Presidency goes spiritual, seeks special prayers

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Alleged oil theft: Ex -Minister, Iheanacho, released, keeps mum

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

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CONFERENCE: From left: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State,the representative of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and his Deputy Tele Ikuru during the All Nigeria Editors Conference at Government House, Uyo. Photos: Henry Unini.

former Minister of Interior and owner of Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, arrested on Friday, has been released by the Lagos State Command of the State Security Service (SSS).

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the former minister was released Friday night.

It was alleged that his company received stolen petroleum products in its depot.

Officials of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and armed forces personnel

attached to the Global West Vessel Specialist Limited (GWVSL) invaded Integrated Oil and Gas corporate headquarters, Marine Road, Apapa on Friday where the former minister was arrested and kept for several hours at NIMASA before the matter was transferred to the Lagos State Command of the SSS. Sources at the oil firm headquarters yesterday, confirmed the release of Iheanacho but efforts to get him to tell his story proved abortive. His aides told Sunday Vanguard that the former minister would tell his own side of the story at the appropriate time.

AS EX-MILITANTS CLASH OVER AMNESTY:

FG raises the alarm over plot to cause mayhem in N-Delta

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Cross section of editors present during the All Nigeria Editors Conference.

HE Presidential Amnesty Office, yesterday, raised the alarm about an alleged plot to cause mayhem in the Niger Delta by some “seemingly disgruntled youths in the region”.

The alarm came amid a brewing crisis among Niger Delta ex-agitators over alleged exclusion of ex-militants of Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic extraction in Delta State from the Presidential Amnesty

Programme (PAP).

The Presidential Amnesty Office operates the PAP. The Itsekiri, under the aegis of Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, recently, petitioned the House of Representatives, over the purported segregation of 2,000 former militants of Itsekiri extraction from the amnesty programme.

But tension heightened, last

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First Lady’s health: Presidency goes spiritual Continued from page 1 reportedly flown to a German specialist hospital two weeks ago for an undisclosed medical treatment.

But the Presidency has kept mum over her health condition and whereabouts.

When the media broke the sudden disappearance of Mrs.

Jonathan from the country, the Presidency was forced to admit that ‘she went to take a rest’ but neither disclosed the country where she was observing the rest nor when she was expected back at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

While a section of the media speculated that she went for an operation, others claimed

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she was admitted for food poisoning treatment.

But Sunday Vanguard learnt yesterday that the condition of Dame Jonathan, who was reported to be recuperating and expected back in the country since last week, was still causing some concerns to her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, and her handlers.

It was gathered that the Presidency had asked close associates and friends of the First Lady to continue to render unceasing intercessory prayers for the woman to recover from her ailment.

A source close to the Presidency confirmed that the daily morning devotion, which Jonathan and her wife usually attend at the Villa, is being used to offer special prayers for the First Lady.

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he source said, “The President, as you know, is a very devoted person who has been praying for the wife and those of us who are close to them do not stop to pray for her as well.

“Yesterday (Friday), a special prayer session was conducted for her and we know that God Almighty has already healed her of whatever is afflicting her and

that she will soon join us as she used to do every morning.”

There were speculations, last night, that the woman would soon be back in the country but none of the presidential spokespersons was willing to talk on the issue.

Calls put to Dr. Reuben Abati, the Presidential Media Adviser and Dr. Doyin Okupe, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, were not responded to.

While an online news portal has maintained that she underwent a surgery in Germany, others speculate that she had food poisoning and had been admitted in Italy.

Despite the claims and counter-claims over Dame Jonathan’s condition, her spokesman, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, has insisted that the President’s wife traveled out of the country to take a “moment’s rest.”

ACNto the Presidency: ‘Speak out on Dame Jonathan’s health’

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eanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)has challenged the Federal Government to tell Nigerians the truth about the illness of the First Lady, saying the people deserved

to know.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ACN ,Alhaji Lai Mohammed, threw the challenge yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State at a welcome reception for former members of the PDP, ACPN and Accord Party who defected to the ACN.

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e posited that Nigerians deserved to know the exact situation of the First Lady ’s health status.

The ruling PDP, Mohammed insisted, has never been truthful to Nigerians on any national issue ,citing the “many lies the PDP government churned out to Nigerians on the illness of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua”.

The ACN spokesman, who also pointed out that the PDP Federal Government government has no solution to the nation’s problems, accused the government of lacking the capability to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

Mohammed said the PDP-led government’s ineptitude has resulted in the alarming rate of youth unemployment, epileptic power supply and general infrastructural decay.

PAGE 6—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

FG raises the alarm over plot to cause mayhem in N-Delta Continued from page 5 week, when ex-militants of Urhobo ethnic nationality threatened to return to the creeks if they were not included in the recently approved third phase amnesty training.

At the weekend, excombatants of Ijaw origin, under the aegis of Niger-Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, described the clamour of their Urhobo and Itsekiri counterparts as provocative, and vowed

to confront them if found carrying out any protest on the streets of Delta state.

Spokesperson of the group, ‘Captain’ Mark Anthony, asserted that the Urhobo and Itsekiri youths did not take part in militant activities for which the Federal Government proclaimed an amnesty programme in 2009 and were only trying to reap from where they did not sow.

PROTESTS The Presidential

Amnesty Office, yesterday, said it had been reliably informed that the amnesty programme is the target of a series of proposed politically-motivated protests to begin from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and spread to other oil producing states.

It said in a statement: We deem it necessary to inform Nigerians and the unsuspecting public that some politicians have surreptitiously been funding ill-motivated campaigns, which have

taken the form of protest marches, against the amnesty programme and the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, who oversees the programme, in order to score cheap political points.

The statement went on: “Perhaps sponsors of such protests have become uncomfortable with the rising profile of Mr Kuku, particularly in his home state of Ondo.

For the avoidance of doubt, the amnesty

programme is insulated from serving the interests of any political party and has been religiously executing its mandate of training and r e i n t e g r a t i n g beneficiaries regardless of their political leaning.

We therefore urge those trying to drag the p r o g r a m m e unnecessarily into politics to desist.

We also implore security agencies in the country, particularly in the Niger Delta, to be alert to their

constitutional responsibility of ensuring safety and security of lives and property.

‘WE ARE EXCLUDED’ The Itsekiri, in their protest signed by Messrs David Tonwe and Isaac Dorsu, National President and General S e c r e t a r y , respectively, o f t h e INYC, addressed to to the Speaker, Alhaji Waziri Tambuwal, and which sporked a response from Ijaw, said, “We are constrained to draw your attention to

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 7 HTTP://A5.SPHOTOS.AK.FBCDN.NET/HPHOTOS-AK-ASH3/38882_1567279582896_8247664_N.JPG

FG raises the alarm over plot to cause mayhem in N-Delta Continued from page 6

Alaafin of Oyo, the celebrant, on arrival at the Aganju forecourt for the commencement of the grand finale of Oranmiyan Festival 2012 held in Oyo, yesterday. Photos by Dare Fasube.

Dr Victor Olunloyo, a former Governor of Oyo State (left), and Monsurat Sumonu, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, at the ceremony. Dare Fasube

the deliberate refusal of the Presidential Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Mr Kingsley Kuku, whose office is saddled with the responsibility of implementing the postamnesty programme in the Niger Delta region, to accommodate ‘qualified’ youths of Itsekiri extraction into the post-amnesty programme, despite the fact that these former armed youths had given up all illegal arms to representatives of the then amnesty committee.

They said the former Itsekiri militants had completely renounced militancy, in response to the June 2005-2009 proclamation of amnesty for Niger Delta militants. “ It is now clear to us that Mr Kuku is least interested in accommodating any ‘qualified’ youth of Itsekiri extraction into the post-amnesty programme, and the reason for this antiItsekiri position can, among others, be located within the context of the

inter-Ijaw and Itsekiri differences.

“Given the extent to which he is prepared to go in denying any Itsekiri youth, irrespective of meeting the necessary requirements for participating in the postamnesty programme, we are constrained to humbly seek the intervention of this House,” they said.

Also, the Urhobo Youth Council, UYC, in a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan, signed by its national president, Henry Baro and two others, drew the President’s attention to the large scale exclusion of the Urhobo from the post-amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

The group lamented the fact that virtually all positions in the president’s government were reserved for Ijaw people, to the exclusion of other ethnic groups in Delta State.

The letter read: “We are constrained to write you this open letter to bring to your notice and

necessary attention the gross margina-lisation of Urhobo people and the appropriation of all appointments, projects and empowerment by the Ijaw nationality to the detriment of their neighbours and other ethnic nationalities in South-South geopolitical zone.

CHALLENGE NDLF spokesperson, in a statement, filled with vitriol, said, “The attention of true excombatants in Niger Delta has been drawn to series of unguided and provocative comments and publications by some misguided youths of Urhobo/ Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, clamouring for inclusion into the third phase of the federal amnesty programme, something they know nothing about”.

He asserted that the utterances of Urhobo and Itsekiri ex-militants “is seen as a challenge to us and calls for another round of gun battle, except, they stay away from amnesty matters for the interest of peace and their lives”.

I am dying a slow death in camp – 80-yr-old victim of flood

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD, Kano

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a Garba Tanka , octogenarian victim of the flash flood that sacked five villages in Warawa local government area of Kano State, is alarmed about the poor condition at Tanka resettlement centre where he and several others are camped, saying “I’m dying a slow death here.”

Tanka said life at the resettlement centre was killing him fast and therefore called on the authorities to return him to his Laraban Gadon Sarki village.

He told Sunday Vanguard that he left his village for the resettlement centre on Wednesday evening following early warning by the local government of the Kano River overflowing, stressing that he escaped with his family including his grand children. Sitting under a tree in the camp, a public school, Tanka, 80, painted a gory story of life at the camp.“From all indications, I’m

stranded here. For two days running now, I have not eaten anything; no food, no water. The little assistance coming from local government officials is simply for the survival of the fittest, and it appears everyone is on his own “.

The old man, surrounded by eight grand children within ages 2 and 4, lamented that the relocation had suddenly exposed him to the other side of life, pointing at the little children and saying.

“They are the only people that have shown faithfulness to me since we opened a new chapter in our lives in the last couple of days”.

Looking frail and tired, he said he could not walk, not to talk of queuing for food, adding:”My legs are swollen and I can not rely on them and that consigned me to this same spot over the last three days here”.

Asked on his readiness to be resettled outside the flood prone areas, Tanka said: “It can only happen over my dead body.

Relocate to where? I

have lived in my community for 80 years, and I’m experiencing this disaster for the second time in 12 years.

“Our ancestors have a reason for choosing this area as our abode, it has served us well and we have everything to be grateful to Almighty Allah for His blessing, and I see no reason why I should think of relocating because of a passing phenomenal”.

Officials of the council seemed fully aware of the old man’s plight but not prepared to dabble into what they described as a “carry over” problem, for, according to them, doctors assigned to the open camp confirmed that the man was suffering from anemia.

Ahmad Haruna Bichi, Director Personnel Management , Warawa local government council, said “it is practically impossible for anyone to develop anemia in one day ”, adding that Pa Tanka’s case had existed long before the flash flood ravaged the hamlet.

The DPM revealed that “we are very conscious of

the vulnerable group in the camp and we are certainly doing our best to ensure that they were given adequate attention in line with the rules guiding the open camp”.

Bichi further disclosed that the authorities of Hadejia /Jama’are River Basin Development

Authority had put them on notice over the impending disaster , stressing that same message was conveyed to the people.

He explained that no fewer than five light boats were deployed to ferry those trapped inside the village, in addition to several local divers to

guide those fleeing the villages on their own outside official arrangement.

He stated that over 10,000 people were displaced, unspecified numbers of livestock washed away, but was however quick to add that no life was lost.

One killed in Edo auto crash

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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OTORISTS plying the Ring - Akpakpava - IkpobaRamat Park and Agbor Roads in Benin metropolis have lamented the frequent road accidents along the route which had claimed no fewer than six lives within the last three days and described the traffic light at the Ikpoba Slope/ Murtala Muhammed Way as unsafe.

The lamentation by the motorists is coming on the heels of a motor

accident that occurred yesterday resulting in the death of one person suspected to be the driver of one of the cars rammed into by three articulated trucks at the Ikpoba Slope/M.M.Way junction while approaching the traffic light.

The accident, which occurred at the early hours of yesterday, an eye witness said, happened when a truck allegedly beat the traffic light at a previous junction and, in a bid to avoid the men of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) who were chasing it, lost control as

it approached another traffic light and rammed into seven vehicles including brand new cars yet to be numbered.

Eye witnesses attributed accidents on the same spot to the recklessness of drivers and the inept attitude of the men of the EDSTMA, and the sloppy nature of the road.

The vehicles involved in the multiple accident include Mercedes Benz truck, unregistered and conveying another unregistered vehicle, a Mark tanker.

PAGE 8—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Senator Smart Adeyemi, Chairman, Kingstone Charity Foundation, flanked

by Mr. Ibyn Armstrong of Medical International, Georgia, USA, and Mr. Joe Jones of Ambulance Medical Foundation, New Jersey, USA, during the Senator's visit to the US to finalise agreement for the purchase of ambulances worth N100m, for distribution to hospitals in Kogi State.

Varsity students protest: We are being sexually harassed

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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TUDENTS of Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH, protested over alleged sexual harassment of female students,

molestation and extortion by some staff of the institution.

The students, numbering about 2, 000, blocked traffic at ElevenEleven Bus Stop on their way to the Government House, Calabar to register their grievance.

Some of the placards carried by the students had inscriptions such as, ‘Sexual harassment of female students’, Female molestation’, ‘Extortion of money from students’, ‘No better CRUTECH, No better Cross River ’,

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (right) with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ram Moshe, during the visit of the former to the Israeli Embassy in Abuja.

Photo Bayo Obisesan.

‘CRUTECH, no better lecture hall’.

CRUTECH Students Union president, Mr Ekong Eka, accused the state government of neglecting students of the university, adding that, two months ago, some groups of people came to the school to tell them that government wanted to pay them bursary.

Fuel scarcity hits Lagos

BY LUCKY OJI

THE fuel scarcity that rocked Abuja and some states across the country in the past few weeks seems to have hit Lagos.

In many fuel stations in Lagos State yesterday, long queues of vehicles were seen reportedly

Doctors’ strike: Normalcy returns to LUTH

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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ORMALCY has returned to the L a g o s University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, IdiAraba, Lagos, following the suspension of the warning strike called by the hospital’s branch of the Association of R e s i d e n t Doctors, ARD, over claims of excessive high taxation of its members by the Lagos state government.

Last week, doctors under the aegis of the

LUTH- ARD withdrew their services for three days to protest deductions from their tax refunds arising from recommendations of the Lagos state tax law.

When Sunday Vanguard visited the health institution yesterday, there was calm and although the outpatient clinics were closed, healthcare personnel including doctors, senior medical consultants and nurses were attending patients in the wards while the Accident and Emergency unit was fully operational.

Enugu community alleges attacks by neighbours

BY DONALD AJI

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HE people of Umuode Town in Nkanu East local government area of Enugu State have sent a save- our- soul, SOS, message to the state government and security agencies over alleged attack by their neighboring Oruku community.

The message is contained in separate letters to Governor Sullivan Chime and the state police commissioner as well as the State Security Service, SSS, Director, by the town union executive committee led by Honorable Emma Omaba, a former

lawmaker.

Accusing the Oruku community of launching relentless armed attacks against its people since September 4 “ without challenge from four mobile police officers stationed in the area because they have not been instructed to repeal the ferocious attackers with force” , the town union executive committee stated that Umuode people lost seven houses since hostilities resumed between the towns.

It said that the victims include Maurice Edeh, an erstwhile Commissioner for Agriculture in Enugu State, whose new house “ was at the roofing level”.

over fear that petrol would not be available in the next few days.

The imbroglio between marketers and the Federal Government over non-payment of petroleum subsidy to the former had sparked a strike that paralyzed Abuja.

The marketers gave the government two weeks to resolve the verification claims on those that collected money without supplying the product.

They threatened to embark on a full scale strike if at the end the Federal Government fails to resolve the issue and pay them their outstanding.

Paediatrics brainstorm on the fetal brain

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HE Faculty of Pa e d i a t r i c s , National PostGraduate College of Nigeria, holds the 2012 Faculty Day Lecture entitled, “The best brains are preserved in alcohol; not necessarily so for fetal brain,” on Wednesday 19 September.

The event is scheduled to hold at the Malaria Research Centre(MRC) of the LASUCOM, Lagos State University T e a c h i n g Hospital(LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos where the Provost College of Health-Sciences, NigerDelta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Dr. Ralph Oruamobo, is the Guest Lecturer of the Day. The Local Organizing Committee, under the chairmanship of Dr. M. Adebayo Salisu, duly assisted by Dr. Kike Osinusi, the Faculty Chair man, Dr.A.N. Ikefuna, the Faculty Secretary, among others, is poised to give the event success.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 , PAGE 9

By Jide Ajani

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n this second part of our investigation into the power tussle between Professor Attahiru Jega, National Chairman of Nigeria’s Indepen-

dent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and his national commissioners, we reveal the incongruity in the responsibilities of the Chief of Staff to the INEC Chairman, Dr. Mahmud Magaji, and the authority of national commissioners. This report will also show that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its proposed investment and contract-seeking limited liability company may be attempting to exploit the loophole being created by the power tussle at INEC for gains in the 2015 elections.

A CHIEF OF STAFF FOR ALL SEASONS Just before the award of contracts for some of the materials to be used for the 2011 general elections, some committee were set up to carry out due-diligence on some bidding companies.

Pieces of information made C M Y K

available to Sunday Vanguard in the course of investigating this story on the power tussle between Professor Attahiru Jega, National Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and his national commissioners, suggested that some committee members went as far as traveling out to conduct verification exercises on the claims made by some of the companies. The companies numbered a little less than two dozens.

To the greatest surprise of the commissioners after the due diligence and just a few days to the final decision on which of the earlier vetted companies would get some of the contracts, an instruction “was handed down through the Chief of Staff, Dr. Mahmud Magaji, that a fresh exercise would have to be conducted all together”, a very dependable INEC source said.

A fresh set of companies were re-processed, Sunday Vanguard was told.

