The Nation July 13, 2014 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

Confusion over Wike’s fate in Jonathan’s cabinet

WORLD FIFAFIFA WORLD CUP CUP

Brasil Brasil

–Page 4

Germany vs Argentina: Who will be kings today?–Page 78

Fears minister may have resigned

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.08, No. 2908

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

JULY 13, 2014

–Pages 37-45, 66-67

Suicide bombers target Abuja motor parks –Police –Pages 4-6

More troops for Chibok, Boko Haram attacks Borno frontline towns Cameroonian military post

Pakistani activist, Malala to visit Nigeria

Nyako: Panel concludes sitting –Page 5 Legislators insist on sacking gov, deputy Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, addressing a crowd of supporters during a solidarity rally in Yola yesterday Photo: NAN

COURT: FRSC HAS POWERS TO ASUP SUSPENDS ISSUE NEW NUMBER PLATE 10-MONTH STRIKE –Page 6

–Page 5

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

PAGE 2 Raju the elephant cries

CAPTURED

Mopping up

Unattended to, babies can wander anywhere. But 16-month-old Minnie Snodgrass took her sense of adventure too far recently. She was rescued unharmed by firefighters after she got stuck in a mop bucket. Little Minnie managed to get wedged in the metal bucket after her mother, Gemma, had been mopping the floor at their home in Conisbrough, near Doncaster, United Kingdom.

German spies want more money

BAROMETER sunday@thenationonlineng.net

CJN misdirects herself in law and politics

Fayose begins moulting

By ADEKUNLE ADE-ADELEYE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

COLUMN

The changing nature of nationality

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Boateng Brothers

HE world learns about itself in new and unexpected ways. While it is true that old habits die hard, new fancies tend to catch on very quickly, leaving everybody breathless. As the 2014 World Cup wings to a memorable finale this evening with Argentina trying its luck against a revved up German soccer wehrmacht, there are many things that would remind one of a changing world. One of these is the growing reality that soccer may become a simulated war game enacted by men with superior military brains and exceptional psychological stamina. If anyone was ever in doubt, the 7-1 vaporization of Brazil by the German soccer machine laid to rest forever the old notion of the beautiful game as a moveable feast of joyous passing, gyrating body movements and ecstatic acrobatics. The Germans play without frills or freebies, and with a ferocious focus on the empty space between the goalposts. The charming but naïve Brazilians often croon about the open and flowing nature of their game, and the fact that they could allow their opponents to score as many goals as they can as long as nobody held their own fleet feet in fetters. But that was before they invented spatial and structural marking which eliminates the old man to man marking but whose devastating oversight function is unprecedented in the annals of human hindrance. It is a tight and disciplined military formation which reminds one of a dragnet of limbs unfurling as they smother the solitary limbs in contention without any fuss or fanfare. More and more, the game relies on a moment of pure magical brilliance for the exceptional player to spring the tight cordon or some ruinous lapse of concentration which is punished with swift severity. Ironically enough, the most telling revelation of this war of the nations on the soccer pitch is the changing nature of nationality itself and perhaps of the whole concept of nationalism. All that is solid melts into thin air in the crucible of human evolution. For decades, the forces of globalization have been eating away at the certitudes and certainties of nationality and nationalism. International commuters switch and switch on nationalities with the ease and facility of free citizens of an increasingly borderless world. There are now people with dual and even multiple national identities. You leave Africa as a native in the morning and arrive at an international border post in the evening bearing a new identity, thanks to work and study, or some less mentionable means. Often, you strongly and stoutly support the soccer team of the home country that you left behind even

though you know in your heart that these boys cannot pass muster on the truly international stage. But your children have no such inhibition or ambivalence. They belong to a brave new world. Where you bloom and blossom is obviously more important than where you were born. Origin is often a source of haunting memory and inconveniences best forgotten. But it may also serve as a site of rearguard bravado against the forces of western globalization and the whole project of modernity itself. When the Boateng blood brothers, Jerome and Kevin Prince, entered the soccer pitch again on opposing sides during the Ghana versus Germany match little would they have known that they have been making history as far as the confrontation between the nation-state and globalization, between locality and globality, goes. It was a repeat of their June 23rd, 2010 confrontation in South Africa. To be sure, there have been cases of blood brothers playing for or representing different countries at one time or the other. There have also been cases of brothers representing different clubs. There are instances of great athletes and martial artists defecting to other countries even while still under oath to defend the honour and in-

tegrity of the home countries. But it is in the epic tussle between the Ghanaian Boateng and the German Boateng that the poignant ironies of contending nationalities came to the fore as never before. Since the two Boateng brothers bear soccer arms for two different countries, it was to be expected that when they came face to face, they might not spare each other the odd ferocious tackle. There was always the possibility of one critically injuring the other. And if it came to a real shooting war between the two countries, the possibility of legal fratricide must be very high on the cards. The prospects of two brothers dueling unto death are rare but not a new historical phenomenon. This one, however, comes with a novel inflection which owes its historical possibility to the forces of globalization breaking down iron barriers and old binary divisions. Had the Boateng father not been granted the opportunities of international travels, the contradictions would have remained at the level of the nationstate paradigm. It is useful to note how the World Cup itself owes its rise and ascendancy to globalization which tends to abolish the ancient notion of time and

space. The World Cup came on the heels of dramatic developments in human transportation, particularly aerial journeys which allow humanity to obliterate different and divergent time zones with the ease and facility of a fabled magician. Had humanity been stalled at the level of nautical journeys, the logistical nightmare of transporting people and players across seas would have made the World Cup an impossible dream. We may yet thank God for globalization, particularly the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann, the great German soccer hero and current coach of the US soccer team. Two centuries ago, it would have been considered the highest form of state treason for a German to coach another country, particularly the bumptious and insufferable Yankees, about how to upend the great German soccer machine. But treason itself has become globalized and this particular variant would cut no ice with a man of Klinsmann’s Teutonic thoroughness and contempt for idiotic waffling. Judging from Klinsmann’s boundless enthusiasm for his American team on and off the pitch and the clinical precision with which he has raised the American game, it is clear that the German icon has stuck to the clause of his American contract rather than a phantom obligation to the motherland. This seeming infraction is unlikely to diminish Klinsmann’s iconic stature in his motherland. He will still return to Germany as a hero, if he doesn’t decide to take up an American citizenship which will be readily available. He has already paid his dues to club and country. In any case, the ubiquitous and impersonal forces of globalization have made it easier for him. Take a look at the German team as well as all the European teams at this year’s edition of the World Cup in Brazil. It is a rainbow coalition of all colour, creed and complexion. Globalization is a homogenizing Levia-

Okon returns with a bang!

T has been a long time since our boy and faithful man-Friday, Okon Anthony Okon, appeared on this page. There has been some nasty turbulence in the air. The country has been passing through some desperate times. As a result of the cruel abduction of the Chibok girls and what seems like the deliberate unfurling of armed personnel on the populace, it was decided that for his own safety, Okon should be playing deep in his own eighteen. He was also expressly forbidden from publicly commenting on burning national issues, such as the Chibok abduction, the transformation of Boko Haram to a full blown insurgent outfit and Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection ploys. But there is no killing the beetle. A man who is destined for stardom is bound to achieve stardom no matter the circumstances. It was Okon’s latest “Brazilian” scam which attracted the attention of an irreverent and off-message television station owned by a Lagos billionaire. All formalities concluded, Okon, dressed like a Portuguese pirate and pole-hugging drunk, was carried shoulder-high into the premises by the usual suspects. The interviewers wasted no time with polite preambles. “Ha, welcome back from Afghanistan, Otunba Okon”, one of them, a sly-looking Lagos boy, opened with a knowing wink. “Point of incorrection!” Okon

screamed at the fellow.” Number one, I no go any Afaganishan. Na oga say make I no talk because him dey fear dem sojas. Number two, I don tell una sotey say Okon no be Otunba. Otunba na yeye Yoruba title. Even dem tailor for Mafoluku dey bear Otunba. Okon be Etubom. So make dat one enter your yeye Yoruba yam head”. “All right, Etubong Okon. Welcome back from Brazil. I hope you didn’t return with empty hand”, the dandy Lagosian noted in smooth and sweet conciliation. But Okon was not done. “Dat one na Yoruba empty head talk. How man fit return from dem Brazil with empty hands after dem Germans come wire dem like dat? Even dem Abakaliki basket no fit carry all dem goals”, Okon snorted. “It was pure massacre”, one of the ladies, an obvious soccer fan, observed with a charm offensive. Okon immediately smelt an offside trap. “Ha, you see, dis na how dem Ibo ladies dey drag man for trouble. You wan make I talk about dem poor Chibok girls and wetin dem dey do to dem? Abi wetin concern massacra with dem football? Abi massacra no be dem ladies cream?” Okon sniggered as the poor woman squirmed in obvious embarrassment. Okon, lapsing into his customary bawdiness, pursued his quarry. “Bia, bia, my sister, wetin dem dey call dat medicine sef wey dey

make man koboko very strong like dem iron rod? Sebi na Victoria abi na Niagra? I know say dem dey call dem other one Cecilia, abi no be so?” Okon whined with devilish relish. The studio roared with laughter. Sensing that they have brought an ant-infested plank from the forest, the interviewers became very jittery. “All right, Chief Okon, have you learnt any lesson from the current tournament in Brazil?” the oldest man asked the increasingly excitable rogue. “Plenty, if you wan know. The first be say free kick no be free. When dem Houtounji boy come finish our Onazi boy like dat, and dem award free kick, I think say dat one mean say make somebody kick dem fool freely, but no be so. Two, when dem say game don reach injury time, I think say na knife and broken bottles go settle matter. The third be say African football don kaput patapata”, Okon replied. “Okay, let us talk about the Ekiti election”, the other lady suggested. “Ha na dat one dem dey call ricesm”, Okon snorted. “Did you say racism?” the old man persisted. “I said ricesm” Okon insisted. “What is the philosophy?” “The infrastructure of philosophy is the philosophy of food infrastructure”. It was at this point that Okon himself collapsed from drinking and philosophizing on an empty stomach.

than which grinds everything into conformity. Everything and everybody is grist to its crushing and compulsive mill. It has, however, been noted that globalization is a decidedly one-sided affair; a one-way traffic which merely revalidates the overwhelming superiority of the west and western modernity over the rest of the world. How many people voluntarily leave the west for the Third World? The balance of knowledge production is grossly and grotesquely in favour of the metropolitan centre. The ceaseless and ruthless adaption of cutting edge technology reinvents capitalism in such a way that leaves the rest of the world gasping for breath. Globalization, they claim, is just another word for the Americanization or Coca-colanization of the rest of the world. We do not need to look farther than the outgoing World Cup for proof that the truth is more nuanced and the reality less heavily one-sided. Slowly but inexorably, the forces of globalization have been chipping away at America’s cultural and ideological rampart. The gradual buildup of a more confident and more assured immigrant community, particularly from Africa and the human armada from Latin America who never forgot the soccer-mad culture they left at home appear to have thawed America’s resistance to soccer and the widespread belief that its almost effeminate gyrations is a psychic assault on American Exceptionalism and its Roman notion of sports as an intensely physical gladiatorial affair. Before our very eyes, America has become a soccer loving country. This World Cup has witnessed an unprecedented rise in American viewership. Enthusiasm for the beautiful game exploded reaching a national fever pitch during America’s last game. From a superlative futuristic bar abutting into the Pacific Ocean in a Los Angeles suburb to a dark and dingy Nigerian drinking hovel in New York, they were watching football all the way. It helped that America qualified, at least. It also helped that modern soccer has witnessed a renewed athleticism and martialization which is in consonance with American sports’ spirit. One way or the other in this de-Brazilianization of the game, globalization has done its duty. So has it for the continent of Africa whose two solitary survivors were dismissed in the second round of the tournament with the continent as usual holding the short end of the stick. The first wave of globalization led to the internationalization of slavery and the enslavement of a substantial chunk of the African populace. The second wave led to the forcible cooption of the continent into the capitalist orbit. With the latest wave, African nations are being frog-matched to the post-nation frontiers without having achieved the consolidation of the nation-state paradigm. In a delicious and sublime instance of historic irony, it is instructive to note Nigeria stumbled to defeat from France with the two goals scored by Africans. The first by Pogba and the second an own goal scored against his team and country by Joseph Yobo, the Nigerian skipper. In its crowded eighteen, and under grave historical and political pressures, Africa always scores against itself either directly or indirectly. Neither the changing nature of nationality nor the changing epochs of globalization will put an end to that. It will take a new breed of Africans. And we have been waiting for only six hundred years.

4 M

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

NEWS

ALALA Yousafzai, the Pakistani pupil activist and United Nations Ambassador was due in Nigeria last night to show her solidarity for the over 200 school girls in Boko Haram captivity. She was scheduled to arrive in Abuja in time to beat the deadline for the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Her visit is to encourage parents and pupils in the North-East who have been displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency. The plan was known to only a few people at press time for what sources called logistic reasons. The Nation gathered that her visit is part of the effort to

BringBackOurGirls: Malala dares Boko Haram From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

project the $100million Safe Schools Initiative Project which was launched at the last World Economic Forum (WEF). A reliable source familiar with the arrangement said: "There is a proposal to bring Malala because her story will assist to bring dropouts back to schools. We are expecting her on Saturday night. "With her activism

• Due in Nigeria for Chibok girls against the Taliban in Pakistan, we can re-awaken the CAN DO spirit in our people, especially those being ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency. "Many Nigerians are ready to listen to her inspiring story. We hope she will be able to come to this country." Another source added: "The 17-year old activist has

offered to be in Nigeria from Sunday, July13, 2014 to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan, some parents of the abducted 223 girls from Chibok and BringBackOurGirls campaigners. "In fact, she said she cannot be part of the BringBackOurGirls Campaign without visiting Nigeria. She said if it means being

abducted by Boko Haram, she is prepared to visit Nigeria. "She was being expected as I am talking to you. She is likely to meet some interest groups. "What we have done is to ensure her security including her daring insistence to be part of the sit out by BringBackOurGirls cam-

paigners." Although no government official was willing to talk on the planned trip of Malala, it was gathered that security had been beefed up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as at press time. Malala was born on July 12, 1997 in the town of Mingora in the Swat District of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Her visit will complement the Safe Schools Initiative Project in the country. President Jonathan had on Wednesday decried the high percentage of school dropouts in Nigeria, saying the rate, which is as high as 70 per cent in some parts of the country, was "too high".

SON, Police raid Computer Village By Gboyega Alaka

•Fire fighters preventing a petrol tanker that fell on Nyanya-Abuja highway from exploding ... at the weekend.

Confusion over Wike’s fate in cabinet

INISTER of State for Education, Nyesom Wike is back in the news following speculations yesterday that he had resigned from the Federal Executive Council. One report suggested that he was quitting the cabinet to enable him concentrate on his governorship aspiration in Rivers State where he is currently locked in a bitter political stand-off with Governor Rotimi Amaechi, his erstwhile boss. Other sources said the minister decided to resign having failed to earn the confidence of President Goodluck Jonathan to be confirmed as Minister of Education after serving as supervising minister of the ministry for almost one year. Former Kano State gover-

•Fears minister may have resigned From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt nor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau was sworn in as the Education minister on Wednesday and immediately proceeded to end the 11 month strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) which Wike had failed to resolve. It was also gathered that the Presidency had come to the conclusion that Wike's political value even in Rivers State was exaggerated and could not be trusted to fly the PDP party in next year's governorship election. The Presidency is now said to be considering Senator George Thompson Sekibo as

the party's governorship candidate in the state. Wike, according to sources in Port Harcourt, is weighing the option of realizsing his ambition on the platform of another party, possibly the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He was recently adopted by stakeholders across the 23 LGAs of Rivers State as the governorship candidate of the PDP. Until recently, he regularly addressed rallies in the state ostensibly to mobilise support t for the re-election of President Jonathan. The minister could not be reached yesterday for comments. His spokesman, Simeon

Nwakaudu neither picked calls to his two lines nor responded to text messages sent to him. Two allies of the minister Emeka Woke, the DirectorGeneral of Rivers PDP and Samuel Nwanosike, the Rivers Publicity Secretary of the PDP, who doubles as the SecretaryGeneral of the GDI could also not be reached. Nwanosike had said in a previous telephone interview that Wike was being begged by Rivers people to vie as governor next year. At the height of his confrontation with Governor Amaechi in April last year, Wike's four supporters in the State House of Assembly sparked a bloody row on the floor of the legislature. The police subsequently shut the House.

USINESS and economic activities were put in disarray yesterday morning when officials of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) invaded the popular Ikeja Computer Village, Lagos with a battalion of policemen numbering over 50. Sources said the SON officials stormed the market at about 9am just as business was taking off and immediately made for Trinity Communications, one of the phone retail outlets on Otigba Street in the market. The Nation on Sunday also learnt that the invaders refused to explain their motive to anyone even as they were inundated with questions from concerned traders who sought to know why the outlet was being invaded. In the process, the police team allegedly carted away all the goods in the shop including invoices, while also refusing to give inventory of goods taken. They also allegedly rough-handled other traders, while firing tear-gas canisters and shooting sporadically into the air to scare people. They also allegedly damaged vehicles windscreens and injured some of the traders in the process. One-year-old baby Chidera Ojike was also tear-gassed along with her mother Jessica Ojike. According to Mr. Godfrey Ike Nwosu, President of Phones and Allied Product Dealers Association (PAPDA), the traders' umbrella organisation, over 200 traders in the market had to march to the Area F Police Command Ikeja to protest the invasion, which he said was now becoming rampant. In the process, he said they discovered that the police officers who accompanied the SON officials had no authorisation from the Command. He also said his association has an MOU with Standard Organization of Nigeria and therefore wondered why they had to disrupt business in the market in the manner they did, even when the association has always cooperated with them and handed over errant traders to them in the past. "We have a committee and we have even apprehended people with fake products in the market and handed them over. We also gave our word that our executives will within the next seven months rid the market of all fake and substandard products. Our executive also travelled to China with SON officials, where we had meetings with over 65 manufacturers on the need to enforce standard in products coming to Nigeria." He therefore said the SON action was a breach of trust and an attempt to intimidate traders who have done nothing but go about their lawful businesses. He concluded that there is no justification in invading the market with over 50 policemen, all in an attempt to seal one shop. To further register their displeasure, Nwosu said the traders have concluded plans to embark on a one-week sit-out to call the attention of the public and government to their plight. Attempts XXX to get the Area F Police Command's side of the story at the Oba Akinjobi office proved abortive as officials on duty refused to say a word concerning the incident. Attempt to also reach SON officials also fell through as phone calls to a certain Mr. Ado, who came with the team, went unanswered.

Boko Haram: Group seeks support for soldiers in North East

MIDST killings of Nigerian soldiers deployed to the troubled North East States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe due to Boko Haram insurgency, Nigerians have been urged to offer encouragement in any form to the soldiers in their quest to restore peace and hope to the troubled region. A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Put Nigeria First (PNF), said Nige-

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

rian soldiers deserve more support than they are currently getting from Nigerians. According to its National Coordinator, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwafor, Nigerians should be more appreciative of the sacrifices by the soldiers in the service of the nation. Besides, she regretted that rather than being appreciated for their sacrifices, the soldiers are being subjected to unfair criticisms and accusa-

tions of human right abuses. She noted: "The soldiers deserve better welfare packages from the government and better treatment from Nigerians, for them to be better motivated in their chosen national assignment, she noted." Towards this end, she said that the group is poised to launch a massive nationwide campaign tagged Support Our Soldiers (SOS), to draw attention to the plight of soldiers and their families dur-

ing times of conflict and the need for Nigerians to be convinced why the soldiers must be supported. She also disclosed that Put Nigeria First is set to launch an appeal fund to support widows and orphans of Nigerian soldiers. Nwafor added, "In most countries, the military is revered, cherished and appreciated by its citizens, because they are often the unsung heroes of every sovereignty. Ni-

geria should not be different. In this war against insurgency, they are the ones that are paying the ultimate price to see that Nigeria is safer." Nwafor added, "These soldiers have put Nigeria first before their own lives. They go without support and sometimes unnoticed by those of us who are benefitting directly or indirectly from their efforts. "Our men and women in uniform are faced with real challenges. They leave their

families for months at a time; go into dangerous situations, some are injured, others lose their lives and a portion of them are even unaccounted for, all in a bid to put Nigeria first. "We believe we ought to support our soldiers beyond what the government ministries and agencies do; they ought to know that the citizens are not only aware of them and their efforts, but are appreciative."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

HE panel of seven set up to investigate the allegation of gross misconduct against Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and his deputy, Mr. Bala Ngilari, by the State House of Assembly concluded its public sitting in Yola yesterday. It sat for only two days. It may turn in its report tomorrow with the Assemblymen said to be adamant in ousting the governor and his deputy. The panel commenced sitting on Friday and rounded off yesterday after taking evidence from the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Finance, Mr. Wafarninyi Theman. Neither Nyako nor Ngilari put up any appearance before the panel. They were also not repre-

NEWS

Nyako impeachment: Panel concludes sitting •Legislators adamant on sacking gov, deputy Barnabas Manyam,Yola

sented by any lawyer. The panel, after waiting in vain for representatives of the governor and those of the deputy governor proceeded to watch a video clip tendered as exhibit. It also cross-examined Theman. Counsel to the Assemblymen, Hussaini Maidawa and Leonard Nzadon told the

panel that the complainants had proven their case against Nyako and Ngilari. The panel chairman, Mallam Buba Kaigama, said he and his colleagues would take their time to go over the evidence provided by the assembly and take the appropriate decision. Efforts by traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state to broker truce between the governor and the

legislators have failed. Special Adviser to the Adamawa State Government, Mr. P.P. Elisha, told journalists yesterday that PDP stakeholders sabotaged the peace efforts and were bent on removing the governor and his deputy at all cost. “The whole impeachment move is being staged managed by the so-called Adamawa PDP stakeholders who are trying to draw Presi-

dent Goodluck Jonathan into a thing he knew nothing of,” he said. He said the governor has “moved to Abuja in order to continue consultations with the lawmakers as he is keen to see to the resolution of the impasse.” He added that if the lawmakers removed the governor unconstitutionally, Nyako would go to court to challenge the process.

Kaduna-based newspaper GM assassinated From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

UNMEN on Friday night killed the General Manager of the Kaduna based weekly newspaper, The New Democrat, Mallam Uztaz Yunus Adam, in the city moments after breaking his fast for the day. He was killed at his residence in Ungwa Dosa, Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State in what neighbours claimed to be pure assassination. They said the gunmen left the scene without taking anything from the house. The police, however, disagreed. The Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Aminu Lawan, a Superintendent, said it was a robbery attack. According to him, “The robbers came and demanded for some items from the man. They collected some items and thereafter shot him dead.” The police, he added, are already investigating the matter. A neighbour who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said Adam was killed by a gang of seven assassins who came in a tricycle. He said the man who pulled the trigger of the gun wore a mask. Corroborating the neighbour, a family source said: “He went to the mosque for the Maghrib prayer and thereafter broke his fast. “He then visited the washroom to ease himself only to see the group of seven men with his family on his return to the sitting room. One of the men wore a mask. It was the masked man that shot Ustaz after ordering the family to leave. “They came in Keke NAPEP and zoomed off thereafter without taking away anything.” The publisher of the newspaper, Senator Mukhtar Ahmed Aruwa, described his late GM as a complete gentleman who will be missed. On whether it was a case of armed robbery or assassination, he said, “It cannot be a case of armed robbery; they did not take anything from his house, they only took away phones.” The deceased has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

•L-R: Country Director, International Republic Institute (IRI), Robina Namusisi; Guest Speaker, Craig Smith; INEC Chairman, Prof Attaihiru Jega, President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) Mrs Bumi Oke; Vice-President, (AAAN) Kelechi Nwosu and Chairman, APGA, at the International Seminar on Political Advertising, Perception Building and Voter Education held in Abuja on Friday.

APC alerts supporters in Osun over ‘Omo Ilu’ form

LL Progressives Congress (APC) has warned its supporters in Osun State against signing up the “Omo Ilu” form allegedly being circulated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the state with the inducement of N5, 000 and N10, 000 respectively. The party further accused the PDP for asking prospective voters in the State to swear to an oath of perpetual allegiance to the PDP for a reward of between five and N10, 000 naira after filling the form in which the voter indicates the VIN number of his or her voter’s card and a passport photograph. According to the APC, which made the allegation in a statement issued yesterday, the collecting of prospective voters’ VIN number is to eliminate the voter’s data from the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) thereby disenfranchising thousands of voters on Election Day. This exercise, the APC further alleged, is targeted at APC supporters across the State. The statement added that the cash inducement on offer by the PDP includes a promise of job for the prospective voter who sign up to the ‘Omo Ilu’ form and take the enslavement oath. The APC warned, “Don’t be deceived; anybody who is offering you money and extracting an oath from you to be his slave forever is an agent of evil. Such a person and political party do not mean well for you and can never mean well for the State of Osun.”

Boko Haram: More troops deployed in Chibok, frontline areas in Borno

ORE troops have been deployed in Chibok and other parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states following the recent spate of terrorism by Boko Haram members. The troops, deployment is aimed at ensuring safety of lives and property, especially in the hinterland. The Kibaku Area Development Association had alleged penultimate Friday that 19 villages had been attacked leaving 229 people dead and over 100 injured since the abduction of 223 girls from the Government Secondary School in Chibok on April

HE 11-month-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) is over, at least for now. The union suspended the strike yesterday for three months to enable the federal government address the issues that led to the strike. ASUP National President, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha, told The Nation on phone that the ýunion took the action to give the new Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, who took office on Wednesday the benefit of the doubt. “We met with the Minister on Thursday and he pleaded with us to give him

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The association said in 90 per cent of cases there had been advance notice of the attacks. But a top military source, who spoke in confidence, said the military and security agencies had marked the vulnerable villages in the frontline areas Apart from attacks on villages, the insurgents have been ambushing troops. The source said the marking led to the deployment of more troops to the affected areas. The source said: “More soldiers have been drawn

from all divisions nationwide and deployed in the Frontline Areas in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. “We are trying to beef up security in all vulnerable villages so that people can live peacefully and go about their normal activities. “Some of these villages are around Chibok, the insurgents’ transit routes in Adamawa, and flashpoints in Yobe. This latest security measure is without prejudice to the existing structure designed to protect the states under Emergency Rule.” Responding to a question, the source added: “The

deployment of additional troops was not as a result of the emerging ambush of the troops. “We felt there was need to send more soldiers to some areas to curtail the incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians in these villages.” Another source attributed the deployment to the ongoing preparations for ‘battle against the insurgents who are mostly holed up in Sambisa Forest. The source said: “We have said it that the troops have what is required to take the battle to the insurgents in Sambisa Forest. We are en-

ASUP suspends strike for three months By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie/ Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

time to address the issues and we have agreed to do so,” he said. The lecturers are expected to resume work on Tuesday. Shekarau hailed the ASUP leadership for its “commitment to the cause of education in general and in particular, the wellbeing of our polytechnics which I always refer to as the engine room of our technological growth and development.” The country, he said, “cannot afford to ignore the polytechnics…we cannot

grow without the manpower being produced by the polytechnics,” and added: “I am happy you noted that I am just coming in; and I will need a little more time to study the issues on ground and see how much we can get out of all the issues you raised. The issues you have raised as far as I am concerned are not totally insurmountable. They are issues that will lead to dialogue, understanding with the spirit of give and take.” Previous talks between the union and the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, were deadlocked owing

to what ASUP described as a “deliberate failure” by the government to address its 13 demands. These include: an end to the discrimination against polytechnic graduates in the Public Service and in the labour market; release of the White Paper on the Visitations to Federal Polytechnics; implementation of CONTISS 15 migration for the lower cadres and its arrears as from 2009; establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission (NPC) as a regulatory body for Polytechnics. Others are: review of the

couraged by the huge success recorded along the fringes of the Forest. “With the recent raid of Balmo Forest in Bauchi, which is one of the fringe bases of the sect, the invasion of Sambisa Forest is a matter of time. “The military has been careful in launching outright war against the insurgents in order to liberate the 223 girls with minimal impact.” When contacted, the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, simply said: “We will continue any reorganisation that will enhance the mission.” Polytechnic Act, improved funding of the polytechnic subsector and equitable disbursements of TETfund grants among universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The strike started in April 2013 and was first suspended on July 17, 2013 following the intervention of the Senate Committee on Education only to resume October 4, 2013 when the union was dissatisfied with ýthe slow pace of the implementation. Meanwhile, the national leadership of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) is to meet with Shekarau on Thursdayý to discuss their strike, which is over nine months.

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

Nigeria, U.S. vow increased action against Boko Haram

IGERIA and the United States of America are seeking effective action against terrorism in the country in the face of increasing activities of insurgents. Senate President David Mark and the America Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, at a meeting in Abuja, were unhappy at the high number of lives lost to terrorist attacks in the country. The situation, according to them, has also adversely affected the nation’s economy. Mark, described Boko Haram as not only a threat to Nigeria but a massive danger to human existence, more so in view of its network outside the country.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

He said that while the security agencies are doing their utmost to bring the situation under control, they would welcome support and assistance from the international community. “The United States of America is a strategic ally to us (Nigeria). We count on your support and military assistance always, especially in this battle against the terrorists,” Mark told the Ambassador. Entwistle pledged the continued support and assistance of his country but cautioned the security agencies to be mindful of human rights in the war against terrorists in order not to cause more damage to the people they are out to protect.

Boko Haram attacks military post in Cameroon

USPECTED Boko Haram members attacked a military post in northern Cameroon, state broadcaster CRTV reported Friday. Dozens of heavily armed militants opened machine gunfire at soldiers in the town of Bonderi, in Cameroon’s Far North region, about five kilometres from the border with Nigeria. In a 30-minute exchange of gunfire, a Cameroonian soldier was wounded. Pools of blood indicated that some of the insurgents

had been hit by bullets as well, but no bodies were left behind when they fled back into Nigeria, according to the report. The attack is the second in the region this week. On Tuesday, Boko Haram attacked and looted a gendarmerie post in the town of Zina, also in Far North region, stealing vehicles, guns and ammunition. President Paul Biya in May declared war on Boko Haram after the Islamists started to frequently infiltrate into Cameroon.

Suicide bombers target Abuja motor parks - Police A FRESH plot is in the making by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, to terrorise Abuja by way of massive bombing, the police alleged yesterday. The main tools in the planned operation are suicide bombers and devices concealed in luggage at major bus stations, the police said. Abuja has been repeatedly targeted by terrorists with three deadly bombings since the April 14 Nyanya bus park attack that killed at least 75 people. There have been two other deadly attacks in Abuja since then, including one in the up market shopping district of Wuse II. The authorities say they are monitoring the planned operation although they want residents to be vigilant. The force headquarters Public Relations Oficer, Mr. Frank Mba, citing ‘credible intelligence’ said “terrorists have perfected a plot to carry out attacks on the Abuja transport sector ... intended to cause panic amongst Abuja residents and visitors.”

In the statement entitled “Police uncover plans to attack Abuja transport service, IGP orders intensive surveillance,” Mba said the planned attacks are to “be perpetrated through suicide bombings, or through the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) concealed in luggage, bags, cans, and other receptacles.” Consequently, the Police High Command directed the FCT Commissioner of Police in particular and other CPs in adjoining states to beef-up security at major parks around Abuja and its environs. The public, particularly those within and outside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, were asked to “be roundly vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, movements or activities to the Security Forces without delay.” It also enjoined citizens “not to panic as the security forces are working round the

clock to neutralise and effectively deal with the threat.” It added: “As part of additional efforts at forestalling the attacks and strengthening security around the transport sector, the Police High Command has called on the management of motor-parks to ensure that travellers and workers’ safety comes first. “It charges them to constantly conduct regular and routine scanning of their environments while insisting on carrying out a thorough search on passengers and their bags as well as vehicles entering and leaving their parks. “It also advises that such searches must have the active participation of the passengers involved and warns that any item or luggage unaccompanied by any passenger must be rejected outright and should not be allowed into the vehicle. Passengers are also enjoined to be on the lookout for any passenger, who might

come in with luggage but will attempt to disembark without such luggage. “While operators of motor parks are strongly advised to discourage overnight parking of vehicles at motor parks, particularly by unknown persons, the Police authorities further advise motor park workers to reduce congestion at the parks by disallowing the indiscriminate parking of private cars, tricycles and motorcycles at the precincts of motor parks. “In addition the Police High Command advises that the general public in other places outside the motor parks should also monitor their environments as the terrorists may likely shift attention having known that their plots have been uncovered. “Meanwhile, the Police can be reached on the following hot lines: FCT Police Control Room - 07057337653, Force Intelligence Bureau Operations Room 08139379245, 08075650624 and National Emergency Line -112.”

Ararume: No ill-feeling against Obasanjo over 2007 Imo guber ticket •Asks PDP to ensure level-playing field to make inroads in 2015

MEMBER of the PDP in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, yesterday revisited his 2007 aborted governorship ambition and said he bears no grudges against ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for denying him the ticket even after winning the primaries. But he wants the party to ensure a level-playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2015 elections. If the primaries are free and fair, there will be less crises in the party, he told reporters in Abuja. Ararume said he will vie for the governorship ticket of PDP again in the coming primaries. He said: “I had my primaries; the first was cancelled, the second I won. If the party wanted to stop me, it should not have got to the point of primaries. “I won the governorship primaries and I was asked to come and go back to the Senate and I said no. It wasn’t my party that denied me the ticket. The party submitted my name to INEC but somebody who got three votes, one Ugwu, was asked to take my place. “The then President (Obasanjo) felt I challenged him. I did not challenge him. What would I have told my children? That I won prima-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

ries but I was denied the ticket? I said if you have anything against me that could stop me, I said bring it. “That is history; I do not hold it against anybody. Whoever played any role against me at that time, I have moved forward; I have forgotten all that. “I have had occasions of seeing our former president. On one occasion, I saw him in the church when our leader, Chief Tony Anenih, celebrated his 80th birthday. As we were walking out of the church, he was behind me. I turned back and I greeted him. He is our former president; he deserves all respect and honour. I am sure if he is given another opportunity, he is going to do things differently.” Ararume said he would take a fresh shot at the governorship race again. He advised the party to place premium on free and fair primaries to maintain what he described as the party’s “leading position.” He added: “I believe the president has promised us, when he came to Imo State, that the party under him and the new National Chairman, Adamu Muazu, will be fair to all its members.”

• From L-R: Deputy Governor Osun State, Titi Laoye-Tomori, the new couple Mr. and Mrs Segun Aina, and the father of the groom, Prof. Olu Aina, during the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Motunrayo Ajadi and Segun at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Lekki Phase 1, Lagos yesterday. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

New number plate: FRSC has legal powers, court rules

NAMBRA High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State has declared that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has legal powers to make regulations in respect of design and production of the new vehicle number plate, driver’s licence and registration of vehicles. Justice Peter Umeadi, ruling in a suit filed by one Chief Ajefo Ekwo challenging the constitutional powers of the Commission to enforce compliance by motorists with its directive on the re-registration of motor vehicles previously registered, by obtaining and replacing same with the new vehicle number plates, also declared that the FRSC’s is constitutionally empowered to arrest and prosecute persons suspected to have committed any traffic offence. The court also said the commission has the power to impound any vehicle by which an offence under the FRSC Act of 2007 is reasonably suspected to have been committed. The judge said, “I see that the six issues for determination distilled by the respondent (FRSC) flow from the eight reliefs of the applicant (Chief

Ajefo Ekwo). The relief number one tend to suggest that it was the respondent who came up with the idea to register vehicles by obtaining and replacing the old number plates with new number plates.” On the relief sought by the plaintiff, the court said: “The powers for such a directive emanated from the National Road Traffic Regulation (NRTR) 2012. Section 36 of the regulations of 2012 stipulate as follows; ‘All private and commercial vehicles shall from the commencement of these Regulations have in them Vehicle Identification Number Plates which shall (a) be carried by the motor vehicle on two plates which shall conform to the requirements of these Regulations and (b) the number plates shall be fixed (i) in such a manner that each is not easily detachable and (ii) in an upright position or within 15 degrees of such position.’ It added: “the Regulations of 2012 commenced on 13 August 2012 and was made by the Federal Road Safety Commission pursuant to Section 5 of the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007. The second part of the Section 39(9) of the Regulations

(NRTR) of 2012 made it an offence for any vehicle not to have the said identification number plate.” It also said that the FRSC’s directive flows from Sections 36 and 39 (1)to (II) especially 39 (90)of the NRTR, and held that the directive to all motorists previously registered to re-register their vehicles for the purpose of changing their old vehicle number plates with new vehicle number plates is legal, constitutional and stand firmly on both the Act of 2007 and the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012. Justice Umeadi said that the FRSC is authorised to “interfere, intervene and give directives regarding regulations made by the States and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja” on highway regulations and dismissed the suit for lack of merit. The court held that the registration of the old vehicle number plates was not discontinued by the FRSC but by the force of the law as encapsulated in the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 and directed any person wishing to challenge this discontinuance to seek a repeal or amendment of the NRTR and not to attack the

Federal Road Safety Commission. In a related development, the Okogba division of the Benue State High Court has dismissed a suit filed by one Godwin Ndubisi in which he alleged that the impoundment of his car by FRSC operatives for violating traffic rules and regulations, was an infringement on his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by Section 44(1) of the 1999 constitution. Delivering judgment in favour of the FRSC, Justice David Igoh said that Section 10(4) and (5) of the FRSC Act, 2007 empowers the Corps to arrest persons reasonably suspected to have committed any traffic offence, detain the vehicle, prosecute the offender and even apply to the high court for order of forfeiture of the vehicle within six months from the date of detention. Justice Igoh also stated that if the Corps is vested with the powers of arrest, it necessarily follows that the right to detain is implicit and therefore held that the applicant did not establish that his fundamental human rights were breached or violated by the Federal Road Safety Corps.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

NEWS

NA urged to pass Bio-safety bill

Nigeria lacks capacity to tackle marine pollution

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

IGERIA lacks the capacity to handle marine population, the federal government has declared. The government, however, admitted that marine pollution was not common to Nigeria alone, adding that super powers are also battling the same challenge. The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, made this revelation in Abuja while receiving a letter of approval for Nigeria to host the Regional Coordinating Centre to combat marine pollution in West, Central and Southern Africa. The letter was delivered to the minister by the Executive Secretary, Abidjan Convention, Mr. Abou Bamba, during a courtesy visit at the ministry’s headquarters. According to her, Nigeria lacks the capabilities, technology and manpower to handle the challenges posed by marine pollution. She said: “Yes, we have this problem, but it is not only Nigeria that is battling with this problem. But we are doing our best. The citing of the marine pollution headquarters here will give us the advantage. “We do not have the technology and capability to handle these problems. With others coming in, it will be a combined effort and we will be able to do it well. So, we are happy to have it here. And I know that with others with us, we shall succeed.” The minister assured the convention of the support of the federal government in fighting marine pollution. Earlier, Bamba, said that the hosting of the headquarters in Nigeria was another step in tackling marine pollution in the region. According to him, this will also speed up the clean-up of Ogoni land, adding that the Abidjan convention would provide adequate logistics to make the Nigerian centre functional and successful.

