14 Years after Abiola's death: Obasanjo seized MKO's oil concession -Kola Obasanjo

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FG owes MKO over $350m – Kola, son Continued from page 1

embargoed our business”.

The reason the late politician’s businesses suffered immeasurable loss in the wake of crisis at that time was because “my father loved this country and, therefore, almost all his businesses were 100% indigenous; so it was easy to target him because the businesses were based here”.

Kola also disclosed that Obasanjo took over the family’s concession but “ what we did was to go to court and we ensured that we continued to cause a perpetual adjournment of the case until after Obasanjo’s two terms lapsed. We then went to the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua to explain to him what had happened and he gave us back our concession”.

of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, over $350 million, it has been revealed.

In addition, but for the sagacity of Kola Abiola, the late politician’s first son, an oil concession belonging to one of the companies owned by the late Bashorun, which was illegally taken over by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo,would have been lost forever.

These disclosures, coming barely 14 years after the business mogul and politician died in detention in the process of reclaiming his June 12 mandate, were made, last week, during an OVATION magazine-organised interview session with Kola. MKO died on July 7, 1998.

The younger Abiola, who turns 50 years today, said the money owed the family business is in excess of $350 million.“It is difficult to put a figure to the amount the Federal Government is owing us but I can tell you it would be in excess of $350 million”, Abiola said.

Asked if it was possible to get back the money from the Federal Government, he said, “I think, with time, we would address the issue of our money. Some of my friends are in this government but the President is vital in achieving whatever we want! It’s one step at a time.”

He explained that, a former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, “demonstrated an uncommon sense of propriety” by asking him “ what government could do to assist our family and our business after my father died.

I told him that the first thing we would want was for the government to release all our jobs that were embargoed by (General Sani) Abacha.

General Abdulsalami gave us a letter to all the ministries to release our jobs because all the jobs we had going on just before the problem started, Abacha stopped them and

Drama at Oba’s palace, as Jonathan visits Benin *President promises free and fair Edo guber poll while the Iyasei of Benin, Chief

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Sam Igbe, received other GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE members of the delegation. No AND HENRY UMORU reason was given why the Oba could not in the open, receive the HEAD of the July 14, high powered PDP delegation 2012 governorship including its governorship election in Edo State, candidate Airiavbere.

Contrary to insinuations, the President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, vowed to ensure PDP, yesterday, said its team was security, free and fair election not shunned by the Oba of Benin.

The Iyasei, after said, “Our son, in the state, just as he urged members o f the Peoples the President came on a courtesy Democratic Party (PDP) in the visit and, after his visit, he should state to mobilize properly in have a safe journey home.”

While speaking at the Samuel order to ensure victory.

Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of The President, who arrived the Benin Airport at about 11:45am, the state PDP governorship rally, proceeded to the palace of the Jonathan thanked the people of Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, Edo State for voting massively with his entourage, including the for him during the last National Chairman of the PDP, presidential election and Alhaji Bamangar Tukur; Chief recalled that it was in the state Tony Anenih, the governorship that started the campaign for one candidate of the PDP, man one vote, adding that the Gen.Charles Airhiavbere, and the forthcoming election will not be state chairman of the party, Chief an exception.

“So, this time around, no Dan Orbih.

However, there was a drama stuffing of ballot paper. No when the Oba requested to see thuggery, no thuggery, no only Jonathan, in his inner thuggery. It must be one man one chambers when the PDP team vote. I came here to promise the came topay a courtesy call and people of Edo State that they they spoke for about five minutes. should keep faith with that promise, Edo State is going to be one state that will show that example.

“And I have been hearing so much stories on Edo State. Let me G R O W L E D assure you that even this morning, before I came, I called O R U E the Inspector General of Police, I B C A are you ready for Edo State? He said yes. I called the Chief of N I K E N Defense Staff, are you ready for Edo State? He said yes. I G A T E guarantee hundred per cent security for your election and F E A T there will be no manipulation, election results will be entered at B U T V the various units and no body will change figures. PDP is the A R I dominant party, as long as you mobilize and vote, the PDP will G G R A D E win”, he declared.

Anenih, who spoke earlier, said E R E G R the visit of the President had ended what he described as the P E E R rumour being peddled that Jonathan may not show up for the E P E L W campaign in the state.

He said the party was fully O B E Y prepared for the election. His I G H T A words: “We want to put in place a government that will be S T O P responsive to the yearnings of the

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (middle), flanked by his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha (left) and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi at the meeting of National Association of Women Judges in Nigeria held in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Photo: Speaker's Media Office.

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people. Mr President, your presence here has raised our hope. You have energized us. We need a free and fair election. We want to make sure that on election day, all the candidates will be given equal opportunity to vote and go home”.

The national chairman of PDP, Tukur who described the rally as a sea of heads, called on Edo State not to be left out in the PDP train in the South South as the PDP is providing a new agenda in transformation. He presented

the PDP governorship candidate, Airhiavbare, to the rally.

Airhiavbare was also handed over the flag of PDP as the gubernatorial candidate.

The candidate promised a humane administration and an accountable government. He said the first thing is to address insecurity. According to him, there will be peace through enhanced security, improved health programme and education.

Persistent rainfall: Lagos tells residents to vacate flood plains

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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OLLOWING persistent rainfall, Lagos State Government, yesterday advised residents living in flood plains to vacate in the meantime to avoid loss of lives and property.

The state government also assured residents in Oko-Oba, Agege in Orile Agege Local Council Develoment Area, LCDA, and environs that the government would expand the drainage channels and canals to contain the massive rains and flood expected within the next two weeks.

The state Commissioner for the Environment,Tunji Bello, spoke after an inspection tour of drainage channels in Orile Agege area during the monthly sanitation exercise as well as assess the impact of last Thursday’s downpour that left several parts of the state flooded with residents forced to vacate their houses.

Residents in the area who trooped out to welcome the commissioner and his entourage narrated their experiences on the massive rainfall and lamented that the Oko-Oba drainage channel had become incapable of containing the flood occasioned by the rain.

Bello explained that the OkoOba canal was developed in 1989 to suit the capacity of

residents at the time, saying that population increase and the impact of climate change were among the factors that created the challenges of flooding witnessed in the area on Thursday.

“The kind of rain we were having 20 years ago is not the same now and don’t forget that when the channel was created, they took cognisance of the population of that area. Over the years now, the population has increased; we now need to expand the channel to cater for the population. Secondly, the volume of water coming is so much that because the drainage was done a long time ago, it was designed to take a certain amount of water, and now because the water is so much, automatically, it has affected the channel”, the commissioner pointed out.

He continued; “So we have attained the peak period now and i don’t want to say the kind of rain we had, last year, will not be compared to this year. But, for us, the emphasis is for us to be prepared. We have told those living in the low line areas that this is the time to vacate temporarily.”

He stressed that what is happening in Lagos is not peculiar to Nigeria as similar cases were witnessed in United Kingdom and America adding, “People have learnt to see natural disasters as a regular thing, so we must now begin to see heavy rain as part of our own lives”.

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Delta community seeks flow station

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HE monarch of Idjer he Kingdom HRM Erhiekevwe 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom has called on Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan to prevail on an oil company operating in the area to establish a flow station in the domain owing to the numerous oil wells in the area to avert any negative consequences that may arise should the oil in the area be diverted to the flow station at Oben in Edo State.

Uzzi – Gabriel Emeje Agoda, the Iyasere of Idjerhe Kingdom, who addressed journalists in the palace of Erhiekevwe 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, at the end of a general meeting convened by the monarch with all stakeholders in the community, said the attention of the palace had been drawn to a grand design to destabilize the peace of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area.

He said the plan was predicted on a very false allegation that the monarch and some high Chiefs had been compro-

mised by the oil firm to pipe Jesse crude oil through Oben flow station in Edo State, assuring that there was no such arrangement.

The Iyasere explained that a committee was set up by the monarch to look into the matter between the community and the oil company which has remained adamant on siting a flow station in their land, and the committee submitted its report on 23 June, 2012 and advised them against piping their oil

to Oben in Edo State.

The committee, chaired by one Engr. Isaac Okpako Ayenor, reported that Idjerhe people deserved a flow station as the installation, apart from its industrialization values, also goes with some social amenities like water, light and commerce to the host communities as they advised further that the monarch should urgently convene a town hall meeting to enlighten the people and get their input on the oil firm’s position.

Pa Gabriel Fatimehin’s burial A Gabriel Ade Fa timehin (aka Afafilo) is dead. He died on April 22, 2012 after a brief illness, aged 80 years.

Wake keep holds at his residence, L36, Afatilo Street, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 5pm prompt.

Funeral service takes place at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti, on Friday, July 6.

He survived by wives, children, among them,

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Mr Bamidele Fatimehin, grand children etc.

Comrade John Akhigbe with family members and friends during the ceremony to mark his 50th birthday anniversary with the twin sister which held at his Fugar country home, Edo State weekend.

Abia group to pay WAEC fees of 150 indigent students

BY ANAYO OKOLI, Ohafia

A •Pa Gabriel Fatimehin

S part of its empow erment programmes, the Ochendo Youth Empowerment Organisation says it would pay the WAEC fees of 150 bright but indigent students selected from various schools in Ohafia Local

Government Area of Abia State. According to the organization, 75 males and females would benefit from the gesture.

Meanwhile, the coordinator of Ochendo Youth Empowerment Organisation, the youth empowerment outfit of Abia State Government, Engr. Chinedu Orji has urged Abia youths to work hard and evolve ways of being self

reliant, saying that the time for total dependence on government for white collar job was over.

Chinedu Orji who spoke weekend in Ohafia where jobless youths from the area were provided with various empowerment equipments to enable pursue different trades, told the them that they could determine their future by being self reliant.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012 — PAGE 7

From left: Mr. Dapo Awobotu , the Executive Secretary Lagos Film & Vidos Censors Board; Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi, E247 Magazine; Mr Osezuah Elimihe, Elose Plus Media and Mr. Yomi Fashanso, actor, during the Sneak Preview of FirstcauseMovie

by Gabriel Afolayan & Mr Osezuah Elimihe at Eagles Park, Ikeja Lagos. Photo By Diran Oshe.

From right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives and Mr. Victor Ochei, Speaker, Delta House of Assemby at the first anniversary lecture of DTHA fifth assembly in Asaba.

Irate youths kill Abia monarch, 20 suspects arrested

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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BIA State Police Command says it has arrested 20 suspects in connection with the murder of the traditional ruler of Ugwuleru autonomous community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.

The traditional ruler, Eze Iroha Nwankwo, 65, was allegedly beaten to death, on Monday night, in his palace allegedly by youths in the community who were said to have invaded his palace at about 11pm.

The family has, however, through their son, Prince Samuel Iroha, accused a local leader of inciting the youths against their father.

The accused local leaders denied any involvement in the death of the traditional ruler, saying he had no reason to wish the deceased death let alone inciting the youths to kill him.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge

of Criminal Investigation Department in the Abia Police Command, Mr. Joseph Micloth, who confirmed the killing in a telephone interview, disclosed that the 20 suspects had been arrested while investigation continued.

Though he did not give details of those arrested,

he vowed that the police would get to the root of the matter and culprits made to face the law.

Meanwhile, the Nwankwo family, through Iroha fingered of being behind the killing of their father.

According to Iroha, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on telephone yes-

terday, the local leader addressed the youths and after addressing them, the youths invaded the palace and killed the traditional ruler.

The family spokesman said he had already made statement the to police in Umuahia to the effect that the suspect was behind the murder.

Police rescue housewives from kidnappers in Delta

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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OLICE in Delta State, at the weekend, rescued two women: Mrs. Agatha Diden, wife of a former chairman of Warri North Local Government Area and Mrs. Lori Helen, wife of a mechanic, who was seized by kidnappers, at Asaba and Effurun, near Warri, some days ago.

The state police spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, who confirmed the rescue operation, said one of the kidnappers was arrested.

He said the kidnappers abducted Mrs. Diden, whose husband, Mr. Michael Diden, is presently the commissioner representing the Itsekiri ethnic community in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC,

onWednesday, at Asaba .

Muka said the police, acting on a tip off, trailed the gang to Umunede, where the gangsters, on sighting the police, took to their heels, leaving behind one pump action gun and four AK 47 magazines.

VER 28 persons have been arrested in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, for alleged cultism.

On Monday, officers of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, Cross River State, at about 12 a.m., arrested 14 persons, suspected to be members of cult groups

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terrorizing residents of the Calabar metropolis, at the Hawkins cemetery in Calabar South Local Government Area.

In the past two weeks, two rival cult groups that engaged in supremacy tussle had stormed the streets,vandalizing people’s property and making life difficult for residents of the state capital.

But, early morning Monday, following a tip off, officers from the 13 Bri-

US has confidence in Dasuki – ExReagan’s Attorney General DC (1990-1992) and American University, Washington, DC (19881990), has the requisite knowledge to deal with the security challenges facing Nigeria.

He said that the training provided in the United States of America situates every challenge properly, adding: “The issue of terrorism requires that every situation is handled based on its pec u l i a r i t y . ”For example, the issue of terrorism in Northern Ireland cannot be handled like that in Afghanistan or Iran.

Mimiko has redefined governance – Gbonigi NDO State Gover nor Olusegun Mimiko has been lauded by the the retired Bishop of Akure Diocese of the

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Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, for redefining

28 arrested in C-River for alleged cultism BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar

HE United States of America has confidence in the ability of the new National Security Adviser, retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, to combat insecurity in Nigeria, especially the Boko Haram i n s u r g e n c e .

This view was expressed

by Bruce Fein, the Deputy Attorney General of the United States of America during the regime of former President Ronald Reagan.

Fein, now an internationally renowned constitutional attorney, scholar, writer and columnist, said such confidence comes from the training Dasuki has gone through in the United States both academically and military.

He said that Dasuki, who has a MA in Security Policy Studies (1992) and a BA in International Relations (1990) from The George Washington University, Washington,

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gade, Nigerian Army arrested 12 suspected cultists allegedly holding a meeting at the cemetery, while two persons who had fled the scene of the said meeting venue were arrested on the road.

Also yesterday, members of the Quick Intervention Squad, QIS, arrested another 14 persons in different locations in the state metropolis and recovered over 226 wraps of Indian hemps, 258

wraps of substance suspected to be cocaine, kitchen knives and one scissors.

Speaking to newsmen at the QIS headquarters Calabar, ASP Innocent Ayabotu said the squad received intelligence report that some suspected cultists were also hiding at a shrine near Etim Edem park and the suspects were arrested when the squad raided the place.

governance affirming there has never been any government as effective as the Mimiko government since the state came into being.

Gbonigi also praised the governor ’s commitment to the distribution of the dividends of democracy to the people adding that his disposition to the development of the state is worthy of emulation.

The clergyman made the assertion while speaking during the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the governor by the Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria, Ondo District Council, Ogo Oluwa Parish, Ondo

town, as part of the activities marking the anniversary of the Youth Fellowship of the church.

He who commended Mimiko for the various educative and religious programmes put in place by his administration and described the governor as a God-fearing person who leads by example.

He called on the youths in the state to take a cue from the governor whom he said has surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ; the development, the clergyman said is the secret of the success of his administration.

PAGE 8—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

From right: Prince Abdulateef Ogunyinka, Otunba of Mushin, Otunba Gani Adams, Chief Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress/Chief Promoter of Olokun Festivals Foundation; Mr Waheed Shoneye, Chair man, Logistics,Oodua Peoples Congress, during the 2012 Ifa Festival, organised

by Olokun Festivals Foundation, yesterday at Government Technical College, Abule Ado, Badagry Exprwessway. PHOTO; Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Imoke pays widows salary

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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ROSS River S t a t e Government has embarked in the payment of monthly stipends to widows in the state as well as empower them.

Meanwhile, wife of Governor Liyel Imoke, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, has donated six wheel chairs to physically challenged women to ameliorate their sufferings and also distributed foodstuff and clothing materials to widows in the state.

Speaking at the commemoration of 2012 International Widows Day in Calabar, the state capital, Governor Imoke announced that about 980 widows were part of the programme, tagged, ‘SAFETY-NET’ which is for the most vulnerable in the society.

Imoke said, “We have a programme in social welfare, called SAFETYNET for the most vulnerable in the society with a monthly stipend and skill acquisition. We have 980 widows under the programme. This shall be extended to the widows,” adding that his administration’s focus had been to bring governance to those who needed government most Speaking earlier, Mrs. Obioma Imoke noted that the project, Giving Life Options to Widows, GLOW, which is another wing of her pet project, ‘ P a r t n e r s h i p Opportunity for Women Empowerment, POWER, was aimed at mitigating the impact of widowhood, especially those whose condition makes them very vulnerable. “ widows occupy a special place in God’s

agenda. God has put this burden in our heart to intervene and reduce the burden they carry to the extent to which we have the ability to do,” she said.

“The vision of this project is encapsulated in its name, GLOW, which is Giving Life

BY TAYE OBATERU

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ANIC gripped residents of Golhoss village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State and surroundings early yesterday following a blast under a bridge in the middle of the night.

One of the twin improvised explosive devices, apparently planted to bring down the bridge, exploded while the other was recovered and detonated by experts. However, the pillars of the bridge were badly damaged.

The explosion, which went off around 2am at the village located off the Jos-Abuja highway, was said to have thrown, communities in the area who have been under repeated attacks from unknown gunmen for some time now, into confusion.

Many were said to have jumped out of their beds and woken up families and neighbors to find out the source of the loud explosion. A source said communities in the area kept vigil till day break following the blast.

The blast was confirmed by spokesman of the Special Task Force maintaining security in the state, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, in a statement yesterday. He said members of the task force and police bomb

Options to Widows. That way, they will be able to confront all malaise they contend with such as poverty, discrimination, stigmatization, vulnerability to diseases and loss of self esteem.

“We did a symbolic intervention today to commemorate the

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (2nd left); Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat (2nd right), his Special Duties counterpart, Dr Wale Ahmed (left) and the first Vice-Chairman, Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Dr Afolabi Tajudeen (right) during a special prayer session after Jumat for the Governor on his 49th birthday on June 28 at the Alausa Central Mosque, Ikeja. international widows say, but our plan is to teach them how to fish and not necessarily giving them fish so as to change their lives for real.

“Widowhood, is not the end of the world. Our slogan is Keeping Hope Alive. Life should not end because their husbands died. We are here to protect their right and by the grace of God, life continues after. ”

Business mogul kidnapped, killed in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU

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business mogul and owner of a p o p u l a r pharmacy in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State c apital, Chief Godwin Nwosu, who was kidnapped by

Blast rocks Jos bridge experts discovered the yet-to-detonate explosive when they got to the scene.

According to him, there was no casualty

from the blast even though the pillars of the bridge were badly damaged. He added that normalcy had returned to the village.

The statement renewed appeals to citizens to be vigilant and to report suspicious persons of objects to security agencies.

Succour for Kwara rainstorm victims

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has put smiles on the faces of the victims of recent rainstorm in Baruten, Asa, Ilorin West, Ilorin East and Moro LGAs of Kwara State as relief materials were distributed to them to complement the efforts of the state government.

Speaking at the distribution of the materials in Ilorin at the weekend, the directorgeneral of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Sanni Sidi, said there was need for people to embrace disaster risk reduction such as clearing of drainages and avoid dumping refuse in rivers and gutters.

Represented by a deputy director in the office of the DG in charge of finance and supply, Mr. Joseph Okoro, the NEMA boss, however, said the agency would not shirk its responsibility to bring relief materials to victims whenever disaster occurs.

Some of the relief materials distributed to the victims include roofing

sheets, cement, roofing nails, blankets, planks and plastic buckets.

Also speaking, the special assistant to the Kwara Governor on Emergency

and Relief Services, Alhaji Musa Abdulahi, commended NEMA for its prompt response to the situation of environmental disaster in the state.

FG plans bumper harvest

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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N a bid to ensure food security in Nigeria, Federal Government is to ensure that seed sellers sell quality and seeds to farmers for good harvest.

A s s i s t a n t Director,Controller of Seed,Nationwide] National Agricultural Seed Council, arm of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Agboola Adebayo, who led a team to Kwara State said the exercise became necessary because proliferation of bad seeds among seed dealers to farmers has adversely affected food security in the country.

He lamented that the level of compliance among the seed dealers was just above 40 per cent in most

places visited in Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun, saying that some of the confiscated seeds would be burnt in Abuja at a later date.

unknown gunmen has been killed by his abductors.

Nwosu, who hailed from Anambra State was, last Wednesday, kidnapped in front of his residence, while returning from his office located along Water Roads Road in Abakaliki.

After failed attempts by his family and security operatives to rescue him from his abductors, he was, yesterday found dead opposite the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, secretariat along EnuguAbakaliki expressway by security operatives on patrol.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the kidnappers collected an undisclosed amount of money from the family before killing him.

A reliable source in the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, FETHA, stated that when the corpse of the deceased was brought to the mortuary of the hospital, his body already was decomposing.

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebonyi State Police Command, DSP Sylvester Igbo, said the incident was not officially reported to the police but to the SSS, adding that details regarding the death of the business mogul were hazy.

Osun council renovated

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HE Ilesa East L o c a l Government Council Secretariat in Osun State, established in 1976 , now wears a new look.

The Secretary, Ilesa East Local Government Council, Hon. Lanre Balogun, who made it to happen also constructed a new legislature office at the secretariat.

The painting of the two edifices was as a result of the disposition of the Executive Secretary towards maintaining a

clean and healthy environment.

Hon. Balogun also stated that he embarked on the renovation of the secretariat to ensure that workers perform their duties under a healthy environment.

He stated further that the gesture was also to encourage workers to comply with the state government’s campaign on the need for the state workers to live and work in a clean environment and office, respectively.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012 , PAGE 9

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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Need for dialogue

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peakers from each of the zones harped on the need for the federal government to organise and mobilise Nigerians to discuss the way

Now or never?

Fredrick Fasehun

Tanko Yakassai

Action point

John Nwodo

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ith the current state of the nation, emi nent Nigerians, have again unanimously reechoed the need for the convocation of a national conference to address the multifarious problems facing the country.

On the basis of this, the eminent Nigerians converged at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Lagos to warn against further delay for such a national dialogue.

The warning, which was given at the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Steering Committee convened by the National Summit Group, came in the wake of insurgency in the North.

Representatives from each of the six geo-political zones, including Second Republic Presidential Adviser to former President Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai; protem chairman of the group and former Minister of Information, Chief John Nwodo; former governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah; Alhaja Ganiyat Fawehinmi; founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) Dr Fredrick Fasehun and former Minister of Avaition, Alabo Graham Douglas, former Secretary General of Yoruba Council of Elders, Chief Yinka Olajide and Chief Ralph Obiora, among others, were unanimous on the need for the convening of a roundtable discussion.

The group also elected fifteen members into the National Working Committee for the day-to-day running of its affairs, toward the actualization of a national dialogue.

They include: Yakassai (Chairman); Dr. Arthur A. Nwankwo (Deputy Chairman); Mr. Tony Uranta (Secretary); Mrs. Charity Umbwe Shekari (Deputy Executive Secretary); Chief Audu Ogbeh (Chairman, Finance Committee) and Mr. Olawale Okunniyi (Publicity Secretary). Others are: Prof. Pat Utomi (Ex-Officio); Mrs. Ganiat Fawehimi (Ex-Officio); Engr. Mohammed B. G. Bunu (Ex-Officio); Obong Victor Attah (Ex-Officio); Hon. Ralph Obiora (Ex-Officio); Ms. Ene Ede (Ex-Officio); Alhaji Balarabe Musa (Ex-Officio); Mr. John N. Nwodo (Ex-Officio) and Alhaji Gambo Jimeta (Ex-Officio).

threw his weight behind the convocation of a national dialogue but pointed out that it must be done in conformity with the 1999 Constitution.

The elder statesman, who maintained that the country has a lot to gain if it convenes a national conference, said the North West is prepared to give its full support for any conference that will address the problems facing the country.

He said "We are in support of a national dialogue; we welcome a national dialogue because Nigeria has everything to gain."

On his part, founder of OPC, Dr Fredrick Fasehun, who spoke for the South West, picked holes in the 1999 Constitution describing it as defective.

While he advocated for a Peoples Constitution, he said "you cannot continue to operate on a defective constitution.

Nigeria cannot continue to operate a constitution put together by a few military men.

We need a peoples’ constitution because the 1999 Constitution cannot represent the wishes of Nigerians."

Speaking on behalf of the South South zone, Alabo Graham Douglas said it was time Nigerians stop rhetoric and convene a national conference to restructure the country.

According to him, "We must immediately stop rhetoric and begin the process of restructuring the nation. The federal government should spearhead the national dialogue as it has the capacity of getting everybody involved."

Tony Uranta

The security situation which worried us at our first meeting, has worsened.

Our national situation is a clarion call for all patriotic Nigerians to arise and make meaningful contributions for a peaceful and speedy resolution of our national crises

forward for the country.

Protem chairman of the NSG, Chief John Nwodo, who fired the first salvo, argued that "as long as the present structures of the Nigerian nation persists, it will threaten the unity, peace and rapid development in the country."

Speaking further, Nwodo explained that the inaugural meeting of the steering committee will address issues

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such as "a programme of activities to realise our agreed objective; a strategy for raising funds for the sustenance of the activities of the steering committee that will give it objectivity; provide identification of groups with similar objectives as ways and means of collaborating with such groups."

Expressing worry over the growing insecurity in the country, the former minister

said "as we meet today (Wednesday), the security situation which worried us at our first meeting, has worsened. Our national situation is a clarion call for all patriotic Nigerians to arise and make meaningful contributions for a peaceful and speedy resolution of our national crisis."

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n his remarks, secretary of the NSG, Mr Tony Uranta expressed worry over the escalating insecurity in the country noting the need to address such issues.

In addition, he explained that the steering committee was facilitated to convene a National Dialogue aimed at addressing pressing issues facing the country.

Tanko Yakassai, who spoke on behalf of the North West,

t the end of its meeting, the steering committee issued a communique on action points to be taken to address the problems facing the country.

It called on government to “develop a lasting solution to the current security challenges through wide consultation and engagement of all stakeholders in order to bring about dialogue with Boko Haram adherents to bring to an end this unhappy state of insecurity in our nation as it did in the Niger Delta region.”

The communiqué, signed by chairman and secretary of the Steering Committee, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Mr. Tony I. Uranta respectively, said it was imperative for government to bring to an end the menace posed by the Boko Haram insurgency “as expeditiously as possible, in order not to undermine the corporate existContinues on page 10

N PAGE 10 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Continued from page 9 ence of the country.”

In its resolve, the forum called on security agencies to be more proactive in their intelligence gathering operations, and “seek the cooperation of all Nigerians, especially community and religious leaders, to assist the security agencies by giving useful information”.

Now or never?

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Current structure threatens unity —Nwodo

We must stop rhetoric —Graham Douglas (South South)

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Graham Douglas

Shehu Shagari

Extracts from Nwodo's speech at the meeting: As long as the present structures of the Nigerian nation persists, it will threaten the unity, peace and rapid development in the country.

The inaugural meeting of the steering committee will address issues such as a programme of activities to realise our agreed objective; a strategy for raising funds for the sustenance of the activities of the steering committee that will give it objectivity; provide identification of groups with similar objectives as ways and means of collabo-

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esides, the group said should the federal government fail to convene a national conference, it was committed to the task of mobilizing the “Nigerian masses, including Civil Society groups, Government, legislators at National and State Assemblies, Students, labour organizations on the imperativeness of convoking a national conference.”

While it reaffirmed its commitment to the “unity, political stability and national security of Nigerians, it however, condemned the continued spate of “ wanton acts of murder, destruction of properties and arson committed on innocent Nigerians in their places of abode and worship.”

The committee further enjoined security agencies to be proactive in their intelligence gathering operations just as it called for cooperation of all Nigerians, especially community and religious leaders, to assist the security agencies by giving useful information.

On the level of corruption in the country, it said that “corruption in our national life has become pervasively endemic and systemic in proportions not imagined as evident by the appalling levels of sleaze exposed by the probes into the management of Fuel Subsidy, Pension Fund, Securities and Exchange Commission at the National Assembly, in addition to the one on power sector.”

In addition, it called on government to be sincere, and go beyond “paying lip-service”, in decisively fighting corruption by prosecuting all those who have been indicted in corruption related probes.”

Also, it maintained that “it is only a Peoples’ National Dialogue to produce a ‘Peoples Constitution’ that can guarantee the survival of democracy in Nigeria and the nation.

Therefore, Government should immediately put in motion the machinery for initiating the process of convoking a National Conference of all ethnic nationalities and other interest groups to address the challenges of nationhood at the earliest possible time.”

and submit the constitution to a referendum through the INEC. It is then and only then that Nigeria may become the pride of the black race You cannot continue to operate on a defective constitution.

Nigeria cannot continue to operate a constitution put together a few military. We need a peoples constitution because the 1999 Constitution cannot represent the wishes of Nigerians.

The checks and balances of governments at all levels have become increasingly ineffective.

The credibility of our National Assembly and our judiciary is under serious question

rating with such groups.

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heavy for a nation poised to be one of the 20 most developed countries in eight year’s time.

The checks and balances of governments at all levels have become increasingly ineffective. The credibility of our National Assembly and our judiciary is under serious question. Our national situation is a clarion call for all patriotic Nigerians to rise and make meaningful contributions for a peaceful and speedy resolution of our national crisis.

Our present situation abhors by standing, undue partisanship, sycophancy and boot licking.

s we meet, the security situation which worried us at our first meeting, has worsened. As we meet today, no single person is being prosecuted for fraud and sleaze in the oil sector. As we meet today, the allowances of our legislators in the National Assembly remain a secret. As we meet today, the federal government’s monopoly of power, rail, major road infrastructure and the lion’s share of our federally collected revenue has promoted graft, inefficiency and poor delivery of our capital projects. Our state governments maintain a disgraceful recurrent expenditure too

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Only the truth can save our country. It must be saved peaceful and through dialogue.

The younger generation will not forgive us if we do nothing now.

I therefore call on all of you to put on your thinking cap and make our time worthwhile.”

We welcome National Dialogue—Ya k assai (North West)

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anko Yakassai who spoke on behalf of the North West; threw his weight behind the convocation of a national dialogue but pointed out that it must be done in conformity of 1999 Constitution.

The elder statesman, who

maintained that the country has a lot to gain if it convenes a national conference said the North West is prepared to give its full support for any conference that will address the problems facing the country.

He said: “I am one person that will any day welcome a national dialogue as a way out of our current national crises.

Each time I am asked to talk on issues of national security challenges, I always urge that the best way and only way is to embrace dialogue. We therefore have everything to gain if Nigerians would sit down and dialogue We are in support of a national dialogue; we welcome a national dialogue because Nigeria has so many things to gain, dialogue always solves disputes. Nigerians should be allowed free access to discuss the state of the nation.”

1999 Constitution d e f e c t i v e — Fa s e h u n (South west)

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xtracts from Faseun's speech at the meeting If this country that is at present in a state of flux must move forward, she needs a decent constitution, a constitution that will take into cognizance the youths, the women and the aged. I think it is time to sit down and table our problems and I think we have enough problems with this corruption.

We have been dancing from crisis to crisis. When a mad man knows that he is mad, he is half cured. So, we need to sit together, identify our problems, proffer solutions, write ourselves a decent constitution

peaking on behalf of the South South zone, Alabo Graham Douglas said it was time Nigerians stop rhetoric and convene a national conference to restructure the country.

According to him, “we must immediately stop rhetoric and begin the process of restructuring the nation. The federal government should spearhead the national dialogue as it has the capacity of getting everybody involved. We must stop rhetoric and immediately start working out the date when the national conference will take place. We need an instrument of peace and security for our people.”

There is danger if we don't dialogue —Chief Arthur Nwankwo (South East)

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wankwo warned against the dangers of not dialoguing to find solutions to the problems of the country.

“There are two things facing us if we choose to do it or not.

