SATURDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2019

S’Court Upholds Decision Nullifying APC Primaries in Rivers Rivers APC: Our candidates will still be on the ballot Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday upheld the order of a Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt, which last year barred the All Progressive Congress (APC) from conducting any primary election

pending the determination of a suit brought before it by a team of 22 aggrieved members of the party.

In a swift reaction, The Rivers State chapter of the APC urged Rivers people and other lovers of democracy “to ignore Senator

Magnus Abe) and his allies for misrepresentation of facts on the Supreme Court ruling,” insisting that the candidacy of Tonye Cole and others of APC was not imperiled.

The apex court in a judgment yesterday set aside the ruling

PDP hails judgement

of the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, which in October last year, upturned the interlocutory order of the high court in the political case.

In a unanimous judgment by a five-man panel of justices, the Supreme Court refused to

tamper with the high court judgment that ab-initio barred the APC from conducting its ward, local and state congresses in Rivers State, pending the determination of a suit filed by 22 aggrieved chieftains of the party.

The plaintiffs led by Ibrahim Umar, had on May 11, 2018, secured an interim injunction from a High Court in Port Harcourt, which restrained the APC from going ahead with the Continued on page 6

NEITI: FG, States, LGs Shared $8.5tn in 2018 … Page 8 Saturday 9 February, 2019 Vol 24. No 8707

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Soyinka Stuns Bookmakers, Endorses YPP Candidate, Moghalu, for President He will best do the job of leading Nigeria Ahamefula Ogbu Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, lived up to his controversial billings yesterday, when contrary to expectations and permutations, endorsed Prof.

Kingsley Moghalu, candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), for President.

Soyinka and his civil society group, Citizens Forum, made the announcement in a statement he personally signed, where he

outlined circumstances leading up to the decision which he described as rigorous.

Soyinka said he came back from the rumination on who would best do the job of leading Nigeria best before returning

a verdict that it was Moghalu that he settled for.

The statement read, “The nation has been brought to her knees. Internally, the blaring media testimony needs no augmentation. Beyond her

borders, Nigeria is the tale of citizens designated pariahs of the global community for whom special dossiers are opened, and units of security agencies are specifically assigned. Online transactions are programmed

to reject basic usage once the word ‘Nigeria’ is inserted in the Data profile. There are few nation left, within or outside the continental borders where – no matter the codeword – a Continued on page 8

Those Who Incite Election Violence Must Be Held to Account, US Warns INEC must operate free from outside pressure, intimidation Ambassador Symington: We have no favoured candidate ISIS West Africa’s Hold, Membership in Nigeria Growing Chineme Okafor in Abuja and Emmanuel Ukumba in Lafia With just seven days to the Nigerian Presidential and National Assembly elections, the United States Government yesterday fired a cautioning shot to all actors, warning that “those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account.”

This warning is coming on the heels of another caution by the US government that ISIS West Africa, a faction of Boko Haram, is growing its membership base,

and is increasing the tempo of its terror war against Nigeria in the north-east region.

In a press statement by Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, released in Washington, DC and dated February 7, 2019, the US government said it was in support of a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.

The statement on the election caution by the US government reads: “It is critical that the Independent National Electoral Continued on page 6

FROM PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA TEAM… L-R: APC chieftain, Prince Tony Momoh; book presenter, Ken Nnamani; President Muhammadu Buhari; former governor of Ogun State and book reviewer, Chief Olusegun Osoba; National Security Adviser, Babagana Mongonu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, during the book presentation by the Presidential Media Team: Nigeria on Firmer Ground Towards Lasting Peace and Progress, held at the State House Abuja…yesterday STATE HOUSE

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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 ˾ ˜ ΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁

PAGE SIX THOSE WHO INCITE ELECTION VIOLENCE MUST BE HELD TO ACCOUNT, US WARNS Commission operates free from outside pressure and intimidation and in a totally objective manner. Nigerian security services must provide a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights. Those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account.

The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.”

ISIS West Africa’s Hold, Membership in Nigeria Growing Meanwhile, the United States Government has warned that ISIS West Africa, a faction of Boko Haram, is growing its membership base, and is increasing the tempo of its terror war against Nigeria in the north-east region.

Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Thomas Waldhauser stated this yesterday at the US Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on AFRICOM and South Command (SOUTHCOM).

Also yesterday, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, during a visit to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Almakura in Lafia, declared that the US did not

have any favoured candidate in the oncoming general election in Nigeria.

At the US Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on AFRICOM and South Command (SOUTHCOM), Waldhauser declared: “Now, ISIS West Africa has grown. They go by different names every once in a while, but they have grown in numbers. They’re now in the neighborhood, probably in the neighborhood of around 3,000 to 4,000. That's the best estimate that we have.

“They have been very aggressive over the summer into this year. They now have taken large pieces of real estate in northern Nigeria and I think, of the two right now, they're the one that we have the most concern about because we are not sure what their intentions would be with regards to outside the region.”

Waldhauser also said the United States would review its anti-terrorism engagement or partnership with the winner of Nigeria’s February 16 presidential election, to amongst other things, identify how best to move forward with the country’s fight against Boko Haram.

Waldhauser’s submission to the US Senate Committee, however, is at variance with the

federal government’s continued claim that Boko Haram and all its associates have largely been degraded and that their operations in the northeast were confined to soft targets.

In a transcript of the senate committee meeting, obtained by THISDAY in Abuja, Waldhauser also stated that the Nigerian government had made no progress with its expected rescue of the remaining Chibok school girls, kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014.

President Muhammadu Buhari had stated that he was committed to the release of the remaining Chibok girls, as well as Leah Sharibu, who was also kidnapped by the terror group from Dapchi in Yobe state.

Asked by the committee if the AFRICOM was observing Nigeria’s presidential election, and its importance on its operations, Waldhauser said: “We're very much aware of the elections on February 16, and from the military respect perspective, we watch that from the standpoint of actions leading up to and what will happen afterwards.

“We hope it will be a peaceful election, but I think our sights are set on forward and not in the rearview mirror, meaning that whoever would win, that

now okay, let's sit down and talk about where we are and how we can best help, whether it be the displaced people and the issues with humanitarian issues in Northern Nigeria, whether it's their army and their work against Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa.”

He further explained: “So, my answer to that question is let's get the election over, and they're watching this today, by the way.

I mean, my comments are going to be watched in Nigeria, and it's very important that I don't sway either way. The bottom line is whoever wins, we want to sit down with them and now how do we move forward and improve this situation.”

Providing an update on Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa to the committee, he stated: “First of all, we do not have offensive strike capabilities or authorities in those countries, so we can't strike. We can strike in Somalia, we can strike in Libya, but not in Nigeria, Chad and the likes. So, we don't have authorities there.”

Asked to explain what he meant by AFRICOM not being able to strike, Waldhauser, said: “If we are accompanying, we have the inherent right of self-defense and collective self-defense. If we are not accompanying, which we have not done at all in Nigeria

and we haven't accompanied inside other places for quite some time, we do not have collective self-defense because I haven't designated it and we don't use it.”

On the remaining Chibok girls that are yet to be rescued, he stated: “I would just tell you that of the 276 girls who were kidnapped in April of 2014, I think a number of 163 have been recovered but the others - there's 113 or thereabouts that still are unaccounted for. I could talk in more detail in the classified session but the bottom line is there has not been much progress from what I can see in terms of getting any of the remainder back.”

In Nasarawa, Symington told Almakura: “I am emphasising that Nigerians must strive hard to ensure that the oncoming elections are credible like that of 2015, Nigerians would be held responsible for what they say or do in the forthcoming general elections.”

The Ambassador added: “We don’t have a favoured candidate of party, but have one hope for the people of Nigeria to have a peaceful and credible election; we hope Nigerians come together and influence their neigbours and the World.

“Freedom and democracy

should prevail and you have to work for it. I want all the candidates to say, practice and enhance a peaceful election.

Peace is like freedom and like democracy, you have to grow it and everybody has to work for it and everybody has to be a part of it.

“Every Nigerian will be held responsible for what they say and whatever they do before God and for your conscience before the court of public opinion.

“Each of you should be guided by your hopes and dreams for a united Nigeria and we as your guest want the election to make you proud,” he said.

In his remark, Almakura said: “It is our testimony that Nasarawa State will adopt international best practice in the conduct of free and fair elections as the All Progressive Congress (APC) conducted its general congresses which produced our candidates by observing produced rule of law according to democratic tenets.

Earlier on Thursday, Symington, also warned Nigerians not to be deceived by politicians who may issue illegal directives to them using the name of President Muhammadu Buhari.

SOYINKA STUNS BOOKMAKERS, ENDORSES YPP CANDIDATE, MOGHALU, FOR PRESIDENT Nigerian ‘room’ has not been designated.

“Her humanity litters the sand trails of the Sahara, it lines the Mediterranean sea-bed with the bones of a desperate generation, seeking ‘green pastures’. Lines from my poems have been appropriated and embossed as epitaphs on the tombstones of Nigerians washed up the isle of Catania and accorded dignified burials by total strangers, certainly paid more respect than Nigerians themselves consider due to their own humanity. Other would-be migrants have been slaughtered by religious fundamentalists on the shores of Tripoli, while waiting for their precarious crossing on suicidal boats. Yet others end up as commodities in the slave markets of Libya and Mauritania, hundreds recently rescued and airlifted – credit where credit is due! – repatriated by government.

“It was not always thus.

Numerous Nigerians believe

that it need not remain so.

There is always a choice to be made outside any presumptuous orders – in reality associations guaranteed to perpetuate social disorders and the politics of inequality. This is not the thinking of any one individual but of a large section of this populace.

If it were not, there would not have been a record number of nearly a hundred political groups aspiring to take over the reins of governance.”

Soyinka said his civil society group did not need any instruction to estimate that several of the aspiring groups were mere plants, raised to sow confusion.

He said: ‘It redounds to the credit of a few individuals, including some of the candidates themselves, who embarked on efforts to winnow down their own ranks, then seek a consensus candidate as standard bearer for the battle against the two political behemoths.

“They did not succeed, but that is no cause for despair.

They still deserve the gratitude of Nigerians for their uniquely principled efforts. The Citizen Forum – last heard of during the time of the dictator, Sani Abacha – was pulled out of retirement to join in their effort to arrive at peer consensus. The Forum worked peripherally with them.

It made no attempt – I stress this – no attempt whatsoever to impose its own preferences, but utilised material from the deliberations of at least four such selection groups. It remained on the fringe, except on invitation.

“Our mission today is simply to present the result of that effort

by Citizen Forum which, I am especially gratified to reveal, coincides with my own personal preference. The CF conclusion is obviously not binding on other groups or individuals involved in the exercise. May I take this opportunity to advise the public that neither Citizen Forum nor

myself, belongs to any Third Force or other Consensus seeking councils by any other name. Please ignore any such attributions.”

He said his civil society group spent the past few months, studying the careers, experiences and track records of most of the presidential aspirants, “and most intensely those actually short-listed by the opposition parties themselves. Like millions of Nigerians, we watched the debates.”

Soyinka continued: “ I physically interacted with some of the acknowledged top contenders, in some cases several times. We participated in handshake across Nigeria, where some candidates presented their briefs.

“Among others, I delivered a keynote address. We watched television interviews. We have exchanged notes with highly respected international Civil Servants. The drive towards Consensus among these dedicated

groups sometimes took the form of test questionnaires to the aspirants, including items such as: ‘Who among the contestants would you choose, if you did not emerge as the ultimate preference?’

“There was nothing complicated about assessment parameters: mental preparedness, analytical aptitude, response to the nation’s security challenges, economic grounding, grasp of socio-political actualities, including a remedial concern with the Nigerian image in foreign perception etc. etc. not forgetting a convincing commitment to governance and resource decentralization – commonly referred to as Restructuring. The Forum rejected retrograde propositions of a political merry-go-round, which urge the electorate to choose this or that candidate in order to ensure “our turn” at the next power incumbency.

Overall, the exercise was exacting but also – therapeutic.

It proved yet again that there is

over-abundant leadership quality locked up in the nation, and that it is a collective shortcoming that the political space has not been sufficiently opened up to let soar such potential. Well, to cite the Chinese proverb: a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

“Let me reiterate: there is overabundant, but stifled leadership material, and there can be no excuse, now that that potential of high quality is being manifested, for constricting the political space in a population that is nudging two hundred million. And that statement is of course specially addressed to those who took part in this exercise, those who deliberately opted out of it, some of whom were assessed anyway.

Such potential compelled us to exercise utmost rigour in what proved to be a most daunting exercise. The final determination however is – the flag-bearer of the Young Progressive Party – Kingsley Moghalu.

insisting that the candidacy of Tonye Cole and others of APC was not imperiled.

Cole, who is a co-founder of Sahara Group, still expressed optimism that he and other candidates of APC in Rivers would be on the ballot for the elections and they would emerge victorious.

Rivers APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, Friday said: “We are convinced that no harm has been done to the candidacy of our governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, and the others. We believe that, by the grace of God, we shall triumph and ultimately be on the ballot for the 2019 elections.”

The main opposition APC also called on the teeming supporters of the party in Rivers to remain calm, while assuring that it would surely end in praise and declared that candidates of APC in the state would surely be on the ballot and go ahead to win on February 16 and March 2, 2019.

In his reaction, Abe described the ruling of the Supreme Court as a stunning victory for Democracy, Justice and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Abe, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Parry

Saroh Benson, reiterated that the issue in Rivers APC had always been about inclusion, justice, respect for party members and adherence to due process.

"Today, the Supreme Court again made the point that no one is above the law consequently, it is time for us to put the interest of Rivers APC above every other interest.

"The victory at the Supreme Court this morning is a stunning victory for Democracy and Justice. The God of justice has spoken and every other voice must now be silent”."We had always maintained that only one valid and lawful primary election was conducted by the APC in Rivers State, because the indirect primaries did not exist in law.

"With this latest pronouncement by the Supreme Court, it is now clear that the voided congresses in Rivers State, as well as the indirect primaries that it gave birth to, has been knocked down not just by the State High Court, but that position has now been upheld by two separate panels of the Court of Appeal Port Harcourt Division and two panels of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

S’COURT UPHOLDS DECISION NULLIFYING APC PRIMARIES IN RIVERS indirect primaries that held on May 19, 20 and 21 respectively, which produced Tonye Cole as governorship candidate and other candidates to represent the party in the 2019 general elections.

The APC had through its lawyer, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), begged the Supreme Court to clear legal impediments against the faction loyal to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and allow its list of candidates that contained Tonye Cole's name.

But the request was rejected by the panel of the apex court judges, led by Justice Mohammad Dattijo.

The court instead re-affirmed its previous ruling that validated the order of a Port Harcourt Federal High Court order, which barred APC from conducting its Rivers primaries.

The Supreme Court invoked Section 22 of its Act, which allows it to take over a matter and give final judgment to decide on the appeal.

In a lead judgment delivered

by Justice Sidi Barge, the apex court held that by virtue of Section 11 Rule 5 of the Appeal Court rules, the appeal against the high court ruling having

been withdrawn by the APC is tantamount to outright dismissal.

Justice Barge posited that since the Court of Appeal failed or evaded to make dismissal pronouncement on the said appeal, the apex court has no choice than to invoke section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to assume jurisdiction over the case and decide on it.

The judge declared: "It is my considered opinion that this appeal must be given a decent burial. The appeal having been withdrawn at the lower court by the respondent is deemed distilled.

“This is what the lower court failed or evaded to do. Therefore by virtue of Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act 2004, the lower court having failed to exercise its powers provided under Order 11 Rule 5, this court is bound to do so.

"Thus I'll allow the appeal and set aside the ruling of the lower court dated October 31, 2018. I hereby dismiss appeal No CA/ PH/198/2018, same having been validly withdrawn.”

The Ojukaye Flag-Amachree’s led APC had appealed the ruling of a Port Harcourt Federal High Court judge, Justice Chiwendu

Nwogu, which nullified the APC state congresses and the nomination of Tonye Cole as the party’s governorship flag bearer in the forthcoming general elections.

Justice Nwogu had on May 11, 2018, granted an interlocutory order restraining the APC from conducting any local government area congresses in the state.

The appeal was however withdrawn on the order of the National Secretariat of APC at the Court of Appeal but the court refused to dismiss it as required by law.

In the appeal to the Supreme Court filed by Ibrahim Umar on behalf of their faction, the Supreme Court agreed with them that the APC’s appeal at the Court of Appeal, having been withdrawn was liable to dismissal and not striking out.

PDP hails judgment

The Peoples Democratic Party yesterday said the judgment of the Supreme Court, upholding the nullification of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers state, was a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

The PDP National Publicity

Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement also lauded the apex court for its courage in delivering the landmark judgment.

He stated that the judgement had saved the nation from a serious constitutional crisis that could have marred the 2019 general elections.

He said, “The judgment of the Supreme Court serves as a huge lesson to politicians and political parties, to eschew impunity and always conduct their affairs in a manner that is in tandem with the provision of the law.

“The courage displayed by the Supreme Court in delivering the judgment at this critical time in our national life has also restored the confidence of Nigerians in the institution of the Judiciary and our democratic order.”

APC: candidacy of Cole, others not imperiled

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has urged Rivers people and other lovers of democracy to ignore Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers Southeast) and his allies for misrepresentation of facts on the Supreme Court ruling,

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž FEBRUARY 9, 2019

NEWS

Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

RELISHING INFRASTRUCTURE ...

L-R: General Manager, CCECC, Mr. Jiang Yigao; Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.)Yetunde Onanuga; Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi; Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa; and the Alake of Egba Land, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the official test run of the Lagos to Abeokuta portion of Lagos -Ibadan rail revitalisation project ...yesterday

NEITI: FG, States, LGs Shared $8.5tn in 2018 Highest ever revenue in two years FG: N3.483tn; States: N2.85 tn; LGs: N1.667tn

Chineme Okafor Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Nigeria’s three federating units - federal, states and local governments shared N8.5 trillion from the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) in the 2018 financial year, the highest disbursed by the FAAC in the last two years, a report from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has revealed.

NEITI, said in the report Quarterly Review - made available to THISDAY by its Director of Communications and Advocacy, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji that the N8.52 trillion shared among the three tiers of government in 2018 represented a 32.8 per cent increase when compared to N6.418 trillion disbursed in 2017 and was 67.1 per cent higher than N5.1 trillion shared in 2016.

The report showed that while the federal government got N3.483 trillion in the 2018 FAAC disbursements cycles, representing 41 per cent, the 36 states in the

country collectively received N2.85 trillion, representing 33.4 per cent.

All the 774 local governments in the country got N1.667 trillion, representing 19.6per cent.

According to report, government revenues have been on the increase since 2017, as well as disbursements.

It explained for instance, that in the first quarter of the year, FAAC shared N1.938 trillion, while N2.008 trillion was disbursed in the second quarter. Disbursements in the third and fourth quarters were N2.278 trillion and N2.299 trillion respectively. “The rebound in federation revenue continued as a result of increases in both oil and non-oil revenue,� said NEITI, in its explanation of reasons for the steady rise in government revenue.

NEITI also noted there were three consecutive quarters in 2018 when total disbursements exceeded N2 trillion, pointing out that the last time this happened was in the third quarter of 2014.

“With the exception of the third quarter of 2017, the N2.299 trillion disbursed in the fourth quarter of 2018 was the highest quarterly disbursement since the second quarter of 2014,� the report added.

On the states’ share of the FAAC disbursements, the NEITI disclosed that five states received higher than N100 billion each in 2018. The top beneficiary states it noted, were Lagos, which got N119 billion; Bayelsa -N153.1 billion; Rivers - N172.6 billion; Akwa Ibom - N202.4 billion; and Delta which got N213.6 billion.

It further disclosed that 23 states received less than N60 billion each as total FAAC receipts in 2018. They included Cross River; Ekiti; and Ogun states which received N37 billion; N39.3 billion; and N39.6 billion respectively.

Eight states namely: Zamfara; Gombe; Plateau; Kwara; Ebonyi; Nasarawa; Taraba, and Adamawa, received between N40 billion and N49.9 billion.

Twelve states, it indicated

After 11 Years Trial, Court Acquits Ladoja of N4.7bn Fraud Davidson Iriekpen

After 11 years trial, reprieve yesterday came the way of former Oyo State Governor, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, as a Federal High Court in Lagos acquitted him of the allegation of N4.7billion fraud levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris also discharged and acquitted Mr. Waheed Akanbi, Commissioner for Finance during Ladoja’s tenure.

Akanbi was charged along with Ladoja.

Justice Idris who has been elevated to the Court of Appeal, but concluded the trial through a fiat, held that the prosecution failed to establish ingredients of the charge against Ladoja and Akanbi.

Ladoja was re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside Akanbi, on an 11-count charge of money laundering and conversion of N4.7billion from Oyo State

treasury to his personal use. “EFCC shielded the main culprits from prosecution and meted “absolute injustice� to the defendants. “I must state that this country cannot sustain the fight against corruption in the manner in which this case has been prosecuted, where those that should be proper defendants to the case are shielded away from prosecution and kept away from facing the law. “This is unacceptable; this is injustice and this court will not partake in injustice. “There is no doubt that corruption affects us all; it threatens sustainable economic development, ethical values and justice. Corruption destabilises society and endangers the rule of law,’’ the judge said in a 250-page judgment.

Idris held that there was the need for a fair and just prosecution of criminal cases in the fight against corruption. “Prosecutors in this fight must be committed to promoting a justice system founded on fairness, equity,

compassion and responsibility. “In the light of all I have said, I find that the prosecution has not established counts one to 11 against the defendants beyond reasonable doubts. “I am unable, in the circumstances, to find any of the defendants guilty on any or all of the counts as charged. “The first and second defendants are, therefore, hereby discharged and acquitted on all counts,� he held.

He added that the case of the prosecution lacked credible evidence and was full of contradictions, adding that same was poorly prosecuted. “I have examined 914 tendered documents forensically; if I have to read the entire judgment, we will leave here by 6p.m.; so I will skip some.� The judge added that the prosecution’s evidence was full of inconsistencies. “The prosecution was not consistent in the amount of money allegedly missing in the sale of Oyo State’s shares; these contradictions were not explained during the trial.�

received between N50 billion and N59.9 billion, and they were Yobe; Enugu; Kogi; Bauchi; Imo; Sokoto; Kebbi; Anambra; Abia; Benue; Niger and Oyo. In addition, six states - Jigawa; Katsina; Borno; Ondo; Kaduna and Edo, received between N60 billion and N69.9 billion, while Kano state received a total of N84.2 billion in 2018.

NEITI said a close look at the disbursements to states indicated a wide disparity, where Osun state received the lowest net allocation of N22.8 billion and Delta received the highest net allocation of N213.6 billion, suggesting that net disbursement to Delta was 935 per cent of that of Osun.

The publication however noted with concern that despite the upward trajectory in FAAC disbursements to the three tiers of government, the disbursements were inadequate to meet states’ budgetary requirements.

It explained thus: “Clearly, there was no state that could adequately

finance its budget solely from FAAC disbursements. There were three states where FAAC disbursements were more than 50 per cent of their budgets: Delta; Enugu; Yobe. For all other states, disbursements were less than 50 per cent of their budgets.�

On internally generated revenues (IGR), the NEITI noted that it was highly unlikely that IGR would be able to make up for the shortfall in FAAC disbursements to states.

According to the report, only four states - Cross River; Lagos; Ogun; and Rivers, had estimated IGR that was more than 50 per cent of their FAAC allocations, adding that out of these states, only Lagos and Ogun had IGR that was actually higher than their FAAC allocations.

The NEITI review further revealed that estimated IGR in six states of Enugu; Kaduna; Kano; Kwara; Osun; and Oyo, was more than 40 per cent of their FAAC allocations.

On revenue projection in 2019,

the Quarterly Review predicted an upward trend in revenue receipts into the government coffers from oil and gas sector as well as the attendant increases in FAAC disbursements.

It said in this regards: “FAAC disbursements will increase further in 2019. This is largely due to expected increase in Nigeria’s oil production and further consolidation of efforts by OPEC to keep oil prices from falling. “With the concerted efforts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to limit oil production, coupled with sanctions on Iran and Venezuela oil exports, it is expected that oil prices will not fall to the very low levels experienced from 2014 to 2017.�

On the domestic front, NEITI said it was optimistic oil production will increase in 2019 given the takeoff of Egina offshore field, which started production in December 2018, with optimum production capacity of 200,000 barrels per day (bd).

INEC Extends PVCs Collection Till February 11, Undertakes Review of Preparation Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

As part of effort to ensure that registered voters are not disenfranchised in the forthcoming elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) scheduled to end yesterday to Monday 11th February 2019 nationwide.

The electoral body has also revealed that the collection of PVCs would now take place from 9a.m .to 6p.m. daily, including Saturday and Sunday.

The chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this Friday at the regular meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, he said, was convened essentially in order to have a final review of preparations.

Yakubu noted, “At this meeting, we will undertake a comprehensive review of our preparations. Overall, the Commission is ready for the

elections. Nevertheless, we are ever ready to fine-tune processes and procedures in order to serve Nigerians better. “In the last couple of days, we have been inundated by calls from Nigerians to review the current process of collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards. In response, the Commission has taken the following decisions: “The collection of PVCs scheduled to end today Friday 8thFebruary 2019 is hereby extended nationwide to Monday 11th February 2019. This will include Saturday and Sunday. “All State offices are hereby directed to review the procedure for the collection of PVCs and dedicate all the staff of the Local Government offices to the collection process. Staff are enjoined to be civil in attending to citizens and to escalate issues that they cannot immediately resolve to their superiors.�

The Commission, however, reassured Nigerians that it would continue to take every necessary

step to ensure that no registered voter was disenfranchised on account of non-collection of PVCs. Yakubu stressed that the Commission was also taking urgent steps to address complaints of unavailability of the PVCs of some registered voters before the end the deadline for the collection.

He said, “We wish to reiterate that after the deadline of Monday 11th February 2019, all uncollected PVCs will be recalled and deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safe-keeping until after the general election when the collection of cards and the continuous registration of voters will resume. “Yesterday (Thursday) we had a crucial meeting with the security agencies and the national union representing the road transport workers. Issues of securing the environment for peaceful elections were discussed. Similarly, the issue of logistics, particularly transportation for the delivery of personnel and materials, was discussed.�

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΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Buhari Cares Less about Federal Character

F

or a while, I thought President Muhammadu Buhari would look in the direction of the marginalised South-east when the tenure of Ibrahim Idris as the InspectorGeneral of Police expired on January 15. For once, I thought our President would make amends for his frightening lopsided security appointments. At that point, there were two immensely qualified top officers from the South-east in the top hierarchy of the police - one a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, a woman, and the other, an Assistant Inspector General of Police. I thought Buhari would respond to the demand of Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra-Central), who called on the President to urgently appoint somebody from the South-east into the National Defence Council and the National Security Council. These are bodies rooted in Section 153(1) (g) of our Constitution, yet, under Buhari, an entire region is not represented in the two bodies.

It did not come as a surprise to me that our President squandered the opportunity to make amends by snubbing the South-east officers to appoint Mohammed Adamu as Acting IG. It simply reconfirms my position all the while that Buhari cares less about our Constitution and the Federal Character principle entrenched in it. The situation in the armed forces is most depressing. Section 217(3) stipulates that the composition of the armed forces must reflect the federal character of the country.

The provision of this section is emphasised in Section 14(3) of the same Constitution.

Buhari must immediately re-organise the country’s security architecture to reflect the diversity of Nigeria; the current situation in which a section of the country dominates is unhealthy and unacceptable.

Also, for the sake of mother Nigeria’s unity, and to assuage marginalised sections of the country, it is pertinent to ensure fair representation of every part of this country in the top hierarchy of federal departments and agencies. Besides, reflecting federal character in the leadership of our security agencies is one very important step that could help reduce the killings in our land.

These skewed appointments have created a loss of a sense of belonging in many parts of the country, hence the constant cries of marginalisation, agitation for secession and calls for restructuring.

For me, our dear President has chosen

For the sake of mother Nigeria’s unity, and to assuage marginalised sections of the country, it is pertinent to ensure fair representation of every part of this country in the top hierarchy of federal departments and agencies.

Besides,reflecting federal character in the leadership of our security agencies is one very important step that could help reduce the killings in our land to persistently mock Chapter 2, Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). As a reminder, this section states: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.”

One man that has consistently berated the excesses of Buhari over the uneven distribution of public offices is former president Olusegun Obasanjo. I can clearly remember him saying that the ethos of nation building through even distribution of public offices had been abused by Buhari. Obasanjo added: “To start with, we seem to have taken nation building for granted. Nation building must be given continued attention to give every citizen a feeling of belonging and a stake in his or her country. For instance, the Federal Character principle, as espoused in our constitution, was to guide the leadership to search for competent hold-

ers of major offices to be distributed within the entire nation, and avoid concentration in a few ethnic hands or geographical places, as we currently have in the leadership of our security apparatus.”

The warped appointments of heads of military and para-military agencies by Buhari is unending and infuriating. I will like our dear President to retire into his study and spend quality time reading a list I have compiled for him.Yes, he is aware of the appointments, but I need to prick his conscience with this list: Director-General, Department of State Security Services,Yusuf Magaji Bichi; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Burutai; Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar; Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Retired Colonel Hameed Ali; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mustapha Abdallah; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mohammed Babandede; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, Minister for Interior , Abdulrahman Dambazau; Director General, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Modibbo Hamman Tukur; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu and Controller General of the Nigeria Prison Service, Ja’afaru Ahmed.

This list does not smell pan-Nigeria. It is bad enough that they are all from the North.

It is worse that they are all Muslims. In a country where religion remains an issue, concentrating the security apparatus in the hands of one tribe and one religious group is a betrayal of trust of those Christians who voted for Buhari and an affront on our Constitution.

We have never been this divided in our 58 years as an independent country. Hatred and bloodshed across ethnic and religious divides have assumed an unprecedented dimension, with our fault lines persistently stoked by this administration. God-fearing people must form a truthful coalition and pull Nigeria from the brinks. Genuine patriots must rise and salvage our drifting country by promoting mutual love and togetherness. Like-minded people across the nation must stand up for this task.

El-Rufai’s Body Bags

I watched Governor Nasir El-Rufai on television on Thursday, struggling to clarify his threat that foreigners coming to intervene in our election “will go back in body bags.” He said he was only trying to vigorously defend Nigeria’s territory and did not call for violence against foreign countries.

El-Rufai said: “What I said is based on intelligence that is available to us that the opposition is preparing grounds to cause a crisis in Nigeria by inviting foreign participation. They are discussing it. They call it the Venezuelan option. They know that they are likely to lose the elections. They are putting out information that they have. They have issued a poll showing that they would win. They are procuring the sympathy of the international community to issue statements like the three coordinated statements on the suspension of the chief justice and linking that to the elections as if the government or the ruling party has anything to hide regarding elections.