Upon cross- confirmation, another source close to the Chairman’s office pointed out that “what actually happened

was that it was discovered that some of the companies earlier vetted were discovered to belong to some leaders of some political parties and it would have been very dangerous for the contracts to have been awarded to those companies; some of the commissioners did not know this but this

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Chief of Staff that the instruction was handed down but that “it is improper for a Chief of Staff to the National Chairman to carry out proprietary oversight on assignments carried out by national commissioners.

“Do you know what it means

The Chairman’s aides sit in during the Commission’s meetings.

The Chairman has a number of aides, that is personal staff, who sit-in at meetings

information came upon the National Chairman late and he had to swing into action”.

It was this sudden change of processing that accounted for the lateness in delivery of materials for the 2011 general elections.

The bone of contention today, however, by some of the commissioners Sunday Vanguard spoke to was not actually whether it was through the

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for an individual to be appointed as a national commissioner?

“Do you know the processes involved?

“The security checks?

“Then you now have an appointee of the National Chairman ‘working’ on files prepared by national commissioners; what sort of thing is that”?

In fact, at the recent retreat of INEC at Protea Hotel, Maryland, Lagos, the commissioners

were up in arms against the Chairman over the appropriateness of having his aides in attendance when ‘The Commission’ holds its meetings.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that at that meeting, the commissioners frowned at Jega’s continued “abuse of procedure”.

Over time, according to INEC sources, “the Chairman’s aides sit in during the Commission’s meetings. The Chairman has a number of aides, that is personal staff, who sit-in at meetings.

Except when he is not in town (which is rare) the Chief of Staff takes up a seat as if he is a national commissioner and even acts above national commissioners and this has not been healthy”.

At the INEC commission’s retreat, the commissioners insisted that henceforth, they would not sit at meetings purportedly ‘The Commission’s’ meetings and have the Chairman’s aides attend. The compromise position was that the Chief of Staff could be permit Continues on page 11

N PAGE 10 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Jega’s Memo

The answer is no.

First, it would be an unprecedented misnormer to place the day-to-day functioning of departments, etc., under the executive “management and control” of Standing Committees of the overall policy making body and/or their Chairmen. The laws do not provide so, INEC has never done so, and there is nowhere where it is so.

INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega’s comments on the Senior Staff Establishments Committee (SSEC) Report on the PWC Report. This is the concluding part of the memo the first part of which was published last Sunday)

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NEC Chairman, Profes sor Attahiru Jega’s comments on the Senior Staff Establishments Committee (SSEC) Report on the PWC Report. This is the concluding

part of the memo the first part of which was published last Sunday Honorable National Commissioners, Secretary to the Commission, I have studied and reviewed the Report of the SSEC on the PWC Report titled Comprehensive Structural Review of the Commission and wish to comment as follows: …..

The essential point is, the Commission cannot be called a Board, even though Some of its regular meetings at the highest level are akin to those of what is normally called a Board; and the National Commissioners are not akin to “mere Board Members” given their enormous additional roles/responsibilities.

However, they have no “executive” roles, as the SSEC implies in its use of the terms “management and control” I don’t see the relevance of the reference to Section 159(i) I of the 1999 Constitution on Quorum. In all meetings of the Commission, whether the regular meeting of the Commission of Chairman and National Commissioners, or in the Standing Committees, Quorum has never been in contention.

And, I don’t see how the constitutional provision on quorum of meetings helps to clarify the issue of whether or C M Y K

not National Commissioners are “executives”!

I humbly submit that, “the understanding of the Committee that all National Commissioners including the Chairman, are “Executive”, with the latter as being the Chief Executive”, is wrong, and has no basis in law or in existing practice, since the establishment of INEC. National Commisioners are National Commissioners; and the Chairman is Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, as well as the Chief Executive, in law and in practice. Even more surprising is the laboured attempt to depict National Commissioners and the Chairman as equals. One wonders why drawing this award parallel should become a preoccupation of the SSEC. I shall retum to this later.

On whether accepting the proposed Organogram by PWC “translates into retrenchment of about 3,000 staff This is not necessarily so; and I certainly feel strongly about and oppose retrenchment. But it is, however, wrong to conflate restructuring and reorganization with retrenchment. These can be done, and have been done by other organizations without retrenchment. There are many creative ways of handling the issue of what to do with staff following restructuring, including what the SSEC is proposing.

I am glad that our Resource Person, Dr. Onugu pointed this out on Monday. In any case, we are to carefully examine and determine what to accept of the

proposed Organogram, not to merely accept it hook line and sinker. As I mentioned earlier on, I believe we can do even better than they have proposed, if we want a trim, efficient and effective INEC. On the recommendations of the SSEC I strongly agree that “the Committee System, which has been used for decades by the Commission should continue to be the basis of its work”; indeed, a strong Committee System that serves as the clearing house of the work of the Commission.

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Second, for the avoidance of doubt, “A committee is a type of small deliberative assembly that is usually intended to remain subordinate to another, larger deliberative assembly” The key word here is “deliberative”; thus, Standing Committees deliberate on policies, strategies, oversightJsupervisory issues. They are not about policy execution or strategy implementation, or handling procurement; these are roles/ responsibilities, which are traditionally handled by an executive organ of an entity, be it called an institution, agency or Commission. The import of this is that the Commission and by implication it’s committees, are a non-executive deliberative assembly. It may be inferred that the Committees by delegation of the . Commission are to provide policy, guidelines, regulations, \ strate gy , oversight and supervision .

Third, the Electoral Act specifies in Part II, that: “There shall be a Secretary to the Commission who shall be appointed by the Commission”; “who shall be the head of the Commission’s Secretariat and be responsible for its

I strongly agree that “the Committee System, which has been used for decades by the Commission should continue to be the basis of its work The Commission presently has established Standing Committees, which are composed on thematic line. They should generally function in accordance with the letter and spirit of the legal provisions.

The pertinent question is: whether Standing Committees are only strong when they exercise executive functions and “manage and control” departments, directorates and units?

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administration”; and “who shall be responsible for the direction and control of all other employees of the Commission with the approval of the Commission” (emphasis mine) Given these, it will be unconstitutional for the National Commissioners to exercise any “management and control” of any employee in the discharge of his day-to-day responsibilities in the Commission. All that the National Commissioners can do,

in standing committees or in the committee-as-a-whole (i.e.

Commission meetings) is “appoint” or otherwise “dismiss or exercise disciplinary control over ... staff’ if/when they do not discharge their day-to-day responsibilities appropriately. It is interesting that in the so-called “management and control” Organogram of the SSEC, there is no Secretary notwithstanding that the Electoral Act is clear on the responsibility of the Secretary to “direct and control” all other employees!

Clearly, in a laboured attempt to rationalize this clumsy situation, a second Organogram is created that includes the Secretary and in which staff report through the Secretary to the “Chairman and National Commissioners” and finally to the Commission, which consists of the Chairman and National Commisioners!

On the SSEC’s proposed Committees It would have been better to focus on restructuring and reorganizing the administrative/ executive organ of the Commission at this Retreat, without conflating Committees and their roles with these. We then would have considered taking time later to review the Standing Committee Structure of the Commission. Nonetheless, I have studied the proposed Committees and wish to comment as follows: There is no need for establishing a Strategic Planning Committee as a Standing Committee. Strategic Planning is periodic (on a 4- or 5-year basis) and is conventionally handled by an adhoc committee with a given time-frame to conclude its assignment, like the one we recently appointed.

Committees are structured in such a way that they address issues thematically; thus they do not necessarily have to correspond with existing departments. It is the parallelling of the number of Standing Committees with that of departments that is problematic as it is ill-informed by the notion of Standing Committes having executive roles. As presently constituted, in any case, the Committees provide “a sense of belonging for the whole country” as every National Commissioner chairs one (1) Committee.

A major challenge that needs to be addressed is that the way our Tenders Board is presently constituted is inconsistent with the provisions of the Procurement Act. Nobody would contest the need to en Continues on page 12

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 , PAGE 11

Continued from page 9 ted to attend meetings while other aides should not.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS Constitutionally, there is no where a Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of INEC is recognized.

Indeed, Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution as amended refers to the establishment of some federal bodies among which is INEC. Section 154 speaks to the appointment of members of ‘The Commission’, about how the appointments shall be in consultation with the National Council of State and vetted by the Senate; and Section 158, which speaks to the reasoning that ‘The Commission’ shall not be under the control of any other authority or person “154. (1) Except in the case of ex officio members or where other provisions are made in this Constitution, the Chairman and members of any of the bodies so established shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate. “(3) In exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman or member of the Independent National Electoral Commission, National Judicial Council, the Federal Judicial Service Commission or the National Population Commission, the President shall consult the Council of State.

“158. (1) In exercising its power to make appointments or to exercise disciplinary control over persons, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the National Judicial Council, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, the Federal Character Commission, and the Independent National Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person.”

In Third Schedule Part I (Federal Executive Bodies), Section 14 states: “14. (1) The Independent National Electoral Commission shall comprise the following members (a) a Chairman, who shall be the Chief Electoral Commissioner; and (b) twelve other members to be known as National Electoral Commissioners, who shall be persons of unquestionably integrity and not less than fifty years and forty years of age,

POWER SHOW AT INEC (2)

Why the National Assembly must avert a looming calamity respectively. “(2) There shall be for each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a Resident Electoral Commissioner who shall “15. The Commission shall have power to (a) organise, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President, the Governor and Deputy Governor of a State, and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the

,

der the paradigm of negotiated authority, which sees to it that the national commissioners regard the National Chairman as first among equals and, therefore, accord him necessary deference while, he, in turn, treats them as national commissioners that they are, without the needlessly over-bearing activities of a Chief of Staff.

After the first in this series was published, Sunday Vanguard was informed that some directors in INEC and na-

The company that PDP plans to set up would be able to source for and get contracts from MDAs as well as government bodies, INEC inclusive

House of Assembly of each State of the Federation; (h) delegate any of its powers to any Resident Electoral Commissioner; ….”

In the Third Schedule, reference is made to ‘The Commission’ and not just the Chairman of his Chief of Staff as having ultimate powers.

Sunday Vanguard has been made to understand that over the years, previous INEC Chairmen had operated un-

,

tional commissioners jubilated “because they had been operating under this incongruous atmosphere”.

ENTER ADOKE, PDP AND 2015 But if you think the power tussle is just a matter for Jega and his 12 commissioners, the new dimension of extraneous intervention from the executive and the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party, PDP, is another major concern for Nigerians as the country prepares for the 2015 general elections.

Whereas Jega had sent a memo to Mohammed Adoke, SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, seeking clarification on his status as the ‘Chief Executive’ of INEC, “the response of Adoke in stating that the chairman can not operate as a chief executive was too swift. It was as if the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was the one responding to the Chairman’s memo”.

In truth, Sunday Vanguard was informed last week that the recent announcement by the PDP to set up a limited liability company that would source for contracts is a source of worry. “The company that PDP plans to set up would be able to source for and get contracts from MDAs as well as government bodies, INEC inclusive. The party may not come out openly to, say bid for contracts from INEC, but what we are hearing now is that it may use fronts to secure contracts from INEC (which is not new any way) and this would not be good in any way”, a top INEC official said last week.

Continuing, the source explained: “What is happening now is that some people have deliberately chosen to misread what the Chairman is trying to do and which is to seek more independence for the

commission and allow it more latitude to conduct freer and fairer elections. Jega believes that some of the ambiguities of today need to be cleared before the 2015 elections but some people are injecting poison into the debate in such a manner as to ambush the project. For instance, has the Chief of Staff whom some people are not trying to tar, just been appointed? Did he resume work last week? So why are people just trying to cry wolf where there is none?”

However, another issue which has just been shot down is the likely amendment being sought by INEC to the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The commission wants a situation whereby it can appoint its Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs. Presently, the President appoints.

But in the face of the perceived growing over-bearing inclination of the INEC Chairman, even some of the commissioners are frowning at such an amendment.

“If the chairman has enthroned a regime whereby his Chief of Staff appears to be acting like the deputy chairman of the commission, what guarantees are there that when a constitutional amendment which allows the commission free hand to appoint RECs is carried through, the nation wouldn’t have succeeded in creating a monster?”, a national commissioner asked last week.

During the 2011 elections, “it was Professor Jega who single-handedly proposed and appointed the vice chancellors of universities as returning officers for the presidential election in the states”, Sunday Vanguard was told.

The elections were conducted by INEC staff in collaboration with national commissioners in charge of some states and RECs. But the vice chancellors announced the results.

A former senior official of INEC who was part of the building of the commission since 1987 wondered “ what point Professor Jega wanted to prove when he appointed the vice chancellors. Are these not the same heads of universities where exam malpractices occur? Have we not heard of instances where vice chancellors were involved in unwholesome activities? Was he trying to tell Nigerians that once university vice chancellors announce a result, it means the election had gone very smoothly?”

UNIQUENESS OF INEC AND THE VOTER REGISTER Continues on page 12

PAGE 12 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Continued from page 11 Sunday Vanguard was made to understand that three countries in the world operate the type of electoral body in Nigeria – South Africa, Mexico and South Korea.

Nigeria’s uniqueness has to do with its composition which is of an odd number of 13 members (the Chairman and 12 national commissioners).

Sunday Vanguard discovered that in a country like Guyana, decisions of its electoral body are sometimes deadlocked, with the United Nations being called in some times to resolve some thorny issues.

But the problem INEC has been saddled with in the last 13 years has been the voter register.

Nigeria’s voter register is one of the most comprehensive in the world because of the categories of data captured and the centralization of the register.

In the United States for instance, a report by the Jimmy

POWER SHOW AT INEC (2)

Why the National Assembly must avert a looming calamity

Carter Centre reached a conclusion that the register should be more central in nature and should also have more features for individual records. The register is do-

miciled in the state.

But the Carter Centre concluded in its report on HOW TO BRING GREATER DEMOCRACTIC PRACTICE TO US ELETION SYSTEM

(BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN US ELECTIONS) dated September 2005, that effective voter register remain a bedrock of the democratic process (read elections). Co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and James A. Baker, the report also concluded that it would be better if states compile a comprehensive top down of register of voters.

Nigeria’s register which is centralized is such that if an individual registers in say Sokoto and finds himself in Lagos on the day of election, he can not vote.

Yet, this is in a country where money transfers are done and cash withdrawn

across the country on a daily basis. Which again takes us back to the almost N100billion expended on the registration of voters preparatory to the 2011 elections.

INEC, information available now suggests, is more disposed to electronic voting.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the proposal for the expenditure to be involved is being worked on by the commission now.

H

ow much this would come to is still being worked out.

So, what has Nigeria achieved with the N100b spent on a register that is about to be junked?

Still, INEC’s Jega has the opportunity to change things for the better in so far as he conducts his affairs in such a manner that the legacy he’s trying to build and sustain would not leave more problems for the commission and Nigeria when he leaves office.

Jega’s Memo Continued from page 10 sure full compliance with the Procurement Act and all laws for that matter. I would give this the highest priority.

With the reorganization of the Electoral Institute, perhaps a new Committee, addressing Voter Education, Gender and Civil Society thematic issues, need to be created.

Given our regular high levels of procurement and the need to constantly decongest our stores, it is necessary to retain the Board of Survey and Technical Committee on Equipment Acquisition (BOSTAC) Additionally, I believe that as soon as possible we need to review appropriately the handbook titled Terms of Reference of the Standing Committees to make it consistent with existing laws and regulations On the proposed Organogram by SSEC It is a misnormer to place the the Chairman and Chief Electoral 0fficer on the same level of executive responsibilities or “management and control” in an Organogram with the National Commissioners.

The legally defined responsibilities and job descriptions (and even remunerations!) are not the same. This is tak-

ing the notion of “first among equals” to a ridiculous extreme. It should be noted that in an Organigram, rationally, the National Electoral Commissioners are above the Secretary but below the Chairman, the Chairman being the Chief Electoral Officer.

Departments/Directorates/ Units cannot be subsumed under the “management and control” of Standing Committees. Departments, etc., which are functional executive groupings of employees, report by law, to the Secretary and the Chief Executive in their routine day-to-day activities.

The Standing Committees can and should, be very strong and effective in the Commission, by concentrating on their core responsibilities of creating guidelines, policy and regulations on the specific thematic issues they are set up to address, and in supervisory and internal oversighl roles on departments. Committees cannot be simultaneously involved in executve: capacities. If I may ask: where and how is the supervisory of Commissioners exercise over states to be reflected in the “management and control” side of the Commission?

We do not, and cannot, create a “sense of national be-

President Jonathan longing” by giving committees illegal charge of departments.

If for example, we had only 6 Committees and have 1 chairfrom each geopolitical zone we would also have created national inclusiveness, although I am not at all suggesting that we reduce the number of Committees to 6.

The proposed Appointments, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee (APDC) should be separated into: 1).

Appoints and Promotion Committee, APC for short (to replace the nomenclature of SSEC) and 2) Welfare and disciplinary Committee, WDC, for short (to replace the nomenclature of the SSW&DC) in line with good practice nationally.

On Standing Committees

of the Commission Generally The Secretary, a head of the Commission’s Secretariat, should provide the Secretariat for each Standing Committee. The directors of corresponding Departments need not be secretaries of the Committees, although they should be in attendance at meetings of Committees whose themes cover their departments. The Committee Secretary will take regular minutes of the proceedings of each Committee and ensure that proper records of these are maintained in the Commission Secretariat. Submissions from the Committee to Commission meetings should be prepared by the Secretary to the Committee under the supervision of the Chairman of the Committee, who as has been the case, would present to the Commission meeting.

On the proposed Salary Structure The recommendations of the PWC, and those by SSEC, are useful starting points but we need to compute the total cost implications, something that hasn’t been done by PWC, before deciding on which option to take. It may become necessary to develop a hybreed of these?

Recommendations

Arising from my review of and comments on the SSEC Report on PWC Report, I wish to recommend as follows: 1.At this Retreat we should not conflate the issues of restructuring and reorganization of the adminstrative structure of INEC and those of making National Commissioners as Executives. If we have to do the latter at all, the best forum might be in our interactions with the members of the National Assembly as they undertake the review of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. We may then wish to ask them to make explicit provisions in the laws as to who is the Accounting Officer of INEC, whether National Commissioners are also Executives, and so on.

