Obasanjo attacks Jonathan again!

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 5

Obasanjo attacks Jonathan again!

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the country and, when he eventually conducted the election and lost, refused

alleged that Jonathan was engaged in do-or-die politics.

But in a swift reaction, the Presidency and Jonathan’s Campaign Office charged that Obasanjo’s allegations were not only baseless but also absurd, repugnant and self-serving.

On Thursday, while publicly presenting his latest book, ‘My Watch’, in London, the former President told his audience that the certificate issue against Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), APC presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections, was a ploy by Jonathan’s men to stop Buhari in the election.

The former President, who spoke to journalists

to leave office.

“I was away because I had a number of assignments abroad which took me to Morocco, Munich, Nairobi, London and New Delhi. Exactly a week today, we were in Munich for w hat they

called `Munich security conference’ and all people who are in security community, normally, you found them there”, the former President said.

“For this year, the Vice President of America was there, the Secretary of State, John Kerry, was there, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany was there, President of Ukraine was there and many others.

“I was there with Koffi Annan. Our side was to talk about peace and security in Africa. I was to handle the African perspective while Koffi Annan was to look at it from the global perspective.

“And suddenly people started asking me questions about what was happening in my country:; Americans, British, Germans and every other person. Koffi Annan was particularly agitated. “While I was out, I refused to make any categorical statement on this issue because I wanted to come back home and learn, first hand, what

at his Hilltop Mansion residence, Abeokuta, likened the politics played by Jonathan to “the do-or-die” politics played by the former President of Cote d’Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo.

Obasanjo, while reacting to the postponement of the general elections, said it was a grand plan by Jonathan to perpetuate himself in office till the situation becomes clear that the presidential election would favour him.

He likened the situation to the one in Cote d’Ivoire in which Gbagbo delayed the presidential election of

WRITE DOWN YOUR VISION —6

By Richard Eromonsele

Have you succeeded?Or do think you are succeeding?Please,be sincere to your self.If you think you are not succeeding,why do you think so?What are those things you are doing now that appears not to be yielding fruit?What are those things you you think you can do in order to achieve success?Whatever appears to be holding you down,get rid of it.Audit your thought process,be mindful of every word you speak to yourself,carefully chose every word you speak to your situation,be selective and very discreet in the choice of your friends.This is so because,success or failure is basically a function of people.....

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decision on the INEC because it was alleged that the Security Chiefs were unable to provide security and, as a result, the Chairman of INEC had to postpone, in accordance with the dictates of the so called Security Chiefs.

“I thought that was bad precedent for democracy in Nigeria, it meant it doesn’t matter what preparation or lack of preparation any electoral body could make in Nigeria, the final decision whether election will take place on the day scheduled for it lies in the domains of the security, it is a sad day for democracy in Nigeria.

“And I will say this. We must all feel concerned before democracy is killed.

The observable and what would appear to be happening is that the President has a grand plan, a grand plan to ensure that, by hook or crook, he wins the election or if it all fails, they scuttle it and create chaos, confusion and unpleasantness in the whole country”.

According to him, it is the duty of the security officers to provide security. “The President is the Chief Security Officer of the country and he is the Commander-in-Chief and if security is required anywhere any ti me, it is his duty to provide it, failure to provide it is dereliction of duty, pure and simple”.

‘Grand plan’

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

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actually transpired and what was going on. And it turned out to be a forced

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Obasanjo said the President, following his own grand plan or his aides and associates, was working a script.

“What again it looks to me is that the President is trying to play Gbagbo.

Gbagbo was the President of Cote d’Ivoire and Gbagbo made sure he postponed the election in his country until he was sure he would win and then allowed the election to take place. He got an inconclusive election in the first ballot and I believe this is the sort of thing Nigeria may fall into if I am right in what I observed as the grand plan and then, in the run-off, Gbgbo lost with 8% behind Ouattara and then refused to hand over. All reasonable persuasion and pleading was rebuffed by him and he unleashed horror in that country until nemesis caught up with him”, he stated.

“I believe that we may be seeing the repeat of Gbagbo or what I call the Gbagbo saga here in Nigeria. I hope I am wrong.

“I believe the President’s concern of fear is not to live out of office per se, because he and I have occasions to talk about this both seriously and jovially. I believe the President would

From left : Abdulahi Sani, Vice President, Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce; Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, MD/CEO, Bank of Industry; Mr Tunde Okoya,Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce, President, Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce; Mr Ugo Nwabuisi, Board Member and Mr Ganiu Mohammed, General Manager, Small and Medium Enterprise, BOI, during a courtesy visit by the Executive of the Chamber to BOI head office in Lagos.

want an opportunity to disengage peacefully and have a nice, decent and a glorious exit, I believe the President’s fear is, particularly, motivated by the person he sees as his likely successor, that is General Buhari.

“I believe people would have been telling him that Buhari is a hard man, he would fight corruption and you may end up in jail if not in grave. I believe people must have told him all sorts of things and he is not the only one, there are other people who may be afraid of Buhari, but, why?

I would say that Buhari has learnt lessons; if he hasn’t learnt lessons, then he would probably be the most unlearning human being.

“If he has learnt lessons, he would know that you do not fight corruption by putting people in jail for 200 years and this has been done by m y own predecessor in office, General Abdulsalam Abubakar; he recovered over $750 million from Abacha’s estate without putting anybody in jail, without hurting or harming anybody. When I took over, we recovered over $1.25 billion from the same Abacha estate without hurting anybody, without harming anybody and, in fact, what would be rather unfortunate is the fact that our lawyer, who is still alive, able, who was chasing this money all over the world, said to us that there’s still about $1 billion to be recovered from Abacha estate but the unfortunate thing is that my successor did not do anything about it even though it was in my handing over note”.

While speaking on the role of the Security Chiefs on the postponement of the elections, Obasanjo said: “That is what I said; it was strange to me; it wasn’t the duty and responsibility of Security Chiefs and Service Chiefs to tell INEC, ‘we are not in the position to provide security for you’ because it is their job. When they have failed, they can as well go home, their job

is to maitain law and order and provide security at any time, at any place, they said they could not do it, they have failed”.

On the Boko Haram insurgency as excuse for the elections postponement, the former President said, “You can give any excuse or you can rationalise anything. Boko Haram has been with us since 2009 and now if we said what we have not been able to achieve since 2009 would be achieved in six weeks, all I would say is that God is a God of miracle. God can do anything”.

On the alleged plot to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, Obasanjo said: “I think the President, in his media chat, has dispelled that rumour but, of course, I know the President very well, but I want to believe him and believe what I see not what I hear ”.

“I believe that after Jega has been boxed to a corner, he had no choice but to accept the fait accompli and postponed the election.

And I believe that like I have said before, it is unfortunate because in the past, this same Jega had changed the date of election when he found that it was not suitable. So it is the duty, responsibility, function and jurisdiction of INEC to determine whether the situation allows or does not allow them to go on with the election.

Nobody should either twist their arms, blackmail them or force them”.

Buhari phobia

Obasanjo added: “I appeal to President Jonathan again not to listen to those creating phobia, phobia of Buhari, phobia of enquiry and all that. President Jonathan has done well to the best of his ability and he has made history as the first elected Nigerian from a minority tribe and nobody can take that away from him. He can even make a second history; if it turns out that way, if he contests a fair, free and transparent election and if he loses, he should have a dignified

decent and a dignified exit.

He will be on the mountain top and he would be acclaimed as a true patriot and a true democrat. What stops him from doing this?”

President fires back: ‘Allegations baseless, absurd!’

Meanwhile, Jonathan, through the Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, last night, described Obasanjo’s claims as repugnant.

Jonathan’s statement read: “We find the false claims and allegations reportedly made against President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday in Abeokuta very odious and repugnant.

“As we have had cause to say before, it is most regrettable indeed that a man like Chief Obasanjo, who should know better, chooses to repeatedly, wantonly, and maliciously impugn the integrity of a sitting President of his country for the primary purpose of self-promotion.

“It is obvious from Chief Obasanjo’s serial vituperations against President Jonathan who is doing his best to positively transform Nigeria for the benefit of all of its people that he has willfully chosen to close his eyes to the present administration’s good works and intentions. For reasons best known to him, Chief Obasanjo has set his mind on regime change by fair or foul means.

“Otherwise, it would be completely senseless, irrational and out of place for Chief Obasanjo, who still claims to belong to the same party as the President, to accuse President Jonathan of plotting to win the rescheduled presidential elections by “hook or crook” and planning to plunge the nation into crisis if he loses

Continues on page 15

PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

3 alleged assassins in fake NYSC uniforms arrested in Ebonyi

By Peter Okutu

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HREE young men in their middle ages (names withheld) alleged to be assassins, were arrested by policemen attached to Kpirikpiri Police Division, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, following their alleged attempt to attack the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Senator Julius Ali Ucha, in his hotel room.

Addressing newsmen immediately after a prayer session organized by the APC at its secretariat, Abakaliki, the governorship candidate who thanked God for saving his life, stated that the proactive disposition of the policemen attached to him led to the arrest of the suspects.

Ucha raised the alarm that some desperate politicians in the state were busy sewing fake NYSC and security uniforms for criminals for the purpose of winning the forthcoming general elections at all cost.

He called on the people of

Group alleges plan to rob voters of PVCs in Abia

By Akoma Chinweoke

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group, Abia Political Van guard, APV, in Abia State, has alleged a grand plan aimed at hoodwinking the state electorate and rob them of their permanent voter cards (PVCs) with the ultimate goal of rigging elec-

Shell partners GE on Oloibiri hell Petroleum Development Company S (SPDC) has signed an MOU with General Electric (GE) for a comprehensive healthcare project to be situated in Ogbia local government area, Oloibiri and neighboring communities where crude oil was first discovered in Nigeria.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Lagos, the out-going country chair of Shell companies in Nigeria Mr, Mutiu Sunmonu, said Shell is sponsoring the project to mark Nigeria’s

the state and security operatives to be vigilant and increase surveillance in their environment alleging that there were influx of foreigners suspected to be criminals parading the state, especially within Abakaliki metropolis.

centenary and to recognize the communities where oil was first discovered in Nigeria. According to him, the initiative would provide Universal Health Coverage and Health System for the people of Ogbia LGA. He maintained that Shell is committed to sustainable initiatives that empower communities rather dishing out hand-outs. On his part, GE Nigeria’s President and CEO, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, said beyond the provision of healthcare infrastructure, the inclusion of

tions in the state.

According to Comrade Godson Umahi, the president of the group, the plot has been perfected by the ruling party in the state.

The group also accused Governor T.A. Orji of ordering civil servants in Abia to turn in their PVCs in what political watchers see as his desperate bid to secure a senatorial seat as well as the governorship post for his anointed candidate . research and training of healthcare professionals had made the project rather unique.

Angbazo said GE was very delighted at the opportunity to deliver a project that will have a transformational impact on humanity. “The impact of this project is not only on the physical infrastructure and the provision of healthcare services to the people of Oloibiri and neighboring communities, but also in the inherent employment opportunities that this initiative provides,” the CEO added:

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 7

Don’t drag Islam to political campaigns In a statement by the very dangerous signal of — NSCIA Secretary-General of the a seemingly impending

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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he Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has cautioned political parties and supporters not to drag Islam into the ongoing campaigns.

The Council chided the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, for its alleged failure to scrutinize what goes on the airwaves.

Council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, he alleged that a sponsored advertisement in the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), “ contained a concocted documentary which embarrassingly maligns Islam and portrays Nigerian Muslims in bad light.” He noted that such advertisement, especially on a national television owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, “is sending a

Gunmen kill two policemen in Enugu, steal rifles

BY FRANCIS IGATA

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o fewer than two p o l i c e m e n attached to the New Haven Police Station have been killed by unknown gunmen while on a stop and search duty at Nze Street bypass, New Haven Enugu.

The incident occurred around 9pm on Thursday leaving passersby and residents jittery.

A security source told Sunday Vanguard that the gunmen stormed the check point with two vehicles, killed two policemen and went away with their rifles.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, DSP, who confirmed the incident,”We are working tirelessly to unravel the identities of the gunmen.

“The policemen were killed while on duty. The gunmen were about five or so. We are suspecting that they were armed robbers. Cultists usually do not act this way. We are appealing to members of the public to

avail us of credible information that will unmask the identity of the killers.”

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HE bitter rivalry be tween the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, got to a head, Friday night, when unknown persons ransacked the gubernatorial campaign office of the APC, pulling down campaign billboards and posters in and around town.

The incident happened two days after the PDP raised the alarm that unknown persons alleged to be APC support-

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI-Abuja

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combination of air and ground operation, yesterday, repelled Boko Haram fighters who invaded Gombe even as it emerged that the fighters wanted to divert the military’s attention due to sustained bombardments of their camps.

A tweet from Defence Headquarters handle confirmed the attack and the military overcoming it. “The terrorists attack on Gombe has been repelled. Troops are in pursuit”, the brief tweet stated.

Security sources told Sunday Vanguard that the fighters were desperately seeking other places to set up

ers, were destroying its billboards and posters in the town.

Sunday Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the attackers besieged the APC office at about 11 pm, forced their way into the premises, smashed vehicles and destroyed the billboards mounted at the office and around town.

The incident drew the ire of supporters of the APC; but it took the the intervention of security operatives to calm the situation that almost snowballed into a major political crisis.

camps as they were being pursued from their camps in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

In the last few weeks, Boko Haram camps in the states, close to the borders with neighbouring countries,

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its National Publicity Secretar y, Alhaji L ai Mohammed, the party said Mbu’s actions since he was posted to Lagos have neither dignified the police as an institution nor portrayed him as a well-trained law

have been under intense pressures from Nigerian troops in cooperation with their counterparts, from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

Some of the camps have been destroyed.

And as they could no longer enter Cameroon and Niger so easily, they are moving southwards, the sources confirmed.

Eye witnesses said the militants attacked soldiers at the security checkpoints at the edge

of the town and forced their way into the quarter guard of the 301 Artillery Regiment.

The quarter guard was burned but they could not proceed into the main barracks which is a little far off.

100 roads rehabilitation: Residents praise Ondo govt

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•L-r: President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu; Director, Membership Affairs, Mr Wale Awe; Inaugural Chairman of Canada & District of ICAN; Mr. Ibukun Aruleba, being decorated and past chairman of ICAN, USA District, Mrs. Tawa Yusuf during the inauguration of Canada and District Society of ICAN.

Students look forward to bus donations from politicians

By Theodore Opara

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s politicians go back to the drawing board following the postponement of the general elections, students are looking forward to be actively involved in the campaigns before the new dates of elections.

Speaking in Lagos

APC slams Mbu for allegedly advocating killings HE All Progres sives Congress (APC) has described the AIG in charge of Zone 2 Command, Joseph Mbu, as a lawless policeman.

In a statement issued in Lagos, yesterday, by

A cross section of some of the children of the deceased during the 70th posthumous birthday of Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, held in Ibadan, yesterday with a prayer and lecture. Photo Dare Fasube

Air, ground operation stops Boko Haram in Gombe

Benue APC office attacked

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

religious war to the populace.”

Oloyede argued that airing of such advert, with the current public utterances of some political and religious leaders in the country, suggested a “dangerous hidden agenda”.

He, therefore, warned: “To avert any such crisis, therefore, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs hereby calls on Nigerian B r o a d c a s t i n g Commission, which statutorily regulates the broadcast activities in the country, to be alert in its duty and ensure that a religious war does not ensue as a result of dereliction of duty on its part.”

enforcement agent.

It said the temperament, comportment, utterances and actions of Mbu, a very senior police officer, are capable of inciting mass killings, violence and anarchy.

against the moves by some political parties to donate buses to institutions of higher learning in the country, the Public Relations Officer of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Students Union Government (SUG), Comrade Owolabi Oladimeji, stated that it is a welcome move.

“It is a very good development that political parties could remember us now and even after the elections. We look forward to the buses because we really need them, so long as they are no unfavourable conditions attached to it. You know in the past, some parties use students to cause trouble”, Oladimeji stated.

HE Ondo State government has extended the number of roads being repaired in the first phase of its 100 Roads Rehabilitation Programme to accommodate more roads and ensure more towns in the state benefit from the scheme, even as Akure, the capital and other towns in the state now wear a new look.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Hon Kayode Akinmade, while speaking with newsmen, in Akure, in company of the state’s Asphalt Company Chairman, Engr.

Kehinde Oshikoya, over the progress of work recorded since the programme commenced last month in the state’s three senatorial districts,

said Idanre, Igbara Oke and Ijare have been included among towns where roads rehabilitation work will be effected.

Other major towns which have also benefited from the roads repair exercise include Ondo, Owo, Ikare and Okitipupa.

Akinmade, who registered that commendation messages have been pouring in for the government from groups and individuals since the road rehabilitation programme started mid last month, said government conducted a state-wide audit of road infrastructure and discovered that the road network which is crucial to its socio-economic development agenda, requires more attention.

Ijaw youths in Lagos salute Hon. Kuku

By Tony Nwankwo

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JAW Youths Development Association (IYDA) says the presidential adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, is a blessing to the Niger Delta and Nigeria in general.

In a congratulatory message by the national president, Comrade Fiyebo Eperetei to mark

th the 45 birthday of the presidential adviser, the group said: “Lagos Ijaw youths are proud of this special star of our time.

Kuku is a reference point in our region and Nigeria. We thank the President for identifying the leadership quality of the former law maker of Ondo State and giving him the opportunity to manage the affairs of the youths in Niger Delta”.

PAGE 8— SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

By EMMA UJAH, EMMA ELEBEKE & LAIDE AKINBOADE

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HE traditional stool in every African society brings with it awe, wealth and imperial satisfaction to make the traditional ruler the envy of most people. However, for the Oche Achega, the paramount ruler of Achega in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue, his reign has been marred by the burden and sorrow of being a continual mourner. Agatu, once a serene, prosperous local government area, producing large quantities of food stuff and fish, is now a ghost of itself, no thanks to deadly attacks by Fulani fighters since 2013.

For many centuries, the peace-loving Agatu people’s only main challenge was the impassible Otukpo- Oweto Road which made it difficult for them to convey their farm produce to the market.

Today, however, the oncethriving community people do not just worry about means of livelihood, they worry about their very existence. Most of those who survived the attacks have deserted the villages, while the elderly and children, who could not run away or had nowhere else to go, live in the nightmare of the attacks. To Agatu, life has lost its meaning as the attacks could happen anytime, leaving behind young widows and orphans who are too young to imagine why their parents were being hacked to death.

Between November 2013 and January this year, the traditional ruler lamented that over 200 people have been killed by the Fulani attackers in his community.

The attackers, he said, used two main strategies to exterminate the defenceless villagers: surround the settlements, set the houses on fire and shoot down anyone that runs out of the burning buildings. The fact that many of the poor villagers lived in thatched huts made their case worse.

Besides, the Oche Achega said modern houses which could not be easily ignited were attacked with petrol bombs.

What worries the king most is the increasing sophistication of the weapons with which the attackers launch their assault.

His words, “The first time they came, they came with bows, arrows and guns, including AK47. Then, they came through Oweto via Nassarawa in Nasarawa State.

The Agatu killing fields!

•Battle with Fulani herdsmen for farmland pushing my people to extinction – Monarch •’No succour from Benue, federal govts’ The second time was in December 2013, they came through Kogi State and attacked Egwuma and environs. That same period, they also came to Okokolo, Ocholanya, Abogbe where they killed 15 people.

“So far, about 200 lives have been lost and many people displaced, due to the incessant attacks and nonchalant attitude of government.

Some of my people ran to Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa Local Government Area and Odugbeho where there are about 10,000 displaced people today.”

Mercenaries Oche Achega said his concern heightened following the discovery that the Fulani raiders were also hiring

The monarch lamented that the state and federal governments had abandoned his people to be slaughtered like beasts on their land mercenaries from Mali and Chad to fight Agatu people.

In the process of repelling the attackers, the Agatu vigilante, he stated, discovered that some of them were indeed not Fulani and had no idea of the terrain of the theatre of war.

‘No security presence’ The monarch lamented that the state and federal governments had abandoned his people to be slaughtered

like beasts on their land. He said that it was only the initial attacks that attracted any form of response from the government as a few policemen and soldiers were sent there but that it was only after the attackers had carried out the killings and destruction of their properties worth billions of Naira.

“The negligence is at all levels. The state government hasn’t made any serious

effort to curb the attacks.

That is why we decided to cry out.

The only time government showed concern was the last time they sent a detachment of soldiers after the attack on Abogbe and left the following morning”, Oche Achega said.

“And as I am talking to you now, there is no single security presence in the area.

So many people on the coastal lines are no more in their houses.

They have sacked Ocholoyan, Abogbe, and there are so many of them.

They just occupy the communities for a short period of time and then leave with the intention to come back because they know our people will fight back”.

‘Vigilante to the rescue’ According to the chief, the only resemblance of security in Agatu are the local vigilantes who are essentially young men who chose to die in the battle to repel Fulani attackers than stay in their parents’ homes and be shot dead or burnt.

He regretted that the boys had no arms to match the attackers weapons.

No NEMA assistance “I can tell you that since then, no NEMA official has come to our rescue. In fact, the Federal Government has not done anything. Even those who have been displaced are not being attended to”, Oche Achega said.

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 9

St. John’s College, Jos, at 50: A story of doggedness, resilience, sacrifice

BY CHRIS GYANG

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hen the history of Plateau State is finally written, one fundamental fact will always remain constant and consistent: the fact that once upon a time, the state was one of the proud hubs of education in not only the north but Nigeria as a whole.

And this was largely due to the great efforts and sacrifices Christian missionaries made through the establishment of schools for Nigerians because education was viewed as the basis for the overall development of the human person, that is, physically, intellectually and spiritually. All over Plateau State, missionaries were the first torch bearers of the education that would later produce some of the first and finest crops of civil servants, technocrats, military officers, politicians and so on that would go on to make very remarkable impacts on the social, political and economic landscapes of not only the state but Nigeria as a whole.

One of such pioneers in the educational sector is the St. John’s College, Jos, Plateau State. Established 50 years ago, the story of this institution is a long one steeped in doggedness, resilience, sacrifice and an unrelenting spirit in the pursuit of the goal of establishing a reputable institution that would offer a sound education to Nigerians, irrespective of creed or tribe. It was the Anglican Diocese of Lagos that first sowed the seed of this idea at its synod of 1953 when it passed a motion to establish a secondary school in Jos to meet the needs of its people and those of North Eastern Nigeria.

When the Anglican Diocese of Northern Nigeria was carved out in 1954, the responsibility of making this dream a reality was placed on the shoulders of Bishop Mort. And he undertook that task with great passion. One of the first sources of funding for the proposed school was a levy on the Jos Arch Deaconry. Also, male members were required to pay one Pound each, which they willingly did according to their abilities. When the contributions were put together at the 1960 synod, they amounted 2000 Pounds, with the arch deaconry being the highest donor. It is also remarkable and a sign of the religious tolerance that prevailed at the time that Sir. Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, also donated 5000 Pounds towards establishing a missionary school. And although this was also borne out of his passion for the educational growth of the then Northern Region, it is a great lesson in reaching out across our narrow

religious divides - which Nigeria direly needs today.

Indeed, the history of St. John’s College, Jos, will not be complete without paying glowing tribute to two gentlemen whose sacrifices, dedication and foresight helped build and nurture both the physical and spiritual structures of this great institution. When the school urgently needed land on which to build its permanent structures, Pa Ayo Kehinde generously donated the land on which the school permanently stands today. One of the earliest and oldest miners on the Jos Plateau, Pa Kehinde is still actively involved in church activities and is well-respected by his peers and the younger generation whose lives he has enriched so immensely. The other personality is no other than the inimitable Arch Deacon O.D.C Brown whom The Most Reverend Benjamin Kwashi, the Arch Bishop of Jos, described as ‘’a fine evangelist who was interested in spreading the gospel with schools.”

An educationist par excellence, he was very anxious for the school to take off, despite all odds. So he offered a classroom block at St. Paul’s Primary School, Laranto, Jos, where St. John’s College, Jos, formally started classes on February 12, 1965. The late Mr. E.O Ita, a teacher from St. Peter’s College, Kaduna, was its founding Acting Principal. Reverend Olafimehan declared the school open on that historic day fifty years ago.

Reverend Timothy Idowu Ebun Adesola also witnessed that epochal event. Miss Anyadiegwu was a teaching staff while Mr. Ajagbe was a volunteer games master.

And with a pioneer number of

36 students, the schools highly instructive motto was and still is: Learn and Pray. These humble beginnings marked the sowing of the acorn that has today blossomed into the magnificent oak tree that has produced men and women of great potentials and sound character. Today, St. John’s College, Jos, proudly has a total of 690 students on its roll.

For the records, James Bankole, Femi Awojobi, the late Maxwell Morris, Edet Bassey, the late Adeniyi Adeleye, Samuel Ferdinand, Adebayo Adenuga, Giazu Sule and Comfort Micah were the foundation students that graduated in 1969 alongside others who entered the school later. And going down memory lane, James Bankole was the first Prefect/Head Boy and also doubled as Health Prefect, Veronica Ovia was the first Head Girl while Femi Awojobi was the Time Keeper. The Janitor and Games Captain were Sam Edet Bassey and Adeniyi Adeleye respectively.

As expected, one of the key agents of development in the institution has been the alma mater, St. John’s College Jos Old Students Association (St. JOSA).

It was formally formed between 1984 and 1985 through the guidance and inspiration of the principal at the time – Mr. Christopher Jatau – of blessed memory. Although the alumni association came on stream relatively late in the annals of the school, it has proved to be a great agent of change and mobilization of old students. For instance, when the association was reinvigorated in 1990 after experiencing a lull in its activities in the preceding years, Ali Maina was appointed interim chairman. He is credited with

meetings in the past, the meetings had only been between Tiv and Fulani, they have never involved the Agatu people.

“The state government hasn’t shown any concern for the Agatu people in this regard because there is no presence of security personnel in the affected communities. I think it is pure negligence of government.

Maybe, the reason is because the gover nment is overwhelmed by insecurity in the country, that it does not matter to them when people die.

“There was never a time we attacked the Fulani, they will just cross over the River Benue, kill our people and run across the river into Nas-

sarawa State.

having mobilized members and created awareness about their place and role in the development of their former school. He also introduced the Annual General Meeting and End of Year Dinner which served as veritable avenues for pooling together the energies and potentials of members.

As the institution celebrates it golden jubilee, the St. JOSA is under the leadership of Samuel Pam. Interestingly, this is his second coming having taken over from Ali Maina during which time he introduced projects execution as one of the critical means of impacting on the school by the alma mater. As a result, he initiated the construction of modern and befitting college gate which had its name inscribed on it. And in order to bring the activities of the association closer to members and enhance their unity, the association under the leadership of Mr. Pam has created 5 chapters across the country.

These are in Jos, Abuja, Lafia, Lagos, Kaduna and Taraba. In addition, the association was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission while another new innovation was introduced through the induction of graduating students into the alumni during an annual old students’ sponsored dinner.

Today, the association is renovating the boys’ hostels toilets, concluded a leadership training course for 116 students at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, initiated the adoption of a draft constitution and setting up of a constitution amendment committee, among others. No doubt, the old students of this institution have amply demonstrated that, because they owe this citadel of learning a great debt for having their lives in a most profound way, they are now paying back in a most compelling and positive manner.

*GYANG is the Personal Assistant to the Plateau State Governor. He can be reached at gyel26@yahoo.com

The Agatu killing fields!

LAND “The problem has been the issue of farmland. I think farmland has been the major issue in the matter. In 1986, because of the issue of destruction of farmlands by the Fulani cattle and the killing of a woman on her farm, they were driven away by our people. Now they want to come back and they think the way to go about it is to attack our people, kill or drive away the survivors and then occupy our land”.

Origin On the immediate cause of the current crisis, the monarch said: “The present attacks started as a result of C M Y K

the problems the Fulani herdsmen had with Tiv people.

They was a peace meeting to be held to settle the matter. Unfortunately Tiv people ambushed the Fulani leaders on their way to Ocholoyan and the Fulani blamed Agatu people for the attacks.

“Since that 2013, the Fulani people said they wouldn’t agree to a settlement and, in January 2015 alone, they have attacked us more than four times but each time they come, my people repel them and they have been fighting with mercenaries.”

Peace efforts He disclosed that although the Benue State government had organized several peace

Our prayers “We need a detachment of mobile police force at the coastal lines like Abogbe, Ocholanya and Ogbanchenyi that have been sacked.

The people are in the bush and no more land for them to farm again and Okpanchenyi is the town that produces the bulk of the food we eat in Benue State. We all know that Agatu people are farmers and major agricultural contributors in Benue state.

And now that they are supposed to be preparing for the raininy season, they cannot do so because of fear.

“We want government to take a step to reconcile the Fulani herdsmen and Agatu

farmers as it is seen in the civilised world.

Agatu is ready for peace.

I want to urge the state and federal governments to take practical steps to secure our villages. Farming is very important to us. What oil is to the Ogoni and other Niger Delta people is what agriculture is to our people. Just as oil contributes to the nation’s economy, our farming contributes a great deal to the economy of this nation.

Therefore, we should be allowed to pursue our legitimate means of livelihood without hindrance from any group of people in the country. We are on our ancestral land and we have nowhere else to go”.

PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

INEC shifting polls and its consequences

Every election since 1999 had been held in April.

Even, the 2011 elections conducted by the same Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, took place in April. Despite that, the first election almost brought the nation to the brink of chaos. We were saved in 2011 from INEC’s mistake by the fact that the opposition parties, ACN and CPC, were very weak

Last week, instead of commentary on the elections, I wrote a column about Chief Olufemi Daramola, KJW – my “Saviour”.

I took a gamble which had paid off. By the time the decision to ignore the elections was made, it was clear to me that INEC had no choice but to postpone the

Delayed but never denied "As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself...

Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility."

Nelson Mandela

E

lection day has been postponed we are told as there are concerns of insecurity and safety of voters. That is the official story and whether we believe it or not, they are sticking to this official line. So now when Election Day approaches, Nigerian lives matter! Pull the other one, I say, Nigerians will have their say whatever time it is. The subterfuge is transparent and to some they had seen it coming. So though it came as a surprise to many, it seems that some had expected that the government was going to but spanners in to the works.

The decision to postpone it was widely viewed as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yielding to pressure by the PDP, which the opposition said feared it could lose. Nigeria's electoral commission said it postponed the February 14 elections to March 28,

after security chiefs told INEC that it could not guarantee security owing to operations to combat Boko Haram. Buhari said; "It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure," and "What they (security forces) cannot do in 6 years, they cannot do in 6 weeks.".

Yes, I agree, it will take a miracle and it is a little too late to show concern after thousands have been killed and million displaced. This is so disingenuous of them to use their mitigating ineptitude to postpone the election. There has been international concerns too, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington "was deeply disappointed by the postponement and criticized "political interference" in the election process and that America was "deeply disappointed" by the decision, it is critical that the government do not use security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process. The international community will be watching closely as the Nigerian government prepares for elections on the newly scheduled dates."

And Philip Hammond,

elections. Too many things, which should have been done, and which were indispensable aspects of the elections were behind schedule. The last minute frantic efforts to distribute Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, were only the most noticeable. Even if all reg-

Almost invariably the new managers of any public enterprise, whether elections, agriculture, poverty alleviation or census, behave as if theirs is the first

INEC Chairman was gripped by illusions of his ability to deliver a free and fair election in shorter time.

Now he has a potential disaster on his hands and we in our country, if the postponement is not handled with maturity and patience

,

istered voters received their cards by February 13, 2015, INEC would still not have been able to conduct a valid election on February 14, 2015.

The service chiefs and the National Security Adviser

attempt at it. Left to me, anybody elected or appointed to high office, anywhere in Nigeria, should appoint a historian or someone with a sense of history as one of his first advisers. And, his brief should include look-

Britain's foreign secretary echoed similar; "The security situation should not be used as a reason to deny the Nigerian people from exercising their democratic rights. It is vital that the elections are kept on track and held as soon as possible." Yes, I do agree with them but, it is not what anyone of these people say that matters, it is more important how Nigerians feel.

Some may say, that this postponement is an act of desperation and, with the excuse they felt INEC came up with it just really a bit frustrating. Nothing is ever what it is in Nigeria and I do believe that we have a way of sabotaging what does not favour us, this time is no different.

Yes, it is disappointing that it is what it is February 14 is no longer the case. The postponement may not be in everybody's favour but, it does not mean the country should descend to chaos and disintegration. No, let the votes do the talking.

Muhammadu Buhari is right to ask for calm and cautioned the aggrieved masses against any violence following the election postponement and that "any act of violence can only complicate the security challenges in the country and provide further justification to those who would want to exploit every situation to frustrate the democratic process," that the postponement; "was engineered by the ruling People's Democratic Party".

And Buhari went on to say that the presidential and state level elections on March 28 and April 11" must now be sacrosanct and that the party would not tolerate any further interference in the vote".

The campaigning between the APC and PDP has fired up people up and down the country (well, except, South East). This election has been billed and anticipated to be one of the tightly contested since 1999. No one can deny that change has to come to Nigeria now more than ever.

Ajimobi, son of the soil "The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don't wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make

,

O

NLY a fool would have expected the presidential elections to hold yesterday. That it took INEC until a week ago to realize their error merely proves, once again, that people can be very intelligent, but not wise. Professor Jega is the author of what will follow from now on.

and none of them reasonably expected victory anyway. Times have changed.

Today we have the makings of a genuine two-party system in which the opposition is as strong as the government’s own party. Any misstep by INEC would precipitate chaos – the ultimate end of which cannot be predicted. INEC has just made the first mistake by postponing the presidential elections scheduled for yesterday. However, before touching on some of the consequences of the decision to postpone the elections permit me to make some pertinent observations.

,

“The most obstinate illusions are ultimately broken by facts.”

Trevor Roper, (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 100).

who later provided the alibi for the postponement of the elections only acted to save INEC’s face and to serve the interests of their Commander-In-Chief, C-IC. The culprit for whatever will be the consequences of this decision remains INEC. The question is: how did INEC get itself and the nation into this predicament? Two short answers suggest themselves – “Too Know” professors in high office and our penchant for not learning from history; however recent. Permit me to take on first our unbecoming disdain for history in anything we embark upon.

The decision to postpone it was widely viewed as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yielding to pressure by the PDP, which the opposition said feared it could lose

,

some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope." ? Barack Obama Let me start by saying, this is not a party political.

For those that think it is, then it is your prerogative.

I do have a vested interest in Oyo State as I spent my formative years there. It was then a sleepy place, not as manic as Lagos and it

ing into the records to determine what was done in the past; establish the successful approaches and highlight the ones that failed. In each case he should also try to answer the question: what brought about that result? Even, the same team, setting out a second time to conduct the same exercise must subject itself to external appraisal to avoid the mistakes of the first outing.

Professor Jega is the second professor to head INEC. His predecessor, Professor Iwu, left under a barrage of criticisms. If our readers would recollect, the first election, held in April 2011 almost brought our democracy crashing down.

If INEC was ill-prepared to conduct elections held in April 2011, why did the Commission think it could reduce the time by scheduling elections for February this year? The answer can be found in the “Too know” attitude of our professors when they occupy high office. Nigeria had paid dearly for this attitude. Highly intelligent, but perhaps not wise, individuals, plucked from classrooms, where their words were law to their students, enter office to dictate to Nigerians as if we are all their students.

The present fiasco is an example of the mess they can create for the nation.

Most observers were startled when Professor Jega announced the election time table last year. To every objection raised that February was not realistic, had a charm that is lacking in some other states. My mother comes from Oyo State, Ibadan to be exact and although, I keep telling her that she is married to an Egba man for over fifty years, so that makes her an honorary Egba woman.

She disagrees. So she is a daughter of Ibadan through and through.

When I was younger, I so look forward to spending our holidays with my grandmother in Ibadan. So the state holds very fond memories.

Sentimentality aside, it is important to embrace when something works in Nigeria and when people are making strides to make a positive change for the better. So for that reason, what happens in Oyo State has always been of interest to me. What the Governor of the state, Abiola Ajimobi has done has been remarkable.

The transformation and leadership should be applauded. He cleared the pension arrears and paid 142 per cent increase pension arrears. He increased that employment of teachers and 20,000 youths under the Youth Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State (YES-O).

He has set a trend that should continue like cleaning the environment, beautification of roads and green spaces, introducing Thursdays for environmental sanitation in the state, providing waste bins for refuse disposal and placed at planned locations in the state capital in Ibadan, the urban renewal project, highways ,roads, building of a modern market area and the Agodi Gardens.

He is smart and savvy, his campaign is sleek and

there was a “clever” answer – like those dispensed at university seminars. Unfortunately for Jega, elections and academic exercises are miles apart. In the classroom and the Senate, he deals with mostly “reasonable” people. In Nigerian politics, he is forced to deal with the most unreasonable people anywhere in the world. Adequate time, not funds, therefore constitutes the most precious input in his plans. So, to me, the entire thing made no sense.

But, I refrained from writing about it after observing Jega’s obstinacy against alternative suggestions. To me, it was obvious that the INEC Chairman was gripped by illusions of his ability to deliver a free and fair election in shorter time.

Now he has a potential disaster on his hands and we in our country, if the postponement is not handled with maturity and patience….

THANKS MADAM FOR THE TRUTH “30,000 jobs for Nigerians in 30 months” Minister for Petroleum.

According to advert in Sunday PUNCH of February 8, 2015. That means 1,000 jobs per month. With about 40 million Nigerians out of work, it will take Jonathan 40,000 months or 3300 years to create jobs for all. Can Nigerians wait that long?

he does not patronise the people. Oyo people are known to speak their mind anyway, so if they don't like you, you will be the first to know. He has transformed a once sleepy state in to a safe and prosperous place that now attracts investors and a place where people want to live and work in.

Crime and kidnapping has gone down, he has invested in the security of the place, kitting out the police and emergency teams with up to date equipment and vehicles to do their jobs effectively.

Oyo State people are a proud lot and they are also not afraid to tell it as it is.

They do not suffer fools gladly and he knows it. He knows that Stomach infrastructure is basic and but a necessary start, that the key to success is investing in people and business, paying civil servants get a living wage, good health care, good schools and higher learning.

His administration now offers free transportation for workers and students.

Although, he inherited n u m e r o u s mismanagement when he assumed office and he was able to clear the mess and start afresh putting the stamp of his type of leadership. And didn't he do well? The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Civil servants, rotation of chairmanship of council of Obas, and a calming effect on the dissent in the ranks, he attempted and tried to bring fractious parties together.

People have commented that they feel safer under his administration and that is why the governor is nicknamed Mr Peace.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 11

Our Military must not die For example, at an interview he granted to the media to mark his 73 rd birthday anniversary last September, former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) was more apt on the subject when he said it was dangerous to involve the military in elections and that the Nigerian Military

,

Sending the military to ‘check points’ on the roads could tempt them to collect illegal tolls and thereby damage the high reputation of the military

,

would soon be compromised.

The reactions of several analysts to recent political events in the nation have no doubt confirmed our fears.

Indeed, the recent statement by Chief John Oyegun, the chairman of the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) accusing the military of colluding with the ruling

PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos, , 08116759758

Notes on the upcoming national elections (3)

A

CCORDING to media reports, Gen. Buhari has rejected invitation to debate with President Jonathan as proposed by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON). Probably, he is unaware that presidential debate has become an accepted feature of normal democratic practice, given that it offers a great opportunity for aspirants to speak directly to a wide audience and for the electorate to assess spontaneously the intellectual quality of those aspiring to govern them. As usual, Buhari did not marshal convincing evidence to support his allegation that the proposed debate has been programmed and skewed by the organisers to favour Jonathan. On this issue, APC is acting like a jittery football team that refused to play the reigning champion in the final match of a tournament on mere suspicion of bias by the referee.

The way I see it, Gen. Buhari is dodging the debate for two major reasons, (1) he is not eloquent in English language, (2) he does not want to be embarrassed with some troubling questions about his educational qualifications and his tenure as military head of state and chairman of PTF. The upshot of our discussion up to this point is that

party to derail our democracy is obviously instructive. Oyegun’s accusation was probably quite pointed but he was not the first to disparage the military. Much earlier, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had through Olisa Metuh, the spokesman of the party called on the Military High

Gen. Buhari is not a good presidential material for our fledgling democracy and that, contrary to what some people might think, APC made a big mistake in choosing an ageing, barely educated and puritanical retired military officer as its candidate. Consequently, the question that naturally rears up is: what about President Jonathan, is he more electable than Gen. Buhari'? Before a reasonable answer can be given to that question, one must examine, albeit briefly, the achievements and failures of the incumbent President and compare them with what we have observed about Gen. Buhari in the preceding paragraphs.

Now, given the enormity of problems President Jonathan inherited from his egoistic and opinionated penultimate predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, it would require careful analysis of different aspects of our national life in order to identify Jonathan's achievements and the extent they have impacted on the suffering masses.

Again, we must acknowledge that Jonathan, because of the perception in certain quarters that he has not delivered on the promises he made in 2011, has lost some of the goodwill he enjoyed when he became substantive President over five years ago. In my can-

Command to investigate the role of the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army in Benin City for allegedly using the Military against the PDP during the Edo governorship elections of 2012. There was also the vexed issue of some top opposition politicians who were disallowed entry into Anambra, Ekiti and Osun did opinion, President Jonathan can be validly criticised on three major counts, namely, his laid back attitude to corruption, overreliance on economic prescriptions from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and slow response in tackling insecurity, particularly in North-eastern Nigeria.

On the issue of corruption, for instance, he was mistaken in granting presidential pardon to Diepriye Alameyeseigha; he also erred by refusing to declare his assets publicly as a symbol of seriousness to enthrone transparency in public service. On the economic management, Dr.

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W

hat do Nigerians and indeed the media expect of the military in the face of contemporary challenges?

This was a question I sought to answer in April 2013 at an interactive session on civil military relations organized by the Nigerian Army in Lagos. At the end of my paper, it was clear I had upset the military judging by the responses of the top most military officers who were participants at the conference. The session was so combative that I was forced to fight back by telling them not to invite me to future sessions if they only want to hear what would please them. Today, some two years later, I am happy I raised those fundamental even if uncomplimentary issues especially my specific criticism of posting military operatives to election venues as if election was a battle rather than a game. If there was any doubt then as to whether I was fair to the military it is obviously no longer so now. To start with, I was not and am still not alone with that standpoint.

