Theniche june 19, 2016

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June 19, 2016

162 'halfdead' Nigerians return from wartorn Libya

Vol. 2 No. 44

Tributes pour in for Ehirim, TheNiche Abuja editor PAGE 7»

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Lagos - 32oC

SUNDAY WEATHER

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Abuja - 31oC

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Forex: Dealers suspend essential drugs imports

Cancer, diabetic, and other patients at risk

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole

By Kelechi Mgboji Assistant Business Editor

S

ome Nigerians have already died. Others on life-saving drugs are dying in instalments because their prescription drugs are out of supply or not affordable.

Families across the country with pa-

BUSINESS Sleaze in NAICOM, PenCom grinds insurance business PAGE 51»

tients surviving on such drugs grapple with the reality of losing them in avoidable circumstances.

Suspension of imports Investigation by TheNiche showed that most dealers suspended imports of the pharmaceutical products (also called ethical drugs) after the prices hit

the roof and beyond the reach of aver- cause she is not permitted to speak to age Nigerians. the media, said the continuous rise in Insulin, mephromin, glipremin, and the price of dollar may portend danger all drugs for the treatment of diabetecs, to cancer, diabetic, and other patients hypertension, and cancer are scarce as on life-saving drugs because 90 per cent the products are no longer coming in. of their medication is imported.

Dealers said they are running out of Although the Central Bank of Nigeria stock.

A nurse at the National Hospital, Continues on page 5 Abuja, who pleaded anonymity be-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAITH

POLITICS 15» JUDICIARY 25» LIFE 31» FAITH 40» BUSINESS 51» SPORTS 59»

Don’t’ take public goodwill for granted, Okogie warns Buhari

Flexible forex stirs optimism in naira value

PAGE 40» Page 53

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Windows and limits of taxing the economy (2) In part one of this report, published on June 5, Correspondent SAM NWOKORO listed ways the government can collect tax to fund the N2 trillion deficit in the N6.8 trillion budget for 2016.

This second part examines more of such tax windows.

Penalise corporate tax defaulters The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) should make corporate organisations to comply with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) mandate for firms to file annual business report and tax receipts, in line with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

FIRS Director General, Tunde Fowler, disclosed late last year that many corporate organisations and individuals who are supposed to pay tax were not doing so.

He said about 200 oil and gas firms had not filed returns for the 2015 business year and about 35,650 corporate bodies were not paying tax.

Fowler made the disclosure at a tax summit where he also listed many steps the FIRS had taken to ease tax administration.

However, the public perception is that the tax collectors themselves need to be scrutinised in the light of allegations that most FIRS personnel were recruited without due process.

Implement NEITI report During a visit to Nigeria in April, International Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (IEITI) Chairman, Clare Short, urged Abuja to implement its various reports on the extractive sector compiled since 2012.

Her plea coincided with the counsel from Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Chairman, Waziri Adio, who disclosed that reports on Nigeria’s extractive industries compiled between 2009 and 2012 showed that at least $11.6 billion remains unremitted to the federation account by operators in the extractive chain, especially oil and gas.

A NEITI report presented in Abuja on May 16, 2016 said Nigeria made $58.07 billion from hydrocarbon industry in 2013 and lost $5.966 billion and N20.4 billion from the operation of off-shore processing agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The concerns of these bod-

ies should be taken seriously and their recommendations implemented to recover such funds.

Gas flaring An energy expert, Chris Mgbeokwere, has faulted the penalty on gas flaring as too lenient.

About 63 per cent of ‘associated gas’ produced during crude oil production is flared.

With the emergence of local upstream operators, probably up to 70 per cent of gas is being flared.

In 2015 alone, between $3.5 billion and $5 billion worth of gas was flared from about 257 flow stations in the Niger Delta. About 17 per cent of 95,471 metric tonnes of gas was produced that year.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said in its 2015 global energy report that Nigeria produced 86,325.2 standard cubic feet (scf) of gas in 2014 and flared 10,736.8 scf.

It also reported that Nigeria lost $868.8 million (about N173.76 billion) to gas flaring in 2014.

The law imposing a fine of $500,000 on a company which fails to report within 24 hours any emergency flaring on account of equipment failure is hardly implemented.

Besides, indigenous firms in particular have not been paying the mandatory 5 per cent levy ring-fenced for the Education Trust Fund.

The government should enforce gas flare penalties, and also raise the penalties where firms fail to implement gas utilisation projects.

Oil firms to create value chains One of the protocols of the United Nations mandates on sustainable development is “inclusive growth”.

The UN expects public and private sector partnerships in the creation of jobs to engage as many people as possible in economic activities.

Experts argue that Nigeria should enact laws to make big transnational corporations establish auxiliary businesses in order to create jobs for Nigerians, rather than repatriating

all their profits.

One of those seeking to compel multinational companies to invest in the economy rather than just exploiting the market is Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who pioneered the Cabotage Act. He often calls for measures to compel multinationals to develop value chains of their enterprises in Nigeria rather than repatriating everything to the detriment of the economy. At the moment, Nigeria does not have any enforceable measure on that more than penalising companies when they break the rules.

Enforce genuine CSR An oil and gas consultant, Syl Okpowa, said: “When it comes to corporate social responsibility (CSR), only a few established corporate names perform.

“Most local firms, especially those in the oil and gas sector, are poor in mitigating the social cost of their operations to the areas they operate in.”

“Their CSR activities are only tokens and do not address significantly the social cost of their operations to their immediate communities.

Everything is pushed down to the government.”

According to Okpowa, all over the world, governments use CSR commitment to fashion economic and commercial policies such that only those who measure up enjoy state protection, guarantees, or waivers.

He urged the government to initiate strong partnerships with big corporations, especially those in the lucrative sectors of the economy to drive the template on Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA).

Buhari federal purse sequel to the oil

Highway tolls President Muhammadu Buhari says priority will be given to road projects that have the capacity to boost economic activities.

Works, Housing and Power Minister, Babatunde Fashola, has alerted that the government will introduce road tolls to shore up the dwindling

Fashola

burst.

Many corporate organisations and individuals who are supposed to pay tax were not doing so.

About 200 oil and gas firms had not filed returns for the 2015 business year and about 35,650 corporate bodies were not paying tax.

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun

House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara A lack of good policy has hindered the country from deriving revenue from highway tolls, caused in part by the fixation on oil.

The United States Congress is currently debating a 1,030page highway bill that would make it easier for states to install tolls on highways.

Nigeria scrapped its highway toll system in 2004 out of poor foresight that the oil boom from 1999 would not end. The boom ended in 2013.

Now tolls seem the safest route to raise internally generated revenue (IGR).

The highways are of poor standard, most have been derelict for more than a decade, and this gives highway tolling more endorsement than disapproval.

Transport experts argue that the plan to reintroduce highway toll to raise funds to finance roads and ensure efficient maintenance is not a bad idea if it can block the leakages and turn toll gates into “growth centres”.

Lagos State Chairman of the Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Samuel Ukpong, said: “The government needs to call in stakeholders if we want to reintroduce toll gates.

Let’s look at its growth centres.

It is a very good thing.

“For it to take the form of growth centres, there must be

Fowler

good infrastructure in place.

From where there are toll gates, the government can do 100 kilometres of roads to link the major highways, and the new infrastructure will attract new settlements to decongest densely populated urban centres.

“The traffic situation in big cities in Nigeria is very serious now because of congestion.

When we turn these toll gates into growth centres, it will help us to grow the economy and decongest city centres.”

Teniola Kehinde, Association of Consulting Engineers chairman, added that funds from toll gates should be used to maintain roads.

“We are hoping that we would have learnt from experience and that the management of roads now has moved to another level.

“There is a bill at the NASS (National Assembly) to create a national road fund and the idea is that all the roads revenue will go into that fund and would be used to manage and maintain them,” he said.

Penalise pastoralists damage farms

who

There is a new danger to agricultural revolution in the country for which previous governments spent billions of naira to encourage modern

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Agbakoba

From where there are toll gates, the government can do 100 kilometres of roads to link the major highways, and the new infrastructure will attract new settlements to decongest densely populated urban centres ….

“When we turn these toll gates into growth centres, it will help us to grow the economy and decongest city centres.”

farming methods and boost national productivity, away from subsistence agriculture.

This threat comes from herdsmen who prowl cultivated land in search of grazing fields and damage crops – undermining yield, threatening food security, and scaring away investment in agriculture.

Experts have asked the federal government to give a deadline to pastoralists to ranch their cattle, failure which they should be penalised.

They say those who allow their cattle owners to stray into cultivated fields and damage plants and human lives should be prosecuted, jailed, and bared from drawing from government’s agricultural incentives.

Recover misappropriated bailouts There is an urgent need to review the various bailouts given between 2013 and 2015, as the beneficiaries may not have invested those monies in the projects intended.

If power sector operators had deployed loans from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2012 when the N213 billion electricity fund was established, power supply would not have remained unstable.

People are calling for an investigation of those who borrowed from the fund, and if found to have diverted any amount, return it to the treasury.

This call resonated in May when the House of Representatives queried why the government is seeking another N309 billion bonded loan which Fashola said would “bridge the electricity market shortfall to cover 2015 at N187 billion and another N122 bil-

lion for 2016.”

The lawmakers threatened to investigate the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) over the N213 billion electricity fund.

The House Committee on Power, Privatisation, Loans and Debt Management has been mandated recoup all misappropriated funds.

Reduce NASS allowances Another avenue through which the government can raise revenue is the shedding of most of the allowances of NASS members.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who did not want his name in print asked Buhari to scrap constituency allowance to save money, since most times lawmakers do not give a satisfactory account of the allowance.

Adio

Exclude local content defaulters from incentives Another suggestion is penalty for companies which fail to obey the Local Content Act. A stockbroker, Chucks Onyekwere, said as Buhari prepares to implement the 2016 budget, “many companies are already on the queue to get one contract or another.

“The federal government should go beyond partisan considerations and award contracts only to firms which comply with the local content policy of the government.

That is one way of creating employment.”

Quote Gencos and Discos on NSE Power generating companies (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos) have

Ukpong milked electricity consumers, like most companies enjoying various kinds of waivers since 2009.

The government should make legislation to compel these companies to be quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rather than

being allowed to repatriate profits or share loot among board members.

Experts insist it will help deepen the capital market and increase Nigerians’ stake in businesses raised up from the doldrums by the recent oil boom.

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

News

Recall 10,000 sacked workers or face fight, NLC tells banks

Police make arbitrary arrests in Benue

By Ishaya Ibrahim

P

Acting News Editor

olice in Makurdi are arresting residents at random, extorting money from some, and labelling others criminals to shore up their rating in the fight against crime in Benue State.

On June 1, John Nnalegwu Edward, also known as Inas, was arrested in this manner, his family said.

Abduljafar Muhammed, who spoke on behalf of the family, narrated that when police officers asked Edward his occupation, “he told them he had just graduated from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi and was awaiting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call up, but to keep body and soul together,

he was doing video coverage jobs.

“But the policemen said he must be one of the bad boys in the area, wondering how a graduate can be doing video coverage jobs. That was how they arrested him.”

Muhammed said Edward was released on bail the following day after money allegedly changed hands at the police station.

He did not, however, leave with his Blackberry Z30 phone because the officer who had it was not available.

When he reported to the police station the following day to recover the phone, he was re-arrested and charged to court for culpable homicide.

Family members said the charge is vague and have not been able to make a sense out of it.

Force Public Relations Offi-

cer, Olabisi Kolawole, in a text message asked TheNiche to lodge a complaint with the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) of the police.

“They will investigate and feed you back on what the police will do to the officer,” she said.

She gave the CRU telephone numbers as 0805 700 0001 and 0805 700 0002.

The police are often accused of impunity, making random arrests at the scene of crime, and arraigning purported suspects in court. In many instances a case is dismissed when police prosecutors fail to prove it.

Anayo Anusiem has been crying for justice from Owerri Prison, Imo State since 2011 when he was arrested for alleged armed robbery.

He remains in detention due to the sluggish nature of

By Kelechi Mgboji

Assistant Business Editor

A Benue State Police Commissioner, Hyacinth Dagal Dagala

Edward the judiciary, and his inability to hire a legal team to defend him.

Daniel Gambo, a resident of Lagos, was arrested in August 2011 for alleged armed robbery and murder.

Justice Lateefat Okunnu dismissed the case after Gambo had spent four years in prison custody without the police being able to produce any witness or evidence.

Jafaru, Prisons boss, denies falsifying his age

By Ishaya Ibrahim

Acting News Editor

N Jafaru

ew Controller General of Prisons (CGP), Ahmed Jafaru, has denied the age falsification allegation against him.

TheNiche published on June 5 that he allegedly changed his date of birth twice from September 30, 1956 to 1957 and later to 1959.

Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) Public Relations Officer, Francis Enabore,

a deputy controller of prisons (DCP), alleged that the story was conceived by those aggrieved by the appointment of Jafaru as CGP. He said the age and other biodata of every Prisons official are captured in an NPS document called the Nominal Roll, and whoever is bandying any age of a prison warden other than what is in the Nominal Roll is giving the public false information.

“If they say this person has falsified his document, what you should do is get the Nominal Roll.

“I am sure if you (reporter) had done that, you would have asked where is the name of the CG, and would have given him the opportunity to tell his own story and not to trust the story told by his enemies,” Enabore said.

TheNiche called Jafaru’s number and sent a text message to him on Friday, June 3, but he did not respond.

On Saturday, June 4, Enabore called to explain Jafaru’s position. It was, however, too late because the newspaper had gone to press.

We’ve made impact, says Delta Assembly speaker

By Oye Chukwujekwu

Special Correspondent, Asaba

D

elta State House of Assembly Speaker, Monday Igbuya, says despite the economic meltdown caused by the fall in oil price, he and his colleagues have made impact in legislative matters.

He expressed gratitude to God for giving legislators good health and strength to make laws and to co-operate with the executive.

Igbuya listed the achieve-

ments of the Assembly in the past one year to include passing 10 out of 23 bills received, approval of 33 motions and 16 reports, as well as several matters being tackled by different committees.

He said the Assembly is conscious of the yearnings of the people, and promised quick delivery of the dividends of democracy despite dwindling federal allocation.

Igbuya commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his support for the Assembly, assuring that the legislature would continue to maintain cordial relationship with other arms of government.

In another development, 87 cooperative groups in Delta South Senatorial District have received a fish smoking kiln each, as part of efforts by the government to create job for women and promote fishing.

The kilns were distributed with cash component for transport fare by the office of the chief job creation officer at three centres – Ughelli, Warri, and Koko.

The women were drawn from the 87 wards that constitute the eight councils in the senatorial district.

Okowa’s representative, Eboh Eric said the distribution showed the government's

commitment to empowering women at the grassroots as part of prosperity for all Deltans and to engage them in fish processing as well as boost fish production.

The representative of the chief job creation officer, Jerry Erugdegde, urged the beneficiaries to use the kilns to create jobs and wealth through fish .processing and help meet the high demand for fish.

Felicia Babudor, a beneficiary from Patani Council who represented the women, said they are grateful to the government for its support, and promised that they would use the kilns to generate wealth for

Igbuya themselves and their families.

NDIC sues ex-bank chairman to recover N17.6b debt

By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka Senior Correspondent

T

he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has sued to the Federal High Court in Lagos former Chairman of defunct Fortune Bank, Henry MacPepple, to recover N17.6 billion owed the bank by Suffolk Petroleum Services (SPS).

SPS, an oil services firm, belongs to MacPepple.

The NDIC, the bank’s liq-

uidator, said in the suit that SPS, a member of Adamac Group of Companies owned

by MacPepple, owes the bank N17,632,119,929.44.

It was averred that the debt includes outstanding balance on the principal loan sum, crystallised guarantees, and accrued interest.

According to the plaintiff, efforts to reconcile the accounts with the debtor were unsuccessful, hence the legal action.

On November 9, 2015, the NDIC obtained an ex-parte order restraining SPS and MacPepple from alienating, assigning, leasing or dealing with their movable and immovable properties pending the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

The court also restrained them and their agents from withdrawing or dissipating any monies standing to their credit in all banks until the

motion for injunction is determined.

All the financial institutions were ordered to furnish the NDIC with the respondents’ account details and sums standing to their credit.

At the last hearing, the respondents’ counsel, A.N. Udebe, said he was in the process of filing his clients’ response to the suit.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola expressed displeasure at the respondents’ delay

and awarded punitive cost of N250,000 against them.

She told Udebe: “I gave you a date for trial (on April 15) and you had to wait till now to file your processes. Why have you not filed before now?

“I will adjourn at your instance. I award a cost of N250,000 which is to be paid to the court, not to the plaintiff.”

The case was adjourned until October 10 for hearing.

n ultimatum of 21 days has been issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to banks to recall over 10,000 sacked workers or face a long and hard battle.

Labour leaders met with bank representatives in Lagos where they described the firings as illegal because stakeholders were not consulted.

A communique signed by factional NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said over 10,000 bank workers have been affected by the sack gale in the past few days with the spill over effects on more than 200,000 Nigerians.

“The NLC … calls on the culpable banks to quickly redress their steps by immediately calling back the illegally sacked workers.

“There are no circumstances sufficient for the resort to lawlessness as the banks have chosen to do and whosoever advised the banks to toe this dangerous path cannot mean well for the banks and the nation as a whole,” the communique said.

“If banks, however, after correcting themselves … insist on sacking the affected workers, they must comply with the procedure for embarking on such unfortunate exercise.

“Congress will be forced to take all necessary steps to assist the banks see the need to comply with the laws of Nigeria if after 21 days of this release the illegally sacked workers are not recalled by the affected banks.

“We advise all affiliates and state councils to start immediate mobilisation against these banks as we work with other segments of the society to compel them to work within the ambits of our laws and the traditions and ethos governing industrial relations practice in Nigeria.”

Labour expressed concern over a situation where banks’ junior workers are made scapegoats while top management staff with a huge wage bill that constitutes significant strain on earnings get spared.

It commended the Ministry of Labour for urging the banks not to lay-off their staff and the proposed penalty but urged the ministry to anchor its request on the illegality of the actions.

“On the basis of this, Nigerian workers demand that the ministry goes beyond the call and seek a reversal of the illegality.

“This is to avoid a dangerous precedence from being set where an employer can just wake up and sack hundreds of its workforce without recourse to the laws of the land.

“We must not encourage lawlessness in Nigeria, no matter who is involved, especially in sensitive matters that deal with the livelihood of a large number of Nigerians.”

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

News

Ishaya Ibrahim Acting News Editor 0807 204 0241 iib1000@yahoo.com

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Forex: Dealers suspend essential drugs imports “For the pharmaceutical bank, the government should consider it as urgent and set aside a minimum N1 trillion as its capital base.

“If the government could set up and operate a Bank of Industry (BoI) there’s no reason why it should not consider a Pharmaceutical Bank with perceivable value chains capable of transforming the fortunes of this economy.

Lagos Medicine Dealers Association (LSMDA) Island Branch Chairman, Felix Ugbojiaku, explained that his members further got discouraged from importing drugs because at the current exchange rate of over N350 per dollar, drugs are no longer affordable to average Nigerians.

He disclosed that some dealers bear huge losses arising from stock customers cannot buy as business lull worsens.

He lamented that over N30 million worth of drugs which have expired due to low patronage will have to be turned over to the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

currency (dollar) used in buying the drugs are nowhere to be found, in addition to the high cost of dollar exchange.

“Even when you have all the money to buy, you can’t get dollars. Some of our colleagues’ proforma invoices have been with their bankers since January this year.

“After processing documents for imports, the waiting game begins. Letter of Credit (LC) can only be opened when there is availability of funds, which is the dollar equivalent of any amount of naira you paid.

“In some cases, after about four to five months, when the banks go for bidding severally without success, they would call you to take back your money.

“I know more than 10 of our colleagues whose documents have been processed with their money tied down with the banks for the past five or six months, and they could not get dollars.”

National Association of General Practice Pharmacists Employers (NAGPPE) President, Gabriel Onyejemuo, warned that “in a few months time, the country may experience a very deadly situation in the health sector because the drugs to save certain lives may not be found in our contracting drug market.”

According to him, those who have the drugs do not want to bring them out because of the depreciating naira value against dollar at the parallel market.

“If they do, they are going to suffer because they won’t get the dollar to bring in drugs again.”

He said some dealers put their own stock on the market because of the expiration date.

“If not for reason of expiration date of the drugs, there would have been unprecedented scarcity by this time when naira-dollar exchange rate has depreciated terribly.”

Former Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) President, Azubuike Okwor, also reiterated that the drugs for diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other diseases have gone out of the reach of most Nigerians.

“If you manage hypertension, diabetes, cancer, et cetera now, and you are on top class drugs that will hold your system where you want it to be, the prices of those medicines are not any where near what ordinary Nigerians can afford,” he stressed.

Dollar scarcity, high forex rate

Solution suggested by Ugbojiaku

Ugbojiaku said most prescription drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, kidney ailments, and many other serious health conditions are imported.

His words: “Those drugs are nowhere to be found in reasonable quantity any longer. NAFDAC gives special permit for importers to bring those drugs into the country.

“The reason why they are scarce is that the hard

Ugbojiaku urged the government to set up a special intervention fund for the pharmaceutical industry to save lives.

“There is need for the government to give priority attention to importers of pharmaceutical products.

“There has to be a standing directive that documents and applications for pharmaceutical imports should be processed speedily and backed up with funds. Dollar has to be made available to

Ehanire Continued from PAGE 1 (CBN) announced last week a flexible foreign exchange (forex) policy it is unlikely to bring immediate respite.

Importers still pay about N360 per dollar on the black market, which affects the price of almost everything, as the economy depends 80 per cent on foreign products.

To buttress that, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced last week that inflation index jumped from 12.6 to almost 16 per cent in May. Pharmaceutical products dealers, most of whom are based in the Idumota axis of Lagos Island, complain that they cannot access forex for costly drugs.

It was learnt that over 20 key dealers have not got dollar allocation more than five months after filing forms with their banks.

In some cases, banks return money, saying they cannot raise the dollar equivalent of the millions of naira dealers deposited.

Expired N30m worth of drugs

this category of importers without delay.”

He also called for the establishment of a bank dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry with N1 trillion capital base, to assist both manufacturers and importers, and lift the sector to international standards.

“For the pharmaceutical bank, the government should consider it as urgent and set aside a minimum of N1 trillion as its capital base.

“If the government could set up and operate a Bank of Industry (BoI) there’s no reason why it should not consider a Pharmaceutical Bank with perceivable value chains capable of transforming the fortunes of this economy.

“With such initiative, Nigeria can soon become a major exporter of pharmaceutical products at least to neighbouring African countries. This is one area the government should consider for its diversification of the economy.”

Onyejemuo seeks palliatives Onyejemuo asked the government to provide palliatives for importers of ethical drugs.

“You don’t just take such medicine or any other medicine for enjoyment sake, rather it is for life saving.

“In the drugs market, we have OTC (over the counter) and poison (ethicals). Ethicals are poison and strictly administered by professionals in registered pharmaceutical premises or institutions.

“This class of drugs is not imported freely. Now, with the prevailing foreign exchange rate, it will be difficult for anybody to import this class of drugs and sell them because the prices have hit the roof.

“And unless the government comes up with palliatives, no businessman will risk his hard earned income to import at such high cost.”

Solution proffered by Okwor Okwor, who is also the managing director of Cosmos Pharmacy, said one way to provide help is by ensuring the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) works.

“Unfortunately, there is no health insurance scheme. The country has been talking about a national health insurance scheme for more than a decade.

“Long after so much talk, we haven’t arrived at a situation where people can access their medicine at reasonable cost with ease.”

He said those who hold the system to ransom have vowed that the NHIS must not work.

But he urged well meaning Nigerians to ensure those who live under safety nets do not die for a lack of medication.

Why selling some drugs is risky The question is how can consumers afford drugs considering the high cost of imports?

Pharmacists cannot keep some drugs beyond expiry dates and the products waste away in warehouses.

Some medicines have two or three years’ shelf

Onyejemuo life; but some, like multivitamins, expire in less than two years.

An importer brings in the products but customers do not buy; the drugs expire and the importer loses.

“There are drugs worth over N30 million within our domain which have already expired. Our members are waiting for NAFDAC to come and evacuate them for destruction,” Ugbojiaku disclosed.

He explained that many drug categories are involved; not only life-saving ones but also antibiotics, analgesics, multivitamins, and other routine drugs.

“The drugs expired in our hands not because people don’t want to buy but because the economic lull affects everybody.

“Importers bear the losses, not manufacturers.

When you import one or two containers of drugs, and customers have no money to buy; before you realise your money, the drugs may expire and you have to throw them away.

“Unfortunately, the government is not making things easy for people. There are many hospitals without drugs and here we are talking about throwing away large quantities of expired drugs.

“The government used to buy and equip hospitals with drugs, but now the hospitals are left to sustain their operations if they must remain in business.

“With proper arrangement, the government can buy up all the drugs and distribute them to hospitals before the drugs expire.

“Who knows how many lives that could have been saved if these drugs were distributed to dying patients who had no money to buy drugs they needed.

“We cannot on our own import drugs worth millions of naira and dump them in hospitals entirely for free. Even if you try, hospital authorities may mistake your gesture and suspect the drugs to be unwholesome for consumption.

“The hospitals will even prefer to be given allocation for all their pharmaceutical needs themselves.”

TheNiche sent a text message to the Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, on what the ministry is doing on the plight of Nigerians who rely on such drugs, but he did not reply at press time.

Ohanaeze, Northern govs seek end to religious intolerance

By Christian Nwokocha Assistant Editor (South East)

N

orthern and South East governors have joined Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders to demand an end to religious intolerance which latest victim is Bridget Agbaheme, a Christian and an Igbo woman, who was killed in Kano by Muslim fanatics.

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okoro-

cha, and Ohanaeze members, led by its President General, Gary Igariway, met with Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, at Government House, Owerri to seek a way out of religious intolerance prevalent in the North.

The murder of Agbaheme and other citizens across the country by herdsmen dominated the meeting, which was also attended by All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.

Okorocha convened the meeting to discuss the stability of Nigeria where the Igbo can live without being molested. He had earlier condemned the murder of Agbaheme, who resided in Kano with her family.

He pleaded with Imo indigenes in Kano to remain calm while the security agencies do the needful.

El-Rufai said Northern governors condemn the killing of Agbaheme, which should be treated as murder, insisting that the killers should face

criminal charges.

“We will not accept a situation where Christians or Muslims will hide under the umbrella of religion to commit crime.

“If someone insulted God, the person should be left for God to take care of. I have advised the Kano State governor to publicly deal with the people involved to serve as a deterrent to others,” El-Rufai disclosed.

Igariway warned of the consequences of targeting Igbo and Chris-

tians in the North and reminded Northern leaders of their responsibility to protect the indigenes of other states living in their midst.

All parties resolved that herdsmen and religious fanatics committing murder should be tagged criminals and enemies of Nigeria.

Northern governors were also in Owerri to join in celebrating Okorocha’s infrastructure and human capacity development since he mounted the saddle five years ago.

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

News Ambode promises fair disbursement of N25b ETF

Ogbemudia cautions over Niger Delta

•Says fund is to create jobs and wealth

Ambode

L

agos, the Centre of Excellence, will not discriminate in the disbursement of its N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) ring-fenced for

small scale enterprises and innovative business ideas.

The aim is to create more jobs and distribute more wealth in Nigeria’s most populous state of 20 million, and in turn raise internally generated revenue (IGR), currently N25 billion a month, to provide more social infrastructure.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode made the pledges at Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos during the first stakeholders’ summit organised by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

Ambode, represented by Deputy Governor, Idiat OlurantiAdebule, said the only criterion for accessing the fund is to be a resident in the state with a marketable business idea.

A statement issued by Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, quoted him as saying that credible and experi-

enced Nigerians are on the ETF board.

Accessing the fund will be “credible, transparent, accountable, and will not discriminate on account of gender, religion, physical ability or disability, political affiliation and socio-economic background,” he stressed.

Ambode established both the ETF and the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and the government’s contribution of N6.25 billion to the ETF for this year has been released and disbursement will soon begin.

He said the summit was initiated to generate ideas, harmonise strategies, and devise strong partnership for sustainable wealth creation.

He urged participants to suggest ideas that would add value to the design and implementation of programmes for creating jobs and wealth, and promised that his administration would

favourably consider such recommendations.

Ambode wants to expand potential and innovative ideas for the youth by providing support and a conducive environment.

He said dwindling oil revenue presents a unique opportunity to chart a new direction for sustainable economic growth, part of the reason the state supports the establishment and growth of small businesses to generate wealth for the collective prosperity of all.

In his goodwill message, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commended Ambode for his laudable achievements in infrastructure renewal and security.

Osinbajo, represented by Presidential Adviser on Economic Matters, Adeyemi Dipeolu, said infrastructure renewal and security are necessary for job and wealth creation for long

term progress.

ETF Board Chairperson, Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru (former Federal Inland Revenue Service boss), said Nigeria must create about 1.5 million jobs quarterly to keep the number of unemployed people flat, which compels effective collaboration between the government and the private sector to devise solutions.

She lamented that many Nigerians spend time to acquire certificates that are of no value, urging them to look for opportunities and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

Omoigui-Okauru advocated order and discipline in the society to help create job opportunities.

She said the government would soon disburse the fund, and the ETF board is building a foundation for trust and credibility.

Maduike asks FG to investigate his HIV vaccine • Federal Medical Centre denies cow meat poisoning

By Onwukwe Ezeru

Special Correspondent, Umuahia

E

zeibe Maduike, a professor at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has urged the federal government to investigate his vaccine for HIV/AIDS and publish its efficacy.

He also asked the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), which sued Jeremiah Agbalaka to court over his claim for the cure of HIV, to investigate and authenticate his own claim.

Ezeibe, head of department of the school of veterinary medicine at MOUAU, told TheNiche in an interview

that he regrets the inability of Abuja and its agencies to investigate and partner with him to develop and commercialise his vaccine which was developed with solid minerals in Nigeria.

He said the involvement of the government in the development of the vaccine will signpost Nigeria as the first country to discover the cure for HIV and also create employment.

Ezeibe disclosed that since 2012 when he developed the test to confirm his work, and former President Goodluck Jonathan approved his patent in 2014, he has not received financial assistance from the government or individuals.

“I am incapacitated be-

cause of a lack of fund. I have written to the management of MOUAU. I have also written to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for its support to procure equipment that can help produce the drugs in the university,” he added.

He confirmed that over 300 people have received cure through his vaccine “Aluminum-Magnesium Silicate” from across the world with the help of physicians and the approval of MOUAU. Ezeibe said the drug, Antivirt (anti viral therapy), for now is administered free of charge, and urged HIV patients to make themselves available for cure.

He also implored MOUAU to showcase the vaccine, which

was developed in the school.

In another development, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia has denied report on social media which advise against beef consumption because Fulani herdsmen injected cows with a poisonous substance.

FMC Chief Medical Director (CMD), Chuku Abali, expressed shock over the publication, saying 13 people alleged to have died from meat poisoning in Amaekpu was an attempt to tarnish the image of the hospital.

He said the publication, which also alleged that doctors from the FMC, led by one “Ifeanyi Felix O.”, conducted autopsy on the victims and found out the deaths were

I won’t meddle in legislature, Bello pledges

By Our Reporter

K

ogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pledged to preserve the independence of the legislature, an arm of government often at loggerheads with the executive in several other states because of personal interests.

Nonetheless, he also wants lawmakers to resolve their disputes and concentrate on making laws to deliver the good things of democracy to the landlocked, agrarian North Central state.

He promised legislative independence at the one-year anniversary of the state House of Assembly, a “very important milestone … because it marks one year of the triumph of courage over fear in this legislature.

“It marks one year of the victory of the interests of Kogi people over personal interests. It represents one year of making laws for the unity, order and good governance of Kogi State.”

Bello recalled that in the past one year, the Assembly passed the budget, “promptly and saved Kogi State from descending into a financial impasse,” screened appointees with dispatch “and prevented vacancies in critical service areas.”

Through it all, he stressed, the lawmakers remained “intrepid”, and discharged their duties with “humility and determination in the face of highly acidic attacks.”

Said he: “This is probably the most maligned legislative chamber ever in the history of legislative chambers in Nigeria. The odds have been daunting but … members have remained indomitable.”

Bello commended the speaker and other lawmakers for “staying true” and holding steady the tripod of democracy, change and the Kogi new direction.

“The most important attribute of any legislature, in my opinion, is independence. In this context, 'independence' would mean, freedom from external influenc-

es in the performance of official duties.

“I am making a solemn assurance that if anyone will interfere with the independence of this legislature, it will not be Yahaya Bello and the administration that he leads.

“We are committed to a mutually affirming partnership with this House.”

He reiterated that the Assembly “will not be tied to the purse-strings of the executive.

As we promised the judiciary last month, the legislature will enjoy financial and operative autonomy – at least under this administration.

“Your money will come to you as and when due, or when available; and you will be at liberty to expend it at will, provided that is done in accordance with the extant principles of accountability and probity.

“We note that the physical structures of the Kogi State House of Assembly need renovation and upgrading. We shall do

our best to make that happen as soon as resources permit. In any case, we shall see what can be commenced immediately.

“The security of members must be assured for them to function effectively and maximally. We have done what we can but we will take more enduring steps to perpetuate the security of members.

“This may include looking for lawful ways to distance this Assembly Complex from other structures which may constitute a security threat. I and Mr speaker and other principal officers will brainstorm on this as soon as possible.”

Bello said the issues confronting the Assembly are a “family affair” which the executive knows is within the powers of legislators to resolve.

“The misunderstanding among our lawmakers in Kogi State is small compared to what we have seen your counterparts in other states confront and conquer.”

caused by poison injected into cows.

Abali insisted that there is no doctor bearing such a name in the FMC, and no team of doctors from the hospital conducted an autopsy of that nature.

He explained that the FMC, a tertiary healthcare and research institution, detects, treats, and if need be announces any outbreak of epidemic when it is clinically confirmed, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and in line with the standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international best practices.

He urged residents of Amaekpu Ohafia and other Nigerians to disregard the report of meat poisoning.

Bello He urged the lawmakers to put aside their personal issues and pull together for the constituents who elected them.

By Titus Oise Special Correspondent, Benin Renewed destruction of oil facilities is a challenge for the federal government to look for alternative sources of revenue, says former Governor of old Mid-Western and Bendel States, Samuel Ogbemudia.

He told TheNiche in an interview in Benin City that Nigeria needs to go back to agriculture which produced groundnuts in the North, cocoa in the West, palm oil and rubber in the MidWest and East “which cannot be bombed.”

“The bombing and destruction of pipeline in the Niger Delta is a challenge to the country to look for an alternative source of funding.

“If we had paid attention to agriculture and the North is producing groundnut, the West cocoa, the Mid-West palm oil and others do the same, nobody can sabotage the pipeline,” he stressed.

“The pyramids in Kano, you cannot say you want to go and bomb them. The pyramids of cocoa in Ibadan, you cannot go and blow them off. It is because oil is passing through pipelines.

“Many years ago, when I suggested that all petrol stations should be connected to the pipeline direct to the refineries, they forced me to back down.

The issue of bombing pipeline would not have arisen.

“I suggest that we need to sit down and do more of our homework. We are not doing enough.

Edo amends varsity law

By Tony Campbell

Special Correspondent, Benin Edo State House of Assembly has amended the law establishing the Edo State University, Iyamoh.

The school is now known as Edo University of Iyamoh.

Section 1 of the principal law was amended by a Committee of the Whole through an application by the majority leader, after the request was given overwhelming approval by the lawmakers.

Speaker Elizabeth Ativie, while giving her report, affirmed members’ support in favour, directed the clerk to accord the bill its third reading, and to send it to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for assent.

In another development, Ativie has led other principal officers to visit crown prince Eheneden Erediauwa.

She said the visit was to identify with him on the death of his father, and expressed the hope that Edaiken will build on the legacies of the late Erediauwa.

She informed him of the change of leadership in the Assembly and pledged the continued support of the legislature for the traditional institution.

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

7

News Extra The Week Ahead Buhari returns today

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected back in Nigeria today, Sunday, June 19.

He travelled on June 6 on a 10-day trip for ear infection treatment in London and was initially due to return on hursday, June 16.

Akpobolokemi returns to court June 20 The trial of former Nigerian

Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director General, Patrick Akpobolokemi, at the Federal High Court in Lagos continues tomorrow, Monday, June 20.

He faces charges of alleged N2.6 billion fraud filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

CBN launches single trading window June 20

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will tomorrow, Monday, June 20 launch its single foreign exchange (forex) trading window.

The window will have about 10 primary traders appointed by the CBN as part of its new flexible forex policy.

Each trader will have a minimum $10 million.

FIFA scribe assumes office June 20 New FIFA Secretary General,

Fatma Samoura, will assume office tomorrow, Monday, June 20.

Samoura, a Senegalese United Nations diplomat, is the first woman to occupy the post in the history of the world governing body of football.

The former occupant, Jerome Valcke, was sacked in January and banned for 12 years for misconduct.

Saraki’s trial continues June 21 The trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, will resume on Tuesday, June 21 after defence lawyers filed a fresh disqualification suit against Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar.

Hearing in the suit against Umar will occur the same day.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Maryann Okereke, now wish to be known and addressed as Maryann Chime.

All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Daniel Okangla Adah, now wish to be known and addressed as Daniel Okangla.

All documents remain valid. My bankers and general public please take note.

Tributes pour in for Ehirim, TheNiche Abuja editor • Buhari, APC, Atiku others mourn

By Henry Oduah

P Reporter

resident Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, John Odiegie-Oyegun, and others have paid glowing tributes to TheNiche Assistant Editor (North), Chuks Ehirim, who died on Thursday, June 16.

Ehirim was the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja chapter.

Buhari Buhari, represented by his Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, in a visit to Ehirim’s family described him as a man of courage and unparalleled passion in matters of conviction.

He urged friends of the late comrade to support his family, especially his children, whose education would make continual demand on finances.

“As a senior journalist, he was not too big to follow our campaign. He believed in the change Muhammadu Buhari has preached and he believes in what Muhammadu wants to do for Nigeria,” Shehu said.

“He slept in Daura in Muhammadu Buhari’s home. For a number of times he came with us, he was not too proud to enter the rickety buses in which we were driving around. In which we did the campaign.

“Our prayer was God would make Muhammadu Buhari become president of Nigeria. That God would bring the day when Chuks himself would enter the shadow and drink from the joy of the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari. “(But) God has decided to take him at this time. We cannot do anything. It cannot be helped. It is His time and there is nothing anyone can do. We also will go, one day.

“We take consolation in the fact that Chuks was a very honest, courageous and a very hard working journalist.

“He worked hard for this country and his labour will not be in vein. God will be with you and all of his children. God will take care of you.

“On behalf … President Mu-

Ehirim hammadu Buhari who is outside the country now because he is not well, to receive treatment, we want to console you and pray that God will receive [Chuks’] soul.

“And will console you and give you the strength to carry on with the responsibility that now rests on you.

“We hope that all of us his friends will not fail you. God will help, in whatever way we can support you and the kids. So, please bear with us.

“It is God’s decision, we cannot do anything about it. May God accept his soul and give you the inner strength to bear this loss.”

Atiku Atiku said through his media office that “Chuks was a fair-minded professional, a conscientious journalist, a progressive democrat and committed nationalist.”

He recalled that Ehirim was a frontline champion of democratic ideals who used mass communication to advocate his avowed interest in equity, fairness, and justice.

He cited his activism which gradually gained weight back in his students’ union days at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

Atiku said it was painful to learn that the man, popularly called

Eze Igbo by his peers for his belief in the identity of the Igbo nation within the Nigerian entity, would succumb so casually to the cold hands of death after a long struggle to install the current government of change.

Media colleagues equally expressed heartfelt concern and prayed for the family to have the fortitude to bear the loss.

Oyegun Odigie-Oyegun, in a condolence letter to NUJ National President, Abdulwaheed Odusile, prayed for the repose of the soul of Chuks and strength for the family.

“On behalf of our great party, the … APC, may I express my heartfelt condolences on the shocking death of the immediate past chairman of the … NUJ, Abuja chapter, Chuks Ehirim ….,” the letter said.

“It is terrible to hear about the sudden death when we thought he was recovering from his ailment. May the Almighty God give the soul of … Chuks Ehirim eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.

“I also take this opportunity to express my sympathy to the NUJ and the management and staff of TheNiche newspaper, his last em-

ployer.

“Chuks Ehirim was one of the first persons I interacted with soon after I became national chairman of the APC and I found him most knowledgeable, professional, and a man who believed in the unity and potentials for greatness of our nation.

“I also recall, with satisfaction, [his] years of meritorious and unblemished record of service in the media profession.

“He went on to lead the Abuja chapter of the NUJ between 2012 and 2015 from where he passionately advocated for the rights, welfare and security of journalists in Nigeria.

“Indeed, the journalism profession has lost an illustrious son.

Nationally, Chuks Ehirim used the journalism profession and activism to propagate progressive and democratic ideals in the country.

“As we mourn [his] loss … I am with you in thoughts and prayers.

May his soul rest in peace. Adieu Chuks Ehirim.”

Ehirim died at Garki General Hospital, Abuja on a day he turned 50.

He read mass communication at the UNN, graduating in 1992.

He had worked in several media houses before he joined TheNiche in 2014.

Amended Constitution ready by December, Ekweremadu assures

By Mmedaramfon Umoren

Reporter

A

n amended version of the 1999 Constitution will be ready by December this year, says Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, with assurance that the review will eliminate parochial interests.

Ekweremadu, who chairs the Senate Constitution Review Committee, explained at the retreat

of the committee in Lagos that no Constitution anywhere in the world is cast in stone.

“Constitutions are made for the good of the citizens, not citizens for the Constitution, hence the tradition to retouch or overhaul or even change a constitution entirely to reflect new imperatives and serve the nation better,” he said.