Niger Delta minister solicits support of stakeholders From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

HE new Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Stephen Oru, has solicited the support of all stakeholders in the bid to maintain peace in the oil-rich region. He also charged workers to put in their best so as to achieve the ministry’s mandate of developing the region. Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the ministry on Friday, Oru solicited the cooperation of all the staff in the efforts towards sustaining peace and development in the Niger Delta. Until his appointment, Oru was the National Vice Chairman (South South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He noted that the peace of the region is paramount as it will also translate to the growth and development of the nation. He said: “Let us work for the best as the ministry is all about looking after the welfare of the people of Niger Delta.” He therefore asked for the cooperation of all the workers in the ministry in order to achieve its core mandate.

•Senator George Akume addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Buruku, Benue State...yesterday

NDIC clarifies position on liquidation of insurance firms T HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has denied media reports that the corporation was seeking powers to liquidate insurance companies and (or) terminate the insurance firms’ licences. A statement from the NDIC, which was signed by Hadi S. Birchi, Head, Communication and Public Affairs, said the erroneous publications were sequel to the public hearing held on Tuesday, 8th July, 2014 by the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency. Birchi noted that “as a deposit insurer and liquidator of insured deposit taking finan-

By Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

cial institutions, the liquidation of insurance companies does not fall under the purview of the corporation.” The amendments bill which is before the National Assembly, Birchi explained, “does not seek for powers to liquidate insurance companies or terminate the insurance firm’s licenses.” Emerging challenges after the series of banking crises, as well as the experience garnered in the operation of deposit insurance in Nigeria in the past 25 years, the NDIC said “have necessitated the need for a fur-

ther review of the 2006 Act in order to empower the Corporation to address the emerging challenges. The proposed amendments are therefore to enable the corporation discharge its mandates effectively and efficiently.” Accordingly, some of the amendments and or new provisions being proposed are prompt payment of insured deposits following failure of an insured institution by reducing time of reimbursement (payment to depositors) from 90 days to 60 days; powers to deal with parties at fault i.e. Directors and officers who caused the failure of an insured institution. Others include the power

to reimburse insured depositors notwithstanding pending court suits; prevention of execution of judgment against the assets of the corporation (as body corporate) for a liability of a failed insured institution and limitation of court orders aimed at preventing the corporation from carrying out its statutory functions of deposit protection. NDIC, the statement added is also asking for amendments to enhancing corporate governance practices in the corporation; increase funding for the corporation to be able to carry out its core mandate of depositor protection; and to enhance its debt recovery efforts.

FG loses N376.6b to vandalism in 6 years

HE federal government said it lost over N376.6 billion in six years (2008 - 2013) to vandalism of oil and gas pipelines by crude and product thieves. The Managing Director, Products and Pipeline Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Prince Haruna Momoh, disclosed this during a capacity building workshop for media practitioners in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. Momoh, who was represented by the company’s Executive Director, Commercial, Mr. Frank Amego, said that incidents on the company’s pipelines caused by vandals

•Targets 6250MW generation From Emeka Ugwanyi and John Ofikhenua, Uyo

rose from over 400 in 1999 to 3571 by end of 2013, while adding that the activities of vandals has been very difficult to stem. In his analysis of the implication of the revenue losses, the Group Coordinator, Corporate Planning and Strategy of NNPC, Dr. Timothy Okon, described the act as economic sabotage, adding that the amount would have been enough for annual budget allocations for Akwa Ibom and Borno States.

The cost of securing and maintaining the pipelines, he noted, has no budgetary allocation but unknown to so many Nigerians, NNPC incurs the expenses. “We are required to provide services but there are no provisions or mechanism for the cost we incur to be addressed,” he said. While urging the saboteurs to desist from their act, Okon stressed such incidents does not augur well for a country that aspires to be among the 20 largest economies of the world by 2020. He said: “If you vandalise gas pipeline, it is not as if you

can just put a jerry can and take it, so vandalisation of gas pipeline is pure sabotage.” The Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, NNPC, Dr David Ige, who was represented by the Manager, Trans Nigeria Gas Pipeline, Engr. Alfred Amadi, in his presentation, disagreed with the claim of the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, that low price is responsible for the shortage of gas to power. Ige said that it takes an average of five years to complete a 100-kilometre pipeline project, adding that meeting the pipeline infrastructure need may not be achieved in the short term.

Museum workers lay siege over salary structure, victimisation

ORKERS of the National Commission for Museum and Monument (NCMM) on Friday laid siege to the office located in Wuse in Abuja, over alleged victimisation by the management, lack of implementation of the required salary structures for workers and non-payment of arrears. The workers under the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Service Employees (AUPCTRE) further accused the management of NCMM for allegedly refusing to implement the CONRAISS salary structure. The workers, who have been on strike for the past two months, also accused the management of refusing to pay their arrears and alleged

From Grace Obike, Abuja

victimisation of union members, which led to the suspension of their Secretary, AUPCTRE, NCMM chapter, Comrade Adogah Abdullahi, three months ago. Head of Department, Industrial Relations of AUPCTRE, Comrade Ayeoribe Akin, threatened that if the management refuses to bow to their demands, the picketing of the office will continue picketing indefinitely. He said: “Sometime in 2010, we wrote to the management that this institution is a research institution and the workers should be paid CONRAISS. It was a tug of war and they eventually agreed and we took it to the ministry, which agreed. But unfortunately after the ministry sub-

mitted our report to the Wages and Salaries Commission, up till now, our management has not shown any readiness to comply. “Other allowances are also pending. We have reminded them several times but as much as we are demanding, they are denying us. Last year, we embarked on a strike which lasted for some time until the intervention of the National Assembly. But rather than address these issues, they have gone ahead to suspend the Secretary of NCMM. This victimisation must stop! The management of NCMM has, however, denied some of the allegations. Its Director of Administration and Supply, Barrister Emeka Onuagbu, said Adoga was suspended because he breached the public service rules, in ad-

dition to committing other infractions. He added, “To the best of the management’s knowledge, we have about three or four issues raised by the union and we have virtually met all the conditions. On the issue of CONRAISS, they have been part of this CONRAISS policy with the Salaries and Wages Commission. “We met with the Minister of Culture and Tourism and a committee was set up to get the CONRAISS for the commission and at the end of the day, a report was written by the committee comprising the management of the commission, ministry and the union and submitted to the ministry and thereafter to the Salaries and Wages Commission and since then we have been following the development.”

HE National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has called on the National Assembly to expedite work on the Biosafety Bill that is pending before it. The Director General of the agency, Prof. Lucy Ogbadu, who spoke in Abuja, said the passage of the bill will ensure the adoption of biotechnology in Nigeria, in addition to making the country adapt technology to key areas of national development, especially agriculture and allied sectors. Ogbadu maintained that some saboteurs had been feeding false information to the public to frustrate the efforts being put in place to introduce Genetically Modified Foods in the country, adding that this is all part of efforts to make Africa remain backward. While admitting that biotechnology cannot solve all problems being faced by the country, Ogbadu however explained that Nigeria must adopt the use biotechnology in order to create wealth and eradicate poverty in the country. “We are not saying it (biotechnology) can solve all our problems, but it can contribute immensely to agricultural productivity, affordable health care delivery services, sustainable environment and industrial growth,” she clarified. Citing the examples of other countries that have been using technological tools, especially biotechnology to fast track their national developmental programmes, the seasoned scientist pointed out that the Bill held much promise for Nigeria in its efforts to improve agricultural productivity and quality of crop yields and foreign exchange earning potentials.

Chibok girls: Don’t be intimidated, Dabiri-Erewa tells activists By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

EMBER of House of Representatives, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged the advocates of Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign not to be intimidated into forsaking their mission to pressure the federal government until the over 200 girls abducted by Boko Haram on April 14 are rescued. She said this at the Speech and Graduation programme of King’s College, Lagos where she was guest speaker. The lawmaker said it is important Nigerians speak out on the matter until results are achieved. “People behind the ‘Bring Back Our Girl’s campaign should not be intimidated. They should not succumb to blackmail. No matter what is said about their campaign, we must support them. Without this motivation, may be those girls would just end up away. “The girls ought to be graduating now but they cannot. I don’t want to imagine what must have happened to them,” she said. Responding to the speech of the school’s principal, Otunba Dele Olapeju, in which he said only N3.9million of the N75.6 million appropriated to the college by the federal government for 2014 has so far been released, Dabiri-Erewa lamented that the federal government is toying with education. “We have appropriated the money. What is the problem? Where is the money going to? Why is it not being released?” she asked.

Alaafin stresses power, efficacy of photography From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has said photography possesses the power that reinforces personal integrity in good and bad times, part of which is the ability to catch these moments and preserve them for eternity. Speaking while receiving the executive committee of the National Association of Photo Journalists, Oyo State chapter, in his palace, the traditional ruler noted that the preservation of the environment is not possible without the aid of photography. The physical environment of each and every nation, the paramount ruler explained, is undergoing destruction and reconstruction, adding that whatever may be the motives behind such, the fact remains that things are never the same from one moment to the next. ‘’Visionary efforts to preserve the country’s wild and scenic areas both in films and photographs were said to have helped to save Americans for future Americans. By contrast, a country like Nigeria is losing a lot of information about her natural resources, because her people have failed to preserve such information. The benefits are therefore lost to the present and future generations.’’ Recalling that the media industry has improved its credibility since the advent of photography about 150 years ago, Oba Adeyemi pointed out that “even then, photography reveals the dramatic image of instant history as it gives the technical details which words and painting fail to capture. It retains the profound emotion and keeps it real for posterity.”

Akabueze, others for IGNITE youth summit By Adeola Ogunlade

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

NEWS

HE Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ben Akabueze; the National Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Belemina Obunge; International Sexuality Education strategist, Praise Fowowe, have been billed to grace the annual IGNITE youth summit of the RCCG, Lagos Region 1, holding on the 18th to 19th of this month at the Indoor Sport Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos. The Special Adviser to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Odesola, made this known at a press briefing held at the Redemption Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The summit, he disclosed, will bring together thousands of youth from across Nigeria and feature career talk, empowerment programme, marriage relationship and sex, display of talent show, counselling for those who might have challenges in one area of their lives and other side attractions.

We’ll shut Chevron operation in Ilaje, Ondo communities threaten

ECURITY operatives in Ondo State have been placed on alert over the ultimatum given by the host oil communities to Chevron Nigeria Limited. The communities had written separate letters to the oil giant and the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, through Ilaje Ugbo coastal Communities Development Committee (IUCCDC) dated

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

June 30 and July 7. They gave the company an 11-day ultimatum to pay their outstanding benefits or vacate the land. In the letters signed by the Chairman of Council of Baales, Ugbo land, Chief Oyetomi Andrew; the secretary, Chief Asunmaga Abayomi; youth leader, Nana Adedeji and Chairman, Ilaje

Patriots, Comrade Aganyebi Kosieda, they threatened to shut down the operation of the company in the region at the expiration of the ultimatum if their demands are not met. The communities called on Mimiko to intervene in the matter in order to prevent crisis. They decried what they described as the “unholy alliance” of some officials of the

state government with Chevron, which they noted was detrimental to their agitation. IUCCDC urged Chevron to commence the immediate payment of three years scholarship for their indigenes as stipulated in their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and relate appropriately with authorised association that represents the interest of the oil communities in the state.

•L-R: Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Godknows Igali; Chairman, Bresson As Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo and Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Energy, Mr. Taiwo Fagbemi during the ground breaking ceremony of Magboro 90MW at the weekend. PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL.

Use sociological approach to tackle Boko Haram, NASA boss urges FG

HE National President of Nigeria Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association (NASA), Prof. Ifeanyi Onyeonoru, has urged the federal government to adopt sociological approach towards resolving the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Onyeonoru made this appeal while addressing journalists alongside the Head of Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayodele Jegede, among others, to herald the 50th anniversary of the department.

He lamented that it is unfortunate that government does not recognise the importance of sociologists to solve problems confronting the country unlike other disciplines, adding that the insurgency in the nation needs to be tackled holistically. According to him, NASA

is in the process of producing a document on security and societies, which, he hopes, will go a long way to address the insecurity situation in the country. The NASA boss stated that no society can be stable without social, economic and general justice.

Aturu, hero of Nigerian masses-Mimiko

NDO State governor, Dr. Oluesegun Mimiko, has described the late human rights activist and lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, as a patriot per excellence and a hero of the Nigerian masses. Mimiko, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Akinsola, said the late human rights lawyer showed from his student days in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo and all through his short but meaningful career in law that he looked beyond the ordi-

nary in all things he stood for in his lifetime. The governor said Aturu as a students’ leader, lawyer and rights crusader saw nothing as too much to sacrifice for the good of the country. “Aturu was a man who acted on his conviction and

fought for what he thought was right. He was forthright, consistent and mentally sound, which explains his robust grasp of the challenges facing our country. He was a worthy citizen of Ondo State and a bequest to the nation,” Mimiko said.

Lagos HOMS for all segments-Fashola

AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has disclosed that the State Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) was designed to accommodate all segments of the society. The governor who spoke in an interactive session with varied members of the society at the event to mark his 2600 days in office, added that the programme was for everybody irrespective of whether the person was self employed or in paid employment. “It is for everybody. Whether you are self employed, in your own business or you are in paid employment, in government or in a private company, once you are a resident of Lagos and you hold our

LASRRA (Lagos State Residents Registration Agency) card, you are entitled. Whether you are a mechanic, a car dealer, whether you are a market woman, whether you are working in abattoir, you are entitled to Lagos HOMS, if your income can match the house that you have applied for,” he said. He explained that what the administration discovered was that people in paid employment had applied more for the scheme, adding that government suspected that those in the informal sector thought that they could not benefit. This development, he said, necessitated his calling a meeting with people in the informal sector in order to explain

to them that they can also apply for the homes. Fashola also explained that against the backdrop of the deficit of housing, the number of beneficiaries would increase over time. “In addition, we expect everybody ultimately to benefit, but not everybody can benefit in the beginning. The reason is that we have a deficit of housing, so we will catch it slowly and if you were here at my meeting, I used one example of our mobile telephone. When it started, not everybody bought it. The housing scheme is just five months old, but some people are benefitting already, let us continue the journey,” he stressed. Responding to a question on

why the youth should be more engaged with the environment, the governor said there is the need to manage all the parks and gardens being constructed by the state government. In this regard, the governor disclosed that he has directed the Lagos State Parks and Gardens to engage the youth on how they could be useful at the gardens. Some of the youths who asked questions were immediately connected with the relevant agencies to further address their requests for job opportunities. Speaking on the network of roads in Ikorodu, the governor said at the last count, over 17 roads are still ongoing in Ikorodu.

‘Why Ondo Poly students protested hike in school fees’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo in Ondo State has faulted the claim of the institution’s management that the recent protest of students over hike in their schools fees was carried out by non-students. Insisting that the peaceful protest was organised by newly matriculated students, the SUG in a statement issued by its President, Akinomotomiwa Ayipada, and Secretary, Olarewaju Owadasa respectively, also denied the report that the students vandalised some properties belonging to the institution. The students added that they were aggrieved on the manner the management was handling the issues of school fees payment despite the huge amount being paid by the students. The statement reads in part: “At the inception of the 2012/13 academic session, the management increased tuition fee for ND students from between N17, 000 to N24, 000 to between N43, 800 to N63, 500, while that of HND was increased from between N29,000 to N38, 000 to N58,500 to N75, 800 respectively. “It should be noted that the school management never consulted the students, as there was no students’ union government in place as at then. Irrespective of this fact, the students agreed to pay the fixed prices in order to have a peaceful and uninterrupted academic calendar. “After the inauguration of the 2013/14 academic session S.U.G executives, the leadership of the union liaised with the management to give room for instalmental payments, as many students were unable to pay up at once, due to the level of economic hardship in the country. But rather than assent to our request, the management went ahead to enforce a “No Payment No Entry” option at the school gate which was later reversed to avert a protest by the students as at then.

Ondo LP members defect to PDP From Damisi Ojo, Akure

VER 1,000 members of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ose local government area of Ondo State at the weekend defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The defectors mostly from Ute ward 12 were led by a foundation member of the LP in the area and former Special Assistant (SA) to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Mr. Ojo Osuma. Osuma, who is an House of Assembly aspirant, accused the leadership of LP in the state of being autocratic and selfish. He disclosed that immediately he made his intention known to contest for the House of Assembly next year, some leaders of the party allegedly told him that the slot had already been filled. He added, “We are no more comfortable with how the ruling party is being administered particularly in Ose local government, because any meeting without the approval of one of the party leaders, Adetokunbo Modupe, a close ally of the governor is null and void.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

•Crude oil and gas mixture

•Crude oil boiling...see on the left corner the fresh mud

•Samuel Oburo...Kalaba youth president at the spill site

•The spill point...boiling

•This is the spill point

•Trying to collect some sample for ERA

LL is not well with the environment around the Kalaba community, Okordia clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The area has been polluted by crude oil which spewed from a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). A report by the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) and Friends of the Earth Nigeria (FoEN) showed that the massive oil spillage occurred on July 2. ERA/FoEN’s representatives in the state, Mr. Alagoa Morris and Akpotu Ziworitin, on Field Report 360, lamented the high level of devastation caused by the spill. The initial report was that it was a gas leakage, this later turned out to be crude oil spill. Describing the magnitude and effects of the leak, the report said: “As the crude oil bubbles with fury sounding like a boiling pot, gas could also be seen rising up into the atmosphere from the spill point. “The leaves around were oily and some already wilting; an indication that the spill initially sprayed crude oil high into the air. Heaps of fresh mud could be seen within the immediate vicinity of the spill point which indicated that some kind of digging took place there.” The Youth President of the community, Mr. Samuel Oburo, is particularly angry at the spill impact on the environment. He said community folks first reported the incident to him on July 4 when he returned from a trip. He said his team carried out an investigation and discovered that the spillage emanated from a pipeline belonging to Agip. “I informed some known environmental groups like ERA working with us, that there is a fresh

Bayelsa community ravaged by oil spill Mike Odiegwu in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State reports on the oil spill in Kalabari oil spill. I later reached out to one Clinton of Agip who used to come for Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to also let the company know about the spill. “I urged him to formally pass the information to Agip for immediate action, for JIV and clamping of the spill point. As you can see the crude oil is spewing and spreading in the environment and it is sad that such should continue to occur in this environment,” he said. He denied knowledge of the cause of the spill saying it could only be determined after the JIV. “Although the cause of this spill is not known, I want to urge that the company take steps to ensure the integrity of its facility to avoid spills that may be as a result of integrity issues,” he warned. Also, the paramount ruler of the community, Chief Roman Orukali, decried the negative impacts of oil spill on the environment. He further regretted that the recurrence of oil spills in the community has impoverished the people of the area by denying them their means of livelihood.

He said: “We are all aware of the negative impacts of oil spills on the environment and on our livelihood. And, when such spill points are allowed to continue for more than necessary they cause greater damage. “Even though I do not know the cause of the current spill, let me use this medium to urge Agip to quickly respond to the spill by coming to site for clamping and eventual cleanup and remediation of the impacted sites. Let them do it in time to help the environment.” Clean up ERA demanded that Agip should urgently mobilise to site to stop the spill and take extra steps to clean up the impacted environment. It advised Agip to ensure more security presence along the pipeline right-of-way to protect of the facility. For proper policing of the pipelines, ERA asked the oil firm to engage and regularly pay community folks to enable them carry out pipeline surveillance. ERA also implored regulatory agencies such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response

Agency (NOSDRA), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Ministry of Environment, among others to mandate Agip to do the right things. It urged the media, human rights and environmental groups to assist in finding solutions to the lingering issue of incessant oil spills within the community environment. But it was, however, learnt that the JIV for the latest incident had been conducted. The report was said to have attributed the cause of the spill to sabotage. NOSDRA and the Ministry of Environment were said to be part of the JIV team. However, the environmental rights group was particularly concerned about the incessant oil spill at the Ijaw-speaking Kalaba community. It said it was unfortunate that the community had become synonymous with oil spills in recent times. “We have recorded twelve spills in one year in the same community. The spills often occur along one or more of the oil and gas-bearing pipelines traversing the community

environment and owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company [NAOC]. “While some of the Joint Investigation Visit [JIV] reports have shown cause of spill as equipment failure, few have been observed by ERA/FoEN as caused by third party action. Yet again, a good number of the spills whose JIV report could not be accessed were also attributed to third party interference. It recalled that community leaders in Kalaba had consistently harped on the need for community persons not to involve in the negative act of sabotage. The leaders observed that the community was being placed in the world map for the wrong reasons. They also lamented that environmental pollution through oil spillage adversely affected the health and livelihood of the community. But ERA observed: “The root causes of third party interference seemed to be lingering; yet to be addressed or arrested to put a full stop to such spills occasioned by human factors. No matter the cause of spillage; the impacts on the environment, livelihood and health of the people remain the same, negative. “There is a need to salvage the environment by maintaining and engaging in environmentally-friendly and sustainable standards. In this regard it is important that communities effectively engage themselves and explore ways of ensuring that they do not encourage self-inflicted environmental-related injuries. “Resorting to sabotage is one such self-inflicted injury because the environmental impacts of oil spills are grave and the environment is our life. If the environment is sick, definitely there is no way anything around it will be healthy.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

10 NEWS REVIEW

ROTIMI AMAECHI 2015 will be referendum on Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, like most second term governors is on the last lap ahead handing over to a successor in 2015. That run-in promises to be turbulent and exihilirating given his political battles on several fronts. But despite the formidable nature of foes confronting him, he is confident that he can realise his policy and development targets in the time left, and, along with his colleagues, lead his party - the All Progressives Congresses (APC) to capture power at the centre and retain his power base in Rivers State. He spoke with Festus Eriye and Taiwo Ogundipe.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

NEWS REVIEW 11

‘

The soldiers were escorting PDP members to distribute rice, wrappers (cloth) and money on the day of election. Was that free and fair? Nigerians must rise against another state of dictatorship in the name of diarchy because there is no difference between what Abacha did and what is currently being done. Your newspapers were impounded and you people didn't do anything.

‘

•TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

Ropo Sekoni

Page 14

Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

Ajibola Ogunshola at 70 tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

The actuary who brought The Punch ‘back from the dead’ joins the septuagenarian club tomorrow

F any diviner had told Chief Ajibola Ogunshola that he would end up renowned as a publisher rather than an actuary that he set out to be, he would have told the diviner to go consult his oracle again. But that, interestingly, is the story of the man who literally squeezed bread out of stone, by the way he turned around the fortunes of The Punch, a once popular tabloid that had gone comatose as at the time Ogunshola took over as Chairman of Punch Nigeria Ltd in February 1987. He held the position until his retirement in April, 2011, a period of over 24 glorious years. Ogunshola joins the septuagenarian club tomorrow. Many people had thought that money was Punch’s main problem before the advent of Ogunshola. But he felt otherwise. Indeed, he said from the outset that he had no money to pump into the business. That was obvious, though. So, the idea of throwing money at problems did not arise. But Ogunshola diagnosed the problem correctly. The company had all that it required to reverse its fortunes. It had dedicated members of staff, a good press and the The Punch logo which he described as ‘saleable’ then. Something that has endeared Ogunshola to me was his promise when he became chairman, that he would make Punch “one of the highest, if not the highest paying newspapers (salary wise) in the country”. As a union leader in the Punch Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in those trying times, I recollect many of my members saying “what was this man saying. Let him just pay the peanut that we were being paid regularly; who is asking him to pay fabulous salaries?” You cannot blame them. What was on ground then did not inspire any hope that the dry bone that Punch then was could ever live again. Ogunshola said then that we should bake the cake first, and thereafter share. Many other people in his shoes would feel reluctant to share when the cake was eventually ready. But he kept to that promise. One of the results is that today, Punch Place (the company’s new office complex) is sitting majestically on a wide expanse of land at Magboro, Ogun State, from its modest place of birth at Onipetesi area of Ikeja, Lagos. The complex and its state-of-the-art facilities worth billions of naira were all achieved in the Ogunshola era as chairman, without borrowing from any bank. For me, the word ‘transformation’ has meaning when applied in the context of the success story that The Punch has become, from nothing; as against the connotation that the word has acquired as political propaganda in the country. And The Punch story can only be understood and better told by people that witnessed it, especially when things were really hard and payment of salaries was a major headache, being in arrears, sometimes for about four months. Those now seeing The Punch success would not be wrong to regard the narration of the company’s hard times as some fairy tale. Again, you cannot blame them, because it is rare for most companies to bounce back the way Punch did. I joined the company during those trying moments in September, 1985. But I learnt it was not so in the beginning. As with most organisations, that happened to be the company’s trying times. But it has overcome it, thanks to the indefatigability,

•Chief Ogunshola

doggedness, hard work and dedication of Ajibola Ogunshola. Many of the decisions taken during his time as chairman were implemented with mathematical precision and clinical efficiency. Much as he believes in workers being well remunerated, he abhors profligacy and extravagant lifestyle. Ogunshola is meticulous about little matters of details that many people in his position would regard as too small to bother about, including telephone bills from his house when he was chairman. I had the privilege of scrutinising those bills for payment as editor of The Punch then and I remember there were occasions when he had to query some international call charges on some of his telephone bills when he knew he never made such calls. Definitely, these little drops of water were to form part of the mighty ocean (by way of fortune) that became the lot of the company under his chairmanship. Chief Ogunshola, reputed to be the first actuary in Africa, sure has his own weaknesses; we all do. In doing the magnificent job such as he did at The Punch, some of such weaknesses must have manifested, whether at the level of decision-making or during implementation. In some cases, toes were inevitably stepped on. I guess the most strident of the criticisms of his era was his alleged high-handedness. In some cases this could be true; but if the end justifies the means, all those must have paled into insignificance with the remarkable result of his fortuitous intervention at The Punch. It was in recognition of his sterling achievements that Chief Ogunshola was honoured with the Special Media Industry Achievement Award by the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), alongside the soul mate of Chief James Olubunmi Aboderin, the founding Chairman of Punch Nigeria Ltd., Mr Sam Amuka, publisher of The Vanguard. NMMA Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Vincent Maduka lauded specifically Ogunshola’s contribution: “For Chief Ogunshola, we recognise the great contribution he made to The Punch and the Nigerian media industry in general.” Quite characteristically, Ogunshola, even though was the driving force behind the exponential growth witnessed by The Punch dedicated the award “… to all the people I worked with when I was the Chairman of Punch Ni-

“If only the dead can see, Chief Ogushola’s maternal elder brother, Chief Olubunmi Aboderin, must in his grave be full of gratitude to this man who brought back his (Olu Aboderin’s) legacy from the valley of the shadow of death. Not many companies have the privilege of the second chance that The Punch had. Many that did could not convert it. Happy birthday, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola”

geria Limited. I dedicate the award to members of the board, especially Dr. Lolu Forsythe, Chief Lekan Are, Ms. Lola IbiAboderin and to all the top management of the company, especially the Managing Director, Mr. Ademola Osinubi. He also acknowledged the role played by his wife and children, especially his wife, “who had to do all she could to make me sleep in the middle of the night when I woke up to solve particular problems.” Born on July 14, 1944, Ogunshola attended the famous Government College, Ibadan, located on the hills of Apata Ganga, Ibadan. He graduated in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan in 1967. He travelled to the United Kingdom for some professional training and had served in both private and public capacities, including Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Niger Insurance Plc.He later established his own firm, Ajibola Ogunshola and Co., a renowned actuarial consulting firm. Chief Ogunshola is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of England. He was also Chairman, Presidential Committee on Civil Service Pension Review in 1988 as well as Chairman, Committee of Actuaries of the United Nations Pension Fund. Ogunshola was also Chairman, Committee on the Harmonisation of the Private and Public Sector Retirement/Pension Schemes for Greater Efficiency, and Chairman of Alexander Forbes Consulting Actuaries Nigeria Limited. He served as President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and is currently a representative of the south west states at the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, where he made or backed some radical proposals, including restoration of local, state or zonal policing; devolution of power to the federating units as well as making law-making at all levels part-time to save cost and, in his own words, “encourage wider talents into law-making”. Perhaps the other point he did not mention is that this would also reduce the ‘do-ordie’ battle that attends elections in the country, unfortunately not because of the urge to serve, but because of the money- spinning capabilities of political offices. Concerning Chief Ogunshola, a colleague made a profound statement that any leader, whether at the local government, state or Federal Government level could make positive impact exactly the same way Ogunshola has transformed The Punch. Unfortunately, what do we have across the country: power seekers who have no idea of what to do with the power after acquiring it! Providence thrust a great responsibility on Ogunshola’s laps and he made a good use of the opportunity. At this juncture, it is pertinent to acknowledge the role of Olola Moyosore Aboderin, Chief Ogunshola’s predecessor because if Olola Aboderin had not held the company together until Ogunshola’s time, the latter might have had nothing to revive. It is gratifying to note too that Olu Aboderin’s first child, Wale, has kept the flag flying since April 2011 when he took over from Chief Ogunshola. If only the dead can see, Chief Ogushola’s maternal elder brother, Chief Olu Aboderin, must in his grave be full of gratitude to this man who brought back his (Olu Aboderin’s) legacy from the valley of the shadow of death. Not many companies have the privilege of the second chance that The Punch had. Many that did could not convert it. Happy birthday, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola.

What’s Jonathan’s presidency for? By Adedayo Ademuwagun

RESIDENT Obama was speaking at an event last April to mark an anniversary in America. Then he told a story about former American president Lyndon Johnson. Lyndon Johnson was President John Kennedy’s vice before the latter was assassinated in 1963. Then after Johnson took over as president, he wanted to speak to Congress and persuade them to pass a major civil rights bill. However, his advisors warned him that it would be risky and tried to discourage him. But he told them, ‘Well, what the hell’s the presidency for?’ Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan shares one similarity with Lyndon Johnson. Like Johnson, he was the vice president when the president died, and he was sworn in to take over. Jonathan’s rise to the presidency evoked a lot of admiration and optimism among ordinary Nigerians because of the dramatic manner in which he became the president. He seemed to have risen to the top from nowhere, and he had an innocent personality. However, his performance has been so outrageously unremarkable since he took charge four years ago, and a lot of those Nigerians who felt admiration and optimism at the time are now utterly disappointed. Like Gary Younge’s question about Obama in a recent article, the question right now is, what the hell is Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency for? To be fair, the truth is that Jonathan inherited most of the problems gripping the country today. Corruption was rife before he came on board. The standard of living was deplorable for most Nigerians. Infrastructure was deficient, and a lot of systems (e.g. education) were in a state of crap already. The problem is that he has done substantially little to deal with these problems and, in some cases, has even perpetuated them. For instance, he officially pardoned a corrupt ex-governor and thereby put him out of jail despite strong disapproval from civil societies. A number of ministers in Jonathan’s cabinet have also been indicted for corruption. But despite the telling evidence against them, he either didn’t sack them or he didn’t make sure they were prosecuted. At one time, the Central Bank governor also cried out that billions of petrodollars had been stolen by some people in government. But instead of ensuring that the governor’s claims were properly investigated, he alienated the man and effectively fired him. He even said in one interview that corruption is not the same as stealing. He has hardly done anything to fight corruption in this country where corruption is so prevalent. Yet, if there’s anyone who should be doing more to make life better for the Nigerian people, it is Goodluck Jonathan. Why, because he’s not one of the political elite who’ve been calling the shots in this country for decades. He was indigent as a boy and grew up under poor circumstances. He knows what it is like to walk many miles to school barefoot, carrying your books on your head. He experienced lack and deprivation. And ordinarily, one would expect that a person with such humble history would be more public spirited and passionate about turning things around for the people of his country. Disappointingly, Jonathan has demonstrated none of that. The question is, what the hell is his presidency for? Adedayo Ademuwagun adedayo.steel@gmail.com

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

COMMENT

As Kongi grows riper Soyinka consistently writes and acts in a way to show that he does not separate the words he uses from the actions he takes with respect to accountable governance

T was Pablo Picasso that once said that a person grows riper rather than older. As the world celebrates Wole Soyinka’s 80th birthday for different reasons, all of which pertain to the sterling contributions he had made to human civilisation in general principally through his literary genius, some readers of this column have emailed to find out what I think Professor Soyinka means to the average Nigerian, as distinct from the impact he has made on the intelligentsia through his high art. There is no better way to answer this query than to summarise the significance of the acts of secular humanism of Nigeria’s 80-year-old Nobel laureate to the project of transforming post-colonial Africa in general and Nigeria in particular, from a world of fear and failure to one of faith in freedom and justice for all. Although I have many other things I would have liked to say about Kongi in this column on this special occasion of his 80th birthday, despite my belief that he does not really like being talked about in any tone that is reminiscent of praise poetry. But I will focus today’s piece on the simplest and yet profound of the three requests I received from my readers: “how has Prof Soyinka made his high-brow literature and living relevant to the experience of the masses of our people?” Soyinka has consistently in the past 60 years made his writings and his actions speak to the experience of the masses, not only in Nigeria or Africa, but all over the world. On account of space, we will focus on how he has made efforts to improve the dignity of the average person. But first, his literature—now referring just to his fiction, drama, and poetry— is not all high-brow. There is nothing elitist in The Trials of Brother Jero, The Lion and the Jewel, The Swamp Dwellers, From Zia with Love, and King Baabu, to name a few.Of course, there are many others written in less accessible language than those mentioned above: Madmen

and Specialists, A Dance of the Forests, The Road, Death and the King’s Horseman. But every piece in his corpus responds to the complexity of the subject or idea at issue. As various communities across the globe celebrate Kongi for what they see as the Nobel laureate’s contribution to their understanding of life, let us focus here on how his writings and actions have addressed the masses of our people. Starting philosophically as he does from the principle that every person deserves that his or her human dignity is enhanced in private and in public at all times, he promotes one recurrent theme in all his writings: the non-negotiability of the freedom of every individual and the need to join or lead in the resistance of any form of injustice that threatens individual freedom and dignity. Of course, Soyinka consistently writes and acts in a way to show that he does not separate the words he uses from the actions he takes with respect to accountable governance. Even long before becoming an international celebrity, he is on record as intervening in a bold way to challenge election rigging in Western Nigeria in the mid-sixties. By disabling announcement of a radio message from a government with democratic deficit and enabling one that calls for honesty in electoral democracy, Soyinka acted out in Ibadan a theme that has become second nature in all his writings and speeches: recognition of a contest between power and freedom as an abiding aspect of the human society and the duty of the man or woman of conscience to be on the side of freedom and against any form of power that threatens freedom. It is the preoccupation with freedom and justice that was evident in the activities of Soyinka during the civil war. For visiting the Biafran leader, Odumegwu Ojuku, and for writing to call for a cease fire, he was incarcerated for 27 months, after which he went into his first exile. His famous quote in The Man Died, one of two literary products that resulted from months of

total confinement: “The Man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny” captures what Soyinka sees as one of the central goals of the human intellect.He puts the same principle differently when he says that “the greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.” During Soyinka’s second exile at the instance of Gen Abacha’s rule of terror and after Soyinka had been sentenced to death for treason in absentia by Abacha, a highly-placed female chairman of a federal bank was sent from Nigeria through its embassy in Washington to meet some of us in the NALICON-NADECO-Abroad group. After a mendacious assessment of efforts by Yoruba in diaspora “in support of Egbon Abiola’s presidential mandate,” the honey-voiced woman asked if we could help to assist her to meet Prof. Soyinka and General Akinrinade. We acted as if we did not know her pedigree and that if there was any of the three of us in the room who should have direct access to Soyinka that she should be the person. We asked her why anyone would want to talk to Soyinka on behalf of a government that had already sentenced him to death, she replied: “Forget about death sentence that is neither here nor there. Prof. Soyinka’s criticism of government is distracting the leader from governing properly.” We reminded her of the most famous quote from The Man Died. Of course, she had not read the book, and the rest is history. Still on the Abacha-induced exile, Soyinka put his money where his mouth was during the NALICON-NADECO struggle. He himself would not acknowledge this in his own writings, as it would smack of self-celebration. But not only did he use his social capital in different parts of the world to source for funds to keep the secretariat and activities going, he also donated resources from earnings from his writings and speeches to the pro-democracy movement. I still recall one day when he was going over some layman’s accounting that I took to him at the Washington airport on his way to Europe. He

flipped through the papers and ran his eyes from left to right of each page and vice versa. He looked up at me and said, “RS, I cannot see anything for wine or hospitality in your account.” I looked straight into his eyes and said “Prof, there was no hospitality done.” He smiled and said that it is not that wine itself is a bad thing but these are hard times that almost make drinking wine too much luxury and assured me that there would be plenty of time for wine. I insisted that he should order for one bottle for us to share before his flight, considering my long trip from Pennsylvania to Washington. He laughed, ordered what was asked for and told me to go and file the financial report with the Department of Justice, as required by law. The point of this digression is that it was not only words and actions that Soyinka gave to the cause of justice and freedom, he also gave his own resources, thus illustrating the principle in another statement by him: “I think that if one believed absolutely in any cause, then one must have the confidence, the self-certainty, to go through with that particular course of action.” Most of our local politicians also, like the informal ambassador plenipotentiary of Abacha referred to earlier, fail to take advantage of Soyinka’s writings and speeches that are not designed for intellectual elites. Otherwise, the many meetings about what position the Yoruba should take to Jonathan’s national conference would have been unnecessary, if Yoruba delegates had paid attention to a speech Soyinka gave to South-South Economic Summit: “Let each regional grouping with compatible ideas of the ultimate mission—the future of the humanity for which they are responsible— begin to call the shots, and relegate the centre to its rightful dimensions in any functioning federated democracy…. Each regional grouping should by its policies, declare an uncompromising developmental autonomy—I repeat Autonomy— leaving the centre only with its competence provenance—foreign policy, national security, and inter-state affairs—including peace advocacy but minus its propensity for inflicting heart seizure on productive human concourse.” This column wishes Kongi, the man who believes that no government or individuals should create fear for another human being at any time and for any reason diminish the freedom of each person, more happy years of ripening.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