2.Let us then review the recommendation of the PWC, those of the SSEC and mine and see what kind of trim structure we may come up with, to reduce over departmentalization and sectionalization; to remove duplication of functions and responsibilities; and to make for efficient and effective service delivery of lNEC’s programmes and projects even before the Constitution and the Electoral Act are further amended.

Thank you.

Professor Attahiru M. Jega, OFR, Chairman, INEC 13/06/2012.

moderation. I don’t abuse alcohol, and I’ve never been tipsy or drunk in my life. I believe we do things simply because we choose to. Sometime we blame it on peer pressure, but that’s a big lie because if you have your own mind, you can decide what you like and what you do not like.

I’ve always been in environments where people smoke, drink and do a whole lot of other vices, but I’ve never been tempted for once! People say they need to get high to do certain things, but i t doesn’t

Friends were warned I could be a bad influence on them — DJ Jimmy Jatt

zSays N1000 show set him on the path to stardom

DJ Jimmy Jatt

BY GIFT GABRIEL

S

pending time with Jimmy Adewale Amu a.k.a Jimmy Jatt is more than enough to rewrite any contrary perception of who a Disc Jockey is. Cool is an understatement for this guy who holds the credit for rebranding the disc jockeying industry in Nigeria with his debut in the early 90s. He is devoid of vices and traits generally found in people who practically spend their time in parties and ‘gigs’ like he calls it. From his cool use of language to his gentlemanliness and intelligence, Jimmy is a real plus to the disc jockeying industry; a role model too for any aspiring DJ! Renowned DJ Jimmy Jatt is playing a major role in the entertainment industry by grooming new talents. One of his products is DJ Waxxy. His creativity has earned him the re-

lease of a mix-tape album, The Definition, and his first single ‘Stylee’ earned him several awards. His TV programme called ‘Jimmy’s Jump Off’ is currently airing on local and international stations. His dynamism took a new twist with the recent launch of his Tripple J hats that now adorn the heads of celebrities. We were at his Lekki residence.

Have you always wanted to be a DJ? To be honest, at the time when I was growing up, disc jockeying wasn’t a profession per se. I started deejaying as a teenager in secondary. I wasn’t going to parties or mixing with DJs, except for family gatherings. Frankly, I never got close DJs or went to clubs until I was about 20. I’ve always loved music, anyway. My mum and dad were good music collectors, and my brothers too. My home was just like a music warehouse, and that kind of influenced me!

I gradually started toying with the idea of raping and dancing as a hobby. Later, I started getting invitations to events, and I eventually became the one changing tracks when boys needed to do break dance. That kind of inspired my venturing into disc jockeying as a hobby.

Deejaying wasn’t something I set out to do, but my parents were quite liberal; so I had no problem. My dad was into importation of electronics, so,

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C M Y

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 13

I’ve always been in environments where people smoke, drink and do a whole lot of other vices, but I’ve never been tempted for once!

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there were lots of gadgets to toy with. My brothers then set up a record store in Obalende, and I started working for them after secondary school. When they figured out my own interest, they got someone called Kachi who is now a politician in Abuja to teach me disc jockeying. I gradually learnt to develop myself by looking out for the next gig or opportunity to practice. I was passionate about it and did not see it as a job or thought of money. If I was thinking of what I could earn from disc jockeying, I won’t have been a DJ for long.

Truly, there was no money at that time, but I was passiondriven. Seeing people dance and forget their sorrows was enough for me.

Considering your kind of job, I’m sure one has to be “high” to perform well?

When people say they have to smoke or drink because of their kind of jobs, I just wonder. For me, I believe it’s a matter of choice. I don’t smoke, but I drink only in

work that way for me. I get high on the job itself! I get high on the fact that I see people having fun. I get high on seeing people happy. Alcohol can only cloud your face and probably make you laugh even when people are crying(Laughs). I’ve seen some artistes messing up on stage and believing they’re killing the crowd, just because of alcohol! For me, I really do not judge people; like I said, it’s a matter of choice. My highness is from inspiration.

Was your first gig financially rewarding?

Ohh…I was actually playing for free for several years. But I could remember that my first big pay was a thousand naira, and that was in early nineties at NIB’s end of year party at the Eko Hotel. I actually charged them N700 but was promised N1,000 if I performed well. I still remember the way I ‘scattered’ the party to earn that pay! (Laughs) But how prestigious was this profession when you started?

There were challenges at the beginning because people

had a perception of who they thought a DJ was. They see you as a riff-raff, so, it took a while to get people to appreciate you. Some friends were warned by their parents and relatives not to come around me because they felt I could be a bad influence. With those opinions, I knew I couldn’t afford to fail. I therefore think it’s important that we learn to support people rather than condemn them. I’m grateful to God that it got to a point where people wanted me to come have dinner because I was a DJ, a point where mums who warned their kids to stay off me began to call to say their kids wanted to be DJs. My life has inspired a lot of people to want to be DJs, and I believe I owe many of such people the obligation of teaching them the way to go. From playing small gigs in their neighbourhoods, they should be able to grow into playing major gigs and having their own concerts, release their own albums, etc. and now, I have my own clothing line.

From the first quarter of next year, we are looking at starting a TV reality show. I always tell people that whatever Jimmy Jatt is able to achieve as a DJ will be so minute to what DJs will be able to achieve in the nearest future.

It’s happened in football! I was flogged and discouraged from playing football after school, but now, parents go to buy jerseys for their kids so as to grow their interest in football. The earliest footballers did not achieve close to what contemporary footballers have achieved.

I’m guess being described as the King of DJs makes you feel accomplished…?

That’s a nice compliment, but it still leaves me wondering where the DJ kingdom is (Laughs). For me, when I go out to work, I go like an upcoming DJ that needs to prove himself. I go to every show like I need it to get the next show. I don’t go to any event thinking I’m Jimmy Jatt or whatever. I go with the mindset of delivering so as to get booked for other events. I believe one gig leads to two, two leads to four, four to more gigs, and so on. That’s how I still work; I believe I need to always deliver.

Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.— Eric Hoffer.

PAGE 14 — SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Constitutional amendment: How lawmakers will resolve the state police imbroglio – Senator Adokwe zOn dichotomy: Let’s forget the past and move on z’Resources in the North outweigh oil’

By Soni Daniel

I

s it not an irony that gov ernors of the 19 north ern states are stoutly opposed to state police at a time they are being confronted with a lot of security challenges?

It is indeed an irony because I had thought that the governors of the region would be the first to jump at the idea. I don’t really know the agenda behind the rejection of state police. Some of the fears that have been expressed are genuine going by the ugly experience of the 50s and 60s when the Native Police Authority was in operation. The situation was particularly worrisome in the North where the police were used to oppress the opposition. With such a situation, there is natural fear about state police. But my argument has always been that we should not be afraid to make laws just because of the unfounded fear that somebody will not implement it properly. In law, we have what is called Presumption of Regularity-that is, any official thing that is done is presumed to be done in accordance with the law-until the contrary is proved. So, we should make laws with positive expectations in mind. The fact that certain negative tendencies are being exhibited now should not preclude the fact that the law you are goC M Y K

ing to enact is aimed at bringing positive effects to the society.

We are operating a federal system and the constitution has spelt out the areas of responsibilities for each tier of government. If the House of Assembly of a particular state has the right to make laws for the state, it follows also that the state should have the capacity to enforce its laws. And if you say that the governor will use it to oppress his opponent, it should not stop us from making the law for state police because that is not the intention of the law. Any governor doing so would be violating the law and, of course, you know that nemesis will eventually catch up with such politician. As we are seeing now, if a sitting governor decides to use his police to witchhunt his opponents, his successor also has the power to go after him. As it is, you will find out that gradually those in power will begin to even check their excesses without being told so that they do not suffer at the end of their tenure.

In fact, in the United States of America, for instance, where you have various layers of police, there are still local influences on the police there. There are some people who use the police to suppress others. This is what we hear on daily basis and it is not a

new phenomenon. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Police is still being used by well-placed citizens against the less privileged ones. A governor can use the present police to do whatever he wants to do by just summoning the police commissioner and giving instructions. The CP in the state would tell you when it is convenient for him that the

,

Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe

Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe, who represents Nasarawa South Senatorial District of Nasarawa State in the Senate, heads the powerful Senate Services Committee and is also a member of the Constitution Review Committee as well as other vital committees of the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly. A lawyer and sociologist, Adokwe comes across as one who deeply understands the many complex issues that Nigeria is grappling with and speaks with passion about how to promote unity and progress in the country. In this interview, Adokwe cautions against a revisit of the controversial oil dichotomy law and pleads with Nigerians to learn to concede things to others in the interest of peace. He also advises President Goodluck Jonathan to learn from the barrage of criticisms against him and put his critics to shame at the end of his tenure.

The interview is very insightful but blunt. many quarters, the National Assembly will vote on it.

Certainly, the issue is on the list of issues slated for constitutional amendment. The debate can be won and lost depending on the mood of the members of the NASS. It can go either way. In fact, the way I am seeing the arguments now, we may have a divided house on the matter, which

Even if we are not going to have state police, the law must be made in such a way that wherever the police are, the state governor can have well spelt out control over them

governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state and that he had directed him to do this or that and the day it is not convenient for him, he would say that he is not answerable to the governor but to the president or taking ‘orders from above’.

Even if we are not going to have state police, the law must be made in such a way that wherever the police are, the state governor can have well spelt out control over them.

It means therefore that in spite of the opposition from

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means that each member will vote on it. This may be done to assuage the sharp division that has arisen between the northern and southern governors and among well placed Nigerians. Even the president has spoken against it. So, you can see that it is an issue that is of utmost interest to most Nigerians and the NASS has to do something about it.

There is another contentious issue before the NASS, the Petroleum Industry Bill, which has tended to divide the

lawmakers. What fears do you have about the bill?

We have created a dangerous situation in this country whereby everybody is suspicious of the other person.

Somehow, there is a sense of doom looming in the country.

It is as if the world is coming to an end so that everybody wants to acquire as much wealth as they can amass before the doom comes. This state of mind is borne out of the high level of mismanagement that has taken place in the country over the years. If we had managed the wealth we have so far derived from our natural resources judiciously, I am sure, by now, the contribution of oil to our Gross Domestic Product, GDP, would have been so negligible that having any possession of oil would have meant little or nothing. The possession of oilrelated wealth would not have given anyone any edge over other Nigerians as is the case now. It is just because we have refused to develop other sources of revenue that Nigerians have come to regard oil as the only means of survival.

Sadly, oil does not really grow the economy of Nigeria because less than 200,000 Nigerians, out of a population of over 160 million, are working in the sector. It is an irony that everybody in Nigeria is

Continues on page 15

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012— PAGE 15

‘North can survive without oil’ ing on oil neglecting the real sectors that can significantly grow the economy and create jobs for the masses.

‘Alternatives of revenue generation’ I belong to one of the 19 northern states and I have continued to agitate and tell our own state governments that they will have to look at other alternatives of revenue generation to boost their economy.

My advice to them is that whatever money they are getting from the federation account should be used to improve the natural resources available them. I am saying so because I have been to the creeks of the Niger Delta and I have seen the adverse effects of oil on the environment. I know how oil spills have devastated the creeks. They do not have any alternative economic venture again because they cannot fish and have no land for farming. But up North, we still have large fertile land for cultivation. So, we should use whatever resources we are getting to open up these lands for more productive ventures. If the available land in the North is adequately cultivated, the revenue from there will far outweigh the resources from oil. In fact, even if you give all the oil money to the Niger Delta and they don’t give us, they will end up spending the money on the food produced by the North.

That way, the money still comes back to the North. I recall one time when there was very serious fuel scarcity in the North and we could not transport tomatoes to Lagos and other southern parts of the country, a basket of tomatoes, which normally sold for between N10,000 and N15,000, went up to N100,000 per basket. Any cost that is shifted from one area must eventually be borne by the consumers of the goods and services produced by the others. ‘

Give and take’

So, my understanding of the PIB is that it has been well contemplated in many ways to compensate the oil-producing areas and to open up other areas of the economy. There are areas of disagreement between us and there are areas

that we will agree among ourselves. There is need for a change of attitude by all in this matter. Those who produce the oil should consider themselves fortunate that there are other parts of the country without oil and that those areas need to be developed for their own future existence too. And the parts of the country that are not producing oil should also appreciate the level of devastation that oil production is causing to those communities and make allowance for the welfare of those communities. So it is a give and take attitude that is needed with a view to looking at a bigger picture of what is good for this country.

Many are afraid that the crisis in the North has crippled the economy of the region while others say it has not.

Are you worried about the violence in the North?

You don’t even need any statistics to know that our economy has been disrupted. Kano, for instance, used to be a booming economic city but it is no longer so. In fact, the mere fact that one now has to move from one point to another in the North with so much anxiety is bad enough because you are not sure you will get to your

,

Continued from page 14

It does not mean that they are no longer breeding dogs in Dawaki or that palm oil is no longer being produced in Cross River State. People are just afraid of travelling to the North. I grew up in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and I lived there for 25 years. It was unthinkable that I would not go to Jos for at least twice a month, even after I had relocated from there. But since the outbreak of the violence I rarely go to Jos. I only went to Jos recently for the burial of my colleague, the late Senator Dantong. The situation in the area is a real setback to the pursuit of economic activities and social life. So, while it is true that people are still farming and doing what they used to do in their localities, the frequency of the exchange of goods and services in the cities has been significantly reduced. There are no social visits as they used to be in the past and these things are taking a toll on the economic life of the area.

Do you consider the renewed clamour for the review of the oil dichotomy Act necessary?

I do not think it is necessary.

We are supposed to be mak-

Any cost that is shifted from one area must eventually be borne by the consumers of the goods and services produced by the others

destination safely. You can be ambushed any time. The truth is that even if the fear is unfounded, it is there all the same. Because of this sense of fear and uncertainty, people are constrained from doing business in the area as they used to do in the past.

It is true that people are farming as usual in their localities but are they able to safely evacuate their farm products to the city centres for sales so that they can benefit economically from their work?

Traders used to move from Cross River and other southern areas to Dawaki in Plateau to buy dogs and sell palm oil but they can no longer do that.

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ing progress instead of taking retrogressive steps. If certain things happened and they were changed for good, we should only look towards progress and not to go back to past agitations. If anybody wants to take away the proceeds from the people who are benefitting from the onshore/ offshore dichotomy today, it will not go down well with the system. I believe that the onshore/offshore decision was a political one and while it has served the purpose, it should be left at that. A time may come when another political decision may be taken to counterbalance what is happening now. There are things that we

Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe

need to look at positively because this country has so much wealth and, as a matter of fact, every part of this country is endowed with one resource or the other. It is just a matter of time for those resources to be turned into wealth and revenue generation. I am very optimistic that prosperity will also permeate all parts of this country.

S

o I believe that there are littoral states that are benefitting from that political decision. While that is the position, they should also bear in mind that while they are benefitting now, something may come out in the future that may also benefit other parts of the country and they should also learn to accept that in good faith. If at that point they would not accept it, then the political decision could be reversed to put everyone on the same pedestal. But it is very difficult to begin to reverse the decisions that had already been taken. It should not be done so as to prevent an upheaval. You can see that the oil-producing states are even asking for more funds and we are saying that what you have

is good enough and you can use it to develop those littoral states if the money is well utilized. My belief is that if the littoral states are well developed, there would be spillover effect to the North and we can all share in the prosperity.

The President lamented that his administration was the most criticised in the world.

What do you think the president should do to satisfy Nigerians and stem the tide of criticism?

First of all, let me appeal to the President to take the criticism in good faith. If his administration is the most criticised, it also means that he has been the most tolerant of the people. It means that if he did not have democratic spirit and was not tolerant, he would have descended on the citizens and the people would have been afraid of him. We know of the enormous power at his disposal and he has simply decided to be humble and civil so that all Nigerians can get a sense of belonging in him. It is also good that he has not hounded down any critic of the administration. That is a plus to him as a person and to his government.

C M Y K

PAGE 16—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos,

Rhythms of the Abati effect(2) presidency?

Assuming that Jonathan is a clever, methodical and intelligent man who is keen to transform Nigeria, how many corrupt former heads of state, governors, ministers and prominent business tycoons have been jailed since 2010? Why is Abati’s St. Jonathan unwilling to declare his assets publicly? Is Mr. President morally justified in habitually hobnobbing with greedy oli-

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HERE are the blueprints from the Ministers?

Three months have gone already, when will Jonathan start working?

He should read the mood of the Nigerian people more carefully, the ordinary people, I mean.

They are impatient.”

Now, in essay B, the ‘ new ’ Reuben, having followed Jonathan “everywhere” and eaten at the President’s sumptuous table (and developed a follow-follow mentality as a result) says that Mr. President “is doing his utmost best to transform Nigeria…

President Jonathan is a clever, methodical and intelligent man, who is very adept at wrong footing all the persons who make an effort to second-guess or underestimate him.

He understands the complexity of Nigeria.

Ordinary Nigerians know and appreciate this.” The issue now is that if Jonathan, after Abati joined his cabinet, has stopped dancing and is actually working to transform the country, why is he losing very fast the tremendous goodwill he enjoyed from Nigerians at the beginning of his

about ordinary Nigerians is false: the average Nigerian is very conscious of the fact that his existential condition has worsened especially after the latest increase in fuel price.

In “Hurry up, Jonathan,” Abati sermonised that “Jonathan is expected to run a Presidency that is driven by a policy of ‘business unusual’….Early signs indicate that Jonathan may find it difficult stepping up to the game. He has fallen so early into the error of doing business as usual. He is the ultimate pacifier …Nothing has been more sor-

Reuben’s claim about ordinary Nigerians is false: the average Nigerian is very conscious of the fact that his existential condition has worsened

gopolists whose shady deals almost decimated the capital market and messed up the fuel subsidy regime? Moreover, Abati needs to tell us how and when ordinary Nigerians who, according to him, are impatient and have been waiting for the “dividends of democracy,” came to know and understand that Jonathan “is doing his utmost to transform Nigeria.” Of course Reuben’s claim

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did than the silly politicking that has so far attended the appointment of a new Vice President...By allowing every matter to drag, Jonathan slows down his government and loses momentum.”

