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My world of music and women by Kukere crooner, Iyanya } 17

inec confused over underage candidates

lWe’ve no power to stop them, says Jega lYou’re lying, senior lawyers tell Commission Onwuka Nzeshi, Onyekachi Eze and Chijioke Iremeka

T ABUJA

he Independent National Electoral Commission has run into a dilemma over the presen-

tation of 67 underage candidates by some political parties for the February 14, 2015 National Assembly election.

The 67 candidates were cleared by INEC even though they were found to be below the ages prescribed by the 1999 Con-

stitution (as amended) for persons seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives.

Section 65 of the Constitution states inter alia that: (1) Subject to the provisions of section 66 of this Constitution, a person shall be qualified

for election as a member of: (a) the Senate, if he is a citizen of Nigeria and has attained the age of 35 years; and(b) the House of Representatives, if he is a citizen of Nigeria and has attained the age of 30 years; (2) A person shall be

qualified for election under subsection (1) of this section if: (a) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent; and (b) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that party.

Sunday Telegraph inves-

tigation revealed that 41 candidates aged below 30 are seeking election into the House of Representatives while 26 others aged below 35 years are seeking the mandate of their people to represent them at the Senate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

IGP orders crackdown on political thugs, sponsors ria Nige

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Jonathan’s rally:

2015

go...

occupy PH stadium - Afenifere leader, Fasoranti

Nigeria votes votes days to

2015

Soldiers, police

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Blame Tinubu for } 32 S’West’s problems

}7

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SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 25.01.15 BODY & SOUL

Life’s lesson You can never believe what mischief and pranks successful people got up to. Boardroom strategist, politician, socialite and avid golfer, Femi Pedro, often got dirty slaps and sharp tongue for his

}18

POLITICS

Election without political strongmen They were the political heavyweights of yesteryears, but their demise left a vacuum filled by new key players

}31

BUSINESS

Global crisis Rapidly growing African economies is being weighed down in 2015 by the current financial crisis sweeping across the world

}23

FAITH

Rapist police officer Assistant Superintendent of Police narrowly escaped lynching for raping an underage girl in Lagos

}51

SPORT

Eagles must dig deep Nigerian soccer stars will not win the CAF Awards in the next 10 years unless they dig deeper, says former Super Eagles assistant coach, Joe Erico

}59

SUNDAY

Editorial

Boko Haram’s baby bombers

R

ecently, the Boko Haram insurgents took a bold savage step forward in its war of infamy against the Nigerian state when it enlisted minors as attack arrowheads. On January 10, 2015, a bomb exploded in a crowded Maiduguri, Borno State market killing about twenty people and wounding more.

The blast inflicted devastating damage on shoppers at the Monday Market in Maiduguri, a city at the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency. The young girl detonated powerful explosives concealed under her veil at the crowded market. The explosion, witnessed by dozens of people, represented a new tactic in the terror group’s campaign with their decision to use perhaps their youngest-ever suicide bomber.

Boko Haram has increasingly employed women as suicide bombers, even as it has stepped up its abductions of girls across the Northeast geo-political zone, including the kidnapping of more than 200 in the town of Chibok last April.

We recall that late last year, two women hit the Monday Market Maiduguri in suicide attacks, killing dozens, and in one week last year four women carried out bombings in Kano.

In the January 10 bombing, once the blast cleared, police found that the suicide bomber was a ten-year-old girl who may not have known what was strapped to her body. Besides the police, witnesses, hospital officials in Maiduguri and local vigilantes all agreed that the bomber was a very young child.

The use of baby bombers to kill is unprecedented in the bloody history of the terrorist insurgency in Nigeria. This most recent attack, perpetrated by the ten-year-old girl, shows a new level of Boko Haram savagery in what is now ranking amongst the ugliest conflicts in the world today.

In a BBC radio interview following the bombing, Catholic Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Jos condemned these most recent attacks. He voiced hope that the solidarity between European and African leaders following the attack in Paris could bring more attention to Nigeria’s plight.

Naturally appalled by the escalating bloodshed at the hands of Boko Haram in the Northern sphere and especially by reports of the baby suicide bomber attack, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Anthony Lake, head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have both strongly condemned the terrorist group’s

“depraved act.” A statement issued by his spokesperson in New York, Mr. Ban stated that, “The situation in Nigeria and the region remains at the top of the SecretaryGeneral’s agenda.”

Utterly condemning the use of minors in suicide bombings as “depraved act at the hands of Boko Haram terrorists,” Mr. Ban underscored the readiness of the UN to assist the Nigerian Government and all affected neighboring States in bringing an end to the violence and to alleviate the suffering of civilians with all available means and resources.

On his part, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in a separate statement: “These images from Northern Nigeria should be searing the conscience of the world.” Deploring the reports that so many innocent children, women and elderly had been massacred in Baga, he noted specifically that young girls had been sent to die with a bomb strapped to their chests in Maiduguri.

Recently, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that the number of Nigerian refugees seeking safety in Chad has almost quadrupled over the past 10 days after attacks by Boko Haram uprooted about 7,300 Nigerians, forcing them into western Chad, where most are staying with local communities in villages around 450 kilometres northwest of the capital, N’Djamena.

Against the background of the increasing depravity by Boko Haram and mounting expressions of concern by the international community, legitimate attention is forced back on the government of the day and what specific efforts it is making to cage or seriously degrade the ability of Boko Haram to effectively sustain its bloody campaign.

With the insertion of young persons into the fray as suicide bombers, government’s engagement strategy – if there is one – needs to be updated to deal with this new depraved offensive. The traditional concept of radicalizing and luring fighters for Boko Haram is hardly applicable here.

The current administration needs to tap into international networks for specialized assistance. What’s more, the nation’s political intelligentsia, currently a badly fractured entity, needs to put their house in order to be able to generate a multi-partisan consensus that is needed for an effective fight-back against the Boko Haram. What happened in France recently and that country’s response is a model worth copying by our political leadership.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Eric Osagie

Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 25 JANUARY, 2015

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SUNDAY 25 JANUARY, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Gumen attack APC rally venue in Rivers Emmanuel Masha,

A

Port Harcourt

site in Okrika Local Government area, scheduled to host a rally for the Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, was yesterday attacked with explosives and guns by some suspected political thugs.

Technicians were putting finishing touches to the site located at National Field, Okrika when the attackers, who came in a Hiace bus started shooting into the venue, making workers to abandon work and flee for safety. No life was, however, lost in the attack.

APC chairman in Okrika, Christian Afisamaka, who

confirmed the incident, said that canopies, and sound equipment were some of the items destroyed by the hoodlums.

He said that workers who were setting up the sound system and the podium were forced to flee for their lives when the attackers started shooting into the arena at about 4am, destroying the podium, sound equipment and some canopies.

The Commissioner for Information in the state, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who also commented on the attack at the venue which was used by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan for a rally organised by the People’s Democratic Party, three days ago.

The State Commissioner

of Police, Dan Bature who confirmed that the attack said it was unacceptable, but that it won’t prevent the command from enforcing law and order. Bature promised that the command would provide adequate security for all political parties and ensure that the full wrath of law is visited on any person that acts against the law.

He said: “the incident has heightened tension and from our assessment has the capability of degenerating to a situation where the protection of life and property will be threatened. Consequently, the command has advised APC to reschedule the rally to another date.

“While the command is determined to discharge

its constitutional mandate of protection of life and property, all political parties are hereby warned to adhere strictly to the code of conduct guiding political activities in the State, respect of law and order and eschew violence in all ramifications before, during and after election.”

The commissioner said that based on the ugly

development, the police had advised the APC to reschedule the rally.

“From our assessment, the tension has the capability of degenerating to a situation where the protection of life and property will be threatened. Consequently, the Command has advised APC to reschedule the rally to another day,” he said.

Egwu berates defecting PDP members in Ebonyi

F

ormer Governor of Ebonyi State and Peoples Democratic Party, Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi North zone in next month’s election, Dr. Sam Egwu, has lashed out at some PDP members who defected to the Labour Party in the state recently, describing them as fake party men.

Egwu, who stated this yesterday during the PDP governorship rally at Ngbo Central School, in Ohaukwu Local Government area the of state, said that in 2007, many people declared interest to succeed him as governor but Chief Martin Elechi emerged from the list.

He said Elechi’s emergence was taken in good fate, but regretted that today when it was his turn to hand over to another person, some members of the PDP decided to defect to the Labour Party.

He said those politicians were not PDP loyalists but opportunists.

Egwu said that he gathered that Elechi had said that he would not stop anybody from defecting to any political party and had equally used several means to campaign for the candidates of the Labour Party in the state.

Since the PDP governorship campaigns started in the state, Elechi has boycotted the rallies, increasing suspicion that he is romancing with opposition parties from the northern senatorial zone to take over power from him against his avowed power shift to the South.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Egwu noted that all politicians in the state are products of the PDP and it was unfair for them to use the resources given to them

by the party to fight it, stressing that no other political party can defeat PDP in the state.

The former governor expressed dismay that they have been taken for granted but the time has come for them to prove that they are not kids, as the Abakaliki political bloc, which comprises of south and central senatorial zones believe in equity, and that power should go to the south.

He urged the people to support the PDP governorship candidate, Mr.. Dave Umahi because he qualified, matured and experience. “We have a culture of equity in Abakaliki bloc. We support that power should go to the south since north and central have taken their turns. It is turn by turn. We cannot deny them that. In the south, the only person qualified, matured, experience is Mr. Dave Umahi”.

“Umahi has the soul and mind of Ebonyi man in him. In 2007, his house and property were burnt because he was not supporting opposition. I am here to tell Ohaukwu people that I am supporting Umahi. He will not disappoint us because he has the heart of a ruler”.

On his part, Umahi noted that the PDP has gone back to its original owners, assuring them of quality leadership because they have remained steadfast in uplifting the party in the state.

He promised to reduce and remove the discrepancy in the payment of tuition fees of the state university, which was increased astronomicallyshortly after Elechi assumed office in 2007, and also to implement the payment of real minimum wage.

President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan to his house in Warri, during Jonathan’s visit to Delta State…yesterday. With them are: Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan (right) and wife of CAN President, Mrs Helen Oritsejafor (left)

Agbaje: Lagos can’t afford another APC rule

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Edirin Etaghene eoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje has declared that the state needed a change in leadership on May 29, 2015 to move forward, having been held down by the ruling All Progressives Congress in the last 16 years.

Making the declaration at a rally organised by a coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations, trade unions and socio cultural groups in Lagos, yesterday, Agbaje, who rode into the arena of the Trade Fair Complex, venue of the event, on the back of a commercial motorcycle, maintained that this was why Governor Babatunde Fashola used motorcyclists for elections and dumped them thereafter, just as his government ‘deported’ Igbos to the South-East He noted that the motorcycle policy was faulty in view of the fact that it left stakeholders without alternatives and that even in other APC state where the same policy was adopted; motorcycle riders were provided a new lease of life.

Agbaje promised to live up to the expectations of the

people from his leadership if elected.

“Everything my administration will do will be beneficial to all. Irrespective of your tribe, religion or who you know, my administration will empower all” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Arch Bishop of Resurrection Praise Ministry, Samson Mustapha Benjamin said that the APC cannot retain Lagos State in the forthcoming governorship election except the party rigs the poll.

The Archbishop stated that people of the state were tired of the APC-led government in the state, due to their anti people policies, adding, that has to be a change in the Alausa Government House come May. According to him, Agbaje, the PDP governorship candidate was the right man to rule Lagos because of his highly de-tribalised nature, noting, that Lagos is a state that accommodates almost all tribes in Nigeria hence a fragile state to handle.

Benjamin said, “Agbaje is a man who identifies with all tribes, the poor and less privileged. Agbaje is a man who does not discriminate against non indigenes.

“My dealings with him revealed his openness and

large heart that reaches out to all”. He stated further that “With Agbaje as the governor in Lagos, we have got it right because his administration will be positively all-encompassing and will benefit all residents of

the state from elites to the downtrodden” he said.

He urged Lagosians to ensure that they vote in the general elections and that they voted not only for Agbaje, but also for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Minister backs Folarin Sola Adeyemo, Ibadan

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gainst widespread insinuation that and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Teslim Folarin, are at daggers drawn, the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, at the weekend said that both of them are good brother and sister.

The Minister who had been rumoured to be working for the interest of the governorship candidate of the Accord party, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, owing to the leadership wrangling within the party, discountenanced the rumour at the weekend in Ibadan during a campaign rally she organized for the second term of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Akinjide, who was flanked by many chieftains of the par-

ty, among them: Alhaji Yekeen Adeojo (Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, former Deputy National Chairman, South, and PDP Leader), Chief Lekan Balogun, General Raji Rasaki (former Military Administrator of Lagos and Ogun), Senator Hosea Agboola, Senator Ayoade Adeseun (Oyo Central), Oyo PDP Chairman Akeem Yinka Taiwo, Alhaja Modinat Abosede Adedibu, said “Senator Folarin and I are brother and sister. We are not fighting. We are together.

Those who are saying that we are fighting are lying. If they tell you that again, tell them to shut up their mouths”.

To consolidate on the friendship and ensure PDP wins in the coming election, Akinjide therefore urged the supporters and party leaders in attendance to vote for President Jonathan and Folarin to ensure the creation of Ibadan state which they have been seeking for years.

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SUNDAY 25 JANUARY, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

INEC confused over 67 underage candidates

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Their names are contained in the final list of candidates for the election.

An analysis of the statistics obtained by Sunday Telegraph showed that Sokoto State has the highest number of such underage candidates for the House of Representatives, with nine contestants; Lagos has five; Anambra has four; while there are three from Kano.

In the senatorial race, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kwara have four each; followed

by Delta and Ebonyi states, which have three each.

Investigations have also revealed that nearly all the under-age candidates were fielded by the fringe political parties. Neither the ruling Peoples Democratic Party nor the mainstream opposition party, All Progressives Congress, fielded an underage candidate for the National Assembly election.

Sunday Telegraph learnt that the entry of underage candidates into the crucial race may not be unconnected with the desperation of politicians to ascend to public office. This is also fueled by public perception that the National Assembly is a place where politicians earn jumbo salaries and allowances.

INEC has, however, said it lacks the power to disqualify any of the unqualified candidates.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC’s Director in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole

Osaze-Uzzi, said the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended) and the Supreme Court judgment on the disqualification of candidates barred the commission from stopping any contestant.

Citing section 31 of the Electoral Act, Osaze-Uzzi said INEC would not disqualify any candidate because it lacks the powers to do so.

“The Electoral Act, particularly section 31, stops INEC from disqualifying ‎any candidate. And the Supreme Court, in the case of Atiku Abubakar, said INEC has now power to disqualify anybody. So, there is nothing INEC can do,” he added.

The commission had two weeks ago, published the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates. The final list of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates will be published on Tuesday.

Reacting to the issue, three senior lawyers – Mr. Emeka Ngige (SAN); Mr. Odion Esezoobo and Mr. Chukwuma Ezealo; said INEC was not being honest.

Ngige insisted that INEC has the power to screen any candidate to ensure that all elections are conducted in line with stipulated laws.

“What is screening all about? Is it not to ascertain if a person is qualified or not? So, how then would INEC say it does not have the power to disqualify any candidate, who is proven to be an underage contestant? It has such powers,” he declared.

Also, Esezoobo said,

“It’s very unfortunate that INEC says it does not have the right to disqualify any candidate. Then, why is INEC there as the regulatory body to enforce electoral laws?

“If, for instance, I am an ex-convict and I’m not qualified to contest for any reason on that grounds, and I file my papers, is INEC saying that it would accept me?

INEC has the responsibility to correct irregularities and prevent the violation of the constitution.

“It has the duty to enforce the electoral law and ensure there is no violation.

It’s very unfortunate. It’s because of this attitude that

impunity has taken over the entire society. Everybody is doing what he likes.

“If those who are filing papers for elective offices are underage, then it means that they are deliberately going against the law. And why would INEC as a regulatory body say that from papers I submitted, they can’t say that I’m not qualified for the position that I’m vying for? We cannot continue to run this country like this and expect to progress.”

For his part, Ezealo, who is also the president, Catholic Lawyers Association, said if INEC decides to keep quiet about this issue,

the victory of any affected candidate would be nullified in court.

“As long as the opponent was able to go to the National Population Commission to establish the fact that his opponent is underage, he will get judgment in his favour. But we don’t need this because it takes the country backward,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jega yesterday said that notwithstanding the challenges in the production and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, it was ready to conduct the February polls.

Jega, who spoke at a Town Hall meeting hosted by BBC Media Action’s

‘Talk Your Own Radio’ programme, said, “There are challenges associated with the production and distribution of the PVCs, but these challenges are not sufficient to reach the conclusion that INEC is not prepared to conduct the 2015 general elections.

We feel confident that before February 14th, when the first in the series of elections will take place, every person who has registered will have his card produced and made available for collection. And so we cannot use the issue of card as a measure of if INEC is prepared or not for the election.”

L-R: Mr. Gabriel Idahosa; Mr. Niyi Yusuf; Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello; All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmu Ambode; Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan and Mrs. Funke Opeke at a private sector interactive forum With governorship candidates organised by LCCI in Lagos on Friday

Buhari: Nigeria is sitting on keg of gunpowder Adesina Wahab and Babatope Okeowo Ado-Ekiti

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he presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has said Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because of the triple problems of insecurity, unemployment and corruption.

Speaking at a rally in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Buhari noted that Nigerians must not miss the golden opportunity the February 14 election would offer to vote out the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

“Our country is today beset by insecurity, unemployment and corruption and we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder if they are not tackled. The PDP has spent 16 years in government without any clue on how to tackle them. This is

a great chance for Nigerians to effect the desired change for us to move forward as a nation. Go out and vote and ensure that your votes count. We must save Nigeria and send PDP packing.

May God help us and help Nigeria,” he said.

In his speech, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said Buhari had come to change the future of the people for good.

“This is a war of liberation and for the youth in particular, as we cannot continue with the failed government of the PDP. President Ronald Reagan at 72 was called upon to rescue America from recession. Buhari is coming to rescue Nigeria at this critical period. The need for Buhari and the need for wisdom is now,” he said.

Also speaking, a former APC stalwart, who contested last June’s governorship election in Ekiti State under the

banner of the Labour Party, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, said he desired to be part of change in the country.

“I want to be a part of this change. I am committed to the victory of Gen. Buhari.

I am a member of Labour Party, but this project goes beyond personal interest, it is about the corporate existence and progress of our great country,” he explained.

Bamidele added that a detailed discussion about the possibility of going back to the APC would hold after the February polls.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who also addressed the crowd, said the experience of the June 21, 2014 governorship election would not be repeated in the state.

“I thank you for showing who the real Ekiti people are.

The experience of June 21 will not repeat itself on February 14. I also thank you for

not allowing them to harass and prevent you from coming to the witness this great occasion,” he noted.

In his speech, Buhari’s running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said the PDP was afraid of Buhari because the time for change had come.

“They are afraid because the time for change has come and that is why they are calling for a postponement of the polls. They are afraid of Buhari because he will stop corruption.

When you vote, remain there and let there be no magic again,” he charged the crowd.

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, accused the PDP of leading a poverty-stricken government and inflicting the people with it.

“Yoruba people cannot afford to lose out and continue to follow those who have nothing to offer the people.

Buhari will implement free education, provide airport

for Ekiti State and provide job opportunities for millions of our youths roaming the streets,” he stated.

APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, urged Nigerians to vote candidates of his party, saying the PDP lacks the capacity to lead the nation to greater heights.

Director General of the Buhari/ Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, represented by Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora, said an APC-led administration would enthrone righteousness in the country.

Highpoint of the occasion was the defection of some Peoples Democratic Party chieftains to the APC. They included former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Patrick Ajigbolamu and a former Commissioner for Information during the first term of Governor Ayo

Fayose, Mr. Kayode Otitoju.

In Akure, Buhari said if PDP wins the next presidential election, the change Nigerians are clamouring for would elude them forever. Buhari said his government, if voted into power, would create employment for youths and embark on massive infrastructural development.

According to him, there would be deliberate efforts to develop agriculture and mining for easy employment of youths just as older people would be given social welfare.

He also promised to tackle corruption and use the money being siphoned through corruption for the development of education.

He promised to tackle insecurity problems ravaging the country and equip the armed forces and other security agencies so as to perform their constitutional duties.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 25 JANUARY, 2015

News

2015: IGP orders AIGs, CPs to arrest thugs, sponsors Emmanuel Onani

A Abuja

head of the February elections, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, has ordered zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police as well as Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands and the Federal Capital Territory to begin an immediate crackdown on political thugs and their sponsors.

The IG’s directive is coming on the heels of separate

attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan’s convoy in Katsina and Bauchi states.

Besides, pockets of political violence have been reported in Rivers and Kano states, with the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress trading blame for the incidents.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, said the force would prosecute anyone found to be a sponsor of violence.

He advised against the use

of abusive words by politicians.

The full text of the press statement reads: The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, is seriously concerned that despite several warnings to political actors, their sponsors and collaborators against the recourse to violence and the use of thugs in furthering political interests, there have been reports of untoward activities in political campaigns and meetings.

“The IGP notes that it is particularly worrisome that, of recent, thugs and miscre-

ants have been employed by some political parties to disrupt and truncate the political campaigns of their opponents. In some instances, stones and missiles have been hauled at the nation’s highly respected citizens and leaders. Abusive and demeaning words, and in some instances, offensive vituperations bordering on the macabre, have been hauled at opponents. We have also received disturbing reports of the pulling down and defacing of campaign posters.

“These conduct definitely

do not speak well of the maturity of aspiring leaders.

Such acts contravene section 227 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and sections 94 and 95 of the Electoral Act. Besides, they grossly negate sections 5 - 8 of the Public Order Act and Article 3 of the Political Parties Code of conduct commonly agreed to and adopted by all political parties.

“For the avoidance of the doubt, the Nigeria Police will apply the full weight of the law on any political actor, sponsor, associate or foot-soldier who resorts to

hate speech or the use of violence to advance his or her political agenda. The unity, peace and orderly progress of this nation cannot be mortgaged to suite or oil the ambitions of a few.

“Consequently, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police to thoroughly investigate all acts by political actors, their sponsors and agents that contravene the provisions of the laws enumerated above. Let it be restated that the law is not a respecter of persons.”

Buhari’ll govern Nigeria well – Wife Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

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L-R: Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former presidential aspirant, All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah; National Chairman, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; National Leader, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; vice-presidential candidate, APC, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and presidential candidate, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, during a rally in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

Jonathan: Boko Haram’s end is near

Anule Emmanuel and Ahmed Miringa

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday told the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar el-Kanemi, and other traditional rulers in the state that he is pained by the increasing spate of insecurity in the North-East.

The President also vowed that his administration would in bring the Boko Haram insurgency to an end in a few months. Jonathan, who visited the monarchs, as part of his nationwide campaign tour, said his administration had mapped out plans to rebuild the state after recovering lost territories from insurgents.

He assured the monarchs that his administration was committed to rescuing the missing Chibok school girls and noted that the efforts that had been put in place to halt the activities of insurgents may have been hampered by external interests

and forces.

Responding to some of the requests made by Shehu, the President promised to extend the ongoing railway rehabilitation to the state and accelerate work on the Kano- Maiduguri expressway. Talking about his post-war action plan for the state, Jonathan said with the use of initiatives like Victim Support Fund, Presidential Initiative for Northeast and Safe School Initiative as well as increased budgetary allocation, his administration would rebuild and redesign the entire Borno State in such a way as to provide children with easy access to education and a better future.

“We feel the pain of Borno people. I personally feel more pained when people accuse me of being involved in the problem for some political advantage. I have said it many times that my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. And I don’t think any president or hu-

man being can do what they accuse me of doing,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Shehu told the President that about five emirs in the state are currently outside their domains because Boko Haram had taken over their palaces. The Shehu advised President Jonathan to comb and clear the Sambisa forest before insurgents re- occupy it and continue to use it as a base.

The Shehu advised President Jonathan to comb and

clear the Sambisa forest before insurgents re- occupy it and continue to use it as a base.

Speaking later at the Ramat Square, venue of the rally, former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff told Jonathan that the PDP would win the February elections.

He said Governor Kashim Shettima would not win 20 per cent of the total votes in Borno, adding that people were playing politics with the Boko Haram insurgency.

Arise News arrives on DStv, GOtv

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ultiChoice has announced the launch of emerging global news and entertainment channel, ARISE NEWS on DStv and GOtv. ARISE NEWS will be on DStv channel 416 and GOtv channel 44 respectively, and will join other global news channels such as CNN, BBC, SKY News, CCTV, Al Jazeera,

CNBC and Bloomberg on the MultiChoice platforms.

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he wife of the All progressives Congress presidential candidate, Mrs. Aisha Mohammadu Buhari, yesterday said she would support her husband, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to govern Nigeria based on the rule of laws.

She also stated that she would only occupy the office of the First Lady if it is constitutionally recognised.

According to her, if there is no constitutional provision for the office of the First Lady, she would limit her roles to the traditional functions of visiting orphanages and caring for women and the less privileged in the society.

Buhari’s wife, who also inaugurated the All Progressives Congress women presidential campaign initiative, said it would sensitise Nigerian women before, during and after the elections on their roles in politics.

Speaking earlier before the launch of the initiative, she had enjoined the women to double their efforts in educating the women on how to cast their votes even as she advised them to be civil in their conduct.

In her own speech, wife of the party’s vice presidential candidate, Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, said, “We are the ones who set the standard in the family, decide whether our children will be honest or dishonest. For 10 years, I worked with Area boys in Lagos and one of the most distinguishing experiences I had there was a 17 year girl who had three baby boys for an area boy under the bridge. She had nothing to give because her mother and the women around her could not rise up to do what they were supposed to do.”

In his opening remarks, APC chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh, urged the women to ensure that APC wins in February.

Jimi Agbaje won LCCI debate – Campaign group Ayodele Aminu

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overnorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, won the electrifying debate organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday, according to a statement by his campaign group.

It said Agbaje debated his All Progressives Congress rival, Akinwunmi Ambode, under the attentive scrutiny of captains of industry, senior members of the Lagos State Government and members of the public, adding that the PDP candidate “masterfully pitched his policy ideas to the business community.”

The campaign group said, “Agbaje showed a strong

understanding of the critical business and policy issues, using the opportunity of his opening remarks to set-out his overall policy agenda. He outlined what he referred to as ‘business realities’ into micro and macro issues – starting with the expected impact of falling oil prices, imminent reforms in Nigeria and ending with the problems of infrastructure, the high cost of doing business and high unemployment in the face of labour shortages.

“Mr. Agbaje answered questions deploying verifiable facts and figures to answer questions thrown at him by members of the high-level debate panel, which included Ms. Funke Opeke of MainOne and other prominent members of the business community.”

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

PDP to woo Atiku, Ogbeh, Akume, Gemade Cephas Iorhemen

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Makurdi

he defection of chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former National chairman of the PDP, Chief Audu Ogbe and senators George Akume and Barnabas Gemade to the All Progressives Congress is giving the ruling party sleepless

nights as it has vowed to woo them back to the party.

Former Senate President, Dr. Iorchia Ayu who dropped this hint in Makurdi during the presidential rally in Makurdi recently said, the defectors are true members of the PDP and have left to pursue personal ambitions with the hope to come back someday.

“I have compiled a list of people who have left

the PDP including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former national chairman of our party Chief Audu Ogbe as well as Senators George Akume and Gemade and found that twenty of them are indeed PDP supporters.

“We will continue to talk to them to come back home because this is their home. In Benue State, even those who are not PDP supporters are going

to work for the success of the PDP during the general elections because at heart they are PDP they have only gone to achieve certain personal ambitions”, said Ayu. Dr. Ayu expressed optimism that PDP in the state will excel at the polls and implored the people of the state to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards to enable them participate actively in the February elections.

Collaborating his position, former national chairman of the party and Director-General of Jonathan/Sambo presidential campaign, Dr. Ahmadu Ali advised the people of the state to remain united as was the case during the late senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka’s time in order not to allow certain national privileges elude them.

Ali who acknowledged the overwhelming sup-

port Benue people gave the party during the 2011 general election, advised them to learn to settle scores amicably in the interest of peace and development of the state. He urged aggrieved members of the party who defected to the APC in the aftermath of the party’s primaries to return to PDP which he described as the only vehicle that can take them to the path of progress.

NBA rejects elections postponement Tunde Oyesina,

ABUJA

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he Nigerian Bar Association NBA yesterday called on the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), to concentrate on how to end the menace of Boko Haram within three months and not on the postponement of elections.

Dasuki had earlier reportedly called for the postponement of the elections due to challenges with the collection of the Permanent Voters Card.

NBA National President, Austin Alegeh (SAN), charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to find better ways of resolving difficulties currently being experienced in the collection of PVCs. He further called on the electoral body to immediately put in place a system for the collection of PVCs at polling units.

He added that the period for the collection of PVCs should be extended till February 13, 2015.

“INEC should also request the Federal Government to set aside two work free days for collection of PVCs,” he added.

He noted that any attempt to postpone the February elections without just and reasonable cause

would adversely affect the nation’s standing in the international community.

“The February 14th and 28th dates for the general elections were fixed a long time back and preparations have reached a fever pitch with political parties traversing the country seeking for the votes and mandate of the electorate.

“Instructively, several other statutory cut off dates for the elections (Registration of Voters, closing of voters’ Register, resignation from office of interested contestants, publication of list of candidates for the elections etc.) have been set and complied with based on the dates fixed for the elections.

“The twin issues of the difficulties associated with the collection of Permanent Voter Card and the conduct of elections in the North-Eastern states of the country upon which the alleged call for postponement of the elections was based are not new issues that would justify the call for a postponement of the elections so late in the day.

“A postponement of the elections would give INEC little room to maneuver and may push the nation perilously close to a constitutional crisis, if any unforeseen event occasions a further shift of the election dates,” he said.

Residents of Makurdi taking pictures of a giant hippopotamus killed in the Benue State capital yesterday

APC blames PDP for attacks on Jonathan’s convoy Johnchuks Onuanyim, Abuja.

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he All Progressives Congress yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party of sponsoring the attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan in Katsina and Bauchi as part of its plans to demonise the opposition and force a postponement of next month’s general elections.

According to the statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed the coordinated hysteri-

Jonathan’s rally: Soldiers, police occupy PH stadium Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

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oldiers and a special police squad on Friday night took over the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, located in Igwuruta-Ali in Ikwerre Local Government Area Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The soldiers, who were the

first to invade the stadium, were later joined by the police.

The Peoples Democratic Party, Rivers State chapter is expected to hold a rally for President Goodluck Jonathan in the stadium on January 28.

The PDP has vowed to use the stadium for the rally despite the refusal of the state

government to approve its use by the party.

The governorship candidate of the PDP, Nyesom Wike, yesterday inspected facilities at the stadium in readiness for the said rally.

Chief of Staff to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Tony Okocha, described the action of the PDP and the Presidency as criminal.

cal reactions to the attacks by the presidency by Senate President, David Mark and the leadership of the Ijaw nation have exposed the sponsors of the attacks.

The party stated that those who have gone into frenzy in condemning the attacks should direct their anger at the PDP, which hired the hoodlums who attacked the President in Katsina and Bauchi and gave them brooms to make them look like APC supporters.

APC said, ‘’Information is now in the public domain that these attacks were self inflicted, with the aim of demonising the APC and instigating retaliatory attacks in the southern states, thus precipitating chaos which the PDP and the Presidency will then use as an excuse for the postponement of the elections ‘’Apparently they did not envisage that the information about their complicity over the attacks will leak to the public. It is common knowledge that the security around the President is such that no hoodlum can come close enough to pelt him with stones”.

The party said the Presi-

dency distorted facts when it accused the APC of breaching the Abuja peace accord that was signed by the presidential candidates of the various political parties, saying the PDP and its band of thugs did not allow the ink with which the agreement was signed to dry before they started breaching it. ‘’The second attack on our offices in Rivers took place after the pact was signed, just like the serial attacks on our supporters in Sokoto, organized by a PDP stalwart in the city and aided and abetted by the police. The deathwish-for-Buhari advert by the incautious Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State in the name of President Jonathan, which could have triggered unimaginable violence if not properly managed by the APC, also breached the agreement.

The Nigeria Posterity Project (NPP) has insisted the APC of being responsible for the incessant attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign team. The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Louis Ebodaghe said that the attack was barbaric.

“We consider the attacks on the PDP campaign team in Sokoto, Katsina and most recently, Bauchi states as not only barbaric, despicable, uncivilized, provocative and appalling, but condemnable and undemocratic”, The group said it was obvious that the APC was using its youth wings in the north to heat up the political climate in a calculated and deliberate attempt to frustrate other political parties from freely, and legitimately canvassing for votes in the region.