“They are doing all this to prepare grounds to protest and cause crises in Nigeria and advance their so-called Venezuelan option. You all know what is happening in Venezuela. And we are not going to sit and allow unpatriotic Nigerians to confuse and procure the misguided support of countries that are supposed to be our friends without sounding a note of warning to them.”

El-rufai was too clever by half. This man has done an irreparable damage to the image of this country. He presents himself as a desperate politician. His statement does not require any clarification. El-rufai’s “body bag” statement was unambiguous. I can clearly remember him saying “those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags.”

It is heartwarming that the team of European Union election observers has replied the Kaduna governor fittingly. The EU team said the threat would not deter it from observing the general elections set to hold on February 16 and March 2. It said: “We are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on the elections Tuesday 5 February.

The EU only deploys an election observation mission when it is invited to do so by the authorities of a country. The EU has been invited to observe all of the general elections in Nigeria since 1999. Thus this is the sixth time the EU is observing elections in Nigeria.”

El-rufai and his cohorts are already pressing the panic button. They fear they may lose the election. This should not lead to reckless statements. These people should stop dragging this country in the mud.

The Failed Target to Revamp Torment of Maiduguri IDPs and Zamfara Killing Field Refineries When this administration came up with its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), I was particularly interested in the target of revamping Nigeria’s four refineries and reducing petroleum product imports by 60 per cent by the end of 2018. Imported petroleum products were gulping the bulk of forex earned by this country; so, I was elated that this madness was going to end with the effective implementation of the ERGP. Unfortunately, this has not happened.

I very much doubt if the managers of the ERGP are appraising their targets. This road map for Nigeria’s economic development is wobbling. The ERGP managers should be benchmarking their targets with achievements. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. I guess I need to remind the Minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma and his team that 2018 has ended and that the ERGP has failed in its target of revamping the refineries. The four refineries are as good as dead. Practically all petroleum products consumed in the country are still imported. It is appalling to know that this ludicrous ERGP also aims to make Nigeria a net exporter of refined petroleum products by 2020. All talk no action.

With the way the ERGP is being handled, 2020 will also come and go, and Nigeria will remain a big importer of petroleum products.

Nigeria, the 12th largest crude oil producer in

Udoma

the world, is the only member country of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that imports almost all refined petroleum products it consumes. This is a big shame. For now, the two refineries in Port Harcourt, the one in Kaduna and another in Warri, with a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day are shiftless after four years of the ‘change’ government.

The hunger, pain and malnutrition in the camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, Borno State, require urgent attention from the federal government and the Borno State Government. These IDPs have lost their homes and property to Boko Haram guerrillas, yet, they are being pummeled daily in these camps with hunger and disease. The hunger here is unimaginable, with many of them without basic needs and sleeping in the open. That was why thousands of IDPs protested on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

Led by women and little children, the IDPs from Kukawa and Guzamala local government areas, took to the streets from Teachers’ Village IDP Camp to Mala Kachala bypass up to Bukumkutu Roundabout. Fatima Ibrahim, an IDP from Kukawa, said she and family had spent almost two hungry months at Teachers Village IDP camp: “We are hungry; our children are seriously hungry. Thirty persons share a bag of rice. We are in need of foodstuffs; please tell them to bring food for us.”

The Teachers’ Village IDP Camp is one big mess, with thousands of IDPs struggling for limited food and facilities. We must not allow these hapless Nigerians to continue wallowing in hunger and pain. My appeal today is to kind-hearted Nigerians to rise up and generously donate food and medication to these IDPs. I know that majority of Nigerians are kind-hearted. We must act urgently to reduce deaths in these camps.

On the flip side, the killings in Zamfara by bandits continued for most of this week

unhindered. It is a shame that there were fresh attacks on communities by bandits despite claims by security agents that the bandits had been smoldered out.

On Monday, the bandits stormed Ruwan Bore community in Gusau Local Government, killing the elder sister of a serving Senator, Kabiru Marafa and several others. They attacked the house of the village’s head and killed one of his wives. An eye witness said: “They put the gun in her mouth and blew up her head after which they abducted the village head and one other person and then moved inside the village. This morning, we carried out the burial rites of 13 persons including Ade, the district head’s wife and we were told that the bandits attacked two other villages of Tudun Wadan Mai Jatau and Takoka, where they killed scores.”

One frightening thing about the attacks in Ruwan Bore was that victims were particularly identified before being either killed, kidnapped or maimed.

The next day, the bandits moved to Gwashi in Bukkuyum Local Government Area and killed 11 persons, with several houses set ablaze.

Enough of rhetoric. The federal government and its security agencies must come up with practical measures that will adequately bring the activities of bandits to an end in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states. Hundreds of Nigerians have been sent to early graves by these criminals. It is a shame that this bloodshed is unending.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

SUPER SATURDAY Bimbo Ademoye Marks Birthday in Style It sometimes bothers Bimbo Ademoye that people stare at her body and at other times, she doesn’t care. To mark her birthday, the chic, simple and sexy actress took to the studio for a refreshingly sexy shoot, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

N

ollywood actress, Bimbo Ademoye just added a new year.

To celebrate her birthday, the fun-loving actress took to the studio for a refreshingly casual but sexy shoot. The actress also launched a new website where she will be sharing so much more from her life and career activities. Bimbo is one of the actresses to watch out for in Nollywood as she keeps getting better with her acting prowess.

The Nollywood star is known for her role in web series like This Is It, Desperate House Girls and several others. She started out acting in 2014 with a short film by Eva George titled, ‘Where Talent Lies’. That bagged her award for Best Actress at the African International Film Festival. Passionate about her craft, the Covenant University graduate says, “I have always had the passion for acting since I was a kid. It just had to be acting. I started by going for auditions. I went for every audition that I heard of and could find.

“Eventually, I got discovered by the amazing Uduak Isong-Oguamanam. The first movie I acted in was a short film

by Eva George titled, Where Talent Lies.” Since then, she has moved up in the industry and taking on roles and acting alongside known names in the industry including Stella Damasus in the movie ‘Gone’, with Rita Dominic in ‘Light in The Dark’, and in the movie ‘Back Up Fire’, where she got her breakthrough and on to her award winning role in the movie, ‘Personal Assistant’ for her convincing semi-literate character delivery.

In her most challenging movie “All Shades of Wrong”, she played a rape victim and was glad it came out well.

As a newcomer, it most definitely wasn’t easy for her because nobody wanted to take the chance of giving her a major. They felt she wasn’t popular enough to sell the movies. Like

every other newcomer, she went for auditions. And at times, was called back.

Now, the 2018 Best Supporting Actress at the Best of Nollywood Awards has grown from facing challenges to having the urge and the hunger to always want to do better.

The 26 years old actress and fashion entrepreneur in a series of interviews had disclosed that she could act without clothes as long as it aims to pass a vital message. To her, if going nude is for her to pass on a very vital message, then she would most definitely do it. “So if going naked is going to depict a message to the world in a way that they would feel me and almost feel like I’m the one it really happened to, then please leave my clothes apart.”

However, chic, simple and sexy in reality, it sometimes bothers her that people stare at her body and at other times, she doesn’t care. “I really only feel conscious of being stared at depending on what I’m wearing. If I had the feeling before leaving the house that what I was wearing wasn’t very nice and I still left the house regardless; of course, I would feel uncomfortable. But if I left the house with the confidence of looking good, I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable; rather I’ll feel good with myself. They must be seeing the good that I’m seeing.”

The “Desperate House Girls” star loves being in love and look forward to falling in love, hopefully getting married and definitely having kids. “So I don’t sound desperate though, let’s just say that I’m single and I look forward to being in a relationship.” Raised by a single father, Bimbo once revealed how her father took her to her first audition: “My dad fully supported me. He even took me to my first audition. I mean, my dad raised me alone as he was a single father. So, it was the only opinion that mattered and he was in full support.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

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SUPERSATURDAY

Amara is the Secret of Kanu’s Fitness Football legend, Nwankwo Kanu and his better half, Amarachi have lived happily together, with Amara helping out with his fitness, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

he saying goes that a happy couple stays together, eats together and plays together. And to add, exercise together.

This could be said of Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu and his lovely wife Amara as they were pictured during a recent workout session. They look nothing but beautiful together. In the picture, the couple can only simply be described as perfect.

Kanu, 42 and Amara, 32, became husband and wife almost 15 years ago. Ever since that marriage in 2004, the couple have lived happily together after, except for the fleeting but shocking moment sometime last year when Amara reportedly called out her brotherin-law, Ogbonna Kanu on social media for allegedly taking her son’s ticket and attending a football match which was meant to be for her son and his father.

The couple is blessed with three adorable children; two sons and a daughter. The top priority in the life of Amara is considered to be her husband and

children. In her interviews, Amara had repeatedly claimed that she married for love and had sincere feelings for her husband. It was believed that before her marriage, Amara was not sure what to do and certainly, she was not a football fan. But then everything changed.

Amara is not one to hug the spotlight: “I had to make a personal decision to stay private for a very long time in order to build what I have built for myself and my children. I understood this from a very young age. I ignored critics and paid no attention to what people said. I overlooked Facebook and I only signed on to the platform in July 2011.”

For any man, support and care of his wife and his family are very important. Although Kanu married Amara at a relatively early age in Nigeria, she already had the true feminine wisdom that helped her to keep the marriage strong and made the family happy. When she moved to the United Kingdom, she went back to the university where she bagged a first degree in Architecture and later a Masters in

Entrepreneurial Management from European Business School, London.

Amara, the certified fitness expert, is noted to be highly conscious about, and an advocate of, healthy living, especially when it was her that inspired her husband’s corrective heart surgery in 2014, 17 years after his first heart operation when he was diagnosed with congenital heart defect in 1996. It was during one of their routine exercises that Amara had ‘pushed’ him to go for full diagnosis after she noticed his irregular heartbeats. According to her, his heartbeat sounded much louder than normal. She was listening to his chest, and it sounded odd. She would thereafter write a book about her battle for her husband’s life and bringing him back to full health after the surgery. The book, which was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 14, 2017, was dedicated to other sports stars who have suffered heart problems, like Fabrice Muamba and Cheick Tiote.

The event attracted Olympic gold medalist, Mo Farah and a host of other sports celebrities.

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5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019

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΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Getting set...

Exporting Anambra Wonder to Nigeria

T

hough a Prophet is not honoured in his country, Okwute Ndigbo, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State is one man who has been honoured by his own people despite the fragments of opposition from his beneficiaries, particularly the incumbent Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano.

Obiano, probably misled by his aides, initiated a flurry of attacks on Obi, but all the efforts to rubbish the image and legacies of Obi collapsed like a pack of cards.

Peter, crowned ‘’Okwute Ndigbo’’ by Anambra State traditional rulers led by the Obi Alfred Achebe of Onitsha, having survived the attacks on his person and reputation quietly left APGA to the warm embrace of the PDP, which organized a delegation to Obi, led interestingly by Deputy Senator President (DSP) Ike Ekweremadu. Since leaving office as Governor, Obi has been involved in many initiatives for societal welfare. Among others, he has supporting educational institutions in their areas of need, mentoring the youths and contributing to national international discourse. Across the country and abroad, Obi’s image has soared as various audiences and readers appreciate his well-thought-out and value-added presentations, especially on the developmental challenges of Nigeria and the essence of good governance.

Obi soon became the Anambra Wonder and a Nigerian Project.

And we are thanking the former Vice-President and the 2019 February Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar for enabling us to transfer our Anambra pride in Peter Obi to Nigeria as his running mate. With that, Nigeria which is now in collapse would be restored as Anambra State was restored by the Obi administration. When some pockets of opposition challenged the choice of Obi as vice-presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar stood his ground. Our brothers and sisters from Yorubaland were perplexed on the foolishness of some Ndigbo and openly requested Atiku to give them the slot should Ndigbo reject their own. Thankfully, those pockets of opposition against Peter Obi have faded as they emerged. But the point must be made that common sense should dictate some of our choices. As the Yorubas would probably do, we should consider whether the choice of Obi by Atiku was the right one in terms of what is required of the office Vice-President of Nigeria. In the South-West, Ogun State has dominated the political sphere, but is by no means comparable to Lagos State in development. Ogun State is home to prominent national office holders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, General/ Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and current Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; yet the other five states of the zone are not threatening fire and brimstone.

Peter Obi has the credentials for the position of vicepresident. As Governor of Anambra State, he emphatically rejected borrowing to build fly-overs whereas the roads were in a bad condition. He insisted that no nation can survive without savings, and opposed some of his colleagues demand for the sharing of the excess crude oil revenue. A look at some of his opinions and stands on important issues reveal a lot: - “If I must say OK to the government in promoting

made-in-Nigeria products, let’s first go to the offices and house of all public offices and ensure that at least 60% of the fittings and furniture are made in Nigeria”.

- ‘’There is nothing in the Nigerian Constitution called ‘security votes’. What we have is contingency funds and it is being abused. I gave 257 Anambra secondary schools N10 million annually, N1 billion to hospitals and health colleges. I had only N2.5 billion security vote and I should be invited to account for it”.

- On the discovery of a huge sum of money in an Ikoyi apartment block: ‘’My worry is that that money was dumped and wasn’t yielding profits. If the owner had kept it in the bank, it would by now yield around US$7 million (about N2.8 billion), which can cater for a state’s annual education budget’’.

Obi loves education and has invested heavily in it with commendable results, even as he continues to decry that about 11 Nigerian children are out of school. As Governor, Obi took Anambra State from a 26th position in national examinations to Number One among the 36 States and FCT. The fruits of his investments in education are still been reaped, though nothing much has been added since he left office. Obi paid salaries and gratuities as and when due and cleared arrears of pensions. He also paid contractors for jobs completed. His records as Governor and in the board-rooms are there for all to see and read.

Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, odogwuchampionawka@yahoo. co.uk

Political Crises in OIC Countries

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he Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) is a 50-odd corpus of countries with significant Muslim population in member states purportedly united for a common course to further members’ interests, although those interests are hard to define within a changing world. Nonetheless, one thing is for sure: none of the member countries of the OIC can boast of any measure of political stability in the real sense of the word; internal crises, institutional cumbersomeness, creed-aided corruption, economic woes, human-arrested development indices, etc., are constantly wracking these member-nations.

It is these countries that churn out migrants in their millions and then seek to send them over to non-OIC climes for some resettlement programme that now has that non-binding Marakkech Protocol for support (it is well within reason to assume that the rise of Jair Bolsonaro in Latin America, in Brazil really, was the reason why the Catholic Pontiff was hurriedly invited

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

down to the Arabian Peninsula recently to do some inter-faith dialogue thing in the public so as to mask multiculturalism in good cosmetic, the very stuff that Captain Bolsonaro and Donald Trump up north in the US despise). Now, enter Nigeria into the fray of crises-simpatico: the ill-advised and ill-timed removal of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen was a fiasco at best, the economy is huffing and puffing down a misdirected track leading to a certain abyss, our security umbrella is being confidently punctured by a motley of rag-tag joy-riding Islamists, and so on. It does now make sense to tie our undeservedly wretchedness to having that arrested development mentality arising from the fact that we are members of the OIC in the first place.

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

INEC: A Letter of Protest

W

e write with reference to our letters dated August 7 and December 9, 2019 wherein CERLSI wrote to INEC offices in Benin City and Abuja seeking to be included among organisations that will participate in key aspects of the February 2019 general elections, specifically in the areas of voter education, sensitization and enlightenment.

Board and Management of the Civil Empowerment & Rule of Law Support Initiative (CERLSI) observed however, that in spite of our record of accomplishment in the highlighted areas above, and with less than a week to the elections proper our organisation was not contacted, and has not received any correspondence informing us of your approval or rejection of our request.

We are aware that other organisations like ours have already commenced the voter enlightenment and education process leaving us with the assumption that we have been sidelined and excluded from participating in an area of the February 2019 elections wherein we have some record. With offices in Benin City and Abuja, CERLSI was set up in 2014, and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUMUL) of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to educate Nigerians on the import of the vote, their rights and privileges under the laws of Nigeria.

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, Deputy executive director

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

NEWSXTRA

In Brief

TMG Cautions on El-Rufai’s Bodybag Threat

The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) a Coalition of over 400 civic organisations has said it was appalled by the recent statement made

by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, that international observers who allegedly interfere in Nigeria’s elections had death awaiting them as such people would be returned in body bags. TMG in a press statement issued to journalists in Abuja, by its Chairperson Dr. Abiola Afolabi, said, “As a civic coalition working assiduously in concert with other stakeholders to promote democratic accountability through credible elections in Nigeria, it is clear to us that such a morbid and inammatory rhetoric could be used as justiďŹ cation for attacks on many well-meaning international observers who have come to support the democratic process in our country.â€? According to TMG, “No matter the premise of Governor El Rufai’s discussion on the issue of interference or intervention, the implied threat of people leaving in body bags, is totally unacceptable to the vast majority of peace-loving Nigerians, who welcome and are much appreciative of international eorts to bolster and support Nigeria’s democratic institutions.â€?

Unity Schools Proceed On Midterm Break

FOR ROBUST ECONOMY...

L-R: Funder/CEO, MSCA Worldwide Projects, Dr. Mark Abani; Director General, Budget Office, Abuja, Mr. Ben Akabueze; Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola; and CEO, Economic Associates/Gust Speaker, Dr. Ayo Teriba, at the ICAN Economic Discourse

Theme; 2019 Economic outlook, held at Muson Centre, Lagos...recently

FG, Investment Partners, Sign $30bn Industrial Revolution Agreement Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The federal government yesterday in Abuja signed $30 billion agreement with investment partners to foster industrial revolution in the country and boost export earnings from made in Nigeria products.

Tagged Made in Nigeria for Exports (MINE) project, the agreement which was signed in the Council Chambers of the State House, marked the formal preparation for the take-off of Nigeria industrial revolution plan as conceived in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

The investment partners who co-signed the agreement with the federal government were Africa Export and Import Bank (AFREXIM), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), African Development Bank (AFDB), Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigerian

Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The project has designated three places in different parts of the country as special economic zones (SEZ) for the take-off of the project. The three places were named as Enyimba Economic City, in Abia State, Funtua Cotton Cluster in Katsina State and Lekki Model IIn his speech at the signing ceremony, President Muhammadu Buhari said Project MINE was conceived to position Nigeria as the pre-eminent manufacturing hub in Sub-Saharan Africa and a major exporter of made in Nigeria products to the West African sub-region, the entire Africa and the World.

The president also said the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) project had been championed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelahmah but under his direct

supervision.

He submitted that the project was designed to boost the country’s manufacturing share of the gross domestic product (GDP) to the tune of 20 per cent, generate $30 billion in annual export earnings and create 1.5 million jobs by 2025.

According to him, to achieve these objectives, the federal government was offering investor- friendly incentives, up-to-date infrastructure and ease of doing business with a view to attracting local and foreign investments.

He also said the project would serve as a catalyst for rapid and inclusive industrialisation, job creation and diversified export earnings in countries with exemplary development records. The president also disclosed that the Nigeria SEZ Investment Company Limited had been set up by the federal government to drive the

expansion of the initiative and ensure the participation of public private partnerships involving federal and state governments as well as local and foreign private investors in the project.

He called for the intervention of experienced special economic zone developers and operators for a partnership with the federal government with the overall goal of upgrading the existing free trade zones in Calabar and Kano owned by the federal government.

The president who said the expert developers would be expected to offer what he described as first-class standards of infrastructure and facilities, added that the Federal Executive Council had already approved the award of contracts in excess of N19.45 billion for the investment in Calabar and Kano Free Trade Zones.

FG Undermining My Authority for Gana: Adoption of Buhari by SDP as Political Reasons, Alleges Dickson Presidential Candidate Disgraceful, Betrayal Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă‹

Governor of Bayelsa State , Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday lambasted the federal government for serially undermining his authority as the Chief Security Officer of the state, maintaining that the government at the centre was playing politics with the stability of the oil-rich state.

Dickson who spoke during a media chat in Yenagoa, capital of the state, said that rather than giving him intelligence information, many of the security heads were in the habit of feeding leaders of the opposition with information that should be made available to him (the governor).

He noted that because the federal government and its security agencies view Bayelsa as a state that must be conquered, his position as the governor of the state was being sidelined when it comes to the issue of security and law and order. “You can see that the interest the federal government has in the stability of this state. A state we have managed to return to peace and is crucial to the maintenance of regional peace.

“The concern of the federal government of Nigeria is more of a political conquest than maintenance of law and order. They have undermined the security of this state in a way that a number of people don’t know. “I am the governor whose authority has been most undermined in the country in the area of maintenance of law and order and security management. They are not interested in peace� he charged.

Governor Dickson disclosed that he was in possession of reports of security commanders in Abuja calling militants and cultists in the state to attack innocent communities. “I have records that indicate that security commanders in Abuja’s will be calling militants and criminals, telling them to attack communities. These people are protected by the Nigerian security establishment. “The king of Peremabiri is still carrying a bullet in his head and many have been killed and thrown away. The Nigeria security has become the armed wing of the ruling party. This is sad,� the governor lamented.

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Prof. Jerry Gana Campaign Group known as G19 has distanced itself from the purported adoption of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), for the February 16 presidential election.

The group described the adoption as “shameful betrayal of trust.�

President Buhari was on Thursday adopted as SDP presidential candidate at the end of the meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held in Abuja The Director General of G19, Dr. Ike Neliaku, while addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, distanced Gana from the adoption and maintained that the adoption had plunged the party into a political mudslide.

He fingered the party’s National Secretary, Mr. Shehu Gabam, as the arrowhead and stressed that principled NEC members were shoved aside to enable them carry out their “insidious plot packaged

in a desperate bid to create a perception of acceptability.� “We wish to categorically condemn and dissociate ourselves from this unfortunate, retrogressive, outrageous, unjust, mercantilist, disgraceful betrayal of trust and anti-party activity led by a small faction loyal to the running mate to Donald Duke, Alhaji Shehu Gabam. “Their pronouncement puts the party in a political mudslide that not only put the party in bad light but is injurious to all other SDP candidates standing election on the platform of the party. “This repulsive duplicity is unacceptable to our campaign team, our supporters and millions of esteemed SDP members whose voices we represented and on whose mandate this statement is issued,� he added.

Dr. Neliaku claimed that the “sordid outcome� represented the manifestation of a long drawn sword of conspiracy designed, employed and executed from the beginning by some “evil gate keeper� within and outside the party, to manipulate the process of its national convention.

Contrary to rumours making the rounds that students in the 104 Federal Government Colleges would embark on two midterm breaks during the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections holding in February and March respectively, the federal government has clariďŹ ed that the students would proceed on only one midterm break, beginning on Friday 15th to Tuesday 19th February, 2018. The midterm break is to allow pupils of unity schools who are all boarders, to stay safely at home during the Presidential elections, with a view to preventing them from becoming victims of any form of unrest associated with the elections. The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu who made this known during the 7th Ministerial Press BrieďŹ ng on Friday in Abuja, explained that there was no need for a second midterm during the gubernatorial elections, since the pupils were teens and not eligible to vote. “This year we adjusted the mid-term break, the mid-term break will be from Friday 15th to Tuesday February 19, the break is just for unity schools.

Since pupils are not on voting list and since you have only one term to take them to school I think we only need one break to do so,� he said.

Police Teargassing of IDPs

The teargassing of harmless Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by the Police during a peaceful protest against food deprivation in Teachers Village Camp, Maiduguri, Borno State, last Tuesday has caught the attention of House of Representatives Committee on IDPs, Refugees and North-East, which wondered why government had to degenerate so low. The committee chairman, Hon Sani Zorro, in a statement Friday, described as “unfortunateâ€? situation where IDPs deprived of food and basic needs for survival were brutally suppressed for crying over the injustices they face daily. He said the Federal Government must urgently supply desperately needed items to the IDPs without further delay and punish the perpetrators and beneďŹ ciaries of stolen food and other items belonging to the displaced persons. A former President, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zoro assured Nigerians that his committee was prepared to share vital information capable of ďŹ shing out the culprits, no matter how highly placed. He bemoaned that despite outcry to relevant authorities about the theft of food and other aid items procured by state resources by highly-placed politicians, nothing had been done to stop them from converting IDP food and other items as campaign tools in the countdown to the general elections.

Flying Doctors Recognised

Flying Doctors Nigeria, the ďŹ rst air ambulance service established in West Africa, has been nominated by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘Companies to Inspire Africa 2019’. This is the second time the London Stock Exchange Group is carrying out the nomination exercise to list companies to watch and business concerns they believe had the potential to upset the business landscape in Africa. ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ is a pioneering report put together by the London Stock Exchange Group yearly to recognise as well as showcase the outstanding work and inspirational stories of some of Africa’s leading and privately owned organisations. Constituting the organisations that make it to the list yearly are high growth companies with unwavering credibility that have consistently shown tremendous growth prospects in spite of the numerous challenges associated with doing business in the region.

NPA Empowers 1,000 Women

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has trained and presented grinding, sewing machines and start-up capital of N10,000 each to 1,000 women and youths in Katsina State to assuage their suerings and make them self-reliant and avoid over-dependent on government.

This is even as the agency said it had distributed 4,000 blankets to Almajari schools and 500 pupils’ chairs to primary schools across the 34 local government areas of the state. The Managing Director of NPA, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, while distributing the machines to the beneďŹ ciaries in Katsina, Friday, said the Ports Authority had to intervened in the area of youths and women empowerment to reduce poverty in their respective communities and compliment Federal Government’s eort at tackling poverty in the country. She said: “Aside today programme, we also distrusted 4,000 chairs to Musawa primary school. We gave N25,000 each to 50 youths in Musawa local government and 40 irrigation machines to irrigation farmers in the same LGA. Considering the plight facing women in rural areas, we distrusted 50 sewing and grinding machines to 50 women in Malumfashi. We however ďŹ xed 282 Solar Light to 282 Almajiri schools in the state.

MAN Decries Neglect of Artisans

The Vice President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Oyo/Osun/Ekiti/Ondo branch, Mr. Lanre Popoola, has lamented the relegation of local artisans for lack of certiďŹ cation in favour of expatriates who were not better than them. He also said the coming of the expatriates was not in the best interest of the country, stating that it was a drain on the nation’s foreign reserves as they are paid in dollars. He made the lamentation at an interactive session organised by the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in conjunction with other members of the Organised Private Sector for governorship aspirants in Oyo State to highlight their agenda for the private sector in the state. The event which held in Ibadan, the state capital, was attended by the gubernatorial candidates of the National Interest Party(NIP), Mrs. Bonlanle Sarunmi-Aliyu; Zenith Labour Party(ZLP), Barrister Sharafadeen Alli; and Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Mr. Olalekan Ayorinde. Popoola said, “Having certiďŹ ed artisans will save this country a lot of money.

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019

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Plus

Benson Ezem Life is a Process…

You Don’t Get to the Mountain Top without Climbing a Ladder

FASHION FILE GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND SHOWBIZFLAIR

Funke Moore

pg. 22 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 45

Journalism was All I Wanted to Practice…

Some Professionals Led Me to the Right Path

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

PLUS

Journalism was All I Wanted to Practice…Some Professionals Led Me to the Right Path The name Funke Moore rings a bell in broadcast journalism in Nigeria. For 35 years, the former general manager of Eko FM and later, Lagos State Television was on top of her game in a highly competitive domain. The ace broadcaster has been a positive influence to many she came across and several others that she might never have come across. The delectable mother of two takes Omolabake Fasogbon through her enduring and exciting moments of life both on the field and home front as well as her next line of action after a short break

J

ust as expected, this personality is not making the present moment of her life dull in anyway. After 35 years of having had to heed to the becks and calls of a pay master, she is cooling off without reservation, at least for now, before she sets out on a new mission. Away, from acting to directives and later calling the shots, “Life could be this, and tantalizing”, was the impression on her face as she sips her drink and maintains a reclining position on her bouncing sofa, while savouring her favourite sounds and lyrics on the television.

She recalls: “It’s been an interesting and tough 35 years, but I cherish those moments, I must confess. I remember I became interested in the job by the inspiring column I read on pages of newspaper as well as the contents and colour on the screen. I found the profession interesting and glamorous, not just that, I saw journalist as agents of change and development in the society and I felt I could also make impact. I might be wrong and might have made a better choice, I don’t really know, but journalism was all that I wanted to practice. I consulted some professionals on the field whose advice led me to the right path. So, the journey started officially. At Times journalism institute, known as Daily Times of Nigeria training centre, I studied newspaper reporting for one year. I proceeded to journalism school in Ogba for two years, and later went to the Lagos State University (LASU), to study English Literature. I purposely didn’t register to study Mass Communication because I already had journalism experience.

“I needed the language skills and I knew that I could learn further on the job. I later proceeded to the University

of Lagos, where I also studied English Literature for my second degree. I am at present working towards enrolling for PhD. Lest I forget, I practiced briefly with the defunct Daily Times and Evening Times before I eventually moved to LTV where I started as a reporter/sub editor.”

Quite expectedly, she encountered some rough edges on the way, but she managed them well, knowing that it was her cross. Reminiscing those times, she narrates patiently: “I started working at age 20 and I got married that same year. That means I was working, going to school and attending to marital demands. But then, I scaled through. As a matter of fact, I look back now and still marvel I was able to conquer those times, hence, I keep on telling young women that come my way that they don’t have excuse for failure. Although while at the helms at LTV and Eko FM, I tried to consider women because of their multiple roles and at the same time, encourage them to be hardworking.

I recall that the only challenge that hooked me then was in the area of finance even though, I still don’t have enough now”, she chuckled.

Wasn’t your salary and husband support sufficient? the reporter asked.

She responded: “I needed money to adequately take care of my children.

I wanted them to attend private university because of frequent ASUU strikes but could not afford it. Maybe, I would have had enough to attend to my multiple needs if my husband and I didn’t live apart, then, I could enjoy the luxury of his presence to task him more.”

More inquisitive about this icon was how she was able to live her life and nurtured her children to greatness ever since she lost her better half about two decades ago. Surprisingly, she has lived without a man since she

Moore

΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS I Was Working, Going to School and Attending to Marital Demands was 28 years. “My husband died some Growing up in Mushin years back in Montego Bay, Jamaica, but before he died, we were already has only helped separated, although not legally. But since then, I’ve not really had cause to me to identify the remarry, that’s why I’m still addressed as ‘Moore’ till date”. other part of life Back to the career lane, the grand mother of three thought of some that I might not have exciting moments at work as those days when they had to work with had the knowledge caution during the military era for fear of torture and dismissal. She elsewhere. Indeed, also found the first day she read the news on TV quite interesting and it has helped me memorable. “I remember those days, during the military rule, where we had to live my life with to be careful about what we dished out to the public. At times, you will caution. For instance, want to throw some principles of the profession overboard for fear of the as a young child, I paramount ruler.

