The Nation April 27, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

blame Nyanya bomb blast: Don’t Fulani for Culprits will pay, attacks –Gowon Jonathan vows

TorTiv: No inch of Tivland for grazing reserves –Page 5 Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper –Page 4

Vol.08, No. 2821

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

Genocide memo: Security council didn’t condemn me, says Nyako

APRIL 27, 2014

–Page 5

N200.00

ABDUCTION

Boko Haram scatters school girls in camps Shehu Sani: Involve Datti Ahmed, others in –Page 6 negotiations with sect DHQ in fresh rescue bid

L-R: Former Lagos State Governor and National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings; former Nigeria Head of State, General Abudulsalam Abubakar; celebrant, Chief Tom Ikimi; former President, Ibrahim Babangida; Chief Gabriel Igbinedion; Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; Interim National Chairman APC Chief Bisi Akande; during cutting of cake to mark Ikimi’s 70th birthday at his residence at Igueben, Edo State at the weekend.

Photo: Taiwo Okanlawon

APC HOLDS PEACEFUL STATE CONGRESSES NATIONWIDE

–Pages 76-77

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

2 PAGE

CAPTURED

Badagry to host biggest seaport

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Badagry pledged that the Federal Government was planning to build the biggest seaport in Badagry, Lagos State.

He made the pledge at the 37th coronation anniversary of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi I, held at his palace in Badagry.

The president, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the decision to establish the seaport was part of the Federal Government's Transformation Agenda.

"Badagry is a historic town and it is the cradle of tourism, so we hold it in high esteem. For over 100 years, Badagry was the exporting point in Nigeria but back then, it was slave that was being exported out of the country.

Police need urgent and fundamental reform T

HESE are not the best of times for the Nigeria Police. Two recent incidents show clearly the problems confronting them, and why structural and attitudinal reforms are needed to redeem the image of the law enforcement agency. The first case involves a 31-year-old woman from Benin Republic, Idowu Akinwunmi, who works as a cook in Lagos.

Arrested by policemen from the Onikan Division on April 15, 2014, she was detained overnight and, according to her, allegedly raped by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Onikan Station, SP Adekunle Awe. The case is now under intensive investigation by relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police.

The second incident took place on December 18, 2013, and it involves a mobile police officer, Nasir Mohammed, who assaulted a 22-year-old woman, Funmilayo Adebayo, in circumstances and in a manner that have outraged the country. Investigations began only after a video recording of the assault surfaced on the Internet.

When the incident was first reported, the police were said to have dismissed it as a case of a woman attempting to disarm a police officer. These were not the only times assault and rape allegations were made against policemen.

Nor will they be the last if the police do not appreciate the desperate need to embark on fundamental reform.

BAROMETER Does Jonathan sunday@thenationonlineng.net

The police can of course not be isolated from the larger society, nor be immune to the rank violence and brutishness that seem to be the order of the day everywhere in the country. Admittedly, whenever the police were confronted with incontrovertible proofs of their officers' misdemeanours, the top brass found ways of getting redress for the complainants, though sometimes grudgingly. But it is not in all cases that video evidence or irrefutable proofs are available. In such cases, senior officers had often instinctively engaged in cover-ups. The consequence is that policemen are often tempted to abuse their powers or pull rank over the less privileged when there is a high possibility of escaping censure. That glaring lack of professionalism has reinforced the unfortunate image of Nigerian policemen as brutal and irresponsible, perhaps next door to South Africa's.

The two recent incidents, and the very bad image of themselves the Nigeria Police exude, make it urgent for the police authorities to reassess the quality and psychology of their men, as well as

their mode of operation. The proper place to begin a reassessment is the presidency. But little will come from this part of government, considering the presidency's lack of vision of a sophisticated police force. The federal government, which has proved unable to fund and manage the law enforcement agency with the aplomb of a 21st century state, has not been able to detach itself from misusing and misdirecting the police for its own private purposes.

Without the requisite discipline, it is unlikely that the federal government will be able to impose strict operational guidelines on the police, or even provide them the tools and infrastructure, including living and office accommodation, to conduct themselves decorously and efficiently.

However, instead of submitting to fatalism and allowing things to degenerate further, the police must help themselves. But this will require disciplined, honest and efficient leadership. That leadership must envision a modern and reformed police force able to conduct itself as the number one law enforcement organisation on the continent. And they must have the will to see the reform through. So far, there has been nothing in the past few decades to show that successive police leadership understood what to do, or that they are imbued with the character to do what is necessary. If DPOs can indeed rape detainees, or, as it happened in some other states, overlook gross physical and sexual assaults in their cells, it is irrefutably the clearest indication that discipline has broken down almost completely. The police authorities must understand that the rot in the force has gone beyond merely punishing offending policemen. It is time to take a firm, courageous and holistic approach for the cleansing and substantial reform the police need to thrive. Or each Inspector-General of Police will simply pass the nuisance the police have become to his successor.

need these meetings to function?

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ITHOUT prejudice to whatever useful measures the expanded meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan, his security chiefs, the 36 governors and a number of other highly placed personalities might map out to combat Nigeria's security problems, especially the Boko Haram insurgency, it is hard to justify the need for these meetings when the president, with all the powers vouchsafed to him by an exceedingly generous constitution, can independently apply himself decisively to tackling national challenges.

The meetings, however, come in handy because the presidency was at its wits end. By vacillating interminably on whether to fight or not fight Boko Haram, the Jonathan government, by default, obviously allowed the problem to fester badly.

But what is even worse is that as Boko Haram repeatedly wrongfooted the presidency, the response from Aso Villa was as confused as it was feeble. Tragically, the government's resolve on military and policy battlefields, on the few occasions it exhibited it, has been underscored by more brawn than brain. With a declaration of state of emergency in three states, deployment of more troops and hardware, and the application of more financial resources, it was expected that the insurgency would abate. The insurgency has not only remained vicious and potent, it has become even more audacious. Brazen Boko Haram attacks on targets located far and wide are followed by abductions of schoolgirls that mock the president's avowals to fight, and render the country impotent and hopeless.

It is in these tragic circumstances that the president has called for more meetings with diverse groups, some clearly irrelevant to the war, and all amounting to showy exhibitionism. Instead of meetings and more meetings, which give the impression that the president might be fishing for consensus on unpopular measures of doubtful efficacy, let him boldly take intelligent and efficacious measures to rein in the insurgency threatening the unity of the country. The team he has saddled himself with at the moment can't take him far. If he can't realise that simple fact, then he has not started the anti-terror campaign, let alone the anti-terror war he and the military purport to be fighting.

By ADEKUNLE ADE-ADELEYE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

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HE funeral pyre has been aglow in Nigeria this past week. It portends the end of the Lugardian state as bequeathed by our colonial conquerors and as perfected by their neo-military inheritors and successors. Three incidents will suffice to illustrate this dire development for the Nigerian nation. Not surprisingly, they all have to do with the ongoing armed critique of the state and nation by the Boko Haram insurgency.

First was the abominable slaughter of scores of early morning commuters in broad daylight by the sect in Abuja, the capital city of the nation.

This was followed by the wholesale abduction of hundreds of students from a secondary school in Yobe State after which they were herded into waiting buses for onward transportation to the dreaded Sambisa forest.

Without mincing words, this is arguably the most alarming case of hostage taking in the history of contemporary warfare.

Last Wednesday, the super mullahs finally arrived at the supermarket, or almost. Lagos was gripped by fear and panic. There were unsubstantiated rumours that the dreaded nihilists were on their way to put the greatest conglomeration of Black people on earth to sword. This is as close to hell as it can get.

Earlier, and in order to ratchet up the psychological offensive, the insurgents had issued a statement that they were already in Abuja. After the apparently well-coordinated Nyanya bombing, no one could pooh-pooh the claim as fanciful boasting. The Nigerian post-colonial state is on its way to becoming a historic casualty.

A palpable fear enveloped everywhere. Maximum security was deployed. If the sect had Lagos within their rifle sight, then all is lost. Yours sincerely was caught up in the weird drama. Something will have to give eventually. Not even during the darkest moments of the civil war were state security forces subjected to this kind of nettling humiliation.

Force — raw, unadulterated violence— has been the organising principle and coordinating co-efficient of the stentorian state. It was not without some historic justification. The main rationale was that since human beings are no angels, it was the

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O it is then that it no longer matters how early you set forth these days. Death and disaster are permanently lurking on the Road. They have become twin-companions of the commuter. Like Siamese twins, they are irreversibly conjoined by nature. Only modern medical wizardry attempts to separate them, and it is always an extremely risky operation. Whatever colonial fate and nature have joined together, let no man put asunder.

In the event, it is only those who are extremely lucky who reach their final destination. Otherwise, you are destined to become part of some grim statistics of death and involuntary disappearance. The old African travel advisory about setting forth at dawn which signposts the welcoming allure and invigorating breath of early morning no longer makes sense. It was meant for another age.

But being a creature of ancient habits, snooper always likes to set forth at dawn. Last Wednesday was no exception. One had set forth from Lagos at dawn hoping to reach Ogbomosho by noon for the investiture of the former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University.

So it was that very early in the morning, one had arrived at the new outskirts of Lagos, which is actually situated in Ogun State. Lagos is a mega-state megalopolis which keeps developing new skirts and outskirts like a rapidly mutating wonder child and to the dismay and chagrin of topographic seamstresses.

Like a massive whale in dread of

COLUMN

The endgame of the Lugardian state

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3

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Mohammed Ustaf

bounden duty of the state to rein in the wilder and more anarchic impulses of people in order for meaningful progress and development to take place.

This was the kind of menacing, authoritarian state bequeathed to an African continent already suffused with traditional tyranny. In the Congo, the state was known as Bula Matari, or the crusher of rocks. It crushed a lot of human rocks. From King Leopold who cut off their hand and limbs to Mobutu who smashed their brains and equally stole them blind, it was merely an exchange of monkeys for baboons. Ditto for all the colonial overseas possessions.

You cannot give what you don’t have. In Western Europe, the old stentorian state ruled the roost for a long time. For centuries, the English state brooked no opposition or dissent until they started lobbing off the head of their kings. In France, Louis famously proclaimed himself as the state until the people asserted their supreme sover-

eignty in an orgy of violence.

In Germany, the deposition of King Wihelm in 1914 marked the end of the old authoritarian state. For 40 years, General Frank Franco ruled Spain with an iron grip until biological coup d’etat intervened. So did Antonio Salazar in Portugal until the soldiers who bore brunt of the colonial wars in Africa began to abandon the shrine.

In Greece as late as the seventies, some deluded colonels seized power but were eventually overwhelmed and punished for their temerity. In Latin America, the same wave of popular uprisings ended authoritarian rule rooted in the Iberian model, most notably in Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela and Chile.

Nothing lasts forever in human affairs. As societies progress, as new technologies develop, and as the clamour for more popular participation in governance increases, there usually comes a time when the aggregate of the means of violence and dis-

ruption available to certain non-state sectors equals or even surpasses the coordinates of violence and coercion available to the state.

Wise states, reading the handwriting on the wall, normally divest themselves of a substantial part of their capacity for the production of violence, opting for more refined forms of coercion and compliance. In such circumstances, certain societal institutions such as the school, the family, the media and even religion serve as ideological sectors of the state providing both blackmail and subtle intimidation at the intellectual, spiritual and psychological levels.

This is the norm in civilised societies. These social institutions constitute the first bulwark in the defence of the state against hostility and adversity. A lot depends on the intellectual cadres where and when it comes to humanising the state and making it amenable to the real needs of the people.

But when an ethically and politically bankrupt state decides to meet force with force and violence with violence, it may eventually be overwhelmed and subdued, giving rise to a radical reconstitution of the state or the nation or both simultaneously. If we were running a serious government with a homogeneous and organic vision of the country and its destiny, there ought not to have been a serious Boko Haram threat in the first instance.

But no country can escape the iron law of retribution. It is not by accident that the best run nations on the African continent such as Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Rwanda and now Cote D’Ivoire are nations where the state had once been subdued by hostile forces. Nigeria may yet undergo a revolution by default if the Boko Haram scourge leads to a significant deterio-

You may set forth at dawn being beached, the city has been thrashing out in all directions including towards the Atlantic Ocean itself.

Just imagine how Lagos would look like in another 40 years. Fifty years earlier, Agege was an ancient town completely severed from contemporary Lagos. It was the last outpost of hinterland Yoruba culture and civilisation. To your adolescent earlobes, the language of the local people seemed strange and intriguing. It was Yoruba all right, but what kind of Yoruba was this, you wondered then. Even Oshodi was an isolated rural farmland with a solitary train station brimming with farm produce freshly disgorged by the Idogo train which was a proverbial byword for slow motion.

A nasty traffic tailspin at Ojodu Berger forced one out of the early morning reverie about the old colony. But miraculously and mysteriously, it evaporated like a ghost just like it had built up. This is part of the great wonders of contemporary Lagos. You always find nothing at the end of every traffic build up. Don’t ask any question, just get on with it.

Very soon, as the countryside began to open up, you lapsed into another memorable reverie. April is the most beautiful month in Nigeria. The entire countryside is draped in stupendous greenery, the colour of renewal. The landscape is one vast evergreen ocean. The early rains have come, and the long siege of drought and harmattan is giving way to the

bounteous wonders of nature. The nostrils are filled with the becalming and herbal smell of fresh earth.

It is in April that Mother Nature’s astonishing gifts to Nigeria are in full parade. It is an embarrassment of riches. Only very few countries combine within their territorial space the mangrove swamp of the delta with the arid severity of the Sahel. With such extremities of climate, Nigeria should be one of the natural food baskets of the world.

Sadly, 54 years after independence, Nigeria remains unable to achieve self-sufficiency in food productions.

In one of the greatest scandals of the modern nation-state, many Nigerians still go hungry.

As a full treatment and therapy for the institutional decay of contemporary Nigeria, Snooper often escapes into the countryside. Anybody who has journeyed across the English countryside with its verdant green, its rolling hills and fully mechanised farming must appreciate this wonderful joy of nature as it is made to work for humankind. It is what the singer Tom Jones called the green, green grass of home, and it rises to meet you as you approach either Heathrow or Gatwick for landing.

It was mid April, and the countryside was beginning to sing again.

Lagos-Ibadan Express Way remains a long scene out of a horror movie.

But once you are out of the Bedlam of the Bible Belt and its assortment

of religious curios, once you negotiate the old tyranny of the trailer tailspin at Ogere which has now been subdued, thanks to Ibikunle Amosun, the grandeur and beauty of the countryside loom large overwhelming you with its perfumed presence.

You begin to smell the countryside in all its vast and variegated verities. You can sniff the earthy odour of the cricket, the sharp, pungent stench of a certain species of dung beetle, the fragrance of early mango and the lavender of wild flowers. At a point, you are overpowered by the wonderful aroma of fresh palm wine.

Why have Nigerians been presented with such a beautiful country with unlimited possibilities? Nigeria ought to be the magnetic hub for the transformation of the entire continent.

The story is told of how some disaffected nationals of other African countries made a representation to God complaining about the unfair advantages granted to Nigeria in terms of national resources and agricultural potential. The good Lord was said to have looked at his interlocutors without blinking. He was then known to have observed: “As for Nigeria, you wait until you see the kind of people I will put there”.

Shortly after Ogere, the drama began with a plaintive phone call from a friend in Lagos. “Where are you?” the frantic caller began. Before one could answer, the caller dropped the bombshell. “Whereever you may

ration of the security situation.

The problem with the Boko Haram insurgency is that it does not seek a radical and drastic reconstitution of the old Lugardian state but a radical Islamisation of the nation failing which a forcible partitioning will do. Except in a few aberrational enclaves, theocracy is incompatible with the paradigm or raison d’etre of the modern nation-state.

The Boko Haram insurgency may yet achieve its objective by default if its current siege on Nigeria leads to a fracturing of the military along religious, regional and ethnic lines, or if its campaign is brought home to the south of the nation. Even more so than in Western nations, the military remains the glue binding together the creaking joints of the old state in Nigeria. If it comes unstuck, Rwanda would be a child’s play.

On the other hand, if the sect were to hit a major objective in a densely populated megalopolis like Lagos, we might as well say goodbye to Nigeria as we know it. Our situation is far more precarious than we can imagine. Having proved themselves to be an extremely bloodthirsty and bloody minded group, we can as well conclude that if the Boko Haram group are not looking in this direction at the moment, it is not because of caution or restraint but because it has not put its logistics together.

This is why the events of last Wednesday even as they turned out to be a hoax should be an appropriate reminder of how little time we have left. The Nigerian political elite must put on their thinking cap. The nation is closer to the brink than we can ever imagine. This is not the time for inflammatory rhetoric, or for dangerous insinuations that polarise the nation further. Some endgame is here with us. be, make sure you don’t venture near Lagos-Ibadan Express Way. Boko Haram has invaded. They are approaching Lagos.”

“I am in Ogere, and there is nothing like that”, Snooper answered.

The phone dropped with an ominous clatter on the floor. It sounded like a death sentence. A few minutes later, there was a more frantic text announcing that the Boko Haram people had killed several commuters and were matching on Lagos. It was all too reminiscent of Ore during the civil war.

An eerie silence descended on the normally bustling Express Way. Vehicular movement suddenly dwindled. After a quick evaluation, yours sincerely came to a decision. It was better to continue than to turn back. It was a nervewracking moment. Snooper began imagining the hordes of the merciless swarming all over the car that had been brought to a forcible halt before setting it ablaze. Having escaped the fangs of the Nigerian state several times, martyrdom from an unlikely source now beckoned.

It was the longest 20 minutes ever. Very soon, the ungainly profile of the Ibadan metropolis appeared in bold relief. There was no Boko Hram in sight. But if this was a glimpse of the looming apocalypse, something urgent needs to be done to rescue Nigeria from this political and religious quagmire.

Goodluck Jonathan and the political class should stop playing politics with the fate of an endangered country. It is time for an urgent bipartisan summit on the state of the nation.

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Govt sets aside $300m risk guarantee for investors in power sector

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HE Federal Government says it has set aside 300 million dollars as a partial risk guarantee to protect investors in the power sector.

The partial risk guarantee is a risk-sharing mechanism that provides banks with a partial coverage of risk exposure against loans made for energy efficiency projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Olawale Rasheed, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil yesterday in Abuja.

The statement quoted Wakil as saying this at a discussion on Power Sector in Africa organised by the U.S. Department of Commerce in Miami, Florida.

According to the minister, the fund is domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the World Bank.

The minister, in his keynote address at the event, said the Federal Government had lined up series of incentives to strengthen investors' confidence and guarantee return on investment in the sector.

He said that waivers and tax holidays had also been put in place for power equipment importation for generation, transmission and distribution.

He assured investors that return on their investment was guaranteed, saying that very attractive tariffs regime had been put in place for investors in renewable energy sector. ``The government of Nigeria has achieved what industry experts described as one of the most holistic, ambitious and transparent privatisations of power assets in recent times. ``The distribution and generation assets have all been successfully handed over to the private sector since November 2013," the minister said.

On the Power Africa initiative sponsored by the U.S., he said that Nigeria was poised to take advantage of the initiative as a strategic opportunity for securing the much-needed investment in the sector.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

NEWS

NE of the early facilitators of peace talks with Boko Haram, Comrade Shehu Sani, yesterday warned the Federal Government against the use of force to free the over 100 students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, being held by the sect.

He said recourse to force might turn tragic.

He asked the government to raise a panel to open communication channel with the sect for the purpose of freeing the girls.

Sani, who is the President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, suggested inclusion of the President of the Sharia Council of Nigeria, Dr Datti Ahmed, selected insurgents currently in detention and a few journalists from Maiduguri whom the insurgents will listen to on the panel.

The panel, according to him, should be mandated to open a channel of communication with the insurgents and "secure the release of our chil-

Culprits will pay for Nyanya bomb blast, Jonathan vows

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan vowed yesterday that the brains behind the April 14 bomb blast at Nyanya, the Federal Capital Territory, would pay for the mass murder, no matter how long it takes the long arms of the law to catch them.

He promised government's support for the bereaved and the injured.

President Jonathan spoke at the fourth Presidential National Prayer Breakfast session in Abuja.

The security agencies, according to him, are not only working to bring the perpetrators of the evil act to book, but also to forestall further attacks in the country.

"Our prayers are with the victims of Boko Haram and

• Takes abduction of 234 girls to God From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

their families and loved ones.

The last tragedy of this heinous ideology occurred while we were preparing to mark the resurrection of our Lord at Easter, bringing sorrow to many families ," he said.

"The government is offering all assistance to support the affected families as the security agencies work tirelessly to unravel the scourge of this evil and to forestall further senseless desecration of our homeland.

"And of course, no matter what the government does, we cannot recover the dead but

one thing we promise is that all those who took part in that act will surely pay for it."

He asked all Nigerians to "come together and have faith to combat the ignorance, intolerance that may lead to this unwarranted hatred and continued violence because we are all children of God." Continuing, he said: "As we celebrate Easter, it is no wonder that we are overwhelmed by the mercy of the awesome God. His love for us is so deep and inspiring. We need to rely on Him to pursue peace and overcome the enemies of the nation.

"My message to you this

morning is a sincere appreciation of your prayers.

Your love for our country gives me hope and encouragement to do more for the good of our country. I urge you not to relent in your prayers and dedication because overcoming the present challenges we face may look impossible with men, but with God all things are possible.

This is clearly seen in the scriptures and this is my article of faith. And of course, this is one of the things that make me smile whenever you see me."

"By the grace of the Almighty, Nigeria will overcome the evil of

•From left: President of Benin Republic, Bony Yayi, President Goodluck Jonathan, First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, president's mother Eunice Jonathan and guest preacher, Prof. Vincent Anigbogu at the presidential national prayer breakfast programme at the Banquet Ball, Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

Shehu Sani: Involve Datti Ahmed, others in negotiations with Boko Haram From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operations

dren held hostage."

Time has come for government, he opined, to source for the right people to open discussion with Boko Haram.

He said: "Some of us have made independent efforts and made countless pieces of advises towards ending the insurgency and restoring peace to our country which was ignored.

"Some credible peace makers I know of were frustrated, blackmailed and threatened to the point of giving up. The insurgency in Nigeria is sustained by merchants of war who profit from heavy security budgets and merchants of peace who profits from costly, false and misleading dialogue funded by the government."

•Fears use of force may turn tragic Sani specifically warned against the use of force because it could turn tragic for the innocent girls.

He said there is nowhere in the world where force has been successfully used to free hostages.

He alluded to the fact that the sect was already using the girls as shield to prevent counter-attacks by troops.

He added: "The Chibok girls and other children in the custody of the insurgents can be freed, should be freed and will be free. The use of force or the threat of the use of force to free them can only lead to a tragic outcome by putting the lives of the innocent children in greater danger.

"The use of force or threats of the use of force is not meant to free the children of Chibok but to save the face of our security forces, the government and the nation. The children of Chibok are clearly hostages and any attempt to free them must be through channel that will not put their lives in further jeopardy.

"Anywhere in the world where children are used as human shield by gun men, use of force has always proven to be fatal. We must not bow or surrender to terrorism but we have a moral duty to free those children we failed to protect earlier and deliver them safe and alive to their parents. Every new day the children spent

in captivity, we as citizens of this generation share the collective guilt for our inaction.

"The anger and pains in the minds of those girls now in the grip of the insurgents is not just against a government with a constitutional duty to protect them but also against the nation with a moral responsibility to free them."

The CRCN president blamed the nation for not being proactive against insurgency.

He said: "The abduction of the over 200 girls from Chibok by the insurgents is not the first time girls or children were abducted by the insurgents. As a nation we simply hesitated to take preventive action when it

terrorism."

Prayers were also said that God might intervene in the effort to rescue the over 100 students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State who were abducted two weeks ago by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram.

President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic specially prayed for the children's release, stressing that Boko Haram and its collaborators are not needed anywhere in the African continent.

"No one has the right to destroy what God has created .Good will always overcome hatred and wickedness," he said A minute silence was observed in memory of the victims of the Nyanya bomb blast.

The guest speaker at the session, Professor Vincent Anigbogu, urged President Jonathan not to be distracted by the prevailing threats to nation-building, and said that Nigeria is not the first or the last to experience obstacles in its stride to development.

Quoting 2 Peter 3:8, he said: "All great visions for Nigeria must move forward. Just like the threats of Herod in the Bible were made insignificant, the threat of Boko Haram shall be insignificant. If your desire is to change this nation for better, God will honour it.

"Many leaders faced similar challenges and overcame them.

You are not alone, Sir." Using the Singapore experience as an example, he said: "During threats we must focus on our goals. Don't allow distraction. Nigeria must remain a multi-lingual, multicultural and multi-religious country. No single organisation can derail this country. We must arise during this season and be extraordinarily tough."

He also harped on the need to for Nigeria to be free of corruption.

"Our talents should not be targeted at how to go to the moon, but let us create jobs for the youths. We must establish first class infrastructure in the country."

At the prayer session were Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Willie Obiano (Anambra), Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Omehia, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chef Anyim Pius Anyim and Christian leaders from different parts of the country.

happened earlier in other schools until Chibok happened on a larger scale.

"We have failed as a nation to protect ourselves, end the insurgency and now we have failed our children. Each day spent by the Chibok girls and other children held in the custody of the insurgents, our heart bleeds and our spirit is chained down. Our future generation has become innocent victims of the ineptitude, docility and infamy of the present generation."

He said the nation has failed to protect its young ones and "now we are denying them the opportunity to live a free life. If the nation had taken serious lessons from earlier brigandage by the insurgents, we could not have been talking of the use of force to free our children. For over three years, the insurgents have been burning schools, killing teachers and abducting children, why did our outrage wait for Chibok?"

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

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NEWS

Tiv won’t concede an inch of land for grazing reserves, says Torkula

HE Tiv are in no mood to concede an inch of their land for cattle grazing by the Fulani, the paramount ruler of the Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, has said.

The Tor Tiv, who has lost hundreds of his people, mainly farmers, to armed attacks by nomadic Fulani herdsmen, said those who are coveting Tiv land should be ready to kill all Tiv as they would not readily give up their land.

Dr. Torkula who doubles

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi as Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council spoke in his palace in Gboko when the Tiv Professional Group (TPG) paid him a visit.

He said that the Tiv had in the past given out part of their land for cattle grazing only for their magnanimity to be abused by the beneficiaries.

He said those who are now pressurising them to give out more of their land for grazing do not mean well for the Tiv

many of whom are farmers.

He said many of his people have been killed by Fulani cattle breeders and that such breeders should be encouraged to acquire land for ranches and confine their cattle to such enclosures.

He said: “I will not concede one inch of Tivland for grazing reserves or grazing routes. My subjects are farmers and they need the land to farm. In modern times, and globally, those investing in cattle acquire land for ranches.

They then source for food for

their cattle. This solves a lot of conflicts.

“Farming is our occupation. We don’t even have enough land. Tiv lands in Taraba and Nasarawa are gradually being taken over.

They still want us to give the little land we have left to farm for grazing. That is too much to ask. It is unacceptable.”

The Tor Tiv also said his ancestral home that was sacked and razed by Fulani herdsmen remains occupied by the heavily armed invaders.

“The corpses of our kiths and kin are decaying. No one can go and bury them because my ancestral home has been under Fulani occupation,” he said.

He asked the security agencies to help his people regain control of their villages so that they can resume their normal living.

The Tor Tiv also called for the resuscitation of the moribund Mzough U Tiv Association (MUT) to provide an avenue for all Tiv to share ideas

•Senate President, Senator David Mark (second left); Couple, Fredrik Goran Skog ,Labara Susan Ogbeha , (middle) , Father of the bride ,Senator Tunde Ogbeha (second right) and mother –In-law , Skog, during the traditional marriage of Labara Susan Ogbeha, Daughter of Senator Tunde Ogbeha in Lokoja, Kogi State on Saturday.

Fulani not responsible for attacks, says Gowon

F

ORMER military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, does not believe that Fulani herdsmen are the brains behind the recent wave of attacks in parts of the north.

He said Nigerians should rather blame hoodlums who dress as Fulani herdsmen for the killings and destruction of property.

Gen. Gowon, leading a delegation of the Nigeria Prays Movement of which he is head on a visit to Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State in Abakaliki, said: “I find it difficult to believe that it is the Fulani herdsmen who are predominantly little children

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

that cause the mayhem in some parts of the country.

“These children carry sticks and lead their cattle on pasture across the country, but now some people put-on Fulani clothes and perpetrate crisis.

“The question is how the transformation from little cattle herders to criminals took place, as we should continue to pray that God touches the hearts of these disgruntled elements to change.”

He described prayer as the main tool necessary to solve the numerous security challenges confronting the nation.

“The power of prayer is

stronger than all physical powers we have as when it touches our souls, we become the right instruments God wants us to be,” he said.

He added:”In the Bible, Saul was persecuting the Christians, but when God’s power touched him, he became the strongest disciple that ever propagated God’s word.”

He said that the seriousness of the security challenges in the country makes it imperative for Nigerians to seek God’s grace to restore peace to the country.

He asked residents of the state to turnout en masse today for the prayer summit scheduled for

Abakaliki by his organisation.

Elechi, in his response, thanked Gowon for his fatherly role in the country and for leading the vanguard to salvage the country through prayers.

He said of the former military leader:”Gowon became head of state at the age of 31, bravely waded through the civil war period and is now leading ordained men of God to seek solutions to the nation’s problems.

“He has remained relevant in all regimes since leaving office, both military and civilian, and he insults no one but gives fatherly advice to successive governments.”

Navy pledges to punish any personnel for misconduct HE Nigerian Navy has pledged to investigate and prosecute any of its personnel involved in acts capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the service.

This is contained in a statement by Lt. Way Olabisi, Spokesman, Western Naval Command, Lagos. The statement promised to punish the naval

personnel alleged to have shot at a tanker driver at Ibafo/Trinity area of Apapa in the early hours of Friday, if found guilty.

“Nigerian Navy has a reputation of not covering offenders and this case will not be an exception, especially if the suspect is found to be Nigerian Navy personnel.

“He will be made to

face the full weight of the law as the Nigerian Navy is also more concerned because it was alleged that a naval officer carried out the act,” the statement said.

The statement said that investigation into the matter was ongoing to ascertain the identity of the person if it was truly Nigerian Navy personnel.

“So far, it has not been

authenticated that the suspect is a naval personnel, thus, any member of the public with useful information and identity of the suspect should contact naval authorities.

“The Nigerian Navy is therefore appealing to members of the public to exercise restraint and wait for the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” it said.

and express themselves.

Speaking on behalf of the Tiv Professional Group Dr. Zachariah Gundu said they are in support of the Tor Tiv’s position on grazing reserves.

He said TPG is also against grazing reserves because it cannot be sustained.

The group condemned the sustained killings in Benue State and tasked the security agencies to contain the crisis so Tiv farmers can go back to their farms.

I was not condemned at security meeting, says Nyako

G

T

5

OVERNOR Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State is disputing claims by some of his fellow governors that he was roundly condemned by participants at last Thursday’s meeting of the National Security Council.

A major issue discussed at the meeting was Nyako’s letter to Northern Governors in which he accused the federal government of hiding behind the current state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe to perpetrate alleged genocide in those states.

Several governors were said to have engaged Nyako in a shouting match at the meeting calling his action unpatriotic.

But speaking to reporters in his Dougirei residence in Adamawa State, Gov. Nyako said what is true about the meeting is that people ‘made observations’ about his letter.

“My letter was never condemned. People made observations but nobody came out and asked why or how I reached my conclusion and all that. They never asked me this,” he said.

“Mr. President allowed everybody to speak; he asked for comments and we were allowed to read the paper (letter) again; and he asked for comments. Nobody condemned me for writing such a letter. The talk that my paper (letter) was condemned is all nonsense.”

He said the President remains his friend regardless of their recent political differences.

He also praised President Jonathan for the matured manner in which he handled the situation.

According to him, “We as a people must remain loyal to the President and always pray for him to succeed as our leader.

He is my friend and brother and I’m his Special Adviser on Agriculture and he also appointed me as a member of the National Economic Council.

“The President is a good person. The only problem is that many Abuja based politicians with evil motive have been going to him to say Admiral Murtala Nyako doesn’t like him. The President has since stopped listening to charlatans who want to put a wedge between me and him.

“Mr. President, to me, was really superb the way he handled the Security Council meeting. He wore no anger, no sign of getting too involved and he allowed everybody to speak.

This is a democratic country and

Barnabas Manyam, Yola we are free to speak.”

He dismissed as untrue a statement by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he was out to frustrate Jonathan’s visit to Adamawa.

Such statements could only have come from ignorant people, he said.

“I am ready to leave the entire Government House for the president during his visit. In fact, I was saddened that the president had to be confined to a certain cubicle during his last visit to the state while the Government House was there for him to use,” Nyako said.

He explained why he had to write the controversial letter, in the first instance.

He said the massive deployment of troops to the northeast occasioned by the imposition of state of emergency has not, in any way, stemmed what he called mass murder and destruction of property in the zone.

He said:”Everybody knows that the security situation, especially in the north, is degenerating by the day as mass killing is being recorded. The records are there. A number of people taken into the custody of the state and the nation’s apparatus are being taken to the grave yard for burial from the cells.

“Those inmates are not being fed or looked after and it is a well-known fact in this state.”

Nyako added that the failure of any government agency to carry out its responsibilities is usually an indictment of the affected institution.

He described the involvement of the military in containing internal insecurity as out of fashion.

“About 80 percent of the world’s nations have prohibited the use of the military to contain internal security issues. The use of the military in internal security situation is prohibited by most nations in their constitution,” Nyako said.

This trend, he said, informed the decision of the Babangida Administration to refuse to send the military to contain the Zangon Kataf uprising and the crisis in Taraba State.

The governor expressed happiness that a new resolve has been adopted by all stakeholders and with that a new strategy to resolve the insurgency is being taken by the stakeholders to resolve the insurgency.

NEWS

6

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

Abduction: Boko Haram moves school girls to different camps

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HE Islamist sect, Boko Haram, may have moved the over 100 students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, it abducted two weeks ago into several of its camps as part of the strategy to use them as human shield, according to indications last night.

The girls are believed to have been originally taken into the sect's fortress in Sambisa forest but following the directive to the military high command on Thursday by the National Security Council to rescue the hostages, it was gathered yesterday that Boko Haram leaders had split the girls into groups and moved them into different camps.

The Defence Headquarters is not relenting in its own efforts and has put in place a Frontline Operation Base for the assignment.

Sources also said yesterday that security agencies have quizzed the Principal of the school and a security guard who survived the terror attack, on how the incident occurred.

The agencies are vetting the school's roll with a view to ascertaining the actual number of those abducted.

Some parents said recently that up to 234 were taken away by the gunmen.

Former governor of the state, Senator Modu Ali Sheriff has condemned the insurgents for holding the girls hostage.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed the Frontline Operation Base will be used for the tactical engagement to rescue the school girls.

A top source said: "The troops are already in the Frontline Operation Base but they are doing necessary reconnaissance. There is assurance that the girls will be rescued with minimal casualties. A team from the Defence Headquarters spent three days at the base during the week.

"Even the sect was aware that the troops were closing in on them, through the base, to liberate the girls. In fact, the sect made spirited efforts to

•DHQ floats Frontline Operation Base to liberate them •Security agencies probe school roll, quiz principal •Ex-Governor Modu Ali speaks out on insurgency abort the mission of the troops.

"The killing of 40 insurgents during an encounter with soldiers in Bulanbuli was part of the botched attempts by Boko Haram to attack the Frontline Operation Base.

"We will ensure that we embarked on constructive engagement to set free these girls."

Another reliable source said the troops have not attacked the suspected location where the school girls are kept because of fresh intelligence report that the sect might have split the hostages into different camps.

The source added: "We are trying to verify this intelligence report that the insurgents have redistributed the girls into camps to use them as shield.

"Whatever the case, we are monitoring their movement . Wherever the girls are, we will do our best to rescue them alive."

On the verification of the school population, a different source said: "Security agencies have actually quizzed the Principal of the school and a guard on what transpired when the sect invaded the school.

"These agencies are looking into the real school roll as at the time of the incident. This exercise will include seeking answers from the Principal as follows: What was the total roll of the school? How many were in final year? How many of the girls have concluded examinations when the incident happened? Did any of the girls leave school after writing examinations?

"Security agencies may also interact with the cooks to know how many plates of food were served that night.

They expect class masters and dormitory masters to assist too.

"One bend these agencies are looking into is the high

FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

probability that those in the school were not up to 234 girls as at the time the abduction took place.

"These agencies are seeking the dossiers of the 234 students to locate their parents or guardians one by one to confirm if their daughters were among those abducted or not. Fortunately, most of the girls are from Chibok.

"The security agencies are suspecting that some of the

girls might have returned to their parents but they do not want to come out to admit because Boko Haram might go after them. Some of those who abducted the girls were said to be locals who are members of the sect.

"Whatever the case, if Boko Haram is holding one girl or 100 girls or 234 girls, the military is determined to liberate them from captivity."

Meanwhile, a former Governor of Borno State, Senator Modu Ali Sheriff yesterday asked the nation to rise against what he termed

as "madness" by the insurgents.

In a statement which he personally signed, Sheriff accused Boko Haram of trying to destabilize the country.

Nigeria, he said "must rise up against this sheer madness and affront."

He added: "It is the height of insensitivity for innocent school girls to be taken out of their learning environment and be subjected to the criminal livelihood of these insurgents.

"As former governor of Borno State, I am saddened that our people are being subjected to horrific experiences occasioned by the condemnable activities of the Boko Haram, which agenda is to destabilize the

country and subject Nigerians to undeserved conditions.

"I am confident that Government all levels are doing everything possible to get the roots of the matter and bring this madness to an end, but suffice it to say at this juncture that all Nigerians must rise up in unison to condemn these people and offer useful information on how they can be contained.

"My heart goes out to my people every time one life is lost, or any citizen subjected to unbecoming experiences, and I have always condemned such acts in my heart. We must intensify prayers and rededicate ourselves in these trying times, so that Nigeria can progress."

•Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku (L), receiving Badagry Pilgrim Award on behalf of President goodluck jonathan from Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-toyi at the Akran's palace in Badagry yesterday

‘Fayose lacks credibility on LG poll’

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HE Kayode Fayemi C a m p a i g n Organisation has faulted the allegation by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayo Fayose, against its candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, over the conduct of local government election in Ekiti State.

Fayose had alleged that the Fayemi administration refused to conduct local government election in the state. But the Fayemi Campaign Organisation in a statement by its spokesman, Dimeji Daniels said "it was Fayose's party, PDP, which sought and was granted an injunction against the election slated for 4 February, 2011."

According to it, "It would have amounted to disobedience of a court order like the PDP did during the Segun Oni administration if the Fayemi administration had gone ahead to conduct the LG poll."

According to it, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said that local government election will be conducted in the state before the end of this year after the case in court must have been decided.

"The kind of Local Government election that the APC Government will conduct will bring more development to our people

at the grassroots, unlike the tragic Local Government elections conducted by the short-lived administration of Ayo Fayose.

"Ekiti people remember the tragic LG elections that Fayose conducted in 2004, as well as a subsequent vacant councillorship election in which Tunde Omojola was killed in IfakiEkiti on 28 May, 2005 during a local government bye-election.

"Ekiti people remember how Fayose as a sitting governor led thugs to Ilawe during a local government election to threaten and harass the people. Two police officers, Taiwo Balogun and Titilope Aratile, testified against Fayose at the election

tribunal. They narrated how he stormed the council area with a retinue of mobile policemen and some soldiers with fake nametags to hijack ballot boxes at the various voting centers."

The Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, stressed that Governor Fayemi will never conduct a local council poll in which ballot boxes will be snatched, neither will he lead thugs to sing 'olomo kilo f'omo re, oni a ro' (Today will be bloody, everyone should take caution).

"Fayose has no credibility to pontificate about local government elections because he has consistently preferred mayhem and brigandage to free and fair election." It said.

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

Women sign protest letter over abduction of 232 girls

By Sunday Oguntola

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HOUSANDS of women have signed a letter protesting the abduction of 232 students of Government Girls Secondary School Chibok in Borno State by radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

The Deputy Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Nike Adeyemi, who is spearheading the campaign, said the letter will be delivered to the National Assembly soonest.

The action, she added, is to back up the prayers of the women, who she explained have been traumatised and bothered over the abduction of the female students.

Adeyemi spoke with reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the Women of Destiny conference with the theme “blessed to build”.

She condemned the abduction of the girls, saying it makes no sense to keep the victims just to make a point.

According to her: “Like every mother with daughters, this (abduction) is most condemnable. It is heartbreaking.

The helplessness of the family and the victims is unimaginable.

“We have prayed but we are backing it with a protest letter meant to motivate our security forces and the government to spare no efforts in rescuing the girls”.

Nigeria gets $1.14 billion to combat killer diseases

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IGERIA has received $ 1.14 billion grant from the Global Funds to combat three killer diseases.

The killer diseases are HIVandAIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Haliru Alhassan, stated this at the weekend in Sokoto State.

He spoke during the commemoration of the 2014 World Malaria Day with the theme: “Invest in the future: Defeat MalariaTogether we can”.

From: Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

The minister, who explained that 44 per cent of the grant is indicative allocation to malaria, noted that malaria constitutes a major public health problem in Nigeria.

He said:”Over 90 per cent of the population of Nigeria is at risk as Nigeria contributes 25 per cent of the malaria burden in Africa.

“The burden persists despite governments’ efforts at all levels. Over N480 billion is lost annu-

ally through absenteeism from work and school, prevention and treatment.”

He said malaria contributes 30 per cent to childhood mortality in Nigeria and 11 per cent maternal mortality.

The minister maintained that Nigeria is employing responsive measures to effectively contain the menace of malaria across the country.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko, represented by the Health Commissioner, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, said

the government was aware of the human and socio-economic consequences of the malaria burden.

Wamakko said the state has since introduced a free medical care programme for pregnant women and children under age five.

“We had also introduced and sustained the rural medical care programme with over 230 primary health centres built across the 23 local govenrnments of the state,” Wamakko stated.

CBU donates to accident victims at Igbobi hospital

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HE Catholic Brothers United (CBU), a religious based organisation in St. Agnes Catholic Church Maryland Lagos, has donated consumables valued at several thousands of naira to accident victims at the Orthopaedic hospital Igbobi, Lagos.

The donation is in line with the group’s socio-religious obligations to facilitate in the recovery efforts of individuals suffering from different ailments in the society.

Speaking during the donation, which held at the hospital premises, Mr. Emmanuel Uwukhor, president of the association said, the CBU apart from functioning as a spiritual organisation also supports Nigerian youth development by facilitating skill acquisition and capacity building.

Uwukhor said the group has played vital role in helping to create opportunities that have jumpstarted entrepreneurship and vocational opportunities for various youth groups.

Apart from providing the platform for exchange of creative ideas for employment generation, CBU hosts the biggest lecture that addresses key national issues, the president stated.

•Governor Ibikunle Amosun in the midst of chieftains of the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), addressing delegates at the party's State Congress held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta yesterday.

PDP praises political class for unity against terrorism

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has applauded political leaders for uniting against terrorism.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, described the development as unprecedented in contemporary history.

He added that the “new found unity” has restored the confidence reposed in the political class to provide leadership direction for the nation.

The statement marked a departure from the PDP’s several futile attempts to lay the blame for the sustained bloody terrorist attacks in the country on the doorstep of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Our political class has

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

shown their commitment to the unity and greatness of our dear country. They have shamed doomsday prophets who relentlessly work against our unity by not only stoking the fires of hatred and dissensions but also by predicting disaster and countless negatives against our dear country.

“Their coming together to present a common front not only speaks volumes to the citizenry regarding the unity of the nation, but also sends very strong message to those behind acts of terrorism and violence in our land.

“This is the only way to move the nation forward. In uniting, the political leaders not

only rekindled the spirit of oneness among Nigerians but also revived the faith in the Nigerian project, which were hitherto threatened by unhealthy dissensions,” the PDP added.

The party commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his untiring efforts in the fight against terrorism, saying that the enlarged National Security Council meeting on Thursday created the platform for unity among the political leaders.

The PDP called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and to continue to stand against actions that encourage violence and terrorism.

According to the ruling party, the challenges facing the nation are transitory and cannot defeat the collective spirit

of the Nigerian people and their proven determination to live as one.

“The PDP believes in Nigeria and Nigerians. We believe that our country will emerge out of these challenges a renewed, stronger and more united Nigeria.

“The time has therefore come for all citizens to look ahead and join hands in love to build a prosperous country where all will live in peace and unity irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences,” the statement added.

The PDP assured it would continue to provide level play ground for all citizens to advance their views and aspirations without compromising the overall interest and unity of the nation.

lic health burden in Nigeria however it is preventable and can be defeated and eliminated”.

He said malaria, which is a house hold name, is a lifethreatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bite of infected fe-

male anopheles mosquito.

He added: “It should be noted that about 97% of the population are at risk of suffering from Malaria each year”.

About N132 billion, he further stated, is lost annually due to all effects of malaria considered on the economy.

‘Malaria causes 11 percent maternal mortality’

M

ALARIA is responsible for 11 percent of cases of maternal mortality in Nigeria, The Secretary for Health in the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Demola Onakomaiya, has stated.

He gave the figure while speaking with newsmen in

rom Bukola Amusan, Abuja

Abuja.

Onakomaiya said: “Malaria causes 30% under five years mortality, 25% infant mortality and 11% maternal mortality in Nigeria thus it is a dreadful disease of high pub-

7

Ogun APC : No victors, no vanquished, says Amosun •LaudsOsoba’s support

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GUN State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to unite to overcome the challenges ahead.

He noting that its monthlong congresses have produced “no victors, no vanquished.”

Amosun said those who won should be magnanimous in victory while those that lost should take it in their strides.

He spoke yesterday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta at the end of the State congress of the party, which was monitored by 12 officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the state and federal levels.

He said the congresses in Ogun APC had proved “free and fair elections are possible in Nigeria if we all abide by the rules”.

The governor added: “One thing we should all take away from the conduct of our congresses is that there was no overt or covert attempt to impose candidates or disenfranchise anyone.

“The exercises were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and all electors exercised their right of franchise without let or hindrance”.

He explained that the National Secretariat of the party had provided in the Congress Guidelines opportunities for petitions and redress and that “some members of our party actually utilised the avenues.”

Commenting on the protests that nearly marred the sitting of the Appeal Panel last Wednesday, Amosun said such was not totally unacceptable in politics. “Once people don’t take laws into their own hands, then all is well and good.”

He stated further that with the overwhelming endorsement of the April 5 and 12 Ward and Local Government Congresses by the APC Appeal Panel and the success recorded in the State Congress, members should now sink their differences and come together as one family.

“Yes, tendencies are common to party politics all over the world. But once the process has run its full course, party faithful should come together in the interest of the party,” Amosun argued.

“I spoke with our party leader, Olusegun Osoba, this morning and we shall continue to work together so that we can face the next elections as a united body,” he added.

The state’s helmsman lauded the leadership of the party at the national and state levels on the credible polls and urged party faithful to sustain the positive momentum so that APC can win a landslide in the general elections.

Amosun thanked the people of Ogun for their unflinching support and abiding faith in the party and his administration, adding that his government would continue to justify the confidence reposed in it.

Chairman of the State Congress Committee, Hon Ope Salami, commended the efforts of the rank and file of the party towards successful congresses.

8

NGO plans economic summit for Osun From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

A

NON-governmental organisation, Peoples Welfare League, is planning an economic summit which will discuss the state of the economy of Osun State and how to revamp it.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the state capital, the National Co-ordinator of the PWL, Comrade Biodun Agboola, said the summit holding on 29th and 30th of April was designed to provide solutions to challenges associated with public finance.

Agboola said the summit tagged "Orisun Aje 2014" would further assist in determining the economic future of the state as well as ways of improving its economy.

He said that renowned academics like Professors Mojeed Alabi of the University of Ilorin, Oyesoji Aremu of the University of Ibadan, Ayo Olukoju, and Mr. Lekan Sote will discuss various topical issues at the two-day summit.

Agboola also disclosed that Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, will deliver a keynote address at the summit, while discussants at the summit will cut across all fields of human endeavours.

He further disclosed that renowned labour activist, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, and Ambassador Olu Otunla, will chair the summit.

LUTH gets free 120 blood banks

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

T

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

NEWS

HE Blood Bank of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba has been increased by 120 pints.

This is courtesy of Novartis Pharma Services Scientific during the marking of its Community Partnership Day (CPD) to commemorate the merger that created Novartis in 1996.

According to the Country Group Head, Novartis Pharma Services Scientific Office, Mrs. Vera Nwanze, the voluntary donation by staff of the company has presented a unique opportunity for all associates to make a difference in their local community and make their personal contribution to Corporate Citizenship.

"This worldwide initiative is aimed at supporting local communities, social institutions and non-profit organisations with projects compatible with the Novartis commitment to social responsibility. Each year, projects are planned in close collaboration with the institutions they are intended to benefit," she stated.

Nwanze added, "By motivating potential donors to donate blood voluntarily on a regular basis, we will at least be achieving a safe blood donation culture and on our part, it is our hope that this gesture of ours could serve as a motivation for other corporate organisations to emulate us as we aspire to make a difference in our community."

FG takes delivery of rehabilitation centre in Ondo T

HE Federal Civil Service with Disabilities Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Aso Villa Office, Abuja, has taken delivery of a completed rehabilitation centre that would be used to provide medical and health services to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State.

The hospital complex is expected to serve as a conference centre, training institute, medical treatment centre among other purposes.

The centre was built by Global Help Trust Foundation

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

(Non-Government Organisation) in Ipe, Akoko South/East Local Government area of the state, and handed over to the federal government under a partnership agreement.

While receiving keys of the building on behalf of the management of the federal government agency, the Coordinating Chairman of Federal Civil Service Staff with Disabilities Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Alhaji

Abdul-Rauf Iliasu, appreciated the partnership that led to the handing over of the hospital complex, which, according to him, was strategically located.

"It will add value to the persons living with disabilities in line with the United Nations resolution and in compliance with Cooperative Decree 1993.

We have picked two states each from the six geopolitical zones in the country for the first phase to build ultra-modern rehabilitation centres.

"We have got parcels of land from Lagos and Oyo States in the South-West. We

are still deliberating whether to pick Ekiti State or Ondo State when we got this partnership from Glo Help which means that the deal with Ondo State is sealed already," Iliasu stated.

Earlier in her speech, the Chief Executive Officer of Global Help Trust Foundation, Mrs. Uche Daodu, said the idea behind the conception and establishment of the facility was to help the society, adding that the NGO was committed to supporting government to build a world that is worth living for everyone.

•Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (left) and Wife of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Hajiya Salamatu Tafida (far right) in a group photograph with the 20 best SS3 students during a courtesy visit to the residence of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom at the weekend

PDP, Omisore plan to import miscreants to Osun, APC alleges

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HE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate for the August 9 election, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, of planning to cause a breach of the peace in the state.

According to the APC, intelligence reports at its dis-

posal alleged that a plot has been hatched to import miscreants and thugs to the State of Osun to stage protests in order to create mayhem across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, APC further alleged, "These senseless and unwarranted protests are intended to manipulate the populace, the electorate and the electoral sys-

tem in their (PDP and Omisore) favour.

"Plans are said to have been concluded by both Omisore and the PDP to create a virtual state of confusion before August 9 believing that if the plan works, it would facilitate an easier manipulation of the electoral process and their rigging exercise.

"This is a sinister conspiracy against law and order in Osun,

which has been known and confirmed by responsible individuals and foreign diplomats in the country as a safe and peaceful place to do business and attract investments."

The APC therefore called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that the alleged plan does not succeed in the interest of democracy, law and order and peace in Osun State.

Ondo NUJ pulls out of NLC

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HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ondo State Council has passed a vote of no confidence on the state leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the alleged nonchalant attitude of the umbrella labour organisation to the welfare of journalists in the state.

Consequently, the NUJ, which is an affiliate union of

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

the NLC, has pulled out of the Congress and will, henceforth, boycott all the activities of the labour union in the state until further notice.

This was contained in a communiquĂŠ issued at the end of the monthly Congress of the NUJ in Akure, the state capital, and signed by the union's chairman, Mr.

Akinfolayan Owanikin.

The NUJ directed its members not to participate in any NLC-related activities or give coverage for any event organised by the labour union, including the coming May Day rally in Akure.

The NUJ in taking the decision had reviewed the recent events in the state in which the state leadership of

the NLC allegedly failed to play any meaningful role in protecting the interests of journalists in the state.

The NUJ cited the recent incident at the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation, where some NUJ members were arrested and detained for protesting the alleged unbearable working conditions in the state governmentowned media outfit.

Amosun's wife lauded over leadership training for students

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HE Nigerian High Commission to the United Kingdom has commended wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, over her 10-day leadership training programme for the 20 best secondary students in the 2012/2013 West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

Speaking while receiving the students accompanied by the wife of the governor at the residence of the Nigerian

High Commissioner in London, the wife of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Hajia Salamatu Tafida, commended Mrs. Amosun for exposing the students to the leadership training programme.

"It is indeed our pleasure to welcome the beneficiaries of the second batch of the UPLIFTing SS3 Students and their accompanying officials to London. We are very happy that you have indeed

sustained the leadership training programme for these students who I describe as the leaders of tomorrow.

"We commend your wisdom to expose these children to contemporary leadership skills which would help them in their future endeavours. Your levels of interaction with these students clearly show your motherly love and care for them. We appreciate your contributions in making our society a better tomorrow,"

Hajiya Tafida said.

She advised the students not to limit themselves to the environment where they come from, noting that "this programme would provide you with an excellent opportunity to imbibe good ethics of orderliness among other virtues which would be very useful for you later in life and I know you are going to do better as the leaders of tomorrow, because you are the change Nigeria represents."

'Stop impersonating Buhari's group' From Damisi Ojo, Akure

A

GROUP, the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) has condemned the activities of some people parading themselves as coordinator and members of the group in Ondo State.

A statement by the State Coordinator of BYO, Fisayo Falarungbon, said the group was not against their membership, but would jealously guard against external infiltration that could jeopardise the group's vision.

The statement said, "BYO is founded and registered with certificate of incorporation No CAC/IT/ 65373 by Ambassador Barakat Ali as its National Coordinator.

"Since then, the organisation has been waxing stronger and networking across the country with offices in all states capital.

According to the statement, the objective of the group is not to promote General Buhari's presidential ambition, but to propagate his virtues of discipline and principles to the younger generation.

"As a matter of fact, Gen. Buhari deserves to be celebrated in Nigeria. This is a man that has all the opportunity to be one of the richest public officers in Nigeria, but jettisoned greediness and preferred to stand on his integrity and honesty," the group noted.

School children festival holds 6th edition

By Adetutu Audu

T

HE sixth edition of the School Children Festival of Arts and Culture (SFAC) organised by Bright Morning Star Communications will take place on May 1st, 2014 at AIT office in Lagos.

According to the project executive, Mr. Chuks Joseph, the programme, which has successfully hosted bigwigs and traditional custodians in various locations in Lagos State, is designed to re-awaken the cultural values of Nigeria.

This year's edition with the theme 'Inculcating our local dialect in our younger ones through inter-tribal cultural dance and folk songs,' he added, will be bigger and better as school children from about 20 schools in Lagos will be competing in the areas of arts and crafts, cultural dance, local delicacies exhibition and a paper delivery on the African child.

Dignitaries expected at the occasion include Hajia Aminat Dangaji, who is the President, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN); Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Kehinde Bamigbetan, amongst others.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

NEWS

Christian, Muslim youths demand release of abducted girls

Malaria : FG launches fresh campaign in Rivers, Akwa Ibom

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

A

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

T

HE federal government has launched fresh campaign on prevention of malaria in Rivers and Akwa Ibom State.

The campaign is to raise public awareness on malaria prevention.

The initiative titled “Night watch” is the brain child of the oil giant, ExxonMobil.

It will be coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Malaria No More, a partner in health sector.

Launching the campaign, Minister of State for Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, said the country’s future can only be secured when the battle against malaria is won.

He revealed that malaria is responsible for 11% of deaths in pregnant women and accounts for 30% of all deaths in children fewer than five years.

The minister said the initiative is apt and should be supported by all.

He said: “The theme is very apt to our situation, given the fact, malaria is still a major threat to public health of the good people of Nigeria, undermining socio-economic development and causing the nation a whopping sum of N450 billion annually in treatment and preventive costs.”

Alhassan also reasoned that since malaria had been successfully eliminated not only in the Western World but also in several African countries, Nigeria should not be battling the disease He also urged that Nigeria must use all resources within her reach to defeat the scourge.

The minister also encouraged Nigerians to take confirmatory test before taking malaria medications.

Only true federalism can reduce tensions, says NBA

By Adebisi Onanuga

T

HE Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has stated that the entrenchment of a true federal system of government is the only panacea to reducing tension and other problems confronting the nation.

The Chairman NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr. Monday Ubani, stated this at a news conference at the weekend to announce activities for the 2014 Law Week of the branch.

The activities, which commenced Friday April 25, end May 2.

Ubani stressed the need for resource control by the owner states, saying it is also critical to reducing tensions.

He said: “We feel strongly that the best system that will reduce tension and create competitiveness and healthy rivalry for the purpose of development is a proper federal system.

“If this is not agreeable to all citizens, then the country is advised to go their separate ways.”

He insisted that only a true federal system of government would be conducive and reduce tensions for a multi- ethnic and diverse religious country like Nigeria.

The NBA chairman stated that Nigeria would be taking a retrogressive step if it subjects the outcome of the ongoing national conference to the National Assembly for considerations.

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•L- R: Chairman, Bariga LG and Chairman Conference of LG Chairmen, Akeem Sulaiman, the Onitedo Oba Tajudeen Afolabi Elomoro, former Accountant General of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, Onibeju of Ibeju Land, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Bamidele Salami, Onimedu Oba Hamzat Atiku during a visit to the Royal Fathers by Ambode recently.

NECO to conduct “another test’’ after Common Entrance

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HE National Examinations Council (NECO) says it will conduct another test for candidates who pass its Common Entrance Examination to select the best for admission into Federal Government Colleges on merit.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, made the announcement yesterday when he monitored the ongoing Common Entrance examination in some schools in the FCT. Wike, who was represented by the Director, Basic and Secondary Educa-

•95,926 write exams across Nigeria

tion in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Daniel Uwaezuoke, said this was in line with government’s promise to ensure that 60 per cent of admissions into Federal Government Colleges were on merit.

According to him, 40 per cent will be allocated on the basis of quota system.

He said the increase in enrolment this year was an indication that NECO was getting to a stage of perfection in conducting examinations and that parents were beginning to have confi-

dence in the body.

The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Promise Okpala, reiterated government’s resolve to ensure not only access but also quality in enrolment at all levels of education.

Okpala said the increase in enrolment this year was a proof of parents’ confidence in the quality of education service offered by the schools.

He said a total of 95,926 candidates registered for the Common Entrance Examination into Federal Govern-

ment Colleges in 2014 as against 88,444 in 2013.

The registrar said that 18,726 candidates registered for the examination in the FCT alone while Lagos State had the highest number of enrolment with 26,926 candidates.

He disclosed that there was a decrease in some northern states where Borno registered 218, Yobe 176 and Adamawa 318.

Zamfara, he said, recorded the lowest number of enrolment with only 113 candidates.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

and verifiable census figure would ensure the realisation of the transformation agenda of the federal government.

He stated that the commission is committed to delivering a successful census.

The NPC boss said: “The Commission plans to conduct a truly scientific census which data will be widely available to planners at the national, state and local government levels. Towards

this end cutting edge technology will be adopted.

“Methodology and strategies for the conduct of biometric-based census are being finalised.

“Data from vital events will also complement and yield additional data for planning purposes, in line with the strategic direction of the commission; we hope to achieve complete coverage in the registration of births and deaths by 2015.”

Don’t politicise census, NPC warns

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IGERIA has been unable to have undisputable, verifiable census because of the politics attached to it.

Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Eze Duruiheoma, stated this yesterday.

He warned against politicising the issue, stating that it affects national planning and development.

He also assured that the commission will adopt modern technologies in the collection, processing and dissemination of census data to provide the nation with real data and aid national planning.

Duruiheoma, who visited the Anambra office of the commission yesterday, noted that only a reliable, accurate

World Bank to assist with US$8 billion in 4 years

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HE World Bank has approved a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Nigeria, which will increase its development assistance for job creation, social service delivery and governance to about US$2 billion per year.

The initiative will run through the International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) financing.

The new CPS, which covers 2014-2017 financial years, introduces a change in the country’s borrowing status.

Nigeria was declared credit worthy for IBRD fi-

Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

nancing last year and is officially entering blend status from July 1, 2014.

A statement from the World Bank said: “This CPS has been prepared in the context of the World Bank’s renewed commitment to the twin goals of reducing extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity in Nigeria and globally.

“It is fully aligned with Nigeria’s development agenda, Vision 20: 2020, and its medium-term strategy for realizing that vision; the Transformation Agenda.”

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly,

noted: “The CPS seeks to address inequalities in income and opportunities for the poor and vulnerable by developing more effective mechanisms for social service delivery including social protection programs, education, health and water service delivery.”

World Bank Task Team Leader for the CPS, Indira Konjhodzic, stated: “The bulk of the financing program will focus on increasing installed power generation and transmission capacity and improving the efficiency and governance of electricity delivery.

“Boosting agricultural productivity, improving farmers’ linkages with agro-

processors, and increasing access to finance including long time financing to the citizens particularly women is a major focus of this partnership strategy.”

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, commended the intervention.

She said: “We believe that this CPS within the CAF of the development partners would go a long way to support the government of Nigeria’s efforts of creating jobs for our teeming youths and improving infrastructure that would lead to economic growth which would impact on the majority of our people.”

group, Christians and Muslims Youth Forum (CMYF), has appealed to the Boko Haram sect to unconditionally release the abducted girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok Borno State.

The youths, who spoke at a press briefing on the security situation in Abuja, also called on politicians to desist from making inflammatory utterances capable of compounding the security situation in the nation.

CMYF’s National President, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim, said the youths “are pained by the kidnap of the young girls, the incessant killings in Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa States and indeed all hot security spots across the country.”

He also appealed to spiritual leaders to mobilise their subjects for divine intervention in the security crisis through incessant prayers and engaging in teachings that would mould people’s character.

He called on the security agencies to be much more proactive and decisive in action rather than trading words, while calling for proper investigation on the alleged shortchanging of military operatives posted to the crisis-prone areas.

US ambassador lauds drivers’ licence process

I

MPRESSED by its deployment of sophisticated Information and Communication Technology platforms, The United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, has commended the management of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for its giant strides in driver’s license administration.

Speaking after processing his driver’s license during a courtesy visit to the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja, Entwistle said: “I am impressed with the use of sophisticated system to pull data from the entire country.”

On the Corps’ integrated communication platforms, the Ambassador also commended the FRSC for establishing a Call Centre with sustained interface with its operatives on the highways and a Data Centre to ensure effective collation, storage, retrieval and management of road crash details.

He appreciated the FRSC for operating a harmonised and centralised motor vehicle administration system, which is not obtainable in the United States of America where every State has its peculiar process for vehicle administration.

He added that Nigeria’s drivers’ license process enjoys some sophistication, which is yet to be adopted in America.

Entwistle also commended the Corps’ disposition to capacity building and its sustained partnership with the State of California to train its personnel on road safety management and vehicle administration.

FRSC’s Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka, said that the Corps has established an integrated platform on vehicle registration, which ensures that insurance details of vehicle owners are captured on-line in the course of registering their vehicles.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

Ropo Sekoni

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Page 14

Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 , 2014

A tale of two empathisers tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan would appear to have left undone what he ought to have done, only to do what he ought not to have done immediately after the Nyanya bomb blasts of April 14 in which, officially, 75 people were reported killed (unofficial sources quoted over 200), and 170 injured, some critically; and the abduction of 234 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, in the night of the same day. These were serious developments that should have put not just the government but the entire nation in a somber mood in societies where human lives are valued.

But not here. President Jonathan travelled to Kano the day after the bomb blasts, and a few hours after the abductions, to attend a political rally. Mr Labaran Maku, information minister, was to stoutly defend the president’s trip and also restate the usual government’s assurance (that assures no one). He said many things, including the usual belated closing of the door after the horse has bolted. “We will make it very difficult for people with bad intensions to penetrate our parks. Certainly, we are going to bring bomb detectors and we are going (emphasis mine) to work with our security to guide us on how to make our schools, parks, markets and other public places safe for our people,” he said. In our five years of fighting the insurgents, is it just occurring to the government that these public places must be protected?

Mr. Maku said the President has directed the FCT Minister to begin surveillance and provision of security around the Nigerian capital, Abuja. How come it is now that they are to begin these, in spite of the fact that Abuja had been attacked again and again by Boko Haram?

What happened to the CCTVs in the city?

Obviously Mr. Maku himself must have lost count of the number of times he had made similar statements and given similar assurances on behalf of the government since he became information minister.

Perhaps the worst of it all was his statement that President Jonathan made the Kano trip to drum it to the numbskulls that they (terrorists) cannot paralyse the government, whatever they do.

Hear Maku: “I think going to Kano was a statement, a loud statement that terrorism will not stop the administration of this country”. Nothing could be more harebrained. It was the kind of defence that worsens matters when silence would have been golden.

Not only did President Jonathan go to Kano, he danced at the rally with many of his party’s supporters. Could they have been dancing on the graves of the Nyanya victims? Or could they have been thrilled that some 234 innocent girls had been abducted by Boko Haram members? What could have warranted such celebratory mood? Someone who “has suffered psychologically as a result of this criminality,” as Mr Maku wanted us

President Jonathan and Gov Shettima’s reactions to recent national tragedies as case study

•Governor Shettima

to believe, could not have been in a dancing mood barely a few hours after these horrible incidents. Mr. Maku himself said journalists used some gory pictures of the bombing which I am sure the president saw. How come he still found the feet to dance after seeing such pictures, if indeed they were gory, and if indeed he was not insensitive?

Even the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Andrew Pocock, donated blood for the Nyanya victims, a thing that the minister of state for health said was a major challenge. If the president was as touched by the incidents as Mr. Maku said, could he not have made blood donation or something relevant a major aspect of his Kano rally, instead of launching an attack on the state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over campaign funds that he accused the governor of misappropriating? If the rally was so sacrosanct that it could not be postponed so that Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of Kano State that the president went to receive into the ruling party would not change his mind, there were better ways of empathising with the relatives of the dead as well as the parents of the hapless girls.

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima gave an example of this when he said: “I have seen very serious moments since I became governor of Borno State in 2011 at a period of insurgent crisis. I have seen many innocent lives lost for no reason and I mourn every life lost with empathy and high sense of responsibility. But the last one week has been my worst days as a governor and even the worst in my life. I am troubled as a father, as a leader and as a politician”.

Shettima is not done yet, “ First, as a father, any time my young daughter comes around me in the last one week at the Government House, my heart beats very fast,

“We seriously have to be wary of those advising the president; these goofs are just too many and too frequent. It is important to probe whether they are not the Boko Haram within that the president himself spoke of sometime ago because the quality of their advice is suspect”

my heart becomes so heavy and I develop serious headache when I look into the eyes of my young daughter, I wonder how the parents of those students feel when faced with the harsh reality that their daughters are either in the hands of abductors in fear and desperation for freedom, or wandering somewhere looking for safety while parents do not know the status of their children”. This sums it up.

Someone who sees his daughter and remembers the reality that some other girls probably her age are out there in the hands of people that cannot be trusted can never find the time to dance so soon; it is just not possible. The talk about not grinding governance to a halt is rubbish. Is it by receiving a former governor into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that you prove to insurgents that they cannot stop government business?

Couldn’t Shekarau have been received by the party’s chairman? Why the president who was supposed to be the chief mourner then? Even Mr. Maku that was defending the indefensible could not have found that same excuse pleasant if his daughter was among those abducted. I do not need to ask him the question the typical Hausa man would ask on whether one has experienced something before if it is true that it is only someone who had experienced it that would know how it feels.

Governor Shetima said it all when he added that “I took a sympathetic note of one particular parent who reportedly said he preferred seeing his daughter’s body to the trauma of having her abducted”. Did this occur to Mr. Maku that it is the height of lack of faith in the system that would make a parent come to this sort of conclusion? It was for the same reason that the parents of the abducted girls had to go to the forest in search of their loved ones themselves. Dance will be a luxury that these parents cannot afford at this point in time; so, for the government to tell them that the president travelled for a political rally barely hours after their daughters were abducted to prove a point would only further alienate the parents from the government and reduce their faith in the country. “I pledge to Nigeria my country” is at this point so meaningless to them because it is not just a question of what they can do for Nigeria but also a question of what Nigeria can do for them. The same applies to the relatives of the victims of Nyanya blasts.

We seriously have to be wary of those advising the president; these goofs are just too many and too frequent. It is important to probe whether they are not the Boko Haram within that the president himself spoke of sometime ago because the quality of their advice is suspect. One is not suggesting that President Jonathan should engage the services of professional criers to weep over these sad developments before we will know that he is worried. But there are by far better ways to mourn the dead in the Nyanya bomb blasts in a way that it would not look like one is dancing on their graves. And, as for the abducted girls, I leave you with the words of Dr Nze Anizort:”Just imagining the horrors those children will be passing through is enough to send shivers down one’s spine. But all we can do is to imagine it; the girls will be living it.”

Rescue Chibok girls

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HE capacity of the Boko Haram insurgents for evil is indeed legendary. Not satisfied with the endless killings of people through its various attacks like the recent one in Abuja when scores of persons were killed and many others injured, the group recently abducted over 200 secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State.

The abduction of the girls whom they have refused to release despite all appeals has damaged whatever is left of our image in the international community.

The ability of the terrorist group to beat the military security network despite the partial state of emergency in force in Borno State and ferry away the girls into the forest has again confirmed its near invincibility despite claims by the federal government that it is on top of the situation.

The abduction of the girls is a litmus test for the federal government to prove that it has the capacity to checkmate the insurgents, now or in the future. The military unfortunately started the rescue efforts on a wrong note by claiming to have rescued the girls when then they had no clue of their whereabouts.

The initial controversy over the actual number of students abducted and those who have escaped is also not good enough as it gives room for doubts on who to believe.

Except the girls are rescued alive and not allowed to be abused as sex slaves or used as human shield, the federal government should consider the battle a lost one.

We cannot afford to allow the reign of terror being unleashed presently in the north east part of the country to continue.

The terrorists have become a law to themselves and except they are permanently curtailed, they will do more damage and seize control of some more states.

Much as the military must exercise caution because of the civilian population trapped in the battle zone, no effort must be spared in regaining the areas the terrorists are based.

From all indications, the insurgents are well-equipped and can only be defeated with superior intelligence and weapons. The welfare of the soldiers serving in anti-Boko Haram operation must be catered for and they should not be dispirited in anyway.

Where we need foreign support, we should not hesitate to ask, considering the international network of terrorists.

This is a battle that must be won to save our country from the looming danger where the onslaught of the insurgents will spill over to other parts of the country.

The confusion along the Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway last week over the false alarm of Boko Haram members attacking motorists should serve as a warning why security should be firmed up nationwide, instead of pretending that the problem is limited to the northeast and Abuja.

It is bad that our leaders have allowed the situation in the country to degenerate to where Nigeria is being named along with Somalia and Afghanistan as terrorists enclaves, but there is still time to stop our dangerous slide to anarchy.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

COMMENT

False terror alert: matters arising The federal government should make new efforts to improve intelligence needed to fight Boko Haram

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T is an understatement to say that any mention of Boko Haram these days creates panic among peace-loving Nigerians. This situation has become aggravated since the spreading back of Boko Haram violence to Abuja to bomb a crowded bus terminus—material, men and women. The scare induced by the terrorist Islamic sect got worsened when over 200 innocent girls of mixed ethnic and religious backgrounds experienced mass abduction over one week ago in Chibok, Borno State recently on the eve of their school-leaving examination. Though Boko Haram appears to be aiming at becoming ubiquitous, crying the wolf of Boko Haram where none exists, as happened in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States a few days ago, has added another source of tension and instability to living in Nigeria. The phenomenon of false terror alert calls for additional responsibility on the part of the government and its media.

Though the menace of Boko Haram may have lingered longer than expected, it is obvious that the federal government, constitutionally charged to end such menace, has not shied away from efforts to engage physically and rhetorically the scourge from the sect.

There is no day that messages of optimism and hope do not emanate from the presidency and the military agency that is deployed by the president to bring the violence of Boko Haram to an end. Recently in Nyanya, near Abuja, President Jonathan assured the nation, while consoling victims of bomb blast at the hand of the sect, that terrorism would soon be over. So does the military commander in charge of the offensive against terror continually assure citizens that the military would soon obtain the release

of abducted girls and end the problem of terrorism, wherever it exists in the country.Using its own arsenal, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been calling for periodic fasting and praying against terrorism.

On the whole, government leaders at all levels have not missed any opportunity to tell citizens to accept that the security of the country is not the responsibility of government alone, but of all citizens. Critics of government efforts also do not fail to draw attention to what they perceive as lapses in the fight against terror: failure of intelligence.

While the government and security staff need assistance from citizens with respect to intelligence, so do citizens need adequate information from the government in respect of terror attacks. The need for information by citizens includes government’s preparedness to defuse false terror alert. Just a few days ago, half of the southwestern region of the country was thrown into confusion as a result of false alert. The chaos on the LagosIbadan Expressway that lasted for hours brought home to citizens some intelligence deficits that require immediate remediation by government and its security agencies.

A major aspect of the fight against terror in other countries is readiness on the part of the government to prevent the media, especially social media (which includes the use of telephone texts in Nigeria) from doing anything to further terrorist goals. The dynamics of the terrorist enterprise includes sophisticated use of disinformation, such as citizens fell victims to a few days ago, when someone initiated mass circulation of falsehood about the cause of traffic snarl on the Lagos-Ibadan highway. The fact that it took government’s traditional media several hours to announce that there were no Boko Haram merchants of death on the highway illustrates that the government has not taken (and is

not taking) as much advantage of digital age communication systems as leaders of Boko Haram or their sympathizers.

If political leaders and governors use Facebook and Twitter to establish communication with citizens, and governors use text messages to campaign for second term in office, then there is no good reason for the federal government not to have established a Terrorism Information Centre that is capable of providing a warning system to citizens and to disabuse the minds of citizens of disinformation planned by terrorists, their supporters, sympathizers, and even innocent citizens who take advantage of instant mass communication made possible by texting via cell phones to send inaccurate information. Although there is no evidence about the origin of the recent false terror alert about Boko Haram across the Southwest, it is not out of place for the government to investigate this. Such disinformation could have come from agents or allies of terrorists to test the effect of such alert on citizens.

It is also capable of strengthening terrorist groups while at the same time creating avoidable panic among citizens.

Since the federal government is in the process of getting assistance from other countries in the fight against terror within its borders, those negotiating for such help need to ask for support to use current technology to ensure adequate and timely information sharing between government agencies and citizens. Borrowing models from such countries may also be an advantage to government and the citizenry. America’s Homeland Terror Warning System is a case in point. Government provides citizens with information on traditional and digital communication channels regarding the level of threat from terrorists as many times as it perceives that such information is needed by citizens.

Three years after the emergence of Boko Haram should have been enough for the fed-

eral government to change the architecture of communication between the government and citizens. All highways ought to be provided with digital bulletins that can be used to inform citizens about movement of traffic and cause of traffic snarls when they exist. If such system had been in place, it would have been easy to counter the false alarms sent to thousands of telephones about the wolf of Boko Haram a few days ago. Traffic management being done by Federal Road Safety Commission on federal and non-federal highways should go beyond stopping drivers to check their papers. It should include using this agency to feed information into digital highway bulletins as the need arises. Such need arose a few days ago on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, but the ubiquitous red-capped traffic police was of no use to reduce the pain of citizens. Neither was the National Emergency Management Agency able to respond to the situation in a timely fashion, to mitigate the pain caused by inaccurate information from anonymous sources.

Given the negative impact of the false alarm of the past Wednesday on movement of citizens and goods, it is conceivable that terrorists may want to add the use of modern communication gadgets including the Internet, cell phones, and social media to their strategies and tactics to create panic in places where terrorists do not have substantial presence. The federal government that is solely in charge of security and law enforcement thus needs to face the new challenge posed by use of cell phones to dis-inform citizens and, in the process, cause pains for citizens while stalling traffic and disrupting normal economic activities.

The federal government should make new efforts to improve intelligence needed to fight Boko Haram and also to prevent disinformation about Boko Haram that is capable of paralysing the country’s economy and inflicting avoidale pain on citizens.

COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

15

Sambo the Rambo?

Vice President Sambo’s equation of Ekiti gubernatorial election to war is reckless and irresponsible

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N Ekiti, there is this sense of déjà vu — have we not witnessed this political rascality before?

Vice President Namadi Sambo, after his appointment as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign committee in Ekiti State and State of Osun, was said to have declared that “Ekiti State election is war.”

That, of course, is reminiscent of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s flat declaration that the 2007 general elections — perhaps the worst in Nigeria’s history, would be do-or-die. When challenged on his reckless declaration, the former president reiterated his do-or-die credo. So, do-or-die style, his party mates took the cue: mayhem, bedlam and electoral brigandage all the way, leading to the worst election ever.

It is perhaps cold comfort that the vice president has not responded to Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi’s challenge to deny the statement; and thereby reassure Nigerians that he meant no sinister motive by it. Alhaji Sambo has not obliged. But neither has he gone the Obasanjo extreme of reiterating a clear, un-presidential gaffe — in Obasanjo’s case, a gaffe that would haunt him for the rest of his days.

Still, that threatening and irresponsible diction is perhaps enough to recast Alhaji Sambo from a mild-mannered vice-president to an electoral president of vice. It just might be a Freudian slip that would haunt the vicepresident to the end of his political career.

But Obasanjo’s infamous threat is not the end of the ignoble déjà vu. Under that grand philosophy, the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan went ahead to prove he was more than the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s presidential spare tyre. Just as Vice President Sambo is coming alive now, to pounce on Ekiti and Osun as illicit electoral trophies, Vice President Jonathan reportedly flexed muscles, and attempted to pounce on Ekiti to deliver an illicit mandate.

News reports back then accused Jonathan of allegedly behind the Ekiti electoral re-run drama, when Madam Ayoka Adebayo, the septuagenarian Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), for Ekiti, whose self-confessed Christian conscience collapsed. Reportedly after the “Abuja treatment”, the REC allowed herself to be suborned into the Ekiti electoral manipulation, which gifted the loser victory, and the winner, defeat. Vice President

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HE print media is awash with the activities of the All Progressives Congress as it positions itself for the 2015 general elections. As expected, most of the commentaries are about its presidential ticket. Permutations of possible candidates are as varied as the interests behind the analyses. While some commentators suggest open primaries to promote its democratic credentials, others prefer a consensus candidate from among the party’s very capable hands to avoid divisive rancour. Still, some others are insisting that the old brigade should now give way to younger and fitter nominees.