States during elections whereas their counterparts from the ruling party were not similarly stopped. It is thus not uncharitable to suggest that by accepting to get involved in elections, the military had unwittingly created an opportunity for politicians to accuse it of working for one side against the other.

In my 2013 lecture, I had also questioned the wisdom of handing over commonplace police assignments to the military.

To me, sending the military to ‘check points’ on the roads could tempt them to collect illegal tolls and thereby damage the high reputation of the military.

Again I was not alone. If mine was a feeling, the reputable Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar was dead sure that falling standards in the military was attributable to what he called “dubious recruitment method, poor training and equipment, lack of motivation and deployment of soldiers to purely police duty like checkpoints at which they are seen soliciting and receiving bribe”. This watering down of professionalism became apparent in the excuses, complaints and self denials in the performance of military duties that hitherto were not in the character of our famous military.

Apart from negative comments by some Nigerians about the military, top international figures appeared quite contemptuous of our military. In a testimony

before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, last year, the American Air Force Chief of staff, Gen. Mark Welsh III, stated that the Nigerian military was, “quite frankly, becoming afraid to even engage”.

There was also the revelation by a former British military attaché to Nigeria, Col. James Hall that Nigerian peacekeepers in Mali at a time, had to buy pick-up trucks while their armor kept breaking down. Thus the often repeated calls for public understanding that the Boko Haram insurgency was unconventional guerilla warfare do not educate anyone. Many lay persons could in earnest expect in a war, surprises like ambush or insider abuses like betrayal. For this reason, people look forward to only stories of how our invincible military thrashed the opponent and not an analysis of the difficulties of engaging an enemy. That in fact, is in line with what society expects of any of its institutions. People are for instance always interested in our super eagles coming back home from any encounter with the cup; no one is interested in how justifiably demoralized the team was during a contest.

However, we are not unaware that Nigeria has many weak institutions but our military has never been among them and it should never be allowed to so degenerate.

One way of doing this is for well meaning Nigerians to join in the call

for the military to quit election venues and police check points. Otherwise whatever negative comments people make about them would easily be believed as is done to an institution with a dented image. For example, analysts find it quite easy to believe that our military is not interested in ending the Boko Haram insurgency.

The political opposition may have been exaggerating when it said that during the recently held Osun State Governorship election, the military deployed only 30,000 men to fight Boko Haram while 75,000 of its operatives were deployed to secure the election. Apart from the fact that the allegation was not refuted, there is doubt if anyone disbelieves it. Our military deserves a better image.

In 1997, I was selected along with 3 other technical experts on elections to coordinate political broadcasts for the first post civil war elections in Liberia. While there I saw how the effectiveness of the Nigerian-led ECOMOG made the average Nigerian a proud citizen. When added to the feat of our military in Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe as well the distinctions recorded by our peace keeping forces across the globe, every well meaning Nigerian must speak out against the declining fortunes of our military. It is an institution that must neither die nor be rubbished.

to the vicissitudes of crude oil in the international market, which makes budgeting vulnerable to stochastic fluctuations in prices of the commodity. Although the present administration is making efforts to diversify the economy, it has yet to achieve substantial progress in this area. The Boko Haram terrorism constitutes a serious security challenge for the present administration. Obviously, the bloodthirsty sect is supported by few atavistic elements in the North and, lately, it has assumed an international dimension. Although the body language and pronouncements of APC chieftains tend to suggest they really do not want

ture, road construction and aviation, education, job creation, restructuring of the power sector and so on, detailed discussion of which would elongate our discourse considerably. Nigerians must remember that Mr. President has kept faith with democracy in the country. For instance, he has not interfered with other arms of government, unlike Obasanjo who sees himself as "Mr. know-it-all" always eager to pull down anybody who refuses to bow to him.

Because Nigeria's problems have worsened considerably over the years due to incompetent leadership, it would require consistent improvement to consolidate the successes achieved by the Jonathan administration.

Sometimes, possibly due to political considerations, President Jonathan's choice of those to work with may not be the best available.

Yet, I strongly believe that in his second term, he would be a much more effective and decisive President.

the presidential election are fallible. However, President Jonathan is more suitable than Gen. Buhari.

Jonathan has learnt invaluable lessons as President, and should be given the opportunity to complete some of the good works he started. After all, a second term of office without the bugbear of seeking to please everyone for the sake of reelection, will allow him showcase his quintessential self and put his name in history as a great President.

APC is acting like a jittery football team that refused to play the reigning champion in the final match of a tournament on mere suspicion of bias by the referee

Nhgozi Okonjo-Iweala and her team have not managed the economy with the degree of astuteness and creative imagination needed for sustainable economic transformation - they are still using the paradigm of economic management formulated by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which tend to jeopardise economic growth in Third World countries. The major problem here, aside from the grotesque unitarist political structure that puts our economy in a Procrustean bed, is this: the bulk of our foreign revenue is still tied

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Boko Haram liquidated in order to use its nefarious activities to disparage the President, and there are saboteurs both in the army and government working for the sect, the military authorities were unduly tardy in responding to the threat at its embryonic stage. President Jonathan, being the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, takes ultimate responsibility for the inability of the military to crush Boko Haram.

But we must not forget for one second the achievements of President Jonathan particularly in agricul-

This brings us to another area where President Jonathan is preferable to Gen. Buhari. Jonathan has considerable experience in democratic governance as a deputy governor, governor, and President, unlike his opponent who has none.

Thus, if Buhari wins the election, he would need up to two years or more to adjust to the treacherous ecology of democratic governance.

President Jonathan does not have such a problem; hence, it is better Nigerians vote for a tested hand in democracy, not for a hypothetical latter-day apostle of change with dictatorial hunchback.

Like all human beings, the two leading candidates for

Buhari's reputation as the only military head of state who allegedly has no oil well, mansions in choice locations across the country, and business empire built from stolen public funds can easily be misinterpreted as a sign of selflessness in a society where political leadership has been shamelessly perverted as an avenue for primitive accumulation. But in truth, by avoiding the ensnarement of greedy acquisitiveness at public expense, Gen. Buhari did himself a favour.

He has protected himself from the psycho-spiritual disequilibrium associated bulimic materialism, which does not necessarily mean that he would make a good President in an evolving democratic setting, given his rigidity, draconian military mindset, age, mediocre education, and puritanical disposition. And because he is being propped up by disgruntled greedy and corrupt politicians many of whom are PDP renegades, Buhari would soon discover, as the Igbo would say, that the sound of bitter kola in the mouth when chewed is not reflected in its taste. Concluded.

PAGE 12 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Uduaghan and the burden of a statesman

BY KEN UGBECHIE

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statesman is someone who is developmentminded, visionary, bold to dare, unflinching on moral grounds even to his or her hurt.

Such a person must not be given to parochial partisan posturing, a true national icon and symbol of peace. The hallmark of all statesmen is that they see ahead of the crowd, they begin the journey where others stop; they are resilient, they don’t just win the battle, they also win the war.

This is where Emmanuel Uduaghan, the governor of Delta State, fits perfectly into the mould. Since assuming power in 2007, he has demonstrated most profoundly that he is a man who wants to be remembered more for his positive impact on humanity than being numbered among the crowd of once-upon-a-time leaders. This disquisition is prompted by the political unraveling in Delta in the run up to the general elections.

Uduaghan has had the longest-drawn legal battle with the opposition in his state. It is difficult to imagine any political office holder in Nigeria who has had to dash in and out of courtrooms and tribunals at the same dizzying frequency as Uduaghan did since May 29, 2007 when he took oath of office. Yet, while the legal tussle lasted, he maintained an enviable dignified calmness, a lesson for Nigerian politicians who would have seized the opportunity of incumbency to invoke fire on their traducers.

Rather than hound those who haunted him, Uduaghan kept his cool and abided by all decisions of the court and tribunal at every stage.

Ordinarily, such judicial intrusions and interjections would have slowed any leader down or even frustrated the person out of the path of development, but not Uduaghan. The litigations seemed to have added more spring to his heels. He kept his head down and focused on accomplishing his three-point agenda for the good of the people.

His associates describe him as a gentleman, soft yet firm.

He is not garrulous and not one to make a remark before thinking. Unlike notable Nigerian politicians who dine and sup with the devil, spit fire and brimstone and manifest adroitness in the art of deceit and dissimulation, Uduaghan maintains an Olympian aloofness to vocal flippancy, chicanery and political tomfoolery. He is genteel, and would rather keep silence even to his own hurt. These are some of the character traits that qualify him as apolitical politician. A statesman does not lose his head even when others have all lost theirs.

Uduaghan did exactly that: kept calm when the opposition in his state went wild with frivolous litigations, character assassination and raw brigandage.

All great statesmen all over the world were people who turned the weakness of their followers and admirers to strength, men who gave hope to the hopeless. Uduaghan became governor of Delta State at a time the issue of youth restiveness was at its peak. Militancy in the creeks of Niger Delta had snowballed from angry youths kidnapping a few expatriates in exchange for cash to youths blowing up oil pipelines, with hundreds dying from the ensuing inferno.

Governors in the oil-rich region threw up their hands in frightening surrender, but a newly sworn in Uduaghan bucked the trend. Rather than join in the away-with-themilitants bandwagon, Uduaghan reached out to them and gainfully engaged them. It worked like magic. The same youths who had been restive and destructive became guardians of the nation’s economy. Today, the same youths are actively engaged in the security of the nation’s waterways, collaborating with relevant agencies of government to ensure the security of oil installations in the region as well as the security of lives and property.

Since the Uduaghan intervention in the militancy issue in Niger Delta, Nigeria stopped losing billions of Naira through shortfalls in crude oil production and export.

Uduaghan truly deserves commendation for his role in evolving a culture of peace in the region. Long before the Federal Government of the late Alhaji Umaru Yar ’Adua conceived the amnesty deal for the restive youths of the Niger Delta who had been wrongly

At 60, Uduaghan stands out as one of the most decorated political office holders in the nation’s annals, winning awards from notable institutions both in Nigeria and offshore

•Gov. Uduaghan tagged ‘militants’, Uduaghan had achieved relative peace in the creeks of Delta State. It took the persuasion of Uduaghan and other notable leaders of the area to get these youths to participate in the Federal Government amnesty.

At a time some governors of the various states of the region were busy shuttling between their states and Abuja to discredit the youths and curry favour with the powers that be in Aso Rock, Uduaghan waded through the slimy and perilous terrains of the creeks to seek out the youths and engage them in constructive discourses. This is the stuff of good leadership. A leader must always see himself or herself as an agent of service. He must not confer on himself the ruinous ego of superiority. A good leader must never cease to connect with the people. It is from connecting with them that you can empathise with them.

Uduaghan deployed this timetested leadership skill to reach out to the youths and it is from such interaction that he got to the very core of their grievances. This is the stuff of statesmen: ability to give hope to the hopeless.

Great statesmen are strategic thinkers; they are visionary and possess a rare ability to see the future. Uduaghan manifested this in his concept of Delta Beyond Oil; an idea that has fully transformed to reality and has provided a compass for the socioeconomic engineering of the state. The philosophy of Delta Beyond Oil is the engine driving development in Delta State, development spanning the entire gamut of agriculture, entrepreneurship, healthcare delivery, human capital development with emphasis of qualitative education, skill acquisition, sports development among other aspects of human endeavour.

Following his vision of Delta Beyond Oil, the Nigerian government has again, just like

it did in the case of amnesty for Niger Delta youths, borrowed from the Uduaghan leadership book to kick-start the process of Nigeria Beyond Oil. Every statesman knows that without peace, there would be no development. And true statesmen never shy away from any opportunity to make peace if only to mock war. Uduaghan, a medical doctor with specialization in anesthesia, has made several interventions to bring together warring parties in the nation’s sociopolitical space. One outstanding national intervention was his mediatory role last year in persuading resident medical doctors to call off their strike and return to hospitals to continue with their noble duty of saving lives.

It was not doctors in Delta State that were on strike but doctors all over the country.

Whereas some politicians had latched on to the strike which stretched into the importation of Ebola virus into the country to slur the leadership reputation of the President Goodluck Jonathan, Uduaghan elected not to tread this ignoble path; rather he opted to play the role of a statesman by appealing to the doctors not to trade away the sacredness of the Hippocratic oath which they swore to: to strive to preserve life at all times. It was not for nothing that doctors suspended the strike afterwards. Uduaghan saw the big picture of patients dying across the nation, not just in his Delta State on account of the strike and he stepped in to stave off danger.

Today, the world celebrates Lee Kuan Yew as the architect of modern Singapore. And of course he is. But many forget that what is today one of the fastest growing economies of the world was built from the ruins of war and the rubble of destruction. Yew saw the big picture of a prosperous Singapore and set out to birth a new nation from the ravages

of underdevelopment. He set out big visions and big dreams for which he was even mocked by those who saw today what Yew saw decades ago.

Uduaghan is a big dreamer, a man of vision. When he set out to build an airport of international standard in Asaba, he was mocked; he was chided and derided but he was unfazed. He stuck to his dream and in no time planted an airport in Asaba which both his yesterday mockers and admirers now use. The significance of that airport to the state’s economy can only be better appreciated when you compare the influx of individuals, corporate bodies, associations et al to Delta State before the airport was built and after.

Uduaghan had long foreseen the environmental harm which unchecked activities of oil companies in his state would have on the people. This prompted his clarion call for a green economy. He is a member of a global coalition that is championing this cause for the betterment of humanity.

Through his trenchant effort, oil companies in Delta State have imbibed the concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as the dominant and major concept for environmental protection.

Big dreams, they say, start small. In his big dream of a prosperous Delta State, Uduaghan has concentrically built the agriculture value chain in his state and revolutionised micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMSE) in Delta, making the state the ideal template in the country.

No man is born a statesman.

All great statesmen grow into it usually against odds. Such men and women fought and won life’s many battles including the battle of the circumstance of birth. Uduaghan did. His dedication to service is exemplified by his humility and willingness to forego pleasure and bear the pain just to win freedom and dignity for mortal man. How else do you explain the wisdom of a sitting governor in Nigeria who had to forego his Senatorial ambition just for peace to reign in his state. Recently, Delta State made history by becoming the first state in Nigeria to achieve kidney transplant. But that is not the end of that episode. On the medical team that successfully carried out the kidney transplant was Governor Uduaghan: the zeal to serve compelled the medical doctor-turned politician to grab his stethoscope. At 60, Uduaghan stands out as one of the most decorated political office holders in the nation’s annals, winning awards from notable institutions both in Nigeria and offshore. This is not for nothing: It is for the simple reason that he has refused to descend into the gutter of leadership infamy but chose to play the role of a true statesman in a nation replete with felons and delinquents in power. · Ugbechie is Editor-in-Chief of Political Economist magazine

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 13

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

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EING a renowned security expert, how do you describe the level of preparedness of INEC amid the lingering insurgency ceding some parts of the North-east to Boko Haram?

Principally, the function of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens and create a conducive atmosphere for the prosperity of all . In other words, security is inevitable for citizens to enjoy life peacefully. Without it, the essence of human living is defeated. Meaningful progress and development in all human endeavours including the economy will remain a mirage under the state of insecurity.

With this postponement, do you think INEC is ready in anchoring violence-free elections?

It is relative. While the onus to manage the electoral process with the enormous logistics involved lies on INEC, security agencies have the responsibility to protect the citizens and create a conducive environment for elections. All these processes are underpinned by the deployment of overt and covert security management programme as well as sound logistics planning end to end? It is incumbent on the political parties to commit to Nigerians that they also have in place sound, and through the line programme to ensure the maintenance of law and order during and after the elections.

Why are people apprehensive about the outcomes regardless of the insecurity challenges in the north eastern part of the country, when there are stories of stolen or missing PVCs in some states outside of even the North east? These stories, if true, confirm the process isn’t home and dry yet.

The level of INEC preparedness can be said to vary from state to state and zone to zone. In other words, it will be hard to say that Nigeria in this dispensation is 100% ready for violence-free elections. When at the preelection planning phase, and a week to the elections, over 45% of the permanent voter cards are not yet in the hands of the legitimate card owners and stories of stolen or missing permanent voter cards, this, combined with the unfortunate continued state of insecurity in the North-east will give an indication of a heightened state of insecurity in the land. You can’t just wake up in the morning, to want to go to any state in north eastern Nigeria today without making very serious risk management plans to mitigate the risk involved.

On this note, I will say it is obvious that the North-east is not safe. So relatively, it is easy to conclude that we are in a heightened state of security alertness.

In other words, do you subscribe to the election being postponed based on the security challenge?

Security is indispensable to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. There most C M Y K

POLLS POSTPONEMENT

‘42 days extension is too much’ Following the postponement of the 2015 general elections, Mr. Wale Olaoye, CEO of Halogen Security, in this encounter, speaks on the risk involved in the elections, due to the poor distribution of over 45% of permanent voter cards, PVC, to eligible voters nationwide by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

•Wale Olaoye

be security of voters themselves, the INEC personnel, security agents that will help secure the elections, the materials and the environment under which the elections are conducted. Have the pre- election pre-requisites and logistics been ensured to ensure at least all legitimately registered voters and materials in place to ensure the optimum participation of willing voters?

Along these platforms; are the pulling units secured enough to conduct elections? If all these things are guaranteed, then we can say that the atmosphere is conducive for a violence free and fair elections.

How many times have bombs gone off in the last eight weeks in North-east? This equally means it can happen anywhere.

Just recently there was an attempt to attack an Army barrack without fear. If that can happen in our country, what is the guarantee that we can have an environment that guarantees the conduct of violence-free elections?

On the other hand, INEC said they have 68million plus voter cards and, as at last week, only 42 million had collected their voters cards. Is it free and fair to conduct an election where more than 45% of eligible voters are not in possession of

their PVCs? If that information is correct, it therefore means that we should set a definitive time frame within which INEC must be able to meet up with and rethink their strategy of distribution of cards to ensure that at least 80% of eligible voters have access to their voter cards. There are also people who have changed locations to

Is it free and fair to conduct an election where more than 45% of eligible voters are not in possession of their PVCs?

other states or other locations within towns and regions. It means they have to find their way back to where they registered to exercise their right despite the restriction of movement. The world has moved beyond restriction of movement, the essence of electronic system of voting is to make things easier. This in my view should be addressed correctly. I should be able to exercise my civic responsibility to vote anywhere I am in the world as a Nigerian as long as I am in possession of my permanent voter card. I heard Prof. Jega’s view in a broadcast, that they are in possession of voter cards of people that are not willing to collect. You can only act based on the information at your disposal.

The level of dissemination of information needs improvement. Where and when voters are to collect their voter card are not well defined. INEC should, at least, within the next two weeks, get those cards in the hands of those that own them to ensure that most of the people are not disenfranchised from voting. To that extent, the need for a definitive extension of, at most two weeks, to allow for the effective distribution of over 26 million voters cards to eligible voters. But requesting for more time frame, INEC needs to rethink their strategy and perhaps inject the right calibre of help to aid their effectiveness with all due respect to the distinguished Nigerians serving the nation within their organization. I understand that the terrains are difficult but there is no rocket science involved in managing this process.

But do you see INEC still meeting up with deadlines, amid the challenges in the North east?

Election management requires a huge amount of logistics, with election security massive and often over looked, but an integral part of election management. Movement of electoral materials is also a massive logistics endeavour that needs improvement in my view judging from past experience. But to require 42 days extension to enable this happen is too much in my view.

A maximum of two weeks suffices. Except there are other more challenges that are outside of the public purview?

How do you think we can achieve a violence free election

despite the peace pact agreement sign the two major party PDP and the APC? I want to hope that both leaders will adhere to their agreement and the peace pact executed. But you cannot sign a document without putting in place a system that will ensure you are committed to what had been signed. What have both parties done beyond the signed agreement? Have they commissioned robust covert security management plan around their campaigns, around their supporters, on the election day, the critical days after the elections to ensure the path of peace and sustainability of public order is maintained no matter the outcome with internal cleansing mechanisms to ensure public peace is not breached beyond the deployment of armed public security officers and body guards for themselves? There are systems that need to be put in place to ensure control over signed documents in the nature they have signed. But election management is a massive logistics management endeavour we are further challenged in our situation with regards to the North east. I think the private sector needs to be invited to contribute their part in very strategic areas that has capacity to make tremendous impact on the gaps that currently exist in a proactive and covert areas.

With the international observers not sending any of their delegates to North-east, what does this connote?

Do you blame them? When there was an attempt to attack an Army barrack. If this sect can be bold to attempt an attack on an Army barrack, what therefore guarantee that you can have an environment where we can have a secure election in that part of the country? But, unfortunately, Nigerians are still living there.

So it is the duty of government to ensure that those Nigerians are also protected and are allowed, to a large extent, exercise their right as Nigerians.

The question that begs for answer is what does the government have on ground for those Nigerians in these areas in terms of creating the enabling environment for them to exercising their voting right and enjoying some level of protection from the government and the security agencies that are sent to protect them?

PAGE 14 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Ernest Ndukwe versus Andy Uba

BY UCHEM OBI

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ELCOME to the Anambra South, venue of the much awaited senatorial bout between the challenger, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, and the championship belt holder, Sen. (Dr.) Andy Uba. This is a March 28th time limit bout and the man in charge of proceedings is versatile referee, Professor Attahiru Jega. The bout promises to be a huge box-office success because public interest has been highly stirred up especially by the challenger’s boast that it is going to be a no-contest. Before the bout begins, let me bring you a close-up of the two fighters beginning with the challenger. Ndukwe, from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, is an engineer, with vast experience in the telecom industry, where he worked hard enough to be appointed on the board of many companies. He has never fought in this arena or in any political arena before. He was never known to be politician, not even in amateur class but, few months ago, he suddenly turned a professional politician and to the surprise of many has opted to fight in the heavyweight category. He goes into this fight as the indisputable under-dog.

Ndukwe is managed and sponsored by the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), a political party with restricted ambition and whose electoral value has declined much since Chief Peter Obi, two-term former governor of Anambra State, decamped from the party and

BY CHUKS ANIGBOGUN

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HE recent Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose’s advertorial drawing attention to the possible state of ill health of Gen. Buhari, the APC presidential candidate, has been widely condemned. Even his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), distanced itself from him over that advert. In the advertorial, the governor alleged thatBuhari had health problems and implied that he could die in office if elected. While the advertorial content is utterly silly and reckless from an over-exuberant governor, it however carries with it an underlying message about the true nature of the state of health of presidential aspirants. For me, as a concerned Nigeria, it is not enough for the APC to state that, “Buhari is fit as a fiddle, has no known ailment and is in excellent condition to pilot the affairs of the country”.

Also, an aide of the presidential candidate stated that Buhari “is almost a health freak, who exercises C M Y K

joined the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), the party which manages and sponsors Ndukwe’s opponent and beltholder, Uba. APGA’s strategy is suspect and Ndukwe’s decision to fight a reigning champion in the heavy weigh division without prior professional experience is even more suspect. However,it is a professional bout and the winner may be the fighter who had taken his chances to win over the voters, who will actually serve as judges in this fight.

Many people believe that Ndukwe is swimming upstream in this bout. They predict that he is going to be match-rusty because he has never fought professionally before and it is common knowledge that fitness is crucial in any bout especially when one is fighting against a reigning champion, who has won all his fights by Technical knock-outs (TKO). This is true about the belt holder, Sen. Andy Uba, from Uga in Aguata Local Government Area. He is the sitting Senator representing Anambra South.

He started his professional career in the feather-weight division where he fought for eight years as Special Assistant to the President and won majority of his fights by TKO. In 2007, he stepped up to the light-heavyweight division and fought for the governorship of Anambra State, which he also won by TKO. In 2011, he moved up again to the heavy weight division and fought for the Senate seat of Anambra South. Again, he won by TKO. This present bout is a title defence match and the pervading fear is whether an

•Ndukwe

•Uba

untested and match-rusty Ndukwe can withstand the flurry of jabs from this champion, who is determined to keep his title.

Only time will tell but pundits believe that there are basic preparations Ndukwe should have made before turning professional and before announcing his presence in the heavyweight category to challenge a fit and rugged champion, who has won all his professional fights by TKOs. They are of the opinion that he should have started his professional career from a lower division in order to garner experience and build up weight. Even as he decided to fight in the heavyweight division, he should have avoided fighting this champion who has set the fearful record of beating his opponents silly and ruthlessly, especially in any fight staged in the Anambra South or even in larger Anambra State, where majority of voters are his die-hard fans and would always cheer him to victory. The pundits also

argue that to engage in this kind of fight, Ndukwe should have learnt the rules of the game and spent more time in the gym, with notable sparring partners. They say that it smacks of fool-hardness to aspire to represent a people that do not know him well; a people he neglected in his days of glory and failed to interact or connect with. There is also the question of Ndukwe’s elusiveness. He is said not to even know his native Oraifite town very well. He does not belong to any age grade and the pundits insist that if he claims otherwise, he should name his age grade in the town and the year his membership was registered. The age grade is an important and powerful system of local administration in Igboland. Every grown up male belongs to one and every age grade consists of males who belong to the same age bracket. Any aspiration you have in the community must begin from the age grade. Anyone who neglects membership of

his age grade is often treated as an alien in his community.

Ndukwe has also been criticized for not paying attention to details which concern the people he seeks to represent. For instance, they ask, how many funeral ceremonies he has attended in his native Oraifite or in Ekwusigo LGA, to condole with bereaved people. How many Ofala festivals has he attended in Ekwusigo LGA or in Anambra South as a mark of honour to the traditional rulers? How many age grade and town union meetings has he attended? Political figures like Senators Chris Ngige, Andy Uba and others like Uche Ekwunife, Hon. Anayo Nnebe and others have been known to attend those functions even without formal invitations.

Their faces are as well known as their names to the electorate. They do not wait for election seasons to interact with the people. It is an all seasons thing and they engage in them with sincere passion. For Uba, who has been described as the CocaCola of Anambra politics, his philanthropy and peoples’ ease of accessibility to him have endeared him to all and sundry and made him the most popular living politician in Anambra State.

Though Ndukwe goes into the bout of March 28thas underdog, anything can happen in a professional fight, he can throw a dangerous upper cut that may cause upset. However, what is obvious is that he is fighting in a weight category that seems too heavy for an amateur,suddenly turned professional and a champion with intimidating fight record, who will also be buoyed by the support of fanatical fans.

•Obi is senior media assistant to Sen. Andy Uba

Bill of health not to disqualify Buhari regularly and undergoes medical examinations at regular intervals. And on each occasion, the outcomes of those medicals have been favourable, and recent medicals he did gave him a clean bill of health”. These statements are not enough to satisfy the important questions Nigerians have regarding Buhari’s health.

Since the issue of his health has been brought to the limelight, the blanket statements made by the APC do not lay to rest the question of Buhari’s health. At this stage, it is important for the electorate to see a medical report of Buhari, which shows he has a clean bill of health. The medical report should be obtained from a recognized hospital and made public for all Nigerians to view.

If Buhari has nothing to hide and is as healthy as he and the APC claim, then it shouldn’t be too much of an issue for him to make available details of his

medical records confirming he is physically and mentally fit to contest in the presidential election. In addition to Buhari, all the other candidates, including President Jonathan should be made to present medical certificates to Nigerians to show that they have the health and physical capacity to take on the huge task of governing a nation with the kind of problems that Nigeria has.

As a matter of policy, for every election in Nigeria, especialy for the position of President and Vice President, all candidates should be required to present medicalreports from reputable hospitals, ascertaining a clean bill of health. Nigerians certainly do not want a recurrence of the late President Umaru Yar ’Adua ill-health “saga”, who died while in office. The controversy that surrounded his health while in office and the constitutional crisis that ensued is still fresh in our

memories.

Nigeria, with its myriad of problems, with over 170 million people, needs a President with a clean bill of health that can pilot, unhindered, the affairs of the country. Nigeria needs a President who is physically, as well as mentally, fit to be able to function for up to 18 hours or more, to be able to meet up the rigorousness the Presidency demands. The stress of running a country as huge as Nigeria is enough to aggravate and exacerbate an already existing ailment of anybody.

Health is vital and should be the foremost general requirement for every presidential hopeful in elections in our country. It shouldn’t be about politics anymore or a ploy to witchhunt, intimidate or derail a particular candidate’s presidential ambition. It should be categorically stated in the Constitution and the Electoral Act that any person aspiring to become

the President should make publicly available medical records of the state of their health, from a recognized and reputable health facility.

Failure to do this should attract automatic disqualification.

It is true that the manner in which Fayose presented the nation with the health condition of Buhari was cruel, insensitive and uncouth, but, like it or not, he has made a great point. As I watch Buhari fraily move from location to location during his campaign; as I hear quivering in his voice when he makes his speeches; as I consider his 72 years of age, as I view his gaunt appearance, I don’t not need a medical doctor to tell me that his health is not in the best condition. It is clear that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Buhari’s health. *Anigbogwu is of 4, Zik Avenue Awka, Anambra State. Telephone: 08095831629

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 15

Obasanjo attacks Jonathan again!

Continued from Page 5 the election. For the record, President Jonathan has no such intention and will continue to give the

greatest possible support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant federal agencies to ensure that the rescheduled elections are successfully conducted.

“Indeed, it is not President Jonathan who remains faithful to his oath of office who is trying to plunge Nigeria into crisis, but Chief Obasanjo who is scheming to plunge the country into chaos in pursuit of a selfish and highly egocentric agenda.

“Chief Obasanjo’s plot with others within and outside the country to thwart the general elections and foist an unconstitutional Interim National Government, which he hopes to head on the nation is well known to us, but by the Grace of God Almighty, his odious plan to return to power through the back door will fail woefully.

“We know very well that it is in pursuit of this nefarious plot that the former President continues to sow the seeds of discord and crises in the polity by purporting to remain in the ruling party while openly consorting with the opposition, endorsing its candidates and predicting victory for opposition candidates in a manner most

unbecoming of a supposed elder statesman.

Thankfully, the vast majority of Nigerians who are patriotic and right-thinking cannot be fooled by Chief Obasanjo’s antics.

“We urge them to be assured that President Jonathan’s commitment to democracy in all its ramifications remains constant and that he will never be party to the use of any unlawful means to remain in office or gain political advantage over his opponents.

“The President stands by his commitment, which he reaffirmed on national television last Wednesday that on his watch, all elections in Nigeria, will be free, fair and credible, and that all certified election results will be respected.

“As President Jonathan has also assured the nation, the rescheduling of the general elections was in the best interest of the nation and was never driven by any ulterior motive on the part of government as Chief Obasanjo and others have alleged.

“President Jonathan will continue to put his best efforts into giving Nigeria quality leadership and will not be distracted from his purpose by unwarranted and needless criticism by persons who ought to know better.

“The President also continues to trust in the good judgment of Nigerians and to believe that in appreciation of his sincere efforts to move the country forward over the past four years,

they will re-elect him for a second term on March 28, 2015 with a mandate to pursue his agenda for national transformation to a successful conclusion”.

The PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO), also responded, saying the decision to postpone the elections was INEC’s and not the President’s.

“It is most uncharitable and unfair for him to suggest that President Jonathan wishes to remain in power by hook or by crook because that is not the nature of ”, the PCO statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, said. “It is even worse for him to compare him to President Laurent Gbagbo. To Jonathan, politics is not a matter of do or die and President Obasanjo knows this more than anyone else.

We will respond to President Obasanjo in full at the appropriate time but the truth is that we will not allow him or anyone else to distract us from the task that lies ahead. We have an election to fight and to win and that remains our primary focus. We reject President Obasanjo’s very serious and grave allegations and we are not in the least bit disturbed by them because we know that they have no basis in truth, rationality or reason.

The days of anyone attempting to rule by proxy or through surrogates are long over because we have all come of age”.

Armed robbers terrorize Abuja residents —As family of four perish in car crash

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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ESIDENTS of Kubwa, especially those living at Arab Road, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, have in the past three weeks been living in fear as armed robbers terrorize the area, carting away vehicles and other items.

A section of the Pipeline Road, by High Tension, Arab Road, Kubwa, has been in darkness for a long time and even when Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, gives light, it will not last up to three hours before it is taken.

Meantime, a family of four, at the weekend, perished in a motor

accident along Lokoja/ Enugu Highway while running away from Abuja to send the children to the East so as not to be caught by any election violence.

The tragic death of the man, his wife and children was announced by the Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, Kubwa, Rev. Fr. Festus Nwadike during a church service.

It was also gathered that many people, especially from the South-East, had, on Friday and Saturday, penultimate week, boarded vehicles with their property to their various communities as a result of fear over the alleged violence that could erupt after the forthcoming elections.

The accident reportedly occurred before the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced the shift in date of the elections that were initially slated for February 14, for the presidency and national assembly and February 28 which was for governors and states house of assembly.

The robbers stormed Pipeline Road by High Tension Pole and broke into a compound beside Good Shepherd Nursery/Primary School and carted away a Highlander vehicle that was recently bought by the occupant of the house and removed all flat screen televisions in all the rooms.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 17

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Sweet and sour Valentine stories of 20 top divas

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aybe these stories should have been published yesterday, which was the St. Valentine’s day. But isn’t the scent of love still in the air? Some people are probably yet to come off the hangover while some are still very much in the blues.

As they say, different strokes for different folks and what better way to serve you potpourri of St Valentine’s confessions than real confessions from real people who had real experiences that have remained indelible in their hearts. For these entertainment divas, their different stories are sweet and sour:

My boyfriend bluntly told me he was taking another girl out — Habibat Jinad

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ast-rising Yoruba actress who was recently nominated for an award as ‘The New Bride of Nollywood”, Habibat Jinad still has a bitter taste in her mouth she is finding hard to spit out as far as St Valentine’s day is concerned.

“I will not lie to you, I don’t have any good Val’s day” she began. “Yes, there was a time, I think it was year 2010, my boyfriend told me physically that he wanted to go out with another girl on the Val’s day. I thought he was joking until I went out on my own with my female friend and I saw him with another girl for real. This guy had nothing when I met him and I stood by him, when money came he started going out with other women.

Since then I don’t really see St. Valentine’s day as anything so special at Habibat all” Jinad

My Val surprised me with a very nice dinner outing — Amanda Ebeye

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ultry Nollywood actress, picking a piece of action off Etisalat, Amanda Ebeye is a kind of woman most men would break most rules to keep in their arms. As alluring as this captivating ebony beauty is, her most unforgettable Valentine experience could only be traced back to her school days. According to her, she still remembers the experience with some sort of euphoric bliss. “ My most memorable Valentine was when I was in school” she says. “ My Val surprised me with a very nice dinner outing.

He got the workers at the restaurant singing for me. It looked like a movie but it was real. While still stunned by the singing he had my gifts on the table.

Everything was splendidly planned and really very nice”.

•Doris Simeon

I caught my boyfriend kissing my friend at my party – Nazareth Bako

Adediwura Blarkgold

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or Fulani blooded Nazareth Jesse Bako, every St. Valentine’s Day comes with a nostalgic sweet and sour feeling. Though she still looks forward to the Day as a person who believes in love but there are two separate experiences she would never forget in a hurry.

“I had two Valentines that I will never forget, one was good and the other very bad experience. Let me start with the bad one “ she stated “I caught my boyfriend kissing my friend at my own Valentine party years back,so I stopped celebrating Val with a boyfriend, all I do on Val’s day is celebrate alone; either I go to party with others or stay at home.

Sometimes, if I am closer home I do the Val with my grandma” she explained.

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I lost my virginity on a Val’s day — Adediwura Blarkgold SEXY Yoruba actress, Adediwura ‘Blarkgold’ Adesegha has long been separated from her husband whom she bore a cute son. Recalling her most unforgettable Valentine experience, Adediwura revealed the most indelible in her mind was the one spent with the father of her only son, a couple of years back that led to her losing her virginity as a woman.

Laughing, she stated matter-of-factly, “My most unforgettable Valentine was when my pride as a lady went down the lagoon -I was deflowered!”

“I can never forget that experience because it was a great turning point in my life and I smile each time I remember because it was earned by the father of my child” she added.

When I visited the motherless babies home — Doris Simeon

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Nazareth Jesse Bako

OPULAR Yoruba actress who has seen a bit of the English-speaking scene, Doris Simeon, knows the works about what acting entails. She is a woman adjudged by many as easy-going, friendly and down-to-earth.

But when it comes to the most memorable St. Valentine’s experience, she doesn’t seem to have anything out of the ordinary to share. “My most memorable one is when I visited the Motherless Babies Home two years ago to put a smile on their faces and to show them love” she confesses.

PAGE 18, SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Sweet and sour Valentine stories of 20 top divas

My romantic escapade in Ghana – Bukola Adeeyo

I’ve never had to celebrate Val

— Yvonne Jegede

V

ulnerably beautiful Bukola Adeeyo is a shining star that has come to stay. At least being considered for an award as ‘The New Bride of Nollywood’ is a clear attestation to the fact. She is known as Olaide Oyinlomo, meaning ‘sweet girl’ which may very well explain why some guy broke the bank to give her a fairytale Valentine experience last year in Ghana.

“My boyfriend and I embarked on a trip to Ghana for our vacation (February 12th 2014). We got there safely, settled in and our escapades began” she says with a knowing grin and giggle you would give a partner in crime.

“February 14, 2014 came like every other day, so, I thought we were just going to visit some places and have dinner later in the evening but, it turned out to be a day I kept asking myself the question: “How did he set this up without me knowing?”.

“On this fateful day,I had a knock on our hotel room, got up to open it and behold, five pretty little girls were standing by the door. They were not just standing there, they were standing with gifts in their hands. The first had a rose, the second had cards ,the third had a Bible, the fourth had a cheesecake while the fifth had a bottle of champagne. I was

H

surprised and I asked them what’s happening. I asked them if they were in the right place and they all answered ‘yes’ that the gifts were for me. I looked at my boyfriend who was in the same room with me and he gave me this surprise look, pretending as if he knew nothing about it. I collected the gifts and the beautiful girls left. As I placed the gifts on the bed,a paper attached to the cards got my attention and inside was a lovely poem for me.

Right there,I knew the gifts were from my beau. I jumped on him,hugged him and kissed him passionately” she mused.

“The reason why I can’t forget the experience was because it was a surprise to me. We were always together and right there with me,he planned a wonderful Val without me knowing about it” she said excitedly.

•Bukola Adeeyo

•Yvonne Jegede

•Temitayo Adeniyi

Fally Ipupa surprised me with many bouquets of flowers – Ella Martin f course, one

My Val gave me beautiful pair of under-wears – Temitayo Adeniyi

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emitayo Adeniyi, popularly known as Shakira, for her role in her own produced flick Shakira, has a bit of a comical story, yet romantic, to tell. For her too, she has to trace her unforgettable Valentine experience back to her school days. “ Wow! my most unforgettable St Valentine’s Day experience was a particular year when a classmate gave me an early morning surprise visit. He brought me a pair of beautiful under-wears

accompanied with a rose flower. It was so early in the morning and I hadn’t had my bath. I was like, “Omg, he shouldn’t see me like this I haven’t had my bath” she said laughing so hard.

I thought no one cared but got a wonderful gift — Blessing Patrick

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•Blessing Patrick C M Y K

igh-in-demand actress, Yvonne Jegede has everything going for her: brain, beauty and plenty of prospects.

She is so unsettling with her beauty that she could get many men out of turn. She is the type you would bet your last buck, her Valentine’s days must be filled with roses, champagne and caviar. But this is not the case with the ‘African Queen’ music model. “ I don’t have any memorable Valentine, it’s like every other day to me. That day, I may be at home or on set. Honestly, I never had. I personally don’t have a reason. I have never had to celebrate Val, I don’t look forward to it” she said with a note of finality that had a shade of distaste about it. What it did was to set off an alarm in my head.

“Could that mean Yvonne had never fallen in love before?” I queried.

“Well, all I can say is I believe in love, but I’m not sure I’ve experienced or witnessed true love. But I really careless, as long as I am breathing” she replied poker faced.

OW many times has Blessing Patrick told me she’s disenchanted with relationships? Many times I guess. As beautiful as she is, she believes most of the so-called relationships are founded on lies and deceits. She recently gave her life to Christ and seems to be enjoying her life in the comfort of God’s love. But talking about her most romantic Valentine experience, Blessing went down memory lane, back in her secondary school days. “ My most unforgettable Valentine experience is when I was in secondary school. I thought no one cared but I got the best and most wonderful gift” she says.

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shouldn’t expect Benin Republic singer and actress, Ella Martin’s diary to be devoid of some sensational experiences.

For a woman who has dated nations’ presidents and top African singers, only lofty memories must be lingering in her mind.

But among all her Valentine’s escapades the one that remains most unforgettable to her was the one Congolese singer, Fally Ipupa brought to her door.

“Fally Ipupa offered me many bouquets of flowers three Valentines ago. I never knew he was coming, he flew from Congo to Cotonou to surprise me. It was so special and romantic. I never knew he cared so much about me. From that day, I knew he was crazy about me.

Before then, I used to see him as a mere brother and never had any idea he was so crazy about

me. I guess he’s crazy about my body and all but then most men are” she enthused.

•Ella Martin

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 19 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Sweet and sour Valentine stories of 20 top divas I got stuck with my VVal al in the middle of the sea – Ayomide Dawodu

S

OME are still ready to fight others that the girl called Ayomide Dawodu is arguably the most beautiful girl the Yoruba sector of Nollywood has to offer.

Even though Ayomide has discounted this, it is almost impossible not to drool over her when meeting her for the first time.

As a ravishing beauty one should expect her St Valentine’s days to be filled with nothing but love and beauty. “ The St. Valentine’s day I will never forget was some years back when I was a bit younger. I had a boyfriend then and because it was Valentine’s day I had to go out with him. We decided to go for a boat ride alongside his friends. While having fun at sea, suddenly we got stuck at the middle of the sea.

I was so scared and I started praying and thinking I might just end up at the bottom of the sea where no one could find me.

Funny enough, only my sister knew where I was going. When the sky got cloudy and was approaching dusk I started crying but eventually we got help. After that I said to myself, ‘ no more celebrating of Val, particularly at sea”.

Ayomide Dawodu

I’m not a fan of St. Valentine’s day V

C M Y K

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OLLYWOOD budding actress, Sylvia Ukaatu doesn’t share the enthusiasm that comes with St. Valentine’s day celebration. To her, the hullabaloo associated with the day is not worth the trouble because, according to her, true love does not exist.

