JTF averts El-de-fitr mayhem in Kano uncovers bomb factory

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Petroleum Ministry in N1.1 bn contract scandal *House of Reps committee summons minister, contractor

BY EMMA AMAIZE

C

ONTROVERSY has erupted in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Abuja, over the N1.1 billion paid to a contractor for the supply of a dive support sea -going vessel to the Federa l Government owned Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, near Warri, Delta State.

The Auditor-General of the Federation, in a report, had recommended that the contractor should refund the money.

In the report signed by the Director, Programme and Performance, Audit Department, Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, A.O. Ajao, he said the money should be refunded “ with interest to the Federal Government of Nigeria immediately.”

The fresh ripples in the ministry over the vessel, followed an order, last week, by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream),

on the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the contractor to appear before it to explain the circumstances surrounding the payment of the money for a contract that was not performed.

Our source said the facts of the contract swindle were not disclosed to the minister, as some powerful officials of the ministry were involved in the deal.

The committee, led by Hon Ajibola Muraina, decided the summon the minister and contractor when it became obvious that the vessel, which had not been supplied to the institute, three years after it was supposed to have been delivered, had allegedly attracted a demurrage of over N600 million at $2,000 per day.

Muraina said the Acting Principal/Chief Executive of PTI, Mrs. Nnenna Dennar, informed the committee that the dive support sea-going vessel was in the custody of the Nigerian Embassy at Singapore, but information at the disposal of the National

Okada operators attack High Court judge

BY PETER DURU

J

USTICE Ogbogo Ejembi of the Otukpo High Court, who was allegedly battered by four commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as ‘Okada’, has dragged his attackers to court for criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass and serious assault.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that Ogbogo incurred the wrath of the Okada riders when, on August 08, 2012, on his way to the State High Court Complex, his vehicle was hit at the rear by one of the riders but he chose to ignore the rider.

According to an eye witness, the Okada rider, Agbo Athanasius, hit the High Court judge’s vehicle after the traffic warden on duty had stopped the judge and granted him the right of way.

The eye witness narrated that as soon as Justice Ejembi took off towards the high court complex, four cyclists and the

Assembly indicated that the vessel might not even be in existence and the facts of its nonexistence had to be established.

Members of the House committee, who were on an oversight function, were taken aback when they were told that another N900 million was required to convert the vessel to a dive-support ship , almost the equivalent of what was used to purchase the vessel itself.

It was obvious that the entire deal was between the contractor and some persons in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Abuja, which awarded the contract in 2009, hence the committee decided to summon the minister and contractor.

“To us in the National Assembly, the vessel may not be existing, if you are paying demurrage, it means you have taken delivery, you have not taken ownership”, Muraina stated.

He said the committee was interested in knowing the terms of the agreement between the contractor and PTI; at what point the institute was supposed to have taken delivery of the vessel and what happened; and the agents or consultant between the contractor and government .

From left: The Consular General, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, Nigeria ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Bunu; Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and the Deputy Governor of Medina Suleman El-herash; on arrival at the Medina International Airport for Umrah (lesser haji) yesterday.Photo: State House

JTF destroys operational base cum Boko Haram’s bomb factory Continued from page 1 yesterday, launched a preemptive strike on a suspected Islamists hideout which uncovered the armament.

The items uncovered include 12 hand held improvised

traffic warden chased and caught up with him and thoroughly beat him up. ”It took the intervention of passersby who apprehended the four cyclists and the traffic warden and handed them over to the police to save the judge.”

The prosecution of the cyclists who include: Zuzuli Emmanuel, Adam Anthony and Barnabas Agbaka, commenced at the weekend at a Makurdi Chief Magistrate Court presided over by Mrs.Theresa Wergba.

When the case came up, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecuting officer, Inspector James Terzungwe, urged the court for an adjournment pending further investigations into the matter.

Meanwhile, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Daniel Ezeala, told Sunday Vanguard that the traffic warden was undergoing orderly room trial.

SOLUTION

Some items seized by the JTF at the bomb factory cum operational base of insurgents in Kano yesterday.

Kidnappers of judge establish contact, ask for N40m ransom

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

BDUCTORS of Delta High Court Judge, Justice Marcel Okoh, have established contact with the family of the judge.

Although both police and the family kept sealed lips about the details of discussions since the kidnappers established contact, it was reliably gathered that they were asking for N40 million as ransom.

Okoh, a former Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, but was sworn in as a judge in June along five other newly appointed judges in Delta State, was kidnapped on Monday on his way to his duty

post in Warri.

The kidnappers held on until Friday when they established contact.

Workers of Delta State Ministry of Justice from where he was elevated to the position of a High Court Judge, had a special prayer session that same Monday the news broke, calling for God’s intervention for his release.

Also, the Asaba branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, under the leadership of Mr. Chukwuma Oseyenim, at an emergency meeting on Thursday, resolved “to boycott all court proceedings until Justice M.C. Okoh is released”.

explosive device, 10 electronic detonators, 12 primed bomb cylinders, nine unprimed bomb cylinders, eight AK – 47 rifles and four sub machine guns.

Others are two pump action rifles, 26 packs of long-size banger and 64 packs of short-size banger.

Also uncovered were 10 bags of urea, a vital ingredient in bomb making, laptops containing sensitive information, six maps, army camouflag, masks and banners with Arabic inscriptions.

Three suspects were arrested during the dawn raid by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the suspected Islamists hideout in the Tudun Bayero, Gada Tamburawa area of Kano.

The hideout itself, described as a bomb factory and operational base for insurgents in Kano, was destroyed.

Insurgency attacks have, for some time now, been a source of concern in the North following their strikes on Christian and Muslim places of worship, especially on major religious celebrations.

It was against the backdrop of the attacks that yesterday ’s assault was launched on the suspected insurgents hideout ahead of next weekend’s Sallah.

In Kano, Sallah is celebrated amid fanfare as horses are rolled out for Durbar with the emir of the ancient city visiting designated quarters.

Briefing newsmen at the headquarters of 3 Motorized Brigade, Nigeria Army, Kano, yesterday, Kano State Director of Department of State Service, SSS, Mr. Basssey Eteng, said the “bomb factory cum operational base of insurgents, located in an obscure area of Tudun Bayero village, was initially used as a sachet water factory but rented and converted to poultry farm by an Islamist group to shield their nefarious activities”. According to him, “JTF conducted a preemptive raid on the suspected hideout of terrorist group planning to unleash mayhem in Kano during the forthcoming Eid Fitr and wish to inform you that it was a very successful operation that yielded clues into our fight against terrorism”.

Eteng added: “We have commenced robust investigation to unravel more facts and want to assure the public that we also have in our procession sufficient materials that will aide the cause of our investigation”.

He tasked the general public to continue to offer support by reporting suspected terrorists in their midst, assuring that the authorities will continue to treat same with utmost confidentiality.

PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

Adebanjo to Akande: Your statement on Mimiko irresponsible *’Afenifere stands behind Ondo gov’s second term’ Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describes as irresponsible the statement credited to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, that the Yoruba group’s support for Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s second term bid on the platform of Labour Party (LP) is because the leaders are out to collect crumbs from the governor’s table.

Adebanjo spoke in a statement yesterday.

The text:

I

F Bisi Akande, the figure head Chairman of the ACN ( which the Yorubas will call ologomugomu chairman), had confined his criticism of me in his interview to my not being an electoral asset because I have never contested any election in this country, I would have ignored him and would not have bothered to dignify his ignorant and ill-informed statement which has become his sing-song criticism of me without any response. The reason for this is simple.

He is too junior to me politically for me to enter into political disputation with him. But when he opened his mouth so wide to call me his political leader, who was the chairman of the party A.D on whose platform he contested and won the election to become the governor of Osun State in 1999-2003, a fake Awoist, I believe Bisi Akande is indeed what the Yorubas will call “ Omo Atiro to lo ra bata fun baba e, oro lofe gbo” ( literally means,”The son of a lame father who thoughtlessly bought a pair of shoes for his father, he needs to be reminded the physical position of his father ”).

“In the first place, where is Bisi Akande coming from to be qualified to define who is an “Awoist”?

Because Awoists have existed in the 50s long before the late Chief Bola Ige

recruited him from the NCNC into the U.P.N in 1979 and made him an emergency deputy governor to replace the late Chief Sunday Afolabi who had decamped from the party to join the N.P.N. Bisi Akande was the beneficiary of the plum political office of deputy governor because he comes from the same constituency as Chief Sunday Afolabi otherwise his senior members of the party like Senator Mojisola Akinfenwa, Hon. Lere Adebayo,Chief Abayomi Morakinyo, who were already in Chief Bola Ige’s cabinet, would have been considered.

These gentlemen, inspite of any political disagreement, will not refer to me as a fake A w o i s t .

“Now, who is an “Awoist” and when did the term “Awoism” enter Nigeria political lexicon? The populist political philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which encompasses welfare programs among which are free education, free medical services, integrated rural development and full employment with which he painstakingly administered the old Wester n Region from 1952-1959, acclaimed world-wide, was termed Awoism. To complement this was his advocacy for federalism under a parliamentary system of government and a political ideology of democratic socialism.

His party, the Action Group, also known as “Afenifere” in Western Region, was acclaimed to be the best organised, democratic and the best disciplined party in the whole of West Africa. He was acclaimed the leader of progressive politics in Nigeria and his members and believers in these combined attributes are known and called “Awoists”; I was a known leading member and mobiliser of the party during this p e r i o d .

I ask, where was Bisi

Akande during this period and what role did he play to be in a position to pontificate on who is an “Awoist”?

“The pastime criticism of me by Chief Bisi Akande is that I have no electoral value and that I have never contested and won an election. If this is the criteria of judging an “Awoist” from the jaundiced eyes of Chief Bisi Akande , I plead I am happy to be in the good company of past leaders of the party like Chief S.O Shonibare (one of the founders of the A.G) Chief Afred Rewane, Chief S.O Lanlehin, Dr.J Akanni Doherty, Chief Ladipo

Amose all of blessed memory who laboured faithfully to popularise the Action Group with the philosophy of Awoism and never contested election.

“But let me state for the record and political education of political neophytes like Bisi Akande who was only brought to political relevance by the late Chief Bola Ige of blessed memory. I contested and won election to Ijebu-Ode Local government from my ward in Ogbo/ Okelamuran/Ikoto in 1976 under a zero party election following the ban of political parties by

the military. The election was more on the candidate’s individual popularity, since political party platform was banned. It was an election that did not allow an unpopular candidate to be elected under a popular political party platform. The late Chief Bisi Onabanjo of blessed memory also won from Ijebu-Ode ward and was elected chairman of the council.

“I have no regret that I with other Afenifere leaders visited Dr Olusegun Mimiko to demonstrate our open support for his declaration for second term election as governor of Ondo State. His performance in the last three and a half years in Ondo State should be a pride to any lover of good governance. His

Francis Cardinal Arinze (middle), flanked by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (left) , and Dr. Allison Anadi (right), the Chairman of ASA(USA), at the flag-off of the ASA USA 2012 Medical Mission at the Community Health Centre, Ezeowelle.

achievements are consistent with the ideals and philosophy of Awoism. Those who have been regular visitors to Ondo State in the last three and a half years would testify to the fact that the tenets of his administration have been to the betterment of the masses of Ondo State in all its ramifications.

Don’t forget Mimiko was himself a member of the AD before he had occasion to disagree with some individuals in the party that made him to leave for another party - the Labour Party. His political programes show he is still keeping faith with the ideals and philosophy of Awoism.

And for this he deserves our support; just as I would have supported Governor Babatunde Fashola if Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had jettisoned him for his second term as he had threatened to do although I am not a member of ACN. “It is cheap blackmail and gratuitous insult for Chief Akande to allege that our support for Mimiko was to collect crumbs from his table.

Chief Akande should tell the whole world what crumbs I collected from his table when he was governor of Osun State and I was the chairman of the party.

Such unguarded and irresponsible statement is least expected from somebody who is a chairman of a national party however figurative he may be holding the post. Afenifere stands behind Mimiko for his second term as solidly as the Rock of Gibraltal”.

FG boosts agric with 25,000 MT silo

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA

T

HE Federal Government has, in fast tracking the new regime of value chain on all commodities, promised that silos of 25-100,000 capacities under construction would be ready for commissioning

by October.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Dr. Ezekiel O. Oyemomi, dropped this hint while chatting with journalists in Ilesha, Osun State after being conducted round the Ilesha 25,000 MT silo which construction was [put at 10 per cent completion.

Oyemomi revealed that due to the commitment of the Federal Government in prioritizing agriculture as the lead transformational programme, a number of measures had been taken to give the sector

the place of pride in determining the nation’s economy as obtained in early 50s and late 60s.

He disclosed that the J o n a t h a n administration’s a g r i c u l t u r a l transformation agenda (ATA) making steady progress towards the consolidation of entrepreneurships

particularly for young graduates in agribusiness across all states of the federation.

Outlining measures taken by the ministry to deepen farming as a sin qua non pre-occupation in agric-business, the Per manent Secretary said the recent nationwide flag-off of the Growth

Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) in all the states on farmer direct purchase of fertilizer via mobile phones, free distribution of hybrid seeds of rice, maize , ongoing construction of silos, establishment of staple food and cash crop processing zones in the six geo-political zones.

‘Lonestar Drilling restructuring, not liquidating’

BY JIMITOTA ONYUME

L

ONESTAR D r i l l i n g Nigeria Limited has dismissed the speculation that the company was being liquidated.

Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairperson and son of the founder, Mr. Lovett Idisi, who spoke to newsmen in Port

Harcourt on the state of the firm, blamed detractors for the speculation.

Idisi added that the firm recently appointed M r. John Pickford as the Managing Director and Sam Ewan as Administration Manager, saying there was no iota of truth in the claim that the firm was liquidating.

He said the restructuring at the managerial level of the

firm after the passage of his father and founder, the late Chief Humphrey Idisi, about three years ago, brought about some changes which did not go down well with some top managerial staff.

“We are doing well. We are in business”, he stressed. He said the future of the firm was bright and it would continue to play its lead role in the oil and gas sector.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 7

Prostitute flees as client turns rapist

BY FESTUS AHON

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HREE men were, y e s t e r d a y, arrested by men of the Ughelli vigilance team in Ughelli North Local Government Area,

Delta State for alleged rape.

The men were apprehended at the Iwhrekpokpor area of the Ughelli metropolis at about 3 a.m. by members of the vigilance team after they were given a

‘We are committed to providing quality ICT service’ From left: Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State his wife Alh. Abimbola and Hon. Yakub Balogun, former Head of Service, during the presentation of the achievements recorded by the administration within the 1900 day in Office of Mr Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State Governor, for the Lagos Central Senatorial Zone. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE

I

N a move that will transform Nigeria’s Information and

MERGER TALKS:ACN, CPC forge ahead despite cracks

BY JIDE AJANI

F

RESH facts emerged at the weekend that the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, may have agreed on one of two names to be used for the emerging opposition alliance between the two parties.

In fact, according to information available to Sunday Vanguard, the two parties have already put forward Action Congress for Progressive Change, ACPC, and Action Congress Alliance, ACA,as possible names that would be used to consummate the alliance.

Already, the two parties are expediting action preparatory to holding their national conventions where the alliance would be endorsed by their members – the conventions are expected to hold in the next two months.

Also, the parties’ leaders plan to go before the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with a view to relinquishing their earlier Certificates of Registration, preparatory to the endorsement of a new name by the electoral body.

However, it was gathered, through a very highly placed CPC member, that some powerful politicians in the leadership cadre of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, are not going along with the multi-party merger plan that would see the ACN, ANPP and CPC, playing major partners.

This, according to our source, is “in spite of the fact that the National Chairman of the ANPP, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, is favourably disposed to going along with a multi-

party merger”.

That is not the only clog.

In the CPC too, there is perceived divisions over the merger issue as some leaders of the party are voicing concerns over the workability of the arrangement.

Sunday Vanguard has been reliably made to understand that some leaders of the CPC are “themselves looking into the finer details of the merger between their party

and the ACN”.

At one of the meetings of the leaders of the CPC, it was disclosed by Alhaji Buba Galadimma and Prince Tony Momoh, National Secretary and National Chairman, respectively, that before the conclusion of merger between the two parties, it is necessary and important that grey areas on the issue are clearly defined and addressed. Such areas, it was gathered, would

include issues of who would produce the President, the Vice President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Chief of Staff to the President, the sharing of Ministerial portfolios, amongst others.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that it was because of the above that the leaders of CPC were yet to append their signature to the prepared MoU on the planned political merger.

EU, others begin reintegration of ex-militants in N-Delta

BY EMMA AMAIZE

A

FTER over a decade of bloodshed and volatility in the NigerDelta by militants agitating for development by the Federal Government, the European Union, EU, and Search for Common Ground, SFCG, a nong o v e r n m e n t a l organization, in collaboration with the N i g e r - D e l t a Professionals in D e v e l o p m e n t , NIPRODEV, have launched an 18-month programme to reintegrate ex-militants in the seven Niger-Delta communities.

Entitled, “Tomorrow is a New Day ”, the programme promises to foster peace and promote development in the region. It also seeks to support communitylevel conflict resolution with special emphasis on reintegration of exmilitants in Koko, Oporoza and other

target areas Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

NIPRODEV, a Nigerian-based d e v e l o p m e n t organization in Delta State, chaired by Mr. Joel Bisina, which has been operating in the Niger Delta since 1999 is providing capacity training for community members.

According to Mr. Bisina, “Our activities include community assessments and data analysis, organizational capacity assessments and capacity building, training workshops, mentoring and mediation, and socially inclusive collective action for positive change”.

Ondo 2012: PDP leaders defect to LP

BY DAYO JOHNSON

S

OME leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have defected to the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the state.

They include Mr Omoniyi Eniolotu (youth leader), Mrs Aladejana Iyadunni (women leader), Mr Makun Remilekun (exofficio), Mr Idowu Gbenga (organising secretary), Hon Aruwaji Eniolorunda, Mr Olu Aisida, Mr Aro Olorunfemi, Mrs Mabogunje Tinuade, Mr

Saturday Eniato, Mr Femi Bankole, and Mr Amimi Kenge.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Mr Eni Akinsola, said that they were received by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi, on behalf of his principal.

He said that the defectors claimed their decision to join LP was informed by the u n p r e c e d e n t e d developmental projects executed across the state by the Mimiko administration in the last three and a half years.

Communication Technology (ICT) landscape, Transition Networks, a Minneapolis, United States of America based data network hardware manufacturer yesterday made a bold entry into the Nigerian market, promising to provide stakeholders in the sector “highest quality products and services.”

At the formal introduction of the company and its products to the stakeholders at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, through its Nigerian partner, Open Media Communications Limited, the company’s Regional Sales Manager for the United Kingdom, Ireland and Africa, Mr. Zak Admani assured on the company’s products noting that their “fibre optic/networking products are known for their ruggedness and r e l i a b i l i t y . ” Admani who disclosed that the company ’s products carry a lifetime warranty added that the company has the experience to operate successfully in the Nigerian market.

tip-off by a street guard.

Briefing newsmen on the incident, leader of the vigilance team, Mr. Monday Owhesiri, said one of the suspects had invited the prostitute from a brothel at Emosivwe Street to his house at Iwhrekpokpor to sleep with him on agreed fee only for him to rape the prostitute alongside five other friends after threatening to attack her with broken bottles.

According to him, the prostitute later escaped naked and ran into the street guard who offered her clothes. He said the vigilance team immediately swung into action after they were alerted by the street guard.

“When we got to the place, we arrested one of the men in the house and two others who had found their way out of crime scene through a hole they had burst in the ceiling while the other three escaped,”Owhesiri s t a t e d .

Saying that two of those arrested were brothers, he said: “When we entered the ceiling, we found a wooden item carved into the shape of a gun and they said it was carved by one of them who is a carpenter ”. Owhesiri said those arrested had been handed over to the police in the Ughelli ‘A’ Division.

The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division could not be reached for comments on the matter.

Why education sector’s growth is stunted, by Prof Oloyede

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

T

HE outgoing Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor Ish’aq Olanrewaju Oloyede, has called on the Federal Government to ensure thorough supervision and monitoring of its financial commitments, so that its huge investments in the education sector, particularly in university education, can achieve the desired results.

Oloyede pointed out that lack of proper supervision and monitoring of Federal Government’s huge investments in the education sector over the years has largely remained the bane of the

sector,hence the results do not justify the huge investments of the resources in the sector.

The Vice Chancellor,who spoke in Ilorin, also canvassed support for Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, who will take over from him in October.

He clarified that his successor emerged the best candidate in the laid down procedures.

Oloyede, who dismissed the insinuation that the faculty of veterinary medicine the Vice Chancellor-designate is heading in the university was established because of him, recalled that Ambali contested with him five years ago and came f o u r t h .

PAGE 8—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

debbiemoments@gmail.com PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos,

Nigerians, the cookie is crumbling (3) family plays a critical role in shaping the fundamental attitudes of individuals with respect to acceptable norms of behaviour.

The role of the family is complemented by the school which, ideally, is expected not only to consolidate the positive values children had already imbibed from home but also to instill in them other values that are appropriate for producing responsible and productive adults. Ignorance about

I suggest that President Jonathan should ignore what sycophants have been telling him on this issue and consider how he would handle it just in case any member of his family or loved one fell victim of Boko Haram’s attacks

how to bring up well-behaved children and the rat race for primitive accumulation by parents which leaves the upbringing of children in the hands of untrained house helps, increasing rate of divorce and negative peer pressure – these have led to the emergence of morally disabled alienated Nigerians bereft of those core values necessary for qualitative leadership many of whom are presently occupying

Emotional Blackmail

B

LACKMAIL is widely understood to b e a crime where one is coerced to part with something of value, to act under duress or even give up a position to someone who has a leverage of some sort.

The person is either in possession of a truth,secret or some information we don't want shared or may be holding something of some value to coerce us into a compromising position.

It happens in business, in politics, in the church; its a power game of chance, there is always a target, who becomes victim.

Blackmail is a trade; a most unfair trade; where one can only lose gravely.

Emotional blackmail on the other hand is not a crime, though it could be argued as an extenuating circumstance in the defence of a crime. As the name suggests, emotional blackmail trades on feelings, alle-

top positions in the three arms of government.

Similarly, our public school system has almost been completely decimated by decades of shambolic policy articulation and implementation, poor funding (with all its repercussions) and the influx of misfits into the teaching profession, Thus, educational institutions in Nigeria no longer serve as incubators of prospective top quality leaders. Now, although every society

giances and beliefs to take undue advantage and bend someone to a will not their own. It is not considered a crime but the results can be just as damaging.

Last week was an eye opener in many ways. I had written about letting go of past relationships and I had been inundated with texts from people who agreed with my position but couldn't find the power to cut themselves free of the emotional shackles they were not even aware they were wearing. Shackles may seem a rather harsh description but what other term can one use to describe something that keeps one rooted in limbo?

There are so many people running on the same spot; financially, physically and emotionally fatigued but stuck. They suffer from inertia; their body and their minds resists the forces of acceleration necessary to move on from the familiar and I daresay unfulfilling.

The major problem is the

,

within a specific period in its historical evolution has a certain percentage of bad people, the generation of Nigerians born from 1960 onwards, and especially since 1970, is dominated by individuals without solid moral grounding.

The elders preach morality, but their actual conduct tells a different story. Religion, which is supposed to improve the moral consciousness of its adherents, has failed

heavy weight of obligation that comes with emotional dependency; some relationships are toxic and suck out joy especially when emotions become tools of barter . write from the vantage I point of someone's who's been there and still sometimes fall back there; old habits die hard. It has been my experience that any meaningful peace or

,

,

B

UT as I stated above, our public officials consider it a taboo, naive and stupid to quit their financially rewarding positions no matter how reasonable or justified such an action might be. But why is it so?

How come public office holders in Nigeria hold on tenaciously to such offices irrespective of their inability to serve meritoriously? The answer, I believe, lies in the crisis of values currently threatening the very corporate existence of the country as well as the dominant social character which tends to encourage immoral behaviour. For some time now, there has been steady deterioration in the attitude of Nigerians to important virtues such as honesty, integrity, discipline, patience, contentment, and respect for hard work, excellence, merit, and good name among others.

The decay gathered momentum after the civil war which disrupted some of the informal bulwarks that sustained the moral infrastructure of autochthonous communities. It was accelerated further by the increasing phenomenon of dysfunctional families and educational institutions. As the first socialising unit for a human being, the

woefully in this regard.

Churches and mosques have transformed into business enterprises for the enrichment of pastors, imams and members of their families and cronies, because crass materialism has taken centre stage in worship.

Politicians and prominent religious leaders work closely to despoil the people. Pastors and imams habitually wined and dined with military dictators; at present they render all kinds of “spiritual services” to corrupt politicians for which they are rewarded handsomely.

From the foregoing, it is clear that genuine role models are difficult to find. Be that as it may, we salute the contributions of honest Nigerians who are working really hard despite the fact that no one seems to appreciate their laudable efforts. In schools, hospitals, and several public institutions there are people working tirelessly to improve the country. Also worthy of mention are courageous Nigerians who have been speaking out against the present unjust system and calling for a moral and political revolution to halt the possible disintegration of our country. For national survival and rebirth, we must find a way of supporting knowledgeable and selfless Nigerians to assume leadership positions in different areas of our national life, because the country cannot afford any longer the relentless depredation of her vast natural resources by glorified thieves in positions of authority.

Of course, like his predecessors President Goodluck Jonathan is facing gargantuan problems. But the most daunting security challenge that would determine his place in Nigerian history is the Boko Haram threat and internecine conflicts in some Northern states. As it is, the state security apparatus has failed to subdue the Islamic fundamentalist group, possibly because the President, by his own admission, is neither a general nor a lion. Still the constitution requires that he must ensure the safety and security of lives and property of all law abiding citizens.

I have always argued in this column that the agenda of Boko Haram members and their modus operandi are not amenable to rational discussion due to the fact that their demands are contradictory to commonsense and contemporary realities. But the President’s ambivalent attitude to the problem is unsettling. It appears that Jonathan, in his actual handling of Boko Haram terrorism, allows Machiavellian political calculations for temporary advantage to overshadow the long term interests of Nigeria.

For instance, several months ago, he claimed that some members of his administration are godfathers of the sect. But then, what is stopping him from publicly naming and sanctioning the fifth columnists? Is he playing safe because he would need the assistance of this same people to retain the presidency

in 2015? The situation can be framed as a trilemma: If President Jonathan has what it takes to defeat Boko Haram but is unwilling to do so because of his own selfish interest, he is not qualified to occupy the highest political office in the land. If he is willing to crush the terrorists but does not have the capability to accomplish it, he does not deserve the title “President and Commander-in-Chief.” Supposing that Jonathan is both willing and capable of stopping Boko Haram, why are we still getting reports of continuing terrorist attacks by the sect?

I suggest that President Jonathan should ignore what sycophants have been telling him on this issue and consider how he would handle it just in case any member of his family or loved one fell victim of Boko Haram’s attacks.

That way, perhaps, he might muster enough moral indignation and will to confront the security challenges posed by the group with all the resources at his disposal.

In fact the President has no choice than to do this, considering the latest audacious demand from the group that either he resigns or converts to Islam. It has been predicted that Nigeria might disintegrate by 2015.

Would Jonathan’s government be the last for Nigeria as we know it? Is Boko Haram a historical instrument for dismembering the cookie or colonial amalgam we call our country? Time, good old time, will tell. CONCLUDED!

for misery thats familiar and sure than move towards change. I have had to cut people off and severe relationships and associations that shackle me. Surprisingly most of those people, relationships and associations are still intact; once people realise you are not willing to be a puppet to the emotional strings they yank; they stop and respect begins or we all move on. A while back I came to the conclusion that my life was firstly about me; fulfilling the purpose for which I was created. In my mind that means living my best life, finding my place in the world and where possible following peace with all men. I wouldn't say I was perfect at it but I try; that is the power behind my every

out of obligation or emotional stagnation; we just don't have the energy to even try. Sometimes we can't let go of those who have let us go and other times we cant walk away from those we should let go.

I am a retailer and the test of success in retail is cash, in the same vein the test of any relationship or association should be growth, we should grow emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Where we are diminished and caused pain again and again; we should just walk away. This doesn't just apply to lovers or friends; it very much applies to those we are related to. To quote a friend's Blackberry Status; blood may make us related but only loyalty makes us family.

mother who asked her daughter to help her die and she is behind bars years later; paying for a crime she was emotionally blackmailed into committing.

Both mothers loved their daughters no doubt but one of them destroyed her child using love. That is an extreme example and wont apply to most people but I used it to show how pain can cause us to become entrapped in emotional quagmires.

We remain rooted in the past mostly out of obligation or emotional stagnation; we just don't have the energy to even try

joy comes from active pursuit and practice. I pray and move in the direction of joy and peace constantly or I fall back into the trap of the familiar; darkness is a sorcerer and its easy to settle

am not advocating I that families be broken and friendships disbanded,

,

intention. he main point I make T today is the main cause of the Inertia suffered by so many of us. We remain rooted in the past mostly

I am just promoting some self actualisation for those who have long been overlooked. Love thrives when there is reciprocity of kindness, tolerance, forgiveness and respect. Those who love us or are claiming to should not feel entitled to thread on our emotions or use those emotions to ask us to sacrifice ourselves for their convenience. My mother died of cervical cancer; it was a painful and debilitating way to die but she never once asked any of us to help her end her suffering. I know of another

alking away to W wards a chance at peace if not joy is always a

gamble everyone should take at least once in a life time. So my mind is very much on the same topic of letting go and moving on. I remember a song from long ago and the title was "Love don't live here anymore".

The song talked about abandonment and why the singer had moved on since she was no longer wanted and loved. Its about getting our priorities right, putting ourselves first; being grounded and happy so we can make others happy too.

On the plane they always tell us to put the oxygen masks on ourselves first before helping others; do the same in real life. Anything that is asked of us that needs emotional coercion is blackmail, that includes deathbed wishes, tantrums, coercion and any expectation of sacrifice that enslaves.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012 , PAGE 9

By Jide Ajani

J

ust take a look; and then imagine.

Take a very long, hard look; and then imagine that your brother, or sister or any member of your extended family had been a victim or had been lost to the insurgency in those areas marked on the face of the map of Nigeria as areas of insurgent attacks.

To understand the magnitude of the crises confronting the Nigerian nation, just imagine for how long this had gone on and the attendant magnifying spectre of extremism and criminality, as well as the increasing helplessness of many a people.

Then try to make sense of the ridiculous spat between a former military President and

Commander-in-Chief in the person of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and an Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark, over who is not speaking out loud enough in condemnation or who is making a senseless statement and ask: To what extent would their show of shame solve the problem? You can add to this the seeming shambolic approach of government in containing what is turning out to be an insurgency of extremism, clearly far from politics and poverty that some people are reading into it.

Last week, the Jamaatu Ahlil Sunna Lidawati wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram, demonstrated to President Goodluck Jonathan that it can be very audacious.

Having called on Jonathan to either resign or convert to Islam, the sect went to town to inflict maximum terror: an attempt on a Muslim leader, an Emir, to planting bombs in the domain of the caliphate in Sokoto, the killing of soldiers

via ambushing, visiting terror on fellow Muslims during Ramadan lecture and the slashing of the throats of Christians, is President Jonathan still wondering what the insurgents are asking for.

Even the dreaded Maitatsine bunch was dealt with decisively by the Shehu Shagari administration in the early 1980s.

But it must be admitted that these are different, complicated and more dangerous times.

With the advent of Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda In The Islamic Magreb, AQIM, Al Shabab and the linkages which terror groups have established and are establishing, the training received by Boko Haram members in North Africa and the increasingly glaring reality of the sophistication of the insurgency in the North, it does not need rocket science to understand that the check point approach of this administration merely fits the expectations of the insurgents –

avoid the areas of checkpoints and ‘carry go’.

And to the United States of America, USA, the number one global terror policeman, Nigeria must look. In looking up to the Americans, this administration had flipflopped between seeking assistance and condemning public terror alerts issued by the same Americans.

Well, Sunday Vanguard has been reliably informed that an ambassadorial encounter at a very high level which brought home the realization of why shambles have become this administration’s approach, “left the Americans with no option but to go public with terror alerts”.

Whatever the encounter was, with whom, where, when, why and how it happened was not disclosed by the diplomatic source. But the source maintained that “the encounter was very, very, embarrassing”.

And whereas the Americans have labeled three leaders of

Boko Haram terrorists, it has refused to tag the group a FOREIGN TERROR ORGANISATION, FTO. There are so many issues involved here. If the administration of Barack Obama has decided that it can not just intervene in Syria where an average of over 80 people are killed everyday, with strategic partnership interests at stake and likely to suffer if it makes a false move, why should it dabble into the controversy over tagging Boko Haram an FTO? The first interest to be protected is American and America’s.