“These orchestrated attacks go to show their desperate and vile attempt to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by all means “The use of inflammatory language by the APC coupled with these attacks in our opinion is a clear demonstration of their promotion of the culture of violence, intimidation and intolerance.

By these undemocratic actions, the APC and their agents are making nonsense of the freedom of speech, movement, association and all known tenets of democracy which Jonathan’s administration represents”, it added

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

News

Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki Sola Adeyemo, Ibadan

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uthorities of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, in Ebonyi State, has appealed to the striking workers under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to suspend the on-going industrial action in the interest of the public and patients.

The Chief Medical Director of FETHA, Dr. Paul Ezeonu who made the appeal at a press conference in Abakaliki, stressed that since the commencement of the strike on November 12, 2014, the workers, which comprises all non clinical staff like nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists have been receiving their salaries.

He threatened that as from the end of January, the authorities would invoke the civil service doctrine of no-work-no-pay, stressing that continuous collection of salary by people who are not rendering any service, was a disservice to humanity and therefore unacceptable.

“We are going to apply no-work-no-pay policy, and that will be followed by sack of the workers. We are starting the implementation by the end of this January. Those who are willing to work will not be affected and we want to use this opportunity to plead with the striking workers to stop harassing

JOHESU strike: FG threatens sack as UCH loses N1b revenue those who have been assisting in rendering skeletal services, they have no right to bump into the hospital to harass people, this is trespass and we have informed relevant security agencies to apply the full weight of the law,’ he said.

He explained that the Federal Government had before the strike set up a technical committee headed by former Head of Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, which looked into the whole demands and submitted a report, based on which a white paper has been issued and being studied.

The CMD described the strike as uncalled for, illtimed and irresponsible especially in the face of current realities of dwindling oil revenue, insecurity, political atmosphere and the yuletide period usually characterized by high rate of emergencies resulting from auto crash.

In a related development, over N1billion revenue has been lost to the two-month old strike embarked upon by the joint health workers of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan in Oyo State, as well as the previous one carried out by the Nigerian Medi-

Traders count losses after Makurdi inferno Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

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raders at a rice mill in Makurdi, Benue State are counting their losses following the mid-night fire that razed down 14 shops in the market shattering the means of livelihood of the victims.

Items lost in the inferno include milling machines, milled rice, beans, onions and containers used for the milling business.

Though the cause of the fire disaster could not be ascertained, some of the victims attributed it to some hoodlums who they said had been terrorising traders in the area.

Speaking to Sunday Telegraph on condition anonymity, some of the victims alleged that the hoodlums sprayed fuel on the place and set it ablaze.

When our correspondent visited the scene of the disaster yesterday, shop owners were seen removing debris of the burnt items while others were taking inventory of their loss amid wailing and sobs.

Before the fire incident, operators of the rice mill had employed a vigilance group to provide security in the prescient of the area, but they expressed surprise over their where about when the hoodlums struck.

Two of the victims, Moses Ichaver and Bako Rambo told our correspondent that they were called at about 8 pm on Friday evening and given the news that their shops were gutted by fire. Moses Bur, another victim explained that 40 bags of raw rice and 15 bags of milled ones were consumed in the inferno.

They appealed to the state government for assistance to enable them carry on with their business.

Commenting on the matter, the caretaker chairman of Wurukum rice mill, Mr. Philip Faafaa expressed shock over the fire outbreak and appealed to the state government and public spirited individuals to assist those whose means of livelihood has come to a standstill.

cal Association.

Chief Medical Director of the institution Prof.

Temitope Alonge who disclosed at the weekend in a chat with newsmen at a conference in Ibadan, added that during the two strikes which began with the 2014 NMA industrial action, several lives were also lost.

The disclosure came just as the Chief Medical Director of FETHA, Dr. Paul Ezeonu who made the appeal during a press conference in Abakaliki, stressed that since the commence-

ment of the strike on November 12 Alonge said: “We lost about N400 million in July and August during the NMA strike, and since the commencement of the JOHESU strike in October till date, the institution has lost over N600 million.”

Besides loss of revenue, he said that the loss of human lives during the strike was a source serious concern. Alonge, therefore, appealed to the workers to return to work while they continue to dialogue with the Federal Government.

He appealed to the striking workers to return to work so that they could offer their services and save lives.

“Although the striking workers do attend to emergency services, but many more lives will probably have been saved if the strike has not been. We appreciate the fact that since the commencement of the strike, we have not suffered any blackout when electricity was taken by PHCN because our engineering staff have been on ground.

“We appreciate the JO-

HESU for the human face deployed when the occasion arises,” he said, while also appealing to the Federal Government to address the on-going crises in the health sector.

It will be recalled that JOHESU nationwide embarked on the strike over the union’s demand for ‘skipping’ allowances to be maintained and arrears paid. The union is also pushing for non-health professionals to be promoted to directors in their units so that they could attain Level 17 in the service.

L-R: Archbishop Samson Mustapha Benjamin; Chairman, Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Lagos State, Alhaja Safurat Abdul Kareem; Governorship Candidate, Jimi Agbaje and PDP candidate, Federal House of Representative, Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Hon. Oghene Egoh, during the public rally at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Four million OPC members ready to vote, says Adams Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

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ew weeks to the commencement of the presidential election in the country, the National Co-ordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Otunba Gani Adams yesterday disclosed that about four million of his members are ready to vote during the exercise.

Otunba Adams, who made this known while speaking with newsmen after the group’s participation in Oodua Festival Programme held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in Osun State, stated that the group has over five million as its members out of

which four million were qualify to vote.

He explained that the remaining one million may not be qualified to vote due to under age factor but charged the qualified ones to play the game according to the rules as men of dignity and character.

Adams, who charged them to ensure they collected their Permanent Voters Cards from the Independent Electoral Commission to ensure full participation in the election, assured that his members would vote for credible personalities in the presidential and other elections during the exercise.

He assured that his members would add val-

ue to the forthcoming election to make it a violent free and democratically un-hindered.

Speaking on the OOdua programme designed as a rallying point for the cultural activities of the Yorubas, the OPC leader pleaded with all tiers of government to “dedicate more resources to cultural enhancement in order to get results from efforts geared at national orientation and political emancipation.”

He said the group decided to institute Oodua festival celebrations because of its desire to perpetuate the memory of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. ““The festival remains my contribution

to efforts to create awareness for the economic benefits in the development of tourism potentials of Yoruba race.”

He stated that the group had mapped out its plans to use all the festivals being promoted by the Olokun Foundation to foster unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the country.

“We also hope to use our festivals make our people aware of the contemporary relevance of their traditions and cultural heritage. Our festivals will also be used to create an institutional framework for the collection, preservation and conservation of tangible and intangible assets,” Adams said.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

OPINION The APC and the Culture of Violence

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Femi Fani-Kayode

nce again supporters of the All Progressives Congress, whilst chanting ‘Sai Buhari’ and carrying brooms, have stoned our candidate President Goodluck Jonathan on his way to a rally in the North. It happened in Bauchi State. This is the second time that this has happened in two days. The first time it happened was in Katsina State.

Worse still, this time round, their violent actions have resulted in the brutalisation, wounding and hospitalisation of no less than six of President Jonathan’s security operatives.

Once again, just as it was in Katsina, the whole thing was well-orchestrated and well-funded by the APC and there is an obvious conspiracy to hurt and intimidate the President and his supporters and prevent them from campaigning in the North. This is despite the fact that Jonathan is very popular in many parts of the North and he has millions of followers there.

We wish to assure the APC that this barbaric and uncivilised behaviour will not deter Mr. President from campaigning in every nook and cranny of this country because his supporters, in both the north and the south, expect no less from him. The questions that Nigerians must ask are these: will Buhari not call his supporters to order and stop this violence unless and until someone is killed? Is that what he and his APC want? Do they want the President and those that go on campaign with him dead?

Why do they delight in violence and intimidation? Are they scared of a free and fair election? Can they not handle the prospect of defeat? Has it finally dawned on them that they are going to lose the election woefully and consequently they wish to avoid that by creating a crisis in the country? We warned them about the consequences of their reckless and dangerous behaviour, their fondness of attacking the President and his campaign team and their irresponsible and insatiable appetite for aggression and violence when it first happened in Katsina State a few days ago but Gen. Buhari and the APC would not listen and they have refused to caution their supporters.

Instead, they have continued to relish and delight in their habitual violence and the most heinous and hideous forms of unprovoked attacks and they have consistently encouraged such behaviour. It is no wonder that Buhari was once nominated by Boko Haram to be

their negotiator and spokesman when the idea of dialogue with the Federal Government was mooted in 2014.

It is interesting to note that when Buhari’s supporters killed a number of youth corps members after he lost the election in 2011 and wrought havoc in various parts of the North, he refused to apologise to the families of those that were so brutally murdered and he showed absolutely no remorse. This was despite the national and international condemnation and outrage that those killings attracted. I guess that is Buhari for you: adamant, stubborn and lacking in compassion even where human life was lost.

One wonders if the same spirit still resides in him. Is there any indication that he has changed? Is he preparing for a repeat performance of what his supporters did after losing the election in 2011? Does he still hold to his ‘’baboon and dog will both be soaked in blood’’ philosophy if he loses the February election? Are his supporters and allies still threatening to ‘’make the country ungovernable’’ after he loses the election? We sincerely hope not because this time round, he and his supporters may not get away with it so lightly.

We wish to take this opportunity to serve them notice of a final warning: if they do not desist from these unprovoked attacks and if anything untoward should happen to President Goodluck Jonathan whilst he is on campaign or even after the election, the consequences will be grave and worse than they can possibly imagine. Buhari was not attacked by supporters of the PDP when he campaigned anywhere in the south; so, why should President Jonathan be attacked by supporters of the APC when he campaigns in the north?

Enough is enough.

The behaviour of the APC in this respect is utterly reprehensible and we condemn it in the strictest terms. Under no circumstances should violence be condoned or encouraged by them or anyone else because this is simply an election and not a war. The truth is that the APC have become utterly desperate because they can see defeat staring them in the face. They have found it difficult to come to terms with the fact that their candidate is a man with questionable health who has been rejected by the Nigerian people and who does not have the strength, energy or vision to govern Nigeria.

This mendacity goes to the very heart of the issue of character and integrity and it is indicative of the fact that Buhari is wholly unfit to

rule Nigeria.

Lai Mohammed, the spokesman of the APC, has said that we should go to court about the certificate issue if we feel sufficiently aggrieved about it. He has conveniently ignored the fact that the courts are on strike and that for now we cannot do so. When the courts are open, we shall explore that possibility and consider that option but until then we shall continue to raise the issue and put the relevant questions to Buhari and his party.

Our position is that Buhari is not qualified under the law to run for the Presidency because he has not been able to produce or display his secondary school certificate as required by law and this is the basic requirement for anyone that wishes to aspire to that exalted office. We also believe that he was not even qualified to have gone to the officers’ training college of the Nigerian Armed Forces in 1968 because he never had the prerequisite qualifications to be admitted. At best he ought to have remained a non-commissioned officer and not an officer in the Nigerian Army.

We believe that based on that he ought to be stripped of all the entitlements and ranks that he attained within the Army over the last 46 years.

The truth is that with Buhari, the more you look the less you see. His story and whole history is shrouded with fraud, deceit, false claims, double-speak and double-standards and we shall continue to alert Nigerians about the dangers of electing such a dubious man as their President and putting him in power. And we shall do this whether the likes of Lai Mohammed or his campaign spokesman, Garba Shehu, like it or not. The latest development is that these desperate men have now fraudulently procured a fake and forged result sheet which is meant to fool Nigerians into thinking that Buhari actually passed his exams.

Yet the Nigerian people have not been fooled. They know that if they were to give such people power, it would result in disaster and the Nigerian people would never do that.

Buhari’s quest for power, together with his mantra of change, is a mere illusion and it will never come to pass. He will fail simply because our people wish to move forward and do not wish for a return to the past.

Permit me to end this contribution on a rather personal note. When people like Garba Shehu say they want a clean campaign which is devoid of tough words and hard and bitter truths, it makes me laugh. Running for an

election, looking for a mandate and seeking for power is not a beauty pageant and neither is it so anywhere in the world. It is tough and sometimes it can get nasty.

We all know this; so, Garba Shehu and the Buhari campaign organisation should stop pretending. They say they want a clean campaign when their supporters and candidate are throwing stones at our candidate. They say they want a clean campaign when they are attempting to injure and inflict violence on Mr. President. They say they want a clean campaign when they are threatening and endangering the life and security of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his campaign team as he is travelling throughout the country seeking for votes. What a joke the Buhari Campaign Organisation and the APC are and what a glaring case of saying one thing and doing another.

They are nothing but a pack of desperate wolves in sheep’s clothing who say one thing on the pages of the newspapers and do the opposite in the field of political battle. They pretend that they want peace but in actual fact they love violence; they encourage it and they have consistently indulged in it. On our part, the PDP Campaign Organisation will continue to keep the peace but we cannot continue to guarantee what the reaction of our supporters will be if these acts of physical provocation and violence continue.

By their consistent and continued acts of violence and vitriolic words of hatred Buhari and his APC have not only violated the historic Kofi Annan-led Abuja Peace Accord but they have also effectively raped it. Finally they must come to terms with the fact that when I speak I am doing so for millions of supporters of President Jonathan and the PDP. I do not speak in my own capacity as Femi Fani-Kayode but as spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation.

All the personal attacks against my person in paid adverts and sponsored press releases

by Garba Shehu and Lai Mohammed only serve to encourage and embolden me and are indicative of the fact that I am raising issues that they cannot defend and that are making their leaders and their party very uncomfortable. I happen to take pleasure in watching them wriggle and sweat; so they should get ready for far more. The game is on.

•Chief Fani-Kayode is Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation.

What if Buhari has no certificate?

T Abimbola Ojenike

he unending monologue over whether Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has a School Certificate raises a question that is rather tendentious and faulty.

The idly-conceived narrative, now spreading like wildfire, is to suggest erroneously that the Nigerian Constitution actually requires a candidate to hold or produce West African School Certificate as minimum educational qualification to contest as President.

There is humour in political propaganda, including the present one, to suggest that even if Buhari has a galaxy of stars to his Khaki as a General, it only goes to show that he was a brave General and not necessarily that he is educated.

Those who came up with the Buhari-isilliterate hoax would also want us to believe that the U.S Army War College was probably referring to a different Muhammadu Buhari who graduated in the Class of 1980 on 9th June of that year as the most distinguished international student.

The rumour should be enjoyed for its humour, but do we have to go as far as misrepresenting the law?

What if all Buhari has to show are the stars he got as a General, does that mean he is not eligible to contest? Nothing short of him pasting his credentials on his forehead as he goes

for campaign would douse the rumour.

I don’t hold Buhari’s brief. I am not even interested in whether he has the papers or not.

My motivation for writing this piece is the aversion for how this tribe of politicians deliberately distorts facts, propagates ignorance and peddles invectives rather than focusing on real issues about how they would rescue a nation in the cesspit of misery. I wonder how this is a political trump card for the same President who had advocated for an issues-based campaign.

The most cursory look at the Constitution would reveal to anyone that Buhari is as educationally qualified as President Jonathan with his equally oft-disputed Ph.D. Section 131 (d) of the Constitution provides that a person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent. Section 318 goes further to say that a “School Certificate or its equivalent means: The language of the Constitution is plain and unless Buhari’s scoffers are themselves deficient of the ability to read, write and understand in English Language as provided above, there is no conceivable way anyone can say Buhari is not qualified. Indeed, if Buhari is illiterate and he was, as Head of State, able to reduce the inflation rate from 23% to 5%, keep Naira at N1 to $1.4,

unemployment at 6.1%, pay all debts, withstand IMF’s pressure to borrow and devalue Naira and quell Maitatsine (Boko Haram’s predecessor-in-terror), he deserves to be celebrated in the rank of geniuses like Einstein.

In contrast, President Jonathan, with his oftdisputed Ph.D, has an uninspiring scorecard of devaluing the Naira, keeping inflation at 8%, Naira-Dollar exchange rate at $1 to N184.50 (as at today), youth unemployment at 80% capped with a grisly record of running a terror-ravaged country and condoning corruption. With knowledge and competence in mind, you would begin to wonder if Nigeria is not better run by a President that has never seen the walls of a classroom.

From a broad view, this controversy renews interest in the undeserved recognition given to educational papers rather than the functional knowledge that education should bring. Certificates have been conventionally misrepresented as evidence of knowledge and competence. A time there was in this country when we thought that low educational qualification was probably a major factor for inept leadership.

If this was ever true, President Jonathan has shown us that this might be, at best, a cultural fallacy. Here we are as a nation, with a President who has a Ph.D, the economy is comatose, Excess Crude Account is virtually empty, external reserves are badly depleted,

missing funds here and there, we have only a marginal increase in installed power generation and transmission capacity but with no electricity after over N3 trillion spending on power under Jonathan’s administration alone.

What is more, our lives are even more insecure despite over N3.1trillion defence spending.

Realising that we may have modelled our idea of a President on false criteria, many people are disappointed and are beginning to ask the right questions about Mr. President’s Ph.D – what he did he write his thesis on, who supervised him and who (other than Patience Jonathan) was President Jonathan’s former student?

Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying we don’t need highly-educated men in power. I am only suggesting that as between Jonathan and Buhari, our choice of a President must be for higher considerations of competence, functional intellectualism and principled leadership.

In the final sense, this controversy about whether Buhari is in possession of his West African School Certificate is futile because the Constitution stipulates no such requirement for anyone to stand election. The propriety of this is a matter for another day. Lastly, however, as we are asking Buhari to show papers for his knowledge, we should be asking President Jonathan to show knowledge for his papers.

Ojenike writes from Lagos

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Sunday Mail JANUARY 25, 2015

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraphonline.com.

Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender.

Questions for Buhari Dear Editor, I have questions for Gen Buhari and his party and I hope rather than insults we will get answers to these factual questions.

1. Has Buhari apologized to Ben Ogedengbe’s family for killing him for a crime that didn’t carry death penalty when he committed it?

2. If Buhari really believes that power is from God as he says, then why did he take it by force in 1983?

3. Has Buhari apologized to the people of Lagos for cancelling Jakande’s Metroline & forfeiting the $50 million Lagos paid for it?

4. Why did Buhari regime use violence to stop the September 1985 National Conference of the National Assn of Nigerian Students?

5. Has Buhari apologized for heading the ONLY military admin that did not have a transition plan to hold elections?

6. Has Buhari apologized for jailing Tai Solarin & denying him his asthma drugs simply because he campaigned against military rule 7. Has Buhari apologized for jailing Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson for writing a truthful report which embarrassed his govt?

8. Has Buhari apologized for raiding Papa Awolowo’s house and seizing his passport so he couldn’t travel out of the country?

9. Has Buhari apologized for throwing VP Alex Ekwueme in jail even though it was proven that Ekwueme DID NOT steal?

10. What reason did Buhari have for jailing Ojukwu in 1984? Ojukwu was not in Shagari’s govt and he did not steal!

11. Can Buhari explain to young Nigerians why he banned the Nigerian Medical Association? Does he hate doctors?

12. What reason did Buhari have for jailing the activist Beko Ransome Kuti who campaigned for his brother, Fela’s release?

13. They say Buhari is now a democrat. Really? Then why did he treat the Oputa Panel with such disdain and refused to appear?

14. Why did Buhari jail Fela Kuti in 1984? What was Fela’s crime? Singing against military government?

Joy Ben Enugu

A tale of two countries Dear Editor, I watched footages of the terror attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris where 12 people were killed last week. The killers had a field day. Two policemen on sight were killed; one of them brutally. While the terrorists reigned, it was as if there was no government in Paris!

However, the national and international outrage against the attacks must have dealt a strong psychological blow to terrorism in France. #Je suis Charlie#, the international hashtag, gained currency within hours. Lazio Football Club of Italy emblazoned it on their kit in their recent game against Roma. All over the world, terrorism was told it has no place among us. On Tuesday, there were over two million people who marched against terrorism, including Benjamin Nentayahu, the Israeli premier. In Buenos Aires, the Argentinian capital, people marched in solidarity with France. Same in London. Even in New York. French people queued behind their country, not really in support of their leader. I was touched! In Nigeria, I have NEVER seen a hashtag against Boko Haram. Rather, we comment and write on Boko Haram, depending on the party and presidential candidate we support. We create hashtags every day in support of either Jonathan or Buhari. But not one against terror. Instead of condemning terror, we equate our country with her current leader all the time.

Deep inside us, some of us want Boko Haram to continue so that we get a campaign weapon against the President. I have NEVER seen a post condemning terrorism and Boko Haram in Nigeria. Rather, we abuse, insult and denigrate our military. Who told us Boko Haram members don’t monitor the media? Including social media. Our media makes any Boko Haram attack its banner headline. For how long? The first aim of terrorism is to instil fear in the minds of people. And one way they are ‘encouraged’ is seeing that condemnation is not coming their way but to the state. Which is EXACTLY what we are doing in Nigeria.

Every day, on CNN and Aljazeera, I watch reports of terror attack in Nigeria. But not a voice of popular condemnation.

It pains me. From today, let us rise against terror and take the psychological advantage away from them. #SHAMEBOKOHARAM#. Are you game?

Samuel Ajayi, Lagos

What a Forlorn Hope…as kids hawk on Makoko water in Lagos.

2015 is not about Jonathan or Buhari, it’s about me and you Dear Editor, I tell you folks again this election is not about Jonathan and Buhari, it is about me and you. I was speaking to an American wheeler dealer who has tentacles in Nigeria and he told me the Nigerian election would be a fight between the ordinary people who see hope in one candidate and the entrenched interests who are backing the other. He said even if Jonathan doesn’t want to run, “the vampires of Nigeria” would not let him back down. He said Jonathan represents their interests and Buhari represents a threat to their continued devastation on the Nigerian economy and that no number of lives was too much for them to waste to keep businesses going and that ordinary Nigerians do not have the will to stand in their way. He says it’s not just a function of will but that we are too ignorant and deeply divided to put up a fight for our lives It is a sad reality but I put the argument that this time the people were ready as this was the closest we have ever come to rallying behind some symbolic figure to take a pot shot at the status quo. But as I said it, I myself wasn’t convinced my people were ready at all; there are too many who don’t really understand how grave the situation is. To them it’s just another gravy train, another opportunity to make a fast buck or two. There are too many who think it’s some joke of vengeance on their compatriot from another tribe or religion, not realizing the joke is on all of us. We have been stolen blind, our brothers in some parts of the country are being murdered daily and more will die to keep the status quo in place, so the rich can get richer and the fat fatter.

When are we going to wake up?

Ajagzy Okunrin Essex, United Kingdom

Jonathan: what kind of president?

Dear Editor, President Goodluck Jonathan is busy campaigning for a second term while scores of Nigerians are being massacred in Baga by Boko Haram under his watch as Commanderin-Chief. What kind of President is he? The other time, he was in Kano dancing the day after scores of people were killed in Abuja in the name of re-election. Did he not see how President Hollande of France react to the killing of some journalists this past week? Can’t our President show some benevolence called off the campaign for once?

It shows that the President is more concerned about his re-election than the welfare of those he seeks to govern. Or is Baga not in Nigera? Were the people killed in Baga not Nigerians? The handlers of the President must be callous.

Bayo Adeyinka Lagos State

PHOTO: MOJEED ALABI

The Lawal Kaita Interview Dear Editor, Thank God for the revealing, intelligent and sound interview your paper conducted and published on Pages 32/33 on Sunday January 11, 2015 on Lawal Kaita.

Charles, Owerri, Imo State

Martin Luther King and racism in America

Dear Editor, To think that a day after Martin Luther King’s Birthday and after all the speeches he made and all the changes he tried to make fast forward to 2015 America is still divided into White America and Black America! It is a shame though. Racism has to be abolished; it’s easy to write but very difficult to practise.

America is the land of dreams, the land of milk and honey and don’t also forget the greatest RACIST country in the whole world. I bet you Martin Luther King would be turning in his grave by now.

Maria Adigwe Albany, New York

Who supplies Boko Haram fuel?

Dear Editor, Now that the certificate issue is over, let’s get to more serious issues. If you know how vehicles that move on uneven terrain gulp fuel, you will ask the question I have been asking.

Who supplies fuel to Boko Haram? These guys drive long distances, hundreds of kilometres which require enormous fuel supply. How do they get enough fuel to run not only their cars majority of which are fuel guzzling four wheel drives but above all the armoured personnel carriers they drive around all the time. An armoured vehicle gulps over 300 litres at a go. Do they get it dropped from the air? How can this group be this successful without help from internal and external friends? Who supplies fuel to Boko Haram?

Kelechi Deca Ikeja, Lagos

Fayose’s death wish advert

Dear Editor, These people are not on the same page with progressive Nigerians. They are still talking of Northern or Southern presidency.

Zoning is a redundant policy. The best candidate should always be the one. I didn’t expect anything better from Gov. Fayose who behaves more like a garage tout than anything else. Nigeria urgently needs change. Vote Buhari because he can deliver the goods. Vote wisely Nosa Martin Atekha Benin, Edo State

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Moment

L-R: Nigerian Idol 5 judge and R’n’B crooner, Dare ‘Art’ Alade; Executive Director, OMG, Ugochi Pedro; Nigerian Idol 5 judges, Dede Mabiaku and Yinka Davies and presenter, Ills Rhymz, during the Nigerian Idol 5 audition at the Xcape Centre, Port Harcourt

L-R: Regional Sales Executive, Peugeot, Adeniyi Onifade; Peugeot Loan Scheme beneficiary, Prof.

Fatimah Abdulkareem and Executive Director, PAN, Jumat Alli Oluwafuyi, during the presentation of car in Lagos…recently

APC Taraba State Assembly candidate, Mr. Rimam Kashbu, flying the party’s flag after receiving it from the governorship candidate, Sen. Aisha Alhassan (third right), during the inauguration of the party governorship campaign in Lissam, Ussa LGA …on Thursday. PHOTO-NAN

Former Miss Blessing Ucheoma Obianuju and Bush Emmanuel Onyeka Ibe exchanged marital vow at Christ Anointed Family Chapel International, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos

L-R: Program Coordinator, Open Society Initiative for West Africa, Mr. Joseph Amennaghowon; CoFounder BudgiT, Mr. Oluseun Onigbinde; Deputy Director, National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Kayode Fagbemi and representative of the Auditor General of the Federation, Mr. Kiyani Elisha, during the presentation of report on how flood victims get funds and relief materials across Nigeria, in Abuja…on Thursday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: Representative of the President, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; Deputy coordinator, Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation, Plateau, Evang Leo Jitong and former Minister of Sports, Mr. Damisi Shango, during the PDP campaign meeting with some communities in Jos …on Thursday

L-R: National Secretary, Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Revd. Okechukwu Ugbaja; General Overseer, Revd. Felix Meduoye and Chairman, 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Planning Committee, Dr. Mayowa Afe, at a press conference to herald the Diamond Jubilee celebration in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Pastor Oluwalende Kehinde; Deacon Adeoye Ademola; Pastor Judic Passion; President, CareGivers Christian Ministry international, Pastor Olawale Akinwunmi; Prophet James Mustapha; Pastor Olalekan Olafare; Elder Wale Afolabi and Dr. Timothy Ajani, during the CareGivers Christian Ministry’s sixth year Anniversary and #60 Million fundraises for the ministry’s permanent site in Lagos…recently

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 25 JANUARY, 2015

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SUNDAY

Editor: Juliet Bumah +234 (0) 811 675 9770 +234 (0) 701 110 1014 julietbumah@gmail.com

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Body Soul

Femi Pedro: How my search for crabs landed me in police station

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

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Body&Soul

I love junk food - Iyanya Let us into your background.

My parents are late; I am the second son of a family of four. Music started early for me because I come from a family of musicians who were also church workers; as far back as my grandparents. Project Fame put me on the map. It was the first platform to hoist my music career.

My favourite perfum

Award winning music star, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, a graduate of Business Management, University of Calabar, speaks with BIWOM IKLAKI about his career

What is your best meal?

Junk. I eat just anything I feel like, especially junk food.

Who is your role model?

R. Kelly, 2Face and most great musicians. I like (Governor Babatunde) Fashola too.

Why the governor?

My role models are people that you can point out and say that this person is hardworking, a go-getter and an achiever. I see Fashola as that.

without?

Music.

Some guys say fur…

Naa, common… when you travel out, you have to. Especially if you are a stylish person, you can’t avoid fur.

What is your inspiration?

God first, experience sometimes and other times, it is the stories and experiences of others.

Who is your ideal woman?

My ideal woman is a good woman and when you see a good woman, you don’t need anybody to tell you that she is a good woman.

How did you feel when you made your first big bucks? How much was it?

My first big buck was N2.5m from Project Fame. I was quite excited about it. It was a blessing, but I can’t remember what I bought. I think I got a house somewhere on the mainland.

What’s the worst you had to handle from a fan?

Trust me; I do not worry about stuff like that. When and if it happens, it just touches me right there and it passes. I do not dwell on such issues.

If you were not a music star, what career path would you have taken?

I don’t like nine to five, so definitely it would have been maybe contracts, anything that brings money; but not a desk job.

Valentine is coming. In this season of love, what plans do you have and what is your idea of a romantic date?

I don’t know, I don’t have any plans but I know that I am going to be doing shows.

Nothing personal?

I don’t know about that right now.

What does Valentine mean to you?

It is a season to show love and I feel like Africans misunderstand it. Africans

What can you not live

What would you never be caught dead wearing?

Mehn, it has to be those cowboy boots… hideous!

You said you lost both parents. How old were you then?

I was about 19 years old. Luckily I had done most of my education.

What everyday challenges do you face as Iyanya?

It is just the challenges in trying to be Iyanya music and brand-wise. In trying to manage the fans that do not advise constructively, who just talk, especially in this town. There are some people who talk and you listen because they make sense. Some other people just talk because they have access to phones and wi fi. And there are times when you want to say to hell with this person but you can’t because once you do that, the blogs will say you are being rude and mean to a fan. The thing is that the blogs don’t see the person abusing the star; they only see the star being human and responding accordingly. It’s just a couple of challenges but every day, we learn to handle them.

three things would wish to have with you?

My PSP, my phones and a box or bag full of junk food, juice and all that.

But there is something you see that will make you recognise her… not necessarily physical.

I am not the kind of guy that says she must have boobs, she must have ass. I just think for me it is the connection.

I am not saying she should be ugly as hell, I am just saying there has to be that chemistry between us.

How does Iyanya relax?

I sleep, eat, travel, and chill with my friends, you know…make music. think you should have a guy or have a girl, but Valentine to me is charity and reaching out to the less privileged.

For me, Valentine should just be about showing love generally to your mum, dad and family. But it has become tacky and cheesy. The things most people do on that day may be the first and last time they ever do them.

You mentioned the less privileged.

What exactly is that to you?

I have a foundation called Iyanya Foundation. We have kids that we are sending to school. It has been on for like two years and we have about three kids.

Are there any wedding bells in the near future?

No.

I just workout when I feel like it. It is not strict at all.

What is your current favourite perfume?

It has to be Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford.

Which designer strikes your fashion bell the most?

I don’t have one that does because there are a whole lot of designers and they are all special in their own way. So they all have nice stuff, especially when they have a limited edition. There is no brand that I can say, ‘oh, I always wear this’.

If you were stuck on an island, what

What wise words do you have for your fans and upcoming artistes?

Errm… I would just say, always put God first and everybody that wants to win this must work hard, you understand. So work hard.

What about your fans?

I love my fans so much, I am really thankful. It’s obvious that they are the number one reason why I keep working hard, you know… grinding. The only thing is that I get aloof sometimes, and that is because I am quiet. I love them through it all.

What is the next big thing for Iyanya?

Any projects?

I am just working on my third album.

Do you have any idea when it will be ready?

You know artistes and album dates… they keep pushing and all.

So let’s just keep our fingers crossed.

So there is no special person in your life?

Of course there are special people in my life.

Who is that woman in your life?

That would be my sisters, for now.

How would you describe your style?

I just wear anything I am comfortable in. There is no Iyanya look.

Which is the best asset on your body?

I don’t have a favourite body part. Obviously I like all of my body.

Do you have a workout programme?

My pet peeve

When you are not thinking of music, what is on your mind?

I am investing in houses, in real estate.

Just like you said, if I am not thinking of music that has to be what keeps coming up.