The only love she knows is the one shared between families. “ I have never had any memorable Valentine experience. To me, nothing is so spectacular about it, It’s every normal day we show love to our family” she said dismissively.

Then I asked her if no man has ever swept her off her feet, to which I got a sombre reply. “ Yes, I dwell in my own world. Maybe I am yet to meet my man, but I think when it comes to love I have been unlucky”

Val days are usually lonely for me — Ejine Okoroafor N

ollywood upcoming actress, Ejiro Okoroafor, who calls herself ‘Queen of the South’ believes that contrary to people’s belief that pretty girls get all the date offers, they are the most lonely ones, especially on St. Valentine’s days.

When asked if she could remember her most memorable St. Valentine’s experience, the actress replied brusquely” I wish I have” and added tersely “ I don’t have any”. “ Val days are usually a lonely one for me. I do visit the Motherless Babies Home sometimes. On that day, people think that the pretty gals are the happiest but no, we are the most lonely ones. But to me love is a beautiful thing. No matter how bad I have been hurt I will love again” she declared.

•Ejiro Okoroafor

My Val took me to his house where I found another girl waiting for him – Esther Michael

– Bimbo Thomas

oluptuous Yoruba actress of Jenifa fame, Bimbo Thomas doesn’t mince words when it comes to how she feels about things. For her, its not the window dressing of caginess and deception.

When asked about her most unforgettable St. Valentine’s experience, she spewed it out like steaming hot tea she mistakenly swallowed.

“Sincerely, I’m not a fan of St. Valentine’s day and the mentality of gift presentation on that day but I believe in love and I show it all the time. Most memorable St. Valentine’s day has always been with folks and friends, not particularly with a lover. I once spent my St. Valentine’s day at the Home of the less-privileged children at Anthony Village. That day I was fulfilled that I was able to put a smile on their faces and showed them love” she said.

When it comes to love, I have been unlucky – Sylvia Ukaatu

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Bimbo Thomas

ast-rising Yoruba actress, Esther Michael known in the industry as Olori Pholla has vowed never to take celebrating St Valentine’s day seriously because she is still reeling from the shock she suffered from the last one she celebrated with her ex-boyfriend.

“I know it is a day to express love but where are the guys to express real love to?” she queried. “ Is it guys that would promise two or three other girls same day?” she added.

“The last one I had with my ex ended in disaster. On the fateful Valentine’s day he took me shopping and from there we returned to his house only to meet another girl there waiting for him. The girl immediately started putting up funny attitude that I had to leave. It was so painful because I never knew he had another girl, especially one with a very bad habit. Since then I have quit taking St. Valentine’s day seriously” she said.

•Esther Michael

PAGE 20, SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Sweet and sour Valentine stories of 20 top divas My Val came all the way My Val woke me up from Lagos to Nasarawa with a breakfast made to present me cake in my name – Olaide Ogunyemi – Lizzy Gold Onuwaje

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p and up Nollywood actress, Lizzy Gold Onuwaje has a Valentine story that would make many of her peers go green with envy. The former Miss Delta State has got style and it appears this has caught up on any man who has got within an inch of her heart. Her story has a fairytale ring to it but in a most splendid manner.

Hear her: ”My most unforgettable Valentine experience was two years ago.

A day to the Valentine I was with my man and there was no clue he was going to celebrate it. He kept telling Valentine is like every other day, that there is no big deal about it, that what matters most is the fact that he loves me. But on that Valentine morning, he woke me up with a breakfast of omelet and bread that spelt my name with the catchy headline ‘I Love Lizzygold ‘. You can imagine using egg and bread to spell my name.

Don’t know how he did it but am sure he asked his cook to do it. Then after that he gave me a set of my favourite perfume

Lizzy Gold Onuwaje

eautiful Yoruba actress and make-up artist, Olaide Ogunyemi signed off her maiden name in a matrimonial bliss to dashing Oluwayemisi on November 15th 2014. But before the consummation of their union the couple had a long story of love to tell.

The one, perhaps, most cherished by Olaide was the love showed her by her heart-throb two years ago while she was observing her NYSC programme in Nasarawa State.

“The Valentine’s day I would never forget was two years ago while I was serving at Nasarawa State. My husband, then my boyfriend, came all the way from Lagos State to present me with a cake and a gold necklace with earring to match. It was really a memorable day. At first when he told me he was coming I thought it was all a lie and a tease. Love is real, especially when its shared equally between the two parties” she beamed.

I haven’t dated romantic men

— Seilat Adebowale

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Seilat Adebowale

p and coming Yoruba actress, Seilat Adebowale has a comical and sarcastic view of life. As far as St. Valentine’s days are concerned, they are nothing but like any ordinary days that should be seen in no extraordinary way. “I have never been the Valentine type. Really, I don’t have any memorable experience. I haven’t dated romantic men” she says in that sarcastic manner that could get you wondering if the girl was actually on the level with you.

“Two people I have dated never dig Vals.

They blew my mind before or after Vals but not on Val days. Still waiting for that dude that will go the extra mile, to give me a car or take me on a trip” she added.

Olaide Ogunyemi

How I broke my mum’s curfew to club with my Val – Amaka Obi

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or Nollywood actress and producer, Amaka Obi, nothing really comes to mind concerning unforgettable Valentine’s experience except the one that happened many years ago as a teenager of 17 years. “It was my very first Valentine as a teenager of 17. Before that day, my friend and I had a big plan how we were going to spend it but behold, my mum got wind of it and put me on a house arrest that week. That Val was on a Tuesday and my mum who was a minister at her church had to attend a service. That gave me the opportunity I needed. I had already stolen and sneaked the key away. The moment she left for church I sneaked away, taking the bush path, so no one could see me.

I ran to my boyfriend’s house who had no idea I was on probation. Then I went to the club for the first time that day; got drunk for the first time and drank alcohol all night. One leg of my shoe got broken too. But the funniest thing was that I got my first marriage proposal with a ring that same day but I declined. I can never forget that day because I had so Amaka Obi much fun”

My guy beat me blue-black on Valentine’s da dayy – Ginika Maureen S

•Ginika Maureen

C M Y K

exy Nollywood actress who has just done her latest film ‘Born Again Sisters’ is one of the people who do not look to St. Valentines day with much relish because the day brings to her mind so much dread and fear.

The last and only one she celebrated, according to her, ended in disaster. “ The Val I will never forget was the one my ex beat me blue and

black because I answered a call. A toaster called me and was wishing me happy Val with my ex listening.

It was in the car he gave me the first slap. Next, he took me home and gave me the beating of my life and it was bad that I couldn’t do anything. He left me in the house, went out and later came back with a girl. All the Val gifts he bought for me he gave them to her. It was so bad that I cried all day. Till date

I don’t know what Val is, because I hate Valentine’s days” she narrated gloomily.

“It made me hate my ex and also hate the thing called love.

I am single now. Believe me my dear, that was the very first Val I was celebrating with him and it turned out to be something else.

I don’t think Val day means lovers’ day, to me, it is beating day” she added.

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 21

Dirty secrets from your past W

BY ONOZURE DANIA

e all have dirty secrets and even dirtier exes! But should you reveal all your secrets to your woman or your man and come completely clean? Is it good to confess or is it better to bury your secrets and forget all about it? You are totally in love with this girl and you have been seeing her for the past few months. She loves you a lot, and thinks you are one of those guys who are clean. Everything’s just perfect. But there is one small stain. You are not as clean as she thinks you are. So what do you do? There is no peace of mind and you are wondering if you should reveal your sordid past to her. But then would it really help you, or would she just detest you? This thought can haunt you forever.

More than the way she will react to what you have to say, you might be worried about what

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would happen if she finds out about your deeds from some other source. It is scary because this little thing that you overlooked could drive a deep wedge and cause a huge breach of trust. But at the same time, if you don’t say it soon enough, she might just end up uncovering your deepest secrets and scream those words you wish you would never have to hear, “Why did you hide them from me for so long?!”. There’s not much you can say when she says this, nor can you do anything to smoothen her creased brows. Should you tell her? Now before you open your mouth and strengthen your relationship with your honesty, you need to think about a few things. Will your saying this improve your relationship and help her trust you more, or would it just make things worse?

Would she be devastated if she heard this piece of information from someone else? Does she have a right to

know this or can it pass? Once you have answered these questions truthfully, then it’s time to make your decision.

If you are suffering from an STD or something along those lines, then it’s obvious she should know all about it.

Do you have some sort of a secret addiction? Or are you overdrawing off an empty bank account and on the verge of bankruptcy? These are definitely things she should know since it’s not just your life you are taking to the guillotine. On the other hand, a drunken snug with a girl you met before you started seeing each other can pass.

Unless that encounter girl is your sweetheart’s best friend!

Basically, tell her anything that you know she should know about and would be hurt if she heard it from anyone else.

Now this is the tricky part, but yes, you definitely have to avoid telling your woman everything. Perhaps, at times you should even

completely shut them out of the conversation. Intricate details have to be skipped at all costs.

The more specific you get, the worse she feels. And no, she’s definitely not interested in visualizing your sordid affairs.

So keep it simple and real. Tell her just how much she needs to know, without divulging all the secrets. No relationship is built on the cleanest of foundations. There is bound to be dirt somewhere or the other, from both of you. But if you think the dirt is going to start stinking soon, let her know all about it so you can chuck that garbage out before it’s too late.

Drop all talks about your exes and one night stands, unless they are interfering with your present. Other than that, if there are things coming in between both of you, she should definitely know about it, but without the details.

When is it a good time? The best time to tell it all is when both of you are cruising on the good times. Never tell her these things unless they are

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Also note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests which may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public. We therefore request that text must be sent through at least one of the numbers for contact. This notice is necessary to enable us serve you better in our refreshingly different style. You can send your requests to 33055. For enquiries, text or call 08026651636

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absolutely necessary. If you are being blackmailed or threatened by one of your past escapades, then make sure your partner hears it from you first, even if it’s during one of your worse times in love.

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It can be taken a bit more lightly than on other times. She would at least understand that you were just waiting for an opportunity to mention it to her. If she doesn’t have anything to reveal, tell her at a time when you know it will just be the both of you there and nothing will disturb you after you are done revealing your secrets. There’s nothing worse than getting your boss’s call just after talking to her, and you have to leave in a hurry. You can be sure you’d find her car’s tread marks by the time you get back home.

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PAGE 22— SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Email: vanguardwoman@gmail.com

Promoting welfare of military personnel: A woman’s cross

By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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igeria’s rising insecurity and the insurgency in the north eastern part of the country has brought in its wake a lot of deaths, both civilian and military, as well as the insurgents themselves.

Death toll has been put at over 13,000, while almost a million persons have been displaced from their place of residence.

The key personnel that are expected to nip this insecurity in the bud are officers and men of the Nigerian military, but it is alleged that the military are illequipped, poorly motivated and poorly trained to tackle an issue of this magnitude.

A number of military officers and men have been alleged to have refused to engage the insurgents, absconded from their duty posts and in most cases alleged to be sympathetic to the cause of the insurgents. This may not be far-fetched, as according to analysts, their welfare has not been given pride of place.

However, one woman has taken it upon herself to address this issue of welfare of the soldiers and their families.

Mrs. Funmi Oladeinde Ogbue, a human resource and administrative expert, an author of over 20 books, is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Support our T r o o p s Foundation , a civilian-military non-government organisation

aimed at gathering support from the general public for the troops in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Ogbue who also extends her expertise to youths and women empowerment, happens to be a fashion queen as well. Read on: The Support Our Troops Foundation, which is the brainchild of the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, is an initiative launched in September 2014 to complement government support to the Nigerian military.

The foundation was established for the military to stimulate support through cash donations, volunteer services, scholarships and media partnerships.

Ogbue disclosed that despite the fact that the foundation did not receive much funds in 2014 to carry out its activities, it hopes to support more families of fallen troops in 2015.

Ogbue, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Jeekreni Limited, said her decision to cater for the welfare of military personnel stems from the attachment she has with the military.

She said, “Against the back drop of the current situation in the country where we have most of the citizenry coming out to criticise the military to say they are not doing enough to protect them, we felt that it was imperative for us to support them, for us to let people realise that this is not a territory we should play with.

Lessons from Liberia

“I lived in Liberia for two years and I know how very quickly things can degenerate. So for me, I thought it was important that people realise that it is either you stand against terror or you stand in support of your military.

So that is why we started the foundation.

“And we really felt that we have got to do a lot of communication.

So the largest part of our work is communication, letting people realise the importance of information to the military, winning the heart and mind of the citizenry in support of the military and the efforts that they are making to quell Boko Haram and all the other insurgents or terror groups that are operating in the country.”

Background

Ogbue, born 42 years ago at the Military Hospital, Yaba, in Lagos State, Nigeria to Colonel Musiliu Olusegun Oladeinde (Rtd) and Alhaja Ajibade Oladeinde, attended Army Children’s School and Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Navy Town, Lagos.

As daughter in a military family, her childhood home moved with her father ’s postings.

Launch of moral boosting kit

On funding, she said, “We don’t have a sustainable funding mechanism but we are doing this to let people know these are our programmes, can you give us money? And we have money coming here and there, one guy from our facebook page gave us N50,000, Exxon Mobile gave us N1,000,000, Tunde Ayeni gave us N25,000,000, one guy as a result of us doing a drive at the bank

very

She further explained that although the foundation did not get much funds in 2014, the support from Nigerians had been very encouraging.

She said, “We are starting to get responses from the general public as our message spreads far and wide, and people get to know what we are doing.

“Although we have not received a lot of funds, what we have received has gone to our back-to-school kits where we gave out 300 school bags full of school supplies to children of fallen and wounded heroes.

“We also gave 150 bags of rice to widows of fallen and wounded heroes; 25 computers to the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, NAOWA, school in Kurudu, Abuja and 3,000 books to children of the military.”

The foundation has been able to reach families of dead soldiers, through the distribution of school kits to orphanages and children who have lost their father and mother as a result of the insurgency and it also gave food items, such as bags of rice to widows.

The foundation also launched a massive care campaign to communicate and let people realise that the military are making huge success, and more importantly, they are doing every day heroic act, putting their lives on the line, going to war under conditions that a lot of us cannot.

Funding from spirited Nigerians

Funmi Ogbue

Nigerians encouraging

Helping families of late soldiers

Ogbue said, “And the next thing that we did was to launch a moral boosting kit drive so that we can send basic supplies to the soldiers that are in the front. So we have got the kits sitting right now in the Army Hierarchy. Once they approve it, we deploy them and send them off.

“The other thing that we have done is that we initiated a study into the medical side of things.

What are the needs? We know that the military hospitals are there and they are treating the wounded soldiers but we know that it is not possible for them to do everything. So we are doing a need analysis.”

gave us N50.

“Chief of Defence Staff when we paid a courtesy call on him, gave us N500,000, the Chief of Navy Staff gave us N250,000. Though, it is not a lot of money but we make sure that whatever we get, we use to impact somebody’s life in one way or the other.

It is important that people realise that it is either you stand against terror or you stand in support of your military

Funmi Ogbue, who is at present, the Managing Director of Jake Riley Limited engages directly with chief executive officers, leaders in the public service and private sector, entrepreneurs, celebrities and philanthropists, to help them solve their business problems and shape their world.

In her 24 years working experiences, Funmi has worked for Royal Dutch Shell, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Limited, British American Tobacco, Ancorapoint, Abacan, Canadian Occidental Petroleum in Calgary, Canada and Mercer Mergers and Acquisition in the United Kingdom.

With over over 24 years’ experience to her credit in the consulting, oil & gas and power industries.

She holds an M.Sc. in Organisational Change and Development from the University of Manchester and a B.Sc. in sociology from the University of Lagos.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 23

08112662589

There’s nothing like the real thing!

D

ON’T you just feel frustrated after being in a relationship for quite a while, gotten married and have a couple of kids only to realise sex for you is not as you want it to be?

Your partner is in no longer panting after you no matter the amount of ‘window dressing’ on your body and the hot tempting home-cooked meals you dish out. You kind of resign yourself to the once or twice-a-month missionary sex you now settle for and try to console yourself with the belief that there must be more to life than sex. I mean, look at the beautiful home you’ve built over the years, your fulfilling life and a husband who deludes himself you’re not going anywhere now you’re not as hot as you used to be.

But what about the real you and the passion that still smoulders somewhere inside that seemingly dormant body of yours?

That was the crossroads Kate found herself the day she dished up yet more sumptuous lunch fo4r her family and in strolled in her son with a friend. “The first time I saw Albert”, confessed Kate, now 48, “he strolled into our home with this confidence smile, as if he knew he would always be welcome anywhere he wants. He was my son’s older friend and they played

tennis together. Uche, my 22-year-old son had invited him for lunch knowing there would be more than enough to go round.

Luckily I’d cooked a large meal and the vegetable soup would put your local buka to shame.

“Abel, at over 6ft tall almost filled the space in the kitchen.

I’m exaggerating. I was gawping at him so much the rest of my surrounding looked insignificant! As we all dug into our meals, I asked Abel casually: `Are you studying the same course as Uche at the university?’ He threw back his head and laughed. `I graduated over six years ago and I now design websites and other IT stuffs for companies that need my services’. So he was definitely much older than my son. He went on about the important of IT in today’s business world but I didn’t listen to most of what he was saying. I was eating him up with my eyes.

Once in a while, he would glance up at me, his eyes teasing, and I would look away, flustered.

“After the meal, he thanked me for `the best meal, I’d had for ages”.

That was terrific. He dropped by the house a couple of times and flirted unashamedly when others weren’t looking.

Something was definitely

happening between us and it terrified me. He was in his early 30s, I was 46. One afternoon, he came in his tennis gear, his T-shirt was stretched over broad shoulders, his shorts leaving nothing to the imagination.

I was wearing a low V-neck T-shirt. I;d purposely put it on that day, hoping he would show up. It clung to my ample breasts and I knew he was staring as I got busy in the kitchen.

“At one stage, he came into the kitchen to get a drink and stared at me. `You’re a heck of a woman’, he whispered, his voice low and sexy. I giggled stupidly.

There was nothing to say. `You know what I mean, don’t you’, he said. Not waiting for a reply, he

walked out of the kitchen.

“He made me nervous throughout lunch as his eyes bored into mine when he thought no one was looking.

I didn’t have the nerve to wait for the after lunch chat – I was as nervous as a teenager. I had to lie to my husband that I had a headache. I already knew what would happen if we were alone together. Three days later, he turned up at the house. He knew I ran the supermarket on the ground floor of our house. It was 1.30 p.m. And I was in the kitchen preparing lunch. I was alone and as he came upstairs, he said nothing.

He simply moved closer to me and took my hands in his. I’d worked on the treadmill and I was wearing

a loose-fitting tracksuit. I’d put it on after showering and hadn’t bothered with any underwear. I felt wickedly vulnerable next to him. He moved closer, and suddenly, we were kissing passionately. `I’ve wanted you since I first clamped eyes on you’, he said.

“As we continued kissing, I pressed my breasts into his chest, eagerly tore at his Tshirt and let my hands feel the contours of his taut young body. We stumbled lustfully onto the sofa. Our house was tucked back from the road. Passers-by couldn’t see me but if someone came to the door, they ’d be able to look through the big slightly opaque window. But that thought only excited me

more. Albert unzipped my tracksuit and gave a little groan as my bare books tumbled out. As we eagerly got undressed, I wondered fleetingly if he did this sort of thing all the time, afterall, he was a good looking randy bachelor!

What did it matter? I thought carelessly as we made love so eagerly neither of us could last for long. But it was explosive, every muscle in my body reached a throbbing ecstasy!

“Afterwards, I lay breathless and fulfilled. I thought fleetingly of my husband and was glad I could still give a man so much pleasure. When I had our first child, still madly in love, I’d insisted my husband watch its birth. It took him a long time to want to make love afterwards. He said the experience put him off sex!

Well, see who hadn’t been put off by my body three kids later! That was over two years ago and Albert got married a few moths ago. But that hasn’t stopped us from meeting up whenever we could arrange it. I intend to ride this wave for as long as I can. And who knows who else I might run into in future?! This kind of experience beats the vibrator any day”.

08052201867(Text Only)

Yoga: An aid to better health

Y

OGA is a training for both body and mind. It was devised, perfected and practised thousands of years ago in India. Since the body/mind problems of man have always been the same, so the teachings of yoga are as valid today as they were in those days of hoary antiquity.

Yoga being an aid to enhance the performance of both body and mind can be practised by all regardless of sex and creed.

The asanas or postures of yoga along with the breathing techniques ensure that the human organism remains as purified of toxins as can be. They also help to maintain vitality and vigour.

The mind training aspect of yoga endows the practitioner with a relaxed outlook and great wellbeing-qualities that we’re in dire need of in these days of fast-paced living and its attendant excessive stress.

The fact that it is now well established that flexibility C M Y K

exercises help the body to rid itself of stress must make a lot more people to investigate the claims made by yoga exercisers.

Apart from being a system by which we can attain and maintain top health and fitness, it’s worth mentioning that even those in need of improved health can find such great help in the practice of yoga. Yoga can deal with such variegated complaints as asthma, diabetes, bronchitis, hernia, dysmenorrhoea, indigestion, constipation, piles, angina hypertension, premature ejaculation insomnia and so forth. This means that there is always some benefit or other to be gained by all.

The pre-requisite to greater health and wellbeing is the will to be up and exercise on a regular basis.

The daily sacrifice of rising in the morning to practice will reward any and every one with the kind of body that will see him or her through thick and thin.

Because Yoga is an integrated system, every part of the body is given equal attention. The harmonious functioning of all the parts of the body is its primary aim.

The postures and breathing exercises apart, yoga also has principles governing diet and eating patterns.

In terms of diet, the emphasis is on the consumption of fruits and vegetables. This is not to say that meant eaters can’t practise yoga. The advice is just that the greater part of our nourishment should be sourced from the vegetable kingdom. The reason being that they are more nourishing and less toxic in comparison to flesh. In this day and age when the cholesterol levels are high in the average individual, the advice that we should eat more fruits and vegetables make sense.

You may try the following yoga postures.

THE PLOUGH TECHNIQUE: Lying flat on your back with the hands

by your sides, swing backwards both legs till the toes touch the floor.

Drop the knees to the floor or quite close and bring the hands to lie along the outside of the legs. Stay in this position for some ten seconds.

BENEFITS: The plough instills suppleness to the spine and helps to massage the digestive organs. It also banishes indigestion and constipation.

CAUTION: If you can’t get your toes touching the

floor don’t force. Let the feet hang off the floor till you’re flexible enough in the back.

THE LEGS AND ARMS RAISE TECHNIQUE: Sit on the floor and raising both legs high up stretch out the arms in the slightly arched. Stay in the posture between 5 to 10 seconds and drop the feet gently to the floor again, rest a while and repeat.

BENEFITS: This exercise strengthens the muscles of the thighs and abdomen. It prevents a pot belly.

THE CHAIR TECHNIQUE: Standing with the feet about a foot and half apart. Keep the hands stretched out at shoulder level. Gradually lower the

body as you bend the knees, first, in a flat-footed manner. As you descend some more it will be impossible to remain flatfooted. At this juncture get onto the balls of your feet and get the buttocks in contact with the heels.

Stay down on the heels for a slow count to ten and then start getting up rather slowly and on tip-toe till the knees are straight. Remain standing up on your toes with the hands still at shoulder level for another slow count to ten. Then drop the heels down. And start again on the way down and then up slowly again on your toes till you are upright for ten counts.

Drop the heels and relax.

BENEFITS: The chair tones up the muscles of the legs. It knocks off stiffness in the knees and ankles. It also aids in maintaining a more upright posture.

Yoga Classes STARTED Physical Therapy Centre @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

* The Plough

P AGE 24 — SUND AY Vanguard , FEBRUARY 15 , 2015 SUNDA

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only

My lover’s wife should be grateful I returned him to her – Mistress

F

OR close to 11 years, Eva, a personal trainer was involved with Eric, 15 years her junior and a medical doctor. Towards the end of last year, Eva instigated the end of what she termed “one of the most fulfilling, exciting and enduring relationships of my life” by dumping Eric.

“There was no drama, accusations or poisonous words exchanged”, she said.

“Instead, we’d just made love and were lying in my bed with a bottle of cold wine when I casually mentioned we shouldn’t see each other any more. He agreed, finished his wine and left. It was without doubt, one of the most selfish and generous things I have ever done.

“By finishing with Eric, a married father of a little boy, I was setting him free to be the good husband I know he could be. This wasn’t done out of a sense of guilt or propriety – I’d been sleeping with him before and after his marriage I sent him packing for the sake of his son, who deserved his father’s full attention, and I did it for Eric. I sensed he was finally ready to put his indecisive, philandering ways behind him and devote himself to his family.

Though sad to see him go, I didn’t regret my decision.

I’d always seen our time together as a loan which eventually would have to be called in. And that’s why I never had any regrets about deceiving his wife.

“The way I saw it, I’d borrowed someone’s fiance then husband, and returned him with interest. If it weren’t for our affair, I’m sure he’d still be dithering about whether to marry and wouldn’t have started a family. In fact, so encouraging was I that he committed to marriage and family life with another

woman that I can’t help thinking my lover ’s wife owes some of her happiness to me! I met Eric when he was 32 and I was 47 at a mutual client’s house. The client had suffered a stroke and he needed the services of a personal trainer to take him through his physiotherapy. Eric was his personal doctor. I’d been divorced for three years following the collapse of my marriage. I’d gone on some dates and remained hopeful that romance wasn’t over for me, though it wasn’t at the top of my list of priorities.

“That’s why I could hardly believe my luck when Eric walked in during one of my sessions with the patient. He was tall, broad and good looking. I wasn’t remotely worried by the fact that he was so much younger than me. I like to think I’m an attractive woman and I know age is seldom an obstacle when two people are attracted to each other. Besides, older women bring something very different to a relationship. Without the ticking of a biological clock, we tend to be more relaxed than younger women about relationships.

“That fateful day there was a definite chemistry. I had to leave early but we exchanged numbers. A week or so later, we met for lunch and things developed from there. He ran a clinic with a couple of friends and that meant he worked flexible hours, so he was able to visit me when my three children were at school. It wasn’t just a physical relationship – though that was important.

A typical afternoon for us involved some lunch, some time in bed and a catch up on our news, and problems.

Eric discussed my children freely while I gave him general life advice. I never

hoped or assumed the relationship would go any further. In fact Eric put it perfectly one afternoon a year after we met that `You’re 15 years older, so nothing long-term is going to happen. Let’s just enjoy it for what it is, for as long as it lasts’. Ever the pragmatist, I was happy to agree. Afterall, we were at different stages in our life.

“Did I love him? Yes. At first I suppose I did a little bit, but as time passed, I came to see him for what he was: a charming and handsome man, but an unfaithful and immature one. I knew he’d drive me nuts if I lived with him because he was a ditherer and seemed incapable of committing to a long term relationship. I know people are gong to assume I was being used, but I don’t see it that way. In many ways, I was using him. He was an ego boost, a distraction, a nice couple of hours out of my life now and then. We agreed we were free to date other people, and we did.

“I know Eric wanted to marry and have a family.

My priority was my children.

A new relationship would have been wonderful, but it isn’t

easy to find that when you are a full time parent without any weekends, free.

I also came to see that the reason my relationship with him worked so well was that we avoided the mundane and domestic. Familiarity never bred contempt because we only saw each other in a succession of brief romantic encounters. He never met any of my children, I never asked about his girlfriends. I felt no jealousy or resentment.

My time with him was more than enough for me.

“About five years ago, I knew from the scant information I received from him that he had started seeing someone seriously and they ’d moved in together. I was surprised he still wanted to carry on with our arrangement. I could see what I got out of it, but why was he keen to keep seeing me when he had a girlfriend at home? His answer was simple: `I just need to’. I saw this as a sign of his immaturity and unwillingness to commit.

Thank God I’m his mistress, not his partner, I thought.

The relationship did have its pauses, sometimes for several months, as he dithered over the direction his life was taking. It was

Can you picture us together?

Can I be the certain he?

The he you're always talking about.

The one you say you can't live without.

Y

I know what I ask is a little much.

I just want us to be able to touch.

Hold each other and never let go.

But if I ask will the answer be no?

Either way I have to take a chance.

May our hearts have one dance?

Happy Valentine My Dream Gal! CENT OBAMA +2348061379003

Angel,can I be your Valentine?

MY GENTLEMEN,

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"

Can I be your Valentine?

Can't we be more than just good friends?

Can't we look through the same lens?

The reason why other women look attractive is because someone is taking good care of them. Grass is always green where it is watered. Instead of drooling over the green grass on the other side of

during a break four years ago that he sent me a text that he’d married his girlfriend.. He’d never even told me they were engaged, but in my heart, I wasn’t surprised. I knew it was what he wanted, though I didn’t have high hopes for the future of his relationship. Part of me felt sorry for the poor woman.

“I was surprised however, when several months later he called to suggest we meet up. It was curiosity, in part, that made me agree.

I know many will argue that I should have reminded him of the vows he had taken only months earlier, but knowing Eric as I did, I knew he would blunder into another clandestine affair – possibly with a woman less discreet and trustworthy than me. So, he came round and we ended up in bed. We didn’t discuss the wedding or his wife, who was in her 30s and wanted to start a family. Exasperated, I urged him to get on with it.

Time and biology waits for no man, I said, and he could end up regretting not being a father early. Their son was born within the year.

“A few months later, he was back in my bed. Our cossy, post-coital chat involved him complaining that he had no time for himself, life was all work and looking after mother and baby, he grumbled. I reassured him that it might seem like an endless slug at that point, but it would pass and that he and his wife would one day have fun together again when they have a more reliable help. I told him my experience as a young mother and he said he felt much better after hearing how life as a new parent had been for me.

“The next time I saw him, he was much happier. He had bonded with his son

and seemed to have taken a giant leap into manhood.

He seemed so determined to do the best for his new family. He was proud of his wife and child, and I was delighted to see he’d found his stride as a family man.

The time was now right to cut him loose and make him commit. I saw our relationship as the last piece in the puzzle. His little boy need him in a way I didn’t.

It was only fair on them to force his hand.

“That was a year ago. I miss him, occasionally, but I sincerely hope he is making a go of family life and is happy. Do I feel regret or guilt? No – far from being the villain, I see myself as a fairy godmother.

I think Eric’s affair with me did h is marriage the world of good”.

The grass is always greener! (Humour) Late at night, there was a knock at the door and when the wife answered a man demanded: “Do you know how to have sex?” The woman closed the door in alarm and the man went away. But for the next three nights, he returned, shouting at her through the letter box. “Do you know how to have sex?” he kept repeating.

Now her husband had been away on business for the week, but when he returned on Friday, he could see she was very upset. It didn’t take long for him to find out what had been happening, so he advised her to open the door and he’d be waiting behind to deal with the pest. Sure enough, later that night, the man returned, banging on the door. The wife opened it as he shouted. “Do you know how to have sex?”.

“Yes, I do”, she replied.

“Then give it to your husband”, he said angrily, “and tell him t leave my wife alone”.

the fence, work on yours and water it regularly. Any man can admire a beautiful woman, but it takes a true gentleman to make a woman admirable and beautiful in all criteria, # A l w a y s A p p r e c i a t e W h a t Yo u H a v e . #HappyValToYouAllMyFans.

Chris Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015.

My love,

Everyday with you is always a Val Day to me. You are my Valentine before Valentine's Day, and will still be my Valentine after Valentine's Day. The day does not matter to me, all that matter is for the fire of our love to increase every seconds, every hour, every day, every year. even when we leave this world, I will still love you. I love you sooooo much. Much Kisses to you my love.

Omorville Umoru Omorville@gmail.com, 08062486549

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 25

‘ ONE-WAY’ DRIVING DEATH

Trouble as truck driver crushes LASU final year student •We are cooperating with police - Company

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

W

hen 32-year-old Stainislus Ipogah went to school on Wednesday, January 28, little did he know that would be his last time in school as he was reportedly hit by a man driving against traffic along Lagos- Badagry Expressway.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the final year student of Lagos State University (LASU) was hit by a DHL Supply Chain truck on his way back from school at Iba junction. “Immediately after the accident occurred, angry students attacked the truck driver identified as Adeboyejo Festus, a staff of DHL Supply Chain; but was later allowed to take the victim to hospital. When he got to a nearby hospital, the personnel said they didn’t have enough equipment and that he should take him to another hospital”, an eye witness narrated.

But instead of getting a vehicle to take the victim to another hospital, Festus reportedly went to the police station to report himself. Meanwhile, Stainislus condition was getting worse.

The driver returned with some police officer after several hours to meet the victim dead.

Narrating the incident, the elder brother of the deceased, Theodore Ipogah, said: “At about 1 pm on that fateful day, a call came to my phone that I should call the number. When I called the number, which happened to be my younger brother’s own, the person who spoke to me said the owner of the phone had an accident, and, at the back ground,

*The errant truck. Inset: Stainislus ... dead I heard people crying. The person said I should come to LASU, Iba junction and that they were taking him to hospital. I asked if he was dead and he said no. I asked what happened. He said a truck hit him and that the truck was driving one way when the accident happened.

He said my brother has closed from school and was coming back when the accident happened.

“I was told that when they took him to hospital, the doctors said they didn’t have enough equipment and that they should take him elsewhere. But instead, the errant driver went to the police station to report himself. When he came back after several hours, my brother had lost so much blood. He came back with some police officers, and they realised that the victim had passed on. Before I could get to Mile 2

from Lekki, the nurse called me and said my brother had died.

When I came, I met some policemen at Iba junction, they had already taken the corpse from the hospital to the street where he lived close to Iba junction. That was where I met them”.

Taking corpse to the morgue “The police now advised that we take the corpse to the mortuary, which we did; we left the mortuary around 12 midnight. The police asked us to report at their office the next day by 8am. The next day, we went to the station and met two persons who claimed to be representatives of DHL. They sympathised with us, saying there was no amount of money they would give us that will bring back my late brother. We said we were

not there to make case. We told them the bill at the hospital and the mortuary which was about N98, 000. “ Later, we did the burial list which amounted to N960, 000 We gave the list to the company’s representatives, and they said we should also talk about compensation and that we should have a family meeting. My brother, a legal practitioner, educated our family that it is civil case and that we should put something together as compensation. Even the police encouraged us to do so. So we put N35 million. The DHL representatives said they will get back to us. They next day they came to us and offered us N350, 000 for the burial. And we were like, is he an animal that was killed or a human being-- We told them that we needed a formal letter from the company addressed to the family of the victim, a final year student of computer science, LASU. We told them that we could not take anything from the company without a letter from the company because our aged parents are in the village and need to know how their son died.

“Later, they called and said they had made available N500, 000 for the family. At this point , we decided to get the family lawyers involved in the case. The family lawyer wrote a letter to DHL not knowing that we have three different DHL companies operating in Nigeria. After they received the letter, they called the family and said the truck was not their own, that they were not aware of the accident. So, who were the people who had been meeting with our family? We even asked the alleged DHL representatives if they didn’t have company policy regarding such issue at that time.”

Theodore said that Stainislus was the seventh of ten children.

The brother went on: “The deceased died struggling to make something out of life. As a student who was supposed to enjoy himself in school, he couldn’t because his family didn’t have the resources to give him that. He was not ashamed to engage in menial jobs to keep body and soul together. Now, he has been

killed by a careless driver. Although not married, Stainislus had a six year old son”.

Theodore explained that the reason they decided to involve Sunday Vanguard in the matter was to let the whole world know how “they killed our brother”. He added: “We have proof because the vehicle is a DHL branded truck and no amount of denial can change that. Except the company is alleging that the other company uses DHL branded trucks without their approval.

“As a family, we want them to compensate the family and also take full responsibility for the burial.

We have not received one kobo from them. The police told us that the driver is in their custody”.

Efforts to reach DHL When Sunday Vanguard went to DHL head office at Isolo, Lagos, we were told that they have three sister companies operating under the name DHL. A human resources official there, who simply identified herself as Nkechi, said they don’t use trucks to deliver services. She said it was not their truck that hit the victim. She, however, put a call through to their sister companies.

She later asked us to contact one Mr Tolu of DHL Supply Chain. When we called Tolu, he said he was not in the position to comment on the issue and that his superiors would, and asked us to come to their office somewhere in Ikeja. We could not locate the office while efforts to subsequently reach Tolu were not fruitful as he simply refused to pick his calls.

Later,one Leigh Swartz, who identified herself as Marketing and Communications Manager, SubSaharan Africa, DHL Supply Chain South Africa (PTY) LTD, called Sunday Vanguard but there was poor network.

She later sent a mail which read: “DHL can confirm that one of its vehicles was involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian, on Wednesday, 28 January 2015 at Iyana Iba, Lagos, Nigeria.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation. However, while the investigation is under way, we are unable to comment further, other than to confirm that road safety is of the utmost importance to the company.”

Our pact with Jonathan on peace in the N-Delt a, bbyy N-Delta, ex-milit ant leader Muturu ex-militant

BY INNOCENT ONOJA

E

x-militant general and Delta State Chairman, Amnesty Phase 2, Mr. Kingsley Muturu, in this interview, bares his mind on the stand of exmilitants in the coming general elections, the amnesty programme and other issues. Excerpts: Can you speak on how Niger Delta ex-militants feel about the state of the nation?

First, we, Niger Delta exagitators, are happy over the plan by some of our brothers in the North against President Jonathan and his government. We feel very bad and disappointed especially over the killing of innocent Nigerians by these agents of darkness. If it is meant to embarrass Jonathan’s administration, or to truncate it, then they have failed woefully. I advised Boko Haram and their sponsors to repent and follow the true teachings of Prophet Mohammed. I also urged government to expose their

sponsors, arrest and prosecute them.

Second, we are also not happy with the heated atmosphere over the elections. We, Niger Delta exmilitants, will never associate with any politician or political party that tends to fuel violence either by word or action. We want a fair-playing field for the conduct of the elections to allow the most popular candidate to emerge president.

What is your take on the controversy trailing the shift of the election dates earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28. We glaringly see the need for the extension of the election dates like some other Nigerians do. All of us know that the permanent voter cards (PVCs) already printed, millions of them have not got to their owners. For example, most of the Phase 2 exmilitants have not got their PVCs. Most of them living in their towns and villages in the Niger Delta creeks cannot be accessed by road, and no network to communicate. I believe this opportunity will afford every disenfranchised registered voter to get

his or her PVC in order to participate in the elections. Nigerians should see the glaring reasons for the date shift.

What is the stand of Niger Delta ex-militants on the presidential candidates, as rumours and counter rumours of endorsements flooded the media in the recent past?

You know why we picked up arms against the government in those days, and you also know the reasons we decided to give peace a chance for development to take place in the country. Since after granting amnesty, we have been helping this government to maintain peace in the Niger Delta. We have never disappointed the PDP government in our agreement to maintain the peace and so we continue to work for the government to achieve our desired goal for the region. We will continue to work for Jonathan to achieve his transformation agenda for the nation and Niger Delta in particular.

What is your assessment of the amnesty programme is being carried out by the federal government?

Well, I can say it is progressing and

it will get to the final destination; we expect government to implement it to the full. As you can see, we have held strictly our side of the agreement in the maintenance of peace in the Niger Delta for the country to prosper. We hope on government to fulfill its part of the agreement. I can say we are progressing.

I want to use this medium to thank Kingsley Kuku for his efforts made so far for the recorded progress of the amnesty programme. I also commend him for his dedication to Mr. President and his ardent support and campaign for his re-election, where he convinced us of Mr. President’s resolve to fulfill government’s promises made to the region.

On the call for arrest of some ex-militant leaders by a prominent northerner over inflammatory comments…(cuts in) I want to use this opportunity to warn those who are inclined to cause chaos in the system. All Nigerians know as a recorded fact that prominent leaders, not ordinary Nigerians, from the north

*Kingsley Muturu had uttered grievous and inciting comments in the polity and no one dared to come out and challenge them. I can categorically tell you that such comments from those prominent northerners who threatened hell for the nation are now breeding results and yet, no one has dared to challenge them.

Let that man rather call his brothers who love violent change to order, put head together with them to stop the madness called “Boko Haram”.

PAGE 26—SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

JOHESU’S WAR AGAINST YAYALE AHMED REPORT

Resolve, not compound rivalry in the public health sector, consultants caution

By Victoria Ojeme, Abuja

I

NSECURITY in Nigeria has assumed an alarming dimension. As the North-east turned into a war theatre, other parts of the country are witnessing one form of insecurity or the other.

The insecurity, as bad as it is, necessitated the postponement of the general elections scheduled for February by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

These situation dominated the just concluded National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN. MDCAN, an association of senior doctors in the country, deliberated on the lingering insecurity in the country with a view to finding a lasting solution to it and the suffering of Nigerians in the North-east, who have turned refugees in their own country.

In a statement at the end of the meeting, signed by its President, Steve Oluwole, MDCAN commended its members in the North-east who continue to provide services without adequate protection.

It also observed that the inability of government to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria; increasing boldness of insurgents to take the battle to military bases, Boko Haram is gradually achieving its primary objective to control Nigerian territory.

MDCAN, however, expressed concern that Nigerian Army, reputed for rolling out tanks and armoured personnel carriers to crush peaceful demonstration of students and labour organisations, has no visible frontline against what it described as “rag-tag Boko Haram,” noting that the military hardware displayed by Boko Haram could be destroyed by determined vigilantes let alone the military apparatus of a state.

“Nigerian Army has transited from a fighting to a frightened force holed-up in barricaded barracks like scared sparrows.

Nigeria Army struggling to defend its bases raises the question who is defending Nigeria people,” the body stated.

It, therefore, resolved: “Mr President, Commander-in-Chief, should reorganise the defense structure of the military and rid his government of the Boko Haram sympathizers which he publicly admitted exist”.

Apart from insecurity, MDCAN deliberated on the state of health care delivery in the country, the National Health Act, and the Presidential Committee of Experts on Inter-Professional Relationships in the Public Health Sector (Yayale Ahmed Committee) report.

The body expressed concern on the poor state of health care delivery in Nigeria and the strikes by several unions in the health services, saying the objec-

Steve Oluwole, MDCAN

The objections of JOHESU to the recommendations of the committee further demonstrate JOHESU’s intent to invent a health system that has no equivalent in the world tives of the strikes were not to improve service delivery.

It noted that, while the meeting of President Goodluck Jonathan with some health workers, which led to the suspension of the JOHESU strike as appropriate, it is disturbing that Mr President appears to appease JOHESU to further subject the fundamental findings of the Yayale Ahmed Committee to further debate.

