Saturday 16th July 2016

Tariff Judgment, A Reversal of Commercial Foundation of Power Contracts, Says NERC Gas, hydro, coal, and solar feedstock for production of electricity affected, to appeal ruling

Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday said it had appealed the judgement of a Federal High Court in Lagos which early this week declared as illegal, the

electricity tariff currently in use in Nigeria by the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos), describing it as a major setback on the progress made in the country’s electricity sector.

NERC’s acting Head, Dr. Anthony Akah told journalists

at a briefing in Abuja yesterday that while the commission respects the decision of the court, it would appeal the judgement because it represented a reversal of the commercial foundation on which power supply contracts in the sector

were built.

Akah said the commission was dissatisfied with the judgement because it impinges on the ultimate destination of the power sector as a commercialised electricity market.

He said: “It represents the

reversal of the commercial foundation upon which contracts for gas, hydro, coal, and solar feedstock for the production of electricity have been predicated.

“The ultimate destination of a commercialised electricity market is to achieve stability

and adequacy in the supply of electricity to satisfy the yearning of Nigerians for adequate, safe and reliable electricity supply.

“This judgement in our view is a setback to the progress made so far in the electric-

Continued on page 6

Court Gives Reasons Why it Ordered Ikpeazu to Vacate Office, Affirms Decision on Ogah ...Page 6 Saturday 16 July, 2016 Vol 21. No 7752 Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

House: Saraki, Dogara, not Beneficiaries of Immunity Bid Sex scandal committee ready to visit Entwistle

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja If the bid to include presiding officers of the National

Assembly and state houses of assembly, in the immunity clause through an amendment of Section 308 of the 1999 constitution, scales through,

Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and their deputies, will not be beneficiaries.

Rather, future presiding officers would enjoy immunity from civil and criminal prosecutions while they occupy offices.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas disclosed this yesterday while briefing newsmen.

Namdas dispelled speculations that the proposal for immunity, is to protect Senate Continued on page 6

Military Coup at the Heart of Europe, Erdogan's Whereabouts Unknown Turkey will be run by a peace council that will ensure safety of population, says military President Erdogan: We will overcome this Protests on the streets of Istanbul in response to President's call US monitoring situation

Adedayo Adejobi with Agency Reports

EMEKA OSSAI

Democracy witnessed a major setback yesterday, not in Africa but at the heart of Europe and a NATO country, when Turkish military rolled out its tanks to seize power in a frightening military coup, reminescent of what obtains in Africa and other developing countries. But the Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the attempted coup would be put down. As the hours ticked back, the military appear to consolidate its hold of power as President Tayyip Erdogan whereabout is unknown.

If successful, the overthrow of Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey since 2003, would be one of the biggest shifts in power in the Middle East in years, transforming one of the most important U.S. allies in the region.

Yildirim said the elected government remained in office.

Aiports were shut, access to internet social media sites was

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

Continued on page 6

My Wife is a Golden Fish and Godsend

LANRE HASSAN

I Started Acting Not for Money But for Fame

Plus pg. 17

DOUBLE CELEBRATIONS FOR THE ALAKIJAS

L-R: Bishop of Lagos Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd. Dr. Adebola Ademowo; husband of celebrant, Modupe Alakija (SAN) and the celebrant, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija at the thanksgiving service in honour of Folorunso's 65th Birthday and 40th wedding anniversary held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos ...yesterday MUBO PETERS

Arms Scandal Report Not Doctored, Says Lai Mohammed ... Page 16

2

SATURDAY JULY 16, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JULY 16, 2016

3

4

SATURDAY JULY 16, 2016 T H I S D AY

Win 1 Million Naira in the

To qualify: Carry out 5 transactions worth N15,000 on POS and Web to win instant prizes. Carry out 10 or more transactions worth N10,000 to qualify for the monthly draws.

Other prizes include TVs, Fridges, Generators, Washing Machines and Smart phones, plus you get discounts up to 17.5% on items purchased at select merchant stores.

o run Prom

s from

6 to 6 1 0 2 , 06 06, 201 e n u J mber Septe Terms and Conditions apply

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JULY 16, 2016

5

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, JUlY 16, 2016

6

PAGE SIX

Court Gives Reasons Why it Ordered Ikpeazu to Vacate Office, Affirms Decision on Ogah Davidson Iriekpen in Lagos and Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Federal High Court yesterday gave reason why Justice Okon Abang ordered Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate office, saying the case had nothing to do with forgery of tax documents but false tax information Justice Abang had recently ordered that Ikpeazu should vacate office with immediate effect and a certificate of return issued to Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah who came second in the primary election that produced the governor as the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) candidate held in the state.

The court said the order became necessary because the judge found that Ikpeazu provided false tax information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement by the court’s Chief Registrar, Emmanuel Gakko, on the two different cases against Ikpeazu, the court said the case before Justice Ambrose Allagoa bordered on forgery while the case before Justice Abang providing false information.

He said the case before Justice Allagoa was filed by Sir Friday Nwosu against

the governor and Ogah as defendants, and that the second suit before Justice Abang was filed by Ogah (plaintiff), while Ikpeazu and Nwosu were the defendants.

The chief registrar said the clarification became necessary in view of "misrepresentation of facts as published in some electronic and print media and comments by both legal practitioners and laymen on the correct facts of the cases involving the Abia State Governor and the judgments of Justice Abang and Justice Allagoa."

The court said the case before Justice Allagoa bordered on alleged forgery or falsification

of tax certificate and receipts for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the governor.

In deciding the case, Justice Allagoa held that "a mere nebulous averment is not enough for the purpose of pleading the crime of forgery."

According to the judge, "forgery is a criminal offence and must be proved, which the plaintiff failed to do."

The statement added: "The court further held that by the affidavit of the Abia State Director of Taxes testifying that the documents are genuine, the court held that there was presumption of genuineness of the assessment and the

certificate and/or receipts issued to Ikpeazu.

"The court further held that the consequential reliefs have become unnecessary for the court’s consideration.

"It should be noted that the court did not make any consequential orders with regard to the position of the governor other than the allegation of forgery."

The Chief Registrar said the case before Justice Abang had a different subject-matter, which was that Ikpeazu submitted form CF001 to INEC which was alleged to have contained false information.

"The court held that the

information in Form CF.001 as shown by him (Ikpeazu) in the affidavit accompanied with other documents to INEC are false and has nothing to do with forgery.

"The court therefore made consequential orders under the doctrine of 'lis pendens', which disallows any transfer of rights or interest in any subject matter that is being litigated upon during the pendency of litigation in respect of the said subject-matter.

"The court accordingly, declared Ogah as the winner of the PDP primaries and should be issued with Certificate of Return accordingly."

Fani-Kayode Regains Freedom after 67 Days in Detention Says he was severely punished for his political views After spending 67 days in detention for alleged money laundering, Chief Femi-FaniKayode, Director-General of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation was last night freed from captivity.

Fani-Kayode, who was also former Aviation Minister declared after being released from detention in Lagos: “I give thanks to God that I am

free after 67 days in detention.

I thank my wife, lawyers, children and friends for all their support. This was the worst experience of my life but God was with me all the way. I suffered immeasurably but I count it all as joy.

“I am innocent of all charges and I look forward to defending myself vigorously in court.

These charges are politically motivated and I have been

severely punished for my political views and criticisms of the government. They are trying to silence me, break me, discredit me and destroy but as long as Jesus is on the throne this will never work. I am strong and I am bold and the struggle will continue.

Fani-Kayode was first detained without trial for almost 50 days by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

MILITARY COUP AT THE HEART OF EUROPE, ERDOGAN'S WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN cut off, and troops sealed off the two bridges over the Bosphorus in Istanbul, one of which was still lit up red, white and blue in solidarity with victims of the Bastille Day truck attack in France a day earlier.

TRT state television announced a countrywide curfew.

An announcer read a statement on the orders of the military that accused the government of eroding the democratic and secular rule of law. The country would be run by a "peace council" that would ensure the safety of the population, the statement said.

Erdo an addressed the nation via skype. He said that the coup was the work of a minority within the military.

Speaking to CNN Turk, he adds: “We will overcome this.”

In response to his call for protest, thousands spilled onto the streets of Istanbul yesterday night asking the military to return to their barracks.

An European Union source monitoring events told Reuters that military forces have control of airports and strategic points in Istanbul.

An announcement on the Turkish state broadcaster TRT said that a curfew has been declared across Turkey and that airports are closed. The announcer says they were being made to read a statement by the military.

The statement promises a new constitution for the country and says that democracy and the secular rule of law had been undermined. Martial law has also been imposed, it adds.

HOUSE: SARAKI, DOGARA, NOT BENEFICIARIES OF IMMUNITY BID President Bukola Saraki who is facing separate trials on allegations of false declaration of assets, and forgery of Senate Standing Rules.

The proposed amendment had caused a sharp divide among members of the lower chamber, resulting in rowdiness which stalled proceedings at plenary last Tuesday, for about 25 minutes.

Some lawmakers backed the proposal on grounds that the current constitution, which was handed down by a military government, only protects the Executive, and disregarded the need for immunity for heads of the other arms of government.

Others, however queried the timing, saying it may portray the lawmakers as out to only protect personal interest.

Namdas insisted that the proposal was not intended to protect the interest of either Saraki or Dogara, but to strengthen the legislature as an independent democratic institution, and shield the presiding officers from distraction caused by harassment from other arms of government.

"The amendment was not done with any hidden agenda.

It is not about immunity for Saraki or Dogara; no. We are thinking of how to build

this institution, which is the mainstay of democracy. We are thinking of good governance where the presiding officers can do their work without distractions.”

"In any case, an amendment does not mean that the bill has been passed or that we have granted immunity to the presiding officers. Not all members even agreed with the bill. It was referred to the Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review for debate. The bill will be analysed there, before a report is sent to the whole House,” Namdas said.

He added that amendments require a painstaking process, “therefore, the report (of the adhoc committee) will still be debated by the lawmakers before the decision is reached to adopt it or reject it.”

Another member of the committee on Media, Olufemi Adebanjo (Lagos APC) disclosed that he had opposed the bill, and would vote against it.

He hinged his stance on the premise that presiding officers of the legislature, do not deserve immunity "The bill has not been passed.

It is with the constitution amendment committee. It will come out and all 360 members will still examine it holistically.

The head of the Istanbul branch of Turkey’s ruling AK party says soldiers entered the party building and asked them to leave, CNN Turk reports.

Soldiers are inside the buildings of the Turkish state broadcaster TRT in the country’s capital Ankara, a correspondent for that outlet tells the Reuters news agency.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking jointly after talks in Moscow, both said they hoped bloodshed would be avoided.

Turkey, a NATO member with the second biggest military in the Western alliance, is one of the most important allies of the United States in the fight against Islamic State.

It is a principal backer of

On this score, there is no cause for alarm; Nigerians should relax,” he said.

Namdas also fielded questions on the investigations into alleged sexual misconduct by three lawmakers (Hon. Mark Gbillah, Hon. Samuel Ikon and Hon. Garba Gololo), indicating that the Committee was ready to visit the US Ambassador, Mr. James Entwistle, to take his testimony, if he does not honour the invitation of the House.

Under the Vienna Convention, a diplomat enjoys immunity from appearing before such investigations in a host country.

The investigating committee, comprising Ethics and Privileges, and Foreign Relations, had to postpone its hearing from Thursday to next Thursday, following the absence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama and Entwistle.

"The committee can adopt that option (of visiting Entwistle), though the feeling of many of us is that the Ambassador too did not follow the appropriate diplomatic channel when he chose to write the Speaker directly instead of routing his letter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Namdas said.

(EFCC).

The agency had obtained a 14-day remand warrant at an Abuja court. When it expired, it whisked Fani-Kayode to Lagos and obtained another warrant from an Ikeja Magistrate court to keep him for another 21 days.

When this also expired, the former minister was further kept in detention without any holding approval.

Fani-Kayode’s lawyers had

earlier served the EFCC notices from a Federal High Court in Abuja on May 20 for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights. But the EFCC ignored this.

He also met all bail conditions set by the EFCC, yet, the anti-graft agency refused to release him, an action described by many as a case of gross abuse of court processes and a denial of his fundamental

human rights.

The failure to arraign the former PDP Presidential campaign Director for almost seven weeks was seen by many as a bid to continue using underhand tactics to keep him in detention ad infinitum.

Fani-Kayode was eventually arraigned about 16 days on charges of money laundering in a Federal High in Lagos, where he was granted bail.

opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in that country's civil war, and host to 2 million Syrian refugees.

The country has been at war with Kurdish separatists, and has suffered numerous bombing and shooting attacks this year, including an attack two weeks ago by Islamists at Istanbul's main airport that killed more than 40 people.

A senior EU source monitoring the situation said: "It looks like a relatively well orchestrated coup by a significant body of the military, not just a few colonels. They've got control of the airports and are expecting control over the TV station imminently. They control several strategic points in Istanbul.

"Given the scale of the operation, it is difficult to imagine they will stop short of prevailing. It's not just a few colonels," the source repeated.

One European diplomat was dining with the Turkish ambassador to a European capital when guests were interrupted by the pinging of urgent news on their mobile phones.

In an statement sent by email and reported on TV channels, the military said it had taken power to protect the democratic order and to maintain human rights. All of Turkey's existing foreign relations would be maintained and the rule of law would remain the priority, it said.

The state-run Anadolu news agency said the chief of Turkey's military staff was among people taken "hostage" in the capital Ankara. CNN Turk also reported that hostages were being held at the military headquarters.

After serving as prime minister from 2003, Erdogan was elected president in 2014 with

plans to alter the constitution to give the previously ceremonial presidency far greater executive powers.

His AK Party, with roots in Islamism, has long had a strained relationship with the military and nationalists in a state that was founded on secularist principles after World War One. The military has a history of mounting coups to defend secular principles, but has not seized power directly since 1980.

"Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command," Yildirim said in comments broadcast by private channel NTV. "The government elected by the people remains in charge.

This government will only go when the people say so."

Those behind the attempted coup would pay the highest price, he added.

TARIFF JUDGMENT, A REVERSAL OF COMMERCIAL FOUNDATION OF POWER CONTRACTS ity sector. Therefore, we will challenge this decision. We have instructed our lawyer to appeal. Consequently, the commission has filed for stay of execution and a notice of appeal of the judgement yesterday (Thursday).

“We understand that private power production and distribution is relatively new in Nigeria and that development such as this court ruling must be seen in that context as the laws begin to face judicial tests of interpretations.

“We believe that ultimately, everybody and all institutions will come to better understanding of the values of the choice we have made as a nation to privatise the power sector.”

Akah urged the investors and consumers to remain calm, as a solution to the ruling was being sought after.

He also disclosed that the commission had not received the full report of the judgment almost 48 hour after the court ruling.

When asked why it had taken it this long to obtain; study the ruling; and make informed appeal especially as

regards which of the tariffs the court has set aside its operation, Akah said: “The commission has not received the full report of that judgment, we have already directed our lawyer to get a certified true copy; we are going to study that full judgement and based on the interpretation contained therein, we will be able to answer which of the tariff the honourable justice referred to but at this point in time, we don’t know which of the tariff he was referring to.

“But the fundamental point is that, as a responsible institution, we respect the judgement of the court. What is fundamental is that we have filed for stay of execution and notice of appeal in line with the law.

“You don’t get copies over the counter in courts and as much as possible, you try to get the certified true copies of the judgement to be able to make informed decision.”

Asked to explain in specifics what impacts the judgement has on NERC’s regulatory responsibilities and the sector’s operations, Akah stated: “The electricity sector is very expensive long term business

endeavour and there is what is called regulatory certainty in the regulatory parlance.

“The multi-year tariff order which the judgement affected provides a long term path of determining in advance, what the tariff will look like and based on that, a lot of improvement in the sector were recorded and are in progress.

“Just as the minister had announced, licences are to be issued for 1000 megawatts (MW) solar power capacity plant and the licenses and transactions involved were predicated on the multi-year tariff order of 2015. The various investors that intend to come into the sector also predicated their investments on the basis of this.”

The Lagos court had on July 13, annulled the recent increase in electricity tariff announced

by NERC. Justice Mohammed Idris made the pronouncement while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a human rights lawyer, Mr. Toluwani Adebiyi, challenging the increment. The judge described NERC's action as being ultra vires, irrational, irregular and illegal.

7

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JULY 16, 2016

At

Contact,

�� �ut �ou ��st, ����

You probably did not know this, but there is so much more that you can do on our contact center besides making enquiries and giving feedback.

Contact is also a multi-lingual, multi-channel, contact center.

You can also: Register for Self Service Banking Con�rm or stop your Cheque Check your Account Balance and much more �ust anothe� wa� we put �ou ��st� ­ 00/00 00/00 NAME 00/00OLDERS ­ 00/00 CARDH

CARDHOLDERS NAME

Voice Calls

Email

Chat

Telephone Banking

SMS

Chat with us on www���st�ankni�e�ia��o����st�onta�t��hat o� speak to us on 01-4485500

8

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Emeka Ossai

Why I Chose to be an Actor Instead of being a Technologist

Ossai with his wife

With the gait of an A-list Nollywood actor, the mien of a big bad boss with dark glasses and swag of a fashionable man, he saunters unto the red carpet. As he grins and poses for the light, camera and action, a battery of photographers clicked away to have their fair share of this delectable dude. With a figure that commands an immediate acknowledgement of his presence and the suave of an accomplished gentleman, Emeka Ossai is one of a kind in Nigeria’s movie industry. Ossai over the years has become one of Nollywood’s finest producers. As an actor, he began acting as a kid with the likes of Olu Jacobs.

A man of many parts both in the film industry and in politics speaks with Oge Ezeliora about his new lease of life; his second marriage; why left politics and his newfound love for movie production; and the fulfillment he finds in being part of the TV series, Clinic Matters cast

My Wife is a Golden Fish and Godsend

W

hat informed your recent acceptance of a chieftaincy title in Delta State?

It’s just a homecoming for me – I am from Delta State – as a son of Chief and Mrs. Felix Ossai. I was lucky to be crowned with a title in my town.

This is my state; I am an Ikwuani man from a place called Otagbauno, Isiunkpe, Ikwuani, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. Whenever I come to Delta I feel very much at home and it’s always nostalgic when I come back home. I am delighted because my people recognised me.

You’ve starred in and produced many movies; which is your most favourite?

Well, the one that I hold most dear to me is ‘Court of Rose’. It was my first movie as a producer and it was wonderful; a lot happened with that movie. Another movie I loved so much

was ‘Amina’. We passed through a lot shooting it. We did it for one good month across the northern and eastern parts because it was a story about both parts. The movie was quite challenging but God saw us true. I will not forget ‘Dead End’ on NTA, which was my first TV series. I acted that movie when I was still in school.

when I started acting, I told myself that my aim was to get to the pinnacle and that is producing my own movies and running my own production company which I’m doing very well today. But the first attempt was a glimpse into the reality that yes I can do that; so it’s quite memorable.

As one of Nollywood producers, how come you have not been given an award on any of your movies?

That is not true. Can you remember the movie called ‘Checkpoint’? The movie was focused on the activities of the Nigeria Police. I never knew it would fetch me an award until I was nominated

by AMAAas the ‘Best Actor in Supporting Role in 2008.’

How did you feel first time you handled a camera?

How did I feel? I had to discover a lot the first time I handled the camera but luckily for me I was on the programme with Olu Jacobs. It was my very first time to appear on the screen and on a film on NTAcalled the ‘Third Eye’. So after my first and second attempts at changing my light I seemed to be stuttering. I had initial apprehension but he told them to give him five minutes to talk to me so he called me aside gave me some pep talk and since then I have never looked back.

Is it the movie that brought you to limelight?

I didn’t even act in the movie that brought me to limelight; I produced it. I actually fulfilled my aspiration of becoming a producer. Because

You are a qualified food technologist.

Why did you end up as an actor and producer?

You can be wherever you are as long as you are good. I started acting in 1987. As a student, I just had an interest in acting. Nobody forced me into it. My friend then, Fred Amata’s father use to be the head of the Theatre Arts Department.

He was the head of department and when students were having stage plays and they needed kid roles, they would invite students like us to act with them. My first appearance on TV was at NTA. That was before the birth of Nollywood.

The title of the film was ‘Third Eye’ and I acted with Uncle Olu Jacobs and the producer was the late Lai Aransomi of NTA. And I was so happy.

So what has been the secret behind your success?

From one job to another came its own success and from every success I look forward to the next success. So, it’s like conquering at every step in a new horizon because I’m actually not in this field. So coming into this field was off my chart but then I was doing very well so I liked it and so I felt that I had conquered two worlds and I needed to go on.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

9

SUPER SATURDAY I Was First Nollywood Actor to Join Politics...

We are doing our best to bring back good movies in the industry at a greater level. Check out the kind of cinema movies that we have with Hollywood on ground. It’s of world class standard; we are really competing with Hollywood.

We are even working with many of them and inviting famous international actors to work with us.This is great work. I am happy with our industry and I pray that piracy will not kill our good work Did you grow up loving movies?

I loved watching movies but I would not say that is the reason I wanted to act. I just felt that being able to represent a character that is not me would be very exciting to do and to convince those who are watching that I’m actually the person.

What does it take to be a producer or a director?

It takes a lot of passion for the job. You know most times the younger people would say ‘no be passion I go chop na money I want.’ But the truth is just like what the Bible says, ‘seek ye first the kingdom of God and all its righteousness and every other thing would be added to you.’ If you seek first the passion of the job, every other success will follow because the passion will keep you going; the passion will make you grow and the passion will make you do better things and the money will follow.

Your role as a medical doctor in the popularTV soap,‘Clinic matters’, has given you an edge in the industry. How did you come about this?

Well, this is not the first time I am acting as a medical doctor. That is what makes a professional actor. You must be able to interpret any role given to you. ‘Clinic Matters’ started in 2009 and we have unleashed different episodes so as not to bore our viewers. I believe God has been on our side. The first time I acted in Nollywood I played the role of a doctor. The whole thing started long time ago. And the movie was titled ‘Dead End’. It was produced by Chico Ejiro.

That was in 1996. Acting as a medical doctor in ‘Clinic Matters’ is like bringing back the name and tag that I was known by. Some people even thought I was a real doctor. I am not a medical doctor. I only had an aunty who was a nurse.

She is late now. She motivated me a lot. And I watched her do a lot of things while attending to patients as a nurse and that gave me an insight into what medicine was all about. And today everybody is calling me ‘doctor’ because they watch me acting as a medical doctor on ‘Clinic Matters’.

Did you produce ‘Clinic Matters’?

No. I only worked with the producers and also act in TV series.

Let us talk about your relationship with the nurses in ‘Clinic Matters’.Working with women can be challenging sometimes; how do you cope with them?

The ‘nurses’ in ‘Clinic Matters are wonderful and unique actresses. They respect me a lot as a senior colleague in the industry. We have good relationship and they value my presence in that production. We are united; they are fast in learning and I am proud of them. Even while

Ossai

Ossai at traditional wedding with his wife working on set they are eager to learn more and that is what kept ‘Clinic Matters’ growing because we work as a team.

Apart from acting, what else do you do?

I run my private business and I write. I also plan events and produce film.

Would you say Nollywood is evolving?

Well, I would say Nollywood is growing a lot. I mean it’s very different now from when we started but we are trying our best to ensure that we don’t lose the very essence of the industry.

The channel that shows most of the African movies starting with Nollywood is called African Magic. Now, that name was derived from the near impossible process that we follow to make our movies and group of people out there would say this is magic…. African Magic and that was how the station started and what I would not want us to do is to lose that very essence of why we are what we are and try to mimic other (film) industries. So we are doing our best to remain on that path.

It is noticed some movies produced today in Nollywood are of low quality, especially those produced in Asaba.What is your view on quality of movies in Nollywood?

That (movies of poor standard) is what I wouldn’t encourage in the industry. There will always be different shades at any film industry even when you go to the US. All the films there are not like the ones we get to watch have and each and every kind of film that is made within the system have their own makers. Now improving standards of movies has nothing to do with the distance of the themes of the kind of movies you make. The films that are made here in Asaba are mostly the kind of films that relate directly to those who watch them. Whether you like it or not, there are some people who love and would die for those movies. Now that does not mean also that the quality and standard of treatment of those same films that would still convey the kind of essence that it has should not

be mocked at any point in time. So it exists on its own, people love it, it’s making money.

Some actors seem to prefer the low-standard movies because they don’t discriminate while others prefer cinema movies.What do you think is the reason for this?

It is a personal thing. Everybody has his own base. Some actors prefer to act only cinema movies while others prefer to act normal movies or stage play. I believe it depends on the producer and the set of actors and actresses he or she wants to work with. This life is all about choice. As an actor nobody will decide for you; you know what you want. So it’s better you go for it. If you believe the low-standard movie gives you more income and promotes your fame then you go for it; same to those actors that prefer cinema movies.

Many actors are now venturing into politics.

Are you interested in politics?

I love politics. I was the first person that joined politics during the regime of Governor James Ibori in Delta State. But one thing led to another, so I changed my mind.

How did you cope with your acting career when you joined politics?

I stopped for a while and focused on politics but at the end of the day I noticed there were various planks in politics. So I retuned to my career and I focused more on being a very good producer and I am not regretting it.

Years back, you lost your first wife, Jennifer.

Why did you it take you so long to remarry and what attracted you to your present wife, Jumai?

My first wife is gone and I don’t want to have a flashback because it is my past. Today, I am married to a wonderful woman who is Godsent. She is a golden fish and I appreciate her a lot. We met at a dedication ceremony of my friend; Chico Ejiro.

I wasn’t even feeling well that day but I chose to attend the ceremony because Chico is a good friend. That was where I met her. We chatted; I

liked her – yes, she was my spec (my kind of woman). We became friends; we became lovers, and one thing led to another and today, we are happily married. I remarried in 2007.

The marriage is blessed with a set of twins – Chukwuka and Chukwuamaka Ossai after five years.

What really was the attraction to marrying her?

Like I said, she is beautiful. She is someone with a very good heart and she is very industrious; very serious minded and not the type that would be lazing around. She also has the fear of God, which is very important especially when you are married to an artiste.

For a woman, the fear of God is important in every marriage. These are some of the things that I saw in her. She looked like a wife material even though she is a professional. I never looked at all that. I just liked and went for her.

With her name many people will mistake her to be a Northerner.Where is she from?

She is from Edo State. She only bears a Muslim name because she comes from a Muslim background. But she was a good Christian before I married her. She is my pillar.

As a producer in the movie industry, what do you consider problems facing Nollywood?

One is distribution channel and piracy. This has actually limited our capacity; because people have not focused on how to go above the normal places they sell their movies.

Another thing is bad contents; you can only sell what is good to people – most of our movies are now coming out well because we do research. I thank God that many of us are working hard. We are doing our best to bring back good movies in the industry at a greater level. Check out the kind of cinema movies that we have with Hollywood on ground. It’s of world class standard; we are really competing with Hollywood. We are even working with many of them and inviting famous international actors to work with us. This is great work. I am happy with our industry and I pray that piracy will not kill our good work.

People Think I Am a Medical Doctor Because of My Role in Clinic Matters

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULy 16, 2016

NEWS

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

56 Years after Independence, Nigeria Still not Ready for Unity, Regrets Ohanaeze Ndigbo S’East, S’South groups demand referendum on Confab report Amby Uneze in Owerri and Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia Igbo leaders under the aegis of Ohanaeze Ndigbo rose from a meeting in Owerri, Imo State yesterday with a warning that the unity of Nigeria would continue to be threatened unless justice and fairness were ensured and regretted that Nigeria as a nation had not done well to champion the unity of the country 56 years after independence.

This is as groups comprising civil society, socio-cultural, religious and community based organisations drawn from the South East and South South zones called for an early referendum on the report of the 2014 National Conference.

The meeting which was held at the Imo International Convention Center (IICC), Owerri, Imo State started at about 4pm and rose by 9pm with governors of Imo, Abia attending while the deputy governor of Enugu State represented her state governor while those of Ebonyi and Anambra States took permission.

Other leaders who were present at the meeting included former governors of old Anambra state, Chief Jim Nwobodo, one-time governor of Anambra, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former military governor of old Imo, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, former Minister of Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, Colonel JoeAchuzie (rtd.), Prof. Anya O Anya, Prof. George Obiozor, Dr. Paschal Dozie, Chief Simon Okeke, and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey, traditional rulers from all the states of Igbo land, and a host of others.

The host governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha stated that the time for the Igbos to cry for marginalisation was gone because Igbos were capable of liberating themselves and become self-reliant.

According to him, “there is no better time to unite than now. We shall all rise and take our rightful position in the scheme of things in the nation. As unique people we must live up to expectations as a people of special stock.

"My dream as Igbo is to see that day we will be economically sound and export to other nations.

Our people are not marginalised, our problem is finding a way to come together and take the Bull by the horn. When that happens then we will be happy as a people", he said.

For Professor George Obiozor, the country is not ready to solve the problems of the past, regretting that for 56 years as an independent nation it still revolves with uncertainties.

"We are lagging behind because the leaders have not found it right. The unity of Nigeria has not been guaranteed. The 2015 elections should have taught this country a lesson which revealed that Nigeria is still divided as they voted according to ethnic divide", he noted.

He warned that as far as there was injustice in the system, there would be no unity because those whose justice, fairness were denied would have no interest in peace.

Dr. Paschal Dozie noted that Igbos should forget the past and face the future, stressing that the leadership of Igbo nation had to rekindle the effort to change the land for a better future as the young ones had to learn from the old ones.

Ezeife and Madueke maintained that Igbos should return to that collective way of doing things they were noted in order to move forward.

For Madueke "we should be doing things together as we did in the construction of Imo Airport which he initiated as the military governor of old Imo state, noting

PREPARING FOR THE INEVITABLE...

L-R: Executive Director, Investments, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Oladele Sotubo; Consultant Endocrinologist, Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, Dr. Olubiyi Adesina; Asst. General Manager, Nigcomsat Limited, Mr. Muhammed Habib and Head, Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd, Mrs. Nike Bajomo during a pre-retirement seminar organised by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited in Abuja

that it was that spirit of Ndigbo that we have that airport today which happened to be the only airport in the country that was built by its citizens".

The groups for the referendum numbering over a dozen made the call in the resolution adopted at a meeting held in Umuahia.

They noted that it was predicated on their strong belief that a referendum on the implementation of the confab report “is the only way forward to save Nigeria”.

They condemned “the hounding, arrests and intimidation of IPOB members, innocent youths, whose only sin is their loss of faith in the lop-sided, unfair and unjust unitary Nigeria where some

Herdsmen Attacks: Military to Launch Operation Accord Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The military in response to desperate calls by Nigerians to address the increasing attacks by the suspected Fulani herdsmen against settlers and farmers in parts of the country plans to launch operation Accord.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Gabriel Olonisakin, disclosed this yesterday, while receiving the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris at the Defence Headquarters ( DHQ), Abuja.

Olonisakin said that "the armed force is preparing to launch 'Operation Accord' to tackle the menace occasioned by armed bandits in the recent spate of farmers and cattle herders' clashes across the country".

He further disclosed that a committee set up by the DHQ had visited some flash points of recent clashes in the country to assess the situation.

He also said that troops were being trained with the competence to operate in all terrains, especially in tackling the state of insecurity created by the herdsmen.

The CDS stressed that the Nigerian military and police must collaborate in order to restore, maintain and sustain security in the country.

Earlier, Idris agreed that the military and the police must collaborate further to stay ahead of security challenges in the country.

He however solicited for assistance from the military in the training of the Nigeria

police marine unit to enhance security operations in the Niger Delta region.

The IGP revealed that the police had taken over the responsibility of providing security in nine Local Government Areas in the North Eastern part of the country.

He explained that "the police have been briefed to take over 19 local government areas but only nine has been taken over".

He explained that the delay in deployment to the other 10 may be due to military exigencies.

Idris also called for improved synergy between military and police joint operation at state commands.

To this, he proposed a joint operations command to coordinate all security operations in the states.

regions are continuously treated as conquered people”.

Recalling the contemptuous disposition of President Buhari towards the confab report the groups condemned the decision

by Mr. President “to consign the only solution to the myriad of problems afflicting Nigeria to the archives”.

They insisted that the document must be retrieved from the archives, and early referendum conducted to determine the fate and future of Nigeria.

On the federal government’s reaction to those expressing opposing views, the groups vehemently condemned “the apparent decision of the FG to

crush dissenting voices”, insisting that dialogue and negotiation would engender peace, harmony and stability of the nation.

The groups that were represented at the meeting under the umbrella of Old Eastern Region Movement include Traders Organisations, Students Groups, Traditional Rulers and Town Unions, CAN, Age Grades and Socio-cultural Organizations from the South East and South South zones.

There were also representatives of Igbo in Academia, South East Professionals, Niger Delta Youth Forum, PFN, World Igbo Congress, South East Traders Associations, Igbo Survival

Movement, South East Congress, Igbo Women Assembly, amongst others.

The forum agreed to be holding bi-monthly meetings “until a larger and broad based coalition was built amongst like minds in the South West and Middle Belt for a stronger demand for a referendum on the 2014 confab resolutions” In the course of deliberations the interim chairman of the group, Bishop Michael Ibeneme lamented the continuous heaping of false allegations on the IPOB members in order to criminalise them, saying such wicked plots would only deepen division in Nigeria.

Arik Warns Scarcity of Aviation Fuel May Cripple Flight Operations Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s major carrier, Arik Air has warned that air travel may be crippled by the increasing prices of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, which has recorded over 35 per cent increase in the last four weeks.

The airline has therefore alerted air travelers that there was severe scarcity of the product as the prices continued to increase.

The airline said the scarcity became evident few days ago when oil marketers started rationing the supply of the product to the airlines and explained they had limited stock at the depots.

“The situation is critical in Lagos and Abuja, the operational hubs of Arik Air and the airline has warned that if the situation

is not addressed as a priority by the marketers, more flights could be delayed or cancelled,” the airline said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Adebanji Ola. He said the airline, which was the largest consumer of aviation fuel in Nigeria as it operates more than 120 daily flights and its daily fuel requirement was about 500,000 liters.

“This means that Arik Air will be most affected by the scarcity and delay in marketers to source and deliver fuel to the airlines. The airline has therefore appealed for the understanding of passengers as it grapples with the Jet A1 scarcity.

“Where flights are likely to be delayed, the airline will notify passengers through SMS. In case of flight being cancelled due to limited supply of fuel by marketers, passengers will be

accommodated on first available alternative flight at no cost,” the airline said.

The scarcity of aviation fuel has become a continuum since last year when the value of the nation’s currency began to tumble against international currencies and spiralled the prices of imported goods, including Jet A1. Early last month airline operators had urged passengers to expect more delays or cancelled flights as scarcity of aviation fuel bit harder, adding that scheduled operation may stop unless more products were delivered as quickly as possible.

It has been estimated that domestic airlines may be losing over N500 million daily as the biting scarcity of aviation fuel forces airlines to cancel flights as the product was rationed by oil marketers.

11

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Borno IDPs: The Truth about Why They Can’t Return

M

y heart bleeds as I write this piece. The situation in the camps of Internally Displaced Persons, IDP in Borno State is heartwrenching. The camps are overcrowded. Daily, hundreds die of hunger and diseases. Most of the promises made to them by governments, companies and individuals remain largely unfulfilled.

This regular noise about drugs and food being sent to them is exaggerated. The demands of the IDPs far outweigh supply.

For example, the grains supplied to them last year were less than 10% of their need.

The drugs and medical facilities are also inadequate for the estimated two million IDPs in formal and informal camps in the state. Recently, an international medical humanitarian organisation, Mé- decins Sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors without Borders discovered over 1000 graves at the Bama camp. The MSF said on their inspection, it found about 1,233 graves, 480 of which contained children, located near the IDP camp.

The MSF Head of Mission in Nigeria, Ghada Hatim, stated: “For several hours on June 21, an MSF medical team was able to access the town of Bama, where 24,000 people, including 15,000 children (among them, 4,500 under five years of age) are sheltered in a camp located on a hospital compound. During those few hours, the MSF medical team discovered a health crisis - referring 16 severely malnourished children at immediate risk of death to the MSF inpatient therapeutic feeding centre in Maiduguri. A rapid nutritional screening of more than 800 children found that 19% were suffering from severe acute malnutrition - the deadliest form of malnutrition.”

It was the first time MSF was able to access Bama, and has now shown to the whole world that the needs of the IDPs there are beyond critical. Hatim, the MSF head added: “Bama is largely closed off.

We have been told that people there, including children, have starved to death.

According to the accounts given to MSF by displaced people in Bama, new graves are appearing on a daily basis. We were told that on certain days, more than 30 people were dying due to hunger and illness. Since May this year, at least 188 people had died in the camp and almost six people pass away daily mainly because of diarrhoea and malnutrition. In June, the MSF jointly with Nigerian authorities evacuated 1,192 people in need of medical treatment from the Bama area to Maiduguri.”

It is very sad to note that some people are even making money from the miseries in these IDP by collecting donations that never get to them. Some send a fraction of what they collect. The federal government makes so much noise, with very little action. The international community has also been grandstanding.

Nobody in the 32 IDP camps spread across Borno State is happy staying a day longer there. The environment is excruciating. Daily, they dream of returning home.

They are desperate to return to their farms and businesses. But unfortunately, for now, they can’t return to their various towns and villages. The big question is: why would anybody choose to remain in these scruffy camps if their towns and villages had been truly liberated as we are being told? The whole truth is that these towns and villages are still unsafe despite liberation claims.

For example, I can say it with full authority that Boko Haram terrorists are still roaming freely in three local government areas of Borno State – Abadam, Mobbar and Kala Balge. I challenge the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed to relocate his office to any of these three local government areas mentioned if he has contrary information.

Only three local government areas are, in the real sense of it, safe in Borno State.

In 20 other local government areas, there are several challenges hindering the return of the IDPs, including remnants of Boko

Kukah on Renewed Biafra Agitation The position of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah on the renewed agitation for the actualisation of Biafran Republic is instructive. He recently said the agitation would not have arisen if this administration had adopted sound strategies to address issues raised. Kukah said: “The so-called movement for Biafra has gestated more as a result of the poor strategy that the government may have adopted in dealing with these issues.

Nothing succumbs to mere mono-causality.