But in “The Jonathan they don’t know,” Abati recants his earlier, largely correct, observation above: he now claims that P r e s i d e n t Jonathan“…understands the complexity of Niger-

Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu casting his vote at Garakamai-Alelu ward in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, yesterday, during the state local government election.

ia.

He is acutely conscious of the historicity of his emergence as Nigeria’s No.1. He is determined to promote the country.

And he is doing so already.” For Abati, Nigerians should not complain since their President is already telling and directing so-and-so to do this-and-that - and mere telling and directing without appropriate monitoring and penalties for non-performance will improve power, agriculture and general infrastructure! No wonder, then, that most contractors handling federal government projects across the country, who are among the cabals dominating Nigeria’s political economy, have continued the criminal practice of abandoning such projects after collecting huge mobilisation fees.

Needless to say, Abati’s defence of his master on the issue of infrastructure is unconvincing. Remember, before his present appointment Abati had lamented that instead of real positive change in the lives of Nigerians President Jonathan’s wardrobe is about the only thing that has changed. Jonathan, he alleges, oscillates between “the Ijaw gear, the Arewa cap and the complete Yoruba agbada.

One of these days he will get round to the Igbo red cap, the Tiv black and white cap and the Efik/Ibibio wrapper.” As a Special Adviser, “levels have changed:” Abati now sees Mr. President as a detribalised leader.

Jonathan, he claims, “sees himself as the President of all Nigerians. He is at home with every group. He is focused on the challenges of nation building….He wants to unite the country.” Reuben is just engaging in eye service here, considering his earlier sarcastic caricature of “the change and oscillations” in Mr. President’s mode of dressing. Enough has been said in the preceding passages to demonstrate that Reuben Abati has, since he was appointed Special Adviser, completely abandoned his earlier, well justified, critical stance towards President Jonathan.

The question now is: what is responsible for Abati’s complete change of attitude towards Mr. President? Some commentators have hypocritically argued that pecuniary considerations did not play a role in the matter. Abati, they allege, is merely doing his job. But considering the fact that the federal government is the ultimate profligate paymaster and that federal appointment is the easiest and fastest means of becoming a multimillionaire, it would be difficult to rule out completely the probability that Abati accepted Jonathan’s offer mainly because of its financial benefits, not because of genuine patriotism and admiration for the President himself.

Be that as it may, his reference to the sort of food and drink that feature in the President’s table implies that Abati has little of substance to

tell Nigerians about his boss. Furthermore, claiming that he has followed the President everywhere and enjoyed the privilege of eating at his table is a fetid instance of name dropping unbecoming of an experienced journalist like Abati. Who was he trying to impress anyway? What is so special about following the President everywhere and eating at his table? Finally, it is appalling that Abati had the audacity to surreptitiously categorise President Jonathan alongside iconic figures like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Kwame Nkrumah.

Aside from the irritating imprecision in Abati’s use of the terms “simple man” and “simplifying what others have complicated,” no one who has painstakingly studied the lives and political activities of the four men Abati likened Jonathan to would describe them as “simple men,” or claim that they simplified what others have complicated, much less put them in the same class with our President. To take just one example: on the spiritual plane, comparing Gandhi to Jonathan is like comparing diamond to bronze – the difference is too obvious. Reuben and other oti mkpus scattered across the country should do proper research and think deeply before making hasty sacrilegious comparisons between their paymasters and respected paradigmatic individuals.

CONCLUDED.

L-R: Dr. Stella Okoli, (MD, Emzor Pharmaceuticals Nig.); Mr. Leonard Okonkwo (Clinical Psychologist, LASUTH); Mrs. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode (Coordinator, Murtala Muhammed Foundation), Dr. Femi Olugbile (Perm.

Sec. Lagos State Min. of Health); Chief (Mrs.) Taiwo Taiwo (Founder, Aart of Life Foundation) and Dr. Rotimi Coker,(Clinical Psychologist, LASUTH) during the grief and trauma counseling organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation in collaboration with Aart of Life Foundation in Lagos.

Resign or be recalled, lawmakers told

By Godwin Oghre

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a w m a k e r s representing the three senatorial districts and the various constituencies in Delta State, at the National Assembly, have been ad-

vised to live up to expectation of Deltans in discharging their duties to avoid being recalled by the electorate.

The advice was made in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, by the national

chairman of the Atseyinku Foundation, a charitable organization, Alhaji Joseph Atseyinku.

Atseyinku, who advised the federal law makers from the state to resign their jobs if they are not prepared to initiate and

make laws that can bring rapid economic and social development to the state, said he would galvanize the electorate to initiate recalling procedure on those who are found to be docile and unproductive and whose presence in the

National Assembly will not bring the dividends of democracy to the state.

According to the activist, the electorate in the state are already fed up with nonchalant lawmakers who are representing the interest of the state in the National Assembly and are not

performing, and said Deltans would no longer fold their hands while those they elected to represent them are doing nothing to alleviate their sufferings through legislations in the National Assembly.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 17

October 1: Global Elderly Persons Day -- 1

Much ado about nothing *Praying for our eminent ladies in foreign hospitals “Life doesn’t count for much unless you’re willing to do your small part to leave our children— all of our children—a better world.” —President Obama.

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HERE must be something in the waters at home that are not good that is making our leaders unwell such that they are seeking medical treatment abroad. First, Mrs. Patience Goodluck Jonathan, the president’s wife, was airlifted to the hospital by an air ambulance to Germany.

Before the flight of mercy we were unofficially informed, the ebullient first lady had been on a secret mission to Dubai (the specifics, deC M Y K

batable) The official line is that she had been unwell due to food poisoning, it was so bad she had to be flown to Germany. I assume her food poisoning could not be treated in Nigeria.

Staff close to the president let it slip that that Patience lost her voice as a result of her ailment.

They let it be known that the president was not pleased that it was common knowledge that his wife had sought treatment abroad.

Within the week, we were informed that Mrs. Alison-Madueke had to make a dash to the UK where she is also receiving treatment for a potentially serious condition. So she hopped on a jet but left

– if we seize the moment.

A-Z, can wait, but make no mistake about it, you will read more about how two Christians, a benefactor and I, have decided to collaborate in order to use “Quran A-Z” to send a message to those wanting to break up Nigeria that “united we will stand forever ”; irrespective of religion.

While we have been busy rubbishing our nation’s independence day,

Obasanjo is just an ordinary person”. Dr Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Adviser under Obasanjo; same under President Jonathan

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so much so, some are asking for other dates to be recognized as our “National Day ”, the world had snatched the date from us and devoted it to something universal and to which every human being on earth can subscribe. October 1, had for several years been declared by the United Nations Organisation, UN, as Elderly Persons Day – that means a day we should set aside to honour our parents

cy is still only a little over fifty. That means that people like me should actually be booking our seats on the chariots carrying “dead woods” to “life after”. Not that I believe in any life beyond the grave; but, it keeps most of us from committing atrocities while enjoying life on “injury time”. As far as I am concerned, nobody should be regarded as “old” until the person has attained the age of seven-

message with her staff that she was accompanying her children to the UK. They school in the UK. It then transpired she was in UK for medical treatment.

I really do not understand the cloak and dagger charades. If you have not got something to hide, what other reason would they seek medical attention abroad other than the fact that they are unable to get adequate treatment at home. But we all know that there

government leaders from Gabon,Togo and Tanzania have all sought treatment abroad. They do not entrust their health in the hands of their countries’ doctors.

It is quite intriguing as over here in the UK,the Queen’s husband took ill, the public was immediately informed about his ailment, where he was being treated and regular updates about his response to treatment.

He is 92 years old and it

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shelter behind the battalion of soldiers and armoured vehicles, it had played on my mind that we needed something extremely important as substitute for the hollow ritual which October 1 had become since Obasanjo’s second term. The problem had been “ what is it that could be all embracing, non-partisan and worthy of our total support as a people?

What can bring together Jonathan, Buhari, Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Boko Haram and Christians, The Beroms and the Hausa/Fulani of Jos, Employers of Labour and Nigerian Labour Congress, male and female, Northerners and Southerners, and, perhaps, even induce Unijankara people to shake hands with GEJ (even if only for a day)? In short, what can indisputably unite us, even if briefly, better than the success of the Super Eagles? Well, I was not wise enough.

Then, somebody else, given the inspiration approached me for help – just like the young Muslim author of “A-Z”. Within five minutes, I was convinced that we have in this country two projects that can unite us

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“Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord, your God, has given you, (Bible, Exodus 20:12) “And your Lord has declared that you worship none but him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them, or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them. But address them in terms of honour”. [AlIsra (17): 23].

HE Federal gov ernment of Ni geria had finally admitted that October 1 celebrations had become a hollow ritual; each year bringing forth a harvest of insults every time to present and past leaders.

That has been the case for more than twenty years ago. Since 20I0, the President and Commander-In- Chief of the Armed, (C-I-C), Forces of Nigeria, had found it expedient to hide behind the barricades of Aso Rock instead of risking his skin on the parades grounds of Eagle Square. One uncouth fellow called it cowardice.

Even if it is, President Jonathan has my support. You only die once.

For a long time, even before the C-I-C took

and grandparents. And let us all admit it; that is something we have failed to do. Silly young and old “lovers” (usually more lecherous than loving) have turned Valentine’s Day into a money spinner for merchandisers of worthless cards and flowers. Mothers Day has become another ritual which daughters remind their fathers about, just before Dads leave office, to prod them to buy a gift for Mummy.

Forget Father’s Day. The “he goat” usually spends “His” day at the Club getting drunk or just wasting time. Few of us fathers ever remember our own day – and that should tell you all you need to know about it.

But, Elderly Persons day is something special – especially in a country where the life expectan-

As soon as he was released from hospital, The Duke of Edinburgh resumed his official duties. What more, he was treated in a local hospital and he had to endure an hour ambulance ride to hospital.

Let’s wish both ladies speedy recovery

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has been a brain drain of doctors and nurses for years. About time the government prioritises and puts more investments (no cutting corners here, mind you) into the health care system.In the last couple of months, it has been reported that

was expected that his health would get poor as he advances in age.

As soon as he was released from hospital, The Duke of Edinburgh resumed his official duties. What more, he was treated in a local hospital and he had to endure an hour ambu-

ty. So, this appeal to Fellow Nigerians to rally round October 1 and accept it as Old Peoples Day in totally eleemosynary. There is nothing to gain from it because I am not yet 70 – and might never make it to three score and ten years. Nevertheless, I still strongly believe that we should set aside the day, as sanctioned by the UN, to honour our old people.

The inspiration for this initiative belongs to a cleverer person than me -- Mrs Toun Giwa, wife of Dr. Shamsudeen Giwa, good Lagos fellow and a devoted Muslim.

Because time to October 1, 20I2 is so short, permit me to appeal to all our living past Heads of State, Vice Presidents, Ministers, President Jonathan, Vice President Nanadi Sambo; all the 36 Governors; the major Islamic Movements and CAN, as well as retired public servants, philanthropists, Alhaji Dangote and Mr Femi Otedola (representing the Organised Private Sector); Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Chief Bisi Akande (standing proxy for the political class); Mr BIGGS, Tantalizers, Coca-Cola and SevenUp; bottled water marketers etc-- to support the first ever Old Peoples Day holding at Glover Hall, Customs Street, Lagos. The Chairperson and Eminent supporters will be announced soon.

P.S. I seriously apologise to those individuals and organisations whose names were specifically mentioned. But, time is short and next year might be too late to start this initiative. I pray God

will prolong the lives of those over 70 and grant those under 70 the grace to reach the milestone.

Please get in touch and let us know what you can do to assist.

P R E S I D E N T JONATHAN’S DOGS “If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous; he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man”. Mark Twain, 1835-1910. (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 42).

“Obasanjo is just an ordinary person”. Dr Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Adviser under Obasanjo; same under President Jonathan.

Our Zoology department at Unijankara, admittedly, not the best in the world, has identified several species of dogs, namely, guard dogs, stray dogs, wild dogs, pepper soup dog etc.

They have also advised that there is a group called Mad Dogs. Presidents are generally advised, by Unijankara, to be sure about the pedigree of their dogs before bringing them home.

Obasanjo is few people’s favourite former Head of State; and the few, less than I00, showed up at a recent book launch written about OBJ. But, to call the two-time Head of State “ordinary” is something else. Even the worst critic of Chief Obasanjo must take exception to that statement.

P.S. This is a piece of advice for “dogs”. B’aja ba nsinwin, a m’oju ina, [translation: even a mad dog avoids fire”].

lance ride tohospital.

Let’s wish both ladies speedy recovery.

Eight of September “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”-Nelson Mandela I am not sure if the 8th of September was celebrated in Nigeria. It was The United N a t i o n s ’ International Literacy Day, to raise people’s awareness and concern for literacy across the world.

We know what education can do; it can improve and raise people out of poverty, i m p r o v e t h e i r living condition, increase economic growth, increase civic engagement, improve health, prevent illhealth through information, enhance and i m p r o v e cultural tolerance and cohesion.

It does wonder for self-esteem, empowerment and so much more.

So, literacy can be instrumental in people’s achievement of a range of capabilities such as maintaining good health and living longer, learning throughout life, con-

trolling reproductive behaviour, raising healthy children and educating them. Literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. It is fully essential to social and human development in its ability to transform lives.

We need to prepare our young and arm them with tools to become productive citizens. Some of the crude oil proceeds should go to educate our people -old and youngso that we can have a country worthy to be proud of. Our government needs to provide the opportunity for people to work their way out of poverty and improve the life chances of ordinary Nigerians.

Perhaps out of the crop of educated Nigerians, we will have eminent surgeons, doctors, nurses, architects, scientist and educationists. If not, we will continue to store problems for the future. I know that the free education in Nigeria enabled many to improve their life chances and some of the top people in Nigeria were recipients of the system. It’s about time they gave back.

PAGE 18—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Do our soldiers have supervisors? es are often invited to many rudimentary security-like duties which they ought to be called to only as a last resort. As a matter of fact, even the routine police function of road checks across the Nigerian highways to apprehend criminals has virtually been usurped by the military, on the grounds of helping to combat insecurity.

Expectedly, the image of the military is fast be-

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mayhem in the town which led to the killing of some people including 2 soldiers is responsible for the overwhelming brutality at the points.

In other words, the Okene checkpoints are operated for vengeance against the world at large as a deterrent to the innocent never to attempt to hurt a soldier.

To avoid the first checkpoint in Okene, some vehicles use a longer route through Kabba. Others dump the airport road for the Kubwa road into Abuja. What this suggests is that it is irrational to have permanent checkpoints as we now do which having been known can be avoided.

Indeed, the mounting of checkpoints as a security device is obsolete in this age of technology.

There are devices that dispense with that. The officer cadre of the Nigerian military of today is too educated to allow this to continue. Accordingly, they must immediately review the mundane functions they are engaged in and disengage from them. Until that is done, they have to seriously induct their field operatives on a code of conduct otherwise those who deprecate their unwholesome behaviour especially at checkpoints which even the police are abandoning, may assume that our soldiers have no supervisors.

great example she made of Kamalu N’ozuzu/Amadi-oha. Of the great sacred laws of the earth, the highest abomination was the shedding of blood. Every Igbo knew this. A violation of this law often was seen in apocalyptic dimensions.

There were other aspects of “Nso-Ala” of course, and in one of their most powerful songs early in the 1970s, the highlife group, the “Oriental Brothers” reminded us that of all the things the Igbo regarded as the greatest failures of moral character, thieving is

system and it is both surprising and not too surprising. It is not surprising because we have had it long in the making.

A re-shaping of an ethical life framed by extremes – extreme and fundamentalist religion antithetical to the traditional ideas of balance and tolerance; a new level of materialism anchored on unrestrained individualism; a deep deadly cynicism with the loss of the collective soul and of the public culture; a terrible worship of imagery – the new idols – our modern toys that numb us to reason, humility, and self-restraint.

I do not want to sound like a preacher, but I’m saying all this as a preface, indeed to free myself, too tongue-tied by a

must be smart but they apparently have no soul.

They did not see her great beauty or value her enterprise.

We know now that the late Cynthia too was in the university, but she was also entrepreneurial; seeking to make something honest of herself without depending on the limited handouts of her parents; she bought things and sold them on the side while also in pursuit of knowledge. That was how, we now know, she met these people – through her Facebook account. For many, the social media is a great way of establishing connections.

Yes, it is also eliminating the very basis of closer scrutiny in these contacts on which truer human relationship is formed; and yes, it has proven to be dangerous in this particular case, to trust strange people you hardly know but who we now meet on-line. That however should not be the point in this case, because we can also easily say that Cynthia ought to have nothing to fear of young men who ought to see her, not merely as body parts or whose intent ought not be taking her money or kidnapping her for ransom. But this was exactly how it turned out. These young men, undergraduates we are told of the university, good looking boys who

could have channeled their minds and talents and enormous energy to greater endeavors, not only chose a life of crime, but of the extreme kind of abomination. They not only kidnapped Cynthia, they raped her and strangled her in a Festac Town hotel room, and put a call thereafter also demanding ransom to her brother. The crime is mindblowing. These men – Echezona Nwabufo, Ejike Olisaeloka, Osita Orji, and Chukwunonso Maduako do not deserve to hang. That’d be too easy an escape. They should be kept alive and in solitary confinement for life. I say alsothat the young men who kidnapped the Vice-Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Technology, Professor Cyprian Onyeji, also deserve the life sentence. The arrest of Osinachi Iheanacho, Ejike Aba, Obinna Okoro, Ezebilo Ihiemere, Ifeanyi Edeh, Chidiebere Ani, Ernest Udeonu and Chibuzo Eze by police at a Hotel in Uwani, Enugu, with the ironic name “Safety Hotel” ought to put a new focus on the Hotel and catering industry and how they may be abetting these criminals in our midst. Kudos of course to the police for doing real gumshoe work in these cases.