“Yayale Ahmed Committee was not set up to advance, enshrine, or endorse the manifesto and desires of any union, or translate the demands of JOHESU to government White Paper but to bring a last face-off and disharmony in the health sector,”MDCAN said.

“All memoranda submitted by each association and regulatory bodies were carefully gone through, so all that was needed for each association was to present what should be solutions and the way forward.

“Many of the absurdities of JOHESU demands, which were observed by the committee to be un-

founded, were rejected in the report.”

The senior doctors called on Mr President not to diminish his resolve to bring an end to the unhealthy rivalry in the health services; he should ignore the cacophony of threats and admit the fundamental findings of the committee; the goal to restore sanity to the health services should not be sacrificed on the altar of expediency, or political correctness.”

The body commended the enactment of the National Health Act while expressing concern in some areas.

It called for the full implementation of the Act to commence without further delay On the report of the Yayale Ahmed Committee on harmony in the health sector, MDCAN noted that the committee was set up to identify the causes of acrimony among public health workers and recommend measures that will assist government in ensuring a harmonious work relationship but regretted: “Unfortunately, JOHESU is again playing the

victim strategy to disparage the committee members and cast doubt on their impartiality.”

It observed that JOHESU endorsed the composition of the Yayale Ahmed Committee, which had approximately 20 % medical doctors as members, saying the union’s conspiratorial theories as the basis for the recommendations of the committee are inexplicable.

“JOHESU’s constant reference to phantom health services of other climes ignores the obvious fact that the committee’s recommendations were based on findings of the structure of health services of countries that it visited”, MDCAN said.

“The objections of JOHESU to the recommendations of the committee further demonstrate JOHESU’s intent to invent a health system that has no equivalent in the world.

“The recommendations include definition of medically qualified in which the committee based its recommendation on the NIC judgement of July 23, 2012 in suit NICN/ABJ/238/2012 as demanded by JOHESU. Why will JOHESU not comply? Other areas are the headship of tertiary hospital in which the committee recommends extant laws to be followed; headship of laboratory departments where the committee found, during its visit outside Nigeria, that radiologists not radiographers head radiology departments. The committee recommends that radiologists head radiology departments, pathologists head pathology departments, and ophthalmologists head ophthalmology departments and appointment of Minister of Health in which the committee noted this is a constitutional matter.

“Other aspects are the appointment of Chief Medical Adviser to the President. JOHESU ignores that the committee rejected the request for appointment of Surgeon General, but recommended appointment of Chief

Medical Adviser to the President based on the consideration of need and of organisation of health services outside Nigeria.

“On the appointment of nonmedically qualified as consultant, the committee recommended compliance with NIC judgement that the Federal Ministry of Health has the right to direct that non-medically qualified health professionals should not be appointed as consultants in Federal Government institutions.

Why will JOHESU not comply?”

MDCAN noted that some gains of JOHESU have not been admitted. “They include tertiary hospital board appointments in which the the committee recommended that a pharmacist and a nurse should be included in the board of tertiary/specialist hospitals; departments of Federal Ministry of Health. More departments have been created in the Federal Ministry of Health that will accommodate some of JOHESU’s demands. Two deputy CMAC positions have been created, with one potentially open to JOHESU members. What is the grouse of JOHESU with this committee recommendation?

MDCAN resolved that JOHESU should accept the Yayale Ahmed Committee definition of medically qualified, which was based on the NIC judgement as it demanded; rescind the pursuit of unhealthy rivalry based on the structure and organisation of health services outside Nigeria, which the Yayale Ahmed Committee documented; seek enhancement of remuneration for its members through legitimate labour law processes rather than usurpation of roles and assumptions of titular positions that will distort the command structure of the health services; accept their defined roles in the hospitals as practised in health institutions visited by the Yayale Ahmed Committee; encourage their members in the laboratory services to work under the leadership of medical doctors as recommended by the Yayale Ahmed Committee; withdraw court cases that the Yayale Ahmed Committee findings have rendered obsolete; stop all acts of hooliganism and vandalism and be prepared to parley with MDCAN to achieve peaceful and healthy professional co-existence in hospitals.

MDCAN enjoined Nigerians to accord priority to the 2015 general elections.

APC committed to peace, devt of Delta — Chairman

P

ROPHET Jones Ode

Erue, chairman of All Progressive Congress APC in Delta State, has reiterated that APC was committed to peace, unity among Deltans and rapid development in Delta state.

Erue, who spoke yesterday, also dismissed reports that the APC shunned the peace meeting convened by the Delta State Police command.

The APC boss said " I was duly represented at the meeting by the state assistant secretary, Comrade Chris Onod-

jacha, because as a man of God I have preached peace all my life andI will continue to do so especially in Delta State.

It is imperative that as Deltans we must live in peace irrespective of our political affiliations".

According to him, " It was not deliberate that I didn't attend the peace meeting because it was for interest our people and strongly supported by the APC. However, I sincerely apologize to the people of Delta State and urge our people to maintain the existing peace in the state".

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 27

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

F

IVE months after sus pected cultists killed their son,the Ekebeke family of Owodokpokpo in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State is still mourning. The suspected cultists, numbering over 10, attacked and killed 26-year-old Michael Obonaruojor Ekebeke, over a girl he and the leader of the gang were said to be dating on September 25, 2014.

The parents, especially the mother, are inconsolable. The deceased’s uncle, Mr. Augustine Moneyman Otuwho (immediate past Secretary of Isoko National Youth Movement Board of Trustees), narrated that the gang stormed the residence of Michae at Urueki Quarters, Owodokpokpo, at about 8:30pm on the fateful day with axes, cudgels and other dangerous weapons.

He went on: “On arrival, they met Michael with three friends and his landlady and said they had come for him. Michael demanded why they came to him armed in such a manner. One of them and in fact their leader, currently in police custody, told Michael that they had come to teach him a lesson for snatching his girlfriend, one Miss Enejewhe.

A FAMILY’S CRY OF ANGUISH

‘Rival mobilised cultists to kill our son over girlfriend!’

Amugini, still at large, who asked Michael to lie down.

Michael refused. In an attempt to force him to lie down, a fight broke out in which Michael, being out numbered, was beaten to the point of death. The suspected cultists thereafter proceeded to the destruction of everything that came to their view in the compound ranging from door to windows, chairs and even cooking pots and plates.

During the fight, one Mr. Amare Akpode ,who wanted to intervene, got a battle axe injury on the forehead”.

Michael was allegedly rushed to the Central Hospital, Oleh, by sympathizers but died few days after.

In the course of investigation, three suspects were arrested by the police in Oleh Division. *Michael ...Par ents inconsolable He then signalled to his

second in command, one

Uvwiamuge declaration sacrosanct – Urhobo leaders

T

he new President-Gen eral of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Tuesday Onoge, has been busy receiving Urhobo groups as the leader of his people world-wide. One of such group is the youth arm of the UPU, known as the “Ighele R’ Urhobo” under the leadership of Engr. Okoro Awerosuoghene.

The UPU Youth President told Onoge that the entire Urhobo nation has been beclouded with visionless leadership and politics of confusion, deceit and self centeredness, adding that his adoption (Onoge) as President-General of the union brought hope and air of relief.

Awerosuoghene assured the PG of their support to ensure the collective aspirations of the Urhobo are protected with a view to actualising the Uvwiamuge declaration to produce a credible governor of the Urhobo extraction during the forthcoming general elections.

The youth organ disclosed that the adoption of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, was timely and meets the basic and es-

The All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osibanjo (in suit) during his visit to the UPU President General, Chief Tuesday Onoge. Third from left is APC Delta governorship candidate, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor. sential ingredients contained and resolute in their deterin the Uviamuge declaration mination for the attainment of document which is to the the Uvwiamuge declaration, effect that any of the two na- saying that his executive is tional parties that will give working with Urhobo groups the Urhobo a gubernatorial and the royal fathers to rally candidate will be automati- the Urhobo against the plan cally supported and voted for to deliver President Jonathan en-mass by the people of and Senator Okowa at the Delta Central in particular polls. and Urhobo people in genHe stated that some UPU eral. leaders were suspended to In his response, Onoge ex- bring sanity into the adminpressed appreciation for the istration of the union’s affairs solidarity visit and advised in the wake of the Uvwiathe youth to remain focused muge declaration.

It was gathered that the prime suspect, in his confessional statement to the police, named others still at large as his partners in crime.

Following the incident, Otuwho has called on the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Benin-City to take up the investigation and bring the alleged murderers to justice. He stated that the transfer of the case to Zone 5 will prevent interference in the matter. Otuwho also alleged that parents of some of the suspects were shielding them from arrest.

Meanwhile, those arrested so far by the police have been arraigned and remanded in prison custody by an Oleh Magistrate Court.

A senator’s succour

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

F

OR the second time within two months, the senator representing Ondo South, Boluwaji Kunlere, has put smiles on the faces of 500 less privileged persons in his constituency.

Last month, he donated 13 police patrol vehicles to Ondo State police authorities to combat crime before, during and after the 2015 general elections.

The police support project gulped about N109million.

Kunlere said: “As part of our contributions towards reducing crime rate and ensuring secured environment for the people dayto-day activities, we have chosen to empower all the 13 police divisions in Ondo South.”

Not done, the senator, who is not returning to the Red Chamber, last week, donated 80 wheelchairs, 300 motorcyles, 200 generating sets, totaling about N50million.

The empowering of the less privileged persons took place at his hometown, Igbotako in Okitipupa local government area of the State.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kunlere assured that he would continue to perform his constitutional duties to the people till the end of his tenure.

He pointed out that within his three and half years as senator, he had been able to provide block of classrooms, potable water, computer centres for schools, solar street light and also helped in restoring JAMB centres to the district.

Speaking on his next political step, Kunlere said he was not desperate about returning to the Senate.

The senator said only politicians who have no professions other than politics will be desperate to remain in power.

He said that despite the fact that he was among the 40 senators President Goodluck Jonathan directed to be given automatic, he was prevented by some powerful forces in the state.

Kunlere said he did not believe that politics should be a do-ordie affair.

“As a trained lawyer, I will continue my solicitor’s job. I am big time farmer, for the past 18 years I have been eating palm oil from my farm. I have cassava and if I want to eat fish, it is also from my farm”.

So, when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said politicians should have other addresses, thank God I have three to four addresses”.

2015 National Day of Lithuania

T

he Lithuania Na tional Day celebration holds February 16 at Federal Palace Hotel & Casino, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, celebrated annually, will attract captains of industry, diplomats and dignitaries from all walks of life.

A party is to be hosted by the Honorary Consul of Lithuania to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Goodie M. Ibru.

PAGE 28—SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Polls shift punches the Naira, crosses 200 mark to the dollar *It’s a bad situation – Prof. Ekpo *’How to manage it’

BY UDEME CLEMENT

Akpan Ekpo, a professor of economics and the current Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), speaks on the declining state of the Naira, as the exchange rate hits over N210 per dollar.

Last week’s battering of the Naira has been blamed on the uncertainty in the political arena, following the postponement of the 2015 elections from February to late March and April.

T

HE election year is putting more pressure on the Naira, as exchange rate increased speedily from about N188 to over N210 per dollar within a short period.

What is the economic implication of this?

What is putting pressure on the Naira is the declining oil revenues and not only spending during elections. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is trying to push out more dollars to back the Naira but the reserves are not increasing because replenishing comes mainly from oil earnings.

Consequently, the structure of the economy must change in favour of production in the long-run.

The CBN in my opinion is still implementing a quasi-managed float regime. If it allows the market to determine the exchange rate with declining oil revenue, then the Naira to the dollar could hit 300. The economy is heavily import dependent, about 85 percent, hence there is need to manage the support of the domestic currency and the supply of dollars from the apex bank.

Of course, importers who are not sure of the future cost of the dollar would increase the prices of goods and services to enable them buy dollar at any cost. This may result in rising inflation in the economy. This is the speculative nature of capitalism.

To better manage the situation, the foreign reserves must support production and import of capital items to produce goods locally.

Supporting consumption without production would deplete the reserves in due course. Even if the Naira stabilises at 210 to the dollar, the question to address is, is it healthy for the economy?

In the context of political economy, a country’s currency to a large extent reflects its sovereignty.

The massive spending on elections could affect the economy and inflationary pressures. Remember, there are economic agents benefiting from the massive campaigns, hence it depends on how those agents spend the money. After the

elections, the massive spending would increase aggregate demand in the short-run. But if oil revenue continues to decline then the economy may enter a period of stagflation, which means rising prices, declining productivity and high unemployment.

Our external debt currently stands at about $9.71billion.

With the crisis in the economy, do you think government could go into borrowing, thereby accumulating more debt for Nigeria?

There is no doubt that the government would have to borrow given the declining oil revenue, especially if she has to finance capital projects. The rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has given the country a wider threshold to borrow.

However, the country does not pay its debt with GDP. Hence, it is necessary to compute the Debt/ Revenue ratio because debt is paid with revenues. The Debt Management Office (DMO) issues financial papers (debt) on behalf of government, this is one way of sourcing for funds to finance development. If the funds are utilised to finance capital projects, then there would be positive multiplier effects on the economy.

Government has faulted the rating of 50 percent youth unemployment in Nigeria, saying a lot of jobs have been provided for a considerable number of the people, particularly in agriculture. What is your take on this?

Unemployment in Nigeria has reached a level of national crisis.

The reason being that if you have 5 percent unemployment, it means there is relative full employment in the economy.

When it is between 28 and 30 percent like what we are experiencing in the country now, it means it is a crisis. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is putting the unemployment figure at 24 percent, but in reality, unemployment is at a crisis level and still arising, especially among youths.

The type of job creation government is talking about is seasonal employment in agriculture and that is not the solution. The issue is not whether it is 50 percent or not. We need what is called wage/salary employment to solve the unemployment crisis confronting us now. Also, government is talking about SURE-P, but we must take cognisance of the fact that SURE-P depends on subsidy and is a temporary stop gap measure that can easily phase out, and not a permanent wage/ salary employment that is sustainable.

Many economic experts are saying that the NBS has stopped

•Prof Akpan Ekpo

Importers who are not sure of the future cost of the dollar would increase the prices of goods and services to enable them buy dollar at any cost. This may result in rising inflation in the economy publishing data on the rate of unemployment, poverty and other economic indices. What do you think is responsible for this?

Yes, it seems NBS has stopped publishing data on unemployment rate, because I have not seen the statistics for 2011 up-till now.

What NBS does now is survey of job creation, meaning we no longer know the official figures of unemployment in the economy from NBS. The attitude of NBS is not even helping matters because people would still use the existing base-line to make statement or evaluate the economy. May be NBS does not want us to know the unemployment rate but that would even give room to more speculation. We must realise that the type of neo-liberal economic system in Nigeria now needs social safety net in areas like healthcare benefits, unemployment benefits for the citizens who are jobless.

What is the role of private sector in the unemployment challenge?

Frankly, the private sector cannot solve the problem of unemployment now because it is already a crisis. Private sector is profit oriented and not a charitable organisation. Only government at all tiers can tackle the crisis both in the medium and long term. The real sector that has the capacity to create jobs is also in comatose, so, the real sector must be revamped as well.

As a professor of economics, which areas do you think government should turn attention to, in order to create more jobs?

The Federal and sub-national governments should stop downsizing and look at areas like Police, Customs, Army, Immigration, Air-force and Navy to create thousands of jobs.

Doing this would even stimulate demand in the economy.

Industries must be resuscitated to generate employment as well.

Nigeria’s economy is

experiencing huge investments outflow, as foreign investors just withdrew N846.53billion from our stock market. What is the economic implication of this, especially at the time, our economy is facing low oil revenue and Naira devaluation?

These are portfolio investors who are like gamblers. They speculate a lot and are ready to move their portfolio away any moment they perceive uncertainty in the market, like what is happening in our country now. This is a lesson for us to know that we need to revamp our industries to boost manufacturing. About 70 percent Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Nigeria today are portfolio investments. The remaining 30 percent of FDI are in oil and gas sector as well as services. This is not helping us in any way. The foreign investors have access to Dollars that give them a lot of Naira to invest and take away all their profits, especially with the devaluation of the local currency.

We must be strategic to develop our economy because we are still backward. Foreign investors should build factories to create jobs, help in technology transfer and key projects if they mean well for Nigeria. We cannot depend on portfolio investments, because a market economy is like casino. The portfolio investors are not here because they like Nigeria. Their interest is to make more returns to recoup their investments, so we must not allow ourselves to be deceived.

Government should ban importation of all items that can be manufactured locally for local firms to thrive. We should look at how China and Singapore closed their borders for a while to build their local capacity. The time has come for economic nationalism, where we must build our country with our resources to be self reliant, after which, we can open our borders if need be.

Again, government has approved N18.26billion loans for five power companies to boost electricity supply, after approval of huge sums without commensurate output in electricity supply. What is fundamentally wrong with the power sector?

Infact, when government unbundled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Nigerians were very happy. The excitement was so much, as people expected that power crisis would become a thing of the past.

Sadly, that is not happening. We thought that government did its due diligence for the private investors to buy both assets and liabilities, but we still see government spending so much money even after the privatisation, and yet no power supply. It seems there are forces working against the efforts to revamp the sector. The President may be sincere about resuscitating the sector, but may not know the dynamics on how the market works for those interested in wealth accumulation. With so much money going into power and several government interventions, by now, we ought to have 70 percent electricity supply, but we do not have up to 30 percent.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 29

NAIRA BATTERING:

Oil marketers seek access to CBN’s forex window .Say FG cannot stop importation of petroleum products in 2018

BY UDEME CLEMENT

A

S the foreign exchange rate increased from N188 to over N210 per dollar, the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has called on the Federal Government and the monetary authorities in the country to give oil marketers access to the official exchange rate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to make importation of refined petroleum products into the country easier.

The Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, said this in a chat with Sunday Vanguard, in Lagos, stressing that marketers currently get foreign exchange at the interbank rate, which, is higher than the CBN’s official exchange rate, thereby making products importation quite expensive.

He said, “If Naira is increasing and exchange rate

The only way out is complete deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, which would attract more investors, boost production and supply levels to promote export of refined products

Mr. Obafemi Olawore

increases, surely, importation would become more expensive, if oil marketers continue to buy at the interbank rate, as we are currently

getting.”

On government’s plan to stop importation of products in 2018, he said, “I doubt if government’s plan can

materialise by 2018. My doubts are premised on the following points. It is highly impossible for government to do a complete Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) due to official bureaucracy. However, if the refineries are privatised through competitive open

tender, whoever wins would ensure that TAM is completed on time and the plants made functional, to boost capacity utilisation and product availability. The plants as they are now, even if they operate at optimum and maximum capacity, the combined total production would still not be enough to meet national consumption rate.

“The only way out is complete deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, which would attract more investors, boost production and supply levels to promote export of refined products. All these add together would conserve foreign exchange reserves, boost employment to enhance economic growth and development. Also, government should ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), and build effective regulatory framework to be executed by the institutions empowered by the enabling law”.

Clueless policy positions responsible for Naira depreciation — Onovo

BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE

The continuous depreciation of the naira against the dollar has left many agitated as it is affecting them in so many ways but, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has consistently reassured economy stakeholders that there is no need for panic.

Chief Martin Onovo Presidential Candidate, National Conscience Party (NCP)bares his mind on the worrisome trend.

T

he declining value of the Naira can be unduly attributed to the falling crude oil price but a more robust evaluation will confirm that declining domestic productivity, corruption, capital flight, clueless policy positions, policy inconsistencies, inadequate power supply, waste and mismanagement are even more responsible for the declining value of the Naira.

The $69B left by the Chief Obasanjo government in the foreign reserves and the

Martin Onovo

A government of the National Conscience Party will turn the series of failures of the current illegitimate rulers of Nigeria to a consistent series of achievements in national development

excess crude account were wasted without commensurate development. Only about 18ercent of that amount could have tripled public power supply capacity and boosted capacity utilization, employment and domestic productivity.

A government of the National Conscience Party (NCP) will take several actions in different sectors to boost domestic productivity, reduce import bill and arrest the declining value of the Naira.

Some of the actions include: Use about $9B to double public power supply in two and half years only. Increase domestic

refining to reduce the cost of petroleum products and eliminate importation of petroleum products.

Subsequently start exporting petroleum products instead of crude oil for increased national revenue.Increase minimum wage by decreasing maximum wage to boost motivation of the workforce and compress the sinful ‘Inequality index’.

Promote Agriculture to reduce the food import bill and also promote domestic food processing industries.Exploit solid minerals to increase foreign exchange

revenue.Provide security and encourage tourism to increase foreign exchange.Increase custom duties on imported luxury items.

Restrict capital flight.Control corruption firmly to reduce losses and boost motivation.

A government of the National Conscience Party will turn the series of failures of the current illegitimate rulers of Nigeria to a consistent series of achievements in national development. God bless Nigeria. It is worthy to note that in the 2013 Corruption Barometer of Transparency International ranks Nigeria as the 8th most corrupt country in the world. The missing $20B oil revenue, the subsidy scam, the pension perfidy, etc. are indicative of the increasing corruption in Nigeria.

The statement by Dr. Jonathan that ‘stealing is not corruption’ reveals the mindset of our current political rulers.In the petroleum sector, we still import most of our petroleum products even as a major crude oil exporter and with four

existing refineries in our country with total installed capacity that is adequate to meet domestic consumption.

For employment, both the National Bureau of Statistics and UN agencies all report that unemployment is rising.

For our Naira, the exchange rate to the dollar has gone from about N150 in 2010 to over N200 currently. Road fatalities data indicate that Nigeria still has one of the very highest annual road fatalities per capita worldwide. In the Education sector, Universities were closed for about eight months and polythecnics were closed for about eleven months.

Crude oil theft: the government publicly confessed its inability to check oil theft. It can then be clearly seen that the failure in security plans and in the preparations for the 2015 elections, are just additional failures in the serial failures of the current government in almost all sectors of our national life.

God bless Nigeria.

PAGE 32—SUNDAY, Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Sunda ere’s daught er w eds hear t-thr ob Sundayy Oguf Ogufere’s daughter weds heart-thr t-throb

T

he love story between Rume Ogufere, daughter of Mr. Sunday Ogufere and Muyiwa Opatola, son of Dr. Sunday Opatola has opened another chapter as the couple is united in a Holy union. The matrimonial rites took place at the Main Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Ikeja, Lagos.

Photos by Shola Oyelese

.

From left: Chief J. B. Ogufere, Mrs Felicia Ogufere with Prince and Mrs J. Oduah

Yemi Emik o shines at APC Emiko rally in Patani DELTA South senatorial candidate of APC, Mr. Yemi Emiko shone at the Patani rally of the party as he was celebrated and introduced to the people by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, the party gubernatorial candidate for Delta State.

The couple: Dr and Mrs Oyemuyiwa Opatola

Mr Sunday Ogufere bride’s father, Mrs Bisi Opatola, groom’s mother, couple, Dr and Mrs Oyemuyiwa Opatola, Mrs Tessy Ogufere, bride‘s mother and Dr Sunday Sode Opatola, groom’s father

Emiko, left being introduced by Olorogun Otega at the rally in Patani.

From left: Chief J B Ogufere, Mrs Christiana Ogufere, couple, Dr and Mrs Oyemuyiwa Opatola with Mrs Felicia Ogufere

From left: Mrs Bisi Opatola, groom's mother, Mr Sunny Ogufere, bride's father, Prince Richard Akinnola, former MD, Guinness Nig Plc, Mrs Christiana Ogufere and Chief J B Ogufere.

DataPro hosts CCCOBIN in Lagos DataPro Limited recently hosted Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCCOBIN) meeting in Lagos with top officers of the organisations in attendace.

Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, APC gubernatorial candidate for Delta State, raising the hands of Prince Yemi Emiko, right, Senatorial candidate of the party, at a mega rally in Patani

Mr. Abimbola Adeseyoju, MD/CEO, DataPro Limited (right) discussing with Thomas Lindeyer of CCL Academy, United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the recent meeting in Lagos of the Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks (CCCOBIN) hosted by his company.

From Left: Mr. Raheem Owodeyi, CCO, Sterling Bank, Mr. Pattison Boleigha,Chairman, Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCCOBIN) & CCO, Access Bank, Mr Abimbola Adeseyoju, CEO, DataPro Limited and Mr Olusiji Adeyinka, Vice Chairman, CCCOBIN & CCO, SCB .

From left: Mrs Oluyemisi Olukoya, General Secretary, Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCCOBIN) & CCO Ecobank, Mr. Raheem Owodeyi, CCO Sterling Bank, Mr. Pattison Boleigha, Chairman, CCCOBIN & CCO Access Bank, Mr Abimbola Adeseyoju, CEO DataPro Limited and Mr Olusiji Adeyinka, Vice Chairman, CCCOBIN & CCO, SCB. C M Y K

Domvicky Ofuokwu Foundation Domvicky Ofuokwu Foundation held its 6th annual tertiary institution scholarship award recently at an impressive ceremony, where 25 new awardees were presented cheques of N50, 000 each.

From left: Dr. Pat Onwuachi, MD, Holy Cross Hospital , Ibusa, an awardee, Sir F.I. Uti, President, Customary Court of Appeal, AkwukwuIgbo, Hon. Dr (Mrs) Felicia Nwaeze,Fr. Uche, parish priest of St Thomas Catholic Church, Ibusa presenting a cheque to one of the awardees, Stephen Agoh and Lady Scholar Okolie, educationist and community leader

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 33

ks 5 7 Govv Amosun mar marks 57 Double celebration for Otunba Lawal-Solarin Go

F

Celebrator & wife, Otunba & Chief (Mrs ) Olayinka Lawal-Solarin (m) flanked

by Prof & Mrs Folabi Olumide (l), Mrs Sola Adefulu (2nd r) and Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi (r).

or Otunba Olayinka Lawal-Solarin, distinguished pharmacist and th publisher turning 80 isn’t just a glorious way of getting into the blessed circle of highprofile octogenarians, it also came with the perk of celebrating a golden jubilee of his marriage to his wife, Chief (Mrs) LawalSolarin. The couple were joined by a number of society heavyweights recently at Muson Centre to mark the special landmarks in their lives. Photos by Biodun Ogunleye

Otunba & Chief (Mrs) Olayinka Lawal-Solarin (m) flanked by Chief Felix Ibru and son, Mr Felix Ibru (Jnr)..

L-R: HRM Oba Gbenga Gbadebo Sonuga, Fadesewa of Simawa and Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson

R-L: Alhaji Abiodun Ali with Engr & Mrs Ben Atseyinku.

Chief Segun Osunkeye and wife, Abosede Osunkeye.

T

he 57th birthday ceremony of Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, organized by well-wishers took place at June 12 Cultural Centre Kuto, Abeokuta, penultimate Sunday. Photos by Wumi Akinola

R-L: Deacon Poju Adeyemi, former SSG presenting birthday gift to Senator Ibikunle Amosun while Chief Doja Adewolu and others look on.

Senator & Mrs. Ibikunle Amosun supported by Oyo State traditional rulers' Oloris

Governor & Mrs. Ibikunle Amosun supported by well wishers .

Thanksgiving ser vice ffor or ne w Knights of S t. Mulumba, Lekki service new St. Knights of St. Mulumba, Lekki Sub-Council recently held a Thanksgiving Mass and reception for its new members at the Catholic Church of Transfiguration, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lekki, Lagos

New Knights of St. Mulumba, Lekki Sub-Council .

C M Y K

Ladies of Knights of St. Mulumba, Lekki Sub-Council at the reception ceremony.

L-R: Barrister Iwuchukwu; Jonny Ngonadi, Grand Knight (GK), Lekki Sub-Council, and Rev. Fr. Sylvester Umanhmlen.

PAGE 36—SUND AY 36—SUNDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Now, the chap in the Commission, a national commissioner, who engaged this ridiculous allocation, is the selfsame individual who is expected to freely, fairly and creditably allocate voting materials?

Prologue

2015 ELECTIONS

A postponement foretold

•Daylight in Jega’s magic

BY JIDE AJANI

B

etween Attahiru Jega and his God, he knows what has gone down.

For this column, we also know, in details, what went down on Saturday, February 7, 2015.

But do Nigerians know? Do Nigerians care to know? Do Nigerians want to know? Do Nigerians need to know?

We take them one after the other.

Nigerians in their millions, across the partisan divide, do not know what went down before Jega’s announcement of the postponement of the 2015 elections.

To the second question, Nigerians, across the partisan divide, and in their millions, do not care to know because the environment has been sufficiently poisoned by those whose stock in trade is political environmental pollution, using spheres like the traditional and social media, civil society groups and those who are the most vulnerable – the hoi-po-loi.

But don’t be deceived, some patriotic Nigerians would really want to know the truth about what actually happened.

However, do Nigerians need to know? Yes! Nigerians must be told the truth for, in the final analysis, when the drama between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, has ended, people will have their conscience to deal with whichever way the pendulum swings and, thereafter, live with the consequences of their actions - be it a Goodluck Jonathan or a Muhammadu Buhari victory.

Jega’s conscience! My conscience!

Your conscience! Our conscience!

We have a stake in the country Nigeria

but we allow our emotions and desires becloud reason. Whatever we do as humans, conscience is supposed to serve as a guide. But that is a mere supposition. That is why Nigeria is in a mess. And that is where scruples come in – for without scruples, unconscionable acts are allowed!

That is why one of the most abusive qualifiers in the dictionary is the word ‘unscrupulous’. To be described as an unscrupulous individual decimates the humanity in that person. Therefore, in all we do, a tincture of scruples as a guide would go a long way in attenuating the debilitating influence of desire and emotion over reason.

So, what do we know to be true?

By Jega’s own admission, in his presentation to the National Council of State, he pleaded that “ we could do with more days of especially hands-on training for Pos and APOs”, after earlier admitting in the same presentation that “timelines have been missed in respect of the supply/delivery of some of the non-sensitive materials to states”, while, thereafter, concluding that “a bit more time of additional preparation would enable us improve and perfect the current level of preparedness”.

As at the day of the postponement of the elections, apart from the now known security challenge, the following were the real issues confronting INEC: *Training manual not ready *Presiding Officers yet to be trained *700,000 ad hoc staff not recruited yet *PVCs still being printed abroad *RECs yet to print Voter Register *Printers for Register still in Abuja *No full complement of ballot boxes *Presidential ballot papers to arrive February 12 *No information about other ballot papers *Fake

printing inks sent to states from INEC headquarters rejected *Many states yet to get balance of Card Readers.

Interestingly, Jega told the Council of State that almost everything was ready for the elections. He repeated the same thing during his postponement speech.

That this medium has consistently put Jega on the spot regarding his responsibilities does not in any way suggest that it enjoys haranguing the embattled INEC Chairman. This is a national duty. Just about three years ago, it was this same medium – using this same platform - that went to town to extol the virtues of Jega’s paradigm shift in his drive to bequeath to Nigerians an electoral culture that could match that of any developed country. But once Jega lost focus, by allowing some of the people he appointed and with spheres of responsibilities and influence which make National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, redundant, it became our bounding duty to tell Nigerians the truth about happenings in INEC. For instance, after months of serially exposing the evil in the lopsided allocation of 30,000 Polling Units (dashing the North over 21,000 and graciously, though in a whimsical manner, giving the entire South just a little over 8,000), with Jega and his cotravelers defending the indefensible sharing formular, and sometimes barefacedly telling lies, sending tones of rejoinders and even insulting the sensibilities of undiscerning and unsuspecting Nigerians, Jega buckled under the weight of public opinion.

Now, the chap in the Commission, a national commissioner, who engaged

this ridiculous allocation, is the selfsame individual who is expected to freely, fairly and creditably allocate voting materials?

That is not all. There is the Chinese angle to all of these. Whereas Jega told Nigerians that everything was on ground for the elections and all systems would have gone by yesterday, information emanating from China where the Commission contracted suppliers to produce the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) has it that over 1 million cards, which were yet to be produced, will not be ready before Monday 16th February. This is due to a compulsory public holiday celebration in China which has upset the production deadlines anticipated by INEC. Also in the field, poor information dissemination at polling unit levels, on the part of INEC, has resulted in many eligible voters wasting precious man-hours in search of elusive PVCs with many frustrated by the futile exercise. From the current development, it appears INEC may have indeed hidden behind the security concerns to disguise its lack of readiness for the election.

Moreover, it has also emerged that thousands of PVCs, which have been supplied, were poorly sorted, resulting in many PVCs being distributed to states other than the states of their owners. For instance, some PVCs meant for states in the South-West have been found in the South-South and vice versa while some PVCs meant for voters in the South-West ended up in other geopolitical zones.

That is how prepared INEC was.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 37

INSIDE THE POLITICS OF POLLS’ POSTPONEMENT

Uneasy calm in APC!

•Muhammadu Buhari

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

F

or the NSA, his advisory statement paid off. Many may have, before now, accused him of being too silent on the seeming security situation in the country. But his recent trip to London proved that he could at least speak. Read about the shock wave that flashed through the camp of the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, following the postponement of the general elections, which would have commenced yesterday, by the independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at the early hours of Sunday, last week.

Courtesy of the trip, the frenzy on the political terrain suddenly reduced. Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the National Security Adviser, NSA, to President Goodluck Jonathan must have been basking in some euphoria of victory since last Sunday.

On January 22, in faraway

to work again, seemingly pushing a plan B. It paid off and the outcome was INEC’s address to Nigerians and indeed the world in the early hours of last Sunday that elections would not eventually hold this month. New dates were given: March 28 and April 11.

The reason adduced for the postponement was ludicrous to some people.

For the first time in the history of the nation, the military and other security agencies unanimously shifted their primary responsibility of ensuring simultaneous security at every part of the country.

They told Jega that they would not be on the ground to provide security for the elections fixed for this month over year ago.

Reference point was the North-east where insurgency is thick and pervasive. Yet, for the first time in a six-week timeline, they promised to launch a “sting operation” that would flush out the fiery insurgents and so, elections would have to wait. May God help them and bless them as they fight to protect Nigeria. But even as the promise subsists, many people, especially the opposition, sensed some foul play. But the authorities had spoken.

•John Odigie Oyegun London, he literally assumed the position of the spokesperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, when he told the whole world that Nigeria’s general elections, scheduled to hold February 14 and 28, were an illusion.

His reason was that INEC would disenfranchise many Nigerians who were yet to collect their permanent voter cards, PVCs, should it go ahead with the elections.

Were the idea to be canvassed by an ordinary Nigerian, it would have been dismissed with a wave of the hand. But coming from a presidential aide, many seriously thought it had some ulterior motive and so, stood stoutly against it.

But the Dasuki statement on a foreign soil ignited some fire back home such that as the campaigns peaked, some individuals and groups loyal to the Presidency still found time to further push the issue.

Obviously, it surprised many people that the NSA veered off from security issues which

should have been his utmost priority to meddle into concerns that were purely INEC’s, even when the whereabouts of the Chibok girls, who have been missing since April 2014, have not been established.

Then, amid the growing tensions that engulfed the nation over the polls, President Goodluck Jonathan summoned the Council of State meeting.

Expectedly, the issue came up with the Chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, in attendance to brief the Council on his commission’s level of preparedness. Accordingly, the NSA also made a presentation but this time, it was not on the PVCs but security. Another conspiracy? Though Council noted his concerns, they weren’t considered weighty enough to compel it to endorse the postponement of the elections.

To this end, the opposition party and indeed many Nigerians were thankful to the Council and believed that the elections would hold as slated.

But the NSA allegedly went

Obviously, they saw it coming but couldn’t do much to stop it.

All they could do was to bark and bark

How APC received news of polls shift Obviously, they saw it coming but couldn’t do much to stop it. All they could do was to bark and bark. They had wanted the elections to hold as earlier proposed. And so, upon the insinuations that the Council of State meeting, held Thursday, February 5, may be swayed to give its nod for the glowingly rumored shift, the APC raised the alarm, urging the Council to resist every move from the presidency to approve it.

The party’s National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, said: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) is aware that the Presidency may attempt to drag members of the Council of State into its efforts to postpone the

Continues on page 38

PAGE 38—SUND AY 38—SUNDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Continued from page 37

Allah, General Buhari will be the president of Nigeria. That is what the people want. It doesn’t matter how many times they shift the election.

But like you know, the party and general Buhari himself have called for restraints.

One thing I want to assure those people who are tampering with the election is that general Buhari will not be in a position to stop the aftermath of another tampering of the election dates.

elections during the scheduled meeting of the Council on Thursday, February 5. Members of the Council of State are Nigerians who are held in very high esteem, and their involvement in a project that damages the democratic process will be a serious disservice to our national assets in leaders.

“Our party is encouraged by the fact that INEC has restated in clear and unambiguous terms its determination and ability to conduct the elections as planned. It is the constitutional prerogative of INEC to set election dates which nonetheless should meet at least the minimum threshold of confidence.

“We recognize that it had challenges but these are challenges that have been or are being seriously tackled by the Commission, and the engineered clamour for postponement is not helping the situation.”

APC shocked Apparently shocked by the elections postponement, APC addressed a press conference.

Led by its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, the party, however, appealed for calm. It also warned that this would be the last time for any shift.

“Following the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2015 general elections by six weeks, I wish to appeal for utmost restraint and calm by all Nigerians, especially the teeming supporters of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, Buhari said.

“This postponement, which comes on the heels of the bogey of the National Security Adviser that half of the registered voters were being disenfranchised was exposed as a crude and fraudulent attempt to subvert the electoral process. The PDP administration has now engineered a postponement using the threat that security will not be guaranteed across the length and breadth of Nigeria because of military engagement in some states in the North East.

“It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure. Thus, the independence of INEC has been gravely compromised.”

On Monday, the APC National Chairman, Oyegun, addressed another press conference where he alleged an alliance between the Presidency and the military to rig the elections.

He said: “We are aware that the Presidency has forwarded a secret memo to all commanders of divisions and battalions of Nigerian Army for a three-day

PDP has shot itself in the foot—Chief Sampson Akiga My take is just the same as what the American government’s reaction was.

They said the government has just succeeded in shooting itself in the foot.

This is a process you cannot stop. The wind of change is blowing in the country and everybody is ready to take off. You can’t stop it. So, they just have to prepare themselves for an election.

They are not ready.

•Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd)

Uneasy calm in APC! strategy meeting in Kaduna from today on how to use the military to intimidate voters in APC states to rig election in favour of President Jonathan.

“We are all witnesses to the way INEC was intimidated into postponement of the elections despite repeated assurances of its readiness. We are aware of plans for worse intimidation in the days ahead. We are aware of plans to intimidate and orchestrate arrest of our leaders across the country on frivolous grounds.

“We have strong suspicions but hope this postponement is not part of an agenda to create a constitutional crisis in the country. We are just recently recovering from the crisis precipitated by the political crisis of 1993. We cannot afford another.”

Other APC chieftains reacts A visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday revealed that most members of APC were not happy with the elections postponement. They alleged that it was a plot to sap the party financially as it has had to spend so much resources on the campaigns.

A few of them who spoke, however, said that victory was theirs irrespective of how long

the polls are delayed. Excerpts: I feel so bad—Senator Shuibu Lawal, National Deputy Chairman, North I feel bad because Nigerian people feel bad. And what they succeeded in doing is dashing the hopes of Nigerian who are prepared to express their opinion through the ballot.

So, by large and large, since they have said it and it has come to be accepted, so be it.

But the 28th must be sacrosanct. But actually, the shift is giving us, the apc more sympathy from the public than any other party.

This is one way to rig elections—Idi Farouk, Former Director-General, National Orientation Agency?

There are one thousand and one ways of rigging elections and this is one way of wanting to rig elections believing that we shall be weary and our campaign resources will finish.

But I can tell you that we have not even touched our resources. We have are building on our resources which are the people. And the people are solidly behind us. So, it doesn’t matter how long they move it. We are still sure of our victory and come May 29, Isha

Even Jonathan, in his last Wednesday’s presidential media chat, confirmed that he felt bad over the issue because he had spent time, money and energy traversing the length and breadth of the country

Bottom line Whichever way it is viewed, the postponement was sad news. Even Jonathan, in his last Wednesday’s presidential media chat, confirmed that he felt bad over the issue because he had spent time, money and energy traversing the length and breadth of the country.

Perhaps, if he knew, he would have waited a little longer before commencing the campaigns. But the President’s regrets may not be anywhere close to the the feelings of the opposition who is fighting from outside. In fact, their impression is that the PDPled government deliberately wanted to weaken them financially with the postponement. But while this goes, there is some piece of good news. The good news is that both the NSA and the President have repeatedly said that May 29, 2015: The remains the handover date. That means that whether the “sting operation” holds or not, elections would hold on the rescheduled dates as any further shift would affect the constitutional limit on elections. Would the authorities give heed to their words? Would the missing Chibok girls be found in the remaining five weeks? Would INEC achieve 100 percent distribution of the PVCs? Would the elections eventually hold?

The questions are a legion but all eyes are now on both Jonathan and the chief advocate of election shift, Dasuki, the NSA.

SUND AY SUNDA

•President Goodluck Jonathan

•Tony Anenih

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 39

•Ahmadu Ali

INSIDE THE POLITICS OF POLLS POSTPONEMENT

The agony of the PDP, the new challenges

BY HENRY UMORU, Assistant.

Political Editor

A

round 3.30 pm, Saturday, February 7, journalists converged on the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Maitama, Abuja waiting for the 5 pm appointment when the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, was billed to brief the media on the general elections. The nation had been in suspense over the anticipated shift in dates for the elections – February 14 and 29. As journalists waited eagerly to hear from the man of the moment, time dragged till 11 pm and finally he came out to address them.

Invoking the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended at Section 76(2), Section 116(2), Section 132(2), Section178(2) and Section 25 of the Electoral Act 2010 as Amended, Jega announced the shifting of dates for the polls.

The shift for a period of six weeks came after weeks of anxiety, tension, allegations and counter allegations as well as INEC’s series of meetings with political stakeholders.

The INEC boss, who gave reasons why the Commission had to change the dates, stressed that the postponement of the elections became imperative against the backdrop of the security situation in the country, just as he disclosed that the security agencies had said they could not guarantee the safety of the INEC staff, election materials and the electorate, and that since the electoral body could not compromise the safety of its staff, with no such powers to provide security, the elections had to be shifted.