Major proposals that have received the approval of the National Assembly (NASS) and at least 24

state Assemblies include: • Removal of presidential assent to Constitution Amendment Bills.

• Prescription of a 30-day time limit for presidential assent to bills or to the NASS, failing which they would automatically become laws.

• Separation of the office of the minister of justice from the office of the attorney general to promote justice and anti-corruption war.

• Financial autonomy for state As-

semblies.

• Streamlining legislative lists and devolution of more powers from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.

• Setting of timeline for the conclusion of pre-election matters.

• Creation of the office of the accountant general of the federal government different from the office of the accountant general of the federation to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Notes

From

Nnanna Okere okere_nnanna@yahoo.com +358 4684 74258

Finland

T

EU pledges EUR 6m to Libya’s stability

he European Commission (EC) has announced over EUR 6 million ($8.8 million) to support stabilisation efforts in Libya.

Up to EUR 5 million will go through the instrument contributing to Stability and Peace to the stabilisation facility, an initiative of the Libyan Government of National Accord, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the international community.

Another EURO 1.1 million will

be provided to a city profiling system which collects data at municipal and local levels. This profiling system will also provide analysis to support planning for stabilisation, resilience, and recovery activities. This action will be implemented by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHSP), together with United Nations Population Fund (UNPF).

The Libyan presidential council was named under a UN-sponsored peace agreement signed on December 17, 2015 in the

Moroccan city of Skherat. The Tunis-based council appointed a government of national accord.

On February 23, the unity government received the support of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives.

Five years after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi's government in 2011, the North African country is still struggling to make a democratic transition.

EC President, Jean

Germany to deport 100,000 migrants this year

G

German Chancellor, Angela

ermany expects up to 100,000 undocumented migrants to leave the country in 2016, a figure Interior Minister, Thomas de Maiziere, hailed as high but insufficient after last year's record influx.

"If the current trend continues then we will reach a total of between 90,000 and 100,000 deportations and voluntary returns," De Maiziere told reporters.

"That is good but not good enough. That is why we must con-

tinue to work to ensure that those who must leave our country actually do so."

Between January and April, some 20,000 foreign nationals without permission to stay in Germany returned to their countries of origin voluntarily under government programmes.

Those totals marked a strong increase from 2015 when 37,220 returns were recorded during the year as a whole, and 13,574 in 2014.

German authorities said 9,280 were deported during the first four

Espoo ranks number one city in Europe

E

spoo in Finland is the safest city in Europe, according to an international benchmark study, which defines it as the most sustainable city on the continent.

The study showed that measured by economic, sociocultural, and ecological sustainability scores, Espoo has maintained its sustainable development.

The survey, which covered more than 140 cities in the European Union (EU), was prepared for the Dutch presidency of the EU. Knowledge, safety, and nature were highlighted as Espoo's particular strengths.

From a sociocultural perspective, Espoo's scores for the level of education and income as well as for health are among the top scores in Europe.

Its population is growing and people find the city safe. Its attractiveness is enhanced by an extensive range of sports, culture,

Espoo

and services on offer.

Espoo residents say they trust the society and one another.

Greenhouse emissions in Espoo, already very low, continues to fall.

This is attributable to the Suomenoja heat pump station, introduction of pellet-fired boilers at the Kivenlahti heat plant, as well as low-emission electricity.

Both solar power and geothermal heat have also become more widely-used.

The introduction of geothermal heat has improved the situation, and Espoo will be the first city in Finland to test the renewable geothermal energy source, which produces completely emission-free district heat.

St1 plans to drill seven-kilometre deep heat wells into the Otaniemi bedrock in the near future.

Espoo was also classified as a green city; explained mainly by the Nuuksio National Park, the Espoo Central Park, the long seashore, and the abundant and

easy-to-access natural environment.

It is a growth city which invests heavily in a network-like urban structure based on rail traffic.

This improves competitiveness, although the investments will result in severe debts.

The cost of research and product development is also relatively high in Espoo.

Mayor Jukka Makela said innovation and collaboration are the key elements in maintaining sustainable development.

"We promote partnership and collaboration between the city, its residents, enterprises, Aalto University, and other stakeholders in all our operations," Makela explained.

"Being a responsible trailblazer is one of Esoo's values, and it involves the commitment to develop Espoo in a socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable manner.

“A great example of this is the cross-administrative Sustainable Development Programme, which has a steering committee where elected representatives and council employees work together to promote city-level sustainable development.

"We are building a strong community, Espoo Innovation Garden, in the city. It offers great opportunities to improve both Espoo's and Finland's success on a sustainable basis."

Other Nordic cities also did well in the benchmark study: Stockholm came second, Copenhagen fourth, Helsinki seventh, and Tampere eighth.

The quantitative benchmark study of European cities was carried out by Telos, an academic centre for local and regional sustainability studies at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.

months of 2016, compared to 22,369 in all of 2015 and 13,851 in 2014.

De Maiziere did not provide a breakdown of the migrants' countries of origin.

Germany has said it aims to speed up the returns of people not granted asylum after the arrival of nearly 1.1 million people fleeing war and poverty in 2015.

In particular, it has aimed to streamline processing of asylum applications and classified several Balkan states as safe countries of origin

to accelerate expulsions. Certain North African countries are also on the list.

Germany recorded a steep decline in asylum-seeker arrivals in April, according to official data last month, after the closure of the popular route used by migrants through the Balkans.

Some 16,000 migrants arrived in April, down almost a quarter from 20,000 in March, and nearly a 90 per cent plunge from December when 120,000 arrived.

Future snowless winters will cost Norway dearly

W

armer winters with less snow will have major financial implications for a variety of industries, says an expert panel that examined the impact of climate change on Norwegian winter sports.

Billions of kroner are at stake if Norway’s winters become significantly warmer, a report entitled ‘Gra Vinter’ (Grey Winter) presented by the Norwegian Climate Foundation in Oslo warned.

The traditional Norwegian winter may disappear completely or partially within the next few generations, said the report.

A snow map projecting conditions through 2100 shows that low-lying and coastal parts of Norway, the most populated areas of the country, will face significantly shorter snow seasons by midcentury.

In 2100, the norm can be that large swathes of the country have very little winter snow, if any at all.

How quickly the changes occur and their severity depends on the levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

Dagrun Vikhamar-Schuler from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, said there have always been variations to Norway’s winter weather but the trend shows that snow conditions are undergoing significant changes.

“The measurement station at Bjornhol tin Nordmarka shows that snow and skiing conditions have changed quite clearly over the past 100 years.

“We have lost four ski days each decade since 1900. That means a total loss of about one and a half months,” she explained.

The last 50 years of measurements at Bjornholt also show fewer days with dry snow. For skiers, that means more days with wet

Skiing in Norway snow conditions.

The same trend is found in Sirdal in Rogaland, where measurements also show a significant increase in wet snow days over the past 50 years.

The reason for the wetter snow is that Norway’s annual mean temperature is on the rise.

“The average annual temperature has risen by about 1 degree from 1900 to 2014. We have always had natural fluctuations, but now we also see clearly the effects of human-induced changes,” Vikhamar-Schuler said.

With winter and snow an integral part of the Norwegian national character, what snowless winters will do to hearts and souls is one thing.

Economically, loss of snow will have serious consequences for industry and municipalities, added Hilde Solheim, a former tourism director who wrote the report for the Norwegian Climate Foundation (Norsk Klimastiftelse).

Her words: “It’s impossible to set a value on a perfect winter day spent skiing but in the report, those who know the most about Norwegians’ relationship with snow and skiing pointed to the

importance of snow for local communities.

“And there is a lot of talk about its formidable socioeconomic importance.

“Nobody in the world spends as much on sports equipment as Norwegians. Figures from the sports industry show that Norwegians spend four billion kroner on equipment for winter activities.”

She said around two million Norwegians strap on their skis at least once a year.

On winter’s best snow days more than 200,000 people can be found skiing in the fields around Oslo, which also makes an important contribution to public health.

Solheim stressed that the national activities of Ski Association Norges Skiforbund and Norwegian Trekking Association provide clear economic boosts to local communities.

“The big World Cup events typically have a turnover of 15-20 million kroner per event. Each event krone in turn provides four kroner in additional business through the purchase of goods and services in the region,” the Grey Winter report said.

TheNiche

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PhotoNews

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (left), and Founder, The Kukah Centre, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, shortly after the Minister's presentation at The Podium, a town hall forum organised by the Centre with the theme, 'Fixing Nigeria' at the Auditorium, Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) with Manchester City of England/Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, when the latter paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Enugu.

L-R: Ulonnam Ebere with his daughter, Adanganga; wife, Adaobi; and son, Ulonnaya (the celebrant), during a special one year birthday thanksgiving Mass for the son at SSS Michael, Raphael & Gabriel Catholic (Archangels Parish) in Satellite Town, Lagos.

L-R: Principal, La Seal Schools, Ogba, Lagos, Maurice Onyeizu; Miss La Seal, JSS, Raji-Rouf Amdalat; the Proprietress, Mrs. Grace Akinloye; Master La Seal, JSS, Muibi Rasheed and Culture Organiser, Chijioke Okereafor, at the school's Cultural Day in Lagos.

June 19, 2016

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L-R: Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Waheed Olojede; Deputy President, NLC, Peters Adeyemi; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo; and National Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers/Vice Chairman, NLC, Alogba Olukoya, after a meeting with the governor on the lingering Labour crisis, at the Governor's Office in Ibadan.

L-R: Abia State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Johnson Onuigbo; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia; his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu and Abia House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Cosmos Ndukwe, who represents Bende North, at an interactive town hall meeting for Bende, Isukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas at the Isukwuato Council Headquarters.

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, receiving brochures from the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, Charles Wami, when the management of the institution paid a courtesy visit to the DG at the Head Office of the Agency in Lagos.

Pat Azurunwa and wife, Faith, during the Matriculation of their daughter, Ogechi (middle), at Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State.

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TheNiche

Diplomacy

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

ECOWAS court’s wake-up call for Nigeria

Ecowas Court

Member of Department of State Services

The recent decision of the ECOWAS court to penalise Nigerian security forces for killing six citizens at Apo Village near Abuja is a wake-up call for Nigeria to mind her rights observance profile, writes Correspondent, SAM NWOKORO.

T

he Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court in Abuja has resolved the long standing suit between some citizens and the government.

Eight Nigerian motorcyclists were shot dead in an uncompleted building by men of the Nigerian army and Department of State Services (DSS) in September 2013, and the shooting sparked local and international outrage. The killers claimed they were hunting for Boko Haram insurgents near the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja.

Aside the eight, 11 others were wounded by gunshots during the raid.

Reprieve But last week, reprieve came the way of the justice-seekers as the ECOWAS court finally put a seal on the emotional outrage by holding that their killing was unlawful and could not be defended by the security forces concerned. It consequently found the Nigerian government guilty of extra-judicial killing.

Consequently, the court ordered the payment of $200,000 to the families of each of the persons killed in the raid, and $150,000 to the injured.

The court rejected the argument that the killing occurred in the course of maintaining the rule of law. It held that though the Nigerian government has a duty to maintain law and order in the society, “it has corresponding duty to protect innocent citizens caught in the crossfire as well as provide remedy for victims who suffer

loss of body parts and property in the crossfire under international humanitarian law”.

The case was last heard on May 10, 2016. Earlier arguments were heard on February 7, 2015 and November 30, 2015.

International and local outcry that attended the killing made the National Assembly to institute a probe into the killing.

Enter National Human Rights Commission In an 83-page report presented on the matter in Abuja by the then Chairman of the National Human rights Commission (NHRC) Governing Council, Chidi Odinkalu, the commission also held that the sum of N135 million should be paid as compensation to the relatives of the victims.

The commission therefore awarded N10 million to each of the bereaved families and N5 million to each of the 11 others that sustained injuries.

It also directed that the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) must lodge the evidence of payment with the commission’s office within 30 days.

Maintaining that contrary to reports that the victims were Boko Haram members, NHRC said the security agents did not even interview those injured in the attack to verify that claim. Before the operation, the security agents should have interrogated the owners of the property where the squatters were killed. It also said that no ammunition was shown to have been recovered from the property where the killing took place.

It also stated that the claim by security agents that the squatters were the first to open fire was not believable in the circumstance.

The council urged the military and the DSS to undertake a review and harmonisation of the Rules of Engagement governing the operations of security agencies, to bring them into compliance with the applicable rules of international humanitarian law governing non-international armed conflicts. It also asked the security agents to file a certified text of the harmonised and updated rules of engagement with the commission within two months.

The report read in part: “Having investigated this complaint, heard all the parties and examined the relevant laws, the NHRC, exercising its powers under Sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act, 2010 (as amended), hereby determines and declares that: ‘At the time of the lethal encounter giving rise to this complaint on or about September 20, 2013, there was a Non-International Armed Conflict (NIAC) going on in North East Nigeria involving the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the one hand and an organised armed group, Jama’atu ahlus sunnah lid da’awati wal jihad also known as ‘Boko Haram’, on the other. The theatre of active conflict extended to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

“With reference to the existence of a NIAC in Nigeria, the rules of international humanitarian law, including, in particular, common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, are applicable to the parties to the conflict. The

rules of human rights law under the Nigerian constitution and other relevant laws supplement international humanitarian law in the theatres of conflict and remain applicable outside those theatres.

“There is no credible evidence to suggest or show that the victims in this case were members of ... (Boko Haram) or involved in direct participation in hostilities. They were, therefore, protected civilian noncombatants.

“The defence of self-defence asserted by the respondents is not supported by the facts or evidence.

“Taking account of all the circumstances in this case, the application of lethal force was disproportionate and the killings of the eight persons as well as the injuries to the 11 survivors were unlawful and there is no basis in law for confining detainees freed by the respondents to internal banishment.”

Bandwagon The judgment of the ECOWAS court, being the first it would deliver on matters such as this since its presence in a Nigerian legal suit, will undoubtedly open the floodgate of litigations bordering on rights abuses, as Nigerians have been getting it through the law enforcement agents in recent times.

It is the opinion of analysts like Professor Epiphany Azinge that the presence of ECOWAS would serve as an early warning signal for member nations to stick to the independence of the judiciary all the times. He sees the ECOWAS court as capable of

influencing member states in the discharge of judicial duties without fear, since at the end of the Supreme Court decisions, another window still exists.

Odinkalu

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

Diplomacy

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Push to end HIV/ AIDS by 2030 The latest move by a global summit on HIV/ ADS to end the scourge by 2030 represents the United Nations resolve to keep to the spirit of sustainable development around the world, writes Correspondent, SAM NWOKORO.

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he Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has always been in the frontburners of many nations’ health and sustainability programmes since the turn of the century. In Nigeria, the fight against HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has since been a concerted effort by government and the private sector, especially in areas of counselling.

Nigeria has not received any global encomium on containing HIV/AIDS, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies the most populous black nation among countries in the developing world that take the HIV/AIDS fight seriously.

Nigeria’s approach at containment Nigeria has made a number of moves to, in the absence of approved cure, contain the scourge.

The country engages in HIV/AIDS education, through mainly non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Government, the civil society and the mass media are seriously involved. Communitybased organisations (CBOs) and faith-based organistaions (FBOs) are not left out in this campaign.

However, most enlightenment campaigns don’t get to the prisons as it does to those outside.

Jingles, playlets, drama, music and sketches are used, while parents strive to inculcate healthy habits in their children.

These and other related issues formed the subject of recent Global Leaders’ Summit on AIDS which took place in New York under the auspices of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). After the summit on June 8, which was attended by more than 100 heads of government or their representatives, the global body came up with a communique which emphasised that the task of eradicating HIV/AIDS in the world must be accomplished by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The communique read in part: “UNAIDS welcomes the new goals, targets and commitments of the 2016 United Nations General Assembly Political Declaration on Ending AIDS. Countries have agreed to a historic and urgent agenda to accelerate efforts towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The Political Declaration provides a global mandate to fast-track the AIDS response over the next five years.”

Ndaba Mandela

The communique added the targets and commitments will guide the world in addressing the critical linkages between health, development, injustice, inequality, poverty and conflict.

According to the Declaration, these goals can only be realised with strong leadership and the engagement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), communities and the civil society.

Mogens Lykketoft, the president of the 70th session of the General Assembly, chairs the Highlevel Meeting on HIV/AIDS. At the meeting, Ndaba Mandela, grandson of former South African President, addressed the General Assembly, recalling that, when he was 21, his father had died of AIDS. Participants at the meeting also heard from Loyce Maturu, a 24-year-old activist living in Zimbabwe, who shared her story about being born with HIV and later contracting tuberculosis.

Ms. Matura stressed that among the barriers that hinder progress in combating the AIDS epidemic are stigma and access by people living with and affected by the disease to treatment, care and support services.

“For us to accelerate ending AIDS among adolescents and young people, there is a need to invest in evidence-based adherence support interventions,” she said.

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon

The 90% pledge At the end of 2015, the number of people on HIV treatment reached 17 million, exceeding the 2015 target of reaching 15 million people, the communique added.

Leaders pledged to ensure that 90 per cent of PLWHAs (children, adolescents and adults) know their status, 90 per cent of them who know their status are receiving treatment and 90 per cent of them on treatment have suppressed viral loads.

Countries further committed to urgently address low treatment coverage rates among children living with HIV. Accelerating prevention outreach HIV prevention targets encourage countries to promote access to tailored comprehensive HIV prevention services for all women and adolescent girls, migrants, key populations (sex workers, male homosexuals, people who inject drugs, transgenders and prisoners).

The Declaration recognises the importance of location and population, as the scourge is distinc-

Lykketoft tive in each country and region.

It encourages regional action and accountability by setting regional targets on prevention and treatment, including to: • Reach all women, adolescent girls and key populations with comprehensive HIV prevention services, including harm reduction, by 2020.

• Reach three million people at higher risk of HIV infection with pre-exposure prophylaxis by 2020.

• Reach 25 million young men in high HIV incidence areas with voluntarily medical male circumcision, and make 20 billion condoms available in low- and middle-income countries by 2020.

It, however, fails to bring the needed visibility to key populations most affected in different regions.

The commitment to eliminate new HIV infections among children and to ensure that their mothers’ health and well-being are sustained is reaffirmed in the new Political Declaration

with emphasis on ensuring that mothers have access to immediate and life-long antiretroviral therapy.

Right to health The Declaration further recognises that progress in protecting and promoting the rights of people living with, at

The 2016 Political Declaration seeks: • Reduction of new HIV infections to fewer than 500,000 globally by 2020 • Reduction of AIDS-related deaths to fewer than 500,000 globally by 2020 • Elimination of HIV-related stigma and discrimination by 2020

risk of and affected by HIV has been far from adequate, and that human rights violations remain a major obstacle in the response to HIV. Member states pledge to review and reform legislation that may create barriers or reinforce stigma and discrimination and to promote access to non-discriminatory health-care services, including for populations at higher risk of HIV. AIDS out of isolation The Declaration affirms that the AIDS response will spur progress across the SDGs. It calls for universal health coverage and access to social protection.

Adopting targets beyond HIV, member states emphasised the continued importance of an integrated approach to a range of health issues, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, no communicable diseases and emerging and re-emerging diseases.

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TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

Civil Society Platform

Sparing a thought for exploited children

Becker

Bafil-Ofili

Children working in a quarry

The global community marked World Day Against Child Labour on June 12. Senior Correspondent, ONYEWUCHI OJINNAKA, brings to fore the inherent risks in using children for cheap labour.

“

Child labour has no place in well-functioning and well-regulated markets, or in any supply chain. The message that we must act now to stop child labour once and for all has been affirmed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Acting together, it is within our means to make the future of work a future without child labour.”

These are the words of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General, Guy Ryder, in his message to mark the 2016 edition of World Day against Child Labour (WDACL), observed the world over today.

June 12 is set aside every year by the ILO to draw attention to the millions of children around the world whose rights are being denied.

With about 168 million children still oppressed through child labour, all supply chains, from agriculture to manufacturing, services to construction, run the risk that child labour may be existing.

‘Child Labour in Global Supply Chains’ is the theme of this year’s edition.

ILO estimates that among the

168 million children involved in child labour globally, 85 million are engaged in hazardous work that jeopardises their health or safety.

To commemorate the 2016 World day Against Child Labour, a Geneva-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged governments to better regulate businesses to prevent child labour in global supply chains. It claimed that millions of children risk pain, sickness, injury and even death to produce goods and services for the global economy.

Jo Becker, children’s rights advocacy director of HRW said: “Consumers usually have no way of knowing whether the food they eat, the clothing and jewellery they wear, or other products they buy were made with child labour,” cautioning companies not to profit from the exploitation of children.

HRW said it has documented hazardous conditions for children mining gold in Ghana, Mali, Tanzania and Philippines.

According to the rights group, an estimated one million children worldwide work in small-scale, labour-intensive mines, and 15 per cent of the world’s gold is sourced from artisanal mines. Children risk death and injury climbing into

unstable mine shafts and carrying heavy bags of ore. They also may suffer irreversible brain damage from handling mercury, a highly toxic substance used to process gold that is exported to refineries in Dubai and Switzerland.

Commemoration of WDACL in Nigeria Edo State-based non-governmental organisation, Child Protection Network (CPN), as part of activities marking the WDACL, has called for the enactment of child’s rights law and demanded immediate establishment of family court to take care of cases of abuse against children.

Coordinator of CPN, Ms Jennifer Ero, during a protest march with students in Benin City, the state capital, said: “We need family court to stop rape and child labour. Without family court, the law would be just dormant.”

The group also demanded, for children, freedom from discrimination, right to healthcare services, free access to education and protection from abuse and exploitation, including child labour and rape.

Speaking with TheNiche, a volunteer officer with Women’s Rights and Health Projects

(WRAHP), Vivian Emesowum, said “experience has shown that child labour is a problem that comes from parents”. She made reference to the law that exempts a child or minor from taking decision or consent on his or her own.

Her words: “Children are not responsible for their actions, but the parents.”

She fingered failure of the family as one factor that breeds child labour. “We need to go to the family because when the parents are not doing what they are supposed to do, the problems would then go back to the child and he bears the brunt.”

In the view of Emesowum, most parents have failed to love their children equally, adding that once a family is divided, the effect goes back to the child.

Programme officer with Partnership for Justice (PJ), Ivy Bafil-Ofili, told TheNiche that child labour cuts across different aspects.

She cited children who are used as house-helps, hawkers, as well as those who could not attend a regular school as part of child labour.

“Depriving a child of her/his childhood is also a form of child labour. Children performing work that, at their level, they are not

supposed to do, minors working in industries, house-helps doing different kinds of work for their mistresses or masters are all child labour,” she added.

Bafil-Ofili also attributed the cause of child labour to poverty in the society, adding that in talking about child labour, one has to look at the environment.

She lamented that a lot of “those children are prone to rape and different vices, as there are cases of rape and sexual abuse on children hawking.”

Panacea To nip this menace in the bud, Bafil-Ofili suggested that children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood, to be in school in a good environment and good protection policy put in place for them.

“There should be policy to ensure that child trafficking is brought down to the barest minimum. Industries and companies should have the policy in place.

The law should protect children from employment for cheap labour,” she advocated.

She urged government agencies to put programmes and law in place to ensure that children are protected from abuses.

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

Civil Society Platform Albinos as endangered species

Albinos

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Ero

Senior Correspondent, ONYEWUCHI OJINNAKA, writes on the dilemma of the albinos who have become endangered species in most African countries.

R

eports reaching TheNiche have it that people with albinism living in Malawi have been the victims of a surge of attacks by those seeking to use their body parts in ritual practices.

According to an Amnesty International report released on Tuesday, June 7, at least 18 albinos have been killed since November 2014. A spike in the killings came this April, when four people, including a two-year-old, were killed.

International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is a yearly United Nations observance on June 13. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The date was chosen because on that day in 2013, the UN adopted its first resolution on albinism.

It was proclaimed by the UN to spread information about albinism and to avoid mobbing and discrimination of albinos. The IAAD aims to increase the global attention to rights of the albinos.

Albinism is a congenital disorder characterised by the partial or complete absence of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair and eyes.

Lack or absence of melanin in the skin makes albinos more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancers. Albinism is also associated with visual problems, namely photophobia, amblyopia (lazy eye), nystagmus and others.

Albinos in other African countries People with albinism often face social challenges, as their condition is often a cause of discrimination, ridicule and even sometimes fear and violence. In some African countries such as Malawi, Burundi and Tanzania, many people with albinism have become murder victims in recent years.

IAAD focuses on raising public awareness of albinism and preventing attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. All UN member states, as well as international and local organisations and civil society are encouraged to participate in appropriate events and activities.

According to reports, a UN expert, Ikponwosa Ero, had warned that in Malawi, an estimated 10,000 albinos face “systematic extinction” if they continue to be murdered for their body parts for use in witchcraft.

Ero, who is a Nigerian albino and UN human rights council’s expert on albinism, told journalists at the end of her 12-day assessment in Mala-

wi that the situation “constitutes an emergency, a crisis disturbing in its proportions”.

Her call for action came as a court in Malawi sentenced two men 17 years for murdering a 21-year-old lady with albinism. The two had pleaded guilty of the offence but blamed their action on “Satan”.

Ero said the Malawian police had recorded 65 attacks, abductions and murders of albinos since the end of 2014. Albinos were targeted because of beliefs that their body parts “can increase wealth, make businesses prosper or facilitate employment”, she said. “Even in death, they do not rest in peace as their remains are robbed from graveyards.

“Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries, and the sale of body parts of persons with albinism is believed to be very lucrative.

“Albinos are an endangered group facing a risk of systematic extinction over time if nothing is done to stem the tide of atrocities.”

According to her, “It requires an emergency response from government, civil society and development partners working in strong partnership” to stop the crime of killing albinos.

In Nigeria...

Albinos in Nigeria are optimistic of overcoming the age-long stigma on them because of their skin colour.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Albino Foundation (TAF), Jake Epelle, believes that Nigerians with albinism are on the verge of overcoming the age-long social stigma and discrimination, expressing his gratitude to the advocacy efforts of the UN and of his organisation which works to empower persons with albinism and educate the society on albinismrelated issues in Nigeria and the world.

TAF urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, reinstate the treatment process it started in 2007, to help prevent skin cancers among persons with albinism in the country.

Epelle noted that without the programme, an average of three Nigerians with albinism will die every month from skin cancer.

Interacting with newsmen in Abuja, Epelle said: “We started a project in 2007 with the federal government which is the skin cancer prevention and treatment project.

“The (Olusegun) Obasanjo administration adopted that project. So far, about 2,520 patients we have referred to the National Hospital have

been treated. That project has been ongoing until the current administration. I got a firm promise from the current administration that it will continue.

“However, the management of the National Hospital discontinued that project abruptly.

Since then, we have been trying to talk with them without interface with the presidency.

I have a letter from the Office of the Vice President saying they will get back to us and continue this programme.”

Advocacy Human rights groups have continued to intercede in favour of the albinos. Network of People Living with Albinism, urged the federal government to create laws that will protect the fundamental human rights of people living with albinism.

The group, which walked the streets of Abuja last weekend to create public awareness about the need to protect albinos’ rights, decried the continued discrimination against people living with albinism.

It recognises the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of albinism to fight global discrimination and stigma against persons with albinism.

Noting that discrimination against albinos in Nigeria is not serious compared to other African countries, the network urged the government to take proactive steps towards protecting the albinos’ rights and make treatment of people living with albinism free across the country.

Chief Executice Officer of Golden Effects Limited, Segun Akintunde, told TheNiche that albinism is genetic disorder which has psychological, physical effects and health factors such as congenital sight issues because they are different from the rest of African blacks.

Akintunde said the way the society relates with the albino either helps their psyche or diminishes their morale.

He posited that, for the albino, getting good education is hard.

“It is difficult to cope in the classroom. You cannot see clearly, and when you are moved to the front, it is not even better, and the school authority cannot understand what the young man (or woman) is going through.”

He expressed the need for good educational system, to understand the albinos’ problem and help them get along.

Decrying the attitude of some people who

make jest of albinos, he appealed that they should be seen as normal human beings and not creatures from Mars.

According to Akintunde, who is also an albino, some people do not get it right.

“They do not associate because of what they have been. I am an albino and I enjoy being an albino. It is the act of God to break that monopoly of black,” he said.

How govt can help He appealed to government to come to their aid.

“If government can listen to some of the requests by enlightening people more to understand the albino, to see and know more about albinism, (produce) documentaries, and organise awareness programmes that will help people’s perception of albinos, then albinos will have sense of belonging and not seen as animals for rituals or money-making,” said he.

“Let them be in public schools and let people who know about albinos help them.”

Epelle

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TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

News

Photo: Yle

International

62 people own same wealth as half the world's population The world's richest are getting richer while the wealth of the poorest is being spread more thinly, research finds.

S

lums in Colombia, one of the world's most unequal countries. Rex features Wealth inequality has grown to the stage where 62 of the world’s richest people own as much as the poorest half of humanity combined, according to a new report.

The research, conducted by the charity Oxfam, found that the wealth of the poorest half of the world’s population – 3.6 billion people – has fallen by 41 per cent, or a trillion United States dollars, since 2010.

While this group has become poorer, the wealth of the richest 62 people on the planet has increased by more than half a trillion dollars to $1.76 trillion.

The report, “An Economy for the 1%”, says the gap between the global richest and the global poorest widened in just the 12 months to January 2016.

In 2011, 388 people had the same wealth as the poorest half of humanity. In 2013, this fell to 177. The number has continued to fall each year to 80 in 2014 and 62 in 2015.

Oxfam GB chief executive Mark Goldring said a crack-

down on global tax havens was a necessary step towards ending the rampant global inequality.

“It is simply unacceptable that the poorest half of the world population owns no more than a small group of the global super-rich – so few, you could fit them all on a single coach,” he said.

“World leaders’ concern about the escalating inequality crisis has so far not translated into concrete action to ensure that those at the bottom get their fair share of economic growth.

“In a world where one in nine people go to bed hungry every night we cannot afford to carry on giving the richest an ever bigger slice of the cake.

“We need to end the era of tax havens which has allowed rich individuals and multinational companies to avoid their responsibilities to society by hiding ever increasing amounts of money offshore.

“Tackling the veil of secrecy surrounding the UK’s network of tax havens would be a big step towards ending extreme inequality.

“Three years after he made his promise to make tax dodg-

Slums in Colombia, one of the world's most unequal countries. Rex features ers ‘wake up and smell the coffee’, it is time for David Cameron to deliver.”

In November 2015, the Public Accounts Committee of MPs warned that HMRC had made "little or no progress" on measures to reveal the scale of aggressive tax avoidance happening in Britain.

In addition, last year the Office for Budget Responsibility announced that George Osborne’s tax avoidance crack-

down had missed its target by hundreds of millions of pounds.

But the report’s authors say the situation could be even worse in the world’s poorest countries.

The researchers estimate that as much as 30 per cent of African financial wealth is held offshore, costing the governments of countries in the region $14 billion United States dollars each year.

That money, if collected, might otherwise be destined for the world’s poorest.

Last year an investigation

by The Independent revealed that the United Kingdom was paying millions of pounds to European Union-listed tax havens in the form of international aid.

A significant number of tax havens are also British Crown dependencies and have Queen Elizabeth II as their

head of state.

The government says it has made cracking down on tax avoidance a priority.

In September 2015, HMRC said it had collected £1 billion from users of tax avoidance schemes as a result of new rules.

• Culled from www.independent.co.uk

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PARLIAMENT THE GRASSROOTS

TheNiche

June 19, 2016

Politics

www.thenicheng.com

Big Issue: Emeka Alex Duru Editor, Politics & Features 0805 4103 327 e.duru@thenicheng.com nwaukpala@yahoo.com Daniel Kanu Assistant Editor 0805 618 0203 kanuemperor@yahoo.com d.kanu@thenicheng.com

INTERVIEWS

PAGE 18»

A vote for true federalism, transparent INTERVIEW

»

PAGE 20

APC laying foundation for Nigeria’s future, says Nwamkpa

INTERVIEW

»

PAGE 24

Ezeude: As a woman I’m not marginalised in politics

Babatope: Solution to PDP crisis in sight Former Transport Minister and Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebenezer Babatope, in this interview with Assistant Politics Editor, DANIEL KANU, speaks on the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, PDP’s comeback moves among other contending national issues.

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TheNiche

Interview June 19, 2016

Babatope: Solution to PDP crisis in sight

Babatope

D

ifficulties in the land and vindication of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s earlier position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks focus I must confess that the difficulties are very grave. It appears to me that the APC government has not found any answer to this problem. When President Goodluck Jonathan was there, it was easy for them to apportion blames and criticise and say that we were having economic problem because the PDP created it. But then, despite the challenges and difficulties that we had, PDP government was able to manage the situation.

Nigerians were still soldiering on and able to manage and conduct their lives. Nigerians were able to fend for themselves because of the environment created. Today, it is so difficult and hellish. It has been quite hard for Nigerians surviving this hardship.

I want to appeal to the APC leadership to sit down and find solution to this alarming level of poverty and hunger in the land and save Nigeria from this terrible economic mess.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, one year after The only thing I can say of the President Buhari regime is that Buhari

is not a corrupt person. That is quite clear to me. But when you remove that ,there is nothing else complimentary I can say about Buhari and the APC regime. The last one year has been chaotic. Nigerians are suffering and are battling it hard with their lives. Something must be done very urgently to save our country. We have never had it so bad.

On-going anti-corruption crusade I don’t see any anti-corruption war going on, given that Buhari has reneged on his promise to name those who have returned money. He is saying they don’t want to offend the law ,and I ask: which law are they offending? If a man has stolen money and returned money, you must mention his name. Let the person come out and say that he or she did not return money because he felt guilty. How can one return money if he or she is not guilty of any crime, and you say you don’t want to name names? To me, it is an attempt by the APC leadership to dodge issues. We should name those who have soiled their hands with corruption. We should ensure that there is freedom for all and anybody is cleared of any charge of selective justice. What is going on is selective justice. If the law finds an accused, the person is taken to the court for trial.

If the accused is free, the court will set the person free. You are defend-

ing the cause of people who returned money and you are saying you don’t want to mention their names, you don’t want them to say anything. Mention the names of people that returned money, and let them say something; let them go to court to ascertain their innocence or to ascertain that they are not corrupt. So that is why I cannot see any anti-corruption battle going on. To me, what is going on is a charade. They have embarked on selective justice and that should not be so.

They have to be fair to all. Saying that they don’t want to name names, they don’t want the accused to talk, for me, is a careless talk.

Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, said Nigeria is broke…

If, as they claim, PDP messed up the treasury, how did the regime of APC get money to bail out some states who

were unable to pay salaries? Yes we have economic problems and Nigeria has been having economic problems, but it had not been as grave as it is today. All I am saying is that the APC should find solution to the problems on hand; it should stop passing the buck and continue to blame the PDP endlessly.

When Jonathan was there, yes we had problems too, but we looked for solution. We were able to forge ahead and did not continue to bemoan the military. APC should stop passing the buck; rather, they should face the matter on the ground squarely. For now, they have not got the solution to the economic problems and they must admit it. And as somebody suggested, they can assemble the best of Nigerians who can give them solution to these problems. We have great economic experts who can bail them out

TheNiche June 19, 2016

from the mess on the ground.

Blaming the PDP is a very lazy way of showcasing incompetence. They must rise up to the challenge.

PDP, Makarfi care-taker committee and the way forward At least, we are seeing the solution to the crisis in sight. I am happy about that. All we had been saying was that we could not permit a situation whereby our party, the PDP, was left in the hands of a stranger. Ali ModuSheriff has not offended anybody.

We were in the same United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during the late General Sani Abacha era, and I know him very well. Sheriff is a stranger to our organisation. I am not saying that he wants to rule forever. We thank God that we now have a solution and we must ensure we leverage on this solution to take the party to the next level.

I am happy that the solution to the crisis is in sight and PDP is finding ways to resolve everything to make

sure there is permanent peace. So, we must seize this opportunity which, to me, is very important.

Sheriff ’s group working against the interest of the party from the background Which Sheriff faction? Almost all members of the National Working Committee (NWC), maybe except one, have left him (Sheriff ) and aligned with the party. So, he hasn’t got any faction. If he had taken advice, he would have still been the acting chairman and would have laid a good legacy for himself. He wants to be chairman and when the time comes, the presidential candidate. Which type of party is that? Our party is not that of where anything goes. It is not for senseless people. It is one that would want to defend democracy. I am happy with what has happened because it is in the general interest of the party.

With what has happened, PDP will come out more united and stronger.

PDP and agenda to wrest power from the APC in 2019 We are very determined to do so.

We made mistakes, we have seen our mistakes and we have learnt from our mistakes. This mistake culminated in the APC winning the election and messing up all that we have built. We want to take the power back and ensure that Nigerians

are saved from the heavy sufferings we are now exposed to. We are prepared to ensure that come 2019, power flows back to the North. It is in our constitution.

When power flows back to the North, we are going to ensure that the candidate we are going to present to Nigerians will be one that is capable and will make sure that the country is saved from what we are having now. We are positioning the party for a take-over in 2019 and we are serious about it. We have all it takes to stage a comeback because Nigerians now know that APC is not a better alternative.

Renewed restiveness in the Niger Delta by the Niger Delta Avengers Honestly, those who have called for dialogue are right. You see, two wrongs never make a right. We cannot blame the Niger Delta Avengers or anybody. The boys there are ready to fight to defend themselves because they feel alienated when they consider what is going on in their land. Let us dialogue with them. Let us talk to them. They are Nigerians. When Boko Haram started with their mayhem, I was among those who said we should talk to them. I said if Boko Haram did not seize the opportunity of a dialogue, the organisation will make itself irrelevant to Nigeria and to itself.

We need to dialogue to get solutions to these problems.

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Government is winning the war against Boko Haram Well, I think the Army is doing its best, but the problem is that in most cases they are begging issues. When PDP was there, they said the PDP government did not know how to handle it well. But now that they are there, could anybody say they are handling it well? Boko Haram is still harassing people, killing people. Let them declare clearly that Boko Haram is a national problem and let all Nigerians contribute to its solution. If they don’t do that, we are wasting our time.

In this era of cross-carpeting to the ruling party, are we likely to see you cross over to the APC? It is absolutely impossible for me to cross over to APC because I am a core PDP man and by the grace of God I will remain in the PDP until the very end of democracy in Nigeria or I answer the supreme call of God. Though crossing of the carpet is a matter of choice and part of democracy, I definitely will be laying a very bad example if I do so at my age. I am going to be 74 in six months’ time. So, how can I cross because we lost power?

No way. I will not only be a strange element in the APC, but I will become an embarrassment to younger people who are looking at us for examples.

Such thought cannot cross my mind.

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TheNiche

Big Issue

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

A vote for true federalism, transparent governance

Abiola

While marking 23 years of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election last week, many Nigerians reflected on the mood of the nation and voted for restructuring the country along the path of true federalism, SAM NWOKORO and HENRY ODUAH report

L

ast week’s 23rd June 12 anniversary public lecture series of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos chapter, with the theme ‘23 Years after June 12 Presidential Poll: Whither Nigerian Politics’, proved to be one of its most deliberative and engaging. Perhaps, the times these days made it so. Virtually everybody in the hall had an opinion on how to get Nigeria working again. Events in the nation in the past one year had made the Nigerian lukewarm about Nigeria and the future, notwithstanding all sermons and tough postures of state managers.

And having verbally run down the 2014 National Conference Report and not having demonstrated any seriousness towards embracing its contents so far, the present government has unwittingly let Nigerians loose to tickle themselves with solutions.

During a lecture held at the Combo Hall inside Lagos Television (LTV) complex, Agidingbi Lagos, a litany of suggestions came pouring out. The line-up of the speakers included: Femi Falana (SAN), guest speaker who delivered the titled lecture; former Editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine, Ray Ekpu; Managing Director of New Telegraph newspapers, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Co-coordinator, International Press Institute (IPI), Ogba Lagos, Lanre Arogundade; Chairman, Radio UNILAG, Prof.

Ralph Akinfeleye; and a mass communication

Briggs

lecturer, Lagos State University (LASU), Tunde Akani.

They were all agreed that the Nigerian ship is veering off course, with poor governance at all tiers of government worsening the problem.

Most supported the need for restructuring the country politically to yield the practice of true federalism, adding however that the issue of restructuring the polity is not all that is required to move the nation forward.

According to them, there is need to accelerate development and quality life for the country’s 170 million people, especially in the area of governance quality at all levels which, it has been observed, is making the delivery of democracy dividends, the very ideal of June 12 for which Moshood Abiola died, gradually becoming elusive.

Falana, Ekpu, Egbemode and Arogundade lambasted not only the present crop of leaders, especially state governors for not offering the right leadership that should improve the level of social comfort in the country.

Ekpu, in his remarks, thanked the Lagos State Government and the state council of NUJ for keeping the spirit of June 12 alive through annual remembrance. He took the audience through Nigeria’s politics and the attendant poor governance which arose from the undemocratic methods through which successive leaders had emerged.

Buhari

He said: “The present system we practise brings up all manner of people who aspire to leadership positions irrespective of their capacity to deliver quality governance. Political godfathers appoint choice aspirants and impose on parties to contest elections. In the United States, for instance, as is the case for selecting leaders, the media dig into the past of any aspirant, which does not happen here. Instead, we queue behind anyone that has smuggled himself in as party flag-bearer.”

Ekpu lamented the inability of the present leaders to embrace the 2014 National Conference Report.

“So far since Nigeria has been holding series of conference, there is none I know that contains far-reaching solutions to our various problems as that one. Nigeria has abundant solid minerals which are not available in most parts of the world. All these ‘Avenger Boys’ or whatever they call themselves are doing in the Niger Delta, much as it is harmful to the country, nonetheless represents their clamour that Nigeria, as is being run, is not addressing their grievances. So all these should be cause for soul-searching. In some states, some governors can’t even pay salaries. While the rest of the world are sending their children to the moon, we can’t even send our children to the classroom. It ought not to be so,” he added.