Everything is always the result of many other isolated things that finally come together.

Sometimes, it is more important to ask what

Lopsided Management Teams of Police, NPA and EFCC at a Glance The Police IGP Ibrahim Idris (Head) AIG Abdul Bube (Secretary) DIG Shuaibu Gambo DIG Joshak Habila DIG Maigari Abbati Dikko DIG H.M. Dagala DIG Emmanuel T. Inyang DIG Ntom Chukwu DIG Folusho A. Adebanjo

may have provided the conditions.

“Extremism in whatever form operates in an environment of weak government’s presence, which tends to create a climate of corruption. This is why most of the violence often springs from the periphery of society where poverty exists. It is also the reasons why you hardly find violence expressed in places like Asokoro, Victoria Island or the GRAs where the big men and women live together surrounded by their wealth, power and privilege which enable them to live peacefully. Violence is bred by the fact that the poor are often fighting over water, for example, and other scarce commodities that the big men and women take for granted.

Extremism thrives in the pools of poverty and destitution and its victims are often the foot soldiers.”

These are words of wisdom from Kukah who shared his thoughts during the launch of the 2016 edition of Truth Magazine, a publication of the Dominican Student Brothers in Ibadan. I sincerely hope President Muhammadu Buhari and his legion of sycophants are listening.

Haram terrorists waiting to devour the hapless people if they gamble to return home. In most of these places, the homes of the IDPs have been vandalised while deadly landmines are scattered in the towns and villages. How will these unfortunate people restart their lives with

smashed homes? When will the military start clearing these mines? When will this administration restore civil authority in these so-called recovered territories? When will they start restoring divisional police posts and police stations? When will this administration guarantee security that will encourage the IDPs to return home? So, who will return in the absence of these vital requirements? These are pertinent questions begging for answers.

Boko Haram attacks carried out last week in Damboa, Gaskeri and Rann is a confirmation of my position that pockets of terrorists abound waiting to devour the IDPs if they return to their homes. They struck in Damboa last week Friday, killing six worshipers in a small mosque. A day earlier, three persons lost their lives when the terrorists attacked Gaskeri. Also last week, the terrorist had the courage to attack soldiers at their location at Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area.

Many will be shocked to know that the terrorists came with anti-aircraft guns, General Purpose Machine Gun and Rocket-Propelled grenade ammunition. They opened fire on homes, killing seven people, while panicked residents fled.

The terrorists took food and drugs from the only clinic in the town. There was also an attack on a military position in Kangarwa on Tuesday during which two soldiers were killed.

From these horrific attacks, many can now see why the IDPs can’t return to their homes despite claims that the areas have been liberated. We must ensure honesty in this war against Boko Haram, if we are to achieve the desired result. Emphasis must be on how we can sincerely secure all these troubled towns and villages so that IDPs can return to their homes. May Allah continue to protect our gallant soldiers as they continue the drive to truly liberate towns and villages occupied by the terrorists.

Fantastically-Tactical Hadiza Bala-Usman Gets Full Reward Hadiza Bala Usman, co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) was my star of the week, as she received optimum reward for her strategic role in the 2015 presidential election. She got the plum job of Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a reward for effectively using the BBOG to degrade and downgrade the Jonathan administration. Many of us won’t forget in a hurry when few weeks back, genuine conveners of the Bring Back Our Girls movement accused the Buhari-led administration of losing sight of the promises it made to rescue over 219 Chibok girls who are still in Boko Haram’s captivity. In a press statement co-signed by Oby Ezekwesili and Aisha Yesufu, they said it was unfortunate that the Chibok girls, their parents and communities, Nigeria and the rest of the world are still awaiting a successful rescue mission as promised by Buhari. According to them, recent developments seem to suggest that officials of the present administration may have lost track of many promises of the government.

Our girls are still far from being free but Hadiza jumps from one appointment to another from a government that has failed to show genuine commitment to the rescue of

Hadiza

the girls. It is now obvious that while the genuine BBOG campaigners were working, Hadiza’s ultimate goal was personal and not that of our hapless Chibok girls. She jumped ship immediately the election was won, to work as the Chief of Staff to Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State.

Then came this ultimate reward this week.

Hadiza, in the real sense of it, has never worked all her life. I really can’t fathom the experience this fantastically-tactical 40-year-old lady is bringing to the NPA. On a lighter note, I share something in common with Hadiza. We are both alumnus of the highly esteemed University of Leeds, United Kingdom. So, I wish my dear Hadiza the best of luck at NPA.

Abiola Ajimobi, the Butcher of Oyo State

The NPA Team Hadiza Bala-Usman (MD) Mohammed Bello-Koko (ED) Professor Idris Abubakar (ED) Dr. Sekonde Davies (ED) EFCC Team (Proposed) Ibrahim Magu (Chairman) Nasule Moses Lawan Mamman Galadanci Imam Adeleke Rafiu So, where is the equity in all these? Our president must be just and fair to all sections of this country.

Nobodyinthe 32IDPcamps spreadacrossBorno Stateis happystaying adaylongerthere.

The environmentisexcruciating.

Daily,theydreamofreturning home.Theyaredesperate toreturntotheirfarmsand businesses.Butunfortunately, fornow,they can’treturnto theirvarioustownsandvillages.

The big questionis:whywould anybodychooseto remainin these scruffycampsiftheir townsandvillageshadbeen trulyliberatedaswearebeing told?The wholetruthisthat these townsandvillagesare stillunsafe despiteliberation claims.Forexample,Icansay itwithfullauthoritythatBoko Haramterroristsarestillroaming freelyinthree localgovernment areasofBornoState–Abadam, MobbarandKala Balge

Kukah

The last five years have been harrowing for the people of Oyo State under Governor Abiola Ajimobi. This state has never had is so bad. Virtually all the gains of the state since creation have been wiped out by Ajimobi who seems to be on a mission to extinguish Oyo State. This once peaceful and lovely state has degenerated significantly, with decaying infrastructure. Public utilities are in a mess.

Just visit any of the hospitals owned by the state government and you will be shocked at the state of these facilities. As I write this piece, everything in this failed state is at a standstill. Teachers and other civil servants are still on strike over seven months’ unpaid

salaries. Teachers are also at war with Ajimobi over alleged plans to sell some public schools to his cronies.

As a result, pupils in public schools have been at home for weeks. Union leaders opposed to his plans have been dubiously dragged to court by this maximum ruler.

While Oyo State bleeds, Ajimobi and his cronies are living big. Some months back, this governor organised a lavish wedding party for his daughter in Dubai while the state bleds. His friends and cronies were flown to Dubai for the gig. The founding fathers of Oyo State must rise up against this maximum ruler called Ajimobi.

12

JULY 16 , 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

LOCAL GOVERNMENT: A NIGERIAN TRAGEDY

I

The local council, as presently constituted, is harming the country’s economic and political interests, writes Chris Gyang

t is outrageous that the local government council in Nigeria, one of the most critical agents of representative democracy and development, has over time been turned into a puppet in the hands of politicians, especially governors and states legislators. In fact, state governors have been known to influence their states legislatures, which are empowered by the constitution to legislate on affairs of local councils, to pass perfidious laws for political expediency which go against good conscience and progress of this level of government. From north to south, east to west, the story is the same – with very few exceptions.

We do not realise that there is a very fundamental nexus between the mind boggling revelations of the corruption we are daily regaled with from across the country and the resultant backwardness this has wrought on our country, on the one hand; and the very way the local government system has been bastardised over time, on the other. As the habitation of the largest number of Nigerians, local government areas are homes to all of us – from the president to the lowest of Nigeria’s masses.

Moreover, it is no idle talk when it is said that local council is the closest government to the people. Every year, we are told about the billions upon billions of naira spent by the federal government on health care delivery, electricity and potable water, etc., but the ordinary Nigerian hardly sees these in his village. Regrettably, there is nothing he can do about it as the president, minister, governor, representatives at the national and state legislatures are in most cases practically out of his reach.

But not so his own elected chairman and councillor. He can easily walk to their offices or homes because they live and work in his neighbourhood. Where they are too far away, a ride on a bike gives him access to them. So they are bound to be more responsive to him because they owe their positions directly to ordinary people like him. Therefore, in the matters of revenue allocation, human resources enhancement, democratic representation, autonomy, infrastructural development, etc., local councils should be given the pride of place.

This is also because medium and small scale entrepreneurs, farmers, petty traders, artisans, elementary school teachers, and, most importantly, the Nigerian family unit, thrive and find their most robust expressions chiefly at the grassroots of our country.

But today, those at the helm of affairs at the grassroots who are lucky to be elected are sooner than later turned into appendages. Those hand-picked as ad-hoc chairmen are acolytes given such appointments as ‘settlement’ for services rendered during elections or as rewards for loyalty. Nepotism and sheer disregard for the values of good governance are so rife here that you even find siblings or relatives of members of the states’ executives and, or, legislatures heading these care-taker contraptions. Which is why some governors and legislators blatantly bend the laws to keep them in office whenever the legal issues of replacing them with elected executives arise, further perpetuating the disenfranchisement of the rural populace. Also, certain governors have been found to be averse to conducting council polls for fear that their parties would lose because of their unpopularity with the electorate.

The added attraction the councils hold for governors especially pertains to lucre. The councils are fleeced through a process where all revenues allocated them from the Federation Account are lodged

IN MATTERS OF REVENUE ALLOCATION, HUMAN RESOURCES ENHANCEMENT, DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION, AUTONOMY, INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, ETC., LOCAL COUNCILS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE PRIDE OF PLACE

in the same account as the state’s from where the councils’ share is disbursed to them by the state government through the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee. This ludicrous, slavish and totally unconscionable system of resource allocation has led to a situation where some state governors have found in local governments’ funds a cheap largesse to be despoiled at will. This is made easier when the caretakers are lackeys whose allegiance to the governor is total. The caretakers in turn deploy part of the crumbs to feather their own nests with the remnants used for what they call ‘developmental projects’.

Of course this only has the tendency to stunt development as such resources abysmally fall short of doing any meaningful project.

The result is the pervasive, but avoidable poverty and backwardness we live with in 90 per cent of our country. In the long run, our rural dwellers are left at the mercy of imposed leaders in a country that boasts a democratic dispensation: a sad irony of islands of tyranny surrounded by pleasant seas of democracy.

Now, here is the nexus between the corruption we hear about today and the apparent plunder and bastardisation of our local government system which has turned it into an endangered species of sorts.

The federal government controls the largest chunk of the country’s commonwealth but has over time not commensurately demonstrated an ability to equitably channel same for the good of the majority of Nigerians – the people at the lowest rungs of the social ladder, the largest number of who live in the local government areas. Unfortunately, it is these local areas that are allocated the least from the national purse, most of which is plundered by extraneous forces.

And because the federal government possesses a plethora of resources which it has failed to effectively and efficiently deploy to enhance the lives of the greater number, there is always a huge temptation for the dubious to gravitate towards kleptomania as there is an over- abundance lying idly about.

But one is always tempted to disagree with the argument that the way out of these problems is to free the councils from the asphyxiating clutches of state governments and recalibrate the revenue formula for them to gain a much greater share of the so-called national cake. This is because local governments are known to have spawned some of the most awesome forms of corruption that simply confound the senses.

One of these featured a four-month old suckling being placed on a council’s pay roll! Be that as it may, this should not serve as an excuse for condoning the impunity, crass interference and disenfranchisement of the rural dwellers that have become the hallmarks of the local government system in Nigeria. It is the inalienable right of the ordinary Nigerian to have a democratic and representative government which is truly his own at his immediate locality; a government that possesses the financial muscle and is backed by the independent power and authority to lead them in a way that takes cognisance of their most vital needs and aspirations.

In this regard, therefore, we join other Nigerians of goodwill to make a clarion call for autonomy and a very realistic change to the revenue formula so that the majority of our citizens who daily encounter debilitating existential hurdles receive a lion’s share of our nation’s resources to be administered by leaders democratically elected by them.

Gyang wrote from Jos

LIMITING THE FALLOUT

The Ugwuanyi’s government is making the right choices and keeping the state above water, writes Nwobodo Chidiebere “The real tragedy of the poor is the poverty of their aspirations” --Adam Smith

T

he sudden fall of oil price has exposed Nigeria’s economic foundation as a mono-economy and a heterogeneous nation with so many financial fault lines.

The unsustainability of the current “feeding bottle federalism” as propagated by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, is again being brought to the fore. Gone are days when state governors run their states like medieval emperors with inexhaustible funds and resources. The current financial crisis bedevilling the nation has reached a crisis point with about 70% of the state governments unable to pay salaries, let alone fund developmental projects.

With over N800 billion bailout from the federal government at the dawn of the administration, many of the state governments are once again in a sorry state of bankruptcy.

Like the proverbial necessity that fuels invention and creativity, some states are cutting down on expenses and looking inwards to generate more revenue. As it is said in every economic cloud, there is always silver lining of financial prosperity. One of the futurist and financially literate governors who have decided not to join the group of governors lamenting acute paucity funds is Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

After his emergence as governor, he made up his mind to marshal out implementable economic blueprint on how to revive and

resuscitate economic potential of the Coal City state.

As a true believer and faith-driven Christian, Gov. Ugwuanyi vowed not only to key into the multiplying power of the parable of two loaves of bread and three fishes as epitomised by Jesus Christ in the holy book, but to transform every stone of economic stagnation and mountain of poverty in the state into ocean of financial prosperity.

He ignited the economic revolution in the state via prudent management of the slim resources at his disposal. He told anyone that cared to listen, that Enugu State has to be re-invented, and all hands must be on deck not only to diversify the economy of the state but to chart a new cause of economic renaissance.

It is no longer business as usual—where every Dick and Harry looks up to Abuja for monthly hand-outs. The clear message cum vision of his government is: if we must spend it, we have to create it.

One of the masterstrokes of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s government which is propelling the Eastern hub on the path of economic renaissance is his water-tight blockage of all revenue leakages in the state. The hitherto cabal behind the nightmare and economic sabotage called ghost workers is being unravelled and decimated.

He has succeeded in improving efficiency by weeding out wastages in the day-to -day running of government bureaucracy of the state.

Even politicians, who depended on government hand-outs to survive can now testify that the

present government is out to discard liabilities and encourage assets as epitomised in diligence and creativity to boost productivity of Enugu people and create long-lasting wealth for the masses.

In moment of financial crisis like this, wealth does not necessarily grow wind, but like the indisputable law of conservation of energy— which states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed but can be transformed from one medium to other. Gov. Ugwuanyi, is borrowing a leaf from this that wealth can be created by transforming human and mineral resources of Enugu State into prosperity, not only to augment revenue shortfall arising from dwindling oil prices, but to diversify the economy of the state.

After x-raying the economic potential of the state, the governor has cashed in on his huge moral capital and political will—on whose fulcrum he rode to power, to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state by overhauling its tax payment systems.

Instead of imposing more tax burden on already improvised people of the state, the state government preferred expanding the tax net like the proverbial fisherman to accommodate more tax payers. Enhancement of agricultural activities in the state, which is being given a life via reconstruction of rural roads to provide access to fertile farmlands, is equally robbing off on IGR of the state.

There is no doubt that Enugu State is speeding on the dual carriage highway of economic rejuvenation. The political sagacity and financial

intelligence of Gov. Ugwuanyi has placed the state amongst the few states with potential of surviving the ongoing economic recession. That he has been paying workers salary uninterruptedly since coming to office in the face of harsh economic crunch cannot be taken for granted.

Imagine how unstable Enugu—being a civil service state - would have been if the governor had defaulted on his constitutional responsibility to pay workers? The rate of crime vis-à-vis insecurity would have skyrocketed.

The governor’s vision as explicitly expressed in his ability to create enabling business environment in the state, within one year in office and current efforts at reviving moribund industries, was given vote of confidence by recent pronouncements of two revered economic institutions: Central Bank of Nigeria and World Bank, respectively. According to 2015 statistics which emanated from the apex bank, Enugu was rated as one of the few states with strongest internally generated revenue and financial backbone to withstand turbulent economic storm after Lagos, Rivers and Delta, respectively. World Bank also described the state as the most viable in terms of ease of doing business in Nigeria.

It has become crystal clear that Enugu State is on the path of economic transformation.

Great economies are built during economic depression - like what we are experiencing now in the country. It is a new dawn of economic renaissance in the Coal City state.

Chidiebere wrote from Abuja

13

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What awaits them?

A

Ambode and the Ban on Street Trading

kinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State governor, strikes many people, including friends and foes, as a refreshing breadth of fresh air. He seems to be standing out positively in the cacophony of bungling by power mongers masquerading as leaders of the people in the many corridors of power across the land. His quiet effectiveness, sense of mission, grasp of the art and science of governance and administrative ingenuity that have begun to yield meaningful developments for the people of Lagos are some of the reasons why some are already saying perhaps a man bigger than Babatunde Fashola is in the saddle. Even when he was severely criticised for his tentativeness at the onset of his regime he neither joined issues with the critics nor hired loads of sycophants and praise singers to plead his case like his fellow lords of the manors are wont to do. He weathered the storm, responded through deeds that showed his preparedness for the job and vision for a greater Lagos encapsulated in his credo of Itesiwaju Eko (the Progress of Lagos).

But just as the ship of state is being steadied for what is generally anticipated to be a steady four year cruise, Ambode has given critics some new ammunition to pummel him while shaking the faith of some believers in his credential as a humane leader. It all started when he enunciated his readiness to ensure that Lagos lives to up to its billing as a mega polis of international dimension. The route to the new Lagos, according to Ambode, includes new and audacious plan for the Oshodi heartland and a cleaner and saner highways and streets across the state. To achieve the Lagos of his and our dream Ambode wants to and has actually decreed street trading and hawking out of existence. To show his seriousness and determination to stamp out this blight he has prescribed a humongous fine of N90, 000, for hawkers and their patrons, who run afoul of the law and those who cannot pay will spend six months in jail. Some offenders will get both at the same time.

Yes it is important to ensure some order on the streets and inner roads particularly relating to hawking on highbrow streets and in traffic on major highways. I support the ban on hawking on highways. It constitutes clear and present danger to the hawkers, their patrons and other road users. It is also a sore sight to first time visitors and foreigners who daily throng Lagos from other climes. But this matter of outright ban on street trading and hawking without providing any workable alternative is an invitation to a bigger problem. Simply put Ambode will create a bigger problem in the process of solving a big problem. And common sense dictates that this is not the path to thread.

It will cast him in the pantheon of elitist rulers of the people. And compounding it with a N90, 000 as fine for hawkers and their patrons is overkill. Our overcrowded jailhouses will burst

at the seams and we will be manufacturing more and more social misfits and troublers of the society. If you drive away street traders without building markets or designating trading areas for them you are spreading poverty and depriving people of their livelihood.

It will lead to more poverty and possibly a rise in the crime rate.

The way out is to look at what other managers of mega polis had done to manage street hawkers and traders. After all there exist various street markets in major cities across the world including the famous Oxford and Pecham High Street Markets in London, Jemaa, Marakech in Morocco and the Temple Street Market in Hong Kong . And if you have visited London especially the Pecham area you will still notice loads and loads of street traders and hawkers displaying their wares, soliciting for patrons and making brisk business. Therefore Ambode and his government should reconsider the outright ban on street trading. While hawking on busy major highways should be discouraged and banned, street traders should be given another window to make a living.

The first step is not to start with immediate effect since we are not in a military regime. Ambode must create a window that will allow constructive engagement between his government and those earning their living on the streets. You cannot just deprive a man of his means of livelihood just like that without stoking a major upheaval in the land especially at this time of crunching economic downturn.

The way to go is to start with a lot of persuasion and education.

They should be told why they are being taken off the streets and what alternatives are to be provided. The government should also look for ways to designate certain areas as street markets in places where street trading is prevalent. In such arenas people will be free to buy and sell without let or hindrance.

There should be a downward review of the fine. If this is not done those arrested will not be able to pay, they will be sent to prison where they will mix with hardened criminals and come out worse and the society will also be under siege of more criminals. If government cannot create more jobs, then it has no moral right to throw those with small business outlet and one man business out of jobs through some policies that appeal to the sentiments of the well-heeled in the society. Now is the time to give government at all levels a human face.

However the most compelling reason why Ambode should take a second look and fine tune the new initiative is its potential to cause major social upheaval. The law will be a ready tool in the hands of overzealous officials especially the various layers of security outfits in the state who will hound and hunt potential preys, milking some in the process and chasing some to their deaths on the highways. Such actions will lead to chains of reactions including riots and further destruction of lives and property as was witnessed in the state recently when a hawker was chased to his death and several buses were burnt by those protesting his death.

Adegbenro Adebanjo, obanijesu@yahoo.com

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

T

FG: Fight the Good Fight

he fight against corruption by the federal government has helped to bring Nigeria back from the brink somewhat.

Therefore, government must understand that time is of necessity and the widespread anti-corruption war, if not systematically pursued, will further cost Nigerians a lot.

The federal government should quickly take practical steps by putting modalities in place to address the challenges of fuel price hike, transportation cost, increase in food stuff, increase in production of raw materials, epileptic power supply, insecurity, unemployment, poor roads, potable drinking water, among other issues affecting poor Nigeria.

Charles Iyare, ANEEJ, Benin City

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

INSIGHT

AGF Malami’s Violent Assault Against Democracy, Rule of Law

Mohammed Abdulrazaq

O

ur democracy is under attack and it might collapse irredeemably unless Nigerians rise up to defend it. Democracy should not just be a white elephant where those entrusted with leadership positions hide to perpetuate illegality and acts injurious to the people. The historic event that recently took place in Britain comes to mind as one ponders the type and manner of democracy we have chosen to practice in this country. The British people have just voted to be independent of the European Union (EU) after 43 years of membership. Giving effect to democracy and expressed wish of the people, Prime Minister David Cameron has resigned his position and fixed his exit date for October, in deference to the finer principles of democracy which towers above every other opinion under the expressed wish of the majority.

However, there is much ado in our country even though we pretend to practice democracy.

Institutions are not allowed to work but the selfish machinations of those holding the levers of power.

Why is it that our governance is always colored and seen through the prism of individual leaders rather than being sustained by the modern ethos and ethics of democratic governance? Why is it so difficult for the executive to allow the other arms of government to operate independently as granted them by the Constitution? Why has the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, chosen to prefer criminal charges against the presiding officers of the 8th Senate on a matter that is wholly internal to the Senate? Why has the executive invaded the arena of the Senate, apparently, to forcefully dismantle the leadership the Senators elected to lead it at their inauguration?

Why is the executive out to enfeeble the institution of the Legislature and the Judiciary by constantly harassing and intimidating them? There are instances where Judicial officers have been blackmailed through online publications so that they can rule in a particular way.

The plot to arraign Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu falls squarely within this new template of executive impunity and using the judiciary to settle political scores. The facts of the case to me are clear enough even though I am not a lawyer. Nigerians and members of the international community know that some lawmakers, on behalf of the Senate Unity Forum (SUF), who championed the failed bid of Senator Ahmed Lawan to emerge Senate President

Onethingisclear.Thepresentcaseof forgeryisanewphaseintheunholy crusadetocowtheNationalAssembly andmakeitofnoeffect,eventhoughthe institutionrepresentsthelivewireofour democracy.Thisisbecausethereisno denyingthefactthattheemergenceof SarakiasSenatePresidentofthe8th Senateistheraisondaitreforhisongoing persecutioncumprosecutionoveralleged falseassetdeclarationorforgedSenate rules.ItmustbenotedthattheAGFcannot denybeinganinterestedpartyinthe instantcaseforwhichheistheProsecutorIn-Chief,byvirtueofhisbeingoneofthe counseltothemembersoftheSenate UnityForumthatpetitionedthepolice andalsoinstitutedacasebeforehewas appointedminister

Abubakar Malami, AGF

petitioned the police, alleging forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 that produced Saraki and Ekweremadu. Following the petition, the police in July 2015, invited former Senate President, David Mark, his former Deputy, Ekweremadu, ex-Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee in the 7th Senate and now Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, former Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Benedict Efeturi and one other person for questioning. It is worthy of note that both the presiding and principal officers of the 7th Senate so invited never honoured the invitation of the police, save for the public servants in the person of Maikasuwa and Efeturi who honoured the invitation and made statements to the police. The police concluded its investigation and sent it to the AGF to determine whether what happened in the chambers of the National Assembly on June 9, 2015, is subject to prosecution.

One thing is clear. The present case of forgery is a new phase in the unholy crusade to cow the National Assembly and make it of no effect, even though the institution represents the live wire of our democracy. This is because there is no denying the fact that the emergence of Saraki as Senate President of the 8th Senate is the raison daitre for his ongoing persecution cum prosecution over alleged false asset declaration or forged Senate rules. It must be noted that the AGF cannot deny being an interested party in the instant case for which he is the Prosecutor-InChief, by virtue of his being one of the counsel to the members of the Senate Unity Forum that petitioned the police and also instituted a case before he was appointed minister.

Again, before the AGF was appointed, the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) ‘suddenly discovered discrepancies’ in the asset declaration forms filed by Saraki about 13 years ago for which he is currently undergoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Besides, the executive and certain elements in the APC who are apparently miffed by the revelations emanating from the CCT which clearly underscores the claims of the Senate President that he is being persecuted for political reasons, have now made a detour and dusted a report which has been with the AGF for over a year, and suddenly got busy with plans to arraign Saraki, Ekweremadu and a select few at an FCT High Court over allegations of forgery.

Apparently sensing that the spurious allegations against the Senate President to the effect that there were irregularities in his asset declaration forms, have continued to cave in as the prosecution witness is being cross-examined, the executive has again cooked up allegations against the Senate President to the effect that he partook in forging the Senate Standing Orders by which the 8th Senate was inaugurated. To make it credible, it has decided to join Ekweremadu, Maikasuwa and Efeturi in the suit.

If not, is it not curious that some of the officials of the 7th Senate expressly mentioned in the police invitation are missing in the current charge before the FCT High Court? Do we need to consult a star gazer to know that David Mark was the Senate President of the 7th Senate? Even kindergarten pupils know that Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba was the Senate Leader of the 7th Senate and that Senator Ita Enang was the Chairman Business and Rules Committee in the 7th Senate. While are these names missing in the forgery charge for which trial is billed to commence on Monday.

To show the eagerness, with with the executive want to get at Saraki by initiating this kangaroo trial, it is pertinent to note that never a time was the name of Saraki mentioned in the report of the police that purportedly investigated a matter they were not legally competent to investigate being that they are direct agents of the executive and further precluded from interfering in the internal matters of any other arm of government, that is in climes where the sanctity of the doctrine of separation of powers is respected and given effect. I think Nigerians and world leaders must also interrogate why Saraki was never invited by the police to make a statement before the charges were filed. Yet the police swore to an affidavit that it had concluded investigation on the matter. The proposed trail by all intent and purposes is a clear violation of the Constitution and Section 379 (1) (a) (iv) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 which stipulates that for a competent charge to be filed, it SHALL contain copies of the statements of the defendants. However, Nigerians are watching to see if Saraki and Ekweremadu would be forced to make statements to the police after they might have been arraigned?

For the avoidance of doubt, the Police buttressed the argument that the case against Saraki and Ekweremadu is meant to achieve political ends, albeit, through the back door, in its letter dated June 7, 2016 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The letter among others, put a capital lie to claims by the AGF and his hirelings that the Senate President and others are to be arraigned over allegations of forgery of Senate Rules. The letter signed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) James O. Caulrick, with the title: “1st reminder, Letter of invitation, Re: Forgeries/Fraudulent use of the Senate Standing Order/Rules 2015 (As Amended) by the 8th Senate” read as follows: “I refer yo the Deputy Inspector-General of Police’s letter no. CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.185/98, dated 1st July, 2015 requesting the under- listed officials of the 7th Senate (emphasis mine) to report to the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department for the purpose of conducting investigation on the above subject matter: i. Senate President ii. Deputy Senate President iii. Majority Leader of the Senate iv. Clerk of the National Assembly v. Clerk of the Senate vi. Chairman, Business and Rules Committee and vii. Secretary, Business and Rules Committee.

As at the time of writing this letter, none of the officials in the above 7th Senate list honoured the invitation to respond to the allegations, except the Clerks of the National Assembly and that of the Senate. Consequent upon the above, you are kindly requested to inform the listed officials yet to respond to report to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department on 9th June, 2016 for the purpose of further investigation on the matter.”

How, did the AGF smuggle the name of Saraki into the Charge, while the main actors of the 7th Senate were either left out completely or made prosecution witnesses? Many Nigerians have insisted that the trial billed to commence on Monday is a direct assault against democracy and a criminal subversion of the rule of law which the present administration swore to protect. I cannot agree with them less.

President Muhammadu Buhari owes Nigerians the obligation to ensure that the other arms of government are allowed to function unencumbered. He owes Nigerians the obligation to ensure that its cherished democracy is not subverted by a few in position of power. Let him act to safeguard democracy and immediately order the AGF to withdraw the charges against Saraki and Ekweremadu.

––Abdulrazaq wrote in from Anyigba, Kogi State

15

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

TUNDERAHMAN

tunderahmanu@yahoo.com 08055069548 (Text only) 08055069548 (Text only)

SGF Babachair David Lawal!

S

ecretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, may have entered the black book of the Senate for obvious reasons. During the week, the upper legislative chamber summoned Lawal to appear before it over his comments on the constituency projects. Appearing before the Senate Joint Committees on Ethics, Appropriation and Finance on Wednesday, the SGF restated his position that the Federal Government would not be able to fund the constituency projects contained in the 2016 budget because the revenue accruable to the country had dropped drastically. His statement, though factual and represented the true position of things, was not pleasing to the hearing of the Senators. There seems to be more issues the Senate holds against the SGF than the constituency matter. I think the constituency matter is just a mere smokescreen.

I will return to this shortly.

The focus of this week’s piece is about the SGF, but not about Lawal and the Senate, as it were, because yours sincerely is not qualified to hold and is not pretending to hold brief for the Senate. The upper legislative chamber is well equipped to defend itself. It parades both couth and uncouth distinguished lawmakers who can be unleashed on Lawal. If the Senators like, they can summon any public officer to appear before them or issue a warrant of arrest if any invited officer fails to heed their invitation. They may also resort to ‘impeach’, after all they recently threatened to commence impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari.

Babachir may have walked into Senate’s trouble because he is opening his mouth too wide; he is getting too political, I guess. Waxing political on the SGF seat may not really be a sin. Though the SGF operates in a civil service environment, the job, as I see it, is not necessarily one for civil servants or technocrats. It would appear that the choice of who mounts the office of SGF depends on what the president, who is the appointing authority, wants to achieve with that office at any point in time. The SGF is the head of the Secretariat of the Federal Government. He is the Secretary to the Federal Cabinet, the clearing house for the administrative and policy work of the government. Some president may want an SGF that is grounded in policy, a technocrat as it were, who would be able to deal with the nitty-gritty of government policies, another president may want the one with serious grounding in politics to hold the office and help the administration in the area of managing politicians.

At the Commonwealth where the creation of SGF’s Office appears to have been borrowed, former colonies of Britain, which embrace the idea, see the SGF more or less as a cabinet secretary and the occupant is more often than not a technocrat. But the separation of the position of SGF from that of Head of Service in Nigeria may have taken care of the problem of who should occupy the office.

Whereas the Head of Service is a career civil servant who is not expected to be a politician

Lawal

and cannot claim membership of a political party, the SGF may be a politician, a cardcarrying member of a political party.

Giving this background, a random check of those who had occupied the office of SGF from Obong Ufot Ekaette in 1999 with the resurgence of democratic rule in the country under President Olusegun Obasanjo to Chief Anyim Pius Anyim under the immediate-past President Goodluck Jonathan would show that Ekaette is perhaps the only one that can be seen as not a career politician of the lot.

Ekaette was appointed by former President Obasanjo as SGF on May 29, 1999, holding the office till the end of the second term of Obasanjo. He was a career civil servant, well grounded. He retired as Permanent Secretary.

Ekaette was Principal Secretary to Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, served in the Federal Ministries of Industries, Information, Education and National Planning. He was Secretary, Public Service Department and Head of Service. Ekaette was also Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industries and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing among others. He was not a politician but his wife was and is still is I suppose.

Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who succeeded Obasanjo, however, preferred a known politician, with some stint in the public service, rising up to the position of career diplomat, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, as SGF. There is no law guarding against the appointment of politicians as SGF as I earlier pointed out, however, getting too political on the job may be dangerous for the occupant of

the office.

It would seem something always went awry when a politician mounted the office. Recall that Kingibe was removed unceremoniously

by Yar’Adua for allegedly playing too much politics. There were also reports at the time that Kingibe was allegedly scheming to take over from a sick Yar’ Adua. Also, not many would positively remember Anyim’s period as SGF under President Jonathan or credit him with some remarkable achievements in that office. Perhaps, what some may remember him for is the multi-million dollar Abuja Centenary City, which the present government may have put in abeyance as some alleged it was a smart move to fleece the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja of prized land.

Now, with the coming of President Buhari, Lawal, a Christian from Adamawa State, emerged as SGF against all expectations.

There is no doubt that he is eminently qualified to hold the office. Many, however, thought that President Muhammadu Buhari would not readily appoint a Christian if he decided to pick from that North-eastern state. Babachir Lawal himself said this much during a thanksgiving service in Abuja over his appointment. “I am Secretary to the Government today, because those people that I mentioned (Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu) were the very first to put the idea in the mind of the President. They were the ones that made it possible. Because if it has been left to Northerners, it is doubtful if they will take a Christian man to make Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” he said.

However, as SGF, and perhaps because

And Dino Melaye Sunk Low

I

have never been a fan of controversial Senator Dino Melaye from Kogi State.

He began his sojourn in the Senate advertising his numerous exotic cars and personalised wine on the social networking site Facebook. It was n’t quite long after that infamous action that he disowned a popular actress whose pregnancy many who knew their close relationship swore he was responsible for. Sometimes I wonder how the electoral system threw up a man of questionable character like Melaye to represent Kogi West in the Senate, as opposed to a more decent Senator Smart Adeyemi, who contested on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, though the politically wary in that state would tell you that our highly-referred former Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) President, Adeyemi, shot himself on the foot by trying to sit tight as Kogi West Senator against the established convention for representation in the area.

The same Melaye fought on the floor of the House of Representatives the other day over a motion and had to be suspended for

a year around 2010. Rather than contest on the basis of superior idea and presentation, he traded blows on the floor of the hallowed chamber, throwing the House into a rowdy session, his dress torn in the process.

As if the disgrace advertised on national television was not enough, the people of Kogi State rewarded him with a higher office. Melaye sunk into a new low during the week in the Senate, threatening to rape and beat up Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of All Progressives Congress National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Mrs. Tinubu’s offence was that she called for caution in respect of a demand by some Senators that the upper legislative chamber go for the ‘jugular’ in dealing with the forgery case instituted against Senate President Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and two others. It was at a closed-door session and we may not have been privileged to vividly capture all that transpired at the session.

Melaye denied that he threatened to beat up and impregnate Senator Tinubu, but at the same news conference in Abuja where

he issued the denial, he again betrayed his mental state, saying he could not have threatened to impregnate her because “biologically it is even impossible to impregnate Mrs. Tinubu because she has arrived at menopause.”

For the life of me, it’s high time the nation re-awakened that call for psychiatric test as a requirement for contesting election into high public office because of the eccentricity often displayed by lawmakers like Melaye.

We need a psychiatric and drug test to determine the state of mental health of our public officers.

In the meantime, however, when politicians went gibberish like Melaye, it shows they are headed for the downhill. And no response can be more act to Melaye’s notoriety than the one by Sunday Dare, Asiwaju Tinubu’s Special Advise Media and Chief of Staff, who tweeted on his twitter handle thus: “Dino Melaye sunk to the lowest level ever today. From this point it is downhill for him”. Is Melaye headed for the downhill? I think so!

“It is perhaps this statement that rankles the Senate, and not so much the one on constituency projects, in which Lawal said government would find it very difficult to implement the projects to the latter. In an interview with Daily Trust Newspaper in a June 28 publication, he had said MDAs might not find constituency projects as critical to the execution of their mandate and given the dwindling resources this could be some of the areas that will suffer during implementation.”

That statement had come as the relationship between the presidency and the Senate remains fractious over the prosecution of the Senate President and his deputy for alleged forgery. Any need to add more. My sense is the SGF is talking too much. He should talk less on issues of politics and concentrate more on the administrative work of the office. He should operate at the background if he needs to intervene at all in politics. He needs to tread softly in the areas of politics as I think his incessant interventions in politics may not bode well in the final analysis”. he is a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his state, it would seem that his work is more of playing politics than anything else. His interventions, his statements have seemed to suggest so. A few examples will suffice here. It was the SGF who proffered reasons while the anti-graft bodies are not probing APC members, kind of defending allegations as to why the anti-graft crusade has been labelled selective.

In a recent interview with Vanguard, Lawal said: “Let us be very sincere and reasonable.

Obviously, to my mind, the preponderance of corrupt people would be in the PDP for one reason; they have been in government for 16 years and they were the only ones enjoying the booty, and they were doing it in a flagrant manner. Tracing my own (political) genealogy for instance, from ANPP to CPC and now APC, we were not getting anything. Nobody was giving us contracts. PDP were the ones in government; they were the ones the president was approving money for sharing; they were the ones that took government money to fund their election”.

In the interview, he also said the report of the 2014 National Conference organised by the Jonathan administration was not a priority of the Buhari administration. He said: “The government has not taken a decision on the 2014 National Conference. I understand that some Nigerians want it implemented but the government has been too busy with key areas of governance to talk about an exercise that we thought was essentially diversionary and a sort of, maybe, a ‘job for the boys’. “If you remember, it was reported that almost everybody in the committee got N7 million and we consider it essentially as job for the boys.

Read full article online: www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULy 16, 2016

16

NEWS

In Brief

37 Soldiers Injured in Accident

Atleast37soldierswereinjuredwhenamilitarytruckconveyingthesoldiers wasinvolvedinanaccidentalongKano-GayaroadonFriday.TheStatesector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) in Kano , Mr. Aminu Umar confirmedtheincidenttoreportersonFriday. Umarsaidtheincidenthappened around 9am when the military truck which was conveying 36 soldiers led by Maj. R. O. Alieze had brake failure in Gaya town of Gaya local government areaofthestate.HesaidtheinjuredsoldiershadsincebeentakentoGeneral HospitalDutseinformedicaltreatment.“ItwasourrescueteaminWudilthat conveyedthevictimstoGeneralHospitalGayawheretheyarenowreceiving medical attention.”