A new dimension to the jostling was introduced with the purported threat by some prominent Christians to quit the party over any Muslim/ Muslim ticket.

Before we conclude that old age is now a liability to our brand of politics, we should recollect that a turbulent South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, assumed office at a ripe age of 74. It is a combination of his age, wisdom, charisma and political savvy, that guaranteed him a smooth and highly successful transition from white minority to black majority rule, without a violent backlash that was otherwise sure to come with the dismantling of apartheid.

Just imagine South Africa in a civil war, and appreciate that his achievement is indeed spectacular.

It is not a Christian characteristic to threaten blackmail against Muslim /Muslim per-

Jonathan was allegedly very active in that Abuja treatment that clinched the Ayoka electoral conversion from Paul to Saul.

But like the tortoise that swore he won’t return from his trip until he was well and truly disgraced, the electoral robbers of Ekiti — and of Osun — tarried on with all tricks in the books to enjoy illicit mandates until the judiciary threw them out in disgrace.

So, Vice President Sambo declaring the June 21 Ekiti gubernatorial election would be war would appear no accident at all. It could well signify a Jonathan Presidency unfinished business in Ekiti. President Jonathan and his array of dreamers may delude themselves that a task at which Jonathan failed as vice president could be redeemed now that he is president and commander-in-chief.

They are entitled to their delusion.

Still, it is imperative to sternly warn these desperadoes. The reasons are simple. Western Nigeria has always had fatal attraction for Nigeria’s domestic hegemons.

In the First Republic, it was the forceful attempt to take over Western Region that started the crisis that eventually consumed that republic. The story of the Second Republic was no different. The ruling National Party of Nigeria, NPN’s attempt at brazen vote robbery marked the beginning of the end.

Besides, the current objective situations in Ekiti and Osun hardly support any suicidal attempt to rig elections.

Before Dr. Fayemi reclaimed his stolen mandate, Ekiti had nearly grounded to a halt. Under the PDP administration, Ayodele Fayose, ironically current PDP governorship candidate, had exited in a blaze of odium in 2006.

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His impeachment for alleged sleaze had climaxed a reign of terror that brought out the beast in the otherwise decent, if rustic Ekiti.

The illogicality of a ruling party warring against itself, coupled with Fayose’s kindergarten rule, yet romping to victory at the 2007 gubernatorial election was not lost on anyone. Former “Governor” Olusegun Oni — governor in quote because his tenure was judicially declared null and void — had so heavy an illegitimacy burden that hardly anything could be got done. That translated to almost eight years of paralysis in Ekiti.

But Fayemi’s coming has changed all that. From a state with an unenviable record of one day, one trouble, the past four years have witnessed stable governance, steady development and general peace. If the electorate are truly rational, why would they abandon all that because one of the electoral partisans screams war, because it cannot procure a logically superior argument on why it should displace the sitting government? Even with the hubris of its “federal might”, what is the record of the PDP Federal Government, these past 15 years? That, of course, makes the vice president’s threat logical — those who cannot compete on ideas are quick to mouth empty threats.

The Ekiti paralysis-to-success story is replicated in Osun — and the electorate there certainly know the difference between the two eras.

Indeed, from independence, federal ruling parties often betray the hubris of trying to muscle the opposition, not because of superior performance but because of their government’s monopoly of the security agencies, which they often press into illicit electoral service. But at least in the West and later South West, they have always run into grief. With the present absolutely uninspiring Jonathan presidency, it is even more harebrained to attempt such a gambit. But then, there is no limit to suicide streaks in partisan desperadoes!

Let therefore the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) do its duty by conducting a transparent election. Let the security resist being pressed into partisan duties. Let also the better party win, on the strength of its programmes and the logic of its persuasion.

But let there be no electoral gerrymandering, the type that happened in the last Anambra gubernatorial elections. Should there be, the consequences would be dire.

LETTER

The APC and its tickets

mutation contemplated by your political party, because you should know that Nigeria is never going to transmute into a theocratic state. Nigeria has for long been under crushing oppression by both Christian and Muslim leadership alike operating at all levels of government. The cumulative consequences of their wicked

F

OR seven days before her departure, I could not look straight at her face again!

But I kept coming to the hospital each day.

For the days, a devastated acceptance, gradually, began to dawn on me that the ultimate – death – was drawing near! But inside me, I kept deceiving myself that Mama could not leave us just like that.

Again, gradually, I could see those smiles were freezing.

And on February 10, 2014, at 2pm, the smiles were forever frozen. And the woman died.

The woman? Chief (Madam) Dorcas Oyinlola Jegede, The Iya Ijo of Methodist Cathedral, Isale Aro, Osogbo, Osun State. She was 95.

Two of her children were with her at the time of her departure while two others and a grandchild had just left for a nearby pharmacy. But Mama had been ready for her journey back to her Father in heaven.

policies and conduct are what we experience today. The antecedent of the aspirants and their political agenda are what is paramount. As far as is visible, the only plausible Muslim/Muslim combination is a Buhari/Tinubu pair. If the APC can produce a Muslim /Christian or a Christian/Muslim equivalent, fine. But I think that

the Buhari/Tinubu combination, should it materialise, is about the best gift any opposition party could offer a nation on the brink of turmoil. We urgently need a clearly distinctive alternative to the present chaos.

And that alternative is already amply demonstrated by their records of public service.

It is common knowledge

Tribute to a mother Not just five years ago! Not just a decade ago! But more than two decades ago!!! Mama spent her last 133 days with us in Ibadan.

Throughout, she refused to take any medication because she believed that that would prolong her life.

I have never seen or met a human being created by God who was as prepared for eternity as Mama. She was not afraid of death at any point of her life.

Her prayer was that she should not weep over her children and grand children.

For about two months before her departure, Mama would say that she had seen heaven in her dreams. According to her, heaven was the most beautiful place. No wonder, she was so eager to go “home”.

But finally, a month or so to her departure, she told us that in her dream, she saw a multitude

of people walking on a very massive highway and few others walking along a narrow path and she joined those on the narrow one to enter into a place of joy.

When Mama woke up, she started to sing “Lehin aiye buburu yi…. Jerusalem ilu ayo … (After this sinful world… Jerusalem my home) Mama was my mother NOT my mother-in law. This is because words like “children – in- law” were not in mama’s dictionary.

One of mama’s stepchildren, Sir (Chief) Sunday Jegede, a former General Manager of Total Nigeria Plc in a tribute said of her “you cooperated with and encouraged our beloved late father to ensure that every child received full attention and consideration to grow as well as was necessary up to the individual’s endowment and capability.

An instrument of peace,

that Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu constitute the central core, the genesis of the APC. The intimidating profiles of these two statesmen are very much in the public domain.

With all due respect, the truth is that they stand head, shoulder and chest above all the other very eminent compatriots in that party’s fold. Their public records suggest they can and will present an excellent drive for the government and nation on the path their vision

mama ploughed the field and sowed it. Many of the fruits from her field are her children and many others she did not bear. She groomed many to adulthood and greatness without any fuss.

A great and honest historian, mama, till two weeks before her final departure, would recall incidents that happened fifty, sixty years without falsifying the facts and figures.

A highly loved and respected leader in the secular and economic community, mama would only eat the yams she planted and drink water from her own well. She was a mother in a million.

She returned to mother earth after a funeral service at her church – Methodist Cathedral, Isale Aro Osogbo on , April 25, 2014.

Mama, you have lived well and done well. Rest in peace — Tunde Akingbade is a former chairman, League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State.

will create, relocating it away from its reckless, ruinous, corruption-driven politics to a comfortably secure and stable polity. They are also our surest and safest bet into the Industrialised Club.

As a politician, the tall, ramrod straight, bespectacled general has certainly by now moved a long way from an active military background that influenced his approach to issues during his first outing as Head of State. If Buhari and Tinubu can establish a smooth and harmonious working relationship, if they can bond effectively, like Buhari with Idiagbon way back, or like Obasanjo with Atiku during the earlier part of their first term, then it is done. They have earned very tremendous goodwill from the multitude, north and south.

But, first, they have to reach there. For a successful campaign later, the party has to concentrate fully on the one at hand. Everyone sure knows that both Ekiti and Osun States are very firmly in the hands of the APC because of the brilliant performances of their helmsmen. They are therefore expected to triumph again in the gubernatorial elections coming up shortly. But the party must give its all for that success. It should know that its chances anywhere in 2015 depend on these elections which they must win in the first ballot, no matter the tactics adopted by the opposition.

John Ingwu Calabar tauriuseven@yahoo.com

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16

COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

Ekiti 2014: Let us take it up to God in prayers Ekitis say no more. For in God, not in men or money, do we put our trust

F

OR forty agonising years, the Israelites, a chosen people of God, wandered through a tough terrain of persons described by the holy writ as giants to claim what should have cost them nothing more than 40 days. In like manner, no thanks to the rigging machine, aka PDP, it took Kayode Fayemi three and a half years to reclaim a popular mandate twice given him by the good people of Ekiti. But then, even though the pronouncement was through a court of law, the miracle was wrought by God through prayers. It was nothing but the result of the prayers by hundreds of thousands of the faithful praying ceaselessly for him as he confronted the Philistines of Nigeria, big men of power who affronted God by playing god. They even said it would never happen in their life time but the good Lord confounded them to their eternal shame. What did they not do? What satanic device did they not bury round the entire state especially in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital where they, myopically believed all the court cases would begin and end?

When it became clear Ilorin would feature as a centre of adjudication, didn’t a then serving, perennially notorious senator, all the way from another Yoruba state, go to the premises of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, to bury a foul smelling satanic object built around a rat known as Asin in Yoruba land intending, thereby, to thwart what God had ordained and the Ekiti people had affirmed by their votes? Again, thanks to the many men of God - they know

themselves - who through divine inspiration and words of knowledge had revealed all these well ahead of time. All it took these servants of God to neutralize the evil preparations by these devilish people were efficacious prayers over anointing oil which completely rendered them impotent to the glory of God. Another election cycle is here in Ekiti and apart from tons of money, both from Abuja and Ijebu-Igbo, being daily distributed through visits to wards and some other hallowed places, coyly designed as campaign, we know they must be back to their old ways of appealing to the devil itself. While that is their mode of electioneering campaign, Kayode Fayemi is out on the road, in the streets and city centres of all Ekiti towns and villages, campaigning on the basis of his achievements in office and giving insights into what more he would do for the people and asking only to be rewarded by the peoples’ votes for all he has done with the opportunity they gave him.

However, apart from their money and resort to other worldly artifacts, those things the bible says have eyes but cannot see, mouths but cannot speak, the PDP, through its no.2 person, the warrior himself, Namadi Sambo, Nigeria’s Vice President, has added warfare, by petulantly declaring Ekiti and Osun as war zones even as hundreds of Nigerians are daily being slaughtered

by Boko Harm and twice that number of our children are being ceased from the comfort of their schools and turned to sex objects even

when the government in which Sambo serves could hardly do a thing to fundamentally alter that real war.

This, of course, also conforms to all that the Israelites went through but gloriously triumphed over by the grace of God through prayers. I am, emboldened by the experience of the Israelites and the surefootedness of the Almighty God, this Sunday, to ask all Ekitis as well as the millions from across Nigeria and the world over, who sympathise and pray with us in this war against principalities and powers, to invoke and support their prayers by claiming these promised, divine assurances as contained in the Book of Psalms, Chapters 7, and 94.

Psalm 7 Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies 7 O LORD our God, in You we put our trust; Save us from all those who persecute us; And deliver us, 2 Lest they tear us like a lion, Rending us in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

3 O LORD our God, if we have done this: If there is iniquity in our hands, 4 If we have repaid evil to them who are at peace with us, Or have plundered our enemies without cause, 5 Let the enemy pursue us and overtake us; Yes, let them trample our lives to the earth, And lay our honor in the dust. Selah 6 Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; Lift Yourself up because of the rage of our enemies; Rise up for us to the judgment You have commanded!

7 So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You; For their sakes, therefore, return on high.

8 The LORD shall judge the peoples; Judge us, O LORD, according to our righteousness, And according to

our integrity within us.

9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just; For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.

10 Our defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart.

11 God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.

12 If they do not turn back, He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready.

13 He also prepares for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows into fiery shafts.

14 Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, they conceive trouble and bring forth falsehood.

15They made a pit and dug it out, And have fallen into the ditch which they made.

16 Their trouble shall return upon their own heads, And their violent dealings shall come down on their own crown.

17 We will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 94 1 The LORD is a God who avenges.

O God who avenges, shine forth.

2 Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.

3 How long, LORD, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?

4 They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.

5 They crush your people, LORD; they oppress your inheritance.

6 They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.

7 They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.”

8 Take notice, you senseless ones

It is not only those girls who are lost, the entire country is lost!

The political option that we thought would save us as a country is turning around to not only batter us but is threatening to drown us. Mmmn! Now where shall we run to, the hills?

T

O say that the nation is grieving is a large slice of understatement. The nation’s heart is broken. Actually, I am one of those who believe that its spine was broken right at birth. In other words, when the country was founded on the tripartite foundation of unsteady wobbliness, ungainly clumsiness and deceitful falsities in order to favour one group over another, the country had little or no fighting chance. You could say it came out fresh from the delivery room practically dead on arrival. The result of all that was planted in those early times is what we are all witnessing today – social exclusion of extremely large groups of people. In turn, this unfortunate but deliberate exclusion has bred varied levels of national malcontent, social fractures, senseless insurgencies, and one great, monumental chaos all of which have made this nation one giant mental institution floating in outer space.

That’s right, folks, you and I have our abode in The Lost Country.

The sad thing is that the country is one huge success as far as those who planned this chaos are concerned. You see, this country was never meant to do well; so in the very fabrics of its failures resides its success. Yep, we are children of the doomed... nation.

Indeed, that it is still standing, albeit rocking on its heels like one drunken

ancient mariner tottering on the edge of his famous breakdown, is one of the miracles of the modern world.

Science is a wonderfully astounding thing and it has been known to do things and reach places even you and I have no inkling of, but I do believe that the science that can save this nation is perhaps still on the drawing board. You see, it would have to include an antivirus that is capable of not only wiping out this strange strain of madness besetting us all but inoculate even the yet unborn in the country.

Just imagine, two hundred school girls were abducted all at once from a north-eastern town in Nigeria; presumably, where we have law enforcement agencies. Without any interference from any of these agencies, those children were being put into trucks and this did not take place in a few minutes! Worse, they passed through streets and roads filled with people. No one saw them, no one interrupted them. And there has been no inkling as to where they are, many days after! This is the extent to which we really have lost it in this country. It is not only the girls that are lost, the entire country is obviously lost! Now, who is going to find us?

For ages, right thinking elites and news commentators tried to articulate the impunities and ills

bothering this nation, and it’s been no trifling act for them; for both the mild pens and the more ponderous ones have wrought and oozed weighty prose in the attempt or failed trying. In spite of these clanging of caution screaming horror, beware the horror, the ills kept piling up because the impunities kept growing. Now, we have come to the point where locations are no longer just bombed in daylight, people are not just killed in daylight, hundreds of school children are abducted in broad daylight! Ebino!

That’s just the way we are! And the nation is helpless because, in truth, it has existed on series and litanies of impunities. Let us see now.

When a nation’s laws are perpetually set aside for selfish and self-serving reasons, it’s the beginning of the dance macabre manifesting as the death wriggle. Just look at every facet of national life: the military never had any respect for the nation’s laws; this is why it was and still is possible for every general to have his own outriders and siren and also dictate for the country.

Now, the presidency has inherited that lack of respect for laid down laws and kicks them around anyhow.

Blatant and outright disobedience of the law is perpetually displayed to the nation from the presidency daily: check out the case of governors’ forum election (illegal as it is), the Justice Salami case and so on. And have you seen the police drive around

in traffic? I assure you, you will whistle through your teeth. Equally bad are drivers of vehicles bearing government plate numbers: they make everyone want to pick up their feet and run. The beginning of tragedy is when leaders lead the entire country down a rut, and the followers follow in the footsteps of the leaders.

And well they should. So, when impunity greets impunity, there is nothing else to do but self-destruct.

As we are doing now.

Nigerian leaders laid down the precedence for what happened last week many decades ago by their failure to show the people what to do, how to keep the law, build their houses, conduct their businesses, use the roads, have access to the public utilities, and how to have everybody equal before the state, etc. And by failing to have one law for all, the leaders tacitly gave everyone of us the go-ahead to evolve the law as we saw fit: mostly to act with impunity.

This is what happened in the Southsouth when the president’s own relative was kidnapped; now it is happening in the North-east. Many other things happened to give rise to these but we cannot go into them here. What is the use crying foul when the referee is already peddling out of the pitch on his escape bicycle?

Who knows if perhaps the culmination of all this is yet to come?

I tell you, Chaos rules, ok? Ok! Let us now scrape around for solutions because we really need to

among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?

9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?

10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?

Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?

11 The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach from your law; 13 you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.

14 For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16 Who will rise up for us against the wicked? Who will take a stand for us against evildoers?

17 Unless the LORD had given us help, We would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

18 When we said, “Our feet are slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported us.

19 When anxiety was great within us, your consolation brought us joy.

20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you— a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?

21 The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.

22 But the LORD has become our fortress, and our God the rock in whom we take refuge.

23 He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.

Amen.

Ekitis say no more. For in God, not in men or money, do we put our trust. scratch the ground to find anything in this quagmire of gooey problems.

Listen, this country needs to do some serious social engineering to give everyone a stake in the place. This socio-economic distancing of people within their own fatherland needs to be checked. The worst part is that this group, already excluded from the society, are now seeking to exclude even more of their own kin and generation and coming ones who are seeking to end their own exclusion through education. This wickedness needs to be put a stop to.

Everyone knows now that the political content of this insurgency is very high. This means that the political arrangement that we thought would save us as a country is turning around to not only batter us but is threatening to drown us.

Mmmn! That is food for thought.

Now where shall we run to, the hills?

Those children were said to have been taken into the forests where the insurgents have their camps, presumably, to be wives to the outlaws. Now, is it possible for two neighbouring countries not to be on talking terms that they cannot cooperate to look at every blade of grass between their two countries in search of those girls?

In my opinion, I think the first thing that the government ought to do is take a good look at itself and stop declaring that it is fine. It is not fine. Indeed, something is very wrong if we all allow the insurgency to continue to grow because of the government’s reluctance to bring out the facts surrounding the problem.

And, obviously, there are facts. It will be sad to continue to allow the nation to get more lost because of this reluctance. As it is now, each day, people are getting more confused because they have more questions than answers. I think the answers should begin to come about... now!

COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

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I

Seshat revived: further thoughts on the state of reading and writing in our country

N the second segment of last week’s essay in this column, I joined my voice to the voices of thousands of those greatly excited by the declaration by UNESCO of Port Harcourt as the Book Week Capital for this year. In a move calculated to indicate how long and deep are the roots of writing on our continent, I pressed a drawing of Seshat, the Egyptian goddess of writing, knowledge and wisdom, into service as a photographic frame for my celebration of the achievement of the Rainbow Book Club and its efforts to revive reading and writing among schoolchildren and our youths. In order to reflect more deeply on the significance of that invocation of the Egyptian goddess of writing in last week’s essay, I wish this week to explore what it means in the contemporary period to go all the way back to ancient Egypt in order to give resonance to my encouragement of the yeoman efforts being made at the present time to revive reading and writing in our country.

I am sure that it could not have escaped many readers that it is because ancient Egyptian civilization was literate, indeed greatly treasured writing, that I invoked the goddess Seshat in last week’s essay. Shamanistic or miracle rainmakers are not found in desert communities and cultures; where rain hardly ever falls, a rainmaker will strive in vain and will starve. Although our continent invented some of the earliest writing systems and their enabling scripts, until the beginnings of the modern age, writing was not widely distributed in the vast majority of the societies and cultures of our continent. That is why gods and goddesses of writing do not exist in cultures in which writing does not exist. To give an apt and epigrammatic illustration of this observation, Orunmila of the Yoruba pantheon is the god of knowledge and wisdom; his divine patronage of culture and the arts does not include writing and writers.

Historically, Egyptian and Ethiopic writing systems were the main cultures of literacy and writing on our continent. Writing systems and scripts like Vai and Nsibidi in our own region of the continent did not develop into full scale and widely distributed regimes of writing and reading with consolidated extensions to processes and institutions for recording and preserving knowledge. In sum then, writing is both very ancient and very new in our continent, depending on which regions and cultures of Africa one is talking about. But this is not the main point that I wish to emphasize in this piece.

The main point that I wish to emphasize and develop into a full discussion in this essay is this: in the modern world, while it helps to have a long and ancient tradition of writing and literacy in one’s culture, it is not, and need not become a permanent cultural disability not to have had an ancient writing and literate tradition in one’s society. The deep historical truth is that once writing is introduced into any society, it be-

comes a considerably powerful means of recording and transmitting knowledge and experience across time and the generations; and it also becomes a powerful force for progress and the advancement of learning. But we must recognize that writing does not perpetuate itself, does not become a force for progress just by the force of its own intrinsic value. And writing systems change all the time; they are reinvented perpetually and in fact sometimes superseded by other writing systems and thereby go into oblivion. One graphic illustration of this historic reality is the fact that all the writing systems and scripts of ancient Africa have gone into oblivion and all the ideographic scripts like Vai and Nsibidi indigenous to West Africa before the introduction of the currently globally hegemonic Latin script have massively declined in the limited value and currency they once had. To put this observation across in concrete terms, other than cultural pride and the memorializing of past greatness, the Ethiopic scripts of Geez and Amharic confer no special advantages to modern Ethiopia and Eritrea over present-day Ghana and Nigeria. We must celebrate the achievements that produced the ancient writing scripts of Africa, even if they all now belong in the metaphoric museum of history, but what we make of writing and literacy in our age lies completely in our hands. This is why the title of this essay starts with the phrase, “Seshat revived”.

Let me give a concrete illustration of this phrase by alluding to my own experience and the experience of my generation with regard to reading and writing as inestimable vectors of pleasure, learning, enlightenment and progress, personal and collective. Today, the bookshops of the University of Ibadan and the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, look like ghostly hulks of what they once were when I was an undergraduate at the former and a teacher and researcher at the latter. It used to entail such cultural and emotional anguish for me to visit these bookshops that I have

completely stopped entering them.

Indeed, the anguish has become so deeply ingrained in relation to the U.I. bookshop that I often quickly walk past it when, over a weekend, I am staying with the Osofisans on the campus of the University.

On a larger scale, with the exception of perhaps only Lagos and Abuja, bookshops in all Nigerian cities are today like gutted, emptied versions of what they once were. When I was reading for my GCE “A” levels, there was no book on my required texts that I couldn’t get in several bookshops in Ibadan. This is apart from books that I regularly bought just for my reading pleasure – the bookshops were well stocked with them. And yet the Nigeria of today, the country of my late adult life is immensely wealthier than the Nigeria of my early life and young adulthood.

Bookshops throughout the country should be bursting with a cornucopia of books on all subjects as bookshops tend to be in the nations of the world that truly value writing and reading. But for the herculean efforts of intrepid and dedicated dealers in the book trade like Booksellers of

Ibadan and Glendora of Lagos (and others very thinly spread throughout Nigeria whose existence is unknown to me), we would still be going through the book drought that prevailed through much of the late 80s and early to mid-90s.

Let me come to the heart of what I am trying to put across in this essay. The great decline in reading among our children and youths and the equally catastrophic fall in standards of writing in books and newspapers in our country have many causes. But the chief cause is the fact that instead of giving a big boost to reading and writing, our oil wealth bonanza has done the exact opposite: it has fostered a pervasive philistine indifference to the great role that writing - and writing well - plays in all modern societies. In this respect, the very poor state of bookshops all over the country and the mediocre levels of writing that pervade much of what is published in virtually all our newspapers, are both symptoms and causes of the poverty that reigns supreme in our country today.

I do not wish to be misunderstood. It is not writing and reading as such that produced the grim statistic of 7 out of every 10 Nigerians living below the poverty line; it is gargantuan corruption, mismanagement and squandermania on a colossal scale that bear the responsibility for such an abysmal level of widespread poverty in the midst of vast oil wealth. But a decline in the quality of writing such as we are seeing now carries with it a disastrous fall in the quality of the intellectual life of the nation and is thus epiphenomenal to corruption and squandermania as the primary causes of poverty on such a large scale. Moreover, let us keep this in mind: for good or ill, we live now in the highly competitive world of a fully globalized capitalism in which intellectual capital and property occupy a pivotal place in the distribution of wealth and poverty between

and within the nations of the planet.

If by a revolutionary stroke of good fortune looting, waste and squandermania were to be terminated in our country next month, next year or the year after that, we would still have the task of a complete reform of our educational system, our reading habits and the quality of writing in our country to meet the challenges of 21st century global capitalism. Let me put this in the form of a pointed question: how can we ever become big players in the continental and global economies if our educational systems and the intellectual level indicated in the general quality of writing in our country remain so abysmally low?

I testify that at one time in the not-too distant past in this country reading and writing among the literati, as cultural habits and intellectual attainments, were of world class standard. I testify also that as that national literati expanded in number and demographics, highbrow, mid-brow and lowbrow levels in reading and writing emerged as they have done in nearly all modern societies; but mediocrity did not swamp and overwhelm writing and reading in the country. But now, except in a few locations or oases where reading and writing are still encouraged and nourished, “lowbrow” has completely eaten up both “mid-brow” and “highbrow”.

But all is not lost. Apart from the Rainbow Book Club whose activities I highlighted in last week’s column, I know of several other groups around the country where reading of novels and poetry and lively discussions on the state of writing and reading in the country are held regularly. I know of bookshops that are now relatively well-stocked and publishers that are once again giving superb, professionally competent editing to the books they are now publishing. But these are little streams, they are rivulets where we should have mighty seas of renewal – as we once did in this country.

Seshat revived: writing has a long and hallowed history on our continent. But that history amounts to nothing if our present and our posterity are completely under the shadow of the prevailing and dominant philistinism in the intellectual and cultural affairs of Nigeria, the like and the scale of which was once foreign to this country.

Erratum:

In last week’s column, where I should have described the dictionary entry on the Latin phrase in extremis as the epigraph to the essay, I mistakenly called it the epilogue. The error is due to insufficient self-correction after the completion of the essay. This is a risk, a specter that all columnists face: sometimes, you miss obvious errors in your own essay that others would easily spot.

Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

18

COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

BRF’s successor: Is Ambode the final choice?

I

T appears the choice has been made.

Babatunde fashola (SAN) now has a potential successor with whom he has some issues. The Christians seem to have had their say and their way. The politicians appear to have lost again to the technocrats. Akinwunmi Ambode, a Christian and a former accountant general in Lagos state, is not your typical professional politician, he can only boast of one or two years post- resignation political experience.

The “oracle of Bourdillon”, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is watching the unfolding drama of selection with keen interest. Tinubu does not talk much when it comes to choosing his anointed. His body language is enough. He does not like to be predictable when it comes to his choice.

He knows how to get the message across to his ‘structure’. And they know how to decode his message(s) especially when it comes to “oga, tala ma dibo fun” (Asiwaju, who are we voting for?)

Undisputably, the governorship slot has been zoned to Lagos east. But who is the most favoured candidate of Asiwaju in Lagos east? Is it Gbenga Ashafa, a first term senator representing the district? Is it Abike Dabiri, the only lady contestant from the zone? Is it Leke Pitan, a medical Doctor and a former commissioner in Tinubu’s cabinet? Is it Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the honourable speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly? Is it Tola Kasali, also a former commissioner in Tinubu’s cabinet? Or is it Akinwunmi Ambode, a former accountant general in Lagos state?

I will not want to flatter myself to assume that I know Asiwaju’s disposition towards everyone of these aspirants since we all served under him and were all “made” by him. But with all sense of modesty, I can say that with my twenty three years of “reading and studying” Tinubu (our first meeting was in 1991 through Dapo Sarumi and my uncle, Dr. Segun Machado of blessed memory), I know one or two of the aspirants that he will never touch with a long pole. Anyway, that does not matter anymore. The agitation by the Christians for a Christian governor since the time of Michael Otedola, has helped Asiwaju in doing the shortlisting. From all indications, the two Christians on the list, Leke Pitan and Akin Ambode seem to have been automatically shortlisted while a muslim aspirant of substantial social influence in the state was put on standby in case of any political eventualities. Though he has not openly excluded anybody from the list, the wise ones among the aspirants have reduced their spending and their consultations. This is why the tempo of night politicking has gone down.

By now, if you are on the list and Asiwaju has not called you for a tete-a-tete, positive or negative, you are on your own.

To members of the structure the message is clear that Asiwaju is inclined to the Chris-

N

EARLY a third of antimalarial medicines have failed quality tests due to poor packaging and incorrect levels of the active ingredients over the last 70 years, yet limited monitoring capacity in low-income countries means the problem’s true scale remains unknown, a study finds.

Despite the potential harm to patients from substandard drugs, over 60 per cent of malaria-endemic countries have no information on the quality of medicines used within their borders, according to the review of drug analyses, published in Malaria Journal this month (8 April).

The expense of building the necessary infrastructure of laboratories and regulatory bodies to monitor medicine quality means the issue is “barely mentioned” by the global health community, says Paul Newton, study co-author and a researcher at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.

He says it is vital to check the quality of the actual drugs distributed. “After spending huge amounts of human and financial resources on developing new drugs and treatment regimes, it is a very illogical system where we neglect the quality of the final intervention,” he tells

•Ambode

By Dapo Thomas

tians’ agitation for a Christian governor.

And of the two Christian aspirants, Pitan and Ambode, the codes being received from the symbol of the structure, are pointing towards Akin Ambode as the anointed or the ‘special one’. If Asiwaju is opting for Ambode, and not Pitan, does that mean the Pitan is not his favourite?

Absolutely No. Aside from being a commissioner in Asiwaju’s Cabinet, Leke Pitan has consistently represented Tinubu at every function he (Tinubu) could not attend. Pitan is a loyal and influential member of the Tinubu group.

The only disadvantage (if any), in my view, would be his age. Leke Pitan is nearer Sixty years that Ambode who was born in June 1963. Besides, Ambode is seen as a neutral choice being a technocrat. The choice of a politician could have triggered envy, jealousy, ripples, malice and misunderstanding among fellow politicians. During Tinubu’s administration, Ambode proved to be a very diligent, hardworking, committed, loyal and intelligent officer who never betrayed trust reposed in him.

With less than two years post- resignation political experience, the politicians are wondering if Ambode would not behave like Fashola who had a very testy relationship with Asiwaju during his first term in office. The Fashola hostility was so strong that most Asiwaju supporters believed that it was because he was not really a politician and had nothing to lose.

In a worst case scenario, he would dust his law books, dry clean his silk and gown and goes back to his law profession.

As expected, Asiwaju Tinubu has denied ever trying to impose any candidate.

It was an unnecessary denial because nobody has ever quoted him on this. Those who know him very well know that he is too meticulous and circumspect to make a pronouncement on his choice. He has a way of revealing his ‘anointed’ to his own people.

As stated earlier, the core politicians are always suspicious of the technocrats because they feel they are not always loyal and committed since they have nothing to lose politically. As much as one can refer to Ambode as a political neophyte, his resignation from office was contingent upon his desire to contest for an elective posi-

tion. Right from the moment he resigned, he had told his very close friends and associates that his target was the governorship. Immediately after his resignation he went to inform Asiwaju Tinubu of his political intention. Whether there was an understanding or agreement between the two on what position to vie for remains a secret between the two of them. If therefore Asiwaju has indeed chosen him, it must have been a fulfillment of a pledge made to him when he resigned.

The truth is that Ambode’s resignation was necessitated by a frosty relationship he had with Babatunde Fashola. His reasons were never made public but circumstances of his departure were strangely awry. The thinking is that being a very strong Tinubu boy in Fashola’s cabinet, there was no way he would have resigned his appointment without clearance from Asiwaju Tinubu.

Fortunately for Ambode, his christian faith gave him an added advantage over others. Besides, Ambode is a very rugged and dogged fighter who remained focused to his ambition and never allowed himself to be distracted by the contemptuous way the politicians treated him. Even the mere mentioning of his name was evoking unmerited mockery. If today the name Ambode is echoing in the political circles as being the anointed, it was because both Ambose and Tinubu were faithful to the covenant between them when Ambode resigned.

Will Fashola be happy with the choice of Ambode as his successor knowing how much the two of them loathe each other?

In this instance, he has no option because he lacks the political structure that can counter the formidable political machine of his predecessor. Fashola’s preferred choice was never configured as a relevant aspirant hence his complete isolation from all political equations. It is in Fashola’s interest to begin to see Ambode as a friend and his possible successor if he is to avoid another collision with Asiwaju. This is the time he should be reconciling with all those he might have offended these past seven years. In politics, personal animosities are secondary to political expediencies.

This is why I believe that the choice of Ambode is strategic to a greater political interest. Political leaders hardly make concessions on benevolence no matter the intensity of the pressure. If Christians see Ambode’s choice as a victory, they should not be reluctant to pay a price for this victory when those, nay he that chose Ambode requires their alliance in achieving a greater political objective. Until the whole game is played out, Ambode’s choice remains inchoate and it may require extra prayers by the Christians to avoid a replay of the Hakeem Gbajabiamila scenario. Let those on standby know that the whole process is between God and man.

One-third of malaria drugs fail quality tests SciDev.Net. As well as risking patients’ health and increasing the disease’s economic burden, medicines without the correct balance of active ingredients could increase the incidence of drug-resistant malaria, the report finds. This is because exposing pathogens to levels of a drug that are too low to kill them effectively increases the risk that survivors will become resistant and pass the trait to future generations. “[Falsified or substandard medicines] are very likely to contribute to disastrous antimalarial artemisinin resistance, increasing mortality and morbidity and risking the loss of these vital medicines for malaria control,” the report says.

The paper, which systematically reviews more than 9,000 analyses of antimalarial drugs since 1946 in countries mainly in Africa, Asia and South America, finds that 30 per cent of samples failed quality tests. Counterfeit medicines could sometimes be identified by their fake packing, the report says, though chemical analy-

ses — which sometimes revealed the drug’s active ingredient to be absent or present only at low levels — are also necessary, because official packaging for comparison is not always available in the developing world.

Of the drugs that failed tests, more than 39 per cent were classified as fraudulent copies, 2.3 per cent as unintentionally substandard and more than 58 per cent as poor quality for unclear reasons.

Yet only 41 of the 104 countries where malaria is endemic possess any publicly available data on medicine quality, the study says. Even when information exists, it is insufficient to fully understand the problem, it says.

For example, although malaria in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon together account for an estimated 40 per cent of global disease burden, the paper says only one publically available analysis of the drugs in these countries is available.

Political will and foresight from gov-

ernments and development donors is needed to see that investment in developing nations’ ability to police drug quality through governmental bodies, which is a low priority for donors and governments due to its expense, could save money, says Newton.

The WHO’s Rapid Alert System, which standardises and makes accessible information on substandard drugs that would otherwise remain hidden in government databases, helps, says Patricia Tabernero, a report co-author and the coordinator of the antimalarial quality group for the Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network.

But with only three laboratories in Sub-Saharan Africa and five in South-East Asia pre-qualified by the WHO as capable of accurately analysing the quality of antimalarials, developing nations’ ability to produce data is still far too low, she says.

Source: www.scidev.net

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

Oyo 2015: Fresh hurdles for Alao-Akala PAGES 22

Odds against Akpabio’s 2015 succession plan

2015: Orji and the South-East puzzle

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

2015: North Central turns battle ground I

T should be a fait accompli. With four incumbent governors out of a possible six and a fourth-term Senate President in its kitty, the reelection bid of President Goodluck Jonathan come 2015 should be a resounding success in the North Central. In the entire North, it is the region that boasts of the fiercest support base and foot soldiers for the President’s re-election campaign. It has traditionally been a conservative, establishment region with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) having a smooth ride across the states.

But these are indeed changing times. The political climate across Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger State and the Fed-

Ravaged by unabated ethnic violence, the North Central geo-political zone once considered President Goodluck Jonathan’s biggest hopes of capturing northern votes come 2015, based on religious and political antecedents, has suddenly become very tricky and dicey with the opposition fracturing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) strongholds, reports Sunday Oguntola eral Capital Territory (FCT), constituting the North Central zone is evolving with dire consequences for the President’s chances of carrying the region. A series of high-powered defections, internal wrangling, communal crises, general disenchantments and strategic penetrations by the opposition are conspiring to sweep the carpets off the feet of the president and

his foot soldiers.

Key political realignments and the influences of heavyweights have also dimmed the President’s chances in the bastion of the PDP. From Kwara to Kogi, Benue to Niger and Nasarawa State, the PDP’s firm grips on the region are crumbling, fuelling concerns over the number of votes the President can garner at the poll.

The fact that Governors Jonah Jang (Plateau), Gabriel Suswam (Benue) and Muazu Aliyu (Niger) are second-termers who might be unable to superintend during the presidential polls would also further dwindle the votes Jonathan can secure from their states.

The three governors are eyeing senatorial seats and will be fighting the political battles of their lives on the

same day with the President.

A political analyst, James Ibe, said the governors would be so pre-occupied with their senatorial ambitions that they would have no time to deliver critical votes to the President. Ibe said: “It’s a fact that when you are up against formidable oppositions, you consider your interests first before helping your friends and allies. If you have a senatorial election on the same day as the President, it is just logical that you will be more committed to securing your future first before looking out for the President, regardless of how friendly you are with him.”

•Continued on Page 20

201 Sou

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

POLITICS

2015: The battle for North Central •Continued from Page 19 According to the election time table released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Presidential and National Assembly polls hold on February 14, 2015. Of the other three governors in the region, Idris Wada (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Umaru Almakura (Nasarawa), only Wada is in the PDP. Ahmed and Almakura belong to the All Progressive Congress (APC) and will be motivated to deliver their states to the party at the presidential polls to guarantee their second term bids.

Kwara State This is the state that will give the President’s re-election bid the fiercest opposition. The political leader of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, has dumped PDP for the APC with his political structures. The governor followed suit, taking nearly all the Assembly members along. It is said that Saraki has a personal score to settle with Jonathan, who has been unrelenting on his assaults against the former governor.

At a recent rally in Ilorin, the capital city, Jonathan vowed that the PDP will regain the state. He promised those who defected from the PDP that they will live to regret their actions. When his arrowhead in the state, Hajiya Bola Shagaya, led members of the Kwara PDP to the Presidential Villa on a thank-you visit, Jonathan reiterated his determination to recapture the state.

He said: “We remain very grateful and from what we saw that day, I do not think we need a soothsayer to say that Kwara is totally for the PDP. In 2015, we will know who owns Kwara. And if God gives us the opportunity, which I believe, probably we will even test our strength before 2015.

“All stolen mandates will return to PDP. And those who think they can run away with our mandates, as a member of the Assembly who refused to defect, you will have nothing to regret. Just celebrate it. If they think that PDP will allow them to run away with it, they will see it.

“We must take over the state structures of the party, the governor and the state Assembly, we must take all, because it is easy to reach the grassroots through the states than the center because the country is so big that by the time we distribute positions, you will not be noticed. But at the state level, we can touch more people”.

Saraki, on his part, said such dream remains only wishful. According to him, the election in the state will be a walkover for the APC. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology said: “We do not want to give any vote; we want to win the total votes. We want to send a message across Nigeria, we want to send a message to the pretenders that, in Kwara State; we are not seasonal politicians. ”For those that still want to learn in history, be rest assured that Kwara is solidly an All Progressives Congress (APC) state. Here, we are one family, here we are committed to delivering the entire Kwara State for the APC family”.