“Then, if you want to start claiming knew drug was bad objectivity and other principles of the profession, you are on your own o! because I saw the I can still remember one or two of my colleagues who were fired and effect on people in detained over a story that didn’t go down well with the government. Also that environment, so unforgettable were those days we had to confine ourselves to the office I wouldn’t taste it anytime there were coups. The first day that I read the news was also worth sharing. Like I told you, as a reporter, I was only expected to file in my report and at times, do a stand up.

Stand up wasn’t really frightful as one can retake several times and later edit unwanted aspects. This very day, the scheduled newscaster didn’t show up for the 2 o’clock news, so, a colleague walked up to me and encouraged me to take up the task. That was how I tied the head gear and headed straight to the studio to read the news I didn’t prepare for. I read it and it was good except for few diction errors which later drove me to FRCN training school for a basic announcer course.

Thereafter, I started producing and presenting programme.”

The high point of Funke’s career was rising to the prestigious rank of the General Manager of both LTV and Eko FM and later retired as a Director in the Ministry of Information and Strategy. As the General Manager of LTV, the grandmother of three made indelible mark in the state-owned station with a lot of accomplishments.

Underground research carried out by this reporter point to the fact that she was one of the best staff the corporation ever had. Curiously, despite the accolades, this celebrated journalist noted that occupying the apex office in LSBC was also the lowest point of her career.

“When I joined the corporation, I didn’t ever think of getting to the top, but you know, as I get older in age and on the job, I began to develop ambitions for greater things. As envisioned, I saw myself on the seat, but believe me, I wish I was never there.”

She refused to reveal her reason despite much pressure but rather went sober and emotional. In this mood, she managed to utter some words: “I wish I had left the system like 10 years ago to pursue other dreams, perhaps, my journey would have been different.

Sometimes, I regret why I stayed so long and didn’t heed to my children’s advice to leave and explore new areas.

You know, I started on Federal level 6 and it took me so many years to get to the top, level 17 precisely, whereas some people joined the service and were taken on level 16 and even 17.

It’s been a long journey. I am simply

Moore and children

sad about the way I exited, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

Now sounding more alive and encouraging, she said: “I wouldn’t say I regretted really, but even if I did, it’s too late to regret. Notwithstanding, I enjoyed my job. You know how vibrant journalism is; no two days were alike for me. The year kept on moving and before I knew it, I had spent 30 years and more, I’ve been through so many management and governments. I was there during the military era and the transition to civilian government. I was able to cover Governor Tinubu briefly during his first term; it was really exciting away from the military experience.”

When questioned about what she missed most in her former office especially in the news room, sounding

reluctant to talk about her former office, she replied, “Nothing”. “You mean nothing”? The reporter questioned further, she managed to reply: “Well, I’ve left the newsroom a long time ago, but I miss the rush for the headline, getting exciting story, attending editorial meeting and all that, but I didn’t really miss them because I did those things for so long. As the General Manager, I didn’t’ miss anything, in fact, it was the most stressful period of my life.”

Offering a clue about the future, she enthused: “It’s not too late to explore new areas. I’m just 55 going on 56, I intend to pursue a new line of action as soon as possible but at present, I am into politics but not vying for any political seat.”

Away from low moment, she’s got

several reasons to overlook her trials, “as long as one is alive, the best is yet to come. So far, my happiest moments were when I had my children and grand-children. I’m happy about the fact that I became a grandmother at 46 and we are all alive and in good health. For me, every day is worth celebrating.”

The Epe born retiree described her growing up as not being eventful but full of life. “My dad died when I was four and half, therefore, I had to live with my mum and other relatives.

Funnily enough, despite the fact that I was almost five when my father died, I can’t remember any memory of him.

But growing up in Mushin was rather engaging and interesting. I didn’t miss the child’s game on the street, the didactic tales we were engaged with under the tree, I also remember the tyre race on the street and many more. I also learnt a lot of lessons from reading books, which my children learnt from cartoons.”

Asked about how growing up in one of the most rugged areas of Lagos has influenced her moral, she said: “Oh! Spare me the stereotype. I lived in Mushin and that doesn’t make me a rogue or uncultured. A lot of us who grew up there are doing very fine and living a decent life. Growing up in Mushin has only helped me to identify the other part of life that I might not have had the knowledge elsewhere. Indeed, it has helped me to live my life with caution. For instance, as a young child, I knew drug was bad because I saw the effect on people in that environment, so I wouldn’t taste it, I also learnt a lot of dubious practices that I could never fall for them.”

In her 55 years of existence, the media guru has learnt a lot of things which perhaps are beyond her age.

She shared some of the lessons with the reporter. “I’ve learnt to be kind always to people and to give people benefits of doubts. I’ve learnt never to crucify people before hearing their sides on issues. I’ve also learnt to love others as myself because doing so will prevent me from hurting others.”

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PLUS

Benson Ezem Life is a Process…

You Don’t Get to the Mountain Top without Climbing a Ladder

Reverend Benson Ezem is a chartered architect, infrastructural development consultant and a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Architects. He is the Group President of the Cosmo Base Group, which he has nurtured into a multi-billion naira conglomerate with diverse interests ranging from consultancy, construction, infrastructural development, manufacturing, and hospitality business. The Cosmo Base Group boss also runs Lively Hope Foundation with his wife. Ezem shares the story of his life with Emmanuel Ugwu

ou have built a flourishing business conglomerate, were you born with a silver spoon and just needed little or no push to soar?

I was born into an average family. My father was a senior civil servant at ECN then, later NEPA. He was a district accountant. So I will say that we had all the necessities of life, we lived at good places, GRA. I never lived in any other place except GRA. So I don’t know whether it’s golden or silver spoon. I thank God for that. But one thing is that all the people who were competing with me then, we became very close. When I visit them I come home and appreciate and thank God for what level he has placed me under my father because I see them (friends) growing up maybe in one room but one thing about them was that they were very intelligent. When we come to school they made their A grades and I had to compete with them and we became very close. I think that was the beginning of mission to do something in people’s lives not withstanding your financial background; to help these people knowing that good things can come out of poverty with some assistance.

How was your life shaped?

My father was a disciplined man because then, when you see the children of civil servants, they observed time for every activity such as breakfast. When he came home at about four o’clock, he would read the newspapers brought to him, and he would have his siesta. And you dare not wake him when he was having his siesta. He would wake up in the evening and would take me to Kano Club (I grew up in Kano) and we had just one hour to spare. My father was not into alcohol and I had always known my father to chair the bazaar of St Stephens Anglican Church, he was always the chairman. Another thing I knew

about my father is that people were always saying that he was very strict about giving out money to people. He was very prudent in managing money and he would always say this is ECN money, not JBO (John Bassey Onyenonu) Ezem. He would always say that he was only a custodian of that money and he could not spend it as his own. ‘O bu ego ndi ozo’(it’s other people’s money) he always said. I would say that he was incorruptible because the contractors would always come out to say that he would die poor because this man would not take money from them. They nicknamed him Alhaji mai kwudi, that is the man who owns the money but the money is not his own. He was the custodian of money.

Because he was not ready to allow people free access to public funds, they would taunt him that he would leave this job and the money would still be there.

So, how in concrete terms did your father’s experience as a public servant affect you?

When I had a new rethink about my life was when my father left NEPA. Government just came in one fell swoop and retired everybody in the 1980s. Do you know that my father retired with all the comforts we had and NEPA gave him just two weeks to pack out from our GRA home. I was in secondary school then, getting ready to go to the university. They gave him two weeks to leave NEPA quarters in GRA. My mum was always complaining that everything in that house was NEPA - furniture NEPA, air conditioner NEPA, television NEPA. So when my mother was trying to pack our things my father told her there was nothing to pack, just your box. My mother told me that she started crying and said ‘so we have worked useless life and this people couldn’t even allow us to get a decent place before throwing us out.’ My father hadn’t a house then. So this was what

made me to decide that I was not going to work for any man. That was what made me to start the business. This Cosmo Base you hear today was actually started when I was in the university and by the grace of God, by the time I came out of the university, I had a house of my own at the age of 24, built by myself. And as people would say, I was blessed as a millionaire at that time and they were not far from the truth. I was not married by then.

What role did your mother play in making you who you are today?

My mother (May her soul rest in peace), was the woman who mentored me in business. She went through all these things with my father (when he was retired and thrown out of his official residence) and she would tell me I don’t want you to be like your father who worked for government and at the end of it all had nothing to show for it. My mother was into business, sewing and distributing products. She would wake up in the morning and tell me: chowa ewu oji mgbe chi ejibeghi (make haste while the sun shines). She would tell me that big men always wake up early, so why should I be sleeping; don’t I want to be a big man. This woman was harassing my life telling me that big men don’t sleep later than six in the morning. She would say that big men go out in the morning to make money and would ask me to follow her to recover money from her debtors. So she would wake me up by 5.30am as I was the only one around. All my brothers were sent to America even my sister but in my own case they said they won’t like to lose me. I was third to the last child but by virtue of my being around I was the closest to my parents. In fact my father believed that I was reincarnation of his own father and that’s why they call me Nnamdi.

My elder brother is the patriarch of the family now. They tell me that my grandfather was the

richest Ubakala man while he lived.

In your formative years, were you tempted in any way to rebel against the strict discipline of your father?

Well, the only time I would say I was rebellious to my father, if that is what being a rebel means doing not what your father wanted you to do, is that he wanted me to be a medical doctor but I refused. By the grace of God I had all the qualifications to accomplish my father’s wish because I made aggregate 16 in my WAEC exams. I had read about architects and I had known some medical doctors that my father took me to when I had malaria. My father was in charge of paying medical bills of NEPA staff to the hospitals and would be negotiating to save money for NEPA. My father wanted me to be a medical doctor. So when it was time for me to choose a career I told my father I did not want to rebel against you, that I was going to read medicine to satisfy you but I would give you the certificate so you can work as a medical doctor. Then he called my mother (Rosanna Nwugo Ezem) and told her what I had said.

That day he changed his mind and said, ‘son, do what you want to do’. By then I had read about people like Architect Alex Ekwueme (may his soul rest in peace) and what he was doing, that he designed the school I went to, (federal government college). I read about how he was going around in chartered aircraft supervising the works he was doing. I also read about other great architects and I wanted to be an architect because I was good in art work. So, that is the only time I did not do what my father wanted me to do. I thank God today that I did not only become an architect but a fellow of my institute. I have today about 10 architects under my supervision and I’ve mentored no fewer than 20 architects in my lifetime.

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PLUS My Father Didn’t Leave Houses and Other Properties But Left Legacies in the Lives of People Looking back, do you have any regrets in life or something you could have done differently if you had another opportunity?

I don’t regret being an architect and as for my dad I think I learnt a lot from him. My father had a large heart. At one point in time there was no one that worked under him in NEPA from Abia State and beyond that I will meet and he won’t say to me, your father helped me in NEPA or my son, your father was very benevolent to us. I think this is what I picked; I just say if this man had been able to help people with the meager resources he had and when they see me they begin to ask me ‘are you the son of Ezem the one that worked at ECN’? That is where a man makes an impact. He didn’t leave houses and other properties but he left legacies in the lives of people, a name that is still ringing bell. Those people that he helped may not have been able to pay him back but in people’s lives God rewards you on other ways. That was why I said, if I have an opportunity I will replicate in large scale what my dad did in helping people. And God gave me a wife that has that same desire to help people and loves God. If you say that you love God he would love you. You cannot love God if you don’t love the people around you because that is what he said in gospel of Matthew, have you clothed those around you, have you fed those around you. If you say you love me take care of this people. So no one can say he loves people without loving God. Only politicians can say they love people without loving God because when they want something they love you and when they get it and there is no God to love they begin to love power and when it’s time again they begin to love you.

You speak glowingly of your wife, how did you meet her?

Ha! My brother I was scared of marriage.

I was blessed at a very young age - a man who started his business at 19 and at 22 I had architects working for me. I was blessed very young, I mean really blessed. I had my own house, my own office, everything. The only thing that scared me then was marriage.

This is because by virtue of my business, the families I had encountered were families that were always quarreling and fighting - the husband pursuing the wife, the wife pursuing the husband. I began to wonder how could I go now and begin to bring a woman that would break my head after coming home at the end of the day’s work. I said instead let me stay without a wife. But thank God there was no alternative to marriage then.

My mother, who was my mentor was always there to advise me and she said now you need a wife and we started searching from east to west, north to south. I was not getting the satisfaction I wanted until I did the final search here at Ubakala. They wanted me to marry from my home town, someone who is of the same culture, who understands our language. We were not coming home regularly because I was northern brought up. But God loves me and when the hand of God is upon a man he becomes his guide in everything he does including marriage. I gave my life to Christ in 1986 and I met my wife in December of that year. That was at a gathering, the annual Ubakala Day. I’m a kind of person that doesn’t waste time in gatherings; anything that will not give me value I don’t waste time in it. But on that day, because it was holidays no business man would be waiting for me and I just said let me walk down to this place – the market square at Apumiri. Lo and behold, there was this beautiful damsel like an angel from heaven. I saw her from a distance and my heart started beating fast. Not knowing that this same girl was the person some of the young men, my colleagues at Owerri were talking about that they didn’t like the woman because as a born again Christian she was not in their circle.

Immediately you are talking to her she would turn it into the word of God. Before I met her God had told me that that girl they were talking about is my wife. That girl that all the boys don’t like, that one is my wife. Because she was not a party person, they didn’t like her. I proposed to her the same day I saw her.

The rest is history.

For over a decade now you and your wife have been involved in doing charitable deeds and empowerment of youths through the Lively Hope Foundation.

How did this gesture come about?

Like I said earlier, I had a much disciplined upbringing. My father was deeply involved in the church and we were equally carried

along. My father fulfilled all the rituals in the church. He taught us the fear of God. He was a giver and he taught us to give. He said, ‘son if you can impact on people that is what will count for you.’ At our 25th wedding anniversary I brought out money, about N4 million and said to my wife let’s go abroad to celebrate our wedding anniversary. My wife rejected it and said instead of taking this money abroad to spend let’s do something for people. That was when we launched the Lively Hope Medical Outreach, the biggest so far in the history of this local government (Umuahia South). In the local government we have three clans – Umuopara, Ubakala, and Olokoro. In each of these places, they treated not less than 2,500 persons. The governor then heard about it and sent the commissioner for health to represent him and offered his commendation. He said I will honour this man who is helping our government to provide health care services to the people. He attended our church service and helped us complete our church building project. The church is one of the best in Abia State and we thank God for it. When a gift is from God, He works out the rest. I prayed for a wife like this and God gave her to me and she has given me not just children but outstanding children in their professions. My son made first class in mechanical engineering from the UK, this one my daughter masters in pharmacy in UK; my daughter is an accountant and is married. The last one …that is what gladdens my heart; I thought none of them was going to take my profession. But he is now studying architecture at Boston, Massachusetts. I call him my junior colleague. So I thank God for that. It is the gift of God. You see, the gift of God comes without sorrow. So if it is not the gift of God something else would come.

You are many things rolled into one, how do you perform the balancing act running your business and working in God’s vineyard?

Beyond every other thing that satisfies me, what gives me joy is serving God. Every other thing is like vapour but if you know God you have life that goes beyond this life. The bible tells you that you are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world and the light which is put upon a hill cannot be hidden. So if I’m the light God has showcased me to go forth to shine on others. So that has been my foundation and with the little part I played in politics, I always advised myself that people are looking onto you as light, in my profession, people are looking unto you as light. It helps me to come to the level of excellence in anything I do. Those that know me can testify that I go for excellence in anything I do. I don’t go for half measures. People in my profession know that if you meet me in a situation where I have to sign out millions, will know that they must earn it; you must earn your certificate. I’ve had to quarrel with contractors because they wanted something they did not earn and I will say no and I will put my feet down. Let me tell you why Christians fail in their endeavours in life, it is because they live different life outside the church. But if you bring out who you really are both in the church and outside people will respect you for who you are. There are things that people who know me that I am not going to do no matter the billions you give me. As an architect I tell my staffs don’t collect money from people.

Do your job satisfactorily and anybody who wants to appreciate you can appreciate you.

I don’t do things that are not in line with my Christian values. We all belong to one religion or the other. If you love God having 200 houses only for yourself is of no value and living in a house where you have 200 rooms is madness and misplacement of values. As a child of God, when you come to power do you have to acquire houses in London that you don’t need, do you have to build houses in New York that you don’t need?

What is your guiding philosophy and advice for youths who would like to make success of their career as you have done?

What I stand for can be captured in absolute fear and trust in God, living a life of integrity.

I believe in living a life of integrity, hard work, resilience and personal assessment. What I mean is being accountable to myself, man and God. For the youths of this nation: I tell them that life is a process. You don’t get to the mountain top without climbing a ladder and you must take the steps of that ladder.

Anybody that climbs to the mountain without a ladder would tumble down because you don’t know the steps of the ladder when coming down.

Ezem

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁

Fashion File

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Zuto Hair

FEBRUARY 9, 2019 Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

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24

˜ ˞ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

INTERVIEW

Lulu-Briggs with his campaign tem

Dumo Lulu-Briggs

I Want Make Rivers State Safe Again In this interview with select journalists including Olaoluwakitan Babatunde, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Rivers State talks .about securing the state and ďŹ nding a solution to the concerns of rising unemployment

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ou have been in Rivers State politics since 1992, what is the fastest route to lasting peace in Rivers?

Education is still the most powerful weapon for achieving peace. I don’t mean only class room learning. I mean continuous investment in skill development programmes for the over two million Riverians who do not have jobs. Our greatest challenge is to make Rivers safe again. Making Rivers safer is not more security, it is more secured jobs. If the State is to flourish, capital must be invested in enterprise.

What motivates you to want to be the next Governor of Rivers State?

First, a government that cannot create jobs does not deserve to keep its job. Secondly, there is no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return. Finally, Riverians need less Government but more Governance So, I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for Riverians.

How do you intend to honour this pledge?

I will honor this pledge because I am a crusader for the forgotten man. This is what I have been doing for over three decades. I have a simple proposition that nobody is going to starve in this State. No child will be allowed to go to bed hungry. This is doable, but the first step is to more effectively manage our scarce resource.

Just consider than in the last three years, the present government collected N380 billion from the federation account. Within the same period, Osun State collected only N40 billion. The tragedy is that despite collecting almost ten times more money than Osun State, the poverty rate in Rivers is higher.

What speciďŹ c plans do you have to reduce poverty in Rivers?

Any government that does not know the real cause of poverty cannot reduce it. Poverty is not caused by the lack of money; it is caused by the lack of opportunities to make money. So, my goal is to create new opportunities for Riverians.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report for Rivers State reveals that only three out of 46 economic sectors in Rivers accounts for sixty percent of state’s Five trillion naira economy. It means that most economic sectors in the State are underdeveloped. I will create opportunities for all sectors to thrive. Emphasis will be on business

growth and entrepreneurship opportunities in seven sectors – Education, telecommunication, entertainment /recreation , motion pictures, textile / footwear, fisheries and road transport.

How do you intend to increase women participation in Governance in Rivers?

I will lead a state that will become the largest hand-craft business hub in West Africa. This is a women centric initiative. Everywhere I go, I tell people that these politicians that do not believe that a woman should have the same opportunity as a man, were born from women.

The public score the current Rivers State administration high on project development. How would you rate the growth and development programs of this government?

In the words of Winston Churchill, “If we open a quarrel between the past and the present, we shall find that we have lost the future.� I am focused on ensuring that we do not lose our future. It seems that the only focus of the current government is roads. The government is so busy working on roads that they have not realised that the potholes in the careers of young Riverians has not been fixed. Rivers State is the unemployment capital of Nigeria. Official records reveal that the highest number of unemployed and underemployed youths in Nigeria live in Rivers.

Of what use is a minimum wage policy to a man who has no job? Road projects are fine, but the people of Rivers no longer want to walk on roads; they want to walk to their office. That is why I have created the most ambitious jobs program in the over five decade’s history of our State.

Are you saying that the current government has made no progress in the last four years?

It depends on how you want to measure progress. If the official statistics says that Rivers State is the most difficult place to get a job in Nigeria. It means we are making backward progress. Progress should be measured by how the Government looks up to its citizens and not how the citizens look up to Government.

Progress as defined by this current Government is adding to the abundance of those who have much. The progress I will make is to provide enough for those who have too little.

Will your economic policy focus only on job creation? “You ask�, what is my policy? I will say; it

Lulu-Briggs

is to wage war on unemployment. To use all weapons created by man to as fast as possible end the war on peace that is sweeping the Streets.

The solution is to kidnap unemployment. My economic policy is to light the Olympic torch of prosperity in Rivers State.

It always seems impossible until it’s done. My concern is really not whether the people are on my side. My priority is to be on the side of the people. The people want jobs, a safer state and affordable health care. Riverians want to fulfill their potential.

What new legislation or development policies will you introduce?

(Cuts in) If you have over 3,000 different policies like in Rivers, you destroy all respect for the law. Rivers State does not lack policy, we lack great governance. So, the development policy of the Accord party is to promote peace and unity within and among all twenty three local Government areas. Or can there be development without peace?

What will you do if you lose?

Nelson Mandela and I share a common philosophy. I never lose. I either win or learn.

When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.

What has been your biggest achievement in life?

My most brilliant achievement was to convince God to create me (laughs). Frankly, it has taken me years to be an over-night success.

Do you have the popularity and acceptance to pose a challenge to the incumbent?

The ďŹ nal report from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reveals that more than three million individuals have registered to vote in Rivers.

What are you doing to guarantee peace ďŹ lled elections?

Allow me to use this medium to tell all voters, not just in Rivers, but across all states. The only weapon you need is your permanent voters card (PVC). There is no road to peace. There is only peace. May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

POLITY

Dozie Nwankwo, a Dogged Fighter in the Federal House Chike Okeke

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ne of the most valuable and significant attributes of democracy as a form of government is that it affords the Electorate the opportunity to assess the performance of political office holders on a regular basis. They use the instrument of regular elections to re-elect or drop their leaders in accordance with their assessment of the performance of such leaders. The general election of February and March 2019 will afford the Nigerian electorates one such opportunity to determine the fate of their leaders, from the highest political office – The President, to the membership of the National assembly and the various state houses of assembly. One such position which has affected public attention and interest is the Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha (DNA) Federal Constituency Anambra State.

The interest arises mainly from the fact that, from the turnout at all the campaign rallies of the incumbent, Hon Dozie Nwankwo and his general acceptance by the electorates, he is set to get an overwhelming mandate at the polls to return to the House of Representatives.

Apart from his comprehensive medical outreach in all the towns that comprise the seven local government areas in the constituency and other constituency projects located in many communities, his various economic empowerment programmes have given many youths and women gainful employment and seed capital for their various businesses.

Many campaign leaders of his Onyendozi campaign organization have become car owners, employees of labour and distributors of grinding machines, tricycles (kekenapep), electricity generating sets, dryers and various other small scale enterprises. In appreciation of the impact Hon Nwankwo is making in his constituency, many communities in the area have honoured him with Chieftaincy titles.

They include but are not limited to Enugwu Ukwu Onyendozi Nwachinemelu, Ukwulu – Ifechukwudelu, various towns in Anaocha Local Government Area – Osinachi, Enugwu Agidi – Agunaechemba, Nteje Abogu – Akalaka.

Many more communities are making arrangements for theirs. What more can a political leader ask for, to realize that his humble efforts towards uplifting his people are appreciated.

In the business of the House of Representatives Hon Nwankwo has given an excellent account of himself. Since Charity begins at home, Onyendozi commenced his legislative duties in

the House by initiating action on projects that directly affect his constituency. Accordingly, he moved a motion calling attention to the poor state of infrastructure and abandonment of Federal Health Centers in Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Local Government Areas.

Similarly, he moved a motion to tackle the devastating gully erosion in the same local Government Area. In response to this motion, members of the House Committee on Environment led by Hon Obinna Chidoka visited the Constituency and personally assessed the extensive damage done by gully erosion in the area. During the tour, the legislators sympathized with members of the community affected by the erosion and assured them that appropriate action would be taken to call the attention of the Federal Government to their plight.

Sometime last week, the head of the Technical Committee on Yam Export, Prof Simon Irtwange, regretted that the 1986 Export Prohibition Act was hindering Nigeria’s yam export.

He stated that the yam exporters in Nigeria were unable to do up to 50% of the export target of 2017 because of some difficulties and logistics problems and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Repeal of the 1986 Export Prohibition Act. The said bill referred to by Prof Irtwange is one of the bills sponsored in the House by Hon Dozie Nwankwo. The Bill for an Act to repeal the provisions of the Export Prohibition Act Cap E22 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and for related matters has passed through First and Second Reading in the House and is in the final stage of passage. Related to this bill is his motion of urgent public importance over the ban on exportation of dried beans to European countries from Nigeria by the European Union.

The motion was adopted and moved.

Other bills sponsored by Hon Nwankwo in the House are a bill for an Act to amend the provisions of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act. The main purpose of this bill is to reduce the time it takes to serve processes on various parties in court, especially on election petitions.

Relying only on bailiffs to serve the parties causes undue delays and reasonable time will be saved if courier companies, Law Chambers and other organizations duly registered for this purpose by the Corporate Affairs Commission also perform similar functions.

Hon Nwankwo is leading the debate on a Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (Guarantee Act). The Act is being proposed because it has become obsolete

Nwankwo

and serves no useful purpose as it was enacted to vest in the office of the President the power to guarantee foreign loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) needed at that time. Moreover, the NIDB for which the loan was to be guaranteed by the President is no more in existence, its functions and objectives having been taken over by the Bank of Industry.

He is also leading the debate on a bill for an Act to amend the Provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap MS. EEN 2004.

The bill seeks to upgrade the punishment for quacks in the Medical and Dentistry profession from fine of N5000 and N70,000 to at least N1,000,000 (one million naira) and 10 years imprisonment. This bill when passed will definitely reduce the number of fake doctors whose practice result in avoidable death of patients.

Nwankwo has given Notice of Presentation of other bills which he will be called upon to present in due course.

They include Amendment of the Provision of the Army Colour (Prohibition of use) Act Cap: A24 LFN 2004. Contravention of the provisions of the Act will attract fine of N1,000,000 or 6 years imprisonment or both.

Similarly, he intends to present a bill for an Act to amend the provisions of the Nigerian Press Council Act 2004. The bill seeks to check the activities of bloggers and other social media

practitioners who spread fake news and invade people’s privacy.

Other motions where notice of presentation Nwankwo has submitted to the Clark of the House of Representatives are: urgent need to address the menace of unqualified expatriate doctors practicing in Nigeria, ensure that quality regulatory bodies improve on their monitoring and evaluation efforts across Nigeria.

He has moved motion on the need to ensure that all local and international markets in the Federal Capital Territory are fortified with fire prevention and fire extinguishing gadgets.

There is no doubt that a Federal Legislator who had recorded these impressive achievements in less than three years of taking his seat in the house, (having spent previous one and half years in litigations to recover his stolen mandate) is adequately equipped and prepared to represent his constituency very effectively and bring democracy dividends to them. Therefore it is very easy to conclude that Hon Dozie Nwankwo came, he saw he conquered and is set to win more laurels for Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency. The only encouragement for hard work is more work.

Onyendozi definitely deserves a return to the House with an even greater majority votes on 16th February, 2019. Onyendozi carry go.

Chike Okeke, a media Consultant wrote in from Abuja.

Atiku/Obi Presidency, an Idea Whose Time Has Come Martins Lomba

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he pace at which society is able to make meaningful progress is critically dependent on the quality and commitment of its leadership. For the better part of Nigeria’s history, poor, selfish, nepotistic, ethnocentric and religious freaks have ineffectively led her to disrepute and to have weak institutions. To remedy the situation will require more than a passing glance at the root causes of this catastrophic state of affairs. It will take a bold confrontation of the situation with genuine solutions by an impartial, sincere and focused leadership.

The humongous bloodletting and general insecurity that have left many, faint hearted, including the abject poverty that has made our people destitute cannot be left to fester while a few individuals constitute themselves into a rogue cabal, tele-guiding an absent-minded and often absentee president.

The Atiku personality is a realistic, purposedriven, goal-oriented, cosmopolitan and enthusiastic nation-building disposition, highly committed to addressing the fault lines in our quest for unity and audacious dealing with issues of restructuring, rule of law, empowerment, social justice and economic sustainability of all Nigerians.

The Obi factor is a warm embrace to proven integrity, track record and selfless service premised on good conscience, open mindedness, prudence and outstanding management of

Obi and Atiku

processes with due diligence and uncommon determination. Throughout his public engagements, he has demonstrated capacity to get the job done and pursued uncharted courses with remarkable positive outcomes.

Notwithstanding the scheming or seeming conspiracy of regions to align solely and essentially for power grab, here comes another in the replica of Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme, to make further amelioration to the scars of the bitter civil war.

Both these candidates have successfully run private enterprises to enviable heights and, without a doubt, are imbued with the clinical

passion to make a positive difference. They are dogged performers who recruit suitable hands devoid of ethno-religious sentiments.

Most of the milestones recorded in the political evolution of Nigeria since the former president Babangida transition programme have had Atiku’s input and sacrifice. This includes the support and consolidation of the M.K.O. Abiola candidacy alongside several democratic undertakings like seeking judicial reliefs over stormy circumstances with Obasanjo, as well as presidential aspirations under different parties since 2003. The leading lights of the PDP government as at 1999 were brought

on board by Atiku, just as he also headed the national council on privatisation.

Obi on his part was the first to reclaim his mandate through the courts and overcame all the turbulent trappings set before him honourably. He bequeathed a robust economy to Anambra state, undertook massive infrastructural development and achieved comprehensive, if not unparalleled, educational feats.

Unlike the ‘promise and fail’ leadership that we have experienced, especially most recently, this duo are not known for rhetoric or careless talk, they say what they mean and mean what they say. Their enthusiasm about Nigeria is never in doubt, as they are both broad minded, tolerant, deliberate and quite sincere.

Given the current travails we face under this dispensation of propaganda, false claims on scarce achievements, terrible lies, suppression of the media, selective corruption fight, vote buying, impunity and militarisation of our democratic space, there is emergency on our hands. This credible pair is most suitable to rescue our beloved nation and set it aright on the path of peace, progress, equity and positive exploitation. By the way, they have verifiable certificates and are not shy about declaring their assets; even so they are available for citizen engagement and interaction. They are committed to rebuilding trust, transparency, accountability and social welfare.

A modern, self-sufficient Nigeria is possible; it only depends on who will drive it. I give you Atiku and Obi, please join the campaign and vote right. Let’s get Nigeria working again.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

POLITY

Ex- Generals’ Myth and the Marwa’s Intervention Olurotimi Daramola

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ntil last Monday, the impression created in the media was that President Muhammadu Buhari lacks the support of his military constituency. There has been this myth cleverly created around ex-military Generals that they make and can also undo any Nigerian president they no longer feel comfortable with.