Fire Razes Kano GSM Market

LateeveningfirehasrazedshopsatpopularKanoGSMmarketsituatedatfarm centreonFridayevening.Accordingtoaneyewitness,AbdullahiMusaInuwa saidthefirewhichdestroyedhandsetsandothervaluablesworthmillionsof naira,wassaidtohavecausedbyasparkfromaconvertersupplyingpowerto someoftheshops.Confirmingtheincident,StatefireserviceDirector,Mustapha Rilwan said, “We received distress call around 5. 25pm and we immediately mobilised our personnel to the area. We were able to put out the fire within 40 minutes”. The incident occurred when a laptop battery burst into flame after it was mistakenly connected negative. He said it was an inverter that was being used by some of the traders that caused the inferno as most of the affected shops were made of wood and zinc.”

CELEBRATION OF LIFE...

L-R: Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Archbishop Felix Alaba Job; Treasurer, Old Boys Association, Mrs. Funmilayo Garrick; Celebrant and His Eminence; Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie; President, Old Boys Association, Dr. John Abebe; Exco Member, Old Boys Association, Ms. Omolara Thomas and Ex-Student, Ms. Augusta Oluyemi during the grand reception to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Eminence in Lagos by Lagos St. Gregory's College and the Old Boys Association...recently

Arms Scandal Report Not Doctored, Says Lai Mohammed Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Government yesterday defended the integrity of the report of the Presidential Committee on the Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement in the Armed Forces (2007-2015), saying that there was no truth in the insinuation that the report was manipulated for whatever reasons.

The defence was made for the report of the committee headed Air-Vice Marshal Jon Ode (rtd),

by Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, Mohammed said what had been released so far only covered the report of the audit from the period 2011 to 2015, adding that the Committee would commence the audit of procurement from 2007

to 2010 as soon as the necessary documents are available.

President Muhammadu Buhari had approved that 18 serving and retired military personnel, plus 12 serving and retired public officers and 24 chief executive officers of companies involved in arms procurement be subjected to further investigation after pondering on the report of the Presidential Committee on the Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement in the Armed Forces from the aforementioned period.

Some of those touted for further grilling include two former Chiefs of Army Staff, Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) and Lt Gen Kenneth T.J. Minimah (rtd); former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Nurudeen Mohammed; and three former Permanent Secretaries in

the Ministry of Defence- Bukar Goni Aji, Mr. Haruna Sanusi and Mr. E.O. Oyemomi. ''When the documents regarding procurement from 2007 to 2010 are available and scrutinized, the committee will then issue its report on that. The audit is being done on phases, and the report that was released on Thursday is the third of such,'' the Mohammed said.

He assured on the non- discriminatory policy of federal government's anti-corruption fight and called on Nigerians to keep an open mind as events unfold.

The report stated that the Nigerian Army contracts awarded by the Ministry of Defence for the period under review were often awarded without “significant input from the end-user (Nigerian Army) and to vendors who lacked the

necessary technical competence”.

The AVM Ode panel had alleged that three contracts valued at N5,940,000,000 were awarded to DYI Global Services Ltd and Doiyatec Comms Nig. Ltd (owned by the same individual) for the procurement of military hardware including 20 units of KM-38 twin hull boats and six units of 4X4 ambulances fitted with radios.

The committee found that both companies collected N5,103,500,000, representing 86 per cent of the total value of the three contracts, but only performed to the tune of N2,992,183,705.31.

The committee also found that a contract worth N169,916,849.77 for the procurement of 53 armoured vehicles’ spare parts, with 90 days completion time, was yet to be completed five years after.

Suspected Earth Tremor Causes Panic in Bayelsa, Rivers States

Nigerian Police Crack Kidnap Gangs in Kogi

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

Suspected earth tremor in parts of Bayelsa and Rivers States, has caused palpable apprehension among residents of the affected communities in the two oil-rich states.

Residents of the areas noted that the tremor caused serious cracks on the walls of their buildings though no injury was reported.

It was learnt that in some of the impacted communities such as Igbogene and Akenfa in Bayelsa as well as Akinima, Akie-Oniso (Oruama), One Man Country and Mbiama - neighbouring communities in Rivers, many people who experienced it were yet to recover from the trauma.

There were heavy vibrations that lasted for some minutes during the incident which was said to have started at about 12 midnight.

An earth tremor , Wikipedia says, is the perceptible shaking of the surface of the earth, resulting from the sudden release of energy

in the earth’s crust that creates seismic waves.

It adds that a tremor could be violent enough to toss people around and destroy whole cities.

Nigeria reportedly experienced tremors in 1933, 1939, 1964, 1984, 1990, 1994, 1997, 2000 and 2009 in various parts of the country.

A retired Principal and landlord in Igbogene, Bayelsa State, Chief Etekpe Friday, described the experience as “frightening”.

"We were about to go to bed when I heard a heavy vibration.

I thought it was something else so I quickly went into prayers," the 60-year-old man stated.

Another resident, Victor Idieto, described the earth tremor as a kind of earthquake.

He said, "in fact, there was a kind of earthquake, very serious quake that lasted for some minutes.

"At first, I thought it was armed robbers that were removing my roof, so I started shouting, 'armed robbers, armed robbers', only to realise that others had similar experience."

The Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team (PIRT), yesterday, said it cracked two notorious kidnap gangs that had been terrorising Kogi State and its environs in the last few weeks.

Also, the team said four kidnapped victims at different locations in the State were rescued.

In a statement signed by its Spokesman, DCP Donald Awunah, in Abuja, he attributed the feat to the intelligence operation conducted by the operatives of the IGP’s Monitoring Unit at different black spots in Kogi State.

Awunah, said three members of a notorious kidnap gang that had for a while operated in major cities in Kogi and neighbouring States were trailed and arrested at their hideouts in the outskirt of Egume and Anyimgba towns in the state.

He gave their names as: Ojonimi Negedu, male and aged 32, Awodi Ezekiel, aged 26, and Micheal Sule, aged 21.

The statement said: "The leader

of the gang who gave his name as Ibrahim Nasarawa led the operatives of IRT to their den where Edward Abutu Amedu was held hostage.

"On sighting the Operatives, the armed guards who were stationed by the gang to keep watch over their victims opened fire on the Police and the operatives responded and overpowered them in a tactical operation that saw three members of the kidnap gang suffer fatal injuries while their victim was rescued unhurt.

"Two of our men sustained gunshot injuries and are currently responding to treatment in the hospital while the other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds."

In another coordinated operation, it said that three members of another dare-devil kidnap gang that abducted Mrs. Mayo Ohemi, Nichodemus Kadiri and Miss Victoria Abdul, from Acharu Egume area of Kogi State, were arrested and their confession led to the rescue of the victims who were incarcerated in the kidnapers’ camp.

Gunshots Cause Pandemonium in FESTAC

TherewaspandemoniumatFESTACTown,Amuwo-OdofinLocalgovernment Area of Lagos, on Friday morning after some land grabbers engaged in gun duelaround4thand5thavenue,whichcausedpanicamongsttheresidentsof thearea.Itwasthesoundofsporadicgunshotsthattheresidentsmistookfor bankrobberyandengenderedspeculationsthatbankrobbershadbesieged DiamondBankandFirstCityMonumentBank(FCMB).Recyclingthebroadcast messagethatwascirculatedduringtherecentFESTACrobberyincidentthat occurredmonthsago,somegroupsofmischievouspersonsincitedthepublic unnecessarily.However,theCommissionerofPolice,FataiOwoseni,saidimmediately the information filtered out, they had deployed policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Festac Police Division to douse the situation.

Buhari Commends Dantata’s Philanthropy

PresidentMuhammaduBuharihaslaudedKano-basedbusinessman,Alhaji Aminu Dantata, for his numerous philanthropic gestures.The president in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina particularnotedthelying-in-ward,inclusiveofAmenityRoomsandtherecent IntensiveCareUnit,builtandequippedtointernationalstandards,allsituated attheNationalOrthopedicHospital,Dala,KanoStatebythephilanthropist.In aletterofcommendationdatedJuly15,2016,Buharisaid,"thesegesturesare practicaldemonstrationsofyourdeepseatedconcernforthewell-beingof Nigerians.Youare,indeed,asourceofhopeandinspirationforthenation."The presidentexpressedtheprofoundgratitudeofthegovernmentandpeople of Nigeria to Dantata, for his "significant contributions to national unity and nationalrenewal,"whilealsoprayingAllahtoblesshiminhisbusinessendeavors.

Principal, 10 Others Declared Wanted

Aschoolprincipaland10othershavebeendeclaredwantedbytheKwaraState police command in connection with alleged killing of three persons in Jebba town in Moro local government of the state during the just concluded Eid-el Fitr celebration in the ancient town.The crisis erupted in the town following supremacy battle that ensued between the two royal families in the town.

Apartfromthethreepersonsthatwerekilledduringthecrisis,nofewerthan12 peoplesustainedseriousinjuries.Theaffectedpeoplewerenowbeingtreated at different private hospitals in Jebba town. However, the state police commandinastatementissuedinIlorinonFridaysignedthestatepolicecommand PublicRelationsOfficer(PPRO)Mr.AjayiOkasanmisaidthedeclarationwas sequel to issuanceof warrant of arrest byacourt of competent jurisdiction.

Rotary Club Holds Interactive Forum

RotaryClubofEwuTuntun,District9110Lagoswilltodayinpartnershipwith Auldon Nigeria Limited, owners of African theme dolls, Unity Girls organise aninteractivesessionwithMr.PaulOrajiaka,withthetheme:Nigeria–China Relationship: Challenges and Opportunities, at Ibis Royale Hotel, 41 Murala Muhammed Airport Road, Lagos at 11am. The Guest Speaker, Mr. Orajiaka, Managing Director Auldon Limited, the largest marketer of toys in Nigeria will examine doing business in China, surmounting the mandarin language barriers and proffer business opportunities. The Special Guest is Rotarian MikeOgunwale,AssistantGovernorRotaryInternational,District9110Nigeria.

Alumni Donates Materials to Atunrase

Fortune has smiled on Atunrase Junior and Senior High Schools in Surulere Lagos,withthedonationofICTandotherlearningmaterialsfromitsalumniof ‘86set.Thealumnimadethedonationsaspartofactivitiestocommemorate its30thgraduationanniversarycelebration.ThedonationoftheICTmaterials that included computers and note books came at a time when the quest for ICT knowledge has become an integral part of grooming students that will becomeleadersoftomorrowinadigitaldriveneconomy.Thereisnodoubtthat theseitemswillenhancethecapacityofboththeteachersandthestudents andpositionedthemtocompetefavourablyamongtheirpeersinprivateand other public schools.

Patrick Onwukwuli Passes On

ThedeathhasoccurredofChiefPatrickNnaemekaOnwukwuli(Chinyelugo), ofAbateteinAnambraState.Hewasaged86years.HewaseducatedatChrist theKingCollege(CKC)Onitshaafterwhichhejoinedthejudiciaryandserved atvariousdivisionsinPortHarcourt,Umuahia,Awka,Aba,OnitshaandEnugu.

Hewasacommunityleader,anNnukwuNzeOzoTitleholderinAbateteand a committed Roman Catholic. He is survived by six children including Chief Pat Onwukwuli, a Chartered Estate Surveyor and Principal Partner of Pal Onwukwuli and Partners with offices in many towns in Nigeria. A Christian wakewillbeheldinhisAbateteResidenceonWednesdayAugust4,2016,and Funeral Mass at Christ the King Parish, Abatete on Friday 5th August, 2016.

Plus Lanre Hassan I Started Acting Not for Money But for Fame

LOUD WHISPERS MILESTONE AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 24 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 40 pg. 41

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 16, 2016

18

Plus

Losing Two Children Nearly Made Me Quit Acting On the silver screen, she’s one of Nigeria’s best drama queens. Ebullient, fluent and independent, she commands respect and attention on and off the screen. After 52 years in the film industry, she still looks ready to act for another five decades. Lanre Hassan, the woman everyone knows as ‘Iya Awero’, is every movie viewer’s delight, home and abroad. Known for her matriarchal role in Nollywood movies, especially in the Yoruba genre, Iya Awero is gorgeous, gracious and mellifluous.

In this chat with Oge Ezeliora, she talks about her career, her late husband, the high and low points and how she lost her two children to the cold hands of death.

A

quote

s one of Nigeria’s film industry’s pioneers, what has kept you?

I give all glory to God. He is the one behind all the successes I have achieved since I came into the industry. When I started back then, we were after fame and how to become popular. We were not after money. Then, we were eager to learn, because I knew I would make money in future. I just focused on what I was doing and how to become an expert. If you are a carpenter you must learn how to do the job first before working for people. If you are a dancer you must learn how to dance well. If you are an actor you must learn how to act well before looking for producers to pay you. As for those watching from the outside, there is no much money in acting .We in the system are just managing with what they pay us. Some of us have even stopped acting because they were not making enough money.

For Nollywood, it is the survival of the fittest and God has been the one helping me to date.

What is the most challenging role you have played (Laughs) All my movies are very interesting. Most times, I act the role of a mother or grandmother in my movies. It’s like acting almost the same role at the same time. I always preach the good mother message in most of my movies and I see it as an everyday thing. My age, as of today I can only play one role. All the movies I acted are unique in their own ways and I bless God for that.

Can you compare the movie industry then with the way it is now?

What will you say has changed?

So many things have changed. In fact, everything has changed except for the old actors and actresses like us that are still in the industry. I mean, we started then with manual camera like Matics camera, VCR and the rest. Even the quality of pictures on our movies was totally different from what we have now. Thanks to technology. Now our movies are being shown on cinemas before spreading to the market. We now shoot with quality and very expensive cameras. That is to tell you how far we have gone. Nollywood has really changed from what it used to be.

So far, what is your favorite movie or soap opera?

I love the soap ‘Dear Mother’ and I know so many people also love watching it, especially the single mothers.

They learn a lot of lesson from this it.

It focused on the life of a single mother who takes good care of her children with the help of her aged mother. It teaches morals at home. Today, many people don’t know how to care for their children. I mean single mothers. When you say you are a mother; you should

lay a good example for others to follow.

Remember, anything you do your children will imitate you. Children learn easily from practical examples. We have seen different cases of single mothers leaving their children to house maids for pursuit of money. At the end of the day, the children will lack good morals because nobody cares for them. They will be misbehaving.

Does it mean you cannot act any other role apart from the role of a mother?

Well I am over 50 years of age and this is the role that most producers feel I can act perfectly. Though, if I am called upon to play another role I will because I am an actress. But presently, I am known to act the role of a mother in Nollywood.

Your husband died about 14 years ago. How have you been coping?

God has been my husband and my father. I am not the only widow in Nigeria. If others can cope why can’t I cope? I am a strong woman and very hard working, so I am not depending on any family member to assist me.

Ever since my husband fell sick and died, God has really been merciful to me. There is nothing I have asked from God that he did not provide for me.

Why didn’t you remarry? I know people still remarry at old age?

Remarriage for me is a no-go area.

I made a promise that I would not remarry. Besides, there was no reason for me to marry again at all. What am I looking for in life that I don’t have now? I had five children. I lost two of them to the cold hands of death. One actually died when I was acting on stage while the other one also died. God knows the reason for this. Who am I to question God? Everything happened in the past and I have left it for God. How did it happen?

I don’t want to talk about it. One died the other one slept he did not wake up.

Now I have three children and I am contented.

How did you take the death of your children?

I took them in good faith hoping it never happens again. It almost affected my work because I almost quit. But with the help of God and the advice of people, I decided not to quit. I put everything in the hands of Almighty Allah and I continued my work.

You didn’t suspect any fetish activities in the death of your two children and your husband?

God knows best. I almost quit my job because of the death of my children. But my husband was still alive then so he consoled me and I accepted everything in good faith. So when my husband

19

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus Some Men Marry Actresses for Selfish Reasons died, I was bitter. Frustration was all over me but God took control of everything. It took me a long while to recover from the pains of losing my husband. I thank God for some of my family members who encouraged me to move forward and today everything has become history. But I can never forget. It was not easy for me at all. But I thank God. There was a time rumour were making the rounds that you have retired from acting. How true is this?

Well people have the right to say whatever they like. I am not the first person they have spread rumour about; so I’m not scared. Yes. I stopped for sometime after the death of my children and my husband but I continued because this is the only business I know how best to do. Let me say I only restrict myself to acting in A-class movies or soap operas. You know when you retire from acting low class movies; you have left the platform for the younger ones to grow. Because if you continue rushing like upcoming actresses, then you have stifled the industry for the younger ones. I am an old woman and I will be glad if we have more females in the industry who can act well.

Was there a time in your career that you actually felt like giving up in acting?

I don’t know if I’ve ever felt like giving up. I don’t know if giving up acting ever really came to my mind. But I’ve felt discouraged and disappointed and I’ve gone over that just falling back on the passion that drives me on the job; which pretty much happens to everybody. One gets to a point where one just gets tired. Then one thinks about the fact that this is what one really loves. This is why one wakes up in the morning and one can act for free sometimes. I think about the passion and I just dust myself up and move on.

I love what I am doing.

What is your view about frequent failed marriages in Nollywood?

Marriage is a difficult institution. You must be fully mature before getting married. It’s not for children. As a mother with experience, I always advise couples to understand themselves before rushing to the altar. It is not by force. You must be prepared. Why most people have issues in their marriages is because they are not patient. Not every woman can cope with the bad character of men of these days. Many of them are not sincere. Some of them also rush after our actresses for selfish reasons. Our job is highly strenuous.

We also keep late nights anytime we are shooting night scenes. Not every man will permit their wives to keep late nights all in the name of acting movies.

I will advise men who want to marry

an actress to be ready to accommodate a lot of things. Same to ladies who are rushing to marry actors. People should marry their best friends to avoid problems in their marriage. Marry that woman or man that understands your character, your profession and do things just to make you happy. In marriage, you must seek God’s face first. Allow God to take control of your marriage. If you marry a God fearing man, he will respect you and will not suspect you in any way.

Sometimes, you hear actors and actresses complain about the burden of fame. Do you feel such burden?

I always say the whole fame comes with its good and its bad sides. Unfortunately, one can‘t take the good and leave the bad. If one is in the limelight, everything that one does or even the ones that one doesn’t do go public.

So you don’t have a private life as an actress. Everybody wants to be your friend and you must be ready to accept them.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artistes?

My advice for them is that they have to be contended. You shouldn’t be desperate to be there; you have to be watchful and you have to be loyal to other people you come across, especially the producers, directors and production managers. If you are coming in through someone, you have to be vigilant and be wise and don’t be too fast and desperate; Just know the necessary things you need to know. Another thing is you shouldn’t think about the money first. Some people would just come and say there is money in the movie industry; they would say Mercy Johnson is collecting so and so amount of money; people are making money. If you have the passion for it, come and work on yourself but make sure you are good; don’t just come and say you want to become a superstar. It doesn’t work that way. Make sure you are good at acting and if you are coming in as a crew member; maybe cameraman or as a production manager or script writer, just make sure you are good.

A lot of people have made that mistake in the past. Some came as artistes and at the end of the day they ended up in the crew line but some people came in with the mentality that ‘Let me see where I belong’ and at the end of the day, they would find out that they are good at acting while some are really good but the opportunity is not there for them to showcase what they have.

So it has to do with knowing what you are doing and knowing why you are here. Like I said earlier, be wise because if you are not wise enough, you won’t make it in the industry. If you are wise enough, you would know if you are making progress or not.

In the next five years where do you see yourself?

By then, I would be a lot older but I will still continue acting. I pray to God that I would be more successful as an actress and I will also be given more awards.

At My Age, there are Certain Roles I Can’t Play Again

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • July 16, 2016 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Dino Malaye to beat Remi Tinubu Shey I have been saying it. This Dino really needs some kind of psychiatric evaluation or how do you explain a sitting senator of the Federal Republic allegedly threatening to beat up the quintessential representative of African womanhood in all its dignity, my dear mummy Remi Tinubu. I have read it in all the blogs and newspapers and even the Jagaban himself through his spokesperson have responded daring Dino and assuring him that he just may have come to the end of his political career with this recent outpouring. Look Asiwaju, do not bother yourself and tell mummy that this is just the ‘ranting of an ant’. Dino can not do anything, can he even fight?

Is it by taking picture on social media and walking around like a retired but failed wrestler that is to fight? If fight is hungering him, why does he not go and join the Army and fight against Boko Haram or better still join the Niger Delta Avengers and see real fight? Is it to be threatening a woman who I heard only admonished him on his utterances in the hallowed halls of the National Assembly that will make you a senator? Please I am ready to represent mummy in this fight and have begun training as I now challenge you Senator Melaye to a fight to defend the honour of my mummy. The venue must be in Lagos and it must be boxing with no restrictions as I am ready to show you just how we fight in Shomolu. What is it? Are you the only senator in the country. Asiwaju, kindly note this my support as I expect to be rewarded if I come out of this fight alive. Nothing is free o. Just give me small plot of land in Oniru near the Obas Palace and I swear the senator will not be recognised the next time he appears at the Chambers. My dear Senate President, are you sure this is not a liability in your camp? I just dey ask o. ..... And she was killed The news was heartbreaking. A Redeemed pastor was cut down simply because she was preaching.

That this remains one of the saddest news that we all have heard in a while

Femi vs Falz : A Falana of Confusion As I watched the BET Awards last night with Falz the Bahd Guy the handsome son of the increasingly confusing legal luminary doing Nigeria proud in far away America, my thoughts go back to his father. This once upon a time social crusader has been anything but very sound in his recent utterances. From his recent statement that should Governor Ayo Fayose refuse to resign, the Federal Government should sack him. I refuse to believe that this kind of motor park statement or idea could emanate from the highly respected legal eagle. I still doubt he could have made the statement but if it is true then my initial suspicions of loss of focus will now be confirmed. Mr Falana’s derail from his Olympian heights could easily be traced to his electoral misfortunes which to my mind would have thrown him into the pits of self denial cannot be contested. But what is this country turning into? Are we turning ourselves into a family of babarianswhere there is no respect for culture, diversity and the rule of law? Daily, we are assailed with all sorts of depravity– old men raping babies, ritualist going ahead with their business as if it is a legitimate career with no fear. I will drop the blame on our religious institutions. The emphasis on prosperity and private jets have pushed us into this morass where we have all but lost the true essence of life. This blame is on all sides not just the Christian divide but also the Muslim side of it and even herbalists. We have all but lost our moral compass as a nation or how can you explain this kind of dastardly act?

People being killed and beheaded over religion. Our institutions must all but redefine themselves and refocus on what our founders both Jesus Christ and Mohammed and sorry including Orunmila or any other deity we all collectively worship preached. My sincere condolences go to the direct family of the deceased even as I pray that they be granted the fortitude to bear this loss which I am sure is irreplaceable.

with him not taking the rejection very well. Ever since and anybody has been a target for his increasignly funny attacks.

The former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala through the Edo State Governor and one of my favourite people ever since he married that his wife down to our amiable President and now Fayose have been the receipients of his attention. He has muted his ideological positions and continued to embarrassingly throw himself out there stark naked with highly illogical positions. Well sha for me, anytime I remember the Falana name, I think of Falz the bad guy. He is definitely a more competent alternative to his greying father whose days as a major crusader for social justice have long since been over. Maybe he should join his son as a back up singer. He just may rediscover himself as a very effective disc jockey. I tire.

My condolences will not go to the Redeemed Church as an institution for in my heart they share this blame. That will be story for another day. Today, let us share this loss.

President Buhari : please pardon them This is not the kind of plea the PDP ‘jokers’ went to beg the Ooni of Ife on behalf of Iyiola Omisore . Sir, you should have seen the picture. The old men went flat on their belly prostrating to the highly respected monarch to intervene and get their man released. I laughed. Thankfully, the man has come out to disown them labeling them as jesters which is what they really are.

But seriously, this plea is for my friends Saraki and Ekweramndu. If for nothing else, I beg as a result of the effect the continued pursuit of this case will have on our democracy. Please sir, I am on my knees or should I go down like the PDP people to beg. My plea is not based on any fact but purely on an emotional ground. Saraki especially for the past one year has been in and out of one court room after the order not allowing him concentrate on his principal duties as our Senate President. I

know if not for pride and people like Malaye egging them on, things would have been different in their thinking and approach to all these issues that has continued to affect your relationships with them. Like you always say, Nigeria is our country and we have no other country and we must all work very hard in keeping it united, kindly do not allow this issue to deteriorate to the point where we would need a referendum on freezing your account or not. This is just a gentle plea from a non-partisan Nigerian and all-round good boy to our leader who has shown an unquenchable resolve to return us as a country to the path of greatness.

Abeg no vex sir, may Allah continue to bless you, protect your cows and give you a golden reign as you contemplate this request. And as for Saraki and Ekweremandu, you too stop looking for trouble and please send a basket of fruits to the Villa immediately as penance. Na only advice I can give at this juncture.

That Niger Delta Avengers Video I saw the video. It was scary and the man in it tried his very best to be as scary as he could be. He threatened everybody and anybody within the Nigerian establishment and even promised to start dealing with the President’s immediate family. This thing is getting too serious o. But what exactly are their grievances? Why all this violence especially after their own kinsman just left power? This our country sef, once one tribe control the centre the other tribes will form militant group and start fighting. Today Boko Haram is quietening down and now the Avengers are bombing and shooting videos. Can we not just have peace in this land? Me I am getting tired of all this whahala o. Everyday bombing, kidnapping, killings and maiming and instead of us to face these issues, Dino is going around threatening to beat up women. Let us have referendum o; let us ask ourselves pertinent questions about our national cohesion- should Dino Malaye be deported or not? Oya voting has started.

Ghana must go - the movie I have never recommended a movie on this page but I will be doing a great disservice to the producers of this movie if I just watch and keep shut. This was magic on screen. It was my belated birthday outing, remember LASTMA had made sure that I spent my last birthday with them drinking kparaga at their compound after impounding my car. So during the holidays I decided to take my brood to the cinemas. As a true Nigerian I decided to watch a local movie instead of the assortment of Hollywood offerings on display.

My people, this movie was ‘laugh a minute’. They tried o, do not let me say much before it will start to look like I am related to them. Just go watch, it is a must-see. Thank you.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

SPY GLASS

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 when she was photographed on her birthday allegedly rocking a pair of Manolo Blahnik Hangisi satin pumps said to worth $965 (N192,000).

Zahra, no doubt, is paying the price of stardom, as she has also been romantically linked with many men in recent times, first was Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and later Zamfara State Governor, Abdulazeez Yari, who has since debunked the story.

Wound in Adama Indinmi’s Heart

Different Sides of Dino Melaye

Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West in the Senate, means different things to many people. To some, he seems to derive pleasure in stoking the ember of controversy at the slightest opportunity, while to some others, the business of lawmaking that he was elected to do has almost been sacrificed for the pursuit of the comforts of life.

However you see him, many of his fans are always quick to say that the fire-spitting Senator still has the milk of humanness running in his veins. As proof of their claim, his generosity and love for fellow human beings were recently acknowledged, as he was conferred with four chieftaincy titles at different events in some parts of the country. He was conferred with the Jarman of Okuta in OkutaBaruten Local Government Area of Kwara State; Otunba of Bunu Kingdom in Kogi State; Balogun of Odo-Ape; Asiwaju of Oke Ofin and Arogundade of Okagi-Amuro.

Soon, Malaye may emerge the only serving Senator with the greatest number of chieftaincy titles, as he already has 22 in his kitty.

Of Zahra Buhari and Controversy

Until last year, Zahra Buhari, one of the beautiful daughters of President Muhammed Buhari, was only minding her business as an undergraduate student of the prestigious University of Surrey, United Kingdom. But following the emergence of her father as President in 2015, her story changed, as she was subsequently shot to the limelight. Since then, all eyes have been on her; and not a few have also opened a dossier on her.

Today, she is doing her best to engrave her memories in the hearts of her compatriots with occasional humanitarian deeds. But strangely, her steps have continued to be dogged with one controversy or another.

Though it is inexplicable if the confident and outspoken beauty loves controversy or not, it is bad enough that it has almost become a blot on her profile.

It will be recalled that before the last general elections, Buhari, who was then an undergraduate student at the University of Surrey, UK, had posted some hot pictures of herself online, which generated mixed reactions in several quarters.

Before the dust raised by that singular act could settle, Buhari, who is described as a social media savvy, was also accused of living a reckless lifestyle by some online publications and blogs. However, her father’s media handlers rose in her defence, fingering his opponents as the sponsors of the odious publications.

Not yet sated, her traducers, again, had a field day shortly after her father was sworn in as President, when she allegedly insulted President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia. She was said to have insulted Jammeh, following his declaration that throats of homosexuals caught in The Gambia would be slit. It reportedly sparked a diplomatic row between Nigeria and The Gambia until the Presidency claimed that Zahra had abandoned the Twitter account a long time ago when it was hacked.

Again, last December, she was an item

Life, it is believed, could sometimes be a baggage of opposing realities. If you are in doubt about this axiom, then you need to read the enthralling tale of sensational singer, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, and Adama Indimi, the beautiful daughter of Chairman of Oriental Petroleum, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi.

Penultimate week, D’banj reportedly married his new found love, Didi Kilgrow, in a secret traditional wedding. While many share in his joy for bidding bye to bachelorhood, some of the ladies, who have been romantically linked with the awardwinning musician, are said to be heartbroken.

Among the beautiful ladies who are currently nursing some wounds in their hearts over the development is Indimi. It was gathered the pretty lady, who is suffering unrequited love, had reportedly made frantic efforts to speak with the singer on the phone, but it was to no avail. She was also said to have been given the same cold treatment by D’banj’s friends whom she had called to intervene on her behalf.

Given that she did not part on a sour note with D’banj, she has not stopped nursing the hope of becoming Mrs. Oyebanjo someday. To underscore her love for D’banj, she was not perturbed when D’banj was rumoured to be dating South African model and media personality, Bonang Matheba.

It will be recalled that the two were an item when their relationship was in top gear. In fact, it was revealed that both families were aware of their affair, as Indimi was always visiting D’banj’s mother in Lagos, while he was also a regular guest at her family’s house in Abuja. Though D’banj allegedly proposed to her with a diamond ring last year, the Indimis kicked on the grounds of religious differences. But that has never quenched the fire of love in her heart, particularly because she has not been seen with another man.

Indimi, a graduate of the Lynn University Florida in the US, is a model and owns a travel agency, Kauna Solutions.

Wale Tinubu’s Master Stroke

Like the proverbial cat with nine lives, Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc., a Pan-African multinational energy corporation, has proven to be one businessman magnate with outstanding survival instinct.

In the views of some observers, Tinubu’s continued relevance, nay staying power should provoke some careful study by aspiring entrepreneurs or even established ones, especially in the Nigeria’s inclement business environment.

Or how else does one explain his surprising spring and daring moves just when some people, out of sheer jaundiced criticisms, had thought that he and his company were going under?

Indeed, you may not totally blame his critics, especially when you consider the fact that his company, among others, was recently hit by the dwindling oil price across the globe.

However, if the information at our disposal is anything to go by, then, Tinubu may have stooped not only to conquer his world but to also shame his critics.

It was gathered that Tinubu has just sealed deal involving a $210m recapitalization of his downstream business with Helios and Vitol Consortium, thereby making it the largest capital inflow into the Nigerian

downstream sector.

With this, Tinubu has succeeded in rewriting the story of Oando, leaving many of his competitors in wonderment.

This may not come as a surprise to those close to him because he has, over the years, shown evidence that he understands the oil and gas business terrain very well; and like a gambler, he knows when to throw the dice and even reinvent in a shaky business environment.

No doubt, the secret of his abiding philosophy and success lies in the words of a former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill: “The empires of the future are empires of the mind.”

In the beginning, he had teamed up with Omamofe Boyo and Onajite Okoloko in 1994 to set up Ocean and Oil Services Limited to supply diesel and Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) to various industries, shipping firms and exploration companies in Nigeria.

Interestingly, more than two decades after they sowed in pains, the investment has grown, before their eyes, to become a multinational conglomerate worth millions of dollars spread across five West African countries. At the outset, they bought their first vessel, MT Carolina, in the mid-90s to supply diesel to off-shore companies from the Port-Harcourt Refinery.

Within seven years, the fleet had grown to seven ships; and by 2000, when the government wanted to sell its controlling stake in the defunct Unipetrol Plc, a downstream oil marketing company, they bid for it. Then, many, including the former Managing Director of the old Unipetrol Plc., Mallam Yusuf Ali, had written them off. But they all got the shocker of their lives from the emerging dinosaurs in the Nigerian oil business. Ocean and Oil Services successfully paid for the shares and took over the company, with the help of its foreign technical partners, Compania Espanola De Petroleos (CEPSA), the second largest oil group in Spain.

Also, three years after, when Agip Petroli International BV of Italy decided to divest from the downstream sector, they bought over the foreign company’s shares and added Agip Nigeria, the company’s local subsidiary, to their portfolio.

The newly acquired companies were merged and renamed Oando Limited.

By 2005, Oando Plc had secured across border listing on the Johannesburg stock of exchange (JSE) in South Africa.

Subsequently, some other acquisitions were made in rapid succession, including a local gas pipeline company, Gaslink Nigeria Limited, which came with a 57km natural gas distribution pipeline in Lagos as well as an exclusive gas distribution franchise. That gas pipeline has been extended to cover100 kilometres and more than 2,300 domestic industrial customers have been added to its grid.

Oando also recorded a feat in 2007 when it built the first 12.5MW IPP Power plant for Lagos State government, which has saved the state government over 3.5 million USD in energy bills. But that paled into insignificance in 2013 when it executed its most ambitious acquisition till date, with the taking over of ConocoPhillips shares and assets in the Brass LNG Project valued at over $550 million USD. From only one vessel it acquired in 1994, Oando now boasts six subsidiaries with interests in at least 10 oil blocks in Nigeria valued at about $600 million USD, 650 fuel stations spread across Nigeria and other West-African countries as well as lube blending plants, fuel depots, oil rigs and other impressive assets.

Toyin Kolade’s Dance of Joy

What do you expect when the big masquerade chooses to dance in a market place? No doubt, many will beat a path to the venue with interest. This was the scenario that played out last week Wednesday when Dr. (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade marked her birthday in Lagos.

Spyglass gathered that though the event was supposed to be a low-key though, most of her friends, families and business associates insisted on sharing in her joy on that day. And encomiums poured from all the invited guests, the day as gathered will lingers in the memory of the business tycoon described as a woman with heart of gold.

By all standards, Kolade is a successful businesswoman and socialite of note.

She has her hands in many pies: Oil and Gas, interior decor, real estate, maritime and hospitality, among others.

A woman of means, she commands deep respect from young and old, especially in the political, social and business circles.

More importantly, she is also in tune with the modern trends in the fashion world.

Call her a show- stopper and you will only be stating the obvious.

Kolade, Managing Director, Fisolak Global Resources, Fisolak Royal Furniture and Arikay Oil and Gas, joined the millionaire club at a relatively young age of 21, having learnt the ABC of doing business from her mother.

With so much confidence, hope and clear vision, she laid the foundation of her business empire some years back. Today, Iyalaje, as she is famously called, is a success who has continued to inspire several others. No doubt, it takes a woman of gut as Kolade to thrive in the ever unpredictable business climate in Nigeria.

Olu Okeowo Giving Back to Society

In both the construction and real estate sectors in Nigeria, Olu Okeowo, a consummate businessman, towers above many of his competitors.

A careful study of his life shows that he has always been driven, in his inspirational journey in life, by determination and clear vision. No wonder, his business, over the years, has been sustained on the tripod of uncommon brilliance, strategic planning and faithfulness to the vision and mission of the company.

While the forgoing may not be news, especially to those who have been following his story with interest, he is recognised as a businessman whose love for fellow human beings beggars description. He seems to have entered a vow with his Creator to impact positively on humanity.

Perhaps, this explains why he can’t stand the sight of his fellow human being in distress or wants. Besides, he is ever ready to donate generously to any course that is beneficial to his immediate environment.

For instance, the great philanthropist, who was recently honoured by the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos,Idi-Araba, is said to be building a multi-million naira complex named Sir Olu Okeowo Building for Physiotherapy within the premises of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. Apart from this, the shrewd businessman is building a maternity centre in the heart of Lagos Island with world- class medical equipment that will be solely sponsored by him. This is in addition to donating musical equipment, gifts and cash to several churches in and around Lagos.

222

JUNE 16,THE 2011SATURDAY • THISDAY,NEWSPAPER THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY, • JULY 16, 2016

FAIRGROUND

This Present House Hosts Marvin Sapp for the First Time in Nigeria

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

his Present House hosted Marvin Sapp, the multi-winning gospel artiste and Bishop at the Global United Fellowship, North Central Providence, USA, for the first time in Nigeria. Sapp performed at the Dome of This Present House, Freedom Way Lekki phase, recently.

It was a full day event, where he ministered at the 8 am and 10 am services. Sapp also featured live in concert with Tim Godfrey and the Xtreme Crew and with Frank Edwards. These are the faces of the guests at the event.

L-R, Pastor Osayi Alile, Pastor Gbenga Famurewa, Tim Godfrey, Pastor Dele Balogun, Pastor Tony Rapu, Pst Henry Okoba, Pst Joy Famurewa, Pastor Kayode Bamisile, Mrs. Adeola Bali & Pst Bunmi George

Mrs. Jumoke Adenowo

Marvin Sapp and the Senior Pastor, House of Freedom Pastor Tony Rapu

Mairo Ese performing on stage

Lara George and Nikki Laoye

Tim Godfrey and Akpororo

Frank Edwards

Tim Godfrey

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

23

FAIRGROUND

NIMASA’s Lami Tumaka among Top 100 Global PR Professionals

T

he Head of Public Relations of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Hajia Lami Tumaka, has been named among the top 100 global public relations practitioners in the world for mentees to follow by EvanCarmichael.com worldwide in April 2016. This is in recognition of Hajia Tumaka’s passion for professionalism in the practice of public relations for which she is widely known.

