Saturday 27th May 2017

Osinbajo in Surprise Visit to Garki Market

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

As part of activities to mark the two years anniversary of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday visited Garki Model

Market, Abuja to feel the pulse of Nigerians.

Osinbajo who arrived the market at about 3:10 p.m., was accompanied by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar and some senior presidential aides.

In an unusual manner, the acting president spent time discussing with the traders in the market who maximised the opportunity to pour out their complaints, especially about high cost of market stalls and prices of food items such as fish, onions

and rice in the primary market.

Specifically, Osinbajo, whose unexpected arrival stunned the traders, called for government’s attention on high cost of market stalls which they put at N250,000 per annum.

Some, who complained

of inadequate markets stalls, also reported the inability of management of the market to complete and make available the stalls they had paid for over a long time.

Osinbajo promised to engage the management and also

encouraged both the traders and Nigerians in general to go into farming.

"The more we farm, the more the costs of products will come down," he said.

Continued on page 8

AMCON Recovers N134bn Debt, Trims Loss to N254.34bn in 2016 ... Page 14 Saturday 27 May, 2017 Vol 22. No 8072. Price: N250

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In Memoriam of Federalism 50 years ago, on May 27, 1967, the true Nigerian Federalism of our founding fathers, lay dead and was buried with the creation of 12 states by General Yakubu Gowon, from the four regions, after General Aguiyi Ironsi, had earlier dismantled regional autonomy, paving the way for a command and control economy, with centralisation and concentration of powers in the Federal Government to the detriment of states. While many are today celebrating freedom for those 12 states, can we imagine what it would have been if we had adhered to the 1963 Constitution? What would Lagos have been?

What would Kano have been? What would Rivers and the rest of Nigeria have been with the devolved powers and Fiscal Federalism of the 1963 Constitution? *This is the first of a two-part series on the creation of states 50 years ago ...See pages i - viii

Ekweremadu: Police Raided My Guest House in Abuja ... Page 14

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MAY 27, 2017• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

PROFILE OF A RESCUE MISSION

I

Governor Darius Ishaku’s remarkable achievement is in the restoration of peace to Taraba, writes Barde Phillips

n a few days from now, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku’s Rescue Agenda in Taraba State will clock two years. The agenda is an innovation in governance packaged by the governor himself and unfolded to the people at his inauguration on May 29, 2015 as an antidote for all the obstacles and the missteps of previous administrations in Taraba State. It is an all-inclusive social, economic and political “tools box” necessary for fixing all the problems that have crippled development in the state in the past. Everything that the administration has done or planned to do in the past two years is anchored on the philosophical foundation provided by the rescue agenda.

The agenda has yielded a lot of dividends. Peace which is a basic requirement for development is the most outstanding achievement under the rescue agenda. Indigenes of the state, particularly those who live there are in a better position to appreciate this viewpoint more. Ask any of them on the streets of Jalingo, Wukari, Takum or Gembu and they will be quick to name peace as the greatest gift the governor has given them. They cannot forget in a hurry the devastation, the social and economic trauma and the humanitarian problems that afflicted the state. It is a nightmare they would never even wish for their enemies.

Today, the markets are back full swing. There were no such places during the crises. People can now go to city and village markets wherever they are located in the state to buy and sell. They could not do so in those days of mayhem. Farmers are also back on their farms working very hard again. They couldn’t dare that in those days of crises. Now the markets are flooded with harvests from their farms and both the sellers and the buyers are enjoying a relationship that is mutually friendly and beneficial. The common enemy of the state remains the foreign Fulani herdsmen who occasionally invade Taraba villages to steal, kill and maim. Government has been very decisive in its handling of these attacks. The people must unite behind the government to permanently end this ugly trend.

The government’s achievement in agriculture under the rescue agenda is far more than the creation of an enabling environment for farmers to return to the farms. In fact, as they say in local parlance, farmers’ level don change in Taraba, courtesy of the various support schemes and programmes designed to promote agriculture. Under the rescue agenda, the income of even the small scale farmer has increased tremendously. Many of them can afford to buy tractors now and some have, indeed, already bought tractors for themselves.

“This is what rescue agenda is all about”, said Governor Ishaku recently during the flag-off of the sale of fertiliser and distribution of other agricultural inputs to farmers. “Agriculture will be transformed into big business and farmers will become richer than contractors”, the governor said. Government has assisted farmers with soft loans, provided fertiliser at highly subsidised prices, in addition to high-yielding seedlings of major crops grown in the state. The government even went a step further to help rice farmers find international markets for their produce, all in an effort to put plenty of money in their pockets and for farming to become more lucrative.

Government has also been directly involved in farming through its Green House project in Jalingo. The farm, the most modern in this part of the world, produces a wide range of vegetables for local consumption and export. It is also helping government fulfil one of its major obligations – job creation. The farm has already employed 250 youths from the state. This will soon increase to 500. It is also a training ground in modern farming techniques, a legacy which will forever continue to impact positively on attitudes and commitment

THE RESCUE AGENDA HAS SIGNIFICANTLY RESOLVED THE CONUNDRUM CALLED POVERTY. SKILLS ACQUISITION IS A CRITICAL ARM OF THE AGENDA. UNDER THE PROGRAMME, MANY UN-EMPLOYED AND HITHERTO UN-EMPLOYABLE WOMEN AND YOUTHS HAVE BECOME SELF-EMPLOYED THROUGH SKILLS ACQUISITION TRAINING ORGANISED FOR THEM

to farming in the state.

The rescue agenda has also significantly resolved the conundrum called poverty. Skills acquisition is a critical arm of the agenda.

Under the programme, many un-employed and hitherto unemployable women and youths have become self-employed through skills acquisition training organised for them. About 335 of them trained in the first phase of the programme have settled down to their own business in various parts of the state with free start-up equipment which include sewing machines, weaving machines, hair dryers, wood carving machines and shoe and soap making equipment. These were accompanied by electricity generators to help them overcome the problem of power instability. Recruitment for the second phase of that scheme has begun in earnest.

Apart from directly and positively changing the lives of individuals, rescue agenda has also profoundly rescued infrastructure of social amenities in the state. Water problem has been comprehensively addressed. The 100 boreholes in 100 communities in the state has been completed and another 150 in 150 communities is about to start. In Jalingo, a gigantic water project that will be the pride of the nation is currently being executed. While this is on-going, existing water infrastructure had been revived and strengthened to meet more of the water needs of the state. The recent introduction of water ATMs to generate revenue and to curtail wastage of water has been received with enthusiasm by the people.

Highways, township roads and rural roads have been reconstructed to ease movement of people and goods. All senatorial districts in the state have had many of their roads reconstructed.

Several abandoned federal road projects in the state have also been completed under an arrangement whereby the state government will be reimbursed later. The revival of direct flights into Jalingo has greatly helped the economy of the state, especially in tourism and commerce. This happened only after the airport, hitherto abandoned by previous administrations received the magic touch of Governor Ishaku, captain of the rescue mission in Taraba.

The agenda has also breathed life into five out of 25 industries inherited by the Ishaku administration in a state of comatose. These include Taraba Gas, Highland Tea, Viva Feed Mills, Polythene and Palm Oil companies; some of them have already started making profit. Cassava processing plant is next on the line for rescue. The sugar production company planned for the state by the Dangote Group but which had failed to see the light of day for the whole of 13 years was eventually rescued by Ishaku on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

On that day Ishaku signed documents which cleared the way for the company to be established after all the encumbrances that had delayed the project had been cleared. This means the creation of thousands of employment opportunities for indigenes of the state.

The list of accomplishments under the rescue agenda in Taraba State is endless. All the sectors have been touched. And those were the two years of unnecessary distraction for the government and the governor caused by numerous court cases brought by those who lost the gubernatorial election of 2015, but who desperately wanted to bend the hands of the courts to upturn the popular mandate freely given to Ishaku. If what was achieved in those two years dogged by unhealthy distractions could be used as yardstick, then one can safely say that what the people have seen of the rescue mission is just the beginning. Greater days of peace and development are here.

Phillips wrote from Jalingo

ABIDJAN: THE PARIS OF AFRICA

I

n 1997, my uncle told me about a twinkle city, which is described as le petit paris, the most dynamic and beautiful city in sub-Saharan Africa. My arrival in Abidjan is an experience impossible to forget. Coming from a city where the only light I saw was via kerosene lanterns and cooking stoves, here I was arriving Ivory Coast at night - the streetlights, the tall buildings in plateau, and the diplomatic residence at Cocody, blew my mind.

I was only 16 when I met a 26-year-old man, who was notorious in the eyes of the society, a radical university student leader, a fighter for justice and a defender of equal rights. Who knew that a short coincidence would bring me closer to one of the most powerful men in Ivory Coast, my friend and big brother, Guillaume Kigbafori Soro, former Prime Minister and presently the President of the Senate in Ivory Coast?

Twenty years later, I was summoned to spend the 46th birthday weekend with Africa’s most dynamic leader, young at heart, strong in the mind, and a political maverick who understands the Motomatic philosophy of leadership - success knows no race or colour; it only celebrates excellence and hard work.

After a little rest, Mr. Cesc, one of Soro’s confidants drove me around the city. I was moved by the beautiful landscape and the

Sijibomi Ogundele celebrates the Ivorian Senate President, Guillaume Kigbafori Soro infrastructural development. I was struck by their speed and level of achievements.

From Liberia to Sudan and from Libya to Libreville, war had been fought; countries and destinies destroyed. But for the first time, I saw the dividends of war, and how implementations of visions are guaranteed by the right mindset, the Will to do things and the dedication to achieve greatness.

In less than 10 years, a country that had gone through one of the most painful civil wars in modern times had evolved into a beauty, howbeit fragile; six new bridges have been built, eight new shopping malls with top international brands, and a dynamic and functional six-lane road system. For a second, it didn’t feel like being in Africa.

Despite the fact he was in a long high profile security meeting, Soro insisted on seeing me immediately. His calmness, humility and humour separate him from his peers.

A part of me was perplexed and the other, impressed. I never could have imagined that in almost 20 years, a simple student who grew up in Abidjan’s poorest neighbourhood could now eat at the leadership table of his nation.

While taking in the beauty of human companionship and long-term friendships, I blurted out the words. “What motivates you, and why are you in politics?” He went calm, fixed his shirt and sat properly. The

room adjusted to his demeanour. He looked at me and said; “Injustice, the unjust system of education and my experience during school. The systemic denial of my scholarship was what pushed me to the wall to stand for my right and eventually the right of others. The injustice of medication and unaffordable healthcare system; the discriminatory banking and financial sector that only supports the one per cent of our society; the injustice of education; the provision and lack of creation of a level playing ground where businesses thrive and young entrepreneurs can achieve whatever they want, not because their aunty is rich or their uncle is a minister but because they have an inept capacity to be the best. This injustice is what wakes me up and keeps me awake. Even when I was offered billions and a sweet position in government, I couldn’t accept because it was contrary to my principles and I would be selling the destiny of my people, I Refused it.’’

I was moved. I had never heard someone describe his purpose in such a passionate manner, with history and experience to back it up. He continued. “No one wanted me here. But with the collaboration of common interest, I was able to achieve this and a lot more work needs to be done.”

GKS as he is usually called didn’t stop there. As we had dinner, he talked about

Nigeria - ‘The America of Africa’. He spoke of his love for General Ibrahim Buhari and wished him good health, his respect for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and how he thinks he is a great political strategist. I didn’t expect him to know so much about Nigeria, its politics and country. But then, this was GSK. He had been to Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Niger, Lagos, and Ota. He spoke lengthily of his love for his brother nation Nigeria, professing his great admiration and keen observation of Nigeria’s Houses of Assembly and its leaders; their never-give-up attributes and leadership, and his mentor and political godfather, Olusegun Obasanjo. Soro expressed his love for a man who has for most of his life dedicated himself to the service of Africa. He said Obansanjo reminded him of Houphouët-Boigny of Ivory Coast. He envied the likes of Aliko Dangote and the bull, Mike Adenuga. He hopes that one day, the Nigerian and Ivorian societies would have a strong enterprising relationship that would help Ivory Coast create the Adenugas and the Dangotes of Africa.

I left Ivory Coast excited and elevated, and thinking to myself, “if only we could have such a leader in Nigeria, who is young at heart, efficient in his doings, genuine in his character, an African Lee Kuan Yew who believes so much in meritocracy, then our society would compete not only regionally, but internationally.”

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MAY 27, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Any lessons?

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Celebrating the ‘Spirit of Lagos’ at 50

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode once affirmed the metropolitan nature as well as the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural composition of Lagos when he said: “Let me assure Lagosians that the state is home to every tribe and ethnic group. We are all brothers in Lagos and it shall continue to be like that”.

Ambode’s position is, of course, a true reflection of the nature of Lagos. Lagos is home to all. Subsequent administrations in the state, especially since the dawn of current political dispensation, have gone to limitless length to preserve the multi-ethnic status of Lagos. Indeed, the peace the state has enjoyed over the years is a manifestation of unrelenting efforts of the state government in accommodating various interest groups in the state.

On a regular basis, the state government organises stakeholders’ forums with leaders of ethnic/tribal communities in the state to rub minds on how to make Lagos a better place for all. Specifically, the state government has a healthy relationship with the various ethnic and tribal groups in the state. The result of this robust relationship is the atmosphere of peace and harmony that reigns in the state.

Without a doubt, Lagos has continued to show the way forward in its commitment to an indivisible Nigeria where no one is denied opportunities for self actualisation on mundane considerations. The state’s primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities and, indeed, other such infrastructure remain accessible to all Nigerians without any discrimination. Through the instrumentality of the State Security Trust Fund, the state government has continued to ensure the safety and security of every Lagos resident.

The public primary and secondary schools in the state have continued to open their doors to all Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic affiliations. Since the inception of the now popular Spelling Bee competition, among public secondary schools in the state, past winners that have emerged as ‘One Day Governors’ amply demonstrate the cosmopolitan nature of the state’s public schools.

Traditionally, the hospitable disposition of Lagosians is legendary. It is a global legend that Lagosians are hospitable people who go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. In Nigeria, Lagos remains a major melting point where all Nigerians could feel at home, irrespective of ethnic and religious differences. There is no other state that has opened its doors to accommodate Nigerians of various shades as Lagos does. Everyone who resides in Lagos is traditionally referred to as a Lagosian.

In Lagos State, excellence and competence remain major factors in the recruitment of its workforce. Apart from the Federal Civil Service, the Lagos State Public Service remains, perhaps, the only one in the country that employs its personnel without regard to ethnic factors. Today, the state public service has in its fold Nigerians that cut across the major ethnic/ tribal divides in the country. While some states in the country employ or even retrench based on ethnic considerations, Lagos State has simply continued its policy of absorbing qualified Nigerians into its public service.

In Nigeria, Lagos remains a bastion of hope for thousands of people, especially youths, who aspire to fulfil their dreams in life. Lagos is a place where a ‘nobody’ could rise to become a noticeable figure in the society. Many have arrived the city-state without a clear-cut picture of what the future holds. But somehow, they eventually become a reference point in their chosen

career.

Many have linked this trend to the ‘Spirit of Lagos’ which is a metaphor for the never say die instinct of a typical Lagosian who is rugged, determined and relentless.

Even in the face of adversity, he stands strong and refuses to give in to defeat or failure. The ‘Spirit of Lagos’ is the heart of Lagos and it is infectious. In Lagos, everyone is a hustler. Don’t ‘dull’ yourself, a euphemism for ‘the necessity for smartness’, is a popular cliché in Lagos. So, everyone that gets to Lagos naturally inhales the bursting Lagos air and suddenly becomes unusually inclined towards attaining success.

And providentially, Lagos never disappoints! There is something for almost everyone in the city. No focused man stays in Lagos and wallows in hopelessness. Another popular cliché in the city goes this way: “it is only a lazy man that stays in Lagos and has nothing doing’. True!

Lagos offers everyone something. From the art to entertainment and from sports to tourism and across every sector, Lagos gives something refreshing to everyone.

Ajegunle represents the undying spirit of Lagos.

Ajegunle typifies the craggy Lagos neighbourhood where one might be tempted to ask as in biblical parlance: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ But just as the much vilified Nazareth paradoxically produced the saviour, Ajegunle, has produced some of the nation’s most famous and iconic sporting and entertainment stars. From Ras Kimono to Majek Fashek, from Daddy Showky to father U-Turn, from Samson Siasia to Taribo West, Ajegunle has become a breeding ground for sporting and entertainment entrepreneurs in the country.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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Rape, Why Me?

hy me? Rape victims ask themselves with pain in their heart. Rape is when someone forcefully has sexual intercourse with someone who has no such desire. Rape can happen to anyone, male or female, young or old. The thing about rape is that while it is going on, it causes physical pain which may last a few days or weeks but the mental and emotional pain lasts forever in the mind of the victims.

They ask themselves questions which no one can answer. They would ask: why didn’t anyone knock on the door or maybe a phone rings? Why didn’t he/she rape my friends who dress provocatively? Why didn’t God help me? What did I do to him/her to deserve this? Did I offend anyone in the past and this my punishment? Why didn’t he/she have mercy on me? Why didn’t he/she listen to my pleas?

Why did I have to go there? Why didn’t I listen to my family and friend’s advice?

Why does it have to be someone I trust the most?

No matter, how often they ask these questions, there is never an answer to them.

Rape victims feel so impure, ashamed,

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

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

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violated, out of place and disorganised.

This is just the little bit of the way they feel.

Everyone knows they have been raped. At least that’s what they think.

They cry themselves to sleep, cry themselves to start a new day and also cry themselves in any closet they could find themselves. Some rape victims have the misfortune of being raped for the rest of their life and already see rape as a way of life. Being a rape victim is more like being sent to a lifetime of emotional and mental trauma.

Rape victims must understand that they own their life. They can either fight or be defeated. When one experiences rape; he\ she should report to the police, close family and friends, NGOs or religious leader, who they trust. It is normal to be frightened or feel people would not believe your allegation.

Don’t get frighten by the threatened words of the rapists who say words like “I would kill you if you say anything”, “nobody would believe you”, “I would get away with what I did to you and no one would do anything to me”.

Princess Precious Osokoya, Lagos

The Small Aspects of London

T

he Guardian newspaper always has a reporter on vigil at Abuja House in London where President Muhammadu Buhari often retired to. What really surprised me is the economy of space about everything London; Abuja House is so small in size that one is always left wondering if President Buhari is actually temporarily resident there. The absence of armed-to-kill security guards at the entrance of the building makes another impression in the mind of the observer, plus the fact that all you need do to get attention from inside the building is press the electric buzzer at the entrance of the building. The Guardian newspaper reporter has pointed out a couple of times that two young adults who bear striking resemblance to President Buhari and Aisha (the guess is this duo is Yusuf Buhari and Hanan Buhari who, as well as Yusuf “Tunde Idiagbon” Sabiu, are intimate caregivers to Mr. President) have been seen entering and leaving Abuja House a number of times but they do not commute in bulletproof convoys; instead they commute in taxi cabs quite ordinarily. Obviously, London is another world from Abuja and other cities of Africa where our leaders live large. One lesson we all can learn from London is if we adopt economy of space in our towns here in Nigeria, we can easily implement central sewage processing and public hygiene and further save costs of upkeep of public officials and ultimately ensure that decent accommodation goes round. We should always keep in mind that the bigger a house the bigger the cost of maintenance and other associated expenses. In this respect, Aso Rock Villa, with its budgeted N5 billion per annum for the State House Clinic, is a monumental waste.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna

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SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 • T H I S D AY

PAGE FOURTEEN Weekend Photo

ALL FOR THE CHILDREN...

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo with select Abuja School Children to kickstart the 2017 Children Day celebration in his office at the State House ...yesterday

STATE HOUSE

AMCON Recovers N134bn Debt, Trims Loss to N254.34bn in 2016 To sell PAN to Dangote, Kaduna and Kebbi states

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku and Obinna Chima The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday put the total of its debt recoveries in 2016 at N134 billion.

The corporation, which disclosed this while unveiling its 2016 financial accounts, however, explained that not all the total amount it said it recovered last year was in cash.

The Head, Finance & Budgeting, AMCON, Mr. Olugbenga Ataiyero, while speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, explained that while N86.9 billion came from cash collection, the amount realised from some obligors that felt that they could settle outstanding obligation through

forfeiture of their assets was about N30.4 billion and property sales was about N8 billion.

The corporation's financial statement showed that AMCON as a company was able to reduce its loss position from N304.2 billion in 2015, to N254.34 billion in 2016.

However, due to losses suffered from of its subsidiaries, the Group total loss increased to N352.15 billion in 2016 from N295.45 billion in 2015.

The AMCON subsidiaries are Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited (PAN), Consolidated Discount House Limited, Aero Contractors and Keystone Bank (as at December 2016).

AMCON said it made gains of N27.15 billion on fair value of its unstructured loans.

It said it recorded efficiency

in loss reduction. For instance, its credit loss expense reduced

by N37 billion in the year under review, just as fair value on its property reduced from N20.26 billion in 2015, to N116 million in the review year. The corporation, through cost saving measures, was able to reduce its expenses by N8 billion.

Ataiyero said the amount that has been contributed by banks into the sinking fund as at date was N913 billion.

"The projection was that the banks were going to grow at 20 per cent, which never came to pass. So, the contribution that we expected from the sinking fund was not up to what we had budgeted. In 2016, we had envisaged that the banks would have contributed about N288 billion, but they actually

contributed only N136 billion.

"So, that was enough for us to pay down the principle.

What we did was just to service the interest of our loan from the CBN. We pray that the contribution to the sinking fund would improve and then our losses would begin to go down. It would have been much better for us as an entity if the contribution from the sinking fund came in through our profit and loss account. But that was not the case. We argued with our auditors and they said it can only go into the reserves.

"So, while we suffer interest expense, the contribution that would have further brought down the losses, could not come through our profit and losses.

But it went into our balance sheet through reserves," he said.

Furthermore, he said the major loss driver was the over N5.7 trillion loan which the corporation had financed at six per cent interest rate.

Earlier, the CEO of AMCON, Ahmed Kuru, reiterated that the corporation was not set up to make profit, but as a resolution vehicle.

"We have stopped putting money into businesses that we takeover in the last two years. The only exception was Arik and that was for obvious reasons. The next four years is going to be critical for AMCON," he said.

Kuru further said the corporation has stopped acquiring bad loans.

"We have engaged all obligors to come and sit down and discuss with AMCON

and people have been made to realise that they must pay their debts," he added.

In addition, Kuru said the corporation is close to selling Peugeot Automobile Nigeria to the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

"We have concluded all processes on the bids since about two months ago, all we are waiting for (now) is the approval of the central bank," Kuru said.

Dangote, in alliance with the states of Kaduna and Kebbi and the Bank of Industry (BOI) development bank made a bid to acquire a majority stake in PAN last year as AMCON seeks to sell off some of the assets it acquired in the wake of the banking crisis.

Ekweremadu: Police Raided My Guest House in Abuja We are unaware of the raid, says police

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu has confirmed that his official guest house was raided yesterday morning by men of the Nigeria Police Force, but this was swiftly denied by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Moshood Jimoh.

A statement issued last night

by Ekweremadu’s Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Uche Anichukwu, lamented that the police, who were from the Special Squad of the Inspector General, searched the guest house located at No. 10 Ganges Street, Maitama, Abuja, without attempting to contact the DSP

or any of his aides.

It recalled that Ekweremadu, just a few weeks ago, had raised the alarm, that security agencies were plotting to conduct a search on a property linked to him, and plant incriminating materials.

The statement however emphasized that nothing was found in yesterday’s search.

Ekweremadu condemned what he described as orchestrated political witch hunt of perceived political opponents, using the security agencies.

The statement reads in full: “At about 8am on Friday, May 26, 2017, men of the Nigeria Police Force from the Inspector

General of Police Special Squad raided the official guest house of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, located at No. 10 Ganges Street, Maitama, Abuja. The police, however, stated at the end of the search that nothing incriminating was found.”

“They met the steward, Oliver Ogenyi, and some of Ekweremadu’s staff and their children in the house. In spite of the fact that they were informed that the property is the guest house of the Deputy President of the Senate, they nevertheless proceeded to thoroughly search the house without establishing

any contact with the Deputy President of the Senate or any of his senior staff. The steward was taken away by the police to the Special Anti-Robbery (SARS) Office, Garki, Abuja, where the IG's Special Squad

office is also located. Ogenyi was later released after making a statement.”