With the governor following his political leadership and the entire Assembly members and local government chairmen behind him, it is hard to see how Jonathan can boast any significant vote in Kwara come 2015. Among the President’s foot soldiers in Kwara include Senator Simeon Ajibola, Gbemi Saraki, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Suleiman Ajadi and Special Adviser to the President on Ethics, Sarah Jibril.

Prediction: A landslide defeat for Jonathan Benue State Home to Senate President, David Mark, Benue State has traditionally been a PDP state.

But in 2011, it lost a senatorial seat to the APC along with many House of Representatives seats. The APC has been making spirited efforts to break the PDP’s strongholds in the state with relative successes. But the internal wrangling in the PDP and the hot battles for Suswam’s successor could turn out to work in APC’s favour.

Former governor and Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, is leading the APC’s army in the state. On the PDP’s side are Suswam, Mark, Lawrence Onoja and the deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani. In the governorship race, the agitation by the Idoma ethnic group might be the game changer for the APC. The argument is that with compo-

• Saraki

•Jang

• Akume

•Aliyu

nents such as: Jemgbagh, Minda Kwande, Sankera and Jerchira in the Zone A and B districts of the Tiv land, there is no intention to relinquish power in the next dispensation until the last in the Tiv component, the Minda, has taken its turn.

The issue is tearing the PDP apart with Lawani, one of the main candidates from the Idoma-speaking part of the state said not to be enjoying the support of Suswam for the race. Barrister Emmanuel Jime, a House of Representatives member, is the only candidate for now to have indicated interest in the race under the platform of the APC. Before representing Makurdi/ Guma Federal Constituency at the House, he was Speaker of the Assembly.

A grassroots mobiliser and popular figure, Jime’s scholarship scheme has garnered supports for him in all the three senatorial zones. The fact that he is married to an Idoma woman could also swing votes in his favour, should he win the APC ticket. The APC boasts of many of such political figures across the state, a development that is reducing PDP’s influence.

But the greatest threat to Jonathan’s victory is the recent Fulani herdsmen invasion in the state.

Several communities and villages have been sacked and destroyed by the herdsmen, leading to massive displacement of indigenes. Investigations revealed the displaced indigenes, mostly Christians, have expressed shock over the inability of the Federal Government to come to their rescue.

A community head, last week, wondered if all they have gained from the current administration is the orgies of violence unleashed against them. “We voted PDP and Jonathan, then we get all these. Yet, nothing is being done. These cattle rustlers are ravaging and ransacking us and no one is doing anything,” he began. “In 2015, we are going to try another party. Maybe they will secure us and give us better security”.

Such general disenchantments over insecurity are rife in Benue with many considering seeking alternative government. With the seeming inability of the federal government to arrest the insurgency and herdsmen’s attacks with Benue worst hit, the state is becoming an unclear coast for a Jonathan’s victory in 2015. Prediction: 50-50

for Jonathan Plateau State With a reliable supporter like Jonah Jang, Jonathan is losing no sleep over winning Plateau State. The governor is the recognised Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) by the presidency, a telling testimony to his loyalty.

The entire state structure will be Jonathan’s for asking come 2015. Of all the states in the region, Plateau is the most guaranteed for the President.

There, he has the strongest supporters, ever loyal and reliable. The Christian inclination of the state is also a big plus for the president’s re-election bid.

Prediction: Landslide victory for Jonathan Nasarawa State With two of the three senators belonging to the APC, Nasarawa remains a swing state for the President. The governor has lost his deputy, Dameshi Luka, to the PDP. The House of Assembly is also not entirely in Al Makura’s control.

But the APC remains strong in Nasarawa, especially with the arrival of former governor, Abdullahi Adamu. Al Makura is in charge of virtually all the chairmen, swelling the grassroots support of the APC. The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, is leading the president’s men and the PDP’s machinery. Maku is believed to be nursing governorship ambition, which means he will come face-to-face with Al-Makura who will also be seeking second term. He will be a real test for the governor with the federal structure and war chest at its disposal. Jonathan has vowed to recapture Nasarawa come 2015, ostensibly to promote his re-election bid.

While registering as a member of APC, Abdullahi said: “I want Nigerians to join APC and register. I am calling on them all to be part of the great change to wrest power from the PDP. We are a party out to salvage the country from years of tortuous backwardness. Nigerians should join the change team to defeat President Jonathan in 2015.”

That defeat for the President in Nasarawa is neither here nor there. Who wins the presidential votes will be largely determined by whoever the APC fields as its presidential aspirant.

Should it be a candidate with mass appeal in the north, Jonathan’s votes would be almost nil. But if otherwise, the President could carry the day. It is a swing state where anything can happen.

Prediction: 50-50 against Jonathan Kogi State Despite the February 21 Supreme Court judgement, which affirmed his candidature, Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, is still in the eyes of the storm. The PDP remains divided under his watch with his main challenger for the governorship ticket, Jibril Isah, popularly known as Echocho, seriously embittered. Isah, unfortunately for Wada, has large followership across the state.

During a reception in his honour after the Supreme Court affirmation, Wada appealed to Isah not to leave the party. He said his victory was a no victor, no vanquished verdict, urging Isah to join him in moving the party forward. Some sources alleged that Isah has resolved to work against the PDP within any election in the state.

Though the APC has reportedly made overtures to Isah, it was learnt that his men thought it would be better to fight as an insider for now to prove his political mettle and popularity. If he chooses to work with the APC, which boasts of former governor, Abubakar Audu and exReps member, Dino Melaye, Isah will constitute a great impediment to a PDP’s victory in the state come 2015.

The APC has a senatorial seat in the state and the agitation by the Yoruba-speaking areas for the governorship slot could also work in the party’s favour. As things are, the state remains difficult to call in terms of where it will go during the presidential race in 2015.

Prediction: 50-50 in Jonathan’s favour Niger State The servant-governor, Muazu Aliyu, has publicly declared President Goodluck Jonathan will win the 2015 election. But political observers believe he is simply playing to the gallery. The governor, who was vociferously against the President, is suddenly singing a different tune because he was blackmailed with financial reports by the presidency, many allege.

Aliyu, who is chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, it was gathered, is simply playing along. When the chips are down, it is believed, he will never move against Northern agitation for power shift. Besides, he is nursing senatorial ambition, a development analysts say, will make him to be careful of moving against the tides.

The race for his succession is tearing the PDP in the state apart. Some are advocating for rotation while others believe the best candidates should be allowed to emerge.

By the zoning arrangement of the PDP, the Kontagora zone, aka Zone C should produce the next governor. Zone A (Bida) was in power in 1999- 2007 while Zone B (Minna) will conclude its two four-year terms in 2015.

Leading contestants include the deputy governor, Hon. Ahmed Ibeto; Commissioner of Finance, Muazu Bawa; Abubakar Sani Bello (Habu), former Commissioner of Commerce and son of retired Colonel Sani Bello and sonin-law of former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; PDP state secretary, Aminu Yusuf and former Minister of Commerce, Engineer Mustapha Bello.

Of the lot, Bello seems to be enjoying the support of key godfathers in the state though it was alleged the governor is against his choice.

Bello has moved to the APC over a spat with the governor on policy matters. He is from Kontagora where the rotational policy favours.

He has connections in high places with General Ibrahim Babangida, his late father’s course mate said to be rooting for him. Former FCT Minister, General Gado Nasko, is also there for him.

Should the PDP pick an aspirant from outside the Kontagora’s favoured zone, the coast might just be clear for Bello to emerge the next governor of the state. This will be more so if he goes for a running mate from Bida, which has the most voting numbers.

With Aliyu preoccupied with winning a seat to the Senate, like his many colleagues, the state might just go to the opposition for the first time in its history. The disposition of the two Heads of State, Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, who are believed to be unimpressed by Jonathan’s performances, will also certainly affect the President’s chances.

Prediction: 70-30 against Jonathan

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

A

HEAD of 2015 general election, the alleged re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan is deepening the division amongst political leaders and elites of the South-East geo-political zone. Following indications that the president who received massive support from the zone in the last presidential election, is seeking another term in office, leaders of the zone have been unable to agree on either to produce a presidential candidate who will be from the region or still put their weight behind Jonathan and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Sources within the zone said determined to retain his support base in the region, the President has embarked on underground mobilisation to seek the support of prominent leaders and elites in the zone. According to findings by The Nation, it is the efforts of this underground campaign train, made up of PDP chieftains and other loyalists of the President that have divided the rank and file of Igbo leaders.

While the Governors' Forum of the region is in crisis following what sources described as an attempt by some loyalists of the President to get the body to officially endorse his reelection bid, observers of the politics of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex pan Igbo organisation in the region, said the pro-Jonathan campaign train has infiltrated the leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation and polarised its ranks.

Also sources within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) says the lingering leadership tussle in the pro-Igbo party is a fallout of effort

by Jonathan's men to sell his re-election bid to the people of the South-East at all cost. Like Ohanaeze, the party's leadership is said to have been infiltrated and polarised.

"The unending disagreement between Chief Victor Umeh, the National Chairman of the party and former Governor Peter Obi’s faction would have been resolved if not for their alleged differences on the issue of Jonathan’s 2015 presidential bid. While Umeh wants a free party that will field its own candidates, Obi is committed to Jonathan's re-election bid," our source said.

Signs that the division in the region may be deepening emerged shortly be-

POLITICS

2015: Jonathan's re-election bid splits South-East leaders

Re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan is deepening the division among political leaders and elites of the South-East geopolitical zone, reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

•Orji

•Okorocha

•Obiano

•Nwabueze fore the last visit of the President to the zone when according to sources, governors of the region disagreed sharply over an attempt to make the Governors' Forum announce its endorsement of Jonathan's re-election bid during the visits.

Sources said the South-East Governors Forum was divided along party lines when some governors suggested

•Umeh that the forum should officially endorse the president's ambition. Several meetings called to discuss the issue reportedly ended in stalemates as some governors vehemently opposed the idea.

The last of such meeting, held in Enugu few days before the April 11, 2014 presidential visit, was boycotted by two governors while one

•Okorie other governor left the venue before the end of the meeting, which according to sources, witnessed heated arguments over the plot to get the forum to endorse Jonathan.

"The meeting ended the same way like the others before it although the Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, boycotted the meeting and Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra

21

State left before the end of the meeting. In spite of all their efforts, the pro-Jonathan governors could not get the forum to officially endorse the President's re-election bid. Even one PDP governor kicked against the idea.

“Eventually, they hurriedly conveyed a PDP governors' meeting where they announced the endorsement of the President's re-election ambition. The development has finally polarised the Forum and it is uncertain if the gulf created will ever heal because the likes of Governor Okorocha seems to be viewing the forum cautiously ever since," a source said.

The situation within the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, sources say, is not better off. "The Ohaneze Ndigbo may not survive the current crisis over Jonathan's ambition. You will recall the fierce battle for the leadership of the organisation that culminated into several court cases and disputed elections before we finally managed to get the current leadership into office.

“One thing that is obvious now is the fact that those crises were all about 2015. Now, Ohanaeze is finding it difficult to speak with one voice. While the leadership is saying Ndigbo will support Jonathan, some of our revered founding fathers are saying the man should not run. What we have on our hands now is a situation where our leaders are singing discordant tunes on the issue of Jonathan's re-election bid," Ralph Obidike, an ex-officio member of the body in Imo State told The Nation.

Recently, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo told constitutional lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze, (SAN), and Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, in plain language that they were not qualified to speak for Ndigbo on any issue. The duo got into trouble with the organisation when they expressed their opposition to Jonathan's re-election bid.

Addressing reporters in Awka, Anambra State, President of Ohanaeze, Dr. Chris Eluemunoh,

•Continued on Page 24

AT THE NATIONAL CONFAB THIS WEEK

A

More states, independent candidacy

T the National Conference this week, the committees set up last week commenced sitting.

Contrary to the fears expressed earlier on that they may be constrained by the limited time available for their deliberations, reports this week show that the committees may be faster than envisaged by skeptical Nigerians.

For example, the Committee on Political Restructuring during the week adopted a resolution for the creation of an additional state in the South- East geo-political zone to ensure equity among the six geo-political zones.

Co-Chairmen of the committee, Mr. Mukaila Muhammed and Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, announced this on Thursday in Abuja at the end of the committee’s session.

The Co-Chairmen said the South-East zone deserves to have six states like other zones that have six or seven states each.

“Therefore, it was agreed that one additional state should be added to the South-East zone.

•Kutiji

That is the first part of our resolution on the issue of creation of states.

“The second part is a resolution that we recognise that there are other genuine demands for creation of states from all the other zones includ-

•Ogunrimade

ing the South-East itself.

“We said all these demands should be looked at, and decisions made should be taken based on the merits of such demands.

“We are to look at the viability, contiguity and other

factors that determine creation of states.

“My committee members discern the need for Nigeria to have more states, and the need to have it based on merit.

“And particularly, to give the South-East at this conference an additional state bringing it in line with other zones with six states.

The Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters in its resolution recommended that all elected and appointed office holders in the country who defect from their political parties to another be made to automatically lose their offices or seats.

The committee equally recommended independent candidacy and unbundling of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, so that a different body can be solely responsible for registration and regulation of political parties in the country. The committee, which is co-chaired by two former Senate Presidents, Ken Nnamani and Iyorchia Ayu, also recommended that Federal Government should stop giving

subventions to political parties.

Chairperson sacked But for the Committee on Civil Society, Labour and Sports, it was a week of action as it sacked its chairperson, Bola Ogunrimade, for absenteesm. The committee replaced the sacked chair with her deputy, Issa Aremu.

The committee, which is one of the ten committees of the confab sitting at the NICON Luxury Hotel, took the decision in a unanimous vote.

“Because of persistent non-appearance of the chairperson, the committee members have asked me to take over as the chairman and we intend to communicate this to the secretariat,” Mr. Aremu said while speaking to reporters after the sitting of the committee. Mr. Aremu said the former chairperson has not reported formally since the committee took off. “It is going to be difficult to drive a committee which you don’t know the concept and the idea we have been running,” he said.

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POLITICS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

Oyo 2015: Fresh hurdles for Alao -Akala

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HE aspiration of former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, to return to the Agodi Government House in 2015 may have suffered major setbacks following the failure of his legal team to quash the alleged misappropriation of N11.5 billion suit filed against him and his former aides by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFFC) and reports that the leadership of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may have resolved to ensure the emergence of a gubernatorial candidate of Ibadan extraction for the 2015 election.

Political activities came alive within the ex-governor’s political camp soon after the New Year celebration with his posters flooding strategic places in Ibadan and other major cities of the state.

Akala remains a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and sources close to him say he is interested in a return as governor in 2015.

And following series of meetings in Ibadan and Ogbomoso, Alao-Akala has come out severally to say he has been working behind the scene to bring together aggrieved PDP members in Oyo State in a bid to re-unite and strengthen the party ahead of the 2015 general election in the state.

But findings by The Nation revealed that the ex-governor may have been busy plotting his re-election agenda. He intends to seek the governorship position once again on the platform of the PDP. This perhaps explains his desire to reunite the warring factions within the troubled party.

According to reliable party sources, his efforts led to a town hall meeting held at Plaza de Aruna in Oyo in December 2013, where he met with some of the members from Oyo Federal Constituency, comprising Afijio, Atiba, Oyo-East and Oyo-West.

Also the Ogbomosho-born politician has revived all his political machineries ahead of the gubernatorial contest. “There is no doubt that Akala is interested in returning to the Government House. He is working gradually towards clinching the PDP ticket and we are with him,” a former commissioner in the state said.

But with the Court of Appeal in Ibadan dismissing the suit Akala filed against his prosecution by the EFCC on charges bothering on criminality, there appears to be some fresh hurdles for him to cross in his bid to return as the governor of Oyo State in 2015.

Alao-Akala, Senator Hosea Agboola, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and an Ibadan-based business man, Mr. Olufemi Babalola, had appealed an earlier ruling delivered on December 12, 2012 by Justice Akintunde Boade of the Oyo State High Court that they had a case to answer.

The EFCC had arraigned the appellants before the court on 11-count charge of conspiracy, contract awards without budgetary provisions, and obtaining by false pretence. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

While delivering judgment on the ruling, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem said the appeal against the ruling of the lower court was premature. The judge reasoned that the former governor should have waited for the trial to go mid-way at the High Court before appealing it.

According to her, Otunba Alao-Akala failed to produce sufficient proof to convince the court to quash the ruling of the lower court.

Following the judgment, fellow party members and supporters of the former governor have been worried about its effect on his aspiration. According to a reliable insider, Akala himself has been very worried about the development.

“He is worried. Like every serious politician, he is considering the effect of the development on his ambition to rule the state again. His legal team worked assiduously to get earlier judgement quashed but failed. With the new

The aspiration of the former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, to return to Agodi Government House, Ibadan, may have suffered many setbacks, reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan judgement, it means Akala may be prosecuted any time. There is really a big reason to be worried,” an associate of the former governor said.

To further make the ambition of the former governor an obviously difficult one, there are indications that the leaders of the PDP in Oyo State are now shopping for a gubernatorial candidate of Ibadan origin for the 2015 polls following indications that the two other leading parties in the state will field candidates from the state capital.

Giving indications that Governor Abiola Ajimobi, an Ibadan indigene, will fly the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), elders and stakeholders of the party met recently in Ibadan and endorsed him for another term from 2015.

The party stalwarts in control of 11 local government councils in Ibadan land said they took the decision in order to ensure continuity in governance. The state Acting Deputy Chairman of the party, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, who read the communiqué at the end of the meeting, said members in the 11 local government areas in Ibadan, after the meeting, passed a vote of confidence on Ajimobi for his good performance in office.

The communiqué was signed by 11 members representing different zones and council areas. They include Alhaji Isiaq Akeem, Alhaji Ganny Alade, Dr. Busari Adebisi, Hon. Oyeniran Oyeniyi, Hon. Awoleye Dada, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Alhaji Najeem Abbass, Chief Laoye Sam, Chief Ayo Eniade, Mrs Matel Williams, and Chief Jamiu Adewale.

“Further and in consonance with the tradition of our progressives predecessors and in consonance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “We hereby unanimously adopt Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi as the sole candidate of our party in the eleven local government councils consisting Ibadan land as the gubernatorial candidate for 2015 governorship election in Oyo State,” the APC leaders said.

Also, leaders of the Accord Party recently adopted Rashidi Ladoja, another Ibadan indigene as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming governorship election come 2015. Ladoja served as the state governor on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003, but was controversially impeached by a section of the state House of Assembly and replaced with his deputy Alao-Akala.

He was, however, reinstated by the Supreme Court after being kept out of office for 11 months. The former governor later dumped PDP for Accord Party where he contested for Oyo governorship seat but lost to incumbent Abiola Ajimobi in 2011.

Rising from a meeting of leaders of the Accord Party in Oyo South recently, party leaders said they believed the former governor was the only candidate that has what it takes to take the state to an enviable level.

Ladoja, who is the national leader of the party, hails from Ibadan North Local Government Area.

Among the leaders who attended the meeting where Ladoja was adopted are Messrs Tunji Adeoye, Dele Adigun, Nureni Adeniran, Tayo Sarumi, Remi Ayodele and Bimbo Adepoju. Others included •Akala

the party’s local government chairmen and secretaries.

The Nation learnt from sources close to the PDP leadership that the elders position on PDP candidature was informed by pressure being mounted on it to win the state at all cost in 2015. “The insistence of our national leadership that we do all things possible to win the state in 2015 and obvious plan by the two other leading parties in the state to field a gubernatorial candidate from Ibadan land is behind the move.

The reports we got from the field, after a survey sponsored by the party, is to the effect that to win the 2015 governorship election, we need to field an Ibadan candidate. That way, we will avoid the mistake we made in 2011 when we left the bulk of the votes to the ACN in Ibadan and struggled to get votes where the population is,” a party leader said.

Our source also said recent insinuations that the party may have zoned the governorship ticket to Oke Ogun in a bid to clear the way for AlaoAkala, are mere wishful thinking.

“The party is not thinking in that direction.

It is the imagination of those saying that. You are aware that our party leaders in the same Oke Ogun area of the state h a v e dissociated themselves from a recent m e d i a publication insinuating they back the rumoured bid of the f o r m e r governor of the state, Mr. Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, to re-contest the state’s gubernatorial election in 2015.

PDP leaders in the zone pointed out

that the recent media report attributed to one Alhaji Yusuf Sarafadeen Alani, popularly known as Ali Wajud, to the effect that the PDP in Oke Ogun had been “begging and persuading AlaoAkala to take another shot at the governorship seat, remained the imagination of the sponsor of the report.

They informed that the party is stoutly opposed to the moves by anybody within it to canvass for the return of Alao-Akala as governor of the state in 2015. They clearly said that the alleged clamour was in the imagination of the author or sponsor of the report, apparently for selfish or parochial interest.

The PDP in Oke Ogun then warned party members to be cautious of their campaign for 2015 general election which it claimed was still far away, concluding that “2015 belongs to the Almighty God and that there is also the need for us to get to the stream before crossing the bridge. That should show you the thinking within our party,” our source recalled.

Before now, the ex-governor’s camp has been worried over the large number of aspirants seeking to get the nod of the PDP to contest the 2015 governorship ambition. Unlike in 2011, when he was nearly the sole aspirant on the platform of the party, Akala will now have to slug it out with not less than 10 other aspirants ahead of the 2015 polls.

The latest entrant to the race is the CEO of Jogor Centre, Engr. Femi Babalola.

Babalola submitted his letter of intent to the party’s leadership few days back. By his declaration, he has joined the likes of former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; former state chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Soji Adejumo.

Others in the race include Senator Teslim Folarin, a former Senate leader; Prof. Taoheed Adedoja; former deputy governor of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi; renowned Ibadan-based engineer Seyi Makinde; current Minister of State of FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide and former deputy governor, A l h a j i Taofeek

Arapaja.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

POLITICS

23

Ripples over police abortion of 2015: Abia youths root for Mascot pro-Jonathan’s rally in Bayelsa Kalu as governor The recent abortion of a pro-Goodluck Jonathan political rally in Yenagoa has raised fresh speculations that all is not well within PDP in Mr. T President’s home state of Bayelsa, reports Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

•Dickson

I

T came as a surprise to many that a rally purportedly organised recently in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by a new political movement, New Dawn Development Initiative (NDDI), in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015 was aborted by the police.

Persons who were bewildered over the development reasoned that since Bayelsa is the home state of the President, stopping a rally, which was allegedly staged to mount pressure on him to declare his second term ambition, is a sign of discordant tunes within the ranks of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

However, insiders who understand the political dynamics of Bayelsa and the variables that determine who gets what, when and how in the state believe that the cancelled rally had other objectives beyond Jonathan’s re-election.

The police who barricaded Opolo Secondary School, where the demonstration was billed to take-off, allegedlypredicated their action on a security report which uncovered rancour among the organisers of the event.

Relying on intelligence, the police said a splinter group of NDDI had concluded plans to unleash mayhem on other members of the group if they went ahead with the rally.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, insisted that if he had allowed the demonstration to hold, it would have had negative consequences on peace and security of the state.

He said: “The police have directed the group known as New Dawn Initiative Development to reschedule the rally billed to take place at Opolo Secondary School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

“This was premised on the

available intelligence to the command that a splinter group had perfected plans to attack and disrupt the rally which could lead to breach of the peace.”

But beyond the security implications of the demonstrations, there are other political undercurrents. Who is behind NDDI? The new group has been linked to the Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Dr. Wariponmowei Dudafa.

Dudafa is believed to be nursing an ambition to dislodge Dickson from the Creek Haven. He is a close associate of President Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience, who is said to be backing him.

Dudafa served as a commissioner and special adviser in the former administrations of Chief Diepreye Alamieyesigha/Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and that of Chief Timipre Sylva.

Though he is yet to declare his ambition publicly, Dudafa is said to be the founder and financier of NDDI. Sources allege that he is secretly setting up his structures in all the eight local government areas of the state by recruiting supporters into the group.

Therefore, NDDI is generally seen as a platform for Dudafa to actualise his ambition and its activities are perceived in some quarters as an affront on Governor Seriake Dickson, who is also gunning for a second term.

Supporters of Dickson are questioning the motives of Dudafa. They are beginning to consider him as the Nyesom Wike of Bayelsa State and are expressing fears that he could be used by the haters of Dickson in the Presidency to re-enact the Rivers State political imbroglio in the state of President Jonathan.

After the aborted demonstration, leaders of NDDI, including its National Coordinator, Preye Inoro, were invited by the Disciplinary

Committee of the state’s chapter of PDP for questioning.

A PDP source said the party Chairman ordered that they should appear before the committee to explain why they organised such rally without informing the party leadership in the state. The source who pleaded not to be mentioned said there were threats then that the NDDI leaders may be suspended from the party after the probe.

He however said: “They were not suspended. But they were asked to henceforth seek permission not only from the police but also from the party before holding any rally in the state. They were also told that President Jonathan has no problem in the state and that their aborted rally was unwarranted.”

Also, another source from the camp of Dickson described the aborted rally as an affront to the governor and a deliberate design to pit him against the President. He wondered why the group decided to hold a rally against the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which placed an embargo on such rallies.

He said: “If the rally was allowed to go on, some people could take advantage of it to unleash mayhem in the state to give the impression that there is crisis in Mr. President’s home state in a bid to spite him.

“For the avoidance of any doubts, the governor, who is the leader of the party in the state, is well positioned to lead such rallies and naturally it should emanate from him and not any other individual or group”.

He added: “It has also come to the knowledge of the government that, no notable politician is billed to attend the rally, except for some misguided youths and miscreants.

“It must be noted that, under the prevailing political circumstances, any group or sectional rallies, without the participation of the governor and other major stakeholders of the PDP in the state, will end up sending a rather dangerous signal to the rest of the country, as it may even portray the home base of the President as a house divided against itself.

“This is not the time for the PDP and Bayelsans to be divided. We should rather pull our resources and energies together and rally the needed support for our leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Furthermore, the governor has said: “It is unfortunate that those who should know better appear to be embarking on wasted political adventure. In this business, we are tested warriors.

“I want to call on those dancing too early not to be like an antelope that dances too early and dances self lame before the feast. You can practice the dance but don’t get tired. If they know how we confronted sitting authorities, they should have known better. When we are ready, we will show them who we are.”

According to him Jonathan does not need a crisis in his home state at a time he is battling political forces from other zones. “We need to first put our house in order. The rest of Bayelsa should not see a divided Bayelsa. That is what we owe our leader”, he said.

Concerned Abia State youths under the aegis of Abia Youths for Transformation, have commenced mobilisation across the 17 local government areas for Mascot Uzor Kalu to come on board as the governor of the state.

A communiqué made available to journalists, signed by Mazi Chibuike Jonas, the President of AYT, reads: “We, concerned youths of Abia State, today, April 24, 2014 rose from our meeting with a resolve to urge Mr. Mascot U. Kalu to run for Governor of Abia State in 2015.

“It is our firm belief that he has the wherewithal to restore the lost glory of the state.

“We need a reformer to transform God’s own state. “Mascot Uzor Kalu •Kalu remains our hope.”

The statement further for a second term in office.

In a telephone interview, explained that preparations are in top gear Mascot said: "I feel amongst the youth to se- humbled and honoured on cure the governorship the clarion call to serve our ticket for Kalu on the plat- people.

"However, I am still conform of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA). sulting with other stakeThe group also urged holders. "At the right time, Abians to support Presi- I will take a concrete posident Goodluck Jonathan tion."

INEC distributes permanent voter cards in Ekiti, Osun

•Jega

O

VER one million (1, 108,495) Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were distributed this week by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the people who registered in 2011 in Ekiti and Osun states.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu, on Thursday in Abuja said the distributed cards were from 1,913,825 cards printed for the two states.

It said the commission had also conducted Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) for those who had just turned 18 years in the two states According to the statement, the distribu-

tion is in preparation for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun scheduled to hold in June 21 and Aug. 9 respectively.

It said ``the cards were distributed at the polling unit level, namely at the existing 2,195 polling units in Ekiti and the 3, 010 polling units in Osun. ``The CVR was conducted at the Registration Area Centre (Ward) level of which Ekiti has 177 and Osun, 332,’’ it said.

It added that in Ekiti, the Continuous Voter Registration was conducted in 29 existing polling units with less than 100 registered voters. ``While in Osun, it was conducted in 59 existing polling units where there were no data of registrants from the 2011 exercise, and seven other polling units that had less than 100 registered voters.’’

POLITICS

24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

Odds against Akpabio’s 2015 succession plan

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HE emergence of Chief Godswill Akpabio as the Akwa Ibom State governor in 2007 was as dramatic as it was unexpected.

In the twilight of the administration of ex-Governor Victor Obong Attah in early 2007, Akpabio, then serving as the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, had indicated interest to succeed Attah alongside over 30 other aspirants.

But Attah obviously had other plans. His alleged support for his son-in-law, Dr. Bob Ekarika, to succeed him pitched him against stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) both in the state and the Presidency.

With the alleged backing of powerful forces in the Presidency, Akpabio breasted the tape to clinch the PDP governorship ticket and eventually won the general election. Expectedly, Attah and his supporters quietly retreated into their shells to lick their wounds.

Attah’s humiliation by Akpabio, said a source, sowed the seed for the deep seated division in the Akwa Ibom State politics, which from all indications is already playing out as next year’s governorship race draws nearer.

What’s Akpabio’s succession plan?

Until he fired Umana Okon Umana as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Governor Akpabio had kept his 2015 succession plan close to his chest.

Umana’s sack on the excuse that he allegedly declared his interest (the former SSG later denied the claim) in the 2015 governorship jolted major stakeholders in the state. That Umana wielded enormous powers as SSG was not in doubt. For many politicians within and outside the PDP, Umana, who served as the Commissioner for Finance under Attah, was Akpabio’s preferred choice as his successor.

Though bitter, Umana took his sack stoically and simply moved on. But according to a source, the former SSG has not given up on his alleged governorship ambition in spite of the governor’s alleged preference for a candidate from the Eket Senatorial zone to succeed him in 2015. Umana hails from Uyo Senatorial Zone.

The zoning controversy rages on Some days ago, major PDP stakeholders held a meeting in Uyo, the state capital, to reiterate their opposition to the zoning of the 2015 governorship to Eket, which has not produced the governor of the state since the return of democratic rule in 1999.

Convened under the aegis of Akwa Ibom PDP Elders and Stakeholders, the meeting was attended by the Senator representing Ikot Ekpene zone in the National Assembly, Aloysius Eyuk; two former deputy governors of the state, Chris Ekpeyong and Patrick Ekpotu; Nigeria’s ambassador to Russia, Assam Assam (SAN), former SSG, Umana Okon Umana; two former ministers, Obong Rita Akpan and Ini Okopido and a member of the House of Repre-

•Continued from Page 21 described the two Igbo sons as selfish persons, adding that they had no locus to claim being Igbo leaders. According to him, both Okorocha and Nwabueze have been making utterances that created the impression that there was disunity in Ohanaeze when there was none.

He accused Nwabueze of printing leaflets and pamphlets aimed at discrediting the apex Igbo body in recent times which, he observed, was not expected from such a highly reputed legal luminary.

The face-off, The Nation learnt, is fallout of lingering disagreement over how the Igbos should view Jonathan's 2015 ambition. The leadership of the Ohanaeze recently said the region will once again support the ambition of the President to rule the country beyond 2015. There were even reports that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo had endorsed Jonathan during the annual Igbo Day Celebration in Enugu State last year.

But Nwabueze had reportedly said Jonathan must shun the urge to seek re-election in 2015 and concentrate on his transformation agenda.

The legal icon insisted that it was practically impossible for the President to combine efforts aimed at national transformation with contesting election. He said although the President was eligible to contest in 2015, he could become an instant national hero if he summoned enough courage not to do so.

The intrigues and uncertainties that characterised the 2011 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State may be re-enacted in next year’s governorship race if the persistent bickering over Governor Godswill Akpabio’s alleged succession plans are anything to go by, reports Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo

•Akpabio

sentatives, Dan Akpan, to mention but a few.

While calling for an open contest for all interested aspirants from the three senatorial zones in the state, the stakeholders accused the governor of zoning the 2015 ticket to Eket in order to execute his alleged plan to impose his new SSG, Udom Emmanuel, a former Executive Director at Zenith Bank, as his successor.

The meeting, which allegedly received the blessings of ex-Governor Attah, according to a source, will become more regular in the coming months.

The other ‘sins’ of Akpabio In a petition recently forwarded to the PDP

National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, the stakeholders alleged that since the inception of the party’s State Executive Committee, two years ago, it has not met to deliberate on issues affecting the party.

Equally worrisome to the stakeholders is the alleged control of the party in the state by the governor, his brothers, Emem Akpabio, Nsentip Akpabio and Ibanga Akpabio, who also serves as the state Secretary of the PDP. On the ongoing town hall meetings being held by the governor across the state, the stakeholders allege that it was a ploy to foist Udom Emmanuel on party members through the

backdoor, while warning of dire consequences on the electoral fortune of the PDP in the state if no action is taken to checkmate him.

Options before Akpabio’s opponents Well aware of his strangle-like hold on Akwa Ibom PDP, his closeness to the Presidency and the party apparatchik in Abuja, some avowed political opponents of the governor in spite of open display of loyalty to the PDP, are reportedly considering other options ahead the 2015 race.

In the words of a former member of the House of Representatives from the state, “Politics, as you know is a game of interest. Everyone wants to remain politically relevant post2015 but if the governor succeeds with his plan, some of us might as well leave the state for him.”

The Nation gathered that Senator Aloysius Etuk, who is eyeing a return to the National Assembly despite Akpabio’s declaration of interest in his seat, has allegedly vowed to take his political destiny in his hands if the governor is handed the Ikot Ekpene senatorial ticket.

“It’s almost a fait accompli that Akpabio will edge Etuk out for the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial ticket,” said a source.

Umana Okon Umana, who allegedly turned down an offer from the governor to be recommended to the Presidency as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in place of his governorship ambition, is being urged by his supporters to dump the PDP for another party.

But Umana, according to sources, is confident that he can pull the rug off Akpabio’s feet in the PDP. Umana, it was further gathered, is banking on his reported closeness to some Presidency officials to actualise his ambition. One of his alleged backers is the Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak who, during a recent visit to Uyo, inaugurated a campaign group to drum support for the President’s alleged second term aspiration without the input of the state PDP executives loyal to the governor.

The campaign group is allegedly being bankrolled by some PDP members in the state who are said to be rooting for Umana as the next governor of the state.

And beside the former SSG’s equally deep pocket like the governor’s and his popularity across the state, his supporters say his deep knowledge of how Akpabio’s campaign was prosecuted in 2007 will come handy when the race for the 2015 governorship race kicks off later this year.

But within the governor’s camp, palpable fear reigns in the air even as some stakeholders are not ruling out unexpected surprises in the battle for next year’s governorship as it played out in 2007.

2015: Jonathan's re-election bid splits South-East leaders “I still believe that the problem of this country is national transformation; that you cannot combine national transformation with contesting election. The two are so different because once you get involved in electioneering, you undermine your authority to lead the nation for national transformation and I said if I were the President, I would restrict myself to serving the nation, transforming this country and creating a new Nigeria. These would be my concern and I would go down in history as a hero.

“So, if Mr. President does that, he would become an instant hero in this country; but it is for him to choose. If I were him, I would choose to become a hero to lead the country into transformation and abandon the ambition of a second term. That is what I said and I still stand by it and that is what I would do if I were the President of this country, but unfortunately, I’m not,” he said.

Also the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East warned Ohanaeze Ndigbo not to allow itself to be dragged into partisan politics ahead of the 2015 general election. In a statement by a chieftain of the party, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the APC said the South-East was yet to get a quarter of the campaign promises made to them by President Jonathan.

"We salute the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Igariwey, his cabinet, Ime-

Obi and the entire members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, home and abroad, for this time putting on the most-needed thinking-cap and strategising on how best to advance the collective interest of over 40 million Igbos.

"We recall with regrets how the former leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo hurriedly endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2011 presidential election without due strategic plan or negotiation.

"The outcome is the erroneous impression, where other zones assumed that Ebele Azikiwe is Igbo candidate; yet one quarter of President Jonathan’s campaign promises to the South-East is yet to be actualised.

"APC South-East would candidly propose that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as we approach the 2015 general election, should harvest the opportunity provided by the emergence of two dominant political parties – APC and PDP – hence negotiate with both before casting their net.

"In summary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo should be guided by the old adage of our ancestors which posits that, if the first route is beneficial, we pass through the route again and if not we take the alternate route,” the APC said.

Similarly, the United Progressives Party, UPP, and the Igbo World Assembly, IWA, were recently sharply divided over the same issue. The

two groups canvassed different views at the last World Igbo Congress held at the Crystal Palace Hotel, Enugu.

While the IWA, a group of Ndigbo outside Nigeria, expressed belief that Igbos should not contest in 2015 if Jonathan indicated interest, National chairman of UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie, insisted that whether Jonathan indicated interest or not, Igbos must contest for president in 2015.

In his speech at the occasion, the chairman of IWA, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, stated that Ndi Igbo must be ready to win the presidency in 2019, giving room for Jonathan’s interest in 2015 rather than wait to be handed the exalted position by those that always use Ndi Igbo as pawn in a chess game. He said it was shameful that even zones with less human and capital endowments are now laughing at the political ambition of Ndigbo.

But the UPP National Chairman, who received an award from IWA at the occasion, said it was unfortunate that prominent Igbo leaders had continued to postpone the actualisation of Igbo Presidency in Nigeria.

He therefore promised that UPP would be a platform that would give Ndigbo the opportunity to actualise a president of Igbo extraction.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

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INCE 1999, when Nigeria returned to democratic government, the Igbo ethnic nationality in the South-East geopolitical zone has made repeated allegations of socio-political and economic marginalisation. So, as President Goodluck Jonathan convokes a National Conference to resolve thorny issues within the Nigerian polity before the 2015 General Election, Igbo political elites see the opportunity as the dawn of a new beginning, believing that if properly utilized, the zone could, through the resolutions, regain its lost glories.

Coinciding with the emergence of Governor Theodore Orji as the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, the lot has fallen on his shoulders to set the pace and provide the needed leadership for the people.

So, as soon as he was named the new helmsman, succeeding Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, early March this year, keen observers, aware of the political realities of the time, began to reel out their expectations. As one respondent, Dr. Ukonu Uduma, puts it in a telephone chat during the week, “Orji’s emergence as the leader of the zone’s governors at this critical time puts him at the threshold of history. There are things we must get now, through the ongoing confab and the 2015 elections. Ndigbo have suffered enough. It is either now or never.”

From his reactions so far, it seems Orji clearly understands the concerns of the people of the geo-political zone at this point in time and is striving to leave a mark.

Giving deep insight into his game plan so far, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, said: “In his characteristic humility, Governor T.A. Orji has accepted the additional responsibility placed on his shoulders. He has also acknowledged that the task before him “is enormous.” But he remains unfazed by the new responsibility. As a man of courage and wisdom he has assured that he would not be overwhelmed by the task of leading his people. He has continued to prove it since 2007 when he mounted the saddle of leadership in Abia State. As a team player, he knows that he would not succeed alone and has therefore called for the cooperation of not only his colleagues but every segment of the South-East zone. Yes, Governor T.A. Orji is a leader who understands and applies the popular aphorism that when a man dreams alone he becomes a dreamer but when he dreams with others, he becomes an achiever.

