Saturday 9th April 2016

Morgan Stanley Index May Exclude Nigeria from Emerging Markets over Capital Controls Obinna Chima Index provider, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) is seeking feedback from investors on the ease of access to the Nigerian equity market, a move that could lead to the country being excluded from MSCI's

Frontier Markets index.

The consultation followed the introduction of restrictions on foreign currency trading, MSCI said in a statement, adding that it would announce its decision on or before April 29.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was designed to measure equity market performance

in global emerging markets.

It is a float-adjusted market capitalisation index that consists of indices in 21 emerging economies.

Nigeria, Africa's biggest economy, is facing its worst crisis in decades as the falling price of oil has slashed revenues, prompting the central

bank to peg the currency and introduce curbs to protect foreign exchange reserves, which have fallen to 11-year lows.

The International Monetary Fund had called on Nigeria to lift the curbs and let the naira currency reflect market forces more closely, as the restrictions

have significantly affected the private sector.

This had also led to the removal of Nigeria from JP Morgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets as well as from Barclays index.

“Nigeria will be removed from the flagship Emerging Markets Local Currency Gov-

ernment Index as of February 1, 2016,” MSCI said in a statement, adding that the debt would continue to be eligible for its broader Emerging Markets Local Currency Government Universal Index.

However, Reuters quoted Continued on page 6

Bayelsa Stands Still for Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan Pays Tribute ...Page 6 Saturday 9 April, 2016 Vol 21. No 7647 Price: N150

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Bloodbath Averted: Five Female Suicide Bombers Killed in Maiduguri Air Force Chief: Military at tail end of operation in North-east

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri, Senator Iroegbu, Adedayo Akinwale and Nosa Enobhayisobo in Abuja

What could have been a black Friday was yesterday averted in Maiduguri as five female suicide bombers were intercepted by members of the youth vigilante group, popularly called Civilian

JTF in Borno State.

However, a similar statement from the military claimed soldiers were the ones that intercepted the suicide bombers and neutralised them with injuries to three of their men while unexploded improvised Explosive Devices were safely detonated.

In a related development, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS),

Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar yesterday expressed joy with the progress made in the war against Boko Haram and added that the Military was at tail end of the anti-terrorism operation in North-east.

Speaking toTHISDAY on the averted attack in Maiduguri, the spokesman of the youth vigilante group, Barrister Jubrin Gunda said the five suicide

bombers were intercepted at about 5:20 am trying to gain entry into the town.

He said members of youth vigilante group had prior intelligence that there would be suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri and as such, beefed up security around the troubled town.

He said the suicide bombers were sighted at the outskirts of

the town around Polo and Giwa Barrack areas and were shot dead by the youth vigilantes.

Gunda also revealed that they did not come in at once but at different times and since they did not stop to be searched by the vigilante, they had to be shot.

He lamented that three of the vigilantes suffered serious injuries during the attack and

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

Yemi Adebowale in Lagos, Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

CASSANDRA IWULE I Aspire to be Miss World or Miss Universe

FEC Meets, Reviews Budget Details Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday presided over the emergency meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to scrutinise the 2016 budget details forwarded to the Presidency by the National Assembly on Thursday.

President Muhammadu Buhari who had earlier summoned the meeting was however conspicuosly absent.

Also yesterday, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose warned the President against

had to be taken to the hospital.

"Three of our boys had injuries from the attacks and are presently on admission at the hospital. We were happy that the five female suicide bombers that wanted to sneak into the town to cause havoc were killed.

He added that: "We were

HASSAN BALA I Will Reposition Learn Africa and Lead by Example

Plus pg. 17

ALL EX-KC STUDENTS AT FEC

L-R: National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno, Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbeh and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma Udo at the Emergency Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday Godwin Omoigui

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Bayelsa Stands Still for Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan Pays Tribute Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The burial rites of former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha commenced yesterday with former President Goodluck Jonathan paying tribute to the late Ijaw leader who was governor of the state while he was deputy.

The burial rites grounded commercial activities in parts of the state, particularly in Yenagoa, the state capital and Amassoma, the late politician’s

hometown.

Shops, markets and schools were shut in Yenagoa, as the body of the ex-governor arrived yesterday afternoon from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for onward journey to his home town, for interment today.

Jonathan, who spoke at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa said Alamieyeseigha, described as the GovernorGeneral of the Ijaw Nation, was a man who believed in the oneness of Ijaw people.

While acknowledging the

role played by the man in his life time as a politician, the ex-president stated that Alamieyeseigha was his boss.

He added that Alamieyeseigha left the scene when “the ovation was loudest,” noting that the late former governor would be missed by not only the Ijaw people but also by the entire Niger Delta people.

“The man that made me, that I used to call my boss is gone. A man that believed in the true oneness of the Ijaw people and Nigeria is gone. He left the stage when the ovation

was loudest,” Jonathan said.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson said the late Alamsieyeseigha supported him against all odds in the last election because of his belief in genuine governance, which he (governor) represents.

While paying tribute, the Ijaw Youth Congress, (IYC) said the late politician was a victim of political persecution and victimisation for standing up against marginalisation and for fighting for the restoration of true federalism.

"Today is a sad one for us as

Ijaws. Though, we are putting on smiling faces in order to pay our last respects to our hero, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, but we must not lose sight of the circumstances of his death.

"Alamieyeseigha was a victim of political persecution and victimisation because of his struggle for resource control in the Niger Delta.

“When he was governor, he was the governor-general of the Ijaw Nation, because he was a unifying factor for Ijaws in the region and in diaspora.

He stood as the leading light

of the Ijaws.

"Alamieyeseigha was one governor who mobilised other governors. Today, there is no governor that has been able to mobilise other governors.

He possessed incredible leadership qualities that will leave footprints in the sands of time," the IJC said.

The late politician was elected Governor of Bayelsa State in May 1999, but was controversially impeached on allegations of corruption on December 9, 2005, during his second term.

UNILAG Shut Following Lingering Fuel, Electricity Crisis Uchechukwu Nnaike As the current fuel scarcity in the country lingers, affecting all facets of the economy, coupled with epileptic power supply, the management of University of Lagos (UNILAG), yesterday suspended all academic activities and shut the institution with immediate effect.

The closure of UNILAG followed a protest by the students on Thursday over the unavailability of water and electricity in their hostels; they also boycotted lectures

to draw the management’s attention to their plight.

They regretted the inability of the students living off campus to attend classes daily as a result of the scarcity of petrol.

A statement issued by the Information Unit, Vice-Chancellor’s Office said the senate at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, considered the situation on campus occasioned by the ongoing agitation of the student body over poor electricity and water supply in the community, and the difficulty faced by the large

number of students living off campus to attend classes as a result of the fuel crisis.

The statement reads: “Senate noted that the problem of poor municipal services is a national issue that the governments at both state and federal level are addressing. However, in order to forestall a further breakdown of law and order on campus, senate resolved to take the following decisions until the situation normalises.

“All academic activities on campus are hereby suspended with immediate effect; the university is therefore closed with

immediate effect. All students are to vacate the various halls of residence immediately. No student should remain in the halls of residence after 10am on Friday April 8, 2016.”

The management added that the decision to open for normal academic activities would be taken as soon as municipal services improve; and called on all members of the university community to go about their normal activities as adequate security measures had been put in place.

However, THISDAY learnt that the students put up a

resistance to the directive and locked the gates of the institution to prevent anyone from leaving.

Some of the female students who tried to leave around 8am were forced back to their hostels. While the gates were locked, some students who desperately wanted to leave the campus were seen climbing over the gates, while others went through the canal behind the university.

Condemning the management’s decision to shut the institution, the students’ union said in a statement

that it was unfortunate that despite priding itself as the “university of first choice and the nation's pride”, UNILAG management could not manage what it described as a simple issue.

“The vice-chancellor has demonstrated his insolence towards the welfare of the students. Despite his availability on campus today, he refused to avail the students of his presence.”

The union described the directive for students to vacate the campus as an inhumane move with a dastardly motive.

terrorists at Madiyari village.

The third suicide bomber was intercepted and neutralised at Jimini-Bolori village".

Unfortunately, he said, three soldiers sustained injuries in the process and had been evacuated to the unit’s Regimental Aid Post (RAP), for treatment.

According to him, the two unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on the suicide bombers were safely detonated by a combined team of Nigeria Police and our Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) experts.

In a related development,

Usman said the troops also arrested three suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Nwagafete village comprising two women and a 16 year old boy who were connected to suspected terrorists’ food vendors earlier arrested.

Air Force Chief: Military at tail end of operation in North-east…

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar is happy with the progress made in the war against Boko Haram and added that the Military was at tail end of the anti-terrorism operation in North-east.

The Air Force Chief stated this

yesterday at a press conference in Abuja, where he briefed journalists on the activities for the 52nd anniversary ceremony of the NAF, which also coincides with the 2016 re-union of the Service.

He said, "even though, the military was not in any way surprised that a large number of terrorists are surrendering, considering the level of attacks that had been unleashed on them both on air and on the ground by the troops in the ongoing counter insurgency in the North-east".

Abubakar stressed that lesson

drawn from the reunion coming up in Bauchi state is desired to form the basis of the review of NAF tactics, techniques and procedures in the way its confronts prevailing and emerging security challenges in the country.

The CAS explained that though the military was not able to meet up with the Presidential directive handed down in December 2015, and coupled with some pockets of attacks which are still being witnessed., but stressed that a lot had been achieved between 2014 and now.

secretaries began the critical examination of the document.

Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed said: "We have received the details of the 2016 budget from the National Assembly yesterday and an extra-ordinary Federal Executive Council meeting was called this morning to avail every minister to look at the details of the budget and see how it affects each of the ministries.

"And also at this point, it is still work in progress, we have broken up to resume later in the afternoon. We will come out with a statement later."

The president had insisted on seeing the details of the budget before he could append his signature to the 2016 Appropriation Bill.

While he submitted a total

of N6.08 trillion as the budget estimates, the National Assembly pruned it down to N6.06 amid allegations of padding.

It was yet unknown whether FEC would recommend the signing of the document into law after the meeting as the president is believed to be leaving for China next week.

Fayose tells Buhari not to mortgage Nigeria’s future…

Meanwhile, Governor Fayose yesterday warned Buhari against taking a $2 billion loan from China to finance the 2016 budget.

Fayose said Buhari’s scheduled trip to China was part of the measure targeted at sealing the deal for the loan, describing the move as an attempt to mortgage the future of Nigeria and its people.

The governor, who said the 2016 budget was not a reflection

of the present economic reality in the country, added: “By the time they borrow N1.84 trillion to fund their N6.06 billion budget, I wonder how Nigeria will survive in 2017 when the Federal Government will be servicing debt with about 50 percent of its budget.”

In a release issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: “In elementary economics, you don’t propose to spend more when your income reduces and I still can’t understand this Buharinomics in which Nigeria is going to spend N6.06 billion with crude oil bench mark of $38 per barrel when the country budget was N4.5 trillion in 2015 when crude oil bench mark was $53 per barrel.

He said since the President claimed to have recovered and still recovering trillions of Naira looted from the treasury and over N3 trillion saved from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the 2016 budget should be funded with the recovered fund.

The governor said he was alerting Nigerians to the danger in the federal government plan to fund the 2016 budget with loan, adding: “Tomorrow, it will be said of me that I did not keep silent when Nigeria was being mortgaged to unnecessary debt.”

He warned that with the proposed N1.84 trillion borrowing, $2 billion of which President Buhari is already going to borrow in China, the nation may soon be going the way of Greece because Nigeria

will be borrowing N5 billion per day for the next 365 days.

“If your income was N200,000 per month last year and your expenditure was N195,000 per month; does it make any economic sense for you to propose to spend N300,000 per month this year that your income has reduced to N120,000?

“Only President Buhari can explain to Nigerians what manner of economic theory encourages borrowing of N1.84 trillion to fund a N6 trillion budget. As for me, it is nothing but a voodoo economic theory and Nigerians must take note that the income that should accrue to them in five years’ time is about to be spent in one year by the Buhari APC government.”

Meanwhile, Adesina refused to comment on Fayose’s claims, but said that the President’s visit to China would, among other things, enable him follow up on some Memorandum of Understandings signed by previous regimes with the Chinese government on railways and power projects.

He told THISDAY that previous administrations failed to provide their counterpart funding for some of the projects, resulting in delays.

This, he said the president would straighten during his visit to China.

According to Adesina, a power project in Mambilla, Taraba State; the Lagos to Calabar and Kano to Abuja railway projects are some of the projects the presidents aims to revive with his visit to China.

BLOODBATH AVERTED: FIVE FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBERS KILLED IN MAIDUGURI lucky to have received prior information of the intending attacks and we were watchful throughout night and day at all points of entry into the town."

Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondents said they heard heavy blasts in the early hour of Friday and thought it was the military that was test running their ammunition.

Gunda however said the heavy sound was the result of the blast that greeted the shooting of the suicide bombers.

He noted that when the suicide bombers were shot, the

bombs on the females detonated and that was what resulted in the injuries of the three youth vigilantes.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, had in a statement yesterday, said: “At about 4.00am, troops of 101 Battalion of 7 Division received a tip off about impending attack in Maiduguri city by 4 suspected Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers from Sambisa forest through Cashew Plantation.

“The troops responded decisively by intercepting and neutralising the suspected

FEC MEETS, REVIEWS BUDGET DETAILS

an alleged plan to seal a $2 billion loan deal from China to finance the 2016 budget during his trip to the Asian country next week.

No official reason was given for the president’s nonappearance at the FEC meeting. The President’s Media Adviser, Femi Adesina declined to comment on the Buhari’s absence when THISDAY spoke to him last night.

A presidency source told THISDAY that he could not fathom why Buhari did not attend the meeting. “He (Buhari) summoned the meeting and then, he was nowhere to be found. It looks a bit funny,” said the source.

Many Nigerians were surprised by the president’s nonattendance at the critical FEC meeting; members of the FEC made up of the 36

ministers, the Vice President and the Secretary to the State Government, SGF were indeed also surprised.

All the FEC members arrived early for the meeting fixed for 11am.

While exchanging pleasantries amongst themselves, they were interrupted by a clap of hand, a sign to signal them of the president's arrival to the meeting.

But there was no sign of the president in the room. It was the SGF, Mr. David Babachir who verbally called the meeting to order while Vice President Osinabjo called for opening prayers.

At this point, Journalists were excused from the meeting and the meeting eventually kicked off without Buhari while Osinbajo took charge.

Thereafter, the vice president, ministers and some permanent

MORGAN STANLEY INDEX MAY EXCLUDE NIGERIA FROM EMERGING MARKETS OVER CAPITAL CONTROLS MSCI to have said that ease of capital inflows and outflows was one of the key criteria in its market classification framework.

"Introduction of restrictive measures, such as capital or foreign exchange controls, which can lead to material deterioration of equity market accessibility, may result in the exclusion of such market from the MSCI Frontier Markets Indexes and a reclassification to Standalone Market status," it warned.

In his reaction, the global chief economist at Renaissance Capital, Charles Robertson, said in a note yesterday that the possibility that Nigeria might lose

its place in the index had been a risk since it was excluded from key bond indices by JPMorgan and Barclays last year. "Now the risk has become acute.

Robertson said: "Being excluded would create a higher hurdle to attracting future investments, as there would be no need for passive frontier market funds, which track the MSCI index, to hold Nigerian stocks. Equity investors already have at least $0.5 billion less in Nigeria than they should have if they were exactly tracking the index (and a billion less than the $1.5billion they might have if they were optimistic and "overweight" Nigeria). Now

the remaining $0.5 billion is under threat too.

"The government prefers longer-term foreign direct investment rather than more volatile foreign portfolio investors. However we suspect it is tough to attract one without the other. We think the desire for a decent return on capital is a key motivator for both portfolio and direct investors. Nigeria's exclusion from bond indices and threatened exclusion from this key equity index, is because investors' ability to make that return is now jeopardised by currency restrictions.

"Moreover, bond or equity index inclusion helps makes

portfolio investors more sticky - they tend to invest around the benchmark weighting of a country. Indeed - Nigeria still has $0.5bn (N200billion) of equity investments in the country - because it is in this frontier index. Being excluded from such indexes creates a higher hurdle to attract future investments. Nigeria would have to become so attractive to foreign investors that they would make it an off-index investment."

According to analysts, Nigeria's hopes of attracting private sector investors have been dealt another blow.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Cassandra Iwule

I Aspire to be Miss World or Miss Universe Beautiful, graceful, youthful and soulful, she stands before the cheering crowd with her right hand in the air waving gently, majestically at her admirers. The glitter in her eyes brightens her face, adding to the dazzle of gorgeous dress. As the crowd cheers on, the smile on her face widens and she intermittently blows a kiss at them. At 20, she has come to know torturous path that separates the rich from the poor. With a heart of gold and deep sense of philanthropy, she has committed her life to helping the needy. Please meet the winner of Miss Imo USA 2014-2015, Cassandra Chidera Adaeze Iwule, who speaks with NDUKA NWOSU about her life’s journey from Iba in Lagos State to becoming a graceful beauty queen in the United States and how she came back to Nigeria to lift the souls of the downtrodden

T

Cassandra Iwule

he Redeemed Christian Church of God International Chapel at Queens New York can boast of being a parent church to many others in the jurisdiction. It can beat its chest as well for producing the first beauty pageant representing Imo State from the same jurisdiction. This Sunday morning one of its beautiful daughters Cassandra Chidera Adaeze Iwule was on the pulpit giving her testimony and thanksgiving, not for winning the beauty pageant, Miss Imo US Nigeria, which she has been celebrating but to offer thanks for God’s faithfulness for journey mercies and a successful trip to Nigeria where she went to work for her NGO, the Dera Unity Cultural Foundation.

“My name is Cassandra Chidera Adaeze Iwule. I am 20 years old. I was born September 15, 1995. I started my NGO, Dera Unity and Cultural Foundation, at the age of 18. The idea is to assist orphans and in so doing be a voice for the voiceless. I want to be the voice for the voiceless – the less privileged and orphans. The focus is on youth empowerment and provision of basic necessities like clothes. In the future, we hope to extend this to the establishment of small-scale businesses.

My American dream is a cause for joy as it keeps unfolding like the rose bud by the day. I am satisfied with the unfolding expectations of this dream.

I finally put my NGO on course here.

America gave me a better platform to study,” Miss Imo-USA said.

Adaeze had left her comfortable nest in the Queens New York suburb and boarded a flight to Owerri from Lagos but along the way it turned into a nightmare but for God’s journey mercies that salvaged what could have been a fatal crash. The beauty queen has come a long way as a girl. Starting her foundation at 18, she encountered many obstacles but reminded herself that every attempt at a higher goal comes with tests and trials. She did not allow the mid-air nightmare to frighten her out of her passion to identify with the less privileged.

When a seemingly inevitable challenge stands between her and her dream, her childhood experience comes to the fore as one who cares and has the heart of Mary Slessor, Mother Theresa, or that of a typical 18th century missionary willing to show kindness and experience; some self-deprivation for the sake of others.

At her Iba residence, Adaeze encountered a homeless single mother and with the help of her parents was able to provide her a home. Along with that, she made sure that the woman and her family had three square meals until they were ready to stand on their feet once more. That experience that occurred when she was still in her primary school summarises the charity

works of Miss Imo USA. On the inspiration that drives her project, the young lady said, “I am a youth. I know how it feels for anyone to survive without someone to lean on. I feel so sad when I see young people waste their lives, practising prostitution, experimenting with and doing drugs. I want to be in the league of those that are there for such people.

I want to help them understand they can still do something better with their lives; that there are lots of diseases and risks out there and by focusing on Jesus, things will get better for them.

“I know a friend who went into prostitution and today her life has become miserable and disease-laden. I share in her pains because she comes from a home where she was abused and nobody cared for her. She moved into the streets hoping life could be better but that was how she ended her life. I am not here to judge but to help such people refocus their lives and get out of that situation. I want to let them understand that somebody out there cares for them and is willing to share their pains.”

So when her friends laughed at her initial efforts at formalising her desire to reach out to those in need, she was unrelenting and determined to carry it on to the end. Success smiled at her eventually.

“My argument has been if you don’t do it now that age is on your side, when do you hope to get it done? Always follow your dream.

Don’t give up. The beginning of every project is not very smooth. I had my tough moments walking the ropes and I still do even in trying to get things done but you don’t retreat because this is a mission that calls for delivery, for accomplishment and this is when the moment of joy arrives,” she told her audience.

What influence does her Christian faith have on her life?

She said, “Honestly, without the backing of my Christian life, I would not be here. Because with every new level of achievement comes a new challenge. But with all the tests and trials, one’s knowledge of God and the fact that one has been grounded in the Christian faith, reminds you the battles fought are not physical but spiritual.”

Speaking on the beauty pageant she contested in, Adaeze recalled that her designer disappointed her and she had to fall back on her old over-sized dress which was taken to a dress maker for the relevant adjustments – which sounds like the stone the builders rejected. The dress that was rejected as a gift turned out to be the one the judges fell in love with at the Radisson Hotel at the JFK Airport; that was August 2014 at Queens New York.

“The reception was above average

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

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SUPER SATURDAY My American Dream is a Cause for Joy...

Iwule in handshake with Governor Okorocha think a governor can see someone like you? Are you a senator’s child? Don’t waste your time!’ Well, no man is God. To wrap it up, I had a handshake from his Excellency Governor Owelle Rochas.”

Back in the US, the ex-beauty queen has graduated from Queensborough where she earned an Associate Degree in Health Science and expectedly continues with her studies at the degree level preferably at her neighbourhood York College or an equally prestigious American university.

Cassandra embracing his mother and beyond what we expected. My parents were very supportive. My siblings and friends were all there for me and I am very grateful I was crowned Miss Imo USA 2014-15, although my reign is over.

It was awesome and it has given me the platform to carry on my NGO activities to a much higher pedestal and visibility. It was a keenly contested pageant with 20 participants under the auspices of the Imo State Congress of America (ISCA). As a queen I was involved in many outreach activities, doing humanitarian work and kept my foundation on hold,” she noted.

Was there a monetary value attached to the victory?

Adaeze answered in the affirmative but stressed she did not set out to wear the crown because of material returns. For her, wearing the crown has provided her a stronger platform to attend to the needs of the less privileged. She was in Imo in December 2014 for her charity work and worked as a volunteer at the Imo Foundation where she attended to the needs of people.

“I was glad I did because working with older people gives me joy and I hope to go back to the Foundation for the Elderly to offer my assistance,” the ex-beauty queen noted.

During the second inauguration of the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Adaeze was in Owerri to deliver her crown to the First Lady, Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha, pledging to work with her in making deliverables available to schools, SOS villages and such places where her NGO would be helpful.

She later visited the Owerri City School to address the kids to do charity work. Adaeze, who had an audience with the state governor, later wrote on her

Cassandra in her evening dress Facebook wall, “I remember when I told a friend that someday I will love to pay a courtesy visit to the governor of my state. He laughed at me and said, ‘Who the hell do you think you are? Do you

She is asked to compare her experiences back home and in New York.

“I have been in the USA for five years now. While in Nigeria I was living in Lagos around the Iba Estate. My father was the first to go to the US and later the rest of the family relocated to join him. I passed through three colleges including Pentecost and Prime Touch after my primary exposure at Learning Field. My American experience has been one of joy on a comparative note. US facilities are easily accessible and make learning a fun.

“Power failure is unheard of and everywhere is lit while the technology is highly advanced. You have all that you need to move forward. Nigeria, on the other hand, has grounded me in my culture, good manners and how to be a good cook. The culture back home does not compromise discipline unlike in the US. An exposure to both cultures has made me a better human being,” Adaeze pointed out.

Her parents, she admitted, are wonderful.

“Without them I will not be here today. When I started the NGO I was not having anything. My dad Ben and mum, Mercy, came to my support. We have a great home; my two sisters are twins and we have two boys.

Even though she has been a beauty queen, Adaeze still looks ahead to contest in other pageants.

“I am thinking in that direction and maybe after two years of completing my degree programme, I will think of other pageants including the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Miss World and Miss Universe as well as Miss Nigeria USA pageants,” she said.

I know a friend who went into prostitution and today her life has become miserable and diseaseladen. I share in her pains because she comes from a home where she was abused and nobody cared for her. She moved into the streets hoping life could be better but that was how she ended her life. I am not here to judge but to help such people refocus their lives and get out of that situation. I want to let them understand that somebody out there cares for them and is willing to share their pains

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 9, 2016

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Christians Tackle El-Rufai over Muslim Majority Claim in Kaduna John Chiklam in Kaduna

Recent claim by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai that Muslims constitute 70 per cent of the population of the state, has pitched him against the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), an umbrella body for ethnic nationalities in the Christian dominated part of the state challenging him to produce empirical evidence to authenticate the claim.

El-Rufai was quoted as saying that Muslims had majority population of 70 per cent in the state, when he featured on Channels Television programme "Sunrise daily" aired April 6, 2016.

"Here in Kaduna we have a significant Muslim majority, 70 per cent and 30 per cent Christian minority...”the governor was quoted to have said during the television programme.

However, SOKAPU in a statement on Friday said the governor's claims were baseless and ridiculous.

According to the statement which was signed by the President of the Union, Mr. Solomon Musa, the 2006 population census excluded questions on religion and ethnicity, wondering how the governor came to such conclusion that Muslims constituted 70 per cent of the population.

"We were both amazed and

concerned at the religious ratio of 70 per cent Muslims to 30 per cent Christians that he gave on national TV. "This is because, based on the 2006 census, there was no question asking Nigerians their religious leaning.

"So it came as a shock that Governor El-Rufai could carelessly and recklessly give the ratio of the two major religions in the state without any empirical evidence.

"That to us, this is a most unfortunate statement from a governor who is expected to know the risk of stoking the flames of religious intolerance by deliberately misleading Nige rians", the statement said. Musa further stated that SOKAPU was gradually getting a peep into the mindset of the Governor through such utterances, alleging that some of the policies of the governor, "since assuming power have been tainted by his dangerous belief that Muslims hold the majority in the state".

According to SOKAPU, the skewed appointments in Kaduna state, "so far are the worst that we have seen for a long time".

He noted that for the first time, the Governor, the Minister, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, the Principal Private Secretary, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and so many key aides of the governor were from his own stock.

Navy Redeploys 34 Rear Admirals, 4 Commodores Senator Iroegbu in Abuja in Abuja

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral IbokEte Ibas, has approved the redeployment and posting of 38 senior officers of the Nigerian Navy (NN) to various strategic positions including 34 Rear Admirals and four Commodores.

The Director of Information, NN, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said the changes reflect the current effort to reposition the NN for greater efficiency and inject fresh drive into its operations and administration in line with the CNS' Strategic Directive.

Those appointed include the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral RO Osondu who hands over to former Navy Secretary Rear Admiral FD Bobai; and the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral AS Abdulkadir who hands over to Rear Admiral JO Oluwole; while the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral AO Suleiman hands over to Rear Admiral T Dick.

Others affected in the latest

reshuffle, are Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral AA Osinowo, who hands over to Rear Admiral JO Okojie; and the Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Rear Admiral EG Ofik who hands over to Rear Admiral SAG Abbah.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Principal Staff Officers at the Naval Headquarters include Rear Admiral JA Ajani – Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLANS), Rear Admiral OC Medani – Chief of Administration (COA), Rear Admiral HH Babalola Chief of Naval Transformation (C NTRANS), Rear Admiral AA Osinowo – Chief of Training and Operations (CTOPS), Rear Admiral EG Ofik – Chief of Naval Safety and Standard (CNASS) while Rear Admiral AO Odeh takes over as the Chief of Naval Engineering (CONE).

In addition, Ibas appointed new helmsmen for two major Directorates at the Naval Headquarters including Rear Admiral IO Mohammed as Director of Project Implementation Directorate (DPIMED) and Surgeon Rear Admiral EE Enechukwu as Director of Medical Services (DMS).

LAST RESPECT...

L-R: Son-in-Law, Mr. Alobo Hakeem Bakare; Mrs. Tosin Bakare; Pastor Itua Ighodalo; Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Mrs. Yinka Taiwo and Mr. Deji Okoya-Thomas during funeral Service in honour Late Lady Mrs. Olivet Abosede Okoya-Thomas held at Holy Cross Cathedral Church in Lagos yesterday Mubo Peters

"This, to us is deliberate and a true manifestation of his belief that fairness and equity shouldn’t be reflected in his administration.

"We also want to tell the Governor that he goofed when he said that no killing took place in southern Kaduna in

the last six months. On March 24, 2016 Mr. Daniel was shot dead in his house around 7pm in Antor, Aboro District of Numana Chiefdom, Sanga local government area. Same March, a man was butchered in Ancha Gida, Ancha district of Ninzo chiefdom in his farm

by suspected Fulani gunmen.

Another man was killed last December on his farm by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Yaute, Wasa district of Numana chiefdom.

"The governor probably doesn’t consider those killings worthy of his attention

since in the same interview he said the killers were victims of the 2011 crisis, and then went further to justify the killings on innocent people of Southern Kaduna by saying that the Fulani have a long memory of revenging any killings" the statement said.

INEC Expresses Readiness for FCT Polls as Police Warn Electoral Offenders Onyebuchi Ezeigbo and Yemi Akinsuyi in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that it had deployed officials and materials for in today's elections in the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

This is as the police in the FCT have warned would be trouble makers and intending electoral offenders that their men had been deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful elections where violators of electoral laws would be arrested.

As the preparations for the elections entered the final phase, the commission said movement of people on Saturday would be restricted between 6 am and 4pm.

Speaking to THISDAY of telephone on Friday, the Deputy Director, Media and Publicity at INEC, Mr. Nick Dazang said that every preparation had been made to have a hitch-free election.

"We have moved election materials to all the Area Councils. After receiving the materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria vaults, they were taken to the commission's offices in the council headquarters.

Similarly, all the staff to be involved in the election have

been asked to move to their areas of assignment where they are expected to pass the night so that they can report for duty on time", he said.

Dazang said that there would be simultaneous accreditation and voting during today's election. He also confirmed that collation of results of the election would be handled at the council headquarters where winners of the contest are to be declared.

However, THISDAY findings around the FCT indicates that the smooth movement of officials and materials might suffer disruptions due to the ongoing fuel scarcity which is presently biting hard.

The Commissioner of Police on election duty for Federal Capital Territory, Foluso Adebanjo gave the warning while briefing the media on the Police preparation for today’s council election across the territory, also warned that anyone caught in the act of thuggery as well as their sponsors would be prosecuted.

“May I state at this point that the Police is fully prepared and committed to the successful and peaceful conduct of this Election.

I want to also assure members of the public that the Police will remain neutral and provide all

with a conducive atmosphere to exercise their voting rights.

“However, the Police will not hesitate to apply the appropriate sections of the law in dealing with any individual or group of persons arrested trying to foment trouble or sabotage the electioneering process”, he said.

The CP, who stepped into the shoes of the substantial FCT Police boss, Wilson Inalegwu for the Area Council election said the command deployed Police personnel to respective polling units and voting points by name for the purpose of accountability.

He said: “It is pertinent to state at this juncture that Police personnel for this election duty have been properly briefed on their roles as stipulated in the electoral act. They will be professional, non-partisan, civil but firm in their approach and relation to the public.”

Adebanjo said aside the aforementioned, the Police had been working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to provide water tight escort for the safe movement of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to the respective destinations.

Continuing, he said: “Adequate security arrangements have been made for the protec-

tion of INEC staff and all ad-hoc staff being used for the conduct of the election. Also, security at all INEC offices across FCT have been beefed up.”

The CP said in order to properly monitor the election, the Joint Operations Centre, JOC, domiciled in the FCT Police Command Headquarters, had since commenced operation.

He said the centre was manned by personnel drawn from all the security agencies and they would be working with the sole goal of receiving real time situation reports and monitoring the conduct of the elections.

Adebanjo insisted that the restriction of vehicular movement still remained 7am to 4pm and enjoined FCT residents to feel free to come out and exercise their constitutional mandate as the Police in collaboration with other security agencies would be on ground to provide security for the seamless conduct of the election.

He advised FCT residents to be vigilant and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities through the FCT Police Command Helplines; 08061581938, 07057337653, 08032003913, 08028940883.

11

APRIL 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Buhari’s Irritable ‘16 Years of Waste’ Mantra

I

am always depressed and very angry any time President Muhammadu Buhari blames the previous regimes for Nigeria’s existing economic woes and the deficiencies of his 11-month administration. Our president has spent the last 11 months telling us stories about how the country was badly managed in the past 16 years. The man who was voted to bring about ‘change’ has spent virtually the last 11 months blaming his predecessors while the country wallows in darkness, unending fuel queues, poverty, disease, hunger, unemployment and malnutrition. For me, this ‘waste’ mantra is a mere propaganda to cover up the failings of the government. Buhari was aware of the country’s economic situation before he promised ‘change’. Our president was at it again on Monday, telling a delegation that, “in the past 16 years, we made a lot of money without planning for the rainy day. We showed a lot of indiscipline in managing our economy, and that is why we are where we are today.” He spoke at a reception for a delegation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), led by its President, Dr. Bernard Aliyu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The truth be told without sentiment; the economy handed over to Buhari on May 29, 2015 was a fairly good one with consistent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and industrial capacity utilisation. Under Obasanjo, late Yar’Adua and Jonathan, industrialists and SMEs were running their businesses with little encumbrances. The Naira and supply of fuel were fairly stable. The forex policy was also friendly to industrialists. That was why industrial capacity went up in the last three years of the Jonathan administration. So, how well-managed has this country been in the last 11 months under wailing Buhari? Are there positive stories to tell in areas like the value of our currency, economy, electricity, fuel supply, manufacturing, job creation and so on? The truth is that in just under 11 months, this administration has squandered virtually all the gains of the last 16 years. I challenge the president to point to a single tangible achievement of his administration in critical sectors like security, education, health, road, economy, power, housing or fuel in the last 11 months. All we hear of is the war against corruption while the country depreciates. The last 11 months brought pain, blood and tears to Nigerians, with thousands of businesses and manufacturers gasping for breath. Thousands of Nigerians have lost their jobs in the last 11 months.

The Naira, our symbol of nationhood has never had it so bad. At a point, it was trading for as high as N400/$. This is the same Naira Buhari inherited at about N220/$.

In this country’s 55 years of nationhood, the supply of petroleum products has never been this bad. In the last two months, Nigerians have been forced to turn fuel stations to second homes. Under Buhari’s watch, petrol is selling for as high as N400 per litre in government-approved fuel stations in some states. The corruption we are witnessing in fuel stations across the nation today is unprecedented in the history of this country. Which corruption is bigger than buying petrol in a governmentapproved fuel station for N400 per litre?

Now, let’s go to power. The Buhari administration inherited a daily power generation capacity of 5500mgw and could not sustain it within 11 months. It is now struggling to do about 1800mgw daily.

As a result, this hapless nation is perpetually in darkness. The epileptic supply of electricity, coupled with the piercing fuel scarcity has crippled this nation’s generator-economy. Many small and medium scale enterprises have crumbled under the weight of this twin monster. Homes and schools are also crumbling.

Buhari

The crippling forex policy of this administration has also led to the crisis in the manufacturing sector, with so many plants shutting. In the area of security, under Buhari’s watch, over 3000 have been killed

by Boko Haram; the same Boko Haram that had been restricted to Sambisa forest on May 29, 2015. This is the same Boko Haram he promised to eliminate within two months. He eventually shifted it to December 2015 without result. So, what is our president talking about? Buhari has so far failed to sustain virtually everything he inherited from his predecessors, let alone improving on them.

Yes, this country did not get as much as it should from the previous regimes in the last 16 years. Yes, there was so much waste, ineptitude and corruption. However, it was not a complete failure as being chanted by Buhari. It was clearly not 16 years of waste. The undisputable facts are there. Industrial capacity utilisation rose to 49% between 2012 and 2014, as confirmed by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. Maybe Buhari has suddenly forgotten that during these 16 years under review, Nigeria’s economy became the biggest in Africa, pushing aside mighty South Africa. We surpassed South Africa and our economy is now the largest in Africa and the 26th largest in the world. Between 2011 and 2014, GDP growth hovered around 7%per annum, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. According to a World Bank data, the Foreign Direct Investment in just the first six months of 2014 stood at $9.7 billion.

Over $27 billion FDI flowed into Nigeria under five years of Jonathan; the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. The moribund automotive industry was revived during this ’16 years of waste’. Vehicles are currently being assembled in Nigeria after over 30 years comatose. Unfortunately, we have been losing all these gains in the last 11 months of the Buhari administration.

The GSM phone Buhari is holding is a product of these ‘16 years of waste’. The GSM companies created thousands of jobs, paid trillions of Naira in taxes and contributed significantly to our GDP. Under Goodluck Jonathan alone, 13 federal universities were established. This ensured that every state of the federation had at least one federal university.

In the area of politics, there were gains in the last 16 years with a stable democracy.

Jonathan greatly deepened democracy in this country with consummate respect for free press, freedom of expression, human rights and virtually all democratic ethos.

We must also note that Jonathan allowed a strong opposition party to emerge without ‘influencing’ INEC. That was why the then

The truth be told without sentiment; the economy handed over to Buhari on May 29, 2015 was a fairly good one with consistent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and industrial capacity utilisation.

Under Obasanjo, late Yar’Adua and Jonathan, industrialists and SMEs were running their businesses with little encumbrances. The Naira and supply of fuel were fairly stable. The forex policy was also friendly to industrialists opposition All Progressives Congress emerged. Buhari benefited from this by emerging president last year.

In the health sector, the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan in 2013 successfully carried out the first open heart surgery in the hospital; the first-ever in its over 60 years’ history, thanks to the massive refurbishment/modernisation of federal health institutions across the country by Jonathan. The UCH, just like many federal health institutions benefited in terms of world-class equipment and the training/re-training of its manpower overseas. The hospital has since carried out more open heart surgeries.

The Aviation Master Plan and Road Map approved by Jonathan in January 2012 was passionately implemented. It was the first time that such a grand plan for the Nigerian Aviation Industry would be initiated and implemented ardently by any administration in this country. There are now two additional departure and arrival wings at the Murtala Mohammed international Airport which reduced queues during passenger processing.

Some terminals in airports across the country were remodeled and upgraded.

Regrettably, these projects have been stalled by this administration. Again, for the first time in the history of this nation, an international airport took off in the South-east. This is the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, upgraded by the Jonathan administration.

Things changed on many federal roads across the country. There was a pleasant massive rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of major arterial highways by the Jonathan administration. This reduced travel time between most origins and destinations on these arterial routes.

Take a drive on the new look Benin-Ore axis, and you will understand what I mean. The “Operation Safe Passage” launched by the Federal Ministry of Works in 2012 has led to the repair of the failed sections of many federal highways.