COMMENT

Soyinka is 80 Hooray to the dramatist, poet, novelist, mythologist, essayist, memoirist, wordsmith, human rights avatar and culture icon…

T was positively symbolic and significant that the prestigious $20,000 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa was presented to this year’s winner in Lagos, a few days to the 80th birthday, on July 13, of the colossus of letters that the award celebrates. Also, it was a fitting and remarkable coincidence that the genre considered for the fifth edition of the biennial celebration of literary brilliance on the continent was Soyinka’s own forte, drama. What is more, the illustrious Nigerian playwright and the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature brought his radiance to the event and crowned the prize winner. Interestingly, his remarks on the occasion bore the striking features of his life of adventure and social activism. He was quoted as saying: “I am going into the forest to celebrate my birthday. I invite you all. But bring your own weapons, because most of them are in the wrong hands.” Given his acknowledged mental fecundity and his acclaimed creative imagination, it is possible that Soyinka intended layers of meaning. Did his words, for instance, represent an allusion to the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State where over 200 abducted and still-missing Chibok schoolgirls were believed to have been initially caged by the Islamist terror group Boko Haram? Did he imply that the people have to design their own weapons of resistance to the oppression of power? Or did the weapons take a more biological tone of ferocious fangs, ominous claws and jaws of the wild? There is no doubt that Soyinka’s existence continues to emphasise the critical message of universal justice, and he has gone to great and admirable lengths in pursuit of this philosophy, which is best encapsulated by his famous one-liner, “Justice is the first condition of humanity.” It is commendable that he has consistently played the important role of the defender of human freedoms, especially in Nigeria, but also internationally. According to him, “The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.” It is noteworthy that his conscientious antagonism to the agents of darkness is recognised and respected to the point that his voice is constantly anticipated in response to reactionary forces. True to this characterisation, Soyinka has an impres-

READ Mr. Bolade Omonijo’s column, Political Turf, of Sunday, June 29, 2014, in which he clothed the otherwise prodigy, nationalist and political icon, Adegoke Adelabu, alias “Penkelemisi”, in an undeserved toga of a rabble-rouser and confusionist, in his (Omonijo) piece titled “The new Penkelemesi in Ekiti”. Adelabu should never have been situated with any tongue-in-check, crude fellow of Mr. Omonijo’s fancy either in Ekiti State or elsewhere. For Adelabu was a well-educated, articulate and rationale politician and statesman who deservedly earned the respect of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Chief Anthony Enahoro etc, his fellow politicians and nationalists in the 1950s. As I have had cause in the past, exactly on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 to correct an unfair jingoist, illiterate and spoilsport picture of Adelabu painted in the Sunday Punch newspaper (page 19) issue of Sunday, November 4, 2007 by one of the newspaper’s columnists, I am seeking your kind indulgence to refer to my rejoinder of 2007 to correct your (Mr. Omonijo’s) blurred vision of Adelabu, trusting your newspapers well-known sense of fair hearing and objectivity. Below was my published reaction: “As it is customary, I read your column of the above ti-

sive history of courageous interventions in his country’s trajectory, including in particular his sensational and mindboggling mediation in the combustible 1960s political crisis in the Western Region, his effort to avert the civil war that raged from 1967 to 1970, his committed opposition to the worst manifestations of military despotism and his unequivocal insistence on a truly democratic, accountable and participatory form of government. It is a testimony to his indomitable spirit that imprisonment and forced exile on account of unmistakable life-threatening danger proved to be weak restraining forces in his lifelong expression of the possibility of a better society. Indeed, in Soyinka, there is a rare conflation of the artist and the activist at a superlative level; and the portrait of the fighter is brightly coloured by creative essence. Undoubtedly, in his literary career, the icing on the cake must be the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, an honour he received in the same year he was awarded the Agip Prize for Literature. It is worth mentioning that for the Nobel decoration, which is indisputably regarded as the world’s biggest recognition for literary excellence, Soyinka was painted as a master of form and content “who in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashions the drama of existence.” There is no question that the accomplishment had the quality of a redeeming feature for the black man in a world corrupted by racism. However, one recent news-making episode not only demonstrated Soyinka’s heightened sense of decency; it

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also instructively showed that he was not uncritical and indiscriminate in his acceptance of honour. Notably, he created controversy by his rejection of the centenary award by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan this year, describing the inclusion of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, “on the nation’s Roll of Honour”, as “this national insult.” He delineated Abacha as “a murderer and thief of no redeeming quality,” adding, “I can’t think of nothing more grotesque and derisive of the lifetime struggle of several on this (Honours) List and their selfless services to humanity.” At the core of his expansive canonical oeuvre, which significantly reflects the influences of his Yoruba roots and covers drama, poetry, prose, movies and music, are the human condition in the social context and the exploration of truth. ”Books and all forms of writing are terror to those who wish to suppress the truth,” according to Soyinka, a product of the University College, Ibadan, Nigeria; Leeds University, UK; and the Royal Court Theatre, London. His well- garlanded distinction is validated by the stunning fact that in the almost 30 years since he won the Nobel at age 52, he has not gone cold creatively and remains warm politically. In the course of of his career, he has blessed this earth with such high-powered works as A Dance of The forest, Death and the King’s Horseman, A Play of Giants, Opera Wonyosi, The Road, Madmen and Specialists, among other plays known for their deep roots in Yoruba and African culture, experimentation of form and at once complex and lucid language. Idanre and Other Poems, A Shuttle In the Crypt, Ogun Abibiman are works of poetry that also stand him out as a man of towering talent and creativity. We cannot forget the heft of his output in prose as novelist and memoirist. At 80, his juices are still in high ferment. He is a living proof that the academic can be practical and the public intellectual can make a profound social impact. His distinctive luxuriantly grey Afro and beard complement the substance of his erudition and wisdom; and it is safe to say that his heroic stature is assured.

LETTER

Re: The new Penkelemesi in Ekiti

tle on page 19 in “Sunday Punch” issue of November 4, 2007, and wish to correct the undeserved illiterate, fob and jingoist image your article under reference alluded to the otherwise academic prodigy, wit, nationalist and visionary, the late Honourable Adegoke Adelabu. “But, kindly permit me to first declare my interest in the matter of defending Adelabu and projecting the true and correct image of the first (African) indigenous manager of the UAC, former member for Ibadan Division in the defunct Western Region of Nigeria House of Assembly, former Chairman of the defunct Ibadan District Council (today comprising eleven local governments), former Federal Minister and former assistant National Secretary of the defunct NCNC led by the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. “My interests? My beloved late paternal grandmother, Mama Asimawu Odunola Alabi, the matriarch of the Ekerin Ajengbe clan in Ibadan, whose grandfather was the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadan during the reign of Baale Fijabi I (1890-1893), was the woman leader of the NCNC under the late Adelabu in Ibadan in the 1950s before she relinquished the position to her protege, the late Mama Humuani Apampa,

alias Orababa, after Adelabu died in a road accident on March 25, 1958. “I am a trustee of the Adegoke Adelabu Foundation, the formation of which I played a key role in 1994. “If the above reasons for my advocacy are acceptable, then I proceed to seek your kind indulgence for space and time to exonerate Adelabu from the band of nincompoops, not well veiled by you in the article under reference. In the foreword to Adelabu’s book, “Africa in Ebullition” (published in 1952) the great Zik of Africa wrote inter alia: “Whether the world believes it or not, the fact remains that Africa is no longer an exclusive preserve for the depredation of Imperialists. Many factors are responsible, one of which has produced a new breed of nationalists (emphasis mine) of which Mr. Adelabu is typical”…………… without mincing of words, Mr. Adelabu has made it clear that the African is determined not to take a back seat when it comes to shapening his future”. “As they say: it takes the deep not only to call the deep, but to also hear the deep. With the above quoted few lines from Dr. Azikwe’s foreword to Adelabu’s book, I might as well rest my case in this ‘de-

fence’ of the stormy petrel, Adelabu, but I am persuaded by the God-given chance of rubbing shoulders with my (three) learned children to prove my point beyond any reasonable doubt(s). Adegoke Adelabu does not deserve to be labelled or lumped with nitwits, imbeciles, cattawallers or what have you? Certainly not! In his contribution to the book titled “The Essential Adegoke Adelabu (1915-1958) “Ibadan-an historical, cultural and social-economic study of an African City (1998) sponsored by the Oluyole Club, Lagos, Dr. Siyan Oyeweso of the Department of History, Lagos State University, wrote inter alia: “Alhaji Adegoke Gbadamosi Oduola Akande Adelabu, the illustrious son of Ibadan, a great Nigerian statesman, the diminutive stormy petrel of Ibadan politics, the lion of the West and ‘Penkelemesi’ (I will come to this appellation shortly) lived a short but active and rich life. “Due to reasons that we all know very well, Adelabu and other nationalists in his hue (Adekunle Fajuyi, Aminu Kano, Eyo Ita, Adaka Boro, Mbonu Ojike, Benjamin Adekunle etc) are deprived of history’s fair treatment by an ungrateful country. “Born on September 13, 1915 to a successful weaver,

Sanusi Ashiyanbi Adelabu, and Awujoola Ajoke, Adelabu had to change his name to Joseph before he was admitted into the Saint David’s CMS Elementary School, Kudeti, Ibadan. An exceptionally brilliant student, Adelabu gained double promotion at Saint David’s School. “In 1931, he proceeded to the famous Government College, Ibadan (GCI) on scholarship granted him by the Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU). He again gained double promotion at GCI and left the school in 1935 with a distinction while still in class four. The illuminating testimonials on the prodigy written by his school principal, Mr. V.P.V Powell, and others still continue to shine till today at GCI. “In 1936, Adelabu took the entrance examination to Yaba Higher College, then the highest educational institution in Nigeria. He came first in the entrance examination and became the first Nigerian student to win the UAC scholarship. With less than a year to the completion of his higher education at Yaba, UAC “lured” him from school to gainful employment. He subsequently held management positions with the UAC such as African Manager (1936-1937), Merchandise salesman (1937-1938), Inspector Cooperative Depart-

ment (1943-1944) and Manager, UAC Haberdashery, Lagos (1945-1946). “In 1946, Adelabu resigned from UAC into private business before joining politics in 1947, and was a brilliant, active participant in the Nigerian Constitutional talks in London. With the foregoing, it will be most unfair, wicked, academic laziness and a clear sign of ignorance to lump Adegoke Adelabu with Nigeria’s political cattalwallers of whatever age - First, Second, Third, Current or Future Republics. Adegoke Adelabu was a genius. Please get a copy of his revolutionary book, “Africa in Ebullition”. Hear his description of himself: “I am a deliberate egoist. I do not regret it. I do not apologise for it. I am an artist. The artist has nothing worthwhile to offer you besides glimpses of his inner self. My philosophy is that the world would be much better and happier if we would only dare to be ourselves completely instead of trying to be faded copies of other unknown and misunderstood mythical heroes.” I pray that one will not again be compelled to correct blurred views, more so by people who are supposed to know, on the late prodigy and political icon, Adegoke Adelabu. Thank you. By Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi, Aare Alasa Olubadan of Ibadanland

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

COMMENT

The calm before the storm An iniquitous Jonathan government is fighting a rolling, uneven war against every sector of the Nigerian economy which they reckon is not with them

N its most recent opinion on Nigeria, The Times made a staggering mistake by suggesting that President Jonathan could , sooner than later, ‘wake up to find he has lost his country’, like he did the Chibok girls, thereby implying that our dear president has been sleeping on duty. Rather than being soporific, our president has never been more active, busy in the map room, overlooking, strategising and, of course, commanding his demolition squad; a squad so busy and efficient, it is multi tasking in Adamawa, Nasarawa is to come, Edo, recently demolished Ekiti and now awaiting Wike’s mother-of-all mayhem in Rivers State now that Shekarau has taken over those massive duties as Coordinating Minister of Education. Had the president given a quarter of the time he devotes to vanquishing the opposition to nation-building, neither the ‘Protectors of Nigerian Prosperity’, nor its cousin, ‘The Transformation Ambassadors’, would have looked so funny, thinking Nigerians merely laugh whenever their meaningless adverts, which stand Nigerian realities on the head, pop up on television. Nor would The Times have had the effrontery, to brand our president a bad news president. For instance, when these jesters claim, without a census, that more are with President Jonathan than those against him, I hope to God they count among these Hallelujah chorus, the hundreds of Nigerians who had become internal refugees in their own country, uprooted from their homes as a result

of the unprecedented insecurity enveloping the country. I hope they count the families and relatives of those killed in mutual hatred in Plateau, the Northwest and other parts of North central as well as the living dead in those most unfortunate parts of President Jonathan’s country. Nor must these protectors exclude the millions of Nigerian youth who do not know where the next meal will come from in a rebased, huge economy of astounding growth of seven percent plus, but no jobs. I equally hope they counted on Jonathan’s side, parents of the Chibok girls who must have happily signed up to be counted. And as for their neighbours in that part of the country threatening to approach Ba Kii Moon, they had better be advised to sign up if they do not want the Jonathan train to leave them behind. Rather than be pre-occupied with such things as so highly recommend the likes of the Philippines President Aquino Jnr. as statesmen, our president had pro-actively gone ahead to have in place zonal commanders for his demolition squad and as 2015 approaches, there is a healthy competition between and amongst the various zones, represented by geo-political divisions. Indeed, so fierce is the competition that both the North Central and the Southwest zonal commands have completely overshadowed the rambunctious South-south zone under the lead of our former Cocoordinating Minister of Education who, very successfully, managed the

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, ASUP, strike which, to his credit, has now lasted for a year without the Jonathan government caving in. The demolition has also been allembracing: financial/economic and through a judicious militarisation of enemy territory at critical times. By these means, an iniquitous Jonathan government is fighting a rolling, uneven war against every sector of the Nigerian economy which they reckon is not with them as if Nigeria is no longer practicing multi party democracy. My way or the highway has overtaken every tenet of democratic governance and as long as there is money to be made, tonnes of it, both recruits and cheer leaders will be handy as well as those trying to escape the jaws of EFCC and imminent jail. First, it was the federation account, deliberately and tactically malnourished by the duo of our most important female ministers. Monthly allocation to the states plummeted, by some account, by up to 40 percent, but pronto, friendly states were singled out and generously assisted, from the Ecology Fund to the tune of billions of naira. On the economic development level, they erect every conceivable obstacle on the way of a state like Rivers to access much needed development funds while in Lagos State they deviously ensured that the Ayobo-Ipaja Road could not be completed by asking the contractor to pay a stupidly humongous amount of money to the NNPC for pipe lines, whereas in a less inequitable environment, a government having such vital assets in an area would have facilitated that road’s completion. The result is that commuters, many of who are on the road to work as early as 5 am daily, are made to suffer excruciating traffic gridlock. As you read this,

presidency agents and ‘agents provocateurs’ are actively at work in Adamawa where every conceivable subterfuge has been dredged up to oust a governor who has less than a year to go out of eight. In Edo State, birds of a feather are actively at work, stopping at nothing and under the unwavering protection of the police, to disrupt legislative duties in spite of court rulings. We await the reaction of this lawless lot to the most recent decision of the Appeal Court. If our feelers are correct, the northern gang will soon be deployed on Nasarawa State just so we can all be ‘apes obey’. These machinations are obviously advancements on the old PDP rigging methods, especially under then President Obasanjo when they used to wait patiently for elections proper to fix them. These ones are smarter and more proactive. For instance, why go into the dangerous business of ballot box snatching when you are awash with cash, there are rogue scientists worldwide and you can procure photo-cromic ink, even on an industrial scale at the drop of a hat? And of course, there is the army and the police to mercilessly deploy especially when you had been strategic enough to hand them over to a certain genre of individuals, men who could, and will do anything for power and money. Below then, is a summary of what President Jonathan did to Ekiti in the recent governorship election: the entire state was locked down for 48 hours with soldiers and police manning all the entry points? Armoured tanks, helicopters and other military hardware were moved to the state in astonishing numbers. The InspectorGeneral of Police sent in hi-tech security equipments including surveillance helicopters, armoured person-

nel carriers, mobile police men, even, dogs. For what? If President Jonathan did this in a governorship election, what will he not do during the presidential? Must he fight to the death? And to imagine that with their clever deployment of spurious science, they did not need a single police man more than were already available in the Ekiti State command. It was all, therefore, a make-belief but since we are no wizards in Ekiti - nor are we half as hungry as being egregiously made out on several for a waiting-to –survive-forever on an expired 2.5 kg bag of Thai rice - there was no way we could have known that the ballot paper had been tampered with and preprogrammed to activate allocated number of party emblems. Nor could the poor Youth Corps members used in carrying out the peripheral parts of this totally novel rigging method in Nigeria, have known they were being used, writing down the last three digits of certain ballot papers in each polling unit. Since there is no honour or moderation among thieves, INEC/PDP will again, like to repeat the Ekiti magic in the Osun election. My advice, therefore, to everybody who wants to vote APC, is to ensure he/ she holds on to the ballot paper for at least 20 minutes after putting his imprint and wait to see if it will not transfer to somewhere else, though there might be slight modifications to that used in the Ekiti election. As happened when INEC quickly reversed itself over the PVC Readable machines for Ekiti election, I expect an agitated INEC/ federal government would come out, Monday morning, telling us a voter can only spend three or so minutes. Voters must know that no soldier or policeman is empowered to stop them from voting. Please hold on to your ballot paper for at least 20 minutes. And should INEC continue with these outrageous rigging of elections, the American prediction for Nigeria, come 2015, may turn out a self-fulfilling prophesy. Let those who have ears, hear.

What is the good in building up a population if you can’t use it to build the nation? Let us make Nigeria’s population count

OU know, when one ponders the matter, it becomes obvious that the reason we have not quite understood the point in this country is that we have all been talking at cross-purposes. You know what that is, don’t you? It is when two people have their wires crossed in their subject matters, sometimes deliberately, sometimes by a quirky calculation of pure chance. For instance, take the classical case of when a man wants to take a second wife. He begins by noting how hard it is for his wife to cope with the housework and all, and even suggests getting someone to help her. Naturally, the wife eagerly throws herself into the conversation, nodding her agreement while believing the husband to be talking about the same kind of helper she is thinking of. Can a conversation be more crossed and entangled than when realization dawns? I always love the point when reality dawns and the fireworks begin to fly. In Nigeria, national discourse is often so entangled you can’t make out what anybody is saying. For instance, I read the other day that some assembly members, senators, and state governors somewhere in this vast expanse of a country had got their brains jammed and decided to fix a retirement sum for themselves that runs into a hundred million Naira. It is enough to make anyone who is not a governor go jump in

the lake and drown. Now, that is coming right after the furore generated by the unfair heftiness of these people’s allowances and emoluments; unfair to the rest of us of course, not to them. Naturally, many of us are so enraged we want to puncture their swelled cheeks with our nails in the hope of reducing them. Sadly, some others don’t see things this right way. You can easily spot them: they have eyes behind their backs. They are wondering what the hullabaloo is all about, because they think that their excellences are not only deserving of the hundred million retirement sums, they wonder why we can’t spare more. Never mind that there are many Nigerians across the states who cannot feed well in any given day. So many promising national discourses have nosedived into the ground and have not yielded any fruit because of these crossed wires. For instance, some among us insist on defending what cannot possibly be of any good for the health of the nation. How can one defend someone charged with helping himself to billions of Naira using any argument on earth and in heaven? Yet, many of them regularly manage to be freed by the law courts and the people’s court, particularly when the people share the same ethnic background. The other day, I heard someone say that a bank chief accused of pocketing tens of billions of his bank’s

money was only a victim of someone in the apex bank; in actual fact, he was innocent. I said, WOW! Now, I have heard everything. Next, they will tell us that the certain someone accused of pocketing funds from a pensions fund was actually the target of a functionary’s anger. What now, are we living in tents across the land where everyone runs to when they are accused of indecent behaviour? The thing about discourses is that they have ways of bringing out the best or worst or the dregs in the innermost recesses of our brains. The pity is that we all appear to be clothed in human skin, yet we are hosting so many incapacitating germs in our brains. This proves, according to a fable, what one animal said to another: there are many walking on two legs who should be using four. Many among us, dear reader, are really animals in animal skin, and many more are in human skin. When you consider that the world just celebrated the world population day, you want to pause a bit and reflect on these two important questions: what really makes up the Nigerian population; and what is the good in building up a population if you can’t use it to build the nation? Honestly, I cannot begin to think of telling you the answer to the first question, lest I be hanged in effigy by many a reader. The unfortunate thing is that nearly all, if not all of us, have brought some degree of impropriety into the sanctity of Nigeria’s population. We all really deserve to hang our heads downwards like brooding chickens, pluck at our chests

like penitents and intone after me: we are sinners and are very proud of it. We are not worthy to be counted as members of the population of this country. If you think you are not affected just because you have never ‘swallowed’ millions or billions, raise your hand and I’ll show you an untruth-sayer. Please note, I have not called you a liar, just an untruthsayer. Have you or have you never stopped in the middle of the road to greet your friend while traffic built up behind you? Well, have you not? Can you say, in any given day, that you do not regularly break any traffic, building, contracting, policing, soldering, doctoring, nursing, teaching, civil-servicing, studenting, or anything-you-do rule? Well, can you? And the most important question of all, can you say that you regularly or even averagely work for the pay you get? Nigeria has a population of people dwelling within her walls and occupying her space. Sadly, though, she has no builders, only sackers of treasuries, spoilers of lands and plunders of the nation. Everyone is so busy trying to get his/her itching hand on the ‘national cake’ it’s a wonder that there is still any left. Nigeria’s population right now is engrossed in ravaging the land like locusts, taking, taking, taking and giving little or nothing back. For them, there’s no such thing as ‘ask not what your country can do for you …’ and all that. For this population, it is what we can get from the country that counts. Yet normally, when a country has a population such as Nigeria’s, it is supposed to constitute a for-

midable workforce that should make and keep the machinery of state at world-top level. Perhaps, the future we saw yesterday will return tomorrow. However, here we are today, the about one hundred and sixty million of us, a population bred as a nation that cannot even keep its own laws. How then can we build a nation? Oh yes, failure to keep the law is failure to build the nation. Someone once said she was afraid to train her child to be obedient, law abiding, humble and all that because she was certain that many parents are allowing their children to grow up as wild, lawless beings. This would then mean that her children would be greatly disadvantaged. For answer, I did not answer. I guess World Population Day is the day we are supposed to gather round a table as a nation and talk about how to control it downwards or upwards, considering that the food resources are at the moment not at par with the users. So, we are supposed to discuss how best to match population with resources for the maximum development potential of every individual. However, I chose the road not normally trodden today for a good reason: that many of us do not sufficiently appreciate the connection between respecting the country and gaining access to the just and equitable utilisation of her resources. It is this connection which prevents humanity from being a useless population to a useful one. For what indeed, does it profit a country to gain so much population figures and lose its very essence? Let us make Nigeria’s population count in a way that matters. No pun intended.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

COMMENT

(73) L

AST semester, I taught Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel for the first time in about thirty years. Though I do like the play a lot, it is not one of my favourite Soyinka plays, not one of his dramatic writings that I regard as some of the best plays ever written. I believe that the last time that I actually read The Lion and the Jewel was around the late 1990s when I was completing the first draft of what would eventually become my full-length book on all the writings of Soyinka titled Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics, Postcolonialism. At any rate, when I re-read and taught the play recently, I was in no small measure tantalised by the fact that though I had long reached and passed the age of 60, I was startled by the realisation that I am much older than Baroka, the quintessential “old man” of all of Soyinka’s plays! To be exact, I felt at one and the same time shocked and elated: shocked that I am now and have been for a long time Baroka’s elder; elated by the rather deeply personal and existential proof of the old, hallowed Latin proverb concerning the relationship between art and life, “ars longa, vita brevis”. The phrase literally means “art is long, life is short”. The central meaning that has traditionally been ascribed to is the view that while life, lived human life, is short, art lasts for ever. Additionally, the phrase also implies that that the life of the artist and the epoch in which he or she lived is preserved permanently in his or her great works. In other words, let life be as short as it usually biologically is; great art makes life imperishable. More on these later in this short tribute to WS at 80; for now, back to my disbelief that I m now the “elder” of Baroka. Definitely, speaking for myself and those of my generation of writers, critics, actors, artistes and “groupies” who have been close to WS, from now on, any time that a discussion of the characters of Soyinka’s plays comes to a conversation about the crafty “lion’ of Ilujinle, some self-referential vibes will go through us when he is, yet again, identified as an “old man”! WS, why didn’t you make Baroka 80? A futile, perhaps even fatuous wish! For the fact is that Baroka will always be 60 anytime he is performed or read in the play. If Soyinka had made him 70 in 1963 when the play was published (it had been performed many years earlier before its formal publication) he would still be 70 today. He will always be, now and forever, any age that Soyinka had given him when he wrote the play - 70, 80 or 90, any age he was given at his imaginative “birthing” by WS. Perhaps the most astonishing thing of all in what I am here catachrestically calling Baroka’s “birthing” by WS is that Soyinka was a young man in his early 20s when he wrote the play and yet he wrote compellingly, memorably about an old man of 60. Let us set aside the fact that he wrote a selfserving craftiness with not a small amount of conservative power lust into Baroka’s captivating senescence. The point remains as indisputable as it is also astonishing that in his early 20s WS could enter so completely into the emo-

For WS @ 80: Baroka and the long road to and beyond his age

•Soyinka

tional, psychic world of an old man. To this we should counterpoise the fact that Lakunle, the young man who at that stage in Soyinka’ career was much closer in age to WS was made the butt of the jokes of all the other characters of the play and the hapless victim of Baroka’s wily stratagems. WS will have to both believe and forgive me for saying this, but since my very first reading of The Lion and the Jewel I have always thought that Soyinka took sides with Baroka against Lakunle not only because the foppish and naive village schoolteacher was everything WS did not want truly radical and progressive members of his generation to be but also because WS was looking well into the future and seeing himself in those aspects of Baroka that defy age when it comes to matters concerning members of the opposite sex! As a teacher of literature for five decades now, I know that characters should not be confused, not be conflated with their authors, but I am giving my honest opinion here. [If a libel suit is served on me for making this “as-

persion”, I will have Femi Falana tie up the lawsuit in an endless, irresolvable knot in the law courts!] More seriously, it strikes me now – and only now – that some of the greatest and most memorable characters of Soyinka’s plays are all old men whom the playwright wrote into imperishable imaginative existence when he was a young man well under the age 40. Some of these are Forest Head of A Dance of the Forests; Professor of The Road; Oba Danlola of Kongi’s Harvest; Old Man of Madmen and Specialists; and Elesin Oba of Death and the King’s Horseman. Parenthetically, I might add here that there are two and only two old women in all of Soyinka’s plays that match the towering presence of the old men in the plays in which they appear and these are Iya Agba in Madmen and Specialists and Iyaloja in Death and the King’s Horseman. But maleness as such is not part of the essence of the old men of Soyinka’s great plays, with the exception perhaps of only Elesin

Oba in Death and the King’s Horseman. Neither is age in and of itself the thing that stands out in the characterisation of the old, senescent protagonists of Soyinka’s great plays. It is something very tragic and at the same time very exhilarating, something in fact deeply aporetic: they all bear the burden of ironic truths and a dazzling wisdom which neither saves them personally nor those who surround them in the expectation that they will fulfill the messianic hopes they inspire. Now I first read all these plays and came across these characters when I was myself a young man, at a time when the formless, apolitical and postadolescent, non-conformism of my teenage years was being gradually supplanted by a lifelong devotion to socialism in our country, our continent and our world. In that context, these characters of Soyinka’s great plays confused but also endlessly fascinated me. On the one hand, the characters all stood for or in the

end inscribed a radical antimessianism in social contexts that had a surfeit of evil, cruelty and suffering and therefore had a great, overwhelming need to be changed for the better. But on the other hand, the characters each took an unsparing and savagely corrosive look at the evil in themselves and in their world and refused totally to be “saviors”, even at the cost of being destroyed themselves. In a way, Soyinka can be described as a consistently non- or anti-didactic playwright but he does have some plays and many poems that can be described as quasi-didactic, plays like the “Jero” plays, The Beatification of an Area Boy and the sketches and revues of the “Before the Blackout” series. But the thing that confounded me when I first read and/or watched Soyinka’s plays in performance was the fact that it was the group of radically nonmessianic and anti-didactic plays that far more fascinated me than the other group. Which is why, in the years of my young intellectual and political adulthood, when, without exactly knowing it, I was on my way to achieving a complex understanding of the role of contradiction and aporia in life, art and politics, those great plays of Soyinka and their larger-than-life “old men” characters were of immense help. WS is now biologically 80. But vicariously, through a life in art of ferocious and stunning imaginative power, he had already been 80 and older for many decades now, while all the time he retained a youthful energy and drive that were all the more amazing in that he combined many lives into his one single and exceptional life. His appetite for life is vast, like that of an okanjua, a glutton whose capacity for life and living is matched only by the vastness of his capacity for work and self-renewal. By the law of averages, he should have departed this life a long time ago. Sani Abacha was not the only dictator who sought mightily to terminate his life, Idi Dada Amin of Uganda having also been one who sought to end what he regarded as his torments at the hands of WS by plotting to have his life cut short. And the accounts are fully documented that Soyinka was not supposed to have survived his detention by Gowon’s regime during the Nigeria-Biafra war. But Abacha went further than any other megalomaniacal user of the weapon of killing implacable foes by having told confidantes that he would like to be the first ruler in history to have the satisfaction of hanging a Nobel Laureate. Abacha it is that died; WS is 80. And ko tii si iku lo ju e, Ahusubitrue! Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

COMMENT

Bisi Onabanjo on my mind F

OR those of us who had our secondary education in Ogun State between 1978 and 1983, late Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo remains a folklore hero. The man became the first elected governor of a young state which was just 44 months old in October 1979 and realised that his victory at the polls was as a result of popular support for his party, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). One of the cardinal programmes of his party was free education. While there are many enduring landmark edifices built by the Onabanjo administration in its four years, three months tenure, as a direct beneficiary, the education programme is still the area where one continues to have the most appreciation of the ingenuity of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his lieutenants. In a place like Ogun State where education was and remains a major industry as the people have by then had close to two century exposure to Western education, the UPN captured the heart of the people with its creative investment in establishment of new schools, building of new education infrastructure, supply of free textbooks, notebooks and other instructional materials, while tuition fees were abolished in secondary schools. The quality of teaching in Ogun state was so high that some of my mates were from Lagos, Oyo and places that are now in Edo and Osun States. People from neighbouring states came to get good education in Ogun State and benefit from the free education policy. Incidentally, when I returned to live in Ogun State in 2011, I found that one area where the erosion and compromise of the Onabanjo legacy was more evident is in the area of education. Over the years, schools in Ogun State had suffered serious neglect. The infrastructure had collapsed. Quality of teaching had become prostrate. Teachers were disenchanted and teaching had become a second profession to them. As a result of these negative developments, students themselves have become disoriented.

