 when we were in Spain with the then Chairman, Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, to negotiate a treaty. When we started negotiations, we found that Article 27 of their treaty was good. It made room for the collection of tax from Spanish tax payer wherever he may be within Eurozone. But with our 37 tax authorities, they doubted if Article 27 could work for us. As soon as we came back, we went to meet President Obasanjo and said we needed to bring all Nigerian tax payers under one platform; that’s how the TIN platform developed. We started by generating the unique tax identifier. Every state had it’s own, we had our own- that is how we began to identify all corporate tax payers in Nigeria. And you cannot run from one state to another if you are a corporate entity because you are running away from tax. We can capture you and refer you back to where you originally registered. By the time we put that right, we would have opened all our doors to corporate entities at the state level to approach any office of the Inland Revenue Service for the purpose of registration. Any transaction you do with the banks-because the banks cannot deal with you without a TIN- that information will automatically be lifted and taken into your folder once we can do it together. We are ready to fund the cost of implementing that in collaboration with banks who are ready to put their money on the project and NIBBS is also ready to assist usso we are working together to deliver it. How useful is the McKinsey & Co report on broadening the tax base. Are your reforms anchored on its recommendations? McKinsey came in at the right time. For almost eight years, we were beating targets and then, in one of our visits to the Minster of

My blueprint is, just give us all the necessary support to do effective tax administration. How? We need a board to speed up our processes, our approval process. Anything we bring like treaty negotiation, we want speedy treatment because in any tax system, there are three parties

Finance (Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala), she said we were at the point that we needed to bring an external person to do a diagnostic review of what we were doing to see if we could do better. So we brought them in. But we said the focus should not be revenue or collection focused. We were already doing a good job beating targets; so we wanted them to look at other areas where they could support us. We called it capacity enhancement programme; since the emphasis was to build a stronger organisation, it was about building the skills of our officers. They told us they had done a diagnostic review and saw that their intervention could bring in additional $75 million or N500 million if we could carry out some improvement of our audit, etc-and they actually delivered on that- they delivered to us a tool both for debt collection as well as debt management so that when you are handling the debt management function, you come into the office in the morning and you can access your information. In fact, the system will tell you who and who should have paid that day. Before then, what we had was manual debt management processes; you had to flip through the files. We also, from the headquarters,

monitor some of the assessment that had been raised. They were also helping us to build a team which we called the Train the Trainer Corps, so that we can train our people when they were gone. They made some contributions in our deployment of the ITAS (Integrated Tax Administration System) that would help process our jobs more efficiently. It was in connection with it that the retired Chairman of the South African Revenue Service came and told us that, in his country, before tax payer’s visits them at all, they would have assessed him on their platform. So they are useful, but I won’t say it’s their recommendations that we are implementing. We have our own ideas. Meanwhile, all the things they promised to deliver, they delivered on them. Last year, they were able to bring in the additional $75 million which they pledged to bring in. But what were the sources? They looked at the incentive areas-tax incentive regime- and said there were a lot of companies enjoying pioneer exemption status which they should not enjoy. But we had problem all along in that area, we are not the ones granting those exemptions; they are granted by NIPC (Nigerian Investment Promotion Council). We only receive notifications and comply but, at a point, we started disregarding those letters and they were petitioning us and also writing to Villa. McKinsay also looked at the law and said it doesn’t provide that you can have five years at a stretch of concession, it says three years. At the expiration of the three years, we would evaluate and make recommendation to government to give you additional one year and subject to satisfactory performance, you get it and later for another year (3:1:1). At the end of the day, we got presidential approval that we should disregard the additional two years since the law says you must, first of all, go for three years...today some of them have decided to go to court to say, ‘We got approval from your country for five years and it was on the basis of your approval that we made our financial projections. We have brought investment into the country’. And I say to them, for all those years prior to last year, there was sanity in the foreign exchange marketwe maintained N120, N140, maximum N145, N150. These FDIs were no longer coming but these were the things that had been helping the economy to stabilize. I am not saying we should just open the door-I am a tax man but it’s weighing benefits and costs and getting a mix of what is good for the country; we need this foreign investment in the country, if you base tax administration only on Nigerian companies, we will only be talking to ourselves. So these are some of their suggestions and they were the ones who recommended that private jets coming into Nigeria should be taxed. Their position is that everyone with private jet in Nigeria is for luxury and we should impose luxury charges on them. What we can do is to impose higher tariff on such goods from the Customs and whoever uses such aircraft here will be made to pay higher rates of VAT. In a country where tax compliance is not yet a culture, how much can you achieve through dialogue as against coercion? Well, there are Nigerians who believe everything must be done with force. I don’t belong to that school of thought. Since 2007, we’ve been applying force, I should be able to tell you what are the benefits and if I see that the benefits are not visible, rather it’s

creating disaffection between us and tax payers we are supposed to work with, then I will discontinue it. I want meaningful engagement to drive tax administration. We sealed off premises- we were in the UK celebrating that in our country we closed companies and the guys sat back and said, ‘When you close down companies, what happens to the people who should be earning their daily wages and your GDP?’ We couldn’t answer. There’s nothing much we can do in the area of oil and gas because it’s determined by extraneous factors like levels of production which is beyond my control. In fact, DPR (Department of Petroleum Resources) is the one supervising production, NNPC is the one engaging with the oil companies, I take residual tax from them, so there’s nothing much we can do there other than ensure that their costs are reasonable and are incurred for the purpose of the business. But then, I have remit for non-oil taxation; and, looking at the non- oil collections trend analysis for 2005 to 2007 and for 2008 to 2012- even at the time of active engagements with all the institutions that are supposed to be supporting us, that is EFCC, ICPC-if those things were very effective, we would have been experiencing a spike but what you find in 2008 to 2011 is not different from what you see in 2005 to 2007. The reason is because tax administration in Nigeria is seasonal. January to May, companies don’t file returns because most companies have their end of operation in December when they also close their accounts. The Constitution gives them six months’ grace to file their returns. What we want to rely on as sustainable basis for taxation is Withholding Tax and Value Added Tax because they go on, on daily basis. But the good thing is that there are other things we are doing like we want to introduce the Presumptive Tax System, the type you have in Lagos; it’s just that Lagos, on its own, decided to do it and that is related to the multiplicity of taxes. They want to get everybody on board, they are demonstrating that they are using the money they collect to develop Lagos, everybody can see that. If you have two machines, you pay N1, 000, no matter how small, that’s the starting point. The objective at the end of the day is to use the information from the tax payer to populate their data base. And because it’s one central administration that is doing the collection, when you buy a car, motor licensing office, the information about that equipment you bought is fed into the system so the tax man is able to see it when he’s doing your assessment. It’s easier. That’s why I am saying if FIRS can also network with states and get information about individuals in their domain and we can see it on the platform, it enriches us. If you are to advise President Buhari on tax administration, what would be your recommendations? My blueprint is, just give us all the necessary support to do effective tax administration. How? We need a board to speed up our processes, our approval process. Anything we bring like treaty negotiation, we want speedy treatment because in any tax system, there are three parties; policy, that’s the executive function, the law-judiciary-and the National Assembly; administration is what I can do, without effective interaction between these three, you can’t have a good tax system. I can do my own part very well but I need the other two to give support.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 35

08116759757

•Late Benson Obode

`evilnanny' nanny' Lagos `evil detectives at the centre of death in police custody By Ifeanyi Okolie

he controversy surrounding the death of a 26-year-old robbery suspect, Benson Obode, at the Edo State Police Command, after he was arrested by a team of operatives from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, Lagos, is far from over. The suspect, who was arrested when the operatives from Lagos went to Benin-City, Edo State capital, in search of a suspected gang of robbers who specialized in snatching cars at gun point in Lagos and other states, was said to have died from injuries sustained during a mob action. Sunday Vanguard gathered that the operatives, who went in search of a stolen Toyota Corolla, belonging to one Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, of Agege, Lagos, through a cell phone robbed with the car, arrested an auto mechanic, C M Y K

Evans Demodia, a suspected receiver of stolen cars at his workshop, on Auchi Road, Benin-City. Three vehicles, including a Toyota Camry, stolen from one Mr. Lawrence Oaikhena, of Warri, Delta State, the Toyota Corolla belonging to Aliyu and a Toyota Rav4 jeep, were allegedly recovered from him. Evans, currently detained at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, had allegedly told the police that he received all the stolen vehicles from Benson and led policemen to the suspect's house. Benson wasn’t at home when the police arrived, but his landlord was taken to the Edo State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, where he was used to lure the suspect out of hiding. Few hours later, Sunday Vanguard gathered that Benson showed up at his apartment and the landlord’s wife alerted neighbours who

went after him. He was alleged to have been beaten when he attempted to escape, tied before being handed over to the police. While in

He added that the investigation was going smoothly even as he identified the officers as a team of trackers, who specialize in hunting down criminals in various parts of the country

police custody, Benson was said to have fallen sick and rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead. Evans, married with two children, told Sunday Vanguard in June, after he was arrested, that he was not an armed robber but received stolen cars for sale. He confessed to have received over four stolen cars from Benson. He alleged that Benson and one Chief Osama met him in his workshop and lured him into joining the gang. "I joined because I saw there was huge profit in the business. When I met Benson, he told me that he was a car dealer buying vehicles from other states and he would want me to help him sell them, but later I discovered that he was an armed robber when I saw an expended cartridge in one of the cars. I also discovered that the vehicles usually had

no papers when he brought them or sometimes it would have new fake papers with Chief Osama's name. I deal on Toyota products, so I told him that I wanted Toyota cars. I paid him N400, 000 for the Toyota Corolla he brought and I sold it to a woman for N500, 000. I also bought the Toyota Camry from him for N350, 000 and sold it for N400, 000. I also received the two other cars which I was yet to sell when the police arrested me. When the police asked me, I told them that Benson supplied the cars to me and I took them to his house. We didn't meet him in the house, but his landlord was asked to follow us. Few hours later, Benson was brought into my cell and his face was bruised. I asked what happened to him and he said he was beaten by a mob when he got home. He told me that some vigilante men arrested him with a Peugeot 307 because policemen from Lagos were looking for him and they came with somebody they arrested with stolen cars. He said he attempted to escape but he was chased and then given a beating of his life. On our way to Lagos, Benson fell ill and he was taken to hospital". Relatives of the deceased and the Conference of Nongovernmental Organisations (CNO) have demanded for justice, accusing the police of extrajudicial killing. The President of CNO, Mr. Jude Obasanmi, who sent a petition to the Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Edoror, described the incident as one among several cases of “police recklessness and extrajudicial killings” and called for urgent actions by the House and the Nigeria Police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of the man The family spokesperson, Mrs. Izehi Osawaru, told reporters they had been in pain since their kinsman was arrested on May 21, 2015. A source at the Edo State CID told Sunday Vanguard that the team of operatives from Lagos, who arrested Benson, were undergoing interrogation in the state. He added that the investigation was going smoothly even as he identified the officers as a team of trackers, who specialize in hunting down criminals in various parts of the country. He described the officers as those behind the arrest of the Lekki and Ikorodu bank robbers, the kidnappers of the mother of the immediate past Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi-Okonjo Iweala, the kidnappers that killed a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State and kidnapped the wife of a sitting Supreme Court Justice and collected ransom. "This team also arrested the Lagos evil nanny, who kidnapped the Orekoya children and many others”, the source added.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015 08116759757

Gov. Okowa, `slow' but focused on good governance By Charles Adingupu

ational Coordinator, Benin River Vanguard, Anthony Okotie, has dismissed the insinuation that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State is slow in taking decisive actions, adding that those who claimed the governor was toeing the line of President Buhari had misfired. “In the first place, our governor is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and not All Progressives Congress (APC). So, what's the basis of aping the President's style when the party they both belong have their different manifestos and policies. Besides, Governor Okowa had already constitute his cabinet and set to hit the ground running”, Okotie said. Similarly, a renowned journalist, Dan Okeme disclosed that Okowa is a man who consults before taking decisions on matters relating to governance, hence, according to him, most people in the state assumed that he's slow.” Just

like the popular dictum, it's better to be late than never,”adding, that it would be nice to commit all the blunders now on the planning stage than to do so at the implementation of the policies”, he said. Okotie expressed optimism that for a very long time, Deltans will experience good governance as the governor is a tested hand and operating on familiar terrain. “The governor was one time Secretary to the state Government (SSG) before he left to contest the seat of a Senator which he worn. He was a successful Senator and

he left an indelible footprints at the upper chamber before he stages a come back to state politics. So, it won't be out of place to declare unequivocally that Governor Okowa is indeed a tested hand”, he said. Meanwhile, there were indications that Okowa had started implementing his governmental programmes as the youth acquisition scheme has commenced in earnest in virtually all the local government areas in the state. Okeme also disclosed that the governor in his campaign assured the people of the state

of provision of employment opportunities, adding that the youth skill acquisition programme is part of the

As Ijaw gr oup drums suppor or him group supportt ffor

•

BY FESTUS AHON, ASABA

JAW Youth Council, IYC, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has appealed to the people of the state to support Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in his resolve to make life more meaningful for them. Chairman of IYC in Oporomor clan, Comrade Edonyabo

Konboye, in a statement, however, commended the governor for his choice of personalities so far appointed to work with him to move the state forward, describing those recently appointed as Commissioners; the Secretary to the State Gover nment, Mr. Festus Agas; and Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Tam Brisibe, as distinguished Deltans

who had served meritoriously in various positions they had held. The statement, however, pleaded with the governor to consider Mr. Tam Odogwu for appointment as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Affairs or Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs. The statement maintained that Odogwu mobilized youths in Burutu and beyond to vote massively for the governor and

Dango or the vulnerable! Dangotte’s free health ffor By Mary Lawrence

angote Foundation is championing free medical care for the vulnerable and poor Nigerians. The Foundation took the initiative to Katsina State last week. The

overwhelming turn-out of beneficiaries was a pointer to the fact that Nigeria’s health sector is comatose. The Foundation said it had not just started helping out in the area of health but that the free medical service is a joint initiative with government, among others. Thousands of people, including sickly elderly and malnourished children, trooped to the General Hospital in Kankia Local Government area of the state, venue of the exercise, and were treated free. The medical outreach included free consultations, medicines and minor operations; advocacy on health and nutrition to women; as well as training of interns and personnel who, in turn, would offer medical advice to the people. The programme was in collaboration with Katsina State Government; Give-Back Nigeria, a UK based Charity Organization and Gachi Development Foundation. Governor Bello Masari, who flagged off the three-day program expressed appreciation to the Dangote Foundation and its

C M Y K

process of job creation for the teeming unemployed youth in the state.. According to Okotie, Okowa is a man of due diligence who's painstaking in matters of governance as these inherent qualities mark him out as a governor with a difference but not “Governor go slow” as some people would went to address him because of his style of administration. “I was present in almost all campaigns in Delta. You need to see how he organizes himself before, during and after each campaign. That tells you that he takes time to do his things because he wants to achieve results and good one at that. His nomenclature may change but his character remains. I believe he, the governor has carried this attitude into the government house of Delta state and I strongly believe the people will enjoy him”, Okotie said.

collaborators and described the gesture as a service to humanity. He explained the programmes mapped out by his administration to tackle health care challenges and said Dangote Foundation has assisted in quickening the programmes. In her remark, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssouffou, said the Foundation decided to sponsor the outreach because the health sector is a critical part of the Foundation’s focus to contribute to the upliftment of the society. She stated that to the health of Nigerians have always

been of concern to Dangote Foundation and that was the reason it has been involved in all efforts at ensuring poor Nigerians also benefit from sound health care services. Speaking also, Dr. Tasiu Suleiman Gachi, the Project Leader, said he was impressed by the Dangote Group and other organizations. The initiative came after the Dangote Foundation, in association with Bill and Melinda Bates Foundation, intervened in the fight against polio, leading to the eradication of the disease and no case recorded in Nigeria in the last one year.

L-R: Nutrition Expert, Murtala Mohammed Inuwa; CEO, Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou; Project Manager, Dangote Foundation, Musa Bala; listening to one of the beneficiaries at Dangote Foundation sponsored community health outreach in Kankia L.G.A Katsina State

Over the years, Dangote Foundation has injected huge amounts of money to the development of the health sector in the country. It is currently constructing a N440million state-of-the-art theatre and diagnostic centre

other PDP candidates after he lost the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state assembly primary for Burutu constituency II to the member now representing the constituency, Mr. Kennedy Daubiri. The statement described Odogwu as a vibrant youth leader who has all it takes to make meaningful for the people and the desired contributions to the Okowa administration.

at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano. The Foundation has also disbursed about N600million in the last three years on Routine Immunization and Primary Healthcare in Kano State alone, as well as the construction of 11 units of primary health care centres across 11 local governments in the state.

BA TNF lif ts Kw ara farmer BATNF lifts Kwara farmerss By Princewill Ekwujuru

s part of its efforts to promote sustainable development in the rural areas through agriculture, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has flagged off Cycle 2 of its BATNF-Ote Community Cassava Enterprise Value-chain Development Project. The occasion, which held recently at the project farm, Ojutaye Village, Ote in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, was highlighted by the distribution of agricultural farm inputs to some farmers in the locality. In his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Kwara State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Dr. Sunday Atanda, thanked the BATNF for providing support to smallholder farmers in Ote. He noted that the project, which the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project is the implementing partner for, is a collaborative effort in bringing the much-needed assistance to the 30 selected smallholder cassava farmers in the community through land preparation, trainings, inputs distribution and

market linkages which are very critical to the sustainability of the project. Delivering an address on behalf of the Foundation’s General Manager, Ms Abimbola Okoya, the Foundation’s Project Manager, Remi Adewole, said that the gathering of the dignitaries, benefitting farmers and community attests to the premium value of the project. He lauded the smallholder farmers for their unwavering commitment in ensuring that the set goals of the Foundation, such as poverty alleviation and wealth creation, are met. In his appreciation, the chairman of the BATNF-Ote Community Cassava Farmers Group, Alhaji Baba Seriki, thanked the Foundation for the immense support given to the farmers through the intervention. He said that it was the first time farmers, and indeed the community, were witnessing such an unprecedented assistance from a corporate organisation. He promised the Foundation, on behalf of the farmers, to put all inputs and trainings to good use with the hope of delivering positive results at the end of the planting season.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 37 08116759757

Deep mourning over Catholic priest hacked to death He drove exotic vehicle on lonely road — Police •

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA It is no longer news that Rev. Fr. Dennis Osuagwu is dead. It is equally not news that he did not die natural death. He was not sick. He was murdered. Osuagwu resided in Claretian Missionary Congregation, Maryland, Nekede, Imo State, but commuted between Nekede and Imo Polytechnic, Umuagwo, where he was teaching. Lonely bush path Way back in 2014, Vanguard drew the attention of the state government to the erosion threatening to sack Nekede. It was equally predicted that the link road into Nekede from Owerri municipality was on the verge of being cut off by gully erosion. Events showed that government only read the story and branded Vanguard an anti-government newspaper. The situation persisted until the road was swallowed by erosion. Residents of Nekede were inevitably forced to find alternative routes to and fro their destinations. That was how Osuagwu found another route, which passes through Umuezuruokam, Nekede to Avu Junction and to his place of work. He chose a short cut, a bush path from Nekede that connects to Avu Junction, on Owerri-Port Harcourt Road. An eye witness account had it that some villagers going to their farms spotted the lifeless body of the priest along the lonely bush path and rushed back home to report the incident. Naturally, the Claretian Institute of Philosophy, Maryland, Nekede, was gripped by grief. Priests rushed to the scene of crime and, on confirming the report, invited the police. A villager claimed that he witnessed the gory incident from a vantage point in a palm plantation, as it played out. “The priest was virtually bundled out of his car by the assassins and forced into the plantation. It was here that his attackers used all manner of deadly weapons, especially

cutlasses and axes. They gave him a deep cut on his neck and ripped open his bowels and his intestines spilled”, the villager recounted with grief. He also recalled that while the attack was on, the priest continued to shout for help, adding that a hunter heard his distress cries and fired at no one in particular, probably to scare the attackers. “The hoodlums fired back at the hunter and he fled. The hunter ran to the village to alert his people about what was playing out in the plantation, but, by the time the villagers fully mobilized and stormed the scene, the assassins had left, leaving the priest in a pool of his own blood”, the eye witness narrated. Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, a deputy superintendent of police, said that the priest was murdered by assassins along a lonely bush path. “The police is suspecting that it was a case of assassination. The priest was gruesomely murdered

•Rev. Fr. Dennis Osuagwu...before he was murdered along a very lonely bush path that would have led him into Port Harcourt Road”, the PPRO said. The poly link While saying that whatever happened to the priest may not be unconnected with the bickering

and happenings in Imo Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Enwerem however wondered why the Catholic priest chose to be using such a lonely bush path. “The police is suspecting that whatever happened to the priest

Ex-militant leaders want FG to call JTF commander to order

iger Delta ex-militants have expressed anger over what they called unprovoked and unwarranted harassment of ex-militant leaders under the federal government amnesty programme by the militant Joint Task Force (JTF), calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to call JTF commander to order.