If Nigeria likes, she can continue to fiddle while insurgency takes over the entire land, why should America “give a damn”?

If the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, continue to allow itself to be seen as an appendage of the presidency, but

Continues on page 12

N PAGE 10 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

How to resolve the Boko Haram insurgency, by Amb. Jonnie Carson zDetails of a congressional hearing zWhat Boko Haram means to America zTango over designation as Foreign Terror Organisation This is an abridged version of a recorded exchange during a Sub-committee on Foreign Affairs hearing in America, which took place mid-last mopnth, with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in attendance. It is revealing.

Chairman of the sub-committee is Hon. Christopher H. Smith, NJ.

T

oday’s hearing will ex amine USA policy and policy options for managing relations with Nigeria.

The light of concerns are on terrorism and social and political unrests. The stability of the Nigerian government is a credit to regional continent and global interest, Nigeria is usually important on many fronts. Nigeria, Africa’s largest producer of oil and its largest democracy, is one of the United States Government’s key strategic partners on the continent. It is Africa’s most populous country with more than one hundred and fifty five million people, roughly half Muslim and half Christian and it’s the second largest economy. Nigeria supplies nearly three times the level of oil imports to the United States as Angola the second leading US import supplier.

The United States receives nearly 20% of our petroleum export from Nigeria. Consequently, Nigeria’s stability is of critical interest for the US economy and American policy interest. Attacks by the Nigerian Islamic group Boko Haram on Christians including attacks launched this past weekend are absolutely unprovoked and they are unconscionable. People of all faiths and people of goodwill must demand immediate action against the terrorist organization. According to the catholic news agency, I quote, Archbishop Ignitious A. Kegama who says he’s “concerned about the ever seemingly endless violence against Christians that claimed at least 58 lives this past weekend and hundreds of others injured in C M Y K

recent weeks. It is our prayers that something befitting will be done to stop this situation that is inhuman”.

Boko haram as we all know, reportedly, is in league with Al Qaeda In The Magreb and is involved at some level with some rebels in northern Mali, in Somalia and possibly even Karndaha in Afghanistan. In addition to this well publicised attacks on Christians in Nigeria, Boko Haram has been involved in murdering those they consider moderate Muslims or Muslims collaborating with the central government with the West including several Muslim clerics, the leader of the All Nigerian Peoples Party and the brother of the Sheu of Borno, a northern Muslim religious leader.

There are reports of some

,

(Mr. Christopher Smith NJ)

Hon. Christopher H. Smith This lack of attention has led to violent uprising that do not appear to be resolved in any part of the country certainly not in the Niger Delta.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has been considered to be the personification of his name, a politician of fortune who has been

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan... a politician of fortune, was an obscure government employee before he entered politics in 1998.... Jonathan did surprise people (because they thought he would not do this) when he announced in September 2010, that he would actually run for president - Hon. Smith

other Nigerians maybe supporting Boko Haram in some way as leverage against the government that they oppose.

US policy towards Nigeria must also take into account, ethnic, religious and political challenges that the Nigerian government faces outside the Boko Haram dynamic. Furthermore development deficits to Nigeria have had unequal impacts on various minority groups such as those in the Niger Delta region.

,

in the right place at the right time to enable him enjoy meteoric rise of politics with no perceived political base or political distinction in his relatively great career. He was an obscure government employee before he entered politics 1998, and a year later he was elected the deputy governor of Bayelsa State. He served until he became the governor of Bayelsa State after his predecessor was impeached on corruption charges in 2005. Out-

going President Obasanjo selected the then Governor Jonathan to be the Peoples Democratic Party’s vice presidential candidate with Umaru Musa Yar’Adua a presidential candidate for the north in the 2007 elections. Yar’adua was ill for much of his time in office and Jonathan was called on to exercise presidential authority from November 2009 when Yar’Adua was unable to do so and Nigerian power brokers accepted Jonathan as official acting president in February 2010.

Jonathan did surprise people (because they thought he would not do this) when he announced in September 2010, that he would actually run for president. President Jonathan did win the election convincingly but his PDP lost seats in the Senate and in the House of Representatives.

The PDP now holds four fewer governorship seats down to 23 of 36.

Amb. Johnnie Carson has been frequent witness for the sub-committee, served as the assistant secretary of state, the Bureau of African affairs, a position he has held since May 2009. Amb. Carson has a long and distinguished career in public service including 37 years in reforms service, including one time ambassa-

dor to Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Amb. Carson has also served as the staff director of this subcommittee and as a peace core volunteer in Tanzania. He is making his appearance before the subcommittee although he has been before other committees so it is nice to see him again.

The Jonathan administration faces significant forces arrayed against it.

Mr. Ambassador, in what ways can we help Nigeria remain Africa’s essential nation?

Ambassador Carson

Thank you very much Chairman Smith, ranking members, members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity to speak with you this afternoon about Nigeria.

Since my service in Nigeria as a young Foreign Service Officer at the beginning of my career, I have followed closely the country’s political and economic development. Nigeria is a country of significance and it is one of our most important strategic partners in sub Saharan Africa.

Let me mention, just a few facts that will illustrate this point. With a hundred and sixty million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous naContinues on page 11

National Dialogue: SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012 , PAGE 11

What Boko Haram means to America Continued from page 10

N

igeria, however, is not without its challenges.

Decades of poor governance seriously degraded the country’s health, education and transportation infrastructure. Despite hundreds of millions of dollars and oil revenue, Nigeria has virtually no functioning rail system and only half of the population has any access to electricity.

Nearly one hundred million Nigerians’ live on less than one dollar a day and nearly one million children in that country die each year before their fifth birthday. Public opinion polls and news reports suggest that there is a strong sentiment throughout Nigeria that Nigeria’s poverty is as a result of government neglect, government corruption and government abuse.

This brings us to the subject of today ’s hearing. The inability of the government to address the needs of the people, to grow the economy, and to create jobs, generated a sense of hopelessness among many. It also helped fill a popular negative that the

B

Ambassador Carson

government simply does not care.

Boko Haram capitalises on popular frustration with the nation’s leader, its poor government, its ineffective service delivery and dismal living condition of many northerners.

least two organisations - a larger organisation focuses primarily on discrediting the Nigerian government and the smaller mundane of this group is increasingly sophisticated (and deadly) in its objectives and tactics. The smaller group has links with AQIM and has

,

tion. It is home to one of every five sub Saharan African.

It has the sixth largest Muslim population in the world and over the next decade will also surpass Egypt as one of the largest Muslim states. On the global stage Nigeria is the largest African contributor to international peace keeping operations, and the fifth largest in the world. Nigeria is also serving a two year term as a non permanent member of the United Nation Security Council. Nigeria is also a dominant economic force in Africa and our largest trading partner on the continent. It is the second largest recipient of American direct private sector investment; it is the fifth largest supplier of crude oil to the United States and our largest export market.

Underscoring this economic influence, Nigeria has the largest economy in West Africa contributing over 50% of West Africa’s GDP. A stable and prosperous Nigeria is in the interest of the United States in the interest of West Africa and Africa and in the interest of the global community. A stable and prosperous Nigeria can also be a powerful force for promoting peace, prosperity and stability across Africa.

are Abubakar Shekau, Kaleed Abdulbanawi and Abubakar Adam Kambal. Shekau is the most visible leader of Boko Haram, while Abdulbanawi and Kambal have ties to Boko Haram and also have close ties and links with Al Qaeda In The Islamic Magreb, AQIM. These designations demonstrated our resolve to diminish the capacity of Boko Haram to execute violent attacks.

Defeating Boko Haram would require a sophisticated and comprehensive domestic response that has both a security strategy and a social economic strategic component for addressing the social and economic conditions of the northern Nigeria

Over the past years, Boko Haram has created wide spread insecurity across northern Nigeria, influencing tensions between various communities, disrupting development activities and frightened off investors.

Boko Haram is responsible for most of the instability and violence that has been occurring across the northern Nigeria.

Although our understanding of Boko Haram is limited, we believe it is composed of at

,

a broader agenda. This group has claimed responsibilities for the kidnapping of westerners and for the attacks on the United Nations building in Abuja. They also bombed churches to aggravate ethnic and religious tensions in an attempt to sow chaos and increase their public profile.

To help expose and isolate the most dangerous elements of Boko Haram, the United States recently designated three individuals, global terrorists; those individuals

oko Haram has grown stronger and increasingly more sophisticated over the past three years and defeating Boko Haram would require a sophisticated and comprehensive domestic response that has both a security strategy and a social economic strategic component for addressing the social and economic conditions of the northern Nigeria. Security efforts aimed at containing Boko Haram’s violence must avoid excessive violence and human right abuses and make better use of police and intelligence services to identify, to arrest and to prosecute those responsible for Boko Haram violent acts. Boko Haram thrives because of social and economic problems in the north that the government must find a way of addressing.

A coordinated government effort to provide responsible, accountable government for Nigeria while creating opportunities for economic growth will diminish the political space in which Boko Haram operates.

We must also remember ongoing dangers in the Southern parts of the of country as well, particularly the Niger Delta, which is witnessing alarming rate of oil bunkring causing the government almost 20% in potential government revenue and also an area of the country where environmental damage, because of oil spills and oil leakages, have caused enormous economic hardship.

US engagement with the Nigerian government is based on mutual respect, mutual responsibility and partnership and it is consistent with the new US strategy towards sub-

saharan Africa. The platform for our engagement with Nigeria is the US Nigeria binational commission, the various working groups of the BNC with which we’ve met over ten times and since March and April 2010, have provided us with a very valuable mechanism to conduct frank exchanges with senior Nigerian officials on issues of governance, energy, agriculture, regional security corporation and the Niger Delta.

We believe the bi-national commission is an effective way of strengthening our partnership with Nigeria including our efforts to assist Nigeria in the security arena.

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, Nigeria faces significant challenges but it is not going to collapse, implode or go away.

I believe that the forces holding Nigeria together are much stronger than those that might seek to pull it apart. Nigeria and Nigerians are up to the task and the opportunities for economic growth in the country are boundless. We should remember that Nigeria has a very large and talented professional class and abundant natural resources and a strategic location along the West African coast.

N

igeria is committed to democratic rule and there are committed reformers in the economic sectors and solid leaders in the judiciary, in the EFCC and the electoral commission of the country.

They are committed to leading their country forward and to fighting corruption and extending opportunity for all.

Nigeria’s future is in the hands of its leaders, but we here in Washington are committed to working with them in partnership to advance their goals of democracy, development, the respect for human right, stability, peace and greater opportunities for all their country’s citizens.

Thank you Mr. Chairman again for this opportunity to speak with you this afternoon, I welcome any questionswas that The transcription you have. by done Anthonia

Onwuka

(IN THE NEXT EDITION, READ ABOUT THE ARGUMENT GETWEEN HON. SMITH AND AMB. CARSON, THE PRESENTATION BY PASTOR AYO ORITSEJAFOR AND THE PETITION BY SCHOLARS TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT ON BOKO HARAM)

PAGE 12 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

Kogi governor and bullet proof vest What kind of message was the Kogi State governor trying to pass when he wore a bullet proof vest to visit the survivors of the church attack in the state on Monday?

YOBE:

Echoes of mosque bombing, Emir's escape, soldiers killings

By Bala Ajiya

B

zIkechukwu Isaac

everyday, it would rain daily.

George Moka: It is not that only Kogi isn’t safe, Nigeria in general isn’t safe

Governor Idris Wada during his visit to the victims of Deeper Life Church attack. because there are so many

By Elizabeth Alaine & things that had been ignored Ann Mamilor from the very foundation of this supposed great nation.

Emmanuel Owasi: He was We talk of Boko Haram and we trying to tell the people that forget we have had people they should be security con- killing us long before now. scious.

The money that was supposed Uche Mamilor: It is only a to go into health, education preventive measure. It doesn’t and other aspects of the necessarily mean that if you country was going into carry an umbrella in your bag individual pockets. Bullet

zKenneth

proof vest is what we are talking about? Nigeria itself needs bullet proof because soon people are going to look at their lives and see nothing but disaster and it won't be funny.

Isaac Ikechukwu: He is a governor, but he knows there is no security in the country.

He believes anything can happen; a governor that has security operatives around him but still puts on bullet proof means he is saying that we should protect ourselves in anyway we can.

Kenneth O Egekonye: He is making us to understand that we should be security conscious. The governor wearing bullet proof vest shows that he is trying to protect

zEmmanuel Owasi

himself; the fact that he is trying to sympathize with the victims doesn’t mean he should not be security conscious; maybe within that period, he believed that place was not safe.

He may not be wearing bullet proof vest everywhere he is going to, but he just felt that he had to protect himself as he thought the perpetuators of the Monday killings might still be very much around.

arely two days after a suicide bomber attacked the Emir of Fika in Potiskum, Yobe State, in the mosque, claiming three lives, another bomber struck in Damaturu, the capital of the state, last Sunday, killing six soldiers of the joint task force (JTF). The latest bombing occurred along Gashua Road.

The JTF soldiers, on routine patrol, had sighted a Honda Civic car that failed to stop when ordered to do so. This prompted the soldiers to give the vehicle a hot chase. When they eventually caught up with the car at Gashua Road, close to the roundabout, unknown to them, the driver had a sinister motive; he pretended to be alighting from the car and he detonated a bomb which killed the six soldiers instantly and left nine others seriously injured.

The impact of the bombing destroyed many buildings at Shagari Low Cost Housing Scheme. Amid the bombings in the state, the question on the lips of the terrified citizenry is, when will blasts linked to the Boko Haram Islamists end?

NIGERIA: A nation Charred by insurgency Continued from page 9 would like Nigerian Christians and peoples of other faiths in the country to see it as fighting the good cause, why should America’s Obama “give a damn”?

The leadership of CAN was in America to attend a congressional hearing where it pushed the FTO agenda. Yet, Johnnie Carson, America’s Under-Secretary of State for African Affairs, who was in attendance, and the State Department, have their logic. But the logic is grandly illogical and incongruous because how do you label three leaders of a group as terrorists and refuse to tag the group an FTO?

I

t is either because of the com ing elections in November, or just a statement of criticism of Nigeria’s handling of the state of insecurity that has become so pervasive. By the admission of a General Officer Commanding, there are joint military operations being carried out in 33 states in a country of 36 states – this represents over 90% of the entire country.

During the congressional hearing, Carson’s understanding of Nigeria as a largely Muslim nation and that the country stands to surpass other Arab nations in terms of the faith in less than a decade, was laid bare.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that

President Jonathan Carson had had a running against the Yar’Adua administration over some issues of national security over biometrics. He has found acceptance which verges on messianic accommodation by the present administration and, therefore, is entitled to wax pontifical about Nigeria.

(READ ENCOUNTER AT THE CONGRESSIONAL HEARING) Well, Hon. Smith, who chaired the sub-committee hearing, would not allow himself to be hoodwinked if members of Nigeria’s government engage a slavish mentality in their dealings with America. Smith sought clarity from Carson on why leaders of a group are tagged terrorists and the group is not deemed to be a terrorist organization (Details of the

hearing will shock you).

Meanwhile, last week Thursday, at the State House Abuja, Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, was in a closed door meeting with President Jonathan and his security chiefs and the main discussion of the day was centred around Boko Haram and FTO status, as well as – you guessed right – CORRUPTION. Still, there is also the increasing theft of crude oil in the South South region to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

In this package, you will read the widening scope of Boko Haram’s activities and some contradictions in America’s perception of the crises in Nigeria. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s plea to the Americans and the letter written to Hillary Clinton by some scholars who insist that designating Boko Haram an FTO would not solve Nigeria’s problem but would, rather, embolden and further radicalize the group – that, in fact, such a designation would be an endorsement of the might of Boko Haram; these would come up in subsequent series and would enlighten you the more.

But before the next series you will also read about the carnage in Damaturu, Yobe State; and the killings in Okene, Kogi State – all

by Boko Haram This is a multi-series package that would run for a while in every edition.

Complied by Elizabeth Alaine & Ann Mamilor

BOKO HARAM IN MOTION Friday, August 3: zYobe monarch escapes death in mosque blast, six others injured. zBomb attack averted in Kaduna, kills suicide bomber Sunday, August 5: bomber kills six soldiers, two others in Yobe zEx-commissioner for the environment and a senior officer with the Nigeria Immigration Service shot dead before their wives and children zSuicide

Monday, August 6:

zGunmen kill 16 worshippers in Okene,

Kogi State zBoko Haram kills four in Maidugiri as police station is bombed in Sokoto zBoko Haram kills cleric in Maidugiri Gunmen attack Shagari local government council in Sokoto Tuesday, August 7: others killed in fresh attack on central mosque in Okene, Kogi State zKogi death toll rises to 20 after attack on church. zSoldiers,

Wednesday, August 8:

zPolice arrest woman, two others for Kogi

attacks

zBomb blast in Sokoto averted zResidents

flee Damaturu due to Boko Haram attacks.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012 — PAGE 13

How some forces tried to scuttle Yar’Adua’s amnesty for ex-militants —ex-AVM Ararile now

Delta monarch

zSays no camp three days to disarmament z’What we went through, I won’t wish for my enemy’ zSpeaks on Boko Haram, Maitatsine link

His Royal Majesty Ararile, Awaeke I

M

ANY, including his erstwhile military colleagues, have not come to terms yet with the fact that the pioneer Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, for Niger-Delta ex-militants, Air Vice Marshal, AVM, Lucky Ochuko Ararile, is now a traditional ruler. Even to him (Ararile), it came like a bolt from the blues. He did not prepare for it; it was never conceived as part of his retirement agenda; and when emissaries came with the news, he told them in the prayer warrior dialect to return to sender.

However, the realism is that Ararile (rtd) is at present the Ovie (traditional ruler) of Umiaghwa- Abraka Kingdom in Delta State. When Sunday Vanguard met him recently in his palace at Umiaghwa – Abraka, we were awed at the makeover of the AVM Ararile

we used to know as an air force officer.

Should we accord him the normal salutation of “Shon Sir” or bow to him, as we saw other visitors to the palace bowing before getting close or opening their mouth to talk to him. His Royal Majesty

,

By Emma Amaize

adjusting to his new role; to his maddening assignment as Coordinator of Amnesty Programme; how to tackle Boko Haram; and lots more.

You conducted the disarmament of militants in the Federal Government’s Amnesty programme. What is your assessment of the programme three years after?

I really do not know where they are now. Immediately I concluded the exercise, I packed my bag and baggage; I had nothing to do with the Amnesty programme since then. What the late President Musa Yar’Adua initially asked me was to disarm the militants, and then, later, to reintegrate them, because when you disarm, you have to keep them somewhere, so you have to plan. It is not for you to disarm them and leave them without planning what to do with them.

What Yar’Adua told me It was a total continuous package; because of that, he told me that I would continue after my retirement as the Coordinator and the choice was to remain in uniform or to retire. I told his then Aide De Camp, ADC, it was through him I was talking to the President, I told him to tell the President that I will like to retire; if he wanted me to continue, whatever I could do

What the late President Musa Yar’Adua initially asked me was to disarm the militants, and then, later, to reintegrate them, because when you disarm, you have to keep them somewhere

,

Ararile, Awaeke I, was resplendent in a traditional attire with Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, imprinted all over it. Sunday Vanguard sat for more than two hours with the monarch discussing the affairs of the nation: From how he is

in uniform, I could also do in mufti. So, I was asked to continue. However the President was not there to see to the end of the disarmament.

Of course things changed, I then proceeded with my retirement. I have not been follow-

ing them, I do not know what they are doing, I have been hearing like everybody else that they are sending people to Sri Lanka, America and South Africa.

That is all the information; I do not know how many they have trained, how many have come back and how many are yet to be trained.

What were your experiences then concerning going into the militant camps to talk to ex-militant leaders to surrender arms and accept amnesty?

The assignment was a tough one. I will say that, from the initial point, it was very tedious, most of the officers that worked with me, I do not want to mention names, had to go for medical check-up abroad at their own expense when we finished the exercise. That is to tell you how tasking it was.

Amnesty job was frustrating For two weeks, I was not sleeping; I will be working and will forget to eat, so it was very tasking and it was what I even call frustrating.

Frustrating, because it was not like a pure military work, that is, orders are given, may be, saying, this is the way to go or given the resources to do it. It was a crazy type of appointment then, it was crazy because things were being done at cross- purposes.

T

here was one day I was in the creek talking to some militants and, coming back, I watched (on television) Tompolo coming out of office with the President in Abuja.

Next time, I saw the President with Boyloaf and about 47 others, and then, it was like removing the rug under my feet because those I was talking to will say, ‘ you are talking to us and the President is there giving our leaders millions in Abuja’. So, it was a very frustrating job.

At a point, even the people I was to report to were not picking my calls. When you needed support, when you needed guidance, none was forthcoming and no one was even picking your calls, and you were left to your own devices and everybody hoping that whichever decision you took will be the one that will nail you - it was a very frustrating job.

Most difficult job I have ever done I have never seen anything like that before. In the military, I have been in wars and campaigns. Honestly, they were

more straight forward than that assignment, it is the most difficult job I have done.

Starved of resources I succeeded in spite of everything, the worst part was that the resources were not there. In the public domain, there were people shouting billions were being given to me, how I wish it were so.

Even the money for the militants’ allowances were not being released; the militants protest really helped me because if they had not protested, they would not have gotten one kobo.

The expectation of the militants was that as you were coming to meet them in the creek, you would have come with bags of money. How did you manage the situation?

As I was operating, the President was sick, it was a major problem that I faced, I had to work through a chain of people in order to get money.

What was happening was to know how many militants had surrendered, initially, a week to August 3rd, 2009 when the first set of militants were supposed to come, there was no money for them, there was no camp.

No training camp On paper, we were expecting 10,000 militants, we were expecting that the camps would be ready with mattresses so that we collect their guns and march them to camps and feed them; at three days to commence, there was no single camp. Out of desperation, about a week to commence, we planned using the Federal Government Colleges since it belonged to government, we only wrote a letter to the President to allow us use the Federal Government Colleges, he wrote approved and travelled to Brazil.

Sheer madness Even the money to renovate the school was not available, so it was the money they gave me as take off grant that we were using for sensitization.

We, members of my team, comprising dedicated officers and consultants went to Akwa Ibom, Calabar and other places in the South-South. I think the nation owes them some form of gratitude, for what they did. We asked ourselves, how are we going to do it because if this set of militants come and we collect their guns and there is money for them to feed, no clothing, no where to put them and we were expecting about 2, 000 in Warri, there would be trouble? By the time we went there, we were thinking of using standard secondary schools in the shape of what a Federal Government College should look like, but when we got there, we did not know that Federal Government Colleges had no beds, they were no longer the boarding schools we expected.

So there was nothing on ground, no water, nothing was Continues on page 14 C M Y K

PAGE 14 — SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012

Continued from page 13 working, the grasses in the schools had even overgrown the buildings. So it was sheer madness.

What was originally planned was N20,000 monthly stipends for ex-militants So what do we do? The planning was done before I was appointed. They gave me the plan and, when I went through, I saw that they had budgeted N1,500 per militant for feeding, and N20, 000 as monthly stipends. The plan was that there would be a camp, they will go into the camp where they would be debriefed, documented and be given some form of medical treatment.

‘What we went through, I won’t wish for my enemy’ grumbling that they, who served the country for over 35 years, are not even receiving up to the former militants.

No good preparation for amnesty programme What we see from the programme then was that there were no plans. It was something like Yar ’Adua just came up with the amnesty, even now, there seems to be no clear-cut plans because the exmilitants go for training and are not sure of getting jobs.

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e were supposed to have independent communication system but we did not. It was cell phone we were using so to get the information they required, if there were 500 militants that had surrendered, they would text their names to me from across C M Y K

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His Royal Majesty Ararile, Awaeke I

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hat period was to take about two weeks per groups, now, because we did not have a training camp; people were telling their people that there would be caterers. I did not have a place like a camp where they will have breakfast, lunch and dinner, so I took the decision on the spot even when they had not released money to me. Like I said, we did the necessary sensitization and all that with the money I was given as takeoff grant. I said to myself that once this money is finished, then the amnesty exercise would be over; because we were expecting the highest numbers from Bayelsa State, we gave them about N2 million, Delta State-N1million and like that for other states.

So we gave out about N10 million.

Magic wand We were worried and sat all night long thinking about these things. Money was not being released, nobody was talking to us. We said if the first set comes out and we collect their guns and nothing was done, that would be the end of the amnesty, we would not get these boys again. So I decided that we pay the boys with whatever money we had, others would hear the news in their various hideouts that they we were paying and they will come out. That was the magic that gave us success.

Riots by ex-militants Immediately we paid the first set of militants that came out, the money we paid did not last. So when subsequent militants came, I was still not given any money, so they started the riot. When the riot started, I was in Enugu, then they called me from higher quarters, asking how many militants surrendered.

We used these helicopters and the accident could have happened when we were doing the exercise because we were going into more dangerous places than where they crashed

the states and I will ensure that they download the names throughout the night and I will forward it to Abuja. It would take about two weeks for that money to come; before the two weeks, another 1, 000 would have surrendered and there was riot all over the place. It was a naughty situation. In fact, it was round the bend; I lost about 15 pounds weight.

Day I passed out in a hotel in Benin One day, I went to my hotel in Benin City at about 2.00 a.m., I went into the bathroom to have a bath, I fell and hit the wall with the back of my head in the shower, I was just lying down there and the water was pouring on my face. I dozed off; I jerked up after some time. It was a harrowing experience. Actually, the suffering we went through then is not what I would wish even for my enemy, especially when you discover that there was no appreciation. I worked with a lot of people who could have died in the process. Two of the helicopters I was using, one was an OAS helicopter and the other a navy helicopter - one of them later crashed, killing an officer that

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did the exercise with me. The OAS helicopter was the one that crashed and killed that Bacia Sugar executive in Kwara State.

We used these helicopters and the accident could have happened when we were doing the exercise because we were going into more dangerous places than where they crashed. Therefore, anyone of us could have died at that time, one is grateful to God that one survived it. I feel that stage was successful, most of the militants receiving N65, 000 today do not even know how the Amnesty programme started.

Ex-militants receiving more than pensioners!

If I had insisted on putting them in the camp and giving them whatever was planned, they would not have been receiving that much. The N65, 000 stipend was supposed to be for 90 days, which is the period they were in camp.

Subsequently, anywhere they were going for training, they were supposed to be on N20, 000. That policy was not reversed, so that is why they are enjoying N65, 000, while some of the retired pensioners are

hat you said is a confirmation that the amnesty programme as conceived by Yar’Adua was a fire-brigade action The Nigeria exercise is the most generous amnesty in the world. Yes, Rwadan had a very successful amnesty programme in which they disarmed many people more than we did. In the real sense, those were the regular people, carrying arms, they were just paid small money after collecting their arms. They did not even go through all these we are doing, all they did was to give them $650, and they all went back to their villages.

Expensive amnesty programme So, ours is the most comprehensive, even the most expensive post-amnesty programme. But, whether it will address the issue I wouldn’t know, because when I concluded the amnesty exercise, we had about 20, 000 plus persons, subsequently they took about 6, 180 or so, they called them phase II, now other groups have come out that they are phase III. I knew that when you start phase II, there must be phase III and phase IV, and that is exactly what is going to happen.

Govt yet to address issues that led to militancy Now having said that, the key issues that brought about the militancy have not been addressed. Yes, many of the militant leaders have been settled, but that does not mean that new militant leaders cannot come up and we are talking about Niger -Delta where we probably have more than two million unemployed youths. If we handled 20, 000 to 30, 000 youths, have you addressed the issues? It is the youths that are the raw materials for militancy, at least we have more than a million still out there, these are the ones that you are asking me, howwe control youth restiveness?

If you want to control them, give them jobs - that is how to control them, so that is the core issue.

Yar’Adua dreamt well for N-Delta but ...

I am happy about the PIB Bill; I hope it will soon be passed, the late President Yar ’Adua articulated all those points that needed to be addressed in order to end youth restiveness and kickstart Niger Delta development. Amnesty is just a condition precedent to what is to be done.

Subsequently, his plan was to fast track development and, by now, there ought to be a coastal road all the way from Lagos to Akwa Ibom. There is supposed to be a rail line through all the South-South states, I think at that point, Yar ’Ádua mentioned about $4billion initially, he recognised the problems he would face with funding because any amount of money that you take to develop the Niger Delta is to be taken from somewhere. So that means somebody else will have to take less, which he promised to handle at the political level. That political angle will have to be addressed for others to be sensitive to the situation in the Niger Delta.

They have to understand that they are not just doing it as a Father Christmas thing , but because it is the proper thing to do. You cannot take someone’s God-given property and decide how much he will get from it, and, in the process of even extracting, the whole environment is likely to be damaged, so these are the key issues that would be addressed; if you do not, I am afraid we will be back to square one.

Talking about security, one of the issues at hand is Boko Haram; the President, apparently tired of what is going on, fired his National Security Adviser, NSA, Gen. Owoye Azazi, and appointed a new person. What is your prescription for solving this problem?

In this country, we do not do proper analysis of a problem, I do not know how much the firing of Azazi will help, unless, of course, it was negotiated as a condition for peace to reign. If it was taken ordinarily as a course of re-jigging the security architecture, I do not think that is the solution.

Boko Haram did not jump start People talk about Boko Haram in 2012, but it is just jumping to a date, the whole of the Northeast before now had been virtually ungovernable.

People were just shouting Niger Delta because of the oil; if not, the same level of violence was equally happening in the north. For years, one could not travel between Maiduguri and Yola, the type of banditry that was taking place then was so vicious, and they must kill. It was not just armed robbery, they shoot you to stop, and whoever is in the car, they kill

Continues on page 15

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012 , PAGE 15

Kogi church attack: Tales of horror

By Isiaka Oyibo

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OR the family of James Obansa, the incident of Monday, which saw gunmen storming a branch of Deeper Life Church in Okene, Kogi State, killing 20 worshippers would linger in their memories for a long time. Indeed, life would no longer remain the same for them because their bread winner, a father of three, was one of the worshippers murdered in cold blood by the rampaging gunmen.

Omeiza Obansa, the first son of the deceased, lamented that their late father, a trader in one of the popular markets in Okene, fell into the hands of the gunmen when Sunday Vanguard visited their residence at the weekend.

Amid tears, he said life for the family had been hectic since the killings be-

cause his father was the bread winner and provided everything they needed before he met his untimely death. “I do not think there is any thing left for us again as a family because the killers have succeeded in taking away the hope of the family. But one thing I know for sure is that all those involved in the killing of my father and and indeed the Christian worshippers would not go unpunished,” he said. A survivor of the attack, who simply gave his name as Lawal and is currently recuperating at the Specialist Hospital Okene from gun shot injuries, attributed his survival to providence.

Lawal told his story: “We were in the church observing our prayers when the generator went off and suddenly we started hearing the sounds of gun shot and every body was screening for help and then suddenly every where was quiet.”

When our correspondent visited the church that was attacked, it was a shadow of itself with blood stains on the wall of the building.

Residents of the town were in mournful mood and discussing the sad event in hush tones.

The Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, described the development as very painful even as he placed a curse on the perpetrators of the attack. The monarch said: "Whoever might have been responsible for the killing of these innocent souls would be punished here and hereafter".

Following the church attack, Okene has lost the bubble as the roads were deserted. Security forces comprising of the army, the police, the SSS, and the navy, have literally taken over the town ensuring compliance with the dusk to down curfew imposed on the area by Governor Idris Wada.

The Kogi attack Some families, apparently for fear of the unknown, have relocated to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The police have vowed not to leave any stone unturned until the perpetrators of the church attack are brought to book.

The State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Katsina, said his men were working round the clock and would soon close in on the gunmen behind the attack.

"We already have information on the attackers hide out and I can assure you they will soon meet their waterloo. We have three suspects in our custody and they are making useful statements.”

'Boko Haram, Maitatsine link' and take whatever they want to take and disappear into the bush. How did that come to be? You would realise that during the former President Shehu Shagari period, there was one Shugaba that was arrested in Borno State and deported to Chad? He was likely to be a Chadian or had a Chadian mother. If you look at the whole Northeast; there is a high presence of Chadians. States like Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Plateau, Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe, a lot of the people there had Chadian origin. Transformation of Maitatsine to Boko Haram And do not forget that if we are looking at it from the religious aspect, you have the Maitatsine factor. During the Shagari period, they came, where did they operate, what was their doctrine? It was killing, they just woke one morning in Burukutu and started killing. Boko Haram is using the same strategy. They finished Maiduguri; I was involved in that operation, so I know. Then, they were Maitatsine, the method they were using was religious decoy. It is virtually the same with Boko Haram. Look at the area where Maitatsine operated: Burukutu in Maiduguri, Jimeta in Yola, Kano and some parts of Bauchi. Those ones were successfully neutralised, is this not the metamorphosis of the same group? Those ones were purely illiterates, professing their own brand of Islam and trying to force it on everybody, without any agenda. It was not that they were controlling Kano or Maiduguri; they were just killing people, instilling fear, which was the method they were using that time? Who were the NSAs? Removing Azazi not the solution Of course, the military went heavily against these hoodlums and were able to neutralise them. How they were neutralised is a discussion for another day, but now, it is Boko Haram. Look at the pattern, it is same Borno again, Kano, Yola.