One, we can build a viable and powerful Nigeria if we do that; the other one is not to do it and everyone will go his separate way. I don’t deceive myself. I don’t live on illusion about the break up of this country because this is the only country that Britain put together that is still remaining together. India has broken up; Sudan has broken up. So, what I am advising is that we must sit around the table and chart our future or we go our separate ways,”

Dialogue is important —Mrs. Ene Edeth (North Central) According to her, the fact that the individual and collective needs of Nigerians are not being met despite all the potentials, is an indication that something is wrong somewhere “and this why we find this dialogue very important.”

“All the zones have equal opportunities, they have equal Continues on page 12

National Dialogue: SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012 , PAGE 11

Nigeria is in dire need of national conference — Tonye Princewill Prince Tonye Princewill was born 43 years ago into the family of His Majesty, King (Prof) TJT Princewill Amachree XI of the renowned Kalabari Dynasty. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he was, in 2007, the gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Though he is still interested in becoming the governor of Rivers State, he is yet to declare his intention. In this interview, Princewill bares his mind on some issues concerning Nigeria and politics, among others. Excerpts:

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ou were the Action Congress governor ship candidate in Rivers State in 2007; now, you are itching to be a governorship candidate, come 2015.

Why this fixation for the governorship seat? You can as well aspire for other positions and impact, positively, on the people.

First if all, I haven’t formally declared an interest for governorship candidate, and, like I said, in 2015, I will be there or thereabouts. I could be a presidential candidate.

So, I think it is too soon, or too early to make any public pronouncement on any elective position.

But when you ask about the fixation, my fixation isn’t so much on my personal ambition, but an ambition for my people. The constituency is state, or some metamorphosis of it, because we are talking about state creation. That could be my constituency; my constituency could be Nigeria. But what I am fed up of is dangerous ambition and I am not comfortable analyzing the problems.

So, I want to do something about it, I want to make a difference. People who really mean to make a difference must be frustrated, by having to get to continually talk about the problems. You struggled to convince me that I should go and join the band of senators or House of Representatives members, to continue to get around the issues, but I want to make a difference, I want to make a change and I am afraid that being there as a senator will be somewhere near impossible .

If you can tell me about a senator who has made an impact on peoples’ lives in the magnitude that I am talking about , I don’t know any of them. I would like to see it that Nigerians have to work for Nigeria, I would like to see that we thrive among the league of nations and take our rightful place. I am afraid that not having a change in the status quo isn’t an option. So many people talk about it and I don’t want to belong to that category. While I wouldn’t declare for any

particular political position at this point, be rest assured that I would be part of the change and not the status quo.

From the way you spoke, you are disenchanted with the system. I want you to give us a holistic view of how you want to make a difference.

Why I am fed up is that, our people say you cannot stand in water and soap will enter your eyes. God has blessed this nation well.

If you are sitting or standing, you can talk of resources that can literally transform the continent. You have a large number of people who expect very little from government, you have little or no natural disasters.

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e can contrast that with what we get in many other nations, where you have little or no natural resources.

Take Japan as a typical example, you have few number of

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By Henry Umoru, Abuja

is a consequence to them. I will not because of that compromise to the point that I am no longer in a position to make the change.

I will rather lose than win, with my hands tied behind my back, because I believe Nigeria needs to change and the only way you can change it is, I want to see a younger generation who is exposed enough, yet grounded enough and caring enough to actually confront the problem.

I must say that it isn’t just about wanting to make a difference, it is also knowing how to make the difference. I am undergoing, what you can call a personal tutelage to actually understand the dynamics of how the difference would be made; I am building my own capacity, because I don’t want to go there and be like everybody else. I believe that we need visionaries, who are prepared to sacrifice and, if you can find such

If you can tell me about a senator who has made an impact on peoples’ lives in the magnitude that I am talking about , I don’t know any of them

people with large expectations from government. They also have natural disasters annually and that is just taking it, conservatively, that’s where you have thousands of people dying.

If Japan experiences the kind of corruption that we encounter in this country, they will not even be alive today. So, we are in a country, where people cart away trillions and people are dying of malaria, avoidable sickness, women cannot even undergo clinic for cancer; we have to cry out to survive and everybody is okay about it . I am afraid, I am not just going to talk about it, because frankly speaking it isn’t going to make a difference.

So, some people have to now say, enough is enough, and they must say so even if there

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people, then you have the beginning.

Some people have advanced the logic that the scary security situation in the country was as a result of loss of power by a certain zone; they are also of the opinion that if power returns to that section of the country, we are likely to witness a reduction, or total stoppage in the spate of bombings. What’s your take on this?

I have to be honest with you, there is merit in these statements you have made, but I will like us to dig a little deeper. Why do I say that? It is human nature to want to simplify, but I want us to desist from taking that path. I want us to look at the problems and be a little bit more detailed.

I think the issue of bombings and so on seem to be multi-

Prince Tonye Princewill...I haven’t formally declared an interest for governorship

faceted, I believe that there is political element to it, I believe there is a religious element to it. I also believe that there is ethnic element to it, but I don’t want to rule out the fact that there is a global element to it.

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ow, if I look at each of these elements, independently, and exclude the others, I simplify it. In fact, just put it down to politics, just put it down to religion, just put it down to people having a grouse based on ethnic divide, I forget that there are other issues associated with it.

I will give you a typical example. In the United Kingdom, we had bombings under the banner or guise of Irish Republican Army. It had a political dimension; what people saw as the political wing of the IRA, Sinn Fein, was denied what you can call political right. Was that the cause of the bombings? May be, but again, you simplify it.

There was a religious com ponent to it as well, the Catholic versus the Protestants.

But is that the cause of the bombings? Again, you simplify it. There was an ethnic problem of the Irish versus the English. Is that the cause of the problem? Again, yes, but you simplify it. So, we must refrain from the temptation to box our problem. It is human nature. Oh, he his doing it, because he is an Ibo man; oh, he is like this, because he is a Yoruba man, or people from Niger Delta, they are all militants.

We always, by human nature, simplify and I want us to avoid that. The reason I want us to avoid that is, because the leadership has such problem and, if you are saddled with the responsibility of solving a problem, it is important that

you understand the problem.

It is only when you truly understand the problem that you can resolve it and that’s why I said that the solution to Boko Haram isn’t bravado, it is intelligence.

You need to gather intelligence; it isn’t ‘ we are going to crush’. I remember somebody, somewhere, issued a statement that Boko Haram will be crushed by June. It isn’t about crushing Boko Haram; as much as a menace as they are, it isn’t about crushing Boko Haram, just as it wasn’t about crushing the IRA. There are ways and means and I believe, strongly that these ways and these means need to be looked into.

So what needs to be done?

I believe there is a holistic problem that our security agencies, our government and our leaders need to begin to address.

Now, you asked a second question: is it not likely, therefore, that if Jonathan doesn’t acquire the office of the presidency in 2015 and the North, for instance, does, that isn’t there a likelihood that we would see the return to normalcy? Well, I cannot predict, but I do know that, if we want to avoid it, we can.

There is a common phrase that, if you want to keep getting what you are getting, keep doing what you are doing. And so, if we want to keep getting this tit—for-tat ethnoreligious violence, then we should recognize that where we have come from has produced the current circumstance.

I was in a plane the other day with Ibru and I asked him, ‘is this the Nigeria that you wanted?’ Recently, a new political movement has started

Continues on page 14

PAGE 12 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

We have elevated constitution review to a circus — Hon Jime The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, who represents Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency of Benue State, speaks on a variety of national issues including the constitution review, the insecurity in the country and the performance of the National Assembly in the last one year.

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ne year into the seventh Assembly, critics have ar gued that the parliament is concerned more with probes that the core value of law making. How do you defend this?

Law making comprises in two or three major parts; sponsorship of bills and the passage of laws, oversight and then, of course, representation. If it is about the sponsorship of bills, i would like, with all modesty, to say that in the 6th Assembly put together with the 7th Assembly, the total number of bills sponsored and passed at the House of Representative are far in number than the claim people aremaking. I can say with a certain amount of authority that the number of bills passed in my time from 2007 till now are close to 400. I have heard the argument people make that we spend N300billion in order to pass 12 bills. This is not only far away from the truth but I believe that the problem of this nation, from my point of view, is not really about absence of laws. If you look at even the laws that we inherited from the colonial masters and all the other laws that have been passed including decrees by the military and all of the elected parliaments that we have had in this country, we have covered almost every spectrum of our national life. The greatest problem I think we have is the nonimplementation, non-observance of the laws; in other words non-execution of the laws that have been passed. If truth must be told, this is the only clime that one, with impunity, can

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disregard the law and get away with it.

In the Nigerian context, because of the fact that there’s so much impunity oversight becomes even more critical than the passage of bills.

What would you say is responsible for the seeming weakness of the legislature in Nigeria today?

To say whether National assembly is strong or not depends on which perspective you are looking at the issue. I believe that we should compare what is happening at the national level and what is happening at the state level.

If you want to use that comparison, I think it makes sense to think that the National Assembly has more powers than it is wielding presently. Can we do more? I agree we should do a lot more, but this is quite tricky, the environment in which we are. I remember when Honourable

Hon. Emmanuel Jime

The greatest problem I think we have is the non-implementation, non-observance of the laws; in other words non-execution of the laws that have been passed

Ghali N’ Abba was Speaker, and when the House moved against the then president, there was outcry and sentiments brought to play and then people began to ask the question whether northerners were now moving against a South-westerner who was president. I believe that it’s not possible to have a National Assembly that is really above the Nigerian sentiments and the situation in the country. While conceding that we could do more, I am just pointing to the fact that there

Now or never?

Continued from page 10 potentials and challenges but we can overcome these challenges if we discuss. There is a deep yearning for us to sit at a conference and that is why we must see this dialogue as an important one. It is important for all of us to sit down and discuss because this opportunity must not pass us by.”

Splitting will not solve our problems

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are issues that make it possible; we are restrained in the way that we should actually function.

I think the power probe and other probes may not have seen the light of day, but in the 7th assembly we have the fuel subsidy investigation which, from all indications, was more serious in nature than the power probe and we were still able to carry it through and make sure that it passed on the floor and so we are making progress and we are definitely going in the

right direction.

What is your take on the renewed review process of the Constitution?

We have to make Nigerians understand that a constitution amendment is a process not an event but for us in our country we seem to have elevated constitution amendment process to a circus. If you remember, in the fifth Assembly, during the effort by the Mantu-led National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment, there was an attempt at amending close to about 180 clauses of the 1999 Constitution, but because of one clause that was controversial; I am talking about the attempt to extend the tenure of that particular administration, all of the effort was aborted and what we had then was a situation where both the baby and the bath water were thrown out. I believe that has

— Babagana Bunu (North East) Bunu blamed the problems of the country on information gap, saying it was important to dialogue in the face of the threat by the Boko Haram sect.

“I am of the view that dialogue is a welcome thing anywhere in the world. Anything dialogue at this point in time of the activities of Boko Haram is welcome development. It is a pity that many Nigerians are being killed in some parts of the North. There is a lot of suspicion because some people have attributed the activities of these terrorists groups as political, some say it is political. I think we need to sit together at a round table and discuss the way forward. If we say we want to split ourselves, we will not make any progress”.

been the reason why every time we speak about constitution amendment, the polity becomes heated, and people are looking at it like a carnival.

Do you think the creation of more states now is necessary?

We must clearly understand what is going on here and first, if the major consideration of State creation is viability and the capacity of the state to be able to deliver on good governance, in other words bringing government as close as possible to the electorate, then I think it should be supported. But the fact of the matter is that the present 36 states, with the risk of sounding uncharitable, none of them , probably with the exception of Lagos, Rivers, or may be Akwa Ibom States and a few others in the oil-producing areas, is properly fending for itself.

We all know what is happening. At the end of every month, people send in their Accountant Generals to Abuja and that is how salaries get paid by the states.

Now it is in this sorry situation that people are clamouring for new states and I have heard all kinds of brilliant arguments; people saying that minorities are being marginalized and I ask the question: ‘where don’t you have minorities? The moment you create a state to satisfy a minority request, what you have done is to create another set of minorities because in each of the components, there are minorities.

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ou will be surprised to hear that even in my own Tiv nation where I come from that as a unit, even within the Tiv unit, you will find some parts of Tiv claiming that they are being marginalized by their own brothers and sisters and that is within a tribe. When you extrapolate this and locate it in a state and a nation; then it seems to me that the argument is to create a State in order to satisfy the clamour of the minorities; so the claimof marginalization is useless.

The truth is that if we are to reason clearly, we should have good government that delivers and I believe that if we can actually equitably distribute our resources in such a way that every single part of this nation benefits from what is our commonwealth, then people are really not going to be worried about who the president is or where he comes from, or who the governor is. But, as things stands now, the clamour mostly is in regards to people who think that they too want an opportunity for their sons and daughters.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012 , PAGE 13

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he amnesty pro gramme has been a success Hon. Daniel Reyenieju represents Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. He is also Chairman, Committee on Inter-parliamentary Affairs of the House.

He bares his mind on issues including the exclusion of Itsekiri youths from the PostAmnesty Programme, Sovereign National Conference, controversy over the 2015 elections and others.

What is your reaction to the exclusion of the Itsekiri youths from the Amnesty Programme? Was it a ploy to marginalize the Itsekiri or what?

It will be most difficult to take a strait-jacketed position on whether it is a ploy to marginalize the Itsekiri in the whole Post-Amnesty gamut.

This is because everything about the Amnesty Proclamation and Post-Amnesty policies and implementation rests on the table of President Goodluck Jonathan. I do not think that Mr President will deliberately decide to exclude formerly armed Itsekiri youths from participating in the PostAmnesty program when it is indisputable that the armed Itsekiri youths, under the auspices of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC), responded to the Presidential Amnesty Proclamation on the 25th day of June, 2009. They surrendered a cache of arms and ammunitions to the then Amnesty Committee within the stipulated period like their Ijaw counterparts. To this extent, I will say no to your question. But, as you know, President Jonathan cannot be incharge of everything as the principle of delegation of power behoves on him to delegate some powers and functions to those he has invited to serve in his administration.

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ow these individuals may wish to apply the power delegated to them may not necessarily reflect the political direction the President would have followed if he was directly handling the PostAmnesty programme. To this extent, I will say that some individuals working for President Jonathan in implementing the programme are unrepentantly devious irrespective of their pretentions. Such deviousness is largely strewn with ethnic bigotry. Some of those at the helm of affairs in the post-amnesty programme do not exhibit any modicum of rationality and capacity for truth-telling, such that they

Constitution amendment better than national confab – Hon Reyenieju Exclusion

of Itsekiri from Amnesty programme unacceptable’ line within which the presidential proclamation actually directed that all submissions must be within 60 days.

But, as we speak, not a single person of Itsekiri extraction or militant has been enlisted into the programme and the question is why? And the answer will always be that the Itsekiris have always said they are not militants. But the issue is what constitutes being a militant? What makes you a militant is the ability of being in possession of dangerous weapons and two, the ability to use such dangerous weapons to distrupt a particular society violently.

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Hon. Daniel Reyenieju

now unwittingly immerse themselves in half-truths. In brief, there is no doubt that there are some individuals saddled with the responsibility of implementing the PostAmnesty programme that have committed themselves to the inglorious task of deliberately excluding the formerly armed youths of Itsekiri ex-

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By Okey Ndiribe & Emman Ovuakporie

to feel their pains and approach anybody that could solve such problems. This issue of exclusion of the Itsekiris is an unfortunate incident; we did not contemplate that it will get to a ridiculous extent. From the proclamation of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, it was obvious that anybody that was

President Jonathan cannot be incharge of everything as the principle of delegation of power behoves on him to delegate some powers and functions to those he has invited to serve in his administration

traction from the programme.

Don’t you think the action of those who are implementing the programme did it to spite the Itsekiri youths because the INYC envisaged this fear earlier in the day when they surrendered the arms?

I am saying it because I could say, was probably involved in the whole exercise.

I have been involved and I am still involved so long as it has to do with the people from my constituency. One of the reasons for representation is

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in possession of dangerous weapons that had the capability of causing damage or crisis in a particular area was contemplated. Those persons who embraced the amnesty programme should be demobilized. Demobilized in the sense of submitting their weapons and getting registered, re-orientated and then brought into the system. But unfortunately for us, there was a mix-up; there was a list that was actually submitted by the Itsekiri people on October 2nd, 2010. It met the dead-

o that is where we are. I find it difficult to give details because the issue is already before the House.

Last two Thursdays, we had an investigative hearing on it by the House Committee on Public Petitions and we are awaiting the report to be written and submitted to the plenary. Having done that, the next stage is that it goes to the second stage of consideration and, as a key player at both ends, for my constituents and as a member of House of Representatives, I am a little bit careful so that I don’t prejudice the outcome of the investigative hearing.

So I am very hopeful about what I heard from both the Itsekiri youths and the Amnesty Office. We are getting to an amicable settlement of the entire crisis. Fortunately for us as the Itsekiri youths, the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty has actually said that the Itsekiris were qualified for such inclusion but the question is, how quickly can they be integrated into the Amnesty programme.

Is the Amnesty Programme itself not faulty from conception or don’t you think it is already a failure?

I do not think so. The Amnesty Programme was not faulty at the level of conceptualization and implementation within the context of mopping up illegal arms and ammunitions. In many parts of the world, Amnesty programmes are put in place to achieve the purpose of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. What is wrong

is the pattern of implementation; specifically that some of those that are saddled with the responsibility of the postAmnesty programme are bereft of the required and all important open-mindedness and statesmanship to handle such a sensitive issue particularly in an environment of inter-ethnic rivalry. The problem here which can easily be resolved is that after disarming and demobilizing the formerly armed youths of Itsekiri extraction, the executors of the Post-Amnesty programme opted to specifically deny these Itsekiri youths the opportunities to get rehabilitated.

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hat is your position on the on-going debate concerning 2015 and the sectional clamour for the position of the President?

What does it portend for our democracy vis-a-vis the zoning formula of the PDP? 2015 will come and go and PDP will remain a strong party. The zoning formula is PDP’s strategy for winning elections and it has worked well for us. If our zoning formula is not alright, the Nigerian electorate will decide. For now, it is only within the PDP family that we can discuss the zoning strategy. Given the high level of ethnic pluralism, among others, the zoning strategy remains the surest way to give all sections of the country and all shades of opinion the opportunity to participate and remain equal stakeholders in democratic governance.

Don’t you think it is too early?

We are politicians. Whatever is happening now is part of the politics we have individually and collectively opted for.

Please do not forget the agelong adage that early to bed, early to rise. ’ What is your stand on whether we need a Sovereign National Conference on constitutional amendment through acts of parliament in order to move the nation forward?

Sovereign National Conference was fashionable during the military regime. Today, we are in a democratic dispensation with all the appurtenances of democratic governance.

There is the Constitution and the National Assembly. The Constitution stipulates the procedure for amendments and the National Assembly is saddled with the responsibility of effecting it. This is clear. But the said Sovereign National Conference is not clear and has no place in a democratic environment anchored on a Constitution. In brief, constitutional amendment is the only option available for us.

PAGE 14 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Time to say enough is enough — Tonye Princewill Continued from page 11

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to resur face, the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, the foundation structure of the PDP. Now, if the PDM will ultimately meet to think on how to address the question: PDM, the foundation structure of PDP, what ideology did they promote? remember in the days of NRC and SDP in the aborted third republic, there was an ideology; the ideology was this party represented this set of ideology, this other party represented this set of ideology; which one did you want to belong to? So, in the choice of political party, we had a message, we had an idea, what do they want? Is it free education? If it is free education, what exactly does it mean? Is it free education as per tuition, or free education, as per free uniform, free sandals as what are doing in Rivers State? Is it free education at primary level, secondary level or university level? What does it mean?

So, political parties would need to identify an ideology.

Now, what am I saying? I am saying that we have to ask ourselves in the countr y, where are we going and start to define what our ideals are?

I believe there is a holistic problem that our security agencies, our government and our leaders need to begin to address

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If you remember Martin Luther dream speech, he was talking about dreams of their founding father in America. If you look at our pledge, ‘the labour of our heroes past’.

What were these people labouring for? What were the dreams of our founding fathers? I am afraid that the generation coming behind me, who would recite the pledge

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Prince Tonye Princewill...if you have disagreement with people who live across, that doesn’t mean that we should separate. and sing the national anthem sometimes wonder, what they are talking about.

We need to sit down and ask ourselves, some basic fundamental questions, some core truths. I believe that this sovereign national conference discussion is one that we need to have. I don’t know if

the word, sovereign, applies, because I don’t expect anybody to give up its sovereignty, but there is a need for a national discourse, where we can sit down and talk about our ideals: where are we going? What do we want to achieve as a country? Where do we stand on the issue of

Tambuwal urges closer relationship among arms of govt

HE University of Lagos chapter of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited have joined forces to promote breast cancer awareness amongst Nigerians with a view to checking the spread of the disease.

The campaign, sponsored by SEPL AT, an indigenous petroleum company, was part of the activities designed to commemorate the 2012 edition of PANS’ annual health week.

The health week, under the theme, “Global Trend in Pharmacy Practice: Nigeria’s Position”, ended yesterday.

The breast cancer awareness programme took place in Mushin, Surulere and Akoka areas of Lagos, with special focus on Mushin model Market, Randle General Hospital, Surulere Local Government and University of Lagos campus, Akoka.

Speaking on the sponsorship, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs and New Business Development of Seplat, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, said that the programme “is consistent with the vision of the company’s

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PEAKER of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has advocated greater understanding amongst three arms of government at all levels in Nigeria, as it will engender greater developmental prospects in realising the dividends of democracy.

He made the remark as the chairman of the first anniversary lecture of the Delta State fifth assembly in Asaba.

According to the legislator ‘’there is the need to promote greater understanding, that the three arms of government are mutually complementary and accordingly, each is accountable to the citizenry with respect to all roles assigned it by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended.)”

Hon Tambuwal also noted that the doctrine of separation of power, provides the veritable catalyst in the efficient synergy for good governance as in his words,” it (separation of power)

is not cast in concrete walls, rather there is both the constitutional and statutory permeability aimed at lubricating the act and process of governance.

Motailatu C&S holds Founder’s Anniversary

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HE annual Founder ’s Anniversary of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, L agos District Headquarters holds today.

Tagged ‘Abundance’, venue of the event is the Cathedral of the church, Motailatu Road, Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos.

To preside is the Primate and Supreme Head of the Motailatu Organisation Worldwide, Archbishop I.M. Akinadewo.

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zoning or no zoning?

Aren’t we advanced enough to start to worry about what somebody ’s merits are, as opposed to where the person comes from?

Where does the person want to take off? I think that what we should do, but to cut the long story short, your question about what would happen, in a couple of years if power rotates, is a question that many people are asking.

I think that the only answer to that question will come from the leaders sitting round the table and having a discussion.

If that doesn’t happen, I am afraid that we will continue to rely on trial and errors, reluctant presidents, people who didn’t want to lead but are being forced to lead, for whatever reason or the other.

We wouldn’t have a proactive, well thought out Nigeria, but instead we will have a reactive Nigeria that reacts to circumstances and give reactions like we saw in Kaduna, spontaneously and negatively .

You are in support of sovereign national conference; should there be no-go areas?

No, I am not saying there should be no-go areas, but, unfortunately, in the past three months, I have been hearing my northern brothers say, if we should separate, let us separate. I have heard a lot of my northern brothers echo that sentiment and I believe strongly that unless we can provide all these sentiments good reason to do otherwise, this sentiment will continue and maybe even strengthened.I believe, with my experience, that people who are next door to you aren’t necessarily people who love you. So, if you have disagreement with people who live across, that doesn’t mean that we should separate.

I believe that the country as Nigeria can work, but I believe that people need to sit around the table and have a discussion. So, if you have a referendum in Nigeria, I believe that the majority will opt for one Nigeria that is based on equity, fairness and justice; one Nigeria where the leadership is transparent and accountable. If we can provide that kind of a Nigeria, then we will stay as Nigerians and continue to thrive as Nigerians. So, I don’t think there should be no-go areas; I believe what we should be discussing is h o w we come together and how to move forward as a nation.

Our generation cannot promote that discussion, the people who have put us in this mess need to get us out of it and I think it is their responsibility.

Seplat, students join forces to stem breast cancer CSR initiatives.

These initiatives, aqccording to her, are aimed at creating sustainable values, especially amongst the host communities where our company operates.

Nwachuku added: “Seplat will continue in their sponsorship of such programmes and other initiatives for the welfare of her immediate, as well as, the larger c o m m u n i t y . ”

Prince Benafa (right) presenting an award on behalf of trainees of the Ministry of Niger Delta to Mr. Akpos Kenneth Epidei , Director/CEO Joemarine Institute, Warri, Delta State, during the passing out of non-militant agitators of the Niger Delta struggle.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 15

PAGE 16—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

debbiemoments@gmail.com

President Goodluck Jonathan is not the messiah in any aspect of our national life, contrary to the platitudes regurgitated from time to time by the President himself and his court jesters. To compound the problem, Mr. President has not manifested the level of seriousness, determination and urgency required to deal with the challenges of nation-building, especially sickening corruption among the “high and mighty.” He is yet to lead by example in terms of

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N a cool Friday evening, a few days after President Goodluck Jonathan had unilaterally proposed a name-change for the University of Lagos, I went to the Senior Staff Club to relax a little after spending over six hours working on a research paper I was writing. As I entered, someone was speaking in an angry loud voice: “I regret queuing in the sun to vote for Jonathan! Can you imagine? Jonathan is busy chasing shadows changing the name of a university while very serious issues were yet to be properly addressed by his government. Let something push him to seek for second term in 2015. I will do my best to ensure that he is humiliated!” The vehemence with which the discontented man voiced his profound disappointment over Jonathan’s lack luster performance is quite understandable. Since Goodluck Jonathan became President after the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, there is no discernible genuine progress

entirely different song now after being invited to join the presidential makosa dance, his allegation that Mr. President hit the ground dancing instead of hitting the ground running has been amply corroborated – in fact Jonathan is still dancing. Jonathan’s poor record and demonstrable inability to deal decisively with parasitic corrupt cabals sucking the country dry vindicate maverick Prof.

Tam David-West who, right

By repeatedly making empty promises, President Jonathan is losing the trust, confidence and goodwill of Nigerians and the support of sincere well-wishers

transparency, zero tolerance for corruption, and genuine patriotism anchored on a profound understanding of the concept of servant-leadership.

Meanwhile, although Reuben Abati is singing an

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from the start, declared him unfit to rule Nigeria at this time. Even so, most Nigerians who gave Mr. President the benefit of doubt are now cynical and disillusioned with him.

The wide gap between the

highfalutin rhetoric of President Jonathan and his actual performance is remarkable: it is reminiscent of retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s era when grandiloquent speeches were routinely used to mesmerise Nigerians. Some people might think that the speechwriters for Jonathan are doing a fantastic job for their master. But I see the issue differently: by repeatedly making empty promises, President Jonathan is losing the trust, confidence and goodwill of Nigerians and the support of sincere well-wishers embarrassed by his terrible errors of judgment, despite the fact that some prominent sycophants from the southsouth talk as if he is the messiah who would transform the country. Now, if anybody is still hoping that President Goodluck Jonathan can turn Nigeria around as he promised on May 29, 2011, I believe his latest comments on assets declaration have blown such expectation into smithereens. President Jonathan, during his Media Chat on Sunday June 24, when questioned as to why he was yet to declare his assets publicly, blurted out: “I don’t give a damn about that. The law is clear about it and so making it public is no issue and I will not play into the hands of people. I have nothing to hide. I declared assets publicly under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua because he did it, but it is not proper. I could be investigated when I

leave office. You don’t need to publicly declare it and it is a matter of principle. It is not the President declaring assets that will change the country.” Now, frankly speaking, such arrogant ill-tempered response to an issue of grave importance is a public relations disaster for this administration, because it portrays the President in bad light It is astonishing that Jonathan sees public declaration of assets merely from a legal perspective even when, by his own admission, his immediate predecessor led by example on this issue. Going by provisions of the Fifth Schedule, Part 1, of the 1999 Constitution, it is not mandatory for any public official to declare his or her assets publicly. But then, leadership transcends legalism. A genuine leader must be willing to go beyond the letter of extant laws and do the right thing to set a good example for others to follow. Transparency, accountability and humility are the moral imperatives of responsible leadership. But in the reckoning of our President, it is not proper to be transparent and accountable to millions of Nigerians who voted him into office.

What a shame! To worsen matters, he claims he has nothing to hide and that public declaration of assets by a sitting President will not change the country.

These assertions, in my view, conclusively prove that President Jonathan does not really understand

what is expected of a leader in a corruption-infested country like Nigeria. Of course Jonathan is hiding something. I strongly believe that a forensic audit of his assets from when he was Vice President to this time would reveal extraordinary quantum leap in the value of his possessions.

Moreover, by suggesting that public declaration of his assets would not change the country, Jonathan unwittingly dissociated himself from the sound moral standard which enjoins leadership by example. The shibboleth that he could be investigated after leaving office is thoroughly dishonest; otherwise Mr. President should have gone ahead to mention at least one former head of state who has been successfully investigated and dealt with since independence. Obviously he cannot, because all of them are “untouchable sacred cows” inspite of the heinous crimes they committed against our people. From the foregoing, President Jonathan deserves an ‘F’ in my score-sheet for his imperious stance on public asset declaration by political office holders. Therefore, I advise those who still see him as the messiah that would liberate Nigerians from poverty, suffering, disillusionment and premature death to wake up and face the truth. With him in power Nigeria will continue to totter and stumble.

The real messiah, the original messiah for our bastardised country, is yet to emerge.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2011, PAGE17

“Every government is run by liars and nothing they say should be believed”. I.F Stone. US Journalist, 1929. (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 80).

HAT Stone wrote in 1929 is still largely true today. Govern ments, by and large, are run by people determined to deceive their hapless “Fellow Countrymen”. Thus, when about three weeks ago, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, under “Lagos Boy”, Segun Aganga, announced that the government had created 1.4 million jobs since last year, I knew it was untrue. And nothing gave the game away more than the fact that 1.3 million of those jobs were credited to the Bank of Industry, BOI. Readers of this column would recollect that, two weeks ago, I wrote an OPEN LETTER TO THE BOI MD, asking the

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The challenge for the Minister, now, is to substantiate his claim or do the honourable thing – apologise to President Jonathan, to Nigerians and resign his appointment

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bank to confirm the reported 1.3 million jobs created in one year. To its everlasting credit, the BOI was prompt in its response; which is voluminous. But the most important part of the reply to my inquiry is reproduced and italicized below.

“The attached summarises the highlights of BOI’s operations and their developmental impact over a ten year period 2001-2011. As indicated during our brief conversation, the number of direct and indirect jobs created under reference are cumulative not for one year”.

The challenge for the Minister, now, is to substantiate his claim or do the honourable thing – apologise to President Jonathan, to Nigerians and resign his appointment because the matter of job creation is too important to be left to liars in government. Unfortunately, truth is being murdered in Power, Petroleum, Justice and other Ministries as well.

From Fourth to First Estate (cont’d).

“Stewards are not hired for their intelligence but their loyalty and reliability” -Anonymous.

The whopper about 1.4 million jobs was delivered on behalf of the Minister by a former distinguished member of the Fourth Estate – Ms Kolapo – a brilliant economic and financial analyst and former columnist for PUNCH. That was until last year when she, like others, crossed to the First Estate. Those few months seem like eternity now judged by the changes they induce in the carpet crossers. From diggers for facts; they turn to peddlers of falsehood. Kolapo of the PUNCH would have been among the first to see through the lie that she was asked to dispense three weeks ago.

It’s a pity. Obviously, it is now impossible to cross over from the Fourth Estate to the First without discarding a good chunk of the integrity which informed the selection by those in government in the first instance. At the Federal and State government levels, it had been a long history of former credible columnists becoming tools in the hands of the people they once denounced for dissembling.