Falana condemned the annulment of June 12 and persecutions which all those who agitated for June 12 re-validation went through, urging the federal government and Nigerians not to see June 12 anniversary as sectional issue to celebrate a regional champion, but as truly an altruistic attempt to force the military out of civilian space, which the present regime is enjoying now.

“June 12 actually was a struggle against the continuation of the military in the nation’s body politics,” he said.

He also took a swipe on the pretentious attitude of successive Nigerian leaders.

Said he: “The man who described our hospitals as mere consulting clinics was in London for mere ear problem. What happened to our hospitals? Throughout Nelson Mandela’s 27

years in prison, he was treated in South African hospitals? Fidel Castro banished malaria in his country in 1967, and when Ebola was ravaging the world, he was the first to dispatch hundreds of Cuban specialist doctors and Ebola never reared its head in Cuba. That is an example of leadership,” he said.

Falana noted that series of amendments had been effected in the constitution over the years to help the constituent states, but bad leadership and corruption had not allowed them to know the right things and do them.

Falana posited that much as practice of true federalism is desirable and should be pursued, what will make Nigerians profit more from restructuring is their ability to force the leaders to keep their promise, stop pilfering public funds and obey the rule of law.

Akinfeleye called for part-time legislation to cut cost of governance, abolition of security votes in the constitution or set a limit for it because most state executives randomly abuse it, among other reforms. He also made case for independent judiciary and sanction of governors who fail to pay workers. For him, Nigeria is going into economic recession and this calls for every necessary measure to curb profligacy inherent in government, even after restructuring.

The danger within By all indications, this year’s June 12 anniversary gave observers room to air their views on the state of the nation, given the gale of insecurity and agitations across the land.

The scenario is further compounded by the ominous air in the country that should the country’s armed forces be deployed to the restive Niger Delta region to quell agitations for resource control, which has taken uncertain dimensions in recent times, something close to anarchy or another civil war may erupt. This uncertainty raises more concern, given that the unrelenting campaigns and sabotage of Nigeria’s crude oil exports by the Niger Delta militants had seen crude production and export plummeting to a 20-year low, from a relatively stable 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in the

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

19

Egbemode

Ekweme last five years to a worrisome 1.3 million bpd today. Those that share the sentiment of the activists suggest restructuring as the way out.

Nigerians cry out While the dialogue in Lagos was taking place, some elder statesmen and notable activists in Enugu re-echoed similar views on the imperatives of restructuring Nigeria as panacea for moving the nation away from sundry socioeconomic stagnation it is presently undergoing.

At a forum held at Nike Lake Resort, convoked by Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) headed by Elliot Uko, resource control activist, Mrs. Ann-Kio Briggs, said: “True and fiscal federalism must be truthful and justifiable. I believe in resource control, and as much as I don’t believe Nigeria must break, I fear that if the nation continues on this current path, disintegration would be inevitable.”

Speaking on the issue of true federalism practice, former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, argued: “The content of the 2014 National Conference Report prescribed ways of solving most of the country’s problems, and, as such, the President should demonstrate commitment to building an enduring legacy by embracing the report as a working document.

“Every disappointment could be a blessing.

My incarceration at Kirikiri Prisons in 1984 by the military afforded me an opportunity to reflect deeply on Nigeria’s problems. I came out with the idea of six geo-political zones which I pushed for in a national conference much later and it became a convention and has taken care of minorities in the South and North. What Nigeria negotiated for and agreed with the colonial masters before Independence was a regional government where each had a constitution which was annexed by the Republican Constitution in 1963. The Republican Constitution then provided 50 per cent revenue sharing formula for the regions, 30 per cent to a distributable pool, 20 per cent to the centre. There is need for us to return to the basics of what we inherited from our founding fathers.”

Leader of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Ayo Adebanjo, added: “Nigeria must be restructured to correct the humongous damage done to the nation’s constitution by the military and to put a stop to the various acts of uprising today, including those of Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).”

Former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, argued in similar vein. “Our founding fathers were right by agreeing to a federal structure, which is the best governance structure that can guarantee peace, equity and

Ekpu justice,” said he.

Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, submitted: “I support the restructuring of the country on the basis of fiscal federalism. But while that is being addressed, there is need to address the high cost of governance in the country because any governor who says he could not pay salaries should give way for others with better ideas.”

His predecessor, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, noted that “the 2014 National Conference Report recommended additional 18 states to make for 48-state structure in order to address the inequalities created by the military.”

Uko, the IYM leader, added: “If Nigeria is restructured, it would take care of the various agitations for break-away by the various separatist groups.”

Ominous tide Concerned analysts have argued that several factors account for the upsurge in the call for restructuring of the country. Recently, especially since the commencement of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, restiveness in the Niger Delta area has increased due largely to initial missteps of the government.

In similar regard, IPOB and MASSOB have, on account of the government’s policies and actions that are not considered favourable to the South East, revved their agitations for an independent Biafra. Government has, incidentally, not helped matters by continuing to hold IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, captive despite subsisting court orders directing his release.

In the face of this hard stance against Niger Delta activists and IPOB/MASSOB agitators, the government has curiously manifested puzzling inability to tame the menace of Fulani herdsmen who have since late last year assumed some unprecedented notoriety.

In their murderous engagements, farmlands and more than 2,000 lives have been lost to the new set of terrorists. This equally has created tension and unprecedented arms build-up in some communities the herdsmen had disturbed their peace.

This is in addition to the Boko Haram insurgents, who, though have been considerably contained, still prowl the cities, attacking soft targets.

2016 budget in trouble With more than 60 per cent loss in crude production and export as result of escalated militancy in the oil-bearing states, Nigeria’s 2016 budget would only be running on the planes of luck and providence, rather than on any ascertainable baseline.

According to Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an arm of state-

Falana owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the government has lost about N60 billion in three months of attacks on oil installation in the Niger Delta. That is apart from about one million barrels, all things factored in, that have been shut in by both international and local oil companies since February.

Long road to peace Even as Nigerian authorities and the militants set to start peace talks to end the siege to oil assets, conditions, which the major group, Niger Delta Avengers, put forward are herculean.

In a statement released by the Avengers signed by a certain Mr. Abinigbo, its spokesman, the group had maintained that for successful dialogue to hold, “the government should come with absolute sincerity and that repairs on already damaged pipelines be put on hold pending conclusion of talks while international oil companies operating in the area participate as observer/participants”.

Notwithstanding the breakthrough in establishing contact between the militants and the government, the Peace Committee consisting of Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu; National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno; Bismark Rewane, Florence Ita-Giwa and Ledum Mitee, there is apprehension that the group might just want to test ground. This is especially as their supporters on social media urge the militants not to agree on anything short of total resource control and ascertain when the President would commence the task of restructuring the country to enable them achieve total control of Nigeria’s oil assets.

Restructuring cards There is no doubt, even among Buhari’s henchmen, that the quest for restructuring has become a clarion call of sorts. Even the President’s advisory body on corruption chairman, Prof. Itse Sagay, has said he’s not averse to restructuring, though he still advises the president on anti-corruption strategies.

“What I can categorically say is that I support the call for restructuring. That particular recommendation for restructuring, I am in total support of it. I have been a true federalist for a very long time. I believe that a lot of problems we are facing today are due to the fact that we have a government that is more unitary than federal. I won’t go as far as saying that President Buhari should implement it. The reports are over 600 and I am yet to read them.”

Since the return to democracy in 1999, there have been various templates on restructuring prepared by sundry groups, the most prominent being that from the group called The Patriots, made up of Nigeria’s seasoned intellec-

tual elders that include Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Ndubuisi Kanu and Adebanjo, among others. The late legal giant, Rotimi Williams; and former diplomat, Matthew Mbu, were also members of The Patriots.

It was their insistence on restructuring that led former President Olusegun Obasanjo to hold the National Political Reforms Conference (NPRC) which unfortunately turned out a mere talkshop and an avenue for promoting his illfated Third Term project.

However, the efforts by The Patriots had yielded the recognition of the six zonal structure which has been a sort of template for implementing Nigeria’s ‘federal character’ principles, though it has not solved all the inherent problems in the polity. The problems, many argue, still persist.

For instance, some zones have more states than others and some states have more LGAs than others. Since all these numbers determine the revenue accruals to the three tiers of government, it has become obvious that the six zonal structure has failed to placate some aggrieved sections of the country.

According to Ukoh, Nigeria "does not even need up to six regions. Simply return to the 1954 Constitution of Macpherson. It was a constitution that suited Nigeria’s social and political textures. Otherwise we would not have all these militancy we are having now.

The military has done this country incalculable damage, and it is time we reversed it by smoothly restructuring before it is too late.”

Response from Aso Rock Buhari’s Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, said in a goodwill message: "There are two days I know the [NUJ Lagos] Council does not joke with – June 12 and October 19.

“We know October 19 is the Dele Giwa memorial, and the Council will always do something to commemorate that day, and June 12.”

On the choice of Falana as guest speaker, he said: "We know him, especially those of us serving in government now. You may not agree with him all the time but you may also find it difficult to fault some of his logic."

Regional constitution Nigerians admire so much The 1954 constitution can be said to be a text designed to relieve any tension derived from the polarising effect of a quasi-federal political structure by giving regions more powers.

It maintained the 50/50 distribution between the North and the South in the federal legislature, but members, unlike the 1951 Constitution, were to be elected directly from various constituencies in Nigeria.

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Interview June 19, 2016

APC laying foundation for Nigeria’s future, says Nwamkpa The fight against corruption by the Buhari administration will lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic future, Abia State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Donatus Nwamkpa, in this interview with Special Correspondent, ONWUKWE EZERU, talks, among other national issues, on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari one year after.

P

resident Buhari’s achievements one year after For the purposes of your question, Mr. President has restored the confidence and respect of the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has also ensured the rule of law through legislative, judicial and executive federalism whereby the executive has, for the first time in this country, allowed the legislature and the judiciary to perform their duties without interference.

His present step towards deregulation in the marketing of petroleum products, which is aimed at allowing for availability of fuel in the society and reducing the situation whereby less than three per cent of Nigerians were busy siphoning public fund in the name of fuel subsidy, speaks volume.

Another achievement is the stable security situation he has provided.

Today, the people of the North East can heave a sigh of relief. The Boko Haram menace has been uprooted and subdued by a determined federal government.

The Presidency has restored discipline among Nigerians. The era of embezzlement, flagrant display of ill-gotten wealth, brazen fraud and misappropriation has gone. Today, the Nigerian budget, for the first time, has passed through the litmus test where each arm of the government checkmated each other.

On the international scene, the Nigerian President has become one of the respected presidents in the world, unlike before. He has identified the culture and the problems of Nigeria’s presidency and launched war against

corruption, creating a new image of the country to the outside world. For the first time, the international community has known that corruption can be fought and stopped in Nigeria. This is a new dimension which he has added to international thinking on corruption.

Finally, Mr. President has been able to carry women along in his administration. Not in theory but he has put it in practice. Today women were appointed to positions of authority.

Anti-corruption crusade selected and targeted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members I say no to this. Which party had been ruling this country for the past 16 years? It was PDP, and most positions that had to do with finance were handled by PDP members. Who said PDP was targeted. Is the Senate President a PDP member? Is former Director-General (DG) Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) a PDP member? They were tried for various corrupt practices. Let them give the public evidences that serving APC members were found in one form of corrupt practices or another. Let them show documentary evidence of the offence that is traced to any member of the All Progressives Congress. There is no need crying wolf. Nigeria was “fantastically corrupt” during the reign of PDP. Those accused were culpable and they should face the music.

PDP and the vow to take back power in 2019 PDP has never won any credible election in Nigeria, and for the first time in Nigeria, general election became oneman and one-vote. PDP has always de-

Nwankpa

pended on the help of security agencies during the election. I am assuring that APC as a party cannot seek the help of any security agency during election.

From our performance in this government, the public confidence has been restored. In 2019, election would be vote according to your conscience.

What APC is doing now is not the foundation for today, but for the future.

APC is not disturbed. We don’t also believe in one party state. I am advising PDP governors to perform well, so that their people will vote for them. This is a period of governance and our achievements will speak for us.

In Abia State, there had never been a credible election in the governorship; rather it was always characterised by manipulation. Come 2019, the story in Abia will be different. I only urge the electoral body to perform its role with transparency.

The “change” promised Nigerians during the campaign yet to manifest after one year Nigerians are not disenchanted. It is only a few cabal (members) that can be disenchanted because what they were doing before would not happen now. Today, the average Nigerian is happy. This is the first time the cabal that looted the treasury of this country is being touched by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Forget what they post in the social media; go to the villages and hear what people say. What the President is doing is total cleansing that would lay a solid foundation for generations yet unborn.

No positive change comes on a platter of gold. The cabal has been dislodged and all the openings for siphoning the

national fund have been closed. At the end of this crusade against corruption, there would be changes in this country.

A situation where an individual in Nigeria will transfer billions of United States dollars into his account at the detriment of the ruled is bad. Nigeria must be good and all Nigerians should support the APC government.

The Igbo marginalised by the APC government I don’t agree with you. The President appointed his kitchen cabinet (devoid of any Igbo man), and political analysts should not take kitchen cabinet to mean political appointments. In the appointment of chairmen and members of the board of federal establishments, the Igbo will get their fair share. My only advice to Ndigbo is for them to support the government of President Muhammadu Buhari that has the capacity to effect change. We should shun opposition and allow the Igbo politics to be keyed into the national political grid.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration one year after Ikpeazu as a governor has shown some flashes, particularly in Aba, and I want to tell you that he has a long way to go. If only he would be given free hand to work, he will perform.

He should be allowed to take his personal decisions without the cabal turning him around. Once he has free hand to operate, the public will assess him. But for now, he has no blame. As soon as he regains his freedom, he can be assessed. He has not told Abians the real state of the economy he met.

On the whole, within one year, he has tried.

TheNiche

Feature www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

21

Raising new generation of leaders in Ebonyi

Umahi

Odoh

Kelechi

Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, is moving to raise a new generation of young and vibrant leaders in the state with the brain and brawn needed to take the state to the next level, reports Special Correspondent, CHIJIOKE AGWU.

I

t is not uncommon for any leader to talk on his visions and the strategies to attain such. These, however, remain at the level of pontification until they are matched with the quality of persons to help him drive the vision.

Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, while taking his oath of office on May 29, 2015, had declared that within the first four years of his administration, Ebonyi would witness unprecedented projects that would place it far above many states in the country. His words: “Within the next four years, we will take giant strides which will make Ebonyi State a shining example to all; and a beacon of collective achievement in the eyes of the world.”

The governor noted that to attain the Ebonyi of his dream, his government would do away with mediocrity and embrace merit and hard work. He added that he was going to start by forming a government peopled with young, vibrant and intelligent individuals with both the brain and brawn necessary to take the state to its rightful place in the country.

According to him, “merit and excellence shall be our watchword. Mediocrity will be buried in the permanent crypt where it belongs. That is why we are determined to form a government brimming with creative ideas and innovative energy.”

To walk his talk, Umahi’s first appointment was a young and vibrant intellectual, Professor Benard Odoh, who was in his 30s, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment of the university teacher was a huge surprise to many an Ebonyian especially the members of the Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation, especially as Odoh was the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial district in the election. By that, he openly worked against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the elections.

The appointment, however, fell in line with the governor’s vision of forming a

government brimming with new ideas and creative energy.

Days later, another young and experienced lawmaker, Ogbonna Nwifuru, also in his 30s, emerged the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Umahi’s love for the young and intelligent also reflected in his cabinet, making it a cast of young and intelligent Ebonyi indigenes.

The same trend was replicated at the Local Government and Development Centre levels where the governor carefully selected citizens of impeccable character and integrity to man the 13 council areas and 64 development centres in the state.

Umahi’s determination to change the ugly history of Ebonyi through raising new generation of young and vibrant leaders continued with the emergency of Onyekachi Nwebonyi as state chairman of PDP and Maxwell Umahi as his deputy.

The emergence of Augustine Umahi as the National Vice Chairman of PDP (South East) and Chidiebere Egwu as the Zonal Youth Leader is another testament of the determination to give Ebonyi an entirely new and resourceful leadership for the future.

Recall that Governor Umahi’s deputy, Kelechi Igwe, is another vibrant intellectual with fresh ideas and creative energy which endeared him to his boss.

Against the backdrop of these injections, analysts argue that Ebonyi is currently witnessing a new generation of young and intelligent leaders needed to reposition the state.

The exercise is, however, not coming without severe opposition, especially from members of the political elite who feel displaced by the new order. The development has, therefore, pitted Umahi against some critical stakeholders in the state, especially some members of his party.

TheNiche gathered, for instance, that the opposition against Augustine Umahi, younger brother to the governor, emerging the National Vice Chairman of PDP

(South East) was one of the ways to challenge Umahi’s quest for a new political leadership in the state.

In the process, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji allegedly teamed with Senator Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central) and Linus Abba Okorie (Ohanivo Federal Constituency) among others to persuade Ali Odefa to resign his position as Special Adviser on Internal Security to the Governor to contest the position of PDP National Vice Chairman for South East against the political calculations of his boss.

Although Ali later lost the position to Augustine Umahi, that was not without some incidences. As a way of fighting back, the governor, upon returning to Abakaliki immediately after the Congress, relieved Ali of his appointment.

The governor also approved the sack of 25 other appointees he allegedly made under the influence of Ali and some other stakeholders in the state.

Umahi, however, recalled the sacked appointees on Saturday, May 28, 2016, after a successful peace meeting spearheaded by former governor of the state, Senator Sam Egwu, stressing that some of them might not retain their previous positions.

He directed that they undergo the House of Assembly screening which they had passed through in their earlier appointments.

Umahi also said though he had forgiven Ali, the latter would be redeployed to another wing of the government.

A senior member of PDP in Abakiliki who spoke to TheNiche under anonymity applauded the governor’s quest for a new political leadership in the state, adding that what he did was in line with what others before him did.

His words: “His political move, as controversial as they seem, are quite commendable. Every leader who wants to succeed must build his own political family based on loyalty. Former Governor

Sam Egwu did it. That was how the likes of Idul Igariwey, Senator Obinna Ogba and many others came on board, and since then, they have worshipped Egwu as their political god. Elechi also did the same thing, bringing up the likes of his inlaw, Senator Chris Nwakwo, Chukwuma Nwanzuku, Ndubuisi Agbo, Chinedu Oga and many others. And you can’t beat the fact that many of them are still loyal and indebted to him.”

He, however, warned the governor against bringing too many political neophytes with neither political appeal nor influence, arguing that it might prove counter-productive.

“I am not even against his assemblage of young politicians, whether they are Ph.D holders or professors. My concern is that too many of them without proven support base may backfire on him. He should also take note of that,” he added.

A resident of Abakaliki, who gave his name as Ekwe Odi, said the time is ripe for a new generation of young leaders in Ebonyi since the gerontocracy introduced by the former governor, Martin Elechi, did not offer the needed political leadership in the state.

He said: “At least for the first time, let the young lead. Is this state meant only for the old people? During the old people’s government of Elechi, what did we get?

There is nothing wrong in trying. So let us try young politicians too.”

But for Chukwuma Ogbu, Governor Umahi is not interested in building any generation of young leaders in the state, except bringing in people who will perpetually be beholden to him.

“Governor Umahi is only bringing hungry and beggarly boys into power to use them to be in control of all layers of power in the state,” he alleged.

He doubted the ability of some of the young politicians to deliver their wards in a serious political contest.

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June 19, 2016

Analysis Eighth NASS, one year after

Ekweremadu and Saraki confer during plenary

Dogara

Editor, Politics/Features, EMEKA ALEX DURU, takes a look at the National Assembly in the last one year, throwing to the fore its areas of accomplishment and default.

B

ut for relative semblance of stability which prevailed in the Senate and House of Representatives in the last couple of months, the eighth National Assembly (NASS), which clocked one year on Wednesday, June 8, would easily have passed as a complex of controversies.

The controversies, occasioned by human and institutional factors, virtually set the tone for the business of the legislature at its inauguration on June 8, 2015. While the confusion lasted, it exposed the underbelly of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), portraying it as a party that was merely concerned with grabbing power and not necessarily what to do with it.

What particularly set the stage for the theatre of the absurd that NASS almost degenerated into was the crisis that trailed the election of its principal officers.

Before the inauguration of both chambers of NASS, APC had, in a manner that was not elaborately explained to even some key members, settled for Ahmed Lawan as Senate President and George Akume as Deputy Senate President. It also positioned Femi Gbajabiamila as House of Representatives Speaker, while Ali Monguno was to be his deputy.

The decision, however, did not go down well with the Bukola Saraki group in the Senate nor the Yakubu Dogara elements in the House of Representatives. The aggrieved elements, who clearly had been schemed out of APC consideration, went into alliance with their PDP colleagues, thus giving rise to Saraki/Ike Ekweremadu victory in the Senate and Dogara’s emergence in the House.

The outcome struck the APC as a thunderbolt. Raising the banner of supremacy of the party, the party promptly vowed to get even with the Saraki and Dogara groups.

In what appeared the first salvo, APC fired a statement by its then National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed (now Minister of Information), where it

dismissed the emergence of Saraki and Dogara as totally unacceptable, describing it as the highest level of indiscipline and treachery by the affected officers.

“There can be no higher level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity within any party,” he fumed, adding that the party would use all constitutional and legal means available to it to reverse the exercise. Mohammed vowed that APC would not accord the current NASS leadership any recognition, adding, curiously, that with the developments in the legislature, the change promised to Nigerians by the party would no longer be attainable.

Even with what seems relative stability in the affairs of the two chambers, Saraki, who went ahead to fill the key offices in the Senate with his loyalists, is yet to get a reprieve from the party’s leadership. The Presidency, which had initially pledged neutrality in the affairs of the legislature, somehow, got drawn into the impasse by the utterances and body language of President Muhammadu Buhari, in which he barely disguised his utter disdain for the Senate leadership. Reports insinuated that Mr. President, on several occasions, avoided scheduled meetings with Saraki.

Enter CCT saga It was against that backdrop that when the Senate President got involved in asset declaration saga with the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), many readily read the unseen hands of the presidency and APC on the matter.

Saraki’s ordeal with CCT began to take shape on September 11, 2015, when he was charged to the tribunal by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over allegations of false declaration of his assets, contrary to constitutional requirements.

Part of the accusation was that he deliberately manipulated the assets declaration form he filed prior to his assumption of office as the Senate President, by making anticipatory declaration of assets.

He was equally accused of failing to declare some assets he acquired while

in office as governor, from 2003 to 2011.

Saraki was also expected to explain before the CCT how he acquired some assets which the federal government believed were beyond his legitimate earnings.

While trial asted, the Senate was divided along two broad lines of those supporting Saraki and those angling for his fall. Some even made outright calls for his resignation, stressing that his presence in the dock put the integrity of the legislature to question. The trial and consequent division gravely affected the workings of the upper legislative chamber.

Saraki acknowledged same in his recent encounter with journalists, describing it as a distraction.

“We could have done more. There are a lot of hours that we are losing when we go to court. We have to do that; I want to clear my name as soon as possible, so that we can move forward. It is an unfortunate distraction. I think it was ill-conceived by those that started it,” he said.

Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, however sees the Senate President’s travail as a befitting reward for perfidy, vowing that he would go down at the end of the day.

According to him, “APC does not want Bukola Saraki as the Senate President. Saraki has caused enough implosions within the party. He has brought public opprobrium to the party. He has slowed down the party’s machinery from taking off smoothly. He has portrayed us as a weak party. Now is the time for him to go. Saraki has no choice than to go, otherwise he will have himself to blame.”

The Senate President has not gone.

He is even not thinking of doing so.

If anything, he is looking at post-CCT Senate where he and his colleagues would come up with legislative initiative that should guard against carrying lost political battles to the legal arena.

The current Senate, Saraki stressed, remains focused, adding that at the end of its term, the members would have made a lot of great strides that would

set the chamber and NASS at a level much higher than they met it.

He identified setting up a constitution amendment committee headed by the Deputy Senate President to streamline areas of the constitution needed to be amended as a bold effort by his colleagues.

The House of Representatives, which also had its own share of restiveness earlier, seems to have got its acts right, after all. In the scorecard of the Green Chamber released last week, Turaki Hassan, media aide to the Speaker, enthused that the legislators set standard in the number of bills and motions they had seen through.

He said: “It should be noted that in the seventh Assembly, which was rated high in terms of bill’s passage, 700 bills were presented in four years, while in just one session, about 600 bills of high quality were presented in this assembly for consideration, most of which were from the recommendation of the Statutes Reform committee constituted by the Speaker.”

According to him, almost 80 of those bills, representing about 18 per cent of the 600, have been effectively passed by the House.

In similar stead, Hassan stated that the House, by last month, had considered 600 motions, which he said was an unprecedented effort.

Notwithstanding, Nigerians insist that members of NASS need to do more. Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Ogbuehi, Director, Gender Care Initiative, a Lagos-based NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), argued that the legislators need to rise beyond controversies and perks of office and devote more time in their core constitutional duties.

“What we read on cars being purchased for the lawmakers at exorbitant rates was disgusting. The stories that trailed the budget controversies were not what we bargained for. I think the lawmakers need to rise beyond these.

They are trying in some areas, no doubt. But I think they still need to put in more efforts,” she remarked.

Many Nigerians reason in that respect.

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Feature

23

Okezie Ikpeazu’s Abia, one year after

Ikpeazu

Afikpo road

Special Correspondent, ONWUKWE EZERU, writes on the assessment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration by Abia indigenes, one year after its inauguration.

W

hen he was sworn in as Abia State governor on May 29, 2015 at the new International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu pledged that his tenure would witness structured development of the state. The initiative, he said, would be anchored on five pillars, including education, agriculture, infrastructure and oil and gas.

One year down the line, reactions have been pouring in on the efforts of the Ikpeazu administration in keeping with its promise to the people.

But his critics, especially members of the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, accuse the governor of not matching his 2015 pledge with actions.

Led by its governorship candidate in the 2015 election, Alex Otti, APGA accuses the governor of not making tangible efforts at repositioning the state. In an advertorial in a Lagos newspaper recently, for instance, Otti literally described Ikpeazu as lacking the vision and drive to govern the state.

The governor’s former Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Godwin Adindu, however, disagrees, insisting that the administration is on course in delivering its campaign promises to the people, adding that within the first one year, it touched all sectors of economy using its five-pillar template. “As at the end of one year, we were on 65 active roads constructed simultaneously across the three (senatorial) zones of the state, with 27 fully commissioned. In the area of agriculture,

the state launched the Return to Farming and Women in Fish Farming Initiative aimed at empowering the youth and women in setting up farming cooperatives which will help drive key government policy as regards agriculture,” he said.

Adindu stated that other areas the administration touched included the establishment of trade centres where artisans would add some professionalism to their trade.

Government, he added, has concluded plans to launch the construction work on the Abia industrial cluster, stressing that already the order had been placed for the procurement of the equipment, with an aim to mechanise and automate the process of leather-making and other artisanal works in the state.

Education, the immediate past CPS said, received a boost in the state. His words: “The government has started work on the construction of the permanent site of the Abia Polytechnic at Osisioma area of Aba. It has under its Universal Basic Education (UBE) provision launched a pilot arrangement to feed 30,000 primary school pupils three times a week in 10 council areas of the state.”

Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abia State, Uchenna Obigwe, assessing the administration, stressed that its relationship with the workers in the state had been cordial. “The government of Ikpeazu has a human face, both in infrastructural development and workers’ welfare. Though workers were being owed two months’ salary arrears, efforts are being made to ensure that these arrears are paid, including pension,” he told TheNiche.

Obigwe remarked that in line with the dwindling revenue from Abuja, Abia’s allocation from the federation account has reduced drastically, making it impossible for government to meet up with other overheads, including salary. He added that despite this hiccup, Ikpeazu has managed the scarce resources at his disposal very well.

“Labour fights against unwillingness and not against unavailability. Anything that will undermine the workers’ welfare, labour will resist it. I want to use this opportunity to call on the federal government to put more thought to giving additional assistance in form of bail-out to states who managed their first bail-out fund well. The government should also bring to book states that did not manage theirs well. That is the only way Nigerians will have the face to tell the world that the APC government is fighting corruption,” Obigwe said.

The traditional ruler of Obinolu Autonomous Community in Umunneochi Local Government, Eze Luke Uche, also scored the governor high. “Despite the lean resources of the state, Ikpeazu has done very well. What he has done in Aba since he assumed office is overwhelming.”

Uche added that on the area of security, Ikpeazu has proved his mettle. “The recent security summit organised in Abia was a welcome development, especially as it was aimed at strategising to fight crime,” he stated.

Part of the government’s initiative in the area of security that excites Uche most is in the governor’s directive to the traditional rulers to nominate 10 young men to be trained

into the state vigilante to complement the efforts of the military, police and other security agencies to fight crime in the state.

Chairman of the state’s Local Government Service Commission and Pension Board, Dan Egbeogu, on his own, described the Ikpeazu administration as a bench mark that cannot be compared because he has shown and exhibited the qualities of a good leader in all sectors of the economy, including health. He lauded the administration for its recent donation of ambulances to Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest Scheme for prompt attention to accident victims on the highways.

Incidentally, while the opposition APGA criticises the governor and his administration, it counterpart, the All Progressives Congress (APC), thinks differently. To the APC, there is still time for proper assessment of things in the state.

State APC chairman, Donatus Nwamkpa, who spoke to TheNiche in Umuahia, admitted that Ikpeazu had shown some flashes of development-mindedness, especially in Aba, adding however that there is still much to be done.

“He should be given a free hand to run his government. As soon as he regains his freedom, Abians can assess his performance. I want to tell you that he has not told Abians the real state of the state’s economy when he took over. With the cabals clustering around him now, nothing should be expected,” Nwamkpa said.

Adindu added that the administration is on course, that Ikpeazu at all times is conscious of his pact with the people and will not disappoint them.

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Interview Ezeude: As a woman I’m not marginalised in politics Emilia Ezeude ran for the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency II on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. The entrepreneur and activist speaks with Assistant Politics Editor, DANIEL KANU, on the performance of the All Progressives Party (APC), plans to re-position PDP and her mission in politics, among other issues.

Ezeude

C

ritics say the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a better alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which they allege ran the country aground.

Not at all. It is always easier to criticise from the outside. We can see what is happening. It is clear to everybody that the APC is feasting Nigerians with propaganda. What can you point at that they have achieved so far? When President Goodluck Jonathan was there, they were always criticising; but now they are in power and all that they still do is find funny excuses. Nigerians are tired of their excuses.

They said they had the magic wand; so let’s start seeing their miracles. You can see that they have nothing to offer. Even Babatunde Fashola then as governor of Lagos State said there was no reason power should not be fixed within six months by any serious government in power. But here is Fashola as Minister of Power and nothing has improved. All that we hear is tariff increase, but where is the light? Nothing has improved and you can see that we are even nosediving on a daily basis.

Governance is not an easy thing; it is not for the boys. Nigerians now know the truth.

Jonathan had very good programmes for the country, but he was sabotaged and we are seeing the result. I had been in a meeting with Jonathan and could see that he was a man that was driving the country with great focus and a bigger picture. Today, we are trapped and you can see the hardship in the land. Because of bad politics, they muzzled Jonathan out and today the people that promised us change; that the United States dollar would come down to one naira within one month, that Boko Haram would cease within two months, that power would be restored within three months, that our children would be given free meals, that all the

youths would get employed, that fuel would sell for N40 per litre etc, are seen with empty promises. But trust Nigerians; they will wait for them (APC leaders) in the next election because they now know that APC has no truth in its promise.

What is the Lagos PDP leadership doing to re-position the party to return to winning ways, particularly in the governorship poll?

Factions and crises are synonymous with political parties, there is no party that will not have one crisis or another. I can tell you that a lot of consultations have been made and fences mended. Everybody is on the drawing table to work. We are one large family. The party is coming out with a united force in the next election and you will see the impact when the time comes. PDP will bounce back, I assure you.

What is your mission in politics?

My mission and passion for politics are all about helping people. When you have a kind of ministry for help, a zeal to assist others to be better and live a more meaningful life, you cannot really be satisfied with what you are doing because there is a limit to what you can do with your personal money. The more you assist, you will find out that more people still need the help. So one’s personal income cannot do as much as one would want, to help out. The next thing you may want to do, like in my own case, is to see if you can get government instrument to touch the lives of more people. A lot of people are suffering, especially the women and children. And my heart always goes out to them.

So far, would you say there is a levelplaying ground politically with your male counterparts?

I know a lot of women talk about marginalisation and that they were not given a levelplaying ground to showcase the stuff they’re made of. But I would not say I am marginalised. I see it as a competition and I do not want to be bothered by the excuse of unequal playing ground. I believe if you are willing and serious about what you are doing, one day victory will be yours. I will continue to battle it out until I win. What gives me joy is that I have all it takes to deliver the service if given the opportunity to represent my people.

Are you satisfied with women’s participation in politics?

I don’t think I am satisfied so far. But I want to see it as something that will take a gradual process. This is because women in our clime are just coming up, unlike in the Western world where women have been (in politics) for years, and some even becoming presidents. But you see, in those places, even the men give them a sense of confidence, encouragement and platform to showcase their capability. But here in Africa, perhaps because of our culture, traditions and some other inhibitions, women going into politics are being looked at with a kind of perception. We see politics here basically as a man’s affair; so when a woman wants to venture into the political field, most people are not comfortable with such moves, as they look at the woman as if she is biting more than she can chew. I think it is a problem of wrong perception, and this discourages most women who intend to present themselves for political positions, even when they are qualified and can deliver even more than their male counterparts. For me, somebody has to take the lead. I am not satisfied because the number of women in politics as well as in government are still very low.

But Rome was not built in one day. We will

continue to push, and by God’s grace we will get there one day.

Even in Lagos here, they remind you that you are not Yoruba. But I have been in Lagos for over 30 years running my business and with close to 100 staff that I pay; so I am entitled to run for political position here. I am poised to make a mark in politics and to run for higher offices at the right time.

It is believed that your financial muscle must be solid for you to run for elections in Nigeria. How strong are you financially?

Politics here is all about spending money; so you have to be comfortable to a reasonable extent. In fact, you don’t even venture into politics if you have not gotten money. You can’t make it without money and that, to me, is another bad aspect of our politics in Nigeria.

You need money to sustain yourself, to purchase your form, print posters, for advertorials, to rent office, arrange for meetings etc. Even if you are the people’s choice, you still need money to do certain things before it would get to the stage the people will vote for you. I think part of the problem is the level of poverty in the land. Hence voters expect ‘something’ from you before they vote for you.

What are some of the things you intend to do if you eventually win?

At the moment, I have a non-governmental organisation, Emily Foundation, that caters for the less-privileged, particularly women and children. But when I get there, I will first ensure that good laws are made.

If I am doing all that I am doing now with personal finance, of course I will redouble efforts to do more if I am in public office. In sum, I will improve upon what I am doing now in terms of empowerment and assistance to people.

TheNiche

Judiciary www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

25

Onyewuchi Ojinnaka Email: onyewuchi_ojinnaka@yahoo.com 0811 181 3060

NJC not constitutional – Uvieghara Professor of law and former Commissioner, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Egerton Uvieghara, celebrated his 80th birthday recently. In this interview with Senior Correspondent, ONYEWUCHI OJINNAKA, he speaks, among other issues, on life after retirement and the constitutionality of National Judicial Council (NJC).

Uvieghara

Y

ou taught law in the university for a long period before retirement. Since you retired, have you ever felt like going back to the classroom?

I started teaching in 1966. I introduced two new subjects into the syllabus, Labour Law and Commercial Transactions. I also wrote two books, one on each subject. I became professor in 1979. The only job I have done in my life is teaching. In 1993, I was appointed Commissioner for Law Reform in the Nigerian Law Reform Commission. There are usually four commissioners. Justice P. K. Nwokedi, formerly of the Supreme Court, was the Chairman; Dan Agada (of blessed memory) and Nwachukwu from Abia State.

The University of Lagos allows you a leave of absence for four years and my initial appointment was for five years. Just before my appointment, I was in the Council of the University representing the Senate, so I wrote for an extension of one year, 1993 to 1998.

In 1998, I retired from the university officially, although I had not been there since 1993. I retired so that vacancy will be created and new people will be appointed.

Another five years from 1998 took me to 2003. After 10 years, you are not re-appointed. So, I did my 10 years as Commissioner for Law Reform. At that time, I just felt I had done enough for this country and maybe, unlike most Nigerians, I should rest. I have not done anything since 2003. I wake up in the morning, clean my compound, drink tea, drink beer, drink wine. I am happy. I am in retirement. I do not have the urge to go back and teach. I used to help the federal government draft bills, but I am not ready for all that any longer. I am happily retired.

Have you ever practised law?

Yes, for half a day. It was in the third of month of the three months’ course, and it was meant to be the last three months course in 1963. I got enrolled in 1964 and I thought I would practice, but I went back to England to do my Master’s degree and

I got a job. I thought I would practise and my father took me to his friend’s chambers.

My boss sent me to the Magistrate Court; I sat down there the whole day and frankly I am an impatient person. So, I raised my hands; first I said “Sir, I have been here since morning.” I did not know that “sir” is not used in the Magistrate Court; you say “Your Worship”. So he said, “young man, sit down; when we are ready we will call you”. Since that day, I did not go back again. I went to my principal, Mr. Davies, a West Indian, and told him I did not like the job. So my practice was half a day in the Magistrate Court.

All my life, I have been a teacher.

Are you comfortable with the number of law lecturers awarded the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) annually?

My major experience in life is with the University of Lagos. Many things in that university have been bastardised. We used to give gold medals or rewards to people who have put in so many years; but all these have been bastardised. So, one is not surprised. I have a colleague, Professor Olawoyin, who once said, many people that were made SAN do not even have the money to go and receive the award in Abuja. SAN is not a creation of Nigeria; it is the creation of the British. We call it Senior Advocate here, but there it is called Queen’s Counsel or King’s Counsel, and the language is that you take silk.

How do you take silk? Because you are very bright, because you are called upon to deal with more important legal issues, pressure on your work is heavy, you can no longer cope because if they know you as a quality lawyer, everybody would want you, and you can no longer cope. So, you apply to take silk, then you take juniors and you do not pay them below certain level. The idea is that you would have made money, you would have quality people in your chambers and they are to maintain the same standard that you have set. That is not so in Nigeria.

There are two divisions in Nigeria to become SAN. I could have applied because I have writ-

ten many books and I always boasted when I wrote those books that they were the best, that “if you want to do better, let me see what you write”. When I wrote my first book, Felix Ibru was the chief launcher. Dr. Stanley Macebu, a brilliant man, spoke as lecturer. I have not launched any book since then. Why should I be asking my friends to buy my books? I do not think it is fair. Even during my 80th birthday, some newspapers approached me with their package and I said I do not do it, why should I put my friends in such difficult situation? Some may even be struggling. I do not call upon my friends to use their resources to help me. You can help me by associating with me. I associate with them.

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Uwais, had explained that SANs should not be appointed to the Supreme Court because there is no way one can assess their level of integrity.

Do you agree with him?

Justice Uwais was my classmate at the Nigerian Law School in 1963 and I knew him to be level-headed. In Nigeria, the method of appointing judges has been difficult. In the United Kingdom, you have to be a famous practitioner. The best brains are appointed judges. There is no issue of which state you come from. Here, there is the issue of states because you cannot just mention state in isolation; how do you divide it? This state says this is my quota. If a state says this is my person, how do you assess him?

These days, that you are a SAN does not mean you are intelligent, it does not mean you are appointable as a judge; you may have been sent by your state. There are many SANs who cannot be appointed not because of integrity, I do not know about that one. They do not have the wherewithal mentally to cope, and unless you are a SAN you are not likely to be appointed a judge; it is not a guarantee that you are competent.

Integrity is difficult to say. Is it integrity in law or corruption? I do not know. I have never given a bribe to any judge. But when (Justice Kayode) Eso was appointed, the

National Judicial Council (NJC) was set up.

Eso made report, and some people were dismissed; one was a Judge somewhere in the North with connection in the presidency. I do not know if that is the integrity he is talking about. I know the report was factual, that many judges are corrupt and Eso was not the only one there; he was just chairman of the panel. They were asked to retire.

If it is integrity of taking money, Uwais was also accused of taking money. But I know him; he would not take any money.

Now Buhari comes in and condemned the judiciary. I agree with him, but if I were the President, I would not do what he is doing; I would not take Saraki to tribunal. Tribunal jurisdiction is very narrow, and it deals with the code of conduct. He ran away from the regular court because he does not trust them.

What I would have done is to send a bill to the National Assembly, that I want to create special courts for corruption as part of my campaign slogan to tackle corruption head-long. The National Assembly may dilly-dally, but the world will know he has done his own bit.

How do you see the suspension of two judges by NJC? Let me start again with NJC which was created as a result of Kayode Eso’s panel report.

Is it constitutional? In my own view, it is not. How can somebody be sitting in Abuja appointing people to deal with the conduct of somebody in Kogi or Delta State? That is not constitutional. In appointment, NJC has to confirm judges who are being appointed in Lagos. It has been given the power in the hope that, that will bring some succor, but the NJC is very careful because the Chief Justice of Nigeria is the chairman. More judges should be removed. We keep saying the judiciary is corrupt and everybody is going on doing what they like, it is business as usual, so, maybe, this is a welcome development.

One of the judges was suspended because he lied about his age. A judge who tells lies has no moral right to sit in judgment. You tell a lie about your age and you are a judge.

That is not fair enough.