His predecessor, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State enjoyed full cooperation of the governors since 2007 when the leadership of the SEGF fell on him. It is noteworthy that the SEGF operated without rancour and bickering and ego contest that was the case before Obi took over. It is therefore expected that such brotherly atmosphere would continue to prevail under the new leadership of Governor T.A Orji.”

Regional Economic Cooperation Insiders say that although his tenure as governor would end early next year, Orji has the tall dream of building a sustainable foundation for South-East regional economic cooperation.

Confirming this, Ajunwa said: “The chairman of SEGF has hit the ground running. He has set out his priorities right.

He said he would work hard to bring to reality the elusive economic cooperation of the states of the South-East zone. The clamour for the economic integration of the component states of the South-East zone has been on since the formation of the South East Governors Forum.

Proponents of the South-East economic integration are of the view that it would enable the component states to tackle common development challenges by pooling resources together and investing in such areas as power, waste management, education, infrastructure, among others through a jointly owned investment company. This could be made possible through a jointly owned investment company like the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) that used to be the investment arm of the defunct Eastern Region. In making economic cooperation of South-East states a priority issue Governor Orji believes that it is possible for the zone to have a common investment portfolio. As a man synonymous with legacy projects, the Abia governor said that the five states of the SouthEast could pull their resources together and execute projects that would be of mutual economic benefit to the zone and serve as a lasting legacy for the people.”

The Nation investigation shows that

POLITICS

2015: Orji and the South-East puzzle As the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Abia State, Theodore Ahamefule Orji is faced with a Herculean task of unraveling the political riddles that have held the zone and his state down for years. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, takes a look at Orji’s take-off dance steps although such a project may require time to be done properly, Orji has never left it out each time the governors met in Enugu and during their more regular meetings to review the ongoing participation of the zone’s delegates at the conference.

South-East unity Another issue, which observers say Orji may have to tackle headlong, is the issue of Igbo unity ahead 2015. Shortly before his emergence, some critics of Peter Obi accused him of making desperate efforts to railroad Ndigbo to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 re-election.

This, according some reports, created some division amongst Igbo leaders.

But as Ajunwa explained, Orji, as the new SEGF Chairman, has set as his area of focus the task of ensuring “that the South-East will remain united, cohesive and to speakw i t h one voice as has been the case since 2007 when Obi took over as chairman.

Governor T.A. Orji is a man of peace and he always craves for p e a c e f u l environment and strives hard to create it. It could be recalled that he inherited a highly polarized Abia State where the political elites were fighting. But on assumption of office Governor Orji set himself to the task of reconciling all the Abia political elites and today they speak with one voice.

All the centripetal a n d centrifugal forces tearing

Abia apart and stagnating its growth have disappeared.

“No doubt, Ochendo would apply his healing balm in making the South-East to be united and speak with one voice. This has become more urgent as the Nigerian nation commences the process of holding a national conference where each zone of the country would table its demands and expectations for the emergence of a truly united, strong nation where peace and justice would reign.

“Having placed his hands on the ploughshare of leading the South-East Governors Forum, there is no looking back for Chief T.A. Orji. It therefore behoves on his brother governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the political elites across the South-East zone, irrespective of political leanings, and indeed every Igbo man and woman to give maximum support to the new chairman of the SEGF to work for the peace and progress of the zone.”

The zoning game in Abia In Abia State, where he is billed to hand over to another governor in 2015, Orji also has some thorny issues to resolve. Perhaps, the major political puzzle in the God’s Own State is the zoning question.

While there seems to be no argument again over the existence of what is today known as the Abia Charter of Equity, there are still some areas in the state, like the Isuikwuato area, whose leaders are alleging that the socalled charter was not the original document of power rotation.

While the argument may not be completely resolved before the 2015 elections, some informed observers said one of the most outstanding political masterstrokes Orji has

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made recently in the politics of Abia State is his outspokenness and firm decision to play the zoning game. Relying on the charter, the governor has stated clearly that he would support Abia South to produce the next governor of the state.

He made that decision as far back as September 2011 in faraway United States of America, at the Abia Ukwa/Ngwa Twentieth Annual Convention, when he said, ‘the implication of Abia Charter of Equity is that come 2015, after the expiration of my tenure in office, the mantle of leadership and governorship will go to an individual of Ukwa/Ngwa extraction.’

Providing basis for the governor’s stand, Mr. Eddie Onuzuruike, a poet, novelist and media aide to the governor said Orji was poised to justify equity.” According to him, Abia founding fathers had good reasons to embark on the movement for the creation of Abia from the old Imo State. It was not just for the fun of it. Certainly there were needs to exorcise the debilitating fear of domination, injustice, deprivation and displacement, most of the time based on ethnicity.

“As it was stated in page 131 of the book, ‘this agreement of good faith or declaration of principles shall be known as The charter of Equity and shall be binding on all persons of Abia State who may hold public offices, especially elective and appointive offices….’ ”They were equally specific on the rotation principle. Properly stated on Page 135 as such: ‘the principle of rotation shall apply in addition to the principle of strict equality in the distribution of key political posts. Consequently, the following combination of public offices shall not be held at one and the same time by persons of the same senatorial zones/district: Governor and Deputy/ Governor and Speaker of the House of Assembly/ Governor and Secretary to the Government/ Chairman Civil Service Commission and Head of Service Etc.” Onuzuruike added, “These and other established factors were encapsulated in the book called the Abia Charter of Equity. It is a big lesson here that conscious efforts were made to put these established facts down some years after the deed, because, if Prof Nwagbara, of Amachara Umuahia South did not make conscious efforts to capture history, the people of the Ukwa/Ngwa may not have had any supportive document to crave for this topmost position.

“In answer to their yearnings, Abia State was created in 1991, but before long, Ebonyi State came on board and excised Afikpo, Ohaozara and Edda areas, now Ebonyi South, toppling the hitherto senatorial balance. Three local governments were annexed from Old Bende and another from Ukwa/Nkwa aptly called the Abia Central Senatorial Zone. To this end, Abia is constituted with three Senatorial Zones, and presently, two out of these three have tasted the governance of the state.”

Although Orji has shown no signs of changing his mind on the resolve, we gathered that the governor has been under tremendous pressure to stick to his decision.

In 2011 when the governor was campaigning for the second tenure, when he was received at Aba Township Stadium, Elder Emma Adelu, acting as the spokesman for Ngwa people, warned all Ngwa aspirants to desist from the race. Athough some Ngwa indigenes contested for the plum job, some Ngwa political leaders today still make references to that pledge.

Insiders said they have made many more representations to the Abia helmsman, including the most recent by the Ukwa/ Ngwa Professionals and Ngwa Patriots. In each of these visits, we gathered, the governor has reiterated his support for the zone.

As 2015 governorship elections approaches, it has become clear to all strategists that zoning will be one of the major campaign issues. Perhaps to checkmate the opposition, which is certain to study his handling of this and other thorny political issues in the state, Orji has repeatedly pleaded with the Abia South PDP to speak with one voice, emphasizing that they would be better off if they are united.

Ajunwa pointed out that the governor has also told the aspirants that they would all go through free and fair primaries and that he will support the winner.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

26 POLITICS

ripples Bassey shelves governorship ambition

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ontrary to widespread belief that the Chairman of the Cross State Water Board, Mr. Gershom Bassey, is poised to contest the governorship election on the ticket of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the quiet but very influential politician has thrown his weight behind the agitation of the Northern Senatorial District of the state to produce Governor Liyel Imoke's successor in 2015. The position of Bassey, who hails from the South Senatorial District, which produced the governor from 1999 to 2007, aligned with an earlier declaration by Imoke that in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, it was the turn of the Northern Senatorial District to produce the state governor when his tenure ends next year.

Mohammed eyes Senate R

isqua Mohammed, son of late former Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed's recent open declaration for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), did not come as a surprise to many of his close friends and associates, sources have revealed.

What is news, however, is that the young businessman, who served as the Special Assistant on International Relations to former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2005, is allegedly eyeing the Senate in 2015, an ambition that has received the support of powerful stakeholders of his party in his home state, Kano.

•Mohammed

Goje, Dankwambo's fight gets messy

•Bassey

Akinlade becomes beautiful bride

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he supremacy battle involving former Gombe State Governor, Danjuma Mohammed Goje and his successor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, has intensified in the last few weeks.

Supporters of the two erstwhile political associates have taken the battle to the media. But while the two men's foot soldiers are busy tearing themselves apart, their principals have tactically refrained from engaging in any public altercation on their feud.

•Akinlade

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hairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, Abiodun Akinlade, is not giving up on his governorship ambition, Ripples has learnt. According to sources, the two-term lawmaker, who is widely acknowledged as the political leader of Ogun West Senatorial zone, has for some time now been engaged in extensive consultations on his 2015 game plan. Unconfirmed reports also have it that prominent leaders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are allegedly offering the parties' 2015 governorship tickets to Akinlade.

Interestingly too, two contending groups in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State are also allegedly involved in talks with the lawmaker

with the aim of enlisting his support for the 2015 project.

Though a member of the LP, Akinlade has, however, not formally announced his defection to the party on the floor of the House of Representatives, a development his erstwhile associates in the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) are banking on to convince him to join the APC. All these are happening against the backdrop of reports that some Ogun LP members are presently at daggers drawn with a former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel, over his alleged plot to impose one of his former aides as the party's 2015 governorship candidate. Not a few of the stakeholders are said to be rooting for Akinlade, it was gathered.

Confusion over Oyo PDP governorship ticket

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he dynamics within the Oyo State chapter of the PDP keeps changing each passing minute.

Some days ago, the Presidency was alleged to have anointed a former governor of the state, Adebayo AlaoAkala, as the party's candidate in 2015, but the alleged recent claim by former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, that he enjoys the backing of some powerful forces in Abuja, has left many party members even more confused. So, the question is: who is the Presidency's choice candidate in Oyo State?

•Akala

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

IN VOGUE

By Kehinde Oluleye

Tel: 08023689894 (sms) E-mail: kehinde.oluleye@thenationonlineng.net

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

GLAMOUR

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32 GLAMOUR

ADETUTU AUDU

crownkool@yahoo.com

08023849036, 08112662587

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34 GLAMOUR/OUT & ABOUT

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38 MAGAZINE

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MAGAZINE 39

40 SUNDAY INTERVIEW

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SUNDAY INTERVIEW 41

44 MAGAZINE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

ROAD TO BRAZIL

WORLD CUP With Emma Okocha

This Life now on AIT network

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

Rebasing mere paper work, Nigeria's economy still in disarrayOdeyemi Page 58, 59

-- Page 53

Travellers' nightmare on Nigerian airlines (1)

World Bank to support Nigeria's projects with $8bn

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HE World Bank said it had earmarked eight billion dollars (about N1.3 trillion) to support Nigeria's job creation, social service delivery and governance projects in the next four years.

This is contained in a statement by the bank at the weekend in Abuja.

It said that the bank would grant the support through a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) where it was expected to increase its development assistance to the country.

The statement said that two billion dollars (about N322 billion) would be spent annually during the period through the

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) financing.

The bank explained that the CPS, which would run from 2014 to 2017, had introduced a change in Nigeria's borrowing status.

It said Nigeria was declared credit worthy for IBRD financing last year and was officially entering blend status from July 1. ``This CPS has been prepared in the context of the World Bank's renewed commitment to the twin goals of reducing extreme poverty and promoting

shared prosperity in Nigeria and globally. ``It is fully aligned with Nigeria's development agenda, Vision 20:20:20 and its medium-term strategy for realising that vision, the Transformation Agenda,'' it stated.

The statement said that the CPS programme was structured around three areas of promoting diversified growth and job creation by reforming the power sector, enhancing agricultural productivity and increasing access to finance.

It stated that the programme was also aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of social service

delivery at the state level "to promote social inclusion."

"The CPS will also strengthen governance and public sector management, with gender equity and conflict sensitivity as essential elements of governance," it said.

The statement quoted the bank's Country Director in Nigeria, Ms Marie MarieNelly, as saying, "the CPS seeks to address inequalities in income and opportunities for the poor and vulnerable.

"This will be done by developing more effective mechanisms for social service delivery, including social protection programmes, education, health and water service delivery."

•From left: Dr Pascal Dozie, Prof. Pat Utomi and Mr Dick Kramer, during the 10th edition of the Centre for Values In Leadership (CVL) lecture in honour of Dozie at 75 held in Lagos... recently.

PHOTO:MUYIWA HASSAN

NDE to generate youth employment in 20 states - D-G

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HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has selected 20 states for its Graduate Coaching Scheme in the bid to reduce unemployment among graduates.

The directorate said in Katsina over the weekend that the scheme would also help deficient secondary school leavers to qualify for admission into tertiary institutions.

The NDE DirectorGeneral, Malam Abubakar Muhammad, disclosed this at the launch of the second phase

of the scheme.

Muhammad, who was represented by the Director, Special Public Works, Mr Don Umoru, said the scheme would also improve graduates' teaching skills.

He said that under the scheme, the graduates would be employed to teach secondary school leavers who could not obtain requirements to higher institutions of learning.

According to him, that training would enable the trainees to pass their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) and

‘I believe in results, not efforts ‘

Page 61

further their studies.

Muhammad said that the scheme would also curtail indulgence of both the trainers and the trainees in armed robbery, prostitution and other social vices as well as enable them contribute to nation building.

He said that the directorate's impact analysis revealed that the 2013 beneficiaries recorded about 75 per cent success in WAEC and NECO examinations.

The director-general said that the scheme's duration was three months and solicited for the support of other

stakeholders to expand the duration to cover all the relevant syllabi.

He said that a centre had been opened in each of the three senatorial zones of the participating states.

The beneficiary states include Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Benue, Cross River, Rivers, Gombe and Ekiti.

Others are Jigawa, Lagos, Niger, Imo, Plateau, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Ogun and Oyo as well as the FCT. Muhammad urged the trainers and trainees to intensify efforts to attain the desired goals.

•Chris Onalo

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Unemployment: FG seeks collaboration of all tiers of government

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HE Federal Government over the weekend reiterated the need for collaboration among all tiers of government to tackle unemployment in the country.

Amb. Bashir Yuguda, Minister of Works and Supervising Minister of National Planning, made the call at the 12th National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) meeting in Bauchi.

Yuguda stressed the need for all tiers of government to jointly initiate policies towards creating employment opportunities for Nigeria's large population of youths.

According to him, to drive sustainable economic growth, Nigeria must focus on ways to expand job opportunities for young people.

He said that addressing unemployment required multiple strategies such as substantial investment in national education system and technical and vocational training to improve business environment. ``There is, therefore, a need for cooperation among all tiers of government to achieve our desired vision. ``The Federal Government cannot do it alone; neither can the states and local governments. ``We all need to work together to achieve our common goals and aspirations. ``The experiences of countries like Australia, Malaysia and Brazil have shown that their tiers of government have complemented each other in attaining their current status,'' he said.

Yuguda said that to prevent unemployment generating severe social tension, no government in a democratic setting could afford to ignore large sections of non-working population. ``As such we, must work together to reduce the high rate of unemployment among our youths; tackle income inequality.''

He explained that the NCDP was one of the key statutory bodies constituted to facilitate and coordinate the economic development process at the federal and subnational levels.

According to him, members of the council included the Minister of National Planning, as Deputy Chairman, the National Planning Commission, and commissioners responsible for economic planning.

He said that the Council meets annually to discuss and agree on strategies for deepening economic governance at sub-national levels.

He added that the meeting provided opportunity to brainstorm on the optimal approach towards effective implementation of states' strategic plans for Vision 20:2020.

The minister said that the theme of the 2014 meeting was: ``National Strategic Planning for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: Fostering Job Creation and Equity''.

He said that the theme aptly reflected a collective aspiration to significantly improve the standard of living of the Nigerian populace.

In his speech, Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, noted that the theme reflected the fact that development planning provides a veritable platform for transformation of a nation.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Malam Sagir Saleh, said the rate of unemployment was top on the agenda in national and global debate on development.

He added that the magnitude of these challenges had made collaboration at all levels central to evolve new strategies of dealing with them.

Earlier, Mr Ntufam Ugbo, Secretary, National Planning Commission, said the meeting would come up with a workable synergy to reposition Nigeria as a top 20 economy in the world by year 2020. ``The synergy would enable stakeholders fashion out ways to move not only our country forward, but all the states of the federation in our match towards making a better society,'' he said.

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BUSINESS

“Y

OU recently clocked 75 years, how will you describe the highpoints of your career thus far?

Well, many things happened in my life as well as in my career and quite a number of memorable incidents occurred in my life. I was particularly happy when at 35 I was appointed the Finance Director of my company, almost 40years ago.

That was the turning point for me as a professional. When you become a chartered accountant, you are expected to become the Head of Finance of the organisation and a lot of managerial decisions are assigned to you. As a professional, it is when you reach the peak of your profession that you are fulfilled.

When my professional prowess was recognised, l was already the Chief Executive of my company and also the Chairman of Nigerian Accounting Standards Board which is now a Financial Reporting Service Board. Aside this, l later became the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the National President of Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). I was fortunate to hold these juicy and top positions in the course of my career as a business man. This gave me a sense of belonging and a fulfilled life.

Before you became an industrialist and employer of labour, what was the most memorable experience you had while working for others?

The company l floated was not a shareholder company originally.

I did well in the UK as a student and had a good job with Coppers and it was from that job I was recruited from the UK to come back to Nigeria in 1969. So, in effect, I had a good track record working as a professional. They were looking for a good accountant who will come to Nigeria to work, so I got the Job as Accountant/Admin Manager to work in Nigeria. Within five years, I became the Finance Director. You can see the cumulative effect of hard work which eventually gave me recognition and professional satisfaction.

As an industrialist, it was most memorable to me to be the chief executive of my own company. It was a dream come true to acquire more shares in the company which eventually gave me the opportunity to buy it over. My other high moment was also the time l became the President of NACCIMA. I was picked in a conference at Abuja to come and lead the association at a time I did not expect such a high position in my career. From there, I represented my organisation at the national political forum where I was the national coordinator. Those were good times for me.

Since you returned to Nigeria, have you worked for any other company aside your own?

I was recruited to come and join some other people to build up the company as l mentioned earlier. I was later the Finance Director brought over as a professional to join in setting it up properly and I

‘

ended up becoming one of its directors, and later becoming the principal owner. Aside this, I have invested in several other companies and have taken part in other businesses and professional associations. Anywhere that l was fortunate to serve, l made sure that l contributed my best to the success of such organisations.

At what point did you decide to set up your own business?

Initially, I did not decide to set up my own business, but I did well on the job which I started as an Accountant /Admin Manager. It used to be James St. Patrick Nigeria Limited. When l was 45 years of age, l came back to Nigeria from London in 1969 and l started as the Finance Accountant/Admin Manager.

Somewhere along the line, within the space of five years, I was made first, the Finance Controller. As time went on, I was made a shareholder and I bought 10 per cent share in the company in 1974, which I later increased to the level that l became the core investor. The name was eventually changed from James St Patrick Nigeria to JKM Limited by the indigenisation decree of 1974. I then became the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company.

How will you describe your experience in the boardroom politics?

My experience severally has been very rewarding. I had the opportunity to serve on several boards, committees and councils which gave me versatile experiences. I was able to serve in various capacities in construction, insurance, banking and manufacturing respectively. These experiences have widened my scope of reasoning and versatility.

What is your take on the theory that Nigeria environment is hostile to business?

I will not say it is hostile. But the environment is not conducive enough for the young people to start up business these days. It is not even conducive enough for those who have been in it, because we still have a reasonably harsh environment.

There is harsh environment for security, for borrowing funds, poor infrastructural amenities, to mention just a few. The situation is so bad that as an industrialist you generate your own electricity, water and security. The borrowing system in the bank with high interest is not encouraging as well.

Recently, Nigeria was named as the biggest economy in Africa. What does this translate to the common man on the street?

It doesn't mean much to the common man on the street, I must tell you the truth. It means more comparatively to Nigeria as a country. When you are looking at the statistics of the wealth of some nations, you take America as number one, China follows as number two and Nigeria is 26th.

That is the total wealth of the nation; we are not talking about the individuals. There are some countries where a common man can easily buy a house because the mortgage system permits such and all the children goes to government schools instead of wasting all your

The basic truth is that all this so-called improvement in economy and high GDP as claimed by government is a mere paperwork.

The question is that how does this translate to good living among the people ... My contention is that our wealth distribution should be more egalitarian, so that the people can be proud of their country and be more patriotic to their own country because their own country is taking good care of them

’

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

Rebasing mere paper work, Nigeria's economy still in disarrayOdeyemi Chief John Agboola Odeyemi, Chief Executive Officer, JKN Limited, a chartered accountant, industrialist and philanthropist, has served in different capacities both in the public and organised private sectors including serving as the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), a stint as Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria, and also represented the organised private sector during the National Political Reform Conference which held nine years ago, to mention just a few. In this interview with Bukola Afolabi, he shares his boardroom experience, family life, among others. Excerpts:

•Odeyemi

money in private schools. Health delivery is better, transportation is better for the people whereas the country is wealthy. But poor leadership has denied us all good living condition.

The basic truth is that all this socalled improvement in economy

and high GDP as claimed by government is a mere paperwork.

The question is that how does this translate to good living among the people? It is instructive that we are there but it now demands higher responsibility and the government and people of this country to show

that we have this endowment; we are wealthy and even more potentially wealthy. How does it translate to the food on the table for the people? My contention is that our wealth distribution should be more egalitarian, so that the people can be proud of their country and be more

BUSINESS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

59

From left: Marketing and Innovation Director, Mr. Austin Ufomba, Human Resources Director, Mr. Wale Adediran and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seni Adetu all of Guinness Nigeria Plc at the launch of Orijin in Lagos‌recently

Guinness launches Orijin with fanfare

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•Odeyemi

patriotic to their own country because their own country is taking good care of them.

So what would you say is the best measure of a country's economy?

The best measure for a country's economy is when so much wealth has been created that provides employment opportunities for the people and better welfare package for the people. There should be good employment, people must have food to eat, their health situation should be taken care of, their education should be taken care of, communication and transportation should not be a luxury. That is the wealth of the nation generally. From cradle to baby, from baby to the old man, they are catered for and they are happy that is the best indicator for a country's good performance.

You left EcoBank Nigeria Plc as chairman under controversial circumstance.

What really happened?

I was chairman of EcoBank Nigeria and I left four years ago and handed over to Olorogun Sunny Kuku who is still the chairman. My tenure didn't end under controversy as you have said.

EcoBank has changed its leadership both in Nigeria and overseas affiliates. How do you see the performance of the bank so far?

Well, EcoBank is a conglomerate.

It's a transnational, belonging to different nations and companies but organised, controlled and managed by the group head office which is in Togo. It does not mean they have much money. If anything, Nigeria used to be the country that has most of the investors but now it went transnational. A South African organisation has the largest shares of 18.6 per cent. Our AMCON has shares there, IFC have shares and several individuals from several countries have shares in it.

Until recently, a Nigerian was the chairman, and that was the third time a Nigerian will be a chairman. It goes round, depending on the decision of the board. So, we are happy about the growth of the transnational institution, it has grown over the past 24 years. It has grown to 35 African countries mainly African countries

Photos: MUYIWA HASSAN

banking in China, London and France and we are happy for all that.

But like the media, organisations also have their own turbulent time when the system and the people have to re-strategise in order to make the organisation better and that is what is happening. We changed the Group Managing Director and the Group Chairman so that we can come out stronger.

Who would you describe as your greatest influence in life?

If you are talking about my greatest influence in life, it was my mother, because my mother was widowed in her early 40's and I was 15. If I did not have a highly responsible and committed mother, I won't be who I am today.

What would you describe as some of your achievements as an industrialist?

The private sector is likely better because don't forget the Chamber of Commerce is mainly an advocacy that talks for the business groups, 'do this, do that,' and a lot of what we have been talking about has been done. We have preached for liberalism and privatisation for businesses and you have all seen the effects of that in telecommunications, banks and hotels that are now in the hands of the private sector. Before, they were all being controlled by government.

People from every part of the nation are now carrying telephones all about. The 'mama put', the driver, the messenger and virtually everybody on the street. You can go to any hotel and pay, you can pay anything from N2,000 hotel room to a suite where you pay about N600,000. You can fly any airline you want, read any paper, listen to any radio - that has been the result of the liberalisation and privatisation advocacy and I was part of it. We are happy to see several schools, private and government schools, and private and government hospitals.

If not for privatisation and competition, we would have been much worse as a country.

A lot more still has to be done for us to be happy and to enjoy more in this country. But a lot of it is in the hand of government. We have a situation where greater percentage

of the budget goes to overhead cost.

There should be more infrastructure, more socio-economic development with the taxes being collected by government.

How will you assess government efforts at managing the economy?

Well, the economy is improving, though it is not where it should be yet. Let me give you an example with the power sector. When we were at the conference nine years ago, I was the Deputy Chairman of a major committee, where I represented the organised private sector. I chaired some major committee like infrastructural, economic development committee. We noted at the time that power and energy development will be core and top activities of the government which will allow people from the hair dressers to the largest manufacturer to function. And that in doing this, we believed that gas management should be the forefront of energy management.

The easiest way in bringing electricity to us in Nigeria is through thermal system or thermal stations.

The contract for the project, we recommended, should be awarded so that by the time the tarmac stations are ready, gas and gas pipelines are also ready to power them. Today what do you now have? Several tarmac stations are available, but there is no gas to power it either (because) it got busted or vandalised.

As a participant at the confab nine years ago why do you think it failed and what lessons can be learn?

At the confab nine years ago, we discussed a lot of things then on infrastructure and power. And we submitted our recommendations. But unfortunately, the third term agenda killed that good dream. And I just hope and pray that the current confab will yield good fruit and won't go the way of others.

Tell us about your family?

God has blessed me with a very good family. I have three wives, 11 children and grand children. And I bless God that we all live together in peace. All my children are doing well in their chosen field. And some of my children are taking over from me; at least some of them are on the board of my company.

Stories by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

UINNESS Nigeria Plc officially launched its soar away brand, Orijin penultimate Sunday with pomp and pageantry in Lagos, an event, keen observers described as a showstopper of sorts.

The event which held at Elegushi Beach, Lekki, Victoria Island, Lagos, was graced by top management staff of Nigerian Breweries, members of the press and a coterie of other guests from brand loyalists, members of the diplomatic corps, to mention just a few.

Orijin, earlier launched in Ibadan and Port Harcourt, became the toast of consumers at the Elegushi Beach as they had a nice time out with lots of music and entertainment.

Guinness Nigeria launched Orijin in its quest to continuously satisfy its numerous consumers across the Nigerian market. Orijin is an alcoholic blend with the flavours of African herbs and fruits, combined to give a refreshing bitter-sweet taste.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said Orijin is a drink that appeals to the modern African who wants to enjoy the best while still holding on to their African roots.

Justifying the need for the latest brand, Adetu said: "In line with Guinness Nigeria's tradition of continuously delivering great brands to meet our consumers' varying tastes, Orijin is a quality brand that will not only bring excitement to consumers but also give them the opportunity to connect with their heritage. It is a vibrant yet rooted drink - a celebration of modern African culture which embodies all that is alive and exciting in Africa today. With a refreshingly unique taste, Orijin is the flavoured alcoholic drink our consumers deserve."

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Austin Ufomba, Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said as expected from Guinness Nigeria, Orijin has come with a difference and is here to stay in the Nigerian alcoholic beverage market.

"Following its earlier launch in Port Harcourt and Ibadan, the drink has gained wide acceptance across our markets. Our consumers in Lagos today are also having a feel of what this iconic drink offers its esteemed consumers. As a company with world acclaimed brands, we are constantly seeking out new ways to connect with our consumers while providing them unforgettable experiences," Ufomba stressed.

Ufomba further assured that "we have a wide network of distributions and partners who will ensure that every of our discerning consumers are able to enjoy this drink anytime they want to. In the last two years, Guinness Nigeria Plc has launched quality brands which include Dubic Extra Lager, SNAPP Apple flavoured drink and Alvaro.

Our consistency testifies to the fact that innovation is part of our DNA." The highpoint of the occasion was command performance by A-list artistes across the genres who invited to the podium to append their signature and take bows before hundreds of fans. At the roll-call was Burna Boy, Seyi Shay and Afro Hip Hop star Oritsefemi.

Ace comedian Bovi also ensured there were no dull moments, as he reeled out rib-cracking jokes all through the event lasted.

Guinness Nigeria Plc is also the brewer of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Harp Lager and Malta Guinness. The company was established in 1950, making it one of the oldest companies in Nigeria.

Etisalat unveils automated voucher, data purchase options

I

N its quest to provide convenience in airtime top-up for its subscribers, Etisalat, has announced the introduction of Automated Recharge (Instant and Mandate options) to enable customers recharge their phones or buy data electronically no matter where they are or what time of the day it is.

The Automated Recharge Mandate service allows Etisalat subscribers who have bank accounts and are registered on the internet banking platform to leave an instruction with their banks for their Etisalat line or lines to be credited with the desired amount of airtime on specific dates or once a certain airtime-credit level is reached.

Director, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, explained that these offerings have the backing of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to ensure safety.

He highlighted that customers can access these services simply by logging on to their online banking platform and selecting Etisalat on the NIBSS e-BillsPay in the Payment or Bill Payment section.

Shedding more light on the foregoing, Executive Director, Business Development of NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe said, ''This service rides on the eBillsPay service which is powered by the INSTANT PAYMENT platform provided by NIBSS which all Nigerian Banks are already connected to. This service ensures smooth and seamless payment from subscribers' account in any Nigerian bank with no Payment Card required.''

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Public Complaint Commission harps on challenges of pension matters

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R Obunike Ohaegbu, the FCT Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission (PCC) at the weekend said the bulk of cases received from complainants were pension petitions.

Ohaegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the office encountered a lot of challenges in the resolution of pension matters.

The commissioner however commended the Pension Transition Arrangement Department

(PTAD) for its efforts at resolving pension complaints.

He said that in view of this, PTAD had been trying to reconcile its accounts to address pension matters. ``PTAD is not yet in charge of the pension matters, we still have to go through the old establishments to resolve pension petitions. `` I believe the period is still transitional by the time all these problems are resolved

by PTAD, pension matters will be resolved promptly. ``Pension related matters are not the normal day to day

petitions we receive, it is tasking to address,'' he said.

Ohaegbu cited the example of a complainant who opened a new account for the payment of his pension benefits and wrote a letter to the pension office for an update. ``The update was however not effected and for three years his entitlements were being paid into his former account without his knowledge.''

He said that the office had to request for his bank details to cross check the payment in order to resolve the issue.

Ohaegbu said that pension

matters were difficult and tasking to resolve because ``we still have to deal with multiple agencies on the issue of pension petitions.'' ``On the issue of paramilitary, immigrations and police, we still have to go through the old process of visiting their offices. ``Here in the FCT office, we handle more of federal pension related matters, while some are transferred from states. ``We transfer each state pension petitions to such state to resolve,'' Ohaegbu said.

• From left: ICSA UK President, David Venus, ICSA UK Chairman, Admissions Committee, Angela Squire, ICSAN Vice President, Dr. Nat Ofo, ICSA UK Chief Executive, Simon Osborne, and ICSAN Registrar/CEO, Mr. Dele Togunde, during the signing of MoU between ICSA UK and ICSAN in London‌recently.

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HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina has stressed the need to adopt modern technologies in agriculture for the benefit of farmers in the country.

Adesina stated this at the weekend in Abuja at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in his office.

He explained that the MoU would facilitate access to technologies for local farmers which will boost returns from farm outputs.

According to him, science and technology are the solution to the many challenges facing the sector, stressing that it was the best means to tackle malnutrition all over the world.

He said: "There are those that hold the opinion that misunderstands biotechnology. They think that Nigeria should not use biotechnology or genetic

Adesina advocates bio-technology to improve agriculture From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja modified seeds.

"Science and technology holds the key that allows us to deal with complex challenges.

"What is important is to make sure that we have the appropriate regulations that allow us use and benefit from applying any kind of technology."

He said AATF was ready to transfer various technologies that would address the effects of climate change on the sector.

Adesina expressed confidence that the Biotechnology bill at the National Assembly would be signed in to law by the President when passed.

The minister appreciated AATF for the support and assured the organisation of the ministry's support in ensuring the implementation of the MoU. Earlier, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mrs Asabe

Ahmed expressed the ministry's readiness to work with AATF towards ensuring food security and poverty reduction in Nigeria as it pursues its programme for the SubSaharan Africa.

She said Nigeria stands to benefit from the technologies as they were proven technologies that had impacted positively on the livelihoods of farmers in many other African countries and have the potential to do same in Nigeria.

Asabe said: "We envisage that, with such technologies, we could increase our agricultural productivity significantly."

In his remarks, the Executive Director of AATF, Dr Denis Kytere said the project would improve environmental protection through reduction in the use of harmful cotton pesticides, enhanced soil fertility and stability, and improved knowledge and awareness on biotechnology.

He said it would increase

capacity building; enhance business for seed companies and agro dealers, improved seed delivery system and create market linkages.

The executive director requested for financial support to facilitate commercialisation of projects and legislation to allow for the commercialisation of agricultural biotech products in the country.

Kytere said the major challenge in African agriculture was the unavailability of sufficient quality seed and its affordability.

He said there was a gap between breeders, research and delivery of seeds to farmers, adding that the MoU would address these issues in the country.

ATF is a non profitable organisation supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Department for International Development and other International organization.

COREN to MDAs: 'Don't patronise quacks'

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HE Council for From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja the Regulation of Investigation Panel, COREN, Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has urged Engr. Olumuyiwa Alade ministries, departments and Ajibola gave this charge agencies (MDAs) to desist during the investigation from using engineers that are proceedings of case of forged not registered with the certificate preferred against some companies alleged to council.

The Chairman, have doctored NSE certificate

in the quest for COREN registration.

To forestall the menace f forgery, COREN, he said: "Is working with MDAs on giving jobs to companies that are registered with the council. COREN will use the legal system to fight any MDAs who deliberately give

jobs to unregistered companies.

"We invite the public to send complains to COREN if the find that there is any incompetence in the way engineers run their business.

After the investigation by the panel, the case is directed to the tribunal," he stressed.

ICSAN signs MoU with UK group to promote, regulate chartered secretaries

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HE Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its parent body, ICSA London, on the promotion and regulation of chartered secretaries.

The MoU, signed recently in London, confirmed the close relationship between the two professional bodies and their common interest in promoting and regulating chartered secretaries in their respective territories.

Dr Nat Ofo, Vice President of ICSAN) and Mr. Dele Togunde, (Registrar/CEO of ICSAN) signed the agreement with President of ICSA for the UK, Republic of Ireland and Associated Territories (UKRIAT) and ICSA Chief Executive Simon Osborne at ICSA's highly successful Corporate Governance Conference in London.

The MoU, according to a statement signed by the Registrar/Chief Executive of ICSAN, Mr. Dele Togunde, is designed to clarify the treatment by ICSA of Nigerian members and students who have completed ICSA's international qualifying scheme and earlier professional programmes.

Togunde said the MoU also set out a proposal for ICSAN and ICSA to work together to develop and establish an ongoing process for accrediting Nigerian students qualifying under ICSAN's professional examinations for ICSA membership.

Commenting on the importance of the MoU at the signing ceremony, Simon Osborne said: "I am delighted that our two professional bodies are collaborating to ensure that crossborder recognition is given to the importance of the high governance standards that both ICSA and ICSAN uphold.

Whether people are seeking to become chartered secretaries in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Associated Territories or in Nigeria, our qualifications say that they have reached a level of professional achievement that is second to none."

Ofo added: "The signing of the MoU is a significant milestone in the annals of both organisations for several reasons. In the first place, it underscores and strengthens the bond existing between both organisations. Secondly, it gives our students and prospective students wider options. Thirdly, it enhances the professional relevance of our members and affords them a genuine cross-border practice possibility. The MoU will occasion a true win-win situation."

Sealink initiative will transform economy NEXIM chief

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IGERIA will be a major beneficiary of the Sealink initiative by the time it is fully on ground, Managing Director, Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr Robert Orya, has said.

He told newsmen that Nigerian products are in African countries, adding that the coming of the Sealink is expected to facilitate and promote Nigerian products within and outside the continent.

According to the NEXIM Bank chief, the Return on Investment (RoI) in the country is between 30 and 35 per cent, adding that it is the highest in the world.

Orya said the Sealink Project is a major step in deepening trade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region and a significant step in enhancing the trade flows of the ECOWAS member-states to create jobs.

Other benefits, according to him, are to promote increased trade flows and opportunities for the people, considering the huge capital flight from the region through the absence of sea trade infrastructure.

Orya explained that by the time the project is fully completed, it will encourage and enhance Small and Medium Enterprises' (SMEs) businesses because there will be market for their products outside the country.

Orya said the funding requirement for the regional project which is $60 million, will soon be met as more investors have shown interest.

He said the project is in line with the Transformation Agenda of the government, which projects investments in roads, railways, inland waterways, ports and airports development in collaboration with various stakeholders to evolve a multimodal, integrated sustainable transport system.

Emphasis will be on rail and waterways, through an effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, he added.

Orya lamented that it is more expensive to move goods from Lagos to Accra or Douala, Cameroon, than to move the same goods from China to Nigeria.

He said: "It is less expensive to carry a container from China to Lagos. It costs about $3,500 to move products from Lagos to Douala while it costs about $2,500 to move the same products from China to Lagos. If you want to take goods to Tema ports from Nigeria by road, it takes six days with a lot of hassles but if you want to move it by sea, it takes 60 days because you will use European vessels to take the goods to Europe first and then bring it back to Ghana. However, with Sealink, it will take between one and two days.

"So, a quick-win solution for us is to set up a maritime shipping company since most ECOWAS and central African countries are coastal countries. That way will liberate our countries and our businessmen and help them to keep the margins of their businesses instead of paying it to European shipping companies."

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CBN issues Nov. 30 deadline to banks, others to be PCIDSS certified

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HE CBN has urged commercial banks, switches and processors to be Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCIDSS) certified by Nov. 30.

This is contained in a circular issued by the CBN Banking and Payments System Department at the weekend in Lagos.

The circular is entitled: "Timeline for PCIDSS certification by all deposit money banks, switches and processors."

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PCIDSS is a framework used to prevent, detect and appropriate security incidents in payment operations among banks.

The framework helps banks to ensure safe handling of cardholder's information at every step.

The bank said that it would sanction any bank that did not key into the PCIDSS before the date.

The CBN added that from the pre-certification assessment it carried out, some banks were yet to comply

with the mode.

"In view of the above, all deposit money banks, switches and processors are required to be PCIDSS certified, on or before Nov. 30.

"Please note that the CBN will invoke appropriate sanctions for non-compliance with the provision of the circular," it said.

Travellers' nightmare on Nigerian airlines (1)

Body seeks diversification of the economy

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CCOUNTANTS have been urged to look beyond mere figures and deploy their vast knowledge to ensure that the country moves forward. This was contained in a communiqué released at the end of the Nigerian Students' Economic and Finance summit which held recently at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The summit which was organised by the Nigerian Universities Accounting Students' Association (NUASA), OAU chapter, had as its theme; 'Putting Nigeria on the pedestal of sustainable economic development: Challenges and way forward.'

Despite the plethora of economic problems affecting Nigeria such as high level of unemployment, poverty,

By Joe Agbro Jr.

insecurity, political instability, tribalism, and illiteracy, the summit noted that; 'Nigeria has a lot of potentials for development which is the reason for listing the country among the MINT countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey) that would have capacity and resources like the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa)in the nearest future.'