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Body&Soul

Femi Pedro: My search for crabs Femi Pedro, a boardroom strategist, politician and a socialite will be 60 next Thursday. The former deputy governor of Lagos State shares with LANRE ODUKOYA his many strides through the years In a few days you will turn 60. How will you rather view life now? And how did you achieve your youthful look with no significant greying?

Personally, I feel blessed and fortunate, and I thank God for keeping me alive and healthy to this age.

Life is indeed a gift and a blessing. Of course, life also presents you with different challenges, ups and downs.

I continuously give thanks and praises to our creator, I try to live life to the fullest, and I try to leave my footprint in the sands of time. I pray for many more glorious and eventful years ahead. As for my youthful look, I think it is due to the grace of God, and a matter of adhering to a lifestyle of healthy living, regular exercise and avoiding the excesses of worldly things.

You have enjoyed the fabulous grace which reflects in your poise and style. Were you actually born into an aristocratic family? And you are obviously stylish in a unique sense of the word, how did you imbibe the art of looking dapper and clean always? What are your favourite fashion accessories?

I was not born into an aristocratic family, but my 22 years sojourn in the banking industry transformed me into a dignified and self-confident person.

My sense of style is contemporary and smart. I developed this while I was the Executive Assistant to Otunba Subomi Balogun at FCMB in the late 80s.

Otunba Balogun is a man of style, and he always took his outward appearances seriously, and still does.

While working closely with him, I picked up a number of exemplary attributes, including his grace, poise and

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landed me in police station sense of style, and this has remained an indelible part of me till date. As for fashion accessories, I love good shoes and I keep a reasonably healthy wristwatch collection.

Do you really do any sports? Are you a soccer fan and which is your best professional team in the world? And how do you unwind?

I was an active footballer in high school and university. I was a member of the famous Ahmadiyya College Agege football team in 1973-74. I was also the captain of my university soccer team in Wisconsin in 1980. I love football, and I have been an active fan of the great Manchester United for almost four decades.

However, my greatest sport interest is golf. I am an avid golfer, and I play golf at least three times a week. I also travel around the world to play whenever the time permits. Apart from its exercise value, I love golf because it mirrors life. Success in golf requires sound technical skill, unparalleled integrity, impeccable character, hard-work, perseverance, patience, and a strong mental ability . I believe that these are the very same attributes we all need to succeed in life. It is an ageless and timeless sport, so I continue to encourage young and old people to take up golf and experience a positive transformation in their lifestyles, no matter how busy they may or may not be.

integrity, honesty, and human dignity. It gave me the mindset to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates. It is a book I recommend to everyone because it can positively transform your perspective on life.

Did you play pranks?

Can you recall any childhood pranks that landed you in trouble?

Yes, I played many

How about your wife and kids, what does family mean to you? Can you remember your first date with your wife and the dramas of those good old days?

A strong and stable family life is critical to success. I have been married to my loving and caring wife for 32 years, and we are blessed with four grown-up boys. I have a happy and stable family, which has contributed immensely to my modest achievements in life.

My wife and I met when we were very young, and we fell in love with each other almost immediately. This was almost 40 years ago, and we have been together ever since. We were inseparable, even under the nose of her strict disciplinarian dad, so much so that he only met me for the first time after I had proposed to her.

What books have you read that affected your life most positively? While growing up, did you have to pattern your life after some models?

I love reading books and I have read quite a few. I have taken a particularly keen interest in the autobiographies of great and successful people, including the likes of Mohammed Ali, Martin Luther King, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Barrack Obama, to name a few. Interestingly enough, I am already working on my own memoir, and I hope to publish it sometime in the foreseeable future.

One book that has positively impacted my life is ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey. I have read the book over and over again, and I also attended a seminar/training programme handled personally by the author. Guaranty Trust Bank – my employers at the time - sponsored the seminar, which gave us the unique opportunity to learn and acquire valuable knowledge from Stephen Covey first-hand.

The book itself is a timeless classic. It taught me a holistic, integrated and principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. It led me towards the pathway of living with fairness,

pranks, but the one I will never forget was the day I went with my friends to chase crabs in Ikoyi. I was about 10 years old at the time, and I scaled the fence of a private house off Awolowo Road to chase live crabs. At the time, the house was occupied by an expatriate family.

Immediately we landed inside the compound, we were promptly taken to the police station nearby. I cried my eyes

out, unsure of what would become of me!

Eventually, my grandma was contacted and I was released. She greeted me with dirty slaps and a very sharp tongue. I learnt my lessons the hard way, and avoided chasing and catching crabs in residential areas.

For you, it’s been milestones in the area of politics and entrepreneurship.

How were you able to juggle roles as a boardroom

Body&Soul

strategist and deputy governor?

It has been challenging, but exciting. This is the point I alluded to earlier. The attributes for success and great achievements are universal, and have been tested successfully by many nations, corporate organisations and individuals over the years. In the corporate world, I was trained on attributes like accountability, transparency, integrity, proper planning, meritocracy, impeccable character and effective communication skills, to name a few. If these attributes for success are imbibed by politicians in our environment, politics - and the overall polity - will become slightly more attractive and predictable, and this will in turn lead to good leadership, good governance, tangible progress and sustainable development.

What proved as challenges at the inception of your career?

Shortly after I commenced my banking career at the CBN, I fell in love with banking, and decided fairly quickly that I needed to move to the private sector. I was interested in working at Chase Merchant Bank because I was familiar with the great institution in America. The greatest challenge was trying to get employed at the bank. I made several efforts over a threeyear period, but was always unsuccessful. I enrolled at the Chartered Institute of Bankers in London and qualified as a professional banker to further boost my chances of moving to a first class private sector bank. After six years at CBN, I eventually succeeded. I was employed by First City Merchant Bank (now FCMB).

This marked the beginning of a successful banking career spanning over two decades.

As a family man, what kind of father would you say you are, since you have a job that is demanding?

I have four grown-up boys. I have a very close and personal relationship with all of them.

We are like brothers and friends.

My work has never been a hindrance, and I have devoted adequate time to raise them properly. They have all turned out to be very responsible men.

Who were the friends who influenced you?

Actually, my grandmothers influenced me. They taught me great values of humility, integrity, hard work, industry and character. I did not have many close friends while growing up. I grew up in a family compound of many kids under the care of relatives. These people impacted great values in us, which are still very relevant today.

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Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

A

lice looks from her husband to Dave and Kathryn.

“I have suffered,” she begins.

James looks wildly around him. He wonders what bombshell is coming. He realises that he doesn’t know his wife. He doubts if he knows any woman at all. What! So his wife has been reading him like an open book? So much for a closely guarded secret!

“My momma didn’t marry my dad.

Her parents didn’t want her to marry a man from a strange culture. Not even a fast protruding belly -a sign she had eaten the forbidden fruit at 18 yearscould change their minds. She had me and five years later, she got married to a relatively rich farmer from her town.

Well, she was in that home for six years as a second wife before he died, leaving her to cater for four ‘sucklings’ that came rapidly, one after the other. Luckily, he built a three bedroom bungalow for her before he died.

“The first wife had seven children -six girls and a boy -while my momma had three boys and a girl for her husband.

Her husband’s brothers were interested in taking over their brother’s land but not his responsibilities.

“The only way they would look her way was if she pleasured them. I think it was a tradition in their family that their widows could switch to any of the brothers. My momma refused and was left to suffer with her children. She farmed on a little parcel of land beside the house and did some petty trading.

I was living with my grandfather who was helping my mother -his daughter.

As fate would have it, he died three years after and I had to move in with my mother and step siblings. My grandmother died years earlier. I was about 14 years old then. Things became very tough. My momma couldn’t enroll me in school. I started hawking fruits to help in putting food on the table. When the pressure from my uncles became too much, momma caved in.

“I noticed that one of the uncles, the youngest, began coming to our house more often. He was about my mother’s age and was said to have many shops in the city. Things improved. Momma enrolled me in the only secondary school in the village. I was 17 years then and had lost three years. I was the oldest in my class and very busty. We began to eat better food. We were all happy.

“Uncle came anytime of the day when momma was around. They would lock themselves in her room for hours while I would stay with my siblings in our room if there was nothing for us to do.

Most times, when uncle was leaving, he would warn us not to disturb momma as she would be sleeping. It was okay for us, especially as he always had toffee and biscuits for us.

“Then, he started dashing me little money and told me a young girl should have some coins of her own to spend. I didn’t show momma. The idea of having my own money was exciting. Then, uncle started fondling my boobs in the palour while my siblings would be in the room. I began to look forward to that.

“One day, uncle came very early in the morning. We were preparing to go to school and momma was going to the city to get provisions for her store. She normally left very early so she could come back before night fall. Uncle said he was hungry but asked mother not to worry as I could prepare breakfast for him before going to school. My siblings left for school. I made food for him.”

julietbumah@gmail.com

The die is cast!

Alice closes her eyes. It’s as if she is reliving the incident. James sits, rooted to a spot. Dave and Kathryn watch her.

She continues, “After eating, he complimented my cooking and fondled my boobs. I washed the plates and ran into the room to get dressed for school.

He came in after me. I had just pulled off my dress. I had nothing under it. I crossed my well-formed and firm boobs with my hands shyly. He stood at the door and ran his eyes hungrily over my nude body. Then he spoke gently, soothingly to me. He told me he came that morning purposely to see me as he knew my momma was going to be away for the greater part of the day. He said he liked me and had been taking care of my momma and siblings because of me. He would continue to care for us bla bla bla. There was no one else in the house and our bungalow was at the back of the compound. It didn’t even occur to me to shout. I didn’t even know when he moved to the spot where I was at the corner of the room. I was mesmerised by his gentle voice. He gently removed my hands from my boobs and held them. He was seeing them for the first time. His eyes lit up. He rubbed them and hugged me. Then he rubbed them again, bent down and took one, then the other in his mouth. I shivered.

He pushed me against the wall. I was over 19. The past three years, he had been fondling with them while I was fully clothed. No man had seen them

before now. He told me he was going to make me a full woman and I was going to thank him for it. He sucked my boobs the more and I kinda liked the feeling. Then, he ran his hands all over me to my thighs and up again. He knelt down, pushed my legs apart and stuck his forefinger between my thighs and I almost buckled. He put his face between them and kissed my cave. My whole body tingled. He smiled and asked if anyone had done that to me before and I shook my head, I could barely talk. It was a lie though, my class teacher used to stick his fat thumb between my legs after school hours. When he added two other fingers, it became painful and he would apologise after each session. I dreaded his touch because he was always rough with me.

“Uncle’s touch was gentle. His fingers prodded deeper and deeper between my thighs. Then he stood and pulled at the string of his native trousers and it fell around the ankles. My hands flew to my eyes. His huge peen was pointing at me. I was scared. He calmed me and assured me that he was not going to hurt me. Then he fastened his lips around my nipples again and my anxiety disappeared. I loved that feeling.

‘Alice,’ he said, ‘promise me you won’t tell anybody, not even your momma, about this. I will take very good care of you. Don’t let any boy touch you’. I nodded my head in agreement. His fingers between my thighs were making me

lose my mind. I would have accepted anything he said without thinking. I was that moved by his touch.

“He carried me to the mattress on the floor and laid me on it. It felt good to be carried. I lay like a log of wood. ‘Touch me,’ he whispered and I mopped at him. He then guided my hand to his huge, hard peen and wrapped my palm around it. My heart flew into my mouth and I withdrew my hand immediately.

He smiled. ‘Soon, you will be begging me for this,’ he said. He pushed my legs apart and stuck one finger, then two, into me. He pushed in and out while his left hand caressed my boobs. Then the third and fourth fingers went in. I felt a tiny pain, I wasn’t sure.

‘Alice, tell me the truth. Who has touched you here before?’ I shivered.

‘My teacher,’ I said, scared. ‘What?

What did he do to you?’ he asked. ‘He used his fingers to do what you are doing now,’ I said. ‘His fingers, nothing else?’ he asked and I nodded. Uncle cursed. ‘I think I waited for too long.

I was waiting for you to come of age.

That bastard, I’ll kill him next time he comes near you. In fact I will change your school.’

His breathing was becoming uneven... ******** Did he make her a woman? Did somebody walk in? Let’s find out next week!

•Send your observations to the email above.

21

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

&

Best ways to protect your hair during harmattan Vanessa Okwara

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armattan is here again with its extreme temperature often accompanied by dry dusty winds.

This season runs between November and March in Nigeria.

At this time of the year, the air around us is dry and can suck much needed moisture from the hair. Dry weather especially dries out the hair shafts and weakens our hair. It also means your scalp gets itchy and flaky and this may result in dandruff, split ends and eventually, hair loss.

Harmattan season is dusty.

Remember that dust can quickly clog up your pores and cause scalp irritation, so wash often and use a head wrap or a scarf if your route is particularly dusty.

The dry season is not the time for wearing your natural hair daily. Of course you can, once in a while, but your default should be a protective style until warm weather returns.

Braids, twists, top knots, and weaves will keep your hair e n d s hidden away

from dry winds and lessen the amount of styling you have to do on a daily basis. Protective styles are a great option. If you want to wear braided extensions or try on a hair weave this is the time. Tuck your hair away and protect it from the harsh weather.

All year round, we talk about sealing moisture in our hair to prevent breakage and split ends, but it is especially important during the dry season.

Find a way to retain moisture in your hair. Wash your hair regularly. Use an extra moisturising shampoo; especially one that is formulated to be gentle on the hair. After washing your hair, it is good to add olive or coconut oil to your hair; working it around the scalp and the ends.

Adding a humectant like honey and leaving it in for at least 10 minutes will help a great deal in bringing back the lustre of your hair.

You can also add some essential oils and glycerin.

This i s the best

time to pamper your hair. Indulge in deep conditioning treatments every two weeks and hot oil treatments in between. The heat used in deep conditioning opens the cuticle and allows the conditioner to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, restoring proteins and strengthening the hair.

To dry your hair, lay off the hair dryer and flat ironing tools this season. Remember, the weather is already dry; your hair does not need the extra heat trauma.

During this time, don’t forget to protect your hair at night.

Your cotton pillowcase is not your friend especially during the dry season. Cotton is an organic fibre that draws moisture away from your hair and the friction between your hair and the cotton also breaks your hair.

So remember to wear a hair net, silk scarf or sleep cap at night to create a barrier and protect your hair.

You are what you eat and that goes for your hair too. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals is a sure way to keep your hair follicles happy and hair growth consistent. And since we are all about hydration, don’t forget to get your eight glasses a day.

Body&Soul

Body&Soul

22

he weather is chilly as the harmattan rages

Vanessa Okwara

glossy and smooth; it makes a statement any way you wear it. That’s why it’s important to look for leather clothing you will feel comfort-

43

the easiest option of all. Combine your outfit with the latest hip shoes, a statement belt or a fabulous leather bag!

Sizzle in sexy leather outfits

SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

23

SundayBusiness SUNDAY

SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

Transport

AUDI AG records 1.74m deliveries in 2014 p.24

Brands

Davos 2015: Global crisis slows Africa’s growth

February elections: The raging political advertising ‘war’ p.27

Interview

Opportunities abound beyond broadband –Johnson p.29

Elumelu

T

Paul Ogbuokiri

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

he 45the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum opened on Wednesday in Davos, Switzerland at a time the African economies which have witnessed growth in the last decade are heading for a slowdown due to a predicted fresh financial crisis.

The growth outlook in Nigeria, the continent’s biggest economy and largest oil producer, was lowered to 4.8 per cent from 7.3 per cent estimated in October.

The International Monetary Fund said in its World Economic Outlook update released on Tuesday in Beijing that the Sub-Saharan Africa economy’s is forecast to expand 4.9 per cent this year, down from a previous projection of 5.8 per cent, and grow 5.2 per cent in 2016.

The IMF cut South Africa’s growth forecast for this year to 2.1 per cent from 2.3 per cent as falling commodity prices offset the benefit from lower oil-import costs. The economy is set to expand 2.5 per cent in 2016, down from an earlier estimate of 2.8 per cent.

Global growth is projected at 3.5 per cent for 2015 and 3.7 per cent for 2016, the IMF said in its latest World Economic Outlook report, lowering its forecast by 0.3 percentage points for both years.

“New factors supporting growth, lower oil

Schwab

The continent’s current population of about 1 billion people is projected to double over the next 25 years, yet trade between African countries, at less than 15 per cent, remains the lowest in the world

prices, but also depreciation of euro and yen, are more than offset by persistent negative forces, including the lingering legacies of the crisis and lower potential growth in many countries,” Chief economist of IMF, Olivier Blanchard, said in a statement.

The United States was the lone bright spot in an otherwise gloomy report for major economies, with its projected growth raised to 3.6 per cent from 3.1 per cent for 2015.

The United States largely offset prospects of more weakness in the euro area, where only Spain’s growth was adjusted upward.

Projections for emerging economies were also broadly cut back, with the outlook for oil exporters Russia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia worsening the most.

This is coming as WEF marks 25 years of change in Africa.

Looking back, there is no denying that Africa has made remarkable progress over the past two decades, said President of Togo Mr. Faure Gnassingbé at the WEF. He listed five reasons why he is so optimistic.

One, the regional economy has grown steadily since 2001 and continues to do so at a rate of about five per cent a year. Its macroeconomic environment is sound, with low government debt, rising domestic resource mobilisation and reduced inflation rates.

By 2013, more than 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa had per capita gross domestic product (GDP) greater than $1000 (R11 524). Infant and maternal mortality has reduced significantly and access to primary education has increased. According to the UN human development index, 15 countries have attained medium to very high human development.

Two, the consumer market is rising in tandem with its growing population. In 2008, McKinsey estimated that African consumers spent $860 billion on goods and services, which was 35 percent C ON TI N UE D ON PAGE 25

SUNDAY

24

Transport

SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

Auto dealer calls for policy review

Audi A3 SUVQ7

Paul Ogbuokiri

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automobile industry stakeholder and Chairman of Oris Velvet Autos, Chief Alfred Omoghiade, has called on the Federal Government and the National Automotive Council, to urgently review the current auto policy in the interest of the economy. The call is coming against the background that the auto policy as currently being implemented is not delivering on its projected benefits but rather harming the industry and the economy at large.

The policy came into effect early July last year with the aim of localising the manufacture of vehicles with the assembly plants projected to roll out an aggregate of 300, 000 vehicle units within the next two years. It is also projected to roll out specific 23,000 vehicle units of various brands of automobiles produced by the plants between June and December 2014. The policy, in the thinking of government, would not only help to reduce the pressure on foreign reserves by discouraging importation but also lead to massive job creation and enhance the wellbeing of the economy.

Accordingly, with the full implementation of the auto policy, tariffs jumped from 20 percent duty on passenger cars (PC) and 10

10 questions to ask when buying a used car

W

hat are you willing to sell the car for? This lets the seller know you’re not going to pay the asking price or that you will ask for a good discount. I faced a similar request when trying to sell a 1995 Honda Civic.

I was asking a fair $4100 for it. A guy said he would pay me $3000 cash for it right there and then. I turned him down, but found out later the guy did this with every used Honda Civic advertised. It was a winning strategy for him. How long of a test drive can I take? Obviously you never, ever buy a used car without a test drive, even though my dad did buy a new car once this way. No reputable seller will deny you a test drive.

Most, though, will ask you to limit it to less than 30 minutes. Anything longer than that makes a private seller nervous, especially if he or she needs the car for transportation.

per cent on commercial vehicles (CV) to 70 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.

But Omoghiade said the Federal Government should as a necessity review the policy, especially in view of the prevailing state of the economy.

Omoghiade faulted the implementation of the policy which, he said, had failed to yield the expected dividends. He said this is because the local production of cars and vehicles as key elements of the policy is not being met just as the nation is losing much revenue at the ports. He also pointed out that the policy had led to job losses at the ports and retarded the business activities of other stakeholders. He noted that while the policy was a noble vision, its implementation had led to contradictions while concrete benefits had yet to accrue to the nation.

“While we commend the efforts of Innoson in local production, same can’t be said of Stallion and others who have imported cars and vehicles of various brands in large quantities prior to the commencement of the policy and are benefiting from the same policy with little to show for such substan-

tial incentives in local production. Even at that, local production remains a far cry from national requirements and the from all indications, it is time to review the policy in our national interest especially in view of the prevailing economic realities.

“Now the suffocating tariff regime at our ports is transferring huge revenues to neighbouring countries with consequences for the allied businesses and activities of the stakeholders. Job losses is gaining attention rather than creating jobs and all we see is a contradictions of the policy which is benefiting a very few who are taking advantage of the policy at the expense of the national economy.

Obviously, there is the urgent need to review this policy in our national interest,” he stated.

He argued that neither the 700, 000 jobs promised by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, during the launch of the policy nor the relative cost of imported cars and those produced locally are realistic due to low capacity utilisation and other technical factors.

Continental Tyre supports 7,000 miles away travel project

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ontinental Tyre South Africa is supporting the African leg of the unique ‘7 Mila Miglia Lontano’ (7 000 Miles Away) global travel project that aims to raise awareness of humanitarian issues and raise funds for community projects.

The third stage of the 7000 Miles Away (7MML) initiative, which is hosted on the www.7milamiglialontano.com website, is currently underway. The project originally started in 2009, but recommenced in 2012.

“The third and final leg, travelling around the world in 2014 and 2015, brings to an end a travel experience that provides an original way of looking at the world,” says project leader Giuliano Radici.

“Around The World 2015’ involves communication and image professionals, as well as enthusiastic volunteers, that participate in a unique journey directed towards humanitarian aid and raising of ethics, creating greater consciousness relating to travel, and raising ecological awareness of the environ-

ment.”

Continental is one of the event’s main global partners. The adventure comprises seven legs and an equal number of crews.

It set off from Italy on 12 June 2014 and is due to return on 1 May 2015 in time for the Milano Expo 2015 that will showcase the achievements of the project by means of a photo book and film.

The crews have already travelled from Italy to Kazakhstan, China, Canada, Bolivia and Argentina. The team will descend on Cape Town at the beginning of February, before setting off for Ethiopia on February 10. They plan to arrive in Addis Ababa on March 20.

Continental Tyre SA is supporting the initiative by supplying and fitting ContiCrossContact LX2 tyres for the 4x4 vehicles embarking on the arduous African expedition.

“We are extremely proud to be associated with such a far-reaching project that aims to raise awareness regarding the humanitarCO N T I N U ED O N PAGE 25

Hyundai joins fight against Ebola

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yundai Motors Group announced on Wednesday that it would donate 21 Starex-based H1 ambulances to the United Nations, in support of the Global Ebola Response activities in Liberia. The vehicles, equipped with respirators, oxygen tanks and other medical kits, will be delivered to the Liberian government through the UN to support medical activities.

“We hope our efforts will contribute to the global fight against this deadly virus,” said Kwang Guk Lee, Senior Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company. “Our hearts go out to the victims of Ebola and their families.”

The deadly Ebola virus, which broke out in Guinea last year, is currently spreading over several West African countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali and Senegal, with some cases in the United States and Spain. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a total of 7,645 deaths occurred out of the 19,648 reported cases (as of Dec. 23).

Separately, Hyundai Motors Company, which leads the Hyundai Motor Group, has been active in creating jobs and providing educational opportunities in underdeveloped regions including Africa. Hyundai Motor opened in 2013 a ‘Hyundai-KOICA Dream Centre,’ which is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, in Ghana. The HyundaiKOICA Dream Center is a governmentapproved technical high school, which Hyundai established in collaboration with KOICA, a Korean government agency, and Plan Korea, a branch of one of the oldest and largest children’s development organisations, Plan International.

Hyundai Motor Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for its third ‘Hyundai-KOICA Dream Center’ in Cambodia April 2014, which follows openings in Ghana (Jan. 2013) and Indonesia (Jan. 2014).

25

JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Nigerian Accountants canvass new direction

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L-R: Chief Executive Officer, 70TH PRECINCT, Osa Umweni; Winner of Etisalat N1million Betting Game, Olusoga Abayomi Tolulope; Analyst, Events & Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Martina Ogbebor and Manager, Digital Media, Etisalat Nigeria, Chimezie Okonkwo, at the prize presentation to winner of Etisalat N1million Betting Game, in Lagos.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Davos 2015: Global crisis slows Africa’s growth CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 23

more than the $635bn that Indian consumers spent and just over the $821bn spent in Russia.

Three, the environment for doing business is improving. According to the World Bank, between 2013 and 2014, sub-Saharan Africa realised the largest number of business regulatory reforms, and five of the top 10 countries that improved the most were from sub-Saharan Africa.

Four, access to financial services is rising, thanks to the adoption of technology and innovation.

Even within countries there are differences in the performances across rural and urban areas, sectors and populations. In the global context, the continent is subject to forces beyond its direct control, such as the recent plunge in global oil prices that has been a blessing for majority oil-importing countries and a curse to minority oil-exporting countries.

The past six months have also demonstrated unequivocally that the continent is vulnerable to shocks and, more disturbing, that a crisis in a single country can adversely affect the investment climate for the whole of Africa.

“I strongly believe that this the time for African leaders to rethink the continents economic road map to prosperity in the 21st century with respect to three contexts.

“First, Africa is challenged to better mobilise, efficiently use and safeguard its various resources in order to meet the enormous demands that it faces. For example, over the past five years, about 30 per cent of global oil and gas discoveries were in sub-Saharan Africa, yet only one-third of Africans have access to electricity. Africa has 60 per cent of the world’s arable land, and yet is a net importer of food – importing food worth $35bn a year.

“And every year, although 10 million to 12 million young people join the labour force, nine in 10 rural and urban workers are employed in the informal sector.

“Second, Africa is challenged to accelerate the competitiveness, productivity and efficiency of its various markets.

“The continent’s current population of about 1 billion people is projected to double

I strongly believe that this the time for African leaders to rethink the continents economic road map to prosperity in the 21st century with respect to three contexts

over the next 25 years, yet trade between African countries, at less than 15 per cent, remains the lowest in the world. Africa is mainly exporting natural resources to the rest of the world, yet its share of global trade is about 3.3 per cent.

“Standing at this crossroads, Africans need to build on their rich cultural heritage to inform the difficult and complex intergenerational decisions that they face,” he said..

The IMF cut its 2015 economic growth forecast for sub-Saharan Africa by almost 1 percentage point as falling oil prices curb output in the region’s biggest economy, Nigeria.

Oil prices have plunged by more than half since June, curbing revenue and investment plans in Nigeria and Angola, both of which rely on crude proceeds for about 75 per cent of government revenue.

Nigeria’s currency has slumped 14 per cent against the dollar in the past six months to a record low of 188.53 by 5:53 a.m. on Tuesday in Lagos, the commercial capital, as foreign-currency reserves slump.

“Oil exporters, for which oil receipts typically contribute a sizable share of fiscal revenues, are experiencing larger shocks in proportion to their economies,” the IMF said in a statement.

Lower crude prices risk undermining economic growth in Nigeria and are weighing on the country’s credit rating, Matt Robinson, manager of the Africa sovereign ratings team at Moody’s Investors Service, said on January 15.

According to the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Transational, Albert

Kobina Essien, said over the past decade and a half, Africa has demonstrated a remarkable economic turnaround, growing two to three percentage points faster than global GDP. He said the 45th WEF that regional growth is projected to remain stable above 5 per cent in 2015, buoyed by rising foreign direct investment flows, particularly into the natural resources sector; increased public investment in infrastructure; and higher agricultural production.

He said with the world’s largest youth demographic, Africa’s working-age population is expected to double to one billion in the next 25 years, surpassing both China and India.

“The year 2015 is also significant for Africa, as it marks the end of global, regional and local efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals aimed at eradicating poverty.

“Double-digit growth is now needed for sustainable development, and the onus is on leaders to address systemic structural changes that can boost investment, enhance competitiveness, strengthen risk resilience and harness opportunities arising from technology adoption in all sectors.

This growth is also necessary to diminish vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations, capital market volatility, mounting public debt, climate change and persistent development challenges,” he said.

Under the theme, Then and Now: Reimagining Africa’s Future, the 25th World Economic Forum on Africa convenes regional and global leaders from business, government and civil society to take stock of progress over the last 25 years, share insights on the present landscape and identify innovative approaches to accelerate inclusive growth while bringing about sustainable development in the future.

Speaking at the summit on the African economies, Rt Hon Lord Boateng, a member of the UK House of Lords, noted that Africa has experienced tremendous growth in recent years.

“Ten of the top 20 fastest-growing economies in the world are on the continent, which is expected to maintain a 5 per cent growth rate in 2014. With more than one billion people, Africa is central to the world’s future prosperity,” he said.

ocal finance professionals recently liaised with their foreign counterparts at a meeting of international finance professionals in the United Kingdom where the local chapter of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants discussed and proffered new direction in accounting profession.

Mr. Joseph Owolabi of ACCA represented Nigerian finance professionals at the international assembly of 52 high profile members from different parts of the world.

Addressing the plenary, Opeyemi discussed var ied inputs into the delivery of effective global practice, adding: “It was great to have the opportunity to influence the agenda for a truly world-wide organisation. I am delighted to ensure that the concerns of ACCA members and students in Nigeria were represented and ACCA’s strategy is addressing the best interests of our profession in the region.”

Also speaking at the assembly, President, International Federation of Accounts, Olivia Kirtley, advocated a new strategy and urged the organisation to play a significant role in the development of professional accountants the world.

Imo plans business summit

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he Imo State Liaison Office, Lagos has concluded plans to host a sensitisation initiative, to pave way for a rewarding collaboration between South-East business persons and their counterparts in other parts of the world.

The event, which comes up on January 31, at the National Art Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, is being organised with the theme, ‘South East Business and Investment Summit Lagos.’

Briefing journalists during the week, the State’s Liaison Officer and Summit Facilitator, Ononugbo A. Okwudili, said the summit would be organised in partnership with South-East business associations in Lagos.

“This will help develop sustainable business and investment structures for the South East small and medium investors in Lagos/South west Nigeria. We have many brands and moguls in the South-East, such as the Managing Director of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka. He will be the guest speaker at the event,” he stated.

He added that the summit would host the Consul-General of the Consulate of the Peoples Republic of China, South Korea, Embassy of Turkey and the United States Consulate, Lagos, as resource persons.

Continental Tyre supports 7,000 miles away travel project CONTINUED F R OM PAGE 24

ian and environmental issues affecting the African continent,” says Niel Langner, Marketing Manager for Continental Tyre SA. Funds are raised via the 7MML website’s Donors page where people are invited to support each leg’s nominated charity by ‘purchasing’ part of the route with donations that range from 20 Euros for seven miles to 300 Euros for 100 miles. All of the funds raised are donated directly to the relevant charity. The African leg will be supporting Cesvi, one of Italy’s largest humanitarian organisations.

26

JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

Doing business without capital (1)

Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri

08037674300 (SMS only)

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ecently, I received a message from someone who read one of my articles on this platform; a message which I intend to capitalise on to deliver today’s piece.

Before going further, I wish to point out that I was impressed receiving the message. It was for the simple reason that it showed that people are reading ‘me.’ It is an encouraging realisation. I, therefore, commit myself to not just writing but writing better.

May I also seize this occasion to thank all who have been reading my articles on this platform, especially those who find time to comment via SMS. Thank you. You make me better.

Now the issue for the day. Or should I say ‘for the week’?

Reader’s comment (Slightly edited) I read your article “In Pursuit of a Successful 2015.” Quite motivating and challenging. My question is: How can one achieve his vision with no job and capital? How can one pursue his vision professionally, educationally, and financially?

My initial response

My immediate response was, “I started earning money as a university student. Of course, I was not employed, but I had to create a job for myself. God gave me an idea - to help my pastor transcribe his tapes into books. That was how he paid my final year fees and law school fees.

Look for what people need and meet those needs, no matter how little you can. Just add value to others. Money responds to value.”

However, for the purpose of today’s piece, I want to be more elaborate here. So, I’ll go ahead to respond to that comment as though I have not replied the ‘commentator’.

Here we go.

My response The two excuses fronted in the comment in review as constituting the gap between VISION and REALISATION are the lack of job and the lack of capital.

I will address them one after another.

1. JOB I see the word ‘JOB’ as an acronym for ‘Just Over Broke’ - slightly above being broke. I give my mentor, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, credit for that profound insight.

I don’t believe anybody gets truly wealthy just on a job. The true path to wealth is entrepreneurship. A look at a Forbes’ list of the world’s richest people will convince you - they are all (or virtually all) entrepreneurs; especially those who top the chart. I am not saying that nobody on a job can get wealthy. I am saying, if you carefully enquire from people who got mega-

rich honestly while employed, you’ll find out that somehow (unknown to many), they spread their wings beyond that job by getting their income to work for them simultaneously as they worked for more income. Do you get the point?