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Editorial As flexible foreign exchange policy kicks off

A

fter one year of unnecessary and costly stonewalling, the federal government finally agreed to a flexible foreign exchange (forex) policy that would allow the interbank trading window to be driven purely by market forces.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) unveiled on Wednesday, June 15 the policy which effectively removes controls on the naira, allowing increased dollar supply that would help strengthen the weak economy.

The new framework, which would operate a single trading window, will be launched tomorrow, Monday, June 20, with about 10 primary traders appointed by the CBN. CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said each of the traders will have a minimum volume of $10 million.

Emefiele said it was high time the automatic adjustment mechanism of the exchange rate, with the re-introduction of a flexible inter-bank exchange rate market, was restored.

He also explained that the workings of the market would be consistent with the CBN’s objectives of enhancing efficiency and facilitating a liquid and transparent forex market.

The decision to float a flexible forex policy may only have come as a surprise to President Muhammadu Buhari who insisted on being convinced by economists on why he should “kill the naira”.

But to discerning Nigerians, it had long become apparent that the currency fix introduced in February 2015 to stop the naira from falling when lower oil prices sparked trouble for the economy had become unsustainable.

While the naira was fixed at N197 to the United States dollar, the black market rate soared to N370.

Being a mono economy with crude oil export as the major source of forex, the economy took a drastic hit from the fall in commodity prices.

A prolonged period of holding the naira at an The decision to float a artificial level had a disruptive effect as foreign flexible forex policy may only have come as a surprise companies became reluctant to import goods when they were paid at distorted rates. to President Muhammadu The fixed currency rate created a vast black Buhari who insisted on being market for the dollar and by so doing squeezed the convinced by economists on why he should “kill the naira”. economy. The consequences were dire.

But to discerning Nigerians, In an attempt to shore up the value of the naira, it had long become apparent forex reserves declined from about $42.8 billion in that the currency fix introduced January 2014 to about $26.7 billion as of June 10, in February 2015 to stop the 2016. Average monthly inflows fell from about $3.2 naira from falling when lower billion to less than $1 billion per month. oil prices sparked trouble for But despite the sharp decline in forex inflow, its the economy had become demand rose significantly, from an average import unsustainable. bill of N148.3 billion per month in 2005, to about N917.6 billion per month in 2015.

To avoid further depletion of the reserves, the CBN prioritised the most critical needs for forex to stabilise the exchange rate.

But these policies did not help matters much because they only led, in most cases, to widespread shortage of raw materials, machine parts and supermarket products.

Companies suffered grievously having been forced onto the black market to pay for imports of goods and equipment. Those who could not cope left the country thus precipitating huge capital flight.

It was so bad that a number of foreign airlines recently stopped flying to Nigeria after they were unable to repatriate up to $600 million (£417 million) in ticket sales, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In May, Emefiele warned that a recession was imminent. That warning may have convinced Buhari to let go of tampering with the exchange rate.

When the new system comes into effect tomorrow, it will most likely lead to a significant devaluation of the naira. That will in turn push up the already high inflation and further hurt millions of Nigerians who live in abject poverty.

But ultimately, it will inject some sanity in the forex market and curb corruption. When that happens, foreign investors forced to flee may return as they will get more value for their money.

Economists also agree that a lower value of the naira will make domestic products cheaper and competing imports more expensive, which is hoped will help the struggling economy.

We support the new policy and urge the CBN to curtail infractions.

» PoliticsXtra

With Sam

sidonlookme@yahoo.co.uk 0805 618 0195

Let’s pray for Buhari

D

eath, that unwanted visitor and carrier of bad news, has done its worst again.

It visited TheNiche and claimed one of us; one of our best. Our friend, brother and colleague, Chuks Ehirim, passed on in the early hours of Thursday, June 16.

The last time I saw Chuks he did not look like someone about to die. When I learnt he was sick, I never knew it was onto death. His demise has brought pains and sorrow to all his friends.

I intend to pay him a proper tribute after visiting his family. Finally, he is resting in peace.

Seriously, we should all pray for President Muhammadu Buhari. He needs it. Forget about the economic hardship we are facing, which is a product of his mis-administration.

For those of us who still have faith in this nation, we believe that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Buhari seems to mean well as far as the moral cleanliness of this country is concerned. If he is going about it the wrong way, it simply means that he is human after all.

Yes, in carrying out the sanitation exercise, his broom has been tough and unfriendly. His demeanour has been pretty mean. He goes about it as though he is the only saint in town. That again, is his style.

I was alarmed last Thursday night when Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, informed the nation, in as casual a manner as possible, that Buhari will spend additional three days in the United Kingdom before returning to his beloved Nigeria.

Osinbajo, a professor of law and Pentecostal pastor, tried not to sound as serious as the issue demanded. He simply said that after about two weeks in the UK, it would do the nation no harm if the president spent another three days to rest.

That is allowed if it will make him recover fully from the ear infection when he finally returns. It is also a sign that in his absence,

Osinbajo can handle the affairs of the country diligently in spite of the distraction called Niger Delta Avengers, a group that is blowing up everything that contains oil.

Wait a minute! Is Osinbajo still addressed as vice president? I thought he should be called acting president since his boss had informed the National Assembly (NASS) that the professor would be acting in his absence. Can he, in his present capacity, exhibit full presidential powers?

Sorry, as I was saying, Buhari needs our prayers. We do not want affliction to visit us again. We do not want him to be brought back (God forbid). We want him to come back smiling and bouncing.

History is full of presidents who got sick while in office. Some of them recovered.

Others did not. A few of them, even in the United States of America, governed from the sick bed or even from a wheel chair; and they still governed well.

Our prayer is that Buhari recovers and returns home. We need him here.

Unfortunately, because he could not return on the original scheduled date, a lot of people started believing and spreading wicked rumours that his health condition had deteriorated.

It would surprise you to know that much of the speculations came from members of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Some of them had already started strategising on what could happen; just in case.

Their evil wish was based on the loud silence from the Presidential Villa.

At last, Osinbajo spoke. Whether we believe him or not, at least he spoke; and he is not a known spin doctor.

He said: “The president will be back on Sunday. I spoke with him yesterday evening and I think it is just the best that he takes the weekend off. He will certainly be back on Sunday.

“I think the most straightforward thing is when he will be back. He will be back on Sunday. There is no point rushing back on Friday or something like that. He will just take the weekend off and be back on Sun-

Observations from...

We aren’t all lying liars, wailing wailers

A

ll manner of long-winded phrases are daily added to our political lexicon by politicians. They assail one another to have the larger slice of the national cake.

This day it is the "lying liars"; the next, it’s the "wailing wailers".

There is never a lull in Nigeria’s current democratic narrative. When party A is not insulting party B, the government and the governed are having a cat-and-mouse interaction over a nonissue.

We still cannot decipher the time for governance from the time for politicking.

Those in the opposition do not recognise the time to give constructive criticism; neither does the government know the time to focus on rebuilding the nation’s broken down walls.

Our political space is a theatre of confusion, similar to the Biblical Tower of Babel. While everyone is talking, no one is listening. Issues are twisted and turned on their heads.

At times in the political melee, one can hardly differentiate between the argument of a pedestrian and that of a professor.

When the issue at hand favours one party, it is

amplified. When this party’s “heroes” in government or opposition make a glaring mistake however, the same people keep mute or throw tantrums when anyone summons the temerity to point it out.

The attitude of our politicians has caught on our youths. Lots of young people are so ephemeral in their thinking they drag their feet on major issues.

Instead of discussing how we can move our nation forward, some trend the mundane and the ridiculous on social media.

Rather than discuss issues that can really move our nation forward in the media, young people infected by the name-calling syndrome spend hours insulting perceived “enemies”.

Nigeria cannot move forward in this kind of atmosphere.

Wailing and lying must stop in our polity.

We’re not a nation of wailing wailers; neither are we a nation of lying liars.

We’re a nation of winners, fantastically blessed.

• Samuel Adeyemi Lagos

TheNiche on Sunday welcomes letters, maximum 250 words, from readers. Send to oguwikeng@yahoo.com

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

27

On the beat Oguwike Nwachuku

day.

“He is in perfect health and ready to resume work on Monday morning.

“Mr president is in good condition, he is fine, he is very well. He should take a day or two off in London and rest a bit and come back hale and hearty on Sunday and be ready for work on Monday. So we expect him back on Sunday.”

Buhari’s greatest problem, unknown to him, is not the opposition called the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He has become what Tony Judt calls a perforce politician, a prisoner of his past pronouncements, a prisoner of his party, a prisoner of his constituents, and a prisoner of his colleagues.

His party members who thought that having enthroned him, they would have a stomach-full of godfather-luxuries are out to stab him in the back. They are the ones questioning why he should seek healthcare abroad, just as I have questioned; though I’m not one of them.

Let me answer them in the words of Herbert Hoover, former American president: “When we are sick, we want an uncommon doctor; when we have a construction job, we want uncommon engineer; and when we are at war, we want an uncommon general.

“It is only when we get into politics that we are satisfied with the common man.”

oguwikeng@yahoo.com, o.nwachuku@thenicheng. com

Sheriff, a prediction foretold

I

n the article titled “Sheriff, PDP chairman or undertaker?” published in this column on February 28, I examined the character and political temperament of former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu-Sheriff, who, at the time, some members of the speedily cascading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wanted to lead the party.

However, to many discerning political minds, Sheriff’s choice was simply borne out of desperation, and perhaps selfish consideration of a few PDP felons who saw in his coming a goldmine.

They thought he was a moneybag but soon discovered he was like any other Nigerian politician.

Last week, PDP power brokers, including Board of Trustee (BoT) members and governors, formally handed over the party’s national headquarters to its National Caretaker Committee, headed by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Markafi.

Then drama heralded Sheriff taking over the same premises. All of this vindicated my prediction.

Here is the earlier thought on Sheriff published on February 28…

A new sheriff is in town. His image now looms large in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the behemoth that walked the land.

Luckily, his name is also Ali-Modu Sheriff. Since he was unveiled as the PDP chairman to take over from Adamu Muazu who resigned last year, and pilot the affairs of the party, he has been talking tough.

But his sermon is with a caveat. He is pleading with those opposed to his choice to give him a chance and join hands with him to salvage the party from the straw it is clutching to in a sea of unimaginable depth.

Sheriff has been talking since Tuesday, February 16 when his party unmasked him from where he was hiding because of his alleged links with Boko Haram.

His words: “The task ahead of us is very challenging. The task is to rebuild this party; carrying everybody along and making

sure the PDP secures victory in 2019.

“I know that some people have expressed some feelings, which are allowed in any democracy but I want to assure everybody that for the choice you made today, nobody will regret it. The PDP will win come 2019.

“The PDP is a party that has structures across the country, it is a party that is focused, all we need to do is join hands together to achieve success. It is not the task of Sheriff alone. We will pilot this party to success in 2019.

“For 16 years, the PDP won elections and controlled the government at the federal level. Therefore, there is no reason we should not recover and become stronger in the days ahead.”

The choice of Sheriff, former senator and two-term governor of Borno State, has attracted a lot of flak from members and non members of the PDP. The argument from both sides is the morality of his selection given his alleged links with Boko Haram.

But do morals really count in political calculations in Nigeria? And how many Nigerian politicians are morally credible?

Femi Fani-Kayode, a PDP chieftain, said: “Given today’s events there appears to be deep cause for concern. It is clear to me that more than at any other time in almost 17 years of its existence, the PDP needs serious prayer.”

The moral burden of Sheriff’s selection wags the tail of the South East and South South PDP caucus members in the National Assembly (NASS) who have rejected him and are threatening mass defection from the party.

“We all know the issue that has been around Sheriff. For some time now, his name has been consistently linked with the Boko Haram issue and we need to allow him clear his name rather than bother him with the leadership of the PDP at this time.

“If those pushing for the former senator succeed, I can tell you that the nation will witness massive defection from the PDP. We in the South East and South South

are ready to leave the PDP,” a senator was quoted as saying.

Given the history of the PDP from the days of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when stooges were preferred for high profile positions, one is not surprised that the party is still not ready to learn from its own failings.

With the exception of former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, and former Plateau State Governor, Solomon Lar, all PDP chairmen were lackeys of PDP presidents, including Goodluck Jonathan.

Three main scenarios may have given fillip to the choice of Sheriff at this critical juncture in the life of the party.

First. He is believed to be very wealthy and may, therefore, have been drafted by some PDP National Working Committee (NWC) members and other party chieftains for pecuniary reasons, not for their believe in his capacity to turn the party around.

It takes a Sheriff with a deep pocket from the North East, where the PDP chairmanship is zoned, to give a handsome valedictory to PDP NWC members whose tenures are expiring.

Second. Sheriff may have been recruited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) or its allies as the undertaker for the PDP’s final resting place.

Obasanjo did a similar thing with Mahmud Waziri and Edwin Ume-Ezeoke.

He planted them in the then All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and used them to destabilise it to the advantage of the PDP. Obasanjo was also instrumental to Sheriff dumping the ANPP for the PDP. Third. Sheriff himself may have entered into a clandestine deal with the APC – which comprises his political associates from his days in the All Peoples Party (APP) and ANPP – to use his PDP chairmanship to clear his name and reunite with political folks for future exploits.

These are the things that should really worry the PDP and not the moral burden all of them are wearing like agbada….

We hope that (then) PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh’s explanation is true: that Sheriff was chosen based on assessments

independently carried out by PDP power blocks – Governors’ Forum, NWC, NASS caucus and national leadership.

We hope they weighed all the options that may work against the party with Sheriff in charge.

The PDP needs a direction provided by a turn-around political artist, young and vibrant, hardly tainted by the stories we hear about the characters that have been leading the party….

There are young men and women from the North East ready to work for the PDP’s revival.

With the right leadership, a party that controls 11 states should not be afraid to win back federal power. Or to keep Muhammadu Buhari’s feet to the fire, and give him and his APC a good fight for good governance.

Did I hear the PDP say the APC hired embattled, nay rejected, Sheriff to destroy the PDP before the 2019 general election?

Can anyone say the PDP is not justified in taking that position, considering that Sheriff forced himself into its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, June 13 and said he remains its chairman till 2018 and that no one has the power to remove him?

Is it also for nothing that the policemen who earlier stopped Sheriff from gaining access to the PDP national secretariat were the same policemen who escorted him hours later into the office after overlooking thugs with dangerous weapons who were ready to harm any intruder? “[PDP] National Secretary, Wale Oladipo, is here with me. He knows that both the NWC members and all the PDP governors begged me to come to become chairman.

“All the NWC, BoT and [PDP] Governor’s Forum supported my being chairman and when it came to voting, I got 69 votes to emerge the winner over other contenders,” Sheriff retorted at a press briefing while taking a swipe at the PDP for disallowing him access to the party’s headquarters.

Need we say more?

Funny World

m or o.nwachuku@thenicheng.com or thenichenewsroom@gmail.com

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Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikechukwu Amaechi Executive Editor Oguwike Nwachuku Editor, Politics/Features Emeka Duru Editor-at-Large Sam Akpe Assistant Editor, North Chuks Ehirim

Chief Operating Officer / FM Eugene Onyeji Human Resources Manager Kehinde Okeowo Advert Manager Vera Iyere

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June 19, 2016

Words &Worlds

W

»

The new poor: Frustrated, angry and crying for help ITHIN the past few days, I have had to take on some of my social media contacts over their (gentle) rebuke of me for, in their judgement, showing more concern about happenings in foreign lands than in our own country.

On June 13, 2016, set aside to mark the World Albinism Day, I had tweeted about that condition, stating that albinos were not fetish objects and should not be treated as such. I made particular reference to Malawi, given that country’s terrible reputation of being a place where albinos, especially babies and children, are regularly abducted and murdered because of fetish beliefs that their bones bring good luck.

Somebody had responded to my tweet, asking me to leave Malawi alone and concentrate my thoughts on the situation in Nigeria. In fact, he accused me (falsely) of not expressing concern about happenings at home and caring more about what was happening outside. My response was: “I am Nigerian, I am African, and a citizen of the world. We have God-given capacity for largeheartedness.”

The second occurrence was the horrific case of the murder of 49 people and wounding of several others in a gay club in Orlando, Florida, United States of America (U.S.A.), by an apparently deranged individual in the early hours of Sunday, June 12,

Mac Odu

INDELIBLE MARKS

I

Remi Sonaiya

0806 8909 467 profmarkodu@yahoo.co.uk

was posted to Surulere office, shortly after, to manage the office after my colleague, Dipo Onabanjo. Surulere office offered me immense independence, but did not offer me sufficient challenge to compensate for the remoteness of the location with mainstream business in Lagos.

Lagos Island office provided me experience in the whole array of sub-sets of the profession. Surulere was heavy in management real estate. There was little challenge there.

I was bored and said so. I earned a recall to Lagos for speaking forth.

I must recount what developed shortly afterwards. I was seriously upset with the management of Harriman Epega and Company early in 1974.

A young lady, who had worked hard for the company as a typist got married, became pregnant and had to seek maternity leave from the partners. The economic climate was good for the practice, but the partners

2016. I expressed sadness over the disaster, saying that the whole world mourned in solidarity with the American people. A response I got was to the effect that disasters were happening in Nigeria too and I was somewhat rebuked for expressing particular concern over what was happening in far away U.S.A. I replied that I was mindful of the fact, but that we share a common humanity with people wherever they live and therefore should be touched by their plight.

My respondents’ line of reasoning needs to be probed, and it reminds one of some criticisms that attended Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) during the war in Liberia, for example. The feeling was expressed in certain quarters that there was no reason Nigeria should be spending a large sum of money in the interest of another country while there was much in our own land that money was needed for. Like the Yoruba adage goes, omo eni ko se idi bebere ka fi ileke si ti omo elomiran? (do you leave your own child’s waist bare and go on to adorn another person’s child’s waist with beads?). While there might even be an argument to be held as to the reasonableness or otherwise of spending tangible resources for others while your own people are equally in need, how about the case of intangible “resources” like compassion and goodwill? Do you

deplete your pool of compassion and end up impoverishing your own people by “using” it in the interest of others? Is that a justifiable line of reasoning; and if not, why has it arisen?

To my mind, this kind of attitude (which says: Look, we are suffering here too; don’t be so concerned about other places) is probably a cry for help from a particular segment of the society. There is no doubt that much suffering exists currently in the land, no thanks to the economic downturn which has affected all but the most well-padded heels in the country. From those government workers whose salaries have not been paid for six months or more, to people in the private sector who have had to be retrenched due to the slow-down of the economy, many Nigerians are suffering untold hardship.

A new category of “beggars” has thus emerged in the land, forced to call upon family and friends to help even with feeding themselves and their children – and they are very angry. They constitute a class one might refer to as “the new poor”. They have now used up the little they had put aside for the rainy day, and some have even resorted to selling off their belongings. And they do not sense that people care at all, or sufficiently, about their plight.

While I cannot be certain that those who have accused me of

insensitivity to local conditions belong to this class, I believe it is useful, nonetheless, to engage in this exercise, even if it ends up being mere speculation. We must be concerned about the kind of sentiments that have been discussed so far: No need to express condolences or sympathy for people whom calamity has befallen in other parts of the world because we have our own calamities here at home too. Where it becomes all the more worrisome is when one equally considers the increasing incidences of violence in the country: husbands hacking wives to death; fathers raping their own daughters; women trafficking in teenage girls and using them to run their baby factories; kidnapping; etc. The question is: what are the harsh times currently being experienced pushing Nigerians into?

Hard times may bring out the best in people – causing them to become creative, thinking outside the box and finding new ways of generating wealth or simply of making ends meet. No doubt, some of our compatriots have been able to turn their challenges into springboards and give their lives new meaning. But hard times may also bring out the worst in people. It is our responsibility to help those who are succumbing under the weight of the current harsh realities and losing their sense of our shared humanity.

Echoes from my past (4)

were loose with expenditure.

They waived any expense item that did not massage their fast bloating egos. The partners reached a decision that she should resign and re-apply for her position after delivery of her child. I thought that was callous and insensitive of them.

I was so upset by that decision that I wondered what virtue there was in being affluent. If affluence meant avoiding responsibility in order to deny simple folk the benefit of one’s labour, I was not interested in being affluent. I probably did not belong there at Harriman and Epega (the registered name of the firm had in the mean time changed from Harriman and Co as result of the ingress into the practice of Benjamin Epega).

An intuitive guidance was strong, that I had had enough. Mr. Epega was hard-nosed and thrifty. Mr. Harriman was not focused on the profession enough. To a large extent, the partnership was beneficial to the practice. But Mr. (now Dr.) Ben Epega was pinching pennies a bit too much for the

health of the practice. He also laboured in quiet disapproval of the style of expenditure of Hope. Although disciplined financial attitude was engendered in the practice, allowances due to staff for speeding up work came slower and output was afflicted.

The partners gave ill-formed sub-professional staff no sense of discipline with the manner they treated resources. This resulted in attempts by sub-professional staff to make some money on the side while half-heartedly serving the firm. I did not condone that attitude among staff. Over time, staff saw that the partners themselves were not sufficiently disciplined. They started cutting into deals of the company and one was caught red-handed. The partners wanted the associates in the firm to adjudicate the issue and find the staff guilty, so he could be relieved of his post. I resisted being used for that, since the partners had, at an immediate earlier instance, promoted the culprit without consent and approval of the associates under whom they worked. This was the second unacceptable event that

directly led to my withdrawing my services from the practice of Harriman and Epega.

I went thereafter into deep contemplation on what I was offering to the firm as against what I was getting from the practice. I discovered that the real task of the partners of grooming younger professionals and guiding them unto the disciplined path was not being done.

I hold firmly to the view that the main purpose of pupillage is to bring up professionals, in an established tradition of discipline, education and re-education, monitoring and inculcation of discipline, which would sustain the positive growth of the profession. I hold the view that the distraction, which the professions suffered in the poor management of the economy, which the military will remain to blame for, accentuated the ineffectiveness of the professions in checking the profligacy of the administration of the country’s resources.

If the professionals had remained untainted, it would have been difficult for the military to enjoy the field day they had.

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TheNiche June 19, 2016

Amnesty, Nigerian Army and MASSOB/IPOB agitators

O

ne thing the report by Amnesty International on the May 30 Onitsha/ Nkpor, Anambra State, mayhem exposed last week is the despicable level Nigeria has degenerated in its disposition towards its own people.

Yes, there are disagreements on how many members of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) felled by security agents during their rally in commemoration of the 49 years of declaration of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

Amnesty, in its report, indicated that 17 people were killed, with scores wounded. Independent sources placed the casualty rate higher than 50, while the Army claimed that its personnel killed only five MASSOB/IPOB agitators.

In a confusing situation as this, discrepancies in the casualty figure cannot be ruled out. In similar way, disputations on modes of operation by the respective parties could be expected. While the agitators maintained that they were peaceful and non-violent, the Army claimed they were armed and destructive. The situation is, thus, bound to be that of accusations and counter-accusations.

But one thing that has remained recurrent is the frequency of clashes between the Army and the pro-Biafra youths. There is also the chilling aspect of the number of victims that trails such encounters.

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»OpenCopy

with Emeka Alex Duru

Statistics from Amnesty International, for instance, indicates that between August 2015 and May 2016, there have been at least five similar incidents in Onitsha alone where the police and military shot unarmed IPOB members and supporters.

On December 17, 2015, the military killed five people when they opened fire on members of the group who were demonstrating in Onitsha in a celebration of a court order for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is still in detention.

Similar acts of high-handedness by security men against the pro-Biafra agitators resonate in other parts of the South East. Last February, the military used excessive force to disperse a peaceful gathering in a school compound in Aba, Abia State. At least, nine people were killed and more injured in the exercise.

The Nigerian government, curiously, has not conducted any independent investigation into any of these incidents.

It has also not made any statement or taken any action indicating its aversion to the application of maximum force against the protesters, whose only offence, in these instances, is their demand for self-determination.

In a country that parades a constitution that professes freedom of association and right to assembly, this should not have been the case. But the peculiarity of the Nigerian situation, sadly, makes it so.

And the leaders know what the is-

sues are. It is about justice and equity that successive leaders of the country had turned blind eyes to over time. It is, incidentally, this ostrich disposition that is drawing sympathy and attracting legitimacy to the demands of the proBiafra activists and similar organisations in other parts of the country.

Ordinarily, among the Igbo, there may not be consensus on the agenda and strategies of the agitators. There may, for instance, be issues of leadership, timing and space constraints in the Biafra enterprise. In that case, it may not be a project that may even sail through among the mainstream Igbo elite or the populace.

But a resort to the strong arm tactics of forcing the people to extinguish the thought without offering them a convincing alternative is bound to be counter-productive.

The daring stance of the agitators in going about their agenda, even in the face of murderous tactics of the Army, is a tricky dimension of the struggle that the government cannot continue to gloss over.

After the February attack on the agitators in Aba, for instance, IPOB leadership issued a release warning that further unprovoked attacks on its armless members would see them resorting to arm struggle.

That was a proclamation that should give concern to every right-thinking person. But the government does not seem to be bothered at that.

We should, for now, count ourselves lucky that the IPOB has not toed this fatalistic route. But how far this grace would go may not be easily determined. Government is not helping matters in this respect. When it repeatedly courts leadership of the terrorist Boko Haram for truce without success, seeks out arrowheads of Niger Delta militancy, but, on the other hand, unleashes its security agents on non-violent pro-Biafra operatives, it perhaps, unwittingly lends weight to the allegation of double standard against it.

It is also, by that, sending the impression that a movement needs to be violent before government can go into negotiations with it. But that is not what it should be. The template for human relations has, if anything, changed for rapprochement and proactive engagement.

In the new world order that is characterised by dialogue, even among hitherto sworn enemies, Nigeria cannot afford to be continuously at war with some sections of its citizenry. What is presently needed in taming the IPOB agitation is a sincere discussion on the demands by the activists.

This will not cost the government much. If anything, it would afford it more mileage at offering the country peace, than constantly engaging the IPOB boys that are increasingly being pushed to call the bluff of the bullets from the armed forces.

What’s the value of our democracy?

I

By Edward Dibiana

n the scorching sun and draining heat of a sweltering afternoon, at a building construction site recently in Abuja, some artisans tangoed vociferously in a heated debate.

The debate centred on the hardship in the country that engineers diminishing faith in the political leadership of the country.

The argument was specifically on who to blame between the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government or the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) administration for the wide-spread difficulty in the land.

In the encounter, coloured with passion, anger and disappointment, but undiminished logic, one of the artisans, shouting at the top of his voice (while performing the job that brought him to the site), said: “Make una no dey give me headache, abeg. The only president I know is this site engineer. Na only him dey remember me.

My only governor na this Oga Foreman. Na only them two dey carry me come work make hunger no kill my family. Government no dey remember me. Dem no know me sef. For election, APC go give you T-shirt, PDP go give you T-shirt.

Na shirt go feed your family? Politicians na the same for my village, for Abuja, for Kano and for everywhere.

“Politicians no care about us. Last election, I vote under sun. Next election, never...never...”

While this construction assistant might not have acquired formal education, not many can fault his logic and understanding of the concept of true leadership and loyalty, which is far from the charade being exhibited by some members of the political class that are insensitive, banal, self-serving and deceptive.

This simple political analysis that informed the realistic opinion of this uneducated and probably unskilled construction hand shows that he and many people of his ilk are not fooled by the rhetoric of political campaigns that are usually oiled with bogus promises and inanities that add no value to the well-being of the ordinary man.

Neither are they perturbed by the showmanship or self-adulation of political leaders and their agents, who often forget that they are essentially in positions of authority to serve the people and not to be served.

These set of people might have the misfortune of being far from the plundering ground of the common wealth of the nation or the proverbial national cake, but are obviously far from being ignorant of happenings in the society. They are more politically informed than the political class would want to accede to them. They are not oblivious that the current difficulties are not necessarily the making of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, or that of the PDP or APC, but that of the political class who failed to provide genuine people-oriented leadership that could improve the well-being of the people and guarantee the security of the citizenry, which ought to be the core responsibility of every government.

When, for instance, a local government chairman turns to ‘king of kings’ in his domain and becomes richer than his local government by converting the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to his private income, the people take note. And perceptions are formed about his quality of leadership because leadership is like a mirror; what is presented is what is reflected.

When half of the Nigerian senators abandon their legislative duties to accompany Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, every time to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja, where he is facing criminal charges, the ordinary man wonders if such anomaly would have been tolerated in the private sector, where official hours are not wasted for unofficial activities. People observe these occurrences and query the morality of such actions and the credentials of these leaders.

Beyond being amazed by the magnitude of corruption going on in the system, ordinary Nigerians who sweat for their daily bread under difficult conditions are further dazed by the volume of money maniacally looted by these supposed leaders. When things like that continue to take

place in the society, perceptions are formed, leading to further gulf between the leaders and the led.

When some middle-range civil servants buy several houses in exclusive areas of Abuja, where such properties cost N500 million and above and send all their children abroad to school or enrol them in expensive private schools where each child pays at least N2 million per term, the common man wonders where such civil servants inherited such fortunes.

Today is exactly one week after May 29 when governments at all levels rolled out drums to celebrate yet another Democracy Day. But what was there for the ordinary man to celebrate? What is the value of democracy when quality of life and living is increasingly diminishing? To the common man across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, life is a nightmare: poor healthcare, poor electricity, high cost of living, unemployment, horrible roads, high rate of infant and maternal mortality. Yet they are told that democracy is the answer to most societal problems.

Such people are unlikely to be hoodwinked by the grandstanding of the current divided Labour leadership, whose schism mirrors the larger challenge of ever compromised process of leadership selection that ultimately leads to questionable leadership in Nigeria. Are these Labour leaders in a position to command the respect, solidarity and belief of the ordinary man, when there is an obvious suspicion that they are not entirely different from the government they are supposed to hold accountable? A recent internet viral image of a latest Toyota Land Cruiser, with a number plate, ‘NLC 1’, which is allegedly the official vehicle of one of the Labour leaders, estimated at over N25 million, sends instant message to the public that such leadership might serve all but the genuine interest of the ordinary Nigerian worker. How can they in all honesty rationalise such display of crass ostentation in the face of the plight of the ordinary worker who is still taking home a monthly pay package of N18,000?

These ordinary Nigerians are everywhere – in every state, every community and every neighbourhood. They are the real people. They constitute the greater percentage of the population of our nation. Sadly, they feel neglected and forgotten by a political leadership that has alienated itself from the true source of its power: the people.

Although the responsibility for change or transformation is not only that of the occupants of the presidential villa or government houses, they no doubt will take the front role in changing negative public perception by consciously taking steps that would genuinely and positively impact the lives of the ordinary man, thereby winning the trust and belief of the citizenry.

Beyond that, people in leadership positions at all levels, whether elected or appointed, should, in the interest of democracy and its survival, inspire hope and faith in the people by not only their actions, conducts and lifestyles, but also the genuineness of interest in the overall well-being of the people under their leadership. The public mirror for leadership remains unbroken. Just as it is applicable in elementary literature, you analyse a character by “what he says, what he does and what people say about him”.

No democracy can survive without the patriotic support of the people. And the people cannot realistically continue to support a system that tramples on their welfare. Democracy would only be nurtured where there is genuine peace among the people. This informs the maxim that no meaningful development can take place in a society characterised by rancour. Democracy that neglects the interests of the people is unwittingly inviting crisis.

Therefore, as governments across the nation celebrate Democracy Day, they should be wary of the growing negative vibes and tension in the land, which are symptoms of trauma inflicted on the people by failure of successive governments.

The people are keenly watching.

• Dibiana, a journalist and media consultant, wrote in from Abuja.

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June 19, 2016

FREE SPEECH

I

By Sani Abdulrahman

t’s a particularly humid April morning at the Government Girls Day Secondary School in Gusau, Zamfara State, where Mariam and her 63 other classmates sat with their eyes steadfastly glued to the blackboard as the teacher introduced a new topic in Chemistry to their young and inquisitive minds. It’s one of the marathon revision classes scheduled to prepare these young female scholars for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination starting in a few days. Even my presence and camera did little to break their rapt attention as they tried to absorb every term and equation on the board. The stakes are high.

Two years ago, thousands of miles from Gusau where Mariam and her friends are having their preparations, a larger group of female students were undergoing a similar exercise in a similar institution before tragedy struck. A tragedy that shook Nigeria to its very foundation and held the attention of the whole world for months after 276 female students were kidnapped by terrorist group Boko Haram from then Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. Fifty-seven of them managed to escape and since then the clamour for the release of the remaining 219 is on.

The Chibok Girls, as they are now known, have proved to be a watershed in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Two years later, the North East communities ravaged by the war are springing to life again, though the scars remain. A particularly worrying scar is the damage done to female education in Northern Nigeria. While there is no concrete data available yet to compare enrolment rates in primary and secondary schools before and after the tragic incident, it is incontrovertible that some damage was done to the psyche of parents who are desirous of sending their children to school, especially the female ones.

That unfortunately is a rather unpleasant com-

Defying the odds: Girl-child education in Zamfara

plication to a grim reality. The global figure for outof-school children is estimated at 121 million, 65 million being girls, and over 80 per cent of these girls live in Sub Saharan Africa. According to The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 40 per cent of Nigerian children aged six to 11 do not attend any primary school, with the Northern region recording the lowest school attendance rate, particularly for girls. Despite a significant increase in net enrolment rates in recent years, it is estimated that there are still 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, most of them girls. Of those fortunate enough to enrol, less than two-third complete primary school and even fewer girls finish secondary school.

Zamfara State has proved, in recent years, to be the silver lining in the cloud of female education in Northern Nigeria. The state has the highest enrolment figure for girls in primary and secondary school in the North West, and third highest in North West and North East combined. Indeed, Zamfara is the only state in the North West and North East to have more girls than boys in secondary school in the last two years. The number of girls who enrol in school and complete their O’ level also increased by 40 per cent in the last three years. It doesn’t end there. In five out of 14 local government areas in Zamfara, there are more girls than boys in both public and private primary schools. One of the very few states in Northern Nigeria with such record. These statistics are by no means accidental, but as a result of deliberate moves by and strategic policies of the current administration in Zamfara led by Governor Abdul’aziz Yari.

Close to the Government Girls Day Secondary School is Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, a manifestation of the strategic purposefulness with which the current Zamfara government has pursued improvements in girl-child education in the state. Most parents do not send their children, especially girls, to school and prefer to send them to Qur’anic rather than formal schools.

One of the secrets to getting parents to enrol their children in school, especially girls, and keeping them there in Zamfara is the provision of alternative school structures and curriculum, an example of which is the Arabic schools in the state. Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, for instance, sits close to Government Girls Day Secondary School. Both are girls-only secondary education institutions with modern facilities. The former places more emphasis on Arabic Studies than the latter.

The availability of such diverse options has made it possible for the state government to convince parents to send their girls to school without the fear of erosion of values they hold dear The School For Continuing Education for Women in Gusau is yet another example of the determination of the Zamfara State government in ensuring that girls are women in the state are trained, educated and empowered to compete with not just men, but their peers worldwide.

Many children do not attend school because they are needed either at home or to bring additional income into the family. The burden of catering for the family is often placed upon the girl-child at a young age, and as a result many of them are unable to complete their education, if they are lucky enough to start at all. This gap is what the Zamfara government has managed to bridge through the provision of a specialised educational system to cater solely to young married women.

Government Girls College in Talata Mafara is the only female science school in Zamfara and one of the few that exists in the North West. This is where the future female doctors and engineers from Zamfara are being trained. The school spots one of the best boarding facilities in Northern Nigeria and full housing facilities for staff. An ultra-modern laboratory and well-stocked library are pointers to the seriousness with which the government takes the training of these crop of aspiring female scientists.

This story of girls in Zamfara who are defying all odds in the pursuit of education will not be

complete without mentioning the investments made by the governor in this sector. Yari stepped into the governance of Zamfara and had to take far-reaching steps in raising the standard of education in the state. More than 300 new blocks of classrooms were constructed and commissioned in the first year alone. A 7,000-capacity teachers training centre was built in Gusau fully equipped to prepare teachers for the latest demand in teaching profession.

The current administration has gone to great lengths to take Zamfara out of the bottom rung of WAEC pass rates it was in 2012 by placing emphasis on the education of girls and women. The 2016 budget of the state and amount allocated to education shows the government is serious further reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state. Due to high poverty rates, most families cannot afford the associated costs of sending their children to school such as uniforms and textbooks.

This hurdle has been removed by making education free in the state. Added to that is the school feeding programme as an incentive to keep children in school and keep the properly nourished for the intellectual rigour of learning.

Just two months ago, an advisory committee set up for the revival of the education sector in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, headed by former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, submitted its report. The governor, who received the report on behalf of his colleagues, gave indications that nothing less than 35 per cent of the annual budget of the state will be allocated to education.

This is the kind of good news Mariam and other girls in Zamfara need to inspire them for the challenges ahead. If the pace of advancement in girl-child education in Zamfara is maintained, the Yari administration would have succeeded in providing a template for tackling one of the greatest obstacles to the development of the Northern region.

loyalty and national followership.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo used the National Unity Government to knit a fragmented nation together at the dawn of the new democratic era. A leading member of the opposition, Bola Ige, became the Minister of Power, though Obasanjo performed poorly in the South West. Obasanjo/ PDP saw the overriding need to dilute the bad blood brewed by the annulment of June 12 presidential election and the ugly events that followed it. In 2011, PDP also zoned the Speakership of the House of Representatives to the South West despite performing poorly there.

In contemporary America, President Barack Obama has appointed at least 18 Republicans, including Robert Gates (Secretary of Defence, 20092011) and John McHugh (Secretary of the Army), Chuck Hagel (Secretary of Defence, 2013-2015), Ben Bernanke (Chairman of the Federal Reserve, 2010-2014), and Jon Huntsman Jr. (Ambassador to China, 2009-2011), into key positions.

The truth is that a country dies when it dies in the hearts of her citizens. She dies slowly and painfully when it evokes only indifference and indignation among any section of the citizenry.

As Senator Ekweremadu has often pointed out, even before the 2015 polls, global experiences show that a people who feel unjustly treated and alienated would never be interested in peace or in contributing their quota to national development. The resurgence of Biafra consciousness in the South East and South South as well as the rebirth of militancy in the Niger Delta may well lay credence to this.

Now, whether it was by coincidence that both the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ekweremadu, were born the same year (1962), one cannot tell. But their emergence as presiding officers of the eighth Senate was more like God going out of his way to do for us that which we could not really sit down to do for ourselves. After all, as it is often said, God is a Nigerian.

Although the South East and South South regions voted overwhelmingly for the PDP and rejected the APC, their electoral choices do not make them less Nigerian, and indeed an important part of Nigeria. For one, oil revenue, the lifeblood of the nation, flows from their territories. Again, although it is now the minority party, PDP still commands a strong representation that almost equals the numerical strength of the ruling APC in

the Senate.

Ekweremadu’s emergence, therefore, partly filled a big hollow that could have occurred in running a vast country like ours without the South South/ South East in any principal position. It also partly solved the challenge of accommodating a potent force like the PDP. Unfortunately, for the bi-partisan Senate leadership, which Ekweremadu’s emergence created, the sea has been anything but calm. Yet, the good thing is that Saraki and Ekweremadu have so far jointly and successfully waded through the stormy, muddy, shark-infested political waters, charting a trajectory for a more resourceful Senate in the past 365 days.

For Ekweremadu in particular, the past one year has put paid to some outlandish lies, misconceptions, misgivings and mischiefs peddled by propagandists at his emergence.

First, it is common knowledge now that it is not anathema to be elected a presiding officer from the opposition/minority party as Section 50 of the 1999 Constitutions shows. It has additionally emerged that even before Ekweremadu’s re-election, the APC had, in the same June, produced the Speakers of the Benue and Plateau Houses of Assembly, even as a minority party in those states. There was also an antecedent in the seventh NASS. Further, Ekweremadu has shown that a deputy president of the Senate of the opposition stock does not necessarily have to work against the country’s President and/or the ruling party’s programmes, so long as they are in Nigeria’s interest.

The Saraki/Ekweremadu-led Senate has so far given all needed corporation without necessarily being a rubber stamp. They have even got the Senate to bend backwards on certain matters, including the 2016 Budget.

Additionally, the PDP Caucus in the National Assembly has proven itself a most responsible opposition; one that understands that the federal government is one and concerns itself with the welfare of Nigerians. Citizens face the same challenges, irrespective of party affiliations. There are currently no separate foodstuff market or exchange rate for those who voted for change and those who voted against it.

Ekweremadu declared in a recent interview: “As PDP, we are Nigerians and we love Nigeria as well. We are not going to hinge our return on the failure of the APC. No. Certainly, we want APC to succeed. We would like APC to succeed in the

interest of Nigeria.”

Only recently, the PDP took the lead, even ahead of the APC, in praying for Buhari’s quick recovery as he embarked on London medical trip.

Ekweremadu, who led the prayer at Wadata Plaza, prayed: “Father, you give power to whom you have chosen. This your servant, General Buhari, you have made him our President today. Father, may it please you to give him good health. Whatever is afflicting him, Father, we are appealing to you to stretch your healing hands and make him whole again.”

Ekweremadu has also shown a high level of neutrality and patriotism expected of a presiding officer. The high point was during the ministerial screening when all PDP senators, except Ekweremadu, stormed out of the chamber to protest the decision of the Senate to go ahead to screen former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, despite indictment by a Rivers State panel over alleged corruption. As another PDP senator later explained, it did not necessarily mean that Ekweremadu was not on the same page with his party, but he is a presiding officer of the Senate, not that of the PDP. Again, just as Ekweremadu’s total loyalty to Senator David Mark enthroned unparalleled stability in the sixth and seventh Senate, he has also shown unalloyed loyalty to Saraki. He has continued to weather the storm with him and in the ongoing effort to reconcile contending interests within the Senate. In the ongoing Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) trial, Ekweremadu, along with other senators, have displayed courage and solidarity for their President, standing staunchly together in defence of the independence of the legislature.