The belief out there is that Buhari falls into the category of those lacking the ex-Generals’ support and must therefore be booted out at the polls on February 16.

Drawing from this, it came as a rude shock earlier this week when a total of 71 retired military Generals led by the well-loved amiable former military administrator of Lagos State, Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa assembled at the Aso Rock presidential villa, Abuja to openly identify with and endorse Buhari’s re-election bid. Surprisingly, the endorsement cuts across officers in the three armed forces of Army, Navy and Air Force. The Generals comprising 13 Major Generals, eight Air Vice Marshals (AVM), two Rear Admirals, 12 Brigadier Generals, nine Air commodores, eight Commodores and 17 former military administrators, is a strong indication that indeed Buhari has his constituency fully and solidly behind him.

This logical conclusion is further reinforced by the reasons adduced by the retired Generals for their visit and endorsement. After the brief ceremony, leader of the delegation, Gen. Marwa who also heads a Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse, PACEDA, in the country, gave the eye opener in their mission.

Speaking to State House Correspondents at the end of the meeting, Marwa said what informed the endorsement was the observations and the fulfillment of all Buhari promised to do in 2015. He stressed that if Buhari had failed in his duties, the retired generals would not have been in the Presidential Villa to endorse him.

He said: “As an officer and a gentleman, his

Buba Marwa

word is his bond. After winning the elections, he brought out simple three-point programme; security, economy and fighting corruption. He led the fight and is leading the fight by personal example that is the height of leadership. Do as I do not as I say, he has demonstrated that.

“On security, I have touched on the advances made the period before and when he took over from 2015 till date. I put the question, the bombings that used to go on in this FCT, Kaduna and so on, where are they today? The herdsmen crisis up and about, the hues and cries, where is it today? Where is IPOB today?

The Boko Haram is not flying their flags like they did before. They were in my local government for eight months, actually they even lived in my house believe it or not but they have been chased away and now they are just in the fringes of Lake Chad. Things are better.

“You look at the infrastructure, it is the

same thing, things are happening everywhere, highways are coming up, there is no state of the federation that there is no work going on, the railways the same thing. So the long and short of it is that when you demonstrate what you say you will do and you are from our own constituency, we must stand up and be counted. And therefore, the retired military officers today with former military governors, retired military officers from the rank of Brigadier General and their equivalents from the Navy and Airforce are here today, to tell him and to tell Nigerians that we are fully behind him in the elections next week and we will do whatever we can within the law to see that he is victorious in the elections.”

Asked if the endorsement was done under duress, Marwa said, “absolutely not. Every human being is political, we maybe non-partisan, we all want a good country for ourselves, our children and grandchildren and even for those yet unborn. Look at the drug abuse thing for instance, he was the first president that launched a war against drug abuse in Nigeria through the committees, one of which I chair. Unless you have compassion, you will overlook the matter of drugs and think that these are the dregs of the society. But he did.

“Look at the Biafran policemen who left the Nigerian police before the war, he remembered them. Airways workers, he remembered them.

His first concern when he took over was not the huge projects but for the civil and public servants to be paid. He even said it on one occasion and I heard it clearly, that he wonders how governors sleep with workers not paid and suffering. And now, the national minimum wage, he has approved it.

“And you can go down to what he is doing for the masses. Have you seen the Vice President of Nigeria enter the markets to give succour of N10,000? We have never seen this until this time. So, it is because he has performed. If he did not perform you will not see us here. Some of us are politicians already and belong to political parties. I am already in the APC and I’m in fact chairman of the central working committee of the Women and Youth

Presidential Campaign Team. But people like Admiral Ayinla said they were not partisan, but they know what is good and so they will work for his success.”

The most senior of the retired officers, Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla, a former Chief of Naval Staff, added a clincher in his remarks when he said future generations would acquit President Buhari “most creditably,” and added: “On behalf of the generals here today, I congratulate you on the tremendous work done by this administration, and wish to state unequivocally that we are proud of you and fully behind you in the presidential elections next week. We pledge our full support and continued loyalty.”

I believe the reasons advanced here can’t be faulted. One can see the genuineness of their effort. I have always been a fan of Gen. Marwa since his days in Lagos and this singular move that has demystified some ex-Generals and exposed the lies behind the perception that ex-Generals don’t want Buhari, has further deepened my love and loyalty to him. No, I understand why in Borno and Lagos where this fine gentleman General has served, his signature of achievements still dot the landscape of these two states.

With this, let no one pull the wool on our faces that Buhari is not loved or supported by the military constituency. That pack of lie has fallen flat and the false perception wiped out by the latest reality as displayed to Nigerians by the Marwa-led team of ex-Generals. And so, I will like to admonish Nigerians with the words of Marwa at the historical ceremony in the Villa: “Peaceful election is what we call for. Allow the process to run, allow the people to elect their own leader. There should be no ‘mago mago’ and all those fake things that used to happen.

Happily, we have the machine that will make sure that nobody who does not vote matters than somebody that voted. We ask Nigerians to come out in their numbers and vote for your candidate peacefully and after that protect your vote by remaining present until it is counted and announced before you go home.”

––Daramola sent in this piece from Epe, Lagos state

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L-R: Founder, Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF), Bikiya Graham-Douglas; Head of Corporate Communications Union Bank of Nigeria, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem; Winner of the Beeta Playwright Competition (BPC), Abdul-Qudus Ibrahim; and Shaibu Husseini, during the BUAF grand finale for its Second Playwright Competition held in Muson Centre Lagos...recently

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

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POLITY

Heroic Reception for Dapo Abiodun in Yewa/Awori Royal fathers in Yewa/Awori axis of Ogun State and the masses of the people turned out in large number to honour the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whose campaign train landed in the zone this week. Femi Ogbonnikan report

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ewa/Awori people in Ogun West, made up of five local governments - Ipokia, Imeko-Afon, Yewa North, Yewa South and Ado-Odo/Ota - are known for their engagement in commerce and trade. Their proximity to neighbouring communities in Republic of Benin places them in a vantage trading position.

But they are yet to produce a governor for Ogun state, since its creation 43 years ago, on account of several years of marginalisation. This was one of the issues the Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof)Adeyemi Obalanlege, tabled before the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo during the DapoAbiodun campaign tour of the area on Monday.Aside the overall marginalisation of the entire Ogun West, Osinbajo, specifically, decried the low level of development inAworiland, being the industrial hub of Nigeria, and described the ill-treatment as act of “injustice”.

He said he was fully aware of many challenges confronting theAwori nation when he was Lagos StateAttorney - General and Commissioner for Justice. Speaking at the Palace of Olota of Ota, Ogun State, Osinbajo said the entireAworiland ought not be relegated to the background in view of its crop of educated elites and location as an industrial hub of the country. He said: “We are promising you, that we would look into all these problems when we have DapoAbiodun elected in the forthcoming March 2 election, and the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari/Prof Yemi Osinbajo on February 16.” The VP appealed to the monarch, Council of Obas inAworiland and the people of the various communities to cast their votes for all the candidates of theAPC saying “it is the party that attend to numerous problems bedeviling the country.”

He said if the Ogun State governorship candidate,Abiodun, is voted Ogun State APC Governorship Candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo campaigning in Ota into office, he will be able to do the needful, while other responsibilities beyond the reach of the state government, “Abiodun as governor can quickly put a call through to me as Vice President to intervene.”

Earlier on February 3, Osinbajo, while at theAdo cultural day programme, inAdo-Odo/Ota local government, assured the people of the ancient town of the administration’s commitment to reconstructing all federal roads in the area as soon as President Muhammadu Buhari is returned into office.Also, the VP told the people ofAdo, that theAPC government in Ogun State, when re-elected, would meet their expectations, including the provisions of health facilities and proper funding of tertiary institutions.

In his own remarks at the Olota’s Palace,Abiodun promised to live up to expectations with his electoral promises, if he is elected. He said he empathized with the people ofAworiland, especiallyAgbara, which the host community of a large number of industries in the state.

TheAPC governorship candidate said he was sad to see the deplorable conditions of the road in the community which is the host community for multi-national companies that generate a substantial amount in internal revenue to the coffers of the state government. The Olota of Ota, Oba Obalanlege, inundated the Vice President and his entourage with numerous problems facing theAworiland.

The monarch drew the attention of Osinbajo to the ill-treatment being meted out toAworiland, particularly the division caused by past administrations. “Aworiland is accommodating.And we are in both Lagos and Ogun states. I want to seize this occasion to tell you that we have been marginalised and which should not be.

“We have massive votes inAworiland and which ought to translate to political power but rather, we have been marginalised. We are neither Yewa nor Egba. We are the first son of Okanbi, one of the sons of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race that came into being in Ogun State before others. We are senior but we have been marginalised.

“Funny enough, we have been merged with Yewa and Egba traditional councils.Also, we want you to help us with the reconstruction of Ota/Owode/Idiroko road, because this is the only international Osinbajo, Abiodun and Kayode Oladele at Ado, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State route that is connecting the neighbouring communities in the Republic elected. “In Yewa/Awori, we are very poor and that is the reason one homage to him in his palace. of Benin. While doing that, we are requesting for a flyover at Oju-Ore in of us becoming the governor of the state, since its creation 43 years ago The monarch said, “God has destined you to be our next governor in order to ease traffic flow along the Ota/Owode road.” has not been possible,” he said. But the royal father assured theAPC of Ogun State and you will get there, by the special grace of God.As my Chief The mood was the same in Yewa North Local GovernmentArea, massive votes from his domain in the forthcoming general elections. has highlighted, don’t forget us when you get there, because we have always earlier toured on January 29. Two monarchs, while making cases for It was no exception in Imeko-Afon local government area, as the govbeen supportive to theAPC and we will continue to stand by the party.” their respective domains, urgedAbiodun, not to forget the electorates ernorship ambition of theAPC candidate received a further rare support Earlier, the Balogun of Tayese of Ilara, Chief FalolaAdisa, requested when he emerged governor of the state. from royal fathers. The monarchs from the local council displayed their Abiodun to come to their rescue if he elected. He requested for the completion Speaking during the visit of theAPC governorship candidate to the support and further gave royal blessings to the ambition of the business of the abandoned Ilara-ijoun-ilashe road, establishment of a tertiary institution palace ofAbepa of Joga Orile, ObaAdeyemiAdekeye, and theAboro of mogul when he visited their respective palaces on February 6. in ImekoAfon local government, facilitation for the establishment of banks in Iboroland, ObaAbayomi Salako, the duo admonished the Iperu-born At the palace of Onidofa of Idofa town, the monarch, Oba David Ilara town, provision of electricity, portable water and standard health centres.

Prince to ensure that he keeps to his electoral promises and said that AremuAdeyanju, was enthusiastic and overjoyous to receive the oil He expressed optimism in the ability of the governorship candidate as the the dividends of democracy should spread across to all the nooks and magnate in his palace. He expressed appreciation to theAPC governornext governor of the State. He said his (Abiodun) next visit to Ilara will be a crannies of Yewa land. In his own remarks, Oba Salako regretted the ship candidate and urged him to run an all-inclusive government when thank-you one, after his victory at the governorship poll. He added that Ilara fact that politicians were fond of making empty promises, but advised he gets into office. He urged him, not be deceitful in his governance as it had always voted for theAPC and would never change.

Abiodun to fulfill all his electoral promises in a bid to better the lots of the is currently being experienced.

In his remarks,Abiodun promised to harness the tourism potentials of Ilara people of Ogun state.

Onidofa of Idofa said: “You will be victorious at the poll. But I implore and make the ancient town a tourist destination of the state.

Oba Salako said: “This is my second time of meeting Prince Dapo you, not to forget the people around you. I want to urge the people While joining the legions of monarchs that have thrown their weight Abiodun and I can see the traits of a complete gentleman in him. Dapo around you to always advise you appropriately. When you get there, behind theAPC governorship candidate, Osile, Oke-Ona, Egbaland, Oba Abiodun is very rich and he is gentle. You might be rich and arrogant please don’t forget our local government area, because we need public Dapo Tejuosho, who could not conceal his emotions describedAbiodun as at the same time but he is gentle with all the wealth God gave him. My schools, electricity, industries and jobs for our teeming unemployed the most competent, capable and qualified among the candidates that are instinct tells me that you have won the March 2 governorship election youths in order to curb them from engaging in smuggling activities. I jostling for the number one seat of the state. and you will become the next governor of Ogun state by God grace.”

According to him, the resilience, humility, generosity and listening ears of Also, in his remarks, theAbepa of Joga Orile, ObaAdekeye expressed also want to urge you, not to deceive the people when you get into office.

God will crown your efforts and you shall be victorious on this journey.”

Abiodun have endeared him into the hearts of the people of the state. appreciation for the visit of the governorship candidate and described In a same vein, the Oloola of Ilara, Oba SamuelAlabiAdeluyi, The Osile stated this, whenAbiodun and his campaign train paid homage him as the man of the moment. He enjoinedAbiodun to run an decribed theAPC governorship candidate as a man with vision for to the monarch in his Palace, while on a campaign rally ofAbeokuta North all-inclusive government that would include sons and daughters of a brighter Ogun State. The monarch said this, whenAbiodun paid Local GovernmentArea on Thursday, January 30. the Ogun West Senatorial district when constituting his government, if

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

TRIBUTE/TRAVEL

Fayemi at 54: Service, Battles and Victories Olayinka Oyebode

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oming barely two weeks to his birthday, the judgement of the Ekiti State Election Petition Tribunal which re- affirmed Governor Kayode Fayemi as the validly elected governor of Ekiti State in the July 14, 2018 governorship election is seen in many quarters as a befitting birthday present to Fayemi who clocks 54 years old today. For Fayemi, the tribunal’s victorysweet as it tastes- is but another in the series of battles and triumphs that have become the hallmark of his public service life. The victories he has earned are almost in equal measure to the battles he has fought to be where he is today.

Breaking out of his shadow to contest the 2006 primaries of the Action Congress (AC), was perhaps the first major battle of his public life. Even though he had previously waged a war, alongside other pro- democracy activists, against military dictatorship in the country as a member of the external wing of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). The 2006 primaries was for Dr Fayemi the first baptism of fire in the country’s political terrain. It was a keenly contested battle among the very best of the party in the state. The echoes of that battle of the titans had yet to fade out when the 2007 governorship election was held. The 2007 election battle in Ekiti, no doubt will have a generous mention when the political history of the country is fully written.

The powers that be at that time had decreed the direction the 2007 governorship election in Ekiti should go. But the army of the people felt otherwise. At the end of the day the powers that be had their way. But Fayemi had the last laugh after about three and a half years challenging the dubious victory given to the PDP at the tribunal, leading to a re-run of the election in April 2009. Victory however came at the eleventh hour via the Court of Appeal ruling on October 15, Fayemi 2010. a sincere and consistent effort at banishing poverty and Fayemi must have thought that there couldn’t have sickness, resulting in massive improvement in all the been any better way to appreciate the people of Ekiti who stood by him throughout the three and a half years indices of development. His major concern has always been how institutions of state can be strengthened in battle to reclaim his mandate other than to submit to order to ensure effective service delivery. their service. And that was exactly what he did for His controversial loss at the 2014 governorship electhe four years he served as the Governor of Ekiti State tion in the state was not enough to discourage him from between October 16, 2010 and October 15, 2014.

He demonstrated unparalleled penchant for develop- serving his people in other areas. Moments after leaving office, he devoted his time, energy and resources ment and his insatiable desire to get the government towards working for the success of the APC in the 2015 to provide for the weak and vulnerable in the society presidential election. At the inauguration of the Buhari led to some policies including the social security scheme which paid N5,000 monthly stipends to elderly administration on May 29, 2015, Fayemi was among those tapped by the newly inaugurated government indigent citizens above 65 years; free and compulsory to play some crucial roles in the government. Again, primary and secondary education; computer per child there arose a massive war by a section of the party in initiative in the public secondary schools; comprehenthe southwest aimed at stopping his nomination. What sive renovation of all public schools and hospitals; started as an ordinary media war later snowballed into free health care for the vulnerable in the society. The a full scale battle. For those at the frontline of the battle, need to spread development across the nooks and the mantra was “anybody but Fayemi”. crannies of the state also led to the introduction of five Again, through sheer doggedness and his own kilometres road project implemented yearly in all the council areas. These roads complemented the networks unique diplomatic approach to issues, the plot collapsed and Fayemi was named Minister in charge of of roads he constructed or rehabilitated for use in the the Mines and Steel Ministry. At the ministry, the battle urban areas. And when you add this to the structured empowerment programmes for the youths and women, shifted to those who hitherto had been making fortunes through illegal mining. So, while thinking through the you have a government that had something for everyright policy mix that would help reposition the mining body in terms of development and provision of good sector to meet the economic diversification and job crelife for the citizens. ation plan of the Federal Government, he had his eyes Fayemi’s administration was guided by the social democratic principle of lifting the weak and vulnerable fixed on the economic saboteurs and he never blinked until he halted the reign of one of the most notorious in the society. In those four years, Ekiti State witnessed

among them, who was reputed to have defrauded the country of well over a hundred billion naira through illegal mining activities.

The planned concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex after it was successfully taken over by the Federal Government also sparked off a battle between Fayemi, as minister, and the National Assembly as the latter preferred a further injection of fund into the complex. Fayemi stood his grounds.

But what is arguably the mother of all battles was one he had with the immediate past government in Ekiti, his home state, under the leadership of Ayodele Fayose. But like a cat with nine lives, Fayemi overcame all. And the crowning glory was the victory in the July 14 governorship election.

As declared by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo “It is not life that matters but the courage you bring to it”, Fayemi, as a firm believer in the philosophy of the great nationalist, brings courage, resilience and tact to bear on every battle. The same way he drives his public service with great vision, working with imagination, insight, and boldness, his eyes fixed on the horizon, not just on the near at hand but the big picture and thinking strategically.

Perhaps, his name “Folorunso” plays a role in the way he emerges victorious even in battles that are considered high wired. As someone who served as an altar boy in his local catholic parish during his youthful years, JKF as he is fondly called, realises the divine dimension to his victories. Thus, he is ever magnanimous in victory, harbouring no bitterness against his foes both current and expired.

Born on Tuesday, February 9, 1965, Fayemi attended Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti and subsequently earned degrees in History, Politics and International Relations from the Universities of Lagos and Ife in Nigeria, and a Doctorate in War Studies from the King’s College, University of London, England.

He is a Fellow of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan. He is also a Georgetown University Washington DC Leadership Fellow (2000). Dr. Fayemi served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development (2015-2018).He was the founding director of the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), a research and training institute dedicated to the study and promotion of democratic development, peace-building and human security in Africa. As a central figure in the coalition of civil society actors that resisted oppressive military rule in Nigeria, he was instrumental to the founding and running of opposition radio stations while in exile.

He has received several awards and recognitions at home and abroad, and holds the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He is married to Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the renowned women’s and children’s rights advocate, writer and social entrepreneur.

Today as we raise glasses in celebration of 54 years of impact- a life defined by battles which at the very peak always turn into victories, one of Fayemi’s favourite songs that readily comes to mind is: Oye ka dupe, ara san, ategun fe, iji ja kogbe wa lo oye ka dupe. Happy Birthday, JKF!, the victory song has just started.

–––Oyebode is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State

Wakiki Launches African/Afro Caribbean Food Delivery Service in UK Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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ood lovers and travellers to the United Kingdom from Nigeria will be happy to know about Wakiki.co.uk.

Wakiki has launched a food delivery service in the UK, supplying African and Afro Caribbean food to Jollof Rice and Jerk Chicken lovers travelling or living in the London area in the UK. Working with various independent chefs, caterers and kitchens specializing in foods from Jollof rice, to moin moin and traditional local soups and the Caribbean oxtail curries, ordering food while

on holiday to the Uk is now as simple as clicking a button through their website on www.wakiki.co.uk.

The kitchens who supply food use fresh on the day produce which ensures customers always enjoy the home cooked taste from chef’s, who were all hand selected by the owners.

One of the best features on the Wakiki service is the ability to order from up to three different caterers depending on their areas of expertise and getting the food delivered through the Wakiki service in their expertly engineered food boxes which keeps food warm and is reusable.

Founded three years ago by two brothers Fuad and Timi Animashaun in the UK, they found a unique window to bring African and Afro Carribean kitchens to Nigerians in and out of the UK at different times for visiting, schooling, a long vacation or hosting a party, customers can order food in advance from Lagos and have their food delivered on arrival to the UK, or if you are hosting a party. Similarly, it is also useful for Nigerians and other Africans living in the UK to augment and support busy weekly schedules.

The owners, Fuad and Timi, said their love for inclusion of African and the

Caribbean food flavours into the urban food delivery culture was a driving force to birthing Wakiki which is fast becoming a household feature in most Nigerian homes largely because of the convenience and ease of ordering through their website but also because of the quality assured and guaranteed service delivery both in taste from the kitchens signed up and registered on their platform to the speed of the service itself.

To get Wakikied this Easter or while traveling to the London area in the Uk log in to www.wakiki.co.uk and get your food delivered upon arrival in three simple steps.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

09.02.2019

NEWS

City Hope to Maintain Top Spot with Chelsea PAGE. 32 Visit

Asisat Oshoala Set for Barca Debut

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁

30

GLOBAL SOCCER

Asisat Oshoala Set for Barca Debut Having been left out of Barcelona’s game against Albacete last weekend, Nigerian international Asisat Oshoala would be hoping to make her debut and probably start her goals account with the Catalans giants away to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday

arcelona women head coach, Luis Cortes is optimistic Oshoala can bring the team very good things and was excited to have landed the Super Falcons forward after watching her in training with the rest of the team.

The coach, however, did not include the former Dalian Quanjian player in last Sunday’s clash with Albacete at the Mini Estadi.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Albacete at the Mini Estadi, the

handler said the three-time African women queen will not suit up for the league game.

“Asisat has arrived in a good physical condition. With the trip and the changes may be right now is not ready to play, but I think that from next week (Sunday) can start to bring us very good things to the team,” Cortes told the media.

Oshoala and her new Barcelona side have been drawn against last season’s beaten finalists Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Queen’s Cup semi-final in Madrid, while Real Sociedad will

clash with Sevilla. Winners of the two semi-final matches on February 17 will square up for the final of the competition billed to be played in Granada on May 11.

In spite of not having a too impressive turnout at the last African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Ghana, culminating in losing the 2018 CAF Women Africa Footballer Year title to South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana.

Spanish giants, Barcelona, however, did not lose sight of the natural ability the Falcons star possesses. It, therefore, came as a little surprise when the

scouts of Camp Nou went for her signature.

Oshoala last Thursday took her professional career to another level after moving to Barcelona FC Ladies on loan from Chinese club, Dalian Quanjian.

The 24-year-old Nigerian, who was part of Super Falcons winning team at the African Women Nations Football tournament in Ghana late last year arrived in Barcelona on Thursday morning for the routine medical checks and then signed her contract in the President’s Office at

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FEBRUARY 9, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Moses in action for Fenerbahce

the Camp Nou. The Director responsible for the women section at Camp Nou, Maria Teixidor, and Sports Manager, Markel Zubizarreta, witnessed the brief ceremony.

Oshoala was three-times African Footballer of the Year- 2014, 2016 and 2017, won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the Under-20 World Cup in 2014 and was top goal-scorer in the Chinese Super League in 2017.

She’s quick and powerful (1.73 m and 70 kg) and has previous experience in European football at Arsenal

(2016) and Liverpool (2015).

“This is obviously one of the best clubs in the world. The team has a great history and wonderful football mentality,” she said after she completed her switch.

“I am excited about playing with Vicky Losada again. She’s a great midfielder, with a lot of energy and skill. I also met Fabiana in China and she helped me to make this decision.

“My goal is to strengthen the team and help them to win and make history. This is a fantastic op-

portunity because I’m sure something big will happen here,” concludes the Falcons player.

Before joining the Barcelona, Oshoala has won highest goalscorer back-to-back in the Chinese women league.

She became second Super Falcons player to play in the Spanish Gemini after Fransisca Ordega played for Atletico Madrid Gemini side.

Oshoala had never compromised her passion for the round leather game right from the onset, as she abandoned her education for football against the wishes of her parents.

“My passion for football made me drop out of school. This is one sport I won’t compromise. Growing up, people see me as a tomboy as I always play alongside male footballers and still do at Arsenal and anytime I’m in Nigeria. Those that chose to go to school do so because they want to make it in life likewise those of us that opted to play football. Though my opting to play football was against my parents’ wish because they were not happy with my decision then but now I have brought them joy. I’m still not ruling out returning to school,” Oshoala said.

Oshoala is no stranger to the big stage. In 2015, at just 20, she was named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, making her the first player to win the new award from the BBC World Service, voted for by football fans around the world, beating Spain’s Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Scot Kim Little and Brazilian Marta to the honour.

Oshoala, who was the youngest player to be shortlisted, was the leading scorer at the U-20s World Cup in Canada in 2014 and was voted the tournament’s best player.

Her performances led Nigeria to the final where they were narrowly beaten by Germany and she was also a major influence in the senior Nigerian team who won the African Women’s Championship the same year.

The effort also earned her a national award, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) from former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying she was overjoyed at being appreciated by the federal government.

Oshoala made headline when she signed for Liverpool in July 2015, becoming the first African player to play for any English women’s side.

“When I got the deal from them, I was very excited. I supported Liverpool when I was younger, especially when Luis Suarez was still here. He’s a player I have really admired,” Oshoala said.

In addition to Suarez, the Falcons star also idolises former Real and AC Milan midfielder, Clarence Seedorf.

“I like him so much. I like players who work hard and give everything on the pitch. When you see a player like that, he is an inspiration. I love the way Seedorf played; I love everything about him. For the same reason, I admire Luis Suarez. He is ready to give everything and do everything for his club. I love players like that,” she said.

However, less than a year later, Oshoala shifted her loyalty to Arsenal Ladies after a season with Liverpool, scoring three goals in 12 league appearances for the Reds.

After which she sojourned to China to pitch tent with Dalian Quanjian.

Looking back, she would always be grateful to FC Robo, where she cut her professional teeth. “I will always say a big thank to my first coach at FC Robo, Emmanuel Osahon. He discovered me and gave me my first break before I joined Port Harcourt club, Rivers Angels sports club,” she recalled.

In a chat with THISDAY, former Falcons goalkeeper, Ann Chiejina is optimistic that the way Oshoala is going, she would one day climb the podium for the FIFA Award.

“I just hope and pray she keeps working hard. With the way she’s going she is not too far from being selected for the FIFA Women’s Footballer Award,” Chiejina said.

Meanwhile, Oshoala has called for the continent to make conditions better for women, saying: “We deserve more. The federations in every country have to do more for female football.”

Nicknamed Superzee by her appreciative team-mates, the Nigerian striker owes her accolade to her speed and nose for goal.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁

GLOBAL SOCCER

City Aim to Maintain Top Spot with Chelsea Visit After conceding the top spot to Liverpool last December, Manchester City on Wednesday regained the Premier League leadership position, but with one game more. The biggest test to remaining on top comes up on Sunday against Chelsea, who interestingly was the first club to beat the Citizens. Therefore, Pep Guardiola would be spurred to take his revenge as well as maintain the lead

M

anchester City will be looking to maintain their rejuvenated title challenge on Sunday when they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium.

The Londoners were responsible for City’s first defeat in their title defence this season, and Pep Guardiola will know that a repeat this weekend could hand the initiative back to Liverpool in the race to the top.

The champions go into the weekend as the league leaders courtesy of their midweek triumph over Everton but could be knocked off the summit when Liverpool face Bournemouth today, while Chelsea

could also lose their spot in the top four before Sunday’s game gets underway.

City and Chelsea match is expected to be a high-voltage game where none of the teams would like to drop a point.

Manchester City would be desperate to continue their winning run to keep putting the pressure on Liverpool when they lock horns against Chelsea on Sunday.

Due to two disappointing draws by the Reds, Manchester City have closed down the gap and currently on level terms at the top, though Liverpool have a game in hand. On the contrary, Chelsea are in the fourth position with just two points ahead of Manchester United.

Guardiola is a coach who has the

experience of winning titles in various leagues.

So he will keep his players motivated, aiming to use the right tactics and continue the winning streak.

Maurizio Sarri in his debut season as coach of Chelsea had a great start to the season but right now, the team is looking to be back to playing at their full potential after losing twice in January.

In the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea outplayed City and handed them their first defeat of the season and Guardiola would be hoping to take revenge at Etihad Stadium and inflict a killer punch on Chelsea’s top four target.

Meanwhile, Guardiola has said City’s return to the top of the Premier League was reward

for their refusal to concede the title to Liverpool but warned his players beating Chelsea would be a tougher task than seeing off Arsenal and Everton.

The mouthwatering clash with Sarri’s side who sit fourth and 12 points off the leaders, could prove pivotal.

Guardiola said: “We started well with Arsenal and Everton but now comes a really, really big test — a big bull.

“Chelsea is an exceptional team with seven days to prepare that game. We will try. We have to prepare well. This is a real final for us this weekend. If we are able to take these points, we are going to take a huge step forward.

“One month ago we could have been 10 points behind with the game against

΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

33

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table

Head to Head 27/02/10

Chelsea

2-4 Man City

25/09/10

Man City

1-0 Chelsea

20/03/11

Chelsea

2-0 Man City

12/12/11

Chelsea

2-1 Man City

21/03/12

Man City

2-1 Chelsea

25/11/12

Chelsea

0-0 Man City

24/02/13

Man City

2-0 Chelsea

27/10/13

Chelsea

2-1 Man City

03/02/14

Man City

0-1 Chelsea

21/09/14

Man City

1-1 Chelsea

31/01/15

Chelsea

1-1 Man City

16/08/15

Man City

3-0 Chelsea

16/04/16

Chelsea

0-3 Man City

03/12/16

Man City

1-3 Chelsea

05/04/17

Chelsea

2-1 Man City

30/09/17

Chelsea

0-1 Man City

04/03/18

Man City

1-0 Chelsea

Team Liverpool Man City Tottenham Arsenal Chelsea Man Utd Wolves Everton Watford Bournemouth Leicester West Ham Brighton Newcastle Crystal Palace Southampton Burnley Cardiff Fulham Huddersfield

P 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

GD 41 44 26 17 17 13 -1 2 -1 -5 0 -7 -9 -11 -9 -15 -20 -26 -28 -28

Pts 61 56 54 47 47 45 35 33 33 33 32 31 26 24 23 23 23 19 17 11

Premiership TODAY

Fulham C’Palace Huddersfield Liverpool S’pton Watford Brighton

v v v v v v v

Man Utd West Ham Arsenal B’mouth Cardiff Everton Burnley

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

v v

Leicester Chelsea

13:30 16:00

v

Newcastle

20:00

NAME

CLUB

GOALS

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

16

Aubameyang

Arsenal

15

Sergio Agüero

Man City

14

Harry Kane

Tottenham

14

Eden Hazard

Chelsea

12

Sadio Mané

Liverpool

11

Raheem Sterling

Man City

10

Son Heung-Min

Tottenham

10

Callum Wilson

B’mouth

10

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham

10

SUNDAY

Tottenham Man City MONDAY

Wolvers

Hot Shot

Richarlison

Everton

10

Glenn Murray

Brighton

10

Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal

9

Paul Pogba

Man Utd

9

Marcus Rashford

Man Utd

9

Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY

Liverpool and seven days ago we could have been seven points behind. Now we are top of the league.