One former commentator with the GUARDIAN was employed as Commissioner of Information by Governor Lucky

Igbiniedon. Within weeks the quality of press releases improved, as expected; so did the quantum of lies that were sent to the public. I once wrote to the former Commissioner asking to verify the claims made on behalf of the Edo government. Until, they left office, it was one excuse after another for not granting the request. Till today, no Commissioner of Information has accepted the challenge for verification of claims by the government he serves - except Governor Uduaghan, who gave me free hand to investigate the Asaba Airport Project. By the time you read this column, I would have gone out to verify another claim by the Delta State government. Which other state government is ready? Yet, all the state governments are served by former journalists.

SHORT NOTES 116 Rio tourists “O God let it not be true”. That was my prayer when I read that 116 Nigerians went to Rio for the Earth Summit. As usual Nigeria had the largest contingent of mostly idle people in Brazil. Far richer nations sent less than thirty and most Presidents stayed away. What could have informed this senseless waste of funds?

Incidentally, those defending the President’s departure to Rio by arguing that “the President can govern from anywhere” should tell us why George Bush cut short his vacation on September 2001 when the World Trade Centre was attacked.

Was it because he could not govern from anywhere? No wonder Nigeria is getting no where. Jonathan has surrounded himself with the shallowest thinkers of any Head of State since 1960.

Georgia on my mind “Georgia is one of the least corrupt countries in the world”- advert on CNN. Georgia was a part of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, USSR, until the units agreed to go their separate ways. It is now a separate country on its own. That advert designed to lure tourists to Georgia caught my attention and brought tears to my eyes. Will I ever live to see the day when Nigeria can make that claim? Definitely not with Jonathan, Tukur, Oyinlola, Metuh etc as the leaders of the PDP – a party which is corruption incorporated. The emergence of Tukur, a former General Manager of the NPA, as Chairman of the PDP is symbolic. Something being researched now will demonstrate to all Nigerians why the PDP can never fight corruption.

ICPC recovers N627b Pension Fund Apart from the fact that virtually every kobo was recovered from a “card-carrying” member of the PDP; the questions to ask are: where was the loot kept? If in banks, when will the banks’ top executives who collected the funds be prosecuted for receiving stolen funds? Lastly, can the ICPC please release the list of those caught with the loot?

Adventures in Prophecy (cont’d) “You will one day become Managing Director ”, I told a branch Manager of UBA, 97/105 Broad Street, about eight years ago. Last week, I received a call from Mozambique.

He had been appointed Managing Director of UBA in that country. That is only the beginning. There is a Permanent Secretary in Delta State who has Ministerial appointment in his future…

Moral leadership DENRELE ANIMASAUN FROM LONDON

A general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make him General Douglas MacArthur

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ERMIT me, if you would, to start with the words of late Segun Olusola: “It is unfortunate that many people have missed opportunities to make peace.

I want to spend more time in my lifetime to convince our political leaders to change their attitude towards the poor and the society at large.

We have a problem of defining what a stranger is and what an indigene is. From Jos, Plateau State to the Bakassi, Sabo community and all over the Yoruba speaking areas, we are creating a dichotomy that can result in war between the so-called indigene of a place and the so-called strangers in that place.

You have people who regard themselves as indigenes and make life uncomfortable for those they have regarded as strangers”.

I found his words so prophetic and so relevant more today than ever. I read a lot of reactions to what is going in our country.

Should we stand back and see it fall to bits round our ears? We now live our lives on superhighway of get rich by any means possible. We send out to younger generations that is okay to embezzle and siphon the nation’s resources as long as you don’t get caught and if you do , make sure you have greased the palms of

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The minister lied on job creation

The whole world is watching while our leaders plunder our nation of its natural resources and our leaders set bad examples

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many people down the line.

The ordinary Nigerian is sick and tired of the same old things: stress day in day out, no adequate power, no essentials of life, insecurity, noise pollution, lack of adequate education, health facilities and social amenities. And the young are restless.

So they should be. We are saying you only get respect when you have as much money as possible in a little time as possible. This is morally wrong and we are required to shift our way of thinking. If I am preaching to the converted then once again, I apologise.

We have not exactly set them a good example in the way that we, as Nigerians should be living and working towards a better way of life and togetherness.

In the last couple of months, we have witnessed a series of incidents and so far, I hear that the phrases “God save Nigeria”, “let us pray for Nigeria” if there is a problem , we should seek solutions.

The trouble is Nigerians are the problem.

So therefore, Nigerians will be the solution. Actually Nigeria is waiting for no one else but Me and You. We seem to look on to divine intervention and the government to lead the way. I do apologise, but we are used to complaining about what other should do for us and not what we should do for ourselves. We have lost our moral compass and professing to be devotional do not make this happen.

We need a decisive moral leader as an individual and a collective. We need the qualities of someone who governs or

make decisions based on fairness and ethical guide lines. It should not be on personal, political or financial basis.

This may sound idealistic , we must be a shining example even if it comes into conflict with established laws. Rules are made to guide us, but we cannot follow them slavishly when it is not morally right. We as individuals should exude integrity, honesty, courage and confidence to do the right thing.

Yes , I may be teaching an old woman how to suck eggs, but seriously, we should search our conscience and ask ourselves when was the last time we did something for someone without asking for something in return; when we condemn our leaders, we should know we voted them in, more or less they are a reflection of how we are as a people.

In order to understand why our country is not working we have to apportion blame starting with ourselves.

You probably know what I am alluding to ; the last couple of bombings, robberies, plane crashes; the incessant extensive loss of lives ; the doddering responses of our leaders to act decisively to quell this uprising.

It took too long to act but there was the sacking of the National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi and the Minister of Defence, Bello Haliru.

Would this help the situation? I don’t think so. Never the less, it was a surprising and decisive action.

But people cannot live in a state of insecurity. We have members of the armed forces committing armed robbery; politicians looting the national coffers; teachers selling exam papers; hospital staff stealing medicines; kidnappers seeking ransom money people taking bribes for treatment, or accountant cooking the books. And the law, well don’t let us go there.

No one says the job of a leader is easy, it is not. It is a huge responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. It seems that people go into politics to loot the coffers and not make a change in peoples’ quality of life.

We are so corrupt that when a well-meaning Nigerian comes along with a fresh broom, he is told that he is too honest to work in Nigeria.

So every day ,you grease peoples’ palm to carry out the job they are paid to do. So when you are making any costing, it’s important that you include the cost of bribery. It is endemic in our community we have seen bribery and corruption as a way of life. So how then do we tell our children that crime doesn’t pay when we are our part of the problem.

The whole world is watching while our leaders plunder our nation of its natural resources and our leaders set bad examples.

It is high time we searched our conscience that in order for us to have a nation or nationhood we should lead by examples. We need moral leadership top to bottom that does not reflect on who you know, but what you merit.

It should encourage every individual’s innate capacity to choose and act in a way that society can grow , with sets of moral values, universal principles, ethics and positive attitude.

We should as individual catalyst, transform our society. It requires vision, initiatives, patience, respect, courage and faith. More and more as our world experiences global crisis and we need leaders to join forces to battle for the greater good.

PAGE 18—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

State Police in Nigeria? Not now!!! family just as the local police and his family are also well known, the entire community is well positioned to assist the local police to deal with a criminally minded family. Nigeria no doubt needs the model. But it is not the same thing as State Police

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hen State Gover nors rose from a meeting in Abuja a week ago to join those calling for State Police ostensibly to stem the tide of insecurity in the nation, people like

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OTHING has of recent given Nige rians more anxiety than the unprecedented high level of insecurity in the nation. Any one who watched the 2012 ministerial platform where the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), reeled out incredibly high figures of such crimes as robbery and kidnapping adding that 766 firearms and 31,175 ammunitions were recovered from suspects in year 2011 must have become apprehensive especially with the spate of bombings in parts of the country. Those who believe that the problem is attributable to a weakness in the capacity of the federal Government to effectively deal with the issue have since been calling for the creation of State Police. Interestingly, some of those making the calls erroneously equate it with community policing where a contingent of the police made up of ‘sons of the soil’ is stationed in each community to maintain law and order there. Of course, there is ample efficacy in community policing especially its feature of local ownership. And because everyone in the community knows the thief and his

them from doing. According to Section 215(3) of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999), the President or such other Minister of the Government of the Federation as he may authorise in that behalf may give to the Inspector General of Police such lawful directions with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order in the nation. While it is true that the Nigeria Police has hardly met the expectations of the people, it is equally hard to find areas of governance

While it is true that the Nigeria Police has hardly met the expectations of the people, it is equally hard to find areas of governance in Nigeria where state governments have done better than their federal counterpart

me could not be amused.

Rather, it was for me a call that needed to be thoroughly examined because what the Governors want may not be community policing but a police force for each of them to deploy into whatever suits him at any point in time - an appropriation which the nation’s subsisting police system precludes

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in Nigeria where state governments have done better than their federal counterpart. In addition, apart from the fact that nothing stops a Federal Police from community policing, other nations like France and Denmark which operate the Nigerian type of police structure do not have our type of insecurity. Therefore

Govt as travelling theatre nation an “imagined community,” and to put that simply, such a community is an abstraction held together by ritual and symbolic capacities – the flag, the post office, the railways and road networks, and so on, which constitute the central nervous system of this essentially economic and political unity, which eventually evolves towards a clear cultural unity.

he fractality of nation is essential to its comT position as a modern system and a center of human organizing and production.

I should get off this high horse of theory, certainly, and simply say this, and it is true, that until Nnamdi Azikiwe’s network of newspapers in 1937, there was no discourse called “national discourse” in Nigeria. It was the Zik group of newspapers that opened the dialogue of nation and first rendered the idea of Nigeria possible, immediate and organic textually. That is, it was the West African Pilot that first imagined Nigeria into being. This in itself was equally made possible only because of the Nigerian Railways that by 1927, only a decade earlier, with the final construction of the East-North Rails, complet-

ed and created a possible network of movements of people and goods in a cross-national manner, and made the distribution of the ideas of the nation as shared affiliation and destiny, through the Pilot possible.

The long and short of it is that as nations go, Nigeria is a very, very young nation, going through the first phases of its growth pangs.

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AST week, Sam Mo moh a reader of the “orbit,” posed a number of questions to me in reaction to my column.

The most poignant of his four posers speaks directly to the rest, and in summary, to the so-called “national question.” Sam Momoh asked, “Which other country in the world has been created by a colonial authority that contains more than 200 nations having their own languages and cultures?” I think I owe him some answers as a foreground to my thoughts today.

I will start by noting what other theorists of the modern nation have already noted that the nation by its very nature is an artificial construct. It is indeed artifice. There is no single coherent, organic nation formed out of a single, linear ethnic and historical formation. As I said, a nation by its very nature is a composite system of affiliation; it is artifice – that is put together from a matrix of sources into an ordered and aesthetic ideal. Nation and nation formation is, in the modern sense, an assimilation of all once organic communities into a broader social, economic and political affiliation. Now, Benedict Anderson calls the

whether a federal is better than a state police system is academic. Indeed, in the United Kingdom with a long standing decentralized police system, there are recent demands both in England and in Wales for a National Police Force.

Second, what the entire world including Nigeria faces today is not petty misdemeanors but bombings and other forms of terrorism that are trans-border and international which one State cannot handle alone. So, this is not the time for local crimes which are supposedly best handled at State level.

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hird, that the call for State Police is self serving can easily be deduced from the request by the same Governors for an intervention fund by the Federal Government to help the States fight insecurity. Since the Governors do not have enough resources for the task, they are perhaps only using the subject to create a new subhead for more funds allocation from the federation account. No wonder, President Jonathan was so incensed lately by what he described as the playing of politics by some of leaders with issues that touch the life of the nation. We could have applauded the Governors if they had rolled their security votes into the intervention fund. After all, Governor Kwankwaso of Kano State who was absent at last Monday’s meeting had earlier revealed that security vote was nothing more than a device for stealing.

Kwankwaso’s Deputy who was in attendance reminds me of reports some years to want to shape Nigeria to their very image. Two powerful religions – Islam and Christianity – also seem powerfully opposed and seek to shape, through their adherents, the soul of Nigeria.

These are clear truths and grounds for potential and unresolvable conflicts. But my argument and the argument of those who see the Nigerian possibility is that these factors will meld only in time, and that such a thing as a “Nigerian culture” is already forming through a hybrid and osmotic process. It is clear in the music, in the art, in the literature, the language, the culinary forms, that an essentially Nigerian culture is emergent from a spool of redundant and affiliate cultures. Part of the current

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Nigerian culture” is already forming through a hybrid and osmotic process

The amalgamation of the North, the South and the Colony of Lagos, made Nigeria administratively less complex and in fact, more productive. The question of course, and this has been the argument of critics of the continuity of Nigeria as a single nation is that such an act of colonial will forged upon the anvil, an inchoate people of diverse affiliations; too divers in fact as to make it unwieldy and impossible to govern or come together. I think that there is a valid argument in this, but only in the terns that three powerful dominant ethnic categories seem

crisis of nation is to be understood as the anguished cries of these redundant cultures – the dead kingdoms, sultanates and city states – and their romantic defenders clinging to the past. As for examples, there is no Nigerian ethnicity that is in itself one organic whole and made of one organic past: take the Igbo for instance, which was historically a federation of five essential but interlocking groups – the Agbaja, the Isu, the Nri, the Oru and the Idu. The Idu, which we now call the Benin, over a period moved so apart, that it is itself a hybrid culture formalized

back that to ensure strict application of sharia law, he personally led a group of thugs to invade some hotels in Kano. I then visualized what he would have done with a State Police.

Such a verdict of history is another reason for caution in supporting the call for State Police. We need to recall our past experience where Local Authority Police were used to intimidate real and perceived political opponents and enemies.

Unfortunately, there is nothing to show that politicians have turned a new leaf. Here, a few examples would suffice. Whereas we all know that an electoral body is expected to be manifestly impartial and nonpartisan, some Governors do nominate persons to serve as electoral commissioners from among the executive members of their political parties. During the previous administration in Osun State, the local government elections conducted by such contrived umpires had to be rendered null and void while the electoral commission itself was declared illegal by the Judiciary. As for the running of local councils, it is an open secret that State Governments have also been an impediment. According to Governor Aregbesola “some councils had been so impoverished by their governors that they had to borrow in order to pay salaries”. In Edo State, election to the office of Governor is due in two weeks. As part of political education, debates are being organized by different media houses for all the candidates contesting the election. The between the Igbo and the Yoruba, which themselves were never one organic group historically, but comprising the Oyo, the Ijesha, the Ekiti, the Iseri, and the Ijesha.

At the time of the arrival of the British, these different Yoruba states were involved in a deadly civil war, so much so that it was the Yoruba rulers themselves that asked the British in the 19th century to come and establish governance over them. One would be shocked by the close cultural genetic relationship between say the Igbo and the Jukun and the Tiv and the Kanuri, or the fact that some of the returnees from Portugal and Freetown that made up the modern Lagos elite came from Hausa stock. Beyond Nigeria, I will draw the example of two currently powerful nations: China and India, with vast ethnic and religious diversities.

Each of these modern nations is a product of colonial formation. India of the Murgals and the Rajs was finally fashioned into a republic, and with the laws in 1975 abolished the ancient kingdoms and their claimants. The Chinese Cultural Revolution led by Mao Tse Tong, restored China into a modern republic, particularly after the British “opium colonialism” over it.

Nigeria cannot compare with the vast demographic and territorial diversity of either India or China. I have been traveling in Italy for the last two weeks, and familiarity with Italian history indicates that the modern nation of Italy is itself the product of the amalgamation of an ethnically di-

State owned station , Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS)in breach of the ethical value of balance and objectivity is spending 98% of its airtime telling the people what the incumbent Governor has done and is doing to develop the state as well as what he is likely to accomplish in his second term. The remaining 2% is devoted to publicizing what the other major contenders have either not done or are incapable of doing. Incidentally, such a trend from which no one can distance ownership control is not new at the EBS considering that 21 years ago, the Station was responsible for the nullification of an otherwise hitch-free Governorship election held on December 14, 1991.

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e are thus left to im agine the fate of the citizens of such a state when it acquires a State Police?

Obviously, whoever is Governor is not likely to heed the old injunction of the famous Lord Denning that no government official “can tell the Commissioner of Police that he must or must not keep observation on this place or that; or that he must or must not prosecute this man or that man, nor can any police authority tell him so. He is not the servant of anyone save the law itself .”

For now, it appears wise to suggest the commissioning of a university research project on the issue of State Police in Nigeria. We may be lucky to get a finding that basic issues like gainful employment and food security would be more useful to the nation than policing. verse group of city states through war and conquest.

Almost every country in Africa is the product of colonialism. In fact, almost every country in the world, at one point or the other, was the product of colonialism and conquest. And so, Nigeria is neither unique nor impossible.

ts greatest problem is I self-definition. Government in Nigeria is like the Alarinjo traveling theatre – comic and farcical. That is why institutions of government rig population census figures and election results.

The rupturing of the controls that ought to make Nigeria possible happened because Nigerians tolerated the hijack of their government by people who had very little ideas about what it means to run a modern democratic and secular republic. We still have all kinds of “gbanjo” monarchies and royal high arses contending with the nation as the epicenter of affiliation and guarantor of citizenship. Governments have spent public resources funding religious pilgrimages and ethnic and “ancient” monarchies, in a supposedly modern, democratic and secular republic, in which individual rights, rather than ethnic rights ought to be the basis of the social contract.

That is the problem. If every Nigerian as an individual feels equal access to the resources and privileges of Nigerian citizenship, there’d be no contention.

Breaking up Nigeria, without resolving these contradictions will only metastize the problem.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 19

She wants it Dear Rebecca

I

am an eighteen year old secondary school pupil who is in love with a girl who is 16. We met at her school’s inter-house sports competition three years ago. Since we started dating, I have not had sex with her but she has been demanding for it.

Although very often, I make up my mind to have sex with her, but when we get on the bed, I would abruptly change my mind. This makes her unhappy and she stopped coming to my house for two months now. Please could you give some tips on how to overcome this sexual indifference on my part?

Ugo, Umuahia.

REPLY

W

ELL, we give thanks to God for holding you back from a risky venture. You did not say whether you have had previous sexual experiences or not, but I guess it was fear and anxiety about the unknown which must have held you back. Both of you are too young and inexperienced for sex, and I would advise that you abstain from it. As for your girl, I guess she wants to experience it because of what she has heard her friends say about it. It is obvious that there has been no counseling talks on sex either at home or at school, for her, otherwise she would be rejecting sex, rather than inviting it. However, it is not enough for you to refuse having sex with her; you should explain the dangers involved and tell her that sex is not the ‘fun’ people make it out to be.

First, there is the risk of pregnancy which would disrupt her studies and cause trouble in the families. You are both far from being ready to get married, and an abortion done badly might result to her not being able to have babies I future, or in death.

Using contraceptives now is not advisable as some may affect her health, and the safe period is not reliable.

Again, once she begins to have sex, she may want to go with different men and she would run the risk of contracting

venereal diseases, and also infecting you, the boyfriend. Some venereal diseases, when not treated well, and quickly, can make both men and women sterile and unable to have kids.

Tell her the importance of respecting her body and keeping it for whoever she intends to marry. She should be glad that she has a sensible boyfriend like you. Sex is best in a serious relationship like marriage. Before then, it’s important to know much about sex, contraceptives and venereal diseases.

Sad about the distance between us!

Dear Rebecca

I

am 18, she is 16. We were very fond of one another. The problem is that we live far apart. When I really need her comfort, she is not there and this makes me feel empty. There are times when I think I should have another girl.

What do you think?

Martin, Lagos.

REPLY

I

understand how you feel. When one is in love as a teenager, one is quite feverish about the relationship. You want to be in the company of your beloved every minute, telling her how much you love her and

feeling good about yourself that you have such a lovely girlfriend.

To live far apart and not be able to enjoy her company is sheer torture.

There is also the unpleasant thought that other boys could be after her and she might be attracted to them and consider you no longer good enough for her.

Also, you want someone

you can hold and practice all the romantic gestures you have in mind on. This is all very natural. However, one should exercise some maturity and patience when one starts to have romantic relationships.

Take the other person’s situation and feeling into consideration. In your own case, it is the distance. So, be patient

if you are really fond of her, and work out the number of times you can meet in a week. Make sure you play according to her rules, and not pay her visits that will annoy her family.

At your age, you should have several girls as friends. No meeting secretly and no sex. Just ordinary friendship as you mature and study girls. If there is romance in it, put it under control and limit it to just hugs and holding hands. Even if the girl wants sex, don’t allow it. You are both too young, and you could land in trouble.

You don’t want a situation where you disrupt your studies and career because you got a girl pregnant and have to fend for a baby or bring additional financial responsibilities on your parents.

If you keep yourself busy with your studies or training or with hobbies you enjoy, you would not be so desperate for the company of girls.

It is not advisable to allow one’s happiness in life to depend on the presence or company of another person. Enjoy a relationship but have a life for yourself.

I’m two-timing both of them!

Dear Rebecca

I

am a 24 year old girl in love with a guy who has promised to marry me. He is a Muslim while I am a Christian. My parents will never allow me marry a non-Christian. I made it clear to him from day one that there will be nothing between us sexually until our wedding day. He agreed.

My problem now is that there is another boy whom I don’t love but he loves me very much and has also promised to marry me. He it was who succeeded in getting me deflowered. These two guys know themselves although there is no cordial relationship between them. My relationship with this second guy is not known to the first, and the first one wants to marry me soon. The second too is not aware that I am going out with the first guy. If they both find out what I have been doing, it is going to cause me a lot of embarrassment, especially if the first guy

finds out that I have been deflowered. Should I abandon the two of them to save my face?

Worried Girl, Joy, Lagos.

REPLY

T

HE first thing you should do is to sit down to define your feelings properly.

You are quite young still at 24, but you should be mature enough to understand the sort of person you are, what you want in life, and the sort of marital partner you’re expecting the Lord to bless you with. There is some confusion in the way you have behaved.

You confess to being in love with a man who loves and respects you and who wants to marry you soon. You told him no sex before marriage, and he agreed to wait. A gentleman.

The only snag is that he is non-Christian and your parents want you to marry a Christian. Then there is another man you claim you do not love, but whom you considered

worth giving up your virginity for! You did not say what made you break your vow of not having sex before marriage.

What made you give your body to someone you don’t love? You did not say force was used, so you weren’t raped.

Could it be for money?

Was it in a moment of weakness? Or is he a popular womanizer who can get any girl he wants and you were only too glad to get his attention?

Whatever the case, you have not acted wisely, especially as both men know each other and are not aware yet of your two-timing. You will lose your self-respect when they find out, and if the news of your behaviour spreads, other worthy would-be suitors would avoid you. If you really love the first man and you want to marry him, you should tell your parents and get them to accept him. Before then, you have to ask yourself how being married to a man of a different religion would be.

Would you be

comfortable with it?

What about your childre n ? Would you want them raised as Moslems? Would your man allow them to be raised as Christians?

You have to discuss that and other things like the number of children to have, bank accounts, help to the extended family, etc., with the man and agree on them, before you tie the knot.

If your parents are willing to allow you marry a Moslem, then you can tell him about the second man since they know each other.

But you don’t have to confess about being deflowered though, unless your conscience tells you to, and he insists on knowing.

On the other hand, if you don’t have very strong feelings that either of these two men is your ideal marital partner, you can ease yourself out of their lives by ending both relationships. However,

don’t rush to accept the next suitor, but wait to recover before you start dating again, and study the man properly before agreeing to become his girlfriend. If you’ve been dating a man for two years and he doesn’t make a serious move towards by approaching your parents, drop him, and wait for another suitor.

Meanwhile, what are you doing about a future career which would ensure that you’re not totally dependent financially on a husband? Even if you marry a wealthy man, you still need to work to earn your own money, no matter how small, for your own self-respect.

Also, in these days of job insecurity, it is important for both parties in a marriage to bring in money, as the man could lose his job with retrenchments, and they may have to fall back on the wife’s earnings.

Good luck.

•All letters for publication on this page should be sent to: Dear Rebecca, Vanguard Media Ltd, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail: dearrebecca2@yahoo.com

PAGE 20 —

SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012

0808 066 0660 (Texts only!)

Too neck-deep to back off?!

I

T’S no longer news that the average woman could be as dangerous a predator as her male counterpart.

Men have always used dirty tricks to get women into bed against their will. So when a women, wanting a bit-on-the-side from a man she fancies, uses all her wiles to get him, why can’t he take it in his stride and ‘chop and wipe mouth’ without complaining the ploy was Jezebel’s? Early last year, Julius, a junior colleague, from a former office, actually went to church with a hoard of friends to thank the Almighty when he eventually landed the IT job he’d set his hopes on.

The salary was mouth watering - so were the perks. On top of which he got to work with an enlightened, ‘happily ’ married woman. “She’s a fantastic boss”, he gushed. “And you should see the stream of visitors making their way to her office just to have a chat with her. Some of them were celebs I’d read about in the newspapers.

Once in a while when she has a party, she invites me. I feel so honoured and privileged to be working with a lady like her...” As he made

of Lagos – and she often expects sex on tap! After a while, the excitement of bedding my boxx started waring off and I no longer look forward to trips with her.

“I feel manipulated by her because if I say no to her, my job could be at risk . Atema and I will soon be getting married and I would rather we stopped this shenanigans.

progress in his job, he almost bent my ears with glowing reports of this wonder boss of his. His girlfriend, Atema had already met Joan, his boss, but she told me she didn’t partcularly like her. “Julius is always gawping at her and she couldn’t put a foot wrong as far as he’s concerned,” she once moaned when Julius was off on one of his boss’ praise-singing, “He fails to see through her ruthlessness. I pray that he won’t rub her up the wrong way one of these days ... “

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hen Atema got pregnant and they were both happy planning a modest wedding. Luck was on Julius’ side too. He had to go out of town with his boss for a two-day seminar that involved a lot of cash for his threeday stay. “I was happy for the allowance the office gave me for the three days. A friend of mine in Abuja where the course took place had agreed to put me up so I could save some of my allowance,” he told me.

“The first morning of the seminar, Joan arrived looking even more confident and sexy.

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She’d stayed in a posh hotel and looked really refreshed. As we sat together, I once again sensed the sparks there’d been between us for some time now. Lately, things have been difficult because Atema has been ill for much of her pregnancy. We haven’t had sex for months and sometimes I feel so frustrated I can hardly bear it. But nothing would have happened if my boss hadn’t asked me to go with her to meet some clients after the end of day-one of the seminar.

“The clients offered us dinner and afterwards,

Joan suggested we went to her room for a nightcap. I hesitated.

I

instinctively knew what she was saying and I knew I should refuse. But there was this apprehension that if I turned her down, she’d make my life at work hell as she could be difficult if she didn’t get her own way. Her hotel room was quite cosy and welcoming. She told me to help myself to the booze in the room’s mini fridge and after a few drinks, I was starting to find her. more than attractive - and the urge was becoming so strong it was hard to ignore.

“She opened a bottle of champagne for herself and after we finished off the bottle, sne ordered me to take off her clothes, and things started to get really hot . I spent the whole night having passionate sex with her.

I hated myself for betraying my fiance, but after weeks of being sexstarved, I couldn’t resist the temptation. On my way out of her room the next morning, she told me she hopeed I’d be ‘grown up’ about what happened and not go, bragging to my mates.

After that incident, she

behaved totally professional towards me.

Until we have to go out

hat ifm my fiance found out ...” He looked so confused I felt sorry for him. A man in his prime with a job todie-for bonking his female boss is any strappling man’s dream come true ifhe knows how to handle it. But I warned him he had to look for a decent way to put a stop to the affair before it blew out of proportion. He’s a bit young and inexperienced to pull off a romance with his married boss in full glare of the staff. They ’re bound to make a mistake and his new wife might find out. Only, how do you tell your boss to take a running jump when she fancies a bit of the goodies she’s been getting on a regular basis?

Yoga moves – get fit and firm

T

The Triangle: Fir m Thighs and Butt Technique: Standing with the feet apart, bend the right knee to waist level with the toes pointing forward, keep the left knee slanted with the knee locked. Keep the hands at shoulder level

and the trunk erect.

Count to 10 and repeat legs.

,

Taut Abdominals: The leg raise ECHNIQUE: Sit on the floor with the legs outstretched in front of you, place the hands just behind waist level and a little away from the body.

Inhale and raise both legs up diagonally, forming a ‘V’ with the trunk.

Once you are in the posture breathe normally.

Retain the position for five to seven seconds, rest and repeat a few more times.

up straight, turn the trunk to the left and begin spreading out the

Inhale and raise both legs up diagonally, forming a ‘V’ with INBOX the trunk. Once you are in the posture breathe normally

Strong Arms: The Bow Technique: Lying on your belly, bend both knees and with the legs up in the air hold the feet with the corresponding hands. Lift up the chest and stretch out with the elbows straightened out.

Hold the pose for a slow count to 10. Rest and repeat.

Front to Back Splits amazing Technique: Standing

,

legs as you lower down the body. As you get closer to the floor invert the left foot and keep the right heel down.

You may keep the hands on the floor so you can hold your body up a bit if the stretching effect gets too uncomfortable.

As usual, regular practice makes the pose easier and easier.

INBOX * The Triangle Pose

* The Bow

Yoga classes at 32 Ademola Adetokunbo Victoria Island, Lagos, 9.10am on Saturdays

SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 21

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

Wives who take their husbands to the cleaners Now the men fight back!

A

worrying trend is currently being taken to a dangerous proportion. To some people, the law of survival is: ‘Do unto others before they do you.’ In the last few decades, some calculating wives had schemed their husbands out of their matrimonial homes, a reversal of what is supposed to be the norm in the African society. The calculating way they went about this was chilling, to say the least.

Remember the era of the ‘photo’ wives? A man who’d put his nose to the grind, so to speak, realised he was now comfortable enough to look after a wife. None of the salad-eating foreign women would fit the bill, so he sent words to his relations at home to start hunting for a suitable village girl. His ecstatic parents would then go round the village collecting photographs of women’ of marriageable quality and sent those to their son. He made a choice and in time, a starry-eyed bride-to-be, who scarcely knew how to pull the toilet chain, was sent down. Some became baby machines and were rewarded with sandwich courses like needlework or domestic science just when the family was ready to come back home.

In the last few decades however, some of the wives had managed to talk their husbands into sending them to the universities to train as a professional.

There, they mingled with other enlightened women and learnt a lot of things amongst which is the western law that stated that if a marriage broke, it was the wife that had the last laugh especially where kids were involved. According to such laws, the children are owed a ‘duty of care’ by their parents until they’re 16 at least. Their welfare came

first - it still does - and the mother is recognised by law to be more competent than the father to provide this duty of care. The husband is advised to pack his bags and move out of a home he’d built over the years into a dingy hotel, whilst the couple’s lawyers battle to get the most out of a bad situation. The wife would then stay in the family house with the kids and try to price as much maintenance money as she could from her enstranged husband.

Naturally, the poor husband became murderous, but he couldn’t do anything or he would be clamped in jail. Now the worm has turned and the husbands are fighting back to protect what they’d sweat to amass before their golddigger of a wife came on the scene. It is no longer strange to find a husband in the clutches of a scheming wife kill such wife, pleading it was a crime of passion or feigning temporary insanity. Again, the Western law is a bit lenient on cases of murder that are not premeditated. It is called manslaughter instead. The accused gets a jail term that is far from the life sentence reserved for murderers if he readily pleads guilty to manslaughter without wasting the court’s time or the state’s money on prosecution. He then serves half of say a 10- year term before he’s let off on good behaviour. He would then be free to pick up the pieces of his life from where he stopped - property and children restored!

“It is a sad development but what can one do,” sighed Dominic as we discussed the trend recently. A friend of his had just landed a jail term for killing his wife. “As soon as the wife finished at the university,” said Dominic, ‘she landed a mouth watering job and her husband watched, alarmed

as she changed from the obedient village wife he married to a sophisticated wife who warned her husband to pull up his socks and do as much house work as she did. She went out to parties, expecting her husband to baby sit. They’d fight a few times and he’d beaten her up once or twice only for her to run to the police. The poor husband had even spent a few times in police cell for domestic violence.