A job can only place a limitation on you. The first is a limitation on your income - your income is fixed and your growth is determined. In addition to the limitation on your income is a limitation on your freedom. A job ties you down to a predetermined radius, as in a circus. Friend, you are more than that. Enlarge your coast.

Stretch your tentacles. Spread your wings and fly.

The truth is, nobody can pay you more than you can pay yourself if you have the means. So, go beyond the ‘dependence mentality.’ Be entrepreneurial in your thinking. Instead of limiting yourself to collecting salaries, start thinking of paying others’ salaries.

For the avoidance of doubt, I am not saying that you should resign your job. I am saying, you can still be an entrepreneur while on your job, without even the slightest conflict of interest.

For instance, I am employed, but you are reading my column now, which has nothing to do with my regular employment. That’s entrepreneurship on my part. Need I, however, state that entrepreneurship is not necessarily about generating money, but about adding value to others, just like my articles do. *Winks* NOTE: To be continued next week.

Laws of money The Big Picture Julian Atufunwa 08032810713 (SMS only)

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gain, there are powers in the universe and these powers are governed by laws.

A law is a universal fact of life that holds true anywhere and everywhere.

Laws make life predictable, thus anyone can predict afore the positive or negative outcome of his/her actions. Ignorance is no excuse at all because these laws work anyway, whether you are aware of them or not.

Different areas of life are governed by laws; let’s explore the laws of money. n First within then without: This law is also known as the law of correspondence. It states that for you to increase your ability to earn, you must first build yourself, increase your knowledge and skills. You can’t earn above your capacity. It is a law, prosperity inward is prosperity outward. n Money comes to those that manage it well: Make the most use of the little you have per time. God blesses order; He is not only interested in the one-tenth part of your income but also on the rest of the ninth. Every single penny you receive has its specific purpose to achieve. n Pay yourself: It is vital you pay yourself from every pay cheque. It may be 10 per cent or 20 per cent of your

income. Store it up for investment.

n Money flow towards passion/en-

ergy: Money will flow towards you increasingly if you are doing the work you love, the work you are passionate about, the work that you can joyfully do even when money is not involved. n Law of abundance: Deal with the mindset that money is scarce for it is not. There is more than enough money for everyone, everywhere. The question is: How much are you willing to work for it? n Law of belief: This law states that whatever you believe will definitely become your reality. If you believe you cannot be rich, it will become your selffulfilling prophecy. Many believe that poverty is synonymous with piety; well it will become a part of you. n Law of savings: It is a matter of pay now and play later. The only way to financial freedom is saving. After you must have paid yourself, save a little portion. It need not be huge, just be consistent until you form the habit of saving for life. Remember, you save to invest not to spend. n Law of investing: This law states that before you part with your money for a business deal, you should take time to study investment options and plans.

Invest wisely in business you have knowledge about. Remember, it is your hard earned/saved money. n Law of accumulation: This law states that there is nothing like sudden wealth. It takes lots of accumulated small steady efforts and sacrifices, which no one may see or appreciate.

These efforts when added up produce wealth. n Law of magnetism: This law is almost like the law of attraction - the more you save, the more money you will attract

or magnet. The universe shifts more money to you. n Law of real estate: It states that the value of a property is decided by the income that can be generated by it, when it is developed to its topmost use. Real estate is a business on which you may never incur losses because the value of properties appreciates. n Law of parkinson: This law states that expenses will always rise to meet income. If you must be financially secured, you must fight this law to a standstill. When extra money comes, your wants show up, waiting to be gratified. It is advisable to save up a salary raise or extra funds for your future. Spend for what you need not what you want. Examples of your needs are: a) Food b) Shelter c) Utility d) Taxes. Do not try to keep up with the Joneses. n Spend less than you earn: This is the pathway to wealth. Many have taught us in the past that we should live within our means but I think that is limiting. If you want more, then it is wise to create more streams of income to meet your lifestyle. Spending less or frugally does not mean you can’t have luxury. Budgeting is key, setting goals is necessary.

Finally, money is a dream, money is a spirit, money is not, what do I mean by this? We should not chase money because it is like a mirage; if you do, you will end up hurting yourself. Money should come after us. The Holy Book puts it this way: do not set your heart on that which is not.

If you are setting up a business or anything in life, do not think money or profit first; think quality, think knowledge, think skills, think excellence. If you pay attention to these, money will come after you.

NLC urges Fashola to clear pension arrears Josephine Damisa

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hairman Lagos State Council, Nigeria Labour Council, Comrade Idowu Adelakun, has called on Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, to clear the gratuities and arrears of increment in pension from 2006 till date.

Making the call in Lagos on Wednesday during a two-day workshop on the 2014 Pension Act, he said, “We have said this time and time that there is need for the government to always put the welfare of our elder statesmen and women in the forefront and ensure that they have a happy retirement. As we speak, nothing meaningful has changed in the state as far as pension payment is concerned.”

Adelakun said during a two-day workshop on the 2014 Pension Act that a situation where burden of enforcing payment is more skewed on workers than employers is not good. He disclosed that NLC Lagos State council is in receipt of numerous complaints revolving round the issue of workers paying their mandatory 7.5 per cent as mandated by law as it were in 2004 ACT, while most employers often default in complying with payment of their own mandatory 7.7 per cent, “a situation that enables a suspicion of the good intention of the pension system. ”The council views government reforms in this sector as one that should be protected for the general good of all, this is especially important in view of the fact that most employees neither have any meaningful retirement benefits nor earn enough during their working life to cater for their retirement.” he said He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the Act into law on July 1, 2014, which repeals the Pension Reform Act 2004.

The new law serves as enabling legislation for the administration of the contributory pension scheme. He described as an anomaly the refusal of the state government to allow the Trade Union Congress, whom it has accorded membership of the board, to represent workers in Lagos.

Adelakun called on the state government to as a matter of urgency have a change of heart for the sake of industrial peace in the state.

Also, speaking, the Director General of PenCom, Mrs.Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, commended NLC for its commitment to the implementation of the CPS under the PRA 2014.

She also recalled that the pension reform started in 2004 with the passage of the Pension Reform Act 2004 which provided for a uniform pension system for both public and private sectors.

Idowu Adelakun

27

JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SundayBusiness/Brands

E

Dele Alao

lections are around the corner and politicians are busy with messages through various media to win voters. DELEALAO aggregates the views of concerned stakeholders on the dangerous trend of some of the political adverts and the need to exercise caution.

Perhaps more than any other national elections since Independence, none has generated such interest, excitement and anxiety as the coming polls, especially the presidential and governorship elections.

At bus stops, popular joints, market places, offices and several available places for discussion, it is the talk or the debate of the party or the candidates who will win the elections. The social media are also not left out of the forum for the debate on the elections.

The two dominant parties, the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress, have leveraged on the power of political advertising, which is a form of campaigning used by political candidates, to reach and influence voters. Both the PDP and APC have been engaged in serious political advertisements to win voters to their side.

Every nook and cranny of the country is adorned with posters of political candidates. Radio listeners and television viewers are bombarded with various political adverts.

While it cannot be ascertained as at press time how much both parties have so far spent on political adverts, some experts have argued that such runs into billions of Naira.

“Are you talking of the radio jingles, the television commercials, new media, billboards, posters, fliers, branded items such as T-shirts, clothings, social media engagements among others? I can tell you that the spending on political advertisements will run into billions of Naira,” a marketing communications expert who craved for anonymity said.

The 1993 elections, in which the Social Democratic Party and National Republican Convention were the only participating parties, also recorded huge political adverts, but not as much as this period, according to experts.

Supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidates of PDP and APC respectively, have not relented in churning out various degrees of political advertisements.

“It is indeed a war of political advertising,” said Sola Adeoye, a player in the integrated marketing communications sector.

However, many of such political advertisements have now become a subject of controversy. One of such was the deathwish advert signed by Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose of the PDP. The advert was a direct attack on Buhari.

Though PDP has distanced itself from the advert, the death-wish advert has raised fundamental issues on the purposes and intents behind political adverts in the country.

Speaking on the development in a chat with Sunday Telegraph, the Vice President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Kayode Oluwasona, noted that most of the political adverts have not been particularly creative.

“I think the campaigns (political adverts) have not been particularly creative. Compared to what we’ve seen before, there hasn’t been any great, highly memorable jingle, icon or other creative elements ownable by any of the key contestants,” he said.

He added: “Current production values have also been very poor. So far, just fair.”

Expressing his views on the development, the President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rotimi Oladele, described some

February elections: The raging political advertising ‘war’

Joanthan

Buhari

I think the campaigns (political adverts) have not been particularly creative.

Compared to what we’ve seen before, there hasn’t been any great, highly memorable jingle, icon or other creative elements ownable by any of the key contestants of the adverts as toxic and dangerous to the polity.

He said: “Some of the adverts can fuel division and insecurity. Media regulators should review regulations to deal with political promos.”

Also, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Broaderworld Limited, Christian Aburime, said the adverts appear to be devoid of real issues and consist more of personality attacks.

“The adverts have become so offensive to the general public. Political adverts must be issues-based and subject to effective monitoring at all times,” Aburime said.

To the former Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Strategic Communications, Kayode Akinyemi, most of the political adverts are targeted at the elite.

He said: “I have observed the ongoing political advertisements in both the print and electronic media. What I found out is that advert messages are targeted at the elitist class alone in terms of language, choice of medium and delivery. There are no messages targeted at people in the lower cadre and these are the people that

vote more than the elite.

“I think the politicians and their agencies need to focus on these sets of the populace. They should find a strategic way by messaging and channels of reaching this important segment.”

Meanwhile, worried by the development, apex advertising regulatory body in the country, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, in a statement made available to Sunday Telegraph and signed by the Registrar, Alhaji Garba Kankarofi, said: “Recent political advertisements published in some of the national newspapers and the controversies generated by such publications have made it expedient to appeal once more, to election candidates and their supporters, political advertising consultants and owners/managers of mass media organisations to exercise restraint and comply with relevant laws and regulations on political advertising, especially during this critical period leading to the 2015 general elections.”

The APCON registrar added: “Like every other form of advertisement, political advertisements are required to be sub-

mitted for pre-exposure approval by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) What we see today, is a clear manifestation of mindless abuse of freedom of speech and flagrant breach of these regulations which, if unchecked, is capable of plunging our country into an orgy of violence and anarchy.”

The APCON registrar noted that as a keen observer of electioneering campaign communications, he was worried about the pedestrian, combative, provocative and insensitive messages, language and style of several of the campaign communications.

He said these portend grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy and national security.

Kankarofi said the regulatory body would not be constrained to ask law enforcement agencies to act to save the country from being plunged into avoidable anarchy through the unlawful activities of political candidates, their supporters and consultants as well as media organisations.

As it were, both the PDP and the APC are deploying the political adverts in a way and manner that suits each of them. But, will APCON be able to wield the big stick?

28

JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SundayBusiness/Brands

Kasapreko leverages on experiential marketing D

Dele Alao

etermined to protect the equity of its flagship brand, Alomo Bitters, Kasapreko Company Limited has initiated an experiential marketing platform.

The platform is aimed at boosting consumer knowledge of the brand.

The marketing initiative is also intended to deepen consumer consciousness about their wellness and safety by encouraging them to make healthier choices in things they eat and drink amidst the euphoria of the Yuletide.

To this end, a well branded activation truck and a team of Brand Ambassadors were deployed to strategic touchpoints in the city of Lagos to educate consumers on the safety features of Alomo Bitters as distinct from the imitated version and other bitter brands in the market.

For days, the ambassadors moved from social events to street carnivals and jams, market areas and neighbourhoods across the city of Lagos to drive the brand key message of Alomo Bitters as the authentic African herbal bitters.’

Managing Director, Kasapreko Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kojo Nunoo, said the marketing initiative was part of steps to empower consumers to have access to genuine Alomo Bitters at all times against the backdrop of the criminal faking of the brand.

According to him, in the course of the campaign, brand differentiation and consumer education have been integrated to make more Nigerians informed about the features that distinguish Alomo Bitters from the imitated version and other substandard bitter products in the market.

“Criminal faking of the original Alomo Bitters has been a major challenge we face in Nigeria. As a safety, health conscious, ethical and responsible corporate citizen, this bothers us a lot, hence this campaign is aimed at helping the consumers to know the things to look out for when buying Alomo Bitters,” the managing director said.

While stressing that the campaign also affirms the company’s conviction in the time-honoured dictum that the consumer is king, Nunoo said the safety and wellbeing of consumers are of utmost importance to the firm.

“This is why we leverage the Christmas and New Year festivities to bring the flagship Alomo Bitters closer to the Nigerians, so they can know more about their favourite Alomo Bitters, made in Ghana

by Kasapreko Company Lim-

L-R: Nigerian Idol season 4 winner, Zibili Evelyn (Evelle); Executive Director, Optima Media Group (OMG), Ugochi Pedro; Nigerian Hip Hop Artiste, Olamide Adedeji; Nigerian Idol 5 Judge, Yinka Davies and Choreographer, Ezinne Asinugo at the media launch of Nigerian Idol Season 5 in Lagos recently.

ited. We are delighted to use the occasion of the year-end to also share love with Nigerians and to promote friendship, a key brand personality attribute of Alomo Bitters,” he said.

Corroborating these assertions, the Sales and Marketing Director, Mr. Sam Osafo, said the consumer activation aligns with Kasapreko’s vision of care which flows in every sip of Alomo Bitters which people take.

“This consumer contact programme re-assures lovers of bitter drink that any time they drink Alomo Bitters, they are not only drinking to enjoy;

they are also drinking to stay healthy because of the medicinal qualities of Alomo Bitters,” he said.

The Marketing Manager, Mr. Peter Adegor, explained that taking the brand right to the consumers where they are, is an important aspect of the wholesome qualitative process that goes into the production of Alomo Bitters.

“We ensure that the quality of our product is consistent from the point of sourcing the ingredients to the production stage and all through to packaging and delivery. The intent is that

the consumers have the finest Alomo Bitters in their hands, hence this initiative to get the consumers well informed about the original Alomo Bitters is consistent with the quality assurance value chain that stands out our brand of bitters from others,” he said.

The Group Chairman and Managing Director of Kasapreko Company Limited, Ghana, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, recently denounced the faking of Alomo Bitters by an unscrupulous cartel which has resulted in significant loss of market share and revenue. He called on relevant

Etisalat backs Nigerian Idol season 5 Edwin Usoboh

T

he duo of Nigerian hip hop artistes, Olamide and Run Town, were among the cream of Nigerian music stars at the media launch of Nigerian Idol’s Season Five.

The official unveiling of the annual reality show was held recently at Mela Rossa in Ikoyi, Lagos at a ceremony laced with bespoke exciting moments of fun, entertainment and networking.

Beside Olamide and Run Town, other notable artistes who graced the occasion include Dammy Krane, Cynthia Morgan, Kiss Daniel, YQ and P.R.E. The unveiling marked the official commencement of the season. Auditions are ongoing across five Nigerian cities, namely Benin, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Idol franchise owner, Optima Media Group, has enjoined young Nigerians with a promising career in music to take advantage of the platform to showcase themselves on a global stage while creating a career path for themselves.

Executive Director of OMG,

Ugochi Pedro, made the call in her opening remarks at the media launch. She also noted that the reality show had established its mark as a leading talent hunt platform providing needed opportunities for budding music stars.

“For five years running, we have been on this interesting journey of changing lives and helping people achieve life dreams. The key thing for us is to see these discovered talents become the real stars they are designed to be. We are taking this commitment to a new level this season. Nigerians can expect many exciting moments ahead,” she said.

Also speaking, Director, Brands and Experience at Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Enitan Denloye, described this edition of the Nigerian Idol show as ‘a season of differentiation.’ He stated that it had raised the bar in every aspect of the show.

According to him, part of the expectations would be to nurture young musical talents that would add creativity to music.

Nigerian Idol is in its fifth season after a successful debut in 2010 won by Yeka Onka. In the following years which saw the

emergence of Mercy Chinwo, Moses Adigwe and Zebili Evelyn (Evelle), it has grown in popularity and followership on the basis of the unique platforms it offers to young Nigerians with exceptional music talent. It is the only music TV reality show in Nigeria with a global appeal that currently cuts across 46 countries.

Meanwhile, three celebrity judges have been unveiled for the season. They include Afrobeat star, Dede Mabiaku; vocalist Yinka Davies; and R’n’ B crooner, Dare ‘Art’ Alade. Interestingly, the trio featured in these roles in past editions.

Nigerian Idol focuses on discovering Nigerian youths with musical talents and giving them a unique platform to take shots at stardom. The eventual winner goes home with a N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million and some high-end devices. Auditions are expected to continue with the FCT, Abuja playing host from January 24 -25 at the Bolton White Hotel.

Ibadan and Lagos are to follow in the following weeks. Already, Benin and Port Harcourt auditions have been concluded.

GSK launches Panadol, Scotts for children

G

laxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has launched its Panadol Children’s Suspension and Scott’s Cod Liver Oil Emulsion for kids.

This, the company said, was in line with its aim for its customers to do more, feel better and live longer.

In attendance at the launch event, which held recently in Lagos, were Health Care Professionals. Among them were paediatricians, general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers.

Speaking at the launch, President, African Paediatric Association & Societies, Dr Dorothy Esangbedo, emphasized the role of several of GSK products which include; Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and D and Calcium in the growth and development of children.

A Consultant Neonatologist at the National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Muktar Yola, who spoke on the management of pain and fever in children, highlighted the role of children’s Paracetamol suspension.

Marketing Director of GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Kerry Alexander, said: “Panadol Children’s Suspension provides fast and effective relief for pain and fever in children and is gentle on tiny tummies.

“Scott’s Emulsion, which comes in orange flavour, provides nutrients that contribute to growth and development, normal brain function and the maintenance of a healthy immune system in children. Because Scotts is an emulsion, it has a higher absorption and provides better results than other cod liver products in oil form.”

A statement issued by the management of the healthcare company and signed by the Senior Brand Manager, Panadol, Dr. Davis Iyoha, said the suspension is suitable for children aged 3 months to 12 years and comes in a bottle with a childresistant cap for added safety.

Cussons Baby: Search for winner begins

F

ollowing the submission of entries for the Cussons Baby Moments Competition 2, which commenced a few months ago, the search has begun for the baby who will emerge the winner.

This edition saw a total of 298 entries as opposed to the maiden edition of 202.

According to the Brand Manager, Miss Oluwaseun Ayeni, the selection criteria for Season 2 will be in four stages, comprising a combination of public votes and selection by an independent panel of judges.

She said: “The first stage was the determination of the top 50 with the highest number of likes on Facebook while the second stage will see the judges prune down the top 50 to the best 20 based on the personalities, appeal and fit to brand essence. Stage three is expected to take the shortlisted top 20 back to Facebook where the public will have the opportunity to decide who the best 10 will be. Stage four is the grand finale where the eventual winner will be decided by the judges.”

Commenting further on the process, Ayeni explained that the selection criteria as well as the credibility of the judges would ensure the right winner emerges.

She said that the promotional platform engenders a positive rapport between the brand and its consumers, as it has provided an opportunity for the latter to be rewarded for their loyalty.

For his part, Senior Brand Manager, Family Care, Aro Olalekan, said the project is a platform aimed at giving parents and guardians the opportunity to showcase the amazing and amusing moments their bundles of joy share with them to the public.

“Cussons Baby is a global brand and it has been a leader in the baby segment.

29

JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business/Interview

Opportunities abound beyond broadband – Johnson Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, spoke on leveraging technology for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) growth as well as how technology can enable a digital economy in Nigeria at the ‘Fidelity Bank SME Forum’. CHIJIOKE IREMEKA brings the excerpts

Johnson

Talking about back-to-back projects, which your ministry commissioned few weeks ago – MainOne Digital Data Centre and SecureID projects - what is the significance of these projects to the Nigerian economy?

Yeah, these are two significant milestones in the ICT sector in Nigeria. MainOne Digital Data Centre provides platform services and hosting services to companies and all of us in Nigeria. What this simply means is that international transactions could be done locally and faster without going abroad to get these things done or managing our internet traffic.

With this, it will be cheaper also because we are hosting the data locally instead of hosting it abroad. So, that has an implication of cost and the speed of internet and the cost of hosting data.

The second was a smartcard plant that has about capacity to produce 200 million smartcards. I don’t know if you know about this. We have over 100 million smart, debit and credit cards. One 160 million biometric cards, and as we continue in financial inclusion and data cash inclusion, we would be needing a lot more smartcards.

This means a lot about the local content, creating jobs for Nigerians. If we stop importing these mastercards from abroad, what it then means is that we are creating jobs for another economy and losing the money that Nigeria would have been making.

What this also means, is that, we are still interested in investment in the ICT centre beyond broadband. We need to see more investment in the ICT centre. People are beginning to see the importance of this sector and how it will contribute to the development of our economy.

A part of the commissioned projects seem to be addressing the issue of brain drain in the Nigerian economy, as many Nigerian brains are returning. But does Nigeria have the ability to conserve and earn foreign exchange from the project?

Absolutely correct! Conserving and earning foreign exchange is paying in dollars. Yes, when we are talking about hosting, we are paying in dollars to host in other countries.

But with the SecureID and smartcard companies in Nigeria, this means that we don’t have to import these cards anymore.

Rather, we manufacture them here, starting from raw materials down to embedding the chips in them. These are done in these factories.

And talking about it, these are very high-tech facilities.

The SecureID has 100 per cent Nigerian investment, supported by the Bank of Industry. The same thing goes with MainOne data digital centre. It is 100 per cent investment

by Nigeria and 95 or so by local. So, we are beginning to do these hitech-productions and that is the beauty of ICT. This is actually what I want to see in this industry today.

You have been pushing for local content in ICT. Of what significance is this to the economy?

When the ministry was created in 2011, we did an assessment of the ICT area in the country and we found that it is a very successful industry, talking about telecom revolution.

If we look at the local companies, they were playing on the fringes; and you look at the few big companies dominating the sector. We decided that it was not safe for the multinational corporations to be side-by-side in this lucrative sector of the economy.

So, what we tried to do was to create a level playing ground for all. We don’t say we don’t need the multinationals. We need them. It’s a global business but what we are doing is to create more opportunities for the local companies to grow.

And the last few years have been every exciting for us in the ministry because we have commissioned a number of projects which is local content at its best. So, we are working on other areas, do more in the ICT locally, increase the domestically added sector.

The transport sector is part of it to ensure that Nigerian companies participate in these very lucrative sectors of the economy. Many Nigerians work in this sector because the opportunities are there.

online shopping, and social media among others. Can you tell us what is going to happen in the sector in the next 10-15 years?

It’s tremendous excitement in the country, I think. I was at the global conference of the International Technology Union about two months ago and they were saying that big data is the new oil. Big data is a very small aspect of the ICT sector.

If you look at Nigeria, e-commerce is growing by leaps and bounds, especially in the broadband infrastructure.

If you look at the financial inclusion, it’s getting many more Nigerians into the financial system and leaping people up out of poverty; we have to start doing things that we are into.

There are mobile facilities and applications. Currently, there are 17 million SMEs in the country and if we get ICT more embedded, the opportunity to grow the economy and SMEs from small to medium and medium to large, it’s going to be tremendous experience.

If you look at ICT as a sector, right now, it contributes 9.4 per cent to the GDP. But what is amazing is that it contributes additional 2.7 to GDP because it enables industries.

Take agriculture, for instance, and e-wallet application on the agriculture and its ability to disseminate information on farm products, especially e-agriculture, the ability to market and send agriculture data on extension services through one’s mobile phones.

It’s tremendous; the opportunity ICT sector has for the Nigerian economy. ICT is enabling every other sector in the economy and it has much more commercial importance.

There are a number of projects you have launched in other ministries to ensure that SMEs are on the right track. They are test launch pad and equity fund, for example. What are the opportunities that exist in them?

It’s all about local content because when you talk about manufacturing and software development, they are other areas of great opportunities in Nigeria. An idea lab is a mobile application area for taking those ideas for commercialisation and hosting from idea mobile lab.

There some senior people in the industry, who are training to get exposure in these products in the country. Government has laid down $16.2million for this project and any startup companies can participate in this to obtain venture capital from this for SMEs. Any start up, anybody with viable ideas can also apply for venture capital.

It seems every company here has to be IT-enabled for it to get these things done and have a global outlook. Also, why is it important that the companies are IT-enabled?

You just said it. The two major things it does to the business is the access to market. If you are on the internet and your market is there, it helps you to showcase your business to the whole world.

The second thing it ensures is productivity. This is really important because you are looking at the most efficient way to run your business. So, these two are critical to any starter.

Let me refer back to the link between the manufacturing ID cards and what SMEs are doing. What we see now, you don’t even need to host your own application or software.

All you need to do is to pay as you use data.

Local SMEs can buy everything online. That is what we are telling SMEs, that from the first beginning, you need to have a website, they can just buy whatever they need off the cloud. Even if it is very simple, but get your information little by little and you will begin to have transactions up there.

Again, GT Bank has a platform called e-commerce platform. All you need is to have your own small space e-commerce platform. And you will be able to sell your products there. You don’t need to start looking for your web developer or beginning to look for one who will help you to populate your web. And that’s what SMEs are all about. There is a lot we can do on the computer. The day you start up your business, you start thinking of how you will use opportunities that exist on the internet to maximise your business outlook.

One other thing is being globally competitive; I think that some of these applications make business more cost competitive.

Yes, they do.

A lot happened in ICT in the previous year, talking about

Talking about digital economy, what exactly does it mean and how is your ministry fast-tracking Nigeria into the digital economy?

Digital economy is the one enabled by software and access to broadband. That is done by telecoms. It’s all about software and broadband. We are working hard to ensure that the locally developed software is relevant to the country.

We have seen a lot in agriculture, finance, banking. It is the software that attracts all the contents on the internet and they track people’s information and contacts there.

The entertainment industry is booming because of their ability to bring out their records. All manner of devices, cloud hosting devices and smartcards, are going to drive the interest and all that. That is what the digital economy is all about.

Digital economy that is software-facilitated.

Is ICT relevant to the people in the traditional businesses?

It’s very important to them. For instance, if you are manufacturing vegetable oil, you should have a website for that.

So, with that you will sell and market the product well.

ICT is relevant in manufacturing. In fact, the manufacturer, if small, doesn’t even need to host a website. Like I said, there are online market places where he can market his products.

You can imagine the leverage you would get by having your vegetable oil displayed there.

How can we bring SAT1 and MainOne among others to the hinterland because this is the area where the markets are?

We know we have challenges in getting this to the hinterland but there are a number of things that we are doing to get it across. Infrastructure will be laid in the state. We are working with the state governments on the laying of the pipes. On the state’s roads, we need to lay the pipes at about N45 million per kilomere but federal roads is about N1.5 million per kilometre.

Secondly, as we lay the pipes, we need to dig the roads.

So, when we dig the roads, there are lots of taxes to be paid to the local governments. Only one company digs the road and every other person has to pass pipes through it.

But NCC is launching what is called InfraCo to take care of broadband. The broadband is being used in big commercial areas like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and others. We are going to have seven InfraCos to cover the major areas. Lagos and Abuja and six geopolitical zones which imply that we have to get the pipes distributed to all parts of the country by way of decentralising it.

We started with six per cent and currently eight percent and by 2017; we are looking at 30 per cent broadband across the country. This means that, about 80 million Nigerians are connected to fast internet and that’s really what we want.

30

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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Kalu to pDp, apc: elections not Do-or-Die

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08) EXCHANGE .

RATE Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N182 (Official As .

Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Jan. 08) USD . . . . l Foreign N390 ......... .

Reserves . . . . . N205.50 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

– $46.5bn N168 . as at 8/01/2015 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N253.09 .........

Source: CBN . . . . . .N197.70 The Food and Organisation Agriculture Food Price (FAO)’s monthly December Index declined in stability. after three months of

Vol. 1

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Bodo spill: N16 billion Group faults Shell’s compensati on

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31

Politics SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

The Sunday Interview

Blame Tinubu for South-West’s problems –Fasoranti p.32-33

Interview

Gen. Gbor: Britain sowed seeds of disunity in Nigeria p.35

2015 politics without the strongmen With the February elections just 20 days away, UWAKWE ABUGU, SOLA ADEYEMO, IBRAHIM MUSA and MUSA PAM take a look at the vacuum created by the absence of political heavyweights of yester years and the emergence of new ones

Nigerian politicians should act responsibly –Calderwood p.37

Ojukwu

W Biyi Adegoroye biyi.fire@yahoo.com 08033024007 © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

hen the Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, visited Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, the first son of late statesman and pioneer President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe late last year, one issue was uppermost in his mind. He gave a loud thought to the absence of prominent political leaders in the SouthEast to serve as a rallying point for upcoming politicians in the zone to give them direction and unity of purpose.

Umeh’s courage failed him as he sobbed: “Your father, The Great Zik of Africa, was a great gift to the Onitsha people in particular, Ndigbo, Nigeria and the African continent as a whole. It pains me that since the demise of the Owelle of Onitsha and the subsequent death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Ndigbo have been at the crossroads.”

Umeh’s concern was a reflection of the vacuum created by the absence of prominent political leaders of yester years in the current dispensation. At the dawn of the return to de-

Adedibu

mocracy in 1999, these strongmen in the mould of former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Chief Solomon Lar, Chief Bola Ige, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Lamidi Adedibu and Dr. Olusola Saraki bestrode the nation’s political landscape like a colossus. They formed power blocks and played key roles in the formation and funding of the political parties that emerged in the Fourth Republic.

Ekwueme, along with some prominent politicians, mobilised a group of 34 eminent Nigerians who risked their lives asking the dictatorial regime of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, to set a definite programme for the return to democracy in 1998.

The People’s Democratic Party, All Peoples Party and Alliance for Democracy were the first parties to show seriousness in the return to democracy. As the years rolled by, more political parties were registered while APP and AD lost their original forms to the exigencies that arose on the political terrain.

Today in the South-East, a zone known for its heavyweight political activities, the game is at its lowest ebb, thanks to the absence of the men of the proverbial political timber and calibre.

As this year’s electioneering rises to a crescendo, the usual contributions of these heavyweights and the influence they wielded are clearly being missed. The only action from the zone was the recent statement of Ekwueme on the perceived ill-feelings of Ndigbo against President Goodluck Jonathan.

In the South-West, the same story is being told of Adedibu’s absence. Before his demise on June 11, 2008 in Ibadan, his personality needed no introduction in Nigerian politics, particularly in Oyo State.

Adedibu, nicknamed the ‘Garrison Commander of South-West politics’ by a former PDP National Chairman, Ahmadu Ali, the wily politician loomed large as a ‘Godfather’ who commanded massive influence in the country. Though he did not have much of a formal education, he was full of native intelCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

32

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

The Sunday Interview

Blame Tinubu for South-West’s problems –Fasoranti Leader of the pan Yoruba Sociopolitical group, Afenifere and Commissioner of Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, speaks on the February elections, the formation of Afenifere Renewal Group, failed efforts to reconcile the warring factions and other issues

The elections are around the corner. Which direction do you think Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba, should take?

I think we should search and ascertain the mood of the people. What the Yoruba want is self-determination. They want to be recognised and be reckoned with, to be given their rights particularly on federal appointments. At the moment, we are not being given our rights. If you look at the first nine positions in federal appointments, we are nowhere to be found. This was until recently when the Chief of Staff was appointed. Before that time nothing spectacular happened. We may say we are getting something but that is paltry; a very small proportion of what we should get. We should get more because we are a part of the nation. We hope that when the elections are over and positions are

being shared, the Yoruba people should be given their rights. It does not matter which party wins, they must see the importance of Yorubas in the federation so that getting along we will be very comfortable.

The All Progressives Congress has selected a Yoruba man as Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate. How do you react to that?

That is alright; if a party decides and goes ahead to say the Yoruba people should be given a right of place, I think that is being considerate.

They see us as part of the federation and that is why we are being reckoned with. I think it is alright.

Earlier, the Yoruba people were given the speakership position and some people derailed

it. What do you think will happen now?

Some Yoruba people did the havoc. We have taken that as one of those things and many people have been talking about it, more or less regretting it. I hope with this new arrangement, we will be given that position.

Are you comfortable with the candidature of Buhari?

I was a victim of his regime; I cannot feel comfortable with him. I was put in detention for 20 months for nothing. I was a commissioner for finance. I was sent to a tribunal. I went to Lagos and appeared before the tribunal. At the end of the day, I was set free. I feel very aggrieved and he did that for many people. People have written about it, the scars are still there. He has said he is going to jail people. That is not what

we want. Justice should have a very keen eye, not massing people together. Those who commit crimes should be punished but people who are not corrupt should be let off the hook. Papa Ajasin was sent to detention, he was tried twice and at the end of the day, he was set free. I was his commissioner for finance. I knew that Papa was very honest, he did not spend his security vote at all and he was very stingy with spending money. But this man (Buhari) put him in jail in spite of all the pleas and so on. He kept him there and sent him back for the second time. I think that was very ruthless. He said he would jail corrupt people; who is corrupt? Who is not corrupt? They should be given fair trial and if found guilty, they should be punished.