“The Deputy President of the Senate is a law-abiding citizen and does not dispute the fact that the security agencies are

empowered by law to carry out searches on premises in accordance with the law. However, the law requires that the owner of the property or his representative must be informed and should be present during the search.”

OSINBAJO IN SURPRISE VISIT TO GARKI MARKET Speaking to journalists later on the essence of the visit, Osinbajo's media aide, Laolu Akande, said in commemoration of the second year anniversary of the administration, the acting president wanted to know the feelings of the people.

"He wanted to feel the pulse of

Nigerians and hear directly from the people, have one on one with them and assure them that the administration was committed to improve the economy and ensure life gets better for them," he said.

The visit was also designed to appeal to traders to make

prices of commodities affordable to buyers as Moslems begin Ramadan fast.

Earlier in his office at the Presidential Villa, Osinbajo met with school children and gave them gifts in commemoration of this year's Children's Day celebration.

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MAY 27, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Two Years of Blood, Tears and Excuses

I

n the last two years, the Buhari administration has substantially failed to deliver on its promises to Nigerians, leading to unprecedented hardship and killings in the country. The administration must wake up from its slumber, dismantle its legion of sycophants, dump its warped economic policies, appoint pragmatic/result-oriented/competent people into key government positions and curb Boko Haram/Fulani herdsmen.

This is my humble verdict on the two years of the APC-led administration at the federal level. The truth is that no government has ever inflicted so much pain on Nigerians within a short period. The anguish is persisting.

Let’s go to specifics. The Buhari administration’s performance in all the three areas it vowed to effect change – economy, security and anti-corruption - has been below average in the last 24 months. In the area of economy, the APC government promised prosperity, but Nigerians got recession. It is very sad to note that the Buhari administration assumed office without any blueprint for reviving troubled sectors of this country.

The economy is now prostrate, with a negative Gross Domestic Product and inflation at over 17 per cent. Millions of Nigerians have lost their jobs. More are being thrown into the bloated labour market, with factories and businesses closing shop. The National Bureau of Statistics in its unemployment report for the fourth quarter 2016 reported that 3.67 million Nigerians became jobless in 2016. Close to five million Nigerians must have been thrown into the labour market by May 29. The joblessness figures and stories are gory. Just few weeks back, MTN Nigeria sacked 25 per cent of its workers. Ecobank shut 75 branches and sacked hundreds of Nigerians. Our banks have sacked about 10,000 workers in the last two years. Foreign investors are fleeing. The economy recorded its second worst investment inflow in 10 years, attracting a total investment of $908.27m in the first quarter of the 2017 fiscal period.

The $908.27m investment figure, when compared to the $1.55bn which the economy attracted in the fourth quarter of 2016, represents a huge decline of $640.61m or 41.36 per cent. The decline was confirmed by the capital importation report released on Wednesday by the NBS. For Nigerian families, the last two years have been harrowing; no thanks to the alarming rise in the prices of main foods like garri, rice, beans and maize. Never in the history of market prices have Nigerians experienced this level of price increase. Main food items like maize, rice, sorghum and the like are affected by this increment. Foods that hitherto fell within the grip of Nigerians have become illusions on their menu. The latest food inflation figure now stands at 19.3%. A paint bowl of garri now sells for N1,100 from just N250 two years back. A bag of rice is now about N20,000 from just N8000. Things have just got to change.

Everything the APC-led federal government promised to fix remains flat. Why are refineries still not working optimally? They told us so much lies about these refineries.

Why is electricity supply still epileptic?

Why are there still gridlocks on the roads to Apapa ports? How did virtually all the roads leading to these ports turn to death traps? Why have federal roads across the country remained death traps? Why have our federal hospitals remained mere consulting clinics? Why is this government not making progress with the promised diversification of the economy? Why is the contribution of solid mineral to forex inflow still negligible in spite of the vows of the comical Minister for Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi? When will unemployed graduates start getting N5000 monthly stipends?

When will school feeding programme start?

The questions are unending.

Let’s switch to insecurity. The biggest fraud ever perpetrated in this country was the declaration by the Buhari administration on December 2016 that the war against Boko Haram had been won. Two years after, over two million IDPs in 27 camps in Borno State have refused to return home. Why? Their

Buhari

We should not be seen making excuses for our leaders’ flaws as some extremely wicked, selfish, Godless and purposeless people are currently doing for Buhari. To continue to do this amounts to self-degradation.

Our President must re¬tool and lead by example on all fronts to pull out Nigeria from this state of despondency

go about slaughtering Nigerians. As at press time, our soldiers were battling the terrorists in Lake Chad. The last two years also witnessed the unprecedented killing of several officers by the terrorists. They include Lieutenant Colonel O. Umusu, Lt. Colonel K Yusuf, Lt. Colonel Abu Ali, Lt. Colonel B. U. Umar and Captain Victor Ulasi.

The military high command knew quite alright that the war was far from over, but had to bow to pressure from a government that was desperate to celebrate a devious victory and score a cheap political point. They regaled the nation with the flag and Quran of the terrorists, as if that will disable the terrorists. Just as Human Rights Watch remarked in its 2017 report, the conflict is far from over, contrary to government’s claim. The truth is that the terrorists obviously still exist in large numbers and very potent too. Two weeks ago, they entered Amarwa Community on the outskirts of Maiduguri and killed 11 farmers. The University of Maiduguri has been attacked severally. I can’t forget how Boko Haram strolled into the University of Maiduguri in January and killed Professor Aliyu Mani and five others.

I can’t forget the gruesome attack on an Army brigade in Buni Yadi and that on a military facility in Rann. What about the attack on Madagali town that claimed 56 lives? Thousands have been killed in assaults in Magumeri, Malam Fatori, Sabon Garin Kimba, Gashigar, Dalore and so many other places in the North-east.

Lai Mohammed should consider moving his office to Malam Fatori to experience the “victory” over Boko Haram. There is hardly any day without a suicide bomber towns and villages are still unsafe. They striking. Our obviously overwhelmed, have simply abandoned them for Boko Haram, while the terrorists roam freely with over-worked and poorly-motivated few people to kill. This is the truth that must gallant soldiers even dropped bombs on innocent civilians in the IDP camp in be told. Why would a man and his family Rann, leaving close to 300 people dead. choose to remain in a poverty-stricken IDP IDPs still can’t return home because their camp if his village is safe? Why would he remain in a camp where scores of people die towns and villages are still dangerous.

Any terror group capable of attacking daily of hunger, disease and malnutrition military positions remains a very big if his village is safe? These are pertinent threat to any country. The Buhari adminisquestions we should be asking this administration. The December 2016 declaration of tration must honestly rejig the war against victory was a shameful propaganda, as Boko Boko Haram. Our gallant soldiers on the war front must be properly equipped, Haram continues to kill and maim Nigerimotivated and rewarded in line with ans. At a point, I was counting and by May 29, 2016, over 3000 had been killed by Boko global standards.

The menace of rampaging Fulani herdsHaram. I became depressed and stopped men is another gory tale that came with counting. The casualty figure should be the Buhari administration. Never in the close to 5000 now. Under Buhari’s watch, history of this country have we witnessed daily, the blood-thirsty Boko Haram still

such a level of massacre by herdsmen. From Enugu, to Southern Kaduna, to Benue and back to Niger, these herdsmen from hell have been killing and maiming Nigerians unrestrained for two years. Few days back, they attacked Epogi community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, killing 27 people.

Communities across the country have been repeatedly viciously attacked in the last two years. Hundreds of villagers in Godogodo and Gidan Waya communities in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Agatu in Benue State have been killed. These are just a few of the grisly tales of mass killings by the herdsmen ravaging our country.

Unfortunately, the response to these killings by the government and its security agents has been feeble. Just as the Human Rights Writers Associations of Nigeria noted recently, “The ever-widening scope and sophistication of mass killings by armed Fulani attackers and other armed freelance hoodlums engaged in serial kidnappings for ransoms are symptoms of a failed governance capacity in the polity.”

The truth is that Fulani herdsmen have persisted in killing people all over Nigeria because of the failure of the Buhari administration. Clearly, kidnappers, armed robbers and herdsmen have been emboldened by the inaction of our security agencies. They are terrorising ill-fated Nigerians with impunity. We all need to remind Buhari that one of the things he vowed to fight on assumption of office was impunity in all aspects of our nation’s life, insecurity inclusive.

Let’s switch to the hypocritical war against corruption by the Buhari administration.

This federal government has spent the last two years, largely running after opposition party members and perceived enemies in the judiciary, in the name of anti-corruption.

The war against corruption has become a big witch hunt, flavoured with media trial. These political gimmicks have impressed gullible or naive Nigeri¬ans. This is happening while the legendary grass cutter, Babachir Lawal and his cohorts are walking around free. I have argued in previous editions that all those accused of looting must be dealt with according to the laws of our land. The war against corruption must be total. It should not be about APC or PDP. The EFCC must also be allowed to operate independently. However, the reverse has been the case in the last two years.

Virtually all those currently on trial are members of the opposition party? Are we saying that political appointees in APC-controlled states are saints? Some states have been under the control of APC’s merging partners for over 16 years. So, the political appointees here are all above board? No wonder many criminals are decamping to the APC. The ruling party is fast turning into a haven for criminals. I am worried about so much anti-corruption noise at the expense of pragmatic governance. Buhari should spend quality time putting together and implementing economic policies that will turn around our prostrate economy. There has been so much noise about fighting corruption while virtually nothing is happening in critical sectors like road, health, education, housing and power. The majority of Nigerians would love to hear stories about more dialysis machines being installed in hospitals, resumption of abandoned road projects, good infrastructure in our tattered hospitals, universities and polytechnics, new jobs for our graduates, reflation of the economy and other developmental strides.

The biggest challenge we are facing now as a nation is that the people that promised us “Change” are now coming up with all sorts of excuses on why they can’t deliver on their promises. They have also compounded our misery by squandering virtually all the gains of the last 16 years, just within 24 months. We, as Nigerians, must raise our game if we want progress in this country. The truth is that no nation can rise above the quality of its citizens.

We must learn to consistently hold our leaders accountable and insist that elected officials should deliver on their promises. We should not be seen making excuses for our leaders’ flaws as some extremely wicked, selfish, Godless and purposeless people are currently doing for Buhari. To continue to do this amounts to self-degradation. Our President must re¬tool and lead by example on all fronts to pull out Nigeria from this state of despondency.

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NEWS

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 27, 2017

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

Biafra 50th Anniversary: Police Threaten to 'Deal’ with IPOB, MASSOB, BIM over Planned Markets Closure Put all Police formations in South East on red alert

Paul Obi in Abuja The Nigerian Police yesterday warned that it would deal decisively with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) over their proposed closure of all markets and commercial activities in the South East geo-political zone and part of the South South.

The pro-Biafran agitators recently called for the closure of markets and commercial activities ahead of the 50th Biafra Civil War anniversary.

The release of IBOP leader, Nnamdi Kanu has also increased the euphoria by the agitators in the region who have remained consistent over issues of marginalisation and system neglect, particularly, by the President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

However, a statement issued in Abuja, Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moshood Jimoh said the Police would deploy all its strength to deal with any Biafran agitators.

He said: "The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to publications in the media on the planned protests and order of market closure in the South Eastern states on the 30th May, 2017 by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) and other like groups.

"The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regards to the renewed hostilities and subversive propagandas aimed at undermining law and order in some States of the Federation by these groups, their associates, sponsors, apologists and sympathisers.

"Consequently, the Commissioners of Police in the affected States and their supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police, have been directed by the Inspector General of Police

REBUILDING NORTH EAST...

L-R: Archbishop of Kaduna Most Rev. Matthew Man- Oso Ndagoso; representative of European Union and Nigeria Community , Prof. Jan de Volder; Governor of Borno State Kashim Shettima; and Archbishop of Sokoto Bishop Matthew Kukah during the signing of MOU Between Profuturo and Nigeria Northern Governors in Abuja...Yesterday PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBAYO

to be strict, polite, civil and firm in dealing with the situation and put all the Police Personnel and Police Anti-Riot equipment on red alert to deal decisively in accordance with the law with any eventuality from these groups, that can disrupt commercial activities, vehicular movements and safety of lives and properties in some States of the Federation considered to be flash/vulnerable points which have witnessed the unfortunate disturbance of public peace by these groups in the recent

past".

According to Jimoh, "the Force sees the activities of these groups as not only unlawful but highly provocative and capable of causing breach of the peace currently being enjoyed in the South East States and other States of the Federation.

"The planned protests and orders of Market closure and illegal unilateral self-imposed restrictions of vehicular movements by these groups in the affected States should be disregarded by all well-meaning

Nigerians.

"The Nigeria Police Force hereby advised the members of the public to go about their lawful duties and other responsibilities without any fear or apprehension as adequate security arrangements have been put in place for the safety of every Nigerian throughout the Country

by Nigeria Police Force and other Security agencies.

"The Nigeria Police Force is not unaware of the rights of every Nigerian to freedom of expression,

peaceful assembly and association and freedom of movement, as essentials of democracy provided by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended particularly sections 38, 39, 40 and 41.

"However, these rights must be observed with decorum, in good faith and without violating the rights of other millions of Nigerians to free movements and access to public/ private facilities and their means of livelihood on daily basis."

He explained that "the Nigeria

Police while observing the rights of all Nigerians as stated above is equally conscious of the fact that these rights are not absolute as section 45 of the same Constitution provide for derogations to these rights.

"Consequently, the Police will resist the action(s) of any person or group of persons for whatever course that is against the interest of public defence, public safety, public order, public morality and a threat to the rights and freedom of other Nigerians.

ACF Scores Buhari Low in Osinbajo in Surprise Visit to Abuja Sultan Declares Today Ramadan, Infrastructural Development Market, lnteracts with Traders Urges Muslims to Commence Fast John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has scored President Muhammadu Buhari low in the area of infrastructural development since his assumption of office two years ago.

The forum however, applauded the President for the successes recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and corruption.

Assessing the Buhari administration in a statement on Friday in Kaduna, the ACF said the government needed to do more on the rehabilitation and building of more roads as well as ensure the completion of vital projects.

The statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, called for the completion of projects like the Baro Port Terminal, Mambila Power station, KanoMaiduguri dual carriage way,

Calabar- Jalingo-Biu-Maiduguri trunk A road, Kano-Lagos Railway and many others in view of their economic values and direct bearing on the lives of the people.

The forum also noted that the power privatisation arrangement concluded three years ago, had not yielded the desired result and called on the government to take practical steps to improve power supply in the country.

"Power being the driver of the economy has been erratic and low. ACF had earlier called on the federal government to take necessary and practical steps to improve the power supply including reviewing the privatisation.

"The Senate has of recent taken the same position by asking the government to reverse the privatization of the power sector in view of the inability of the private entrepreneurs to improve power supply and distribution" the statement said.

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja As part of activities marking the two years anniversary of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday visited Garki Model Market, Abuja to feel the pulse of Nigerians.

Osinbajo who arrived the market at about 3:10 p.m, was accompanied by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar and some senior presidential aides.

In an unusual manner, the acting president spent meaningful time discussing and interacting with traders in the market who maximised the opportunity to pour out their complaints, especially about high cost of market stalls and prices of food items such as fish, onions and rice in the primary market.

Specifically, Osinbajo, whose unexpected arrival stunned the traders, interacted with individuals who called for government attention

on high cost of market stalls which they put at N250,000 per annum.

Some who complained of inadequate markets stalls, also reported to the acting president, inability of management of the market to complete and make available the stalls they had paid for over a long time.

Osinbajo therefore promised to engage the management and also encouraged both the traders and Nigerians in general to go into farming. "The more we farm, the more the costs of products will come down," he said.

Speaking to journalists later on the essence of the visit, Osinbajo's media aide, Laolu Akande, said in commemoration of the second year anniversary of the administration, the acting president wanted to know the feelings of the people, have one on one interaction with them and simultaneously assure them of government commitment to their wellbeing.

Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, has declared today as the first day of the Ramadan and urged Muslims to commence fast.

Addressing journalists in his palace in Sokoto Friday night, the monarch said the new moon was sighted in many states of the country.

According to him, reliable reports of moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country which included Gombe, Lagos, Argungu Kebbi State, Warri Delta State, Jigawa, Cross Rivers, Benue, Potiskum in Yobe state and Bauchi State, among others.

He said this sighting was duly verified by the National Moonsighting Committee and the Committee in Sokoto. “In accordance with Islamic law and our pursuit of obligatory fast as

third pillar of Islam. We wish to announce that today Friday the 29th day of Shaaban 1438 after Hijra of the Holy prophet Mohammad which is equivalent to May 26, 2017, has marked the end of Shaaban and the beginning of the new month of the Ramadan.

“Consequent upon this, Saturday May 27, 2017 becomes the first day of Ramadan 1438 after Hijra”, he said. The monarch called on Muslims to commence the fasting accordingly and pray fervently for peace to reign in the country.

The Sultan urged the Muslim ummah to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and for God to heal him.

He also implored the Muslim ummah to live in harmony with people of other faiths irrespective of religious and tribal differences and offer supplications for the leadership to succeed in steering the affairs of this country.

Plus

TRIBUTES CHILDREN DAY AUTO FASHION FILE MARITIME PERSPECTIVE

pg. 22 pg. 22 pg. 40 pg. 41 pg 49 pg 50

Nkechikwu Azinge

My Experience with Queen of England, David Beckham

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PLUS

How I Transformed from a Selfdoubter to an International Achiever

A family pictures

A young Nigerian, Nkechikwu Azinge, is making waves by her decision to assist people with sickle cell disease, writes Damilola Oyedele

N

Honoured by the Queen

kechikwu Azinge’s sense of humour and humility is evident in all she does.

She showcases an ability to laugh at herself. An example that readily comes to mind was her narrating how she almost fell while curtseying to the Queen of England.

Just 28 years old, Azinge has already met personalities many people can only dream of. She has been honoured by the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, and has met world renowned footballer, David Beckham, all in recognition of her work with the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF) which she founded in 2010.

In 2015, the University of Warwick doctoral candidate in Law was awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders Award, for her commitment to serving humanity, and she also bagged the Commonwealth Youth Achiever award in the same year.

In 2016, she was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Nigeria.

The Queen’s Young Leaders (QYL) programme selects exceptional young persons who are proven inspirational leaders in their communities.

While its requirements are similar to the requirements for the Commonwealth Youth Achievers, the QYL gives preference to individuals who have overcome challenges to achieve their goals.

“I got to meet House of Lords members, Steve McQueen and other important personalities, but meeting David Beckham was definitely the highlight of my time at Buckingham Palace. I’ve never been a football fan but my dad and brother have always been. They are die-hard Manchester United fans and were over the moon when I informed them of his possible attendance – proxy excitement maybe? I was glad to have meaningful leadership conversations with him and also took selfies,” she said.

The surreal experience of meeting the

Queen, and shaking hands with her was an overwhelming experience.

“I missed my steps whilst curtseying,” she said as she laughed. “To be honest, it still feels surreal because I grew up with great admiration for the British monarch. I may be fortunate enough to interact with various human rights activists and captains of industries, but there are few greater honours than being acknowledged for my service to the community by Queen Elizabeth,” she told THISDAY. The experience is however beyond just the handshake, it remains a symbolic validation of Azinge’s work with the SCAF, from inception. The recognition has exposed her to leadership courses at the University of Cambridge, which she adds, has been instrumental in steering the foundation in the right direction.

The Sickle Cell Experience For her, sickle cell hits close to home.

While not a carrier of the disorder herself, she watched as her twin, Nkem, suffered from the debilitating effects of sickle cell disease. The discovery was met with unanswered questions, uncertainties and endless nights of pain, she recalled. Instead of adopting a defeatist attitude, she sought ways to help, even if it meant deploying tough love.

“Her frequent crises made me more disciplined and alert. For instance, I would threaten to report her if she didn’t take her drugs. We would do our assignments on time – in case a crisis came. Given the expectations of our parents, no reason is enough for failure,” she said, adding that those experiences prepared her for the future, and culminated in the establishment of the foundation.

“My primary inspiration for SCAF was borne out of watching my twin sister undergo series of crisis in Nigeria.

Her health however dramatically im-

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MAY 27, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS

with David Beckham

My Experience with Queen of England, David Beckham proved when she moved to England (for school). I became curious as to how the less privileged with sickle cell disorder get access to quality health care like my sister did. I was further perplexed by the lack of awareness and stigma attached to sickle cell disorder. It is for these reasons that I sourced out like-minded persons and together we started SCAF,” Azinge pointed out.

The foundation, which has reached over 17,000 people across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) including Abuja, conducts free genotype tests, and encourages people to know their genotype. It is also involved in sensitisation about sickle cell anaemia condition. The foundation is funded mainly through grants and donations.

In a Family of Lawyers Azinge’s choice of career seems natural – she was born into a family of lawyers.

Her father is the popular Professor Epiphany Azinge, a law lecturer and former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS). And, her mother is Dr. Valerie Azinge, also a lawyer.

Two of her siblings are lawyers. One can only imagine the kind of conversation in their home. She agreed that the arguments in the house get very interesting, and have been helpful for her thesis.

“My twin sister is the only one who did not study Law. She is a software engineer. Everyone has their views and argues strongly. My twin is catching up with legal stuff now.”

Growing up was exciting, she recalled, and added that her parents chose to discipline through corrections and thought-provoking conversations, rather than spanking.

“My siblings and I spent our formative years in Abuja. I grew up addicted to reading Nigerian novels. My favourite was and still remains Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe. I also loved to listen to Kanye West to the irritation of my three amazing siblings.

I loved playing video games and I was always the goalkeeper whenever my brother and cousins played football. Your guess is as good as mine, I sucked at both,” young Azinge said.

specifically in literature, government and art who used different but unique approaches to instill knowledge and skills in me. Secondly, I was privileged to be able to join a number of clubs, such as the literature and writing club, junior achievers, etc. These clubs offered me specific training on key areas and prepared me to engage in internal and external writing and business competitions,” the young achiever noted.

The Azinges

The NTIC Influence Her can-do spirit was not just influenced by her family background, but by her secondary school, Nigeria Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) formerly Nigeria Turkish International Colleges.

“My formative years were spent at NTIC, and thus, I can proudly say that my ideas, thought patterns and zeal to excel were formed at the college. More important, NTIC made me believe that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. For instance, during my first two years at the college, I struggled to keep my grades high. Mr. Orhan, my mathematics teacher, consistently pushed me to excel not just in mathematics but in other subjects. His hope in my abilities was met with self-doubt and uncertainty.

One day, he called me out to solve an equation and said, ‘I know you can do this. I believe in you,” Azinge recalled.

“This statement spurred faith in my abilities. Needless to say, I solved the equation correctly. After then, I studied harder than ever in all my courses.

Surprisingly, my grades improved and I ranked top of my class till my graduation. Thus, I have no doubt that the

qualities instilled in me have remained crucial in enabling me make decisions and overcome challenges,” she added.

While in junior secondary school, Azinge was inclined to the social sciences. She was gravitating towards human rights, after seeing the impact her mum was making while working at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). She, however, performed better in the sciences in the Junior WAEC exams, and was therefore placed in the science class.

Her school, NTIC however stepped in, and placed her in social sciences class.

“To date, that remains one of the most profound decisions I have made as it made me realise my power to wheel my future,” she said.

She admitted that most competitions in NTIC at the time were focused on the sciences, but she was encouraged to participate in writing competitions.

Things have however changed as there are more social science competitions both nationally and internationally that students can participate in.

“NTIC provided a platform for specialised trainings and excellence in different ways. Firstly, I had amazing teachers,

The Present and the Future The young lawyer plans to specialise in regulatory/compliance law, which involves ensuring that financial institutions obey the law so as to mitigate risk and ensure financial stability and integrity. She also hopes to eventually toe her father’s path, and teach.

She seems on the right path, she is currently a teaching/research assistant at her university, teaching Law and International Business Environment, and Financial Services Regulations.

Azinge is responsible for facilitating group discussions on the subjects and responsible for preparing and delivering lectures on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/ CTF) and enforcement/supervision regarding financial institutions. She is also responsible for communicating key areas of concern deduced from tutorial discussions to module conveners.

The QYL awardee also doubles as the journal/blog editor, Law, Social Justice and Global Development Journal of her institution.

She obtained her first degree in LLB at the University of Leicester, UK with a second class honours (Upper Division) and her master’s in Law at the University of Warwick where she graduated with a distinction.