VER the months, with the approach of the conduct of party primaries slated for October this year by the Independent National Electoral Commission, there seems, unfortunately, concerted efforts by surrogates falling over themselves to please the Enugu State Government, by mounting ceaseless campaigns of calumny, against the person of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, through fictitious Advertorials. Churning out falsehood, these groups and their collaborators are carrying it to a dizzying height which bewilders. There must be truce now and all those fanning the embers of chauvinism and trying to heat up the polity of a hitherto peaceful Enugu State, must be called to order. Any keen follower of the political events in the Coal City, ought to have deduced that the out-going Governor Sullivan Chime is believed to be eyeing the Enugu West Senatorial seat being occupied at present by Senator Ekweremadu, who has performed creditably well not only as Senator representing the area, but has with candour, simplicity, courage and non pugnacious stance , steered honourably the Senate sessions of the 7th National Assembly, as Deputy Senate President. His colleagues are won’t to marvel at his proper grasp of legislative duties, his articulate views and how he marshals his points with such ease not incurring the wrath of any Senator even those holding alternate views. It is to his credit that he continues to pilot the affairs of the Red Chamber with such dexterity each time he is presiding that hardly had there been any rancourous situation. His warmth are infectious hence having friends that cut across party affiliations and he is at home with all his colleague Senators at first name basis. The pride of any nation and state, is to treasure and hold dearly their best ‘first eleven’ so to say. He remains a phenomenon in the Senate and National Assembly as a whole and the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Parliamentary Body, to therefore contemplate asking Senator Ekweremadu not to rerun, come February 2015 General Elections, is not only a disservice to Enugu State but indeed Nigerians. To coerce and torpedo this achiever despite his phenomenal legislative accomplishments in both fashioning good laws for the nation and attracting several developmental projects to his Constituency and empowering lots of people across board, no doubt goes against the grains

By Yusuph Olaniyonu

These are the challenges that the present administration in Ogun State headed by Senator Ibikunle Amosun had to contend with since its inception on May 29, 2011. Incidentally, the first item in the administration’s Mission to Rebuild Agenda is Affordable Qualitative Education. With its meager resources, the present government, like that of Onabanjo, abolished tuition fees in all its 1,491 primary and 473 secondary schools. Also, an audit of number of pupils and students in public schools were taken and textbooks, notebooks and instructional materials were supplied to each of them as we enjoyed under the Onabanjo administration. The Amosun administration also initiated a programme in which it gradually began the renovation and reconstruction of blocks of classrooms in the schools as well as supply of new furniture in those schools. To enable it pay for the cost of these infrastructural facilities, the government entered into negotiation with the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Education Trust Fund (ETF), in which it paid the backlog of its counterpart fund dating back to 2008 so that it can access the fund due to the state which had been lying fallow. That is why one would see new buildings and furniture in some primary and secondary schools with the inscription ‘SUBEB 2008/ 2009’, yet they were built by the current administration with the money accessed in arrears from UBE for the year inscribed on them as directed by the relevant federal intervention agency. However, with the extent of rot inherited by the present administration in the area of infrastructure, it is not uncommon to still see some school buildings that are not in good shape. Definitely, renovation and reconstruction of classroom buildings is a work-inprogress that will take a few more years be-

fore normalcy can be totally restored. As it was in the Onabanjo era when new schools were built to accommodate the growing number of students, the Amosun administration is on the verge of completing 15 model secondary schools with each of them having a carrying capacity of 1,000 students. The model schools are being constructed in preparation for the return of schools originally owned by missionaries. Again, government has introduced the unified examinations in primary and secondary schools in which all pupils and students write the same examinations, centrally administered and paid for by the government. The implication is that tutors are forced to cover their syllabus, the quality of teaching automatically improves and level of performance of students in internal and external examinations continues to grow higher. In any case, government has religiously paid the WAEC fees of final year secondary school students while those in technical schools enjoy the same privilege. The students are further motivated by the reward of a foreign leadership training that the foundation run by wife of the governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, gives to the 20 students with best WAEC results selected from the 20 Local Government Areas. These progressive policies explain why enrolment in Junior Secondary Schools has jumped from 174,820 in 2011 to 214,837 while that of the Senior Secondary Schools has moved from 146, 737 to 162,536 in the last three years. The performance in WAEC has also improved by over 100 percent from what it used to be in 2011. Similarly, the Higher Education Performance (HEP) rate has moved from 18 percent in 2011/12 to 49.8 percent in 2012/ 13. Today, teachers in the state have never had a better deal. Schools now get money for running cost. They get 27.5 percent Peculiar Allow-

ance and 13th month salary allowance. They are due to get the recently approved car and housing loans of between N500, 000 to N2 million and N1 million to N5 million respectively, depending on the salary scale. The loan will enable some of them to purchase comfortable apartment flats in the AAK Degun MTR Estate, Laderin in Abeokuta, specifically built by the government for public servants. Since 2011, Ogun State’s teachers have been participating in different all-year round training programmes aimed at improving their competence. No wonder, Ogun State has been carting away majority of the awards in the National Teachers Awards being given by the Federal Government. The state government also gives similar award to further motivate the teachers. The seven tertiary schools owned by the state are not left behind. They get improved monthly subvention paid regularly to enable the school authorities meet their financial demands. The government has introduced policies aimed at overhauling the system. Infrastructural, education and transport facilities aimed at repositioning the schools and returning them to the prime position they occupied in the immediate years following the exit of the Onabanjo era. Despite the propaganda by some opposition elements, I make bold to say the state government has not approved any request for increment in school fees in these higher institutions since 2011. Rather, since 2011, it has directed an across-the-board reduction in fees while also insisting on operation of a cashless policy aimed at institutionalizing financial discipline in the school. It is for the above reasons that each time one reviews the developments in the Ogun State education sector, one is tempted to conclude that there is a re-enactment of Onabanjo’s golden years. • Olaniyonu is Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ogun State

Chime, Ekweremadu imbroglio: Time to sheathe the sword By Dr Johnbull Okpe

of continuity and institutionalising functional senatorial duties as a bedrock of sound democratic tenets. No one throws away a baby and the bathwater. There is no wisdom in changing a winning team. One matures with time and experience cannot be bought with money. United Sates of America, where we adopted the Presidential System of Government, never risked removing or uprooting a deserving and performing Senator. As a matter of fact, a peep into the history of serving American Senators, there is a long list of revered longest serving senators, who are still serving. The list runs thus: Senators Robert C.Byrd (Democrat Western Virginia)- was in the Senate for 51 years from January 3, 1959- January 28, 2010; Dan K. Inouye from January 3, 1963 to present day over 50 years; Storm Thurmond, Republican South Carolina, spent 47 years from November 7 1956- January 2002; Edward M. Kennedy Democrat Massachusetts ,had 47 years of meritorious service November 7, 1962 - August 25, 2009. As champion of higher education, direct loans to students and a lifelong crusader of equal rights, Senator Kennedy perhaps would have still been in the Senate, but for his unfortunate demise as a result of brain tumour. Carl T.Hayden Democrat Arizona spent about 42 years March 4, 1927- January 3, 1969; John Stemis Democrat Mississippi, did 42 years November 5, 1947- January 1989; Ted Steven Republican Arkansas, was at the senate for 44 years Dec 24, 1965January 2009; Ernest F Hollings Democrat spent 39 years Nov 9, 1966- January 3, 2005; Richard D. Russel Democrat was at that distinguished American senate for 38 years January 3, 1933- January 21, 1971. Bringing to a close the list of 10 longest serving American senators is Russel Long Democrat Los Angeles, was in the senate for 38 years December 31, 1948- January 3, 1987. The issue of who represents the Constituents in the American system, is not based on sentiments or emotions but the system works for per-

fection. It is not at the whims and caprices of President Barack Obama, or any American serving Governor. They hold on tenaciously to their men of honour and valour as they go into elections. It is becoming a past time for most Governors leaving governance to go headlong in pursuit of uprooting whoever is in the senate so that they may replace them. It shouldn’t really be a dumping ground for past Governors, especially when the incumbent senators are remarkably doing well in all ramifications. There could be other areas these former Governors could participate instead of upturning the apple cart. The scenario in Enugu makes a good case for study. Although the Governor has not publicly declared he would be contesting the seat occupied by Senator Ekweremadu, but even in my village in Enugu State, it is no longer a news hidden in a bushel. Objectively, both sons of Enugu have done well and are equally qualified to run. The Governor has laid solid foundation for development in the state with the construction of major roads within the capital city and also at the rural areas. He had restored a serene and peaceful atmosphere for business and social life to thrive. On his part, Senator Ekweremadu’s status has soared with local and an international clout. He is a consummate legislator whose master of legislative process to the advantage of the nation we cannot afford to toy with and miss. He has postulated and sponsored several bills that impact on the common man, promoting legislation that would provide support systems for small and medium scale enterprises, especially reviewing laws that could encourage local technology, local management skills and access to cheap and long term loans. He had worked tirelessly in getting through legislation that would make for funding for a limited free health care system especially for expectant mothers, children and all those unable to benefit in the health insurance scheme, amongst others. His horizon is people-oriented, hence the infrastructural provision for his Enugu West Constituents so staggering in new school blocks, desks,

books, equipping libraries, transformers, rural electrification, water boreholes, roads , building of town halls and places of recreation, adult literacy and micro finance. He has a Football Championship on-going being competed for by Local Governments that make up his Senatorial Zone. Perhaps it is in the area of philanthropic gestures that Senator Ekweramadu has written his name in Platinum. As at the last count, his Ikeoha Foundation Scholarship Bursary Award is sponsoring the education of over 300 students including bursary awards in higher institutions including universities both at home and overseas. No tinkering of the Constitution would be complete without mentioning his name since as Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in the National Assembly, he has brought to bear on the exercise, respectability and a high sense of purpose. Given his pedigree and purposeful leadership as Deputy Senate President and for the magnificent upliftment and empowerment of people from his area, one can say without any fear of contradiction that his name placed on the Ritchard’s Scale, it would weigh down the gold bars. Is it therefore desirable that he should return, Yes. Would he add more values and strengthen the Senate in the forthcoming 8th National Assembly? The answers are in the positive. Will the people of Enugu West be better of with his coming back? Yes and Yes! We must grow this democracy and appreciate excellence and performance. We must not abort a dream so sweet still in the honey comb. All men and women of decent upbringing in Enugu, must intervene to checkmate the unnecessary flexing of muscles. The party in Enugu is One Big Family. We must shut the door to muckrakers and mischief makers cum sycophants. Howbeit Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Governor Sullivan locking themselves up in one room, no interference and as brothers sort out what ordinarily should be a simple family affair.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

2015: Campaigns before the whistle

PAGE 22

PAGES 20

•Jonathan

Rumpus in Ogun East over proposed Ijebu State PAGE 25

2015: Ibibio elders battle Akpabio

•Shekarau

•Obanikoro

2015: Jonathan takes battle to APC states F

OR President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the battle to make a clean sweep of the 2015 general elections may have begun in earnest. Still basking in the euphoria of its candidate’s victory over the incumbent Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 21 Ekiti State governorship election, PDP leaders expectedly want more, say sources within the party. With Ekiti State now in its kitty, credible sources disclosed that the President’s strategists have come up with what is referred to within the circle as a ‘fool-proof plan’ to ‘capture’ more APC-controlled states in next year’s general elections. States being targeted, The Nation’s findings revealed include Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Kano, Adamawa and

His taciturn response to his alleged interest to run in 2015 notwithstanding, every sign seems to suggest that President Goodluck Jonathan is poised to neutralise all real and perceived forces standing in his way for re-election, writes Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo Nasarawa. The strategies to be deployed for each of the states vary depending on their distinct political peculiarities, it was gathered. The Lagos’ Action Plan Following PDP’s victory in Ekiti State, optimism that the party can pull an upset in the 2015 Lagos governorship election has hit a rebound, with some of its stakeholders saying that with the right candidate and massive propaganda on the perceived shortcomings of the ruling APC, victory may just be possible. On the part of the Presidency, there are strong indications that

some of the sentiments that came into play in the 2011 general elections, which ensured victory for Jonathan would be put to test again next year. Sources revealed that the PDP intends to capitalise on the huge population of the Igbo, Ilaje and the Ijaw, three sections of the state’s population where the President appears quite popular to neutralise the Yoruba and Hausa votes. But the party leaders, according to informed source, have one big dilemma: picking the right candidate with the requisite qualifications and pedigree that can turn

the party’s dream into reality at the polls. While the APC parades many governorship aspirants aiming to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola, the PDP still cannot boast of A-list aspirants about eight months to the election. Until he was appointed as the Minister of State for Defense, a few months ago, the party’s former governorship candidate in the 2007 election, Musiliu Obanikoro, was considered as the frontrunner for the 2015 race. However, his ministerial appointment, with the alleged brief to use the position to

advance the PDP’s planned onslaught on the South-West zone, may have put paid to his alleged governorship ambition. The absence of a strong candidate, according to sources, is said to be giving PDP leaders both in the state and the national level a cause for concern, as time, they reckon, may be running out in thrashing out the issue. In picking its candidate, two things are being considered. First, is the issue of religion, with opinion divided on whether the party should allow the APC to pick its candidate first before the PDP holds its primaries? The second issue is the zoning formula to be adopted, even as some of the party leaders believe that Lagos being a •Continued on Page 23

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

POLITICS

2015: Campaigns before the whistle b T

HE rule of the game is for political parties and aspirants to flag-off campaigns after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would have blown the whistle formally. Not so with the 2015 General Elections. As far back as 2013, over a year before the official kick-off of the campaigns, major actors have devised surreptitious campaign strategies to beat INEC. So far, observers say virtually all the major actors, from the seat of power in Abuja to the remotest local councils, may have devised illegal means of campaigning before the whistle. The list has been in-exhaustive: All through the night that Wednesday, in the first week of January 2013, some faceless youths worked tirelessly, pasting anonymous campaign posters in the choice areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), Abuja. At sunrise the following morning, residents expressed concern over the glossy second term posters of the president boldly pasted on streetlight poles, walls, dustbins, traffic sheds and other strategic places in the capital city. Some of the posters read, “2015: No vacancy in Aso Rock,” “Let’s do more,” “One good term deserves another,” “SupportDrGoodluckAzikiweJonathanfor2015Presidency.” Following the widespread complaints, security agents, weeks after, said they were looking for the people that pasted the campaign posters bearing the image of President Goodluck Jonathan. The president’s political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in its reaction dismissed the suggestion by some observers that the emergence of the anonymous posters means President GoodluckJonathanhascommencedcampaignfor the 2015 presidential election. Chief Olisa Metuh, who spoke for the party then said “We are totally unaware of it. I have not even seen it. But we are not unmindful of the fact that several times in the past; a lot of people had taken it upon themselves. The whistle has not been blown for politics. This could be the handiwork of mischief makers,” he said. Presidentialspokesman,DrReubenAbati,also said: “Those pasting the posters are trying to express their own view. The president had stated that he will talk about the presidency from 2014. Those doing these do not have the consent of the president.” Abati added: “We do not know those behind the posters. So, the president cannot do anything. Our appeal is that those behind this should allow the president concentrate on the job at hand. The president’s main pre-occupation now is to continue to provide service and quality leadership.” In spite of these denials, there were reports that Jonathan had, as far back as 2013, secretly com-

For over a year before the official lifting of the ban on campaigns ahead 2015 elections, INEC has seemed helpless over anonymous banners and other surreptitious campaign strategies, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports

•Jega menced his re-election campaigns and had even inaugurated a 21-member committee to work underground in preparation for the 2015 political battle. Denying these, Abati had said then: “This is totally untrue and without any basis in reality. As he has truthfully declared on several occasions, President Jonathan has not yet taken a decision on whether or not he will seek re-election in 2015. He has, therefore, not mandated any individual, committee or organisation to start working on his behalf for the 2015 elections.’’ He added: “Political jobbers and their collaborators in the media should stop heating up the polity with baseless speculations and falsehoods revolving around imaginary plans and schemes by the Presidency for the 2015 elections.” Abati also acknowledged what he described as an emerging trend whereby political opportunists were using the president’s name to promote themselves and their ambitions. He lamented that some unscrupulous persons were printing 2015 campaign posters with President Jonathan’s photograph when INEC had yet to announce the beginning of campaigns. Ironically, this has since become the pattern, as posters of many politicians have since adorned streetlight poles, bus-stop sheds and other strategic

locations in Abuja and other major cities across the nation. In all the cases, the politician involved has always denied having anything to do with the posters and besides mere allegations and counter allegations between such politicians and their rivals, law enforcement agencies or INEC have not been able to identify and or punish any sponsor of these illegal campaign posters. As a result, the political actors have continued to play the game even at a wider dimension while INEC and Nigerians seem helpless. Just last week, there were reports that Jonathan’s campaign posters have again flooded Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, even as residents complained that it was untimely. Some of the posters, according to residents of Enugu metropolis read: “Join us to forge the nation ahead,” “Mr. President, you deserve some more.” This time however, the posters were allegedly signed byagroupcalledNationalYouthsSupportforJonathan (NUSJ), 2015. But as Dr Francis Mba, said in a chat, “that organisation, if you check its records, must be another faceless group. It amounts to the same thing. Our politicians are using these faceless and jobless entities to ridicule the system. It’s a shame.” However, it is not only President Jonathan’s posters that have graced the billboards spaces in recent time. The list is indeed endless and in the same fash-

ion, the politicians concerned have denied having any knowledge of the posters. The question observers are asking therefore is who is playing this dangerous game against Nigeria and its democracy? Just last week, former governor of Abia State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu’s posters also reportedly littered the major streets of Umuahia and other major cities in Abia State. Orji has succinctly dissociated himself from the posterspurportinghissenatorialcandidacyandpresidential aspiration on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), describing them as a “flood of deceptive, mischievous and malicious posters.” In a statement issued by his media adviser, Mr. Ebere Wabara,Kalusaid:“Onlygulliblesectionsofthepublic and latter day members of the PDP can be misled on where I stand in terms of party membership, loyalty and my political convictions. The people who matter in our party know full well where I belong and my standpoint on national politics. “I strongly believe in President Goodluck Jonathan’srobustandenduringtransformationagenda and holistically subscribe to the profound implementation of the blueprint to the letter.

•Continued on Page 21

2015: Jonathan takes battle to APC states •Continued from Page 19

cosmopolitan state, zoning may not play a crucial role in the average electorate’s voting choice. This line of reasoning, say sources, may have informed the alleged desperation of the Presidency and the PDP leadership to draft Mr. Jimi Agbaje, the man perceived to be popular, as the party’s 2015 governorship candidate. In the last couple of days, several meetings have been held in Lagos and Abuja to iron out some of the thorny issues considered as obstacles to the realisation of the party’s victory in 2015. Ekiti template for Osun Following PDP’s victory in Ekiti, leaders of the party are also fancying its chances in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State. Beside the alleged planned heavy militarisation of the state before, during and after the polls, which will involve the military, Police, Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSDC), The Nation gathered that hawks in the party are also toying with the idea of instigating the arrest of many notable APC leaders before the election. The Presidency’s estimation is that if the PDP wins the election on August 9, Jonathan’s chances in the 2015 presidential election will receive an additional boost. Capitalising on division in Ogun APC

The protracted division in the Ogun State chapter of the APC seems to be sweet music in the ears of the President’s party members. A few weeks ago, there were reports that the Presidency held talks with a former governor of the state and Ogun APC leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who has been at daggers drawn with the incumbent governor, Ibikunle Amosun, over the control of the party, to defect to the PDP. But while Osoba is reportedly not keen in joining PDP, the President’s supporters are still exploring the possibility of persuading him to work for Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election. And with the Labour Party (LP) having also established a presence in the state and also rooting for the President, PDP leaders are hopeful that winning the state or in a worst case scenario, securing a one-third of votes cast at the presidential poll should not be a difficult task. Crisis in Edo and 2015 Findings have revealed that the current political crisis in Edo State is a script written by some PDP leaders from the state to soften the ground for the President in next year’s polls. Prior to the crisis in Edo State House of Assembly, some APC leaders, led by a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, had defected to the PDP. And just a few days ago, Prince Osama Erediauwa, an Executive Director in Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s office and son of the Oba of Benin, Omo Noba Erediauwa, joined the PDP, a development

that reportedly thrilled PDP leaders in Edo and Abuja to no end. The President’s camp is hopeful that with this series of defections to PDP, coupled with the fact that Edo is in the South-South zone where the President also comes from, the state is there for the taking for Jonathan in 2015. Kano as a battleground Boasting the second highest voting population after Lagos, Kano State has been identified as strategic for the President’s reelection bid. This scenario, posit analysts, may have informed the appointment of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau as a minister by President Jonathan. Early this year, Shekarau, a former governor of the state and chieftain of the APC, defected to the PDP following his former predecessor and now successor, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s move to the APC. Shekarau, based on the Presidency’s calculations, is expected to play a key role in the President’s campaign in the North-West state. The expected big battle for Kano in 2015, say sources, also allegedly informed the recent decision by the Federal Government to discontinue the N446.3billion theft charges against Mohammed Abacha, son of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha. The withdrawal of the case, which has attracted local and international condemnation, is seen by political pundits more as a political move rather than a humanitarian gesture.

That the Presidency is not taking Kano lightly in its 2015 game plan can also be seen in the appointment of another Kano indigene, Aminu Wali, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. With this development, Kano is perhaps the only state in the country boasting two substantive ministers manning strategic portfolios. PDP bent on Adamawa The ongoing impeachment plot against Governor Murtala Nyako is also alleged to be part of the plan to ensure a landslide victory for the President in 2015. The plan is that with Nyako out of the equation, a PDP governor would then be installed; a development the party intends to take maximum advantage of during the presidential poll. Nasarawa in the picture If the plot to remove Nyako succeeds, attention, according to sources, would likely shift to Nasarawa State, which has an APC governor but a PDP-dominated House of Assembly. Early this year, speculation was rife that the state governor, Tanko Al-Makura, will be impeached by the House, but the alleged plan failed, following the governor’s alleged reapproachment with majority of the lawmakers. But sources said during the week that the plot may be resurrected if Nyako is successfully removed within the next one or two weeks. With these schemes, it is clear that for the Presidency, the battle for 2015 has indeed commenced. How far it can go however remains a matter for conjecture.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

tle beat INEC

“No amount of scurrilous blackmail from any oppositional quarter can dissuade me or tarnish my image in the eyes of right-thinking people in the PDP,” Kalu said. Last year (2013), when similar posters were reported in Abia, Kalu had accused his opponents of being behind the printing of the posters as a way of frustrating his efforts to reconcile with PDP leadership. In a statement by his Special Adviser then, Oyekunle Oyewunmi, Kalu claimed he has uncovered plots to print and circulate presidential campaign posters for 2015 in his name to deceive the people about his political ambitions. Dissociating Kalu from such posters, Oyewunmi said “any poster proclaiming Uzor Kalu’s declaration for the presidency in 2015 remains the handiwork of his political enemies, who have become more desperate in the last few weeks.” Governor Theodore Orji himself had cause to also deny knowledge of some posters purporting his interest to contest for a senatorial seat in 2015. Speaking with newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia on the alleged posters last week, Orji said his aides called his attention to the posters, which adorned strategic locations in Umuahia and its environs after his return from the council of states’ meeting in Abuja. He said the posters were the handiwork of those urging him to run for the Senate in 2015, especially people from the Abia Central Senatorial Zone. The governor said that different groups, individuals and communities in the zone had at various times come to persuade him to run for the Senate in the 2015 elections. “But I continuously tell them that I have not made up my mind and anytime I do, I will make categorical statement regarding their request. “I have not printed posters, neither have I mandated anybody to print posters for me. Let me put it on record that those posters are not from me. “I want to suspect those who are urging me to go to the Senate to be the brain behind the printing of the posters,” he said. He therefore appealed to those behind the campaign posters to exercise restraint and wait until the ban on electioneering was lifted. The governor also spoke on the recently released INEC timetable for the 2015 general elections, saying it would enable political parties and politicians to make their observations. He noted that INEC would also have ample time to consider all the complaints and observations and make amends where necessary. “INEC has released the timetable for the elections early enough to allow politicians to prepare adequately for the exercise. “It will also help the commission to make adjustments where necessary,” he said. It would be recalled that in the election timetable released by INEC in January, the body fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 14, 2015, while the governorship and state Assembly elections were fixed for February 28, 2015. Other politicians that have had to deny knowledge of campaign posters bearing their names and pictures include former governor Bukola Saraki, who in May this year denied presidential campaign posters bearing his name and picture; Governor Rochas Okorocha, Rivers State Governor Hon. Chibuike Amaechi,GovernorSuleLamidoandtheMinisterofStateforEducation,Nyesom Wike, among others. Former governor of Kwara State and Senator representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Dr Bukola Saraki, had in May denied rumours of his alleged presidential ambition, saying he had no knowledge of his posters which flooded Abuja and Katsina State. Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Bamikole Omishore in Ilorin blamed the development on his political opponents. The statement read: “This is not the time for politicking on the sensitivity of millions of Nigerians who have in their collective wisdom, elected us as leaders to be the managers and custodians of their welfare and interest. “It is our strong belief that those working on this barbaric mission do not have the interest of Nigeria at heart but rather to instill their personal and selfish interest and agenda on the Nigeria polity. This is unacceptable…As a politician of repute and as someone who had contested for this exalted position before and one who knows the seriousness such office deserves, printing of posters will definitely not be the starting point of such campaign if at all the need arises.” In the case of Okorocha, he said in a statement, signed by his SSA on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemodu that the governor has not made any official pronouncement on his presidential ambition and has not also printed campaign posters to that effect and that he has not set up any campaign organisation. When posters bearing Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s photograph and that of GovernorSuleLamidoforthe2015presidentialelectionfloodedAbuja,Amaechi, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said he neither has any political ambition for the 2015 presidential election nor printed posters. In the case of the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, he also distanced himself from the campaign posters that littered Port-Harcourt metropolis bearing his image and interest to contest in Rivers State 2015 governorship election, describing the posters as the handiwork of his detractors, and that the move was aimed at portraying him as an over-ambitious politician. A statement by his media aide, Simon Nwakaudu, said “Those behind the circulation of such posters are bad losers because the Rivers people and indeed, all Nigerians are better informed and too knowledgeable to be deceived by such fluke.” It added that Wike was too committed to the success of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan to indulge in the posting of governorship posters. Besides printing and circulation of anonymous posters, Nigerians have also expressed concern over organisation of rallies that are in all intents and purposes open campaigns. Here, each of the leading parties has been accused of being guilty. A politician for example, recently said, “The President, has been moving from one part of the country to another campaigning in the name of PDP unity rallies. INEC refused to do something about it. Commenting on the trend of campaigning before the whistle, Dr Francis Mba, a political scientist, told The Nation: “It is disturbing because it not only shows the level of desperation on the part of the major political actors but also the extent they are ready to lie and deceive Nigerians. How do you want us to believe that in all the cases, it is only their political opponents that are printing and distributing the posters as a way of blackmailing them? Nigerians are too knowledgeable to believe that cock and bull story.”

POLITICS

Why Ambode after Fashola?

•Fashola

S the search for a successor to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola progresses, the need for us in Lagos to be very diligent in making a choice in 2015 becomes more pressing. This is because the next election in the state will determine many things. Our choice in 2015 will reveal, to the whole world, what our resolves are. 2015 for Lagos is a time to decide whether to move and continue on the parts of development and unhindered growth we trod under former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and continued under Fashola, or to swerve off and toe the opposite path. In making such a decision, many factors are to be stringently considered, according to pundits who have been having a field day discussing what the fate of Lagos State is likely to be after the 2015 election, depending on what choice we make as the voting public. Recently, I attended an inaugural lecture of an association of media practitioners where the guest lecturer, an American expert in electioneering, using Lagos State as a case study, said whoever is thinking of enthroning a governor after Fashola must seriously consider the fact that Lagos cannot go from having a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to having a mediocre as its governor. He also suggested that the ideal candidate need not be too old, but must be brilliant, innovative, matured, and had a brilliant career and such person must be prepared to handle the rigours of leadership in a populated state such as ours. For Lagos to continue on the path of greatness embarked upon since 1999, it is also instructive to consider furthermore the reputation of the man who will manage Lagos after Fashola. It was these criteria that forced me to commence, alongside my age mates, a peer search for the next occupant of Lagos House. After what I can boldly call a thorough check amongst those jostling for the job, across party divides, the mantle fell on a man befitting of the position of Lagos State governor in 2015 and beyond. The man on whom the mantle fell is Akinwunmi Ambode, former Auditor-General for Local Governments in Lagos State and Managing Consultant/CEO of Brandsmiths Consulting Limited, a public finance and management-consulting firm with enviable understanding of the Nigerian market. It wasn’t difficult for me and my peers, all professionals, to see the potentials that qualified Ambode as the best man for the job after Fashola because even his critics agree that he is an A-list candidate. With Akinwunmi Ambode as a candidate, any political party will only have to tell the voters what he has in stock for them to emerge victorious easily. Ambode’s credentials are unassailable dating back to when he was born in Epe, Lagos on June 14,1964. His educational journey traversed St. Jude’s Primary School, Ebute Metta, Federal Government College, Warri and the University of Lagos. What is more, he is a chartered accountant of note. A fellow of many professional bodies, he conveniently comes across as a man who should succeed a SAN in a state like Lagos. So with Ambode as candidate, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will simply be telling Lagosians to go from having a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to having a highly respected chartered accountant as its governor. That will not be a hard sell by any standard. He is also a determined character. A trait he started showing early in life. After losing his dad at a very tender age, Ambode, who had the second best result in the entire West Africa in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1981, went on to graduate with honours in Accounting from the University of Lagos at 21. He has a Masters’ degree in Accounting, combined with

•Ambode By ‘Poju Akintayo

being a Chartered Accountant at 24. His brilliant career in Accounting later in life only confirmed his pedigree. In his insatiable quest for quality knowledge he has also had stints at reputable institutions, including Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield, England, the Institute of Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland, INSEAD Singapore and Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Boston, U.S.A. Now, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). And at a time when the best brains seek the multinationals to ply their trades, Ambode chose the civil service. Only a man with passion for selfless service would do that. And truth be told, there are few of them, not only here in Lagos but the entire Nigerian nation. So, if Lagos is now searching for a man with a career progression that has benefited his society and prepared him for leadership roles, Ambode fits the bill. A peep into his records of service, I am sure will attest to this. Rising from the humble position of a Junior Accountant, he became the youngest ever Auditor-General for Local Governments in Lagos State in 2001. Later, he was made the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance in January 2005. In February, 2006, he got the additional responsibilities as he was announced the Accountant- General in February, 2006. It was in these capacities (combining the positions of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General) that he restructured the financial transactions of the state resulting in the state budget’s performance of over 80 per-cent that year. Not many will know because of his humble nature, that he is the brain behind the remarkable machinery that assisted in keeping Lagos running during the period when the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration unilaterally stopped allocation to local governments in the state. Writing years later in his book: Public Sector Financing, he revealed the strategies used to keep the state afloat in those dark days. The book simplifies government accounting system from the local government through the state to the federal level. Or, he may have to write another book specifically focused on how states and even individuals could survive the hard times. Little wonder that he gained recognition for outstanding excellence by the Joint Tax Board (JTB)/FIRS on the successful organisation of the 1st National Tax Retreat in Nigeria in 2005. All these no doubt have fully equipped him with leadership capabilities that the good people of Lagos state, being a microcosm of Nigeria could gain from. Moving on from where Fashola will leave the saddle in 2015, the next agenda for our great state should focus on how to look inward and be self-sustaining through creative and decent wealth creation. The great development architecture drawn by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Lagos State being presently actualised must be sustained. With the search for competence, capability and character to sustain the state beyond federal allocation as a factor as we seek the next governor of Lagos State, I strongly believe Ambode will fit into the policy established by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and re-enforced by Babatunde Fashola. Two other issues that kept coming up in the debate over who should govern Lagos next are senatorial zoning and religious affiliation. An Ambode candidacy will also lay all these to rest and pave the way for his party’s victory at the polls in 2015. His being a good Christian is another plus for him as this settles the ongoing agitation for a Christian governor for the state in 2015. On senatorial zoning, he is eminently qualified to represent Lagos East as he hails from Epe in the zone. Ambode certainly has the leadership qualities to build on the great works the amiable incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola has achieved. Lagos will drink from his wealth of experience and commitment. — Akintayo writes from Ikorodu, Lagos.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

POLITICS

2015: Ibibio elders battle Akpabio

AGING disagreement between Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, and Ibibio leaders in the state over the zoning of the governorship position in the fast approaching 2015 elections continued unabated following deadlock at a meeting called to broker peace between the two camps. Sources say the governor, determined to stave off all oppositions to his resolve to ensure that the next governor of the state emerge from the Eket zone of the state, agreed to meet with the aggrieved leaders of Ibibio who remained opposed to his 2015 political plans. While the governor insisted that the governorship position be zoned to Eket Senatorial District in the spirit of equity and justice, prominent political leaders from Ibibio have canvassed that the governor should respect an agreement he had with them years back and support Ibibio to produce the next governor; otherwise, the choice of a new governor come 2015, should be made open to all comers irrespective of where they come from. At the meeting held in Uyo recently, in spite of efforts by Akpabio and the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to convince the Ibibio leaders on the need for them to support the zoning agenda, representatives of Ibibio zone at the meeting insisted that the governor’s plot is not in their interest and as such cannot receive their blessing. “The meeting failed to resolve the issues at hand as the Ibibio political leaders are unwilling to shift their ground on the zoning controversy. The parley was called at the instance of the PDP leaders in the state. It became necessary given the numerical strength enjoyed by the Ibibios which may work against the PDP if the issues are left unattended to for too long. While the governor and the PDP chieftains want the Ibibios to concede the governorship

As interest groups protest Governor Godswill Akpabio’s succession plans, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports that a battle line has been drawn between the governor and Ibibio elders ticket to Eket zone as canvassed by the Akpabio, the Ibibio leaders appealed to Governor Akpabio to ensure that the race to pick his successor remains an open contest in keeping with the tradition of electoral contests in the state, if he is unwilling to fulfill an earlier promise to support them to produce the next governor. Not even the intervention and appeal by leaders of the PDP at the meeting could sway the decision of the Ibibio leaders in favour of Akpabio’s idea of zoning. Thus, the meeting ended without a resolution of the issues at hand, leaving the face-off between the governor and Ibibio leaders unresolved,” our source said. The governor reportedly said he preferred to zone the governorship of the state in 2015 to Eket Senatorial District, because, according to him, Eket district has not produced a governor since the state was created in 1987. But the leaders told the governor that the Ibibios, with 14 of the 31 local councils in the state, would continue to insist on an open contest as it was in the past when Akpabio won the governorship election after defeating about 58 other contestants from all the senatorial districts of the state at the PDP primaries in 2006. “Unless the governor will agree to our own idea of zoning, we will only agree to an open contest. This is democracy and we will want to put our numerical strength to test if we cannot get the understanding and support of our brothers to produce the next governor of the state,” the Ibibio leaders reportedly canvassed their position at the meeting with the governor. Not even an option by the party that the governorship position could still go to the Ibibio, if the leaders support an Ibibio of Eket extraction to vie for the job while excluding Ibibio from Uyo Senatorial District from partaking in the race, could sway the leaders in favour of the pact.

Countering the argument of the governor’s camp that the Ibibios just left office eight years ago, the leaders reportedly told the governor that in the old Cross River State, of which Akwa Ibom was a part, Chief U. J. Esuene of Eket Senatorial District was in office for nine years and was followed by Dr. Clement Isong, also of the district for four years, and yet no one protested. According to sources, those at the meeting included leaders of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, the pan-Ibibio socio-cultural group; members of the Ibibio Elders Forum; representatives of Ibibio Collectives; chieftains of the ruling PDP, former and serving commissioners, amongst others. With the development, leaders of the Ibibio zone of the state will return to the trenches in their bid to stop what they alleged as an attempt by the governor to impose his preferred candidate on the state come 2015. Addressing newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, recently, chairman of the Elders’ Forum, Obong Okon Uko, condemned the attempt by Governor Godswill Akpabio to impose a successor on the people. Uko had said the Ibibio, as the majority which constitutes over 60 per cent of the population in Akwa Ibom State, believe in the peaceful co-existence of the various sub-ethnic groups and had, due to such recognition, voted Akpabio, an Annang from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, repeatedly into office in 2007 and 2011. The forum therefore called on Akpabio to remember his earlier pledge during his 2007 gubernatorial campaigns to revert back power to the Ibibio at the expiration of his tenure in 2015. “Governor Akpabio reaffirmed this position in 2009 at a rally organised by Ibibio leaders to endorse him for a second term in office. Chief Akpabio stated then that to promote justice, peace and eq-

uity, the Ibibios will produce the governor in 2015”, they said. Earlier, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, the apex Ibibio cultural organisation in Akwa Ibom State, has rejected Akpabio’s zoning campaign with regard to 2015 gubernatorial election in the state. The group made of elders of Ibibio ethnic nationality also advised Akpabio to honour his promise in 2011 to hand over power to Ibibio in 2015. Akwa Esop, led by their Patriarch, Obong Essien Udo Ekidem, the Ntisong III, said they had observed with great concern the partisan interest expressed by various groups and organisations in the state concerning the 2015 governorship race, especially, as regards zoning of the governorship office to a particular senatorial district. While stressing that governorship elections in the state had never been subjected to any zoning arrangement, the organisation stressed that in 1999 many governorship aspirants emerged from the three senatorial districts of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket, even though Obong Victor Attah eventually emerged as consensus candidate. “In 2007, 58 governorship aspirants from the three senatorial districts contested the PDP primaries of which the incumbent governor, his Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio emerged as the party candidate. In 2011 again, six governorship aspirants from the three senatorial districts contested the PDP primaries. “It could be seen from the antecedents that there has never been a time that a governorship race is restricted to any particular senatorial district in Akwa Ibom State. In the same vein, ethnic consideration has never been a yardstick for selecting a governorship candidate. “In the light of the ongoing, we in Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio and indeed wish to state categorically that zoning should not be brought into the governorship race for 2015. PDP governorship primaries in

Akwa Ibom State has always been open to all aspirants in the three senatorial districts, therefore, 2015 cannot be an exception. In this circumstance, any governorship aspirant from any senatorial district from any political party is duly qualified to contest the 2015 governorship election,” the group said. They said the ongoing town hall meetings should not be used as a political platform to whip up ethnic sentiments or disaffection among the peace loving people of the state or heat up the polity, warning that democracy should be allowed to take its due course rather than imposing a candidate against the will of the people. But Akpabio is also insisting that his successor would emerge from Eket Senatorial District. His reason is that the other two senatorial districts, namely, Uyo and Ikot –Ekpene, have each produced occupants of the office of the governor at various times. And as if acting on cue, the state chapter of the PDP zoned the 2015 governorship ticket to the district. It is not only Ibibio leaders who are up in arms against the decision as some of the party’s leading figures such as Otuekong Jackson, Senator Aloysius Etuk, Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN), a former deputy governor, Chris Ekpenyong; a former minister, Obong Rita Akpan; and a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Peter Linus Umoh, among others, have taken their protest to the PDP national secretariat. In one of several media briefings by aggrieved party chieftains, a former member of the House of Representatives, Bernard Udoh, said he and other stakeholders of the party have rejected the arrangement in its totality. The stakeholders also accused the governor of running the state chapter of the party like a personal estate. They cautioned the PDP against treating their complaints with levity because such an action has the potential of hurting the party’s chances in 2015.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

POLITICS

Revisiting Ekiti’s penkelemesi

•Bethel Amadi with the Managing Director of IMF, Christine Lagarde at a recent function.

Imo, Bethel Amadi and Pan African Parliament W

ITH the recent granting of legislative powers to the Pan African Parliament (PAP) by the General Assembly of the Africa Union (AU), the stage is set for the body to play the expected role of accelerating the economic development of the continent and galvanise the peoples of Africa toward good governance and true democratic culture. This development is the result of years of effort by the PAP, led by Nigerian born Bethel Amadi, to reposition the parliament. Down home in Imo State where Amadi comes from, there is a growing euphoria over the strategic role this son of the soil is playing at the continental level. Many indigenes of the state believe that the experience being garnered by Amadi, who is a foremost governorship aspirant in the state, will be handy in repositioning the state for a comprehensive political, economic and social transformation. Right now, the people are battling over whom, among the several governorship aspirants, can foot the bill. As a matter of fact, at no time in its history has the state witnessed such a calibre of governorship aspirants: ranking legislators, erudite scholars, brilliant lawyers, top flight professionals, etc. Collectively, Barr. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi, like other aspirants, savour in this salutary perception but chief among the things that really set him aside is the Pan African Presidency exposure. It is tempting to argue that the presidency of a Pan African Parliament, sitting in far away South Africa, has no immediate bearing with the welfare and aspirations of the people down here. But that is at once erroneous and fallacious. Such a notion might simply have arisen because Hon. Amadi, in his characteristic modesty and self effacing mien, has not deemed it fit to flaunt the PAP credentials. But as noted above, that amounts to, knowingly and unknowingly, concealing vital information from his own people, who are desirous of parameters that go beyond what they are used to for years, in the search for who presides over their affairs as political chief executive come May 29th 2015. Out there, the polity is almost saturated with allusions to the fact that the Imo electorate does not always go for the loudest campaigner in choosing their governor. They do not also like those who delight in flaunting opulence as a way of demonstrating that they are already too wealthy to succumb to the temptation of pilfering public funds. If these are just what the people are after, then Hon. Amadi, in the eyes of many, is one of the very few that are worthy of asking for the peoples’ mandate. But the truth is that the highly discerning and sophisticated Imo electorate is going beyond the ordinary this time around. Within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for example, there are those who are advocating the “thief-to-catch-the-

By Uzoma Nwachukwu

thief” theory. Another version is that it would take a fellow who can match the incumbent governor- thug for thug and violence for violence. Apart from the fact that this argument falls flat on the face of the experience in the state as already seen above, the highly discerning and sophisticated people of Imo State are very much conscious of the fact that the world is moving away from political hooliganism. If anything, there are strong indications that what the people will be looking out for are those with exposure that will make governance in the state not business as usual. This is where Hon. Amadi comes in. There is an Igbo adage to the effect that a breast owner should not suck the bare skin (Madu Anaghi Enwe Ara Na Anu Akpu). This aphorism may well illustrate the situation in Imo if the people are not made to take full advantage of the exposure of the likes of Bethel Amadi in the next dispensation. Amadi was elected president of the Pan African Parliament in September 2012 after a year’s stint as Vice President and after more than two years as a member of that Parliament. His ascendancy to that pre-eminent position came at a time when the parliament was going through a transformation process as a legislative organ of the African Union (AU). His presidency took this transformation very seriously because he believes that a Pan African Parliament, with legislative powers will strengthen African’s democratic institutions, promote continental integration and boost intra-African trade. In the last couple of years, the PAP under Amadi’s leadership has established a framework for deepening democratic governance as well as promoting peace and security. Under him, PAP has established relationships with regional and continental bodies. Among the benefits garnered from such interface is the recent strategic partnership between PAP and the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for the advancement of sustainable responses to the scourge in the continent. Also to the benefit of the continent is the strategic partnership with the UN for addressing the human rights challenges in Africa. His administration has also come up with programmes for integrating the African continent with regional and national parliaments. One key evidence of this is the emergence of the annual conference of Speakers of African National Parliaments. Through this conference, regional and national parliaments are sensitized on existing African Union legal instruments, the need to achieve speedy ratification and how to apply the legal instruments in the enforcement of basic human and legal rights across the African continent. Another area the PAP has made huge impact under Hon. Amadi is on the promotion of gender equality and affirmative action for women in the continent.