Now, they are expanding, probably, they took time to regroup, and they now have international connection, in terms of financial, technical support and training.

Because they are obviously very sophisticated and well funded, they use improvised explosive devices. If they are to buy cylinder and everything to produce, it is not what illiterates can afford; so where is the money coming from. I do not really see the removal of Azazi as the solution, though, it is not that he has been effective. Probably they want to try another

person, but I think the prescription in this country like elsewhere must be to implement the law.

The laws should be implemented All the decisions and everything we are doing should be that we must implement the law. Somebody kills someone else, a clear murder case will be turned to a religious one because he is a Muslim . If you do not treat those issues for what they are and you keep leaving them, then, you are spelling more troubles because, in everything, somebody will surely bring politics and religion into it. So, we must draw a line in-between today, that for anybody that breaches the law, the law must

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Continued from page 14

I do not really see the removal of Azazi as the solution, though, it is not that he has been effective. Probably they want to try another person

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take its course.

Forget Mr. President’s body language The President said as much recently when he declared that people should not look at his body language before they do their jobs. We have the EFCC chair and somebody in the public arena has stolen public money, you should arrest him first, you do not have to wait for a report to be submitted to the President before you do your job. No. The people given the responsibility to carry out such functions should apply the law, and they should not be waiting for clearance from the authorities.

Many people think our airspace is not safe. As a pilot, can you attempt a solution?

Well, if air crashes are frequent, there are definitely some problems that have to be investigated; causes of air crashes vary, they are as different as the number of crashes. Some can be pilot error, others can be mechanical failure, and some can be weather related. Many things can occur that lead to air crashes. But , most of

HRM Ararile, Awaeke I the discussions I have read, both in print and electronic media, is the idea that the Nigerian pilots do not love themselves, that they would just take any aircraft that is parked because one owner says you must fly, it is not possible.

Engineer cannot force pilot to fly aircraft The decision to take an aircraft rests with the pilot; the engineer can sign whatever he wants to sign, if the pilot takes the aircraft and says no, you know he has all the time in the world to do the checks he needs before he gets airborne. Along the way, he is more likely to see the fault in the aircraft than the engineer, who did not go through the system. The engineer is probably going to look at the faults reported previously, okay, this is not working, he goes to fix it and it is working.

Nevertheless, there could be other things that are bad that he might not know, so as the pilot that is taking the aircraft, you must always go through all the checks, you cannot omit one, it is when he goes through the checklist and is convinced the aircraft is okay that he can take it.

Our pilots are not suicide pilots We do not have suicide pilots unless Boko Haram members are now the pilots of Nigerian aircraft. Our pilots have wives and children, the way the relatives of passengers that died in the crash are mourned, so also the pilot’s relatives mourn their dead. Therefore, the impression I get is either the pilots are suicidal or the owner of the aircraft said you must take the aircraft and you do it, it is not like that. Even in the military, it is not

like that, not to talk of a civilian that will pack his bag, move from Arik, and the next day, he has another job with Aero Contractors, so you can’t even control him that much. In that circumstance, why should he deploy an aircraft that is practically unserviceable?

Air crash is a chain of events. If you break one, you have accident, but if you do not break any, you are safe. Therefore, we must look at the whole gamut, of course, not just the aircraft but also the procedures. Even in the airport itself, the nature of the airport, nature of the runway, those contribute to air safety, so it is not something that you can put your hand on.

The basic expectation of the Niger Delta people has not been met by the Federal Government. What is your take on this?

I will just talk for myself and in fact the Urhobo nation. The general feeling is that we have been marginalised, and, in fact, more than that, we appear to be an endangered species within this political arrangement. I think if I get it correct, most of the ethnic nationalities have representation in the government at the centre; it is the first time, we, the fifth largest tribe in Nigeria and for whatever it is, are not having representation. We are not asking that people should receive less so that we can get more, we are asking for what legitimately belongs to us, as the fifth largest tribe in the country, and that is not happening. It needs to be reversed; we appeal to the President to look at the error that has been committed, be it error of commission or omission, let it be rectified so that we know that we are being carried along, as not just Niger Deltans, but as South-South people. This is our presidency, we fought for it, all of us fought for it; if there are benefits, it should go round, we are not asking for more than what is due to us.

Are the Urhobos carried along at the state level. What is your candid assessment of what Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan?

I am just coming to Delta State now and looking at the situation of things. I have heard the governor say that he is into many mega projects. They have mentioned leisure park in Udu, independent power project somewhere at Oghara, Free Trade Zone in Koko; I have heard all these, which I understand are all ongoing, we hope that all these projects are completed as soon as possible so that we will reap the fruit of the dividends of democracy, as the politicians will say.

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 17

Chips of the old block (2)

NIGERIANS: YOU DESERVE THE IN-

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SULT – 4 “0803-881-6898 Presido, it’s not a surprise dat Jonathsn govt can’t provide jobs. D over 300 youths dat worked at GOODLUCK/SAMBO CAMPAIGN ORG are currently roaming d streets without jobs, despite many pleas, no one has come to our plight. After all d promise 2 us . We were assured of employment after the elections; thus were placed on N30,000per month whn most practically worked 24/7. D worst was dat we were chased out of office after d election without pay 2 months pay on the pretext of a bomb scare. Till 2day we hv written 2 d various pple but no response. Even some dat did d magic at the northern states were not left out of dis treatment…..Chika.

Chika wrote a few other things which for his own sake will not be published.

But, if the young man is reading this article, I want to tell him a short story.

When, last year, I was campaigning on these pages against the election of Jonathan, one of the rejoinders sent to me was from a young man working for the GOODLUCK/SAMBO CAMPAIGN ORG. He not only abused me but told me that Jonathan would put people like me to shame. I politely told him to wait and see what would happen to all the C promises Jonathan was making to NiM job creation. A month ago, gerians about Y the young man, now unemployed, sent K me a message to apologise and asked me to help find a job. My answer to him was straight forward. “Go to Jonathan; he promised you jobs; you voted for him”.

“As you make your bed so you will lie in it”, said another old adage. Nigerians cannot elect a Jonathan and expect a Clinton, Obama or Lee Kuan Yew or Mandela or Kuffor. We deserve the insult; and those who helped to elect Jonathan should not complain. They got what they wanted; and got us into this mess. Commonsense is not common; that is why the majority of Nigerians have consistently voted against their own interests. Then they regret their decisions – until the next elections. Of all those who voted for Jonathan last year, the most pathetic are those Action Congress, ACN, people, in the Southwest, who joined in the foolishness. Now their media organs will not let us rest with horrible stories about Jonathan. I read their columns and their cartoons and laugh at them. If they were so intelligent why did they vote a disaster into office?

Gov Dickson, visit the Secretariat one morning and after locking the gates ask your Permanent Secretaries to assemble. You will soon discover the one I am talking about; the one collecting salary without doing the work

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HEY GOVERNOR DICKSON: LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING. Do not say I told you. Let’s keep this a secret between us, OK? One of your permanent secretaries was seen at a gathering of free-loaders, called “First Ladies” in Abuja. The same P.S has also been goofing off and has not been seen near Yenagoa since she was sworn in by you.

Why, don’t you pay a surprise visit to the Secretariat one morning and after locking the gates ask your Permanent Secretaries to assemble. You will soon discover the one I am talking about; the one collecting salary without doing the work.

I think it is despicable.

But, do not say I told you. Let’s just keep it a secret between the two of us. Yeye dey smell

"Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won't cheat, then you know he never will. Integrity is not a search for the rewards of integrity. Maybe all you ever get for it is the largest kick in the ass the world can provide. It is not supposed to be a productive asset." --- John D. MacDonald HERE is a saying that goes: if you do not have something good to say about someone, better don't say anything. On reflection, over the last couple of months, I realised that all I may have come across, was so much negativity that I have been bombarded with so much through social networking sites and telephone calls. So I have made a conscious decision to find some good news.

So I have decided that I cannot afford to be carried away by the likes of Chief Edwin Clark, Boko Haram, IBB, Jonathan Goodluck, Dr. Erastus Bankole Oladipo Akingbo-

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dipped under 23 seconds for the first time, looking strong to hold off challengers down the home straight and clock 22.94secs in third place.

Abi Oyepitan was even more impressive as she finished second to American Carmelita Jeter in 22.92s in her heat but failed to get a medal. Anyika Onuora, failed to make it in 100m and finished fourth in her heat in 23.23. Her fellow Briton, Margaret Adeoye, set a new personal best to qualify for the 200 metres semi-finals at the Olympic Stadium. She looked strong to hold off challengers down the home straight and clocked 22.94secs in third place.

Lastly, Andew Osagie, a young man full of promise, made a good showing in the 800m . The whole country has got the feel good factor and flaying the union jack everywhere regardless of your ethnicity. The athletes were quite complementary that they felt the nation was behind them and that it gave them the extra kick to win. I am sure there are many British Nigerians inspired by these athletes.

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“My son is an adult”, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chairman of the PDP. N a press release by his Special Adviser on Monitoring, Mr. Bernard Mikko, the former General Manager of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, sought to distance himself from his son’s present predicaments. Unfortunately for Tukur and Mikko, they missed the point entirely. Let me start by turning the scenario around. Supposing Mahmud Tukur had been elected President of Nigeria or won the Nobel Prize; his father would have been too happy to be associated with him. Newspapers and electronic media will be filled with pictures of a beaming father embracing his son; instead of one hiding behind a paid “Master’s Voice”. If a father will claim a son who covers him with glory; he should be man enough not to disclaim the son who covers him with shame. At any rate, from where did “adult” Mahmud Tukur develop his sense of right and wrong, if not his home primarily? Unless Bamanga Tukur dissociates himself from his sons upbringing, the “defence” so far put up, on his behalf, is spurious – at best. And, is it not too early for the father to start distancing himself from the travails of the son; as if he knows more than we do? And why is it that every suspect named, so far, is a card-carrying member or financier of the PDP? Mr. Mikko, who I refuse to address as “Honourable”, incidentally, offered his “defence” of Bamanga Tukur, a Muslim, by quoting from the Bible; not the Quran. He reminded us of Deuteronomy 24:16, which stated that “the son shall not be put to death for his children and the children for the fathers, every man shall be put to death for his own sin”. Very clever; but not clever enough. Mr. Bernard forgot the later admonition by our Saviour that “by their fruits, you shall know them”.

Any set of parents who brings up maladjusted off-springs should be ashamed of themselves; and on no account will they expect to be totally exonerated from the evils they have done to the larger society by bringing up social misfits. It is quite possible that Mr. Mikko did not know about the history of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, when Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was General Manager. I do.

If Mr. Mikko continues with that nonsense, I will tell him stories that will make Mahmud appear like a good “student”. A word is sufficient for all of them - Daddy, son and defender.

Meanwhile, another interesting story is developing regarding one of the others accused of subsidy fraud. The wife of the former Chairman, whose son is also on the charge sheet, and a Presidential Adviser to President Jonathan as well, is standing surety to a defendant whose nationality is not even known and who might be guilty of identity theft as well. For all we know the Alis might have been shielding an illegal alien and a possible fugitive from justice from another country and a security risk for years. Foreigners reading the script must be forgiven for assuming that this is a badly written Nollywood drama. The total absence of shame involved is mind-boggling; but typical of the leaders of the PDP. When volume one of my book PDP: CORRUPTION INCORPORATED was being researched, I had a mountain of documents which would have indicted almost everybody who was at the National Executive Committee of the PDP, everybody who ever occupied Aso Rock or the position of Minister or Special Adviser, everybody who ever headed or was on the board of a major parastatal of the Federal government and all of their financiers (without exception) since the Obasanjo administration. Some families had three entries – the man, the wife and a son or daughter. Just wait for part two. Anybody who thinks that fraud at the Nigeria Ports Authority stopped because Bode George was jailed must have rocks where brains are supposed to be in his head. Unijankara people can tell you, authoritatively, that it never stopped and it is still going on today. There was nothing that top officials of the PDP touched that was/ is not tainted with corruption. “Fish rots from the head”, says an old adage, still ringing true till today. The corruption in the Nigerian system starts from the Presidency and it will not be adequately addressed until we get honest people into Aso Rock.

Now the good news...

I could not go home knowing that some people are deprived of health facilities, education , health care, recreational facilities, high crime rates, cultism, kidnapping, corrupt officials and politicians

la and the likes. So I am digging deeper and deeper to find good news.

So I am starting with the good news first. Nigerians have been doing so well in the Olympics games. Well, not so much they were not that good although they tried. I am referring to the British Nigerians. There is Christine Ohuruogo - she, got a silver to add to the gold she won at Beijing. To think she threathened to represent Nigeria at one point! Then there is the boxer Anthony Ogogo - the 20 year old is doing well and guaranteed a medal in the final bout. Another impressive giant of a man is Lawrence Okoye, who has all the physical attributes to be the world's best discus thrower. He boasts four A' levels (two A stars and two As) and has a place to read law at Oxford University, which has been deferred.

It was disappointing that Phillips Idowu defend or better the Beijing silver medal and add to the British medal tally.

Margaret Adeoye set a new personal best to qualify for the 200 metres semifinals at the Olympic Stadium. The 27-year-old

Go Home!

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couldn't be a Nigerian, as I did not look like one.( No change there then, I often get that reaction).

He said he was not sure because I had a Kente head wrap and East African Jewelry. I assured him that I am Nigerian. He then asked from what part.

I told him that I am a Yoruba. He told me that I couldn't be. Oh yes, I am I said, and I should know where am from . He then asked, what part of the south I came from, I told him Lagos. He looked at me dubiously. Well, everyone lays claim to Lagos don't they? I told him that I really am a Lagosian. He paused for a while and then said: Do you ever go home( I assumed by home, he meant Nigeria)?

I told him yes, over 25 years ago. He gasped. You should go home! He said.

(I get that a lot).

Why? I asked him. He said you have to go home. I told him that I have never felt the need to go as my family often visits and there was nothing else I wanted to go home for.

He looked intently and said but, you should go home! I asked him, what for? He hesitated and could not respond. So I went on to give him my reasons not to go home. I told him that I never felt the pull of home. That visiting home would be like going to Beirut. I really would like to go on a holiday, to relax and recharge my batteries; but home would not fulfill that; I probably will come back feeling shell shocked. I could not with my conscience go home and visit only the rich areas with modern facilities and avoid the way the majority of people live. I could not go home knowing that some people are deprived of health facilities, education , health care, recreational facilities, high crime rates, cultism, kidnapping, corrupt officials and politicians the list goes on, so I did not want to bore him. I told him that Nigeria was not on my priority list of places to visit.

I guess he got the point.

He stopped urging me to go home. He told me he was an engineer and had brought his family to the UK. And he wants me to go home!

We exchanged other stories and our names. I told him mine and he told me he is Akin Fashola. He hurriedly got off the train. I have a feeling he missed his stop.

Funny, that name rings a bell. Oh well, am looking out for good news about Nigerians. I will let you know how I get on.

"What is home? My favourite definition is "a safe place," a place where one is free from attack, a place where one experiences secure relationships and affirmation. It's a place where people share and understand each other. Its relationships are nurturing. The people in it do not need to be perfect; instead, they need to be honest, loving, supportive, recognizing a common humanity that makes all of us vulnerable." -- Gladys Hunt I was at the East End of London, got on a train homeward bound. I settled into what was a long journey with a good book.

After a couple of stops, I looked up and just got a glimpse of a middle aged black man taking the empty seat next to me. After a couple of stops , the man apologised for interrupting my reading. He wanted to know what part of the world I was from. I said, I was African. He asked CORRECTION what part ? I paused and We inserted a wrong logo on this collooked at him umn last week. It should have carried then I said, I the logo of Denrele Animasaun, the am Nigerian. writer. We apologize to our readers He said I and the writer - EDITOR

PAGE 18—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

Boko Haram and govt will soon unite reports, Joshua says he is not part of any such diabolical vision.

Fair enough, Mimiko’s supporters may no longer have to worry much about that but like the rest of us; they still have other prophecies to worry about. One of them is a phone text message which circulated nationwide last week allegedly from the “Redemption Camp”. No one was to be adorned in red in whatever form last Friday, that is, two days ago-no red cloth, shoe, shirt, trouser, paint, glasses, head warmer, boxer or

,

B

EFORE the July 14, 2012 Governorship election in Edo State, three different ‘seers’ reportedly saw many sides of the same vision. The first said the incumbent would not win; the second said it is the opposition that would win, while the third said the sitting Governor would win but would not be sworn in.

Now that the Governor has been reelected, the socalled seers may have to change their lenses.

Of course, since the election did not belong to the group organized in the country during the transition from military to civilian rule; no one can annul it as was done to that of the legendary MKO Abiola.

So, vision or no vision, the Edo State Governor, subject only to a court order, is as good as having begun a second term in office. He is no longer the same as his Ondo State counterpart, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who has to await a possible reelection in October, 2012.

It appears, however, that there is some hope for Mimiko; because Prophet T. B. Joshua who had been credited with a vision that the Governor may not win, has already refuted the claim. According to media

rest of us. Blessed are the believers for they shall hear more! Oh, yes, there are always prophecies. I heard of one not long ago, of a prophet who revealed to a pregnant lady that the baby in her womb would either be male or female!! It sounded quite ingenious to me that I decided to enroll immediately into the Guild of Seers. y first vision which M came that same day was that Boko Haram and Government would unite before the end of 2012;

Those that are classified as Boko Haram are fellow citizens who feel aggrieved. Whether their grievances are reasonable or not, would best be determined through dialogue and not combat

cap. The purpose was for each person to avoid death through blood spilling.

There is doubt, if everyone who got the message believed it. Many may not have done so. However, great ‘believers’ must have faithfully obeyed the injunction, thereby redeeming the

,

meaning that quite soon, Nigeria will become peaceful and prosperous. I would certainly be upset if anyone doubts the veracity of my vision because I have the freedom to see what I want to see. In addition, it could also mean that people doubt my positive prophe-

Aba: Matters arising mindset; too parochial; too intolerant of criticism and differences in perspective, too unimaginative, and above all too incapable, it seems, of mobilizing the broadest capacity necessary to recreate and revitalize a potentially powerful economic region in which Aba once again plays a leading role at the commanding heights.

I

n response to my initial piece in this column, ghost writers and guttersnipes acting apparently on behalf of the Abia State government, failing to engage the real issues, and using Goebellian tactics began to circulate spurious lies about my person. The most amusing of the lies is that I was not only in the pay but also a money laundering front for the former governor Orji Uzo Kalu, a former ally but apparently these days an adversary of the current governor T.A. Orji, and thus implied, the reason for my criticism of the current Abia government. I do not wish to make this personal, but such a tactic simply shows that even at the most ordinary things, the Abia state administration is so incompetent and lacking.

It cannot even do good propaganda. My one challenge nonetheless is for the administration in Umuahia

to step up; stop deploying faceless ghosts, sign the allegation in visible ink, and publish their claim in a medium of record.

But I do wish to address a different piece, “Between Nwakanma, Abia govt., and Aba City” published in the Vanguard last week in response to my own piece,

by Mr. Erasmus Akanwanne, “a medical practitioner” writing purportedly from Aba.I did look at the index of membership of the Nigerian Medical associa-

,

R

ECENTLY, I drew attention to the de cay of Aba, arising mostly from the criminal negligence of a city once known for its vitality and industry. I placed much of the blame at the doorsteps of the current T.A. Orji administration in Umuahia, with the caveat, certainly, that rebuilding Aba would require a concert of efforts.

I have not shifted from this position. I am in fact more convincedthat the current administration on Okpara Avenue is not only bereft of ideas, it lacks style and consequence.

I am prepared to concede that Governor Orji’s administration did not cause the decay of Aba; it is a progressive decay; the preceding government led by Mr. Orji Uzo Kalu did nothing either to salvage Aba; it was as incompetent an administration as the current one in the management of the affairs of Abia State, and particularly in the development of a broad vision of regeneration for one of the East’s key cities.

The problem might simply be that the current administration, much as it struggles to redefine itself, is an off-shoot of the previous administration. Clearly, it is the case of new wine in the old skin. The current Abia administration is too inbred; too provincial in its

cy because they believe only negative dreams-another word for prophecies and visions.

As a patriot and optimist, I hereby call on Nigerians to have faith in my vision and to pray for it to be fulfilled. Who says a positive dream cannot materialize?

I firmly believe it would, especially in the case of my beloved nation’s insecurity.

My vision says the following must be done. First, our elders who are currently trading accusations back and forth should shield their talking guns. Second, Government should, as previously suggested in this column, make dialogue the point of focus. It is superior to any other option.

Those that are classified as Boko Haram are fellow citizens who feel aggrieved.

Whether their grievances are reasonable or not, would best be determined through dialogue and not combat. Third, from the events of the last two years, it is time to identify persons who can ensure fruitful dialogue with Boko Haram.

Fourth, it is not a sign of weakness for Government as a father, to bend backwards to accommodate his estranged child. It is indeed most unfortunate that our insecurity has not reduced and that wanton killings have not abated but combat has not worked. What this suggests is that pragmatism is not about what is elegant. Rather, it is about going for what works – a theory well espoused in my church on February 19, 2011 in a great sermon.

The Preacher was probably mocking but the mes-

sage which was down to earth sank. He advocated that every public officer should be made to use Juju to take his oath of office. According to the Priest, because most people believe in the efficacy of Juju, no one would steal public fund after swearing with Juju that he would not do so.

Priests are not ghosts; they live among us. Like us, they are aware, for example, that a strategy that can compel politicians to keep faith with their colleagues on the sharing of political posts after elections is not an oath by the Koran or the bible but an oath at a Juju shrine like Okija etc.

Therefore, it is expedient to adopt what will work. It is the same reasoning that makes Nigerians believe more in prophecies on who will win an election, than the election process itself.

They know that these days, every election is officially rated better than the previous ones although a critical look at each of them would reveal no substantial difference between them.

The list of registered voters is still overwhelmingly inaccurate; election materials continue to arrive late to polling centres on voting day; children-not just under aged persons- would vote; many legitimate voters would not find their names in the list of registered voters although such persons voted in the same centres in the immediate past exercise; the voter turnout would be abysmally low and it is the only the loser that would cry foul.

The only new element these days, is that election

results are now read by Vice Chancellors of Universities, as if the status of such persons at the point of declaration of results, can cure whatever defects were introduced into the figures before and during collation.

names and guises to do trickster things for the Abia state government. The Yoruba call these figures, “Esu Elegba” and the Igbo call them, “ndi Agwu ji.” It might serve newspapers well to verify the authenticity of their contributors lest they fall to defamation. But for whatever it is worth, the writer of that piece raised two salient questions, and my response is, yes, Aba was on the same pedestal as Lagos.

The major industrial investments – Lever Brothers, NBL, PZ, Procter and Gamble, etc. had their Eastern operations in Aba, which catered to the Central West African corridor. Indeed, by 1980, Aba’s GDP output was either at par or outstripped Lagos. Aba was a major supplier and trade

the military government, which among other things centralized much economic activity. But a critical part was also the failure of subsequent governments to stem this exodus and decline by expanding the investment environment in Aba.

world class city Orchestra and Theatre; we also offer a great shopping experience in our shopping areas. Come here, and buy, buy, buy!

There are great residential neighborhoods too – really well built, very modern and affordable homes and apartments; friendly suburbs with individual characters, and above all, it is a great crime-free city.

Minimal crime because we have a great security plan and a great City police, etc.

Come therefore and settle here. Bring your skills and your capital; make this city your home. Can Aba offer these words to anybody today? Not on your life.

Therefore its tax base will remain absolutely low because what remains is a skeletal city that has been unable to rise to the great potential height of its power. But is it possible? Yes, it is. It requires a great deal of thinking and a capacity to mobilize and lead.

This is what is currently lacking both in Umuahia and in the City hall at Aba. It ignores the fact that Aba is located less than thirty minutes apart from a powerful conurbation including Port-Harcourt, Uyo, IkotEkpene, and Owerri from which it is separated by Owerrinta and the Imo River at Okpala, and therefore has great grounds for expansion. When governments come, they come as with a development plan.

But I’m afraid T.A. Orji had no such plans. He has run a praying-mantis administration in Abia, and now a lame duck government, it is too late in the day to do anything of significance.

We talk of him now merely as a cautionary tale.

I am prepared to concede that Governor Orji’s administration did not cause the decay of Aba; it is a progressive decay

tion (NMA) in Aba and there was no record of an Erasmus Akanwanne registered on its roll as a surgeon. The description, “medical practitioner” may, of course, just be an omnibus reference to work as a pharmacist, Medical Lab Technologist, nurse and nurse assistant, all of whom are “medical practitioners.” But I’m convinced that “Erasmus Akanwanne” does not exit; he is a ghost – an invention: one of those masked ventriloquists who assume

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center for buyers of local finished products from across West and Central West Africa, down in fact to the Congo. I think Tom Forrest’s book, The Advance of Capital: the growth of Nigerian Private Enterprise gives a fair sense of Aba in the era, because it shows the rise of indigenous capital much of which emerged and was located in Aba. An exodus of investment commenced in Aba from about 1987, following the deleterious economic policies of

T

he writer complains that a single part of Lagos has a tax base larger than the entire Abia state.

Well, here’s the deal: tax bases do not come as a blessing from God. One of the central goals and functions of governments has always been to expand their tax bases through strategic re-investment in city and municipal services. What particular incentive does the city of Aba and the Abia state government offer to any potential movement back to Aba? Cities and governments create attractive narratives to attract people to move to them.

Come here, they say, there are loads of work. Great industries and laboratories needing your skills; great opportunities for investors – a highly skilled manpower base. Here are the things you can enjoy if you move here: great schools for your children; a great hospital with some of the finest doctors in the world; great urban life – pedestrian friendly streets with good sidewalks, well-lit, motorable and well maintained roads; great city transportation; twenty-four hours of social life – great night clubs; restaurants, spas, recreational facilities like city gyms, a great sports club, fantastic golf greens, a really sexy cricket pavilion; open city grounds; galleries of art; a

y latest prophecy by M the way is that free and fair elections are com-

ing soon. Like my first vision, in which what is to be done was revealed to me, which is that Government and Boko Haram should embrace dialogue, I also have revelations on what is to be done about our elections. I was able to see that there will be progress because our lawmakers will be forced to allow our election to be technology based.

I also saw that many of them will lose the next general elections but the process will be sanitized. Double registrations will be rejected by the electronic device which will similarly make multiple thumbprinting to be futile, thereby dissuading many people from electoral malpractices.

So much will be saved from the high cost of mobilizing thousands of security operatives to police voting day activities. We can therefore hope that the winner of the coming Ondo Governorship election will be determined by a hitchfree process and not again by the whims and caprices of ‘Sooth Sayers’. Meanwhile, may Government and Boko Haram find genuine avenues for dialogue and peace in the interest of Nigeria.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 19

Church denomination poses a threat!

Dear Rebecca

W

E are both twenty seven and from the same western state. We met during our undergraduate days and we have been great friends since then. After graduation, she went on to study law while I proceeded with my postgraduate studies. Presently, I am at the tail end of my PhD programme and she is out of law school, waiting for service.

We are so happy with each other but she has refused to marry me except I become a Catholic. Her parents will not allow her marry a noncatholic and my parents had sternly warned against my changing church because of marriage. According to them, my two elder sisters are married to Catholics and heaven did not fall, and they were able to keep to their denomination. Suitors have been coming to her, but she keeps saying no, hoping that I would convert and become Catholic. I love her so much but I do not intend to change my church for her.

Please, what would you advise me to do?

Thanks.

Damian REPL Y REPLY

M

UCH as I re spect the af fection both of you have for each other, I’m a bit uncomfortable with a relationship in which one party doesn’t respect the individuality of the other, and starts issuing orders that suits her. The interesting thing is that it’s usually the man who issues such orders, not the lady.

Your girlfriend’s order speaks volumes about how the home would be run if you do marry her.

She would want everything done her way.

Now, that’s bad for any marriage, and this is the root cause of the breakup of many homes, when one party insists on having his/her way. Marriage is a partnership, with the man as the sen-

ior partner. You consult on all the issues affecting the union, and try to yield here and there to arrive at a suitable decision.

One party shouldn’t stick to his guns and expect the other one to change.

There’s no love there.

Next thing you know, she would be choosing where you work, and when your parents and relatives can visit.

The way I see things, you and this girl are good friends, and nothing more. There isn’t that special vibe that will lead to a solid union. If she really loves you, she wouldn’t want to issue an order that she knows affect your innermost being. As a lawyer, she should know better. For many of us, our religion/ denomination, and the way we worship, matters a great deal to us.

You’re both Christians, but the way you approach God in your worship of Him is very important.

You need to have a method that not only motivates you to connect with him well in praise and prayer, but will ensure that your communion with him, is satisfying to your soul. A good Christian is not merely a church-goer, but one who carries Jesus around with him in his heart, in a way that suits him. This may be in the form of singing certain songs, saying certain prayers, thinking/ seeing life in a particular way which would connect you to him wherever you are.

When we’re disciplined in our religion this way, we’re more able to cope with whatever life throws at us.

Please tell this lady that you value your friendship and would like you to remain friends while you both look for other marital partners.

Don’t panic and feel that you wouldn’t get another girl to love you.

You certainly will when it’s time for you to settle down. Ask God to link you up with the lady he had created to be the mother of the children He has for you.Be firm in your decision.

Should I visit him?

Dear Rebecca

I

AM 18, a student and a virgin. He is 24 and working. We met through a social network and fortunately we fell in love. I can’t really say if he is really in love with me as he says or just wants my body. He stays in a state different from mine and he is planning to come down and see me. Should I go ahead and allow him to come?

Because if he comes he will lodge in a hotel and I will have to go and see him. I am afraid of being a victim of rape but I really love him and he treats me nicely. H e calls me most times and we usually stay long on phone. I do not want sex until I am married.

Please what should I do and how do I tell he is really in love with me?

Amanda, Anambra REPL Y REPLY

I

know that this is the jet age in which the computer, the internet and the social network has made the world become a global village, but there’s the need to be cautious; particularly with regards to those you haven’t met but whom you think you know and understand well by striking up communication and establishing a relationship with them via Facebook, Twitter, e t c .

N o w, through these social net-

works, all sorts of atrocities have been committed. Through these forms of communication, evil-minded people have been able to lure people so they could murder them, rape them or perform all sorts of lewd practices.

A German male the other year, advertised for someone to kill and eat. Another man responded, they met up and the man was killed and the other man stored up his body in his freezer and began to eat it bit by bit. A girl was lured out in Britain to commit suicide with a man who had advertised for someone to commit suicide with.

Young people have been lured away from their families, kidnapped and taken into the unknown. Several of such children have not been traced because the advertiser swore them to secrecy.

Some are held and are being used as sex slaves. If you’re a regular user of the internet, you would have read these stories, and other weird ones too. It sounds sophisticated to say you met someone on the internet, but it isn’t wise at all to link up with anyone you haven’t met and assessed, and agree to meet them.

Such a move is very very risky - be you male or female. Family members, friends and acquaintances can still rape a girl, let alone a man you’ve never met, and who has asked to meet you in a hotel.

There’s nothing wrong with having pen pals of both sexes, but you should restrict the relationship to just communication through writing.

If you feel you know the person well enough to want to meet him/her, your parents and other family members should be aware of the friendship, and should be present when you meet.

You should tell the other person too that your people are aware you’re communicating with him, and are waiting to meet him too. Anyone with evil intention would scram when he learns that.

I don’t mean to alarm you, but the world is full of evil, so, it’s important for all of us, that members of our families should know who are our friends and who we communicate with at any given time. Don’t hide any friend from your parents.

Also, I don’t believe in falling in love with someone solely on communication through writing or telephone. If you do, it means you’ve fallen in love with the idea of being in love. The totality of a person, his body, his presence, his character and everything visible about him are what can lead you to fall in love.

Not merely a person’s voice on telephone or his mail. That this man rings you up and stays long on telephone with you doesn’t make him

nice, or in love, or even remotely in love with you. How do you know he is who he says he is?

Since communication between you is via social network, he may not be in another town, but in the same town as you are. There’s no way of telling where someone is communicating with you from unless you’re an expert in detecting this.

I don’t advise you agree to meet this man at all, let alone go visit him in a hotel. Just remain friends.

Already, you’re anticipating being forced to have sex. This means you don’t trust him and his motives for being in a relationship with you, and wanting to meet you. You can’t be in love with someone you don’t trust. If in future you feel you still want to meet him, let your people be with you when you do.