The JTF in Bomadi local government area of Delta State, a fortnight ago, detained the Delta State chairman, Phase 2 ex-militants under the amnesty programme, Mr. Kingsley Muturu, for two days in their cell over a planned protest to call on the local government council chairman, Chief Oluwole Karetimi, to ensure the over one and a half years

electricity blackout was sorted out in the council area. Reacting to the incident, ex-militant camp leaders which include Mr. Collins Arigo, Mr. H.M. Ebirie and Mr. Godspower Mabiko, speaking on behalf of other Niger Delta ex agitators, accused the JTF commander in Bomadi local government area, Capt. Robert, of playing

partisan politics, stressing that molesting a gentleman and peacemaker of that status called for probing. They noted that their peace agreement with the federal government for development to thrive in the Niger Delta and the country in general must not be mistaken for cowardice.

Gospel Church of Christ holds convention, ordains pastors By Tony Nwankwo and Mary Lawrence ospel Church of Christ Inc. International, held its 2015 National Convention, Thursday, August 6 – Sunday, August 9, 2015, at Awodi-Ora Estate, Apapa, Lagos. The event attracted church ministers across the country. Speaking at the event, the GCC Head of Mission, Bishop E.J.

Oterai, said the convention was a call to Christians, physically and spiritually for effective life and ministry for our Lord Jesus Christ. Addressing the audience on the Convention theme: `The Manifestation of the Sons of God', Oterai said: “We will use the medium of this Convention to address Christians all over the world and Nigeria in particular, to

strongly condemn gay marriage which is sodomy. We call on Christians in government and the organized sectors to project Christ and promote righteousness, equity, justice, honesty, integrity and love for the development of our country to the glory of God”, adding, .”As Christians and Muslims, we appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari and all those within the corridors of

Flood: Onuesoke Foundation tells riverine communities to relocate isturbed by the prediction was seeking partnership with partner with reputable NGOs in before June 2017. D of the Nigerian Delta State Ministry of the state to engage in tree “If our target is achieved, Delta Metrological Agency (NIMET) of impending flood from excess water of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), The Onuesoke Foundation, has advised threatened communities in Delta State to relocate. Head of Operations of the Foundation, Mrs. Igho Patience Pearl gave the advise when the Foundation’s climate change team visited riverine communities in Ndokwa Local Government Area of the state on sensitization and awareness campaigns on the impending flood. Mrs. Pearl lamented the erection of structures on waterways and canals that block drainage, charging public and private building owners to clear their surroundings and clean the gutters. She disclosed the foundation

cannot be far from the ceaseless bickering emanating from the polytechnic. Again, I wonder why the priest chose to ply the lonely bush path in his expensive Toyota sports utility vehicle”, the PPRO said. Answering another question, the police image maker confirmed that “although the police have recovered the vehicle, no arrests have been made in connection with the heinous crime”. Continuing, the PPRO said that police patrol teams were despatched to the area as soon as the information was passed on to them. “The youths of the community joined the police in combing the surrounding bushes. The hoodlums simply perfected and carried out their damnable act before vanishing into the thin air”, the PPRO said. Enwerem stated that the Command had not only expanded its dragnet to all corners of the state, but was also probing all leads available to it. “There is the likelihood that the assassins carefully monitored the priest’s movement schedules and laid ambush for him on his track. Honestly, it was a gruesome murder”, Enwerem said.

Environment on the possibility of embarking on awareness campaigns to check the devastating outcome of the anticipated flood, while appealing to the ministry to

planting programmes. Pearl said Onuesoke Foundation was moving to Delta Central and Delta South as the Foundation was targeting the planting one million trees

State can access the carbon free fund of the United Nations, therefore, we are appealing to the state government to partner with us to enable the Foundation achieve its objectives,” she stressed.

power, to preserve the secularity of Nigeria. It is unacceptable to make the country a `One Religion Nation' as Boko Haram is aspiring to do”, the GCC head of Mission said. In a Convention Statement, General Secretary, Rev. B. Abrifor, expressed joy that the Hand of God was behind the church. “This year, God has raised a great army to meet our needs”, he stated. The celebration was pepped up as members joined Bishop Oterai to celebrate his birthday with thanksgiving and dancing and the cutting of his birthday cake. As part of the event, Oterai Judith, Odoko Avuedheyen, Evue Sunday, Uchere Tega, Atamako Wilfred, Ejiakor Simon, Atima E. Ebiere, Johnson Usen, emerged pastors, while Aruotu Jane, Omenogor Ogini O, were ordinated evangelists.

Two Uvwie councillors deny passing vote of confidence on LG boss

he crisis rocking Uvwie coun cil area has taken another di mension as two other councillors formerly loyal to the local government chairman, Hon. Henry Baro, have distanced themselves from the from the vote of confidence passed on the embattled LG boss Speaking to newsmen, the duo, Hon. Gabriel Ariayire and Hon. Jacob Utuedor, declared that they are not involved in any confidence vote passed on the chairman, stressing that it is wrong to do so since he

has been suspended by the Delta State House of Assembly. While exonerating Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Hon. Monday Igbuya-led Delta State House of Assembly from any complicity, they commended the Delta Assembly for doing the right thing. According to Hon.Utuedor, the state Assembly’s action was anchored on a lot of petitions against the council chairman, wondering why the other thirteen councillors

led by Raymond Ebimowei would move a resolution freezing the council’s account. On his part, Hon. Efe Ani, said section 31 and subsection 5 of Delta State Local Government Law empowered the state Assembly to investigate the council Chairman and during the course of investigation, such a person is bound to step down in order not to obstruct the investigation and clarified that the embattled council boss is being investigated and not impeached by the state

house of Assembly. The seven councilors, Hon. Glory Utuedor, Hon. Efe Ani, Hon. Timi Ukuade, Hon. Victor Okoloba, Hon. Wilson Ejiro Egwhrudje, Hon. Gabriel Ariayire and Hon. Jacob Utuedor, therefore called on the Inspector General of Police, Director General, Department of State Security (DSS), Delta State Commissioner of Police “to protect our lives because we are not safe with the current situation.”

PAGE 38 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015

MAYHEM IN MAKURDI

Irate soldiers go after killer-cultists BY PETER DURU, MAKURDI

or about 24 hours, economic and social activities were paralysed in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State capital while residents scampered for safety for fear of falling victim to soldiers on revenge mission. The soldiers, attached to the Nigerian Amy School of Military Engineering, NASME, Makurdi, had gone on the rampage following the alleged shooting of one of their own by suspected cultists. The incident, which led to the vandalism of cars and valuables, left many injured, property worth several millions of Naira destroyed and many families displaced. The action disrupted free flow of traffic on the popular Makurdi/Lafia Road while several motorists were forced out of their vehicles and allegedly compelled to undergo corporal punishment amid the confusion. The pandemonium lasted several hours. Governor Samuel Ortom, who was outside the state at the time, had to cut short his trip and drove to the scene of trouble to calm frayed

nerves. Ortom also visited the home of the District Head of North Bank, Chief Nicodemus Bagu, whom he urged to maintain the peace in his domain while government looked into the matter. Also reacting, the Ter Makurdi, Chief Sule Abenga, who also led his Council of Chiefs to the besieged community, urged residents of North Bank affected by the action of the soldiers to remain calm and await the decision of government and military authorities on the matter. One of the leaders of the community, Alhaji Ibrahim Mamah, who spoke on the issue, lamented that “the invasion had truncated the means of livelihood of some families in the area after the burning down and vandalism of their vehicles which were being used for commercial purposes and their houses which were destroyed by the army personnel who should be protecting us.” Benue State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Matthew Oku, confirmed that no life was lost in the incident. Oku told Sunday Vanguard that at about 11:50pm,

The incident, which led to the vandalism of cars and valuables, left many injured, property worth several millions of Naira destroyed and many families displaced

penultimate Saturday, the police got a distress call that a group of persons were converging on Mainland Hotel, along NASME Road. “Police immediately went to the scene and, on getting there, met a group of people in military uniform. We noticed the soldiers had a problem with residents. The soldiers alleged that the civilians injured one of their personnel. “There was trouble in the area. People were attacked and injured including policemen who were there. No life was lost. Normalcy has returned to the area. The Commissioner of Police, CP, Dibal Yakadi, the state governor and other government officials have visited the scene and necessary action is already being taken,” Oku said. In the meantime, the Commandant of NASME, Major General Bamidele Ogunkale, led a delegation to Ortom during which he pleaded on behalf of the Command, promising to bring to book all those who played a role in the saga. In his response, the governor assured victims of the soldiers action that the state government was compiling a comprehensive report at President

Muhammadu Buhari’s request, for redress. He advised the military to “always operate within the ambit of the law because two wrongs do not make a right.” After the visit, Ogunkale announced, in a press statement signed on his behalf by Colonel Joe Attah, that a Board of Inquiry had been constituted by the Nigerian Army to investigate the skirmish. The Commandant narrated the incident that led to the unrest, explaining: “At 9:30pm on August 14th, 2015, a solider on course at NASME left the barracks for North Bank to make cash withdrawal from an ATM machine, but was later brought back to the barracks Medical Center with gun wounds on his neck bleeding profusely. “It was alleged that the solider was shot by an unknown cult group operating in North Bank area. It is instructive to note that several armed cult groups operate in North Bank and they often consider the military as a threat to their dominance of the area.” The Commandant explained that, after the soldier was given first aid treatment, he was refereed to HQ 45 Nigerian Airforce Medical Center for further management at about 11:10 pm. He said, “His course mates, seeing their colleague in a pool of blood and thinking he was dead, decided to go after the cultists in North Bank and residents of the area, on sighting the soldiers, took to their heels resulting in pandemonium. “A report of the pandemonium was received in the barracks at about 11;50pm and immediately a fire alarm was sounded to muster all soldiers to the parade ground. Also, the barracks main gate and all known entrance points were sealed to prevent other soldiers from mobilizing to join the confusion as well as arrest those returning from North Bank at that hour. “So far, the soldiers suspected to be involved in the incident have been arrested and detained awaiting the outcome of investigation into the civil disturbance.” Ogunkale stated further that apologies had been tendered to Ortom, the Ter Makurdi as well as residents of the area during separate meetings with them, maintaining that they had accepted the Army’s apologies.

SUNDAY

Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 39

Varsity students run away from agric courses in error — Prof. Kucha, FUAM VC BY PETER DURU, MAKURDI

rof. Emmanuel Kucha is the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, FUAM. In this interview, he speaks on why Nigeria is lagging behind in agric production and has also remained a major importer of food. Excerpts:

Nigerian has remained a major food importing country despite the initiatives of successive governments. Do you attribute this to the failure of agriculture-based institutions in the country to meet the objectives for which they were established? I’ll say yes and no. No in the sense that we have not been able to make successful impact. Institutions like the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi and related institutions were established to bring in scientific agricultural techniques to the door steps of our farmers, but we have not been able to do that. The extension component of our mandate is the one that is currently helping. We are producing graduates but we have not impacted these techniques on farmers. That is the aspect that is missing. When I came on board I decided to improve on that, but for lack of resources to open up demonstration farmers which is the only way you can get farmers exposed to the new techniques. We have also not been able to attract students into core agriculture. Our students don’t want to go into agriculture. They want to do engineering. They want to read single honors, like biochemistry, physics. You’ll discover that our children prefer to read such courses other than crop production, animal science, animal production, simply because they don’t want to hear the word agriculture. But those that did these courses are doing well. That is why we have achieved our mandate to some extent because some of the students that graduated from this institution are on their own practising. But you cannot read physics and go to practice. You can only go and teach, or go to a research institution. But those who have read fisheries, forestry, animal production, crop production go to practice. So the mandate has not been met. What would then be your advice to government? Funds should be provided for institutions like ours to establish demonstration farms where we can teach our farmers the techniques of modern farming, it is important. Agriculture is not all about going to the farm alone but the issue of value chain must come to play. The processes of getting the finished products out to the market makes agricultural production complete. Through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, we are putting up confectionary and fruit juice plants here, and in no distant time our students would be taught in these

C M Y K

plants. What I’m saying in effect is that until we properly fund demonstration farms across the country, and also accord priority to well laid out value chain development and sustenance programme, we might for a long time remain a food importing country, because majority of our farmers are still at the level of peasantry.

You have been in the saddle as Vice Chancellor for almost three years. What are your achievements so far? The focus of my administration is clearly defined in our mission statement of re-engineering. On this premise, we have laid out a five-point agenda in the areas of creating an enabling academic environment for teaching and learning. We have entrenched improved staff and students welfare and manpower development and also ensured rapid infrastructural development through public private partnership/ budget and internally generated revenue, IGR, research, innovation and technology development and the strengthening of extension activities to ensure unimpeded access to scientific agriculture. The agenda revolves on the nexus of re-engineering with a single objective of value addition and transformation of all facets of university life. The participatory and all inclusive approach to governance anchored on due consultation in decision making process has enthroned unprecedented peace, harmony, cooperation, unity and togetherness on campus among all stakeholders. How far have you gone with the accreditation of courses in the institution? Our previous rating by programme accreditation of the National Universities Commission, NUC, indicates that out of 28 programmes offered by the university, 26 have received full accreditation, and two interim accreditation status. By the institutional accreditation of 2011, the university scored 76.5% (full accreditation) valid for seven years which rated the university as Class A, thereby placing the UAM as among the best universities in Nigeria. How do you describe the TETFund interventions and the Needs Assessment Report in universities in the country and how has your institution benefited from them? I believe that the TETFund interventions and the Needs Assessment Report in our universities is the best thing to happen to tertiary education. On our part at the FUAM, our commitment to re-engineer campus infrastructure is borne out of our belief that academic excellence cannot happen in an atmosphere of poor infrastructure. We appreciate recent interventions of the Federal Government on infrastructural development on the campuses to

 Prof. Emmanuel Kucha

Agriculture is not all about going to the farm alone but the issue of value chain must come to play. The processes of getting the finished products out to the market makes agricultural production complete create a conducive atmosphere for teaching, learning and research under the Needs Assessment Report.

We are utilizing the funds for renovation and construction of new structures. We have completed a 500-seater capacity College of Management Sciences and Entrepreneurship Centre. Some other projects at various levels of completion include a Centralized Equipment Centre, pilot plant for a juice production, College of Engineering Complex; College of

Agriculture and Science Education Complex, College of Forestry and Fisheries Complex, 500 capacity lecture theatre for the College of Food Technology, Indoor Sports Hall for NUGA Games, Integrated Food Technology Pilot Plant in the College of Food Technology, Informatics Centre, Entrepreneurship for Confectionery; Specialised Equipment Centre, ICT Centre and students hostels. I must also mention that we have ensured harmonious and cordial working relationship with the host community which has accounted for peace and stability we enjoy on campus. We are doing everything possible to jealously preserve that relationship. We have been grantedththe hosting rights of the 25 National Universities Games (NUGA). This has confronted us with urgent challenge to develop word class sporting facilities estimated at over N10.5billion. Despite the paucity of funds we have commenced work on the construction of new football, handball, volley ball and basket ball arenas. We are also putting up a cricket oval, squash court, a proposed indoor sports hall for indoor games and a swimming pool. The hosting right has also availed us the opportunity of constructing four gigantic hostels of 407-bed space each.

On research and extension activities? Collaborative research efforts of the university have culminated to partnerships and funding from the World Bank/African Centres of Excellence; World Bank’s West African Agricultural Productivity Programme, WAAP; Bill and Melinda Foundation/IITA these partnerships and findings are valued at N307million. The university also has ongoing sustainable partnership with

McGill University, Montreal Canada; the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Ilorin; First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Professional chair in Agronomy and National Centre for Space Research, Abuja; Nigeria Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Dtudies, NAITES, Makurdi and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. These relationships have given filling to collaborations and internationalization of the institution. Research grants are also awarded to staff that have developed meaningful research proposals through TETFunds interventions. It is also important to note that research efforts of staff have earned UAM the National Universities Doctoral Thesis Award Scheme, NUDTAS, by NUC for 2011 and 2012 in Chemistry and Education. Intense research efforts of staff have also resulted to the promotion of 58 academic staff to Professorial rank ( 18 Professors and 40 Associate Professors) in the first two years of this administration. More so that we consider the issue of staff well fair, training and motivation upmost in our strategy of engineering the university to greater heights. I’m delighted to tell you that our staff have benefited from one form of training to the order across different categories of jobs. Many have received full scholarships for post graduate studies within and outside the country through the TETFund training window. Other staff have also been sponsored for local and international conferences. The training policy of the university is premised on the understanding that a properly trained workforce is a veritable tool to actualise our re-engineering. The FUAM staff are being motivated adequately through timely promotions and other incentives. There is also a cordial relationship between the university administration and the unions on campus including the students whose welfare has remained a major priority of this administration. I must hasten to add that our five point agenda is summarized in a single maxim of Reengineering with a single objective of value addition and transformation of all aspects of the university life. In the process of Re-engineering the university we has adopted a participatory and all inclusive approach to governance. Due to consultations with stake holders in decision making process is aimed at minimizing bickering, acrimony, suspicious and I’ll feelings that are associated with disenfranchisement. The all inclusive approach has yielded peace, harmony cooperation, unity and togetherness on campus among all stake holders. More importantly we have become a bridge between the past and the future.

P AGE 40 —SUND AY PA —SUNDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

...All about the North

ABUJA:

Federal Secretariat, Abuja

The long wait for Ministers! By Henry Umoru, Favour Nnabugwu, Emmanuel Elebeke, Gabriel Ewepu & Victoria Ojeme

resident Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated May 29, but, three months after, he was yet to send names of his Ministers to the Senate for confirmation. In the meantime, while defending the delay in the submission of the list of ministerial nominees to the Senate by the President, his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said: “Business need not be grounded at MDAs because the Permanent Secretaries and other technocrats are in place to take decisions. “It is the prerogative of the President to make the appointments. He will make them (appointments) at the fullness of time.” Buhari had, before Adeshina spoke, attributed the delay in his appointment of Ministers to the late submission of his Transition Committee’s report to him, just as he said he was being careful in order not to make mistakes in appointing individuals especially to key positions such as in the finance and petroleum ministries. To him , there was nothing wrong in delaying the appointment. “I don’t know why people are so anxious about Ministers. But eventually we will have (them),”the President said. He also blamed the immediate past Jonathan government for not C M Y K

•The pains, the gains cooperating with his Transition Committee. Sunday Vanguard x- rays the activities of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, presently operating with Permanent Secretaries and what Nigerians are saying with the non- appointment of Ministers by the President. The country may not have missed much with the delay, but different reactions have trailed the bidding of time by the President to avoid making mistakes of the past, while the MDAs applauded the absence of Ministers as a measure by Buhari to carry out a thorough study of the country’s problems before he appoints Ministers. While some people claimed that the delay in filling the important government positions has not, in any way, affected the smooth running of government agencies, others disagreed, saying activities have been brought to a stand still. Investigations, however, revealed that the day-today operations of the MDAs have not been hindered except when it comes to approval for big projects. At the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu, is in charge, giving orders, taking decisions, but the busy nature of the office of the Minister at Area 11 has been absent;

All major activities of MDAs are still being carried out; salaries are paid on time and decisions are being taken regarding the growth and progress of the MDAs no patronage by politicians, business men and women, religious leaders, contractors, administrators, among others. The staff were not as busy as they used to be when the Minister was around and the blocks where both the Minister and the Minister of State occupy were deserted. Only recently, the FCTA Permanent Secretary vowed to arrest, prosecute and send to prison Bureau de Change operators in and around Wuse Zone 4 in the Federal Capital City, FCC, if they failed to stop hawking foreign currencies. Giving the warning during an emergency inspection tour of areas used by the Association of Bureau de Change of Nigeria (ABCON)

and black market operators, under the aegis of Zone Four Traders Association, Chukwu stressed that the FCC has been well planned and designed with a Master Plan and that the laws of the land must be respected to make Abuja clean and safe. Also in compliance with the directive of the Federal Government on the dissolution of the boards, agencies, institutions and government owned companies, the Permanent Secretary announced the dissolution of all boards of the FCT parastatals and agencies. He also disclosed that the Special Task Team on City Management had impounded 56 bags of assorted hard drugs as part of government’s plan to fight criminal activities in the FCC. The Permanent Secretary, who revealed that the Task Team discovered the hard drugs at a depot during its covert operation at TuraBura, behind Apo Roundabout, said, “The FCT administration is gladdened by the proactive activity of the Task Team for this major discovery which would go a long way in reducing crime in all its ramifications in Abuja and environs. “These 56 bags of cannabis and sundry hard drugs seized by the FCT Task Team will surely have positive multiplier effects on the fight against

criminal activities in Abuja because most crimes are committed under the influence of hard drugs”. A government official, who spoke with Sunday Vanguard anonymously, noted that the country was moving slowly without Ministers, said, “The country can ill-afford further delay by the President to make these vital appointments.” The official, a Permanent Secretary, said: “From The Presidency to the MDAs, everything has come to virtual standstill”. Another Permanent Secretary said, “Ministers are necessary but not essential. They are not essential for the proper functioning of government, but they are necessary for the political identity of the governing party.” The official admitted that there are limitations to Perm Secs’ capacities to approve policy issues, particularly those bordering on big projects which, he argued, can endure a little while. “The Permanent Secretaries are doing the work of Ministers for the time being though, they are looking up to Ministers to also play their part but salaries are not delayed, work has not stopped and activities of the MDAs are going on.” At the Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa, was in charge until his retirement last Tuesday. A source at the Ministry said: “All major activities of MDAs are still being carried out; salaries are paid on time and decisions are being taken regarding the growth and progress of the MDAs.” A level 8 in the Ministry of Communication Technology said the absence of Minister had virtually crippled activities in the ministry and warned that people should stop pretending that Permanent Secretaries could cover the vacuum left by Ministers’ absence. There is a limit to which Permanent Secretaries can go in the approval of files and funds, he said, stating that the ministry had been virtually grounded due to the inability of the Permanent Secretary to give approval for the release of funds. “Generally, it is affecting us. There are areas Permanent Secretaries can function and other areas Ministers can operate. So, their works differ. Like in the area of fund approval, there is a certain limit a Permanent Secretary can approve, while Ministers also have theirs. Therefore, it is