Saraki, in his goodwill message to Ekweremadu on his 54th birthday in May, described his deputy as “dependable, solid, and progressive”. This can indeed be rightly deemed as Ekweremadu’s oneyear report card.

Ekweremadu has truly shown that though tongues and parties may differ, our national needs are virtually the same. Therefore, it behoves our political leaders, across party lines, to fold their sleeves and work concertedly to lift the nation from her humongous challenges. A man whose house is on fire does not go chasing rats about.

• Anichukwu is Special Adviser on Media to Deputy President of the Senate

Ekweremadu and bi-partisan Senate leadership

By Uche Anichukwu

P

resident Abraham Lincoln was bidding for another term of office in the final days of the American civil war in 1864.

He shocked the war-torn nation by dropping his Vice President and fellow Republican, Hannibal Hamlin, and chose Andrew Johnson, a ‘War Democrat’ from Tennessee, as his running mate.

American historians adduce two major reasons for this. The very bloody American civil war divided the country between the Union (the United States national government and the 23 free states as well as five states at the border that supported it) and the Confederate States of America (11 states in the South that opposed the Union). With victory over the Confederacy/South now almost a fait accompli, Lincoln wanted to demonstrate leniency and that he was after America’s unity, not conquest and retribution.

A statesman, Lincoln was also thinking ahead about the post-war re-construction. A Southern Vice President would serve as a foothold, Tennessee would serve as a gateway to the South, while a Democrat would put both parties on the same page in ending the war, in re-construction and re-integration. Lincoln even went on to temporarily rename Republican Party the National Union Party for the purpose of that election.

Although the Nigerian 2015 presidential election was not a war in the true sense of it, it bore quite some semblance of it. The propaganda, the manipulation of ethno-religious and sectional sentiments was just too high. It turned citizens against one another, with a great number fleeing to their regions. The tension was palpable and choking, and Nigerians feared for the worst.

Thank God for that singular patriotic congratulatory phone call from then President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which pulled Nigeria from the brinks and deflated the ballooning trepidation.

Ordinarily, the greatest task before a post-2015 election Nigerian government (whether APC or PDP) should have been to take immediate steps to re-unite Nigerians; to deploy the virtues of equal opportunity, fair treatment, accommodation, and forgiveness (if voting for a different party is indeed a sin) to enthrone a higher order of patriotism,

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June 19, 2016

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The scheduled inauguration of Kaduna/Abuja railway next month speaks volumes of the Transport Minister who promised that his ministry would ensure completion of all existing projects under his ministry within the first tenure of the current dispensation, writes Correspondent, SAM NWOKORO.

I

T IS NOT easy to man a government department such as the Ministry of Transportation in Nigeria. Reason: The issue of infrastructure development in the country, most times, is politicised. Thus, most projects are abandoned. Some projects see many governments and tenures.

If there is any sector of the nation’s economy that holds the key to her rapid industrial growth, it is the rail sector because of the capability of the train to haul goods and personnel in large numbers, and at a relatively cheap rate. It is the common man’s most convenient means of transportation, both in developing and developed countries. The rail system is the springboard of industrialisation.

Nigeria’s rail system has been the most politicised in the nation’s infrastructure politics. This is understandable at a time land and air transportation is increasingly becoming risky.

However, the news that Rotimi Amaechi, the Transport Minister, has deemed it fit to break this jinx by tackling head-on the projects initiated by the immediate past government is cheering. The Minister of Transport did not resort to the old tactics of always abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors or inflating the cost for selfish reasons. Rather he went outright to itemise those that are of strategic importance to the nation’s growth aspirations and continued with them without looking back.

The result of this first-of-its-kind demonstration of public spirit is the scheduled flag-off of service on the newly constructed Kaduna-Abuja rail line. Barring any last minute hitch, this new rail service will commence operation first week of July when President Muhammadu Buhari is billed to formally flag it off.

This will probably be the first major federal project Buhari will commission. Perhaps that will mark the real change in tangible terms that Nigerians have been clamouring for, and which the All Progressives Congress (APC) government promised.

Assurance Last week, after what seemed like his last inspection tour of the project, Amaechi told journalists who accompanied him on the tour: “We are looking at the first week of July because we are good to go. In two weeks from now, the contractors will test-run the tracks without carrying passengers? In another two weeks, they will test-run it with passengers free of charge, and that will take us to the last week. So by first week of July, the President will come to flag it off for commercial activities. After the flag-off, anyone who boards must pay, and that is why I told the director of Nigerian Railway Services to start ensuring that within this one month, they should make sure that people who are going to use this railway have a firm identification.”

And to ensure the safety of the users in these times of terrorism and threatening sabotage of government property here and there, the minister designed safety standards. He explained: “About identity, the Ministry of Transportation should work with Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for identification of users. One thousand police officers would provide security for the rail service daily.”

Amaechi’s determination to make a difference in the

Controversial story suddenly www.thenicheng.com

transport sector is a continuation of his achievement in Rivers State as governor.

He modernised Port Harcourt megalopolis, to the extent that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised the Garden City as the world’s Book Centre.

Life-changing infrastructure The completed Lagos-Kaduna rail line is a milestone in Nigeria’s transport infrastructure development. Reporting on project, a London-based international journal recognised by the World Bank as an authoritative voice in transportation round the world, Railway Technology.

Com, reported: “The Abuja-Kaduna rail line is one of the first Standard Gauge Railway Modernisation Projects (SGRMPs) undertaken in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa.”

President, Initiative for Infrastructure and Modern City Development (IIMCD) and Country Co-coordinator of the Annual Global Infrastructure Leadership in Nigeria, Daniel Omonze, said during the 2015 London forum held at Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre in London that the 186km Abuja-Kaduna rail project was listed among the top 100 infrastructure projects in the world. It remains, at press time, one of the successfully executed China-Nigeria business partnership arrangements. It was built on the basis of Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) mode for 30 years.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has equally been receiving public acclaim for the tenacity of purpose it has deployed in ensuring the completion of the project.

Details of the rail line The Abuja-Kaduna rail line is 186km with standard gauge railway tracks from Idu, near Abuja, to Kaduna in the North West. It has nine stations and features both passenger and cargo trains.

The passenger trains on the line can operate at a speed between 200km/h and 250km/h. The travel time between Abuja and Kaduna will be reduced to one hour, and each passenger train can carry up to 5,000 commuters.

The cargo trains, carrying 800 tonnes of goods, will take one and half hours to travel between the two cities.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) earmarked N1.1 billion in October 2014, for the procurement of two locomotives for the Abuja-Kaduna standard-gauge rail lines.

Financing and construction: The project is estimated to cost $874 million. China’s EXIM bank provided $500 million as a concessionary loan for the project.

The remainder was provided by Nigeria.

Contract for building the new line was awarded in December 2010. Track-laying for the single standard gauge line was officially launched in July 2013.

The rail line construction was 68 per cent complete by July 2013

with the earthwork 92 per cent complete and hydraulic structures 87 per cent complete. Approximately 85 per cent of the construction was finished by October 2014 and final works were concluded by early December.

The rail line involved the construction of 30 railway bridges, including five box bridges. The bridges are built with precast T-beams. By mid-2013, 187 out of the total 348 precast T-beams were produced and 52 of these were successfully installed. Each T-beam is 2.5 metres in height and 120 tonnes in weight.

The man Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, born May 27, 1965, served as the fifth governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He was re-elected for a second term on April 26, 2011. Amaechi was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to APC on November 27, 2013.

Amaechi was born in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers, to Elder Fidelis Amaechi and Mrs. Mary Amaechi. He was raised in Diobu, a densely-populated neighbourhood in Port Harcourt, and had his early education at St. Theresa’s Primary School from 1970 to 1976. He earned his West African School Certificate in 1982 after attending Government Secondary School, Okolobiri. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in 1987, where he was the president of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS).

He completed the mandatory National Youth Service in 1988. He thereafter joined the services of Pamo Clinics and Hospitals Limited owned by Dr. Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers where he worked until 1992.

Amaechi cut his teeth in politics as secretary of the now defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in Ikwerre.

He was Special Assistant to Odili as deputy to Governor Rufus Ada-George in the Third Republic.

Odili believed in him as a young man with potential in politics and adopted him

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as a political son, guiding and nurturing him in politics, and consequently facilitating his election into the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999. He won a seat in House of Assembly, and was subsequently elected the Speaker. He was elected the Chairman of Nigeria’s Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies.

He was re-elected into the House of Assembly in May 2003. Same year, when the National Assembly moved to hijack the legislative functions of the House of Assembly, Amaechi and his colleagues took the matter to the Supreme Court which ruled that the control and supervision of local government is the prerogative of the House of Assembly.

The cordial relationship between Amaechi and Odili translated into the harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers, until Amaechi launched a campaign against the state government, in an effort to succeed Odili as governor in 2007.

He contested and won the PDP primary for Rivers governorship in 2007. His name was substituted and he took the case to the Supreme Court. He became governor on October 26, 2007, after the Supreme Court pronounced him the rightful candidate of the PDP and winner of the April 2007 governorship election in Rivers. He was re-elected for another term of four years in April 2011.

His administration invested in infrastructure development, construction of roads and bridges, sticking to the vision of connecting all parts of the state by road. He was also committed to urban renewal and modernisation of transportation services.

Amaechi, who holds the National honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), is a Catholic and a Knight of St. John.

He was the Director-general of the APC Presidential Campaign that threw up the Buhari government, and was subsequently appointed Minister of Transportation on November 11, 2015.

His marriage to Judith produced three boys (Obinna, Chimkamkpa and Lemchi).

Abuja-Kaduna railway line

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nicheEntert www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

India Arie to headline Mike Aremu’s Sax Appeal 5

Arie

T

he stage is set for the fifth edition of award-winning jazz saxophonist Mike Aremu’s show, Sax Appeal 5, billed to hold on the evening of Sunday, June 26, at the Expo Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island, Lagos.

To headline Sax Appeal 5 alongside charttopping Nigerian musicians, including Timi Dakolo and Praiz, is American singer-songwriter, actress, musician and record producer, India Arie.

An accomplished four-time Grammy Awards-winner from her 21 nominations, including Best R&B Album, Arie has sold over

3.3 million records in the United States (U.S.) and 10 million worldwide.

She was born in Denver, Colorado, U.S. and her musical skills were encouraged by both parents in her younger years. Her mother was a former singer and her father a former National Basketball Association (NBA) player.

Accomplished multi-instrumentalist Arie attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, which led to a personal revelation about songwriting and performing.

She is quoted to have said: “When I started tapping into my own sensitivity, I started to understand people better. It was a direct result of writing songs.”

Her debut album, Acoustic Soul released on March 27, 2001, was met with positive reviews and commercial success.

The album debuted at number 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Within months, it was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling 2,180,000 copies in the U.S. and 3,000,000 copies worldwide.

Acoustic Soul was also certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry and platinum

by Music Canada.

Arie followed the success of her debut on September 24, 2002 with the release of Voy-

age to India. It debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 109,000 copies and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums with the RIAA certifying it Platinum. At the 2003 Grammy Awards, it won Best R&B Album, and the single ‘Little Things’ won Best Urban/Alternative Performance.

She has collaborated with musicians too numerous to mention, including Cassandra Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Akon, Anthony David, Sezen Aksu, Keb Mo, Gramps Morgan, Musiq Soulchild, Adele, Herbie Hancock, Seal, Pink, Jeff Beck, Konono Number 1, Oumou Sangare, Carlos Santana, Yo-Yo Ma, to mention a few.

Wome, Ajao selected for Talents Durban

T

wo Nigerians, Wome Uyeye and Adefoyeke Ajao, are among film talents selected from across Africa to attend this year’s Talents Durban which forms part of the 37th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).

Presented under the theme, ‘Degrees of Separation: Connecting People and Story’, the ninth edition of Talents Durban, organisers said, aims to boost the already rising flow of contemporary filmmaking in Africa, and to encourage filmmakers on the continent to share their stories through the lens of their own particular culture.

Sharlene Versfeld, publicist for DIFF, said participants would interact with over 600 delegates from DIFF and Durban FilmMart, the co-production and finance forum which takes place from June 17 to 20 during the festival.

The talents will also be part of several project-oriented, hands-on skills development programmes. Practical development programmes within Talents Durban include Story Junction, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentorships, she stated.

Presented in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents, an initiative of the Berlin International Film Festival, Talents Durban is a five-day develop-

ment programme consisting of workshops and seminars for African filmmakers delivered by film professionals and academics. It is one of the six Talents International programmes formed by Berlinale Talents.

The Talents, who are selected through a rigorous application process, will also have the opportunity to attend screenings and other events at the DIFF. The other Talents programmes include Talents Beirut in Lebanon, Talents Buenos Aires in Argentina, Talents Sarajevo in BosniaHerzegovina, Talents Tokyo in Japan and Talents Guadalajara in Mexico.

Other participants are: Amirah

Tadjin (Kenya), Desmond Denton (South Africa), Flavia Motsisi (South Africa), Hiwot Getaneh (Ethiopia), Izette Mostert (South Africa), Kennedy Omoro (Kenya), Maragert Wacera (South Africa), Nathan Rice (South Africa), Peter Seduffia (Ghana), Razanajaona Luck (Madagascar), Sakhumzi Mati (South Africa), Sameh Morsy (Egypt), Sheetal Magan (South Africa), Tamara Dawit (Ethiopia), Thea Small (South Africa), Tumelo Moutlana (South Africa), Wim Steytler (South Africa) and Yara Pereira (Mozambique).

Talents Durban participants will have access to all industry masterclasses, panel discussions and festival functions. In

addition, the talents will be invited to all festival functions as well as events of the Durban FilmMart.

Each of the Talents Durban participants will receive a mentor for an intensive programme of one-on-one consultation and project and strategy development workshops for the entire group. The mentors selected are experts in their respective fields (e.g. documentary, fiction, drama series, web, mobile content, TV) that suit the needs of the participants and their projects.

Talents Durban is supported by the Goethe Institut SA, the German Embassy in South Africa and the Gauteng Film Commission.

Wome

tainment

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

with Terh Agbedeh

13th AIFF accepting entries till July 31

O

rganisers of the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) are still accepting entries until July 31.

The festival founded by filmmaker Fidelis Duker will take place from October 4 to 7 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The genres for which filmmakers are expected to make submissions are: features, short documentaries, experimental and animation. Interested participants can get more details at the festival’s website.

Duker once told our reporter that his company, Nafifo Ventures, pioneered the festival circuit in Nigeria with AIFF being the oldest apart from the National

Film Festival that has been renamed Zuma, organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), which had its first edition in 1992.

“Prior to that time, I had been invited by the British government to attend a training programme at the BBC in Scotland in 2001, which was basically Edinburg Film Festival. I was there for about six weeks to study the way the festival is run.

“When I came back, I felt festivals are not even government-run. If you look at it very well, governments only create the enabling environment for festivals to thrive. From Berlin to Cannes, they are all non-governmental in scope. So, I felt there was a need for us to create a festival in Nigeria. That was why in 2003 we started this plan and by 2004 we birthed with the first edition,” he had said.

He explained that, at that time, it was a travelling festival, in the sense that while they were in Abuja, there were no cinemas, so they had to make do with a projector.

“We were projecting the festival films at different locations in Abuja, in hotels and so on. Why we stayed this long is because one, we came into the business of film festival not specifically for money-making.

It was my own way of contributing. I felt I needed to create a legacy, so that even when I am no more in the business, when you mention my name you will remember me with the festival. And I felt that though I had made so many films, let me create a niche, and that was how we started the festival in 2004,” said he.

Another reason, he said, is because of the passion he has for the industry in which he has worked most of his life.

“Interestingly, what I have found out over the years is that the festival has also given me a wider understanding of the challenges of filmmakers, particularly the younger filmmakers who have nowhere to screen their films.

“We found out that what we were seeing in Idumota in those days were feature films made by commercial filmmakers.

These young boys from the film schools, who had brilliant ideas, could not screen their films and we never got to see these films. We felt this festival will be an opportunity for them to screen their films.

People should see your film and make comments, whether negative or positive.

We felt this was a very good medium where we could do that,” he added.

O’jez pays tribute to Keshi, Amodu

•Celebrates Nwosu, Orumen

T

his month’s edition of the O’jez Soccer Fans’ Nite Out billed to hold on Saturday, June 28, is dedicated to two fallen national soccer heroes; both former coaches of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi and Shaibu Amodu.

The event will take place at the open air section of O’jez celebrity restaurant, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos, by 7pm.

The O’jez Soccer Fans’ Nite – a night of music, comedy, awards and dance – is designed to create a platform for brands to have a close contact with soccer fans, showcase the activities of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), international football as well as promote peace, love and unity.

It is a forum designed also to appreciate, honour and celebrate Nigerian ex-internationals, active ones, sports media personalities, corporate firms and entertainers for their contributions to the growth and development of football and entertainment in Nigeria. The maiden edition that held on May 28, 2016 attracted over 1,000 people.

It was dedicated to former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai (Dodo Mayana); sports journalist and Group MD, Complete Communications, Mumuni Alao; and renowned comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka who all received the O’jez Lifetime Achievements Award.

Even in the midst of mourning two great coaches of Nigeria’s senior national team, the organisers will also

present the O’jez Lifetime Achievements Awards to former striker of the Super Eagles, Henry Nwosu, as well as veteran sports journalist and marketer, Dudu Orumen.

Veteran sports journalist, Effiong Nyong, one of the coordinators of the monthly event, said the choice of Nwosu and Orumen was perfect “just like last month’s combination of Peter Rufai, Mumuni Alao and Gbenga Adeyinka. I must say that last month’s event, which was the maiden edition, was a huge success not only in the area of attendance alone, but with the quality of the show.

We will however improve on that success this month and in consequent editions.”

Highlife musician and co-coordinator of the event,

Peterson Agu, promised a night of glamour, music, comedy and dance.

“As the person handling the entertainment aspect of the O’jez Soccer Fans Nite Out, I promise you that it will be a night to remember, expectedly, because we have top class comedians such as Elder O, MC Phrymzo and ATM, among other acts lined up to thrill you.

There will be plenty music and dance. Just put on your favourite club jersey or buy one from any of our ushers right there.”

Keshi died on June 7 and Amodu joined him on June 11. Keshi however was also former captain of the Eagles and his long playing career witnessed a string of successes in the nation’s national team side.

Grace Edwin-Okon ready with Deeply Cut

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race Edwin-Okon has produced yet another brilliant and educative short film, Deeply Cut – The Hepati-

tis B Dilemma.

The screenwriter, author, producer, actress and former beauty queen told TheNiche that it is one of two short films she recently made.

Deeply Cut, with executive

producer as Kehinde Omoru, she said, tells the story of Bili’s greed that leads her to desperate measures to make extra money. This leaves in her trail a lot of possibly infected casualties, including her bosses.

“It also educates people about Hepatitis B,” she added.

The project stars Eniola Badmus, Kiki Omeili, Ashionye Raccah, Saeed Mohammed (Funky Mallam) and Judith Audu, while the music

is by Glowreeyah Braimah. The short film is produced by Roxanne Care Options and Derwin Productions.

Edwin-Okon conceptualised and set up the Derwin First Shot Initiative to give young men and women their first shot at shooting their first “feature film”, by providing the needed funding, professional guidance and support required for them to do so. Mrs. and Mrs. Johnson is a product of the initiative.

June 19, 2016

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Favourites

Diana Bada Song: ‘Don’t Rock My Boat’

by Bob Marley Music Video: ‘Where they from’ by Missy Elliot ft Pharrel Movie: Hair Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Birthday

Ernest Obi Nollywood actor, producer and director, Ernest Obi, will be a year older on June 21.

He studied dramatic arts in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, and has been in the movie industry since 1996. He has appeared in numerous movies including Glamour Girls, Golden Axe, Till Death and Love Affairs.

He has also directed Engagement Night, Beware, Attack, Wind of Change (fortheAmericangovernmentthroughitsNigerian Embassy in Abuja), among others.

Obi is married to Evi and they have two children from that union.

New music

‘Best Rapper’ Rapper, MIN (Music is Natural) has released a new single titled ‘Best Rapper’ featuring two other rappers, Paybac and the Hennessy VS class captain, Blaqbonez. If there was ever a tight rap song, pundits are saying that this is it. It is therefore no surprise that it is enjoying a lot of play on terrestrial and online radio.

Location

Flash of Pain The movie, Flash of Pain, is currently in the making with cast and crew on set. Directed by Emma Anyaka, it stars Rachel Oniga, Seun Akindele, Adibeli Ify, Chiwetalu Agu and a host of others.

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TheNiche

Event

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

162 'half-dead' Nigerians return from war-torn Libya

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he gory pictures tell the story better than any words can that Libya is no longer safe for anyone, including the 162 Nigerians who voluntarily returned to the country on Thursday, June 16. The returnees comprising 132 males, 27 females and three children had earlier sojourned there in search of greener pastures. However, as most of them looked devastated on alighting from the Airbus 320 aircraft with registration number 5A-WAT on Thursday at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) about 3pm, it was clear that they did not find what they had been looking for in Libya.

Among the returnees were two who had obvious health challenges leading to their being stretchered out of the tail of the aircraft by officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and transported with its ambulance to an undisclosed hospital.

Brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in Libya, their details were taken by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NEMA, the Police, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters

(NATIP).

Speaking shortly after the returnees were transported to Hajj Camp by NEMA, the Operation Assistant with IOM in Libya, who escorted the aircraft to Nigeria, Jumaben Hassan, stated that the people that alighted from the chartered Ghadames Air plane were voluntary returnees, who were stranded in Libya.

He said that it is about the voluntary return of migrants from Libya, adding that this is the second time the IOM is bringing back voluntary returnees to the country.

There would be another batch of Nigerian voluntary returnees very soon, he disclosed but did not give the exact time or the number of the returnees. He added that IOM has received requests from Nigerian Embassy in Tripoli.

On those that were stretchered out of the aircraft by NEMA officials, Hassan stated that one of them had a car accident, while the other was involved in a fire accident where he and his colleagues were living.

Ghadames Air is a Libyan airline.

IOM, which was established in 1951, is the leading inter-governmental organisation in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, inter-governmental and nongovernmental partners.

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

Close Up June 19, 2016

‘I attended college just to acquire knowledge’ For Ozomelam Umah Okorie (a.k.a. Emodee), music started while he was nine. He did not stop when he got to secondary school or even at the University of Port Harcourt where he studied. Now on his way to stardom, the up-and-coming musician who organises the Miss Ututu Beauty Pageant in his hometown tells Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, the road he has so far taken.

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ow have you been with music?

I started singing, performing for people right from the age of nine.

I was still in primary school then. I had my band. From there to secondary school I was still doing it and I was known for music and performance when I was in secondary school. I was still doing it when I entered higher institution. I didn’t go to the higher institution because I wanted to work in any company or office, I felt I needed to go to school to acquire knowledge.

What did you study?

I studied theatre and media art at the University of Port Harcourt. I (majored in) directing. I am supposed to be a director in Nollywood; but since music is what I like doing, I decided to go with music.

Do you direct your own videos?

Yeah. But since I don’t have my own camera, I still invite a director. However, before that, I would have my own concept.

As a nine-year-old, where were you performing: school, church or elsewhere?

We had this children drum set designed with strong waterproof (nylon bags). I had my band with my players, and whenever they were playing, I would be singing. People were inviting me to perform. They loved me perhaps because I was a little boy who was already a performing artiste.

Where were you based then?

I was in my hometown then, in Abia State.

So, at nine you already knew that you were going into music?

Yeah. My primary school was at Aba, but my parents were in my hometown, and anytime I visited them I continued with the music. But then, in Aba, I was known for my music.

Your parents didn’t mind?

I think it was giving them joy because I was also doing well in school.

Are you the first child?

I am the last born.

Your first paid show.

Even while I was in primary school, I was getting money (from performances). But it was not a negotiated payment. It was when I was in the higher institution that I got to know that someone could call you for a show and ask you how much you were going to collect, and you could bargain on the fee.

That was when I started collecting money (to perform).

If someone were to give you an open cheque for a performance, what amount would you fill in?

It depends on the kind of show, the place and the performance the person wants. That is what determines how much to charge.

How much were you getting for your performances in the university?

In school, even if it is N2,000 because you want to become known, you (take it). Then when you are going outside the school into town (with this one, stress is involved, transportation is involved and time is also involved), the money increases, maybe you double the amount.

Would you say that you are popular now?

I am still climbing to that point. I can’t say that I am well known now.

Have you decided where you want to get to?

Sure, and I know I will get there. I want to be the number one artiste in Africa.

What steps are you taking to get there?

I have not really relented. I can remember that some of my friends that we started the music together (because of one thing or another) dropped out and now concentrated on other businesses. Some who also graduated from the university found

themselves jobs in companies. I got so many jobs in Port Harcourt, but said I am not going to work...

Including from a multinational oil company?

No. I got a bank job, but I don’t see myself in that sector, so I decided to stay strong, believing that one day I would get signed to a good record label to push me since I am not that financially strong to push myself.

What brand of music are you into?

The kind of music I do generally is secular. So I do hip-hop; Nigerian hip-hop, not really core hip-hop, reggae hip-hop. I also do R&B. So, would you say you are one of those born for music?

Sure.

You had a band when you were nine; are those kids in the band with you still in music?

It is only one or two of them; most of them are off music.

How does that make you feel?

It makes me feel great that I still know what I want. At a point, they were like; you don’t want to quit, others are quitting. But since I know what I want, I stayed strong and I will still stay strong till tomorrow because I know where I am heading.

What is the label you are on called?

Godek Records. It is a new record label.

Apart from being an artiste on the label, do you perform administrative functions or other duties?

No, I just bring ideas. I am like the founder of the record label because the man was never into entertainment. It was because of me that he fell in love with entertainment. So I am the

senior artiste.

When were you signed on to the label?

March this year.

You have not done an album yet.

But I have done a song and also shot the video that will be dropping next week (this week).

When is your album due out?

How the industry is now, an album is not really the main thing; it is to have a hit that will shake the whole country.

Is ‘Toriba’ the track, for you?

Yeah, it is a hit track. But I am still going to do a bigger hit.

Do you think there is a chance in the industry for new acts like you?

The industry is not easy, but I don’t see anybody who is better than me in the industry.

I have been living in Port Harcourt for years, but I left for Lagos because I feel the best place for music is Lagos. I know so many artistes that I am better than who have made it today in Lagos, who are being celebrated. I believe I am the best, and once I step in they will know that someone has arrived.

Do you have any plans for anything humanitarian in the future?

Things change and the problem we are facing today in my community may not be the one we will be facing when tomorrow comes, when I must have made it big. So the problem at that time will determine what I will be doing for my people.

What language is ‘Toriba’?

It is a slang from Calabar.

What does it mean?

You cannot do anything to me.

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Relationship While single

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hough youth grow weary and tired, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint – Isaiah 40:30-31.

Being single can be tough, especially for someone who really wants to be in a relationship.

Such an individual becomes envious of those in committed relationships and thinks if he or she has someone, all problems would go away.

They even go through the length of thinking that the reason they are single is because of a defeat in who he or she is. They become hard on themselves.

While single, the logical

things to do are: Love yourself Before you can love anyone else you need to love yourself first, because nobody can love you more than you can love yourself.

A relationship won’t save you or fill some empty part of you. It’s easy to think this way because we all want to be loved by someone. It feels good to be loved.

But true love comes when two people love themselves first and can share that intimate love with each other.

Therefore, love yourself first!

Love being around yourself You could go out to eat and treat yourself to a nice dinner. Enjoy the meal and spending time with yourself.

If you feel uncomfortable doing this, that means you

Tinu Agbabiaka need to do it again or try doing something else aside from treating yourself to dinner.

Find ways to lift up your spirit If you had a free afternoon, what would you do?

Think of things that will get you excited, and do it.

If you already do this, there is nothing bad in trying something new.

Stop wishing what could have been When you find yourself thinking about the “what if’s” in life, ask yourself: “is this actually useful in helping me be happy right now”.

“Is it helping in any way?”

Probably not, then why waste your energy pondering about these things?

Stop idealising your ex Your ex is not perfect. Accept it. We tend to associate this person with all of the good memories when we are feeling lonely.

The hard truth is this: your ex is a person that you are not in a relationship with any more. That is it; he or she is nothing more, nothing less.

Feel genuinely happy for others in relationships (including your ex) It is okay to feel jealous, it is human nature. But when jealousy begins to affect your happiness, or makes you hate people, it is time to check yourself.

One way to get over some of these feelings is to verbally tell friends how happy you are for their relationship.

He is caring, but I don’t him as my husband Dear Agatha I just have to compliment you for what you are doing.

There is this man who has expressed a desire to marry me but I don’t like him because he is much older than me. He is 35 while I am just 21. He has a Ph.D and is a lecturer.

He appears caring and a good man but I don’t want him despite the position of my friends that I give him a chance because of his attitude towards me. I honestly have never taken him or the idea of spending the rest of my life with him seriously.

However, my spiritual adviser’s statement that this man is my God-given husband is making me have second thoughts about him, even though it doesn’t alter the way I feel about him.

I’m honestly very upset with my spiritual guardian for this message because this man isn’t the type of man I want as a husband. He does everything I ask of him but I think he is doing it because he needs a young lady to marry.

I need a man I will love, cherish and be proud to introduce to people as my husband, not a man I will marry because I think I don’t have a choice. As it is, I don’t think I will be faithful to him, should I eventually marry him, because I don’t love him.

In addition, looking at him I don’t think he can give me the kind of satisfaction I want in bed, because am convinced his

manhood would be small. Even though we have not had sex together, I loathe men who are small sized.

Are you too of the view that he is my husband?

Please help me, because I know marrying him would be the worst mistake of my life. I don’t want to marry the wrong man.

Confused young lady.

Dear confused young lady From your email, you are not looking for an honest opinion but one that will fall in with the plans you have for yourself.

Nevertheless, I would be failing in my God-given assignment if I don’t try to tailor some of the jaundiced thoughts you hold about marriage generally and your situation in particular.

From experience, there is no substitute for truth. Your age is one of the challenges you are currently having. This is because at this age, your outlook in life is still cocooned in illusion which, in the real world, has no place at all.

Having gone through your doubts at your age and experienced the gripping influence of some of the romance books we read, I can guess correctly the mental image you have of your ideal man.

Painfully, those images are, most times, laced with poisoned arrows that end up destroying

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us at the end of the day.

It is alright to want a tall handsome, young man who has what it takes to make our skin glow with passion and our friends feel a twinge of envy when they see us together.

But do you have what it takes to cope with such a man? Do you have what it takes to endure his kind of faults and pains?

This is the reason so many marriages involving our youths are collapsing like packs of cards.

It is mostly due to the lack of good foundation to premise the marriage.

Honestly, the things you said about qualities necessary for you to remain faithful to him are very right, even if they are unfortunately flawed in the sense that you are not also looking at other important factors that make a marriage work.

You are also not looking beyond the present into that pregnant future when good looks no longer matter but the quality of care and attention that a man is able to give a woman and vice versa.

Furthermore, what is all this internal agony you are putting yourself through if this man hasn’t touched something fundamental in your inner person?

Why are you finding it difficult to turn him down for good?

After all, it isn’t as if your parents betrothed you to him or that you are under some kind of obligation to anybody to consider his proposal whatsoever.

Ordinarily, the business of dat-

Certified relationship expert

0817 313 7189 info@pclng.org, botl@pclng.org In turn, they are happy to hear it and that energy bounces back to you. The more you do this, the better you will feel about relationships.

You begin to associate relationships with something positive, even as a single person.

Get out and meet people The best time to do this is when you are single (at any age). You may not find a relationship right away, but it’s always great to practise.

Go out for drinks/lunch with coworkers after work Don’t set any expectations for yourself, just go out there and have fun, and

while at it, you may attract people you are interested in, without even realising it.

Find people you can relate to It is a lot easier to joke about the challenges of single life with someone who is also single. In fact, it’s helpful to know that you aren’t the only one having some thoughts.

Find people you can relate to; but who also can lift you up, not put you down.

It is okay to be single, it is fun also. Therefore, embrace it.

Everyone is single at one point or another, and it is up to you how you choose to live the single life.

Auntie Agatha want

ing starts with a man expressing a likeness for a woman who has the responsibility of either accepting or turning it down.

If he is that loathsome to you, why are not you walking away and forgetting everything about him? Why are you even chewing on his proposal at all if your stance and attitude towards him are anything to go by?

This is what you should ponder on.

Why are you even considering him? The fact that you are unable to let go of his proposal or person should tell you that deep down, you have something going for him but you haven’t been able to decipher precisely why he has become something of a permanent figure in your thoughts and life.

On the surface, you don’t want him but deep in your subconsciousness there is something appealing about him, which is the reason you want my help and are confused.

No woman gets perplexed by the offer of a man she has nothing going for.

That you are shows there is something about him that you cannot ignore; something your inner person has discovered but which you haven’t, because you aren’t being honest to yourself.

You can only discover this if you allow the Spirit of God direct you properly.

Not every marriage will be between a handsome man and beautiful woman. The story of the Beauty and the Beast will al-

0805 450 0626 (sms only) gathedo@gmail.com ways come to play in the lives of so many people who are really honest with themselves to look past the superficial.

At 21, you are still too young to know the real qualities that make a marriage work.

Sex is very important but it is an overplayed factor. If it were not, two people who enjoy undiluted sexual pleasures would not tell their friends that “beyond the good sex, we don’t have anything in common.”

No man and woman live their marriage inside the bedroom alone. There is a whole life outside the bedroom and they all must add up to help keep the sex part stay relevant.

No matter how great the physical side of a relationship is, if the man isn’t caring, sensitive, responsible and attentive to his wife, or the woman respectful, appreciative and supportive of her husband, there will be no marriage at the end of the day.

Age and the other things that happen in our lives as we grow older each day on earth make it foolish for the success of any union to be built around the great sex theory alone.

Even as young couples, there are days your mind want it but your body is too weak to do it.

To guess the size of his male anatomy just by looking at him shows how far you have gone.

With your kind of experience, do you think a young man your age would have the calmness of mind to trust you or your pres-

ence of mind to want to make a wife out of you?

Even some experienced women lack this knowledge to be so precise in their assessment of a male anatomy by merely looking at the man.

What this shows is that if you don’t meet the right kind of man who has the maturity to appreciate your kind of person, you may end up the punching bag of an over jealous male who doesn’t know how to curb what he might see as your excesses.

Again the essence of having spiritual guardian is to help in the job of intercessions. If you don’t trust the message of this person occupying this position in your life, then something is wrong somewhere.

Look at your heart and life for the truth, because as it is, you are in the best position to make the decision of what you want to do with your life.

Since you are collecting things from him, the best you can do for yourself is to learn to be objective in assessing him.

To continue to keep him for material gains while you treat him like an ancient piece of trash will one day boomerang as he too would soon get tired of your attitude and move on to a woman who appreciates his kind of person.

Don’t wait until then before taking an X-ray of what you really want and not what you think you want.

Good luck.

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TheNiche

Faith

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Don’t’ take public goodwill for granted, Okogie warns Buhari Anthony Okogie, archbishop emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos Metropolitan See, held a press conference as part of activities marking his 80th birthday and the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

Okogie, a social critic for decades, also spoke on issues germane to national survival. TEMITOPE OJO reports excerpts.

How life has treated you It has not been all that smooth. The beginning was fair and I thank the good Lord for it. I was brought up in the Christian way and taught by my parents that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

My parents instilled in me that once I have the fear of the Lord everything would work out well, which is what has been keeping me.

Most memorable days During my early days as a priest, when I was asked to go to the war front, I trembled and ran to my bishop thinking I would be assigned somewhere else.

But he said I should go, that there were human beings in the war front.

Another time was when my junior was promoted and I began to wonder if I would have to start calling him “my lord”.

He came to the cathedral and I asked him what I should call him. He told me that in two weeks’ time my own promotion would come. In the same month, I was made the auxiliary bishop of Oyo and rejected by my own people.

It is one incident that I try to forget, but thank God it did not drag for along.

Two months later, when everything was calm and I was doing my work, I was brought back to Lagos as an auxiliary bishop. I was finally made an archbishop in 1973.

Nigerian democracy A large chunk of my years as the archbishop of Lagos was devoted to speaking

out against all forms of injustice and oppression of the downtrodden by those in positions of authority.

Though a clergy, I believe that it is the right of every citizen to aspire to actualise his God-ordained destiny within the framework of the larger society.

It is also my firm conviction that one should never be silent or docile when his or her fundamental rights are being unjustly trampled upon by those who have sworn by the Constitution to safeguard the welfare of all law abiding citizens.

These, to a large extent, have for years defined my guiding principles, actions, and utterances as a clergy and a citizen of Nigeria.

For instance, during my years as president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and also as two-term president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), during the Ibrahim Babangida military era, I did not shy away from saying the Gospel truth whenever it was obvious the country was being led stray by the leadership.

How well these agitations have been sustained to achieve set goals over time is a topic for another day.

Current state of the nation Though I may not be as visible as I used to be, I have, however, not relented in my commitment and desire to see to the entrenchment of a truly egalitarian society where justice, equity, and the fear of God would reign supreme.

These have always been my desire. You may say that at my age, since I am

Okogie

Buhari may mean well for the country but, so far, his actions and utterances have failed to help put food on the table of the average Nigerian. This government needs technocrats. near the departure wing to heaven, I should be indifferent to the numerous challenges confronting the country. I beg to disagree.

How can I remain quiet when 17 years into our democratic dispensation, the ship of our nation is being tossed about by self-inflicted storms that are drowning innocent lives by the day?

How can I keep mute when Nigerians have continuously been taken for a ride over the years by our politicians, who, rather than serve the masses, play them like the game of chess?

I want to affirm that as long as the good Lord gives me strength and the breath of life, I will never remain

silent while this country is in turmoil.

On Sunday, May 29, we marked Democracy Day under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but is there much to really celebrate?

Seventeen years into our democratic dispensation, have we really matured as a nation? What lessons have we learnt from the errors of the past and what efforts are we making to avoid a repeat?

The swearing in of President Muhammadu Buhari last year was perceived as a major milestone in the people’s quest for positive change and improvement in their quality of life. But a year later, the people are

still grumbling.

Indeed, the hardship has even doubled.

I want to make it clear here that I do not belong to any political party. I am only a concerned Nigerian who is saying it as he sees it.

Buhari may mean well for the country but, so far, his actions and utterances have failed to help put food on the table of the average Nigerian. This government needs technocrats.

For a long time people have been talking about farming and they gave it deaf ears, now they are talking about it but how much money have they given to farming to improve it?

What are they doing with the money they are getting

from the looters?

Implications of oil pipeline vandalism For the years that the late President Musa Yar’Adua and his successor, Goodluck Jonathan, held sway, we saw a drastic reduction in the activities of militants in the Niger Delta.

Unfortunately, the militants are now back to the trenches under different pseudonyms. Their recent attacks on oil facilities in the region are daily crippling the country’s capacity to produce oil optimally.

The oil and gas pipelines ruptured in Warri West Local Government Area have also worsened the electricity generation plan of the government. For how long will this continue?

One fact is certain. Ours is a mono-economy that relies solely on oil for our foreign exchange (forex) earnings.

With the sorry state of

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

For a long time people have been talking about farming and they gave it deaf ears, now they are talking about it but how much money have they given to farming to improve it? What are they doing with the money they are getting from the looters? our economy, we cannot at this crucial time afford a further breakdown of oil production in the Niger Delta. That would further place the country’s finance in a precarious situation.

There is a popular saying that to jaw jaw is better than to war war. I am equally aware that Buhari has vowed to deal decisively with the militants.

Some days ago, the dailies reported that the military invaded Gbaramatu believed to be the home town of a wanted former militant, Tompolo.

While condemning the disruption of oil facilities under any guise, I equally want to stress that the use of military force is not the best solution.

The questions many are asking are: who provided the herdsmen with AK 47 weapons? Are the herdsmen truly Nigerians or Boko Haram sect members, particularly as global terrorist watchers have listed them as terrorists?

However, I am glad at the outcome of the recent visit of Catholic bishops to Buhari during which he ordered the law enforcement agencies to quickly fish out the perpetuators of the dastardly acts and bring them to book.

If the identity and judicial trials of the perpetuators are made public, it will also assuage the grief of the affected communities in the knowledge that justice has been done.

Curbing herdsmen killings

Buhari’s fight against corruption

One of the most contentious issues facing the present administration is the carnage allegedly linked to Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country. We are all too familiar with the Agatu killings and those of Nimbo in Enugu State.

First, I want to express my sincere condolence to the families of the deceased and pray that the good Lord will comfort them in their period of grief.

The loss of lives in any form is very sad, particularly if such lives are cut short in such tragic circumstances as the attacks by the herdsmen. Such barbaric acts only dehumanise us.

Some have opined that the failure of Buhari to make a public pronouncement immediately the issue came to national discourse is borne out of his affinity to those concerned.

That aside, I want to reiterate that it is the responsibility of the government to safeguard the lives of citizens. No life is more important than another.

One of the major campaign slogans of the APC last year during the electioneering was the fight against corruption.

Coming at the wake of alleged endemic looting credited to the past administration, cleansing the land of supposed corrupt elements was perceived as a sure way of stabilising the country and entrenching speedy growth and development.

The past one year has seen the present administration making spirited efforts to recover looted funds and prosecute the offenders.

Despite these, Nigeria’s perceived reputation as one of the most corrupt nations on earth was reiterated by British Prime Minister, David Cameron, on the eve of an international parley when he branded Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt”.

The psychological impact of that statement made before Queen Elizabeth is

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still fresh in the minds of many of us.

While it is true that corruption has become endemic in this country, I also want to stress unequivocally that there are still men and women of high integrity who have not sold their birthrights to the monster called corruption.

I commend Buhari for his commitment to clean the polity. There is also need for him to be more systematic in the fight so that even after he leaves office the structure in place would make it difficult for corruption to thrive.