“What is the lesson? Never give up. That is the best advice for all athletes. Everything is in your hands, try to win your games because life changes immediately. That’s why it is not necessary to look at the tables, just prepare well, recover well and prepare the game against Chelsea.”

Chelsea head coach is however of the opinion that the Citizens are the best team in Europe.

Sarri: “At the moment, in my opinion, Manchester City are the best team in Europe. They are an example for every club.

“We need to work. Guardiola is in the third season in the Premier League, Klopp in the fourth or fifth, but we need to work.

I don’t know another way. We need only to work and try to reduce the gap.”

After the Chelsea encounter, City have a big break before their next Premier League fixture due to the Carabao Cup final, also against the Blues, and FA Cup fifth round trip to Newport.

The first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie at Schalke also comes prior to the midweek home game with West Ham, which will eventually roll round on

February 27.

“There are a lot of contenders to fight for the title and there are a lot of games to go. We will drop points and hopefully our opponents will also. With the amount of games we have in our legs we cannot give days off, so to be this consistent means a lot.

“We came from 100 points and champions last season and then we are in a situation where we could have given up this season but it didn’t happen. We gave an incredible game against Liverpool. These players have shown incredible desire and performances for the last two years. How could I question them?”

Guardiola lamented the lack of recovery time between this game and hosting Chelsea but believes this could prove a significant week in the title race should City claim a third successive win.

Guardiola believes the demands of challenging for four trophies throughout February will take even more of a toll on his side than the famous demands of fixture congestion in December.

City are still in with the chance of completing a historic quadruple of the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup, but Guardiola is concerned at the intense physical demands that will

place on his squad.

A run of seven games across the four competitions in February is not quite as demanding a schedule as the nine matches they faced during December, three of which City lost.

Liverpool will be looking to return to winning ways and regain top spot in the Premier League table today when they welcome Bournemouth to Anfield.

The title hopefuls have drawn back-toback matches to surrender top spot, but host a Bournemouth side in inconsistent form.

All of the noise coming out of Anfield is insistent that Liverpool are not feeling the pressure of the title race, but recent results suggest otherwise.

The Reds were seven points clear at the top of the table not so long ago, but they will go into Saturday’s match sitting in second place after Manchester City moved above them on goal difference with a midweek win over Everton.

A first top-flight title since 1990 remains in Liverpool’s hands as they still have an extra game to play, but Jurgen Klopp will know that his side cannot afford many more slip-ups after back-to-back draws against Leicester City and West Ham United.

Getafe Atlético Espanyol Girona

v v v v

Celta Vigo Madrid Vallecano Huesca

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

v v v v

Real Betis Sociedad Eibar Barcelona

11:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

v

Levante

20:00

Fiorentina

v

Napoli

17:00

Parma

v

Inter

19:30

Bologna

v

Genoa

11:30

Atalanta

v

SPAL

14:00

SUNDAY

Leganés Valencia Sevilla Bilbao MONDAY

Alavés

Serie A TODAY

SUNDAY

Sampdoria

v

Frosinone 14:00

Torino

v

Udinese

14:00

Sassuolo

v

Juventus

17:00

AC Milan

v

Cagliari

19:30

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁

GLOBAL SOCCER

Winner of the Access Bank City Marathon being presented with his $50,000 prize money

Fans paying tribute to late Emiliano Sala

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Sustains Identity Femi Solaja After four years of uninterrupted sponsorship, the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon had craved an identity not only for the city (Lagos) but the country in spite of global appeal football may have given Nigeria over the years.

The last installment of the event held last Saturday with over 400,000 participants including elite athletes both within the country and international marathoners who have locked the February date in their calendar.

The event is the ultimate window for individual test for every participant in preparation, strategy, discipline and endurance as a way of life because everyone wins something in the Marathon andAccess Lagos City Marathon has complied

with the global standard.

The Bronze label expectedly was dominated by Ethiopian runners while Nigerians runners had to contend with the second phase of prize category.

But more importantly, just like in the previous editions, all the athletes were full of praises to the sponsor, Access Bank in spite of repeated anomalies by theorganisers.

The Ethiopian duo of Suntayahu Legese and Dinke Meseret are the hero and heroine of the day as they came top in both male and female events and at the end of the 42km race Legese returned with a time of 2:17:28secs to come first while Kipkorir Joshua of Kenya came second with a time of 2:18:16secs to beat fellow countryman, William Yegon to the third place.

Yegon returned with a time of 2:19:04secs.

“I have attended several marathons over the world and I must confess to you that Lagos event is one of the best experiences for me. The annual event is a pride to Africa and the City of Lagos has shown that it can stand among other prominent cities in the world.

“The frenzy atmosphere around the finishing line is astonishing, it makes me very proud as a black man that it’s a good development for marathon they can sustain it for a longer time,” the overall winner, Lagese commented after the presentation.

Perhaps, the major beneficiary of the day was Nigeria’s Deborah Pam, who made history by finishing sixth fastest woman overall, returning a

time of 2:52.59 to claim her second consecutive title.

Pam, who is popularly called the queen of long-distance races in Nigeria, achieved a historic feat by breaking into the overall top female finishers.

While presenting the star prize of $50, 000 to the male winner, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode commended all the athletes for putting up a good fight in the race and said it was keenly contested. He, however, assured that the race has come to stay in Lagos State.

Ambode also expressed appreciation to the management of the title sponsor, Access Bank for making the race a reality.

Summarily, Nigerians athletes had benefited in cash and kind from the race, and they stand more in the subsequent editions.

Arena Athletics Academy Gets AFN License Ahead of National Triangular Athletics Meet

Arena Athletics Academy has announced that it would host a Triangular Athletics Meet in June, following the recent meet hosting licence granted it by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), to organise national track and field competitions across the country for the season.

This is the first time a private body will be organising a sanctioned national Triangular Meet since theAFN announced a policy shift that gradually sees its functions change from organising competitions to maintaining oversight functions on track and field in the country.

As part of the shift, licenses were awarded to a number

of organisations to organise competitions in the country.

Chief Executive Officer of Arena Athletics Academy, Mr. Iyere Eyieyien, said “The monthlong triangular meet which will take place over three weekends with two weeks intervals at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro and Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, is in line with our mission to re-invigorate athletics in Nigeria.

“We want to provide a platform that ensures that our athletes compete and hit their peak at the right time to excel both in national and international competitions and at the

same time rewarding them handsomely for their efforts.”

Technical Director of the academy, Mr. Oluyomi Sule, said, “The recent downward slide in performance at the global stage can be traced to lack of adequate competitions for the home-based athletes unlike their foreignbased counterparts. Since they say the best form of training is competitions, we put plans in place to stage the best national track and field competition ever seen on Nigeria soil.”

Mr. Sule disclosed that the Triangular Meet would serve to prepare the home-based athletes for the world athletics championship and all African

games trials, create opportunities for the home-based athletes to achieve their various set standards for the world Athletics Championship and also give opportunity to athletes who are in wrong events to try out new ones with same energy system rather than waste away on mediocre performance.

He invited the organised private sector to collaborate with Arena Athletics Academy and the AFN in ushering in a golden era for athletics in the country.

ArenaAthleticsAcademy was inaugurated three years ago with a mission to revitalise Nigerian athletics in two major areas of training and development.

Cadbury Backs Lagos Club Tennis League Competition Cadbury Nigeria Plc has announced that it is sponsoring the maiden edition of the Club Tennis League, which will run from February 2 to mid-April in Lagos, in collaboration with John Christie Ventures.

The competition is expected to bring together members of the various tennis clubs in Lagos.

In a statement, the company’s

Corporate and Government Affairs Director for West Africa, Mr. Bala Yesufu said Cadbury was supporting the initiative to help build closer affinity amongst members of participating clubs.

“As a company, we have been involved in initiatives that are designed to create fun moments for our stakeholders.

“This is one of such opportu-

nities to promote healthy competition among participants in the Lagos Club Tennis League.

It is our hope that this will go a long way in fostering lasting friendship through tennis,” he said.

Cadbury Nigeria is also hosting a sports tournament tagged: ‘Cadbury Bournvita Duathlon Championship, in collaboration

with Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU), on 10th February 2019, in Lagos.

Cadbury is a staunch supporter of sporting activities in the country, particularly lawn tennis and football.

TomTom, the leading candy brand in Nigeria from Cadbury, is the official candy of the Nigeria senior national football teamSuper Eagles.

PwC Chess4Change Mentorship Ends in Lagos The curtains have been drawn on this year’s edition of the PwC Chess4Change mentorship programme and mini challenge championship in Lagos.

The two-day programme, according to the organisers, is aimed at tutoring secondary school students the game of chess as well as enlightening the students on skill sets and tenets that will help them thrive in school and in life.

The programme was hosted in Akande Dahusi Memorial Junior High School and Immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School, Maryland, Lagos.

“Before the mini chess challenge, students were taught by PwC representatives on how to set your goals, choosing a career path, believe in yourself and learning from mistakes. All sessions were inspiring and also created a closer touch point between the PwC brand and the students.

“After the mentorship session, the mini challenge commenced with representatives from the participating schools.

“The mini challenge aims to assess the students’ abilities in the game of chess as well as prepare for the Grand Slam tournament in March,” the organisers informed.

The schools that took part in the programme are; Eva Adelaja Girls Senior Secondary School,, Bariga, Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior School, Maryland, CMS Girls Senior Secondary, Bariga, Ireti Senior Grammar School, Ikoyi, Eko Akete Grammar, Lagos Island, Wahab Folawiyo Senior High School, Osborne, Kuramo Senior Secondary School, Victoria Island, Falomo High School, Ikoyi, Birrel Avenue Senior High School, Sabo.

Others are; Lagos City College, Yaba, New Era Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Government Senior College, Eric Moore, St. Timothy College, Onike,Yaba, Jubilee Model Senior Grammar School, Orile Iganmu, Sari Iganmu Senior Secondary School, Orile, EUBA Junior Secondary School, Mushin, Unity Junior High School, Oshodi, and Eko Boys High School, Mushin.

The initiative sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers(PwC); one of the world’s leading audit and advisory firms was supporters by the Lagos State Ministry of Education and Nigeria Chess Federation.

GOtv to Broadcast Madrid Derby Live The 164th Madrid derby between fierce city rivals, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, taking place at the Wanda Metropolitano today will be broadcast live on GOtv. The La Liga encounter, which will be broadcast on SuperSport Select 4 (channel 34) at 4:15 pm, is exclusive to GOtv MAX subscribers.

The two giants are meeting for the second time this season.

The first encounter at Real’s Santiago Bernabéu in September ended goalless.

Two points separate the teams, with Atletico occupying the second position on the LaLiga standings with 44 points, while Real are third with 42 points. Real could, however, leapfrog their neighbors should they win and put themselves five points behind leaders, Barcelona.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has hit form right in time for the Los Blancos, as they won their last five games in all competitions before Wednesday’s draw. Also posting impressive performances for Santiago Solari’s side is the Brazilian wonderkid, Vinicius Jnr. Atletico’s title chase suffered a blip on the back of a series of draws and a defeat to Real Betis in their last outing. However, they are usually a different proposition at their Wanda Metropolitano home.

Coach Diego Simeone will rely on goal machine and World Cup winner, Antoine Griezmann; and goalkeeper Jan Oblak among other stars. A lot of attention will also be Alvaro Morata, recently acquired on loan from Chelsea.

Subscribers who upgrade to the GOtv MAX package will have access to the Madrid derby, other games of the La Liga, Serie A, select matches of the UEFA Champions League and English Premier League.

Speaking on the Madrid derby, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said GOtv is pleased to broadcast such a major game to its customers across the country.

“Being the home of La Liga, GOtv is delighted to showcase live to all our customers one of the biggest derbies in the world, the Madrid derby. With both teams having massive followership in the country, fans of both clubs are guaranteed to enjoy the very best of the game’s coverage on GOtv MAX,” he said.

΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Akinlabi Park Another Big Boost for Super Eagles The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has never hidden its plan to woo players of Nigerian descent to the Super Eagles fold and Real Madrid attacking midfielder, Olawale Akinlabi Park could be the latest addition

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), was handed a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid youth-teamer Marvin Olawale Akinlabi Park following his omission from the latest Spain U-19 roster announced on Tuesday.

According to Spanish tradition, footballers get two surnames; the first one is his fathers, the second being his mothers.

NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, had before now said Park would soon get to play for the Super Eagles despite interest in the Los Blancos youth team kid from South Korea and Spain.

Rather than be cowed, Akinwunmi said the NFF can convince a switch to Nigeria’s senior national by Park, who is eligible for three countries, as he was born in Spain to a Nigerian father and South Korean mother.

Akinwunmi said he has enough data about the attacking midfielder, which makes him sure that Nigeria can hook the fast-rising lad.

Akinwunmi revealed: “Akinlabi is in our plans. We are monitoring every single Nigerian kid out there, the ones that are good enough and who are willing to play for Nigeria. We are speaking with everybody, but it is not everybody that wants to play for Nigeria. It is not everybody that their parents want them to play for Nigeria; (but) we are speaking to all of them, even those who are not willing.”

The NFF is set to do battle with the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Korea Football Association for the services of Park.

Born in Palma de Mallorca to a Nigerian father and South Korean mother 18 years ago, Akinlabi is spoilt for choice as he is eligible to represent Nigeria and South Korea based on the grandfather rule and can also turn out for his country of birth, Spain.

In the Spanish naming customs, footballers have two surnames, the paternal goes first and then the maternal one, so he has to be referred to as Akinlabi, not as Park, but he is called Marvin by the football community in Spain.

Marvin has been described by the official website of Real Madrid as a two-footed pacy and physical attacking-minded midfielder who is a danger when he joins the attack, and his ability in one-on-one

situations also makes him a threat.

He had stops at Sporting Ciudad de Palma, Tranmere Rovers, La Salle and Es Jonquet Penya Arrabal prior to joining the European champions in July 2016.

Should Marvin pledge his international future to Nigeria, he would follow in the footsteps of Madrid-born Real Madrid product Derik Osede, who switched allegiance to the Super Eagles in 2015.

A statement on the Real Madrid website last year confirmed his inclusion in the Real Madrid youth set up.

It reads, “An attacking-minded midfielder who is a danger when he joins the attack, his ability in one-on-one situations also makes him a threat. He took his first steps in the game in his native Balearic Islands and possesses a very direct style, which fully exploits his pace and power.

He also has fine ability with both feet.”

Before he moved to the famed Real Madrid Castilla in 2016, Marvin had his development at various clubs sides such as Sporting Ciudad de Palma, Tranmere Rovers, Sporting Ciudad de Palma, La Salle and Es Jonquet Penya Arrabal.

Based on the potential of Marvin, the undefined will aim to integrate him into the national team as they have done for youngsters born abroad.

However, they should expect to face stiff competition from the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Korea Football Association who will want a talent such as Marvin in their ranks.

Marvin was not named in Real Madrid squad for their 2018/19 UEFA Champions League campaign.

However, Spain U-19 boss, Santi Denia, has not summoned Akinlabi for the friendly matches against Azerbaijan and Scotland scheduled to hold on February 12 and 14 respectively.

Spain are using the friendlies to prepare for the Elite Qualifying Round of the European Championship. Akinlabi will become provisionally cap-tied to Spain if he gets game time in next month’s competitive fixture with Slovenia but it remains to be seen if he’ll be invited after he was omitted from the latest roster.

It, however, remains to be seen if his noninclusion to the Spanish side could spur his choice of playing for Nigeria.

Park

36

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

JOE/FAJ THEFRONTLINES

Buhari’s Gaffes and the Looming Disaster

I

n the last few months since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on political activities, those following the trend of events would confirm that all is not well in our country. The reason for this pessimism is quite simple: President Muhammadu Buhari has lost control and Nigeria has been seized, held hostage and is being manipulated by some pseudo-power mongers who are bent on running the country aground for their selfish interests.

For those who still doubt Buhari’s incapacity to lead the most populous black nation on earth, they should follow the President on his campaign trail. It is now an average of a gaffe per campaign stop.

Just this week while in Ondo State to flag off his party’s campaign, he introduced the party’s senatorial candidate with the following words “Well I have to raise the hand of the senatorial candidate. Senatorial Candidate. Please APC up & down. Edo Central.� What does this mean? First, the President did not know he was in Ondo State which is why he mentioned Edo Central. Even then, the party’s national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole had to take the candidate by hand to teleguide the entire process.

In the same vein, earlier in Delta state, the President began to show early signs of incoherence when at the point of handing over the APC flag to the governorship candidate in Delta State, Great Ogboru, Buhari referred to the flagbearer first as “presidential candidate�, then as“senatorial candidate� before settling for “governatorial candidate� instead of gubernatorial candidate.

The worst was to come later in Calabar during the campaign flag off at the U J Esuene stadium. Oshiomhole again was prancing up and down the state box trying to patch things up to avoid yet another blunder when suddenly Buhari seized the hand of Sen Ndoma Egba, the NDDC chairman, whose attempt to point out the flag bearer, Senator John Owan Enoh was misinterpreted by Buhari. Before anyone could say Jack, Buhari lifted Ndoma-Egba’s hand introducing him as the governorship candidate instead. It was a protesting Ndoma-Egba who pointed to a thoroughly flabbergasted Owan-Enoh drawing the President’s attention that he was rather the gubernatorial candidate not him.

I will not fail to mention a recent town hall meeting with Nigerians in The Diaspora reported by Dele Momodu where the President allegedly forgot what he jotted down. Let us imagine a scenario mirroring our President on the global stage with world leaders like Angela Merkel, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron of Germany, USA, Russian and France. Is it Abba Kyari, Adams Oshiomhole or Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that would accompany him there to teleguide him on what to say as he is being

JOSEPH USHIGIALE e-mail: jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com mobile phone: 08023422660 (sms only)

Buhari

guided at home?

And this week, Buhari said he assumed office in 2005 instead of 2015, the list is endless. But it is important to situate the import of all these happenings and the wider implications for our country going forward.

Nigeria is highly respected in the comity of nations and therefore deserves a leader that is physically fit, intellectually equipped and has the confidence and courage to project the country to the global audience.

On all these parameters the current occupant has scored zero. Even his much vaunted integrity mantra, going by his romance with corrupt people and covering up for corrupt misdeeds is dubious. On fitness, Buhari is unfit and almost fell in Kogi while departing the stadium; we all are witnesses to the President’s less than average performance at The Candidates debate even though the format was tweaked to elicit a good result for him. He does not even have a certificate going by his own admissions. So where does this leave us?

Recall that at the beginning of the campaign, the party had issued a statement informing Nigerians that the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would take charge of the campaign on behalf of Buhari.

But this was roundly condemned by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and CUPP forcing the APC to rescind its decision.

Had that decision subsisted, Buhari’s true state of health and capacity to govern would not have unraveled the way it has now. It is all too clear now that those pushing a Buhari second term have a hidden

Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă™Ă˜ ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽË›Ë›Ë›

S

ometimes you wake up and sincerely wish you can spend the entire day simply keeping to yourself, and refusing to share your thoughts, and indeed, any other things with any human being. You just feel that unexplainable craving to be selfish‌ I don’t know if it is right or wrong, but I have been feeling like that quite often lately.

For reasons I don’t yet understand, Nigeria has been weighing heavily on my mind. We all have our several “Whys� to ask of Nigeria. We all have our several scars to show of how Nigeria has impressed on us and our psyche.

Almost everyone has one story or more, on the traps and craps we have had to endure simply because we were born on this side of this earth. Is there any adult who has not been scarred or seared by the circumstance called Nigeria?

I believe, we can only quibble about the degree of Nigeria’s ‘influence’ in our lives - for good or bad. Some deal with the circumstance with grace or grit, while others succumb to devious means to survive‌ yet, some allow themselves to be sucked in completely without raising a finger in audible protest.

One major issue always leaves me drained as I have not been able to find an answer to it that can put my mind at rest. The question is: Why do we work so hard, bargain so hard, pursue our dreams, goals and ambition with so much passion and sometimes desperation‌ why do we do all we have to do to become successful, and probably grow old doing it‌and finally‌die, leaving all to those we are in no position to advise, guide or command about how to manage, invest or dispense our “hard-earnedâ€? wealth, riches or reputation? When we sit to reflect on the fruitlessness of pursuits of personal growth and accomplishments, we are stormed with undisguised frustration... of dressing well for an outing without destination in mind.

On several occasions, I have concluded that it was pointless working so hard in this very harsh country, amidst mostly hateful people who barely can contain themselves in their haste to deny you your entitlements, or frustrate your drive and vision. If you are lucky, you may find yourself around mentors and subordinates who share your dreams and are enthused by your passion. That ‘lucky’ scenario is an exception, rather than the regular.

But what do we really want? Why do we struggle to amass wealth we can hardly spoil ourselves with, so that we do not attract others less privileged but desperate enough to kill so as to correct the “unfairnessâ€?? Why do we persevere in busy itinerary that will produce humongous profits but scant satisfaction in our ultimate success and acquisitions‌.

WITH

agenda. These people knew all along that Buhari is incapacitated but are still foisting him on Nigerians as if there is no alternative to Buhari.

The greatest culprit in this charade is the APC. This party believes that it needs Buhari, even as a walking corpse to reenact its 2015 victory. With its messianic posturing of Buhari, APC and the cabal are afraid that any other candidate short of Buhari will not sway Nigerian voters especially in the north. So whatever happens after the party sweeps to victory will now be directed by the cabal which would begin to direct the affairs of the country by proxy. There are ominous signs ahead of this arrangement because even if Buhari win this election, it is very clear he would not be the person in charge and the Vice President would not be allowed to act, therefore the country would be heading for implosion.

Ayade and the N1trn Joke

I was at the verge of turning in this report for the week when a whatsapp message grabbed my attention. A friend who resides in Calabar and runs an online news medium posted a message with the following content: one Andre Ekeng Inyang demonstrates a clear lack of intellect by writing this lame lines in support of Ben Ayade’s comical 2019 budget for CRS. “It budget of Quabalistic, ‘Calablistic’ Densification�.

Well, I have just recovered from a long bout of laughter because this is quite comical.

Since Senator Ben Ayade assumed office, I have restrained myself from commenting on his governance style for two reasons: we are both from the Northern senatorial zone and need to support him where my support is needed and the second reason is that I have access to him to deliver such advise, support or whatever.

However, I have decided to make this brief comment because an handshake has now exceeded an elbow as they say. This is the second budget in a row presented by Ayade that has topped a trillion naira. I can not comprehend it.

Last year, he presented budget estimates of N1.3trn which he christened as “Budget of Kinetic Crystallisation’’ meant to crystallise what the state had achieved in the past two years of his administration.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON e-mail: fajalive1@gmail.com mobile phone: (08182223348 - SMS Only)

When we sigh at approaching ill-health, or whimper at the whiff of danger, we express our vulnerability, our ordinariness‌ we are not so strong that we can eradicate things that can eliminate us. Basically, our riches and success are mocked by the tiny unpredictable and often inescapable circumstances like accidents, robberies, infernos, and other natural and man-made situations.

There are people who have worked all their lives to give their children the best education money can buy; their families the best life can offer‌ yet before their death, their children (on whom they have desired and nurtured to prolong their ‘legacies’ and ‘traditions’) have succumbed to the lure of drugs, masochistic contra-religions and such morally bankrupt tendencies that simply mocked all their permutations and projection.

Surely, the oligarchs often die miserably, disillusioned and disoriented. There are others who are now bogged down by debilitating diseases as a result of relentless and soulwracking pursuits of financial and professional successes‌ they mull over their wasted youth and impotent wealth as they pine away loveless, childless, empty and lonely‌ even as hangers-on surround and preen over and around their sick beds. At a point when such wisdom is of no use to them, such people must face the traumatizing realization that their lives have been one big emptiness as all they have acquired cannot truly give them peace, joy and fulfillment.

Should we then not aspire to the heights of our profes-

sion? Should we not work hard to make good clean money so as to put food on the table for our families? Should we, because of the fear of what tomorrow holds, not work hard or dream big and truly hope to live out our dreams? By all things good and right, please pursue your dreams‌ run after your purpose‌ do not dwell on the impossible‌ keep an eye on the probable, and do not fear hard work. In all these though, be clear in your mind that your life is not lived for your self alone.

A life lived for spectacle, dash and flash will procure for the owner a giant grief in years to come. Be clear in your mind that the best laid plans can tumble; not because you are a weakling or irresponsible or disorganized‌Remember, there are things in life we cannot control or dominate. There is a much greater Being holding the strings to our lives‌and since we cannot manipulate Him, it is useless making plans for what tomorrow will be. Place emphasis on the Now, and individuals who populate your Now‌ treat them well, cater to needs when you are privileged and equipped to do so, and devote your attention to propagation of goodwill and good gestures.

The spinoff of that is: you cannot be disappointed by the actions and attitude of those who are close to you. Your children will not wait on you for a lifeline before they can stand on their feet. The chances of you dying a failed father or benefactor are greatly reduced as your life has shown brightly that you have built people, not money-making machines.

So, what is this all about? It is the need to understand that people we build today will determine how well we die tomorrow‌ if we spend our prime time building strong structures, durable and self-sustaining institutions and procedures‌ then we empower our future (not just our families and fond associates).

For one, that is how, I believe, Nigeria may become a better place to live, and to call our own. When, from the bottom up, we appreciate, encourage and honour honest, good, old hard labour‌ and yet give quality and sensible time and resources to build and nurture our homes and children, in the straight and narrow path‌ over the years, we can build a great and strong nation‌ not just by mere jingoism and platitudes... “Good people, great nationâ€?!

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t'&#36"3: , 2019

AUTO Hyundai Motor Group Introduces World’s First MultiCollision Airbag System

H

The new GLE, Mercedes-Benz SUV

Weststar Associates to Introduce Mercedes-Benz New GLE Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he new GLE, Mercedes-Benz SUV trendsetter is set to debut in Nigeria by the 1st quarter of this year, Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the country has said.

Weststar’s statement said the Mercedes-Benz GLE has marked a new era for the mid-sized SUV segment. Years after getting a new identity with a change from the M-Class nomenclature to the GLE, the best-selling Mercedes-Benz SUV continues to set the pace. In October 2018, the latest installment of the GLE was presented to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show with a number of mouthwatering innovations that are revolutionising the premium SUV segment.

Mr. Mirko Plath, Managing Director, WeststarAssociates Limited, has described the new GLE as one of the welcome innovations in the global automobile industry. He pointed out that with features like the MBUX the world continues moving towards a more

digitalized era and that Nigeria isn’t left out. With the growing demand for Mercedes-Benz cars in Nigeria, he believes the new GLE will be well received.

The new GLE remains an iconic member of Mercedes-Benz SUVs and its newest installments have largely exceeded expectations. With first of its kind innovations and an even more personal interaction between the driver and car, customers can look forward to a futuristic driving experience.

The driving performance has also been further enhanced with 4MATIC which ensures great agility on the road and superior performance off the beaten track. The new GLE is expected to be at Weststar’s authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Nigeria by beginning of April, 2019.

The new GLE comes with a handful of innovations thathavecompletelyreconceivedtheSUVtrendsetter.

Features like the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, the latestgenerationofMercedes-Benzassistancesystems, 4MATICwhichmakestheGLEmoreoff-roadcapable thanever,seatingcomfortwithcorrespondinginterior spaciousness and MBUX have been highlighted as the most important innovations in the new GLE.

The exterior design of the new GLE exudes a powerful presence. The front emphasizes this with the upright radiator grille in an octagonal SUV interpretation, the prominent chrome-plated underguard and the bonnet with two powerdomes. The distinctive headlamp design is another key feature; this comes with MULTIBEAM LED lights; the brightness of the main beam headlamps covers over a distance of more than 650 metres. The side view highlights the wide C-pillar typical of the GLE, large wheels in sizes from 18 to 22 inches and the pillared roof rails or the optional illuminated running boards. While the rear stands out with the rear lights, reflectors and chrome plated underguard.

The interior design of the new GLE is luxuriously elegant and powerfully progressive. It comes with a sportyandstylistcockpitdesigninthedashboard.The dashboard support flows into the door panels, and the integral trim element likewise extends around the driver and front passenger areas to meet the doors.

There is a new sport steering wheel with a striking, sculptured spoke design emphasizing the impressive appearance of the SUV’s interior.

yundai Motor Group announced the development and future commercialisation of the world’s first multi-collision airbag system that significantly improves airbag performance in multi-collision accidents.

Multi-collision accidents are those in which the primary impact is followed by collisions with secondary objects, such as trees, electrical posts or other vehicles, which occurs in three out of every 10 accidents.

Current airbag systems do not offer secondary protection when the initial impact is insufficient to cause them to deploy. However, the multi-collision airbag system allows airbags to deploy effectively upon a secondary impact by calibrating the status of the vehicle and the occupants.

Hyundai’s new technology detects occupant position in the cabin following an initial collision. When occupants are forced into unusual positions, the effectiveness of existing safety technology may be compromised. Multicollision airbag systems are designed to deploy even faster when initial safety systems may not be effective, providing additional safety when drivers and passengers are most vulnerable. By recalibrating the collision intensity required for deployment, the airbag system responds more promptly during the secondary impact, thereby improving the safety of multi-collision vehicle occupants.

“By improving airbag performance in multi-collision scenarios, we expect to significantly improve the safety of our drivers and passengers,” said Taesoo Chi, head of Chassis Technology Center at Hyundai Motor Group.

“We will continue our research on more diverse crash situations as part of our commitment to producing even safer vehicles that protect occupants and prevent injuries.”

According to statistics by the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS), an office of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in U.S., about 30 percent of 56,000 vehicle accidents from 2000 to 2012 in the North American region involved multi-collisions*.

The leading type of multi-collision accidents involved cars crossing over the center line (30.8 percent), followed by collisions caused by a sudden stop at highway tollgates (13.5 percent), highway median strip collisions (8.0 percent), and sideswiping and collision with trees and electric poles (4.0 per cent).