More needs to be done to put these characters out of business.

of 10 hours these days to travel from a place like Asaba to Abuja. There is a checkpoint between Asaba and Agbor, another one between Agbor and Uromi, another before Auchi, then two in Okene, one before the Lokoja Bridge, another at Abaji, then one after Giri junction before the last one which is immediately after the Airport junction in Abuja. There is doubt if we had as many during the civil war. Perhaps there are issues from the security dimension that are unknown to lay men which

Indeed, the mounting of checkpoints as a security device is obsolete in this age of technology. There are devices that dispense with that

coming like that of the police following the behavior of soldiers at checkpoints. To start with, the locations at which checking is expected to be done have not only become too many, the time spent at each point is so excessive that it takes a minimum

Speed is violence returned from Ber lin on Wednesday nightwhere I had participated in the International Festival of Literature courtesy of Ulrich Schreiber, and met another delight: the just released copy of Chinua Achebe’s latest book, There Was A Country lying in wait for me. Needless to say, I dug straight in (Folks, wait for the review next week). But I’m taking something from that book today, the first stanza of the poem titled “Benin Road” presaging an ominous moment in this Achebe memoir: “speed is violence/power is violence/Weight violence.” It is an intriguing and powerful tercet, urgent in its moral and didactic force.

It seems to me fitting advise today to the young generation of Nigerian youth, but particularly the Igbo youth, who I fear is at the most dangerous crossroads in our modern history. Not long ago, among the Igbo especially, and I’m certain in most of the cultures that make up Nigeria, the measure of an individual’s worth was in the elegance they

compelled the military to create and sustain the policy for so long. Unfortunately, it has raised too many posers. The first is the rationale for the long queues especially the resultant long hours imposed on travellers. Despite the argument that people should make sac-

pants of some vehicles leave their air conditioners running while in the queue. What an offence?

When someone is about two hundred vehicles away from a checkpoint, he tends to think that some earnest efforts are being made to apprehend criminals and their weapons. But on getting close to the end of the queue, he suddenly realizes that the checkpoint is merely designed to slow down traffic and that in reality no checking is going on. When this is added to the fact that military convoys and siren piloted vehicles drive off along the curves and sometimes against traffic to avoid the discomfort of long queues, the credibility of the institution of the operatives is diminished. To argue that military convoys can be trusted and need not be checked makes it hard to explain the several times when impostors have used military uniforms etc to cause havoc and insecurity?

The exclusion of military vehicles from checks is not the only evidence of the self serving nature of the military on our roads. There is also the aspect in which they operate with a retaliatory mindset instead of the larger picture of ensuring public safety. The new and vicious Okene checkpoints confirm this.

As we hear, the recent

brought to life through work, through intellect; through the sheer perseverance that marked the disciplined mind from the sham. There was a clear difference between courage and mere bellicosity.

The Igbo ethos valued industry, honesty and thrift. The individual was lord of his fate, and worked in close concert with his “chi.” They had no need, nor fear of kings, nor were they constrained by the boundaries of class or hierarchy.

They were empowered by great optimism. If a man did not do all he could in this life, then the next was a great possibility. That powerful belief in the cyclic incarnacy of great possibilities meant that no one, except those who commit great abominations, had the great promise of life permanently foreclosed. The individual could aspire to any heights for as long as they do not violate the sacred sanctions of the land, the laws of the earth goddess, Ala, who protected with as much love as she struck with as fiery recompense, in the

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N a typical society, the maintenance of law and order which may involve a drastic crackdown on some elements in the society is essentially a civil matter. It is not expected to involve the military; hence most countries hardly call out their military to deal with such matters that are clearly less than war. It used to be so in Nigeria as every infraction was usually left for the police to handle.

The culture of keeping the armed forces in their barracks was however altered by years of military rule which militarized the people and civilianized the military; and although military rule ended in 1999, Nigeria has not been able to return its armed forces to their proper role and location in the country. Now and again, soldiers are deployed to quell communal clashes or to deal with one type of conflict or the other which are being erroneously seen as military functions. As a result, our armed forc-

rifices for their own good, every public policy ought to help the people and not to punish them. Due to wrong handling of a road contract for instance; people are inconvenienced for longer than is necessary while Government officials explain that everyone would be happier for it at the end of the project. Must people make avoidable sacrifices? Meanwhile, the international construction companies do the same work timely and diligently in other countries.

In the same manner, the attitude of military operatives at the checking locations is a problem because it is so obvious from their disposition that they are contemptuous of public opinion and are insensitive about the high degree of public discomfort which their operations create. If soldiers insist on checking the booth of every vehicle as well as every luggage in it, there are many people who would leave the scene happy that some good work was being done. It is a different matter if the soldiers tell everyone in the car to disembark in the rain because they (soldiers) who are always in the rain and sun are also human. As some people told this writer in Lokoja the week before; what the soldiers claim to annoy them is that the occu-

The individual could aspire to any heights for as long as they do not violate the sacred sanctions of the land

the worst. It devalued the individual’s dignity. It has karmic force: it led to the abrupt end of lineages. Those who moved too far into the night were thus regarded with great surprise and great disdain. They brought shame, not only to their families, but to their communities and the wider clan. It seems that something powerful has changed in that value

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recent event of which I’m still at great loss to understand. I’m talking about the mindless murder of Cynthia Osokogu, a young beautiful Igbo woman from Agbor and the only daughter of a retired General of the Nigerian Army by four young Igbo men – her natural peers. These young men are said to be undergraduates of Nigerian universities. They

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 19

Is it alright to fantasize about men?

Dear Rebecca

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am an 18 year old girl and a regular reader of your column. I pray that the spirit of wisdom and counsel will continually operate through you.

I would like you to give me a straight forward answer. I have been searching for answers to some problems for about five years now.

The world is so crazy about sex but I am not moved because I have purposed in my heart that my husband shall be the first. What worries me is the fact that I do not know what to imagine or do when I am pressured by sexual urge.

Is it right to fantasize about men? Is it right to think about how it will be like when you are finally alone with the man that you have humbly kept yourself for?

Midway into this kind of thought, I start feeling guilty. The thoughts get so strong sometimes that I start thinking of masturbation as a way out.

What do I do?

My father is a medical doctor but I can’t tell him this. When this thought comes, my concentration level drops thus affecting my academics. I have just gained admission to read medicine in one of the universities but I fear that this thought may make me perform less than my parents’ expectation.

Thank you for your counsel.

Sarah,Lagos.

REPL Y REPLY

Y

OU sound a can did and intelli gent girl. Now, sex is a beautiful urge which God, in His wisdom, has put into us. Sex is so important that it is the only God’s approved way of reproducing so that the human race can continue.

Sex is meant to be had in a committed relationship like marriage, to deepen the love you have for your partner and also to make babies.

Your urge to have sex is very normal and healthy and you should never feel ashamed about it.

We are meant to enjoy sex, but the problem with us is that we want to go about it our own way, which is usually sinful

because of our sinful nature; instead of God’s way.

If you’re not married, it is not sinful to think about sex ,but going to have sex is fornication and that is a sin. If you’re married, if you have sex with a man other than your husband, that is adultery and it is a sin.

The Bible is very clear on this. The experts say that touching up yourself to relieve yourself of sexual tension, is harmless. They say the act cannot give you venereal diseases or make you infertile.

Some married couples may choose to do it when sex is impossible due to heavy pregnancy, childbirth or illness, rather than go commit adultery.

However, if you have a guilt feeling about the act, that feeling may bring on psychological illness.

I think the decision is a personal and private thing. Don’t do anything your conscience says you should not do. If you do, it won’t bring you the desired pleasure, rather, you would be weighed down with guilt.

Also, some religious sects say that masturbation or even thinking about sex is a sin, and members are told not to think of sex at all, but to discipline themselves until marriage.

It is wise of you to reserve yourself for the man you will marry. Since thinking about sex makes you feel guilty, I advise that you stop reading ro-

mantic books or watching films which may trigger off the feeling.

If you derive pleasure from reading clean romantic books, like many of us do, and you wouldn’t want to give up, then make up your mind to stop feeling guilty about fantasizing about romantic scenes with your future husband.

Provided you trust yourself not to rush into sex with the nearest male, I don’t think it is harmful. However, organize your time for studies, hobbies you enjoy and also day dreaming. Give priority to your studies.

Excited by female bodies !

Dear Rebecca

I

am an 18 year- old boy in SS 2. I don’t have a girl friend.

Each time I see an attractive female body, I got excited and I discharge sperm. As a result of this habit, I watch a lot of blue films so that I can get excited I could discharge some sperm. It has now become a habit.

Please Rebecca, is this act a sin? Am I still a virgin? Would this habit hinder me from having children in future ? How do I break this habit and how do I get a girlfriend?

Junior, Enugu

REPL Y REPLY A Man or Woman who has never had sexual intercourse is a virgin. Discharging sperm without having sexual intercourse will neither harm you nor make you become infertile, but if you feel it is wrong, then, that guilt feeling could make you feel depressed and ill.

I think for our peace of mind, it is best to stop a habit which, even though safe, we feel is wrong and is making us unhappy.

No amount of reassurance from books or experts can bring relief to

our hearts, so it is best to stop.

I suggest you go out and make friends with the girls around you, but not for a romantic relationship. Chat with them about studies, books, happenings in the country, friends, relatives, etc.

You don”t need to have special girlfriends at this age, but rather, have girls as casual friends so that you can have the opportunity to study and understand girls better.

Start off with ordinary friendship; don’t declare everlasting love, or propose marriage with any of them that you fancy.

Simply enjoy a casual

friendship which will help you when you want a romantic relationship in future. Get busy too with your studies, e.g sports, games reading, music etc.

When you are leading an active life, you will have little or no time to think of female bodies and get excited, and to some extent, the friendship you have with girls will take care of any romantic feelings you might be having. When you have girls as casual friends, you will not feel the urge to go to a corner and start thinking of their bodies. Being in their company would be a healthy thing for you.

I saw a love note he sent to my friend Dear Rebecca

I

am a 25 year old girl in a higher institu tion. I am fair in complexion and two years older than my boyfriend whom I have been dating for about two years now.

Recently, I saw a secret love letter he wrote to one of my friends whom I introduced to him sometime ago.

Should I go ahead with him?

Felicia, Okija.

REPL Y REPLY

T

HE first thing you should do is to ask him if he is dating the girl. If he asks you why you asked him, tell

him that you suspect he is and he should tell you the truth. If he confirms that he is and prefers her to you, quietly bid him bye bye and leave him to her.

But if he denies and tells you that you are his only love, tell him that you believe him and are ready to drop your suspicions. Don't refer to the matter again, especially if he continues to show you loving attention and you don't have further evidence that he is dating your friend. Keep your eyes and ears open for hard facts, not hearsay. Some young men do like to try their luck with various girls. Sometimes it is because they are not

sure they have met the right girl to settle down with. Most of the time, however, it is sexual adventure they are after.

Some boys keep the girl they love and want to marry in one precious corner, while they play around with other girls for a while.

You did not mention marriage in this relationship, but if at 25, you have been dating a man for two years, whether you are still studying or not, you expect it to be serious on both sides.

So, you have the right to know exactly where you stand with a man.

You don't want to live in a world of false hope thinking that you have

met your ideal mate and you don't need to look further whereas he is still looking around waiting to find his ideal lady. If you confront your man and he admits dating the girl, but is repentant, give him another chance and forgive him.

We always advise girls on this page that when they are ready for marriage and have been in a relationship for two years and there is no firm move towards marriage, they should end it and give themselves the opportunity to be dated by other men.

Some girls endure a

roller-coaster romantic relationship for several years only to be cast aside in their twenties or early thirties because their man considers them too old.

However, is this man who is two years younger than you are, your ideal man to marry? Is he in a higher institution too?

Unless his parents are very rich, he is still quite some way away from being in a financial position to settle down. Remember that you are more likely to be ready to settle down earlier than he.

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

P AGE 20 — PA

SUND AY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 16 , 2012 SUNDA

0808 066 0660 (Texts only!)

Revenge affairs are easy to forgive!

I

T was a busy time at the office and I’d left specific instructions with my secretary not to be disturbed - except she thought it was absolutely necessary. So, when she peeked tentatively into my office and I scowled in disapproval, she quickly mouthed that Ini’s husband was at the reception area. Ini’s husband? What the heck did he want? After frequent visits., to his hometown, the result of his clandestine visits had finally surfaced some few months ago. And who should let the cat out of the bag but some of his ‘ respected’ relatives who thought it was about time Ini knew her children had a halfbrother. Without any warning of the impending bombshell, lni was furious after the ‘meeting’. But her in-laws pompously warned her to get a grip on herself - her husband wouldn’t be the first man to stray from the straight and narrow.

What was more, the new son had a right to his father ’s home - the home that was more Ini’s than her husband’s!

For the next few weeks, lni made life so unbearable for Charles, her husband, that he virtually relocated to his town to savour the joys of new fatherhood. The last time I saw him, he was unrepentant. He said I should

have a word with my friend to be realistic.

That a child was involved here and if he didn’t have any feelings for its mother, he wouldn’t sleep with her.

That he’d heard Ini refer to her mistress as a village illiterate. For my information, he went on with his lecture, the girl was not an illiterate but a successful trader and a princess. Over the years, I’ve learnt the wisdom of a still tongue, so I said nothing. Not even to my friend when I next saw her. Now he was in my office. To inform me he was finally leaving my friend to live with Cinderella?

I found him sitting forlornly at the reception, looking like a stranger.

He’d aged too. He sprang to his feet as soon as he saw me and I ushered him to my office. “I know I’ve no right to pounce on you without an appointment,” he said, “God knows I wasn’t even expecting you to see me. But you’ve got to speak to Ini. Please, you’re one of the few people she’d listen to. Please beg her to take me back. I want to come home and I need this second chance badly. I know I’d been so stupid.

Ini has always turned a blind eye on my affairs.

Springing this child on her was a mistake. I was

misled by those nosy village people. I’ll never embarrass her like this again.”

I sighed. That was one very big task! lni had felt humiliated by Charles’ latest stunt. But she’d quickly recovered. She’d never really allowed the grass to grow under her feet and had latched on to one of her exes. A top politician, he’d gotten carried away by the spoils of office and seldom gave Ini the time of day. Now that he’d been swept aside by his party, he was feeling out of sorts when he tentatively called Ini. He couldn’t believe his luck when she agreed to see him.

And he couldn’t show his gratitude enough, showering her with cash gifts and a brand new car! I was a bit envious, believe me. But it was the tonic

Yoga Leg Pull

A

lady I know once said to me, ''I want to do yoga, but how soon do I start to see results?'' I simply looked her in the eyes and shot back, “about half the time that it has taken you to acquire your excess baggage.”

Tr o u b l e w i t h m o s t people when they take up some fitness regime to correct what they have allowed to go wrong with their bodies, is the expectation of a miracle - instant results. But, fat bodies like fast food will bring problems in their wake.

Apart from the seriousness that accompany crash exercises, there is also the problem of anxiety to be dealt with. I think the best attitude with which to get into a fitness routine is resolving to make it’ a way of life.’

Dr. George Sheehan C M Y K

advises, “become a life long athlete.” What is meant is constancy and diligence in practice.

This done, everything will come your way, namely, shamefulness, fitness, strength of body and mind, in short, all the good things that a healthy body has to offer.

The Leg Pull

A certain amount of curiosity and a selfhelp mentality are also very necessary qualities to inculcate into the personality makeup.

Read up on good eating and other healthy living habits and seek to make them a part of your life. It is not good to do all the wrong things, then one day

Ini needed: “If my own husband didn’t appreciate my curves, Emma (the boyfriend) does. He always tells me I looked .’ amazing and we’ve even made love a few times in his bathroom we didn’t want his wife finding wet, rumple sheets when she came home.

“I thank my stars for finding Emma at the right time. Although I felt bad about my husband’s betrayal. I have quickly put it at the back of my mind to enjoy once again the chance of passionate and intimate affair. What I hadn’t had in recent times. He has given me what Charles hadn’t been able to give for sometime now - attention, and lust!” I’d met Emma before, didn’t think much of him even now. Maybe the excess

cash he has to throw around is the aphrodisiac! In spite of her bravado, I knew she loved her husband. Was this the right time to cash in her chips? Give Emma the chops now her husband was virtually grovelling?

I promised Charles I’d have a word with Ini and he looked so grateful that I really felt sorry for him. I was surprised though, by the ease with which Ini agreed to take him back. “You know I love him,” she said simply, “and I still prefer him to Emma. Let’s face it, I’ve always cheated more often than he had.

I was only lucky I’d mastered the act of discretion. His being caught in the loop had made us even. And if I take him back, those stupid village men of his would think

me a wonderful wife standing by my marriage - even though nothing could be further from the truth! I know he would be lost without me. I just wondered why it took him so long to come rushing back to the cushy life he had with me. Maybe his new ‘ wife’ had almost taken him to the cleaners!”

Charles beamed from ear to ear when I later saw him at their home. He’d been pathetically grateful when I’d told him that it’d taken all my wile to wear lni down, but that she was now ready to take him back. Now his sparkle was back as he cracked his silly jokes and poured celebratory wine. So, how was Ini able to tackle Emma and his sudden attention?

“He took it badly when I told him we had to cool things a bit,” lni said as soon as her husband was out of ear shot “I felt really guilty and 1 quickly lied that someone had squealed to my husband about us. That Charles was a violent man and I wouldn’t want his political career to be rubbished by an irate husband. We could still be together, I consoled him, but we had to be discreet. I mean now that I’ve found a cushy landing, thanks to my husband’s indiscretion, 1 intend to make the most of it... “

look at yourself in the mirror and say: I don’t like what I see, I want a bit off here, a bit off there, oh, my God, a bit off everywhere, really?

The fact that you are reading this means you want a change for yourself. A change for a healthier, more responsive body.

Having made the decision, resolve to have the tenacity of purpose. It will be your greatest asset in your bid to improve on your b o d y. Wi t h i t , y o u r ‘dream’ body will become your ‘ real’ body.

The following are some yoga exercises to help you reduce weight, firm thighs and the buttocks. A must for ladies with the problem of cellulite.

The Leg Pull, jausirasana in sanskait, is done this w a y. ‘ S i t w i t h l e g s stretched out before.

Now place the sole of the left foot against the

upper inside of the right thigh. Raise both arms overhead. Lean backward as far as possible and coming forward grab hold of whatever part of the right leg you can with both hands. Be careful not to over strain.

'Bend your elbows and pull the trunk slowly downward and at the same time turn the right shoulder downward and the left shoulder upward.