This is visible on roads like Ilorin to Jebba, Lafia to Makurdi, Aliade to

Oturkpo/9th Mile, Enugu to Port Harcourt, Kano to Katsina and Odukpani to Itu. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road is also looking good.

It is also not true that previous regimes did not save while making good money from crude oil. Under Jonathan and Obasanjo, this country saved for a rainy day. During Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s first time as finance minister, she established a stabilisation mechanism and opened an account for the oil surplus, which posted up to $22 billion.

In 2008, when prices fell from $148 to $ 38 a barrel, Nigeria did not suffer because the country was able to tap into this fund. When she returned to the same ministry in 2011, the account had been depleted to $4 billion by our squandering governors. Many will still remember the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) initiated by the Jonathan administration. Billions of USD were saved in this SWF, thanks to the impeccable economic management of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Again, our squandering governors mounted pressure on Jonathan and depleted it. Even after that, $1 billion was still left in the SWF and was handed over to Buhari by Jonathan.

It is also not true that Buhari has not been making good money in the last 11 months.

I have heard Buhari’s legion of sycophants arguing that he is failing because there is no money to execute his plans. They attribute this to falling crude oil prices. This is not true. It is mere propaganda. This administration has been making good money from non-oil sourc¬es, including revenues from solid minerals and taxes. Good money has also been coming in from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). As a result, the three tiers of government in the last 10 months of the Buhari administration shared over N4.352 trillion from the Federation Account. The federal government alone got precisely N2.29 trillion as its share in 10 months – May 2015 to February 2016. Yes! N2.29 trillion. So what did our president do with this huge money?There is no single completed project in 11 months by the Buhari administration to justify this colossal amount. Contractors have abandoned virtually all federal projects across the nation.

Just as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said, the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government has failed in several fronts in its promises to the people.

In response to public outcry against the excruciating pain faced by Nigerians, the NLC is to declare a one-day nationwide strike. Also, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, said: “Nigerians didn’t vote change for suffering. We didn’t vote change for agony; we didn’t vote change for tyranny. We fully endorse NLC resolutions for strike.” This planned action by the NLC is clearly a good step in the right direction.

Nigerians need to send a concrete message to our president that he has failed and must wake up from his slumber.

Our dear president should stop his persistent excuses and get down to work.

He must stop his globetrotting and spend quality time at home tackling the crisis this country is struggling with. This morning, I urge Buhari to reflect deeply about the recent statement of the Spiritual Father of the Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide, Most Reverend Samuel Abidoye. He said: “This administration will be a year in the saddle, yet, little has changed in the status of Nigerians, despite its posturing, its anti-corruption moves and general reform initiatives. Poverty has become a way of life for many Nigerians who could barely feed once in a day. This is not what they voted for. They voted for a better alternative. They want better lives for their children. They desire improved social condition for young graduates. They want to see infrastructure improved. Anger, frustration, fears and disappointment is building up among the people. The government needs to be concerned; very concerned.”

12

APRIL 8 , 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

Sina Ogunbambo pays tribute to Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun State governor, at age 60

O

nce upon a time, Orile Imo, a settlement along Abeokuta to Sagamu road in Ogun State was in a sleepy state. The few houses were built with mud and thatched roofs. Apart from the farmers and petty traders, illustrious indigenes of this community rarely pass the night when they visit, as there was no electricity.

As providence will have it, the story changed in the year 2003.

A mechanical engineer named Justus Olugbenga Daniel, popularly called OGD (Otunba Gbenga Daniel) took the driver’s seat as the third democratically elected Governor of Ogun State. The action man who has done his homework and has a blueprint, “My Contract with the people of Ogun State”, got cracking on the dualisation of the Abeokuta -Kobape- Siun- Sagamu 37.5 kilometres express road. From the feasibility studies, it was evident that many of the mud houses along this road have to give way.

The usual practice in government was to mark out such houses for demolition, get the job on course and pay pittance to the affected landlords who have original documents to prove ownership.

The new helmsman in Ogun State was briefed on this procedure, but the man who came with his laptop (something new at that time) opened the “magic box” and showed his design to his special adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Kehinde Osikoya, who doubled as chief executive officer of Ogun Road Management Agency (OGROMA), a new agency made up of engineers and other technical experts in the public service of Ogun State.

His directive was that the residents of Orile Imo and other adjoning settlements whose mud houses would be affected should first be provided with newly built interlocked-red brick bungalows with modern toilets, complete with electrification of their homes and after being resettled, the mud houses could then be demolished and road construction should then commence.

This simple directive in 2003 turned around the fortune of Orile Imo, turning it into a bubbling village with modern facilities. Their Lagos and Ibadan based natives, including those in the diaspora, started returning home to erect new houses while some residents of Orile Imo whose mud houses were far from the road and were not marked for demolition were trooping to the Governor’s Office, lobbying that their shanties be demolished and replaced with this new OGD bonanza houses.

In the history of Ogun State, this innovation is for the records as it amounts to solving the problems of the general public with a human face.

This 13th Executive Governor of Ogun State who turned 60 on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, did not only dualise Abeokuta - Sagamu road, Lalubu road and a host of others, but commenced an aggressive road construction and rehabilitation road in the 236 wards of Ogun State. Electrification of roads in major cities was part of his programmes and he also succeeded in persuading the federal government to erect the first flyover bridge in Ogun State at Sango.

With his business unusual approach, he penetrated the private sector in partnering with the government to industrialise the state and provide jobs for thousands of people. Nestle Foods, Dangote Cement at Ibese, Multirex Cocoa Industry, Coleman Wire & Cable and several other investments were attracted to Ogun State by his administration. He embarked on Agri-Cargo airport to a point, brought in a lot of Chinese investors, commenced the Olokola deep seaport project as well as Ogun Guadong.

The zeal with which he drove the national sporting event, Gateway Games in 2006 remains unparalleled in the history of National

A MARVELOUS POLITICIAN, A GO - GETTER, A GENTLEMAN AND A RUGGED FIGHTER ON PRINCIPLES, SOME OF HIS FOLLOWERS AND ADMIRERS MIGHT HAVE SHIFTED BASE TO OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES BASED ON DYNAMICS OF POLITICS. HOWEVER, THEY ARE RESOLUTE ON THE PREMISE OF HIS DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP AND MONUMENTAL RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Sports in Nigeria. What is of more importance to the people of Ogun State, especially in Abeokuta was that it enhanced commerce to an unprecedented level. His eight years administration built new stadia at Ijebu - Ode, Sagamu and Ilaro and transformed the existing MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

That Ogun State has the record of having the first University of Education in Nigeria is to the credit of his administration. Under his administration the area boys and girls became “good boys and girls” earning monthly salaries as painters under the Ogun Employment Generating Programme (OGEGEP) of his administration. University graduates still scouting for job were provided with allowance and engaged by the government to work on certain days while searching for job. This has nothing to do with thousands of school leavers and graduates employed by the public service of Ogun State during his tenure. Artisans benefitted immensely from his administration as they were freely provided with sewing machines, hair dressers, generators, etc., to enhance their trade.

Housing programme under Daniel’s administration was marvelous as it changed entirely the face of Abeokuta and other major cities. The Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop Estate, the OGD workers estate (which made 1000 civil servants of all grades including drivers and messengers to become landlord and landladies), the new phases of the State Secretariat and other numerous estates that were public/private ventures were part of the package.

The computerisation of the entire Ogun State public service was achieved by his administration while a fleet of brand new buses were provided to ferry workers to their offices.

In the area of tourism, he transformed Olumo Rock, turning it into a money spinning machine with the introduction of an elevator to take tourists to the top of the rock which a lot of people dread to get to manually. Bilikisu Sugbon shrine at Oke Eri in Ijebu also got a facelift and adire dresses were aggressively promoted. New hospitals were built by his administration and a lot of primary and secondary schools got new structures and general rehabilitation During his tenure, three former Presidents of Nigeria, namely, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr Goodluck Jonathan came to commission monumental projects and they all scored him high marks. In fact, a tome cannot be enough to document the achievements of his administration.

A brilliant and charismatic personality with his trademark smiles and black cap, Daniel is really in love with debates and strategy sessions. This favourite student of late Professor Ayodele Awojobi brought in an appreciable number of technocrats to complement politicians in moving the state forward.

Born on April 6, 1956 to late Bishop Adebola Daniel and late Princess Esther Olaitan Daniel, Daniel is married to Yeye Olufunke and is blessed with children. He attended Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta and University of Lagos where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration.

A marvelous politician, a go - getter, a gentleman and a rugged fighter on principles, some of his followers and admirers might have shifted base to other political parties based on dynamics of politics, community decision, personal reasons and the change mantra. However, they are resolute on the premise of his dynamic leadership and monumental record of achievements in Ogun State.

Ogunbambo, a journalist, was a member of Ogun State extended State Executive Council in Daniel’s administration

A LEAP TOWARDS PEACE IN KADUNA (2)

I

have extensively studied the Religious Preaching Regulation Bill and have consulted with lawyers.

My clear take on the amended law is that it does not in any way abridge, threaten to abridge or violate the freedom of worship as enshrined in the constitution of our great country. On the contrary, the bill, if passed into law will establish Kaduna State as a bastion of peace and tranquility in northern Nigeria. Again, I can attest to the inalienable fact that Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, whom I have worked closely with for more than two decades, will never ever be part of any scheme, plot, programme or legislation targeted at abolishing, abridging or derogating the freedom of religion and religious beliefs as enshrined in the constitution of our great country. Like the governor and most other well-meaning citizens of Kaduna State, I totally support this law because I know that it merely seeks to ensure that religious preaching and activities in the state are conducted in ways that do not threaten public order, public safety and the rights and freedom of other persons. I also support this law because I am aware that a peaceful Kaduna will eventually become prosperous and become an investor’s haven.

Mention has been made of the supposed opposition of religious leaders in the state to this bill. Yet, the initial apprehension about the law by the clerics was largely informed by inadequate information available to them. Political opponents

The Religious Preaching Regulation Bill is for the good of the people, argues Uba Sani of the governor had spread the falsehood that a new law that would emasculate religion was in the offing. Expectedly, our highly regarded Islamic and Christian leaders believed this crass misinformation by ill-intentioned political jobbers and panicked. However, after due explanations and with several of our religious leaders now availed of copies of the bill, they now have a better understanding. They are now aware that it is not a new law; that the bill does not in any way seek to negate or infringe on the freedom of worship; they are now aware that this law is basically aimed at deepening safety and security in Kaduna State and they are well aware that a peaceful Kaduna State would unleash the huge and enviable economic and other potential of our great state.

Salient features of the proposed law include the establishment of an inter-faith ministerial committee to regulate the practice of the two main religions in the state, Christianity and Islam.

The law provides for the establishment of a committee of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) with equal representation of the Izala and Darika religious groups, for Muslims, and another committee by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The inter-faith ministerial committee is expected to exercise supervisory control over JNI and CAN with a view to stemming provocative or public hate preaching

hence the restriction on the playing or blaring of religious recordings outside churches and mosques.

Under the law, a preacher may be jailed for a period not exceeding two years if he preaches without a valid licence or engages in inciting religious teachings and uses derogatory terms in describing any religion.

The law also stipulates that a preacher visiting Kaduna from outside the state is expected to obtain a permit to cover the period of his stay. For preachers who are resident in Kaduna State, the licence to preach has a life span of one year which may be renewed.

Truth told, incessant hate and inciting preaching have for years been the main cause of religious upheavals in Kaduna State. Equally damaging has been the inciting statements credited to some overzealous or extremist preachers.

The matter of hateful or provocative preaching was robustly addressed during the JNI’s 2015 annual pre-Ramadan conference in June 2015 in Kaduna when it noted that in spite of repeated calls by the Muslim leadership, some scholars still employed divisive comments during their Tafsir preaching in the month of Ramadan. According to the JNI, “there is a growing trend of mystic doctrines expressed by some unguided extremists which

are completely contradictory to the Islamic faith and principles.” The JNI leadership was also of the view that several of the media houses that air Tafsir during Ramadan do not care to censor statements capable of destabilising the Ummah.

The JNI also expressed concern that negative conducts contrary to the established creed of the Islamic faith were being exhibited by some scholars in their Tafsir sessions. Consequently, the JNI insists that “the (Muslim) leadership should regulate the conduct of Tafsir, to control erring commentators and make it mandatory for any Mufassir to be screened and be given permission by the JNI or any authorised body before he can be allowed to venture into Tafsir.”

The JNI’s solution to such infringements clearly tallies with the provisions of sections of the proposed new law that Governor el-Rufai is proposing.

The JNI also agrees with the governor that Kaduna State should not and will no longer be the hotbed of needless religious acrimony or riots. The state seeks to harness the beauty in its diversity to strengthen social ties and bolster its economy and eventually restore the glory of the state as a bastion of peace and a pacesetter in northern Nigeria.

Sani is the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir el- Rufai on Political Affairs

13

APRIL 8, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Not yet Uhuru...

B

As Edo Votes Again…

y January 2017 when the new governor of Edo State must have finally settled down in Dennis Osadebey’s avenue, it would be 120 years since the British ransacked Benin City, the capital of the state.

It would be the state’s 5th gubernatorial election since the country returned to constitutional rule. The pervading feeling is that the seat is up for the state’s majority tribe. They had a shot at it before for eight years. Same as the leading tribe in the north of the state.

But the central tribe apart from a brief stint is yet control the levers of power despite their array of prominent citizens. I was lectured by a leading figure of the majority tribe in the state of the political equation that works there, which really doesn’t balance like Chief Richard Akinjide’s 12 two-thirds. He told me the rotation is thus: two terms for the majority tribe and two terms for all other tribes put together. And since the outgoing administration is from outside the majority tribe, it falls due to them again.

It was the same reasoning the majority tribe in Delta State tried to install one of their own but was overruled. It is why Mr. Ibori, despite all that have come his way, remains the political leader cum benefactor of that state. Despite some of his actions for which he has been jailed, Mr. Ibori empowered so many of his state indigenes and left landmarks across the state.

Some 120 years after the British invasion, a Benin City’s son might well be at the helm of affair in Edo State. So much has been written of the role of a certain family in “collaboration’’ with the British invaders.

Some still see it a sellout. Well, for others, it was being pragmatic. I am in custody of a publication vetted by the palace that proved that the very family head who “collaborated” was actually a close friend of the monarch at that time. And he actually might have done what he did in the larger interest of the state. There is something that has interested political scientists since the return of constitutional rule in Nigeria. It is the handing over of power on a platter to the uninitiated. And this overlord who thinks he knows what is best for his state, expects continual loyalty and to pulling the levers of powers from his bedroom outside the State House. It has largely failed almost everywhere it has been tried.

Chief Jim Nwobodo practically handed the state to an erudite America-based doctor. But a man brought up in America can hardly play a stooge to anyone. Dr. Uzor Kalu handed over power to his chief of staff inside Kirikiri prisons and he later came out and poked his 10 fingers into his benefactor’s eyes. Some say it was justified. Ask his benefactor how his eyes are faring. Donald Duke made sure his long-term pal succeeded him. Before long, they had stopped greeting themselves. The current one is the man who made his crony deputy governor for eight years and also as his personal assistant when he was Defence Minister. He finally handed over power to him as governor and no doubt, he is expected to still be over lord. The national dailies are reporting the shredding not only of his legacy but of his image. What would make anyone now think his own case would be different and he won’t be rubbished and demonised later? That the one he installed will continue with his plans and to continually take his phone calls and instructions?

Cliff Chima, chimacliffchima@yahoo.co.uk

Buhari: Save the Downstream Oil Sector

A

s a Nigerian, I am disturbed by the alarming rate of job losses especially in the downstream sector of the oil industry. What is happening in the downstream sector has also triggered massive job loss in the banking sector and others. Recently, a company sacked a neighbour of mine who has spent all his youthful age working for a popular major oil marketing firm following the downsizing of workers.

The worst hit are companies owned by Independent oil marketers. Over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their jobs due to the resolve by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to starve independent marketers of petroleum products.

The Independent Marketer Programme came as a result of the petroleum products shortage of the 1970s which was partly attributed to lack of sufficient investment by the major oil marketing companies in petroleum retailing outlets, especially in the rural and more distant areas of the country.

Consequently in 1979, the indigenous independent marketers’ scheme was established to increase the number of outlets, particularly in the rural areas and to permit the direct participation of Nigerians in the petroleum marketing and distribution

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

business.

As of date, over 1,500 independent marketers spread all over the country, are registered with the Petroleum Products Marketing Company to lift products from all the depots.

Today, most, if not all the independent marketers have been complaining bitterly about this sad development because unlike previous governments which recognised that independent marketers have the largest number of retail outlets (petrol stations) when compared to the major marketers, this present regime favours the majors in product allocation for inexplicable reasons.

Unfortunately for the independent marketers, the umbrella body that represents their interest, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has broken into two factions and the disunity is adversely affecting their primary role and taking up this unfortunate development forcefully.

The past few months have been terrible for the independent oil marketing community. Most independent marketers have reduced their staff and some have closed down their stations thereby increasing the number of unemployed Nigerians in the job market. How could the president feel unconcerned when his fellow countrymen are losing their source of livelihood? To compound matters, there are independent marketers that accessed and used banking facilities to develop their outlets and do their business that are now in default with the affected banks harassing them for loan repayments.

It has been observed that the ongoing restructuring of NNPC appears to be in consonance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which provides for, amongst others, the ‘unbundling’ of the corporation and the creation of autonomous corporate entities that will be allowed to operate purely as companies in the private sector. This is a very positive development.

However, in so doing the Minister of State for Petroleum/GMD, NNPC should also adopt and follow the true spirit of these reforms by creating a more level playing field for all participants in the downstream sector generally. That policy direction will allow for a more positive outlook going forward, since there is no way NNPC through PPMC can ever solely cater for adequate supply of petroleum products efficiently and effectively to the nation, taking into consideration the realities on ground. That is why the fuel scarcity is biting harder presently.

Odita Sunday,oditasonny2002@yahoo.com

14

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 9, 2016

TRIBUTE

LettertoD.S.PAlamieyeseigha,NigerDeltaMartyr James Onanefe Ibori

D

SP, I write this with a mixture of a heavy heart and compelling sense of pride. Even as I mourn, I find comfort in the love, admiration, reverence and even veneration that have gushed out for you from all parts of Bayelsa, the entire Ijaw nation, and beyond, despite the political persecution and orchestrated disinformation that culminated in the public hysteria against you.

You can imagine the mixture of emotions running through me as I write this.

How can I possibly tell your story? Where should I start? It seemed like yesterday when we took over the reins of power from the military administrators in our respective states; Delta and Bayelsa. How can I ever forget the role you played in resolving the chaos and disorder in both states in 1999? Youth militancy, occasioned by deep resentment of the Federal Government’s political manipulation and interference in the Niger Delta, troubled both states. Unemployment, neglect, degradation of our ecosystem, oil pollution and poverty pushed our youths to convene a conference which gave birth to the Kaiama Declaration. Delta State was overwhelmed by the Ijaw/Itsekiri crisis.

How can I forget what you did to incentivize the Chiefs, Peres and Agadagbas to intervene positively? You secured the peace that was essential for us to settle into governance.

I can recall my first visit to Bayelsa State after the inception of democratic rule; it was a forgotten state with one road from the East-West Highway to Yenegoa and no more. We went everywhere by boat.

Fast forward to two years later; you had transformed the state capital and the neighbouring towns and had by then started your fast-tracked development; establishing schools, notably the NigerDelta University, sending Balyesans to universities and vocational schools abroad on scholarship, etc. You provided stable power supply as Bayelsa was not on the National Grid. You actually integrated Baleysa into the Nigerian State and made it part of the modern world. How can we ever forget that?

You rose like a phoenix from the ashes of political discontent and discord to bestride Bayelsa’s politics like a colossus.

Your people’s love for you was displayed on your return from London in November 2005. The entire state was agog with joy not because every Bayelsan agreed with your politics but because most Bayelsans believed your travails were triggered by your commitment to their cause. Naturally, you had your ardent supporters as well as adversaries; yet, you rode into Yenegoa triumphantly like the biblical Jesus entering Jerusalem. That was a memorable day in Bayelsa’s history. Your enraged traducers sent a heavy deployment of troops to Government House, Yenegoa on a “kidnap or kill mission”. The rest is now history. How can we ever forget that part of our national history?

You languished in jail having been slammed with spurious charges which you vehemently denied till you drew your last breath. As your health deteriorated, concerns were expressed at the highest level of Nigeria’s political administration.

Emissaries were sent to plead with you to see reason and end the ‘torture’ by pleading guilty; an overture you resisted until one of our illustrious sons was dispatched to you in Lagos to assure you of the government’s intention to pardon you after your guilty plea. DSP, you know I have the credentials to testify to this fact. Oh, how can we forget your address in court on the fateful day you pleaded guilty?

I have recalled your travails to remind your family that you died in action, and

to reassure the Ijaws that you more than earned your title; Ijaw nation’s GovernorGeneral. You also earned your epaulets as “General”. You led the battle from the front like Kings of Medieval Europe. You died from injuries sustained in battle. You are our martyr!

Your spirit stoutly opposed injustice and tyranny. And in 2005 when Nigeria was under the grip of a budding tyrant, you felt that injustice must be confronted and that a society that cowers before tyrants is unworthy of freedom. How can we forget how furious you were when Odi was demolished - with youth militancy as a justification? And when a state of emergency was imposed in Plateau State, you publicly condemned it as an unconstitutional act of rascality.

DSP, the events that led to your death climaxed well before your orchestrated arrest. The year was 2005 and the event was the National Constitutional Conference. The Federal Government convened a ruse in the name of a conference and appointed one of our illustrious sons, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, as its chairman. Unbeknown to the man, the confab’s outcome had already been predetermined in a document containing the final resolutions – though the confab was just starting. The document was handed over to the jurist; he rejected it and threated to resign. When he emerged from Aso Rock, he immediately called on you for debriefing, after which he came over to see me.

As was usual of you, you immediately summoned a meeting of the Niger-Delta delegates at Oghara, after they staged a walk-out from that confab. You articulated the position of the Niger Delta; to insist on derivation principle of not less than 25% graduated to 50% in five years.

You also advised them to coordinate the southern states in opposing any attempt to ride on the back of our demand for true fiscal federalism to impose a six-year single tenure as contained in that rogue report. The Niger Delta delegates led the assault against the single tenure proposal; the real agenda of the conference conveners.

DSP, you had promised to release your memoirs, but could not do so before you were killed. We shall work with your family to ensure its timely publication in order to do justice to your contributions to the Niger-Delta/Nigerian debate.

Unfortunately, many Nigerians who joined the public hysteria against you

DSP, time, the acid test of values, will affirm you a true leader who made invaluable sacrifices, including the supreme sacrifice, on behalf of your people. Time too will expose those who ganged up against you, framed and hounded you to death.

A few weeks before your death, we had our last earthly conversation.

Despite your travails and failing health, you were only concerned about the South-South

D.S.P Alamieyeseigha were victims of media manipulation. I’ll only remind them and their manipulators, of the French writer, Emile Zola’s words: “It is a crime to lie to the public, to twist public opinion to insane lengths in the service of the vilest death-dealing machinations.”

To the Ijaw people, I say thanks for the immense honour poured out for our leader, who fell in battle. Such apotheosis is given only to the truly great. DSP, the Ijaws and Niger Deltans salute you. We will honour you forever because we affirm you as our true leader who became a victim of a political “witch-hunt”. In 17th century medieval England, one Mr. Mathew Hopkins styled himself as “witch-finder General”. What an irony; the biblical Mathew was an ardent and devoted Christ-follower. Just like in 21st century Nigeria when political foes were victims of a witch-hunt, Mathew Hopkins hounded the innocent, the weak, the clergy and political opponents, exploiting the fear of naïve Englishmen and dispatched his victims to the gallows under the guise of cleansing England of witches.

He earned notoriety in the process but earned money as well. Suspected witches (and several social, political and even religious opponents too) were so maliciously charged and tortured until they were either forced to confess or they died.

Either way a person had no way of proving his innocence. One unfailing method then was the floating test: a suspect was tied to a chair and set afloat on water. If the person floated, he or she would be burnt as a witch, if the suspect sank and drowned, too bad. In the Nigerian witch-hunt at the turn of the millennium, a politician would be held in custody until a guilty plea is secured or he died in custody. DSP, you were a double victim; they forced you to plead guilty, yet, the medical complications arising from the years of physical, psychological and mental torture killed you.

Even as I carry my own cross, I can never forget what you stood for. Those who knew the real you and the reason for your “death” will strive to wipe the dust of unsubstantiated blame off your gravestone and leave your name free from the undeserved dirt thrown by mudslingers, even as we wait in the unfailing hope that one day the truth about your travails

would emerge. As Zola said in that newspaper article (J’Accuse) of Thursday, Jan. 13, 1898, “As for myself, I have not despaired in the least, of the triumph of right. I repeat with the most vehement conviction: truth is on the march, and nothing will stop it. Today … the positions have become clear: on one side, those who are guilty, who do not want the light to shine forth; on the other, those who seek justice and who will give their lives to attain it. I said it before and I repeat it now; when truth is buried underground, it grows and it builds up so much force that the day it explodes it blasts everything with it.”

DSP, time, the acid test of values, will affirm you a true leader who made invaluable sacrifices, including the supreme sacrifice, on behalf of your people. Time too will expose those who ganged up against you, framed and hounded you to death.

A few weeks before your death, we had our last earthly conversation. Despite your travails and failing health, you were only concerned about the South-South.

You said “Odidigboigbo, I eagerly await your return so that we can begin the great task of re-uniting our people so they could speak with one voice”. DSP, when I return, Nigeria will never be the same for me without you. Enemies of our people, enemies of true democracy which accommodates strong, courageous, vibrant and viable voices have actually done their worst; they have “murdered” you.

My condolences go to your wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, and your children; Ayibatonye Gideon, Enetombra, Ebipadei, Emebelakpo, Saleaka and Oyinkari “Bayo-o”, DSP, “Mala’muke on parade”. Bayo-o, fellow bearer of the Niger-Deltan cross, and victim of political witch-hunt. “Bayo-o”, great navigator in the stormy waters of Nigerian politics you broke the waves, paid with your life but found devotion in the crew you left behind. Our people will surely find the shores for your life will be their guiding compass.

This is not the end, my friend. The prize we sought will still be won. Rest in Peace great “General”.

––Ibori was the former Governor of Delta State

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 9, 2016

15

NEWS

In Brief Fake EFCC Operatives Arrested

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has on Friday arrested two persons who pose as staff of the commission. According to a statement from the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Abbas Attahiru and Mohammed Sufiyanu were arrested for offences bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. According to the statement, Attahiru and Sufiyanu’s arrest followed a complaint by a would be victim, that the suspects claiming to be staff of EFCC, informed him of a petition purportedly written against him. "The suspects promised to give him a “soft landing” provided he was ready to part with some money.

Suspecting a foul play, the complainant contacted the Commission and he was asked to play along as the EFCC does not solicit for, nor accept payments/gratification from persons or organisations under any guise to settle matters.

Kidnappers Demand N10m Ransom

KICKSTARTING PRODUCTION

L-R: The Managing Director Africa and Middle East,Olan International, Mr Venkataramani Srivathsan; Sir Gbagyi Mallam Danjuma Barde and Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna State; at the ground breaking ceremony of the Animal Feed and Protein Business in Kaduna ...recently Idris Egaji

Again, Herdsmen Attack Falae’s Farm, Kill Guard Another farmer killed in Okada JamesSowoleinAkureandAdibe EmenyonuinBeninCity One of the members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) employed as security guards by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae on his farm against the invasion of herdsmen has been killed by the suspected Fulani herdsmen.

In a related development, suspected Fulani herdsmen in Okada, headquarters of Ovia North East local government area of Edo state yesterday murdered a farmer simply identified as Alex.

THISDAY gathered that the herdsmen stormed Falae’s farm located at Ilado in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo

State and kidnapped the security guard after the deceased and his colleagues resisted grazing on their principal’s farm.

The corpse of the deceased, who was kidnapped from the farm last weekend, was discovered few days ago inside a pool of water which is few kilometers to the farm.

A source said the guards repelled the herdsmen when they first arrived only for them to resurface after mobilising more of their men and kidnapped one of the guards.

It was gathered that the matter was reported at the state police command following which a search party was organised and which discovered his corpse many days later.

The state police command which

Fire Claims 7 Lives in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo It was a black Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital as seven persons lost their lives in a fire incident alleged caused by poor storage of fuel.

The inferno which occurred about 2 am at No 33 Ntia Street, off Ekpri Nsukara within the Uyo metropolis, THISDAY gathered, claimed the lives of a woman and her three children as well as three grandchildren of the landlady of the compound.

Luck was on the side of the Landlady, Mandam Monica Effiong and other occupant of the compound as they were rescued and taken to hospital.

An eye witness, Mr Ekemini Obot, who is the grandson to the landlady said his wife noticed the fire in the next compound when she went out to urinate and raised the alarm which attracted neigbours.

However, luck was not on the side of the victims as the fire had consumed them before needed help could come.

Mr. Obot said his grandmother and another occupant in the compound were rescued and rushed to the University of Uyo

Teaching hospital for medical attention.

“I am Ekemini James Obot, the grandson to the land lady who owns this house that has been burnt.“The incident occurred around 2 am when my wife went outside to urinate and saw the fire and raised an alarm so we came outside and met the house burning.

“We noticed that the compound had been sprayed with petrol which helps the fire to burn easily.

Names of those that lost their lives in the inferno were given as; Daniel Sampson, Helen Sampson Itohoinyene Sampson all grandchildren to the landlady.

Others included; Nsikak, Queen, Nsisong and their mother Happy, all tenants.

According him, they suspected the incident to have been masterminded by a man who had land dispute with his grandmother and had promised to revenge.

He said the fire service men and the police came to the scene that night but were too late to be of any assistance.

Corpses of the victims were picked by the Police and deposited at a mortuary along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo metropolis.

had sent out invitation for a press briefing on the matter put it off for undisclosed reasons.

Though, the Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison did not give any reason for the cancellation of the media briefing, sources said the assignment may have been halted because the Commissioner had not gotten approval from the Inspector General of Police.

When asked questions on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Command, Femi Joseph declined comment saying all the questions should be directed to the Police Commissioner.

The Personal Assistant to Chief Falae, Moshood Adekunle Raji said the matter was a criminal one and

would be handled by the state Police Command.

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Farmer in Okada…

The man killed in Okada yesterday was aged 64, was brutally butchered and his remains were found in a bush near his farm by a search party led by his younger brother.

His wife, Margaret, pointed accusing fingers at the Fulani herdsmen in the area, saying her husband had been complaining about their activities on his farm.

According to her, "They have killed my husband and left me to care for the children. The people that went there said they saw the Fulani people’s sandals in the place."

Kogi Police Parade 27 Suspected Kidnappers Yekini JimohinLokoja Kogi State Police Command yesterday paraded 27 suspected kidnappers that had been terrorising the state in the last three months.

The Kogi State Police Commissioner, CP Yakubu Usman while parading the suspects before newsmen at the State Police Command said they were arrested across the state with dangerous weapons.

According to him, on March 2, they got information that some Fulani's suspected to be armed robbers and kidnappers were sighted in a hotel in Idah, adding that his men quickly swung into action and arrested the suspects.

The CP further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to have kidnapped one Isah Ibrahim with others and the sum of two million five hundred thousand was paid as ransom, stressing that the suspects also stated that in the month of December last year, they kidnapped one Mallam Isah Yusuf and the sum of five hundred thousand was collected and they killed the victim, because he could identify one of his captives.

"As a result of the arrest of the suspect his gang members went and killed the victim's father named Mohammed Yusuf at Idah" he said.

Also paraded along other kidnappers was one Maha Musa who kidnapped Mr. Lily Yunpin a Chinese national.

According to the Commissioner of Police, the suspect was arrested and during interrogation, confessed to various armed robbery, kidnapping, and attack on SARS base at Ejule, adding that himself and six others kidnapped the victim last month and a ransom of N3 million naira was collected while N100,000 naira was given to him as his share.

Mohammed Isah and Iliyasu Abubakar were arrested for kidnapping seven years old boy in Aloma, Ofu local government council of the state.

According to the CP, on March 20, one Sule Adamu Usman of Aloma Fulani camp in Ofu local government council of the state, reported that on that at about 4pm, one of his wives called him that his son named Halilu Usman seven years old was kidnapped by unknown gun men in the stream.

Following the unanimous demand by families and colleagues for the immediate release of the kidnapped Mr. Wole Akindutire in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, the abductors have contacted his family with a demand of N10 million ransom. Akindutire was said to have been adbucted on March 16 this year at Ada in PH by some unidentified armed men. According to his colleagues and class of 93/94 set of Faculty of Law students, Obafemi Awolowo University alongside his family told journalists in Lagos that the police had advised they waited for the call of the abductors. The Association had urged the IG of police as well as the Rivers state police to speed its search of the barrister and return him safe and sound to his families and loved ones They have called on every Nigerian still with vital information to help in the search.

Niger to Repatriate Almajiris

The Niger state Government is soon to commence the repatriation of almajiris to their states of origin, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has hinted in Minna the state capital. The Governor who was said to be disturbed by the large number of almajiris roaming the streets in search of food said a committee to advice the administration on how best to handle the situation had been set up. Governor Sani Bello did not name members of the committee or the period given them to complete the assignment. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Jibrin Ndace quoted the governor as decrying the increasing number of the almajiris “who are of school age from other states begging on the streets of Minna, the state capital”.

The Governor made the observation when he stopped his convoy at a traffic light junction along Minna Western bye-pass to chat with some under aged Almajirs, who though came to acquire Islamic education, had to resort to begging for survival.

University Immortalises Izima

TheManagementofGregoryUniversityUturuhasnamedtheinstitution's Board ofTrustees and Governing Council chamber after a renowned jurist, Justice Cyprain Izima. Performing the naming ceremony, Chancellor and proprietoroftheuniversityDr.GregoryIbepraisedtheuniquedistinguishing lifestyle of the late legal luminary who while alive epitomised the virtues of honesty, morality and integrity in the conduct of his legal profession.

Recalling the supportive role played by the late jurist during the formative phase of the young institution, Dr. Ibe enjoined his descendants to sustain the sterling qualities and numerous legacies of their father. In a welcome address, the Registrar, Dr. Austin Orisakwe informed the gathering that the late high court judge, apart from functioning as the pioneer Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Aba-Ngwa North, also had the rare honour of administeringthestatutoryoathofofficeonthepremiereBoardofTrustees and Governing Council of the university.

Sokoto Commences Sale of Hajj Seats

Sokoto State Pilgrims andWelfare Agency,Wednesday directed all local government councils in the state, to commence the sale of Hajj seats to intendingpilgrimsintheirareas.Thiswascontainedinastatementsignedby theMediaAssistanttotheAgency,MalamFarukUmar,andmadeavailable tojournalistsinSokoto,Friday.Thestatementadvisedintendingpilgrimsto depositN700,000withtheirrespectivecouncils,pendingtheannouncement of official Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission.The statement added that the National Hajj Commission had banned pregnant women, patients as well as the aged from performing this year's hajj exercise.

Hollandia Mix it Hits Market

Chi Limited, has introduced the new 315ml ‘Grab ‘n’ Go mixology pack.The mixologyGrab‘n’GoPackgoeswellwithone’schosenbeverage.According to the company, the Hollandia Mixology Grab ‘n’ Go Packs were also great for on the go fun as they were light and handy, with a specially designed prismaticshapeandanattractivescrewcapthatarecute.Commentingon the new product, the Managing Director Chi Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy said “We are committed to ensuring that our loyal consumers continue to get value and satisfaction from our products. Our customers are being offeredgreatvaluewiththenewHollandiaMixologyGrab‘n’Gopackswhich provide them a tasty and nourishing option to mix with other beverages.”

Juniac recommended for IATA Job

Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Air France-KLM Group, has informed the Group’s Board of Directors of the proposal he has received on the 5th of April 2016 from the Board of GovernorsoftheInternationalAirTransportAssociation(IATA)tobecome thenextDirectorGeneralandCEOofthisglobalorganisation.Alexandrede Juniacindicatedhewouldaccepttheproposal,whichisduetobediscussed at the IATA General Meeting (1-3 June 2016). The Air France-KLM Group’s Board of Directors has prepared a plan to appoint a successor to Mr. de Juniac given his imminent appointment as the IATA Director General and CEO, from 1 August 2016 at the latest. According to the Air France-KLM Board’s internal rules, the Air France-KLM Appointments and Governance Committee-withthehelpofaninternationalrecruitmentconsultancy-has initiated the process of identifying the best executive able to continue the Group’s consolidation and development.

16

SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2016 T H I S D AY

Plus Hassan Bala I Will Reposition Learn Africa and Lead by Example

THISLIFE AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 21 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 40 pg. 41

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 9, 2016

18

Plus

Bala

More Than Two-thirds of Book Industry Revenue Go to Pirates

He is every corporate organisation’s dream man at the top. Well suited, calm-looking and studious, he makes look simple the rigour of running a flourishing publishing firm. Erudite in thought and practical in approach and from being a foot soldier to being the head of his organisation, he knows what it takes to maintain the company’s winning ways. Only one man has the depth of capacity to lead a publishing firm as Nigeria takes a dangerous bend in its economy. Hassan Bala, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive of Learn Africa Plc. (formerly Longman), recently made history as the first northerner to be appointed the head of the big publishing firm. Bala is not new to Learn Africa. In fact, he joined the organisation when it was known as Longman in 2000 as a sales representative in charge of Borno and Yobe States. He became an area manager in 2008 and by 2010, he was already an acting district manager. Three years later, he became the firm’s district manager.

Thereafter, he was made head of sales for the North before he was announced as the acting managing director and chief executive officer. In this interview, he tells Samuel Ajayi about the state of publishing and its challenges in Nigeria, his rise to the top, the menace of pirates and why the future is still in the printed material

T

he book industry, especially the publishing industry, has been under pressure for some time now. How has Learn Africa been able to cope?

The book publishing industry has been under severe pressures for some time now, just like agriculture, mining, transportation, oil and gas, textile, banking and almost other industries in Nigeria. The distinctive feature is that we are in an industry that is very crucial to the human capital development of our economy. Our operations influence almost every aspect of our existence as a nation. As a matter of fact, every family needs intellectual development and you can hardly achieve that without books. The poor reading culture in our country is a big challenge to the publishing industry. Books rank very low on the preference list of an average Nigerian and this has made it difficult to generate turnover that is commensurate with our huge population. Many people would rather spend their money on electrical appliances, jewellery, clothes and on unnecessary social events than buy prescribed textbooks for their children.

It is very important for our people to

appreciate the fact that functional education can provide solutions to many of our current socio-economic problems.