I think you’re lonely and in need of good friendship with members of the opposite sex.

I suggest you make casual friends with responsible boys around you, at school, in the church, in the neighbourhood, so that you can have the opportunity of studying boys more closely, so that you can know the type you would like for a relationship later in life. Don’t let boys be your major focus in life. Your priority now is to focus well on your studies so that you can make good grades.

•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, AUGUST 12, 2012

0808 066 0660 (Texts only!)

Do you suspect what your wife’s ‘overtime’ could Imply?!

I

’VE often wondered what life would be like if it is devoid of the heady sensation of sex? A lot had been said and written on how revered it should be in marriage. Yet, on the other side of the coin, illicit sex is so available you could virtually have it on tap! When you mention kiss and tell, an image of a man pops up.

I mean, what married woman in her senses would confess to an affair even with a gun held to her head, let alone brag about the joy of illicit sex? Times are really changing. The smug smiles a couple of my friends and I wear when we discussed our ‘indiscresions’ pale into insignificance when compared with what the average adventurous wife gets away with these days. And she’s so brazen she often brags about how easy it is to pull the wool over hubby’s eyes.

Vivienne, a much younger friend is one of these highflying professionals with the Midas touch. She currently works with a boss who was recruited from abroad by the firm they both work with. Viv’s been bending my ears on how handsome and cosmopolitan he was that on this day I called on her, I automatically switched off when she started singing Tom’s praise. I’d reminded her often she’d just been married less than 10 years and affairs should be off her menu. “I love Ebere (the husband) but he could be so

predictable at times. She would tell me in her defence. This day in question, she was babbling on about him when I took notice of what she had to say. “I often have erotic dreams about him and now we’ve been teamed to work overtime on our new account, heavens only know what would happen.” , “What do you mean?””, I asked in my don’t-do-anything-foolish voice. “I’ve been having these erotic dreams about him and now we’ll be working together often, anything could happen”. I warned her of the consequences of any rash action, then left. But I couldn’t get her out of my mind. I was so curious I had to pay her another visit some few months later. Oh. aunty C, I feel guilty I couldn’t give you a call or visit, I’ve been so busy!” ‘I can imagine,’ I mumbled under my breath. It is always a delight to visit her anywayas she entertains lavishly whenever I called.

With fresh fish stew and boiled potatoes in my belly being washed down by a very good wine, Viv dropped her bombshell: “l’ve relived my dream”, she declared. I almost choked on the wine as my ears perked up. “Some weeks back, after we’d finished one of our projects, Tom sent for food from the nearest hotel and popped a bottle of champagne he’d put in his fridge. Before the

food arrived, we’d almost finished the bottle which explained why I became giggly and hot when Tom started teasing.

I told him about my dreams and he Ieered.

‘Now’s the time to find out,’ he said as he moved closer - in a few seconds, we were in a clinch, kissing furiously and helping each other out of our clothes. In no time at all, we were on his office couch, making frantic, raunchy love - the thought of my marriage flying out of the window.

I couldn’t have stopped him even if I wanted to!

Wen it was over, he looked really proud of his achievement but I didn’t mind. It was the best bunk I’d had for months’.

“When I got home, Ebere

Exercise begins at ‘ home’ ! been overcome, for others the girth has decreased and yet for others conditions like asthma and chronic fatigue have been helped greatly. As regards

,

F

OUR years back when I started writing this column, I used to wonder why no one on the premises was curious enough to ask questions about Yoga, the brand of illness regimen I’d been writing on, despite the seemingly wild claims I was making for Yoga. But that wasn’t going to be for long.

Now I have colleagues of both genders who ask for snipets of information in dealing with anything from asthma to obesity.

Friends are snatching fifteen to twenty minutes of the lunch break and exercising. Those who can’t spare anytime at launch time are asking for tips to practise at home.

These people are all reporting improvements.

For some, long-standing constipation cases have

always something in it for everyone.

Below are some of my colleagues at Vanguard during a lunch-time workout.

Technique:

Because Yoga can be resorted to both as a therapeutic and health sustaining regimen there is always something in it for everyone

,

asthma, I have taught a couple of exercises and a beathing technique to a colleague who in turn is teaching them to his son to help his asthma.

Because Yoga can be resorted to both as a therapeutic and health sustaining regimen there is

Tie on your back. Draw up the knees and swing the legs backwards while you support the back with the hands, and let the feet touch the floor. But if you’re not flexible enough in the back don’t force the legs down as that may lead to any in-

looked worried, he grumbled I was doing too much for my office. If he only knew! But I felt no guilt.

Tom was right. My dream was my subconscious telling me to wake up and realise I needed more than my husband could give me. I love Ebere and would never leave him. Tom, married like me, understood that and whenever we could work late, we make the most of it. And there were some perks to having an affair with the boss. Such as the management course he recommended me for in London. It was for two weeks and I found it a bit dull until, on the second night, I was sitting in the dining area ready to go upstairs to my room when Martin, a course-mate approached.

“We sat talking together and he bought us some drinks. The next day, he took me to another restaurant outside the hotel we were lodged in, and we had so much fun it looked silly not to invite him back to my room. I was obviously attracted to him. The thought of Tom and Ebere flew out the window as Martin helped me, giggling, as I wriggled out of my shoes and jacket. I offered him a drink from the fridge but we were so slushed we couldn’t have more.

“I was so desperate to feel him close to me I didn’t bother to take all my clothes off. As we made wonderful love on the inviting bed, I wondered: What was happening to me? Had those erotic dreams un-

jury. Practising regularly you’ll be abide to do it by and by.

To come out of the posture, simply bend the knees and unroll down the back much like you would a carpet.

Technique: Sit down on the heels.

Now, bending the left elbow pass the left hand up at the back and bending the right elbow hook up the figures of both hands.

Keep the trunk straight and hold high the head.

Stay in the position for 10 seconds and repeat as you change hands.

Technique: Sit down and spread out the legs as far apart as can be. Hold the ankles or as far down the legs as you can and lower down the trunk.

Benefits: -The plough releases tension in the upper back.

-It stimulates the nerves

of the sine and brings an increased supply of blood to the area, that way nourishing the essential internal organs.

-Massaging the internal organs, it can relieve indigestion and constipation and eventually eliminate these.

Benefits: The writer ’s pose ex-

locked another, uninhibited me? Needless to say, the rest of the days flew past and before he left, Martin gave me his mobile number, saying he would like to see me again. So back home, we began meeting regularly whenever we could. So you see Sis, I’m now a very busy and contented woman!

“As things are now, Ebere, my husband thinks my secret meetings are me ‘working hard’ in the office. As for Tom, well - it’s none of his business, frankly. But I still sleep with him too because I’ve become greedy.

And between the three men in my life, I’m finally satisfied. And my dreams have stopped.” To be replaced by a nightmare where she would be caught? She shrugged. “I know I’m having my cake and eating it,” she said. “And I could choke. But I love my secret life, my three men - in spite of the possibility that one day soon, I could be found out!”

As I left Franka’s place, my thoughts went to the days when I was in her shoes. Along with Ayoka and Lilian, we really had a ball justling our men we never thought the day would come when the man would be wrinkly and the toy boys cocky. All thjat talk of sex had made me horny.

As I waited the arrival of CTB, I wondered if he could match half the prowess of one of Franks’s men?’

pands the chest and tones up the shoulders.

The thigh muscles firm up and the ankles regain their suppleness.

B e n e f i t s The spread eagle stretches the inner thighs and spinal column and rejuvenates the whole nervous system.

* The Plough

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

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 21 bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

Women are better ‘managers’ of wealth!

Y

OU must have at tended one of such parties in the past. It used to be the type of parties women dressed up to the nines for. The band in attendance was usually a leading one and most women would dance with such a frenzy that some appreciative men on the prowl for flings would plaster their foreheads with money - real money. Today, the picture is different. Most women who attend ‘heavy’ parties no longer go home to eagerly count their spoils.

No, they invariably go home to take an inventory of how much they have foolishly frittered away and to fume at how they’d been out-sprayed by other ‘classless’ women.

What exactly is going on? Aren’t the simple things of life important anymore? And has money become so obsessively vital that a lot of women would literally kill to get it? It is a throw back to that dreaded oilboom era. Heaven only knows what that era will finally signify in the history of Nigeria. Suddenly, men who were drop-outs, who couldn’t string a few words of intelligence together, started clutching briefcases, wearing designer clothes and telling tales, of their jaunts all over the world. It was all thanks to those crazy contracts that you could virtually pick up on the doors of your toilet! These have recently given way to what you can make in politics or as a top civil servant!

In the wake of the minimillionaires, several women were left in the lurch either because they did not fit into their men’s new sta-

tus or because their men have acquired a few, other women as classless as they (the men) were.

So, naturally, these abandoned women became bitter.

They knew a few of the tricks their men used to get rich quick. And didn’t someone mention drug trafficking and financial scams?

They quickly became mistresses of the game.

So, at parties these days, you see a group of the same women - all professionally bleached, all wearing expensive lace, silk or God-knows-whatelse materials and expensive jewelries to boot-spraying each other and making the band leaders almost eat at their feet. The men have since realised that they have lost in the Nairamania race. They sit quietly and dare not venture on to the dance floor. The few that usually do always put a straight face on. They make for the celebrant, clumsily spray whoever it is and hurry back to their seats, pointedly ignoring the sniggers of other women on the dance floor! Poor men! The current financial crunch hasn’t done much for their ego either.

M

oney, money, money. The last of such parties I attended, the spendthrifts were there as usual. The band leader, noticing this, wasted little time on his “testing, testing” caper! He started praising the women in turns until he came to a particular one who was conspicuously absent. The poor band leader thought she was at the party, as it was a member of her group that was the celeprant.

He started extolling the

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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"

I love you forever

I loved you then as I love you now. I love you now as I always will. I wanted you then as I want you

your willy will not rise again for another year.”

The old gent rushes home, anxious to tryout his new powers. That night, he slides into bed, cuddles up to his wife and says ‘one, two, three”. Then he gets the most gigantic erection.

His wife turns over and asks: “What did you say ‘one, two, three’ for?”

Clever By Half!

(Humour)

bogus virtue he’d tagged her with and some of the guests were appalled.

“What’s the matter with him?” hissed one of the women. In minutes, there were furious whisters as to where the woman in question now a guest in one of the prisons of the government of the United States!

Poor greedy woman!

She’d tried to find another warehouse to traffic drugs in and an X-ray room showed the authorities her new methods.

A few months ago, a colleague said he was speechless when a friend of his girlfriend’s came to warn him that if this particular girlfriend didn’t stop trafficking in drugs, she might be caught – and soon too!

“I went to her house immediately”, said the colleague. “I was convinced that this friend was raising an unnecessary alarm.

I was immediately on my guard when I saw some few newly acquired expensive items in the living room. She then asked jokingly if1’d come to take her to dinner. ‘Dinner ke?’

I crowed, ‘ where would I get that kind of money at such short notice?’

If it was a matter of a little item like money she

said, then she would take me!

I

began to feel amused by this sudden show of wealth. As I led the way towards my nine-year-old tokunbo Benz, she said she would like-me to have a feel of her new car - a brand new Jeep!

“That did it! When we got to the restaurant, I warned her not to do anything dangerous as 1’d heard some nasty rumours about her. She sneered that most of her friends were just jealous. That she now travelled strictly on business and would stop as soon as she hit a certain ‘target!’. The problem with jealous Nigerians, she said, was that they were always attributing honest wealth to shaddy deals.

“Well, that was the last I heard of he. She was caught on her last ’trip’ and the landlord has thrown her things out of the flat”.

The saddest part of the whole sordid detail is that not only illiterates are resorting to dangerous means to get money. A respectable old man whose daugh-

now. I want you now as I always will. I wanted you happy then as I do now. I want you happy now as I always will. I had you then, as I don't have you now.

I don't have you now, but hope says someday I will.

Pasola Fred Obinna pasola2007@yahoo.co.uk +2348057161505,+233260947966

Reality of love

love can never be taught for,is to be learned for, love can never be brought for, is to be given for, when you love someone,be ready to take the intensity of emotions.Be jealous,anxious.Love with all your might.Take the pain and everything that comes along with it.just make sure that the person you are in love with...worth it!

Chris Onunaku

ter was jailed abroad recently said he was sorry she was caught abroad.

He wouldh ave wished that she were caught here and if possible paraded on the pages of the newspapers and shown on the tube like the cheap criminal she was.

That might just serve as a deterrent to other would be criminals. But would it?!

Instant Afrodisiac?

(Humour)

An elderly man finds he’s unable to perform sexually. He goes to a witch doctor who throws powder into a fire.

There’s a flash with billowing smoke.

“This is powerful healing but you can only use it once a year,” the witch doctor says. “All you have to do is say ‘one, two, three’ and it shall rise for as long as you wish”. “What happens when we’ve had enough?” the old man asks.

The witch doctor replies: “When your partner can’t take no more sex, all she has to say is ‘one, two, three, four’ and it will go down. But he warned -

A guy is in a bar playing snooker. He whispers something to his friends, then walks over to the bartender and asks for a shot of tequila. After he takes the shot, he says to the bartender: “I’d like to make a bet with you.” “Sure - I’m in a betting mood,” the barte,nder replies. So the man bets the bartender Nl 0,000 that he can wee in the shot glass placed all the way across the room, and fill it up without spilling a drop. “I’ll take the bet,” the bartender says.

So the man walks to the other side of the room and puts down the shot glass. He then goes back to the bartender and starts weeing. But he doesn’t get a single drop in the glass. He wees all over the bar, the bar stools, and even splashing the bartender himself.

As the last dribble finally dies away, the bartender laughs out loud and says: “That was rubbish. You owe me Nl 0,000.” The man pays up with a big smile on his face. The bartender asks: “How come you’re so happy?”

“Well,” the man replies, “you see those five guys by the pools table? I bet them N3,000 each I could wee all over your bar and you’d laugh about it.”

d e k r i s 4 r e a l @ g m a i l . c o m 08032988826/08184844015

Will you always be there for me?

Will you be there for me,my true love? Will you still love me when I'm old and frail? Will you still send me lovely SMS when I'm no longer physically attractive? Will you still bring me flowers on my birthdays when my libido becomes low? Will I still be your prince, charming when my hairs becomes grey with age? These are food for thought for you.Ponder on them.

Uyi Obaseki, uyikere@yahoo.com 07051878276

PAGE 22—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

“God of our Fathers, redeem our sins and let the dead rise up like Lazarus!”

M A I L B A G

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

Why the impeachment threat against President Jonathan?

Dear Sir,

T

HE recent impeachment threat against President Jonathan by the law makers in the lower house is not appropriate at this time in order not to destroy our nascent democracy. A careful look at the situation will reveal at a glance that members of the lower house want to divert the attention of Mr. President and other Nigerians. This is to make him not to have time to pursue relevant issues affecting the nation’s economy, especially the fuel subsidy scam, among many others.

We should all realize if these anomalies are effectively handled by relevant bodies, it will be to the benefit of the talakawas, that is the poor masses. This is because many Nigerians are suffering and look dejected and abandoned due to the irresponsibility and ineffectiveness of some of our leaders. To this end therefore, we should look into all these with the media in attendance to inform the world of our leaders activities and not any sitting in camera.

The latest house sittings on many issues was an eye-opener and the lapses should be judiciously and religiously addressed and not to cover the can of worms. Diversionary motives should therefore be put in oblivion.

In order to take our current democratic structure seriously, that is progressing gradually, I wish to quote Abraham Lincoln’s statement in Gethysbury on the 19th of November 1863 for our information and guidance “That this country under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people by the people for the people shall not perish from the earth”. In other words, may Nigeria’s democratic structure not perish. The impeachment threat against President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will definitely make Nigeria

to travel in reverse gear.

Consequently, let our law makers drop the idea so that we can move forward in the right direction. Any difference between the lower house and Mr. President should be amicably resolved.

This is so because many Nigerians have seen the threat as uncalled for and with political undertone which at the end of the day will do no Nigerian good.

It seems to me that the real danger that lurks behind democratization process in Nigeria remains the

sustained use of language as instrument of exclusion, as well as tribalism, favouritism, nepotism, marginalization, godfatherism, open abuse of government policies, which leads to injustice.

Let us not see the successful inauguration of democratic governance which Nigerians celebrated with pomp and ceremony evaporate with the hot air of the regimented sneezes so that the democratic structures would not be trundled to the ground.

Despite the bombings, killings, maimings, kidnappings, massive political corruption, we all need to tackle at our various levels, it is appropriate to say that Dr. Jonathan,has inspired much admiration and affection from Nigerians and will be able to do more.

Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, Head, Academic and Physical Planning (A&PP) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State.

(08036724193) charlessoeze@yahoo.ca

Need to maintain political equilibrium Dear Sir,

H

AVING gone through the submission of the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the upper chamber on constitutional review on state creation, I have deemed it necessary to chip in some words of advice to my highly respected deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

Recall that since the establishment of the United States of America in July 4,1776, the number of states has simply expanded from thirteen to fifty. Today America, the most powerful nation in the world is two hundred and thirty six years. Nigeria that obtained her independence in 1960 is barely fifty two years,with 36 states. So by the time she is two hundred years. (if it is the will of God), it is only God that will know how many states that will be in Nigeria.

I wish to state without equivocation, that what Nigerians need today is food on their table and security of the lives of her citizens. Many people are clamouring for state creation today because of their own personal aggrandisement and not for the betterment of the people.

However, the only people that are genuinely in need of a state is the people of the South-East in other to balance the political pendulum of this country. If I may ask, how many of the existing states are economically buoyant ? They are not more than three if we are honest to ourselves. So why this scramble for state creation? It is therefore my humble submission that for now, this idea of state creation should be jettisoned.May I state that what most Nigerians need today is

religious freedom, economic stability, energy, health care, availability of jobs, good roads and affordable education and NOT to encumber yourselves with state creation.This write up comes from a dispassionate mind and without prejudice.This humble submission of mine, remains the naked truth.

Engr. Peter Igweneme Civil/Structural Engineer Port Harcourt okeypitars@yahoo.com

Nigeria's poor outing at the Olympic games Dear Sir, HE poor outing of Team Nigeria in the 2012 London Olympic is the manifestation of the rot in every sector of the nation.

Anybody expecting good outing without good preparation is trying to turn a miracle working God to a magician, which is impossible.

It is only team Nigeria that witches and wizards can rob of their medals.

It is laughable. No matter what excuse those in authority may have to advance for the lacklustre outing, Nigerians should demand for accountability on

T

how the huge sum of money released to them was spent.

Nigeria is a huge joke! May be we should pressurize the Olympic committee to introduce corruption as medal awarding events, then we will have clean sweep of gold medals for all the categories.

As we welcome our athletes home for doing their best, we should tell those concerned to account for the taxpayers money. God bless Nigeria Lucky Ifechukwudeni O. writes in from Lagos.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 23

Life Is A Tragedy For Those Who Feel, And A Comedy For Those Who Think —JEAN DE LA BRUYERE

By Emmanuel Edukugho

B

P

zDr Ben Carson...my mother believed I could make it.

‘Mates taunted me as the dullest kid in the world’ z Carson, man behind rare Siamese twins separation, tells his story the world” by his mates, he later became an intellectual giant, with 50 books to his credit and 60 honorary degrees.

Himself alone is professor of plastic surgery, pediatrics, oncology, orthopedic, among many other areas of specialization.

He is Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital, US, and led a team of medical personnel in a 22hour surgery to separate, using a complex procedure, Siamese twins co-joined in the head sharing same blood vessels – a feat regarded as impossible. It was recorded as the first in medical history.

The surgery began Saturday, September 5, 1987 at 7.15 am and ended at 5.15 am on Sunday.

Siamese twins are two babies with the same mother, born at the same time, with same part of their bodies joined together.

In this case, the babies, Patrick and Benjamin, born by caesarian section to Theresa and Josef Binder, were joined at the head.

Siamese twins occur once in

every 70,000 to 100,000 births.

Twins joined at the head occur only once in 2 to 2.5 million births. Siamese twins got their name because of the birthplace (Siam) of Chang and Eng (1811-1874) whom P.T. Barnum exhibited cross America and Europe.

Most Siamese twins die at birth or shortly afterward. As at

,

enjamin Carson Snr is an enigma. Born on 18 September, 1951, he was a ghetto kid from Detroit, USA, whose parents separated as both dad and mum could not live together. Although his mother tried to make him understand why daddy had to leave home, her explanation didn’t make a lot of sense to Ben at eight years of age.

However, his mother managed to bring a sense of security to the three-member family. According to him in one of his famous best selling books – Gifted Hands, he wrote: “While I still missed dad for a long time, I felt a sense of contentment being with just my mother and my brother because we really did have a happy family.” He revealed that his mother, a young woman with hardly any education, came from a large family and had many things against her. “Yet, she pulled off a miracle in her own life, and helped in ours. I can still hear mother’s voice, no matter how bad things were, saying, Bennie, we’re going to be fine.”

Part of his mother’s strength came from a deep seated faith in God and perhaps just as much from her innate ability to inspire Curtis (brother) and himself to the fact that she meant every word she said.

“We knew we weren’t rich, yet no matter how bad things got for us, we didn’t worry about what we’d have to eat or where we’d live. Our growing up without a father put a heavy burden on my mother. She didn’t complain – at least not to us – and she didn’t feel sorry for herself,” Ben stated in the book.

Quoting Abraham Lincoln who once said, “all that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother,.” Ben went on: “I’m not sure I want to say it quite like that, but my mother, Sonya Carson, was the earliest, strongest, and most impacting force in my life.”

In spite of all odds, Ben went to Yale University in 1969 with 90 percent academic scholarship spending four years in the institution.

Early in life, he believed that he could be a medical doctor, and his mother assured him he would be. He quoted the mother as saying, “If you ask the Lord for something and believe He will do it, then it’ll happen.”

Beginning from elementary school, he was usually at the bottom of the class, often taunted by mates, making him feel bad. Tagged the “dullest kid in

the babies share.

According to Carson’s account, in his book – Gifted Hands, early in her pregnancy, Theresa Binder, 20 years old, and her 36-year-old husband, Josef, were told by the doctor that she was carrying twins. She was therefore filled with joy and thanked God for “this wonderful double gift.”

In anticipation, the couple had bought identical baby clothes, a double cradle and a double baby carriage as they awaited the twins’ arrival. At birth, both babies weighed a total of 8 pounds, 14 ounces, and were joined at the back of the head. Theresa didn’t see them until three days later.

rior to the birth, during her eight month of pregnancy, she got the terrible news hat she would give birth to Siamese twins.

“I wanted to kill them and myself as well,” Theresa said.

She cried: “Oh, my God, this can’t be true! I’m not having twins! I’m having a sick, ugly monster!” She wept almost continuously for the next three days.

To avoid giving birth to the twins, many thoughts cross her mind – including overdosing on sleeping pills to kill the unborn twins and herself. Her thoughts bordered on the bizarre, anything just to have peace and get herself out of the nightmare. She also considered running away, jumping out of the window of a tall building. But later, Theresa Binder made peace with herself as the reality dawned on her, knowing that she would have to face whatever happened.

When she finally saw her babies three days after birth, her husband Josef stood by her side, ready to catch her and carry her from the room if necessary. She stared at the joined babies in front of her.

Carson was recently in Nigeria for the inauguration of the multi-billion naira Ben Carson Medical School of Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State designed to honour him as a role model to students . About 38 pioneer students took oath of matriculation into the College of Medicine administered by the Vice-Chancellor/President, Prof. J.A. Kayode Makinde, to become medical mis-

Fostering unity in every country boils down to government providing the people with some of the basic necessities of life

the time Carson and his team carried out the operation, not more than 50 attempts had previously been made to separate such twins. Less than 10 of the operations resulted in two normal children. Apart from the skill and expertise of the operating surgeons, the success depends largely on how much and what kind of tissue

,

sionaries and put human needs above personal needs, dedicated to saving lives.

Carson, in a medical interaction after the 10th Convocation ceremony of Babcock University, responded to some questions as follows:.

What is the solution to the issues of insecurity, good governance and healthcare deliv-

ery?

First of all, governments have the same issues wherever you go in the world. There is always the question of unity and how you create this. Fostering unity in every country boils down to government providing the people with some of the basic necessities of life. Also government has to find something that all the people will get their hands behind and push, which brings about unity and national vision.

Same thing happens locally (in Nigeria) where you have warring factions. But if government works on things that they agree about, it better seals their relationship with the people.

However, the most pressing needs of the people must be addressed and I suggest the Nigerian government has to start from somewhere and the best place.

As regards this naming thing, I pretty good believe that the government has a reason of doing that.

Can you offer an insight into your contributions to Babcock University?

First of all, I expect to see a high quality of students that the school has produced in the past. I am so confident with the leadership of the school, given the reason why I have contributed with my name. What I am contributing is my name.

As the Bible says, a great name is desired more than silver and gold. Knowing the kind of leadership in Babcock, seen the kind of vision and progress recorded in the past three years that I have been here, I feel proud being associated with the university.

W

hat changed your dif ficult situation in life?

One thing that changed my difficult situation was that I began to read a lot. I began to read about successful people who had made their marks in life. One thing I have discovered is that the success of everyman is in his hands. You alone has to discover what you want to be or where you want to be in future. Decisions that you make, make or mar you. I really spent time in reading recognising the fact that I can change my own difficult situation.

Is there any advice you can give to government?

My advice is that they should concentrate on things that would create value in the life of a large number of people.

The Bible says without knowledge, the people perish. Without understanding or two agreeing, the house can’t stand. Government should stop apportioning blames on others for its problems. It should stop marking some people as good and others as bad. Rather, it should work towards the welfare of its larger populace who voted them into power. Leadership is ability to lead. Bad leadership is those who divide people. Remember, you are the captain of your ship. If things go wrong, you have only yourself to blame.

PAGE 24—SUNDAY VANGUARD,AUGUST 12, 2012

Re: Determined women making waves View-Point T

HIS topic attracted reactions from more women than usual, so, it must be something that touched the core of their being. Usually, we have more men writing in to express their views on issues. This time around I was glad that many women wrote in.

However, some of them wondered why I didn’t include the names of Nigerian women; both those who have made waves and those who are making waves.

This was a deliberate omission so that I could draw our women’s attention to what their fellow women elsewhere in the world are doing to realize their personal ambitions. Also, the piece was actually about living a life that you believe in, and achieving what you want to achieve for yourself. It wasn’t about high educational qualifications, high positions, money and political power. Rather, it was about the tenacity with which you hang on to what you believe in; bent on realizing your ambition to your own self-satisfaction. It’s like ‘This is what I want to do, and I must do it, by the grace of God, regardless of what the society feels about my sex, my age, etc. ‘ After all, one hasn’t really lived, if at the end of the long years God has given you, there are unfulfilled dreams simply because you allowed yourself to be discouraged by what people thought of your ambition. Even if the odds are high about the venture being successful, one should give it a fair try and get a certain amount of self-satisfaction. In many instances, we women abandon what we want for ourselves in order to toe the line and please other people.

Of course we do have women in history in our country who were dedicated to improving the lot of women and the masses; e.g. the Aba women rioters, and others, through their political career Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Ekpo, Chief (Mrs.) Wuraola Esan, Chief (Mrs.) Ransome-Kuti, through philantrophy – Lady Oyinkan Abayomi, Lady Adetokunbo Ademola, Lady Alakija, etc.

In recent times we have career women who have risen to great heights in their professions, and are rendering useful services to the nation. Some are running NGOs through which they bring solace and relief to the down-trodden, the marginalized, the disadvantaged and the

Helen Ovbiagele Woman Editor

The truth is that some women have great dreams but are unable to do things to put them into reality because they’re too lazy or laid-back to do so

New Fashion, Fashion Styles, Fashion Trends in UK NextNewFashion.net

poor. I salute them all.

“Madam, thank you for that brilliant piece on determined women.

We do have their likes in Nigeria too; across the fields, and classes.

Women who are determined to get to the top of their careers and professions, and who achieve this with hard work and not through the back door. One should be proud of them.

- Mrs. Hope, Apapa.”

“Mrs. Ovbiagele, I liked your write-up. It inspires one not to give up on one’s dreams just because of age and circumstances, and what people would say. It’s good to hang on in there and have a satisfying life. We have only this one life to live. - Thanks, Funke, Ibadan.”

“Helen, I hope women who read your write-up got the message that they shouldn’t allow age and what the society thinks a woman should be, to scuttle that longing for achieving a purpose in their hearts.

If you go by our culture, a woman should be contented to be only what she’s created to be. That is, look after the home, and don’t look beyond that to do ‘unfeminine’ things like learning how to change a tyre, fix electrical things around the house or do plumbing work. Go and climb a mountain or go sprinting at an advanced age? Ah, such a woman would be considered unhinged.”

“Madam, I don’t think you can blame the society for women not realizing their ambition; whatever that ambition may be. Yes, there may be some things that may be considered outrageous for a Nigerian woman to do, like mountainclimbing, rowing across the Atlantic, going on Archeological digs, etc., but no-one these days is actually going to tie up any lady who wants to do these daring things to achieve her ambition. It’s a free country for whatever legitimate thing you want to achieve.

The truth is that some women have great dreams but are unable to do things to put them into reality because they’re too lazy or laid-

back to do so. Some are used to the men in their lives deciding for them how to live their lives. As for silly comments about ladies at the wheel, I receive them too, from time to time, even though I’m a man. My offence is that I’m elderly. I do get shouts of ‘Baba, go get driver’; Baba comot for road, you no sabi drive again.’ I take all these on the chin because I know that those behind the rude remarks don’t know any better. My advice is that our women here should not be over-sensitive about what they think the society would think about their ambitions. Just go ahead and do what you want to do. Drive even if you’re above 100, and tune out to all snide remarks. - Pa Oluwole, Oyo Town.”

“My sister, part of the reason why women do not doggedly pursue what their hearts desire here is this ‘mummy, mummy’ business. Have you noticed that most women above the age of forty are addressed as ‘mummy’ by total strangers; either with a view of getting a favour from her, or, of ridiculing her for whatever purpose? With that tag, some ladies would feel too ‘mature’ to do things like driving, changing tyres, climbing up a ladder to take things down, that they normally enjoy doing. I run an electronic/electrical store, and I do like climbing up a ladder to arrange my wares within the shop and outside. I like the liberty that the act brings as I can start the day quickly and not have to wait for the young traders around to come help me.

Shouts of ‘mummy mummy don’t do it’, have discouraged me. I’m told it’s unfeminine, that it shouldn’t be done at my age! I’m only 43, and I’m in good health. Now, I’ve resorted to asking for help with something I can do and enjoy doing.

When my husband who’s twelve years older than I drops in to help, no-one tells him not to climb the ladder. - Ijeoma, Onitsha.”

“Thanks for your July 8 piece.

There are women, and men indeed, who can excel in this country, but for scorn. I didn’t train as a mechanic but I handle my generator very well amidst scorn. I’m going 70 soon. Agha” “We’re told in the Bible that anything your hands find to do, we should do it well. I think that’s what our women should go by. They should forget about what people would think of a woman doing that thing. Provided it is something that will not bring shame and disgrace, if it’s your ambition in life to do it, please go ahead and do it, and get your self-satisfaction. That’s what life’s all about. - Cynthia.”

“Madam, the problem is that in a subtle way, men and culture don’t want women to excel at anything, except of course, looking after the home, their husbands and their children. They don’t even want you to look good. I overheard once, a young lady telling her husband that she felt overweight and that she was going to find time to enroll in a gym and do something about it. I was astonished to hear the man say that her figure was okay for a married woman who was also a mother! The poor girl clearly needed to lose some weight not only for a slimmer appearance, but for her health too. And there was her nearest and dearest telling her she was okay as she was. I prayed silently that she would have the sense and the courage to do the right thing – enrol in a gym and lose weight. Mrs. Ola, Lagos.

We thank all those who found the time to send in their views.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 25

Murderous step father: Yes, I hacked eightday-old baby to death!

By Austin Ogwuda, Asaba

T

HIS is an abomination!

It is incredible! Her blood will never give you rest even if you die tomorrow!”

This spontaneous outburst came from an outraged bystander as Akporteghere Osuna, the suspected killer of an eight-day old baby, was being taken into custody at the Delta State police command headquarters in Asaba.

Osuna was alleged to have committed the heinous act at Jesse and was arrested by the police over there while attempting to escape. He narrowly escaped being lynched by some residents of the community who were terrified by

the gory story. And because of the magnitude of the alleged crime, the case was immediately transferred to the state police headquarters in Asaba for investigation.

But what could have moved a father of four children to slaughter the eight-day-old?

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the mother of the baby had gone to visit her mother (married to the suspect) shortly after putting to bed for proper care for the baby when the tragic incident occurred.

Sources alleged that the suspect was resident in Ghana but usually travelled to Nigeria to collect human parts for rituals and saw a veritable opportunity when he came back home to meet the baby.