She expects to round off her doctoral program in September. On the sidelines of her busy schedule, the young achiever enjoys photography, travelling, and reading.

Would she return to Nigeria?

“I’m not sure at the moment, but if God wills, I’m hoping to work here for a few years and then return to Nigeria,” she said.

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T

he works of leading (dead or alive) from BEN ENWONWU, BRUCE ONOBRAKPEYA, BEN OSAWE, ABAYOMI BARBER, JIMOH BURAIMO, OKPU EZE, KOLADE OSINOWO, DAVID DALE, ERHABOR EMOKPAE, GBENGA OFFO, KELANI ABBAS, GERALD CHUKWUMA, TAM FIOFORI,ROM ISICHEI, TAYO OLAYODE, ANTHEA EPPELE, TOLA WEWE, FIDELIS ODOGWU, SADE THOMPSON, TYNA ADEBOWALE, LEMI GHARIOKWU, KUNLE ADEGBORIOYE, ABLADE GLOVER, JOE AMENECHI, FIDELIS ODOGWU, UCHAY JOEL CHIMA, OBINNA MAKATA, NANA NYAN ACQUAH, REUBEN, EL ANATSUI, FRANCIS UDUH and OLA-DELE KUKU was held at the new KIA Motor’s showroom at Akin Adesola and Adeola Odeku Streets on Victoria Island, Lagos, from Saturday, May 20th. to Monday, May 22.The bi-annual art show is organised by Art House Contemporary. Here are some of the personalities at shows pre-view on May 20th.

Photographs by the Director of Photography SUNMI SMART-COLE.

L-R: Mr. Neil Norton, his wife, Laure Beaufils is the Deputy High Commissioner for Britain (in Nigeria), and Ms. Hella Hengstler, commercial counsellor, Austrian Embassy.

Exhibiting artist, Gbenga Offo flanked by Tope Awosika left, and Joseph Orji.

The founder of Art House contemporary and organiser of the show, Ms. Kivita Challaram, nee Aswani and her husband, Mr. Suresh Challaram

L-R: The honoraryConsul General of Switzerland, Mrs. Marlies Allan, nee Ordia, left, and Mrs. Sherifa Coker, a broadcaster and care-giver.

Non-executive directors of FBN Holdings Nigeria Plc., Mr. Omatseyi Ayida, left, and Mr. Folarin Alayande

The British Deputy HIgh Commissioner, Ms. Laure Beaufils, left, Professor Theo Ogunbiyi, a retire surgeon, his wife, Heidi , a physiotherapist and Mr. Sunmi Smart-Cole, photographer and former Managing Editor of The Guardian newspaper group.

The Chairman of Pensions Alliance Ltd., Mr. Rilwan Belo-Osagie, left, and Mr.Olajide Bello, a lawyer

Football agent Oji Ijomanta, left, and star footballer and former NIgerian Captain Nwakwo Kanu.

A director of ART HOURSE, Mrs. Amisha Hathiramani, nee Chellaram, left, her husband, Jacky, the Managing Director of KIA/DANA group and Mrs. Ayona Trimnell, former Head of Corporate Affairs at Diamond Bank, now a PR consultant.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • MAY 27, 2017

EVENTS

Dr. Tunde Soleye, left, and Ms. Asta Baccara.

The son of the founder and a director of ArtHouse, Mr. Aditya Challaram, left, Mr. Jonathan Millard,a real estate expert and Mr. Timi Soleye, a director of Cryo Gas Raven Energy Ltd.

Mr. Suresh Challaram, left, Mr. Murchid Allam and Mr. Bahsoon Maged.

Ms. Gloria Agugua of the Human Resources department of Heirs Holdings, left, Mr. Kelechi Obi and Mr. Obong Idong, a lawyer with Heirs Holdings

Mrs. Lisa Aladekomo, left, her husband,Tomiwa, Mr. Obi Obi and Mr. Chigba Njokanma.

Miss Vivien Oputa, left, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, Mr. Kayode Fahm and Ms. Chidinma Ogbonna

The photographer and journalist, Sunmi Smart-Cole, flanked by Mrs. Kavita Challaram, left, and Ms. Nana Asumah, General Manager of ART HOURSE Contemporary

The founder BLOOM ART, Mrs. Ugoma Adegoke and Mr. Nnamdi Udoh, and Aviation consultant

Ms. Janet Peters, left, fashion designer, Ade Bakare and Ms. Ronke Ladipo.

Mariam Kazeem, left, Zara Rasool, Abi Morgan and Omowunmi Ogundipe a.k.a.D J Omi.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • may 27, 2017

tribute/polity Abdulganiyu Abdul-Razaq

Enduring Legacy of Kwara’s Eminent Son As Kwara State marks its 50th anniversary, Olaoluwakitan Babatunde writes on the life and contribution of Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abdul-Razaq, the state’s first Commissioner of Finance and legal luminary to its development

W

hen Kwara State was created in 1967 by Yakubu Gowon-led military administration, the first Military Governor, Brigadier General David Bamigboye (rtd) who governed the state from 1967 to July 1975 beckoned on Alhaji Abdulganiyu Folorunso Abdul-Razaq, SAN, OFR from his legal profession to join him in the daunting task of running the newly created state as the first Commissioner of Finance.

Before his appointment as a Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Abdul-Razaq has distinguished himself as a successful lawyer with flourishing legal practice that traversed the whole of Northern Nigeria and the South West.

He answered the call to join hands with other compatriots to develop the young state and nurture it. While serving as the commissioner of Finance, he managed the finance of the state to the admiration of the Military Governor and people of the state.

The government then embarked on massive infrastructural development of the entire kwara State with the present Kogi State.

The successive military and civilian regimes in Kwara has continued to build on the solid foundation laid by the administration of the first government of the state where Alhaji Abdul-Razaq played very important and influential role.

The Mutawalli of Ilorin, who is also the first Northerner to become a lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has never looked back as he continues to invest his time and resources towards the development and economic growth of Kwara since its creation 50 years ago To expand the frontiers of knowledge and create an army of educated people that will serve the future manpower need of the state and Nigeria in general, he also in 1967 founded the Ilorin College, Ilorin as the first privately owned secondary school in the state to fill the gap that existed then, in the provision of post-primary education. Before Ilorin College which is now Government High School, Ilorin was established there fewer secondary schools in the whole of Northern Nigeria making it difficult for pupils who finished primary school in Ilorin to get into secondary school. Ilorin College became an elixir for pupils who desired secondary education and their parents.

Speaking on the impact of the school and the contribution of the nonagenarian to the state, a former Commissioner of Education in Kwara and the President of the Ilorin College Old Students Association, Mr. Raji Afolagbe said the founder of his secondary school will forever remain a source of pride for every Kwara man and woman for his vision and sterling qualities.

“His dream was to have a state that will be populated by educated people. He set up Ilorin College to provide quality education for young men and women who will grow to become useful to the state and the entire country. His dream was to have a school that will blossom and excel in all ramifications.

And today, that dream has come to pass. He

He committed his life to public service by working as a Member of the Northern Region House of Assembly from 1959-1962, Nigerian Ambassador to Cote D’Ivoire, 19621964, member, Federal Parliament, 1964-1966, Federal Minister of State for Railways, 1965-1966 and at the creation of Kwara State in 1967 he was the first Commissioner for Finance and later that of Health and Social Welfare from 1967-1972 Abdulganiyu Abdul-Razaq

is a man of big vision. He was our role model.

He was someone we looked up to. He had lot of students that he was paying their school fees despite the fact that he established the school. In fact, let me tell you what he did, he approached some of his friends to give out scholarships. He even had some companies he approached for scholarship. All you just see is that Baba has gotten a scholarship for you and you don’t know how.’’

The National President also said the greatest achievement of the school is the quality of the old students who have gone ahead to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

In his own remark, the first registered student of the school on nominal list who was also the first Senior Prefect and a retired Assistant Contrompler General of Customs, Alhaji Mumini Abdulmalik noted that the founder of the school inspired him and generation of students to success, “he taught us hardwork, integrity and honesty and these are all hallmarks of his own professional and public service career. Ilorin College now GHS prepared us well for life,’’ In the words of Alhaji Saka Isau, SAN also an old student and former Attorney General of Kwara State and former Secretary to the State Government, the foresight Alhaji Abdul-Razaq had was unparalleled .

“He set up our school even though a private school then to fill a major gap. It was his labour of love to meet the secondary

school need of Ilorin Emirate. The available secondary schools then were outside Kwara State and the opportunities to gain admission were very few. Apart from also being the first Principal he inspired and motivated us as a father to his children. He encouraged me to study Law like he did to many people and we all turned out to be successful. That is the impact he made in our lives. For Alhaji Abdulganiyu Folorunso Abdul-Razaq, a nonagenarian and a venerable indigene of Ilorin has continued to shine like a northern star with his continuous service to humanity and his people of Kwara State. In his 62 years post-qualification as a lawyer he has been one of Nigeria’s most successful in history, a pathfinder, trailblazer, inspiration, motivator to generation of lawyers many of whom have passed through his tutelage and to many people who have chosen him as a role model.

He committed his life to public service by working as a Member of the Northern Region House of Assembly from 1959-1962, Nigerian Ambassador to Cote D’Ivoire, 19621964, member, Federal Parliament, 19641966, Federal Minister of State for Railways, 1965-1966 and at the creation of Kwara State in 1967 he was the first Commissioner for Finance and later that of Health and Social Welfare from 1967-1972.

In all his private and public service roles, he left records of service excellence, integrity, commitment to highest ideals of

probity and transparency. For a man who had given his life to the legal profession with unblemished and untainted life in his legal and government jobs, he feels very sad now with allegations of judicial corruption which was unheard of when he was very active.

Reflecting on his active days as a lawyer, he said, “In our days, no one heard of judicial corruption. It was unheard of. We as barristers had no dealings with any judge outside the court.

Judges kept themselves and did not attend parties. In any case, in the earlier days of my practice in Northern Nigeria, judges were mostly British and there were no social interaction with us beyond the court. What is heard of these days is amazing. Truly amazing.’’

Speaking on his father and his life of service to Kwara State and Nigeria in general, Dr. Alimi Abdul-Razaq who holds a Phd in Law and also the Chairman of Bridge House College, Ikoyi Lagos, noted that his entire family and siblings are very proud of their father for his devotion to his people and all those that came in contact with him.

He also spoke about his father’s sense of humour when they both had a conversation recently and his father told him that his feets should be big enough to wear his shoes. ‘’It is important to say that Ilorin College which is now Government High School has become a great testimony to my father’s contribution to human capital development in Kwara State. The school has produced very many successful people. We can only thank God for a life of example our father has lived.

‘Rescue of 82 Chibok Schoolgirls, Proof of FG’s Commitment to Nigerian Child’

S

enator Oluremi Tinubu representing Lagos Central Senatorial District has said the recent rescue of 82 of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls is a proof of the commitment of the Federal Government to the wellbeing of the Nigerian child.

On the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day, she said her prayers were with the remainder of the over 200 girls abducted from their dormitory in Chibok in 2014 who are still in captivity.

Senator Tinubu expressed the hope that the remaining girls would be rescued soon and reunited with their families.

In a letter addressed to the Nigerian Child across the 36 states of the federation, Senator Tinubu also charged the government to provide for those who have been displaced by

insurgency and are often without basic necessities – food, shelter, affordable and accessible health care and education.

“This is your right and I hope that Nigeria can be better to provide you a whole world of opportunities ahead of you. It is my hope that every one of you can be protected from violence such in all its forms such as exploitation and abuse, trafficking, physical and humiliating punishment, harmful traditional practices etc.

However, you must not let the difficulty of the situation around you limit the greatness you carry,” she said.

The letter read: “Dear Nigerian Child, It is the 27th of May, a day set aside to celebrate you a valuable resource, our hope and leaders of tomorrow; appreciate childhood

and address issues that concern you all. Thus, I rejoice with you.

“This children’s day is a joyous one, particularly so, in light of the return of 82 Chibok girls, children like you who were abducted in 2014 and deprived of access to their homes, education, parents and loved ones. The return of these girls is proof of the commitment of this government to your wellbeing. My prayers are with those still in captivity and for their hasty return.

“Some of you, especially those who have been displaced by insurgency, are often without basic necessities – food, shelter, affordable and accessible health care and education.

This is your right and I hope that Nigeria can be better to provide you a whole world of opportunities ahead of you.

“It is my hope that every one of you can be protected from violence such in all its forms such as exploitation and abuse, trafficking, physical and humiliating punishment, harmful traditional practices etc. However, you must not let the difficulty of the situation around you limit the greatness you carry.

“My commitment to you children has not waned. As the Senator representing Lagos Central, I will continue to do my best to ensure better conditions, welfare and opportunities for you all.

“You are the leaders of tomorrow, Nigeria’s future; and everything you do and learn is to prepare you for that great responsibility and equip you with all the necessary tools. Please make the most of it.

“Happy Children’s Day 2017.”

FROM FOUR TO THIRTY-SIX

II

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• A THISDAY SPECIAL REPORT

Sokoto

Kano

North Western State

Kaduna

Nothern Region

Borno

Kano Kaduna

North Eastern State

Bauchi

Niger Benue-Plateau

Kwara Western Region Mid Western Region

Eastern Region

4

Regions of Nigeria 1963 – 1967

Plateau

Kwara

Gongola

Oyo

Western State Lagos

Bendel

Eastern Central State

Cross River

12 Regions of Nigeria

Rivers

1967 – 1976

Ogun

Benue

Ondo

Lagos

Anambra

Bendel Imo

Rivers

Cross River

19

States of Nigeria 1976 – 1987

PROLOGUE

From Four to 36: Celebration of Freedom (I) Bolaji Adebiyi argues that politics rather than the need to facilitate development, drove the creation of states in Nigeria

F

ive of the 36 states of the federation are in a celebratory mood, rolling out the drums to commemorate 50 years of their existence. Created on May 27, 1967 along with seven others, Cross Rivers, Kano, Kwara, Lagos and Rivers States, have retained their distinctive names since creation, even when all, but Lagos, have shed some weight over the years, losing some of their territories and people to an unending phenomenon of state creation.

Lagos and Rivers have been the loudest celebrants though. Most probably because of the deepness of their pockets. The former began the celebrations earlier last year with a committee headed by no less a personality than the Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka, steering the affairs of the huge party. The latter followed suit only last month but is nonetheless hosting a magnificent ball that comes to an end today.

The reasons for the celebrations vary. For Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, the party is a toast to the unity of Nigeria, which he said the state provided the platform for in the last 50 years. Besides, he said, every opportunity must be seized to market the immense economic opportunities that abound in the coastal state.

“The golden jubilee presents a unique opportunity for us not only to celebrate our achievements but also to showcase to the entire world the immense potential waiting to be tapped,” he said, adding: “We are determined and committed as a government, to fully explore all the possibilities presented by this moment to lay a solid foundation for another glorious and prosperous 50 years.”

The sentiment is different in Rivers State, where Governor Nyesom Wike says his people are making merry to mark their independence from oppression.

According to him: “Many of us, who are now enjoy-

ing the fruits of liberty may not truly appreciate what it meant to be dominated, dispossessed, deprived, exploited and oppressed in your own land by the dominant social and political tendencies of the time.

“Before Rivers State was created, our people could not find schools in their neighbourhood, hospitals to treat the sick, universities to educate their children, decent jobs to earn income and good roads to their communities.”

The creation of the state, he noted, had changed this, adding that Rivers had attained greater heights and surmounted development challenges.

“Although we are not where we should be within the matrix of where we want to be, we still have a lot to celebrate and thank God for the 50 years of our existence as a state and as a people with a common destiny,” Wike told a committee he set up in March 2017 to organise the celebrations and explained that the most significant outcome of its existence was that the people were now the masters of their destiny.

Wike struck at the core of the basis of the fragmentation of Nigeria in the name of state creation, arising from the agitations of the minorities against their domination by the majority nationalities. As he noted, however, it remains doubtful if state creation as a tool for dousing minority agitations has indeed fulfilled its objective of securing access to, and, facilitating

economic growth and development for the hitherto marginalised nationalities.

The agitations began in the immediate pre-independence period when the minority groups expressed their fear that they might be strangulated by the majority ethic formations in a post- independence Nigeria and, therefore, sought guarantees from the receding colonial government that their interests would be protected.

The colonial government acceded to this demand, setting up in September, 1957 the Harry Willink Commission to ascertain the fears and suggest measures to allay them. The commission reported that the fears were real even if exaggerated in some instances, but fell short of recommending creation of states for the minorities within the three regions, Northern Region, Western Region and Eastern Region. Instead it recommended constitutional guarantees for their protection against domination through the creations of councils in the minority areas charged with fostering their well-being, cultural advancement and economic and social development.

Although the three regions survived the minority agitations and remained intact at independence in 1960, it was obvious that the resolution of their demand for more concrete arrangements that would insulate them from the dominance of the majority nationalities was merely postponed. With the three majority nationalities dominating the politics and the political parties in control of the regions, it was not long before the fears of the minorities became real as commanding government positions were not only occupied by the majority, provision of socio-economic infrastructures and opportunities were skewed against the minorities.

The Hausa-Fulani dominated the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) in the Northern Region to the detriment of the Middle Belt, consisting largely of the Tiv, Idoma, Igala, Ebira and pockets of Yoruba in the Ilorin Province. The Yoruba controlled the Action Group (AG) in the Western Region with the Edo, Urhobo, and Ijaw feeling excluded. In the Eastern Region, the Ibo were in total charge of the National Council of

F R O M F O U R TO 3 6 : T H E F R A G M E N TAT I O N O F N I G E R I A

Katsina

Sokoto

III

Yobe

Katsina

Sokoto

Borno

Kano

A THISDAY SPECIAL REPORT •

Jigawa

Borno

Kano Kebbi

Kaduna

Bauchi

Niger Gongola

Ondo

Anambra

Bendel Imo

Rivers

Cross River Akwa Ibom

21 States of Nigeria 1987 – 1991

Plateau Taraba

Oyo Kogi

Osun

Benue

Lagos

FCT

Kwara

Ogun Lagos

Benue

Ondo Edo

Anambra

Plateau

Oyo Ogun

Adamawa

Niger FCT

Kwara

Bauchi

Kaduna

Delta

Imo

Rivers

Enugu

Cross

Abia River Akwa Ibom

30 States of Nigeria 1991 – 1996

Caption

Nigeria and Cameroun (NCNC), leaving the CalabarOgoja-Rivers people feeling left in the cold.

But politics rather the genuine need to respond to the yearnings of the minorities for their own identity and development would drive the creation of the Mid-Western Region from the Western Region in 1963. That was made to happen by the NPC, which was intent on reducing the sphere of influence of the opposition AG. Although the AG under Chief Obafemi Awolowo was sympathetic to the cause of the minorities, it was nonetheless disappointed at the politicisation of their genuine agitation for political autonomy as the other minority groups in the North and the East had their demands put on hold.

The military that took over in 1966 inherited the four regional structure and did not tinker with it until political exigency dictated the dissolution of the regions in the following year. The January 1966 Coup led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu, an officer of Ibo extraction, and dominated by his fellow Ibo officers, who killed the Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and the Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa; and the July 1996 counter coup led by Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon whose officers killed the then Head of State, General Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Ibo officer, and several other Ibo officers, had tensed up the country. A pogrom in which many Ibos were killed in the North followed, forcing many of them to retreat to the Eastern Region. The governor of the region, Col. Emeka Ojukwu, felt pained enough by the turn of events to declare the region an independent state, proclaiming in May 1967, the Republic of Biafra.

Gowon sought to break the cohesion of the new republic by excising the minority areas of CalabarOgoja-Rivers from the Eastern Region. On May 27, 1967, he dissolved the four regions and created 12 states. The Eastern Region was broken into three states, South Eastern State, East Central State and Rivers State, effectively isolating the Ibo who were the dominant group in the region and promoters of Biafra. From the Western Region were created two states, Western State and Lagos State. The Mid-West Region was rechristened Mid-West State, while the

36 States

If the new state structure brought succour to the minorities, giving them five states, two in the North, three in the South, it soon created its own contradictions as some larger minority groups became the majority in their respective states to the consternation of the new minority groups

Northern Region was divided into six states, North Western State, North Eastern State, Benue-Plateau State, Kwara State and Kano State.

If the new state structure brought succour to the minorities, giving them five states, two in the North, three in the South, it soon created its own contradictions as some larger minority groups became the majority in their respective states to the consternation of the new minority groups.

Besides, the military who took the country through a gruesome civil war between 1967 and 1970 might have used state creation to put the majority ethic groups in check, to prevent them from threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. Otherwise the 12-state structure had fairly grouped the country along contiguous ethnic nationalities, although the minority groups had to cohabit in a cluster of states.

Agitations for more states, nonetheless, persisted as the new minorities hungered for their own enclave.

Four more state creation exercises followed in 1976, 1987, 1991 and 1996.

Nine years after the first exercise, Gen. Murtala Muhammed who succeeded Gowon created seven new states, bringing them to 19. The beneficiaries on February 3, 1976 were Kaduna, Niger and Sokoto

States from North Western State; Borno, Bauchi and Gongola States were carved out of North Eastern State; while Benue-Plateau was divided into Benue and Plateau States. The Western State got separated into Ogun, Ondo and Oyo States even as East Central State was divided into Anambra and Imo States.

Rivers State was spared any mutilation while South Eastern State got a new name, Cross Rivers State.

In spite of the deafening demands for more states during the civilian interregnum of the President Shehu Shagari administration between 1979 and 1983 no new state could be created because of the stringent conditions prescribed for the exercise by the 1979 Constitution.

But the agitators had their way again on September 23, 1987 when Gen. Ibrahim Babangida created two more states, expanding the federating units to 21.

From Kaduna State was created Katsina State, while Akwa Ibom State was shaved off Cross Rivers State.

Four years later, the gap-toothed general increased the states to 30 on August 27, 1991, creating nine more units. Abia State came out of Imo State; Gongola State became Adamawa and Taraba States; Enugu State emerged from Anambra State; Bendel State became Edo and Delta States; Jigawa State was excised from Kano State; Yobe State was split from Borno State; Kebbi State was created from Sokoto State; Osun State was created from Oyo State; and Kogi State came out of Kwara State.

Six more states joined the fray to increase the state structure to 36 on October 1, 1996 when Gen. Sani Abacha created Ebonyi State from Abia and Enugu States; Bayelsa State from Rivers State; Nasarawa State from Benue and Plateau States; Zamfara State from Sokoto State; Gombe State from Bauchi State and Ekiti State from Ondo State.

Even with a 36 state structure plus Abuja, the federal capital territory, the agitations have not stopped with scores thronging the National Assembly in Abuja for the creation of their own state. At the 2014 National Conference put together in Abuja by President Goodluck Jonathan, the matter was topical and the conference recommended the creation of 19 more states to bring the federating units to 50.

In all these, it did not matter though that most of the states were unviable as they were unable to meet their basic obligations, including payment of workers’ salaries. Yet the multiplicity of states has not substantially achieved its advertised purpose of facilitating the development of the country. As many analysts have noted, this could not have been otherwise given the attendant size of the bureaucracy and its cost of maintenance, which has forced the country to spend a whopping 70 per cent of its annual income on recurrent expenditure. Meanwhile very few states and the federal government utilise up to 50 per cent of their 30 per cent capital expenditure.

No wonder, therefore, many of the states remain backward, lacking in most basic infrastructures needed for the economic development that would elevate the living conditions of the people on whose behalf the agitations for state creation were waged.

As the five states celebrate their 50 years of existence, it is extremely important, as Rivers State Governor Wike, pointed out in one his celebratory engagements, that Nigeria and Nigerians do a sober introspection on the state of their federation, which appears to be under performing in spite of the promises that the splitting of the old regions offered.

IV

F R O M F O U R TO 3 6 : T H E F R A G M E N TAT I O N O F N I G E R I A

• A THISDAY SPECIAL REPORT

LAGOS AT 50: A STATE AND ITS SUCCESS STORY

By Samuel Ajayi

I

n the course of the ongoing war on terror, a debate has raged on the most critical factor negating the operations against the Boko Haram terrorists: lack of adequate armament, poor morale among the troops and sheer indiscipline on their part.

“There was tension in the country”, Pa Nofiu Ajagbe, an octogenarian and a resident of Mushin, a suburb of Lagos, said as he reminisced on the creation of the state he proudly calls his own, 50 years ago.