I must also say frequent bombings and clashes between insurgents and the law enforcement agents have forced many companies to close their offices while others have substantially reduced their operations and business hours. As a company, we are greatly concerned about this terrible situation, which has limited our promotional activities and revenue generation efforts. Our sales and marketing operatives have not been able to move extensively in order to sell the full benefits of our excellent learning resources to the teachers, school administrators and other influential persons in the educational sector. Several schools and bookshops have been closed down due to the destruction of facilities, widespread killings and threats to lives of students and their teachers. Many teachers in those areas have also lost the opportunity and interest to update their knowledge and upgrade their skills through attendance at capacity building events like the seminars and workshops that we organised in several locations across Nigeria.

Moreover, many of the state governments that used to buy books in bulk

for distribution among students in their public schools have stopped doing so and this represents loss of significant business.

Huge allocations are channelled towards fighting the criminal elements in order to guarantee security of lives and properties. It is important to state that despite the tough business climate, we have continued to meet our obligations to the employees, suppliers, authors, shareholders, government and other stakeholders.

We are also making significant progress in our efforts to take this company to greater heights despite the challenges. We have been able to forge ahead due to the unflinching support of our shareholders, our solid capital base, wide range of excellent products, the goodwill of our customers, the resourcefulness and resilience of our employees, the committed management team and the visionary board.

How much has piracy affected Learn Africa as a publishing firm?

The greatest threat to the survival and prosperity of the book publishing industry in our country is piracy. It is a great assault on the intellectual rights of authors. As a matter of fact, some of the pirates pass off outdated books as

new editions to innocent buyers. It is also possible for them to use money that is derived from their criminal trade to finance other dangerous activities. It is painful that some criminals engage in unauthorised printing of fast-moving titles from established publishers and sell them at ridiculous prices. They neither pay royalties to authors as rewards for intellectual creativity nor pay taxes to support the developmental programmes of governments. Estimates vary, but there is a strong feeling that perhaps more than two-thirds of book industry revenue goes to pirates. The problem has affected the growth of the industry, limited its ability to generate employment opportunities for our growing population and reduced its contribution to the national economy.

As a company, we have a standing anti-piracy squad that collaborates with the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the Nigerian Publishers Association and the law enforcement agencies in order to address this problem. We will continue to intensify efforts to minimise, if not eradicate, the menace of book piracy in Nigeria. We would also like to appeal to school authorities, parents, booksellers

19

APRIL 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus From Sales Rep I Became Learn Africa’s Managing Director and the general reading public not to purchase pirated copies.

books. We actually do not consider it to be a threat because we already have very good contents in the electronic format.

I hasten to add that printed books and electronic books would continue to be available in the global book market for a long time to come.

How do you generate your contents?

Generally speaking, we generate contents from specialists on different subject areas, many of who are independent authors. Sometimes, we commission carefully selected authors and team of authors to provide contents that would be suitable for publication as textbooks for the Nigerian educational system. We have actually partnered with representatives of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria and The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council in the publication of textbooks. From time to time, we also receive unsolicited manuscripts from established authors and aspiring authors. We evaluate the manuscripts on the basis of their relevance to our current publishing objectives, the target market and the identified needs of the reading public. We have contractual agreements with all our authors and we do our best to nurture mutually beneficial relationships with them.

Why is Learn Africa mostly into educational book publishing?

Learn Africa Plc was incorporated in August 1961 as a book publishing company. It developed as a subsidiary of the well-known international company, Longman Group UK Limited, now known as Pearson Education Limited, which is the world’s largest education business. Learn Africa’s mission at inception was the marketing and distribution of imported Longman Group titles, as well as developing publishing in English and the indigenous languages, to meet the growing book requirements of the Nigerian market. Today, Learn Africa is the largest educational publisher in Nigeria with over 5, 000 titles. We publish educational materials for pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary and professional levels. Our publications enjoy wide prescriptions at all tiers of education and are consistently extolled by all users for their excellent quality and pedagogical adequacy. Learn Africa’s objective is to sustain its leadership position through the provision of educational products of the highest quality. We have achieved an enviable reputation for our ability to identify, encourage and utilise the services of talented Nigerian authors. This effort has enabled us to publish some of Nigeria’s most successful learning texts, such as: NERDC Basic Mathematics, New Concept Mathematics, Stone & Cozens Biology, New Concept English series at the secondary school level, as well as Nigeria Primary English, New Method Mathematics and Basic Science and Technology at the primary school level.

We are also involved in the publication of creative writing titles, continuous assessment booklets, school diaries and attendance registers. Learn Africa’s publishing skills and authorship resources are formidable; its book distribution network is very comprehensive and dynamic, while its products enjoy worldwide acclaim for their content and value.

Our leading role in publishing in Nigeria has enabled us to secure and efficiently execute several and significant book-related contracts from governments and allied agencies. Our organisation was one of the few publishers appointed at the inception of the UPE in 1976, to fashion out a number of books in the core subject areas of Mathematics, English and Science at the primary level, for use in the implementation of the scheme. The company has subsequently participated in all the tranches of the World Bank and the PTF Educational materials procurement programmes and is a major player in the Universal Basic Education programme.

In line with our corporate mission, we have remained focussed on the provision of first-rate educational materials that would be of great benefit to readers of all ages and interests.

Who are your two closest competitors and how do they affect your market share?

Without sounding immodest, I am confident that our new and backlist titles enjoy widespread acceptance and patronage at all levels of the Nigerian educational system. Our titles have been widely adjudged to be excellent in terms of contents and production quality. Besides, our highly motivated salespersons regularly engage school administrators,

How has foreign exchange restrictions affected your business?

The foreign exchange restrictions have affected our operations because the book publishing industry depends on imported printing equipment and materials such as ink, film, plate and paper which are brought in at highly prohibitive foreign exchange rates. All these lead to high cost of locally produced books, which makes it difficult for us to achieve good returns on investments. Establishing letters of credit has become practically impossible while remitting payments after due dates of the already established letters of credit now takes forever. However, the reputation of good business ethics that we have built with all our vendors and suppliers is now working in our favour.

Bala

Our leading role in publishing in Nigeria has enabled us to secure and efficiently execute several and significant book-related contracts from governments and allied agencies. Our organisation was one of the few publishers appointed at the inception of the UPE in 1976, to fashion out a number of books in the core subject areas of Mathematics, English and Science at the primary level, for use in the implementation of the scheme. The company has subsequently participated in all the tranches of the World Bank and the PTF Educational materials procurement programmes and is a major player in the Universal Basic Education programme. In line with our corporate mission, we have remained focussed on the provision of first-rate educational materials that would be of great benefit to readers of all ages and interests subject teachers, government officials, booksellers and other relevant targets across Nigeria in order to convince them of the great benefits that are inherent in the various products that we have. Moreover, we update our textbooks regularly in order to align them with changes in the curriculum requirements, introduce new publications to meet new demand and come up with exciting initiatives to support teaching and learning. In addition, we have an extensive distribution network, which ensures that our customers can obtain stocks without any difficulty.

I can boldly say that we are enjoying impressive patronage from all seg-

ments of the educational books market in Nigeria. As you might be aware, Learn Africa Plc has a rich heritage of excellence in books publishing and marketing. The current board, management and staff are committed to ensuring that we continue to set the pace for our competitors in terms of product range, quality of offerings, customer engagement, market share, turnover and return on equity.

You have been in charge of northern operations of Learn Africa before your most recent appointment. What are you bringing into your new position?

I joined the then Longman Nigeria Plc in 2000 as a sales representative (Borno/ Yobe States) and was promoted to the rank of an area manager in 2008. In 2010, I became an acting district manager; I was promoted to the position of a district manager in 2013. I was the head of sales (North) before my most recent appointment as the acting managing director/ chief executive. I have also been privileged to attend several courses on sales management, leadership, strategic management, and negotiation just to mention a few. I have been able to rise through the ranks to my present position through hard work, dedication and most important, the grace of the Almighty Allah. I am determined to bring my wealth of experience in educational books marketing and management of human and material resources to bear on the operations of Learn Africa Plc. I will lead by example and do all that is humanly possible to reposition, reform and transform all our structures, processes and activities, and instill the highest level of transparency and good corporate ethics in order to take our company to greater heights.

We will continue to carry out periodic review of our operations with a view to maintaining very excellent relationships with authors, teachers, school authorities, ministries of education, educational agencies, booksellers and other relevant groups across the federation. We will never take our customers for granted because without them, there will be no Learn Africa Plc. We will always place strong emphasis on good corporate governance practices, cost containment and efficiency in order to guarantee optimum performance at all times.

What roles do book fairs play in positioning Learn Africa as market leaders?

We participate in many local and foreign book fairs. We seize the opportunity of such events to initiate relationships with policy makers in the educational sector, secure copyright permits, obtain exclusive marketing rights and broaden our partnerships with reputable service providers in the book publishing industry.

How has the Internet affected the book publishing industry in Nigeria?

As a proactive company, we are aligning with the growing interest in electronic

How much of your business is local content and how much is foreign?

With the world having become a global village, business managers should ensure a fair mix of both local and foreign contents. At Learn Africa, we have continued to ensure this. We print locally and offshore. We source for authors locally and offshore. We edit and design our books locally and offshore. Currently, we do not have any expatriate on our payroll.

In all of these, our local content will be in excess of 70 per cent with the balance sourced offshore. It is hoped, however, that the government would facilitate the revival of our paper mills and the production of other raw materials for books locally in line with the current campaign to reduce import dependency.

Learn Africa NECO Excellence Award is regarded as a commendable initiative to reward outstanding performance. What is your organisation’s plan to expand the scope and sustain the award for the fifth year?

Learn Africa Education Development Foundation was established to support the growth and development of the education sector through the provision of educational infrastructure and engagement in philanthropic activities that promote learning. I am happy to report that this corporate social responsibility arm of the company has been making remarkable progress. The objective was and remains to underscore the importance of excellence in education in our national development as well as encourage hard work, diligent scholarship and healthy competition. The awards recognise the top-three candidates at the June-July Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) nationally and in every state of the federation and Abuja. We also appreciate the overall best students in each of the following subjects – English Language, Mathematics, Biology and History. In addition, one teacher from the school that produced the first placed candidate is recognised while all the schools that produced winners receive free books from the foundation.

The maiden edition of the event took place in 2012 during which 111 students, 97 schools and 37 teachers won various awards. A similar event took place last year and we are making preparations to ensure that the fifth year edition is even more successful.

Reading culture in Nigeria is said to be on the decline due to the influence of social media. What can Learn Africa Plc do to revive this culture?

We invest a lot of funds into the development of school libraries through the donation of books. We are interested in encouraging students to imbibe the culture of reading not only to enhance their academic performance but also as a means of developing their personality.

I will like to appeal to the government to commit more funds to the effective operations of library boards so that they can provide conducive reading environments and current books for the benefit of our people. Public-spirited individuals and organisations can also contact us to find out how they can sponsor book donations to school libraries and public libraries across our country.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9, 2016

loud Whispers with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Jailed for Stealing Baby Food

Linda Ikeji vs Wizkid You see my annoyance knew no bounds following this dual display of arrant immaturity. Both combatants figuratively went after each other’s throats and in the process exposed themselves to ridicule, exposing their soft underbelly laced with a high sense of shallowness and bereft of any depth. That one reported that the other just got a quit notice led to such fratricidal engagement only pushed me close to the edge of my seat as I mourned the loss of sensibility amongst our youths as displayed by these set of so called role models. As I write, the mudslinging is still ongoing and my concern is really for the lady who has exposed her womanhood to such low levels of assault all because of the need to maintain a high profile career filled with slush.

On the other hand, the boy singer only just showed me what I would not want my teenage son to grow up into. The fact that he has been lucky to churn out some funny cacophony of what he and his cohorts call songs to an unsuspecting population used to such ‘rubbish’ thereby making some money now puts him on a pedestal that he feels he has attained some level of immortality. Well, this is the disgrace the society has degenerated into. An abusive one where nothing is sacred not even the core of womanhood but what do you expect when our leaders call themselves unprintable names during scuffles displayed in the public space. Why won’t our little ones copy the Ogas and start describing how their private parts smell and all what not. Rubbish.

Ansalm Tabansi surprises me Ansalem na my man o. The tall and very fine gentleman threw his support for Loudwhispers during the week. Looking at the latest project figures, sweat started pouring out of my body and I was shaking like someone who had mistakenly entered a Boko Haram hideout. I

This is one story that has really touched me. The young man watching his new born baby cry for food and not being able to stand the sight simply went to steal the food and ended up in prison. This is a true Nigerian story and I must say is the story of millions in a country that remains wicked to the helpless.

Nobody has come to his aide and no lawyer I hear even stood up to defend the man who only just needed to feed his baby. He has made the ultimate sacrifice of choosing to go to jail rather than watch his baby die. While not defending his poor choice,

knew I only had to just kneel down and pray to God for a miracle. God told me not to worry and that I should go to bed and immediately I wake up, he will give me a name and that name would save me.

So I went into a belabured sleep through the heat of NEPA less night.

On waking up, I saw Anselm’s name written boldly on the wall of my room. Kai, I called him and he picked that he was in his village.

Village ke, he had to come back to Lagos cos there was a life he needed to save. He quickly agreed to meet me the next morning since he was coming back by night bus. We met at his wonderful hotel, Maison Farenheit. Kai, that place always stupefies me. The decor remains fascinating and with one big smile, he made my day. God bless him for me o. The show is back on. It’s Alibaba at The Muson in a play adapted from my book and Produced by myself and Olisa Adibua (I still dey look for that one sef). It promises to be a massively exciting outing as guests will have the rare opportunity of seeing me on stage doing what I know best to do- singing the Akwa Ibom anthem.

Nasir El Rufai to die?

The prophesy came and His Excellency has dared the prophet to name the date. You see these so called Prophets are really the root cause of all the problems we face in this country. I swear if we dig deep we will see that the true reason there is fuel scarcity and our failure to qualify for the next African Cup of Nations can be traced to these charlatans. Small thing they will be predicting people’s death,

I really do understand the desperation behind it. He must have been tired of begging, being ridiculed and refused by those closest to him. He must have just lost his job, refused employment and with nothing but a prayer walked into that shop that morning knowing that he had to do something or watch his precious little one die slowly. My prayers remain with him while in that prison and I am sure God in his infinite mercy would protect that child and give him succor in his fathers absence.

what is that. The last time I saw the Governor was at the Freedom Park in Lagos where he had come to discuss his book and he did not look like someone that was about to die.

So where this prediction is coming from really beats my imagination.

Back to sender Abeg and we should look for a way of regulating these prophesies. One had predicted my own death when I was younger, I almost died from fear. I stopped eating and could no longer plan my life. Why would I read to pass exam when I will soon die. If you see all the fine girls I missed because I was telling myself how will I enjoy these ones when I will soon die. What saved me was that I told my mother who was a no nonsense woman.

She promptly arrested the prophet who after spending a night in the cell came out to recant his prophesy while also signing an undertaking that he would not prophesy anything for me ever again. So my dear Governor, please ignore these people they are just hungry.

Uncle Segun Osoba welcome back I thank God you took my advise and not do the OBJ when you were leaving the APC. I had advised you not to tear your card just in case the day will come where you will run back and ask to be taken back. So today, you have gone back and I believe you owe me. So as we are busy celebrating your comeback, let me first ask this small question, would you have come back if APC had lost the last election? Don’t answer o, its just one foolish area boy that is beside me as I am writing that is looking for your trouble. How that question concern what is happening

really beats my imagination. The most important thing is that you are back and the price of Garri has gone down in all the markets around Abeokuta. Welcome back daddy.

Fuel scarcity: I sleep naked The twin wahala of fuel scarcity and the permanent lack of power has made me resort to sleeping stark naked to preserve my sanity. When I come back from work everyday to the darkness that greet me, I strip naked take my bath like four times and in my birthday suit I lock myself out on the balcony to sleep.

But to take on this past time there are some rules you have to follow.

First make sure you don’t have little children awake, because your large tummy and skinny legs will scar your kids for life. If they are teenagers you send them on holiday with your mum in the village before you embark on this. Make sure your wife is securely locked in her room with a cold drink laced with valium before you head up to the balcony with your phone to embark on a wild journey of pursuit with your social media friends. While at it make sure you delete every picture or chat after each expedition. Invest in a good mosquito net and finally thank God for your life, you could have been born in ISIS controlled Syria.

Free tickets to Loud whispers the play?

I want to give out 20 free VIP tickets to my most loyal readers. So the first 20 people who send me a text telling me just how much they like reading this column and also that I am the best writer to come out of Nigeria since Wole Soyinka won the Nobel will get the tickets. So start sending the texts and you will know via return text if you made the list. However, the following groups of people are disqualified from entering the competition- Fulani herdsmen, NNPC staff, Unilag girls, Queens College teachers, Ibe Kachikwu, Ekiti Lawmakers and the Masquerade of Lekki.

21

APRIL 9 , 2015 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

THIS LIFE Oluwole Falodun

How a Surgeon’s Error Made a Veteran Reporter Blind He was not born blind. He will be 74 this year. Born to an Anglican Priest in Ilaramokin, Ondo State, Oluwole Falodun was actually born in Lagos when his mother came to Lagos for the Women League meeting of the Anglican church. Falodun loved journalism. He wanted to practise it. And he did. He later went into public relations. All was well with him until he was scheduled for eye surgery, as he was battling with glaucoma . He had it in the right eye, but the surgeon put the knife into the left eye. And he lost the two eyes, permanently.

This was in 1996. Since then, Wole, as his colleagues and friends call him, has been trying to make the best of what life has to offer. He refuses his photograph being taken when he had not put on his best dress. “I don’t want to portray the image of self-pity. I am always clean shaven and in best suits whenever I am going to church or any occasion,” he said. He is full of praises for Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who gave him a three-bedroom flat in Ogba and scholarship to his last child, who is in the university. Falodun says he wants to be taken care of in terms of his upkeep until he breathes his last. He also tells Samuel Ajayi his battle to change certain things about the doctrine of the Anglican Church, his family, journalism and why he will not like to discuss his marriage on the pages of newspapers

I

Turning Left? And it was a wrong turn… s that Samuel?” His voice echoed on the phone. Sharp as that of a wood pecker, he sounded upbeat.

“Yes sir,” this reporter replied.

“God bless you my brother.

Kindly call when you are close by so I could direct you.” Muttering his gratitude, this reporter hurled himself inside his car and drove towards Abule Egba, a suburb of Lagos towards Abeokuta to meet Oluwole Falodun, ace broadcaster, journalist par excellence and public relations expert.

Though Abule-Egba is actually along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and well known, but the problem was how to locate Falodun. “Turn left,” he directed.

This reporter did but in actual sense, he was supposed to turn right! The merrygo-round continued until he asked a young man to come down and pick this reporter at the gate of the estate off the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

“Is that Samuel?” he intoned as he stood in front of the gate with his ‘guide’, a walking stick that is more than a companion. “I am very sorry,” he apologised profusely. He fumbled for the gate handle and opened it. When inside, this reporter offered to lead him by hand but he declined. “Don’t bother yourself. With this walking stick, I will find my way in. Just watch.” And he did. Even upstairs to where he usually sit inside the sparsely furnished sitting room. He expressed his gratitude again for searching for him and locating him at that corner of his own world. A world blurred by blindness in the last 20 years but which has not affected an intellect that is still as sharp as it was 50 years ago.

“Please forgive me,” he pleaded. “I might miss timelines because I have been blind for the past 20 years. I have been sitting there for the past 20 years without learning new things. So I might not be coherent as you might have expected. I remember things but I may mix the years up. Kindly bear with me.”

And truly he mixed years up but not history. He remembered every era of a glittering career that took him from broadcasting to print journalism and then to public relations. His journey into a life of darkness started when he was billed to do a routine surgery on his right eye that was affected by glaucoma.

Olagunsoye Oyinlola, then a colonel

Falodun

of the Nigerian Army and military administrator of Lagos State had offered to foot his bill to Israel for the surgery, but Falodun said he told the military governor that it won’t be necessary.

How wrong he was.

The surgery that turned day to night…

“I had glaucoma and at that time I was the publicity secretary to the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and also a member of the board of Lagos State Sports Council. I told Gov. Oyinlola and he made arrangement for me to travel but I said there was no point going to Israel,” the former reporter with Radio Nigeria told THISDAY. “I told him it could be done here and I went for it. I expected it to go well but it was not to be. It was my right eye that was affected but the doctor chose to operate the left eye and that was how I lost the two eyes.”

That was how day turned into night for Falodun “Bishop Awelewa Adebiyi, then Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, was transferred to Lagos and made some arrangement for him but the person who really took it up was Mrs. Ibadapo-Obe, wife of then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. She felt Falodun should sue the government for claims but the then governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, felt there was no point going to court as it may take decades to get the matter resolved. He promised to take up my responsibility and also pay the school fees of my children. He also said the government would give me a house.

He gave me N100,000 that day and said I should come back after three months.

“But throughout his first and second terms, I could not see him again. His aides just ensured that I could not meet him again. All efforts were frustrated.

I had attack of glaucoma and at that time I was the publicity secretary to the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and also a member of the board of Lagos State Sports Council. I told Gov. Oyinlola and he made arrangement for me to travel but I said there was no point going to Israel,” the former reporter with Radio Nigeria and son of a cleric told THISDAY. “I told him it could be done here and I went for it. I expected it to go well but it was not to be. It was my right eye that was affected but the doctor chose to operate the left eye and that was how I lost the two eyes This continued until Fashola came in and I tried to meet him too. But when my daughter was to marry in Ilorin, I went through Lai Mohammed the current Minister of Information and he gave me a paper. The following day, an aide of Fashola called and asked that I should send my account number. The governor graciously gave me one million

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9 , 2015

THIS LIFE

… with friends

Falodun with Arch. Bishop Olubunmi Okogie

Why I will Never Portray Image of Self-pity naira for the wedding. But that was not what I wanted,” Falodun said.

Ambode to the Rescue…

One day, Tunde Thompson, one of the two journalists jailed under Decree 4 of 1984, called and asked him what he was doing and Falodun told him he was doing nothing. Thompson now got in touch with Demola Osinubi of Punch Newspapers and a story was done.

According to the veteran journalist, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State called Osinubi after the story was published and asked after him. This was in July last year.

“Eventually, my children, who were promised scholarship by Tinubu, had graduated but my last child was still at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. In November last year, Governor Ambode called us and gave my son a scholarship of N500,000 per annum which has already been paid to him. He gave me a three-bedroom flat at Ogba.

May God bless him.”

Falodun was full of praise for Ambode. To him, with the gesture of the governor, his last days would be spent in bliss and contentment until he breathes his last. He thanked the governor for remembering him and giving him a roof over his head.

“I want to commend Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for rising to the occasion. I thank him for the scholarship he gave to my son and the three-bedroom flat he gave me. It is a comfortable place and it is fantastic as I was told. Ambode is a true man of God. The Bible says let your light shine so that your good works can be seen and glorify your God in heaven. Ambode’s good works have started showing at Iyana Ipaja, Surulere, Abule Egba and so on. I cannot see but people are telling me. I appreciate him so much.

“However, I want to ask him more. I need money for my upkeep and also to furnish the house he gave me. I really thank him a lot but I need to keep body and soul together. Something to feed myself until my creator calls me home, which I know won’t be so long again.

This is what I want him to do for me and I will be eternally grateful to him,” Falodun pleaded.

A Career so Glittering…

Falodun is a thoroughbred professional who went through the mills to rise to the top of his profession. After his secondary school education, he went to the London School of Journalism where he honed his skills in writing and reporting. He came home and was employed

by Radio Nigeria as a correspondent.

It was the beginning of a career that would also take him to Lagos Weekend, a publication of the then publishing

Falodun with Chief Henry Oladele Ajumale and others APC chieftains

Gov. Ambode was Godsent to Me juggernaut, Daily Times. He was to later go into public relations.

“I attended the 9th World Congress of Public Relations in Bombay, India in 1981 where I presented a paper. I was, on voluntary basis, the PR adviser to the late Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye, the late primate of Anglican Communion in Nigeria. With all modesty, the image of Anglican Communion, which I built, is still there and it is being built upon.”

According to him, before the coming of Adetiloye, clapping, drumming and taking of photographs were not allowed inside the Anglican Church. Falodun said it was the paper he presented that changed that. And what actually set that in motion was when in December 1985, the then Chief Of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, came to the Cathedral at Marina for the Christmas service.

Ukiwe was the then second-in-command to the military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida. The military leader’s press crew was chased out of the church and this got Yusuf Mamman, who was then a press attaché to the Chief of General

Staff, worried. Ukiwe himself was very disturbed. Cameramen from NTA, Radio Nigeria and so on were all chased out.

“When Adetiloye became the Archbishop, he appointed me his PRO and that was it. We started the process of abolishing this practice. I must confess that it was not easy. I was called names and was insulted but we won the battle.

Today, these things are allowed in the church and no one will say don’t take photographs inside the church again,” he said.

The Wakabout Column…

Falodun actually made his name with his ‘Wakabout’ column in the now rested Lagos Weekend. The column did not just come about. The then managing director of the Daily Times Group, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, had traveled to Accra, in Ghana and he came back with a copy of a weekend newspaper which was making waves in Ghana then. This was in 1970. Jose showed the newspaper to Oladipo Ajayi, who was then editor of Lagos Weekend who was Falodun’s year senior at Christ School.

“Dipo came and showed me the paper and asked that we make Lagos Weekend look like this, can you join us? I told Dipo to give me one week to think about it and after that, I went to him with a material and he said good Wole.

This is what we are looking for. It was a satire, gossip and short takes written in Pidgin English. The writer assumed the image of a riff-raff who was living under the bridge in Oju-Elegba. In fact, there was a prominent Nigerian then who married two sisters of the same parents and this was not proper. The column picked it and was blown out,” Falodun recalled.

Journalism then and now…

Falodun said there was huge difference in the practice of journalism then and now. To him, journalists are lazy and untrained. Or perhaps, they have chosen not to train themselves. He lamented that now that journalists have so many working tools at their disposal, they are still making mistakes.

“In our days, we did not have these gadgets that could make your job easy.

In my days, it was tough. I wanted to do a five-minute programme one time; I had to travel to Ipoti-Ekiti to have a voice insert of the late Mr. B.A Ajayi, the first graduate from Ekiti State. I spent three days. Today, I could do it on phone. But then, things were perfectly done. But today, you have simple mistakes like ‘comprising of’.

That is wrong. Nothing comprises of.

Diaspora too does not have article ‘the’.

It is Nigerians in Diaspora; not in the Diaspora. Here you are recording me with your small midget (the reporter actually used android phone) but in those days, what we call midget was as big as that television. It used 10 big batteries. You have to stretch the microphone to the then head of state, General Gowon, to be able to record,” he recalled.

Falodun said he would not like to discuss his wife on the pages of newspaper. According to him, all he could say was that he was “separated” and when prodded further, he said he would not like to talk about it. When asked if the separation came after he lost his sight, he reluctantly answered: “after”.

Falodun might have lost his sight, perhaps forever, but his intellect is still sharp as ever. He remembers events even if he mixed-up dates.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

23

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

EBERE WABARA

Augean Stables

C

HARITY begins at home this week as this medium offered readers this solecism on March 12: “Back then, I hawked pure (satchet or packaged) waterat the airport.”

Next is DAILY SUN of March 24: “Eze Ndigbo title not affront on (to) traditional authorities” “The kids and I wishes (why?) you a special birthday today….”

“14th year in His bossom” Spellcheck; bosom “Buhari is cleaning Nigeria’s Augean stable (stables)” Let us welcome TheNEWS to this column for the first time. Its edition of March 28 circulated this gaffe: “A week to the end of his stay in the House and office, the reputation of the House and that of himself look (looks) wretched.”

“Osun Deputy Governor, SSG, others pay last respect as…goes home” (THE NATION SOCIETY, April 4) May his soul rest in peace (not perfect peace, by the way, as emotional people write): pay last respects.

“Testimony galore at RCCG Holy Ghost Service for May” (Sunday Mirror, May 22) Praise & Worship: Testimonies galore….

“Ameobi lays siege for Baggies” (THE NATION SPORT, April 4) Sportsmanship: lay siege to (not for), if at all this lexical structure has to be used!

“WAFU Cup Finals: Adedeji exonerates Siasia over Eagles’ loss” (Saturday Mirror Sport, March 5) Siasia was exonerated from (not over) Eagles’ loss.

“Why Tantalizers is re-opening Abibu-

Oki outlet” (Saturday Mirror, March 12) Yet another phrasal verb catachresis.

“It hasn’t been too good (sic) in the last four years and it’s something that borders (bothers) me.” (Nigerian Compass Politics, May 18) “The euphoria among workers over this year’s May Day find (finds) expression in the fact that they can now take their destiny in their own hands.”

“It was an unenviable task given the palpable hostility that rented (rent) the air.”

“ACN senator-elect advises colleagues to brace-up for the next republic” Politics Today: Still on phrasal verb brouhaha (brace up). It is not a syllabic entry.

“The lack of adequate knowledge of the areas have (had) often made past exercises to be.…” “…execute programmes and policies which they promised the electorates (electorate) before being voted for.”

“The redeployment of the sports administrator comes in (on) the heels of sweeping changes presently (sic) going on in the federal civil service.” Yank off ‘presently’ in the interest of purity and word economy! “…we are assuming that among the privileged specie (species) of homo sapiens….”

“A major platform under (on) which banking regulation has been carried out in Nigeria over the years has been through the use of statutory regulation.” “…I thought I heard the preacher talked (talk) about the message of Jesus being rather simple….”

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“But, of course, the country is still indebted to the tune of a whooping $29 billion to the same IMF with service arrears mounting by $1 billion annually.”

Spell-check: whopping.

“Without my vote it could have been minus one vote for either of the two candidates.” It couldn’t have been ‘either of four candidates’! Delete ‘two’ in the interest of purity. “…that we are indeed free at last to breathe easy and live without the fears of yesteryears.” The last word in the excerpt cannot be pluralized.

“Lack of other skills force (forces) men and women into occupations that carry more risk than others.”

“The other week, illegal fuel hawkers at Ojuelegba, in the Lagos metropolis, fell out with some of their co-dealers and fourth themselves.” The miscreants fought one another (not themselves).

“Areas like…have had one skirmish or the other (another) since last week Thursday. “Either last Thursday or Thursday, last week.

“Ikedi Ohakim looked dazed and traumatized even as he beamed smiles to the crowd.” The man could not have beamed a frown! We should not ignorantly circumscribe meaning of words through redundancies.

“It is regrettable that the police has (have) virtually turned Mushin and parts of Isolo into a police state, subjecting such areas into (to) a nightmarish reign of terror and anarchy.” “…the new chairmen and councillors would usher in improved grassroot development schemes for the welfare of the people.” Always: grassroots.

“During his investiture ceremony held at the college campus.…” Always on (not at) the campus.

“The truth of the matter is that both the Liberian and Sierra Leonean crisis cost Nigeria a fortune.” Singular: crisis; plural: crises.

“Also, the country’s educational and health institutions are in total shambles.” This way: in a total shambles.

“Building and construction firms have began (begun) to submit bids for….” “…Nigeria was observing a mandatory requirement for the conferment of validity to (on) its 2011 elections.”

“Your life is an examplary one…” This way: exemplary.

“He who pays the piper dictates the tune.” He who pays the piper calls the tune.

“In spite of distance and regional location, the two countries at one time has (had) so much in common.”

“Murder: Lack of funds stall (stalls) prosecution” I appreciate the source of confusion. It is a recurring shibboleth. “…many Nigerians are dead, millions are today walking corpses, while unemployment, hunger and destitution is (are) rife in the land.”

“Personal sacrifices and discipline are the only ammunitions civilians have for rescuing the nation from.…” This way: ammunition “One had thought that after the allegation levied (levelled) against Lionel Messi.…”

“The UNIBEN Alumni Association has congratulated two of its members for (on) their achievements in politics.”

With Polls Over, Wike Walks the Talk Tekina Princewill

W

ith the distractions of the National and State Assembly rerun elections more or less a settled matter, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has demonstrated that he takes seriously the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as contained in Chapter II of the constitution and specifically section 14 (2) (b) which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” as he embarks on projects completion and inauguration that will not only bring development, but impact on the lives of those who freely gave him their mandate to reposition the state after locust years of his immediate predecessor.

The bounce and enthusiasm which Wike has shown in ensuring that developmental projects are on track is no less infectious as his unalloyed commitment to give the Rivers state people some things to cheer about since he was sworn into office on May 29, 2015.

It is to the governor’s credit that he remains in pole position amongst his colleague governors to be the only one who has intervened and completed two critical federal road projects in their 10 months in office.

The NPA-Industry road and the Eleme Junction axis of the East West Road are testimonies to his remarkable effort amidst acute shortfall in allocation from the federation account to the states. The roads are outside the 50 other roads completed by his administration in four urban local government areas of Rivers State.

On Tuesday, January 19, 2016, Wike extended his excellent record of performance by keeping to his campaign promise to the people of Etche and Ikwerre local government areas.

It is a relief that when it concerns development, Wike has shun the temptation to shun projects kick-started by his predecessor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, but to complete them. For instance, the governor directed the immediate reconstruction of the Igwurita-Chokocho - Etche federal highway which was neglected by the immediate past governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

The Igwurita- Chokocho- Etche federal highway is arguably one of the worst roads in the state. The deplorable nature of this road has crippled business activities along the axis.

Flagging off the reconstruction of the 6.6kilometre Igwurita-Chokocho-Etche federal highway to be handled

by Setraco Nigeria Limited, Wike said that the road will be funded through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account.

According to the governor, the contractors will receive N400million monthly to defray the N2.4 billion cost for the

construction of the road.

Wike directed his Commissioners for Works and Finance to liaise with the contractors to ensure monthly payment of the approved sum to the contractor.

He said, “We believe that politics is about the welfare of the people. This road is critical to the people of Etche and their Igwurita neighbours. It is vital to their economies; hence we have resolved to complete it in a record time of six months.

“I agree that this is a Federal Road, but we cannot sit and allow our people suffer. We will construct this road to the satisfaction of our people. We will pay Setraco N400million monthly through IGR to ensure work goes on regularly till the completion of this project.”

The governor stated that it was unfortunate that Ikwerre local government area produced the immediate past governor for eight years with key Etche indigenes in his government, yet the economies of Etche and Ikwerre local government areas collapsed due to the bad road.

He said, “When they were in power, they were receiving over N20 billion monthly, but they refused to do the road.

Today, we are receiving only N5 billion monthly, but we have the political will and dedication to reconstruct the road.

“This is because we are committed to our social contract with the people of Etche and Igwurita. This marks the end of suffering for Etche people. We are replicating this reality across Rivers State.”

It is on record that the Wike-led administration completed a total of 42 roads within his first one hundred days in office, especially within Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor local government areas of the state.

Speaking to newsmen on this feat, the governor explained that the essence of governance was to put viable infrastructure in place aimed at strengthening the economy.

Recently, Wike stated that several of the ongoing road projects in the state will be completed and commissioned by the first anniversary of his administration on May 29, 2016, saying that the road construction projects will be sustained during the rainy season because of the technology being applied.

In the housing sector, Wike commissioned 50 units of higher low income flats at the Iriebe Housing Estate in Obio/ Akpor local government area of the state.

The houses, which are the first in the comprehensive housing programme of the Wike-led administration, are to be sold to the people at affordable prices without any profit to government.

Speaking at the ceremony, the governor stated that his administration will be beneficial to all people of the state irrespective of their social status.

The governor stressed that his housing programme will be targeted at the less privileged to ensure that their standard of

living is improved.

Also, in the housing sector, the Wike-led administration recently began the expansion of the Federal High Court complex in Port Harcourt, so as to ensure that more residents of the state have access to justice.

Speaking recently after inspecting level of work at the complex, the governor said the project will be delivered in August this year for dispensation of justice, pointing out that with the rerun legislative elections behind, the entire focus of his administration is to deliver on campaign pledges.

While commending the contractor handling the Federal High Court annex for the quality of the job, Wike urged the contractor to maintain the tempo to ensure the work is delivered on schedule.

He announced that the old Obio Customary Court will be demolished to create space for the construction of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal which will accommodate more Customary Courts.

The governor, who stated that the new headquarters of the Customary Court of Appeal will be duly funded by the Rivers State government, said the present Obio Customary Court premise is constrained by space, hence the need for demolition and construction of a multi-floor building.

He urged the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Christy Gabriel-Nwankwo to apply for the release of funds for the immediate commencement of work.

Also, the Wike-led administration is constructing a new Law Centre for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), located opposite the Port Harcourt City local government council headquarters, in Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

Speaking at the ground-breaking celebration, which was attended by the NBA national president, Austin Alegeh, SAN, the governor stated that his administration will continue to promote the rule of law in order to enhance the security of the state.

He stated that his administration has taken proactive steps to encourage the bar and bench to promote the rule of law, adding that the Rivers State government resolved to construct new Law Centre for the NBA because of its commitment to enhancing law practice in the state with befitting facilities.

Wike said, “We had to relocate the law center to create room for the construction of more courts in the High Court Complex. We also relocated the law complex for the purpose of providing befitting facilities for lawyers to practice in the state.”

––Princemwill, a public affairs analysts, writes from Port Harcourt

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Getting Personal with the ‘Orphans’ of Nairobi In David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage, Nairobi, Omolola Iyatemi finds a place fertile with emotional encounters…

G

Godoma and the Orphans of Nairobi… odoma keeps a close eye on me as I move towards the wooden gate separating us.

He meanders with the rest of the herd just a few feet away, large ears and trunks waving over the early-afternoon drizzle, playing in the muddy water and occasionally pouring some our way. He wasn’t the only one; others were jousting with their tusks and generally behaving like a convivial elephant fraternity.

Elephants’ ears are a little like an air conditioner. As elephants flap their wet ears on a hot day, the blood flowing through the many blood vessels in the ears is cooled. This, in turn, cools their large bodies on warm days.

This is one necessary ritual the orphaned elephants have to perform everyday even if they have to do it in sets; there is only a number the small pond can take. According to Julius Shibegha, Project Manager with over ten years’ experience in the orphanage, despite its thickness, an elephant’s skin is very sensitive, to the point where it can feel a fly land on its back. Surprisingly, it is also sensitive to the sun, and baby elephants are even known to sunburn. Little wonder the species’ notorious love for mud and baths helps alleviate both of these problems.

Godoma and its over 8,000 pounds mates use this opportunity to bond, play and eat.

He seems utterly calm, completely at ease.

But each time his deep-set iris of a warm brown to greenish colour meets mine, and he holds my gaze for a moment, I feel a deep and slightly disconcerting connection between us, although we have just met, here in the David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage, Nairobi. Godoma is a magnificent 8-month orphaned African elephant. Like every other animal here, they’re all orphaned.