Delta State police command’s

,

The suspect... I was not normal

spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, put it this way, “The suspect, Akporteghere Osuna, from Okunu village in Jesse, is married to Roza Osuna who has four children for him.

“He was living in Ghana and it was in Ghana that spiritualists asked him to bring human parts for money rituals”.

Muka went on: “On Saturday, 4 August, 2012, at about 1730 hours, one Gladys Emafuru, of Okunu village Jesse, reported that, at about 1510 hours, while sleeping with her eight-day old baby girl, her step father (Akporteghere Osuna) walked into the apartment and killed the baby with cutlass, ripping the baby ’s stomach open and her intestines and other vital parts removed”.

The PPRO said the suspect, after collecting the vital parts of the baby, concealed them in a black cellophane bag and was about escaping to Ghana when he was caught”.

Mouka added: “The full weight of the law would be allowed to take its course. But I also have this advice to parents. Because we have had occasions where children were stolen or kidnapped, we are

He was living in Ghana and it was in Ghana that spiritualists asked him to bring human parts for money rituals

,

advising them to safeguard their children and know where they are, what they are doing especially now that schools are on holidays. People should not be careless about the whereabouts of their children.

“We are also asking people to give us information on suspicious people . Gone are the days you give police information and be afraid of leakage of the information. Thank God for GSM, you call on GSM and give us information”.

The suspect gazed at this

reporter for minutes before he began to answer questions put to him.

The conversation went this way: Did you really kill the baby?

Yes, when I woke up in the morning of the fateful day, I was taken to a native doctor because the people around me believed I was not okay. But when we got there, the native doctor was not around and we had to return home. Then I went to sleep.

You mean you were not normal?

That is what they said including my mother, and my wife began to cry.

After killing the child, how do you feel?

(Sobbing) Oh, it is painful, what kind of temptation is this?

So, it was temptation, not that you were not normal?

What do you call it? Is it not because the head is not normal? I don’t know what to do now. I am the one taking care of the family. I have four children, I tap palm fruit and was making a lot of money. I want the police to call my people so that the whole issue can be settled”.

Will UNEP Report tear Ogoni apart again?

By Jimitota Onoyume, Port Harcourt

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NDICATIONS that all is not well in Ogoni emerged on August 2 when a faction of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, led

by Dr Goodluck Diigbo declared autonomy for the people of oil-rich Ogoni in Rivers State. His declaration via emails to media houses hinged his actions on the long neglect of the area by successive governments in the country.

“Ogoni people are in a very difficult situation right now.

The land has been totally devastated as a result of 55 years of petroleum operations, so it becomes very urgent because if you want to talk about anything concerning the land which to the Ogoni people is not just land but life and also god. “We should remain part of Nigeria – we are not saying

we are out of Nigeria. We have a choice as part of this declaration to be part of it or out of it and at this moment we are part of Nigeria”, the MOSOP factional leader said.

In another email, Diigbo maintained that his faction of MOSOP was the authentic apex body of Ogoni.

Meantime, the Prof Ben Naneen-led MOSOP dissociated Ogoni from the declaration.

According to him, there was no place where Ogoni resolved to declare political autonomy.

Naneen acknowledged the poverty and devastation in the area occasioned by pollution from oil exploration and neglect by government but he said no decision was ever taken by the Ogoni to seek the path of sovereignty as a solution.

He said the Ogoni would continue to explore non-violent means to press for the attention of the Federal Government.

The MOSOP factional leader

The late Ken SaroWiwa... founded MOSOP also urged the government to create a state for the area, stressing that such a move would fast track development in Ogoni land. Naneen called on Nigerians to ignore the Diigbo faction, arguing that his own group was the mainstream platform for Ogoni struggle. His words:

“Ogoni people are dissatisfied with their condition in our country, Nigeria. But they do not believe the sovereign option is the answer. They are convinced that their non-violent struggle and the support of the international community will eventually make the Nigerian government respond positively to Ogoni’s legitimate demands. One of these key demands is the creation of Bori State. Another is the effective implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme report on Ogoni.“ It is clear that the stage is set for the battle of who controls Ogoni between the Diigbo faction and the Naneen group ahead of the implementation of the UNEP Report. It will be recalled that at a programme organised on June 17 by the Ogoni Church Leaders Council and Ogoni Generation Next project at the All Saints Cathedral Church, Diocese of Ogoni, Anglican Communion, Bori,

Naneen, in his address, had said the Ogoni would want to be part of the implementation of the report, a position he reechoed in a communiqué issued by his group at the end of a meeting on July 7 in Bori.

While the declaration by Diigbo is seen as part of the strategy to properly position his own faction of MOSOP ahead of the implementation of the report, what is certain is that there is a seeming crack in Ogoni. “I think our leaders need to come and urgently address this division”, an Ogoni youth told Sunday Vanguard.

Diigbo at the moment operates from his overseas base. Will he come home for peace talks after his declaration which some in political circle have interpreted as treasonable?

The Ogoni have to act fast to save the area from another fratricidal crisis.

PAGE 26—SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012

Country News

Posers over the kidnapping, murder of doctor

By Albert Akpor

zAccusing fingers in relation’s direction

F

*Omeziri ...murder leaves more questions than answers. exchanging pleasantries with his guest that four armed men burst in and ordered the doctor to cooperate with them or be shot dead. He was whisked to an unknown destination in his vehicle. The next day, the kidnappers were said to have put a call through to members of his family demanding a ransom of N5million if they hoped to see their bread winner again.

Then, the family began to notice what they alleged as insider ’s involvement. First, it was alleged that the man that first entered the doctor ’s office was a known face who engaged him in a conversation prior to the arrival of his captors.

Unfortunately, Omeziri is not alive to tell his story. Second, a relation (name withheld),

,

OR the Omeziris, tears are not enough to express the trauma the sudden death of their bread winner, Dr. Canice Oyemaechi Omeziri, has brought upon the family. The 62-year old Canadian-trained surgeon from Umuanaekwe Umuduruaku Umuiheofor of Ofoaziri in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State was kidnapped by five heavily armed men on April 15, 2012 at his hospital in Amakpaka Amaraku and later murdered in cold blood even before the N5million ransom demanded could be paid. His mutilated body was later dumped at a junction near the Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO. But while the family is still in shock over the murder, the drama that preceded the kidnap, the demand for ransom for the life of the “People’s Doctor”, as he was fondly called, have left more questions than answers.

On the fateful day, Omeziri was said to have reported to office and attended to his patients and, probably due to his heavy schedule, he even forgot that he hadn’t eaten for the day. By the time he finally realized this, it was already dusk and he decided to settle for a cup of tea and biscuit. He had scarcely finished the meal when an acquaintance entered to know if he was still in the office. It was while

It was while exchanging pleasantries with his guest that four armed men burst in and ordered the doctor to cooperate with them or be shot dead

who was reportedly arrested by the police in the course of investigation, did not help matters as he gave conflicting accounts on the N400,000 that was given to him as ransom.

Two days into Canice’s

Bereaved son:

Soldiers killed my father ahead of my wedding

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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he Olupitan-Hassan family of Ikeja area of Lagos State has appealed to the Nigerian Army to fish out the alleged killers of their bread winner Adewale Olupitan-Hassan who died on Monday, July 30, barely one week after he was allegedly

brutalised by some people in military uniform in Obanikoro area of the state.

The deceased’s first son, Omololu, said his father was driving his Toyota Camry car on Sunday, July 22, 2012, when he was caught in a traffic jam as a result of the closure of the Third Mainland

disappearance, the kidnappers were said to have backed down on their demand for N5million to a ‘reasonable’ amount and the money was given to the suspect who claimed to have paid it to the captors’ account. But while in police custody, the suspect gave a different version. Said a source: “We gathered that the police arrested one person in connection with the crime; though, it was not so clear why the suspect was allowed to go, it was learnt that those that perpetrated the act may not be too far from the deceased’s homestead. We also learnt from the police that the money that was supposed to have been paid to the kidnappers as claimed was not paid after all; the money was cornered by some people whose identities were not made known. Again, when family members decided to accompany one of the

Bridge. According to him, the suspected soldiers, blowing siren in a military convoy, blocked his car, opened the door and dragged the father out before dealing blows on him.

In an emotion laden voice, Omololu told Sunday Vanguard, “In the process, one of

,

deceased brothers to meet with the supposed kidnappers, the said brother refused, saying it would not be good to go to them as a crowd.

“It was also learnt that it was

the officers used his gun butt to hit my father’s head which resulted to a crack in his skull.

They thereafter dragged him to a military facility on Marina where he was taken to their Commandant.”

There, Adewale, according to the son, tried to defend himself but the military officials lied that he broke the side mirror of their vehicle and the Commandant ordered him to replace it before his car was released to him. “He (the Commandant) told my father to count himself lucky, as the officers could have killed him on the grounds that he was a member of Boko Haram and nobody would have ques-

after much argument that he allowed one person to follow him to meet with the hoodlums. He also told the person who followed him to alight from the vehicle when it was apparent that they had gotten to the criminal hideout so that he alone could meet with the hoodlums.”

The slain doctor, who doubled as the Medical Director of Rikky Hospital, located along Ojo Road, in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos, left behind a widow, also a medical doctor, Francis Begh N Omeziri (nee Anamekwe).

The bizarre drama that has encapsulated the killing of her husband is more of a nightmare that reality. The police, who were supposed to assist in unravelling those behind her husband’s kidnap and murder, she claimed, are economical with the truth.

But the evolving scenario seemed not to interest the son of the deceased, Ugonna. His concern is for the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, to fish out his father ’s murderers.

“All I want is for the IGP to unravel the mystery behind my father ’s kidnap and subsequent murder; this is what I am interested in; not whether somebody was given money and he refused to pay or the police is being economical with the truth. If those who perpetrated the dastardly act are apprehended, the truth will come out,” he said.

tioned their authority’. Out of fear, Adewale reportedly replaced the mirror the following day, but his health deteriorated on Friday, July 27 and he was rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LASUTH, where he was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. He gave up the ghost on Monday, July 30.

Omololu, whose wedding, scheduled for October 20, 2012, has been canceled as a result of the tragedy, said the case has been reported at the Office of the Public Defender, Lagos State but that his family wants the authorities of Nigerian Army to bring the culprits to book.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 27

Country News

By Bilesanmi Olalekan

J

os used to be home to Nigerians of different nationalities and foreigners alike because of the serene atmosphere. But that appears to be in the past now as they leave the capital of Plateau State in droves, and that is for those who are lucky to be alive!

Hundreds of people would have died in the last three years when the crisis in the metropolis wore religious toga. Majority of the non-indegenes in the city - Yoruba from the West, Igbo from the East,the Ijaws from Niger-Delta - have lived all their lives there such that some of them could not trace their roots.

Such is the case of Yetunde Abosede Solomon who lost everything including her family to the crisis. This is the story of Yetunde who missed death on a day all the members of her family were wiped out and suddenly became a refugee in her father land. ”We were living in Bukuru area not far from the popular Ahmadu Bello Way in the Central Business District. We were formerly living around Lagos Road not far from the University of Jos campus before my dad, Mr Michael, got a parcel of land around Ahmadu Bello Way in 1992. As a matter of fact, my three younger siblings were born there. My dad, until 2007, was a staff of the Federal Ministry of Works.

He was an accountant.

He retired in 2007. My mother, Shade, had always been a full-time house wife but that did not mean she was not doing something. She was selling provisions. We knew no other place other than Jos. My dad told us that he was also born in Jos as his father migrated from Ilesha in Osun State in 1948. My dad was born in 1950. I think he met my mother in 1974. He married my mum few months later. I am the second child. Our first born, Segun,was born in 1975. I attended Command Secondary School before I later finished my programme at Kaduna Polytechnic. My elder brother, Segun,was an engineer. He was self employed as he sought employment every where without success, so he decided to help himself. Titilayo was my immediate younger sister.

She finished from University of Jos. She read theatre arts while Wale just finished serving. He finished from University of Abuja where he graduated as a political sciC M Y K

‘My entire family wiped out’ Christians were targeted,fortunately the attempted attack was nipped in the bud by security agencies.

The presence of the military personnel in strategic areas of Jos metropolis provided some relief or so it appeared until that fateful day. Yetunde had left for Kano, a less than four hours journey from Jos, the previous day to buy gold but her inability to get what she wanted on time made her to pass the night in the city.

Yetunde Abosede Solomon entist. Labake was the baby of the house even though she is already in 200 level accountancy in University of Jos. She was born in 1984",she stated.

For the Solomons, the Jos crisis, just like several others in their shoes, would always be resolved however bad it may be. But if it was not resolved, the Solomons knew they could not go any where because there was actually no where to return to. But January 12,2012 will be an unforgettable day in Yetunde’s life.

It is a scar that will forever remind her of how her entire family members perished, within two hours. Prior to that date, according to Yetunde, specifically early December 2011,there had been a disagreement in which some

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hat action became her saving grace. By the time she returned to Jos around 11a.m. the following day, initially, according to her,”I was not sure of where I was because I could not locate our house neither did I see any of my family members.

My dad, I learnt, was the first that got the death treatment. He had come to check who was at the door when he heard somebody knocking; so he was the first to be killed before the assailants moved in to kill the other members of my family and there after burnt down our four-bedroom bungalow.”

The Solomons, the survivor claimed, were not the only casualties in the senseless killing; many other houses on their

street were razed that day.

The houses, according to her, belonged to Christians. Unfortunately, government was slow in coming to their rescue such that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are yet to be apprehended. Majority of the survivors, mostly Christians, have had to flee as it became obvious that their lives were not secure. “If I have my way too,I will leave this country because this (Jos) was and

still the only place I have ever known. I have never been to the South, neither parents before their death, none of us ever visited and nobody visited us.

The unfortunate thing about this whole thing is the fact some of us that are victims know nothing about it but just because we are associated with a particular tribe which incidentally are Christians, that is why we are being persecuted”, she said as tears rolled down her eyes.

‘My husband raped my sister’

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA t profusely as she house wife Mrs. Titilayo Ojo wep rt, cou Lagos to dissolve begged an Alakuko customary being unfaithful to her. for her marriage to Mr. Abayomi Ojo band in 1988 and they beShe claimed to have met her hus later. The applicant accused came husband and wife two years her at the slightest provocathe respondent of always beating the husband forced her said tion. On one occasion, Titilayo had sex wit h her. you nge r sist er to bed and the court that Abayomi failed The mother of three also informed lly one of them suffering to care for their children, especia been the one responsible for epilepsy, adding that she had children‘s school fees. the feeding and payment of the dissolve the marriage, and Titilayo pleaded with the court to n, “as Abayomi is not a husgrant her custody of the childre by the chi ldr en. ” ban d wo rth y of em ula tion , adjourned the case for furThe court president, Mrs. Banigo who was not in court, to state ther hearing to enable Abayomi, his own side of the story.

A

Banker, TV presenter in divorce mess! *My wife was an adulterer – Husband *’The marriage was a mistake’

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA

A

banker, Mr. Olawale Adeyele, who was dragged before an Agege customary court, had his four-year old marriage crumbled like a pack of badly arranged cards as the court dissolved it with immediate effect.

The marriage dissolution was sequel to an application filed by his wife, Oladunni, a program presenter with an lkeja based television station.

Olawale had told the court that his wife lacked care for him and the children, adding that she transfered her marital responsibility to the housemaid who always cooked their food and arranged his bed.

The respondent claimed that his wife‘s past was still haunting her, as she refused to stop relating with her ex-lover on Face book despite the fact that his love for her

kept waxing stronger. He alleged that Oladunni was dating her boss, saying he got to know when he was invited to a social function. “I suspected that something was going on (between the wife and boss), and when I confronted her, she flared up and rained curses on me”. Olawale shed tears as he told the court that his wife packed out of her matrimonial home, a situation he said affected him so much so that he lost concentration at work and was suspended for three weeks. Olawale pleaded that the court should not dissolve the marriage, because he still loved the wife passionately.

However, Oladunni informed the court that they lived together as husband and wife for four years, but she did not enjoy every bit of the relationship.

She alleged that her husband indulged in beating her mother when she (the mother) came to help her nurse their baby. The situation, according to her, gave her serious

concern and made her lose interest in the marriage.

“I soon realized that I made a mistake getting married to him, because l`m no longer comfortable living with him and I don`t want to have hypertension”.

While delivering judgement, the court president, Mr. Emmanuel Shokunle, said that evidence before him revealed that the union had broken down irretrievably.

He therefore dissolved the marriage, and ordered that they should go their separate ways. Shokunle said the children should remain with their mother, while access was granted to Olawale at court premises every last Friday of the month.

The respondent was ordered to pay N10,000 monthly through the court for the upkeep of the children as well as N10,000 for school fees, while both parties should be responsible for the children‘s medical expenses.

28 —SUNDAY, Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012

With Ayo Onikoyi

08033286159

Glorious burial for Lady Philomena Okafor

L-R: Sir Emma Okafor and Nath Okechukwu, Chairman, Inter-Bau Construction Company

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R-L: Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor [son] Miss Awele Okafor [ daughter] ,Sir Emma Okafor [ husband] and Mr. Ndubuisi Okafor [ son]

he families of Okafor and Otiono of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, came together recently for the funeral service in honour of Lady Philomena Ozoemena Okafor who passed away in a ghastly automobile accident at Umutu in Delta State on her way to see her supervisor at Delta State University, Abraka, where she was completing her PhD programme at the age of 49. Many Notable personalities graced her funeral. Photos by Nath Onojake

L-R: Prof. Amos Utuama [SAN] Dep. Gov., Delta state , Dr.[Mrs] Nelly Utuama and Amb. Ralf Nwachie, President-General, Ohaneze-Ndigbo

Foundation stone-laying RCCG commissions social projects of St James Anglican

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he clergy and members of St. James Anglican Church, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos caught the eye of the entire Christendom when they laid the foundation stone for their church’s new building.

The laying of the foundation stone exercise was done by the Bishop of Badagry Diocese, Rt. Revd. J.B. Adeyemi.

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edeemed Christian Church of God, during its 60th Convention has shown its corporate social responsibility side by launching a people’s oriented project “Water for all Project” at Ipaja, Lagos. Some of the pastors at the commissioning are Pastor Victor Kayode, Pastor Femi Olunuga, Pastor Femi Rosonwo, Pastor Funsho Odesola, Pastor Don Kezie-ene and Samuel Olaniyan . Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

R-L: Hon.[Mrs] Joan Mrakpor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief B.S.C. Elue, former Dep. Gov., Delta State

Valerie Omoruyi bir thda birthda thdayy

mar ks marks

THE family of Otas Omoruyi, the Managing Director of Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja roled out the drums for the 16th birthday celebration of their daughter, Valerie Omoruyi , penultimate weekend in Lagos.

Family friends and friends of the celebrants were on hand to rejoice with the young lady.

L-R: Prince Kolade Roberts, Archdeacon G. Adeyeye, Bishop J.B. Adeyemi and Revd. O. Familoni of St. James Anglican Church

From left: Assist. Pastor in charge of LP1 Administrative, Pastor Victor Kayode, Pastor in charge of zone 6, Pastor Femi Olunuga and Pastor in charge of zone 12, LP1 Pastor Femi Rosonw

The celebrant, Valerie Omoruyi, with her mum's friends

Mrs Imo and other members of St. James Anglican Church

From left:: Assist. Pastor in charge of LP1 Administrative, Pastor Victor Kayode, Special Assist. to the G.O. on Administration/Personnel, Pastor Funsho Odesola, Head of Code of Conduct Bureau of Re- The celebrant being assisted by her parents, Mr & demption Camp, Pastor Don Kezie-ene and Assist. Mrs. Omoruyi and the brother, George Omoruyi to cut her birthday cake.

Pastor in charge of Province 1

SUNDAY, Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012 —29

Fidson thrills and rew ar ds shareholder rewar ards shareholderss With Ayo Onikoyi

08033286159

Moment of honour for the Ebireris

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t was a great day of merriment and celebration for the Ebireris’ as Engr,Dr,Chief John Ebireri was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Uvo and his wife Chief (Mrs) Catherine Ebireri as Ohovwore respectively in Okpe kingdom by HRH Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) the Orodje of Okpe kingdom, Delta State as part of his 6th year coronation anniversary ceremony in Orerokpe recently.

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anagement, staff and shareholders of Fidson Healthcare Plc storm Sheraton Hotel and Towers on Thursday for its 13th Annual General Meeting which was chaired by the chairman, Mr Felix Ohewerei. After a cocktail the business of the day ensued and it was the shareholders who smiled home after the company’s declaration of dividend of 10 Kobo was greeted by applause. Photos by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

L-R:Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, MD/CEO and Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, Chairman of the company.

HRM Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo(rtd) the Orodje of Okpe confering the titles of Uvo and Ohovwore on Chief and Chief(Mrs) John Ebireri

L-R: Mrs. Funmilola Ayebae, Director, Mr. Olatunde Olanipekun, ED, Finance and Mr Abiola Adebayo, ED, Operations.

Chief and Chief (Mrs) John Ebireri.

L-R: HRM Oba (Engr) Emmanuel Olugbenga Ajayi, Adetiloye II, the Olugbole of Igbole Ekiti kingdom, Chief(Mrs) Beatrice Raydom, Engr. Otumba Victor Raydom and Chief Gabby Okorare.

WBHS Old Boys meet in Rukevwe crowned beauty California Queen enator Ehigie Uzamere, representing Edo

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South and Barr. Raymos Guanah, former commissioner for Lands and Survey, Delta State at the Western Boys High School Old Boys Association national convention that took place in California USA from 27th to 29th July 2012

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iss Rukevwe Tive-Denedo, 14, was the crowned Queen as the Miss Owen Thomas College for the 2012/2013 academic year.

L-R:Mr. Emmanuel Imoagene, Director, Prof.

Oladipo Akinkugbe, Director and Mrs. Aisha

Sadauki, Director.

At Sugar aduation da Sugarff ield gr graduation dayy The Proprietor of Sugarfield Schools, Magboh, her management, staff, students and their parents came together in a happy celebratory mood at the School’s third graduation and prize giving day that held on Thursday, July 26th

Senator Ehigie Uzamere and Barr. Raymos Guanah

Rukevwe Tive-Denedo, Miss Owen Thomas College

T he Proprietor, Chief (Mrs) Roseline Amaka Ejiogu and her graduating students

PAGE 30— SUNDAY

VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 31

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 33

Every girl should have a second vocation to fall back on —Mrs Akinlebi

By CHIOMA ANIEGBOKA

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RS Taiwo Akinlebi is a multi-tal ented lady in her fifties, who be lieves that girls shouldn’t rely solely on educational qualifications for a career or a means of livelihood. Even though she dropped out of secondary school when she couldn’t cope any longer, she embraced fashion-designing and began to earn a good living. Later she added beads-making, which she learnt from her mother.

Recently she had a chat with Vista Woman on her profession, marriage, and life in general. Hear her.

“I hail from Abeokuta, in Ogun State, where I had both my primary and secondary school education. I left the latter at a point, to begin earning a living, so that I could render financial help in the family. I studied fashion designing, and set up my own outfit when I was 25. I then met my first husband and I became a mother. Sadly, I had to leave this marriage after having just one child, because of gross ill-treatment which I could no longer take. My advice to girls here is that it is important to wait patiently and pray hard for the right man to knock on your door for marriage. When I left that first marriage, I was so disenchanted with marriage that I felt that my unique mission was to dedicate the rest of my life to earning a living and looking after my child. After a while, when the fashion-designing business was no longer paying, I decided to embrace another vocation. I then learnt beads-making from my mother.

I would advise girls to embrace a second vocation even after their university education, so that they can always be in a position to render financial help in the family. One shouldn’t just keep on waiting for the right job to turn up. One should learn hand work from which money can be got for essentials.

After living with my parents for a while, I then met my second husband who turned out to be God-sent. He was such a caring, loving and responsible husband and father, and we had two children together. He more than made up for the scars from the first marriage. I thank my God. Unfortunately, he died ten years ago, and I was devastated, but life had to go on. I was lucky in that my husband’s people were very cooperative and have not been giving me any headache whatsoever.

They are supportive and peaceful. As a widow, I then turned fully to beads-making and it’s from the proceeds that I’m educating my children, all of whom are under twenty years of age. My daughter from my first marriage is married and has two children, so, I’m a grandmother of two. She too learnt beads-making, but hers is more modern and sophisticated than mine, and so,

Mrs Taiwo Akinlebi....A woman would earn her husband’s respect if he doesn’t have to be responsible financially for everything that she and the children need

more lucrative financially.

I do enjoy beads making very much. I still make outfits for people, but mainly on occasions like Sallah. Proceeds from that has dwindled considerably, and I get most of my earnings now from making beads. The art is quite interesting. I buy beads of different colours from markets on Lagos Island. Then my younger children help me to sort them out into various heaps. I now string them together with needle and thread, following the desired designs. I make lots of them and retailers come to buy them in dozens.

My children also help me to deliver the orders we get. With all modesty, I can say that my beads sell well. I hardly have any left in the house after making them to order.

I don’t have many challenges about my profession, but as I’m getting older, stringing the beads are becoming a bit difficult and stressful.

Selling them is never a problem.

As a widow, bringing up my children alone hasn’t been easy, but I have been able to be there for them at all times,

I would advise girls to embrace a second vocation even after their university education, so that they can always be in a position to render financial help in the family

because I’ve been working from home. So, none of them has been neglected. I want my children to be well-educated so that they can stand a chance of having good jobs later, and living a passably good life.

I’ve taught them to help me with this work, so that they would know the importance of working hard, and that money just doesn’t fall into one’s lap. They’re trying. Also, they know that they shouldn’t rely solely on university training for their means of livelihood.

They have this to fall back on at any time, or, even do on the side. It is important for a wife to be in a position to help financially in her home, and not leave all the expenses to the husband. Things are very difficult these days, with people losing their jobs at any time, high unemployment and very slow business.

A woman would earn her husband’s respect if he doesn’t have to be responsible financially for everything that she and the children need.

Women should be up and doing because they are the pillars of the society as they raise children to be responsible citizens with good morals and a high sense of responsibility. Women shouldn’t be lazy and they should bring up children who are not lazy. Hard work doesn’t kill any body.

But for my vocation, I wouldn’t have been able to look after my children when I lost my husband. Things would have been very tough for us all, and we would have suffered lack, but I thank God for giving me a hardworking mother who raised me well.

I’m satisfied with my work and my modest earnings, as I have never begged nor borrowed from anyone to feed and clothe me and my children.

PAGE 34— SUNDAY

VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

2013 fiscal framework and the debt stock

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HE recent approval of 2013 fiscal framework with projected revenue of N3.891 trillion and N4.929trillion for expenditure by the Federal Government, while 2012 Budget is still in implementation stage and has been contested by House of Representatives as well as various interest groups has sparked controversy in the economy. While some financial analysts said government should handle economic activities systematically to enhance development, others are of the opinion that government ought to have evaluated the performance of 2012 budget to ascertain the impact on the economy before jumping into 2013 fiscal framework.

President Goodluck Jonathan at a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting said that the fiscal framework must be submitted to the National Assembly by September.

Giving insight into what prompted the immediate approval of the financial document, the co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said, “the work for budget for 2013 must start early this year, that is why we have the fiscal strategy paper this early. Once we finish it, we will transmit the document to the National Assembly.

“We are working on the basis of crude oil production projection of 2.53 million barrels a day, against 2.48 million barrels a day in 2012, and benchmark price of $75 a barrel against $72 a barrel in 2012. Fiscal deficit will be reduced to 2.17 per cent in 2013, from 2.85 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is below the three per cent as prescribed by the fiscal responsibility bill.

Also, the 2013 budget will include a new approach to managing debt in the economy.”

She added, “We have been managing the yearly domestic borrowing from N852bn in 2011 to N744bn in 2012 and we are projecting N727bn in 2013. Therefore by 2015, we want to bring the yearly borrowing down to N500billion, not the entire debt stock.

Most importantly, with the approval of the President, we want to start a sinking fund and will devote about N25billion into the fund in order to start putting money aside to retire the debt also built up. Also, N75billion will be set aside to retire a bond that will be due in February 2013.

“In 2013 budget, recurrent expenditure is reduced from 71.47 per cent of the total budget in 2012 down to 68.66 per cent. So we are continuing the trend by increasing capital

expenditure from 28.53 per cent in 2012 to 31.34 per cent in 2013. Government is intensifying efforts to improve the implementation of 2012 budget, which was already at 41.3 percent as at 20th June and 2013 budget proposal will be anchored on the key goal of 2013-2015 Medium Term Framework designed to create jobs,” she maintained.

The Minister stressed that by 2015, yearly borrowing must be brought down to N500billion and not the entire debt stock, when the recent statistics released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) stated that Nigeria’s total debt stock as at March 2012 was N6.8 trillion, which translates to $44 billion. Out of the total amount, N5.96 trillion ($38.3 billion) is said to be domestic debt and N919 billion ($5.9 billion) is external debt, only seven years after the muchtalked about debt cancellation.

Nigeria’s debt stock analysis: 2007 $22billion 2008 $23.228 billion 2009 $25.8 billion 2010 $32 billion 2011 $39.7 billion

In 2005 the national debt was estimated at $36 billion.

Worried by the huge debt

Dr. Okonjo Iweala

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STORIES BY UDEME CLEMENT

advising government to run the economy coherently to ensure sustainable development.

The fiscal framework will ensure early passage of budget: Mr. Richard Tinubu, Management and Financial Consultant to Osun State government. “The fiscal framework will ensure early passage of budget for investments to thrive.

“Many people are complaining about the aspect

If the National Assembly approves the budget on time then it will fast track economic growth because by January the appropriation bill would have been ready

stock, the Nigerian government made effort to pay the Paris club $12 billion to secure a debt relief of $18 billion. Interestingly, the debt relief was obtained through the initiative of the then Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who is currently the Minister of Finance and the co-ordinating minister of the economy.

Meanwhile allocation for domestic debt service alone in 2012 appropriation bill was N559.6 billion, which is higher than allocation for power that is the most pressing need in the economy. This explains why most financial experts are

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of debt, forgetting that government needs money to finance capital projects. This implies that government will continue to borrow to execute capital projects if the economy must develop to attract foreign investments.

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financial analyst and Managing Director, Lambeth Trust & Investment Company Limited, Mr David Adonri said, “The approval of the fiscal framework is a welcome development. It means the ministry of finance is trying to conclude work on time on the budget. If the National Assembly approves

the budget on time then it will fast track economic growth because by January the appropriation bill would have been ready.

“Another issue is that the budget components may not be friendly with the financial market because of the high level of debt. When over 26 per cent of a budget for the entire economic year is funded by debt, the tendency is that it may not be friendly with the economy”.

An operator of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), Mr. Silas Igwe in a chat with Sunday Business, on the 2013 fiscal framework said, “We noted that the Finance Minister explained that the recurrent expenditure will decline from 71.47 per cent in 2012 to 68.66 per cent in 2013 and continue to decline in the medium-term. According to her, capital expenditure is expected to rise from 28.53 per cent in 2012 to 31.34 per cent in 2013 and will continue the same way in the medium-term.

These are laudable ideas. But beyond the figures we have on paper, we want to see positive impact on the economy in terms of boosting the growth of SMEs across the country.

Government should take proactive steps to develop the sub-sector of SMEs in order to achieve relative full employment in the economy.

Private sector partnership must be encouraged, because government alone does not have the capacity to provide jobs for a population of over 160million.

‘The risk-focused banking supervision option’

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EGULATORS in the banking industry have been advised to embrace risk-focused banking supervision technique as a new tool to deal effectively with the new challenges posed by globalisation and liberalisation in the financial system to ensure efficiency in banking supervision.

The Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof. Akpan Ekpo, gave this advice at the opening ceremony on ‘Banking supervision, intermediate level’, organised by WAIFEM in collaboration with the College of supervision of West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), in Lagos, stressing that the financial markets have become global and the use of administrative controls to restrict the activities of financial intermediaries is no longer in vogue.

He went on, “In recent years, the international banking scene has witnessed strong trends toward globalisation and

consolidation of the financial system. Therefore, the stability of the financial system has become a major challenge to bank regulators and supervisors throughout the world. A relatively new tool to deal effectively with the new challenges is risk-focused banking supervision.

“Risk banking supervision requires optimising the synergy from different activities, including regulatory and supervision functions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the supervisory process. It entails development and maintenance of a dynamic supervisory plan that responds to the organisation’s changing risk profile. The successful implementation of risk-focused supervision needs the existence of efficient risk management architecture, adoption of risk-focused internal audit, a strengthened management information system, and well trained personnel in risk management and risk-based audit.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Financial Policy and

Regulation, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Shola Awoyungbo explained, “Banking is different from other businesses because it is the engine growth of the economy. The role of WAIFEM is to build capacity on economic and financial

management to ensure that banks operating within the West African sub-region work in synergy to enhance trade facilitation and core banking efficiency in terms of modern payment system and funds transfer”.