There have been complaints by members of the opposing party that the fight has been selective and only targeted at the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party).

Buhari must respond to this proactively by allowing the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to truly work independently, based on facts and figures at its disposal.

Handling agitation for Biafra

Okogie

Many of us who witnessed the pogrom that was the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970 have yet to come to terms with the devastating effects. That is why it is imperative that we do not have a repeat of the civil war, God forbid.

Buhari should, therefore, do the needful by releasing Nnamdi Kanu [leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB] as a sign that he is ready to dialogue with the group.

He must remember that it is the right of any group to peacefully seek for secession if it feels marginalised.

The use of force is never the right approach to quell such agitation.

I commend Buhari for his commitment to clean the polity. There is also need for him to be more systematic in the fight so that even after he leaves office the structure in place would make it difficult for corruption to thrive.

Image of CAN I was there for eight years, some persons were not satisfied because they had a hidden agenda and were questioning if it had to be Catholics alone.

Years ago, almost everybody respected CAN, both in and outside Nigeria. We lost our birthright when

Sunday Mbang made a very bad mistake by selling us to [former President] Olusegun Obasanjo. Since then, OBJ lost respect for us.

Whenever we wanted to hold a meeting, we sourced for the resources from our pockets, we did not go to the government for funds; because if you are serving God He will take care of you.

I’m sorry to say that what is happening in CAN is a disgrace to Christianity. And it is going to go on until a God-fearing person heads it.

Abducted Chibok girls It is good news to hear that some of them are back, though people still doubt if they were among those taken away.

I do not really know how the rescue is going to take place, since the govern-

ment is not willing to give in to their abductors’ terms.

Buhari describing Jonathan as a patriot for conceding defeat The truth cannot be hidden. I can remember what the APC said about Jonathan during the election campaign and what people are saying about him as if he did nothing for Nigeria.

That comment coming from Buhari, I think it is an open confession and he too has to be very careful because people are watching him.

Advice to Buhari The task of building a viable nation calls for the involvement of everyone of us. Evil thrives when good people stay aloof. We must

therefore continue to hold our nation accountable.

The days of impunity are over. We must prove to the international community that there are good people among us; that we are not all corrupt as some believe.

We must call our leaders to order when they err and commend them when the need arise.

So, my advice to Buhari and his associates is this: do not take the goodwill that you enjoy from Nigerians for granted. Do all that is necessary to revamp the economy before things get out of hand.

The economy in particular needs the input of tested experts. There is no shame in seeking for help in order to formulate policies that would attract foreign investors who would shore up our economic fortunes.

Chimara joins collated cannons

T

Chimara

he Anglican Diocese of Ideato, Imo State celebrated mass to consummate the promotion of some servants of God. It was the occasion of the priestly ordination and collation of canons of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Arodizuogu.

The ordination was officiated by the Archbishop of

the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri and the Diocesan Bishop of Ideato, Caleb Maduoma.

Those ordained priests are Emmanuel Olubuogu, Chukwuma Alozie, Sopuruchukwu Okwaraejiaku, Shedrack Chukwuzitere, and Abel Chibuike.

Those collated canons include Kelechi Chimara, Godwin Okpara, Godstime Okereke, and Chuk-

wudubem Uduji.

Chimara is the vicar of Umuopia Parish in Akokwa Archdeaconry. He is also the Anglican Children Ministry (ACM) coordinator and chaplain of the Anglican Diocese of Ideato.

He is a man God has used immensely to His glory. He is humble and has exemplified himself as a servant of God, and is a source of inspiration, counsel, and

guidance to the youth of Ideato Anglican synod.

Chimara was preferred a statutory canon of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Arondizuogu at the third session of the sixth synod of the Diocese.

A thanksgiving service and reception in his honour holds on Sunday June 26, 2016 at Christ Church Umuopia, Akokwa, Imo State at 8am.

42

TheNiche June 19, 2016

The Nigerian Charter

A brief history of Nigeria (2)

T

• Continued from last edition.

ensions between the north and the south continue to dictate Nigeria’s political environment.

To at least install some balance, parties from north and south agreed to rotate the presidency. Meaning that a president from the southern region should always follow a president from the northern region and vice versa.

Each president can stay on for (no more than) two terms.

This informal arrangement did ease tensions somewhat, but at the same time reduced the accountability of Nigeria’s leaders.

Put differently, by allowing the arrangement to stand, it becomes less likely that voters will hold their leaders accountable for past mistakes.

Instead, leaders are chosen on the basis of their ethnicity and the practice of favouritism is widespread.

Reasons why we are where we are Nigerians do not agree on anything – everyone is pursuing personal interest to the detriment of

national interest. Greed and corruption are rampant.

Corruption does not take place only in government. At religious organisations, private offices, schools, even our homes, corrupt practices are endemic.

Everyone is struggling to grab his share of the so-called ‘national cake’.

Political appointments have become an opportunity to ‘eat and settle' the boys and families and communities of such appointees.

The ‘carnival’ that takes place at the State House during the swearing-in of new ministers is a pointer to this.

Another reason for our deplorable state is the issue of bad leadership and the lopsided structure of the nation.

“When we hear a house has fallen, do we ask if the ceiling fell with it?” – Chinua Achebe.

Notable novelist Chinua Achebe’s tongue-in-cheek is a take on how everything rises and falls on leadership.

But it also begs the question whether a ‘House of Nigeria’ ever existed; if yes, what kind of ‘house’ was it?

Renowned constitutional lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze in a widely published article, ‘A New Nigeria of

Becoming the best Ituah Ighodalo

Senior Pastor, Trinity House Zion Center e-mail:pastorituah@trinityng.org

our Dream’, says “the Constitution is defective and unfit for the no less unacceptable reason that the federal system which it establishes for the government of the state, while generally accepted as best suited to the circumstances and needs of the country, is too lop-sided and unbalanced by overconcentrating too much power and financial resources at the centre at the expense and to the detriment of the states which comprise the ethnic nationalities; it thereby fails to establish and maintain a proper balance between the needs and demands of building a nation and the preservation of diversity in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi- cultural country.”

Wole Soyinka’s submission spells out the crux of the trouble with the Nigerian edifice: “Centralisation, in short, has been the bane of the nation – on any level you choose – and nothing will answer the necessity of a harmonious relationship and development of its parts other than a severe curtailment of the control of the Centre over the functioning of its

Angels and demigods (1)

E

ach person is a wholistic being who has a material aspect and a metaphysical aspect, but who is the soul.

The problems of the world are so great that they cannot be addressed by looking at just one aspect of our existence.

There must be an appropriate marriage between the material, the metaphysical, and the spiritual. This is not only healthy but it is imperative and necessary for survival. Angels and demigods are important in this regard, for they are forces who can assist us in surviving and advancing.

The holy books and higher beings

There are many dimensions to God's creation. There are lower hellish planets; medium planets; higher, heavenly kingdoms; and the spiritual world. There are many agents of the Supreme who are greater than us, have a more subtle nature, but are not quite God. The angels and demigods are in this category. An analogy is the President's cabinet. The President has many cabinet members who oversee different departments. There is a difference between a cabinet member and the actual head of state, the President himself.

Demigods, or devas, are the Lord's cabinet members. They oversee the affairs of the material world. People often mistakenly identify the demigods, or those who are empowered to represent the Divinity, as the actual Divinity Himself. Angels are of a pious nature, as are the demigods. They differ from demigods in that angels are not serving in administrative positions.

Various scriptures refer to angels and demigods. Let's begin with the Bible. Genesis 1:1 says: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 2:1 says: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them."

If God created the heaven and the earth, we can understand that He existed somewhere else, and brought

into existence the heavens and the earth from His own abode. The heavenly planets are actually where the angels and the demigods reside.

The Supreme Lord is above the heavens, in the spiritual world [see chapter two]. Both the demigods and the angels are material beings but are more subtle material beings than earthlings.

From this, we may go to another point. In Genesis 1:26, we find something quite astounding, which we have all heard countless times: "And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air," and so on.

The "us" in this verse is plural and shows that God is not existing alone.

If God does not exist alone, who is He talking to? He is talking to the demigods. They, as the Lord's cabinet members, are taking responsibility for the creation of the beings in the material universes.

It is the demigods who say, "Let us make man in our image. Let us create a being in our image who has the ability to make spiritual progress. Let us advance the position of the earthlings so that they have more of a chance to aspire toward the Godhead."

As earthlings we are not a part of the original creation. The living entities on this particular planet are part of a secondary creation. It is just like a drama where after Act 1, the curtain closes. Then there is Act 2 and the curtain closes again.

Similarly, there is always creation, maintenance, and annihilation in the material universes, and then the curtains close. Then the entire process is repeated again and again. Only the spiritual kingdom is always existing, unperturbed by the vicissitudes of time.

Let's examine one more point in the Bible. Genesis 6:1-2 says: And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair, and they took them wives of all which they

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chose.

This indicates that there were contacts between the sons of God, or the demigods, and the daughters of men. This interaction produced humanity as we know it.

The Koran also discusses angels.

The Prophet Muhammad was able to give the knowledge of the Koran because of his contact with Angel Gabriel.

The Koran discusses angels coming to this world and presents their realizations and revelations, which vary according to time, place, and circumstance.

For example the Koran, Chapter 2, Verse 177 says: "It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the last day and the angels..." While belief in angels may not be as universal as a belief in the Divine Being, it is accepted generally in all major religions.

Angels in action There is a difference between angels and other entities such as ghosts. A ghost can be a disembodied entity, a being that didn't quite make the transition to its next physical body. Even though it doesn't have a physical body, the desires for carnal involvement still persist.

For this reason, it tries to enter and use a physical body. A ghost performs pranks and basically has the same mentality as it did in its last embodiment. The ghost of a highly mischievous and devious person will emanate the same kind of disturbance as the individual did while in the physical body.

A ghost will make you fearful. If a ghost is present in your room, you will feel as though a breeze has just entered. If you are touched by the ghost, you will experience a sensation of coldness.

When you come into contact with an angel, it is not because the angel is lost as is a ghost; the angel is on a specific mission. The angel may give you a blessing, a benediction, a warning,

parts … any re-designing of the nation’s internal portrait must depend absolutely on strategies that emanate from the people themselves.”

We have had poor, uneducated, uniformed, visionless, uncommitted leadership by largely selfish and ignorant people who lack proper training and character.

Apart from our covetous, barren and unproductive leadership, another issue is our equally greedy, impoverished and apathetic following.

During fuel subsidy crisis in January 2012, you could hear a lot of people saying “thank God, I didn’t bother to come out and vote.”

That kind of sentiment must change. You must be ready to get involved at whatever level, starting with yourself and your immediate environment and community.

What are our common goals?

Fuel subsidy crisis has shown that it is time for us all as Nigerians to stand up and agree on the

basic tenets of our nation.

Some of those basic things we must all agree on as a nation and pursue vigorously include: 1.

There must be an end to corruption and suppression by an elite ruling class.

2.

There must be provision of suitable infrastructure and basic needs for the ordinary Nigerian.

3.

There must be equal opportunity and a level playing field for all, irrespective of origin, class, religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

We all must call a referendum to agree on these things and whichever government cannot deliver must stand down.

Every Nigerian must sign to this charter and agree to look for leaders who by history, proven track record and antecedent can deliver.

We will no longer put in power people who have not clearly proven themselves in leadership either in public or private.

Self-discovery Kavikarnapura Das

iskcon.lagos@gmail.com 0706 601 1800, 0812 324 5864

guidance, and even protection.

An angel is not trying to enter into you and work through your physical form for sense gratification or to engage in pranks at your expense.

The presence of the angel gives you a sense of warmth, security, solace, and comfort. Angels have always been helpers to the material universe.

You may know from biblical studies that an angel appeared to Abraham to stop Abraham from slaying his son. An angel descended to close the mouth of the lion when Daniel was thrown into the pit. An angel appeared to take Peter out of incarceration.

Angels appeared to the Prophet Muhammad. These examples reflect the role of angels as helpers of humankind. The book of Revelations emphasizes the coming of different types of angels. There are many scriptural references to angelic interactions.

Sometimes one may have difficulties distinguishing between a helpful guide such as an angel and an entity that has its own selfish agenda in mind. A simple way to evaluate these beings is to discern whether they are pious or impious.

The efforts of the pious ones are directed towards assistance. The impious ones are literally trying to bring stagnation into your life. If you have contact with an extraordinary pious life force, don't waste time trying to determine the exact type of angel.

There are angels who are like babies or children, others who are feminine or masculine in manifestation, and still others who are of no sex.

These specifics are not significant.

What is significant is the message and how to use that message.

Also significant is whether the contact is destructive or upgrades your situation.

If you are attracting situations of a destructive nature, you have work to do to eliminate such association.

If you hear voices and are becoming fearful, you must determine how you can upgrade yourself.

An angel is vibrant and full of illuminating colors. Such beings give you a tremendous sense of peace in distressful situations. When someone is about to have a near-death experience or is in a trance or a coma, an angel may intervene to ensure that the person does not leave the body.

The angels commune with the person, telling the individual to return to the body to complete certain tasks. The angels describe what these tasks are.

Events like these have always occurred and will continue to happen.

Angels are appearing in our current day and age, especially to protect children. Sometimes children see them and report them. Other people who are sensitive or psychic also see them.

Some people are aware of angels as constant companions who accompany them for the majority of their lives. For others, an angel appears to guide them out of specific difficulties.

Some of you have heard of Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and many other angels who become known according to their activities.

They protect and provide loving assistance to the living entities in this universe and other material universes as well. Angels may not necessarily reside in one particular universe, since they have the ability to move into other arenas.

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

43

Causes and treatment of ear infection

A

n ear infection occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear – the sections of the ear just behind the eardrum.

Ear infections can be painful because of inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear.

Ear infections can be chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration. Chronic ear infections do not clear up, or they recur many times. Chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage to the middle and inner ear.

Infection can affect the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum (myringitis), or the middle ear (otitis media).

Most ear injuries are caused by pressure changes during direct injury (such as a blow to the ear) or sport scuba diving, but a persistently painful ear may signal an infection that requires treatment.

Symptoms of ear infection

include: ear pain, fullness in the ear, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, discharge from the ear, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo.

Symptoms may follow a respiratory infection such as the common cold.

Discharge from the ear canal is often caused by the infection known as swimmer's ear (otitis externa). A painful ear with decreased hearing is often the result of otitis media.

What causes an ear infection?

Ear infections occur when one of your Eustachian tubes becomes swollen or blocked and fluid builds up in your middle ear. Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run from each ear directly to the back of the throat.

The causes of Eustachian tube blockage include: allergies, colds, sinus infections, excess mucus, tobacco smoking, infected or swollen adenoids (tissue near your tonsils that trap harmful

bacteria and viruses).

Risk factors Ear infections occur most commonly in young children because they have short and narrow Eustachian tubes.

Infants who are bottle-fed also have a higher incidence of ear infections than their breastfed counterparts.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing an ear infection are: altitude changes, climate changes, exposure to cigarette smoke, pacifier use, recent illness or ear infection.

Diagnosis The expert will examine your ears with an instrument called an otoscope that has a light and magnifying lens.

Examination may reveal: • redness, air bubbles, or pus-like fluid inside the middle ear • fluid draining from the middle ear • a perforation in the eardrum • a bulging or collapsed

eardrum.

If your infection is advanced, a doctor may take a sample of the fluid inside the ear and test it to determine whether certain types of antibiotic resistant bacteria are present.

He or she may also order a computed tomography (CT) scan of your head to determine if the infection has spread beyond the middle ear.

Finally, you may need a hearing test, especially if you are suffering from chronic ear infections.

How is ear infection treated?

Most mild ear infections clear up without intervention.

Some of the following methods are effective in relieving the symptoms of a mild ear infection: • applying a warm cloth to the affected ear • taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen • using over-the-counter or prescription ear drops to

relieve pain • taking over-the-counter decongestants such as pseudoephedrine.

If symptoms get worse or do not improve, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If a child under the age of two presents with ear infection symptoms, a doctor will likely give him or her antibiotics as well.

It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics if they are prescribed.

Surgery may be an option if your ear infection is not eliminated with the usual medical treatments or if you have many ear infections over a short period of time.

Most often, tubes are placed in the ears to allow fluid to drain out. In cases that involve enlarged adenoids, surgical removal of the adenoids may be necessary.

Long term effect Ear infections usually clear up without intervention, but they may recur.

The following rare but serious complications may follow an ear infection: • hearing loss • speech or language delay in children • mastoiditis (an infection of the mastoid bone in the skull) • meningitis (a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) • a ruptured ear drum.

Prevention The following practices have been proven to reduce the risk of ear infection: • washing your hands often • avoiding overly crowded areas • forgoing pacifiers with infants and small children • breast-feeding infants • avoiding secondhand smoke • keeping immunisations up-to-date.

• Culled from www.healthline.com

44

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Kiddies

Arena Brain tickler

Temitope Ojo ibilade@gmail.com t.adegboye@thenicheng.com 0708 479 6140

Historical personality

Michael Okpara (1920-1984)

Two children, who were all tangled up in their reckoning of the days of the week, paused on their way to school to straighten matters out.

"When the day after tomorrow is yesterday," said Priscilla, "then 'today' will be as far from Sunday as that day was which was 'today' when the day before yesterday was tomorrow!"

On which day of the week did this puzzling prattle occur?

Solution Forward I am ton, backwards I am not.

Forward I am heavy, but backward I am not. What am I? Answer

The two children were so befogged over the calendar that they had started on their way to school on Sunday morning!

Invention Tape recorder

Joseph Begun graduated in 1929 from the Institute of Technology in Berlin, Germany, where he wrote an important research entitled Magnetic Recording.

In 1934/35, he built the world's first tape recorder used for broadcasting. He later created the first consumer tape recorder called the Sound Mirror.

Over the course of his career, Begun continued the development of sound recording media and improved the coating paper and ferromagnetic powders used with magnetic sound tape.

He also developed the Stahltone-Bandmaschine steel tape recorder in 1935 for mobile radio broadcasting.

M

ichael Okpara was born on December 25, 1920 in Umuahia, in present-day Abia State.

Although he was the son of a labourer, he was able to attend mission schools and later went to Uzuakoli Methodist College, where he won a scholarship to study medicine at Yaba Higher College, Lagos.

After completing medical studies at the Nigerian School of Medicine, he worked briefly as a government medical officer before returning to Umuahia to set up a private practice.

He developed an interest in the Zikist Movement (named after Nnamdi Azikiwe), a militant wing of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).

After rioting workers were shot by police at the Enugu coal mines in 1949, Okpara was arrested for his alleged complicity in inciting the riot, though he was soon released.

He was elected into the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly on the NCNC platform in 1952, after the granting of internal self rule.

Okpara was political leader and premier of Eastern Nigeria in the First Republic (1959-1966).

Between 1952 and 1959, he held various cabinet positions in Eastern Nigeria, ranging from minister of health to minister of agriculture and production.

In 1953, when NCNC legislators revolted against the party leadership, he remained loyal and joined forces with Azikiwe.

In November 1960, when Azikiwe left active politics to become Nigeria's first

African governor general, Okpara was elected leader of the NCNC. At 39, he was the nation's youngest premier.

He was a strong advocate of what he called "pragmatic socialism" and believed that agricultural reform was crucial to the ultimate success of Nigeria.

He acquired and managed a large farm in his hometown, called Umuegwu Okpuala Mixed Farms, which inspired many Eastern Nigerian leaders to follow suit.

He also championed the educational and infrastructural development of the East.

Okpara never owned a home of his own while he was in government.

He died on December 17, 1984.

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

Kiddies Arena StarKid Name: Fiyinfoluwa Awoyemi Age: Four years Best colour: Red Best Food: Rice and fish Career goal: Doctor School: Royal Accolades Nursery/Primary School, Magboro

Be our StarKid: Send your child's full-sized photograph and details to ibilade@gmail.com.

A Man's A Man For A' That

45

Poems

By Robert Burns Is there for honesty poverty That hings his head, an' a' that; The coward slave - we pass him by, We dare be poor for a' that!

For a' that, an' a' that, Our toils obscure an' a' that, The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The man's the gowd for a' that.

What though on hamely fare we dine, Wear hoddin grey, an' a' that?

Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine, A man's a man for a' that.

For a' that, an' a' that, Their tinsel show, an' a' that, The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor, Is king o' men for a' that.

Ye see yon birkie ca'd a lord, Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that; Tho' hundreds worship at his word, He's but a coof for a' that.

For a' that, an' a' that, His ribband, star, an' a' that, The man o' independent mind He looks an' laughs at a' that.

A price can mak a belted knight, A marquise, duke, an' a' that; But an honest man's aboon his might, Gude faith, he maunna fa' that!

For a' that, an' a' that, Their dignities an' a' that, The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth, Are higher rank than a' that.

Then let us pray that come it may, (As come it will for a' that,) That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth, Shall bear the gree, an' a' that.

For a' that, an' a' that, That man to man, the world o'er, Shall brithers be for a' that.

A Man's A Man For A' That

Be our poet: Send your poems to ibilade@gmail.com.

46

Arts TheNiche

with Terh Agbedeh

S

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June 19, 2016

REVIEWS&PREVIEWS

unday, June 5 was a day of reminiscences and projections by culture enthusiasts when the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) marked 25 years of its existence at Freedom Park, Lagos, with an Art Stampede themed: ‘25 Years of Culture Advocacy: What gains?

What prospects?’

Many of the artistes who were at CORA’s very first stampede in 1991 and those who have benefitted from the organisation’s activities over the years were present at the gathering where CORA’s Secretary-General, Toyin Akinosho, recalled the organisation’s origins and what it has so far achieved.

At the inception of the quarterly CORA Art Stampede and for so many years, Akinosho said, the organisation made sure there were three musts: a musical band, kegs of palmwine and groundnuts.

“We would often have an interlude after several hours of talk shop, dance for a full hour, and then return to the conversation, which could be anything from the quality of art criticism, the effectiveness of the Nigerian gallery space, when the Nigerian movie going is to emerge, to ideas around the culture producer in the marketplace,” he said.

He explained that venues were chosen sometimes to show their possibilities as performance spaces, as was the case in 1996 when CORA had a stampede in honour of Ben Enwonwu, at the rooftop gardens of the National Theatre, a venue they were to use several times.

He recalled that there was a huge argument about where to host the second Art Stampede in September 1991 which eventually took place at Jazzville.

From 1991, CORA hosted 110 stampedes, but then started doing Monthly Highlife Party, producing Lagos the City Arts Guide, producing Artists’ Forum, and running the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF).

He, however, said that there had never been a single year that CORA had less than two stampedes.

“Even those years are extremely rare, perhaps two out of our 25 years of being. In the last four years, for example, the March stampede has been part of the i-Rep Film Festival. Yearly, the November Stampede is the last event of the Lagos Book and Art Festival.”

What the stampede has largely achieved, he said, was to sow ‘ideas in the air’, that being one of the reasons CORA sees itself as a landscapist.

“The LABAF, for us, has been the best example of ‘sowing seeds’. Since it started in 1999, at the onset of our return to democracy, there have been several high quality book festivals that have purchased the franchise; in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; in Ake, Ogun State; in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; in Awka, Anambra State. The only problem is, we haven’t received payment for the franchise,” he stated.

NOLA opens call for papers

Reminiscences as CORA marks 25

L-R: Akinosho (inset), Tunji Azeez, Toni Kan, Molara Wood and Abati For him, CORA has met the expectation of the arts community, as it is not a destination, really, but a work in progress.

“We didn’t set out to fulfil expectations; we wanted to instigate, to advocate for the arts. We should be tempted to claim the credit for a lot of things happening today in the creative industries,” he said.

“It has been all joy: no pain at all. We think that we should do more. Part of the joy is the growth of theatre performance, the evolution of Nigerian movie, the increasing diversity and complexities of exhibition making. One thing we are excited about is the growing number of culture events where ‘panel conversations’ are part of the menu.”

One after the other, visual artists, writers, dramatists, sculptors, movie and TV producers, actors and actresses, as well as critics, paid glowing tributes to the vision of the founders of CORA. In his contribution to the discussion, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, said CORA encouraged and provided a platform for Nigerian artistes to showcase their talents. Calling on the younger generation to emulate the example set by Akinosho and Jahman Anikulapo, he said Nigerians and members of the culture community could not do without the benefits of culture advocacy.

Expressing concern over the poor reading culture in the society, Abati said, “If in 1991 we complained

about the poor reading culture, I am afraid that it is worse now. The danger is that we are not encouraged to think.”

Toni Kan, a writer, said he was not convinced that Nigerians were not reading. For him, the question is not whether they are reading, rather what they are reading.

“I don’t believe that Nigerians do not read. I think it is the biggest fallacy in Nigeria. People read, but we have to ask ourselves: are we writing what they want to read? Those of us who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s had this assumption that to be a writer, you have to write like Wole Soyinka. I think that is not what people want to read.

“Every morning when I am going to work on a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) vehicle, I see almost half of the people in the bus reading. They are reading Franklin Rogers, Jeffrey Archer and other bestsellers.

“I think Nigerian writers haven’t got the stuff that people want to read. They have been too intellectual, too Marxist and whatever. People want to read, but they are hungry for some kind of text. As writers, we should adapt our writing to meet that need.”

The stampede also had in attendance seasoned artists, writers, dramatists and culture activists, such as Prof. Duro Oni, Tolu Ajayi, Olu Amoda, Kayode Aderinokun, Ben Tomoloju, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Tam Fiofori, Muyiwa Majekodunmi, Wole Oguntokun, Tunji Azeez and Victor Nwokocha.

he Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA) has made a call for papers, which will be presented at its bi-annual conference, taking place from October 19 to 22.

A statement from Membership Secretary of NOLA, Peter Omoko, explained that the conference will be hosted by the Centre For Gender Studies, Benue State University (BENSU), Makurdi.

This year’s theme is ‘Orality, New Media and Creative Industries’, with sub-themes that include ‘Oral Traditions, New Media and the Economy of Creative Industries’, ‘Orality, Social Media, Creative/Entertainment Industries’, ‘Oral Literatures, New Media and

Creative Industries’ and ‘Orality, New Media and Popular Culture’.

Others are ‘Orality, Folklore and the Internet’, ‘Orality, New Media and Digital Storytelling/Narration’, ‘Orality, New Media, and Popular Music’, ‘Oral Literatures, New Media, Theatre, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts’, ‘Orality, Oratorical Arts, Stand-up Comedy’ and a host of others.

Prospective participants can get further details from the Director, Centre for Gender Studies, BENSU, Professor Leticia Nyitse (host) or from Professor Godini Darah (president), Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

T

Arts

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

T

he guest writer at the fourth edition of Yoruba Lakotun, Kehinde Adepegba, has said the poor reading culture of the Yoruba, the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and late adoption of technology have negatively impacted on the reading of Yoruba literature, which has largely preserved the culture.

According to the author of Okele Akobu, Ogbon Ologbon, and Eku Eda, “the youth of this generation have unlimited access to materials online and they have deserted reading hard copies of the literature that have been published sometime ago. He tasked publishers to help writers by publishing the e-book versions of their

June 19, 2016

‘Poor reading culture affects patronage of Yoruba literature’

books on various platforms and making it available to the global audience and increasing profitability.”

Adebayo Adegbembo, who developed ‘Asa’ app, said he and his team have been assiduously working on the preservation of the language through this app and are also working on other Nigerian languages, which are being accessed from other parts of the world.

Adegbembo’s words: “(The) Yoruba in Nigeria should not make the language lose its value because people from other parts of the world, especially those in Jamaica, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and the Caribbean, look up to us at the core areas where the language is spoken and we should not let them down in

‘Literacy key to peace’

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47

speaking, writing, reading and listening in the language.”

The host of the programme, Olutayo Irantiola, mentioned the stride of the Lagos State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Mudashiru Obasa, which advocates that the Yoruba language be spoken compulsorily at both public and private schools in the state. This gesture will help the language to survive and it will also aid the restoration of the dwindling moral values in the society.

The well-attended event had language and cultural enthusiasts from corporate and social Nigeria in attendance.

Kayode Adewale was on the band stand dishing out music to the delight of those present.

he Chief Executive Officer of Universal Learning Solutions, Gary Foxcroft, has said that literacy is the key to peace.

Foxcroft, whose non-governmental organisation (NGO) is based in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, made the declaration to mark the Day of the African Child.

While calling on the federal government to focus more on the need to promote literacy as a means to ensure peace and stability, with a view to mitigating the impact of armed conflict on children in Nigeria.

“While we welcome the recent announcement that the federal government will be recruiting 500,000 teachers

L-R: Olayinka Adeyeri, poet; Adegbembo, Iyabo Aboaba, COO, Lork Enterprise LLP; Irantiola, and Adepegba.

to improve the quality of education in Nigeria, there is still a glaring need for the teachers to be trained in effective literacy methods, such as Jolly Phonics,” Foxcroft stated.

His NGO, he explains, is able to offer this support to the government freely and believes that it is essential if they are to ensure that pupils leave school functionally literate.

“Until this fundamental problem is addressed, especially in the Northern states, conflict and instability is unfortunately likely to persist. We therefore call upon the government to grasp this unique opportunity to transform literacy levels and help make Nigeria a more peaceful place for children to grow,” he said.

On June 16, 1976, between 10 and 20,000 South African school children walked from their schools to Orlando Stadium in Soweto, peacefully protesting for better standards in education and the right to be taught in their own language. For hundreds, this act of defiance against the Apartheid regime was their last: police opened fire on the students and released dogs into the crowd causing pandemonium and loss of lives, with over 1,000 people injured. This event is remembered throughout Africa today as the Day of the African Child, which this year was observed on Thursday under the theme, ‘Conflict and Crisis in Africa: Protecting all Children’s Rights’.

Putting a lie to churches’ ‘Biblical’ doctrines Book Title: 100 Things Jesus Did Not Say Author: Vincent Chiedu Genre: Christian literature Pagination: 382 Year of Publishing: 2015 Publisher: Not indicated Reviewer: Innocent Anoruo

M

adeleine works in New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with a gross annual income of $90,000. Every month end, her company deducts her mortgage, car loan, education loan, utility bills, etc at source, and what gets to her from the monthly $7,500 pay to take care of food, clothing and miscellaneous expenses is a paltry $2,500.

Planning to save 20 per cent of her pay ($1,500), her church demands 10 per cent of her ‘income’ as tithe. If, in order not to “rob God”, according to her pastor, Madeleine decides to tithe $750, will $250 be enough for fuelling her car, food, clothing and miscellaneous expenses?

Vincent Chiedu frowns at Madeleine’s church in 100 Things Jesus Did Not Say. Tithing is one issue that many churches have interpreted differently.

While community churches take it ‘cool’, ‘one man’ or ‘family’ churches get desperate over it.

A Catholic cleric once explained that God is not wicked as some people make him appear. He said some people do not tithe because their earnings are not enough to cater for their basic needs. “However, the Church encourages people to, if they are capable, even tithe more than 10 per cent of their earnings, cheerfully, because God loves a cheerful giver.”

Chiedu agrees with this. He said people who have excess of 90 per cent, after taking care of their needs, are expected to tithe even 50 per cent or more from that increase. For him, some churches over-tax members, whereas what the Bible demands is 10 per cent of the “increase”. In Chapter 19, he says ‘Jesus did not say you should give him

ten per cent of your turn-over revenue as tithe’.

To back up his assertion, he quotes Deuteronomy 14:22, “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year” (p78). His argument is that tithe should be from one’s “increase”, that means “profit”. This raises the question of whether transport, housing and other allowances should be included when tithing from one’s monthly salary.

However, he is not against tithing. Chapter 9 has ‘Jesus did not say we should not pay tithe’.

In this relatively controversial book, Chiedu, the President of Surrender and Triumph Outreach and Revival Ministries (STORM), tries to put a lie to some doctrines which various churches see as Biblical.

The equality of Jesus with God the Father is put to question in Chapter 6. The Trinity (three persons in one God) is one phenomenon that has divided Christianity. The Catholic Church, among others, believe that Jesus is “con-substantial with the Father” (refer to The Apostles’ Creed).

Still hitting on Catholicism among other churches, the book disagrees with the infallibility of the Pope or any other church leader in Chapter 29, where the author notes that ‘Jesus did not say that spiritual authority means that our leaders are infallible’.

Papal infallibility is a dogma of the Catholic Church that states that, in virtue of the promise of Jesus to Peter, the Pope is preserved from the possibility of error “when, in the exercise of his office as shepherd and teacher of all Christians, in virtue of his supreme apostolic authority, he defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals to be held by the whole Church.” Statements by a pope that exercise papal infallibility are referred to as solemn papal definitions or ex cathedra teachings. Also considered infallible are the teachings of the whole body of bishops of the Church, especially but not only in an ecumenical council.

The issue of sola scriptura, an invention of 16th century Protestants, comes up in Chapter 15 which has ‘Jesus did not say we could not read or depend

on any other book than the Bible’.

Sola scriptura (Latin: by Scripture alone) is a Christian theological doctrine which holds that the Christian Scriptures are the supreme authority in all matters of doctrine and practice (Wikipedia).

Opponents of this doctrine hold that before the Bible was compiled as a book, Rev. 22:19 was only in the book of Revelation; so if that verse has to be swallowed hook, line and sinker, only the book of Revelation should be believed.

One other teaching that is rampant among ‘born-again’ Christians is alcohol consumption. In fact, while some ‘wiser’ born-agains say they avoid alcohol because it can lead to sin, the extremists say outright that alcohol consumption is sin.

But the book noted that Jesus expected Christians to “be not drunk with wine, wherein in excess; but be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). With this verse, more ‘liberal’ Christians preach moderation in everything, including drinking alcohol, eating, playing and even sleeping.

What did Jesus say about the salvation of those who are not Christians?

From sexual perversion to relationships, habits, leadership, nationhood, discipleship and ambition to science, prayer, commerce, gender, power, death, miracles and entertainment, Chiedu tries to point out teachings of many churches that Jesus did not sanction.

This mechanical engineer by training may have tried, with 100 Things Jesus Did Not Say, to hit on many churches, their leadership and their teachings. Aside those mentioned above, some churches preach against the use of jewellery, some teach that those in Christ are above life’s challenges, among others that brew controversy. All are treated in the book.

In our gullible society, where religion has become more than opium for the poor and illiterate (where pastors ‘extort’ the peasants to purchase private jets), this book is a ready tool for wisdom and general ‘change’ of attitude. It will make the reader

search the Bible more like the Bereans, which will lead to more knowledge of God’s principles.

Suspected to be a vanity publication (self-published book) because the publisher is not indicated, the book is relatively free of grammatical and spelling errors. However, North American and British spellings are used together in the book.

The book is a great intellectual material for church leaders, Bible scholars, Christians and every other person who wants to know what the Bible teaches.

• Anoruo is a Lagos-based journalist

48

TheNiche

Fashion June 19, 2016

www.thenicheng.com

Temitope Ojo ibilade@gmail.com t.adegboye@thenicheng.com 0708 479 6140

Lola beats 18 contestants to win Miss Nigeria USA

Miss Ekiti, Lola Adeoye, has emerged Miss Nigeria USA 2016. She beat 18 other contestants and was crowned by the outgoing Miss Nigeria USA 2015, Olutosin Araromi The finalists competed in traditional outfits, swim wears, talent displays, evening gowns, and platform presentations.

The two-day pageant started with the Miss Nigeria USA Charity Gala/ Fund Raising Dinner at the John Jay Hall in Midtown Manhattan, New York.

The goal was to raise money for the Miss Nigeria USA Scholarship programme in Nigeria.

The girls also presented individual platforms and pet projects to the

judges and guests.

The judges were Osas IghodaroAjibade, DPiper Twins, Ngozi Opara of Heat Free Hair, stylists Kanayo Ebi and Moses "Moashy" Ebite, Hana Unis, A.J Ross of ABC 7 News and Essence Magazine's Charrea Jackson.

The event was hosted by comedian Aphrican Ape and Ojinika of Pix 11 New. Celebrities present included DJ Cuppy, AZK Adekoya, Ugonna Omeruo, Toyosi Phillips, Ernest Danjuma, Koby Brew, Lexx Ore, and model Tamar Awobotu.

Nigerian artist, Kcee, thrilled the crowd with performances.

Lola (holding plaque) and other

Lola

A contestant Lola (middle) and other

Olutosin (middle) and

Other

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

Comfort before fashion

By Mmedaramfon Umoren “Appearance” comes to mind when you come across the word “fashion”.

Your mind creates images of that very colourful dress, blouse, skirt, shoes, bags to match, belts, wrist watches, earrings, cufflinks, as well as the hairstyle for a perfect finish.

Fashion entails the prevailing styles and newest creations of designers in clothing, foot wears, accessories, makeup, and the like.

Fleeting Fashion is fleeting. What is in vogue today is outdated tomorrow. It never stays permanent. There’s always a recycling of fashion, with little or no changes in some cases.

The trends of today are seen in the photographs parents and grandparents took as young people (pencil trousers, stiletto sandals, wedges, afro – team natural hair – and many other similarities).

Fashion cuts across all sets of people and transcends age.

There are fashion statements for babies, children, teenagers, young adults, and working adults as well.

It also varies from person to person. One rarely finds everyone trying to keep up with the same styles in vogue.

Consider age, body structure Lawiza Creations Chief Executive Officer, Bose Adegunwa, said fashion is a person’s total way of life which comprises dressing and presentation.

“It’s good to be in vogue, dress up beautifully, and follow the trend; but people must learn to consider their age, body structure, and position in the society before embracing a trend,” she explained.

“There are certain trends which people of a certain age should not indulge in because there’s time for everything.

Don’t follow trends blindly, but decipher what suits you and what doesn’t.”

She considers it charming when someone enters a gathering in an appropriate dress.

“It is really beautiful to see a woman in a dress, neatly cut, well-shaped, not necessarily very glamorous, but a good combination of fabrics and carriage. That’s fashionable to me.”

Expression of self A fashionista, Mfonabasi Udom, sees it as self-expression in its truest form.

“Anything which makes a person confident in their skin

is fashionable. Fashion can also be termed a way of life and an expression of one’s identity.

“For me, it is fashionable to follow trends to some extent because fashion always has a place for everyone.

“The ability of individuals to find their place in a trend is fashionable, especially with the innovation in the fashion industry (the way designers create something spectacular and stylish by blending native pieces with foreign styles),” Udom said.

Fashion is an expression of one’s self in a unique way, wearing whatever excites you, makes you comfortable, and gives you confidence, rather than trying to impress people and keeping up with the trend.

Some people never dress according to fashion trend but still look presentable and stylish and turn heads because they feel good about themselves.

There are so many others who wear the ‘in-thing’ and everyone wonders what the struggle is, because the outfit doesn’t do them any justice.

“It’s good to be in vogue, dress up beautifully, and follow the trend; but people must learn to consider their age, body structure, and position in the society before embracing a trend.”

Factor in weather, occasion Many factors influence fashion, especially the weather and the occasion.

The weather must be duly considered, especially for those who do not spend most of their time in an air conditioned room.

When the weather is cold, it is typical to wear jackets, sweatshirts, long-sleeved clothes, and the like (clothes that keep you warm); and in hot weather, clothes that let in air, like cotton materials.

Also, the occasion speaks volumes. An evening outfit differs from a sports wear, work wear, beach wear, sleep wear, et cetera.

Questions to ask yourself Despite the constant change in fashion, some people refuse to study their body to know what fits and what doesn’t.

Ensure your outfit compliments your body while giving you a good feel about yourself. Analyse a trend carefully before embracing it.

Ask yourself questions like: Will I appear awesome or shabby? Will the fashion police be after me?

Fashion has a way of building or marring your self esteem.

You can still remain beautifully dressed without wearing what everyone else is wearing. Fashion should express who you truly are, not what everyone expects you to be.

Be comfortable and proud in whatever style you embrace, as long as it works perfectly on you.

Adegunwa

“Anything which makes a person confident in their skin is fashionable.

Fashion can also be termed a way of life and an expression of one’s identity.

“For me, it is fashionable to follow trends to some extent because fashion always has a place for everyone.”

Udom

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TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

FOOD &DRINK Get the best from your fish

F

ISH is a limbless coldblooded vertebrate with gills and fins, living wholly in water.

Fish meal is high in protein, vitamins and minerals, but low in calories, total fat and saturated fat.

The seafood is physically categorised into scaly and non-scaly fishes.

Scaly fishes are the ones with scales. According to research, they have lower fat content compared to their non-scaly counterparts. Examples are tilapia, barracuda, shiny nose, sole and lots more.

Non-scaly fishes are ones without the scales and shells; they are relatively more fattening than the scaly fish.

Examples of this are cat fish, mackerel and tuna.

Though fish is exceptionally nourishing and it substitutes a lot of nutrients, few people have seafood allergies. Some are scaly fish allergic while some are non-scaly fish allergic.

For those with allergies, roasting, drying and grilling are the recommended method of cooking, as they reduce fats, odour and irritation which are the major causes of food allergies.

Experts advise that fish should be eaten at least twice in a week; although there is never an overdose of it.

Health benefits of fish Eating fish, especially shellfish, often is beneficial to the body in many ways. Here are some reasons to introduce a

little more variety of fish into your diet.

Reduces heart diseases People who eat fish well enough have low levels of cardiovascular diseases. Fish is low in saturated fat and high in omega-3, which can protect the heart from disease and lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Clearing the vessels Eating fish can improve blood circulation, by clearing the blood vessels, and reduce the risk of thrombosis.

The omega-3 oils in fish can save your body from having to produce eicosanoids, a hormone-like substance which can make you more likely to suffer from blood clots and inflammation.

Relieves joint problems Eating fish as a regular part of a balanced diet has been shown to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition which causes the joints to swell. Recent researches have also found a link between omega-3 fats and osteoarthritis, suggesting that eating more seafood could help to prevent the disease.