Continues on page 41

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PPA AGE 41

...All about the North

How minis tries are coping without minis ministries ministter erss Continued frompage 40 affecting our work generally in our ministry. Certain things have not been going on as a result of this factor,”he stated. “You will ask for something and you will not have it, they will say no money but if the Minister is there, he can walk to the President and complain, ‘this is what we need’ and he will listen to him. But this the Permanent Secretary cannot do. “There is gap between the Minister and Permanent Secretary. For this reason the economy is feeling the heat.” At the Ministry of Police Affairs operating under the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila, a civil servant, who also spoke on the slow pace of activities, said that most of the work in the ministry had been suspended, due to the absence of a Minister. To him, the continued delay of their appointment of Minister will not help the economy. Activities at the Ministry of Power have been under the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Godknows Igali, and a civil servant there, who spoke on the issue of no Minister, expressed worry over the frustration the situation had brought, adding, ‘Definitely, all is not going on well with the absence of Ministers. Everybody knows that Permanent Secretaries can’t do everything. Ministers are needed to implement policies and when they are not there, most things will be at a standstill. “The President should know how important Ministers are in carrying out his agenda. So, if he feels he wants to wait sometime longer, all well and good. He is the one who should be bothered more than we civil servants. After all, whether we have Ministers or not, we will receive our salaries at the end of the day.” At the Ministry of Science and Technology, which has been under the guidance of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Winifred Oyo- Ita, there was no usual bubbling of activities as the few workers seen sitting there were idle, discussing personal issues. A senior staff there, who spoke, said that, as far as he was concerned, the absence of Ministers meant nothing to them, adding that work had been going on smoothly. He believed Buhari should take his time to screen the ministerial nominees before making them public. C M Y K

President Muhammadu Buhari At the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, activities there have been under the Permanent Secretary, Architect Sunny Echono. The Ministry has its activities at the lowest ebb since the President’s inauguration as a Director in one of the departments in the ministry, who wanted to remain anonymous, said, “We have not been having too many activities as it used to be since there is no Minister yet.” However, he expressed optimism that, “as soon as a Minister is appointed, we believe things will pick up”. The ministry has raised four special committees to ensure that key sub-sectors of the agricultural sector namely, textile and garment, food storage, grazing reserves, and extension services, don’t suffer. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Ambassador Bulus Lolo as the Permanent Secretary, some of its activities have so far been put on hold especially in the areas of foreign posting, recall of ambassadors and promotion because of the absence of Ministers, but bilateral relations between Nigeria and other countries are not hindered with visits of ambassadors to The Presidency as well as

To him, it makes no sense for Buhari to seek United States assistance in recovering looted funds without the appointment of an Attorney General of the Federation, who should sign the bilateral agreements with the US Attorney General

foreign trips of Buhari being put together by the Ministry. For the Ministry of Health with Linus Awute as Permanent Secretary, things have been very slow without Ministers because the Permanent Secretary has no power to take some vital decisions. Some of these decisions include demand for increase for allowances by health workers which has made many unions to go on strike. Speaking on the absence of Ministers, the Lead Director for Centre for Social Justice, Mr. Eze Onyekpere, said it was making the President to run as sole administrator, adding that the Permanent Secretaries, accounting officers and Directors General do not have the clout to take decisions like Ministers (political appointees) who take policy decisions and drive them through and go further to take responsibility for the actions. According to him, the continued absence of Ministers delays a lot things and would continue to slow down government operations. To him, it makes no sense for Buhari to seek United States assistance in recovering looted funds without the appointment of an Attorney General of the Federation, who should sign the bilateral agreements with the US Attorney General. “I think the absence of Ministers is virtually making the President to run as sole administrator because the people who are there , the Permanent Secretaries,

accounting officers, DGs do not have the clout to take decisions like political appointees, who take policy decisions and drive them through and take that responsibility,”he stated. “It is delaying a lot of things. For instance, we don’t have an Attorney General, yet the President is busy going to America to negotiate for the repatriation of stolen funds, which has to come through a judicial process. “The US Attorney General needed to sit down with his Nigerian counterpart and look at the different legal positions and come up with a workable strategy to use the legal process to recover the money. Now, with the absence of Ministers, who is going to negotiate with the US Attorney General? There is nobody there.” On the economy, he said: “The economy is in turmoil, only the Central Bank is working and we need a convergence of fiscal and monitory policies to be able to achieve a nuance way of managing the economy, but all you hear is only what the Central Bank is doing, who is there for fiscal policy? “I feel two heads are better than one, there is no economic adviser to advise the President. I think these people needed to be there three weeks after he took over. I think it does not make sense the continued delay of the appointments. “What is he putting in place? Waiting does not make sense. He does not need any time. You expect a 72 year old man to go through rigor involved in screening every body? I think he is not a magician nor did we elect a messiah. “That was what caused Obasanjo to fail because people arrogated messiahship to him , even when he should have been called to order. It is the same thing that they are doing to Buhari now. What does he need all these months to do? Why did constitution say?, that he needs ministers since he can do it alone. He has spent three months without minister. I don’t see any wrought he has to clean. “The fact that Jonathan’s administration left a rot is the main reason the President needs to bring in more hands to assist him. He is a human being. He has been running for Presidency since 2003; if there are no people he trusts around him, it is unfortunate. The elections are over. “I am worried at what is happening because we are suffering. Who is there to discuss with the CBN on how to rescue the economy. I have not heard anything about the 2015 budget. We are suffering, by now the budget implementation is supposed to have far gone. When he appoints the Minister of Finance in September, when will he prepare the 2016 budget. A lot of things are not working.”

PAGE 42 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015

Prologue

IMPUNITY

Misleading Mr. President •The dangerous silence in the face of constitutional rape JIDE AJANI What would it profit President Muhammadu Buhari to keep the Senate at bay and risk embarrassing himself in ways that defy common sense and logic? Or, put differently, when does Buhari intend to get rid of the monkey on his back, a monkey which continues to present him as a man of petty disposition? These are some of the questions a section of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as well as the handlers of Mr. President must continue to contend with as Nigeria’s leader serially creates conditions that force him to appear to be intent on walking naked in the market place. Worse still, Buhari, who, despite the very insensate, rude and wicked namecalling by the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council, still rode to power on the goodwill of over 12million Nigerians, but is today in danger of creating conditions that would make the PDP leaders claim “we told you so”. It is now a market place realityas Buhari has been refusing to have any unofficial relationship with the Senate obviously to please political leaders who were shamed that their candidates were defeated in the election into the Senate leadership. Unfortunately for the President, this is not a military administration where the Head of State can act unilaterally - most appointments, policy decisions and appropriation of funds must be approved by the NASS, particularly the Senate. His obstinate refusal to maintain a proper and mutually beneficial relationship with the Senate in particular has led to some unpardonable nay embarrassing mistakes . One of such was the appointment of Asset Management Company of

By Prof. Ben Nwabueze

ince his inauguration on May 29, 2015 as elected “civilian” President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, a retired army general and former head of the military government, has been ruling the country for more than two and a half months without ministers. The question examined in this write-up is whether the President ruling without ministers is permitted by the Constitution or is even within its contemplation. It should be stated right-away that the term “rule” is here used to embrace eight different functions of government, viz the exercise of executive powers in the form of the taking of executive actions, including the appointment and disciplinary control of executive functionaries of government; execution of the laws – the law of the constitution and other laws; maintenance of law and order; the determination and conduct of policy; direction and control of the departments of state and their activities; protection or preservation of the properties and instrumentalities of government; coordination of the activities of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAS); and lastly pure administration. ANTECEDENTS The President ruling for more than two and a half months without ministers is really incredible, but, incredible as it is, we Nigerians, as a people, ought to have foreseen it from our experience of the dictatorial way

Nigeria, AMCON, Chairman and Board members with the marching orders to start work immediately when such appointments ought to be confirmed by the Senate. The same thing happened in the appointment of the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, when Prof. Attahiru Jega, a more sensible and adroit individual, did the right thing and handed over to somebody - Buhari reversed it and appointed Amina Zakari illegally, pooh-poohing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states, in part, that the tenure of an INEC Commissioner cannot be terminated without the confirmation of the Senate voting two third majority in support of such – not a letter terminating her tenure just so she could be appointed as Acting Chairman.. Even the release of money as palliative measure or bail out to states, a form of expenditure, did not enjoy the benefit of going through the Senate. At the centre of this administrative malady is the suspected role of the Head of Service, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, who seems to have grown in influence due to the absence of ministers and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. On a few occasions, Buhari has had to reverse himself as he is set to do on the AMCON issue because the Senate has a role to play. He may enjoy running a broken government for now but the consequences are much more than a President who is being ill-advised that he can continue to run Nigeria like a sole administrator. It is even incomprehensible that the champions of due process, egalitarianism and constitutional order, most of who now people the APC, are keeping a shameful silence in the face of this rape of the Constitution because many of them are expecting to be appointed as ministers or board chairmen. Compliance with the 1999 Constitution is at the heart of the matter.

former President Obasanjo who, like President Buhari, is a retired army general and former head of the military government, rode roughshod over the constitutional limitations on his powers. Olusegun Obasanjo, as elected “civilian” President in 1999, just carried over the arrogant, intolerant mentality and the mental attitude of impunity in the use of power implanted in him during his almost four years rule as head of the military government from 1976 – 79. Besides, his natural disposition as a person is not such as to have permitted him to shed the habits and attitudes about the administration of affairs acquired over a long period of years as commander of a military unit, minister in, and later head of, a military government. Comparison with George Washington or D’wright Eisenhower is simply inapposite and unhelpful. It is not likely that anyone other

ISTTEERS OVV T WITHOUT MINIS A GO

Buhari has resorrtted sonal rule to perrso

than a retired army general and former head of the military government would ever think of ruling the country for more than two and a half months without ministers knowing fully well, as he or she ought to know, that the type of governmental system established for the country by the Constitution does not permit him to do that. And yet knowing his antecedents and the influence they must have on him, Nigerians elected him as “civilian” President in the March 2015 election. His election cannot but portray Nigerians as incapable of learning from past experience, a people lacking the degree of political maturity and sagacity required for the successful working of constitutional democracy. What is happening now has no precedent in President Shehu Shagari’s 16 days delay in announcing his ministerial nominees and sending them to the Senate for confirmation. The delay in Shagari’s case was due to the President’s party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), not having a majority in the Senate to secure confirmation of the list of ministerial nominees, and the desire of the President for a national government of reconciliation, and his invitation to the five recognised political parties to join it. Apparently he thought he should allow them time to make up their minds. He seemed to have put so much store on a national government embracing all recognised political parties as a way of ending the prevailing political tension in the country

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Buhari has resor resortted ttoo per sonal rule personal continued from page 42 arising from his disputed victory in the election, and also minimizing future conflicts. The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the Great Nigerian People’s Party (GNPP) had emphatically and mockingly rejected the invitation (only the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) accepted and joined, which secured for the President a majority in the Senate), but the President seemed to believe that, given time, they might change their position and agree to join. The invitation was accordingly renewed on 16 October during his first address to the National Assembly, though he was at pains to state that the invitation should not be “misunderstood as a call for an All Party Government.” – National Assembly Debs (Senate) Official Report, 9 – 19 Oct, 1979, col. 133. However, as one commentator observed, “it is a height of presidential unorthodoxy to invite all the political parties to join his national government”. Amechi Okolo, Daily Times, Friday 23 November, 1979, 7. Another factor that contributed to the delay was his concern to conciliate and please powerful interests within his own party. In the words of another commentator, he had “allowed his search for conciliation to override the institutional demands of his office. Party chieftains assumed a vetoing power in the nomination process which they had no legitimate claim to.” Stanley Macebuh, Daily Times, Thursday November 1979, p. 2. And so the nation waited. As the days went by without an announcement, the public became restive and impatient about the delay in setting up an administration to get on with the pressing business of governing the country. The President’s inauguration on 1 October, 1979 had been a momentous occasion of great fervour and expectation. The fervour was generated by the excitement of the change to civil rule after 13 long years of frustration and disillusion under an autocratic military regime. The expectation was for a better life under an open, energetic government responsive to popular opinion, and imbued with a desire for action and service to the people. The public had expected that an administration would already have been worked out by the President by the time of his inauguration, and that the names of those to be called upon to serve as ministers would be announced any time; but when, more than two weeks after, an announcement had still not been made, popular fervour began, not surprisingly, to melt away. It seemed to many that the momentum had been lost, that the President had missed what appeared to be an excellent opportunity to canalize public fervour into an enduring loyalty, and to mobilize the nation. The public took on a mood, first of doubt and questioning, then of disenchantment borne out of disappointed expectation. At last, on 17 October 1979, the long-awaited list was presented to the Senate. The confirmation process in the Senate took quite some time, causing further delay in the actual appointment of ministers. PERSONAL RULE Obligation imposed by the Constitution on the President to consult with or seek advice from various executive bodies Consultation with or advice by

various executive bodies is a conspicuous device instituted by the Nigerian Constitution for restraining presidential action. So much is this the case that the presidency under our Constitution may well be described without impropriety as a consultative one. The obligation to consult with various executive bodies gives to the system of government under our Constitution the distinctive character of an institutional government, i.e. government by institutions established by the Constitution, which implies an impersonal system governed by rules that bind the conduct of individual office-holders. Institutional government arising from the obligation to consult with various executive bodies or institutions is thus of the essence of the government established by our Constitution, and personal rule, such as President Buhari ruling for more than two and half months without a council of ministers, is its very antithesis. First and foremost, the President is required to hold regular meetings with the Vice-President and all ministers for the purposes of (a) determining the general direction of domestic and foreign policies of the government, the co-ordination of the activities of the government, as well as (b) for the purpose of advising him generally in the discharge of his executive functions other than those functions with respect to which he is required to seek the advice or act on the recommendation of any other person or body (s.148(2)). The word “regular” connotes constancy in time, and not as and when it suits the whim of the President. In the context it does also imply a notion of frequency in time. A meeting once in every fortnight or every month, though it satisfies the idea of constancy in time, would not be in conformity with the spirit of the provision. The role of ministers collectively in relation to the functions in category (a) above is not merely that of giving advice; they are an integral part of the decision-taking process (“determination”). But, although the determination of general policy and the co-ordination of government activities are not thereby divested from the President, and made the collective responsibility of the Executive Council, the provision does have the effect of restricting the manner for exercising them. It requires him to exercise them, not alone in the solitude of his office or bedroom, but at a meeting with the Vice-President and ministers. The aim is to bring the collective views of the President, the Vice-President and ministers to bear upon such matters, but without depriving the President, as the sole repository of the power, of his authority to override the views of the rest of the council if and when he thinks fit. Having submitted a question on these matters to the deliberation of the council, the President is within his constitutional right to refuse to accept the views of the rest of the council. The provision relating to functions in category (b) above obliges the President to seek the advice of the Executive Council on the discharge of his executive functions generally. Lawal Kagoma v. The Governor of Kaduna State & Others, FCA/K97/ 80 of 16 January 1981; the Supreme Court reversed on a different ground: Governor of Kaduna State v. Lawal Kagoma, S.C. 64/1981. However, it is a different matter to say that the Constitution contemplates or requires that every executive action of the President

*Prof. Ben Nwabueze must be backed by the advice of the Executive Council. That would involve the President having meetings with the Vice-President and ministers every day or even several times a day. What the provision seems to require is that the President should have regular and frequent meetings with the Vice-President and ministers in order to obtain their opinion and advice on general policy, coordination of government activities and other important executive functions. The consultative character of our executive system of government under the Constitution is further exemplified by the fact that, apart from these cases where consultation is made obligatory on the President, there are other executive bodies established by the Constitution and invested with the power to advise him on a variety of matters – the National Defence Council on the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federation; the National Economic Council on economic affairs; the National Population Commission on population problems (that is, apart from its own independent functions with regard to census); and the Council of State on the census, prerogative of mercy, award of national honours, matters relating to other executive bodies, and, when so requested, on the maintenance of public order and any other matters (again this is apart from the independent functions vested in it by the Constitution). The difference here is that the power vested in these bodies (i.e.

The consequences of the President not having ministers or not consulting with them collectively as a council are that his exercise of the functions of government noted earlier is largely unconstitutional

other than the executive council) to advise the President implies no obligation on his part to seek advice, so that failure or neglect by him to do so in no way affects the validity of decisions or actions taken by him, though the spirit of the provisions is that the President should seek their advice. But a “power” to advise does imply a right of initiative, a right to give advice without being asked. The power can be exercised independently of the wishes of the President; whether he requests it or not, these bodies can, from time to time, on their own initiative meet to proffer advice to the President on matters on which they are respectively empowered to advise. They have, like any other body, an inherent power to determine, independently of the President’s control, when and how frequently to meet to consider what advice to give. The President can of course request them to meet to advise him on any particular question, but it is not within his power to stop them agreeing on a schedule of meetings, whether it be monthly or quarterly. (The Council of State can advise on the maintenance of order only when requested.) Consultation, when it does take place, whether as an obligatory requirement or at the discretion of the President, must go beyond merely giving information or announcing a decision already taken. It implies that an opportunity must be given to the person or body consulted to express an opinion, to criticize any proposal brought forward by the President and to offer advice; and that the opinion, criticism or advice so offered should genuinely be taken into consideration by the President in arriving at a decision. Having done that, the President is free to decide as seems best to him, whether in accordance with or contrary to the advice. No obligation is cast on him to accept it. But he must consult in cases where consultation is made obligatory by the Constitution. The establishment by the Nigerian Constitution of a council of ministers charged with the function of advising the President in the exercise of his executive functions marks an important point of departure from its American prototype. For, although the U.S. Constitution clearly recognizes the office of minister, or departmental head as it is called, as a collective body they (the ministers) have no existence whatever in the Constitution. The reference to writing in the provision empowering the President to require the written opinion of a departmental head suggests that the Constitution never contemplated a collective opinion or advice. However, collective

consultation has developed informally in response to the demands and pressures of modern government. Before 1793 there was nothing that could be called a cabinet. Although the first President, George Washington, occasionally called into collective consultation his departmental heads, of whom there were then only four, the meetings did not assume such frequency and regularity as to stamp them with an institutional character as an established machinery of government. It was the diplomatic crisis of that year, arising out of the question whether or not America should adopt a position of neutrality in the war between England and France, that gave the cabinet formal birth by impelling the President to meet his secretaries almost every day over the issue, the culmination being the meeting at which the decision was taken to proclaim American neutrality in the war. However, the point that deserves to be noticed about the cabinet in the United States is that, after more than two centuries of existence as a definite institution of government, it has acquired no constitutional status by convention. There is no conventional obligation upon the President to consult it at regular intervals. How often he convenes the cabinet is a matter entirely within the discretion of the President, and the practice has varied between individual Presidents. Some hold meetings of the cabinet fairly regularly; others, distrustful of meetings, consult their cabinet at infrequent intervals, preferring informal consultations with various types of advisers. The authoritarianism of President Lincoln, and his predilection for personal government with only occasional cabinet meetings now and again, was due to a large extent to the failure of the Constitution to provide for a cabinet. It seemed to have vindicated those critics who at the time of the Constitution’s adoption decried this omission as an open invitation to “despotism”, “caprice, the intrigues of favourites and mistresses, etc”. Koenig, The Chief Executive, rev. ed., 1969, p. 20. According to Kenneth Kaunda, the establishment of a cabinet in the Commonwealth African presidential constitutions was in order to ensure that, by subjecting him to the advice and influence of a cabinet, the President “would not be able to assume dictatorial powers.” Zambia, Independence and Beyond : The Speeches of Kenneth Kaunda, ed. Colin Legum, 1960, pp. 83 – 4. Consequences of the President not observing or disregarding the constitutional requirement of consultation The consequences of the President not having ministers or not consulting with them collectively as a council are that his exercise of the functions of government noted earlier is largely unconstitutional. By making it mandatory for the President to establish offices of ministers and, with the approval of the Senate to appoint persons to such offices, and by casting upon him the obligation to hold regular meetings with the VicePresident and ministers for the purpose of advising him on the exercise of his executive functions, the Constitution does clearly manifest an intention that the President is not to govern without the restraining and moderating influence of the