“There were threats of civil war in the East and when it was announced that the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was to address the nation, coupled with rumours that the four regions were to give way to states, we were expectantly excited because we believed Lagos would also be made a state. We were not disappointed. I am happy that I am still alive 50 years after the creation of the state.”

The billboards across the metropolis celebrating the milestone may not include the image of Pa. Ajagbe. But people like him share in the success of Lagos as a political entity in the last 50 years. While he clearly belongs to the galaxy of stars that are receding, he is also part of the generation that witnessed what can be described as a golden era.

Lagos State was created, alongside other 11 states, on 27 May 1967 via the State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of 1967. It was a decree that effectively ended the regional structure of the Nigerian federation, transforming it into 12 states.

Before the creation of these states, it must be noted that Lagos, as the country’s capital, had been administered directly by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Lagos Affairs. But it was not the whole of Lagos State as presently known.

Places like Ikeja, Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry were administered by the then Western Regional Government. Lagos city along with these other towns were to form the new Lagos State with the state becoming fully recognised as a semi-autonomous administrative division on the 11th April, 1968.

The Challenges of Dual Roles…

Upon creation, Lagos had to play the dual role of a state, and the political as well as the administrative capital of the country. This brought upon the then young state, massive challenges that came to a head during the economic boom of the early ‘70s. With rising oil revenue occasioned by the Arab-Israeli war, Nigeria made huge money from oil proceeds and this brought about noticeable improvement in the standard of living of the average Nigerian.

Importation became Nigeria’s second name and this included vehicles. Traffic gridlock became the rule rather than the exception and Lagos was almost at a breaking point. Even the introduction of odd and even numbers did not help matters. Not until the federal capital was mercifully moved to Abuja.

A True Melting Pot, Land of ‘Success Stories’ Lagos opened its doors to other Nigerians.

They grabbed the offer and flourished. A land of massive opportunities where dreams usually come true, the alluring pull by Lagos meant that Nigerians from other parts of

Brig. Mobolaji Johnson

the country have found Lagos a good land of opportunities in the last 50 years. Name that tribe and mention that ethnic group that is not adequately represented in Lagos and you will be searching for a pin in a hay sac.

Businesses flourished in Lagos and wealth was created. Many came to Lagos and they turned their backs on their familiar places.

They faced a new world that gave them hope and chance to live their dreams and realise their aspirations. From Igbo across the Niger to Kanuri across the Benue, Lagos took into its large belly an army of Nigerian dreamers who wanted to validate their economic cravings.

When the story of the last 50 years is told, a considerable section will surely be dedicated to the success stories of these Nigerians who came to Lagos, toiled and were rewarded before returning home fulfilled men and women. Perhaps, whoever coined the tagline: ‘Lagos My Success Story’, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the state surely had these other Nigerians in mind.

Its Population, Its Blessing…

Approximately, Lagos’ population is put at over 20 million. That is massive and this makes it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. And one thing that has worked for Lagos over the years was this massive population. The number of people who live in the state has always ensured that exploiting the advantage of critical mass to sell goods and services will always be a veritable tool of commercial success. That is why businesses that struggle to break even in other parts of the country usually enjoy good patronage in Lagos.

Conversely, it is not only those who carry out commercial activities in Lagos that have benefitted from the advantage of its massive population, but also successive governments of the state. Every month alone, the state makes almost N40billion from internally generated revenue. And the bulk of this comes from taxes and rates being paid by business owners, registration of businesses, government approvals and other charges.

Lagos Expands In the last 50 years, while all the states it was created along with have shrunk in size through further creation new of states,

pupils could not attend schools. Governor Jakande changed this. He invested in the construction of classrooms which were criticised then as being more or less ‘poultries’ but actually served the purpose for which they were built. Since then, Lagos has never looked back.

In 1999, 20 years after the coming of Jakande, Lagos fell under different party from the one holding sway at the federal level.

The new governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, was keen on ensuring the spirit of true federalism was kept alive in the running of the federation. One major issue that signposted this was when the state created additional 37 local governments which the National Assembly refused to recognise.

The federal government had its say but somehow, Lagos State had its way. The federal government withheld the statutory allocation of Lagos State local governments for over 20 months. Though the newly created local governments were redesignated as local council development areas, but the 57-council structure remains till today.

Akinwunmi Ambode

PAST GOVERNORS OF LAGOS STATE Brig. Mobolaji Johnson* Cdr. Adekunle Lawal * Cdr. Ndubisi Kanu * Cdr. Ebitu Ukiwe * Alhaji Lateef Jakande Air Cdr. Gbolahan Mudashiru* Nvy Capt. Mike Akhigbe * Brig. Gen. Raji Rasaki * Sir Michael Otedola Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola * Col. Buba Mohammed Marwa* Bola Ahmed Tinubu Raji Babatunde Fashola Akinwunmi Ambode

1967 – 1975 1975 – 1977 1977 – 1978 1978 – 1979 1979 – 1983 1984 – 1986 1986 – 1988 1988 – 1992 1992 – 1993 1993 – 1996 1996 – 1999 1999 – 2007 2007 – 2015 2015 – Date

*Military Administrations

Lagos has remained untouched since 1967.

As a matter of fact, rather than shrink, it has expanded into the ocean and surrounding lagoons through massive land reclamation process By the time Lagos was created in 1967, places like Victoria Island, Lekki, parts of Apapa, Victoria Garden City and others like that were not in existence. Pressures for land to take care of development and the cravings of the rich and the affluent led to the creation and sand-filling of hitherto water-filled places to establish new towns and settlements.

Democracy, ‘Brushes’ and Challenges…

In 1979, with the return of democracy, Lagos State and the federal government fell under different political parties. While the then National Party of Nigeria, NPN, controlled the federal government, the now defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, was in control of Lagos. The performance of the then governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, began the trend of Lagos being blessed with visionary leaders.

Major milestones of that era were massive development of residential estates for rising population of the state and massive investment in education. Locations that were considered rural and inaccessible were opened up with roads, and estates built there.

In the area of education, dearth of infrastructure created a situation whereby some

The Last Ten Years Since 2007, Lagos State seemed to have recognised the need to improve on its infrastructure. Roads, schools, hospitals, water projects, markets and so on were the major areas where the governments have invested massively to change the face of the state.

While Governor Tinubu laid the foundation and Governor Babatunde Fashola built on it, one man who has taken the infrastructural development of Lagos to another level is the incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. His strides in the last two years have shown that he has what it takes to take the state to the next level. His investment in schools, bridges, roads and hospitals and above all, policy formulation have shown that he is the right man for the job. Ambode is changing the face of Lagos.

Could Lagos Have Done More?

While successive governors of Lagos State, both military and civilian, have always been commended for people-oriented programmes, there are those who feel, and rightly so, that going by the resources available to the state, they could have performed better. There are still many roads that have not been renovated in the state, let alone tarred. Many schools still need a face-lift and apart from these, many rural areas have not been opened up to improve the quality of lives of the people in those areas.

“Lagos can do better,” a resident of the state who craved anonymity told THISDAY. “Going by the billions of naira that go into the state’s coffers every month, the state can do more than it is currently doing. While we commend the efforts of the present and past governors, We can see some inclusive progress in the last two years. We want more.

That is the bitter truth. Lagos is working, as they like saying. But it can still work better.”

While there might be some truism in this assertion, it won’t dampen the excitement in the state, which has been in a celebratory mood in the last one month. Every other thing can wait as the state rolls out the drums. Pa. Ajagbe won’t like to miss these celebrations.

F R O M F O U R TO 3 6 : T H E F R A G M E N TAT I O N O F N I G E R I A

A THISDAY SPECIAL REPORT •

V

RIVERS: FROM UNCERTAINTY TO STABILITY

By Ernest Chinwo

T

he first Military Governor of the Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, on May 3, while speaking at the Traditional Rulers’ Day as part of the activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the state recounted the uncertainty that surrounded the takeoff of the state on May 27, 1967.

He recalled how, out of the six states created by military fiat on that May 27, 1967, Rivers was the only one totally enmeshed in the Nigerian Civil War. The other four states, namely Kano, Benue Plateau, Kwara and Lagos were relatively shielded from the effects of the civil war.

Not knowing the way the war would go, and struggling to put together the institution of governance in the new state, nothing was certain and the young military administrator had to employ extraordinary wisdom and cooperation of agitators of the state to get the government running.

“Believe me, it was a period of uncertainty.

But we had to put the structure of government in place using the available manpower at our disposal,” he said.

However, what started as an uncertainty has become the Treasure Base of the Nation and now a trailblazer in the po0litical and economic development of the country.

Diete-Spiff and his team laid a solid foundation that has not been surpassed by any state in the federation.

Apart from setting up a bureaucracy that was the bedrock of governance and oiled the wheel of progress in the state, the Diete-Spiff put in place necessary infrastructure that have stood the test of time. Rivers State still boasts of the best secretariat built in the early 1970s. The Point Block, built in the 1970s, still remains the tallest building in the state.

The Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre and the Sharks Stadium were some of the legacies of that administration. Above all, the Diete-Spiff administration produced the master plan for the development of the state.

To accelerate the development of manpower for the state, the administration introduced the award of both regular and special scholarship programmes for students in both secondary and tertiary institutions both within and outside the country. The result is that where the state suffered a shortfall in manpower in the 1970s, the state has surplus and indeed exports same today.

When the government of General Yakubu Gowon was toppled in July 1975, Diete-Spiff also left the stage for then Lt. Col. Zamani Lekwot to take over. Lekwot was also replaced by Navy Commander Suleiman Saidu who was in the saddle till the birth of the Second Republic in 1979 when Chief Melford Okilo was elected first civilian governor of the state on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Lekwot and Saidu only built on the foundation laid by Diete-Spiff. The only significant change came during the civilian administration headed by Chief Melford Okilo who introduced the Decentralisation Policy and attempted the development of new towns to decongest Port Harcourt, the capital city.

Before Okilo’s programmes would pay the desired dividends, however, the military made another incursion into the governance of the country with the overthrow of the President Shehu Shagari-led civilian government and the advent of the military junta led by then Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Then came the administration of Police Commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome in January, 1984 that lasted till August, 1986. He was followed

by Brigadier General Anthony Ukpo August 26, 1986 when General Ibrahim Babangida dethroned Buhari. Then followed Ernest Adeleye (July 1988 – August, 1990) and Godwin Abe (August, 1990 – January, 1992).

Then followed the next civilian governor, Chief Rufus Ada George (January, 1992 – November, 1993) during Babangida’s unending transition programme.

The state was then governed by another set of military administrators: Dauda Komo (December 9, 1993 – August 22, 1996), Musa Shehu (August 22, 1996 to August 1998) and Sam Ewang (August, 1988 – May, 1999).

In 1996, the Western Ijaw local government areas of Bayelsa, Yenegoa and Sagbama were carved out by the military government to create the present-day Bayelsa State.

With the return of democracy in 1999, Sir Peter Odili, a medical doctor, was elected governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to become the first elected

Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff

governor of the new Rivers State. After serving two tenures, he was succeeded by Sir Celestine Omehia, also of the PDP, on May 29, 2007.

But Omehia’s tenure was short-lived as the Supreme Court on October, 2007 ordered that he be replaced by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi (PDP). Amaechi was therefore sworn in and he governed the state for two tenures till May 29, 2015.

However, in 2014, Amaechi defected to the newly-formed All Progressives Congress (APC), changing the political face of the state.

The ensuing political crisis generated by Amaechi’s defection and face-off with the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, led to the closure of the state House of Assembly and the Judiciary which are basic institutions in a democracy, for more than one year because of his fear of impeachment.

However, Nyesom Wike, retrieved the governorship for the PDP in the general election of 2015, effectively retaining the state for the PDP despite the loss of the party at the federal level.

Although the APC contested Wike’s victory up to the Supreme Court, the apex court ultimately declared Wike the winner of the election.

But rather than douse the political tension in the state, the APC’s attempt to stop the swearing-in of Wike on May 29 and the subsequent battles at the Election Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, introduced a new divisiveness in the politics of the state.

For the first time in its history, the state has been thrown into a political battle, replete with hate speeches, rigid clinging to political families and the attendant tension unknown to the politics of the state.

Rescheduled state and national assembly elections in the state saw the unmitigated militarisation of the state, with security agents fully involved in manipulation of electoral process for their masters, with attendant support for candidates. Many lives were lost and the peoples’ psyche abused.

However, despite the APC’s spirited effort to wrest the state from the PDP using federal might and agencies, the PDP managed to retain control of the state with the governorship and the overwhelming majority in the state House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

On his inauguration as the governor on May 29, Wike immediately took steps and reopened both the House of Assembly and the Judiciary.

He also normalised appointments in the State Judiciary and returned the judiciary to full functionality.

But while the state has witnessed major upheavals in its political development especially since 2014, the state has made tremendous strides in its economic development since creation.

From a modest economy in 1967, Rivers State is currently home to two refineries, a petrochemical industry and two fertiliser plants (Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited and Notore Industries Limited), Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Bonny; the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne; two sea ports, one international airport and several international oil companies, making the state the hub of the

Goverrnor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike

PAST GOVERNORS OF RIVERS STATE Alfred Diete-Spiff * 1967 – 1975 Maj. Gen. Zamani Lekwot* 1975 – 1978 Nvy Cdr. Suleiman Saidu* 1978 – 1979 Sen. Melford Okilo 1979 – 1983 CP Fidelis Oyakhilome 1984 – 1986 Brig. Gen Anthony Ukpo* 1986 – 1988 Ernest Adelaye* 1988 – 1990 Godwin Abbe* 1990 – 1992 Rufus Ada George 1992 – 1993 Dauda Komo* 1993 – 1996 Musa Shehu* 1996 – 1998 Sam Ewang* 1998 – 1999 Peter Odili 1999 – 2007 Celestine Omehia 29 May – Oct 2007 Chibuike Amaechi 2007 – 2015 Nyesom Ezenwo Wike 2015 – Date *Military Administrations

nation’s oil and gas industry; and several other manufacturing and extractive companies.

According to Wikipedia, “Rivers State has maintained its importance as a leading supplier of wealth to the nation for centuries. In 2007, the state ranked 2nd nationwide with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $21.07 billion and a per capita income of $3,965.

In terms of natural resources, the state is famous for its vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas. “It was perhaps the richest and most important section of the African zone of the British Empire,” Wikipedia said, adding that “More than 60 per cent of the country’s output of crude oil is produced in the state”. Other natural resources found within its boundaries are silica sand, glass sand and clay.

In agriculture, Rivers State is one of the leading states in the production of yam, cassava, cocoyam, maize, rice and beans.

About 39 per cent of the state’s total land mass, particularly in the upland area, is suitable for cultivation. Major cash crops produced are oil palm products, rubber, coconut, raffia palm and jute. Other crops grown for food include vegetables, melon, pineapples, mango, pepper, banana and plantain. The fishing industry is an important sector in Rivers State.

“There are approximately 270 species of fish existing; with many artisanal fishermen in the riverine areas. The state provides valuable seafood such as crabs, oysters, shrimps and sea snails among others,” experts say.

In terms of education, the state, in addition to thousands of government-owned primary schools and hundreds of secondary schools, has several tertiary institutions. These include the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, established by the federal government in 1975; the Rivers State University, founded in 1980 by the state government; the School of Health Technology, Port Harcourt, established by the state government; the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku and the state-owned Ken Saro-

Wiwa Polytechnic (Rivers State Polytechnic), Bori; Ignatius Ajuru University, Rumuolumeni; and the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Rumueme, Port Harcourt in addition to the Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt.

Despite the economic status of the state, it has witnessed some challenges in addition to the politics-induced ones mentioned above.

These include cultism and militancy that ravaged the state in early 2000 to 2008 until the Federal Government Amnesty Programme helped to stem the tide and bring it under control.

But while the militancy has drastically reduced, a new wave of illegal refineries especially in the creeks surfaced with its attendant negative impact on the environment. This came with the devastation of the environment of Ogoniland and other parts of the state by the operations of the international oil companies.

It is however worthy of note that these challenges are being addressed. While the Federal Government has set up machinery for the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the Cleanup of Ogoniland, the state government, under the Wike administration, has also granted amnesty to repentant cultists, thereby reducing the rate of crime in the state.

Gradually peace has returned to the state and businesses that fled the state have returned and the economy of the state is on the rise again because of confidence in the policies and projects of the present administration.

This is not surprising. Since the coming of Wike as governor, the state has witnessed a new wave of development and projects execution that has earned Wike the recognition as Mr. Projects.

Hardly a week passes without the governor inaugurating or starting a new project even when most governors cannot pay salaries because of recession in the nation.

As the state set out to celebrate its Golden Jubilee, Governor Wike has called for reconciliation of all political interests to appreciate the sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state./ While inaugurating that Golden Jubilee Committee, Wike stated that the anniversary is a celebration of the liberation of Rivers people from the forces of deprivation, oppression and domination.

Wike said: “Many of us who are now enjoying the fruits of liberty may not truly appreciate what it meant to be dominated, dispossessed, deprived, exploited and oppressed in your own land by the dominant social and political tendencies of the time.

“Before Rivers State was created, our people could not find schools in their neighbourhood, hospitals to treat the sick, universities to educate their children, decent jobs to earn income and good roads to their communities.”

The governor noted that since the creation of Rivers State on May 27, 1967, the state has attained greater heights and surmounted development challenges.

He said: “For 50 years, we have lived and toiled together in pursuit of the vision of our founding fathers who put in and sacrificed everything, including their lives, to ensure the creation of this beautiful state we all love and proud of, indigenes and non-indigenes alike.”

The governor noted that the most important thing about the creation of Rivers State is that the people of the state are now masters of their own destiny.

He said: “Although we are not where we should be within the matrix of where we want to be, we still have a lot to celebrate, and thank God for the 50 years of our existence as a state and as a people with a common destiny.

“Besides, after 50 unbroken years on a journey, it is proper for us to take a little moment to retrospect on the progress already made, examine our prospects and set our eyes on the next era of the march to progress with optimism.”

On January 25, the state started the celebrations with the unveiling of the anniversary logo.

Wike has also lined up several projects to be unveiled in the course of the celebrations.

These include the inauguration of the Pleasure Park, The Ecumenical Centre, and several road projects, among others.

Already, the state is wearing a festive mood as several parts of the state have been decorated and programmes set to involve all segments of the society in the month-long celebrations. It is only hoped that, as the governor said, that the celebrations will reunite the people and prepare them for the journey of the state into the future.

VI

F R O M F O U R TO 3 6 : T H E F R A G M E N TAT I O N O F N I G E R I A

• A THISDAY SPECIAL REPORT

KANO: THE COMMERCIAL OF THE SAHEL

By Samuel Ajayi Additional reports by Ibrahim Shuaibu

K

ano State is 50. But that is not the news. Before being named a state, Kano had been the commercial nerve centre of the entire northern part of the country. But it is deeper than that.

Kano is a city that has been a melting pot of different groups and nationalities. Though divided by their faiths and their cultural backgrounds, they were however not divided by the need to make their commercial vocations a huge success.

Kano was also one of the seven Hausa kingdoms founded by the descendent of Bayajidda which flourished for about 500 years before the 1st century jihad of Shehu Usman Bin Fodio. The seven Hausa Kingdoms were Daura, Kano, Katsina, Gobir, and Garin Gabas in Jigawa State.

And that is what marks Kano State out as it marks the 50th anniversary of its creation.

Kano and the other eleven states created by the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, were children of circumstances.

They were created to stave off an impending national doom in the form of the looming civil war that ravaged the eastern part of the country between 1967 and 1970. The other states were Rivers, Kwara, Lagos, Western, Benue-Plateau, Mid-Western, East-Central, South-Eastern, North-Eastern, North-Central and North-Western.

Gowon had said in the speech announcing the creation of these states: “The country has a long history of wellarticulated demands for states. The fears of minorities were explained in great detail and set out in the report of the Willink Commission appointed by the British in 1958.

More recently, there has been extensive discussion in Regional Consultative Committees and Leaders-of-Thought Conferences.

Resolutions have been adopted demanding the creation of states in the North and in Lagos. Petitions from minority areas in the East which have been subjected to violent intimidation by the Eastern Military Government have been widely publicised.

While the present circumstances regrettably do not allow for consultations through plebiscites, I am satisfied that the creation of new states as the only possible basis for stability and equality is the overwhelming desire of the vast majority of Nigerians. To ensure justice, these states are being created simultaneously.”

Home of the Talakawas…

If there is one legacy that Kano has bequeathed to Nigerian politics, it is the politics of progressivism and welfarism as expounded by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, founder of the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, on which platform he contested and lost the 1979 presidential election. His protégé and followers, the late Abubakar Rimi and Balarabe Musa won elections into the governorship seats of Kano and Kaduna States respectively in 1979.

The two governors were known for their people-oriented policies and projects; though Musa was impeached in 1981, Rimi did not complete his own term as he too was impeached and replaced by Alhaji Audu Dawakin Tofa before the late Alhaji Sabo Barkin Zuwo eventually won the governorship election of August 16, 1983.

an important aspect of the economy. These are in addition to poultry and fish farming which are gradually becoming important.

Small in Land Mass, Massive in Population…

While many, especially those from the southern part of the country, have always disputed this, Kano State has the highest number of local governments in the country: 44 in all. And going by the 2006 census, Kano has about 9.5million people living in it.

Late Police Commissioner Audu Bako

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

And Kano Lost its Innocence…

Settled in Kano since 1945 and of Cameroonian descent, the late Mohammed Marwa (not General Buba Marwa) was the founder of the Yah Tatsine Islamic sect in the ancient city. Violently against some tenets of the religion, Marwa, who was later known as Maitatsine, was against owning cars, watches, bicycles and electronics. He preached against these things and naturally, he was always having brushes with the law.

This came to a head in 1980 when religious riots broke out in the ancient city of Kano orchestrated by the Maitatsine sect and by the time smoking guns and blazing fires came down, over 5000 lay dead, including Marwa (Maitatsine) himself.

It seemed it was the baptism of fire that Kano State needed to turn it into a theatre of religious crisis. Reason being that since then, the state has witnessed so many other religious riots.

PAST GOVERNORS OF KANO STATE

An Evergreen Centre of Commerce and Agriculture…

Despite social and religious upheavals, Kano has refused to lose its sense of commercial appeal. A major commercial nerve centre south of the Sahara, the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano has remained a lucrative destination for airlines. This is apart from the fact that traders from different parts of the country still go to the state to buy goods which they sell down south. Kano is also known as an undisputable home of textiles. This is as old as the city itself and it is no surprise that it has been a major attraction for those who need them from different parts of the West African region.

Kano is also an agrarian state. Agriculture is another major economic mainstay; at least 85 per cent of the population is involved in it. Before the oil boom of the 1970s, Kano state was the largest producer of groundnut, producing more than 80 per cent of world tonnage, making the crop hitherto to be one of the nation’s principal revenue earners.

Kano is also popular in the exportation and production of cotton, guinea corn, maize, cowpea maize, rice, wheat and a wide range of vegetables. Livestock production particularly cattle, sheep and goats is

Name: Kano State Population: 9.4million (2006 census) Number of Local Governments: 44 Number of State Assembly: 40 Number of Senatorial Districts: 3 Names of Senators: Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kabiru Gaya and Barau Jibrin

CP Alhaji Audu Bako 1967 – 1975 Col. Sani Bello 1975 – 1978 Grp Capt. Ishaya Aboi Shekari 1978 – 1979 Alhaji Abubakar Rimi 1979 – 1983 Alhaji Audu Dawakin Tofa 1983 Alhaji Sabo Bakin Zuwo Oct – Dec 1983 Air Cdr. Hamza Abdullahi 1984 – 1985 Col. Ahmed Daku 1985 – 1986 Grp Capt. Ndatsu Umaru 1986 – 1988 Col. Idris Garba 1988 – 1992 Arch. Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya 1992 – 1993 Col. Abdullahi Wase 1993 – 1996 Col. Dominic Oneya 1996 – 1998 Col. Aminu Isa Kontagora 1998 – 1999 Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso 1999 – 2003 Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau 2003 – 2011 Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso 2011 – 2015 Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje 2015 – Date

KANO STATE QUICK FACTS

Kano is also an agrarian state... at least 85 per cent of the population is involved in it. Before the oil boom of the 1970s, Kano state was the largest producer of groundnut, producing more than 80 per cent of world tonnage, making the crop hitherto to be one of the nation’s principal revenue earners.