Breath slowly and deeply.

'After a comfortable while, release hold and gently straighten u p . Pe r f o r m s i m i l a r movements with the left leg. Go over from right to left legs three times in all.'

Apart, from the ‘selfmassaging’ effect of this posture to deal with cellulite and ten-

sion, fatigue are also relieved throughout the legs.

The Locust, the next exercise effectively deals with excess weight, firms, streamlines and develops the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs.

To perform the Lo cus, lie face down with the chin on the floor and place the fists on the floor beside the thighs. Breathe in deeply, regaining the breadth, push legs as high as you can. Remain a while like this, then bring down both legs and exhale.

Take a short rest and repeat. If it is too difficult raising both legs in one go, take the described position, but raise one leg for a while, lower it, and then repeat with the other leg.

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

SUND AY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 21 SUNDA bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

Just how thrilled are you to be a grandma?!

R

OSALINE was attending her company’s usual monthly briefing when she was called out to answer a call. “l knew straight away that it would be a distress call”, said Rosaline. ‘The secretaries had strict instructions not to pull any of the sales executives out of a meeting to answer any calls except such calls were important. When I picked up the call, it was my daughter’s school principal on the line with the news that it looked as if something was wrong with my daughter, Vivian. She was going to be 15 soon and in SSII, living with my mother.

What could be wrong with her? Determined not to panic, I drove to her school.

“When I got to her school my mother was already there looking as if someone had died. She told me the school had tested Vivian and she was six months pregnant.

‘How could you have let it happen?’, I shouted at my mother. Because Vivian’s school was nearer to her house, I had let her stay with mum so I wouldn’t have the stress of running around to pick her. I’d had her when I was 23 and was married to her father. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t work out and she’s an only child.

I could see my mother was indignant about my outburst, but she said nothing.

W

hen I eventually saw the principal, she said Vivian was at least six months pregnant - too late for an abortion. But how could she be that far gone without anybody noticing?

Teenage mothers often deny that they feel their babies move when the pregnancy is at the ad-

vanced stage. It’s part of their general denial of their pregnancies? said the principal. “But the baby is alive, the doctor assured us. However, there was no way of telling how the baby could turn out as she hadn’t attended any prenatal clinic! It was a nightmare! In a few weeks, I would be 39 and a grandmother! My daughter would have turned 16 then’.

"How could this be happening to me just when I was getting a better grip of my life and finances? When I eventually saw Vivian, it was obvious she wasn’t aware of the enormity of what she’d done. When I scolded her for not letting us know, she said she wasn’t even aware that she was pregnant.

According to her, ‘I knew I’d had a few dizzy spells especially when I took part in sports but honestly, I didn’t think I was pregnant. How could I be pregnant? I wasn’t fat and my periods were as erratic as they used to be.

Besides, we had sex only once!

“Sex with who? It

Y

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

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

You are beautiful

To the most beautiful girl in the world, Oyeronke Oyeniran (Ronke).Looking at you, I could see that you’re beautiful, I don’t see in you any trait of ugliC M Y K

turned out she’d had sex with the 17-year-old jobless boy who lived two houses from my mum! She started understanding how different things were going to be when I told her she would have to drop out of school to have a baby. She was shocked.

We returned to my mother’s house and it was decided that she should continue to live with her. We went to see the boy’s parents and they seemed scared. The boy was sullen and said it only happened once, how could he be sure he was the father?

I wanted to hit him and my daughter started crying again, so we left.

T

wo months later, my daughter, a mere child herself was in labour.

I felt helpless and frightened. A child giving birth to a child - this was a moment when I couldn’t take on her pains. In the end, she gave birth to a healthy boy. I felt such a relief that I even smiled with pride. My own flesh and blood! This was my grandchild! I wanted to scream to the world. But when I looked at Vivian, I came down to earth. She

looked vulnerable, and there was the financial burden of looking after a brand new baby. How would I pay for all the things this new little baby would need? And how would I help my daughter grow up overnight?

“I was surprised when the father ’s parents showed up at the hospital. Titus (the baby’s) father looked as if he’d done the did himself he was so proud. I guess it had to do with the fact that the baby was a boy - he said he was a splitting image of male children in the family! Titus just stood, round-eyed, looking at his son as if he was an alien!

“That was last year.

We found another school for Vivian and she will be finishing secondary school next year. She is a briliant child and her son now lives with mum so he could be near his other grandparents. He’s spoilt rotten and was a relief when Titus’ parents offered to be responsible for some of the financial expenses. I’ll

ness in form of impatience, anger, laziness or talkativeness. You’re an epitome of royalty. You’re a rare gem and a princess indeed! A treasure like you is far above rubies. I know your worth and will not settle for less. Thank you for believing in me.I love you dearly.

Philip Osigbemhe, planetphilip@yahoo.com 07059660990

How could I hurt you?

Dear Teriese,I ask myself how could I hurt someone that is by my side knowing that you won't take me back.now that you've left me all I do is wish I was your pillow so that I can always be by your side because every night that am lonely,it rains on me.I need you to come save me from this misery.

Derek Nakpodia.

08062811130.32A89C19

soon be turning 40. It hasn’t sunk in yet that I am a granny. Maybe when I cut my 40th birthday cake with a grandson in tow, it will sink in.

I only pray that Vivian learns some good lesson from all this ... “ How to nail the fiveyear itch The seven-year itch used to be the time when you should start noticing the rut in your marriage and try to revamp it. The period has now been reduced to five years. According to one multi-universal study, unhappy married couples who stick it out and work through their problems are reportedly happier five years after a rough patch than couples who threw in the towel. Here are professional tips to help you stay the course: Embrace Change: Over time you and your spouse will each evolve.

Accepting that change is inevitable makes it easier to be flexible and help you to focus on big picture bonding points like building a strong family.

Expect that there will

be hard times: Many couples think “lf we were right for each other, it wouldn’t be this difficult’.

But that isn’t accurate.

Love temporarily cools.

Marriage is like the stock market. Tough and normal, and it is usually best to ride them out.

Fight Right: It’s not what you argue about but how you argue it. Avoid name calling (it is disrespectful); put compromises ahead of the need to be right (harmony outranks “ winning”); be quick to forgive - and quicker to say “I apologise”.

Remind yourself why you married him: Remember how your pulse raced the first time he kissed you? Calling up positive memories like that during less - than blissful moments can be effective attitude adjuster.

Her Diary … “Saw him in the evening and he was acting really strangely. I’d been shopping in the afternoon with the girls and I did turn up a bit late so thought it might be that.

The bar was really crowded so I suggested we go somewhere quieter to eat. All through diner, he didn’t seem himself – he hardly laughed. I just knew something was wrong.

He dropped me back home and I wondered if he was going to come in.

He hesitated but followed. I asked him again if there was something the matter but he just half-shook his head and turned on the TV. I said I was going upstairs to bed. I put my arms round him and told him I loved him deeply. He just gave a sign and a sad sort of smile. He didn’t follow me up, but later he did and I was surprised when he made love.

His Diary … Man U lost. Gutted. Got a shag, though.

Tears for love

Tears can sometime be more special than smiles in our faces,because smiles can only be given to anyone,but tears are only shared among the ones we care and love so dearly...!

Chris Onunaku 08032988826/0818484401

Dear Blessing

Unless you love your Queen, they that love without Queen, like you, loves in vain. Since I fashion your beauty, Your beautiful look is in Vain. Behold, Queens like Blessing, are a heritage from above, the pride of having you as a Queen is a reward.like an arrows in the hand of a warrior! Happy is a man who has his quiver full of them(Queens); he shall not be ashame, but shall speak with enemies in the gate. Thank God I found You. My Queen.

Emma Mine 07051037749 Delta State

P AGE 22—V anguard , SUND AY , SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 SUNDA PA 22—Vanguard

President Goodluck

Prof .Bola Akinterinwa

Tafawa Balewa

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi

Odein Ajumogobia

Mismanagement, occasioned by bureaucratic tardiness Foreign Affairs Editor

D

iplomacy can be de fined as the process by which a nation state relates or conducts its activities with other nationstates in the international arena, to achieve the set objectives of its foreign policy.

The actions, reactions and behaviours of nation states in the international arena are viewed and analysed from how it conducts its diplomacy which is either the visible or invisible processes of communication between nations. The ultimate the aim is to advance the strategic interest of nations, conduct dialogue and negotiations to extract concessions, promote cordial relations and avoid conflicts or to manage and end conflicts where it has arisen. The instrumentalist objective of diplomacy is seen by experts as one of the weapons that can be deployed by nations either in soft or hard form, to achieve their foreign policy objectives.

The history of a country, resource endowments, the geographical location of a country, leadership style and ideology, economic strength, technology and military might and ambition in the international system help to shape the content, quality and character of the diplomacy and diplomatic approaches adopted by nation-states.

Some of these factors have played out in favour of `Nigeria. The question however, is how has the country been able to appropriate the benefits of this endowment or manage its deficiencies? That is C M Y K

the central focus of this analysis which takes its point of departure from the 9th brainstorming session of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island Lagos.

Participants at the brainstorming session got more than a fair dose of revelations of bureaucratic tardiness that has been the hallmark of managing Nigeria's diplomatic investment in Africa but more importantly, the hostile and negative vibrations from countries that had supposedly benefited from Nigeria's Father Christmas diplomacy.

less. It is regarded as the engine room of public service.

Whatever maybe its limitations; the bureaucracy remains a repository of knowledge in public service and government business. Even with the series of reforms that Nigeria’s bureaucracy has been subjected to, it will take a long time to know whether the bureaucracy in Nigeria has adopted attitudes and practices that will take Nigeria into the 21st century.

The Director General of NIIA, Prof Bola Akinterinwa, who led the discussions told

,

By Hugo Odiogor,

We are praying that General Olusegun Obasanjo should live long so that he will see the events as they unfold.

Somebody is saying that the solution to Bakassi problem is to relocate the people For a country that had predicated its post-independence interactions with other nations “on Africa as the centre piece of its International relations”, Nigeria has fared poorly in terms of the continental perception and appreciation of the contributions to the burdens of Africa.

BUREAUCRACY AT WORK

B

ureaucracy all over the world is renowned for record keeping and adherence to precedents and rules, impartial, meticulous and face-

,

the audience that the brainstorming session was informed

by President Goodluck Jonathan, directives to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to produce a comprehensive document of Nigeria's contributions to the Southern African countries during the anti apartheid struggle.

The Presidency, therefore, wants a cost benefit analysis of what Nigeria has invested in promoting development, peace and security on the international stage. This had become imperative as most African countries that run to Nigeria in times of needs of-

ten end up becoming Nigerian’s greatest opponents in international organisations or competitions.

NIGERIA’S FATHER CHRISTMAS DIPLOMACY

I

ncidentally, most of these countries are major beneficiaries of Nigeria’s Father Christmas diplomacy, which was laid out by Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa who once said: “in offering foreign assistance to Africa countries, Nigeria never expected anything in return”. This has defined focus of Nigeria’s “Father Christmas diplomacy” which has been the character of Nigeria’s interaction in international arena. On call were Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, a former Director General of NIIA and Nigeria's External Affairs Minister during the Babangida administrator who manned that office during the regime of General Sani Abacha. Others were Amb. Olu Adeniji the foreign affairs and later, Internal Affairs during the Obasanjo administration.

Barrister Odein Ajumogbia, who was the Foreign Affairs minister under the Musa Umar Yar Adua's presidency.

Other notable personalities were Amb. Joe Keshi, Alhaji Haroun Adamu, Prof. Akin Oyebode, Prof Alaba Ogunsawo, Prof. George Obiozor, Amb. Michael Ononaiye, Amb. Akporode Clark, Amb Olu Otunla and other administrators and actors in the Southern African theatre. It was a commendable effort by Prof.

Bola Akinterinwa who has vowed to

make NIIA among the best foreign policy formulating institutions in the world.

The quality of the topics and papers presented, the depth of insight that was made available and the startling revelations that the civil service, which is the hub of the nation's bureaucracy, has over the years been tardy in its handling of issues of diplomacy and diplomatic practice between Nigeria and other countries. Top among the revelation are: *Paucity of documentation of the various contributions that Nigeria had made in its foreign policy commitments. *Lack of public information at home and abroad of what Nigeria has done as the mass media was often excluded when such assistance are made. *The exclusion of intellectuals in foreign policy planning and implementation by officials of foreign ministry. *The in-fighting between career diplomats, civil servants and military/political actors. *Over concentration of efforts on lobbying for posting at the expense of strategic thinking and thinking Prof. Alaba Ogunsawo who was once Nigeria's High Commissioner to Botswana gave an in-depth analysis of Nigeria's contributions to the liberation of South Africa, From the struggle to decolonise Africa, the antinuclear bomb test in Sahara Desert, the anti-apartheid struggle, peace keeping roles and combating natural and man-made disasters Nigeria has been in the frontline of proAfrican initiatives.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 23

M A I L B A G

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

N5,000 note and the rest of us Dear Sir,

D

EMOCRACY as defined by Abraham Lincoln which is, government of the people, for the people and by the people does not exist in Nigeria. The Nigerian government of today is more of a dictatorship than a civilian. What is being practised in Nigeria is “democrazy ” otherwise known as demonstration of madness. This is a country where you have very high level of corruption, impunity, lawlessness, indiscipline, planlessness, lack of vision, gross injustice and no accountability.

The recent announcement by the CBN governor to introduce N5,000 note in 2013 which in turn have generated disapproval by a great majority of the populace and public protests in some parts of the country shows that Mallam Sanusi Lamido is not a democrat and is also not a Leader but a dictator and a ruler . I don’t want to speculate on the reasons behind the move but I know there is a hidden agenda behind it all. I know Sanusi is a Moslem and therefore cannot say how much of the bible he has read but let me give him two scenarios. First in the Old testament, the Creator commonly called God by majority of the world, led the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt to Cannan the promised land and wanted to continue leading them generally. But they rejected His leadership in a mass protest and asked for a king to rule over them like the rest of the nations around them.

As a good democrat, the Almighty granted their request and consequently installed Saul as their first king. The rest of the story is known to bible scholars.

Contrary to a popular saying that you

can force a horse to the stream to drink water but can not force it to drink, Sanusi & co playing god, say they can force the horse to the stream and also force it to drink. Since Sanusi and co are omniscient, I don’t have any advise for them. They can please themselves.

I want to postulate that the relationship

between the Nigerian masses on whose hands resides the sovereignty of this nation and the rulers and their cohorts, is that of master and slave.

If our rulers know the story of the crocodile and one small fish called “Okpo” and “Onwa” in Ibo and Isoko respectively, they should reflect on the

outcome. Finally, let me remind our slave masters what Owelle Nnamdi Azikiwe told Ukpabi Asika, “No condition is permanent”. Let them that have ears to hear, hear.

James Obi, Warri, Delta State Luckyobi75@yahoo.co.uk

Why GEJ is most critisized president on earth Dear Sir,

I

T’S sad and very sad that the president, Goodluck Jonathan openly declared that he is the most criticized president in the whole world. No one criticizes what is good but if most people do that, then something is wrong.

I wouldn’t know if the President agreed that the criticism is constructive. Nigerians have never experienced your type of government.

To most Nigerians, apart from the poverty, sufferings, high prices of all commodities, crimes, insecurity etc, all the policies and programmers of this

administration are anti-people. It is only air, sun, or rain for farmers to grow crops that we get free. Left alone, if the government had its way, we will start paying for air, sun and rainfall.

This is the level to which this government has gone. They may not know what people are passing through in terms of hardship because the treasury is there for them. If the president cares to listen, the cause of poverty, sufferings, hardship, crimes etc is as a result of every day fuel price increase, which normally increases prices of all commodities. God almighty revealed the thieves causing these

problems, yet the President refused to reverse fuel price.Pms sells at N97 while kerosene and diesel sell at n150 and N170 respectively. While will people not criticize you Mr. President?

PHCN tariff is no longer affordable and we also pay for what we did not consume. Recently marketers with NUPENG held Abuja to ransom, demanding that your government should continue to pay for what they did not supply. So Mr. President, if you don’t want to be criticized, do the right thing at the right time.

Pastor Emma Godspower, Jos, Plateau State

Uduaghan, Clark deserve commendation Dear Sir,

T

HE recent statement by the Ijaw National leader, Chief Dr Edwin K Clark on the issue of true democratic practice and Governor

Emmanuel Uduaghan creation of a level playing field for proper practice of democracy in the state is worthy of commendation. .

The Ijaw national leader told the delegation that paid courtesy visit to him that democracy has come to stay and that the era of imposition of candidates on the people was over.

This glaring statement made by our

national leader is a departure from the old arrangement whereby unpopular candidates are imposed on the people.

So I pray God to bless Chief E K Clark for standing on the right part of democracy. Therefore the political class should take note and avoid imposition of unpopular candidates. Free and fair primaries that are not influenced should be the order of the day.

He further commended Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan , Governor of Delta State for striving to create a conducive atmosphere for proper democratic practice.

I am aware that people are already

meeting Dr Uduaghan to seek his support for their candidates in the forth coming local government election but the responses from the governor to them that they should go to the grass roots and meet their people is quite commendable.

We went to see the Ijaw national leader at his country home thank him for playing fatherly role to all aspirants and kicking against imposition of candidates on the people during elections.

Comrade Arthur Kingsley, a Niger Delta activist, writes in from Warri, Delta State.

PAGE 24—SUNDAY VANGUARD,SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Re: State police here

S

OME readers were vehe mently against my view that we’re not quite ripe for establishing State Police, because we lack the maturity to handle it in a way that would bring us peace, and give justice to all.

Maybe my view was pessimistic, but after reading mail from those who are for it, I still am not convinced that it is desirable in the present dispensation.

We’re far too steeped in misplaced loyalty (ethnic, political, religious, etc.) to be able to run a neutral State Police Force whose primary concern should be to maintain law and order in a State, without any bias. What’s more, when we establish State Police, can we guarantee that the individual States will not invite foreign ‘trainers’ for their forces? With this would come foreign funding for the State Police to empower it above other states in the federation. This would come at a price, of course, as these foreign funders would want something back. Before we blink, our country would be awash with mercenaries disguised as ‘trainers’ for State Police, armed to the teeth in defence against fellow Nigerian states, and also ready to be used by the ruling political party in the individual states to ‘sink’ those who oppose it. Okay, maybe the imagination is being stretched a bit far here, but in our beloved country, anything can happen.