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Continued from page 43 collective advice of an Executive Council. Clearly, therefore, in a situation where the President refuses or neglects to establish ministerial offices and to appoint persons to them or where, having appointed ministers, he refuses or neglects to hold regular meetings with them collectively as a council for the purpose of getting their advice on his executive actions, the administration of government by him in these circumstances would be a violation of both the spirit and letters of the Constitution, no matter how benevolent, liberal or beneficial to the public his actions may be. “I am of the view”, said the learned President of the Federal Court of Appeal, Justice Maman Nasir, “that if the Governor…….refuses to hold these regular meetings, he constitutes himself as a dictator and this will be in my view not only contrary to the spirit of the Constitution but is clearly a breach of the specific provisions of this section.” Lawal Kagoma v. The Governor of Kaduna State & Others, ibid. What the decision of the Court of Appeal in the Lawal Kagoma case means, in clear, unequivocal language, is that the administration of government by a President without the restraining and moderating influence of a council of ministers is unconstitutional, null and void. A president under our type of Constitution ruling without ministers tantamounts, in an approximate or loose sense of the term, to a dictatorship but not in a strict sense, since a dictator, defined in the dictionary as “a person exercising absolute authority”, cannot co-exist with the system of limitations on power established by the Nigerian Constitution. It is entirely inconsistent with, and not permitted by, our Constitution which does not grant power in its full amplitude to government, but rather limits it by the guarantee of civil liberties to the individual, the separation of the functions of legislation, execution and adjudication, by a right guaranteed to the people to elect and dismiss their rulers at periodic interval of time, and by other restraining devices such as the obligation to consult with various executive bodies and other checks and balances. Of course, a constitution, in the strict sense of a supreme, overriding law, not a mere political charter as in the case of the constitutions of the former Soviet Union and the former communist countries of Eastern Europe, can create what is known as “a constitutional dictatorship”, which is a seeming contradiction in terms, as will be explained later in this write-up. Merits of government by institutions or by consultation with various executive bodies, as opposed to personal rule Government by institutions or by consultation with various executive bodies, as opposed to personal rule, has obvious democratic virtue. First, as has truly been said, the interaction of many minds “is usually more illuminating than the intuition of one. In a meeting representing different departments and diverse points of view, there is a greater likelihood of hearing alternatives, of exposing errors, and of challenging assumption.” Theodore C. Sorensen, Decision-making in the White House, 1963, p. 69. Perhaps even more important is what has been described as the “increased public confidence inspired by order and regularity and the increased esprit de corps of the participants”. ibid Modern government challenges the capacity of a single mind to deal with its many and complex problems. Crisis increases the intensity of the challenge, and modern government faces an ever-recurrent series of crises. Second, collective consultation is likely to have a more restraining effect on the President than an individual one. It is less easy to ride roughshod over a determined opposition from a council than from an individual, and a President who does that faces a heavier responsibility in the event of failure or mistake; and where ministers are concerned he may also provoke the resignation of some and a consequent undermining of the unity of his administration as well as a possible loss of public support and confidence. There can be no doubt therefore that an obligation to consult a council does operate to restrain the President’s exercise of his powers. Third, government in a regime of personal rule is not systemised because “it is largely

Buhari has resor resortted ttoo per sonal rule personal

Nigerians, as a people, ought to have foreseen it from our experience of the dictatorial way former President Obasanjo who, like President Buhari, is a retired army general and former head of the military government, rode roughshod over the constitutional limitations on his powers. contingent upon men, upon their interests and ambitions, their desires and aversions, their hopes and fears, and all the other predispositions that the political animal is capable of exhibiting and projecting upon political life,” and further because it is restrained, to the extent that it is restrained at all, only by “private and tacit agreements, prudential concerns and personal ties and dependences rather than by public rules and institutions”. And it is dangerous because of its tendency to give rise to an assault, sometimes tyrannical assault, on human rights : see Jackson and Roseberg, Personal Rule in Africa (1982) page 10. THE SEEMINGLY CONTRADICTORY PHENOMENON KNOWN AS CONSTITUTIONAL DICTATORSHIP (i) Constitutional dictatorship as exemplified by the one-party authoritarian regimes of Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana, Kamuzu Banda in Malawi and Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) The phenomenon known as “constitutional dictatorship” is a seeming contradiction in terms because, as earlier stated, a dictatorship, i.e. a regime of absolute, unlimited power i.e. an autocracy or despotism, as distinct from an authoritarian one (authoritarianism), cannot co-exist with a constitution truly so-called, i.e. a constitution as supreme, overriding law that limits powers of government by the various devices mentioned above. (As will appear from the discussion that follows, the dividing line between a constitutional dictatorship and an authoritarian regime of the African one-party type that existed and operated in the continent in the past is a thin one.) Both absolutism and authoritarianism are less than total rule, (totalitarianism) of the socialist/communist system, which it will be out of place to examine here – as to which, see my Constitutional Democracy in

Africa, volume 4, under the sub-title Forms of Government, pages 364 – 420. In practice, a constitution, having the force of a supreme, overriding law, does sometimes grant power in its full plenitude with only slight limitations; by so doing, it creates a near-absolutism, which is then quite appropriately called a constitutional dictatorship, because it is created by, or is based in, the constitution. Such was the republican Constitution of Ghana 1960 which invested the “First President”, meaning Kwame Nkrumah for as long as he continued to be re-elected president, with executive as well as supreme legislative power. Parliament had of course power to make law concurrently with Nkrumah, yet a law made by him might alter (whether expressly or by implication) “any enactment other than the Constitution.” Besides, parliament under Ghana’s one-party system was entirely subservient to the president and his government. Remarkably, the centralising design of the Constitution stopped short of subsuming judicial power in the president’s and parliament’s legislative power. Judicial power was expressly vested in the courts, which secured its existence as a separate and independent power. But the Constitution might just as well have omitted an express or implied vesting of judicial power in the courts, which would then have subsumed it in legislative power, and so make the absolutism more or less complete. But while judicial power was separated from legislative power by being vested in the courts, its independence was seriously attenuated by the power vested in the president to appoint and dismiss judges in his unfettered discretion, a power of which he made quite an oppressive use. Not only were legislative and executive powers united in Nkrumah as president, but also the limitation on power implied by a constitutional guarantee of liberty was absent. The Constitution guaranteed no rights. It only required the president on assumption of office to make a declaration of directive principles of government in terms therein prescribed, a declaration which the country’s supreme court has rightly held not to constitute a bill of rights or even a part of the general law of Ghana, being in its form merely a personal declaration of the president’s : Re Akoto, (1961) GLAIR 523. Also absent were the restrictions on legislative power implied by the provisions relating to chiefdoms and regional assemblies embodied in the independence Constitution of 1957. Furthermore, the people of Ghana were effectively denied the right to elect their chief ruler at periodic intervals of time and to remove him by refusing to re-elect him if they thought his management of affairs unsatisfactory. This result was brought about by the entrenchment of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in the Constitution as the only legally permitted political party. Taken together with the fact that Nkrumah was the life chairman of the party, indeed he was the CPP, the effect was to guarantee him re-election without opposition or contest, whenever the occasion arose for a presidential election. Thus, Nkrumah as president was practically as irremovable through the electoral process as if he had been proclaimed president for life in the Constitution. In the executive field, the Constitution again assured the president near-absolute power and control. Not only was executive power vested in him, but it was provided that, “subject to the president’s power in that behalf, the cabinet, consisting of himself and the ministers, shall have the general direction and control of the government.” (art. 16(2)). It follows that, since the direction and control of the cabinet in Ghana was subject to the powers of the president, the latter had the overriding voice. It needs to be emphasised further that the general direction and control of the cabinet was at the level of the government and not at the level of individual ministries. The ministers, individually, were under the direction of the president for the work of their respective ministries, and it was entirely in the discretion of the president what functions and the extent of such

functions to assign to any minister. Herein lay the lever held by the president over ministers and the cabinet. The cabinet and the individual ministers were neutralised and turned into an appendage of Nkrumah through the manipulation of the letter of the provisions of the Constitution, which was a perversion of their spirit, which perhaps justifies the assertion that Nkrumah had raised “extraconstitutionality to the level of an art.” Henry Bretton : The Rise and Fall of Kwame Nkrumah : A Study of Personal Rule in Africa (1966), p. 148. (A similar provision in the constitutions of Tanzania and Gambia was not manipulated in the same way to neutralise the cabinet and individual ministers.) It was his power to appoint and assign functions to ministers and the lever it gave him over them, which Nkrumah adroitly harnessed to absorb in himself personally the functions of the cabinet, thereby reducing it to a mere tool for the attainment and furtherance of his ambition for one-man rule. There was, of course, established a full complement of ministries to which were appointed separate ministers, but the critical aspects of the functions of most of them were detached from the minister and given to the president. Nkrumah’s powers under the 1960 Constitution (as amended) were thus nearabsolute, and his regime is rightly categorised as approximating to a constitutional dictatorship. Kamuzu Bnda’s neardictatorship in Malawi was even more squarely based in the Constitution than Nkrumah’s in Ghana was, so also was Mobutu’s in Zaire, but an examination of the relevant provisions of the constitution in the two countries will overburden the discussion without adding much further illumination of the term “constitutional dictatorship”. (Kamuzu Banda frankly admitted being a dictator but maintained that he was such by the permission of the people). Classifying Buhari’s two and half months rule and Obasanjo’s eight years rule, both under the same system of constitutional democracy established by the 1999 Constitution President Obasanjo’s eight years rule was a regime of personal rule, not an institutional government, i.e. rule by institutions established by the Constitution and whose activities are governed by public rules prescribed by law, the institutions or most of them having been sucked into the vortex of the President’s personal rule machine; it was not a government of laws but largely of men exercising powers with reckless impunity, the concept of the rule of law having been systematically subverted, as by the subversion of the doctrine of the separation of powers, the subversion of the legislative process, by interference with the judicial process, the subversion of Nigeria’s federal system, and by many other perversions of power; it was, in short, a regime where coercion and physical force, illegally applied, determined the conduct of affairs by government. It was, moreover, a regime where the President, as father of the nation, was regarded as all-knowing and infallible; a regime that enthroned the culture of sycophancy and the adulation of the President. His rule thus approximated somewhat closely to a constitutional dictatorship by means of the perversion of constitutional institutions and restraints upon powers. As for President Buhari’s rule, it is too early to classify it, beyond saying that it is, so far, not an institutional government, but a regime of personal rule, the main institution i.e. a council of ministers, to advise and assist him not having as yet been constituted. In the mean time, the nation is all expectancy, waiting to see whether he is truly a democrat as he, in his post-election statement, declared himself to be, or whether he is going to conduct the affairs of the country in the way his antecedents as former army commander and head of the military government, would lead us to expect. In any case, he should bring to an end this unconstitutional regime of personal rule by announcing his ministerial nominees without further delay. What is said in this write-up is applicable to those of the newly elected State Governors who also rule without commissioners apparently taking a cue from the President.

*Nwabueze, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is a foremost constitutional lawyer

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, Page 45

Centenary City As Battle Ground VIEWPOINT By Koos James

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The need to protect national project

R. Cairo Ojougboh, the National Vice Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (South South), recently, described the Centenary City Project as envisioned by the Jonathan administration as a scam. He said: “Somebody within the office called the SGF had the impunity to tell Nigerians lies, that the Centenary City is a Public Private Partnership arrangement. I mean it is a lie. In fact, a huge chunk of land was given to only one man and it did not stop there. He now went on to incorporate the entity as a free zone. Where have you seen it in this world? It is a crime personified.” Consequently, Senator Anyim

VIEWPOINT By Usman Abudah

RIGHT OF REPLY

A community’s many illustrious sons and daughters

HE piece by one Emameh Gabriel on page 4 in Sunday Vanguard of July 12, 2015 was rather a very dry effort to paint Princess Franca (Adiza) Afegbua as an extremely successful female politician in the then Bendel State of Nigeria: but to those who can enter the witness box to testify on oath, would, effortlessly establish that “journalist” Gabriel just wasted the space to create room for rejoinders from readers or politicians who were practically on ground to witness the goings on at that material period when the princess was on the terrain of politics on the side of National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Yes, Afegbua was a senator, but I won’t go to the length to unfold the game that led to her emergence as a lawmaker other than to say that she

VIEWPOINT By ADOLPHUS TIEWEI

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Square peg in a square hole

ERFECT. That single word summed up my reaction to the announcement of Mr. Babatunde Fowler as Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). It was not a word uttered on reflex, but on long and careful consideration of Fowler ’s performance record on the job he has just left: Chairman, Lagos Board of Internal Revenue. Fowler, without a doubt, is coming into his new job with a stunning resume, forged in 10 years at LIRS, where he masterminded the growth of internally generated revenue from a monthly average of N6billion to over N20billion This must spell success. LIRS became a model for tax administration as other states attempted to copy-with varying degrees of success. That Lagos currently generates an average of N20billion monthly is the outcome of the radical surgical procedure carried out by Fowler on the revenue collection apparatus of the government.

Pius Anyim, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and statesman, whose hard earned reputation was impugned, went on to seek judicial remedy. In suit No CV/2598/C5, Anyim is asking an Abuja High Court to compel Ojougboh to pay N1 billion as general, aggravated, punitive and exemplary damages over the statement. In a new twist, Ojougboh alleged that the former SGF was threatening his life. Whilst it has become convenient and fashionable for opponents, political enemies and the elite to tar themselves with the brush of corruption, there are ample evidences in this instance to believe that Ojougboh is driven more by bitterness and personal grudges he harbours against Anyim than by any other consideration in his selfstyled anti-corruption battle. Of particular interest is the fact than Ojougboh was removed from

office as the Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authorithy (NEPZA), a development he blames squarely on Anyim as the SGF. But the smoking gun appears to be beyond Anyim as those in the know of the inner workings of NEPZA blamed Ojougboh’s sack on the petitions against him. Anyim, a leader with inner solid strength, profound vision, passion and love for our nation contends that the statements credited to Ojougboh were false, unfounded, baseless and a calculated attempt to bring him to disrepute and lower him in the estimation of right thinking and reasonable members of the public. Ojougboh will have his day in court to prove those weighty allegations he made against Anyim as time has come for politicians to draw a line between politics and national interest. The Centenary celebration

ordinarily would have been another opportunity for government to waste money on a jamboree but, under the Jonathan government, it was not. While we celebrated this centenary milestone, government envisioned its transformative capacity hence the birth of the Centenary City project. Under the Jonathan administration, foreign direct investment flourished, making the nation the preferred investors destination on the continent. Until proven otherwise, the story of the Centenary project which Anyim facilitated in his capacity as the SGF was transparent and is a typical example of private sector project in progress. Already, foreign direct investment driven by world class developers is in excess of over $18 billion. It is work in progress with thousands of Nigerians set to benefit from the numerous employment opportunities. As Nigerians, we are used to travelling abroad to enjoy well-built cities, behold architectural masterpieces where modernization meets

Re: The Okpella demand from Edo people contested with the late Chief Frank Alkali. Gabriel showed one basic level of ignorance in the sense that, in his material, he wasn’t able to establish which communities or individuals that have boxed Okpella into his own definition as being short changed in

If Gabriel was an astute researcher, he ought to have let the world know what Princess Afegbua’s developmental strides she attracted to Okpella land during her tenure

the political development of the community. Rather, I would ask him if he has ever come across illustrious Okpella sons and daughters, apart from Afegbua, who were at the corridors of power? Just to re-call one, has he ever heard of Professor Imogie of the University of Benin, who, at a given moment, was in the cabinet of General Ibrahim Babangida as Secretary for Education? Does Gabriel know Captain Tony Usman is still a politician. On top of it all, Prince Abdul Malik Afegbua is also presently a top notcher of the ruling APC governments both at the local, state and federal levels? To my knowledge, the Oshiomhole Edo State-led government is embarking on massive road infrastructural work to link up the various communities. Perhaps Mr “Abuja-based journalist” is not aware that an entirely fresh Cement Company in

FIRS: Fowler Fits Preparation for the surgical procedure was laid by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which succeeded the military in 1999 when democracy returned. At the return of democracy, the IGR of the state stood at N600million monthly. With the state’s numerous challenges and the leanness of funds coming from the Federation Account, the Tinubu administration knew its chances of fulfilling its promise of addressing the challenges were near-zero. The alternative was to find an alternative source of funding. The search for an alternative compelled it to look inwards. The situation required a reversal, an urgent one which, over the next six years, yielded a dolphin-like leap to an average of N3.6billion monthly. That was the equivalent of 500 per cent. Even at that, the administration knew the state was nowhere near its potential. To get to the next level, it moved to refocus the tax administration system. That began in 2005 with the appointment of Fowler as the Chairman of LIRS.

Before the appointment of Fowler, a US-trained economist, business administrator and banker of vast experience, the government had sent a bill to the state legislature, seeking to make LIRs an autonomous and selfaccounting body. The LIRS kicked off in 2006 by breaking barriers to voluntary tax compliance. This was achieved through making tax assessment and payment easier by establishing mini-tax offices in markets around the state. Currently, there are about 50 of such offices across the state. Two

The figures showed, convincingly, that Lagos is the only state in the federation capable of doing without funds from the Federation Account

civilization and culture. We are used to the best things of life in faraway places such as Dubai, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong. The Centenary City as envisioned by the Jonathan administration has on its thematic preoccupation, the recreation of our uniqueness for greatness, to give us a competitive edge through tourism and should not be sacrificed on the altar of greed and misplaced vengeance. Given Anyim’s track record in public service, it is not surprising that he supervised the most inclusive, transparent process and followed due process and he was diligent in executing the Centenary project. The Address segment of the project is already sold out and the pace of project execution picking up at admirable speed. Any needless distraction at this point in time may imperil the entire project and should be rejected by all and sundry. •James sent this piece via koosdonkelly@yahoo.com

Alhaji Malik Afegbua, whose reign brought western civilization to Okpella Kingdom. Unfortunately, Princess Afegbua wasn’t there. She may have her reasons. If Gabriel was an astute researcher, he ought to have let the world know what Princess Afegbua’s developmental strides she attracted to Okpella land during her tenure. No community in Afenmai land, defined as the North Senatorial District of Edo State, has denied Okpella its rightful place in the scheme of things. Can Gabriel explain his personal efforts to ensure the re-opening of the branch of a bank that was operating there? Periodic home trips would help Gabriel to be current about the situation at home rather than being in Abuja and issuing inexplicable write-ups.

partnership with the state government is further creating job opportunities over there. Is Gabriel aware that an Okpella politician is presently the Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council with its headquarters at Agenebode? Time is gone when armchair critics cooling off under other peoples airconditioned sitting rooms or laptop carrying un attached and un employable “journalists” continue to write irritating and tactless materials in order to blow hot. Abuja is the Federal capital of the Nigerian nations where patriotic citizens from other communities reside, but they have regular and productive contacts with their brethren back home towards the development of their various communities. I was opportuned a few months ago to attend the 60th memorial prayer for his royal highness, the late

a journalist, •Abudah, documentalist and founder of Afenmai Heritage And Cultural studies, is based in Benin City, Edo State.

years later, it introduced the Self Assessment Filing System for individuals, a tax regime that allows the taxpayercompute his own tax liability, pay the tax due and produce evidence of payment. The system has ensured that individuals could conveniently pay their taxes at any of the 1,200 branches of the designated banks and the LIRS tax stations. It has also made it possible for taxpayers to obtain their receipts within 72 hours of payment. Alongside that ran a heavy public enlightenment campaign to raise awareness among businesses and individuals on how their taxes would benefit citizens, communities and commerce in the state. An important part of the campaign was the use of prominent Lagos residents across tribal, religious and professional lines in testimonial adverts on the importance of fulfillment of tax obligations. LIRS also designed its system in a way that ensures that all payment are made directly to designated revenue collecting banks. All of these are electronically linked to databases that issue electronic receipts to tax payers. In addition, LIRS introduced personal electronic tax clearance cards (eTCC), the first of its type in the

country. These measures banished the opacity that characterised tax collection in the past, as the process became more transparent to tax payers, who were granted access to their records via the internet. The results were astounding. Between 2008 and 2012, the average monthly IGR of the state rose from N18.9 billion to N23billion. During the 2012 Annual Public Lecture of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Governor Babatunde Fashola proudly declared that Lagos State IGR accounted for over 65 per cent of government revenue, making the state considerably less reliant on funds from the Federation Account. The figures showed, convincingly, that Lagos is the only state in the federation capable of doing without funds from the Federation Account. Fowler ’s tenure at LIRS attracted interests from many states, including Delta, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kano and Bayelsa, to study the model and adopt methods bequeathed by Fowler. The new appointment as FIRs chief helmsmen: Square peg in a similarly shaped hole? •Tiewei, an accountant, lives in Lagos