Jega explained that the polls shift

The good aspect of the shift in the dates for the elections for the ruling party would be for a serious self examination of how they have been doing

would, among other things, allow extra time for a newly constituted multinational force to secure the North-East, currently being ravaged by Boko Haram that has engaged in massive killings and wanton destruction of property.

According to the INEC boss, the Presidential and National Assembly elections, earlier slated for Saturday, February 14, will now hold on Saturday, March 28, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls will hold on April 11.

How has the shift affected the PDP? The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, heard about the news of the polls postponement by INEC like other Nigerians, but there were insinuation and allegation by the major opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, that the PDP presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, and his party were aware of the shift, knowing fully well that the ruling party was aware that it was on its way out.

Prior to the postponement, the PDP, in line with its time table for presidential campaign rallies, would have rounded off with the Federal Capital Territory, Saturday, February 7, with debriefing Sunday and Monday, February 8 and 9 respectively, but like what Jega said that the postponement of the elections will further give political parties more time to solicit for votes, the ruling party will now put its house in order, put up new plans, restrategise, draw up new programmes, improve on its campaigns, increase awareness campaigns to its supporters and members on the need to increase the collection of permanent voter cards, PVCs, and the wage and salary budget would be reviewed against the backdrop that their terms of engagement would have elapsed at the end of this month.

The PDP would have also stopped advertisements in newspapers and television stations, but a new budget for that must be drawn to ensure that they

continue with the momentum of engaging in very aggressive campaigns. The party, which would have been looking into its accounts to know what was spent by the headquarters and nine directorates of the Presidential Campaign Organisation as well as the committees, will now expand its budget, new contractors would be accommodated, there will be increase in spending.

President Goodluck Jonathan had, on Tuesday, January 6, inaugurated the Goodluck/ Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation, PCO, with the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih, as National Campaign Adviser; Dr. Ahmadu Ali as the Director- General with nine other members; the Directorate of Administration and Logistics; Directorate of Contact and Mobilisation with Prof. Jerry Gana as Director; Directorate of Media and Publicity with Chief Femi Fani- Kayode as the Director; Directorate of Planning, Research and Strategy with Senator Nimi Barigha Amange as the Director; Directorate of Finance with Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the Director, among others.

Reflections The good aspect of the shift in the dates for the elections for the ruling party would be for a serious self examination of how they have been doing, it is a period for self assessment by the National Working Committee, NWC, to see if they are working on the same pace, it would be a period for the leadership of the party to end internal crisis as they must work together and in

synergy with the PCO to ensure that it does not become an opposition party as that would be very dangerous for them.

The postponement would afford the leadership of the party, the PDP governors, lawmakers, members to tell themselves the home that they cannot afford to, at this very critical and crucial moment where the party was facing a very stiff opposition, to disagree and work separately. The party needs the more of FaniKayodes, or they must be seen to be doing their own jobs in their areas like what Fani- Kayode, his team and Jerry Gana are doing. There must be improved synergy between the Office of the National Publicity Secretary with the Directorate of Media and Publicity and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, must be on the same pace with the Campaign Directorate by collapsing his structure into that for now if same purpose of working for the re- election of Jonathan must be achieved.

New campaign strategy With the postponement, the PDP is planning to change its campaign strategy of state capitals rallies which have become a resemblance of carnivals to local government to local government, ward to ward, clan to clan, village to village campaigns, even as the PDP has now started showcasing the achievements of Jonathan in agriculture, aviation, energy, transportation, education, among others. The polls shift

Continues on page 40

PAGE 40—SUND AY 40—SUNDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

INSIDE THE POLITICS OF POLLS POSTPONEMENT

‘How Gowon, Babangida, Abdulsalami, others erred’ O

gbeni Lanre Banjo, threetime National Conscience Party (NCP) gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State and currently the state representative in the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), denounces the postponement of the general elections.

He blames President Jonathan for engineering the shift, describes INEC as an ineptitude institution, calls the Service Chiefs pawns in the hands of the President, accuses the past Heads of State who attended the recent Council of State meeting of lack of vision and failure to prepare to deal with Jonathan.

JONATHAN’S ADMINSTRATION INCOMPETENT It is no doubt that the emergence of General Buhari sent fear down the spines of our corrupt rulers.

Consequently, it is an open secret that all sorts of plans have been hatched to stop a whirlwind which is beyond General Buhari. The shift, however, glaringly exposes the administration of President Jonathan as weak, unpatriotic, incompetent and extremely selfish.

Having being in power for six years, the President, as the one who appointed INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, should have met with him frequently to establish a deadline for the distribution of permanent voter cards to the electorate at least a year and a half before the 2015 elections. The frequent meeting should have resulted in plans to make the registration of those who turn 18 on daily basis a routine exercise. This does not impair the independence of INEC because it is the joint responsibility of INEC and the executive arm of government to please Nigerians. The President and Jega’s failure to adequately plan for the

These generals disappointed the nation because of their failure to demonstrate that they are truly generals who fought wars to merit their ranks

elections contributed to this mess, and this is where INEC as an institution and not Jega can be solely blamed.

But because the President did not want smooth processes, he was negligent in his duty by failure to request Jega to submit a monthly report on the status of any issue that could hitch INEC process for solutions. The fact is that the President has never been reported to have admonished INEC for the shoddy way the PVC was handled.

Nigerians continue to cry loud because of the pains they undergo just to obtain PVCs, the President uttered no word because he plans to rig himself into power. He loves it because of his own selfish interest, thus sending signals to the Service Chiefs and INEC that he wants to win at all costs.

PAWNS The Service Chiefs are unpatriotic appointees of the President who do not behave as if they were appointed to serve Nigeria. In the pursuit of Jonathan’s naked interest, they are at work strategizing on how to please their master. How could the Service Chiefs not tackle uprising in 14 local governments out of 772 local governments in Nigeria since we have foolishly ceded two local governments to Cameroon?

One cannot blame Jega when the Security Chiefs expressly stated that they cannot guarantee the security of the Chairman and his staff, election materials and the electorate? Jega had to cave in. Jega had done his part

•Ogbeni Lanre Banjo by saying that PVC is not the issue. In all the affected areas of the 14 local governments, the least PVC that has been distributed is 68% while the highest is 80%. He acted patriotically by telling the Council of State that INEC was ready for election despite his knowledge of his boss’ unwillingness to conduct the elections as scheduled.

FAILURE OF THE PAST The meeting of the Council of State had Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdusalami Abubakar in attendance. These generals disappointed the nation because of their failure to demonstrate that they are truly generals who fought wars to merit their ranks. At the meeting, Babangida asked why unrest in 14 local governments out of the 772 in Nigeria should result into the postponement of the elections.

Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), ironically a confidant of IBB, who left the shores of Nigeria to announce in a foreign country that the elections should be postponed, defended it. What I expect the four generals to have

The agony of the PDP, the new challenges Continued from page 39 will afford PDP the time to make up for those shortcomings, and to fix any problem not yet addressed prior to the new dates.

Words on marble Speaking on the postponement and how the PDP would take advantage of it to sharpen things, the Director, Media and Publicity of PDP PCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, said, “ INEC ‘must be commended for showing the courage to shift the elections after acknowledging the fact that its state of preparedness was not 100 per cent. Since this decision has been taken in the interest of deepening democracy and in national interest, we accept it in good faith and we commend INEC’s courage and obvious commitment to ensuring a free and fair election.

“With this decision, INEC has

allayed the fears of many of our citizens that they may not have had the opportunity to vote for the candidates and parties of their choice on Election Day. INEC has, by the decision, ensured that no one will be disenfranchised and has helped to guarantee the safety and security of every single one of our citizens during the course of the elections”.

Also speaking on the shift of election dates, PDP Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said, “The APC is just playing to the gallery and unnecessarily overheating the system by beating the drums of war and shouting wolves where there is none. The truth is that INEC was not ready for the elections and lacks the ability and strength to say so. How can INEC say that the basic reason for the shift of the elections was the security crisis in the Northeast states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Borno

without telling Nigerians the challenges it is facing in the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards.

“Let INEC tell Nigerians the details of the report submitted to it by the two United States Democracy Institutes. I mean the reports from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI). INEC is keeping quite on the report that was submitted to it as far back as January 20 or thereabout. If INEC is not for mischief, let the commission tell the world its level of preparedness in terms of training of more than 900,000 ad-hoc staff and the distribution of all sensitive materials. “ How can INEC claim to be ready for the elections when in some states, about 50 percent of the voters are yet to have collected the voter cards. In Lagos state with the highest number of voters, more than 33 percent are yet to collect their

PVCs. Yet INEC says it is ready to conduct the elections. Is INEC out to disenfranchise eligible voters and then find another way to discredit the entire electoral system. What of the Card Reading Machines, has INEC text run these machines, is all the PVCs for the elections in the country. We have it on good authority that the PVCs for five or four states are not yet distributed, let alone collected by the eligible voters. INEC should be honest enough to tell Nigerians the truth than hiding under security reports”.

Also reacting on the polls shift, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Metuh, who noted that the PDP would hold Jega to his promise of perfecting the systems and processes to conduct the best poll in the nation’s political history, however, warned politicians against politicising the decision of INEC, a decision which it said was in the overall interest of the

done, having maintained their positions that the elections must hold, is to strategize on how the military could handle the insurgents in those 14 local governments to allow free and unhindered elections. The suggestion to the meeting should have been elections should hold in all other states where there is peace, count the result of the elections, with the results known, elections in the affected local governments then hold two weeks later with security forces mobilized to maintain peace and order.

Jonathan should not think of selfish political and economic power as an end. They are both ingredients in the objective that we seek in life. The objective is truly brotherly society; the creation of beloved community which he has failed woefully to establish.

With this postponement, the President has further destroyed the name of Nigeria in the comity of nations. He is insensitive to how quickly the Western countries would hypocritically start blowing anything negative about Nigeria in their media since we always slavishly approach them for acceptance.

country, adding, “At historic period in our national life, let nobody irresponsibly politicise what is clearly a practical and administrative decision that affects everyone and all parties equally. At this present time, Nigeria needs men of history and not hysteria.”

Metuh, who urged Jega to use the present period to ensure that all identified irregularities were eliminated to guarantee that registered voters across the country as a matter of urgency get their permanent voter cards, to avoid disenfranchising any eligible and registered voter, called on the INEC boss to bring to book all the Commission’s ad-hoc staff that were allegedly involved in what he termed lopsided distribution of PVCs. As Nigerians await the elections to hold on the new dates, we look forward to seeing how Jega would use the six weeks window to do the work he is being paid for.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 41

INSIDE THE POLITICS OF POLLS’ POS TPONEMENT POSTPONEMENT

INEC did not compromise autonomy – REC Igini

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City

M

R Mike Igini is the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State.

The INEC chief spoke to Sunday Vanguard in Benin-City on Friday, in reaction to the postponed general elections and the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead the rescheduled elections. He insisted that the Prof. Attahiru Jega-led Commission was determined to supervise the “best elections in the history of the nation”, assuring that electoral body remained independent and cannot be controlled by any political party. Excerpts: You are one public officer who many Nigerians believe is forthright and honest. Could you explain why, despite four years window, there is sudden postponement after INEC assurances that elections would go on, to the disappointment of Nigerians ?

Firstly, l want to join the Commission to apologise to all stakeholders for the slight changes in the election time-table till 28th of next month and 11th of April respectively. We know how we all look forward to getting out of our way on this issue of elections with all the attendant time, resources, emotional investment and all the expectations. Truly and understandably, Nigerians are justified over their displeasure on this slight change in the time-table, but we are assuring that, ultimately this development would also bring about an electoral outcome that would keep our democracy ever young and for the good of our country. We should always bear in mind that the political environment in which we operate is a dynamic one; that is why we plan and for the rational and adapted our plans to the emergent within the constitutional time frame.

Emergent issues are things that are either outside your planning control, or emerge outside projected expectations or emerge from the field where expectations must conform with realities.

The emergent issues currently include the huge number of people who were registered during the continuous voters registration exercise, popularly called CVR, conducted last year at different times, many of whom have not collected their PVC and still doing So now. Here we have two scenarios: Where INEC has produced the PVC of those who registered in 2011 as we have done and commenced distribution since May last year but some people failed to collect, there is nothing INEC would do. But, on the other hand, whEre we are still getting the PVC of those who recently registered available for collection or partly as is the situation here in Edo and possibly in other states, we have a duty to make the PVCs available and we are doing so to avoid denial and disenfranciSement which is unacceptable unlike the first scenario which is a result of failure of individuals to collect available PVC.

Now we have some time to tidy up and ensure that as many people that are willing to collect should be able to do so now.

Unlike issues which were known to us and which we had a strategic and operational plan for in 2015, all the emerging issues such as the imminent Africa multi-national military operation in the North-East of our country to combat Boko Haram insurgency are iSsues to which we adapt our robust contingencies to within our allowable time in the Constitution as done.

The jury is out there that INEC buckled to orchestrated and unnecessary public pressure over poor collection of PVC even though not everyone would vote . Why? It is wrong to say that Nigerians, particularly those who registered during the CVR, who want to collect their PVCs orchestrated unnecessary pressure on us because it is a matter of right in the first place. Where we have produced and they fail to collect, it becomes a matter of choice for which INEC should not be held responsible, afterall, under our law unlike in some countries like Australia where voting is compulsory, it is not in Nigeria.

We have not done badly really on the issue of PVC distribution bEcause that exercise has been on since May 2014 till date except the PVC for the last continuous registration exercise.

As I said in many other platforms, most states have distributed quite a huge number of PVCs that surpasses historical voters average parTicipation and outcome in most jurisdictions. In fact, if 60% of those who currently have PVCs should present themselves to vote, it will be a milestone in terms of participation in elections in Nigeria. Even though we still continue to strive to ensure that all those who registered to collect PVC should do so, it must be noted that the threshold for significant voter turnout has been surpassed by the Commission in almost all jurisdictions. Nevertheless, distribution is ongoing. As I mentioned above, there are a range of emergent issues that have impacted the decisional process.

Nigeria would appear to the world as an unserious nation when an African military force, drawn from Chad, Niger and Cameroon our immediate neigbhours that we have been accusing of not giving us the needed co-operation to fight Boko Haram now ready to join forces as we have seen in long convoy of military troops on TV and as reported in the papers , if we gave excuses of elections not to participate in the operation, this is a dilemma because military operation cannot be on side by side with electoral operations with INEC ad hoc civilian personnel mostly NYSC young men and women that would work in those places. And not to conduct election in the affected states at the same time to maintain 14th February would certainly spark off controversies and non conduct of elections in those places may also affect the requirements of 2/3 and majority of valid votes. We all know that even in peace time, INEC had

environment that could accommodate what has been done now within the ambit of the law than to create a schedule that will not be amenable to new development. I appeal to Nigerians to continue to co-operate with their institution called INEC in order to succeed together in enthroning an enduring electoral system as a people.

•Mike Igini

I can assure you that the autonomy of INEC is unblemished

never carried out electoral operations without security services.

In fact, l’m one of the contributors to a book titled “Election Security”

by Prof. Lai Olurode where various aspects of security components were interrogated and their significance in the conduct of elections was critically examined as an important component at this fledging state of our democracy given the “do or die mentality”.

Given that we are still within our allowable time frame when this operation would be carried out, the regional African military forces should work hard, as we pray, for a major success given that security is a binary subject.

How would the card reader change the electoral process having regard to the capacity of politicians to bite every system to acquire power ?

The card-reader is the “Game changer” For these election but the attitude of members of the political class shows that they don’T know what is ahead of them judging by their actions and the type of things they are trying to do when there is a procedural change. The card reader process will blindside anyone who hopes to undermine the elections in the fashion of all previous election riggers. The card-reader will isolate the identity of each voter on the voter’s register making him/her unique such that unless the individual present at the polling unit is authenticated, there will be no ballot returned for such a voter. Any which way a ballot is returned for a voter, that voter must be at the polling unit.

This means that the voter is the center of these elections and cannot be dispensed with. Every calculation for these elections must involve the voter and his/her vote. Therefore, rather then run after INEC officials or trying to smuggle in names into our ad hoc personnel training program that would be of no help even if they are contestants brothers. My advice is that they should do everything possible to woo the voters where electoral victory cometh.

But INEC had four years to prepare for these elections. Why can’T your commission put everything in place to avoid a repeat of 2011?

As I stated above, we had rational plans encapsulated in our time-table made known To all stakeholders on the 24th of January 2014, but as anyone knows with policy implementation, projections must conform with reality and where new issues emerge that are not avoidable, particularly where they are dictated by national statutes such as the right to vote and be voted for that could be affected one way or the other.

We must adapt to them for a winwin situation for all, most especially the Nigerian people that we must continue to be at their service at all times.

Why did INEC fix an early time-table for elections when it was not sure of meeting targets?

This is an interesting question and at the same time, paradoxical in the sense that when this time-table was announced after the INEC meeting in Kaduna on the 24th of January 2014, there was a huge debate or should l call it controversy on why the time-tabLe should be released a year to elections and the order of the elections even though no provision of the Constitution or the Electoral Act was violated in anyway in relation to any political party as the adjustment of the time-table is still within the provisions of Sections 76, 132, 178 of the Constitution and Section 25 of the Electoral Act. We recognised as l did at the beginning of this interview that the time, resources and so on that parties, candidates have put in and the desire even of all of us to pull it through but for this slight shift till next month. I have almost come to the conclusion, after almost five years in this brief public office, that there is nothing done that would be free of some measure of sharp diverse views and opinions.

Therefore, as to why the early release of time-table, it is always best to plan with ample room for the dynamism of operational

This decision to postpone has further polarized the polity. How do you see the reaction of those opposed to this decision and the accusation of bias against INEC ?

Again, l will call for understanding of all stakeholders on this matter even though l know that, in every policy or decision, there are proponents and opponents, who have different degree of resources they can deploy in promoting or opposing such policy. THis is why INEC always carries out stakeholder mapping to be able to ensure a by-in or co-opptation of proponents and opponents on what we do to reach a win-win for all stakeholders. For INEC the most important goal is the outcome of an acceptable election.

Even though INEC will always be on the hot seat and understandably so, are the parties prepared because as the umpire, we have objective indicators of the preparedness of parties for elections, one of which is the submission of the list of party agents wHich all parties participating in the elections were supposed to submit by the 29th of January according to the time-table. As at the 29th of last month, no party submitted list of party agents and only one party just submitted few hours ago. So we must address objective realities.

Again, some people are of the view that the opposition is irrational and criticizes everything done by INEC. What is your view?

I think the word irrational is rather too strong because it also connotes in a sense lack of tolerance and accommodation of those you may not agree with on any matter. You know, l’m of the background of constructive alternative view if any on all issues of public interest for public good. As I said before, every decision has proponents and opponents determined by interests in the political arena. It is improbable that all INEC decisions are opposed to the interest of any one party. So let us leave the matter and see it as the normal crest and ebb of the political arena, afterall, politics is a class contest for power, advantage of interest and access to resources.

By its very nature, it is adversarial and not served ala carte.

Unlike the state electoral bodies, Nigerians are just beginning to have confidence in INEC because of your Chairman and well known people like you. Can Nigerians still trust the INEC leadership and its independence?

I can assure you that the autonomy of INEC is unblemished.

If you recall correctly, after the Council of State meeting and even though all the attendees who spoke after the meeting to the media characterized the meeting in the subjective light of their political interests, they were all unanimous about the fact that only INEC, as an independent body, could take a final decision on whether elections could be shifted . As former and current leaders, they are all acutely aware that only INEC, by virtue of its status as an independent election management body, can schedule elections, that issue is undisputed.

PAGE 42—SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

By Patrick Dele Cole

•Dr Dele Cole

T

he Yoruba town of Ibadan is the largest native market in Africa. The Yorubas engage in the business of planting and trading in cocoa, palm produce, timber, rubber, and kola nuts, apart from their normal food crops. They are good businessmen and women, trading from Lagos to Barthurst (now Banjul), in The Gambia, and South Congo; whilst the Ijebu, Ijesha and the Oyo speaking Yorubas deal in general merchandise.

They have high entrepreneurial ability; and they are also the leaders in the professions such as law, insurance, banking, medicine, accountancy, architecture, engineering, etc. The Yorubas are in international businesses – Ogunlesi, Doherty, Odutola, Bank – Anthony, Harry Akande, Adenuga, Otudeko, etc.

They equally excel in arts and drama. Wole Soyinka, Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, Hubert Ogunde, Ojo Ladipo, Titiola, Dapo Adelugba, Ola Rotimi, to mention just a few, are of the Yoruba stock. They were also front runners in the news and entertainment media in Nigeria. Examples abound in the publication of the Akede Eko, Daily Times, Punch, Nigerian Tribune, Daily Sketch, etc.; whilst the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) was the first television service in Africa; which was complemented by the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), with the radio service.

They are, yet again, trend setters in fashion; and are well ahead in education; having started with free primary education in 1955 under Western Region government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which gave them an edge in mass education, thereby creating a gap between Yorubas and the rest of Nigeria, that is still yet to be bridged.

The Ph.Ds of Ekitis are well known, and they far outstrip other Nigerian groups in higher education, and their rate of female education far outstrips the respective rates of the other groups, particularly at that tertiary level.

Large scale prosperity has made it possible for Yorubas to have a major say in the development of Nigeria. They have abundance in political willingness, political astuteness, and incredibly ambitious/enterprising. The combination of the qualities has led them three times to the leadership/presidency of Nigeria, and the 4th, MKO Moshood Abiola’s presidency, was aborted by the Babangida military administration, which declared its annulment. The Yorubas have managed to live more harmoniously with the other groups, as well as among themselves. In fact, religion-wise, the Yorubas are heterogeneous, as one Yorubas family may have all the three religions within the same one family fold, namely, Christianity, Islam, and traditional religion.

The Yorubas seem to have a deeper social life than others, regardless of the degree of outward manifestation of Westernization. They are culture enthusiasts. Yorubas are well cultured people, and even, those of them who do not speak the language, just like the majority who speak the language, understand the custom, etc, learning at an early age how to kneel down, prostrate, etc., at all levels. The Yorubas have a greeting for all occasions : For example, for walking, standing, selling, travelling, working, resting, etc.

The Lagos Yorubas (the Lagosians), who were the least educated of the Yoruba race, missed out on the 1956 Awolowo Free Universal Primary Education (FUPE). I had a friend, Mr. Lamikanran, who was my boss in BP. He told me a story which reinforces the wisdom that the best form of defence is attack. The office had 10 Yorubas. One retired and was replaced by an Ibo. The remaining 9 held a meeting to complain about the onslaught of tribalism in BP!! The Yorubas have no fear of succeeding in Nigeria; are prepared to go it alone – so confident are they that will make it. No other ethnic group in Nigeria is prepared to accept a break up, the Yorubas would be happy to go it alone, and are confident of success. There are some who would argue that the paragraph is clearly a misrepresentation of the Yoruba character and national aspirations. The first issue, the BP tale, certainly does correctly portray the true Yoruba trait. They are not an exclusive/selfish people, like some of the other ethnic groups of Nigeria. As regards the second issue, of the three major ethnic groups of regulation and integrity. The result Nigeria, only the Yorubas have not The Yorubas in the Diaspora was catastrophic for many Councils threatened the corporate existence and Boroughs; the reputation of of Nigeria. At inception, the second The Yorubas in London took early Nigerians, including Yorubas, was military coup leader declared that advantage to buy houses originally further hammered down. there was no basis for unity; whilst allocated to them for having The Ghanaians followed suit. But another ethnic group attempted to children in the U.K. Margaret few of them reached the heights secede from Nigeria, which led to Thatcher in the 1980s tightened the that the Yorubas reached. Latterly, the Biafrian war. Despite all the regulations allowing people born in the Ghanaians are concentrated in vicissitudes the Yorubas suffered England or of English parentage to the car wash business in London: during the NADECO period of the claim domiciliary status and the Nigerians dominated the corps Abacha regime, it is on record that citizenship. She also introduced of officials who gave parking tickets the Yorubas never expressed any the selling of Council or drive mini cabs. Many are also secessionist view. Rather, they kept accommodation to those who security personnel in many on demanding for a Sovereign occupied them. supermarkets and offices, while still National Conference which would Nigerians in the U.K. bought the more are doctors, nurses, lawyers, enable the Nigerian people to truly Council flats they lived in; and pastors, show business determine the form and nature of since then have been able to personalities, etc. their association within the Nigerian transport members of their families The English education system is entity. Where then is the evidence to the U.K. on the basis of house changing – now it is possible to of the Yorubas wanting to go it ownership and British citizenship. work and go to school. The model alone apart from the other ether Moreover, the Yorubas are the of working and going to school was ethnic groups? They remain, as of majority of those having houses in perfected in the U.S. Many of our today, the only one of the three the U.K., they were serious minded fellow countrymen who, every major ethnic groups that has not and worked hard. Their offChristmas, parade themselves as threatened the unity and springs today are doctors, actors, Americans (with Green Cards), are corporate existence of Nigeria. lawyers, athletes, footballers, etc., from this category. New York, The Yorubas have their own representing the United Kingdom in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. traditional clothing Industry where international events. were dominated by Yoruba cab they produce the Adire and Aso But there was a short period drivers. Other ethnic groups of Oke. etc. when Nigerians (mostly Yorubas) Nigerians are joining this group, as Awolowo’s Yorubas legacy invaded the City and Borough well as Sierra Leonians, Liberians, remains enduring. He pushed the Councils especially in South Ethiopians and Somalis. ethnic group forward, to become London. The legacy of that Yorubas cultural, religious, second to none in all areas of human invasion was the sprouting of a lot musical influence is world wide: endeavour. Awolowo was not liked of artisans, skilled workers, and Talking drums and percussion in by all Yorubas, and several fought contractors, which last category are black music in the U.S. (Ojo Ladipo him to death. But his influence on scammers who made a pretty theatre), and in the Caribbean. The them remains pervasive. penny in a system that required self

The Yorubas Despite all the vicissitudes the Yorubas suffered during the NADECO period of the Abacha regime, it is on record that the Yorubas never expressed any secessionist view

Yoruba language and religion dominate the Brazilian spiritual life: the Yoruba pantheon of gods is the Brazilian pantheon of gods too, resulting in the syncretic absorption with Catholicism of many Yoruba forms of worship and prayer. In Bahia, many Brazilians speak Yoruba and worship Shango (spelt Xhango), Yemoja, Osupa, Ogun, Ifa, etc. In Sierra Leone, the Creoles nearly all have Yoruba names – (although occasionally there are such names as Obi, Okoro, etc.).

This is also true of Liberia. The Saros are an important element of the Lagos Yoruba society; just like the Brazilians who have names like Campos Da Rocha, Da Silva, Pinheiro are of Brazilians descent, etc. The Paynes, Cokers, Coles, Davids, etc., are Saros of Yoruba extraction. The influence of the returning Brazilians slaves in Yoruba land is well known: There are many Portuguese words in Yoruba, and also in the Itsekiri, Benin, and Ijaw languages. For example, Alubosa, that is, onion, and Akana are Brazilian words. A variety of foods eaten by Lagosians around Easter, like fri join, are Brazilian.

While on this, the Ibos also have their religion and language

Continues on page 43

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 43

The Yorubas Continued from page 42 perpetuated in Haiti. When i went there in 1965, i saw the voodoo dancers perform Ibo dances and sing Ibo songs which, of couse, they did not understand. The Ibos similarly deeply penetrated the slave trading Ijaws of Bonny, Okrika, and Kalabari land, such that most people spoke Ibo or had Ibo names: My mother was suckled by an Ibo woman who called her Ezinwanyi; whilst Chief Young Jack was Oke Mgbudu, etc.

Sisi Eko Lagos Yorubas have the phenomenon known as Sisi Eko or Mama Eko: wealthy Lagos market women – usually selling fabrics. When the textile mills were working in Nigeria, these women made special designs which the mills made for them, like lace, prints, etc. These women designed their own speciality styles, which were unique to them. Some of the materials were named after then. They paid cash to the textile millers before one ounce of cotton was committed. The result was that Nigeria had the most vibrant textile industries. In Ereko Market, the women sit on large boxes usually full of money, and only got up to put in or take out money from there. At parties, the Sisi Ekos or Mama Ekos were on the prowl, looking for young, handsome married men. When such a hunk had been located, the Sisi Eko or Mama Eko would seek out the young man’s wife and plead with her that she wants to use her husband for a little while, and would return him later healthier and richer. The Mama Eko or Sisi Eko would be responsible for all the Aso Ebi of her paramour and his wife, and even their children.

There seems to be no bitterness in the arrangement. The young paramour would escort his Sisi Eko or Mama Eko everywhere.

Everybody gets what he wants.

This custom is similar to what the English call having a toy boy. But in the English case, the wife of the toy boy is not usually a party to the arrangement. However, this is quite different from the situation in some other societies, like those in Melanesia, where one woman is married to several men. So, if a man goes to see his wife, and there is a man’s slippers outside, he would beat a retreat and wait for another day.

Yorubas – Music and parties, effervescent, vivacious, an almost hedonistic commitment to pleasure, enjoyment. They make no apology for enjoyment and are open about it. At a Yoruba party, there is a sing-along ability – everybody seems to know the words, and the party goers are in full and fine voice, as they belt out song after song.

Women and girls, including our daughters, see parties as a time to show off. Musicians will call out or sing out the name of each celebrant and celebrity, when he or she has the floor. Such celebrant or celebrity then sprays a lot of money, preferably, newly minted notes, in a simple and enjoyable way. The non-celebrants thereby indirectly contribute towards the cost of the party, and to show affection or closeness to the celebrant. Also the floor is given to other show offs. Even so, a good guest comes with a cheque or cash in an envelope to the party.

Parties are also opportunities to find a marriageable partner, when one’s parents have been unable to secure a spouse.

The entertainment industry is quintessentially Yoruba. They were the first to put up canopies, the use of which has now become country wide. Lagos has over thirty event/entertainment centers, some of which are owned by nonYorubas; whilst the majority are Yoruba owned.

The Yoruba love of entertainment has also stimulated other industries in the areas of clothing (like Damask, Aso Oke, Ankara, Woudin, and headties, etc.), hair, cosmetics, etc.

The Yoruba party catering philosophy is different from that of other cultures: Thus, among the Yorubas, each member of the family, who can, creates a spending point – brother, sister, etc.

These parties encourage the catering industry as a whole.

Sometimes with different headgears or even Aso Ebi, so guests know who is their host or hostess.

Each member of the family has different attire. They have separate kitchens and food stalls, different musicians – depending on how big the occasion is. Here I am referring to a really big party, with siblings from a polygamous marriage.

The clothes are of many designs, some of which are unique for the occasion. Matching jewelry, shoes, handbags, and specialist head ties - some of which (like head ties) are so specialized that it is named after a celebrity, e.g., Sagoe head tie.

Style consciousness, including the use of colour in attires; promotion of elegance are all hallmarks of Yorubas culture.

The Yorubas introduced ‘political’ parties. I doff my hats to Yoruba musicians: There is no song, in any language, which is popular that they won’t sing – from Victor Olaiya’s Anyigana, and Bakwodaya, and Rex Lawson’s Berebote, Asewo, etc., James Brown’s king of soul – it’s a man’s world, P Square –Igwe, and Chop my Money, African Beauty Queen by 2 face, Victor Uwaifo’s Jolomi, etc.

If you are throwing a party, one of the secrets of having a successful party is when the revelers sing along with the band or music playing. For a party, you provide catering, wine, beer and other drinks, and music.

Over a hundred people do this weekly in Lagos. Yorubas have a mini carnival every weekend. The beauty of the Yoruba Language from the mouth of an expert – the

Lagos Yorubas have the phenomenon known as Sisi Eko or Mama Eko: wealthy Lagos market women – usually selling fabrics cadences, the lyrics are legendary.

Orikis The Orikis which, to the uninitiated, sound like a different language, depict the historical antecedents, particularly their ancestry, and achievements of the respective families; and the average Yoruba man and woman are keenly aware of their history, and they follow the orikis of their families. These Orikis, many times, correct facts, and their interpretations do help to clear misunderstandings, as well as erase misrepresentations about people and their families.

Sometimes mischievous, praise singers, in reciting the Orikis, would say something less complimentary about a person’s ancestor, especially if the member of the family is parsimonious to the singer.

Yorubas have brought theatre arts to the ghettos where the ordinary people live. Many praise singers are careerists – this is all they do. There are professional masters and mistresses of ceremonies, at traditional weddings, wake keeping, receptions after burials.

The late M.K.O. Abiola told us that he paid his school fees through being a professional street singer.

The depth of some of the dialects of the Yoruba Language, in some

respects, is similar to those of the Ibo language. Many Igbos from Nsukka, Afikpo, Owerri, Abriba, when they speak their dialects, are not understood by other Igbos.

But the Nsukka, Afikpo, Owerri people are able to step down a gear to union Ibo to be understood.

Among the Yorubas, the Ijebus, the Ekitis, the Ondos speak a brand of Yoruba which is unintelligible to the uninitiated.

But they can switch to what can be called, the Union Yoruba, which is spoken by the people of Oyo, Oshogbo, Ogbomosho, and Ibadan, to be understood.

(Probably the analogy will be the Queen’s English and the Cockney of East London, or the Scottish Language. I must confess that I do not always understand what they say).

Among the Yorubas, there is an incredible network of information as to where the parties are: musicians like Christmas or other traditional events/occasions, rather than a designated party as such. Uninvited musicians only come to felicitate with important people only on such ceremonial occasions, area boys, etc., flock to these venues, adding the element of unpredictability to a joyous occasion. Sometimes, the situation gets too boisterous as each singing group tries to occupy and retain his territory.

Of course, there are other ethnic groups who also do what the Yorubas do – but not as lavish or as common as the Yorubas. A good Yoruba socialite has, at least, three or four parties to go to every weekend. Some of these occasions demand three or four Aso Ebis, e.g., a funeral, may demand one Aso Ebi for the service of songs, one for the burial (that is, the church and the interment); one for the reception after the burial, and another for the outing ceremony. It is not unusual for a family to have a party some years after the patriarch’s or matriarch’s demise; the excuse is that the dead person has been lying in one position for too long, and he or she has to be turned to another side!!

The male Yorubas in this kaleidoscope of colour and cacophony of noise at parties come out in simple white Sokoto (trousers) and jumper or even white Agbada. The only concession they make is a head gear, cap that is the Aso Oke .

The Italians or French invented the clutch bag. Among the Yorubas, the clutch bag is an essential accessory on the male because that is where he carries the money he will use to spray celebrants and others at the party.

Ogbomosho Yorubas Probably the most travelled Yorubas are from Ogbomosho and Osun communities; they are to be found from Ivory Coat down to Congo Brazzaville in all types of trade.

They specialize in gold trade, kola trade and transportation; especially in taxi ownership in Nigeria – conquered that as surely as the Ibos have conquered the spare parts business. From Sokoto to Kano, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Enugu, Umuahia, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Calabar- anywhere taxis are allowed to ply, most of the drivers are Yorubas from Ogbomosho or nearby.

They also specialize in one type of vehicle which at anyone moment seizes their fancy – I believe at the moment it is Nissan. Before it was one kind of Nissan Datsun. The Japanese company has not spent a penny advertising its products – these

Yorubas from Ogbomosho, on their own, have established these cars as the cars to use for taxis.

State governors sometime have bought all kinds of other cars and the Ogbomosho drivers have watched those cars come and go.

The kola trade is a massive enterprise in Nigeria. The fruit grew in the West, is harvested there and prepared for transportation to whereever the Hausa Fulani live who have, inexplicably, developed a liking for kola nut. It is an ancient trade going back over 100 to 200 years.

I am not going to speculate on the original formula of Coca-cola, which historically has been linked to kola nut. There is another kind of kola nut which is traditionally used by Ibos, Urhobos and other tribes as fundamental symbol of goodwill and welcome. No traditional ceremony is complete without kola nut.

The Yorubas and their food preferences, and cultural preferences in religious worship The Yorubas have a class distinction on the meat they eat.

Consider how big a cow is: The Yorubas prefer to eat the extremeties, the unusual in a cow; but almost never the beef. If a Yoruba is to really host a visitor, he will serve cow tail (traditionally known as ox-tail), cow foot, cow tongue, and various parts of the intestines of the cow, like the liver, the kidney, the cow belly, and a few other choice part of the intestines (like the tripe). He will rarely serve you the eye, rib steak, or the rump steak, the sirloin, or the T-bone steak. So beloved are the Yorubas of the skin of the cow (which is what would, if sent to the tannery, will be the hide and skin), that they single-handedly have killed a once promising hide and skin (leather) industry by finding more and more ingenious ways to clean, cook and eat what in local parlance is called kpomo. This love of kpomo has, thereby, closed the leather and shoes factories of the defunct Bata, Lennards, shoe companies, etc.

Fiercely independent the Yorubas have the ingrained strong cultural Yoruba traditions, which resulted in the break-away of some of them from such orthodox churches like the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist and Methodist Churches, to form the African Church. This latter church gives communicants the Eucharist, even if they are polygamists – which would be an anathema to the orthodox churches. Furthermore, the African church did not believe, as the early Christians did, that all aspects of the African culture is necessarily pagan and must be expunged in the Liturgy of the Church. The African Church protagonists wanted and introduced a wholesome embrace of African culture in the Church, more boisterous singing and dancing, the introduction of bands in the choirs of the Church, and singing in the traditional languages. The African Church was right, as most of its practices have now gradually crept into the service machineries of the orthodox churches. The orthodox churches and even the newly established Pentecostal churches have all been motivated by the African Church, as they all now sing and dance, virtually raising the roof in joyous thanks and prayers in the Church to God. The churches have adapted to the needs and culture of the people, as a result of which people are now flocking into them.

None of this would have happened without the Yorubas leading this cultural revolution in the Church.

PAGE 44—SUNDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Uduaghan, my son remain friends despite intriguing Delta guber primary —Pa Arthur Okowa

By Emma Amaize and Theresa Ugbobu ANY thought that the M relationship between Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

of Delta State and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship standard-bearer in the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, after the events of the December 8, 2014 governorship primary of the party, would have gone sour, but it is waxing stronger with Uduaghan spearheading the campaign for Okowa’s victory on February 28.

Chief Arthur Okorie Okowa, the 82-year-old father of Senator Okowa, who is confident that his son would win the gubernatorial election, explained the reason in an interview with Sunday Vanguard at his Owa Aliero country home in Ika North East Local Government Area.

In fact, when one of the Sunday Vanguard reporters said, “your son may be governor of the state

by God’s grace next month”, he interpolated, “Why are you saying may, he is the next governor.”The Awoist and educationist, however, gave insight into the steely character of Senator Okowa, the stuff that saw him defeat the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, sponsored candidate, Olorogun David Edevbie, and other aspirants.

How do you describe your son, Senator Okowa?

As a boy when he was growing, I used to call him by a pet name, Big Boy, because he displayed the qualities of a leader and organizer. During his secondary school days at Owa-Alero community, he organized after school lessons for boys and girls.He has been showing the quality of a good leader and organizer from childhood.

What were the stubborn things he did while growing up as a child that you had to flog him?

Well, I did not really flog him as a child while he was growing up; I never used cane on him because he was absolutely intelligent and loved by everybody.

But some people say he is arrogant?

Well, anybody who says my son is arrogant is stupid because he is a very humble man to everybody who has met with him, along the way of life.

How did he join politics?

I can say he tested his popularity when he went to present a silver trophy during an inter- house sport competition at a secondary school in Owa-Alero. As he walked into the competition ground which had a large crowd, all present stood up to greet him specially. Then, a man in the gathering said this man will be a good politician. After that, the youths formed a group that he should go into politics, this was about 1984 and the military was there, still there trying to handover to the civilians.

In 1990, my son joined the now late Humphrey Iwerebor in his camp because he was then a great politician in Ika. At this time, there was just one local government council, Ika. Ifeanyi then started trying to get the seat of the local government council. Meanwhile, there was a political conflict between the Owa and Agbor politicians; he lost it as it was given to an Agbor man.

Has he bothered to tell you at any time the challenges and betrayals he is facing from fellow politicians?

No, he is rugged and firm in most situations. God always makes a way for him, so it looks as if he studied politics. He knows what to do at every point in time; it shows that God’s anointing is on him because he is loved by everybody, including the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, who he met when he was a baby in politics. We were traveling to Warri those days with a group we formed. My son became very close to Ibori, which made many people think he will be made his deputy, but Chief Benjamin Elue was named as his deputy. Although my son was appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and Water resources, he was mocked by Agbor people, who called him “Commissioner Ofia”, meaning Commissioner for Bush. After Chief James Ibori’s first tenure, the Ministry was split into two- Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Water Resources.

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa was asked to choose which of the two he will like to oversee. He chose Ministry of Water Resources.

People thought he will not do well in the Ministry, but he did perfectly well. Every community enjoyed borehole facility and that gave him political fame. Later, he

•Pa Okowa was made Commissioner for Health where Dr. Emmanuel Udughan was at that time. As a medical doctor, he knew the areas that needed medical health centers; this also gave him more lift.

Does he come to you for advice as his father?

He now looks to other people to gather various types of information, lots of people are out there, some in Abuja and many places.

What is his greatest attribute?

God gave him wisdom and intelligence in every situation he finds himself. In 2007, when Dr Emmanuel Udughan was aspiring for the seat of the governor of Delta State, my son was also contesting. Chief James Ibori saw that my son almost won the election, but we do not need to blame anybody. Afterwards, he was made the chief coordinator for the campaign of Dr. Emmanuel Udughan, which he did perfectly well.

Then in 2011, he decided to run for Delta North senatorial seat. He

The Anioma people had said that nobody from Anioma should take the position of the deputy governor of Delta State

knew people can be mischievous; so he brought the Channels Television to witness the primary election, which was how the camel’s back was broken. Nobody had done this before then. The election was repeated after the first and the second time it was postponed.

The election was conducted the third time with full life coverage

by Channels Television and he was declared the winner of the Delta North senatorial election.

Elections are now being covered by television stations live.

How do you think he can rule the state well if voted into power?

As a Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Commissioner for Health, he knew what every community lacked. The health centers across the state were all built by him. As a senator representing Delta North, he was able to attract dividends of democracy to the state and his constituency projects are spread all over Delta State, not only Delta North. People appreciate all he has done in the past and know he will do better.

He does not want to grab money; he understands the value of money and service to the people.