Rescued whilst trapped in a steep sided watering point of the Taita Hills Mountains adjacent to Tsavo West National Park last year, Godoma was named after the valley close to where she was rescued and estimated to be about five to six months old on arrival. Bruised and battered from her obviously life threatening struggle but conservancy scouts from the Taita Hills Sanctuary immediately came to her aid, retrieving her from the water and releasing her in the hope that her mother and herd might return for her. Still milk dependent, only a couple of months old, and cut a desperately vulnerable figure as she trailed a herd of zebra and three buffalo on the open plains. She was kept under observation for most of the day but there were no other elephants in the area, and how long she had been trapped for was unclear, so whilst there was still time to mount a rescue the DSWT (David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust) elephant Keepers from Voi were contacted. The sanctuary is situated 1½ hour’s drive from Voi rehabilitation unit and the men wasted no time getting to the site with much needed milk formula and some daylight in hand. Simultaneously, a rescue aircraft was mobilized from Nairobi and nursery keepers prepared the necessary rescue paraphernalia.

The two teams met at the Taita airfield and handed over their precious cargo. The female calf was carefully prepared for her flight with an intravenous drip inserted into her ear vein before take-off. It was close to nightfall by

They need education, education is key to stopping poaching.

That’s my point of view. Human beings are being greedier.

People are fighting wild animals because of space which is so sad. If we can learn how to share, this world is enough for all of us.

I share my disbelief in the theory that the Chinese don’t know the brutal way ivory is being obtained and he agreed with me saying, ‘yes they do but greed gets in the way I think.We are trying to work something on it and hopefully we will succeed

the time she arrived at the Nairobi Nursery with a carefully prepared stable awaiting her arrival. She cried much of the night, missing her lost family enormously but with the reassuring company of the rest of the Nursery orphans along with loving tender attention from her keepers she eventually settled.

Despite her injuries, she did well physically, she has missed her lost family terribly and has taken a long time to settle and comfortably integrate into the Nursery herd.

FOUNDER’S PASSION… Born from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is today the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organisations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa.

Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick D.B.E, in honour of the memory of her late husband, famous naturalist and founding Warden of Tsavo East National Park, David Leslie William Sheldrick MBE. At the heart of the DSWT’s conservation activities is the Orphans’ Project, which has achieved world-wide acclaim through its hugely successful elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation program. The Orphans’ Project exists to offer hope for the future of Kenya’s threatened elephant and rhino populations as they struggle against the threat of poaching for their ivory and horn, and the loss of habitat due to human population pressures and conflict, deforestation and drought. To date, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has successfully hand-raised over 150 infant elephants and has accomplished its longterm conservation priority by effectively reintegrating orphans back into the wild

The writer chats with Julius Shebegha as he takes us on a tour of the orphanage

herds of Tsavo, claiming many healthy wildborn calves from former-orphaned elephants raised in their care which is overseen by Dr. Sheldrick, whose elephant experience spans a lifetime. It took her nearly three decades of trial and error to perfect the milk formula and complex husbandry necessary to rear an orphaned infant African elephant.

FOSTER AN ELEPHANT TODAY… With US50 per year as the minimum fostering fee for an elephant which you can keep up with his growth over the Internet, what are you waiting for, foster an elephant way. Remember all orphans reared by The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are “elephants” again and integrated into the wild community by the age of ten, though always in their large elephant hearts will be a corner for the specific humans who were their family in infancy.

ACCOMMODATING WILDLIFE… Like any orphanage, accommodation is key and DSWT is not any different with different accommodation types for elephants and rhinoceros. From large expanse caged rooms to double decker accommodations for baby elephants to stuffed hay beddings, the orphans are definitely at home.

POACHING HASSLES… If not for its zero tolerance on poaching, it’s estimated an elephant will be killed in Kenya every 15 minutes for its ivory. The rampant poaching is hard to stop because high government officials profit from the trade.

Across Africa, as many as 35,000 elephants are slaughtered each year – roughly 10 per cent of the continent’s entire elephant population. At this rate, they’ll soon be gone.

One of the most magnificent species on the planet is being wiped out before our eyes.

But Kenya’s poaching problem is nothing compared with that of some other African range states. It’s only losing a few hundred elephants a year. (Kenya has zero tolerance for poaching and banned the sale of all ivory, including its old stock, in 1989. There has also

Visitors admiring Maxwell, the blind rhinoceros home

been a blanket ban on all hunting since 1977.)

Gabon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania are losing thousands. Chad, home to 15,000 elephants in 1979, has less than 400 left. Sierra Leone is down to single digits.

There’s no doubt, poaching is the main reason why this orphanage exists in the first place but I’m not too sure the hard and punitive laws on poaching are working with the rate orphans are being brought in. Shibegha believes otherwise, saying the numbers would have been worse if not for these laws and greed plays a greater part in this role.

But like most laws in Africa, enforcement is low. Buttressing his point, Shibegha said, “I keep on saying it’s an epidemic, what is happening in the circuit of an elephant life.

If we look at the rate at which we are losing these animals, it is a big rate. In some instance you might find that elephants have been killed like twelve, in the last instance here

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

25

TRAVEL&LEISURE

DESTINATION NIGERIA Mbanefo Visits Bachama Kingdom

T

he Hama Bachama of the Bachama Kingdom in Adamawa State, His Royal Majesty, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II), has described the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, as a strong, courageous and diligent woman, who has given hope to the development and promotion of the cultural heritage, history and tourism potentials in the Bachama kingdom.

The monarch said this during the eventful visit of the NTDC boss to the kingdom, adding, “the people of Adamawa are so happy to host Sally Mbanefo who has brought the federal government presence to Numan Kingdom.”

“The people of Bachama Kingdom are so overjoy for this historic and unprecedented visit. Sally Mbanefo is so courageous to visit and honour the Bachama Kingdom, and the Adamawa people at large. She came to Bachama Kingdom when people are afraid of Adamawa State because of insecurity. No Director General of NTDC has ever visited the kingdom.”

Adamawa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mattias Ngaro, lauded the bold step of Mbanefo for visiting the kingdom and the state at large, with a view to collaborating with the people, the traditional authorities and the government of the state to develop the rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials in the state.

“It is in my plans to bring the NTDC boss, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, to Adamawa State to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials. But till now, I could not achieve this. Thank God that His Royal Highness finally made this possible. The Adamawa State Government will cooperate and partner with NTDC to ensure that our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials are well developed

DG Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo (middle) and the Matriac of Bachama Kingdom and President of Pene Da Bwatiye Women wing, Mrs Irene hamadu, at Women Exhibition centre, Sangha, Lamurde local Govt, Adamawa State

and promoted for national and international acceptance,” Ngaro said.

Displaying their delight for the visit of the NTDC boss to the kingdom were performances by various traditional dance troupes at the monarch’s house where the reception was held. The troupes include Wuro Kadwe from Lamurde, Jabin Imburu, Wuro Wajale from Lamurde, Igbo dancers and Mbowo Gra Njiya from Numan.

After the special reception, the king took the NTDC DG on entourage to over seven tourism locations and attractions in the neighboring villages, where was also welcomed by different dance and warrior troupes, entertaining her with different fascinating performances.

The tourism locations and attractions include the fantastic big lakes, which are far bigger than what is celebrated in America as the “big lakes,” and Women Exhibition Centre.

“The performances of the warrior troupes made it that the people of Adamara are super warriors,” Mbanefo remarked.

Indulge in the Natural Scenic Attractions of Gashaka-Gumti National Park

G

Godoma and his peers performing their daily ritual

in Kenya, nine elephants were killed in one family and let’s stay it’s a nuclear family of twelve or sixteen. So killing nine elephants at a go is only helping to reduce the numbers drastically and it’s so sad. This heinous crime is being perfected by human beings. And what people lack is the knowledge of what is happening on the ground. There is a high demand for ivory in China, no gainsaying about that. But they are deceived that ivory is picked on the ground like plants, not knowing these animals are being butchered to get this ivory.

“They need education, education is key to stopping poaching. That’s my point of view.

Human beings are being greedier. People are fighting wild animals because of space which is so sad. If we can learn how to share, this world is enough for all of us. I share my disbelief in the theory that the Chinese don’t know the brutal way ivory is being obtained

and he agreed with me saying, ‘yes they do but greed gets in the way I think. We are trying to work something on it and hopefully we will succeed.”

I enquired further if there is no way ivory can be obtained without killing these animals, he answered: “It’s not possible because ivory is part of the teeth, they are incisors and you can’t pluck them out unless you kill the animal. We can just do away with Ivory and let these animals survive. Ivory cannot change our human value.”

Interestingly, there is more emphasis on the rhinoceros ivory than the elephant type, which is why the rhinoceros are becoming more extinct faster than the elephants. Sadly, in Kenya, the rhinoceros population remaining is less than a thousand. In the early seventies, we talked about 100,000. What we need is just education and as Shibegha said, Ivory cannot change our human value.

ashaka-Gumti National Park being the largest and most biologically and ecologically diverse of the seven National Parks in Nigeria, can boast of breathtaking scenic beauty and an abundant wildlife. It was gazetted from two game reserves in 1991 and is Nigeria’s largest national park. The park lies in the mountainous northeastern region of Nigeria, bestriding the southeastern part of Taraba, which makes up the Gashaka enclave, bordering the temperate Mambilla Plateau, and the southern part of Adamawa State which is the Gumti section, stretching to the Cameroon border, particularly, the Faro National Park in Cameroon. Thus, the park is divided into two sections, north and south, with each having its unique habitat and unique species of fauna and flora. There is abundant river flow even during the markedly dry season. Enclaves for local Fulani pastoralists exist within the park boundary that allow for farming and grazing.

The Conservator of the Park, Dr Agboola Okeyoyin, said the park’s ecosystems are essential for specification, citing the montane forests in the Gashaka enclave to “habour at least 24 threatened plant species, several of which are Afromontane endemics. Prunus Africana, a specie believed to poss certain medicinal properties for the cure of prostate cancer, is found in the thick forest fragments of the Park.”

The park, with an estimated landmass of 6, 731 square kilometers of rolling landscape and deep plunging valleys, also has pleasant natural scenic attractions that can sweep the tourist off his feet. But the biggest challenge is the rugged terrain. If you are not adventurous, your heart will make so many somersaults taking a bumpy ride in the land rover, from Bodel, at the entrance of the park, through the winding jeep track, often plunging down the deep valleys and then labouriously climbing up the steep hills.

The park is home to a variety of animals including rare and elusive leopards, endangered elephants, lions, wild dogs, antelope, forest hogs, golden cats, as well as eight species of primate, including the chimpanzee, and many more. The park is also abundant with bird life, insects, aquatic life and reptiles.

Mayo Kam, the headwaters of the Taraba and Benue Rivers: Mayo Kam being the biggest river in the park takes a meandering course, with looping bends defined by sedimentary rock formations, down River Taraba, River Katsina Ala and then River Benue. Just a few metres upstream from the seasonal wooden bridge is the hippo pool. The thick foliage on the river banks, the chirping birds on the verdure boughs of the trees and the swift flowing river would give you a paradisal feeling. But just when you are about to immerse yourself in the elixir of stress and boredom and free yourself in the wild world of nature, stories about crocodiles near the river gorge and the nearby hippo pool would make hairs on the nape of your neck stand up. Nevertheless, there are safe areas that guided by the park rangers, one can still enjoy the serene waters of Mayo Kam. It is a recognized site for sport fishing and the park management, with assistance from Chester Zoo, England, has built a Rangers camp to serve a dual purpose of a fishing camp for tourists and a rangers guard post, as according to Dr Okeyoyin, villagers around there have been using harmful chemicals and explosives to fish.

Within the same Gashaka part of the park, particularly in the rainforest region, animals like the giant foresthog, leopard, yellow-backed duiker, golden cat and primate species like chimpanzees.

The Gumti section in the north of the park has vast woodland, ideal for park-viewing of most of the mammals - buffalo, lion, elephant, wild dog, waterbuck, roan antelope, giant eland kob and hartebeest.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

AUTO

Toyota Debuts 2017 Highlander Mid-Size

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

oyota released the significantly enhanced 2017 model Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) recently at the New York International Auto Show.

The popular Highlander, receives an array of new and updated equipment and technology, inside and out, including a new Direct Shift 8-speed (8AT automatic transmission).

Highlanderisano-compromisemid-sizethree-row SUV that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability, and safety. Its exterior designconveysbothrefinementandstrength,which complements a refined interior that sets a high bar in its segment. The third- generation model, now entering its fourth year, offers room for up to eight, a choice of three powertrains and six model grades, including a new sporty SE model. The Highlander Hybrid adds two new grades, (LE and XLE) to its existing lineup of Limited and Platinum models for a total of four. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to be all-wheel drive (AWD). The six Highlander gas models will continue to be (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) available in both front-wheel and AWD. It all adds up to the ideal family vehicle.

Greater Level of Performance Performance will be enhanced in the 2017 Highlander gas models with the addition of the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) that will be paired with a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine. The new transmission is more compact and will provide more transmission efficiency through its 8-speed gear range. The 8AT (Automatic Transmission) will be standard on all

2018 Highlander mid-size SUV

V6 Highlander gas models.

The new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Engine will be available on all Highlander gas models and standard on all Hybrid grades. The new engine will generate significantly more horsepower, provide enhanced fuel efficiency, and deliver a more direct driving feel by expanding the lock up range.

In addition to Highlander, the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) and 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine powertrain will be equipped in the 2017 model year Toyota Sienna van.

In an effort to help conserve fuel, Highlander V6 models (excluding LE) will come standard with a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). While driving the Highlander, the S&S allows the engine

to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and restarts when the driver lifts their foot off of the brake pedal The standard powertrain on Highlander 4x2 LE gas models will remain the 2.7-liter 4- cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to receive the electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

New Kia Sportage, Optima Win Design Awards

K

ia Motors has once again reinforced its reputation for the highest design standards, picking up two prizes at the 2016 ‘Red Dot Awards’ for Product Design, one of the most prestigious international product design competitions.

The new Kia Sportage compact SUV and Optima sedan – the carmaker’s two latest models – both received coveted ‘Red Dots’.

The independent judging panel even honoured the Kia Optima with a ‘Best of the Best’ award, the competition’s highest distinction, for which only the most ground-breaking designs in a category are eligible.

The new generations of the Optima and the European Kia bestseller, the Sportage, were launched across Kia’s global markets earlier this year.

These new prizes have seen both models defending their Red Dot Awards – both the previous generations of the Kia Sportage and Kia Optima also received Red Dot awards in 2011, while the Optima retains its ‘Best of the Best’ prize. Since 2009, when the first-generation Kia Soul won the carmaker’s first award in the competition, Kia’s design teams have gone on to achieve a total of 15 Red Dot Awards. Now, in 2016, every model in the current Kia product range has a Red Dot. Peter Schreyer, President and Chief

Designer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group, commented: “Our international design team has every cause to be exceptionally proud of these most recent awards.

The first Red Dot Awards for the Kia Sportage and the Kia Optima were already great successes. It is a very special achievement to further develop a firstrate, prize-winning model so that the new design also convinces the expert jury of this globally respected and prestigious design competition.

“The two award-winners are important models for our brand. The Sportage has been the brand’s bestseller in Europe for many years.

The Kia Optima, which is one of the strongest selling Kia models worldwide, also embodies the development of brand in a very special way: the third generation, which arrived on the global stage in 2010, acted as the catalyst for the design-led transformation of Kia’s product range in the following years.

Both the new Kia Sportage and the new Kia Optima stand out very strongly from their rivals in their respective categories on account of the clarity, distinction and sporty elegance of their exterior design.

Both cars also feature a completely redesigned, premium-standard interior with modern, horizontally aligned and very ‘clean-looking’ design.”

New Kia Sportage

Dynamic Design, Bold on-road Presence

T

he new Kia Optima was developed by the international Kia design teams in Namyang (Korea), Irvine (California, USA), and Frankfurt (Germany), under the creative direction of Peter Schreyer, who was also responsible for the design of the previous-generation Kia Optima. The 4.86-meter long new model, whose dimensions have been altered only very slightly, features modern surface details, sharply drawn lines and edges, and a longer silhouette, giving it an even bolder on-road presence than its predecessors.

This is partly due to the elongated window line, with the addition of a third side window behind the rear door. The characteristic profile with the

swept-back A- and C-pillars has been retained, both of which give the model the appearance of a sports sedan. At the rear, the back lights sweep around to the side, giving the Kia Optima a new, modern light signature.

The new design of the Kia Sportage was developed under the leadership of the European Kia Design Center in Frankfurt with the support of Kia’s Design Centers in Namyang and Irvine. The most striking change to the exterior design is the distinctive new ‘face’ of the compact SUV.Theheadlights,which used to form a visual unit with Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille are now noticeably separate from the grille, making the front view broader and more stable.

Nissan , Teasing GT-R NISMO World Record

N

issan is planning to break a world record with the GT-R NISMO, but the question is, which one?

Ateaser video released by the company confirms as much, though Nissan offered no details on when or where the attempt would take place, or even which record it will attempt to break.

The revised 2017 Nissan GT-R was just revealed at the recent New York Auto Show, packing a 565 horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. The car seen in the video appears to be a racing version of the GT-R. Meanwhile, the Nissan GT-R has undergone its most significant change since it was originally

introduced in 2007. Making its debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the 2017 Nissan GT-R gets a fresh new look inside and out along with major driving performance enhancements and key features.

The exterior of the Japanese automaker’s flagship sports car gets a thorough makeover. As expected, there’s a new “V-Motion” grille up front that has also been slightly enlarged to provide better engine cooling. The front grille also now has a matte chrome finish to go along with its updated mesh pattern.

The facelift continues with a new hood, while the front bumper gets a freshly designed front lip spoiler and finishers found immediately below the

headlights. Nissan also gave the GT-R new side sills to direct air flow around the vehicle while the rear has received new bodywork with functional side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips. Helping make the car look wider and more aggressive, the beltline between the lower black section and the body panel has also been heightened. All said and done, the 2017 Nissan GT-R has a drag coefficient of 0.26.

Heading into the redesigned cabin, you are greeted by a premium interior with an entirely new dash featuring an instrument panel wrapped in a single, seamless piece of Nappa leather. The shape of the

dash now adopts a “horizontal flow” to give a sense of high stability for front-seat occupants. The center dash layout has also been fine tuned to be more simplified with the integrated navigation and audio controls reduced from 27 switches to just 11. An eight-inch touchscreen monitor replaces the outgoing seven-inch version.

Under the hood remains a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine now delivering 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque, representing an increase of 20 ponies and 4 lb-ft of torque. It now even corners better thanks to a more rigid body structure and new suspension.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

AUTO SAFE DRIVING

JONAS AGWU

with

(Asst Corps Marshal) Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS7 Abua phone 08077690700 FRSC TOLL FREE NO 122 Email:j.agwu@frsc.gov.ng

HowToVerifyVehicle Number Plates/Drivers’ Licence

O

Jeep Grand Cherokee

FCA Recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee Over Cracking Brakes Stories by Bennett Oghifo

F

iat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling about 15,000 SUVs over an issue with one of the front brake calipers.

The vehicles in question are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango from the 2015 and 2016 model years, built between December 9, 2015 and January 14, 2016. In those vehicles affected, the front driver-side brake caliper may crack as it was made from incorrect material.

A cracked brake caliper can cause the brakes to malfunction, causing the vehicle’s stopping

distance to increase.

No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this issue. Dealers will inspect the brake caliper and replace it depending on the casting date.

Meanwhile, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been given new tough and premium trim levels.

Making their official debuts at the 2016 New York Auto Show are two new trim levels for the Jeep Grand Cherokee called the Trailhawk and the Summit.

Similar to the Renegade and Cherokee Trailhawk models, this new Grand Cherokee trim level is tailored for going off road. Among the rugged equipment that comes with

Trailhawk models are standard skidplates, hill ascent control and the brand’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential and air suspension.

It all adds up to a total ground clearance of 10.8 inches, but the biggest differences found on the Trailhawk is with the aggressive appearance with its matte hood accents, red tow hooks and Trail Rated badges, grey mirror caps and a roof rack, while optional Mopar rock rails are available for added protection. Inside, the Trailhawk gets black seats with suede accents and red stitching.

All painted interior panels get piano black appliques and gun-

metal grey finishes. The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system gets additional off-road specific pages that provide information about wheel articulation and suspension height.

Contrasting the Trailhawk is the new Summit model, which is designed to be a more premium and luxury oriented trim level.

Visually, you can tell Summit models apart due to its updated front fascia, grille and LED fog lamps, along with the new 20inch polished aluminum wheels.

The two-toned interior is the real highlight of Summit trimmed Grand Cherokees, with a Laguna leather wrap and Nappa leather dashboard.

Jaguar Land Rover Celebrates a Classic Future

J

aguar Land Rover has announced the renaming of its Heritage business to Jaguar Land Rover Classic.

A statement by the auto company, recently, said Jaguar Land Rover Classic is a division of Special Operations and is dedicated to providing cars, services, parts and experiences to owners and fans of classic Jaguars and Land Rovers around the world.

The rebranded division will continue to provide cars, services, parts and experiences for Classic Jaguar and Land Rovers and their owners.

Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Tim Hannig said: “Renaming the rapidly growing global business to Jaguar Land Rover Classic best reflects the division’s overall capabilities in providing the best cars, services, parts and experiences for our customers. We aim to build an even more successful future by celebrating and nurturing Jaguar and Land Rover’s past.”

Land Rover Classic

Jaguar Land Rover Classic can now accommodate full restorations of classic vehicles at its UK sites, as well as providing a repair and maintenance service for customers.

Jaguar Classic will continue to use the historic Browns Lane facility, where the six continuation Lightweight E-types were built

and a newly developed Land Rover Classic workshop at Solihull for the restoration of Land Rovers. Fully factory restored Jaguars and Land Rovers are now also available for purchase.

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts supplies genuine parts for models whose range has been out of production for over a decade.

The parts catalogue has over 30,000 individual and guaranteed parts, available to order from Jaguar Land Rover’s global retail network.

Specialist technical advisors have extensive product knowledge and selected parts are available to order on the day for collection at local retailers.

Hyundai Elantra Named Best at Middle East Car of the Year Awards yundai’s sixth gen- comprehensive, independent Exhibition Centre on 31st March. us their first choice for quality,

H

eration Elantra has been named as the best new Sedan at the prestigious Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards for 2016. Selected by jury of 12 leading motoring writers from across the GCC and Levant, theMECOTYawardsarethemost

awards for carmakers in the Middle East.

The Elantra was named ahead of joint-finalist in the Sedan category, the VW Jetta, while the Hyundai Tucsonwasamongthefinalistsfor SmallSUV.TheMECOTYawards were announced during a gala event at the Abu Dhabi National

“This is a great achievement for Hyundai, recognising the excellence of our products among our peers,” said Jin (James) Kim, VicePresident and Head of Hyundai AfricaandMiddleEast.“Hyundai models lead their segments in several Middle East markets, with customers consistently making

service and value.

To win at these awards, which are exclusively for cars sold in the Middle East, and judged by experts based in the Middle East, is an honor both for Hyundai as a company, and for the distributors who have worked so hard in building our success.”

n Saturday, the 2nd of April, my friend Yinka who lives in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, sent me a distressed text saying, “my car (ABUJA) ABC992AH, Hyundai IX35 was impounded, say na fake number. Bros, I had all my family in the car which I have had for 3 1/2years. Wetin happen? Please kindly Check for me.” Yinka had probably forgotten that as measures to ease public worry, a portal had been developed on information verification to enable the public as well as corporate entities to verify information on any of FRSC line of operations such as the National Drivers’ License System, National Vehicle Identification Scheme, Driving School Stantardization, as well as the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme. The procedure requires the vehicle owner to text drivers license number to 33810, while in the case of vehicle verification, you text vehicle registration number to 33324. Alternatively, access the information through the web portal www.nvis.gov.ng or www.nigeriadriverlicence. org. You could also use the FRSC main website of www.frsc.gov.ng, where you will easily be directed to both drivers licence and vehicle registration portals. It is obvious that my friend failed to do this. But while I worry over the plight of my friend who failed to verify the status of his number plate, until it was impounded, I am equally worried by what was circulated in the social media. The disturbing message painted FRSC as fraudulent. The abridged version read thus: It was on the 14th day of March that I drove into one of the police stations to obtain the new tinted glass permit. In the process, it was discovered that the plate number of my car is being used by another car. My first question is “How is it possible?” Because I obtained this number from FRSC with all documents intact. I never knew the car was going to stay for 12 days in the station.

“A file was quickly opened and the car became an exhibit.

Thank God the car was registered by a very high ranking officer of the FRSC who was brought to the station. As the investigation was going on, it was discovered that some people were producing these fake and duplicate number plates and giving out to innocent and unsuspicious Nigerians, ripping them off their hard earned money.

“My question is, should we now go and buy this numbers at a shop in Alaba or Idumota instead of the Federal Government approved agencies? In the course of my research, I stumbled upon the number plate verification system online.

I started verifying cars of friends, church members and even cars that I see on the road. Ashocking revelationwasmadethatOUTOF

EVERY 10 CARS you see on the road with LAGOS and ABUJA number plates, that at least 4 is FAKE. You can check your own now. Go to www.nvisng.org/ numberplateverification.aspx 1) Enter your number in the space provided. Eg “ABC863AP 2) Click on verify button. Then information will be displayed below the button. Because FRSC did not want the general public to see the full details of the registration, you will only see the name of your car and the date of registration.

“Many innocent Nigerians are suffering now because of impunity in our institutions.

Note: this verification is only applicable to the number plates with this formatsABC123AB not AB123ABC. Let us spread this news until everyone is aware of this evil FRSC is perpetrating.”

I am happy that FRSC quickly issued a statement titled, RE VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND NUMBER PLATES VERIFICATION to clarify and set the records straight for the interest of the general public. I havechosentorunthepublication but before I do, I need to explain that only the new number plate, which was introduced in 2011, can be verified on these platforms.

Despitetheexplanationbelow,we must guard against the current practice of registering vehicles by proxy in the name that we are too busy to handle the process personally. Lastly, for emphasis, we must know that neither the FRSC nor its operatives has any business with vehicle registration.

Now, I run the piece: The FRSC responsibility is to design and produce vehicle number plates by virtue of Section 5(g) and Section 10 sub section 3(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007. After production, the number plates are handed over to the States through States Board of internal Revenue (SBIRs) who now sell to the public. The payment for number plates by motorists is strictly within the purview of the States since such payments are regarded as road taxes. In like manner, registration of vehicles is also the responsibility of the State Licensing Authorities.

The FRSC however, collaborates with the State agencies involved to set national standards and to develop a reliable national database for all registered vehicles in Nigeria.

To register a vehicle, an applicant is expected to go to the MotorLicensingOfficeoftheState Board of Internal Revenue (SBIR) where he would be guided on the process and procedure of the vehicle registration.

Alternatively, the applicant can apply online by visiting www.nvisng.org and fill form MVA 01, submit the form, after which an item number will be automatically generated which will be taken to SBIR for necessary payment.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9, 2016

NEWS ANALYSIS

Saraki

Mark

Dangote

Danjuma

Implications for Nigerians Named in Panama Papers

A

Ahamefula Ogbu s in the era of WikiLeaks, the world has once again been rattled by revelations about leaked information on secret accounts and other holdings of influential people around the globe.

The Panama papers are documents that were leaked by consortium of investigators across continents, after they hacked the database of shell companies that were lodged in an enforcer’s records.

In this kind of issue, it is usually predictable to find Nigeria on the list.

It was, therefore, not surprising when, within days of the leakage, some serving public officers, and other retired ones, as well as oil moguls from Nigeria were named among those on the list.

Facilitator of the hidden interests and companies for Nigerians and other world leaders in British Virgin Island, as shown by the leaked database of Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm, has brought grey hairs to some Nigerian public officers and has elicited denials and staccato statements from others.

So far, those named in the documents are; the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ononefe Ibori, who is serving term in a London prison; embattled Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, currently having his time in court on charges that border on alleged false asset declaration; former military General and predecessor to Saraki from Benue State, Senator David Mark; and retired Army General and oil mogul, T. Y. Danjuma. Also on the list are; the world’s richest Blackman, according to Forbes, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his business partner, Sayyu Dantata. Their names featured as operators of shell companies.

The question has been if it is an offence to register an offshore company in a tax haven. What are the implications if a public office holder has such interest, and what the Nigerian law has to say about it. Also of interest, is how such a holding can affect a non-public office holder. Tax havens are described as places where the influential can engineer their holdings in a sub-surface manner that takes attention off them and their investments. In the process, since such holdings are usually not directly linked to them, taxes that are supposed to be paid from such earnings are usually not paid and are, instead pocketed by the operators of the company.

Directors are appointed to hold forth within short periods, which the laws

of incorporation in such places, mostly remote and small islands, allow till attention shifts and then they bring in those to run the company and operate without the extant laws of their home country and, where they can, navigate the laws of their hosts to take all profits without paying full or any taxes.

Interestingly, lawyers who spoke to THISDAY on the issue were in agreement on the central issues of the leaked papers, though with different angles of explanation.

While Chief Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, a Lagos-based Lawyer agreed with Mr. Onuoha Kalu, an Abuja-based lawyer on the fundamental that there was no law banning the operation of an offshore company in a tax haven, they however pointed out that it would become an issue if a political or public office holder was involved.

Owonikoko said that, “There is no law banning a public officer from being a shareholder in a foreign company but the officer has to declare his interest fully in it. This is because he pays tax from his salary under the Pay As You Earn PAYE while the shareholding in foreign company also brings in dividends in hard currency which has to be paid into a foreign account that the officer is forbidden from operating.

“The real issue will be when the officer fails to fully disclose such interest and what accrues from it. It affects both political office holders and private sector operators when they fail to pay their taxes correctly. To the political office holders, such offence as underdeclaration of assets and tax evasion could be established while the private sector operator could be guilty of tax evasion.”

To him, Iceland’s Prime Minister, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, who has already resigned, because he was named in the leaked papers, may have done so out of moral burden and not necessarily for fouling any law unless there were other facts available to him to have prompted that. In Nigeria, however, resigning from ones position based on such leaks is rare.

Kalu, who sees Nigeria as a “tax haven or sorts” since the country was not strict on ensuring filing of tax returns yearly, submitted that while having shares in offshore companies in tax haven was not an issue, lack of full disclosure on interests in such havens could pose a legal problem.

“Lack of declaration of interest or lack of full disclosure fouls the law on asset declaration for political and public office holders and comes with issues of paying the correct tax. To those in the private sector, it would be a problem

when tax is either evaded or avoided. It is evaded when someone who should pay tax does not do so, and avoided when mechanisms are creatively applied either to pay less than one should or not pay at all,” he explained.

How it affects those named Ibori: Allegedly working through a Swiss asset management firm, Clamorgan S.A. in Geneva, Ibori established several offshore companies, including Stanhope Investments Limited, Julex Foundation and The Hopes Trust, enlisting himself, his wife and daughters as beneficiaries. Ibori allegedly cooked transactions and even tried to obtain loans using some of the shell companies.

He was later stopped and tried, before what appeared like a failed plea bargain landed him in jail in the United Kingdom. Most of the assets linked to him have relations and children as holders of interest in the companies. He was a governor and political office holder; so if it is proved that he had interests in such offshore companies without declaring them in his asset declarations, he may still face the law since time does not run against federal offences. His could be failure to fully declare his assets, as well as tax evasion.

T.Y. Danjuma: The retired general and former Defence Minister was named in Panama papers as a user of offshore companies. The Mossac Fonseca files exposed his interest in Eastcoast Investments Inc, allegedly incorporated in Nassau, in the Bahamas. An online medium, Premium Times reported that aside Danjuma running such shell interests, he was fingered among global personalities found to maintain secret accounts, operated with codes, with the Swiss branch of banking giant, HSBC. “He was linked to HSBC account 15731CD, which was opened in 1993 and closed in 2001,” the medium said. If he was earning dividends and profits from such companies and did not pay his taxes accruing from them, he may have fouled tax laws and may be charged. Also, if such foreign accounts were being run when he was still in the Army or as minister, then it may mean trouble for the big fish.

Mark: No fewer than eight companies were reportedly linked to David Mark and they are: Sikera Overseas S.A, Colsan Enterprises Limited, Goldwin Transworld Limited, Hartland Estates Limited, Marlin Holdings Limited, Medley Holdings Limited, Quetta Properties Limited, and Centenary Holdings Limited. However, Section 6 (b) of the Code of Conduct Act provides

that a public office holder shall not, “except where he is not employed on full-time basis, engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade. If the companies linked to him were not declared in his asset declaration form, which requires that interests of your agents, nominees and trustees must be disclosed, he may be put in the dock for false asset declaration while failure to pay taxes from such companies may earn him another tax evasion or avoidance charges, depending on the results of the investigations. He has already denied complicity in running the shell companies, insisting that he had looked through the document without seeing anything linked to him and has even threatened legal action.

Saraki: He is majorly linked on issues bothering on hidden interests of his wife, Toyin, whose holdings in some companies, he failed to declare in full. There are at least four of such offshore assets listed under his wife’s name. The assets include, a property in London’s plush Belgravia neighborhood, two companies registered in the British Virgin Islands and a third in the Seychelles. The hidden property is said to be located at #8 Whuttaker Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 8JQ. It has title number NGL802235. He was, however, silent on the number of shares the former first lady had in Haussmann and Tiny Tee (Nig) Limited, among others. It will only further his charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal where he is already contesting allegations of false asset declaration. If it is proven that he had undisclosed interests, more charges could be filed or fortified, while issues of tax payment may also be introduced.

Dangote and Dantata: Dangote is reported to be one of the most prominent clients of Mossack Fonseca, with 13 Shell Companies registered by the firm directly linked to persons and companies connected to the billionaire and his allies. Dangote and Sayyu Dantata, the founder of MRS Holdings, which bought Chevron-Texaco’s with equal shares of 12,500 each from OVLAS S.A, a Shell Company registered in Seycheles, a well-known tax haven used by businessmen and politicians and celebrities. On the same date also, a company they both own as at 2003, MRS Oil and Gas Co. Limited, bought 25,000 shares from OVLAS S.A. If the law can get at people of Dangote’s stature in Nigeria, then issues of tax evasion might be pressed against him, aside from the law looking at the manner of takeover of companies, whether they comply with extant provisions.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Title Dream PAGE. 29

9.04.2016

Christian Chukwu

Lifting AFCON Trophy in 1980 Remains Unforgettable

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Lifting AFCON Trophy in 1980 Remains Unforgettable The history of Nigerian football will be incomplete without his name. He captained the Green Eagles, as the Nigerian national team was then called to its first African Nations Cup victory in 1980 and led Enugu Rangers to their first and only continental success in 1977 among several domestic laurels. Christian Chukwu in this chat with Kunle Adewale bares his mind on a number of issues confronting the country’s football

C

hristian Chukwu is of the opinion that big money now associated with football was having a negative effect on the country’s football.

“Many players are into football today not because they have the passion for the game but rather for money. These days, you even see parents paying coaches so that their wards can play football not minding if they have the talent and passion for it.

“In our days, you dare not tell your parents you’re going to play football.

We hide to go and play and if you are caught, you get scolded because they see football as game for drop outs.

Chukwu

Education was seen as the only thing that guarantees success. But now, football is seen in another light and unfortunately mediocrity is fast taking over talent,” Chukwu said.

On the failure of the Super Eagles to book a place to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Gabon, the former captain and coach of the national team blamed successive football administrations for lack of planning and development of the game.

“The team lacked the zeal to score goals in the early hours in that match.

We played good enough, but we did not strike our opponent’s net early not until we were one goal down.

The boys should have strategised on how to score early in the second half, but instead they held on to the ball. I still give kudos to the coach for a good job.

“Each time the tenure of an administration ends, there are always controversies as to who becomes the president and members of the board, which in most cases end in long court cases. At the end of the day, there is little or no time to take off. So, we don’t come in with any tangible programme. We just enter for competitions without proper planning. I have never seen any of the administration that shoots off with any developmental programme. We don’t have a sustainable programme; all we are after is just to participate in competitions," he added.

Chukwu is also of the opinion that until we go back to the basics – school sports,

the country would continue to be confronted with the same problem.

“It was from school sports and grassroots football that some of us emerged,” he noted.

The former Super Eagles coach also faulted the idea of primarily depending on foreign-based players, saying attention should be focused on the development of the local league, whereby the nucleus of the national team should be home-based.

“You don’t build a national team in a foreign land. You don’t build a national team with entirely foreign players. It cannot work, even if they are all Peles (Brazilian football legend). We have lot of talented players in Nigeria to form a formidable national team. We just need to inject three to five foreign players into the team.

“That is how to build a national team.

I don’t see why we cannot have a 19-year-old player in our national team?

31

APRIL 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Nigeria Professional Football League…

Rangers, IfeayinUbah in Top of the Table Battle After conceding the top spot as a result of the draw with Mountain of Fire and Miracle mid-week, Enugu Rangers will this weekend try recapture their top position as the Flying Antelopes host IfeayinUbah at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadiun, Enugu in a top of the table battle clash.

Rangers were looking good for the three points at stage against MFM after Obinna Nwobodo shot them into the lead in the 36 minute before Stephen Odey’s 68 minute volley rescued a point for the home lad.

However, In Nnewi, FC Ifeanyiubah shot to the

top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after beating Plateau United 1-0 through Pascal Seka's goal from the spot after 18 minutes of play.

The Nnewi club now have 18 points, one more than Rangers in second place.

It is therefore a big opportunity for the Imama Amapakabo led Enugu outfit to return to the summit of the NPFL log this weekend.

"Enugu Rangers are a good side and you can't take that away from them.

They've got a good coach and a good squad," MFN Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said after his side’s draw with Rangers on Wednes-

day.

It would be recalled that Amapakabo had vowed to end Rangers title draught this season.

"The objective is clear to everyone involved with this club that we are gunning for the big prize (title). From the players to the coaches to the fans everyone knows that this is one of the few remaining traditional clubs in the country. We want to win the title but we know it will require a lot of hard work," he had said.

An encounter with IfeayinUbah is indeed a real test for Rangers Title ambition.

Chukwu exchanging greetings with Sam Ojebode during the Semi-final encounter of the Winners Cup in 1977 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

Lifting AFCON Trophy in 1980 Remains Unforgettable It took a lot of pressure to inject Kelechi Iheanacho into our national team. It is these young players that will provide longevity; that is how to build a team.

It is not all about winning all the time.

"Because I and some of my colleagues started playing early for the national team, we are able to play from the ‘70’s up to the ‘80’s before the set of Stephen Keshi took over the mantle to the ‘90’s. With that, there was continuity and the national team was not only able to record considerable success, but was respected across the globe. By the time the team qualified for its first World Cup in 1994, it was ranked fifth in the world by FIFA," Chukwu stated.

"Even before the ’94 Mundial, players such as Kanu Nwankwo, Taribo West and some few others were already prepared to break into the team and some of them were even involved in series of friendly matches by the team.

"Today, the reverse is the case. If a player scores a goal in London or in Sweden he is quickly invited to the national team. After a game, he is back to his clubs until Eagles have another match and as a result there is no bond in the team. With such an arrangement, how can there be continuity and longevity."