Page 46 — SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

VIEWPOINT By Olusola Balogun

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

On the sacked Ogun civil servants who mismanaged exam

OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State is at the butt of jarbs and venoms over the sanction meted out to six erring public officials in his state.Some officials of the state Ministry of Education had mismanaged a simply task of setting examination questions for secondary school students in the unified examination for public schools in the state. A teacher saddled with the assignment of setting English Language questions for Senior Secondary School 1 students made a mess of the task. He introduced bile into the dish. There was bedlam immediately tbe students got home after the exams. Government officials in

VIEWPOINT

By Emmanuel Ajibulu

TRIBUTE IN BRIEF

Celebrating a statesman on his birthday

GAIN, people from all walks of life felicitated with retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in grand style on August 17, the occasion of his birthday; he was born in 1941. Over the years, the Minna born elder statesman is known for offering quality advice to the constituted authority to ensuring national growth and prosperity; and ultimately to the cause of peace, and stability in Nigeria. For this, Nigerians owe him an enduring debt of gratitude; on the graceful occasion of his 74th birthday anniversary. It is imperative to note that any good leader has the ability and willingness to reciprocate the loyalty and support of his followers; that is the quality in IBB which is why many are prepared to follow him into the battlefield blindfolded. He stands by his own

Amosun and the Rule of Law Oke-Mosan were innudated with calls from concerned parents asking why their wards were fed with such ‘toxic question’. Ironically,the question passed through FOUR different layers of editing (gate-keepings) before it got to the students.Yet it escaped every one of them! Expectedly,the Ogun State Civil

Service Commission (SCSC) was livid with the education ministry gate-keepers. They empanelled a committee to look into the misdemeanor. The affected staffs were summoned to defend themselves. They defended themselves but their defence fell short of acceptable standards .The panel looked into the Civil Service rules and recommended various sanctions. Two senior officials were retired while four others had their employment terminated. The recommendations are truly painful as it involves means of livelihood, but that doesnt warrant attacking the wrong targets. Amosun suddenly became public enemy number one for a matter he knows little about. Rights activists and trade unionists were struggling to outdo each other with the creation of invectives to

haul at the governor. One group even took it to an absurd level of reporting the matter to the United Nations. The governor doesnt interfere in service matters. He allows civil servants to do their thing due to his respect for the rule of law. He allows the various statutory commissions to run their show according to the law because he believes he will one day finish his tenure as governor one day but the civil service e as an institution would remain. The SCSC early this year terminated the appointment of two members of staff who ran foul of the apolitical rule of civil servants by spotting Amosun campaign regalias. The governor allowed the SCSC to apply the rule even when it was clear they were his sympathisers. Like in this case,it

A Gift for Babangida at 74

and investors for profit maximization in the larger interest of the citizenry. Today, many young Nigerians are open to unrestricted opportunities and choice to explore their career in broadcast journalism. Also Babangida’s referendum garnered support for austerity measures which was suggested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank; this subsequently gave birth to “Structural Adjustment Program” (SAP) in 1986. The policies entailed under the SAP were the deregulation of the agricultural sector by abolishing marketing boards and the elimination of price controls, the privatization of public enterprises, the devaluation of the Naira to aid the competitiveness of the export sector, and the relaxation of restraints on foreign investment put in place by the Gowon and Obasanjo governments during the 1970s. Between 1986 and 1988, when these policies were executed as intended by the IMF, the Nigerian economy actually did grow as had been hoped, with the

Ironically,the question passed through FOUR different layers of editing (gate-keepings) before it got to the students.Yet it escaped every one of them!

and his own stands by him. Most importantly he stands with the Nigerian people. Apparently, he is deeply courageous, sensitive and compassionate; profoundly good man who is not only forgiving but also immensely generous and enormously large hearted. The role that he has consistently played in the affairs of our country since 1966 cannot be underestimated and neither can it be ignored or wished away. He is a leaders’ leader, an individual who intensely dislikes sycophancy and highly detribalized. He likes to call a spade a spade and doesn’t talk balderdash on national issues. His administration recorded a number of milestones whilst he held sway as the Head of State of Nigeria. One will recall that the much realistic and feasible deregulation of broadcast industry materialized in 1992 when the Babangida-led regime promulgated decree 38 which deregulated the industry and also

established effectively the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC. This decree (38) of August 24, 1992 empowered the NBC to regulate the entire broadcast industry in Nigeria, both public and private. Profoundly, this initiative eclipsed the over 50 years of sole government domination of the sector in Nigeria. In economic term the action by that government heralded proliferation of private electronic media as entrepreneurs

Between 1986 and 1988, when these policies were executed as intended by the IMF, the Nigerian economy actually did grow as had been hoped, with the export sector performing phenomenally well

was the SCSC that tried them and sanctioned them. So why is Amosun the object of the attack when it is clear SCSC merely used its constitutional power and applied the rule in sanctioning its employees? How is a governor, who didn’t interfere in the sacking of his supporters by the SCSC now be blamed for the latest action? Many of these commentators are hypocrites. They won’t brook sloppiness in their various offices yet they want it excused in public service. How many people would have been sanctioned if the scenario i described above plays out in a newspaper? Methinks what those commentators should be asking for is clemency for the officers, and not aggravating the situation by hauling thoughtless invectives. •Balogun is a public affairs analyst export sector performing phenomenally well. As a mortal IBB is not infallible, but one thing is certain, his many achievements cannot be underestimated or trivialized in the history of our dear nation. He is a retired Nigerian Army General who was President of Nigeria under military rule. He ruled Nigeria from August 27, 1985 until his departure from office on August 27, 1993. To the glory of God, life has seen him through to attain the apex of his public service and political pursuits; there are sufficient reasons for members of his family, his many associates, protégés and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His benevolence upon IBB’s life. As he deservedly celebrates this landmark, it is my prayer that Almighty God continues to bless him with good health and many more years of happiness and fulfillment.

*Ajibulu is resident in Three Arms Zone, Abuja, and can be reached via emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com

Ambode: Compassionate Governance Is The Watchword VIEWPOINT By Niyi Anibaba

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The human side of a governor We shall practice government by incentives and not government by enforcement. We shall implement creative ideas and concepts that reduce cost of running government; ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people… Join hands with me, to offer new ideas that will pull more resources to cater for the poor and needy amongst us. This will be a compassionate government- Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in inaugural address on May 29 2015.

believe Governor Akinwunmi Ambode clearly understood the solemn enterprise of governance when he made the pronouncement above to herald his administration as one to be judged according to how it shows compassion to the people. In less than 100 days in office, his walk in consonance with his talk has proved that he can be taken at his

word. Let’s consider some unforgettable developments and how he responded to them. Within a fortnight of Ambode’s assumption of office, the state witnessed a series of fatal petrol tanker explosions at Iyana Ipaja, Idimu and Ikorodu. The governor abandoned scheduled state duties to visit the scenes of these tragedies in order to commiserate with the victims and the bereaved. He promptly followed it up with a meeting of oil industry stakeholders and set up a committee to work out how to end the excesses of fuel tanker drivers. I readily recall how Ambode

How about the case of the Apapa-Oshodi expressway gridlock? The governor undertook the nightmarish trip on that stretch

mingled with the people in the rain at one of the points of the explosions. Soaked in the downpour, the governor’s message was clear: I am with the common man every step of the way, come rain, come shine. He made a pledge to assist the people cushion the heavy losses they incurred. He has since honoured his word! How about the case of the Apapa-Oshodi expressway gridlock? The governor undertook the nightmarish trip on that stretch. He punished himself by spending long hours on the highway, experiencing the pains and frustration of motorists and commuters, the better to appreciate the sufferings of those who voted him into power, so he could learn to serve them and formulate strategies to make life easier for them. It’s part of his take on the principle and practice of compassionate governance. Now if that was a collective perspective, how about instances of the governor’s direct reach to the woman with multiple births whose husband fled home? He couldn’t stand the responsibility of catering for his family with several

mouths to feed. Ambode got in touch with the family and provided a generosity that has since seen the hapless man return home. After all, they are part of the “poor and needy amongst us” the governor referred to as he took the oath of office. Another such personal intervention by the governor was when he left Ikoyi on his way to work. A car with a female at the wheels had overturned and Ambode halted his motorcade and joined in the operation to save life. Does that not remind one of the compassion of the Good Samaritan in the Bible whom the Lord Jesus Christ commended for setting aside his own personal convenience and time to attend to a dying victim of robbery? Well, this allusion to empathy for the weak and the vulnerable in our midst leads me to the trending issue of the whopping eleven billion naira Governor Ambode is now paying out to our long-suffering senior citizens whose pensions and gratuities had remained unremitted for years, for nearly 20 years in some instances. It’s been praises and prayers

galore for the governor from the thousands of citizens whose relatives and friends are benefiting from his gesture. Of course, there are still more pensioners to be redeemed. And Ambode has assured them that it would soon be their turn to smile and dance. They have cause to believe him because of his track record. He didn’t fail the people when he handled the finances of Lagos State as its Accountant General during a most difficult period. At the heart of every successful administration is that component of government called compassion for the people. No matter what accolades you accumulate on account of your grandiose political philosophies or ideologies, if you fail to connect to the people on their ordinary needs, you are a failure. Since representative democracy starts with the election of government by the people, it follows that the success of a ruler should be judged by how his actions address the plight of the people who constitute the driving force of government. •Anibaba is a Surulere-based educationist

SUNDAY Vanguard, August 23, 2015, Page 47 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

UPU new board and the future of Urhobo nation Dear Sir,

n illustrious Urhobo son brought my attention to newly inaugurated Board of the Urhobo Progress Union,UPU. Its membership is quite robust and impressive except for the inclusion of Chief Joe Omene, who is at the center of controversy that is bedeviling the union for sometime now. I have written extensively against the leadership of Omene for his unpleasant involvement in partisan politics as the leader of Urhobo nation saddled with the responsibility of promoting love, oneness and cultural values of our people. To a large extent I got red ink from a few Omene’s admirers and those who benefited from the largess of partisan politics within the rank and file of the UPU. Today, I stand to be corrected that open involvement by UPU PresidentGeneral in partisan politics is injurious to the image and integrity of the Urhobo nation. We received punches from other ethnic nationalities particularly from the Anioma nation due to the struggle for political powers during the 2015 general elections. The choice of Major General David Ejoor, Olorogun Felix Ibru and other capable hands in the new board of the UPU apart from Chief Omene by our leaders and royal

fathers seem to prepare the way for the re-branding of the UPU. I am also at peace with the support given to the new board by the Atamu and Urhobo Social Club Lagos. These two influential clubs have played pivotal roles in the current peace process. The focal point of the new board, in my opinion, is to first reconcile all stakeholders and bring back all sons and daughters of Urhobo nation under the big umbrella of UPU and control irrespective of political affiliations. It is therefore recommended that UPU board should

appoint independent and external auditors to immediately audit its accounts to confirm or reject the allegations made by some members of the exco who alleged financial misappropriation by the incumbent President. The audited accounts along with the history of funds received by the President on behalf of the UPU during and after the 2015 elections should be published to either indict or discharge the allegation against its leadership It is not enough to give Chief Omene a clean bill of health under the present dispensation.

The new UPU board must point the way forward and ensure that financial fraud and other social vices are not condoned within its leadership. The new board should also scrutinize the books of account to ensure that funds received to the completion of the UPU UVWIAMUGE HOUSE were utilized for that purpose and make public any financial misappropriation. My grouse with Chief Omene is purely based on his double edged political stakes haven declared public support for President Jonathan of

the PDP and at the same time for Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party (LP) in one single election period. Now that the new board has been inaugurated, I will shield the sword and do the needful within my Godgiven capacity to join hands with others to move the Urhobo nation forward. I strongly recommend, therefore, that the new board should reach out to Chief Tuesday Onoge, a man of uncommon integrity and foresight, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Chief Great Ogboru and other illustrious sons and daughters of Urho-

bo nation for reconciliation without further delay. It will not be out of place for the new Board to also organize a gala nite to be tagged ‘URHOBO NATION REUNION” to send the signal to the world that we are fully back, united and stronger that ever before. It is on this note that I congratulate the new UPU board and wish them progressive tenure for the good of Urhobo Nation. Urhobo Oviovo.

Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe President, Agbon Peace and Economic Transformation Initiative (APETRI).

Otuaro’s principal, Okowa is a liberal team player Dear Sir,

t is no longer news that Governor Ifea nyi Okowa of Delta State was recently out of the state and country for about two weeks. Okowa’s absence from the state brought to the fore his liberal nature and team player disposition that likely defined and aided his successful political career. He seemed to have stressed: “In the event of my unavoidable absence from the state, I have a capable hand in my deputy, Otuaro, to stand in for me”. Before May 29, 2015, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, had never been governor of

any state including his own Delta State. Shockingly, he allowed his deputy, Otuaro, to preside over the first Executive Council meeting to be held under his tenure. Not many would do that! In the build-up to the event, there was tension in the heart of managers of the situation. The Executive Council (Exco) Chambers, once the exclusive preserve of previous Governors for State functions, was still the venue of the meeting. “How would His Excellency, the Governor feel?”, was the refrain. A call put across to Governor Okowa put paid to the matter. The

response calmed nerves: “Is that why you called? The state must move on, please, even when I am away! Let him go on, please”. Otuaro thus held sway, presiding over the Exco meeting, proving his mettle in a calm and collected way, right at the Exco Chambers! Okowa did not have to shift the meeting so he must preside over the historic meeting himself, thus demonstrating his confidence in Otuaro who he severally referred to during the electioneering campaigns as his friend. Truth be told, this more than cordial relationship between Okowa and his

deputy Otuaro provides a remarkable template for the Nigerian nation with many hiccups in Governor and Deputy Governor relations. Having been used to something different in the past years, the new positive development was a marvelous thought. Okowa’s confidence in Otuaro since assumption of office has not been a misplaced one. Prior to Okowa’s last travel out of the country, Otuaro had negotiated peace between Urhobo/Isoko communities and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company leading to resumption of oil activities. Today, his

peace advocacy has produced results in the other rifts between communities and other companies in what gives hope for the peace building plank of Okowa’s SMART agenda. The Okowa/Otuaro cordial and understanding relationship calls on us all, irrespective of political leanings, to be part and supportive of their team for the prosperity of all Deltans

• Bulou Kosin is Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor of Delta State on Communication and Press

It is not O’tega in Delta VIEWPOINT By Odugba Ochuko VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The need for Onokpasa to join hands with Governor Okowa to move Delta forward

n Vanguard of 19th August, 2015, on page 39, Barrister Jesutega Onokpasa, APC, chieftain in Delta State, published an article in which he made all manner of unfounded allegations against the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. From the article titled, If Only it was O’tega in Delta, Onokpasa has shown that he has obviously become a fanatical follower of Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, APC Governorship candidate for Delta State and seems to have completely abandoned his former party, PDP. Among many other wild allegations, Onokpasa claimed that Governor Okowa illegally sacked

over 3000 Deltans and that if O’tega Emerhor was the Governor of Deltan, the opposite would be the case. This is most shocking to say the least because as a lawyer and writer, Onokpasa cannot pretend not to be aware of the illegal manner in which the persons involved were appointed. Most of the appointments were either bought at highly exorbitant rates or offered to the highest bidders who are not even from Delta State, therefore rendering highly qualified genuine citizens of Delta who cannot afford to pay through their noses unable to secure employment in their own state. It is very unfortunate that a man like Onokpasa who declared that the main role of our President, Muhammadu Buhari is to fight corruption, and that no one must challenge the President in this direction, is now the same man condoning corruption in Delta State civil service on the flimsy excuse that Okowa cannot prove that the work-

Okowa is an innocent man who has never offended him and merely inherited an onerous challenge of governance on his assumption of office. He is just trying his best to revamp the state and it is unfair to taint him ers bought their jobs when everybody in Delta knows that this is what has been going on all along. On this hypocritical note, Onokpasa had accused

Governor Okowa of sacking the few Deltans who have jobs while he conveniently forgot to mention the fact the Governor has instituted two widely acclaimed programmes for job creation in the state. The Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme, YAGEP, and Skills Training Entrepreneurship Programme, STEP are landmark projects of the Okowa administration in furtherance of his ‘Prosperity for all Deltans’ mantra and are anchored on wealth creation through entrepreneurship, self employment and the multiplier effect of more employment to be generated from these programmes for the benefit of countless number of our youths and other citizens of the state. Perhaps Onokpasa prefers a state in which only a handful of well connected people get a few jobs in government doing nothing while the youths without connection are aimlessly roaming the street. What

Okowa is doing is to put everybody into productive use for the greater good of the state instead of the present situation whereby idle people are collecting development levy and waiting for handouts without contributing their quota to the development of the state. The problem with people like Onokpasa is the fact that they are quite willing to play politics with everything. This is a man who abandoned his party, PDP and decided to support APC at the prompting of O’tega Emerhor, a man who dragged some fellow Deltans into an alien party, knowing fully that they are not on ground in the state. That is how Onokpasa ended up betraying his own geo-political zone by becoming an APC chieftain to the extent that he is hungry for a core Niger Delta State to be conquered by APC. I respect Onokpasa a lot but I urge him to live up to our expectations of him as a true intellectual, legal

practitioner and public affairs commentator. He should resist the temptation of embarking on grandstanding and destructive criticism. Okowa is an innocent man who has never offended him and merely inherited an onerous challenge of governance on his assumption of office. He is just trying his best to revamp the state and it is unfair to taint him with the same brush meant for those who might have offended him into leaving PDP. Rather people like Onokpasa should be willing to assist the Governor in delivering on his mandate for the good of the entire state. After all, Okowa is not the Governor of only PDP but that of the entire state regardless of party affiliation. Nevertheless, as we say in our great party, even though we lost at the centre, there is still room for all under the umbrella. .•Ochuko, a PDP chieftain, wrote from Emevor, Delta State.

PAGE 48—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015 sam.eyoboka@gmail.com

08023145567 (sms only)

Prayers sustain Nigeria---Gowon By Sam Eyoboka

ORMER Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) Sunday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Olive Tree parish, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos led several Christian leaders to intercede for Nigeria and its leadership with particular reference to the South West geo-political zone of the nation. The initiator of Nigeria Prays, led the Vice President, Lagos State governor, RCCG General Overseer as well as the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Lukman who were represented, Lagos State CAN executive members and other denominational leaders to pray specialised prayers beginning with confessions and repentance of national sins, national thanksgiving, prayer of renunciation and redemption. Dressed in white Agbada, Gen. Gowon commended Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for making his parish available for the intercession, noting "we assemble here humbly kneeling and standing, with praise and worship before our Lord God to pray for Nigeria, for our leadership at all levels, from the president to the governors to chairmen of local governments, traditional leaders throughout the country, and the good people of Nigeria." According to him, God has been

*Nigeria Prays held a prayer rally at the RCCG, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos. Picture shows from left: Pastor Bamidele Olurin who represented Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), director, Nigeria Prays, Rev. Moses Aransiola and Ambassador Moses Ihonde. SHOT: SHOLA OYELESE faithful and has kept the nation in one peace in answer to fervent prayers of both Christians and Muslims in the country. "You just take a look at all the problems in Nigeria over time, challenges that take Nigeria almost to the brink because of what we are doing to ourselves politically, socially, economically etc. But then at every stage, somehow we come out of the brink and are able to reorganize ourselves and move forward.