People like Ebenezer Babatope wrote about it and there are many others who were unjustly

33

5 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

I knew that Papa Ajasin was very honest, he did not spend his security votes at all and he was very stingy with spending money. But Buhari put him in jail in spite of all the plea and so on democracy, Papa Ajasin described democracy as ‘you talk, I talk, listen to me, I listen to you then idea will crystallise. But in his (Tinubu’s) own case, he wants to have it alone and that is not too fine. That is why we have problems in the South-West.

Between President Jonathan and Gen. Buhari, who will Afenifere support?

We have not taken a decision. Soon, we shall do so. We shall support somebody who has the interest of Yoruba people at heart, a party that is democratically organised and is considerate in terms of Yoruba agenda. What I mean by that is making sure that Yoruba people have a place in the scheme of things to come; not just being a second fiddle. We should be a force to be reckoned with. We have not made up our minds, but when we do so, we shall let the world know.

From your earlier statement, it is like Buhari is ruled out of consideration.

He has not been ruled out but these are the issues we shall consider - his antecedents and his utterances now. How is he going to handle us? Will he not go back to his old methods? Is he going to be dictatorial and oppressive? These are the issues we are going to consider but we have not made up our minds.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has accused the Federal Government of not managing the economy very well. He also accused President Jonathan administration of frittering the nation’s foreign reserve. What is your take on this?

The Federal Government has to tighten up a bit. The Federal Government is permissive.

Some issues that should be handled effectively have been allowed to fester. Some corrupt people in the government should be dealt with, they should be flushed out. There are many of them and we know them. They should not be serving at all. If you ask them, they will say Ministers A, B and C should not be in government. The President should be more decisive, he should be firm and take them out of office. Their being there taints the image of the government. I won’t mention their names but Nigerians know them.

punished for no reason just because he (Buhari) was a military man. We are not in a military regime now; he is going to carry his military mentality to civilian rule and that will be unfair.

Afenifere was a formidable group until a crisis broke out. How is the group doing now?

Afenifere is still a formidable group. We still have people like Pa Olaniwun Ajayi, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Falae and a host of others who still have the same spirit of Awoism, the same spirit of Yoruba unity, Yoruba agenda. But these days, distractions are there. Some people have strayed away because of personal ambition, especially the Tinubu group which we persuaded to stay.

In unity, there is strength, when Afenifere speaks now, people listen and feel it is voice of reason and we are still together. I have mentioned few

who are men of integrity, those who are men of vision. We speak with one voice on any issue and the Federal Government of course reckons with us. They feel that Afenifere is the soul of the nation because there are men of integrity there, people who stand for the truth. We still meet once a month and debate on some national issues. It is not a political party, we exist to maintain the tenets of Awolowo.

Are you ready to reconcile with Tinubu’s group?

We have made offers. Chief Falae has made offers, he has gone to Lagos to make offers. I have met him (Tinubu), I have made offers but it seems they have their own agenda. I don’t know what it is all about but we can now see these destructive elements, they want to take over, they want to be in charge. But that is not

The Boko Haram insurgency is threatening the unity of this country. Do you see the continued existence of this country, considering the activities of this sect?

That is our fear. The government should be more decisive. It should seek the cooperation of foreign partners. That does not mean he is surrendering the sovereignty of this country because as it is now, things are getting out of hand. When we think we are having a respite, they come back. What is happening to our army?

If the thing is becoming too much for us, we should seek the assistance of foreign powers. In the eyes of the world, we are a laughing stock.

Sometimes, our soldiers abandon their weapons and run away. The Federal Government should take more action. If it is not up to the task, it should seek the alliance of foreign powers. We have friends who can come to our aid. At the moment, everybody is becoming very apprehensive. The army should be ruthless in dealing with the insurgency. They say they are hiding in the forest, something should happen.

Do you foresee Nigeria breaking up considering the prediction of the US? I don’t believe so; I think Nigerians should still

stick together. We have the resilience to want to make us stay together. We are involved, we are not really clear cut, we have friends across the border. We have interests that are intertwined.

No matter what happens, Nigeria will still be together because if we break that is the end of the hope of coming generations. Balkanisation and civil war, especially in the oil producing areas, will not augur well for the country. Whatever happens, we should try to remain as a unit. If we remain as a unit, we will be a force to be reckoned with in the world.

How is Afenifere’s political party, the Social Democratic Party, doing in the political market?

The party is breaking grounds; we have members in the South-South, in the North and other parts of the country. People are already warming up to stand in the elections. Let us wait and see, the goodwill is there. In Ogun State for instance, some stalwarts like Chief Osoba are in our party.

The goodwill is there and people are ready to fly the flag of the party.

Will the party support any of the leading candidates?

It is a question I cannot answer. At the same time we are stretching our hands across the border and work out some alliances with those with not too clear ideologies. We have to talk. They too may want to seek our cooperation, we shall soon decide.

Do you have anything against Jonathan’s administration?

My grouse with the Federal Government is that it is too soft in fighting corruption. It must be forthright. I know he does not want to offend people but he should not do that in governing a country like this. We have to stand firm and do away with bad eggs in the society. People are accusing the government of being permissive, that is allowing corruption to fester, and that will work against the government. It should be firmer and let us know what is policies are. It is not too late, he should be a man. There are many corrupt people in the government. When people are arrested for corruption, we don’t hear anything again. People are waiting and watching.

When Afenifere makes a statement, Afenifere Renewal Group makes a contrary statement.

Why? It is because they broke away from us. They broke away from us for no reason; we were together and they broke away. I think it is because they want to be heard. There is nothing new that they are offering. In recent time, we have not been hearing about them. Again, I feel some self-importance. They just want to be heard.

Nothing new from what we have been doing.

They have made up their minds to disrupt and destroy Afenifere.

Is not possible for you to stop them from using the word ‘Afenifere?’

It is not possible in a democracy. They say Afenifere Renewal Group, they have qualified it, it is not the same as Afenifere simplicita. Theirs is a new group which is offering something new; which we have not seen anyway. The line of division is not too clear. We are talking of free education, full employment, fighting corruption.

These are our credo. I think they just want to be heard and if possible push us out of the way.

The ARG has governors and funds. How are you going to compete with them?

We depend on our goodwill and if we succeed in the next elections, we shall have governors.

But at the moment, we support ourselves from internal funds which we raise. We stand for something good but we cannot compromise honesty and integrity because they are the hallmarks of Afenifere.

Are you ready to bring them on board?

The door is open. We have made efforts. Chief Falae has made attempts to meet Tinubu, he has not succeeded. We held many meetings in Ibadan, and Lagos where people like Kayode Eso presided. At the end of the day, there is nothing really different from what we are doing. They have made up their minds that there will be no fraternisation with us.

34

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

2015 politics without the strongmen C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

ligence which he used in controlling a large number of politicians, including professors.

Baba Adedibu, as he was fondly called was a member of the APP until he crossed over to the PDP when the former opted for an alliance with AD. He was a very strong politician in the South-West. He wielded a lot of influence such that he ensured that one of his protégés, Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja, was illegally impeached on January 12, 2006 by 18 out of the 32 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly. Ladoja, however reinstated by the Supreme Court after staying out of office for 11 months during which his deputy, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, held sway.

Ladoja’s offence which earned him the impeachment was his failure to remit enough money from his monthly security vote, as appreciative booty for helping to ensure that Governor Lam Adesina didn’t get a second term.

To former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ladoja deserved the orchestrated impeachment because of his overt opposition to his third term agenda.

Adedibu’s word was indeed law and his actions a command while he was alive. Owing to his exceptional influence, leadership acumen and political sagacity, many public office-holders were made by the sole dictate of the inventor of ‘Amala and gbegiri politics.’ Many who would not have dreamt of becoming Councillors, Local Government Chairmen, State House of Assembly and National Assembly members or even ambassadors miraculously with the influence of Adedibu rose to the positions.

To get there, they only needed to be dedicated and loyal to Baba’s cause. Woe betide whoever objected to the wishes of Baba and those of the powers-that-be, whom he represented in Oyo State. The credo was ‘Baba sope,’ meaning (Baba said...).

As dictatorial as Adedibu was, he was so compassionate and never wanted to see anyone cheated when political offices were shared. Controversy over who became what never reared its head as far as Baba was concerned. If at a point you could not get a desired position, an alternative would surely be provided as long as you remained loyal.

PDP in Oyo State is at the moment in disarray, with many of the founding members dumping it for other parties, pointing to the imposition of the governorship candidate for next month’s election as the reason for their action. Many of them, including AlaoAkala, believed that some powers-that-be in Abuja favoured Senator Teslim Folarin to emerge as the governorship candidate.

His emergence as winner in the primaries was labeled as ‘unconstitutional.’

Since his demise, no political leader of Adedibu’s status has taken the centre stage.

Instead, the likes of Chief Lekan Balogun; a former Minister for Special Duties, Elder Wole Oyelese; former deputy governor to Alao-Akala, Alhaji Hazim Gbolarumi; and Alao-Akala have emerged in different moulds.

The state also has Chief Michael Koleoso; Chief Yekini Adeojo; Senator Teslim Folarin; Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; as well as former deputy governor and serving Ambassador to Jordan, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja.

In Osun State, the likes of Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, former governors Isiaka Adeleke and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola are the new leaders.

By the same token, emerging leaders like Governor Ayo Fayose and former governors Chief Niyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi have emerged in Ekiti State, while Obasanjo, Buruji Kasamu, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Isiaka Adegboyega are holding on very tight in Ogun.

In Ondo, it is Governor Olusegun

Kwankwaso

Tinubu

Akpabio

Mimiko, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Kayode Adetokunbo and Olusola Oke who are in charge.

In the words of Senator Lekan Balogun: “Adedibu was a great man in spite of the negative public perceptions of some of his values. We can’t have another Adedibu again. It is not because the existing political class lacks the potential to be great, but historically, the time may not be right for another Adedibu.

“The core values we saw in the great man of Ibadan politics would not manifest in any other personality at this period of our Nigeria’s history. The values, personality and time must converge. For instance, Adedibu did not reign supreme in the era of Obafemi Awolowo, Adelabu and Bola Ige; bearing in mind that the same man was alive at the time of these great men of Nigerian politics.

Timing and values have to converge. That we are missing Adedibu does not mean there cannot be another character, as history would simply not permit the emergence of another Adedibu. If such a man comes back he won’t be relevant again. We have passed that stage of his type. It won’t be the same manner the people would accept him as expectations are different today.”

Interestingly, in Kaduna State, there has never been any dominant political figure that best governed it since its creation in 1967. Specifically, it was the home of the mythical Kaduna Mafia, a group of Northern intellectuals, ex-bureaucrats and retired military officers that called the shots in the nation’s affairs.

However, the group comprised people of mixed origin, spanning different states of the North and basically not Kaduna indigenes. Significantly, the members were mostly domiciled in the ‘Liberal State’ but seldom interfered with local politics.

In the Second Republic, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, a Zaria-born politician, was the power behind President Shehu Shagari’s government. Curiously, Dikko was of scant political weight. At home, he contested and lost to Senator Ibrahim Barau in 1979, a local Peoples Redemption Party stalwart.

To compensate him, Dikko was made transport minister and in that capacity, he wielded a lot of power.

About that time, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, was the one who determined where the political pendulum swung in the state. However, as a civil servant, he couldn’t play politics openly but was instrumental to the emergence of Governor Dabo Lere in 1992. Significantly, he controlled the state from his office but that diarchy was short lived. The Wazirin Jemaá, as Aliyu was called, died in 1996.

In the current dispensation, Vice-Pres-

ident Namadi Sambo seemed like the strongman of Kaduna politics until recent events demystified him. Since assuming the number two position, the former governor of Kaduna has never won his polling unit, Kabala Ward or Kaduna North Local Government in any election. Similarly, the opposition has always represented his constituency at the National Assembly.

To worsen matters, all his anointed candidates for the 2015 elections were defeated at the primaries. The latest defeat was allegedly masterminded by Governor Muktar Yero, his political godson, to pave way for his own candidates. Today, it is an irony that the highest political office-holder from the North is of little political consequence in his home state.

In the Third Republic, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a Social Democratic Party presidential aspirant and a resident of Kaduna, was at the centre of national politics, though he was from Katsina State.

Similarly, Malam Adamu Ciroma and Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, the leading presidential aspirants of the National Republican Convention were both Kaduna-based, but they are from Yobe and Zamfara states respectively. Likewise, Alhaji Lemu Jibrillu, another NRC presidential hopeful who hails from Katsina State.

Malam Adamu Garko, a PDP stalwart in Kaduna, described the political leaders of those days as dedicated politicians who were people-oriented. According to him, these strongmen had the common touch as they ate and lived with the people.

“Agreed, that not every godfather can be like them as these ones were exceptional.”

Garko called on the current political leaders prominent to reach out to the people using well-respected political heavy weights.

According to the PDP chieftain, politics is a hands-on game but Sambo is running his own like a bureaucracy. He admitted that the vice-president is kind-hearted and very generous, but accessible to just a few people. “He should find a back door channel of either connecting with the people or getting people who can do it for him,” Garko declared.

In Plateau State, of great reference was the founding father and pioneer National Chairman of the PDP, Late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, together with reigning heavyweights like a former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, and former governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.

Lar, who died in October 2013, had played a significant role in 1999 in the emergence of Obasanjo as president in 1999. He also played a pivotal role in the election of Dariye. Lar was one of the nation’s longest-serving political godfathers.

He was a member of parliament in 1960

and was elected governor of Plateau on the platform of the Nigeria Peoples Party in October 1979. He was in power until the military coup of December 1983 that brought in the government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Also missing in the current dispensation is Mantu, who was Deputy Senate President from 1999 to 2003. He lost his third term bid for the Senate in 2007 to Major Sati Gogwim of the then Action Congress.

Observers believe that were Lar to be alive today, the recent spate of defections by the likes of former deputy governor, Pauline Tallen, Prof. Sonny Tyodem and Prof. Longmas Wapuk would not have happened. He would have promoted unity in the PDP and the failure of the party to receive its former members wouldn’t have been the case. These are two emerging leaders with great political clout in the APC. Today, the likes of Chief Edwin Clark, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the governors and party chieftains have emerged as political leaders in the various states and geo-political zones. They command great followership and their nominees and endorsements are sacrosanct.

For instance, since the AC and the Congress for Progressive Change fused to form the APC, Tinubu’s image and political sagacity have become the compass for the opposition party. Since then, not only has it succeeded in railroading five governors to defect to the party, it has also secured the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, into its fold.

Tinubu’s share dexterity was manifest in his role in the emergence of Buhari as APC presidential candidate, a development which confounded the former military head of state, compelling him to offer the party leader the vice-presidential slot.

That APC is making great inroads into various parts of the country today is an attestation to his rising profile, which has earned him the Jagaban Borgu the sobriquet: ‘Awolowo of our time.’

Besides Tinubu, one cannot ignore other emerging leaders like Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Godswill Apkabio of Akwa Ibom and Musa Kwankwaso of Kano whose ‘Kwankwasiya Dynasty’ is spreading through the ancient city of Kano and other parts of the North like wildfire.

Observers believe that their political dexterity in the current dispensation is of vital importance in the elections and sharing of political offices thereafter.

A little known emerging power broker in the Niger Delta is Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo. He is said to have played a key role in the emergence of some candidates of the PDP in the last primaries in Delta State.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Diplomatic Outpost

Gen. Gbor: Britain sowed seeds of disunity in Nigeria Major General John Wilson Gbor retired as the Commandant, Nigeria Army Education Corps in 2004. He holds a doctorate degree in Anthropology and he is currently the National Chairman/ Coordinator of The Patriots, a group of retired military and para- military officers supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.

In this interview with ONWUKA NZESHI, the retired general traces the political developments in Nigeria from the colonial era to the present When soldiers retire, we usually hear that they don’t get their pensions. Have you experienced such a situation since you retired?

This is one area that God has blessed me. I hear the stories but it has never happened to me, even once. That is why I told you that I am feeding well. Those who are not getting their retirement benefits cannot talk about feeding well. I have been getting my pensions regularly since I retired from service.

What do you think is responsible for the situation where some retirees are not getting their pension?

It is supposed to be an administrative problem. Before I retired, the Nigeria Armed Forces handled our pension directly. Once you are retiring, you fill the necessary forms, they are processed and they start paying you as soon as they certify that everything is in order. But later on, the Federal Government introduced the pension scheme where those who retired after us were shifted to but there is a lot of mix-up. It was not like our own system. So because of some administrative incapacity, they messed up a lot of things. Quite frankly, those whose cases were handled by the Military Pensions Board had no problems but those who were handed over to these Pension Fund Administrators have been having problems. Those who went there complained and I think that they have been brought back to the old system.

Who are The Patriots that you are leading?

The Patriots is a forum of retired military generals that came together to think about Nigeria. We gave our lives to this country and since we retired, a few of us are in politics participating actively but the majority is not in politics and has not been speaking out on issues that affect the country. So we came together to look at the nation and see which area we can make contribution for the development of Nigeria.

Actually, it is called the Foundation for Patriotic Nigerians for Unity, Peace and Development. We are concerned about the development of Nigeria. It does not help us if after retirement you just go and stay in your village to rot away despite all you learnt through the series of courses you attended while in service as well as your exposure both within and outside Nigeria.

We still want to put our knowledge to good use in this country. But if we call it a forum for retired military officers, it may not attract our civilian colleagues and it would also raise questions about our real intentions. So we decided to call our group, The Patriots, because we wanted to accommodate different Nigerians from all walks of life, including

retired police officers, retired public servants, politicians, businessmen, women and youth organisations. So it is a very large organisation.

What is the numerical strength of this body?

We are about nine million Nigerians. There are so many groups and more are still applying to join us. Our members, who are retired soldiers, are all over the country.

What exactly is the aim of this organszation?

Nigerians have lost their values and some of us who laid down our lives for this country want the restoration of those values. What we are suffering now started long ago. We are talking about unemployment, corruption and dishonesty in the system. We want to reinculcate good values in Nigerians. We are already mapping out strategies to do these things. We are prepared to assist the youths and the less privileged in the society.

We are concerned about all Nigerians and that is why we are interested in who governs this country. Those who are governing us, if they do the right things, more people will benefit from the government and there will be less suffering. We don’t want to see Nigerians suffering.

You said that we have problems but the problems did not start today. The military under which you served has ruled this country for almost three decades since independence. Are you saying that the military is part of the Nigerian problem?

Nigerians are part of their problems not just the military. Each time the military regime came into power, you only had one military head of state, then you had one military governor, you may have few military officers as ministers but the majority of those in government were civilians. So whatever happens you cannot blame the military alone. The inability of Nigeria to provide jobs for its teeming population is a neglect that started from the beginning. You may blame government but you have to start from Tafawa Balewa; because we started wrongly when we took over from the British colonial masters.

At independence in 1960, did anybody care to demarcate our boundaries with neighbouring countries? Did the political leaders care to know the true population of Nigeria? Did anybody take into account that children were being born every day and that something ought to have been done to plan for these children and future generations, in view of the annual increase in population? We ignored many of these things from the beginning and these things have multiplied over the years.

Now, some people are accusing President Jonathan of being responsible for all of them.

Gbor

The composition of your group is such that one would have expected you to serve as reserves for the Nigerian Army, especially at this time of insecurity. But it appears you are looking towards politics instead of your primary calling. Why? Listen, we have retired from military service and we cannot be giving ourselves jobs in the military. If the government does not call us and tell us what they want us to do in terms of serving as reserves in the military, who are we to dictate to them? We are coming together to use our own initiative to see what we can do for Nigeria. If there is a war and the government invites us, we would be willing to serve.

Recently, your group held a press conference here in Abuja where it declared support for President Jonathan. What informed that decision?

Well, as I said earlier, we are concerned about the wellbeing of Nigeria. We are no longer in uniform and we cannot just stand aloof to watch anybody govern this country anyhow.

As a democracy, we can support the person that we feel is doing a good job. This is why we chose to support President Goodluck Jonathan. In declaring our support, we had looked at the opposition and the ruling party and felt satisfied with what Jonathan is doing. We believe that if he is supported and continues to pursue his Transformation Agenda, Nigerians will be better in the next few years.

Do you think that the government is handling the issue of insecurity and insurgency in the North-East well?

The President is doing what he is supposed to do. In a case of insurgency like the one we have, if the President had done nothing, then we would have accused him of negligence of duty. But he deployed troops accordingly and got the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs to take charge. This is what a Commander-in-Chief is supposed to do. The military is engaging Boko Haram on a daily basis. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. But that is the nature of all battles.

So, as far as we are concerned, the President has been doing well what he is supposed to do and members of the Armed Forces are doing what they are supposed to do. They may have challenges but they are doing what they are supposed to do.

You know that I am not in the service right now and not in a position to have details of all that is going on in the fight against terrorism.

I can only tell you that they are doing the best they can in terms of intelligence gathering and combat operations. A lot of towns that were seized by the insurgents have been recaptured from Boko Haram and we are convinced that in a few months from now, this war will be over. One cannot be exact about the date it will end because it is not a conventional war. In this war, the enemy is right there with you but you don’t know him. You don’t know when he will hit back at you directly but much of the war will be over soon.

If the government is doing well, why is it that the insurgents are still advancing and capturing towns and villages?

What do you want to see done that you CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

‘Why retired generals want Jonathan’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

have not seen? I know Nigerians want an end to insurgency. It is a very good idea, but listen, go to Lagos now and find out if you will see any indication that Nigerians are being killed in Maiduguri, Borno State. Is there any indication on the streets of Lagos that thousands of Nigerians have been displaced in Adamawa and Yobe states? Go to Uyo, go to Port Harcourt, is there any indication in these towns that Nigeria is at war?

Are civilians showing any inclination whatsoever that Nigeria is at war? Are we sympathising with the soldiers? Has any governor when making a public speech paused to say they support President Goodluck Jonathan in the raging war against the terrorists and insurgents in the North- East? Do they in their public outings pause for a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have died and even our soldiers who are dying on the battle field? Yet, the soldiers at the battlefront are our sons from Ibadan, Uyo, Benue, Kano and from everywhere in the country.

Obaze

When some of our soldiers take a pass and travel to their home states, they discover that the Nigerians they think they are fighting for do not care about them.

There is no sign whatsoever that a war is going on. Politicians, businessmen and other segments of the society do not show any sign that a war is going on. We want the enemy to be defeated, just like when the Nigerian national team is playing and we want them to win at all costs. But even the football team needs our support to be able to win. How many businessmen, how many politicians and how many state governors have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to pledge their loyalty and support for the war against terrorism and insurgency? How many politicians have called on the Chief of Army Staff to pledge their support and encourage him to fight the insurgency in the North-East?

How many of our politicians and businessmen have visited our troops on the frontline to give them food stuff, cows and other essential items to encourage them?

This was what happened during the Civil War. Military governors called on Gen. Yakubu Gowon and gave their support; politicians called on Gowon and gave their support; businessmen carried a lot of cows on the trains and trailers to give to our troops on the war front.

Are they doing the same thing now? Everybody is saying Jonathan you want to be President so stop insurgency. What is wrong with us? Are we Nigerians truly in our right senses?

When the terrorists came and abducted the Chibok school girls, instead of supporting the President to rescue the girls, some people turned their anger at Jonathan and were chanting: Bring Back Our Girls. President Jonathan is just an individual. If I have an idea about how we can bring back these girls, what I should do is to go to the President and tell him what we can do. How many people have sincerely proffered solutions to this crisis? But we all want the war to be won.

In other countries, the war is never fought by the soldiers alone; it is a collective responsibility of every citizen. That moral support is

very important for a soldier but our soldiers have not received it from Nigerians. Many of them have died and have been buried, leaving their families to bear the grief alone.

You in the media keep asking whether one is satisfied with what is happening. I am not satisfied because our political elite, businessmen and the generality of Nigerians are not committed to this war and that is why the war is still going on. Mind you, this is a different type of war compared to what the Nigerian Army has been fighting before. The British did not train us on this type of war. It is now that we are learning from our own experience. This is a different kind of war because you could be on the same street with your enemy without knowing it. The enemy is not in uniform; he sees you in uniform and plans to take you by surprise.

The opposition and critics of the Jonathan administration say this is the most corrupt government ever in this country.

Do you share this view?

Which regime has not been accused of corruption? Talking about corruption, the British that said they colonised this country sowed the seed of corruption in the system from the beginning. They created Nigeria more as a trade centre; a place to procure raw materials for their industries and dump their finished products.

They did not create this country in a way that there will be nationalism and patriotism so that when you as a Nigerian sit at a table and money is allocated for projects you will allow it to go to the right places. The British systematically killed our spirit of nationalism and by so doing they killed patriotism in us. Nigeria does not exist in the minds of the average Nigerian. Nigeria exists as a landmass and as a geographical expression.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo said it in 1947 and nobody either took it up against him or proved him wrong. Tafawa Balewa said the same thing in 1948 and nobody took it up against him.

I used to take it for granted until I realised that Nigeria was killed by those who said they created it. Britain did not come here to create a big nation that will be bigger than Britain and tomorrow could overrun Britain.

They came to colonise us but realised that if we become a strong nation, nothing would stop us from going to colonise Europe. So they first colonised the Southern Protectorate and then the Northern Protectorate. They called the Northern Protectorate ‘Nigeria,’ to distinguish it from Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Dahomey. These were all French colonies and Britain was afraid that France could encroach on their territory in the North. At that time, the North was very rich in trade with North Africa. Kano was extremely rich and was trading with Egypt and beyond Africa. Katsina was equally rich and was trading with Morocco. But the British did not want the influence of the French and Arabs on their territory. They therefore closed the northern borders.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Politics / Interview

Nigerian politicians should act responsibly –Calderwood As the nation prepares for next month’s elections amidst threats of violence, the diplomatic community in Nigeria has joined in the campaign for a peaceful and credible elections. In this interview with ONWUKA NZESHI, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Perry John Calderwood, speaks on the imperatives of issues-based campaigns Calderwood

Where were you before your posting to Nigeria and what’s your impression about Africa?

I’ve lived in Africa for about eight years now. I lived in South Africa for four years; Senegal for three years and Nigeria for a year and a half. It’s very hard to generalise. It’s a huge continent; every country is different.

But on the whole, I would say that Africa is a continent with great potential and I think that there are a lot of positive things happening in many African countries. There is great progress and great potential.

In a country like Nigeria, where I am now, I see tremendous potential; you’ve got great natural resources but even more importantly, you’ve got tremendous human resources.

You have many energetic people and business people with lots of initiatives and energy. The challenge for your country, like for many other countries, is finding the recipe to unleash all of that energy and talent which you need to develop your country.

Having lived in Senegal and now in Nigeria, you must be conversant with

ECOWAS. How would you describe Canada’s partnership with ECOWAS? Canada has a long standing relationship with ECOWAS. We’ve supported ECOWAS in a number of ways, including strengthening its capacity in the areas of peace and security. We’ve also provided support in the area of agricultural research and also helping the countries of ECOWAS to develop their trade capacity. So we’ve had a nice relationship with the regional organisation and we believe that ECOWAS has an important role to play in terms of strengthening the region and promoting economic development, political progress and security in West Africa.

In what way is Canada assisting Nigeria in combating insecurity?

We’ve supported Nigeria in a number of ways. In the past, we provided extensive support in the area of training for peacekeeping operations. Recently, we provided a number of training courses for the Nigeria Police to help it develop its capacity for example in post-blast investigations. Our national police sent experts to Nigeria to train

your national police on what you should do when there is a bomb blast; how you proceed to investigate it. That is just one example, but we have provided a number of courses on different themes. We have also provided support to the region either through ECOWAS or Interpol to help strengthen security at border crossings and at airports. So, we’ve provided support in a number of ways and we will continue to identify ways that we can be supportive to Nigeria and the region in terms of strengthening security.

What is Canada’s position on the forthcoming elections in Nigeria?

We look forward to free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections. I am convinced that the vast majority of Nigerians have a very strong democratic vocation. Basically, all that we would like to say is that we very much look forward to free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections. That’s what we hope for; that’s what we expect and I am convinced that that is what the vast majority of Nigerians also want to see. We very much hope and expect that that would be the case.

Delta women urged to vote for APC

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ife of the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Party in Delta State, Chief (Mrs.) Rita Emerhor, has called on Delta women to vote for change in the forthcoming general elections.

She made the call over the weekend while addressing Delta youths and women who gathered to brainstorm on political mobilisation strategies designed to ensure the success of the APC in the elections.

She regretted the “years of socio-economic retrogression and corrupt practices by the ruling PDP which had caused poverty and joblessness in Delta Sate in

particular and Nigeria in general”.

She said that women and youths in the state have the power to give the APC the needed victory in the upcoming election by voting and protecting their votes, pointing out that Delta women cannot bear the pain of bad governance for another eight years and urged them to spread the message of change currently spreading across the country.

Mrs. Emerhor reminded the women that they are the custodians of our culture and good managers of resources and urged them not to put the future of their children in jeopardy.

She said that the women power to effect

a change in the state is in their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) which enables them to vote for APC. She urged them to collect their permanent voters cards so that they can exercise their franchise.

Also addressing the women and youths, the APC state chairman, Prophet Jones Erue charged them to set aside all sentiments and work together as one and ensure that APC is victorious in the February election.

Earlier, the Delta State APC woman leader, Dr. (Mrs.) Janet Oyubu, advised the women to vote for Olorogun Emerhor, saying that “a vote for APC is a vote for the security of the future of their children.

The political temperature has been rising and politicians have been making inflammatory statements like threats to form a parallel government if the elections do not go according to their expectations.

What’s your advice to our politicians?

Well, like in any democratic country, we very much hope that Nigeria’s political leaders and all the candidates will act responsibly. In a democracy, the best campaign is one where you discuss issues; you discuss the challenges of your country, you proffer solutions and build a debate around those issues. So, certainly, we very much hope and call on all of Nigeria’s politicians, like in other democracies, to operate in that way and to refrain from saying things that will be inciting and unhelpful.

Is Canada assisting Nigeria in any way towards this election?

Canada has provided $6 million in funding through the UN Development Programne to strengthen governance in Nigeria. A significant part of this fund is directed towards helping the Independent National Electoral Commission to develop and strengthen its capacity. Obviously, INEC has an important leadership role in delivering the elections. So that is the principle behind the support we have provided.

As a diplomat serving in Nigeria, are you and your colleagues in the diplomatic community afraid that the February elections might degenerate into violence?

Well, as I just said, our hope and our expectation is that there will be free, fair and peaceful elections. It’s not my role to tell Nigerian politicians how to run their campaigns. I think that in any democratic country, the best campaign is one where the candidates canvass issues, debate the issues, propose solutions; the voters choose people whether it’s for President or governor or parliament, whom they feel are capable of offering solutions to their problems.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics / Column

That 30 million Nigerians may vote INEC Diary ezekatchy@yahoo.co.uk

Onyekachi Eze

S

ince the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) called for the postponement of the general elections last week, not a few Nigerians have expressed their disgust at the call. Sambo told an audience at the Chatham House in London that he had advised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commissio, Professor Attahiru Jega, to postpone the 2015 elections by three months.

He hinged his position on the number of persons who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), which is being distributed by the commission.

According to him, while INEC had so far distributed 30 million PVCs, there are 30 million others who are yet to collect theirs.

Over 68.8 million Nigerian are expected to vote in the elections.

Two days before the London event, Adamawa State governor, James Bala Ngilari, at a stakeholders’ workshop on how to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons vote in the elections equally canvassed for the postponement of the elections till April, in the three troubled states in the North-East.

Said Ngilari: “In Adamawa, I can truly tell you that seven local government areas are under siege. The supposed peace we have is just the peace of the graveyard. To say that the security situation in these local governments is sufficiently stabilised so that we can have these elections on February 14 2015, to my mind is false”.

Other participants at the workshop openly rejected his suggestion. Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states have been under siege as a result of ceaseless attacks by members of Boko Haram Islamic group.

As expected, the opposition All Progressives Congress is kicking against the postponement. The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed described it as a “buy time” option and a plot by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the elections.

Although, Ngilari’s suggestion may be dismissed as part of the plan by politicians to cling to power, given the fact that he was systematically schemed out of governorship contest by his party, the PDP, but not so with Sambo.