Hyundai Motor Group analysed multicollision scenarios in multilateral ways to improve airbag performance and precision in secondary collisions. Hyundai Motor Group will implement the system in new Hyundai vehicles in the future.

New Range Rover Velar SVAuto biography Dynamic Edition

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and Rover has given the world’s most beautiful mid-size SUV more performance, luxury and exclusivity with the introduction of the limited run Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition.

Designed as the pinnacle of the Velar line-up, the new model has been developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations and is powered by a 405kW 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine with a range of unique design enhancements.Adding to its exclusivity, this distinctive model will be available to purchase for one year only.

Velar was named World Car Design of the Year at the 2018 World Car Awards and is the second model in the Range Rover family to wear the coveted badge, after the introduction of the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic in 2017.

With a supercharged V8 engine, the most powerful Velar accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and is capable of 274km/h, while cosseting customers withtraditionalRangeRoverrefinementandcomfort.

Uprated brakes and suspension components, plus bespoke settings for everything from the powertrain to the safety systems, ensure the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition mixes the personality of a performance car with the go-anywhere capability of a luxury mid-size SUV. Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “Developing the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is the kind of task Special Vehicle Operations was made for. The challenge here was to increase

performance without compromising the composure, capability and refinement inherent in Range Rover Velar. We’ve done this and, in the process, created an SUV that strikes a brilliant balance between go-anywhere practicality, dynamic performance and relaxing comfort – it truly is an SUV for any occasion.”

The powerful new model is distinguished by a range of visual enhancements and unique trim finishes, delivering a more purposeful appearance and heightened attention to detail while maintaining Velar’s perfectly optimised proportions and distinctive silhouette.

On the outside, the award-winning mid-size SUV features include a new front bumper with larger air intakes to feed the V8 Supercharged engine and cool the uprated braking system. A new grille and lower side mouldings combine with a revised rear bumper featuring integrated quad exhaust finishers.

The exterior changes combine with a transmission tunnel undertray to ensure the fastest Velar in the range cuts through the air more efficiently.

Even the Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate has been enhanced, with a knurled finish on the metal element of the two-piece letters adding a fresh degree of sophistication to the exterior. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is also the only Velar available in Satin Byron Blue – a metallic paint finish from Special Vehicle Operations’ Premium Palette range – and all models feature a contrast Narvik Black roof as standard.

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said: “Our continued evolution is driven

Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition by a relentless focus on creating highly desirable vehicles our customers will love for life. The new Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition amplifies the highly desirable nature of the 2018 World Car Design winner by introducing a compelling combination of heightened performance and luxury.”

Distinctive forged aluminium wheels provide another clue to the enhanced performance.

The lightweight 21-inch design weighs the same as the 20-inch wheels on the core model and customers can also specify optional 22-inch rims with a unique Silver Sparkle finish and diamond-turned edging, providing a further degree of personalisation.

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AUTO

Peak Milk Refreshes Para-powerlifting Federation with Wheelchair Accessible Bus Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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special purpose-built wheelchairaccessible bus has been donated to the Nigeria Para-powerlifting Federation by Friesland Campina WAMCO, manufacturer of Peak Milk, for the convenience and mobility of these special athletes.

The presentation was done at the Ogba Ikeja headquarters of Friesland Campina WAMCO, manufacturers of Peak Milk, Nigeria’s number one dairy product and market leader, on Tuesday evening.

Officials said the company chose to host the Unstoppables, a bunch of Para-powerlifters powered and nourished by Peak milk, as a mark of honour for their landmark performance at the Lagos 2019 World Para-powerlifting Tournament where Team Nigeria scooped all the 20 gold medals and a sizeable number of the silver and the bronze and, at the same time, motivate the athletes for better outing in subsequent competitions by fulfilling its promise to donate the purpose-built bus to the Federation.

Friesland Campina WAMCO’s Managing Director, Ben Langat led top management of the company to the presentation ceremony, which was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, Olusade Adesola, who represented the Minister of Youth and Sports

Development, Solomon Dalung, as the Special Guest of Honour.

The International Paralympic Committeeapproved mobility bus sits 12 people and has capacity for 15 wheelchairs. This first of its kind mobility bus in Nigeria is equipped with automated lifts and other features to ensure convenience and the safety of athletes.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, said in his message: “With this donation, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has elongated its catalogue of support to the Para-powerlifting team which has continued to contribute positively to Nigeria through global para-sports.

“FrieslandCampina WAMCO has remained a reliable and supportive partner of the Nigeria Para-powerlifting Federation; by this donation, the company has opened up space for greater inclusion in sports development in Nigeria,” Dalung said.

The Managing Director, Ben Langat said he believes “this bus is first of its kind in Nigeria. It will enable the athletes to be about to move around in a safe and secure manner. They are champion athletes; they are the most decorated athletes to come out of Nigeria. It is important that if we are the proud partner of this set of individuals, then we will provide them with the kind of mobility that they need to get around and do what they need to do.”

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Kia Signs 5-year Sponsorship Deal with Access Bank and Lagos on City Marathon

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KiaMotorsNigeriahassignedafive-year sponsorship deal withAccess Bank and the Lagos State Government on the annualAccess Bank Lagos City Marathon.

TheAccess Bank Lagos City Marathon is a veritable platform to inspire and engage athletes and sports lovers and over the years, Kia has partnered with organisers of global sporting events,andthesponsorshipoftheMarathonisgeared towards expanding the scale of the brand’s sports sponsorship in Nigeria, according to a statement by the company.

Kia has developed into a sporty brand, designed to appeal to younger drivers with an emphasis on excitement and versatility which resonates strongly with sports and car enthusiasts in the country. Sports sponsorship allows the brand to connect with the people in a meaningful way and Kia through the sponsorship of the 2019 Access bank Lagos City marathon as demonstrated its believe in the power of sports in engaging and bringing people together, particularly the youth.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Kia on the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon,” said Bukola Olapade, the event’s consultant. “As the leading automobile brand in the country, Kia is one of the country’s most admired and distinguished brands, and their sponsorship of theAccess Bank Lagos City Marathon has provided another opportunity for us to elevate the guest experience for the hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators who

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travel far and wide to participate in the prestigious marathon.”

TheAccess Bank Lagos City Marathon is one of the most renowned marathons in Africa with over 400 professional athletes across the globe running in the race. In recent years, it has become the best-known marathon in Nigeria and one of the fastest growing in the world.At the 4th edition of the marathon held on Saturday, 2nd of February, with over 120,000 runners lined up at the start in both the elite race, the 42Km, and the 10Km fun race. As the maiden year for Kia as the automobile partner of the marathon, the 2019 Kia Sportage led the race as the clock cars and the project vehicles for the race while the all-new Kia Rio models are gifted to the winners of the 10Km fun race.

“It has been Kia’s honor to be a proud sponsor of one of the world’s fastest growing sporting events, and our commitment to making it the best in the world and Nigeria’s greatest export will continue to wax stronger.As part of our determination to put this marathon at the vanguard of sporting events in Africa, we now extend our partnership from the previous 3 years to a five-year sponsorship as we look forward with anticipation to the next four years of competition and believe that the next edition will be the best event ever. As the most consistently successful marathon event in Nigeria reaching its 4th edition, we’re confident that our partnership with the organisers will foster fan engagement through the event.” said Jacky Hathiramani, MD/CEO, Kia

Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Olu Tikolo hands over key at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja, Lagos… recently Motors Nigeria.

“The new five-year sponsorship of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is aimed at promoting sustainable sports development, spread the passion for running and encourage an active healthy lifestyle across the city of Lagos and Nigeria at large. Kia has always been much more than just a car brand,

Still on Learner Drivers’ Antics

s a follow up to last weeks piece on the antics of learner drivers, I wish to follow up the discussion with the Graduated Drivers Licence. I will cite examples from other countries but let me first throw light on the Graduated Drivers Licence introduced by the Federal Road Safety Corps as part of measures to restore the integrity of the drivers licence.

Before this novelty, the relevant traffic regulations such as the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004 section 22, sub section 3-7, and sections 23, 24,25 and 26 provided for an applicant for the driver’s licence to meet the following conditions; be 18 years and above; be physically and mentally fir, pass a driving test and pay the prescribed fee. After these, such an applicant will then be qualify for a drivers licence valid for three years. However, in the face of spate of road crashes in the country and need to conceptualize new ideas in keeping within global best practice, the Corps through the driving school standardization program mane made it mandatory for fresh applicants to attend certified and approved driving school.

The three stage Graduated driver’s licence is the first in the Country and an improvement from what has existed before now. It is broken into three parts- the first part is the pre-adult (18-25) years category. Those within this group after complying with the

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

relevant test and other procedures as stated in the quoted sections, if found suitable, are issued with a drivers licence that is renewal after every year. Applicants under this category are only qualified to pick up a private class B licence. The second is the adult (26-64) years category. Drivers licence issued to this category is renewal every 3 years. Only applicants within this category are qualified to apply for a commercial driver’s licence.

However, for such applicants who already possess a class b (private) to qualify for a commercial driver’s licence, they must belong to a transport union, attend a driving school and pass a medical test in a government hospital.

The last category is the post adult meant for people between the ages of 65years and above.

Like the pre-adult category, this group’s driver’s licence is renewal every year after proof of a medical test to ascertain medical fitness.

So what is the procedure in other climes

such as Canada, United Kingdom, and France among others. In Canada, Motor vehicles are provincially regulated and so regulations vary by province. In British Columbia, following the instructional phase and after passing a road test, new drivers are required to show a green N (for novice) plate until they have pass an additional road test , usually after 24months.

In British Columbia, a red L (for leaners) plate is required for 12 months before the N can be issued, and new drivers with this marking are not permitted to drive without a licensed driver over the age of 25 present in the vehicle. In the case of France, after passing their driving test, learners must display an A-plate (for apprentice) for 3years (2 years for those who learned with their parents. In the case of United Kingdom, all new drivers in Great Britain, upon receipt of a provisional licence, must display L plate at all times and accompanied by another driver who is over 21 years of age and has held a full and valid licence for the type of vehicle being driven for at least three years. In Wales either red L plates red D plates are permitted, due to the bilingual legislation on force within the country, while a learner is driving the vehicle.

After learners have passed a driving test for the appropriate vehicle, they may opt to display green P plates (P for passed) to show that they have less experience than other drivers. These plates are voluntary and not required by law or the Highway Code.

we’ve grown to be a highly valued member of the sports family and have helped build the extraordinary growth of different sports festivals across the globe. The FIFAWorld Cup, Australian Open, UEFAEuropa League, Euro Football competitions have provided a unique platform for Kia to engage with fans all over the world.

L plates are required to be displayed at all times whilst riding a motorcycle or moped of no more than 125 cc (7.6 cu in) after passing motorcycle compulsory basic training (CBT).

This sub-licence allows the holder to ride any motorcycle up to 125 cc without a full and proper licence. Therefore, it is mainly used by younger motorists (16-19) who are legally allowed to ride motorcycles up to 125 cc but cannot afford to buy full lesson to gain a restricted licence (enabling the holder to travel on motorways and carry pillion passengers but only able to ride motorbikes up to 33 hp (25kW) after 2 years). Riders over 21 may opt to train for a full licence therefore a CBT is just a ‘stepping stone’ to this.

The story in Northern Ireland is almost similar. One year after the passing a driving test, the driver is defined as a ‘restricted driver’ who must not exceed 45 mph and must display an “R –plate” consisting of a red sans-serif R on a white background. L-plates in Northern Ireland commonly have an R-plate as a reverse side. “R-plate” drivers are often viewed as a nuisance on motorways, due to their limited speed, resulting in many restricted drivers not displaying their “R-plates” or not keeping to the restricted speed limit.

In the Republic of Ireland, you can obtain a learners permit at the age of 17. Before applying for your first leaners permit, you must pass a computerized Driver Theory Test.What we have seen is that no clime tows with the rules applicable for learner drivers and as such leartners themselves must desist from any James Bond antics.

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˜ ˞ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

PERSPECTIVE The CBN Under Godwin EmeďŹ ele Umar Musa

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n the opinion of many experts on the economy and the financial markets, no governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria has gone through the turbulence Godwin Emefiele had weathered in the last four years. Whether its economic recession, inflation or exchange rate, Nigerians had looked on anxiously for solutions from the CBN. And while all problems have not been solved, no one would deny that the ship had remained stable in the violent storm.

This must be why Mr Jim Ovia, the Chairman of Zenith Bank PLC, at a ceremony in December 2017, argued that Emefiele’s performance and current results “puts him as the best Central Bank Governor in the history of Nigeria.�

In truth, when Emefiele was appointed in June 2014 as Governor of the CBN to replace Sanusi Lamido, now Emir of Kano, he elicited high hopes. Coming from the private sector and as a high-flying Managing Director of the Zenith Bank, no one expected less from him.

He mounted the saddle at a time the economy had started weakening. So many things were happening at the same time. His first two years were tumultuous not just for Nigeria but the global economy, arising largely from the external shocks that hit, particularly the commodity exporting countries.

The shocks led to the plummeting of Nigeria’s reserves as crude oil price fell to a point where it dropped by February 2016, to as low as $28 per barrel. The fall was expected to be calamitous for the Nigerian economy which depended almost 90 per cent on oil revenue.

And when you compare this price with the previous years when it averaged $100 per barrel for five straight years from 2009 to middle of 2014, the depth of the expected gloom becomes more glaring.

To make matters worse for many emerging and frontier markets including Nigeria, there was also the shock of the United States normalization which took about $40 billion away from these markets back to the US by the last quarter of 2016. There were also geopolitical tensions across the world and within Nigeria which affected the flow of funds. All these led to negative growth, and by the third quarter of 2016 it climaxed to a negative 2.3 per cent.

This period also saw inflation hitting the economy badly. By January 2016, inflation was just nine per cent, but by January 2017, prices have gone up and inflation had hit up to 18 per cent and Nigerians became uncomfortable.

But in keeping with his promise to run a central bank that spends its energies on building a resilient financial system that can serve the growth and development needs of the country, he and his team went to work. They came up with different measures to check inflation, stabilize the Naira and put the economy on a right footing.

The CBN was prompted to take drastic action by introducing the multiple forex system after some initial trials. The system created the Inter-bank/Wholesale, Invisible, Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) and the Investors/Exporters’ windows. The Bureau De Change and Parallel market segments also existed in the new forex regime. This has brought great stability to the forex market, leading to remarkable acreage in foreign reserve (about $47.3 billion in April, 2018) and rise in capital inflow – $12.2 billion in 2017, representing increase of $7,104.4 million or 138.7 per cent, compared with the figure recorded in 2016.

The opening of the Investors’ & Exporters’ Forex Window was particularly exciting to foreign investors who took full advantage of it. In a period of six months, the window has attracted about $10 billion in inflows into Nigeria.

EmeďŹ ele There is also improvement in purchasing managers index (56.7 per cent as at March, 2018) as well as rally in stock market capitalization.

The CBN has maintained its weekly intervention in the forex market to the tune of over $18.1 billion since February 2017. The economy exited recession Q2 2017, while inflation has dropped to 12.5 per cent in April 2018, from a high of 18.72 per cent in January 2016.

The CBN had also in June 2015 excluded 41 items from being imported with forex accessed from the official forex market. This has increased patronage for local goods and stimulated local production significantly. Under Emefiele, activities of the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators have been brought under control to check the excesses by some of their members which reportedly led to the continued depreciation of the Naira over the years. The bank has also been actively involved in its periodic OMO interventions through which it mopped up excess liquidity to curtail inflation and boost investors’ confidence in

Nigeria’s fixed income securities such as Treasury Bills and Bonds.

To encourage diversification of the economy and stimulate growth in the agriculture sector in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan, an innovative agric credit plan was put in place. The Anchor Borrowers Programme has transformed the agric sector in the country. Before we introduced the ABP, farmers go to farm rice and all the yield they were getting was one to 1.5 metric tonnes per hectare. But today farmers are getting yield as high as eight metric tonnes per hectare, reducing their costs and making it possible to make their money in rice cultivation.

The efforts of Emefiele’s CBN have not gone unnoticed. He has received several awards at home and abroad. The one that stands out was the 2017 “Best of Africa Achievement Award� given to him by Forbes in Washington DC, United States of America. Forbes Emerging Markets honours a person whose achievements falls within the mission of the organization, which is to promote further investment in Africa by United States investors. The only other Nigerian who had received the award is Aliko Dangote.

Forbe’s Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Council on Africa, Florizelle Liser, said Emefiele merited the honour because the body was happy to see the work that is being done on the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and they believed it would pay off. He said: “Many of our members welcome it as an opportunity to see how they can trade more with Nigeria and invest more in Nigeria.�

In particular, the CBN’s support for agricultural development was commended as it would help the growth of agric- related businesses in the country.

There is no doubt that Emefiele has shown commitment to his philosophy of ‘Produce, add value and export’ (PAVE) and this has become evident in the last four years he’s led the CBN. Emefiele is a resilient financial engineer in a resilient economy. ––Musa wrote in from Kano

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019

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˜ ˞ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

VINTAGE

BEDCRestoresPowertoBeninMetropolis, AssuresofImprovedSupplySoon Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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he BEDC Electricity Plc. (BEDC) has restored power supply to some parts of Benin metropolis after the recent outage which reduced supply to major parts of the city up till December 2018. The restoration was made possible by the release of one replacement transformer by TCN out of the two TCN Transformers that have in out from October 2018.

In a statement by its management yesterday, BEDC said the power outage was due to the failure of two out of the three Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) power transformers wheeling power to BEDC for distribution to customers in major parts of Benin metropolis. “Power availability in several locations is thus now restored to between 6 and 24 hours based on the normal load management schedule. In addition, some of the remaining areas that were still on between three hours and nine hours will gradually be normalised as TCN progress with the restoration of the second TCN transformer.

However, an ongoing new construction by BEDC from Ihorbor through Uteh and Ikpoma Dam into Benin metropolis has been concluded and this will further help to improve supply into Benin metrolopolis,� the company said.

BEDC explained that while the initial outage lasted, it had to, as a stop gap measure, restore power supply at an average of six hours daily availability to most of the affected areas by connecting several of the customers on the affected TCN transformers to the only existing functional TCN transformer in a manner that did not overload the system and to provide supply albeit on limited basis pending when normal supply will resume after the replacement of the remaining faulty TCN transformers.

Meanwhile, the management of BEDC has affirmed that it would continue to improve on service delivery to customers in its franchise states including Edo state. For Edo State in particular, independent investigation done after the recent publication by BEDC, confirms that the reduction in supply to Benin metropolis occasioned by the failed 2No 60MVATCN power transformers has been partly addressed by the replacement of one of the failed transformers by TCN. “We are pleased to inform our customers that based on the concerted effort of TCN and BEDC in conjunction with several well- meaning stakeholders, one of the TCN replacement transformers which was sourced from another location in Edo State have subsequently been put to use with electricity supply commencing from this source to the affected areas in Benin City�, BEDC said.

The distribution company informed that Edo State alone gets a monthly average supply of 127.31Megawatts of electricity which translates into 43.43per cent of total BEDC supply, based on its nine per cent allocation from the national grid, stressing “this means that Edo State has the highest electricity supply amongst the four states in our franchise areas. We intend to continue to work towards ensuring that various bottlenecks across the power value chain, especially in relation to transmission bottleneck from TCN are eliminated to the benefit of our customers in all our franchise states.�

BEDC says it has been and willing to continue working with the Government and people of Edo State in improving quality and affordable power supply delivery to all: “As a host community, we shall also continue to support the good people of Edo State in ensuring that an enabling environment that will create jobs and improvement in the lives of the Edo citizens is sustained. It should be noted that Edo State has one of the highest number of prepaid meters all over the country and with the introduction of Meter Asset Provider (MAP) by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), we shall further accelerate the metering of consumers with effect from first quarter of 2019 when the scheme is expected to kick off, in order to rapidly reduce estimated billing.�

The distribution company also declared that the notion that BEDC has not been responsive to community related issues was incorrect, stressing that it would continue to partner with the communities without electricity supply in addressing their challenges provided they follow the necessary steps for engagement, whilst appreciating the country’s limitation in total available power. ‘’It is thus incorrect that BEDC has not been responsive to community related issues, as we have been addressing communities’ related issues and will continue to partner with the State in addressing the challenges of the communities currently without power supply. In Edo State, over 12 communities in Ikpoba Hill, including (Ikhueniro 1&2), Idunowina, Idokpai also, Ikomi in Uromi business unit, Ugbogui in Okada, Miracle Centre 2 under GRA, Benin and Evboligun in Sokponba area of Benin have been reconnected as at end of November 2018’’.

On the Edo Civil Society (EDOSCO) activities, BEDC said: “Since we started operation, they have been attempting to create serious hostility to our operations at intervals under the veiled excuse of protesting over our service. We are presently in court with them on two cases. BEDC took eight suspects including three EDOSCO members to court in March 2017 for allegedly tampering with electrical fittings, a crime punishable under section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act cap M.17 Laws of Nigeria 2004. “The suspects are being tried on a second count of unlawful connection, removal, damage, tampering and interference with electric fitting, meters or other appliances (that are property of BEDC)

Chairman Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe commissioning a newly energized BEDC Electricity Plc (BEDC) transformer at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp ground in Issele-Uku, Delta state. It was during the Senate Committee on Power’s oversight visit to BEDC recently.

Chief State Head, Ondo/Ekiti state, BEDC Electricity Plc, BEDC Mrs Kunbi Labiyi (third from left), Head, Community Relations, Mrs Virginia Osineme(second from left) and the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Felix Balogun (fourth left) and others at a town hall meeting held after the enenrgisation of Igbokoda by BEDC on Wednesday last week

designed to be used for transforming or converting electricity. The action was taken against the backdrop of the disturbance to the power flow to legitimate customers and the overwhelming energy theft through meter bypass and tampering who use it as a cover up to avoid payment of electricity bills, thereby reducing power available to legitimate BEDC customers. “The other case which is ongoing at the High Court in Benin is the one where BEDC is seeking for an injunction restraining EDOSCO members from occupying BEDC business premises at the Head office, business units or service units in Edo state and disrupting business operations or vandalizing equipment or facilities under the guise of protest, thereby disturbing power supply and services to BEDC’s customers. “We concede to the fact that they have the right to protest but such must be done within reasonable legal confines and not an excuse for violence or brigandage of any sort.’’ According to BEDC, since it commenced operation five years ago, management has put in place a lot measures that has improved power availability to major parts of Edo State. “We have received numerous positive feedback in terms of testimonials from various categories of customers be it industrial, commercial, residential and communities in our franchise states, including Edo State, based on our bold steps toward improving service delivery. It should be noted that BEDC remains the 1ST and maybe the only distribution company in Nigeria that provides a load management schedule to most of its customers to

enable customers know when they will have power.�

Investigation shows that the following narratives are incorrect and failed reality checks: That BEDC is rejecting power and therefore deliberately not giving Edo people power and that Azura power plant generates 600megawatts of electricity to cater for Edo State use and BEDC is refusing to use it for the State. It was discovered that, like all major power generation stations in the country, all power generated from the Azura Power station in Edo State is going straight to the National grid for use of the whole of Nigeria. “BEDC cannot control and should not be blamed for this, as it is an official contract between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Azura Power, which has nothing to do with BEDC,� said a statement from BEDC. Our investigation further confirmed that all the major generation companies in Nigeria have similar Power Procurement Agreement (PPA) with the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading company (NBET) which in turn now gives power to respective discos based on the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) allocation.

On the claim that BEDC was rejecting power, the company says it takes its nine per cent allocation from the national grid and that the allegation that it was not giving the state enough power was equally untrue, as over 40 per cent of its allocation or more than fair share of power to the four States (Edo, Delta, Ondo, Ekiti) under BEDC franchise is what is given to Edo in view of its load consumption and network.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Ëš

Awwal Garba

I’m Missing Nothing in Life, I Love my Freedom ĂĄĂĄĂ‹Ă– Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ‹ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă’ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă?Þ˛ Ă? ËÞÞĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂŁĂ?ĂœĂ™ Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÞã Ă‹Ă˜Ă™Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ÓÞã Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă“ĂžĂŁËœ Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ëœ Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŽĂ™Ă—Ë› Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ ÚÖËãĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă‘Ă–Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă– ÙÓÖ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?ÖÓà ÓÞã Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂšĂšĂ?ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœË› Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ùà Ă?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă“Ă–Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă—Ă‹ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ú˛ Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ‹ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;Þã Ă’Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ ĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ’ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ“Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă? åÓÞÒ Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ?Ë› Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă?ĂŽĂ–ĂŁËœ Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă’Ă™Ă˜Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ÞÓÞÖĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĂŽĂ“Ă—Ă‹ Ă‹Ă–ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹Ă–ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă‹ Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ăž ÔÙĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Olaoluwakitan BabatundeËœ Ă‹ĂœĂŒĂ‹ ĂŒĂ‹ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ÙÓÖ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‘Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă‹Ă– ĂžĂ?ĂœĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă? ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?

Y

back, God sparing his life, he will achieve a lot.

ou are an economist into oil and gas operations, what informed your foray into the terrain?

Apart from the motive of making money, I have an affinity with the oil and gas sector of the economy although I come from a family where the stock in trade was commodity.

My father was an importer and exporter of commodity products. I was motivated into the sector by the desire to make a change, especially in the upstream sector of the industry where it is believed that it is only the oyibos (foreigners) that hold sway therein.

Of course also in that direction would be the desire to contribute one’s quota to the national economy, in terms of creating jobs, which of course would help in giving the youths a sense of worth and direction.

Do you have any political ambition?

No. I am more on the kingmaker’s side.

Why? Because I enjoy what I do and I believe that political adventure would not allow me the concentration I need on my business operations. I would not be able to achieve set goals by not being on top of them. Besides, no other office really excites me. Being a president of Nigeria would not excite me. I am missing nothing in life. I love the freedom I have. I can drive myself and travel when I want to, jump on a plane without the glare associated with a president’s office, without the entourage and all the protocol.

Being such a busy person, do you ďŹ nd time to wind down?

When I was in my 20’s, I used to be a gym fanatic and could not do without the gym. I also played polo. The pressure of work increased with growth and time for things like that shrank. So whatever time I can squeeze out now for personal issues, I spend it with my wife and two children. We take the children to game parks when they are on holidays and try to have a feel of their minds by coming down to their level and appreciating them.

Tell us about the APC Progressives Network, which you chair The network has an endorsement from the All Progressives Congress to promote the president and contribute with ideas. Of course, you would agree that in campaigning you need ideas. Politics is all about people, followers; people who can bring in value. In the same vein, the network tries to reach the grassroots and places the party has not touched, bringing in more value.

What are your plans for 2019 elections?

It is to ensure that there are free and fair elections. We want to make sure about that because we know that if the elections are free and fair, President Buhari will continue in office.

He’ll win the election.

Does he deserve a second term and why?

Yes, he deserves a second term. First of all, we need a leader who is clean because when the head is clean, the middle and bottom will also be because they would be put

Garba

in a position where they are wary. But if the top is rotten, then it is corruption galore. We need a leader like Buhari whom money does not mean anything to. A president who is so humble, he can even stand with cows. He is simple, not extravagant, qualities he has officially demonstrated which can be widely attested to. I believe that with him coming

What is your advice to politicians as we await the 2019 elections?

We should stop the politics of money and vote-buying. We should allow Nigerians to vote for candidates of their choice without influencing them. It is a disgrace to buy one’s way into a public office. When that happens, you look at yourself as a businessman and begin to fashion out ways to recoup spent money. This is what has been happening for ages. Only a person voted in by merit would think of improving the lives of the people.

DIG Lakanu: Elevation of a Fine Police OďŹƒcer Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ăœ ÙÖÓĂ?Ă? ĘŠĂ?Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă• Ă™Ă? Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;Þã Ă˜Ă?ĂšĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă™Ă? ÙÖÓĂ?Ă? Ě™ Ěš ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ÙÖÓĂ?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ě™ ̚˛ Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?Ă— Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?ĂŒĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă“ĂšĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÙʊĂ?Ă?ĂœËœ

Ă?ĂœĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă• Ă‹Ă“ĂĄĂ™ Ă‹Ă•Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ë› Amby Uneze ĂšĂœĂ™Ę¨Ă–Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂž

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he age long axiom that a great man usually does not receive honour from his kinsmen is gradually phasing out, as time and events have changed that notion. Though not all great people are accorded the recognition they deserve in their home, but in the case of the newly elevated Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG) Ferderick Taiwo Lakanu, he has been honoured by his country due to his hard work, dexterity and discipline.

Overtime, it had been scientifically and logically proven that hard work and discipline pays and leads to reward and honour. Lakanu has no doubt proved this to be true, considering what he is able to give to his fatherland via his chosen career as a police officer.

The elevation of Lakanu as a DIG has indeed confirmed that the Police Service Commission lays premium on merit and not on “man know man� basis. Going by Lakanu’s pedigree and elevation, it is believed that the police force is now ready to fight crime and achieve success for the nation.

Before his recent promotion from Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), as appointed by the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, Lakanu was the Force Secretary and member of the Nigeria Police Force Management Team. He took over from AIG Abdul Bube, who retired from the force on December 31, 2018, after 35 years of meritorious service.

Born on October 12, 1959, in Lagos Island, Lagos State, available records by the police said Lakanu holds B.A.

Taiwo (Hons) Philosophy and LL.B. (Hons) from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, and Master in Law from Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, United Kingdom.

Also, the new force secretary attended several courses within and outside Nigeria, including Crime Investigation

course at the Police Staff College, Jos, and Developmental Course at Kofi Annan Centre for Peace Keeping, Accra, Ghana. He is also a Fellow of National Defence College, Abuja. Further, before his recent elevation as DIG in-charge of Force Secretary, Lakanu had served in various capacities in the Force as AIG Federal Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police in Imo and Ekiti States, Commissioner of Police Airport Command, Lagos, Principal Staff Officer to the IGP (Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos), among others. He was also the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, comprising the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger and Kaduna States.

A celebrated crime fighter, Lakanu, who is also the Akogun of Lagos State and the Onwa Na Etiri Oha (the moon that shines) and Agu-na-echemba (the lion that guides the town) of Imo State was once described by his host governor in Imo, Chief Rochas Okorocha as the long-awaited divine messenger sent by providence to rid the state of criminals.

It was also learnt that wherever he finds himself, Lakanu has done his best to restore the lost glory of the Police. From the time he enlisted as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1986, he has risen through the ranks, holding positions in operations, investigations and administration.

Lakanu was a leading member of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) that ended the reign of the dreaded bandit, Shina Rambo in the 80s. He served as a Personal Staff Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍˇËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Life, Not Lives, and Property

EBERE WABARA

D

AILY SUN Front Page bold sub-headline impropriety of February 6, 2019, welcomes us today: “EFCC says politicians bringing back loots to corrupt electoral process� ‘Loot’ is uncountable.