"You look at, for example, the old crisis we had in 1964-1965, after the crisis, the military coup in Nigeria in 1966, and thereafter all the problems we had, including the Civil War. It was not done as a war against any group of people or Nigerians. Despite the civil war that nearly broke the country. At the end of it, we were able to reconcile because of the spirit of give and take from both sides," the war time Head of State explained. Continuing, he noted that "if the

Comedians thrill at HarvestersUnwind

ARVESTERS Interna tional Christian Centre with headquarters in Gbagada area of Lagos in its quest to impact and transform people recently treated worshippers to a unique evangelical experience involving comedy, dance and musical event tagged "Unwind with Emeka Smith and friends". Guests had arrived early for the lunch time event to unwind after a tedious work week as popular comedian, Emeka Smith promised to invite his friends in the industry to offer young families in Lagos a “platform to laugh, mingle and unwind.” According to him, the hustle and bustle of Lagos has forced families to drift apart, sparing no time for recreation. “All we have got is our families. God forbids if anything goes wrong but we have got nobody apart from God and our families. So, we have to treasure that great asset and create time to unwind in God’s presence with holy laughter.” Emeka Smith, a member of the church, started bringing upstage comedians one after the other: AY, Omo Baba, Funny Bone, Larry Jay, Ajebo and a dancing group, D Flex. The comedians got down to business and cracked ribs effortlessly. Husbands and wives exchanged banters; seeing themselves in a new light. Their kids joined in the euphoria, revealing their milk teeth. Harvesters also engaged the social media as part of preserving the show's memories: guests were encouraged to take selfies and tweet with the hashtag #Harvestersunwind. It trended

other party (Igbos) did not accept our offer, it would have been difficult, and also my promise to be sure that we achieve that peace; this is what all Nigerians should be proud of. We were able to rebuild Nigeria to what it should be. "If you remember the last election, all the things reported and published, I was afraid, not forgetting that prophecy that Nigeria would break in 2015. Until that election when Nigeria really surprised the world because many people pleaded with Nigeria to have a peaceful election so that everyone can move forward. "That election was tremendously successful and I’m proud of my brothers and sisters in Nigeria. Before the final announcement of the result, President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat. If he had rejected the result and gone to the tribunal, what would have happened to Nigeria? "President Muhammadu Buhari graciously accepted that conceding of defeat by the president. There was a relief throughout the country. How did we achieve that? It was a lot of prayers," Gen. Gowon acknowledged. According to him, "in answer to prayers of all Nigerians, Christians and Muslims, God touched the hearts of every Nigerian to do the right thing and we got it right at the end," adding that the 1999 transition from the military to civilian administration was another evidence of God's intervention in the nation's affairs. "Prayers that were said by all faithful at that time, God

RIGHT OF REPLY

answered our prayers. And we had the change we wanted. God answers your prayers not when you want it but when He thinks it is right," he noted. Asked why prayers have not broken the circle of corruption in the country, he latched at the media, saying "it is up to you. If you can fight within yourself not to accept corruption, gradually we will get there. One thing I know is that you can never totally remove corruption anywhere in the world, but you can minimize it." According to the former Head of State, Nigeria's most challenging problem today is that of Boko Haram which is very complicating, arguing that even "the Muslims do not agree that Boko Haram is Islamic and they condemn it very truly. So this is one of the most serious problems. "Let us as Nigerians try to eschew all forms of violence and criminal acts. Let us also value the lives of our fellow human beings. We have no right, as human beings, to take any life that God has created. Let us pray to God to instill on us the virtues of righteousness in dealing with one another especially the disadvantaged in our society," he said. Vice President Osinbajo represented by Pastor Bamidele Olurin averred that the problem of Nigeria is leadership, and urged all Nigerians to key into the Nigeria Prays vision and relentlessly pray for the nation and its leaders to always do right things which is the panacea to national development. Echoing similar sentiments, the Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji who represented Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, also harped on the need for Nigerians especially Christians to endeavour to the right things all the time.

Pastor Aribisala’s misguided missile on Pastor Adeboye By Segun Adegbiji

*Some of the families at the show on twitter for another two days with many intriguing pictures. The event was not just about comedy and dancing, many attendees had an opportunity of encountering the Change that Harvesters stands for. Pitching for change, Harvesters Lekki Centre Resident Pastor, Deji Agboade, opined that the fun the young families just had will be incomparable with the eternal comfort that awaits them in heaven. Agboade appealed to them to turn over their lives to God, saying God has the willingness and capacity to change their stories for good here on earth and in the hereafter. “If you give God a chance in your life, He will turn it around and make it better than you can imagine,” he stressed. Harvesters Executive Pastor, Dayo Ogunrombi, said the show was the church’s way of “having fun in an unusual environment.” He said Unwind was designed to be appealing to the unchurched and hopefully

soften their hearts to God. Harvester ’s Senior Pastor, Bolaji Idowu, said the show was crafted to emphasise the family-friendly disposition of the church. “Our mission is influence,” he began. “We desire to create a setting for families to bond and thrive. That is why young families find this place irresistible.” This, he explained, is responsible for the astronomical growth of the church. While its Gbagada headquarters hold four services every Sunday, the third service of its Lekki centre is kicking off in September. The Ikeja Centre is also opening in the same month to accommodate the yearning of young families for an atmosphere filled with love and God. Idowu said: “Our greatest asset is love. We love people to a fault here. We tell them to come the way they are and God will turn their lives around. We are heavy on love and that is why we are becoming a safe haven for young families.”

“Blessed is the man who has delight in obeying God completely, whatsoever he does shall prosper.” A CHAMPION in a lime and spoon 100, meters race after winning a trophy, was asked by journalists which of the crowd reaction helped him to win. The crowd that cheered and praised him or the crowd that mocked and jeered at him. His response taught us a lesson: Ignoring the two crowd reactions was the secret of his success. Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye is a focused Christian and a man of God. He has no time, neither for those who praise him nor for those that mock him and call him names. Adeboye is passionate about salvation, about evangelism, about character, integrity and holiness. He is an incurable soul winner. As a young worker and new convert, he formed a club: “The fishers of men”. They would not go to bed any day without winning some souls. Over the years, God has used him to bring joy to many homes enveloped in sorrow caused by barrenness, terminal ailment or children of wealthy parents that were hooked on drugs. At the last

RCCG Convention, which was the platform for Femi Aribisala’s view, many women that were called barren that Adeboye prayed for in previous conventions brought their children in their hundreds of thousands to give thanks to God and to testify. People brought on wheel chairs got up and began to walk. People with terminal ailments came out for prayer and they were asked to see their doctors and confirm the healing that took place. Adeboye did not want to share in God’s glory; so he asked his pastors to lay hands on these people. Under Adeboye’s leadership, The Redeemed Christian Church of God established departments that care for the afflicted and the needy. At Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry, CADAM, we gather drug addicts, heal them and give them education or technical training depending on individual’s ability and interest. Habitation of Hope is a home that gathers the homeless and the destitutes and give them hope, education and a future. Many of these are now citizens doing well for themselves. RAPAC is a department that counsels, prays and treats in

Continued on Page 49

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 49

JESUS establishes three spiritual laws pertaining to prayer. He says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8).

SPIRITUAL LAWS OF PRAYER

Asking and receiving Believers’ need for things is met through prayer. The Lord is our shepherd, therefore he provides for us. Jesus asks: “What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:9-11). God’s “good things” are different from man’s “good things.” The Lord says: “My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” (Isaiah 55:8-9). An anonymous writer says: “I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong. I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve. I asked for prosperity and God gave me brawn and brains to work.” “I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome. I asked for patience and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait. I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help. I asked for favors and God

gave me opportunities. I asked for everything so I could enjoy life. Instead, He gave me life so I could enjoy everything. I received nothing I wanted, I received everything I needed.” A child asks the father for what he cannot provide for himself. But many things in life don’t come merely through asking. If you are looking for oil in the Lake Chad Basin, you don’t merely ask for it: you seek the oil. Seeking and finding There is a big difference between asking and receiving and seeking and finding. What we ask for and receive is different from what we seek and find. We ask for things and receive things. But we seek God and his kingdom and receive the Lord himself. True believers never seek things: only unbelievers do so. Believers ask for things. Things come to us just by the asking. But unbelievers seek things in order to get them. The heavenly father gives good things to those who ask him. But he does not give things to those who seek him. Those who seek him are not looking for things.

God is all we need and he who has the Lord will also get groceries Those who seek him are looking for him. In the kingdom of God, we ask the Father for things and receive them. But we seek God himself and find him. When we become seekers, we stop asking for things: we receive things automatically. Jesus says: “Do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33). Seeking vanities Asking is a straightforward process. All it involves is the tabling of a demand. But seeking requires time and effort. When a believer has need for things, he simply asks God and receives them. However, unbelievers don’t have our heavenly Father;

they only have earthly fathers. Therefore, they seek things. Unbelievers seek, search, pursue and actively strive in order to acquire things. They devote themselves to this endeavour. They work at it. They expend all their time and energy in the acquisition of things. They seek promotion. They seek wealth. They seek riches. Unbelievers seek; they don’t ask. But believers don’t have the dog-eat-dog mentality of unbelievers. We don’t have to push, shove, lie, cheat, and employ all kinds of carnal tactics in order to get the things of this world. Believers do not seek the things of this world. Believers only seek God. If we seek the Lord, we will find him. Therefore, we should not just seek redemption; we should seek the redeemer. We should not just seek forgiveness; we should seek the forgiver. We should not just seek blessings; we should seek the “blesser.” Believers are of the generation of Jacob; the

generation of those who seek the Lord; who seek his face. (Psalm 24:6). A child’s relationship with his father might initially only be devoted to getting things from him. When he sees his father, he asks him for money; for clothes; for shoes. But sooner than later, he should come to the father for the sake of the father. He should come to see the father because he wants to have a relationship with him. He should come to see the father because he likes the father. He should come to see the father because he wants to talk to him. Accordingly, his relationship would graduate from asking for things to seeking the Lord. When we seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all other things are added to us without our having to ask for them. God is all we need and he who has the Lord also gets groceries.

Knocking and entering But there is an even more excellent way, and that is the way of knocking. The kingdom principle says: “Knock and it shall be opened to you.” There is a

distinct difference between seeking and knocking, just as there is a difference between asking and seeking. Asking is easy. Seeking requires some effort. Knocking, on the other hand, is insistent and persistent. He that seeks, finds. He that knocks has found whom he is seeking. When we knock, a door of entrance is opened to us. When we knock, we have already found the person we are looking for. When we knock, it is because we know where God lives and want to enter into his presence. When we knock, we enter into his fullness and into his life. When we knock, it is no longer Christ in us, but us in Christ. It is a wonderful and magnificent mystery: “Christ in you the hope of glory.” When we knock and enter, we put on the Lord Jesus. When we knock, we put on the new man which is created after God in true righteousness and holiness. In short, the whole point of our walk with God is that we become what we contain. “While in bed at night, I reached for the one I love with heart and soul. I looked for him, but he wasn't there. So I searched through the town for the one I love. I looked on every street, but he wasn't there. I even asked the guards patrolling the town, ‘Have you seen the one I love so much?’ Right after that, I found him. I held him and would not let go until I had taken him to the home of my mother.” (Song of Solomon 3:1-4).

Pastor Aribisala’s misguided missile on Pastor Adeboye Continued from Page 48 confidence, people who are HIV positive. Holistic Ministry ministers to prostitutes, rehabilitates them, educates and trains them. ‘A CAN can make a difference’ provides food for people in the streets and under the bridges. RCCG is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in Nigeria and in 187 other nations. The General Overseer of a Pentecostal church based in Victoria Island, Pastor Femi Aribisala, wearing a mask of social critic and columnist wrote an article: “Adeboye the richest man in the world” at page 47 of Sunday Vanguard of August 16. In the article, Aribisala condemned the ministry of Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Aribisala believes the purpose of building a new auditorium that can accommodate 12 million worshippers in response to God’s instructions is because Adeboye wants to make the Guinness Book of Records. Adeboye has his name in the LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE which is the best achievement any mortal can ever aspire to. Aribisala said: “Pastor Adeboye is using man’s wisdom to teach his congregation how to prosper instead of imitating our Lord Jesus who pleaded with his disciples that calamity awaits rich people and that poor people are the blessed

people.” Aribisala got the gospel mixed up; many scriptures tell us the mind of Christ about wealth, our welfare, our health, salvation and eternity. In 3 John verse 2, the Bible says: “Beloved, I wish above all things that you mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth”. In other words, after salvation, God wants us to have a good health and strong financial resources. In Philippians 4:19, the Bible says: “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” That is, the Lord will supply the needs to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. The Bible tells us that Jesus was rich, he was never poor. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts”— Haggai 2:8. The owner of solid minerals cannot be described as poor. In Psalm 50:10, the Bible says: “The Lord of host is rich. The cattle on a thousand hills are His”. The gospel of Jesus, however, teaches us not to focus on wealth and that the rich should not be high minded and that our focus should be on things of eternal value. ‘Salvation, preaching the gospel’ are of eternal value and they have to be funded. SELF-SUFFICIENT Jesus was self-sufficient. He did not carry money or cheque

book about but when he needed a thing he would decree it. He rode in the Mercedes Jeep of his time to Jerusalem. He commanded money out of the mouth of a fish when he needed to pay tax. He was not a tax defaulter. The little boy who brought five loaves of bread and two fishes went home with 12 baskets because Jesus wanted to teach his congregation and disciples the principles of financial breakthrough. RCCG is a full gospel church where holiness, divine healing, evangelism and principles of godly prosperity without sorrow are preached. Adeboye used a metaphor when he told the congregation on Saturday of the last convention that he is richer than Bill Gates. In 188 nations, members of RCCG would offer him a place to stay in their personal houses, a privilege Bill Gates does not have. It was a challenge to the workers to win souls. It will be a surprise if Aribisala’s church in the home of the wealthy, Victoria Island, is built to look like a temple or synagogue of the Bible days, simply because his understanding is that only poverty can be combined with holiness. It is also amazing that Aribisala’s church was not planted in Ajegunle, Idumota or

Mushin which agrees with his philosophy that only the poor will enter the Kingdom of God. Another issue is Aribisala’s comment that Daddy Adeboye once boasted that those who want to become President will come to RCCG to seek support and that the royalty of the United Kingdom will want to be part of RCCG. The prophecy that political candidates in Nigeria will come to RCCG to solicit support has been fulfilled. In 2011, presidential aspirants came to seek Adeboye’s prayer and counsel. Prince Charles, the British crown prince, worshipped in RCCG, Jesus House, London, and commended the efforts of the church. Queen Elizabeth has also endorsed the impact and efforts of RCCG in the United Kingdom. Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, and Prime Minister David Cameron attended RCCG Festival of Life in London when elections were close by. Adeboye prayed for them and they won their respective electio n s . Cameron said: “Thank you, Daddy G.O.” Aribisala’s friends in RCCG should give him those tapes, if he wants to confirm. Reputation law governing charity empowers a charity to raise money publicly if they wish provided the finished product is presented to the

donors to see. Adeboye is not a signatory to the project account. He has invited the public to visit the new auditorium even while under construction. Regarding some of our pastors and members who are in political/public offices, we acknowledge that their promotion came from God, it is a wake-up call for increased prayers that insurgency will be crushed and Nigeria will prosper and improve in all fruits for their sake. The big question is this; how does Aribisala have so much time to visit and monitor messages and structures of other churches when he has a flock to feed spiritually? In conclusion, we like to advise and pray for Aribisala. PREACHING THE TRUTH He should preach the truth to his congregation, the full gospel truth—holiness, prosperity, divine healing- and he should challenge them to win souls so that together we can expand the Kingdom of God and extinguish or reduce the size of Satan’s Kingdom. He should preach in his Sunday Vanguard column and win souls. The Lord that is rich in mercy will envelope Aribisala in his mercy, overlook his malicious words against us and enlighten his eyes of understanding.

•Adegbiji, a pastor, is the head of the RCCG Media and Public Relations.

PAGE 50—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015

ROW OVER BOI’S N24.6BN FOR MINERS!

Let bank chief, Olaoluwa, name money recipients – Empowerment group leader come up and we need to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff.

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

The revelation by the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, that his organization gave loan totaling N24.6 billion to the solid minerals sector has unsettled miners. They are claiming that the said loan did not get to them. In this interview, the President of the Progressive Miners Empowerment Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sunny Ekozin, challenges the BoI boss to tell Nigerians those who benefited from the N24.6 billion facility. According to him, if N24.6 billion had been given to miners in the last six years, the impact would have been there for all to see. Excerpts:

o what extent has the N 24.6 billion given to the solid minerals sector by the Bank of Industry impacted on the operations of miners? That claim by the BoI Managing Director is unimaginable. This has been a sector that several operators have been agitating for funding and getting little or no attention. Therefore, hearing the news that N24.6 billion was given as loan to the sector by the Bank of Industry, personally as a leader in the sector, I commend the effort of the bank. That means that you and your colleagues got about N24 billion from BoI? I think this is the area where there seems to be some kind of lacuna. Most of the time we see people that hold public offices using words in ways you don’t understand. You don’t say you have given N 24.6 billion for solid mineral development without the operators in the sector seeing it. Who benefited from the N24. 6 billion? The BoI MD will need to tell the public who got the loans. You don’t give money to a manufacturing company which uses solid mineral as source of raw material acquisition and procurement for manufacturing processes and say you have given the money to solid minerals. We demand a breakdown of those BoI has given this money to. . Who and who have benefited from this loan? Who are the miners who are involved in exploration? Who are involved in beneficiation? Who are involved in actual mining operations that have benefited from this money? To what extent have you conducted due diligence amongst your colleagues to be sure that this money didn’t get

Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa

to some of them? There is a lot of apprehension across the country. The day that pronouncement was made by the chief executive of the Bank of Industry that N24.6 billion was given as loan to solid minerals, the belief among miners is that their leaders and those who are privileged to interact with those in government have been benefiting all along and they are living in squalor and looking for money to develop their mines. So as leaders we said we are responsible to them, we need to make it clear to the nation that there is no true miner that benefited from this money and I challenge the MD of the Bank of Industry to publish the names of those miners who he has given this money to, so that we can take them seriously. Otherwise, we demand, as operators within the sector who have been suffering all along before the government of President Buhari came in, that Mr Olaoluwa should publicly apologise to Nigerian miners. I do know that aside the Progressive Miners Empowerment Association of Nigeria which you represent, there is the Miners Association of Nigeria, and other associations in the sector. Don’t you think that it is possible that the BOI could have been funding members of other groups in the industry without you knowing? There are other associations but when it comes to who the real miners are, we know ourselves. You don’t recognise someone who stays in one-room apartment in Abuja and calls himself a miner. I challenge most of them who parade themselves under the name and titles of miners to show where they undertake their mining operations? Most of these people have no mining outfits anywhere in the country. I am

Mr. Sunny Ekozin

referring to anybody outside the Progressive Miners Association of Nigeria. We speak authoritatively because we know ourselves. Most of these people who say they are leaders of associations of miners don’t have mining outfits. Is it not possible that even amongst those who have any form of operations whatsoever, there could be those who have benefitted from the BoI loan? Well, it is possible, but I can tell you that there is no serious miner who is involved in mining in this country that will not have relationship with the Progressive Miners Association of Nigeria. The reason is because they know who the actual operators are, who the sincere operators are, who the true voices are. What do you expect the Federal Government to do aside your challenge to the BOI to publish the names of the beneficiaries of the N24. 6 billion loan facility? Like we have been agitating, we are happy and very hopeful based on the activities of the president. In his inaugural speech, it was clearly captured that solid mineral is going to be one of the sectors that he is going to develop and subsequently in different foray we have being telling him the need for this government to better the economy using solid minerals. To that extent, we are asking him to read within the lines of all these emergency advocates who, all of a sudden, because of the body language of president, are now coming up from nowhere to say this is what we have done. Where have these people been since 2009 when we went to the BoI in particular? Where have they been? What advocacy have they done in terms of solid mineral development in the country? How many of the conferences and seminars and so on have they organised to sensitize

the operators within the industry and say ‘look we have got this money for you and this is the only way you can access this money? All of a sudden they are now coming out to say they have been helping the solid minerals. I can tell you, in all of these, I can smell some kind of panic amongst several persons who want to secure their positions by trying to give an impression to the president that they have been working to develop this sector until now. So the president should read ibetween the lines because the federal emergency advocate is still yet to

I am convinced that if that amount of money got to Nigerian miners, they would have possibly been able to chase out the illegal foreign miners that have been taking advantage of the nation’s solid minerals confusion

Of course you know that you could possibly ask the BOI to indicate the impact of the loan that they have given to the sector As a matter of fact, I wrote immediately to Mr. Olaoluwa. I don’t want a situation where it will seem as if one is reporting them at the first instance to the presidency that is why I deliberately didn’t copy the presidency. This came last week and of course it is something you send electronically, something you send by courier it is obvious that by last week that those documents would have been delivered. What did you actually require from them? I specifically asked of them, we received your pronouncement of the loan disbursement to this sector with joy and excitement but please give us the breakdown of the beneficiaries of this loan because there is a lot of unsettlement and apprehension amongst the operators particularly skilled operators, the indigenous operators in the country. People are really apprehensive because their believe is that 24.6 billion given to a sector, there should have been a significant impact in the sector. But judging from what the briefing the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals gave to the president recently, the president was reported to have said that it was the most demoralizing briefing he had received. I am convinced that if that amount of money got to Nigerian miners, they would have possibly been able to chase out the illegal foreign miners that have been taking advantage of the nation’s solid minerals confusion. If the ministry are cash strap and are not able to carry out their mandate as specified by the constitution you can see that we have crises within the sector. There is no way that operators within the mining sector would be thriving and the ministry will not be in the know. You can see why we demand very urgently an explanation from the Bank of Industry as far as this 24.6 billion is concerned. It can’t be swept under the carpet because we are talking about a huge amount of money in this sector. The sector has never gotten that kind of fund in block at anytime and for any banker to make a pronouncement that they have given such money to the sector they should be held accountable for an explanation to the nation.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 51

How Chinese, Lebanese, Indians dominate our economy *The maritime, aviation connection By COSMAS OKEREAFOR espite the security challenge the country is facing, Nigerian security agents, especially those working at the maritime and the aviation sectors, where cargo are processed, may have not really come to terms that sensitive areas of the ports, “entering and exit”, should be the exclusive preserve of Nigerian citizens, like it is done in other countries. Two years ago, a container laden with explosives and dangerous weapons were intercepted by the Nigerian Customs. Only God knows what would have happened if those weapons brought in by some foreigners were not intercepted by the NCS. But still, the shipping industry and business of cargo clearing today in Nigeria is said to be dominated by theLebanese, Indians, Chinese and South Africans, to the extent that they enter, at will, places like Customs Processing Centre (CPC) that Nigerians cannot access even in Cotonou. Many years after the approval of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Act 2003 and the passage of the Nigerian Content Act, 2010, both of which were designed to stimulate indigenous participation in the shipping industry and the oil and gas sector, what we

see is the dominance of business activities in the key areas by foreigners. Statistics made available by the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) confirmed that foreigners control more than 95 percent of the over 3,000 vessels operating in our coastal and inland waterways. This negates the Federal Government’s policy of growing and promoting the local industry. At various fora, shippers have criticized the insensitivity of government and called for immediate action, lest foreigners continue to dominate the sector ten years after the cabotage law came on stream. What this means is that the Federal Government should beam its search light at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which has been fingered as frustrating Nigerian ship owners. The National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, blamed the take-over of cargo clearing business in Nigeria by foreigners on the inability of those in authority to enact laws that would help indigenous operators to excel in their businesses. He cautioned that something has to be done, otherwise Nigerians would be completely thrown out of business.