“He was no longer in control of his home and was not ready to come back to Nigeria. So he planned for his wife to be caught ‘red handed’ having an affair, had a hot argument with her and strangled her. He then phoned for the police, sounding incoherent, his eyes wild as if he was possessed.

When he was finally tried, the number of times the police had intervened in the domestic violence in the family stood in his favour.

He was a man going through a turbulent marriage. He got eight years for manslaughter.

The authorities were relieved the kids would be properly looked after by me. My wife knew what was going on and was happy to help.

“Now that I’m back home, I’ve noticed another

worrying trend - a lot of the women from my state are getting married to men outside the state. I was told that it’s because the inheritance law in our village is so stringent that widows are not only treated badly by their inlaws, by the time they came out of their long mourning period, after they lost their husbands, their family property would have been blooted.

The poor women are then left to fend for their children, no matter how many there are. Take my home-town for instance, if the head of the house dies, the first son, no matter how incompetent he is, takes over as head of the family. His siblings have to tow his line or they get nothing. This leaves a lot of animosity amongst siblings especially where there are two or more wives.

“So do you blame the women for looking after themselves? Now we have strange family names creeping into the village and very few of them bothering to put down any roots. I guess it’s to each their own really. All I know is that the more enlightened the society,

(when you were born) all things were made through love, and without love nothing was made that was made. In your love there's life, and the life is the light of men.

Emma Mine, Delta State.

07051037749.

Y

OUR column to express your loving thoughts in words to your sweetheart. Don’t be shy. Let it flow and let him or her know how dearly you feel.

Write now in not more than 75 words to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E.mail: sunlovenotes@yahoo.com Please mark your envelope: “LOVE NOTES"

My Dear Blessing In the beginning was my love, and my love was with you and the love was you.

My love for you was in the beginning with you

Friendship Friends should be the ones listening to your secrets, not the ones that hurt your feelings without knowing. Friends should be the ones that keep all your secrets, not those who spread it all around Pasola Fred Obinna pasola2007@yahoo.co.uk +2348057161505,+233260947966

the more victims will look for ways to circumvent some of our societal greed... “ Pressing the wrong button! (Humour) Daisy is at the front of the queue at the bus stop. When the bus pulls up, she realises her pencil skirt is too tight to allow her to climb aboard. She reaches behind her to unzip the skirt a little, to give her enough slack to raise her leg. Daisy tries to climb up, but finds the skirt is still too tight. Reaching behind her again, she tries to unzip the skirt a little more, but still can’t raise her leg high enough to get on the bus.

Embarrassed, she slips the zip lower still. At this point a man standing behind her picks her up by the waist and places her on the bus. “How dare you touch me!” Daisy yells.

“Well,” says the man, “after you unzipped my fly three times, I figure we were friends!”

Quick fixes for bedroom injuries Sex is one sport that is guaranteed to cause all kinds of cuts, bruises and cramps if you are good at it, that is! Here are some medical advice on what to do when you’re caught in the clinch - so to speak!

Bite wounds: Human bites can be hard to treat as the average mouth has so many bacteria. Wash it thoroughly and look for redness, swelling or discharge. If you see these signs or come down with a fever, see a doctor for antibiotics.

Fingernails marks: As long as the skin’s not broken, moisturizer should clear them up in a day or so. If she clawed you until you bleed, it means two things: you need to apply savlon, and you’re doing something right!

Sore penis: Getting it may have been fun, but a raw penis should be treated and just like any other abrasion injury - use moisturizing lotion (try the ones for sensitive skin) to help speed up healing. And difficult as it may be: stop rubbing it for a few days.

Injured testicle: A sharp knee between the legs is certainly a passion killer, but the chances are the pain and nausea will only last a few minutes. Applying ice or frozen peas can ease swelling and pain, but wrap them in a towel to avoid direct contact which can irritate or ‘burn’ the sensitive skin in this area (whether she offers a helping hand or makes a sharp exit at this juncture is also a good relationship tester). If there is swelling or discolouration, see a doctor as internal bleeding can lead to infertility. Ask her to be more careful next time!

Leg cramp: Your legs, the power behind those thrusts - are your most likely source of cramp during sex. Attacks can ruin that magical moment and they are probably caused by dehydration. If you know her well enough, stop and stretch the muscle until the cramp eases. To avoid it next time, drink a glass or two of water during that pre-coital banquet.

My Rose Oh! My effigy and paragon of beauty ROSEMARY UDOKA ONWUSONYE, in all my life you are the only love essay I have written in my heart. My love for you is beyond measure because you are an ice that encases and envelopes my heart and nothing seems to melt it. My rare gem, no human language can adequately convey the deep sentiment of my love for you. I will always embellish,cherish,adore and love you.

Akachukwu Ferdinand 08063819314

My Indispensable Angel I love you very much. If your load is too heavy for me, I will never drop it down, in fact, let it break my neck...... am ready to go the extra mile for you. Always know that I love you more than words can say.... much kisses to you, to you, I mean only you.

Omor Ville omorville@gmail.com, 08062486549

PAGE 22—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

News: State of the Nation 2

" All things are possible by ORDERS FROM ABOVE"

MAILBAG

All letters bearing writers' names and full addresses should be typed and forwarded to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, Kirikiri Canal, P. M. B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E-mail: sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com

Edo State: Between governance & grandstanding Dear Sir, GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State is known for coining a number of memorable political phrases and one of the most enduring ones so far is the one man one vote coinage.

But the current political debate between him and the PDP candidate

retired General Charles Airhiavbere has revealed him as a man with a bottomless stock of linguistic inventions. He revealed this as he spoke during the debate on what he has done and what he has in store for the people of Edo State if re-elected as governor on July 14.

He declared “We have eyemarked

Dana plane crash: Who is to be blamed?

Dear Sir,

A

T what point do we do what is expected of us as an individual and as a country or government. An average Nigerian calls on God and blames supernatural forces for every accident and misfortune that comes his way. But the truth is that when we fail to do the right things, we will always see the worse coming.

Three days mourning was declared by the federal government and everybody was busy shouting the nation was in the trying moment. One at every moment keeps wondering what we expect God to do that He has not done for us. Let us look at this for instant, if a plane that is not fit to fly is certified okay to fly what do you expect? Certain aviation practitioners have accused the Nigeria Aviation authority of partly being responsible, perhaps, our usual ways of doing things in this country.

Apart from that, sources said the plane landed at Iju area of Lagos and for over 20 minutes people where seen in the ill-fated plane banging and crying for help. Nigerians simply gathered outside the scene snapping pictures and sending text massages with their phones. Perhaps hoping that God will send angels from heaven to assist the victims. Perhaps the 153 persons would have bee saved where there good access roads to the scene, and good fire fighting equipment.

Every now and then, our governors keep advertising their wonderful works. But what will it cost a government to plan and acquire fire fighting equipment in every local government headquarters to help in case of such emergences. Or do we

expect God to come down from heaven and plan for emergences for us?

But even when Lagos State-owned fire fighters rushed down to the scene, it was reported that the road was too narrow and lots of double parking on the street. May be God is expected to do miracle of road construction and good parking lots.

One major question is,when will Nigerians, both individuals and government learn to give life the priority it deserves. Those that first got to the scene where bushy taking pictures videoing the scene when people's lives were at sake. Some of them could not help and would not allow those that want to help to do so.

Warning were said to have been given earlier about this particular air craft but for reason best known to the management it was ignored and was loaded to capacity. This same thing happens everyday in our roads. A driver will complain to oga of bad tire, break, etc but the oga will say manage it.

It is not enough to pray while we fold our arms. Panels have been set up to look into the incident so that what will happen? Let's stop deceiving ourselves.

We have failed both as individuals and as a government, let us go back to the drawing board. Where is our National Oreintation Agency? We need reoreintation, our attitude to life is too bad and must change. Needless to mention the pogrom that is going on almost on the daily bases up there in the north.

Chikelue Fidelis, No 6 Chinyeaka Close,Igbollo Villa, Enugwu Agidi, Anambra State.

08066212285

not earmarked several people-oriented projects to uplift the fortunes of the citizens of our beloved state”.

Observers are now compelled to draw a clear distinction between eyemarking and ear-marking. What we gather from Oshiomhole’s presentation in the political debate is that when you eyemark you put yourself in an irreversible position to deliver as Oshiomhole is doing. On the other hand, ear-marking is a cliché view for which our politicians have been known for lack of performance.

If we look at the performance of the Comrade Governor we can discern a mammoth delivery of the dividends of democracy in every nook and cranny of Edo State. This is the difference between governance and grandstanding.

With a government that is pumping 65 per cent of its resources into the provision of capital projects, it is inevitable that the people would witness unprecedented social infrastructural developments. What this translates into is that for every one naira Edo State government earns, 65 kobo goes into projects.

Oshiomhole has done so much since his advent, he has succeeded in working up the miserable Internally Generated Revenue of the state from N300million to a whopping N1.3billion He has freed the resources of the

state to construct, dualise, reconstruct, rehabilitate and expand roads required for goods and services. While there is urban renewal in Benin City, the capital, the hinterland and riverine areas have not suffered neglect. Roads in the rural areas such as Jathu-Ayua have been tarred and made motorable with walkways and drainages.

New classrooms with the deployment of computers have been constructed along with the provision of an 80-bed hostel at the School of Health Technology. The much-talked about borehole project at Ekpoma is also playing a significant role in the lives of the people in the town.

Thus there’s infrastructural development in all fronts.

In the debate, Governor Oshiomhole also alluded to his long term vision to put in place an industrialized society that would depend lesson oil revenue.

He has started by building infrastructural base, which constitutes a conducive environment for industries.

Edo State will not be the same after him, even with the achievements in one term. Observers say if Oshiomhole secures an encore and stays till 2016, Edo will be a prosperous and highly industrialized state far surpassing what he inherited in 2008!

Charles Afe Ikhaghe is an author resident in Lagos.

My advice to Governor Adams Oshiomhole Dear Sir,

I

want to say that I am one of the admirers of the Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole for the massive transformation he has brought to the state in general and Benin City in particular. He has turned Benin city to one of the cleanest cities in the country where other states come for tourist within the short period he assumed office. Congrats Comrade.

Because of the transformational and transparent change going on in the Comrade Adams-led administration, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other opposition party will never win the election in Edo State. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led government

has done very very well to deserve a second term. Turning Edo State to a small London in all aspects of development is his priority. If he is given a second term, that state will be like Paris.

Also, I want the Comrade to work closely with great men like Chief Robert Okunemen who have touched the lives of many Edo indigenes, especially the people of Esan NorthEast local government area. He has helped the people in so many ways like providing monetary help, empowering the teeming youths of the state. That is why he has been given several titles in the local government area.

Edosa O. Benin City, Edo State edosao16@yahoo.com

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 23

Pregnant without a man implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to rule out genetic disorders before the implantation is carried out in the uterus of the woman. Preimplantation Genetic Haplotyping is a test that has been developed, There are different techniques used in IVF to ensure a successful outcome.

Such additional techniques that are routinely used include ovarian hyperstimulation to retrieve multiple eggs, ultra-

W

HEN I came across this head line, it instantly got me wondering how a woman can possibly get pregnant without having to copulate with an opposite sex. This got me interested and then, a recent gathering which discussion centered on solving infertility problem through IVF, got me to understand the possibilities of “IVF”.

I guess the above headline was coined from this study on IVF. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process by which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body. IVF is a major treatment for infertility when other methods have failed. The process involves monitoring a woman’s ovulatory process, removing the ova (eggs) from the woman’s ovaries and letting the sperm fertilize them in a fluid.

When a woman’s natural cycle is monitored to collect a naturally selected ovum (egg) for fertilisation, it is known as natural cycle IVF. The fertilised egg (zygote) is then transferred to the uterus with the intent to establish a successful pregnancy. The latin term, in vitro, means in glass, and refers to the earlier cultivation of tissues outside the uterus, and carried out in glass containers such as beakers, test tubes, or petri dishes, while in vivo is where the tissue remains inside the living organism within which it is normally found.

Babies born through IVF are also called “test tube babies”, which refers to the tube-shaped containers of glass or plastic resin, called test tubes, that are used in the laboratories IVF may be used to overcome female infertility in the woman due to problems of the fallopian tube, making fertilisation. It may also assist in male infertility, where there is low sperm count and the sperm cannot penetrate the egg; in such cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a sperm cell is injected directly into the egg cell. ICSI is also used when sperm numbers are very low. ICSI results in success rates equal to those of IVF. For IVF to be successful, it typically requires healthy ova, sperm that can fertilise, and a uterus that can maintain a pregnancy.Due to its high cost, IVF is mostly used as a last resort when all other cheaper options have failed.

IVF is also used in egg donation or surrogacy where you have a surrogate mother to carry another woman’s fertilized egg up until the delivery of the donor ’s child; the woman providing the egg isn’t the same who will carry the pregnancy to term. This means that IVF can be a successful procedure for females after menopause. The donated oocyte can be fertilised in a crucible. If the fertilisation is successful, the embryo will be transferred into the uterus, within which it may implant.

IVF can also be combined with pre-

sound-guided transvaginal oocyte retrieval directly from the ovaries, egg and sperm preparation, as well as culture and selection of resultant embryo before the embryo transfer back into the uterus.

Ovarian hyperstimulation involves stimulating the ovaries for IVF treatment and downregulation (suppression or exhaustion) of the pituitary ovarian axis by the prolonged use of a GnRH agonist. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) starts once the process of downregulation is complete, generally after 10 to 14 days. An IVF cycle using this protocol is known as conventional IVF. The shorter process for IVF skips the downregulation part, and involves the use of fertility medications to stimulate the development of multiple follicles of the ovaries, by means of gynecologic ultrasonography, follicular growth and about 10 days of injections. Spontaneous ovulation during the cycle is typically prevented by the use of GnRH antagonists that are used just during the last days of stimulation to block the natural surge of luteinising hormone (LH) and allow the physician to start the ovulation process by using medication.

Ovarian stimulation carries the risk of excessive stimulation leading to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This complication is lifethreatening.

Natural and Mild IVF IVF can be performed by collecting a naturally selected egg from a woman’s natural menstrual cycle without the use of any drugs. It is known as natural cycle IVF.The first test tube baby Louise Brown was born following natural cycle IVF. This method can be successfully used when women want to avoid taking ovarian stimulating drugs with its associated side-effects.

The next step-up method is called modified natural cycle IVF. In this method, medication is used for 2–4 days during a woman’s natural cycle to avoid spontaneous ovulation and to make the treatment more successful. It is particularly beneficial in women with very low egg reserve and in those whose ovaries do not respond to drugs.

Mild IVF is a method where a small dose of ovarian stimulating drugs are used for a short duration during a woman’s natural cycle aimed at producing 2–7 eggs and creating healthy embryos. This method appears to be an advance in the field to reduce complications and side-effects for women and it is aimed at quality, and not quantity of eggs and embryos. There is also evidence that the birthweights of babies are higher in women treated by natural or mild IVF compared to conventional IVF.

PAGE 24—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Edo 2012: INEC, PDP and NYSC

BY ENAKHIMION MOMODU

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Removing partisanship from the umpires of the Edo forthcoming poll.

I

watched with consterna tion a programme, chris tened: ‘INEC Half Hour’, on AIT on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 where the Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Nnamdi Okore-Affiah, described as frivolous the petitions written to the corps by Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), on the allegation that the NYSC members posted to Edo State have been compromised.

In his comments at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, during a courtesy visit, Okore-Affiah only referred to allowances that Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole paid to the Youth Corps members, which, according to him,

was usual, as governors in other states pay similar allowances to those posted to their states.

He did not make any reference to the part of the petitions that alleged that the Youth Corps members were attending ACN/Oshiomhole’s campaign rallies, which is even a more serious allegation, since, by such attendance, they have identified with a particular party and cannot turn round to act as presiding officers in elections involving that party.

When this action of the Youth Corps members and their capacity to act fairly are weighed on the scale of the principle of natural justice, they cannot be seen to be unbiased umpires in the emerging electoral game in Edo State.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is the ACN National Vice Chairman and Director General of Oshiomhole Campaign Organization, admitted in the meeting of stakeholders with Jega that, indeed, Youth Corps members serving in Edo State have been attending ACN rallies, but he arrogantly stated that such attendance did not violate any provisions of the Electoral Act. Despite these facts,

one is worried as to why Jega and the DG of NYSC are bent on conducting the elections with Youth Corps members in Edo State even when the allegations by the PDP and its candidate have not been given due consideration.

As for Jega, before his response in which he commended the DG for his position, there was a flashback report on the meeting he held with

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VIEWPOINT

INEC has long carried out its investigation and published its findings debunking all allegations made by Oshiomhole with respect to the CVR. The question one may ask is, what step has INEC taken to sanction Oshiomhole and ACN and why did Jega cancel the CVR before investigations were completed and without even hearing from the other parties to the matter?

PDP must rise up and tell the world that Jega is biased and therefore cannot conduct a free and fair election in Edo State on July 14, 2012, as he has continuously denied it the opportunity to fair hearing

stakeholders from Edo State on 18 May, 2012, in his office at Abuja. In his opening address at that meeting, Jega referred to weighty allegations for which INEC had decided to cancel the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) so that investigations can be properly conducted.

In Oshiomhole’s petition to INEC, he demanded that INEC must suspend the CVR.

,

What about those who have been denied the opportunity to be registered and vote because of the ambition of one man who is desperate to win at all costs and by all means?

One can only point to the inevitable conclusion that Jega is acting a script written for him by Oshiomhole as a fellow activist. PDP must rise up and tell the world that Jega is biased and therefore cannot

conduct a free and fair election in Edo State on July 14, 2012, as he has continuously denied it the opportunity to fair hearing.

If the PDP thinks that Jega will change and resort to fairness during the election proper, then, it has a surprise coming its way. If PDP thinks that the President will come to its aid by calling Jega to order, it has a bigger surprise awaiting it because this President had made it abundantly clear that he did not know Jega and had never met him before his appointment as Chairman of INEC. To Jega, the President is a stranger and he does not hear the voice of a stranger but only the voice of his fellow activists like Oshiomhole.

As I pray that Jega will not lead the PDP to the gallows, I am overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness because I lack the capacity to restrain him. I feel almost frustrated because I also lack access to the President so that I could let him know that activism does not translate to having the capacity to be fair. · Momodu, a lawyer, is resident in Benin City.

Farewell to Jigawa

BY ADAGBO ONOJA

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Reflections of a former aide to a minister and then a governor.

I

do owe Jigawa a farewell.

It is necessitated by the requirement of giving an account of myself to my different constituencies after five years of being a political appointee in a state other than mine. It also a fitting reckoning with the journey motif about life. Life is a journey.

Since 1999, I have been tied to the political apron string of Alhaji Sule Lamido, governor of Jigawa State. As far as I am concerned, it has been a great relationship. I cannot say what he might have gained from me but, among others, being his Personal Assistant (Media Affairs) when he was Foreign Affairs Minister validified my theoretical training in international relations and foreign policy analysis as an undergraduate. The experience and exposure from there is unbeatable, especially that of visiting about a hundred countries within four years. Many career diplomats never go that fast.

This is beside the opportunity of observing international politics in action, from the UN to the Commonwealth, from Non Alignment to OAU, particularly its transition into African

Union and Africa’s attempt to come to grips with the post Cold War global order through an apologia called NEPAD. If you came from some intellectual disposition, all these must constitute an entirely another education.

Of course, there were side attractions such as sleeping in some of the best hotels in the world or coming face to face with many of the people whom one merely heard their names before or watched them on television and finding that there is no mystique around most of them. And the dramatic encounters of which one between Lamido and Kofi Annan on Robert Guei’s coup in Cote d Ivoire must be the most memorable. Let me not miss out the Obasanjo factor in Nigerian foreign policy to which Nigerian scholars have not paid any serious attention probably because Obasanjo is generally not popular with them.

For these reasons, foreign affairs was quite an experience for me even though the level at which I operated was not where I could directly determine anything, officially. But there is no other arena which could have more brutally brought home to me the discomforting truism that Africa has too long a way to travel.

Then, from foreign affairs, I came to be the media adviser to Sule Lamido again in Jigawa State since June 4, 2007.

And there is a connection between the two: while foreign

affairs was the theatre for the rhetoric on one of the key issues which defines international politics, Jigawa was the theatre for the practice. It is the story of two contrasting worlds that could be a fascinating read if imaginatively told.

Now, however, that chapter has come to a close. Like in all things beautiful, there is always a contradiction which, once it reaches the fore, cannot but transform a thesis and an anti-thesis into a synthesis.

That is how revolutions come about without anybody being able to abort it. And that was how the Jigawa theatre kept narrowing for me to a point that any attempt to stay on would be to risk killing a beautiful relationship entirely. No sacrifice is too great to make so that such does not happen because Sule Lamido has played a part in my life.

While my stay lasted, Jigawa was hospitable and clement, near perfect. The people were friendly and good across the board: from the youths to the political elite to Jigawa emirs who are not only exposed but very, very welcoming. It was an incredible source of joy mixing into people of different cultural identities from mine and being centrally a part of a government in Nigeria that proclaimed from day one: “Our programmes, pronouncements and actions will bear the unmistakable stamp of the moral and ideological character of

the political background we come from”. And then went on to say: “The ideological background of the leadership of this new government is firmly anchored on the antecedent of democratic humanism as defined and epitomized by its chief exponent, Mallam Aminu Kano. That is the only ideological framework by which this government can satisfy the yearnings of the vast majority of our people whom poverty and misery

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Our programmes, pronouncements and actions will bear the unmistakable stamp of the moral and ideological character of the political background we come from

,

have reduced to conditions unworthy of human beings”.

These were enough for me to give my all. There was no naivety in doing so because if the leadership at the centre in 2007 or even now could vocalize these sentiments, half of Nigeria’s problems would not be there. Nigerians are slaughtering themselves today

only because ideological mobilisation other than ethno-religious and regional consciousness is missing from leadership and politics. Instead of politics of ideology, we are presented with politics of good men and good intentions.

I thank Sule Lamido for availing me of these two experiences. I will miss his intuitive flare and, well, the emperor size ego.

It is too fulfilling leaving without any blemish, especially financial. I only wish the critics who think that everyone with access to a governor did nothing else than steal government money knew how much I had left the day I turned in my letter of resignation, particularly the judge who once sent a message to me and another colleague in the Media Unit of the Government House saying he knew we had made money. Some of us stole nobody’s money.

I have got too many people to thank for their contributions to whatever I was able to contribute to the government.

The departure from Jigawa did not permit the luxury of another job before turning in the resignation. So, for now, I am Mr. Onoja of No Fixed Address. But I can see a magnificent new phase of life opening for me. I cannot say what the new phase would be at the moment but the outlines promise to be even more fulfilling.

Contribution of not more than 1,200 words should be sent to sundayvanguard@yahoo.com

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 25

The road to housing for all VIEWPOINT

BY JOHN CHRISTOPHER

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The factors hindering shelter in Nigeria.

A

shortcoming identifiable to day with the housing policy is the unworkable modality put in place by the authorities to stem the problem of inadequate shelter in Nigeria. Basically, it is expected that an average house should meet some vital needs of the user.

A good house should have a quiet environment, living and out door space, privacy, cleanliness, safety and aesthetic satisfaction. It must be built with quality materials and have basic amenities which include sewage and electricity.

However, in Nigeria, the ultimate goal of the National Housing Policy is to ensure that all Nigerians own or have access to decent housing accommodation at affordable cost.

In order to achieve this, government decided to promote active participation in housing delivery in all tiers of government, strengthen institu-

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VIEWPOINT

ticipation by the private sector in housing development.

Meanwhile, to accomplish these objectives strategies, which would aid in making them realistic, were also formulated. Of the major pillars of the National Housing Policy, finance constitutes a fundamental centre-piece. Without a well organized, effi-

The policy by government in this area should have made improvement on the problematic situation of quality housing today as faced by Nigerians

tions within the system to render their operations more susceptible to demand, emphasize housing investment which satisfy basic needs, and greater par-

,

cient and effective housing finance system, it is difficult to mobilize substantial financial resources for channeling funds into the housing sector. A key

feature of housing finance, seemed to have been overlooked in our policy on shelter, is the ability to combine three particularly conflicting objectives of affordability of households, viability for financial institutions and resource mobilization for the expansion of the housing finance sector within the framework of the national economy.

Financing of housing presents a number of specific problems.

Hence, it involves individuals and developers requiring long term lending as against business on short term basis.

Given the long – term nature of lending of housing development intermediation, finance is extremely sensitive to inflation. The policy on finance requires significant intermediation effort because housing finance institutions are expected to lend on a long term,

even though their funds may be mobilized on a short term basis. Perhaps the most serious weakness of housing finance institutions is their limited ability to mobilize resources effectively for low income housing. The Federal Mortgage Bank, from the commencement of its operation in 1977 to date has granted loan to a small percentage of Nigerians. The bank’s lending practice does not favour low income households. As such, ninety three percent (93%) of loans granted to individual mortgagors has gone to middle and upper income households. Thus, in effect, the objectives of assisting low-income group to own houses through subsidized mortgage loans has not been realized.

The policy by government in this area should have made improvement on the problematic situation of quality housing

today as faced by Nigerians. On the contrary, in the North and in most rural areas, the problem of housing is fast eating up the development of the nation from it roots.

If our leaders blame the problem on finance or poor participation of the private sector, it would simply mean that each government has only succeeded in raising a policy that was never realistic. Government is not only hereby encouraged to look into this issue critically but other players in the sector should also help in alleviating the suffering of Nigerians. Government ought also to make an effort at seeing that t h e politicization of housing is curbed to deliver shelter to the peolpe irrespective of status. * John Christopher is of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

Gombe: Taming the ‘Kalare Boys’

BY M. L. ISMAIL VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The disarming of unruly youths

A

FTER one year has just gone by with Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo at the helm of affairs in Gombe State, the dividends already delivered by his administration is such that has prompted many watchers of events to conclude that it is a loaded 12 months full of too much goodies to munch.

It still sounds loud and clear just as it rings the bell when Dankwambo, during his inauguration, pledged a dynamic leadership that would bring about changes in the whole gamut of approach, perception and government/people relationship. The governor, on that occasion, pinpointed some areas of concentration with a pledge to bring about an overall better life for the citizenry of The Jewel

State.

That was scarcely over a year ago which makes it good enough a time to look back at the speed of journey so far and gauge what would be made out of the next three years.

It is more vivid than ever in today’s Nigeria that security of lives and properties of the people is a critical responsibility in governance. Dankwambo acknowledged this fact in his inaugural speech, hence he promised to lead a Gombe State where people would go about their activities without fear of molestation and retire to sleep with their two eyes closed.

To this end, he proscribed the dreaded Kalare group and immediately evoked the full weight of the law on those who failed to comply with the new order.

And as a way of matching words with action, three youths under the illusion of business as usual yielded themselves up as sacrificial for sanity when the youths within the age brackets of 15 to 18 years were prosecuted and exposed to the rough side of the law.

But on realizing the youths were being thrown out of job, though illicit, the governor, in tandem with the recommendation of the pathfinding committee on youths empowerment and poverty alleviation,

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pentance. Thousands of youths responded to this call. But for a start, 1,200 of them were camped at the NYSC Orientation Camp for a - three week rehabilitation and reorientation with an innumerable army of youths

Apart from the present general security situation in the country, the unique form of security challenge in Gombe hitherto posed by these bloodthirsty group knew no bounds

set up four vocational training centres across the three senatorial zones of the state. The 320 youths used in test running the programme recently graduated on seven trades. This was immediately scaled up to accommodate 13 trades and 520 youths with plans to increase on the in-takes as time goes on.

But the big and ground breaking one was the recent submission of weaponry by the dreaded Kalare boys in response to governments call for re-

,

still seeking enlistment.

The youths were grouped into three categories – Ward Marshals, Traffic Marshals and Environmental Marshals.

Their responsibility is to help in the areas of security, crowd/traffic management and sanitary situations, among other things.

Tagged, ‘Talba Youths Reorientation and Rehabilitation Programme’, the training did not just empower the youths, but transformed the agents of violence and destruc-

tion into agents of socioeconomic development.

“This administration shall continue with this programme, skills acquisition training and many more that will come into operation until we are able to reduce restiveness, unemployment and poverty in our midst.

Our commitment shall not waver because we are aware that human development is the foundation of all development,” said Dankwambo during the passing out of the repentant youths from the camp.

Apart from the present general security situation in the country, the unique form of security challenge in Gombe hitherto posed by these bloodthirsty group knew no bounds. But with the transformation of just these ones and the lots waiting in line, the people can now go to sleep with both eyes closed.

Hence the venture is highly celebrated.

Gombe targets one of the five big economies in Nigeria come 2020 irrespective of the Federal Office of Statistics rating of the northeast as the poorest zone in the

country. Agriculture and mineral development (which is still on the drawing board) have been earmarked as key drivers of this vision. Accordingly, the process of rehabilitating the state poultry production unit which has been abandoned since 2005 has begun, and it is expected to provide at least 500 jobs upon full take-off. A similar effort is breath life into the Dadin-Kowa Fish Hatchery Complex abandoned 15 years ago.

The Tractor Hiring Unit which had just three functional machines has been boosted with 35 brand new tractors and the renovation of dilapidated 25 others.

From the foregoing, it needs no telling that the people of Gombe have been having good time under the leadership Dankwambo who has pledged that what the people have seen so far is just a tip of the iceberg compared to what his administration will do within the available financial resources, given the necessary cooperation. *Ismail lives in Bolari Quarters, Gombe.

Contribution of not more than 1,200 words should be sent to sundayvanguard@yahoo.com

PAGE 26—SUNDAY VANGUARD,JULY 1, 2012

Re: Nigeria's increasing population

H

OW the times are changing! I never thought that there would come a time in my country when citizens would not want to have many children, to the point that many young couples now opt to have just two children, or three at most. What's more, these young people, at least, those I spoke to on the issue, are not bothered whether they have all boys or all girls.

This is quite a departure from the usual craving for a male child by most families.

So, why are young people now rooting for a small family?

Mainly for financial and emotional reasons. They want the best in education and all the good things of life for their children, and since everything associated with raising children is getting more and more expensive, it makes sense to limit the number of children you have to what you can comfortably cater for financially, and also have money to put aside for a comfortable old age for yourself. Also, fewer number of children means you have less children to supervise, monitor and worry about. Hopefully, this will enable you have a closer and more meaningful relationship with the few you have.

The interesting thing is that many of those who want to limit the number of children they have, are people who have the means to look after several children, if they have to. This means that many of those in the low-income group, who are unable to live a decent life, are those who are having more children than they can look after. This tendency has contributed immensely to an increase in criminal activities as the children from such

View-Point

Helen Ovbiagele Woman Editor

Sister Helen, since we don't have the social security system in Nigeria, it is important that we embark on a serious campaign on the need to have small families, that parents can look comfortably after

London Fashion Week Fall Winter 2011: Jonathan Saunders fashionmefabulous.com

homes live rough on the streets and try to fend for themselves.

"Sister Helen, since we don't have the social security system in Nigeria, it is important that we embark on a serious campaign on the need to have small families, that parents can look comfortably after. Parents should realise that if they can't look after the wards, supplying them with the basic necessities of life, like feeding, clothing and housing, they're on their own. The government in this country is not going to do this for them.

Right now there's a huge unemployment problem for graduates from higher institutions.

They roam the streets day and night hunting for jobs which are just not there. This is a nightmare for them and their parents, some of whom may still be having more

children. I think the government should jail the parents of children found wandering about homeless, in the big cities. Thank you. Mudia , Benin City."

"Madam, Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world, so, I don't think that the figure of 167 million is too high for us. The problem with uncontrolled population explosion, which fortunately, we're still quite far from, is the poverty it generates for citizens; which drives the abject poor to eating from the dustbins.