From left: Head, Bab-Es-Salam Home, Ikeja, Imam Hassan Tahir; Head of Nurses, Bab-Es-Salam Home, Ikeja, Mrs. Wasilat Abdusalam; Assistant Head, Bab-Es-Salam Home, Ikeja, Imam Mohammed Shaaban and Assistant Communications Manager, Chain Reactions Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Adejumoh, during the ‘Airwick Ramadan Scent Room’ Activation at Bab-Es-Salam Home, G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012PAGE, 35

By Gift Gabriel

I learnt never to limit my brain —Steve Sodiya, award winning Film Editor to school, and this is causing a huge problem in our society”, the ace film maker said.

The world of make-believe Steve, who had become a veteran in graphic designing as at eighteen years ago, saw an untapped goldmine- the Nigerian film industry.

“At that time, the movie industry was about migrating into non-linear editing. I actually had to go online to learn more about it because I had a background in computer graphics. I picked interest while helping them to pair some of their computers then because I noticed there were very few people who could do such kinds of editing. Under one year in the industry, I trained a lot of editors, and, since then, it has been from one job to another.

“They didn’t need to start inviting experts from abroad because I was here doing it for them and training other editors too. The real explosion started around 1996 and 1997, and I could remember how many studios I set up.

I have my name on so many big projects, even outside the film industry, and one thing about me is that I love doing tasking jobs”, Steve said, feeling fulfilled.

BY GIFT GABRIEL

The drastic revolution in film editing which greeted Nollywood around 1996 and 1997 can hardly be discussed without any mention of multitalented Steve Sodiya. He has the editing of great works like The Figurine and Jenifa to his credit, and has continued to groom editors for the industry. His life defies the popular maxim which says the Jack of all trades ends up a master of none. Though from a comfortable background, from his childhood, Steve knew it was best to acquire as many skills as possible. He is perpetually hungry for knowledge and this informed his going to enrol as a electronics apprentice immediately after secondary school. He is a computer scientist, business administrator, technology expert, film editor and director, and lots more.

Despising peer influence HILE his peers waited idly for admission into tertiary institution, Steve humbly enrolled as an apprentice at a local electronics shop on the same street where he lived at Ilasamaja, Lagos. For a teenager from a comfortable home, that earned him mockery from his friends who wondered why he would “stoop so low”. Fifteen years old Steve was however not ready to yield to peer influence.

“As a child, I had a lawyer who taught me to call him my friend though he was like an uncle. He was a civil engineer and a practising lawyer at the same time, and was also doing several other things. He told me never to limit my brain because no knowledge could ever be a waste. This influenced my studying three different courses. I learnt from him that I could do several things and still do them well.

My late father was also an indirect influence. He was working with an insurance company and was also doing several other things”, he said.

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Gaining knowledge Steve began by learning first from his older brother who resided in the United States.

In his quest for knowledge, he would sit close to him while he worked with his gigantic laptop while on holiday in Nigeria.

With a little bit of online researching, he polished his knowledge, and, by the time he gained admission into the

Steve Sodiya.....Don’t wait for your certificate before you start making impact

With a little bit of online researching, he polished his knowledge, and, by the time he gained admission into the Yaba College of Technology to study computer science, he was already servicing, selling and training people on the use of computer

create jobs from there like I have done for myself and many others over the years.

I’ve actually never tendered my certificate for employment in my entire life. I went to school because I needed knowledge. Most people do not know why they’re going

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Yaba College of Technology to study computer science, he was already servicing, selling and training people on the use of computer. He also became a teacher to his lecturers.

“Don’t wait for your certificate before you start making impact. There is dignity in labour. If you’re wise enough to go and study automobile engineering in a technical college, and then set

up your own workshop later on, people would come to patronise you because you’re smart and educated enough for them to relate with. Cars break down every day and need to be serviced! Don’t sit down waiting for a professional degree.

“There are so many people who have the intelligence strong enough to handle multiple tasks. You could

Goal setting “The first thing young people should learn to ask themselves is whether they are going to school just because they want to go to school. You must have a goal, but if your goal is so tiny that it is just to go to school and be employed, then it is too shallow.

Sometimes you end up finding that where you are heading to is not necessarily based on your first degree. The first degree might just be a foundation to where you’re going to. So, even when you’re yet to get your first degree, you can still follow your path”, he said.

Steve with Funke Akindele

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning today is young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. – Henry Ford.

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PAGE 36—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

REMINISCING ON EDO AHEAD OF ONDO

Nigerians are not satisfied with the electoral process — Igini M

r. Mike Igini is the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Cross River State. He means different things to different people. His first year in office in the state was full of controversy. Some perceive him to be too finicky - especially members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP - while others within the ranks of opposition parties call him a messiah. In this interview with Johnbosco Agbakwuru, he speaks on the journey so far and areas of improvement.

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Mike Igini, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Cros River State

promote fairness in the political parties’ primary process and the amendments were not even widely disseminated to stakeholders, we spoke out publicly to highlight the setback of such changes to our democratic process.

It may interest or alarm you to know that even some lawyers and judges had to call on us for extant copies of these laws to apprise themselves of the changes. To alter such key laws should involve wide consultations and inputs of affected and interested parties, and should not be a fly-by-night technique.

Another area of key interest is the level of voter awareness of their role in the political process. It’s sad and very depressing to hear that some people still sell their voter cards, solicit pecuniary rewards in exchange for votes, people who lend themselves to be used for election malpractices.

How is the commission preparing for the possibility of electronic voting system in 2015 since it appears that many people are clamouring for it now?

As l have said previously, one of the challenges of public service delivery is the array of stakeholders that would

have to be consulted or taken into account before some clear and implementable policies could be adopted. The commission as the chairman declared publicly has been developing some templates in the area of e-voting that would require legal backing by the National Assembly which is

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Would you say that all that you have done or tried to achieve in the last two years in public office is worth the appointment?

Well I have had my highs and my lows. I have had experiences that have given me better insights into the political and social context in which elections are conducted, which should be taken to account regarding administration of elections. I have also realised that while these local issues are important, globally the values of democratic elections are shaping into commonly accepted practices, from which deviations should not vary too significantly.

The efforts of the last two years are, therefore, based on these parameters, I chose to say we, because while leadership competency is important for success in election, a lot of collective efforts on the part of many stakeholders are necessary.

But specifically speaking on areas where I have expended efforts, I will like to point out a few key areas. One is the fact that the legislative template guiding elections, namel y, t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n , t h e Electoral Act and the derivative guidelines of INEC are the DNA that directs the activities and actions of the electoral system. It is unfortunate that election stakeholders do not take this fact seriously enough, and that is why l keep reminding stakeholders through various fora, on the need to keep their eyes on the ball and take ownership of the process.

For instance, when some amendments were made to sections 31 and 87(9) of the Electoral Act that would not

in Nigeria - could use such simple methods, why can’t Nigeria achieve it?

Also, if it is impossible for an ATM user, for instance, who has made the maximum withdrawal of N150,000 a day in Lagos to attempt more withdrawal within Lagos, or even if he decides to fly to Abuja the same day, why is it not possible also to make it impossible for a voter who has voted to be unable to vote again anywhere within the Registration Area or the LGA? We can use E-authentication and voting at the same time to reduce this long period of managing a crowd during accreditation from 8-12noon, and again managing the same crowd during voting. With the usual holidays on election days and an e-authentication and voting at the same time, there will be longer hours of voters participation in voting from 8am to say 2 or 3pm and early close of poll, collation and final declaration You were quoted recently to be calling for more openness in the appointment of Commissioners into INEC. What exactly do you mean?

My call in the last few years, not just recently, for openness in the appointment of Commissioners and indeed all offices that require Senate confirmation, especially INEC, is

It may interest or alarm you to know that even some lawyers and judges had to call on us for extant copies of these laws to apprise themselves of the changes.

out of the purview of the commission. Other templates that form part of the EVS that are purely procedural such as electronic authentication of a voter using his or her voters card, am sure will come on stream when the commission shall have considered all other measures that would take the electoral process to a higher level by 2015.

If lndia with over a billion people with a high level of illiteracy - an argument that people usually advance here

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essentially to highlight the need to have open screening on the floor of the Senate, like nominees for ministerial positions where questions are put to them and not just a committee screening alone.

This is necessary in order to give the voting public and other stakeholders a greater say in the process of appointing election Commissioners at all levels, given the sensitivity of the office and the role played as election managers in relation to elective offices,

and the collective destiny of people at various levels. I am of the view that the credibility of the confirmation process by the Senate would be enhanced further, if the public is allowed to scrutinize public records or the performance credentials of such nominees, especially from their own communities where such records will be examined from the earliest stages up to the last office held. This is important because apart from competencies for the job, trust, personal integrity, and honesty are intangible, and are indeed essential to an umpire just as we were told in our university days in Benin, that we can only graduate if we are found worthy in character and learning.

Given the ongoing oil-subsidy fraud case, what do you think such level of fraud will have on the sustainability of the democratic project in Nigeria?

It is important for those who fraudulently abuse public service delivery policies to appreciate the fact that, the idea of subsidies arose from the notion that government needs to intervene in providing goods and services which will not be well provided by the markets, or for which there will be potential market failure if left to the forces of demand and supply alone. For such goods if you allow private interests alone to provide it based on demand and supply, many will suffer because it will not be provided adequately for all who need them but may be unable to afford the market value, hence subsidies are usually provided for goods that are regarded as public goods such as healthcare, education, and so forth.

This is what some privileged folks have abused thoroughly, what Nigerians arguably should enjoy from governance. Given the scale of alleged fraud which has been established by several government and legislative committees and now requires only judicial interpretation to establish the nature and extent of criminality and the culpable parties involved, it is very sad indeed, because it goes to the very heart of public

Continues on page 37

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 37

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lorogun Kenneth Gba gi is a lawyer, a politician, an administrator, a criminologist, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, former Minister of State, Education, former Chairman, Nigerian Legal Aid Council and first African Rotary Arch-Klumph.

In this interview, Gbagi bares his mind on politics of his state, Delta, the PDP, and his ambition to become the next governor of Delta. He also speaks on the recent closure of his shopping mall in Warri by state officials.

Effectively, the governor is the leader of the party and we hear that you are not in the good books of the incumbent in Delta State. How will you secure the PDP ticket?

I will contest the governorship election in Delta State by the grace of God. I have heard people come to me, NGOs, persons, claiming that the governor has promised to do any and everything to stop me from the governorship race. But please, my situation is very simple, it is only God that names governors, it is only God that knows who will be the next governor of Delta State. I will do my best and leave the rest to God. But my consolation is the fact that I founded the PDP, I was the first citizen of the PDP in Delta

Gbagi: Zoning is not an issue in Delta governorship

Kenneth Gbagi State.

Do you think politicians from others zones will give you the opportunity to rule Delta after this when they are expecting power to move to another part of the state?

Your question again has constitutional implication. Nigeria, since the inception of this democracy, has not recognized anything called zoning.

Zoning has not been a part of the fabric of this government or the PDP or any party for that matter. I have a con-

stitutional right to exercise my wish to contest an election. By the grace of God, I will contest the election under PDP and will wait for such person or persons in Delta State with a greater credential to meet me in the battle field.

What is your take on the last congresses in Delta State?

Politically, the state of awareness in the country is emerging and changing positively on a daily basis and where we have a Kangaroo arrangement of hijacking congresses and hijacking elections as though we are slaves is over. At the appropriate time, we will have to vote as a result of the fear of God, vote right and our people will put their support where they believe it will matter and where they believe it will be of help to them. We have suffered as a people; we have been truncated as a people; it will appear as though we are not part of the modern democracy but everything as I said has got its time and let the will of God prevail.

Do you mean that zoning is dead in the PDP? I say categorically as one of the stakeholders of PDP that zoning has not been practised

in PDP and, at every given time from the presidential to the governorship elections, people have not been asked to extinguish their rights to vote the way they wanted.

Therefore, let the best emerge

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By Emma Ujah & Henry Umoru

Zoning has not been a part of the fabric of this government or the PDP or any party for that matter

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in Delta State.

Do you think the PDP as a platform will see you through given the poor image of the party on democracy dividends delivery?

I have told the governor that he needs to do ten times harder a job to better the fortunes of PDP in the state.

As regards trusting PDP, you’ll agree with me that

Oshiomhole of Edo State was voted as Oshiomhole because of his ability to perform. Everybody today knows that Gbagi has contributed his quota in creating employment irrespective of the hard and difficult terrain in Delta State.

Everybody knows that I have become the most invested individual because of the transparent nature of my wealth.

Everybody knows what I did as Minister for Education when I was there; everybody knows what I did as the Chairman of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria. These records are there for people to judge and deduce therefrom. It is my hope that with the unfolding situation, Deltans will be better, come the next election, to make the right decision to see the right persons are allowed, instead of an imposition, to rule Delta State.

There are what we call compelling facts beyond the imagination of man and the old order. I believe strongly in the PDP. We have a PDP government somewhere else in the country that is performing. I liken that to the situation in Rivers for instance, Akwa Ibom for instance, and I say, categorically, it is time for the so-called engine of the PDP to make sure that it looks deep down into the situation in Delta State and right the wrong of the state. Failure to so do means catastrophe is inevitable.

Nigerians are not satisfied with the electoral process — Igini Continued from page 36 welfare, upon which developmental interventions by government is anchored.

The democratic project should be justified by its welfare maximizing potentials, in other words, the only reason we make bold to say that we are supervising elections as an important process is because it is a means to the end of maximizing the welfare of the people through those chosen by the people at elections. The capacity for democracy to do so better than other alternatives is the raison d’être for the embrace of democracy which is at the heart of our jobs.

There is a current debate on the possibility of creating more states, this may alter the structure and functions of INEC? My take is where are we going with the matter of state creation if we have been shouting about the non-viability of the existing states? If we consider the size of bureaucracies that were used to deliver the enduring development that subsists today from the era of

Awolowo, Azikiwe and Bello and compare it with what has been achieved by the multiple bureaucracies that have been created since then through states and LGA creation, the only thing that has been growing is the cost of bureaucracies and not their benefits.

In my view state creation must be justified by the viability of the states that will be created. it is even surprising that we vilify the military governments so much, yet we carry forward all the structures and actions for which we vilified them. Under the military, states and local governments were created using opaque criteria that were never fully justified, hence today we have local governments in some states that are nothing short of glorified unviable administrative units, which do not benefit any public, some have never added any value, have never delivered any basic services and that is why everyone turns to the federal government for the minutiae that should be addressed at local level. If we need development units or growth points as

strategic development focal points, government at all levels can establish that using extant structures and a viable implementation plan.

The only justification we can emote for any state creation in my view is perhaps one state from the South East, for the sake of equity if we are going to federate on the basis of geopolitical zones. Indeed it will expand the structure and work of INEC, but the question is, whether it is necessary?

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he exclusive list of the Nige rian federal system has been expanding from 44 items in the 1960s to 68 under the 1999 constitution rather than shrinking in order to make the states and LGA centres of development. This anomaly, a product of military governments have been carried over by civilian governments, and while politicians are loud when they condemn military governments, they talk in low tones when you ask them to reform or do away with the arbitrary states and LGA the mili-

tary Generals created without equitable criteria.

Some civil society leaders recently threw their weight behind the single tenure proposal for elected executives, while some powerful groups have also opposed it, what is your position on this debate?

From my standpoint as an election umpire, I can tell you that transition of power is a very delicate business for any polity, and in-so-far as we can find mechanisms that can make it more stable, such mechanisms should be given due consideration. What is best administered is best given that both system of single or two terms have merits and demerits. For example, there is a rethink in South Korea, returning from 5 years single term to two term system. But I feel that from experience, what often causes problems is that political groups and their members often look at their political advantage before the public advantage of any policy. Given that the single tenure will be viewed from such political lenses, it will be difficult to see how it can be exhausted for its merits. Some have argued for it, saying that the incumbency fac-

PAGE 38—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

Oshiomhole as a political enigma

BY PATRICK OBAHIAGBON (IGODOMIGODO)

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Patrick Obahiagbon

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OMRADE Adams A l i y u Oshiomhole is one labour activist that Nigerians will always hold in high esteem.He has in fact cut a sui generis image for himself.

He gained international recognition and endeared himself to millions of Nigerians when he fought the military and the then President Olusegun Obasanjo doggedly on the issues of petroleum price increment and salaries and wages of workers.

On several occasions, Oshiomhole led serious protests and strikes which eventually crippled the economy of the country for days. He was however not enmeshed in the arms of revolutionary Morpheus not to be conscious of the effects of such strikes on the solar plexus of our national economy. He therefore never hesitated to also call it off, each time government showed any form of seriousness in addressing the issues raised. It was in this period of our national history that Oshiomhole carved a niche for himself as President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for eight years. But while he was in the NLC, it has now become crystal clear that his revolutionary lenses were dialectically fixated on the political economy of Edo State and how he could engeander a rupture and suppuration of the politics of prebendal godfatherism that has held the state ransom by its jugular.

Having weighed the strengths of all the political parties in the state, Oshiomhole decided to join the then Action Congress (AC) now Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), where he picked the ticket of the party to square up with Prof.Osarhiemen Osunbor of the PDP in the 2007 governorship battle. It was a titanic duel and a battle of the giants but the people of Edo voted massively for him at the end of the day even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was to later declare .Osunbor of the PDP winner of the election to the chagrin and maniacal bewilderment of many Nigerians and Edo people in particular.

The rejection of the result by the people of the state was not hidden as commercial motor cycle riders (Okada), market women, youths all came out to protest the result. However, in order not to cause anarchy in the state and allow the rule of law to take its course, Oshiomhole urged his supporters to be patient while the judiciary looks into the

Oshiomhole’s developmental projects endeared him to the people of the state. As a result, he started harvesting many leaders of the PDP into the ACN

matter. The election petition tribunal in the state declared Oshiomhole the authentic winner of the April 14, 2007 governorship election, annulling the election of .Osunbor. But the PDP went to the Appeal Court to contest the judgment. The protracted legal battle came to an end on November 11, 2008, when the Court agreed with the judgment of the lower court, declaring Oshiomhole, the winner of the election. We must at this juncture bring under focal hiceps and biceps that when Oshiomhole was campaigning for the election, he mounted serious campaigns against the politics of god fatherism in the

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state and vowed to free the people from the bondage of the PDP. He was never in doubt that Osadebe Avenue was not a tea party neither was it about pepper-souping and goat-heading. It was not startling therefore that after he was sworn in as Governor in November 12, 2008, Oshiomhole immediately commenced work having found out the problems of the state. Infrastructure and industries in the state were in comatose. The governor identified flooding as a major problem in the state and he therefore took his time to plan how to effectively tackle the problem.

Having assembled an economic team which comprised of

technocrats, he put all machinery in place to tackle the problems of the state.

While working tirelessly to ensure that he fulfilled all he promised the people of the state, Oshiomhole started his political dominance in the state after he defeated the PDP in the three re-run elections in the two Akoko Edo House of Assembly seats and Etsako Central. And in all the elections, he campaigned vigorously preaching the doctrine of one man one vote, a doctrine that the Presidency is gradually buying into today. He commenced the N30billion Benin water storm project, flagged off road construction in many communities in the three senatorial districts. With the beautification of Benin City, embarking on massive water projects, particularly in Edo Central, Oshiomhole’s developmental projects endeared him to the people of the state. As a result, he started harvesting many leaders of the PDP into the ACN and commenced the crumbling of the political empire of the former chairman Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih. His avalanche of coruscating developmentalism paid off when during the 2011 National and State Assembly elections,the people of the state reciprocated his gesture by voting massively for the ACN. The result of the election actually gave an insight into how the 2012 governorship election will be. But the only fear particularly after the Kogi election, which was massively rigged in favour of the PDP, was that they may also apply “Federal Might” in capturing Edo State. But, apart from

being governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole has contributed immensely in the stabilization of the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

During the fuel subsidy brouhaha and ASUU and NLC strike actions, Oshiomhole came to the rescue of the Federal Government by ensuring that the contending issues were resolved amicably.

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herefore, when the July 14, 2012 governorship election came, Oshiomhole only pleaded to the INEC and the Federal Government to remain neutral and allow the wish of the people of the state prevail.

He travelled throughout the nooks and cranny of the state mobilizing voters to ensure and bring about the nunc dimitis of god fatherism by voting against the PDP. He campaigned with the agility of a monkey and the perfervid pigmentation of a crusading missionary. You needed to behold the triumphant welcome and messahianic reception that greeted his arrival in each of this political rallies. I saw this all as there was no political rally I was not physically present as his Director of Rallies. Oshiomhole secured a landslide victory in the state by scoring 477,478 as against the 144,235 votes polled by his closest rival, Gen. Airhiavbere. And the voting pattern indicated that he received overwhelming support in all the 18 local governments of the state. PDP did not even win any, including Edo Central, an area earlier regarded as the PDP enclave. His victory was anticipated because even the traditional institution in the state led by the Benin monarch, and the Enigies appreciated his developmental strides in the state. With what he has achieved so far for the people of Edo, despite the paucity of funds, one wonders if Nigerians as a whole will not be blessed to have an Adams Oshiomhole as President of the country someday. *Obahiagbon, an ACN chieftain in Edo State, was a member of the House of Representatives.

The first Owan senator at golden age

BY DADA AYOKHAI

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UGUST 12 is a special day in the Yisa Braimoh household of Ihievbe community. It is a day full of significance. That it fell during the Ramadan period, the holy month in the Muslim calendar, this time around, makes it even more special and significant. Elsewhere, it was simply a normal day in the sense that people carried on with their daily chores unmindful of the day ’s significance. But in Ihievbe town, in Owan East L.G.A of Edo State, it was indeed a day of double joy for the citizenry as well as the Braimoh dynasty as their illustrious son, Senator Yisa Braimoh,

the most celebrated and successful politician to emerge from the Owan axis of Edo North Senatorial district of Edo State, joined the exclusive septuagenarian club. The day’s significance is two fold: first, the patriarch’s 70th birthday, a date he shared with his late mother, Hajia Awawu Braimoh who passed on 5 years ago; second, it serves both as remembrance and celebration of the life and times of a living legend.

Seventy is golden age which also has Biblical significance.

So, for attaining this milestone and in good health too, “Uncle B”, as associates, colleagues, and well wishers

call him, is hereby admitted into the “Senior Citizens Club” which also confers reverence, respect and wisdom. Before his Senate sojourn between 2007 and 2011, which makes him the first Owan person to be elected as a senator representing Edo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, he was already a political activist and juggernaut in Owan in particular and Edo State in general, with this paving the way for his eventual smooth political ascension. Yisa Braimoh remains a role model and reference point in humility, hard work, philanthropy, homemaking,

discipline and uprightness.

In appreciation of his numerous contributions and generous acts of philanthropy to the less privileged, this frontline socialite and sportsman has several chieftaincy titles to his credit.

A few of them are Seriki Musulumi of Afenmai land, Osizokhai (God appointed leader) of Auchi kingdom, Uzoyare (comforter) of Emai land, Ininame (the Hippopotamus) of Ihievbe, Okaruro (Field Marshal) of Ikao land and Onulumo of Central UnemeClan.

Welcome to the club of the 70s

*Ayokhai, a media consultant, lives in Benin.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 39

LEST WE FORGET: Advertising 101 (2) M

C M Y K

most advert messages is not appreciative of marketing and advertising objectives. This is commonly evident in campaigns in support of banks and other financial instructions.

Agreed that as a result of the sloppy nature of banking in this economy, there is hardly any concrete element of b r a n d differentiation, there could still have been a creative way out, even if for reason of corporate p e r s o n a l i t y.

Banking brands suffer so much from improperly articulated basis of professional competence, some businesses are placed in the hands of incompetent hands based on emotional considerations and personal interest. Some others base such decision on cost!

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his is much more so with the Asian-owned businesses, always seeking ways of short-circuiting on such monetary engagement but will want the best of service. Such considerations would see the prospective client settle for nonprofessionals because deciding otherwise would mean paying “more” for better quality service!

Interestingly “paying less for

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EDIA PLANNING & BUYING the third of the tripod on which the practice stands, broadly. Whatever research and planning findings is arrived at in generating the creative materials for any campaign also influences the media planning and buying decisions. Media issues are so important to the over-all success of any campaign that the ideal team is critical of the quality of human resource entrusted with such roles. It requires statistical analysis and cost-benefits and returnon-investment needle-eye analysis to achieve setobjective profitably.

The professional media planning and buying process is all about expenditures and resource allocation that must yield gains in quantifiable terms.

Therefore, the professional planner must determine the cost of delivering the brand's message to the target audience, such that will enable the desired action from the target to translate into earning. Therefore statistical analysis must run through, to identify who and where the target audience for that message is and where and what time he/she can be reached.

Add to that, the professional media planner (and buyer) should be competent enough to determine that mass media vehicle that will, among alternatives, will connect most profitably with the target.

In appreciation of the intellectual and professional demands for effective brands management, the ideal advertising agency invests heavily on post degree and on-the-job training of their human resources. Beyond making money, the products of the professional brands management team educates, enlightens, entertain and excite the public's senses. It is one discipline with a whole lot of direct influence on the individual and the entire society, as it is the most important stimulant for trade and commerce.

Such practice of great influence should not be left to non-professionals, if investors and consumers must actualise their desires. Unfortunately, however, what we have today is a situation where professionals are idle while hustlers and business men in the posture of advertising practitioners holding sway in an environment so impactful and delicate (it's about influencing the human mind), when professionals are not engaged, because of several mundane and selfish considerations.

Rather than engage professionals/ agencies on the

causes critical changes in brand image, consumer perception and buying pattern, of global ripple. A professionally articulated brand support initiative based on sound strategic reasoning will surely crystallize in market success in quantifiable and non-quantifiable sense.

I

t is clear, therefore, that it is primarily in the interest of brand owners to leave their brand(s) in the hands of professionals that can actualise their expectation.

What we now see as campaign materials (mostly on conventional media) is highly deficient in purposeful strategic thinking and creative

The concept of single-mindedness in brand appreciation, brand message generation and campaign development has become alien to some modern day advertising (mobile) agencies

more” is not an investment concept that yields positive results with effective and profitable brand management.

Brand management is a social science engagement that requires highly professional competences, a process that culminates in brand image development and perception; a scientific process that connects the investor's reason-for-being with the anticipated target market (without which there can be no return on investment).

Someone opined that doing business without advertising is like whistling in the dark. It

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interpretation. Most advert copies are either not written by creative advertising copy writers or are hurriedly put together without recourse to basic professional basic imperatives. The concept of single-mindedness in brand appreciation, brand message generation and campaign development has become alien to some modern day advertising (mobile) agencies.

Hence most advert messages are not clear on purpose and intent.

One can further infer from most advert materials today, that the process of generating

campaign that if the market was truly competitive, a lot of them would have closed shop.

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obody cares anymore, but successful marketing requires that that which must be done must be done well. Determining all of the above can only be by a trained mind.

So we ask WHO MANAGES YOUR BRAND. The training my contemporaries and I had is based on global best practice.

The discipline was scientific, intellectually involving, engaging systematic execution at every step of the process. It is purposeful. In the days past, brand managers are more critical of who manages their brands. Decision on which advertising agency to be engaged was strictly based on professional competence open to judgment amongst informed minds, after a comprehensive pitch session involving anything from two to 5 agencies. I remember how importantly pitches were taken then. Fireworks that take place within the agency in preparation for such engagement then were training sessions by themselves.

At such times, every single individual accounts for his/ professional competence and relevance. The creative process then permeates research and strategic planning, creative visuals (words and pictures), media planning for proposals, and even accounting, depending on the prospective client/ brand. The process was allinvolving. Key personnel go for days in office.

The most interesting aspect of it all is that the drive for excellence then was not wholly based on financial gains for the agency. The principal focus

was on developing campaign messages that: 1.Will properly position the brand in such a way that the target audience will simply connect with it, for his/her benefit 2.Properly represent or position the brand for what it truly represents (brand positioning) 3.Help the brand and brand owner achieve set-marketing objectives.

For us then (which has become a way of life for some of us now) the challenge was achieving the client's advertising and marketing objective, strong enough to help achieve the marketing objective. No two briefs are ever the same. We were trained to set our gaze on the bottom-line. All we did was based on RATIONALE. The end of every presentation is the juxtaposition of the highpoints versus the rationale whether creative or media the considerations can only be justified if they are supported by the rationale.

W

e came up with great ads.

Zeroing-in on media planning and buying, the scenario with the creative front also plays out in media considerations. Most client today understands media buying (forget planning) as a mere or ordinary expression of personal opinion. Little consideration is given to market-specific target media appreciation, habit and usage pattern. Clients now tell whoever the buyer is to use specific media vehicles, especially the print media.

Such decisions are not based on empirical findings on the relevance of such media vehicle in relation to the market and target audience.

Consequently, so much money is wasted. The need for creative media planning and buying cannot be over emphasized.

On the whole, MC&A Digest advises brand owners on the need to engage professional brand managers or advertising agencies. Let us discourage the quacks and hitch-hikers. They are causing the brand, the market and the consumers more harm than good. Ironically, their first victim is the brand and its owner. We intend to engage Association of Advertising Agencies in Nigeria (AAAN) on checking the presence of this group of individuals...for the good of all.

“To all our Muslim Readers, we salute your resolution and commitment to the will of ALLAH and wish you all the best of the season.

RAMADAN KAREEM”

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012 — PAGE 45

NCPC seeks spiritual re-birh for all pilgrims

THE MONEY-CHANGERS

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O be a success ful pastor, you really have to learn the tricks of the trade. This has nothing to do with preaching insightful and inspiring messages. Neither does it have to do with ministering to the spiritual needs of the members of the church. The pastor succeeds or fails according to his ability to pull a crowd and extort as much money as possible from his congregation. If he fails in these vital areas, he is not likely to survive for long as a pastor.

The technique is simple but effective. You tell your congregants that for every naira they give, they will get a hundredfold return. Even those in debt are encouraged to get out of debt by giving out of their indebtedness.

Pastor Paula White of Without Walls International Church, Tampa, Florida (USA) is a master practitioner of this money-grubbing technique. In one of her television broadcasts, she asked her audience to open their bibles to Psalm 66:12. This reads: “Through the fire, through the water, God brought us out into a wealthy place.” Then she said: “God says he wants you to sow $66.12. Or you can sow $6,612.”

Money activator These are the voices of strangers who make merchandise of men by peddling the word of God. Peter says: “These teachers in their greed will tell you anything to get hold of your money.” (2 Peter 2:3). Indeed, pastors tell Christians that money operates like a “gel activator.” The promises of God proclaimed in our messages are sealed until a “seed offering” is given to activate it. Therefore, you are likely to see different members of our congregation suddenly get up in the middle of our sermons to throw money at our feet. One pastor put it very succinctly. He said: “Anointing without money is equal to annoyance.”

This makes the offering-time the focal point of our services. Here,

God forbid that where two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, an offering should not be collected the pastoral imagination has run wild. Just give the offering a highfalutin name and it becomes the commandment of God. In those days when I attended parttime Zoe Ministries Worldwide in Victoria Island, Lagos; three offerings were collected in every service: one for “the Father;” another for “the Son;” and yet another for “the Holy Spirit.”

In one parish of Redeemed Church, the pastor counselled the poor: “If you don’t have an offering, borrow from your n e i g h b o u r. ” N e v e r mind that the promise of God says the believer shall lend to many nations but shall not borrow. (Deuteronomy 15:6).

Even though Jesus says when we give, our right hand should not know what our left hand is doing (Matthew 6:3); some pastors insist offerings must be held up for all to see, in the attempt to embarrass those not inclined to give, or those inclined to offer notes in the smaller currency denominations. In the branch of Zoe Ministries I attended, the pastor proscribed altogether the giving of offerings in the smaller currency notes.

“My God is not a poor God,” he declared.

One popular convention requires everybody to march forward, one by one, to drop their offerings on a tray placed strategically in front of the pastor; so we can observe exactly how much they are giving and thereby intimidate them into giving more than they would like to. It also serves to embarrass those who cannot give and stay behind.

At other times, we constrain our members to make public vows and pledges. One of my former pastors used to say: “Pledge more than you have; stretch your faith.” When the time comes to redeem the pledge, we will hit you with Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 which says if you make a vow and don’t redeem it God

will destroy the work of your hands.

Blessing time One technique is to take the offering early in order to ensure people don’t leave before the money can be taken from them. But sometimes this strategy backfires. In one of the services I attended at Pentecostal Assembly, the pastor noticed that some of the wealthier church-members came in after the offering had been collected. So he insisted it should be collected again. The reason he gave was a classic. He said: “I don’t want anybody here to be denied the blessings of the day." Of course, God only blesses during offering times.