Longevity of the eyes Eating oil-rich fish regularly can help to keep the eyes bright and healthy. A recent study has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids can help

to shield the eyesight of those suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition which causes the retina to degenerate and the eyesight to become blurred.

Fish and shellfish also contain retinol, a form of vitamin A which boosts night vision.

Provides essential nutrients Fish provides the body with many essential nutri-

eating out Picolo Mondo

T

his restaurant serves international meals.

The food is very attractive. A menu that boasts anything Italian, Lebanese and even Japanese meals, no doubt, promises an intercontinental treat.

With a serene environment and a nice reception, Picolo Mondo’s lounge floor is a luxury to behold, what with its ambiguous furniture.

The grill is also a great place for those

who like to have a side gaze. There are great Lebanese grills, suya and delicious sandwiches.

Also, the chocolate fondant, goat cheese salad, chicken taouk and ravioli are a musttaste.

For shawarma lovers, there are different variants, especially if you’re looking for something quick.

Piccolo Mondo is located on Idejo Street, off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

ents which keep it running smoothly – nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc and potassium. Iodine is important for the thyroid gland, and selenium makes enzymes which help to protect the body against cancer. Fish is also an excellent source of many vitamins, including vitamins A and D. Prevents life-threatening

diseases

Brightens the skin

A number of studies have indicated that fish and shellfish may help to protect our lungs. Not only does seafood relieve the body from symptoms of asthma in children, eating a lot of fish can also keep the lungs stronger and healthier as you age – in comparison to those who do not eat a lot of fish.

Omega-3 helps to protect the skin from the harmful effect of the sun; therefore, eating lots of fish can also help with the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Collagen, the main structural protein of the various connective tissues in animals, keeps the skin firm and flexible.

51

BUSINESS UNUSUAL FINANCIAL NICHE PERSONAL FINANCE MARKETING NICHE

TheNiche June 19, 2016

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK ICT

BUSINESS

www.thenicheng.com

INFLATION RATE Inflation month Inflation rate

MONEY SUPPLY (Trillion)

May 2016 15.6%

Broadmoney (M2) 18,718,193.11 Narrow Money (M1) 7,148,592.67

OIL PRICE WTI INDEX $49.22

Brent Crude $49.30

PER BARREL

Kelechi Mgboji Assistant Business Editor 0803 469 0996, 0811 181 3047 kckmgboji@yahoo.com

Maritime

Personal Finance

Abuja ready to assist Lagos on transport system

How TSA costs bankers their jobs

PAGE 55

» Gold

COMMODITIES SUMMARY

PER BARREL

PAGE 56 Silver

PER OZ

$16.96

$1,234.18 TROY OZ

Tin

$7.93

Platinum

Copper

$1,011.10 $2.28

PER OZ

PER LB

Nickel

Wheat

$4.28

$467

GRADE A

Lead

» Exchange Rates

Palladium

$0.81

$608.25

Cocoa

$3, 132

PER OZT

N-$

N-£

N-€

RATE

RATE

RATE

198.8

N288.62

220.02

Sleaze in NAICOM, PenCom grinds insurance business

By Kelechi Mgboji

B

Assistant Business Editor

oth the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) are in a mess with question marks over leadership, competence, and the usual fair of alleged corruption.

Insurance Commissioner, Mohammed Kari, is the head of NAICOM and George Onekhena the finance director. They allegedly midwifed the collapse of National Insurance Corporation (NICON) and Lion of Africa Insurance respectively.

Industry players alleged that the past records of Kari and Onekhena make them statutorily unqualified to hold any sensitive public post.

In the case of Kari, a White Paper was issued by the federal government which barred him from holding public office.

N18 billion yearly share by PenCom Pension industry assets managed by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are estimated at about N5.30 trillion.

Earnings accruing to PenCom from its 0.03 percentage share of such assets amount to over N18 billion yearly. This does not include budgetary allocation.

Industry players alleged that the past records of Kari and Onekhena make them statutorily unqualified to hold any sensitive public post.

In the case of Kari, a White Paper was issued by the federal government which barred him from holding public office.

Anohu-Amazu

There is unease in PenCom, headed by Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, over alleged mismanagement of the N18 billion yearly share, which amounts to about N100 billion in the past five years.

Vested interest Beyond the allegation of vested interest (being also a player) in the industry, AnohuAmazu exercises a lot of influence as a regulator.

Her family members are said to have significant stakeholding in Premium Pension Limited (PPL).

After Wilson Ideva was removed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL) he was appoint-

Kari

ed and remains the CEO of PPL. Anohu-Amazu’s mother, Virgy Anohu, served two terms (totalling 10 years) as director on the board of PPL and was recently succeeded by her son, Victor Anohu, the elder brother of Anohu-Amazu.

Stakeholders are asking questions about the management of the N18 billion that accrues to PenCom yearly as its share of assets managed by all PFAs. The sharing of earnings among all parties is such that PFAs, Pension Custodians, and PenCom, each takes a cut from a pool of 2.5 per cent of industry earnings from total assets under management.

PFAs take 1.5 per cent, Custodians 0.07 per cent, PenCom 0.03 per cent.

In the past three years when the net

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

worth of contributions hit over N4.5 trillion, PenCom has received 0.03 per cent of that amount, meaning over N18 billion yearly.

PenCom is expected to be one of the government's cash cows, but there is no record that Abuja has ever drawn one kobo from it.

How much has PenCom earned in the five years since the industry became profitable?

How much is its remittances to government?

Did the PenCom management embezzle the money? Or was all the money spent on its personnel of fewer than 100?

Demand for PenCom’s probe These are some of the issues that demand enquiry Continues on PAGE 52

52

TheNiche June 19, 2016

Cover Sleaze in NAICOM, PenCom grinds insurance business

Continued from PAGE 51

by the National Assembly (NASS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

There are reports that PenCom recently opened regional offices to justify spending the billions of naira in its coffers.

But even at that, investigation by TheNiche suggests question marks over the opening of the regional offices.

The South West regional office is in Lagos. That of the South South is cited in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, in an alleged trade off with former chairman of the Senate Committee on Pension, who hails from that area.

The regional office for the South East is in Awka, in Anohu-Amazu’s home state of Anambra, instead of the headquarters of the South East, Enugu.

PenCom's regional office in the North East eluded the zone’s historical headquarters, Maiduguri, and went to Gombe.

Except for Lagos, and Kaduna regional offices, the motive behind the location of other regional offices – including that of the North Central in Minna – is laced with patronage.

The appointment of Anohu-Amazu by former President Goodluck Jonathan was facilitated through high level political brinkmanship.

She was picked amid controversy as to whether she was qualified, and confirmed despite protests from insurance industry operators, including brokers whose firms were suspended over non renewal of operating licences.

Silence from PenCom When TheNiche called PenCom Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Onuorah, to confirm the amount that has accrued to PenCom as its 0.03 per cent share of assets managed

by PFAs and how it is being spent, among other controversial issues, he said he was on leave and could not make any comment.

He promised to contact a colleague who would respond to the enquiries.

Later, Onuorah suggested TheNiche write to PenCom for answers to enquiries, claiming he could not get through to his colleague who could have commented.

Anohu-Amazu did not reply telephone calls. The enquiries were texted to her,

www.thenicheng.com

Stakeholders are asking questions about the management of the N18 billion that accrues to PenCom yearly as its share of assets managed by all PFAs.

but she did not reply at press time.

NAICOM Back to NAICOM. Kari and Onekhena had left the insurance industry in controversial circumstances.

Kari exited NICON following his indictment in the collapse of the defunct Nigeria Airways during the first tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The White Paper on the report of the enquiry on the Nigeria Airways scam indicted his tenure at NICON which then had the monopoly to insure government businesses.

An industry operator disclosed that in “Recommendation 20” of the White Paper “the commission of enquiry recommended that Mohammed Kari and others be held jointly and severally responsible for $13.94 million which NICON paid into the account of Alexander Services Ltd at Barclays Bank, Jersey Channel Islands.”

It also recommended his removal from NICON. Petition to Buhari A petition written by former employees of the defunct Lion of Africa Insurance Company – some of whom are now industry operators who fear victimisation if their names are disclosed – detailed the alleged pillaging that led to the liquidation of the company.

They said this was after Godwin Alegieuno, the first and last Nigerian managing director/chief executive officer, took over in 1991 from a Briton, J.G. Hill.

According to the petitioners, Onekhena was the de facto executive director (finance) of the Lion of Africa located at St. Peter’s House, 3 Ajele Street, Lagos Island.

The petition alleged that Alegieuno and Onekhena conspired to effect the compulsory retirement of the company’s first African Con-

Balogun

Kachikwu

House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara

troller, Eric Okafor, in 1993 in order to access reserved funds built over the years by the British government’s management team.

The British government had majority shareholding of 60 per cent in the Lion of Africa and Nigeria held 40 per cent.

“He (Onekhena) wielded a lot of power and influence in finance, operations, technical and underwriting of insurance business; courtesy of his mentor and friend …

Alegieuno,” said the petition, which was written to President Muhammadu Buhari on April 15, 2016.

The petition was copied to the Senate, House of Representatives, and all relevant industry stakeholders.

Union deal backfires Onekhena allegedly introduced in the 1990’s “turn around strategies, processes, programmes”, and asked all categories of staff to adopt “a paradigm shift” in their functions, which would lead to good corporate governance, best international practices, high productivity and profitability.

The petition said: “Workshops, seminars and lectures were internally and externally organised and attended by the management and staff of The Lion. Huge amounts of money were lavished in pursuit of a vision packaged in a hurry.

“In the end, the endless training workshops and seminars strangely led to ‘downsizing’, ‘rightsizing’ ‘upsizing’, and ultimately ethnic-based retrenchments of staff.

“The so-called strategic

processes aimed at repositioning the company turned out to be a wishy-washy, a hogwash and a hocus pocus of sorts.

“That was the outcome of Onekhena’s deceit while he held sway pretending to be improving the fortunes of the company.”

According to the petitioners, the first red flag was hoisted when Alegieuno, Onekhena, and Chief Resources Officer, Dan Omoh (now deceased), applied the “stick and the carrot” approach.

This they allegedly got the leaders of Nigerian Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions’ Employees (NUBIFIE) and Association of Senior Staff of Banks and Financial Institutions’ Employees (ASSIBFIE) to disengage from the central unions in exchange for 100 per cent rise in salary across the board.

“They (union leaders) capitulated and workers got the ‘hemlock’ type of increments which they did not live to tell the story.”

Staff retrenchment The aftermath was interminable yearly retrenchment of workers, as there was no more union to query or stop indiscretions and abuses.

The company was run like a family business. Before long, all reserve funds created and preserved by former British Managing Directors, M.J.S. Bedi and J.G. Hill, were drained, the petitioners alleged.

They also alleged that during the period, no month passed without one big but needless function at

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Chairman, Ibrahim Magu

How much has PenCom earned in the five years since the industry became profitable?

How much is its remittances to government?

Did the PenCom management embezzle the money? Or was all the money spent on its personnel of fewer than 100?

Whispering Palm Hotel and other hotels in Lagos where money was squandered, and cutting corners was commonplace.

Shares sell off The petition alleged that Alegieuno Onekhena acquired choice mansions on Agbara Estates, Ogun State with company money which they branded as mortgages to the detriment of the larger workforce.

The Lion of Africa, reputed for prompt payment of salaries, began foot-dragging, giving excuses that there was no cash flow.

“They continued to bank on debts owed by clients and even started selling shares which were clear and present danger characteristics of moribund companies that are not doing well,” the former employees wrote.

Prudent and scrupulous former executives who had bought blue chip shares in the company hurriedly sold them.

“There was even a contraption they established as LOA Investments which also died with the insurance firm.

“Irregular payment of salary and clients’ bills dragged on for so long, that the points-man of The Lion, George Onekhena, threw in the towel.

“The company started boiling with a series of

allegations and continued drifting dangerously until it finally collapsed.

“After Onekhena [allegedly] emptied the company, he [allegedly] betrayed his boss, Alegieuno, by going behind him to brief the board chairman at that perilous time (S. D. Odogwu) alleging that the MD was complicit in the running down of the company,” the petitioners said.

Pulling the rug After the alleged backstab, Onekhena tendered his resignation letter. Alegieuno was said to be away to the United Kingdom when his “trusted” second-in-command pulled the rug from under his feet.

The petitioners are calling for Onekhena’s dismissal from NAICOM, insisting that insurance law prescribed that any executive director of a failed insurance company should not be given another opportunity at any company, especially an insurance related one.

NAICOM mum NAICOM spokesman, M. Salami, did not answer calls to his telephone number or reply text messages asking for comment on the allegations.

He did not respond at press time, several days after he was contacted and sent reminders.

Financial Niche www.thenicheng.com

TheNiche June 19, 2016

53

Flexible forex stirs optimism in naira value

By Kelechi Mgboji Assistant Business Editor

F

inancial experts expect the naira to stabilise and firm up against the dollar sequel to the foreign exchange (forex) policy the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced last week.

Expectation is hinged on the new financial instruments the CBN plans to introduce into the forex market.

Derivatives One of such instruments is Derivatives, a hedge product that mitigates the fluctuation risks of currency exchange trading.

With the events of the past 18 months in which the naira came under heavy speculative attacks, analysts uphold Derivatives as a timely and appropriate instrument to moderate fluctuations in exchange rate.

The value of Derivatives depends on the valuation of an underlying asset – a warrant, an option, et cetera.

It enables contracting parties hedge forex trading risks ahead of maturity date, or the time to make payment or of the need of the forex.

Associate Vice President and Divisional Head Market Development and Regulations, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Olajumoke Olaniran, hinged her expectation on Derivatives because it can cushion forex risks and eliminate speculation on the naira.

She said the naira had suffered speculative attacks due to anxiety which made a lot of businessmen to frontload demand for dollars.

"Now that you have Futures where the price is guaranteed at the exact time and date you need it, you don't necessarily have to come to the market right now because on the day you execute Futures transactions you're certain that there will be payment on the maturity date," Olaniran explained.

How Futures works Everything happens on the maturity date. If you enter the market today and enter a Futures contract, you are comfortable because you have locked in an exchange rate at which you hope to obtain the hard currency.

Therefore, buyers under Futures contract are not extposed to forex fluctuations on the spot market.

“In the short term, given the fact that the CBN has provided clarity on exchange rate regime going forward, we should expect there will be an appreciation of the naira going forward.

"If this happens, we should expect this to filter into the prices of imported commodities on the market going forward. This implies that the prices of imported commodities will come down as well as the prices of domestic commodities.”

Analysts believe this product is timely to address concerns in the business community which make the players to frontload dollar demand.

The CBN guidelines, Olajumoke explained, allow several other Derivatives like Forwards, Swaps, Options.

"Futures is one that gives you a lot of flexibility such that you can make your choice ahead and decide your price ahead and you are guaranteed the price on the maturity date. It doesn't matter what the spot rate is on that day.

“You may purchase the form on the spot market but the way the settlement happens is that the differentials paid back to you bring you back to the guaranteed price at the end of the day.

"So, if you entered into a Futures contract for, say, N300 per dollar three months ago, and on the maturity date you have to purchase the currency at, say, N350 per dollar, your counter party on the Futures contract will pay you N50 differential.

"On the other hand, if you have the spot market people selling N280 per dollar, which means you have N20 in your favour but you have been guaranteed N300, you will have to pay your counter party N20.

Impact on economy An analyst at Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Opeyemi Oguntade, said what normally happens when there is a shift from a fixed rate to floating exchange rate is that there is imported inflation which filters into the prices of commodities.

In other words, a sharp increase in the prices of imported commodities would have been expected under normal situation.

But Nigeria is a differ-

ent case, according to Oguntade, because the exchange rate has suffered exaggerated speculation.

Her words: "The value of naira exchange rate at the market is exaggerated at N370 to the dollar.

“So, in the short term, given the fact that the CBN has provided clarity on exchange rate regime going forward, we should expect there will be an appreciation of the naira going forward.

"If this happens, we should expect this to filter into the prices of imported commodities on the market going forward. This implies that the prices of imported commodities will come down as well as the prices of domestic commodities.

"If imported commodities’ prices come down, we should expect that the prices of domestic commodities that are substitutes for these imported items will have to decline also.

“Because traders are in business to make profit by retaining customers and market share.”

Oguntade said there is an increase in the prices of domestic commodities because there is an increase in the cost of living fuelled by the scarcity of forex.

For example, she added, farmers began increasing the prices of commodities like garri to meet the cost of living.

"But now that the CBN has provided clarity on exchange policy, we expect it will filter a decline in prices on the market.”

Oguntade, however, warned that in the long run if the supply of dollar does not meet the demand for forex the economy may still remain in its current situation despite the unified forex policy.

In her view, the government has to consider how to manage inflows and make dollars readily avail-

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

able on the market.

FDC Chief Executive Officer, Bismarck Rewane, also hailed the policy as capable of eliminating market distortions and bringing down prices.

Cowry Assets Management Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Chukwu, added that it would enhance price stability.

“It was most expected though coming late; it is better than nothing. It will lead to inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and remittances. This shows we are preparing the economy for diversification,” he said.

Nonetheless, Sherifdeen Tella, a professor of economics at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, warned against leaving everything to market forces.

“Therefore, we still need

“It was most expected though coming late; it is better than nothing.

It will lead to inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and remittances.

This shows we are preparing the economy for diversification.”

more restrictions on importation in order to preserve the reserves. We should not buy the idea of free market that will allow just anything to come into the country.

Even economies like Japan and the rest still do this.”

Highlights of flexible forex guidelines 1. Appointment of 10 financial institutions as primary dealers with a minimum transaction volume of $10 million; and non-primary dealers with dealership categorised on the volume of transactions they can handle.

2. The CBN to deal primarily with forex primary dealers.

The guidelines are on the CBN website.

3. Qualifications include the size of bank or size of previous forex transactions, liquidity, compliance with CBN regulations in the past, and possession of all the soft and hardware needed for a transparent operation.

4. The market to operate as a single structure through the inter-bank/autonomous window.

5. The value of the naira against other currencies would be market-driven using the Thomson-Reuters Order Matching System as well as the Conversational Dealing Book.

6. The CBN to participate in the forex market through periodic interventions to buy or sell forex as occasion demands.

7. No predetermined spread on forex spot trans-

actions executed through the CBN intervention with primary dealers.

8.

All forex spots purchased by authorised dealers are transferable on the interbank forex market.

9. The 41 items classified as ‘Not valid for foreign exchange’ remain inadmissible to the forex market.

10. The CBN to offer longtenured forex forwards of six to 12 months or any tenure to authorised dealers to enhance liquidity.

11. Sale of forex forwards by authorised dealers to end-users must be tradebacked, with no predetermined spreads.

12. To reduce speculative demand for forex for future transactions, the CBN will introduce non-deliverable over-the-counter (OTC) naira-settled futures.

13. Naira-settled futures, a new product in the Nigerian forex market, will help moderate volatility by moving non-urgent forex demand from the spot to the futures market.

14. OTC forex futures to be in non-standardised amounts and different fixed tenors to be sold on any date.

15. Proceeds of foreign investment inflows and international money transfers to be purchased by authorised dealers at the daily inter-bank rate.

16. Non-oil exporters have unfettered access to their forex proceeds sold on the interbank market.

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

Bussiness Interview June 19, 2016

Electricity key to manufacturing, job creation, says Adegbenro Former acting Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rasheed Adegbenro, tells acting News Editor, ISHAYA IBRAHIM, how budget allocation affects manufacturing and job creation.

2016 budget and manufacturing The pattern of planning in Nigeria has made the whole economy to rest on government.

Simply because the government is the largest single spender and largest single earner.

Because the government is the largest single spender, the rest of the economy wants to wait and see how much it is putting into the economy and in what direction. Since our economic structure is more of trading and services, the larger economy rests on the government to see where spending will go in a year.

Concerning that, the manufacturing sector may not be majorly affected but the buyers of products and the money in their pockets determine how far production will go.

Manufacturers may be affected because they don’t have monopoly of control over monetary and fiscal policies.

Monetary policy gives you a picture of what the forex (foreign exchange) calculation for the year will be – the benchmark dollar to naira policy.

Manufacturers need that for their own internal planning because most of them import raw materials from overseas. So the ruling rate of the dollar is a major factor in their forex calculation.

Fiscal policy is also at the full control of the government. Fiscal policy determines what materials to import and what duties to pay.

So monetary and fiscal policies usually give direction to industries, how their planning should go.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff (CET) seems to have addressed fiscal policy, but because Nigeria still has protests unresolved at the ECOWAS level, a lot of people believe full allocation of the CET by Nigeria is yet to take off.

Because of that people will be hesitant about what ECOWAS has published as a common tariff. But the moment you have the common tariff running smoothly, fiscal control will disappear because you can’t change it until another five or seven years.

That gives you a better room for planning in the short and medium terms.

2016 budget and job creation

The spending of the government will show whether there will be expansion in the economy or contraction. If there will be contraction, most contractors working for the government will lay off unneeded labour. Same with those in trading.

If the economy contracts that means there will be less money in the pockets of people and that means consumable purchase may also drop. And this may inform manufacturers to drop down capacity utilisation.

If the contraction is very heavy, a lot of workers might have to go. But if it is marginal, industries can still sustain trained hands by keeping them for longer period.

So the budget implementation will show you whether more jobs will be created in a year or whether jobs will be lost.

In the areas where you expect policy to show direction concerning job expansion, this is where there is a shift from recurrent heavy spending to capital projects. Capital projects will entail new construction of hospitals, roads, and naturally these things bring up new labour.

But if there is contraction in the budget, like in the last few years we’ve been having more recurrent expenditure – just paying salary and maintenance services – it’s never good for any economy; it doesn’t show growth.

When your budget is keyed towards capital projects that means annually you add to the national growth, in terms of new roads, new hospitals, new airports, new schools.

When your budget doesn’t do that, you don’t expect new jobs to come out of it.

Government partnership with MAN to create jobs Creating public sector jobs can never be a solution because they are not productive. They are not in production. They are only rolling out services to the general public, so expansion in that direction will not add much value to the economy.

What we should do is push manufacturing to expand production. Every expansion entails the creation of new production lines and each new line comes with a specific number of employees.

That is the benefit of giving good health to manufacturing.

It creates high quality jobs for people who studied food technology, biochemistry, engineering, and so on.

The major job challenge we have in the economy is graduate unemployment – people who study specific courses find no jobs in that line. Only manufacturing can absorb these people.

So the government ought to improve energy to promote manufacturing. No blood no life; if you don’t have blood, your life cannot run. Not just human beings, it concerns animals too, and once the blood is out, the person is gone.

The same thing applies to manufacturing – no electricity, no manufacturing. We’ll just be deluding ourselves believing we can have a thriving manufacturing sector when we’ve left the energy sector untreated.

Even in micro manufacturing.

Take for example sewing for the fashion industry – or barbing salon; clippers today come with electric support – nobody uses his leg to roll the sewing machine, it’s connected to electricity.

So if people are still using their legs to roll the sewing machine in this country, you can imagine how many garments they will produce in a day, a week and a month; compared to a seamless operation supported by electricity.

These are challenges. Power must be provided. If it is not, then we will be deluding ourselves that manufacturing health will be restored.

Without power there can be no manufacturing. So any economy that does not have power should forget about manufacturing. There is no shortcut to it. Unless you are telling the industry to establish its own power, which will totally make production uncompetitive.

Another thing is to plough a lot of money into agriculture. If there is a large improvement in farm output, it’s an invitation for people to go into processing.

Buy the fruits, the vegetables, and the tubers and preserve them.

Once preservation setups are fully established, the processors will appear on the stage because

those who preserve are assured of year round supply of raw materials.

It’s a natural flow – from farming to preservation companies, and from them to processors.

That’s the direction manufacturing would go because raw materials are available locally and efforts are being made to make farming more attractive to people in terms of access to land and to credit facilities.

The more they produce the more the assurance that preservators would emerge to take the fruits and make juice or it could even be exported.

Same thing with the processors. They would surely come the moment they get assurance that tubers and fruits have been preserved. Not that you would supply for six months and go to sleep for the next six months.

The moment preservators emerge processors will follow suit. Now they have assurance that they will get all year round supply of raw materials.

So agriculture and manufacturing should be a major focus in what I see as manufacturing as expender to agriculture. It will take our manufacturing through another rout to be ready for challenges in the future.

And that’s where we are now because we’ve got to have money in the bank for all manner of manufacturing companies to emerge with raw materials of almost 90 per cent coming from overseas.

Now that the government is broke and there is no forex (foreign exchange), you can see the effects in the economy. But if we had made agriculture to grow the way manufacturing was moving, these challenges would have been very minimal.

Challenges will come but they will be minimal because no country is an island. You may not get all your raw materials, particularly chemicals, to stabilise your production.

If the value in the total production unit is about 2 to 60 per cent, you can still carry on but when you depend on 80 per cent imported raw materials, you cannot survive.

So agriculture and manufacturing should go hand in hand and the government should raise incentives to encourage

You give a contractor a building construction estate and he imports paint. The government cannot afford to close its eyes on such an error.

The cement, iron rods, paints, and furnishing for the construction must come internally.

When you give such jumbo contracts to people and they import tiles from Spain, it’s another drain on your foreign reserves and it’s adding pressure on your naira-dollar relationship.

Adegbenro people to farm. You can’t do it by law, only by policy.

If the policy is supportive, take a clear case of other economies that have gone through that journey and you see the kind of incentives they put on the ground.

If we get agriculture back on course with a large pool of educated labour, farming output will definitely be better. Educated people will go back to the farm to manage them properly.

Gap between official and parallel forex markets The gap reflects the poor health of the economy. It shows that the economy is still bleeding.

The normal rule or law of economics analysis is that when demand is greater than supply, price will go up. The economy has been for between 20 and 30 years heavily dependent on imports.

So now that the government is not earning enough money to pay for services and import, demand pressure is heavy and you cannot resolve that pressure by just announcing the rate, it’s a market influence issue.

But the moment internal structures revert, you can look more inward so that there will be less pressure on the dollar and the dollar-naira can stabilise in the future.

You have to do this by deliberate policy and steered over time.

It’s not done by a magic wand.

You can’t use a magic wand to make an announcement and say it’s now changed to one, or create a Cinderella in the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria). It’s not

possible.

So it’s an error of the past that has to be corrected through gradual implementation of various programmes. If agriculture is boosted there will be less pressure.

If manufacturing looks inward, I’m aware manufacturers and the Raw Materials Research Council and the Ministry of Science and Technology are working together to reverse this thing.

If this is done, it will make local manufacturing more competitive and less reliant on import.

But as I said, it’s not something that can evolve through a magic wand to decree. It’s a gradual process. It’ll take a while for that to happen.

The government is the single biggest spender so if it spends money on imports directly or through contact persons in federal contracts, the pressure will remain. The government has to also look inwards, to use what it has to buy what it does not have.

There’s a government policy on local procurement but the rules are not being obeyed. You give a contractor a building construction estate and he imports paint. The government cannot afford to close its eyes on such an error.

The cement, iron rods, paints, and furnishing for the construction must come internally.

When you give such jumbo contracts to people and they import tiles from Spain, it’s another drain on your foreign reserves and it’s adding pressure on your naira-dollar relationship.

So, the government, as the biggest spender in the economy, also has a key to unlock unnecessary overseas purchase.

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Personal Finance

ICT education with

Jed Adeyemi 0811 475 8106, 0909 128 6488 jedlafrica@yahoo.com

How TSA costs bankers their jobs

ICT in modern economy (1)

Nigerian universities produce thousands of graduates yearly without jobs for them. Still banks have taken turns to lay off workers, blaming in part the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Reporter HENRY ODUAH writes…

S

kye Bank rendered no fewer than 175 employees jobless last week when it announced their sack in defiance of government’s directive, piling more pressure on Aso Rock, banks, and the labour market.

In response to economic difficulties, Ecobank Nigeria fired 1,500 workers two weeks ago, making a total 1,700 since late last year.

Diamond Bank has also sacked 200 and First Bank plans to disengage 1,000 in phases.

These numbers join the teeming number of the unemployed across the country.

Analysts attribute the bulk of the crisis in the banking sector to the new TSA which requires all monies paid to the government to immediately pass through banks to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

For and against TSA TSA requires all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to close their revenue accounts in different banks and transfer the proceeds into one account operated by the CBN. Most commercial banks had MDA accounts running into billions of naira. Some of the funds were not withdrawn for many months. Banks traded with them and make profits.

But since TSA became effective, banks have had to fend for themselves.

Social commentator, Achike Chude, in a live chat on radio last week said: “The reality is that sometimes evil comes out of good and this is what we are beginning to see. He (President Muhammadu Buhari) wants to make things difficult for people to steal but at the same time he does not want to shut down an economy.

“At the same time he does not want to create a situation

55

I

Ngige that becomes unpleasant for the generality of people and institutions of governance.

“For instance, people have talked about the need for exemption for critical government infrastructure like hospitals.

“You cannot shut down the accounting system of a hospital just because the government has brought you an instrument that should ensure accountability and transparency.

“Patients must be treated.

Things must move. And there are complains everywhere.”

But Stephen Ocheni, professor of public sector accounting, Kogi State University, Lokoja, expressed support for TSA, saying its full implementation will not hurt banks.

“It will only hurt establishments that purport and pretend to be banks but have failed, refused, and neglected to understand banking and do what bankers do elsewhere.

“It is an opportunity for banks to refocus on the original purposes for which they were set up to collect depositors’ funds, keep them safe; engage in intermediation to create wealth and jobs for the economy, and in the process earn profit for themselves,” Ocheni said.

An economist, Peter Ochai, urged banks to return to core banking to survive the current wave blowing them, which means cutting loans to the government and loaning more to the real sector.

His words: “Why we are experiencing this kind of retrenchment is that we do not operate core banking system in Nigeria.

“Our banks do business out of public funds. They rely on government deposits, then they buy bonds and give back to the government as loans with the same money.

“And they don’t share the profits they make with public funds with the government.

Skye Bank Managing Director, Timothy Oguntayo

“Intelligent banks should simply go back to core banking system by loaning to the manufacturing sector which can use the money to grow businesses, pay the loan and interest and in turn generate profit for banks.”

Others argued, however, that the government is the major earner and spender, but with social infrastructure in bad shape, banks run a big risk loaning to manufacturing which does not guarantee growth yet.

They asked the government to fix power supply to encourage banks to loan to manufacturers.

Investigation by TheNiche showed that bank employees resume work daily dreading the sight of envelopes on their desks to mean sack letters.

The fear of job loss flows right from top management to the least employee.

Ngige to the rescue?

Labour and Productivity Minister, Chris Ngige, has directed that all retrenchment be stopped, including those done in the past four months pending a stakeholders’ summit for employers and employees of banking, insurance and financial institutions scheduled for July 2.

He said: “Following the high spate of petitions and complaints from stakeholders in the banking, insurance and financial institutions, I hereby direct the suspension of the ongoing retrenchment in the sector pending the outcome of the conciliatory meetings in the industry.”

Analysts countered that it is wrong for the government to give an order without consulting stakeholders to guarantee compliance.

They said the government has no right to give the private sector an order to restrain it from doing what it perceives would be in its best interest.

Defying Ngige’s order Skye Bank clarified that it did not sack employees because of economic downturn but that the workers failed the 2015 appraisal exercise which considered factors ranging from low productivity to disciplinary issues.

“The staff disengagement exercise is coming a year after the bank’s successful integration with the erstwhile Mainstreet Bank, which it acquired in October 2014.

“The integration exercise, described by analysts as a landmark in Nigeria’s banking industry, has significantly improved Skye Bank’s ICT capacity and helped strengthen [its] service delivery,” the bank said in a statement.

“The bank extended its appreciation to the affected staff for serving the bank, describing them as members of the family who will always be accorded deserving respect in their future dealings with the bank.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is on the trail of Skye Bank for allegedly failing to remit N6.3 billion to TSA. Its Managing Director, Timothy Oduntayo, and chief compliance officer are being quizzed.

“It is an opportunity for banks to refocus on the original purposes for which they were set up to collect depositors’ funds, keep them safe; engage in intermediation to create wealth and jobs for the economy, and in the process earn profit for themselves.”

nformation and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to modern technology powered by software. ICT uses the computer to accomplish tasks that would have been difficult or nearly impossible with physical human effort alone.

With the use of computeraided technology, humans and organisations have become more effective and efficient in carrying out tasks. Technology saves cost and time.

ICT has to do with the development, deployment, and use of highly specialised software or digital hardware.

It is a profession on its own.

Better still, ICT is a multi-faceted profession. By that I mean in ICT, there are sub-professions – each a full scale profession on its own.

An ICT professional could be a web developer, software developer (programmer), business intelligence analyst (BIA), database administrator (DBA), network/telecom engineer, computer engineer, user, et cetera.

A person can be involved in one or more of these specialisations.

In this article, I’ll explain the meaning and application of these specialisations mentioned as they concern modern economy.

The economy in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is becoming mature for rapid deployment of ICT in various sectors.

Nigeria has a vast and teeming population estimated to be well above 170 million.

Providing services for such a vast population and economy can only be done efficiently through ICT-aided tools and strategies.

ICT professions Web developer: A web developer can design and build websites. He uses technologies such as Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), JavaScript, JQuery to build websites.

Most of the time web developers develop sites that are static in content. When content has to be changed on the site, the developer is called upon again to update the content.

Static means content can’t be made to change dynamically.

When a website is developed, domain and host have to be purchased for the site for it to go live on the web so that people all over the world can view it. The summary is that a web developer develops static content as the web site.

Web sites are important for making an organisation (its services and activities) viewable to a global audience. This is what web developers do.

Software developer: Software development is central to ICT. There is no ICT without software development.

If you are a web developer, software user, network/telecom engineer, BIA or any other profession in ICT, most likely some of the tools you would use are software developed for

that purpose.

Software development is believed to be the most tedious profession in ICT, and therefore the most lucrative. A software developer develops software (an application) for a particular purpose. Often software developers are referred to as programmers.

For the purpose of this article and others in this series, software developer and programmer are used interchangeably and mean the same thing.

Developing a software has five stages: 1. Requirement gathering 2. Analysis and design 3. Implementation 4. Testing 5. Deployment These five stages make up the complete cycle of a software development project.

Requirement gathering: This is gathering detailed information on what the software is supposed to do, and how it is supposed to do it.

Usually, documentation is done on details/requirements being gathered.

Analysis and design: Standard practice in recent times in software development recommends Object-oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD).

In OOAD, classes are identified, variables for those classes are identified, functions (methods, procedures) are identified.

These make up analysis and design.

Analysis and design conventionally result in diagrams/ charts which the coder uses in the implementation phase.

Implementation: This refers to writing the codes for the App. Codes are written in a particular programming language.

Programming languages include Java, PHP, C, C++, C#, Python. Most programmers are proficient in at least one of these languages.

The results (diagrams/ charts) from the analysis and design phase are passed to the coder/programmer to implement with the programming language designated for the project.

If I were to recommend to a starter/beginner, I would recommend Java and PHP for obvious reasons. They have the widest circulation and usership globally.

Testing/deployment: These often happen at the same time. Testing means testing or checking if the App is as functional as it is supposed to be. It involves testing all functionalities of the App. After implementation, testing is done, if testing is successful, deployment is done. Deployment means the App is in a state that the prospective user can use. This is usually followed by an announcement to the user that the App (software) is running and available for use.

The different kinds of Applications (software) include desktop App, web App, and mobile App. These three are the most common.

• Continues in next edition.

• Adeyemi, an expert and trainer in ICT and research, is based in Calabar.

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TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

Maritime June 19, 2016

Abuja ready to assist Lagos on transport system

T

Stories by Foster Obi

Motoring/Maritime Editor ransportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has reiterated the preparedness of the federal government to partner with Lagos State to improve inland water ways for an efficient transport system.

He said it has become necessary for Lagos to employ other modes of mass transportation as the roads alone cannot cope with its influx of human and vehicular traffic.

Amaechi disclosed that the

ministry has forwarded the National Transport Commission and the Nigerian Railway Corporation Bills to the National Assembly (NASS) for consideration.

The plan is to enhance regulation and expland opportunities for private sector investment in critical transport infrastructure.

Amaechi listed the efforts of the ministry to improve transportation to include auditing of the maritime sector, re-establishment of a new national shipping line through a Public Private Partnership (PPP), building modern

rail infrastructure to link most of the country, and establishment of inland ports.

He commended the Lagos State government for its focus on transportation development, and urged it to remain committed to its transport master plan.

He assured stakeholders that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has the capacity and political will to deliver on its promises because of its zero tolerance for corruption and commitment to due diligence.

NIMASA tasks agencies on synergy

N

igerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director General, Dakuku Peterside, has highlighted the importance of synergy and intelligence sharing among relevant agencies, stressing that NIMASA alone cannot guarantee the security of the waterways.

He made the point when the Comptroller, Lagos Seaports and Marine Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Modupe Andalucia, visited NIMASA. “Security is not the responsibility of any one government agency, hence the need for synergy and collaboration between relevant government bodies.

“The interest of the country must be placed above individual interest, as such we must be willing to share ideas and information in this partnership," Peterside said.

He described the functions of both NIMASA and the NIS as economic gate keepers towards ensuring safety and security, and underlined the willingness of NIMASA to work closely with the NIS to fulfil its mandate.

He said that the agency is undergoing transformation to engender greater efficiency and effectiveness, in a bid to

become a catalyst to inspire the required growth and development of the maritime sector.

While expressing her delight to embark on the visit, Andalucia, who has just been posted to the Command, assured Peterside of the readiness of the NIS to partner with NIMASA to curb criminality on Nigerian waters.

She acknowledged the existing relationship between the two agencies and pledged the continuous support of her command to assist NIMASA actualise its mandate.

Since his assuming office, Peterside has created platform for collaboration with stakeholders to foist sustainable development of maritime to help boost the economy.

He has called on Nigerians, especially those in the coastal regions, to protect the marine environment as it is critical to human existence.

He also urged all Nigerians to champion the campaign for the protection of the marine environment which has a lot of positive socio-economic impact on human life.

“We join the rest of the world in the efforts to promote the conservation and protection of marine biodiversity and the

Ali

T

he Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) plans aerial surveillance to check smuggling across the country’s 4,700-kilometre land border.

NCS Comptroller General, Hamid Ali,

Maritime University won’t come on stream now

T Peterside

cultural heritage of the ocean.

“The marine environment that covers about 70 per cent of the earth’s surface is essential for food security, health and survival of life and is a critical part of the biosphere,” Peterside said.

He implored Nigerians to help save the ocean by ensuring that waterways are free of debris and every kind of pollution that pose dangers to the sea and its inhabitants.

Customs intensifies battle against smuggling disclosed in Abuja that this will enable the service to identify smuggling activities on the borders.

“We have done everything to make sure we fortify our borders but let’s remember we have 4,700km of borderline and we cannot place individuals at every point.

“So we are trying to develop a process whereby we have an area surveillance and that will help us so that on the spot we can pinpoint where smuggling or movement is happening and we can now deploy our people quickly to forestall that,” Ali said.

He explained that since the responsibilities of soldiers do not include manning the borders, the Customs also serve as gate-keepers at the borders.

He gave an assurance that the government will make the standard of the service world-class to facilitate efficient trade between Nigeria and its partners.

“What people tend to forget is that customs is not only created to collect revenue it is supposed to create trade facilitations and to be part of the security arrange-

Amaechi

ment of the country.

“So, trade facilitation is one of our biggest and most important role.

“We have a platform that every other agency that has anything to do with investment in Nigeria, export-import, is on that platform.

“And therefore we have what we call `one-stop shop’. So you put a document in one place to be shared by everybody.

“In terms of security, since we are the gate-keepers, the soldiers are not allowed to be at the boundary.

“We are the first people you meet at the boundary; our job is to make sure that Nigerians (are) safe.”

Ali said the service is implementing a “3R” strategic vision of Reform, Re-structure and Raise-Revenue to the Customs in a good standing.

He noted that Nigeria is faced with unprecedented challenges as regards unlocking economic potential “as a series of shocks have led to what some experts refer to as the `perfect storm.’”.

he establishment of Maritime University of Nigeria in Okerenkoko, Delta State may take longer than expected as a bill proposing on it brought by Senator James Manager was rejected in the Senate.

Manager had explained that the Maritime University would produce manpower for the maritime industry.

Senator Dino Melaye was the first to shut down the proposal by maintaining that it would have been proper for the existing Nigeria Maritime Academy, Oron in Akwa Ibom to be upgraded instead establishing new one so as to save cost.

Senator Binta Mashi also argued that the terrain of the proposed university is unsuitable, as it is improper to travel in a boat for 30 minutes to get to the place.

However, Senator Nelson Effiong reminded the Senate that the Maritime Academy which is located in his Senatorial District has trained seafarers in the past 30 years of its existence was approved as a university by former President Goodluck Jonathan and the approval is with the National Universities Commission (NUC).

He urged the government to work on the approval in order to upgrade the

Maritime Academy, Oron

academy rather than starting a new Maritime University from scratch.

“The National Maritime Academy in Oron has been operating for 30 years and based on the track record …

Jonathan approved its upgrade to a university status and the approval has been with NUC (National Universities Commission),” Effiong stressed.

Senator Shehu Sani envisaged security challenges because of the isolation of the environment, stressing that Oron should be upgraded.

“A university needs a serene and peaceful environment and this one cannot be situated in Okerenkoko,” Sani argued.

Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, who is former Akwa Ibom State governor, disclosed that his administration relocated land owners with compensation following Abuja’s willingness to upgrade the academy.

He advocated that the academy, which has trained maritime professionals, should be upgraded to a degree awarding institution.

Manager, sensing the amount of opposition, withdrew the bill, promising to present it again at an appropriate time.