This interest arises from Hon. Amadi’s personal belief that this vulnerable segment of the global community, which represents half of the global population, should be constructively engaged in Africa’s development agenda. To this end, PAP under Amadi established the Pan African Parliament and Women Conference during which issues on gender imbalances are highlighted. So, how will all this affect the lives of the common man on the streets of Owerri when Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi becomes the governor of Imo state? Here is how: Amadi’s job as PAP President has so exposed him that some describe him as the most exposed politician or public office holder in Nigeria today. As has been seen above, PAP has in the last couple of years under Amadi taken concrete steps towards inculcating the ideals of good governance and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The two are the bane of democracy in Nigeria. As governor, Amadi will be the cynosure of his contemporaries across the continent, nay all over the world, who will definitely be interested in seeing how he would apply his experiences to the benefit of his own people. Even for the worst pessimist, a stint as governor would offer an opportunity to practicalise what he had advocated for years. Apart from the benefits of a mere robust and democratic framework that would naturally trail a gubernatorial outing by Hon. Amadi, his wealth of contacts and networks across the continent and beyond will come handy in pursuing a sustainable development agenda for the state. In Nigeria, the federal and state governments have faced the perennial problem of inability to access funds and resources from international agencies due to lack of technical knowhow and correct contacts. That will no longer be the fate of a place like Imo under the leadership of a fellow like Bethel Amadi. Under him, Imo will cease to be among the states where governors have no contacts abroad and yet make a song and dance of bringing foreign investors to their states. Under Amadi, the state will save resources that were hitherto spent on foreign trips because most of the agencies, based on their established relationship with him, will come here on their own or at least on minimal expenses by the state. The narrowing down of the world into a “global village” came with stupendous benefits which have eluded the people of Africa, including Nigerians. Therefore, involving key players in the international corporate arena like Hon. Bethel Amadi will do Nigeria a lot of good. Needless to say, highly sophisticated people like Ndi Imo should develop a way of keying into the process by leveraging on the rare privilege of having amongst them a fellow like Amadi who is already there. —— Nwachukwu wrote in from Owerri, Imo State

T was not my intention to comment on the processes that led to the June 21 election in Ekiti State. Even when I got some reactions to the write-up, I chose to keep my vow to review my position only when there are new facts. However, I had to vary that decision when Oloye Lekan Alabi chose to “set the record straight”. He wrote in to complain that the late Chief Adegoke Adelabu had been misrepresented in my column under reference. He presented Adelabu as a polished and urbane public-spirited man. It was impossible to ignore the weight of Oloye’s submissions. It had passion and, as he indicated, he has cause to take on anyone who might choose to present the late Ibadan politician as grandfather of debased politics. With due respect to Oloye Alabi, nowhere in my submission did I suggest that Adelabu was an illiterate. It was not part of my concern. I know enough of the man- his biographical work and the comments on his person and politics by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the late Chief Bola Ige. Even the factional account by Professor Kole Omotoso. All I said, and would repeat any time, is that he was the original writer of the script that the likes of Chief Busari Adelakun, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu,in Ibadan and more recently, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti acted and are acting. It has caught on so much that Chief Iyiola Omisore would not be caught anywhere without roasted corn or yam which he believes to illustrate his commitment to the cause of the poor. I appreciate Oloye Alabi’s presentation. Except for his conclusion that I may not be conversant with the subject, he did nothing to impugn my integrity. All I will therefore do is reproduce the relevant section of that piece since Oloye’s rejoinder is published today in this newspaper. I leave the Ekiti field, at least for now, for those who want to recant and are trying out a competition on who could abuse the most, whether founded on facts or falsehood. What matters to me is what could have instructed such a shift, given the choice available. Fayemi versus Fayose; APC versus PDP. Fayemi- urbane, polished, an achiever and principled. There was also Fayose- background still shrouded in mystery, not known to be a policy man and quite abrasive. Yet, as the people told Pilate when he asked who to set free between Jesus and Barabbas, the people said they wanted the Christ crucified and the criminal Barabbas set free. It was their choice. The Ekiti, too, asked for Fayose. The setting is similar to the situation when the late Adegoke Adelabu took on the great Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Adelabu was an incomparable orator. He was devastating on the soap box and chose to sway the people against progress. He had the appropriate word for every occasion. He knew what to say to each crowd to send the audience to frenzy. He could say one thing in Ogbomoso and another to people in Ijebu. Adelabu made waves in the cities across the Western Region. When he surmised that the campaign crowd was made up largely of illiterates, he threw in his clincher: what a peculiar mess. And the drummers showed their dexterity. The people took the word to town:penkelemesi. It was a proof that Adelabu could defeat a native speaker of the English language at any competition. It stuck. The stunt worked In Ekiti, contrary to the contention that the people are highly principled and educated and would easily see through cheap gimmicks, they decided to see Fayose as a modern-day Adelabu. Although Fayose was incapable of pulling stunts on the soap box, the theatrics on the road was not lost on the artisans, the youth, the teachers and civil servants. They accepted the PDP candidate and warmed up to him. He did not have to sell a programme; that would have been unlike the party. His tactics were simple. He made to sell himself as a friend of the common man. At every point, he identified with him. From one campaign station to another, he elected to jump on any available motorcycle and reward the okadaman handsomely. He became an instant friend of every garri seller. All he needed to prove to them that he would patronize them was branch once at a stall, buy some and soak it there. The news spread that he would continue to patronize them if only he got elected governor. The youth had their grouse against the incumbent. They had expected that, as reward for supporting him in the epic battle to reclaim his stolen mandate in 2010, Fayemi would open the till and pour out Naira. It did not matter to them that a modern economy could not be run in such manner. Fayose promised he would provide the much needed “stomach infrastructure”. I have utmost respect for Oloye and his accomplishment, but needed, too, to set the records straight in the interest of the readers.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

POLITICS

‘Presidency is politicising insecurity’

CANNOT say categorically if INEC is ready. The Ekiti June 24th election to me was over militarised. The military were used to victimise APC leaders. I was also a victim of such victimisation because on several occasions I had to leave my house. A lot of my colleagues were humiliated, some were arrested. In my local government, a lot of APC leaders were arrested and were released immediately the election was over. The fact that people were saying that the election was free and fair has come to questioning because the environment was not conducive for a free and fair election because it was over militarised, and the military was operating based on an instruction from above to destabilise the party structure and arrest the party hierarchy so that there would not be proper co-ordination of activities on the day of election. This may also account for the outcome of that election. I want to ask Nigerians, if we are having election concurrently across Nigeria, how it will be possible to militarise all the states across Nigeria the way Ekiti was militarised. It has shown that if care is not taken, 2015 election will not come out pleasant. If Fayemi is not acceptable to the people, people will not be defecting to the APC. During the administration of ex-governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo, people left AD for the PDP and the former governor still won in 13 local government areas. So, the results of the last guber election in Ekiti should be queried. The outgoing governor, Fayemi, just created Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ekiti State. The opposition party and the governor-elect, Ayo Fayose, are of the view that he shouldn’t have done that. What is your take? I see no reason why they are crying foul because the tenure of Fayemi will be ending in Oct o b e r and

Bamidele Faparusi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency II at the House of Representatives, speaks with Adetutu Audu on the outcome of the last gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, the task before the incoming governor and the state of security in the country. Excerpts nothing has happened. He is still the governor of Ekiti State and he can decide anything between now and when he leaves office. Let the whole world know that the process of creating local council has been on for a year now and he did not just wake up today and decide to do that. This administration wants to make sure that it does not leave any unfinished business for the incoming administration and so everything has been timed to end at the expiration of the administration’s tenure. I want to commend him for keeping up with what he promised the Ekiti people that he would do, because it takes a lion heart to do that and if Fayose is afraid already to govern Ekiiti State, it is not too late to throw in the towel because governing Ekiti State is not a tea party and he should be ready to do the work. The creation of LCDAs is to bring development closer to the people and I think any good thinking politician should embrace it and so I wonder why Mr.

Fayose is jittery about the issue. You said earlier that Ekiti was over militarised. What is your take on state police now that the on-going National Conference has recommended it? On the floor of the house, when the issue came up, I made it categorically clear that if we get it now, sometime in the future it will be embraced. State police will give balance of power between the federal and the states. What we have now is federal controlling power. Although people are arguing that if state police is created the state government will use it to intimidate opposition, what we have now is federal government using federal forces to intimidate opposition states and so if states should have their own forces, it will balance up the power between the federal and the states and we will have normalcy. I think the awareness is growing and then someday, in the nearest future, the parliament will agree to the fact that there is state police. It is because it is coming from the progressives; the conservatives are seeing no reason why we should have it because they want to have control of the centre and as long as they are controlling the centre, they want to have that force to intimidate opposition at the state level. But a time is coming when some of the people who think they can control the centre will be at the state and cannot control the centre. We should look at this state police not on partisan basis or regional basis; we should look at it as an issue and we see that objectively we need to have state police because we are closer to the people, we understand our culture and it is very easy to cub crimes rather than get anybody from the federal who knows little about the environment where he has come to work. Recently, you did some things described as empowerment for your constituency and you said then that APC is the only party that can

banish poverty. With the empowerment programme, do you think you have done enough already? We have not done enough and I don’t think I will be able to do enough because the demand to uplift the standard of our people will always be there and we can always do our best and leave the rest and as far as I am concerned, I am doing my best for my people. The empowerment I did last month was the second of its kind and it is just to give back to the people and to alleviate their poverty and provide equipment for them to be able to earn a living. I think this should continue and I am telling my constituents that we will continue with this as part of my initiative to intervene in various areas. I have done a lot in the education system, job creation, entrepreneurial development and training, and giving out equipment now is one of my plans to fight poverty in the constituency and I will continue to do this. It is almost four years since you were elected to represent Gbonyin/Ekiti East/Emure Federal Constituency. How would you describe the journey so far? The journey has been pleasant, challenging, educative, informative and I have a better perspective of the state called Nigeria and also a better perspective of a Nigerian politician. Expectation of the people from your constituency are so high; some expect that overnight you should turn them to multi millionaires, people expect you to buy houses for them, to buy cars for them, pay their school fees, pay their hospital bills and just to take care of them as if you are government beyond being a parliamentarian. They expect you to take care of all their needs and we are trying our best within the limited resources God has provided us with. But most importantly is the need to help to shape the direction of the country because what will affect the people is what is more important to me than what will benefit individuals. And policy formulation runs in forms of bills, in form of motions are the responsibility of legislators that will definitely impact positively on the lives of the people and unfortunately people are not even looking at that. Even if you move a thousand bills or pass a thousand motions, all they are expecting is for you to come from Abuja with the Ghana-must-go and begin to share the money. Unfortunately, there is no money to share and we hope that our people will understand that we are limited as parliamentarians and not executives and so our responsibility is to make laws for the benefit of the people. What striking law or motions can you say you have moved? I have moved several motions I cannot begin to count for the past four years, but at least let me name three motions; one on the increase in tariff by the then PHCN. When we came in, PHCN then wanted to increase the tariff and we realised that there was no proper metering

before such increment can be allowed all houses must take pre-paid metres so that you can pay for what you are using, not what you don’t use and so that was one motion that generated a lot of attention. Another motion was on education. The quality of education in Nigeria is of great concern to me and I want the parliament to look at it and in that motion I did say that if it is possible to compel public office holders to send their children to public schools because it is then that more attention will be drawn to develop the public schools rather than sending their wards to private schools. The two motions are the key motions that I moved out of many others. The state of security in Nigeria is of utmost concern, it is over 78 days that the Chibok girls were kidnapped and it is said that the president seems not to be really bothered. Some say that soldiers deployed to Ekiti for the election are enough to bring those girls back from Sambisa forest. What is your take on the state of insecurity in Nigeria? The state of security in Nigeria is worrisome. Especially the fact that the presidency has politicised it and lives are being lost every day and our economy is suffering greatly because of this. Despite the fact that it is over 78 days that the Chibok girls have been kidnapped, the presidency did not believe that the girls were kidnapped until it became an international issue. That is to tell you the sensitivity of the presidency to the plight of Nigerians because his number one responsibility is to protect lives of the citizens even if he does not do any other thing. The government has failed the people on this. What baffles me is that everything is going as if nothing has happened. I cannot say that nothing is being done, but we are not seeing result, what Nigerians need is result. Not that we are doing something about it, we have made arrests. Nigerians are tired of stories and rhetoric, they need result. I am also making this demand that the federal government, led by President Goodluck Jonathan, should ‘bring back our girls’. What is most disturbing is the arrest of the people campaigning for the return of the girls. Are they saying that these girls have gone and we should forget about them? And if the president does not bring these girls back, posterity will judge him. Some people have accused your party, APC, as being a sponsor of Boko Haram. How true is this? As I said earlier, the presidency is politicising insecurity. You will recall that the late Army Chief, Owoye Azazi, specifically said the problem of Boko Haram was PDP; he was relieved of his office and was subsequently killed. If we want to tag anybody, we know whom. Our party does not believe in politicising security, from all indications, PDP is perfect in this.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014 NEW wave of political disagreement is blowing across the eastern senatorial district in Ogun State over the proposed creation of Ijebu state. The state, according to the recommendation of the ongoing national conference, would comprise of the two old divisions in the district, namely the defunct Ijebu and Remo divisions. The National Conference last week took a bold and unprecedented step under a democratic dispensation when it approved 18 requests, in principle, for state creation across the country as a way of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people- a recommendation many will largely put to rest decades of agitations by promoters of new states. The resolution was, among many others, adopted by delegates at plenary while considering the report of the Standing Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government, which was subjected to robust debates. The approved requests, subject to the amendment of the constitution, were proposed by the committee and they include Apa State from the present Benue, Kainji from Niger State, Katagum from Bauchi State, Savannah State from Borno, Amana from Adamawa, Ghari from Kano and Gurara from Kaduna. Others are Etiti State from the South-East zone, Aba from Abia, Adada from Enugu, Njaba/Anim from both Anambra and Imo States, Ogoja from Cross River, Anioma from Delta, Ijebu from Ogun, New Oyo from the present Oyo State and unnamed others. Like in most places where states have been proposed, there is a frenzy of meetings and discussions in the district over the modalities and steps to be taken to ensure the actualisation of the age-long dream of having a state of their own. However, there are sharp disagreements between stakeholders from the two geo-political units over certain aspects of the proposed state. For one, the issue of where the capital of the new state should be cited is once again generating serious heat. Another bone of contention is the proposed name of the state. While stakeholders from Ijebuland are comfortable with the name proposed by the Confab, their Remo counterparts would rather see the named amended to be more reflective of the identities of the two geopolitical units that will become the new state. Also there are talks about how the proposed 20 local government areas in the state should be shared between the two. Uncomfirmed reports say the current proposal allocated 14 LGAs to Ijebu, leaving Remo with six. This, to political elites from the latter, is unacceptable. Speaking at a press conference called to address the issues in Sagamu, leaders of The Remo Group (TRG33), a pan Remo socio-political organisation, said they see many signs pointing to continued marginalisation in the modalities already outlined for the new state by the national conference. The group, which claimed to be committed to the protection and promotion of the interest of Remo Kingdom, said its decision to speak out quickly is informed by the need for the two units to meet and iron out grey areas so as to be able to pursue the actualisation of the new state collectively. Speaking at the conference, Ommoba Adepeju Abraham, Chairman of the Socio-political Committee of the group said; “though the group is non-partisan, it is not oblivious of the need for our people to be actively involved in the politics

POLITICS

•Amosun

Rumpus in Ogun East over proposed Ijebu State Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports that the two major clans in the proposed Ijebu state are already exchanging words over choice of the capital city and other issues of the land in order to be able to ensure Remoland gets its rights and priviledges in the scheme of things both locally and nationally. Consequently, TRG finds it instructive and urgent to state our position on the proposed creation of Ijebu State as announced by the ongoing National Conference in Abuja. While we, like most people of Remoland, are very pleased with the decision to create a state for us out of the present Ogun State, we take serious exemptions to certain modalities in the proposed Ijebu State. Hence, we make bold to say Remo people will vigourously oppose the plan to make us “second class citizens” in an entity where historically, traditionally and economically, we’ve been equal partners with our Ijebu brothers and sisters for decades.” According to him, the group is uncomfortable with alleged plans to name the new state Ijebu state and put the capital at Ijebu-Ode. “Our take is that the new entity should reflect the joint ownership and equality of the co-operating partners, i.e the Ijebu and Remo geo-political units of present Ogun East Senatorial District. We recall that Remo has been an independent entity existing alongside

Ijebu, Egba, Oyo, etc as a division as far back as April, 1932. Also, it is on record that when it was time to create local government areas, Remo and Ijebu got lumped together, the entity was named Ijebu/Remo Local Government and not just Ijebu LGA nor Remo LGA. Of course, the administrative headquarters was at Ijebu Ode and our people had no problem accepting that because the name of the council clearly reflect joint ownership by the two clans. It is in the light of this that we declare that any arrangement that will bury the identity and equality of the Remo clan in the new state is unacceptable to us,” he explained. Saying the people of Remoland are not out to forment unnecessary trouble, the TRG chief said any of the two options they are putting forward will satisfy their yearning as a people . “To resolve this impasse, we say it is either we have Ijebu-Remo state with Ijebu-Ode as capital or we have Ijebu state with Sagamu as capital. Anything short of recognising the equality of the two geo-political units in the proposed state will be unfair and unacceptable to us. Secondly, while we want to believe this did not emanate from any official

quarter, we will nonetheless want to state clearly that an arrangement that will give Ijebu 14 local government areas and leave Remo with six out of the proposed 20 LGAs will not augur well and therefore should not be considered or attempted,” h said. But reacting to the position of the group in a press release, another group, Movement for the Creation of Ijebu State (MCOIS) said there is nothing wrong with the name and proposed capital of the new state. The release, signed by Otunba Sule Aranju and Reverend Moses Omobulejo, Chairman and Secretary respectively, condemned what it described as an attempt to drag the agitation for the new state back. “We are shocked that people could be talking about where the capital should be and what the name of a state that has been recommended by the national conference should be. These were decisions taken and agreed upon even before the proposal to demand for a new state was sent to the conference. There is no doubt that there can be no better name to call the new state than the one recommended by the Confab. And to say the capital should be anywhere else other than Ijebu Ode is to be unrealistic. Ijebu-Ode is obviously the most suitable place for the capital in Ijebuland. We therefore appeal to our brothers and sisters in Remoland not to do anything that can truncate the actualisation of our proposed state. We urge that all hands should be on deck for the tasks ahead as we push forward on the road to getting Ijebu state in the shortest time possible,” MCOIS said. “Ijebu Ode is suitable among Ijebu cities. We are talking about Remo cities. We are clamouring for equity and fairness. The two geo-political units in the proposed Ijebu State. My own take is even that the name is either Ijebu-Remo State with capital in Ijebu Ode or Ijebu State with capital in Sagamu. Nobody can tell me that Sagamu cannot conveniently rival Ijebu-Ode in all ramification as a state capital. Good neigbourliness can only thrive where there’s equity and fairness,” Abraham said while debunking claims by ISM that Ijebu-Ode remains the most suitable place to serve as the capital of the new state. According to the TRG chieftain, all other sentiments and consideration must give way to justice and equity if the two geopolitical units in the proposed state are to start their new socio-political alliance on a good note. “It will be a sad thing for us to go into the new state with the same old feeling of marginalisation we nurtured for years here in Ogun State. But for providence that threw up Otunba Gbenga Daniel as the candidate of the then less fancied Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003, coupled with his own political sagacity, Remoland, in spite of our place of pride in the politics of not just Ogun State, but the whole of Yorubaland, would still be begging to be given a chance to govern the state. We cannot afford to be treated same way in a new state. This is why we are quickly drawing attention to the imbalances in the proposed arrangement. We either share the name with our Ijebu brethren or we take the capital. Where ever the capital is located in Remoland, be it Sagamu or Ikenne or even Ode Remo, is immaterial to us. All we seek is fairness and inclusiveness,” he added. Abraham added that to further discuss the raging issues, a PanRemo Assembly has been slated for Sunday 13th July at Irolu Remo Town hall.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

•Abuja skyline

Page 58, 59

• Cardoso

Experts appraise CBN governor's agenda • Optimistic about economic turnaround

F the well-articulated socio-economic strategy outlined by the new helmsman at the nation's apex bank is anything to go by, then it is correct to say that the Central Bank of Nigeria may be poised to turn around the fortunes of the nation's banking sub-sector and the economy at large. This was the verdict of a cross-section of experts who passed a vote of confidence in the new CBN boss, Mr. Godwin Emefiele. The event was at a public forum in Lagos, during an interface and discussion session organised by the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) Fellows' Business Networking Lunch. The guest speaker, Dr. Isaac Makilolo, an economist, while attempting a critique of the 10-point agenda canvassed by the Emefiele-led CBN, recalled that: "When the new

Stories by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf CBN governor assumed office earlier in the month of June, the first statement he made was that he was here to build a CBN that is professional, apolitical and people-focused. A CBN that would spend its energy on building a resilient financial system that can serve the growth and development needs of our beloved country." According to him, "from all intent and purpose, it does appear that the strategies adopted by the new CBN boss are the right policies needed to turn around the economy at this point. Particularly, his proposal to pursue a gradual reduction in key interest rate to be able to bring about employment is remarkable because with that businesses would be able to access credit facility and there will be expansion in terms of production."

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‘How technology boost enterprise’

Vision 20: 2020: Motion without movement

Expatiating, Makilolo said hitherto the banks were confronted with the problem of loan defaulters, most of who are partly to blame for the crisis which bedevilled the sector in the past, but was, however, optimistic that the plan by the CBN to establish the National Collateral Registry, will help to drive credit as well as stem the tide of bad loans. "In Nigeria today, I can say that we have different categories of debtors. There are those who have the means but are not willing to pay and others owe but don't have the ability to pay. But with National Collateral Registry, there will now be responsible lending because anybody who desires to borrow from the bank would have to show proof that he is credit-worthy and that's what the National Collateral Registry seeks to achieve," he stressed. Makilolo also said that the

Page 61 proposed creation of commercial courts which seeks to speed up trials of loan defaulters is also wellintentioned. Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Ifeanyi Duaka, Principal Consultant, Savvy Capire, said the policy initiative of the new CBN chief was spot-on. The National Collateral Registry, Duaka stressed, is a new innovation aimed at ensuring integrity of information supplied by prospective and old banks' customers. Speaking earlier, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, who chaired the occasion, while lauding the ICA's efforts towards creating awareness on credit management, observed that: "Issues surrounding credit administration are very critical to any economy and I think the institute is doing the right thing to expand the sphere of knowledge in this area." Justifying the need for the forum, Dr. Chris Onalo, Registrar/Chief Executive, Institute of Credit Administration, said the institute was motivated to host the interface and discussion session to empower its members.

‘Our staff is our treasure’ Page 62

•Gibson’s

ITF to cut down unemployment rate by 20% By Bukola Afolabi

HE Industrial Training Fund, ITF, has revealed on-going plans to slash the current rate of unemployment in the country which currently stands at about 23.9 per cent to around 3.5 per cent by training two million youths yearly under various strategic and collaborative platforms. The agency's objective was disclosed to the media by its Director General, Dr. Juliet Chukkas Onaeko, in Lagos, where she noted that new strategies have been adopted to help deliver the agency's mandate of generating an adequate pool of indigenous trained manpower to drive the nation's economy. Onaeko pointed out that a situation where expatriates were invited to take up indigenous job positions because Nigerians lacked the requisite skills for those available jobs has become unacceptable and ITF was determined to bring an end to the negative trend. "We will first ascertain the specific gaps in the various sectors of industry to help us achieve 100 per cent job security for trainees. A lot of companies complain that our citizens lack requisite skills to be employed in their establishments we want to train and produce people who can fill these positions and at home and outside the country," she said. According to her, Nigeria with a population of over 160 million basically made up of youths can afford to export professional labour in the soft skills sector after filling the available positions in existing industries in the country, however, for that to happen they must be trained, certified and equipped with relevant industrial and vocational skills. "With our universities graduating over one million youths every year, some of whom find it difficult to fit into the soft skills sector where most job opportunities are available, we have decided to provide the platform to further equip them with industry specific skills in collaboration with indigenous firms and international training partners to reduce the rate of unemployment to 3.5 per cent from where it is currently," she said.

Airtel unveils affordable roaming bundles

• From left: Mr. Akinwande Ademosu, Managing Director, Credit Direct Limited, Dr. Ifeanyio Duaka, Principal Consultant, Savvy Capire, Dr. Isaac Makilolo, Consultant, Dr. Chris Onalo, Registrar/Chief Executive, Institute of Credit Administration (ICA), Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, Chairman/Chief Executive, Mobil Oil Producing Nigeria PLC, and a guest at the ICA Fellows' Business Networking Lunch held in Lagos…recently

Nigerian banks yet to have strong workforce

ESPITE the listing of ten local banks among the 1000 biggest banks globally, the industry is yet to grow its workforce to an enviable height. The chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria(CIBN), Mr. Bolade Agboola, gave this submission during a media parley to herald the 2014 Lagos Bankers' Nite with the theme: 'Human Capital: Value Creation and Capacity Building for Financial Services Sector in a Frontier Economy.'

Agboola said the theme was apt, in view of the problems in the nation's banking and the entire financial services sector. He said the industry has moved from doom to a booming era, arguing that a strong and committed workforce is required to position the industry for growth. He said once this happens, the banks would not find it difficult to be among the best 100 banks in the future. Rating agencies, the CIBN

boss observed, look at indices such as banks' capitalisation, branch network, total assets, contributions to the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), among others, before including banks among the top-performers globally. "Nigeria's economy has just gone through a recession, occasioned by the global meltdown of 2008. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) have intervened by initiating

reforms in the industry," he said. Raising some posers, he said: "What services are banks rendering to the economy within and outside the country? What is the value of the value of the economy? What is the level of the percapital income in Nigeria? These are what determine the strength of an economy. To achieve these, strong manpower is required in the financial industry become it has become one of the major drivers of over economy.''

N line with its vision of providing innovative and affordable mobile telephony solutions, leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has introduced a unique roaming package that will empower telecoms consumers to connect with business associates, friends and family members at discounted rates. Dubbed Airtel Roam and Home, the specialised bundle plan is designed to provide easy, convenient and affordable services to travellers who roam, offering free incoming calls and discounted roaming tariff by up to 90%. According to Airtel, the new package is consistent with its vision to be the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians, empowering telecoms consumers to roam at a discounted rate on 28 selected networks in 26 countries. Speaking on the innovative product, the chief commercial officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Newa, stated that through the package, Airtel Nigeria was poised to create unique and exciting experience for its customers who travel for business, trade, holiday, leisure, pilgrimage, festivities or other important activities.

Glo adds 100 more partners to roaming footprint

LO has deepened its roaming services offering with the addition of over 100 leading network partners across the world in the last one year. The development makes Glo one of the biggest voice and data carriers in Africa. Postpaid subscribers of the company can enjoy seamless roaming services in almost every part of the world as Glo has interconnectivity arrangements with over 430 partners in 176 countries. Thus Glo is now the network in Nigeria with the largest international postpaid roaming footprint. Similarly Glo has extended its prepaid roaming to more destinations as the service is now available in most major destinations where it is partnering with over 80 leading networks. The countries include Unites States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, South Africa, Ghana, UAE, Algeria, Belgium, Italy, India and Israel.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

BUSINESS

S Nigeria counts down to year 2020, there are concerns as to whether the nation will achieve its objectives of being among the top 20 economies in the world by the year under reference. Such concerns are justifiable owing to the parlous state of the nation's economy. It would be recalled that the federal government had been campaigning that by 2020, Nigeria will reach the milestone of one of the best 20 economies. Still a forlorn hope This year, Nigeria's latest rebasing places the country's economy as the best in Africa, overtaking that of South Africa. Though the rebasing generated applause in some quarters, the generality of Nigerians are of the opinion that it is not a true reflection of the state of the nation's economy as millions of Nigerians still live in poverty. Many have pointed to the epileptic power supply, high rate of employment and lack of infrastructure which have drawn the country back. As a result, many doubted if the country would ever realise its ambition. To these analysts, the Vision 20:2020 is similar to the ones embarked upon by the government prior to year 2000 on the provision of housing. Tagged 'Housing for all by 2000', the government had promised that it would provide houses for all Nigerians by the year 2000. Fourteen years after the promise, many Nigerians still lack good accommodation while some sleep in the open on the streets. Though various governmentbuilt housing estates have sprung up in recent times, however, high cost of renting such houses have place them beyond the reach of the poor. Many of such houses cost millions of naira or dollars to rent them, thereby depriving average Nigerians the opportunity to own a home. While serving as the Minister and Chairman of National Planning Commission, Shamsuddeen Usman had also expressed doubts about the possibility of Nigeria being among the top 20 most developed economies by the year 2020. In one of his briefings with the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abuja on the activities of his ministry, Usman said though the country was number 44 when the documentation of Vision 20:2020 commenced, he would be proud if it rises to number 25 by 2020. "Where were we in 2009? We were number 44. By the end of 2011, we were number 36, this is progress. We made quite a lot of progress. In other areas, we have not. I don't want any of you to meet me in 2020 and say you are the one telling us that we are going to be among the top 20," the minister had said. He had also said that "But what I am saying is that even if we are not among the 20 by that time, we were number 44 in 2009. If by 2020 we are number 25, I will be a very proud man. The reason is because we are consciously moving and doing all the necessary things to move up there. "It's not saying we must be there. What it's saying is if we get there, then these are the actions we must need to take as a country. We must do this and

that in governance, in human development, in infrastructure. That is what the document is saying and we are actually taking those steps and if we are, what progress are we making?" Like every Nigerian, Usman had also expressed concern about the inefficient power supply which has bedevilled the country over the years; blaming it as the major reason the country has not witnessed progress economically. He opined that unless the power sector is reformed, the country's goal of Vision 20:2020 might not be realised. A rudderless vision In the view of Bashorun Jaiye Kofolaran Randle, Chairman/ Chief Executive, JK Randle Professional Services Chartered Accountants, though Vision 20: 2020 is a huge challenge, it offers the nation an excellent opportunity to redeem itself. Speaking in an interview with The Nation recently, the multidisciplinarian, who attributed the country's economic woes to poor leadership, said a lot needs to be done to put the economy back on track. "There are lots of policy issues in our country. You can see the way we have started the story in the middle whereas we should have started it from the beginning. In other words, if you want to build houses, you have to know how many you want to build and how many you can afford to build and the time frame, so you can't say you are going to build in one year what by all rational judgment would take five years, because all you do would end up in creating frustrations and anguish. So, you have to factor in land acquisition, the quality of contractor, legal frame work, how you are going to fund it and how the beneficiaries are going to maintain it; otherwise, you can build the houses and, within five or six years, it becomes a different story," he said. Waxing philosophical, he said: "You have to take care of the linkages. If you build a house, somebody has to fund the furniture; otherwise it will just end up as a mere shelter as opposed to proper home and of course whoever is going to live in it must have adequate economic activity, namely employment to be able to enjoy the house you are providing. That is one example. You can even extend it to roads as the roads have to be properly designed and you cannot begin to build in the middle of rainy season and expect to build roads that will last. The roads need to be properly designed with proper drainages and, of course, you don't build for the day but for the future. So, there are myriads of examples you can use." On the prospects of attaining the much touted vision, he said: "The first thing is to appreciate that when you talk about 20:2020 Vision and you say you want to be one of the 20 most prosperous economies in the world, then the first thing we have to do is to list all the countries in the world from one to whatever and then see which country is right at number 20 and look at the living standard of that country. I suspect that country would probably be Belgium. Look at the GDP of Belgium, the country probably has a population of maybe 16 million but its GDP is about 26 times of that of Nigeria. So, that has to be the benchmark and you have to appreciate that while you are growing trying to get into number 20, Belgium is not going to stand still. So, it is going to be a really

Vision 20: 2020: Motion without movement The much touted Vision 20:2020 initiative by the federal government aimed at achieving sustainable socio-economic growth for the country, analysts have argued, remains a tall order owing to a combination of factors, Bukola Afolabi reports

â&#x20AC;˘Abuja skyline

tough race to catch up with Belgium or indeed any other country. Therefore, it is not enough to just go by rhetorics, it requires a lot of hard work and it means that the process is not entirely that of the elite, everybody has to feel that the benefits would accrue to him from being in the first 20. What is the point in being number 20 in the world when we are still as poor as we were before battling with the issues of housing, electricity, water, insecurity, crimes and massive unemployment. So, it becomes self defeating. In essence, everything has to be thought out and I think in fairness to those who are behind Vision 20:20-20, they are making rigorous attempt to adopt that

approach, but the issue of rolling plans must be taken seriously. "We used to have rolling plans 20-30-40 years ago but suddenly we stopped following the rolling plans. If you have a rolling plan, it should inform what is put in your budget and you build consensus around the rolling plan and that is what is reflecting in your budget and from your budget you then move to implementation. But, unfortunately, what has been happening is that we suddenly find that we jump into a project and you don't find it in the budget or it may not even be in the rolling plan." More questions, few answers As a result, questions have been raised on the way forward

for Nigeria if it is to achieve its goal. "Generally, we were impressed by the outcome of the first three years of the first implementation plans towards the realisation of the Vision 2020," said the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, during one of the weekly meetings of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He said this at the reviewing of the federal government performance towards the realisation of the Vision 20:2020 goal. "We deliberated on the achievements, the challenges and we raised questions and issues on the plan which is then taken back because of the questions and issues raised on the data, plans

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

•Maku

•Randle

and statistics," he said. "Generally, we were impressed by the outcome of the first three years of the first implementation plans towards the realisation of the Vision 2020. "We were impressed with overall macro-economic performance in the first three years, which indicated clearly that the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, has continued to grow at seven on the average. "The statistics reveal clearly that exchange rate was steady between N150 and N160 to the dollar, with the GDP of $509.9 million, making Nigeria the largest economy in Africa," he said. Power critical to vision Another suggestion for a way forward for Nigeria was echoed by the president of the German Federal Environment Agency, Jochen Flasbarth. Flasbarth had lamented the 4000 megawatts the country is generating which he said is a clog in the wheel of Nigeria realising its objectives of Vision 20:2020. "It is very obvious that with 4,000 MW of electricity, Nigeria will never reach the target of being among the top 20 economies of the world in 2020. So, Nigeria needs electricity through some fossil-based power plants. This could be achieved through renewable energy," he said. South African, Ghana model to the rescue Echoing similar sentiments, the Managing Director of BOANAO Energy, Mr Ayodele David, also is of the opinion that the megawatts generated by the country is not enough if the country is to move forward and be one of the top 20 economies by 2020. "If a country like South Africa with lesser population could be generating over 40,000 megawatts, I do not see reason Nigeria with a population of over 170million cannot generate over 50, 000 megawatts. No country can boost its economy if it does not have stable power supply. We all know that power is the major thing that makes an economy to grow because industries, companies, and many businesses rely on power supply. We are talking of Vision 20: 2020 when we are still battling with epileptic power supply," he said. He added: "Even the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has not brought any improvement on the sector. Rather it has become worse than ever with increased bill. So there is need for the problem of electricity to be tackled before we can talk of becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world. Countries that are there

did not get there overnight, they worked towards it. We have six years left and maybe, if proper things are put in place we might get there but I doubt it." If Nigeria is to attain its goal, it has to emulate South Africa in power generation, he stressed. The electricity supply industries of Southern Africa are dominated by the state-owned utility of South Africa, ESKOM, which generates around two thirds of the electricity produced in the whole of Africa and is extending its transmission grid north into neighbouring subSaharan countries. The company provides about 95% of South Africa's electrical power and more than 60% of Africa's. ESKOM, with a generating capacity of 35 200 MW from 20 power stations, is also one of the largest utilities in the world, and generates approximately 98% of South Africa's electricity. Generation is primarily coal-fired, but also includes a nuclear power station at Koeberg, two gas turbine facilities, two conventional hydroelectric plants, and two hydroelectric pumped-storage stations. The company also owns and operates the national transmission system. Nigeria also needs to emulate Ghana in the area of strengthening the economy. Ghana's economy has been strengthened by a quarter century of relatively sound management, a competitive business environment, and sustained reductions in poverty levels. Ghana is well endowed with natural resources and agriculture accounts for roughly one-quarter of GDP and employs more than half of the workforce, mainly small landholders. In 2009, Ghana signed a threeyear Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to improve macroeconomic stability, private sector competitiveness, human resource development, and good governance and civic responsibility. Sound macroeconomic management along with higher prices for oil, gold and, cocoa helped sustain the country's high GDP growth in 2008-12. Flasbirth had suggested that Nigeria's power supply should be decentralised while more attention should be paid to other sources of generating electricity such as coal, natural gas or petroleum (oil) to produce electricity. According to him, Nigeria is endowed with so many natural resources that could be harnessed into alternative sources of energy, adding that the country's abundant sun could be transformed into solar power, apart from the large body of water

BUSINESS across the country, which could be a big source of bio-gas. Citing the example of Germany, where the National Power Grid is the major source of power supply, he pointed out that all that Nigeria needs is the grid method, though costly and expensive to maintain. If the natural sources could be harnessed, he said the grid would not be the only option, adding that for total power coverage of the country, the government should first of all consider bringing electricity down to the consumers from its source. "To bring the electricity from where it is produced to where it is consumed, you need a grid. For Nigeria to develop fast, there is need for national grid. But, there are regions where it is much cheaper to invest in off-grid solutions, other than establishing a costly grid and maintenance of the grid costs a lot,'' he said. Likewise, the China Machinery Engineering Corporation, managers of Phase 2 of the Omotosho Power Plant, in Ondo State, said with the completion of the construction of 500MW plant, there would be improvement in electricity which would go a long way in helping the realisation of the goal The Managing Director of the company, Liu Zhao-Long, said that all the four turbines are now functioning, after it was commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan. "We have finished work on Omotosho Phase 2. The four turbines are contributing 500MW to the national grid," he said. Likewise, an economist, Mr Tosin Ayinde, said the Vision 20: 2020 would be a dream come true if government pays attention to job creation, development of infrastructure and improvement in the power sector. "I believe the goal can be realised within the next few years if the government puts the right thing in place. More jobs have to be created; infrastructures have to be developed while small scale businesses should be giving the opportunity to thrive because they are the major provider of employment." A funny recant At the FEC meeting, Labaran Maku further said the ongoing security challenges facing the country could be a hindrance to the realisation of the goal as money meant for other projects are being channelled towards solving the security crisis. He also said Nigeria achieved an inflation rate of eight per cent on the average, adding that inflation rate fell from 13 per cent during the period to settle at eight per cent. "The president has run the nation with the greatest level of difficulties," he said. Yes, (former Head of State Yakubu) Gowon confronted the civil war, but the kind of crises we have faced in this insurgency with some Nigerians breaking pipe lines etc. But when we see him, we see confidence. "Look at the money we spent fighting insurgency in the north east, this country would have witnessed a growth rate of up to 10 per cent of the GDP, if it were not for the security challenges," he said. With the above challenges and efforts being made to solve them, the question still remains whether government can realise its ambition this time around. However, the answer remains in the womb of time.