Royalty, Opulence and Tourism Meet in Kano…

The late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, who died in 2014, brought class and dignity to the throne. But from anyone that occupies the exalted office of the Kano Emirate, nothing less was expected. And that is one major thing that stands the state out. His successor, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has continued in that tradition. A former governor of the Central Bank, Sanusi came to the throne on the strength of having made his mark in the banking sector.

In the state are many historical monuments. They bear testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the state. From the top of Dala hill, one beholds the splendour of the city and its environs that gives the impression that Kano is really a place where the old and new stands side by side.

Among the relics of the past are the emir’s palace, city wall, Dala and Goron Dutse hills and the Kofar Mata dye pit. All these are more than 500 years old, also in the city is the Kurmi market which is over 100 years and was built by the Sarkin Kano, Muhammad Rumfa, during the hey day of the trans Sahara trade between the Magreb (North Africa) and rain forest areas of West Africa.

Challenges and Chequered History…

Kano State has had to deal with challenges that face any state in a lopsided federalism as being practiced in Nigeria. While the state remains a centre of commerce, religious crisis and a lack of political stability have conspired to make it difficult for it to reach its potential, 50 years after its creation. It must be noted that the present Jigawa State was originally part of Kano State upon creation in 1967 and the two were together for 24 years before Jigawa was created in 1991.

The state has also had to deal with bitterly divisive politics being played by its frontline politicians. These are Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, another former governor who ruled between 2003 and 2011 as well the current governor, Umar Ganduje. It must be noted that these politicians hardly see eye to eye. From the state also is the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba.

The state has had the fortune of producing two former military Heads of State. These were the late Generals Murtala Mohammed and Sani Abacha. Mohammed was killed in an abortive coup on Friday February 13, 1976 while Abacha died in office on June 8, 1998.

In other words, while the state has produced two presidents, it does not boast of any living former Head of state.

F R O M F O U R TO 3 6 : T H E F R A G M E N TAT I O N O F N I G E R I A

A THISDAY SPECIAL REPORT • V I I

KWARA: DESPITE ALL, A REASON TO ROLL OUT THE DRUMS

By Samuel Ajayi Additional reports by Hammed Shittu

L

ike eleven other states created on May 27, 1967, Kwara State is 50. The state has come a long way. At creation, the state was made up of the former Ilorin and Kabba Provinces of the then Northern Region and was initially named the West Central State. The name was later changed to ‘Kwara’, a local name for the River Niger.

Less than nine years after its creation, precisely on 13 February 1976, the Idah/ Dekina parts of the state were carved out and merged with a part of the then BenuePlateau State to form the present-day Benue State. It did not end there.

Also on August 27, 1991 during former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration, five local government areas: Oyi, Yagba, Okene, Okehi and Kogi were also excised to form part of the now Kogi State while a sixth, Borgu, was merged with the present-day Niger State.

In other words, Kwara State, as it was originally 50 years ago, has given birth, in part, to the present Kogi State and also part of present Niger State. But where Kwara State has retained an enduring legacy is in living up to its acronym: ‘State of Harmony’.

Today, Kwara State is made up of 16 local government councils. These are Asa, Offa, Oyun, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Edu and Pategi. Others include Baruten, Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Kaima, Moro and Isin. The state comprises Fulani, Nupe, Baruba and Yoruba tribes.

While the state boasts of a very large Yoruba-speaking population who are also Christians and Muslims, the state is actually dominated by Muslims. But one thing that has been going for the state is that it has maintained peaceful co-existence that is alien to most northern states. Kwara is, indeed, the state of harmony.

The Take-Off… The first military governor of the state, Brigadier-General David Bamigboye, who was in the saddle between 1967 and 1975, laid a solid foundation for the proper take off of the new state. Bamigboye opened up roads across the 16 local government councils.

He also put in place a standard civil service structure. His administration built Kwara Hotels, College of Education, Ilorin in 1974 as well as Kwara State Polytechnic in 1973.

In 1975, when General Yakubu Gowon was ousted in a palace coup, the new Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, appointed the late Ogbomoso-born Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo as the new military governor of the state and he contributed his quota to its development. The late Taiwo, who was gruesomely murdered during the abortive coup of February 13, 1976, governed the state between 1975 and 1976. He built the Kwara Stadium complex, Adewole and Kulende Estates and reconstructed Unity and Taiwo roads, in Ilorin, the state capital.

A State and its ‘Little’ Economy…

Kwara State, even when it was not reduced in size as a result of the creation of other states, was not an economically buoyant state. The people of the state have always relied on agriculture as their economic mainstay. Crops grown in the state include cotton, cocoa, coffee, kolanut, tobacco, beni-

Nursing. It also has a navy school and aviation college. It is also home to two private universities: the Landmark University, OmuAran, owned by the cleric, David Oyedepo, of the Living Faith Church, otherwise known as Winners’ Chapel, and Al-Hikmah University which is located in Ilorin.

Brig. David Lasisi Bamigboye

Democracy and Politics of Fiefdom…

In 1979, when the nation returned to democracy after over 13 years of uninterrupted military rule, Kwara State elected the late Alhaji Adamu Attah as its first civilian governor. While on the surface, Attah was the governor, his emergence, unknown to many, threw up a power block that is still in control of the state till date. As Attah was elected as the governor, a certain Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki was also elected as a senator of the Federal Republic. Saraki was to become the Senate Leader, but also wanted to maintain a firm hold on the politics of the state which the governor, Attah, resisted – even though both of them were of the ruling National Party of Nigeria, NPN. To show he was the man in charge of the politics of the state, Saraki withdrew his support for Attah in 1983 and elected instead, to support Chief Cornelius Adebayo of the rival Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN. Adebayo won the election and was sworn in on October 1, 1983 only to be toppled during the coup of December 31 of the same year.

Same was repeated about 20 years later when the late Saraki fell out with his political protégé, the late Rear Admiral Mohammed Lawal, who was elected governor on the return of democratic rule in 1999. By 2002, relationship between the duo had broken down irretrievably and Saraki decided to withdraw his support for Lawal. He supported another candidate who happened to be his own son and the present Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.

Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed

Students in the classroom of one of the remodelled government schools in Ilorin

seed and palm produce. The state is equally blessed with some mineral resources. And these include gold, limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz and granite rocks.

However, there was a major improvement in the level of industrialisation in the last three decades. Industries that have sprung up in the state include Dangote Flour Mill, Lubcon Lubricant Company, Kam Industries Nigeria Limited, Tuyil Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited, Padson Industries Limited, Kwara Breweries, Ijagbo Global Soap and Detergent Industry, United Match Company, Tate and Lyle Company, Resinoplast Plastic Industry, Phamatech Nigeria Limited, Kwara Textile and Kwara Furniture Company all in Ilorin.

Others are Paper Manufacturing Industry, Jebba, Okin Foam and Okin Biscuits, Offa, Kay Plastic, Ganmo and Kwara Paper Converters Limited, Erin-Ile. Others are Sugar Producing Company, Bacita, Kwara Animal Feed Mall, Ilorin and the Agricultural Products Company.

And Education Has not Lagged Behind…

In 1976, the then federal military government created six universities which were to be later known as the nation’s second generation universities. Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was lucky to be one of the sites chosen for the new federal universities. This is the University of Ilorin. Apparently to cater for its indigenes who could not gain admis-

PAST GOVERNORS OF KWARA STATE Brig. David Lasisi Bamigboye* Col. Ibrahim Taiwo* Col. George Innih * Col. Sunday Ifere* Alhaji Adamu Attah Chief Cornelius Adebayo Grp Captain Adebola Latinwo* Col. Ndatsu Umar * Col. Ahmed Abdullahi * Cdr. Ibrahim Alkali * Col. Alwali Kazir* Alh. Mohammed S. Lafiaji PC Mustapha Ismail * Col. Baba Iyam * Col. Peter Ogar * Nvy Capt. Rasheed Shekoni * Late Alh. Mohammed A. Lawal Senator Bukola Saraki Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed

1967 – 1975 1975 – 1976 1976 – 1978 1978 – 1979 1979 – 1983 1983 1984 – 1985 1985 – 1987 1987 – 1988 1988 – 1990 1990 – 1992 1992 – 1993 1993 – 1994 1994 – 1996 1996 – 1998 1998 – 1999 1999 – 2003 2003 – 2011 2011 – Date

*Military Administrations

sion to the federal university in the state, the state government set up its own university which opened its gates to students during the 2009/2010 session. The state also has two polytechnics: the Kwara State Polytechnic, in Ilorin, as well as the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.

There are also three colleges of education, a school of Health Technology and School of

Despite All, there is Cause for Celebration…

While the state, like many others in the country, is facing its own peculiar challenges, these have not prevented the state from rolling out the drums to mark its 50 years of existence. And the celebrations have begun weeks back with different activities like cultural displays and lectures.

An indigene of the state and a community leader, Alhaji Hamid Addi, told THISDAY the state has made giant strides in the last 50 years. Addi, who is also the National President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, the umbrella body of the sons and daughters of Ilorin emirate said, “So far so good. The state has made giant strides in the last 50 years of its creation especially in the areas of education and health among others.”

He added: “Before now, the state didn’t have polytechnic, but now we have a stateowned polytechnic, a state-owned university, state colleges of education while there is a federal university and a federal polytechnic located in Offa and this is due to the creation of Kwara State. It now behooves on the state government to ensure these institutions are well funded, so as to make them functional for the overall benefit of the common man in the state.”

V I I I • A THISDAY SPECIAL REPORT

F R O M F O U R TO 3 6 : T H E F R A G M E N TAT I O N O F N I G E R I A

CROSS RIVER STATE @ 50: A REASON TO CELEBRATE

By Bassey Inyang culture of the cleanliness of the people was explored to make the state the cleanest in the country.

Duke also embarked on the revival of industries in the state through the privatisation of some of the state owned enterprises that had become moribund. The Metropolitan Hotel, which is now functioning as Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel and the Calabar Cement Company, bought over by the United Nigeria Cement Company, UNICEM, are some of the successes of his privatisation drive. In fact, the UNICEM now operates from a new multi-billion production plant at Mfamosing in Akamkpa Local Government area. Duke’s period represented the zenith of the economic development of the state as his tourism drive was backed up by serious investment in agriculture, especially in the establishment of oil palm plantations; and pine apple plantations in the state. The establishment of an oil palm estate with over 400 kilometres of earth road by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at Ekong Anaku in Akamkpa during his reign.

Of Anniversary and Logo Controversy… ross River State is rolling out the drums to mark the 50th anniversary of its creation. The state was created as South Eastern State on May 27, 1967 by then Head-ofState, General Yakubu Gowon.

The state government set up a committee, headed by the state Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, to mark the anniversary.

As part of the celebrations, the state’s official logo would change and the new slogan will be ‘Enterprising Bull’. Though not everyone is comfortable with this logo change. One of them is the state publicity secretary of the APC, Menns Ikpeme. He said: “This has been the vision of our founding fathers for our dear beloved Cross River State which clearly is not subordinate to any other interest. The visual simplicity and conceptual clarity marks the hallmark of our state.”

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Down Memory Lane…

At the time of its creation, the entire territory of present day Akwa Ikom State and Andoni/ Opobo in present day Rivers State were part of the state. Territories that were hitherto part of the erstwhile Opobo Division, which ceased to be part of Cross River when on February 3rd, 1976, General Murtala Mohammed as Headof-State excised the Andoni/Opobo areas to Rivers State. The state was then rechristened the remains areas Cross River State. The name was derived from the River Cross, whose source is traced to the Cameroon Mountain and flows through the central part of the state and joins the Kwa River.

Blessed with diverse vegetation belts ranging from the mangrove swamp forest and tropical rainforest in the South, and central part of the savanna and Sahel vegetation in the north, the state which currently occupies a land mass of 20,156 square kilometres, is peopled by diverse ethnic groups, with the Efik, Ejagam, and Bekwarra as the major language groups, even though there are other language groups such as the Mbembe, Yala, Bete, Efut and many others.

At the moment the state with an estimated population of over 3 million people has 18 Local Government Areas which are Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Bekwarra, Biase, Boki, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South, Etung, Ikom, Obanliku, Obubra, Obudu, Odukpani, Ogoja, Yakuur, and Yala.

It has boundaries with Akwa Ibom State, Ebonyi State, Benue State and international boundary from the north to the south with the Republic of Cameroon.

The U.J Esuene Glorious Years…

The period between May 27,1967 and February 3,1976 when Brigadier Udokaha Jabob Esuene held sway as governor, has been widely acclaimed to be the golden era of Cross River State. Esuene assumed duty in the midst of the Nigeria civil war following the declaration of the former Eastern Region, as Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, just days after the state was created.

With the war over on January 12, 1970 and the commencement of the implementation of the Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (3Rs), the administration embarked on massive Infrastructural development of the state.

Projects by Esuene administration included the UJ. Esuene Stadium, the old secretariat in Calabar, still under use; the cultural centre in Calabar, the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja.

The era also witnessed the construction of water treatment plants in various parts of the state and the establishment of cottage hospitals across the state. Esuene’s regime also constructed the new Government House, Calabar, and the various government lodges as well.

The period also witnessed the revival of industries, especially agricultural plantations such as the defunct Ibiaye Oil Palm Estate, Rubber Estates, Cocoa Estates, Calabar Cement Company and many others; all of which before the creation of states contributed immensely to the economy of the former Eastern Region.

Late Brigadier General U.J. Esuene

Esuene is also credited with establishment of the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the Nigerian Chronicle. The regime also established the Calabar Polytechnic, which today is the main campus of the Cross River University of Technology.

Up until the mid 70s, there were no access roads from Calabar to other parts of the state and the country. Water transportation remained the only viable means of travelling in and out of Cross River State. The Esuene administration worked assiduously with the federal government to construct the CalabarItu-Ikot-Ekpene federal highway. Under his administration, the first massive housing project, the Calabar Housing Estate, was constructed, a major step in expanding the Calabar metropolis that was then limited to what was known as Old Calabar. His regime also established the state owned Mercantile Bank and Equity Investments, all now defunct.

If anything, Esuene’s regime added to the legacies left behind by the British colonial administration such as the Old Residency Museum, and the Brickfield Prison. Constructed in 1884 before it was converted to the Old Residency Museum in 1959, it once served as Government House for the Southern Nigeria Protectorate from 1900-1914 when it was amalgamated with the Northern Protectorate to form Nigeria. Lord Fredrick Lugard had his office there when he was appointed the Governor-General of Nigeria, while Esuene operated temporarily from there when Calabar was liberated from Biafra in 1968. It also had a detention facility where the famous Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi of Benin was incarcerated temporarily after he was exiled to Calabar in 1897 after the British conquest of the Old Benin Empire.

The Brickfield Prison is where the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, served his prison term in the prison having been convicted of treason in 1962. Today the Calabar Library is built on the land where the prison was once located.

Esuene was succeeded by Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu as military governor from July 1975 to July 1978. It was during his reign that the name of the state was formally changed to Cross River State. Navy Commander Babatunde Elegbede who governor until the return to democratic rule in the country in October 1979.

Return of Democracy: The Isong Years…

The civilian regime under Dr. Clement Isong has been credited for the massive investment in the education sector as his regime embarked on massive construction of secondary schools across the entire state and equipping them. Isong’s era saw to the construction of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, the Bebi Airstrip and the construction of the Ikom-Obudu Ranch Highway. His regime also ensured the expansion of health facilities across the state.

Governor Professor Benedict Ayade

PAST GOVERNORS OF CROSS RIVER STATE Brigadier Udokaha Jacob Esuene* 1967 -975 Major General Paul Omu* 1976- 1978 Navy Commander Babatunde Elegbede* 1978-1979 Dr. Clement Isong* 1979-1983 Chief Donald Dick Etiebet* 1983 -1983 Navy Captain, Edet Akpan* 1984 -1984 Colonel Patrick Daniel Archibong* 1984 –1986 Navy Captain Ibim Princewill* 1986- 1989 Colonel Ernest Attah* 1989- 1992 Mr.Clement Ebri* 1992-1993 Lt-Colonel Ibrahim Kefas* 1993-1994 Gregory Agboneni* 1994 - 1996 Lt-Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed* 1996-1998 Navy Captain, Christopher Osondu* 1998-1999 Donald Duke* 1999- 2007 Mr. Liyel Imoke* 2007-2015 Professor Benedict Ayade* 2015 - Date

Ernest Attah Years…

Among the military administrators who served from 1984 to 1992, the era of Colonel Ernest Attah stands out. In his short spell in government from December 1989 to January 1992, his administration commenced the actual beautification of Calabar with the construction of the massive Channel 1 to check the menace of perennial flooding as well as erosion control.

Attah’s era also started the dualisation of roads in the city, two of which are the famous Eta Agbor Road, and Akim Road, known today as the IBB Way and Mary Slessor Avenue.

Duke the ‘Redeemer’…

Mr. Donald Duke assumed office on May 29, 1999 as a civilian governor. It is on record that Duke hit the ground running as he made tourism and agriculture the focal points of his administration. Duke also knew that not much could be achieved if the orientation of the work force and the people was not changed to focus on production. He started with the expansion of roads, both within and outside the state capital. He also focused on Ogoja, Ikom, Ugep and Okuni in what his administration tagged the urban renewal programme. Under Duke, the Murtala Muhammed Highway was dualised up to the entrance gate of Calabar while he embarked on the dualisation of Marian Road in the heart of the state capital.

In line with his desire to build the economy of the state on tourism, he successfully reconstructed the Obudu Ranch Resort, with a view to making it Nigeria’s equivalent of Camp David. He also instituted the Obudu International Mountain Race which attracted mountain runners from all over the world. The multi-million Tinapa Business Resort, the Marina Resort in Calabar, the annual Christmas Festival and Calabar Carnival, which he instituted within the eight years, are some of the legacies that have outlived Duke’s administration.

Duke’s administration, also ensure that the

As Imoke Stepped In… The Liyel Imoke administration, which succeeded Duke’s, sustained some of the legacies it inherited from his successor, but also failed in many respects. For instance, while his administration sustained the Calabar Festival, the Calabar Carnival and the Obudu International Mountain Race, and even made them bigger in term of packaging and delivery, the same cannot be said of Tinapa Business Resort which has not lived up to its projection as Africa’s premier resort replicated after Dubai as planned. Though Imoke’s regime succeeded in securing an operational gazette for Tinapa, the business outfit remained largely un-patronised throughout his eight years in office. The Obudu Ranch Resort had also started witnessing steady decline in the state of infrastructure and patronage during his tenure.

However, Imoke is credited for the completion of the urban renewal projects in Ugep, Calabar South, Ikom, and Obudu as well as the construction of the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), and the monorail project from which links the ICC with Tinapa.

Ayade, Professor the Governor…

The current administration under the watch of Professor Ben Ayade as governor of the state is just two years old. It is thus saddled with the task of recovering the lost glory of the state economically, and on many fronts. Thus Ayade has embarked on an ambitious drive on industrialisation and job creation for the teeming population. The Calabar Garment factory, the Calabar Rice City, Calabar Pharmaceutical Company are some of the projects embarked on by Ayade to revive the state’s economy.

And the Fault Lines…

The creation of Akwa Ibom State on September 23, 1987 owed much to the agitation of the elites of present day Cross River than agitation of the peoples who were later excised to form Akwa Ibom.

Then, the contest was between the Ibibio, the dominant ethnic group, versus those referred to collectively as Atam and the Anang and Oron.

In the current Cross River, the rivalry has been between the Efik in the south and the Atam that straddles the state from the Calabar to the North.

This suspicious political relationship appeared to have been overtly resolved with the emergence of Duke, an Efik man, from the southern part of the state as governor, and the Ayade from the northern senatorial district, with five local government areas, the smallest when compared with seven local governments from the south and six from the central.

However, this political rivalry among the various ethnic groups, put in the region of over 250 by some scholars has continued to play out in form of communal clashes, especially during farming seasons, thus suggesting serious economic undertone laced with politics waiting to be addressed.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • may 27, 2017

CHILDREN DAY

Children...celebrating their day

Counterculture: A Letter to the Nigerian Child Koko Kalango

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ear Nigerian child, today the nation will pause to ponder the issues that concern you. The media would be agog with all manners of analyses and statistics flying left, right, and centre about you. I have learnt so much from working with you for close to two decades. I love your zeal for knowledge.

I admire your passion for life, your inquisitive innocence; I am inspired by your ability to dream and amazed at your idealistic ideas about life, particularly when it has to do with Nigeria.

I was young when I entered in for a national essay competition organised by MOBIL Oil in 1982. We had to write on the topic What Can I Do For My Country? The only girl amongst the winners, I emerged second runner up. The punch in my point was that as a young person I could make a change in my country. I would later come across these words of John F. Kennedy, America’s 35th President, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.

As you grow up in a Nigeria of failed institutions, unsafe neighbourhoods, virtually non-existent welfare, economic hardship, corruption, lawlessness, warped values, chaos, mediocrity, etc. it may sound ludicrous to be expected to ask what you can do for a country that does not seem to have done much for you.

Today, Children’s Day, is as good a time as any to ask yourself what your response as a Nigerian child should be to the society in which you are growing up. I want to suggest that there are two options open to you: you can do nothing or you can choose to counter the prevailing culture (where it is not productive that is)!

If you want to be an agent of change, here are some tips: •Exam Malpractice I begin here because Nigerians do not joke with education. This is, paradoxically, the reason exam malpractice is so rife in our society. Invigilators, who are supposed to ensure the integrity of the exams, actually facilitate cheating. Some of you hire people to sit exams for you or some bright ones

amongst you sit exams for others for a fee.

Refuse to participate in such practices, refuse to be used and above all, work hard to earn your grades. If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be able to shun short cuts and earn your success.

•Drugs and Alcohol Many brilliant and promising children have derailed because they took to illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol consumption. Some of you in secondary and even primary schools are practising these dangerous habits. If you are in, you need to quit because this lifestyle will distort your future (or could very well destroy it). If you are not in, don’t just stay out, take on a crusade to highlight its harmful effects and make your peers realise that using drugs and alcohol is not cool! If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be able to keep sober and make sensible judgments.

• Cultism Once only encountered in universities, cultism now has a growing followership amongst even younger people. You may have been sold the idea of such affiliations as a pathway to power when you leave school.

What you may not know is that it also comes with a life of fear and clandestine activities that may even result in death. Stay away from such groups to save yourselves from this destructive path. Look for a positive cause to promote and take practical steps in this direction. If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be a real change agent.

• Dressing This may not be an area you are paying much attention to. But, what you wear does matter. The way you dress creates an impression about you. When you dress take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself: ‘what message is my dressing passing to others?’

If it is a message that would bring you respect and honour then step out. But if your dressing would bring you anything less, then ‘change’. Don’t just stop there, sensitise others to this truth. If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be able to promote a positive image.

• Sex Statistics point to a disturbing growth in the level of sexual activity amongst young people. And one of the major causes is exposure to pornography. Sex is meant to be

practiced within the confines of marriage between a man and a woman. Marriage protects sex and love. The far reaching consequences of free and casual sex include Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), unwanted pregnancies, sexual promiscuity and sexual perversion, dysfunctional individuals, broken homes, broken hearts, lack of trust, insecurity and identity crises.

Avoid pornography, flee fornication, warn your friends. If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be able to practice restrain and delayed gratification.

• Bullying Bullying has become a source of concern for many of you and even your parents because of its dire consequences on the victim and the bully alike. If you have been a victim then you know the fear of meeting the bully in the neighbourhood, school, etc.

If you are the one doing the bullying you actually need help. Resist the urge to bully anyone and if you have been the victim shirk off the cloak of the prey and stand up to the bully, whom you soon find out is actually a coward. If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be able to relate to others with confidence and respect.

• Peer Pressure Peer pressure can be a good thing but sadly, it is associated with more harm than good because the activities into which you are often pressured are harmful. As young people there is the tendency to give into vices just to belong. Beyond resisting the urge to conform, you must go a step further by countering negative pressure with positive, affirmative action. If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be content with what you have, and able to resist the temptation to follow the crowd or to keep up with the Joneses.

• Social Media & Satellite TV Literarily at your fingertips is access to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

At the click of a mouse (or the press of a button) you are exposed to a world luring you in every direction imaginable. Like almost anything in life, the information that comes your way via social media or satellite TV can be used to build or to destroy.

Apply common sense when deciding what to do with what you see or hear. Do not

allow these platforms and media enslave or ensnare you. Shun unwholesome networking and news and feed your mind with whatsoever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. If you do, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be able to resist distraction and focus on what is important.