EvanCarmichael.com is a popular website founded by Evan Carmichael, a Toronto-based entrepreneur and an international speaker dedicated to helping others succeed by monitoring their progress and influence in their professional and entrepreneurial careers.

Tumaka’s core public relations experience spans over two decades having been public relations manager as far back as 1991 with the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Limited Kaduna for several years, before joining the services of the then National Maritime Authority (NMA) in 1998.

As head of public relations in NIMASA, Tumaka is responsible for managing the image of the foremost maritime agency, responsible for the regulation of shipping activities in Nigeria and the promotion of indigenous shipping capacity in international and coastal trade.

A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Tumaka holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and Masters Degree in Business Administration, both from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. She also earned a Certificate in Basic Film Production from TV College, Jos and a Diploma in Public Relations from the

Hajia Lami Tumaka, Head Corporate Communication, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) receiving an award as the “Evergreen Public Relations Personality” in the maritime industry from Mr. Felix Kumuyi, Editor in Chief of the Transquest Media Group at the 9th Annual Transport Development Symposium/Lecture and Awards organized by the Group in Lagos

prestigious Holborn College, London.

A woman with an undying penchant for professional public relations practice, Hajia Tumaka has a humane disposition and a track record of achievements in all her endeavours holding the trio of

honesty, commitment and hard work as her guiding principles.

Tumaka has won several awards in the course of her professional career, including the Maritime Media Woman of the Year on several occasions, and the

Best Maritime Industry Public Relations Officer.

She is a happy grandmother, whose hobbies include continuous development, reading, travelling and meeting people.

Mixta Africa Sponsors Nigeria’s First Musical to London

M

ixta Africa, Africa’s leading real estate firm, is sponsoring Wakaa, a musical in London’s West End. This was made known by the Chairman/ CEO Mixta Africa, Deji Alli, at a joint press conference, in Victoria Island, Lagos, with Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP) – an award-winning production company and producers of Wakaa, as well as the hugely popular Saro, a musical.

The Communications Manager of Mixta Africa, based in Barcelona, Spain, Imma Puche, said, “We are proud to be lead sponsor of ‘Wakaa, The Musical’.

Wakaa is an original African export that tells the African story, the African way.

It illustrates the current reality of the typical African youth who is looking for a way out of Africa and failing to see the opportunities that exist in here.

When BAP Productions approached us about their intention to take Wakaa to the global stage, it was easy for us to connect with; firstly, because we want to support the arts, an industry with immense potentials. Our support also demonstrates what Mixta Africa is about; harnessing opportunities, which we do by building communities across Africa.”

Wakaa! The Musical is a play about the trials, successes and experiences of young graduates with varied backgrounds. A wager between them after graduation has a twist when the realities of life and the folly of their choices hit them. The story reveals the struggle and challenge young people face in present-

to them about the opportunities back home.”

On taking Nigeria’s first musical to London, Bolanle Austen-Peters had this to say: “We should start exporting products, especially culture, from Nigeria and our musicals present us that opportunity. Creating jobs has always been my primary motivation. For example, previously outsourced cottage industries such as costume designing and training for technical roles are now being done in-house. We are birthing industries and developing talent that can rival any of the big institutions in the world.”

As part of the sponsorship, Mixta Africa will be hosting a real estate investment cocktail on July 22 at Pullman Hotel. In addition, Mixta Africa will host Africans living in London on July 31 at a family fun day event which promises to be home away from home.

L-R, Tunji Osinulu, Daniel Font, Bolanle Austen-Peters and Kola Ashiru-Balogun

day Africa and abroad. WAKAA! The musical takes you on an emotional roller-coaster and is a strong satire of Nigeria’s politics. Wakaa first ran in December of 2015 in Lagos and it was a huge success. Wakaa! The Musical will hold from July 21 to 25 in London’s West End with a total of seven shows throughout the five days.

Managing Director of Mixta Nigeria,

Mr. Kola Ashiru-Balogun, also stated that “Mixta’s support for Wakaa on the London project is well aligned with our strategy for Diaspora market. As you know, the African real estate sector currently offers huge opportunities for investment: right from affordable homes to luxury homes. There is a very strong African presence in London and we want to use this medium to reach out

About Mixta Africa Founded in April 2005, Mixta Africa is Europe’s first-mover and active player in the fast-growing African real estate sector with offices in Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Mauritania and projects in Algeria and Egypt.

Mixta Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Asset & Resource Management Company (ARM), an established asset management company headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria with circa US$3.5 billion under management. ARM has, over the last decade, built a large and successful real estate business in Nigeria under its subsidiary ARM Properties, now Mixta Real Estate Plc.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

MILESTONE

Victor Ike-Oye: Politician, Community Leader of Repute Since his emergence as APGA National Chairman, Ike-Oye on many occasions has acted as an opposition leader by putting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on its toes. Apart from being passionate and pursing courses that are of national interest, Ike-Oye has also been a leading voice on issues affecting the Ndigbo. He has proved on many occasions that he is a leader to be reckoned with in defending his party members, kinsmen and Nigerians

T

Kennedy Okonkwo

he Book of Proverbs 22:29 states that: “Show me a man who is diligent in his work, he will stand in the presence of kings and not in the presence of unknown men.”

One man that has distinguished himself in proving to be a diligent man is the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Ike-Oye. The APGA boss, who is marking his 30th wedding and 60th birthday anniversary with an Ozo title and Charity Day, has proved without any iota of doubt that he is a diligent man and someone who can be trusted.

Looking at the way he has also managed his personal and political life and community service, IkeOye has shown clearly that he is a leader worth celebrating.

Like the words of Dr. Gary P. Hamel, an American management expert and founder of Strategos, an international management consulting firm based in Chicago, which states that: “Trust is not simply a matter of truthfulness, or even constancy. It is also a matter of amity and goodwill. We trust those who have our best interests at heart, and mistrust those who seem deaf to our concerns,” Ike-Oye is wise and trusted person, who has within a short time proven to be leader.

I have known Ike-Oye for many years and I can attest that he is a man who can be trusted and rely on. He has proved on many occasions that he is determined and focused in bringing out the best in whatever task given to him.

He has excelled in all the major assignments committed to his hands. In fact, he is among Nigerian politicians who can stand stall in the polity, without any corruption charges hanging on his neck.

When the mantle of APGA leadership was given to him last year, the party was handed over to him in disunity, but today APGA remains a formidable party, not only in South-East but in different parts of the country.

Like he promised when the immediate APGA national chairman, Chief Victor Umeh passed the baton to him last year, Ike-Oye within one year has transformed the party beyond reasonable doubt for better.

Ike-Oye emergence was commended by many APGA stakeholders including Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and his predecessor, Umeh. His victory during last year APGA National Convention was also commended by various groups, including different APGA chapters in Nigeria and in Diaspora.

In fact on July 19, 2015 in an interview he granted a national daily, Umeh described Chief Victor Ike-Oye as “somebody who has the capacity to lead APGA. He has enough experience. In electing him into the office of National Chairman of APGA, we were conscious of the challenges that lie ahead of his tenure. We are convinced he can lead the party.

“Dr. Ike-Oye is coming in on a very strong pedestal, on a clean slate, no legal hangover. So, that being the case, he is not inheriting any litigation against his leadership.

So, he will be able to concentrate.

Dr. Ike-Oye’s National Working Committee will focus on how to build the party, rather than how to contend with internal crisis. We will

APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Ike-Oye

give him all the support he will need to make APGA a strong party.”

While assuming office on June 2015, the APGA national chairman promised to take the party to greater heights through “building a new and cohesive political movement founded on mutual love, peace and fraternity, devoid of bitterness and acrimony,” and he has been working in line to his promise.

Since his emergence as APGA National Chairman, Ike-Oye on many occasions has acted as an opposition leader by putting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on its toes.

Apart from being passionate and pursing courses that are of national interest, Ike-Oye has also been a leading voice on issues affecting the Ndigbo. He has proved on many occasions that he is a leader to be reckoned with in defending his party members, kinsmen and Nigerians.

On July 13, 2015, Ike-Oye-led APGA urged the federal government to urgently evacuate the Boko Haram suspects relocated at that period to Ekwulobia prisons in Anambra State.

He implored the federal government to consider the danger posed

by Boko Haram members and the fact that Ekwulobia prison is a minimum prison which according to him lacks the appropriate security infrastructure and even personnel to handle the complex class of detainees.

His party is of the view that the continued stay of the terrorist sus-

pects in Ekwulobia will disconcert the people of the community and indeed the entire Anambra State and also the neighbouring Igbo states that are similarly apprehensive, which the consequences are multifarious and multi-dimensional.

Because of his passion for a better Nigeria, Chief Ike-Oye in April lend his support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to China, at a point that many opposition leaders were against the Federal Government’s initiatives. He said that the country’s economic partnership with China is in Nigeria’s best interest.

The APGA national chairman in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday April 28 said many countries of the world had started showing interest in China because of the vast opportunities it held and because of the economic giant it had become.

“No man is an island. We need to continue to work together and explore all means to make this country move forward and I think that is what the President has done.

He went to China to explore new avenues and new opportunities in the global market and nobody should tell me that we will continue to face a particular direction in the development of this country,” he said.

Dr. Ike-Oye also called on the federal government to take urgent steps to end the clashes between farmers and herdsmen as well as stop further loss of lives and prop-

erty.

Apart from being an experienced and seasoned politician with wide range of experience in elective and appointed public and party positions, Ike-Oye has proved to be a good husband and father to his family and that is why his marriage has remain intact in the last 30 years.

Today, he is celebrating 30th wedding anniversary because of his commitment to marriage institution. Ike-Oye has also paid his due in his community and this seen to be one of the reason while he is being honoured with Ozo title today.

He has also touched many lives through several philanthropy gestures and community services.

Victor Ike-Oye is well educated with Master’s degree in communications and doctoral fellow in communications from Oxford University.

He has also been around government having served in various public service and party leadership. He is seasoned journalist. To a distinguished APGA National Chairman who has shine like a million stars in a very short time.

We celebrate you on your birthday celebration and wish you many more years of dedicated service to humanity.

We really thank God for your life and contribution to the society. We also give glory to the Almighty God for keeping you in good health to witness this great celebration.

You promised to take the party to greater heights through “building a new and cohesive political movement founded on mutual love, peace and fraternity, devoid of bitterness and acrimony,” and Chief Victor Ike-Oye has been working in line with his promise.

So, as he marks his 30th wedding and 60th birthday anniversary with an Ozo title and charity day, it is my pleasure and privilege to give this short message of good about a wise and trusted guide, who has within a short time proven to be leader.

Good people are rare, nice people are scarce, people like you are scarce. I pray God continue to bless Chief Victor Ike-Oye, favour and grant him his wishes forever, amen.

––Chief Kennedy Okonkwo is the CEO of Nedcom Oaks

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

media & marketing with

Maltina ‘Teacher ofThe Year’ Deadline Extended, Entries Open for Golden Pen Award

S

ubmission of entries for the 2016 edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year has been extended. The submission will now close on Friday, 22nd July, 2016 even as entries for Nigerian Breweries annual Golden Pen Award for excellence in journalism has opened. According to Nigeria Breweries Plc, the organisers of the Maltina contest, the extension was as a result of appeals by secondary school teachers across the country for more time to enable them file their entries for the coveted prize worth over N50 million.

Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser of the company said entries had been received from teachers in 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. “We have extended deadline for the submission of entries for Maltina Teacher of the Year because of the overwhelming appeal by teachers across the country for the extension. This initiative is for teachers; we believe it is just fair

for us to take their interest into consideration.

As a company, we always listen and take the view of the people into consideration in our decision making process,” he said.

Nigerian Breweries Plc has extended the scope of this year’s edition of the Maltina Teacher of-the Year initiative to include privately- owned secondary schools in the country. In the maiden edition last year, the competition was limited to teachers in the nation’s public secondary schools.

The initiative is to reward commitment and diligence to duty by exceptional teachers across the country. It is done on the platform of Nigerian Breweries- Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust.

Each State Champion will get N500, 000 and the top 10 teachers will be recognized before the grand winners are announced. The second and first runners-up will receive trophies and an additional N750, 000 and N1,000, 000 respectively. The Maltina Teacher of the Year 2016 will get an additional N1, 000, 000 instantly plus

N1,000, 000 every year for the next five years, a development training opportunity abroad and a block of classrooms built at the school where he/she teaches.

On the Golden Pen Award, Ekanem explained at the flag-off of the eight edition of the competition in Lagos that it would be in three categories - Golden Pen Reporter of the Year, Golden Pen Photo Journalists of the Year and Golden Pen Nigerian Breweries Report of the Year.

He further disclosed that the theme of the award remains Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development.

The award he emphasized was introduced to promote professionalism and objective reportage of events in Nigeria. It is also meant to reward such journalists who abide by the ethics of the journalism profession.

While stressing that the previous editions had strengthened the credibility of the awards by making it all inclusive a measure that encouraged increased media buy-in.

KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only) Entries which opened June 28th will close Friday, August 19th, 2016 He also informed that an independent jury will then analyze the entries for their originality, news value, use of resources, credibility and factuality.

“Other areas of interest would include infographics, lay out/headline, clarity and social responsibility. After the adjudication, a shortlist of nominees would be announced early in October 2016. The 8th Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Awards Ceremony will hold on Friday October 28, 2016 where winners will be announced,” he said.

According to him, winners in the three categories will receive the Golden Pen Award, gift items and the following cash prizes: NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year N1,000,000, Report of the year (N500,000), Photojournalist of the Year (N500, 000), Reporter of the Year (N300, 000), Pen Reporter of the Year (N200, 000), Photojournalist of the Year (N250, 000) while Photojournalist of the Year (N200, 000).

Tecno Camon C9 Woos Customers with Dual Flash Front

I

nnovation appears endless as Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, in the mobile phone compete with enhanced features to boost customer’s experience.

Just recently, Tecno Mobile started singing a new song in the Nigerian market with the introduction of their eye scanner and camera-centric Camon C9 smart phone.

With dual SIM that has up to 4G-network support, the device which is a total detour from its predecessor the Camon flagships in terms of specifications, no doubt, has raised the bar with high-end camera features.

Accordingly, Camon C9, the successor to last year’s Camon C8, sports a massive upgrade

on the front camera, going from 5 megapixels on the C8 to a whopping 13 megapixels on the C9.

Crafted with advanced state-of-art technology, the new product which boasts of unmatched camera quality among other thrilling features is beautifully designed to complement your swag and give you class.

The Dual 13MP front camera in the device is unbelievably massive and innovative.

Going user experience, the camera has dual flashlights which is the first of its kind in the smart phone market. With the device, you can now capture the best moment even in the dark due to the innovative dual flash on the front-facing camera.

Special Guest of honor, Miss Green and white Nigeria, Mariam Adeniyi,Deputy Marketing Manager,PR/ Event Sponsorship TECNO mobile,Mr. Attai Oguche, and the Head Lagos office,Consumer protection council(CPC),Mr.Joshua Nggada,at the unveiling/launch of the New Techno Camon C9 phone, held recently in Lagos

tribUte

A Quintessential Statesman

Ikechukwu Ozigbo

A

A man is said never to be as tall as he is whenever he stoops to help someone – Rostur, 1977. This statement adequately describes the life and personality of Chief Patrick NnaemekaOnukwuli(Chinyelugo).

A man who lived his life for the well being of others. A man who considered anyone around him before himself. A man that practised and typified selflessness to an unbelievable extent. Aman that stooped for others to fly. Aman that went empty for others to be filled.

A man that endured for others to endear. A man that said what he meant and meant what he said.

A man whose commitment to God and his fellow men was total.

It is not just enough pouring encomiums on Chinyelugo. It is not enough resonating his towering qualities. It is not enough re-echoing his distinguished lifestyle. It is not enough according him a state-ofthe-art funeral. It is not enough lamenting his home call. It is not enough celebrating his greatness. It is not enough dramatizing his life and times. It is not enough eulogizing his background. It is not enough wishing he stayed longer. It is not enough chanting melodious songs and dance steps in his honour. It is only enough understanding his footsteps, emulating his footsteps and living by his footsteps.

Chinyelugo was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and brought up like a prince in the family of Pa OkekeEzedigweOnukwuli of UmueboAgbaja Abatete in Idemmili Local Government Area of Anambra State. His father was a civil servant and one of those looked up to then as fountains of the

Onukwuli

community and society.

Chinyelugo attended the highly revered elitist mission school at that time – The Holy Trinity Primary School, Onitsha. To buttress his well-todo background from the onset, he went to School with his own bicycle, which was a rare feat at that time. This never drew envy from both his teachers and peers because of his disciplined and humble disposition. He remained humble, kind, friendly andvery passionately disposed towards others. On the successful completion of his primary education, he secured admission into the prestigious Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha. In 1952, he sat for

the Cambridge School Certificate Examination and emerged in flying colours. In 1976, he was seconded to London where he worked and also bagged the Postgraduate Diploma in Probate Administration and Management.

Chinyelugo had a short stint at Shell Exploration in Owerri and Port Harcourt before securing appointment with the Judiciary and was deployed at Port Harcourt, though he equally worked at the Kano,Umuahia, Awka, Aba, Onitsha and Enugu Divisions of the Judiciary where he rose to and retired as the Chief Probate Registrar. He contributed and re-energised significantly, the Probate Laws and Practice in the then East Central State and Old Anambra State by the profundity of the depth of his probate knowledge.

Paddy as his close friends and allies called him, can without any fear of contradiction be described as one of the last Titans, who employed his immense energy on hard work and call to duty. He was sartorial and impeccably attired at all times and his punctuality to work was second to none. His erudition, passion and self-effacing humility, despite his accomplishments and reach drew people to him. He worked tirelessly and yet joyfully and treated everyone that came his way specially.

Chinyelugo was a devout adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. Also, he belonged to the prestigious Ozo title holders at Abatete and a distinguished member of the Igwe-In-Council Traditional Cabinet; belonging to the distinguished NnukwuNze Extraction of the Ozo Title Holders.He brought his wealth of experience and peaceful disposition to bear in the socio-economic development of his community of Abatete. He was a keen sports man and urbane socialite; and a Privileged Member of Enugu Sports Club

Chinyelugo got happily married to the woman after his heart in September 1961 in the person of the then Anastasia IfeyinwaOkwudili. Though she was called to be with the Lord after they had lived most happily as husband and wife for thirty-three (33) years; she was really a jewel, a wife and mother of a special class. A highly virtuous woman who is still missed and will continue to be missed by all those that knew her.

The marriage is blessed with six great, highly industrious and very well-to-do children, sons and daughtersin-law and grandchildren who have continuedtomakewavesinvariousspheresofhuman endeavour. They include: Chief Barr. Pat Onukwuli (Ugonnia Abatete), Mrs. Ethel Enedah, Mrs. Joan Okafor, Mrs. Patience Otukwu, Mrs. ChineloAgu and Engr. ChukwudiOnukwuli. We say to each of them: Cheer up and celebrate Chinyelugo.

He came, saw, ran the race, fought the good fight of faith, conquered the world and bowed out gallantly with a big crown. He shall forever be missed even as the memories of his life and times remain evergreen in our minds. His guiding philosophy in life is “good name is better than silver and gold” May the great and peaceful soul of Chinyelugo and the souls of all faithful departed, through the mercy of God, find eternal repose.

He has since been laid to rest in accordance with his wishes. However, a vigil Mass will be held in his honour inAbatete,Anambra State on Thursday August 3, 2016 by 5.00pm while the Funeral Mass will be conducted on FridayAugust 5, 2016 at Christ the King Parish Abatete by 10.00am.

Adieu, Chinyelugo! Adieu,NnukwuNze!! Adieu, Man of the People!!!

–Venerable (Dr) Ikechukwu Ozigbo.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

aUto

New Peugeot 3008 SUV Infused with Most Advanced Features Stories by Bennett Oghifo

P

eugeot has said the new Peugeot 3008 SUV is its most advanced compact SUV. It brings new technology and a unique driving experience to the popular C-segment SUV market and will be revealed later this year at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Greater interior, passenger and luggage space...

At just 4450mm in length, the new Peugeot 3008 SUV is one of the most compact models in its segment, offering greater passenger and luggage space over the outgoing model. With a longer wheelbase and an overall length which is just 80mm longer than the current model, interior space has greatly improved, most notably for rear occupants who now have an additional 24mm legroom, 4mm elbow room and 36mm headroom. Front elbow space has also increased by 17mm despite the width of the new model being identical to the outgoing version at 1840mm, and height being 19mm lower at 1620mm.

Luggage space has also improved in the new 3008 SUV. With a luggage capacity of 520L (under the luggage cover), this is almost 90L bigger than the previous generation. Like the previous version, owners can remove the luggage cover and fold the second row of seats flat; this results in a total luggage capacity of 1580 litres, one of the largest and most versatile load capacities in the segment.

Reduced weight...

Despite the improvements in passenger and luggage capacities, the new model is, on average, 100kg lighter than the previous generation versions. This has been achieved though intelligent design and use of materials to provide improved efficiency, better fuel

The new Peugeot 3008 SUV

economy, increased performance, a more dynamic driving experience and class leading safety. Very High Strength Steel (VHSS) and Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) have been used in the vehicles construction, with a thermoplastic boot floor and tailgate and aluminium wings, front suspension arms and rear seat frames. More refined engines also allow for a reduction in sound-deadening materials.

To ensure owners and drivers can enjoy and exploit the full potential of their new

3008, the new model comes with the latest generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® which includes advanced sensory engagement for both driver and passengers. i-Cockpit® with Amplify...

The evolution of the Peugeot i-Cockpit® goes further as it features sensory buttons.

Thus, and by simply pressing a dedicated key - next to the toggle buttons there is the opportunity to further enhance the driving experience: with i-Cockpit® Amplify. In this

way, all the senses are immediately aroused: Sight – by varying the intensity of ambient lighting and the colour screens; hearing – via the musical ambiance settings - Touch – via the multi-point massage embedded in the seats (with up to five programmes); and smell – via the aroma from the fragrance diffuser.

In addition, like in the Peugeot 308, sight, touch and hearing benefit from the supplementary characteristics of the Driver Sport Pack.

Toyota C-HR – First Reveal of New Crossover’s Sophisticated Interior Design

T

he C-HR gives Toyota a powerful new presence in the growing C crossover segment. It is intended to spearhead a new movement within its segment -to create a new frontier. That’s why we decided it had to be unique: with its own personality, full of originality.’

Kazuhiko Isawa, Chief Designer C-HR Designed to stand out both within the Toyota line-up and in its segment, the all-new C-HR – or Coupé High-Rider - represents Akio Toyoda’s determination to allow greater stylistic freedom and promote engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure.

The Toyota C-HR remains remarkably true to the general features of the concept-cars that attracted so much public attention in Paris in 2014 and in Frankfurt in 2015. Its coupelike lines are a testimony to the resolve of its designers to create a style that stands out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction amongst mid-sized crossovers.

With the C-HR, Toyota targets a clear and singular customer profile. Predominantly driven by emotional considerations, these

customers want individuality, and to be the first to try new experiences and products.

Style and quality are essential considerations in any purchase they make, and the car is an extension of their personality.

Inspired by what he learned from meeting with these customers, C-HR Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba focused persistently on their requirements throughout the development process, setting high demands for design and perceived quality.

The Toyota C-HR’s unique character demonstrates the flexibility that the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) gives to vehicle developers in the three key areas of design, powertrain and dynamics, enabling them to deliver a new and fresh take on the increasingly commoditized crossover segment.

Pre-sales will begin throughout Europe in September, with the first deliveries to customers before the end of the year. Positioned between the Auris TS and the RAV4, C-HR targets upwards of 100,000 annual European sales.

A New Design Direction for the Crossover Segment: ‘Crossover users want something

2017 Toyota Prius Prime

special, something that a traditional SUV cannot offer. They want a high driving position, but they don’t want the boxy shape of an off-roader. And they also want an agile driving feel.

“With the C-HR, we are trying to introduce

a new value into the C crossover market, and that newness comes from SUV robustness and strength. But we’re not trying to make an SUV that’s dynamic, rather, a dynamic vehicle with SUV-like properties,” Kazuhiko Isawa, Chief Designer C-HR

FRSC Arraigns Two Men for Assaulting Marshals on Duty

T

wo men who assaulted marshals of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) while on duty in Lagos on Sunday 3rd of July, 2016 were on Friday July 8, 2016 arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Lagos and later remanded in prison.

This was disclosed by the Sector Commander Lagos State Sector Command, Corps Commander Hyginus Omeje. In a suit No. SL/89/2016. Commissioner of Police versus Nwandu Onyeka, male, aged 32 and Oke-

chuckwu Jackson, Male 35 appeared before the Magistrate AA Famobiwo of Magistrate Court 3, Surulere Lagos.

The Sector Commander in a press release signed by the Ag Sector Public Education Officer Bisi Sonusi, a Deputy Route Commander, said the two and others still at large attacked and seriously injured FRSC Officials while on their legitimate duties at Akinhanmi Street, Surulere, Lagos on Sunday July 3, 2016.

The accused are being prosecuted for three count charges of conspiracy, assault and ob-

struction an offence contrary to Sections 172 & 117 of the Criminal laws of Lagos State.

They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties each in like sum .

The case was adjourned till July 18, 2016 for mention.

They were however remanded in Ikoyi prison custody as they couldn’t meet the bail conditions.

The Sector Commander has again warned that anybody who assaults his men on duty

will not go scot free as perpetrators will be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws protecting law enforcement officers while discharging their legal duties.

He said his command was ready to prosecute more traffic offenders in the state having secured the approval of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos to use the newly constituted Lagos State mobile court to prosecute traffic offenders in the State.

He therefore warned motorists to always obey all traffic rules and regulations.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 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

FRSC and the New Speed Limiter Date

A

All-new Jaguar F Pace SUV

Coscharis Motors Set to Introduce All-new Jaguar F Pace SUV Stories by Bennett Oghifo

J

aguar’s first ever family Sports Utility Vehicle will be officially unveiled in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors on the 21st of this month at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. The unveiling will be in partnership with Tech+ during an exclusive dinner opening ceremony for event partners.

Coscharis Motors has the sole franchise for Jaguar Land Rover brands in Nigeria with sales

and service networks across the major cities including Lagos Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Kano.

Currently, the F Pace has become the manufacturer’s fastest-selling vehicle. In the first 10 months on sale, more than 14,000 orders have been placed, with all 2,000 First Edition vehicles sold out.

The Jaguar F-PACE is Jaguar’s first performance crossover and its lightweight body structure comprises 80 per

cent aluminium. It is the only aluminium-intensive design in its sector and is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull Plant in the UK. According to the Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover Marketing Manager, Aregbeshola Cletus, as Coscharis Motors prepares to unveil the F-PACE to customers and motoring press, a follow up test drive plan has been scheduled for the last week of July, especially for customers who would have indicated

interest during the launch.

The foundation of the new Jaguar Lifestyle Pillar, F-PACE is the third vehicle built from Jaguar’s Advanced Lightweight Aluminium Architecture and Jaguar’s Performance SUV – a breakthrough, transformational product for the brand. Combining an optimum blend of Performance, Seduction and Practicality, F-PACE will be the Ultimate Practical Sports Car, competing directly against the Porsche Macan and BMW X4.

Porsche Enjoys a Successful First Half of 2016

W

ith 117,963 new vehicle deliveries worldwide, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is three per cent up in the first half of 2016 compared with the previous year’s figures. This growth has been driven by the Cayman and Boxster models.

These figures, the auto company said, meet the expectations of Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board of Management - Sales and Marketing.

Platen emphasised that the high levels achieved in the previous year also formed the objective for 2016. “In 2016, consolidating our sales markets will be of primary importance. With the USA, China and Europe as strong sales regions, Porsche is in a very strong position for the future and is to a large extent independent of the volatility of individual markets.”

The Cayman and the Boxster

provided a source of significant growth: with 6,115 new vehicle deliveries for Cayman and 6,740 for Boxster worldwide, both vehicles are clearly recording double-digit growth rates. Compared with the same period in the previous year, the Macan also achieved an increase of 11 per cent with a total of 45,086 new vehicle deliveries, as did the 911 with 18,579 vehicles (+10 per cent).

As a result of the upcoming model change, Panamera sales remained lower than the level achieved in the previous year.

“The feedback about the world premiere of the new Panamera at the end of June has been unequivocally positive, so we are very optimistic about this. We are anticipating a significant boost from this model”, stated von Platen.

The new Panamera has been available to order since 28 June and will be available at

2017 Porsche Cayman

dealerships from January 2017 onwards.

The strongest individual market in the first half of 2016 was once again China: with 30,440 new vehicle deliveries, the Chinese market ranks above the USA (26,708 new

vehicle deliveries). Europe has maintained the high levels seen in the previous year and once again grew its sales by 5 per cent to 40,646 new vehicles. The German market saw an increase of 2 per cent, with 15,299 new vehicle deliveries.

CVL Backs FRSC Expired Tyre Campaign with Continental, GT

A

stheFederalRoadSafety Corps,FRSC,campaign on expired tyres gain momentum,Cambistry VenturesLimited,CVL, dealers in automotive products has come up with two world class tyre brands to save the situation.

Managing Director of CVL, Sir Ikechukwu Okafor, said that it is regrettable the way and manner substandard tyres enter into the country and as a result his company, Cambistry, decided

to introduce the world class tyre brands Continental and General Tire,bothmanufacturedinEurope.

Sir Okafor whose company deals in automative products said that it is regrettable how Nigerians lose their lives to road accidents due to tyre bursts resulting from substandardandexpiredtyresand commended the Federal Road Safety Corps for its campaign on expired tyres.

“Overtime, I have watched situations where all manner of tyres

were brought into the country and decided to bring in a class tyre brand at affordable prices as my contribution to save life and properties,” he said.

“I decided to bring in Continental Tyre, which is a premium brand, as well as Matador and General Tyres which are also made by Continental Tyres, ‘’ he added.

According to him, these tyre brands are European made and theygivevalueformoney,guarantee safety, which is very important

and are made in 2015 and 2016, which means that they still have four years or more lifespan.

Highlighting the qualities of Continental and General Tyre brand, Sir Okafor said apart from beingtrustedGermanengineering, the tyre brand boasts outstanding durability and quiet ride, excellent brakingperformanceandtraction, shorter braking distance in all weather conditions, and reduced fuel consumption and gives high mileage.

couple of weeks ago, my boss, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps,Dr Boboye Oyeyemi told Nigerians to prepare for the new speed limiter enforcement date.

Shortly after his pronouncement, I took the initiative by exploring the potential of Radio in reaching out to our numerous publics in Port Harcourt, the River State Capital. Within a space of one week, I had the honor of being on four interactive Radio programmes where my focus was on general road safety management including the ongoing speed limiter campaign which suffered initial hiccups. I must confess that I have found the strategy enriching due to the rich feedback I have received since then including feedback on the speed limiter.

Even though some of the feedback sound laughable, they are worth noting while similar feedback during a sensitization programme held sometime in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory are also instructive.

Let me start with the Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory where as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, Total Nigeria in partnership with an NGO and the FCT Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps,organized awareness programmes with relevant stakeholders as targets .The high point of the programme was the free installation of speed limiter in about thirty or more commercial vehicles.

During the sensitization programme, various experiences were narrated by owners of the vehicles some of which have been battered by electricians and panel beaters if you know what I mean, Of course as a Nigerian road user, you must be conversant with the shades of vehicles on our roads, Some are weather beaten; some rickety, some according to FRSC are coffins. These conditions, confessed some owners, affected the effective workings of speed limiter after installation and calibration thus throwing a fresh challenge to technicians on how to maneuver these battered vehicles It is eight weeks now since I moved to Port Harcourt. Within this period, I have written on the state of commercial vehicles here noting that they are more battered than what I saw when I was in Abuja.

So I worry over substandard vehicles across some parts of the country and their ability to stand the rigors of calibration since all commercial vehicles must first comply with this novelty. These are some of the feedback I got during my numerous radio programmes

when some were asking me how such vehicles will cope.

There were questions on cost which was equally addressed during the public hearing of the House but then came a weird response when some callers drew my attention to the economic crunch. These callers humorously asked if FRSC will install the speed limiter for free since they can’t afford the cost although they were properly educated that our role is to work with Standard Organization of Nigeria and other stakeholders on the standard and follow up with enlightenment and enforcement.But as we await my boss new pronouncement, I believe that the lost months following the initial suspension by the House would demand reinvigorating our advocacies to reach more people.

The last time I wrote on speed limiter was about three months ago shortly after the House of Representatives placed their legislative lid on the proposed enforcement paving way for a public hearing. I was privileged to attend the public hearing of the House Committee on the Federal Road Safety Commission on the subject a couple of months where overwhelmingly the imperatives for the initiatives was drummed by over 99percent of stakeholders who attended the hearing. There were few who had reservations not because they didn’t see the novelty for the speed limiter campaign and enforcement. Their stand was for the Commission to implement alongside other complimentary technologies .For emphasis,let me state that the statutory powers on the regulation on the compulsory use of speed limiting device on vehicles in Nigeria is contained in the FRSC Establishment Act (2007) and the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012.In Section 10, sub section (m) of the (Establishment) Act, 2007,the Commission is empowered in determining and enforcing speed limits for all categories of roads and vehicles and controlling the use of speed limiting devices. It states that All motor vehicles plying the highway shall be in possession of good electric or air horn, jack, wheel spanner, tools, fire extinguisher, • Inflated spare tyre, first aid box, emergency warning triangles or cones, laminated windscreen and mirror, speed governor(ie.speed limiter), wipers, insurance certificate and road worthiness certificate.

Similarly, in the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR, 2012) it provides that,’’Aperson shall not drive a vehicle on any public road which is not fitted with a speed limiter(ie.speed limiting device).

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH

Article 64: Essential Foods For Your Body Functions

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

F

ood is very important for the normal functions of the human body to be maintained and kept alive. This is so because, the human body is made up of various cells, tissues and organs , which are living entities, and therefore needs to be fed, to be kept alive. To stay healthy our bodies need good quality food with nutrients in them. Without these 5 nutrients carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals our bodies would not survive. A good balanced diet is needed to get the right amount of each nutrient in your body.

Therefore, your body needs food to stay alive, and needs foods with essential nutrients to remain healthy and strong. In other words, you need food to stay alive.

If your body is denied food, starvation comes in, and if this is left unchecked, would lead to your cells dying and invariably your system would shut down. The human body requires a wide range of nutrients to remain healthy, including vitamins, minerals, fat, protein, fiber and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates or sugars burn fast for quick energy, while protein molecules are used by cells for complex processes. The body also needs water, a substance that is needed for every process that the body performs.

All living things need food to survive. It gives us energy for everything that we do. It also gives the body what it needs to repair muscles, organs and skin. Food helps us fight off dangerous diseases. It is important to eat a wide range of food in order to stay healthy.

Nutrition is the science that deals with food and how the body uses it.

How Does The Body Use Food ?

Food has nutrients in it— substances that give our body many important things that we need. They provide us with energy and also help control the way our body grows.

Before nutrients can go to work food must be broken down so that they can pass into our body. This is called digestion. It starts when we chew the food that we eat.

When we swallow it it travels on to the stomach where it is mixed together with water and other fluids. Then the food is passed on to the intestine. Nutrients escape through the walls of the intestine into our blood. From there they are carried to all parts of the body. Most food leaves waste that the body cannot use. Some of it goes to the kidneys and turns into urine. The liver also filters out waste. What is left over passes through the large intestine and leaves our body.

Nutrients : There are six main groups of nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins , minerals and water. The energy that food gives us is measured in kilocalories, or one thousand calories. A calorie is the energy that is needed to raise the temperature of water by one degree Celsius.

•Water - Although water does not give us energy it is the most important nutrient. We may be able to live on without the others for weeks, but we cannot go on without water for more than a few days. Water has many functions in our body. It helps break down food. It also cools the body down when it becomes too hot. The body carries away waste products in a watery solution. Our body needs about 2 –3 litres of water a day. We get it from the water and liquids we drink but also from fruits, vegetables and other food.

•Carbohydrates - Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our body. Sugars and starches have carbohydrates in them. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate.

It gives us energy very quickly. This form of energy can be found in dairy products, honey, syrup, jams and jelly.

Starches must be broken down into sugars before our body can use them. They are found in beans, bread , potatoes, cereals, corn, pasta, peas and potatoes. They provide our body with a constant supply of energy.

•Fats - Our body needs fat in small amounts. Fats are made up of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. They store vitamins and produce fatty acids. We need these acids to produce cell membranes. Fats can come from animals or plants. They are in meat and dairy products, like butter and cheese. Other types of fats are in vegetable oils, nuts or seeds. Too many saturated fats produce a high level of cholesterol, a waxy material made by the body. It starts building up in the walls of blood vessels and may block blood as it flows through our body.

•Proteins - Proteins are among the most important building blocks of our body. Muscles, skin and hair , for example, are made up of proteins. Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids. The body can produce some of them itself, but we must get the others from food. Proteins are in cheese, eggs fish , meat, milk, as well as in nuts, peas and beans.

•Minerals - Minerals are needed for growth. They are inorganic, not made up of living things. Our body needs different amounts of various minerals. Calcium and magnesium, for example, are important for bones and teeth. We also need small amounts of iron. It is a component of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to red blood cells . Fluorine or zinc are other minerals we need in very small amounts. They are called trace

All over the world people suffer from illnesses that are caused by eating the wrong food or not having enough to eat. The kind and quality of foods eaten in developing countries, predisposes the people to deficiency diseases when people do not get the right nutrients.

Kwashiorkor is a disease that occurs if your body doesn’t get enough proteins.

Marasmus occurs in young children who don’t get enough calories every day. They become weak, underweight and often die

elements. liver heath and as a result, the health of the rest of your •Vitamins - Our body needs body through your diet. Green leafy vegetables, and Each iron rich foods, nuts, cereals and pulses are helpful. a variety of vitamins to stay healthy.

There’s no question that maintaining a nutritious diet of them does a different job. Vitamin A, for example, helps skin and hair grow. Vitamin C is needed to fight can help keep your body healthy. But when it comes to off infections. Vitamin D helps the growth of bones which foods can specifically benefit which body parts, and teeth . a little is known , and these are vital for your health.