He explained that some highly placed Nigerians who know nothing about the ports are responsible for not having the laws to empower local operators.

One is not saying foreigners should not do business in Nigeria. The issue is that they should not have access to sensitive areas in the ports to avoid security

breach. Beyond security risk which the foreign cargo operators pose, “entering and going out”, the Federal Government, in the spirit of

“

change, should rise up to address this lapse to forestall attacks, especially at this time the world is battling terrorism. *Okereafor lives in Lagos

Customs, SON activities linked to Apapa-Oshodi road gridlock *Overhaul agencies, Forwarders tell Buhari

ome freight forwarders have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul the Nigeria Customs Service and Standard Organisations of Nigeria (SON) for a more effective maritime sector. Speaking with Sunday Vanguard Business, the licensed Customs agents alleged that the two government agencies were acting beyond their jurisdictions in the discharge of their duties. According to the Managing Director of Zetus and Associates, Emmanuel Ezetu, Customs officials were hindering them from carrying out their clearing and forwarding businesses as they ask for gratification, outside the fees imposed by government. Ezetu alleged that Customs officials have made it near impossible for them to comply with government’s directive of 48 hours clearing of goods at the ports, thereby causing trucks supposed to covey the goods from the

ports to constitute traffic menace. “The traffic nightmare that Lagosians experience on Apara-Mile 2 Road is a product of what the Customs officials are causing. Their delay tactic not only causes us to pay more in clearing genuine goods which have been inspected from the point of shipment and verified in Nigeria but also makes Nigerians to suffer on the roads. They impose on us charges that are out of place, thereby making life unbearable for us. If they are not called to order by President Buhari, we fear that they may run us out of business”, he said. Also speaking, Managing Director of Otis Maritime, Onyebuchi Oti, urged President Buhari to order officials of the Standard Organisations of Nigeria (SON) to vacate federal highways, where they stop containers cleared from ports for another round of checks. “If those goods were checked by SON officials and Customs agents in the ports,

we do not see any other reason SON officials would stay in Mile 2 to stop containers coming from the ports. By

stopping these trucks, man hours are lost and traffic is caused. It is needless and only serves the selfish purpose of these officials”, Oti alleged.

Pumoh alters e-shopping By Princewill Ekwujuru

umoh.com, a newly launched online shop says it has come to change the style of trading and buying in the ecommerce space, as it introduces brand ambassador; Mr.Sam Anyamele, a Nollywood actor. Among other unique features of the shop, the Managing Director, Mr. Frances Osuagwu, said students can go Online to access past question papers in the West Africa Examination Council, WAEC, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB and CBT from 1978 to date. He stated also that customers can own a wallet if they play its quiz game which attracts an instant voucher with which

the beneficiary can buy goods from, deposited with the shop from where the customer can pay for goods bought. Here also, the Managing Director said: “ young authors can be helped to publish their works.” He went to say that Pumoh.com is out to fill a gap in e-commerce business in Nigeria. He said the offering is to prioritize services for merchants and customers. He hinted that Pumoh.com is providing a unique offering for students and aspiring authors through the Virtual Academy; a platform where students can engage and study to improve their knowledge and aspiring authors can also achieve the fulfilment of their creative works.

FREE YOURSELF FROM PILE (HAEMORRHOID): THE WAY OUT With HRH Oba (Dr.) Qumas, Onidun of Igbo Idun, Kwara State.

aemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum. Sometimes, the veins around the anus swell, become stretched, thinner and irritated when passing faeces. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAEMORRHOID (PILE) 1. Pain from the anus especially during defecation (passing of faeces) 2. Painful swelling or lump near the the anus 3. Itching from the anus 4. Mucous discharge from the anus 5. Bleeding from the anus 6. Sometimes, there is leaking of faeces 7. Soreness around the anus 8. Anaemia (low blood level) due to bleeding TYPES OF HAEMORRHOID (PILE) INTERNAL HAEMORRHOID AND EXTERNAL HAEMORRHOID INTERNAL HAEMORRHOIDS: They lie far enough into the rectum and anus. You cannot readily see or feel them. They hardly give so much pain but could cause bleeding from the anus. Although, some internal haemorrhoids may protrude outside the anus (prolapse). If prolapse occurs, it may be painful due to irritation from push, clothing and sitting. Sometimes, the protruded haemorrhoid may be pushed gently back into place if it does not go in by itself. EXTERNAL HAEMORRHOIDS: They lie within and around the anus and are very uncomfortable. A prolapsed (the one that protrudes or extends out of the anus) external haemorrhoid can be seen and felt. It is very painful if the vein of the haemorrhoid bursts (A condition called thrombosis). It may look very frightening and bleed when this happens. Haemorrhoids are the most common cause of bleeding from the anus. CAUSES OF HAEMORRHOIDS Anyone can be affected by haemorrhoid and it may even occur during pregnancy. However, recent research shows a high incidence of haemorrhoid in young people. In western medicine, the exact cause of haemorrhoid is not certain but in natural medicine, the cause is known. It is worthy of note also that weak haemorrhoidal veins can be inherited. Therefore, making some people have a greater tendency to develop haemorrhoid than others. Other factors that may trigger haemorrhoid include the following: Obesity, pregnancy, standing or sitting for long periods, straining in the toilet, holding your breath while straining to do physical labour and very notably, YOUR DIET (WHAT YOU EAT). DIET AND YOUR HAEMORRHOID A diet high in processed food may cause haemorrhoid. Also, avoid sugary foods. A high fibre diet is always advised. Avoid heavy carbohydrates and low fibre meals like yam, cassava meal (fufu), processed rice, pastries like meat pie, chicken pie, junk food, generally, eat more of vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and meals as much as possible. Inadequate intake of water may cause constipation which can contribute to haemorrhoid because constipation makes you strain in the toilet and makes your stool hard, thereby, irritating the swollen veins. So by all means, avoid being constipated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Also, monitor your salt intake. Some foods consumed by certain people may not affect them negatively whereas same foods may cause adverse effects like pile in others. In some people, pile may be triggered by

By Yommy Dauda

eating of plantain especially the ripe type. Even sweet fruits like banana intake may worsen the condition in others. So it is important you know your body make up. The intake of alcohol should be avoided as much as possible as well as soft drinks and juice. That was why our fore-fathers used to take very potent and highly qualitative herbal syrups (commonly called Agbo) to reduce the accumulation of sugars and excess unwanted components of food eaten and to detoxify(cleanse) their body. That was why our forefathers in Africa never suffered from pile (haemorrhoid). TREATMENT OF HAEMORRHOID (PILE): THE WAY OUT In Africa, our forefathers have been treating pile for hundreds of years successfully long before the advent of western medicine. They used natural remedies, herbs, leaves, shrubs and roots successfully to treat pile without any side effects. Those treasured herbal remedies and ancient secrets are alive and very much in use at Qumas herbs. At Qumas herbs, HRH Kabiyesi Oba (Dr.) Qumas, the Onidun of Igbo idun with more than 35 years experience in herbal medicine effortlessly, successfully and permanently treats haemorrhoid (pile) and many other health problems with herbs. No need for surgery. SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES THAT WILL HELP YOUR HAEMORRHOIDS 1.Avoid sitting for long hours 2.Do not scratch the haemorrhoid. It makes matters worse. 3.Bath regularly to keep anus clean. Do not scrub indiscriminately with AZOQ is a complete herbal medicine that can boost up the immune system to fight against bacterial infections and gives lasting solutions to veneral diseases soap. as Staph, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis, Coliform, Herpes, AIDS, Fungal 4.Don't sit on the toilet such infections: With symptoms like itching in the organ, movement in the body, for more than 5 minutes pains before and after urinating , body weakness, loss of sexual feeling, at a time. CAPSULE: for weak erection, inability to perform 5.Do not hold your MENFIT more than one round of sex with partner and quick ejaculation breath for too long S.P BOOSTER CAPSULE: for low sperm count and watery, du ri ng ex erc is e or Oligospermia and Azoospermia. TREATMENT for Diabetes, Hypertension Three weeks Open during manual labour. Block Fallopian Tube, Menstrual Pain, Fibroid, Pile, Irregular 6.Do not hold back Menses. JIMJAD for pile, Hemorrhoid, Blood Stooling, Waist Pain, Pain faeces. Answer the anus. nature's call as soon as in MALAQ: for Malaria, Typhoid and Body pain. possible always. UL: for Ulcer and stomach pain 7.Avoid over-eating. Reduce intake of heavy meals. Contact HRH Oba (Dr.) Qumas, Onidun of Igbo Idun on 08033017350 for a powerful and highly effective solution to your haemorrhoid. No need for surgery. Permanent solution once and for all.

PAGE 52 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 23, 2015

OLALEKAN BILESANMI

he Accountant General of Osun state, Mr. Alaba Akintayo Kolawole appears ordinarily a quite, reserved man who is central to the financial figures of the state. As crucial as his position is to the state, he operates behind the scene. But the sanctity of the figures he carries is a measure of the openness or otherwise of the administration he serves. Rather than leave political office holders to explain the facts and figures of the state finances, the focus on Osun had attained a controversial state that needed him to tell the world what the books looked like. That had become very imperative given in the incessant attacks on the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by members of the opposition parties. By the time the Accountant General finished reeling out his figures, many countenances changed. There were expressions of amazement and somewhat some questions about how the government had actually coped with the many development projects that dot the many parts of the state. Kolawole’s figures included the revenues that accrued to the government from inception, the loans both commercial and bonds and how the state had faired in terms of its deployment of the funds to the various areas of needs. The high-ranking civil servant could not have delivered his message to a better audience than when stakeholders of the Osun project gathered to review the state of affairs, proffer solutions to the problems. The hall of the WOCDIF centre Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was filled to the brim that morning of Monday, 10th August 2015. It was a gathering of who-is- who in the State – indigines, nonindigenes as well as people who are sympathetic to the continued growth, development and progress of the state. The stakeholders’ summit was put together by Osun Legislative Forum comprising members of the National Assembly from the state. Dignitaries at the conference included the Governor the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Speaker Osun House of Assembly, Najeem Salam; industrialists, Chief Tunde Ponle (Chairman, MicCom Cable); Chief Tunde Badmus (Chairman, TUNS Farms); Prof. Ademola Odejide (formerly of the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan); Senator Sunday Fajinmi (governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in the 2104 election); former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Moses Aboaba and another Secretary to the State Government of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Alhaji Kazeem Adio. Others are Prof. (Senator) Olusola Adeyeye, Sen. Jide Omoworare, Prof. (Hon) Mojeed Alabi; Hon. Ayo Omidiran; Hon. Ajibola Famurewa; members of the Osun State House of Assembly,

OSUN SUMMIT:

Brainstorming for survival in the face of national crisis

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, addressing participants,during the Osun Stakeholders Conference, held at WOCDIF center, Osogbo among others. The list also included people from the civil society organisation, civil servants, market men and women, artisans and numerous other relevant stakeholders in the Osun project. The gathering had a sole purpose: To profer long lasting solutions to the financial challenges the state has been facing in recent times especially in the face and within the context of the serious national economic crisis. Setting the theme and tone of the agenda for the forum, Governor Aregbesola said the gathering was necessary to discuss the dwindling fortune of the state and the corollary financial impasse, which was caused by the national economic meltdown. He then set the ball rolling by observing that it was seemingly inconceivable and unimaginable how the nation found itself in economic woods under the immediate past administration, attributing the resulting financial crisis in nearly all the states of the federation to mismanagement of the nation’s resources by a rudderless crop of administrators. Aregbesola averred that the forum was a veritable avenue for the people of the state to put heads together and fashion a way out of the logjam. He had said, “This forum gives us opportunity to study in-depth how this situation came about and for us to find a lasting solution to the crisis so that our state will move forward. “By organising this conference, our honourable members in the federal House of Representatives and members of the senate have shown that they are seriously concerned about the destiny of the state and ready

to do everything possible to redeem it from crisis that may afflict it. “It is on this note that I call on all of you to approach the task before us with openness of mind and candour. Let us speak the way we feel but let no one engage in name-calling or abuse any person or party. We have come here to dialogue and proffer a way out of our present predicament.” He had hardly settled on his seat when the former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, rose gingerly to the podium with the agility of a cat. For his message to percolate to the last layer of the diverse individuals that peopled the gathering, he chose to speak in an unadulterated Yoruba Language. His first observation was that government will come, government will go; but a state exists in perpetuity and will always remain when the tenure of a government ends. He argued that the situation at hand requires the wisdom of all indigenes who wants their 24-year old state to continue to exist in the state of vibrancy it presently is brought by the Aregbesola administration. “Osun as a state has a perpetual life. It is a constitutional brand that will outlive any government in power. It behoves on all of us as indigenes to rally round the state in its present financial crisis. We must not allow the state to die; we must leave a positive legacy for our future generations. Industrialist, Chief Tunde Ponle, commended the governor for his get-up-and-go, hard drive and determination not to weighin by the problems confronting the state. He offered that as part of the

solution to the crisis, government should look in the direction of streamlining its workforce in order to reduce excessive financial workload stretching the meagre resources of the state. In his turn, the Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, Osun Chapter, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, said labour will always render necessary supports the administration needed to succeed. He however expressed concern on the monthly wage bill of the state, saying government must conduct a verification exercise to ascertain the exact population of the workers in the state with a view to discovering the original workers and reduce the monthly wage bill. Comrade Adekomi also suggested that the state could convert the Ladoke Akintola University Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo to University of Osun State Teaching Hospital and henceforth stop the joint subvention being given to LAUTEC Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, by Osun and Oyo States as part of the strategy to reduce the state finance encumbrance. In addition, he advised the government to consider diversification of the state economy through aggressive development of key sectors including agriculture, mining and tourism. At the end of the session, a communiqué was issued based on the far-reaching analyses, pieces of advice, suggestions and information made available at the forum. Part of the recommendations contained in the communiqués are: that the conference observed that there has been considerable shortfall in the revenue

accruable to the State from the federation account since 2011 and pointed out that government should plug the shortfall in receipts from the federation account. The communiqué stated that the infrastructural development of the state is crucial, and its upgrade must continue unhindered within the limit of available resources accruable to the state. It recommends similarly that government should develop all possible policies and programmes by which the economy and revenue realisable by the state could increase significantly. Likewise, the resolution directed government to consider diversification of the state economic base so as to reflect an improvement in the on-going efforts in the area of agriculture, mining and tourism by using Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to realise the objectives. The communiqué read further: “Due to economic recession in the country with its effects on most States of the Federation, some of the people oriented projects being executed by government have been slowed down while the other commitments, especially salary and emolument of workers could not be paid for few months now. There is the need to find a way forward by which the State Government would be able to execute its people friendly programmes and developmental projects. “In the face of dwindling revenue from the federation account, all Osun people must resolve to collectively ensure that there is tremendous improvement in the internally generated revenue. All the people and businesses in the state must patriotically pay their taxes and rates before being compelled to do so. ‘’There is an urgent need to review the cost of governance particularly to ascertain accurately the cost of the various components, salaries, allowances and overheads encompassing recurrent expenditure of the Government of Osun. “That there should be feedback mechanism on government policies and programmes so as to evolve prudence, transparency and accountability in fund management. “There should be more efforts at ensuring that government patronises more competent and efficient local contractors so as to create more wealth within the economy of the state. “Public servants in the State should be motivated to work efficiently while the government should consider reduction in the use of consultants in the execution of projects. Parents through the platform of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) should be made to contribute token to augment the laudable free education policy of the state government. With the conference over and done with, government has set in motion the mechanism to implement these far-reaching recommendations. It is hoped that in the next couple of months, the State of Osun will bounce back to its previous virile status.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015, PAGE 53

Iw ant tto o raise the standard of mo vie pr oduction want movie production —— Albert Egbe By JAPHET ALAKAM INTERVIEW

Albert Egbe is an actor, writer, producer, director of films, a cultural administrator and former president general of Pan African Guild of Film makers with secretariat in South Africa. His artistic and creative experience places him at the forefront of Nigeria’s arts scene. He has played leading acting roles in many plays among them were “Hamlet” “Village Headmaster: “Basic and Company” and many others. But his most famous role was in the “Basi and Company”, one of the most successful TV comedy series ever produced on Nigerian television. Presently, he is planning a co-production arrangement involving creative talents, technicians and equipment from South Africa, Nigeria, Benin Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all in the spirit of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The versatile and outstanding artistes in this interview bares his mind on a wide range of issues. Excerpts. From the cultural angle, Africans seems to have lost their culture. As a culture advocate, what’s you take? I wouldn’t say we have lost all, in fact, basically, it’s the young people who have lost the culture. Those of us who are older still retain the culture. We are very proud of it because we know that it is the only thing we Africans have that western people do not have. Otherwise, they just have everything including technology. In that sense, my present position has always been in the promotion of art and culture from when I started acting up till now when I am producing. Right now, I am engaged in a production that is really very solidly cultural. I am an Itsekiri man, I come from that background and the story I am telling in film for international consumption is a story about the Itsekiri people going back many years. We started our film in 1885 when the conference of Berlin took place and there, the European powers divided Africa among themselves as if it was just their backyard, you know! During that process, there was a clash of cultures as a result of that inclusion and it brought about so much of evils and that is one of the stories I am trying to tell now. From my point of view, I am trying to uphold the culture of our people and make it known to the rest of the world. That is one way of propagating arts and culture. How can the old ones transfer culture to the young? How do you transfer? by example, I cannot force a youth to take care of culture, but if they watch and listen, then they can imbibe the culture. How did we imbibe the culture, it is from our parents because we listened to them? You don’t go teaching it by force, you listen. But these days, what can you teach the young ones, even if you do, they wouldn’t listen because their attitude is totally different. What is left for those of us who are older is to continue to set examples to create something that they can aspire to, so that they would not have the excuse of saying, it wasn’t there, I didn’t know. That s just the way it is. Looking at the old comedy Basi and company, village headmaster which were all message encompassing compared to the present genre of films that lack such, what is your take? Well, if you ask anybody who is older, if he remembers Basi and company, they will also remember that there was a central message. Even though it was a comedy and people were laughing at all time, there was a central message that trickery and dishonesty does not pay. As much as Mr. B was a likable character, C M Y K

in all the schemes that he did, he never succeeded. It was a deliberate attempt by the creator of the film Ken Saro Wiwa to ensure that no matter what kind of scheme he engaged in, he never succeeded. That was one aspect of it, the other is that it was one of the first television programmes in which there was an attempt to teach English which, whether we like it or not, its now part of our culture. And in that programme, there was not speaking of pidgin or vernacular language. There was an attempt to encourage young children to speak proper English. There is no reason why you cannot speak your own language and also speak English language. You may have said much about the message, what about the film content, quality and acceptability? Well what you see now has been there at the very beginning as what you know now as

I have travelled a lot around the world, I am yet to see a Nigerian film showing prominently in important international film festival and that is where the promotion of culture takes place Nollywood. We were there. I was running a television and film training school in Gbagada, sponsored by Ford foundation and French embassy. We were training people so that they can be better writers, actors, producers and so many that they can make better movies. I have to say that the movie industry in Nigeria has grown. But I would also say, we are still not there. They are what I would call in the middle world. We should be going for the upper world, but by that I mean, with all the productions that have been going on, and I have traveled a lot around the world, I am yet to see a Nigerian film showing prominently in important international film festivals and that’s where the promotion of culture takes place. Nollywood is great. It makes so much money to such a point that people are beginning to lose sight of the real backbone which is arts and culture. I say this, because when you concentrate only on making money, you lose sight of the art