‘Why Nigeria has high inflation rate LCCI’ By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

IGERIA'S level of inflation remains significantly higher than its peers rising to over 8 per cent in the month of May says president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello. He revealed that the nation's annual average inflation rate of 8.5 per cent is higher than that of Africa, emerging markets and advanced economies at 5.8 per cent, 6.3 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively. On the reason for the high inflation rate, he said it is as a result of cost push that includes cost of operation, energy, cost of fund and fiscal regime of government. Other cost variables according to him includes high tariffs and government spending especially this era of election where there is high movement of funds from one point to the other. Bello spoke on Wednesday in Lagos at the unveiling of 2014 Second Quarter report on the economy. According to it is worrisome that the nation's annual average of 7.85 per cent year to date is above the IMF's projection of 7.3 per cent and those of its peers. He said though the foreign exchange market has been relatively stable with slight appreciation of the Naira witnessed only at the interbak and Buraeu De Change segments of the markets, the stability notwithstanding, he stressed concerns that increased yields and interest rate in the United States could have negative impact on capital flow into the country. In his words: " Again, there is the risk of high domestic liquidity which could exert sustained pressure on both the exchange rate and consumer prices, as well as accentuate the already high demand for foreign exchange, further depleting the country's external reserves. At this time there is need to acknowledge key risks such as increasing security threats in some parts of the country, expected fiscal spending towards 2015 general elections and associated demand pressure on exchange rate. The implication is that the interest rate would continue to remain high and continue to put pressure on operating costs in the economy." The LCCI boss frowned at the depletion of the excess crude account from $38.72 billion in May to $ 37.2 in June, noting that value of a robust reserves lies in the confidence it inspires among investors especially foreign investors and international trading partners. Further depletion of reserves and the excess crude account could undermine investor's confidence and could trigger capital with adverse consequences for the economy he added. He criticised the face of between the CBN and the Bureau De change operators on the recent increase from $20,000 to N35 million deposit with the apex bank. He said: "Of what use is the new policy that intends to lock up N35 million operating capital without bearing interest.

•From left: Nigeria Country Director, Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Ousmane Dore; Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Capital, Ms. Yewande Sadiku and Chief Financial Officer, Rand Merchant Bank, Nigeria, Mr. William Richard, at the signing ceremony of Africa Development Bank’s Naira bond issue off its N160 billion Programme arranged by Stanbic IBTC Capital (Lead Issuing House) and Rand Merchant Bank, Nigeria (Joint Issuing House), in Lagos.

SURE-P to fund nationwide automotive mechanic training From:Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

PART from infrastructural development carried out by the Subsidy ReInvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, the federal government has decided to channel part of the fund into training of automotive mechanics so they can upgrade in modern vehicles repair, the SURE-P is in partnership with SMEDAN and the National Automotive Council, NAC. The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this at the launch of SURE-P, NAC and SMEDAN nationwide automotive mechanic training in Abuja, stating that this project will go a long way to improve skills within the automotive sector. He said, "The inter-agency collaboration amongst various parastatals of government to achieve a single purpose is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. "While SURE-P funds the training, NAC provides the trainer training location and textbooks, SMEDAN provides training in entrepreneurship. "The tools needed to practice what is learnt would also be provided to the trainees. This will provide the participants a trade for life. NAC had earlier conducted a skill gap analysis of mechanics in the country. It was discovered that many of our mechanics neither have the skills nor the equipment to properly maintain modern vehicles. This necessitated the initiative by the council to begin various training programmes for auto mechanic and electricians from 2009 till date. "Training and skills development is a major component of the National Automotive Council plan. Technology in the auto sector is advancing continually, it is therefore important that we continue to seek to improve our manpower to as to keep abreast with new technologies." The Director-General, NAC, Aminu Jalal, said the training is aimed at providing solutions to the service and maintenance of high technology motor vehicles through the production of competent craftsmen and women who will be enterprising and self reliant.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

BUSINESS

N F O R M A L L Y , trusteeship is an old practice among various ethnic groups in Nigeria. For instance, it is not unusual for a man with young children to put his property in the care of a trusted friend or family member for onward transfer to his children when they come of age. However, many cannot link this with the trusteeship service provided by legal entities around today. Can you briefly explain what trusteeship is and how it works? Trusteeship works somewhat in the same manner just described. However, a slight difference occurs where you have a corporate trustee like Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited but first we would need to define what a trust is. A trust is an equitable obligation binding a person called a trustee to deal with asset or property over which he has control, called the trust asset or property, for the benefit of persons called the beneficiaries. There are different reasons individuals set up trusts which include confidentiality, estate planning, asset protection and tax reduction (pre-dominant with offshore financial centres). The trustee service is essentially about estate planning in such a way as to protect wealth and eventually pass it on. However, there is a general lack of information regarding estate planning; many believe a will is sufficient to address their estate planning needs. Is a will always sufficient to plan one's estate? There are different options an individual may choose when planning their estate and these include writing a will, establishing a trust and making an inter vivous gift. A will is a document which sets out who an individual would want to receive their assets when they pass on. Making a will is one of the ways that anyone can ensure that the assets will be distributed according to express wishes. A trust is an arrangement whereby assets are transferred by an individual or a corporate, known as the settlor, to a trustee, to be held by the trustee for the benefit of certain beneficiaries. Inter vivous gifts can include property, money, or other items, given to an individual while the giver is alive. These options are a function of the client's preference and circumstances. A will does not take effect until after the death of the person who has written it known as the testator or testatrix, and as such it is testamentary in nature. A trust on its part entails the transfer of legal title to the trustee, with a challenge here being that there may be clients who may still want to retain ownership of their assets. Added to this is also the cost of transfer where real estate property are involved, which may serve as a deterrence. In making an inter vivous gift, some clients may have concerns as the beneficiaries may be too young to take ownership of the assets as in the case of minors. Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited works with clients as they ascertain their preferred estate plan and assiduously structure what will be the best fit for each individual. A will is therefore not always the best or only option.

'Nigerians yet to fully embrace trusteeship' Mrs. Binta Max-Gbinije, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of the Stanbic IBTC Group, in this interview with Bukola Afolabi speaks on the prospects and challenges of running a trusteeship company Will and estate are generally perceived as the transfer of property from one person to another. What other elements constitute "estate"? A client can decide to include anything he considers to be of value as part of the assets in his estate. These could include bank accounts; shares in both public and private companies; jewellery, household goods, paintings and artifacts, and so on. Trusteeship involves planning for transitions, including death. But culturally, it is almost a taboo in a society like Nigeria that is still steeped in its superstitious beliefs to make such plans when you are alive; it is seen as wishing bad for oneself. With this in mind, how well have people embraced trusteeship services? The need to put an estate plan in place is a very important one which responsible people are encouraged to do and this awareness is gradually catching on, particularly with global and national events such as air crashes and the like occurring around the world. These events bring the issue of our mortality to mind as people are reminded that death is inevitable and no respecter of persons - it affects both the rich and poor; young and old, and it cuts across all religions and ethnicity. So, yes, though slow-going, people are realising the benefits and importance of trusteeship services, with more people buying into the idea and consequently doing the right thing. Many consider estate planning as elitist, expensive, and for elderly people. A recent survey showed that 50 per cent of estates planning clients are between 50 and 70 years of age. One reason for this, experts believe, is the dearth of information on the industry. Is this a correct assessment and what is Stanbic IBTC Trustees doing in terms of engaging the public? To a large extent the cultural belief system has had an impact on people not being receptive to the idea of putting an estate plan such as writing a Will in place as it brings to the fore front the realisation of our mortality. There is also the notion that people need to have acquired significant assets or they must be advanced in age before they should consider writing a Will. Stanbic IBTC Trustees continues to create awareness as we hold presentations to groups of individuals where we educate them on the need to put a plan in place to cater to their beneficiaries, should the inevitable occur. We also inform them of their retirement savings account (RSA) funds which are often overlooked. The balance in the RSA, irrespective of the pension fund administrator and the group life assurance policy that

â&#x20AC;˘Max-Gbinije employers are expected to put in place (which would pay up to three times an individual's emoluments should they die in service), is a significant asset and we enlighten people about this. Our presentations cut across body corporates, cooperative societies, individuals and even religious organisations. Stanbic IBTC Trustees also provides wills and trust services where individuals can draft their comprehensive wills that include all their assets or set up testamentary trusts or living trusts wherein they are beneficiaries of these trusts while they are still alive. Is estate planning for the elites? No; absolutely not. It is for everyone who has a family, and who has anything, no matter how seemingly small, that they will like to pass on when they leave this earth. As for being expensive, we are happy to note that Stanbic IBTC Trustees has made this service very reasonable and quite accessible for clients and even the man on the streets in some circumstances. Intergenerational wealth transfer is an important part of family and societal growth. But wealth transfer, when poorly done, often leads to inheritance-induced crises within and between families in communities. In what ways will estate planning help to address this? Estate planning when

properly executed will help provide the required clarity and negate the friction likely to be experienced in the distribution of an individual's estate. It will also ensure that the beneficiaries are able to continue with their education or receive medical treatment in need where provision has been made, thereby reducing the number of children that are unable to continue their education due to the loss of a parent or an untimely death. Where estate planning has been put in place, every beneficiary gets what they ought to in line with the settlor or testator or testatrix's expressed wishes and there is no ambiguity that could cause crisis of any kind. Effective estate planning requires an expert knowledge of property, probate, inheritance laws, among other laws, and also involves several issues, particularly what tool(s) to deploy. Too often, these issues are never addressed until after the fact when complications arise. At that point, it is almost always too late. What assurance do clients have that they have picked the right trustees? Stanbic IBTC Trustees has a team of seasoned professionals who continually remain on a self-development quest and are current with developments in the industry and in tune with international standards. We are also a

member of Standard Bank Group and we leverage on over 150 years of experience of the group, and the group's reputation as a trust company of repute operating in international jurisdictions and as offshore financial centres providing global wealth management service for its private trust clients. That's another reason to choose Stanbic IBTC Trustees, because of our international outlook and the attendant capabilities we have and can offer. Analysts have argued that the Land Use Act is a major issue to contend with in estate planning. Their argument is that the convoluted Certificate of Occupancy procedures often give room for opaque practices in property acquisition. Ownership of property, sometimes the subject of litigation, makes estate planning or trusteeship services very challenging. What are the safeguards to ensure property under your care are not encumbered so you do not find yourself unwittingly joined in litigation? Transfer of real estate is usually a challenge if not properly effected as title for property, due to the significant cost of transfer, may not have been perfected. Stanbic IBTC Trustees often encourages clients to ensure that the title of their real estate property is perfected as they take steps at the land registry to achieve this, while also ensuring that the original documents are in safe custody to avoid being compromised. Detailed know-yourcustomer documentations form part of our operations' requirements, alongside integrity and confidentiality of information. We always ensure that documentation is in good order and above board before we take on clients. As the professionals that we are, we always do our homework well and carry out required due diligence from the outset. We seek legal interpretation and clarity where required and possess updated information at our fingertips at all times Nigerian businesses often do not outlive their promoters; many good businesses have had to fold up when the promoter(s) move or pass on. The incidence is rampant in Nigeria for various reasons. Does your service cover business succession planning? Stanbic IBTC Trustees offers a service called Company Management Services as part of a Trust where clients can elect to have Stanbic IBTC Trustees as corporate trustee on the board of their companies to represent their interest should they become mentally incapacitated or upon their death. This ensures that the company is not compelled to wind-up or run aground, but may be particularly advantageous where the family members have little business experience

of their own or where they are unlikely to agree on the correct way to manage the business. The lack of proper understanding of trusteeship is a big challenge in the sector, among other challenges. With the benefit of experience, what will you regard as the major challenges you face in the business and how are these being addressed? One major challenge we often grapple with is the client's passive or delayed response to actualising the intentions they seek to achieve and this could be for a myriad of reasons - fear, inadequate time, procrastination, and so on. We, however, help them overcome this by continually encouraging them to do the needful and providing the required guidance. Also challenging is the cost of transferring assets to a trust, especially where real estate is involved, as these costs can be quite prohibitive and a turnoff. Discussions are on-going and reforms in land administration have been proposed, particularly in Lagos State, which promises a drastic reduction in fees. We hope the fee reduction becomes a reality as it would encourage those who otherwise would have been precluded from accessing the service and the attendant benefits. An important concern in the industry is the issue of integrity. A trustee typically has a fiduciary responsibility to keep to the provisions of the trust instrument. What safeguards are in place at Stanbic IBTC Trustees to ensure that customers' assets are safe? How do you address professionalism and ethics in your operations? Stanbic IBTC Trustees has in-built checks and balances that ensure that the terms of the trust, as contained in the trust instrument, are strictly adhered to. Investment of trust assets are in line with the investment guidelines which are determined based on the client's risk appetite, which often is conservative, as a key component of trust is asset preservation and this we are careful to ensure. Our staff comprises carefully selected and highly ethical individuals whose integrity is unquestionable, to ensure that our promise of integrity and utmost confidentiality to our clients remain unbroken. We take compliance seriously and for us, good corporate governance is a condition, with two internal audits annually and a third by our external auditors, a reputable audit firm. Our clients are always secure with us. Other than government borrowing, reforms in land administration and antilaundering laws, what other developments are likely to shape the trusteeship industry in the coming years? Greater awareness of estate planning and trust services should occur. Our regulator, SEC, will likely play a bigger role in the enlightenment initiative and encouraging individuals to embrace estate planning and also urge more people to look to the use of licensed corporate trustees to assist them in achieving their objectives, even as mutual funds become more attractive to retail investors on the back of the Nigerian Stock Exchange reforms and the re-surge of the capital market. We expect interesting and good times ahead.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

ASY Taxi in Nigeria? After about twelve years out of Nigeria, what I wanted to do was move back home and start a business to contribute my quota to the economic growth of my fatherland. I came home eventually in July 2013 and almost immediately launched Easy Taxi, an online service aimed at hailing a taxi from the comfort of one’s home or office via a mobile device or computer. Before then, I had been exposed to a similar technology like this in USA which I used all the time then. So, I thought it was an idea that could work here especially with the spate of unemployment in the country. Prior to that however, I occasionally come home at Christmas. That was when I grasped a little feelings of how things were happening here and I saw the opportunity to fill a gap. I also have friends that told me how hard it was for them to get jobs. Also, when I watched the news on Channels TV via Youtube and saw the sorry pictures painted, I became seriously home sick. I felt if I could return home and try to do something worthwhile. Using E-taxi? Technology these days make life a lot more easier. People that patronise our services all have the smart phone application on either their Androids, iPhones, PC or laptops. Our programmes are easy to use and free to download. Our duty is to connect passengers to drivers in a very simple way. We use GPS to connect our clients to the closest driver. When a passenger request from, let’s say, Lekki, we radio on our GPS to call one of the drivers on our services within a ten minutes’ range. Before the driver arrives, we would send the passenger the driver’s name, the exact car, license plate number with which our clients can use to trace the taxi on a map. You’ll see him as he connects respective streets leading to your location. The passenger sees his or her to be driver’s face and the cars they drive as they come towards them. We help our customers with prompt ways of getting a taxi instead of standing for long by the roadside waving taxis or going through your phones to call their very busy taxi guy. Reception in Nigeria’s security-sensitive clime? Precisely, security is the main thing that we are trying to sell. This idea was birth because I had been exposed to this kind of technology out of the country. And previously when I visited Nigeria, I

‘How technology boosts enterprise’ Bankole Cardoso, 25, is the Founder/Managing Director, Easy Taxi, Nigeria. He studied Business Management and Accounting at Boston College in United States of America (USA), and later acquired a threeand-a-half year working experience with a technology outfit, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), a consulting accounting firm in New York city, among others. In this interview with JOKE KUJENYA he speaks on his passion for entrepreneurial venture which led him to establish a thriving e-tech operated Easy Taxi business in July 2013. saw that people would caution me about using taxis because of safety. So, when we were packaging this idea, we decided, in our little way, to use technology to bring safety to bear. When we sign up any driver on our platform, we take all his information, take them through a screening process, check his background, driver license, car registration, license, plate number and insurance documents. We go to their parks and associations to verify and know everything about them before they belong to our taxi bank. So, our customers can actually see the safety upfront. In the case of companies using our services, they would have and see information of the drivers we are sending to them. Guarding against falsified information? So far, we have not encountered such. And it would really be tough for any of them to attempt such. We rely more on the original government documents and license they provide. We don’t do testing for them. We leave that for the government to do. We also don’t have a link with the government yet. But we make sure we do background checking on them. However, we are confident that what all of our drivers present to us so far have been real. We haven’t had any issue because they all belong to one taxi associations. We don't approach drivers on the streets. We only go to them through their associations. If a driver is not part of an association, he can’t be a Easy Taxi driver. Staff strength and managing the business? It has been very daunting. So far, we have about 600 drivers across the country, only in Lagos and Abuja. But

•Cardoso

it has been capital intensive to manage them. We have the technology in the office because Easy Taxi is a global team. We actually started in Brazil about three years. We are having our anniversary soon in some African countries. We only started the Nigeria version last year. So, it’s in Brazil that we have the IT, where they

make all the updates to the application, maintain the Apps and ascertain that all the technology are functioning well. What we have on the ground here is to recruit the drivers, publicise, promote the business and give the people of Nigeria an E-Taxi experience. Right now in Lagos and Abuja, we have

about fifteen members of staff, two customers service engagement teams, an Admin HR officer and our drivers’ recruit team to keep them online and show them how to use our services and as well tell them about the new media. We call them customer engagement because we want them to show Lagosians and Abuja people that this is E-Taxi. Making profit? We are a start-up business, just a year old. Of course, not many start-ups can clearly articulate their profits in one year. But we are a very low cost business because we don’t own the cars. And we don’t deal with tyres or petrol. We make our money, as in, on every ride that we give a driver, we take roughly about ten percent in commissions. Five year projections? We want to be the number one E-taxi service in Nigeria and in Africa. By the end of the year, we want to launch in two or three more cities in Nigeria, eyeing places like Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Benin. Dealing with sceptism? At first, people were like this cannot work in Nigeria. And then, as they kept having the experience, they’ve been like ‘wow’. Now, our customers are the ones telling their friends to try and use Easy Taxi and that is very powerful statement for us. On timeliness? We don’t disappoint for the most part. This is Lagos where the taxi culture have not been quite amazing. So, I can’t say they don’t disappoint, but it is very infrequent. You know, the infrastructure, the roads, sometimes, cars break down and so on, but with E-Taxi, we have good cars so they don’t break down. We don’t see none of those issues.

Most of our drivers use the official Lagos yellow taxis. And we use the cleaner ones that are not rickety. We also have unpainted car hires because that is what majority of our customers prefer because there are places that the painted taxis are not allowed to enter. Fighting unemployment? I would say that we are providing jobs and it is clear. With a staff strength of about fifteen people, it is tough in Nigeria. As a young person, I found that rate of youth unemployment is about sixty percent. And that is a really bad record for Nigeria and indeed, for any country. So, I feel that it is up to us, youth in Nigeria, to create employment for ourselves. That is what I try to do with Easy Taxi by creating employment directly. Today, we have about six hundred drivers who are given jobs on a daily basis. Funding and breakingin? Major nag is a lot of people, while in the university, are looking for jobs in big companies like Shell, Chevron, ExonMobil and all that. But there are many opportunities outside such places. The main thing is about showing possible financiers your professional strength. You try to highlight what you have done, that you are hard working and you can really do more. What we see now is that while the jobs are available, it is how to match people to the right jobs that is a problem. So then, one thing is selling your strengths, another is projecting that you do have ideas and you can try things. I always tell young entrepreneurs like myself that we should strive, especially as so many things are technology-based and one can just start selling things even from your Blackberry. Business potential of ETaxi? I would say it’s a scalable business. I say that because we can effectively run the business across Nigeria with our staff strength of fifteen from Lagos. All we need to do in Abuja is to recruit trusted drivers and let customers know that we are there and also maintain our relationship with drivers. That way, we don’t need a customer service team because we can do it from anywhere. Once we have the information from Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and other cities, the team in Lagos will distribute the details as needed to other areas.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

MEDIA NATION

•Dr Dike Nwosu speaking

‘

I was discussing with somebody. He said Fayose was going to sweep the whole thing. I said what about that integrated poultry project that gulped several billion naira and didn’t produce a single egg? Not one egg. The fellow laughed. He said people have forgotten, and those who haven’t forgotten don’t care. He’s back there. We don’t punish those who are found wrong, and so impunity thrives...

‘

•TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW

THE NATION ON SUNDAY,

ARTS

JULY 13, 2014

WOLE SOYINKA AT 80

‘Don’t call me a patriot’ On the eve of his 80th birthday, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, spoke to Aljazeera on a wide range of issues. Excerpts:

J: Wole Soyinka, thank you very much for talking to us… Thak you for welcoming us to your very lovely home. WS: You’re welcome AJ: the abduction of more than 200 school girls in the north. Are you glad that the world is finally paying attention to a conflict that has been widely viewed as an exclusive Nigerian problem for a long time? Or are you saddened perhaps at the negative light it shed on Nigeria and on its leadership in particular? Ws: Well, glad would be the wrong word. I’ve said this the other time.The global community is coming to an awareness that certain problems are not specific to certain areas but are actually global both in actuality and in what it portends. And I have stressed the fat that our soldiers have served in so many places outside the world. And this kind of affliction is of the kind that requires both political and social understanding but also requires much as we don’t like the word, requires a state of war – a mind that is in a state of war. Other people are more experienced in certain aspects. It is somewhat surprising that Nigeria which has as you sayyourself one of the most reputed of the African continent with successful peace-keeping missions in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone and so on hasn’t been able to maintain security within its own border. How do you explain all that? Well, in this particular case, it is very poor leadership – it’s overconcentration on the politics of the situation, you know - how to retain power. It has neglected what it is actually elected to do. And so the security situation which is quite obvious in its possibilities, in its developments to so many people, myself included, and voices have been crying out that we are in a serious security situation. But this was neglected and so it fested. And now, it is nearly very out of control. What do you make of the reaction of the abduction of the girls? It seems to have captured the world’s imagination with Hollywood getting involved, Mitchell Obama getting involved. Do you wonder sometimes what the world sees, saw in that particular event? The world didn’t get to see it the way I saw it without some very serious burden, both high level, the movement on and so forth. But also in true direct approaches. Some of the ambassadors, some of the diplomatic representatives were here to whom we were able to say, ‘listen, don’t isolate Nigeria over this issue. And fortunately, since they are intelligent people and they are on the ground, they knew exactly what we were talking about. They knew that there is a history behind it which guaranteed that this would escalate in dimension. When I talk about capturing the imagination of the world, it almost seems like it’s a story that fitscertain expectation of what should happen in a country like Nigeria, like what should happen in Africa? What should happen. Before, it is worth paying attention to it. In other words, the negative aspect. Well, it’s a rebuke both against Nigeria and the world community. The sort of subconscious need to point a negative finger at Nigeria assists. And then you convert it to something positive which is concern. Some outside of Nigeria may see this as interesting time because Nigeria has become Africa’s leading economic power. There is oil, there is gas and so, the timing is certainly interesting. It is rather like the negative icing on a rotten cake. So, we should understand that there are people who love bad news and all that. At the same time, we have to recognise there are many people that are generally appalled and are concerned. Andthen,the group which sees this as part of a global menace which has got to be stopped before it expands to other places.

How do you stop it Professor Soyinka? I see it both as the military solution sooner or later. But at the same time, anytime it requires, even if it a shock in the short term, it requires very subtle diplomatic deployment of intellectual resources. But, when you haven’t resolved the entrenched poverty, the issues that are affecting northern Nigeria, does it really come to you as a surprise that we are seeing a group like boko haram in some parts of Nigeria that are not being applauded but certainly people understand a certain resentment it seems towards the government in the north because they feel neglected and marginalised. Well, let’s divide Boko Haram into segments. Those who unleashed Boko Haram on the nation are not poverty stricken. They are politicians, very well-to-do but wants to do better, ‘in their own way’, desperate for power, intelligent enough or perceptive enough to recognise that the cocktail of politics and religion fundamentalism can only yield them dividends. They think they have nothing to lose. But the foot soldiers have been indoctrinated for years from childhood. And they believe, they been told for instance that your religion is in danger, ‘go and kill.’ And Islam is endangered Their religion is not endangered. Islam is not endangered. It is the perverse followers, those who debase religion itself who are being used and who use others and proclaim that they are fighting for Islam. So, • Soyinka we have a situation where even those who unleashed this menace on the na- been saying that for years. And indeed, it’s been tion are now endangered because the foot sol- established that there are cells which exist in diers in many cases have become ‘radicalised’ the southern parts. So, I’ve urged and continand they have looked at their mentors and said, ued to urge that we better regard this as a na‘wait a minute, you’re not practicing true Is- tional issue. lam. And so the perpetrators, the real You’ve strongly criticised the Nigerian miliorganisers of boko haram are looking towards tary in the past. You’ve criticised people like the government for support. So, the bottom Sani Abacha. Some Nigerians that I’ve talked line really is that we have a motivating aspect to today, you’ll be surprised to hear say they of this insurrection which cuts across class, po- long for the days of military dictatorship besition, status, wealth or poverty. Take a look at cause at least then, there was security. What other nations of the world. Nigeria is not do you make of that? unique. Look at Algeria and this is part of the Nigeria is desperate. Nigerians are desperpoverty of thought and knowledge of some ate. And it is not unusual to find people who other leaders. They cannot look outside and long for not so much the good old days but the see what happens elsewhere. If you look at more capable, more efficient period of miliAlgeria, if you look even at parts of Afghani- tary governance. But a larger number recognise stan, and so on, you’ll find out that religion on the fact that the military has shut its bolt and its own is a powerful motivating factor with- that they proved every bit as corrupt if not out complacency, government neglect. even more corrupt than civilians have been in I’ll come back to the issue of religion in just the past and in the present. So, it’s a mixture a moment professor Soyinka. But just on that So, when you were saying there were difpoint, one gets the feeling and I might be wrong. ferent administrations, whether civilian or One gets the feeling that even among Nigeria, military, what would you say is the most critithe insurgency in the northern region was for a cal problem of government in Nigeria? long time something that could be effectively Today, it is security. There are other issues contained and had little impact on the oil-rich of course, like public services, electricity, posouth. It almost seemed as if Nigerians didn’t table water for many areas still, in spite of the want to be confronted with the divisions and fact that they are sinking boreholes all over the fragmentation that exist within Nigerian the place. And in fact, a small proportion of the society? people have access to potable water. And there Yes, I’ve remarked this often that the na- is the mammoth problem of institutionalised tion in the main is still not in denial. Those corruption all the way down from the top to regions which are pretty well-to-do in resources the bottom. Now, that is the reason why many and are not immediately affected by this insur- people remember one or two military, should gency – they believe it is something that can we say president or leaders who had no time at just be contained. That it is something remote. all for corruption. Then, that becomes the sole We have to keep reminding that ‘listen, look at issue but it is not the sole issue. the histories of the world. Boko Haram if not Let’s talk a bit about religion because you contained and eradicated will be found in the started talking about … you’ve written that heart of Lagos before you now it. And we’ve there is an epidemic of religion in Nigeria and

in the world and you say that you’ll be happy if religion were taken away altogether. So, do you think the world would be a better place without religion? My fear is that the devil would always find work for idle hands. If you take away religion, something even more nasty would take its place. So, I speak both subjectively and objectively that I’m tired historically of the amount of havoc religion has done to the world and is still doing to the world. You’re a religious man yourself. I mean, your parents were Christians and I can see you were brought up as a Christian I’ve studied religion. I cannot say I am a religious person, I think I’m a deeply spiritual person. But organised religion in my view is more of a curse than a blessing. I believe that religion should be very very personal. State should not interfere. I don’t understand for instance, why Nigerian government waste so much money in sponsoring people on pilgrimage to Mecca or Jerusalem. They call themselves Jerusalem Pilgrim today. And the amount of energy and resources actually spent on religion is staggering. Let people manage their own religion. It’s interesting to say that because an expert on religion in the US was saying that the paralysis of the Nigerian government and military in dealing with boko haram comes off out of its over-relying on religion if you will. That Nigerian government and the society is one that is to steeped in religion sometimes and this That is part of the reason for lack of development because people go and suck this sweet, this panacea in churches and forget their woes, the problems for several days and then, they go back again. They are given assurances of •Continued on Page 67

THE NATION ON SUNDAY,

ARTS

JULY 13, 2014

WOLE SOYINKA AT 80

Jonathan, others salute Soyinka at 80 •Continued from Page 66

better place, all the suffering would be resolved either here soon, or on the other side. And some take this to the extreme that they believe that even the more they kill other religionists or those who don’t practice their own religion strictly the way they want to see it, that when they kill them, when they torture them, the gates of paradise opens wide. Can you imagine any kind of article of faith embody that. But, I’m afraid this what many of these Boko Haramites – what they believes in. and even, the religious extremists from other religions like Christianity are not much better in terms of belief but they are not so violent. You had political ambitions at one point of your life, professor Soyinka. You founded a political party in 2010 called the Democratic Front for Peoples Federation. Why did you throw in the towel? I didn’t start a party for myself. I started a party for youths who were complaining that the old ….were not giving them space. It was strictly for them. And the reason why I sort of stepped aside, if I use the notorious quote of one of our military dictators was when I found that many joined the party because they thought I was running for president. Now, I said to myself, ‘you must be out of my mind. Would I start a party if I had some ambition? No, I would go join another party, let them do all the hard work and then I would run. Even so, you seem to have evaded seduction by the reigning political party or the power houses. Why is that? Why are you so outspoken when it comes to politics but yet, don’t get directly involved? Well, I have atemperament which is not suitable to a level of compromises which politics demand. Politics, you know, is a full time occupation and you have to study it, you have to be an apprentice, that means you have to learn everything good and bad and practice many things, both good and bad. And I’m a little bit inflexible, you know about my beliefs.

Well, getting involved in politics got you into a lot of trouble in the past. You book, ‘The man died’ dealt with your period in jail during the 1967/1970 war that is Biafra war. Some of you might not know Biafra, the name assumed by the seceding southern Nigeria. The war saw the massacre of mostly Christian Ibos who lived in the predominantly northern part of Nigeria. You got involved in this Biafra issue which remains a sensitive issue in Nigeria and went on from being seen as a mediator in the Biafra crisis to a trouble-maker. Tell us about that time. Well, I didn’t know that I am trouble-maker. No. Some people did see you as a trouble maker (Chuckles) I wish life was as simple as that. Let’s put it this way, I grew up in certain circumstances – very conscious politically, nationalism, etcetra. In this Abeokuta where we are seated, my mother was involved in the politics, my aunty, Mrs. RansomeKuti was a leader Your cousin was FelaKuti Yes, Fela was my cousin. Yes, that one is a trouble maker, not me (chuckles). And I grew up among arguments – political arguments, issues which really concerned humanity. And I found out that basically, I gravitated towards recognising the basic worth of human beings. I sometimes tell people not to call me a patriot because I don’t agitate on behalf on some entity called a nation. I agitate on behalf of humanity. So, on which side were you on the Biafra issue? Oh, I was very much pro-Biafra in the sense that I recognised the fact that the Igbos had been wronged very desperately. They’ve been brutalised in a way that justified their feeling that they were not part of the nation. Let me also say this. Biafra was not entirely innocent in this affair. They were not. But the unleashing of such venom, such devastation on them as a people was sufficient to justify their decision not to want to be part of the nation. So, I was pro-Biafra in the sense that I felt they needed

justice. It wasn’t that I was for Biafra as a national concept, no. Chinua Achebe said he was disappointed by the fact that Nigerians weren’t learning about Biafra in schools. Why is that? Officials especially do not want to confront their own history, especially the history of which in the making make themselves feel uncomfortable but if we don’t confront our own history and that is a cliché, if you don’t confront your past, you’re going to mess up your future. It’s obvious. It seems that Nigeria does not want to engage with its history with Biafra in particular In denial, that is the expression. Nigerians are still in denial. Many people worry that what Boko Haram is doing right now in the north might lead to a break-up of Nigeria. Others say we are too interwoven to split. Where do you stand on this? Ironically, Boko Haram might be one of the reasons why Nigeria would stay together. And this is because nobody who has a sense consciousness of neighbourliness would want to leave a neighbour in the lurch. A few years ago, I would say Nigeria was very close to a break-up. But, as I said, it’s a kind of paradox. Now, that one section of it is in trouble, there is a pulling together. It has led a critical mass to the identification with the area which is in trouble but the conscience of many Nigerians has been awakened and they feel they cannot abandon the section. So, how do you stay together with all these differences? If I will recognise the plurality of Nigeria, recognise its history, how it came together in the first place, then, we would be able to devise and adopt methods of governance -it can only be one massive decentralisation. That way, Nigeria can stay together. But when you continue to have central governance, Nigeria is on the brink. Do you still today feel because of your outspokenness, there is some threat? Fear arrest perhaps. No, these days, elimination seems to be the preferred…

Elimination? We have more political assassinations, mysterious killings in the last ten years than even during the period of the military. It’s a strange phenomenon. And I don’t think it’s likely that anybody would want to imprison me at the moment. They’d probably think I’d find some other way of writing. In 1986, the Nobel committee awarded you the Nobel prize for literature. Why do you think it took such a long time for the wider world to recognise this African talent? Well, my answer tothat is very simple. It takes a while before people to be educated about others. Others are always at a remote distance. What pertains to others often strikes one as exotical since it doesn’t belong to the kind of discipline which you are accustom. And so for me, it has never been a surprise. What was it like? How did your life change after the Nobel? Oh, it’s become too hectic. Much much too hectic. My constituency which was already large enough just ballooned out of sense and proportion. And it’s a struggle to try and be yourself which you really are internally when you’re surrounded and overwhelmed by the sheer weight and dimension of your constituency. Do you see anyone of your stature that can take over the mantle from you? Is there another Wole Soyinka in the making? Yes, several. The problem is that Wole Soyinka is still around and people are lazy. They don’t look in other directions. And they would find many, not just brilliant writers, but sincere political activists, concerned humanists. Oh, they are all over the place. Now, for any writer, there is the inevitable question of influence. What would you like your influence, your enduring legacy to be? Oh, simply recollection of the fact that I passed through. That’s it That’s enough

Jonathan, others salute Soyinka at 80 Jonathan applauds Soyinka’s contribution to arts, mankind

he was almost assassinated had he not had a rapid dialogue with his legs (apology to him). “As he celebrate his four scores of existence on earth, we could not but wish him many more prosperous years and may the ink in his pen never run dry,” Aregbesola said.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Nigeria’s most famous living literary giant and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as he attains 80 today. Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, felicitated with the globally-renowned academic, dramatist, poet and literary icon. It reads: “As he enters the elite club of the world’s highly revered octogenarians and very special people who have made very significant and indelible contributions to their countries and humanity, the President joins Prof. Soyinka, his family, friends, associates, readers and fans across the world in giving thanks to God Almighty for his glorious life of service to the arts, his nation and mankind at large. “On the happy occasion of the Nobel laureate’s 80th birthday, President Jonathan applauds his lifelong dedication and indefatigable commitment to using his acclaimed genius and talents, not only in the service of the arts, but also for the promotion of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.” The President assured Prof. Soyinka that he will always be celebrated and honoured by his proud countrymen, women and children for his famed literary works and for his exemplary career which, he noted has inspired others to take up a life of selfless service to humanity. He wishes Prof. Soyinka very happy 80th birthday celebrations and prays that God Almighty will grant him many more years of good health and strength to continue with his devotion to making the world a better place for his people and all who live in it.” It stated. Soyinka, a gift to humanity - Aregbesola The Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has described the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, as a rare breed and a precious gift not

•Wole Soyinka-receiving Nobel Prize in 1986

only to Nigeria but also the Black continent and humanity as a whole. Aregbesola made the remark as mark of honour to Soyinka, who celebrates his 80th birthday today. In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor said Soyinka represents for the country and every black man a beacon of hope. He described the Nobel Laureate as a poetprophet, prodigious playwright, freedom fighter, political activist and creative enigma. According to the governor, Soyinka has been fearless in his fight for a just society, democracy and return of military to the barracks.