There Are Guidelines To Good Eating Habit: Eyes : Egg yolks, yellow corn . Lutein, one of the • Be careful of your weight. Obesity can lead to health brightly colored (yellow, in this case) compounds calls problems. carotenoids that give fruits and vegetables their color, • Exercise every day. It helps the body burn calories may help ward off age-related macular degeneration, and the fat you don’t need. probably by acting as a cell-damage-fighting antioxidant.

Brain : Salmon, tuna, sardines , foods that are • Eat a lot of grain products • Be careful not to eat food that has too much saturated healthful for the heart, stabilizing for the stomach, fat and cholesterol beneficial for the brain and more. The omega-3 fatty • Do not eat too much sugar. High-sugar foods and acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in cold-water, drinks have a lot of calories but not many nutrients. fatty fish is thought to play a role in protecting against • Don’t put too much salt on your food. This may dementia; one study found that people who ate lots of lead to high blood pressure. fatty fish had a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

• Include fiber in your diet. It helps food move along Calls for eating four ounces of fish, twice a week.

Bones: Milk, fortified soy beverage. The calcium in in your body.

• Beware of alcoholic drinks. They have a lot of calories dairy products (and added to some soy beverages) is a but no nutrients. building block of bone tissue early in life; later, it helps • Store and cook foods properly so that they do not fight osteoporosis. The Dietary Guidelines recommend lose their nutritional value. three cups of low-fat or nonfat milk daily.

What You Eat Influences Your Exposure To Heart :Baked potato, prune juice Potassium, found in many fruits and vegetables, Diseases: All over the world people suffer from illnesses that lowers the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, are caused by eating the wrong food or not having especially when consumption of sodium is reduced. enough to eat. The kind and quality of foods eaten Most of us should have about 4,700 mg of potassium in developing countries, predisposes the people to daily; a small baked potato has 738, a cup of prune deficiency diseases when people do not get the right juice 707.

Lungs :Broccoli, Brussels sprouts: Vegetables three nutrients. Kwashiorkor is a disease that occurs if your body doesn’t get enough proteins. Marasmus occurs in cups daily, are associated with reduced cancer risk. And young children who don’t get enough calories every research suggests that the glucosinolate in cruciferous day. They become weak, underweight and often die. vegetables (those in the same family as cabbage, whose Diseases often occur if you suffer from a lack of name means “cross-bearing” and refers to the shape vitamins. Not enough vitamin D, for example, may of the petals) might be especially useful in keeping lead to bone illnesses. carcinogens from damaging DNA, thwarting cancer’s In industrialised countries people often suffer from development.

Stomach: Ginger eating too much. Too much fat and cholesterol in your Benefits: There’s evidence that eating ginger can body can lead to heart diseases , obesity and cancer .

High cholesterol levels may make your arteries narrow. battle motion sickness and perhaps nausea associated The result may be high blood pressure , a heart attack with pregnancy. As little as a gram of powdered ginger or a stroke. The lack of certain minerals may also lead might tame nausea or vomiting, though medications to illnesses. Not enough iron in your food reduces the appear to work better at fighting those ills.

Colon: Beans and peas blood’s ability to make red blood cells, which are needed Beans and peas are excellent sources of fiber, whose to transport oxygen through our body.

Specific Foods That Benefit Parts Of Your Body? health benefits include keeping you regular. The dietary When you think of major organs, you probably guidelines say women should consume 25 grams of think of your heart and lungs, but your liver is both fiber daily; men need 38.

Prostate: Green tea huge and essential, and doesn’t often get the credit it Benefits: Although studies have been scant, promdeserves. With a proper diet, we can give our liver a boost to help it do its job properly. The liver is important ising research suggests that green tea’s antioxidant for functions as varied and important as removing polyphenols may help prevent cancer of the prostate harmful and poisonous substances from our blood, and other organs. Green tea is generally considered storing and exporting fat, regulating hormones, and safe to consume in abundance.

Ovaries: Ice cream producing bile for digestion. The liver is a key organ Benefits: A 2007 Harvard study found that women for detoxifying our bodies, ridding them of anything that could be considered harmful. If our livers aren’t who consumed high-fat dairy products such as ice cream healthy or functioning properly, the toxins that should reduced their risk of infertility. It’s not clear why; the be eliminated could end up staying in our bodies and authors surmised that the fat might somehow improve cause damage. You need good diet to support your ovarian function when women are trying to conceive.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Farewell to Euro PAGE. 29

16.07.2016

Tijani Umar

Aiming for the Sky

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Captain of Atlantic Conference team receiving the winning trophy from NBBF President, Tijani Umar, with them is Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria Mr. John Ugbe

Aiming for the Sky Tijani Umar though easy-going, is not afraid of battles as he has fought and survived many in his almost six years as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Kunle Adewale writes about his achievements and plans for the Rio Olympics

T

aking Nigeria’s basketball to greater heights has always been his dream. “I hope to get Nigerian basketball to greater heights, and machineries are in place for funding for the various basketball teams.

I hope that once the budget comes into place, more funds will be available for the federation to execute its programmes for basketball,” he said in May this year.

After the DStv All Stars Games in Abuja, Umar showed his delight in what he saw, saying it proves that the future of basketball in the country is bright.

“Everything is evolutionary including moving forward, we are learning lessons, DStv had said they have seen an arena they love for the game of basketball, which is Abuja Sports Hall.

They think the federation has justified the confidence in them.

“Tonight has been great, I have seen real basketball and I am proud that they are the best talents we have in the country. The selection of the players was appropriate and you could see that we got talents in Nigeria. Some of them, I'm seeing for the first time today but I felt completely proud of them.

“We have two teams that are humbly good, in terms of talents, skill and in term of execution. What is more

important is that we have seen the skill challenge, slam and dunk and the three points shoot out tournament. I was a basketball player but I can tell you when we played, we never saw something like this. We did not have this kind of side attraction then and the crowd was happy.

This is the whole essence of the sport and we would begin to hope that we can organise some of those things we see out of the shores of the country as people begin to invest the game,” Umar said.

The NBBF President also hailed the presence of who-is-who in Nigerian sports at the Sports Hall of the Abuja Stadium.

"I was a good thing that all the people that are responsible in making decision in term of sports in the country were presence - the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, Chairman Committee on Sports in the House of Representatives, Godfrey Ali Gaiya, former Nigeria Olympic Committee Chairman members and President Nigeria Tennis Federation President, Sani Ndanusa. So it just is about telling them our needs, our ideas and ideals. That we know what to do but simply we can't do it with jusy words, therefore, as DStv is there on one side, government should support us on the other side and we are here in the centre.

With that, the future is very bright for basketball,” Umar said.

Nigeria’s basketball Captain to the 2012 Olympics in London, Olumide Oyedeji, also corroborated Umar’s view, just as he showered encomium on the NBF for putting up a good basketball show.

“Kudos to the players and also to DStv and to the basketball federation that put this together. I will say this is one of the most successful Basketball events ever. It was a very colourful event and the organisation was near perfect even up to the kits. It made the players to feel happy. The accommodation was fantastic and the players felt they are real stars,” Oyedeji said.

Asked on the chances of the country’s basketball team at winning a medal in next month's Olympic Games Olympics in Rio, he noted that the Olympic Games was not all about winning.

“I want the media to be very positive about what we are doing. I am member of the NOC, vice President of the NOC. I want you to read about the Olympic creed. What the IOC says about Olympic is you take part. The essence of the Olympics is about taking part and not to win. The whole thing is showing your ability to display human spirit, that ability to make environment great, not necessary to triumph. So if you win, there is a medal around your neck that is icing on your cake.

“We have never had talents like these group of players that is representing the country in Rio. I am not a coach, I am only a manager and it’s going to be wrong for me to tell you that we are going to get a medal or not. If we pick it one, fine, but I believe they are going to play the best of basketball in Rio. I am sure of that. We have talents to do the unbelievable,” he said.

On the growing number of Nigerian athletes born in the United State of America forming the bulk of the national team, therefore making the federation to rely heavily on foreign-born players, Umar reacted thus: “Every country would always want the best team represented. The federation cannot deny a person born in the US, who has Nigerian citizenship legitimately by birth to play for Nigeria. We are looking for avenues where we can package these players both outside and then those here so that they have a clout and then they have that iconic status so that it rubs off on the game and on the league. We are trying to see how we can use DSTV, Supersports and others to try create this platform, it is a process because for a long time it has not been there,” The NBBF President also condemned the National Sports Commission (NSC) for frustrating efforts of the federation to move the game of basketball forward,

31

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER NPFL … NPFL … NPFL … NPFL … NPFL … NPFL … NPFL … NPFL … NPFL …

Sunshine Stars Turn Focus to NPFL

A

fter their exit from the 2016 Federation Cup, Sunshine Stars are now regrouping to put in a decent run in the business end of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The club captain, Sunday Abe and head coach, Solomon Ogbeide, spoke about their ambition of finishing very well in the top tier in Nigeria this term to make up for their Cup exit in the hands of holders, Akwa United, on Tuesday.

Abe said: "We thank the club management and also commend the efforts of my teammates for the journey so far. Our focus is now on the league since we are out of the Federation Cup through the lottery of penalties."

Ogbeide is grateful to the club for showing "understanding" despite their

failure to progress in the Cup competition.

He is hopeful of guiding the club to an impressive finish in the Nigeria top-flight.

"We are really grateful to the leadership of this club for the kind of love and understanding always shown at all times - the professional way of handling the affairs has seen us this far," Ogbeide said.

However, the club president, Prince John Ola Mafo, wants the players and coaches to focus on the league which now remains their only competitive chance to win a silverware or reach one of the Caf club competitions next year.

According to Mafo, the team can excel with "more hard work, determination and commitment," as they face Nasarawa United this weekend in a matchweek 27 league game.

Action during the recently concluded DStv Basketball at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

Aiming for the Sky I want the media to be very positive about what we are doing. I am member of the NOC, vice President of the NOC. I want you to read about the Olympic creed. What the IOC says about Olympic is you take part. The essence of the Olympics is about taking part and not to win. The whole thing is showing your ability to display human spirit, that ability to make environment great, not necessary to triumph.

So if you win, there is a medal around your neck that is icing on your cake just as he accused NSC not supporting the sports.

"I am really angry to see the national team struggling to go for tournaments.

Things are so bad that I am considering quitting. I have been the NBBF President since 2009, but I wish I were never the President of the federation because it seems we are not ready to move forward. I am really bitter that the Nigeria national team is struggling to go for tournaments. We can't be struggling.

Nobody wants to believe we don't have money. In 2013, 2014 and this year, our federation got no single penny from government and this is frustrating," Umar said.

Umar indeed reiterated the stance of the federation against the decision of some basketball stakeholders to float the Africa Basketball League (ABL), just as he agreed that it was a great idea but was wrongly executed.

“The ABL is a good idea but it was not started the right way. We have discussed with them and we have told them where they missed it and how they will get it right if they wish to. To be honest with you, the way ABL is right now, it is not going to work at all. They have overstretched their bound and need to retrace their steps. As far as we know, the ABL now is just a glorified league in Lagos.

They are completely quarantined in Lagos. If they come back and do the right thing, we may then support the idea. FIBA Africa can only approve it based on our recommendations. It is always important to listen and do things the right way; otherwise it will be a still born baby just as the ABL is right now.

We have gone forward without them, as you can see they are no longer in the league until they retrace their wrong foot steps,” he said.

A group of basketball stakeholders in Africa, led by Nigeria’s Col. Sam Ahmedu (rtd) recently floated the idea of an African basketball league, which was strongly opposed and resisted by the NBBF board, leading to the suspension of all the four Nigerian basketball clubs that had registered to participate in the ABL. Umar, who described the ABL as a stillborn insisted that the NBBF would not approve it until the organisers do the right thing.

Sunshine Stars players

3SC Optimistic of Surviving Drop

S

stake and don't want to take things for granted

hooting Stars' Sunday Adetunji is hopeful that the Oluyole Warriors can build on last weekend's win with, as they look to survive drop.

Gbenga Ogunbote's men came back from a goal down to defeat Nasarawa United 2-1 in their recent Nigeria Professional Football League game at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

They are still in the relegation zone with 30 points from 24 matches.

"We needed a win at home and the fight back was always nice," Adetunji told Goal.

"The players are aware of what is at

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

25 25 24 25 23 23 25 25 25 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 24 25 24

12 12 13 11 11 9 10 10 11 9 9 11 10 8 8 7 9 7 3

7 7 2 6 4 9 6 5 1 6 6 0 2 8 7 9 3 8 8

6 6 9 8 8 5 9 10 13 9 9 13 12 9 10 9 12 10 13

34 34 26 38 24 30 31 26 28 26 25 26 26 23 20 23 27 18 18

Fixtures Week 27 Nasarawa Enyimba Rivers Utd Ifeanyiubah MFM FC Lobi Stars Akwa Utd Abia Warriors Tornadoes

16 27 19 25 20 21 28 24 30 27 26 31 28 28 26 28 37 23 39

18 7 7 13 4 9 3 2 -2 -1 -1 -5 -2 -5 -6 -5 -10 -5 -21

43 43 41 39 37 36 36 35 34 33 33 33 32 32 31 30 30 29 17

v v v v v v v v v

Sunshine Pillars 3SC El-Kanemi Heartland Plateau Utd Rangers Warri Wolves Wikki Tourists

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

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER Euro 2016… Euro 2016… Euro 2016… Euro 2016… Euro 2016… Euro 2016… Euro 201 Euro 2016… Euro 201 Euro 2016… Euro 201 Euro 2016… Euro 201 Euro 2016…

Farewell to Euro Championship While not many football stalwarts have explicitly announced the dropping of curtain on their international career, it is quite evident that few of the big names might be playing their last Euro Cup Gianluigi Buffon

H

is role can’t be underappreciated in Italy’s winning campaign in FIFA World Cup 2006. He is 38 and plans to play the next World Cup in 2018 in Russia and he may as well realise his plans if he remains fit. But it will be a long shot for him to stay till the Euro 2020, so this might be the last European Championship for this veteran.

some solid performances especially in the match against Croatia which the Czechs drew 2-2. Rosicky picked up a thigh injury during the encounter and was ruled out of the rest of Czech Republic’s campaign, which was a very short lived one.

Bastian Schweinsteiger The only appearances that he has made in Euro ’16 have been in supporting role, coming off the bench.

But even that couldn’t desist him from scoring goals. The Manchester United player has had a bad past year or so as his injury precluded him from remaining in action after a wonderful World Cup 2014.

He is 31 and one may think that he may be able to eke out another big tournament but his inability to extricate himself from the injuries means that this might be his last big tournament with Germany. Only Klose (37) has appeared more times for Germany in major tournaments than Schweinsteiger (36).

Andres Iniesta He first surfaced as a child prodigy who had everyone jumping at their seats at the prospects of seeing him represent Spain one day. One of the wizards who architected Spain’s World Cup victory in 2010 through their dazzling spells of eye-catching football, Iniesta hinted that this might have been his last Euro Cup after Spain succumbed to Italy in the last-16. Just last Euro Cup, he has had his hands on the player of the tournament award and it is almost gut wrenching to perceive the next Euro Cup without him.

Iker Casillas Few can claim to have amassed the love as Casillas did from the masses.

The teenager who toured for Euro 2000 as back up to Santiago Canizares toured France for Euro 2016 in a supporting role to David De Gea. Spain’s early exit from the tournament means Casillas’ last Euro campaign came to an end without having to spend a single minute on field. An illustrious career which saw Casillas captaining one of the most successful Spanish team ever didn’t deserve to end like this but during his fairly long career Casillas had earned a fair number of critics as well and with Casillas himself dropping hints regarding his retirement we don’t see him making till the Euro 2020.

Tomas Rosicky The Arsenal star remained an integral part of the Czech Republic’s national team during the major portion of the last decade. Whenever his stats will be discussed, his injuries which marred this fine player’s career will always be discussed. Even in the recently concluded Euro Cup which effectively was his last tournament he showcased

Patrice Evra At 35, Patrice Evra is lucky, and fit, enough to be in France’s manager’s good books as he is the first choice for the left back position in Euro ’16.

Evra who has captained France and Manchester United and who had earned praise from the likes of Alex Ferguson, would find it very difficult to linger on till the next Euro.

He started as an attacking player in the early stages of his career but later transcended beautifully into his present role.

Zlatan Ibrahimović He finished his last season with Paris Saint-Germain as his personal best as a professional as he scored 38 goals in 31 appearances making it 1.23 goals per appearance. Before the dismal end to Sweden’s campaign this Euro Cup, Zlatan had already announced that it would be the last time he would dawn Swedish colors

so in his case we are sure that we won’t see this social media darling in Euro 2020. He scored 62 goals for Swedish National Team and despite the fact he couldn’t send a single ball towards the nets he feels proud for having represented Sweden and for having made all the fantastic memories with the team.

Ricardo Carvalho He is 38 and he is still going strong. For someone of his age we would expect him to have played more games than mere 85 but he can’t be blamed for that as he had to spend three prime years of his life away from the Portuguese team on pretext of an argument with the manager, Paulo Bento. Carvalho indeed said he is not as strong as English center backs generally are but his speed and tackling skills were what made him stand out from his competitors. Carvalho gave his all in ensuring that Portugal clinch the trophy for what would be his last European Championship campaign.

33

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Bringing Back the Lost Allure of Rangers Laurence Ani

cally, no one could muster the necessary courage to act on. Well, at least not until Governor Ugwuanyi threw down the atching a football match gauntlet. It is via the context of this involving Enugu Rangers always inevitably unleashes stifling bureaucracy which an unmediated state ownership creates for clubs memories of the '70s and that his intervention should be viewed. early '80s. This is under"This is digital thinking on the part of standable given that those decades Enugu State governor," Pinnick enthused represent the club's glorious era. Such deja vu was present on July 8, this year, at the sports summit organised by the Enugu State commissioner for youths as I watched the club tenaciously hold and sports, Mr. Charles Chuka Ndukwe, on to a slim victory against Abia Warriors. The ecstatic mood at the Nnamdi in collaboration with Anjessy Events and Media Ltd. "It is a bill that will reward Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu was on you. Rangers is one of the biggest and the verge of an anticlimax though, especially when the visitors' injury time best brands we have in this country.

When passed into law, this will enhance corner kick produced a last gasp shot sports development in the state and that struck the upright. make Rangers Football Club the richest In the end, the home team held on to club side in the country." the 2 - 1 score, keeping alive their fans' It is fitting that an idea that is certain hope for another league title after more to revolutionize football club structure than three decades and leaving Abia and administration is taking root in Warriors and their fans utterly disaparguably Nigeria's most renowned club. pointed and pondering what might And it is equally salutary such idea bears have been. the imprint of an astute administrator, Of course, the victory was also a poiwho understands that society benefits gnant reminder to Rangers' fans about Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi...set to bring back Rangers lost glory more when politics is not allowed to how few and far between such happy overshadow a compelling social reality moments have been. In those glorious del Insurance gave Rangers its most anomalies. Many cynics would dismiss years when the sight of players such as of this century. humiliating defeat then: a 3 - 0 thrashas preposterous any hope that an The sports summit launched as Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okalla, ing in the Challenge Cup final at the average Nigerian youth could regard an Alloysius Atuegbu and other legendary a precursor to a sports festival was National Stadium, in Lagos. Of course, indigenous club in the same way they conceived to galvanize youths in Enugu names inspired belief in fans and awe the gloom was evident in the Olodirevere a European club. No one who State with sports development as a goal. in opposing teams and their fans, the Apapa neighbourhood where we lived has witnessed how indigenous music "This sports summit," said Ndukwe, club's triumph had often seemed like a as most traders - largely of Igbo descent became the dominant tune on Nigerian "will challenge us to critically analyse foregone conclusion. The fond memo- seemed just too shell-shocked to open radio and nightclubs will doubt there why the downturn in sports facilities, ries evoked by that era is what fans their stalls. could be a return to the golden era in development and talent discovery in hope to see rekindled each time they This sort of passion has returned; but football clubs' fan base. The seed of that Enugu State in particular and Nigeria at swarm the stadium for a home match. only in relation to matches involving revolution is being sown in Enugu. large. The pertinent question is when did But it has been a long, frustrating wait clubs in Europe's elite football leagues It's good to be a witness to a resurgent we get it wrong?

The second question is worsened by the somewhat nonlike the English Premier League, Spanspirit in Rangers, thanks to the zeal committal stance of the owners (the old when will the glorious days come back?" ish La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, of the state's sports commissioner, Equally pertinent is the question why Anambra State and, later, Enugu State) Italy's Serie A and the Uefa Champions Ndukwe, and the vision of Governor stadiums were always filled to capacity over the years in the face of competing League. It's common to hear football Ugwuanyi. No longer will the fans' during matches that involved the elite socio-economic demands. fans in Nigeria speak of their favourite chant of "Up Rangers, Never Say Die," Other elite clubs (IICC - now Shooting clubs few decades ago , but hardly so foreign club in the first person plural sound like a rallying anthem sung today even when the gates are thrown Stars Sports Club, Bendel Insurance, despite not sharing any socio-cultural half-heartedly; it would be recited with open to spectators. How did we lost the Mighty Jets, Water Corporation, etc) bond that a native will, for instance, pride as we watch our beloved club take fervour felt by fans each time those great which, along with Rangers FC, had experience in growing up and seeing its rightful place at the top. clubs stake their claim to superiority on made club football in the '70s and '80s parents support clubs which their –Ani is Senior Special Assistant on the field?

Even as a child, I still recall the a huge thrill for Nigerians suffered a own parents had as well supported.

Research and Communication to the similar dip in fortune. That allure faded sullen looks on my parents' faces that So, the Enugu State governor's plan Enugu State governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi "dark" Saturday in 1978 when Benfurther as younger players gradually is a creative response to correct these Ugwuanyi. replaced the older ones whose generation had seemed content with the stipends they were paid and the mere act of donning the club's white jersey.

The country's grim economic situation today means an even greater funding challenge for Nigerian professional clubs mostly owned by state governments.

However, there is nonetheless an incipient change at Rangers inspired

by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. His support has helped the management assemble a stellar team whose play has won plaudits and earned the sort of results and position the club's fans have long yearned.

But beyond the prompt release of substantial funds to the club and recent donation of a 32-seater bus and a saloon car to aid their capacity to attend away matches, the governor is contemplating a move that would liberalize the ownership of Rangers. "Before long a bill will go to the Enugu State House of Assembly for funding of sports," he announced at a sports summit held recently in Enugu which attracted sports administrators from across Nigeria including the chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, and ex-Golden Eaglets coach, Mr. Fanny Amun. "This bill will provide a platform for all of us to own Rangers International Football Club."

Although it served the interest of club football in Nigeria at its early stage, the increasing rank of professional players has made outright state ownership of clubs an anachronism that hinders the robust development of this sport.

This is a well known fact which, ironiEnugu Rangers in actions during one of their league matches

W

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R: Johnson Ivase, Marketing Manager, GOtv; Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director, Flykite Production and Efe Obiomah, Public Relations L-R: Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria Mr. John Ugbe during the signing Manager, GOtv during the GOtv Boxing Night 8 press conference held of Nigeria International, Odion Ighalo as MultiChoice Ambassador at Old Skool Restaurant, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

MultiChoice Signs Ighalo as Ambassador Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced Super Eagles and Watford football club striker, Odion Jude Ighalo as its brand ambassador. The endorsement deal was signed recently at the MultiChoice head office in Victoria Island.

Ighalo will feature in a soon to be launched DStv campaign which includes TV, Out-of-home, digital, radio and press adverts and make special guest appearances at major DStv events amongst

other activities.

Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe speaking on the endorsement said the company is pleased to welcome Ighalo to the family as an ambassador.

According to Ugbe, Ighalo’s zest and brilliant accomplishments as a footballer, locally and internationally, made him perfect for the brand.

“From his humble beginnings of playing football on the streets of Ajegunle to scoring big on the international scene, the Odion Ighalo success story is one that deeply

resonates with the brand.

We believe his energetic display and results on the pitch will inspire Nigerians as they work on achieving their dreams”, he said.

Speaking further, Ugbe said, ‘Over the past few months we have increased the quality of content across packages on our DStv platform to cater to the varied tastes and preferences of our subscribers. Additionally, we revamped our Compact bouquet, offering more value to our subscribers at no extra cost! We believe that

Ighalo’s endorsement will further drive our continuous efforts to provide our subscribers with the best in video entertainment experience,” he said.

Speaking on his partnership with the brand, Odion Ighalo said, “I am happy to be part of the MultiChoice family.

Growing up, we couldn’t afford to have DStv in our house, so I used to pay to watch football at viewing centres. It is a dream come true and I am looking forward to this new relationship with MultiChoice.”

GOtv Boxing Night 8

Hammer Vows to Punish Afonja Warrior Reigning national middleweight champion, Sunny "King" Hammer, has vowed to punish his challenger, Abolaji "Afonja Warrior" Rasheed, when they clash for their national title fight on July 30.

The clash, which is the headline bout of GOtv Boxing Night 8, will hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Hammer, champion since 2001, described his opponent

as a novice in boxing.

"I have successfully defended my title since I won it. I could have defended it a few more times, but nobody wanted to pay me what befits a champion until GOtv came on the scene.

Afonja or whatever he is called is not the man to stop me. I will prove to him that I am way ahead of him in this sport," boasted Hammer.

GOtv Boxing Night 8, an edition specially dedicated to

the memory of Muhammed Ali, the legendary heavyweight champion, who died on June 3, will feature five other bouts.

The light welterweight division will have two national challenge bouts. One will feature Olaide Fijabi, the national champion, taking on Joseph Adeniji, while the other will feature Rilwan Babatunde against Shakiru Lateef.

The welterweight category

brings together Stanley Eribo and Dele Adeleke. The super middleweight clash between Matthew Obinna and Samuel Igbokwe completes the lineup.

Sponsored by GOtv, which will be broadcast live by SuperSport in 47 African countries, is supported by MultiChoice, Paragonis Multimedia LImited, KSquare Security, Complete Sports, Brila FM, Bond FM and Newsbreak.ng.

Alli’s Committee Plans Big for 20th Edition Nigeria Cup As preparations for the 20th edition of Nigeria Cup, a weeklong golf tournament put in place to celebrate the nation’s national Independence anniversary, gathers momentum, Chairman of 2016 the event organising committee, Bayo Alli, has said that this year edition will be a special one even as he appeal to well meaning Nigerians, members of Ikoyi club and especially corporate organisations for

support.

Speaking in a chat with newsmen during the week, Bayo Alli said the appeal became necessary so as to enable the organizers raise needed fund to executive the programmes already earmarked for the event.

While saying this year’s edition will be a very unique one, Alli added that the organising committee promises value for all members of the club, sponsors and corporate

Nigeria. ‘A Nigerianized Nigeria Cup is what we will see come October 1st’.

“This year’s Nigeria Cup is going to be different in many ways if you look at the programmes we are working on. This year’s edition will be for all Nigerians, it will be used to showcase what made us Nigerians, in terms of the fashion, food, art and every other area we will showcase our uniqueness”. Alli said.

2016 Nigeria Cup, Bayo Alli explained further will involve professional golfers who will compete in a full professional and amateur event. The ProAm, he said, will involve single handicap players.

One of Nigeria's foremost sports administrator and former athlete, Dr Gloria Obajimi got re-elected into the the Executive board of the Africa Triathlon Union (ATU) at the weekend.

Pls sirs, help use.

Obajimi Says Her ATU Re-election will Benefit Nigeria Secretary of the Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU), Gloria Obajimi, who on Sunday got re-elected into the Executive Board of the Africa Triathlon Union (ATU) has thanked everyone that supported her re-election bid, saying that it would help propagate Nigeria's interest in the body.

Obajimi commended the President of the NTU, Lanre Glover for his support.

Glover , a former Vice President of ATU stepped down during the election

was made him a Honorary Member of ATU due to his experience and his wealth of Knowledge.

“I must thank Dr. Lanre Glover for his selfless and humble spirit. Though, the former Vice president of ATU, he stepped down at this election. The ATU Congress that had benefitted from his wealth of knowledge and experience made him a Honorary Member of the body.

She continued: Within the next four years, I look

forward to having more women in Triathlon as coaches, technical officials and participants. Most representations on the ITU circuit are from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Mozambique. I look forward to having more countries in Africa up their level of performances. Fund has been a major challenge because the equipment for the sport are not cheap.

“Dr Glover single handedly brought Triathlon to Nigeria in 2005 and I,

being the Secretary General since then. Nigeria triathletes competed at the African Championships in Mombasa, Tunisia and World Championship in Canada some years back.

While giving credit to God for her success, she expressed gratitude to the Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Habu Gumel.

Obajimi will serve another four years.

Serena Williams

MVP Football Quiz Kicks Off in Lagos Ugo Aliogo The Pilot edition of the MVP football quiz, a new weekly sports quiz has kicked off recently in Lagos.

The quiz which is aimed at bringing football lovers together would help showcase their talents and knowledge of the game.

According to the organisers,“the competition cuts across all age brackets from 18-70.”

Speaking during the competition, the organiser and the Managing Director of Indices Production, Mr. Remi Towobola, stated that with this phase, they would be able to understand what to do in the competition proper, adding that there were no cash prizes for the competition, but “we are looking at taking the winners to football competitions around the world.”

He added that at present, they were aiming at taking the winners to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil which would give them opportunity to watch football matches, maybe the finals of the football event, adding, “it could also be any other football event around the world at a particular period of time.

“In picking the winners they have to go through different stages before they qualify for any of the prizes. Some sponsors have shown interests and we are still talking with them. We intend to go around different states and organise competitions.”

The weekly winners will participate in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final stage of the competition. There would be group and individual winners.

Names of winners of the MVP Quiz are: Tunde Adigun who came first, second placed person, Kehinde Kehinde, while Rogba Ibidapo came third.

Tour de France: Froome Forced to Run up Mont Ventoux after Crash Britain's Chris Froome was forced to run without a bike following a crash with a motorbike on one of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France.

Froome crashed with Richie Porte and Bauke Mollema just over one kilometre from the finish on Mont Ventoux.

The defending champion was overtaken by rivals Adam Yates and Nairo Quintana in the melee but race organisers ruled Froome should retain the overall lead.

Thomas de Gendt won stage 12, which had been shortened because of high winds.

Speaking to French TV, Froome, the 2013 and 2015 champion said: "I was with Richie Porte and Bauke Mollema and all three of us went into the back of the motorbike. I got hit from behind by another motorbike that broke my bicycle.

"I told myself, 'I don't have a bike and my car is five minutes behind with another bike - it's too far away, I'm going to run a bit'."

The Team Sky rider finished one minute and 40 seconds behind Trek-Segafredo's Mollema, who had immediately managed to remount his bike, and 44 seconds behind BMC's Porte. But Porte and Froome were given the same time as Mollema, five minutes five seconds behind Lotto Soudal rider De Gendt.

Froome said: "I'm happy with the jury's decision. I think it's right. Thanks to them and thanks to the Tour de France organisation."

Rocky, Bolt and running the bulls - Froome inspires online hilarity As Froome climbed towards the finish line at Chalet Reynard, Porte rode into the back of a motorbike, which seemed to stop suddenly because of crowds encroaching on to the road.

Froome and Bauke Mollema crashed into the Australian and all three fell off their bikes. With his bike damaged, Froome set off on foot as he waited for a replacement.

According to the UCI, cycling's governing body, a cyclist can cross the line on foot but only if they have their bike with them. He attempted to use a neutral service bike before switching to a third bike from the Team Sky car about 200 metres later, eventually crossing the line shaking his head.

Froome, who held a 28-second advantage over Yates overnight, extended his lead to 47 seconds, with Quintana - regarded as Froome's biggest rival before the race - a further seven seconds adrift.

Porte, 31, said: "The crowd were all over the road and it was such a mess. It was just crazy.

35

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

AFRICA PLAYS

with KENNETH EZAGA 0807 0530 677, zigi199@yahoo.com

The NPFL All-Stars Trip to Spain and Knowing Where your Bread is Buttered In August when a select side of the Nigerian Professional Football League heads to Spain for a playing tour, we would witness one of the rewards of the recently-signed partnership between the leadership of the NPFL and the Spanish La Liga. The team would play friendly games with top-flight sides Valencia and Malaga and our players would basically be on the shop window of one of the best leagues in the world. Who knows, one or two might get some life-changing offers, while more clubs in Spain may want to partner clubs from a country that has gifted the world talents like Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Mikel Obi, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Sunday Oliseh, Kelechi Iheanacho etc. This could see much-needed foreign direct investments in Nigeria at this time. For the businessman in Nigeria who owns a club or an academy or the banks or other businesses that would benefit when football creates jobs, now is the time when they must look at the Spanish League and think “how do we profit from this?” My guess, though, is that we would stay committed to a league from which we get nothing in return. For the people who work hard for their money and those who want to see this country flex its considerable muscle in African football, the first step is to understand where our bread is buttered. The time has come not just to celebrate the potential of the partnership with the Spaniards, but to ask that – for all our support of other leagues, what, in naira and kobo terms, have we received in return?

T

he time has come for us to push for quid pro quo relationships with the foreign clubs that Nigerians, from the ordinary to the well-heeled, passionately support. From the start of the new European season next month, the English Premier League is going to be awash with cash from TV rights. Even in dirt poor Africa these guys make money from us. In Nigeria we pay obscene amounts in TV subscriptions and football tourism to feast on the EPL, yet it is curious that we are doing so without any care about whether we are getting a penny from the financial windfall other than salaries to Nigerian players in England. This week I read about Everton FC going to invest in Kenya to look for the next Victor Wanyama and I scratched my head. If Everton can go to Kenya that has produced only Wanyama and his brother MacDonald Mariga, then surely half the teams in the EPL should be in Nigeria scouring for the next Kanu, the next Jay Jay, the next Mikel, the next Yak, the next Iheanacho. Let us at least benefit in some way to justify the considerable investment of our time, emotions and financial resources in that league.

I walked into an eatery on Wednesday in Ikeja GRA where European football is staple TV entertainment for guests and was sad to see how empty it was. Sad, but not shocked, because that has been the way of things in our country for some time now. Nigerians are not spending much anymore. At one of the recreational clubs where I spend some time, and where our one-sided investment especially in the English game is huge, the atmosphere is the same. Where I once complained about our seeming insatiable desire for parties, I now wonder where the party promoters have gone. Fact is, poverty is rife in Nigeria today and government is not to blame for everything. Disposable income has simply crashed and everyone is minding their every naira. With the oil sales bleak and the Niger Delta Avengers cutting their nose to spite their face,

our lack of innovation as well as poor support for local industry has left us poorer. Yet, you feel lessons have not been truly learned. Still we hunger for foreign football at the expense of the local game, continuing to drain our thinning pockets because we do not yet see how our individual actions are hurting us all. Sponsors whose businesses need success in local industry to survive and thrive will continue to bring European football to our homes without balancing the picture by supporting the NPFL. The jobs our leagues would have created if successful would continue to be created overseas instead. Sadly we blame all our woes on government.

Many times when you talk to elite Nigerians about supporting the local game, they dismiss you and say stuff like “I cannot support poor quality because of patriotic reasons, let the NPFL clubs and players follow the standards in Europe and we will support them”. We talk this way because

we are largely individualistic people who most times cannot figure out that we live in an ecosystem and as such making Nigeria the country of our dreams would only happen through our individual contributions. The argument I used to have in the days when it was reported that Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote wanted to buy Arsenal FC, was that the wealth of our very rich is made in this country. The vagaries of the Nigerian economy, and not the UK economy, determine the valuation of their wealth. In recent times we have seen billions shaved off our rich - not because of problems in the UK economy, but because of the abject state of the Nigerian economy.

I have no doubt the valuations would rise again when there is news to cheer in the Nigerian economy.

Bottomline, it is simple logic to see that if we don’t build together, we will fail together. We all must know where our bread is buttered.

Many times when you talk to elite Nigerians about supporting the local game, they dismiss you and say stuff like “I cannot support poor quality because of patriotic reasons, let the NPFL clubs and players follow the standards in Europe and we will support them”. We talk this way because we are largely individualistic people who most times cannot figure out that we live in an ecosystem and as such making Nigeria the country of our dreams would only happen through our individual contributions

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

FTK

It Was Nice Working with 9ice FTK started out as a musical band in 2014 and recorded their first single same year. The group consists of twin brothers, whose passion for music has been the drive for their performance. In this interview withTosin Clegg, they talked about their music, working with 9ice, their future, and lots more

M

Together, we are FTK y name is Falobi Kehinde and I’m Falobi Taiwo together we are FTK. We started music professionally in 2014 and released our first track, ‘Assassin’ with a follow-up video. Since then we have shot two more videos and five other tracks.

We’ve just released, ‘Gbesoke’, backing it up with a video.

We always see a way through The challenges have always been there.

For example, it’s not easy getting performances and recognition in the industry, not as upcoming artistes, but as acts with something to offer. Also, promoting your works in the industry is tough, and there are a lot, but we always see a way through.

We love music naturally We have been writing lyrics right from secondary school and we used to follow up artistes like P-SQUARE. Then, one day we were singing and thought we could take it to professional level. Also, since we used to dance, it aided it all. So we took it from there and that’s it. Music feeds the soul and it’s a passion.

Why we chose music is, first of all, we love it and second we can also make profit of it.

It’s also the easiest way to talk to someone.

Our music is versatile We tend to adjust and do commercial songs that others can relate to and, at the same time, we are into R/B. That’s our style basically.

We wanted a unique sound That’s the reason we featured 9ice on the remix of ‘Gbesoke’. 9ice brings in the kind of baba agba flow, like he has been there right from time. He did exactly what we wanted. We didn’t want noise but just basically something that would flow and that’s why we had him because of the maturity.

That adigun flow was it. Presently, 9ice is the biggest artiste we have worked with.

We are producing our next tracks We are going to have two big names on it but we won’t be disclosing that yet. We enjoyed working with someone like Akabo Emmanuel, the music director for Ten String’s Music Institution, where we did our music training.

He was the one who produced one of our tracks, ‘Ise Oluwa’. We have worked with Bobby Kay, Dapiano and also with Indomix. We also worked with J Smith and a few more, but we are taking it step by step. We are thinking of working with MasterCraft too.

Our album isn’t coming out soon...