I want to quote His Royal Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwuk II, Agborekuzi I ,Dein of Agbor Kingdom, who, while inspecting the massive work my son did at the General Hospital, Agbor, “If it is an Agbor man, will he do what Senator Ifeanyi Okowa did here at Owa (Okowa’s home place).”

The fear of the Urhobo Progess Union, UPU, is that a Delta North-born governor will marginalize the Urhobo ethnic group; can you vouch for your son?

My son is still friendly with Chief James Ibori despite that he (Ibori) is in prison; if it were other people, they will not be friend with him again. He will not marginalize anybody. You saw his

rally at Sapele, it was the greatest rally ever witnessed in the town; it was as if President Goodluck Jonathan was in Delta State; the same at Ororokpe and Oghara .It was indeed a mammoth crowd.

My son will not neglect anybody because he is not a selfish man.

He is a detribalized politician, which is not common among politicians.

What happened between your son and Governor Uduaghan, especially when the latter switched support for David Edevbie at the eleventh hour?

My son’s philosophy in politics is no victor, no vanquished. Every individual can have soft spot for anybody. When in the beginning, I said Tony Obuh was being used like a guinea pig; that Dr. Emmanuel Udughan wanted an Urhobo, David Edevbie, to emerge, some people thought I was sounding in that manner because my son was there. But, three days before the election, Governor Uduaghan abandoned Sir Tony Obuh, took away everything that he had given to him and said ‘you will be deputy to David’. My son and Governor Uduaghan were at his thanksgiving service at Asaba, they sat side by side. No fear whatsoever, all that happened was as a result of politicking, it has not broken their friendship. The Anioma people had said that nobody from Anioma should take the position of the deputy governor of Delta State.

I saw your son praying on December 8, 2014 at the venue of the primary. Was it desperation for God to intervene or he is a born again Christian?

My son is a born again Christian; it will interest you to know that he is a Knight in the Anglican Mission. He believes in the church and has also helped to build churches in Delta North.

SUND AY SUNDA

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

H

e has remained optimistic about the second term of President Goodluck Jonathan even before this time. Now, with the time ticking closer to the presidential election, he appears firmer in his conviction. There is nothing anybody says that will make him to believe otherwise. Not even the “fireworks” from the opposition. He picks hole in the distribution of the permanent voter cards, PVCs, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying millions of Nigerians cannot be “deliberately” disenfranchised.

To this end, he advocates for a return to the temporary voter cards, TVCs. The leader of Niger -Delta People’s Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, says, in this interview, that Jonathan is facing unusual opposition to his second term bid because some people feel they have the divine right to rule Nigeria.

Excerpts: How do you react to the postponement of the elections?

I am not in support of the postponement if all the preparations had been done. In fact, I have sapped myself. I worked to the point that I nearly passed out. I was addressing Muslims in Lagos on the 31st of January and I collapsed because I had not been having enough sleep and time for myself. I had thought that the elections would come for me to go the Saudi Arabia and thank Allah for the victory he has granted us.

But a situation where over 20 million are deliberately going to be disenfranchised by INEC, that’s not fair. It is very hypocritical of the United States; I think the president has been giving a lot of people unnecessary opportunities to meddle in the internal affairs of Nigeria. Nigeria is a sovereign state. It is not a satellite of the United States of America. Will anybody in the US say that 100 people should be disenfranchised not to talk of 20 million people? Is it Goodluck Jonathan or the PDP that stopped INEC since 2011 to make preparations for 100 percent distribution of the PVCs? How come 36 percent of the PVCs has been collected in Lagos and over 75 percent PVCs has been collected in Borno State where, according to their quotes, about 20 LGAs are in the hands of insurgents? This lends credence to the suspicion that the APC is working with the insurgents. I listened to Senator Mamora on television and he said that local government elections were conducted in Borno and Yobe States. What was the magic? What agreement did they have? God is revealing these people. Who are collecting the PVCs in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States? How come Borno and Yobe have collected more PVCs than Lagos, Rivers, Imo States?

Who is deliberately

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 45

DOKUBO-ASARI INSISTS:

Jonathan will win presidential poll •’My case against PVC for elections’ hoarding the PVCs? Is it Goodluck Jonathan? Have they compromised INEC? I was a member of ACN, so I know how they operate during elections. I know that before elections, when PDP is dealing with the top cadre of the security agencies, APC relates with the DPOs, DCOs, the rank and file.

Is that not a wild allegation?

It is not a wild allegation. I can give evidence. As somebody who was very active in ACN at the highest echelon, i dealt with the national leadership of the party directly and I know how they operate during elections.

We keep quiet because we have friends there. But friends are no longer behaving like friends. So, we too should behave the way we behave.

But that was ACN. ACN? It is ACN that has transmuted into APC because ACN is APC. All the others are just affiliates. They are associates. The driving force of the party is ACN. They are using the so-called idle followership of Buhari in the North.

The machine, the

intelligentsia, the think tank, everything is ACN. That is the way they rig election. In the judiciary, in INEC, they have people they work directly with.

So, the elections should not be held with the PVC. No. The temporary voter cards, since INEC is unable to distribute all the PVCs, we should use the temporary one. PVC is not in our law. PVC testing machine is not known to our law. The electoral law does not recognise it. There is no e-voting. So, we should go back to the temporary voter card. INEC is deliberately disenfranchising some Nigerians. The constitutional right of a person is sacred to vote and be voted for. My wife contested House of Representatives election in 2011, a candidate, but up till now, she cannot find her PVC. And it is the responsibility of INEC to provide the PVC. It is none of my business if somebody wants to come and pay me money and he says he went to the bank and armed robbers stole the money from him.

So, if hoodlums stole PVCs, what’s my business?

Bring my PVC. It is my right to vote and be voted for.

You cannot

there. So, we can take it to them.

But a situation where over 20 million are deliberately going to be disenfranchised

by INEC, that’s not fair deny me that right.

You advocate for 100 percent collection of the PVC but do you think it is possible for everyone to collect his PVC? Besides, no law has said so.

That is an assumption. You cannot deliberately circumvent the law. You can’t trample upon the law.

Even when there is no law to compel the people to collect the PVC? But all the people who registered have their temporary voter cards. So, if we are not ready with the PVC, we can take their PVC to them. Their address is there. The bio-data are

•Asari Dokubo

Is it not surprising to you that the security agencies united to say they couldn’t provide security for the elections which primarily necessitated the postponement?

That does not concern me. I don’t speak for the military.

But most people see it as conspiracy against democracy.

What is conspiracy when INEC has not been able to provide PVCs? When it has made sure that in Rivers State, only 56 percent of the population have their PVCs? What of the remaining Rivers people that they want to disenfranchise? My wife has not collected her PVC. Should that have made the military to recommend the postponement of the elections?

I am not concerned about the military. It is not my business what Nigerian military does. You know where I am coming from.

So whatever the Nigerian military says, it is their business.

You are an ardent supporter of President Jonathan. Can you share what you have done so far to ensure his victory at the polls?

I have campaigned. There is nothing I can tell you more than that. I have reached out.

We have networked and we

Continues on page 46

PAGE 46—SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Continued from Page 45 are still doing it. We are not sleeping. We are not losing a second.

Most people are still quick to say that amid other challenges, the economy is down under the president’s watch. Many believe such may work against his re-election.

How do you react?

There was a global recession that swept across the West: Britain, US, Japan and so on.

Today it is the turn of the oil and gas producing countries. Is it only Nigeria? Ghana economy is in tatters even though oil contributes very little to Ghana.

Ghana’s currency is falling everyday. Dubai is in trouble.

They have devalued their currency by 37 percent as at the last count. Russia is in trouble.

Angola is almost going bankrupt. So, it is a global economic trend. It is not only Nigeria. But does the opposition have the recipe to manage the economy? On a television interview posted online, one of the campaign managers of General Buhari was seen with loads of dollars in his breast pockets. But he struggled to cover it. How can leaders be spending dollars and not Naira, thereby depleting the foreign exchange capacity of the country? And we know that most of them don’t spend Naira. They spend dollars, pounds and euros.

That is what is causing the crisis in the economy. It is more demands for foreign currency than we earn from our resources and so the economy will be going down. It is all Nigerians that must work. Whatever policy on the ground, money laundering policy, etcetera, if the people are not ready to abide by the rules, hard and stringent

’My case against PVC for elections’ economy rules, then we will have a problem.

If you were to highlight the achievements of Mr. President, what will they be?

We have been recounting them over and over. We are doing well even at war. We are pretending we are not at war. Today, a military man called me. He was supposed to be in Gombe to fight and dislodge Boko Haram.

The captain who led them was killed. Some people were captured. They had to retreat.

We are in constant touch with the people. Do you know what he told me? He said the president should remove all the northern Muslims soldiers from the battle front. That until he does that, this war cannot be won. That how did they know they were coming? Because there were no telephone networks there in the area where they were fighting.

People had leaked their movement to Boko Haram.

They went into an ambush. How did they know? No vehicle passed them. So, people are there who have a means of communication before they move. That the president should bring jet fighters to bomb and make sure it is northern Christians and southerners that fly these aircraft.

But that may be seen as

•Asari Dokubo genocide What is genocide? People are fighting. They are killing you.

So, you should fold your hands, you should be tied to a stake.

You can’t box. These people are betraying. It is happening everywhere. These northerners are fifth columnists. And Mamora said they held elections and there was no banger sound.

I posted it on my Facebook and people ignored it. How did they achieve that? Let them tell Nigerians. Now coming back to what Jonathan has done, Nigeria is becoming another food basket in Africa. Nigeria is coming back in all areas of agriculture: commercial agriculture and subsistent agriculture. A lot of people are going into agriculture. It is becoming more attractive. They are going into fish farming, livestock farming and so on.

Commercial farming is contributing so much to the GDP of Nigeria. Go to the transportation sector and you will find out that the railway is working. The roads are being rehabilitated. New roads are being constructed. Now look at the airports. Today, a government is constructing four

modern airports, not the remodeling: Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and Kano, all brand new being constructed by the Chinese. It has never happened before. 12 universities were opened in one year. Has it happened before? There is the implementation of the Local Content Act, the Cabotage Act which is now bringing Nigerians into the oil and gas and marine business. People are making money, those who are ready to work. Even his opponents are benefitting from YouWin. The only thing that makes them to oppose Goodluck is that one group of people say they are divinely ordained by God to rule others.

Some people see Mr. President as an ethnic president, saying he favors his tribe more than any other. Do you share that belief?

How is he an ethnic president? A man that has his security adviser from the North. When Yar’Adua was there, who was the Chief of Army Staff? Who was the Chief of Defence Staff? Who were the people around Yar’Adua? When Obasanjo was there, who were

those people around him? Who was the DG of DSS? Now in Jonathan’s government, the Defense Minister is from North. The national security adviser, North, IG of police, North, Controller-General of Customs, North. These are all Gambari. When they were in government, let them show us if that was how they ran the government. So, how is he an ethnic president? His Principal Secretary is a Gambari man.

Chief of Staff is a Yoruba man.

The Minister of Finance is Igbo. The Minister of Works is Ishan. The Minister of Police Affairs, Yoruba So, how is he an ethnic president?

Do you see him winning the elections in six weeks time?

I have always told you that we had already won. We will win. They will complain and we are ready for them. This election is between me and the Gambari North.

You were reported to have been arrested by the DSS recently over some inflammatory comments?

How did that go?

No, no, no, I don’t know what they mean by “arrest”. It is a routine thing. I have always been invited by the DSS. I was invited by the DSS. I went to their office in Port Harcourt and they said ‘you did this and that’. And I said yes. They said I should go, that they will invite me again. So, it is a routine thing. In fact, it is less now. Under the late General Sani Abacha, it was a weekly thing. Under former President Obasanjo, the same. Now, it is less but I am used to it.

Invitation? I have been detained 73 times in Nigeria.

So, I am not perturbed.

Jonathan, Dokubo-Asari and the path to Rwanda

BY YOMI OBADITAN

T

he struggle for power in Nigeria has always been accompanied by violence, intimidation and sometimes total war. The 1965 general elections, marred by fraud and violence, led to the collapse of the democratic process.

The 1993 election, held on June 12, went the way of the 1965, due to the sit-tight military dictator, who refused the verdict of the people. Sani Abacha that took over did not only kill the June 12 result, but kept the symbol of that mandate, Moshood Abiola, in prison till he was killed.

From 1999 till date, our politics has been characterised by violence. One political leader called election do-or-die affair. But President Goodluck Jonathan has told the nation that his struggle for power should not cost a single Nigerian’s blood. Good as Mr President’s promise is, the political arena has been polluted by the blood of innocent Nigerians. The threat by two major political parties in Nigeria appears as if Nigeria is set to tread the path of Rwanda.

In 1994, on April 6, an airplane carrying Rwanda President

Habyamma and his Burundian counterpart, Ntaryamira, was shot down in Kigali, killing all on board. This action led to genocide. The three major ethnic groups in Rwanda are Hutu, Tutsi, and Tawa. Within 100 days, (April 7, 1994 to midJuly, an estimated 500, 000 to 1,000, 000 Rwandans were killed.

The Niger Delta Peoples Voluntary Force (NDPVF) leader, Alhaji Mujahid AsariDokubo, and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, among other former militant leaders in the oil rich region, have vowed to declare war on Nigerians in case Jonathan loses the coming election. Nobody in government, not even the President spoke to condemn the utterance.

Rivers State experienced violence about three times recently, as the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) secretariats were bombed. Innocent people have been killed despite the peace accord signed by all the political parties. The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) was not spared, as two of its campaign vehicles were set ablaze in Jos. Jonathan escaped narrowly the bomb

that a female bomber brought to the the venue of his campaign in Gombe. The attack on the President’s convoy in Katsina is another ugly incident.

The path to Rwanda that the Federal Government is treading is that of economic voodoo; while the 15 years of oil boom led to developmental strides in Angola, Algeria, and South Africa, and even in Ghana, ours has been wasted by the PDP-led administration on oil subsidies and domestic indebtedness. Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola accused Jonathan’s government of fraud in the manner kerosene is sold to the public. “The proceeds from fraudulent sale of kerosene have been used by the PDP to fund President Jonathan’s campaign and the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) and that the Federal Government deliberately sells a litre of kerosene to their members at N40.90k, while their agents sell to marketers at N95 per litre.

Kerosene is commonly used by the average Nigerians, but has become unreachable for the common man,”Aregbesola said.

Edo Governor Adams

Oshiomhole accused the same Federal Government of wasting the money in the Excess Crude Account totalling N30 billion. Charles Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor, also accused the Federal Government of wasting N30 trilllion under six years. All these point to the fact that Nigeria go bankrupt. And when a nation can no longer finance itself, pay its workers, it is no longer safe to give social contract to that government.

The shift in elections date from February 14 to March 28 is generating a lot of heat already, especially as it was the security adviser to the President, Colonel Dasuki, who that first flew the kite that election should be postponed over non-distribution of Permanent Voter Cards. The government had planned to use the court to stop the presidential flag bearer of APC, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The issue of his certificate has also been used to blackmail him to quit the contest. As at the time of writing this piece, more than four cases are in court to stop Buhari. Despite the popularity of the APC’s presidential candidate , none of his perceived adversaries has looked at the

consequences of stopping Buhari in the middle of this contest . How will the security agents handle the youths in the North in case Buhari is barred from the contest?

“The postponement of the elections brings a lot of fears.

It has been rumoured that the Presidency is afraid of Jega, the INEC boss. That he has three months to the expiration of his tenure and that by March, he would be ordered to proceed on leave. That the replacement for Jega will be one Professor Mimiko, who is a brother to the Ondo State governor. If all these rumours are true, then it appears Nigeria is heading for a repeat of the Rwanda story.

As we await the March elections, we must consider every step we take towards the conduct as national interest should be upper most in our hearts. We must not derail the democratic process. We must avoid steps that can destroy not only the image of the nation but our peacefulcoexistence. If we take to the path of Rwanda, we must remember the pain and the agonies of the failed Biafran state. No nation survives two civil wars.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 47

Polls postponement:

is not a rich man; if another Nigerian had been put in charge of that money spinning job, he would have been a billionaire today, he will not be looking for money for his campaign. The man is clean and people have been angling to have him as their President. So there is nothing anybody can do.

Whether you like him or not, majority of the people want him as President. In four years’ time, people will know whether to appreciate him or vote him out.

What the Federal Government has done is a very bad sign for democracy.

I can see one of the newest African despots emerging from Nigeria — Esogban of Benin

•Says PDP’s imminent

Hardship under Jonathan

defeat is inescapable • ‘How Jonathan

destroyed our son’s marriage’ •Chief David Edebiri SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

T

he Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, is the Chairman of the Benin Forum, an umbrella of all Binis both at home and in the Diaspora. As Esogban, he is the second in command in the Benin Traditional Council after the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom. Apart from the fact that he is the Chairman of the BF, which is the mouth piece of the Oba of Benin, he is popularly known as the ‘Oracle’ and Odionwere of Benin Kingdom, which means he controls the witches and wizards in the kingdom to ensure peace in the land.

In November 2003, the Esogban predicted, in 2012, that Governor Adams Oshiomhole will win the entire 18 local government councils in Edo State in the governorship election, saying the opposition will take over the Federal Government in 2015. Following the postponement of the 2015 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Edebiri alleges that it was a ploy by President Goodluck Jonathan to rig the elections. While he insists that the defeat of the PDP is imminent, Esogban gives reasons the Binis will not vote for Jonathan, citing one of them as the removal of Engr.Chris Ogiemwonyi as Minister of State for Works, the only Benin man appointed by the then President Musa Yar’Adua. He laments that the President humiliated the Binis by giving a higher position to the former wife of Ogiemwonyi, Stella Oduah, adding that the action was not only an insult to the Binis, it destroyed the matrimonial home of Ogiemwonyi.

As one of those who fought for the nation’s independence, he lampoons those he said have arrogated powers to themselves as leaders of the South-South and South -West, stressing, however, that the prediction of

Nigeria’sdisintegration may come to pass if Jonathan continues to be desperate for power. He speaks on many other national issues.

Excerpts: You were in politics for over 60 years before you retired.

How do you react to the postponement of the general elections by the INEC? To begin with, I do not agree that the elections were postponed by the INEC. I think it is the Biblical story which says the hand is like that of Esau while the voice is that of Jacob.

We know where the voice is coming from. Prof. Jega was literally overwhelmed before he gave in to that position he talked about at the press conference.

We know that was what the Presidency wanted. Many Nigerians, as a matter of fact, know what has happened, it is the game plan of the PDP and it is an assault on democracy, an assault on our Constitution. I will advise that all Nigerians should be very careful and be on the watch, because I can see one of the newest African despots emerging from Nigeria. What has happened now is a preelection rigging, this is the latest way of rigging. We have now transformed from rigging at elections to pre-election rigging.

And what the Federal Government and its cohorts have done by postponing the elections is similar to what IBB did to Abiola’s election. In fact this postponement is the junior brother to the annulment and if the country is not careful, we might pass through a repeat performance of that bad episode. The postponement is against the conscience of this nation.

I am particularly appalled by the claim by a certain group of people who say they are leaders of the West. Who are these people? Who are the people they are representing? Was any of them there during the struggle

Prof. Jega was literally overwhelmed before he gave in to that position he talked about at the press conference. We know that was what the Presidency wanted for Nigeria’s independence?

How did they suddenly wake up to start speaking for people who don’t know them? I call on all people of goodwill to prevail on the Federal Government not to allow the prophecy that Nigeria may disintegrate in 2015 come true. What has happened now may be a prelude to a bigger thing to come.

Move to sack Jega It is no longer a rumour because if you recall the comments from people who call themselves Western or South South leaders, they were apparently acting the script of the Federal Government. I will not be surprised if they sack Jega and I think Jega now knows he is a target. But I can assure you that whether Jega is removed or not, if they like, let the Federal Government put somebody who answers Jonathan as Chairman of INEC, the imminent defeat they are running from is inescapable. I assure you that the defeat that is staring them in the face cannot be avoided, it is inevitable. It is as sure as the night follows the day, there must be change in the federal administration this year.

Role of Service Chiefs The military chiefs are playing the script written by the Federal Government, but when the consequence of this action comes up, both the Service Chiefs and the President will suffer. It is very unfortunate that our military will join in such a

dubious plot when I thought they should concentrate on how to save Nigeria from Boko Haram.

But my warning to them is that they should know that they have families, they have children and they should never ever accuse any of their officers of mutiny because the conspiracy they into entered with the Federal Government is worse than mutiny. Maybe our own Arab spring has come. It is unfortunate that the military or the Service Chiefs have allowed themselves to be stampeded into joining in this coup against the peoples’ will.

But there is this fear about Buhari Presidency in some quarters. Are you comfortable with it?

It is not what anybody thinks or not, it is what is on the ground. Nigerians have shown by the campaign trend we see on the television who they prefer.

Many years have now elapsed since when he was a military ruler. I know Buhari as a person; I have been in a party where he contested in 2003 as a presidential candidate. I was a member of the Board of Trustees of the ANPP. Many of the things they say about the man are completely wrong. They do not know him intimately. Even at that, that administration brought sanity to the country for the time it lasted. Nigerians started to behave like human beings. And even after that government, another government put Buhari in charge of PTF. But today Buhari

We used to have militancy before this administration came into place, but never, in my wildest imagination, thought there will be suicide bombing in this country; not to talk of using small girls to do suicide bombing. Nobody envisaged that situation in Nigeria but it is now part of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government. Militancy has transformed to suicide bombing.

Election rigging has transformed from rigging at election to pre-election rigging.

Our economy, according to the book they (Federal Government) read, is the biggest in Africa, but, those of us at the receiving end, we have not seen where the economy has improved. We have not seen any new development that the economy has brought. If it is only on paper that we see these indices of economic prosperity without translating to prosperity for the people, it is unfortunate. We are here burning, but they are wallowing in unmerited wealth, the present government has made some former militants multibillionaires, made them gun runners for the Federal Government and yet people are saying we are in era of transformation. I do not think that any improvement has been made. Those who point to railway as one of the achievements of this government are not in tune with the historical development of this country. They always run jingles that the Federal Government has done this and that particularly for my own people here, the Benin people.

One of the things they point to is the University of Benin; that this administration considered it wise to bring a Bini man as VC of the university and has made the university the cynosure of all eyes. All these are not true. That a Bini man became VC of the university was not in any way connected with the present administration. It was the late President Yar’Adua who constituted a visitation panel for the university and took evidence as to why it was necessary for a Bini man to head that institution after many years of existence on our land. Some members of that panel visited me here and they invited me to come and give evidence before the panel. I went on behalf of the Benin Forum and told them what the Benin people wanted. It was the late Yar’Adua who laid the foundation for a Bini man to be

Continues on page 48

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Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

DIASPORA

‘PDP’s imminent defeat is inescapable’ Continued from Page 47 appointed the VC. The emergence of Prof.Oshodin was his own personal achievement, many Benin people went for the interview, but those who interviewed them found out that Prof.Oshodin was the best.

So it is not true that it was the present administration that brought Oshodin. He merited it; he went through the rigors of the interview. But what the late Yar’Adua did for us was the visitation panel he sent here and they made appropriate representation to the Presidency. So all those jargons they talk here, people don’t even know what they are talking about. They always point to the Ofosu Road, that road is used by all easterners to get from Lagos to the East and even northerners.

Nothing has been done for the Binis by this administration.

Besides, the Benin people are set to vote for a party that has developed their place.

We were completely side lined in the present Federal Government. They is no representation for the Benin nation in the policy making organ of the Federal Government. The only one the present government met, a half Minister (Minister of State), the President took it away from him and gave full ministerial appointment to his wife (Engr.Chris Ogiemwonyi’s estranged wife, Stella Oduah) who is from Anambra State. So what was for the Binis was taken to Anambra by the present administration. Is that why the Benin people will vote for the PDP? Besides robbing the Benin people of the ministerial appointment, the home of the former Minister (Engr.Ogiemwonyi) was completely broken by the action of the Presidency.

Is that what they have done for the Benin people that will make us to vote PDP? Impossible. If they want to postpone elections 20 times, the people are here waiting for them. The consequences of what Jonathan has done will be very grievous and unless proper care is taken, our country may be worse for it.

Before the coming of the present government, Nigeria was a whole, an indivisible country. But Boko Haram has taken part of Nigeria where they have hoisted their flag. By giving part of Nigeria to Boko Haram, is that what they mean by transformation? We have

•Chief David Edebiri

We are now dependent on our neighbours who must come to our rescue before we can defeat Boko Haram and yet we always pride our self as the giant of Africa transformed from a fully independent country to a dependent nation. We are now dependent on our neighbours who must come to our rescue before we can defeat Boko Haram and yet we always pride our self as the giant of Africa. What kind of giant is that a drunken giant? We have always said that home is the best place you, prepare for war; if your home front is not okay, what business have you going outside to fight a war. We have problem of insecurity at home, many Nigerians today are in other people’s countries as refugees and yet the government of this country does not feel that something is happening.

I want to call on the Federal Government to remember that this country was fought for by people with their blood.

They should not do anything funny to allow this democracy we have fought for to slip off our hands, otherwise history and posterity will not be kind to them in their commentaries about their activities.

Benin marginalization You met a man who was appointed half Minister by previous administration, his people in Benin voted massively for you during the elections, you now want to compose a new executive, you dropped him and took his wife who comes from across the Niger.

Consequently this home became divided and irretrievably broken. It is like robbing Benin of their ministerial appointment, destroying their son’s home in the interest of some people in Abuja.

And this time around, you are coming to campaign here that we should vote for you, it is not possible that we will vote for such people because the Benin nation has been side lined with ignominy in the present arrangement.

There is nothing that the Federal Government can come to point to in Edo that this is what we have done in the last four years. We have a governor who is performing. We have a governor we all love because of his developmental strides.

The same Federal Government is starving the state government of funds; they don’t want the government to perform any more. How do we vote for people like that? The die is cast, whether they like it or not, the defeat of the present Federal Government is imminent and irreversible.

I want to say that in 2011, I, Chief Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin, voted for Jonathan because our governor (Oshiomhole) appealed to us to vote for him since he is our brother from the South- South. We did. For four years, there is nothing to show for our vote. It is not because things have changed this way that I am now talking, I have talked about the outcome of this election on the 14th of November 2013, during the anniversary celebration of Oshiomhole’s administration at Ogbe Stadium. I did say then that if the merger of the political parties worked, they were going to form the next Federal Government. So I have no other thing to say about that. A party which suffered the defection of five governors, National Assembly members defecting to the opposition, they should have read the sign that all is not well. I am not a party man having done it for over 60 years, but I want the best for Nigerians because I was in the vanguard of those who fought for the independence of this country as a Zikist. I was a full participant in the 1959 federal elections that preceded independence.

I was a field officer of the Action Group, so I know what I am talking about.

All those who are now saying they are leaders of the South-South, they are all my juniors. I know those few who are my mates among them. I was inducted into the Zikist Movement in 1948. So when I am talking, our elders like Zik and Awolowo know what I am saying wherever they are.

Election date - Revolution in my head

I

T is no longer news that the hitherto scheduled and anticipated 2015 Nigeria General Elections did not hold yesterday. Instead Nigerians went out joyously to celebrate Valentine's Day. We did not vote, but the day was not wasted. Lovers were all over the town. Husbands and wives "feigned" love as they present their spouses with flowers, cards and chocolates. To them, love should only be "expressed" once a year on Valentine's Day. And for some wives, yesterday was no different, as their husbands still "played away game" with the excuse of official "duties". To these set of people, they would have preferred the election held, so as to keep the husbands indoors. But it never happened.

Generally, it is a relief that when the election holds in six weeks’ time, there would not be any "clash of interests" between "voting" and "loving" as it would have happened yesterday had the election gone ahead. In six weeks, it shall be purely election.

Valentine Day aside.

There have been reactions from Nigerians on the shift in the election date as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These reactions ranged from, on the part of some Nigerians, disappointment, to disillusionment by politicians and obvious lack of preparations on the part of the electoral agency. Thinking about the reactions, one cannot but wonder if the government, security agencies and INEC had envisaged an easy passage for them as they are getting now. The reaction, has, to say the least, been very controlled and cautious.

Based on the initial reactions of a few notable politicians, nouveau progressives and "extremists" political analysts cum "vindictive" blogs, when the kite of date change was first flown by the National Security Adviser, the government must have expected a "violent" reaction. The opposite seems to be the case.

Prior to the official announcement last week and immediately before the Council of State meeting there were unconfirmed rumours of a change of date on the social and traditional media. The opposition groups took up the rumour, "redressed" it, publicised it adequately and thereafter went to town with various conspiracy theories about the shift of date. Mostly the conclusion was that the incumbent government was planning to use the postponement as

an excuse to extend its stay in power. Some Nigerians bought this "logic".

The opposition had a field day, as the supporters of the change of date rather than engage in war of words kept quiet and seemed "silently" pushing ahead with the idea. The polity was heated up, as the seed of distrust, for whatever reason the election date might be changed, was sown in the minds of Nigerians, while the opposition "watered" it to germinate.

As usual, some of the politicians and "wannabe" progressives/civil rights apprentices seized the opportunity to position themselves, according to them, on the side of the masses against any reason INEC could be considering a postponement. They spoke on behalf of the masses and categorically stated that Nigerians will not accept any proposal of change of date of the elections. They became the voices of the people.

On the backdrop of this emerged "great" political analysts and commentators. On local, national and international television stations, they were there "shooting" down any excuse INEC might be thinking of using for the postponement. On social media, their messages became viral while giving them more confidence to kick INEC and the government in the backside.

To some of them, any

The masses reasoned that Nigeria's problems can be solved via ballot boxes and not through "Aluta" revolution. proposed change in the date should be dropped because going ahead with it will automatically "sound the death knell for the country Nigeria". The conspiracy theorists believed Nigeria cannot survive beyond the February 14th date should INEC go ahead and shift the date.

It was quite interesting to read the various opinions of these "analysts". Some are educated Nigerians who, rather than subject the idea to thorough examination, were beclouded by their biases and therefore could not see beyond the "Valentine

date". They started the revolution songs. They quoted copiously from notable civil rights leaders while in their heads, they imagined themselves calling the revolution "shot" with the track of the legend Bob Marley's "Get Up, Stand Up" playing in the background.

They canvassed revolution in Nigeria. Not the type that happens in the head of buyer, but the violent type. The ordinary man on the street was just amused by the antics of the opposition groups. They could not suppress their giggles when some of these politicians and political analysts calling for revolution are more influenced by personal gains than the national interests. However, the politicians and analysts/ commentators were not joking.

They warned that the scale of the Nigerian revolution would put to shame the Arab Springs of a few years ago. To them, the time is ripe for a revolution to take place in the country as a way out of the "mess" we are in. They warned, not just a revolution but a bloody one.

The ordinary Nigerians scratched their heads and wondered why this over the top reaction on the change of date.

They said aloud that it had happened before and heaven did not fall. So, why now?

The analysts thought they could read the minds of ordinary Nigerians, but was wrong. The cry for revolution was not seconded at all. The masses reasoned that Nigeria's problems can be solved via ballot boxes and not through "Aluta" revolution.

A friend of mine piqued by their actions wrote in the social media the feelings of majority of Nigerians. He said some of the people calling for revolution had not ever engaged in street fight in their life time. But they are now leading the call for revolution.

This, to me and many Nigerians summed up the feelings of ordinary men and women on the streets.

They are not bothered about when the elections are held, as long as it holds and they are able to exercise their rights.

Nigerians are wiser than the tactics of these rabblerousers.

Little wonder why there was no violence after INEC chairman officially announced the postponement of the elections? Nigerians know a revolution is a mass, spontaneous action of the people and not crafty ploy of a few self-centred individuals or groups; the same set of people who are part of the problems that solution is being sought for.

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Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 49

The day ex-Gov Modu Sheriff, PDP guber candidate, others escaped suicide bomb attack in Borno

•Ali Modu Sheriff

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

I

n the midst of the daunting security challenges Nigeria faces in North-east, particularly Borno State, it is easy to overlook the changes running through the country in different ways, and from different change agents, whose missions have been to make things better or worse courtesy of the forthcoming general elections.

Power, they say, is from God; but, unfortunately, desperate politicians, who want to occupy positions by all means, have capitalized on the Boko Haram insurgency, which started in 2009, to perpetrate crisis to continue despite the huge amount of money the Federal Government is spending on our security forces.

Of particular concern is the bomb blast which occurred at a crowded market in Biu local government area of Borno State on Thursday, February 12. That was the day set aside by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the major opposition party to the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, in the state, to visit Borno State for its campaign. The PDP team was led by ex-Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who is the leader of the party in Borno.

Sheriff and his entourage, including the PDP gubernatorial C M Y K

candidate, Alhaji Mohammed Imam, and his deputy, Ibrahim Shehu, among others, stormed the zone and flagged off their campaign in Bayo local government. The team proceeded to Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Hawul council areas, where the PDP received over 40,000 APC decampees into its fold. But when the party was billed to leave Hawul and proceed to Biu, an explosion occurred in the town which led to the cancellation of the visit.

Witnesses said a bomb that went off in a crowded market in Biu killed 15 people and left 21 others with injuries.

Human parts “A suicide bomber today launched an attack on innocent marketers in Biu plateau”, Mwajim Ali Gana, a resident said.

Another resident said “she was buying some soap ingredients at the vegetable section of the market around 3:15 pm when suddenly there was a heavy sound and the market was covered with dust as the entire place was thrown into confusion”.

She added that human parts littered the scene as people ran helter skelter.

A member of the Biu Youth Volunteer, popularly called “Civilian JTF”, involved in the rescue of victims, who pleaded

anonymity, told our correspondent, on phone, that a suspected member of Boko Haram entered the vegetable section of the market and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) killing several people.

He said about 15 death bodies had been recovered while several other people with various degrees of injuries were receiving medical attention at Biu General Hospital.

According to him, youths in Biu protested the suicide bomb attack, saying they blamed some top politicians in one of the popular political parties in the state (name withheld) of masterminding the blast to disrupt the PDP rally.

A doctor at Biu General Hospital said seven bodies were brought from the scene of blast while eight victims died there.

According to him, 21 others with severe injuries were being prepared for referral to major hospitals.

Thursday’s attack is the first suicide mission in Biu since the commencement of the Boko Haram insurgency.

In another development, over two dozen suspected Boko Haram gunmen, in a convoy of motorcycles, attacked Mbuta village in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, and killed nine people while torching several houses

and shops at about 7.25am on Thursday.

The village head, Mallam Zakari, who spoke on telephone, said, “The insurgents, riding motorcycles, attacked Alkideow near our village, Mbuta, as early as 4.30am but failed to take away cows.

They killed nine people, before proceeding to Mbuta village by 7.20am torching several houses and shops”.

But when the party was billed to leave Hawul and proceed to Biu, an explosion occurred in the town which led to the cancellation of the visit.

Witnesses said a bomb that went off in a crowded market in Biu killed 15 people and left 21 others with injuries

‘No stopping me’ The state PDP governorship candidate, Imam, while condemning the bomb explosion in Biu, vowed that no amount of bombs planted could stop him from rescuing Borno from bad leadership.

“My ambition is to serve the people of Borno. So no form of intimidation can stop me from liberating the people from the bad leadership orchestrated by the ruling APC government”,Imam stated, adding that change in Borno has become an inevitable task which no amount of violence could delay” , he said.

Imam, who addressed journalists on his way back to Maiduguri after suspending the rally in Biu, said: “There are reasonable grounds to suspect that some people may be the brains behind all three explosions in Molai, Post Office Area and the recent one in Biu town”.

Also reacting, the leader of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, who is the Minister of State for Power, on Friday, commiserated with the people of Biu over the blast.

Wakil stated this in a statement.

The minister said the blast was an attempt to open new front of attacks, following ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to ensure peace and unity. Meanwhile, two suspected masterminds of the Biu explosion have been arrested by the Civilian JTF and military operatives.

A security source told Sunday Vanguard: “Two suspects arrested in connection with the blast in an interrogation said they were influenced by a highly placed politician in the town (name withheld) to disrupt the planned PDP rally in Biu, which was to be led by the leader of the party, exGovernor Ali Modu Sheriff.

“The suspects have been handed over to security operatives” .

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 51

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Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Labour in crisis!

•Comrade Abdulwahed Omar

•The botched election •The N2.5bn failed housing project connection

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

S

ome called what happened on Thursday during the botched election of officials to lead Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, for the next four years, as a show of shame, unfortunate and sad. Others described it an embarrassment, an insult, a scandal.

Many keen observers were not surprised that the election was inconclusive because events preceding the conference where the poll was scheduled to hold had pointed to a programme designed to fail unless a particular direction was taken.

There were a lot of questions that remained unanswered.

Key among them were the holding of the NLC meeting in Durban, South Africa, the jamboree by some officers of Congress to the United States to attend the delegates conference of a labour union, the Chinese buses deal and the N2.5billion NLC/ Kriston Lally failed housing project.

There is also the Yaba Lagos office of NLC that was given to a developer.

The first sign that there was going to be trouble came after the January 6, 2015 release of the cleared list of candidates for the polls by the credentials committee, when pressures started mounting to clear candidates that were disqualified for allegedly failing to complete the nomination as required.

One of such candidates, it was gathered, must be cleared at all costs irrespective of the provisions of the NLC Constitution.

After failing to be cleared by even the organs of Congress, the aggrieved candidates appealed to the conference-in-session.

On Tuesday, February 10, the second day of the conference, there C M Y K

was turmoil when the nomination was reopened at the floor of the conference-in-session to accommodate disqualified candidate.

It was the first time in the 37-yearhistory of the NLC that the conference-in-session would decide who contests for an office after the credentials committee had concluded its assignment.

The intervention of pioneer officers of Congress failed to provide an amicable settlement.

The issue raised on the floor of the house was whether or not the conference-in-session should accept fully the report of the credentials committee which disqualified the nomination of the representative of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), on the basis of failure to fill the nomination form appropriately.

Also disqualified by the credential committee was the nomination of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) which failed to attach to the nomination form the passport and CV of its nominee despite the nominee being a current member of the National Administrative Council, NAC. As current member of NAC, the secretariat is in possession of his credentials.

With the sharp disagreement to fully uphold the report of the credential committee, which disqualified the two candidates or call for fresh nomination for them, NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, put it to vote and those who supported the acceptance of the nomination of the NURTW were in the majority.

Following this, Comrade Issa Aremu of the National Union Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN,

who was deemed to have been elected unopposed, would have this reversed and would stand for election.

But the President of NUTGTWN, Comrade Oladele Hunsu, told the house that the union would not be part of the charade where the NLC constitution would be trampled upon. Consequently, the union walked out of the conference.

With the stalemate, Omar suspended discussion to allow veterans discuss with the two aggrieved unions: MWUN and NURTW. EFCC quizzes Omar Following the Tuesday abrupt ending of proceedings, there was no doubt that Wednesday’s proceedings were going to be stormy and unsatisfactory handling of the issues surrounding the N2.6 billion failed housing project, involving NLC and Kriston- Lally, fueled the commotion that resulted in delegates throwing missiles at one another.

Disagreement between groups deepened following the failure of the NLC leadership to reveal the details of the financial report submitted to the conference-insession by the Treasurer.

Earlier, it was gathered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, invited Omar, over the botched housing deal.

The NLC President who, while trying to calm frayed nerves, said, “This morning, even the EFCC invited me to ask where is the man ( Kriston- Lally Managing Director).

Anytime the security agencies get this money, they will use their instruments to authorize refund to this account. It is under investigation by the Department of

It was the first time in the 37yearhistory of the NLC that the conferenceinsession would decide who contests for an office after the credentials committee had concluded its assignment.

State Security, the EFCC and the Office of the National Security Adviser.”

The rowdy session, which saw Omar inviting the police to control the situation, was the first time that NLC delegates engaged one another physically.

Recall that news of the NLC housing scam which was broken

by Vanguard last year.

The issue was raised at the floor of the conference by a delegate from National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, who queried why it was not mentioned in the financial report presented to Congress-insession.

The out-going Treasurer, Wabba Ayuba, who is also contesting the Presidency, said, “It is a separate account and not about the income and expenditure of the NLC. The issue is in the public domain.

About N2.6billion is still saved in Access Bank. The other account is being investigated.”

His explanation did not go down well with some delegates and he was challenged by the President of NUPENG, Igwe Achese, who is also a Trustee in the out-going executive.

Igwe is also a signatory to NLC accounts.

Achese insisted that since NLC is a signatory to the KristonLally Account, “we have a responsibility”. He went on: “What I am saying is that even if the money is safe, the total money is not safe. Some portion of it is still intact, about N2.5 billion, but the total sum of the money is not N2.5billion.

Nigerian workers must be prudent, Nigerian workers must have integrity. One thing we fight against is corruption and one cannot afford to sit down here…..’”

Achese was interrupted while making his presentation by those in support of the Treasurer who shouted him down, but his supporters countered.

It was at this stage that chairs and other missiles were thrown at one another and delegates including international guests scampered to safety.

Omar called in the police to restore order to no avail.

But Comrade Joe Ajaero, a presidential candidate, took over the microphone and calmed delegates.

The NLC President insisted, “Krison- Lally is not part of NLC income, we cannot discuss it”.

Delegates shouted: No! no ! no!

At this stage, the General Secretary of Medical and Health Workers Union , Comrade Marcus Omokhuale, moved a motion for the adoption of the controversial financial report and was seconded by Adeniji Alani of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives .

This also was followed with shouts of: ‘No, no!.

Consequently, a counter motion by a delegate from NUPENG urging delegates to reject the report was moved.

He told Omar, “It is our money and you are there on our behalf, you cannot sit as judge in your own case. I therefore urge you to step aside”. The counter motion was seconded by another delegate from NUEE who said, “NLC is bound to give us an

Continues on page 53

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Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 53

He said some of them who had attended the NAC meeting had expected the General Secretary to take over proceedings, but were disappointed that Omar was presiding.

Ajaero said the sign that the election was going to hit the rock started when the executive was not dissolved before the election, but maintained: ‘’As far as I am concerned, Omar is no longer the President of NLC and I am no longer the Deputy President.”

On the allegation that he was being sponsored by the Presidency, he said, ‘’Please publish it that way that I am sponsored by government. I even want the government to read that it is alleged that I am being sponsored by her.”

•Joe Ajaero

•Igwe Achese

Some people deliberately scuttled the process— Wabba

•Ayuba Wabba

The N2.5bn failed housing project connection Continued from page 52 account. Allow integrity to prevail.

For your (Omar) integrity, allow the report on the housing project to be given”.