Asked what he would have been if he had not taken to football, he said by virtue of the fact that he was very good at science subjects he would have been an engineer, which was a very popular profession while he was growing up in Enugu.

“In those days in Enugu, engineering and medicine were the two most popular profession and every parents derived pleasure in being addressed as the father or mother of an engineer or doctor. I really wanted to be an

engineer before football discovered me as a child. I started playing right from primary school. But I’m very happy I took to the latter because the goodwill I enjoyed as a footballer and still enjoying today I might not have enjoyed it any other profession,” Chukwu said.

On whether he made money in football, “Chairman”, as he was fondly called in his playing days, said: “When you measure it in terms of Naira and Kobo I may not be referred to as a rich man, but the goodwill that I enjoyed while playing football was unquantifiable; money cannot buy it. Everywhere I go today people recognise me and treat me with love and respect, which to me is more valuable than money.”

One moment in his career he would never forget in a hurry was in 1980 when he lifted the AFCON trophy before the full glare of President Shehu Shagari and thousands of spectators at the National Stadium.

“Before that deserved victory in 1980, the team had won bronze in 1976 and ’78 in Adiss Ababa and Ghana respectively. Playing on home ground was therefore one great opportunity we were not ready to let go. It was a great feeling lifting the cup before the President and over sixty thousand spectators, not to talk of millions of television viewers. It would ever remain an unforgettable moment in my life,” Chukwu recalled with nostalgia.

After his playing career, he went on to coach Enugu Rangers. He was part of the coaching crew that qualified Nigeria to her first World Cup and won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia. Ten years later, he led Nigeria to winning the bronze. He failed to book a place to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He had coaching stints in Lebanon and with the Kenyan national team in 1998.

You don’t build a national team in a foreign land.

You don’t build a national team with entirely foreign players. It cannot work, even if they are all Peles (Brazilian football legend). We have lot of talented players in Nigeria to form a formidable national team. We just need to inject three to five foreign players into the team

Where are the fans?

Okonkwo Shoots Down El-Kanemi Nonso Okonkwo struck in the 66th minute to fire Rivers United past a resolute El-Kanemi Warriors side 1-0 in an exciting Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest decided on Wednesday.

The forward rounded off a flowing team move that saw youngster Daniel Israel provide the decisive pass as United won successive games in the NPFL for the first time this season.

The home side struggled to break down the visitors in a first half that failed to spark into life at the Yakubu Gowon (former Port Harcourt Liberation) Stadium.

Talismanic midfielder Obomate Frederick missed

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

out yet again for United as he failed to recover from the ankle injury he sustained in the 0-1 defeat to 3SC on match day seven.

In his absence, United manager Stanley Eguma handed Ebuka Nnabue his debut and he excelled with an assured display in the middle of the park.

The visitors hardly threatened all game with only a couple of gilt-edged opportunities to show for their exertions all afternoon.

Eguma, while admitting that his side played well, refused to get carried away with the performance which guaranteed all three points.

“Nobody is getting carried away here. We have

achieved nothing and will continue to work hard.

“The league is a marathon and not a sprint. We still have 28 more games to play.

“There is still room for improvement but we will get there eventually.”

Week 10 Fixtures Akwa Utd Heartland Abia Warriors Pillars Wolves Wikki Ikorodu Utd El-Kanemi

v v v v v v v v

Tornadoes Rivers Utd Lobi Stars Nasarawa Utd MFM Enyimba Sunshine 3SC

Plateau Utd

v

Giwa

Rangers

v

IfeanyiUba

Nigeria Premier League Table Team Ifeanyiubah Rangers Abia Warriors Wikki Rivers Utd MFM FC Akwa Utd Lobi Stars Kano Pillars Giwa FC 3SC Heartland Tornadoes Plateau Utd Wolves El-Kanemi Enyimba Sunshine Ikorodu Utd Nasarawa Utd

P 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 8 10 10 8 10 6 8 10 6

W 6 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 1

D 1 3 5 4 1 4 3 3 3 2 0 2 2 2 4 1 0 4 2 0

L 3 2 0 2 4 2 3 3 2 3 5 3 5 5 2 6 3 3 7 5

GF 14 16 10 12 12 12 15 13 12 10 11 5 13 9 3 11 5 8 6 3

GA 9 11 6 5 10 11 11 9 10 9 11 5 14 16 6 15 5 10 18 9

GD 5 5 4 7 2 1 4 4 2 1 0 0 -1 -7 -3 -4 0 -2 -12 -6

Pts 19 18 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 14 12 11 11 11 10 10 9 7 5 3

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Harry Kane tries to waltze through Manchester United duo of Danny Blind and Smalling

Spurs Welcome United Amidst Title Chase Tottenham title ambition suffered a setback last weekend after coming out of Anfield with just a point, but the Lilywhites belief is not wavered as they welcome Manchester United to White Hart Lane in a game that could define the season for both teams. Meanwhile, Leicester fairy tales continue with their visit to Sunderland in a game that could inch the leaders nearer to the title or condemn Sunderland further to relegation waters

T

ottenham, whose hopes of catching Leicester were dented by their 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, could find themselves 10 points adrift of the leaders by the time they host Manchester United later on Sunday. United are involved in a local battle with Manchester City for fourth place and the final Champions League qualification spot and would love nothing more than to salvage an inconsistent season by overhauling their rivals in the table.

However, Ander Herrera has warned his Manchester United teammates to expect a tough game when the Red Devils travel to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Louis van Gaal’s men head into the game looking to make it three wins in a row in the top flight after their 1-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford last Sunday. That result left United in fifth place in the Premier Leaguetable and one point adrift of the top four heading into the final few games of the season.

Tottenham, meanwhile, warmed up for their clash against the Red Devils by coming from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw at Liverpoollast Saturday.

And although Herrera is expecting a difficult game, he feels that the fact United have a free week to prepare

for their trip to north London is a big boost.

Speaking to United’s website, Herrera said: “We have now one week to train, one week to prepare for the game against Tottenham. It is not so usual. This season we have played almost every three days, so we have to prepare very good for that game because we watched their game against Liverpool.”

Interestingly, Antonio Valencia is looking forward to this weekend’s enticing trip to title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur but admits the encounter will be tinged with frustration for Manchester United.

The Ecuadorian admits the Reds would love to be in Spurs’ position on the table – in second place with six games to go and still hoping to overhaul Leicester City to become champions.

Instead, the focus for United is on returning to the top four by building on back-to-back league wins, though Louis van Gaal’s side can have a big say in the destination of the title, both at White Hart Lane on Sunday and when Leicester visit Old Trafford at the start of May. Valencia told MUTV recently: "It'll be exciting for us as we're playing for our place in the Champions League next season. And when you're playing against opponents who are challenging for the title, in the shape of Tot-

tenham and Leicester, they are going to be big fixtures.

"It will be interesting but a little bit sad in a way because we feel that we should be fighting for the title itself.

But we have to make sure we keep on this winning run in order to achieve what we need to.We know how important historically the Champions League is here, how happy it would make the fans to qualify for that competition again for next season. So the main battle is to get back into that top four."

Having been out of action from October to March with a foot injury that required surgery, Valencia is feeling fresher than he might otherwise have been at this stage of the season, and he's ready to play his part in the run-in.

"I'm really keen to play," the versatile right-sided star continued. "After five months out of action, I'm happy with the way the operation went and overjoyed to be back and available.

"I'm fully recovered and, when I play, it's very important for me to perform well to show how much I like being here and how much I love this team."

When Leicester City faced Sunderland on the opening day of the season, even their most optimistic fans were expecting another testing struggle to avoid relegation. As they prepare to visit Sam Allardyce's side in the

It'll be exciting for us as we're playing for our place in the Champions League next season. And when you're playing against opponents who are challenging for the title, in the shape of Tottenham and Leicester, they are going to be big fixtures

33

APRIL 9, 2016 โ ข THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Spanish La Liga Fixtures

TODAY Madrid Espanyol Sociedad Betis SUNDAY Sporting Valencia Villarreal Bilbao

MONDAY Deportivo

v v v v

Eibar Atletico Barcelona Levante

15:00 17:15 19:30 21:05

v v v v

Celta Vigo Sevilla Getafe Vallecano

11:00 15:00 17:15 19:30

v

Las Palmas

19:30

Bundesliga Fixtures TODAY Frankfurt Ingolstadt Hamburger Bremen Stuttgart Wolfsburg SUNDAY Schalke Kรถln

v v v v v v

v v

Hoffenheim M'gladbach Darmstadt Augsburg Bayern Mainz

Dortmund Levekusen

14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 17:30

14:30 16:30

Serie A Fixtures TODAY Frosinone Chievo Sassuolo Milan

v v v v

Inter Carpi Genoa Juventus

Hot Shots

Premiership Table

Harry Kane

Tottenham

22

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

19

Romelu Lukaku

Everton

18

Sergio Aguero

Man City

17

Riyad Mahrez

Leicester

16

Odion Ighalo

Watford

15

Olivier Giroud

Azrsenal

12

Jermain Defoe

Sunderland

12

Diego Costa

Chelsea

11

Marko Amoutovic

Stoke

10

Gyifi Sigurdsson

Swansea

10

Georginio Wijnaldum Newcastle

9

Dimitri Payet

West Ham

9

Troy Deeney

Watford

9

Graziano Pelle

Southampton

9

Premiership TODAY 14:00 17:00 17:00 19:45

SUNDAY Empoli Napoli Sampdoria Torino Palermo

v v v v v

Fiorentina Verona Udinese Atalanta Lazio

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 19:45

MONDAY Roma

v

Bologna

19:45

West Ham

v

Arsenal

Aston Villa

v

Bournemouth 15:00

12:45

Crystal Palace

v

Norwich

15:00

Southampton

v

Newcastle

15:00

Swansea

v

Chelsea

15:00

Watford

v

Everton

15:00

Man City

v

West Brom

17:30

Sunderland

v

Leicester

13:30

Liverpool

v

Stoke

16:00

Tottenham

v

Man Utd

16:00

SUNDAY

Spurs Welcome United Amidst Title Chase return fixture on Sunday, some of those supporters are now pre-emptively buying scarves emblazoned with the words 'Premier League Champions'.

While many are no doubt steering clear to avoid tempting fate, four victories from the remaining six games of the season will hand Leicester a maiden top flight title and complete one of the most remarkable fairytales in English soccer history.

Leicester lead second place Tottenham Hotspur by seven points heading intoSunday's game and need 12 more to put themselves out of sight.

For the Leicester side that plunged to the foot of the table last season, four wins in six games might have seemed like a daunting task. Yet such has been the collective sense of calm that seems to encircle Claudio Ranieri's side this year that few are now expecting a collapse in the home straight.

The slip-ups and the wobbles have been reserved for the so-called bigger teams, who have all fallen off the pace while Leicester have sailed smoothly through the supposed choppy waters of the title run-in.

Four successive 1-0 victories have propelled Leicester to the verge of success and been testament to the organisational abilities of their Italian coach.

Leicester have never kept five consecutive clean sheets in the top flight, but, in a season when past records have counted for little, it would be a brave man, or perhaps a foolish one, to bet against another shut-out against Sunderland, whose relegation woes are intensifying.

Allardyce's side are four points adrift of Norwich City in 17th and entering

the now-or-never part of the season when they will have to start winning or become resigned to their fate.

City, buoyed by a gritty 2-2 draw at Paris St Germain in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, host West Bromwich Albion, who are comfortably placed in mid-table.

Third place Arsenal, whose hopes of taking anything from the campaign

Leicester Tottenham Arsenal Man City Man Utd West Ham Southampton Stoke Liverpool Chelsea West Brom Everton Bournemouth Watford Swansea Crystal Palace Norwich Sunderland Newcastle Aston Villa

32 32 31 31 31 31 32 32 30 31 31 30 32 31 32 31 32 31 31 32

24 32 22 24 12 12 8 -3 5 8 -7 9 -16 -6 -9 -8 -21 -19 -27 -40

69 62 58 54 53 51 47 47 45 44 40 38 38 37 37 34 31 27 25 16

31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

40 36 34 18 11 8 6 -3 -3 -1 -4 -6 -6 -9 -17 -5 -20 -25 -30 -24

73 67 63 56 55 49 48 42 41 37 36 36 36 36 34 33 28 28 27 22

Seria A Juventus Napoli Roma Fiorentina Inter Milan Milan Sassuolo Lazio Chievo Genoa Torino Atalanta Bologna Empoli Udinese Sampdoria Carpi Palermo Frosinone Verona

look forlorn as they trail Leicester by 11 points, albeit with a game in hand, travel to West Ham United on Saturday.

Newcastle United, who are battling local rivals Sunderland to avoid relegation, visit Southampton, while Norwich play at Crystal Palace.

Alan Pardew's Palace are three points above Norwich, but seemingly in free fall after failing to win a league game since December.

Claudio Ranieri and his players warming for the Premiership title

La Liga Barcelona Atletico Madrid Villarreal Celta Vigo Bilbao Sevilla Mรกlaga Eibar Sociedad Deportivo Las Palmas Espanyol Real Betis Valencia Vallecano Granada Sporting Getafe Levante

31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

61 36 60 13 -8 9 7 1 -1 -3 -4 -9 -25 -17 -4 -20 -24 -20 -26 -26

76 70 69 57 49 48 48 40 38 38 37 36 36 34 34 31 29 28 28 25

Bundesliga Bayern Dortmund Hertha M'gladbach Leverkusen Mainz Schalke Wolfsburg Ingolstadt Hamburger Kรถln Stuttgart Darmstadt Hoffenheim Bremen Augsburg Frankfurt

28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

53 39 5 15 9 4 1 2 -5 -4 -6 -11 -13 -13 -19 -12 -15

72 67 48 45 45 44 44 38 36 34 34 33 29 28 28 27 27

Head to Head 08/08/15

Man Utd

1-0

Tottenham

15/03/15

Man Utd

3-0

Tottenham

28/12/14

Tottenham

0-0

Man Utd

01/01/14

Man Utd

1-2

Tottenham

01/12/13

Tottenham

2-2

Man Utd

20/01/13

Tottenham

1-1

Man Utd

29/09/12

Man Utd

2-3

Tottenham

04/03/12

Tottenham

1-3

Man Utd

22/08/11

Man Utd

3-0

Tottenham

16/01/11

Tottenham

0-0

Man Utd

30/10/10

Man Utd

2-0-

Tottenham

24/04/10

Man Utd

3-1

Tottenham

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R : Chairman tennis section, Mr. Esan Ogunleye, Mr. Chido Nwankwo, Chairman Wichtech Ltd and Games Captain, tennis section, Mr. Akeem Mustafa during the press conference to herald the Wichtech tennis championship at the Ikoyi Club 38

Fury and Klitschko set for rematch

Tyson Fury, Klitschko Rematch Imminent Peter Fury says details of Tyson Fury's long-awaited rematch with Wladimir Klitschko will be announced by the weekend.

The 27-year-old Fury (25-0KO18) defied the doubters in November when he outpointed the long-reigning Ukrainian (64-4-KO53) in Dusseldorf to clinch the WBA Super, WBO and IBF heavyweight crowns.

Klitschko was quick to exercise his contractual

right to a rematch and, although negotiations have been lengthy, there seems to finally be light at the end of the tunnel - with Team Fury seeming to hint their man could enjoy home advantage.

Trainer Peter Fury said via social media: "Some big news coming imminently on @ Tyson_Fury @Klitschko venue/date/country. Expect announcements in next 24/48 hours!!

"Bringing massive fights

to England for the fans & clean up the division.

Their [sic] should only be one champion & our aim is doing it & FAST!!"

He then told Sky Sports: "We are confident [of home advantage]. Nothing is agreed until it's said and done but we're optimistic.

There have been no disagreements - we're in unison and we're working around the clock to get the results we need."

With Fury's fellow Briton Anthony Joshua challenging Charles Martin on Saturday for the IBF belt Fury was stripped of, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn suggested a unification bout between Fury v Joshua in the future is probable.

Fury is expected to attend Joshua's big night at The O2 after the challenger accompanied an offer of ringside tickets with a 'fat boy' taunt.

Joshua Focuses Ahead of World Title Bout Anthony Joshua is unconcerned by popularity and says winning is all that is required to maintain public interest.

The Londoner won Olympic gold in 2012 and has enjoyed a direct and speedy journey to today's world title clash with IBF champion Charles Martin at The O2 - live on Sky Sports Box Office.

In his previous bout - a seventh-round knockout defeat of long-time rival Dillian Whyte at the same venue - Joshua appeared to land a blow on his opponent after the bell.

But Joshua told Behind The Ropes: "This isn't golf. It's the fight game, the hurt business.

You fight until you're pulled off your opponent. That's what I'd tell any fighter in my gym.

"You don't fight and listen for the bell. That's why people get punched after the bell.

As a fighter, let's not forget what you're in it for. You're a gladiator, a warrior and you fight until you're pulled apart.

That's where I'm coming from.

"We keep rocking and rolling until we're pulled apart and may the best man win.

Someone has to go. I enjoy

it. I wouldn't do it if I didn't.

Boxing to me is fun and helps me to develop me as a man.

"Nobody forces me to do it. I found it myself. I built it myself. I train by myself.

It's all me. I just enjoy it and I like the people I'm around.

From a young age, when I was 18, boxing became my life. Without it I don't think I'll have much fun.

"This is not a popularity contest. This is fighting. I've got to win. As long as I'm winning, people are going to keep on watching. I leave the popularity thing down to the PR people. You've got to

have the focused mentality."

With Joshua wowing the British public with his ferocious run of knockouts to date, the 26-year-old is delighted at the prospect of home advantage when he takes on the American.

He added: "I'm not in a rush to be travelling the world. Charles Martin coming over here is class. There are big stadiums here and an unbelievable fanbase so I don't see why we have to go overseas to fight. I think it's unbelievable he wants to come here and fight me so I'll enjoy it while it lasts."

Pre-Wimbledon ATP 250 Tournament Heads Back to Eastbourne A reshuffle in the pre-Wimbledon grass court schedule for 2017 will see men's tennis head back to Eastbourne from Nottingham.

A joint event was held on the south coast the week before Wimbledon between 2009 and 2014, and the Lawn Tennis Association announced

on Tuesday that the men's ATP 250 tournament will leave Nottingham after only two years.

The women's tournament, the flagship event of the Wimbledon run-in, will feature a 48-player main draw with a 28-player draw contesting the men's event.

Nottingham will keep its WTA event and, in partnership with Nottingham City Council, the LTA will stage a men's Challenger Tour tournament in the same week.

The LTA is also doubling prize money at the second-tier Surbiton, Manchester and Ilkley tournaments from

£213,250 to more than £426,500 in 2017.

LTA chief executive Michael Downey said: "This is all about delivering a bigger and better set of grass court tournaments for the players and our fans.

"It represents another major step in the evolution of the British grass-court circuit."

Ikoyi Club Tennis Championship Ends Today The final of this year’s Wichtech Individual and team tennis championship which started on Monday with 64 participants will come to a close today at the Ikoyi Club tennis section.

Sponsor of the competition, Mr. Chido Nwankwo, said he was satisfied with what he had seen so far and hope to continue sponsoring the

competition.

“The fact that the number of participants had increased in the last three years of Wichtech Ltd’s sponsorship shows that value had been added to the competition,” Nwankwo said.

Games Captain, Tennis Section, Akeem Mustafa said in spite of the competitiveness expected at the tourney, fitness

and bonding of members was the ultimate aim.

“There are a number of other tournaments coming up to keep members fit, healthy and build a bond through tournaments and tennis tours to different parts of the world with other clubs of similar status and this year will not be different. The idea is to ensure that members play

competitive tourneys, raise the standard of the game and competitiveness. But even within the competition, the fact that we are a recreation club is not lost.

“There are various prizes for grabs. Aside giant trophies, winners would go home with vouchers to pick up things at mega plaza and Park & Shop.

Olashore Redefining Nigerian Sports to International Standard Olashore international school is set to build an international standard set of student as far as sports is concerned. This was stated at the school’s inter house sports held at the school recently in Illoko – Ijesha, Osun State.

According to the school’s Head of Extra – curricular activities, Mr. Felix Adeboboye, sports help train children for the future. His words: “Generally, inter house sports helps to keep students fit, engenders healthy rivalry and trains them for the future. We are committed to raising sports youngsters with the international standards set by the school in sports. Sports have helped Nigeria because they have won laurels across the world. It is a segment that has pictured Nigerians in the committee of Nations.

We have a structured programme for our sports development such that between5pm and 6pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, the students come out to train and also at weekends.

“Aside from in- house training, we also hire someone from outside to train them. They usually embark on various field and track events in order to get well rooted in them. I encourage students to build themselves on sports because in this present day, sports is more like a money spinning sector and we need to ensure students are kept on their toes”.

Similarly, the principal Mr. Derek Smith stated that as part of school’s eagerness to build 21st century leaders, children were trained to be skilled.

“We want to ensure our students are trained and well skilled in sports so they can participate in competitions.

As it is, we have one of our students participating in the UK. Some of our present students might grow to become even better competitors. Above all, learning to live a healthy lifestyle is key,” he said.

Olashore school inter house sports ended in grand style, with Red House emerging the winner, Blue House the first runner up and Green House the second runner up, while leaving Yellow House behind.

Twitter Premier League Launches Full League Format Nigeria's foremost social media driven football tournament, Twitter Premier League (TPL) 7th edition is here again and promises to be more fun for it will be launching a full league format meaning there will be more football matches and more fun for all sport lovers who attend.

TPL is a social media driven football tournament that started May of 2014 and aimed at bringing back fun in sporting activities and assist in re-igniting the interest of youths in sports using football as a platform especially in indigenous sports.

TPL currently has six male teams and two female teams who slug it out at Campos Mini stadium, Lagos Island.

The 7th edition is themed ''The Revolution".

Stating the reason for the format change, TPL's CEO, Seun Adebule said that "The full league format was chosen to create a platform for proper display of talent, instead of knockout matches straight away for teams that have been training so long for TPL. The TPL community wants to spread the fun throughout the year."

Also speaking on the teams and future plans for the TPL, Adebule said " we have six male teams for now ( Pacers, Raptors, Alphas, Teknon, Raineri and Guns) and two female teams (Tsarinas and Panthers). We plan on having more teams signed up before the next season. We've also begun work on a Nationwide TPL regional league with centers in Lagos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Enugu, and a super 4 tourney held at the end of the year to pick the team of the year".

The Enugu version TPL042 was held earlier this month with four teams (Oringo fc, Fc Bisalla, Otigba fc and Conné Fc) representing the main areas of Enugu come out for a day of fun, football and food.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2016

35

236

JUNE 16,THE 2011SATURDAY • THISDAY,NEWSPAPER THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY, • APRIL 9, 2016

FAIRGROUND

OnoBello.com Cover, Editorial Shoot Release Party

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

M

o Abudu, Waje, LDA, Vimbai, Lynxxx, Kemi Akindoju, and more were at OnoBello. com Cover-Editorial Release Party.

We now have exciting official photos from the OnoBello. com cover and editorial shoot release party which took place last Wednesday at the roof-top of Maison Fahrenheit in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event was aimed at creating awareness on the new direction of the digital magazine section of OnoBello. com, where inspiring celebrities and personalities will be featured in its cover and editorial shoots monthly.

The classy evening of style was attended by top media gurus, entrepreneurs, celebrities, socialites and fashion lovers such as Mo Abudu (CEO EbonyLife TV & Films), Waje, Charles Aigbe (Head Corporate Communications United Bank for Africa), Vivian Oputa, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Vimbai Mutinhiri, Lynxxx, Adebola Williams, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Abisola KolaDiasi, Azuka Ogunjiuba, Bola Balogun, Bolanle Olukanni, Austyn Ogannah, Kola Oshalushi, Evelyn Okere, Kelvin Orifa, Kemdy McErnest, Michelle Dede, Munachi Abii, Nikky Ogbuefi, Stephanie Coker, Tewa Onasanya, Uche Nnaji, and many other important personalities.

Guests were treated to Maison Fahrenheit’s signature canapes, while they sipped the first-ever champagne served on ice known as Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial and exotic cocktails from Belvedere. Another highlight of the event was a presentation of premiere designer handbags and leather goods by online retailer Swank.

Mo Abudu

Vivian Oputa

Ono Bello- Founder & Style Director- OnoBello.com

10. Vimbai Mutinhiri, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Waje, Uche Nnaji

Lynxxx

Alexander Hayble

Charles Aigbe and Austyn Ogannah

Femi Da-Silva Ajayi & Aisha Igbinovia

Evelyn Okere (middle) and guests

Bolanle Olukanni & Tewa Onasanya

Josephine Obukowho & Tobore Bello

Abisola Kola-Diasi and Adebola Williams

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

37

FAIRGROUND

The Vetro Chapman Launch

R

ecently, at Nigeria’s biggest and most popular night club, Quilox, celebrities and dignitaries assembled at the launch and introduction of the Vetro Chapman, which is the first chapman drink in Nigeria with a standard recipe.

Vektro Chapman is being packaged by Vekro Foods, an international food brand based in Singapore. Their Nigerian counterpart, called Vektro Foods Nigeria Ltd., has been in existence for a while and Vektro Chapman was birthed about four months ago.

It is no longer news that chapman has about 90 per cent sugar, which is hazardous to human health due to the sugar content coming from the fruits and that is why Vektro chapman is unique from the others.

According to the Managing Director of Vektro, Mr. Robin Thurmar, it took them about 19 months to get the formulation of the chapman right. He explained further that the ingredient for Vektro was gotten from four

different countries.

Explaining further on how the product has been accepted by the majority, he said, “I am more than elated to see that a 4-month product can do this well. The aroma and sugar content is why it is the choice of many Nigerians.

The sugar content is 14gms and we intend to make it lesser. It also contains Ginseng, vitamins B4, B6, B13 and with all due respect it is better than that mixture they call Chapman. People living with Diabetes can also take this without any side effect. That mixture has about 80 to 90 per cent sugar and many people don’t realise this.”

He said, “Though we didn’t launch it in a very big way but we have 90 per cent people who have accepted our brand. We have sold over 40 thousand cartons in Lagos in two weeks through direct sales. We have regular buyers and seeing that Quilox club has a strong brand too, we decided to support them in this year’s Easter beach party. If you are opportune to be at big society weddings

L-R: Funmi Alatishe, Tope Daramola, Robin Thumar, Shina Peller, Kate Banjoko and Dotun Idowu

in Lagos, you would see that many event planners have broken the norms and now associate with our brand. We have spent over four years in Nigeria and we have many products and Vektro Chapman is our new baby. We wanted to get it right before pushing it to the market and, to be sincere, it

is worth the wait.”

Many of the celebrities, who stormed the Quilox, were seen at their stand while they tasted the uniqueness of the brand. Quilox’s boss himself, Shina Peller was also among those who enjoyed the chapman while the event lasted.

Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week: The Fashion Business Series

O

n April 15, this year, the Fashion Business Series (FBS) platform will return to facilitate conversations with key players in government, the private sector and the fashion industry to develop a roadmap to position the fashion industry as a significant contributor to the nation’s GDP. Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week is hosted by Style House Files founders, and sponsored by PAL Pensions and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The Fashion Business Series will serve as a forum for exchanging ideas, networking and exploring strategies to grow the industry.

Themed, “The Future of Fashion”, this edition of FBS will feature Simone Cipriani, Head of the Ethical Fashion Initiative of the International Trade Centre (ITC), as the keynote speaker.

Opening its doors to private sector practitioners, textile companies, retailers, and manufacturers, fashion retailers, luxury fashion brands, designers,

Honourable Commissioner Ismail Jaiyeoba, Toyosi Kolawole, Nike Ogunlesi from the last Edition of Fashion Business Series

and fashion entrepreneurs, FBS will also touch on other critical sectors of the fashion industry such as retail, e-commerce,

PR, communications and more.

Industry stakeholders will discuss on varied topics, including: ‘Retail

and ‘Etail’: Maximising Opportunities and Reducing Risk’, ‘Communicating Fashion’, ‘Exporting Fashion to the World’, among others.

Facilitated by PAL Pensions, FBS will also feature a VIP Signature Session, titled “The Next Level”. Open to fashion entrepreneurs operating for a minimum of five years, the session will host thought leaders in Fashion and the private sector as they discuss how to build a sustainable business.

“To build an iconic, sustainable brand, certain systems have to be in place and a pension plan is one of them.

As conversations increase concerning expanding the role the fashion industry plays in the economic landscape, there is a real opportunity to develop indigenous iconic brands and a need for businesses to be rightly positioned to attract gamechanging growth opportunities. We look forward to an interactive and impactful session,” said Adaora Ude, Head, Branding and Communications, PAL Pensions.

The Fashion Business Series will hold at The Metropolitan Club, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island. This event is FREE, no registration required.

Baileys, Waje Celebrate Women with N5m at Mother’s Day Event

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he number-one original Irish cream liqueur, Baileys and Waje, music sensation have rewarded ten winners of its #ThatAmazingWoman Mother’s Day competition with N500,000.00 each, at an event held at Arabesque Restaurant, Lagos, last weekend. The competition was in commemoration of the 2016 Mother’s Day celebration.

Baileys Nigeria organised a competition across social media platforms to identify women who have done amazing things in the lives of consumers. This was done in collaboration with the Nigerian music sensation, Aituaje Iruobe, popularly called Waje to celebrate women and their unrivalled contribution to the growth of the society. It drew inspiration from the unique stories told of the impact these special women have made in the lives of the participants. “#ThatAmazingWoman competition was inspired by Waje’s life story, her passion and how it represents one of the many examples of how the world is a better place when women are allowed to shine,” according to Baileys Nigeria, Brand Manager, Ufuoma Udjoh in her opening remark. “Baileys as a brand, is

very passionate about women and would always roll out the drum in celebration of their feats.”

Ufuoma said, “Our mission is to celebrate the bravery of women, their strength, and to inspire them to keep shining irrespective of whatever challenges that may come their way.

We believe that the world would be a better place if women are given the opportunity to freely express themselves and also to be their brilliant selves. This is why we invited everyone to join Waje in the conversation.”

On her collaboration with Baileys Nigeria on the competition, Waje said, “This is simply to make our women feel special and constantly remind them that we love them. We want them to know that nothing can ever be too much to give back for all they do and for who they are.”

During the 12-day competition which ran on three social media platforms - Instagram, Twitter and Facebook - from the 24th of February till the 6th of March, 10 finalists emerged from the 1,442 entries received.

Sharing the story of her amazing woman, one of the winners, Eseoghene Odiete-Ehikhuemelo said that she entered the competition to help her amazing woman; her friend - Joy Amadi raise funds to start her

Waje and the mothers

fashion business after she lost her job.

She said, “I met Joy in 2014 and she has been a good friend and motivation to me. She is always happy and even when she lost her job she never let it bother her. After she lost her job, she has been making plans to start her own fashion business and I thought this was an opportunity to help her make her dream of starting her own fashion label come true.

We had four days of sleepless nights just to win the competition. I am grateful to Baileys for making her dream of owning her own fashion line become a reality, thanks to Baileys Nigeria.”

The lucky winners are: Eseoghene OdieteEhikhuemelo, Lot Deborah Oluwakemi, Alu Cynthia Chinwe, Ebiye Victor Imeobong, Ugwuabuchi Jane-Frances Chinemerem, Aderemi Adewale, Sakak Oladimeji Olaoluwa, Opara Ngozi Judith, Badru Olaoluwa and Fela Adesola.

The day kicked-off with a sassy Baileys cocktail for the guests and also featured exciting line of activities, games, and other festivities.

The fun-filled event had ‘my amazing woman’ segment which provided winners a platform to share the story of the amazing woman in their lives.

The atmosphere was filled with emotion and love for mothers.

The exquisite party was hosted by viral comedian, Chioma Omeruah, popularly known as Chigurl and had in attendance music sensation, Waje, Exquisite Magazine Boss, Tewa Onasanya, Lara Rawa of Eventi Cocktails, Christine Ogbeh of The Wedding Guru, entertainment and lifestyle Journalists, among other distinguished guests.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9, 2016

April 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 9, 2016

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FITNESS FILE

Actions That Dramatically Improve Your Health (I)

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

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Drink a Pint of Water as Soon as you Wake Up e all know the importance of water, right? We evolved from water. Our body is made up of approximately 70% water. We are basically a walking, talking, big mass of mostly water.

First thing in the morning your body is dehydrated from 7+ hours of no water.

Drinking a pint of water before you do anything else will give your body the top up it needs to start the day. In Dr. Batmanghelidj famous book “The Body’s Many Cries For Water” he explains, in great detail, the importance of drinking water. He believes that often we are not hungry but thirsty as the body confuses signals for water.

Drinking 2 litres of water per day is a good starting point for most adults.

Performance, concentration and sickness are all symptoms of dehydration. Your intestines will also squeeze and extract water from your feces if you are really dehydrated and nobody wants their body made up of that type of water, do they?

Start a Workout Habit of 7 Minutes a Day It doesn’t take long to form a new habit, usually in less than 30 days. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start by just developing an exercise habit rather than killing yourself at the gym. Using a Daily 7 Minute Workouts is a great start: 1. Choose one movement pattern for each day of the week (Monday – Friday) 2. Movement Patterns include: Squatting, Pulling, Lunging, Pushing, Bending 3. Try to perform as many of that movement pattern as you can in 7 minutes My advice would be to run through your 7 minute workout nice and early before breakfast. Early workouts work in tune with your hormonal system and leave you not thinking about exercise for the rest of the day. Start your 7 minute exercise habit today and before long it will feel as natural as brushing your teeth!

Ditch the Table Salt and Start Eating Real Sea Salt The majority of people are still overloading themselves with processed salt.

Salt isn’t actually the problem, it’s the type of salt that matters. Did you know that human blood has the same salt content as sea salt? Table salt is highly processed, often using chemicals that leave it clean, white and absent of all those precious trace minerals. Most table salt resembles something you would find in a science lab rather than in nature.

There are lots of great-unprocessed sea salt brands out there. Look for sea salt that is slightly grey in colour. My favourite is a French sea salt is called “Gros Sel de Guerande”. Buy a good brand of sea salt and it will last you for months.

Start to Breathe Deeply Through Your Belly Again!

Stress causes shallow breathing through the upper chest and neck. The more shallow you breathe, the more of a stress response you get. Have you ever watched a baby breathe? They breathe deeply through their bellies right? As we get older and stress starts to creep into our lives we start to take that breathing from the belly and shift up and into the chest and neck.

Shallow breathing causes headaches, upper back and neck tension! As well as

about it, do you ever walk around in bare feet anymore? Our ancestors used to have constant connection with the earth and this is something that has been lost today.

There is lots of research coming out now that shows positive reasons why we should all get out there and dance on the grass or paddle in streams. Just connecting your body to the earth will give you lots of natural energy. So get out there today for 5 minutes and get connected back with nature.

Avoid Wheat for the Day, You Won’t Regret It Wheat is a major problem and probably the most influential food action your could take today. It’s not actually the wheat that is the problem but the wheat’s protein Gluten that is the real nasty. The sticky protein Gluten is a big irritant to most people’s gut.

Being Gluten intolerant doesn’t just mean having gut problems like wind and a bloated stomach. Gluten can also cause an auto immune response from Leaky Gut Syndrome resulting in: Arthritis, Headaches, Back Pains, Depression and more. Gluten is everywhere so be careful. Common foods include: Breads, Pasta, Sauces, fillers in Sausages, and Cereals.

You can take a food sensitivity test to find out if you are Gluten sensitive or you can avoid Gluten for 30 days and see just how amazing you feel without it.

keeping you highly charged and your hormonal system on overdrive. Learn to slow down your breathing and take your breath to your belly. Deep breathing through the diaphragm stimulates the “Parasympathetic Nervous System” and causes the body to relax.

1. Try taking 10 deep breaths counting to 5 on the IN breath and 5 on the OUT breathe 2. Push your belly OUT as you breathe IN and pull the belly IN as you breathe OUT 3. 2 thirds of your breath should come from your belly and 1 third from your chest Take some time each day and learn to breathe deeply. It’s a wonderful stress reliever!

Re-Assess Your Medication and Make Some Changes The sale of Drugs, whether over the counter or via prescription is a multi-million pound industry. Many people are far too easily convinced to take drugs based on TV ads or Doctors recommendations. The truth is, ALL drugs are poison to the body. It takes a lot of energy for the body to process drugs and most drugs have side effects.

If your are suffering from a sickness or disease then start to question what may be out of balance in your life. Are you stressed out, eating dead foods, dehy-

drated, lacking in quality sleep? If you have been taking medication for a long time then book an appointment with your doctor to reassess your situation.

Don’t just reach for the drugs every time you have a headache, backache, constipation etc. Start to question the source of the problem rather than addressing the symptoms every time.

Get to Bed by 10:30pm, it’s When, Not How Much Sleep that Counts The human being operates on what is called a circadian cycle. We evolved from nature and have always been influenced by the fall and rise of the sun. In the mornings the hormone Cortisol is stimulated, this prepares the body for action. In the evenings Cortisol levels should be reduced and Anabolic hormones are released to stimulate tissue regrowth and repair during sleep.

If you go to bed too late then you miss out a large portion of the Growth and Repair cycle, which usually runs from around 10-2am. From 2am to 6am most repair is mental rather than physical.

We are creatures of the earth and need to work with our hormones rather than against them. It’s not necessarily how much sleep you get that matters but more when you sleep that counts!

Take Your Shoes off and Start Earthing How often to you touch your bare feet on the grass or earth? Earthing is based on the principle that we have lost our connection with the earth. If you think

Free Your Mind With 5 Minutes of Meditation Stress is the number one killer. Meditation offers you a chance to take your mind away from the daily grind and be with yourself for a few minutes. There are many ways to meditate; here are 2 of my favourite methods: 1. Sit quietly and breathe deeply through your belly. Concentrate on your breath as you breathe through your nose.

Count each breath and see how high you can count.

2. Again sit or lie quietly and breathe through your belly. Concentrate your vision on an object about 10 feet in front of you. Keep your eyes relaxed and focus on that object ONLY. If you do start to think about your worries and problems don’t give up just accept them and refocus on your meditation. Start with 5 minutes and work up to 30 minutes per day.

Avoid Drinking Caffeine in the Afternoon Coffee and Tea both contain caffeine, which adds extra stress to your body and mind. The stress that caffeine causes affects your nervous system. With every cup of caffeine your adrenal glands release hormones that fire up your system and prepare it for action. As the system gets fired up glucose is released into the body to give it energy. This energy response all dates back to our survival days when we needed energy to fight or run from wild animals. We don’t usually need this energy anymore so it gets stored in the liver or in the fat cells for later.

The roller coaster that the blood sugar levels are put on due to caffeine intake and subsequent cortisol and insulin responses is very damaging to the body.