• Role Modelling Don’t just look up to or follow a person or people because they are rich, successful or popular. You need to draw back and ask yourself what a person stands for and therefore where they are headed in life. Pay attention to not just the noise being made around them but their value system. Many rich, successful and popular people lack true and lasting peace, joy or fulfilment. The grass at their end is not necessarily green. Riches, fame and success without good character is not worth emulating. If you choose worthy role models, you will build a good value system and in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be a positive example for others to follow.

• Choices I know you are growing up in a tough world. The demons you have to fight are fiercer and more resistant than the ones we fought as children. Though you may not be able to control what comes at you, you can decide how you respond. Deep in all of us is that still small voice that cautions us before we do the wrong thing. We can either ignore or obey the voice. But we must bear in mind that there are consequences to our choices.

If you are able to make sensible and good choices, in tomorrow’s Nigeria you will be a good leader.

You may have heard the popular story of a man who walked along the bank of a river, throwing back into the water fish that had been washed ashore. A little boy had been observing the man who, to him, had embarked on a futile task. He asked the old man ‘sir, there are so many fish on the shore and they are dying off fast. What difference would your action make to the whole?’ The man answered ‘son, my action may not seem to make a difference to the whole but it would make a difference to the one fish that gets thrown back.’

Each one of us can actually make a difference to the whole. Be the change Nigeria needs today. COUNTERCULTURE says ‘Change begins with me’.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 27, 2017

Auto ESSENTIAL SKILLS with STEPHEN DIESERUVWE (Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)

Signalling and Use of Signals

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Fiat Tigo

All-new Fiat Tipo Presents new Challenge in Nigeria’s Car Segment Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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igerians,theall-newFiatTipoisintown and it brings with it the bloodline of two mean machines, the Ferrari and Masaratti, because the same scientists and engineers created its engine.

The FIAT Tipo is a saloon car in the C-segment of the auto industry where the likes of Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato and will be available through Weststar and her dealerships from this month with up-to-the minute aftersales service, said Mr. Mirko Plath, CEO/ Managing Director, Weststar Associates limited, the auhorised representative in Nigeria.

Regardless of the safety- six airbags- and other highly irresistible features of the car, there is an understanding with Air France that should be a

great magnet.

Plat said, “In partnership with Air France, a 10% discount to Europe will be available (together with an additional 5% discount totaling 15% discount if travelling to Italy or London) for the first 20 purchasers of the FIAT Tipo. This promotion will last from 24th of May to 30th July 2017 and travel period is 2017. (Terms and conditions apply) “We have listened to our customers and after many months of research translated into extraordinary task to make the dream come true, especially for Nigeria.”

The CEO of Weststar said, “Bringing Fiat back home, a brand and its products that thoroughly satisfies and excites, despite the present economic circumstances in the country and all the other changes.”

He said the Fiat motto, ‘Driven By Passion’, inspired the company to deliver more for less,” adding that

Fiat was back in Nigeria.

“This Italian brand promises to match the superior standard set by all the other brands we represent here in Nigeria,” he said.

The Italian brand – FIAT, is known for their passion to manufacture cars that represent a progressive automotive future. In October 2014, FCAwas listed on the New York and Milan stock exchange thus declaring the merger between Chrysler Group and FIAT automobile companies. FIAT’s alliance with Chrysler® Group now provides a more competitive advantage with higher access to new technologies and advanced engineering solutions.

FIAT cars, he said are known for versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions.

These winning features are found on the new Tipo, a practical, functional model which in perfect FIAT tradition ensures the best equipment-to-price ratio, this being the real value of any industrial product.

Work & Play, SMTVolvo, NADDC Hold Children Day Auto Rally Today

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two-day Auto RallyCross and Golf tournaments will hold in Sagamu, Ogun State today and tomorrow, which, according to the organiser is aimed at making this year’s Children Day celebration a memorable one for children in Sagamu and its environ.

The event is being put together by Work & Play, an event marketing company, in conjunction with SMT Volvo and National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC. Speaking with the media on the forthcoming event, Business Development Executive of Work & Play, Miss Kome Brown, disclosed that apart from SMT Volvo, notable companies like Toyota, JAC, and Kia are also behind the event, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Also, private individuals, who are rally enthusiasts, have signed up to participate at the event with various car models. She explained that work and play was developed as a platform for events of corporate interest like golf tournament, motor sports, outdoor sports, horse-back riding among others. She added that this particular event was conceived to be run between as activities involving employee and the local communities. The concept is to make fun and entertainment a corporateculture while engaging the host community.

According to Brown, the race will hold on the newly opened Sagamu expressway on a distance of about 3 to 5 kilometers and the crowd would assemble on both sides of the road. She also said the Sagamu event was the introductory part of the rally billed to take part in Lagos in time to come.

According to her, the event will kick off with the motor rally on the first day, which would entail state of the arts vehicles from Toyota, JAC and

2017 Volvo Truck

Kia, slugging it out to the admiration of visitors.

In his remark, a staff of SMT Volvo, who would not want his name in print, said it had been discovered that in Nigeria, it is all about work and no play. So, we came up with something to engage people and take away the stress like in most part of the world, which is the rally and golf contest.

He said their targeted audience included children, youths and adults, adding that between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors are expected to watch the event, which

promises to be one of a kind in the entire the area.

The SMT Volvo source further stated that the event was not a money making venture but rather a form of corporate social responsibility CRS to children as the event coincided with this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

There will be different segments of the race, including off-road experiencea (for SUVs), on-road for Sedans as well as other racing for bikes and three wheelers.

Hazard Warning Lights hen you turn on your hazard warning lights every indicator the car has begins to flash. You turn on your hazard warning lights when you need to warn otherroadusersofahazard.This hazard could be your own car or an obstacle on the road. Use hazard warning lights to let people know that your vehicle is stationary or broken down. It is importanttorememberthatyoushouldalwayspark safely – hazard warning lights offer little protection for a dangerously parked vehicle; only use them in emergencies,notasanexcuseforbadorillegalparking.

Youcanalsouseyourhazardlightstowarnfollowing driversofdangersonhighspeedroadsinemergency situations where you have to slow down rapidly.

Itisnowconsideredacceptabletousehazardwarning lights on the move at times of danger when rapid decelerationisrequired,e.g.approachingamotorway hold-up.

You can also switch on your hazard lights to check thatallofyourindicatorsareoperatingaspartofyour weekly vehicle checks.

Use hazard warning lights: - When you have broken down - When your car is temporarily obstructing traffic - Whiledrivingonadualcarriagewayorexpressway to warn other road users of a hazard ahead Do not use hazard warning lights: - As an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking - While towing or being towed.

Brake Lights Eachtimeyoupressthepedaltherearwarninglights areactivated,givingasignaltotrafficbehindthatyou are slowing down or you are stopping. Your brake lights are coloured red and warn following drivers that you are slowing down every time you press the footbrake. When driving at night it is important to remember that standard rear lights are also red.

Althoughbrakelightsarebrighterthanthestandard rearlightsyoustillneedtopaycloseattentiontomake sure you see brake lights activated.

Anothersituationwherethebrakelightcanbeused togiveusefulwarningiswhenyouarestationaryat road works or traffic lights, especially when in low lightorlowvisibilityconditions.Asacarapproaches youfromtherearpressyourbrakepedaltoactivatethe brakelight.Thiswillwarnthedriverofyourpresence.

Sometimesitcanbeusefultotouchthebrakepedal very lightly, without slowing down, to activate the brakelights.Bydoingyouthiswillgivedriverswho arefollowingtoocloselyabitmoretimetoreactwhen you start to slow down. Because the brake lights are a signal, you need to find out who you are ‘talking to’ by looking in your mirrors before pressing the brake pedal.

Flashing Headlights AccordingtotheHighwayCodetheonlyvaliduse offlashingyourheadlights,likethevehiclehorn,isto warn another road user of your presence. Flashing headlightsandthehornprovideamoreimmediate way of signalling. They should not be used for any other reason. Flashing your headlights is useful in situation where the horn wouldn’t be heard.

Never flash your headlights to try and intimidate other road users and never flash your headlights to give instructions. It is common for drivers to use the headlight flash as a signal to tell another road user that the way ahead is clear.

Howeveritisadvisablethatsuchsignalsareignored as it could lead to a crash. For instance, you might flash your headlights to say thank you to a driver whohasjustgivenwaytoyou;anotherdrivercould see the signal and think that you are giving way to him. Imagine the potential problems that might be caused by that misunderstanding.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

To be continued

Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) **Driver Trainer and Road Safety Consultant **Email: sdieseruvwe@gmail.com **Tel: +2348167814928

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MAY 27, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

Tranquil SS 2017 Collection by ‘Youdili’

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 27, 2017

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE

Tranquil SS 2017 Inspiration n an upbeat world where everything seems too busy and chaotic there’s a need for a collection made up of neutrals and strong basic colors such as black, white and ash to create a sense of serenity. The inspiration for this collection arose from the need to showcase the poise and calmness every woman should exude. From the structured pieces which are perfectly tailored to cascade beautifully over the feminine figure and create a sophisticated silhouette, to the juxtaposition of fabrics and textures depicting the different layers and struggles of a woman who amidst the chaos, is able to hold her head high with poise and tranquility.

“Youdiii caters to the today’s woman

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that is on the move with an appreciation for timeless classics and the sophistication that comes with simpiclicity. This collection is for the strong woman who lives in her truth and is confident enough to accept her flaws and use it as a weapon of self empowerment and freedom” Says Udeme Usoro, Creative Director at Youdiii while speaking about the collection.

Credits Brand: @youdiii Model : @nafeesa_butu for @gimodels Photography: @gottay makeup: @brides_blings_n_tiaras Styling: @el_mirastyling

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 27, 2017

NEWSXTRA

In Brief

Coastal Erosion Threatens Agge

TheninecommunitiesthatmakeuptheKouKingdominBayelsaState,have cried out over the non-completion of the sand-filling and shore protection project in Agge, Ekeremor local council, four years after it started. The traditional ruler, chiefs and other stakeholders, who spoke during a visit totheDirector-GeneraloftheBayelsaStatePartnershipAgency(BSPA),Mr. StanleyEnaibaghainYenagoa,calledonthemanagementoftheNigerDelta DevelopmentCommission(NDDC)toreturntositeandexpediteworkonthe project.SpokesmanoftheKouKingdoms,ChiefIsaacEgberibine,whostood in for the paramount ruler led the delegation and was accompanied by the SecretaryoftheTraditionalRulersCouncil,ChiefLawrenceOrukemezuogha andLeaderofAggePalmBush,ChiefSundayAgbarfo. Thetraditionalrulers regrettedthattheprojectearmarkedforcompletionwithinayearhadbeen abandoned for more than four years by the interventionist agency.

Ranching, Solution to Herdsmen Attack

CHILDREN DAY LOADING...

Vice Principal, Lekki British School, Gloria Okolie (3rd from left); Principal, Lekki British School, Ashish Gill; Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Uzoma Dozie; School Head, Lekki British School Maryanne Maduekwe and students of Lekki British School during a courtesy visit to Diamond Bank Head office as part of praparations for 2017 Children’s day Celebration

US Tackles Malnutrition in Pregnant Women, Children under Five with $9.5m Paul Obi in Abuja

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided $9.5 million to the United Nation’s World Food Program (WFP) to ensure more than 175,000 mothers and children under five do not suffer from malnutrition during this year’s “lean” season.

According to a statement by the Information Office, Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Consulate General, grant from USAID’s Health, Population, and Nutrition Office, augments ongoing support for the humanitarian

assistance in Nigeria by its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Food for Peace (FFP), and seeks to bridge a funding shortfall announced

by WFP late last month. The statement said the grant would fund a blanket supplementary feeding programme to protect the nutrition status of children aged six months to five years and lactating women in IDP and host communities of Borno State through provision of specialised nutritious foods.

“In response to the call by WFP to meet a severe funding shortfall, USAID is pleased to play a part in making sure

that the most vulnerable of those impacted by the Boko Haram conflict are taken care of,” USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said. “This support will go to nine areas where the needs of mothers and their children are the greatest.”

The assistance will help WFP reach an additional 110,000 children under five and 65,000 pregnant and nursing mothers with specialised nutritious food commodities in nine local government areas (LGA) in Borno State.

WFP launched what is known as a Blanket Supplementary

Feeding Program aims to prevent the further decline in nutritional status among young children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition, as well as protect the nutritional status of others who are not yet malnourished but are at high risk.

The programme, which will distribute the nutrient-rich food monthly through the end of the rainy, or “lean,” season in August, is anticipated to significantly reduce the burden on the health system related to treating malnutrition as well as other health conditions related to under nutrition, consequently preventing related mortality.

Sokoto, Kwara Free 98 Prisoners Ekiti Petrol Crisis Escalates Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

Sokoto and Kwara states yesterday freed 98 inmates had been freed by their respective state governments.

While Sokoto freed 78, Kwara freed 20.

Speaking at a press briefing in Sokoto, the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Suleiman Usman, said it was part of government's efforts to decongest the prisons in the state.

He stated the present administration had taken measures to decongest the prisons by ensuring speedy trial of cases which were lingering in the courts.

"We have eliminated delay in prosecution of cases, reduce congestion of prison occasioned by large proportion of awaiting trial prisoners through revolutionary use of the Governor's power of prerogative of mercy and regular prison visit.

"Cases that are frivolous in nature and lack of evidence to prosecute were quashed by the Chief Judge of Sokoto, “he said.

He said over 30 cases had been disposed by death sentence, imprisonment and fine in the past two years.

According to him, over 30 cases had been concluded out of the 228 cases filed in various courts in the state. He said at least 55 cases were currently on appeal before the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division and 14

appeals before the Supreme Court.

The Commissioner pointed out that the present administration had reformed the methodology and character of rendering legal advice.

"We have enthroned cohesive action to improve cooperation and coordination for efficient delivery of service", Usman added.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatta Ahmed said the gesture was part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

He said that, the granting of the state pardon to the affected inmates was based on the belief that those released would abstain from criminal activities and become model citizens who would contribute their quota to the society.

He said that, the visit to the prison was not only a means of correcting mistakes in the process of justice delivery but also provides the opportunity to decongest prisons.

The governor, therefore, called for a reform of the prison system to address the root causes of issues affecting administration of prisons in the country, especially in the area of infrastructure and prisoner rehabilitation.

He assured that the government would continue to put in place policies and programmes that would make the youths productively engaged in order to minimize criminal tendencies.

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The petrol scarcity rocking Ekiti State has reached a crisis state as black marketers have hijacked the process and now engage in open hawking of the product.

The illicit business transaction was common in Ado Ekiti capital, Ikere and other towns across the state.

The petrol marketers had downed tools since last week Monday, predicating their actions on the threat by Governor Ayodele Fayose to demolish some filling stations built within residential areas.

This action led to the demolition of some filling stations under the supervision of the governor, which provoked the marketers to declare indefinite strike.

The action was later followed by attack on two petrol stations in Ado Ekiti by unknown hoodlums, where a filling station belonging to IPMAN’s Secretary in Ekiti, Alhaji Suleman Akinbami fell victim.

To add more strength to the industrial action, the national body of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria(IPMAN) and Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Union(NUPENG) cut petrol supply to the state.

When the strike started, the

black marketers cashed in on the situation and engaged in illicit businesses until the situation deteriorated.

Now, the marketers are having a field day as they openly hawk a litre for as much as N300 , instead of the N145 regulated price.

The drivers were the ones mostly engaging in the illicit business, because of their access to the neighbouring states of Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Kogi, where they purchased the product and brought down to Ekiti to make brisk businesses.

Products were openly displayed in 50 litre kegs in Ojumose, old garage, Akure garage, Basiri and Oke Iyinmi areas of the Ado metropolis, while that of Ikere was being done in the roundabout area and Oke Oja garage.

The commercial drivers and motorcyclists patronized them as they scampered to purchase it even at such exorbitant prices.

A black marketer, who identified himself as Tunde Ayelabowo said he had made a profit of over N300,000 since last week he commenced the illegal business.

“In fact, to me it seems the strike should continue because I am making my money. I have been getting my fuel from Ondo State and I was getting regular supply to sell between N258 and N300 per litre”.

AnaspirantintheforthcominggovernorshipelectioninAnambra State,Mr. Godwin Ezeemo has said that the only solution to Fulani herdsmen attack wastositecattleranchesforherderstoreartheircattle.Ezeemowhovisited someagrariancommunitiesinAnambra,particularlyinAnambraWestLocal Government Council, where farmers spoke on the challenges they faced in their farms stated that in Anambra he would stop such attacks by building ranches across the state. He decried the environmental and economic problems herdsmen activities pose on Anambra people and said that he wouldinsistonbuildingaranchforherdsmenandasociallyacceptablemeans oftransportingcattleintothestate."Theseranchesmustberegulatedand taxes paid for every cattle. The herdsmen will have proper living quarters built for them and insistence on hygienic living for them," he said.

Awofadeji is Bauchi NUJ Chapel Chairman

TheCorrespondents'ChapeloftheNigeriaUnionofJournalists(NUJ),Bauchi State Council at an Emergency Congress confirmed the election of the chapel Acting chairman, Mr. Segun Awofadeji ofTHISDAYNewspapers as thesubstantiveChairmanoftheChapel.ThisissoastheAssistantSecretary of the state Correspondents' Chapel, Mohammed Sani Mohammed(a.k.a Samnet) has been suspended indefinitely over allegation of financial misconductandunrulybehaviour.ThedecisiontosuspendtheformerAssistant SecretarywasunanimouslyreachedduringanemergencyCongressmeeting onThursdayattheChapel'sSecretariat.SaniMohammedwassaidtohave allegedlycollectedsomesubstantialsumofmoneyonbehalfofthechapel which he failed to deliver. Meanwhile, the Congress during the siting also confirmedtheformerActingChairman,Mr.SegunAwofadejiasthesubstantiveChairmanoftheUnion.Othersconfirmedtofilltherestofthepositions include:MallamAhmedKaigama,Mr.AliGarbo,HaiyanHasatAdebayoand MrKwahuMuhammadasSecretary,vicechairman,financialSecretaryand Auditor respectively. Susan Edeh remains the union'sTreasurer.

Guild of Medical Directors Hold Conference

TheGuildofMedicalDirectors(GMD),willbeholdingits24thAnnualGeneral MeetingandScientificConferenceonMay27,2017attheNAFConference Centre,Abuja. Thisyear’sthemeis:“Let’smakeNigeriaHepatitisFree.”Itwill feature free testing of people for Hepatitis with the latest technology to be deployed by MEDICAID and Firmcare Diagnostics to know their status, getcounselingandpossiblereferralfortreatment.Therewillalsobepaper presentationsandpaneldiscussionswithDr.AnyaikeChukwuma,Consultant SpecialGrade11/PreventionLead,NationalAIDS/STI’sControlProgramme, DepartmentofPublicHealth,FederalMinistryofHealthaskeynotespeaker.

The conference will attract medical directors from all parts of the country, healthcareproviders,medicalsupplycompanies,officialsfromtheMinistry of Health, allied Health agencies and the public.

Kaduna Plans Revenue Courts

The Kaduna state government has concluded plans to establish revenue courtsin the23localgovernmentareasofthestate.ExecutiveChairmanof KadunaInternalRevenueService(KADIRS),AlhajiMukhtarAhmeddisclosed thiswhilebriefingnewsmenontheactivitiesoftheservicetomarktwoyears of Governor Nasir El-Rufai in office. Ahmed said the present government was committed to ensuring that citizens of the state were provided with dividends of democracy, stressing that, this could only be possible when citizens pay their taxes. He disclosed further that so far, 24 tax defaulters were taken to court out of whom nine were convicted. He said 15 of the cases were pending while some were settled out of court. He explained that the law establishing KADIRS had put in place measures to prevent multiple taxation and cash collection as well as investigate and prosecute hoodlums posing as tax collectors and tax defaulters.

Waka About Africa Anniversary

WakaAboutAfrica5thAnniversaryConferencehasbeenslatedforJune7, 2017 , at NECA building Alausa in Lagos aims to stimulate sustainable investments in Tourism & Culture thereby translating benefits to real growthinadiversifiedeconomy.Theconferencewiththeme:ICT&Finance as Catalyst forTourism and Culture in a Diversified Economy would bring a rangeofpolicymakers,includingprofessionalsandstakeholdersintheICT, Finance, Tourism & Culture sectors under one roof to interact and share experiences. MD/CEOs of Banks, and their counterparts in Telcos, DGs of Agencies, captains of industries, ambassadors and cultural attaches of foreign missions in Nigeria, Royal fathers, as well as tourism & culture investorsandenthusiasts,includinghighnetworthbusinessmenwillconverge to discuss the key areas for stimulating new investments opportunities.

RCCG Holds Festival of Praise

TheGlobalAestheticsinconjunctionwithRCCGLP8willtomorrowpresent BARAK SHACHAH 3.0.. Ministering - Pastor/ Prof Yemi Osinbajo (Acting president, Federal Republic of Nigeria); Pastor J.A. Adeyokunnu (PICP LP8); Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi; Frank Edwards; Onos, Tosin Bee; Bidemi Ola-oba; Jedidiah; Lagos City Chorale; Royal Diadem Choir; RCCG NationalYouth Choir and The Living stream.The host is Big Bolaji. A statement by the organisers said the venue would be RCCG,The Master's Place, 302, Oshodi - Oworonshoki Expressway, Gbagada, Lagos. Starting time is 2pm.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 27, 2017

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OBSEQUIES...

LAST RESPECT...

L-R: Widow Mrs Modupe Adebayo, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Erelu Angela Adebayo during the funeral service for the late former Military Governor of old Western Region, Major General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd) at All Saint's Anglican Church, lyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State.recently

L-R: Widow Mrs Felicia Adebayo, Mrs Nike Makinde, her husband, Kunle and Mrs Shade Adebayo during the funeral service for the late former Military Governor of old Wstern Region, Mjor General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd) at All Saint's Anglican Church, lyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State.recently PHOTOS: Abiodun Ajala

Court Alleges Shortfall in Amount Declared by DSS from Justice Ngwuta Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja division of the Federal High Court, has alleged that there was a shortfall in the amount declared by the Department of State Service (DSS), and the actual amount tendered as evidence in the ongoing trial of Supreme Court judge, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta..

The money in question is said to have been recovered from the residence of Ngwuta during a search carried out by operatives of the DSS on Oct. 7, 2016.

At the resumed trial yesterday, trial Judge, Justice John Tsoho stated that he was informed that the Naira denomination in the court's custody was different from the amount declared by the witness in his evidence on Thursday.

"I am just receiving the information that there was a problem with the exhibit because the amount announced by the prosecution

in respect to exhibit 11h should have been N35,358,000 million but when counted, it was N35,335, 840 million. " So it doesn't agree with what the witness said as there appears to be a shortfall."

However, during cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), the witness, Mr. John Utazi, an operative of the DSS insisted that the amount was N35, 358,000 million.

"I am not aware of any discrepancy between the money I recovered and the money tendered in court.

"My Lord, I stand by what I delivered to the court on Thursday because I meticulously counted the money before bringing it forward to the court."

Utazi also told the court that his team left some insignificant amount of monies at Ngwuta's residence after searching the place

Rivers @ 50: Amaechi Rejects Award ErnestChinwoinPortHarcourt Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has announced his rejection of an award proposed for him by the Rivers State Government as part of activities for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

But the state Government in a swift reaction welcomed the reaction, stating that it was indeed a relief as the state was battling with the burden of awarding him the honour.

A statement issued by the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Media Office yesterday called the award a “poisoned chalice” and called on Governor Nyesom Wike to tell the world that he lied against Amaechi in the accusation that he owned the $43 million recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from an Ikoyi residence.

Amaechi also said he had not received any official communication from the state government about the award except a publication indicating his name as one of many persons to be honoured by Wike.

“Be that as it may, we want to state categorically that whatever Wike claims to be giving to Amaechi is

a poisoned chalice that has been unequivocally rejected by the minister,” the statement said.

The statement continued: “Firstly, the purported award itself is a contradiction of monumental proportions, a contradiction that can only come from a warped and perverted mind. From day one as governor, Wike has made it his sole, one-point agenda to attack, abuse, insult and falsely denigrate Amaechi, his immediate predecessor and erstwhile benefactor. Since he became governor, Wike spends most of his time making reckless, deeply irresponsible malicious, false allegations against Amaechi, as he attempts, albeit fruitlessly, to malign and destroy the outstandingly superb performance and legacy of Amaechi in Rivers State. So, what is the bases (Sic) or criteria for Wike to give an award/honour to a man he (Wike) has rashly attacked and called all sorts of unprintable names in the past two years? For Wike to do a 360 and give an award to a predecessor, he (Wike) has consistently but misleadingly and deceitfully called Satan, Judas, non-performer, thief and only this week a sponsor of cultists, shows evidently that Wike suffers from a grave but rare form of psychosomatic malady.

because they got tired of counting the money they found.