Omar then called for votes in support or against the adoption of the financial report and he declared “the ayes have it.”

Though it was not quite clear which side had it as no counting was done.

Conference in chaos After Omar announced the adoption of the financial report without discussing the housing project, there were allegations that the conference was being tailored to achieve predetermined end.

Events that followed saw the conference ending in fracas as delegates unturned ballot boxes over the allegation that multiple ballot papers had been produced to favour a particular candidate.

Another allegation was that while some ballot papers bearing the names of some candidates had multiple serial numbers, others did not have.

It was also alleged that because of the multiple names of some candidates, there was multiple voting for such candidates.

It was gathered that while some delegates observed these alleged anomalies, they complained to their leaders who asked them to be vigilant for more evidence.

However, trouble started at about 8.10 am while members of the NUEE were voting.

A delegate told Sunday Vanguard that those who voted before the union had observed the irregularities but no one raised them.

Other delegates allegedly observed these, raised objection and, in the ensuing commotion, the ballot box was smashed.

When the situation became chaotic, the police ordered everyone out of the hall.

Delegates compiled.

Outside the International

Conference Centre, venue of the conference, a delegate showed to Sunday Vanguard a ballot paper for a candidate for the post of Trustee which had two different serial numbers.

There was also a ballot paper without the name of a contestant to the Presidency.

Thursday’s rowdy session and an abrupt end of the NLC’s conference was the first in the 37year-history of the labour centre.

It was witnessed by international allies of the NLC who were invited for the conference.

Before the situation got rowdy on Wednesday, a delegate, Ismaila Bello, of the NUT GTW, had called on the conference-insession to dissolve the executive of Omar before the election, in line with trade union practice.

This was however, turned down by a Deputy Secretary General of the NLC, Emma Ugboaja, who “said we have checked our constitution and there is no such provision”.

Following this, Omar said members of the outgoing executive were stepping outside.

All of these, coupled with the incidents of the previous day ( Tuesday) when the financial report which was not received by many but was adopted and the failure of the leadership to open up on the over N2.5billion NLC/ Kriston Lally failed housing project, bottled anger in delegates as many were seen grumbling.

It is a shame - Dangiwa Speaking with me at the venue of the aborted conference, the first General Secretary of the NLC, Aliyu Dangiwa, who witnessed it all, said, “ It is a shame, a big shame. I feel disappointed.

Whoever caused this has done the worst for the labour movement.

Whoever was responsible for this should be traced by Nigerian workers for appropriate action”.

However, another presidential candidate, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said NAC remained intact, as it was not dissolved.

Wabba, in an interview, also alleged that some peoples deliberately planned to scuttle the process even when he claimed that all grievances before the elections were sorted out.

He said, ‘’I was not in the hall when it happened but I was informed some people disrupted the process after more than 23 unions had voted when they realized that there was no headway. That is the information I had. I think the credentials committee which is actually in charge of the process should be able to give us further information. Basically, if somebody thinks he will not make it, he will destroy the process. If you look at what transpired in the past two or three days preceding the election, you could see that people were working towards disrupting the process. Election was going smoothly, all grievances were addressed, and suddenly from nowhere they disrupted the process realizing the fact that they would not be able to make it. To me, that sums up what happened.”

It is rigging - SEWUN scribe General Secretary of the Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria, SEWUN, Comrade Kazim Kadiri, said ,” It is a shame. Nigeria Labour Congress which is supposed to live by example has perfected rigging for a particular candidate.

It is unacceptable”.

I will be in office till March —Omar On Thursday, Omar called a meeting of the outgoing NAC, where he said he would continue in office till March when he hoped another election would have taken place and a new NAC elected.

But one of the presidential candidates, Ajaero, and Achese, NUPENG President, stormed out of the meeting.

While Ajaero said he would not be a party to any meeting presided over by Omar on the grounds that his tenure expired at the botched delegates conference, Achese was angered that Omar was insisting that he would still be in office till March and would conduct the elections of new executive members.

Ajaero said it was difficult to believe that such a thing (alleged manipulation of the election) happened in the trade union, lamenting that in the inconclusive election, some ballot papers had the name of a particular candidate duplicated three times with different serial numbers.

He also claimed that his supporters discovered during the process of voting that some of the ballot papers bearing his name did not have serial numbers, alleging that if they had allowed the election to go on, maybe during the counting, such votes without serial numbers would have been voided, while he would be accused to have smuggled in the votes.

Ajaero also claimed that his supporters also discovered that some of the booklets for the voting did not have his name on them.

Desperation

Earlier, it was gathered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, invited Omar, over the botched housing deal

Meanwhile, there are growing allegations that the desperation on the part of some group to assume office at all costs to cover alleged dirty deals was responsible for the alleged manipulative tendencies that scuttled the election.

It was alleged that some candidates if elected would ask questions to uncover “unethical practices that will expose those who used their positions in Congress to enrich themselves”.

A source said: “There is the housing fraud, there is the Chinese bus deal, Lagos NLC office contract among others. I can tell you that they are doing everything possible to ensure that certain persons are not elected.”

NLC NEC meals Wednesday Meanwhile the NLC has fixed a meeting of its National Executive Council, NEC, for Wednesday to discuss the way forward. A statement by NLC’s General Secretary, Dr Peter OzoEson, confirmed the meeting.

Page 54 — SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

VIEWPOINT

By Ado Adamu VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF How not to fight graft

T

HE general elections are weeks away.

The presidential election is undoubtedly between President J o n a t h a n o f t h e Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The election boils down to the choice between continuity in office, thus consolidating on the gains and achievements made while in office by the incumbent or the “supposed”change the opposition candidate and his party is preaching.

Among his campaign promises, a salient issue, which has bedeviled our nation over the years, and has been consistent with Buhari, is the

Buhari’s questionable fight against corruption issue of corruption. Since the beginning of his campaign, the presidential candidate of the APC has consistently stated that he will fight corruption, all corrupt practices and abuse of public offices if he becomes President. This anti-corruption stance has certainly garnered him some followers who want to see the status quo changed and one of his personal attribute is his famous “uncorrupt” posture and astuteness. However, without undue sentiments and prejudice, let’s objectively examine if the retired general can indeed fight corruption as he passionately states during his campaigns: • Anti-corruption being the core of his manifesto, GMB is yet to explain the methodology he is going to employ in this

seeming arduous fight against corruption.

• Being the presidential candidate of the APC, it is very obvious thatGMB would find it difficult to fight corruption. We all know that most of his party members and closest allies were former PDP government officials who are alleged to be endemically corrupt while in office.

• He who seeks equity must do equity. Under the law, by associating with such fellows, Buhari is guilty by association.

Under the law, one doesn’t have to participate in stealing or corrupt practices before one can also be culpable. As long as he associates and identifies himself with such allegedly corrupt people without reporting them, under the law, and even morally, he is also culpable.

• Charity, they say, begins at home. If Buhari is truly a proponent for anti-corruption like he says he is, he should begin his crusade in the APC. The 27.5 million presidential nomination form for a party that styles itself as progressives is indeed preposterous. This is definitely a bad omen, as it has become an open invitation for t h e w i n n e r, if he actually manages to secure election to the presidency, to recoup this extortionate fee from public coffers.

His deafening silence over the cynical nomination fee and his acquiescent to the requirement, his association with alleged corrupt individuals, and his culpability by association, are all indication that the self appointed czar of an anticorruption crusade is nothing

but a sham. One would have expected a truly anticorruption crusader to make the point that the ludicrous amount of his party ’s nomination fee is unacceptable and his campaign is funded in a transparent manner. In essence, it is apparent that Buhari has no magic wand to fight corruption.

Now, I ask you fellow Nigerians, will you vote for someone who claims not to be corrupt and preaches anticorruption, yet fails to speak against alleged corrupt practices. Would you vote for someone who preaches anti corruption, yet surrounds himself with alleged corrupt individuals and entities?

•Adamu lives at 35, Katsina Road, Kaduna State. adamuado007@gmail.com

The billion-dollar question? How to Islamize Nigeria VIEWPOINT

By Eromosele Akhabue

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Flaws in the fear about Islamising the country THERE is plenty talk of how one candidate or party will ‘Islamize’ Nigeria if it assumes power. As ridiculous as that sounds, ‘silence being the best answer to a fool’ doesn’t really work in this clime. In fact, silence translates to endorsement in some instances, so lets actually explore the possibility just to lay this expensive argument to rest.

It is important to briefly review the structure of the government before we list out the ways to ‘Islamize’ the country.

Nigeria is a federal republic with three arms of government: The executive, the legislature and judiciary.

The constitution seeks to act in the best interest of its citizens through this system of checks and balance to ensure no one branch of government becomes too powerful. The evidence of separation of powers can be seen in the fact that each branch of government can change the acts of other branches such as • The President can veto laws by the National Assembly • The National Assembly confirms or rejects the President’s appointment and can remove the President from office in exceptional circumstances • The Judiciary can overturn unconstitutional laws.

Now this talk of Islamizing

Nigeria didn’t come from thin air but has its roots from the time of Usman Dan Fodio’s Jihad over 200 years ago (1804-1810) which swept across most of the north and reached down south to the north of Lagos.

Now lets return to the possibility of our billion-dollar question; For a President to Islamize Nigeria, he’ll need to, among others 1. Appoint only Sheiks and Jihadists as Ministers to all the 36 ministries in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2. Appoint extremists as head of parastatals and all federal executives bodies such as National Population Commission, INEC, FIRS etc 3. Appoint an extremist as the Chief Justice of Nigeria 4. Ensure the National

The Alex Otti agenda as governor VIEWPOINT

By Charles Uzoukwu VIEWPOINTS IN BRIEF Reflections on Abia guber race

A

S the race for Government House, Umuahia hots up, the candidate for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APG A), Dr. Alex Otti is traversing the nooks and crannies of the state seeking for votes to enable him win the governorship election this month. Otti, however is not a new comer in the politics of the state though this time around he is poised to lead other contenders and the people are with him.

After years of failed promises by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Otti, could use APGA to upstage other candidates and bring hope to the people. Statistics have shown that Abia State, under various governments so far, remains the least

developed state since the commencement of this democratic dispensation.

In his mission statement, Otti had vowed to ensure verifiable achievements and to transform the state far better than what he had achieved at Diamond Bank. He also intends to ensure that only the best brains are recruited to manage the affairs of the state.

As a people known for their hardwork and enterprise, Otti intends to maximise the potential of the people, by industrialising the state through investing in agriculture, oil and gas, digital media and technology, healthcare, road networks, furniture fabrication, fashion and create the enabling environment for all to flourish.

Speaking at an event recently, the governorship candidate, said Abia was in dire need of a governor who will build a modern industrial park, where small business owners would thrive and blossom. According to Otti,

“The good old days of Bata where over one thousand shoemakers in Ariaria Market should be over, and in its place a transformed network of investors and developers with appropriate skills. This could vibrate across national and international business circles and place Abia State on the map for industrial development. After all, as a people, all Abians need is infrastructural development for the people to maximise their own potentials”.

On youth development, Otti said if elected, he would empower the youths of the state, and encourage employers through tax and other incentives to create more jobs and pay appropriate living wages. Of greater concern to the APGA candidate is the environment under which the people live and work. Therefore, he promised to make waste management a priority in his administration. A functional waste management agency, he

Assembly (who are elected by their constituencies in the 36 states) are overwhelmingly extreme Islamists to be able to secure 2/3 of both chambers needed to change the Constitution Unfortunately, the above can only happen when you completely obliterate this very diverse Nigeria with over 500 ethnic groups and 250 languages to achieve a completely homogenous country.

For the record, the Constitution expressly states that the Federal Government shall not adopt any religion.

It also ensures the from local government to state government to Federal Government, all have to abide by the federal character to reflect the constituency it

said, would create a clean and healthy environment. Health, Otti said, would have a pride of place in Abia in an APGA government. Statistics show that mortality rate in Abia, particularly at child birth, is among the highest in the country. Therefore, any responsible government would create adequate healthcare providers, ensure unambiguous medical policy for the state. Again, hospitals must be well equipped with modern facilities. Only a man of integrity like Dr. Alex Otti is in a better position to do this.

Over time, the people have been shortchanged by their governments in the management of resources of the state that in most cases people feel compelled to ask if Abia State receives monthly allocation from the Federal Government. The issue of fund management is vital if the state is to ever move beyond its primordial state.

We need a fund manager, and there would be no better

represents.

For those who choose to live in fear of a 200-year old suspicion who’s manifestation in modern Nigeria is nothing like the organized exercise used to boost trade along the Sahel-please answer the following questions; does the Benue river or Niger river flow based on who is Christian or Muslim? Do the tomato farms in Jigawa grow based on the religion of the persons that till the land? Do the banana plantations in Ogoni land grow based on the planters brand of religion? If no, then as these things grow, bloom and develop based on effort, vision and consistency so also should Nigeria just be itself without strangling itself with an agenda that should remain strictly in the personal space of the citizenry. candidate than Otti of the Diamond Bank fame. The state needs someone who can create wealth and make good use of the revenue of the state both internally generated and others from outside of the state like those allocations from the centre.

Analysts believe that Abia has been raped beyond redemption to the extent that people have lost confidence in the ability of their fund managers to rescue them from poverty. We need someone who will run the state as a business venture and not as a political jamboree, which has been the fate of the state for a long time.

As an agriculture-based state, our state needs transformation from the subsistence farming our forefathers engaged in to mechanised or semimechanised farming which modernity dictates.

An intellectual and a banker, Otti had said that education would be priority in his administration.

•Uzoukwu, a poltical analyst writes from Umuahia.

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, Page 55

VIEWPOINT

By Shehu Adamu VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The odds in favour of the incumbent

W

HAT could be described as the postponement of the evil or good day, depending on the side one belongs, happened when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, announced the postponement of the general elections.

In the general elections, the two main contending parties are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidential candidates are President Goodluck Jonathan and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari respectively.

The opposition parties have been blaming the Federal Government for the ‘shoddy’

Why Jonathan deserves re-election preparation which led to the postponement.

Knocks have also gone to Service Chiefs for telling Jega that they could not secure voters in the North-east if the election had been allowed to go on as planned.

But one clear thing is that the controversy generated has confirmed the belief in certain quarters that Jonathan, being a democrat, will win the presidential election.

This is because Nigerians have continued to clamour for his re-election.

There is no argument about the fact that he is the most experienced democratically among the candidates.

This is due to the fact that he rose through the ranks since 1999 when democracy was entrenched in the polity.

He was deputy governor in

Bayelsa State, acting governor, governor, vice president, acting president and president.

I don’t know of any Nigerian who is more qualified to lead the country with these credentials, despite the campaign of calumny against the President by opposition leaders.

Because of this, several groups across the country have been in the vanguard of the call for his re-election.

To the Niger Delta Youth Observers (NDYO), the President deserves a second term because since Jonathan assumed office, five years ago, Nigeria has witnessed tremendous growth and development in every sector of the economy.

NDYO, speaking through its National President, Mr. Arthur

Warefa, and Secretary, Ogie Samson, said: “President Jonathan’s transformation programme has impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians through rapid development across the country.”

The Supervising Minister of Information, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammad, also said President Jonathan deserves another term to consolidate on the gains so far recorded through the implementation of the Transformation Agenda.

Alhaji Gidado Ibrahim of the Northern Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, in a publication, said: “In terms of development, no one can honestly dispute the fact that President Jonathan has done more for the North in four years than any government led by a Northerner since the

end of General Yakubu Gowon’s administration.”

Others believe that the success recorded by the National Conference organised by the Jonathan administration, for the first time since independence, is also another reason the President should be given the opportunity of second term.

The Director-General of Grassroots Democratic Institute (GDI), Prince Maxwell Phillips Igwe, while throwing his weight behind Jonathan re-election, said that what the President has put on ground to transform the countr y economically, politically and socially earns him re-election.

•Adamu is a public affairs analyst.

Nigeria’s unity bigger than Jonathan’s re-election VIEWPOINT

By Agboola Sanni VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF War dr um will be of no consequence

T

HE recent somersault of the PDP leadership over what had become the habitual invectives of other nationalities with the Nigerian context of the self-styled ex-militants of the Niger-Delta can be intriguing to some unsuspecting minds.

It was first the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, who unofficially distanced the Federal Government from what can best be described as the epileptic fury of Dokubo-Asari and his likes including Tompolo and Ateke Tom in which they are fond of undermining the sovereignty of the country.

If that was the first reaction of government, the same was to be followed by the PDP through the Secretary of its Board of Trustees. On the part of Wali, Jonathan is not the

President of Ijaw alone but that of the entire country. It is however curious that up till now, no arm of security agencies had deemed it fit to comment not to talk of any admonition on the reckless exmilitants. Instead, the DSS, with total discourtesy to the office of governor, threatened to deal with RotimiAmaechi over his fore-warning on the consequence of rigging the election.

The complacency on these ex-militants is such that anybody calling for their arrest himself stands the risk of being arrested for threatening the unity of the country. That was why the ex-militants could give General Danjuma an ultimatum of seven-days to retract and apologize to them or risk being invaded. The question to ask is when did it occur to government and the PDP to react officially to the provocative utterances of these elements? For the past one year or thereabouts, Dokubo - Asari had busied

himself with one kind of assault or the other against the major language groups and cultures in the country. If it is the Hausa/Fulani that is abused today, it will be the turn of the Yoruba tomorrow; calling them all kinds of names.

All these were premeditated and calculated attempts to create awe in the mind of Hausa and Yoruba people to warrant the panicky conclusion that if voting for their brother, Jonathan, is the only way to give them peace of mind, so let it be.

However, the recent nationwide campaign tones of President Jonathan and his campaign organization only show that the party only shot itself in the foot by such reckless and senseless sponsored threats.

The low turnout that greeted the President’s campaign in all the geo-political zones is clear indication that rather than see the trip as persuasive, it is coercive and intimidating. In other words

rather, they see as political lobby for their votes, it is a colonization drive to sustain the Ijaw empire on the country.

Another index in which Nigerians foresee danger in the continued rule of Jonathan administration is the regime’s total contempt and disdain for the rule of law and constitutionalism under the federal system government.

In Lagos State, in total disregard for extant and other relevant legislations with regard to display of posters, the police threatened arrest against anybody who tampered with Jonathan’s posters on the highways contrary to the laws of the state on environmental sanitization.

Worse scenario was however in Rivers State. The state government in the exercise of its legitimate authority, denied the PDP presidential team the use of the state-owned stadium for whatever reasons. It provided

Between Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu VIEWPOINT

By Colisthus Osagie VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Battle for the soul of Edo

T

HE protest by youths of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State against the state Coordinator of the President Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organization, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, over alleged N1.5billlion, said to be meant for mobilisation to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the PDP presidential rally is an eye opener to PDP leaders, particularly the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih. The youths, during that protest, cried that their money was diverted but, in Ize-

Iyamu’s response, he denied that such money came for the youths. However, he failed to disclose the actual amount of money that came for the youths.

In the midst of this, we saw our brother, Captain Hosa Okunbor, coming to the defence of Ize-Iyamu while the blame is heaped on Governor Adams Oshiomhole and a chieftain of the party, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere. For many of us watching events in both the PDP and the APC in the state, we felt that Ize-Iyamu lacks what it takes to always compare himself with Oshiomhole who has been President of the NLC for eight years and now enjoying his second term as governor. It is obvious that the pastor is using the name of

Oshiomhole to grow in his bid to take over the structures of the PDP. Each time the pastor has issues with his party members, he blames Oshiomhole. And to even see the injustice being perpetrated in the PDP, it is on record that Airiavbere, who contested against Oshiomhole in 2012, is the National Coordinator of the Good2Goodluck Campaign project. As a result, he was expected to be allowed to speak at the presidential rally of the PDP in Benin-City. But to the chagrin of most party members in the state, Ize-Iyamu became the spokesman for the Jonathan campaign in the state.

Curiously, before Ize-Iyamu’s coming to the PDP when he enjoyed the APC administration

which he is today castigating for five years, the retired general had committed so much personal resources to the Jonathan’s campaign across the country. Ize-Iyamu has never spent his money to project the Jonathan Presidency notwithstanding that today he has suddenly become Jonathan’s boy. But what is bothering most people in the PDP is that it was this same man who during the Governor Lucky Igbinedion administration brought crisis to the PDP. Prior to Ize-Iyamu’s entrance into the PDP after he abused Chief Anenih for several years, the PDP, under Chief Dan Orbih, was peaceful. But since the pastor joined the party one cannot say

them alternative venue. But rather than comply, the PDP resorted to federal might by pulling out soldiers to break the stadium and occupy it in total disregard to the rule of law. All these are clear testimonies of the danger of turning the country into an Idi Amin Uganda era should the PDP be allowed to rule the country beyond May 29.

After realizing the futility of threat, the PDP now devices all kinds of petty and pedestrian sentiments on geo-ethnic basis.

The latest of such is from Tony Anenih with a dubious nostalgia of South-South – North relationship. Campaigns are no more based on issues of development but on past interethnic confraternity. Nigerians have certainly grown beyond level of nauseating sentiments.

The present war drum being orchestrated by the Ijaw through heating the polity will be of no consequence at the end of the day.

•Agboola Sanni lives in Ibadan. that all is well in the PDP anymore because now you have so many factions. This is an appeal to Chief Anenih, who is our father, to watch this young man carefully in order not to destroy the progress made so far by Orbih and others in the PDP. They must not allow him use his ambition to destroy PDP in Edo because, when the chips are down, Ize-Iyamu can still run to back to Oshiomhole to remind him how close they were. Today, our brother, Captain Hosa Okunbor, is backing Ize-Iyamu’s ambition, but he should be warned so that he will not burn his fingers. Edo PDP must be wise. A word is enough for the wise.

• Osagie, a public affairs commentator, lives in BeninCity.

PAGE 56—SUND AY 56—SUNDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Fayemi: An altar boy on podium for change at 50

BY WOLE OLUJOBI

L

ike a team of masquerades staging a public show in the cathedral , he stormed the Nigeria’s political landscape drawing both shock and awe.

Shock, because his forte was the academics. And like a good Catholic, he was the Knight of the Order Of the Barricades in the pro-democracy tribe; the creed that cobbled and coupled him for the uncertainties of the Third World political vicissitudes but over which he wreaked unbelievable havocs. Awe, because of his audacious plunge into the Nigeria’s murky political waters infested by sharks in human clothing.

In both senses, only the bold and the courageous could emerge from the clouds to challenge a status quo helplessly held as a national fate, but whose intervention later became a national consciousness and whose morals today resonate across the the world in a new push for national salvation.

That is Dr John Folorunso Kayode Fayemi, a former Altar Boy in the Catholic faith born on February 9, 1965 in the pot town of Isan-Ekiti in the semi-arid zone of Ekiti State but who is rich in fertile mind and endowed with the everlasting freshness of the month of May. Like Chaucer, Geofrey Chaucer, Fayemi likes political pilgrimages that go with astounding and palpable anxieties laced with amusing stunts. Not for him an enterprise without its accompanying fables induced by the state. It is not his fault. It is not his wish, but that is the reality imposed on him by the social conditions of his society. It is only the determined that would strive to alter such conditions that impose constrictions on the path of national survival. But it seems

Fayemi was conscious of what fate bestowed on him as a potential national leader as he grew up in his Catholic Christian background.

Besides holding the candles and swinging burning incense at Mass, the other thing young Kayode knew was reading, reading and reading. That he did with harvests of laurels in his early adulthood, during which Fayemi had accomplished feats that are rare among his peers.

After his university education that took him to the University of Lagos, University of Ife and the King’s College, University of London; and many national and international engagements to boot, Fayemi established the Centre for Democracy and Development after he had worked as a Lecturer, Journalist, Researcher and Strategy Development Adviser in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He was Strategy Development Adviser in Nigeria and the United African Research and Information Bureau in London, UK. He was a reporter with The Guardian and City Tempo newspapers,editor of the political monthly, ‘Nigeria Now’; and management consultant at Development and Management Consultants.

As a prominent leader of the Nigerian opposition in exile, he was actively involved in the establishment of Radio Freedom, Radio Democracy International and Radio Kudirat, and he played a central role in the opposition’s diplomatic engagements in exile during the infamous military rule in Nigeria.

Among his numerous academic and public policy engagements at home and abroad, Fayemi lectured in Africa, Europe, America and Asia. He also served as an adviser on transitional justice, regional integration, constitutionalism, security sector reform and civilmilitary relations issues to various governments, inter-governmental institutions and development agencies. He was the main technical adviser to Nigeria’s Human Right

•Gov Kayode Fayemi

But it seems Fayemi was conscious of what fate bestowed on him as a potential national leader as he grew up in his Catholic Christian background.

Violations Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel), which investigated past abuses and served on the Presidential Implementation Committees on Security Sector Reform, NEPAD and the Millennium Development Goals. He was technical expert to ECOWAS on small arms and light weapons and United Nations Economic Commission of Africa on governance issues. He is also a member, Africa Policy Advisory Panel of the British Government.

He also served as a consultant to the OECD on Security Sector Reform and chaired the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative’s Committee of Experts on developing guiding principles and mechanisms of constitution making in Commonwealth Africa.

Fayemi is a fellow of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan; Adjunct Professor of Security Studies at the African Centre for Strategic Studies, National Defence University, Fort McNair, Washington DC, USA. He was also a visiting Professor in the African Studies Programme at Northwestern University, Evanston, USA in 2004. He serves on numerous Boards including the Governing Board of the Open Society Justice Institute, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, African Security Sector Network and on the Advisory Board of the Global Facilitation Network on Security Sector Reform and on the Management Culture Board of the ECOWAS Secretariat.

Besides having authored seven books, Fayemi has also written extensively on governance and democratization, civil-military relations security sector issues in Africa. Armed

with this background, Fayemi moved out of the shadows in prodemocracy struggles to the political theatre to test the strength he had garnered during the political struggle. He succeeded but not without the pains of three years struggle in the courts to reclaim the electoral victory freely given to him by Ekiti people. He was the first Nigerian in history to be in court for three and half years using forensic technology to retrieve his electoral victory. In power, he exuded competence and forthrightness of a patriot in mission to redirect the state to the path of growth. He did it with grace to the applause of Ekiti people and other Nigerians. Under him, the Human Development Report (2012) declared Ekiti State as the most conducive environment to live, for long and healthy living with a life expectancy average of 55 years more than the National Life expectancy average of 50 years.

Ekiti had the lowest infant and maternal mortality rate and the lowest HIV/AIDS infection rate in the country. The state had the highest pupils’ enrolment relative to Nigeria’s population and it had the least out-of-school children (less than 2%) in Nigeria.

For his development and leadership style, Fayemi won ‘Governor of the Year 2012 Award’ by theLeadership Newspapers on September 18, 2012 in Abuja where elder statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule, described Fayemi in these words: “At a time like this, we need leaders not looters, leaders not rulers… Leaders who are not corrupt; leaders who will not steal; leaders who will look in the eyes of the common man with compassion and not eye of the privileged few…

Let other leaders emulate this governor.”

*Olujobi is Fayemi’s former Speech Writer and Special Adviser (Media) to the Speaker.

Abia remembers Otuka

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

H

ow time flies! It is eight years since Dr. Rex Nnochiru Otuka, the sagacious politician from Abia State, joined his forefathers. But it still feels like yesterday.

The remembrance of Otuka at this time becomes very compelling following the

heightened political activities in the land. Anyone who knew him and the part he played within the political firmament, first, in Abia State and, later, South-east and the federal level would surely be missing him now.

Otuka, an accomplished medical doctor, veered off his profession into politics. His passion, however, was exclusively to better the lot of his people. Even before his entry into the fray, he was already a famous philanthropist.

In public service, Otuka achieved results through the display of selflessness, integrity, hard work and loyalty. Until his passage into the great beyond in 2007 on

•Dr. Rex Nnochiru Otuka active duty, Otuka was the Chairman, Abia State chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. But before then, he had been the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the party at the state level in October 2005 as well as Deputy Chairman in 2006.

While he served as the Chairman of the party during the days of Orji Uzor Kalu as governor of the state under the PDP, Otuka pursued unity, peace and harmony. This accounted for the friendly political atmosphere in the state then. As one of the founding members of the party, Otuka worked to

His passion, however, was exclusively to better the lot of his people.

Even before his entry into the fray, he was already a famous philanthropist.

give credibility to both the party and the political governance of the state.

Recognizing Otuka’s humility and contributions to humanity, one time Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Moses Ogbe, said Otuka “lived a fruitful and useful life as he served humanity in various capacities”. His Royal Highness, Eze HenryNdubuisi Ibegbu (Uga II of Nkwoegwu Autonomous Community), described Otuka as “a leader who served others and inspired the community with his tacit determination for success”.

Similarly, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who is Otuka’s kinsman from Ohafia, the same Abia State, said,”His immense contribution during the elections in the state cannot be overemphasized, no doubt, his death has created a large vacuum in the management of our great party in the State. He will be greatly missed by his friends, especially the Abia State Chapter of PDP”.

Losing such a good man suddenly could be so painful to both his relatives and political associates who would have benefited from his immense wealth of political experience,

connections and goodwill.

But while many still feel pained, his son, Mr. Rex Otuka Jr, has comfortably stepped into his late father ’s shoes. A holder of BBA in Supply Chain Management from the University of Houston, Texas, United States of America, USA, Otuka Junior has pledged to continue with the legacies of his father. “My Father is the greatest man I know and it will be an injustice to my community, to Abia, and even to the entire Nation, if I do not walk in his footsteps and continue his legacy of leadership, truth, loyalty and service”, he said.

Already, Otuka Jr has started with a non governmental organization, NGO, called “ The Great Foundation” through which he is touching lives. He added: “The philanthropic gestures have just begun.

There would be more to follow which is expected to go beyond his immediate environment, sprawling to his electoral constituency, senatorial District, State and the entirety of Nigeria”.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 57

sam.eyoboka@gmail.com

08023145567 (sms only)

2015: God'll punish any leader who foments trouble —Idahosa BISHOP Isaac Idahosa, the General Overseer of God First Ministry, popularly known as Illumination Assembly in Lekki, Lagos was golden last Sunday and rolled out the red carpet for the creme de la creme. The party drew participants from different parts of the country most of whom paid glowed tributes to the Kontagora-born Edo-State citizen. In an interview with SAM EYOBOKA, he said turning 50 is a wonderful experience that gives hope hope for the common man. "God can take a man from nobody to somebody, from an inanimate being to man of significance. I feel that there’s more demand on me to serve humanity. God gives you the gift of life to impact other lives. I feel obliged to do much more than I’ve been doing in time past. The God that has made me to see this day is for a reason because one is always preserved for a purpose, to discover that purpose and ask for grace to ensuring those purposes are fulfilled on time". Excerpts...

The beginning...

My parents settled in the North before the war. We were all born there and grew up there; did primary and tertiary education there including my bible college. Little wonder when I was to commence ministry, I was going to go to Jos for obvious reason of the weather, zero tolerance to religious upheaval, but then God asked me to return because we were all under scholarship from the Niger State government. God said I should return to where I was raised and contribute my quota. So to be specific, August 25, 1989, God First Ministries started in Minna, Niger State. From Minna to Surulere to Ijesha and from there God asked me to go to Ajao and from Ajao, God asked me to move to the island.

How has the journey been?

Up and down, not without challenges.

But it’s not what happens to you that defines you, it’s your response. Attitude towards challenges determine if they will either make you or mar you. So we face every challenge with positive attitude and we’ve always come back stronger and better.

You don’t look 50 sir, what’s the secret?

When you understand your purpose early, when you understand your assignment on time and you are focused on your assignment and divorce yourself from competition: don’t do because you are able to do, do because He’s empowered you to do. Let your home be peaceful. A peaceful home makes for a peaceful church. I’m 50 today and I’m still looking like this; it’s the grace of God. Secondly, it’s the understanding of the love of God, ability not to hold any grudge. Bitterness, jealousy and envy must not be part of us because these are weights that limit speed. I do that which God wants me to do at His pace. I don’t overstress myself. I love people and I want to see people improve in life.

*Bishop Isaac Idahosa

why it was shifted. I was watching Prof.

Attahiru Jega on TV and he was saying it was because of security reasons. It made more sense to me than to talk of what the national adviser said the other time that it’s because of PVC. The NSA is not Jega.

The constitution had conferred on Jega the authority to determine if it’s going to hold or not. The new date is still within the constitutional provision. When there’s life, there’s hope and before you know it, March 28 is here.

What do you foresee of the election?

God has to be involved for peace to revolve all challenges. That’s why I call on churches and whatever religion one believes in to pray that the plans of the wicked should not gain grounds. With the kind of politicking and words originating from elder statesmen and senior citizens of this country instead of discussing issues,

their manifestos, and showing us what they would do better if they were voted in... You are calling for change, how will you bring about the change? It’s not about why now, we have moved from why to how you want these things to come to pass. If you do that, you will begin to appeal to sound minds.

Like Jonathan will say, I vow to do more.

So we look out for what have you done that you need to improve on and how; the nitty gritties of how. What you want to do and how you intend to do them with the space of time allotted. You must engage time. You must become an employer of time. Within the next 12-24 months, these are the things I would put in place that will warrant the attraction of jobs and so on. When people see that, it is the best you can ever do to sell it.

So I prayerfully look forward to an election where peace will override. But then the ability of either of the parties to

Given the kind of crisis in the north, do you hope to still spread the gospel in that region?

We have branches spread around the North. Some of our members came from the North. I was there for our 25th church anniversary in August last year. I go there from time to time. Infact I have some of my family right there in Niger State.

We have so many churches, but surprisingly, the rate of immorality is high...

These are the end times. We expect that.

Where there’s much more sin, more grace abounds. Without the churches, it could be worse. But don’t deny the fact that we are closer to where we are going to than where we are coming from. That is why we will always make God at the center of our affairs to paddle the course of our lives.

Election 2015 had just been postponed.

What’s your reaction?

My reaction is that, to have shifted the polls, we require an explanation, reason

Pix from left Pastor Pastor (Mrs) Iyabo Ladipo, Member, Arise Women; Pastor (Mrs) Siju Iluyomade, Convener; Mrs Uche Nwandison and Pastor (Mrs) Funke Henshaw sensitising the people to vote during the Arise Women free medical outreach exercise for the Itedo Community, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos on Saturday.

Photo Lamidi Bamidele.

accept defeat; the sportsmanship of defeat in the interest of this country that we will not stand and say one thing and go other way doing other things. It’s one thing for us to sign a peace accord, but its another thing for us to inject our people with something else.

God will punish any leader that will bring chaos to Nigeria. It’s because of the mercies of God that we are not consumed.

Again, God will punish any leader that misleads His people. God will not forgive any leader that will ensure that peace is scarce because a leader ’s mistake is a leading mistake. Whatever you do, there is a repercussion. There are two things you are remembered for: the problems you create and the ones you solve. So you ask yourself if you are part of those solving the problems or catalyzing and bringing about reaction without taking part of the trouble. We must lead by example. You can say all you know, but you will produce who you are. If you are saying peace and within you, you have war, it’s the war you will give out. If through you any one soul is lost because of election, you will not live to see the next generation and the blood of innocent people will spill round to all that will not allow this nation enjoy the peace of God. What is your advice to religious leaders at this point in time since politicians are taking their campaigns to the churches?

We need God. Kings go to prophets, prophets don’t go to kings. We are fathers of all. If APC comes, I’ll pray for him; PDP comes, no sentiments, I’ll pray for him. I Timothy 2:1 says we must pray for our leaders, those in authority, for kings, that we might live a peaceful and quiet life in Godliness. It’s our sole responsibility to pray for leadership and to look for evil and rebuke it notwithstanding who commits that evil.

There is this allegation that some pastors collected N6 billion to endorse somebody and work against the other.

What is your reaction?

Whoever is saying that should come out with names of those who collected N6 billion. Evidence is important. Talk is cheap. He must come out to say I am authenticating what I’m saying with this, then it'll make a lot of sense. Politics has moved to a level of people running down people to rise. If you do that; on your way up, some elements and forces will make sure you nose dive because what you sew is what you reap.

After 50, what next?

The next bus stop is to receive an empowerment that I have received today to begin to do much more than what God has ever used me to do in areas of affecting widows, scholarship, the less privileged, to ensure that the gospel of Christ moves with so much tenacity. The velocity should be on a higher level to ensuring that we are agents of transformation God has intended for us.

PAGE 58—SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

N6 BN BRIBE: S-East Christians dare Amaechi to name names or...

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By Sam Eyoboka

OUTHERN Nigeria Chris tian Elders’ Forum, SOCEF, has brought another twist to the alleged N6 billion bribe for pastors, urging the whistle blower, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State to reveal the names of the beneficiaries just as they continue their investigation into alleged N1 million given to pastors in Rivers State.

The Forum also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s decision to shift the elections for another six weeks, saying that the extension would afford the electoral body ample time to plan for free and fair polls.

Speaking at a prayers rally in Okpara Square in Enugu, the chairman of the group, Bishop David Eberechukwu blamed the nation’s current political woes on the political leaders and statesmen on the one side and external forces, stressing the need for the two groups to consider the peace, unity and development of the nation.

According to the cleric every statesman in the country should consider the growth, peace and togetherness of the nation which at one time or the other took an oath to defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory.

On the alleged N6 billion bribe to pastors, Bishop Eberechukwu called on the whistle blower and Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi to make good his statement by calling the names of pastors bribed or close his mouth for good.

It will be recalled that Gov.

Amaechi last week alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan gave a whopping N6 billion to pastors to campaign against APC. SOCEF urged the governor to reveal the recipients of the money, “while we are still investigating the gift of N1 million each to pastors in Rivers State.

We call on him to reveal the names of those who collected the N6 billion.”

Apparently disturbed by unGodly statements credited to political gladiators during campaigns without much discussion on national issues, SOCEF chairman urged politicians to desist from ridiculous utterances and making unguarded statements not appropriate to be associated with their names.

“SOCEF wishes to commend the leadership of INEC and the security services for shifting the elections by six weeks to enable INEC plan for a more credible, peaceful and fair elections that Nigerians have been yearning for,” Bishop Eberechukwu stated, adding “ we must not allow foreigners to determine our future for us.”

According to him, after almost 55 years of political independence there is need for us as a nation to plan for our future that is best suitable for our people, calling on all Nigerians who registered but have not collected their permanent voters cards to take advantage of the extension to go out and collect the cards which will give the opportunity to vote.

The cleric also called on Christians and Muslims in the country to join hands together to pray for the success of the polls.

ADOPTION OF BUHARI:

CAN disowns Christian group

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HE umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has distanced itself from a group known as Northern Christian Leaders Eagle Eye Forum which was reported to have adopted the candidacy of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the March 2, presidential election.

A statement signed by the chairman of the National Christian Elders Forum, Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN, and his Secretary, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel said: "It has come to the notice of the National Christian Elders Forum that an unaccredited group claiming Northern Christians Leaders Eagle Eye Forum, purportedly on Thursday February 12, 2015, in Abuja, adopted a presidential aspirant (sic) in the forthcoming elections.

"The National Christian Elders Forum wishes to state clearly that the only Northern Elders Forum accredited and recognized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF).

"The Elders Forum hereby declares that neither the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), nor the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), nor the National Christian Elders Forum at any time supported or approved of the action of this unaccredited group.

"The National Christian Elders Forum wishes to admonish Chris-

tian leaders in Nigeria to resist the temptation of putting personal interests above the interests of the Lord Jesus Christ, because such compromise has terrible eternal consequences.

"The Elders Forum also advise politicians to put the interest of the nation first in all forms of electioneering campaign and desist from acts that could be interpreted to imply desperate manipulation of the electorate for political power," the statement added.

In another development, a social critic, Mr. Egheomhanre Eyieyien, in a post, said: "Many Buharists cannot stand President Goodluck Jonathan worshipping in churches and were particularly irked by his visit to Winners' Chapel, Canaan Land, Otta, for a Sunday service and the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God for its last Holy Ghost service. Yet it matters not to them that Pastor Yemi Osinbajo has been actively gathering some Christian clergymen in various cities around the country campaigning that Christians vote for Mr. Muhammadu Buhari. He has held such meetings with some pastors in Kaduna, Makurdi and Warri.

"The latest gathering happened Tuesday in Abuja. Mr. Buhari and Pastor Osinbajo met with a previously unknown group of "Northern Eagles Christian Elders" or something like that.

The group endorsed Mr. Buhari and even gave him a gift....a Bible. Yes, a Bible.

(L-R) Mrs Adetola Ola, Choirmistress, Bro Idowu Adedokun, Men's Missionary Union President, Rev Femi Popoola, Minister-In-Charge, Adebisi, his wife,Olutayo Irantiola, Church Secretary and Bolaji Akanni, Youth President all church officers of Divine Mercy Baptist Church during the presentation of offices at the organization of the church by Yaba Baptist Church.

Agbaje backs poll postponement

By Sam Eyoboka PEOPLE’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has haile the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to postpone the general elections by six weeks.

Mr. Agbaje made the commendation during the just concluded 2-day international crusade by The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement tagged 'Sorrow to joy' at its headquarters in Ijesha, Lagos.

The PDP candidate who was accompanied by several members of his campaign team, posited that several Nigerians would have been disenfranchised if INEC had gone ahead with the earlier scheduled dates of election.

Agbaje explained that Nigeria is a large country that cannot afford to get the electioneering process wrong, noting; “if we are not ready for elections, then the best thing to do is to postpone it, as long as we are not contravening the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Also, it is obvious to many of us that there are things that still need to be put in place. Don’t forget that the elections were to be held on February 14, yet many electorate are still complaining that they have not got their Permanent Voters’ Cards, which is important,” he maintained.

The pharmacist said calls from certain quarters, demanding for the resignation of INEC’s chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega for postponing the election, was not necessary, as the country has committed enormous investment for the preparation of the general elections, noting that the postponement became necessary as a result of the security situation in the North East zone of the country. ‘’There is a reality on ground that there is a part of our country that has insurgency issues that have to be at least contained to a reasonable extent. I think that is important. So, we have an assurance that in the next six weeks, INEC would be better prepared and the insurgency would have be contained to a level that we can’t afford to get our electoral process wrong.’’

(L-R) Rev Femi Popoola, Pastor-In-Charge, Divine Mercy Baptist Church; Adebisi, his wife and Olutayo Irantiola, Church Secretary at the organization service of Divine Mercy Baptist Church by Yaba Baptist Church recently.