We have a plan for an album but not anytime soon. Aside music, we are also students of Mass Communication at Babcock University. That’s the other life we live, and aside from singing our other act is dancing, mixing a bit of choreography to our music.

FTK

We have added swag to our music…

Also, we dance and our live performances are usually dope; coupled with professional dancers backing us up.

At our show with Olamide, and a few others, we had dancers backing us up. Additionally, we are twins and in the industry we have P-Square, taking most of the duo awards but our sound is mature.

In the next five years...

We see ourselves not just on a big stage but on an international one. We see our music on almost everybody’s phone. We want to be among the top established artistes in Africa and topping everything major in the industry.

Working with artistes We would like to work with Kendrick Lamar; he has this good feel and tight lyrics.

And back home, we would like to work with MayorKun, Olamide, Sean Tizzle, Davido, 2Baba and more.

We plan to drop our tracks for some awards Like the NMVA and probably Headies award. Basically we are aiming for the group awards and when we get that we can broaden our reach.

Friends and family have been very supportive In fact, I see some of them following us

and giving us hints when our stories go out there.

They are watching out for us and much more.

Designers we really adore We love Versace, Louis Vuitton foot wears, Philip Plein and that’s our new found love.

The next step Like we said earlier, we are into production of a new track, which we are ought to release.

And it’s going to be crazier than the one we released. Gbesoke is just a tip of the iceberg and the new songs would have more rhythm and flow.

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MY STORY WIZKID FEATURES TREY SONGZ, CHRIS BROWN AND FRENCH MONTANA ON NEW SONG StarBoy, Wizkid is actually high up in the stars as his latest song Shabba features US heavy weights, Chris Brown, Trey Songz and French Montana.

This is a major milestone for

Africa’s biggest export who has kept a major hold on his career since inception.

Wizkid is resilient and determined to star ahead and that can be seen in his

numerous endorsements, collaborations and links to top international acts.

With this he is expected to get into a larger space and grow bigger.

SPICE ROUTES ON A MISSION TO IMPROVE HOSPITALITY Welcome to the journey of discovery - Spice Route is taking you on a quest through the sensuous exotica of the wonderful world of South Asia, offering you the rich and profound experience of Indian and Chinese cuisines. Spice Route is also top choice destination for luxury night life entertainment hosting tourists and the finest elites living in Lagos.

Known for its beautiful infrastructure designed to meet international standards, Spice Route has hosted major events such as the first ever Burlesque show in Nigeria, Bollywood Night and is also famous for hosting one of the most successful weekly musical concerts, known as “Industry Night”.

Taking nightlife to a whole new level, Spice Route is on a mission to become the next era in intelligent nightlife. Spice Route launches three major nights: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Thursdays are Live Band Nights, a

unique concept of live Rock & Alternative music.

Fridays and Saturdays are themed club party nights as Spice Route will

MIC

I ‘m Back with a New Dimension Michael Olaniyi Oladosu, whose stage name is “MIC” is a Nigerian Afro Pop/ RnB, recording artiste, song writer and singer. MIC is back with a new dimension with the release of the audio and visuals of his latest single, titled “Bamidele.”

In this chat with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his career, projects and more

be announcing exciting party themes weekly for every club night. It is time to make a change in the stereotype of Lagos nightlife.

HOW ALADE AROMIRE INSPIRED MY CAREER US-based actress, Lola Faduri, has just completed a multi-million naira movie that is set to wow lovers of Yoruba movie industry and good movies at large. Lola Faduri, who is also a medical practitioner in the United States, started her career in 2001 under the Odunfa caucus. She shot the movie titled ‘Ayanmo’ and it features Yinka Quadri, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Mustapha Sholagbade and Abimbola Ogunnowo and others. The movie and another titled, “Ife Odale” will be marketed

by Okiki Films.

Breaking through in tough terrain of movie business was an adventure for Lola as she had to rely on advice and lessons from lateAladeAromire and her bossYinka Quadri. “The late Alade Aromire was my mentor too. He told me to always believe in myself and never give up regardless of anything. So, when I travelled abroad and left acting for a long time to focus on another career in the medical field, I constantly remember his advice, and

this made me further my education as an actress.

“I got admission and studied acting for film and I graduated with Associate of fine Art from The Renowned NY film academy,” said Lola.

The recipient of Yoruba heritageAwards has featured in Yoruba movies like Kofo the First Lady, Adisa the Tailor, Egbin, Ola Inu kan, Majemu America and English productions, namely Scores, Against all Odds and The Hurdle.

DubaiAfrica Set to Host Music Star Falz the Bahd Guy, Others Justina Uzo You may wonder the reason why Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a must-visit travel destination in the world.

Some even would like to own properties in that emirate. Dubai attracted more than 13 million visitors, including Nigerians in 2014. Dubai was world’s fourth most visited city in 2015. Dubai is beautiful.

A popular musician, Falz the Bahd Guy, will be the celebrity tour guide of a special group tour package for tourists from Nigeria to interesting places in Dubai.

Falz (Folarin Falana) a BET award-winning rapper, who also happens to be the son of a popular Lagos lawyer Femi Falana, has been confirmed to be the official celebrity tour guide for Dubai Summer Group Tour (a seven- day all inclusive Dubai getaway with the Celebrity Tour Guide) which will be taking place next month.

The unique summer tour is an initiative of DubaiAfrika.com, a one-destination travel platform with focus mainly on connecting Africans to Dubai. With the head office in Dubai, the organisers of the tour said customer satisfaction is guaranteed with round the clock customer service all through their stay in Dubai.

The package highlights for the 7 days group tour includes Dubai Visa, Airport transfer, Desert safari, Wonder bus city tour, Dhow cruise, Luxury hotel apartment, breakfast, dinner, DubaiAfrika souvenirs, Beach Day, Night out (Falz Live in Dubai Concert) among others. Shopping assistance will also be provided while clients can also cook in their apartments which come with a fully equipped kitchen.

Commenting on the travel show which will commence on August 17 to 24, 2016, the Founder/Creative Director of DubaiAfrika. com, Mr. Tolu Adesanmi stated that “There

is always need for a quick getaway to a new destination to ease stress and explore new areas for a well deserved rest. Aside getting away from routine or work, it is also a way of experiencing different cultures first-hand.

Adesanmi went further to say by the time participants return from Dubai they would have been re-invigorated which will improve job performances.

He also stressed that it will be an unprecedented experience going to Dubai on this tour. He therefore urged individuals and corporate organisations to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by DubaiAfrika. com to secure their slots on the group tour to Dubai and also reach out for partnership/ sponsorship.

He said: There are lots of tourist attractions in Dubai, everyday, something new springs up because of the government’s commitment to the development of the Dubai tourism industry.

It is gathered that in 2015 a similar celebrity summer tour was also organised by DubaiAfrika, corporate organisations like FCMB/Credit Direct partnered the tour company to provide a payment plan for corporate clients on the group tour which enables clients to pay in bits from their salary account over a period of time.

W

hat kind of music do you play and how long has it been?

The songs I play are Afro Pop and RnB and I have been doing music since 2010.

But I started doing music professionally in 2015.

Where did you get the name MIC and what’s your philosophy of Nigerian music?

The name MIC was got from my full name Michael and I see Nigerian music industry as one of the fastest growing in Africa.

What makes you exceptional and who are your musical influences?

My kind of music and passion for it makes me exceptional and my musical influences are 2face, Drake, Eldee, Chris Brown and D’banj.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Everyone will like to be great but as for me I wish to see myself where God positions me, which is a greater height.

38

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • JULY 16, 2016

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

39

40

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

FITNESS FILE The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

Eating too much sugar is bad for your health. You’ve heard it many times before.

Excessive consumption can increase your risk for obesity, heart disease and a host of other health complications. The World Health Organisation recommends the average adult consume no more than 25 grams of sugar a day, but exceeding this is all too easy.

For The Sugar Addicts…Here’s How To Cut Down

A

lot of people have a serious sugar addiction and anyone who’s ever tried to cut sugar from their diet will tell you how difficult it is.

I’m here to reassure you that it’s a lot harder than it sounds. Ok maybe I’m just speaking for myself; I definitely find it a struggle. However there are ways to gradually reduce your intake and ultimately phase it out completely.

On average we can consume up to 23 teaspoons of sugar per day, some consume more. Make no mistake; cutting down is a necessity, not a punishment.

Most people know the dangers of sugar consumption and these same people (myself included) don’t apply it to their lives.

Eating too much sugar is bad for your health. You’ve heard it many times before.

Excessive consumption can increase your risk for obesity, heart disease and a host of other health complications. The World Health Organization recommends the average adult consume no more than 25 grams of sugar a day, but exceeding this is all too easy.

A single can of Coca-Cola, for instance, packs 39 grams of the stuff. And added sugar sneaks into unsuspecting edibles, like hamburgers and “healthy” Greek yogurts. Cutting back on your sugar intake is a smart choice, but it’s tough to know where to start. If you’re looking to slow down, start with a few of the tweaks below. Introduce them to your everyday routine, and eventually they’ll turn into a habit.

Make over your morning coffee The two sugars you routinely put into your cup of joe can add up. Try reducing the amount of sugar you use little by

little, and rely on full-fat dairy to provide satisfaction. See if your taste buds respond well to cinnamon; the spice pairs perfectly with coffee’s nutty hints, and is, above all, sugar free.

Quit your soft drink habit Diet or regular, drinking any kind of soft drink promotes weight gain and amplifies sugar cravings. We’ve mentioned that a standard can of Coke contains 39 grams of sugar, enough to fill a person’s daily-recommended intake and then some. And even though the diet kind has no sugar marked on its label, it won’t do any good in the war against sugar. The artificial sweeteners in these drinks lead people to overeat, or overcompensate, for the lack of calories contained in the beverages.

Artificial sweeteners don’t offer the same hunger-dampening biological rewards that natural sweeteners do, causing the drinker to seek out something caloric. The sweetness in both diet and non-diet soda prompts side effects similar to addiction, making drinkers crave more sugar.

Snack on something healthy before food shopping Researchers have found that snacking on something nutritious before supermarket shopping, like an apple, can actually encourage shoppers to purchase 25 percent more fruits and vegetables than they normally would. Fewer sugary items in your cart means there will be fewer sugary items at home, and fewer sugary items in your belly.

Avoid the sugary aisles Now that you’ve had your apple, stick to the outer aisles of the supermarket,

where conventional stores place the produce, meat and seafood departments, the foods you should focus on. If you avoid the aisles that contain shelves of near-irresistible sugary sweets, you’ll be less likely to buy them.

Find a new favorite condiment Ketchup is a miracle flavor, but one of the reasons we all love it so much could be because it contains a whole lot of sugar. The sad reality is that dousing your fries in the red stuff is comparable to pouring a couple sugar packets on top.

If you’re already eating fries, consider switching to a condiment with less sugar, like mustard or vinegar, instead.

Drink more water Are you sure you’re hungry? Thirst and dehydration can often disguise themselves as hunger. To determine whether you’re actually hungry or simply thirsty, drink a cup of water and wait a moment.

If you’re feeling good, your body was probably trying to tell you it was parched.

Avoid dried fruit When given the choice, choose fresh over dried fruit. Dried fruit boasts many of the same benefits of its plumper counterparts, but removing a food’s water content concentrates the amount of sugar and calories per serving. A cup of grapes, for instance, contains 15 grams of sugar and around 60 calories. A cup of raisins contains 98 grams of sugar and nearly 500 calories.

Make your own salad dressing Even if they taste savory, bottled salad dressings typically contain lots of sugar.

Two tablespoons of Kraft’s Tuscan House Italian dressing, for example, contains

two grams. This seems pretty minuscule, but chances are you’ll be dousing your greens in a serving way over two measly tablespoons. Making your own dressing at home is incredibly easy, and cheap! It will help you control how much sugar you’re ingesting when you’re eating something as healthy-seeming as a salad.

Here are some quick-fire sugar reduction tips: Sweeten Yogurt Naturally Fruit-on-the-bottom yogurts can contain almost 30 grams of sugar, much of it added. Try to opt for plain and mix in blueberries or sprinkle on cinnamon.

That’s 2-4 teaspoons of sugar reduced per day.

Snack On Whole Foods And Grains Instead of energy bars, candy, and cookies, eat nuts, vegetables, and fiberrich fruits (like apples, pears, and berries) or whole grains, like popcorn. You would be reducing your sugar intake by 5-10 teaspoons full.

Dilute Your Fruit Juice Fruit drinks account for about 10 percent of the added sugar in our diets.

Mix your juice with an equal amount of water and you’ll halve the calories.

Change Your Cereal Shelve the Frosties for steel-cut oats. Stir in a half scoop of vanilla protein powder for a sweetness kick. You’ll add about 10 grams of protein and save 2-4 teaspoons of sugar.

To quote a movie series that I tried to get into, may the odds be forever in your favour! I will also be trying to create habits from some of these, so good luck to us all.

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

41

FASHION FILE

Oyindamola Adeyemi in all Shades of Deola Sagoe Collection

42

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Oyindamola Adeyemi in all Shades of Deola Sagoe Collection

T

here is no doubt that Deola Sagoe who began her designing career in 1989 and has had international applause for her energetic and drilling creativity with her lively, artistic and colorful designs, one of her high earned collection is the Komole Kandids Series 1. At its core it is classically Nigerian, with its use of local fabrics.

The Komole range and Komole signature motifs have taken “occasion outfits” to a new fashion apex with unparalleled painstaking craftsmanship and attention to detail. The colour palette is a continuum from pastels to jewel tones, with iridescent sheen arising from silk ‘shot-through’ Aso-Oke weaves. Silhouettes flatter

into a demure hourglass shape with floor length dresses that stagger the onlooker.

And over the years and over time Deola Sagoe has automatically become the master of the game of what she knows best, her designs, finishing and cuts are never contested, she is one of the best designers to have emerged from Africa. Deola is experiment her creativity on any kind of exotic fabrics from French ace, Ankara, aso oke, chiffon, even nets are not left out.

And a great lover of Deola Sagoe’s collection is Oyindamola Adeyemi. A shrewd and an astute business woman, with a deep rooted subtle sense of style. A true fashionista whose relaxing moments is dressing in any of label outfits or accessories. She is the chairman Still Earth Limited, a

Real Estate and Construction firm. This sophisticated and stylish entrepreneur with a very strong passion for excellence and advancement of humanity, never ceases to dazzle in Deola Sagoes designs from trouser suits to ankaras, French lace the high earned Komole.

This lifestyle connoisseur is in the league of her own and same explains why you can never catch her cladded in any apparel that is not from the House of Deola- Nigeria’s bespoke couture owned by the self-styled designer, Deola Sagoe., same explains why she will only go for the best in brands and designers, today we celebrate her in some of her Deola Sagoe’s collections. Oyindamola’s style is magnetic but brings a calm flow around her boisterous and amicable personality.

43

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •JULY 16, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

From the 2nd left: Director General Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Joyce Akpata, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Prince Dapo Adelegan, Managing Director MDS Logistics; Mr. Solomom Aigbavboa, Managing Director UACN Property Development Company Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, at the NBCC June Breakfast Meeting held in Lagos recently

L-R: Producer and Director of the CEO Movie ,Kunle Afolayan flanked by HR & Operations Lead, OLX,Funmi Ogutuga and Brand Marketing Manager,OLX, Fifemi Aiyesimoju with the winners of OLX Do It For Me (DIFM) promo during the premiere of the CEO Movie in Lagos recently.

Shoppers Shift from Computer Village to Grey Market Less transactions are taking place in authorised mobile phone stores in Lagos ICT hub, popularly known as Computer Village, Ikeja, as more shoppers now prefer to strike deals with operators in the grey market.

The reason is not unconnected with present harsh economic situation which has overwhelmingly taken its toll on prices of technology products, leaving shoppers to seek respite from unauthorised

dealers and road side merchants for cheaper prices.

According to an operator in one of the white market outlets who would not want his name in print, “sales had not been this bad in recent years.

“Prices of devices have dramatically gone up while customers’ purchasing power is getting weaker. So many factors especially with the fluctuations in the currency market can be blamed for this.

Alcatel Pixi 4 Offers More for Less

Heritage Bank, Foundation Empower Youths in Ajegunle

First E-Condolence Register Unveiled

No fewer than 100 indigenes of Ajegunle area in Lagos have graduated from an empowerment scheme put together by Heritage Bank in partnership with Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) .

In line with the objective of the sponsors, beneficiaries, mainly youths, have been taken off the streets to become masters in their respective choice careers ranging from catering, bead making, event management, fashion design, arts, hair dressing, shoe cobbling among others, via the CVL Young Entrepreneurship Training Programme, YETP. Representing the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Divisional Head, Corporate Banking, Apapa Region, Mr. Kehinde Olugbemi expressed appreciation to the founder of CVL, Professor Pat Utomi, for the initiative and urged the graduands to reciprocate the gesture by making the best of the opportunity.

Yet another innovation in the digital space is the new and first ever online condolence register, condolences.ng, a platform dedicated to creating memorial pages for icons that have passed away.

The latest which is also useful in making funeral announcements and arrangements will help to foster database of mortality rate in the country.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the online company, Mr. Wole Temidire Aguda, said beyond online activities, the firm also produced a hard copy of customised condolence register which include other resources such as poems, quotes and literature that would be made available to users for free.

“I believe that the ultimate value of knowledge must be domiciled along the needs of humanity. Technology and every human intention should unreservedly be used to improve human lives and that is why www.condolences.ng was born. “We are also growing partnership with funeral homes and hematological practitioners with a view to creating synergy and improve Nigerians capacity for coping in the event of the loss of loved ones. We are optimistic about the prospects of these ideas,” he noted.

Additional services offered by the online company include management and administration of offline and online condolence register in the home of deceased, VIP transport of family members on important days such as wake-keep and funeral among other value added services that might come with cost.

Announced in January and released to the market in June,2016,the latest Alcatel Pixi 4 phone has brought a new twist to the Pixi device family.

The latest which has created a new stand in tech stores globally offers premium entry-level smartphones with a comprehensive user experience in design, audio, camera and battery life.

The newly released device comes in a seductive design being among the slimmest models in the entrylevel segment. It has a 6.00-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720 pixels by 1280 pixels, which makes an impressive improvement on the Alcatel Pixi 3 4.5 of 480x854 pixels released in May, 2015.

Packed with p8-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 5-megapixel front shooter for selfies, it boasts of an optional microSD card, to add up to 32GB of extra storage as well as an autofocus and LED flash.

Pixi 4(6) is a dual SIM smartphone which runs on Android v5.1 (Lollipop) and is powered by a 2580mAh removable battery that can last up to 26 hours on 2G and up to 15 hours on 3G. According to the firm’s Regional Director in Nigeria and Central Africa, Nick Imudia, “Alcatel is committed to giving consumers more for less.

This is evident in the rich features of our devices. Compared to other smart devices in the same segment, the PIXI 4 family offers an unprecedented user experience, thanks to features like Arkamys optimised speakers and Polaroid filters,” The device is a perfect choice for users who want performance value at a budget price. It is a powerful smartphone that can be optimised for viewing and input.

But we cannot sell below cost price.

“Most of the phones sold on the roadside are not original but because they are cheaper, people prefer to patronise road side kiosks. Besides, most people can no longer afford a new device, this explains why they patronise the grey market to get used phones which in most cases are stolen “.

When Marketplace approached one Mr. Dapo who was negotiating phone

“We are attracted to CVL because we seek how we can harness entrepreneurial skills of people, reduce unemployment and foster development of communities like Ajegunle.

We are delighted with the mechanics of this program and we recognise the impact of successful businesses on young entrepreneurs and the society, which is why we provide funds for start-ups”, he said.

The bank also promised to open two physical agent banking kiosks in the community before the end of 2016,so as to make financial services more accessible to the graduands and the community at large.

In his remark, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, tasked the graduands to effectively apply acquired skills to add value to their wellbeing, reiterating that the state was committed to fighting unemployment by collaborating with private sector initiatives such as the CVL.

Firm Unveils Portal to Manage Schools Operation With a click on nortify.com.ng, executing managerial tasks is no longer a big deal for primary and secondary school administrators.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Trisat Communications Limited, Mr. Oseni Abiola who developed the platform, the latest offered a complete suite of online based school management system, which comprises of smart payment system, smart testing system (computer based test for Admission and Internal Exam), smart messaging system, data management systems as well as a digital tool to analyse students’ performance.

He explained further, “Nortify is a smart school solution with some degree of intelligence that saves time on daily routine. We developed the smart school solution mainly for primary and secondary schools to help them streamline all their administrative challenges. Our solution is able to allow schools to run about 60% of their administration using technology. By adopting this technology, schools are able to save time and cost while providing convenience to teachers and parents.

“It features smart admission system that facilitates admission process, making it easy, seamless and convenient as parents can register and enroll their kids from the comfort of their homes. This is facilitated through a smart admission module that also has the capability to offer instant or selective admission by leveraging Nortify’s smart technology that utilises automated results to automatically shortlist successful candidates thereby saving school owners time and money, including the hassles that come with manual admission processes.

“It also captures a smart payment system, a finance module equipped with a smart fee collection device, enabling all transactions to be automatically reconciled and reported accurately. The smart finance module is also integrated with a debt tracking feature that tracks defaulters and sends them reminder notifications. This feature has been reputed by existing customers to reduce revenue loss arising from unpaid fees, by over 80%. The Smart payment system is also integrated with payment gateways that allows parent to make online payment”.

price with a phone hawker in the village on why he did not patronise any of the known outlets, he replied, “ I can only get what my pocket can afford here, if you go to those shops, all they know how to do is to speak big grammar and charge you high, but these guys here will take you to the negotiation table and give you a satisfying price for a desired phone, whether new or used one”.

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Senate: The Absurdity of a ‘Forgery’ Trial Ben Nwabueze

O

n 30th June 2016, an article appeared on the front page of the Guardian Newspaper in which it was reported that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, made a statement in reference to the case of forgery brought against the Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, the Clerk of the Senate and his deputy.

Having just celebrated my 85th Birthday I was hoping to enjoy my retirement peacefully but the statement made by the SGF has so roused me from my rest that I feel provoked to react to the statement, which I consider to be the height of absurdity and should not have come from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. An incompetent statement of this kind should not, in my view, be associated with the high and respected office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The parts of the said statement that I find absurd and objectionable are as follows: “It is important to emphasise that this case involves only the accused persons and should not be presented to the unsuspecting public as involving the entire Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“To bring the National Assembly as a body into this court case is totally unwarranted. It can only be for other purposes and reasons outside the investigations and legal proceedings.”

Citing the case of former Speaker Salisu Buhari who forged a certificate showing that he graduated from Toronto University, the SGF said: “what he did was to resign honorably…the individual involved did not drag the entire legislature into the matter.”

“The provisions of the separation of powers are entrenched in our Constitution and should guide everyone in our conduct. The rule of law is indeed supreme. This particular case is before the judiciary and is not being decided by the executive arm of the government.”

“We should allow the process to take its course in consonance with the dictates of the rule of law and total obeisance to the cardinal democratic principle of the separation of powers.”

The aspects of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s statement quoted above manifest ignorance of the principles of law and of the separation of powers involved in this case.

First, the Senate, as an institution, cannot be divorced from its President and his deputy. The two presiding officers personify the Senate which is an abstraction, an artificial entity endowed by law with a legal personality as expounded by the highest court in England, the House of Lords. In an authoritative pronouncement in Lennard’sCarrying Co. v Asiatic Petroleum Co. Ltd [1915] A.C 705, a case in which the managing director of a company was being prosecuted for an offence committed by the company, Viscount Haldane, Lord Chancellor, delivering the judgment of the House of Lords, said: My Lords, a corporation is an abstraction. It has no mind of its own any more than it has a body of its own; its active and directing will must consequently be sought in the person of somebody who for some purpose may be called an agent, but who is really the directing mind and will of the corporation, the very ego and centre of the personality of the corporation . . . If Mr. Lennard was the directing mind of the company, then his action must, unless a corporation is not to be liable at all, have been an action which was the action of the company itself within the meaning of section 502 . . . It must be upon the true construction of that section in such a case as the present one that the fault or privity is the fault or privity of somebody who is not merely a servant

Buhari or agent for whom the company is liable upon the footing respondeat superior, but somebody for whom the company is liable because his action is the very action of the company itself (emphasis supplied.

See page 206 of Principles of Modern Company Law by Gower) The Senate President and his Deputy are therefore the alter ego, the personification, of the artificial entity, the abstraction, called the Senate which cannot in law be divorced or separated from its President and his deputy. It is therefore the Senate that is being dragged to court in this case.

Second, the prosecution of the Senate President and his Deputy for forgery clearly offends and violates the principle of the separation of powers. The statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation speaks glibly about the separation of powers without appreciating its implications and incidents.

His statement manifests ignorance of those implications and incidents, which are expounded by the Supreme Court of the United States in Humphrey v.

United States [1934] 265 U.S 602. Said

The Standing Rules are therefore a matter relating to the internal affairs of the Senate. To quote the US Supreme Court again “the sound application of the principle that makes one master in his own house precludes him from imposing his control in the house of another who is master there.”

The principle of the separation of powers recognises the Senate as master in its own house, with the power to regulate its internal proceedings by means of the Standing Rules. It makes hardly any sense for the Standing Rules to have been forged by Dr Saraki and Dr Ekweremadu otherwise than in their capacity as President and Deputy President of the Senate respectively.

the Court: The fundamental necessity of maintaining each of the three general departments of government entirely free from the control orcoercive influence, direct or indirect, of either of the others, has often been stressed and it is hardly open to serious question. So much is implied in the very fact of the separation of the powers of these departments by the constitution and in the rule, which recognises their essential co-equality.

The sound application of a principle that makes one master in his own house precludes him from imposing his control in the house of another who is master there … The independence of each department requires that its proceedings shall be free from theremotest influence, direct or indirect, of either of the other two powers (emphasis supplied). [Excerpt from page 291 of Constitutional Democracy in Africa, Volume 1, by Ben Nwabueze] The pronouncement by the United States Supreme Court is very significant in relation to the prosecution of the Senate President and his Deputy for forgery which is an attempt by the Executive to exercise coercive influence over the Senate as personified by its President and his Deputy. It is therefore a blatant assault on the separation of powers whose implications and incidents are expounded in the above quoted pronouncement by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Third, the effect of the prosecution as an assault on, and violation of, the principle of the separation of powers is brought out emphatically by the fact that the prosecution is, not for forgery of the certificate of the individuals being prosecuted, as in the Salisu Buhari case, but of the Standing Rules of the Senate, made pursuant to its power under section 60 of the Constitution to make rules “to regulate its own procedure.”

The Standing Rules are therefore a matter relating to the internal affairs of the Senate. To quote the US Supreme Court again “the sound application of the principle that makes one master in his own house precludes him from imposing his control in the house of another who is master there.” The principle of the separation of powers recognises the Senate as master in its own house, with the power to regulate its internal proceedings by means of the Standing Rules. It makes hardly any sense for the Standing Rules to have been forged by Dr Saraki and Dr Ekweremadu otherwise than in their capacity as President and Deputy President of the Senate respectively.

If those Standing Rules have been forged, as alleged, it is for the Senate, as master in its own house, to decide and, if it so decides, to say what sanctions to impose on the culprits. It is the Senate that elected the President and his Deputy and can vote to remove them from office.

The Executive has no right to interfere by using the coercive process of the judiciary which is another arm of the government of the Federation, separate

from both the National Assembly and the Executive.

Fourth is the argument based on the power vested in the Attorney General of the Federation under section 174(1) to “institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria… in respect of any offence created by or under any Act of the National Assembly.”

This provision calls for two comments.

In the first place, the provision of section 174 (1) is part of the law of the Constitution which section 5 (1) of the Constitution empowers the President of the Federation to execute. The Attorney General in the exercise of the power under section 174(1) does so as agent or instrument of the President.

Section 5(1) opens with the words “subject to the provisions of this Constitution” The principle of the separation of powers is a vital part of the Constitution to which the power of the President to execute the law, as well as the exercise of executive powers generally, is made subject. Accordingly, the prosecution of the Senate President and Deputy President is unlawful as a violation of the separation of powers, with all its incidents, as enunciated above.

In the second place, there is a tendency to lose sight of the words in section 174 (1) limiting the power of the AGF to “institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria”.The AGF can exercise the power only “in respect of any offence created by or under any Act of the National Assembly”. The question arising is whether forgery, the offence involved in this case, is an offence created by or under any Act of the National Assembly.

The division of powers under the Constitution with respect to the creation and punishment of criminal offences is one of the most complex and perplexing issues under our federal system. Forgery is created by the Criminal Code or Penal Code, which is “an existing law”. Is forgery under the Criminal Code or Penal Code a federal or state offence, irrespective of whether it relates to forgery of a certificate, the Standing Rules of the Senate or to any other matter?

By sections 315 (1) of the Constitution (1999), “an existing law… shall be deemed to be a) an Act of the National Assembly to the extent that it is a law with respect to any matter on which the National Assembly is empowered by this Constitution to make laws, and b) a law made by a House Assembly to the extent that it is a law with respect to any matter on which a House of Assembly is empowered by this Constitution to make laws”.

Without going into the details of what, as earlier stated, is one of the most complex and perplexing issues of the federal system under our Constitution, it may be said that the creation and punishment of criminal offences, including forgery, is, to a large extent, a residual matter and is therefore within the exclusive legislative authority of the State Governments.

Thus, the ordinary offences applicable to the life of the ordinary citizens in the country, forgery included, are largely State offences.

There are however offences, referred to as federal offences, that form an exception to the general rule that the creation and punishment of offences is a residual matter and is exclusive to the State Governments.

Federal offences fall into three categories, but the details are too complex for discussion here. For such discussion, seeThe Judiciary as the Third Estate of the Realm (2007), pp 169 – 193, by Ben Nwabueze.

It may therefore be concluded that the prosecution of the Senate President, his Deputy, the clerk of the Senate and his deputy is unconstitutional and unlawful, as a violation of the provision limiting the power of the AGF under section 174(1) of the Constitution to any offence created by or under any Act of the National Assembly”.

Read full article online: www.thisdaylive.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

45

PERSPECTIVE

The South China Sea: Facts Will Tell and Justice Will Prevail

T Qin Jian

he South China Sea issue is a hot topic nowadays in the international media. Some Nigerian friends of mine are asking: What is the history and current situation of the South China Sea issue? Why does China neither accept nor participate in the arbitration of the South China Sea initiated unilaterally by the Philippines? In order to clarify the truth and air the facts, I feel obligated and necessary to give some elaboration on the South China Sea issue to the public of Nigeria.

The Nansha Islands have been Chinese Territory since ancient times China was the first country to discover, name, explore the islands in South China Sea and the first to continuously exercise sovereign jurisdiction over them. As early as 200BC in China’s Han Dynasty, China has already carried out frequent fishing, planting and shipping activities in the South China Sea. “Rising Seas”, “Rugged Peaks” and etc. were the names the Chinese gave to the islands 2000 years ago. Since Tang dynasty in the 8th century, successive Chinese governments have exercised jurisdiction and administration over the Nansha Islands and its relevant sea, by the forms of administrative measures, military patrol, production and management as well as maritime salvation.

Since China discovered and administrated the Nansha Islands, its sovereignty over the islands and reefs has been widely acknowledged and recognized. During World War II, Japan once encroached on and illegally seized the Nansha Islands.

However, when Japan surrendered at the end of the war, as stipulated in the Cairo Declaration in 1943 and the Potsdam Proclamation in 1945, China recovered the Nansha Islands. After that, the Chinese government strengthened its jurisdiction and administration over the Nansha Islands by renaming the islands, publishing official map and military stationing.

No single country made any objections, and China’s sovereignty and position was widely acknowledged and recognized in the world.

The Root Cause of South China Sea Disputes At the end of 1960s, some research institutions of UN declared rich oil and gas reserves were found in the South China Sea. Incented by the prospect of huge energy resources, some countries especially the Philippines drastically changed their policies regarding the South China Sea in the 1970s, and started to encroach illegally on some islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Islands.

The scope of the Philippine territory was clearly limited by the Treaty of Peace Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain in 1898, the Treaty Between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States of America for Cession of Outlying Islands of the Philippines in 1900 and the Convention Between the United States of America and Great Britain Delimiting the Boundary Between the Philippine Archipelago and the State of North Borneo in 1930. These treaties stipulate that the west limit of the Philippine territory is 118th meridian east, while the Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea lie to the west of 118th meridian east. Obviously, the Philippine territory does not include China’s Nansha Islands and reefs as well as Huangyan Island.

However, since the 1970s, the Philippines pushed for territorial expansionism beyond its inherent territory limit by sending troops to occupy eight maritime features of China’s Nansha Islands and sought to permanently station there and

Xi Jinping, Chinese President

“legalize” the occupation through various means, such as construction of military facilities, ports and airports, administrative establishment, unlawfully designation of the so-called “Kalayaan Island Group”. The Philippines also revised its baseline act and outrageously put China’s Nansha Islands and Huangyan Island into its territory scope in 2009. In April 2012, the Philippines sent a warship into the adjacent waters of China’s Huangyan Island, forcefully detained and harassed the Chinese fishermen and fishing boats conducting normal operation there, deliberately triggered the “Huangyan Island incident”. After the incident, in January 2013, the Philippines made up its mind to unilaterally initiate an arbitral proceeding against China at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and attempted to comprehensively deny China’s territorial sovereignty over Nansha Islands with some articles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the arbitration, as well as to cover up the truth that it illegally encroached on China’s Nansha islands.

Looking back into the history, it’s not

Looking back into the history, it’s not hard to conclude that it is the Philippines’ illegal occupation and intrusion that led to these disputes. Even today’s arbitration unilaterally initiated has nothing to do with the law and justice but is a political farce under the cloak of law.Therefore China decides to adopt the position of neither accepting nor participating in the arbitration, which stands on a solid international legal base

hard to conclude that it is the Philippines’ illegal occupation and intrusion that led to these disputes. Even today’s arbitration unilaterally initiated has nothing to do with the law and justice but is a political farce under the cloak of law. Therefore China decides to adopt the position of neither accepting nor participating in the arbitration, which stands on a solid international legal base.

The reasons for China’s stance to the unlawful arbitration Firstly, for any arbitration to work, it requires the voluntary and proactive participation and agreement of both parties. According to UNCLOS, arbitration is an auxiliary and minor resort to maritime disputes, while the negotiation among the parties directly concerned is the preferential approach. The UNCLOS unequivocally states “When a dispute arises between State Parties concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention, the parties to the dispute shall proceed expeditiously to an exchange of views regarding its settlement by negotiation or other peaceful means.”

Secondly, the Philippines has reneged on its commitment to resolve the disputes through bilateral negotiations as stipulated by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the agreement between China and the Philippines in 1999 and 2011 respectively, and the parties concerned undertook to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned.

What the Philippines did has undoubtedly slapped this basic legal principle in the face.

Thirdly, it should also be noted the UNCLOS does have jurisdiction over maritime disputes, with the disputes over territorial sovereignty etc. being specifically excluded. Since the South China Sea disputes hinges on the question on territorial sovereignty and maritime demarcation at the same time, it’s beyond any doubt that the Tribunal, being neither a court of law nor a permanent arbitration body, has no jurisdiction over the South China Sea disputes at all.

Last but not the least, in 2006, China made a declaration, in accordance with Article 298 of the UNCLOS, that China would exclude any disputes on maritime

delimitation, historic bays or titles, military and law enforcement activities from the compulsory arbitration, which again entitles China not to accept the arbitration. It must be pointed that the declaration China made is no different from what around 30 other signatory countries of UNCLOS did in this regard.

Since China has already reserved the right not to accept the potential arbitration, the consideration behind the Philippines’ initiation and the Tribunal’s acceptance of the appeal, unavoidably raises suspicion about its real motive.

Some people argue that China is such a big country that the Philippines is simply too small to stand up to in bilateral negation to settle territorial and maritime dispute. Such narrative against China is clearly a result of conventional bias towards large countries. The fact is, through friendly consultation and negotiation, China has already completed border demarcation with 12 of its 14 land neighbors, accounting for some 90 percent of the total land boundary. Large numbers of past practices suggest that bilateral negotiation has its unique strength in resolving such complicated and sensitive issues as territorial sovereignty and maritime boundary delimitation, as it would fully reflect the independent will and sovereign equality of countries concerned, thereby ensuring the negotiated result will enjoy better public acceptance and more effective implementation.

China is the staunch proponent of peace and stability in the South China Sea For some time, certain countries have been questioning China’s construction activities in the South China Sea and criticizing this will lead to “militarization” and “change the status-quo”. What needs to be pointed out is that China’s construction activities on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea are entirely within its sovereignty. It is lawful, justified, and reasonable. Such construction activities are aimed to strengthen the functions of some islands and reefs in providing multiple and integrated services. Besides meeting necessary defense needs, it is more geared to serve civilian purposes. Rather than affecting freedom of navigation, it will only contribute to joint responses to maritime challenges and to safety of navigation in the South China Sea. China is a big country that shoulders more international responsibilities and obligations. China is conducting construction activities at a pace and with a scale as befitted her international responsibilities and obligations in the field of search and rescue, disaster prevention and mitigation, meteorological observation, ecological conservation, navigation safety and fishery services. China should not simply be blamed for the pace and scale of its construction activities, because this might indicate that the construction activities by other countries on their illegally-occupied islands and reefs of China’s Nansha islands are beyond reproach.

Facts will tell and justice will prevail.

The reason why China’s stance on the South China Sea issue is getting support and understanding from more and more countries is that it goes in line with the international law, truly maintains the international rule of law, and upholds the UNCLOS as well as the right of a sovereign state to choose its own way of disputes settlement, while performing its obligations as a responsible country. In our efforts to advance the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, China has enjoyed tremendous support from many neighboring countries and countries beyond the region. China is willing to joint efforts with all parties to make the South China Sea truly a sea of peace, cooperation, and prosperity.

––Qin Jian, Charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria

46

SATURDAY JULY 16, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JULY 16, 2016

47

48

JULY 16, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLITY

When Senators Came out in Defence ofTeachers

T Sanni Onogu

here is a generally accepted axiom that the best legacy one can bequeath to children is education.