"There were pieces of monies that we left behind because we could not take all the money, after counting and counting, we were tired but what we left behind cannot be matched with what was taken away."

When Agabi sought to know who the money they recovered belonged to, the witness said that ownership of the money was for the court to determine.

Utazi also told the court that he did not know the origin of the money contained in the charge against Ngwuta.

The prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Olufemi Fatunde prayed the court for an adjournment since there was no need to re-examine the witness.

Fatunde, further told court that the next witness the prosecution had planned to call was absent in

court because he was bereaved .

Moreover, Fatunde said that an adjournment was necessary to enable the appropriate officers move the money to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as was ordered by the court.

"When they finished counting the money on Thursday, it was late to convey it to the CBN since the bank had closed, and to avoid that, we want to close early since the exhibit was kept in court pending the end of today's proceedings."

Responding, Justice Tsoho, adjourned till July 3 for continuation of trial. It will be recalled that the court had on Thursday, admitted in evidence, nine bags containing money said to be recovered from Ngwuta's residence by the DSS. The fifth prosecution witness who was being led in evidence, told the court that he led a team of DSS operatives to conduct a search on Ngwuta's residence in 2016.

Senator Esuene Says Six Years Single Term Best for Nigeria Bassey Inyang in Calabar Former Minister of Environment, Senator Helen Esuene, has again advocated a six-year single term for any occupier of the office of Nigeria's President and the position of state governor.

Esuene who represented Eket Senatorial District, 2011 to 2015, said six years was enough for anyone elected to be president or governor to successfully implement his or her campaign promises.

Esuene who stated this while responding to questions from journalists in Calabar, said, "I was one of the proponent of a single term in office. If you have six years to stay, you use that period of time to do all what you planned to do....

The second term brings in many negative things in governance, influences everything whether good or bad so far as that person will cover every bad thing committed, so often time those people are not the best but because they pledged loyalty”.

Looking back to the period

when her husband was governor of South-eastern State, that was later renamed Cross River State, Esuene who was the first" First Lady" of the Cross River State from May 27,1967 to February 3rd, 1976, also said there should be a line between governance and politics after elections, so people can get good governance.

“You know this is political regime and you have to beef up support for your husband, but in the military regime there was no need for all that. What we did was purely humanitarian bringing up the children, let the government be humane.

“But today’s politics may be we’re taking it a bit too far and we need to draw a line to where politics ends and where governance starts, because sometimes it is politics all the way, and governance is only trying to find it ways. So I think after election, a line between politics and governance should be drawn.

At times you will hear as governor say, I will not do this for this people because they did not vote for me.

FG Tasks AU on Terrorism, Secures Second Exclusion Underdevelopment on Africa Day Nigeria from OPEC Output Freeze

SenatorIroegbuinAbuja

The Federal Government has called on African Union (AU) to ensure cooperation of all African countries in tackling the challenge of terrorism and general underdevelopment in the continent.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Geoffrey Onyeama, made this call on Thursday dinner in celebration of the 54th anniversary of Africa freedom day and formation of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now AU. Onyeama emphasised the significance of harnessing the demographic dividend to Africa’s transformation, which he said has been acknowledged

by African leaders at the highest level and in key ministerial platforms.

This, he said, would catalyse the collective aim to achieve sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and to build "an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, which is driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena”.

He stressed that in adopting the theme for 2017 event: "Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through investments in Youth”, AU have been guided

by the realisation that a demographic dividend offers a strategic basis for focusing and prioritising investments in people in general, and the youth in particular.

Onyeama said that as a people of common heritage and identity, Africa had many reasons to roll out the drums in celebration of the 54th anniversary of the founding of the continental body.

He however, called on AU to forge common front to deal with the emerging security challenges in Africa and collectively work towards peaceful coexistence and development.

He said: "With barely 32 independent African countries at inception the continental body has today grown to 55 nations across the continent. With the formal return of the Kingdom of Morocco to the AU family in January, 2017, we can now say that there is indeed unity in the continental body.

"It can be said today that Africa has largely succeeded in overcoming the challenges and threats to her unity. But it is really not yet Uhuru.

The AU should now be focused on actively addressing the lingering issues of cooperation in fighting underdevelopment and terrorism that are beyond the reach of any single African state to tackle.

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

Nigeria again got members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its other non-producers allies led by the Russian Federation, to exempt it from limiting the volume of oil it can produce from its oil fields within the extended production freeze agreement they reached at their second meeting in Austria, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has disclosed.

This is just as the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) applauded the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) by the Senate, and thus asked members of the House of Representatives to find similar courage employed by the senators, to accelerate the passage of its own version of the bill.

Kachikwu, stated that the country and Libya, were exempted from the output freeze despite speculations they would be made to participate in the extended agreement.

He however noted the country

was not opposed to joining the agreement if its production levels rose to levels expected to make her participate.

A statement from the Director of Press in the ministry of petroleum resources, Mr. Idang Alibi, in Abuja explained that Kachikwu said “between the six to nine months’ extended window, all things being equal, Nigeria should get to an optimal oil production figures that will allow her participate in any needed production cuts.”

He added: “Nigeria is not averse to production cuts as every responsible nation needs to make sacrifices to help price stability on a global basis.” Kachikwu explained in the statement that the Nigerian oil industry under his guidance was on course to overhauling its operations and ramping up crude oil production.

He said: “The second meeting of the OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers ended on Thursday with a resolution to extend the agreement reached at their first meeting in December 2016 to cut global crude oil production in order to rebalance the oil market.

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EulogiesTrail Late Dame Patricia Anenih Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

People from all walks of life, irrespective of their political divide, yesterday, converged on Benin City, Edio State for the service of songs of late Dame Patricia Ebehiremen Anenih, wife of the former chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih.

The ceremony which was held at NO.13, Delta Crescent, Government Reservation Area, Benin City, saw dignitaries across

the country in attendance.

In his homily, the officiating priest, Very Reverend Father Palmer Ikponmwonsa, Parish Priest of St. Maria Goroti Catholic Church, Benin, said late Dame Patricia Anenih led a very fulfilled life while on earth.

The Catholic Priest who charged Chief Anenih and the deceased children not be dismayed over the dead, however urged them to take solace in the godly life their matriach led, noting that it was not the numbers of years one lived on

earth that mattered but how qualitative the life.

"It is not the number of years one spent on earth that counts but the quality of life. We thank God for the quality of life she spent on earth", he said.

He therefore urge the children to be strong because their mother led a Godly life and died in Christ while calling on the children to be pillar of support to their father and always be by his side.

Present at the event were Governor Dankwanbo of Gombe State, Governor Godwin Obaseki

of Edo State and his deputy, Phillips Shaibu; the Speaker, Edo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Justine Okonobo; Former Governors of Delta State, Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Former Governors of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), and Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Prof. Jerry Gana.

Others are Chairman of Transcop, Tony Elumelu; Captain Hosa Okunbo, founder, Wells Farm Ltd.

Meadow Hall College Student Wins Cambridge Learners Award Enatarari Kalango, a student of Meadow Hall College has emerged winner at the maiden edition of the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards for her exceptional performance in the June 2016 Cambridge examinations.

Enatarari won the prize for the Best Across Eight Cambridge IGCSEs in the Cambridge International Examinations conducted across the six continents of the world in June 2016.

The award ceremony, which held at the Intercontinental Hotel, was designed to recognise Outstanding Cambridge Learners in 2015 and 2016 and the partner schools that have exemplified Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and Child Protection policies.

The international qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers as giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Enatarari achieved all A-stars (A*) in nine of her IGCSE subjects; (English, Mathematics, Biology, Geography, Literature, Business Studies, Economics, History and ICT).

Chi Limited Wins Most Innovative Company Award Temitope Ogudu

GARLANDS FOR THE CELEBRAL...

Mrs. Mia Essien, SAN, Dr. Eno-Obong Essien and Mr. Charles Essien at Eno-Obong's graduation from the University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, USA recently

Edo First Lady launches Child Protection Policy

Agbaso Remains Foundation Member of APGA, says Aide

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Amby Uneze in Owerri

In a bid to strengthen the child protection system in Edo state, wife of the state governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, yesterday, launched the Edo Child Protection Policy.

Launching the policy book with executive members of the Edo Children Parliament and members of the State’s Child Right Implementation Committee at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, the Edo first lady, expressed delight that Edo pioneered the development and launch of such a policy in Nigeria.

“This administration wants to produce medium manpower through vocational skills acquisition because when people don’t have skills they are helpless. I will also like the introduction of vocational skills/handwork into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in the state”, she said.

Meanwhile, the First Lady commended the proactive steps of members of the Edo Children Parliament to prevent abuse of children’s rights emphasising that the government was set to end child trafficking, strengthen the newly established family court with better staffing and provide help lines for children to report cases of abuses.

On the nature of the Children Parliament, its speaker, Mrs. Abieyuwa Efeomo, revealed that the Parliament was established in 2015, with the aim of advocating for the protection of children’s rights, calling on the government to create awareness about the existence of the Family Court so that abused children could take full advantage of it.

She also decried the rate of child abuse and rape in the state, calling on the government to act against violence directed at children in the state.

As the leadership crisis rocking the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gets hotter, the Special Adviser, Political to Chief Martin Agbaso, Chief Lambert Iwueke has debunked the claim made by the State Chairman of the party; Peter Ezeobi that Agbaso was not a member of the party.

An Enugu State High Court had last week delivered a judgment declaring Agbaso as the National Chairman of the party.

In his reaction, Iwueke noted that Chief Agbaso had since returned to the party through a letter he wrote to his ward chairman, having rectified all issues that ab initio led to his dumping the party at the wake of the 2015 general elections.

He said that Chief Agbaso was a foundation member of APGA and had funded APGA in the state from

2003 to 2015, adding that the present office accommodation of APGA in the state where Mr. Peter Ezeobi is currently sitting as the state chairman was paid by Agbaso, including the office furniture which Ezeobi is currently using as State Chairman.

“This is a man who had been winning elections for APGA. In 2003 Agbaso led APGA to win some seats in the Federal House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, in 2007 Agbaso won the governorship election for himself and most the House of Assembly seats before he lost out in the courts.

In 2011, he assisted Okorocha to win the governorship in the state and majority of the State House of Assembly.

“In 2015 when he pulled out of APGA because of the way the state working committee reneged on agreement, APGA could not get even one ward.

Glo Enjoins Nigerian Children to Imbibe Good Virtues Nigerian children have been advised to imbibe the right virtues that will help them achieve their desired academic goals and become leaders of tomorrow in an honourable manner.

Globacom, in a goodwill message to Nigerian children on the occasion of the annual World Children’s Day, said that it was convinced that the Nigerian future was bright because of the brilliance exhibited regularly by Nigerian children in different fields

of human endeavour.

Globacom urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts at implementing developmental strategies that will ensure the provision of basic needs for the children and secure their wellbeing.

“Relevant stakeholders in government and private sectors, including parents, guardians, teachers, school proprietors and religious leaders are encouraged to put in more efforts

in the development of children to enable them become responsible adults in future.

“We also need to work towards creating more opportunities for this growing generation while deploying resources towards their holistic development and survival”, the company stressed.

The message also enjoined all Nigerian children to shun bad habits such as lying, cheating, laziness and

disobedience to parents, and cultivate the habits of hard work, integrity and honesty.

The company said these qualities would make them great and empower them to add value to the society.

The company reiterated its commitment to the development of the Nigerian child, adding that it had developed numerous products and services aimed at child development.

Chi Limited has been recognised as the ‘Most Innovative Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Company’ at the Businessday Top 25 Most Innovative companies and Institutions in Nigeria Awards 2017.

Chi Limited came out tops in a fiercely competitive category that included other major FMCG companies like AJE, makers of BIG Cola and Dufil foods, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles.

According to the Businessday award committee, ‘Chi Limited’s visionary stride in innovating and launching a portfolio of new and existing brands into the consumer market including Chivita 100%, Chivita Active Vegetable & Fruit Nectar, Happy Hour by Chivita Fruit Drink, Hollandia Evaporated Milk, Hollandia Yoghurt and others provide ground-breaking innovations that have resulted, in no small measure, in making commercial and socio-economic impact, as well as value creation for clients and consumers’ Offering high quality products, Chi Limited is the first company to launch major Mass market Ready to Drink products in aseptic sachet packaging in West Africa. Its flagship brand Chivita 100% is the only locally produced 100% fruit Juice made from real natural fruits with no added sugar, no artificial colours and no preservatives.

Chivita Active Vegetable and Fruit is an innovative product that offers consumers in Nigeria for the first time choices in fruit juices made from the goodness of vegetable with the lip smacking goodness of fruit.

While Chi Exotic Nectar is the definitive standard in its category in terms of its unique fruit mixes and taste offerings.

Happy Hour by Chivita is rated the fastest growing juice brand with innovative variants that keeps consumers refreshed.

She was also the Valedictorian 2016 having obtained the highest GPA in her Year Group.

In her Cambridge Checkpoint examination in June 2014, Enatarari got the highest attainable score in all her subjects (English 6.0, Mathematics 6.0 and Science 6.0).

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as NNENDA VICTORIA WACHUKUnow wish to be known and addressed as NNENDA EDWARD ERESU DEEKAE. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MORUFU GANIYU AKANNI now wish to be known and addressed as MORUFU GANIYU OLAIDE GANIYU-AJA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as MRS FEYINRANTI BABAGBALE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FEYINRANTI RICHARD-BABA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as OLAOTAN OLUWATONI LAWAL now wish to be known and addressed as OLAOTAN OLUWATONI ENIKANOSELU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as MARKMORRISON EJIMOFOR IFEASOR now wish to be known and addressed as WILLIAMS OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as MISS EDEBEATU GRACE IFEYINWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UCHENNA-EDEBEATU IFEYINWA GACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JULIET UCHE OMOROJIE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JULIET UCHE DIALOR. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as NWEZE FAITH now wish to be known and addressed as BENARD FAITH NWEZE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

I formerly known and addressed as OSUGBA MARY IFEYINWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNBOR MARY IFEYINWA . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as MARYAM FELIX YAYOCK now wish to be known and addressed as MARYAM FELIX MUNGU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please note I formerly known and addressed as AWOLEKE MODUPE OMOWUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as BAMGBOPA MODUPE OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that MISS HELEN FRANCIS and MISS HELEN FRANCIS AKPAN is one person.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • may 27, 2017

MARITIME BITS with John Iwori.... 08057763164

R-L: Representative of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Bashir Jamoh at the three day retreat organised by the National Assembly in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Transportation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State...recently

Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), Comptroller Mohammed Sarkin Kebbi flanked by two officers of the WMC shortly after the maiden press conference of the CAC at the command headquarters, Apapa, Lagos...recently

One of the challenges that has bedevilled the maritime industry over the years is the absence of a thorough understanding of the key issues that will drive its sustainable development for the benefit of Nigeria nay, Nigerians.

Most often, the key players display ignorance on the ways and means to put Nigeria on the map of serious maritime nations. They are either bereft of what to do or where they know what to do, personal or primordial interests often make them not to be on the same page on the way forward. This partly explains why the huge potentials in the maritime industry have not been fully harness for the benefit of the citizenry.

It was in a bid to address some of these challenges that the National Assembly organised a

provides an excellent bonding and networking opportunities for the stakeholders as they were able to rub minds on the way forward for the industry that has been adjudged as the highest money spinner after the oil and gas industry.

Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago made it clear in his opening remarks that the lawmakers were in Uyo for serious business. According to him, the choice of Akwa Ibom State was deliberate. We want to avoid every form of distraction so that we can concentrate on the main business of the day and achieve the aims and objectives of organising the retreat. He called for the support of all stakeholders so that the House can achieve

Bridging Missing Links in Legislators, Regulators and Operators in Maritime

NCS Makes Seizures in Kebbi 5 Years After The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), Apapa has made seizure in Kebbi State five years after the last seizure.

The waterways leading to Kebbi State is part of the areas under the jurisdiction of the WMC. The seizures include 941 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 66 kegs of petroleum products.

While the seizure is valued at N 6.8 million, its duty is N4.7 million and the duty paid value (DPV) N11.6 million.

The seizure is coming within a month when a new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Mohammed Sarkin Kebbi took over the reins of administration from his predecessor, Comptroller Yusuf Umar.

The WMC is an enforcement command and its main function is to protect the waterways, fight insecurity and combat smuggling.

Kebbi disclosed this in a chat with newsmen at the WMC headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

His words: “We have been able to make unprecedented seizures within 30 days in office from various units comprising south western states and right up to Kebbi State in the northern part of the country, at different dates and times. This was borne out of the new spirit to duty in the command by the officers and men. It is important to emphasize that the last seizure made in the Kebbi axis was over 5 years ago.”

According to him, it is the desire of WMC to ensure that the waterways are safe from the activities of nefarious business men and woman thereby engendering the security of our country while smuggling is reduced to the barest minimum. Realising the enormity of the task ahead, visit were planned to various stations within the command in order to familiarize and gather intelligence necessary for effective administration.

He disclosed that he has visited Badagry and Yekemeh stations in the company of his principal officers.

Other places visited by the CAC include Pashi, Idiroko and Bar Beach, the main approved entry/exit point for vessels to and from Lagos ports.

three days retreat in the Akwa Ibom State capital, Uyo to brainstorm on the way forward. The retreat with the theme “Maritime Administration: A Legislative Perspective” was put together by the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Transportation. The retreat brought the key players in the maritime industry under one roof.

Besides the stakeholders in the maritime industry, the helmsmen of the parasatsls under the Federal Ministry of Transportation were all present. The retreat which was all about shipping, to an extent, provide an opportunity to bridge the missing links in legislators, regulators and operators understanding of the maritime industry. It also

Maritime Expert Seeks Support for Security Agencies A Lagos based maritime expert, Prince Olusegun Ologbese has called on Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the maritime industry to support and encourage the security agencies in the country to do more.

Ologbese who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ogbese Marine Services Limited argued that the support and encouragement of Nigerians for the security agencies will ginger them to achieve more in the discharge of their statutory roles and responsibilities in the months ahead.

The maritime expert who is also the life patron of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo/Ekiti Council spoke in Lagos on the heels of the recent arrest of a suspect in connection with the discovery of another large container of arms by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Tin Can Port Complex, Apapa. Lagos.

Describing the arrest of the suspect and the discovery of the arms as “commendable”, the maritime expert who is popularly called “Alaye” said: “It was a thing of joy to hear that these arms were not only discovered by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service but that the suspect behind the importation of the prohibited goods has been arrested. I must tell you, it is a joy for all genuine operators in the maritime industry. This has gone a long way to show that officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service as well as the security agencies are doing a good job”.

Ologbese who is also the President of Association of Good Leadership Advocates Peace Development Lagos, an off-shoot of Concerned People of Lagos State enjoined those involved in the importation of prohibited goods to stop doing so as they are being watched by the security agencies.

He attributed the success recorded by the NCS in recent times especially in

the discovery and interception of arms and ammunition in Lagos ports to what he called the “daily improvement of its skills and strategies” compared to the past.

“It is a pity that those who did not know how the port operates are the ones making careless statements on the working of the service. Some Nigerians are always quick to blame officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

They believes that immediately the importer or licensed custom agent enters the Custom Processing Centre, pay whatever duty he want to pay, they will be allowed to carry their goods out of the ports. They forget that the Nigeria Customs Service from day one knew that the collection of revenue is hard and dangerous and they are fully prepared. That is why from statistics, only 2 percent of the port operators are full compliant. Take it or leave it, the poor man does not do importation not to talk of importing this kind of arms. I can assure you that by the time proper investigation is done on this latest discovery, the world will be shocked by the names of those behind it”, he said.

According to him, the release of goods in the port is not the end of the matter.

The goods are subjected to checks and re-checking At the port gates, one can still be checked or outside the port along the expressway. That is the work of the officers and men of the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) and other security operatives. All these processes are put in place to discourage smuggling like what is been witness few days ago. If these smugglers have escaped now, they would have been popping champagne and laughing at the customs by now.

He explained that this was the basis of his call to Nigerians to appreciate and encourage all the security agencies like the NCS, Police, Army and so on to perform their duties better without interference.

its mandate of taking the maritime industry to the next level.

Apart from written and oral goodwill addresses, outcomes from panel discussions, submissions from interactive sessions and inferences, no fewer than 12 topical technical papers were presented.

The papers include ‘Maritime Industry: Opportunities, Security Challenges and Legislative Intervention’ by Hilary O. Efanga; ‘Maritime Labour Challenges’ by the Deputy Secretary General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Abudu Eroje and ‘Capacity Building in the Maritime Sector: The Academy Example’ by the Registrar, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mkpandiok A. Mkpandiok.

NAGAFF Founder Urges Proper Documentation The founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam has enjoined freight forwarders to ensure that they carry out proper documentation and description of goods in their transactions.

In a trade alert he circulated to members of the association, Aniebonam enlightened freight forwarding practitioners of the need for proper documentation and description of imports and exports in line with the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

He warned that freight forwarders who did not heed to his advice did not only risk their business but also imprisonment without an option of fine.

According to the trade alert, a copy of which was obtained by THISDAY, it is a fact and in law that wrong description of imports for Customs declaration is in breach of Section 46,47 and 161 of the Customs and Excise Management 2004 as amended. The inherent penalty thereto shall include but not limited to seizure of goods and prosecution of offenders in a law court. Where you are convicted it shall lead to 5 years imprisonment without an option of fine.

He explained that it was legitimate and lawful that under destination inspection, the declarant is at liberty to make genuine declaration for Customs purposes, irrespective of the material content of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) as may have been uploaded to the PAAR Unit of the NCS by the consignees.

“The point herein contained is to advise practitioners to ask questions with a view to obtaining the actual content of a laden container from the importers/exporters before making declaration in the single entry document of the NCS. In some of our interaction with the Customs administration, we did discover that the service is highly disturbed at the moment over the non-compliant attitude of practitioners.

Aside from the inherent revenue risks and delays associated with clearing goods out of Customs control, the Comptroller General of Customs is not happy that practitioners are messing up NCS systems reliability and integrity,” he said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • may 27, 2017

PERSPECTIVE

Abia Central: 24 Months Report Card of Orji Don Norman Obinna

P

rior to his stint as senator for Abia Central, representation had never been at such a life-touching state, apparently drawing from his experience of ruling the state, feeling their pains and working to ease their stress while balancing it with development.

Perhaps, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji is seeing service in the red chambers as continuation of his social contract with the constituents, the hallmark of men with developmental mind.

Within the past 24 months, scowls occasioned by the economic down turn have been replaced with smiles contrary to detractors who wish and paint gory pictures in their warped propaganda stunt.

No one is left out; not even the hecklers.

No wonder everyone is yearning for a glass of chilled wine to commemorate the phenomenal representation of our ebullient Senator Ochendo.

This is notwithstanding the verity that by the time he was sworn-in in June 2015, the 2015 Budget was already being implemented leaving him with no input whatsoever.

Instead of using this as an excuse however, Sen. Orji put to good use this inescapable situation with inventive legislation never witnessed in his constituency in the past 16 years. The result is the multiplicity of constituency projects that permeate the entire Abia central senatorial district.

Firstly, he started off with the introduction of a scholarship programme in December 2015; a scheme to produce 480 graduates in two phases. Already, no fewer than 120 indigent students including the physically challenged have benefitted in two batches. The third batch is slated for December 2017.

Excited by this gesture which certainly will place the Abia central youths at the commanding height of their chosen careers in Nigeria and beyond in the next two decades, the Abia Central Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leader, Engineer Kingsley commended it in superlative terms.

“With the priority Sen. Orji placed on human capital development, we are going to witness another era of academic and political bulldozers of 1963. In the next foreseeable future, Abia State especially, Abia central senatorial district will produce another (Nnamdi) Azikiwes, (Abubakar) Tafawa Balewas, (Obafemi) Awolowos, (Samuel) Akintolas, (Michael) Okparas and (Dennis) Osadebeys of this world who made Nigeria’s politics and economy thick.”

“When you look at some reasons why he is referred to as the father of modern Abia State, you cannot just agree less. Ochendo is honestly the sage of our time,” he added.