As chief security adviser to the President, Sambo might have some facts most people may not be privileged to. Apart from the millions of uncollected PVCs, the security situation in the North-East is yet to be brought under control. INEC has even expressed doubt of elections holding in all local government areas in the three insurgency-thorn states.

The Electoral Act states that elections

should hold not later than 90 days to the expiration of the tenure of an outgoing administration. In the past, elections were held in April.

But in fixing February for the 2015 general elections, INEC said it wants a situation where all election disputes were disposed off before the swearing into office of the winners to avoid a situation where tax payers money were used in the litigation.

There are two arguments to the suggested poll shift. If the elections were not held on the dates fixed for them, the outcome might be disputed. But this is also not forgetting the fact that if many eligible voters were disenfranchise as a result of non-possession of PVC, the outcome of the elections might as well contested.

This is why a middle course approach is

necessary to resolve the impasse. In this wise, the suggestion of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar becomes tenable. Atiku had argued that since the distribution of PVCs is a problem but since there is a voters’ register it should be used in conducting the elections.

Members of the House of Representatives had earlier directed INEC to use Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC) to conduct the elections due to technical hitches encountered in the distribution of PVCs but Jega was not disposed to that.

It is true that Jega is committed to credible polls, which he believes could be achieved through the use of card readers, but a situation where many people are likely to be disenfranchised, the option of TVC becomes alternative.

Amasiemeka Stadium misnomer

I

t is still shocking to me that the Rivers State government has denied the presidential campaign rally of PDP from holding at the Amasiemeka Stadium in Port Harcourt. To me, this is a threat to the peace accord signed by the political parties penultimate week.

The reason given by Governor Chibuike Amaechi that the stadium is under repair is not tenable. This is more so because the APC held its own rally at the same stadium some few weeks ago.

One had expected that Amaechi to be

clever enough to think of some genuine excuses. If he insists on denying PDP access to the stadium he may indirectly sending the wrong signals.

This is the time for APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s leadership to prevail on the governor to rescind his decision in the spirit of the peace accord. It is also necessary to avoid needless statement condemning any ugly incidence if supporters of both parties decide to settle their differences with dialogue

On alleged hacking into INEC data base From the

Green Chamber ternyam@gmail.com

Philip Nyam

B

efore proceeding on the current recess, the House of Representatives had set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations made by the Department of State Services that the All Progressives Congress planned to hack into the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The probe committee was given only two weeks to complete the assignment.

The motion leading to the decision to probe the allegations was sponsored by the deputy majority leader, Hon. Leo Ogor under matters of national importance. Ogor had in the motion entitled: “The unauthorised and alleged hacking into the Independent National Electoral Commission database,” deposed that INEC was statutorily empowered to carry out the functions of conducting elections into elective positions in the country and that ”the DSS allegations relating to the alleged plan to hack into INEC’S database is a very serious allegation”. He argued that the allegations coming at the heels of an election period call for concern.

I think Ogor was right on point to submit that the allegations were worrisome.

Any genuine democrat who truly believes in the continued existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity has to be agitated at the mention of this issue particularly now that the nation seems to be sharply divided along different lines. For example, the ongoing electioneering campaigns by candidates of various political parties itself sends fears down the spine of not a few Nigerians. The campaigns have been

Jega

fierce, antagonistic, offensive and in some cases outrightly abusive and puerile.

Yes, the House of Representatives have the constitutional responsibility to investigate into any matter in the country. But given the present scenario in the country, can the Green Chamber deliver on this investigation without ruffling some feathers? Personally, I believe the House does not have the luxury of time to do a conscientious and thorough job in this investigation. Virtually every member of the House is involved in the electioneering process, meaning that they are very engaged. Therefore, giving the ad-hoc committee only two weeks to accomplish such a complex task may not be the best. I know that the House would have to even engage experts to assist in this investigation.

Secondly, this issue involves a political party which is angling to wrestle power from the ruling party through the ballot

box. Already, the two major parties have taken their positions on the allegations and the lawmakers are also members of these parties.

How will the committee handle this investigation that it will not generate bad blood even amongst the members? I feel these allegations are too complicated for politicians to delve into.

Again, this matter is a purely security matter and most importantly, it is being investigated by the security agencies. Won’t the investigation by the House amount to double investigation? I believe the DSS is looking into the matter and at the end of it all the judiciary has the final say. It is true that even the DSS has in recent times received bashing from some political parties and Nigerians on their modus operandi, but I feel that as a sensitive institution of government, it should be given the benefit of doubt to pursue this matter to its conclusive end.

After all, it is often said that he who alleges must provide proof. The DSS has come up with the allegations, let the House allow it to prove those allegations before a competent court of law.

My worry over the House resolution is in the event that the DSS sustained its allegations, while the ad hoc committee comes up with an opposite verdict. How would this be resolved? The House has not done anything outside of the law, but it is for the sake of the circumstances of the times.

The political environment is charged and if we do not exercise adequate caution in the way we approach issues, the already seeming unfriendly environment may be aggravated. We are all living wit-

nesses to what the allegations of certificate scam against the APC’s presidential candidate and former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has done to the image of the Nigerian Army.

In this instant issue, INEC has even reacted to the allegations by saying that nobody can hack into its website or database. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega had declared that the commissions’ database cannot be hacked into by anybody. His argument was that if that happened, there must be insider collaboration. These were Jega’s words: “As far as I am concerned, our database cannot be hacked; if that happens, then someone on the inside must have compromised because we have in place checks and balances that if such happens, we will know who did it”.

Jega also reacted to the allegations by one of the parties that some people were trying to clone card readers for the election, a development he said, was impossible. He said, “They are obligated to investigate any information they receive on perpetration of a crime or attempts to perpetrate a crime. So if they have information that some people are trying to clone cards, they are obligated to investigate it.

To him, investigating whether a crime has occurred or has not occurred is a different matter from whether the result of that crime will affect the integrity of the process. He expressed the confidence that it was virtually impossible for anybody to clone the commission’s cards, even though they can make attempt there was no way that “by using the card reader, somebody will clone cards and vote on Election Day in February.”

Although, these allegations are serious, I believe the House could do well by leaving the security agencies to handle it. Let the politicians stay on the sidelines and watch how the courts may eventually resolve this matter. This is my humble submission as a concerned citizen.

Life SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

When veteran journalists marked resistance to Decree 4

Dele Ailemen and Nasir Zahradeen planting tree of Free Press

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ith two Octogenarians and two past Presidents of the Nigerian Union of Journalists and a host of other prominent journalists and civil society activists, the Press Centre in Benin, Edo State was a beehive of activities. Various personalities from the length and breadth of Nigeria gathered to mark the symbolic act of resistance to the defunct Press Censorship Decree, the infamous Decree 4, which was promulgated by the military regime of MajGen. Muhammadu Buhari.

When in 1985, the Buhari regime incarcerated two young journalists from the stable of the Guardian newspaper, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, the media rose against the press censorship decree.

The then Bendel State Council of the NUJ, under the vibrant leadership of the fiery Dele Ailemen in collaboration with the then Kano State Chairman of the NUJ, Mallam Nasir Zahradeen, erected a symbolic monument named Press Freedom Square at the Press Centre in Benin.

Now, 30 years after, both men came to remind their colleagues of the need for eternal vigilance by planting a tree at the Press Freedom Square. At the event attended by local and international labour and human rights activists, Ailemen said, “With great pains, I must recall, that I found myself as a young union leader in that period, carrying the responsibility of psychological counselling of our members. I was urging them to remain courageous in the face of a

perniciously draconian decree.”

Furthermore, he noted that, “in the various newsrooms, our members felt the direct impact of a regime of dictatorial impunity regarding the nature and penalty of the decree as the legislation carried terrifying and intimidating clauses.”

Therefore, for him and his colleague, Zahradeen, the construction of the Press Freedom Square was “intended to serve as a constant reminder to contemporary and future generations of journalists of the quintessence of permanent vigilance on the part of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

Ailemen added, “Beyond all kinds of loyalties and political affiliations, media practitioners must embrace their historical obligations of truth-telling and giving a voice to the disenfranchised populace.

“Indeed, what the duo have done by planting the tree of Press Freedom is to remind journalists at this critical juncture of our national life that truly, the tree of democracy will wither and vegetate when it is deprived of the sunlight of Press Freedom.”

Zahradeen, often referred to as the bridge builder in NUJ circles, stated that he collaborated with Ailemen to say never again to the abridgment of press freedom by any dictator, whether military or civilian.

Among notable journalists on the occasion were former NUJ Presidents, George Izobo and Bonnie Iwuoha; as well as the publisher, Mailexpress, Osa Director; MaiNassara Iloh, Nuhu Gangaru and Mallam Paiko.

SUNDAY

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Abuja Beats SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Abuja AEPB renews war cleaning task against hawking in Abuja force impound 2,900 okada

Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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buja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB has issued a serious warning to street hawkers within the Federal Capital Territory to stop the practice and relocate to satellite towns or risk severe sanctions.

The board’s Head of Information, Joe Ukairo, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja, reminded street hawkers that hawking in Abuja remained banned.

He said the board would continually disallow every illegal activity affecting both the environment and social interests of the people within the city. He noted that aside from its environmental hazards, hawking is degrading and dangerous.

Ukairo stressed that a lot of people had lost their lives to hawking on busy Abuja roads.

He called on the general public to refrain from patronising hawkers.

“It is a collaborative effort; we must discourage it because if there are no buyers, there will be no sellers. Any form of commercialised activity such as hawking and roadside vehicle repair is illegal and banned under the AEPB Act. “Anybody crying for ‘pure water ’ because he or she is thirsty while in transit has no reason to plead for an illegality to be allowed. I advise that people should carry their water from home or buy from shops. It is safer than patronising roadside water vendors.

“An illegality is an illegality; the only thing that can legitimise an illegality is another Act from the National Assembly or else, nothing can substantiate what the law has proscribed,” he said.

He gave the assurance that offenders would be prosecuted.

“Once the goods are seized, the defaulters are arraigned before a magistrates’ court and the court determines what happens to the goods. AEPB has

...492 sex workers arrested Yekeen Nurudeen

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the legal power to destroy these goods.

“In fact, in recent times the goods are destroyed there and then, so that the owners can see that and learn. It is not that we are

inhuman but we have a job to do, which is to speak for the environment.

“There is a limit to what it can carry. By the time the environment starts revolting that is when you

hear things like earthquakes, landslides and rivers overflowing. These are signs that the environment is crying out that it is doing too much,” he said.

en months after it was commissioned to clean the city, the Special Task Team on the City Cleaning and Management has impounded a total of 2,900 commercial motorcycles also known as (Okada) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, stated this during the week while reviewing the activities of the Special Task Team he inaugurated on March 11, 2014.

He reiterated that the Special Task Team was set up to ensure the efficient and sustainable cleaning and management of the city through the enforcement of the laws applicable in the FCT under the chairmanship of the FCT police commissioner.

Mohammed revealed that during the same period, the team im-

pounded 807 tricycles (Keke Napep) and 280 Unpainted Commercial Vehicles (Kabu-Kabu).

On street hawkers, begging and commercial sex workers, the stated that the team had so far arrested 492 commercial sex workers, 1,108 street hawkers and 48 under aged hawkers were arrested during the same period.

He said the team arrested 128 urchins, 192 beggars as well as 17 mentally ill persons in and around Abuja during the same period.

The minister, however, advised members of the public who had formed the habit of not using the pedestrian bridges in the city to desist forthwith.

He warned those destroying barricades erected by government to prevent people from crossing expressways, saying they risk arrest.

Minister orders resettlement of flood victims Yekeen Nurudeen

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eprieve has finally come the way of victims of August 2014 flood disaster in Yaba community of Abaji Area Council, Abuja as the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, has approved their immediate resettlement.

Speaking during the distribution of relief materials to the victims at the palace of the Estu Yaba, Alhaji Abdulahi Adamu, the Director, FCT Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, who represented the minister, said the committee came up with 10 recommendations, to forestall a repeat of the incident.

The recommendations, according to him, include the provision of relief materials, resettlement

of affected persons, construction of embankment along the river bank and the rehabilitation of the access road leading into Yaba.

The FEMA boss while handing over the relief items to beneficiaries, commended the Estu for his exemplary leadership style.

He said it was the timely information from the chief that enabled the administration to act promptly.

Idriss said the community was lucky to have the Estu, Alhaji Abdulahi Adamu, and the Chairman, Abaji Area Council, Hon. Yahaya Gawu, as leaders, and urged the community to reciprocate by cooperating with them to ensure peace and development in the community.

The director assured the people that the imple-

mentation of the other aspects of the recommendation would begin soon.

The Chairman, Abaji Area Council, Alhaji Yahaya Garba Gawu, who also spoke during the distribution of the materials, thanked God that though farmland and properties were destroyed, no life was lost.

He expressed appreciation to the FCT administration for taking prompt action to cushion the plight of his people, but warned those farming and living along the river path to take advantage of the minister ’s magnanimity and meet with the Estu to provide them with an alternative.

“We do not want to experience food shortage in this community due to the destruction of farmlands by floods,” he said.

SUNDAY

41

Education on Sunday SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

Violence-free poll Towards ensuring a crisis-free poll, UI partners US Ebassy in Nigeria to sensitise the public

UI VC advises politicians to focus on issues-based campaigns

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Kayode Olanrewaju

s Nigeria inches towards the February elections, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Isaac Adewole has cautioned the political class to focus on issues-based campaigns and eschew all forms of violence.

He also urged Nigerians to vote for credible leaders who would move the country forward.

Adewole, who bemoaned the rising level of political violence in all parts of the country, regretted that no fewer than 800 Nigerians lost their lives in the 2011 postelection violence.

The VC, in a statement by the university’s Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, wondered why electoral violence had remained a major concern in the 2015 general elections. He said there were early indications that the situation may degenerate during the elections; even as he added that timely response from all relevant authorities is expected to mitigate electoral violence and facilitate peaceful elections.

The VC said ‘do-or-die politics is at present dominating the country’s political landscape and warned that this is threatening the nation.

“Incendiary statements and disregard for rules of electoral engagement have taken over the nation’s political space,” he said, adding that the political parties are fighting dirty with intra- party squabbles which portend danger for the country.

According to him, the university is foreseeing the tendency of the country being enmeshed in unbridled violence during the forthcoming elections, when the institution collaborated with the United States Embassy in organising a public lecture, tagged: ‘Electoral Security in Nigeria.’

During the public lecture held at the Trenchard Hall of the university, which was aimed at sensitising stakeholders and Nigerians on the need for violencefree elections, Adewole said the need to mitigate electoral violence was at the heart of the university for engaging in that partnership.

He said: “We owe the society at large a huge responsibility in electoral process. We also owe them the truth. Of course, electoral problems and electoral development are inter-related. But we believe that when there is undiluted accountable process, we will get whatever we want from the election and the judgement of the electorate would be decided upon.”

The guest speaker, Dr. Patrick Quirk, a Senior Conflict and Stabilisation Advisor at the United States’ Department of State, pointed out that there was the need for Nigeria to design a legal framework that will make electoral procedures smooth, with a view to avoiding conflict and destabilisation during the elections.

Quirk said: “It has come to a time when politicians, civil societies, among other key stakeholders, have to come together to make peaceful process of election in Nigeria, and make maximum impact on it.”

L- R: Chairman, UI School of Business, Prof. Ademola Ariyo; Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema; VC, Prof. Isaac Adewole, and Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology of NSE, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo, during a visit to establish a partnership between the School of Business and NSE.

He said that conflict, instability, instigation of violence and a culture of impunity, which have over the years characterised politics in the country, should be curtailed.

Adewole further advocated that the country should have a rethink and revisit the proposal for the establishment of the

Electoral Offences Commission.

Based on the Uwais Panel on Electoral Reforms recommendation, the VC noted: “This commission should be established and charged with the responsibility to arrest, prosecute and punish persons found guilty of perpetrating election violence

(electoral offences).”

In a related development, Adewole, during the 26th Annual Tunde Oshobi Public Forum, with the theme: ‘The Nigeria of our Dream: 2015 Elections as a Case Study,’ called on the electorate to elect credible candidates without of violence.

ABSU medical association elects officers Uchechukwu Amanze, ABSU

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tudents in 100-Level Medicine and Surgery at Abia State University last week elected new officers to direct the affairs of the class for the next one year.

Though the posts of Class Representative and Assistant Representative are usually through appointment or voluntary, the students however decided to elect their leaders this time.

The election took place penultimate week at the Pre-Clinic One class.

Prior to the election, a poll had been held in the first week of resumption, in which four students contested for the post of Course Representative.

At the election, Bethel Emmanuel emerged the winner with 11 votes, while Benjamin Onwubiko polled nine votes, and Israel Ukpabi and Charles Ogbonna had two votes each.

Onwubiko, who was said not to have been pleased with the results of the elec-

tion, was alleged to have protested that some students who participated in the election were not members of the class, and hence were not eligible to vote.

Meanwhile, a day after the election, members of the executive of Abia State University Medical Students Association were said to have held a meeting with premedics (First year students).

During the meeting, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Iyke Nwoke, assured the Pre-Medics that the election was null and void, noting that since the inception of the faculty the appointment into the post of Class Representative has not been vied or contested for.

“This faculty has not held an election for the post of Class Representative before, but we will fix a day for another election, since you want to elect your representatives. Moreover, most of you are not pleased with the outcome of the previous election,” he said.

However, before the commencement of the election, the executive members of AB-

SUMSA organised a mini-orientation for the students.

Those who contested for the post of Assistant Class Representative, which election was first held were Benjoy, Neoma, Esike and Chioma Nwosu.

At the end of the election, Nneoma Esike emerged the winner with 30 votes, while Benjoy and Chioma Nwosu had 13 and 19 votes respectively.

For the post of Class Representative, two students; Israel Ukpabi and Charles Ogbonna, who contested in the previous election, were said to have stepped down, while Pace Ejikem declared his interest few minutes to the election.

Bethel Emmanuel, Benjamin Onwubiko and Pace Ejikem contested for the post and at the end of the exercise Onwubiko polled 50 votes to win the election, while Bethel and Ejikem polled 13 and one votes respectively.

While reacting to the election, one of the students, Bonaventure Ifoegbu, described it as free and fair.

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Education

FUTA VC advises new students on proper foundation

Adeleke varsity begins ITC programme

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he Information Communication Technology Unit of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State has introduced Information Technology Certification programme for the students of the university.

This is being facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding the university endorsed with New Horizons, an international certification and training organisation.

New Horizons, according to the university, is known for its world class resource persons in Information Technology Certification and training, as well as in cutting-edge training facilities and infrastructure.

According to Dr. Longe Olumide Babatope, an associate professor of Computing & Information Security at the Department of Computer & Information Systems of the university, the training which will run every semester, is expected to equip its graduates with additional skills that will make them more marketable.

He said through the programme, the students are expected to have been certified in at least four core Information Technology domains upon graduation.

Babatope, who noted that the university is an accredited registration centre for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ComputerBased-Test mode of examination, said prospective candidates are being registered for the CBT mode at the university’s Directorate of Information Communication Technology.

Besides, he noted that the university would host students writing the UTME examination this year as JAMB has approved the institution as a centre for UTME.

Mojeed Alabi ederal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola has stressed the importance of solid foundation to academic excellence, saying the road to students’ academic success begins with their first day on the campus.

The Vice-Chancellor, who said this during the 2014/2015 orientation exercise organised by the university for the fresh students, insisted that diligence, hard work, determination, focus and good character are the ingredients of attaining success in academics and life generally.

Daramola, while welcoming the students to the institution, reiterated the importance of combining intelligence with character, adding that character sustains success and

without exhibiting high moral standard as students, the attainment of success would be slim. He warned the students: “You are not here for certificate alone. No matter how brilliant you are if you are deficient in character you are not likely to be reckoned with. Here at FUTA, we mould students into becoming responsible citizens. That is why FUTA has unbeaten record of well-behaved students who are good ambassadors of the university and the country.

They combine academic excellence with high moral standard. You too can be a part of our tradition of excellence.”

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Kayode Alese, in his remarks advised the students to work diligently and zealously to justify their admission into the university, which he argued will eventually earn them success in life.

Alese further urged them to shun all social vices capable of making them nuisance to the society, even as he added that they should hit the ground running in order to lay a good foundation that would culminate in academic excellence.

The Dean warned that cultism, examination malpractices, sexual harassment, prostitution, internet fraud, teller forgery, nude parties and other forms of anti-social behaviour and activities would not be tolerated by the management.

The motivational speaker, Mr. Agunbiade Oyewunmi, who spoke on the topic: “Vision and Scholarship: A Classroom Meditation,” advised the students to make use of the opportunities available to them. He stressed the need for the students to put in their very best and not to settle for less in order to attain greater heights and build a better future.

Cross section of the fresh students and principal officers of the university during the orentation programme.

Nigerian Library association honours Ajasin varsity’s ex-VC •As DVC bows out amid fanfare Kayode Olanrewaju

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or his contributions to the development of library and quality leadership style, the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Library Association has conferred an award on the former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof. Femi Mimiko.

He was conferred with the Award of Excellence in Library Development at a ceremony which took place at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.

The award was bestowed on him before he bowed out of office three weeks ago.

Mimiko was conferred with the award alongside the VC of FUTA, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, and the former Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who was named the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, replacing Mimiko.

The awards were bestowed on them at the 2014 Annual General Meeting/Conference of the Nigerian Library Association.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. A. Akomolafe, said the honour was bestowed on Mimiko in recognition of his landmark achievements in library development.

He noted that it was also to Mimiko’s credit that Adekunle Ajasin University library and

the e-library were well stocked with current books and journals. Responding on behalf of other awardees, Mimiko thanked the association for the honour and for recognising their modest efforts in their respective institutions. He assured the NLA of the awardees’ continuous support towards the development of library.

In another development, the Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic) of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA),

Prof. Mimiko

Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, has bowed of office amid encomiums for a job well done.

Ajayi, a professor of Radiation and Health Physics, was eulogised by his colleagues and other principal officers of the university for his exemplary conduct and dedication to duty at a reception organised in his honour by the management.

They also lauded him for his leadership style, loyalty and outstanding performance.

Extolling the virtues and contributions of the DVC to the overall development of the university, Mimiko said though Ajayi was deliberately saddled with specific and sensitive responsibilities while in office, he brilliantly and creditably discharged them to the growth of the institution.

“Prof. Ajayi was able to read my lips, even when I had not verbalised a word. I consider him qualified to be my Director of Operations,” Mimiko noted.

Responding, Ajayi expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him throughout his fouryear tenure, and particularly to the VC and the management for the confidence reposed in him.

He described Mimiko as an exemplary leader who impacted on him tremendously, even as Ajayi thanked members of staff and students for their cooperation and support while in office.

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‘Universities must proffer solutions to economic crisis’ Mojeed Alabi

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he Vice-Chancellor of the Bells University of Technology, BELSSTECH, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, has challenged the nation’s universities and other academic institutions to provide sustainable alternative to Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy and avert impending economic woes.

Adeyemi, who made the request recently during the university’s matriculation ceremony, said it was the responsibility of universities to proffer solutions to societal challenges and that the current situation in Nigeria and the world by extension requires their intervention.

The vice-chancellor of Nigeria’s pioneer private technology-based university said it was the vision of the ivory tower to bring eggheads together to address critical issues as they relate to human survival. He condemned Nigeria’s dependence on oil and suggested continued massive investment in agriculture with all the loopholes for corruption checked.

on. Well, the weather shouldn’t stop you from looking fashionable or sexy as you try to cover yourself from the cold. Adorning a leather outfit is a good way of keeping the cold away and still come out looking hot and sexy.

Leather has come back in a big way, and it’s no longer for bikers and bad boys alone. Leather vests, leggings, dresses, skirts, pants and jackets are available in a variety of colours, cuts and styles in women’s clothing. Designers are also using it as patchwork for their delectable designs.

Leather may seem dressy and stiff, but it’s actually a very versatile fabric. Leather is so

T able wearing, that won’t fall out of style quickly.

This season, you can incorporate leather pieces into your wardrobe and create stylish outfits.

If your wardrobe is in need of an update, try leather pants! These bottoms are the perfect way to add a splash of edge to your outfit.

A leather jacket is a great basic wardrobe especially for the harmattan and cold weather.

It is great to wear both in and outdoors. You can dress them up or down and pair them with jeans or a nice soft pencil skirt for great contrast.

Leather jackets are flattering on almost everyone because they come in different styles.

Adding leather with accessories is of course

There are simple rules to follow when wearing a leather outfit. To avoid looking like Cat woman, wear contrasting fabrics with your leather leggings or pants. Wearing all black can be slimming and sophisticated, but try adding other colours to your leather ensemble. Slip on coloured top or skirts to complement a black leather pants or wear blue jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers with a leather jacket for a laid-back look. A leather dress looks best with simple heels. Avoid leather leggings and pants if you have thicker legs and stay away from bustiers and tight leather dresses if you have a round stomach.

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SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

All-white bold look for dudes Vanessa Okwara

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ith the modern male becoming more adventurous in his styling choices, fashion designers are producing collections full of vibrant hues, bold prints and statement garments that are designed to draw attention.

This season, white is being thrust into the spotlight. All through 2014, white glam was the focus for both men and women.

The men are taking it a notch higher by spotting this trend at major events and colour specific events.

White is an extremely common colour choice for majority of men. It is an essential colour that can be found in most men’s wardrobe. However, all-white outfits are a much less common occurrence, and this is why the new whiteon-white trend is set to make such a visual impact.

Coming out in head to toe white is setting a fashion pace that is hard to beat. It is all round sophistication and high class as you rock

this ensemble.

When going for the allwhite trend, it’s important to look at a few important rules.

Opting for an all-white outfit means you’re going for a bold look; so it’s best to keep fabric details to a bare minimum.

To have that glam effect at an all-white event, go the route of sophisticated tailoring. Slip a sleek blazer over a white V-neck t-shirt and complete with matching white trousers. Up the fly factor with details like cool loafers or sneakers, light deflecting shades and gold chain accessories.

Shoes should complement but not outshine the garments unless they are white or are the focal point of a simple white outfit. If you have a plain white top, get out those loud shoes you’ve been holding onto for a special occasion and stand out in a major way.

Guys can accessorise with ties, pocket squares, hats and bow ties to make their plain white more personalised and unique.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

Body&Soul

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Boomeranging effect of deception

hilip couldn’t believe what he has just discovered. In fact, he still finds it disconcerting that his quiet and sweet-looking wife could keep something serious as having a seven year old love-child from him.

How could Onome do this to me? Philip asked himself again and again as he paced the floor of their bedroom. They have been married for only 18 months and he considers their marriage a very blissful one. He has always boasted to his friends that God gave him an angel for a wife. But this unbelievable piece of information he just discovered has cast a big dark shadow of doubt over their marriage.

He went back to the sitting room to find Onome in a kneeling position with a forlorn look on her face as she looked at him with pleading eyes. He didn’t allow her pitiable looks to blackmail him as he shouted at her, “We promised to always tell each other the truth no matter how bitter. Why did you not tell me you had a child when you were 18 years old? We courted for over two years. You had ample time to disclose your past, yet you hid it very well from me. You are indeed a wicked woman and can actually kill! If I hadn’t discovered those letters you hid in one of your boxes by mistake, would you’ve ever told me about your seven-year old son? I no longer feel safe or free with you. I didn’t know I married a deceptive woman who could give up her own child to her lovers’ family without a backward glance. Who are you truly Onome? I don’t think I know you at all!” Philip screamed at her.

G

CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com Crying profusely, Onome tried unsuccessfully to defend herself, “I’m so sorry my love. I couldn’t bring myself to tell you about my ignoble past for fear you will call off the wedding. I love you so much and was afraid of losing you. I know it’s not an excuse for what I did, but when it happened, I was a young impressionable girl who got pregnant by mistake. My boyfriend’s family insisted I give up the child to them since my own parents were too poor to take care of me and a new born baby. Since then, they forbade me from seeing the boy. I only

No matter how long you keep a big dark secret hidden, one day it will surely come out to haunt you and invariably destroy the delicate threads of the balanced life you have created over the years

communicate through letters with one of their family members who keep me up to date with the growth of my child.

Those are the letters you just discovered.

I’m very sorry, please forgive me”. She cried the more.

Philip just looked at her with disdain.

“This is what you should have told me like two years back! How do you expect me to ever trust you again? I’m sorry but this is too much for me to bear and difficult to forgive. You have shattered my idealised opinion of you. This marriage is over!” he shouted at her as she rolled on the floor begging for his forgiveness.

Deception is indeed a trust killer. It distorts the reality of love. You cannot say you love someone and at the same time withhold truth from that person. You cannot say you operate a loving relationship, yet you go ahead to inflict pain on the one you love through infidelity and betrayal. Love and lies are two components that don’t just mix.

These days, people justify not disclosing some important information about themselves to their loved ones with all manner of excuses and plausible explanations why they need to carry on with

deception. This is indeed wrong and a dangerous path to tread. Keeping a relatively significant secret from someone you love diminishes their reality. Going to great lengths to deceive someone can actually make them question their sanity as well as your integrity.

You see, no matter how long you keep a big dark secret hidden, one day it will surely come out to haunt you and invariably destroy the delicate threads of the balanced life you have created over the years. Deceptions are like boomerangs. They stretch back to hit the person spinning the illusory weave and most of the time inflict irrecoverable damage on everybody concerned.

It was Abraham Lincoln that rightly said, you can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.

Learn to build a relationship that has honesty and openness as its contingent from the onset. Don’t allow the baggage you carried from your past weigh heavily on the new relationship you just started. No matter how difficult it maybe, it’s always better to bring those secrets out in the open to the person you intend to build a serious relationship with. If they truly love you, they will not judge you with your past. But if they do, it’s better you realise that they never loved you enough but at least you’ve eased your conscious and spared yourself from any heartache that may spring up in future if you had carried on with the deception.

•Send your views to the email above!

The Cosby Show I don’t want to see

rowing up in Lagos, there was just one father I wanted to emulate, the one man who used his celebrity status, not to promote his ego, but to promote his belief in family values. He was the man who broke the stereotype of African American families and indeed the black race in general and actually showed the world that a black man can be a father, husband and career person at the same time. The kids were the epicentre of his career and at one time, he was voted America’s favourite dad and I am sure if the Internet and social media had been as powerful as it is now, he would have been voted the Black world’s best dad. You probably have guessed it by now that I am talking of Bill Cosby, the man who made us laugh and think at the same time with popular ‘The Cosby Show’ and helped many scholars in the children literature and entertainment field rethink their strategy for engaging young minds with his witty banter with children on ‘Kids Say the darnedest things.’

I would previously have jumped at the opportunity to meet this childhood hero of mine except this are not the best of times for Bill Cosby. Last week, Bill Cosby came into town and my moral compass kicked in. Should I or should I not go? It is no longer news that scores of women have come forward with historical sexual abuse claim against the veteran comedian; some of them dating as far back as 20 years ago. Can I really say I respect women if I grace the occasion with my presence? I sacrificed my personal desire for the sake of peace of mind and opted against going to the

show; but don’t get me wrong please, I am not condemning Bill Cosby; at least, not yet.

My comments on this page have proven I have the utmost respect for women, but I also believed in the universal law of a man being innocent until proven guilty. No charge, as yet, has been brought against Bill Cosby and what that usually indicate is that there is lack of evidence. I agree that it will be difficult to prove presently, with the passage of time, but then I ask the question, why now? I mean, has the society stigmatised rape into silence that even the victims do not come forward? If yes, then we must now begin to condemn rape and all forms of sexual abuse in order to give victims an opportunity to come forward in order to help forestall a repeat. Assuming Bill Cosby is guilty, the first victim may share in the burden of the subsequent incident as she could have prevented it if she had spoken out earlier. I am not passing out blame or judgement, but just stating the bitter truth. Victims must speak out, not only for themselves, but for others. Jimmy Saville carried out his own assault in the UK because people were afraid of his status; countless victims suffered

It saddens me when celebrities use their status to get away with murder and abuse of this kind. I stopped listening to Abass Akande Obesere’s music after the rape allegation last year until he is cleared by a court of law. His case was further reinforced by the fact that he admitted there was sexual relations, but consensual for it. I do not want to claim I know the pain of a victim, but I know they have the power to stop the abuse and must dig deep through the pain to plug into that power.

It saddens me when celebrities use their status to get away with murder

and abuse of this kind. I stopped listening to Abass Akande Obesere’s music after the rape allegation last year until he is cleared by a court of law. His case was further reinforced by the fact that he admitted there was sexual relations, but consensual. Bill Cosby, on the other hand, has refused to speak personally, but denied all the allegations through his agents. Those who worked closely with him are also coming to his defense.