Added to this is a Chinese proverb that aptly equates the importance of education to that of long term developmental planning. The saying largely attributed to Confucius, says that, “if your plan is for one year, plant rice; if your plan is for 10 years, plant trees; if your plan is for 100 years, educate the children.” A further saying that “those that fail to plan have planned to fail”equally lends credence to the validity of these assertions and their continuous relevance in every era.

Flowing from the above assertions, it is obvious that any nation that hopes to progressively remain relevant in an increasingly competitive and complex global community, cannot afford to toy or trifle with issues bordering on proper planning and execution of policies geared towards the education of its children and youths. This is one reason the non-payment of teachers in majority of states across the country has assumed a worrisome dimension as it constitutes a needless stumbling block Saraki to the development and stability of the nation’s education system.

Since teachers are a key factor to of teachers’s salaries was in direct any attainment in education, anything fulfillment of the Senate President, Dr. that militates against their economic, Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s pledge that social and moral welfare will invariably the Senate will lend its weight and impede their efficiency and readiness proffer workable ideas in solving the to impact much the needed knowledge, prolonged non-payment of teachers’ skill and desirable character formation salaries in most states of the federation. needed for the all-round development Saraki had during one of the fast of the children who daily sit before breaking sessions with opinion leaders them to share from their wisdom. On in Ilorin, during the Ramadan period, this premise, the recent resolution of promised that the Senate will contribthe Senate calling on the Federal, State and Local Governments to prioritize the ute in ending the impasse by proffering ways in which the Federal Governpayment of teachers’ salaries like it has ment, States and relevant players in the done in public expenditure on security sector can collaborate to ensure that can be said to be a clear step in the salaries of teachers are paid as at when right direction. due. He subsequently tweeted that the The Senate had as part of its resolutions on a motion to address the pitiable Senate will make its position known on plight of teachers and children in public the issue very soon.

After exhaustive deliberation on the schools across the country, specifically called on all stakeholders in the nation’s motion, eventually moved by Senator Dino Melaye, the 8th Senate in line education sector to do all that needs with its pro-people policies took due be done to end the lingering teachers’ salary crises and therefore restore stabil- cognizance of the pitiable plight of teachers and pupils in public schools ity in the school’s academic calendar. across the country and urged the It must be noted that if the above line Federal Government to immediately of thought by the Senate, is given the enter into negotiations with affected desired impetus by relevant stakeholdstates with a view to presenting an ers, it would put long term smiles on effective comprehensive intervention the faces of teachers and also engender scheme that will address the trend. It sustainable development of the nation’s promised legislative backing from the primary education sector.

National Assembly for any measure It could be recalled that Senate’s taken to solve the problem.It also consideration of the non-payment

asked both the federal, state and local governments, take urgent steps towards the payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed teachers. The upper chamber also called on states governments to prioritize the implementation of an expenditure scheme that would equate the payment of teachers’ salaries with public expenditure such as security.

In his contribution to the debate on the motion, Saraki described the trend where teachers stay without salaries for months as a pitiful situation which required the appropriate involvement and collaboration of the federal, state and local governments to ameliorate teachers’ suffering and also initiate reforms that would help in sustaining prompt and regular payment of teachers’ entitlements. He noted that the situation must not be allowed to fester even as he directed the Senate committees on education to ensure that the resolutions passed are followed up to ensure that the right thing is done about payment of teachers’ salary arrears.

While leading the debate on the motion entitled: “Non-Payment of Teachers’ salaries across the country”, Melaye had underscored the dire and grim consequences that face the nation if the non-payment of teachers’ salaries is not urgently and effectively addressed. The lawmaker representing Kogi West, had urged his colleagues to be alarmed that the “concomitant effect of a nationwide teachers’ strike will result in mass exodus of experienced teachers from our public schools to private schools resulting in many more pupils roaming the streets with others falling prey to criminal influences.”

According to the lawmaker, the downward trend in the standard of education in the country, has a direct correlation with the inability to properly cater for the nation’s teachers. “There appears to be a close link between the falling standard of education and the funding and management of our public schools by both the federal and state governments,” he stated.

Even though he acquiesced to the fact that education is a concurrent issue which squarely lies within the corridors of the local governments and states, he regretted that the present condition of non payment of salaries, “whereby teachers in most states of the federation are yet to receive salaries in some cases for upwards of 5 months or more”, demands that there be concerted action from the Federal Government to avert a total collapse of the education system in the country.

While attributing “the difficult financial situation that some states of the federation are having to deal” with to the “severe economic downturn being

experienced nationwide”, he said the situation is now a national emergency that requires drastic measures to halt the drift. He further declared that “teachers’ welfare is at the heart of the success of the education system.”

Besides, he said the ongoing pain being experienced by teachers and students in public schools can be effectively halted if leaders at all levels rise to the occasion to find solution to the challenge.

Furthermore, he noted that in September 2015, the Federal Government in a move to reverse the unbearable situation, gave bailout funds to 23 distressed states to settle arrears of salaries especially with priority given to the payment of teachers salaries. He listed states that benefitted from the federal grants to include: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River’ Delta, Enugu, Ekiti, Katsina, Gombe, Imo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Plateau, Sokoto, Kwara, Oyo, Kebbi and Zamfara.

He also pointed out that the neglect of public schools has unfortunately led to the nation’s current levels of adult literacy rate dropping to 51% and Gross Secondary School participation, Net attendance ratio at 54%. He also urged his colleagues to be concerned by the development because “the nation cannot afford to see any further deterioration of the basic education system as things are not in their best shape already.”

He argued that interventionist funds that are presently devoted to capital projects in the education sector, could, in the interim, be deployed in the form of loans to ensure continuity in the educational system of the affected states through prompt payment of teachers’ salaries.

In view of the teachers’ salary logjam in most states of the federation, he contended that it would be sheer waste of scarce resources for the Federal Government to go ahead with its proposed employment of 500,000 teachers and school feeding programmed. “The 2016 budget had made allocation for the employment of more teachers without a clear indication as to the continuity of the programme when the current teachers are yet to be paid salaries,” he said.

“The school feeding, which is another critical programme of this administration may suffer still-birth with the on going down-tool going on and the fact that the teachers are expected to be the ones to superintend the program.”

Most Senators who contributed to the debate called for urgent steps to ensure sustainability in the education sector and especially for teachers to be given their rightful due.

–Onogu is Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President

Unpaid Taxes: FIRS Seals Companies In Kano, Port Harcourt Kunle Adewale

T

he Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on Thursday, sealed the offices of two tax-defaulting companies in Kano over tax liabilities. The affected companies are Standard Plastic Nigeria Limited, located in the Bompai area of the city, and Triumph Publishing Company, which is owned by the Kano State government.

According to the FIRS enforcement team leader, Mr. Chinazor Edeh, the two companies had previously received letters notifying them of their tax liabilities and urging them to pay. “What we have come to implement today is the directive of the FIRS chairman; and the order

is that you pay immediately or vacate the premises. Any of them who wishes to pay would be given the chance, but if they cannot pay the money now, the companies must be sealed,” Edeh said.

Standard Plastic Nigeria Limited owes N3, 989, 180.48 million of Education Tax for 2011.

Triumph Publishing Company, publishers of Daily Triumph and Weekend Triumph owes FIRS N6. 6million in Withholding Tax for the year 2013.

Edeh advised companies in Kano to ensure prompt payment of all their taxes to avoid embarrassment.

In Port Harcourt, the FIRS team sealed the offices of two oil services companies.

Those affected are Cetco Oilfield Services Company, located in the TransAmadi area of the city, and Aquashield

Oil and Marine Services Limited, which have tax liabilities of N9.7 million and N49million respectively.

At Cetco Olifield, the procurement manager, Edotimi Ebikefe, begged for more time to enable the company pay up, explaining that it has already commenced the payment of its tax debt.

“We are not saying that we won’t pay.

But the way things are right now, we find it difficult. Let them give us some time. If we don’t work, we cannot pay what we are owing,” he pleaded.

Leader of the FIRS team, Umar Bukar Gana, said the enforcement drive was necessary because of the indifference of some of the companies to tax payment. Gana explained that this has persisted despite many attempts to ensure compliance

“Before this enforcement exercise, government had made a lot of entreaties to them, but they have repeatedly defaulted and we have no option but to do what we have just done,” he said.

He added that the sealing of the two companies will serve a deterrent to other companies which default in tax payment. Speaking further, Gana said that until the taxes are paid, the companies will remain shut.

“I feel for the staff of those companies, but that does not mean we should not do what we need to do,” he added.

Gana took the opportunity to appeal to companies in the country to be responsible by paying their taxes, as this is an important way assisting the government to develop the country.

49

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

POLITY

Makarfi: APC Chair’s Comments Confirms Political Torture of Ekweremadu Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

T

he Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi said recent remarks of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John-Odigie Oyegun on his party’s displeasure over the emergence of Ike Ekweremadu as the Deputy Senate President has confirmed claims of political witch-hunt of its most high ranking chieftain in government by the ruling party.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Ekweremadu were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged conspiracy and forgery of Senate Standing Rules.

Oyegun had said in a recent interview that his party would never accept Ekweremadu as the deputy president of the Senate.

“I think the things that rankled us most was the election of Ekweremadu as deputy Senate president. Saraki is a member of the APC, much as the main line of the party would have wished a different result and a different scenario. But we all find it very, very difficult to accept the emergence of a PDP person as his deputy.”

Makarfi declared that Oyegun’s remarks confirmed PDP’s stance that the arraignment of Ekweremadu was part of an orchestrated plot to intimidate, harass and ultimately, hound them out of their exalted positions.

The statement expressed concern over what it viewed as the disdain against the leadership of the Senate by certain chieftains of the APC who in the recent past justified the emergence of incumbent governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of House of Representatives in the 7th Assembly.

The PDP acting chairman said: “Although this has been an open secret, our fears have now been confirmed by the APC national chairman himself. We, however, want to make it clear that the APC has no constitutional or moral grounds to be displeased with Ekweremadu’s emergence or to go this ridiculous length to harass, intimidate,

Makarfi

embarrass, and malign him and the institution of the Senate on account of a position to which his colleagues, cutting across party lines, elected him in a transparent and televised election in line with Section 50 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“Even the APC as a party and through its chieftains, including President Muhammadu Buhari (before his election), had variously and robustly defended the constitutionality and imperativeness of bi-partisan legislative leadership during the defection of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to its fold while in opposition without relinquishing his position.

“For the record, the former National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai

Mohammed averred: ‘I must say that this historic development means that our democracy is growing by the day and it is dynamic…We think that having the head of the legislature from the opposition party makes for a balanced setting in government and it is good for democracy. Those who are saying this has not happened before and that Tambuwal should step aside as Speaker do not have the backing of history and the Constitution.’

“Former Minority Leader and current Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also said: ‘We are proud to acknowledge that the Speaker remains not only a member of the House of Representatives, but also its Speaker. This position

is consistent with the law and practice in a presidential system of government and Nigeria is no different. For the avoidance of doubt, the Constitution requires only that the Speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves.’

“President Muhammadu Buhari hailed: ‘We will like to thank Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal for what he did yesterday. We were overwhelmed. Taking such a remarkable risk and sending everybody on holidays till December is an achievement.’

“Meanwhile, Terkimbi Kyange of the Minority APC was elected Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly on June 5, 2015, four clear days ahead of the inauguration of the 8th Senate.

“Peter Azi of the Minority APC was likewise elected Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly in June 2015.

“The Majority PDP made do with the position of deputy speaker in both instances, but accepted this as part of our democratic evolution.

“We invite the APC-led Federal Government to tell the world why bi-partisan leadership in the legislature was good in the instances of Tambuwal as well as the Benue and Plateau Assemblies, but an abomination in the case of Senator Ekweremadu.

“We consider APC’s stance on Ekweremadu and his continued persecution on this account as the height of duplicity, intolerance, and executive excesses unwarranted and inexcusable in a democracy.

“More so, unlike APC’s rancorous opposition in parliament in the recent past, the PDP lawmakers, including Senator Ekweremadu has provided a very responsible opposition, supporting the government and overlooking its serial fumbles. Ekweremadu is not APC’s stumbling block!

“We wish to remind the APC that the National Assembly is a separate arm of government created by constitution, not an arm of the Executive or extension of the APC’s Party Secretariat.

“We totally align with the separate resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives on 21st of June 2016 to the effect that our democracy is in grave danger.”

Hadiza Bala Usman: From BBOG to NPA

T

Remi Joseph

he predicate of the naysayers is this – that it is neither plausible nor possible to be a social activist and subsequently morph into a fit and proper person fit to serve one’s nation at the highest levels at a time our country cries out for obligated service. Arrant nonsense.

In the alternative, the contentionis that being of northern extraction, whatever other qualifications she might possess, she is a fifth columnist and unworthy beneficiary of her accident of birth. That is simplistic, superficial and supine.

Would it be legitimate to conclude that if Madam Ezekwesili had been appointed to high office to the credit of the Buhari administration, her commendable advocacy for greater robustness in pursuit of the earliest possible return of “our girls” be counted as the premeditations of an agent? I would hope not.

Ms Usman and others came together to establish the Bring Back our Girls (BBOG) campaign and movement. Those that have raised their voices against her appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) appear to contend that Ms Usmanparticipated in and promoted the BBOG, ab initio,with the calculation and premeditation of a latter day Machiavelli. I am not surprised. The lenses that we deploy when we discern and dissect our political arena deny us the opportunity of perspectives beyond the confines of our primordial persona.

Usman A long standing member of the All Progressives Congress(APC) before the Chibok girls were abducted, and a proven technocrat who has served at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, at the ministry of The Federal Capital Territory, and as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State, Ms Usman has always been seized by a drive to make governance more efficacious. Neither is she is a Johnny come lately to social activism, but rather the progeny of a father whose impassioned and forthright pursuit of Pan Africanism and social justice provided the

moral underpinning for her public service.

Rather than berate Ms Usman, we should celebrate her as a paradigm of what a woman (not to speak of a Moslem woman) can be and become in a Nigeria wedded to modernity. In any other society, one would locate and acknowledge the foundations of her social conscience and consciousness,in the academic and intellectual furnace in which her father harboured and nurtured his children.

Her father, YusufuBalaUsman, a “leading leftist intellectual” and lecturer in history at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, brought up his children with an acute awareness of the imperative of social justice. They were taught that the glaring inequities in Nigerian society were an ogre to be slain rather than a burden to be borne. Enlightenment comes in all shapes and forms and it came to her with mother’s milk.

The poisoned well of parochial perspective is the bane of our growth as a nation.

As Theresa May ponders her cabinet with the shortest of notices, she will draw upon persons who have journeyed with her. This ought not to be contentious; it has more often been beneficial than not. Ms Usman ought to be judged on her competence, her experience and her passion.

I am yet to come across her competence and suitability systematically challenged orcalled into question in an evidentiary manner. The objections raised are, in the main, divisive and diversionary. Those that know her speak of her as intelligent, incisive and capable of clarity in thinking and execution.

These are the very qualities that a national commending height like the Nigeria Ports

Authority cries out for.

Her experience, at both and federal levels, in pivotal areas of government is well documented and,truth be told, it has been far too long since the NPA had at its helm opportunity and occasion to harness a combination of management experience and proven public duty as this one appointment promises.

The evident passion of Ms Usman and others in bringing the BBOG into being, and sustaining it in the face of a cynical and deliberately inert government, is eloquent testimony to passion wedded to civic responsibility. Those qualities are so rarely deployed in advancement of the public good that we are inoculated against them, preferring to promote parochial agendas.

Ms Usman is not of that breed of politician and public servant who sees the public service arena as a place for “playing politics”; rather she comes to public service and office as a calling and opportunity to effect change as part of an agenda for good government.

The NPA is such a pivotal parastatal in the Federal Ministry of Transportation that its success or otherwise will be one of the bell weathers by which the Buhari administration will be rated. Ms Usman’s institutional experience and breadth of vision means that she comes to this critical area with an appreciation of how the organisation syncs with the broader and more long-term goals of government.

Those goals and objectives are the metrics by which she and this government will be adjudged. The measures of yesterday are precisely that, the measures of yesterday.

––Remi Joseph, a lawyer resides in Lagos

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

BUSINESS FEATURES

AMCON as Albatross to Businesses, Nigeria Economy?

Is AMCON losing focus? That is the question on the lips of many people who are struggling to understand the rationale behind the new wave of seizures of businesses, threats to wind down debt defaulting companies and throw thousands into the unemployment market. Another question commonly asked, is does AMCON has the capacity to even manage some of these businesses it is taking over? A corporation set up by government to buy non-performing loans from banks and give debtor companies a breather appears to have become an albatross to businesses and the economy, writes Eromosele Abiodun

I

n the wake of the global financial meltdown in 2008 that led to the banking sector crisis in Nigeria, the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) conceptualised the idea for the establishment of a body that will prevent Nigerian banks and businesses from going under. Consequently, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was established by the Act of the National Assembly in July 2010 with an intended 10 years life span.

The body acted as the buyer of banks for the Nigerian government by acquiring the non-performing loans (NPLs). The original book value of the acquired NPLs was N4.02 trillion at a price of N1.76 trillion with a commensurate issue of zero bond for the NPL acquired. At the time of the establishment of AMCON, the body identified 10 banks with crisis in system asset and responded by the injection of N736 billion liquidity to buy up their assets. Among the 10 banks, only three banks were unable to meet up and were finally acquired by AMCON and tagged as bridged banks: Mainstreet Bank, Keystone Bank and Enterprise Bank. In 2013, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) through their report advised the federal government to stop the operations of AMCON in order to avoid future financial challenges. AMCON moved on and excelled. The corporation under the past management embarked on aggressive loan recovery by partnering with companies indebted to it to ensure that their operations are not affected by their efforts to pay back their debts Management Change On Tuesday, August 8, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari dissolved the executive management team of AMCON and approved the reconstitution of a new team. Mr. Ahmed Lawan Kuru was named the Managing Director. Kuru was the Group Managing Director of Enterprise Bank Limited. Kuru started very well at AMCON. He carefully followed the procedures laid down by the former management. In an interview with CNBC Africa, he told his interviewer that AMCON will not in the process of loan recovery allow any company indebted to AMCON go under. A promise he has failed to keep. AMCON has since employed draconian tactics shutting down businesses here and there. The list is endless. Aero Contractors Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited and Capital Oil Limited were all shutdown by the corporation with thousands of Nigerians sent to the unemployment market. Last month, AMCON sealed the Abuja premises of Silverbird Galleria belonging to Senator Ben Murray Bruce. The galleria currently houses the Abuja studio of the radio and television stations of the senator as well as his other business interests. Apart from Bruce’s companies, the seven-storey building also houses other business interests such as Shoprite, United Bank for Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Mango boutique, and Etisalat office among others. The building was sealed by AMCON through the assistance of law enforcement agencies around 8am following a court order secured by AMCON. Conspicuously written on the fence of the building as well as other strategic locations was an enforcement notice by AMCON which says, “Possession taken by court order 26/06/16.”

Stakeholders Advise FG Meanwhile, experts in the Nigerian

Buhari

Ahmed Kuru

financial service sector have called on the federal government and relevant agencies to caution the corporation before it further damage the nation’s economy.

AMCON, they stressed, has deviated from its original mandate of working with indebted companies to get them back on their feet and pay back the loans that AMCON took over from banks In setting up an asset management corporation, the idea was to take noneperforming loans (NPLs) out of the banks and put them where they will be managed for a very long period of time.

For instance, in the case of the United States of America, after the Resolution Trust Company of America bought loans from the SMEs, after the five-year period, all those loans were transferred to Deposit Insurance Corporation and many of those loans still exist.

Contrary to global standards, the experts who do not want their name in print for fear of persecution said the new management of AMCON has deviated from its core mandate and resort to arm twisting tactics.

“When the former managing director of AMCON was at the corporation, it is on record that AMCON recorded significant progress in loan recovery. They achieved this by working with the companies to ensure that they are able to pay back the loans. But things have since changed since the new management assumed duties.

All they are interested in is liquidating companies and selling off assets.

“The federal government should call this AMCON to order before they further damage the economy. We all know the situation in the economy today. When you liquidate a company who will lose? Workers will be laid off and more people will be thrown to the labour market further worsening the economic and security situation in the country, “said a competent source in the manufacturing sector.

Meanwhile, some stakeholders in the economy have also decried the level of incompetence in AMCON following recent embarrassing losses in the court of law.

For instance, A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos yesterday ordered the defreezing of the accounts of NICON

Group which has Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim as Chairman.

Hon Justice Seidu gave the order following the hearing of a case brought before the court to discharge the freezing order hitherto obtained by AMCON. After listening to the arguments to discharge the freezing order, counsel to AMCON led by Mr. Yusuf Ali, SAN could not respond to the applications for the discharge but asked for an adjournment to exploit settlement and reconcile accounts in dispute through their respective accountants.

Ali conceded to an immediate vacation of the freezing order in the face of the applications against it with damming and unassailable facts and for unfettered settlement discussions to take place.

The honourable court agreed to the application to discharge the freezing order and the matter was subsequently adjourned to August 1, 2016.

In the same vein, analysts believe AMCON set to be embarrassed again if it does not retrace its step in its case with MRS Holdings Limited.

Contrary to AMCON’s claims our checks revealed that the company is not indebted to AMCON. In a statement made available to this THISDAY, the company said, “Our attention has been drawn to a recent publication by the by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria alleging that MRS Holdings Limited is indebted to it in the sum of N81 Billion and that the Corporation has instituted Suit No: FHC/L/CP/923/2016 to wind up the company over the inability of MRS to pay the alleged debt.

“MRS challenges in the strongest possible terms the false claim by AMCON that MRS is indebted to AMCON in the sum of N81 Billion or any sum at all. The correct position is that MRS obtained a loan from a consortium of banks in Nigeria for a viable project. AMCON took over the loans. However, it became clear to AMCON that MRS was paying down on the loan and agreed to restructure the loan on agreed terms of N74 billion. The said debt has since been fully settled. The terms of settlement was entered as Judgment of Court on 29 June 2015, in Suit No FHC/L/ CS/1365/2015.

Contrary to global standards, the experts who do not want their name in print for fear of persecution said the new management of AMCON has deviated from its core mandate and resort to arm twisting tactics. “When the former managing director of AMCON was at the corporation, it is on record that AMCON recorded significant progress in loan recovery. They achieved this by working with the companies to ensure that they are able to pay back the loans. But things have since changed since the new management assumed duties. All they are interested in is liquidating companies and selling of assets

“MRS is shocked that in spite of having fully settled the debt, AMCON has decided to re-litigate an already concluded matter. MRS Holdings Limited understands AMCON’s statutory function to recover debts but by no stretch can this mean harassment of companies. AMCON has declared a new aggressive debt recovery drive. MRS has no problem with that but this does not give AMCON a licence to embarrass and harass companies. It is not a crime to obtain loans for viable projects. Execution of viable projects leads to job creation and growth of the economy.

However, when companies obtain loans for legitimate businesses are being harassed and embarrassed in the name of aggressive debt recovery, it signals danger for economy growth.”

MRS said it has taken notice of AMCON frivolous recovery cases against many companies on similar issues to MRS, “Not surprisingly all the cases were dismissed by the courts.”

“MRS is taking legal advice to clear its good name and bring necessary actions to seek damages for the embarrassment and damage caused the Company’s reputation and goodwill by AMCON’s publication and action.

MRS assure all its customers and business associates that the newspaper report will not affect the company and its subsidiaries’ high quality services that it has always been known for and would seek redress for the damages caused by the publication. MRS further assures the general public that MRS Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries will continue to transact their businesses with the highest ethical standards and in accordance with the extant laws of the country, “it stated.

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

EBERE WABARA

Airtel, Others Goof

T

he first set of solecisms this week comes from LEADERSHIP of July 6, 2016, beginning from its front page: “…said that the bank’s fundamentals remain (remained) strong and virile….”

“BBOG commends Buhari over (for) breaking fast with IDPs” “Didi’s parents was (sic) said to have flown in from Jos.” This is certainly not the way to be ‘Nigeria’s most influential newspaper’!

Final entry from LEADERSHIP: “FG should identify grassroot (grassroots) farmers to achieve agenda” “The sensational development surprised observers of British politics amidst (amid) erstwhile speculations that flamboyant….” ‘Amidst’, just like ‘amongst’ (among) and ‘whilst’ (while), is Elizabethan English!

“NUJ raises alarm on destitute high mobility in Rivers” (The Niche, July 3, 2016) Soul of the nation: raise the alarm “The average life span of a dog is between 10 to (and) 14 years.” (Source: as above) “BATNF’s agricultural interventions boost rural farmers (farmers’) revenues” For headline purposes: agric interventions “NFF technical committee meets Tuesday on new Eagles (Eagles’) coach” “Lamorde have (has) no case to answer” (DAILY Sun Sub-headline, June 27) Wrong: re-open; right: reopen “Sirika and the potentials (potential or potentialities) of Nigeria’s aviation sector” “Five (5) days (days’) intensive classroom training that will commence after the online session….” (Fullpage advertisement by Bank of Industry, DAILY Sun, June 27) From Diamond Bank PLC comes the next goof: “Aworld of stress free (stress-free) transactions” (Noticed at itsAguda, Surulere, Lagos branch…yesterday and most likely in other outlets nationwide) “The Management and Staff of KSLEY Mega Vision Ltd., a subsidiary of KSLEY Group of Companies congratulate the Chairman and CEO… over (on/upon) the successful opening the (of the) bank in Enugu.” “For instance, there are number (a number) of landed (properties) that are on rent.”

‘Property’, in this context, is countable.

The Management ofAirtel, the smartphone (smart-phone) network, announced the next three

juvenile infractions: “…designed to empower customers in respect to (of) the management of all unsolicited messages sent to their phones.”

Alternatively, with respect to….

“While there are customers that (who) demand promotional services to keep abreast with (of) various innovative products and services….” (Airtel full-page advertorial, DAILY Sun, July 1) “Bauchi teachers protest over (against/at/about) non-payment of several months (months’) salaries” (DAILY SUNAREWAReport, May 27) The next headline blunder is from DAILY Sun Front Page Window of May 27: “Ogun River: Thousands turn Karo to tourists’ site” Voice of The Nation: tourist site “The President inspecting guard (a guard) of honour at the NnamdiAzikiwe InternationalAirport in Abuja, yesterday” (Source: as above) Wrong: assasin; right: assassin “Ehirim: NUJ FCT declares 7 days mourning” Arewa News: 7 days’ mourning or 7-day mourning “Today’s primaries very crucial to the PDP in its quest to regain the reins of government….”

Please delete ‘of government’ Note well: ‘take/ hand over the reins’ means to take or give someone control over an organization or country. (Longman Advanced Dictionary of Contemporary English) “Shell forecloses plans to exit Nigeria (Nigerian) operations” Access Bank goofed in its full-page advertisement in THISDAY of July 9: “Enjoy bespoke everyday banking services and exclusive priviledges (privileges) for the….”

“Peter Obi paid salaries of civil servants as and when due.” Just this: servants when due “Those in government spent a lot of money on things that are (were) unnecessary….”And this: much (not a lot of) money Still on THISDAY: “My grass to grace (grass-tograce) story” “Why my company is call (called) ‘Slot’” “Nigeria (Nigerian) unity: Myth, hypocrisy and redemption” “Singapore jails senior civil servants over (for) corruption” “ANApostponements (sic) (postpones) July reading” “Peugeot plans to inject $7.26b on (into) research, development” “SouthAfricanAirways celebrates 80 years (years’ or 80th year) anniversary” “LASU Management re-opens (reopens) the university” (Half-page advertisement) “You lived well and you have gone to (preferably

for) a well deserved (well-deserved) rest. Rest in perfect peace.” (Full-page obituary) Except for graveyard peace, ‘peace’ is an absolute and does not need inflection, intensification or adumbration. So, rest in peace (R.I.P—not R.I.P.P)!

Finally from the Back Page of THE GUARDIAN under review: “One has witnessed at different occasions dissenting opinions of doctors as regards prescriptions for patient’s (a patient’s) ailment.” The Guardian youth speak: on different occasions.

Next is DAILY TRUST of July 11: “Alhaji Muhammed Sa’adAbubakar spoke at his palace in Sokoto….” Does the Sultan of Sokoto have another palace elsewhere? Let us think as we report.

“Heritage Bank plans listing in (on) capital market” “Pact with China conducive for peace, says Taiwan (Taiwan’s or Taiwanese) president” “Otherwise, there is no point we engage in importing that much on yearly (a yearly) basis.” “…he said though the institute has (had) developed 62 rice varieties for farmers, five most prominent varieties are (were) in circulation and are (were) doing very good (well).”

“NEMA, stakeholders meets over displaced persons” You can readily identify the boyish slip-up.

“With the LG polls now fixed for next week Tuesday….” Either next Tuesday or Tuesday, next week Lastly from DAILY TRUST: “Replicate your performance to (in) your constituents (constituencies)” “Security at airports: Police deploys (sic) sniffer dogs at (in) NnamdiAzikiwe InternationalAirport, 5 others” (AIT News) From DAILY TRUST we move to THISDAY of July 12: “Absence of interpreter stalls trial of Portuguese woman charged for (with) drug trafficking” “Thumb (Thumbs) up for Nigerian refs in Mali” “Obasanjo :Amaechi’s k-leg (knocked leg) has been straightened” The following five solecisms are from DAILY INDEPENDENT of July 12: “DHQ assures of continued offensive” Who did it assure?

“Battle for soul of Ecobank intensifies” So the battle intensifies itself? “Harnessing potentials of local software industry in Nigeria” ‘Potential’ is uncountable, but we have ‘potentialities’, “Tackling voters apathy in Nigeria” This way: voter apathy SATURDAY INDEPENDENT of July 9 disseminated all manner of school-boy mistakes right from

Nigerian Lives Matter Too

T

he resurgent demand for equal rights for black minorities in the United States has brought latent inequalities in that country into fresh focus. The nationwide #BlackLivesMatter campaign triggered by the horrifying and hardly justifiable death of black Americans by the barrels of white police officers has become a movement that is shaping ongoing conversations around a desired reset of race relations in the world’s most powerful nation.

But it is not onlyAmerica that needs to reform its socio-politico superstructure. The country with the world’s largest concentration of black people is grappling with a compelling need to reexamine a dubious default setting imposed by colonial masters. There is however, a stark difference in the two cases: while the USAis conscious of and admits the need for a reformist interrogation of its nationhood notwithstanding its consolidated democratic practice dating over 200 years, Nigeria with far less experience in democracy is playing the ostrich on quicksand.

This has left theAfrican nation reeling in frequently occurring spasms of convulsions induced by its internal contradictions.And these are legion: political inequality; economic inequities; social ostracism; nepotism, ethnic and religious supremacy; favouritism and cronyism; corruption and embezzlement of public funds; and a host of other characteristic features of the OrwellianAnimal Farm. To be clear, these problems have been manifest for long and blames cannot be laid at the feet of a government that is just over a year in office. Nor should they be whimsically regarded as the loathsome legacies of the preceding political regime. It is a cross hanging on the neck of an abrasive elite which unite in enforcing an abusive relationship with a conquered citizenry.

But the more the benefitting rentier political class now in charge of the levers of power runs away from the issues the more they fester and tug at the foundation of nationhood. It is all the more painfully unfortunate that the current crop which rode on the back of ‘change’ with loads of promises to torpedo the old order and establish Eldorado have become strident apostles of revisionism. They have renounced almost the entire epistle of political proselytization which powered their hypnotic electioneering campaigns. The antidotal acronym of hope is fast becoming an anecdotal antonym for hope deferred. Only that this vacuous metamorphosis retains same identity: fromAPC (All Progressives Congress) toAPC (All Promises Cancelled).Aclassic case of the more things change the more they remain the same.

However, the realAPC which I believe means well for the country, needs to seize the momentum now building around the need to address the fundamentals of Nigeria’s nationhood. Like racial worries have currently thrownAmerica into sobering introspection,

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

OKE EPIA Telephone (sms only): 07059850016 Email: resourceman.oke@live.com.

Twitter: @resourceme

Buhari

Abuja must welcome the wind of sail being provided by rising public discontent. Nigerians are demanding an objective and acceptable window to ventilate long suppressed political desires. It is foolhardy pigheadedness for anyone to dismiss calls for renegotiating Nigeria’s togetherness as empty talk, especially when a pan-national consensus is building around the topic. It is not helpful to insist that the report of the 2014 national conference should remain in so-called archives. It is no longer ingenious to play semantics and employ escapist rejoinders when major ethnic groupings collectively heckle anti-restructuring postures posited by powers that be inAso Rock. Now is the time to look straight and hard in the mirror and give up all the convenient pretenses that all is well.

How can all be well when hunger stalks the land like a plague?

How can all be well when marauding herdsmen wreak havoc on innocent farmers and farmlands? How can all be well when funda-

the front page: “Fear has grip (gripped) notable politicians in Ebonyi State following findings by….”

Most of the ensuing blunders were caused by sheer carelessness and loose thinking as the computer system has an in-built mechanism that detects most of the spelling errors contained herein.

“The discovery was made when the SSS arrested some kidnappers in the state alleged to be the brain (brains) behind high profile (high-profile) kidnapping in the state.”

“The SSS in the state said on Friday that it has (had) arrested….” “…motorists were made to watch a bizzare (bizarre) spectacle, (needless comma) as four policemen beat a man gave (who gave) his name as…to a state of stupour (stupor).”

“The policemen, who drove to the scene in a patrol van with registration number KJA284AX, threw caution the winds (sic) (threw caution to the winds).” “Federal University Lafia, (otiose punctuation) matriculates 380 students” Would it have matriculated traders? Just yank off the last word in the extract!

“Community sends SOS toAmosun,Ambode over harrassment” Spell-check: harassment, but embarrassment.

“When Fayemi’s wife rescued woman abandoned with tripplet (triplet)” Still on SATURDAY INDEPENDENT under focus: “…Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has already served the people creditably well…” This is an over-kill: use either ‘creditably’ or ‘well’. Both cannot co-function in the same environment.

“AdewaleAyuba is one musician (music/musical) act who has been around for years. “ “My husband usually ask (asks) me to abort my pregnancy, woman tells court” Finally from SATURDAY INDEPENDENT, a voice of your own: “Movie directors threaten sanction on (against) actress” Next on focus is DAILY SUN of July 12: “They buy at N159 and sell at N167, the CBN has (had) addressed last year when….”

“But what the banks decided to do is (was) to even stop selling.” “Middle aged (Middle-aged) man commits suicide in Jos…Police tries (try) to uncover his identity.” “IITAcreates 40,000 jobs under cassava to ethanol (cassava-to-ethanol) project” “Edo: Court remands killer cop (killer-cop)…”

“CBN said money is (was) missing from federation (the federation) account.”

mentalists gruesomely murder citizens who profess a different faith?

How can all be well when life has become so cheap on the streets as if the Nigerian life doesn’t matter? How can all be well when inflation and unemployment is galloping like the Trojan horse of yore? How can all be well when companies lay off workers and government owes months of workers’ wages? How can all be well when state security forces visit pogrom on unarmed protesters preaching self-determination? How can all be well when cries of political marginalization increasingly gain decibels? How can all be well when petro-dollars reaped from the polluted lands of Oporoza is used to equip soldiers deployed to level same community and desecrate its deity in the guise of demobilizing militants? How can all be well when avengers blow up pipelines and cripple oil export in the face of a receding economy?

How can all be well when criminal gangs sack civil authorities and seize territories with security agents helplessly turning a blind eye?

How can all be well when the Igbo trader does not feel safe remaining in Kano after decades of building a business empire while the Hausa cattle rearer feels mortally threatened in Onitsha after many years of co-habitation with his Igbo hosts? How can all be well when millions of Nigerians are violently uprooted from their homes and dumped in dingy dungeons called IDP camps? How can all be well when those saved from wars and arson are sentenced to starvation and diseases?

How can all be well when tax from consumption of alcohol in a Southern state is contributed to fund development in a Sharia-compliant Northern region which abhors the smell of liquor? How can all be well when otherwise simple conversations on Facebook verge on the bellicose extremes of ‘we’ versus ‘them’? How can all be well when the line between ‘wailers’ and ‘hailers’ is thinning by the day with ‘tactical maneuvers’ occurring from the latter end to the former?And how can all be well when the supposed medicine to cure all headaches loses its potency because of intriguing intra-party squabbles at the top? The list goes on and on.And the signs have never been more ominous; much the same way the need to deal with them any less urgent. Like a festering sore soaked in salt, the myriads of malaise plaguing Nigeria have become both symptomatic and deeply rooted.And as the country is besotted simultaneously on many fronts, the search for solutions has become rudderless. This is the situation lateAfro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti would refer to as confusion break bone.

This invariably, has made Nigeria a laughing stock in the international community. The other day, outgoing United States’Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle made the point pungently when he said Nigerians are dying of starvation in their country in reference to the brewing humanitarian crisis the North-east has degenerated into.

“Nigerians are dying of starvation in Nigeria. How can that be?” he asked rhetorically. The joke is certainly not lost as Mr. Entwistle’s grim portrayal of the sorry state of affairs was corroborated by the United Nations (UN) when it compared the Northeast ravaged by Boko Haram terrorism to the dark days of the Darfur crises.According to Toby Lanzer, the UN’s Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel, the Northeast has become “an acute emergency.”

––Follow writer on Twitter @resourceme Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

POLITY

Sports Betting: FG, States Proffer Solution to Double Taxation

T

Duro Ikhazuagbe

he issue of double taxation in the Nigerian sports betting industry may soon be resolved as federal and states representatives have agreed to proffer a solution to the lingering problem.

Operators of sports betting companies in the country last month in Lagos lamented the issue of double taxation by the Federal Government and states at a summit organised by the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, that it was killing the sector.

Founder of NairaBet.com and Acting Chair-

man, ANB, Akin Alabi, said operators were in dilemma over whom to pay taxes.

“Each state says they are in charge of gaming and betting and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission says they are the ones in charge. So who do we pay to? Do we pay twice? And that is not even talking about the company taxes that we pay. So, it’s strangling our businesses coupled with forex issues. So we need to be sure who we pay to,” Alabi said at the summit.

But there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel after the summit.

A Special Assistant to the Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Precious Puanoni, said the body was ready to

collaborate with the states to resolve the issue.

He expressed optimism that the National Assembly would “do the needful” in amending the lottery act to tackle the problem.