Thank God there were readers, however, who agreed with my view.

“Helen, I’m not at all with you in your opposition to State Police being established in the country. It seems you’re not aware of the severity of the lapse in security all over the country.

It is obvious that it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain law and order efficiently from the Centre, that is Abuja. The sensible thing to do is to allow each State in the Federation to have its own Police Force. Thus, quelling riots and uprisings would be much easier. The command to do so would be readily at hand. From my own observation, a testy situation is usually allowed to simmer for a while, and sometimes get out of hand, before an order would come for the Police to move in. By that time, a lot of damage would have been done to lives and property. That doesn’t show a sense of responsibility. - Tunde, Lagos. ” “Madam, I understand your fears that States may fight one another if State Police is allowed, but then, you can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg. No scheme is totally flawless, but the benefits of having a State Police far outweigh any perceived danger. With a State Police, crime can be fought and contained right from the grassroot. The police would be functioning within the dictates of the traditional/cultural life of the people. I live in a small town in the south, and I can assure you that some of the law enforcement officers there who belong to other states are indifferent to the culture of the place and this has sometimes caused some friction between the two parties, which, but for the intervention of the elders in the comC M Y K

View-Point

Helen Ovbiagele Woman Editor

No scheme is totally flawless, but the benefits of having a State Police far outweigh any perceived danger. With a State Police, crime can be fought and contained right from the grassroot munity who pleaded for restraint, could have led to an uprising. A State police would consist of officers drawn from across the state.

They know how the ground lies, and are in a good position to monitor/check criminal activities from grassroot level upwards. - Friday, Sapele” “State Police will allow States to defend their area, against internal and external enemies.

I don’t think we shall get to a point where we would turn guns on one another, even though I know that that’s a natural fear.

Rather, the State Police will bring protection right down to the grassroot, and officers would be drawn from within the State. Residents would be more comfortable with their own people than with officers drafted in from other places, who may not owe allegiance to the place. Such officers wouldn’t care much about maintaining security. After all, they’re taking orders from afar. - Luc, Abuja.”

“The big question is, can this brand of police do their work without fear or favour in this country? Will the Nigerian factor not set in, as they observe ‘he who pays the piper dictates the tunes?’ With those candid words, madam, you said it all! We say NO to State Police! We’re not yet civilized and ripe enough for it. - Emeka, Enugu.”

“Mrs Ovbiagele, I support your view that we can’t handle State Police now. As life is now in our country, there’s no way States will not use their own Police Force to wage war on perceived enemy states. That would be normal, isn’t it? You can’t expect a State Police to look kindly on people in their midst, who come from States where their own kith

and kin have been slaughtered because of their ethnic or religious group. I doubt if they would restrain their own people from wanting to take revenge on their own soil. Also, you’re right about the political party in power in the State, using the State Police to suppress those who oppose it. I think that members of a State Police would be used to fight personal battle. We can’t manage it, so, let’s not even think of it. It would become an Albatross around our neck if we insist on establishing it. In future, maybe; but not now. Peace in the country is too fragile for that at present. Thanks, Mrs Osarobo, Edo State.”

“Dear Helen Ovbiagele, your fears about State Police are certain if as we don’t have State Police, the Nigeria Police is under the State governors of the respective States.

The governors make the choice of who is to be posted to them, and if the Commissioner of Police refuses to take orders from the governor, that Commissioner of Police would be posted out. We should encourage State Police to provide security at grassroot. The establishment of State Police would provide employment opportunities, among others. From Crescent Ogbu, Abuja.”

“Aunty Helen, good day. I’m one hundred per cent not in support of State Police in Nigeria. Most governors in Nigeria today can best be described as extremely forceful in character. They will only end up using the Police in their respective States to fight their political opponents. - from Mrs. Kate, I, Owerri.”

“Madam, I would support the establishment of State Police Force

in Nigeria, only if people to be recruited into it are not Nigerians, but come from outer space, and they’ve not been contaminated by our bribery and corruption, ethnic and religious bigotry nature. As long as they’re recruited from among us, they’re not going to be different from the present Federal Police as we know them. They may even be worse, because they would feel that they belong to the ruling political party in the State, and thus can be used for personal purposes.”

We thank all those who wrote in, but regret we can only take the above. * We continue to get mail on ‘Reduced Import Duties For Machinery’. We take a final one from the latest batch.

“Madam, free import duties for machinery is really not very needful, but reduced duties on certain/specified categories. This is because we have machines manufacturers here, whose products will not be able to compete with imported ones if their import duties are free duty across board.

What hits manufacturers most are power and transport infrastructures.

Running generators for production in a system where inputs keep an upward movement always, in prices.

Evacuation of those products/services to points of sale/need. Bad roads and absence of alternatives like rail and water ferry services are even more expensive to manufacturers than you can imagine. Take the cost of repairing our vehicles after every delivery, of fueling them, police settlement on the roads, and the occasional falling of the trucks, with the wholesome damage. Worst of all is time wasted, giving rise to inability to repay your bank facility. These are the issues. Harriest.”

LONDON-FASHION-WEEK guardian.co.uk

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 25

*

zBaby or monster? The scene of delivery...on Tuesday

zEvangelist Silva Iyamu

How woman delivered monster in church Benin City

L

ike people always say, “ wonders shall never end”. Benin City residents were shocked on Tuesday when a pregnant woman, currently at large, was delivered of a creature that resembled a horse during a prayer session at the World Libration Ministry, Benin City. The drama was said to have started when the General Overseer of the church, Evangelist Silva Iyamu, commenced the prayer session, called, ‘Miracle hour ’. Sunday Vanguard found that people from neighouring states throng the church in search of miracles, as a result of which there were hundreds of people during the programme. The pastor reportedly prophesied that they had a pregnant woman in the hall but that what was in her belly was not the baby she craved.

C M Y K

According to the personal assistant to the pastor, Prince John Ogbovoh, who claimed to have witnessed the prayer session and the subsequent delivery of the woman, “It was a miraculous thing. She was not the only one that was delivered in the church. The pastor did it for a lot of people but this one was spectacular.

The woman, we were told, had been in her matrimonial home for 11 years without a baby and the pastor said there was ‘a woman here for 11 years, no child,’ that the person always got pregnant but whenever she went for test, it will show and at another time it will not show again”. Ogbovoh continued: “So the woman came out and the pastor said ‘let us put you in an all night on Friday, but the woman pleaded with the congregation to go on with the prayers since she may not be able to wait. So the pastor now agreed. The pastor called her

and asked the men to give little space and the pastor insisted that something inside the woman was not a human being, he said it was a funny creature. When the creature came out, it did not look like a human being but it looked like an animal”. Asked about the whereabouts of the woman and her name, the pastor ’s aide

,

By Simon Ebegbulem,

zMrs. Veronica Egiebor, ‘the nurse’ that took delivery

but we know our members. We were expecting the woman to come back here today (Wednesday). People always come here to receive miracles and after that many of them come back to thank God for delivering them”.

He narrated further: “When it happened, they asked her to go and wash up, the lady pastor assisted her. I remember she fell down and was unconscious and, sometimes, the pastor will ask members to leave the hall to allow for ventilation. So after she delivered the creature, there was pandemonium in the church. We did not even know when the woman left. In fact, the pastor was asking me where the woman was?, so we searched for her but we could not find her.

I am sure the woman was

But it looked like a horse. The object had a long neck, the ears were long.

It was exactly like a horse, although it was in a baby form

explained:”We don’t even know her or whether she came with any member of her family. Nobody knows where she came from. We don’t always take records of people who came from outside Benin City

,

ashamed, but God has done a miracle in her life and she is not supposed to be ashamed.

However, I believe she will come back because God has removed the burden that has stopped her from getting

pregnant for years. The dead creature was left for a while for people to see. This morning, the people now ordered that they should throw the creature away because it is now becoming an embarassment for us in the church”. The nurse who delivered the woman of the creature, Mrs Veronica Igiebor, corroborated the PA’s story.

“I was there; it’s not a story, yesterday, it seemed like a miracle”, she said. “The pastor poured anointing oil and a sachet of water on the woman and asked everybody to pray, he said, labour is going to start now. So the woman was swinging her body and finally she held somebody’s leg.

She pressed and she pushed harder and something dropped and she fell. Behold my brother, I have never seen that kind of thing in my life before. People were calling it goat. But it looked like a horse. The object had a long neck, the ears were long. It was exactly like a horse, although it was in a baby form.

But the pastor said nobody should touch it because it was demonic. Everybody ran away; I don’t know when the woman vanished.The story I heard about that woman is that the husband’s mother wanted him to marry another woman. It was said that this particular woman now trained the husband in the university. It was

Continues on page 27

PAGE 26—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Country News

T

he Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, has predicted a 2012 high prospect of intense rains in Lagos State to be accompanied by heavy flooding. Lagos, with over 18 million estimated population, has had its fair share of rainstorm disasters in recent past. Last year, precisely July 10, several innocent souls perished in the over 12 hours of intense rainfall that swept across the state. This can’t be forgotten in a hurry.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, while presenting a budget estimate of N485.292 billion for 2012 to the state House of Assembly for ratification, said his administration’s purpose and commitment towards delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of citizens of the state remained unchanged.

The amount, according to the governor, was proposed in consideration of the prevailing economic climate. The budget exceeds by 7.66 per cent the 2011 budget estimate which stood at N445.180 billion.

For some years now, the state Ministry of the Environment had been getting an annual budget of millions but the budget was recently upped to billions to be able to address infrastructural shortfalls begging for attention.

Thus, worried by the challenge the predicted 2012 heavy rainfall pose to residents, Lagos state government embarked on a number of infrastructural upgrading projects aimed at reducing flooding as well as ensure protection of lives and property.

Already billions of naira has been disbursed by the government for such projects where over 200 canals and drainages are either on-going or completed across the metropolis.

This was evident in the fact that the state had not recorded alarming loss of lives and property despite the heavy rainfall witnessed so far this year.

The state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, explained that Lagos, being a coastal city, is prone to perennial flooding at any slightest rainfall, but the state government is not resting on its oars at mitigating the impact of the climate change, which has made the state witnessed unusual weather condition..

On what the government had done to forestall reoccurrence of July 10, 2011 rainfall, as well as prepare for the anticipated intense rainfall after the August/September C M Y K

Heavy rains, flooding alert

Pre-emptive measures in Lagos

... as Aug/Sept break runs out

be given utmost attention to avert loss of lives considering the predicted coming intense rainfall in the state.”

Most of the residents, who made the remarks during the August edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, stated that the poor state of the drainage canals in the council had consistently resulted in heavy flooding whenever it rained in the area.

Responding, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, said that government was committed to tackling the challenges posed by flooding in the state, saying the dredging of the canal has been captured in the 2013 budget.

Indiscriminate refuse Flood dump: ‘Flood

disaster imminent in Ajah, environs’

zFor a flood-free Lagos...Govt officials inspect clearing of drainage break, Bello stated: “We have undertaken desilting of drains across the state and dredging of canals in all the nooks and crannies of the state. This was swiftly embarked on while construction of drain and road projects where needed was also awarded. Beyond this, periodic sensitisation of general public on the danger of disposing refuse into the

,

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Dr. Taofeek Folami, did reveal plans by the state government to embark on a more aggressive upgrading of upstream and downstream sections of canals next year with robust budgeting for the implementation in the 2013 budget proposal to further enhance infrastructural development across the state.

Lagos, being a coastal city, is prone to perennial flooding at any slightest rainfall, but the state government is not resting on its oars at mitigating the impact of the climate change

drainage channel is also at every monthly sanitisation exercise while residents are always urged to shun cart pushers, who may dispose refuse in the already dredged canals.”

However, during the monitoring exercise of August monthly environmental sanitation in Ajeromi Local Government Area of the state,

,

He disclosed that government had identified for upgrading in the 2013 budget the upstream sections of the Achakpo, Badagry and Okoya canals in Ajeromi Local Government to complement the already dredged downstream sections by the government.

While noting the low level of compliance on environmental issues in Ajeromi, Folami,

urged the chairman of Ajeromi Local Government to step up its enlightenment drive to complement the effort of the state government in order to achieve active participation of the people in the area.

According to him: “This month’s monitoring exercise in Ajeromi Local Government has demonstrated to us that we must continue to do more to get everybody on board, to enhance participation of the people and encourage good use of drainage and sanitation infrastructure.

This is best achieved when the people appreciate the value of clean environment” Folami also noted that residents, especially the people of Ajeromi area, should realize that well-being, waste collection, sewage disposal and drainage maintenance are interrelated; saying neglect of one of these would impact negatively on the effectiveness of the others.

Poor drainage canals, waste collection systems in Ajegunle.Meanwhile, residents of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, have decried the poor state of drainage canals and waste collection systems in the area and the state in general, saying “it must

In a related development, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has raised the alarm over imminent flood disaster at Ajah communities and evirons following indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages as well as road medians which could lead to heavy flooding due to block drains and water channels.

LAWMA Managing Director, Mr Ola Oresanya, through the public relations department, decried the fact that residents of Ajah were not supportive of the state government efforts to ensure that every community in the state is clean as well as protect lives and properties of citizenry.

According to LAWMA: “Ajah residents, especially those of Thomas, Ilasan and Abraham Adesanya Estates are not paying for services rendered by Private Sector Participant, PSP, operators and waste management is not free anywhere in the world. Those who avoid patronizing or paying for services rendered by the PSP Operators and who would rather dump their refuse under the cover of darkness in unauthorized places are hereby warned to stop the unwholesome practices as the act poses serious danger to lives and property in the area.”

While stressing that the government would remain committed to effective waste management, the authority warned that anyone caught violating the environmental sanitation laws and dumping indiscriminately in unauthorized places, would face appropriate sanctions according to the state’s environmental laws.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 27

Country News

Ex-telecom official:

I married an unrepentant adulterer

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA

I

n spite of the fact that Mrs Zainab Fasanmi ac cused her estranged husband , Tope, of having sex in their matrimonial home while she was hospitalised, she insisted she will not concede to the divorce petition filed by her

hubby. Tope, a logistic professional who dragged his wife before a Lagos Customary Court, asked for separation over a purported threat by his wife to stab him to death.

He also accused the woman of fighting him constantly and had no respect for him and members of his family.

The 36-year-old man

claimed to have met Zainab at Computer Village, lkeja in 2006 and they became husband and wife thereafter. The applicant added that he had no choice than to consummate the marriage when he realised that Zainab got pregnant for him.

The husband said that soon after the marriage, Zainab

suddenly became uncontrolled to the extent that he had to cook food himself to avoid having problems with her. Tope also informed the court that his wife committed fraud in her office through illegal printing of recharge cards which landed her in trouble, adding that he spent so much money to get her out of the problem, and

Patty Obassey needs a lifeline so that Igbo gospel music does not stop!

By Elizabeth Alain

I

f you say he is the progenitor of Igbo gospel music in Nigeria, you will not be wrong. If you say he is the man that gave gospel music its first strength of character, again you will not be wrong. If you describe him as the soul of Igbo gospel music, you will be hitting the nail on its head. To every person who has come in contact, and there are few who have not among Ndigbo and all lovers of good gospel music, the name Patty Obassey evokes a string of different emotion.

But one commonality that runs strong across all is the avid love for his music.

People tell you his voice is sensuous, captivating, sonorous and good for the worship of God and thanksgiving for His infinite mercies. People also talk of the quality of his lyrics and enthuse about his unique way of singing his lines. But Obassey says all he strived to do was create a place for gospel music in people’s hearts,

and that he did. “I wanted to give the gospel music a general acceptance, a good outlook so that people would know what it means to associate with gospel music.

Associating with gospel music will mean associating with God”, he said from his sick bed.

For many years, Patty Obassey ruled supreme among gospel musicians in the country especially lovers of Igbo gospel music. For the most part of the 70s and 80s, his voice and songs were so captivating that it was the headline at religious and social gatherings in the south east and anywhere Ndigbo were present. His songs were for most people an elevated way to praise God.

Continues on page 44

Patty Obassey

made life comfortable for her by buying a million of naira car for her. ”My wife’s parents don’t help matters either, they always interfere in our relationship and also dictate to me”.

The applicant urged the court to dissolve the marriage because she threatened to stab him when they had misunderstanding and grant him custody of the only child. In her submission, Zainab said that her husband dumped her after she lost her job. The woman, who claimed to have worked in the customer care department of a telecom company, however told the court that she had been faithful to her husband who pretended to be born again, but fond of dating young lovers. ” What really gives me concern was that l always see condoms everywhere in the bedroom”.

The respondent alleged that the lady her husband was dating advised him to divorce her so that she could move in as a wife.

She pleaded that the court should not dissolve the marriage, because her love for the husband remained strong.

The court adjourned the case till September 27, 2012.

‘Shameless woman brought lover to matrimonial home!’

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA & OLUWATOBILOBA ADEYEMI

‘Woman flees after delivery’ Continued from page 25 said the lady sold vegetable to get money to train the man.

But when the man wanted to get married to her, the mother disagreed, rather brought another woman for him to marry.

But the woman as expected refused to leave because she has laboured and obviously some body may have said okay since she refused to leave the man she will suffer. I guess that was why she has not been able to have any baby since.”

Gen. Overseer of the church, Evang.Iyamu, speaking on the incident, stated: “When we C M Y K

were praying, a word of knowledge came that somebody had an issue with pregnancy.

Sometimes, when she goes to ultra-sound, the pregnancy is either confirmed or not there.

W

hile the deliverance was on, we noticed that the woman was bleeding. We asked her to stand out, barely few minutes we heard people screaming. We thought it was a child, but I remember that when we were praying, I said what ever is hindering her from getting a baby should

leave. Something of that nature, I’m not a medical doctor.

So, I don’t know the appropriate word to use. So, when it came out, everybody was like weeping. It’s something we haven’t seen for a very long time. So, she was still bleeding and she collapsed. So we had to order everybody outside for ventilation to come in before she was revived and the women around cleaned her up”.

Asked if the woman is a member of the church, he said: “The woman only came to my office asking for prayers, because she is not a Benin person”.