Adrenal fatigue is all too common these days, as is Insulin Resistance and Diabetes. Caffeine really does get on your nerves so take a break from it as much as you can, especially in the afternoons when you should be winding down.

•Look out for part 2 next week

APRIL 9, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

The Kairos x Chronos Resort ‘16 Jason Porshe Collection Script

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

The Kairos x Chronos Resort 16

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he names ‘KAIROS’ and CHRONOS’ were from an ancient Greek mythology.

KAIROS (kaipóç) - is an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment (The Supreme Moment) The ancient Greeks had two words from time ‘CHRONOS’ and ‘KAIROS’ while the former refers to chronological or sequential time, the latter signifies a time lapse,a moment of indeterminate time in which everything happens.

These two Greek words ‘Kairos’ x ‘Chronos’ which have a similar connection with ‘Time’ allows the designer to express himself in both ways - menswear x womenswear connection both lines with Greek words gives birth to a capsule collection.

Kairos (menswear) - The designer tells a story of a time in his life when all he desires is to build his life and career,A time when all that matters to him is to be something he created with his own mind.

What does it mean to be a man today? How can men consciously express their masculinity without becoming cold or closed-hearted on the one hand… or wimpy and emasculated on the other? What’s the most loving way for a conscious man to express himself?

‘I feel that a man should dress to impress. I feel that a man could dress how he wants to be

addressed.

“Ambitious is the new sexy. I feel that a man should dress to match his dreams, there’s a boost of confidence that comes with seeing a gentleman in a suit.”

Kairos is created for the men with goals,aspirations and dreams.

‘CHRONOS’ - The designer tells a story of his emotions and how uneasy it has been for him to control them.

The Womenswear collection however comes with limited colours ‘Red’ and Black’; it connects with his mood in a way.

Most of the time it’s love(RED) and it’s always rosy at first till you meet the pain (BLACK) that comes with being in love, sadly you begin to have expectations and most times you end up hurting your self.

“I used to be an emotionally tormented artist but then I turned my nemesis into wearable ‘art’ and it felt ‘good’.

‘CHRONOS however is much more emotional for me. It’s deeper and much more expressive of how unstable my mind could be sometimes, I’m always sensitive to what’s going on around me thus reflecting how I feel and putting it out as wearable art’. The creative director of the brand is Jason Chika Samuel.

CreditsPhotography - Mr Laah Models PRAIZ,Chinko,Makida Moka,Jennifer Oseh

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • APRIL 9, 2016

EVENTS

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op government dignitaries and A list players in The entertainment and lifestyle industry attended in Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta state for the funeral rites of Bovi Ugbomas mother, Dr. Margaret Ugboma who passed on tragically on the 25th of January. She was aged 58. It was a two day event; the service of songs held on Friday, 11th of March, while the outing service held at the St. Paul’s Cathedral on the 12th of March. The Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa led a powerful government delegation. Other dignitaries present included NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, Senator James Manager, secretary to the Delta state govt, Ovie agass, Richard Mofe Damijo, Opa Williams and Ali baba, Basketmouth and Julius Agwu.

Deceased children Bovi, and their father, Dr. Eddy Ugboma Zino , Jiji, Tome and Tano Ugboma.

Igodye, Basketmouth and Alibaba

L-R: Richard Mofe-Damijo and Mudi Africa

L-R: Basorge Tairah Jr. and Yinka Akinlenwon

R-L: Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator James Manager

L-R: Cordelia Okpei , Gordons, Scott igbene

Julius and Ebiere Agwu

L-R: Bishop Aruakpor and Vans Kere

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 9, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

The Bright Prospects of China-Nigeria Relations H.E. Gu Xiaojie

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t the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Nigerian President Buhari will pay a state visit to China in mid-April this year. This is the first visit to China by President Buhari since he came into office last May, and President Buhari will be the first African Head of State to visit China after the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Johannesburg Summit, which is of great importance to both China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations, and draw great attention from both countries and Africa.

Distance cannot separate true friends who feel so close even when they are thousands of miles apart. The China-Nigeria friendship has stood the test of time and became stronger and more vigorous despite the vast oceans between the two countries. On February 10th 1971, China and Nigeria established diplomatic relationship, and ever since then the bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and steadily. In April 2005, China and Nigeria, the most populous developing countries in the world and Africa respectively, declared the establishment of Strategic Partnership, which lifted the bilateral ties to a new high and sounded the clarion call to form an all-directional, multi-layered and wide-ranging cooperation. Since then, the pragmatic cooperation in various fields between the two countries have been leading in many ways in China’s cooperation with African countries, featuring fruitful achievements and examplary highlights.

In recent years, we have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges between the two sides, and the political mutual trust has been enhanced continuously. In 2014, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Nigeria and reached extensive consensus with Nigerian leaders. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Nigerian President Buhari twice, exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, reached wide-ranging agreements, charted the direction of future development of China-Nigeria relations.

Economically, the cooperation between China and Nigeria in various areas such as infrastructure, energy, trade and finance has scored impressive achievements. Nigeria is the

H.E. Gu Xiaojie first African country to accept Chinese RMB in its foreign reserve. Last year, the bilateral trade volume stood at USD 14.94 billion, which represented 8.3% of the total trade volume between China and Africa, and 42% of the total trade volume between China and ECOWAS countries. Nigeria remains China’s No.1 engineering contract market, No.2 export market, No.3 trading partner, and major investment destination in Africa. So far, China has invested a total of over USD 2.5 billion in Nigeria. A large number of projects such as the launch of satellite, construction of railroad and the steady development of Lekki and Ogun free trade zones are the promising examples of China-Nigeria pragmatic cooperation.

People-to-people communication and cultural exchanges are an integral part of our bilateral relations. Both countries enjoy ancient civilizations and splendid cultures, and we could often find similarities in our value systems and world views. Nigeria was the first African country to establish a cultural center in China, and the Chinese cultural center was also established in Nigeria. Every year, many cultural and academic groups from both countries visit

each other. Currently, China has established two Confucius Institutes and four Chinese language centers in Nigeria. Nigerian people, especially the young people are very enthusiastic about learning Chinese. The amity is now deeply rooted in the hearts of the peoples of both countries.

Moreover, as major developing countries, China and Nigeria have extensive cooperation in many international and regional issues.

Chinese people will never forget that Nigeria and other developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin-America stood up to outside pressures, held on “One China Policy”, and fully supported the resumption of China’s legitimate seat in the United Nations. Since then, for major issues which have international and regional implications, China and Nigeria have always communicated and supported each other so as to jointly safeguard the interests of the African and developing countries.

Nowadays China stands at the key stage of comprehensively deepening reform and accelerating the change of economic growth mode, and Chinese people are dedicated to realise the China Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Not long ago, the Chinese Government has approved the 13th Five-Year Plan 2016-2020for Economic and Social Development, raising the concept of achieving innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development. This reflects China’s development guideline and confidence, signifies an in-depth reform affecting the overall development of China, and provides support for long-term economic stability and development.

At the same time, the Nigerian Government is working hard to implement President Buhari’s Agenda of Change, promoting the economic diversification and industrialisation. This can also be described as Nigeria’s fond dream of development and prosperity.

However, prosperity and happiness can only be achieved through hard working and unflinching. We must empower ourselves with strong faith and confidence, continue to work hard, join hands with each other and work towards a win-win future. Nigeria enjoys abundant natural and human resources, and the large population also creates a big market. China has the capital, technology edge as well as expertise, which are all needed by the Nigerian side. In the days

ahead, with the advantages of traditional friendship and strong economic complementarity, both countries could tap more potential for cooperation across the board, and the cooperative prospects will be even brighter.

In December last year, the FOCAC summit was held successfully in Johannesburg. This summit elevated China-Africa relations to the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, and determined the ten key cooperation plans in areas of industrialisation, agricultural modernization, infrastructure and etc., which gained unanimous support and high praise from African countries. The 10 key cooperation plans focus on resolving the three major livelihood issues, i.e. employment, food and health concerned most by the African people and on breaking the three development bottlenecks of backward infrastructure, insufficient talents and fund shortage. The implementation of these plans will not only help Africa accelerate its industrialization and boost its capacity for development, but also provide a good platform for the deepening China-Nigeria pragmatic cooperation in various fields. In fact, China and Nigeria have been working very closely on the implementation of the summit results recently, so as to further promote our bilateral cooperation in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing.

Nigeria is an important partner of China in Africa. China will firmly implement the policy of “sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith” towards Nigeria and Africa put forward

by President Xi Jinping, uphold the correct viewpoint of friendship, justice and shared interests, join hands with Nigeria for win-win cooperation and persist in planning and promoting bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

While looking forward to President Buhari’s state visit to China soon, we do believe, this visit will lay out new blueprint for the mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation between China and Nigeria in all fields, and inject fresh vigor into the development of bilateral relations under new circumstances.

––Xiaojie, is a Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria.

VINTAGE

GOtv Airs Cooking Shows, New Series on Zee World Cuisine shows from India and other parts of the world have been earmarked to air on GOtv this month.

The programmes include The Great Indian Kitchen, Healthy But Tasty and Course with Pankaj on ZeeWorld Channel 25, while Funny Cooking with Spongebob will show on Nickelodeon, Channel 62.

Also, a new series, East Meets West will premiere Monday 28 April at 9pm on Zee World.

East Meets West is a story based on the lives of two grandsons of a Punjabi family (The Singhs) from Delhi, who get married to girls that are culturally and geographically poles apart.

One hails from a small town in Punjab, while the other is a foreigner, who has been brought up overseas. The story takes many turns - romantic, emotional, dramatic and purely funny when the two girls start living under the same roof.

In Healthy But Tasty, Chef Ranveer whips up low-calorie versions of popular dishes that viewers can indulge in without guilt. The show teaches ways to stay healthy without avoiding favourite dishes and discover a yummy way to healthy without sacrificing taste. The recipes are made out of local and seasonal ingredients that aren’t just high

FTAN President Decries Poor Hotel Patronage, HighTaxes President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Chief Tomi Akingbogun, who is Chairman of Network of Electricity Consumers Advocacy of Nigeria is unhappy with electricity tariffs which have increased by 100% in the last 13 months and the economic crisis in the country saying that they have affected leisure and demand for hotel accommodation.

He said: “We have a lot to ask the government, why we are being subjected to all the economic stress at the same time.”

The CEO of Hotel Rosebud and former President of Hotel Owners Forum, Abuja regretted that Nigeria had already lost its enviable position as the West African conference capital and by so doing, lost a lot of inbound and domestic tourists.

Akingbogun said: “There is a general low performance in business from 2015. Remember that 2014 had its’ own problems that affected 2015. Year 2016 started with no ministers for up to six months.

The lack of budget for 2016 for another four months means there wasn’t any clear economic direction for the country for another quarter of a year.

“We all are aware that many states cannot even pay salaries or are paying one third of workers’ salaries. With workers not having salaries, there’s no way they can spend money in the economy. “To make matters worse, the naira fell in the parallel market creating inflation. I think we are in recession. Businesses are closing down while many are struggling to survive.

“Government agencies are look for several ways of getting un-budgeted money from the public. They create several names for same taxes and levies. Of late is the stamp duty and we fought against. The same illegality was welcomed by our banks who themselves have a lot of questions to answer. We are preparing

on the healthy side, but tickles one’s taste buds too. The programme starts on Monday 4 April at 5pm on Zee World.

Course with Pankaj is a show that every woman would love to watch. The show is heavy on herexperiences, which she narrates. She gives her viewers a complete meal from starters, main course and desserts. It starts on Tuesday 5 April at 5pm on Zee World.

The Great Indian Kitchen is an epic culinary journey across the seven Indian states. Chef Ranveer Brar takes the audience on a journey to meet a variety of traditional chefs and enjoy recipes that have been carried across

generations. The show highlights many hidden facets of Indian cuisine yet to be discovered. It aired Saturday 2 April at 6pm on Zee World.

Also on cartoon channel, Nickelodeon (Channel 62) brings the special Funny Cooking with Spongebob,which one has shows the world some great of recipes. This programme offers its audience the amazing chance to participate in an international cooking contest where the winners’ recipes will make it on TV with amazing prizes.

It airs Mondays to Fridays from 11 April at 08am and 2pm.

Yabatech Institutes Alumni Lecture Series The foremost and Premier institution of Higher Education in Nigeria, Yaba College of Technology has instituted an annual Alumni Lecture Series first of its kind in the history of the College.

The administration of Dr. Kudirat Ladipo, Rector of the institution, approved the lecture series after considerations that Yaba College of Technology has graduated over 100,000 young men and women in all fields of endeavour in Technology and are making waves across the globe.

Moreso, the age of the institution has thrown up natural challenges which the College views could be resolved if all its products are brought on board and in line with the world best practices, the College management instituted the take off of the Annual Alumni Lecture Series.

The platform, the College considered would be an avenue to bring all its products

to be part of her success story through a functional Alumni Body and sustenance of her heritage.

To this end, the College Inaugural Alumni Lecture Series holds on Wednesday, April 13 with the topic Current and Future Trend of Technical Education in Nigeria Development.

According to a statement by the college’s Deputy Registrar, Alumni Relations, Adekunle Adams, the lecture will be delivered by the former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic and Executive Secretary of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Board, Engr. Olawumi Gasper at the College Yusuf Grillo Auditorium at 10.00 a.m.

The College during the lecture will be honouring three eminent alumni who are Professor Sir Victor Uwaifo, Engr. John Ediale and His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Usman Shehu Shagari.

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 9, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Biafra, Buhari and the Irish Easter Day Rising (1) Femi Fani-Kayode “The power of a bold idea uttered publicly in defiance of dominant opinion cannot be easily measured. Those special people who speak out in such a way as to shake up not only the self-assurance of their enemies, but the complacency of their friends, are precious catalysts for change” –– Howard Zinn.

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his is one of the most profound assertions that I have ever heard. We must all learn from it regardless of the challenges that we may be facing in our country today.

In a special message to the Congress on the Internal Security of the United States on August 8, 1950, President Harry S. Truman said, “Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.”

Permit me to begin this essay with an aside.

I do not intend to incite anyone against the government or the Nigerian state by making this contribution and neither do I believe in an armed struggle. If there was ever an elephant in the Nigerian room then it is Biafra. Given that let us explore it together in this two part discourse and let us bare our minds.

The Buhari administration cannot tolerate or brook any form of dissent and neither are they comfortable with criticism or free speech. They are desperately trying to establish a culture of silence in our country. They are particularly uncomfortable with the subject matter of this essay. Their double standards are made all the more manifest by the fact that they have acknowledged and recognized the right of self-determination for the people of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in their quest for independence from the Kingdom of Morocco whilst at the same time they have denied those that believe in the establishment of Biafra and the exercise of that very same right of selfdetermination here in Nigeria.

As if that were not bad enough, they went even further by describing Biafra as a matter that is “dead and buried” which must not be discussed under ANY circumstances. The Buhari administration appears to have forgotten the fact that charity begins at home. You cannot give those from outside your shores what you are not prepared to offer your own people. If the quest for independence is good enough for the people of Sahrawi Arab Republic, then surely it is good enough for the people of Biafra or any other ethnic nationality in Nigeria if that is what they really want.

The suggestion that we should not even mention let alone discuss the idea of Biafra is simply absurd. Those that subscribe to that view often argue that three million people were killed in order to ensure that Nigeria was kept together and consequently there can be no going back. This is a specious, self-serving and intellectually lazy argument. And this is especially so given the fact that those that have put it overlook the fact that the root causes of the civil war appear to be back with us today.

If you don’t cure the ailment and get rid of its root cause then you cannot complain about the consequences of its continued existence or its symptoms. If you don’t clean up the mess you cannot complain about its stench. Air freshener alone cannot do it: forgive my crudity but if you don’t flush the toilet after using it a terrible smell is bound to linger. The matter is simple and clear: as long as the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria feel marginalized, persecuted, cheated, vilified and wronged the spirit of Biafra will continue to flourish.

As long as Igbos are targeted and slaughtered like flies at the drop of the hat in the northern part of our country, or indeed in any other part, Biafra will continue to thrive and

Saraki burn in the hearts of every Igbo man, woman and child. Whether we like it or not that is a reality and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Quite apart from that, I deeply resent the fact that our government has got the nerve and has cultivated the temerity to venture to tell us what we should and what we should not mention or discuss. Surely even the madness of tyranny has its limits.

Those that are at the helm of affairs in our country today may have the power to kill, torture, detain indefinitely or jail those that do not share their views but they do not have the power to kill an idea. And an idea whose time has come cannot be wished away or stopped by any force from hell or on earth.

In this essay, we shall defy the government, ignore the critics, shed the fear and share some inconvenient truths.

100 years ago, on what is known as the Easter Rising Day, the Republic of Ireland began their struggle for independence from Great Britain when a handful of brave men went to the center of Dublin, raised the new Irish flag and openly declared the establishment of the Irish Republic. The rebellion was crushed but it signaled the beginning of a prolonged armed struggle. During the course of that struggle, thousands of Irish men, women and children were killed by the British occupation forces over the years but eventually the Republic of Ireland won their freedom and became an independent sovereign state.

A few days ago on Easter day, the Irish Government and people celebrated the 100th anniversary of Easter Rising Day with great pride, joy, pomp and style. The celebrations were attended by delegations from the Basque separatist movement and officials of the Catalan regional government of Spain.

Both of these courageous political movements have been attempting to exercise their right of self-determination, break off from Spain and establish their own independent nations for many years and as each year passes they are getting closer to achieving their objective.

Those that believe in the right of selfdetermination of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and particularly those that are fighting for the creation of the sovereign state of Biafra have so much to learn from the history and struggles of the people of Ireland. The Irish

suffered immeasurably under British occupation for hundreds of years and literally millions of them were enslaved and killed over that period of time. Yet, in the end, they managed to break the yoke and secure their liberation and triumph over the cruel subjugation and tyranny of British rule.

It is my belief that by God’s grace those that are being oppressed, butchered and murdered by the Nigerian state today in an attempt to forcefully keep our country one and those that wish to break off to form their own country on the basis of the principle of self-determination shall also

The suggestion that we should not even mention let alone discuss the idea of Biafra is simply absurd.

Those that subscribe to that view often argue that three million people were killed in order to ensure that Nigeria was kept together and consequently there can be no going back.This is a specious, self-serving and intellectually lazy argument.

And this is especially so given the fact that those that have put it overlook the fact that the root causes of the civil war appear to be back with us today

eventually prevail. This is particularly so for the Igbo people of the south-eastern region of our country who have suffered more than any other ethnic group in Nigeria. Permit me to remind those that doubt this assertion that it was the Igbo that were slaughtered in their hundreds of thousands in the core north during the pogroms of 1966.

Igbo men, women and children were butchered on sight all over the north simply because they were Igbo and for no other reason. Even pregnant women were not spared. This led directly to our civil war in which no less than three million Igbos were killed including one million Igbo children who were starved to death. After the war, they were deprived of all their properties outside Igbo land except for in Lagos and the south west where they were treated with some level of decency and allowed to have their properties back.

Everywhere else in the country they could not reclaim the properties that they owned before the war and such properties were declared “abandoned property”, confiscated by the various regional and state governments and handed over to the local indigenous people. As if that were not bad enough, after the civil war every Igbo man and woman, no matter how much they had in the bank before the war, was given only twenty pounds from their respective banks to begin a new life. Millions of pounds and many fortunes were lost in this way and the truth is that the Igbo suffered immeasurably as a consequence of this unjust policy. It is a testimony to their resilience and nothing else that they were able to get back on their feet and within a period of ten years after the civil war an Igbo man was elected Vice President of our country. They also thrived in the private sector due to their diligence and hard work.

Yet in spite of that the systemic persecution and marginalisation of the Igbo people did not stop within the Federal Government, the public sector, the civil service, the security and intelligence agencies and the Armed Forces. They were prevented from reaching the top in virtually all these sectors right up until Olusegun Obasanjo was elected in 1999. It was Obasanjo that began the effective post-war rehabilitation of the Igbo in the public sector when he started to appoint them into sensitive and strategic positions within his government and within the security agencies and Armed Forces.

A good example of that is Lt-General Chidabikia Isaac Obiokor who was the first Igbo man to he appointed as GOC in the Nigerian Army since the civil war. Another is Mr. Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo who was the first Igbo man to be appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police since the civil war and who was later appointed Inspector General of Police two years after Obasanjo left office. Then came the Ojo Maduekwes, the Andy Ubas, the Ngozie Okonjo-Iwealas, the Charles Soludos, the Obi Ezekwesiles, the Emeka Chikelus, the Frank Nwekes, the George Obiozors and so many other bright and promising stars from the east who all wielded far more influence and power than their political offices had to offer in President Obasanjo’s government and who were all his protégées and appointees.

Without Obasanjo’s premeditated and conscious policy of wanting to rehabilitate the Igbo and bring them back into the main stream none of these people would have achieved the great success that they have achieved today and none would have been brought into the national limelight.

Yet despite Obasanjo’s efforts the truth is that, between 1970 when the war ended right up until today, whenever there are attacks against people in the northern part of Nigeria the Igbo are singled out for more slaughter, more ethnic cleansing and more mass murder than anyone else.

TO BE CONTINUED

46

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 9, 2016

TRIBUTE I Knew Rufa’i Ibrahim a patriot, committed to the highest ideals of nation-building. It was in this regard that he earned a law degree at the University of Jos and was called to the bar after from graduating from the Nigerian Law School. Thus, Rufa’i was both a political scientist and a barrister.

Mvendaga Jibo

I

t is with a heavy heart that I write a tribute to Mallam Rufa’i Ibrahim, my good friend of forty five years. He passed away on 2nd April 2016 at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, at the age of 66. Incidentally, 2nd April was his birthday.

I first met Rufa’i in 1971 at the University of Ibadan, where both of us were admitted to read a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Rufa’i and I were to the best of my recollection, the only students from the North in that class. Naturally, we gravitated to each other and rapidly became very close friends.

We had a lot to talk about – course contents, lecturers’ delivery styles; the “southern way of life”, and of course, governance issues in Nigeria and beyond.

We both enjoyed our political science lectures because we came well prepared for these. Rufa’i did his sixth form (HSC) course at Boys Secondary School, Gindiri. While I did mine at St. Louis College, Jos. In Ibadan, we were taught by the leading Nigerian Political Scientists – Prof. B. J. Dudley, Prof. E. U. Essien Udom, Prof. A. B. Akinyemi, the late Prof.

Omo Omoruyi and expatriates such as Prof.

Henry Biennen, Dr. D. G. Morrison, Dr. Victor Minnikin, and Martin Fitton etc. We both took sociology and history elective courses and were greatly stimulated by the likes of Prof.

Obaro Ikime, Prof. R. A. Adeleye, Prof. O. F. Okediji, the late Prof. Omafume Onoge, Joseph Scott, etc. At graduation in 1974 both of us were awarded Second Class Upper Honours Degrees in Political Science.

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) As fate had it, Rufa’i and I did our National Youth Service in the defunct Cross River State.

Rufa’i taught in a Secondary School at Oti Oron, while I was re-redeployed from Kaduna State from the New Nigerian Newspapers to the Calabar Campus of the University of Nigeria (as the present University of Calabar was then styled). Rufai often crossed over to Calabar to share my accommodation in the University guest house where other corpers serving at the university and I were quartered.

So, we spent many weekends together in Calabar and enjoyed ourselves. The late Col. C. I. Ode who was the acting Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, at the time, was very kind to us and made our assignment very interesting because we had access to his staff car and the officers’ mess where we ate pepper soup! So, our friendship blossomed. One day, Rufa’i and I went to Uyo and he told me of one Tanko Al-Makura from Lafia who was a student at the ATC Uyo; we went into the hostel to greet him. He is the present governor of Nasarawa state.

After we successfully completed our service and received our discharged certificates at the passing out parade, we set out for Jos where we both lived. Rufa’i had a car then and together we set out for the long journey to Jos. We passed the night at Ogoja and it was there that we woke up to the martial music which heralded the coup that overthrew the administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon. We drove to Jos discussing the implications of the coup for Nigeria and other issues of interest as they randomly arose in our minds!

Service at the New Nigerian Newspaper Ltd. Both Rufa’i and I were employed by the New Nigerian Newspapers Ltd. At the time Mallam Mamman Daura was the Managing Director (MD) and the Late Turi Mohammed was the editor of the paper. It was here that Rufa’i’s loyalty to a friend was most glaringly demonstrated. After a short stint, I won a Commonwealth Scholarship to Britain where I did Postgraduate study. When I came back, Rufa’i warmly welcomed me and the management appointed me political editor of the New Nigerian. Within a short time of my return to the New Nigerian, I faced one of the greatest challenges of my life. Malam Turi had succeeded Mamman Daura as the

Ibrahim Managing Director of the company and the late Aminu Abdullahi was the editor. These two gentlemen operated the paper in an opaque way and this was unacceptable to my spirit. For example, they flatly refused to give me a column even though I was the papers political editor! The leading world dailies gave columns to their editors; such as diplomatic editors, political editors, sports editors etc. Turi could not be persuaded to let me freely express my views in the paper and when I protested to the Board of the company, I was suspended from work, evicted from hotel accommodations and was eventually given the option to resign or be terminated. I resigned as political editor of the New Nigerian within less than six months of the appointment. Rufa’i was appalled that I was compelled to resign merely because I had disagreements with the management over policy and was accused of making it public. The New Nigerian management felt embarrassed, thus. To cut a long story short, Rufa’i appealed to the management to reinstate me or he would resign. I was not reinstated and Rufa’i duly resigned his appointment with the New Nigerian. He felt that injustice was done to me and his sense of justice was wronged! He sacrificed his job to drive home his abhorrence of injustice. What more could one expect by way of support from a friend? Rufa’i gave his all to a good causes. He and I wanted the New Nigerian to be more open and less regional in outlook! In this, we were in agreement with the Murtala/ Obasanjo regime which eventually acquired the New Nigerian and the Daily Times to make these papers serve the nation in a more even handed way.

At the Daily Times Once we left the New Nigerian, the management of the Daily Times gladly employed us and we joined the paper after Haroun Adamu had left. In the Daily Times we freely wrote columns which were often published. My column, “The Political Notes of Mvendaga Jibo” appeared in the Sunday Times quite regularly and even though he had no column, Rufa’i wrote thought provoking pieces which were often published. In 1977, we briefly “parted ways”. I was elected a member of the Constituent Assembly (CA) whilst Rufa’i was headhunted to help set up The Triumph publications by the Abubakar Rimi administration as editor. This paper was well edited and it built a solid reputation very rapidly. Thus while I joined partisan politics after the CA, Rufa’i remained a journalist much longer. During his career, he got picked up by the Gen. Muhammadu Buhari regime in 1984 for expressing views which angered the administration! Rufa’i calmly faced this challenge which did not change his perspective on events, or dismay him! He remained

Love of Man and God Rufa’i Ibrahim was a very devout Muslim who said his prayers and strived to live by the teachings of the Koran. This led him to show kindness and compassion to fellow man. In his house, for example, his amiable wife Aisha joined her husband to receive all their visitors who were all fed, except if they chose not to eat. The meals were served from large bowls from which Rufa’i and his wife also dished their portions.

Even though he was not a rich person, Rufa’i could help genuine requests for financial assistance! It is his fear of God, and his mildmannered approach to life, that has endeared Rufa’i to all manners of people. There was no lonely minute in his home. Rufa’i loved all and made them welcome.

He enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge with all who were prepared to engage him. He did not discriminate on the bases of ethnicity or religion. Some of his closest friends happened to be Tiv Christians – Yima Sen, Iyorchia Ayu, Mvendaga Jibo etc. Those, under whom he served like Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Nasarawa State, found that he was a hardworking, loyal and committed worker.

As the founder Chief Executive Officer of the Nasarawa State Publishing Company, he could work long hours with no signs of fatigue. This is why his health challenge was unexpected.

He looked so good for a sixty-six year old!

Health Challenge Rufa’i confronted his health challenge with remarkable courage. He went to hospitals in Nigeria and Germany hoping for a cure which, regrettably, did not happen. He was always composed even under severe stress. He did not complain, and his faith in the Almighty was unshaken. About a week to his death, Dooshima and I visited him on our way to London. Even though he was very weak, Rufa’i came down to bid us farewell and even joked with us. He requested us to greet the Queen for him. We had stayed the night with him prior to departure.

When we flew back into the country, we went straight back to see how he was faring.

At this stage, he had become a lot weaker and it became a matter of what God could decide!

Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, his neighbour, suggested that he be moved to hospital,

Finally, Rufa’i, though a devout Muslim, his friends cut across religious divides. He did not carry his religion on his shoulders, yet he was a devout Muslim. This explains his essence; Rufa’i believed in God and he tried, as much as is humanly possible, to do God’s will. This explains his generosity, his selflessness and his compassion for mankind

and we drove to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital where he was admitted. When we took leave of Rufa’i and Aisha, I told them that they were people of faith and so they should continue to trust in God’s healing power. Even though he was clearly very ill, it never dawned on me that would be my last meeting with Rufai. Even here, he was his usual self, in spite of his discomfort, he remembered Iyorchia Ayu’s son’s wedding which I was to attend and he said I should enjoy the wedding! It was a difficult parting, hoping for the best, but also aware that the worst could happen.

Death of Rufa’i On our way to Makurdi, a call came from Sarkin Karshi that our dear friend Rufa’i had passed on! We gave thanks to God! Sarki Karshi called again to inform us that prayer for Rufa’i would be at the Emir’s palace in Lafia on the 3rd April, 2016 at 9:00 am. We left Makurdi early and I witnessed the internment of a dear friend whose memory we dearly cherish.

The essence of Rufa’i In the end, Rufa’i is mourned by the large crowd which attended the prayer session in the Emir’s Palace, and countless others elsewhere, because he was a caring person.

He had compassion for people in challenging situations. At the University of Ibadan, the social science courses were taught by scholars who cared about “the masses”. We left Ibadan with the masses on our mind, deep into our psyche and thus Rufa’i joined causes which he believed would enhance the welfare of the broad masses. This explains his preference for political relationships with the likes of the late M. D. Yusuf, Bala Usman, Abubakar Rimi/Balarabe Musa in the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). He was an activist. While many Nigerians were detained by the Buhari/ Idiagbon regime in 1984 for stealing, Rufa’i was detained for his critical perspectives on the regime. He never joined a cause for personal gain. He was selfless!

Finally, Rufa’i, though a devout Muslim, his friends cut across religious divides. He did not carry his religion on his shoulders, yet he was a devout Muslim. This explains his essence; Rufa’i believed in God and he tried, as much as is humanly possible, to do God’s will. This explains his generosity, his selflessness and his compassion for mankind.

We deeply feel the loss of a good friend who was more than many brothers combined. Every important event in my life – be it a book launch, or declaration for a guber quest, was attended by Rufa’i Ibrahim with a suitable delegation. At my last book launch in Makurdi on 9th September 2014, Rufa’i was the chairman of the event.

Every Christmas, he and his dear wife were our guests in Makurdi, and Dooshima and I spent every Sallah in Rufa’i’s home in Lafia. At these occasions our wives “teased us” and the atmosphere was really pleasant and memorable. Throughout the years of our friendship, we were not estranged for a minute! When we called each other on the phone, we started the conversation by saying “what can we begin to argue for instance?” This was how the Late Prof. B. J. Dudley used to introduce his lectures and it became our call tune! Aisha and Dooshima teased us that our discussions were all too familiar to them and they could see that we talked “in circularity” another of Prof. B. J. Dudley’s catch phrases!

Rufa’i, Dooshima and I miss you! People of goodwill miss you! We cherish your memory and many of your ideals will continue to inspire us as long as we live.

To Aisha and Adawo, his only son, we say, take heart! Rufa’i’s goodwill and God’s mercy are sufficient! May God give us the fortitude to bear this colossal loss!

––Jibo, PhD is a professor of Political Science at Benue State University, Makurdi

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

Another Toast to Tinubu at 64

S Sam Kargbo

ome ten years ago, in January 2006, I wrote, in one of my newspaper columns,‘A Season’s Toast to ‘that average-sized man with the heart of a lion and the deeds of Samson called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who (was) playing the yeoman’s job of selling modernity to good old Lagos and setting it firmly on the path of global glory and esteem.

Up to 1999, Lagos was considered an ‘undevelopable’ city, its chaotic population and obscure growth pattern scaring even addicted optimists. The world’s record books depicted Lagos as a dirty, unplanned and bizarre city progressing into being one of the most populated cities of the 21st century. However, by the middle of Bola Tinubu’s second term as Governor of the state, Lagos was wearing a distinctive modern look and bringing home ‘the edifying fact that someone somewhere is working earnestly to make Lagos have a feel of modernity. It became unmistakable that someone is almost defying the laws of nature by bringing sanity and decorum to good old Lagos.’

That toast was concluded thus: From what Tinubu is doing with Lagos, it is certain that he is a good manager, user, protector and projector of power. He exemplifies the generation of politicians that realizes that Nigeria has a lot of catching up to do. He is himself a political dividend impacting the polity with a dynamic and revolutionary vision. Tinubu (I am told) believes in and works with experts who are themselves anxious to secure a space in tomorrow’s politics. I am also told that he empowers these young women and men adequately and that it is the combined output of his team that is making the wonders in Lagos. If the Tinubu metaphor survives 2007 and stays around with us for a handful of years, Lagos and indeed hardworking Lagosians would board the global train of sustained development and growth. It is because of this that I wish Tinubu and his team of technocrats a prosperous and revitalized 2006.

Publishing that eulogy at that time took more than courage and bravery. The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had

Tinubu overrun the other states in the Southwest and diminished the hope of ascendancy of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the region, was breathing over Lagos. To many, it was only a matter of time for Lagos to fall and surrender to the federal might. To worsen matters for Tinubu, he was executing policies that jolted the elite and the middle class in the state. He was embarking on an aggressive internal revenue generation drive involving multiple forms of taxation. Many of my friends believed that that article was too brazen and against the grain and groundswell of emotions and opinions at the time and would hurt me one way or the other.

However, I foresaw in Tinubu a functional hero with a better tomorrow. To me, anybody that lived or had visited Lagos before Tinubu’s tenure would realize that the progressive modernization of Lagos was‘a result of hard and well-reasoned work. It (was) an indication that all is not lost and that very soon the privileged young men adorning the political

cloaks of the nation would realize that the destiny of the most populous black nation in the world is in their hands and, therefore, must brace up to face history with pride and dignity.’

You cannot, therefore, imagine how proud and gratified I am today. Ten years after that toast, Tinubu stands out as one of the greatest politicians and leaders of his generation.

Many have gone to the extent of declaring him the greatest living politician in Nigeria.

I am tempted to agree with them. Tinubu is phenomenal. Through deliberate and well thought out policies and sustained hard work, he was able to put Lagos State on the path of sustainable development and growth. His choice of lieutenants and aides defines him as developmental-minded and merit-driven. He works with men and women of quality capable of adding value to his political profile. Unlike his contemporaries who worked with servants and surrounded themselves with praise singers, Tinubu has always been a leader of winning teams. Because of his ability to turn around the lives of young men and women, he can be likened to a lion who leads 1000 sheep to defeat 1000 lions led by a sheep.

The galaxy of stars who got their groove from Tinubu is unending.

It is true that the Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua became President of Nigeria between 29th May 2007 and 5th May 2010, when he died in office. It is also true that the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha’s then Deputy Governor, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan succeeded Yar’Adua and was president for six years. But have those singular cases diminished who Tinubu is among his contemporaries and Nigerians as a whole? Who among his contemporaries and living politicians has empowered as many Nigerians as he has done?

Not wishing to talk about the dead, I pray that Jonathan will soon publish the list of Nigerians that he made and how he has made them. For Tinubu, his list of beneficiaries is verifiable. From entertainment to the media, from the hospitality business to real estate, from retail business to oil and gas, from socialites to professionals, from the streets to the entire corporate Nigeria, from culture to politics, from Nigeria to the larger world, the name Tinubu looms large. There is hardly any president or

head of state in Africa who is not happy having Tinubu’s direct contact. Diplomats boast of having Tinubu’s telephone numbers or being one-on-one with him. If Tinubu is involved in any case today, the best of lawyers in the country will fight over themselves to represent him, even for free. The reason is not that he is the richest man out there, but because he is proactive and strategic. He invests in institutions as much as he invests in humans. He builds goodwill by the hour and waits for tomorrow to call on it.

What also stands him out, and for which I admire him the more, is the fact that his catalogue of beneficiaries does not only include all classes of people but also cuts across all tribes and regions of Nigeria. When the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, attributed his emergence as Secretary of the Government of the Federation to Tinubu, many skeptics believe he was merely playing politics. For those who know Tinubu, there is no reason to doubt a thankful Lawal.

Tinubu is deliberate and painstaking in the aggregation of his political clout. He understands the ability of business to cement relationships. He does not restrict his business ventures to his relations and cronies. He transacts his business along strict business and corporate lines. Because of his ability to spot and hone talents, he benefits from the aggregate of outstanding talents around him.

He is a professional’s delight. With his pool of extraordinary talents and professionals, Tinubu is easily able to transverse the corporate and political climes with equal zest and dexterity.

If Tinubu were to be an institution, he would have been an investment and development bank. He buys and invests in ideas. Most of his contemporaries have frittered their wealth and opportunities because of lack of inventiveness and unwillingness to invest in people outside their thin and unprofessional families. To my mind, any person who has held such a high office as that of Governor and still needs money to make money is a failure. Tinubu is making money by the day not so much with money as it is with his image and extensive influence.

Not long after the book launch, I found myself in Enugu on a Sunday. Though lodged in a hotel in New Haven, I made efforts to worship at the church in the Federal Housing Estate in Nike where Ike was the pastor or parish priest. As expected, it was a rewarding liturgical experience. But more important was the lunch in his residence, even though he did not know I was coming. I did not see any domestic aides, suggesting that he may have prepared the meal himself and was perhaps carrying out the domestic chores personally in this fairly expansive house. Though he does not eat food with salt, he quickly prepared my own meal with salt and served me diligently.

I savoured it all! How many times does one get a person older in age in Africa and highly accomplished by any standard in the world to serve one?

Ike is not just a parish priest. He was then the vicar general, that is, the second in command in the whole of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. He is also the leader of the highly influential Catholic Institute for Development, Justice, Peace and CARITAS (CIDJAP), a role which casts him in the mould of a liberation theologian in his own right. A liberation priest is in this context a person who is in practical terms fighting social and economic injustices against mostly the marginalized in society in the firm belief that the struggle is consistent with the spirit and letter of the gospels. In other words, if Christ were to appear now in a typical third world setting marked by poverty, hunger, malnutrition, corruption, abuse of power and oppression of the poor, would he stay aloof or be on the side of the establishment or lead the struggle for a more humane system?