THE PUNCH EDITORIAL and its OPINION Page of January 24 carried two solecisms that bordered on sloppiness: “The clamour for SIM card registration by NCC is an unnecessary detraction (sic) and should be stopped.� No distraction, please. “Among other factors, the poor reading habit of the citizen account (accounts) for the thieving attitude which pervades public life today.�

It will make sense if newspapers begin to civilize their processes by correcting grammatical blunders in advert copies instead of running them sheepishly: “Strenghtening Stakeholders’ Capacity to use Alternative Dispute Resolution‌.â€? You do not need a study visit to USA: strengthening, but straightening. â€œâ€Śhe could write in such simple term (a simple term or simple terms) that a man on the street would understand him.â€?

(THE NATION ON SUNDAY, January 27) My comment: ‘the man in the street’ is a fixed idiomatic expression. No writer has the poetic liberty to restructure such stock entries, except in colloquial environments.

Let us welcome, for the first time, repackaged SATURDAY TRIBUNE to this column. Its edition of January 22 undermined the English language on just four occasions: “At the scene, police detectives recovered live and expended ammunitions including explosives yet to be detonated.�

BY

Robbers on rampage in Lagos: ‘ammunition’ is uncountable. I would have preferred ‘live ammunition and pellets.’ �MTN: Police probes missing money�

National news: Police probe missing money. “Yet, the embattled boxer did not let go as he pointed accusing fingers to some‌.â€?

Sport: he pointed the finger at some‌. “Voters’ Registration in Fits and Startâ€?

Any critical mind should know, at the drop of a hat, that something is wrong with the editorial headline: fits and starts.

Yet another bold headline indiscretion: “Buhari asked to reduce costs of governmentâ€? In the interest of our democracy: cost of governance. “I am directed (clichĂŠ) to convey the following directives from the meeting of the Board of the National Universities Commission of 20th January 2019, (sic) with regards to the Lead City University, Ibadan.â€? (Source: NUC Full Page Advert from the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary) Closure of illegal academic programmes: with regard to or as regards! “The Federal Government’s determination to combat crime and ensure safety of lives and property is set to get a boost through a private sector-led initiative.â€?

THISDAY CITY Strings: life and property (fixed expression, irrespective of the statistic involved—it is not essentially the number of lives lost that is the issue, but the kernel of the application which is that life generically and property were lost).

And this: “A peerless gentleman, business leader, industrialist and philantropist� Spell-check: philanthropist.

DAILY Sun Front, OP-ED and Back Pages of January 20 disseminated numerous gaffes: “Man nabbed in hotel with

under-aged girls� (Headline) Get it right: under-age girls.

The Back Page of SATURDAY PUNCH of January 26 also committed the preceding disgusting mistake: “There is nothing heroic about a grown man hiding behind his wife’s back to sleep with an under-aged domestic.� No medals for goofs!

Interestingly, the ‘under-age’ bug also bit one of the headlines on this platform last week: “Osun police investigate under aged (sic) voters�

Apart from the foregoing headline affliction, the same edition had other lexical and structural issues: “The South East Zonal Caucus of the party passed a vote of no confidence on Nwodo.â€? Politics: vote of no confidence in Nwodo. “These class of people had simply got bored about staging local parties and so‌.â€? Collocation glamour: either this class of people or these classes of people, depending on the configuration or grouping. â€œâ€Śthe board awarded contracts in local currency worth N5.127 billion and dollars worth $1.863 million between January to June 2018.â€? Business grammar: between January and June or from January to June.

Let us return from this medium to the DAILY Sun of January 20 under review: “However (sic) this time around he emerged as a consequence of regional vengefulness‌.â€? Potential Buhari’s massive triumph: at the risk of repetitiveness, as long as particular errors in language usage keep occurring we shall from this side continue to expose them as hard as possible. The good thing is, unlike advertisements, persistent dysfunctional communication cannot confer acceptability on jaundiced expressions. This

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

way: this time round, for the umpteenth time! Columnists must read for subject depth and language currency. Both are the basic elements of public mass education, entertainment, information dissemination, holistic exchange of ideas and social engineering. Otherwise, we lose the entire essence of writing and sterility beckons!

This time round (British English) and this time around (American version) â€œâ€Śthey went berserk in patronage of media war to discredit the emerging administration followed by feasting legal bravado that resulted into conflicting suits.â€? No extinction: result in. “A few days ago, members of the party in the State House of Assembly called it quit to join the winning ambience of the PDP.â€? The ‘legislative looters’ called it quits (not quit) to join People Deceiving People! Now on the road to 2019 Presidency as we take the last Back Page contribution from DAILY Sun under review: â€œâ€Ś last week Thursday’s‌PDP Congress‌.â€?

Reflections: either last Thursday or Thursday, last week. The excerpt is unacceptable to Standard English. “Then this politician in flowing robes during the recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention approached him with that singular authority which money endows mediocre with‌.â€? (DAILY INDEPENDENT, January 14) A summary: either mediocrity or mediocrist (noun). ‘Mediocre’ is an adjective.

From here a fortnight ago comes this parting entry: “The ruling party deserves congratulations for (on/upon) the orderly and dignified manner its presidential primary was conducted.�

POLITY

ËŠ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹Ëœ ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ăž ÞÙ Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă–ĂŁËŞ Sonnie Ekwowusi

N

igeria is said to have a “youth bulge “, with over 6O percent of her population between ages 15-35 years. This implies that the country has huge human resources ,which if properly harnessed is capable of giving ,her pride of place among the comity of nations.

Unfortunately, young people all over, are confronted with various challenges that continually hinder them from reaching their maximum potential. These include increasing rate of drug abuse and addiction, pornography, Prostitution, unemployment, promiscuity,eroding societal values among other issues have left a good number of youths devastated.

Impelled by the aforesaid challenges, the Foundation for African Cultural Heritage (FACH), a Non-profit Governmental Organisation in collaboration with the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria (CWON) organized a Conference in Enugu, to change the narrative by sensitising , informing and guiding the youths against external influences from some international organisations most especially ,those that promulgate LGBT agenda which contradicts African Cultural and religious beliefs and has contributed to the collapse of family values.

The 2-day Conference with the theme: “ Responding to the Challenges of Youth, family and society:The Millennial’s Response, was held at the Development Education Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu, from January 29-31, 2019. Various Speakers drawn from within and outside the country including Catholic Bishops of Enugu, Awka and Nsukka lend their voices by urging parents to embrace the challenge of training their children in line with the principles of the church as bad parenting and neglect is bedeviling the future of

Crosssection of Conference participants

young people.

President ,Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria, Barrister Mrs Nwanneka Okolo, President, World Youth Alliance, Anna Halpine and Director, Quality Assurance And Research Development Agency. Dr Tessy Okafor, Ms Ann Kioko of CitizenGO and Mrs Chinelo Ujubuonu of Association of Concerned Mothers raised concerns over teaching “ comprehensive sexuality education “, taught in primary and secondary schools, which they say exposes Children to the use of contraceptives at an early age , bizzare and wrong sexual orientation, encourages abuse of their sexuality and in the long run are harmful to the development of the children thereby promoting LGBT agenda alien to African culture.

The conference exposed participants to tactics employed by these International Donor Agencies in funding and distributing

contraceptives and condoms in a schools and among young people. Examples of how they penetrate law making arm of government by including some sections to promote their agenda were cited during the conference.

Legislators in the country, have been advised to be on the alert and acquire adequate knowledge on how terminologies and words that suggests LGBT rights as found in some bills brought before National and State Assembly.

Other Pro-life advocates including Dr Nkechi Asogwa, Dr Regina Akosa and past Secretary of FACH Mrs Ifeyinwa Awagu among others highlighted the importance of upholding “human dignity “, which they describe as the basis for “ human rights�.

Participants were enlightened by experts on health and psychological problems associated with using contraceptives and

abortion for family planning. They were encouraged to embrace and spread the message of Natural and safe methods of conception and Child spacing to safe guard the health of African women.

These International Organisations were urged to assist the country in fixing her infrastructural deficit as against funding initiatives detrimental to population growth and maternal health.

Despite the misconceptions by today’s society about abstinence which is often considered archaic, youths are being advised at the to embrace chastity as the pathway to happy marriage.

Youths were also encouraged to imbibe virtues that will strengthen their personalities and self confidence such as volunteering. They were told to implore effective and active use of social media to promote values and evangelise with the message of Christ.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t'&#36"3: , 2019

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Seun Kuti to Thrill the World at 61st Grammy HAILIE SUMNEY I Was Shy and Nervous in My First Kiss On Camera pg. 48

Baskemouth’s ‘Exorcism of Alu’ Hits Cinemas Soon pg. 50

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t'&#36"3: , 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Seun Kuti to Thrill the World at 61st Grammy Seun, son of Afrobeat legend and pioneer of the music genre, Fela AnikulapoKuti, is set to thrill the world at the 2019 Grammy Awards in the United States.

He also gets his first nomination in the World Music category for his latest album, ‘Black Times’. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

Seun Kuti

S

eun Kuti is no stranger to big stages.

However, the one coming up tomorrow is special. It’s the 61st Grammy Awards and Seun will be on its big stage at Staples Center, Los Angeles, United States, thrilling the world. He is one of the performers the world awaits at The Recording Academy Awards, better known as The Grammys. The youngest son of the Anikulapo Kuti clan is also among the front runners for the prestigious Grammy plaque in the World Music category of the awards.

Seun, who was recognised by the Academy for his latest studio album, ‘’Black Times,’’ picks up

the baton from his elder brother, Femi Kuti, who has been nominated four times in the World Music category.

He will perform with Malian singer/songwriter, Fatoumata Diawara, at the award’s premiere ceremony where it would be given out in more than 70 categories.

Seun and Diawara will also perform together, while Ángela Aguilar, Aida Cuevas, and Natalia Lafourcade will unite for the first time ever to perform “La Llorona,” a Mexican folkloric classic. All three artistes have recorded during their career.

All of the premiere ceremony performers and the host are nominated this year, as are most of the presenters. In 11 years leading to

his recent album, ‘’Black Times’’, Seun has released three other LPs alongside 2 EPs and has toured more countries than majority of his pop contemporaries.

In celebration of his 21st year as a performer, Seun who turned 35 earlier in January released his fourth studio album, ‘’Black Times’’ in March 2018. ‘’Black Times’’ is the album that has finally seen the leader of the new Egypt 80 band cast aside the shadows that trails his family name into becoming a man of his own.

The 61st Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys has been announced as the host, replacing James Corden, who hosted

the show in 2017 and 2018. The 15-time Grammy winning Keys will be the first woman to host the Grammys since 2005, when Queen Latifah and Ellen DeGeneres were master of ceremonies.

The Recording Academy had also announced Diana Ross would perform at the awards. The televised moment will see the Academy “honour the icon and celebrate the rich history of her greatest musical accomplishments” with a special 75th Diamond Diana birthday performance.

Ross is the latest artiste to be revealed as a performer at this year ’s ceremony; previously announced acts include Post Malone (who will perform with the Red Hot Chili Peppers), Brandi Carlile, Miley

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t'&#36"3: , 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR Seun Kuti to Thrill the World at 61st Grammy

Seun Kuti

Seun, who was recognised by the Academy for his latest studio album, ‘’Black Times,’’ picks up the baton from his elder brother, Femi Kuti, who has been nominated four times in the World Music category Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves, Cardi B, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monae and more.

Ross, a Grammy Award winner, will celebrate her own greatest musical accomplishments on stage for her 75th birthday. A trailblazer in entertainment, Ross was the leader of the most successful female group of all time which in turn helped her launch a timeless solo career.

Her musical catalog includes an astounding 42 No.1 songs, 91 singles and 59 albums. Ross has also amassed over 100 million in sales and streams with her historic recordings.

Back in 2012 she was recognised by the Recording Academy as the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ceremony will recognise the best recordings, compositions,

and artists of the eligibility year, which ran from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2018.

Presented annually by The Recording Academy, it’s one of the biggest nights in the showbiz calendar. 2019 marks the 61st year after it began in 1959. 2019 will see a few changes in store for the ‘Big Four ’ categories.

The number of nominations have gone from five to eight to help better reflect the diversity of the music industry for - Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artiste.

This year ’s has a huge 84 categories including the one everyone wants to win - Best Album of the Year.

Hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar leads the list of nominees with eight songs followed closely by Drake with seven.

Seun Kuti

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t'&#36"3: , 2019

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SHOWBIZFLAIR And I acted in a movie in the cinema now, L Lagos Fake Life produced by Mike Ezerounye.

Crossing over to Nollywood Even though we have Jollof war going on, w are still brothers and sisters. Ghana and we N Nigeria go hand in hand when it comes to m music, movies and other stuffs. And Noll lywood is definitely a large market and well r recognised internationally, so that’s why I w wanted to break into it and I love Nigerians.

W What makes me exceptional is as simple as b being myself and be unique. Not trying too hard and that hopefully I would be accepted. h So S far, so good, let’s see how it goes.

I would love to work with Geneveive Nnaji N She is a legend and a classic person. Obviously, she’s a very good actress and she’s o on o NETFLIX now, she is breaking barriers.

And A I love RMD too, especially the way he carries himself. c So, I would love to act with these two.

He H is a very handsome man; I am not going to t lie. Maybe, I have an inch crush on him but b I will confirm that when I see him in person.

But, yes, he is a handsome man and p a good actor.

Challenges As I mentioned earlier, at first my parents weren’t accepting my decision for acting but w when they saw I was excelling and climbw ing i the ladder they showed their support.

I guess, they just have the old school idea of o my child must be a doctor, lawyer or engineer.

So, as devoted Christians, they e felt f like entertainment is not good for me, especially when it comes to kissing and the e romantic aspect of acting. So people will be r seeing my child kissing another man on a s TV, T they say. But now, they have embraced it i and are supportive. Also, I’ve challenges getting payment from producers and, to be g honest, I have done a couple of movies for h free.

So success is not built overnight. f Kissing on set for the first time Deyemi, the actor, was the first person I kissed in a Ghana-Nigeria movie. Though, k we w make it quick and comfortable as possible, because I was kind of shy and nervous and b there were so many people around, so it was t weird for me. w

Haillie Sumney

I Was Shy and Nervous in My First Kiss On Camera Haillie Sumney is a Ghanaian actress who has come into Nollywood to stake her claim in the multi-billion Naira business.

She was nurse in the United States but returned home to break big in movies. Talking to Tosin Clegg, she recalls her journey back to Africa, nursing, building a brand as an actor and a lot more Just breaking into the Nigerian market have been acting for two years and just breaking into the Nigerian market. I will describe myself as very comprehending and I have had a passion for acting for a long time. I studied Medicine in the US and when I got back to Africa, I followed my dream because I thought it was a better and easier way to break into Africa’s market. So far, it has been really good.

I

My heart was never in America

And that’s because my parents stay here in Africa, so I always wanted to come back home. At first, they weren’t supportive of my passion but now they are more encouraging.

Funny enough, they just launched a TV station just last month and they actually want me to have my own programme on it.

My first time acting I was a bit shy during my first film because I am more like a background person, but facing the camera was a nice experience. Acting in movies is not what it seems; people see a

movie and think it’s all glitters and gold but it is not like that, as you have to start early in the morning and finish late. It is really a lot of work, and I commend actors because it is not easy. Seeing the finished part is always beautiful but behind the scene is crazy, as there are a lot of sleepless nights, drama on the set and all that. My first time acting was on TV series, Hills and Sneakers which was produced by Yvonne Nelson.

I also have a movie coming out, called A Way Back Home which is with Alex Okubo, IK Ogbonna and a couple of other stars.

My mother is from Ghana and my father from France f I was born in Canada. I moved to America when I was two years old to stay with my w family.

My mother is from Ghana and my f father from France. I came to Ghana for my f secondary school and moved back to America s to t study Medicine at Riverside University in i California and came back to Africa and stayed in Nigeria for a year before moving s back to Ghana. Nigerians are very vibrant, b aggressive in a good way, they are fun people a and a they are very accepting. Nigerian men are a very interesting, if they want something they will fight for it. If they want a lady they’ll t fight for it, they are ready to do anything to fi get g what they want.

Difference between Ghanaian and Nigerian men N It depends on what I am looking for, if I want wahala I will choose a Nigerian man. If I want headache and no rest of mind, and if I am looking out for someone to take care of me, I will choose a Nigerian man. Ghana men are very relaxed, very calm and sometimes they can be lazy, so it all depends on what I am looking for.

I wasn’t born with a silver spoon Not at all. I wasn’t. You see that is the mentality many people have with people living abroad. You need to see the way people are struggling abroad. I mean, for me to leave Medicine and comeback to Africa.

If it was so good why would I have left?

Even though, you are making money, your money goes to bills; the system there is all about bills. So, anybody who wants to move abroad should just go to school and come back because it is easier to make it here and it is very difficult there. I call abroad like Canadian and American system, a zombie system where you just work like a robot and pay bills.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

MY STORY

Gists FOJO MEDIA TO RELEASE ROMANTIC COMEDY Four friends from high school re-unite to plan the 50th anniversary of their alma mater.

As a battle of superiority stirs up and issues from the past are re-visited, secrets are revealed that threaten to tear up their seemingly perfect lives.

The four friends in the comedy film set for release by Fojo Media are: Mercy Johnson who played Amaka Okafor; Tana Adelana as Lola Coker; Mercy Aigbe as Tosin Olowookere; and Lillian Esoro as Ufuoma Ikomi. Others include: Jide Kosoko, Chioma Emeruah Chigul Frededrick Leonard, Jaiye Kuti, Femi Jacobs and Lateef Adedimeji.

According to the Executive Producer, and CEO Fojo Media productions, Faith Ojo, “I recently created Fojo Media and the movie we are almost completing is one of our projects.

My goal is that Fojo Media operates here in Nigeria and America. My goal is that both the young and old will embrace this movie; this will motivate me to bring in investors from the United States into the Nigerian movie industry to improve our economy.”

Speaking on the future of Fojo Media, she said that they plan to do more cinema movies and TV series even as there are other ongoing projects. “Fojo Media is going to be big and the sky is our starting point,” she added. The Réunion is expected to hit the cinemas by April this year. Fojo Media already has a TV series titled, ‘YES I DO’.

MC PHD

I’m Looking Forward to Bigger Days in Comedy Emeka Eze, popularly known as PHD, is a seasoned comedian and MC who started out his career a few years ago and has been able to grow into a big shot. He tells Tosin Clegg about his journey, challenges and more

PAVILLON AFRIQUES SECURES SECTION AT CANNES FESTIVAL Pavillon Afriques, a platform which provides access to African and Black cinema content has acquired an iconic white tent within the Marché du Film (International Village) of the Cannes Film Festival, 2019 for African filmmakers, artistes, distributors and key stakeholders in the industry to showcase their content and unique potential.

Situated within the Marché du Film, which is the world’s biggest gathering of film industry professionals who come to sell films, find partners and expand their professional network, Pavillon Afrique is leveraging off the tremendous changes that have come to shape African storytelling and motion-

picture business in recent years.

The Marche Du Film would play host to eight countries from across the African continent, its diaspora and the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, The Gambia, Tanzania, Djibouti and Burkina Faso, all of which have confirmed attendance of the event.

Pavillon Afriques is the first tent within the film market section of the Cannes Film Festival devoted to the business of film in the African continent and among its diaspora. The countries participating are signed via Investment/ Tourism/Culture Board or Film Commissions and will be coming with delegations made of major

stakeholders (government, industry professionals, business leaders and other influencers). The confirmed and yet-to-be-confirmed countries are to discuss, trade, make deals and take advantage of the unique atmosphere at the festival.

The 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to hold on the 14th to the 25th of May, this year in France and would feature a host of activities ranging from roundtable discussions to seminars, showcases and afterhours entertainment with a mix of government officials, film industry leaders, international celebrities and other influencers participating in these exercises.

EZIOHURU JOHN TO DEPLOY NEW STYLE IN CHARACTER PLAYS Eziohuru John is a budding player on the Nollywood scene and has been working relentlessly hard to create a niche for himself.

He has decided to play a new character style filled with action and thriller which would make him a style actor.

He is working on a few short movies which would be a series of action-packed films telling a story of a young man on the run through a series of life dramas.

Eziohuru also has featured films he is promoting, where he got a few roles to prove himself and break even as a rising star in the industry. He is undoubtedly here to stay and prepared to achieve his set goals.

H

ow did it all start?

It all started back then in secondary school. In class, I did things just to make the whole class laugh, and sometimes, even our class teachers. And after our graduation, it was already a part of me, but after school, I decided to take it to the next level.

What have been the challenges?

Really, there are challenges in everything in life, but the truth is I enjoy what I’m doing and it makes me feel happy when I see people laugh to what I do. So, I believe success is guaranteed. Another issue was when I started, you know, after school I was looking for admission into the university. So, I had a lot of time to follow friends to churches and parties and when I’m being asked to tell a joke I would decline and it got to a stage so I decided to try it out. For the very first time, I stood in front of unknown people to tell my jokes and it wasn’t funny. From then on I have been making progress.

Who are your mentors?

My role models are Gandoki, Bovi and Basket Mouth. My core is majorly, Stand-up comedy but I see myself doing exploits and also working with top comedians worldwide.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

Thankfully, I’m pushing my career without holding back any room I have to achieve my goals. I have few shots on radio as well and am looking forward to the bigger days.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Baskemouth’s ‘Exorcism of Alu’ Hits Cinemas Soon Although comedian, Bright Okpocha, better known as Baskemouth, has been involved in several television productions, venturing into the big screen, having conquered the comedy space, could be a different ballgame entirely with his first feature film titled, ‘The Exorcism of Alu.’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

I

t would seem a long time coming, having spent six years working on his first feature film. Well, it is actually for ace comedian Bright Okpocha, also known as Basketmouth, as he prepares to deliver the work. The comedian-turned actor and now producer had taken on a directorial role, aside starring in his yet to be released horror movie, ‘The Exorcism of Alu’. “For 6 six years I’ve been working on my very first feature film, my most challenging project. I kept it on the low because everyone I told doubted my ability to pull it off.

“Today, I present to you……The Exorcism of Alu, a horror/thriller movie,’’ he had announced excitedly, and was set to hit the cinemas earlier. Horror is miles away from Basketmouth’s usual genre. One would have expected him to go the comedy route and be counted among Nigerian standup comedians AY Makun and Bovi, so the skepticism about him pulling through the cinematic project was understandable.

Notably Nollywood horror is typically characterised by vintage Nollywood low-fi classics, such as Karishika and End of the Wicked, so for

Basketmouth to take on the challenge of creating a competitive modern Nollywood horror film is both a brave and wonderful thing. ‘The Exorcism of Alu’ is written by Bright Okpocha and directed by Phillipe Gaynor.

Venturing into the silver screen having conquered the comedy space could be a different ballgame entirely, however there is always a first time, hence it’s “most challenging project” embarked upon by the famed comedian, who has been involved in several television productions. He is at Present, the lead character as well the executive producer of

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SHOWBIZFLAIR Baskemouth’s ‘Exorcism of Alu’ Hits Cinemas Soon popular TV sitcom on Africa Magic, ‘My Flatmates’, which is currently in its third season.

The horror movie had earlier been slated and widely publicised to begin screening in Nigerian cinemas from January 15, but for some reasons, it did not. Same day it was billed to hit the cinemas, singer and songwriter Folarin Falana aka Falz the Bahd Guy had launched his much talked about studio work, ‘Moral Instruction’. The widespread commentary the new album generated prior to its release would force Basketmouth to postpone release of his cinematic effort.

It was perceived the Abia State born comedian , who is the Chief Executive Officer of Baron World Entertainment, feared the uproar arising from the new album would dominate the scene and overshadow his new movie. “Falz, hope you’re aware that I pulled out from releasing my movie today because of this your album!!’ he wrote on Instagram with a photo of the album cover.

While explaining in another post reasons for the delay in the release of the film, the humour merchant on his Instagram handle @basketmouth would add that it was necessary for him to conclude a production preceding the release of his movie which was scheduled on a previous date. Featuring film stars Rekiya Yusuf, Sound Sultan as well as some foreign actors including Tevez Houston, Winona Crawford, Jamie Whitehouse, among others, he would assure that the new release date would be announced soon.

However, the official trailer he revealed, with Silverbird releasing a sneak peek of the video before the trailer, on his official Instagram handle, showed a scary poster of the movie.

The movie is based on true life events and took place in Kaduna in 1998. In the trailer, “a cloaked figure stands ominously behind a curtain in a room – it appears as a reflection in a mirror, sits head rested at a dining table and jolts up, and then holds a door and creepily withdraws its hands. Already the best trailer I have seen from Nollywood this year.”

A movie fan remarked: “As a horror fan, who had a wish that Nollywood make a horror movie in 2019, one coming from Baskemouth was extremely unlikely. You’d expect that the comedian’s first movie tryout would be a glossy, over-bloated comedy, in the fashion of the forgettable ones made by his comic peers. But, boohoo, it’s not. The Exorcism of Alu is arriving at a time where Nollywood desperately needs a horror movie rejuvenation, a way to enrich our sauceless, cinematic diet.”

The University of Benin Sociology and Anthropology graduate isn’t new to showbiz and has his foot in the right direction on this one which has been classified (18) by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

He has organised popular stand-up comedy concerts like Basketmouth Uncensored across the globe. Basketmouth hosted a comedy challenge on Instagram, called the #TwoThingsChallenge which sparked uproar from fans, after a young fan posted a video of him saying obscene things relating to sex, with a child in close view in the video.

In 2005 and 2006, Basketmouth won the National Comedy Award and the awards for Best Stand-up Comedian of the Year. On February 14, 2017 to mark Valentine’s Day, Bright had a sold out concert in the famous Wembley Arena which made people consider him to be one of the greatest comedians to come

As a horror fan, who had a wish that Nollywood make a horror movie in 2019, one coming from Baskemouth was extremely unlikely. You’d expect that the comedian’s first movie tryout would be a glossy, over-bloated comedy, in the fashion of the forgettable ones made by his comic peers

out of Africa. He discovered his skill in drumming in 1991 followed by taking up rapping in 1994.

He then formed a group called “Da Psychophats” which had seven members and they started going for shows and rapping in 1995, however they broke up before releasing any material.

He went on to form another rap group known as “Da Oddz” with his brother Godwin and Muyiwa Osunrobi. They performed at a couple of shows but didn’t break through as their brand of rap was not accepted in Nigeria.

In 2018, he was named Pan African Comedian of the year at South Africa’s Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards. It was the second consecutive year that the Nigerian comedian will clinch the award.

Sound Sultan

Basketmouth

Rekiyah Yesufu

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 9, 2019

NEWSXTRA

Atiku Stopped from Using Abuja Ground for Mega Rally Adedayo Akinwale ÓØ ÌßÔË The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has stopped it from using the Old Parade Ground in Abuja for its presidential mega rally scheduled for this morning.

While the PDP Presidential candidate is struggling for venue for its Abuja rally, President Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is in Lagos today for a rally, expected to be the biggest in the South-west. However, the initial plan of shutting several roads for the President has been abandoned, following intense criticism by Lagosians.

A statement, yesterday, by the Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “It might interest Nigerians to know that the PDP duly paid and secured permission to host our mega rally at the Old Parade Ground, in Garki Area of Abuja, only for the officials of the facility to inform the party this morning that they have been “ordered” to shut down the venue and frustrate our mega rally for no just cause.”

The PDP alleged that their lockout from the Old Parade Ground was the handiwork of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency and the APC, describing it as an act of desperation. It stated

however that nothing would stop them from rallying in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ologbondiyan said that “such resort to self-help further exposes the irredeemable insensitivity of the Buhari Presidency and the APC.” The main opposition party said that Buhari should not allow his handlers to further pitch him against Nigerians with this contemptible shut down of the venue of the PDP Presidential campaign rally in Abuja, stating that it would be a direct assault on the sensibilities and aspiration of Nigerians.

According to him, “President Buhari is frustrated because he has failed in governance and, as such, has no message for Nigerians.

President Buhari daily continues to lose followership, in millions, to Atiku Abubakar; for which his handlers have now resorted to renting people for his rallies, including Nigerien thugs.”

He further added: “The overwhelming popularity of the people’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, which points to an imminent crushing defeat that awaits President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 Presidential election, has pushed the Buhari Presidency into a panic mode.

“President Buhari has always been disheartened and jittery over spontaneous mammoth crowd of Nigerians at Atiku Abubakar’s

HONOURED FOR PEACE...

R-L: Founder, Nigeria and Entrepreneurship: Summit & Honors (NESH), Emeka Ugwu-Oju; presenting a NESH Peace Honors plaque to Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, for the supportive role played by NNPC in bringing back peace in the Oil and Gas producing Areas in Nigeria.

rallies across the country, leading to the desperation to frustrate our rallies, resort to smear campaigns, vandalising of our campaign

materials and denial of venues, in APC controlled states, as was the case in Kano state recently.”

But the National Publicity

Secretary of the APC, Lanre IssaOnilu, in a telephone interview with THISDAY last night, said the claims of the PDP on the

Old Parade Ground was just the “usual unnecessary noise” by the party and that it lacked any substance.

2019 Election: There’s Widespread Fear in the Land, Okoh Tells Buhari

ADC Condemns Obiano for Supporting Buhari

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh has alerted the federal government that as the 2019 general elections were approaching, that “there is widespread fear in the land.“ Fear of violence, people taking laws into their own hands, fear of the unknown etc,“ he declared.

Primate Okoh who was speaking at the opening of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion’s Standing Committee Conference in Warri with the Theme, ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’ said the insecurity around the country and pockets of unprovoked attacks being reported constantly especially in some of the Northeastern states were becoming worrisome.

David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

Primate Okoh noted that, “never in the past history of our country has election time been greeted with such widespread anxiety.”

He therefore counseled politicians not to see contest for political offices as do or die affair saying “in every election, there are winners and there are losers.”

However, he said every election result should reflect the will of the electorate, otherwise, it becomes a mockery of the whole exercise.

The Primate therefore appealed to eligible voters to resist every inducement tended towards buying votes “as this will spell doom for all of us in the coming years.“ He called on INEC not

only to maintain the posture of an unbiased umpire in the forthcoming elections, “but to be certifiably seen to be doing so in every part of the country throughout this poll.”

“If we must have free, fair and credible elections, all security agencies must remain neutral in this exercise; the military, the police and others must be there to protect the interest of Nigeria as a nation, not individuals or particular political parties.”

The Primate said in spite of the foreboding fear of chaos in the forthcoming elections we should not despair for “as a nation, church and individuals, we can make the Lord our Shepherd.... He will be there to protect us even in the valley of the shadow of death.”

Buhari Nominates 30 for RMAFC President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded to the Senate for confirmation names of 30 nominees as Chairman and Commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who made this known in a statement in Abuja yesterday, said the submission was in line with constitutional provision.