M toring www.thenicheng.com

Volkswagen Passat 2016 Stories by Foster Obi

Motoring/Maritime Editor

W

hen you are looking at the 2016 Passat you may not really see spectacular upgrade, yet Volkswagen did some amazing job on the car.

The Passat has mildly revised exterior, updated centre stack and full leather seating on the classy models.

A rearview camera is now standard, and newly available safety features include a lane departure warning system, a blind-spot monitor and frontal collision warning with automatic braking.

A standard USB port replaces Volkswagen's trademarked plug for connecting smartphones and media players.

There have also been a few changes in model, including the addition of a sporty R-Line model.

In the current-generation Passat, which started in 2012, the Audi-lite exterior styling of the outgoing Passat was replaced by more generic sheet metal.

The previously high-quality interior materials were downgraded, and similar cuts were made in the engine bay.

Gone was the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and automated clutch transmission shared with the GTI. In its place was an anemic 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine that made it difficult for the Passat to get out of its own way.

It's hard to tell, but the 2016 Volkswagen Passat received a minor styling refresh this year.

You'd have to be a sharpeyed Volkswagen fan to notice the differences between the 2015 and 2016 models in terms of body styling.

Several design elements are borrowed from the 2015 Golf, including a revised steering wheel and instrument cluster.

Although there's a lot to like about the Passat, it operates in a competitive segment with numerous solid alternatives.

Body styles The 2016 Volkswagen Passat

Performance The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is front-wheel drive and is available with two engines: a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-litre V6.

The four-cylinder is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while power is routed through a six-speed automated manual (known as DSG) in the V6.

All trim levels except the V6 SEL Premium come standard with a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The 3.6-litre V6 is available solely on the SEL Premium trim level, and it produces 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The revised technology interface is one of the Passat's new features. It works well, but the screen is still on the small side.

Changing your vehicle oil

Oil-change intervals vary by manufacturer and engines, so consult your owner's manual or maintenance schedule to see how often to change the oil in your vehicle and what type of oil to use. You may be surprised.

For instance you may be surprised to learn that a Camry's 2.5-litre engine requires 0W-20 synthetic oil.

Manufacturers suggest you change oil more often for "severe" driving conditions, such as frequent trailer towing, extensive stop-and-go driving or idling in traffic, driving in extreme heat or

cold, or frequent short-distance driving in which the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature.

How to know when it's time for an oil change?

Time and mileage intervals vary by vehicle manufacturer and whether an engine requires synthetic oil (which is meant to last longer).

Use the guidelines in your owner's manual, including whether most of your driving qualifies as happening in "severe" conditions, such as frequent short trips and stop-and-go driving.

Under those conditions, you should change the oil more frequently.

How often should one replace vehicle oil?

You should change the oil at least as often as is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (the information is in your owner's manual). These days, that's every 7,500 to 10,000 miles on many vehicles.

Many car dealers recommend doing it more often, such as every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

If you do mainly short trips and/ or stop-and-go driving, you should change the oil more often.

57

Carmagedeon

By Jonas Agwu 0805 316 6400 jonasagwu65@yahoo.com

Vulcanizer blunders and tyre blowout (1)

Sedan is offered in five main models: S, R-Line, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium.

The base S comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, full power accessories, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, height-adjustable front seats (with two-way manual lumbar adjustment for the driver), a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and cloth upholstery.

It also has a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a five-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB port, and an auxiliary audio jack.

There's a new "R-Line" trim that gives the Passat a sportier look. This is a standard TDI model.

The sporty R-Line adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a leatherwrapped steering wheel and shift knob and unique exterior and interior styling elements.

The R-Line is available with a Comfort package, which includes heated side mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar), heated front seats and leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery.

Maintenance tips

TheNiche June 19, 2016

How about every 3,000 miles?

Though that's overkill, it can't hurt, and it might extend the life of your engine.

Why should you change your car oil?

Oil is the lifeblood of an engine; it lubricates and cleans moving parts and performs a vital cooling function as it circulates.

Over time and repeated exposure to cold starts, short trips and engine heat, oil gets dirty, becomes thicker and loses its ability to prevent sludge and deposits from forming.

Car engineers often say that changing the oil is the best preventive medicine for extending engine life.

At 66, Sunday Nze (not his real name) loves his vocation.

The father of three and a devout Christian evokes so much passion about his profession as a vulcanizer that one would almost mistake him for a top executive in an oil company.

“Passion, dedication, and the fear of God have been the cornerstone of my profession since 1981 and I have no regrets doing what provides bread and butter for my family,” he says humbly.

The man, an executive of the Association of Vulcanizers in Port Harcourt, caught my attention during the stakeholders’ platform organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in keeping with the nationwide free vehicle tyre check.

The campaign is meant to raise awareness on tyre knowledge and reduce tyre-related road accidents.

It was my maiden function as I resumed in Port Harcourt as FRSC zonal commanding officer in charge of Rivers, Cross Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.

Nze, who spoke fluent English as one in a different vocation, stunned me when he told the audience during the campaign in Port Harcourt that motorists have become emergency vulcanizers who ignore manufacturers’ guide for tyre inflation – which has been discussed on this page – to dictate what they presume to be the appropriate inflation for their tyres.

Some, he said, insist on inflating the tyre up to between above 70 and greedy vulcanizers would, in the name of doing business, oblige; not minding the risk or even bother to educate motorists on the dangers of over- or under-inflation.

As one who fears God, he added, “I would rather insist on the right gauge or tell you to kindly go to another vulcanizer because I know that should that customer die through a tyre-induced road traffic crash, the God I serve will hold me responsible.’’

This is the crux of the matter – truth and the fear of God in whatever we do, even though other vulcanizers bluntly said they would gladly do the bidding of the customers and pocket the cash.

I have severally discussed the major causes of tyre blowouts which apparently most people are not aware of, including incorrect tyre inflation, especially underinflation.

Under-inflation causes two things that lead to tyre blowouts: Undue flexing of the tyres as the vehicle speeds along undulating surface on the road. This causes a separation between the tyre’s internal materials and the rubber flesh that holds them.

This separation weakens the tyre.

It also causes an increase in rolling resistance (rr) as the vehicle moves.

Increased rr generates a tremendous amount of heat.

This heat, together with the separation of the internal materials of the tyre, leads to an explosion or blowout.

Incorrect tyre inflation could also cause accidents in other ways.

When a tyre is incorrectly inflated (over-inflation or under-inflation), it makes a partial contact with the road surface and so does not have a firm grip on the surface.

With over-inflation, the edges of the contact patch (the part of the tyre that should be in contact with the road surface) do not touch the ground.

With under-inflation, the crown (the middle portion of the tyre) of the contact patch does not touch the ground.

So, either way, you have an impartial contact of the tyre on the road surface and so less grip.

This impartial contact can cause accidents in various ways: since the tyres don’t have a firm grip on the road surface, it prolongs the stopping distance when the brakes are applied in an emergency and this can make the vehicle crash into the object it wants to avoid.

It can also lead to loss of control of the vehicle when speeding. This is more with over-inflated tyres.

High vehicles like trailers, tankers, et cetera, can lose their balance when they hit a bump, pot hole, or descending a sharp bend.

The situation can be likened to someone with one leg shorter than the other: over-inflation representing the longer leg while under-inflation, the shorter leg. When given a push, such a person can easily loose balance.

No wonder these vehicles fall and loose brakes easily when subjected to abnormal road conditions like bumps, potholes, and bends.

A study conducted by my friend, Ucheagwu Sab, a couple of years ago made a shocking discovery at Orile tanker park in Lagos.

Most of the vehicles had a combination of over-inflated and underinflated tyres.

To our greatest surprise, most of those with under-inflation were deliberate. The drivers said those tyres were weak and if properly inflated, they could burst.

This is another dangerous ignorance at work. Using weak tyres is enough bad news. Under-inflating them makes matters worse.

Under-inflation will actually accelerate the likelihood of tyre burst.

In fact, if you trace the causes of most accidents, you may discover that incorrect tyre inflation is directly or indirectly implicated.

A tyre correctly inflated will handle bad roads, speed, and other road conditions far better than one not correctly inflated. This will result in a drastic reduction in road accidents.

Correct tyre pressure is so vital in the reduction of road accidents that the United States and some other developed countries made it a law that all vehicles manufactured from 2008 must be equipped with automatic tyre pressure monitoring system (atpms).

This device monitors tyre pressure every second and alerts the driver through a monitor on the dashboard about any tyre that has incorrect pressure so that the driver will take action before it is too late.

• Continues in next edition.

58

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Tourism/Aviation Why does the U.S. Navy need pilots who can fly like this?

A stunning 360-degree video recorded inside a U.S. Navy Blue Angel display aircraft raises a question: why do armed forces pilots need these skills?

learn a large range of tricks to evade threats.

When pilots need to perform challenging moves in combat, such training ensures that they are physically able to handle the intense forces exerted on them.

Angels pilots do, also, have to keep extremely fit and mentally sharp to perform their stunts. Not least because, unlike pilots in combat, the team doesn’t wear G-suits This image, from the film You can see above shows off the technical prowess of the Blue which help prevent blackouts on sharp turns. ing in their lower bodies) would Hornets, are representative of has been mounted with a spring This is because the interfere with the highly sensitive the aircraft flown by U.S. Navy that constantly pushes it. inflation and deflation of the control stick positioned between pilots, and were chosen because The pilots must constantly suits (which puts pressure on the they have several aerodynamic resist that force, but doing so pilots’ legs to prevent blood pool- their legs.

Instead, the Blue Angels pilots features which make them easier means they can make more sensitrain to clench their muscles at to control in the air. tive adjustments and carry out the right moments, before going Example is the "leading edge very precise exercises.

“Pilots train to clench into a demanding manoeuvre, in extension" features on the planes' Last but not least, the purpose order to prevent blacking out. wings, travelling along the body of any flight display team is to their muscles at the right This image, from the film you towards the nose. This helps to showcase military might. It’s seen can see above, shows off the increase lift and stability during as a good way to engage the moments, to prevent technical prowess of the Blue high angles of attack. public and inspire young people blacking out.”

Angels display team (Credit: USA The original F/A-18s have also to think about becoming pilots Today) been modified, however. one day.

For one thing, they’re covered • Culled from www.bbc. in a high-gloss paint which recom The planes they fly, F/A-18 duces drag, and each control stick

Credit: USA

T

hey got their name from a New York nightclub. Their colours, though, are the official hues of the United States Navy.

Death-defying feats have been performed by the Blue Angels at airshows since the 1940s – and you can experience what it’s like to be inside the cockpit in a nail-biting interactive 360-degree video recorded by USA Today (watch it at http://www.bbc.com/ future/story/20151112-why-doesthe-us-navy-need-pilots-whocan-fly-like-this).

Like the British Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows or the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds, these pilots often make daring manoeuvres never used in combat. As you can see in the footage, the Blue Angels’ aircraft may be as close as 45cm (18 inches) to each other – less than an arm’s length. And they’re travelling at hundreds of miles an hour.

So, do armed forces actually benefit militarily from having pilots who can carry out these stunts?

The answer is “no” and “yes”.

Aerobatics generally are a part of military training because it’s important for pilots to be able to manoeuvre their aircraft with great care, hone their skills and

GE takes fight to Pratt as engine giants scrap over small planes

•After winning in airliner market, sights shift to turboprops •The strategy: Adapt jet technology from CFM International

T

he world’s largest maker of engines for commercial jetliners is getting bigger by thinking

smaller.

General Electric Co. says it plans to develop a family of power plants for turboprops to take on market leader Pratt & Whitney.

By adapting technology from its CFM International jet-engine venture to the general-aviation market – the niche that includes propeller planes – GE sees $1 billion of annual sales by 2020.

“This is like the shot heard around the world,” Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation’s small-engine operations, said.

“This is for business and general aviation what CFM was when it was introduced.”

Supplying engines for light planes would add balance to a GE Aviation portfolio now weighted toward equipping large aircraft from Boeing Co. and Airbus Group SE. It would also accelerate GE’s tilt toward industrial

products as Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Immelt, sheds consumer-focused and lending operations.

GE signaled its turboprop strategy in September 2015 with plans to invest more than $400 million to expand its engine-development business.

The new offering, which GE calls an “advanced turboprop”, borrows jet innovations such as 3-D printed parts to increase power and improve fuel burn.

Turbine core Engines on jetliners and turboprop planes both are built around turbines.

In a conventional jet, the turbine produces thrust that drives an aircraft forward.

In a turboprop, most of the power goes to turn the propeller.

GE’s latest engine will be used on a previously unannounced plane from Textron Inc., whose brands include Beechcraft and Cessna.

The partnership is the product of a secret competition among engine makers

over the past year, Mottier said.

Textron’s single-engine aircraft probably will have a range of more than 1,500 nautical miles (2,800 kilometres) and fewer than 12 seats, Mottier said.

The first full engine test could come in 2018.

“We won the engine selection from the largest customer in this marketplace that has been purchasing their engines from Pratt & Whitney for the last 50 years,” Mottier said.

“This is the most significant programme win of my 35-year career in aviation.”

GE Aviation generated about $24 billion in sales in 2014, while Pratt, a division of United Technologies Corp., had revenue of $15 billion.

Pratt & Whitney Canada, which focuses on smaller engines, accounts for about a quarter of that figure.

Global market Global small-plane deliveries through September 2015 totalled 1,558, including 374 turboprops,

according to data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

That marked a 6.5 per cent drop from a year earlier amid uncertainty about financing for overseas sales because of United States Congress’s delays in reauthorising the U.S. ExportImport Bank, the group said.

While Pratt “pretty much owns” the turboprop market, that success has made it vulnerable to rivals with new technology, said Brian Foley, a former marketing director for business-aircraft maker, Dassault Aviation SA, who is now an aerospace consultant.

“There just hasn’t been a lot of innovation in that field,” Foley said.

Reaching the $1 billion sales goal by decade’s end

would be a 10-fold gain from 2008, when the company formed a dedicated division and started expanding, Mottier said.

That year, GE bought Walter Engines, a small Czech company that helped GE build power plants for cropdusters and other small aircraft.

The currently unnamed GE turbine is designed to serve as the base for a group of small engines, Mottier said.

“This application is billions in revenue,” he said. “This is not an insignificant program for GE Aviation.”

• Culled from www.bloomberg.com

59

FOOTBALL ATHLETICS

TheNiche

FLASHBACK

SPORTS

June 19, 2016

www.thenicheng.com

a.bada@thenicheng.com

FOOTBALL Football

PAGE 61

Ayo Bada Senior Correspondent 0805 410 3980, 0803 332 2615 ayobad@yahoo.com a.bada@thenicheng.com

BASKETBALL TENNIS

»

Guy pleased with brace

FOOTBALL

»

PAGE 63

China expands horizon into football with 70% stake in Inter Milan

Nothing is too much for Keshi, says Akinwale

F

Keshi

ormer international, Shola Akinwale, says nothing is too much to honour Stephen Keshi as preparation peaks for a befitting burial for the coach who earned his spurs in Nigeria and on the African continent.

“There are born leaders and leaders that are made. Keshi was a born leader with a natural leadership quality.

“He exhibited that quality right from his youthful days till he died and that was why we called him ‘Big Boss’.

“He knew what he wanted. At a time, he determined who played for the national team.

That was the type of person he was,” Akinwale recalled.

“As a coach, he was friendly with his colleagues, very open minded, a cheerful giver. He fought for his players to be well motivated.

“He should be immortalised. He also deserves a post-homous national award. Perhaps, the National Stadium in Abuja should be named after him.

Akinwale, the second highest goal scorer in the 1991 season under 3SC of Ibadan with 11 goals, advocated that “there should be a change from the government towards ex-internationals. It has not been on record that the government has done anything special to our fallen colleagues.

“What did the government do for Rashidi Yekini, Muda Lawal, Alloysius Atuegbu or even Sam Okwaraji who died on the pitch?

“It should also look into the welfare of the children left behind

by Keshi as well as his mother.”

Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, described Keshi as a veritable achiever and trail blazer, who changed the lot of Nigerian footballers for the better.

“Thus, whatever good things that have happened to Nigerian football because of any influence from our having numerous footballers performing in the world’s best football leagues, should be credited to Keshi.

“Most of all, he remained a mentor to both his mates and those that followed behind them,” said Ibori.

TheNiche learnt that Keshi will be buried in his ancestral home of Illah, Delta State with the federal, Edo, Delta and Cross River State governments showing interest to be part of the funeral.

Family sources said the first port of call will be Abuja, where players of the national teams, led by Super Eagles Skipper, John Mikel Obi, will participate in the rites of passage of one of the greatest figures in Nigerian football both as a player and coach.

Keshi’s children are also expected to arrive from the United States for the burial.

60

TheNiche June 19, 2016

Basketball

www.thenicheng.com

How Lagos, Delta won Nestle Milo B’ball championship

T

he 18th edition of the Nestle Milo Basketball Championship for Secondary Schools was rounded off at indoor sports hall of Asaba Stadium with two thrilling finals.

The curtain raiser was the girls’ match between St. Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School Amarata, Bayelsa State and Wesley Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos.

Wesley Girls gave the Asaba crowd something to cheer as they dethroned the defending champions, 30-29 in a well contested game.

In the boys’ final, Government Secondary School Karu, FCT Abuja, almost recorded an upset against Osadenis Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.

Thanks to the shooting prowess of the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Marvelous Mba, who lifted his team’s spirit with his several three pointers to make it 57-49 points for Osadenis Mixed.

Crowther Memorial College, Lokoja, Kogi State shot past Henson Demonstration School Benin, Edo State 40-37 to win the third-place match in the boys’ category.

Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State defeated Yejide Girls’ Grammar School, Ibadan 30-28 to pick the bronze in the girls' category.

Femi Akintola, Nestle Category Manager (Beverages), confirmed that no fewer than 9,000 schools participated in this year championship in both male and female categories.

He noted that this was the first time the championship was held outside Lagos, and the brand has through the championship supported over one million school children countrywide.

“We believe children who are physically active in exercise and sports are less likely to be obese,” Akintola stressed.

“For nearly 20 years Milo has been at the forefront of basketball development in Nigeria and a large percentage of our basketball national team, both in male and female categories, passed through Milo Championship.

“And engaging in sports provides good opportunities for interacting with others and thereby learning important life skills such as determination, confidence, discipline and teamwork.”

He thanked Delta State government for its partnership and support to grow the grassroots sports in the country.

State Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner, Chiedu Ebie, lauded Nestle for choosing Delta, adding that the government is looking forward to discovering new talents.

“For the past 18 years the Nestle Milo Basketball Championship has committed itself to discovering and developing players from the grassroots.

“The youths are kept busy with the championship all the year round. Which has helped to reduce some social vices,’’ he said.

Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) President, Mohammed Ibrahim, thanked Nestlé for the championship and expressed hope that with this, the country would in the near future become basketball champion of the world.

He challenge the government and corporate bodies support grassroots sports by building facilities in schools and partnering with agencies and stakeholders in building young talents.

Ibrahim reiterated that Milo has sustained basketball competitions in the country for the past 20 years and should be encouraged to bring out the talents in the children.

Milo in conjunction with Giants of Africa and some American National Basketball Association (NBA) coaches, led by Masai Ujiri of Toronto Raptor's, will organise a basketball training programme tagged ‘Nestle Milo Top 50 Camp’ in August.

Boy's winners, Delta State team, with their trophy

Girls' winners, Lagos State team, with their trophy

TheNiche

www.thenicheng.com

June 19, 2016

Football

61

Guy pleased with brace

I

voirien marksman, Guy Kuemian, has spoken of his happiness after scoring twice to inspire Rivers United to a 4-1 win over MFM FC on match day 22 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Kuemian displayed predatory instincts of the highest quality and an impressive eye for goal as United recorded its biggest win of the season to go joint top in the standings.

He said: “I was very happy to score twice and help my club win a difficult game. I almost scored in our last game (against Enyimba in Umuahia) but hit the cross bar.

“The team will continue to work hard and hopefully, we will make our fans happy at the end of the season.”

Kuemian’s tally for Rivers United this season is five goals.

He scored his first on March 6 as the club beat Nasarawa United 1-0 at

the death in Port Harcourt.

The forward netted again seven days later with a consolation as the ‘Pride of Rivers’ succumbed to a 2-3 defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Lokoja.

He finished a productive month of March on a high as he scored one of the three goals in the club’s first win on the road this season, a 3-2 win over Ikorodu United at Onikan Stadium on March 23.

Guy happy after his goals

Obuh says Kwara United is on course

K

wara United is on course to return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after winning all first three games in the Nigeria National League (NNL), according to the club’s Technical Adviser, John Obuh.

Kwara United defeated Dream International of Makurdi 3-1 at the main bowl of Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

Segun Alebiosu opened

Obuh and his technical crew

scores for Kwara United from the spot in the 22nd minute, after Dream International defender handled the ball in the box.

The euphoria was yet to die down when the visitors equalised through Tony Obonogwu, who tapped in at close range.

Jimoh Ahmed's solo effort beat goalkeeper Obioma Sunny in the 50th minute, and that goal brought Kwara United back into the game.

Alebiosu scored his second goal in the 62nd minute for the third goal.

Obuh said the Harmony Warriors initially took its opponent for granted, but the half time pep talk was enough for the team to come back fully into the game.

Obuh praised his players, especially in the second half, which proved decisive in the crucial encounter.

The win also ensured that Kwara United retains leadership of the Group A2 table, with nine points from three matches.

The team will play Gombe United in Gombe today, Sunday, June 19 in Week Four of the NNL.

Excel deserves to win NNPC/Shell Cup 2016, says Joseph

M

ost Valuable Player (MVP) of this year’s All Nigeria Secondary Schools Football Championship called NNPC/Shell Cup, Tari Joseph, believes his school, Excel Education Centre, Port Harcourt, deserves to win the trophy.

This year’s final, the 18th edition, took place at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

“We worked very hard for this final and we were determined to go home with the trophy. We were not surprised that we won at the end of the day,” he said.

Excel defeated FOSLA Academy, Abuja 3-2 to win the championship for the first time.

Joseph opened scores in the 18th minute with a superb shot that wrong footed FOSLA keeper, Abdulganiyu Abdulazeez.

However, the ovation

hardly died down when Japhet Rawlings levelled for FOSLA in the 20th minute from a defensive blunder

by Excel.

Kelvin Aamdi scored another goal for Excel seven minutes to the end of the first half.

On resumption of the second half, FOSLA piled pressure but it was Excel that netted again through Joseph, his second in the match to put scores at 3-1.

With time running out, FOSLA continued the attack and was rewarded when the centre referee spotted an infringement in the penalty box.

The resultant penalty kick was neatly taken by Abraham Solomon for FOSLA’s second goal to end the highly contested encounter 3-2 in favour of Excel.

Earlier in the day, Government Science Secondary School, Darazo, Bauchi State had defeated Asegun Comprehensive High

School, Ibadan, Oyo State 4-3 to win the third place match.

Medals and trophies were presented to the best four teams as well as individual awards to some players.

Obinna Onyia of Excel was adjudged the Best Keeper of the championship, Andrew Onyeke of FOSLA won the Best Defender award. Isamil Ahmad of Government Science Secondary School was picked as the Best Midfielder.

Leke Fatinikun of Asegun Comprehensive High School emerged Best Player, Joseph MVP. With seven goals to his credit, Solomon won the Highest Goals Scorer award.

Two players, Kelvin Amadi (Excel) and Joseph Ejeh (FOSLA), were picked by the coaches of Rotterdam Football Academy, the Netherlands for a year’s training at the Academy.

Excel players celebrate victory after the presentation of the hard won trophy

Asegun Comprehensive High School went home with N400,000 for its sports development; each of its 20 players N35,000 for placing fourth.

Third place winners,

Government Science Secondary School, received N500,000 for its sports development; each of its 20 players N40,000.

FOSLA got N1.4 million for its sports development;

each of its 20 players N45, 000 for placing second.

Champion Excel received N2.5 million for its sports development; each of its 20 players N50,000.

62

TheNiche

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Tennis June 19, 2016

Djokovic can do more

L

ike Andre Agassi and Roger Federer, and Don Budge and Fred Perry before him, Novak Djokovic's moment of crowning glory came on the Philippe Chatrier court.

The eighth man to have claimed all four of the sport's Grand Slam titles has also done something that has (so far) proved beyond both Federer and Rafael Nadal.

For the first time since man landed on the moon, the same player is the Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open, and now French Open champion.

Rod Laver managed to win all four in the same year for the second time in his career in 1969, and Djokovic is now dominating the game like a man who has every intention of emulating him.

"I don't want to sound arrogant, but I really think everything is achievable in life," he said, when asked about his chances of achieving the calendar Grand Slam.

"That's still a possibility.

But I don't think about it right now."

In a BBC interview, Djokovic, who beat Britain's Andy Murray in four sets at Roland Garros, continued: "I'm privileged and honoured to be alongside Rod Laver.

"I have probably expe-

rienced one of the most beautiful moments of my professional tennis career. I would say winning Wimbledon in 2011, victory in the [2010] Davis Cup and this moment are quite remarkable and unforgettable."

Winning an Olympic gold medal for Serbia is also very high on Djokovic's list of priorities for the year, and if he can win the title in Rio, as well as at Wimbledon and the US Open, he will emulate Steffi Graf's 'Golden Slam' of 1988.

The schedule, though, is grueling.

Wimbledon starts in three weeks' time, the Olympics follow four weeks later, and then – after just a fortnight's rest – New York hosts the US Open.

But if anyone can, Djokovic can.

He has been in the past six Grand Slam finals, and won five of them. And clay is considered his weakest surface.

Djokovic will now disappear from public view until he opens the defence of his Wimbledon title on Centre Court. There will be no warm-up events on grass for him.

Part of his success has been the ability to know when to rest. A slightly rusty Djokovic is still more than a match over five sets

Djokovic won the French Open for the first time in his fourth appearance in the final.

for anyone who has the misfortune to be asked to play him in the first week of a Grand Slam.

His fitness levels are beyond compare. It seems a very long time ago that

Roger Federer was describing his injury record as a "joke" and Andy Roddick made fun of his long list of illnesses with flippant references to bird flu and SARS.

Despite many attempts to find a solution, breathing problems had undermined the early years of Djokovic's career.

It was only after being sick in the middle of his Australian Open quarterfinal with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2010 that he realised he needed a fresh approach.

Test results showed he had a strong intolerance to wheat and dairy, as well as a mild sensitivity to tomatoes. So out went the wheat and out went the dairy, and his sugar intake was significantly reduced.

Djokovic said he now struggles to catch even a common cold, and given his exceptional consistency, his case for a 'Golden Slam' is a persuasive one.

With 12 Grand Slam titles to his name, Djokovic now sits in equal fourth place on the all-time list.

He turned 29 on the opening day of the French Open and so appears to have plenty of time to catch Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal on 14, and even Roger Federer on 17.

Federer will be 35 in August, and has not won a Grand Slam for four years.

His back injury appears to have cleared up in time for his favourite few months of the year, but the evidence of last year suggests that beating Djokovic over five sets is now a bridge too far.

"At the beginning I was not glad to be part of their era," Djokovic admitted after his victory over Murray.

"Later on I realised that in life everything happens for a reason. You're put in this position with a purpose – a purpose to learn and to grow and to evolve."

Men with most Grand Slam titles Roger Federer - Pete Sampras - Rafael Nadal - Novak Djokovic - Roy Emerson - Bjorn Borg - Rod Laver - • Culled from BBC Sport Steffi Graf is the only player to achieve a 'Golden Slam', sealing the achievement at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul

17 14 14 12 12 11 11

TheNiche

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June 19, 2016

Football

63

China expands horizon into football with 70% stake in Inter Milan

S

cientists theorised that 240 million years ago the northern Italian province of Lombardy and China were part of one enormous ocean.

Football is now the key of a new strong relationship between Milan and Beijing.

Suning Commerce Group, one of China’s leading companies, has just bought an almost 70 per cent stake in Italian soccer club, Inter Milan.

Another Chinese group is supposed to be in talks with former Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, to acquire a majority stake in AC Milan.

That’s big news for both Italy and China. Inter is the highest-profile takeover so far in football by a Chinese company, and Suning will be the first Chinese owner in Serie A history.

Italian football hopes this season could be the beginning of another golden era of football after the roaring nineties, when Inter, AC Milan, and Juventus won titles

both in Italy and Europe.

Thirteen years after seeing three teams play the 2003 UEFA Champions League (UCL) semifinals, “Il Calcio” is in a deep crisis, with betting scandals, a league in decline, and Juventus as the only club with a chance to compete against the top European teams.

In such a difficult situation, a lot of clubs looked towards foreign ownership as a solution to their problems. In times of crisis, money has no nationality.

AS Roma is owned by Boston businessman, James Pallotta, and Bologna is now considered an emerging team, thanks to its President, Joey Saputo, Canadian businessman and founder of the Montreal Impact soccer team.

The alliance with China could be the next big step, even if this sounds strange for lifelong Inter and AC Milan supporters.

The Moratti family, after investing millions and millions to win the 1964, 1965 and

2010 European Cup/UCL, has just sold its last stake in Inter Milan.

Berlusconi, AC Milan president, has admitted several times he does not have the money to compete against the top owners of modern football. That’s why the Chinese way is appealing.

China’s President, Xi Jinping, said he wants to make the country a football powerhouse. Beijing aims to have 50 million footballers in 2020 and wants to host the 2030 World Cup. Money and know-how shouldn’t be a problem.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, in March announced a new sponsorship deal with Chinese conglomerate, Dalian Wanda Group, that last February bought Infront Sports & Media, the media rights adviser of Italian Serie A. The Milan clubs are the new frontier.

At the beginning of a new transfer window, Inter seems to have a brighter future.

On Monday, June 6, Suning

announced it acquired a 70 per cent stake in Inter Milan, the first Italian club to have built a strong commercial relationship with China.

There’s no doubt that former Inter President, Erick Thohir, did not have the resources to turn the Nerazzurri into a top European team.

On the contrary, Suning seems ready to boost Inter’s spending power and give the green light to a capital increase of 70-100 million euros.

Inter fans hope this could persuade a star to sign for the Nerazzurri. “Our goal is to make Internazionale Milano more international. We will make the club stronger,” said Suning Chairman, Zhang Jindong.

The situation at AC Milan is far more complicated.

Owner Berlusconi seems to frequently change his mind about the future of the club.

After failing to close a deal with Thai businessman, Bee Taechaubol, Berlusconi is mooted to be in talks with a

Chinese group.

An Italian-born American broker, Sal Galatioto, disclosed a few details of the possible takeover: “Milan is a wonderful city and AC Milan is a fantastic brand. For obvious reasons I can’t reveal the names of the interested parties.

“All I can say is that there is a very ambitious Chinese group that is very, very interested in the club. I would say that if things go according to plan, the deal could be concluded in six to eight weeks.”

AC Milan fans are far more pessimistic. Berlusconi in early June suffered a heart attack and, according to his

Benin keeps Nations Cup hopes alive

B

enin Republic beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Cotonou in its delayed Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier to boost hopes of progressing to Gabon 2017.

The fixture had to be postponed for a week while

Benin's Football Federation (BFF) held elections, in a bid to have a FIFA ban overturned.

The result moves Benin to within two points of Group C leaders, Mali, which it will play in the final round of qualifying in September.

Mali already qualified

for Gabon. It has 13 points which means it will definitely advance as one of the best two runners-up if not group winners.

After an eventful week off the pitch, Benin started best on it, taking a 25th minute lead against Equatorial Guinea through defender

Khaled Adenon.

The Squirrels held the advantage through to half-time, but the visitors struck back on 59 minutes, when Ivan Essono hit an equaliser.

The teams were only level for one minute, with Benin regaining the lead with a 60th minute goal from mid-

fielder, David Djigla.

Equatorial Guinea was further hampered by the sending-off of Edu four minutes later.

Mali will host Benin in its final qualifier in September.

The 13 group winners will advance to the 2017 Nations Cup finals along with the

'Poignant' for England, 'gut-wrenching' for Wales at Euro 2016

S

uch was England manager, Roy Hodgson's emotion he nearly bumped his head celebrating his team's winner against Wales last Thursday – a "gut-wrenching" moment for Chris Coleman and Gareth Bale.

Hodgson said: “I think everyone saw the emotions as we ran the risk of smashing our heads against the roof of the bench where we were sitting because we all jumped up spontaneously.

“It was a particularly poignant moment after what we suffered [against Russia] upper Saturday night, when we thought we were really, really hard done by to concede that lastminute equaliser when we played so well.

“The Welsh defended exceptionally well, worked hard, and restricted the clear-cut chances with the number of men they got behind the ball.

“I never really talk in

detail about what I say at half-time out of respect to the players, but what I will say is that we were anxious to inject more pace and tempo into our game and wanted to get the players to take a few more risks in and around the penalty area.

“The Welsh got incredible support, we got incredible support, and I think they saw an unbelievably exciting game.

We're happy because we go home with the prize, but Wales should also be happy for having played their part in such a good occasion and such a good spectacle.”

But Wales Manager, Chris Coleman, said: “You can't tell me my players deserved that – their effort and courage was fantastic.

“We expected them to have a lot of possession, but to lose it like that was gut-wrenching for our players and our supporters.

“We did everything we could to keep them

England celebrate the at bay and even when they got the equaliser, I think Wayne [Hennessey] pulled off one save.

“They probed but we weren't stretched too badly. I can't say I've felt as disappointed as I did when that goal went in too many times in my career.

“We're gutted, absolutely devastated, but

we've got to show a bit of steel to bounce back. This is a bitter pill to swallow but we've got to put it to bed quickly and move on to Russia.

“I think the occasion got to us a little, we were a bit rushed. We gave the ball back to England too many times. But that's the only criticism I can make of my team.

doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, “he risked dying”.

With his health at risk and Forza Italia, his political party, losing support, AC Milan won’t be a priority.

Almost one month after the final game of the season, the Rossoneri still have no clue who their next coach will be.

However, it’s clear that a new, rich owner would help attract Manuel Pellegrini or another coach with experience at the highest level.

Only time will tell if the poor 2015-16 campaign will open the doors for a regrowth of football in Milan.

As a Chinese proverb says, “Failure is mother of success”.

Beating Man Utd is Xhaka’s high point

G

ranit Xhaka says beating Manchester United in the Champions League is the best moment of his career so far.

The Swiss international was playing for hometown club Basel in 2011 when it came up against Alex Ferguson’s side in the group stage.

The final match saw Basel defeat Manchester United and beat it to a place in the last 16, and Xhaka has fond memories of that game.

“I think [the best moment of my career] was a game against Manchester United for Basel,” he told Arsenal Player.

“We played in Manchester and drew 3-3, then we played at home and won 2-1 to knock [it] out and progress to the next round.

“It was big. Basel is a smaller club than Manchester United and to beat [it] 2-1 was a very nice moment.”

Today’s matches – Group A

Romania Vs Albania Switzerland Vs France Monday’s matches - Group B

Russia Vs Wales Slovakia Vs England Tuesday’s matches – Group C

Ukraine Vs Poland N. Ireland Vs Germany

Xhaka

Candour's Niche

www.thenicheng.com

19:06:2016

Ikechukwu Amaechi ikechukwuamaechi@yahoo.com i.amaechi@thenicheng.com 0805 506 9065

Chuks! it hurts

H

ow do you suddenly begin to refer to a friend and a colleague with whom you had banters concerning his birthday, which was only two days away, in the past tense on the very day he turned 50?

Well, that is the unpleasant situation we have all found ourselves in. Chuks Ehirim, the man we called Eze Igbo, died in the early hours of Thursday, June 15, the very day he was to celebrate his 50th birthday.

In this internet age, almost 90 people had wished him happy birthday on his Facebook page before the news filtered out that the man they were felicitating with had passed on.

Suddenly, “happy birthday messages” turned to “rest in peace.” Many thought it was simply a bad joke because people did not hear that he was sick.

My telephone has not ceased ringing since Thursday and the questions are the same. “Was Eze Igbo sick? What happened?

Was it an accident?”

Yes, Chuks was sick and was admitted to hospital for a few days and discharged. Doctors said he had pneumonia.

When we spoke on Tuesday, June 13, he said he was getting better. When I asked how we would celebrate his birthday on Thursday, he laughed, accusing me of not getting it. I knew what he meant.

Yes, Chuks was sick briefly but he literally died of hunger.

Last week, the wife called me on phone to lament the terrible financial hardship the family had been plunged into because of her husband’s indisposition and pleaded for financial assistance having nobody else to run to.

She told me Chuks didn’t even know that she made that call. I told her I would call the husband right away, and I did.

When I asked him how he was and if his condition was relapsing – and without knowing that his wife spoke to me – Eze Igbo said his greatest problem

was hunger.

He was feeling far better than he was when he went to the hospital but there was no dime in the house to feed. His children were out of school because he could not pay their fees. He had put some of his property up for sale without any buyers.

“As I speak with you, this is 11am and I have not taken my drugs this morning because I have not had my breakfast and to imagine I am on strong antibiotics. I don’t know what I would have done without my wife. She is the person I am pitying because she gets worried when I get depressed,” Chuks told me.

He was sure that if he could feed well for one week and take his drugs as prescribed, he would be fit again to hit the streets.

I told him to hang in there, promising to reach him the following week and reminding him that he was a “strong man” and, therefore, should not allow himself to be consumed by the country’s precarious situation.

He laughed and assured me that nothing would happen to him. “If I was not a strong man, I would have died long ago,” he said.

We left it at that.

I couldn’t raise enough money for Chuks before his death.

Last week, we could not even print the newspaper because we had no money. Our printers could not help because they were owing their suppliers who also froze all credit facilities.

It is a vicious circle.

When my colleague, Oguwike Nwachuku, called me early on Thursday to break the heartrending news of Chuks’ death, I wept; not because he died – after all, we all live to die – but because of the circumstances of his death and the dislocations it had caused.

I wept because I know that if Chuks had as little as N100,000 last week, he would probably be alive today.

And to imagine that this tragedy happened in Nigeria,

where men of power and influence use “Angel Champagne” which costs over N1 million a bottle to wash their hands frolicking with girlfriends.

To imagine that this happened to Chuks Ehirim, a man who graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1992, and obtained a Master’s degree from the same university.

To imagine that this was the fate of a hardworking, honest Nigerian, who gave his all to the country.

Chuks' fate is what befalls those who play straight in Nigeria.

Those who play by the rule books live and die in pernury.

Those who break the rules live in affluence, get "elected" into public offices and are branded statesmen.

Eze Igbo had all it took to amass illegal wealth. As the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja chapter, he could have used his position to acquire wealth and build mansions.

We have seen many NUJ leaders at both state and federal levels use such positions to acquire enormous economic and political power. But not Chuks.

As the chairman of Abuja chapter of the NUJ, his “official car” was so rickety that you would not want to hitch a ride with him.

Yet, the three years of his tenure (2012-2015) were the most momentous when we were told those who were willing became billionaires overnight.

If he wanted he could have effortlessly aligned with the poweers-that-be and make his millions like others.

If he did, he could have made enough money to go on medical tourism to any country of the world. And there would have been no need for this tribute because he would have been alive today.

But he didn't. He alligned, instead, with the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

He never regretted his deci-

sion. He did it for Nigeria. I am sure that in his next life, he will still do the same if need be. That is Chuks Ehirim for you.

The flip side is that the country for which he paid the supreme price does not care.

He was abandoned in his hour of need. And this is not the first time this will happen.

And you ask yourself whether Nigeria is worth dying for.

As NUJ chairman, Chuks was only interested in building a befitting secretariat for journalists in Abuja. Most times, he used his own money to run the office.

If there was any incorruptible journalist in Nigeria, Chuks was it.

As a journalist, he was dogged, fearless and investigative. He was self-motivated and resourceful. He had the contacts and could get a story where others thought there was none.

And he was a beautiful writer.

You do not always find in a journalist a good writer with a nose for robust investigation. Chuks was well-rounded.

He was a patriot who believed in the Nigerian project.

Though no one can take away anything from his Igbo heritage, he believed so much in Nigeria that he was prepared to lay down his life for what he called “the struggle.”

He always insisted the struggle was his life. And that was true, for his activism dated back to his students’ union days at the UNN, from where he later joined democratic forces to battle the military after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections.

Most times, I would tease him that all those who went into the trenches with him had crawled out, leaving only himself there, and he would simply laugh.

If there was any journalist that devoted his entire being, and selflessly too, to the realisation of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency without expecting any reward, that was Chuks.

His devotion to the “Buhari cause” did not start in 2015. But when the election was won and

the spoils of office were shared, nobody remembered him. Perhaps, the powers that be remembered then that he came from the part of the country that brought “5 per cent” to the table.

As former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, noted in his condolence message, “Chuks was a fair-minded professional, a conscientious journalist, a progressive democrat and committed nationalist.”

But he was much more than that.

From Lagos to Abuja, to Imo, to Kano, to Enugu, to Zamfara, the overwhelming feeling of grief for anybody who knew him was mutual. It didn’t matter what you were to him. What was important was that you made his acquaintance.

Chuks believed in friendship.

He celebrated it. He was a faithful devotee to humanity. He believed in fairness, equity and justice. He never coveted anything that was not his.

It is one of the supreme ironies of life that good men die young. I am told it is so because God wouldn’t want such people to be corrupted in this evil world and would therefore recall them to rest eternally in His bosom, while evil men are given a longer time on earth to repent.

I don’t know whether this belief is true. But if it is, it is a very unfair reward for goodness.

Shouldn’t long life be a reward for goodness? Shouldn’t long life be a reward, a natural consequence of good life predicated on service to humanity?

We can neither question God nor pick quarrels with death. But Chuks’ death hurts, and badly too. The circumstance makes it even worse.

If at all we could be consoled, it is in the fact that in his 50 years on earth, he touched in a most positive way the lives of all who made his acquaintance.

That is a worthwhile testimonial life gave Christian Chuks Ehirim, the man we all called Eze Igbo.

Chuks, may your soul rest in peace!

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