Yetunde Olanrewaju came up with what I presume is a parable. She said one day, a swarm of bees descended on a church while a service was in session. The people panicked and started running out of the building. But the Pastor was up in arms. “Wait, wait, please wait,” he pleaded to no avail.

“We haven’t yet collected the offering.” God forbid that where two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, an offering should not be collected.

Charlene Animashaun was head of the moneycounters in her parish.

While the offering was still being counted, the new pastor sent someone to collect a certain amount of the money. Charlene sent word back that the count had yet to be completed. The procedure was to document the amount and then lodge it in the bank. That way, any withdrawals would have a papertrail.

But the new Pastor would not be denied. He barged into to the counting-room and kicked up a fuss. He reminded all and sundry he was now the pastor. What the pastor demands, the pastor gets; no ques-

tions asked. He grabbed the money with the stern warning that his authority should never be challenged again. Charlene got the message and quietly resigned her position as head of the money-counters. She has since resigned from the church itself.

It is an open secret that pastors are not accountable for the monies we routinely collect. Christians simply leave the policing to God, thereby giving us a free hand to be as honest or dishonest as our conscience permits. This ensures that financial impropriety is widespread in churches and Christian ministries, but buried under the carpet.

Soul traders The plan was to have many churches in Victoria Island, Lagos gather on a Sunday morning and go “prayer-walking,” under the aegis of the zonal Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

We would walk around the streets and claim them spiritually for Jesus. But there was a logistical problem. If we would not have services in our churches that Sunday, we would not be able to collect the offering.

Somebody finally came up with a solution. We would meet briefly in our churches for the sole purpose of collecting the offering, and then assemble as planned. But then another problem arose. What would happen to those we convert to Christianity on the way? Which churches would they be asked to attend? Here again, a genius came up with the solution. “At the end of the exercise,” she said, “we will seat down and share the souls.”

“Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver,.. horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men.” (Revelation 18:1013).

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HE executive secretary of the Nigeria Chris tian Pilgrim Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara has said that the commission would emphasize on the spiritual re-birth of all pilgrims. He disclosed this in Abuja recently during a courtesy visit by Pastor Andy Cochran of the Bren Wood Bible Society of the United States of America, reports JIMOH BABATUNDE. He explained that the commission would ensure that Christians who travel on pilgrimage are morally and spiritually transformed so that they could transform the people positively.

Opara said that the NCPC would also ensure that pilgrimage to the Holy Land would be a life time experience, noting that pilgrimage should not be seen as a jamboree, thus the commission is very thorough in the screening exercise for intending pilgrims this year.

Earlier, Pastor Cochran, in his address, said he was in Nigeria to spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, adding that he would be ministering in some churches in Abuja, Lagos and Bayelsa State in addition to visits to some orphanage homes.

Meanwhile, the commission has successfully flagged off screening exercise in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for intending pilgrims for the October– December 2012 Christian Pilgrimage exercise.

Federal commissioner for South South, Rev. Robinson Oritsuwa performed the flag-off ceremony on behalf of the executive secretary of NCPC, Mr. Opara and was supported by the Federal Commissioner representing North East Zone, Archbishop Numuel Babba.

In his welcome address, the sole administrator of the Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board (CPWB), Monsignor John Wangbu commended the executive secretary for sending a formidable and credible team for the screening exercise.

He promised that his board would not interfere with the exercise as the decision of the screening panel is final.

RCCG donates boreholes, security van in Lagos

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S part of its corporate social responsibility the Lagos Province I of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), recognising that government alone cannot to meet the needs of the people, recently commissioned some projects in different locations in Lagos in a project tagged; “Water for all” reports OLAYINKA LATONA. The project, according to the church, is in line with an injunction from the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye that church should not only impact spiritually but also see to the physical needs of the people in their communities.

In obedience to that injunction, the province, did not only sink boreholes in strategic areas of Surulere, Oremeji Street in Papa Ajao, Mushin and Ipaja area, but also presented a security patrol van for the Code of Conduct Bureau, the unit in charge of general patrol of the Redemption Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Dedicating and handling over keys of the patrol van key to the head of Code of Conduct Bureau of Redemption Camp, Special Assistant to the G.O. and Pastor in charge of Lagos Province I, Pastor Johnson Odesola said the various initiatives were born out of the church’s desire to be actively responsible in its local environment by providing social amenities for the people.

He said: “The General Overseer has mandated each region to impact positively on their host communities and this has motivated us to embark on projects like the construction of boreholes, giving to less privilege, donating vans to security agents amongst others.

"These projects are not limited to only this parish but are being commissioned globally, as a way of giving back to host communities where RCCG is situated,” he added.

The project was carried out under the supervision of assistant pastor in charge of Province I responsible for CSR, Pastor Samuel Olaniyan. He said the various projects were also intended to mark the 60th annual convention of the church.

Pastor Olaniyan said the church believe that Government cannot do everything alone that is why the church decided to embark on the mission to assist the government and the communities.

One of the residents, Iroegbu Cynthia said the church deserved commendation for undertaking the project.

PAGE 46—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

VIEWPOINT

BY BEN NANAGHAN VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

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HE 7th session of the Federal House of Representatives came into existence on Monday June 6, 2011 with a very forceful statement of gross party indiscipline and a yet unrivalled part, rebellion.

The house gallery was packed full of influential money-bags including some governors who came well armed for the election.

And when the votes were counted Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal had a landslide victory with 252 votes in a house which boasted of 204 PDP members with only156 members of opposition. Alhaja Mulikat Adeola who was the government's or PDP’s candidate garnered only 90 votes, regrettably losing to Tambuwal who was sponsored by the opposition.

From thence, it became clear that the Federal House of Representatives was a sole creation of Nigeria’s opposition parties.

It is therefore not surprising that he who pays the piper must not only dictate the tune of the music but also the dance steps.

The Reps have never hidden their utter disdain for President Goodluck Jonathan and have never lost grip of their avowed determination to dislodge him from Aso Rock and replace him with someone from the opposition camp.

Tambuwal’s frequent visits to opposition strongholds,

Much ado about impeachment constant briefing is an incontrovertible testimony to the grand design.

The House has made three serious threats to impeach Mr. President in 2012 alone, but none of them has taken off the ground.

Many observers are now convinced that these constant threats of impeachment are a fraudulent avenue of coercion and blackmail devised by the House to regularly bleed the Presidency of much needed capital for the servicing of Jonathan’s transformational programme which the North has tried to checkmate through the sponsorship of Boko Haram.

In January 2012, during the fuel-subsidy strike, the opposition parties called for a nation wide mobilization for the impeachment of President Jonathan. The house leadership met on a Sunday to plot their mischievous strategy for execution when the House resumed. I do not know if this blackmail yielded dividend in “settlements” but the great mobilization for impeachment was consigned to the dustbin of history on resumption of the House.

The second attempt at the impeachment of the President was during the Otuoke Anglican Community Church renovation saga

when it was alleged by the opposition that a foreign firm executing a federal government project in Otuoke built a church for President Jonathan as gratification for getting the juicy Federal Government contract.

Even though it looked puerile and copiously displayed mental vacuity, the opposition parties insisted that the transnational corporation built the ANGLI-

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Pitfall in the impeachment move against the president

find any Bayelsan. The President's official staff like the Chief of staff, Aide de camp (ADC) and his media chief are all not indigenes of Bayelsa. President Olusegun Obasanjo throughout his 8 years tenure made sure that all his Inspector-General of Police were from the southwest thereby ending the Northern hegemonic monopoly of the position of the police Inspector-General. Presi-

Those who have vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for President Jonathan have contrived to make his reign a bloody one despite his peaceful nature

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CAN COMMUNITY CHURCH and donated it to the President as bribe. It is like building a Catholic Church and giving it to an individual as a gift or bribe.

It does not just make sense.

This spurious reasoning pattern epitomizes Nigeria opposition’s display of political immaturity.

During this period also a political party from southern Nigeria called for the President’s impeachment because according to the party, the President’s appointments favoured only Bayelsans.

And I looked at the whole landscape and I did not

dent Goodluck Jonathan has been the most liberal and detribalized, even to a fault in terms of federal appointments.

But those who have vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for President Jonathan have contrived to make his reign a bloody one despite his peaceful nature.

And on the 19 th July 2012 another impeachment alarum blared again on the floor of the House of Representativse. This time from the minority leader Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who warned with stern faced seriousness

that, “if by September 18, the budget performance has not improved to 100 percent, we shall begin to invoke and draw up articles of impeachment against the President” .

Femi Gbajabiamila talked tough and meant every syllable of his statement.

Despite his tough mien and stance, he failed to fully understand the spirit and character of the Nigerian constitution which he understands only vaguely.

The Nigerian constitution is a very sacred and compact document. It is not a document for trivialities and inanities. In fact, it is not a play thing.

Section 143 (1) of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution states inter alia: The President or Vice-President may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section. Section 143 (2) states thus: whenever a notice of any allegation in writing is signed by not less that onethird of the members of the National Assembly.

Section 143 (2b) states that the holder of the office of President or Vice President is guilty of GROSS MISCONDUCT in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified. This impeachment plan is a calculated ploy not only to embarrass and ridicule the President

but also to impugn the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

And so what is the GROSS MISCONDUCT on the part of the President in a budget that was even delayed and released by the National Assembly on March 17, 2012 which was signed into law on April 13, 2012. And the threat emanated from the House on July 19, 2012 exactly three months after the budget came into force. Does Hon. Gbajabiamila expect the budget to be 100% implemented in just three months after the Presidents final signature.

The legal life span of a Nation’s budget is normally 12 months if it is released in January as it is supposed to be. Most economically advanced countries complete their budget rituals early in January of the budget year which takes four quarters to implement.

But what magic can we expect when our budget which was passed in the 2nd quarter of the budget year.

Time there was when our budgets were passed and signed in January of the budget year. But not anymore, a lot of wrangling, horse trading and selfish considerations are always summed up to delay the approval of the budget before signature to give it legal teeth.

Senate president, Dr. David Mark and the Senate leadership have shown great signs of intellectual growth and political maturity in leading the Nigerian Senate to such glorious and lofty heights with members full of integrity and decorum.

Kudos to the senate.

Ben Nanaghan bennanaghan@yahoo.com

Ekweremadu’s giant strides at the ECOWAS parliament

BY CHIDOZIE-ALEX OGBONNIA

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The deputy senate president at the sub regional parliamentary stage.

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HIEF Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR (1909-1987) was quoted to have requested Nigerians to offer him an opportunity to become our President for only one day.

The sage needed an authoritative platform to inspire Nigerians on the roadmap to a solid foundation for economic stability, social progress, political rejuvenation and sustainable democracy. Most deep thinkers and visionaries realize that they may not have the opportunity to tread the same path again, and as such, every available opportunity is consciously harnessed to impact on both society and posterity.

Outstanding world leaders are not revered based on the length of time they ruled their countries but on the philosophical framework, vision, inspiration, dedication and commitment they displayed as part of their leadership creden-

tials.

The distinction among great leaders, according to J.F Kennedy, is the power, depth, breadth and clarity of their vision. On the other hand, the unique ability to see clearly the possibilities that others do not, is the hallmark of great leaders.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate was elected as the third Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) on August 11, 2011. In his inaugural speech, he stated “I

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VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT

motion for the enhancement of the powers of the parliament from a consultative status to a parliament with full legislative powers.

The traditional functions of a parliament include representation, law-making, budget approval and oversight. The parliament has been variously defined as the brainbox of democracy; the grand inquest of a nation; the embodiment of the general will of a community; a market place of ideas. Thus, the presence or absence of a parliament

At a time in the history of the ECOWAS Parliament, there was no plenary for almost a year as a result of lack of co-ordination between the ECOWAS Parliament and the ECOWAS Commission

will build a leadership based on mutual trust, respect, accountability and transparency”.

He also promised to build a robust parliament that will not only be a reference point but the hub of democracy in the West African sub-region; that he will set a machinery in

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marks the distinction between a democracy and a dictatorship.

The Nigerian National Assembly between 1999 to 2003 was enmeshed in the struggle for the independence of the legislature. Senator Chuba Okadigbo, of the blessed memory,the then President of the Sen-

ate and the Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na Abba, the Speaker of the House of Representatives expended a lot of energy in the struggle that caused several impeachments in the National Assembly.

In the ECOWAS Parliament, the first Speaker, Professor Ali Nouhoum Diallo and his successor, Mohamane Ousmane encountered several challenges in the bid to enhance the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament.

At a time in the history of the ECOWAS Parliament, there was no plenary for almost a year as a result of lack of co-ordination between the ECOWAS Parliament and the ECOWAS Commission Senator Ekweremadu, when asked in Ghana, how he hoped to succeed where his predecessors failed used the tiger and zebra anecdotes to illustrate that he has gathered substantial knowledge from the unpleasant experiences of his predecessors.

To pursue his vision, an Ad-hoc Committee on the Enhancement of Powers of the Parliament headed by Hon. Ibra Diof of Senegal was constituted without delay. Some experts in Political Science, Interna-

tional Law and parliamentary practice were drawn to assist the nine-man Committee. By June 2012, the preliminary Draft Supplementary Act was ready for presentation to the plenary. The Ad-hoc Committee noted with great satisfaction that the African Union (AU), the West African Union Economic and Monetary Union (Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest-African) UEMOA, comprising Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo, all of which are members of ECOWAS had already enhanced the powers of their respective legislatures.

Also juxtaposed are the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the European Parliament etc. The Committee further discovered that the Protocol on ECOWAS Parliament came into being when the major key players in the ECOWAS were in dictatorship and that the consultative status was part of a grand design for the legitimations of their dominance in authority. On the other hand, no dictatorship would deliberately ventilate parliamentary liberties. With the consolidation of constitutional democracy in most

countries of the Community, we can no longer afford to be in a democracy but not be of a democracy.

A giant stride was therefore made in the ECOWAS Parliament, Abuja recently when the Draft Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament was passed at it’s Extra-ordinary Session. That move was also consolidated a few days ago when the Speaker led the Parliament to personally submit the to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo for possible ratification by the appropriate authorities.

There is no doubt that the Authority of Heads of State and other appropriate quarters would see the need to give ECOWAS Parliament the needed support as pledged by the President of the Commission.

For the ECOWAS Parl i a m e n t a r i a n s , Ekweremadu is a cerebral visionary with uncommon courage and candour, doggedness, humility, performance and achievement. It was jubilation galore!

Special Adviser (Public Affairs) to Deputy President of the Senate.

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

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 47

APGA: How will posterity judge Obi?

BY AMANZE UBOCHI

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The battle for APGA is by extension the battle for the soul of the South East.

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RITING in his most famous book in 1961 – The Wretched of the Earth – Frantz Fanon said: “Each generation shall, out of relative obscurity, discover its past, fulfill it or betray it.”

Though writing specifically about developments in Algeria, the above quotation can be applied to other nations and peoples desirous of helping themselves out of peculiar situations.

Today, there is no doubt a

peculiar situation in the party believed to be associated with the Igbo of South Eastern Nigeria–The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

I once acknowledged that crisis in political parties does not necessarily mean a death sentence if only the actors in the party in question possess the necessary competences to turn around the so-called weakness into strength.

I did say that APGA’s journey has been tortuous, even from the time Chekwas Okorie was the National Chairman, and that for any one to think there would not be intra

and inter-party crisis means the person is bereft completely of the knowledge of how political parties function.

I have not forgotten that I postulated that the so-called crisis within the APGA family is being orchestrated by unseen hands poised to alter the template with which Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State used to make a difference in the governance of his people for nearly seven years now he has been in the saddle with the total support of the APGA National Chairman, Victor Umeh.

My conclusion in that essay was that Obi and Umeh and by extension Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State should, once more, rise to the challenge of rescuing the party from the hands of killjoys who want to see the party dead.

If recent developments in APGA are anything to go by, then, some of my fears are fast becoming real.

The coming into being of APGA in the first place as a political party did not go down well with those who thought the Igbo had finished as far as having a party the people could look up to in the entity called Nigeria was concerned.

The notion was, and still is, that the Igbo lack the capacity to organise themselves into one common umbrella for the purpose of furthering their interest.

And as God would have it,

APGA, despite the thought of men, flowered and made tremendous impact that most ethnic nationalities in the country have, today, come to see the party as the face of the Igbo should there be nothing like Nigeria now, that the sermon on regionalism and effective fiscal federalism are beginning to gain monumental ground and occupying the centre piece of national dis-

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VIEWPOINT

It is fast becoming clear that all the noise being made about APGA crisis is simply an attempt to rubbish the efforts of Umeh, destroy the party and pave the way for the PDP

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courses. We will talk about all that some other day.

Let us start with the purported sacking of Umeh and his Secretar y, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, from the National Working Committee (NWC) of

APGA without recourse to the constitution of the party.

Any one who has been following events as they unfold in the APGA would shudder at the rate of desperation in some fellows who are out to destroy the party.

After the purported sacking of Umeh and Shinkafi came the Jude Okoli Enugu High Court matter where a man said to have long ceased being an APGA member went to court, asking that Umeh be restrained from functioning in his capacity as the Chairman by not conducting either the national, state or local government functions.

Of course, the idea of the same unseen hands was to stop Umeh and his National Executive Committee (NEC) from holding the meeting they called for August 1.

Many, both the Igbo and non-Igbo, have often wondered whether Obi is working to build or destroy APGA. Those who have little sympathy for Umeh in the unfolding drama in today’s APGA do so because they felt he supported Obi to remove Okorie.

Truth be told, Obi has demonstrated the highest level of ingratitude to Umeh if he could orchestrate issues around the APGA National Chairman, simply because he has his eyes on the PDP. By the way, is Obi the only

governor of the opposition party that is close to President Goodluck Jonathan? Who told him he is close to Jonathan more that Adams Oshiomhole, Babatunde Fashola or even Olusegun Mimiko?

Who does not know that Obi’s spirit had long deserted APGA for PDP and that he wants his tenure to run out fast so that he can formally declare for PDP? After all, he demonstrated his ‘membership’ of PDP in 2011 when Jonathan was running for the presidency by the number of times he attended the PDP rallies with the President.

It is fast becoming clear that all the noise being made about APGA crisis is simply an attempt to rubbish the efforts of Umeh, destroy the party and pave the way for the PDP and its ineffective leadership at the centre to have a firm hold on Anambra come 2014 when there will be another election in the state.

Of course Anambra is not the only reason for what they are doing, as they are as well out to rout the entire South East by making it an all PDP zone.

Whatever dimension the plots against APGA may be and by extension Umeh, no effort will be spared to stop anybody from using or destroying APGA for the selfish interest of Jonathan or his cronies in the party. As long as God lives the sins of all those who have constituted themselves into Judas Iscariot in APGA will seek them out.

* Ubochi is resident in Awka.

Between Chief Clark and I

BY FEMI FANI-KAYODE

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

A former minister says he is not guilty of the charges levelled against him.

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HEN I challenged Chief E.K. Clark’s assertion that there was ‘’nothing wrong with placing soldiers on the streets of Lagos’’ last January during the oil subsidy crisis at a conference of the Political Summit Group in Lagos I knew that I was heading for trouble. I was given the floor to speak just a few minutes after the former Minister of Information and elderstatesman had stirred the audience with his words and to say that he was infuriated by not only what I said but also the thunderous applause that I received for daring to say it would be an understatement. I knew that he would take his time and eventually hit back at me and claim his pound of flesh. Yet even with that expectation nothing prepared me for the virulence and sheer ferociousness of his counter-attack. And that counterattack was launched during a public lecture on August 1st 2012, when the elderstatesman, during the course of his lecture, passionately proclaimed that I was holding myself out as a ‘’moral icon’’ after ‘’embezzling funds’’ that were entrusted to me when I was

Minister of Aviation that were meant to be used to ‘’stop planes from crashing and to reform the aviation sector ’’. This was on live television and it was being watched by millions of Nigerians from all over the world.

Chief Clark added many to his hit list that day from former Heads of States, former Presidents and Vice Presidents, former Governors and Federal Ministers and so many more. If he was not accusing the northern leaders and governors of being behind Boko Haram and claiming that the problem began under President Obasanjo’s watch, he was daring Generals Babangida and Buhari to come clean and condemn Boko Haram or stand the risk of being counted amongst those that were behind it.

It was just slander all the way. There has probably never been a greater public display of defamation of character and the impugnment of the integrity of former public office holders that were not there to say a word in their own defence in the history of Nigeria. Everyone that had ever been accused of a crime was pronounced guilty of that crime by Chief Clark on that day.

It was all very exciting and dramatic but, needless to s a y, h i s a s s e r t i o n s w e r e mostly completely false.

Though I have little doubt that the man hates me with the biblical ‘’perfect hatred’’ I still found it extraordinary that someone of his sheer standing, magnitude and gravitas would seek to pronounce guilt on me on

a matter in which he clearly knows nothing about. Let it be on record that not only did I not embezzle any public funds but also that I was cleared of doing so by the Senate Aviation Commitee who conducted a public hearing into the whole matter in 2008. Even the EFCC, after initially charging me in July of that same year, dropped those charges one month later for want of evidence. Contrary to Clark’s assertions, I was the one that actually investigated and exposed the embezellment of 6.5 billion naira from the 19.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund which had taken place just before I became

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VIEWPOINT

Contrary to Clark’s assertions, I was the one that actually investigated and exposed the embezellment of 6.5 billion naira from the 19.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund

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Minister in 2006. I was the whisteblower in that matter, I was the one that wrote to President Obasanjo and reported it and it was after I did so that he referred it to the security agencies for further investigation. Yet after we left office and in a manner that is so typical of

Nigeria when it comes to such matters, I was punished for doing so and I was later accused of commiting the very crime that I had exposed. In their zeal to effect the orders of the late President Umaru Yar ’adua and to ’’get me at all costs’’ the Farida Waziri-led EFCC, without any prior investigation into the matter, detained me for 10 days in their custody and proceeded to charge me in an Abuja magistrate’s court for the supposed misappropiation of the said 6.5 billion naira. Yet one month later, after realising the futility of their cause and after establishing all the relevant facts, they withdrew those charges against me and instead prosecuted my predeccesor in office for that same offence at the Abuja Federal High Court.

Chief Clark claimed that I ‘’embezzeled the money’’ that I was given ‘’to use to stop the plane crashes’’ yet the truth is that not only did I not embezzle one kobo but also that not one plane crash took place under my watch. This is despite the fact that five crashes had taken place the year before I became Minister. T h e f a c t o f t h e matter is that by God’s grace my team and I put an end to those crashes and saved lives.

It was as a consequence of our hard work, our prayers, our dedication to duty and the solid reforms that we put in place that those crashes stopped and did not occur again for at least one year after we left office.

Yet without knowing these facts, Chief Clark got up in a public

forum on live television and not only made the most scurrilous, slanderous and outrageous allegations against me but he also pronounced me guilty of a crime that I did not commit.

It was obvious from the outset that all those charges were malicious and politically-motivated yet for the last four years I have kept my cool, honoured the conditions of my bail and avoided discussing the issue publically for obvious reasons. I have resisted and fought those charges vigorously for all those years and the likes of Chief E.K Clark and all the others that have sworn to see my end can be rest assured that I will continue to do so as long as I have breath in me.

In God’s time and in God’s way He will vindicate me. It is however most unfair for Chief Clark to pronounce me guilty in this matter and to label me as a criminal when a court of law has not done so. This is especially so when our constitution confers on me the presumption of innocence unless and until I am proven guilty.

My point is simple and clearregardless of what the powers that be decide to subject us lesser mortals to, God alone rules in the affairs of men and determines the destiny of nations. Even though some that stalk the corridors of power today believe that they have the power over life, liberty and death and that they control everything, in reality they control and they have nothing. *Fani-Kayode was Minister of Aviation in the Obasanjo administration.

PAGE 48 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

chimeena@yahoo.com

BY JAPHET ALAKAM VISUAL

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view at some of the works at Ogbonna’s residence in Ajah, Lagos, showed that there was quite a high level of creativity among the undocumented artists of the early 1920s through 60s when his father collected some of the works. The number of works there reveals the words of art experts that he was indeed the highest collector of arts in his time, even some of the

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Some of the rare collections of late Aguene Okorie in the custody of Solomon Ogbonna.

Immortalising Pa Aguene Okorie, the art exponent His commitment to art and

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ne of the lines in the Nigeria national anthem reads, “ the labours of our Heroes past shall never be in vain.” It was in realisation of this prayerful wish that Ogbonna Solomon Nwainyinya, one of the sons of popular art collector and culture exponent, late Chief Aguene Nwainyinya Okorie (1901–2004), in honour of the indelible achievements left by his father is set to preserve the rich collections of his works.

Okorie who was until death, the Agu Udo 1 of Onicha Igboeze, Ebonyi State was a man of positive vision, transparency, humility and hospitality. His commitment to art and culture was unequaled that experts of African art described him as the highest art collector in Africa with a total of 7600 works of diverse media including bronze, wood and painting in his gallery.

Apart from the fact that Okorie was a traditional ruler, his love for art took him to many countries such as Congo, Kenya and Cameroun for exchange of artworks through giving and receiving. His love for art, tourism and tradition in the Diaspora deepened at a very young age. He was popularly known for his slogan then, ‘Art work is my treasure.’ As an ardent traditional believer, the late Okorie believed that old ways are safer and surer for people’s existence particularly in Africa.

But despite, the high level of accomplishment by this great man of art, many do not know much about him nor the works. And now that he is dead what happens to the works becomes the challenge of his children and art enthusiasts. Poised in keeping his legacy alive, one of his children, Ogbonna Solomon Nwainyinya who had followed his footsteps took up the task of preserving the works.

Who is now involved in advocacy aimed at protecting and preserving the art, culture and tradition of his people especially those being eroded as a result of western influence has mapped out plans to put the monumental works in order.

In a chat with him, Ogbonna disclosed that the works are now being preserved in Lagos and Ebonyi.

present collectors have not equaled him. Though some of the works has provenance which is subject to verification by art scholars, but one problem noticed was that they were not well preserved as some of them especially the wood works are aging.

Taking art writers around the stores where the works are kept, Ogbonna unfolded his twofold plans toward the re-

scholarly inputs and the building of a museum/gallery where the works will be kept. According to Ogbonna , the book titled The Interest of the White Man in African Art: Unknown facts is scheduled for launch in November 2012 while the construction of the museum/ gallery to be known as Aguene Art Foundation will take off any time from now at Lekki, La-

culture was unequaled that experts in African culture described him as the highest collector in Africa alisation of his dream of salvaging the images, this he said is the cataloging of the works in a hardcover with

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gos.

For Ogbonna, the book is not just a catalogue but also on the history of a collector who tried to modify the line between art and African traditional religion. He disclosed, “My father started collecting when he was 20 years-old. And he was misunderstood for a native doctor. He had 6,700 art pieces in his collection before he died”.

Before his death, he shared the works among his children, I inherited about 400 pieces and acquired some from my brother. “And after his death, I chose to acquire most of his art works. In my possession now, I have nothing less than four thousand pieces; some are here, others are in the east,” he explained.

On how his father acquired such huge works, Ogbonna disclosed that his father changed his collections by bringing objects from other cultures and hiding such works, “because the culture of his people does not permit bringing images of other cultures into the community”.

The foreign works, he said, “ were hidden in Abakaliki, and not until the 1980s that he started bringing them out”.

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n why it took him so long to start the project, Ogbonna who his father believes that art is a form of culture and an extension of the minds and reasoning of the spirits disclosed that he waited for the right time as preserving the rare works was a huge task coupled with problem of funds needed for it.

Looking at the value of works which ran into millions, one will be tempted to ask why he has not sold some of them, but he replied that the works are not for sale. “My father warned him not to sell the works because they provide life messages. “ He added.

Making your marriage work M

arriage is one of the institutions that receive the greatest attack from the devil, the reasons are obvious, the devil do not want it to stand because he knows the importance of a happy marriage to the church and society. Because of the series of attack, many marriages have collapsed and many are there just to fulfill their vows.

Based on the above analysis, how can one have a happy marriage? This question has been on the lips of many women, especially those who are about to enter into it.

Though many have written on this important issue but the high level of divorce in the society today shows that there is need to do more. It is on that basis that Evangelist Chinwe Ebubechukwu, an anointed woman of God, founder of Winning Daughters Ministry

and one who has experienced happy marriage for years came out with a new book titled, What a man expects from his wife.

The 35 pages book published by Tayos Falas Nigeria

Enterprises, Ejigbo, Lagos is a booklet that affords the present generation the golden opportunity to equip themselves with the adequate knowledge of how to make a successful marriage.

D

What a man expects from his wife by Chinwe Ebubechukwu; Tayos Falas Nig Enterprises, Ejigbo, Lagos; 2012; PP.35. Reviewer, Japhet Alakam

ivided into two parts, the first part highlights twenty important points that men expects from their wife.

According to her, women are natural home builders, but they can only do that if they have the knowledge to do so, “there are so many important things a married man expects from his wife outside the popular cooking of food and washing of clothes.” To have a happy home, a woman must possess the following qualities: Sincere love, a true believer, a cheerful woman, neat, good caterer, economic wisdom and a soothing companion. Other qualities in-

clude: meek and quiet spirit, show gratitude, accommodating, peace loving. Fairness to all in the family,, no comparative criticism, wise counsellor, submissive and above all should be able to satisfy the sexual urge of his husband.

In the second part, the author also addresses the issue of how to deal with an imperfect spouse, pointing out some of the things women nag about and how to guard against it.

The holy spirit inspired book, laced with many biblical examples is another menu for Christian homes. Though, intended for the woman, but the book is a very valuable material for both man and woman.

However, though the message is clear the book lacks proper editing, there are some unavoidable errors that needs to be corrected in subsequent editions.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012, PAGE 49 chimeena@yahoo.com

Femi Gbajabiamila’s day of double honour

L-R- Speaker Lagos Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforuji, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, Alh. Femi Okunnu, Chairman of the occasion and Speaker House of Rep. Aminu Tambuwal at the book launch

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

BOOK LAUNCH

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t was indeed a day of double honour for Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, minority leader in the House of Representatives, representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, as his admirers, colleagues and family members gathered at the City Hall, Lagos to celebrate his feat since assumption of office in 2003.

The occasion doubled as celebration of his 50th birthday as well as the public presentation of a book in his honour, “Fearless: the Emergence Of A Virile And Formidable Opposition Leader (Political Memoirs of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila) written by Dr Wale Okediran.

The well attended event was graced by eminent Nigerians, among who were, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representative, Aminu Tambuwal; Prince Henry Ajomale; Governor of Ogun State, Ibukunle Amosun; Chief Bisi Akande, Hon Leo Ogo, Musiliu Obanikoro, Oba M.O. Hamza, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Nasiri El-Rufai.

Others were, Hon. Ayo Okpadokun, Deputy governor of the State of Osun, Otunba Grace Tomore; Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa, Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, Fola Adeola, Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola, and many others.

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n his opening speech, the chairman of the occasion Alhaji Femi Okunnu said that Femi has contributed immensely to national discourse. “I have followed his activities and can proudly say that Femi has served this country very well as a minority leader. He rejected a national honour on the grounds that he still has a lot to do.” He said, adding that “he is a patriotic citizen who is interested in what to give to his country rather than what he will get”.

In his review titled, “Beyond Politics:

Civic Memory in Times of Trouble” Dr Chidi Odinkalu described the book as a biography and a record of public

service that is still unfinished, stressing that it is “very rare in contemporary Nigeria.”

Asiwaju of Lagos, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his speech, described Femi as “an inspiration to many of the members of the House of Representatives today who are working tirelessly to see Nigeria chart a new course and are very so committed to changes, content of the character of the country, adding a great value and commitment to national development and progress of this country”.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal in his contribution, conveyed the felicitations of the entire 359 members of the House of Representative for Femi’s numerous achievements and pointed out that “Femi is a brother, compatriot, nationalist, leader who puts aside difference in political platforms and background while working together for the common interest of this country”.

Former FCT Minister Nasiri El-Rufai who delivered the message from the national leader of the Congress for Progressive Change, Gen Mohamadu Buhari and the party described the celebrant as "a very courageous person."

In his own remarks, Lagos State governor, Raji Fashola said “Femi has been a very worthy representative for me and for our people".

Thespian journey around climatic change

BY EBELE ORAKPO

REVIEW

P

hrases like climate change, global warming, carbon emission and greenhouse gases have become part of our everyday vocabulary, yet, so many people do not honestly know what they are all about. These days, we hear of earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods, typhoons, droughts, erosion, crop failure, intense heat/cold etc.

Some people have attributed this to the end-times, saying that the end of the world as we know it, is here.

On the other hand, scientists believe that these changes occur as a result of the daily activities of man which affect the environment negatively.

To help bring home the message of climate change, its effects and how to mitigate them, a performer and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Mr. Greg Mbajiorgu, uses the medium of theatre because he believes that “more than any other medium of artistic expression, drama and theatre provide society access to a truthful recreation of both the adverse effects of climate change and its consequences on human lives and even on our ecosystem.”