He said: “Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka is, undoubtedly, one of the icons of the African continent. He is a gift not only to Nigeria but also the whole world. A cerebral academic, prolific playwright, poet-prophet, essayist, conversationalist, political activist, human rights crusader all rolled into one. “A lot of people paid the ultimate prize for the democracy we enjoy today, but Professor Soyinka was lucky to come out of the bloody struggle alive. He believed in and fought for oneness of the Nigerian nation state and was jailed during the civil war. “In the fight for the return of military to the barrack and the de-annulment of June 12 Presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola,

Akume felicitates with Soyinka on 80th birthday SENATE Minority Leader, Chief George Akume, has congratulated Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. In a press statement signed by Akume, he described the literary icon as a statesman, social critic who is neither swayed by money nor intimidation, adding that Soyinka’s life has been filled with many successes that have made him a household name throughout the world. The statement reads in part: “It is a thing of immense joy to me and I wish to on behalf of my family and the good people of Benue North-West Senatorial zone felicitate with our literary icon and a Noble Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, as he celebrates yet another milestone. His has been a life filled with many successes as he has conquered in everything he chose to do. “He is a statesman, a social critic who is neither swayed by money nor political intimidation. He is always on the side of the people and justice. Above all, his humility even in unrivalled successes sets him apart. Therefore, it is an honour for me to associate with him as he turns 80. “Worthy of mention is the zeal with which he has continued to promote the African culture, unity and progress in all he does. He is indeed different in many ways and that is why he is WOLE SOYINKA. As he celebrates, we should also celebrate because he is a voice against corruption, oppression, unpopular government policies, poverty and all that is not for the good of the general populace. “As he marks this milestone today, it is my earnest prayers that the Almighty continue to keep him in sturdy health, provide him with the strength to continue his great contributions to nation building as well as grant him many more fruitful years ahead.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

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English under siege

ATIONAL MIRROR Front Page Headline imperfection of July 10 welcomes us this week: “Southern delegates reject 18% derivation for oil producing (oil-producing) states” The wrong extract means that ‘oil, which produces states, is the reject’! “Ogun Police nabs (nab) 1,227 suspected criminals” “Ours is not a race where a money bag (sic) comes and says he is a political leader” Mirror Roundtable: a moneybags Finally from the Views Page of National Mirror under review: “…in the absent (absence) of well grounded (well-grounded) educational system.” “Military siege on the press” (DAILY Sun Front Page EDITORIAL Headline, June 13) The Voice of The Nation: siege of the press Wrong: stab someone on the back; Right: stab someone in the back “Sanusi saga: Police end siege to (of) Emir’s palace” (The PUNCH Front Page Banner, June 13) I think the confusion over the usage of ‘siege’ has to do with the expression, ‘lay siege to something’. “They described him as one of the moving force (forces) of the ruling party during the Second Republic.” (THE GUARDIAN, July 7) DAILY SUN of July 7 politicized the English language on so many occasions: “Osun poll: APC decries delayed release of permanent voter’s cards” Get it right: voter cards or voters’ cards “Man bags 6 months (months’) jail for excessive speed” “25 convicted over (of/ on) sanitation offences” “Israel arrests six suspects over (for)…” “…including looters and employers who fail to remit monies deducted from their employers (employees).” (DAILY Sun EDITORIAL) “HASAL MFB customer wins expense-paid trip to Brazil 2014” This way: allexpenses-paid trip “The scheme is designed to move the youths (youths or the youth) from unemployment to empowerment within available resources….” Still on DAILY SUN: “Agency accused of misappropriation over (of) World Bank financial aid “Disclamier (sic): This is to notify the general public (the public) that Mr…. and Mr….whose pictures appears (how?) above are

no longer staff (employees/ workers/on the staff/on the employ) of Chisco Group of Companies.” ‘SSAEAC TO BPE: No more excuses, pay up workers (workers’) entitlements” “He commended the governor for flagging off (inaugurating) the construction of the three….” Lastly from the Back Page of DAILY Sun under review: “To the dead, may they find peace and rest in the bossom (bosom) of the Lord.” “Zenith Bank’s $500m Eurobond over-subscribed” (The PUNCH Front Page Headline, April 15) ‘The most widely read newspaper’: oversubscribed (no hyphen). “Rainstorm displaced (displaces) 3,000 in Ogun, says NEMA” (The PUNCH Headline, April 15) “How Enugu over-burdens its High Court judges, by CLO” (THE GUARDIAN Headline, April 15) Again: overburdens “Syria (Syrian) troops claim Christian town of Maalula” (Source: as above) “That the Nigerian authorities have raised alarm (the alarm) over the outbreak of the deadly disease….” (The Guardian Editorial, April 15) “Accused subsidy fraudster escaped (escapes) to Canada—EFCC” (The PUNCH Headline, April 11) SATURDAY SUN of April 26 goofed once: “My dad was the greatest influence in (on) my life.” SATURDAY PUNCH OF April 26 toes SATURDAY SUN: “The Jonathan government has failed us woefully (abysmally).” “I was very good at (in) Literature, Latin, English language and the rest.” Can you see the ‘goodness’? The Guardian Front Page of April 26 disseminated two offences, among other pages: “The relaxation of stop and search exercise on major roads….” Saturday edition: stop-andsearch exercise “…the deployment of policemen and traffic wardens to (in) main intersections of roads….” “He said since the February and March multiple blasts, there has (had) not been any major attack on residents.” “Eko Signature debuts (noun—not verb) amidst (amid) fanfare” “True story: Senior pastor’s wife impregnated by young pastor in same (the same) church” Armageddon or rapture is knocking! “…the economy from all indication (indications) is

not doing well….” DAILY SUN of April 21 over-sighted some fundamentals: “ASEPA arrests man over (for) attempt to dump refuse in unauthorized place in Aba” What a wordy headline! “Like (As) he would say….” “Suswam pledges more attention on (to) critical infrastructure” “I cried each time I see (saw) my mates with their children.” “Northern governors wives forum condemn blast…” Middle Belt today: Northern governors’ wives’ forum condemns blast Next on the line-up is The PUNCH of April 21: “…was killed in his Sports Utility Vehicle by a policeman attached to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.” Murder as pastime: Sport-Utility Vehicle or simply SUV! “US groups write (write to) Jonathan, seek action against B’Haram” “This insurance covers accidents and injuries that can occur during electioneering campaigns….” ‘Electioneering’ encompasses ‘campaigns’ and should stand alone. We can say political campaigns but not the extract. “Happy Easter celebration to all our esteem (esteemed) customers” (Fullpage advertisement by Bedmate Furniture) THISDAY EDITORIAL of April 21 slipped: “…the blood of several innocent Nigerians are (is) being spilled almost on a daily basis.” “Banks raise investment on (in) e-Banking channels” “FAAN assures adequate security” Who did the agency assure? Certainly not ‘adequate security’! Therefore, FAAN assures Nigerians of adequate security SATURDAY INDEPENDENT of May 3 joins the infamy list with the following testaments: “NPC boss condoles Sambo over brother’s death” Either condoles with or consoles “Royal father commends Uduaghan over (for/on) road project” “Horror in Bornu as Boko Haram dismembered (dismembers) 10” “Some back to school quotes and reminders for you” Young gems: back-toschool quotes “…he never discussed same (the same) with me” “Questions trail TB Joshua’s new prophesy (prophecy)” “In this interview with…she speaks on (about/of) her….”

VER the years, some notable Nigerians have complained about the intense scrutiny they were subjected to at airports of some foreign countries just because they were carrying Nigerian passports. The experience which they regarded as humiliating and embarrassing may have seemed unjustified considering the calibre of such people. However, it is increasingly becoming clear that many countries are indeed wary of just accepting people entering their airports with Nigerian passports for who and what they claim to be because of the incidences of Nigerians travelling with fake or fraudulently acquired visas. A story was told recently, at an event in Lagos, of a Nigerian business woman who sought the assistance of an agent to procure a visa to visit a foreign country. It was arranged and the unsuspecting woman was given a visa which identified her as a government official billed to attend a United Nations meeting. At the port of entry, immigration officers asked of the purpose of her trip and she honestly told them she was visiting. To her consternation, she was promptly arrested and deported. Back home in Nigeria, she landed in more trouble into the waiting arms of the law, for visa scam. This story, funny as it seems, shocked the audience, a gathering of stakeholders, at a national seminar on visa acquisition, organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) held at Ikeja. It signified the extent to which unscrupulous touts and compromised government officials could collaborate to perpetrate visa racketeering. More importantly, it also showed that not all those involved in visa procurement scams were criminally minded. Many innocent Nigerians genuinely looking for assistance to procure a visa to travel have actually fallen into the hands of touts and fraudsters posing as travel agents. The seminar shed more light on this and other issues involved in visa acquisition and the criminal activities of touts in Nigeria. In his opening remarks, Chairman of ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta said the seminar was part of the Commission’s further intervention in restoring sanity and integrity in important sectors of national life. “We have now turned our searchlight on visa procurement process. We are raising awareness on how to acquire visas in a transparent manner and helping to eradicate corruption- prone processes.” He observed that “the visa conditions of various countries could be very cumbersome and complicated and could pose a problem to the ordinary traveller which requires third party intervention, such as, a knowledgeable travel agent or consultant, a friend or a family member” to avoid an infringement in the process which could have serious consequences such as the traveller losing the right to travel temporarily or permanently, embarrassment, arrest, deportation, imprisonment etc. The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter- Governmental Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, who declared the seminar open, commended the ICPC on its anti-corruption advocacy. He said the awareness the seminar would create will save a lot of people from the antics of visa scammers.

Educating Nigerians on credible visa procurement

•Wali By Yinka Akinseye

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, also commended the ICPC for its efforts to sanitize the visa acquisition process which has led to the arrest and prosecution of several suspects and their collaborators. He noted that “touts and miscreants have constituted themselves into visa procurement agents luring peace and law-abiding citizens into “engaging knowingly or unknowingly in visa scam.” He said the seminar will further expose the dubious tricks of visa procurement scam and encourage responsible individuals and corporate bodies to avoid such unwholesome malpractices A representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea delivered a goodwill message identifying with the ICPC initiative to sanitize visa acquisition process. He said the seminar was one of the cornerstones of the exchange of ideas between the Nigerian government and the embassies on how to solve the problems associated with visa procurement. The seminar was indeed an eye opener as predicted by the speakers at the opening ceremony. It illuminated critical areas of the visa acquisition process and the loopholes or shortcomings which unscrupulous people usually took advantage of to perpetrate scams. The first presentation by Mr. Abbia Udofia, an official of ICPC entitled “Curbing Visa Scam: The ICPC Experience” described visa scam as irregularities in form of discrepancies at any point of the visa application process, false declarations, cloning of documents, transfer of legitimate requests for visa to unauthorised persons, misrepresentations of reasons for travelling and forgery of documents. The ICPC intervention to curb visa scam, he explained, has largely been successful with the support of the ministry of foreign affairs, the security and law enforcement agencies and the embassies and high commissions. So far the Commission’s drag net has caught 35 people allegedly involved in visa scams in various capacities while 17 cases are being prosecuted in various courts across the country. Suspects include travel agents, private individuals, lawyers, protocol officers and other public officers. The list also includes prospective students, sportsmen and impersonators using false identity to process visas. The Commission seized 372 passports from various travel agents and touts out of which 65 have been returned to their owners after thorough in-

vestigations. There has been a groundswell of opinion suggesting that Embassies should be partly blamed for incidences of visa scam because some of the conditions they require of visa applicants are so difficult that the applicant is left with no option than to seek help from agents and touts who claim they can assist to meet the conditions or work around them to secure the visa. This was a challenge the head of the Lagos office of the Indian High Commission, Mrs Ranny Malik had to address in her presentation. She said that her country’s visa is obtainable through a simple process by filling the online form, which is not more than two pages. The applicant then comes to the High Commission with the relevant supporting documents for the visa interview. The applicant has the privilege to select his appointment date while filling the visa form. However, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) Alhaji Aminu Agoha, insisted that some embassies were in the habit of indiscriminately turning down genuine visa applications. He recounted his experience as a victim. He decried the activities of fake travel agents involved in visa scams and advised Embassies to always make enquiries from NANTA which is recognised worldwide. The Assistant ComptrollerGeneral of Immigrations (Passports), Mr. T. A. Hundeyin, from the Nigeria Immigration Service, spoke said the Service issues the e- passport (which came into force in 2007, replacing the machine readable passport) in three categories, namely the green standard passport, the blue official passport and the diplomatic passport. Ambassador Abdulazeez Dan Kano, Director of Consular and Immigration Services in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in his paper, urged Nigerians at home and abroad to be law abiding and stop patronising touts and unscrupulous government officials for illegal diplomatic (note verbal) visas. He warned that mechanisms to detect and apprehend them have been put in place. He also disclosed that the ministry was working closely with embassies to reduce the difficulties in visa procurement and ensure the protection of the rights of Nigerians. As the seminar closed, there was a consensus of opinion condemning the activities of visa scammers while urging embassies to look inward and make visa procurement worthwhile for law abiding and genuine applicants by reviewing some of the contentious conditions. Stakeholders in attendance included representatives of foreign embassies in the country, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Foreign Affairs ministry, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) and the protocol and external relations units of some state governments. Participants also included the Director- General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, representatives of non- governmental organisations, civil societies and the Lagos state University Students Union, among others. Akinseye wrote from Lagos

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

ANY years after you started this ministry, you still come across as a misunderstood cleric. So, could you clear the air on the misconception about your ministry? God anointed me to be the representative of Jesus Christ unto this generation primarily for the restoration of all the things that have gone awry in the Christendom. Before Christ’s second coming, God has ordained that there must be a restorer who will be instrumental to the fulfillment of most of the prophecies that have hitherto remained unfulfilled. What wrongs are you talking about? Jesus Christ is the son of the living God and Saviour of the world. He was sent to the world to teach clear doctrinal truths and bring back man to his Father in His heavenly kingdom. But unfortunately, what we find in the world today is unbelief in Jesus Christ and all his doctrines. In order words, most of these doctrines have either been falsified or abrogated. Also, some clear ideals of Jesus Christ have been given theological interpretations, thereby getting the whole thing mixed up. More so, with regard to the laws and commandments of God, the generality of believers in Christ have become lawless. Could you expatiate? Today, people don’t talk of faith, but fears. You find people saying things like ‘Believe in Jesus Christ and you are saved.’ But this is contrary to the truth that Jesus Christ came to enunciate. Again, the Bible says that Jesus Christ came to take away the sins of the world by the shedding of his innocent blood. But before then, he had averred that iniquity would abound. And today, iniquity is everywhere. But then, is Jesus Christ coming to die the second time? Certainly, Jesus Christ is not coming to die the second time. But how do we correct the notion concerning what has brought enmity between God and man, which is sin? The Bible says God will send somebody who will show the people how wrong the world is in matters of sins. So, this is why I have been sent to open the understanding of our generation, especially this

“G

OD could not be everywhere, so he invented mothers”, so goes an old Jewish proverb. The thing that makes mothers such “deputy gods”, is often beyond human comprehension. An old cartoon once showed a young boy talking on the telephone saying, “Mom is in the hospital, the twins and Roxie and Billie and Sally and the dog and me and Dad are all home alone”. Imagine that! Obviously for the kid, when Mom is not home, hardly anyone is. The Spanish are known to say “An ounce of (good) mother is worth more than a pound of clergy”. To millions in the world the name “mother”

‘I don’t own a property or run an account’ The founder of Kingdom of Heaven on Earth Mission (KIHEM-the Holy Throne of the Most High God on Earth), King Olutanmole Agbaye, has been preaching since 1989. In this interview with Babatunde Sulaiman, the anointed restorer, as he prefers to be called, talks about his special assignment on earth and state of the nation, among others. Excerpts:

•Agbaye

gentile community. You see, we have Jewish Christians and gentile Christians who are yet to know the whole truth concerning sins. Could you recall the circumstances surrounding your calling? I had been heading the Church of Christ Jesus for 17 years (1972 to 1989) when I started to receive the new revelation of my ministry. In my night vision, God called me out in the midst of a

mammoth crowd of masters. He said: “Come out, you are the one I am sending to this generation. Go and look for a hilly place.” He said He was prepared to set up His Kingdom on earth, as He had promised. So, I started to look for a hilly place until I found this mountain site. God commanded me to sojourn here for seven days and nights without food and water, praying and asking for new commandments for the

administration of His kingdom, which He was prepared to set up. How did people react when you started the ministry in 1989? When we conducted the first service in this village, a lot of people responded. However, I had a lot of difficulty. Usually, people don’t readily embrace the truth. People are experts in falsehood and they find it difficult to accept, even when the truth

More mothers less murderers By Emmanuel Ade Badejo

means the entire world. The Yoruba idiom: Iya ni wura, baba ni dingi”, mother is gold, father, a mirror, expresses the fact to a great extent. Thomas Edison, great American inventor of many devices, including the motion picture camera and the electric bulb, wrote this tribute to his mother. “I did not have my mother long, but she cast over me a good influence that lasted all my life. The good effect of her early training I can never lose. If it had not been her appreciation and her faith in me

at a critical time in my experience, I would never likely have become an inventor. I was always a careless boy, and with a mother of different mental caliber, I would have turned out badly. But her firmness, her sweetness, her goodness, were potent powers to keep me on the right path. My mother was the making of me. The memory of her will always be a blessing to me”. This complements the thought of Abraham Lincoln, former American president, that no man is poor who has a mother. Enduring image of motherhood

The usual image of motherhood from nature, nurture, culture and Scripture all over the world is that of selfless love, sacrifice, devotion and affection. In an illustration about mothers, Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer once said: “When Eve was brought to Adam, he became filled with the Holy Spirit, and gave her the most sanctified, the most glorious of appellations. He called her Eve, that is to say, the mother of all. He did not style her wife, but simply mother, mother of all living creatures. In this consists the glory and the most precious

is revealed. Which of these laws or commandments have you started implementing now? I received seven primordial laws of creation, different from the conventional 10 commandments revealed unto Moses, which were moral laws. But in this new Kingdom, we need spiritual laws: righteousness, faithfulness, obedience unto the Father, unto the son, unto the Holy Ghost and unto the holy comforter. People are used to moral laws, which include that you should not steal and so on. You see, God Himself guides His throne by laws, which keep the heaven in perfect peace. By all standards, God is a lawmaker. Therefore, if those laws are now brought down for the benefit of man, all things will be transformed. They are for the administration of the established Kingdom of God on earth. Are the different structures in your church symbolic of some things you saw in your vision? It was a virgin land when we came. So, it was after God had directed me in my night vision that we began to put up all these structures. I was given the keys, power and authority to set up the Kingdom on earth. This is the real physical structure of the invisible throne of God in heaven. He revealed the pattern to my prophets and prophetesses. Why is emphasis so much on miracles in most churches nowadays? The truth is there is secularisation of Christianity. There is also the pursuit ornament of woman” Well, that is probably why mothers would do anything for the good of their children, at least that is the way it used to be. Such are the mothers in the Bible who wanted the best for their children even at great pains to themselves. The mother of the seven brothers in the second book of Maccabees wanted the best for her children with God and she did not want them to be compromised by the fear of death. Her speech to her last son to face death courageously deserves attention as the Bible said. “More than all of them, their mother ought to be admired and remem-

of mundane things, a deviation from what Jesus Christ stood and died for. So, this is what I have been sent to restore the whole Christian community to. People now bring their ideas into Christianity. I can’t preach miracles in my church. Miracles, prosperity and all that made the practitioners to be under the condemnation of Jesus. He says: “Many will say unto me that we perform great works of wonder, but I will say unto them that I know you not…” So, I can’t preach miracles be it contradicts the clear teachings of Jesus Christ. How have you been able to grow the church? At the moment, we have 40 branches in all. We also have in Cameroun, Ghana, Zimbabwe, United States, United Kingdom etc. Recently, I have sent my delegates to Ibadan and very shortly, I am going there. I have been going to all these places by the express direction of God. I will soon be attending an international conference of community churches in the U.S. What have the host communities benefitted from the church? This is a non-profit-making organisation. We don’t have such money to provide social amenities for the communities, so we always pray for the nation and the communities. But once in a while, the youths for Olutanmole go to the villages and rural areas to give out food, clothes etc; we also organise screening for the members of the communities. I don’t have money and I don’t have a personal bank account either. For the past 48 years, I don’t have any property of my own. Is it against your belief? That is what God says; I am representing Christ. I have learnt to make my personal wish to be in tune with that of God. Jesus Christ says: “Don’t lay your treasure on earth.” The disciples didn’t build their treasures on earth. The early believers sold their property just to inherit eternal life. This is what I preach and this is what I exemplify as the representative of Christ. God forbids that religious leaders should own all these things.

xxx

bered…” a woman “full of a noble sense of honour” (2Macc.7: 20-29). Mary the mother of Jesus demonstrated this best. She went through thick and thin with her dear son, Jesus. She stood at the foot of the cross as her son was killed but it was all for a higher cause. Moments of Change We witness today the tragic transformation of motherhood. Many mothers kill their own children with impunity, many participate in public mob killings and others expressly promote anti-life policies and activities. This demeaning of motherhood has •Continued on page 70

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

WORSHIP

Burundi wants churches to have 500 members and building before registeration

ITING a survey last year which found that there were some 557 practicing Christian denominations in the small Central African nation, Burundi’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill requiring churches to have at least 500 members and a building to stanch the “proliferation of churches” in that country. Under the proposed law, foreign churches will need at least 1,000 followers before they can register as a legitimate church, according to the BBC. Evangelical churches have been cropping up at a rapid pace in the predominantly Christian nation of nearly 9 million people since the end of a long ethnic based civil war in 2005 in which an estimated 300,000 people were killed. The government, led by born-again Christian President Pierre Nkurunziza, believes that the church community is currently too haphazard, with just about anyone being able to start a church, and it has also been plagued by scandals as well. One recent scandal involved a pastor imploring barren women who wanted to conceive to sleep with him. The BBC said the bill got unanimous support from the

•Burundi By Leonardo Blair

MPs in Burundi’s National Assembly and is likely to get the same reception in the Senate. Once the president signs the bill into law, churches will have a year to sure up their pews or shut down their operations. While the politicians overwhelmingly support the move, some members of the public have questioned the wisdom behind the move, citing scriptures that contradict the number rule like Matthew 18: 20 which says: “For where two or three are gathered to-

gether in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Critics also cited Matthew 13:24-30 in which Jesus explains that the wheat and the tares must grow together. “The word must be preached whether in mountains, rivers or synagogues. The problem is not about too many churches but our economy. Life has become so unbearable and people are embarking on anything to make ends meet. No, we should not ban them. Only God will remove the wheat from chaff,” said Wellington Mukundwa in a comment on Facebook. “I find the decision by the lower house of Burundi shocking, particularly the thought process behind it. You do not curb abuse by limiting the number of churches. If this bill is passed into law, those ‘bogus’ pastors will simply join forces and abuse even more people. Let people face the wrath of the law when they err,” warned Edmund Mbewe. Source: Christian Post

COLUMN

Living Faith By Dr. David Oyedepo

Engaging the mentality of the supernatural! (2)

AST week, I brought to you the first segment of this monthly teaching. I had said that, walking in the supernatural is real, and the realm of the supernatural is the realm of the miraculous! This week, we will look at the essence of miracles, our root in the supernatural and why we must engage supernatural mentality. What Is The Essence Of Miracles? •To destroy the works of the devil: Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and to stop the devil from molesting any aspect of our lives. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). •To reveal the glory of God on our lives: Miracles are packaged to reveal the glory of God over every situation and circumstance of our lives. Therefore, for every trace of shame around your life, you are getting double restoration of glory! (John 11:40). •Miracles are packaged to draw souls to the Kingdom: Every miracle is ordained to attract someone to the Kingdom of God (Zechariah 8:2023). Therefore, we must understand that only those who believe in miracles experience them. You are never empowered to become what you don’t believe in (John 1:12). Hence, those who despise miracles never experience them. In 2 Kings 7:1-2, there was famine in Samaria and Elisha prophesied that by the

next day there shall be surplus food and a man said, “Even if God opens the windows of heaven, shall this thing be?” In verse 17, food came by the hand of the Lord, but that man died at the gate. Those who despise miracles are always victims of the supernatural. Our Root In The Supernatural Understand that our redemption is rooted in the supernatural. New birth positions us to be in command of the supernatural. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:8). Everyone that is born again is born into the supernatural world. Jesus said that for everyone that believes in Him, the works that He did shall we do and greater works shall we do (John 14:12). So, every child of God is born a wonder to the world. If you don’t know your root, you will lose your proofs. You need an understanding of your root to command results. So, new birth makes you a child of God and that means you automatically share a common gene with God. You carry divine genes within you at new birth, so when you become a child of God, you become a god from within. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High (Psalm 82:6). Why Must We Engage The Mentality Of The Supernatural? The mentality of the supernatural is what empowers the believer to flow in the su-

pernatural. For out of the heart of man proceeds all issues of life; therefore, keep your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). That means we should picture the truth in line with God’s agenda; for our lives are formed by our thoughts. When we start thinking the supernatural, we will experience it. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). No wonder, he was the greatest Apostle that ever lived. No man can possess the mentality of the natural and flow in the supernatural. No one thinks like a vulture and commands dignity like an eagle. The choice is yours. Therefore, let’s start thinking like the heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus. Start thinking as one seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above where witches and wizards torment. Friend, the power to engage supernatural mentality is available, if you are born again. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan, to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus! Now I know I am born again!” I will be with you next week! Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books: Commanding the Supernatural, Operating In The Supernatural and Walking In The Miraculous. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

NEWS

More mothers less murderers •Continued from page 69 been on for some time both surreptitiously and even with the encouragement of the regulators of society. The moment the world chose to condone or liberalize abortion was the moment the floodgates opened up to the decay of motherhood and to the gradual demise of selfless love, compassion and empathy which true motherhood usually represents. Saintly Mother Teresa of Calcutta said no greater form of wickedness exists than when a mother kills her own baby, the very life in her womb. When the womb of life is turned into the tomb of death by the very custodian of the womb then there can be no limit to violence in society. Such thoughts have been vindicated as we now see women monsters, women ritualists and women gangsters killing not only in their

wombs, but also outside of it. And it gets worse. More recently women terrorists have emerged in Nigeria heralding the era of women suicide bombers and women mass murderers too. Restore the glories of motherhood Saint Pope John Paul II had such great concern about the degradation of motherhood and he taught extensively about the subject. In his apostolic exhortation “Mulieris Dignitatem (the Dignity of Women) the Pope asserts that women are more capable than men of compassion because of their symbiotic connection to humanity through pregnancy, which men are incapable of (MD 18). He extols the contribution of the “feminine genius” in society. This “feminine genius” he says, is special to women. It is this special genius that we can call on to defend the right and dignity of

women themselves. It ought to be the answer to the “culture of death” which drives modern society’s penchant for abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, war and murder. The pope insists that it is necessary to bring out this full truth about women for the purpose of inspiring and uplifting society. How sad it is then today to see the transmutation of the vital forces of motherhood to those of murderous monster-hood. It is imperative to salvage the true nature of motherhood as the last bastion of hope to preserve the humanity of modern society. Let us work to have more mothers and fewer murderers among us. •Emmanuel Ade Badejo is the Catholic Bishop of Oyo and Chairman Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Directorate of Communications

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014 Three injured in 6th bull-run at Spain's San Fermin

Libyan oil port shut down by protesters

ROTESTERS have shut down the eastern Libyan oil port Brega, state firm National Oil Corp (NOC) said yesterday, days after the government celebrated the reopening of major ports following almost a year of blockage. NOC spokesman Mohamed El Harari said the state-run Sirte Oil Co would have to shut down its production of 43,000 barrels per day (bpd) if the protest by state oil guards continued, without being more specific about timeframe. Harari said he did not know what the demands of the guards were. He said Brega port was used to export oil but recently had been mostly used to supply the western Zawiya refinery. Last week, the government managed to negotiate an end to a protest blocking the 340,000 bpd El Sharara field in the southwest. A rebel group also agreed to restart the eastern RasLanuf and Es Sider ports ,which they had seized almost a year ago. The protesters at Brega are members of the petroleum facilities guards (PFG), a force made up mainly of former militia fighters who helped oust Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.The government in Tripoli has tried to co-opt the militias by integrating them into state forces like the oil guards but it has been unable to control them with its fledgling army, which is still in training.

Militants attack near Pakistan border, killing 3

ILITANTS killed a Pakistan army captain and two soldiers in an attack early yesterday in a tribal region near its border with Afghanistan, authorities said, as an airstrike killed 13 suspected extremist fighters. A group of some 60 militants who crossed over from Afghanistan attacked an army post in the Ghakhi area of the Bajur tribal region, said Shah Nasim, a senior government administrator in Bajur. He said another soldier and a civilian cook were injured in the attack, which took place when troops had a pre-dawn Ramadan meal before fasting. A later statement from the Pakistani army, however, said the militants attacked a vehicle killing the two, not an army post. The conflicting accounts could not be immediately reconciled. Khan said the attackers later escaped to Afghanistan's Kunar province but a retaliatory attack injured some of them.Pakistan's army largely has cleared the Bajur tribal region of militants but its posts often come under cross-border attacks. In June, militants killed 20 soldiers in three attacks. Pakistani troops killed some 50 attackers in retaliatory attacks. Pakistan has asked Afghanistan's government to take action against the Pakistani militants who escaped a recent military offensive in the Swat Valley and elsewhere for safe havens in eastern Afghanistan.

â&#x20AC;˘Smoke rises after an Israeli air strike in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. Israel vowed no let-up in its aerial bombardment of Gaza, which has claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives, as a defiant Hamas rained more rockets on the Jewish state. Photo: AFP

Israel widens air attack, Gaza death toll tops 125 I

SRAEL widened its air assault against the Gaza Strip's Hamas rulers yesterday, hitting a mosque it said was hiding rockets, as Palestinians said their death toll from the five-day offensive rose to over 125. The military said it has struck more than 1,100 targets, including Hamas rocket launchers, command centres and weapon manufacturing and storage facilities, in a bid to stop relentless rocket fire coming into Gaza. Officials in the territory said that besides the mosque, the strikes also hit Hamas-affiliated charities and banks, as well as a home for the disabled, killing two women. The central Gaza mosque was being used to conceal rockets like those militants have fired nearly 700 times toward Israel over the past five days, the military said. However, the strikes in the densely populated

Gaza Strip show the challenge Israel faces as it considers a ground operation that could potentially pose further dangers to civilians. While there have been no fatalities in Israel from the continued rocket fire, Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf alKidra said Israeli strikes raised the death toll there to over 125, with more than 920 wounded. Hamas militants have been hit hard. Though the exact breakdown of casualties remains unclear, dozens of the dead also have been civilians. The offensive showed no signs of slowing down Saturday as Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said his country should be ready for more days of fighting. "We have accumulated achievements as far as the price Hamas is paying and we are continuing to destroy significant tar-

gets of it and other terror organizations," Yaalon said after a meeting with top security officials. "We will continue to punish it until quiet and security returns to southern Israel and the rest of the country." Hamas said it hoped the mosque attack would galvanize support for it in the Muslim world. "(It) shows how barbaric this enemy is and how much it is hostile to Islam," said Husam Badran, a Hamas spokesman in Doha, Qatar. "This terrorism gives us the right to broaden our response to deter this occupier." The Israeli military released an aerial photo of the mosque it hit, saying Hamas hid rockets in it right next to another religious site and civilian homes. It said Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Gaza militant groups use this tactic of abusing religious sites to conceal weapons and estab-

lish underground tunnel networks, deliberately endangering civilians. "Hamas terrorists systematically exploit and choose to put Palestinians in Gaza in harm's way and continue to locate their positions among civilian areas and mosques, proving once more their disregard for human life and holy sites," said Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an Israeli military spokesman. Critics though say such allegations are too sweeping, and that Israel's heavy bombardment of one of the densely populated territories is itself the main factor putting civilians at risk. Sarit Michaeli of the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem said that while using human shields violates international humanitarian law, "this does not give Israel the excuse to violate international humanitarian law as well."

Ukraine jets pound rebels after deadly missile attack

KRAINIAN war planes bombarded separatists along a broad front yesterday, inflicting huge losses, Kiev said, after President Petro Poroshenko said "scores and hundreds" would be made to pay for a deadly missile attack on Ukrainian forces. In exchanges marking a sharp escalation in the threemonth conflict, jets struck at the "epicenter" of the battle against rebels near the border with Russia, a military spokesman said. The planes targeted positions from where separatists, using high-powered Grad missiles, bombarded an army motorized brigade on Friday, killing 23 servicemen. Warplanes also struck at targets near Donetsk, the east's

main town where rebels have dug in, destroying a powerful fighter base near Dzerzhinsk, Andriy Lysenko, a spokesman for the "anti-terrorist operation" said. "According to preliminary assessment, Ukrainian pilots killed about 500 (rebel) fighters and damaged two armoured transporters," Lysenko told journalists. In an earlier air attack on a base near Perevalsk, north of Donetsk, two tanks, 10 armoured vehicles and "about 500" rebel fighters were destroyed, he said. Rebel representatives, quoted by Russian news agencies, denied they suffered big losses and said the Ukrainians were using outdated intelli-

gence on where separatist forces were deployed. "There were no volunteers (rebels) where the Ukrainian aviation was active yesterday," said a spokeswoman for the Luhansk-based separatists, referring to the Peravalsk attack. Earlier, the border guard service said jet fighters were scrambled to strike at the proRussian separatists after they resumed missile attacks on government forces deployed near the frontier with Russia, south-east of the city of Luhansk. In the military action, which began on Friday evening and continued well into Saturday, five Ukrainian servicemen were killed, Lysenko said. There were 16

overflights by Ukrainian fighter jets in all, he said. The surge in violence on Ukraine's border with Russia, south east of Luhansk which is controlled by separatists, sparked fresh Ukrainian accusations against Russia of involvement in the border fighting. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry demanded Russia stop supporting armed groups in its eastern region, and end "provocations" on the border. "The Russian side cynically disregards the fact that Ukrainian servicemen and peaceful civilians are being killed at the hands of terrorists whom it is supporting," the Foreign Ministry said.

HREE Spanish men were injured yesterday as several thousand people tested their bravery by dashing alongside six fighting bulls through the slippery streets of Pamplona in the sixth running of the bulls at Spain's San Fermin festival. Spanish Red Cross spokesman, Jose Aldaba said no one was gored but one runner was taken to a hospital with a suspected bone fracture. Oscar Gorria, deputy director of surgical services for the region of Navarra, said one man sustained an arm injury while another had cuts and bruises to a leg. Municipal workers had applied an anti-slip coating on the cobblestones of the narrow streets in a bid to lessen injuries after rain had fallen overnight. Weekend runs traditionally attract the most thrill-seekers keen on running the 930-yard (850-meter) course from a holding pen to Pamplona's bull ring. Juan Arnal, a city official responsible for street safety, said the large turnout despite heavy rain spurred the decision to spray the cobblestones. Even so, some of the massive bulls lost their footing. Television footage showed one lucky escape as a man had his T-shirt ripped off by a horn as one of the beasts lifted itself from a tumble. The festival, which blends early-morning adrenaline with all-night parties where wine flows freely, attracts tens of thousands of foreign tourists each year. Fifteen people have died from gorings since record-keeping began in 1924. Four Spaniards and an American have been gored so far during this year's festivities. One of the Spaniards was seriously injured.The nine-day festival was immortalized in Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel "The Sun Also Rises." The largest turnout this year is expected Sunday when the bulls come from the renowned Miura breeding ranch. They are some of Spain's largest and most fearsome fighting animals, weighing up to 695 kilograms.