The presidential aide revealed that the names were conveyed in a letter to the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, asking for expeditious consideration and confirmation of the appointments.

S/N STATE NAME POSITION 1. Ebonyi Engineer. Elias Mbam (Chairman) 2. Abia Chris Alozie Akomas (Commissioner)

3. Akwa Ibom Ayang Sunday Okon (Commissioner) 4. Anambra Chima Philip Okafor (Commissioner) 5. Bauchi Prof. Isa B. Mohammed (Commissioner) 6. Benue Samuel Adaa Maagbe (Commissioner) 7. Cross River Ntufam Eyo Nsa Whiley (Commissioner) 8. Delta Mr. Andrew Ogheneovo Agbaga (Commissioner) 9. Ebonyi Barr. Patrick Nworu Mgbebu (Commissioner) 10. Edo Mr. Victor Eboigbe (Commissioner) 11. Ekiti Amujo Philip Ajayi (Commissioner) 12. Enugu Mrs. Maria Chinyere Aniobi (Commissioner) 13. FCT Hon. Musa Tanko Abari (Commissioner) 14. Gombe Mohammed Kabeer Usman (Commissioner) 15. Jigawa Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud Gumel (Commissioner) 16. Katsina Alh. Kabir Muhammad Mashi (Commissioner)

17. Kano Barr. Umar Farouk Abdullahi (Commissioner) 18. Kebbi Rilwan Hussein Abarshi (Commissioner) 19. Kogi Hon. Suleiman Kokori Abdul (Commissioner) 20. Kwara Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman (Commissioner) 21. Lagos Dr. Wright Olusegun Adekunle (Commissioner) 22. Nasarawa Aliyu A. Abdulkadir (Commissioner) 23. Niger Ibrahim Bako Bagudu Shettima (Commissioner) 24. Ogun Mr. Fari Adebayo (Commissioner) 25. Ondo Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin (Commissioner) 26. Oyo Kolade Daniel Abimbola (Commissioner) 27. Plateau Mr. Alexander Shaiyen (Commissioner) 28. Rivers Wenah Asondu Temple (Commissioner) 29. Yobe Alhaji Modu Aji Juluri (Commissioner) 30. Zamfara Abubakar Sadiq A. Gusau (Commissioner).

The African Democratic Congress, ADC has condemned the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano for supporting the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The national chairman of the party, Mr. Okey Nwosu spoke to journalists in Awka while presenting flag of the party to the senatorial candidate for Anambra Central zone, Mr. Tony Ezekwelu.

Nwosu said Obiano was supporting President Buhari against the wishes of the people of Anambra State, as

the people were averse to the style of leadership offered by the president. He queried, “What are they supporting? Another four years of destruction and divisive government? We are ashamed of this kind of support.

“How can the people we elected to represent us be supporting a totalitarian government? I urge everyone to go out and vote out the Buhari government, 100 per cent.“They are supporting the same man who hates Igbos, and who has refused to appoint an Igbo man into the security council of this country. He has rejected Igbos in totality.”

Nwosu said the forthcoming

election would be a referendum, and rather than preach boycott of the elections as the secessionist group; indigenous people of Biafra(IPOB), he rather urged all Igbos to go out enmasse and show their displeasure by voting against the Buhari government.

Earlier, the senatorial candidate of the party Ezekwelu urged the people of the zone to shun old politicians who have perpetually failed them.

Ezekwelu who was also a founding member of APGA said he left the party for ADC, when its leaders started nursing the idea of adopting Buhari, who he said was not popular among the people of Anambra State.

EFCC Has Poisoned Tunde Ayeni in Custody, Allege Opposition Parties Udora Orizu ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has raised the alarm over alleged clampdown on opposition figures by the federal government using various state institutions.

Specifically, the CUPP alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secretly arrested a former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, who is a close ally of the consensus opposition candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The CUPP claimed that a credible source revealed that Ayeni is currently undergoing treatment in an undisclosed medical facility after he was poisoned in the detention cell of the EFCC. In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by CUPP spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the opposition parties demanded for the immediate release of Ayeni from EFCC

custody for proper medical attention. The parties also insisted that the case against the ex-Skye Bank boss should be charged to court immediately if indeed there was anything found against him.

The CUPP described the President’s attitude towards the friends, supporters and allies of the PDP presidential candidate, as condemnable, despotic, undemocratic, and must be stopped without any further delay.

The statement added: “We categorically warn that nothing should happen to Mr. Tunde Ayeni to silence him so that the truth of how the family and cronies of President Buhari acquired Skye Bank will not eventually be known by Nigerians. “If the EFCC Chairman in his usual over-zealousness to please the President has begun the government agenda of also stuffing Nigerians into body bags, then the international community is hereby called

upon to place him on close and careful watch and list his name for possible prosecution for crimes against humanity.”

The Coalition also revealed in the statement that the EFCC has been handed down a list of 45 opposition leaders to invite, arrest, detain and restrain before the opening of polls on February 16.

Those in the list, according to the CUPP, include Alhaji Sule Lamido, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Hon. Luke Onofiok, Bukola Saraki, Osita Chidoka, Ikenga Imo ugochinyere, Chief Achike Udenwa, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, Mr. Abba Moro, Hon. Gabriel Suswam, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema and a host of others.

“All this intimidation will not help a President who has been rejected by the people. Arrest everybody, put us all in body bags, but Nigerians have a date with destiny on 16th February to reclaim our country and get it working again,” the CUPP asserted.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚Î

NEWSXTRA

FG to Increase N-Power BeneďŹ ciaries to 1.5m, Says Osinbajo

FINALISING ON 2019...

L-R: National INEC Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu; INEC Chairman, Prof. Mamood Yakubu and INEC National Commissioner, Mr. Festus Okoye during a meeting between the INEC Chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners to put finishing touches to the preparation for the 2019 General Election held yesterday in Abuja ÒÙÞÙË? Ă&#x;Ă–Ă“Ă&#x;Ă? ÞÙÓ˚

Buhari: Only God Will Punish Abusers of Public Trust Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja invoked divine wrath on individuals and past governments which he accused of abusing public trust, saying only God would appropriately punish them.

The president made the remarks while receiving members of Buhari Support Organisations (BSO) at home and in the Diaspora in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

He restated claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governed the country for 16 years, when Nigeria was producing 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, with

the price of oil going as high as $143 per barrel and more or less nothing to show for it while the price fell drastically when he assumed office.

The president also claimed that when he assumed office, there were no roads and rail lines had gone comatose adding that the PDP government allegedly spent $16 billion on power without any improvement on power supply.

He also accused the former government of abusing trust, stressing that only God could mete the appropriate punishment to those who abuse public trust.

However, he said his government in its own way would charge those it could lay its hand upon to

the court and accordingly prosecute them. “I have said this for the umpteenth time and I have challenged them to prove me wrong but in those 16 years of PDP ruled, Nigeria was getting 2.1 million times 100 (2.1 million barrels by $100 per barrel) every day, every week, but when we came on board, the price fell to between $37-38 and was oscillating around $40-$50. “I went to the Central Bank of Nigeria, and asked him for money and he said there is no money. “Large scale abuse of trust, only God can give them punishment but those we can touch, we will get them prosecuted. We have

said properties confiscated should be sold and the money put into treasury and we will use,� he said.

He said he had maintained his own principle of accountability and would have been in trouble if he had deviated from it. “If I didn’t stick to my principle of accountability I would have been in trouble by now and I have no regrets. Everybody wants to be comfortable but the most important thing is to live within your means and bear the consequence,� he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of BSO, Mahmood Mohammed, described Buhari as the custodian of peoples’ treasury, saying he was sure that the president would not touch even a dime of public funds.

FG Offers Passengers 3 NDDC Begins Payment Months Free Train Ride on of Contractors Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž on Wednesday, we will start the Lagos-Abeokuta Section payment of contractors we owe less Kasim Sumaina Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Sunday Okobi The federal government on Friday, offered a three-month free train ride to passengers on the completed section of the Lagos-Abeokuta rail project.

Government, through the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, while on a test ride from Iju in Lagos, to Agbado in Abeokuta, Ogun State, revealed that, the federal government was not inaugurating the project yet but to test run it.

According to him, “This is not a commissioning story, we just decided to put the train on the track to convey passengers for three months free of charge.�

He said: “We are grateful to Ogun State Government for the warm welcome to witness the standard gauge. This is not the first, the first is Itakpe to Warri, in Nigeria while this is the third. The Kaduna to Abuja is the second one.�

He stressed that the Lagos Ibadan rail line, was a project that continues to Kano state after it must be given this overwhelming support by the people to ensure

that the project was realised. “I am happy with this people living along this corridors and they have been wonderful. This is the first time I can see a people that Federal project passed through their lands and they made no demands to disrupt the ongoing project. And with this experience we made sure that the project is completed on time for the people’s benefit�

Amaechi, who enjoined people of Ogun state to vote for the ruling party for the continuity of the infrastructural projects in the country, said: This train as from tomorrow will run on free ride for three months, I will urge the operators to do two or three trips a day, so that more persons can go to work in the morning and return in the evening. “The trips will include one in the morning, afternoon and evening. But this train will be running from tomorrow free of charge. So those who want to go to work from Abeokuta to Lagos can leave in the morning and while returning will join the train at Iju to Abeokuta.�

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it was set to commence payment of contractors owed N20 million and below.

This is as the commission assured its contractors and consultants that henceforth their payments would be paid promptly without unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks.

The NDDC Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA), Mr. Chris Amadi, gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit to the palace of Eze Apara Rebisi of Port Harcourt, Eze Victor Woluchem XII. Amadi said the NDDC was poised to ensure that a more efficient process was applied in paying for projects and meeting contractor obligations.

He said: “In a couple of days, we are going to start payment to contractors owed between N20 million and below. There will be no need for contractors and consultants to come to the NDDC before they can get their payments. They can simply stay in their homes or offices and give us the necessary information. “On resumption, I have directed to ensure we live up to our contractual obligations. In fact,

than N20 million and in two weeks’ time, the story with be different.�

The executive director said the new management had resolved to fully discharge the NDDC mandate and intervene in specific projects that would impact the lives of the majority of the people. “We want to right some wrongs and ensure that never again will our people suffer in the midst of plenty,� he said.

According to Amadi, “Ikwerre people are a dominant ethnic group in Rivers State. From available statistics Ikwerre has over 55 per cent of the voting population of the state.� He regretted that the ethnic group, with high political sensitivities, never had an opportunity to be in the board or executive level of the NDDC, even from the days of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC).

He stated further: “My appointment means a lot to the Ikwerre people. They are very happy and I am also happy and humbled. We are very grateful to our leader, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, for finding me worthy of recommendation to President Muhammadu Buhari for this appointment.�

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Friday said President Muhammadu Buhari remained the only credible candidate that could take Nigeria to next level of development.

Osinbajo said if reelected, the Buhari administration would take the number of N-Power beneficiaries to 1.5 million.

The duo insisted that the re-election of President Buhari would set Nigeria on the path of socio-economic development They spoke during a visit to the palace of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

Osinbajo said: “We are seeking for second term to consolidate on the good work which we have brought to Nigeria as we are poised to build a prosperous Nigeria for Nigerians. “We want to engage 1.5 million youths to cushion the unemployment menace in the country. We will do this by increasing the number of beneficiaries of N-Power scheme from its present 500,000 to 1.5million. “The statistics increment will help to absorb 1.5 million youths

out of 1.7 million graduates that our country produces every year. “Though we have started loan scheme to support the economy through what we tagged ‘traders’ money’ but we will strengthen this scheme by establishing entrepreneur bank that will be responsible for this initiative. “We are taking seriously the issue of electricity to attract investors. We will complement on our achievement on this sector as part of efforts to build a new Nigeria that everyone will be proud of. “We are ready to consolidate these laudable achievements as we have all seen the good works the present administration had recorded in the areas of infrastructure, health, security, electricity, agriculture, education among others�.

The visit was in continuation of Osinbajo’s tour of the South-west ahead of Saturday’s presidential election.

The Vice President who kickedoff the tour from Owa Obokun’s palace addressed a cross section of Ijesa traditional rulers and a rally at the palace square before proceeding to Ataoja’s palace in Osogbo, the state capital.

New Investments to Expand Glo Market Share Globacom has said it was determined to innovate and redefine its network for wider reach, optimum quality of service, greater data speed and larger capacity in 2019.

Going by the current level of new investments in network infrastructure the company said it was set to take a greater share of the voice and data market in 2019, a new technical roadmap from the company has revealed.

According to the company, in the last ten months, about 26 cargo aircraft from around the world brought over 2,600 tons of network equipment into the country for them. “As a result, activation is looking up, traffic into the network is going up and consumption is up,� the Group Chief Technical Officer of Globacom, Sanjib Roy, told journalists yesterday in Lagos at a briefing session.

Giving details of the upgrade, Roy revealed that new e-band radio technology had been deployed, resulting in increase

in bandwidth from 400mb to 1.5 - 2gb. for the Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Rivers areas. Also supplied and deployed are 1000 microwaves ordered to modernise the transmission network to IP. He said the upgrade in other parts of the country were ongoing. “The Glo 1 submarine cable capacity has been upgraded to 300G all the way From Lagos to UK, giving huge bandwidth for mobile and Enterprise business. “In order to further firm up network uptime and provide seamless connection at all times, the company had further deployed more than 2000 new generators and 6000 new batteries while site distribution of fueling contractors has been streamlined, thereby removing all obstacles to BTS site operations.

This has led to better availability of the network. Meanwhile work is on-going on more than 1000km of fibre route where road construction had affected the fibre cabling.

Buy More Nigeria Oil, FG Tells India, Seeks Rail Sector Collaboration

Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma has solicited India’s increased purchase of Nigeria’s oil, even as he expressed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the country in the rail sector.

Udoma said although India was one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, especially in crude oil, Nigeria would want the Asian country to buy more of its oil and also develop interest in the country’s gas sector.

Udoma noted that President Muhammadu Buhari administration had a vision and dream of connecting every city and town in Nigeria with standard gauge rail lines, adding that Nigeria would stand to benefit from India’s experience as well as assistance in achieving the goal in the rail sector. “This is an area we will like to collaborate with you to see how we can tap from India’s experience,�

he said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media and Communication), Mr. Akpandem James.

Nigeria and India, he said, had a lot to benefit from each other through development cooperation, told the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. AbhayThakur, who visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

Udoma said that there were lots of potential in Nigeria that India could tap while Nigeria had a lot to learn from India’s successes in the areas of technology, particularly rail and power, as well as human capital development.

He explained that the Buhari administration was focused on bridging the infrastructure gap in the country, particularly transportation and power infrastructure, adding that it was very desirous of creating avenues to lift majority of Nigerians out of poverty through agriculture and other empowerment programmes.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ΁˜ ͺ͸͹΁

NEWSXTRA

CBN Intervenes with $ 279.13m, CNY 46.92m in Retail SMIS Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔË

ENSURING CREATIVITY...

L-R: Deputy Director Persecution, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Lynda Alphaeus; Community Manager, Mest Incubator Nigeria, Nosa Omusi; Partner Olajide Oyewole LLP, Sandra Oyewole; and a participant, Ibrahim Waziri of EVCL, at the first edition of The Expo Series organised by Olajide Oyewole LLP and Mest Incubator Nigeria for Creative and Innovators in Lagos...recently

Ex-NAL Workers, Next of Kin to Receive All Entitlements, Says FG Chinedu Eze The federal government has assured the former workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) that they would get all their severance benefits, including the next of kin of the deceased.

This is after government had paid the initial 50 per cent of the total entitlement to the ex-staff of the national airline.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made this known on Friday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, when the former workers of the defunct national carrier organised a rally in support of President Muhammadu

Buhari re-election in appreciation of the payment of part of the benefits to them by his administration.

The Minister of Information and Culture said not only the ex-NAL workers were remembered by the Buhari administration but also others workers in national agencies that had become defunct whose severance benefits were yet to be paid before the present administration took over the government.

This, he said, include ex-Biafra police officers and men, ex-workers of the Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) as well as workers of the Aladja Delta Steel Company.

The ex-workers of Nigeria Airways explained that they had to

Stop Recruiting Us as Thugs, Niger Delta Youths Urge Politicians Ernest Chinwo ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ

Youths in the Niger Delta region have called on politicians to concentrate on their campaigns and leave them out of any plans to cause violence during the general elections.

The youths, under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), also called for support for the new management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to actualise the mandate of the commission.

In a communique issued at the end of National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt and signed by its National President, Comrade Joe Jackson, and the National Secretary, Comrade Amakuro Isaac, the youths expressed concern over attempts by some politicians to recruit youths in the region as political thugs.

They rather advised youths in the region to get their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and participate meaningfully in the electoral process.

The communique said, “We urge youths of the region to collect their PVC to enable them vote in the forthcoming elections.

“NDYM advises politicians irrespective of Party platforms to desist from recruiting Nigerian youths as political thugs in the forthcoming general elections.

“In order to forestall total breakdown of the fragile peace, especially in the region, INEC and all security operatives should

remain neutral in the course of discharging their duties in the 2019 general elections.

“NDYM appeals to the youths of the region to desist from hate speech as this is capable of truncating our democracy.”

On the NDDC, the youths commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of the Professor Nelson Brambaifa-led management team and appealed that the Federal Government released all outstanding funds to enable the management discharge its functions effectively.

“NDYM calls on the youths and stakeholders of the region to give all the necessary support to the Acting NDDC Management to enhance their performance.

“We call on all the International Oil Companies (IOC’s) and government to remit their quota to the Board for further development of the Region,” they said.

The NDYM also advised the Federal Government to consider the appointment of technocrats into the board of NDDC to compliment the efforts of the political class.

The youths also condemned the use of the military by government to handle challenges in the Niger Delta region.

“We totally condemn the unwarranted invasion of the Niger Delta Region with particular reference to Gbaramatu kingdom by the Nigerian Military since the region is not at war with the Nigerian State,” the NDYM said.

support the Buhari administration in order to appreciate his kind gesture and recalled they were precarious situation for 14 years until he became the President and decided to pay them.

According to Mohammed, it was sad that successive governments had ignored the plight of these people and reduced their dignity, leaving them in abject poverty.

“This administration’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerians led President Muhammadu Buhari to end the 14-year wait and suffering of 5,996 former staffers of Nigeria Airways, who have started receiving payments of their pension arrears and other

benefits from government.

“It Is noteworthy that since liquidation of Nigeria Airways, successive administrations have failed to settle the ex-staffer, leading to untold suffering and loss of human dignity by affected people,” the minister said.

He also added, “It is not just former staffers of Nigeria Airways who have benefited from the people-oriented policy of this administration as former Biafran policemen, former workers of Aladja Delta Steel Company and former Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) workers have also seen their years of suffering and neglect come to an end; thanks to President Buhari.

Don’t Allow Political Interest to Divide Nigeria, Justice Mamman Tells Politicians Francis Sardauna ÓØ ËÞÝÓØË

An elder statesman and former President, Nigerian Court of Appeal, Justice Nasir Mamman, has advised politicians not to allow political interest and divisive comments that could disrupt the nation’s peaceful co-existence.

The retired justice, who is also the chairman of Katsina State senior citizens forum, reaffirmed that politicians must respect the rule of law to enhance peace in the country, adding the nation’s interest should be taken above personal interest.

Addressing some selected journalists at his official residence in Katsina, Friday, Justice Mamman said politicians should not

divide the country because of their personal ambitions at the expense of national interest.

He said: “Please politicians swallow your anger because this nation is more than any individual. What is going on now is not in the interest of the north or Nigeria at all. One of the most important issues is unity and peace, you can’t have a successful nation if you don’t have peace.

“If you recall, Nigeria got independence without killing anybody. We did not kill ourselves in the effort to get independence why because the leaders from Calabar to Sokoto; from Lagos to Lake-Chad were united to form one government.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again made interventions in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) of the Foreign Exchange market totaling $279.13 million and CNY 46.92.

Figures of the sales consummated on Friday revealed that the sum of $279,128,518.66 was injected to meet requests of customers in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors.

CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor also confirmed that the sum of CNY46,924,114.04 was for payment of Renminbi-

Adesina, Others Expected at AU Meeting in Addis Ababa Charles Ajunwa The President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is expected in Addis Ababa on Sunday, 10 February to take part in the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

Adesina, who is leading a high-level Bank delegation comprising the senior vicepresident and sector directors, will co-chair, with His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, the launch of the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) Continental Nutrition Accountability Scorecard.

The event, ‘A Call for Better Advocacy and Accountability for Nutrition Investments’, will be jointly launched with several partners including the ALN, the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Continental Nutrition Scorecard is the latest tool produced by the ALN to raise awareness and reinforce commitments by African governments to end malnutrition and promote healthy diets for children.

The First International Food Safety Conference, hosted jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the African Union (AU), kicks off on Tuesday 12 February. Adesina is chairing the conference which will address, among other topics, current and future challenges to food safety globally, as well as the African leaders’ commitment to scale up food safety in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Conference speakers are scheduled to include the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (incoming African Union chairman), the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame (outgoing African Union chairman), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, FAO Director-General, Jose Graziano da Silva and WHO DirectorGeneral, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Research and academia, representatives from international organisations , civil society and the private sector will also be in attendance.

denominated Letters of Credit for agriculture as well as raw materials.

Friday’s transaction was in addition to the $210 million injected into the Wholesale, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Invisibles segments of the market on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

5 ) * 4 % ": t SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019

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Secondus to Buhari “The Boko Haram in the North-east and the bandits in the North-west, where innocent souls are lost daily, are yearning for troops not areas that do not need them.”

-Yoru National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, admonishing President Muhammadu Buhari on alleged misuse of the military.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Message Nigerians Must Deliver To Buhari Next Week

F

ellow Nigerians, please, permit me to make some quick clarifications in this season of general bickering and mutual distrust and spiteful hatred. One. I do not work for any campaign organisation. I’m supporting the PDP candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, same way I voluntarily supported Major General Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. I do so because there is no viable or electable alternative among the fringe candidates. I believe it is within my fundamental right of association and freedom of speech to support whosoever I wish. Similarly, I respect the rights of others to support any candidate of their choice and see no reason why anyone should get angry and jittery over mine.

Two. I did not choose Atiku for pecuniary or any other gain. I have not been paid by him or anybody acting on his behalf. I would not sell myself where the future of my country, Nigeria, is concerned. As I write, I’m already on my way to Oxford University to resume and engage in academic ventures for the next six months. I’m gainfully employed and happy and content to manage my modest income, so I’m not desperate for government appointment or patronage, as the social media trolls try to suggest about opposition figures. But I cannot watch my country disintegrate or watch an incompetent government drown our dear beloved country in an ocean of bigotry, backwardness, bitterness and bestiality. I owe it to myself, and fellow compatriots, to stand for truth, and nothing but the truth, as one of those it has pleased God to give some visibility and voice globally. What shall it profit a man who keeps silent in the face of unbridled tyranny and abysmal cluelessness.

If I wished, I could have supported PDP in the 2015 elections. Every comfort was assured and guaranteed. But I chose to support a supposed poor man we believed would be a Mandela figure that would rescue us from the scourge of PDP. Little did I imagine we were in the process of inviting a worse pestilence on our nation.

Three. I bear no grudge or personal animosity against Buhari. I love him the way I love mankind and respect the office he occupies which I once attempted to enter when I contested in 2011. I believe President Muhammadu Buhari has not reciprocated the massive goodwill bestowed on him in 2015 and that he has treated us with great contempt and disdain. He has also not properly utilised his professional, competent and capable Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Had he done so, maybe we would now be saying something else. This is not to cause any disaffection within their ranks, but every discerning Nigerian knows that this quintessential gentleman is the reason that there is any real noteworthy success for this administration. Otherwise, Buhari has embarrassed his supporters, endlessly, with his reckless, insensitive and uninformed decisions. What many of those supporting him in public today say behind him is unbelievable and unspeakable. I have friends who confess to private threats of business and physical annihilation and are thus forced to endorse a man they know can never take Nigeria to anywhere meaningful, even if given four terms.

Four. I have tried strenuously to be fair to Buhari and wrote copiously to advise him, from time to time, as I promised him when we met in his office, one on one, in 2015. I

Buhari

gave up hope, after some time, when I saw the direction he was headed and noticed the irredeemable obstinacy in his DNA. Four years ago, many of us were very excited about the hope this great General offered to our nation.

Perhaps, we overrated his capabilities. It has become clear that we wittingly dressed him in borrowed robes and we were all hypnotised and brainwashed, somehow. Today, our eyes have cleared from that giddiness and I’m ready to add my voice to those of others who genuinely believe, Buhari must go. I do this with every sense of responsibility to God and to my country. I will give my reasons shortly.

I have had to apologise in the last couple of months to those who feel very aggrieved that a self-confessed democrat like me could ever support a blatant dictator like Buhari.

You can never imagine the gale of verbal attacks I suffered and endured for what I considered my innocuous support. The last one that really hit me was in Ghana recently.

I ran into the respected Legal luminary, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, at the lounge in Kotoka International Airport. There were two ladies seated with him, one of who I believe is his wife. I greeted them but the other lady snubbed me, and said, “Dele, I will never greet you.”

I looked blank and wondered if we’ve ever met, and how I might have offended her.

Madam soon threw a sucker punch. “Dele, you are one of those who brought that disaster called Buhari on us…” and she went into her tirade. I tried to explain that I’m indeed very sorry and it was not my fault that I fell for the charms and scam of APC. The woman was practically inconsolable.

I have encountered many people like her. A guy almost went physical with me on a flight to London, grumbling aloud about how some of Buhari’s ignorant decisions have messed up Nigeria, his business and family. All I could do was plead for understanding. Unfortunately, Buhari himself is totally oblivious to the way Nigerians feel or just couldn’t be bothered or

is probably insulated from objective criticism by selfish advisers. The tragedy of it all is his Messianic complex. He and his cronies behave as if Nigerians owe them a load of gratitude for favours received. Such hocuspocus and inanity.

I have no iota of doubt left in me that President Muhammadu Buhari has performed well below expectations and that he should be voted out, peacefully, on February 16, 2019. The message should be clear henceforth that there is no automatic second term for incompetence, irresponsibility, irreverence and impunity. It is a miracle that Nigeria has not exploded into a civil war with the manner Buhari has treated some parts as second-class citizens with no right to complain. Let me now give reasons why we cannot afford to donate a second term to Buhari when he has clearly not earned it.

One. At 76, and with a failing health, Buhari should go into permanent retirement at the expiration of his tenure on May 29, 2019.

No man can cheat nature and Buhari isn’t an exception.

Two. Buhari has not been in charge or on top of government and governance since he assumed office on May 29, 2015. Some cronies, otherwise known and addressed as ‘the cabal’, have been ruling without being elected. This can only get worse if Buhari is awarded a second term through our collective stupidity.

Three. The human rights record of Buhari has never been anything to praise or applaud at any time. Nothing has changed since he was kicked out of power by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1985. He has refused to adhere to the rule of law and has continued to trample on the rights of Nigerian citizens despite several court orders. What makes matters worse is that he behaves like Constantin Demiris, a character in Sidney Sheldon’s Memories of Midnight, who never forgets a favour and never forgives an injury. He has kept his presumed enemies in prison, indefinitely and compensated a few of his benefactors with appointments. Buhari does not hold the Constitution of Nigeria dear to heart and as such behaves with maximum use of force. His goons have been harassing the Legislature and the Judiciary on the pretext that they are fighting corruption, but they deliberately target those they consider inimical to their hold on power. They have invaded homes of Judges in the middle of the night, breaking down doors, and swarmed on the National Assembly with thugs and later with hooded and gun-totting secret agents in broad daylight.

He has suspended the Chief Justice of Nigeria when he has neither the authority nor the power to do so. Buhari and those who support this brigandage and total assault on recognised and reverent principles of law and established constitutional institutions choose to forget that the worst kind of corruption is the abuse of power itself. When it is for ulterior and base motives, as is now obviously the case, it becomes a menace that all well-meaning and true democrats must resist with all their might. There can be no excuse or justification.

Otherwise we may as well embrace not just dictatorship, but anarchy.

Four. Buhari has been a divisive leader who appears not to believe in the unity of Nigeria. Under his government, Nigeria and Nigerians have been more divided. The lopsidedness of his security appointments have been dangerously fixated on people of the same

ethnic group and religious persuasion, and he does it with nonchalance and condescension.

If you like, jump into the Atlantic Ocean, our President won’t blink an eye. He claims, with a straight face that he makes appointments on merit, but we’ve not seen the reflection and positive effects of this merit on the war against corruption, terrorists and insurgents.

Five. Buhari’s economic blueprint has been more involved in his stereotypical tightening up the noose on the economy, scaring investors away with ill-thought economic policies and reversal of contractual obligations without negotiations with parties involved, instead of opening up the economy. This has all happened because of his obsession with so-called corruption. Yet, under his watch, not much has been achieved because of his desperation to hold on to power. This has forced him to compromise, capitulate and led him to bring the biggest and possibly most corrupt chieftains of other parties closer to him. He turns the proverbial blind eye to the infamous activities of these nefarious characters because they are perceived as being able to achieve his unbridled ambition for a second term. He had lost elections on three previous occasions and only won when he got the so-called bad guys to help him attain power. Right now, he is heavily relying on them again to bail him out of imminent defeat next week. And this is the man who falsely claims to espouse anti-corruption credentials and touts himself as a man of integrity.

Six. Buhari has failed spectacularly on all his major campaign promises. Nigeria is far worse than he met it. I will be the first to congratulate the government on its achievements in the rail sector and also the success with the militant problem in the Niger Delta. Other than that, he could not even stabilise what he inherited talk less of improving on it. His government has been struggling to control the free-fall of the Naira against the Dollar.

He has not been able to cancel and eliminate fuel subsidies which he once described as a big scam and on which the corruption fight has been largely hinged. In fact, payments have more than doubled and the NNPC now holds a monopoly on importation of petroleum products with attendant risk of corruption in high places. We are none the wiser about security spending by him. This was the second plank on which the anti-corruption war was predicated. Loans have ballooned astronomically, yet infrastructure development remains outlandishly backward. We only get to read about monumental achievements on paper.

Seven. The last but not the least in my view is the perpetual and puerile blame game. Four years after getting power from PDP, Buhari has not stopped blaming his predecessors, forgetting that this was precisely the reason PDP was sacked from power. Buhari won those elections not on his own accord, but because the general populace had become totally disenchanted with PDP, it’s profligacy, looting and mendacity. Sadly, It seems we have come full circle. Since Buhari has shown the inability to perform the magic he promised, it is time to send him back home, with the sure message that whosoever comes next will suffer the same fate. It is a democratic template we must put in place now and forever.

Otherwise, we must accept whatever fate befalls our dear country.

The world is watching.

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