Citing Nigeria's dependence on oil which has turned her into a mono-crop economy, the communiqué advised that the nation's economy should be diversified 'to reduce the overdependence on oil revenue.'

The summit also urged that the Nigerian tax system be reformed to be simple and

progressives and leaders should lead by example.

'Compliance should be enforced and applied to all, irrespective of social status,' the communiqué read.

'Government should address the issues of fiscal federalism and multiplicity of taxes at the on-going national conference.'

The well-attended ceremony was declared open by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Administration and the Head of Department of Management and Accounting Dr. D .O Elumilade. Invited guests included the former NYSC Director, Brigadier General (Rtd) Maharazu Isma'il Tsiga and former Assistant Director Federal Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Umar Abdu Tsauri.

And some speakers at the three-day event were Mr

Taiwo Oyedele (Partner, Head of Tax & Regulatory Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers); Dr. Ademola Odeyemi (Executive director, Guaranty Trust Bank plc.), Hon. Fatai Atanda (Commissioner for economic budget and planning, Oyo), Mrs. Ijeoma Anadozie (Country manager, Chartered institute of management accountants), and Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin (Online editor, The Nation newspaper).

Students from Bayero University, Kano; Lead City University, Ibadan; University of Lagos; University of Ilorin, Kwara; Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo; Ladoke Akintola University, Oyo; Oduduwa University, Osun; and Yaba College of Technology, Lagos were also in attendance.

•Akinkuotu

•Former Super Eagles Captain, Austine Eguavoen (middle) and some of the participants at MTN Football Scholar Season 4 auditions at Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt…recently

Expert urges govt to support social security through insurance

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HE Commissioner of Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, in Abuja over the weekend urged government at all levels to support the welfare and security of the people through insurance.

Daniel, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), made the call when he received the ongoing National Conference Committee on Housing and Social Security.

He said that there were so many ways government could support the welfare of the people through making sure that every aspect of life was insured.

Daniel said government did not need to fund emergencies and the effects of crises when relief funds could have been provided through well articulated insurance

arrangements.

According to him, insurance of all assets in the country is the best form of social security any government can provide for its people. ``The need to release the potential of the sector as an economic growth agent has often been lost as the insurance industry is yet to be recognised in all its capabilities. ``The omission of the insurance industry among the professional bodies invited to the National Conference is a clear indication of the inadequate knowledge of the potential of the industry by the government,'' he said.

He reiterated the need for policies, such as mortgage insurance, to bridge the housing deficit in the country and also the group life insurance schemes to protect families of workers to be adopted. ``The non-involvement of

the insurance sector in the packaging of projects sponsored by development partners often deny government of the security provided by insurance, especially if these projects suffer damages. ``Their replacements are at an additional cost to government or could be abandoned because of lack of funding, thereby defeating its whole purpose. ``There is need for government to show more commitment to compulsory insurance policies to help generate more income and funds that could be invested for long term infrastructural projects. ``We believe that when insurance becomes the major driver of our economy, it will provide more jobs, better social security, taking away 10 per cent of the country's problem,'' he said.

He said that NAICOM recently introduced Micro Insurance to reach the grassroots and ``Takaful'' insurance based on Islamic religion laws for wider insurance reach and participation in the country.

Earlier, the Chairman, Housing and Social Security Committee at the National Conference, Mr Ibrahim Bunu, said the committee was on a fact finding mission to NAICOM. ``We have come to understand insurance as a platform for improving employment generation and as a platform for securing and supporting government development goals. ``Understanding this will help us make a stand on the importance of having a vibrant insurance policy in the country,'' he said.

W

ITH the rising number of middleclass citizens among Nigerians, the fastest and most efficient means of transportation which of course remains the dearest is now considered by many as a means of commuting themselves and their goods from one place to another.

This currently is the only option where urgency and importance is attached to the essence of a trip. Passengers no longer mind to part with the margin to save extra hours on the road which remains often unpredictable with the recent trend of heavy traffic on the major highways and occasional robbery.

A cross-section of these people however feel that so much is given in exchange for too little or worse still bad experiences.

Some give account of regrets for the choice made to opt for this medium of transportation as against the most available and cheaper option of road transport. Owing largely to • Inexcusable Delays; simply put, delay in departure time, rescheduling or outright cancellation of a preplanned trip caused by factors other than force majeure. Force Majeure refers to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. This includes poor weather conditions, riots, strikes, war, interference by government authorities, air traffic congestion, airport closures, fuel shortages, Labour-related disputes, Acts of God (hurricanes, volcanoes, etc). A passenger who chose to have his identity uncovered stated that it is either he has been unlucky with his recent flights on Arik Air or they just never keep to time. He narrated his ordeal when his flight that was to depart Benin City Nigeria at 9.00am on the 1st of December 2013 did not arrive until half past four in the afternoon causing all passengers on board eight hours of their time. In his words, I could have booked the second flight but I had a family function to attend. It took violence to have a member of staff announce a one hour delay after we had waited for two hours and an indefinite delay forty five minutes after the one hour earlier announced lapsed. I suffered a similar fate on my flight from Lagos to Accra, Ghana on the 12th of January 2014. We were held back here for almost four hours and that cost me my connecting flight to my final destination.

Worse still was the return trip on the 11th of April. Others who chose to fly with Aero contractors were informed of a delay upon check in but no information was given and I was just positive that this would be a different experience.

An 8.30pm flight did not take off until 11:00pm which implies that arrival time would be 1:00am Nigerian time.

While we waited, there was no announcement or information whatsoever on the reason for the delay, how much more we would be required to wait only to have a scripted and pretentious apology by the hostess who took the routine briefing. Aero contractors flight AJ 2004 scheduled to depart Accra Ghana at about the same time with Arik Air flight W3076 8.25pm for Lagos, Nigeria, however, did not begin to taxi for take-off until 11.55pm.

They were a step ahead of their Nigerian rivals by providing periodic information to passengers and apologising for the delay although unprofessionally, as the designated staff moved around the lounge seeking affected persons and passing on the news almost in a whisper with the fear of being crucified written all over him. This was certainly the height of it as it left many people stranded at the airport, unable to reach their final destinations and families extremely worried about the welfare of their loved ones.

Continued next week

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Payingmoreformoneytransfer I

N the fallout of the research conducted by two organisations, Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and Charity Comic Relief, it was discovered that Africans living overseas and wishes to send money to their family back home are being charged higher fees compared with amount charged nationals from other continents.

ODI director, Kevin Watkins, said the virtual duopoly operated by Western Union and MoneyGram in Africa was stifling competition.

Although the ODI report did not allege price collusion between Western Union and MoneyGram, it said it was concerned by the uniformly high fees across countries in Africa, irrespective of underlying market conditions.

Mr. Watkins added: "Migrants sending $200 home can expect to pay 12% in charges, which is almost double the global average. While the governments of the G8 and the G20 have pledged to reduce charges to 5%, there is no evidence of any decline in the fees incurred by Africa's diaspora.

"There is no justification for the high charges incurred by African migrants. The $1.8bn lost through the super tax could put 14 million children in school; deliver clean water to 21 million and sanitation to 8million people."

Recent World Bank figures show that remittances from foreign workers are expected to rise to $436bn this year but ODI said the cost of sending money back to Africa was far higher than the global average.

International remittances are expected to rise to $516bn in 2016, with the likes of MoneyGram and Western Union expected to profit immensely from this.

According to the outcome of the research, for every $200 sent home, the sender is charged 12% of the amount which is twice the global average of charges expected other nationals are charged.

It is a known fact that many Africans living abroad work hard under extreme cold condition and are under constant financial demands from their families back home who expect them to attune to their demands anytime such requests are made.

Western Union had claimed that various factors were responsible for the increase in charges, one of which is the higher taxes paid by the company in African countries. The company also claimed that because it offers efficient services, therefore increase in charges was inevitable.

"We deliver much needed services to individuals and the fees were set according to factors such as local taxes," the company stated.

ODI further said its findings revealed that the two companies are enjoying less competition as they are the only major money transfer companies on the continent, adding that the companies capitalised on the monopoly they enjoy to increase their charges.

According to Siddo Deva of Charity Comic Relief, the high charge is a burden on Africans abroad who are working hard to earn a living.

According to a recent report, Africans are being handed the short end of the hammer by paying higher charges for overseas money transfer. Meanwhile, the two money transfer companies, MoneyGram and Western Union, have denied the allegation, Bukola Afolabi reports

it, they take it back to their country to develop their economy. I will implore them to re-consider the fee most especially for the benefit of those living in Diaspora."

Carl Scheible, MoneyGram's executive vice president of UK and Africa operations, said that the company's strategy in Africa and globally is all about helping to drive money flow and positively impacting the lives of its customers. He pointed out that ODI's figures were unrepresentative of the facts.

Mr. Scheible added: "MoneyGram provides a fast, safe, cost effective and very convenient service to the citizens of the world.

Specifically responding to the reports claims, we want to be very clear that at MoneyGram, there is no Africa premium as we offer a competitive service for people shunned by high street banks.

"For example, someone sending ÂŁ200 from the UK to Africa would pay a charge of 5.1%, including foreign exchange fees, against a global average of 4.9%. We can provide more details on how these costs are arrived at, including compliance and technology components, plus the ecosystem built around this service including businesses within Africa if that is of interest."

A Western Union spokesman added: "The average global revenue earned

by Western Union from transferring money including fee and foreign exchange is 5% to 6% of the amount being sent.

However, our pricing varies between countries depending on a number of factors such as consumer protection costs, local remittance taxes, market distribution, regulatory structure, volume, currency volatility, and other market efficiencies and these factors can impact the fees and foreign exchange rates offered."

Latest World Bank figures show that remittances from foreign workers are expected to rise to $436 billion this year, more than three times what poor countries receive in overseas aid, but the ODI said the cost of sending money back to Africa was far higher than the global average.

The expected increase in remittances to developing countries this year, according to the World Bank, will be maintained in the next few years despite deportations of international migrants from some host countries, adding that remittances will rise to $516 billion in 2016.

Around $5bn was remitted to Africa from Britain alone in 2012 and ODI said that reducing remittance costs to the global average would increase transfers by $85m, rising to $225m if charges were lowered to 5%.

For sub-Saharan Africa, remittance flows grew by 3.5% in 2013 to reach $32bn, with Nigeria accounting for about $21bn or 65.6% such of transfers.

African remittances from Britain are forecast to rise to $41bn in 2016. These large sums have encouraged finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to plan a Diaspora bond to mobilise savings and boost financing for development.

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"Imposing such high remittance fees from hard-earned income is hurting the African Diaspora and more importantly, their families and communities in the countries of origin."

However, a spokesman for Moneygram said the ODI had got its figures wrong. "We don't recognise those numbers at all.

There is no Africa premium."

He said Moneygram was offering a competitive service for people shunned by high street banks and that someone sending ÂŁ200 from the UK to Africa would pay a charge of 5.1 per cent, including foreign exchange fees, against a global average of 4.9 per cent.

Giving more reasons for the increase, an official of Western Union had also claimed that the cost of delivering cash to recipient in Africa is higher than what is obtained in other continents, adding that the company is spending much on security in Africa. "Cash has to be delivered and picked up with armoured cars. The reality is we are providing a very competitive service, a fairly priced service, based on speed,

reliability, security of the money arriving. The average global revenue earned by Western Union from transferring money (including fee and FX) is 5.6 per cent of the amount being sent.

However, our pricing varies between countries depending on a number of factors such as consumer protection costs, local remittance taxes, market distribution, regulatory structure, volume, currency volatility, and other market efficiencies. These factors can impact the fees and foreign exchange rates offered."

With the latest development, Nigerians in Diaspora as well as their families back home are already feeling the heat of the new charges.

Titi Adetunji whose sister, Nike, lives in Surrey, United Kingdom told The Nation that for every 500 Pounds her sister sent home, she pays 60 Pounds as charge.

"It is discouraging and she now finds it hard to send home money. She prefers to buy goods and send them home for us to sell which even generates more

money. I think the charge has to be reviewed. I wonder why Africans have to pay more than other foreigners whereas we have more Africans in Europe than any other nationals."

Mr. Femi Oladeji, whose brother lives in New York, United States, also shares the same sentiment. He is of the view that emergence of more money transfer companies would reduce the monopoly enjoyed by Money Gram and Western Union.

"Until we have new companies involved in money transfer, Africans would continue to be shortchanged by these companies (Western Union and Money Gram). With all the money they have made in Africa, they have not given anything back to the continent.

For every $200 (N31, 000) my brother sends home, we are charged $24 (N3, 720). So you can imagine the amount these companies are making. Are they saying Africans in Diaspora makes more money abroad than immigrants from other countries like Asia, Europe or Middle East which makes them

to increase the charge? It is just a way of maltreating us. Even the tax they claim they pay, do they really pay those taxes?"

He added, "Africans have contributed immensely to the growth of the economy of these countries but it sad that we are not appreciated."

A financial expert, Mr. Joseph George also blamed the attitudes of the companies on lack of competition.

"To me, it seems there are deliberate attempts by the companies and even banks to make sure that there is no competition. They try to stifle out competitions. I agree that they have made their names over the years but that should not prevent competitors from coming into the business. They have made so (much) money in Africa over the years but they are not giving it back to the society," he said.

He added: "If they are increasing the charge, there should be positive impact of the extra fees on the economy of the continent but what we are seeing is that instead of making people to benefit from

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FEC approves N35.9bn AfDB loan for agric development

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

‘You can be in business in two hours’

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O P U L A R L Y acknowledged as being the drivers of economies, small businesses across the world have attracted attention.

However, in Nigeria, confronted with a myriad of developmental as well as infrastructural deficiencies, the odds against the survival of smaller businesses was very high.

However, it is not a totally gloomy picture as a Public Private Dialogue/ Market Traders Meeting organised by Growth and Employment in States 3 (GEMS3) in Lagos last week sought to sensitise business owners on how they can reap from their efforts.

Towards this end, an intervention, 'Running a business in Nigeria' campaign was rolled out.

"Your ability to survive in business today will depend on some form of formalisation," said Obinali Egele, team leader of GEMS3.

Though the highlight of the event pivoted around registration of businesses

by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), on hand were members from NACCIMA and Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Representing the CAC Registrar General, Bello Mahmud, Alhaji Garuba Abubakar said the CAC is working to ensure registration of businesses is faster, cheaper and less cumbersome.

Reacting to the claim that it was expensive and frustrating registering businesses, Abubakar said that what jacked up the costs of registering were the professional costs charged by consultants, a scenario which he said the CAC now frowns against.

"Since January 2012," Abubakar said, "any individual that wants to register a company or business name can approach any of our offices, obtain the forms, declare his memorandum of association and article of association and make the application directly. The only requirement that we will not dispense with is the provision in CAC 1 that requires that a legal practitioner must review the documents."

The cost of registering a business name is N10, 850 and it costs N27, 500 to register a limited liability company while applicants must come along with two passport-sized

Over 70 percent of businesses in Nigeria are informally run. But an interactive forum tagged 'Running a business in Nigeria' aimed to get more businesses formalised. Joe Agbro Jr. reports

• GEMS3 campaign sensitising members of the public on the ease of business registration at the Tejuosho Market, Yaba, Lagos, after the event

photographs and a valid means of identification such the national ID, drivers licence, international passport and voters card. He also said that all business registration could be started and finished in CAC offices in Lagos.

Saying these reforms were targeted at small businesses, Abubakar said the CAC can register businesses in less than 24 hours and at most in 48 hours. He said, "our target is to register businesses in two hours."

Giving the opening address on behalf of Mrs. Olusola Owuru, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, a director in the ministry, Jafar Sanuth, commented the initiative and said it is in line with the Lagos State government's programme to reform the informal sector which started in 2012.

Giving reasons why reforming the informal sector will be beneficial to all concerned, Sanuth said, "You have expanded market operation whereby you don't need to move from your place and you're still trading with somebody elsewhere in the

world. Equally, by the time you start trading formally, you have an identity by yourself. And when you have an identity, people can know you and how credible you are."

He also said the state government was putting in place policies to ensure a more business-friendly environment. One is these, he said, is the compilation and harmonisation of all state levies, taxes, and charges so that "you will know without leaving your office what you are supposed to pay and how you are going to pay it."

He also highlighted that the state government was also working on land reforms for approvals of property within the state.

According to the Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Isemede, "before you talk of business registration, you have to talk about business formation."

Highlighting the need for formalisation at every stage of production, Isemede said it is not just enough to have a piece of land. "That land

must have C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)," he said. "The man who is running a business on a land where he does not have C of O, how do you expect a bank to support him?"

He also said, whether one decides to run a local or international business, one has to register it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Highlighting that CAC has offices across the country, a situation which was not the case in times past, Isemede said, "now, people have no excuses whatsoever that they cannot register their businesses."

Speaking on why a business needs to be registered, Isemede offered some examples.

"In Nigeria today, people write letters using a plain sheet in the hope that they will get a feedback," he said.

"They will not get. If you have, put a post office box. Even if you have a mobile line, some people still insist that you put a land line. People want to know that you have land line. So that when I call you and you say you're in Yaba, I can now say go, because if you call me on my mobile line,

I can tell you I'm in Kano whereas I'm in Lagos. So, when you talk of business registration, it is not just going to CAC, other things have to follow."

He continued: "You must have a letter-headed and the names of directors must be there." He decried the practice whereby some people just enter business centres to print documents arbitrarily. "That is not how to run a business," he said.

Today, most private and public organisations ask for proof of registration with the CAC from businesses before conducting any business with them.

Isemede also urged business owners to register with appropriate bodies so as to derive incentives and advantages inherent from such registrations. He said those interested in international trade "must register with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council" and attributed the long delays in clearing goods at Nigerian Ports to a "lack of documentation."

It is on record that Nigeria has signed various treaties, some which include that with the Economic

Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) which should facilitate foreign trade in different aspects, but not many Nigerians seem to benefitting from these agreements. Isemede attributed these to lack of ignorance and improper documentation.

"A lot of people would now tell you 'after all, we're in ECOWAS,'" he said.

"They end up going to Ghana, going to Benin Republic without papers.

There is no law that says you must load your goods and cross the border without papers. You must have all the things required in line with the protocol of movement of goods and services. Why do we have trailers? Why do we have goods abandoned at the borders? It is just because Nigerians don't know what to do."

He said, "the incentives are there but people don't know how to enjoy it."

He also decried the way of doing business in the informal sector of "not having records, of not paying taxes, of not filing returns, at the end of the day, you go to the bank, what are you going to present before your bankers to enable them process your loan and support you.

People are crying about, looking for brothers and sisters when there are billions of naira in NEXIM, BOI and commercial banks."

Growth and Employment in States (GEMS) is a partnership with the federal government, the Department of Foreign International Development (DFID) and the World Bank.

GEMS 3 aims to promote the benefits of formalisation to increase business registrations, create awareness of regulatory reforms that make it easier, faster, and cheaper to register a business, and increasing new company registration by at least 6% by June. To achieve this, GEMS is working with CAC on a software to further reduce the time, cost, and number of procedures required to register a business in Nigeria.

The programme which was held in support with the Federal ministry of industry trade and investment, also had members of audience which consisted stakeholders, business owners and intending entrepreneurs interact together.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

66 BUSINESS

Shift 2014 to FEC approves N35.9bn AfDB Lagos empower youths loan for agric development T T

By Blessing Olisa

HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) last Wednesday approved the procurement of 152-million-dollar loan (about N35.9 billion) and 385,000-dollar grant (about N64.5 million) for agricultural development.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, made this known after the council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House.

Adesina said that the facilities to be obtained from the African Development Bank (AfDB) would be used to develop 14 Staple Crops Processing Zones in seven states and 27 local government areas.

According to him, the loan to support agricultural production and investments, will attract 1.5 per cent interest and be repaid over 22 years.

He explained that a Staple Crop Processing Zone is an area of high production where the government would provide the enabling environment to attract private sector food processing companies.

"It is a big game changer for agriculture and the AfDB and the World Bank are so excited about it that they have asked other African countries to copy Nigeria."

Adesina noted that infrastructure was very important in attracting private sector investments.

"They need power, water, roads and rail for transportation and you cannot invest that everywhere because it is expensive to do.

"What we are doing is unique; which is to identify the vast areas for Staple Crops Processing Zones to which we will immediately upgrade the basic

infrastructure to reduce the cost of doing business by the food processing companies that will come to Nigeria.

"We have developed 14 staple crops processing zones masterplans across the country which will cover a whole range of commodities like rice, cassava, cotton, sorghum, aquaculture, livestock and other production.

"Out of the 14 staple crops processing zones masterplans, six have been fully completed and now at the execution stage."

The minister said that the loan would be specifically used to develop rice, sorghum and cassava in commercial production and also to support private sector processing and value addition for the commodities.

Adesina said that the zones would be located in AdaniOmo in Ebonyi and Enugu States for rice and cassava; Bida

and Badeggi for rice; Kano and Jigawa for rice, tomato and sorghum; Kebbi and Sokoto for rice and Sorghum.

He listed the seven states to be involved in the first phase as Anambra, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Niger and Sokoto.

"The facility will support infrastructure development, production facility, irrigation infrastructure, social infrastructure in particular, rural roads, potable water, sanitation and healthcare.

"We want the rural areas to be places where the young ones can stay and be productive. The loan will also be used for agroprocessing development, value addition and market information system for farmers in those areas."

The minister added that 17 water control structures would be rehabilitated including 1,300 irrigation canals.

HE Lagos Shift Initiative has organised season 3 of the programme, themed 'Innovation Redefined.'

The faith-based initiative which is aimed at harnessing the talents of young people started in Lagos in 2012 and has spread to other parts of Nigeria and the world.

The Shift initiative which will hold on the 1st of May 2014 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos will host the three pillars of Shift: Maximum entertainment and fun, creative capacities - an avenue for young people to express their creativity, and a segment titled 'this is my story'.

Guest speaker on 'This is my story' is renowned speaker, Steve Harris. Other guests will include Tosyn B and King Sunny Ade while Mrs. Onari Duke, former first lady of Rivers state will speak on the shift innovation.

A shift ambassador who will emerge from either music, comedy or dance categories will win an undisclosed star prize.

Charles Kpandei, convener of Lagos Shift 2014 said, "over the years, we have provided a platform for youths to express their talents. Last year we also had one event three cities within Nigeria. As the shift was going on in Lagos, we also had it in Port Harcourt and Abuja ."

Shift initiative has also gone beyond Nigeria and has visited Dubai, Istanbul and Nairobi in the past 2 years and still intends to visit more locations to empower young people.

According to him, "Shift has gone global. After Lagos shift 2013, we moved to Shift Dubai, Istanbul and Nairobi."

Kpandei predicted a massive turnout of 50,000 youths and said, "Season 1 was very successful and we had over 13,000 youths that day. By season 2 we had moved to 23,000 and we are expecting about 50,000 youths this year".

FirstBank boosts capacity development with SMEConnect

A

•From left: Mr. Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing and Retention, MultiChoice Nigeria, Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi and Mrs. Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager, DStv during the presentation of DStv Explora to Keshi at the launch of DStv BoxOffice and Catchup held at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

Fidelity Bank approves N600m loan for leather, garment sectors in Aba

T

HE management of Fidelity Bank plc has approved N600 million loan for the garment and leather sectors- comprising shoe, belt and bag makers in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

The gesture is aimed at upgrading the capacity and product quality of the operators.

Michael Nwagbara, branch leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, who revealed this at a photo exhibition/civic reception for Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, organised by the Independent Photographers

Association of Nigeria (IPAN), Aba chapter, also promised that the bank would develop a programme tailored towards assisting members of IPAN. He affirmed that the bank believes so much in entrepreneurship, which is why it is interested in helping the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

"Our bank is focused in developing capacity, especially small and medium scale enterprises, such that we have been partnering with so many of such groups in the sector and since IPAN is

organised, it can access a lot of things from Fidelity Bank, not just facility-it could be in capacity building and financing of equipment.

"The bank has looked at what is happening in Aba and has developed a product tailored to the garment and leather manufacturers. As we speak today, the bank has mapped out N600 million for the leather and garment sectors," he said.

Uche Ogah, president, Masters Energy Group, who was installed a national patron of IPAN promised to assist the

association to achieve their goals.

Ogah represented by Chijioke Udeogu, a staff of Masters Energy Group, stated that the company believes in entrepreneurial skill and human capital development as a way to, especially reduction of unemployment.

"I however believe that with the right spirit, with the right people and with the right environment that no sooner than later that Aba will regain its position, as the entrepreneurial city of the country,� he said.

Fish processors groan over activities of middlemen

S

OME Lagos catfish processors have decried the activities of middlemen in the export of processed catfish, saying they were obstacles to the growth of the sub-sector.

The processors told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the middlemen were the reason why some fish exporters quit the businessmen.

Mrs Adunni Omotayo, a catfish processor told NAN that exporters had resolved to sell

their produce locally.

Omotayo said that exporters no longer trusted contact persons who received the produce as they had been swindling processors. ``It is a problem in the sector right now because processors no longer trust those who receive the products. They have formed the habit of running away with exporters' money. ``The middlemen are supposed to sell the processed fish and refund the money to the

exporters but these days, they do not do that. ``It simply means that processors will have to travel themselves, because when we spend so much money here we do not get it back,`` Omotayo said.

Mr Jude Okwudili, another processor, suggested that the only way to avoid middlemen absconding with the processor's money was for them to "buy off" the produce.

Okwudili suggested that

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should collaborate to ease fish export processes. ``We depend mostly on middlemen to sell our products, so the best way is for them to buy the products outright from the processor. ``Middlemen also take away a good part of the profit from the sales of the products,`` Okwudili said.

S part of its support for the sustained development of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sectors of the Nigerian Economy, FirstBank through its SMEConnect platform has created Open Seminars which will take place in various parts of the country with kick off edition in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in early May, 2014.

The Seminar series with an overriding theme of "We can help with that", is a one-day workshop also scheduled to take place in Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu, Ibadan, Kano, Jos and Lagos in subsequent months and is designed to provide practical help on relevant challenges faced by small businesses and will focus on capacity building, business plan writing, marketing products and services as well as accessing bank loans and documentation.

According to the Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, at FirstBank, we believe that the SMEs are at the heart of national development, contributing greatly to the gross domestic product of our country.

It is on this premise that we introduced the Open Seminars which will be conducted in partnership with the Enterprise Development Center (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University a centre renowned for the development and entrepreneurial skills acquisition of small business owners, budding entrepreneurs as well as reskilling of established entrepreneurs "As Nigeria's leading SME bank, we are focused on empowering SMEs and SME entrepreneurs towards capacity building and development to contribute to the growth of our economy in providing employment to people, adding to our GDP and repositioning the national economy for sustained growth.

Participants, in the various regions will need to register on the Bank's dedicated microsite www.firstbanknigeria.com/ smeconnect and pay a little sum of N2, 000 to attend the seminars.

The site will also provide links to all the resource material used during the seminars as well as serve as a channel to obtain feedback from customers and communicate products and services targeted at SMEs". She said SMEConnect is FirstBank's value proposition geared towards building the capacity of SMEs to deliver to business goals and contribute even more significantly to national development. In November 2013, FirstBank hosted the maiden edition of its SME Conference themed, "SMEs at the heart of National Development: Creativity, Capacity and Capital."

Anambra purchases 100 tractors to boost agriculture

A

NAMBRA State government is to purchase 100 tractors in the first week of May as part of plans to boost agriculture in the state.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Nnamdi Mekoh, said that the tractors would be made available to farmers and harvesters on hire basis, adding that improved maize, rice and cassava cuttings would be made available to farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture.

"We are also making arrangement with Rainbow Chicken in South Africa to come here and make chicken cheaper for us here. It is expected that they would be producing 1.5 million chickens daily.

And this would offer jobs to thousands of our unemployed youths," he said.

According to Mekoh, the government of Governor Obiano is committed to total revolutionisation of agriculture in the state, with the N5.9bn appropriated for the Ministry of Agriculture, against the N1.6 billion that had been appropriated in the budget before now.

Besides, he said the state government under the former governor, Mr Peter Obi, had accessed N1.2 billion from Agricultural Credit Bank that would be disbursed to small scale farmers this year.

67

O

LU Jacobs and his amiable wife, Joke Jacobs, are two thespians who know their worth about theatre and acting.

They met on the job; they’ve also shown over the years that actors and actresses who found themselves as husbands and wives can indeed make the best out of the situation. Often enough, the couple are seen together in public, and when one is granting an interview, for instance, the other does not hesitate to make contributions. That, in reality, is how close and inseparable they have grown that the voice of one is often the voice of the other and vice versa.

During a chance meeting at the National Theatre, Lagos, Olu was asked to comment on the state of stage and live theatre in Nigeria, but midway into the chat, Joke could not hold her enthusiasm to be part of the interview. And so before long, it had turned into a dual interview in which the couple, long known for their avowed love and commitment to entertainment and the world of make-believe, took a deep look into their profession, making a case for theatre academy, lambasting government for not being serious and committed enough to theatre and then proffering ways to make the younger ones find plausible peace and fulfillment in the profession which they both confessed still remains a tough terrain to date.

Olu Jacobs, as a professional, started his career as a stage actor, but today he is better known as a film actor. “Oh, yes,” he began as his affable baritone voice gently tore into the air, “like I have always said, we want the government to provide the enabling environment for us to function. They ought to make things affordable for us to thrive. Let them create the necessary institutions where we can train and raise more artistes, younger actors and actresses because we ourselves are passing on.

And so we need to make sure that we provide for the next generation of artistes so that we do not create a vacuum. These are the things we need for the stage which is the mother of them all. If you have such institutions, well-structured and equipped, the artistes will graduate well and be well-equipped for the future. And when you see them working, they’ll know exactly what they’re doing.”

To him, the provision of all these and more would help to enhance theatre and restore back the glow. “These things have been lacking, even though we have always had the market.

It was a market that grew so fast; that people who didn’t know the job came in; a lot of people cried, that they went and employed people who didn’t know the job. In the end, they ruined them, but for us to grow and continue to develop, we certainly need all these institutions-build-theatre academies and so on. Not everybody will have the opportunity to go to a higher institution, but even if they do, not everybody will be so accommodated. This is so because they have limited number of people they can take. We therefore need a lot of people to be trained. These academies provide for you to practice right away. You do more practical theatre there. The children need them because even on location they are asking for them.”

A core veteran, Jacobs agreed that there is a generational disease that is haunting the profession. “All these take time, except that we have a generational disease. Our young ones are in a hurry. They need to be more gentle and more understanding. In our own case, we had to struggle hard, fight the system to get to where we are today. We are appealing to the younger ones to come to terms with the situation even though we are supposed to increase our own speed. I think government needs to release the funds they promised on time. They do not need to do so piece-meal because that system and approach doesn’t make for progress. We have not even seen any money yet, there’s too much talking without action.

And if there is money, we need to see them given to people to do the appropriate jobs, so that this industry can move forward, can create the necessary job opportunities for Nigerians.”

Concerning the long-awaited endowment for the art, he stated thus: “Eh, our problem is that we have excellent ideas that we do not follow up conclusively. Oh yes, that is a good idea but where is it now? We need to start from somewhere. If it is a hundred people (artistes) government wants to start with, let them do so. From there, it can grow to more, but let them start from somewhere. That is my

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

•Olu Jacobs and his wife, Joke Jacobs.

PHOTO: EDOZIE UDEZE

‘Let’s show more commitment to stage theatre’

A dynamic couple in and out of stage, Olu and Joke Jacobs find drama in virtually everything they do. When it comes to this profession which they love so much, they indeed speak with one voice, showing that theatre is life and life is also theatre. In this chat with Edozie Udeze the couple speaks about their pet project, why live theatre has to be revived and the need for the younger ones to be more committed to the profession and lots more. Excerpts. concern. From there, we can then begin to see hope. The way things are at the moment, ah, it is difficult for the industry to sustain itself, because theatre plays an important part in our lives – the telling of stories of our historical origin and past…”

At this juncture, Joke intervened by saying “Oh, yes, stories that prod our cultural memories; if you do not have the pride of theatre, your cultural memory is diminished. It is valueless and you lose it. People who do not have cultural memory often repeat the mistakes of the past. And this is not good for anybody.

You can see that there are other people who have taken over from Chuck Mike (the black American, artiste who trained a lot of artistes in Nigeria in the 1980s to early 1990s). We, for one, have taken over from where such people stopped.”

To date, the Jacobs have set up a performing arts school where they train young thespians in all facets of acting. “Of all the people who come for training only few focus on theatre, the rest focus on film. However, we do theatre and do film. We equally realise the importance of theatre and then we give them the training of performing artistes. A lot of our graduates are doing well. They are not stars as yet, but we hope with time they’ll get there,” she said.

When the call for the establishment of private theatre houses has become a Herculean task for some willing Nigerians, what then is the next step to be taken? Here Olu interjected and said, “if you try and try and it does not work, then try and try again. Those who give up easily do not go far in life. We need to build more private theatre houses and stages

to make theatre prosper. You don’t stop: you fall, stand up, wipe your back and run. With tears in your eyes, carry on. With deep depression, carry on. Because in all, nobody said to you that it was going to be easy. No. but we didn’t know it was going to be this bad.

We found it so and we had to fight it. We saw this National Theatre go down but I am happy it is this good now. I am very, very happy to be here to see it now. This is what we are saying, people can now come and watch any play going on here now.”

When then are people going to see the Jacobs again on stage? And Joke took over with an explanation that cleared the air immediately: “Yes, we are planning a stage show here at the Theatre in October. We are •Continued on page 74

68

ARTS

“I

MAGINATION is a very powerful tool that brings more thoughts from obscurity to reality. With imagination, therefore, the minds of people are capable of conjuring the unimaginable while its realisation brings an exhumation of physical translation. This, indeed, aptly demonstrates the artistic function embedded in the end result of every creative works.” This was how Abdullahi Muku, the Director General of The National Gallery of Art ((NGA), described the Masters Series Exhibition currently holding at the Red Door Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The exhibition is an understanding between NGA and Red Door Gallery to sensitise the public on the importance of Nigeria’s many masters of the visual art; those whose works have been in the custody of NGA for many years. The works cut across all genres of the visual art and also embody the best anyone can get to see about Nigeria’s crops of works by both the first and second generations of painters, sculptors, print-makers, woodcarvers, etc. This shows that the richness of Nigerian art is an all-important documentation of many spheres and history of the nation.

This is evident in the works of Nigeria’s all-time greats as they dwell exclusively on the rich, deep and colourful heritage deserving of communal celebrations, rural landscapes, geography, history and all aspects of the Nigerian entity. The artists have been able to bring all these to the fore in the past 10 decades or so.

During the opening ceremony penultimate week, art lovers, collectors, patrons and art enthusiasts gathered in their numbers to savour the richness of these works. Many people were particularly touched to see the beautiful works of such great artists as Ben Enwonwu, Erhabor Emokpae, Akinola Lasekan, Ben Osawe, Solomon Wangboje.

Others are Obiora Udechukwu, Yusuf Grillo, Odita Okechukwu, Jimoh Buraimoh, Josy Ajiboye, Bruce Onabrakpeya, Abayomi Barber, El Anatsui and many others.

These artists are classified as masters considering their consistent contributions to the visual art profession in the past four to five decades. Through their works they have been able to display consummate skills and professionalism. And to date, these works serve as models for the next generation of artists in the country. There is hardly any of these works that cannot command immediate attention anywhere they are displayed.

This was why Bola Asiru of Red Door Gallery described the scenario simply as “the celebration of beautiful works by a sample of African contemporary artists that have stood the test of time and now influence and inspire artists and art lovers globally. Indeed, there are hundreds of masters across the African continent but we are constrained to exhibit just a few in this series. Today, we have cause to celebrate those things which Title:

A Cry for Help: The ordeals of the African mother and child Author: Queen Esther Paul Year of publication: 2013 Number of pages: 224 Reviewer: Joe Agbro Jr.

D

ESPITE being one of the most endowed countries and people in Africa, nay the world, Nigeria and Nigerians seem to always navigate to the doldrums. And when these happens in the forms of corruption, poverty, hunger, abuse, while everyone in the country suffers, the people most affected, most vulnerable, are the women and children.

And it is the plight of these sections of people that Queen Esther Paul addresses in her book, A Cry for Help: The ordeals of the African mother and child. That there are things to cry about in Africa is not news. The continent is replete with strife, sadness, and sorrow. And Paul’s book, which is generously laced with photographs, graphics, as well as poetry, conveys how the situation of the African child and woman can be better.

While her book looks at the fate of the sufferings of women and children globally, she focuses on the Nigerian situation. Start•Continued from page 73

co-producing the show which is basically a musical drama. It is by Garden Theatre and it depicts the life of people in Nigeria – the very rich and the very poor. It is a combination of both worlds and it will show a society where the two extremes come together.

It is important for us to show how those who are privileged in the society can be responsible and work harder so that those who are not can gain from it. This is to also encourage the poor to get out of their

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

Behold the masters

An ongoing art exhibition tagged the masters series is showcasing works of Nigeria’s foremost visual artists, reports Edozie Udeze

•Hide (1980) by Jimoh Buraimoh

are truly African as our art has become globally, recognised and appreciated as a reference point for creativity and excellence,” he said.

Muku, on the other, hand stressed the need for more private galleries to show interest in the ongoing federal government policy to engage more art lovers in its Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme. “Yes, this is one of the series we’ve embarked upon to ensure that the necessary awareness is created for the art. This was why we particularly picked the works of those great artists Nigerians seem to have forgotten. As it is now, Red Door Gallery, will equally continue with the works of other great artists after this. This is why it is called Masters

•Gen. Yakubu Gowon (1985) by Olaku

Series exhibition. And we hope other galleries in other parts of the country will also show interest so that we can basically raise the awareness level of the visual art in Nigeria.”

Reminded that it was only the painting of General Yakubu Gowon as a former head of state that was on display, he responded thus: “It doesn’t mean that Gowon is the only head of the state whose painting is in our custody. Like I said earlier, this is a series and you know this gallery is not wide enough to contain everything at the same time. Therefore, in the subsequent ones, we will have other former heads of state on display. We have plenty of other works that dwell on national history in our collection. However,

when the exhibition is over, the works will be returned to the NGA. We also wish to make it a travel exhibition if Red Door can get sponsors to do it.”

Muku, who believes that with the necessary awareness and enlightenment, Nigerian art can go places, explained that the attention of NGA is not only concentrated on the production or exhibition of the masters. To him, the younger generation of Nigerian artists have not only been proving their mettle, they are ever eager to go places.

“Yes, they’ve been doing well in the field of art both locally and internationally. Some of them have works that have competed favourably across the shores of this land. Gradually, attention will shift to them, but for now, Red Door wishes to start with those we’ve tagged the masters.”

He, however, made it clear that NGA is committed to the promotion and preservation of visual art in Nigeria. “We want to continually ensure that this sector is ever kept alive. Like we’ve been saying severally that, as a country, we’ve been going through a microeconomy. We are trying to see how art can be of help to boost the economy. We believe also that there is so much wealth in the art. It is left for us to continue to encourage and tap the resources for the economic wellbeing of the society. We also believe that there is enough market in the country for the art.

Again, we hope to open up more market opportunities so that artists themselves can have plenty of arena to sell and market what they have.”

Some of the remarkable works on display include: Mother and child, Yemoja, Hide, Anyanwu, Negritude, Favourite team, Olokun Shrine. Others are Fulani shepered boy with flute, Market scene, Awana, Njikoka panel, Man of the people, Academician and many others.

The exhibitions will be on for one month to enable more people to view and appreciate these works.