This is where my dilemma lies. Who to believe. I once lived in Manchester, and witnessed firsthand how girls throw themselves at footballers just to get some cash. I also witness how some of these girls have falsely reported rape to get more cash from the footballers.

Could the same be happening here in the case of Cosby (and indeed the case of Obesere mentioned above)? Who are some of the women making the allegations? Janice Dickinson; a publicity hungry model who has gone under the knife that much she is out of touch with reality? A woman who boasts of her self confidence and now suddenly tongue tied when it comes to reporting rape? These are questions I do not have answers to and will not answer until the case is proven in court. Cosby cancelled some of his earlier shows in anticipation of a criminal case, but none came up and the man had to return to work, which is what he did. I am not excusing sexual abuse, but I want justice to prevail. That is why I chose not to attend the show.

I cannot condemn anyone, I can only state here unequivocally that rape and all other abuses against women are bad and must be reported and stopped. May justice prevail.

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Body&Soul

SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Accessories

Bold statements in metal belts Vanessa Okwara

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he belt is the finishing touch to any outfit. It’s a great way to add a layer of posh polish to your entire look. With today’s hottest trends revolving around the waistline such as highwaist jeans and crop tops, there’s no better time to make sure that your waist is well taken care of.

If you’ve paid attention to various events, you must have noticed the trend of the gold metal

plated belt. Though the accessory emerged more than a year ago in Hollywood, a number of Nollywood celebrities seem to have embraced it and it is still trending on the red carpet.

Simply put, gold metal belt is chic and can transform any look. These accented statement belts are the highest degree of international chic. It is an allpurpose accessory as it suits almost every occasion, work, date, outing with girlfriends, a wedding ceremony and red carpet events. When used appropriately, the metal belts are a good way to make fashion

statements.

Wear it with a gown to personalise a formal look. It is also great when worn on pencil skirts and tank tops. They are simply amazing on bodycon dresses, minis and any outfit that shows off your waistline. When wearing a gold metal belt, keep other jewellery at a minimal.

The metal belts add a touch of sophistication to every outfit.

Whether you’re looking to go all gold or just to add a punch of sheen to your waistline, this glitzy accessory will simply do the magic.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

GLOBAL fashion

Body&Soul

The originals: Rebels who shaped fashion today (part 1) Biwom Iklaki with agency report

W

hen fashion is mentioned, the fashionables get excited. It is however worthy to note that there was a distinct way of dressing in the past. There had to be many changes and revolutions for fashion to get to where it is today. Several designers in the fashion hall of fame are celebrated for their roles in shaping the course of fashion. Although they were seen as rebels at the time, often coming up with unthinkable concepts, once these concepts took a foothold, they were embraced and fashion was able to move forward and ex-

plode. Antonia Sardone-Caria of Glamour magazine, named in September, 2014, a few designers who shaped how we dress today. Here, we explore their achievements…

COCO CHANEL Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, in France, 1883, she made a bold and lasting impression on women’s fashion when she invented modern sportswear and saved us from wearing formal styles, bustles and corsets. Besides introducing and popularising the more forgiving and breathable jersey fabric which is softer and allows room for movement, she also invented the LBD. She was the

only fashion designer listed on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th Century. Today, Chanel brand is synonymous with fashion looks and styles with tweed suits, layers of costume jewellery (especially pearls), and the 2.55 bag which refers to the quilted day purse. The name originates from its birthday in February 1955. She was known for many famous quotes, favourite of which are: “There is a time for work, and a time for love. That leaves no other time” and “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

Bravo Chanel!

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SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Miscellany Alley

Life is rich sometimes and painful at other times, but it is mostly full.

Let’s share our experiences on this page, after all, everyday is an opporMarriage ca ncelling tunity to learn...send yours to julietbumah@gmail.com I remember ried, the chu a time before I got m er man? sting arrch required or young been an intere er, r e ld O v that those w s wanted to g y lo a r e ho et It has alwo makes a bett uring a ing for betw married go for counse h D w ? t n lee ma subjec months. My n three months and or older e was a Deceased disease six ch Harmattan tips lost her a younger the office, ther Some e in m of d en three month urch asked that we do fri in ue.

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Arnold W . 27yrs Henrietta Ukaoh a 39yrs Shagamu Abuja

Thinking

Aloud

) 0807 270 9777

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com

T

with Helen Paul

he most painful goodbyes are the ones you say when you know that there won’t be the chance to say good morning afterwards. Saying ‘goodbye’ to Muna Obiekwe is quite painful because I know we all won’t have the privilege to tell him ‘good morning’ again. I can feel the grief of his widow, kids, relatives and colleagues. I can imagine what his unfulfilled dreams would be, the various things he has proposed that death has disposed.

The news of the death of this talented actor came to me as a huge shock, not even on a day when I was already thanking God on this column that death and terminal ailments have removed their tents from the entertainment industry. Oh, not again! It was more of a shock because I, like many other practitioners, were never aware he had a common headache, let alone kidney-related ailment!

I wouldn’t blame Muna for keeping his pains away from his colleagues and the media until death snatched him away. I once expressed my grievances on how many entertainers strategize to get cheap publicity whenever a colleague is suffering from one terminal ailment or the other. Many times when an entertainer is dying on sick bed, what we mostly see are colleagues who take pictures with the sick and post them

on social media. It is simply a mockery act aimed at gaining cheap and useless publicity!

If not cheap publicity, what do you intend to gain by posting the picture you snapped with a sick and dying person on his hospital bed on social media? Be sincere, have you genuinely visited the victim to sympathise and help or your mission is just to feed your eyes and ears with that person’s condition? The earlier you change that naughty attitude, the better because no man knows tomorrow.

Perhaps, Muna saw how some of his colleagues handled the situation of practitioners who were in such condition before him, and he decided to rather die than allow publicity-thirsty people to feast on his predicament. Perhaps, if he had opened up, well-meaning Nigerians could have rallied round to save his life.

Well, God knows best.

The media also has its own faults.

At times, their reports could be judgemental. If someone suffering from a terminal ailment calls for support, it doesn’t mean his colleagues or the industry such person represents should be labelled ‘broke’. Maybe that was one of the situations Muna was trying to avoid.

My thoughts are with his widow, kids and other loved ones. A death in the family leaves a void that cannot be

Lessons from Muna Obiekwe’s death

filled. No one can ever take the place of this individual in the world. We should not try to comfort the family by saying that ‘it was his time anyway’, or, ‘he was suffering’. These may be words of comfort later. However, there must be time to mourn the fact that things will never be the same. One minute he was here and now he is gone. The human mind must be allowed to sit with this reality. Mourning is a necessary part of the human experience. If it is ignored, a general feeling of sadness may pervade the whole family.

One does not leave a funeral in the same way that he has come. He cannot help but have death on his mind. He cannot help but be aware that such is the end of all lives. He may look at himself and have a new awareness that his body will not last forever. These thoughts are

It was more of a shock because I, like many other practitioners, were never aware he had a common headache, let alone kidney-related ailment!

ones that humans must face and find a way to deal with. Some believe that death is only the beginning of the next great mystery and the soul is eternal.

Others take a practical view that death is all there is. One leaves a funeral with thoughts of life and its fragility on his mind.

The truth here is that this life is vanity; there is absolutely nothing in it, and that is why I always tell people that a life without Jesus is empty. There should be a good connect/relationship between you and your God. I will say again that if you are the one that has derailed from God’s ways because of the foolish things of this world, it is better you retrace your steps now. Tomorrow may be too late. God uses the foolish things of this world to confuse the wise.

I’m not a pastor, but just speaking about the realities of life, and that is the truth. Anybody could have been in the shoes of Muna. Even while battling with the ailment, I doubt if he knew he would so soon succumb to the cold hands of death. I was moved to tears when I read some of the tributes people were pouring on him.

What will people say about you when you’re gone? There is reward for everything you do, so choose wisely.

Rest in peace Muna Obiekwe.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 25 JANUARY, 2015

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SUNDAY

Faith 51

SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

News Assemblies of God seeks empowerment for revival p.52

Interview Pastors also need good things of life– Nnaji p.53

Sermon Lord, visit our land and redeem your people p.54

Sermon Total obedience not discretion p.55

Ajitemsan

Rape: How I saved ASP from lynching – Cleric B

Juliana Francis

Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

ut for the timely intervention of a cleric, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (name withheld) would have been lynched by a mob after he was caught defiling a nine-year-old girl at Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos State.

The General Overseer of Open Channel Bible Church, Gowon Estate, Lagos, Pastor Darlington Ajitemsan, said he was shocked when he saw the ASP defiling the girl about 9:pm in an open field in the estate.

Ajitemsan said the girl was the daughter of another policeman.

The cleric warned parents to be wary of family friends where their female children are concerned.

He said: “It happened right here in Gowon Estate, not too far from my church. I was outside when a commercial motorcyclist, riding through the football field, suddenly noticed a movement.

“It was the light from the motorcycle that also made me to know that two people were

Parents have to be careful whom their girl-children mingle with. The ASP and the girl’s parents live in the same block of flats in the estate. The man has been taking the girl out like that before,” Ajitemsan added on the open field. The girl was under the big guy. I did not know it was a little girl. The motorcycle rider was already calling me. I quickly moved to the spot. I saw the big guy on top of the girl. She looked like an eightyear-old girl.

“He had already penetrated her because I saw his penis inside her. It was that sight that

shocked me.”

Ajitemsan said that even as a crowd gathered, the ASP continued to lie on the girl, with his manhood still inside her.

“He was begging the crowd not to kill him, but made no attempt to stand up. An angry man in the crowd picked a plank and slammed it across the ASP’s face, shouting that he should get off the girl. The crowd started asking for tyres and petrol. The ASP turned to me, begging me to implore the crowd not to kill him.

“There was something peculiar about the girl. She was just staring as though she was not there. The ASP’s wife and kids rushed to the scene. It was embarrassing. The policeman is an ASP that lives around here. He said he was sorry.”

Ajitemsan said the ASP has a beautiful wife and a daughter.

“The daughter is even touted as a Nollywood star. All his kids are grown up,” he added.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Assemblies of God Church set for revival •Ordains 650 pastors

Fire crusade

Fire Crusade organised by Apostle Paul Gospel Outreach and Christian Association of Nigeria will run from January 22-29.

President of APGO, Apostle Paul Taiwo Adenuga, explained that the programme was a vision given by God to save the unsaved and to restore backsliders.The event will hold at Oluyemi Kayode Studium, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

A

Tai Anyanwu

gainst the backdrop of leadership crisis rocking the Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria (AG), the church leadership rose from a three-day retreat with a strong resolve to bring about a revival in the denomination.

The decision was reached at the just concluded annual leadership retreat with the theme, ‘Championing the Great Awakening.’

The programme was held at the International Conference Centre of the church (Evangel Camp), Okpoto, Ebonyi State.

In the words of its General Superintendent (GS), Rev. Chidi Okoroafor: “It was a season of great spiritual emphasis.

“AG leaders came face to face with God and received fresh anointing and grace to oversee the affairs of the church in the New Year,” he said.

Okoroafor explained that the focus of the church’s leadership was encapsulated in seven points.

The seven-point agenda, he explained, included emphasis on spirituality in every sphere of the church’s conduct, infrastructural development and human capital development among others.

He urged the leaders to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in all aspects of church administration to pave way for the desired

Diary

Release of the Spirit comes up

Cross section of Assemblies of God Church ministers at the annual leadership retreat held recently

re-awakening.

As part of the effort to actualise the great revival, 650 new ministers were ordained as Reverend Ministers; out of which were 596 men and 54 women ministers.

It was gathered that the ordained Ministers had served as full-time Pastors for 11 years, passed the prescribed examination and undergone the prescribed screening exercise in accordance with the tradition of the AG. As required by the church, the General Secretary, Rev. Godwin Amaowoh, presented the newly

ordained to the executive members of the General Council of AG. Rev. Okoroafor reminded the new Reverend Ministers that the ordination was a unique symbol of distinction and that a great change was expected to manifest in their individual ministries.

He urged them to shun mundane things or attractions, focus and depend totally on God in every aspect of ministry service.

The GS later performed the consecration ceremony aided by other EXCO members.

The leaders also used the op-

portunity of the church’s General Assembly Meeting and took some decisions regarding administrative matters.

Rev. Okoroafor presided at the meeting, which was attended by all the Executive Council members and Heads of the Administrative Units.

Also in attendance were past leaders and respected fathers of the church including retired general Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Charles Osueke; retired General Treasurer, Rev. Dr. John Ikoni and, and exEXCO member, Rev. Dr. D Y Chiwuzo.

Rape: How I saved ASP from lynching – Cleric CO N T I N U E D F R OM PAGE 51

The cleric recalled that the crowd had already picked stones and sticks, but he had to calm them down.

“I begged the youths to let him to be because they wanted to smash his head and burn him, especially since he is a policeman,” he added.

Ajitemsan explained that the most shocking thing about the matter was that the ASP was a close family friend to the girl’s parents.

He said: “The parents of that girl and the ASP’s family are very close, to the extent that you may call them family members.

“On that particular day the ASP took the girl from her home, her parents saw him. But they trusted him. He first took her to the junction where they normally sell beer and pepper soup, popularly called ‘Oritameta,’ where he used to drink ‘ogogoro’ (local gin) with his friends. He bought sweets and biscuits for the girl. It was after the drinking that he took her to the open field and slept with her.”

The cleric said that the news of the incident travelled like a wildfire in the estate.

According to him, policemen from Gowon Estate Police Station came the following day. But no arrest was made and the matter was quietly settled.

“Parents have to be careful whom their girl-children mingle with. The ASP and the girl’s parents live in the same block of flats in the estate. The man has been taking the girl out like that before,” Ajitemsan added.

According to him, parents should not entrust their children to anybody.

He said: “Whenever kids go out and come in, they should be questioned and checked. Like in the case of the girl, she was not walking properly when she stood up.

“For those that call themselves law enforcement agents, I feel they should go for psychiatric test before being accepted as policemen.”

Yinka Davis and other gospel artistes will be on hand to minister at the upcoming revival programme of Puregold Ministries, Lagos.

Slated for January 23 – 25, the event is tagged: ‘Release of the spirit.’The host, Pastor Chris Chiadika, explained that the event would take place at May 7 Event Centre, Okota in Isolo area of Lagos State.

Christ Methodist Church Retreat

A seven-day fasting and prayer retreat of Christ Methodist Church, Oshodi, Lagos begins on January 26, as part of the annual covenant prayer retreat programme 2015.

The Acting Presbyter of the church, The Rev. Ejim Chukwu, said the programme tagged: ‘Dwelling in God’s presence,’ will afford participants the opportunity to discover that living a Godly life is the secret of achieving success.

The event will be held at the church ground on Banjoko Street, Oshodi, Lagos.

UAMC holds 74th annual conference

All is set for the 74th Annual Conference of the United African Methodist Church. The event comes up inAjido, Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State from Sunday, January 25 to Tuesday January 27.

Over 2, 000 delegates from churches under the organisation in Nigeria and Republic of Benin are expected to attend this year’s conference.

The church’s General Secretary (Administration), Chief Bukola Payne, said the conference will be organised with the theme: ‘The satisfaction of God’s blessings.’ (Joel 2: 26).

The church secretariat will move to the venue on Thursday, January 22 while other officers are expected to arrive the following day.

“The special guest of honour at the conference is the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola,” Payne further said.

He stated that the highlights of the conference are the commissioning, elevation and consecration of ministers as well as installation of elders of the Ajido Circuit on Sunday.

The conference proper will hold on Monday while the women’s fellowship will close the conference on Tuesday with its meeting.

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Pastors also need good things of life– Nnaji How did you come into the ministry?

In the past, I had travelled to many countries. When I came back from one of my trips, the Lord told me that it was time for me to stay back and do His work. I obeyed; since then, God has not failed me.

In the ministry, God has blessed me with a lot of testimonies. Even people have testified about the goodness of God. Many single ladies are getting married; barren women are giving birth to children; many other wonders and miracles have taken place.

Prophet Noah Nnaji is General Overseer of the Sanctuary of Grace Assembly, Lagos. He spoke with STANLEY IHEDIGBO on issues concerning Christendom and more. Excerpts: God has been working in a very mysterious way in this ministry and there is nobody who entered this church that doesn’t have a wonderful testimony to give to the glory of God

Did you ever plan to become a pastor?

It all started like a dream. I always dreamt about a man telling me that I would serve him. And from that moment, I began to look for a church where I could worship God and work for him. I served under a minister called Prophet Cyprian Onuzuba, in Holy Trinity Church in Plateau State. Thereafter I was lifted up.

How has it been running the ministry?

There are challenges in running a ministry. Sometimes members don’t understand that money is required to do ministry. Even the handbills that we produce to announce various church programmes are done with money. Ministry is not like a business venture where one can invest N1 million and expects to make gain next year. If you bring out half a million naira to hold a church programme, you don’t necessarily have to expect cash as a return.

Everything we do in the ministry requires the grace of God. I also believe the Bible that those He has called, He will provide for them. Some men of God have asked me if I am sure that I was called by God and that if I am called by God I should be able to open branches of my church all over the country.

Can you share with us your vision and core values?

Buying flashy cars, acquiring property and amassing wealth are not my reasons for working for God. I believe that when someone has worked for the Lord, the Lord shall surely bless him. This is because the Bible says that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. However, when God has blessed any man of God, people often think otherwise. You see the business people having houses and cars as they want and nobody talks about it.

But if it is a minister, it becomes the talk of the town. Men of God also have families like any other person in this world.

If a pastor is blessed with a car, church members begin to complain and murmur.

The pastor will be accused using church money to buy cars and to look after his family. My point is that church members should as well know that pastors also pray to God to bless them with the good things of life just as God blesses the members. I remember when someone sowed a jeep into my life, the whole church said I had eaten church money. But they didn’t know that I began in God’s vineyard at the age of 12. There was a time I didn’t have a place to sleep. I was sleeping in the church and in the homes of friends and relations. This is not meant to dispute that some pastors only preach to satisfy the churning in their stomachs. However, there are people whom God called to work for Him. It is not good to generalise as if every pastor is materialistic. If there are fake pastors, there are also pastors that are truly called

by God What would you say has been your most outstanding miracle?

God has used me to heal insane people.

Today, those people God healed under my ministry are living as normal human being and fulfilling the purpose of God in their lives. Also, those that suffered de-

monic illness and possession by evil spirits have been healed in this church. The lord has also used me to heal incurable diseases, and wrought financial breakthroughs.

God has been working in a very mysterious way in this ministry and there is nobody who entered this church that doesn’t have a wonderful testimony to give to the glory of God.

Nnaji

What is your view about pastors who love bearing titles?

When I heard the voice of God, He said that I should be a prophet.

That is why I have stuck to the title of ‘prophet.’ God Almighty gave me the name prophet and I worked towards it. I saw the benefit in my life.

What are your expectations from your ministry’s ongoing 21-day fasting and prayer programme?

God told me that as much as grace is abundant, that evil will increase. We started the programme in the first week of January, and in that week we had three prophetic declarations. The lord told me that we should pray for every household against the enemy so that Satan would not prevent people from moving forward. Every week, God gives us prayer points and at the end God will give us the rounding up point to end the event with special anointing. So the people go home and begin to receive the goodness of the Lord.

What is your advice regarding the February elections?

This year is a year of abundant grace; and we are praying for the nation in every aspect. This includes the elections, economy, development. The lord said that those who put their trust in Him will do exploits. I really want to advise every Nigerian to pray for this nation to move forward.

Nigerians should stop criticising our leaders, because leadership is not easy even in our families. We need to pray that God should give our leaders the grace and wisdom of God.

Don’t underestimate power of gratitude Taming your Emotions Bishop

Lawrence Osagie 0806 325 0667 www.powerlineministriesinc.org mail:powerlineministries@mail.com

J

esus healed 10 lepers, but only one remembered the necessity of appreciation while the other nine forgot. And Jesus asked: “Where are the nine others?” This is to suggest that He expected them to also come back and show appreciation. That is always the situation with the people of God; 99 per cent have the propensity to forget to return the glory. Because they forget, the favour of God seems to be in short supply in their lives.

Never forget, I am ministering to you as a friend and a brother not just as a spiritual leader. Therefore, in your inner mind, see me sitting side by side with you. Your life can be a million times better than where you are now, and the route to that level is gratitude - be grateful.

A grateful man never stays small.

The Bible says they shall not be few and they shall not be small. The word of God cannot be broken, no matter how devil fights. Be grateful to God; don’t underestimate the power of gratitude.

To be ungrateful to God is an insult

A grateful man never stays small. The Bible says they shall not be few and they shall not be small. The word of God cannot be broken, no matter how devil fights.

Be grateful to God; don’t underestimate the power of gratitude to Him, because you were not the one that woke yourself up this morning.

It is absolute disregard to think that you kept yourself through the night.

The breath of God was what kept you alive. Don’t take that for granted, because many slept as you did last night and now they are nowhere to be found. You are not in any way more righteous than those who departed.

You are what you are by the grace of God; take it away, the totality of the human race comes to nothing. Only one hour’s seizure of air and the entire human race is doomed.

No wonder the psalmist in appreciation of the grace of God said: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; He maketh me lie down in green pasture, He restores my soul, and He leads me beside still waters. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thy rod and thy staff they comfort

me.”

One reason why David remained a well favoured Bible character was because of his heart of gratitude. In everything, he acknowledged the grace and mercies of God. And this is God’s expectation from us. David is an exemplary character worthy of emulation when it comes to praise and worship: I mean sincere adoration.

Blessed be the Lord God who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation - Psalm 68:19. God loads us with benefits on a daily basis.

He is never tired. Benefits unending – the provision of good health, life, sound mind to shelter, clothes, food, family, relations and the list can be endless. Sometimes, I look at myself and marvel at the mercies of God. When I see able bodied men parading the streets insane, I wonder what sin they have committed that I have never committed. And I bow to worship God for preserving me and fighting my battles. I know I am living because of His grace and mercies, not because of any of my work(s).

David knew that it was not his hand that brought down Goliath. Let all the women go down the streets and perform praise concerts in the name of David, the young man could not take God’s glory because he knew how Goliath fell. It was not by his strength.

So when you saw him dancing naked in the street before his subjects, he was only appreciating the grace of God that made him king. He knew he was not his father’s choice but God intervene.

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Lord, visit our land and redeem your people to keep challenging politicians to conduct purposeful and honest campaigns and contest. We ask the general public to refuse to vote for politicians who engage in violence, peddle falsehood and conduct purposeless campaigns as they have thus shown the manner of government they are likely to run if they win. We ask all Nigerians to obtain and secure their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and we admonish INEC to do all possible to conduct free, safe and fair elections, come February 2015.

Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

Bishops speak to the nation Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province comprising of Ibadan Archdiocese, Ondo, Ilorin, Oyo, Ekiti and Osogbo dioceses rose from their meeting last week in Ibadan and made known their concerns about the state of the nation. An eight-point communiqué entitled: ‘Lord, visit Our Land and Redeem Your People,’ issued at the end of the meeting, addressed the plight of people distressed and displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency, diminishing sensitivity to violence and the ongoing strikes in vital sectors of the country.

The communiqué reads in part as follows: n Imminent General Elections We commend all politicians and political parties who have so far run issues-based, violence-free campaigns in preparations for general elections in Nigeria. We urge them to continue in this manner, proposing their plans to work out a better Nigeria where peace and justice thrive. Many politicians unfortunately have either personally or through their cronies engaged in mudslinging, character assassination and outright falsehood to gain political advantage and provoke violence among the people. We denounce such unwholesome activities and urge a stop to them forthwith. We implore the media, civil society and the general public

n Violence in Nigeria We regret the persistent, murderous activities of Boko Haram in the NorthEastern part of Nigeria. We acknowledge the effort of government to curb the hydra-headed monster, the sacrifice of our soldiers, security agents, and civilians, many of whom have died in this crisis. May the soul of the dead rest in perfect peace and may those who have been injured and displaced continue to find succour in their needs.

We call on all Nigerians to cooperate with the security agencies through vigilance and prompt information. We decry the heightened level of violence in Nigeria witnessed in jungle justice, assassinations, ritual killings and the like. We hereby reiterate that human life is sacred and must be so treated from conception to natural death and we call everyone to reject violence and bloodletting in all their dealings. n Elections, Governance and Labour Strikes A general concern in Nigeria as elections approach is the near abandonment of day-to-day governance in the euphoria of campaigning for votes. Such situations, allegedly, are caused by the commitment of all state apparatus and finances to the canvassing for support and votes. This is perhaps responsible for the unresolved strikes going on in the academic and the health sectors

May the soul of the dead rest in perfect peace and may those who have been injured and displaced continue to find succour in their needs

in the country. We find this situation unacceptable, to say the least. It is immoral to donate and accept huge funds for frivolous causes, and daily change costumes and outfits for political rallies while neglecting workers in vital sectors of the polity. We admonish government and all concerned wake up to their statutory duties and resolve all outstanding strikes in order to save the public from further suffering and hardship. n Synod on the Family/Pro-Life and

Family Life Conference The Catholic Church holds a Synod of Bishops on the Family, in the later part of this year. We call on all to be attentive to the challenges faced by the traditional, Christian family today from powerful promoters of pro-choice lifestyles. These propose attractive but often sinful and harmful attitudes to sexuality and relationships which undermine the authority and influence of families and religious organisations, especially on the youth. We reiterate the Catholic Church’s stand for responsible parenthood and pro-life commitments.

We call on all our dioceses and organisations to do all in their power to support, educate and help families and individuals to be faithful to their vocation as agents of evangelisation and positive transformers of contemporary

society. In this regard, our Conference has approved a Pro-Life and Family Conference entitled: Human Life, Family Values and the Culture of Murder, to be held at the Pope John Paul II Centre of the Seat of Wisdom Parish, University of Ibadan between April 12 and 14, 2015. We urge all people of goodwill, groups and institutions to participate actively in this enlightening, life-giving event. n Year of the Consecrated Life The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has called a Year of the Consecrated Life which started on November 29, 2014 and ends on the World Day of Consecrated Life February 2, 2016. It is to be a period of reappraisal and reformation in order to re-energise all Consecrated people in their vocation. We take this opportunity to celebrate the gift of all Consecrated people in the Church and thank them for their sacrifice. We urge all to pray for increase in the number of Consecrated persons in our Province. n Anniversaries, Celebrations and Appointments We thank God for the anniversaries and celebrations that have taken place in our churches, institutions and families in our Province. We congratulate all, especially Most Rev Julius B. Adelakun, Bishop emeritus of Oyo diocese who celebrated his 80 birthday on November 4, 2015, Bishop Ayomaria Atoyebi, of Ilorin diocese who celebrated his 70th birthday on 3rd of December, 2014.

We also congratulate in anticipation Bishop Francis Alonge, Bishop Emeritus of Ondo Diocese who turns 80 on March 1, 2015 and Bishop Michael Fagun, Bishop Emeritus of Ekiti diocese clocking 80 on April 17, 2015. These are all signs of God’s goodness to our Province. May God continue to be gracious to us and bless us.

I shall not be bewitched Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

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person is bewitched when he or she comes under an unknown influence or enchantment or a spell.

Bewitchment is a subtle but potent instrument of oppression and manipulation that is designed and developed by the devil from the pit of hell. This instrument has been subtly designed such that it can be employed against anyone, irrespective of age, background, race, status or influence.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 This scripture has fully and clearly spelt out the mission of the enemy, and to successfully achieve it; he takes further steps further to introduce schemes

programmed to ground the destinies of men. There is a rationale behind the dark misery that has left you helpless in destiny. Apostle Paul, while addressing the Galatian church, unveiled this crafty device of Satan. Regardless of one’s status, a man can be bewitched if this wickedness prospers in his life.

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” Gal 3:1(KJV) When a man is under the influence of satanic bewitchment, he will no longer obey and live by the truth just as is the case was with the Galatians. When there is bewitchment in your life, your destiny will not follow the right pattern - the way God has ordained your destiny to go. Once there is bewitchment, a man’s destiny will be off course in the assigned agenda of his Maker. The victim could be born again and spirit-filled but when the spell of bewitchment is at work, he becomes a candidate of repeated failure and a consistent observer of times and seasons. The devil is so smart that with this subtle device of bewitchment, even when you ought to pray against satanic impediments, your zeal is engulfed in weariness and doubt.

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” Gal 3:1(KJV)

“But there was a certain man called Simon which beforetime in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one.” Acts 8:9 (KJV) Isn’t it amazing and beyond the ordinary for an entire city to be under the caprice of a man? This is the more reason you must pay attention to this evil and tactical device of darkness. This man, Simon, caged the destinies of men like him under an irresistible satanic influence. You have tried your best to breakthrough but an invisible force is always sabotaging your effort, surely a satanic bewitchment is at work in your life. Every bewitchment operating in any

area of your destiny, I command them to be lifted in the name of Jesus.

Sometimes, this satanic phenomenon can originate from one’s place of birth.

It is an evil entrapment destroying the lives of men. When an individual or even a nation is being bewitched, there will be continual occurrences of mistakes that will hinder progress. For an individual, it could result in fumbling and eventually stumbling even before his destiny helper and marks time while others are busy sharing testimony. Such victims are easily enslaved in oppression and worst still, would only live and act on fate rather than act in faith.

You can secure your freedom from this satanic grip by buying into this truth because this is what will deliver into your hands the spiritual insight that disgrace every force of darkness responsible for your sorrow and agony.

“Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.”

Pro 23:23 (RSV) Do not wait until you cannot pray or fast again, take a bold step today to stop that mess the devil has introduced into your life either consciously or otherwise and begin to live that “abundant life” Jesus Christ purchased with His precious blood. …to be continued

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Exercise your creative power Mystery ofAnxiety John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

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he whole earth was a chaotic mass, full of darkness. The Holy Ghost was brooding, meditating, ruminating, reflecting and incubating upon it, but nothing changed. That period of incubation was important because He was receiving what He was about to create.

Then in the midst of the chaos, confusion, hopelessness and formlessness, God said, “Let there be light and there was light.”

In the same way, speak to your circumstances; let there be light in your life from now on. Let the light of God shine upon your poor and empty bank account now in Jesus name.

The word of God also declared, “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was

made. In Him was life, and the life was made light of men – John 1:3-4.

Hear me dear readers, the same creative power lies within you, to create whatever you desire. The word is within you. The word that created the universe and upholds it is till today is still with us. T herefore we can stand upon the promises of God in His word and speak to your circumstances and situation. From this moment, learn to declare that positive change you need or desire. Your change has come, you shall shine. You shall smile and dance again in the name of Jesus Christ.

In Genesis 2:19, the Bible recorded thus, “God brought them unto Adam and whatever Adam called every living creature that was the name thereof.”

Beloved readers, listen and meditate on this; God gave you and I the power to have dominion and to be in charge of all things. That is why the word of God declared, “And God blessed them and God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” – Genesis1:28.

The word of God also said, “Thou

Therefore, if you don’t like where you are or what you have, begin now to change the way you think and speak about that thing. Keep saying positive things about your life. Keep confessing God’s word about that situation until you create what you desire

madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hand, thou hast put all things under his feet.”

God has, indeed, put all things under your feet; all circumstances and situations - both the ones you are passing through now, and the ones that you have yet to come across. Whatever you call anything animate or inanimate, circumstance or situation, God will stamp and endorse it. God not the devil brought creatures to Adam to be named.

Faith

God brought his creatures to Adam for naming. The same way God allows you to pass through some events, challenges, trials and temptations just to know how you will handle them. If you call anything a problem or an issue, it will become a problem or an issue. If you call your difficulties stepping stones, that is what they will be. Man is God’s representative and executor on planet earth. Man is God’s prosecution counsel. Whatever evidence man presents in God’s court of divinity, that is what will determine the outcome of the case.

Whatever Adam called anything that was what it became in nature, name and character. What are you calling that present challenge or problem before you? What are seeing now about that situation? If you see difficulties as stepping stones, they will become stepping stones. You can never receive anything from God beyond the words you speak, because your tongue designs your future.

Therefore, if you don’t like where you are or what you have, begin now to change the way you think and speak about that thing. Keep saying positive things about your life. Keep confessing God’s word about that situation until you create what you desire.

Total obedience not discretion the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

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he instruction “follow the prescribed order” implies “do the Will of God.” David captured it thus: “For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due or prescribed order (1 Chronicles 15:13). It also brings to mind the Lord’s admonition to Moses while he was to set up the Tabernacle. He said to him, “See… that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” (Hebrew 8:5). In walking with God and working for God, we must first find out His pattern or His will because there’s a pattern; there’s always a God provided way, there’s a prescribed order in doing the things of God. Follow it and you’ll experience His grace and blessings in your life and service of God. There is a prescribed order for our spiritual birth that follows the process of justification (Repentance and water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ). Any other form of baptism outside the example of the Apostles is a breach to the will of God). Sanctification (the remittance of our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ) and the Holy Ghost baptism that ushers in the spirit of Jesus Christ into our hearts. Romans 8:9 “If my spirit is not in you, you are not a part of me.”