B'Haram: Jonathan vows to rebuild territories By

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Caleb

Ayansina

BUJA President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his commitment and determination to rebuild all destroyed houses and businesses in areas recently recovered from insurgents in the north east region of the country.

Jonathan, who was speaking at the 2015 Convention of the Lutheran Church of Christ (LCCN) in Nigeria at Demsa, Adamawa State, pledged to put an end to the menace of insurgency soon.

Represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Boni Haruna, the President explained that it was the demonstration of the commitment that led to the

setting up of the Presidential Victims Support Fund (PVSF ) and the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE).

He debunked insinuations that he was sponsoring the insurgency for political reasons, saying, it is the work of the opposition to pulling him down.

The President stated that those making such insinuations had been put to shame by the successful military operations leading to the liberation of Gombi, Hong, Maiha, Mubi, Michika and very soon Madagali.

He implored the people to ignore such views, promising to provide all necessary assistance to them as they return to their various places.

He stated that his interest in vying for the Governorship seat in Lagos State is to change the governance for better, so that Lagosians would enjoy more from the various opportunities in the State.

“We have looked at the government of the day, we have seen where they have reached and we are saying that Lagos can do much better. What we have had over the years is what we call incremental increase in terms of governance in a global mega city like Lagos.’’

Agbaje further explained that he is coming to change the face of Lagos with bold ideas and improve education.’’ It is no longer news that our children are failing their exams especially O levels. Our government will address the issue of health, water, housing and transport. We have bold ideas that would bring opportunities to the people. Our youths can no longer remain unemployed’’ On the call for Jega’s resignation, he said it is a call in futility which would not be the solution at this point in time. “I mean we have six weeks to elections, it is not the best time to speak about this, what I think is important is that we just manage the process and see how we can have credible elections. I believe Jega himself would like to live a legacy of credible elections and let us put him to that challenge General Overseer of the church, Pastor Lazarus Muoka urged politicians to seek God’s directives in everything they do.

APC debunks disruption of Burutu rally report

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Burutu council area of Delta State, has described as "unfounded", recent reports that some persons stopped the party's political campaigns in Burutu on claims that the area belongs to the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Chairman of the APC in the area, Prince Owie told Sunday Vanguard yesterday that the Burutu APC rally, held February 9th, was a huge success, saying the alleged disruption was a falsehood employed by the PDP to disuade Burutu voters from the aligning with the growing popularity of APC and its candidates in the area He said, APC pulled an unprecedented 3000 crowd of supporters in the House of Representatives and senatorial rally which was peaceful without any form of disturbance whatso ever."

SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 59

A

LADY made a cov enant with God not to have sex until she was married. But then she discovered after marriage at 30 that she was sexually incompatible with her husband. Sex with him was excruciatingly painful.

How could God reward her righteousness like this? If she had slept with her husband before marriage, she would not have married him.

She found my defense of God unsatisfactory. I told her God was jealous for her.

While she rightly defined her virtue by her sexual abstinence, God wanted it defined by her love for him.

God does not guarantee the believer’s sexual fulfillment in marriage; God guarantees our fulfillment in his love. God’s love never disappoints. It is constant no matter our circumstances.

It remains; whether our marriage is good or bad.

Therefore, when we rightly decide not to have sex until we get married; when we get married God is likely to make us wonder what all the big deal is about sex. It is all one big conspiracy to teach us that God and only God is the big deal. No matter what the world says; sex is not a big deal at all.

World of disappointment Think back to five years ago: can you remember one thing you really desired?

What was that one thing you were expecting God to do for you? What happened after it finally came to pass? Was it as earth-shattering as you

HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS were led to believe? Looking back now, was it worth the wait and the expectation? You longed to buy a car and after some time finally managed to get one.

Then what? You feel elated on getting a car. But the feeling does not last. After a while, you realise that a car is not that big a deal.

Have you ever been to a wedding where they served everybody but you? Everybody was eating and drinking except you. You felt left out and became irritated.

Finally, the waiters brought your meal. Then when you start eating, you ask yourself: “Was it worth the wait?

What exactly was so special about this meal? Should I have been so het up because they took so long to serve me? What if they did not: would I have missed anything?”

The disciples came back late from the market; convinced Jesus must have been starving. However, they found him talking to a woman by Jacob’s well. Is he not famished already?

“No!” says Jesus: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34).

Soul satisfaction

We are on our way to a city where the Lord is all in all.

He is the water, the food, the clothing, the heat, the light and shield Why are things very valuable when we don’t have them, but once we acquire them, they start losing their value? Your car is five years old. Can you remember how excited you were when you bought it? Now all you want to do is replace it. Things lose their value because they can never satisfy. The soul is the seat of satisfaction.

There is a longing in us and it is a longing of the soul.

That longing cannot be satisfied by earthly things.

The wise man says: “A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul.” (Proverbs 13:19).

Note that for the longing to be fulfilled, it must be sweet to the soul. However, the purchase of a car cannot be sweet to the soul. The soul is the eternal part of a man.

However, the things of this world are not eternal.

John says: “Everything in the world---the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of

what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (I John 2:16-17).

Nevertheless, there is a way whereby we can eat our meal and be satisfied with it. There is a way for marrying a spouse that leads to fulfillment. There is a way whereby we can accomplish something in this world and nevertheless be truly content. That way is for us to hunger and thirst after righteousness.

When we hunger and thirst after righteousness, God will ensure that we enjoy our plate of rice. He will ensure we enjoy our marriage. He will ensure we enjoy our children and are fulfilled in the house we build. The psalmist says: “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4-5).

Hunger for God Righteousness is a person and not just a way of life.

When we hunger and thirst after righteousness, it means we hunger and thirst after somebody. That person is Jesus because Jesus is our righteousness. Jeremiah tells us one of the names by which the Lord shall be called is: “The LORD our righteousness.”

(Jeremiah 33:16). When we truly have the Lord, he satisfies the longing of the soul.

Jesus says: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35).

The psalmist says: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2). “O God, you are my God; early will I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1).

This feeling is not limited to the psalmist: it is in every human-being. There is a yearning of the soul for God. The deceitfulness of the world and of the flesh tends

to re-channel this to vanity.

A man desires a woman, or a job, or honour, expecting to be fulfilled when he gets it. A woman desires a child, a husband, a home, expecting to be fulfilled when she realises it. It is all a lie of the devil. It will never fulfil.

It will never satisfy the yearning of the soul.

Superlative God Only God can fill that void. Only God can fill that vacuum. If you hunger and thirst after God, you will be filled and fulfilled. The psalmist says: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:8-9).

We are on our way to a city where the Lord is all in all.

He is the water, the food, the clothing, the heat, the light and shield. Therefore, prepare the way for the Lord.

Make his paths straight.

What are those things hindering the move of God in your life? Get rid of them.

What is that preoccupation which takes so much of your thought life? Relinquish it.

What is that television program that short-circuits your devotion? Give it up.

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his face evermore!” (Psalm 105:4). Seek him for who he is. Seek him for righteousness sake.

“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10).

CAN did not endorse Buhari, says Rev. Byal, N-East CAN chairman

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HAIRMAN of Nort East zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Shuaibu Byal has formally denied stories making the round that the Christian body in the zone had adopted the APC candidate, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking in a telephone conversation, Rev. Byal debunked the reports posted in a website by Arewa, describing the report as a figment of the imagination of the authors and their sponsors, saying a group of Arewa youths made up of Christians and Muslims visited him on February 11 at 10:00 a.m. but there was no time during the visit when the issue of endorsement was mentioned.

"They came in the name of peace advocate and the need for peaceful conduct of elections. And they were seeking ways to have a peaceful election. It was therefore sad for me to learn later that the meeting was to make a public address of endorsing Gen Buhari as the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Party," he began.

Continuing, Rev. Byal described the report as a "very malicious statement and may be from some people who are going for their self aggrandizement and have made the move to deliberately come and take the issue of peaceful conduct of elections.

"If it is for co-operation among Muslims and Christians in the North, I threw so many questions to the group that came which unfortunately, they just went and cornered it up. When I said that both Muslims and Christians in the North should join forces together to work for the good of the region, as it is, we could not do that because of selfish interests of our so-called elite who have ruled us in the past and have made efforts to segregate and destabilize us.

"That information is false and baseless. Christian Association of Nigeria, as an embodiment of Christian communities in the North East with many people belonging to differ-ent political parties in the zone; there’s no way we could single out one ind-ividual. All of these people have their own candidates and should be allowed to

exercise their franchise as they want.

"All we are praying for is that God should give us a humble and God-fearing person who has the right thinking to do the work that will promote Nigeria as a country. We don’t want to pursue anything out of selfishness this time around. Nigeria is greater and bigger than any person or group. But we have to join hands together and live in peace and unity for the growth of our country," he prayed.

According to the CAN chairman, the motive of his visitors was to reach out to stakeholders and advocate the need for peaceful co-existence among the communities in the northern states which includes both Muslims and Christians.

"That was why I told them specifically that they have taken on a great task and that they will succeed only if they win the major stakeholders to their side.

All they needed to do was to co-operate among them-selves.

Appointments should be clearly spelt out. Where there are elections and somebody who is in the majority has won if he’s a Muslim, then appoint-

ment should also be given to a Christian because he too took part in whatever process that has brought out that person that was elected.

"If two who are elected are Muslims, why should there not be Christians?

They should nominate Christians to the executive level because all of us are in the North and we should enjoy the leverage of living as one people. I don’t know when we will understand what Arewa really means if it is the North they are concentrating on.

"I’ve always called for an all inclusive government in the North. If the Christian is not identified or appoint-ed, what will you tell me?" he stated.

On the issue of PVCs in readiness for the elections, the cleric who has always stressed that one’s vote is his own political right and power, called on all Christians in the North East and indeed Nigeria, wherever they are, to go to the closest INEC office and collect their PVCs. "We should not overheat the polity in the name of religion," he said.

Asked to speak on the allegation that certain

pastors were given N6 billion to endorse a candidate, Rev. Byal described the allegation as very unfortunate, saying "I am a pastor. If this N6 billion was true, I should be among those sharing that money. I want to sound this as warning to people who make use of politics to delve into religion. Gov. Amaechi should have a proof that this sum of money was given. I’m sad

that he said he’s a Catholic and he’s making such a statement. I don’t know the type of morale he’s giving.

"I strongly condemn such statement. When people were accusing Buhari on his certificate, we saw it on the newspaper. So, let this man show us facts and proof. God in His own way will choose the best for this country and this country will not disintegrate," he stated.

LG boss assures Okpe of better years ahead

A

S the Okpe local government boss marks his one hundred days in office, the council chairman, Hon. Godwin Ejinyere (aka Gondons), has assured Okpe people of better years ahead and promised them of more dividends of democracy.

Hon. Ejinyere, who gave this assurance while marking his one hundred days in office said he has always had the interest of Okpe at heart even when he was not the council chairman, saying that if he could make some positive impact in the area with his hard-earned money, there was reason he would not do more as Okpe council

chairman.

It could be recalled that he upgraded Okpe council hall to a modern hall with state-of-the-art facilities, renovated the market toiletry for the comfort of the traders and had graded all link roads in the council The council chairman having been known as a security conscious being, has introduced 10pm to 6am curfew in Orerokpe, headquarter of Okpe local government area to avoid inflow of hooligans and unwanted persons who use motor-bikes as means of robbery in the area.

PAGE 60—SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015 japhdave@yahoo.com 08066625505

Engr. Guy Otobo: Interesting narratives of the Roadmaster

By JAPHET ALAKAM REVIEW

T

HE journey of life and rise to stardom is always determined by many factors, while some made it to the top because they were born with the silver spoon, others were not so lucky, but were able to make it by a stint of hard work and dedication. Which class does Engineer Guy Eboe Otobo belong, how did he handle his challenges of birth and upbringing to become a top class civil servant?

These and other issues were what the Government College Ughelli old boy penciled down in his autobiography entitled “Engineer Guy Eboe Otobo , A Life On The Roads”.

The author, Engineer Guy Eboe Otobo is one of the true patriots of Nigeria, born in the late 1930s who was opportune to acquire western education and rose through the ranks to the highly esteemed and pivotal positions of coordinating Director of Federal Highways, Director-General of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and that of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources respectively.

The book, A Life On The Roads from all indications runs contrary to Prof. Soyinka’s view of some autobiographies which he labeled as scripts written to burnish and massage the ego of the writers as it gives a vivid account of life experiences of the author in all areas including areas where he failed and others that fell into the critical four decades of national development in Nigeria ending in the mid-90s.

Rather, it is an epitome of true life experiences, the type that led Benjamin Disreali to exhort us to read as there are a lot of lessons to learn from it.

492 page book T he published by Malthouse Press Limited, Surulere, Lagos is a record of how a brilliant, competent and nationalistic mind could be frustrated by Lilliputians whose stock in trade is to denigrate, gossip and abject hypocrisy. It covers the author’s early years, life at the various schools, his career at the federal Ministry of works and housing, federal ministry of petroleum and mineral resources, the experiences in the private business, voluntary service to the nation, extra curricular activities and professional development, sporting life and life and times- marriages, children, travels and awards, particularly the challenges of man’s inhumanity to man, which were most disconcerting and depressing.

The coming of the book at this period in our political life is timely as it shows that in this corruption ridden era where many made it to the top through the wrong way and were celebrated, there are still few Nigerians who has the courage/conviction and will not compromise their principles in all areas of life.

In chapter 1, the author exhibiting his gift as a good historian takes the reader to the history of Uzere clan, his early life as a son of a prominent Uzere chief , how he was brought up in a polygamous family and his early years in school. It also recounts how circumstances beyond his control forced him to live with his fa-

The book from all indications runs contrary to Prof.

Soyinka’s view of autobigraphies which he labeled as scripts written to burnish and massage the ego of the writers as it gives a vivid account of life experiences of the author in all areas

Engineer Guy Eboe Otobo , A Life On The Roads, An Autobiography, Guy Eboe Otobo; Malthouse Press Limited, Surulere, Lagos; 2014; PP. 492

ther’s sister Alice Eyakwanor and the husband who were teachers and from there his journey on the road started as he followed them to where ever they were transferred to.

The book goes further in the next chapter to discuss his school days at the famous Government College Ughelli that produced most of the big names in Nigeria and here too, the author discussed the standard in the school then, unlike now where schools are nothing to write home about, the school then was blessed with good teachers who were under the strict supervision of the principal and discipline was not compromised and that made them to come out with good grades. Again, the author here mentioned how he finally gained admission into University College, Ibadan. What was

life like in University College then, the author here highlights such and how he successfully passed the intermediate London degree in one year and proceeded to McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Chapter three reviews his life as an engineering student at McGill University and Montreal. Here, the author recounts the hectic life of an engineering students, the academic life, social and sports and how his love for Jazz music developed. The chapter also highlights his relationship with the opposite sex , the list of Nigerian students in the school and how they related and finally, how he graduated in 1960 at the age of 21 and secured his first job at Aluminium Laboratories Limited Montreal, where he worked for some years before returning back to Nigeria to work with the federal civil service.

The author in chapter four tells readers about his career in the Federal

Ministry of Works and Housing, where he started as the Executive Engineer with the ministry and rose to the position of the Director General of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, a position that earned him an Award for Excellence and Distinction. By the virtue of his office, the author visited virtually all the parts of the country for the execution of one project or the other and it was recorded that it was while he was on such journeys that he met his wife Franka in Enugu.

Was life in the ministry rosy, the author here narrates the various monumental projects he did, the challenges he faced in the course of trying to make the country better, his encounter with different heads of state, with particular reference to the then military Head of state, General Ibrahim Babaginda, who surprised him, as instead of acting on a damaging petition written against him by the minister, rather promoted him to the position of Director General (Permanent Secretary) of the federal ministry of Works and Housing.

In chapter five, Eboe narrates his short stint as the Director General at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and how he tried to leave a legacy in the mineral sector by putting in place a new Mineral Act that would promote a rapid development in the solid mineral sector. Here, the author also recounts how he made up his mind to retire after putting over 35 years of service to his fatherland.

While chapter six records his life after retirement, the establishment of Guy Otobo and Partners Limited, the various consultancy services and other investment in the real estate business and its challenges.

In chapter seven, the author recalls his voluntary service to

the nation, which includes the various roles he played as member of the following, Nigerian Road Federation(NRF), Engineering Monitoring Team(EMT), National Road Maintenance Task Force and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency(FERMA) .

Chapters eight and nine chronicles the author ’s other involvement in other activities and professional development, his life and times, marriage children, travels and awards. While the last chapter reveals his love for sports that took him to many sporting events where he met many wonderful people.

Apart from the written words as enumerated above, the author also included images his life, from the younger years, his family, friends, at work sites, meeting with important dignitaries and others that sends its own message about some of the issues he has written about his life .

The title is in line, as it brings to the fore, the account of a young man who spent major part of his life on the road, that started with his upbringing as one who was bent of getting the best of education, he traversed from one school to another. Then his profession that kept him more on the road, as he was forced to be either in one state or community or the other inspecting road construction or supervising building projects.

The book is a pleasure to read but above all a lesson in service. It is a very good reference material and an important addition to the array of literary works in the book stands. I therefore recommend it for all, especially those who want to know more about the life of the yesteryears.

Memories of Gr andma ... tto owards re viving socie ty’s vvalues alues Grandma andma... reviving society’s

By PRISCA SAM-DURU PRESENTATION

W

ith an unwavering commitment towards the promotion of diverse rich cultural heritage of the different ethnic groups in Nigeria, on-air personality, media trainer, and accomplished civil servant, Mrs Funke Durodola presented to the public, her book, Memories of Grandma.

The book presentation which took place last week at the Freedom Park, Lagos, attracted a mixed audience which includes, journalists, politicians, academics as well as the religious.

Memories of Grandma, a memoir, reminiscent of the days when moral values were held in high esteem, with the extended family system breeding a crop of individuals that make up a society with high moral standard, was published with the view to sensitising the young ones on the need for a cultural revival.

The event presented an opportunity for those in attendance, to lend their voices on the need for a cultural revival through publication of more books aimed at pre-

for me, most importantly, is the linguistic competence of someone who claims to be writing her first book. This book cannot be a first book. Funke must have been writing other books that she didn’t let us read, because this is a very mature work.”

Commending the author for publishing such material capable of transforming the society, the Executive Director Programmes, Nigerian Television Authority, Mrs Eugenia Abu noted that “As a broadcaster, she breaks the bank to bring it time and again, as a trainer, she believes it’s the best thing, to impart, impact and show •His Eminence Dr. S K. Uche, Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria , Mr Ike Okere and others during the unveiling of the book by example, now as an author, she brings us all to tears with her new beguiling book, Memories of serving and promoting rich tradi- ulty of Arts, University of Grandma. tions as well as cultural values of Ibadan, Professor Aderemi Raji Abu who was represented by Mrs the people. stated that “I am one of those Helen Odeleye described Durodola The book event featured reading village boys who had trepida- as a broadcaster after her heart,

by Miss Inioluwaniyi Akintoye. tion in their heart, when they who has followed in the footsteps She read from chapter 14 of the want to come to Lagos. …the of her forebears. book, entitled The Twins, to the experience presented in this According to her, “Funke Treasadmiration of all present. Akintoye book is what a typical Lagosian ure Durodola is a broadcaster afgave an outstanding reading and boy or girl will want to refer to ter my heart, following in the footrendition of the songs contained as fiction. But this is not fiction. steps of her forebears, drinking in the portion she read, thereby, This is something very autobio- deep of the wisdom of her mentors bringing to the fore, the impor- graphical, and we must thank and becoming herself a formidatance of reviving the reading cul- Durodola for giving us this. It ble product of an incredible Nigeture of Nigerians by catching them is also sociology because it tells rian Broadcast Tradition. I recomyoung. us about family, relations; and mend this book to everyone.”

Reviewing the book, Dean, Fac-

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 61 japhdave@yahoo.com 08066625505

The pains of a country

BY FEMI ADESINA BOOK REVIEW

H

ow long do you think it would take to fill a 648 pages book with newspaper columns that run on a weekly basis? Many years, surely. And that is what you have in this book, aptly titled: ‘The Pains of a Country,’ written by Eddy Odivwri, Deputy Editor of Thisday Newspapers. It is a collection of newspaper articles, some of them written as far back as 2008.

What are the things Odivwri loves to write about? Everything.

Week after week, he picks varied topics from politics to education, security, foreign affairs, business and economy, media, and other general interest topics. But in all these writings, there’s one thing you can be sure of: governance or the lack of it, will find a place.

In the Foreword, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, describes the articles in the book as “strong reflection of an active participant in the Nigerian project; one who sees, understands, informs and interprets the facts and foibles of those in government and public service.

Therefore, the articles do not spare politicians, the military, civil servants, and even the ‘ordinary man’ in the streets, when they run short of ethical and social standards.”

What Dr Fayemi is saying is that the author is a journalist who places high premium on ethical and social standards, and any deviation from that moral highpoint, would attract the sharp point of his pen.

There are 78 Chapters in ‘The Pains of a Country,’ with each chapter dedicated to an article.

As the author confessed, the recipients of the sharp edge of his pen are not only those he is not familiar with, even his friends are not spared.

This is one watchdog that knows no friend or foe, and he hopes the work “ will serve as a good narrative on how far we have come, and an indication of where we could be.”

There are newspaper columnists who have mastered the art of ambivalence. They dance round a topic, a jig here, a waltz there, and at the end of the piece, they leave the reader hanging. They don’t take a position. Not Odivwri.

Every single piece he writes, you are in no doubt as to what his position is. He usually finds a point of anchor.

From left: Author of the book, Eddy Odivwri; his wife, Florence, Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Reviewer of the Book and Managing Director, The Sun Newspapers, Mr Femi Adesina; Publisher of the book, O'femi Kolawole, and the first Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba 'Niyi Adebayo,

From left: Anchor of the discussion session and Managing Director of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Gbenga Adefaye; one of the discussants, Mr Robert Opara, and the author, Eddy Odivwri Part 1 of the book is devoted to politics, governance and leadership.

Sure, these are topics a country cannot do without, if it is to realize her full potentials.

But then, we know that Nigeria is far from being the country of the dreams of our founding fathers, nor that of we the contemporary generation. That accounts for why the book is called ‘The Pains of a Country.’ Yes, Nigeria is in pains, indeed paroxysms, and in the throes of despondency and disillusionment.

But is it all hopeless, “a thoroughfare of woes,” as Godfrey Chaucer would call it? The relief Odivwri brings is that he not only identifies problems, he also recommends antidotes, charts the path forward.

Don’t think the author is all about politics, economy and leadership. He can wax very philosophical too. Take for example Chapter 4, which bears the title: ‘Just Six Feet… That is all you Finally Need.”

There, he reflects on life and the ephemeralness of it, and wonders why people go into primitive

Nigeria is in pains, indeed paroxysms, and in the throes of despondency and disillusionment accumulation, carrying on as if they would live forever. He then submits: “In all, the question that racks my brain is how many houses does a man really need? Who can sleep on two beds at the same time? Even then, what amount of space does the bed take

in a room? And whoever gets buried even with the tyre of a car?

And when the final bell tolls, are we not simply allotted a carefully measured, three-by-six feet in just one corner? Isn’t that all we really need as humans? What’s all these vagrancy and demonic Epicureanism?

And as the Bible will ask: “ what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”

Deep.

Profound.

Food for thought.

In Chapter 14, Senate President, David Mark, felt the sharp side of Odivwri’s pen. The article is titled: ‘Mark the Lawmaker or Lawbreaker?’ What is the piece about?

There was a court ruling over the tussle on who should be the validly elected Senator for Anambra North Senatorial District. The Court of Appeal had declared that Alphonsus Igbeke was the victor. But the Senate, under David Mark dithered, and wanted the Supreme Court to give an interpretation.

See how Odivwri descended on him, like a ton of bricks: “Why the abuse of legal procedure by groping on to the Supreme Court, pretending to ask the apex court to interpret the ruling of the Appeal Court? Did the Appeal Court give its ruling in Arabic? Why the resort to black market tactics?

Why the prerogative of choosing which court order to obey and the one to disobey? Is that what the constitution they swore to uphold says?

“Where is the claim to the rule of law, or did President Yar ’Adua die with the practice of the rule of law? Why the extra effort to shield Emordi? Is it a PDP conspiracy to short-sell the capacity of other political parties? Two sets of rules: one for the cabal and another for the ‘outsiders.’ Can somebody please tell Mark to mark his name on the right pages of history, by swearing-in Igbeke without further circumlocutory argument?”

I wonder the kind of eye Senator Mark must have used to look at Odivwri, when they met after this column in question.

Even Odivwri’s own governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State is not spared. In chapter 4, you have ‘Your Excellency, this is not Excellent,’ in which the author excoriates the governor for buying colour pages

in newspapers to advertise private email exchanges between him and Delta people, all in the name of “open government.” Odivwri says money spent on such advertisements could build some boreholes in much needed areas.

I have not been asked to write another book, just to review this one, so I shouldn’t carry on and on. But let me look at Chapter 67, which has the title: ‘Gaddafi’s Inglorious End.’ What is the lesson the author wants the reader to go away with?

After reviewing the iron fist rule of Muamar Gaddafi over Libya for more than four decades, he submits: “Dictators and oppressors will hardly learn.

With the jubilation on the streets of Tripoli and other parts of Libya…

Gaddafi’s death represents a refreshing interlude that should prologue the reconstruction and reconciliation of Libya and its people.”

This book, published by Posterity Media, is painstakingly edited.

You don’t see those annoying errors that often creep into newspaper articles, as the author rushes to beat deadline.

It therefore means that scrupulous re-editing may have been done before this book emerged.

Kudos to the author and to the publishers!

In this compendium, readers, particularly those who have followed Odivwri for many years, have a one-stop-shop, in which they can read his writings to their heart’s content. It is a worthy effort.

It is said that books live forever. And so do authors. We would therefore not be guilty of mendacity if we say that our friend and brother, Eddy Odivwri, through this book, will never die. He will live forever. He has left his footprints on the sands of time.

Thank you for listening.

• Femi Adesina is the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited/ President, Nigerian Guild of Editors.

DESOPADEC commissioner: Egbema youths appeal to Uduaghan

I

JAW youths of Egbema Kingdom, in Warri North local government area, have appealed to Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Udaughan, to ensure that Egbema produces the next commissioner to represent Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development C o m m i s s i o n ,

DESOPADEC. The Egbema youths at a meeting in Warri, explained that since Ogulagha kingdom in Burutu local government had produced Chief Francis Temewei, and Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West had also produced Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, then Egbema in Warri North should be allowed to pro-

duce the next Ijaw commissioner on the basis of equity and justice.

They however, commended the former commissioner, Otuaro for his quality and effective representation of the Ijaw nation on the board of DESOPADEC, adding that the people of Egbema really appreciate his laudable achievements.

According to them, “we are convinced that our brothers in Gbaramatu and Ogulagha kingdoms are strongly supporting Egbema kingdom to produce the next commissioner to represent Ijaw nation on the board of DESOPADEC, and we sincerely thank them for their cooperation”

PAGE 62 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Grant rejects Villa contract, sticks with Ghana E

X-Chelsea boss Avram Grant has restated his commitment to the Black Stars of Ghana as he turned down the chance to return to the English premier league with Aston Villa.

Grant who led Ghana to a second place finish at the 2015 African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, claimed Prince William approached him about becoming Aston Villa’s new manager The Duke of Cambridge is known to be a big Villa fan and has seemingly tried to use his influence to secure a man of Grant’s pedigree to take over.

He told Sky Sports: “Aston Villa is a great club, with great fans and it is an honour to have my name mentioned with them, but I want to continue with Ghana for the next two years, until the end of my contract. I enjoy managing Ghana very much.

“I met Prince William and he asked me ‘why don’t you come to Aston Villa?’. I said ‘when you become the chairman, I will come’. As long as my name is mentioned, I feel good with this, but not more than that. I want to continue with Ghana. “[Afcon] was a great experience. Great people, very passionate about football. High quality players, many of whom are playing here in the Premier League. I enjoyed it very much.

“Ghana have not won the cup since 1982 and no one expected us to reach the final, because it is a completely new team. “Half of the squad were different to the squad who went to the World Cup just half a year ago. We changed it from players who were stars of the team to players

Better Luck... Avram Grant shares a heart break moment with Black Stars of Ghana players after they lost on penalties to the Elephants of Cote’d Ivoire in the final of the 2015 AFCON. who I think will be stars of the team. “In the final, we were the better side and lost after 11 penalties each. We are happy

and the Ghanaian people are very happy.

“I have just come from three days of celebrations and it was

Flying Eagles set for Ghana test N

IGERIA U20s, the Flying Eagles, landed in Accra, Ghana, Friday evening ahead of two warmup matches against their Ghanaian counterparts.

Both teams are preparing for next month’s African Youth Championship in Senegal.

The 22-man Flying Eagles squad flew into the Kotoka International Airport in Accra

EPL megabuc ks TTV V deal spar ks megabucks sparks exodus ffear ear in Spain S

PANISH football chief Javier Tebas is concerned La Liga could suffer an “exodus” of talent to the Premier League in the wake of English football’s moneyspinning TV deal.

Premier League rights were auctioned off for an astonishing £5.136billion this week, averaging at £10million per game.

The Liga de Futbol Profesional is currently negotiating fresh

terms on La Liga’s new TV deal, though delays have frustrated its president Tebas.

And he is concerned that stellar names plying their trade in Spain could be drawn to the riches on offer in England.

“We’ve done all we have to do and we can only hope that the decision is for the good of football fans and Spanish sport,” he told EFE.

EPL Calling... Lionel Messi and Ronaldo in a duel during a La Liga match.

C M Y K

like we took the World Cup. But we did lose by the last penalty so I cannot be completely happy.”

“[The delays] could result in a very important loss, hundreds of millions of Euros, which would mean a very complicated future for Spanish football.

“There will be a new exodus of players. The current model stops us keeping our stars.

“Our game is going to be devalued.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may be one of those looking to take advantage of further financial clout in the market, having recently signed La Liga stars Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in big-money moves.

“It makes the clubs in a bigger, stronger financial position all over Europe,” he said.

“It will contribute to get the best players all over the world to come to England. The movement of the players is always linked with the economical and financial power in the countries.

“When I was a coach in Monaco we bought the English players because we were the first to have the television money. Today the biggest financial power is in England and the best players come to England.”

by 5pm local time, which is 6pm Nigerian time.

NFF deputy secretary general Emmanuel Ikpeme is the leader of the Nigerian delegation to Ghana.

The team’s first test game against the Black Satellites is fixed for tomorrow, at the Accra Sports Stadium, while the second match has been fixed for Thursday at the Tema Sports Stadium.

The Tema Sports Stadium has an artificial pitch.

Kick-off time for both matches has been fixed for 3pm local time, which is 4pm Nigerian time.

The Flying Eagles are booked into the MPlaza Hotel.

They will have their first training by 3pm on Saturday at the Presec Park in Accra.

Referee Agbovi William will handle the first game, while the second match will be officiated by Cecil Fleicher.

•Garba

Nigeria/Mali Olympic qualifier gets new date THE Mali Football Federation has accepted a proposal by the Nigeria Football Federation for a qualifying fixture of the Women’s Football Tournament of 2016 Olympic Games between both nations’ Women Teams to be moved forward.

African champions, Super Falcons, were scheduled to host the Malians on 23rd May with the return leg in Nigeria on 30th May in the second round of qualifiers for the Women’s Football Tournament of the 2016 Olympics.

“We had to write to Confederation of African Football and the Malian Federation to consider bringing the matches forward by two weeks in order for our team to be able to head to Canada by 19th May, for the final training camp for the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals,” NFF General Secretary Musa Amadu said on Friday.

CAF had given the go-ahead for the NFF to contact the Malian Federation for both National Associations to agree between themselves.

In its reply, dated 13th February, General Secretary Yacouba Traore said the Mali Football Federation had agreed in principle.

This means that the first leg will now take place in Nigeria on 9th May, with the return leg in Bamako on 16th May.

Players union faults CAF ban on Morocco

T

HE African division of global players’ union FIFPro has criticised Caf for their treatment of Morocco.

Morocco has been banned from the next two Nations Cup tournaments for refusing to host this year’s event.

The Atlas Lions were also kicked out of the 2015 edition when being replaced as hosts by Equatorial Guinea.

Morocco were fined $1m and ordered to pay $9 million in compensation for pulling out at the last minute due to fears over the spread of Ebola.

But FIFPro said Moroccan players have been unfairly made to pay the price.

“It’s not up to the African division of FIFPro to know whether Morocco acted within its rights in refusing to organise the last CAN,” said a FIFPro statement.

“However, it is our place to express surprise that the Caf sanctions target first of all the players.’’

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015, PAGE 63

Omeruo set for Arsenal test K

ENNETH Omeruo will most likely be on the pitch for Middlesbrough when they take on Arsenal in the FA Cup tomorrow at the Emirates Stadium.

The Super Eagles defender has been in and out of the Boro first team this season, having to play second fiddle to Ben Gibson and Dani Ayala, who are coach Aitor Karanka’s preferred central defensive pair.

However, with Ayala out injured for the next month Omeruo appears to be the favourite to fill his void.

The on loan Chelsea defender filled in admirably for Ayala in the three games he was suspended but lost his spot when the Argentine

returned from his ban in last weekend game.

The Nigeria International paired with Gibson at the heart of Boro defence and helped the team keep three clean sheets in the game he played in Ayala’s forced absence.

Although Ayala went off injured on his return, Ben Gibson was preferred to the Nigerian as replacement but Jonathan Woodgate needing a rest, Omeruo is back in contention.

If he gets picked by Karanka against Arsenal, he will be making his second appearance in the FA Cup, as he was omitted in their shock victory over Manchester City in the previous round.

Allegations of irregularities rock CRS FA election process

BY JACOB AJOM

F

ORMER NITEL Football Club of Lagos team manager, Ekpenyong Ene-Ita is among those vying for the chairmanship of the Cross River State Football Association.

Ene-Ita submitted his form February 10 which was a confirmation of his intent to contest for the position.

Other prominent former footballers who submitted their forms before the deadline were former national team goalkeepers Etta Egbe and Egan Adat. Coach Paul Edum was also among those wanting to

Amuneke Continues from BP Omeruo

Bahrain take in more Nigerian athletes

BY BEN EFE

J

UST when Nigerian athletics enthusiasts have gotten over the loss of world class 400m hurdler, Kemi Adekoya to Bahrain, it has emerged that the Arab nation have again snatched two promising Nigerian juniors.

Ebere Agbapuluonwu and Nwamaka Onyeocha are the latest addition to the long list of Nigerian athletes and coaches that have been lured by oil rich Arab nations. Reports have it that Ebere who was the 400m champion at the 2013 School Sports in Port Harcourt, Rivers State is making waves and the she has caught the eye of the king of Bahrain.

Officials, including Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba, Bruce Ijirigho, Seigha Porbeni, and even National Sports Commission director of youth development, Alhassan Yakmut were thrilled by the prowess of Ebere at the Port Harcout meet, where she effortlessly ran 52.3, beating Cross River golden girl, Edidiong Offinime Odiong with some metres to spare . Dr C M Y K

be on the board of the Cross River State FA. The concern in the state is that long after the February 10 deadline for the submission of forms, Secretary of the State FA Electoral Committee, Michael Ushie was still selling forms to aspirants.

“I am not comfortable with the level of irregularities going on.

The entire process has been faulty and I do not know how this can produce an acceptable outcome to all stakeholders,” Etta Egbe, one of the aspirants said in a chat yesterday.

The CRS FA elections have been fixed for February 21.

subsequently play Guinea and Zambia on February 18 and 22 respectively.

But Amuneke further stated that the focus of the team was today ’s match against Niger: “Mentally, we must be prepared for the home team but if we win, it will put us on course for other matches.”

Amuneke psyched the

players on the stiff test that is today’s match as the team fine tunes all the rough edges:”We need to psychologically prepare ourselves in all circumstances because in football, you can never neglect the inconveniences,”he said.

“Our idea is that we want to win though we don’t know what the match can bring, we must be able to resolve the issue.”

NFF Continues from BP

Rolling... Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare (centre) taking on Jamaicans Kerron Stewart (right) and Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce., during a meet.

Ijirigho had wanted to draft the Anambra-born Ebere to the Cross River Grassroots sports initiative in Calabar, but that did not materialise. Ebere was then ferried to Bahrain by Nigerian-born coach John Obeya. “It is really sad

how we are losing our best athletes to other countries.

This was a promising junior who with minimal training can produce good performances. She is a natural born athlete,” said Anambra athletics chief coach, Johnny

Igboka.

“Ebere from my owning reckoning is a world champion in the making.

At the school sports meet in Port Harcout remember how she beat the girl from Cross River who had been well trained.

Pillars

FA Cup Continues from BP dominance to double the advantage before the break.

While Adrian got a touch to Morrison’s longrange strike shortly before the interval, the West Ham goalkeeper could not keep it out,

with Ideye’s second early in the second half effectively ending the game as a contest.

West Ham - without the injured trio of Andy Carroll, James Collins and Winston Reid - almost gained a foothold when Gareth McAuley cleared

I watched the team a number of times and I could see in the players the hunger to achieve.’

Nigeria will play host nation Niger Republic at the General Seyni Kountche Stadium in Niamey, today at 3pm.

The Nigerian team which left for the Niger on Thursday arrived Niamey on Friday under the guide of NFF head of competitions, Mohammed Sanusi.

The Eaglets’ last two group games are against Guinea on 18 February and Zambia three days later.

All four semi finalists at the championship in Niamey will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place in Chile, 17 November – 8 December, 2015.

Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and South Africa contest in Group B.

Diafra Sakho’s header off the line.

However, the dismissal of Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino’s 72nd-minute strike capped a dismal outing for Sam Allardyce as Pulis’ men eased into the last eight.

Continues from BP January 2011 when they defeated Liberia’s Mighty Barrolle 2-1 in Buchanan.

Nigeria’s other representative, Enyimba of Aba are ready to play against Buffles Borgu of Benin

Republic today in Cotonou. Enyimba two times winner of the champions league, are expected to roll over the relatively unknown Borgu who are making their maiden appearance in the championship.

SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

FA Cup: Ideye brace seals quarter-final spot A

Brown Ideye brace helped West Brom into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory over West Ham at The Hawthorns on

CAF U-17 Championship:

Saturday.

West Brom are into their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2008 after Brown Ideye’s brace helped ensure

Amuneke predicts tough opener against Niger G

OLDEN Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has predicted a tough test for his wards when they open their 11th African U17 Championship account against Niger at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) in Niamey today.

The former Barcelona star believes a win against the host would set a good omen as Nigeria push for the trophy yet again. Golden Eaglets nearly won the championship the last time in Morocco but lost to Cote d’Ivoire in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout after a pulsating 1-1 draw.

“The first game is very important and we want to win irrespective of the fact that we are meeting Niger,” said Amuneke.

“Of course, we know it is never going to be an easy match because both teams would like to win. “ He said he was not oblivious about the huge test of playing against the host in front of a partisan crowd, adding his wards must gird their loins:”We have told the players in clear terms that we want nothing but victory against Niger,” he said.” It’s never going to be easy but we must be tactically and psychologically sound for this match.”

Golden Eaglets’, who are drawn in Group A, would Continues on Page 63

Pillars thrash Al Malakia

•Enyimba ready to ruffle Buffles Borgou

K

ANO Pillars made a bright start to the their CAF champions league campaign by beating Al-Malakia 2-0 in the first round eleminiation match decided yesterday in Juba South Sudan.

Christian Obiazor and Gambo Muhammed scored both goals, after a goalless first half.

But four minutes into the restart, Gambo ensured Kano Pillars got their noses in front.

In the 63rd minute, Obiozor doubled the lead for the Nigerian champions to help Kano secure only their second away win in Africa’s biggest club competition.

The last time Kano Pillars won an away game in the Caf Champions League was in Continues on Page 63

RIDING HIGH... Brown Ideye (9) leaps high to head home one of his two goals against West Ham yesterday. Brom won 4-0.

NFF mandates Eaglets to win trophy T HE Nigeria Football Federation has handed a

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. House of Reps Speaker (8) 5. Assistant (4) 7. Praise (5) 8. Upright (4) 9. Lantern (4) 11. Tradition (6) 13. Lagos masquerade (3) 15. Exclamation (2) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 18. Agent (3) 20. Glitters (6) 24. Forward (5) 25. Nigerian state (6) 27. Boring tool (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric (5) 31. Perform (2) 32. Oshiomhole’s state (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 36. Vow (4) 38. Musical quality (4) 39. Inclination (5) 40. Eager (4) 41. Damages (8)

a 4-0 win over Premier League rivals West Ham. The Nigeria international striker - who has found form following the recent appointment of Tony Pulis at The Hawthorns - scored either side of James Morrison’s firsthalf stunner to help seal progression against 10-man West Ham. The hosts led after 20 minutes courtesy of Ideye’s third goal in as many games and again made the most of their first-half Continues on Page 63

DOWN 1. Sample (5) 2. Niger state town (4) 3. Observe (5) 4. Lecture (6) 5. Everyone (3) 6. Use (6) 10. Inquires (4) 12. Carpet (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Resistance unit (3) 17. Coax (4) 19. Rollicked (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 22. Satisfied (4) 23. Nigerian state (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 27 . African country (6) 28. Endure (4) 29. Child (3) 30. Spoke (6) 31. Adorn (5) 33. Baking chambers (5) 35. Asterisk (4) 37. Possessed (3)

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9 11

13 14

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See solution on page 5

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‘ win-the-trophy’ charge to the U-17 National Team, the Golden Eaglets as they take part in the 11th African U-17 Championship which kicks off in Niger Republic today.

President of the federation, Amaju Pinnick said that the Golden Eaglets have no business finishing lower than first place at the championship.

‘The NFF is giving the Golden Eaglets total support to conquer in Niger Republic. Our belief is that we have a team to conquer Africa. As champions of the world, we have no reason not to win in Africa.

‘Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and his assistants have been doing a great job.

Continues on Page 63

•Amuneke

Today’s matches: 7 Nations Cup U-17 CAF U-1 Niger v Guinea v

Nigeria Zambia

3pm 5pm

CAF Champions League Enyimba v Buffles Borgou 4pm

FA Cup

Aston Villa vs Leicester 1:30pm Bantams vs Sunderland 3:30pm Arsenal vs Middlesbrough 5pm

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