Wailings for Africa ing with the child, Paul analysed the myriads of problems that befall the African child to include tradition, government’s neglect, wars, and poverty.

According to the book, the environment in Nigeria is not conducive to a child. It corroborates the The Economist magazine’s projection that Nigeria is the worst place to be born in 2014. However, this needs not be so, considering the nation’s wealth which spans oil, other natural resources as well as abundant human resources.

And zeroing in the plight of female children, especially as it concerns sexual abuse, Paul, who also works as a Christian counsellor, relives diverse experiences to show how destructive such acts can be. She also talks of the struggles of seeking help for abused women and children being stifled by age-long traditions such enforcing female genital mutilation (FGM) for young girls or the use of children as househelps by poor parents who offer their children to well-to-do people for financial

gratifications.

But the author also offers tips on how this ugly trend can be stymied, and placing the biggest responsibility of sex education on the parents. She writes: “Parents must educate their children on the purpose and the abuse of sex. They must be made to know that sex is meant for married adults who are ready to have children. It should be implanted into their conscience that sex before marriage is an abomination and leads to disastrous end.”

One positive thing about the book is that it is filled with experiences: both personal ones and those from third parties.

From reading her book, one wonders why despite the various laws set aside to protect the child’s rights, the abuse continues. But, she also supplies some answers.

No doubt, in these perilous times, Paul’s book forces the reader to not only take another look at how we can better protect our women and children but also serves as a road map.

Stage theatre’

poverty situation. And that way, we can build human capital. Right now, in Nigeria we do not have human capital, yet we have huge population. That’s the underlying theme of the production.”

It is a show that will make people laugh, shuffle their legs and generally fall in love again with stage drama. And so for weeks

, the theatre will be alive and the Jacobs will be on hand to receive acclaims and exchange banters with admirers and fans.

“Oh, yes, people will clap, dance, and sing.

People will see the reality of stage theatre and what it means to be closer to them. It will be fun all through,” she said with a tinge of pride.

Joke then gave a clear picture of what needs to be done to give younger script writers the conducive platform they need to exhibit their talents. “I must tell you that young Nigerian writers both at home and in the Diaspora are doing well. What we do is provide the necessary platform to make them better writers. There have to be series of workshops where they can be taught more on the rudiments of script writing and more.” “And our young ones need to have an enabling environment to do this better,” Olu added.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27 , 2014

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A tribute to the Lord Jesus Christ

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VERYONE must have said THANK YOU JESUS more times than they can remember, more importantly at this period of the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, either for what he has done, what he is doing or what he will do.

If we all know how it all started, we shall definitely have more reason to say THANK YOU JESUS. I took time to study God in greater details some few years ago. Before then I only gave thanks to the “unknown”, more so in the village, when we were asked to say Amen to the one we did not know. Sometimes, we were even asked to say THANK YOU by commandment or military fiat.

For me personally, the situation was so terrible when we spent time with my grandfather (my mum’s father, Pa Olatuja of blessed memory). He usually used his bell to wake us up by five in the morning for prayers. We all proceeded to say Amen. To whom the prayer was said, we did not know, and who accepted our Amen, we also did not know.

The situation in the village was so horrible, such that when we got to school in the morning, the first assignment in the assembly was to say the Lord’s Prayer. Many of us cannot recite correctly the Lord’s Prayer even today. (Pause a while and recite the Lord’s Prayer ………) now score yourself.

The Lord’s Prayer Our father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen There is nothing as interesting as the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. What makes it uniquely interesting is the fact that his birth and coming was predicted at least one thousand five hundred years before the event.

It was in Genesis, the very beginning of the Bible, that Moses predicted the coming of Jesus and from which tribe would Jesus come. The prediction about the coming of Jesus by Moses was confirmed one thousand and five hundred years later, in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew. This is so, because the Old Testament was written 1500 years before the books of the New Testament.

Moses specifically predicted the birth of Jesus in the book of Geneses 49 (10) The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until silo come: and unto him shall the gathering of people be.

This prediction about the coming of Jesus was clear and precise with definite expectations that: “Unto him (Jesus) shall come the gathering of people be”. Till today the gathering of people is about Jesus; until he comes again we shall continue to gather in his name.

This prediction was also precise, that Jesus would come from the tribe of Judah.

In the Old Testament book of Micah, the Apostle was even more specific about the birth of Jesus.

Micah 5 (2) But thou, Bethlehem Ephrata through thou be little among thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose going forth have been from old to everlasting Indeed, the seventeen major events that happened to Jesus were much predicted before they occurred, at least 1500 years before his birth as

•Jesus Christ

By Jimoh Ibrahim OFR

evidenced in the Old Testament and thereafter confirmed in the New Testament. For the avoidance of doubt, we shall look into three more of such events, on this occasion.

Firstly, the event that Jesus would be betrayed by his friend.

This event was predicted by David in the book of Psalms long before Jesus was born.

Psalm 41 (9) Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me This prediction of David made before Jesus was born came to pass as was confirmed in the book of (New Testament) Matthew 26 (47-48) And while he (Jesus) yet spoke, lo, Judas one of the twelve came and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priest and elders of the people. Now he betrayed him gives a sign, saying whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he, hold him fast.

There is nothing left in history to show beyond any shadow of doubt that indeed a Messiah was born, and that an unusual king of glory’s coming was planned and prepared for by the Creator.

The second event is that Jesus would be sold for thirty pieces of silver. This was predicted in the book of Zachariah. This book was written before the birth of Jesus. What is astonishing about it, is the accuracy and specificity of the precise amount Jesus would be sold for even before he was born. Thirty pieces of silver!

Zachariah 11 (12) And I said to them, if ye think good give us the price: and if not forebear. So they waited for the price, thirty pieces of silver.

The prediction about the selling of Jesus in Zachariah was confirmed so in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 26 (15) And Judas Iscariot said unto them what

•Cross section of volunteers community mobilisers at the V.O.A diseases control roundtable with polio stakeholders on how to eradicate polio in Bauchi yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?

Thirty pieces of silver.

What is it that can leave anyone in doubt about a clear prediction made 500 years in advance stating the exact amount of silver that a betrayer would be given in exchange for his friend.

The third event that Jesus would be silenced before his accusers was predicted in the book of Isaiah. It was prophesied that the Messiah will be prosecuted, persecuted and afflicted but opened not his mouth.

Isaiah50 (7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth Most people would have doubts about this prediction, because it is unlikely that an accused person accused of a crime he did not commit will not open up his defense before a presiding judge.

When he was given an opportunity to defend himself before judgment he remained absolutely silent.

The prediction came to pass and it was confirmed in Matthew 27 (12-14) And he was accused by the chief priest and elders he answered nothing, then said Pilate unto him, heardest thou not how many things they witness against thee, and he answered him to never a word so much that the governor marveled .

(The rest fourteen major events predicted about Jesus will be discussed in my next major tribute to be published later) The assignment to which Jesus came to establish himself on this earth is simply the taking away of our sins, that we may have everlasting life. In doing so, Jesus spoke about his Father and

other issues including the wages of sin, the need for righteousness, the joy of forgiveness of one another and the remembrance of constant prayer.

The observance of these and many more admonitions in addition to those laws of Moses are key to eternal life.

He gave his life in the hope that we all follow his teachings so that we may not miss each other in Heaven. That Jesus gave his life is understandable. What is in all of these may not even be the price that Jesus paid, but the fact that even after the death of Jesus; he made so much impact to maintain a total level of loyalty among his apostles. When they were confronted to deny his teaching several years after his death they refused to deny Jesus! They again paid the supreme price of agonising death! How will one explain Peter after he was being tormented by his tormentors to deny Jesus and his teachings or face death he opted to die. In his last word he said to his tormentor “I felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died?”

Professor John Schmacher researched the lives and times of the apostles and recounted the history of their martyrdom, in a detailed work referenced by my father in the Lord, Professor Grant Jeffrey, and in addition to my complete work in this area reference from my book in print titled The Apostles in loyalty: an empirical evidence of Jesus commanding capacity after death.

There appears nothing left to add about the extreme loyalty of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of those Apostles, wrote most, if not all, of the New Testament. They were confronted with death or life if they denied our Lord Jesus Christ. They opted to die like their master, below is a summary of how they all ended.

Mark. He wrote the New Testament the book of Mark. He died in Alexander in Egypt, when he refused to deny Jesus and he was dragged by horses through the street. He was only released after he was confirmed dead by his enemy!

Peter. He wrote both First and Second Peter in the book of the New Testament. He was crucified upside down on an X- shaped cross. In his last words he told his tormentors “I felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died”.

Luke. He wrote the book according to Luke in the New Testament he was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

Apostle Paul. He wrote so many books in the New Testament he was tortured and then beheaded by Emperor Nero in AD 67. Paul was in long term imprisonment, which allowed him to write epistles to the church. These letters, which teach many foundations of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

In all, only Apostle John survived the persecution of the Disciples of Christ. The survival of John was miraculous as he was first placed in a huge basin of boiling oil in the wave of the persecution in Rome. John was later sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos, where he wrote the prophetic book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. He became the Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey were he later died of old age.

Jesus came to deliver the message of life after death, he paid the ultimate price of doing so, which is agonising Death! Those that worked with him continued the same message, they refused to deny him. They also paid the same price of agonising death for doing do so.

•L-R: Mother of a baby boy born on World Malaria Day, Gift Odia; Chief Matron, General Hospital, Ajeromiu, Ololade Oroibi; Matron, Marcelina Uwaghilen; Marketing Director, West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Oguzhan Silivrili; Principal Nursing Superintendent 1, Timothy Ogunwomoju; and Marketing and Activation Lead, West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi, during the presentation of certificate and gifts to the baby at the hospital in Lagos on Friday.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

‘Motivational speakers have taken over the pulpits’ Prophet Bisi Olujobi is the General Overseer of Wisdom Christian Church Lagos. He spoke with Yetunde Oladeinde on his ministry and life. Excerpts:

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OW would you describe life in the ministry?

We thank God for where He has led us to. We have been guided by the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God. The church belongs to God and he has expanded us in different ways.

The Abuja church is about to be commissioned fully. It is located in Lugbe by the Federal Housing Estate. We also have the Ibadan branch in Osusami and we have two branches in Lagos located in Igbokota, Ikorodu and Ketu respectively.

Tell us about some of the memorable cases you have handled as a prophet?

There have been lots of cases, especially the barren and those who thought that their cases were hopeless. We also have a number of cases of people with mental ailments who were revived.

I am happy for the grace to be one of those He is using.

There is nothing anyone can do without God. The 2015 elections are around the corner. What advice do you have for the political class?

The elections are very critical and we need to pray for the country so that we would not be divided. I saw two people doing some funny things and they will soon be exposed to everyone. They are the ones behind Boko Haram and their agenda is to cause so much chaos in the country.

The elections will be very tough and we certainly need a

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HE Christ Living Spring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM) Soteria farm projects in Obafemi Local Government Area of Ogun State will create no fewer than 10,000 jobs for youth, the visioner, Apostle Wole Oladiyun, has assured.

He spoke during a presentation on the project in Lagos.

Oladiyun said the farm settlement was conceived to

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FORMER chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State chapter, Bishop Lawrence Osagie, has likened Nigeria to a mother with no breasts.

The founder and general overseer of Powerline Bible Church told newsmen that “selfishness is one of the major problems in Nigeria.”

The nation’s wealth, according to him, is being si-

lot of prayers. In addition, our political class should be careful, especially immediately after the 2015 elections. We have to be careful and avoid civil strife.

If we do not do this, it is sad to say that what’s coming may be bigger than Boko Haram and we need to nip it in the bud.

What is the role of Christian leaders in all these?

There are three groups and these include those who believe that the election period will be used to rake in money for themselves and so they will not speak the truth.

The second category consists of those who will tell the truth but they will not be recognised. The third group is those who will fast and pray no matter what.

However, I must say that we need all our religious leaders, whether Christian or Muslim, to fast and pray. If we can all do this, God will intervene and change all the evils in the land.

How would you compare when you started the ministry to what you have now?

My first church started by the window under a tree in Ibadan, Oyo State. We were just five members and we grew bigger and moved to Ososami. At the beginning, there were lots of persecutions but we finally prevailed.

I had the grace to go to Deeper Life at a point in my life. Here, I liked the word and later God directed me to the CAC where I learnt the lessons of life.

Things have really changed. These days, they are worshipping money and fame. In those days, we were after the power of God and salvation. As young men, we followed Papa. J.K Solomon, a dedicated man of God. These days, everyone is running after mundane things and a lot of people who were not called into the ministry have started churches. That is why there is so much desperation in the ministry today.

It is sad to note that some people who call themselves ministers cannot even do dry fasting these days. In those days, even when you want to eat and drink, we prayed about it, but now things have changed.

It is so because there are all kinds of false doctrines.

And what we have now are motivational doctrines like three ways to make money, four ways to success and so on. Now we do not know the difference between scientists and pastors. They live on ideas and not revelations.

If you had to advise young men and women in the ministry, what would you tell them?

I think that young men and women going into the ministry should seek God and not cut corners. It is sad that a lot of pastors are doing occult things and they would go far away to do a lot of secret things where they are not known.

Tradition is quite different from faith in Christ; they should therefore go for true

faith which would bring salvation for others. It is sad that the number of churches in the country is on the increase but the people are not changing.

They should also stop advertising the church in a worldly manner, which depicts desperation.

Let’s talk about your mentors and your area of specialisation Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the superintendent of the Deeper Life and Baba Olowere of the CAC are my mentors in the ministry. They are men of God that I admire and look up to as far as the gospel is concerned.

I am a prophet from the beginning and I love the word of God. I am also passionate about praising God .Interestingly, Yinka Aiyefele started with me. He used to play the keyboard in my church as a young man.

He was multitalented and did so many things at the same time. Then he was the head of the drama group, choir master and the key board player. Most of the boys in his band were members of this church then. That was before he had the accident and the first launch of his music • Olujobi was done in my church.

xxx

NEWS

CLAM’s farm projects to employ 10,000

By Sunday Oguntola

create jobs and provide food to all at reasonable prices.

He explained: ”Thirty years ago, the Lord gave me a revelation that Nigeria’s wealth has been transferred into the soil through agriculture and mining.

“Every Nigerian must go

into agriculture because there is enormous wealth through agriculture.’’

The vision, he said, prompted the decision to purchase 500 hectares of land cutting across six villages in Ogunmakin Sotiyo, Ogun State.

He noted that proper

planning and professionals from different fields of endeavour will bring in interventions and ideas for the sustainability of the project.

On the work done so far, the cleric said that 50 hectares (124 acres) of the farmland have been fully paid for, adding that

effort to crave out another 100 hectares in the second phase is on-going.

A Soteria farmer, Sola Oluwaleye, said his team has visited Songhai farm in Porto Novo to understudy a functional settlement with the aim of learning their system and techniques of operation.

Nigeria’s like mother with no breasts – Osagie

By Adediwura Aderibigbe

phoned by the few in power.

The cleric, however, congratulated the government on the recently rebased Gross Domestic Products (GDP) which made Nigeria to be number one economy in Africa — displacing South Africa from the top spot.

He said the development is well-deserved. “Being the number one economy in Africa is well-deserved because an ordinary Nigerian on the street is hard-working.”

Osagie urged the government to take advantage of the current economic status of the country and make the best out of it.

“The reflection of the economy should be seen on the ordinary man on the street. Government should shift attention on paper qualification and focus on skill acquisition,” he advised.

Osagie added: “We should address the issue of poverty, security, education and power.

Unstable power does not portray

us as a serious- minded people.”

He urged delegates at the national conference to put aside political affiliations and deal with the issues militating against the progress of the country.

“If we fail to make it this time, there might not be redemption,” he warned.

He said that six crops such as cassava, yam, tomatoes, plantain, pepper and vegetables have been selected as pilot scheme.

Professor Adediro Adegeye, an agronomist, commended the initiative, saying the power of development and progress lies in agriculture.

“With agriculture, we can survive because anywhere grass grows rice will grow.”

Osagie advised Nigerians to vote only credible candidates come 2015.

According to him: “We should only vote for people we know can perform regardless of our relationship with them. We should use our votes to get the best.

“We do not need people who will sink us deeper. Do not sell your votes to politicians; don’t sell our votes for a pot of soup.”

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

WORSHIP COLUMNS

Nine steps to effective prayer Pastor Amanda Ogunro

TOTAL FREEDOM

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LIFE without effective prayer is a “Doughnut life” – an incomplete life that is devoid of understanding and purpose. Through prayer, communication with God, we know God’s plan for our lives, if not, one begin to go round the mountain without end (Deuteronomy 2:3). That is, a life of repetition without accomplishment.

Our discussion today will center on Adoration – step four in the series. This is the next step after you have completely fulfilled the other steps (Thanksgiving, Confession and Supplication).

Step Four – Adoration What is Adoration? Adoration means worship. Worship is derived from an old English word “Worthship”.

In other words, worship constitutes those actions and attitude that revere and honour the worthiness of the great God of heaven and earth (Nehemiah 8:5-6).

Thus, worship is Godcentered, not man-centered.

Why Adoration?

1. In gratitude for what He has done for us in Christ and through the Holy Spirit.

2. In gratitude for His everlasting love, we are no more strangers or servants but now His adopted son, Abba Father (John 3:16).

3. An acknowledgement that He is our God. 4. Fulfillment of the spirit of promise – the Holy Ghost through His Son. Two key principles govern Christian worship 1. True worship takes place in spirit and in truth (John 4:23) that is, worship must take place according to God’s revelation of Himself in the Son (John 14:6). It involves the human spirit and not just the mind, as well as the manifestations of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians12:7-12).

2. Believers today ought to desire, seek and expect the norm for the church all elements found in the worship experience of the New Testament.

God’s blessings for the worshippers When true worship takes place, God has many blessings in store for His people.

He promises the following: 1. To be in their midst (Matthew 18:20) and to sit down and have intimate communion with them (Revelation 3:20).

2. To overshadow His people with His glory (2 Chronicles 7:21)(1 Peter 4:14).

3. To bless His people with an abundance of blessings (Ezekiel 34:26).

As you have blessings, you also have hindrances: 1. If worship of God is mere form and lip service and the hearts of God’s people are far from Him, then God does not accept their worship (Matthew 15:7-9).

2. A lifestyle of compromise, sin and immorality.

God refused to accept the sacrifices of King Saul because he disobeyed His command (1 Samuel 15:1-23).

In summary, to adore God is to worship Him, not in the flesh but in spirit (John 4:23-24), (Philippians 3:3a) to esteem Him above all others. After your confession has been made and your petition presented, enter into a period of divine adoration. Look up to heaven by faith (Psalm 29:2). This intimate worship and adoration can be expressed from your spirit.

Thus conveying the deep love you have for Him. Sometime tears roll down your cheeks and you become speechless as you gaze into the supernatural (Luke 17:1516).

Total freedom can only come if you are connected to God. You get connected to God as you give your life to Christ.

Comments and enquiries to: Pastor Amanda Ogunro, Rivers of Living Water Ministries, 540 Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos. P.M.B 2854, Surulere Lagos, Nigeria.

Email at info@rlwm.org.

NEWS

•The National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Felix Omobude(middle) with General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church(VLBC), Apostle Lawrence Achudume and his wife, Rev(Mrs.) Folake Achudume during his 50th birthday celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State… recently

‘I focus on salvation of souls’

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AVING souls for God should be the major thrust in a serious work of the gospel.

That was the submission of the presiding Bishop of the Christian Fellowship Group International, Aba, Bishop Donaldson Ogbansiegbe, in a chat with reporters in Lagos last week.

Ogbansiegbe, who has been preaching for 29 years, said the major assignment of any man of God is to save souls from sin and eventual destruction.

According to him: “You

By Bode Monogbe

have to operate under the influence of your calling. Your calling must become your vision, a perception of what God wants you to accomplish.

“But then, you must have a mission and you must constantly live in the consciousness of that mission for you to make a success. That way, it becomes your strategy’’.

Ogbansiegbe, who recently launched 17 books, stressed the need for believers to read Christian books to enrich their spiritual knowl-

edge.

He spoke on the importance of family as the bedrock of a virile society.

He said he creates quality time for his family and the result has been wonderful.

According to him, any man of God that cannot control his family is not fit to lead the church.

Onansiegbe praised the convocation of national conference describing it as an avenue to rub minds and ventilate ideas for the good of the country.

Living Faith

By Dr. David Oyedepo

Engaging the healing power of love!

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OD the Healer, wants us to live a healthy life void of sicknesses, diseases, pains, and all harassments of life.

Recognize that love is the great command that puts us in great command.

It is the platform for the fulfillment of all the law and statutes (Romans 13:10). It is also what to do to live an eternal life on earth (Luke 10:24), by implication, abundance of health, vigour, intellect and every good things of life.

But What Is God’s Love?

God’s love is a mystery (Ephesians 5:32). There is something in it yet undiscovered. No wonder people run helter-skelter, looking for it and even when they see it, they cannot recognize it because it is a mystery.

Essentially, this love is not free; it carries a cost. It is not just saying, “I love you Jesus,” but being rooted and grounded in your love for God, unconditionally. It is loving Him as a lifestyle and above all else, including ourselves.

It also means praising, worshipping and following Him, not for what He does, but for who He is. This love drives us to a point where we are not just dwelling in God, but filled with His fullness (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Therefore, its effect is unsearchable, beyond any research engaged in worldclass institutions. What it delivers surpasses human knowledge and comprehension.

There Are Two Kinds Of Love: •Choice Love: This is limited because it cannot stand the test of time. It becomes weak under the fiercest opposition. Peter for in-

stance, loved Jesus passionately, yet when confronted, his love shook. So, he denied Jesus three times before the crowing of the cock (Matthew 26:31-35).

•Anointed Love: The anointed love is the Spirit of love that makes us wax stronger under the fiercest oppositions. Though love begins as a choice, it only triumphs when empowered.

When Peter changed from the choice love to the realms of anointed love, he exploded like a volcano - he became the rock, immoveable, steadfast and unstoppable (Acts 2:1-4; 24).

This was also the love under which Paul the Apostle operated. No wonder he said that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39). It is indeed the master key to a world of wonders.

What Is In Love That Heals?

It is important to know the virtues embedded in God’s love. Until we understand this, we cannot flow at the frequency of the rooted and grounded love of God. •Divine visitation (Song of Solomon 5:1-2): It is the lovers’ delight to visit his beloved. In the same way, when we become His anointed lover, we are entitled to His continuous visitations. Each time we are challenged, He will show up to protect preserve, restore, and deliver us (Job 10:12).

•We are filled with all the fullness of God: When we are filled with all the fullness of God, we will fully be in command of the

issues of life. We become carriers of His presence, which is eternally disease, sickness and painfree.

•Love is the fulfilment of the law: Love is all it takes to fulfill the law in Deuteronomy 28. When we walk in true, unadulterated, genuine and sincere love, we have fulfilled the law. Having fulfilled them, we escape from the woes of the curses of the law, which include all kinds of sicknesses and diseases (Romans 13:10).

•We become married to Christ: This means, whatever cannot be found in His flesh cannot be found in us, because we are now one flesh with Christ. Therefore, we are immune to the attacks of sicknesses and diseases. Paul calls this a great mystery (Ephesians 5:2332).

•Love is the fountain of revelation (John 15:15): The love of God is the gateway to unlimited flow of revelation, which is the strongest spiritual medication that brings full-scale restoration and beyond that, mysterious rejuvenation (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

Friend, the power to engage the healing power of love is for those born again. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.

Now, I know I am born again!”

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books: Keys To Divine Health and The Healing Balm and Satan Get Lost!

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., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10.45 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

Reflect Christ’s principles - Gudina

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HE Senior Pastor of the Ethiopia Evangelical Church, Dr. Tolesa Gudina, has charged Christians worldwide to be committed to reflecting the life and principles of Christ within their immediate communities.

Gudina gave the charge last Sunday at an inter-denomination Easter Day celebration at the Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Stadium.

The service attracted thousands of Christians from around Addis-Ababa and featured song rendition, children presentation, bible teaching, prayers and prophetic ministrations.

Gudina said that the

By Adeola Ogunlade

transformation of the world will not only be dependent on government polices and programmes on economy, education or social infrastructure but on the church committed to reproducing the life of Christ in all that they say or do.

He said that although government has the onerous responsibility of sanitising the society of the various ills plaguing it, “the church has a mission to seek and save all who is lost in sin.”

Gudina noted that the disciples of Christ in history have changed their society from the quagmire of war,

civil unrest, corruption, and other social ills through the power and the life of Jesus.

He added: “The bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ to worship him with other believers to build up or edify the body of believer, the church and to meet the human needs with the values of love and compassion.”

He stated that the coming of Jesus Christ is very near and true believer must remain steadfast, faithful and lead holy lives while fulfilling the Great Commission of preaching the gospel.

73

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

Afghan election set for AbdullahGhani run-off

Five NATO troops killed in Afghan helicopter crash

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IVE NATO troops died in a helicopter crash yesterday in southern Afghanistan, the U.S.-led military coalition said, the single deadliest day this year for foreign forces as they prepare to withdraw from the country.

The Taliban claimed to have shot down the helicopter, which an Afghan official said crashed in the southern province of Kandahar.

The coalition said it was investigating the circumstances of the crash but gave no other information in a brief statement. It did not release the nationalities of those killed, citing its policy that home countries should identify their dead.

Kandahar provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani said the helicopter went down in the province's Takhta Pul district in the southeast, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the Pakistani border. He said five international troops were killed but did not know what caused the crash.

A Taliban spokesman claimed in a text message to journalists that the insurgents shot down the aircraft.

"Today, the mujahedeen hit the foreign forces' helicopter with a rocket, and 12 soldiers on board were killed," Qari Yousef Ahmadi said. The insurgents frequently exaggerate death tolls in their attacks and falsely have claimed responsibility for incidents before.

The last deadliest day for coalition forces was Dec. 17, 2013, when a helicopter crash killed six U.S. service members.

Yesterday's deaths bring to seven the number of international troops killed this month.

Egypt reports first case of MERS virus

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GYPT's state news agency says authorities have detected the first case of a SARS-like virus in the country.

MENA says a 27-year-old civil engineer was diagnosed yesterday after returning from Saudi Arabia, where the Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, has been centered. It says the man was quarantined upon his arrival at Cairo airport Friday and transported to a nearby hospital.

Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry said late Friday that five more people in the kingdom have died from MERS. The ministry says 92 people have died and 313 have contracted the virus in Saudi since September 2012.

MERS can cause symptoms such as fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.

King Abdullah fired his health minister Monday as officials struggle to alleviate public concerns amid a spike in infections.

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• A pilgrim from Abuja in Nigeria wears a dress with a picture of late Polish Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, yesterday. Around one million pilgrims and tourists are expected in Rome when Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II will be canonized by Pope Francis today.

AFP PHOTO

G7 places new sanctions on Russia * Observers held in Ukraine L EADERS of the Group of Seven major economies agreed to impose more sanctions on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, where armed pro-Moscow separatists have detained a group of international observers they accuse of being NATO spies.

The pro-Western Kiev government said a Russian special forces operative was behind what it called a kidnapping in the eastern city of Slaviansk that is under the separatists' control, and said the detainees were being used as a "human shield".

Ukraine's state security service said the observers for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were being held "in inhuman conditions in the basement of the terrorists' headquarters," and that one needed medical help.

"Russian authorities never condemned these terrorists and this is the clear sign that the Russian regime supports these gangsters," Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny

Yatseniuk said.

Russia denies it is to blame for the crisis in eastern Ukraine, where armed proRussian separatists have taken control of about a dozen official buildings.

The Russian foreign ministry said it was working to resolve the observer crisis, which it blamed on Kiev for failing to ensure the mission's safety in "areas where the authorities do not control the situation and where a military operation against residents of their own country has been unleashed".

The observers, including nationals from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and the Czech Republic, along with several Ukrainian army officers accompanying them on the German-led monitoring mission, were seized on Friday.

Russia's envoy to the Vienna-based OSCE said Moscow would take all steps to free them, Russian media re-

ported.

The separatists invited Russian journalists yesterday into a local security building they have seized and showed military identification cards they said proved the detainees were spying for NATO, according to reports in Russian media.

It is standard practice for serving military officers to be seconded to OSCE missions.

One of the separatists, Yevgeny Gorbik, told reporters: "We are urgently checking their activities, where they were and what they were doing."

Asked what would happen to the detainees, he said: "I don't know. It's not up to me to decide. Those at the top will decide."

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said: "I urge everyone with responsibility and influence in Ukraine and Russia to urgently do everything and use all their in-

fluence to ensure the observers are released immediately and safely."

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed the Ukraine situation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov by telephone yesterday "with an accent on possible steps to de-escalate the situation," the Russian ministry said.

The OSCE has dispatched a negotiating team to the region to try to secure the observers' release, a German government source said.

The Ukraine crisis has brought relations between Russia and the West to their lowest ebb since the Cold War, and is increasingly turning into a military stand-off.

Russia has massed troops and helicopters on the border with Ukraine, while NATO has deployed extra forces in eastern Europe, saying they are needed to reassure its allies.

Yatseniuk said Russian military aircraft entered Ukrainian airspace seven times overnight.

Iraq political rally bombings kill 33

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HE death toll from twin jihadist bombings that struck a Shiite political rally in the Iraqi capital ahead of next week's parliamentary election has risen to 33, officials said yesterday.

Friday's attack by a Sunni militant group came at the height of campaigning ahead of Wednesday's polls, the first since US troops withdrew in late 2011 and with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki seeking reelection amid the country's worst vio-

lence since a brutal Sunni-Shiite sectarian war.

A car bomb followed by a suicide attack hit the rally for the Sadiqun bloc, the political wing of the Asaib Ahel al-Haq (League of the Righteous) militia, killing 33 people and leaving more than 100 wounded, security and medical officials said.

Officials had said earlier that 28 people died.

The League of the Righteous, a Shiite militia blamed in the past for killing US soldiers and kidnapping Britons, has been

linked to groups fighting mostly Sunni rebels in Syria, whose civil war has split the Middle East's sectarian communities, particularly in multi-confessional Iraq.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed the attack, saying it was to avenge the League's involvement in neighbouring Syria.

ISIL, itself fighting in Syria, made the claim in a statement on jihadist forums hours after the attack.

The attack was "in revenge for what the Safavid militias are doing in Iraq and Sham (the Levant), killing and torturing and displacing Sunnis," it said.

It used a pejorative term for Iraq's Shiite majority, linking it to the Safavid empire that once ruled neighbouring, predominantly Shiite Iran.

Iraq heads to the polls on Wednesday with little sign of any respite in the bloodshed, and the country still looking to rebuild after decades of conflict and sanctions.

HE Afghanistan election is set to go to a second round run-off between former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah and exWorld Bank economist Ashraf Ghani after none of the candidates won an absolute majority, preliminary results showed yesterday.

Abdullah finished top with 44.9 percent, followed by Ghani with 31.5 percent, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) said. Zalmay Rassoul was a distant third with 11.5 percent.

"This is a preliminary outcome and will now go to the Independent Election Complaints Commission and they will work on this. As soon as they share their findings with us we will also announce it," IEC chairman Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani told a news conference in Kabul.

The final result will not be known until May 14, as authorities investigate up to half a million votes suspected of being fraudulent. And even if they are counted, it is highly unlikely they would lift Abdullah over 50 percent.

"I think we are prepared and if it goes to second round yes we think it is doable and we have a tentative schedule of June 7 to start the second round," Nuristani said.

Hamid Karzai was constitutionally bound to step down as president after more than 12 years in power, at a time when Afghanistan readies to stand on its own feet as most foreign troops prepare to leave the country by the end of the year.

Al Qaeda chief urges Westerner kidnappings

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l Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has called on Muslims to kidnap Westerners, particularly Americans, who could then be exchanged for jailed jihadists including a blind Egyptian cleric convicted in 1995 of conspiring to attack the United Nations and other New York landmarks.

In a wide ranging audio interview, the al Qaeda leader expressed solidarity with the Muslim Brotherhood which is facing a violent crackdown by the armybacked government in Egypt and urged unity among rebels in their fight against Syrian President Bashar alAssad.

Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the Zawahiri tape, but the voice resembled that of the al Qaeda leader.

"I ask Allah the Glorious to help us set free Dr. Omar Abdel-Rahman and the rest of the captive Muslims, and I ask Allah to help us capture from among the Americans and the Westerners to enable us to exchange them for our captives," said Zawahiri, according to the SITE website monitoring service.

74

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

WORLD NEWS

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NCERTAINTY mounts in the Ukraine.

Despite the agreement last week between the United States, Russia, Ukraine and European Union (EU), there remains talk of both hot and cold war. At one level, the matter is simple, as old as nations, empires and warfare itself. Misfortune is the destiny of any fertile but weak state sandwiched between two competing powers. It is as if two strong men simultaneously cast their ropes about the neck of a plumb goat. The two exert against each other but neither is vitally the worst for it. However, the roped animal is progressively torn apart. Geography forbids Ukraine from writing its own fate. Instead, the country is a pot in which more powerful nations cook their stew.

To view this crisis as a morality play pitting the good, democratic West and its valiant allies against nefarious Russia and its hired dragoons is to view this situation through lens others than reality's. This is essentially a power tussle wrapped in a patina of disingenuous assertions justice.

According to the agreement reach April 17, all illegal armed and vigilante groups are to desist from further demonstrations and to end their occupation of public buildings and areas. Although this agreement covers all Ukraine, the West sees this as a victory over "pro-Russian" demonstrators in the eastern portion of the nation where Russian speakers constitute the majority.

However, Western hurrahs may be premature. The Russian leader has outmaneuvered his Western counterparts since this crisis came to its present boil. He may manipulate this agreement to outflank them again. The West claims the Russian leader filliped the protests and building take-overs in eastern Ukraine. Western propaganda does not countenance popular sentiment when it is antiwestern. It resorts to calling it vulgar names to discredit such a thing. For America and its satellites, the voice of the people and antiwestern political beliefs are anathematic. The people's will must always favor and seek alliance with the West. By the West's definition of the world, if a political movement does not lean westward, then it cannot be the people's will. This is the chisel by which Western diplomacy is sculpted.

When demonstrations against then Ukraine President Yanukovych reached high pitch, the international media was quick to label these efforts as "pro-democracy." That neofascists and a motley assortment of skinheads provided the street muscle for these outings seemed not to deter the West from extolling the egalitarian virtues of the demonstrators.

(Recall that the protests entered high gear only after Yanukovych had the temerity to poke his pudgy thumb in the eye of the EU by walking away from what was essentially an economic alliance disguised as an aid package. That alliance would have chained Ukraine to the EU, IMF, western banks and substantially degrade Russia's financial investment and aid assistance to that nation. Yes, there is more than the people's right to vote or express themselves at play. The monies of competing international elites are at battle.)

Honoring their paymaster's request, the western media has gone into overdrive.

Reporting on this obvious international power struggle has been as unbalanced as it comes.

Not only were protesters against Yanukovych deemed carries of the torch of democratic liberty, when they hounded the man out of office, the West did not worry a coup had taken place. The man had been elected in an election the West had deemed sufficiently fair. To give him the boot contravened stated Western policy about the inviolability of elected government. When its money and power dangle in the balance, the West is more than prepared to jettison that bastion of democratic and electoral good manners known as the sanctity of the voting.

Thus, if ever there is a coup against an elected government in your neighborhood, don't take for granted that you know the stance the West will take. The clue to figuring that mystery lies not in the democratic verity of the ousted government but in which pot the West has sunk more of its money and interests.

Clearly, the West has placed a shiny ring on the finger of the new coalition government in Kiev, even though the neo-fascists and skinhead nationalists hold too much power to honestly consider this amalgam anything other than an explosive divorce waiting to happen.

Thus, when people in eastern Ukraine came to protest against the new regime in Kiev, the western media tagged the protests "proRussian." The false dichotomy had been set.

One side was "pro-democratic" while the other was "pro-Russian" as if the two were polar opposites. No one in the western media dared question whether those opposed to Kiev could be Russian-speaking democrats in their own right. Thus, illogic has become the logic of western policy. To oppose the government in

Ukraine: Bellows of war The arrogant would rather tear down the house of the weak than knock at its door.

•Officers of the Russian naval army march past a small anti-submarine ship at a Navy base in the town of Kronstadt outside St. Petersburg yesterday.

AFP PHOTO

Kiev is to be pro-Russia and anti-democratic. To support the government in Kiev is to be prodemocracy.

While this silliness may substitute for wise foreign policy for their domestic audiences, western governments court disaster by believing their own agitprop. This may cause them to grossly underestimate the extent which many Ukrainians are skeptical of the government in Kiev. This is what Putin hopes.

That Putin has helped fan eastern protests is beyond dispute. However, his crime is no different and is perhaps less than the West's complicity in the protests toppling Yanukovych. After all, senior American officials acknowledged Washington has channeled several billion dollars to the Ukrainian opposition over the years. Thus, the vaunted spontaneity of those protests give rise to the suspicion that they may rank among the best protests clandestine money can buy. Here again, Putin seems more efficient with his sparser resources. He has generated similar protests in less time and at a fraction of the costs.

Under last week's agreement Putin promised to use his influence to get the eastern protesters to desist. However, he never promised his influence would be decisive. He has publicly petitioned the demonstrators in eastern Ukraine to desist. They have ignored his counsel. In western eyes, has reneged on his promise but in actuality he has honored the very letter of it. He has honored this commitment more than America honored the agreement the first President Bush made with Russia not to expand NATO eastward.

However, in true, he may be helping the demonstrators but they are not simply creatures spun from his imagination. There is real and strong opposition in eastern Ukraine to the many aspects of the new Kiev government. Again, if the westerninspired demonstrations that toppled Yanukovych were "legitimate expressions of the people's will" the actors in eastern Ukraine can equally assert that their exertions are of equal validity..

During the past several weeks the most remarkable thing is how Putin has persistently outwitted the entire collective of western leaders.

For example, after Putin swiftly deployed thousands of troops on the border, the West has too tried to show muscle but not so much as to give the impression it would fight. Why show muscle if you have already broadcasted your

intention not to use it is such a subtle tactic that its rationale frankly escapes me. The moves such as sending 600 troops in the three Baltic nations look a bit lame.

In actuality, these moves are not intended to assure Russia's pro-western neighbors. The moves are made in the hope Russia will overreact by going on a violent offensive. If so, then the West would be able to diplomatically and economically isolate Putin. They want to make him an outcast.

Thus, Secretary of State Kerry went before the television cameras to castigate a pro-Russian eastern Ukrainian leader for writing a letter that Jews had to register or be expelled from the area.

The American media picked up this story and carried it. This was the height of irresponsibility.

The letter was a forgery. Both Kerry and the media likely knew the truth yet still published their lies.

This is akin to the lies that Gaddafi fed his soldiers Viagra that they may rape woman. America never retracted that lie. True to form, Kerry has not retracted his misrepresentation and does not intend to do so. More such falsehoods are in the offing because the strategy is to demonize Putin. After all, Kerry reasons, that since he has right on his side he can lie to achieve the righteous. What he tells himself is what most liars tell themselves. It seems not to have occurred to him that, if he truly had right on his side, he would have no need to lie.

Here, I have focused on western hypocrisy not because Russia is free from it. I focus on the western version because the dominate media has already fed us an overdose of truths and non-truths concerning Russian perfidy.

What now exists on the ground is a hot stalemate, inherently unstable and potentially eruptive. Beyond the dynamics of internal Ukrainian politics, this story is far from over because more than control of Ukraine is at stake.