As Ike and I were eating and chatting over some philosophical issues, especially the influence of the preeminent German

philosopher Nietzsche on American higher education, I quickly remembered an account Fr Raymond Arazu, another exceptionally brilliant theologian and philosopher, gave on his 56th birthday in November 1995 which also marked the 29th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

It was a moving testimony about what is now popularly called servant leadership involving the late bishop of Enugu Diocese, Reverend Michael Eneja. Eneja was already by April 1966 the parish priest of Fegge in Onitsha where Arazu, a deacon about to be ordained a priest, was staying; Eneja had some priests and domestic servants under him. Yet, on the eve of Arazu’s ordination, he personally carried a bucket of water on his head in the dead of the night from the ground floor to the would-be priest in his room which was on the third floor. In a very low tone so that he would not attract the attention of others or disturb the peace of those already asleep, the parish priest explained that he did so because the tap might not run in the morning when Arazu would be preparing for his ordination! “I stood speechless”, Arazu was to write 29 years later. “In God’s presence, that was ‘priesthood’ presented to me in concrete terms, as a model, the night before my ordination. I usually do not see visions. My lessons are in real life situations. I wish I could become something like that!”

Msgr Ike is in the category of servant leaders like the late Bishop Eneja whose canonization is just a matter of time. He is an authentic minister of the gospel in the order of Melchezedec, a polyvalent scholar par excellence, an enthusiastic campaigner for a better Nigerian society, a dedicated worker for the poor and the oppressed, a priest with stupendous energy and a wonderful social mobiliser. On his 60th birthday on April 7, I say to a great friend “ad multus annos”.

–– Adinuba is head of Discovery Public Affairs Consulting in Lagos.

Monsignor Obiora Ike at 60

I

C. Don Adinuba

n the 1980s most television watchers in old Anambra State were struck by the engaging perspectives of Father (as he was then called) Obiora Ike on the two philosophical programmes of the two television channels in Enugu then, the Nigerian Television Authority Channel 8 and the Anambra Broadcasting Service Television (ABS TV). Fr Obiora was the newest guest on the programmes, but his contributions were particularly arresting. It was self evident he was a prodigious intellect; he was at home with theology as he was with philosophy and languages. In no time, he became a professor at 37 years and was elevated to the status of Papal Chamberlain.

He speaks nine languages fluently, including Hausa, Arabic, Latin, Greek, Latin and German as well as French. He is a member of the European Academy of Science and Arts as well as New York Academy of Science and Arts. He has published some 117 articles in learned journals in five languages. In addition, he has certificates in journalism and economics from British universities, apart from two doctorial, three masters and two bachelor’s degrees obtained from institutions in Italy, Germany and Austria.

In 2002 or 2003, I attended a mass at Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu to mark the 80th birthday of Anthony Aniagolu, a highly respected retired Supreme Court justice, where Ike delivered the homily. It was an exercise in biblical exegesis which Kayode Eso, an outstanding jurist and non-Catholic, described as most penetrating. Monsignor Ike delivered it in such a way that even congregation members who could not be regarded as intellectuals understood it very well and joined the endless interruptions of the homily with

applause. A middle aged women sitting by my side could not suppress her emotions as she kept on screaming “nwa Ezeagu!”, that is, “a worthy ambassador of the Ezeagu community” in Enugu State. Though the homily was fairly long, no one wanted it to end. When it did end, the audience started to demand “Continue!

Continue! Encore!” they momentarily forgot they were at a Catholic mass known for solemnity.

I immediately saw a dramatization of the point Bishop Hilary Okeke of Nnewi Diocese, himself a brilliant academic, made in his first pastoral letter in 2002 when he stated that he would continue to play the role of a teacher in his new role as bishop because every priest is by definition a teacher. Christ admonished his apostles to go the world and teach the gospel (Matthew 28:16). Admonition and teaching are two essential parts of the apostles’ ministry (cf: Colossians 1:28).

For some reason, throughout these years my path and Msgr Ike’s did not cross till about five years ago at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos when the senior priest came for the public presentation of a series of multidisciplinary books by Peter Alex Egom, better known in the Nigerian media as Ashikiwe Adione-Egom, the motor park economist, a sobriquet he adopted in his eccentric days. It was no surprise that Egom and Monsignor Ike had struck up a relationship so deep that the erstwhile eccentric economist had become a director of the Umuchinemerem Ltd, the flourishing microfinance bank in Enugu founded by the Catholic multitalented priest.

They were intellectual and spiritual soul mates.

Egom, who once toyed with Pentecostalism and even became a pastor, had returned fully to the Catholic Church and attended the mass everyday for years before he died of prostate cancer in Lagos in March, 2013. He was an alumnus of Cambridge University.

TRIBUTE

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 9, 2016

TRIBUTE

OGD @ 60: Living in the Future Steve Oliyide

C

ertain events that take place in and around us either contract or shrink the vision of short-sighted men or expands that of visionary men. Two of such events have greatly influenced the film industry and of course altered the world’s perception. Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s 1975-1977 British TV serial, “Space 1999” was triggered/inspired by the latest discovery in science in Space exploration and man’s anxiety of the existence of the possibility of other life forms in other planet, and more also by the Space race between Russia and the United States of America. and following in quick succession were various serials along similar story lines; Star Trek, etc. The discovery of a ‘savage’ boy of Aveyron in one remote village of Southern France around the 1800 also gave birth to the concept of a child living in the wild, and either born to a wild animal or born and abandoned by reckless human beings but who was eventually raised by animals; “Big Foot and the Wild boy”; “Tarzan and the Jungle Boy” etc.

What then looks like speculative reality of some events, were taking to some new heights of fiction by ‘vissioners’ and creative thinkers by creating a refreshing outlook which incidentally inspires, again, a new thinking and a reality. For instance, the science fiction films opened up new vistas in the study of science and researches, if it were possible in films we should be able to draw up new realities from them, there are now frenzied studies and inventions in holograms; Time Machines; search for life forms in Mass and other planets.

Definitely, from film-inspired studies, men have been able to improve their own life quality, create more challenges and alternative means of survival. No doubt, these are complex thinking that requires highly creative intellectual strength which can only be invented by men who have the capacity to live in the Future, and are audacious enough to chase after their convictions without let. Such men can be very rare; but there are. And in a world where they are not too many, they are either dubbed mad, but most importantly, because the rest of the world find it usually difficult to keep pace with thestrength of their vision, they are called ‘controversial’.

What distinguishes great men from others is their power of imagination.

They have the capacity to think beyond the immediate, see clearly into what we can modestly call the ‘future’, and have the courage to chase after that future, as if they have lived there for some time.

Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo dared the norm in his own time and lived for the education of his people; because he had the power to live in the future. Martin Luther lived in a Protestant future and altered the world from the way he met it, so was Martin Luther King (Jr.) who lived in the future of a race less America. All great scientific inventions from electricIty to the rail system, to the digital and cyber platforms were by men only who had and still have the capacity to live and dream in the future.

As most of his admirers rolled out the drums to celebrate the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s 60th birthday on April 6, it is more like celebrating one of such men who lives in the future of Ogun State; not in its present, neither in its past. For those who have worked closely with the Engineer/businessman-turned politician, OGD (as he is fondly called) does not seem to have the capacity to stay in the past, not even the present for much longer.

Otunba Daniel will be better celebrated as a man who lives in Ogun State of 2025 and 2050 and beyond; to him, development can only be qualified and quantified in human values; he believes that it is only the human element that can take civilisation and development beyond the present into another generation. He lives in a future that separates human survival from artefacts of development; the foundation of a real economic development can be solid only when erected on the economic freedom of the citizens, hence, human beings should be the focus of every government policies.

To him, Development comprises of everything human, both mental and physical growth. when a child grows bodily, that is physical development, but if such growth is not attended, or accompanied by mental growth, then such a child we say is retarded, then there cannot be real development in the absence of quality livelihood of the citizens. This is the Future where the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel lives.

Otunba Daniel lives in a Future of Ogun State that refused to yield to the global economic recession of 2008, and rather than be dettered by the challenges of that proved himself a visionary leader driven by a force to reinvent survival for his people; promising “Never Again” should Ogun State be hit by any global economic epidemic.

His answer to that was simply to invent an economic wheel to be driven by large scale investments in Economic Drivers like three Free Trade Zones; (Olokola, which would have housed the OKLNG, OK-Deep Sea Port, and attached to same is the Petro-Chemical Institute

Madam Anthonia Afolabi Passes on at 66 The death has been announced Of Mrs. Anthonia Oluyemisi Afolabi, a retired staff of Nigerian Railway Corporation. Mrs. Afolabi, 66, died on Saturday, March 26,m2016 after a brief illness. She was survived by Adedayo Fawehinmi, Olayinka Afolabi and Oluwaseyi Adedamola. funeral arrangement is as follows: Wake Keep will take place on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos between 5pm – 6pm.

Lying-In-State will be on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 14, Eleruwa Street, WEMABOD Estate, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos State between 7.am – 8.am. Funeral Mass will hold on Friday, April 15, 2016 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church at 10.00am; followed

by Interment at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos.

Afolabi

Daniel at Ooni; Kajola which was envisioned as the biggest repair yard and the railway terminus: and Ogun-Guangdong, a growing manufacturing and industrial concern); an Agro-cargo/all-purpose airport; a highly ambitious regional water scheme to connect all the major cities and towns of the State in a single pipe laying network, the type never envisaged and the longest pipe laying networks ever. That is the Future in which OGD lives.

Development in the Future Daniel lives is interpreted in warehousing investments of the state through the Gateway Holdings mortgage finance (Gateway Savings and Loans) for workers so they can live in houses of their own, it is defined as providing employment to teachers through the Voluntary Teachers Schemes, through the establishment of the first University of Education in Nigeria (Tai Solarin University of Education) and four other ICT Polytechnics, through initiatives that are meant to provide regular power supply to the people, through putting the people to work constantly and allow local talents grow as in the Ogun State Road Maintenance and Management Agency (OGROMA), OGEGEP, OGSEP, TRACE, Plantgate; Obviously, in Daniel’s Future, Development can only mean when his people are happy and not hungry, when they are healthy with quality maintenance of the hospitals and health care systems.

Daniel’s paradigm changing future is approaching governance like a serious minded business man looking for profit, and the profit he had in mind was the safety and security of the future of the state’s citizens. He was ready to put his money wherever can guarantee the happiness and prosperity of the people in the state, earning in the process the title ‘Asoludero’ (one who makes the town easy to live in). and truly, the people were really happy for it. He ran a government that was actually bought into by the people; perhaps the largest government ever where almost all the citizens claimed ownership.

Daniel’sparadigmchanging futureisapproaching governancelikeaserious mindedbusinessman lookingforprofit, andthe profithehadinmindwas thesafetyandsecurityof thefutureofthestate’s citizens.Hewasreadyto puthismoneywherevercan guaranteethehappiness andprosperityofthepeople inthestate,earninginthe processthetitleA ‘ soludero’ (onewhomakesthetown easytolivein).andtruly,the peoplewerereallyhappyfor it.Heranagovernmentthat wasactually boughtinto bythepeople;perhapsthe largestgovernmentever wherealmostallthecitizens claimedownership.

At 60, many people should be glad to live in the Utopia Future that Daniel envisioned for Ogun State and should also be glad to celebrate with the man who arrived their early.

––Steve Oliyide, steve.oliyide@ yahoo.com, a Communication Consultant lives in Ibadan, Oyo State.

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9, 2016

POLITY

Olam Breaks Record with N20bn Investment in Nigeria

O

lam International, a leading agri-business operating across the value chain in 70 countries, yesterday announced that it was investing US$150 million to set up two state-of-the-art animal feed mills, poultry breeding farms and a hatchery to produce day-old-chicks in Nigeria.

At a co-hosted ground breaking ceremony held in Kaduna State yesterday, Olam Group Nigeria and Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, welcomed the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh representing the President Muhammadu Buhari to the site.

This marks the commencement of works on the project site where Olam is setting up Nigeria’s largest integrated animal feed mill,

breeding farms and hatchery.

Srivathsan, commented: “This is the latest investment by Olam in Nigeria’s domestic food and agricultural production sector after our recent investments in wheat milling assets and the ongoing development of our 10,000-hectare rice farm and mill in Nasarawa State.

“This new venture into animal feed is a win-win for Olam and Nigeria. Domestically produced meat is being hampered by a lack of good quality feed, support for farmers and availability of young stock, but consumption is set to increase. By investing in poultry and fish feed, we can utilise the wheat bran from our wheat milling operations, as well as maximise our sourcing networks to buy corn and soy from local farmers. Our investment in the hatchery will help boost poultry production and, in the long run,

help reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

This development underlines the continued confidence we share in Nigeria’s ambition for self-sufficiency.”

According to the statement released by Ade Adefeko Head Corporate and Government Relations OLAM Nigeria, “at full capacity, both feed mills are expected to produce in excess of 600,000 tonnes per annum of high-quality poultry and fish feed, with the Kaduna facility supplying mainly to the Northern markets and the Kwara facility to the South-west region.”

The poultry breeding farm in Kaduna is expected to produce over one million hatching eggs every week for the hatchery.

The feed mills will procure most of their corn and soybean requirements locally, spurring growth of these domestic crops.

Olam will create over 100,000 metric tonnes of

in-house storage capacity, which will also help support food security.

Olam will therefore contribute to the development of the Nigerian poultry and aquaculture sectors by providing not only competitively priced feed and chicks, but also technical support to local poultry farmers. The increased productivity and returns is expected to stimulate rural self-employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

The company is developing community partnerships by working with the Kaduna State Government to develop a model for supplying eggs and chicken for its school meals programme at below-market prices.

It is also working with the neighbouring communities to create a Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) agenda covering education, health and sanitation.

Achigbu Charges S’East Governors on Integration

T

he dwindling federal allocation and the attendant cash crunch in the face of mounting social and economic needs call for concerted effort by the South East governors in order to promote economic integration.

An advisory board member of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council London and Group Managing Director of Chimons Limited, an oil and gas conglomerate. Engr. Chibuike Achigbu gave the charge while responding to questions on the way forward for the South East Nigeria beyond oil.

He bemoaned the lack of serious creative engagement to reposition the economy of the South East especially against the backdrop of obvious development gaps,

poor performance of private business and huge army of unemployed.

While commending the effort of one or two governors in the zone “that are taking positive and remarkable steps to change the fortunes of their states,” he warned that the absence of the basic infrastructure needed to support such initiatives might eventually work error to the realization of the objectives.

According to him, infrastructure update is key to turning the South East into investment destination and no single state government in the region has the financial capacity to put that in place.

With the abandonment of the dredging of the River Niger, the marginalization of the South East in the rail transportation master plan and the poor federal roads that link the states to the rest of the country, he said

no serious investor would feel comfortable doing business in the South East.

Achigbu believes that if the South East governors adopt an integrative approach towards dealing with the infrastructure challenges, each state would be in a position to leverage same in developing on their potentials and the economy of the states would be opened for the small scale entrepreneurs to operate.

At a time when other regions are working out economic integration models to pool resources to create friendly investment environments, he wondered what occupies the time of the South East Governor’s Forum when they meet.

“A recurring issue on their meeting agenda is security. What better way can the issue of insecurity be addressed without building an economic infrastructure that is

not only sustainable but creates opportunities for businesses to thrive and jobs created outside the civil service,” he argued.

He called for the mounting of a result driven South-East economic summit with strong emphasis on developing infrastructure supportive of investment based on integrative effort.

According to him, the South East states have the local investors capable of activating a pervasive investment programme that can turn around the fortunes of the people, if cultivated and given the right environment.

He expressed deep regret that oftentimes, governors of the South East engage in needless competition for political supremacy and visibility instead of pointing the way for an industrial revolution relying on the competitive edge and rare entrepreneurial spirit of their people.

L-R: Vice President/Group Head, Continuous Improvement & Service Management of FCMB, Mr. Moronfolu Fashiro; MD/CEO, GreenSwiift Investment Nig Limited, Mr. Tari Best; GMD/CEO of FCMB, Mr. Ladi Balogun; Regional Service Head, Branch Services Lagos, Mr. Moshood Adelotan; and Service Management, Mr. Folarin Lewu, at FCMB courtesy call on the Chief Executive of Green Swift Investment for his continuous loyalty to FCMB in Lagos...recently

L-R: Chief International Business Division, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Motor Co. Limited, Mr. Jerry Liu; Chairman, Toyota Nigeria Limited, Sir. Michael Ade-Ojo; Chairman, Choice International Group, (CIG), Mrs. Diana Chen and the former GMD/CEO, First Bank Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, during the unveiling of Gree Air-Condition and GAC Motor showroom, in Lagos...recently Photo: Kola Olasupo

L-R: Chairman, Damiloa Block Industry, Owo, Chief Kayode Agboola, receiving cheque and Lafarge evergreen award; CEO, Cement Lafarge Africa, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo and the company’s Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, at the 2015 Lafarge Customer Award, held in Lagos...recently Photo:Sunday Adigun

L-R: Guest Speaker, Dr. Doyin Salami; Managing Director/CEO, Vetbra Technology Limited, Mr. Kunle Akinniran; Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Mike Aigbe; and Registrar WAEC, Mr. Niyi Uwadia, at the unveiling of the new Identity of Vetbra Technologies formerly Fleet Technologies Ltd, held in Lagos...recently Photo:Sunday Adigun

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 9 , 2016

INTERVIEW

Nyesom Wike

Amaechi Lost in Ikwerre, their decision not to Release the Result is a Bone in their Neck The countdown to the rerun election in Rivers State drew much national attention and created fear and anxiety among the people of the state. With gladiators locking horns – a former governor of the state now Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Nyesom Wike were locked in a turf fight. For Amaechi, it was a fight for his political redemption and influence. For Wike, it was a battle for his political survival in office. With both sides determined to prove a point, and with the stakes so high, tension reached fever pitch. Governor Wike Speaks to THISDAY on the challenges he has faced, the quest by the All Progressives Congress to take control of Rivers ‘by all means’, the alleged complicity of INEC to skew the electoral process in the rerun election in favour of the APC, the violence and much more

I

NEC has just released some of the collated results that were initially suspended and your party, the PDP has prevailed, which shows that your initial fears about the whole process have not exactly turned out the way you imagined. Having prevailed, what is your reaction?

There is nothing that has changed. The results that INEC claimed that they have released are the results that were declared before now. So, nothing has changed.

In Port Harcourt, the two federal constituencies were declared; we had the declaration certificates given to us; the two Port Harcourt constituencies were also declared on the same day.

So nothing really has changed. The issue in contention which INEC is running away from because they want to protect a particular individual has to do with the Ikwerre local government state constituency and the federal constituency which has to do with the Ikwerre and Emohua local governments.

So INEC thinks they are being fast. They are not. These results have already been declared before now and we have the documents. If they are sincere, Degema has been declared.

They have made the declaration. And if that was the position, they didn’t cancel it the day it was declared and after more than one week, they are trying to say they will not release it.

That is funny.

Secondly, Akukutoru Constituency 1. It is unfortunate and this is why we say if your hands are clean, you come out and show your hands are clean. He who seeks equity must come with clean hands.

Now, first of all when the matter got to Court of Appeal, we never saw the judgment of the court of appeal. In fact, it was INEC that

said our candidate was disqualified and on what basis was the candidate disqualified?

Okay, if the candidate was disqualified, still PDP was put on the ballot as those running election. Now, PDP won with over 30,000 votes and then he was declared as the winner of that election and was given the declaration certificate.

But after one week, INEC now comes to say that the court of appeal disqualified him. He ought not to have won. What sort of statement is that? Are you the court?

So as far as I am concerned, that fear is still there. INEC has not done anything that anybody would applaud them. We have won all the elections. So, the issue of the fear no longer being there is incorrect. We do not trust IINEC and that is the truth of the matter.

So what are you going to do about the disqualified candidate?

Of course, we are going to challenge it. It is very obvious. We will not allow it. As I have always said, as an electoral umpire, show that impartiality. Don’t give sign that you are up to something.

Right from the beginning we have always told them, these are our fears and INEC has has not for once made any attempt to allay those fears and since they have not done that, it is clear what their intentions were. Just that by the grace of God and the will of the people, the people tried to resist INEC. INEC was in total collaboration with security agencies to rig the election. So we are going to challenge that.

We are not going to allow it.

For me I see INEC as trying to play a role to destabilise the state. INEC is not being truthful and INEC should come out. Results that were declared from unit to unit, down to ward.

Now you are saying you are looking into it.

Looking into what? You have cancelled eight local governments. You cannot cancel after elections have been declared. The law is clear.

So, all what INEC is trying to do now is to buy time and we will not accept it. And this is the crisis that I have always talked about. Who is interested in always causing crisis in Rivers State? Whose interests are they protecting? You say you want to conduct elections. You have conducted the elections. People have won.

Allow those who are grieved to go to court.

Not you any longer and not you playing the role of the court. So, we will not accept. So, nobody is jubilating that INEC said they had declared three federal constituencies and one state constituency.

What is your message to INEC concerning the eight local governments that were cancelled?

We are now hearing that INEC wants to release some of the results they cancelled in some of the eight local governments obviously to help the APC. Don’t forget the election was cancelled around 2p.m before the election process was even concluded on the 19th, the very day of the election. How can they have results for a process that was ongoing when it was cancelled by the same INEC? Where did the result surface from? Their claim now is that some of the results in the eight local governments they cancelled were already collated and I ask how was it possible when it was cancelled when voting was still going on by 2p.m for you to have results? This is fraud on the part of INEC. INEC is trying to help APC by manipulating the results. The APC lost badly in Rivers so they want to save Amaechi’s face.

As I said before, INEC has not show any sign that they are impartial. They have not

shown signs of that. Notwithstanding, we have complained to them and they have seen that our complaints are genuine. So why are they running away from the issue. Why? Even the so-called eight local governments they approved, I am still afraid of them. I foresee a situation where all they are doing now is to perfect a system where they will now want to rig us out. Just like I said before: that will also be highly resisted, so no one will say that there is crisis in Rivers State.

INEC should not be causing crisis in Rivers State. INEC should allow the people’s will to prevail. Look, these people came with the intention to capture the state by all means.

They wanted to rig the election. We merely resisted them. So they started shouting that we were inciting violence. That is the true situation.

I will not fold my arms and allow INEC to perfect that strategy they want to use and rig in those eight local government areas. Rivers State will still resist it. It does not matter to me that I am the governor. If I die for the cause of Rivers State, no big deal about that.

It is a sacrifice I can make for Rivers State as Rivers State cannot be cheated any longer.

Allow the people’s will to prevail; allow their mandate to stand. Don’t try to satisfy an individual whom you think might have contributed so much money to a political party.

And so the only way you can compensate him is not to embarrass him. The people will decide where their votes will be and so we will resist any manipulation with all it takes. Just allow the will of the people to prevail. It is not too much to ask of INEC. There has been a reports in the media, especially in the run-up to the general and re run elections that suggests Rivers State

51

APRIL 9 , 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERVIEW Tinubu has Passed Judgment on the State of the Nation; I Rest My Case is a state flowing with blood. Why is there violence and what is your take on that?

With all due respect, the media has not been fair to this state. The media ought to tell the world the truth. I think part of the crisis we have in this country, with all due respect, is partly contributed by the media. I have said that we must do what we call investigative journalism: go down and get the actual facts before over-blowing everything. Now how is it Rivers of blood? Where is the blood flowing?

Let us take for example: we heard what happened in Benue State, in Agatu where they said over 500 people died in one incident. Did anyone say Benue of blood? No. you heard recently the cult killings in Imo state. Did anyone say Imo of blood? You heard of the deaths in Lagos State: armed robbery, collapsed houses, one thing or the other virtually every week. Did anybody say Lagos of blood?

Recently, we heard of the Shiite incident and some people were kidnapped in Kaduna: a colonel was abducted and he was killed. Did anybody say anything? No. That is not justifying that somebody should die, no.

But the point is in a state of this nature, an oil-producing state, multinationals are here.

We cannot run away from the fact that some crimes are committed but that does not allow you to say Rivers of blood. The APC people are desperate to get Rivers, they want to control it resourses. So for that they came with a lot of determination back by security forces to rig the election. It is painful. I don’t know what the people who do this want to achieve.

I believe that in the nearest future people will see that these stories are politically sponsored by people whose interest it is for Rivers State to be in chaos.

The APC has always wanted to do anything legal or illegal to take Rivers State. They believe that the South-South states have some oil and so will want to use it. They believe the former governor of the state brought out alot of money. So for that reason, they feel it is one of the states they should control. I don’t think Rivers people are interested in that. What they need and have been clamouring for, is development; someone who is going to give them development.

So if the APC thinks they can manipulate all sorts of things so they can take Rivers State, I don’t think it will be possible. They tried it at the Tribunal, Appeal Court and right up to the Supreme Court. They lost. They came to the rerun poll with the hope of getting the 22 seats. God exposed them. They lost. The only alternative they now have is to cause crisis so that the Federal Government can declare a state of emergency. I can also tell you God will not allow them.

So you cannot push a people like that, things are now changing and people are becoming more aware. I believe that by the grace of God, Rivers State will continue to grow under PDP. Look at the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. It is so surprising that an old man at that level will be crying that he lost Rivers State. But it is obvious now because when the former governor was there, Oyegun had the privilege of staying at the Presidential Lodge. He cannot imagine that he would not enjoy that privilege again. But if he knows me well and knows the state well, we don’t care which party he belongs to. If he comes to Rivers State, we will still give him the place to stay.

Are you disputing categorically the issue of violence before and during the rerun election?

When you say violence, It will be unfair if I say there was no kind of skirmishes or struggle or violence but that is not to say violence has broken out in the entire state.

But we see why ordinarily there should be violence. Firstly, a party came with ruthless determination and venom and wanted to take over the state by hook or by crook.

So if you have that mindset and with the plan to impeach the governor, the people will say no and ask why do you want to impeach him? Therefore they will stand by the governor and resist you from rigging the election and in resisting you, it will then lead to violence.

Amaechi came with the security agencies.

Throughout my political career, I have never seen that level of invasion by security agencies of a state.

In fact, the day the former governor and minister of transportation came to Rivers State with loads of security. No president has had that level of security with him as he had. In fact at the level, it was as if President Obama was coming to Rivers State and so security was tightened for his safety. So the way he came was like ‘I’m coming for war;’ ‘I want to take over.’ And the people said no, you cannot take over. That was why when he was

Wike

In fact, the day the former governor and minister of transportation came to Rivers State with loads of security. No president has had that level of security with him as he had. In fact at the level, it was as if President Obama was coming to Rivers State and so security was tightened for his safety. So the way he came was like ‘I’m coming for war;” “I want to take over.”

And the people said no, you cannot take over. That was why when he was leaving, he sneaked out. Nobody knew when he was leaving.

Because of all the noise he had made and the security he came with he could not rig the election. The power of the people was too much for him and his security.

Power belongs to the people and they made sure their mandate was protected and respected leaving, he sneaked out. Nobody knew when he was leaving. Because of all the noise he had made and the security he came with he could not rig the election. The power of the people was too much for him and his security. Power belongs to the people and they made sure their mandate was protected and respected.

So the violence was not so much as people not wanting to stay in the state. It was violence that the people said you cannot rig the election.

We resisted him and I thank Rivers people for

that.

So you are saying that the call by some interest groups for a state of emergency in the state was uncalled-for.

Totally uncalled-for. As I said, it is a product of desperation that ‘I must take Rivers State by all means’. It is desperation of the highest order. The people clearly don’t want the APC from the partern of vote so far. Is it by force that the people must accept the party? I am sure if Akwa Ibom had had the number of seats that were annulled by the Court of Appeal, like we had, that kind of violence would have happened. It did not happen because they had only four seats. The governor told me that even for those four seats, the way they came was terrible. So, assuming it was more than four and it was such that whoever wins the seats would take control of the Assembly, you can imagine what would have happened.

So it was a different thing for Rivers State because Rivers had a situation where we lost 22 seats because of the judgment of the Court of Appeal. So, with 22 seats, if they won, they would produce the Speaker and they could now start the impeachment process. So, there was this ‘Let’s go and take it’. But the people said no.

So a person calling for a state of emergency is neither here nor there. Okay what state of emergency? All the multinationals are working here, the oil industries are working here, you go out in Rivers State there is traffic jam everywhere. So why are they calling for a state of emergency. If they had won, would they have called for a state of emergency? Would they not have started the impeachment process immediately?

You see each time they have one game plan or the other; when the plan does not work out for them, they resort to another plan. Now they are calling for a total cancellation. And I ask, you are calling for a total cancellation because you lost? In Opobo, you did not dispute that you did not win, why call for cancellation? So they are blowing hot and cold at the same time.

So the person calling for a state of emergency does not mean well for the state neither does he mean well for Nigeria.

If they want a state of emergency, why don’t they call for it in Benue State where Fulani herdsmen are killing people and in Kaduna state where a colonel was killed? They had a religious problem there when some Shiites tried to kill the Chief of Army Staff. Why didn’t they call for a state of emergency in these areas? Why Rivers State? Because they are desperate to take the state because of its resources.

What is so special about Rivers State that you must declare a state of emergency?

Obviously, you should know I am the target.

But I am not moved, whether I die today is immaterial. Rivers people have made up their minds that they will not go back to Egypt.

You have accused former Governor Amaechi (now Transportation minister) of boasting and dropping President Buhari’s name in trying to manipulate the rerun poll. Is there any evidence to this?

Very clear evidence. You see I have worked with Amaechi and I know him too well. He is somebody that can come to you and say the President said this while in actual fact the President did not say anything.

From my investigation, the President is a victim of this kind of thing. Amaechi had said he had been victimised, he had been robbed of victory. If you see a man who has been a victim of such a thing, such a man will not encourage such a thing.

Amaechi is a name-dropper. In fact, he says with the kind of money he put in the election of Mr. President, there is nothing he will need that they would not give to him. And I say what has the president not done for you; he has made you the minister of transportation; he has given you NIMASA; he has given you NDDC. What kind of money did you put in his election that you think if you ask him to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, he will grant it to you? He goes to the commissioner of police and says Mr. President wants you to do this. He will go to the Brigade Commander and tell him, Mr. President wants you to do this and that.

You know how our system works, the seemingly close relationship you think he has with Mr. President can influence some things.

But I do know that the president could not have approved this kind of atrocities that Amaechi has come to commit in this state.

Tell us 10 months of being in office, what have you been able to achieve so far?

To God is the glory. In fact, people ask: how did you remain focused, not distracted with the kind of projects you have embarked upon?

After the day we were sworn in on May 29, 2015, we all know we have been battling in Abuja from tribunal to Court of Appeal to Supreme Court. It just ended January 27 when the Supreme Court gave their verdict. So you can imagine when you are on seat from June you never rested. The tribunal was not here. The tribunal was in Abuja. So, we were virtually in Abuja every other day, every other week. When will you sit down to even talk about what you will do? But we thank God Almighty that we never lost focus.

First of all, when we came on board, the former government never paid civil servants salaries for three or four months. I paid all.

They never paid pensioners for six months; I paid all. Our students overseas, they never paid their scholarship which had amounted to about 3 to 4 billion naira. I have paid almost N2 billion and I have also paid so many debts that one cannot begin to recount.

But in terms of infrastructure, I did say, and I will continue to say, that we will continue with any projects we think that has a direct impact on the lives of the people. It doesn’t matter that we did not award such contracts.

So, we carried out such projects and we have been paying the contractors. So many of such projects have been completed. I hear today the former governor is saying he was the one who awarded such projects. We never denied that fact that he awarded the contracts. But what baffled us was that it was the same former governor, who on May 27, 2015, said during

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •April 9 , 2016

INTERVIEW Amina Zakari is Tele-guiding and Manipulating the Process to Help Amaechi his 50th birthday celebration at Obi Wali Cultural Centre that he would see where Nyesom Wike would get money to pay salaries, let alone execute projects. But by the grace of God today, I have paid the salaries he didn’t pay; I’ve paid the pensioners he didn’t pay. I have been paying those contractors whom he didn’t pay. Now, the only one I have not got money to pay, because it has no meaning and Rivers people have said so, is the museum they kept which they call monorail: 1.5 kilometres for which he had spent N45 billion. And he was the one who said, ‘Let me see where he is going to get money.’ Truly I have not got money to complete the monorail project. The money I have got really is to pay salaries and complete those projects I think the money we have can go for. Why I say I will not continue with such projects is because the state is so indebted that they cannot even get the money to continue with that project. I am not playing politics with any projects. Those projects that I think have direct bearing on Rivers people for their development, I will continue to do them.

We have also been able to award some projects which by the grace of God by May, which will be our first year in office, we will roll out. I have just gone for inspection of Oroigwe Road. The former governor lived in Oroigwe and he told the people since 2007 when he became the governor of the state through the court that he would do that road.

He did not even start it before he left. But by the grace of God, we are almost completing that road. He lived also in Diobu but before he left, the whole roads in Diobu were not in motorable condition. As I speak to you, I brought in CCECC that has done not less than 42 kilometres of all the roads in Diobu.

He also lived in Okarki Street in Borikiri, Port Harcourt. Before he left there were no roads in Borikiri. Go and see today what we have done in Borikiri. The one that will surprise you is the one opposite DSS (Department of State Security) office, what we call UTC Junction, a road that leads to Government House. It was too bad but go and see what Julius Berger has done on that road.

I thank God today that despite the distractions, we have been able to do the much we have done. So by May 29, Rivers people will be to see what we have done in spite of all the distractions.

So you think the monorail was economically unviable?

Now, if you want to solve traffic congestion, where is the traffic in Azikiwe Road to Aggrey Road? Where is the traffic? There is no traffic.

If you are talking of traffic, you should talk about Oyigbo area. If I was the one to do that, I would have partnered with the Railway Corporation to see how we could make the train to ply between here and Oyigbo in order to decongest Aba Road. And in any case, how could I have spent N45 billion on a 1.5 kilometre project which has not been completed. I mean it doesn’t make sense to me economically. Again, look at the Karibi Whyte Hospital where he spent over $39 million. Go there it is a bush; not even one block was laid.

So how do you recover the money?

That is what we are talking about. I have put all the machinery in motion. We set up the judicial panel of inquiry which indicted him.

He went to court and the court told him no.

He went on appeal. We have even written to EFCC. We have written to the police to invite him to make a statement. Well, he tells you he is in control of the police; he is in control of EFCC. Nobody will invite him. But it is good we let the public know what is happening.

The courts in the state were shut down before you came on board and were reopened shortly thereafter. Has that ended the crisis in the state’s judiciary?

Of course, it ended the crisis. As I speak to you today, when I was sworn in, I told the judiciary that I would follow due process. I came and I appointed an acting chief judge and an acting president of the Customary Court of Appeal. Thereafter, the acting chief judge became the chief judge on the recommendation of the NJC. Even though she didn’t stay up to one month before she retired, we followed due process in the same way it has happened to the president of the Customary Court of Appeal. The present chief judge today, not acting chief judge, is not from Rivers State. She is from Edo, married to a Yoruba person. But we said we have to follow due process. She is the most senior judge, so why would I disobey the practice of NJC. NJC recommended her and I said, that is it. So, today the judiciary is peaceful. Things are working out. In fact, I hear that next week they are going to defend the appointment of the president of the Customary Court of Appeal, who also is the most senior judge in terms of ranking. So, I have come to

So if the APC thinks they can manipulate all sorts of things so they can take Rivers State, I don’t think it will be possible. They tried it at the Tribunal level, Appeal Court and right up to the Supreme Court. They lost. They came to the rerun with the hope of getting the 22 seats. God exposed them. They lost. The only alternative they now have is to cause crisis so that the federal government can declare a state of emergency. I can also tell you God will not allow them

Wike

stabilise the judiciary and to God be the glory, the judiciary is stabilised today; no crisis, no rancour. Everything is moving normal.

Let us take you back a bit. Did you really say Amaechi has never won any election?

Sure. In 1999, he ran for the state’s House of Assembly under the PDP and one Uche Okwukwu ran under the APP as it then was. Uche Okwukwu won that election; he was declared winner. Unfortunately for him, Amaechi went to court. It was the Court of Appeal which declared Amaechi as the winner and that was how he became a member of the House of Assembly; and the Speaker through the mercy of Dr. Peter Odili. Odili allowed him to be the speaker for good eight years. Now, in 2007, all of you know what happened in this state. He never ran for the election but we were the ones who stood firm when he ran to Ghana and fought and then the Supreme Court said no; that he was the governor-elect even though his name was not on the ballot.

So he became the governor. The first election which he actually contested and won was in 2011. I was the Director General of the campaign and that was the only election he won.

I coordinated the entire election and we won.

After that, we had some problems and he left PDP and went to APC. He was the governor and he said he was going to install who would be the governor. In 2015, he lost. He said “Oh, it was federal might”. Luckily an opportunity came where there was a rerun poll in the state and national assembly elections. He came also with federal might on the 19th of March. Did he win? No. he didn’t win. So, you can now see. The only one he would have said he won was the 2011 which I supervised as DG of his campaign. As I left, what happened? He has not won any election. Let him show one. So the history is clear, very open.

Some people in the streets refer to you as the Strongman of Rivers Politics. How does that make you feel?

Well, I don’t know. I would only say that when the people are behind you and God is with you, nothing is impossible. The people believe that I have not betrayed them; I have stood firm for them; Amaechi came to make a lot of noise, yet I stood firm; I was able to withstand him and we have won. Probably to them I am a strong person. But I don’t see myself being strong without the people.

Even when they say strongman, I laugh. I say you are the strong people. Without you, how can I be strong? But I thank them for that. It makes me feel these people appreciate what I am doing. So I will continue to do that which will make them to be happy. That is what is important to me in life.

How have you been able to cope in the face of dwindling revenue and still carrying out major projects when many states can’t even pay salaries?

It is a matter of management and planning.

When we came on board, the overhead for the entire state was about N1.8 billion. That was what the former administration was spending on overhead of the ministries. But when I came I said we cannot do that. Where will we get the funds? So, I reduced it to about N400 million. Yes I did. As I speak to you, no commissioner; no special adviser has any public vehicle. I said we must make sacrifices, we must make commitment. So, it depends on what you want: do you want to serve the people or do you want to make yourself comfortable?

Now, reducing it from N1.8 billion to N400 and something million was not easy. Those who are working with you may not be happy about it, but if they are truly working with you to move the state forward, these are some of the sacrifices and commitments they must make. This is what I have done.

Talking about projects, I cannot carry everything at the same time. Federal allocation as I speak to you today is about N4 billion that we receive. That is not enough to pay salaries but what we have done in terms of internally generated revenue (IGR) is to beef up IGR and see how we can improve on it even further.

We got people who said they can improve on it. When we came, the last administration was generating about N5 billion. As I speak to you now, God willing, we are making up to N8, 9 to 10 billion. And that is what in a way we add to pay salaries, and use some of the money to run government and also execute projects.