In his 78-page short drama titled Wake Up Everyone, the author who believes in the essentiality and

centrality of drama to human and national development, uses the medium to effectively disseminate information on climate change mitigation and adaptation using the skills and expertise of dramatists and theatre artists. He said: “Theatre is one of the most effective strategies through which we can give those crucial climate change adaptation messages the depth of public articulation that climate scientists and even other organs of public enlightenment can hardly give to the subject.”

The presentation is so simple that even people from the remotest parts of the earth can understand what it is all about. For instance, in Act 1, Scene 1, we see one of the characters, Professor Madukwe Aladinma, retired professor of agriculture and a dramatist who uses his wealth of knowledge to help his community. He goes to the local government chairman to warn him of the changes in climate and the dangers they portend for the community. Unfortunately, like the typical politician, the chairman refuses to heed the warning until disaster struck. Like a popular Igbo proverb says, if the ear refuses to heed a warning, when the head is cut off, it goes with it. So it was for the chairman who attributed the changes in climate to God. Aladinma tried to correct that impression, telling him that “what we now witness are nothing but reactions to man’s mindless activities

on earth. The soil and the rivers have become unproductive because of the chemicals and oil we pour on them.

The floods and erosions we experience are caused by our senseless attempts to reclaim wet lands and our blockages of original water channels and drainages….The problems of our world today are created by man and man can still find solutions to them.”

He felt the N170 million Aladinma asked for as support from the local government to fortify the land against flood was too much, but he was made to know that it will be penny-wise, pound-foolish not to heed the warning because when the disaster comes, government will spend much more trying to arrest the situation.

Aladinma uses his wealth of experience to correctly warn the farmers and told them what to do to avert disaster. n Act 1, Scene 2, we see some farmers rejoicing over their bountiful harvests while one of them, Dimkpa, bursts into their midst, angry over his misfortune because he refused to heed the professor ’s warning, thinking he was a joker. He paid dearly for it.

In Act 2, scenes 1 and 3, inside Aladinma’s rehearsal studio, we see the cast acting out the consequences of climate change and the things that could lead to them. They enumerated the daily activities that could lead to climate change. It is done in such a way that the local man/woman in the most remote village will understand it.

Finally, in Act 3, scene 3 when disaster eventually struck, the flood predicted by Aladinma about which he warned the local government chairman and the people, happened and destroyed farmlands.

Throughout the drama, one sees the need for farmers to liaise with researchers. Prof. Aladinma was able to marry agriculture and theatre.

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PAGE 50—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

TRIBUTE....The Atta Mills Passage President John Atta Mills walked the walk of a democrat S ADNESS descended on Ghana and the rest of Africa on the sudden passing of President John Atta Mills.

Much was said of this great man and all that was said was good. A man devoid of personal vanity, President Atta Mills would have been embarrassed by the torrent of encomiums. He would have protested that he was undeserving of the eulogies. This would have been one of those rare moments that he was mistaken. What was said upon his departure has been fitting but also inadequate.

President Atta Mills was a man with a profound, comprehensive intellect. Unlike many individuals whose public carriage as a politician diverges in a negative way from their private persona, the private and public morals and practices of this man were undifferentiated. There was no seam dividing the public official from the private man. He was guided by a moral compass that did not waver according to the circumstance. He did not change his beliefs by the situation. Instead of bending his principles to fit the situation, he exercised the moral fortitude and courage to make the situation subservient to his principles and beliefs. Here was a man, the leader of a nation, who did more than talk of democracy. He did not support the way and means of democracy only when they served his interests. He cherished democracy to the extent that he saw it as an end in itself. As such and to his last breath, President Atta Mills walked the walk of a democrat — in all that he did and how he did it. If for nothing else, we owe him a debt of gratitude.

Moreover, we owe it to ourselves to reflect on the life of this man. President Atta Mills was more than a kind and gentle leader. He was a subtle, yet innovative pioneer in the arena of African democratic politics. As such, he was and continues to be a guiding light for all of us. If we seek to be anything close to wise, we should direct our gaze toward that light in order to reclaim the path to the type of democratic governance and equitable development we desire for our nation and the rest of Africa.

President Atta Mills was an outstanding leader and a sentinel of democratic governance.

His contributions to the advance of political justice and economic development in Ghana and throughout the continent were understated yet immense. Because he was so humble and subtle, most people do not appreciate the fact that cast a mold for new breed and style of African leader. We never know the truth of a man until the moment he tastes power or money. Until then, he may act humanely and friendly because his weakness affords no other choice. Thus, many seem to be caring populists or fine princes as they begin the climb to power. Once the person reaches the peak, the hopeful public is disappointed to learn that the object of their support is a toad.

Many politicians are dictators in

* Tinubu President Atta Mills rejected this model of leadership. Although he reached the zenith of national power, he never changed. He refused to allow the trappings of power to turn him against his better self. He remained true to his noble objective – an able man dedicated to the common welfare. Never losing his bearings, President Atta Mills always remembered that he was the public’s servant; that his tenancy in high office should not be abused to turn the public into his servant. Most of us ap-

Although the sun too quickly set on his life, what he stood for and what he accomplished continue to shine brightly

icule from his opponents because he understood these things to be the small price he had to pay to insure democracy and liberty for all. He was brave enough to bear this cost. He was selfless enough to do it quietly, without fanfare.

That he kept ambition in check had deep, salutary repercussions.

Because he saw himself as an employee of Ghanaians of all stripes and social station, he devoted his time and energy to the issues that shaped their collective well-being. Since he did not see political office as an avenue to accumulate power and money unto himself as if he were an ancient potentate, he never followed the detour most Africa leaders take. President Atta Mills never tried to finagle his nation’s governmental institutions to perpetuate his stay in office.

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BY ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU

democrat’s clothing. The higher they climb, the more arrogant and authoritarian they become.

When they attain the power they sought, the only thing they want to hear is their own voice. The only thing they want to see is the rest of the nation nodding in mindless agreement at their statements.

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preciate that his way was the proper one, but we underestimate the courage and strength of character he harnessed in order to take this road. It is always easier to be a strongman than to be a statesman. Authoritarians rule rather than to govern people; their harshness is rarely born of anything salutary but is usually the byproduct of an inner cowardice. Unsure of himself, the authoritarian would rather bridle their political opponents because the authoritarian is ultimately unsure if he could win a fair and free contest of competence and ideas. President Atta Mills suffered from no such infirmity. He tolerated all manner of dissent, criticism and even rid-

He saw the Ghanaian constitution as something inviolate, a noble document to be left untampered by the wiles of personal ambition. Due to the example he helped to establish, no one dared manipulate the constitution toward an improper outcome upon his untimely passing. The succession of the vice president into the presidency occurred according to the rule of law, without intrigue or question. This is how it should be everywhere but not how things are in most of Africa. he late president’s very style T of leadership nurtured democracy. He was a collegial chief

executive. He never flexed the muscle of his authority so that appeared larger than life or law.

Because he was wise, he never considered his word to be gospel.

He had no desire to appear omniscient in all matters. Instead, he was eager to listen and learn.

The late president understood that the true objective was not for him to appear to be the supreme leader but for his administration to derive the best policies for the nation. Thus, President Atta Mills was disinterested in surrounding himself with an ensemble of political journeymen chirping the song they thought he wanted to hear or jockeying to mirror every move he made. Instead, he sought to surround himself with the best cabinet ministers and advisors he could nab.

His self confidence was such that he could afford to dispense with the ‘ yes men’ and pantomimes that crowd around the council tables of too many governments.

He rebuffed the tactic of feeling big by surrounding himself with the petty. He enhanced his leadership by surrounding himself with people of capacity and stature. In this way, he did not promote himself. He promoted able governance and then let able governance promote him. Because of the example he and others have set, Ghana stands at the forefront of African nations in terms of democratic governance and policies encouraging sustainable

Late John Atta Mills...Goodbye.

Vehicle conveying his remains. economic development.

Much of the commentary after his passing portrayed President Atta Mills as an otherworldly angel or some type of avuncular demigod or political colossus. He would scoff at these inflated notions. President Atta Mills was a man, made of flesh, bone and blood like the rest of us. Had he been an otherworldly figure, there would be no lessons to learn

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TRIBUTE

position to force them to labor for him. He had a choice to take the easy and wrong path but elected to take the difficult but right one. To be a man who has the courage to make the extraordinary decision makes him more important than and superior to some mythical demigod or colossus. As someone who strove to perfect the governance of his nation and to better the welfare of

The question becomes do they have the courage and love of the people to do it? Those who do shall join President Atta Mills in the Hall of Fame. Those who don’t may enjoy themselves for the moment. But their profit shall prove fleeting and their names shall be scribed in the Hall of Shame. It is a matter of choice. President Atta Mills has done his part by showing the way. We must now decide if we have the fortitude to follow

,

from his journey. Those of us who are mere mortals would not be able to replicate his accomplishments. Being a mere man makes Atta Mills more than a political demigod or colossus. By their very nature, such beings and their deeds are superhuman. They have no other choice. Their feats are predetermined to be great either for good or bad. Not so with man. Man must choose what he wants to be. He can be sublime or silly. Brave or cowardly. Selfless or selfish. Democrat or despot. John Atta Mills was not ordained to be the statesman he became. He chose to become the man we know and loved. He chose to stand by democracy when many other African leaders walked in the opposite direction. He chose to uplift his nation and its people rather than exalt himself. He chose to work for others instead of using his

its people, it makes him a hero for the ages.

Although the sun too quickly set on his life, what he stood for and what he accomplished continue to shine brightly. What he did, he as man. This means that those currently in positions of leadership or who seek to be in the future have the ability to emulate him. The question becomes do they have the courage and love of the people to do it? Those who do shall join President Atta Mills in the Hall of Fame. Those who don’t may enjoy themselves for the moment. But their profit shall prove fleeting and their names shall be scribed in the Hall of Shame. It is a matter of choice.

President Atta Mills has done his part by showing the way. We must now decide if we have the fortitude to follow.

Fare thee well, President John Atta Mills. We shall miss you.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012 — PAGE 51

PAGE 52—SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 12, 2012

Assault on photojournalist: Fashola orders investigation BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AND MONSURV OLOWOOPEJO

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OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has ordered investigation into the alleged battering of a photojournalist, Mr. Benedict Uwalaka, of Leadership Newspaper, on Thursday, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH. Uwalaka was allegedly attacked and beaten black and blue by mortuary attendants at LASUTH during the release of corpses of Dana plane crash victims to their relatives.

Speaking with State House correspondent, Fashola, who said he was horrified by the brazen act of barbarism displayed by the culprits, expressed unreserved apology to the victim and his media organization, assuring that he would ensure that those involved are brought to book.

In a related development, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State chapter has threatened to press charges against the attackers, even as legal consultants and solicitors to Mr. Benedict Uwalaka have petitioned Lagos State Commissioner for Police on the matter.

Harping on the enormity of the offence against the Journalists, Fashola said,” I was horrified really. I didn’t hear of the incidents until after the prayer when I got home and I was trying to catch a piece of the news.

I was really horrified at what I saw. First of all, whatever that journalist

may have done, there is nothing to provoke that kind of action.

“I make an unqualified apology on behalf of our government to the journalist concerned and the media House, LEADERSHIP. I tender a very unreserved apology.

That is not us. I have since yesterday asked the chief

‘Shiroro power station not shut down’

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EDERAL Ministry of Power sa ys reports claiming that the Shiroro dam supplying water to the Shiroro hydro station has been shut down by the union of junior workers are false.

“Shiroro is working impressively. On the day the false and misleading reports appeared, it was generating 550 megawatts out of the designed capacity of 600MW,”the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

The statement by the special assistant (media) to the minister, Ogbuagu Anikwe, said: “In fact, it is doing better than the 760MW Kainji hydro power plant built in 1968 but had not been overhauled until now.

“Shiroro is a major contributor to the unprecedented quantum of 4,237MW plus 70MW spinning reserve which the nation has been generating since Monday, August 7, 2012, to the delight of all our people.

We are very much aware that there are some elements viciously opposed to improved electricity supply and are working in

Group warns on N-Delta devt

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RONT for Ijaw Survival and Hope (FISH) has warned that if President Goodluck Jonathan leaves office without developing the Niger Delta due to security challenges in the country, the Ijaw and Niger Delta may resist the next government.

Reacting to the recent calls by Boko Haram on President Jonathan to be converted to Islam or resign, Director of Operations, FISH, Comrade Solomon Aloba, noted: “The Niger Delta injustice is at the front burner and we expect our son, Jonathan, to act fast to address several years of neglect, for the good of the entire nation”.

Aloba said instead of cooperating with Jonathan, it is unfortunate that in a Northern Nigeria that has former Presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Muhammadu Buhari and

security officer to find out the officers and the men involved. It happened on our premises somehow”.

“I am still not able to tell whether they are our staff or other organisation.

Whatever the case may be, we will conduct our investigation and we will bring those people to justice.”

others, a Boko Haram group is making Nigeria ungovernable in of dem onstration

utterances/threats in the recent past by some persons.

The security challenges has compelled President Jonathan to change agenda from job creation to tackling security and seeming abandonment of ongoing critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta, like the East-West road construction.

FISH said the unwarranted killings and maiming of innocent citizens-Muslims and Christians alike, orchestrated by Boko Haram is a disservice to Islam which is rather not only a religion of peace but of obedience, and submission to God and should stand condemned by the Muslim world.

cahoots with forces benefiting from the corrupt and decadent order which has for decades kept the nation down.

From left :Mrs. Ngozi Obikili, Mrs Nnawuchi (Chief Nursing Officer), Mrs Okeke Gloria, Mrs Phil Okokwo (President COFFHA), Mrs T. A. Adetayo (Zonal CNO), Lady Uche Obi, Lady Christy Okoye and Mrs Tina Igbokwe during a goodwill visit to mothers of disable children at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

Bakassi: Reps to revisit ICJ judgment BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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GAINST the backdrop of the alleged killing of Nigerians by the Cameroon gendarmes and the threat by the displaced Bakassi people to reclaim the ceded oil-rich island from the Republic of Cameroon, the House of Representatives Committee on Treaty and Agreement has appealed to the displaced people to maintain peace, assuring that the House will do everything possible to protect Nigerians.

Nigeria had signed a Green Tree Agreement with Cameroon in 2006 after

the International Court of Justice sitting in the Hague, Netherland had ruled in 2002 that Bakassi Peninsula belong to Cameroon, but the National Assembly has not ratified the agreement.

But the Bakassi indigenes through its Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet said that the only option for the people was to go back to their ancestral land and take their destiny in their hands.

“The process is one and we are going back to our area, we will take it by any means possible, in the days of old our fore-fathers used to have traditional means, we don’t have any problem with Nigeria our problem

Seplat upgrades Oben Gas Plant

S

EPLAT Petroleum Development C o m p a n y Limited, an indigenous oil and gas company, and the operator of the NPDC/SEPL AT JV blocks, OMLs 4, 38 & 41, has announced a planned shutdown of its Oben Gas plant.

The planned shutdown of the 90mmscf/day Oben Gas Plant is part of the ongoing plant upgrade designed to extend the plant life by another 20 years and achieve the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) specification.

The shutdown operation is the concluding part of the plant upgrade which the NPDC/SEPLAT JV has invested a significant amount of money. The operation will be in two phases with each phase running for seven days.

During the first period of the upgrade, the Oben gas plant will operate at 50% of installed capacity, while the second phase will be a total shutdown for 7days.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive

Officer of Seplat, Mr. Austin Avuru, said that the plant upgrade is another testimony of the joint venture’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a long-term supply of abundant, clean, relatively cheaper fuel to end-users in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Benin, providing additional outlet for its gas production in line with the federal government initiative to put an end to gas flaring in the upstream of the oil and gas industry and further monetise the gas resources of the nation .

The Oben Gas plant will be shut down on Monday, 13th August, 2012 in line with Seplat’s agreement with the Nigerian Gas Company and other stakeholders. During the period of the shutdown, a new control room will be hooked up and prefabricated meter run (with DOF on the sales gas line), valves and vortex flow meters amongst other equipment will be installed.

is with the cameroun, they must leave our area and they are going to leave very soon. We have been assured that they will leave.

Nigeria can go and leave us,” he said.

The House of Representatives Committee led by its chairman, Hon. Yacob Alebiousu Bush, while meeting with Bakassi Stakeholders at the Cross River State Council of

Chiefs chambers, Calabar said that nobody would feel the pains of displacement more than the people that were affected.

Bush accompanied by the member representing Bakassi/Calabar South/ Akpabuyo federal constituency, Hon. Esien Ayi, assured the people that there were some provisions in the agreement that have given them the right to once again look into it.

Delta community lauds Numah-led exco

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HE TuopulouEweregbene community in Delta State has passed a vote of confidence on Chief Balogun Numahled executive.

The community in a meeting at Warri also resolved that a general meeting be called where the newly draft constitution would be presented for ratification.

The meeting was attended by representatives of five out of the six families that make-up the community, promised to sustain the prevailing peace in the community.

The community

commended the executive for piloting the affairs of the community so far and called for the reshuffling of the present executives so as to carry every family along.

They also called on the state and federal government to ensure the safety of lives and property of the TuopulouEweregbene people in the community and beyond.

The community called on the state government to create jobs for the youths, just as they called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency extend the fuel subsidy palliative measures to the rever-rine communities..

...Union hails ban on youth cult activities

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HE National Executive Council of Onicha-Ugbo Patriotic Union Worldwide (OPUW NEC), Delta State, has lauded the decision of the traditional ruler of the community Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I to disband all youth formations and cult activities in the area.

A communique at the end of an emergency meeting of the union by the President-General, Mr. Vincent Emeka Uba, the Secretary Chief Jagas

Okocha, and PRO, Mr. Chris Ugo, described the ban by the traditional ruler as a welcome development that would go a long way to sanitize the community and rid it of criminal activities.

The OPU NEC Worldwide, which passed a vote of confidence on Obi Chukwumalieze I, frowned at an attempt by some disgruntled persons of the area to link him with the murder of a youth of the community after he allegedly raped a mad woman.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012 — PAGE 53

SUNDAY Vanguard, August 12, 2012 — 54

Bolt dazzles US athletes

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AMAICA’s flam boyant Usain Bolt, winner of the 100-

Chukwumerije crashes

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IGERIAN’s Chika Chuk wumerije yesterday,crashed out of the Teakwood event, losing 0-1 to Cuba’s Despaigne Robelis. It was a Men’s +80kg class preliminary round of the London Olympics, end-

ing today.

After both fighters failed to record any point in the first two sets, the Cuban got the big break in decider, with a superb kick that landed of the Team Nigeria captain His defeat summed up

Nigeria’s poorest outing at the Olympics in London. It is recalled that four year ago, Chukwumerije won bronze in the same class but couldn’t hold his own in London as Despaigne, who is four year younger, showed his class.

meter and 200-meter sprints for the second straight Olympics, isn’t just a ratings bonanza for television or the fan favorite of the London Olympics.

Bolt is a phenomenon among other Olympians, including a group of U.S. athletes speaking at a news conference yesterday.

“It’s amazing that one person can literally bring the entire world to look at one stage for 10 seconds,” said Kayla Harrison, the first U.S. gold medalist in men’s or women’s judo. “It’s amazing, and he does a

great job of making it interesting.”

Said U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin, a multimedalist: “There was one day when he walked into the dining hall (at the athlete’s village), and every athlete in there just started clapping and cheering and going crazy.”

And why not?

“He’s the fastest man ever to walk the face of the Earth, and that’s a title I think he deserves,” said Ashton Eaton, who earned the traditional title of world’s greatest athlete by winning the decathlon.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt celebrates after winning the men's 200m final at the athletics event during the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 9, 2012 in London.

AFP PHOT

Spain surprises Aussies to snatch gold

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Nigeria's Chika Chukwumerije (blue) fights against Cuba's Robelis Despaigne during their men's taekwondo bout in the + 80 kg category as part of the London 2012 Olympic games, on August 11, 2012 at the ExCel centre in London. AFP PHOTO

AMARA Echegoy en-skippered Spain surprised favourites Australia to win gold in the women’s match racing class - the last sailing medal of London 2012.

Having overcome Ekaterina Skudina’s Russia in the semi-finals on Friday, the Iberians went on to deny the Australian crew a fourth sailing gold medal of the Games.

Australia twice recovered from going behind in the best-of-five series, but Echegoyen, Sofia Toro and

Angela Pumariega went onto ensure Spain top the podium.

Russia’s Sergey Kirdyapkin won the gold medal in the 50-kilometre walk in an Olympic record time. The former world

champion finished in three hours, 35 minutes and 59 seconds, almost a minute clear of Australia’s Jared Tallent, who took silver for the second Games in succession, with China’s Si Tianfeng claiming bronze.

How I was schemed out of Super Eagles— Obienu •My business suffered for it

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ARRISTER Nwabufo Richard Obienu was a Vice Chairman of the defunct Nigeria Football Association (NFA). In this interview with Vanguard he told his story; how he rose from grass to grace. He also spoke about his experiences and the problems he faced as an administrator. Obienu also talked about his sojourn into the NFA board where he rose to become the Vice Chairman. Excerpts: Passion for football ’m from Uruagu Nnewi in Nnewi North local government area in Anambra state.

My passion for football emanated from my late father, Chief Clement .C. Obienu who was a patron and also a successful FA chairman in Port Harcourt in the 60’s.

Under him the Port Harcourt Red Devils won the Challenge Cup twice in 1962-63.

My interest in football grew when I was at the University of Nigeria Nsukka,UNN.

I

Starting off as football administrator I first had my stint of football administration in Enugu Rangers where I

was the youngest director in 1986. I was so involved in the activities of Rangers. But along the line I was misunderstood by the then chairman of Rangers Chief Ben Umunna. I was accused of so many misdeeds such as insubordination; as the youngest member on the board, I was very enthused to get results and became closer with the coach and players. This made the chairman uncomfortable.

He had a strong connection with the then governor of the state and he influenced my sack. I felt so betrayed.

In 1991, I became the chairman of Udoji United up to 1992. In Udoji, I got a similar treatment when I tried to introduce

professionalism into the club. Again, I was misunderstood. With 29 matches in the league we were unbeaten even without no salaries and no match bonuses. Most of the endorsements the club had were my idea. It started with Golden Guinea, which paid close to a million and I was entitled to a 25perecent commission but even then, I still brought everything to the club. I was not appreciated. Rather, they connived against me and I was misunderstood by the proprietor of the club. And with pride, I quietly withdrew. And God compensated by taken me to the Nigeria Football Association, NFA, board now defunct .

Becoming NFA Vice chairman he NFA sit was va cant after I had left Udoji, my very good friend Alhassan Yakmut came to Enugu and asked me if I could be in the NFA board , he told me that Udoji and Mike Umeh were disqualified and that if I wanted to run I could. I thought it wise and in contesting I defeated Amanze

T

Barrister Obienu Ucheagbulam and came into the NFA board and later became the Vice chairman of NFA. I was

It is so glaring that people in this country do not like results and they are easily envious when people get results. on the board from 1999 and 2002.

Tough moment The saddest moment of my life in football was when I left my business

for six months, having sacrificed so much to help the Super Eagles qualify for Korea/Japan 2002.

Then, nobody believed that Nigeria was going to qualify; even the board gave up because we had problems with the then coach Bonfrere Jo. I told them that if we sack him Nigeria will still qualify but they made mockery of me even the then governor of Edo State Luck Igbenidion. I told them that as long as they could appoint a Super Eagles coordinator that it could be done. That was how the then Secretary General Tijani Yusuf, told me to prove it. So, I left my personal business with Amodu Shiabu, Stephen Keshi, Austin Mgbolu and Joe Erico. We worked so hard to ensure that the team qualify. At the end, we qualified but we could not see even the plane that took the team to the venue of the World Cup. After helping the team qualify, we became an issue.

Regret o you know who headed the delegation, was the same Igbendion who initially doubted our qualification. After our sacrifice to

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qualify the team, Obienu and co alongside our most patriotic captain Sunday Oliseh and Finidi Gorge could not even see the promise land not to talk of entering it.

That was the most painful time of my life in football. It is so glaring that people in this country do not like results and they are easily envious when people get results.

Overcoming my trials hough it was pain ful but I believe so much in myself and in God. In a nutshell, I have a passion for football from the onset and money has never been a factor.

Lesson learned The lesson I learned was to be closer to my God. I believe God has purpose for me in the administrative aspect of Nigerian football. I believe football is an industry but here in Nigeria is not as it is not properly managed in this country.

My Advice My advice is that we should have people who have the passion for the game not people who are there for their self interest as administrators.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12 , 2012 — 55

Nigeria ends without a USA. The women’s failure medal means that Nigeria ended

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IGERIA’s 4x400m women’s relay team last night finished seventh in the final race won by

the London Olympics without a medal, the country’s worst ever outing

Mexico wins football gold

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RIBE Peralta scored only 29 seconds into the Olympic final and added another goal in the second half to help Mexico upset Brazil 2-1 and win its first soccer gold yesterday Peralta took advantage of

a mistake by the Brazilian defense in one of the game’s first plays and shot a low right-footed shot into the net, scoring the fastest Olympic goal since FIFA began keeping records of the competition in 1976.

London to end it with star-studded party Continued from back page HISTORY IN THE MAKING ...

Britain’s Mo Farah shows his delight after winning the gold medal in the men’s 5000m final, yesterday

Heavy medal: Team USA set to finish top W Nesiama proposes Athletics

ITH a surge of medals in track and field, the United States has sprinted ahead of China and is poised to finish atop the medals table at the London Olympics, maybe with the most golds ever collected by the Americans on foreign soil.

On this final day of competition, the U.S. leads both the gold and overall medals races after trailing the Chinese most of the games.

Bill Mallon, a veteran American medals prognosticator, believes the U.S. will win the overall race by 12-15 medals and the gold count by three to five.

Four more golds would equal the highest U.S. total on foreign territory in Olympic history — 45 at both the 1968 Mexico City Games and the 1924

•Okagbare

Project Rio 2016

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HE Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria(AFN), Navy Captain Omatseye Nesiama has proposed an actionable rprogramme, which he insists would propel the country to glory at the Rio 2016 Olympics Games.

As the curtain falls on the London Games tonight and given that Team Nigeria failed in all events, Omoatseye said that Nigeria must activate the “Athletics Project Rio 2016”, immediately to avoid another embarrassing outing in four years’ time.

The AFNl man said that after careful examination of what went down in London that it was high time that Nigeria started long-term systematic preparations for major events, arguing that Nigeria cannot continue doing the same thing the old way without any meaningful development to the nation’s sports.

“While at this Games I have taken time to observe critically, interacted and networked with persons with pedigree in the sport that would be relevant to our strategic plan for athletics excellence. This has put me in a good pedestal to make an objective assessment of our competition, preparation and execution effort.

“Therefore, irrespective of the position we come out

•Solomon Ogba of this Games, the certainty is that we should quickly start looking beyond London 2012 as even countries that have done well in this Games have commenced initial preparations for the next Games. I will therefore call on all well-meaning athletics and indeed sports loving Nigerians to support the ‘AFN PROJECT RIO 2016’.

“My deductions from the analysis of our athletes’ performances at the Games have helped me fine-tune my road-map to Rio 2016. It is something that must start now and would be available for all to contribute and run with to enable us achieve world acclamation and not only at regional and continental levels. “It is obvious that there are areas where we just need to do something differently to achieve better results. We cannot continue to do same thing over and over and expect to obtain

a different result.

“In a nut-shell, Athletics Project Rio 2016 will begin with an Athletics Coaches Open Forum and Clinic, whose aim is to discuss freely what coaches’ inhibitions are in Nigeria in terms of organisation/ administration, sports plants (facilities), equipment and supplies, technical/professional competence.

“This would be followed by training on the methodology/modern trends in process of identifying, selection, training and development of youths and junior athletes for the world stage.

“Next would be the organisation of competitions targeted at talent discovery and preliminary development programmes assessment.

The crux of the project would be activated with the activation of different Project RIO Athletics Talent Camps for discovered talents and their adoption by sponsors/revenue partners.

The talents would be exposed to competitions both home and abroad for exposure and assessment purposes. Ex-Olympians that are assessed as having things to offer would be attached to the camps to mentor the talents in the camps”, added Nesiama

“It’s a proper show,” said Daldry, who directed “Billy Elliot.” “It’s got all the bizarre, surreal, funny, camp and moving elements you could want from a really good piece of Sunday night entertainment.”

The ceremony aims to be the “best after-show party there has ever been”, its artistic director has declared.

The final details of Sunday’s grand finale to London 2012 remain under wraps but stars sighted apparently rehearsing for the show include Jessie J, George Michael and the Spice Girls.

The two hour and 45minute party starts with Elgar and Waterloo Sunset at 9pm, Kim Gavin said.

“Any more than that and we would spoil the surprise,” he added. “We are still rehearsing and waiting for the final line-up.”

Work on transforming the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London, for a showbiz spectacular starts after the sporting action there ends tonight.

The handover from London 2012 to the Rio 2016 team will take place along

•Spice girls

with the extinguishing of the Olympic Flame to signal the end of the Games.

The 2012 closing ceremony, called A Symphony of British Music, will celebrate music as one of Britain’s strongest cultural exports over the last 50 years.

More than 4,100 performers, including 3,500 adult volunteers and 380 schoolchildren from the six east London host boroughs, will be involved in the ceremony. Sailor Ben Ainslie will carry the Team GB flag.

The inclusion of the Spice Girls has been strongly suggested by pictures of the best-selling girl band rehearsing on top of “pearly” black taxis.

Other stars snapped by The Sun newspaper during apparent rehearsals at the Ford car plant in Dagenham, east London, were Brian May, the Pet Shop Boys, Annie Lennox, and Tinie Tempah.

Take That have been widely tipped to appear, although singer Gary Barlow’s presence is in doubt following the stillbirth of his daughter Poppy.

There are rumours that 1970s chart topper Kate Bush may also be one of the stars of the show.

SUNDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 12, 2012

Chukwumerije crashes — Pg 54

London to end it with star-studded party T

•Nigeria ends without a medal — Pg 55

WORLD RECORD ••• Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (R) wins next to US’ Ryan Bailey during yesterday ’s 4X100 relay final in London. Jamaica won in a world record time of 36.84secs. PHOTO: AFP

MEDALS TABLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

COUNTRY

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

TOTAL

USA China Great Britain Russia Korea Rep. Germany France Hungary Australia Italy Netherlands Kazakhstan Japan New Zealand Iran Ukraine Jamaica DPR Korea Spain Belarus

42 37 27 21 13 10 10 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3

28 25 15 24 7 19 9 4 16 6 5 0 14 3 5 2 4 0 9 4

29 21 18 29 7 14 12 4 11 8 8 4 17 5 1 9 3 2 3 5

99 83 60 74 27 43 31 16 34 21 19 10 36 13 10 15 11 6 15 12

HE man in charge of the closing ceremony at the London Olympics says today’s extravaganza will run three hours and include plenty of pop stars.

Music will be the highlight of the event and the bill includes performers ranging from the Spice Girls and George Michael to Muse and the London Symphony Orchestra.

“Everyone is calling it the biggest closing ceremony they have ever seen,” director Stephen Daldry said. “I am really hoping that people will gather at the live sites and in their homes and pubs and have the time of their life.”

Closed rehearsals have been under way at a Ford auto plant in east London where celebrity-watching reporters have spotted the various stars coming and going. Rockers Annie Lennox and Brian May have been seen as well as Kate Bush and the Pet Shop Boys, The Daily Telegraph said Saturday.

Rumors abound that bluechip stars such as Adele, the Who and Elton John will also be performing.

Continues on page 55

Mexico wins football gold — Pg 55

Heavy medal: Team USA set to finish top — Pg 55

ACROSS 1. Classified (6) 3. Nigerian state (6) 6. Lagos masquerade (3) 8. Spannish for ‘friend’(5) 9. Ways (5) 10. Fishermen (7) 12. Spoilt (7) 14. Big bird (3) 16. Chemical element (6) 18. Spy (5) 20. Adjoin (5) 21. Pry (5) 22. Surpass (6) 24. Faucet (3) 26. Invalidates (7) 28. Esteem (7) 31. Coach (5) 32. Yoruba people (5) 33. Message in a bottle (1-1-1) 34. Oppose (6) 35. Hate (6)

DOWN 1. W. African country (5) 2. Run off with lover (5) 4. Plateau State people (5) 5. Within (6) 6. Rub off (5) 7. Nigerian tourist resort (5) 11. West African town (5) 13. Yes (3) 15. Niger town (5) 17. Snooze (3) 18. Hatchet (3) 19. Female relative (5) 23. Speech maker (6) 24. Old Russian Kings (5) 25. Asks God (5) 27. Monarchs (5) 29. Glimmer (5) 30. Have faith in (5)

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE

5

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