A look at the current rate of children out of school and literacy in Nigeria informed Sen. Orji placing premium on education and youths’ empowerment in his constituency.

Since children from illiterate homes are likely to be illiterates, he considered it enough information to encourage education programmes that target students from poor background; which informed Ochendo’s scholarship scheme covering several segments.

From his time as governor, he placed prime importance on education which led to the improvement in the result of Abia State in West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) which since then has moved progressively. The state moved from second in previous years to first in 2016. This feat however suggests that the very good foundation led by Sen. Orji in youth development is beginning to yield positively.

On infrastructure, he masterminded the rehabilitation of the impassable Umuahia-IkotEkpene Expressway; a Federal Government road. While praising his persuasiveness to ensuring that work commenced on that road, the representative of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Mr. Abraham Akange who represented the F.G at the flag-off ceremony said: “Government’s decision to fix the highway was due to the pressure from the National Assembly members from Abia State, especially Sen. Orji and Sam Onuigbo.

“Their pressure on FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works for the rehabilitation of the road was so tense that an emergency meeting had to be convened by the minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, in Abuja where the plan for the palliative work was unveiled and ratified.”

Furthermore, in line with the functions of a Legislator; law making, representation and oversight, Sen. Orji has performed creditably well with the delivery of ample democracy dividends to the people of Abia Central.

Other projects standing to his credit include • Electrification of Umuhute Azueke

Senator Orji Autonomous Community, Umuahia North L.G.A. • Electrification of Ahiaba/Okpuala Community, Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A. • Electrification of Nvosi I, Amaku Community in Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A. of Abia State.

• Delivery of 500/11/KVA Transformer to residents of Uwalaka Street, Enugu road, Awkuzu Street, Awolowo Street, Chidiebere Nwoke Street, Amuzukwu layout, etc. Umuahia North L. G. A. • Delivery of 500/11/KVA Transformer to the people of Okpu ancient kingdom in Osisioma – Ngwa L.G.A. of Abia State.

• Delivery of 500/11/KVA Transformers to the people of Aloma community in Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A. • Delivery of 500/11/KVA to Afouguri community in Umuahia North L.G.A. • Delivery of 500/11/KVA to Umuobia Housing Estate, Umuahia South L.G.A • Solar powered motorised borehole drilled at Amuzu Community, Umunneise in Osisioma – Ngwa L.G.A and Umundara – Ahuwa Oboro, Ikwuano L.G.A of Abia State.

• Umuakanu to Umuagu road with a big Bridge, in Emede Ibeku Autonomous Community, is also being constructed as part of the constituency projects. People are urged to visit these sites to ascertain the verity of these claims if in doubt.

As the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Sen. Orji was able to attract some other projects through the Ministry of Agriculture. These include: (a) One motorised borehole drilled and already functioning at Ezuna Erim Autonomous Community, Nsirimo in Umuahia South L.G.A. (b) Construction of Attah – Emede Nkpuru – Umuakanu Road, EmedeIbeku Autonomous Community, Umuahia North L.G.A. Work seriously ongoing. (c) Reconstruction/rehabilitation of Umuire – Udide – Umuodudu – Agbo Road, Emede Autonomous Community.

On the law-making front, Sen. Orji has acquitted himself so well. He has sponsored three motions which resulted in Resolutions of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mandating the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to publish reports of its investigations into the causes of Air accidents in Nigeria over the years. The Resolution was made on 28th January 2016.

Also on 13th January 2016, as a result of Sen. Orji’s motion, the Senate passed a Resolution calling on the Federal Government to immediately set up the Public Procurement Council in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2008.

The Resolution of Senate made on 4th October 2016 on the need to check indiscriminate rock blasting in the FCT and other parts of Nigeria in accordance with International best practices. This followed a motion sponsored by Sen. Orji.

Still on lawmaking, Sen. Orji was rated the 3rd most productive senator of the 8thSenate.

(See Daily Trust Newspaper of 13th June, 2016).

He has also sponsored 11Bills, one of which has already been passed into an Act by the National Assembly while others are at various stages of the process for passage. They are as follows: (1) SB. 71 “A Bill For An Act to Make Provision for Freedom from Hunger and The Right To Adequate Food Of Acceptable Quality,

Right Of Every Child To Basic Nutrition and For Connected Purposes.” This Bill is now an Act. It was passed into an Act on the floor of the Senate on Thursday 13thday of October, 2016. It is awaiting Presidential Assent.

(2) SB. 72 “A Bill For An Act to Repeal The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act, Cap 117 Laws Of The Federation Of Nigeria and Re-Enact The Nigerian Investment Commission To Provide For the Creation of an Attractive Incentive Framework and a Transparent Predictable and Facilitating Environment For Investment in Nigeria and Related Matters.”This Bill is now for Second reading/debate stage.

(3) SB. 73 “A Bill For An Act To Provide For National Planning Process And For Other Matters Connected Therewith.” Also for Second reading.

(4) SB. 77 “National Emergency Bill, 2016.”

Also for 2nd reading.

(5) SB. 78 “Deoxybionucleric Acid (DNA) Bill, 2016.” This Bill is aimed at checking crimes.

(6) SB. 79 “A Bill For An Act To Provide For The Management And Conservation Of Nigeria’s Biodiversity, The Protection Of Species And Ecosystems That Warrant National Protection, The Sustainable And Equitable Sharing Of Benefits Arising From Bio prospecting Involving Indigenous Biological Resources, The Establishment And Function Of The National Biodiversity Institute And For Matters Connected Therewith.” Also for Second reading.

(7) SB. 119 “A Bill For An Act to Amend the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Sharing Contract , Cap D3 LFN 2004 And For Other Matters Connected Thereto.” This Bill has long passed through 1st and 2nd reading or debate stage. It was given to the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources since 1st quarter of 2016 but the Committee, for reasons known to them, decided not to report back to Senate.

(8) SB. 129 “A Bill For An Act To Alter The Provision Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) To Enable The President And State Governors To Designate And Assign Portfolios To Persons Nominated As Ministers Or Commissioners Before Confirmation By The Senate Or The State House Of Assembly.” This Bill was married to many other Bills on amendment of the Constitution and they all will be handled together.

(9) SB. 256 “A Bill For An Act To Provide For The Establishment Of The Nigerian Centre For Disease Control And Prevention (NCDC) And For Matters Connected Therewith.” This Bill passed 2nd reading on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, 14 – 03 – 2017.

(10) SB. 259“A Bill For An Act To Regulate The Manufacture, Importation, Distribution And Quality Control Of Fertilizer In Nigeria And For Related Matters.” This Bill is for 2nd reading.

(11) SB. 260 “A Bill For An Act To Provide For The Regulation And Effective Monitoring Of Metallurgical Inspection And Raw Material Development In Nigeria And For Related Matters.” Also for 2ndreading.

It is a known fact that legislators perform their oversight functions through committee duties. Sen. Orji is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, member Senate Committees on Police affairs, Marine Transport, Air force and Health. He participates effectively in the oversight activities of all these com-

mittees as a very prominent and important member.

The committee assignments have taken him to several cities within and outside Nigeria.

In October, 2015, he led a delegation of other Lawmakers to the European Parliament at Brussels, Belgium where he eloquently presented a paper on the role of political parties in constitutional democratic development. In January, 2016, as the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, he also led another delegation of lawmakers to Izmir, Turkey to attend an International summit on Agriculture.

It is worthy to note also that in the last 24 months, over 1000 artisans, entrepreneurs (SMEs) and farmers have all been empowered

by Sen. Orji with various items ranging from grinding machines, power generating sets, sewing machines, tricycles (KEKE), motorcycles, Buses, fertilisers to ensure the survival of their businesses and their financial freedom.

Not left out also were the physically challenged, widows, the elderly and victims of natural disasters in Amaekpu Ntigha. In several occasions within the last 24 months, Sen. Orji has helped them with donations of millions of naira, hundreds of wheelchairs, tones of bags of rice/condiments ETC. He also made a case for them by persuading NEMA to provide relief materials for them to ameliorate their suffering.

Also various social groups and local organisations have benefitted from Sen. Orji’s responsive representation. One of the examples of such is the renovation to modern edifice the Mbawsi Women social group’s town hall at Umuamainta, Mbawsi in Isiala Ngwa north L.G.A. During this 24 months of phenomenal representation also, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs had extended invitation for prequalification and direct tendering for works, goods and expression of interest for constituency services for the 2016 capital projects for the design and supervision of Mbom-Ameke-Olokoro-Umuikea roads, 7up/Umuola-Nkwo Elechi Ohuhu road-5km.

There are also consultancy services for training and empowerment in agriculture and other value chain in Abia central by Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. In addition, six youths from the six local government areas that constitute Abia central have been given Federal Government employment while plans are also afoot to add to that number at the beginning of first quarter if the FG’s recruitment policy goes as planned in 2018.

In a town hall meeting in Umuahia, Abia State capital on Sunday 7th May 2017, Sen. Orji while rendering account of his 24 months stewardship at the National Assembly said, “I will not relent until the menace of illiteracy, poverty, hunger and child/maternal mortality are completely eradicated in Abia central senatorial district.”

A typical example of the incredible talents that abound in Abia central is Professor, Maduike Ezeibe of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia,who recently discovers the drug for the permanent cure of the dreaded HIV/AIDS. Against rejection by the F.G, Sen. Orji made a case for him at the senate.

On Wednesday 22 March 2017, while presenting a petition by Prof. Ezeibe, Sen. Orji said, that the attempt to get Min. of Health’s cooperation on the discovery failed. He noted that the petition to the senate was to ask it to look into the case to find out whether Prof. Ezeibe had done anything wrong by painstakingly working to help find solution to a dreaded ailment.

While appraising Sen. Orji’s doggedness, the paramount ruler of Ibeku Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Eze Samuel Onuoha summarised the revolutionary deeds of Sen. Orji from inception thus: “Orji’s contributions to the development of Abia, especially Ibeku land right from his days as the Chief of Staff, Governor and now Senator are unparalleled. He did for us what no Ibeku man or any Abia governor has done.

“He brought rapid development to our land, developed and empowered our youths. We revered him because he is an achiever; our illustrious son who has done us proud.”

Of course Eze Onuoha was perfectly in order in his eulogies when one considers the truism that Abia central senatorial district has become a place of Eldorado. So convivial it’s now home to approximately 25 per cent of the rest of the south east and south-south citizens in just 24 months Ochendo-gislation of wonders.

Ochendo is the Iroko that shield not only his people but the entire Igbo land.

–Dom wrote from Abuja

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 27, 2017

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • may 27, 2017

POLITY

Dame Patricia Anenih: A Matriarch in Whom Humanity Lived Sufuyan Ojeifo “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

-Thomas Campbell

T

he title of the newspaper advertisement, announcing the funeral of the first wife of former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, simply read: “Our matriarch transits”.

Undeniably, the title captured and still posthumously captures the quintessence of humanity and motherliness of Dame Patricia Anenih, a Knight of Saint Sylvester (KSS), who went to be with the Lord on the Resurrection Morning of Sunday, April 16, this year.

Dame Patricia Anenih, who passed away at age 75, lives in hearts she has left behind with consolatory expectations of a sweet reunion on the ultimate resurrection day.

Meanwhile, we agonise and wax poetic in sadness with the eternal lines of Edgar Allan Poe coming to mind in much bolder relief: “The death of a beautiful woman is, unquestionably, the most poetical topic in the world.”

Dame Patricia Anenih was a beautiful woman. She had a beautiful heart, an inimitably humble nature, which manifested

Dame Patricia Anenih

expressively in her inter-personal relationships with all who crossed her paths in life.

Firmly in charge of the home front, the matriarch of the Anenih family had her peculiar ways of assuring and reassuring visitors to the house that they were welcomed. If you looked into the dining area where she always sat superintending over the wellbeing of family members, she would, in her gentle voice, ask after your family and would always invite you to the table to eat something.

Dame Patricia Anenih was very motherly.

She was very caring. She was very accommodating. All these great virtues and much more found vast expressions in her while she lived. Humanity resided in her. She thus lived out the timeless words of Norman Cousins: “Death is not the greatest loss in life.

The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” Nothing great, including motherliness, compassionate care and accommodation, et al, died in her while alive. It is against this backdrop that we should relate with her death as a necessary gateway to paradise where rewards for good deeds are accessed.

In spite of this, “the death of a beloved is an amputation,” according to C.S. Lewis in ‘A Grief Observed’. There is no doubt: Dame Patricia Anenih will be sorely missed! An immensely good woman has gone home to rest.

Family friends and political associates of Chief Tony Anenih have continued to commiserate with him over the transition of his friend of over 50 years. A void has been left behind- the ugly side of apartness. While it looks strange to celebrate this separation; it is culturally the best way to demonstrate affection.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, in their empathy, wrote: “The death of our mother was a very sad event. She was a mother very dear to all-lovely, peaceful and very motherly. Her demise is painful to all especially the immediate family. May her soul rest in peace.”

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun penned these lines: “Words are inadequate to describe the sadness that we feel and the sympathy we have. But our good God in His inimitable ways will bring solace to the Anenih family and give them the courage to

pass through these trying times. Amen.” and his wife, Lucy, posited: “A truly worthy Chairman of CMES OMS JV Limited, mother of great distinction. Mama lived a life business mogul and 2016 recipient of of honour, integrity, and great love for God Vanguard Businessman of the year award, and humanity. She was clearly a role model Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo affirmed: for all mothers….”

“Mommy, you were, indeed, a mommy Chairman of DAAR Communications, to all of us. May your gentle soul rest in Chief Alegho Raymond Dokpesi, declared: perfect peace,” while his business partner, “Mama’s passage to the greater glory came Dr Olatunde Ayeni declared: “Mommy, as a very rude shock. We take joy that she you lived a beautiful life. We love you but lived a very exemplary life and contributed to God loves you more. Sleep well in the Lord. the uplift of humanity. Mama, rest in perfect Amen.” peace.”

Chief Charles Edosomwan (SAN) captured more succinctly Dame Patricia Anenih’s essence: “Mommy was a beautiful, serene Esan woman, a virtuous Edo woman whose high standing in society never dimmed her humility. She was always welcoming to me and all of us she saw as her children’s friends.

I will miss her smile and kindheartedness.”

According to Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), “You lived a purposeful, programmatic, dedicated, eventful and successful life. May God grant your elegant, lovely soul eternal rest.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara wrote in the condolence register: “On behalf of the entire members of the House of Representatives, I offer our sincere heartfelt condolences over the death of a beloved wife, mother, sister, and community mobiliser. We love you but God loves you the most. We will continue to see you in the works you did while alive and the hearts you touched….”

Mrs. Precious Fani-Kayode during the celebration of her birthday in Abuja...recently Professor Jerry Gana

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MISSILE Falana to Garba Shuhu

“Garba Shehu wants Nigerians to believe that the El-Zakzakys are held in ‘protective custody’ after a federal high court had declared such detention illegal and unconstitutional, or has Shehu suddenly become so power drunk to the extent that he can conveniently set aside the judgment of the federal high court?”

– Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana chastising Garba Shehu, media aide to President Buhari for justifying the illegal detention of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Shitte movement in Nigeria.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

President Buhari and the Battle for Nigeria

F

ellow Nigerians, let’s call a spade a spade, and not by any other name today. I’m seriously perturbed that while our dear President is indisposed, for now, some of his so-called friends are only interested in consolidating themselves in power. I think President Muhammadu Buhari deserves better than this. Hate him or love him, President Buhari remains one of the most honest Nigerians alive today. Not even his worst enemy would accuse him of being a corrupt leader. As a prominent Nigerian businessman once told us: “I can’t imagine anyone discussing deals with President Buhari…

The atmosphere would not be conducive…” We all concur to that.

I’m of the opinion that it is not Buhari’s fault that he has health challenges. All mortals are prone to sicknesses. No President is immune from it, simply by virtue of his occupation of that position. Even if he has not divulged his exact ailment, he’s been honest enough to tell us that he’s never been this sick before. That is honesty and humility at its best. At the very least, he deserves our sympathy and prayers. I’m impressed that he has not succumbed to pressure from real or imagined cabals or mafias. These people who seek to hijack the Government for their perfidious ends have been able to do so because they have kept us in the dark about the status of the President’s condition thus fuelling the rumour mills. The President will do well on this occasion to manage that part well and provide regular updates to Nigeria as to his welfare. This should include photo and video opportunities as much as possible. It would put paid to the nefarious activities of those seeking to profit from the unfortunate illness of our beloved President. Those who reap the biggest benefits from government are not always those who worked assiduously for power. They are usually scavengers of opportunities who have the expertise of forcing themselves into any government in power, AGIP party members, as we used to call them. That is why they are unscrupulous and are not loath to exploit any opportunity that presents itself to further their base and primordial interests.

Those who wish to help Buhari govern by proxy are nothing but enemies of the President and even worse, enemies of Nigeria. Thank God, so far so good, Buhari has shunned them, albeit stylishly.

He has handed over power appropriately to his able and capable Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo whenever required to do so and saved Nigeria the uncertainties and ambiguities that bedevilled the similar situation during President Yar’Adua’s enforced medical absence from the country. That is how it should be. No matter how imperfect our Constitution is, there is no iota of ambiguity in what should happen in such absences of the President. It should be repeated here for emphasis that if Buhari and Osinbajo shared a joint ticket, theirs should be a marriage made in heaven and no one should try to put the union asunder. I think they both complement each other. I love the palpable camaraderie that exists between them. Why would anyone wish to destroy such a peaceful and beautiful wedlock?

The time has come for all reasonable Nigerians to support the Buhari/Osinbajo administration.

You cannot but love how power moves smoothly and seamlessly from Buhari to Osinbajo to Buhari and back again to Osinbajo. Everything should be done to cement that bond. This type of synergy is what our country needs to move forward.

Nothing should be done again to slow down the new vigour and frenetic pace we see currently in government. Those who are busy fanning the embers of disunity will fail ultimately. If Nigeria survived such a calamitous fratricidal war, our country will survive the renewed political

Dele Momodu with Rotimi Amaechi and Hadi Sirika during Buhari’s Presidential campaign in London conspiracy to subvert or abort the democratic interests and primordial sentiments. That is process and the will of the people. what many Nigerians have noticed and noted It is obvious to me that an average Nigerian in recent times by the attitude and approach of wants to live in peace. And it does not take too both President Buhari and the Acting President, much to please us. Those who use ethnicity and Prof Osinbajo. religion to divide us definitely understand their We all know what is wrong with Nigeria. evil strategy. The whole essence is to enslave We also know the solutions to our debilitating us and sentence us and generations unborn to and intractable problems but feel too timid and eternal servitude. But Nigeria and Nigerians are extremely selfish and docile to do anything about very resilient and this too shall pass away. it. The first is ethnicity. If we do not kill it fast, it I’m happy that President Buhari has refused to will kill Nigeria ultimately. I personally do not care destabilise Nigeria for personal aggrandisement. where the President of Nigeria comes. What I worry It is absolutely unnecessary. Professor Osinbajo about is his/her level of performance. Everything is cool, calm and collected. He is a man of the else is secondary or complete balderdash. people. An engaging personality who clearly knows Out of 36 states of Nigeria, Niger State has what it takes to heal the wounds of this nation produced two former Heads of State, Generals and deliver on the ‘Change’ agenda that brought Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar; their administration to power. That he does so in Ogun has produced General Olusegun Obasanjo a distinctly unique humane and sensitive way and Chief Ernest Shonekan and, but for the fiendish is borne by the experience gained not only as perfidy of man, Chief Moshood Abiola would a seasoned lecturer, administrator and topmost have been President. Katsina has produced at professional advocate but also as a respected least two Presidents, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and and revered pastor of the Redeemed Christian General Muhammadu Buhari. Kano State has Church of God (RCCG). These are impeccable produced two Heads of State, General Murtala credentials and veritable sources of knowledge and Mohammed and General Sani Abacha. Plateau compassion. They are needed to drive the nation State produced General Yakubu Gowon and from its present perilous state to the destination Bayelsa State produced Goodluck Jonathan. The of success and prosperity desired by the vast occupation of the foremost position in Nigeria majority of well-meaning Nigerians. by indigenes of these States has not turned those The Acting President is not a man with inordinate States or regions into paradise. Rather the converse ambition and he would work according to the has been the case for the most part. Why then mandate handed to him by his boss. That the the hoopla by their tribesmen and others who two men are constantly in touch with each other agitate for rotation or scream vociferously for and that President Buhari approves of what his their kinsmen to be given the chance to rule deputy is doing in his absence is obvious from the confidence with which Prof Osinbajo is dealing with his duties. A typical politician would have scattered Aso Rock Presidential villa with satanic intrigues by now. I’ve been studying him like a This is yet another passionate appeal to our textbook for some time now. May God continue friends and brothers, Rt. Honourable Chibuike to imbue him with uncommon wisdom.

Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Hadi Sirika who I love the way Osinbajo is carrying every part are both in charge of the Transport and Aviation of Nigeria along. His recent strategic visit to Garki sectors respectively, that something urgent and Market and interaction with a fish seller, coupled drastic should be done about the Murtala with his exchanges and discourse with some Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. In Nigerian children from 23 schools in Abuja in the name of God, someone needs to save us commemoration of Children’s Day, demonstrate from this incredible shame. that he is someone in touch with the masses and I have chosen to write about this subject today positively geared for the task ahead of providing because I did the same thing when Princess an enabling environment for future generations Stella Oduah was Aviation Minister and many of Nigerians to thrive. As he tweeted in respect thought we were writing and criticising because of those children that he met, “They and future we hated President Goodluck Jonathan. That is generations are the reason we must committed to far from the truth. Anyone who loves Nigeria the growth of our nation and shared prosperity would naturally worry about the monstrosity of its people.” A President and Acting President that this airport has become. I have already are fathers of the nation. Once you attain that lofty written several times about different aspects height, you’re instantly transfigured into a father of the operation and condition of the airport for all and must automatically shun parochial but cannot stop because it is the number one

if the result is second rate leadership at best.

Nigerians must learn from our ugly past that grabbing power for your own kith and kin by all means has never brought development to those parts. Otherwise, some places would have been more beautiful than Dubai within Nigeria.

The truth is that until we learn that our country’s salvation will only come from choosing our best materials for the most important leadership posts in our beloved country we will continue to miss it and bemoan our fate. Perhaps, one of the biggest legacies of this administration will be that, by happenstance, God has allowed us to see what is possible and achievable when two leaders complementing each other with their remarkable but different capabilities occupy the top leadership position in this country.

My prayer is that Buhari would be allowed to recuperate and fully recover and no one would bundle him back home in a hurry like it was done last time. Nothing tangible was achieved by that ill-managed publicity gimmick. Indeed, all that the protagonists succeeded in doing was to portray a very sick and feeble man to the country. They may indeed have demystified the man by parading him in his weak and vulnerable state when he should simply have been left to undergo his treatment and recover faster than he now will. My guess is that this stunt set back the course of the President’s treatment by a few good months. Certainly, not the best at all.

I’m very sure that if, on this occasion, the President’s doctors can have their way and treat him with the full course of treatment and rehabilitation that he requires, by the time he comes back fit and ready to resume the mantle of leadership of this great country, he would be proud he left some competent and loyal disciples behind and not some Judas Iscariot. Those who wish to use Buhari’s government to instantly obliterate their poverty or satisfy their greed should understand that certainly tomorrow will come.

Every part of Nigeria is blessed with great people. We should allow them to thrive. The biggest test Nigeria faces is how and when our leaders would agree to assemble and make use of our best brains. For as long we continue to recycle the dregs of society, we are going nowhere.

The world today is driven by knowledge and fired by uncommon vision. We cannot continue to reason and act like pre-historic human beings and expect our country to experience sporadic improvement and development. Fortunately, in the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria has such a man and we must all do her best to ensure he succeeds whilst he deputises for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Another Appeal to our Friends in Power gateway to our country for most potential investors.

I use this opportunity to mention another inglorious aspect of this airport to the esteemed Minister and Minister of State. When we landed in Nigeria two days ago from Accra, Ghana, the stench that welcomed us was too disgraceful. I don’t know what is responsible but human sweat caused by the absence of any sort of climate control must be one factor. The deplorable state of the sanitary facilities is definitely another one. I still don’t understand why anybody can survive inside such squalid conditions on a daily basis. The place is a certified health and safety hazard and bodes ill for the good health and welfare of workers, passengers and other users of that airport. Our two Ministers must do something drastic to bring that place to the best of international standards. We cannot afford to continue to do things shabbily.

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