We're not a poor country by any means, and there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to cater for the basic necessities of life for the citizenry. Experts on population are afraid for us because the nation's wealth is not spreading from the top down to the grassroots, due to the greed of our rulers and those in power. These ones are so concerned about laying up fortune for generations of their descendants that they steal public money unashamedly. Look at the way our law-makers are alleged to be asking for more money/ allowances for themselves when pensioners don't get their measly monthly allowance regularly, and some die on the queue during the annual verification exercise.

Many of these pensioners have unemployed adult children who they still have to cater for, because

the government has failed to generate jobs for young graduates. Our government is incompetent at any given time. They choose to chase shadows and leave the real work undone. - A Retiree, Oyo State."

"Here in South-East Nigeria, many parents see children as gifts from God. Religious organizations dedicate these children, assuring their parents that 'the God of miracle is their papa'. Government on their part continue to fight corruption with kids' gloves, thereby encouraging the spread of poverty - Dick Nnaji, Agbani, Enugu."

"While not restricting parents to a particular number of children that they should have, like in China and India, our government should take a firm stand on Nigerians having more children they can love and look after responsibly. Campaign on this by government, should be carried into the hinterland - villages and hamlets.

When I see the desperation on the faces of the young and mostly uneducated okada riders in the big cities, I feel sorry for our nation.

While some have a goal and are in the business for a limited period so that they can save up for something else, many of them sleep rough, have no education, and no worthwhile future career to look forward to. They ride anyhow and are rowdy and ready for a fight at the drop of a hat. Many times, I asked myself if the government of their state is aware of their existence. I doubt it. The government just doesn't care.

Every birth should be recorded and the local government area should follow up on that child; monitoring its growth, ensuring that he's given the various immunizations at the right time, and when he's five, advise the parents on choices of schools in their area. No local government is doing this right now in this country; talkless of their having a list of the unemployed youths in their area. So, it's unwise for parents to pour out children they can't cater for financially or emotionally. Heaven help us. Grace, Ikeja."

"Aunty Helen, good day. With regards to Nigeria's increasing population, let the truth be told.

Nigeria's real population is unknown.

The figure of 167 million put out by government officials, is a scam, in my opinion, to attract unsuspecting donors. - Celestine, mnse" "Madam, if less human beings are invited into the world in our country, the government will be able to cope with providing education, health care, and the relevant social services adequately. But if we continue to breed in an irresponsible manner, the nation will gradually be driven into abject poverty, which will pull along the rich also. It's time to rein in our appetite for having huge families.

Have only the children that you can conveniently cater for financially, without going to beg, borrow or steal; or ruining your health."

We thank all those who took time to write in.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 27

It's important to leave a legacy of excellence —Otunba Bola Kuforiji-Olubi

Otunba Bola

By JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

O

tunba Ayora (Dr.) Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, OON, is a woman of many firsts. She was the first female President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria-ICAN, and also the first female Chairman of any bank in Africa, having served as the Chairman of UBA in 1984. In 1993, she was appointed Minister for Commerce & Tourism in the interim national government, and she has continued to be active even in her 70s. A past President of the Soroptimist International Club of Eko, Lagos, she hosted both old and new members of the club recently, to mark the club’s 30th anniversary. There, Vista Woman had a chat with this illustrious lady from Ijebu-Ode. Enjoy!!

What would you say is your ideology of life?

My tenet is to make a difference, and I particularly strive to make a difference in any organization or situation I find myself because it is important for me to leave a legacy of achievement and excellence. My penchant for that cannot be compromised in any respect, either in the corporate world, my private life, with my children, amongst my friends, etc. I have principles that I keep to. However, I pray for God’s guidance in most things that I do because that is very important.

Otherwise, you will falter! I wouldn’t say I have never faltered, but the irony of life is that in the process of making mistakes, we learn.

You’re said to be concerned about the well-being of women and children. How have you shown this over the years?

I have a foundation called Ayora

Trust Foundation which is a multifaceted foundation in education, religion, arts, mediation and various charitable works. I believe one has to leave a legacy of helping and empowering other people to better themselves and actualize their dreams. Often and again, some people come to us even when they are not truly in need, but with wisdom, we’ve over the years been able to discern who is actually in need and who is telling lies. For our educational arm, we have a panel for testing the academic performance of our proposed beneficiaries, and their true background.

When was Ayora Trust Foundation established?

It was formally established about five years ago, but before then, I did a lot of undocumented charity works. I decided to establish it formally so as to authentically leave a legacy for my children as they get on in years, and

so that they also would know what to do even when I’m gone. All of my children are trustees of the foundation, and they will keep on when the time comes.

To what extent would you say the foundation has affected lives?

A lot of people have benefitted from the foundation. We go as far as providing accommodation for people.

But the truth is that administering to people’s needs comes from the heart; you have to examine where the needs actually are so that you are not deceived into trying to satisfy needs that are not in existence. So, we have a proper system for selecting who we are going to help.

Have some people tried to take advantage of your kindness?

It’s very painful to admit this. But the fact is that when you help somebody who goes on to tell someone else, the other may decide to take your generosity for wanting to purge yourself of some misdemeanors. I am however always ready to tell people that I am not a Governor X or B. I am me! I have worked hard all my life as a woman, and I am proud of my heritage and the things that I have been able to do. Not everyone may know where I’m coming because I do not live my life on the pages of newspapers, so I don’t hesitate to let people know that I worked hard for my money. I cannot be like people who say negative things to themselves that they do not have money. Rather, I make it known that I have money because I have worked hard, but I do not have stupid money or money to waste. Maybe my profession has something to do with that anyway. I always make sure I channel my resources objectively.

May we know about your early years?

I started my life as a Grade-II teacher at Zawan Girls Catholic P r i m a r y School in Jos. At the age of 19, I became a headmistress.

I was told that this came because I had done very well at my examinations; scoring the highest number of credits. I later went to England to do my A Levels and then my degree course.

I graduated in 1963 with a B.Sc Economics at London University.

Later on, I studied Chartered Accountancy, and became the first Nigerian female graduate Chartered

Accountant of England and Wales, and of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria-ICAN. I’ve had a chartered career both in the public and private sector and I’m very grateful to God for the opportunities. I’m still active, trying to do a few things and to leave a good legacy for my family.

You’re a woman of many firsts; what traits have helped you achieve all that?

Traits that have helped me are diligence, hardwork, being true to myself, holding-on to my dreams, never letting myself be discouraged, and trusting in God. These traits are very important and necessary for any man or woman who wants to get on in life. You don’t let anybody derail your boat! Stay focused, and if you know you’re going on a wrong path, try as much as possible to make sure you’re back on course.

Listen to advice from elders because nobody knows it all.

Looking at your achievements, would you say gender discrimination does exists?

Over the years, I have suffered some gender discriminations. I have been told to my face by some organisations that they have no room for any woman! But I never allowed myself to be discouraged!

I have been boss to a number of men who tell me: “I have a woman like you at home!”, but I let them know that I am not the woman in their houses! I do my best to show that I have the intelligence and the intellect to hold on to my position. That’s why I always advise people to be sure they merit whatever position they are given.

Didn’t your marriage pose any distraction like some women claim?

Marriage needs good management even when you’re more educated or successful than your husband. You need to give your husband the respect that he deserves for him to allow you pursue your goals. I’ve been married twice.

I’m glad for the experiences God has put me through because they’ve made me a better person.

What’s your advice to women?

Never expect anybody to do anything for you because you’re a woman.

Show that y o u deserve what you ask for, and have a good stance both in terms of moral and intellect. Be humble, look good, and when you open your mouth to talk, make sure you say things that won’t strip you of your self-respect.

Traits that have helped me are diligence, hardwork, being true to myself, holding-on to my dreams, never letting myself be discouraged, and trusting in God.

PAGE 28—SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012

* Scenes from the tragedy ... on Monday

Armaggedon in Ibadan!

How nursing mother, pregnant woman, others perished

W

e all enjoy light. Except some awkward people who hide under the cover of darkness to perpetrate evil, everyone desires it. No wonder, when the Power Holding Company of Nigeria restores light after hours of power outage, the shouts of “UP NEPA” rent the air.

But, because of its usefulness and the satisfaction it gives, we tend to underestimate the destruction it can cause within a split of a second.

Warnings such as, ‘It is extremely dangerous to stay under PHCN high tension power lines or carry out any activity close to PHCN equipment’; ‘It is a crime punishable under the law if you erect structures or carry out activities under or close to PHCN equipment’; ‘Give a gap of 5.5 metres, 12.5m and 25m on each side of our 11/33KV, 132KV and 330KV lines respectively’; ‘You stand the risk if instant electrocution in case of a wire cut or transformer explosion’; ‘If you erect structures or carry out activities under the PHCN high tension lines or close to any PHCN equipment; you endanger your life and overtime as a result of radiation from the power lines which may lead to cancer’, are routinely ignored.

As a result, many Nigerians erect structures under high and low tension wires, while some people transact business under it.

Even when something disastrous happens, people only stay away for some time and

later resume their normal activities.

If warnings had been heeded, Monday’s electrocution of seven women, including a pregnant woman, could have been averted.

The day started like any other day and normal transactions had started at the Agbekoya market, Apata Ganga. As usual, some vegetable sellers woke up and hurried to the market to get their daily supplies from farmers from the surrounding villages. Since they always

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BY OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

“We used a stick to separate the baby from the mother. It happened around 5.50am. The wire just came down suddenly. There was no time for any of them to run”, one of the commercial motorcyclists said.

A youth leader in the area, Mr. Wahab Bamidele, led his colleaguesy to rescue two survivors.

He told Sunday Vanguard that the casualties would have been more if more buyers and sellers had come.

“If you have been coming

T here had been several complaints to the PHCN that the cables always cut. Such incidents had killed two persons at different times in the past. But the staff of the company would only come to join the cables together

transact their business under the distribution wire, they had no premonition of the death that was lurking around the corner.

B

ut, at exactly, 5.50am, the peaceful atmosphere was ruptured when one of the cables snapped and fell right on some of the traders including a one-year old baby strapped to the back of his mother. Before help could come, seven of them had been electrocuted.

Providence provided a miraculous escape for the baby but his mother was not that lucky. Thanks to some Okada riders nearby.

,

here before, you would know that this place is always congested-students going to schools, workers going to their places of work and many other people”, a resident who identified himself as Suleiman narrated.

According to him, there had been several complaints to the PHCN that the cables always cut. Such incidents had killed two persons at different times in the past. But the staff of the company would only come to join the cables together.

Another resident, Sikiru Ajiboye, said, “We don’t know what to do again. We have been complaining about the

state of these wires for a long time. Apart from being thin, the wires are also too weak and they fall so often”.

Another man who did not want his name in print alleged that some PHCN officials always collect money from them before fixing the wires.

R

eacting to the latest in cident, the Principal Affairs Manager, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Jide Oyenuga said though the company sympathized with the government of Oyo State and the families of the victims, he reminded the people who don’t always obey the town planning law that a reasonable distance should be observed as setback to the low and tension wires as there could be line failure at any time.

He said, “General public should not violate the town and regional planning law which stipulates that the mandatory distance of 5.5metres, 15.5m and 25m must be observed as setbacks in relation to low tension, 11KV and 33KV lines respectively in order to avoid any form of accident in the event of line failures.

“The public should bear it in mind that these electrical materials are persistently exposed to mother nature which makes them vulnerable to wear and tear and also accident can happen without notice within technical limitations”.

A survivor, Afusat Abiade, receiving treatment at the Garden of Eden Hospital, said she was the first to be brought to the hospital before dead victims followed.

Speaking on the incident, the

Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Command, Mrs. Olabisi Ilobanafor, confirmed the death of only five people while two survivors were said to be receiving treatment in hospital.

The sad incident paralysed commercial activities in the ever-busy market as farmers, who supply vegetables, and traders immediately stopped business transactions.

Also, many commuters trekked to their destinations as commercial drivers withdrew their services.

There was tension at Apata later as rumour spread that some youth who blamed the electrocution on the PHCN were planning to attack its office there.

This made the police in the state to beef up security to prevent breakdown of law and order. On Tuesday, one of the residents there was calling on the electricity company to compensate the families of the victims.

A

lhaji Alamu said besides compensation, the company should also ensure that the cables are replaced to prevent further disaster. To douse the tension, the market has been closed by the South West Local Government.

Senator Olufemi Lanlehin representing Oyo South Senatorial District, sent condolences to the bereaved families; the Olubadan of Ibadanland; the Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government and Governor Abiola Ajimobi over the unfortunate incident.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 29

Country News

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, CALABAR

A

ll in black attire, which signified mourning, the displaced people of the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula, numbering over 500 marched to the Governor ’s Office, Calabar, Cross River State, to protest what they described as perpetual neglect and the Federal Government’s insensitivity to their plight.

Though they were accompanied by a band and carried placards with different inscriptions, the protesting people sang mourning songs, wore gloomy faces and called on the Holy Spirit to intervene in what they described as injustice meted to them by the Nigerian government.

The International Court of Justice, ICJ, sitting in the Hague, Netherlands, had, in October 2002, delivered a judgment over the ownership of the disputed Bakassi Peninsula between Nigeria and Cameroun. The judgment was in favour of Cameroun.

Before the people were evacuated from their ancestral home, the Federal Government promised to resettle them. They were also assured that everything that belonged to them would go with them in their new resettlement place.

The handing over of Bakassi to Cameroun attracted condemnation from some quarters.

The ceding was said to be have been completed without the enabling legislation by the National Assembly and the Green Tree Aggrement entered into between Nigeria and Cameroun not ratified.

To appease the displaced people, in 2007, a Senate investigation panel, headed by Senator Jubril Aminu, was set up and the Bakassi people went to testify before the committee. But it seems the report remained with the people that

Bakassi: Unending agony of a displaced people

* The protresters: our fate uncertain

“It is 10 years since we lost our rights, our belongings, our heritage, and we are now displaced and dispossessed for Nigeria to be a model in Africa,” set it up about five years after as nothing has been heard about it.

The people, out of frustration, then approached a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice G.M. Umar, for an interlocutory injunction perpetually restraining the federal and Cross River State governments, their agents, privy and allies from ceding Bakassi to Cameroun.

The matter, filed by Barrister Joseph Etene, Emmanuel Etene, Ani Esin and others is still pending.

By October 10, 2012, it will be ten years since the ICJ delivered the controversial judgment that ousted the Nigeri-

* Bakassi ... Govt reneged on relocation agreement

,

an people from Bakassi, and it is believed in some quarters that after ten years if no appeal is filed the decision of the court can not be challenged again.

T

hree months to the expi ration of the period allowed for appeal, nothing has been done by the Cross River State Government and the Federal Government to challenge the ICJ verdict and the people of Bakassi do not have a particular place that they could call theirs .

Worse still, the oil wells located in the area where the displaced people received royalty was arbitrarily ceded to the

neighboring Akwa Ibom State.

Frustrated the people, penultimate Thursday, marched to the Cross River State Governor ’s Office in Calabar, to protest their plight, accusing the Federal Government of reneging on its assurance 10 years after Bakassi Peninsula was ceded to Republic of Cameroun.

The protesters delivered documents to Governor Liyel Imoke for the Presidency. The protesters were made up of women, professionals, businessmen and members of the state House of Assembly.

One of their spokesman, Mr. Maurice Ekong, said though Cross River people are reputed to be peaceful, law-abiding and calm people, they were expressing “unusual anger” and would want their collective positions to be made known to President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that series of injustice had been meted to them by the Federal Government after they had accepted to let go their ancestral home in national interest.

“It is 10 years since we lost our rights, our belongings, our heritage, and we are now displaced and dispossessed for Nigeria to be a model in Africa,” he said.

The Bakassi Local Government chairman under which the place was ceded, Chief Ani Esin, said they were vexed with the way Nigeria and the Presidency had treated them because they were assured that the exercise would be painless.

Esin said by that action, they lost their identity, home, property and natural resources, stressing that their resources

must follow them step by step and no agreement should be held on the Gulf Guinea between Nigeria and other countries without their involvement.

He said the Green Tree Agreement on Bakassi has not been ratified and that no court in the country is competent to deliberate on any issue affecting the area.

Representatives of women in the rally said that they were widows because their husbands had been killed while no official legislation had been passed on Bakassi and appealed to the Federal Government to give them back their 76 oil wells.

Responding, Governor Imoke who just returned from Abuja and met the protesters in his office, expressed surprise over the protest, saying that what gravitated it must be very serious.

H

e commended them for the peaceful conduct of the protest, saying that Cross River is one of the 36 states in the country and every one has equal rights to freedom of expression as provided in the constitution.

He promised to deliver the document which they presented to him to President Jonathan as demanded by them and described Bakassi as a modern local government and as such would not want to speculate on any issue concerning it. According to him, the court is the last hope of the people and common man and expressed an unreserved confidence in the Supreme Court to do justice on matters involving the area.

PAGE 30—SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012

I’m a testimony of what a physically challenged could become – Cobhams, award winning songster *My journey to stardom began from my mother’s kitchen

He is physically challenged but a phenomenon! A song writer, music producer and singer rolled into one! Unlike many challenged people who have become immune to personal dignity and self-worth, 31-year old Cobhams Asuquo is a delight. Cobhams discovered his passion quite early in life, and, even after spending three years at the University of Lagos studying Law because of his passion for justice, he one day woke up to the reality of passion and then opted out of UNILAG to pay full attention to music. After years of self-development and working as the Head of Audio Productions at a local label, Question Mark Entertainment, in 2006, Cobhams Asuquo Music ProductionsCAMP-evolved with the idea of discovering, nurturing and exposing young talents; producing world-class materials for Nigerian artistes, and to contribute positively and sustainably to the entertainment industry in Nigeria. Despite his impairment, our award-winning Inspirational Icon, who is the last of six children, is obviously living his dream of revolutionising the music industry, and has to his credit the nurturing of fine artiste like Asa, among many others.

Y

OU’VE become a delight in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

How did it start?

It started from my mother ’s kitchen. That was where I started drumming on everything I could find just to make music. Thereon, it progressed to the Catholic Church at the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos where I grew up, and then to my primary school, Patchelli School for the Blind. I proceeded to King’s College, Lagos. Along the line, I kept meeting beautiful people. I think it was all driven by my love for music and the support from my family; with the belief, hope and faith my parents always had in me.

You’re described as one with ears for quality sounds. How do you distinguish sounds?

It’s like the difference between light and darkness. Overtime, I think I’ve oiled my skill as far as appreciating good sound is concerned. Knowing good sound takes a good listener, and I try as much as possible to be a good listener, and to compare what I hear against what is standard.

Could this be because you’re visually impaired?

People say your other senses are heightened when you lose one sense, and I think that’s true. I

heightened my listening ability as a result of my having to rely on it.

Music production requires so much money. How did you scale through?

It was a gradual process. I started working with studios right from my secondary school days. I had been to Charley Boy’s studio, New Wave Productions, Goldmine Studio and Every Music, Every House studio amongst some others in Lagos.

In fact, wherever there was a studio in Lagos, I went! I did these not actually for money, but just so I could be heard. All the while, I was in secondary school! I mean, I was able to share my ideas with artistes whom I met there, and I also got the chance to work with the ones who took the risk to work with me. I’m always eternally grateful to them. Sometimes, I did it probono, and sometimes, I got paid in stipends. It however was a good learning period for me, as I was able to gain access to equipment that I ordinarily would not have been able to pay to learn.

But how did you find your way to those studios?

I had friends! In my life, I’ve always had angels in form of people giving their time to be part of my story. I remember Muyiwa Oyinlola, for instance, who very much believed in my dream. We both went to studios together, and used to do commercials and then sell them for money. Then I was between 16 and 19.

Were you doing similar things

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BY GIFT GABRIEL

Cobhams Asuquo

anything before! I just felt I could familiarise myself with everything when we get into the studio! Really, we went and, on the first day, I made six songs!

That was my second time of walking into a studio and my first time of producing.

How come you were able to do all that in your teens when we have people without physical challenges reeling off excuses for their failures?

I guess you’re what you think of yourself. I’ve always thought most of myself! I believe when you

As a parent, you would be doing the world a great disservice if you sit on what could become the next explosion

before you began working at studios?

As a child, I used to organise impromptu concerts where I would come out and drum on the barrels in which my mum stored water in front of my house. All the kids in my block and the neighbouring blocks in the barracks would gather, and I would sing and drum, and they would dance and have such a good time too. It was my mini concert! I think it was a prelude to everything else that took flight from there because I later did a similar thing in my final year in primary school. I also remember claiming to be a producer when someone came to me while still in secondary school (laughs).

Meanwhile, I had not produced

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think something of yourself and work towards it, you achieve the desired result; of course with God on your side. I come from a family that has always believed in me even when there was nothing to believe in. My mother always used to say that she knew I would become somebody great in life. I believe those words spoken into my life prepared me for what I am today. It was then left for me to believe in myself. I never pictured myself poor.

But how exactly did you acquaint yourself with studio equipment?

Being a producer is like being a pilot. Sometimes the first officer flies the plane and the pilot knows precisely where he wants all the right parameters

and technicalities. I do a lot of that and my sound engineer does the pushing of the buttons.

Although, with time and experience, I began to do a bit of sound engineering myself. With the advancement in technology, I now have screen readers that read the copies, have my voice on braille, etc. I make use of those when necessary, but, most times, I work with sound engineers; and I have wonderful sound engineers!

You definitely mixed up with other kids while growing up.

Didn’t you ever have experiences good enough to make you lose confidence in yourself?

If kids ever made fun of me, I don’t think it ever got to me. I was too dead-set on who I thought I was. I’m sure I must have thought I was a super-star!

Sincerely, I was an extraordinary kid. I guess I sort of knew at an early age that I was going somewhere. For one, I was a real leader of kids because I loved my radio and always listened to it. So, I was the one who gave my peers all the current information! I was that kid who could make an impression on other kids, and that kept me in a place where you couldn’t really make fun of me. I always had people on my side because I was a charming kid; I was witty, funny and very interesting!

You’re the last of six children.

What’s your family background like?

My father was a soldier who retired and then did a little bit of business before he passed on. My mother worked with the Chaplain Services as a clerical

officer. She retired later to take care of us and has been a fulltime mother ever since.

Financially, would you say you received much backing from your family?

They didn’t have much, and, if there was anything they gave me in abundance, it was love. I think that’s worth whatever millions they would have given me to start me up. As a family, there were times when things were very tough for us. More than once, we came face to face with eviction! I also had great people around me.

Chief(Mrs.)Leila Fowler actually paid my way through school at a point in secondary school. I had wonderful uncles and aunties who made me a much better person, including an uncle who believed in me and bought me my first laptop when I told him what I could do with the computer.

You were fortunate! But do you know there are lots of challenged kids neglected because parents feel they won’t ever amount to any good?

I’m just a tip of the iceberg of what a physically challenged child who is given attention could become. But if such parents cannot see me as an example, then it’s not the kid who is challenged but the parents. We aren’t talking money here! Just the love, attention and faith shown that a child could go a long way! As a parent, you would be doing the world a great disservice if you sit on what could become the next explosion.

You’ve produced artistee like Asa among many others. How do you feel when you listen to their songs and success stories?

It’s very humbling. It always brings me to my knees because I realise that I’m just a hollow vessel. I don’t know how they came to be, but I know that I reccognise the ideas starting in my head. I however know that the final products obviously were God’s surgical work. I would like you to watch out for the breed of artistes that would be coming out from CAMP because they ’re artistes who are creating music because of its artistic and cultural value. The plan is to revolutionise the Nigerian music industry with variety and a fresh sound.

I’ve barely spent an hour here, but I’m already envious of you and your wife....

I always advise people to marry their friends. I’ve known my wife for about 11 years now, and we’ve been casual friends until a couple of years ago when we started dating. It’s a relationship that has progressed naturally.

She’s very amazing, supportive and insightful. In fact, she fell from the skies into my life and I’m very happy! God blessed us with a baby boy last year and he’s also brought us so much joy.

Now, looking at your achievements in the last 31 years of your life, how would you define the word ‘challenge’?

A challenge is the obstacle that prepares you for your next level.

It’s the one thing that gets to your way not so that you can be stopped, but so that you can scale over it to be higher than you were.

A challenge does not have the ability to turn you around and march you backwards. It’s the one thing that you can step on and step over to progress forward.

“Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” - George Washington

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 31

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 33

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 35

‘The benefits of the Sovereign Wealth Fund’ don’t kill them but if they have functions that are duplicated, what is required is to streamline them and the personnel that would be relieved would be redeployed to areas where they could be more useful to the economy. If you redeploy the people, you are not necessarily creating unemployment. You are simply moving people around for greater performance. We can’t shy away from taking concrete steps that would help the economy to be on a proper level even if it means people losing their jobs.

Do you think Nigerians should

Chief Kingsley Ikpe is a former bank chief and chairman of Ithoki Energy Resource. In this interview, the economic consultant speaks on why government can’t shy away from taking concrete steps that would help the economy. Excerpts:

D

O you share the view that Nigeria’s e c o n o m i c backwardness is largely due to external forces which reap from its underdevelopment?

Many people, when they are unable to achieve their expectations, they look for something to say is the reason . We are the architects of our own p roblems. We want to consume before we produce. We allowed our own misleading of what should be political power and took it to mean the ability to get the largest possible share of the national cake, not the respect you get from being the baker of that cake. That is the problem of Nigeria and the economy.

What is your assessment of the steps taken so far by the present administration to revive the economy?

Wonderful, they are taking correct steps. There are so many critics in the papers blaming them for everything but it is unfortunate. This administration is building institutions. It takes time for you to begin to see the results of the institutions that they are trying to put in place. Mind you, this economy was wrecked by the long years of military intervention. They had a bunch of young men that knew nothing about managing the economy.

Under the military regime, it was not easy to distinguish the difference between the private pocket and the national treasury.

So, this is the consequence and, if you look at the countries that got their independence at the same time with us, those that succeeded did not had military intervention.

Such countries include Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

We are still operating a monoeconomy. Do you have confidence that this administration would diversify it?

You can see what the present Minister of Agriculture is doing by trying to create a process whereby the nation would be able to feed itself and ensure that there would be value added industries to replace some of the things that we import and also to export.

However, there is the need for states to understand the need to create necessary infrastructure that would stimulate more economic activities that would help the country’s GDP to grow.

So, they are moving in the right direction and it is necessary that we provide the support and encouragement and not criticizing all the time. A lot of people think that when you criticize, you are intelligent but it is not necessarily so. You achieve a lot when you encourage people and, when you do that, you increase their level of self-

Chief Kingsley Ikpe confidence and they would get better.

The issue of Sovereign Wealth Fund has generated so much controversy. What is your view on that?

It not to be controversial. The governors understand the need to take as much as they can get from the centre but we all grew up understanding the lesson to save for the rainy day. That is the whole thing concerning the concept of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. We cannot say that oil price would go up. It is unrealistic. If it plunges maybe below the budget level we should have something that we can fall back on and your Sovereign Wealth Fund gives you enormous respect and increases your credibility and power in negotiation internationally. It also increases the value of your currency because you are not talking about your current accounts and asset base. So it is a good thing and I hope the governors would start laying more emphasis on how to internally increase their own revenue generation and not always looking at the centre and by so doing making it seen that these political units are economically strong and viable.

Recently, it was alleged that the country might go broke as the Excess Crude Oil account was fast depleting. Do you think it is now wise for government to borrow to finance key projects?

I have said that infrastructure would help the growth of the economy, increase the country’s GDP and smoothen the running of the economy . So, if you are borrowing for infrastructural development which would now help increase the economic base or borrow to build entities that would produce income or profit, it makes sense because it would be self-liquidating borrowing .

So, the projects from which you are borrowing would generate the kind of income to repay those loans. Many have criticized the country over the poor railway system but the present government is working towards its revitalization as there is no modern economy that would function most effectively without a good transportation sector . So, I think whatever they borrow should be at low interest rate.

The government also plans to scrap some of its agencies. Don’t you think it should rather strengthen them?

Well, if the agencies have not outlived their usefulness, you

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BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE

to attract into the energy sector to come in so that their investment would be able to give us the kind of quality service we want, we should do so. I know all these are coming at the same time particularly at a time of withdrawal of subsidy but these are inefficiencies that have been in the system and they have to be gotten rid off for us to move to where we want to be. In 1980/81, the projections we did was that in three years, the Nigerian economy would overtake the South Africa’s but then, when the military guys struck, they took us

We cannot have things always on welfare basis.

Welfarism does not confer respect on people

pay higher tariff for power when government cannot guarantee stable power supply?

There is nothing like free lunch.

If you want good service, you have to pay for it. If it is our expectation that PHCN should function efficiently and effectively, then we should be ready to pay.

We cannot have things always on welfare basis. Welfarism does not confer respect on people. If it means paying a little more and that a little more when you add up whatever it is, it becomes much in terms of investing capital . If that’s what it takes to do it for PHCN to be well funded or for the private investors that we want

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back many decades and here we are way behind South Africa when we should have been way ahead. So, if you need to get something good, you need to grow your economy, you must make the right investment and the right investment must come from aggregation of savings and part of these savings comes from incremental rate that you pay.

Now PHCN put all these together to be able to buy more equipment.

If new people want to now come into PHCN either as distribution companies or people selling meters or whatever, it should be profitable otherwise they won’t come and, if they don’t come, the

sector would not be efficient and, if the sector is not efficient, we would still be staying backwards in the 21st century.

As a banker, would you say the existing banks in the country are strong enough to play active roles in the growth of the economy or do they require further recapitalization?

Strictly speaking, they do not need further recapitalization but my worry is that the manpower component in the banks may not be strong enough to handle the previous capitalization. This is why we saw the problems as they put money where they ought not to put money and that’s why some banks now failed . So, we need more money to be able to compete on a global basis so that when a bank in South Africa is participating in an international financing school, it would be good for a Nigerian bank or when we are inviting major investors to come in and invest in our economy and they are using international finance, our bankers should be participating.

But then, we don’t want a situation where they are having so much money but don’t know what to do with it. It becomes a question of having more money than brains . That ruined us in the past. So, maybe, strictly speaking, yes we can do with more capital but no let us do a little bit to make sure that the manpower is sufficiently knowledgeable because banking today is a knowledge-basedbusiness and, if you don’t have the people that have the kind of knowledge to operate in the 21st century banking, we have problems.

‘Don’t tamper with the CBN autonomy’

BY UDEME CLEMENT

T

HE national coordinat or, Centre for

Societal Values and Development, Mr. Silas Udoh, says the autonomy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to formulate monetary polices and regulate the activities of financial institutions must not be tampered with, even as he stressed that banking reforms and recent monetary policy framework mapped out by the apex bank are restoring depositors confidence.

He made this known in a chat with Sunday Business, stressing that the autonomy of CBN is not responsible for the slow pace of economic growth and development in the country. “The problem is not with the autonomy of the CBN, but leadership. Once the policies of the CBN represent the economy well and we have holistic reforms in other sectors, development would pick up”, Udoh, also a lawyer, said.

He added, “If we look at it pragmatically, the CBN is not totally autonomous because the National Assembly, under its supervisory power, usually summons the apex bank to appear before the lawmakers to explain certain actions and monetary policies designed to regulate the financial sector. This shows that there are checks and balances in the system because the supervisory power puts the apex

bank under the control of National Assembly. This implies that the management of CBN could be compelled to refund if there is excessive spending.

“Under social corporate responsibility, CBN could donate to the victims of war and disaster as a body, not as an individual in the leadership position of the bank. The autonomy of the CBN does not in any way hinder

economic prosperity of the country. Notwithstanding the challenges, the economy would still improve. For example, the cashless policy of the CBN is very good, because it would curtail robbery and money laundering associated with carrying large volumes of cash about. Most importantly, the management of the apex bank must check its excesses.”

From left: Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyrights Society Of Nigeria; Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director MultiChoice Nigeria; Mrs. Ijeoma Theo-Obodo, representing the National Broadcasting Commission, during the Copyright Royalty Agreement Signing Ceremony between MultiChoice Nigeria and Copyrights Society of Nigeria, in Lagos. PHOTO: Keihnde Gbadamosi.