Now, with the kind of funding we have, we cannot carry all the sectors at the same time. In carrying one sector, the other sector may lag or suffer; but that is the sacrifice we have to make because of lack of funds. So, what we have done in terms of the roads now, when the rain becomes too much, we will stop paying contractors and then move to another sector that may not necessarily be physical projects. So, this is the kind of things we do: it is management. By the time dry season comes again, you come back to road projects. And by that time you must have also gone far with other sectors that are not entirely physical project-oriented or what you may call infrastructure ministries.

So, it is planning. Everything depends on how you want to go about it. It is like what you call scale of preference in economics. So we have to scale our preferences and match them with the resources available to us.

People say Wike is rough; Wike is in a cult; Wike is uncouth and all that. Can you clear the air and tell us why people hold this view about you?

Let me say this: all through my career in the university; I was in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University of Science and Technology and the Nigerian Law School; anybody who cares knows that I never belonged to any cult group. It is quite clear.

Those who are Vikings, Mafarians, Buccaneers,

etc, let them say whether I have ever been a member. I have never in my life been in a cult.

I am also not going to judge them. It is their personal life. But I have never been in any cult and I challenge anybody to prove otherwise.

The only society I belong to is God’s society because my life is dependent on God. If you say that I belong to God’s society, I have no regrets about it.

People say I am rough; I am not a rough person. However, I understand that in this country, in the politics we play, people like to trample on those who are quiet. And in an environment where you come from.... take for example, if you know Amaechi very well, and if you are somebody that is quiet, you are gone with Amaechi. He is the kind of person that when he barks, you let him know that he cannot bite. If Amaechi flogs you once, flog him three times. He appreciates it; he understands it. But if Amaechi flogs you and you say ‘Okay.

Don’t worry, God will pay you back’, then you are finished. You will be buried. So, if people are saying that I am rough, I don’t regret it but I am not a rough person per se. Those who are close to me know that I am not a rough person.

But you see, in this politics we are playing, you must know your opponent and the strategy to adopt. Amaechi is not the kind of person you give a gap. Don’t you ever! My mother used to say that when a mad man hits you with a stick don’t run. Take the stick back and hit him two times. He will understand the pain and he will run away. That is the case of Amaechi. Don’t ever you turn the other cheek.

Don’t ever! So if you understand that, then you will know I am not a rough person. But again, in the jungle, you can’t be gentle. But under normal circumstances, I am a very simple and easy going person. But when you want to trample on our rights, the rights of Rivers people, I can be mad about that. Then, you can see the lion in me rise to defend my people. To defend Rivers State, I can be a lion and I will not look back. That is the situation.

What does politics mean to you?

Politics to me is service. Politics is not to put myself far above the people and to enrich myself. With all due respect, I won’t say that I am from a very rich family. No. But I can say it has not been too bad by the grace of God. People who know me know my background.

But that is not the point. For me, politics is an opportunity to serve your people. It is not everybody that has that opportunity. So if you are given that opportunity, it is one opportunity that you must not allow to go by. Because service means a lot: service to the people endears you to God. Service to the people makes you to have a lot of benefits and compassion from God. So for me, politics is all about service. The central thing for me in politics is service. I was the chairman a of council in one of the most important local government councils in this country. People saw the services I rendered.

When I was the Chief of Staff, people saw I was the engine room of government and that I offered services. When I was minister, you saw the commitment I gave as minister of state for education. So for me it is service and that is the way I am going to leave it.

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APRIL 9 , 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERVIEW

Wike Sweari-in Anthony General of the River State

When We Came on Board, the Overhead for the Entire State Each Month was about N1.8 Billion, I Reduced it to N400 Million So why do you think you are misunderstood?

You know this world is quite difficult. When people are not close to you, they draw all sorts of conclusions. It also depends on those who really want to get you out of the system. I worked with Amaechi, he never told people that I was bad. I made all the sacrifices. I was not bad then. But when there was a problem he started saying all kinds of things. You know power is one of the most difficult things to manage. Amaechi had power and he never thought any person could compete with him.

Nobody talked when Amaechi was around.

As far as he was concerned, as the governor, he was the alpha and omega; he was the one who was to direct anything. He never believed in team work. His team work was whatever he said. Amaechi goes to any length to see that anybody who appears to have something that will prop him up goes down. I used to know in those days how he talked about me; “if not because of Wike, I would not have achieved this.” Now he sings a different song. He had gone to churches to say that they should thank me, that without me it would not have been possible (for him to be governor). That God used me. But he cannot say that now. So he goes on to give all kinds of impressions. So, when people come to you and say, Sir, this is not what we were told; so, it is perception.

You don’t stay away and make up your mind based on what you hear. But when you have the opportunity to get closer to the person, you say why is somebody being killed for nothing?

But what makes me happy is that I know that what they say is not what I am; God has been very kind to me and I have done everything I wanted in life. Luckily, those of you who have come to interview me should also say this is not the kind of person we were told. I am a different person.

What are you looking forward to in the rerun poll of the eight local governments where elections were suspended?

We are still campaigning. The candidates are campaigning the way we did when our elections were annulled in December last year.

We went to the grassroots to campaign. That was actually what we did. So, even though INEC has not come up with a new date, we are still campaigning. We don’t want to be taken unawares. We are still campaigning to give confidence to the people that we are the party they should rely on.

Now let me come to Mr. President. What is your relationship with him?

Frankly speaking I don’t think I have any problem with Mr. President. As I am now, I am an opposition party person. I respect Mr. President. He is the symbol of this country. It doesn’t matter whether he belongs to another political party. As it is today, as it pleases God, God has made him the president of this country. I respect him at all times. But I am not an APC member, so I don’t need to begin to talk about him; I shouldn’t be praising them.

My business is to criticise them; my business is to tell them they are not doing well. But that in itself does not mean that I am against Mr. President. So, if Mr. President wants me to do anything today which I think is in the interest of Nigeria, I will do it. It doesn’t matter and that is the kind of politics I play. When it comes to general election and politics, we begin to talk about that. So many people may see Mr. President in a different way; so many things

happen and people say Mr. President is aware but my take on this is that, it is not everything that happens that the President is aware. I am a chief executive and sometimes some of my aides or those working with me go out and do something thinking that it would satisfy me or interest me and you find out that I may not have a hand in it. So, that is the same position that the President may be in. So my relationship with him is cordial because I have never had any personal problem with him. Never.

Have you met with him or discussed with him on phone lately?

I have seen him one or two times. If I require anything that Mr. President can do for me, I go and see him. But one thing some of us don’t do is sycophancy. I am not a sycophant. I will call president when it is necessary to call him;

If Amaechi flogs you once, flog him three times. He appreciates it; he understands it. But if Amaechi flogs you and you say ‘Okay. Don’t worry, God will pay you back’, then you are finished. You will be buried. So, if people are saying that I am rough, I don’t regret it but I am not a rough person per se.

Those who are close to me know that I am not a rough person. But you see, in this politics we are playing, you must know your opponent and the strategy to adopt.

Amaechi is not the kind of person you give a gap. Don’t you ever! My mother used to say that when a mad man hits you with a stick don’t run. Take the stick back and hit him two times. He will understand the pain and he will run away. That is the case of Amaechi. Don’t ever you turn the other cheek.

Don’t ever!

not to call him just to say, Mr. President, ‘I am loyal.’ That is sycophancy and I don’t do that.

I call him when it is necessary to do so. If there is any need; if it is Easter, Christmas or New Year, and I should wish Mr. President well, I do that. If I don’t have time to speak to him, I can publish in the newspapers to wish him well. That is what I do.

Senator Magnus Abe publicly accused you of being behind an assassination attempt on him. What is your reaction?

I know Magnus Abe very well. It is unfortunate that people forget the past. What am I going to kill him for? Did he run for governorship election with me? Even if he did, did he win? So, what am I going to kill him for?

The only problem he has is that I opposed his senatorial election. Yes, I opposed him because he is not a member of PDP. He is a member of APC. Why should I allow APC to win in my state? It is a natural thing and they must see it that way. But you see; if I am supporting the PDP candidate, he picks offence. I have never taken offence against him that he supported the APC candidate in the last election. But all I know is that I want my candidate to win in order to further project the state and follow up on the policies and direction of the state.

When did I make the attempt on his life and when did he report the matter to the police?

I know Magnus Abe very well. I understand how he feels – desperation. He wanted to be governor, his friend, former Governor Amaechi, disappointed him. He wasn’t happy and even the Senate ticket they gave him, he didn’t make it. The governor has gone for a ministerial position. The DG NIMASA has gone to Dakuku.

The NDDC has gone to Ibim Semenitari. So, if he does not make the Senate, what will he hold on to? What will he tell his people?

These are the kind of challenges he has. But he should not put those things on me. I am not the one who caused those problems for him. If Amaechi promised to make him governor, as if he is God to make somebody governor, and he didn’t get it, why should he blame me? Now that Amaechi has taken the ministerial position that he would have said, ‘Magnus, since you did not make it to the senate to represent the Ogoni people and the senatorial zone, now hold this’, or ‘since this is the problem you have, let’s make you DG NIMASA’. He didn’t give him. These are the kind of problems he has. So, the young man is thinking: now that Wike, the governor is all out and saying that he does not want any other party to take any position in the state, he is probably saying; “where am I now? I am just like the parable leper, I don’t have anything to tell Ogoni people.” So, let him not shift his problems to me. I am not the cause of his problem. I never promised to make him governor. Let him meet the man who promised to make him governor and disappointed him.

What is your assessment of state of the economy under APC-led government?

It is not a question of my assessment, you have seen the assessment by Nigerians that things are not moving on well. So the issue of my own assessment is neither here nor there.

You have seen that things are not working well in the country. You can see that even the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, has said it all. If he, who is national leader of APC, would say that things are not moving well even to the point of asking the minister of state for petroleum to apologise, what do you want me, a PDP member to say? Tinubu has

said it all. The result has been called. I am not the one who called the result. Asiwaju Tinubu called the result. Having called the result, what do you want from us again? If I had said anything, you will say it is because I am of the opposition party. Now, the leader of the APC has come out to say that you cannot embarrass Nigerians; things are not moving on well. The leader of the party has passed the judgment and I rest my case based on his judgment.

Did you say that Amaechi lost in Ikwerre Local Government Area in the last rerun elections?

Yes, he lost in Ikwerre Local Government and that is why they are playing games; INEC is trying to play games, particularly one national commissioner, Amina Zakari. Amina Zakari is the brains behind all these problems you see in Rivers State. She has been teleguiding and manipulating the process. In fact, I can tell you that one of the monitors wrote condemning the attitude of Amaechi during that election. Amina scolded the supervisor why he should write a report against Amaechi.

We intercepted all those information. Indeed, most of the result swapping that INEC tried to do in Rivers State emanated from Amina Zakari.

Really?

Yes. We followed her up. We raised the issue in our last campaign that it was Amina Zakari.

It was not hidden. We monitored and followed her up.

So, their decision not to release Ikwerre is a bone in their neck. But I dare them. Let them try to say they are cancelling Ikwerre Local Government. You cannot cancel what has been collated from the unit to the ward. You cannot do that. That result must be released. If they don’t want crisis, that result must be released.

We will not fold our hands. It doesn’t matter.

No threat will make us to forego that. We trounced Amaechi in his local government.

He failed. And let it be said he failed. Let the whole world know that he failed. What is INEC protecting him for? INEC should protect the votes of the people and not a single individual. He failed.

Are you sure about this?

Yes. I said he failed. Go and check the results that have been collated. He failed. He also lost at the federal constituency level. He won’t get Senate, he won’t get the federal constituency and he won’t get the state assembly. So, it is making them desperate; and they are resorting to ‘let’s protect this man, it’s too embarrassing’ to say he can’t even control a state House of Assembly’. Well, I say, it is not the business of INEC to sympathise with anybody. The sympathy should come from the people: okay let us not embarrass Amaechi, let us vote for his candidates. But in this case they did not vote for his candidates. So, why are trying to turn it upside down, saying you are investigating. Investigating what? Results that have been collated? And when we now say this is what you are doing and what it will lead to, he will say we are inciting people. Meanwhile, he is the one inciting crisis. That is our position. We are merely defending a free and fair election.

They are the one trying to steal the peoples mandate. INEC should release Ikwerre local government result. In fact, they must. They have no choice. Whatever they have ‘eaten’, they should send it back to the man they collected it from. Whatever they have taken from him, they should give him back.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 9, 2016

NEWSXTRA NDLEA Arrests 24 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Bayelsa Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

GOOD TO SEE YOU...

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief Don Etibet at the state house, Abuja

Rivers Assembly Approves Wike’s N10bn Loan Request INEC issues Certificate of Return to state assembly members Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt and Omon Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday authorised the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to obtain a N10 billion loan from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued certificate of return to members of the state House of Assembly who won in the rerun polls.

Meanwhile, the remains of Samuel Cukwudumebi Okonta, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member killed during the rerun election in the state, were on Friday laid to rest at his hometown, Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The approval came after a letter to the assembly by the governor.

Wike had said in the letter dated

April 5, 2016, that the loan would be used to fund some development projects in the state.

The letter read in part: "You are aware of the huge infrastructure development challenge and our efforts to address the situation.

Since we came on board, we have not only remobilised all contractors handling major road sites, but have also awarded new contracts for the construction and reconstruction of new roads and other projects.

"We have also advertised for tenders for the Bori-Saakpenwa road, the Obiri Ikwerre-Airport bypass, while the contracts for the comprehensive rehabilitation of 11 secondary schools and some of the dilapidated general hospitals are also due for award. However, our major constraint is inadequate resources, which is worsened by shrinking returns from the Federation Account.

"On the Strength of the above, it

is my desire to obtain N10 billion loan facility from the Excess Crude Account to continue funding our numerous development projects.

The loan, which attracts a single digit interest of nine per cent and 20 years repayment period, is quite favourable to the reality of the state's economy."

In their various contributions, lawmakers supported the loan saying it would facilitate the governor’s drive to develop the state.

Speaking, Hon Opurum Iruanya, representing Etche I, submitted that the road projects embarked by the governor had yielded positive results and called on the House to approve the loan.

Also, Hon Deeya Barine representing Khana I, submitted that "I'm gladdened that the Bori-Saakpenwa road is one of the projects that this loan is meant for and I know it would open the gateway to

Ogoniland. I also support the loan because all the projects highlighted there; rehabilitation of schools and rehabilitation of general hospitals are worth the value for the loan.

Commenting, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Dabotoru Dima, said the loan was worth it, considering the percentage interest rate and the projects for which it will be used for.

Eight lawmakers including the Speaker were present at the sitting.

The House later adjourned sine die.

Meanwhile, the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC yesterday issued certificates of return to 11 members of the state House of Assembly elected in the March 19 re-run elections in the state.

The state lawmakers who received certificate of return are nine members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two members of the All Progressives Congress.

Court Adjourns Synagogue Collapsed Building Trial Again

Ugwuanyi, Fulani Herdsmen Sign Pact to End Violence

Akinwale Akintunde

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of an Ikeja High Court has adjourned till April 19, the trial of the Synagogue Board of Trustees, the engineers that constructed the collapsed building and their companies.

The court fixed the date yesterday, to rule on separate applications filed by the defendants through their counsel, seeking to stay proceedings of the High Court pending their appeal at the Court of Appeal.

The Lagos State Government had late last year slammed a 111-count criminal charges against Trustees of the church, the two engineers, Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun and their companies, Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company; and Jandy Trust Limited for their involvement in the September 12, 2014 collapse of a six-storey guest house belonging to the church, which led to the death of 116 persons. But the defendants are yet to be arraigned on criminal charge due to various pre-trial applications filed by them.

When the matter came up yesterday, Mrs. Titi Akinlawon (SAN), counsel Fatiregun in an application

dated March 3 prayed for an order adjourning further hearing pending the determination of her application before the Court of Appeal.

Arguing the application, she said, "The essence of the application for adjournment is that the High Court ruled that the hearing notices served on the fifth defendant was proper, a ruling we are appealing at the higher court.

"We also have before the court an application for stay of proceedings to await the decision of the Court of Appeal.

"On this strength, I appeal that an adjournment be granted by this court".

Counsel to Ogundeji and Jandy Trust Limited, Chief E.L Akpofure (SAN) in an application dated Feb. 17 objected to the inclusion of Jandy Trust Limited as one of the defendants.

Akpofure argued that there was no evidence against the 2nd defendant (Jandy Trust Limited) and it was never mentioned by the witnesses for the state.

"There is nowhere where it was stated that the second defendant was awarded the building contract.

"The argument of the state that the trial of the second defendant to go on holds no water", he said.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Fulani herdsmen operating in parts of the state, under the aegis of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, South East zone yesterday initiated moves aimed at ending the lingering violent clashes between the herdsmen and members of their host communities in the state.

Specifically, the herdsmen and the state government after a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu agreed to set up a joint standing committee so as to entrench a lasting peace and harmony between the host communities and the herdsmen and also to curb criminalities suspected to be perpetrated by the herdsmen.

It could be recalled that a disagreement between the herdsmen and people of Ugwuneshi community in Awgu council of the state had led to the arrest and incarceration of 76 members of the community at the Federal Prisons, Umuahia, Abia State recently. It took the timely intervention of Governor Ugwuanyi and his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to get them released

after two weeks in prison.

The latest decision which is expected to resolve areas of disagreement was a major outcome of a crucial meeting between the herdsmen and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu convened by the governor who had been seeking ways to arrest the growing insecurity generated by frictions between the herdsmen and members of their host communities.

Governor Ugwuanyi who played host to the herdsmen that came in their numbers explained the reason for convening the meeting was to forge a better relationship with the cattle breeders and curb on-going frictions between them and their hosts, especially in view of the recent clash between Fulanis and the people of a community in Awgu council area of the state.

The governor told them that “This meeting has been summoned essentially for purposes of entrenching peace in Enugu State. It will, however, dwell on recent happenings in the State which are not only posing a significant threat to peace and the security of lives and properties of our people but are also threatening to spiral out of control.

Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Bayelsa State Command, on Friday disclosed that it had arrested 24 suspected drug traffickers in Bayelsa State.

Spokesman of the NDLEA in the state, Mr. Ikenna Osakwe, said in a statement in Yenagoa yesterday that the suspects, 20 males and four females, were intercepted within the metropolis and on the popular East-West Road.

Osakwe, a Superintendent of Narcotics and Principal Staff Officer, Public Affairs, said during the period, a total 8.706kg of illicit hard drugs were seized.

The body bemoaned the rising cases of illegal drugs consumption in the state, noting that psychotropic substances, (drugs that provide pleasure or ameliorate pain, and may cause physical dependence and tolerance) had become a source of worry for the agency.

According to the NDLEA, it had even become more worrisome that young girls and pregnant women had recently been involving themselves in the illegal act.

"It is worthy of note that of the above quantities, Cannabis Sativa and psychotropic substances accounted for a substantial part of the recovered illicit drugs.

"It is becoming worrisome that adolescents and youths are adopting novel means of substance abuse in our communities which has led to the rise in illegal sale and consumption of psychotropic substances in the state", he added.

Osakwe called on parents and guardians to increase their vigilance and monitor their children and wards closely both at home and in the school.

He added, "This is to ensure

timely intervention where substance abuse is noticed. They are also encouraged to avail themselves of information on latest trends in substance abuse to ensure possible identification where and when it occurs.

"Irrespective of the fact that criminality is not the exclusive reserve of any sex, it is becoming increasingly regrettable that women who should be home and by extension, nation builders, are becoming more involved in illicit drug dealing.

“This raises even more concern when the women in question are mothers or expectant mothers", he noted.

The body called on the State Ministry of Women Affairs as well as other female rights advocacy groups and organisations to partner with the command to enlighten and sensitise the female folk on the dangers of illegal drugs consumption.

The agency also advised the general public to desist from accepting parcels, consignments or luggage from friends and relatives for onward conveyance without consciously and painstakingly ascertaining the contents.

According to the body, investigation had shown that individuals had unknowingly become drug mules or couriers for friends and relatives.

He noted that ignorance of the law was not and could not be a mitigating argument and such actions could not only be perceived as carelessness, but even criminal negligence.

"All well-meaning residents of Bayelsa State are also encouraged to maintain vigilance in their communities and report illegal drug activities to the Command for prompt action," said the agency.

Senator Adeyemi, Supporters Defect to APC; Says Buhari Means Well for Nigeria Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja Senator Smart Adeyemi, the senator who represented the Kogi West Senatorial District in the 6th and 7th Senate, and his supporters, yesterday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists in Abuja in company of Senators Abu Ibrahim (Katsina State) and Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ondo State), among others, Adeyemi said his decision was predicated on the ‘’best interest’’ of his people -- after due consultation with his local and national leaders.

He also said that his decision to join the APC with his followers was to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to develop every part of the country, especially his Kogi West constituency, urging his supporters to move enmasse to his new party, with immediate effect.

While thanking the PDP for the opportunity given him to serve two terms in the Senate, he said it was ‘’soul depressing’’ that for the past 12 years of his support --- in ensuring victory for the PDP in both the governorship and the presidential election, Kogi West had nothing to show towards improving the standard of living of his people by the successive Kogi PDP governors.

He added, ‘’This neglect and poor performance of the PDP resulted into the anti-party reactions, cumulating

in the victory of the APC in Kogi State governorship election in 2015. ‘’The situation in Kogi West, apart from the state capital Lokoja, is very saddening to the extent that if those who died in the last 40 years have the opportunity to resurrect, they will easily locate their houses and farms, because nothing has actually changed.’’

Commending the ‘’sincerity and commitment’’ of Buhari, his strength of character and support of people like Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other APC leaders towards the reconstruction of the socio-economic fabric of the nation, Senator Adeyemi said, ‘’We have decided to defect to the All Progressive Congress, today, being 8th day of April by the grace of Almighty God.’’ He added, ‘’We are mindful of the harsh economic situation in the country today due to global economic recession and poor planning in the past. However, this administration must be supported to succeed because of the determination and sincerity to balance the books and balance the economy. ‘’My conscience bears witness that I am convinced that this administration means well for Nigerians, is honest and focused towards building a viable economy.

For us to fully recover economically, we must stop the importation of food that we can grow at home.’’

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 9, 2016

NEWSXTRA

Jos Court Sacks NFF's Board, Pinnick Appeals Ruling Seriki Adinoyi in Jos A Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State yesterday sacked the executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Pinnick.

Justice Musa Haruna Kurya, in his ruling granted the prayers of Mr.Yahaya Adama and Senator Obinna Ogba to relist the case which among others had sought to nullify the September 30, 2014 General Assembly and subsequent Elective Congress in Warri that brought Pinnick to office as the president of the NFF. However, in a swift move, counsel

to Pinnick, Mr. Damon Dashe, appealed the decisions of the court immediately.

According to a statement from the NFF, since an appeal, a motion to vacate the order and a stay-of-execution had been filed, on the same day as the judgment, the status quo remains.

Hearing in the substantive suit has been fixed for May 30, 2016.

Justice Kurya had sustained all the previous orders of the court, thereby effectively making Mr Chris Giwa the head of the NFF until the final determination of the suit.

By the orders of the court, the Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, is compelled to recognise

the Giwa-led board of the NFF as the authentic body by law.

The order also barred anybody from interfering with the duties and functions of the NFF board under the leadership of Giwa.

Counsel to Adama and Ogba, Mr. Habila Azard said his clients had been vindicated, and that “they can now settle down and resume all their functions because that is all we have been fighting for.”

But 1ST Vice-president of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi, described the development as a very sad one.

“This is a sad one primarily because we have enjoyed a period of peace and

have been able to work without the court-today-court-tomorrowsituation of the last half of 2014,” said “We have filed for stay-of-execution and that means the status quo remains and anything done is done at the actors’ peril.

“I can assure football-loving Nigerians that there is no reason to panic as we are in full charge and there is no trouble whatsoever.

“There is no order for the Giwa group to take over the Glass House.

In fact many of his so-called board members have called to dissociate themselves from the matter,” Akinwunmi noted.

John Iwori i

L-R: Chairman, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Mr. John Coumantaros; with Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi at the Kaduna State Economic and Investment Summit in Kaduna...yesterday

Panel Concludes Investigations on Suspended Pension Directorate DG, Directors Turns in report to EFCC

The probe panel set up by the federal government to scrutinise the activities of the suspended Director General of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Nellie Mayshak, has concluded its investigations.

The probe panel, THISDAY confirmed, has already turned in its report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for necessary action.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun had recently suspended

Mayshak and three other PTAD directors.

Although the specific offences for their suspension were not stated, Mayshak and the other affected directors were said to have been suspended over alleged financial misdemeanor.

A top government functionary, who confirmed the conclusion of the probe, and the submission of the report to the EFCC, told THISDAY that the investigations had nothing to do with the management pension funds, but the "operational expenditure of pension funds."

When contacted to confirm the conclusion of the probe, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Festus Akanbi declined comment.

The suspension of Mayshak and the three directors reportedly followed a searchlight on PTAD by the Ministry of Finance.

PTAD was established in August 2013 in line with the provisions of Section 30 sub-section (2) (a) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) of 2004 (amended in 2014),which stipulated the establishment of an independent

pension department for the Public Service of the Federation.

The agency is responsible for the pension administration of the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), and was established to address the numerous pensioners’ complaints that border on such issues as the non-payment of monthly pension, short payment of pension and gratuity, removal of name on pension payment voucher, non-payment of harmonised pension arrears, irregular payment of federal pensions and non-receipt of pension after retirement, among others.

Civil Society Organisations, Students, Others Plan Occupy Nigeria Season 2 Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Civil society organisations, students unions and the organised labour have said they planned to organise a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt against federal government’s inability to solve the perennial fuel scarcity in the country.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday by the Cofacilitator of the protest, Livingstone Wechie, said the protest scheduled for Thursday next week, would also

force the federal government to take necessary steps to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

Wechie said, “This protest is aimed at driving a strong citizenship position against the inability of the Federal government to address the burning perennial fuel scarcity, zero MGW/total lack of electricity amidst increased tariff, incessant/ fraudulent bank charges on poor Nigerians among other serious economic matters.

“In furtherance to these areas,

the protest will serve as a platform to proffer a lasting solution to this untold hardship by Nigerians which has resulted in incalculable losses, shutting down of businesses, increase in crime and criminality, mass job losses, lack of any economic policy direction by the Federal government, lack of projects among others.

“We believe the government has exhibited gross ineptitude and incapacity in its dealings. Thus, it has continued to play the blame

The new agriculture initiative of the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, aimed at rejuvenating the economy of the state has received a major boost following the pledge of initial investment of $30m by an agriculture entrepreneur.

The Managing Director of Numerix Development Limited, Mr. Babs Aina, made the pledge at the second consultative assembly organised by the state at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, on Thursday.

Aina, who promised that the figure would progressively increase to $100m in the next few years, said the investment would target maize and soya beans in the interim.

Other investors that pledged commitment to the initiative were the Managing Director of Winchester Farms Limited, Ibadan, who is also the Managing Director of Costain West Africa PLC, Mr. Ayodeji Karim; and the Chief Executive Officer of Psaltry International Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Iranloye Top officials of agriculture research institutes, finance institutions, agro-allied business investors, and other stakeholders had converged on IITA to brainstorm on the revival of the agriculture potential of the state as alternative source of revenue.

Customs Impounds N663m Contraband

STRATEGISING FOR THE ECONOMY...

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Investor Pledges $30m For Oyo Agric Initiative

game on the past Goodluck Jonathan administration as a cover-up to its failures which is a betrayal of its promises to Nigerians during the campaigns and elections that brought it to power.

“Thus the attitude of a travelling President in a travailing country can no longer be acceptable. Therefore we want to use this mass protest to creatively challenge and engage the government on what Nigerians want and how they want their future to be like.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, “Owerri” Imo State has disclosed that it made a total of 70 seizures with a duty paid value (DPV) of N663,089,296 for the months of January, February and March this year.

Similarly, no fewer than 34 suspects were arrested in connection with the shady deal within the period just as 18 cases arising from the seizures are pending in court.

The items were seized along the Benin Axis, Agbor, Onitsha-Asaba, Owerri, Calabar and Aba/Eleme Roads.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), FOU, Comptroller Haruna Mmamudu disclosed this at the weekend at the premises of the NCS, Owerri where he showcased the items and the trucks impounded along with them.

He also revealed that the under-payment recovered stood at N214,959,353, pointing out that this is against N7,053,441 recovered in 2015.

He listed the contraband confiscated include 46 vehicles, 380 cartons of article of plastics, 1656 pieces of used tyres; 3,614 cartons of imported frozen poultry products as well as 818 cartons of foreign soap/detergents.

Others are 181 bales of textile fabrics, 737 pieces of bags/suitcases and 85 bundles of footwear as well as 120 packages of furniture and 906 cartons of unregistered drugs.

The CAC also disclosed that over 19 trucks of 50kg rice impounded by his men had been detained for “proper and thorough investigation”.

At the forum were the DirectorGeneral of IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga; Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Prof. James Adediran, top officials of research institutes and the Head, Development Finance office of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ibadan, Mr. Bamiji Akinola.

Also in attendance at the event tagged “AgricOyo” were top officials of the Cocoa Research Institute, National Horticultural Research Institute, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, federal ministry of agriculture, among others.

Speaking at the event, the governor stressed that the target of the state was to harness the agriculture potential of the state with the ultimate ambition of becoming the food basket of the South-West, Nigeria in the short run and West Africa in the long run.

With an expanse of land spanning 28,454 square kilometer, the governor said that the state had the largest arable land in the Southern part of the country and human resources, which gave it comparative advantage over many other states.

Ajimobi called for attitudinal change among the people, advising that the people must work hard to survive instead of relying on prayers alone to provide their needs.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as RITA MATHEW, now wish to be known and addressed as OTOKPEYA RITA ATAYOVWI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS DARAMOLA IBUKUNOLUWA RUTH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BEN-OMINI IBUKUNOLUWA RUTH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DOSU OLUWATOBA SILVER, now wish to be known and addressed as DOSU OLUWATOBA PRINCE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS LILIAN CHIDA EKEZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LILIAN WORLU CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EDITH CHIZOBA EZE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EDITH CHIZOBA GIDEON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IDAM EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIBUIKEM ISRAEL EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME YUSUFF IBRAHIM AKANBI whose name was wrongly spelt on some of my documents as YUSUFF IBRAHEEM AKANBI wishes to correct, known and addressed henceforth as YUSUFF IBRAHIM AKANBI. All former document remain valid. The general public should please take note

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Price: N150

MISSILE Falana on Economic Hardship

“Nigerians didn’t vote change for suffering. We didn’t vote change for agony; we didn’t vote change for tyranny. We fully endorse NLC resolutions for strike.”

– Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana speaking at the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the NLC in Abuja where he endorsed the planned one-day strike by the NLC to protest economic hardship under the Buhari administration.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Another Desperate Memo to President Buhari

Y

our Excellency, Assalam Alaikum. It has been over six months since you graciously invited me to your office in Abuja. I must note once again that I was truly honoured and humbled by our one-on-one meeting. We spoke and interacted like two old buddies. What was more, I was all alone with you without a third party in the room. We spoke candidly and cracked jokes freely. I remember presenting you with an advance copy of my forthcoming book and you even requested me to autograph it for you which I did with such pride and gratitude in me. We took loads of pictures before and after the meeting. I left you reassured in my belief that Nigeria is in safe hands.

Sir, a lot has happened since that meeting took place. In fact, so much water has passed under the bridge. Let me take you down memory lane a bit. You started contesting the Presidential election as far back as 2003.

For three consecutive times, you lost and it seemed all hope had evaporated. In 2011, we were co-contestants. I was driven to your house one night by Prince Lanre Tejuoso (now a Senator) who wanted me to tone down my criticism of you and opposition to your candidacy. I was totally disarmed by your humility and simplicity. You spoke softly and candidly. I felt you were too old to return to a post you left nearly 30 years ago but you were certain you still have so much in you to offer Nigeria. The Jonathan government that won the election at that time was ushered in with so much hope and promise. After that election, you said that you would never seek elective office again. After three arduous attempts, you must have felt it was all a bloody waste of time seeking an opportunity to rebuild an irredeemable country that seemed determined to be plunged into the abyss by those you were convinced did not mean well for the country.

But the government that promised us fresh air soon lost its sail and floundered aimlessly. It wobbled and fumbled till it became obvious that something had to be done to avert a monumental catastrophe, the kind that you had foreseen. The situation became so bad that most of us were left with no choice but to see you as our only God-sent redeemer.

This was how the stone previously and repeatedly rejected by the builders suddenly transfigured into the much needed cornerstone.

Your most caustic critics soon became your ardent fanatics. We were hypnotised and mesmerised by your new look. You were repackaged as a reformed and born again democrat. We studiously ignored your military credentials and dictatorial proclivity. The young and old screamed your name from the rooftops.

Many youths were ready to march for you and even die in the process. The last time we witnessed such a phenomenon was in 1993 when Chief Moshood Abiola contested and won the June 12 Presidential election which was later annulled by your former colleagues in the army.

You and your political party enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Nigerians. The covenant was based on mutual trust and the hope that you had robust knowledge of Nigerian history as well as vast experience

Buhari in governance. Your avowed integrity was the icing on the cake. We expected you to inspire us as a veritable example of honestypersonified. The election came and you won almost effortlessly. What mattered to us was for someone to liberate and remove us from the suffocating yoke of the PDP. You looked the perfect man to do it.

Of course, to whom much is given much is expected. The burden of proof and expectation hung around your neck like an albatross. Soon, it seemed Nigerians thought and assumed that they had voted for a magician and so expected miracles to happen instantaneously.

Trouble started very early. You inherited a government with plummeting revenues as the crude oil which greased the economy had suffered a massive collapse in price thus emasculating our country’s fortune and reserves. In addition, just before you returned to power the outgoing government had twice devalued the Naira leaving you with a currency that was set for free fall.

In short the Government that you assumed control of was one which was like a disaster waiting to happen.

Nigerians are generally impatient. We are action-packed and expect talismanic results.

Unfortunately that has not happened and is not likely to happen soon no matter how hard you try. Sir, let me stop the introduction and go straight to the crux of the matter. While I do not want to sound like a doomsday prophet, I wish to alert you that there is fire on the mountain. This is not a subtle or covert attempt to create any panic. As a war General, I’m certain you have enough liver to withstand shock. But what I wish to say without mincing words is that we are yielding grounds to the enemies. Hard core supporters of your campaign like me are being derided by those who feel you are not living up to expectations. I know your handlers are likely to dismiss this as crying wolf where there is none but please, don’t listen to them. The situation is very critical and may even get out of hand if not carefully and delicately managed. You are going to be

told the usual tales and rigmarole of how corruption is fighting back. Yes, perhaps corruption is fighting back truly but it is because you did not prepare adequately for the backlash. The style and manner of the war you are waging has not been novel. The approach has been a rehash of the Obasanjo era with Nuhu Ribadu in charge.

What would I have done differently if I were you? I would have traced and located the loot as much as possible before launching my attack. Surprise is one of the most effective weapons of war. And you are without doubt an accomplished General. It is only in Nigeria that investigators announce in advance who the next set of villains they are coming after will be. I would have gone to the courts to seek permission to freeze the looted funds.

Thereafter, I would have asked my operatives to show evidence of the identified perpetrators and located the looters and ask for their cooperation in gently signing the purloined money back to the State without hullabaloo.

I will then exchange a grudging handshake and tell them to sin no more. Those who wish to be difficult would be treated like hardened criminals and the full weight of the law would descend powerfully on such recalcitrant fellows. I would have kept the promise you made prior to assumption of office of drawing the line after being sworn in on May 29 and punish any fresh acts of rascality and irresponsibility.

I will ensure there is a uniform treatment for all Nigerians, rich or poor, members of my party and others. I will avoid anything that would suggest I’m principally after my perceived enemies and opponents. I will not create tension and confusion within my own party and accept the verdict of the people in their collective wisdom or stupidity. A house divided against itself cannot stand, I read in the Holy Bible.

I would also make sure that as much as possible I would internalise the process and not wash the country’s dirty linen in public. Such tactics only tends to frighten away those who would assist us and make life unbearable for our citizens abroad. If we require assistance from other countries to repatriate our looted resources I would have engaged the leaders of those countries privately and sought their co-operation surreptitiously. I would have realised that even if they desired to assist my government they would be hampered by the rule of law enshrined in their respective jurisdictions and recourse would be required to the judicial process in those countries.

My silent approach to the recovery of the looted funds would also ensure that the expectations of the people of this country would not be unnecessarily heightened. The money Abacha pillaged is still being recovered in staccato and stuttering fashion almost 20 years after his death.

It is important for you to realise that corruption will fester and even explode when it is incubated in an economy approaching a comatose state as people seek to survive by all means possible.

I will therefore make the economy my utmost priority. Trust me Sir, as important as the war

against corruption is wonderful, it pales into irrelevance and insignificance where hunger, deprivation, poverty, unemployment, poor education, ignorance, diseases, insecurity of lives and properties and other complications are concerned.

Many people are going to hail you for arresting the thieves but the same people will soon turn around to attack you when they can’t feel the effect of the war positively on their bodies and souls. In case you are shielded from reading the comments making the rounds, let me inform you Sir, that people are already saying they would rather have corruption back, out of the desperation and suffering they are going through. And these are not the so-called looters but the ordinary Nigerians.

Nothing illustrates this more poignantly than the video posted by Instablog9ja on Instagram and other social media platforms yesterday showing a man that looks like a taxi driver being interviewed. The man said he is so frustrated that he wants Nigeria to perish and all of us with it instantaneously. He wished that we all die simultaneously, at once and suddenly. The clip has already gone viral globally. Therefore, if anyone tells you only the elites are grumbling, they are telling you a blatant lie, Sir. The poor who were your best friends and biggest supporters appear totally confused, disillusioned and ostensibly tired of the endless excuses coming out of your Administrations spokespeople. I read somewhere that your foot-soldiers will soon embark on town hall meetings but I can assure you it won’t achieve anything. Why do you want to engage in campaign after election? Some expert scammers would just collect money for these jamborees.

Nigerians want positive change and not a cacophony of lies bandied at stage managed, hurriedly assembled meetings populated by sycophants and glory hunters. They are ready to sacrifice but not when they think things are going from bad to worse. There is so much to do but without an agile economy nothing tangible can be achieved. The economy itself cannot be fixed in an atmosphere of permanent strife. One year will soon pass by next month and a second year shall begin. It is time to bite the bullet and take the economy head on. Forget about all distractions and concentrate on what really matters to the generality of our people. You will find out that once the economy is tamed all else will follow suit and the successes that you crave in your corruption crusade will start being manifested.

I pray you will hearken to my humble advice and concentrate your energy on resurrecting the economy instead of embarking on a war of attrition. You will be judged ultimately by the comfort you bring to your people and not the self-immolating pain you inflict on real and imaginary enemies.

May Allah grant you the wisdom of Nelson Mandela who chose the path of reconciliation and national rebirth above the tempting choice of prolonging the horror of racial segregation.

My warmest regards to you and yours always.

I remain yours sincerely.

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