As a result, this crisis will not have a quick end and may take the ugly turn. The attention being paid to this land is wholly out of proportion to its importance to the global community. This is a fight of limited objective importance but of high symbolic value. Caught in the fog and miasma of such a hybrid struggle, it is the rare leader who can deftly separate the real from the contrived and thus understand the limits to which he should take his nation down the path toward open conflict and the limits to which he should devote the nation's assets to a contest that does not threaten its survival.

In this calculation, Putin has done better than his western counterparts because he has more leeway. While Russia is militarily and economically weaker than the West, Ukraine geographically abuts Russia. The nation means more to Russia than the West. Russia can go farther down that road by expending a higher percentage of its lesser resources on Ukraine than the West can of its greater resources. Unable to match Russian quick action for quick action, the West seeks to deter Russia by threatening sanctions. These sanctions will not avail much.

If a person has gotten word that an arsonist approaches his house, he will drive at high speed to get home before its destroyer. A policeman's threat of a speeding ticket means little, particularly if arsonist is the police officer's brother.

While not a return to the Cold War, it is a return to a more ancient competition. America has been the sole superpower for a generation.

During that period, the world is no better and no worse than it would have been but for American global stewardship. Pax Americana has been anything but peaceful during the past decade. While America lauds itself as the indispensable and exceptional nation, other nations with sober but different perspectives about how and why the world turns as it does, now ask if America is so indispensable to peace how come it is an active participant in so many conflicts? While America may be exceptional, no nation can be both player and referee in a contest and function soundly in both roles. One role must suffer.

America has entered too many wars and stuck its weapons into too many nations for much of the world to feel comfortable with the present constellation of power. Moreover, if America does not beat an opposing nation with its military muscle, it uses its special position as the global reserve currency to fustigate stubborn nations into submission or into penury as Iran has suffered.

Under Putin, resurgent Russia seeks not to replicate the global Soviet Empire. That colossus was costly, clumsy and incoherent.

However, Russia seeks to be the essential link in two concatenations. First, it wants to connect the nations of Eastern Europe with China and other parts of Asia in an economic partnership that would dwarf the EU in population, land mass, and economic potential. Second, it seeks to be the leader of the first tier of emerging nations, the BRICS ( Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). (In other words, it wants the "B" in that acronym to remain yet be more or less silent so the "R" is more pronounced.)

Putin also has been at the vanguard of calling for an end to the era where the America dollar serves as the global currency. This position is so crucial to American power that any foreign leader advocating this becomes an enemy as if he had invaded America itself. The small list of leaders who have dared to advocate this in recent years reads like the first names on the roster of the damned: Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein.

America wants to nip Putin's trek before he moved too far and gathers too much momentum and too many followers. Thus, if they can defeat him near his own door along the Ukrainian steppes, they would humble him and entirely thwart the more ambitious elements of his plans. This is the bigger game within the smaller game. This is how the world turns, and twists and why it often convulses.

Putin is neither good nor evil. He is an able, Russian patriot trying to extend the reach of his nation to be commensurate with its interests and power as he defines them. America wants to maintain the unipolar world it has enjoyed.

As such, Russia is its most visible challenger because Russia seeks to carve out a space bigger than what America sees for Russia. In the wings, stand China and Iran to challenge American unipolarity in their own manner and way.

In all of this, America sits on the horns of a dilemma it seems unable to resolve. America has built this myth that it is a global non-empire and that it has acquired this unique status by promoting democracy and freedom. Yet, America seems to advocate democracy within nations but openly opposes democracy among nations. If a nation opposes America's way, it better get out of the way or it will be subject to a military or economic reckoning.

America's want to maintain a unipolar world is an understandable temptation but a dangerous game. Statesmen are not supposed to yield to temptation but to be sufficiently incisive to discern the difference between fantasy and practicality. Over time, it is impossible that other nations will not lessen the power differential between them and America. As that distance lessens, America will have to treat those nations more as equals. If not, America will embroil itself in more disputes than is healthy for it or the global system. This will only hasten the day the table turns. Better to temper might with justice than to pretend that Goliath always wins.

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LATEEF

I,formerly known and addressed as Lateef Lasisi now wish to be known and addressed as John Gbolahan Oluwatomi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADELU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adelu, Kafayat Adebola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tolani, Kafayat Adebola. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ANAH

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Anah, Justina Chinedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Umeh Justina Chinedu. All former documents remain valid.

ASUBEB, Umunneochi Local govt.

Education Authority and general public should please take note.

IKODIYA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkuma Grace Ikodiya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Grace Ndukwe Orji. All former documents remain valid.

ASUBEB and general public should please take note.

SULEIMAN

I,formerly known and addressed as Suliman, Mabel Suidat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Saidat Lawal. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OSUAGWU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Osuagwu, Chinenye Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Isiguzo Chinenye Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OBIOKU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Lucy Effiong Obioku, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lucy Kenneth Omenogor. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

NWAUGOCHUKWU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwaugochukwu Eberechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwulu, Eberechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NNAJI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnaji, Nwamaka Chibuzor Glory, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwamaka Glory Joseph Okorie. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEBAYO

I formerly known and address as Miss Adebayo Adijat Olaitan now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Hamzat Khadijat Olaitan. All former documents still remain valid. Osun Central Education district office (OSEDO), teacher establishment and pension office (TEPO) and general public should please take note.

ARIYO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Florence Omodunni Ariyo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Omodunni Lemeke. All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Teaching Service Commission and general public should please take note.

OJO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo, Victoria Oluwaremilekun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omotayo Victoria Oluwaremilekun. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Hospital Management Board and general public should please take note.

ASHAMONYE

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Emilia Kelechi Ashamonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emilia Kelechi Martins. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGUNSAKIN

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omobolanle Samantha Ogunsakin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omobolanle Samantha Kelani. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

NOIKI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Noiki, Bisola Olubunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Peters Bisola Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Television and general public should please take note.

NOIKI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Noiki, Bisola Olubunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Peters Bisola Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Television and general public should please take note.

SOOLA

I formerly known and addressed as Soola Olumuyiwa Dotun, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekundayo Olumuyiwa Dotun. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Television and general public should please take note.

ONABULE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onabule, Juliana Omotola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekundayo Juliana Omotola. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and general public should please take note.

AKANDE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akande, Tolulope Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adewemimo, Tolulope. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Ado-Ekiti and general public should please take note.

ADEBAYO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo, Adijat Olaitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hamzat Khadijat Olaitan. All former documents remain valid.

Osun Central Education District Office (OCEDO) Teacher Establishment and Pension Office(TEPO) and general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKOJURU FELICIA NNEKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHRISTOPHER FELICIA NGOZICHUKWUKA. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Education Abuja, Federal Civil Service Commission Abuja, Federal Girls’ College Owerri and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikeji, Chinwendu Linda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mba, Chinwendu Linda. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I Akewusola Olanrewaju Bashir and Akinsola Olanrewaju Titilope refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known as Akinsola Olanrewaju Titilope. General Public should please take note.

I Ibikunle Oluwakemi Elizabeth that I sat for WAEC May/June 2012 exam no. 4302416086 and my name was registered as Ibikunle Oluwakemi and my correct name is Ibikunle Oluwakemi Elizabeth. All documents bearing the names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

OLAYINKA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayotunde Olayemi Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayotunde Olayemi Orekoya. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGUNPITAN

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunpitan Bernice Omotayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Issa-Raimi, Bernice Omotayo. All former documents remain valid. LASU, AOCOED, Italian Embassy and general public should please take note.

ONYENUCHEYA

I formerly known and addressed as Onyenucheya Ozioma Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Chiaghanam Ozioma Faith. All former documents remain valid.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka and general public should please take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500. The payment can be made through - FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number - 2017220392 Account Name VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide @yahoo.com or thenation.advert @gmail.com.

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

This is an invitation to the public members who have had the experience of being raised by a single alcohol dependent father to participant in a research. Here is an opportunity for you to air your views with a researcher and other Co-researchers with experience on the same phenomenon.

If you are interested contact.

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75

Beneficiaries get houses in Bayelsa

F

IRST Investment Group, which specialises mainly in the building of houses for prospective buyers, has handed over the keys of some of its house to their beneficiaries under its housing scheme in Bayelsa State.

The handover ceremony, which took place at Igbogene in Yenagoa Local Government Area, was declared open by the Bishop of Bomadi Vicariate, Most Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Egbebo.

While dedicating the houses to God, Egbebo commended First Investment for their rare business acumen and vision that has translated into houses for the people.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of First Investment Group, Bayelsa State, Fiemeya Ayebebabogha, stressed that the focus of the business outfit is to make housing easy and affordable in Yenagoa and its metropolis.

He emphasised that First Investment is firmly rooted in the business of building affordable houses first for tenants who would eventually be owners after meeting the financial obligation as prescribed by the organisation.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Akene Iuroebi, who was obviously happy with the housing scheme, expressed appreciation to First Investment for their ingenuity and dedication to making house affordable to Bayelsans and keeping to global best practices.

NDDC releases $12m to support agriculture in Niger Delta

T

HE Director, Agriculture and Fisheries, Niger Delta Development Commission, Godspower Amadi, has said the commission has released $12 million to International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support agriculture in Niger Delta.

Amadi disclosed this at the 15th IFAD/NDDC/FGN Supervision Mission organised by IFAD in Port Harcourt.

He said IFAD designed a Community-Based Natural Resource Management Programme (CBNRMP) to empower at least 400,000 households in the rural communities through agriculture.

He said the Commission, as partners in the project, was expected to release $15 million to support the progamme.

Former IGP, Mike Okiro, loses mum

M

adam Bessy Okiro, mother of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, is dead.

She died last Friday at 3pm after a brief illness in a hospital in Owerri, Imo State.

She was 96.

Madam Okiro hailed from Egbema, Rivers State.

She is survived by three children, Mike Okiro, who is chairman Police Service Commission (PSC), Susan Okiro and Mrs. Augustina Nwachukwu as well as many grand and great grand children.

76

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

NEWS

APC STATE CONGRESS

•Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale (center); his Deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku (right) and State Woman Leader, Chief Kemi Nelson, during the party’s congress at its secretariat in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

•Delegates casting votes at APC State Congress in Gombe...yesterday

Ogun holds peaceful congress, elects new chair From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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HE Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday conducted a peaceful state congress to elect its executives with Chief Roqeeb Adeniji emerging the chairman, while Mr. Toyin Ayebusiwa and Alhaji Sola Lawal were elected as the Secretary and Publicity Secretary respectively.

Over 24 positions were contested and won in the congress, which was conducted at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the state capital.

The elected executive officials would run the affairs of the party for the next five years.

Twelve officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the state and its national headquarters were on hand to monitor the exercise including officers of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC).

Rivers elects Ikanya as chairman From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) Rivers State Chapter on Saturday conducted its state congress.

Hon. Asita Honourable, a lawmaker representing Ahoada-West in the House of Representatives moved the motion to declare the seats of the interim executives vacant and was supported by Emmanuel Chinda, the state Commissioner for Agriculture.

The Rivers State Governor, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, was the first to cast his vote, followed by APC Senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state.

At the end of the exercise, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, was elected as the state chairman of the party and Prince Peter Odike as his deputy. Chief Emeka Bekee emerged as State secretary, while Evangelist Caroline Nagbo was elected State Women Leader.

Remain faithful, Tinubu urges party members T

Edo postpones congress over logistics From OSemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

N

ATIONAL Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged party faithful to remain loyal and build the party in its effort to form the government at the centre in 2015.

Addressing delegates at the party congress held on Saturday in Lagos, where a 35member executive led by Otunba Dele Ajomale was elected to pilot the affairs of the party, Tinubu urged members to always live above narrow interests.

The APC leader, who was represented by a chieftain of the party, Chief Demola Seriki, explained that those who have laboured to build the party will not work in vain.

He said, “Let me begin with the fact that without your commitment, constant sup-

•Lagos elects Ajomale as chairman

By Musa Odoshimokhe

port and prayers, we will not be where we are today. Today, I must recognise the sacrifices that have been made by you all, the understanding and above all your working together to ensure the success of the democratic process. I equally urge you to do more.

“I want you to ensure that the entire process of putting in place the party structure is completed and must be completed today in a transparent and democratic manner.”

He added that Lagos State has been a pacesetter at entrenching democratic norms and called on the newly elected executive to be transparent by promoting the ideas behind the formation of

the APC. “Lagos State has always taken the lead as a pacesetter and must retain the position of being the world model for democracy. Democracy can never be done without hitches, without cumbersomeness, it is never always a smooth sail. But I am glad to note that we all rose above primordial interests to put the party first.

“For those who have emerged as executives from the wards to state levels, I urge you to work with all members; it is all about the party and not the individuals. Those that did not emerge, either through compromise or through election must note that party harmonisation is

paramount. I urge you all to work together.”

The APC Lagos State chairman, Ajomale, said the executive will work towards the victory of the party in 2015, noting that the congress was very transparent as it gave better opportunity to women and youth in the newly constituted executive.

He said, “Consensus is acceptable in democracy; APC in Lagos State is going to be more vibrant than before, we have more competent hands now.

We have more women now who are the pillars of our party.

We have the youths who are the pillars of our party more than before. We have 30 per cent women, 30 percent youth and the elders are 40 percent.”

Ahmed, Saraki confident of victory in 2015

K

WARA State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and leader of the All Progressives in the state, Senator Bukola Saraki, have expressed optimism that the party will be victorious in the 2015 general elections in the country.

They both spoke on Friday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during the state APC congress.

Ahmed said, “Good governance can only come to play when there is a good political system and a good political system can only come to play when we have good parties that

T

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

allow for inclusiveness, demonstration of democratic process and most importantly, allow the fear of God to take control.

“This singular demonstration will continue to drive good governance in Kwara State. I want to assure that we have taken a leap alongside other progressives in the country to show that Kwarans deserve the best.

“We have once more come to show the world that Nigeria can indeed learn from what we have done today, if our affairs

as a country can be carried on the way we have done here.

Peacefully, under a platform of equity and justice, Nigeria will surely be a better place to be.”

On his part, Saraki, who represents Kwara Central at the National Assembly, urged Kwarans not to be deceived by those whom he described as “unserious politicians that would only come around one year to every election.”

He added, “I use today to talk to Kwarans not to let anybody deceive you. This is the party that will bring true development to the state. It is not a party of promises. It is only

Kwarans that will repair Kwara.

Abuja cannot come to Kwara.

Abuja is too busy for Abuja’s problems. Kwarans will repair Kwara.

“I remember when this journey started, a lot of people said the APC congress in Kwara State will be marred with a lot of crises; a lot of people said there will be no inclusion; that they cannot come together.

“But today, we have a lot to thank God and be proud of ourselves in having a rancour-free congress. The real winners today are those of you that had to make personal sacrifices in the interest of the party.”

sphere, was witnessed by five representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the national officers of the party led by Dr. Ekpeyon Ottu from Akwa Ibom State.

Ottu announced that the delegates of the party agreed to adopt affirmative voting with the adoption of a harmonised list of state execu-

tive members.

The procedure was adopted after a chairmanship aspirant, Sunday FrankOkputu, agreed to step down for Tiwe.

In his acceptance speech, Tiwe said the decision of the delegates to agree on hamonisation has amply demonstrated the party’s unity of purpose.

Bayelsa elects exco in peaceful poll

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State concluded its state congress on Saturday and elected the former Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Tiwei Orunimigha, as its Chairman.

Also, the former Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mr. Eddy Julius,

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

become the deputy chairman, while Mr. Martins Daniel became the Secretary of the party.

Others are Mr. Edison Sogwe, Youth Leader and Sir. Tonye Okio, the State Organising Secretary.

The congress, which was conducted in a peaceful atmo-

HE Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said its state congress scheduled for Saturday was postponed due to logistic challenges.

The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Godwin Erhahon, who disclosed this to journalists, said the logistics needed to ensure success of the congress were yet to be put in place.

He also attributed the non-conclusion of the local government congress as another reason why the state congress could not hold.

Erhahon disclosed that congresses were yet to be concluded in no fewer than seven councils of the state.

The Edo APC spokesman listed some of the affected councils to include Orhionmwon, Owan West, Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central.

Erhahon, however, did not give a date when the state congress would hold.

Youths sue for peace in Shomolu

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

Y

OUTH members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State have called on party members in the area to give peace a chance by shunning all forms of violence.

Comrade Oluwaseyi Bamigbade, who spoke on behalf of the youths at a press conference, called on members to refrain from any act capable of causing discord among party members, stressing that members must work together in unity to achieve the collective objectives of the party.

Bamigbade advised members to allow the newly elected party chairman in Shomolu to work without hindrance in order not to destabilise the community or tarnish the image of the party.

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2014

77

APC STATE CONGRESS

•Sen. Magnus Abe (right), Hon. Sekonte Davies (centre) and the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Chimbiko Akarolo at the APC Congress in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital...yesterday

Kano holds congress tomorrow From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

K

ANO State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted its state congress to Monday, April 28, 2014 after the congress suffered several postponements.

The Chairman, Congress Supervising Committee in the state, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, who dropped the hint in Kano on Saturday, said the decision was the outcome of a meeting held in Kano on Friday between the committee members and stakeholders of the party in the state.

He disclosed that shifting the congress is necessary to enable stakeholders make wider consultations and settle for a consensus candidate during the election.

Inuwa urged members of the party to support and cooperate with the committee in order to ensure a hitch-free congress tomorrow.

APC now rooted in Rivers

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HE Senator representing Rivers South-East in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, has described the orderly conduct of the Rivers State Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) amidst massive turn up of delegates as monumental.

The Senator who stated this shortly after participating in the party’s State Congress held on Saturday at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, said the comportment and peace witnessed during the exercise was a clear indication that APC was now rooted in Rivers State.

“With the development here today, I am convinced that APC has penetrated the grassroots in Rivers State and will emerge victorious in the 2015 general elections”, Abe declared.

The Senator said, “APC has come to change the old ways of doing government business; the party is determined to chase out impunity, insecurity and injustice. Nigerians need change; Nigerians want their country back and APC is the answer”.

•Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State acknowledging cheers from delegates during the APC Congress in Ibadan...yesterday

Sokoto: Abubakar emerges chairman by consensus

T

HROUGH consensus, the Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at its congress held on Saturday has affirmed Alhaji Bala Abubakar has chairman of the party.

The consensus option followed a motion moved in that regard by the Senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Alhaji

From Adamui Suleiman, Sokoto

Ibrahim Gobir.

Also picked as Deputy Chair of the party at the congress conducted peacefully under the watch of party members was Usman Danmadamin Isa with Alhaji Aminu Bello endorsed as the Secretary, Mukhtari Maigona also emerged as the state trea-

surer, while Sidi Aliyu clinched the post of publicity secretary of the party.

Others who returned for other positions respectively include Abbas Ahmed as financial secretary with Mannir Mohammed picked as the legal adviser, while Aminu Liman emerged as Organising Secretary.

Chairman of the State Monitoring Committee for

the congress, Alhaji Baba Dala, described the election as peaceful, orderly and in tandem with the guidelines of the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He emphasised that APC adopted the consensus option in picking its executives in order to ensure peace and orderliness within the party.

Ajimobi charges Oyo APC new exco on unity

H

UNDREDS of delegates of the Oyo state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Saturday converged on the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasigba, Ibadan where they elected new officers to run the affairs of the party.

The party congress, which was twice postponed, was witnessed by the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; his deputy, Chief Moses Alake;

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu and party leaders across the 33 local Government areas .

Among the officers who emerged as party executives are Chief Akin Oke (Chairman), Mr. Isiaka Adisa ( Deputy State Chairman) and Alhaji Mojeed Olaiya (Secretary).

The congress was conducted through affirma-

tion after an internal screening of the aspirants.

Speaking at the end of the election, Ajimobi charged the newly elected state executive of the party to use the opportunity to ensure harmonisation and unity of all members of the party in the state.

Ajimobi, who described the party congress as the most peaceful in the country, said, “The message is that in life, you must learn to give and take,” adding, “Therefore,

what is required of us is to give these newly elected officers our full support to assist them in accomplishing the task ahead of them.”

In his acceptance speech, the newly-elected state Chairman of APC, Chief Akin Oke, praised party members for their maturity and understanding over the seamless integration and fusion of all the political parties into APC in the state without any major rancor.

•L-R: Sen. Danjuma Goje; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Bayero Nafada and Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, at the APC Congress in Gombe...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ondo: ExSSG emerges Chairman From Damisi Ojo and Leke Akeredolu, Akure

F

ORMER Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, on Saturday emerged as the State Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC).

Kekemeke, who served under the administration of former governor of the state, late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, narrowly won with 499 votes beating the runnerup, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who scored 497 votes.

Other contestants for the chairmanship seat include Barrister Sola Iji, Prof. Wole Aderounmu, Adetimehin and Prof. Abiodun.

Security was tight at the venue of the congress, which was held at the multi-purpose B-Kay Complex in Akure, the state capital.

Addressing reporters shortly after the poll, the State Chairman of the Congress Committee, Chief Femi Pedro, described the event as successful.

Pedro, who was a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, said over 1,070 delegates from the 18 local governments and 303 wards in the state participated in the congress after they were duly accredited.

According to him, “The congress was hotly contested by five candidates, but there were two major candidates, the winner, Hon. Kekemeke and the runner-up, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

“Though, there were argument before the commencement of the congress, but we were able to resolve these issues. This is usual and excepted in a political gathering but you know in APC, we know how to handle our issues.”

On other elected positions in the party, Pedro said there was consensus arrangement for other State executives post, which he said have been zoned.

Pedro noted that with the emergence of the new executives for APC in the state, the days of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the Alagbaka Government House are numbered.

The new APC State chairman, Kekemeke described his victory as a new dawn for the progressive party in the State.

78

SPORTS THE NATION ON SUNDAY

SUPER SUNDAY @ ANFIELD

Rodgers heaps pressure on Chelsea

EXTRA

APRIL 27, 2014

Gigg off to winning start

Uplifting- Juan Mata came off the bench to add two second-half goals for United in their rout

R

YAN Giggs made a winning start to his spell in temporary charge of Manchester United, with struggling Norwich City seen off 4-0 at Old Trafford.

A brace apiece from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata earned the reigning Premier League champions all three points and ensured that a new era at the Theatre of Dreams got off to the best possible start.

United were far from their best in the opening exchanges, but at the end of a hectic week the final result was all that mattered.

Rooney ensured that would be favourable as he stroked home his first from the penalty spot after Danny Welbeck had been bundled over in the box by Steven Whittaker.

The opener arrived four minutes before half-time, and three minutes after the interval Rooney had doubled United's lead as he slipped on the edge of the area but saw a skidding drive nestle in the bottom corner.

L

IVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that all the pressure will be on Chelsea when the two clubs play each other at Anfield in a critical match on Sunday, BBC Sport has reported.

Rodgers' men are five points clear of Chelsea in the race for the title, and should they record a 12th successive victory today, they will be on the brink of becoming champions. On the other side of the coin, defeat for the visitors will end any lingering hopes of regaining the Premier League crown which they last won in 2010.

Many expect Liverpool to go on and win the title as everything is currently in their hands, but Rodgers believes that the pressure is on Chelsea, who are toying with the idea of fielding a slightly weakened team with Wednesday's Champions League game against Atletico Madrid in mind.

He said: "Everyone talks about pressure but that is Manchester City or Chelsea - when you spend that sort of money and expect to win the league. I don't think there is pressure on ourselves, only what we have from within. Look at Tottenham - [when] you spend over £100m you'd expect to be challenging for the league.

NFF tips Eaglets to bounce back Confed Cup: Bayelsa United T crash out

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has urged the technical crew of the Golden Eaglets to remain steadfast in their bid to build a virile team to qualify the country for the 2015 CAN Under-17 Championship even as Nigeria seek to defend her 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup title.

Speaking to officials and players after Friday's penaltyshoot out loss to Benin at the VER 40 selected elite WAFU B Tournament, Alhaji golfers teed-off the 2014 Osun Open Golf Championship on Friday, a development which the viceRINCE Udofia, the mercaptain of the club, Bola curial Golden Eaglets' Ahmed has said was a worcoordinator, believes the thy one.

"The Osun Open is our Nigerian youngsters would flagship and just for the fact shake off their Friday's semithat it is coming final loss to Benin when they back, it has sparked a lot of meet Togo in the third-place activities at the club and the play off at the WAFU B Undersurrounding communities. 17 Tournament in Togo on On Friday the professional Sunday. would be teeing-off the The game would be decided event"5 According to Ahmed who at 3:00pm local time (4:00pm is also the chairman of the Nigerian time) at the Stade organising committee for the Municipal before the finale event, the state government between Benin and Mali.

Reviewing Eaglets' shock support for the game in the state triggered the return of penalty shoot-out loss, Udofia the event that was last maintained that it was Nigeria played three-years ago. and not Benin that should be "The state is blessed with a meeting Mali in the final but for lot of talents and because the some questionable officiating.

MicCom facility is the hub of The Golden Eaglets were the the sport in the state, most of only team that did not lose a those talents are here. The support from the state for game in regulation time in the this event is a very encourag- competition as they spanked ing step and it goes to under- Mali 2-0 in their Group B douscore the government sports ble-header and Udofia is confident that the boys would be development policy" Ahmed said that the cap- back and better against Togo. tain of the club, Akeem "I want to believe that our Afolabi and the patron of the boys would respond well facility, Prince Tunde Ponnle against Togo on Sunday has put the facility in top because they were so pained shape in readiness for the about way they lost in the semiover 120 players that they are final to Benin," he said. "They expecting to grace the event, have been advised by Alhafrom Benin, Ibadn, Asaba, and the three prominent golf ji(Yussuf) Fresh and Mr. (Patrick) Pascal; and I think this clubs in Lagos.

Osun Open return to golfing calendar

O

Yussuf Fresh, a board member of the NFF said he was satisfied that the team gave its best but for ill luck in the crunch semifinal match.

"I want to tell from the bottom of my heart that you did well despite the fact that you didn't beat Benin," said fresh, the leader of delegation to Togo." At least, this tournament has given you the opportunity to know areas that you need to work on as you prepare

...As team eyes bronze medal

P

would spur them against Togo."

The Golden Eaglets in the meantime, trained on Saturday ahead of Sunday's match and officials are confident they would be ready for the final assault against hosts, Togo who lost 4-0 in the other semi-final on Friday.

the team for the coming African qualifiers."

He equally advised the players to concentrate on their third-place match against Mali on Sunday in order to have something to show for their good efforts at the tournament.

He said: "There is still something to play for on Sunday and I want you to give out your best in the third place match. The NFF's President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari as well as Nigerians would be so glad if you can go home with at least the bronze medal."

Fresh further reassured the technical crew of NFF's continuous support to the team, adding that they should remain focussed. " As I told you earlier, the NFF is not going to interfere in your work in as much as you

are doing the right thing and I would therefore, want you to be focussed since the African qualifiers is just around the corner," he noted.

Similarly, former international and special assistant to Alhaji Maigari on technical matters, Mr. Patrick Pascal equally commended the players and officials, advising them to remain calm despite the setback at the WAFU B Tournament.

"My advice to you is to look ahead because you can't change the result against Benin and I want to plead with you the players especially not to start blaming yourselves," he stated. "Your objective should be how to qualify for the completion in Niger and the World Cup and I believe strongly that you will make it."

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AYELSA United have crashed out of the 2014 CAF Confederation Cup after suffering a shock 0-1 defeat in their second play-off clash against Ivorian Club Sewe Sports on Saturday at the Sapele Stadium.

The Nigerian flag bearers had lost their first leg tie 0-2 in Abidjan last weekend and while it was expected that they will turn the tables against their visitors today, the reverse was the case as Sewe stole a lone goal victory at the Sapele Stadium to progress on 3-0 aggregate score line .

Kouanne Koffi's 89th minute goal from the penalty spot was all Sewe needed to seal their place in the group Nationsports had expressed phase of the second-tier gratitude towards NFF'S con- Africa club competition. tribution to his desire in helping the less-privilege “I am just so grateful and with humility as I know how, stand honored for the support from the Nigerian Football Federation, those who were in attendance and all NigeriEARTLAND FC of ans.

Owerri chose the This attempt of our collaboperfect time to rative initiatives will take a col- record their first win of the lective effort from all of us, season as they piped orienyes, all Nigerians, to ensure tal rivals, Enyimba by a lone t h a t w e e m p o w e r l e s s - goal in Saturday's Glo Preprivileged children to be mier League clash at the Dan greater tomorrow and have a brighter future thru our Anyiam Stadium.

The Naze Millionaires humanitarian projects. The government cannot do it before today had recorded four straight home draws alone.”

The Greater Tomorrow that has in no way helped Foundation was launched at a their positioning on the log colourful and pomp ceremony as they were before now secin Abuja recently. ond from the bottom.

Maigari moved by Okoku's charity gesture

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RESIDENT of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has expressed gratitude at exinternational, Paul Okoku's gesture towards, helping the less-privileged in the society.

Okoku who met with Maigari on Tuesday at the Glass House noted that it was indeed overwhelming for an ex-international bringing succor to the nation after a successful career in the round leather game for the country.

“We are proud of you as a former Super Eagles player with such initiative to help less-privileged children in our society and I want you to know that we are behind you and will support you 100 percent.”

It could be recalled that during the planning stage, in January of 2014, the Secretary-

General, Amadu Musa, had asked Okoku to move the date for the launch so that the NFF could attend.

Musa had said: "Paul, your March 20, 2014, date to launch your foundation would not work for us as you are aware, the U17 girls' World Cup commences on March 15, in Costa Rica, and we will not be available for the event because we will be in Costa Rica then.

We want to support you to encourage others to come home and give back to the society. So, I would suggest that you change the date if you want us to be there. Besides, Super Eagles will be playing a match against Mexico on March 5, in Atlanta, and after the game your friend, Stephe Keshi, will be going to his family in California."

Okoku in a chat with the

Heartland triumph in Oriental derby

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014

79

QUOTABLE

“Are you sure that if I tell PDP that I am coming back in 10 days, they will not send a dance party here? One problem with the leadership in Nigeria is that when you are a President, a governor or minister, what you say must be factual. That young man who claims to be Minister of State for Education, who doesn’t know what it means to be a minister, is saying I am begging to return to the PDP. What is PDP?

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 8, NO. 2832

—Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, dismissing a recent statement credited to the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesome Wike, that the (Amaechi) is lobbying to return to his former party, PDP.

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HE leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been a little edgy over public comments on the party’s proposed presidential ticket. Citing what they believe to be feelers from party leaders, especially concerning a proposed MuslimMuslim ticket, the commentators have argued vociferously that that proposed ticket was insensitive to Nigeria’s contemporary political culture, and is doomed to fail. That assertion, whose most public proponent was former Aviation minister Femi FaniKayode, was doubtless sweeping, judgemental and a little sectarian and polarising. Two weeks ago, this column addressed Mr Fani-Kayode’s frantic but subtle dalliance with both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President Goodluck Jonathan himself. But as I indicated then, Mr Fani-Kayode had the right to strongly object to his party’s dispositions, though as I also suggested, he needn’t migrate to another party in order to underscore his opposition to his party’s policies or direction.

Neither the APC nor its leaders have said anything quite significant about Mr Fani-Kayode’s views or his manner of tiptoeing around presidential corridors.

Perhaps they are watching to see which way the cats will jump. But judging from many snide remarks here and there by party loyalists, and the impatience demonstrated by a few party leaders over the MuslimMuslim ticket speculations, I suspect that if not now, then perhaps sometime in the immediate past, APC top shots had flirted with that unusual and controversial proposal. More, I also think that in particular, former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari, features prominently on that proposed ticket. Given what seems to be their tenacious adherence to a rigid but unstated position on the ticket, it is hard indeed to tell what is driving the APC strategy: their belief in the direction they think the country should be heading, or their appreciation, or lack of it, of the actual direction the country is headed.

My sympathies for the APC are well known, and they are based principally on my frustrations with the abject incompetence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to redeem Nigeria from policy inertia and ineptitude. My support for the progressives, apart from sharing ideological affinities with them, is influenced not just by what the APC

APC and 2015 presidential ticket

•Muazu

•Akande

stands for, which I admit can be sometimes amorphous, but by what the ruling conservative PDP does not and cannot stand for. The PDP is loth to embrace principles, chary of adopting democratic tenets, and has produced a slew of successive presidents whose only claim to the presidency is hinged on the circumstances of their background than the value of their academic qualifications and mental attributes.

Their first Fourth Republic leader, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was an unmitigated disaster to whom the wobble of our current democratic experience is wholly attributable. The next two presidents, the late Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr Jonathan, have not been inspiring at all.

It is not certain why the APC has been fairly reticent on its presidential ticket, especially its reluctance to state clearly, in the face of hostile controversy, the values and principles that will inform their choice. By allowing the speculation about its ticket to proceed in the hurtful manner it is going, the APC gives the impression it is

unaware of the damage to its credibility as a thinking and progressive political party which such negative speculations can elicit. I am in fact surprised that the party seems oblivious that in the past few weeks, especially after the highly successful and imaginative presentation of its road map, it has lost huge momentum in its drive towards 2015. Not only has the PDP checkmated the APC’s blitzkrieg, it has in my opinion turned the table on the progressives, an unscrupulous advantage that has not even been vitiated by the ruling party’s obnoxious and inept handling of the anti-terror war, rising poverty, tragic and exploitative employment methods, and stultifying energy crisis, among other failures.

In an election period, it is not unusual for the pendulum of public approval to oscillate back and forth in favour of one party or the other. But the APC has a responsibility to ensure the pendulum does not swing against it too wildly. The party may have spent a huge sum of money to build itself, as it were, from nothing

Chibok abductions: two weeks of national impotence

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HERE are not many countries where over 270 teenage girls could be abducted by criminals in one fell swoop and a national emergency had not been declared, or a task force saddled with the urgent responsibility of securing their release.

Reports in fact suggest that at the expanded security meeting held on Thursday at the instance of the president, the military claimed to have a secret tactical plan to secure the release of the remaining 234 schoolgirls still being held by Boko Haram militants. If it is true, that fact, notwithstanding its secrecy, must be at least a little reassuring. However, except perhaps in a hostage situation, I do not recollect where so many young girls had been abducted so easily and for purposes that leave little to the imagination. If the abductions do not reflect poorly on the tactical prowess of Nigeria’s security organisations, they at least reflect on the impotence of the nation, and in particular, the impotence of the Jonathan presidency.

The President Goodluck Jonathan government must excuse us if we blame him wholly for these abductions. He was elected to ensure the country’s safety and well-being.

If in the process of executing the mandate given him to rule over the affairs of the country he encounters a vicious insurgency, it is entirely his responsibility to devise means of battling it, including knowing how to energise the country’s security network, inspire confidence in his methods and ability, and rally the people to the last man to counter the worst bestiality Nigeria has ever seen. If

he is unable to do all these, the failure is entirely his.

Sadly, apart from not giving us confidence in his counterinsurgency measures, his style has also left so much to be desired. He and his aides are too easily irritated by criticism, preferring an unearthly and gentle form of correction that even a dictatorship would find patronising and hypocritical.

His judgement is also too strange to be deciphered. While the disaster that the abductions were was yet to sink in, and the shock yet to abate, Dr Jonathan took off to Kano for a superfluous political rally where shockingly he practiced a few dance steps that, in the eyes of the opposition, seemed to mimic the fiddling Roman emperor, Nero.

Neither he nor his aides have successfully defended that alarming absence of judgement in the face of grave national emergency.

But at last Dr Jonathan is gradually converting to the full horror of the abductions.

His expanded security meeting of Thursday, not to talk of the meeting’s resolve to ensure the abducted girls were rescued, somewhat indicates that conversion. But the Jonathan presidency will have to struggle in the coming days, as the captivity of the schoolgirls continues, to douse national suspicion that it failed to appreciate the urgency of the matter because the daughter of no one of importance was involved. The country

recalls that when the president’s 70year-old uncle, Nengite Nitabai, was abducted in February, it took less than three weeks to arrest the suspected kidnappers and free the septuagenarian. They also recall the alacrity with which the son of the elder statesman E.K. Clark, Ebikeme, was prised loose from the grips of his abductors. Not only were the suspects in the case arrested, together with their families, the abduction lasted only one week.

Such comparisons are bound to surface in the days ahead given both the initial lethargy of the Jonathan presidency to the schoolgirls’ abductions and the business-asusual attitude it exhibited when the full import of the horrifying news was just being felt. The initiative of the Jonathan presidency may have been dulled by the quality of the personnel in his team, but given the bad press he has attracted over the emergencies of the past few weeks, it is time Dr Jonathan took the job he schemed so passionately to secure more seriously, especially given his fresh scheming to keep it for another four years. He can however only get a second term if he justifies the confidence the electorate reposed in him in his first election. So far there is nothing in his responses to Boko Haram or any of the other social, economic and political ills afflicting the country to justify his craving for another term.

into a huge something, but it is not the only one investing in its future and fortune.

Many of us who are not members of the party, but who see in the party an opportunity at this point in time to defeat the mediocrity that the PDP constitutes, have also invested tremendously and emotionally in the success of the APC. We know instinctively that if the APC fails, the future of Nigeria will be bleak indeed, if indeed that future is not to be erased almost entirely. We, therefore, have a responsibility to manage and coax the progressive party in the direction that will ensure success. Party leaders may be willing to take huge risks decided upon by their mystical calculations, but those risks, which can also backfire badly, must be tempered by our own detached and sometimes more informed appreciation of social and economic issues and political choices shaping the coming combat.

In short, the APC must consciously begin to reverse the momentum it unwisely surrendered to the PDP in the past few weeks. It must not hope that chance will deliver the needed opportunities to it, as it must have no doubt appreciated from its elaborate and sophisticated road map presentation. The party not only needs to consciously devise programmes and policies to stay in public glare in a qualitative and positive fashion, it must learn how to listen to the electorate, and more importantly recognise that its existence and success are defined by how best it captures or approximates the yearnings, values and ambitions of the people.

Except the APC is living in denial, it must by now have recognised that one of those areas in which it has lost ground to the PDP is the speculation that it was about to embrace a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. A few years back, such a ticket might have passed without too much controversy.

But the fact is that both the PDP and Dr Jonathan have politicised religion to such an appalling and disgraceful level that an all-Christian or all-Muslim ticket will play into the hands of the other party. Risks are second nature to politics and politicians, but a one-religion ticket, given the horrifying slaughter going on in the Northeast and the church runs embarked upon by Dr Jonathan, will be an invitation to electoral disaster. Should the APC lose the 2015 polls, it is unlikely to have a second chance, given the tentativeness of its structure and the inchoateness of its platform. In tandem with the wish of majority of Nigerians for change, the APC has a responsibility to win the next polls, and it can only do so by taking only educated, sophisticated and not-too-radical risks.

In spite of itself, the APC must begin to ask very hard and unsettling questions about its ambitions and how to achieve them – in particular, how to win the presidency. Such questions must be bounced off those who are not members of the party, those who are not current or aspiring jobholders, and those who really couldn’t care less if the party decided to commit political suicide. One of those questions concerns General Buhari, who in one way or the other is speculated to be on the proposed ticket party leaders might attempt to cajole their members to embrace.

In spite of my love and admiration for the laconic and principled general, I am not as optimistic as the party that given the fast changing dynamics of Nigerian politics, and notwithstanding the fanatical following the general elicits especially from the North, he can guarantee success for the progressives.

If the APC is to succeed, it needs a radical change of paradigm driven urgently by a new momentum designed to leave the PDP gasping for breath. I invite the progressive party to remould itself by recognising that its priority is to win the next polls first. To do that, its leading lights will have to sacrifice almost their lives. But nature is not so cruel as to leave those sacrifices unrequited.

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