PAGE 36— SUNDAY

VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Inputs in agriculture to hit N48trillion by 2030—Jonathan T

HE plan by the Federal Government to increase inputs in agriculture to enhance capacity utilisation is a welcome development for farmers and stakeholders in the sector.

Government’s intervention: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his last Sunday media chat, said government is putting measures in place to boost productivity in the sector from the present level of N15.84bn ($99billion) per annum to N48trillion ($300billion) by 2030. The initiative, he said would enhance food security in the country, as the policy aims at making Nigeria self sufficient in food production. The President added that the policy would also pave the way for export of farm produce to other countries for revenue generation.

Jonathan further explained that job creation as part of the transformation agenda of government could be achieved mostly by ensuring rapid growth in agriculture, which is a sector capable of providing jobs for a large number of the people, especially youths.

“Agriculture development is also part of our strategy in repositioning the economy for the Vision 20:2020 target.

Government is working tirelessly to make Nigeria an agriculturally industrialised economy. This would have a multiplier effect in stimulating growth of the rural economy to create jobs and markets for numerous farmers in the country”, he stressed.

Economic growth rate: Experts are of the opinion that reviving agriculture is quite imperative to economic growth because of its contribution to the GDP and ability to promote export trade, even as Nigeria’s economy is one of the fastest growing in the world, growing by 7.8 per cent annually, and it is projected to become the largest economy in Africa by 2015, and the fifth largest in the world by 2050.

To pragmatically demonstrate its commitment to agriculture, the government recently pledged the sum of $15million as its contribution to the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), which is meant for the replenishment of IFAD resources. The $15milion figure shows about 300 per cent increase over the regular $5million Nigerian government has been giving to IFAD. The policy of government on 10 percent cassava flour inclusion in wheat flour for bread: Some farmers, who spoke with Sunday Business, expressed satisfaction with the policy of government on inclusion of 10 per cent cassava flour into wheat flour

for production of bread. They said the policy is a step in the right direction to enable farmers increase their outputs.

Accordingly, the bill presented to the National Assembly by the President seeks to make it compulsory for cassava flour to be included in bread and other similar pastries, because the more local cassava flour consumed, the less imported flour used.

This makes economic sense as it is capable of saving Nigeria an estimated N250 billion and creating more jobs for people within the urban and rural areas.

N200 billion commercial agric credit: In April 2009, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) created the N200 billion Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme and the funds are being disbursed through the deposit money banks (DMBs) to local farmers to enable them improve their production capacity. The loan scheme has an interest rate that does not exceed 9 percent and the maturity period which must not be more than 7 years.

The scheme is to enable local farmers expand their capacity to create more jobs and enhance revenue generation for the economy.

S

unday Business gathered that 109 projects, made up of privately-owned projects,

Dr. Godwin Oyedele Oyediji, says the efforts by government to develop agriculture is a good initiative and should be supported by the private sector

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STORIES BY UDEME CLEMENT

President Goodluck Jonathan have been financed with part of the money, while 19 state governments received N1 billion each for disbursement to farmers’ co-operatives and unions within their constituencies. Aside from the N200billion agric credit scheme, in 2010, a huge sum of N500 billion was approved as an intervention fund for the manufacturing industry, all in a bid to grow agriculture and the non-oil export sector of the economy.

“The sector has the capacity to absorb over 500.000 work force annually” The registrar, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) Abuja, and former chairman, Agriculture, Non-oil Export Trade Group, Lagos Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (LACCIMA),

Agriculture is a sector of Nigeria ’s economy that has the capacity to absorb over 500.000 youths annually, if power improves and necessary infrastructures are provided to create enabling environment

,

to ensure long-term benefits.

“Growing agriculture means government is focusing more on the reforms that would stimulate economic growth and development within the short, medium and long term expectations”, he said. He went on: “The policy would allow industrial growth and also address the prevalent problem of unemployment in the country, especially among the youths. For instance,

agriculture is a sector of Nigeria ’s economy that has the capacity to absorb over 500.000 youths annually, if power improves and necessary infrastructures are provided to create enabling environment.

“Aside from the policy on 10 per cent inclusion of cassava flour in bread, there is need for the minister of agriculture to come up with proactive measures that would restructure the sector for greater growth. Also, efficient transportation system is important for the sector to function optimally. Agriculture needs functional transportation network to achieve rapid growth, because farm produce must be conveyed from where they are harvested to the end users on time.

“If you look at the aggregate analysis, about 70million Nigerians are involved in agriculture in the country directly and indirectly. For instance, the employment capacity in the sector is often classified under skilled, semiskilled and unskilled labour. It means with the population of over 160million people, agriculture alone could comfortably take 50 per cent of the entire workforce of Nigeria , noting fully well that 50 per cent of Nigeria ’s population are youths from 15 years and above. Agriculture would also generate revenue as additional source of income-flow in the economy. Also large scale farming must be encouraged across the country and our farm produce should be exported to other countries for foreign exchange”.

Job creation: ‘Why we need policy continuity in Edo’

Mr.Nurudeen Yusuf

T

HE Afemai Empower ment Club of Nigeria, a group that is into youth and women empowerment, has called on entrepreneurs and citizens of Edo State to support the industrialisation policy of the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to develop the state.

The President of the group, Mr.Nurudeen Yusuf, said this while addressing Journalists after an emergency meeting of the group held in Lagos , stressing that continuity in the policies on job creation and youth empowerment put in place by the current administration, would fast track economic growth and development in the State.

He said, “The present gov-

ernment has embarked on numerous developmental projects designed to enhance rapid economic growth and development in the state, continuity in government will pave the way for people at the grass-root to benefit from government polices and projects that are already on-going in the State. In consideration of unparalleled achievements of Oshiomhole, in the areas of youth/women empowerment, creation of jobs to tackle the problem of unemployment, infrastructure development, construction and rehabilitation of schools to improve the standard of education in the state, the Club has resolved to support his re-election to ensure long-term development in Edo. The government has done so well in the last four years, because this is the first time Edo State is witnessing massive infrastructure development. We are calling on all traditional institutions in the state to support continuity in government for the betterment of the masses”, he stressed.

On the efforts of government to promote industrialisation in the State, he said, “Everything is on ground for people to see.

The present government constructed and rehabilitated many schools and roads across hundreds of villages in the three senatorial zones in

Edo. Government also resuscitated the economy to boost influx of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the area.

Aside from job creation, Oshiomhole has beautified the capital city, even as he invested massively in healthcare and provision of potable water to improve the standard of living in the state”.

His words: “The Club has

carefully noted the sterling leadership quality of Oshiomhole, as he is working tirelessly to touch lives of people at the grass-root. We encourage the people of Edo to come out en-mass to vote for people oriented government.

This is the only way the yearning for continuous development in the State can be sustained.”

From left; Mr Raja ko, IT Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA), Mr Bennett Nwagu, Product Manager, Printer/Display Solutions, Samsung Electronics West Africa and Mr Haidar Said, Managing Director, Channel IT Nigeria Limited, during the launching of Samsung ML2160W Printer, in Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi

SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 37

Nigeria in the looming global recession (2)

President Goodluck Jonathan

BY DELE SOBOWALE “History does not repeat itself; man does”. Barbara Tuchmann; the world’s leading historian on 13th and 14th centuries in Europe.

I

n the first part of this series, the price of Brent Crude, which is closer to the Nigerian light crude, was quoted at $95.56 per barrel on June 20, 2012. On June 28, 2012, it came down to $93 and that was on account of the strike in Norway, the world’s eighth largest producer.

In between, it actually dipped closer to $90 in one day – all on account of the intractable economic and financial crisis in several European countries – including three of the largest four, namely, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Spain had been forced to borrow at exorbitant rates in order to keep its economy from collapsing totally and dragging down the Eurozone with it.

That implies dragging down Nigeria’s crude oil exports as well.

When the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, warned that Spain cannot afford high [lending] lending rates for long, he made clear that he was not speaking for Spain alone but for other nations in Europe as well.

According to him, “It is happening in Spain; it is happening in Italy; and it is happening in other countries”.

Meanwhile European leaders demonstrating what, Russian President called “action deficit”, are as far away from finding any, talk less of a lasting, solution to the gravest economic crises the Western world has faced since the end of World War II. It is crisis which will affect us in more ways than many in government imagine. Our over-reliance on crude oil and our refusal to make the hard choices that would lead

.

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Okonjo Iweala

Yakubu Gowon

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Crude oil, which had been the catalyst propelling our country to unforeseen prosperity is, at the same time, the potential harbinger of our economic ruin

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to diversification will eventually lead to our economic ruin – if care is not taken. Unfortunately, it is not being taken.

FROM BOOM TO DOOM rude oil, which had been the cat alyst propelling our country to unforeseen prosperity is, at the same time, the potential harbinger of our economic ruin.

For almost fifteen years after crude oil was discovered in Oloibiri, oil played a minor role in the economic activities of the country. We had a truly balanced economy – with each of the three (later four) regions contributing a significant percentage of the government’s revenue.

No single region could hold the entire nation to ransom; as we have now.

We also had true fiscal federalism – which encouraged the federating units to compete in developing the abundant resources we now proclaim but fail to exploit.

Nigeria’s economic fate, as well as those of other nations of the world changed abruptly, as they are about to

C

change again, in 1973. This time, starting from 2012, it might be a change for the worse. The boom, which started in 1973 and ended in 1982; resumed briefly again in 1992, and had continued from 1997 till last year is coming to an end. The doom which followed the first boom, in the mid-1980s till 1997 is about to repeat itself because Nigerian leaders, at all levels, were slow to read the handwriting on the wall and to take appropriate measures to prevent turning an economic crisis into a catastrophe.

Reading, in the newspapers, the number of Commissioners and Special Advisers which the least profligate of our governors had appointed, it is clear that our desdcent into distress would be deeper and longer. Nobody, except one, thinks of a Nigeria without substantial crude oil revenue – NONE. Global trade experienced a revolution, on account of an event which occurred on October 6, 1973. It was the eve of the Yom Kippur, the holiest of Jewish holidays, during which Jews were restrained from bearing arms.

Egypt took advantage of this and attacked Israel and initially made headway; but soon the holidays were over and Israel handed the Egyptians their third defeat since World War II. Humiliated once again, the Arab nations turned to their remaining strength – they imposed on oil embargo on the West. Before it was over, the price of crude, which had remained at the $3 per barrel dictated by the West shot up to $12 per barrel. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, was formed and suddenly the producers, not the consumers, of crude oil were dictating the price.

The effect on the Nigerian economy was almost instantaneous – crude oil, by the end of 1973, had become the

nation’s largest revenue earner; a position it retains till today. Money and madness are close allies; but when the bonanza is so large as to exceed fairy tales proportions, it certainly induces lunacy.

Nigeria went on a spending binge about which many of the public office holders, at the time, and still alive, would certainly not want to be reminded for the wasted opportunities involved in public policy at the time.

For instance, many public servants nearing retirement, who rushed out to buy new cars, refrigerators and television sets, after the Federal military government under Gowon declared the Udoji Awards, paying workers nine months arrears of salary and increasing take home pay by 300% were not able to maintain those items. Invariably, it was the first and the last. Meanwhile, the hyperinflation which the awards triggered lasted for more than twenty years.

Meanwhile, the price of crude jumped on an upward moving escalator such that government, it seemed, could not spend the money fast enough. It would have been better if they had spent most of it on education, infrastructure, power and health. Instead, it went on vainglorious projects; on unsustainable salary increases; on maintenance of office holders and lastly, it disappeared through corruption.

The Udoji awards induced a mania for imports to the extent that many ships loaded for Nigeria sank with their cargo, after waiting for weeks to berth, and the government paid for the undelivered goods and the boat – sometimes more than the entire lot was worth. The attitude was, “why bother, there is more money on the way?”

E

ven then some lonely voices were warning that the price of crude could not rise forever, they were ignored by government officials and the “technocrats” of the Organised Private Sector, OPS, who, collectively, did more to ruin Nigeria than any group of fellow Nigerians.

It was not until the price of crude, which had gone up as high as $28 per barrel by 1981 started a relentless decline to less than $15 per barrel, under President Shagari and later, went under $10 per barrel during President Ibrahim Babangida’s administration that Nigerians learned the age old lesson – nothing lasts forever. By the time IBB announced the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, the “party was over ” for Nigeria. Several years of hardship would follow.

Then we had a brief respite from 1997 till 2007. Then despite rising crude prices, corruption and wasteful spending took over. Since 1997, crude prices had been going steadily up as global demand, thanks to China, India and Brazil, as well as Europe, whose economies were booming raising demand for crude worldwide. We also benefitted from wars in the Middle East which kept prices up. By last year and early this year, crude prices went as high as $142 per barrel.

Yet, the high prices were not enough to stave off impending doom – even if Europe had no problems. For twelve years, in a row, we have successfully practiced the presidential system of government, which is very expensive and made more so by several provisions in our own constitution. Even at $200 per barrel, the Nigeria economy would have collapsed under the political weight of the presidential system.

It was only a matter of time. With our trading partners – including Brazil now – in trouble; the monster is already at the gate.

PAGE 38—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Life Is A Tragedy For Those Who Feel, And A Comedy For Those Who Think —JEAN DE LA BRUYERE

14 YEARS AFTER MKO’S DEATH

Abiola’s mandate had votes —Kola Abiola ’Today, people are protecting Speaks about his life at 50

victory without votes’

* His plans for NGO to replicate June 12 voting culture ’The trouble between my father and Fela’ But for Mr. Dele Momodu, the session would not have held. Even then, there were terms of engagement: Mike Effiong, Editor, OVATION magazine, had to extract a commitment that the session would hold but there would be no verbatim reproduction. And because Kola Abiola, first son of the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, undisputed winner of the June 12, 1993 election rarely speaks out, it was an opportunity – not withstanding the conditions.

Details of this session would be reproduced in OVATION magazine, published by Momodu, this month. The panelists included Femi Adeshina, Sun; Segun Adeniyi, ThisDay,; Felix Ogbuejiofor Abugu, The Guardian; Mobolaji Sanusi, The Nation; Steve Ayorinde, Mirror; Uncle Momodu himself and Effiong.

However, granted the liberty to do anything with the session, Sunday Vanguard presents what transpired at the Ikoyi office of the younger Abiola who turns 50 today.

You would find a man whose thinking has been shaped by the globular persona that his father was. He is passionate about his father, June 12, the need for Nigerians to develop a culture which places primacy on ‘Nigerianness’ and not on clans or tribes; a man who once escaped death in Kaduna as a result of ethno-religious crisis (over THISDAY), the humbling experience of burying a daughter, a mother, a father and a wife. Just like his father, he stammers in a way that gives accentuation to his utterances. This is the Kola you never knew. This is just a fraction of the full interview to be published in OVATION.

K

ola ni! Kola ni!! (It is Kola! It is Kola!!)

That was what saved

his life.

Before the rioters descended on his car, a shout of Kola ni rented the air.

It was during the religious riots in Kaduna over an article in ThisDay newspaper.

Seen as blasphemous, hundreds of angry youths took to the streets to protest the publication. Kola Abiola, first son of the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, undisputed winner of the June 12, 1993, was caught in this riot.

The rioters were killing innocent people and burning houses and “I was caught in it. It was just a voice that shouted Kola ni! Kola ni!!

That was what saved my life and I thank the Almighty for that.

Just ahead of him, another set of rioters stopped his car.

He wound down the glass and he was immediately recognized by the rioters. But this time, he was ordered to, at least, park the car.

“I parked there with them and we watched”, he said.

No harm came upon him.

For Kola, who turns 50 today (some would not believe

that the same Kola of yesterday is already 50years old), he became an adult much too early in life and, therefore, the multitude of responsibilities he had to shoulder taught him a number of lessons.

How would he celebrate?

Or how has he been celebrating his birthday?

Surprise: He goes mountain climbing - yes, mountain climbing. The loss of his daughter, Labake, led to that.

“I was thinking some time ago before she passed away

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By Jide Ajani

do it again as you read this piece – that is after the pilgrimage of Umra, lesser Hajj.

He would have made a move to conquer Everest; but expert climbers advised otherwise because of bad weather. He plans to do it at some point.

I

" t is my own way of setting the blocks in my head. I work seven days a week. For the one or two weeks while I mountain climb, I switch off; though I call to let people know how far I’ve gone and

What we have today is a situation where people are picked to become candidates and when they get them into public office, we then expect them to become leaders. It would never work

and we were sitting together watching television and discussing what I could do for my birthday and she said, why not try mountain climbing?” So, when she passed away, Kola took to mountain climbing at least once every year at about the time of his birthday. He has done Kilimanjaro and is set to

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for them to know that I’m still alive. I read a lot and I reflect a lot. I would shut down for the one or two weeks and that is my own way of coming to terms with my self! You know, having buried a mother, a father, a daughter and a wife, I’ve gone through a lot”, the younger Abiola said.

Kola spoke passionately

Kola Abiola...what my father’s election and the events that followed have proved is that Nigeria has not become what it was set out to be about his father. While some have rock stars and footballers as idols and heroes, he says, “my hero, after God, is my father. He molded me. He shaped me”.

Talking about the all important June 12 presidential election that was annulled, Kola insists that “the true spirit of June 12 got lost because it was exploited".

He added: “We started with an election, June 12 presidential election, where people voted and a candidate emerged with a mandate and he was denied his mandate; next was an election of compromise to appease a section of the country. Now, where has that led us?”

He said he learnt some lessons as far back as the 1980s when her mum attempted to get a legislative seat through an election. Kola said in an election where her mum voted and where family members voted for her, the results of the election showed that she had no votes recorded against her name even at the polling booth where she voted.

According to him, “what that taught me was that in an election, you needed to protect the votes. I learnt that because what that meant was that my mother didn’t even vote for herself because she got no votes in the polling booth where she voted. So I learnt that the first thing was to protect your votes.

“For the June 12, 1993 election, we protected our votes because with the plans we put in place using the ‘090’ telephone numbers, the Thurayas (a satellite communication telephone system)

and the technology we deployed, we protected the votes very well and we had the results and that was why the figures could not be changed. But we had no plans to protect the mandate.

That was our mistake”.

That election was the very first time in Nigeria’s history that a presidential ticket of Muslim/Muslim was elected.

This led the panelists into the issue of zoning.

To Kola, “the days of zoning are numbered.

“Zoning is wrong but an internal arrangement in a political party where that exists, then, it should be allowed to thrive. Internal democracy is the key in any political party; the best should be allowed to emerge even in that arrangement. Some people don’t pick forms for an election and they emerge as candidates and go on to win. What this breeds is a situation where you have people claiming a mandate that has no votes.

"That is the situation today, mandates without votes”. e made reference to s o m e t h i n g instructive. That it was actually Bashorun Abiola’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, which created the first basis for the junking of zoning. All the other important political positions had been taken up apart from the presidency; and the core North was not given any of the already shared positions, thereby reserving that office of presi-

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Continues on page 39

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 39

Life Is A Tragedy For Those Who Feel, And A Comedy For Those Who Think —JEAN DE LA BRUYERE

of Fela Anikulapo RansomKuti, the Afro-beat King, came up, it was laughter all round.

In the case of Fela, an agreement was reached between a music label company in which MKO Abiola had a stake, and the music maestro. Funds were made available. Fela wanted the money paid to him in bulk. But Abiola insisted the funds would be released on a need to use basis. Fela didn’t want that. In the end, the bulk money was released to Fela. He took it to Kalakuta Republic, his abode at that time. During the fracas that ensued between soldiers and Fela’s household, soldiers came in, raided the house and carted away the money. Fela went back to Abiola for fresh funds but his request was turned down. And so the problem began between both Egba sons.

“At first”, Kola said, “Baba ’70 brought his men to block the gate at our residence and later came to pour faeces. (laughter followed). Meanwhile, Femi Kuti and I grew up in Surulere and we still remain the best of friends.

Abiola...Femi Kuti and I grew up in Surulere and we still remain the best of friends.

`Today, people are protecting mandates without votes’ dent for that zone. But because Abiola was already a national figure, a leader and a very popular one at that, he emerged the SDP candidate, defeating Babagana Kingibe.

Abiola won; but was never allowed to rule.

To Kola, “ what my father’s election and the circumstances that followed have proved is that Nigeria has not become what it was set out to be”, and that some people believed that they were the ones in whose hands Nigeria’s destiny should be.

L

et us accept the will of Allah. He paid the ultimate price”.

When asked the reason for his cozying to Babangida who annulled the election just as his brother participated effectively in the wedding of Ernest Shonekan’s son, at a time some people were in the trenches working to actualize the June 12 mandate, Kola simply said the history of the Abiola family had no place for sentiments. In fact, in the particular case of his brother who played the role of bestman to Shonekan’s son, Kola explained that “the relationship between the two guys pre-dated whatever issues their fathers had”.

On the vexed issue of the renaming of University of Lagos, UNILAG, to Moshood Abiola University, MAU, Kola said it was a slap on his father ’s face.

“Murtala Mohammed Airport was named after the late General Murtala Muhammed when the airport in Kano could have been named after him at that time. Abuja Airport was named after Azikiwe. Race Course was named Tafawa Balewa Square here in

Lagos. The reason for all these is because these were national figures. I have no issues with naming UNILAG after my father but my problem is the approach.

Why name the school first and then send the bill to the congress? It showed that it was not well thought out. If it was well thought out, it would have been understood.

Look at the South West states that have adopted June 12 as Democracy Day, institutions in Ogun State have been named after him; so when you now change the name of UNILAG, the essence is lost.

We either give him due credit or not give him at all. He fought a national battle and he’s a national figure,” he concluded.

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Continued from page 38

Abiola...I have no issues with naming UNILAG after my father but my problem is the approach

you are coming from.

“The efforts we put into the success of the June 12 election were not easy but we know exactly what we did.

“We can do it again because the way Nigeria is going is not sustainable.

“We can not just continue like this.

During the fracas between soldiers and Fela, the former came in, raided the house and carted away the money. Fela went back to Abiola for fresh funds but his request was turned down. And so the problem began between both Abiola and Fela

As a younger Abiola, what legacy does he plan to leave behind? He said he is working on a non-governmental organization which would attempt to recreate the June 12 voting culture. Asked how he plans to do this, Kola said he learnt a lot from his mother, Alhaja Simbiat Abiola.

“One thing she always made us understand is that in whatever position we found ourselves, we should not forget where we were coming from.

“It is important in life because you must know where

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“The situation we have now is such that people just emerge as candidates before they become leaders.

“That is not the proper thing.

“People evolve and they become leaders. It is after that that they are then called to serve and through political parties, they become candidates.

“What we have today is a situation where people are picked to become candidates and when they get them into public office, we then expect them to become leaders. It would never work. That is not

how it is done elsewhere where progress is being made. Candidates can not become leaders over night”, he said.

Continuing, Kola said the NGO would seek to work with people who mean well for Nigeria and those who want to begin to see Nigeria as their tribe and not to see their ethnic base as their tribe.

The NGO, he insists, would work to ensure the enthronement of a culture of nobility and integrity, such that a new culture of civic responsibility would be inculcated in Nigerians. That, he says, is one major thing that he has his eyes, heart and hands on.

Apart from this, would he seek political appointment?

Kola says he has had offers but believes that “the time is not ripe; neither am I thinking of contesting elections now”

K

ola also spoke about his family and the extended Abiola household, the Will that is being executed, his relationship with his siblings; the possibility of bringing the Concord Group of Newspapers back to life and a host of other important issues.

But there were moments when the session became very hilarious.

For instance, when the issue

A

nother question: How much does the Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, owe the Abiola business group – this was one of the reasons given by the military for not wanting to hand over power. to MKO. “People should not give excuses”, Kola began, “and to put an exact figure might be a bit difficult. But I think the money should be in excess of $350m (Three Hundred and Fifty Million Dollars)”.

As an MKO Abiola son, Kola exuded an uncommon intellect while the session lasted.

There are people you would interview and you come away with the impression that the session was worth it in terms of the intellectual capacity of your host, the wide range of issues discussed and the frankness and sincerity of expression of views. Kola met all these.

By the time the session ended, all of 140minutes were gone. A painting which Kola had made of the Nigerian flag was shown to his guests.

The painting depicted a green, white green that was fading; and more importantly, the flag was in tatters, sewn together with a thread; with some parts of the flag torn off – the torn part, Kola said, represented Bakassi Peninsula which Nigeria had lost to Cameroun. The instructive thing in all these was that the painting was done in 2006.

Asked that if he thought of Nigeria in that mould in 2006, what does he think of Nigeria today?

"Things are getting worse!"

PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Airhiavbere: I will ensure even development in Edo the first four years of PDP in Edo State was not as it should have been; the people also had the opportunity to make a change or to give another chance for a change; the one and a half years of Osunbor government you are talking about, he was inundated by a legal process that ended up in bringing the ACN government in November 2008. I want to let you know today that by the research I have, well over 48 of the leaders that are in ACN today were in the same PDP that we are talking about and I believe that from November 12, 2012, there is going to be a development in Edo State that will take care of the interest of the people and you are going to see a transformation that will quickly bring Edo State from the doldrums it is in now to one of the best states in Nigeria.

Major General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (rtd), the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the July 14 gubernatorial election in Edo State, in this session aired on AIT, last week, explains his plans for the people of the states.

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in PDP, the key players in the PDP of eight years have moved to a new platform in the ACN. Talk about the Director General of the Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation (Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu); he was the Chief of Staff to the PDP governor and also the SSG. There is a roll call.

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want to tell you that during that period, those who are now in the ACN were then in the same PDP. So we are likely to have another period of lack of performance. Let me tell you something: democracy is rulership from the people. The people give you their mandate and when you sign the dotted lines, you are signing a social contract with them; and, security and welfare of the people is the purpose of governance in this country as provided for in the Constitution; and, so, for leaders, it should be their priority when they sign that contract to make sure that they deliver, otherwise they would have failed.

What is really new in the new PDP since we continue to see the same old faces that were there in the previous eight years of what has been described as “years of the locusts” in Edo State?

The old faces are there but there is a rebranded atmosphere. Everybody has a stake in the new PDP. Those

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Excerpts: hat is wrong with Edo State that informed your governorship ambition?

My heart has been in Edo and, having served at NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, I discovered from the SWOT analysis on Edo State that is the Strength, the Weaknesses, the Opportunities and the Threats - that a lot is left undone.

This has to do with the leadership vacuum in Edo State. Edo State is one of the richest states in terms of GDP of N11.8 billion and one of the poorest in terms of unemployment and poverty rate in Nigeria. First and foremost, government is a continuum. I believe that the state should not be at a standstill. It should grow and that is what has motivated me into politics.

Those gaps, especially the weaknesses, the threats are so predominant that you discover that you have a teeming population of unemployed youths and they have suddenly become restive; you have insecurity; you have the decay in terms of education, infrastructure, health services, the HIV prevalence.

These are things that have brought governance in Edo State to its barest level. The industries have become moribund; there is unemployment at its highest rate and there is this rural-urban drift that has made all the communities rather abandoned; and, these are things that are clearly stated and I believe my coming into politics and joining the PDP would quickly transform Edo State and that is why I am here.

I believe that having taken a critical look at the various opportunities available, the PDP is still the party that will quickly transform Edo State.

Why did I say so? The PDP is the party at the centre, and if you take a look at Mr. President’s transformation agenda for this country, seeing the pattern of voting during the last April election where he came out victorious, especially from South-South states, I believe that this is not the time to test run any other party. I came straight to the PDP and I believe that this is where the transformation of Edo State can take place.

Many people say that nine and a half years of PDP rule in Edo produced nothing and they seem very happy with what is going on under the ACN government. So why should they vote for another PDP candidate?

If you go through the history of what we have in Benin today, all the people that were

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Airhiavbere ...I came straight to the PDP and I believe that this is where the transformation of Edo State can take place going to be a human face to leadership; where there is going to be transparency, honesty and accountability to the people. I believe that is the new PDP government that is coming on board.

How do you respond to the suggestion that you have fallen under two bad umbrellas: carrying the sin of the PDP and that of being a military man?

For the historical sin of military involvement in politics in Nigeria, it can be shared by

I believe that having taken a critical look at the various opportunities available, the PDP is still the party that will quickly transform Edo State

that were in different factions have now come together; and, that is the first sign of the fact that the PDP is new. We held our primaries after the congresses and there were no congresses elsewhere. The primaries were free and fair.

The exercise was televised and a candidate emerged, acceptable at all levels. I have a manifesto where I have said I would declare emergency on security, education and health care; and, above all, to make sure that we can quickly turn around the fortune of this state to a situation where there is

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both the civilians and the military. It was bad business for the Nigerian Army or the armed forces coming into governance because the worst civilian government is better than the best military government.

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ost of the military involvement in politics had its civilian content. I will just give you an example. After a successful military coup, you pick a Lieutenant Colonel, who is in his middle experience level, and you deploy him to Edo State. He arrives in Edo

State with probably his ADC and his Chief Security Officer.

Every other person that works with him is a civilian. So where is the buck coming from?

Could you respond to the second leg of the question about the burden or the baggage of the PDP by contesting on the party platform?

Like I said, a government in a state is a continuum. We are beginning to develop; we are beginning to learn more but I have come to experience with Edo State since I came on board that our voting citizens are very aware. I have well over 5,000 fans on the facebook; I have well over 50,000 volunteers for GC (General Charles); and I am on twitter all the time and I have discovered that they are very, very eager for change.

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hey are well educated voters. In Edo State, we have so many graduates; the only pain is that they are walking the streets unemployed; so, they are yearning for a change.

There is not a need for a leader who is not ready to perform.

What happened in Egypt should give you an idea of what can happen here: a situation where you come into authority and you are not ready to deliver. What President Goodluck Jonathan is doing now at the federal level, creating the reform process, fast-tracking development and you can even see the roads, you can see the railroads, the schools, the UBEC and so on. A lot of things are taking place in the reform process and I think we should allow democracy to grow. Yes,

ou said you were going to declare a state of emergency in the area of security. Can you tell us what that would entail?

The issue is very clear that the security of a state is the sole business of the chief executive. It is his duty to ensure that the lives and properties of the citizenry are secured. My duty will be to make sure that all the security apparatus in the state is well coordinated and put together to make sure there is a direction of safety for everybody.

From what I have experienced in Edo State, especially very recently, from available statistics, there is an average of seven kidnapping in the state on monthly basis.

Uncountable numbers of robbery take place. I have experienced it and I have seen it even on the highway; and, when recently, the governor’s Principal Private Secretary was assassinated, the governor himself who is the executive custodian of security took to the street in protest. Against who? It is automatic that the state is a failed state when you talk about security. Most of us have lost loved ones to armed bandits, to kidnappers and even most of the security agencies have also lost people in the process of rescue.

Who will they protest to? Is it not the state governor? As far as I am concerned, if you are talking about security for Edo State, it is a failed state.

How do you respond to the view that your campaign promises lack substance and that your promise to declare emergency on three areas is vague?

Let me quickly correct one or two statements that the campaigns did not have the content that was desired by the people.

The campaigns do have. I have gone through the 18 local government areas of Edo State and I have also gone through, campaigning in the 192 wards.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012,PAGE 41

‘Osadebe House not vacant’ Hon Robert Okeleme is the Senior Special Adviser on mobilization to Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. In this interview, Okunemen bares his mind on the forth coming gubernatorial election in the state just as he clears the dust raised by the opposition party to take over the state come the next poll. Excerpts:

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ITH the governorship election around the corner, do you think Governor Adams Oshiomhole has the chances of returning for second tenure?

I am not even aware if there is any other party in Edo State except the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). We have people who are still afraid that what can a mosquito do to a lion? But the truth is that, once God has sent you, no going back, He doesn’t consider your size. There is no other party in Edo State. Even if there are other parties in the state, as it is presently, ACN has a large number of voters and supporters.

That is why I see it as a witchcraft statement when anybody can wake up a say that Edo is a must to win, win what? When you have no structure on ground? Democracy is supposed to be government of the people, for the people and by the people, and the people of Edo State have spoken.