Puanoni, who attended the summit, said, “We’ll destroy the industry if every state wants to collect tax from every operator; then they will be paying to 36 states and it doesn’t make sense. We’ve always invited the states (for collaboration); we even give licenses to people operating in Lagos and other states. The issue of money is trivial; the issue of regulating and sanitising the industry is what will even generate the money.

“I salute the ingenuity of the ANB; they feel the pains, and that’s why they organised the

summit. The National Assembly is an independent body and before they amend, there is always a public hearing session. So, I believe they will do the needful.”

On the issue of harmonising the tax law between states and the FG, CEO Lagos State Lottery Board, Lanre Gbajabiamila, said, “We are working on the bridge, we’ve been on it for a long time and I think it’s actually time to move forward, harmonise all the laws and make sure he laws don’t overlap each other.

Other states, not just Lagos, believe they should regulate the industry themselves because there is a downfall in the economy and everybody needs to take the bull by the horn and source for their Internally Generated Revenue.”

51 Students Bag First Class Honours at Landmark University Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

N

o fewer than 51 students of Landmark University, Omu-Aran in Kwara State yesterday bagged first class honours degrees in various academic programmes of the institution.

Speaking at the third convocation ceremony of the institution, the Chancellor of the University and founder of Living Faith Church World Wide (LFCWW) Dr. David Oyedepo canvassed for urgent indigenous farming that would address the problem of sustainable growth and development among West African sub-region.

He also said that there are unlimited opportunities yet untapped in the society, charging young generation to arm themselves with required skills to effect meaningful changes in the society.

The chancellor charged graduates to be creative and identify opportunities begging

for utilisation, advising that they should think possibilities, think spirituality, think positivity, think solution to problems, and think others, saying only those that think others become leaders.

In his keynote address, the pioneer vice chancellor, Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Placid Njoku, said that the federal government, through ministry of Education, should direct the National Universities Commission NUC, the National Board for Technical Education NBTE, and the National Commission for Colleges of Education NCCE, to “totally revise their curriculum for the Agriculture discipline to formally integrate entrepreneurship, approve Agripreneurship as a full degree/ Diploma/NCE programme in all faculties, colleges and universities of Agriculture, and approve a mandatory agripreneurship immersion period for all students of Agriculture” He said that, such step would address the graduate unemployment in the country.

PHOTO NEWS

Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri, Imo State, Comptroller Haruna Mammudu displaying some of the contraband seized by men and officers of his unit in Owerri….recently

L-R: Secretary, Balogun Business Association (BBA), Trade Fair Complex, Jones Okpala; President, Alex ObiOdunukwe; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun and the 1st Vice President, BBA, Okey David, during a donation drive to the BBA Trade fair Lagos by the management of LSSTF, in Lagos...recently

L-R: Executive Director, Manufacturing Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Dr. Nino Ozara, Managing Director, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola and Executive Director, Supply Chain, Mr. Rotimi Fadipe, during this year Lagos State tree plating initiative, at Honeywell Flour Mills Plc in Lagos… recently

L-R: The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Modupe Bosede, Chairman, Amide Clay Industry, Chief Toyin Adeyinka and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru at the commissioning of clay bricks factory in Olapeleke, Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State...recently

L-R: Provincial Superior in charge of Reverend Sisters, Reverend Sister Assumpta Mordi, Ola; Chair person of the occasion, Mrs. Yetunde Alakija; and the special guest of honour, Mr. E.O. Adesola-Ogunlete, at the golden jubilee anniversary and 2016 graduation/prize giving ceremony of Maryland Convent Private School, Lagos ...recently Kolawole Alli

53

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULY 16, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Nigerians in Diaspora Agitate for Tourism Development

Faraway in Vienna, Austria, Nigerians in Diaspora, Europe (Austrian Chapter) dedicated two days to supporting the Federal and state governments on developing NigeriaTourism sector, proffering solutions with experts in tow. Much more than academics, on the second day, the whole of Vienna was held spellbound with one of Nigeria’s top tourism product, Adire Carnival. Omolola Itayemi writes about this enlightening experience

H

eld on July 1st, the event was attended by many stakeholders in tourism industry in Europe, Nigeria and other parts of the world, including representatives of Nigerian and European government agencies.

In his welcome remarks, the chairman of NIDOE Austria Chapter, Oluyemi Ogundele thanked all the participants for gracing the occasion in spite of the difficulties encounter by many in obtaining Austrian visa. He then reminded all that the main aim and objective of the event was to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potentials, scout for investors and to recommend Nigeria as tourism destination. He informed the Diasporas in the hall that they were the main target group for investment and as tourist. “The over 20 million Diasporas could make a very big difference,’ he said.

The event was declared open by the Charge D’Affaire of Nigerian Embassy in Vienna, Gazing J.N. Dangtim. He informed the participants that Nigeria was naturally blessed with locations that could attract tourists from all over the globe. Dangtim mentioned of the large beaches located all over the country, waterfall, games reserves, rock formations, rain forest. He further mentioned that Nigeria, being the largest economy in Africa, could accommodate many investors and guarantee high returns. He then invited investors to come and invest in the country’s tourist sector. He concluded by stating that the Nation was endowed with huge minerals resources that could attract foreign investors any day and that the government of President Buhari was ready to accommodate foreign investors and tourist. He also mentioned that he had put adequate security in place to guaranty safety and has zero tolerant for corrup-

his business with just few thousands of Naira and how it grew bit by bit until it became a multi-million naira business today.

He invited Diasporas to come back home and invest in properties and own houses of their own as this would encourage them to visit home constantly together with their friends and families. He further listed locations in Nigeria where they could invest in properties with high dividend.

L-R: Mrs Bernadett Bagyinka, Sculptress; Charge D’Affaire of Nigerian Embassy in Vienna, Austria Mr Gazing J.N. Dangtim; Chairman of NIDOE Austria Chapter, Engr. Oluyemi Ogundele; Kayode Ayenimelo a Tourism Expert admiring the sculpture during the exhibition

tion to make the investors get maximum returns for their investment.

Next was the Goodwill message sent by AbikeDabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora which was read on her behalf by Ms Rita Ogunfojuri, the NIDOE Austria General Secretary. Dabiri-Erewa thanked NIDOE for organising the event, describing it as a wonderful initiative to assist the federal government in her policy to diversify Nigeria’s economy.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation made by Kayode Ayenimelo, a tourism expert based in Canada, in which he described Nigeria’s Tourism sector as a goldmine ready to be explored.

He was very optimistic that Nigeria could

generate enough fund from this sector to sustain her economy, this was backed up with facts and figures. .

Then it was the turn of the knowledge management expert, Dr Andreas Brandner to take the stage. He spoke of the need to apply the right knowledge to maximise the gains expected from the huge investment. He reiterated that no matter how much potentials Nigeria may possess in the tourism sector, it would amount to nothing if it is not well managed.

He gave the Austrian experience as success story. He also offers the assistance of his institute if needed.

In his presentation, Kayode Obembe, a real estate and property businessman informed the participants on how he started

Adire Carnival 2016…

The Adire carnival hosted by the Yoruba Community in Austria “Egbe Omo Odudwa” took place on Saturday 2nd of July 2016. The Carnival train started from the Nigerian mission with the Charge D’ Affairs flagging off the event by distributing Nigerian flag to all participants under the motto “Keep the flag flying. He advised all participants to be law abiding and to be good Ambassador of our great country Nigeria.

The Carnival train moved through the city to the designated venue of the street party at the African Street “Afrikanergasse” in the heart of Vienna.

The participant dressed in their colourful Adire attires danced trough the street of Vienna. They waved both the Nigerian and Austrian flag as they drum and sang Nigerian songs. They were later joined by the Eyo and Egungun masquerades.

This year’s event was attended by some prominent Nigerian despite hitches in obtaining Schengen visa for the invited guest at the Austrian Embassy.

The Carnival train was led by Dantin and the President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, Lanre Fagbodun.

The Highlight of the event was marked by the releasing of three white pigeons symbolising peace. One Pigeon each representing Nigeria, Austrian and the whole world.

World ‘N’ Traveland Launches New Online Brand

E

arlier this month, World ‘N’ Traveland, one of Nigeria’s indigenous travel agencies known for providing clients with safe, easy and convenient facilities to book their travel and cater for all requirements launched WONTRA, a new online brand under its umbrella. The new website will allows people to do more than just buying tickets and holidays; it embraces tourism fully.

The web has already transformed the ways many of us choose our holidays: rather than going to travel agents, we use their online sites, or dispense with travel agents altogether by putting together our own tailor-made holidays with cheap online flights and hotel bookings.

But many successful travel agencies that realise that technology will always evolve are already putting structures in place to evolve with the trend, one of which is Travel ‘N’ Wonderland.

According to Funmi Faloye, MD/CEO of World N Traveland, “The company will be investing in tourism and then push all its travel service products to the new WONTRA brand, adding more services including car rental, live cruise booking engine and low cost airline live bookings’.

She added that the website has more than the regular from its design that is interactive and the

L-R: Laitan Faloye, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing; Funmi Faloye, MD/CEO and Arinze Adigwe, Head, Customer Service all of World N Traveland during the unveiling of www.wontra.com in Lagos

easy with which a visitor can navigate the entire site for holistic travel experience.

Faloye says the keywords are user friendly solutions, all of which have one thing in common: investment in exceeding customers’ expectations as customers can book short flights as it goes beyond the international flights. “In

fact, you can discover the best hotels at the best price,” she said. Already, the site has come alive with customers visiting for information on destinations all over the world, hotels, vacation packages, flights and visa information.

Speaking on empowering people to travel, Faloye disclosed that the World N Traveland

brand has 365 travel plan, that allow travel customers save and build funds towards their holiday.

She explained that the 365 is a savings travel plan fashioned after the traditional ‘Ajo’ or ‘Esusu’, which enables subscribers to save as little as N365 on a daily basis for 365 days towards a future travel event, be it a business trip or holiday.

“The essence of this product is to make travel achievable and accessible to everyone through savings and proper planning.”

Faloye added that subscribers have the option of saving the amounts daily, weekly or monthly, which allows for flexibility and convenience.

“At the end of the savings period of choice, the funds can be applied towards any of WNT’s travel products like ticket bookings, hotel reservations, airport transfers, visas and any of our other travel products and services or carried over to subsequent years until the client is ready to use the funds.”

Faloye said this is the best time to attract tourists to the country because the foreign exchange is affecting how people travel due to high cost of tickets.

She said to attract tourists to the country, “various resorts need to be authentic as trying to be modelled after foreign resorts will not achieve the needed results.”

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULy 16, 2016

NEWSXTRA

Over 200 Muslim Youths Run Amok, Destroy Catholic Church near Abuja Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja

A few days after a female pastor in the Redeem Christian Church of God, Mrs. Eunice Olawale, was brutally killed by suspected Muslim extremists, a group of another Muslim youths yesterday attacked St. Philip's Catholic Parish, Baki Iku, close to Zuma Rock in Niger State, destroying properties worth thousands of naira.

The Vicar-General of Parish, Revered-Father Gobep Luka Sylvester, who confirmed the news to THISDAY last night said about 200 Muslim youths stormed the Church premises yesterday and destroyed proper-

ties of the church.

THISDAY gathered that some Catholics had gone to the church to pray and were attacked by the Muslims who claimed that Friday was their day of prayer and that the Church only had right to worship on Sundays.

Revered Father Sylvester told THISDAY last night that although he was not around when the incident happened, he was told that some Muslim youths numbering about 200 came to the Church and started destroying the church’s properties, saying the security men in the church premises were seriously injured.

According to him, ‘’Sometime around 2pm, some Muslim youths in numbering 200 left their Mosque after their Friday Jumat prayer and rushed to the Church premises, climbed the wall and destroyed everything in the Church: the windows, the alter, musical instruments, the chapel. ’The security man in the church premises was beaten to pulp. Some women who were holding a prayer meeting were chased away. The seminarian who is resident in the premises was also beaten up and chased away."

He said the incident had been reported to the police

and they claimed to have made some arrest and promised to investigate the matter.

In 2012, Alhaji Kabiru Sokoto --- suspected member of terrorist group, Boko Haram, on Christmas day, detonated bomb that killed several Catholics and passers-by at St Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, close to St. Philips that was destroyed yesterday.

The Revered Father added, "Just last week, Mrs. Eunice Olawale, a mobile preacher of the Redeemed Christian Church of God was killed by some fanatical Muslims in Kubwa, FCT. How long are we going to continue like this?

Group Carpets Role of Abia Elders in Ikpeazu, Ogah Tussle A non-governmental organisation, Abia Redemption Congress, ARC, has described as ignoble the role of Abia elders in the ongoing governorship tussle in Abia State involving Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Dr. Uche Ogah, both of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It would be recalled that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja had on June 27, 2016, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately issue Certificate of Return to Dr. Ogah, who polled the second highest number of votes in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; governorship primaries.

But the Abia elders who convened an emergency meeting on the political development in the state declared their support for Ikpeazu, and described the court Order as reckless.

However, the Abia Redemption Group in a statement signed by its

National Coordinator and Executive Director (External Affairs), Sam Anyalewechi and Justice O. Ike said it was disturbing that the group of Abuja elders who stood idly for long while Abia people suffered, had contrived to sit in judgment over God’s anointed judicial pronouncement on Abia State.

“There is an Igbo idiom that an elder does not stand by while the goat delivers her new born in tethers. This group of Abuja elders stood idly by for so long and suffered the people to rape and destruction without lifting a finger”, they noted.

The statement further said that “today Ogah faces Abia elders that will rather cavort and protect their bloated egos and pecuniary interests than postulate solutions to how civil servants in Abia can get their eight months unpaid salaries- forgery and perjury means nothing to them as that has been their way of lives".

Ize-Iyamu Campaign Raises the Alarm Over Use of State’s Fund for Campaign

HONOURED FOR SERVICE...

L-R: Tunde Shobanjo; Mrs Inyang Anya; Prof. Pat Utomi; Olufemi Shobanjo and Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun at the presentation of the Zik Award for Professional Leadership to Biodun Shobanjo, represented by his sons at the 2015 Annual Zik Prize Awards at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, recently

Obanikoro Denies DSS Arrested 80MW Solar Plant Deal Wife with Incriminating Evidence Signed in Jigawa State Chiemelie Ezeobi

While reacting to the arrest of his wife, Alhaja Moroophat Obanikoro by the Department of State Security Services (DSS) on Thursday, the former Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, yesterday debunked claims that incriminating documents were found in her possession.

While condemning the many versions published by some media houses on the invitation of his wife by officials of the DSS, he said facts should not be distorted.

In a statement released on yesterday and made available to THISDAY, the former minister urged that his wife should not be maligned neither should facts which were supposed to be sacred, distorted to skew and tilt investigation thereby influencing public opinion negatively on a patriotic, hard-working and innocent woman who is apolitical.

The statement reads in parts: "We are saddened by the fact that the media was awash with false and conflicting information about the invitation of Senator Obanikoro's wife.

"Ordinarily, we considered ignoring these concocted lies but for the sake of discerning and right thinking public, hence the need to straighten matters.

"First, Alhaja Moroophat has always being in the country managing her businesses as against the lie that she sneaked in last week from the United States.

"Second, no documents were found in her possession and the lie that she was arrested while trying to evacuate documents is a fabrication and can only survive in their warped and distorted minds.

"It should also be noted that the officials only came to invite her for questioning and as against the phrase that she was whisked away, her driver actually drove her in her own car to the office of the DSS. "Third, it was shamefully reported that the DSS were involved because there were so many armed policemen guiding her. This is another fabricated lie.

"Even when he was serving as Minister, his family never enjoyed any police protection let alone after leaving office and as a woman who is above board in all her dealings, she does not need one.

Kunle Adewale

A major milestone in the power sector has been recorded as Nova Scotia Power Development Limited (NSPDL) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) for the development of one of the first solar photovoltaic plants in Nigeria, to be located in Dutse, Jigawa State capital.

The 80 MW power plant will generate an estimated 200,000 MWh of clean, renewable energy per year, enough electricity to power over 200,000 Nigerian households.

The project represents an investment of approximately $USD 150 million. It was signed on Monday, July 4, 2016.

“Jigawa State has an excellent solar resource, which will allow us to generate electricity in a cost-effective manner,” Amit Modi, MD of Technical at CDIL, one of the project sponsors said.

The project will sell electricity at 11.5 US cent per kWh. The Nova Scotia Power project has been developed by CDIL, a Canadian renewable

energy development company focused on Africa, and Business Process Solutions Consult Limited (BPS), a Nigerian strategic consulting firm.

“We have worked very closely with the Jigawa State Government and the many stakeholders in the Federal Government to bring this project to fruition with the goal of supplying Nigeria with the much-needed electricity while caring for the environment.

This project will help Nigeria achieve its carbon emissions targets, to which His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari committed our nation at the Paris Climate Change Summit last year,” Nasiru Isyaku, Managing Director and CEO of BPS, added.

NSPDL plans to begin construction in 2017 with operations beginning a year later.

“The project will bring investment and contribute to local job creation with the potential to catalyze long-term growth in Jigawa State and the broader region,” Nathaniel LowbeerLewis, MD of Development at CDIL, said.

The Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organisation has raised the alarm over alleged disbursement of Edo State financial resources for the campaign of the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Media Unit of the campaign organisation, it said the draining of the state’s fund by Governor Adams Oshiomhole for promotion of his candidate for September 10 governorship election was coming at a time when many local government councils were owed 15 to 17 month salaries.

The organisation said it was more alarmed as a result of volume of money the governor disbursed on Wednesday to the APC’s structures in all 18 local government areas for procurement of people and supporters to the kick-off of APC’s governorship campaign on Saturday.

According to the statement, ‘’We have received a solid evidence on Thursday that Governor Oshiom-

hole at a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Benin City, Wednesday, disbursed thousands of naira of Edo State’s fund to all APC leaders in 18 local government areas for procurement of people to attend the APC campaign rally on Saturday. ‘’We are worried because Edo State’s fund is being uncontrollably disbursed for promotion of APC’s candidate at a time Adams Oshiomhole is saying there is no money to pay local government council’s workers’ salaries for months.’’

Requesting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies to investigate the use of Edo State’s fund to promote a candidate in the coming election, the Pastor Ize-Iyamu campaign organisation said that Oshiomhole had to resort to this panicky and sacred measures because of the swelling opposition the APC and the governor were receiving from all nooks of the state.

GMOs, Others: Biosafety Act is Safety Valve, Says NBMA DG Patrick Ugeh inAbuja The Director -General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Ebegba, has described the calls by a group and some individuals for the repeal of the National Biosafety Management Agency Act, 2015, as frivolous and most unpatriotic.

It is the act that regulates genetically modified organisms, among other biotechnologically produced items, to increase their availability and bring about food security with a view to ensuring their safety. But a group has been canvassing for the law to be repealed.

"Such a request is a call for the opening of the floodgates, which is geared towards subjecting Nigeria to unrestricted importation and production of unregulated modern biotechnology products," Ebegba declared.

The Director -General averred that the Nigerian Biosafety Act had been adjudged by international

watchers as one of the best in Africa after having painstakingly passed through stringent processes that lasted for more than a decade.

He emphasised that it was indeed ridiculous to assert that the Act was not in accordance with the precautionary principles when, in fact, the whole Act was a major legal precautionary instrument itself in the National Biosafety regulatory system.

Ebegba said that the repeal of the act would render the more than 20 indigenous research institutes, universities, agencies and the private concerns that had competence in the biotechnology sector stagnant and redundant in a global sphere that was fast moving towards safe modern biotechnological advancement.

He however urged all wellmeaning Nigerians who genuinely feel that a gap exists in the Act to be patriotic enough to collaborate with the Agency in seeking the amendment of the knotty section

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JULy 16, 2016

55

NEWSXTRA

BringBackOurGirls Group Hits Back at Presidency Iyobosa Uwugiaren inAbuja

BringBackOurGirls group said yesterday that the statement by the presidency a few days ago, in response to its assessment of the federal government’s effort to rescue the kidnapped 218 Chibok girls -- since its engagement with the President in July 2015, was a misrepresentation of the group.

The advocacy group in a statement signed by Aisha Yesufu and Oby Ezekwesili last night, said that contrary to the presidency’s insinuation, the movement could not be insensitive to the loss of lives and livelihoods of other Nigerians, as well as the plight of those facing the humanitarian tragedy, saying its members absolutely reject the

‘’false labelling’.

Presenting its monthly monitoring report for July 2016, BringBackOurGirls said that July 15 was 27 months to the sad day in April 2014, when the Chibok girls were abducted from their dormitories in Government Secondary School, Chibok, adding that 822 days later, 218 girls remain in captivity. ‘’We present this as part of our monthly monitoring of the efforts to rescue our girls and bring an end to the Boko Haram Insurgency’’, the group added. ‘’In a continuation of recent trends, the last month marked the liberation of thousands of our citizens and the opening up of more access routes. We also

recorded a declining number of insurgent attacks within our shores and witnessed peaceful Eid celebrations in the capitals of the North East for the first time in over five years. ‘’We continue to commend our security forces for these successes which have inspired renewed hope and conviction in the capacity of our troops to #BringBackOurGirls and ensure an end to the insurgency. Sadly however, the period brought to light the scale of humanitarian crisis in the North East occasioned by acute malnutrition among children and adults, and the real threat to survival of an entire generation of our people.’’

The advocacy group added that

nothing reinforced its repeated call for urgency and a more visible, deliberate and result-based humanitarian response to the insurgency than the submission from a July 8 statement by the UN Secretary-General and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, Toby Lanzer, who said, “A failure to act now will result in deeper and broader suffering, unlike any seen to date in Nigeria’s North East and a steeper bill for all concerned to alleviate suffering and stabilize the situation.”

The group added: ‘’We shudder at the possibility of more suffering for our fellow citizens in the North East, especially knowing what they have been through in the last few years".

Court Refuses Omisore's Bail Application Tobi Soniyi in Abuja An Abuja High Court has refused the bail application of the former deputy governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore, presently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi while ruling on the former deputy governor's bail application said the application for bail was premature and incompetent.

Justice Adeniyi asked Omisore to await the expiration of the 14 day remand order granted by a court of coordinate jurisdiction before excercising his right to bail.

The judge held that any attempt to grant the bail application of the applicant would amount to vacating a subsisting order made by the same court.

The judge said counsel to Omisore failed to convince the court of its power under the law to upturn its own order and sit as an appellate court on its own order.

He said provisions of sec-

tions 293, 294 and 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act was also clear and makes it lawful for the EFCC to detail a suspect for the initial 14 days and another 14 days if circumstances warrant.

In the instant case, the court lacks jurisdiction to set aside the order it made for the remand of the Senator or vary the bail condition granted him by the EFCC and that the Apllicant ought to appeal against the ruling instead of asking for reversal of its own order.

"Having considered the totality of submissions of counsel in this matter, it has been established that there is a reasonable cause to remand the applicant in the custody in line with the provisions of the law.

"At any rate, there is no provision for entertainment of any application for bail, when the remand order issued by the court subsist. In order word, the 14 day remand order granted by the court is to run its full course", the Judge held.

Customs Impound N1.3bn Contraband, Arrests 42 Suspects John Iwori

PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE...

Representative of the Lagos State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello (Middle) with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris ( Left) and the Coordinator of the New Critical Care Unit, Dr Ade Tinubu (Right) at the commissioning of the New Critical Care Unit at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) by the Governor yesterday

Fashola Enumerates Gains of Emefiele Woos US, British Power Asset Revitalisation Investors as Naira Falls As the nation makes progress towards achieving Incremental Power, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, has recounted the gains that are accruable from various projects in pursuit of the objective saying it would, among others, reinvigorate the economy and boost employment.

Fielding questions from newsmen after inspecting the dual fuel (LPFO and Gas fired) 215 Megawatts Kaduna Power Project being constructed in Kaduna State, Fashola said the driving force behind government’s commitment to the various projects it had embarked on since inception was to get people back to work and re-energise the economy.

Citing the inspected project as an example, as it was abandoned due to non-payment of contractors since 2014, Fashola expressed joy that since work resumed on the project, the contractors had employed almost 150 workers adding that there would be prospects for more employment when the project is in full swing.

Pointing out that all that was left was tidying up the paper work and dealing with some variation

issues that have arisen in order “to have the place back, to full of workmen’s activities”, the Minister reiterated that employment was one of the important economic spinoffs from the various projects across the country.

According to the Minister, who recalled showing interest in knowing how many people were working at the project, “They have almost 150 Nigerians working here. So as long as we are doing these things, people can get up in the morning and say they are going to work with their dignity intact, not begging for money or begging relations to pay school fees and all of that. So that is the first thing”.

“Contractors hadn’t been paid since 2014 while the nation was running budgets ostensibly. So those are the issues the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has tackled and there are now provisions for them in this year’s budget”, he said adding that with Federal Government intervention, “it may become unnecessary to put pressure on Kaduna to go and borrow money to do what the Federal Government should have done years ago.

Obinna Chima with agency report The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele flew to Britain and the United States this week to try to lure back investors scared off by the plunge in oil prices and resulting financial turmoil, a central bank official said on Friday.

The central bank last month bowed to foreign pressure to remove the 16-month-old 197-perdollar peg on the naira it had brought in to try and control its fall as crude prices plummetted.

Investors welcomed the move but many said they were still steering clear until Africa's biggest economy shows signs of concrete recovery.

Trade has been thin and dollar liquidity tight, leaving the central bank as the main supplier of hard currency.

Emefiele and the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), CBN, Dr. Sarah Alade held meetings with investors in Britain and the United States, a central bank official said.

"It was more like a roadshow to get investors back into the country," and authorities were particularly keen to boost dollar liquidity, he

told Reuters.

Meanwhile, the spot rate of the naira depreciated to N295.25 to a dollar on the interbank market as the currency recorded its lowest level since the new Nigerian Interbank Foreign Exchange (NIFEX) was introduced. It was gathered that the central sold dollars to try and boost liquidity on the interbank market as demand pressure surged.

Traders said lack of dollars had curbed activity since the peg was removed, leaving the central bank as the main supplier of hard currency.

On Friday a total of $12 million traded on the interbank market at an average rate of N290 naira, with traders attributing the sale to a central bank intervention.

"The naira is weaker because of liquidity," one trader said.

Other past suppliers of dollars, including oil firms, are now selling part of their hard currency directly to petrol importers under an arrangement with the government, traders said.

In non-deliverable forward markets, the one-month naira-dollar forward were quoted at N300. The one-year contract fell as low as N347 per dollar.

The anti-smuggling campaign of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has yielded more results as contraband worth over N1.3 billion has been intercepted by its patrol officers in Zone C. In all, a total seizure of 169 items was recorded in the last six months of the year, just as N394.8 million was recovered as underpayment.

In the same vein, no fewer than 42 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

Already, 25 cases are now pending in court between January and June this year.

The seizures and underpayment recovered contrast with N39,644,813 underpayment recovered and a duty paid value (DPV) of N1,013,833,362 it recorded in the same period last year.

These were disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri, Imo State, Comptroller Haruna Mammudu.

The CAC who made this known in a statement made available to THISDAY at the weekend and signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs. Ifeoma Onuigbo said that the banned items were confiscated on the Benin, Calabar, Owerri, Enugu and Aba/Eleme axis within the zone.

According to Mammudu, the items which were packaged and concealed in such a manner as to deceive security agents on duty include 90 vehicles; 2,758 bags of 50kg rice; 4,160 pieces of used tyres; 1,337 cartons/set of furniture and 625 cartons of fake drugs.

Others were 61 containers of log of wood; 2,600 pieces of imported school bags; 97 pieces of 14 stroke engine generator and used fridges; 3,550 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products; 992 bales of second hand clothing; 897 cartons of foreign detergents and creams as well as 167 pairs of foot wear.

While professing the preparedness of the NCS to tackle the scourge of smuggling of unauthorised goods into the country, the CAC expressed delight at the

seizures profile recorded during the first six months of this year as against that made in 2015.

The CAC stated the dangers and implications in the smuggling of illegal and unauthorised goods into the country, even as he noted that while the ugly practice had continued to deal a devastating blow on the nation’s economy, many families had been ruined as a result of the dastardly unpatriotic practice.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ELADOKO GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as UGERA ELADOKO GLORIA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

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

I formerly known and addressed as MR OGBO DAVID, now wish to be known and addressed as MR DAVID KELVIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HAPPINESS OSARENME EZEZOBOR, now wish to be known and addressed as HAPPINESS OSARENME OHAJU . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed Iasformerly knownGBADEBO and addressed MISS JOY now as MISS now wish to beJOY knownGBADEBO and addressed wish to be known addressed as MRS JOY and OLUBUKOLA as MRS JOYAllOLUBUKOLA OLUPINSAYE. former docuOLUPINSAYE. All former documents remain valid.

The general ments remainplease valid. take The note. general public should public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed Iasformerly knownNNEKA and addressed OBIAGELI ENELI as ENELI nowOBIAGELI wish to be NNEKA known and adnow wish to be known and addressed as OBIAGELI NNEKA dressed as ENELI. OBIAGELI NNEKA CHINYELU All former docCHINYELU ENELI. former documents remain valid.AllThe general uments remain valid.take Thenote. general public should please public should please take note.

TR

Saturday, July 16, 2016

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Nwabueze to Babachir Lawal

“I feel provoked to react to the statement, which I consider the height of absurdity and should not have come from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). An incompetent statement of this kind should not, in my view, be associated with the high and respected office of the SGF. It manifests ignorance of the principles of law and of the separation of powers involved in this case” – Elder statesman, Professor Ben Nwabueze chiding the SGF, Babachir Lawal over his statement that the ongoing forgery trial of President of the Senate Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu was not against the principle of separation of power.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

What They Won’t Tell The President F ellow Nigerians, reactions to my column last week were not unexpected. As anticipated, they were indeed varied.

Some people were impressed that anyone could tell President Muhammadu Buhari what most people would never dare.

Others felt I could talk because I don’t work with the President and therefore do not feel the pressure of those that do. A few more simply dismissed my contribution as they usually do without any good reason.

It could be true that more often than not, aides usually misread their bosses and idols and so feel under pressure not to irritate, annoy or even antagonise their Boss. I have had the privilege of working and interacting with bigwigs at home and abroad and noticed that many of their employees treat them with awe, fear and trepidation but not necessarily with respect. On my part, I have tried to remain truthful, respectful and loyal to my bosses without being fawning or uncritical.

Sometimes, they would love and appreciate these attributes. On other occasions, they’ve chosen to live in denial and bury their heads in the sand like ostriches do. Even when they have discovered the truth, ego has sometimes denied them the chance of accepting the fact that you were right and they were wrong.

So I wasn’t surprised that some Abuja guys were not impressed about my recent article titled HOW THEY MISLEAD OUR LEADERS. I won’t be surprised if our President did not read that important article because it was kept away from him. The easiest way to fail as a leader is to be shielded from reality by cronies who tell you all is well when all is far from being well. The other way to invite failure is when a leader allows sycophants to invite and amass enemies for such leader. I witnessed both of these first hand during the seeming deification of President Goodluck Jonathan by those who felt he was beyond reproach. But after his government collapsed, most of those who fought imaginary enemies on behalf of President Jonathan simply vamoosed and left the former President to his personal ordeal. Ironically, it was those of us considered his enemies that came out boldly to defend him and to protect his rights under the rule of law given the statesmanship that he had demonstrated in the twilight of his administration.

What I find baffling is the fact that man never learns any didactic lessons from history. Less than two years ago, many of those who have somehow found themselves in power today hailed the critics of Jonathan’s administration.

They found our pens more powerful than machine-guns. They called to thank us for our patriotism and gallant battle to restore hope to a dangerously bleeding nation. I remember one particular gentleman, who is currently a Minister; he used to phone me to commend my maturity in attacking issues rather than personalities. Today he has stopped calling and I’m sure he is no longer comfortable with the same level of patriotism and maturity that he praised.

Let me reiterate that I love President Muhammadu Buhari but mine is not a fake or blind love. I was taught by my very traditional mum that “a mother chastises a child she loves” and I have translated that to mean that conversely, a child must offer true words of advice to parents he treasures. This is why I talk about our President with such respect and decorum but at the same time I

Buhari boldly analyse his policies and actions and candidly offer advice as I see fit. I believe we can help in supporting him by telling him the true state of affairs and painting the real picture of things. Nigeria is much more complex and complicated than some of those in power today wish to admit. I suspect they have also assumed that they know the mind-set of the President who they perceive as stubborn and unyielding and would rather play along in order not to invite his wrath.

The impression out there is that Baba is mean and vengeful and can trample on and injure anyone in his line of fire. When I tell people I met a soft, gentle, humble and caring man once in 2011 and twice in 2015, they tell me that was all a façade and I couldn’t judge him on those accounts. It may be necessary for the President to free his people from this self-manacled bondage they have chosen for themselves, as I once advised. The unfounded fear of Buhari may stultify the progress of this government. And only the President can help his men and women overcome this dangerous paranoia. The world has moved beyond the type of maximum rulership which this suggests and the President is not such a person in any event.

I have have been seeing posts on social media indicating that some aides have been telling Baba that majority of Nigerians are satisfied with his government and that only the disgruntled elements, otherwise nicknamed “wailing wailers”, are complaining. But this is not true. Nigerians are complaining about many things and Baba needs to know. Of course, not everyone is lamenting like the Biblical Jeremiah. There are always new beneficiaries in every new government. And those who have crossed the bridge, or ladder, of pain into comfort don’t usually see the misery they left behind. That was the anecdotal case of the French Empress who asked why people could not eat cake when there was scarcity of bread. Little did she realise that bread and cake belong to the same family of flour and that the issue was one of poverty not merely famine or supply.

Nigerians are complaining about the slow pace of work. They want Baba to jazz things up. Not that they expect him to do it all but they are hoping he can rejig this government

and bring in proven and tested Nigerians from any part of the world and whatever political or religious background. It is the prerogative of every government to hone its engine of governance regularly by discarding worn-out batteries, plugs and pumps. You may need to flush dirty engine oil and replace with premium lubricant. It should be obvious that what we have at the moment is far short of the speed and stamina required to take Nigeria to the next level.

Nigerians are complaining about the seeming Nothernisation of the key sectors of the Nigerian economy and polity. I am personally not very worried about ethnic sentiments as a completely detribalised Nigeria but there are those who feel very strongly about this and the President may need to allay their reasonable fears of being extinguished and exterminated from the national politics of Nigeria. My honest suggestion is that Baba should come out to tell Nigerians the criteria he uses in arriving at his choices.

He should confront his critics with superior logic and the mathematics of appointment distribution. He should not just dismiss this as a non-issue. That is the burden placed on him by Constitutional democracy. Every controversial action and decision must be explained tirelessly and endlessly. As I have said several times nothing beats merit, not even primordial ethnic sentiments.

Nigerians are complaining about the high cost of governance especially in this era of dwindling national fortunes. Many are telling us that we persuaded them to vote APC because we flaunted the credentials of Buhari as a frugal and simple man not susceptible to frivolous spending or profligacy. They are taunting us that they have seen no evidence of the reduction in the extravagant spending on presidential jets and the upkeep of government personnel and their families. Again it may be necessary to update and educate the Nigerian people on how government has concretely worked on cutting costs in these austere times. It is always good to talk to people who may not know the facts and those who feign ignorance deliberately. The government communicators should, please, not be so dismissive lest they are accused of being standoffish. No effort should be spared at carrying everyone along including known and unknown troublemakers.

Nigerians are complaining about the religious sensitivity of this government. They believe that Northern Christians are being studiously marginalised and this should be urgently addressed. In a country where the President

What I find baffling is the fact that man never learns any didactic lessons from history. Less than two years ago, many of those who have somehow found themselves in power today hailed the critics of Jonathan’s administration

was blackmailed in the past about his religious antecedents by being described as an Islamic fundamentalist it is only appropriate for the President to sensitise people and propagate his commitment to secularism. A good example of this is the fact that whilst he may have felt the need to pick Christians as his running mate in the past two elections he was not forced to pick Pastors as his running-mates.

It is clear that he did this out of choice and to show that he was willing to work side by side with Christian fundamentalists in the task of nation building. Baba should not jettison the principle of religious tolerance he has imbibed and displayed. It would be politically rewarding if he gives every Nigerian that same sense of belonging. Nothing is more volatile than religious conflagration and it is always a handy weapon in the hands of enemies of State.

Nigerians are wondering what direction the economy is headed with the incessant free-fall of the naira despite all efforts at arresting the kamikaze plunge. Added to this is the deregulation of the price of petrol and the pains being felt by these twin policies can only be described as untold hardship.

While Nigerians are highly impressed that Baba is fighting looters to standstill they want to know what is happening to all the humongous cash already recovered. Many states are still in financial mess, unable to pay their workers. Like someone joked on Twitter yesterday, the hope is that Baba would not keep the money in savings for the next government that will come and redistribute to the looters again. That should be food for thought.

It would be fantastic if we can do what President John Dramani Mahama is doing in Ghana, by investing heavily in legacy projects that will definitely outlive his government and launch Ghana into the big league of modern nations. Nigeria should borrow a leaf from Ghana by revamping and upgrading our schools, hospitals, roads, airports, railways, oil facilities, seaports, and so on. It would be sweet victory for Nigerians and President Buhari if they can enjoy the fruits of some of the recovered loot in the very near future.

Nigerians are also talking about the spate of agitations for the breakup of the Nigerian State, especially the renewed call by the pro-Biafra groups of South East Nigeria to carve out an Igbo nation. While we may not understand the exact mission of the Niger Delta Avengers, one of the most lethal militant groups in Nigeria today, it is not likely to be too far from that of the Biafrans ultimately. The groups must be delicately handled. Their leaders may have personal and selfish ulterior motives but what is clear is that they are echoing the sentiments and yearnings of their people for self-determination borne out of frustration in being marginalised in the Nigerian power game. At the end of the day, there is nothing violence can achieve that dialogue cannot handle better and faster. It is time to tone down the drums of war and set Nigeria on the path of restoration, peace and progress.

There are simply too many distractions and Nigerians are suffering as a result. I have no doubt about President Buhari’s patriotism and zeal and his desire to improve the lot of Nigerians. It is about time that he demanded the same of his lieutenants and require them to put national interest over and above personal or party interests.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com