There is a prescribed order for matrimony, for giving, for the operations of the gift of the spirit and the priestly service to mention just a few.

David found out that God’s prescribed order for carrying the ark of God should only be done by the priest - the Levites – (1 Chronicles 15:2) instead of the new cart he used. God will not accept ignorance or amnesia as an excuse whatsoever to break His commandment. David lost Uzzah in that revival for thrusting his zeal and enthusiasm above the will of God. God’s promises remain true forever.

There is an absolute in every promise, a divine assurance which does not leave any room for doubt (2 Cor. 1:20).

Jesus Christ our ultimate example in doing the will of God The example for all sons and daughters of God who are predestined to obedience in the will of God is the Son of God Himself, who was obedient right to His death on the cross (Phil.

2:5-11). On His way to the crucifixion He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death … and He fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt.

26:38-39). The book of Hebrews confirmed it when it said: “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book. it is written of me), to do thy Will, O God.” (Hebrew 10:7). If the Lord Jesus Christ will do nothing or say nothing but what the father shows and tells Him to say respectively, it draws our attention to the gravity God places on obeying and doing His will.

We also must consciously submit our will to the Will of God. Only then can we be in fellowship with Him and walk in His ways; so that we are finally transformed to do the good, acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2). For only they that do the will of God shall abide forever.

(1 John 2:17). Our Lord said: “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35). They are

It was Ordination Sacerdotalis that Pope Francis invoked during his epic impromptu air plane interview in July 2013 when he said, “With regards to the ordination of women the church has spoken and says no.” Pope Paul said so with a formula that was definitive.

That door is closed. Amen. That is in line with the prescribed order

the ones ”… which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13).

Lucifer, the son of the morning, removed himself by his own will from the Will of God and thus became the adversary and enemy of God. Repeatedly, he said, “I will..” (Isaiah 14:12-14). That was his sin, his fall and he pulled a part of the angelic world down with him.

David fell out of God’s favour each time he breached the will of God. When he committed adultery with Uriah’s wife and plotted his death, the sword of the Lord never left his house.

When he numbered Israel, thousands perished. Nadab and Abihu died in the sanctuary when they did not follow the prescribed order by using strange fire. A call to service is a call to recognise the Will of God, a commission is the actual proclamation of the Will of God to the people of God. The true church of Jesus Christ must now be built on the original foundation of

the apostles and prophets according to the perfect Will of God. In teaching and in practice, the divine order of salvation must be restored. The divine order of the priesthood must become a reality in the lives of all believers who are part of the body of Christ. As the church was in the beginning, so shall she be at the end.

Because religious organisations and denominations, who thrive in their traditions are not in the Will of God, the disharmony shows in the positions taken on Biblical subjects. The ordination of women is a good example. It has been the subject of heated debate.

Although The Seventh-Day Adventist Church has no written policy forbidding the ordination of women, it has traditionally ordained only men.

They have never taken the position that ordination of women is contrary to the Bible but they have insisted that no one ordain women until it is acceptable to all parts of the world church. The Seventh-day Adventists opted for a middle way approach (fence sitting) on the divisive issue of women’s ordination. Does this need a debate when God’s order is very definite?

The Salvation Army has allowed the ordination of women since the beginning, although it was a hotly disputed topic between William and Cathering Booth. The fourth, 13th and 19th Generals of the Salvation Army were women.

The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, as emphasised by Pope John Paul II in the Apostolic letter ‘Ordination Sacredotalis’ is “that the church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the church’s faithful. It was Ordination Sacerdotalis that Pope Francis invoked during his epic impromptu air plane interview in July 2013 when he said, “With regards to the ordination of women the church has spoken and says no.”

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Commanding Supernatural Victory! (3) The Voice of Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

7747546-8 (SMS only)

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ast week, I told you the devil is not only after your physical and mental well-being to corrupt them, he is also after you spiritually and socially. From Job 1:14-18, we see how he devastated Job’s social life – he killed his sons and daughters, his sheep, oxen and servants, his business, etc. Therefore, the devil is after you spiritually, mentally,

He tells us in Isaiah 41:21 to produce our cause, and bring forth our strong reasons. Settle down, take your Bible, listen to anointed tapes that address the issue of concern, take anointed books also, to find what is missing, and in no time, you’ll walk into your freedom!

The next step is to believe God’s Word.

It is your faith that converts God’s Word into power. The Word of God is not power until you believe it, because like Paul said: It is the power of God unto salvation for them that believe (Romans 1:16). Faith has to be there before the profits can be delivered (Hebrews 4:2).

Having found God’s Word and believed it, the next thing to do is to pray it. You then say in prayer: “It is written: You took my infirmities, so it cannot be there. I lay

hold on my freedom from this sickness and affliction today, in the name of Jesus!”

This is how to pray with the discovery you have made, in accordance with your faith.

When we ask anything in accordance with what we have discovered in God’s Word, He hears and answers us (1 John 5:14; Matthew 7:8).

After you have prayed, believe that you have received what you asked for.

Then go with that mentality to confront the situation. Mark 11:23 says: If you shall say to this mountain… Not, “If God shall say to this mountain…” Return to the situation and address it, with an overcomer’s mentality. Why? You have sorted it out with God, you have the backing of heaven, and you are operating in the realm of the supernatural.

Many people are waiting for God to talk to the mountain for them. When you pray, what God does is to justify you so you can have your victory the way you want it. Then you go to the mountain and address it by yourself. You have to say it first before you can see the victory, for life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Victory and defeat are in the power of the tongue. You must mind what you say. If all you are saying is victory, all you will see is victory!

Next, begin to act like you have the victory already. Look like you have the victory already and talk victory. Let everything around you begin to reflect that your victory is here. Ensure that your actions are in line with your declarations. Don’t look like nothing has happened; look like something has happened!

Your actions either buttress your faith or betray your unbelief. Therefore, don’t only declare it, also demonstrate it. Let your actions fall in line with your declarations. Then, you’re set for supernatural victory.

The final step is to refuse to quit. The Bible says: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward (Hebrews 10:35).

These are the seven scriptural strategies for supernatural victory: Discover it, Believe it, Pray it, Confront the Opposition, Declare your victory, Demonstrate your victory, and then Refuse to Quit. This is how to process the Word for the victory you desire. Friend, don’t disappoint destiny; accept responsibility, and it will enhance your dignity in life. Stop looking for who can do it for you!

If you refuse responsibility, you’ll die a liability.

Victory is the birthright of children of God. You become a child of God by accepting and confessing Jesus as Lord. If you are not yet a child of God, you can do so by saying this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. Forgive me ofs my sins. From today, I accept You as my Saviour and Lord. Thank You for saving me. Now I know I am born again!” I will conclude this teaching next week.

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books: Walking In The Miraculous, Exploring The Secrets Of Success and Releasing The Supernatural.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww. org

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015

News

Supplement FG allocations, Jonathan tells varsities Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Federal Government cannot provide 100 per cent funding for the federal universities across the country, urging the university authorities to supplement federal allocations with internally generated revenues.

Speaking at the 44th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, President

Jonathan who was represented on the occasion by the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, stated that “although this government is committed to the development of the universities, there is to state, in clear unequivocal terms, that government should not be expected to take 100 per cent responsibility of financing public tertiary institutions.

“The university itself must make concrete efforts to supplement government funding by generating its own resources.

And it is also expected that universities should ensure that funds accruing to it are prudently and meticulously managed”, said the president.

He said that Federal Government was resolved to continue to support the university education system, “especially to assist them to overcome their challenges in the areas of capacity building, knowledge dissemination, research and infrastructure.

“It is absolutely paramount that the universities should broaden the scope

of their professional concerns, create innovations in teaching and research, accelerate scientific and technological progress and ensure the overall mechanization and and automation of production in all areas”, the president also stated.”

In his remark at the occasion, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, declared that the incessant attacks on some political players by youths of other ethnic nationalities have taken a worrisome dimension.

Ekwreremadu, who was

uncomfortable with the state of insecurity and political tension in the country and attack on the convoy of President Jonathan party and campaign rallies said such attacks were not only barbaric, but cause indignity in the socio-political environment of the nation.

The senator, who was one of the beneficiaries of honourary doctorate degree at the occasion, lamented that in spite of the fact that Nigeria has worn the toga of a model nation in Africa, “we are worried by incessant attacks on some political players by youths of ethnic groups other than that of those they have been assaulting”.

He enjoined even the universities to help in their modeling strategies and formation of students to

join hand in the search for ways of curbing the situation just as he urged Nigerians to stand up to it in order to restore the dignity of the nation and the citizenry.

Turning to the university community and playing on the motto of the institution“To Restore the Dignity of Man”- the senator said there was no better auspicious to strive hard to restore this unity than now in view of all the negative tendencies bogging the country down.

According to him, there would be respite for all patriotic Nigerians until all the negative attributes liking insurgency and the attendant shedding of blood, stelling and robberies, among others would have been wrestled down so that the country can truly restore its dignity.

NBC stops stations from airing offensive materials Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

F L-R: Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Mrs Chidinma Chidoka; Minister of Aviation and Guest lecturer, Chief Osita Chidoka; Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka [UNN], Prof. Benjamin Ozumba; Chinelo and Chief M. Nwabude, at the 44th convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka [UNN] in Enugu State...yesterday

PDP is jittery of losing, say APC govs Muritala Ayinla, Temitope Ogunbanke and Cajetan Mmuta

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agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday said that the call for the postponement of the next month’s election by the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki was an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party to shift the goal post because of its fear of losing in the election.

Fashola statement came just as his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole said yesterday that the “subterranean plot” by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led Federal Government to postpone the elections remained a futile attempt to postpone the evil day.

Oshiomhole stated this at the palace of HRH, Oba E. Adeche Saiki 11, the Otaru of Igarra, headquarters of Akoko Edo council when he presented the national and state houses of assembly candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the monarch.

Oshiomhole said, “The issues are very clear. They have seen it and are now

calling for the postponement of the February 14 elections. You cannot postpone the evil day. Nigeria must go for a peaceful election and the election will be peaceful. When God has decreed, no man can do otherwise, when your time is up you can’t postpone it.”

Similarly, All Progressive Congress gubernatorial candidate in Lagos, Mr. Akiwunmi Ambode has vowed to complete the ongoing Lagos Light Rail Project, if elected as the successor of Fashola in the February 28 election.

Speaking at the APC campaign in Badagry, Fashola queried the rationale for calling for the postponement of the election, wondering why PDP was making clandestine moves to postpone the election since it commenced its campaign through Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) a year ago.

He said:”What you see is one chance; once in four years. All the time that they should have spent serving you, they were busy doing TAN rallies. They started the campaign one year ago, they were doing TAN rallies instead of serving you,

they were spending SURE-P money on TAN. If they had used that money to build health centres, highways and prosper your life, the story would have been different. The person that is campaigning one year ago is now saying no, let us postpone the elections. The game has changed. He has to defend his record. There are no longer sympathy votes. Six years ago, he had no shoes, he has shoes now and we see what he has done with the shoes. He has forgotten the people who voted for him.

He promised that Ambode would complete all the ongoing projects that he could not finish especially the light rail project, adding that rail transport project that the Federal Government claimed it was reactivating was an old fashion established by the colonial masters in 1900. He added that only the APC controlled Rivers and Lagos States are embarking on modern municipal rail system that would be powered by electricity.

“What they are doing is old fashion the locomotive engines that the developed countries are no longer using. But what we are doing

is modern light rail system that will be powered by electricity. This can only be found in APC states, Lagos and Rivers States. Akinwunmi Ambode will complete it for you.

He alleged that the entire SURE-P fund has been embezzled, saying, “The money they took for SURE-P is in Sure Pocket, that’s what SURE-P means. It has nothing to do with people. Now, not only are we expanding the road, what we are doing on that road is a 61km road network that we are converting to 10-lane. Now we are also building the first rail municipal project.

We cited it on this axis. We know what we are doing.

“The tourism economy that you have here, we have done the beach front, we are building the Cultural Museum, we have finished your High Court, but the strategic importance of the expansion of that road is to enable people comes here for tourism. If you can’t get to a tourism destination in one hour, you won’t want to come again. So, when that is finished, the wealth and prosperity of Badagry will be unleashed and would expand,” he said.

ollowing political tension across the country and apparent increasing use of provocative materials by some broadcast stations, the National Broadcasting Commission yesterday in Enugu directed all such stations across the country to stop the broadcast of such offensive political messages which could incite further violence in the country.

The NBC told the authorities of the stations that they have the responsibility to educate the masses and politicians on the dangers of smear campaigns by politicians against political opponents.

The Commission’s Director General, Emeka Mba handed down the directive

at a one-day sensitization meeting with stakeholders organised by the commission in Enugu and he stressed the need for stations to promote peace in all their broadcasts.

The NBC boss pointed out that broadcast stations and their personnel have important roles to play in building an enlightened civic society that should know its obligations before, during and after elections so that the people can hold their leaders accountable.

He also charged to strive at all times to support and promote all shades of opinion and provide a level-playing ground to all so as to avoid complaints of bias in any form from some political actors, a charge he also extended to operators of the social media outfits.

Plateau elders seek power rotation Buhari Bello jos

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lders of ethnic nationalities and socio-cultural groups across the three senatorial districts of Plateau State have condemned the emergence of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate from the North, the district of the outgoing governor.

They said it does not promote justice and equity for the rest senatorial districts, hence they are giving their support to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming elections.

In a communiqué signed by the stakeholders and

elders in the 53 tribes in three senatorial zones of the state made available to journalists, they said that the principle of power rotation among the three geo-political group for justice, fair play and unity among the people must be adhered to very strictly.

The group which was headed by Chief Ndam Gambo noted that power should shift to the southern senatorial district of the state since the North Central and Northern senatorial districts have had two terms of eight year each under Chief Joshua Dariye and Da Jonah David Jang respectively.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY

Sport 59

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Football

Super 4: Pillars beat Dolphins 2-0 in opener p.60

AFCON 2015

Le Roy vows to attack p.60

FA Cup

Anichebe’s double secures derby win for West Brom p.60

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu

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CAF Awards: Eagles must dig deep to win

The last time any Nigerian soccer star won the CAF African Footballer of the Year was in 1999 when Nwankwo Kanu won it for the second time. Former Super Eagles assistant coach, Joe Erico, expressed his disappointment on the failure of the country’s top players to win, more so when Nigerians won it in quick succession from 1993 to 1999. He told DAPO SOTUMINU that for the stars to win again they must dig deep FAILURE: Nigerian soccer stars won’t win the CAF Player of the Year Award in many years to come as they have been at the lowest ebb of their careers in the last 10 years.

I was in goal for the Green Eagles at the 1976 African Nations Cup in Ethiopia and I know where the shoe pinches.

Our players have not been able to impress at the world stage, simply because they have failed to dig deeper the way they used to when Nigerian top players like Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999) and Victor Ikpeba (1997) and won the award in quick succession. Rashidi Yekini just as he was the first Nigerian to score at the FIFA World Cup finals was the first to win the CAF Awards in 1993 after Segun Odegbami lost out narrowly in 1977 and 1980.

As it is, it would take another 10 years before Nigerian players return to reckoning in top African football awards. The truth is that, the country at the moment is facing a big challenge in producing great players who can take the world by storm the way the likes of Kanu, Ikpeba and Amuneke did during their active days.

DIGGING DEEP: By saying digging deep, I mean placing emphasis on youth development and their close monitoring as they move from one stage to the other. For Kanu, Ikpeba and Amuneke to become great international award winners they passed through the stages of proper nurturing for soccer players. We have the Introductory, the Advance and the Competitive levels. These players meticulously passed through this process and that was why

they were the best in their time.

The three stars played in the national junior teams of Nigeria before they graduated to the senior team where they became top superstars. As we all know, Kanu played for Inter Milan and Arsenal, Amuneke played for the almighty FC Barcelona of Spain, while Ikpeba was the Prince at Monaco FC of France.

Kanu played at the Japan 93 Under-17 World Cup, Amuneke played for the Flying Eagles at Cairo 91 All Africa Games, while Ikpeba played at Scotland 89 Under-17 World Cup at tender ages before graduating to the Super Eagles.

Today, the majority of the players we parade are too old to make any superstar impact at the international level. They tend to play top flight football for Nigeria at a time they should be hanging their boots in retirement from active football due to old age.

This is basically caused by lack of monitoring.

Most of the Nigerian stars today were discovered at the league level when at a stage of their career they are too old to do anything meaningful in the game. And before you know it they leave the stage for the foreign league to become our

PROPER NURTURING For a player that is properly monitored at age 17 years, we know that in five years’ time he would be 22 and that is high performance level. He can be monitored from here until he gets to the top, but there is nothing like this anymore in Nigeria.

Today, what we have are players I classify as ‘star flies’ that come to the stage, impress everyone and soon break down within a very short time. They do not last up there; some people call them flash in the pan. Unless we dig deep to sustain the developmental level, Nigeria will keep chasing shadows. Most of our players feature in the Nigeria Premier League when they are 26 years old or more, and by the time they play in two three clubs before moving abroad the diminishing return starts setting in when they are now 29 years old.

When I was in Owerri as chief coach of Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Nwankwo Kanu was just 13 years old and we monitored him properly until he reached stardom. That was why he could play top flight international foot-

Emmanuel Amunike

Victor Ikpeba

foreign-based stars that Nigeria rely on for international soccer victories.

ball both at club and national team for a long time.”

Yaya Toure who has won the African Player’s Award four times (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014) followed the path of proper development. He was discovered at a tender age of 9 years old by a European coach who nurtured him until he became an international star. He was properly introduced, that is why he has been very successful. All the CAF Awards he won were well deserved; even at the last one held in Lagos in January, I was so sure he was going to beat Vincent Enyeama to it.

SENTIMENTS: I was disappointed that goalkeepers were not looked into for a separate award by the Confederation of African Football, CAF. I am a bit jealous about that area as it is my direct constituency.

If keepers had been considered for a separate award, the Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama would have won the award for the best African goalkeeper in the world.

For me I believe goalkeepers can still emerge tops as overall winner of the best player’s award in Africa. We have had goalkeepers in the past won the CAF Awards. The likes of Cameroon’s Thomas Nkono and Morocco’s Badou Zaki made the difference in 1979, 1982 and 1986 when they won the award.

When we talk about top international stars good enough to win the CAF awards, our reference is basically to exceptional players who are exceptional human beings equipped with exceptional characters. You must possess all these on and off the field as you are being monitored, Joe Erico said.

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SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

Anichebe’s double secures derby win for West Brom

Ighalo scores four as Watford hammer Blackpool 7-2

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igeria’s Odion Ighalo scored four times as Watford produced a remarkable second-half performance to move within four points of the top of the Championship following a 7-2 victory over Blackpool.

The Hornets found themselves two goals down at the break, but they dug themselves out of that hole in sensational style with a devastating seven-goal showing after the break as Troy Deeny, Matej Vydra and Gabriele Angella also joined in the home side’s freescoring run following last week’s 5-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

Blackpool came into the game still searching for a first away win of the season, but they started the brighter and were rewarded with the opening goal in the eighth minute, although it came about largely due to their opponents’ defensive shortcomings.

The Hornets, who had already gone close through an Angella header, missed a good chance to equalise soon after when Vydra put the ball wide from close range after good link-up play with fellow strikers Ighalo and Deeney.

Thereafter, Watford controlled possession and territory for the most part as they probed to get back on terms. Goalkeeper Elliot Parish was extended a couple of times by strikes from Ikechi Anya and Ighalo, but the visitors were defending resolutely, remaining organised and three minutes before the break they went 2-0.

Tunisia beat Nigeria 5-3 in friendly

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he Samson Siasia’s tutored Dream Team VI, yesterday lost 5-3 to the Tunisian national Under-23 team in one of the two-game international friendly match.

Siasia travelled to Tunisia with a 19-man squad with coach Fatai Amoo taking charge of another batch of players who are participating in the on-going Super Four Glo Premier League tournament in Abuja.

Tunisia opened scoring in the first minute of the game through Jouini Slim, while Nigeria’s Effiong Etim equalised for the Dream Team two minutes later.

Femi Ajayi Junior put Nigeria in the lead at 2-1 in the 15th minute, but the Tunisians soon hit back a minute later to tie the game at 2-2 in a pulsating first fifteen minutes of the game.

Ghrab edged the Tunisia U-23s ahead, Femi Ajayi Junior was on hand to equalise again for Nigeria in the 33rd minute as the first half ended 3-3.

WEEKEND RESULTS

English FA Cup Blackburn 3 - 1 Swansea Birmingham 1 - 2 W/Bromwich Cardiff City 1 - 2 Reading Chelsea 2 - 4 Bradford City Derby County 2 - 0 Chesterfield Man. City 0 - 2 Middlesbrough Preston North 1 - 1 Sheffield Southampton 2 - 3 C/ Palace Sunderland 0 - 0 Fulham Tottenham 1 - 2 Leicester Liverpool 0 - 0 Bolton

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Chelsea’s players are left dejected after Bradford stage a stunning comeback

Super 4: Pillars beat Dolphins 2-0 in opener •Eguma admits Pillars were better

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igeria champions Kano Pillars got off to a winning start in the Super 4 competition opener in Abuja when they beat Dolphins 2-0 Saturday.

Kano Pillars were simply the better team as they were in control for the of the game, and got the first goal in the sixth minute through a long-range shot from Samuel Tswanya, which caught goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi napping.

Three minutes later, another new signing Christian Obiozor doubled Pillars lead off a pass by Rabiu Ali.

Omo Ojabu failed to put Dolphins ahead in the second minute, when he fired wide after he picked up a ball following goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai’s error.

Goalkeeper Rotimi denied Gambo Mohammed a goal when he saved his shot in the 23rd minute.

Jonathan Zikiye made a goal line clearance in the 40th minute to deny Obiozor his second goal of the game.

In the last minutes of the first half, Afelokhai was called to duty by an Ifeanyi Egwim free kick. He was again denied a goal

by Afelokhai who gathered is ef-

fort well in the 61st minute.

Dolphins chief coach, Stanley Eguma, said after the game that his team lost to a better side.

He added that poor finishing also cost his team dearly in the game.

“Pillars were the better side today(Saturday), they were also fitter and had the luck of early goals. Poor finishing was our bane today but I still believe we will improve,” Eguma said.

“I salute the courage of the players, who after initial loss of concentration recovered to hold out and I know we will improve as the competition goes on.”

Mourinho: Quadruple almost impossible

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ose Mourinho insists his Chelsea stars must ignore talk of a potential quadruple because it is virtually impossible to win all the major prizes.

The Blues are top of the Premier League, face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League second round and host Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final second leg next week after a securing a valuable 1-1 draw in the first leg.

But Chelsea manager Mourinho believes the inevitable fixture congestion that comes with long runs in the domestic cup competitions will prove an insurmountable hurdle.

There will arrive a moment in April, May where it will be so difficult that I would say almost impossible, Mourinho said.

“It’s very difficult,” Mourinho said. “A team that plays the League Cup final will have one game in the Premier League postponed. A team that plays the FA Cup semi-final will have a game postponed. A team that gets a draw in the FA Cup has to play another game. If a team is in all these competitions plus the European competition until the end of the season, there will arrive a moment in April, May where it will be so difficult that I would say almost impossible.”

Australia Open: Serena joins Venus in Round Four

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erena and Venus Williams showed their fighting qualities as both came back from a set down to reach the last 16 at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Top seed Serena, 33, found her form to beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 4-6 6-2 6-0, while Venus, 34, saw off Italy’s Camila Giorgi 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-1.

Four-time champion Novak Djokovic beat Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 6-4.

Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 winner, defeated Jarkko Nieminen 6-4 6-2 6-4.

Venus Williams’ best Australian Open performance came in 2003 when she reached the final If younger sister Serena was expected to reach the fourth round and well beyond, the

presence of Venus in the last 16 is a blast from the past.

The last time she went this far at a Grand Slam was at Wimbledon four years ago, and soon after she would be diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, keeping her out of the sport for seven months.

“I do my best every single day,” said the seven-time major champion, who faces sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska next.

“That’s pretty much the way it goes. I think just not being afraid is the most important thing.”

She added: “I like to win titles, whether it’s a smaller event or a big event. That’s what I play for. So, yes, it’s great to be in the second week. But is the fourth round my goal when I come to these tournaments? No.”

ictor Anichebe’s first-half brace earned West Brom a 2-1 win over Birmingham in the FA Cup fourth round at St Andrew’s.

After an even start the visitors took the lead when Anichebe finished off the inside of the post from Saido Berahino’s pass.

Anichebe made it 2-0 after 35 minutes when he shot into the corner, but Jonathan Grounds reduced the deficit in first-half injury-time when he swept home Lloyd Dyer’s cross.

The Baggies were forced to change their keeper in the second half after an injury to Boaz Myhill but still held on to secure their place in the fifth round.

The win means the Baggies are still unbeaten under Tony Pulis and they began brightly as Berahino brushed the side netting with an angled drive.

They took control against their Championship hosts when Anichebe struck twice in 10 minutes.

First, Berahino slipped the striker in and he steered a shot in off the near post on 25 minutes.

The pair combined again 10 minutes later as Berahino found Anichebe in the area and he spun his marker before hitting a shot that deflected into the far corner.

Congo v Burkina Faso: Le Roy vows to attack

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draw against Burkina Faso will be enough for Congo to progress from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1992.

Claude Le Roy will send his Congo side out to attack Burkina Faso in today’s crunch Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash at Nuevo Estadio de Ebebiyin.

Congo need just a point to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since in 23 years, while only a victory will do for 2013 finalists Burkina Faso in the final group match.

It has been 15 years since Congo the 1972 champions - qualified for the AFCON and the experienced Le Roy is determined to ensure their tournament is not cut short.

He said: “I am a coach that hates draws. I will never prepare my team to go for a draw. We are going to play for a win against Burkina Faso.”

“It’s unbelievable,” said Le Roy. “We were in the same [qualifying] group as Nigeria. We created a huge surprise in Calabar [beating defending champions Nigeria 3-2]. But with this team, anything is possible. They like to work, they like to sing together.”

He added: “The final? Please, the final is a long way off. We are talking about getting to the last eight first.”

Even a victory may not be enough for Paul Put’s men to avoid an early exit, much to the dismay of captain Charles Kabore.

He said: “Our fate now would depend on the outcome of the match between Gabon and Congo.

We no longer have our destiny in our hands in this competition. It’s so sad.”

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

More Grace Bible Institute: •Celebrating excellence built on God

Faith

The 9th convocation and matriculation ceremony of More Grace Bible Institute of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries was held few days ago in Lagos, Stanley Chibuihem Amalaha captured the event in pictures.

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, and his wife, Pastor Joy

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, General Overseer/ Rector, More Grace Bible Institute

Lecturers of the Institute A section of lecturers of the Institute

The church council of the Lord’s Chosen CRM

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Dr Chidozie Amadi, Dean Academic Affairs/H.O.D

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

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JANUARY 25, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

More photos from the 9th convocation & matriculation ceremony of More Grace Bible Institute

Matriculating and convocating students (groups) with their Dean Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

Matriculating and convocating students with their Dean

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 25 JANUARY, 2015

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SPORT CAF Awards: Eagles must dig deep to win, says Erico

FAITH

Sanctity of Truth

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The legal, political and security implications of postponing the 2015 elections (1)

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his week, the print, electronic, social and other media have been flooded with heated discussions, debates and sometimes, recriminations, over the call by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), on INEC to postpone the general elections due to security and logistical reasons. He was said to have concluded his observations by pointedly telling Prof. Attahiru Jega, “It costs you nothing, it’s still within the law.” As expected, this piece of advice has generated a flurry of comments and fervent opposition, from all sides of the divide. In the light of the ruckus it has generated, it is apposite to examine the provisions of the laws of the land with a view to determining if indeed, INEC has the power to postpone elections.

The necessary corollary question, if it has such powers, is, whether it is expedient for INEC to postpone the elections as is being advised by the NSA? Let me quickly enter a caveat here: In this era of political brinkmanship, when, whatever one says or writes, is interpreted from a political context. I am neither for the postponement, nor against it. The reason is simple. I am not a part and parcel of any of the major players and stakeholders to determine the security implications (NSA, CDS, CA, CAF, CNS, IGP, Customs, Immigration, Civil Defence, etc), or about the feasibility of holding the elections (INEC).

But, let me attempt a wholistic discussion of the legal organogram and possible spillover effects.

First, Section 25(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010, as altered, provides as follows: Elections into the offices of the President and Vice President, the Governors and Deputy Governor of a State, and to the Membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each State of the Federation shall be held the following order(a) Senate and House of Representatives (b) Presidential Elections; and (c) State House of Assembly and Governorship Elections Under 26(1), it is provided thus: Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the commission may postpone the election and shall in respect of the area, or areas concerned, appoint another date for the holding of the postponed election provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable.

From the foregoing provisions of the Electoral Act, it is abundantly clear that INEC indeed has the power to postpone elections, if it desires to. Since it is the only entity vested with authority to postpone elections, then, it is only INEC’s body language, utterances and actions that should be of utmost, or any

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08128444555 (sms only) importance, to us, not the sophistically and intensely demagogic verbalisation of egotistical sentiments of political parties, and the vociferousness of their principals and foot-soldier advocates.

So then, what is INEC’s body language?

What can be deciphered from INEC’s intentions as evinced by the utterances of its officers?

In a rather swift response, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on its part has maintained that it is working towards making sure that the general elections fixed for February 14 and 28 hold as scheduled (watch Channels television, 23rd January, 2015).

Indeed, in a keynote address titled, ‘Mechanism in place for Election Security and Violence in Elections,’ at the launch of the project, “Mitigation of Violence in Elections”, “MOVE”, organised by The International Foundation For Electoral Systems, IFES, Jega said INEC was committed to holding the Presidential election on February 14. He clarified that the question of postponing the election had never been discussed

by INEC, and no such decision taken.

However, the same Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was earlier reported to have unambiguously expressed his reservations about conducting elections in some parts of the country, especially, the three North-eastern States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. He had said (watch Channels Television video clip of the 12th January, 2015).

A place like Borno State, unless something is done about those that have been displaced, even return for the governorship might be difficult, if not impossible under the circumstances.. to be realistic, we must say that it may be impossible to do elections everywhere,

MAMA LASISI

Jega

in every local government, in every constituency in those three states, Gleaning from the above utterances of the INEC, one can deduce that Jega means that the elections must be held as scheduled, even though, the three States of the North-east will, for now, be excluded.

This position of the electoral body would have been unassailable going by the wide discretionary powers donated to it by the Electoral Act to postpone elections in certain areas for reasons stated in the Act, especially if the postponement concerns the Presidential, Governorship, National and State Houses of Assemblies. In the case of ILLIYASU V. SHUWAKI & ORS. (2012) LPELR-SC.17/2012, the Court of Appeal, interpreting section 27 of the Electoral Act 2006, which is de verbo in verborum the provision of Section 26 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as altered in 2011,

held, per Okoro, JCA, thus: “Under section 27 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2006, an election may be postponed. It States:- “27 (1) where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the Commission may postpone the election and shall in respect of the area, or areas concerned, appoint another date for the holding of the postponed election.”

See also, the cases of DIBIAGWU v.

INEC (2012) LPELR-9831(CA); PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY v. CHIEF ANAYO ROCHAS OKOROCHA & ORS. (2012) LPELR-SC.17/2012.

There is no iota of doubt that the situation in the North-East is well captured by the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, above, as prevailing conditions upon which the electoral body can invoke its discretionary power as given to it under the section to postpone an election, appear to exist. What the Electoral Act demands of INEC is that the reasons for the postponement must be “cogent and verifiable.” Can it be said that the reign of terror and insurgency in the three North East States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe do not amount to such “cogent” and “verifiable” reasons? It is, however, submitted, that with regards to the Presidential Election, unlike the Governorship and National Assembly elections, any postponement of elections in any part of Nigeria will inevitably raise a labyrinth of constitutional difficulties and challenges.

Unlike other elections, a person contesting for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has the entire country (North, West, East, South), as his primary and immediate constituency. (See Section 134 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as altered). Thus, when elections are conducted in the Country with certain parts of the country being excluded, can it still be said to be a full presidential election conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitition of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as altered? I dare say NO! • Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

By Aliu Eroje

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