They are saying that we are okay with what we are seeing, we need more of it. Somebody is sitting somewhere saying that even if we are few members, we can run the state into anarchy, forgetting that when the State is run into anarchy, they are also from there. If the state is not safe for one person, it is also not safe for them. So I want to advise the people to come out en-mass and support this journey that is taking us out of darkness. I am surprised that some people are calling for this government to be voted out of office, they forget that God put him (Oshiomhole ) there and it is only God that can remove him.

Having gone round the wards and

BY OCHEREOME NNANNA

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BY EPHRAIM OSEJI

In Edo State now, there is an adopted slogan “I see”, which means there is a project on ground that you can see

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having campaigned so far in most of the local council areas, what do you think are the things the governor should focus on if voted in the second time?

The governor is making campaign promises. The ones he promised before, he has fulfilled them In Edo State now, there is an adopted slogan “I see”, which means there is a project on ground that you can see. I will use my village as a case study.

When Osunbor was a senator, before he contested the gubernatorial election and became the governor of Edo State, he awarded that contract, but it may interest you to know some few little things about Uzea. Later we heard that the contract was taken over by a member of Peoples Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. As we speak, my village has no hope of getting light which contract was awarded. The PDP man in my area, because they are having problem with a traditional ruler, decided to cut the light there. So you can see what these people are doing.

They only visit the area and switch on

the light in one side anytime the election is close. Now that the election is coming again, I have seen them run poles from Olili to Ebu. My question is, what are the chances of Emoki people getting that light? The answer is no. If you are awarding the contract for Uzea- Uromi Road, it should be stated in a clear terms but to start saying that the roads that are awarded in Uzea are going to Uromi, it will be very difficult for people like us to believe. If you have heard about the politics of Edo State, you will see the prominent people that come from Uromi.

Other villages have produced local government chairman, House of Representatives members, but it is difficult for Uzea to produce a vice chairman. But the only man that will be able to do that road, the only man that will be able to complete that electricity project for the community is Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. There is no way you will tell me that Edo people do not know the best candidate for the gubernatorial election.

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ension in the state has height ened. How do we bring it down?

It is only sycophants who peddle rumour of war. I want to believe that this election will be the most peaceful.

We have some eternal or internal forces that plot to take lives, but they will pay for it dearly. Even when Ambrose Ali was governor of Edo State, the Uromi people used broom to sweep his legs away saying they had swept him away and Esan people supported them then.

Now that same broom has returned to Adams, he will sweep peoples legs away.

Some PDP members dumped the party for the ACN. What does this portend for the ACN? If people like Prof Ihemori, Prof Osunbor support the ACN, who is then left in the PDP? The PDP in Edo is a divided party. If there is war in Edo State, their children are not in the state.

We don’t want undemocratic elements in government here.

Some hold he view that the introduction of ethnic politics might jeopardize the governor’s chances of winning, reelection.

There is no ethnic politics in Edo State.

Is there any place in Edo State where the governor is not working? He has even promised the people of Esan-land that he will do more. It is the first time to see a governor who relates with the people very well. He has actually liberated the people. He is our man; Osadebe Avenue is not vacant.

I have read in the newspaper were the new PDP national chairman is saying that they must capture Edo State.

Why will he say such a thing to a state where he is not from? They are supposed to address the insecurity in the North and they are here trying to cause problem in Edo State. Adams is always ready to tell you what he has done in his campaigns and I have not seen anybody to challenge him.

Ajimobi: humour and candour in motion

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bout three weeks ago, the Gov ernor of Oyo State, Alhaji Abiola Ajimobi invited senior writers and editors for a chat at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. It turned out to be a night of laughter, with the governor as the “stand-up comedian” able to snow even former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the shade in a two-cornered humour combat.

He swung from extreme wit to extreme candour. Here are just a few samplers.

“If you look around Oyo State”, he said, “You will discover it is the dirtiest state in Nigeria”.

Oyo may not really be the dirtiest state in Nigeria. As a reporter who has been to 34 of 36 states in the federation, I have seen really dirty states. But for the governor to admit this simply means he is ready to do something about it. Some would rather grandstand. Contrast this with a former governor of Imo State who gloried in describing Owerri as the cleanest capital in Nigeria, but beyond the major roads you saw heaps of refuse in the wrong places! Ajimobi continues: “Ibadan used to be the largest traditional city in Africa south of the Sahara, but it is one of the dirtiest. So we embarked on environmental sanitation. There has been a substantial improvement since we started the campaign against dumping of refuse on medians and the roads. If you want to go to Ibadan tomorrow I am sure you have

Hon Okeleme...I am not even aware if there is any other party in Edo State except the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)

Alhaji Abiola Ajimobi a car. I will provide the fuel (laughter). As you are entering Ibadan now you will see the difference. When we started and we told the people “don’t trade on the streets” and started seizing their goods they came back to say: “Where do you want us to trade? After all when you were campaigning you told us that your mother was a trader” (laughter).

I said my mother doesn’t trade on the streets (laughter) and they went to the

house of our party leaders and started singing (translated) “trouble is coming, trouble is coming”. I told them that unless we clean Ibadan Oyo State will never be clean. The first impression is very important. When you enter a town it is the first one or two kilometres that will give you the impression of how people live there.

So we have pushed ahead with environmental sanitation, beautification and then infrastructural development.

Before reeling his achievements in one year “It is said in politics that if you blow your trumpet people will say you are too arrogant. To me even if you cannot blow your trumpet make sure you whistle so loud that everybody will hear you (laughter). Unless you keep making noise about what you are doing people will not know you are working”.

On “performing” well Some of the elderly men and community leaders, if you like, and members of their cabal came to my office. They took a look at the Governor ’s Office which I refurbished and their spokesman said: “Ah, my son, when last we came here this office did not look nice like this. You have refurbished everything. You are doing very well. You are doing very, very well. But you know, we don’t FEEL you!”

I said: “how sir?”

He said: “you see, we knew your father very well. You have always been a nice boy. But if you don’t put something in our pockets we will tell people you are not performing (the hall roars with laughter).

But if you see us regularly, even if you don’t do well we will spread the word that you are performing and they will believe us”.

“I gave them something for transport.

And when they left, I sat back and said that is the level our politics has gone to.

In politics people only know you are working well if they can feel it in their pockets, not necessarily in the environment”.

The governor proceeded to tell us that his highest achievement was the restoration of security through the eradication of the activities of motor-park touts (who were once part of the political foot soldiers of the late Strong Man of Ibadan Politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu).

Talking about Alhaji Adedibu, Ajimobi must count himself lucky to be the first governor of the state who never had to suffer the misfortune of being told to bring half of his security vote to the Molete palace of the late strongman. Ajimobi expressed his confidence that if Adedibu was still alive he would have supported him but quickly added he was glad to work without having to carry that extra burden.

PAGE 42—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

‘To stop Boko Haram, we must separate national security from politics’

BY LAJA THOMAS

all odds, he emerged and they have not liked him from day one. He knows it yet he has made no attempt to remove them in order not to heat up the polity.

For instance, the president knew that the then National Security Adviser, Aliyu Gusau was going to run against him, but he did not do anything in terms of removing him until he

rince Chidi Ibe is the Global Coordinator, Initiative for Diaspora Knowledge Transfer. In this chat, he takes a look at the rising level of insecurity in the country and the need for Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to stand up and tackle the menace.

The alarming level of insecurity in the country in recent times has fueled the suggestion in some quarters that the security agencies may not be up-to-speed in the combat of crimes. What is your view?

The security agencies are doing their best, going by the resources and equipment at their disposal. I think the issue of security is a complex one because enemies abound both within and without. It is therefore very difficult when you have people that are part of government and who have access to information within government to pass such on to the perpetrators of these crimes.

This is what makes it difficult to tackle the menace.

So the question is what should be done to ensure our

By CHARLES KUMOLU

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HE period between 2008 and 2010 was indeed very trying for the Federal Government and particularly the indigines of Abia State following the spate kidnapping and armed robbery in the State.

During that period, no day passes without ugly stories of kidnapping and bullion van robbery across the state.

Even little children of nursery and primary school ages were not spared by the kidnappers, who made major Abia communities unsafe.

This situation made the state to be regarded as a haven for bandits and criminal gangs.

Apparently tired of the scenario and in an attempt to ensure that total anarchy was not allowed to take over when there is a democratically elected government, Governor Theodore Orji approached President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who approved the deployment of soldiers in September, 2010.

The soldiers, drawn from 82 Division, Enugu were able to dislodge the kidnappers and armed robbers from their various camps.

Prince Chidi resources are adequate to tackle the security situation we are dealing with? Should we purge the government given that our camp seems infiltrated by enemies?

So you share the same thinking with President Goodluck Jonathan that his government is infiltrated by Boko Haram members?

I have always known from the attitude of people around the president even before he declared his intention to run as president that he was not the best choice for the job in the mindset of those who claim to be the custodians of the Nigerian government. Against

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make mistakes. So he is letting God take control of his government and doing what he promised the Nigerian people he would do in terms of transforming the country.

Like he promised, transformation was not going to come without pain. He urged Nigerians to make sacrifices. I would not advise him to do it differently but to do exactly what God has laid in his heart to do.

In the quest for peace, the idea of splitting the country is also being mooted by interest groups. What is your view on this?

People should be careful of their wish because they may get it. We have people from the South clamouring for regional integration but the North has not known peace since Goodluck came to power.

Making Nigeria ungovernable is not a solution but would only add to our problems. We hear of Boko Haram killing Christians and Muslims,

I think President Jonathan is already dealing with the problem the way he knows best and God is helping him

resigned, days to the primaries. So, clearly, some people who do not want him to be president of Nigeria have infiltrated the government.

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ow could the problem be resolved?

I think President Jonathan is already dealing with the problem the way he knows best and God is helping him. A lot of people would not have survived under these circumstances. If you tell him to act like a military man, he may

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people are bombed and the innocent die. But why are some people bent on making government ungovernable for Jonathan? But I like what the president is doing; he is playing everything by the book.

However, I am calling on President Obama not to ignore what the Boko Haram is doing to Christians and businesses in Nigeria. President Jonathan should not be left in the cold because we have an army of very powerful Nigerians with international connections that

Tackling Insecurity:

The Orji model in Abia This development signified the beginning of a new dawn for both the government and people of the state.

But Orji, it was gathered has not has not relented, as his administration has further embarked on the rehabilitation of the Police, the Army and other security agencies operating in the area.

This is being done to ensure that the state did not revert to the ugly days of kidnapping and violent crimes.

Supporting Federal agencies An attestation to that, was the recent donation of 26 brand new patrol vehicles for the Nigerian Army in Umuahia, the state capital.

At the event which attracted the presence of heads of various security agencies in Abia, the governor restated that all measures would be done to ensure that the era of insecu-

Gov Orji rity does not come back.

He maintained that the memory of the years of kidnapping and armed robbery has always haunted him especially the harrowing experiences of the little children separated from their parents, adding that the experience made him vow never to allow the state pass through such experiences again.

Orji said there was need to

empower the military and the security agencies as the maintenance of security and safeguarding lives and property is the major function of government aside from payment of salaries.

He further regretted that in the days of evil, businesses could not prosper, noting that foreign investors that would have ushered in development were scared away.

“Even contractors mobilized to carry construction and rehabilitation of roads were either kidnapped which put paid to the jobs or they simply refused to have anything to do with the state,” he noted.

In addition, he said, “the army has maintained two outposts one at the Aba High School in the heart of the commercial city and another one at Asa High School near the border with Rivers State.

The abandoned 14th Brigade

can cripple a government.

Nigeria can do with the helping hand of David Cameron and other world leaders.

President Jonathan and the Service Chiefs have been assuring Nigerians that insecurity would soon become a thing of the past. Should Nigerians bank on government’s promise or defend themselves?

Nigerians will eventually defend themselves in a matter of time because nobody will want to see his brothers and sisters killed for no cause. But I think the government is sincere. The security agents are over stretched doing everything to protect innocent Nigerians, recall the security agencies have been worst hit.

The police headquarters was hit, the army barrack was hit; that is the worst that can happen to any nation. The army is one establishment that most Nigerians do not to mess around with. This restates the belief that there are people within government that are controlling Boko Haram and sending them signals to continue to operate. So government will continue promising because it is willing to protect lives and property of the citizens, but would their effort be enough to stop the killings?

What I am not seeing these days is appreciable activity of the civil society, the hypocrisy I see in their action is very clear.

I challenge people like Tunde Bakare who came out during the pronouncement of rthe emoval of fuel in Nigeria to champion the anti-government protest and the Occupy Nigeria saga, to show the same sense of patriotism if they really want to save Nigeria. Where is the ‘Save Nigeria Group’ in the effort to condemn the on-going killings?

of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia has since been rehabilitated and commissioned by President Jonathan in an effort to completely erase the memory of the dark era in the history of the state.”

He also reiterated his resolve to complement the efforts of the Federal Government at sustaining security agents in the state, when the the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar visited him at Government House.

“We believe that security of lives and property and the pursuit of legitimate livelihoods without fear is our people’s inalienable right. Indeed securing its people is the raison d’e’tre of Government,” he noted.

Continuing Orji said, “ we therefore pursued the restoration of security in our State with vigour and to the glory of God, normalcy has been restored. We are grateful for the cooperation we have received from the Federal Government and its security agencies especially the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police etc in combating the security challenges that plagued our State leading to divestment.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 43

SUNDAY DISCOURSE The Legislature: Roles, misconceptions and experience in democratic Nigeria (1) the Nigerian society similarly affects the legislature. We are Nigerians and therefore subject to all the frailties and foibles of the larger society.

The National Assembly like any other Nigerian institution has had its high and low points. From the inception of this p o l i t i c a l dispensation in 1999 it has had its own share of scandals including certificate

Operationalization of key concepts in the topic closer look at the topic under reference immediately reveals some key concepts or issues that require introductory definitions.

They include the Legislature, its Roles, the Misconceptions and the actual Experience in advancing the frontiers of democracy in our country.

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Roles of the legislature The National Assembly, which, in our case consists of the Senate and House of Representatives, is vested with the legislative powers of the Federation.

Section 4(1) under Part II of the Constitution states inter alia: “The Legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in a National Assembly for the Federation which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives”.

It goes further, in Section 4(2), to state as follows: “The National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List”.

For the purpose of explanation, the Exclusive Legislative List, which is contained in Part I of the Second Schedule to the Constitution deals with specific items which only the National Assembly has the sole prerogative to legislate upon, to the exclusion of the States and Local Governments.

For example, the items, which are 68 in number, include defence, aviation, currency, customs and excise duties, citizenship, drugs and poisons, copyright, insurance, external affairs and meteorology.

On the other hand, there is the Concurrent Legislative List provided for under Part II of the Second Schedule to the Constitution. It includes 30 items. It is called Concurrent List because the Constitution allows both the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly to legislate on the items so specified.

Emeka Ihedioha The 30 items include the following amongst others: public funds at state and local government levels, antiquities and monuments, collection of taxes, stamp duties, voter registration in the local government councils, agriculture, education, cadastral and topographical surveys etc.

There is yet another category of powers described as residual list. This is the exclusive prerogative of the States. This is the implication of the provisions of Section 4 (7a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

A comparative study of the National and State Legislatures, in the discharge of the enormous powers bestowed upon them by the Constitution since the inception of the current democratic experiment, clearly shows that, whereas the National Assembly has been very assertive and proactive, most State Legislatures, regrettably, have allowed themselves to be completely emasculated and castrated by the State governors who, in several instances, have been very over-bearing in the way they conduct the affairs of their various States.

In simple terms, the legislature performs three basic Roles namely: lawmaking, representation and oversight. So, in the House of Representatives, we make laws, we carry out representative functions on behalf of the people who in our case, are demarcated in 360 federal constituencies, and we oversight the executive arm of government which include the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure that government is held accountable to the people from where it derives its sovereignty.

Misconceptions must admit that the National Assembly has suffered from such public misconceptions since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999. This is not without any justification if the truth must be told. However, to really understand and appreciate the legislature, we should accept the fact that the legislature is part and parcel of the larger Nigerian society.

To this extent, whatever affects

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forgeries, contract scams and bribery sagas. Over time, and with some internal control measures put in place, the National Assembly, in the light of experience, has become a preeminent legislative institution for which Nigerians should be proud of.

You should be proud of the National Assembly not because scandals will not erupt once in a while, but the House of Representatives, as an institution, has mechanisms in place to deal with such matters as they arise. The disciplinary process contained in the Standing Orders of the House is robust

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Legislature The legislature is an assemblage of the representatives of the people elected under a legal framework to make laws for the good health of the society. It is also defined as “the institutional body responsible for making laws for a nation and one through which the collective will of the people or part of it is articulated, expressed and implemented” (Okoosi-Simbine, 2010:1).

The legislature controls through legislation all economic, social and political activities of the nation. It also scrutinizes the policies of the Executive and provides the framework for the judiciary to operate.

In light of the foregoing, we cannot talk about democracy in any meaningful form or manner without the legislature.

the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, we are actually talking about the knowledge we have gained in the discharge of our legislative functions over the last 13 years of democratic practice in the country.

There is, no doubt, that, in the past 13 years of uninterrupted democratic and legislative practice, the National Assembly has learnt some useful lessons that have continued to serve it in good stead.

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his is evident in the sanity and serenity that have continued to reign in the National Assembly particularly since the inception of the 7th Assembly.

Notwithstanding the recent developments in which one of our colleagues was fingered in an alleged bribery scandal, the House has continued to insist on probity and accountability in the conduct of not only public policy but also in the management of its legislative business and the ethical conduct of members.

As we continue in our march to deepen and consolidate the gains of our democracy, we can only get better in the discharge of our mandate.

Constitutional Development The country ’s constitutional and political development suffered a major set-back with the overthrow of the civilian regime in January 1966 by the military

The disciplinary process contained in the Standing Orders of the House is robust enough to contain and deal with any scandals and the individuals involved

enough to contain and deal with any scandals and the individuals involved.

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he initial problems that enveloped the National Assembly in the beginning had given rise to misconceptions and misunderstanding by members of the public. The problem of misconception also derives from the crises of expectations on the part of the electorate. It is even more worrisome when it is realized that enlightened members of society, including those from the ivory tower, confuse the roles of the legislature with those of the executive.

Experience in consolidating democracy The common dictionary meaning of the word ‘experience’ is the process, or an instance, of personally encountering, or undergoing something. It also means the knowledge gained from such a process.

When we talk about the experience of the legislature in

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which also suspended the 1963 Constitution. The chain of events that followed degenerated into a civil war which ended in 1970.

The military continued to dominate the political space; ruling with decrees.

In 1977, a Constituent Assembly was constituted to consider a draft constitution proposed by the Chief Rotimi Williams-led Constitution Drafting Committee preparatory to the return to democratic rule.

In 1979, the Presidential Constitution was promulgated and on October 1, 1979 democratic rule was restored.

The 1979 Constitution introduced the American model of Presidential System of governance; a system we have retained till date.

Sadly, in December 1983, the military intervened again. It also put in place a Constituent Assembly which produced a draft constitution. The result was the 1989 Constitution under which elections were conducted to the National and State Houses of

Assembly and Governorship in 1991. That process gave birth to the National Assembly of 19921993 under the superintendence of the military High Command.

On November 17, 1993 all democratic structures were dissolved by the military, the country was once again returned to full-blown military dictatorship.

However, in 1998, a new military administration appointed a Constitution Review Committee headed by a Supreme Court jurist, Justice Niki Tobi, to consult with Nigerians and submit a Draft Constitution. The result was the 1999 Constitution which brought the 4th Republic into being.

Since 1999 till date, the legislature in Nigeria has functioned uninterruptedly and discharged its constitutional duties as a separate arm of government.

The brief excursion into our historical past especially the various efforts at Constitutional developments is important, in my view, for us to properly situate the legislature in our political process and appreciate its role and the challenges it has continued to face over time. ourth Republic and the instability in the legislature: The legislature has remained the most underdeveloped arm of the government. This is for obvious reasons.

For the greater part of our nationhood, the military has held the political centre-stage. And for the cumulative period of 29 years that the military controlled power in Nigeria, the legislature was the greatest casualty, as it was always the first democratic structure to be dissolved, and its powers appropriated and exercised by the military juntas.

This limited experience on the part of the legislature, compared to the other arms of government, may have accounted for the series of crises that the National Assembly has witnessed, particularly at the inception of the Fourth Republic.

The Enwerem-Okadigbo era: The crisis of leadership, which attended the inauguration of the 4th National Assembly, was largely due to external interference. The political leadership that emerged in 1999 was coming from a military background where the idea of a legislature was totally unknown or greatly detested.

This mental construct or military hang-over was primarily responsible for the adversarial relationship that was witnessed between the Executive and the Legislature between 1999 and 2007.

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Being extracts from a paper presented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, at a public lecture organised by the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos.

To be continued

PAGE 44— SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

chimeena@yahoo.com

BY MCPHILIPS NWACHUKWU

& Aisha Mohammade Tiffin MUSIC

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Epiphany

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he interesting story of Nwokedi as a music man began with his romance with the choir of his village Anglican Church at Ichida. At that relatively young age, when he practiced with the church choir, he says,” I had serious encounter with classical music.”

The church has always played significant role in the nurturing of music talents. For instance, most American pop musicians at one point or the other was a member of a church choir. A classical example is late pop star, Whitney Huston, who horned the art of her very intimidating musical career with New Hope Baptist Church, Newark. So also did the interest which Nwokedi sowed in his village church at that tender age, like a mustard seed began to grow bigger by the day. Despite his parents initial resentment

Sir Emeka Nwokedi (in front) doing what he knew best

The world of Emeka Nwokedi ...Man of music against his decision, he remained undeterred and proceeded in the path that he has chosen for himself.

Damning all the consequences, the man of music proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka not to study, law, engineering, medicine, pharmacy or law.

But simply, to study music: He graduated in 1981 and specializes in music directing and choral conducting.

To prove every doubting Thomas wrong about his chosen vocation, on graduation he shunned the allure of several job opportunities in some blue chip companies and opted to work for institutions that sell and propagate music as consumer ‘s contents.

Thus, he worked as music producer and director at the Voice of Nigeria and Radio Nigeria separately. After his short stint with these broadcast stations, Nwokedi felt that there was need to have a musical group, which should provide the template for the provision of such classical and intellectual music that the social city of Lagos needed.

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t was because of this conviction that he and Senator Lere Adesina formed Lagos City Chorale to “fill the void created by lack of viable

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an anything good come out of music?

This may have been the question that shaped the minds of Emeka Nwodi’s parents in the early days of the young lad’s contemplation to make a career out of music.”

Of all professions, is it music you found to study?” was the question posed to him by his supposedly caring parents from Ichida, Anambra State.

But when think about it, Nwokedi’s parents’ fear was not unfounded.The fear was not unfounded because at that time when young Emeka took up what apparently amounted to a suicidal decision, musicians in Nigeria were seen as efulefus,( fools), the “ no do goods” , who merely revel about, entertaining people for small , small tips.

This negative feeling is also reinforced by the whole attitude of the Igbo regarding music as conceptualized in the Igbo theory of arts , which is epitomized in the tradition of Mbari, the art of building and destroying, a perception that is further concretised in the character of Chinua Achebe’s Okonkwo’s father, Unoka in Thing Fall Apart, who is only useful to his society during festival seasons as he uses his flute to entertain people.

Coming from this background of thought therefore, It was difficult for Nwokedi to convince his parents that music as a career can put food on his table.

Hence the one million dollar question” do you want to die of poverty?” they asked him.

But the young man was not deterred. He followed the rhythm of his heart. He saw in the womb of music a future so irresistible, so alluring and gave all his energy to it.

As a person, who equally believes in the transformational and branding power of music, Nwokedi has appropriated every musical opportunity to sell the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the continent

and standard independent choral music performances.”

While on board this task, the choral group embarked on performing to the delight of Lagos social circles, the choral music of classical greats like : Palesstrina’s Missa Brevis, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Coronation Anthem, Chando’s Anthems,Jjudas Maccabaeus, Mozart’s Requiem among others.

The City chorale’s repertoire is reach and varied. According to Nwokedi, “ it stretches across the works from major periods of the western history of music through baroque, classical, romantic through the 20th century.”

It was while doing what he knew best how to do with his Lagos City Chorale that he was spotted during one of his several performances by

,

Akintola Williams, who invited him to join as a pioneer staff of the Musical Society of Nigeria, music school.

MUSON. As a music teacher, “ the area that interests me most is in the training of young people. If I see you and observe that you have interest in music, I will be compelled to help you develop your talents.” Says Nwokedi.

As a person , who equally believes in the transformational and branding power of music, Nwokedi has appropriated every musical opportunity to sell the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the continent.

For instance, in 2010, “ when I attended the International Conference of Society of Music Education in Beijing, China, I made sure that Nigerian choral songs were performed at the

event.

“Through this kind of experiment ,I have been able to develop deep interest in the indigenous choral music and have tried to develop them to attain classical status.

It is therefore not surprising that at the Beijing conference, which attracted over 4000 guests, the audience was highly excited with the performance of Nigeria’s indigenous choral music.

“For me that was indeed a complete rebranding because after the show, one American followed me back to Nigeria to stay for six months to learn Nigeria’s indigenous music.”

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ollowing the accomplishment of Emeka Nwokedi and his chorale group, he is this year, invited through audition to the 7th edition of World Choir Council taking place next month in Cincinnati, United States of America both as a member of jury, and also to take Nigeria’s choir to the global arena.

“The idea of the global choir is to unite the world through choral music.” He explained, adding that “ art of choral music is so elevating that if any country takes it seriously, it can help to rebrand the country in a very positive way.”

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012, PAGE 45

chimeena@yahoo.com

Perspectives to modern life

Notes from the Underground

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

REVIEW

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Midnight Dance, one of the works exhibited by Philipps

BY JAPHET ALAKAM

EXHIBITION

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ne of the greatest problems facing African societies is the craze for European cultures at the expense of theirs.

This is evident in the high level of western encroachment on the rural lifestyle of the people. But ordinarily, it is not supposed to be so as there are many positive values in some African cultures, hence the need to preserve and document them for posterity. It is on the basis of this understanding that Phillips Lexie Nzekwe Okai, an Asaba based sculptor organised a solo exhibition of plastic arts that seeks to restore the vanishing indigenous culture.

The exhibition titled Perspectives; an exhibition of plastic arts opened at the Quintessence Gallery, Falomo on June 16 and will ran till 30th June, 2012.

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he show which was declared open by art loving monarch, Igwe Alfred Achebe will featured about 25 pieces including; 23 stunning sculptural works and 2 paintings that depict aspects of African cultures. A preview of the works shows an array of sculptural pieces that represent the passion, love, agitation, outburst and agonies of Nigerians in everyday life.

The works are semi-abstract of human figures, landscapes, and animals. In the works, one finds a lot of intellectual puzzles aroused by the works and also sees the desire to expand the understanding and appre-

ciation of the subject matters even as the artist draws his energy from a supportive environment. he artist, who is currently the chief resident sculptor at Akademik Studios of Arts in Asaba and is presently pursuing a doctorate programme in Studio (sculpture) in Delta State University, Abraka says that the whole idea is an at-

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area in Asaba. So, I decided to harness the resources in the forest to create my sculptural pieces and also to document most of these things before the trees in this jungle go extinct.

Continuing he said :“I also looked at the environment and I discovered that we have a lot of waste like sawdust, sand, plastic, bronzes and brasses that could be harnessed and so I decided

The whole idea is an attempt to use plastic arts as a medium of looking into the African past, talking about the present and trying to create a future direction for Africa in the 21st century

tempt to use plastic arts as a medium of looking into the African past, talking about the present and trying to create a future direction for Africa in the 21 st century.

According to Philips, “Looking around our environment, we see culture that is fast disappearing and I see the African people losing their identity.” Through his visual effort, he tries to solicit for a marriage of the traditional African values that are positive with equally some western values adding that, “because we also need the computers, we need good cars and all the latest technology in the world. Even as artists, we need these technologies to be able to work.”

The artist further disclosed that he was inspired by the environment he found himself.”We have a very big forest in my

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on how I could put all these things together to create my sculptures in mixed media.

“It is my own picture of my environment, which I have been able to put together. It is the way I see the world around me and have decided to document that.”

The works were in two and three dimensions of wood and mixed media. The entire exhibition was three-fold. First phase, THE PAGENT I and II are rites and festivals in exaggerated forms, which inform the viewer about traditional ways of life in the past and the present. Second, the MOOD forms which represents the economic woes the nation is facing and the RE-ENACTMENT series that pushes the need for people to reconstruct the world.

ife in the prison yard is same in every part of the world though with a slight difference from the experience in developed countries. Here in Nigeria, it is usually nothing to write home about as few lucky ones who leave alive on completion of their terms, end up becoming worse than they were and worst of it all, face societal prejudices meted to them by society. These are basically some of issues Inyang E. Ekwo sets out to address in his latest literary offering, Beyond The Yard.

Beyond the Yard is a work masterfully woven by the author of Storm in the Will, 2009 winner of ANA/Jacaranda Prose Prize. It is his newest offering which comes as an expose of some unfortunate and very sympathetic situations that a lot of ex convicts are thrown into as a result of sheer providence.

The book is a suspense filled and rich narrative told throughout the first person pronoun and heavily laced with elements of humour, which also exposes Inyang Ekwo’s mastery of wit. The narrative seems written in defense of the awards he has won in prose and poetry despite being a judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

The book showcases the author as an extraordinary inimitable user of vocabulary, a quality typical of people in the ‘learned’ profession. His power of description which cannot be left unmentioned makes the book a more compelling and interesting piece to read.

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he tale in Beyond The Yard stretches up to twenty-three chapters and revolves around the life of Abdul Chinedu Edo, a young man with complicated identity or rather, lineage, whose physical attributes as well as his reclusiveness both portray as a frail and timid individual.

He is however, seen as events unfold in the book as a resilient and persistent fellow with well defined determination to survive in a tumultuous society.

His ignorance of court procedures is revealed as responsible for his eight years imprisonment because he pleaded guilty as advised and judgment is passed without the judge hearing his own side of the story or considering the fact that he is in his prime. He considers his ordeal as a scar inflicted by a lawyer which leads to resentment towards any one in the profession.

Abdul feels somehow fortunate on his release from

prison that it is not an entirely wasted years since he is able to earn some notable certificates including a Higher National Diploma. With this height of education, he becomes optimistic on bidding the prison yard goodbye that he would not spend much time in the labour market in addition to it helping him erase whatever stigmatisation or discrimination awaiting him in the outside world.

The story draws sympathy from the readers as they learn that unlike some other inmates, Abdul is never visited by anyone during his imprisonment and on getting back to his late father’s house, to his chagrin, he is informed that his stepmother has relocated to Uyo with his other siblings. His predicament grows worse as he eventually finds himself relocating from the prison to the streets.

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his is a suspenseful story that captures vividly what life in the gulag looks like to one who has never experienced such as well as daily experiences of most unfortunate people in the society whose situations make one ponder why providence stands against them despite their determination and persistence to survive.

The book is therefore a tale of the Nigerian situation, typical of an unjust society where people especially the young ones are left unattended to thus exposing them to war against their fate in a bid to succeed. It also underscores the importance of persevering to the end for if Abdul ended his life when he was at his wit’s end, he would never have had the opportunity to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Beyond The Yard is a work any reader or reviewer shouldn’t be talking about discovering errors as the captivating and compelling nature of the story cum author’s mastery of English language, makes for easy transition such that there is no room to searching for errors.

Beyond The Yard, Inyang E. Ekwo, Jemie Ventures International Mafoluku, Lagos, 2012, pp.254.

46 —SUNDAY, Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012

Walker Whiskey laid to rest With Ayo Onikoyi

08033286159

Omosefe Emumwen weds Osayamen Aigbovbiosa

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he families of Mr. Ediae Emumwen and Late Mr. Odion Aigbovbiosa consummate the courtship between their children; Omosefe Osaro & Osayamen Aigbovbiosa in a traditional marriage ceremo ny on Saturday 26th May, 2012 in Benin City. Photos by Barnabas Uzosike

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he family of Chief Walker Whiskey laid to rest the remains of their father at the Chief Whis key’s compound, Edherie village, Aviara clan, Isoko South local government area of Delta state. The service of songs and funeral service took place at the St. Andrews Anglican Church after a wake-keep session some days earlier in Barnawa, Kaduna Kaduna state.