•Albert Egbe...raising the standard of movie production. Photo by Akeem Salau because , when I say this is not good, the sound here is bad, the lighting is not well positioned, they say ah! That is what the people want. So we will give to them. But that is not good enough. You are exploiting the people. Who says if you give them something better, they will not watch it, after all, they watch American movies and other kind of movies. We are getting to that level. Let us not think small and remain small. If we think big, we will grow bigger. I look forward to a day when Nigerian movie will be staring in Caine film festival in France. Burkina Faso doesn’t have money, Mauritania, Morocco, Mali doesn’t have much, but their films are showing in big international film festivals. Why are we not showing our films there? That, to me is the next level we should be moving from the middle kingdom to the upper kingdom so that we will be counted among the people that make movies not just because it is contributing so much to the GDP. Culture really, is not supposed to be a money maker. Art and culture is the soul of the nation. And if need be, money should be brought from all sources like oil or any sector to feed and sustain art and culture. So you maintain a balance. Arts are for the soul, the rest is for the body. You must marry this two and have them working always in balance. Otherwise, you are out of balance. How do we take it to that level? Now, my project is an attempt. I don’t say I have the right answer; it is just an attempt because if you have not tried, you will not. My attempt is to make and tell a Nigerian story but with international input because the story luckily has international contents. As a result, I am not only using Nigerian actors, I am also using South African and British actors and South African technology and crew. I am trying to do an international movie that will help raise the standard of movie production to the upper kingdom. When will the film be out? Hopefully next year. The key to

it is raising the fund for it which is one of the reasons I am in Nigeria. I am based in South Africa, I travel abroad a lot in respect of actualizing this project but people has always asked how much I have raised in my country. And that is what I am here and they say charity begins at home. What is the name of the project? It is a historical drama. It is an epic in the genre of Helen of Troy. That is what I can say. Everyone in Nigeria now is an actor or something else. Is like we lack properly trained professionals, how can we correct that anomaly? First of all, only by going to school, quite frankly. There are no two ways about it. In any kind of human endevour, you need to go to school. You need to be trained and after that, you need to be retrained and retrained. I told you about my experience when I was running a TV school in Gbagada. We would go and even give scholarship – come and get trained, they say ‘ why do we need training for when I can make my movie and sell it in Alaba market. What do you do about that, just as in any field of human endevour, without training you

cannot perform at the level at which you want to perform. What we find are people who just like to act because they see other people act not because they have the talent. In terms of raising the culture, national theatre has been an issue for now? I may not be quite too current because I have been away for a quite a while but I have been following as much as possible. One of the things I believe that happened to the place to my knowledge is that, they were trying to run it as a commercial venture. Arts and culture is not supposed to be running for profit. Other parts of the economy should be financing art and culture. When you put up a place like national theatre and you are charging the kind of fees other places like Muson centre are charging, it kills the art. You don’t insist that people should commercialize art if you want to promote it. Many of the great artist are not doing it because of money. Picasso wasn’t doing it because of money. They were doing it for the love of it. Because art is a spiritual thing, it comes from the soul and you don’t need to pay money for it. How many films have you produced? No nollywood film for now. But for television programmes, I have produced a lot, my fault is I read a book, if I like it, I adapt it into a television programme. After I left Basi and company, I did Jaguar Nanas daughter , then we went on to do short films like ‘ The trees grow in the desert by Rasheed gbadamosi, Our husband has gone mad again by Ola Rotimi, and so on. Basi and company as popular as it was then, can it come up again? I don’t think so. Some things has to stop. Nothing goes on forever. For instance, I do not see myself playing Mr. B at my age in my life. It was great in that time. I loved it at that time and it is rested for good. We must move on to other things. Your advice to film producers and way forward for film industry? It is to work hard, by that I mean , don’t be too much in a hurry. I heard the other day that somebody has produced sixteen movies in one year and I was quite surprised. To me, that is almost super human, if you want to make a good movie it will take time, for me I have written this particular script for many years, over and over and this is my tenth draft. I am trying to put together this production which will take some time. If you study America films and people who make good films, it is a major job that takes months and months to produce.

OYAS AF int eractiv e lecture holds ASAF interactiv eractive in Lagos

he Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art F o u n d a t i o n (OYASAF) will hold its quarterly interactive lecture titled; “Beyond the Black Atlantic: Artistic Production in Lagos Today. The presentation which is scheduled to hold on Wednesday 26th of August, 2015 at OYASAF Facility, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos will be delivered by Johanna Wild, a Ph.D. Candidate of

Department of Art & Art History, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Johanna Wild who had studied Lagos itself as a site of globalization and prospering artistic and scholarly production through her engagements with artists, art historians and collectors alike will in the lecture present an overview of the preliminary results of this ongoing research.

PAGE 54, S UNDAY Vanguard SUNDAY Vanguard,, AUGUST 23 , 2015

United fire blank at Old Traford

ANCHESTER United’s need for attacking reinforcements was laid bare at Old Trafford as they stuttered to a 0-0 draw against Newcastle. The home side dominated the opening 20 minutes, but failed to score on a frustrating afternoon for Louis van Gaal’s team. After a week in which they failed to land former target Pedro, United lacked a cutting edge up front. Wayne Rooney ’s goal drought now stretches to 10 games. The captain thought he had put United ahead early on but his effort was ruled out for a marginal offside call. The England captain had a shot blocked inside the area after the break, but Make It Pay...Manchester United’s Dutch midfielder Memphis Depay (R) vies otherwise failed to show he with Newcastle United’s French midfielder Gabriel Obertan during their is the answer to United’s Premier League match at Old Traford. scoring troubles. It was not just Rooney we work like this, but not who struggled in front of and provided yet more can be satisfied with the this result. goal, however. Juan Mata evidence that Van Gaal performance but not with “The performance was and Memphis Depay also needs to add more the result - we were one of the best in my period attacking players to his unlucky. missed chances while Tim but we don’t reward “We did not make the Krul performed some late squad before the transfer ourselves and there was heroics to deny substitute window shuts in 10 days’ right choices in the final only one club that wanted time. third but we played Javier Hernandez. Manchester United boss fantastic as a team. I like to win and that was us.” The result ended United’s perfect start to the season Louis van Gaal said|: “We these kind of games when

Chelsea’s form makes Mourinho unhappy one

S Chelsea aim to revive their shaky campaign at West Brom today, boss Jose Mourinho has named seven of his players that have contributed to the team’s stuttering opening to the season. After their worst start to a Premier League campaign for 17 years, the champions head to West Brom still looking for their first win after a 2-2 draw at home to Swansea and a 3-0 loss at Manchester City. And Mourinho, who called himself the ‘Special One’ when he first joined Chelsea and the ‘Happy One’ when he returned two summers ago, has opened up about the stars who he thinks have let him and the team down in the opening two weeks of the

Premier League. “We have one point from two matches,” said Mourinho. “I’m not happy at all. The first thing is I’m not happy with my form, because I used to get better results than I’m getting. This is the start of everything. “I’m not happy with anyone. I’m not happy with (Branislav) Ivanovic’s form, (Gary) Cahill, John (Terry), Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta), Eden (Hazard), (Cesc) Fabregas, (Nemanja) Matic. “But, for me, the first thing is I’m not happy with my

form, because I used to get better results than I’m getting. This is the start of everything.” Skipper Terry is likely to start at West Brom despite having been taken off at half-time at the Etihad. But Mourinho said Terry was withdrawn due to his lack of pace and on Friday the manager said that he may utilise quicker defenders and different formations more often. “When you have strikers like we have, why not play with two strikers?” he said. “When you have fast people like (Kurt) Zouma, (Cesar) Azpilicueta, why

not play with three defenders? And now we are having time to do that because we have a week between games, so we are thinking about that.”

•Mourinho

Don’t dump Everton, Lukaku warns Stone

VERTON striker Romelu Lukaku

Everton’s Home... John Stones and Romelu Lukaku

believes team-mate John Stones is “on to a good thing” at Goodison Park and should not leave to join Chelsea. Central defender Stones, 21, is a target for Chelsea who have had bids of £20m and £26m rejected. Lukaku - who left Chelsea for Everton - said: “John is in a good situation at a good club which believes in him. “He needs to keep on doing what he’s doing. He has the Euros coming up, so why go?”

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has repeatedly said England international Stones will not be sold this summer, but the former Barnsley defender continues to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. “John is playing and is learning a lot from [Everton and England defender] Phil Jagielka,” Lukaku said. “He’s been here two years now but this is the year where he really needs to confirm he is the top player he can be.’’

A patriot has passed on: Tribute to Ben Ekpo

NCLE Ben Saka!! I have no clue about the origins of the name Saka; but for calling him Uncle Ben, this came naturally to every person that knew the Late indefatigable National Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) national publicity secretary. Born Mr. Ben Ekpo, Uncle Ben was the most affable and avuncular soul anyone could wish to know. His position in YSFON was seemingly cut out from him directly from heaven, because Uncle Ben was deeply passionate about Youth Sports. His sincere mission was to see the advancement of grassroots sports, especially in age grade competitions for girls and boys. Uncle Ben started out in life in the Nigerian Army until injury, and the love of sports pulled him full time into youth sports administration. Like many soldiers (barrack-boys), he spoke Yoruba and Hausa as fluently as his own Ibibio. He was a lover of humanity, a lover of the downtrodden, and a very present help to all who needed his assistance, whether he knew them well or not. The most recent example was when, a few weeks before he passed away, he had stood surety for some girls who had been accused by their employers of stealing from their lottery company. These girls were also upcoming female football talents whom Uncle Ben had been nurturing. But no sooner than the girls were freed, and unknown to Uncle Ben, that the father of one of them sent his daughter away from Uyo to Lagos. Uncle Ben was promptly picked up by the police for failing to produce his “ward” and was only out on bail, even up until the time of his death! He was very compassionate, and very supportive of people. Youth sports and football tournaments have taken Uncle Ben to all five continents, and 22 countries of the world, from Brazil to China and Norway. He constantly talked about the way forward for Nigerian football, and was always full of praise for sports-loving Governors. Two people he always mentioned were Governor Rabiu Kwankaso and Governor Shehu Shema. Uncle Ben literally moved YSFON from Lagos to his home state of Akwa Ibom, in 2007, purely to develop grassroots football in that state. Sadly, the then Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio and his sports commissioner, thwarted every viable plan and project Uncle Ben executed till he had to concentrate on grassroots sports in other states. An instance of this - not even in official capacity as a YSFON National Officer and an indigene Ben Ekpo was not invited to the commissioning of the Ibom International Stadium in November. I spoke with Uncle Ben on the phone from Abuja last Friday morning, and he was fine; his usual jovial self. It was a terrible shock to hear that he just lost consciousness later that day and never recovered till he breathed his last, less than 24 hours later. Ben Ekpo, lived a selfless life, a life for others, for fairness, for sport and for country. And it is pleasing to see that he had been crying for change for this country for years, and he lived to see Muhammadu Buhari elected as President of Nigeria – this was one of his big dreams for the country, to move it forward. It was a privilege, knowing Uncle Ben Saka. Rest in Peace, Man of the People. PRINCESS IMIKAN ATTAH

S UNDAY Vanguard SUNDAY Vanguard,, AUGUST 23, 2015 PAGE – 55

AfroBasket 2015: Diogu upbeat as D’Tigers face Tunisia N

IGERIA’S ace Ike Diogu made the final roster for AfroBasket 2015, but a calf injury has sidelined him in the first two games of the 16-team tournament. However, the 31-yearold forward, who last played in Puerto Rico and performed well enough during Nigeria’s preparation in France and Italy, remains upbeat he could help his team for he remainder of the tournament. “There is great improvement compared to when it just happened and I am confident that I will be part of the show,” he told FIBA.com. As Nigeria opened their Group A campaign with wins over the Central African Republic (CAF) and Uganda, Diogu, who is currently using crutches, could do nothing but watch from the sidelines. In the absence of Diogu, Michael Umeh has become a key member of the Nigerian team “I feel pain that I’ve not been able to get to the court to contribute my quota to my country’s quest for our

first ever AfroBasket title” he said. “I take solace that my teammates have been doing a wonderful job off and on the court and this has given me lots of happiness.” Diogu’s injury is a major blow for the “D’Tigers”, considering his involvement with the team. Nigeria will conclude their Group-Phase campaign facing hosts Tunisia in today ’s highly-anticipated game. The winner of this year ’s tournament will punch automatic qualification for the 2016 Rio Games, while the teams that finish second, third and fourth will be invited to participated in •Diogu the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Rivers prepare to host SWAN full council meeting The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the National Full Council Meeting of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), tagged ‘Rivers 2015’ says all is set for the event which is scheduled to hold in the Garden City of Port Harcourt from August 2529. The event comes to Port Harcourt for the second time in recent times following the approval and support of the Rivers State Government. Stake holders have commended the Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike for the approval which continues to give credence to his love for sports. Chairman LOC Honour Sirawoo while addressing a media parley in Port Harcourt expressed

HREE months after assuming office, the Executive Governor of Cross EARTLAND striker dropped. River State, Professor Ben Bright Ejike has Already, Heartland pair Ayade is yet to make any BY JACOB AJOM been released by the of Nelson Ogbonnaya major policy Super Eagles and so will and goalkeeper David pronouncement regarding not return to the team’s Obiazo have been sent sports. This has caused so and to sports development training camp when it home on account of much apprehension among in general. Rising from its congress reopens in the new week. injury the sporting community in of Wednesday, August 5, Ejike, who has the state. This has been The Eagles have also represented at U20 level, released Kingsley Sokari aggravated by the fact that 2015, the Cross River State is the second leading and Oghenekaro Etebo the state is the designated SWAN acknowledged that Ayade’s scorer in the league with to the country ’s U23 host of the 19th National “Governor administration is yet to 11 goals this season. Sports Festival which it got team, who are preparing Warri Wolves for next month’s All the hosting right from the make any impressive midfielder Lordson Africa Games in Congo National Sports showing in sports matters.” Similarly, Swan in the Ichull has also been Brazzaville. Commission during the communiqué co-signed by Liyel Imoke regime. Chairman, Eddie Bekom Most of the facilities to be and his scribe, Dianabasi used for the games are still Effgiong appealed to country. under construction and so Ayade “to ensure participaEcobank 4-3 on penalties. The final of the In the classification far, the work has been very tion of the state in this tournament which was slow. played under very wet match, communication Against this background, conditions yesterday saw giants, MTN outscored the Cross River State chapter Skye Bank squaring up Addax Petroleum 2-1 to of the Sports Writers place third. against Ecobank. Association of Eight teams After a goalless 90 Nigeria(SWAN) has Continues from B/P minutes encounter, Sky representing their various charged Governor Ayade to is to win that gold medal Bank successfully companies participated in reassure the nation of his that is still missing in my defended the title they won the tournament which was government’s commitment profile,” she said. last year by defeating in its second edition. to hosting the sports festival Usain Bolt and his major rival at the 2015 IAAF World Championships, Justin Gatlin said they are warming up for a big showdown in the final of the men 100m slated for 2.15pm today. Gatlin, a two-time dope cheat, was booed yesterday after he finished 9.74seconds in the heats. Bolt who was treated to a kingly welcome warmed up to a 9.96seconds finish. L-R: Abraham Udenani, partner, Deloitte Nigeria; Femi Aribaloye, group “I went out there and ran head, enterprise risk management, Skye Bank; Marie-Therese Phido, director, the first half of my race really West Africa, clients & industries leader, Deloitte Nigeria, and Tawanda Gumbo, well. I feel good. Bolt did transitional leader, Deloitte Nigeria, at the 2nd edition of Deloitte soccer tournament in Lagos

Oliseh axes NPL hot shot

gratitude to the governor for approving to host the event and promised to ensure a smooth and successful hosting of the program. “We are indeed grateful to His Excellency the executive Governor of Rivers state for his approval to host this event. It continues to show he is indeed a sports loving governor. “We saw that with his acceptance to host the Olympic qualifying game between the Dream team VI and Congo as well as the friendly game between the Super Eagles and Niger which has also been penciled down for Port Harcourt.” Sirawoo said various subcommittees have been inaugurated to ensure a successful event.

CR Swan tasks Ayade on National Sports Festival year’s National School Sports Festival, bearing in mind that Team Cross River has won the last four editions of this sports festival.’’

Skye Bank retains Deloitte Cup

OP business executives left the ambience of their cosy airconditioned offices and were on the pitch Saturday to show off their football skills in this year’s Deloitte Football tournament. The setting was nearperfect as the Funturf in Lekki Phase one was the host of this high-profile tournament which squared some of the biggest corporate names in the

Ukaoma Continues from B/P

Meanwhile, Uhunoma Osazuwa will continue her hunt for a medal in the women heptathlon with the women Javelin. Amaka Ogoegbunam will also begin her quest for medal in the women 400m hurdles in heats 5 lane seven of the event. C M Y K

•Gov Ayade

Okagbare the same thing in 2012. He raced slower in the first round, picked it up in the semis and crushed it in the final.” Bolt who is back to the Bird’s next Stadium where he made three world records said he was in wonderful shape, and looking forward the final. Bolt said: “It wasn’t as great as I wanted it to be, but I wasn’t expecting the first one to be great. “I wasn’t trying to run fast. I wanted to save as much energy as possible. I am in wonderful shape.” Thirty-three-year-old Gatlin’s 20-year-old teammate Trayvon Bromell was the second fastest qualifier in 9.91.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 23, 2015

Beijing 2015 Worlds:

Ukaoma’s ouster baffles AFN officials

Okagbare ready for Fraser-Pryce challenge ...Bolt, Gatlin saving best for the last BY BEN EFE with Agency reports

THLETICS Federation of Nigeria officials are miffed at the decision by track judges to deny 400m hurdler, Miles Ukaoma a place in the semi-final of the event. Ukaoma, who thrilled spectators at the trials in Warri with 48. 84 seconds could only manage 49.38 during the heats in Beijing 2015. After the heats, first four in each of the heats qualify automatically and the four fastest losers. Ukaoma placed fifth in heat three in 49.38 sec, Belgian Michael Bultheal who also placed sixth in heat 5 also in a time of 49.38 sec got the nod to proceed to the semi-final. So athletic buffs argued that Ukaoma had better placing he should have got the nod, while other argued that the Belgian heat was faster. Continues on pg 55

AERIAL BATTLE: Manchester United defender Chris Smalling grabs the shirt of Newcastle skipper Coloccini during the second half of their barren draw at Old Trafford, yesterday

Oliseh invites more homebased Eagles S

UNSHINE Stars skipper Dayo Ojo will lead several fresh call-ups from the domestic league to the Super Eagles training camp in Abuja in the new week. The other newly invited players are Paul Onobi (Sunshine), Okiemute Odah (Warri Wolves), Abdulrazak Aliyu (Enyimba), Godwin Obaje (Wikki), Bature Yaro (Nasarawa United) and Austin Obaroakpo (Abia Warriors).

The Eagles have already let go several players from the league after a week-long training exercise. Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh is expected to pick five players from the training camp of the league players for the final squad to fly out to Tanzania on September 4. Nigeria will also host Niger in a friendly in Port Harcourt on September 8.

•Ukaoma

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Governor of Sokoto State (8) 5. Assistant (4) 7. Praise (5) 8. Upright (4) 9. Lantern (4) 11. Tradition (6) 13. Lagos masquerade (3) 15. Exclamation (2) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 18. Agent (3) 20. Glitters (6) 24. Forward (5) 25. Nigerian state (6) 27. Boring tool (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric (5) 31. Perform (2) 32. Oshiomhole’s state (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 36. Vow (4) 38. Musical quality (4) 39. Inclination (5) 40. Eager (4) 41. Damages (8)

DOWN 1. Sample (5) 2. Niger state town (4) 3. Observe (5) 4. Lecture (6) 5. Everyone (3) 6. Use (6) 10. Inquires (4) 12. Carpet (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Resistance unit (3) 17. Coax (4) 19. Rollicked (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 22. Satisfied (4) 23. Nigerian state (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 27 . African country (6) 28. Endure (4) 29. Child (3) 30. Spoke (6) 31. Adorn (5) 33. Baking chambers (5) 35. Asterisk (4) 37. Possessed (3)

See solution on page 5

IGERIA’S sprint sensation, Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor will be aiming to make a bright start in her campaign to win her first major title in world athletics. She is faced with the daunting challenge of beating the likes of Shelly Ann FraserPryce the world and Olympic women’s 100m champion who has remained unbeaten since 2008 in world and Olympic contest. But Okagbare-Ighoteguonor believes that things can change in China, where she won her first medal a bronze in the long jump at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. “The stadium in Beijing means a lot to me because, that was the track I won my first and most priceless medal. “ I have learnt so much which has really made me the woman I am today. My goal for Beijing is to win that gold medal that is still missing in my profile,” she said. Continues on page 55

Spurs still winless

OTTENHAM remained winless in the Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by unbeaten Leicester on Saturday. In a lively final 10 minutes, Dele Alli put Tottenham in front but it was quickly cancelled out by Riyad Mahrez.

•Odah

Results Sunderland Norwich City Leicester City Crystal Palace

1 1 1 2

Swansea City Stoke City Tottenham Aston Villa

Fixtures Enyimba Bayelsa Lobi Stars Akwa United Enugu Rangers Sunshine Stars Warri Wolves Abia Warriors Kwara United Kano Pillars

v v v v v v v v v v

1 1 1 1

(NPFL)

Taraba Sharks Ifeanyi Uba Giwa Dolphins El Kanemi Wikki Heartland Shooting Nasarawa

4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm

EPL West Brom Watford

v v

Chelsea Southampton

1.30 pm 4 pm

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