Shiite rebels to evacuate key Yemeni city

HIITE rebels are to withdraw from a key city they seized in an advance towards Yemen's capital and an army unit will now move into Amran, a spokesman said yesterday. Amran, 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Sanaa, has seen fierce fighting since February as Huthi rebels known as Ansarullah advanced from their mountain strongholds towards the capital. "Our men will withdraw from Amran as soon as an army unit moves in," rebel spokesman Mohammed Abdessalam said, adding that the decision to pull back came in a deal struck with the defence ministry.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

WORLD/COMMENTARY

OR the past several weeks, I have written about geopolitical hotspots in or near the throes of war. I return to America this week to underscore an important theme: the decline of Black leadership. I labor on this theme because what has transpired in America is but the dismal vanguard of what will occur in almost every Black nation that neglects to stand against the subtle onslaught. The same political economic forces that take Black America low also clip the development of Black Africa. In the past, slavery and colonialism were the twin yokes we wore. Fifty years ago, both populations helped and applauded each other as they gained a fleeting respite. In America, it was called the Civil Rights Movement. In Africa, it was the age of national independence. Now, we return to being adrift because Black leadership has lost its morality compass. No longer committed to helping the poor and broken, no longer worried about justice for all because they have tasted the privileges and riches of the few, they have lost all but the vaguest sense of racial unity and purpose. For them, their black skin is no longer a corporeal anthem calling them to a higher level of duty in order to overcome dreadful past. Instead, their blackness is a burden to be figuratively shed as the price of admission into the theatre of wealth and power. Nowhere is this diminution in leadership more acute than in Black America. For several years, President Obama and those politicians like him have been lauded by the mainstream media as the future of Black politics. While we have been told to applaud, the reality is that it is a rather odd dance he has danced. To be Black by not being so is a waltz that has become increasingly popular in high political circles during the past few years. It is one the steps of which I do not know nor am I fan of the irksome tune that accompanies it. Over the past several years, I have waded against the tide of popular opinion to present what I hold as objective analyses of the flaws in the Obama leadership model. I have done so not from any personal animus. I know not the man but my lack of any personal connection does not blind my appreciation of the danger inherent in his particular rise to power. His ascendance has been a racial intoxicant, causing many Blacks to take leave of their better senses to ascribe to him many transcendental qualities that, unfortunately, were never there. My writings about Obama precipitated much commentary, most of it emotive, most of it negative. Some have even accused me of being a White racist who sees nothing decent in Black People. Notwithstanding these reactions and often because of them, I write on. I know many comments were the unthinking eruptions of people who have invested too much hope in a false hope. I sympathise with them. Yet, I lend not my pen to fake comfort by writing what is popular. In the end, whether a reader accepts or rejects my analyses is immaterial to me. I do my humble best to proffer timely warning and information that you may understand the challenges and dangers that approach. My goal is not to soothe you. It is to awaken you that may arise and seek higher ground before the unforgiving tide arrives. I write to equip you with a perspective that just might help you avert the pratfall of believing in policies or positions which do not believe in you. Even if you find what I write to be uncomfortable and you do not care for it, I shall continue because I care for you. If we shall fall, let it be because superior power has pushed us down and not because we thrust ourselves into the open ditch. This near adoration of President Obama is tinged with a strange hybrid of racial pride and inferiority. There naturally is pride to see a Black man surmount, by attaining the White House, what so recently was considered an insuperable obstacle. This pride I too felt. However, there is also a bit of inferiority in that we have placed someone else’s standard of legitimacy above our self interests. Thus, because a large chunk of America voted for him, we assumed he must be excellent indeed. That is where our collective analysis began and ended. It was superficial in the extreme, and costly so. We forgot to dig deeper. We forgot to ask if the powerful establishment could back him as their man, perhaps he was not going to be our man. Black people were so elated to see a Black man in the seat of power that we forgot to even question if the man had sold his soul to get there. After all, what good is Black man who lacks soul? He is as salt without its savor. He beckoned to us with a change that we can believe in. After six years, let’s see what this change has wrought. In global affairs, his signature achievement has been the assassi-

Barack the broken A leader estranged from his people is as a broken clock. His position is rarely correct and then only by accident

• Obama

nation of Osama bin Laden. Toss in the killings of other high-profile terrorists and alleged ones. He promised this would make the world a better place. Except for those who profit from war and the making of wars, his promise has been a false one. The world is more dangerous now than when he took office. He led the assault against Gaddafi, the consequence of which has been to spread war materiel far and wide, augmenting the destructive power of Malian separatists and of Boko Haram in northern Nigeria. He has promoted war in Syria, the spillover of which has predictably incited renewed conflict in Iraq. Obama’s government now goads Russia’s Putin toward war in Ukraine. President Obama has made himself a willing utensil of a foreign policy that seeks undisputed American dominance over the Eurasian land mass. The will and desires of other proud and independent nations are to take a long hike down a dark path. If they balk, it means war. If this means one war, that is fine. If it means multiple wars, even better yet. It serves the purposes of a voracious war industry whose unspoken motto is “the more we kill, the more we live.” In Asia, America and China leer at each other, with hardliners itching to engage in a war that will plunge the planet into darkness not suffered since the Middle Ages. Without remorse or a second’s hesitation, President Obama broadened America’s killer drone program. President Bush gave the program its start. President Obama has given himself a blank check to make this program the haunting symbol of American national security strategy. Unmanned death planes now dot the skies over a massive area spanning Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, the Maghreb and the Horn of Africa. After one particularly nasty drone airstrike, confirmed reports reveal President Obama quipping to his subordinates that he had become quite expert in the long-distance killing business. The man had just ordered the deaths of numerous people, some of who likely were guilty of nothing weightier than being in the wrong place at the deadliest of times. Yet, he could be dismissive with their lives as if he had just swatted a fly. These are the words and this is the flippant attitude of a man who holds the Nobel Peace Prize. If this is the way of a peacemaker, I dare not contemplate the way of war. If there were a touch of humility in the man, he would pack and mail that prize back to Oslo from whence it came. On domestic policy, he has fared little better.

True his efforts staved the economy from depression during the worst of the 2009 recession. But those efforts were primarily aimed at saving the banking system from suicide. That other parts of the economy were not pulled down was a collateral benefit, a secondary consequence. When subsequently he could have fought to give assistance to the poor and the beleaguered middle classes, he spoke of offering help but never made a concerted effort to do so. It was all sweet-sounding bells and chimes. He used high rhetoric to disguise his policy of retreat on these humane matters. Even his signature achievement, health insurance reform, is less than it seems. The provision that insurers can no longer deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions is obviously condign. However, that advance has been counterbalanced by the fact that policy rates have increased for many people. Additionally, the low-cost policies purchased by the poor are replete with such caveats and conditions written in indecipherable sentences that the policies are good only to the extent they are not put to use. When the poor reach out to use them, the insurers will posit a flood a reasons why the particular treatment in question is not covered. Millions have been insured but only nominally so. President Obama should have fought the fight for broader health care reform; but, the big insurers and pharmaceutical companies said “no,” and he sheepishly said “yes” to them. President Obama is not the only Black politician who has turned coat on the reformist tradition of black leadership. Through the years, the Congressional Black Caucus has been one of the most liberal, sometimes even progressive, forces in American politics. It has championed legislation for the poor, working class and for minorities. It has fought for economic and social justice, waging unpopular, sometimes quixotic, battles in the process. They may not always been the most politically adept actors, but the commitment to the people was a solid one. Not anymore. Five CBC members representing urban districts blighted by the financial crisis actually had the gall to sponsor legislation weakening postcrisis regulation imposed on the banking industry. The regulations are already porous and will not do the needed. Now this mercenary quintet seeks to squash the scant regulations almost completely. That these regulations were enacted to deter the predatory lending of banks in poor, mostly minority communities seems not to worry these lawmakers. The regulations were made to protect

their constituents from the sub-prime lenders who helped devour Black wealth and neighborhoods in the financial crisis. Instead of championing their people, these congresspersons have tossed their own folks to the wolves in exchange for a small pocket full of campaign donations from Money Power. Other Black congresspersons have joined the assault to whittle publicly-funded education although they know an overly privatised system will deprive even more Black children of a meaningful education. They do this because the privatization movement has money. Some of its coins have been doled to their campaigns. They sell out the children to buy their continuation in office. Twenty years ago, such abdications of moral responsibility by Black lawmakers would have been unthinkable. Now, betrayal has become business as usual. These acts undermine the interests of the people and of the reformist tradition of black leadership. These politicians praise Martin Luther King on his holiday and tell the electorate that they seek to govern in the spirit of the man. Yet, they trample his grave and memory with their meretricious conduct the rest of the year. He would not understand their ways. If alive today, he would lead protests against what they have done and what they are set to do. I raise these matters because the influence on our lives of President Obama’s and these others will not end when they leave office. The establishment plans to continue to use them. They will handsomely reward the president with a reward that smacks of our collective punishment. After hearing Obama for eight consecutive years rejecting the notion of having a special relationship with Black America, of rejecting the notion of “being the president of Black America,” that is precisely what they plan for him after office. They seek to give him the mantle of the unofficial president of Black America and, by extension, the Black race. He has and will work hard for his paymasters, and they will give him the tools to do their bidding. He will found organizations and traverse nations like Bill Clinton now does. This is the Clinton Black people so love because he talks so smoothly of great things. Yet, under cover of media blockade against revealing these escapades, he quietly leads the rapine exploitation of Black Haiti by Western business interests who fund a suppressive regime that has turned the island into a sweatshop of underpaid labor. To curry the favour of Money Power, this regime has sequestered the choicest parcels of land and beaches for expatriate wealth to enjoy. Clinton and cronies seek to turn Haiti into Cuba before Castro’s revolution upset the fun and games of the wellheeled. As Clinton does, Obama will do for, if Obama has done anything with determination while in office, it has been to adhere to the Clinton model of glittery but ersatz progressive politics. Like Clinton, once out of office he will talk grandly, offering us corporate establishment solutions to problems the corporate establishment caused. His task will be to lead us to where we already are. His mission will be to tire us by having us march fiercely in place. They are preparing him for this role and for us to accept him in it. This we must reject for he comes with an agenda that bodes nothing but harm for us. True, we lack leadership and need it desperately at this stage. But he is not the one. He is constitutionally ill-equipped to help us because he has shown he is too committed to helping himself. His fundamental problem is that he believes he is superior to every Black person on this planet yet is often deferential to White people who deserve no deference. This man’s tenure has revealed that he had glaring blind spots in his knowledge of economics and geopolitics. His ambition exceeded his knowledge and wisdom. He reached for something he was not qualified to hold. To fill his knowledge in these areas, he surrounded himself with the very people who created so much of the crises and confusion. He has been found out. A recent poll in America shows his popularity has sunk to historic lows. Many people believe he is the worse president since World War II. Some of the opposition is racist. Much of it is objective reality. He has talked big but acted in miniature. He has done what his paymasters want and they have set him up to be the scapegoat of their own designs. After his tenure, they want to reward him by unleashing him on us. Let them keep him in their stable where they now have him. We need and seek Black leadership but we shall not find it one who is led by forces that would led us astray. This episode of which I now write will not unfold for another two years but a word in advance is worth more than ten thousand on the day of trouble. 08060340825 (sms only)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

EKPO

OLUSEYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekpo, Christy Mboso, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akintuyi, Christy Mboso. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SHONOIKI I, formerly known and addressed as Shonoiki, Abiodun Omotayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Jolaoluwa, Abiodun Omotayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SHONOIKI I, formerly known and addressed as Shonoiki, Isaac Ifeoluwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Jolaoluwa, Isaac Ifeoluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AKINRINADE

I, formerly known and addressed as Akinrinade Omodolapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Okebukola Omodolapo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UBANI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ubani, Julianah Beauty, now wish to be known and addressed as Esoso Agbor Julianah. All former documents remain valid. Afe Babalola, University, Ado-Ekiti and general public should please take note.

LAWAL I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawal, Risikat Atinuke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Taiwo, Risikat Atinuke (nee Lawal). All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

ADEDIWURA

I, formerly known and addressed as Mojisola Abiodun Adediwura, now wish to be known and addressed as Bolarinwa, Mojisola Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

GEOFFREY

I, formerly known and addressed as Onyendi Uche Geoffrey, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyendi Chiemeziem Uche Geoffrey. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ALAO I, formerly known and addressed as Alao, Oluwatosin Rebecca, now wish to be known and addressed as Fagunwa, Oluwatosin Rebecca. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

JOLAOSO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jolaoso, Adijat Oluwabunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kazeem, Khadijat Oluwabunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLAKUNLE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olakunle, Motunrayo Helen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shittu, Motunrayo Helen. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

GBERAESE

I, formerly known and addressed as Jennifer Osehelome Gberaese, now wish to be known and addressed as Jennifer Osehelome Kadiri. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ABASS

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abass Rofiat Anike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sanni, Rofiat Anike. All former documents remain valid. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo State , First Bank of Nig., Ile-Ife branch and general public should please take note.

OKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Olubukola Oluyinka Oke, now wish to be known and addressed as Olubukola Oluyinka Adewumi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ENEH I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eneh, Jacinta Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ani, Jacinta Chioma. All former documents remain valid. IMT, NYSC and general public should please take note.

ADEFILA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adefila, Mary Adesola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olawuyi, Mary Adesola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IDUITUA I, formerly known and addressed as Ms. Franca Iduitua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Franca Iyamu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZEIFE

COUNTY

ABASS

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluseye, Omolola Fatimah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omonije, Omolola Fatimah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ezeife Nneamaka Clara, now wish to be known and addressed as Okoli, Nneamaka Clara. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

DANLANMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Elizabeth Oluwasehun Omotosho, now wish to be known and addressed as Elizabeth Oluwasehun Onimole. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Danlanmi Agbeke Bolanle now wish to be known and addressed as Adekunle Agbeke Modinat. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NWACHUKWU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwachukwu, Geraldine Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Geraldine Oluchi Nnadi John. All former documents remain valid. Aba State Polytechnic, Aba and general public should please take note.

AFUYE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Afuye, Bukola Olabimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebowale, Bukola Olabimpe. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OROCHIHI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Helen Hembadoom Orochihi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Hembadoom Uddih. All former documents remain valid. SUBEB, Gboko and general public should please take note.

AKAMAGWUNA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Clara Usonwnne Akamagwuna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Clara Usonwnne Oloyede. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEYEMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi, Isimot Adetoun Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebowale, Isimot Adetoun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLADIPUPO I, formerly known and addressed as Oladipupo, Oyekunle Ajayi, now wish to be known and addressed as Oladipupo David Ajayi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LASEKAN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lasekan, Adebola Olubunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olanipekun Adebola Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, hereby correct my name as BAMA, Mr. Amachi and not BAMA MALLAM (Mr.). All former documents remain valid. First Bank Nig. Plc. and general public should please take note.

AJANAH I, formerly known and addressed as Maryam Ajanah, now wish to be known and addressed as Hajia Maryam Arike Ibrahim Thomas. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IROJU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iroju, Oyeyemi Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajigbayisanmi Oyeyemi Yetunde. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKWARAUGO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okwaraugo, Grace Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunlaja Grace Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MARKUS I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kareh Markus, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kareh Hope Kaigama. All former documents remain valid. The National Environment Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and general public should please take note. CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH I, Olawale Ahmed Jamiu hereby notify the general public that my date of birth was quoted wrongly in some of my documents as 28th of March, 1970 instead of 29th of March, 1969. Therefore my correct date of birth and name will be hencefort addressed as 29th of March, 1969 and new name as Ahmed Jamiu Olamilekan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UKACHI I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UKACHI ROSITA CHIDINMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UKACHUKWU ROSITA CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Imo State Customary Court and the general public please take note.

OMOTOSHO

ADEOSUN

I,former known and addressed as MISS ADEOSUN ADEFUNKE ADEREMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OSAKIYA ADEFUNKE ADEREMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

LASISI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lasisi, Sukurat Ayanbunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fatai, Sururat Ayanbunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEKOYA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adekoya, Funmilola Yemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yusuf, Aminat Funmilola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MUSA

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Olubunmi Olurotimi Oke Musa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olurotimi Olubunmi Muhammed. All former documents remain valid. University of Lagos (UNILAG), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Arm Pension, Access Bank Plc. and general public should please take note.

OLABISI I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Olabisi, Abibat Pecku, now wish to be known and addressed as Ms. Olabisi Abibat Abolade. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGUNSAKIN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunsakin, Titilayo Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunsanmi Titilayo Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLALEYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaleye, Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Baruwa, Elizabeth Bukola. All former documents remain valid. Local government Service Commission and general public should please take note.

NWANGWUMA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidinma Linda Nwangwuma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chidinma Linda Jude Ekwubiri. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANIAHA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aniaha Elochukwu Enyichukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugwu Elochukwu Enyichukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OFONIME I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofonime, Uko Akpanmbak, now wish to be known and addressed as Barr. Mrs. Ofonime Nsikan Bassey. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWAMARA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Flora Eberechi Nwamara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Flora Augustine Charles Ukpe. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

DARAMOLA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Daramola, Toyin Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwole, Toyin Favour. All former documents remain valid. Hospital Mangement Board (HMB) and general public should please take note.

ARIOLU I,formerly known and addressed as MISS ARIOLU, RUTH CHIDINMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ECHEONWU, RUTH CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADIKA

I, formerly known and addressed as Adika Timipa and Adika Million Timipa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Adika Million Timipa Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayebaduayon Biomoni County, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayebaduayon James Pogo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SATOPE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Satope, Fatimoh Adejoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olagoke, Fatimoh Adejoke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LAWAL I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Lawal, Musibau Olalekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Lawal, Musibau Matanmi Olalekan. All former documents remain valid. Mainstream Bank Plc. and general public should please take note.

SATIMEHIN We formerly known, called and addressed as, SATIMEHIN AKINTOMIDE, SATIMEHIN EBUNOLUWA LOIS, SATIMEHIN PRAISE OMOLOLA, SATIMEHIN OLUWADARA JOSEPH, henceforth wish to be known, called and addressed as, OLUTIMEHIN AKINTOMIDE JOHN, OLUTIMEHIN EBUNOLUWA LOIS, OLUTIMEHIN MOYINOLUWA OMOLOLA, OLUTIMEHIN OLUWADARA JOSEPH. All documents bearing our former names remains ours and valid. General Public and Authority concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss ABASS ROFIAT ANIKE. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SANNI ROFIAT ANIKE. All former documents remain valid, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. Ondo-State, And general public should please take note.

SHITTU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Shittu Baliqis Atoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akorede Baliqis Atoke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWABUIKWU I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwabuikwu Nneoma Eunice now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwagu Chinedu Nneoma. All former documents remain valid, abia state civil service and the general public should please take note.

IKONNE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Amarachi Ikonne now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mary Obinna-Njoku. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

ODO I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ODO EWA EKENG now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DAMARIS ODO OSHIOLE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AKPOROGO

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS. AKPOROGO OMOJEVWE SANDRA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKOLIE OMOJEVWE SANDRA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IHEZIE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IHEZIE OKWUCHI LUCY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ACHOROMADU OKWUCHI LUCY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

GOBO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. NORNUBARI GOBO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NORNUBARI BLESSING NDON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AKPA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS LILIAN CHIOMA AKPA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LILIAN NWACHUKWU NWAGBARA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANYANWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANYANWU PATIENCE OGECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UGOCHUKWU AGBARA PATIENCE OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

GBADEGESHIN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbadegeshin Monsurat Ola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogedengbe Monsurat Ola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MBARA I, formerly known, called and addressed as MISS CHINWENDU PRECIOUS MBARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHINWENDU PRECIOUS OSUAGWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

BANKOLE

NSO

ATOLAGBE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sadiat Wuraola Omotola Olatunbosun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Halima Wuraola Omotola Arigbabuwo. All other documents remain valid. All government institutions, private companies and general public should take note. CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH I,Gbadmosi Olubunmi Kazeem hereby notify the general public that my date of birth was wrongly written as 28th of August, 1974 instead of 28th of August, 1976.

AJANAKU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajanaku Fatimah Arike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OJUMOOLA FATIMAH ARIKE AJANAKU. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, NYSC and the general public should please take note.

I,formerly Known and address as MISS ADUNOLA ESTHER KEHINDE now which to be known and address as MRS. OLUWADARE ESTHER KEHINDE all former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nso Blessing Chidinma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ugoh Blessing Chidinma. All former documents remain valid, umunneochi lgea and general public should please take note.

OLATUNBOSUN

EKEREKE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIEKPENO EDEM EKEREKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIEKPENO NDIFREKEABASI NDON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWAMIRI

OLATUNDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Atolagbe, Taiwo Olaitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebimpe Taiwo Olabisi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ABAH I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Gabriel, Matthias Abah, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Abah, Matthias Gabriel. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bankole, Adefolakemi Mutiat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojumoola, Adefolakemi Mutiat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Goodness Ugo Nwamiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Goodness Onweremadu. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Olatunde, Olamidotun Roseline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afolabi, Olamidotun Roseline. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEMAIZU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluchi Onyemaizu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbuti Oluchi. All former documents remain valid, ASUBEB Umuahia, and the general public should please take note.

ESHOKE I, formerly known and addressed as GLORIA ESHOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORIA FELIX. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

IBEDU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibedu Ijeoma Patricia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bob- Okonkwo Ijeoma Patricia. All former documents remain valid. General Public should take note.

ISAH I, formerly known and addressed as ISAH KARIKATI AZEEZ, now wish to be known and addressed as ISAH KARIKATI STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid. Kogi State Polytechnic and the general public should please take note.

ODUNSI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. ODUNSI ADESEGUN OLUSEGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ODUNSI ADESEGUN OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BADMUS I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Badmus Kudirat Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Badmus Kudirat Omolara. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SALAMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Morufat Justina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bamidele Morufat Justina Deborah . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LAWAL I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Lawal Fatimo, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Sapara Fatimah Ayinke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OBITAYO I,formerly known and addressed as Miss. OBITAYO OLAWUMI ADEBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OLUMOYIN OLAWUMI ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, STATE OF OSUN and general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, EMMANUEL CHRISTOPHER and EMMANUEL ORANKWULU refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL CHRISTOPHER. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADUNOLA

OYEDEPO

I,formerly Known and address as MISS OYEDEPO RUTH FOLUKE now which to be known and address as MRS ADESAWE RUTH FOLUKE. all former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

FASASI

I,formerly Known and address as Miss Fasasi Folashade Rahmat now which to be known and address as Mrs Saanu Folashade Rahmat all former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

IDOWU-TOGA

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. ldowu-Toga Fadeke ldiat, now wish to be and addressed as Mrs. Bello ldiat Fadeke. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Health, Finance and Oyo State Pension Board and general public should please take note.

ASEWEJE I formerly known as MISS ASEWEJE IBUKUN ODUNAYO now wish to be known and address as MRS OMOTOSO IBUKUN ODUNAYO all former document remain valid, general public take note.

NWAOKOLO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwaokolo Faith Mary now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abalanne Faith Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CRAIG I formerly known and addressed as Miss OLUWATOYIN ABOSEDE CRAIG now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWATOYIN ABOSEDE CRAIGADENIRAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EHIZOGIE I,formerly known and addressed as MRS. BOSEDE OMOYE EHIZOGIE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BOSEDE OMOYE ODON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014

Ignore the social media at your own risk Tony Icheku reports on the ‘Summit on Functional Social Networking for Nigerian Journalists’ recently held in the nation’s capital for Abuja-based journalists.

VEN as the powersthat -be wrestle with whether or not to regulate the feral spirit that is the social media, a firm message recently came from the cyberspace to journalists in the nation’s capital, Abuja and the northern hemisphere to “Embrace me and flourish; Or ignore me and become extinct.” That clarion call was the thrust of the talk-shop on social media sponsored by the United, Bank for Africa (UBA) which held in Abuja penultimate week and titled “Summit on Functional Social Networking for Nigerian Journalists: The Capital Edition”. As seminar facilitator, Taiwo Obe, a senior journalist, business communications expert and Commonwealth Professional Fellow, 2014 declared in his opening remarks, the session is akin to the planting of a mustard seed which at maturity would nest an army of journalists exploiting the un-utilised bounties of social media for personal and national development. It thus aimed at arousing journalists yet to tackle the barriers delaying their foray into the cyberspace. Much like a digital age evangelist, Obe was accompanied by a select group of like-minded aficionados from Lagos. And their mission was to warn journalists in Abuja, of pitfalls ahead if they continue to spurn the challenges arising from the explosive growth of citizen-journalism. The issue was tackled from different angles by passionate resources persons – journalists and non-journalists alike. One of the topics which had listeners asking for more was The Nation’s Online Editor, Lekan Otufodurin’s “Online Editing: Tips, Tools and Takeaways.” Presented in a breezy style, the topic was technical, informative and functional. Otufodurin, who has seen all perspectives of the profession, having started as a cub reporter, dared journalists to go the extra mile if they desire excellence. He recalled how his lack of access to internet facility in 1998 (the only functional internet was in the Editorin-Chief’s office) didn’t stop him from being internet savvy, arguing that “Within our limitations, there are opportunities.” He enjoined the audience to follow people who matter in their fields, and be aware of what is trendy online. “There is simply no excuse to fail in today’s

world. If you don’t have a social media handle as a journalist, it implies you have not been functionally active,’ he submitted. Shina Badaru, Founder/Editor of the online newspaper, Technology Times also scored with his topic ‘Its On The Internet, So….’ Badaru, former IT Editor at THISDAY belongs to the generations of journalists who embraced the digital age early in this part. A keen watcher of Information Technology, IT trends and lifestyle, he urged his listeners to acquire a ‘digital mindset’ even as he reels out figures for them to meditate on. Nigeria’s 63 million internet subscriber base; a certain breaking news from the country that was read 16 million times via mobile phones only; a certain song composed by a Nigerian, recorded only on the internet that was downloaded 3.5 million times within three months. He enjoined his listeners to think of these figures in Naira terms, reminding them that one caller tune on a certain network costs N50/download. Badaru also counseled journalists to ‘Beware of plagiarism,’ explaining that plagiarism in plain terms means stealing of other people’s intellectual works. Before Otufodurin and Badaru, Pelu Awofeso set the tone for the day with an aptly titled topic ‘Social Media 101’. Awofeso, a CNN/ Multichoice African Journalists Award winner reminded the audience that the social media community currently celebrates over one billion cybernauts or voyagers, and continues to grow. He also said “the social media is about building a community, bonding, sharing customer service, agitation and money-making.” He explained that the social media comprises the facebook, twitter, Linked–In, email, blogging, instagram… and more and urged the journalists to “start something on the social media today, and build your personal, unique brand.” In between, there were other speakers, who spoke on their areas of strength. ‘What’s Your Apptitude?’ queried Emeka Azuka Okoye, a Software Developer and CEO, Vikanti Nigeria Limited; while Lara Wise, who found a pot of gold on facebook titled her topic: ‘Facebook Is Good For Me.’ Wise is a Television anchor and author of the book: ‘Lessons of Life.’

A young journalist, Abdulwasiu Hassan, who is gradually carving a niche as an online broadcast journalist also talked about his work. He is currently deputy online editor, Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust newspapers. Dr Anderson UvieEmegbo, a social media economy specialist, multimedia content producer and thought leader who abandoned medicine for the digital world titled his lecture “Social Media: 10 Questions The Travel Industry Must Answer.” After a heavy lunch, it was the turn of the zestful Dapo Olorunyomi to tickle the audience and lead them to an excitable finale. Olorunyomi, Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of the fast-growing online newspaper, PremiumTimes spoke of ‘Ethical Traps And How To Avoid Them’ tackled from constitutional and legalistic points of view. He named the three big issues in journalistic ethics as revolving around factuality/truth, balance/fairness and accuracy, while the fourth and fifth – Impact/Community and Transparency are the five big issues in social media. ‘’The province of ethics helps shape the boundaries of right/good and wrong/bad, and the reasoning that informs our judgment about these boundaries.’’ Earlier in the day, it all began on a light note, when the first speaker, journalist/columnist, Segun Adeniyi, described himself as a social media alien. “I’m not on social media; anybody claiming to be Segun Adeniyi on facebook or twitter is a fake,’’ he told his shocked audience. He rationalised his indifference to social media, but cautioned that his works are nevertheless circulated online and commented on. The event, chaired by Richard Ikiebe, Senior Fellow, School of Media Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, attracted other media top guns like Malam Garba Shehu, former President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, and now of the Atiku Media Office; Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs, Nigeria Communications Commission; Jonas Agwu, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Danlamin Nmodu, EditorI n - C h i e f , Newsdiaryonline.com; Dan Akpowa, Publisher/ Editor-In-Chief, Abuja Inquirer and several others.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

SPORTS THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Wenger gives it to Germany

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JULY 13, 2014

WORLD CUP FINAL

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It's Messi vs German machine Mertesacker warns Germany over too much confidence

Beckham: Messi a joy to watch

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014

QUOTABLE

“Well, it (Ayo Fayose’s victory) is most unexpected. It is curious; mysterious. It’s mysterious because I thought whoever is doing well, the reward of good work is more work. The Ekiti people were faced with a choice between gold and lead and they chose lead instead of gold. And so, they should be prepared to live with that for the next four years. In my view, we have not had the last of Governor Kayode Fayemi…”

SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 8, NO. 2909

-Professor of International Law, Akin Oyebode, giving his take on the Ekiti governorship election which produced PDP’s Ayo Fayose as winner.

HE euphoric beginnings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have all but given way to concealed despondency. In February 2013, four political parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – fused to become APC. Because the four were the leading opposition parties, there was hope that the fear of Nigeria becoming a one-party state would recede. A few months later, on account of the highhandedness of the then chairman of the PDP, Bamanga Tukur, and a number of other grievances, five PDP governors defected from the national ruling party to join the mega opposition party in November 2013. The defection gave hope that when finally the battle would be joined in the 2015 general elections, the outcome would not be the foregone conclusion the PDP hoped and predicted. Hardly had the euphoria over that sensational defection died down when some 37 House of Representatives members also joined the APC. Had the original 47 that promised to join the opposition done so, a leadership change in the lower chamber could have taken place and massively tipped the balance of power against the ruling party. In the Senate, fewer members than expected crossed the divide, and even among governors, about seven or so had seemed set to change affiliation. The defections and the second thought some of the defectors had gave the first indication that the APC juggernaut was not firing on all cylinders. But notwithstanding those minor setbacks, in March 2014, the opposition party went on to present its manifesto and code of ethics at a scintillating ceremony in Abuja that evoked the best political traditions in the world. For a brief moment, the APC had a nominal majority in the House of Representatives, and up till now still has some 16 governors to the PDP’s 18. But between that euphoric moment and now, the PDP recaptured the majority in the Reps, consolidated in the Senate, and looks set before the end of the year to gradually begin to turn the tide in other spheres, principally the governorship. Ekiti State has been lost to the PDP, Adamawa is under serious threat through impeachment proceedings and may be lost,

APC juggernaut slows down

•Oyegun

•Muazu

and a few other APC states not yet lost are being destabilised by a combination of unconstitutional and intra-party shenanigans. The APC juggernaut is not only weakened or brought to a crushing and agonising halt, it is being forced to retreat on nearly all fronts under the most intense and brazen fusillade of unconstitutional measures designed to foster a one-party, if not fascistic, rule in Nigeria. Nigerians themselves seem inured to the mortal danger their country is exposed to. The APC’s reverses have occurred due mainly to the party’s naivety and apparent lack of cohesion, the willingness of the Jonathan presidency to undermine the constitution, and the ignorance and supine acquiescence of the electorate. For now, the future is indeed very bleak for the APC. It is expected to hold on to Osun by the skin of its teeth, though it should have had a walkover. It will have to fight desperately to keep Oyo without necessarily gaining

Labour Party’s Ondo. It will need a miracle to keep Imo. If it is to keep Rivers, it will be because the Jonathan presidency is uncharacteristically unwilling to use federal might as lawlessly as it is accustomed, an altruism that is however not part of its fundamental make-up. Adamawa tethers on the brink of apostasy; so, too, do a number of other fringe APC states. In short, if the APC does not devise new and comprehensive strategies against the PDP between now and the end of the year, it will not just be in danger of losing its head and torso, Nigerian democracy could founder, perhaps irretrievably. The country, sadly, is not sensitive to the nightmare its people face, nor is it aware of just how precariously close to the cliff its people are. The PDP itself, being the inspiration and architect of the general maladies afflicting the country, is blasé about these dangers. The APC instinctively feels the troubles ahead, but it seems frightfully short of the

Secret service on BringBackOurGirls ‘franchise’

OING by the reaction of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the BringBackOurGirls protests in Abuja, it is clear that the federal government continues to loath the gathering, perhaps because officials see it as an embarrassment to the government and a reminder of its impotence in the face of the abduction of 219 Chibok schoolgirls that has lasted for about three months. Addressing a press conference in Abuja last week, the DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, told a disbelieving country that the protests had become a franchise organised in a way that its aims and objectives could no longer be described as altruistic. According to Ms Ogar, “BringBackOurGirls movement has become a franchise and security forces know what they are up to. If it is an ordinary movement seeking to pile pressure on government or security agencies to free these girls, there will be no need for the group to begin to have tags and insist that you must be registered. Security forces also know that they have bank accounts. We also know that they want to simulate a protest march inside Asokoro Extension in Abuja and claim that they were doing so inside Sambisa Forest, to be reported in some foreign media. We also know that they brought in some experts from outside the country to teach them how to beat security when they are demonstrating; to withstand police teargas and security operations. We are waiting to see when these things would work…” If the secret service knows all these things about the protests and their organisers, it is

surprising that it has not made any arrest. The accusations against the protest organisers are so weighty that the DSS seems to be saying they had become subversives. It will be recalled that in May, the Federal Capital City (FCT) police commissioner, the controversial Mbu Jospeh Mbu, had attempted to ban the protests by also suggesting its organisers had become anarchists and subversives. Higher police authorities had to wade in to countermand the ban and save the country a huge embarrassment at a time the whole world was still demonstrating in solidarity with Nigeria over the abductions. Mr Mbu’s embarrassing order itself came after presidency officials and the first lady tried unsuccessfully to persuade the country to doubt the abduction story, suggesting carelessly that the story was cooked up to dishonour the presidency and undermine it. In spite of reports from security agencies in Borno State where the abductions took place confirming the crime against the schoolgirls, the federal government had to set up another panel to confirm the abduction and the circumstances that surrounded it. Useful time was lost in rescuing the girls. Apart from the troubling fact that the Jonathan presidency is run along amateurish lines, as the world attests without equivocation, the DSS now gives the unsettling impres-

sion it has little respect for the constitution and seems unmindful of the fact that its actions and words indicate the secret service is more pro-Jonathan and proPDP than it is pro-Nigeria and pro-constitution. After many years of gaining respect for its professionalism and impartiality, the Nigerian Army is also unfortunately suffering from the same malaise of seeing itself as an instrument in the hands of Dr Jonathan and the PDP. The present attitude of the DSS and the army suggests something even more sinister – that increasingly the leadership of both security organisations lack the character necessary to stand up to the president and resist all subterranean efforts to undermine the constitution and the law. Indeed, the army keeps reaffirming its support for and defence of democracy. But its actions demonstrate otherwise. It lends itself to brazenly partisan tasks in its eagerness to stifle the opposition, muzzle the press and carry itself generally above the law. The credibility of the DSS and the army will continue to be eroded if their commanders fail to embark on the deep soul-searching they need to unite their men behind the law and the constitution and retain the respect and admiration of the country. If they fail, the fault will lie squarely on their drooping shoulders.

decisiveness, innovation and derring-do required to break the mould. It surprisingly persists in misreading the electorate, which in the Southwest it dangerously overrates, as the Ekiti election proved. It hopes the people will cotton on to its fine ideas of nation-building and summon the patriotism and common sense necessary to combat and arrest the lurch towards fascism. The reality is much worse than the APC thinks, and the political health of the country even more precarious. What have the people done to remedy the judicial travesty unfolding in Rivers, a battle that seems to have boiled down to Governor Rotimi Amaechi versus the National Judicial Council on one hand, and Amaechi and federal forces on the other hand? What have the socalled powerful voters done to arrest the excessive conservatism, if not reactionary politics, of the Senate? Have the people stood up resolutely against the increasing partisanship of the Nigerian Army and the general abuse of the security forces promoted by the Jonathan presidency? What pressures have they brought on the president, considering how impotent his government has become in the face of the abduction of 219 schoolgirls in Borno State? Education is in absolute tatters with underfunding and misdirected students activism; healthcare is moribund and riddled by strike; electricity supply has diminished into nothingness; and the Boko Haram war has become shambolic partly because the president and his men lack a simple understanding of the complex currents and counter-currents of sectarian and extremist campaigns waged by fringe groups in many parts of the world. And at a time of increasing immiseration of Nigerians and imminent national implosion, the president is fiddling with bogus projects such as the centenary city project and other crazy and expensive schemes to destroy the opposition and wipe out dissent. What have the people done to mitigate these problems? The truth is that they lack the courage and knowledge to direct their energies and battles in the right direction. Before 2015, any hope that they will come to a sudden realisation of the apocalypse confronting them is slim. The APC will therefore need to devise strategies around these appalling shortcomings of the electorate. The APC has two crucial and pressing tasks to complete before the general elections. One, it must commission honest and genuine studies of the states under its control in order to discover what needs to be done to retain them. Ekiti should have taught them a lesson. Two, it must commission deep but practical studies of what it needs to do to win the centre. Much more than the volatile and swing states, the Jonathan presidency is probably the most vulnerable government we have had since Nigeria began practicing democracy. It has no accomplishments to boast of; it is weak on every front, whether in style or substance; and it is incapable of the inspiring and innovative governance great nations have benefited from their statesmen. If it failed woefully in practical governance, the kind any patriotic and diligent government is at least capable of, it is an even more woeful failure in the type of governance only philosopher-kings are capable of. For as long as Dr Jonathan remains in office – and four more years seem a likelihood if the opposition can’t get its act together – there will be neither understanding nor promotion of the higher ideals of a free, unfettered judiciary, of a vibrant and untrammelled press, of a professional and impartial military institution, and of a legislature dedicated to the great democratic ideals of checks and balances. In short, beyond the trickeries and hallucinations of Nigeria’s political barbarians, many of them skilled proponents of disinformation and propaganda, the country is facing its most trying time ever, one that will probably determine whether it prospers or fails. If the opposition fails to halt the drift towards chaos, it can rest assured it will not be the only victim; the entire country will be in danger of falling apart.

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