Children of Late Chief Walker Manasseh Whiskey Mr. Ediae Emumwen and wife, bride’s parents The newly wedded cutting their cake.

R-:L Mr. Tony Iyeke, Mr Fred Dudu; Mr. Austin Oyowe and Mr. Emma Ose L-R: Mr. T.C.Okolie; and Mr. Osazee Agbontaen.

L-R: Mr. Amen Aghedo and Mr. Emumwen.

NLC/TUC rally for Mimiko Ondo state workers under the banners of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC staged a rally on Tuesday to seek re-election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko come 2013. Photos by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

L-R: Mr. Richard Odede; Mr. Godwin Uweru and Mr Reni Maduemezie Gov. Segun Mimiko(3rd L), his wife, Olukemi, Dep. Gov. Ali Olanusi(2nd L) Sec-Gen TUC, John Kolawole (left) and V.P. NLC, Comrade Kiri Mohammed.

Birthday Gov. Olusegun Mimiko at the NLC /TUC Ondo workers Rally

Awards

Wedding

NOTABLE faces at the Nigerian Academy of Engineering Achievements Awards ssponsored by Globacom at the University of Lagos, Lagos recently.

WEDDING ceremony of son of Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Obas held at Agbado, Oke Aro in Ogun State . Photos by Bunmi Azeez

L-R: Head Glo 1 Business Solution, Folu Aderibigbe, President, NAE, Prof. Ayodele Ogunye, Ag. VC, University of Lagos, Prof. Ade Bello and Former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Kaka

Mrs Bola Awojodun assisted by Husband Mr Olamide Awojodun and the Children cutting the birthday cake during the Wedding ceremony of Son of Oba Gbadebo Adedeji Chairman Ekiti State Council of Obas held at Agbado Oke Aro in Ogun State

THE 40th Birthday ceremony of Mrs Bola Awojodun took place at her residence in Surulere, Lagos, recently

Mrs Bola Awojodun assisted by Husband Mr Olamide Awojodun and the Children cutting the birthday cake

SUNDAY, Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012 —47

With Ayo Onikoyi

08033286159

Power show as Senate President’s daughter weds

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New couple, Mr. & Mrs. Micheal Ayeni being blessed by the officiating priest

he daughter of Nigerian Senate President, Senator David Mark penultimate Saturday gave his daughter, Pamela Mark, to her heartthrob, Michael Ayeni today in Abuja, Nigeria. The bride and her groom, after a traditional ceremony in Otukpo, Mark’s hometown about a week ago, were joined in a wedlock at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria, Garki, Abuja.

A lavish reception having the likes of the Vice President, Namadi Sambo and a host of other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Presidency in attendance, took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. Photos

by Gbemiga Olamikan

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President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and wife Omalo, with the newly wedded couple, Mr. & Mrs. Micheal Ayeni and the Officiating priests

From Left, Vice President Namadi Sambo being welcomed by the father of the bride and Senate President of Federal Republic of Nigeria

R-L: President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and wife, Omalo,the newly wedded couple aandd Senator Tunde Ogbeha

L-R: Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Kogi State Governor, Idiris Wada

L-R: Chief Edwin Clark and Senator Bassey EwaHenshaw

Father of the bride, Senator David Mark and the couple

From Right, Father of the Bride, Senate President David Mark his wife and Deputy Senate President.

Ike Ekweremadu and wife

From left, Father of the bride, Senator David Mark and Speaker House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal(extreme l)) and others

From Right: Vice President Namadi Sambo, father of the bride, Senator David Mark and Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

PAGE 48 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Enough of the bloodshed in the North, says GKS

By Sam EYOBOKA

Kumuyi urges U Jonathan to be more proactive BOMBINGS:

By SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA ESPITE the security challenges in parts of the country, the Deeper Life Bible Church yesterday held its inaugural special glorious celebration, after which the General Superintendent, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi called on the Federal Government to be more proactive in the handling of the security challenges.

The programme which held symultaniously across the world is aimed at celebrating the goodness of God despite the sectarian crises in the North said to have claimed over 1,000 lives, worship centres and several business premises in the North.

According to a statement signed by the church secretary, Pastor Jerry Asemota at the end of the programme at the church's International Bible Teaching Centre, IBTC, Ayobo area of Lagos, siad: "It is natural for people to continue to ask God for more blessing without giving thanks for the ones received.

"While we celebrate, we hand over other life challenges to God who is able to see us through. As for our country, Nigeria, we want to urge every citizen to pray to God; the solution to the country's challenges lies with Him," Kumuyi stated.

"At the same time," he continued, "we urge the leadership of the country to be more proactive. We sincerely believe that good governance can go a long way in addressing many of the problems we are currently experiencing."

Turning the citizens, the holiness preacher urged Nigerian citizens and followers to always pray for "our leaders and as a nation we must follow after righteousness."

Justifying why a church should be celebrating while Islamic fundamentalists are torching churches in different parts of the North, Kumuyi said many of "our members still have earthshaking testimonies of great things God

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did for them.

"As a church we have many proofs of God's favour and that gives us assurance that there is hope for this nation. In the world today, people celebrate many things, we in the church are celebrating in our own way."

According to him, "the entire family of Deeper Life wants to

gratitude to God for all His goodness and mercies towards us. Some people may say why do we celebrate miracles in the face of security challenges in the country, unemployment, poverty, diseases and infirmities? Why our hearts go out to the families of the victims of the recent unfortunate occurrences, notwithstanding, it is

a settled fact that God is still good."

In the course of the programme, several individuals from different parts of the country including one Chika Anazodo and Mr. and Mrs. Benedict Ogbonna gave outstanding testimonies of how God delivered them from various life challenges.

*The new Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins in audience with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome where he recently went to receive his Pallium---the symbol of authority delegated to him by the Holy See.

NHAPPY with the deplorable security situation in the country, the God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), has made a passionate appeal for an end to the bloodletting in the North while calling on leaders of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram to rise to the challenge by restraining their adherents in order to break the cycle of killings and reprisals.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its annual Ministers Conference in Salem City, Warri, Delta State, and signed by the publicity secretary, Brother Benedict Hart, the ministers expressed dismay that the number of casualties of suicide bombings and drive-by shootings, had continued to rise such that people are now afraid to go about their legimitate businesses or even to worship on Sundays, “as they withdraw behind heavily bolted doors and wait with bated breath for the dawn of a new day.

“We appeal to the leaders of various groups in the country to charge their people to rein in their zealotry and to steer them away from the path of violence because life belongs to God and no one has the right to take the life of any one,” the statement said with an appeal to those who have grievances against the government or the present social order “to seek redress through legitimate channels, as provided for by the country’s constitution”.

While sympathizing with the families of victims of the DANA aircrash of Sunday June 3, 2012, in which over 153 souls were lost, the ministers enjoined the Federal Continued on Page 47

7,000 pastors pray for peaceful polls in Edo

By Bose ADELAJA

U

NLIKE many past elections in Nigeria, the next gubernatorial polls in Edo State is expected to be hitch free July 14, 2012.

A newly inaugurated prayer ministry, Prayer Action for Successful Season, PASS, has assembled about 7,000 Christians who are expected to offer intensive prayers which will pave way for a hitch-free election. According to PASS president, Pastor Bolaji Akinyemi, the pastors, evangelists and prophets have arrived the Edo State and have started their intercessory prayers in

parts of the state.

Believing that Nigeria will overcome all its current challenges, Akinyemi charged the Church to intensify its prayers regardless of denominational differences, noting that, "praying for Nigeria is a duty, not a choice. We are still looking for-

ward to a major shake-up that will rid our nation of corrupt elements and the enthronement of God-fearing leaders at all levels. Our objective is to ensure a free and fair elections in Nigeria.”

According to him, the prayer warriors will, between Wed-

CCN mourns fallen brethren

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HRISTIAN Council of Nigeria, CCN, commiserates with Christians ad their families who lost their loved ones in some parts of the country and called on all Christian community to remain calm and be fervent in prayers for God's intervention over the difficult and tragic situations the church is facing in Ni-

*Why Boko Haram is targeting our churches

Pages 45 & 46

nesday July 11, 2012 and Saturday July 14, embark on a non-stop fasting and prayers specifically for a peaceful election. “Our desire is that God should choose the man after His heart. The governorship seat will not be bought and any attempt to rig the polls will be exposed. We shall continue our prayer project during the Ondo State 2012 governorship election,” the cleric said.

He blamed the Church for all the national crises, saying "if the Church had taken its rightful place all the crises would have been a thing of the past.

We have abandoned our weapons of warfare and embraced worldly weapons of intellectual arguments, activism and self pity.”

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012 — PAGE 49

THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT SK Joe Chris tian for the fruits of the Spirit, and he will answer you with Paul’s “voice of a stranger.”

(John 10:5). Paul says: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

(Galatians 5:222 3 ) . However, Jesus warns believers: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:1516). Paul’s fruit of the Spirit is precisely the sheep’s clothing Jesus warns us wolves would wear.

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Bogus fruit As usual, Paul’s fruit comes with many anomalies. All Christians claim to have Paul’s fruit of the Spirit because all it takes to receive Paul’s Holy Spirit is to say “Jesus is Lord.” (I Corinthians 12:3). This makes Paul’s definition practically useless. It ensures bad trees are deceptively confused with good trees in Christendom. Moreover, Paul’s tree has more than one fruit, which is practical-

ly impossible. James says figs don’t grow on a grapevine. (James 3:12). But they do on Paul’s tree of the Spirit. His tree has nine different fruits which he nevertheless refers to confusingly as one fruit. This is yet another example of Paul’s illogical Christianity.

Jesus identifies the Holy Spirit as: “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him.” (John 14: 17). This means unbelievers do not have the Holy Spirit. However, many unbelievers have Paul’s “fruit of the Spirit.” They are loving; peaceful; long-suffering; and faithful. So how come they have the fruit of the Spirit without having the Holy Spirit?

Moreover, many Christians, including those who claim to be born again, are wicked, quarrelsome and cantankerous. So how come they have the Holy Spirit without the fruit of the Spirit? As usual, Paul’s lofty dogma falls apart in real life.

Genuine fruits

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nough with Paul’s strange doctrine! According to Jesus, “the au-

are anathema to Christ.

Therefore, Jesus says: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27). “They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:5).

It makes no difference whether the speaker is

Paul’s fruit of the Spirit is precisely the sheep’s clothing Jesus warned us wolves would wear thor and finisher of our faith,” fruits come from a man’s spirit and they are the words of his mouth. Jesus says: “A good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:43-45).

With Jesus’ more practical and precise definition, we can easily identify a false prophet. We don’t have to wait for him to give a prophecy and then see if it comes to pass. We can even identify him within minutes of hearing him speak. Is he speaking the words of Jesus, or is he speaking his own words? Is he speaking the words of the good shepherd or is he speaking the words of strangers? Once we are schooled in Jesus’ doctrine, it is easy to identify a false prophet. His words

the pope, the General Overseer of the Church of God, or the most venerable reverend. If he does not speak the words of Jesus, he is a false prophet. Once Peter contradicted the word of God, Jesus immediately identified a contrary spirit in him: “He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” (Matthew 16:23).

Jesus knew by Peter’s words when Satan was speaking through him.

He also knew by Peter’s words when the Father was speaking through h i m . (Matthew 16: 17). So the next time you hear your pastor or Adeboye, Oyedepo, Oyakhilome and other vaunted so-called “men of God” speak, identify them by the fruit of their lips. You will be amazed what you will discover.

Identification marks

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ow can we tell if a man is mad? We of-

ten mistakenly determine his insanity by his appearance. If his hair is unkempt and his clothing dishevelled, we conclude he is mad. But that might just indicate he is poor or untidy. The precision of Jesus’ definition is clear. Just listen to him and you will soon know by his words.

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? We do by receiving the words of Jesus Christ. Jesus says: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). When the word of Jesus comes into us, it brings the life and power of God with it.

In the Old Testament, when the Holy Spirit fell upon men, it was manifest in their speech; they started to prophesy. (I Samuel 10:9-12). In the New Testament, when a man is baptised in the Holy Spirit, he often receives the gift of speaking in unknown tongues.

(Acts 2:1-4). But let me tell you an even more radical method for determining the fruits of a man’s spirit. Step on his toes then listen to what comes out of his lips.

Out of the abundance of his heart, his mouth will speak.

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aul’s bogus fruit of the Spirit en sures we cannot identify Paul himself as a false prophet. Indeed, Paul arrogates to himself disingenuously the status of Christ. He says: “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the com-

mandments of the Lord.”

(I Corinthians 14:37). In short, according to Paul, a false prophet is anyone who contradicts whatever Paul says. Not true; a false prophet is anyone who contradicts Jesus.

When the high priest told someone to slap Paul, his sheep’s clothing came right off. What came out of Paul’s mouth was a curse. He said: “God shall slap you, you whitewashed pigpen.”

(Acts 23:3). When told that some Jewish Christians were insisting Gentile believers should be circumcised, Paul responded with malice and hatred: “I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!”

(Galatians 5:12). When told about a man’s adultery, Paul issued a devious directive: “Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (I Corinthians 5:5). These are not the words of Christ.

They are not the fruits of his Spirit by any stretch of the imagination.

Solomon counsels: “A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth.”

(Proverbs 13:2). H e warns furthermore: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:20-21). These wise sayings are validated by Jesus. He says in agreement: “Every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12: 36-37).

Church holds memorial service for victim of DANA crash

H

OUSE on The Rock recently held a memorial service at MUSON Centre for Rev. Akinola Olumodeji, the associate pastor of House on the Rock, The Refuge, Abuja one of the victims of the Dana plane crash in Lagos, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. The 39-year old pastor was married seven years

ago to Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olumodeji and they are blessed with two children---a daughter, Hilary and a son, Inioluwa.

In a commiseration message, the senior pastor/founder House on the Rock Churches, Pastor Paul Adefarasin enjoined Nigerians to stop crying but live to the shame of the corrupt society and shameless

DO YOU KNOW?

Printing errors in the Bible

I

N a 1631 edition of the King James Bible--in Exodus 20:14---the word 'not' was left out. This changed the 7th Commandment to read; "Thou shalt commit adultery." Most of the copies were recalled immediately and destroyed on the orders of Charles I.

*Pastor Paul Adefarasin with little Hilary consoling Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olumodeji, widow of Pastor Akinola and Pastor (Mrs.) Ifeanyi Adefarasin with Inioluwa, son of the deceased at the memorial service for the late Pastor Akinola who died in the June 3 DANA plane crash held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. government. We must live to ensure that such people do not occupy public office any longer.

This is what we must fight for.

He prayed that the death of the precious

souls lost to the crash will be a springboard for great warriors/heroes to arise that will do our nation proud. He call on every Nigerian to dedicate their lives to the attainment of the country’s potentials as this is the best honour that could be done to the memories of the victims of the Dana Plane crash Pastor Adefarasin announced that the church has set up a trust fund called ‘Akinola Alumodeji Trust Fund’ and call-ed on all to contribute to the fund.’

As we celebrate his life well lived, we have deemed it fit to establish a trust fund to secure the future of his wife and

his children’.

He promised the family that the church will stand by the late pastor’s wife and children The wife of the deceased, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olumodeji in her tribute said ‘my ‘Bobo’ as I fondly called you. You came into my life like an angel and left as one.

What is life without you?

You taught me so many things about life and you made me who I am today. Loving you made my life so beautiful and am so delighted to that we journeyed through this path of life together though for a short but splendid and exciting period.

PAGE 50— SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012 — PAGE 59

PAGE 60—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012

Being in love

T

here is no remedy for love but to love more. Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.

Tell me whom you love and I will tell you who you are. A very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love.

Love is when you look into someone's eyes and see their heart. You know you've found love when you look in their eyes and find yourself. cheers!

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DISCLAIMER! Dear readers, please note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking.

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, JULY 1, 2012 — PAGE 61

54 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012

Italy won’t fear Spain — Prandelli C

ESARE Prandelli recognises that his side must pass a stern examination when they take on Spain in the UEFA EURO 2012 final, but steadfastly believes Italy can emerge triumphant. “We mustn’t fear them,” he said.

“We are here on merit and we will give it everything.”

After receiving another standing ovation as he

Fabregas, Ramos not bothered about Balotelli threat T

HE threat of Italy striker Mario Balotelli and the propsect of an unprecedented treble occupied Spain’s Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Ramos before today ’s UEFA Euro 2012™ final but neither thought those obstacles too big to overcome.

Spain face the Italians at the Olympic Stadium bidding to become the first national side to win three successive major honours following their triumphs at Euro 2008 and the World Cup in South Africa two years ago.

Balotelli, who scored both goals in Italy’s 2-1 win over Germany in Thursday’s semifinal in Warsaw, is at last on top form and joint leading scorer in the tournament with three goals. He must be stopped if Spain are to retain their title.

Barcelona’s Fabregas, when at Arsenal, played against Manchester City striker Balotelli in the Premier League the season before last, and knows better than most

•Prandelli

•Balotelli, celebrating a goal. members of the Spanish squad what his qualities are.

“I think he is a great soccer player. He showed that yesterday,” said Fabregas.

“He had two fantastic moments and scored two great goals. One a true

centre-forward’s header and the other one from a real cracking shot from outside the area in a European Championship semifinal against a top team like Germany.

“This tells you everything. I really liked they way he played and

he will be, of course, a threat as well as (Antonio) Cassano or any other forward who plays with Italy. “They are always very dangerous, but we have the players to stop them. We have defended well. We have to neutralise their attack and

Del Bosque dreams history for Spain

•Del Bosque dishing out instructions

C

OACH of the Spanish team, Vicente del Bosque had two themes on his mind when he arrived in Kyiv following team’s dramatic UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final victory against Portugal – bravery and history.

The 61-year-old had seen La Roja turn a 1-0 shoot-out deficit into a daring win courtesy of Sergio Ramos’ Panenkastyle penalty, Iker

Casillas’ save from João Moutinho and Bruno Alves’ effort hitting the crossbar, leaving Cesc Fàbregas to produce the same steely nerve he had four years earlier in a spot-kick contest with Italy.

Del Bosque was proud of, and impressed by, the efforts of his team. “We are here representing the whole of Spain and thanks to these guys we are on the point of

achieving something that nobody has managed before if we can win on Sunday,” he said, referring to the opportunity to win a third successive major international tournament.

“It’s proof of sporting advances in the football world but I hope that the sense of pride and advancement might also translate to Spanish society,” he added.

“Already we’ve achieved

something for everyone to be proud of and should we make history in the final then that would be even more the case.”

Del Bosque confessed that the dramatic resolution to the Iberian derby had been extremely tense but made it clear that his faith in the technique and nerve of his players was absolute.

“The guys who stepped forward took penalties because they offered themselves, they believed in themselves.

“They are bold, daring footballers who had more to lose than to gain, but they were sure of themselves and that’s enough for me. Ramos is a confident guy and I’ve not said anything about the cheeky way he took the penalty, although there were one or two jokes among the players.

“We were a bit daring throughout the match, too. The most important evidence of that was our policy on substitutions.

midfield where (Andrea) Pirlo is the player, otherwise he will take control of the match.

Fabregas has already scored against Italy in this tournament, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw in their opening group game, while Ramos has played every minute of this campaign.

Like all their players he is fully aware that Spain can achieve an unprecedented treble on Sunday, but was trying to keep the expectations of his nation in perspective.

entered the rechristened Sala Prandelli for his final press conference at Casa Azzurri, the Italy coach expressed his satisfaction at masterminding the downfall of Joachim Löw ’s highly rated Germany side with a 2-1 victory in Warsaw last night.

“We are very proud to have come so far” said the 54-year-old, who first expressed birthday wishes to Gioregio Napoletano, the Italian President who turned 86 today. “It makes you especially proud to represent you country, but when you’re abroad I think you understand even more keenly than the people back home exactly what it means to fly the flag. Last night we had a game plan in place and the players executed it to perfection. The guys were extraordinary, we had very little time in training but we exploited what little time we had really well.”

Though he admitted his players were exhausted after their efforts in reaching Sunday’s final in Kyiv, Prandelli was optimistic about Italy’s prospects of overcoming a free-flowing Spain side whose playing style he

Fabregas sings Iniesta’s praise

C

ESC Fàbregas refused to be drawn on whether Spain would play a recognised centre-forward in the UEFA EURO 2012 final, instead the FC Barcelona midfielder chose to sing the praises of club-mate Andrés Iniesta and stress that La Roja will do everything they can to make history today.

Fàbregas deputised for leading scorer David Villa in the UEFA EURO 2008 showpiece, playing just behind Fernando Torres in a role which helped create space for the now Chelsea FC striker to score the winning goal against Germany. Villa’s absence

from Poland and Ukraine has meant that this time Fàbregas and Torres have been in outright competition for a position in Vicente del Bosque’s starting XI. The race to make the teamsheet gathered pace when Álvaro Negredo was given the starting centreforward spot against Portugal in the semi-final.

The fact that Fàbregas, as he did in Vienna four years previously against Italy, struck the winning penalty has left some suggesting that he now has an advantage over the three other potential central strikers, Torres, Negredo and the unused Fernando Llorente.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012 — 63

Egbunike prays for athletics revival *Says grass-roots devt only way out

By BEN EFE, Port Novo

F

ORMER African 400m champion and current national record holder, Innocent Egbunike was a subdued man after watching Nigerian athletes struggle with their form at the African Championships here in Port Novo, Benin Republic.

Egbunike, just like other Athletics officials were hopeful of good results at the Championships, being an Olympic year. But after seeing Nigeria, lose precious sprints medals, Egbunike who is head coach of Athletics Federation of Nigeria could only pray for God to give him the strength to carry out a revival.

He said his focus after the Olympics will be on grassroots development, because accord-

ing to him the present crop of Nigerian athletes appeared to have reached their peak.

“Some of them will take what you tell them and some others will not take. We have come to the point when we have to go back and produce young athletes. I did it in the United States and I have coached in nine other different countries, why can’t I do it in Nigeria.

“Everyday I always wonder why in a country of over 150 million people, we cannot break the 44.19 seconds I set many years ago,” Egbunike sighed.

He said his priority now will be to get Nigerian athletes refocused for the London 2012 Olympics.

“What happened here in Benin Republic we did not expect. We have to take it like that and be focused on our rac-

Nigeria’s 4x100m women too strong for Africa

By BEN EFE, Port Novo

N

igeria’s 4x100m quartet totally outclassed the rest of the field in the final of the event decided at the just concluded African Athletics Championships in Port Novo, Benin Republic. Christy Udoh, Gloria Asumnu, Damola Osayomi and Loretta Ozoh demon-strated that they are cand-idates for a medal at the London 2012 Olympics when they finished 43.21 to set a new

championships record. Ghana was second with 44. 35, while Ivory Coast settled for bronze with 45.29 seconds.

In men 4x100m, though the Nigeria quartet gave a good account of themselves, they weren’t up to the task of beating South Africa. They also failed to book a place at the London 2012 Olympics they settled for silver with a 39.34 seconds run inferior to South Africa’s 39.26 time that won the gold.

UNBEATABLE... Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m relay team have proved unbeatable once again in Port Novo at the weekend when they defended the African title they won two years ago in Nairobi, Kenya. The 2010 team pose here after their victory. es ahead. “After the Olympics I will sit down and set a new agenda for Nigeria athletics.

I’m so glad we have an AFN president that is listening and with the support of all Nige-

Arsenal friendly’ll benefit Eagles — Erico

By KATE OBODO

F

ORMER Super Eagles assistant coach, Joe Erico has said the proposed International friendly match between the Super Eagles and Arsenal Football Club of London would help the Super Eagles prepare better for the remaining matches of the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The former Super Eagles goalkeepers’ trainer who said the game is a welcome development as it would also helps in Stephen Keshi’s development process, hailed the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) for organising such an international friendly for the Eagles.

“I’m happy with the recent development in the team and I believe it is a sign of good things for the team in the future. The NFF, on their part, have done well for organising such a match. Arsenal are a good match for the Eagles and would help them in their prep-

aration for the 2013 Nations Cup qualifiers.

All they need to do is to prepare well and be able to identify the mistakes they made in the past games and correct

HE Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Organising Committee (LOC) for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2013 hosted a Commercial Affiliates Workshop held at The Sandton Convention Centre in preparation for the upcoming Orange AFCON in January 2013.

The purpose of the workshop was to give a progress report and status update to the commercial partners and other key stakeholders, regarding South Africa’s preparations and readiness in hosting this prestigious soccer event on the

African Continent. The commercial affiliates, Orange, Standard Bank, PepsiCo, Samsung, reached a common understanding with CAF and the LOC on the working relationship inclu-ding performance expecta-tions and deliverables between the parties.

Mvuzo Mbebe, the CEO of the Local Organizing Committee for the Orange AFCON 2013, emphasized the need for all the parties to work together in ensuring that South Africa presents a memorable tournament that celebrates football on the African

Continent. In his statement Mvuzo asserted that “South Africa Local Organizing Committee for the Orange AFCON 2013 is committed in achieving its objectives such as getting the continent and the nation behind the event, deliver a seamless high quality football event that will have rise Africa to its feet”.

In pledging commitment to Orange AFCON 2013, Mr. Jacob Mamabolo, Chief Director: Port Control, Department of Home Affairs, assured CAF and LOC a seamless, fast and responsive immigration process that will

them,” he said.

He however, advised that the Eagles should be focused and not relent on their recent performance.

Olympics Trials: Bolt beaten by compatriot, Blake

O

n a weekend Nigerian sprinters, Obinna Metu and Blessing Okgbare lost the African titles to other Africans with 26 days to the start of the London 2012 Olympics, drama happened at the Jamaican Olympic Trials.

Yohan Blake upset world record holder and defending Olympic champion, Usain Bolt.

Blake ran the100m in 9.75sec, giving him his best time this year. He started fast and didn’t let go of the lead.

Bolt was slow out of the blocks and finished by pulling up.

According to Associated Press,

Nations Cup: CAF, LOC hold seminar on preparations

T

rians we can get our athletics back to where it belongs,” Egbunike stated.

facilitate the movement of fans at all ports of entry.

During the workshop there was an emphasis on social programs designed to uplift and address issues that affect the African continent. In this regard, United Against Malaria, an NGO endorsed by CAF, outlined how they will leverage to eradicate malaria.

A 3-day workshop that was also attended by key stakeholders such as the Department of Trade and Industry, SA Revenue Services, the SABC, Health, and Proudly South African, ended up with one-onone discussions.

Bolt was distracted by someone near the start line.

For Blake, it was the perfect way to gain momentum heading into his first Olympics. Bolt and Blake will still run the 200m, with the heats which started yesterday and the final coming up today.

The good news about this loss is Bolt has a true challenger.

Blake is the current world champion (because Bolt had a false start in the semifinal at the world championships) and is now the Jamaican champion.

With the world record of 9.58 firmly in hand and few runners near his talent level, Bolt was running out of challenges. Now, Blake has two titles Bolt doesn’t, and the two are set up for an exciting 100m duel in London.

•Bolt

SUNDAY Vanguard, JULY 1, 2012

We can win the World Cup, Falconets' stars chorus IGERIA’S U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, are

N

ambitiously rating their chances of becoming the first African team to win

H O S T A G E . . . .

Controversial Italian striker, Mario Balotelli has become the main focus in today's EURO 2012 final against defending champions Spain whose players say the maverick Italian must be checked to prevent him from wrecking them like he did to the Germans. Spain's defender, Sergio Ramos (right) holds Balotelli hostage here when they met during the group match which ended 1-1. Photo: skysports.com

EURO 2012:

Spain, Italy chase history as curtains draw on Euro 2012 •Kick-off: 7.45pm “S

HAMEFUL Italy…

One of our ugliest national teams ever… the end of a generation and an illusion... we were champions of the world and now are the laughing stock of the world,” were words with which Italian newspapers described the Azzurri’s exit to Slovakia at the 2010 World Cup and agreed was their biggest humiliation since losing to North Korea at the 1966 tournament.

On that occasion the squad were pelted with rotten tomatoes when they returned home, but just two years later they were crowned European champions. Could history repeat itself today or will reigning world and European champions Spain break new ground by clinching a third con-

secutive major title?

Transformed under the refreshing tutelage of Cesare Prandelli, Italy have generated real momentum as they go to Kiev in search of their sixth major title.

In previous rounds the Azzurri took heart from their track record against England and Germany, and it is a similar story against their Mediterranean neighbours. The Spanish did beat them on penalties at Euro 2008, but, excluding shoot-outs, you have to go back to the 1920 Olympics to find Spain’s only competitive victory in this fixture; irrelevant ancient history or enough to sow seeds of doubt?

Germany ’s Miroslav Klose admitted on Thursday “perhaps the

fact that we had never beaten Italy was in the back of our minds.”

It’s a sign of how things have changed that freescoring Germany are admitting to mental frailties while Spain contin-

ue to grind out results relentlessly. The semi-final win against Portugal may not have been their greatest display, but it certainly leaves Vicente del Bosque’s side on the verge of greatness. A hat-trick of titles would be unprecedented in the modern era; the strongest competing claim actually belongs to Italy,

who won the 1934 and 1938 World Cups, plus Olympic gold in Berlin in 1936.

West Germany are the only other side to reach three successive World Cup or European Championship finals, winning the first two before losing to Antonin Panenka’s chipped penalty for Czechoslovakia in 1976.

ACROSS 1. Nigerian state (5) 3. Snarled (7) 7. Of the dark race (5) 8. Respond (5) 9. Consumed (5) 10. Wit (3) 11. Church part (5) 13. Entrance (4) 15. Stitch (3) 17. Deed (4) 19. Hope (6) 21. However (3) 23. Thanks (2) 25. Curve (3) 26. Class (5) 29. Important (5) 30. Before (3) 31. Revise (4) 34. Mate (4) 36. Italian City (4) 39. Push back (5) 40. Heed (4) 42. End of day (5) 43. Exposed (8) 44. Halt (5)

a women’s FIFA event in September.

Their confidence springs from a surprise success two years ago when they reached the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany.

Nigeria lost in that match against a more organised home nation, but they have now returned to the biennial competition armed with the belief that they could do themselves one better in Japan. “We know the pressure is on Nigeria because of our performance at the last World Cup, but we are working towards posting another good outing,” declared centre forward Desire Oparanozie, who along with Ebere Orji was the team’s leading scorer with two goals at Germany 2010.

“The match against Korea, which kicks off our campaign [on 19 August], will determine how far we could go and can boost our confidence.

You can be sure that I am not going to Japan to count skyscrapers, but to win the World Cup,” added fellow striker Francisca Ordega.

The Falconets, under new coach Edwin Okon, qualified for Japan 2012 in convincing style after they hammered their DR Congo counterparts 7-0 on aggregate. After just eight minutes at the Stade d’Martyrs in Kinshasa, Ngozi Okobi put Nigeria ahead. Shortly after that, striker Desire Oparanozie made it 2-0, and Francisca Ordega scored her fourth goal in the qualifiers with a sizzler on 23 minutes to beat the hosts 3-0 in the second leg. In the previous round of the qualifiers, the Falconets dumped Zimbabwe 6-0 on aggregate.

DOWN 1. Rubbish (7) 2. Go in (5) 3. Proceeding (5) 4. Eye-socket (5) 5. Fortune (4) 6. Faculty head (4) 14. Newt (3) 15. Heavenly body (4) 16. Damp (3) 18. Keen (4) 20. Treaty (4) 22. Goad (4) 24. Always (4) 25. Beer (3) 27. Grow old (3) 28. Stray (3) 32. Lucifer (5) 33. Fashion (5) 34. Schemes (5) 37. Leer (4) 38. Otherwise (4) 41. Pup’s cry (3)

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 5

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