A

lhaji Azeez Lawal told Lagos Grade A Customary Court sitting in Agege that his wife, Lateefat, brought her lover to his house.

He however said that his wife did not know that he had seen a picture she and the lover took together.

Meanwhile, the respondent denied the allegation.

The 54-year-old man added that he kept seeing the man in his wife’s shop, and she later told him that the man was her uncle. ”When l was getting confused, l went to report the matter to her mother and showed the picture to her in order to identify if the man was truly her uncle. To my surprise, her mother said she didn’t know the man”.

The applicant also informed the court that his wife’s family pleaded for her, and he gave her conditions but she refused to meet the conditions; so he wanted the court to dissolve the marriage, because he didn’t want to die.

Lateefat denied the allegations. She told the court that her husband was just looking for an excuse to divorce her by accusing her of having affair with any man he sees in her shop. The mother of two claimed that her husband lacked care for her and the children. She pleaded that the court should not dissolve the marriage, because she still loved her husband dearly. Court president Emmaunel Shokunle adjourned the case till October 2, 2012 to enable the couple explore the option of reconciliation.

28 —SUNDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Season of honour or honourss ffor Owolabi Salis

P

With Ayo Onikoyi

08033286159

De Oasis Suit es and Meals ber th in AAgbar gbar Suites berth gbaraa

T

he people of Agbara in Ogun State and environs can now enjoy a stateof-the-art hospitality treatment as a multipurpose hospitality establishment named De Oasis Suites and Meals was opened on Wednesday. The event was attended by high net-worth personalities who endorsed the new hang-out for relaxation and enjoyment. It is being run by Mrs Esther Dumebi Asin. Photos by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

Chief Owolabi Salis being conferred with a chieftaincy title by Oba Momodu, CON, the Okaijiesan of Esanland

Frontview of De Oasis Hotel.

L-R: Mrs Tobi Odunaiya; Mrs Esther Dumebi Asin, Mr Peter Etchie and his wife, Mercy

L-R: Mr. M. A. Fadipe; Chief E.C. Odogwu; Otunba Dehinde Banjo and Engr. P. F. Ademuyiwa

R-L: Mrs Esther Dumebi Asin, MD/CEO, De Oasias; Mr Rotimi Adeyinka, SA to Ogun State Governor, Otunba Dehinde Banjo, Chairman of the occasion; Mr. Macaulay Coker Asin and Hon BEO Asin

I

t was a nostalgic day of fun and honour when the civil servants in Edo State gathered to send-forth their former Head of Service, Anthony Edokpayi.

C M Y K

L-R:High Chief Owolabi Salis, FCA, CPA, conferred with “Obong Adaha Uyo” - the Pilar of Uyo along with CAO Ban, the MD of CCECC, by Edidem Silas Akpan, the paramount ruler of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

L-R: Mrs A. Solabi; Mrs Chinyelugo Oby Moore and Mrs Shade Layeni

Sendf or th par ty ffor or fformer ormer Edo SSttat vice Sendfor orth party atee Head of Ser Service

L-R: Mrs. Ekiuwa Inneh, proposing a toast to the outgoing Head of Service, Edo State, Anthony Edokpayi and wife.

rominent politician, businessman and lawyer ,High Chief Owolabi Salis is a man revelling in the bliss of good tidings as his accomplishments in various spheres of life have brought him honours after honours. Recently the Okaijiesan of Esanland, Oba Momodu in Edo State found him worthy of a chieftaincy title of “The Ofure of Esanland”. In the same vein, the paramount ruler of Uyo kingdom, King Edidem Silas Akpan also blessed him with “Obong Adaha Uyo” - the Pilar of Uyo title. Then the High Chief joins others for foundation laying stone of Christian Academy in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

L-R: Mr. Wilson Usifo, Admin. Secretary, Edo State Rapid Response Agency & Dr. Festus Okuonrobo (JP).

L-R: Revd. Wilson Badejo, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Owolabi Salis, Chief Abraham Akanle and others during the launching of Christian Academy in Abeokuta.

L-R:Chief Owolabi Salis, Oba Momodu, CON, the Okaijiesan of Esanland and others.

SUNDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 —29

With Ayo Onikoyi

08033286159

Lagos R ot ar at Balogun as President Rot otar aryy ins insttalls Hair Hairat L-R: Rotn. Tayo Alabi, Past District Gov., Rotn. Kennedy Ejakpmeye, Past District Gov. and Rotn. Somo Omoniyi, Past District Gov.

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he Rotary Club of Lagos, Lagos State, District 9110, Nigeria, has installed notable lawyer and woman of substance, Rotarian Hairat Aderinsola Balogun, OON as its 52nd President for the Rotarian Year of 2012-2013. The ceremony which took place at the Law School, Victoria Island on Friday, September 7th also saw Induction of Club officers and launching of projects for Year 2012-2013. Photos by Bunmi Azeez. ,

L-R: Amb. Yonbo Obafemi Olapade.

Oyesola

and

J.A.

L-R:Justice Inumidun Akande, former Chief Judge of Lagos & Mrs. Olugbemisola Ayo-Kasumu.

L-R: Prof: Ade Elebute, Chairman of the occasion, Rotn. Hairat Aderinsola Balogun, new President, Rotn.[Dr] Kamoru Omotosho, District Governor and his wife, Susan.

One yyear ear memorial ser vice ffor or lat ace Oshinowo service latee Gr Grace

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he one year memorial service for late Deaconess Grace Oshinowo, founder of Grace Schools, Gbagada, took place at the Methodist Church of Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos on Sunday. Family and friends turned up in large number to honour the memory of the late educationist. Photos: Biodun Ogunleye.

Prof. Grace Alele Williams, Mrs. Olayide Williams and Mr. Lattee Williams.

Akowonjo Lions Club ins insttalls new President THE Installation of new President and members of Akowonjo Lions Club, held on Thursday September 13th at the Lion House, Akowonjo, Alimosho Local Government, Lagos. The new President is Hassan Olasunkanmi. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi

Mrs. Tokunbo Edun flanked by Pastor Ijeoma Ekekwe (left) and Engr. Segun Oshinowo .

L-R: Mrs. Molade Benedict, Mrs. Olawunmi Fasanya, Mrs. Olubunmi Adejobi and Mrs. Grace Amosu.

L-R:Mrs. Irene Lawson, Mrs. Iyabode Thomas and Mrs. Oluyemisi Lawson.

L-R:Lion Yinka Bolarinwa, 1st Vice District Gov., Lion International 404B Nigeria, Ln Mrs Toyin Hassan, Ln Hassan Olasunkanmi, President, Akowonjo Lion Club and Ln Stella Agbogun, District Gov. C M Y K

PAGE 30—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 31

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32—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Newspaper Brand Management: The Newswatch case study(2) N

OT unexpected, though, so many of our readers reacted to our first part of this piece, making known their take on the news aro und the news

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the other hand, as a brand, NEWSWATCH magazine positioned as a player in the market of news reporting with special focus on investigative journalism. From its valueoffer (before the death of Dele Giwa), its marketing objective SHOULD be to meet the need of news readers with the specific desire for in-depth news reporting and analysis, based on reported proofs and support evidence(s) not common with the run-on-themills news papers – for a profit!

NEWSWATCH magazine hit

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magazine and the talk about its likely close-down. Again expectedly, over 75% of the reactions we got were of direct concern for the NEWSWATCH magazine, wishing that the founding owners were more careful and determined to save it from the present “embarrassment”. Emotions were widely expressed by some of those who reacted, leading to somewhat unprintable comments too damaging for me to reproduce on this page. It turns out that NEWSWATCH magazine mean so much to so many people; they will rather that it is saved from dying.

For us at MC&A Digest, our interpretation of the present situation concerning the news magazine and our concern resonates at two frontsinstruction and education. In the first part of this two-part write-up, we did point out the need for a professional engagement in the management of mass communication service brands, much as brands and product outside the mass communication market do. As a reminder, we did point out the illusion leading on to the prevalent situation of DIY (DoIt-Yourself), because brand management can only be safely done by the experts.

Even practitioners do not have the opportunity of a DIY when it comes to managing their own brands – it requires an independent and unbiased analysis.

Notwithstanding the emotional interests, we shall look at the NEWSWATCH magazine as a brand.

Brands are definite, responsible, structural and responsive to stimuli instructions; they are definitive in character and instructive in cause and outcome analysis.

Because of their character and the scientific nature of managing them, they are open to manipulation. In other words, the concept of GIGO (garbage-in-garbage-out) is more apt in the case of brand management. So, the primary challenge for brand managers is charting the course for their brand’s journey along the product life cycle.

Profiling NEWSWATCH magazine will be from two fronts: as a product and as a brand. As a product, it is describable as an A4-sized glossy news magazine product focused in news reporting. On

the first lesson here is that a brand will always succeed if it delivers on its market’s critical value touch-point, no matter the market.

It is that aspect of NEWSWATCH as a brand that the readers and indeed its owners lost sight of then and now (immediately before the living owners handed it over to Jimoh Ibrahim). Between January 28, 1985 and October 1986 when Dele Giwa, the founding Editor-In-Chief was murdered in very controversial circumstances, Brand NEWSWATCH ruled as the

Brands are born for the ultimate objective of profitability – that is the leveler for all brands, not minding whether they call themselves non-profit organizations or not!

the newsstands on January 28, 1985, and immediately positioned as the pre-eminent news magazine in Nigeria, with Dele Giwa as its founding Editor-in-Chief. Beyond the glamour of styling and the controversy stirred by Dele Giwa and his team then, by reason of sensationalism and controversy built around their pattern of news reporting and analysis then, the magazine grew as a brand, and was a market leader because it delivered on uncommon value touch-points that resonated even among illiterates and the barely literate at that time. So,

,

market leader without a nearsecond place follower in news reporting in Nigeria. To Nigeria and the international market, NEWSWATCH was a new phenomenon.

Practitioners and journalism students were made proud and the more confident at their aspiration to excel, by reason of the brand’s success. Dele Giwa and his team became instant celebrities. Their times in prisons added colour to their stardom. Even this writer was greatly encouraged by the Dele Giwa style, then, to pursue a career in journalism.

The fun was an all-consuming

bug.

However, the unfortunate thing was that stakeholders were all sucked-in in the groove, and forgot to see NEWSWATCH magazine as a brand.

Brands are not given to sensationalism. Brands are definite on set-objectives and subject to periodic review on their delivery on carefully identified parameters. Brands are born for the ultimate objective of profitability – that is the leveler for all brands, not minding whether they call themselves non-profit organizations or not! The game is about profit making.

Globally, the major checkpoints for brands are (1) introduction/birth/market entry (2) growth (3) maturity (4) decline and (5) death. The excitement in marketing and brands management is all that happens in-between these stop points. The bottom-line is brand sustenance and returns on investors’ funds (ROI). At MC&A Digest, we believe – the greatest assurance towards satisfying the two major interests in any brand is its EQUITY. We have written two articles on the value, power and importance of brand EQUITY in the recent past. The reason we did that was to encourage ailing brands’ managers in these troubling economic times.

When “recession” manifests, the first symbol is panic. In the face of negative in the balance sheet, managers are wont to manage cost. If the situation persists it steps on the panic mode and triggers off all sorts – including looking for new INVESTORS for fresh funds.

However, management science has indicated that a

brand’s equity is a store of value that can be called up in times of crises. We must state here that it is the equity of NEWSWATCH brand that its original owners put on the table in their negotiation with Jimoh Ibrahim. The problem is that they wrongly invested their asset - the brand’s equity.

NEWSWATCH magazine with such a strong pedigree had no business giving away its majority share holding to a prospect with uncertain interest in its business and concern for its market peculiarity. My worry since the trouble between Ray Ekpu & Co on the one hand and the Jimoh Ibrahim team started has been trying to figure out what the Ekpu-led team was thinking during their negotiation with the ‘new’ investor.

I know I will earn so much money from the term plate I have designed for situations like this, so I will not lay it out on this page; I will reserve that for my clients. However, I will like to leave my readers and managers of news papers/ magazine managers – the new market environment for print requires creativity and strategic involvement that will see newspaper/magazine brands operate in markets marginally beyond “ newspapering” for dependable level of profitability. Take this away with you: there are two major marketing objectives for brands in the print market segment (1) build your brand’s equity (2) engage in value-offering that is immediately outside your primary market – to enable you build a sustainable revenue base for your brand.

As we always say on this page, we are open for consultation and human capacity development (for brand managers) – and advert placement. We wish the NEWSWATCH team all the best in their quest to save the brand. But they should always have at the back of their minds, NEWSWATCH magazine is a brand, beyond anything else.

MC&A DIGEST QUESTION FOR THE WEEK: What should NEWSWATCH owners have done to avoid the present situation the brand finds itself?

Please send your answers/ comments to mcandadigestweekly@gmail.com All answers/contributions will be published on this page next week. Thank you.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 33

As the Lagos Education Empowerment Resource Network, LEARN, prepares to draw the curtain on the six-week summer school that has successfully taken 3,500 children off the streets throughout the long vacation, Vista Woman spoke with Mrs.Bisi Awoyomi, Project Director, LEARN, about the objectives behind the programme which officially closes on Tuesday, September 18.

By JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA Is there a special focus for this year’s summer programme?

HIS is the 5th edition of the summer school. The last four made a huge impact. Every year, there is a focus as we bring new innovations to meet the contemporary demands of young people. We try to incorporate issues affecting young minds. This year, we are particularly concerned about safety. Therefore, we added safety education, like road safety, into our curriculum. We also looked into entrepreneurial studies because we want to start changing their mindsets and moulding them from being job seekers into job owners. We also brought in computer networking and repairs because we’ve noticed over the years how it is fast becoming a lucrative field.

We have a documentary which we’re going to showcase at the closing programme holding September 18, to show how LEARN has affected the lives of many young people. Our work with these children is in three categories: ages 11-16 for those in school, 17-19 for school leavers seeking admission into tertiary institution, and then ages 1925 who we prepare for work life by engaging them in employability programmes. Ordinarily, we have the career enlightenment programme that runs all year round in public schools across Lagos State, and then our regular after school programme which is aimed giving students’ support in their core subjects.

So far, what have been the challenges?

We have seven centres, with a total of 500 students per centre. We would have loved to take 1000 per centre, but we have the problem of funding. We work with a number of volunteers and we have to honour them with some stipends. This year alone, we have over 250 volunteers working with us. A huge challenge however is getting people to serve voluntarily because people are not willing to give such services. But this year, we went into partnership with the NYSC, so, we had youth corpers coming to give their service. That’s why this year, we are trying to teach secondary school children through our civic and moral education, how to imbibe good values and learn to give back to society by serving voluntarily when need be.

Giving back to society should be part of the curriculum of young people because the earlier we catch them young, the better.

Another challenge is infrastructure because most of the schools that we’re using do not have school halls. That’s why we are leveraging on the Ministry of Education to use government schools for their programmes since we just can’t start building camps around Lagos.

Your summer programme seems serious about impacting young people with life-skills. Do you make any effort to help them start-up something later?

We have the empowerment programme for school leavers and we collaborate with the Lagos State Skills Acquisition programme. We just don’t send them there to acquire the training.

After the training which is for about 12 to 18 months, we send them for

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industrial training at various organistions, depending on the skills acquired. We also entered into another partnership with Lagos State Micro Finance Institution to enable them get support. LASMI has told us that if we could get them into a corporative, they would give them loans to star-up Future plans…?

One of our strategic plans is for us to be able to have our own property, a resource centre, where young people can always come to.

Secondly, we want to sell this model to other states because we want the impact to be felt nationally, and not just in Lagos State. Over the next five years, we hope to be able to increase our volunteer data base because it is impossible to employ everyone working with us.

How has been your work with these the children?

It’s been exciting and challenging; the stress of planning, strategising and having to source for funds for our programmes also makes it more challenging, but the results in the lives of the children is always quite impressive and satisfying. When I go to places and I see some of them come to introduce themselves and

Mrs.Bisi Awoyomi....Most of the schools that we’re using do not have school

halls

We're moulding young minds to become job owners — Bisi Awoyomi, LEARN With or without her being in government or being the First Lady of Lagos State, learn will continue. LEARN is not her pet project; it is a social service tell me how they’ve benefitted from our programmes, I am motivated.

What’s going to happen to LEARN after 2015 since it is the official project of the First Lady of Lagos State?

Her Excellency, Mrs.Abimbola

Fashola, has always been passionate about young people. She has been working with young people right from her days at the British Council. So, with or without her being in government or being the First Lady of Lagos State, learn will continue. LEARN is not her pet project; it is a social service. LEARN is a self-sustained registered nongovernmental organisation, and that’s why I’m always under pressure to get

sponsorships to for our programmes. I stand boldly to say that Learn gets no dime from the Lagos state government. Our Agidingbi center for example is being supported by LASACO. We have La Casera, Indomie Noodles, Sweet Sensation, Eko Hotel & Suites, etc.

Everything we’ve done have been from well-meaning individuals and organisations. We are also being supported by international organisations like the London Metropolitan University.

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ISTA Woman also visited one of the seven centres, Agidingbi Grammar School, where some of the participants shared their experiences.

Uzoatu Anthony Ogochukwu, Federal Government College, Odogbolu: “I was at the Oregun centre last year. I used to be a very shy person, but since I’ve been here, I found that I’ve become confident. I’ve learnt to answer questions in class as well because the teachers we have here do not use violence. Vocational education is one of the cores of the summer school, so, last year, I was at the barbing session; now I can cut hair very well. I now cut the hair of

my younger brother and also for some mates in school. This year, I’m doing photography.”

Daniel Damilola, Agidingbi Senior Grammar School: “The summer school has been very empowering, both educationally and vocationally. With the skills we learn here, we could become bosses of our own in future if we decide to continue practicing. I’m presently learning hairdressing, but by next session, I hope to come learn make-up and gele tying.”

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PAGE 34— SUNDAY

VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

BY IFEATU AGBU

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NDDC and a litany of abandoned projects

Board members inspecting NDDC projects

road, which the commission is building in partnership with the Shell Petroleum Development Company [SPDC]. This road with 10 long bridges and 99 culverts is described as one of the most challenging projects of the commission because of its very difficult terrain.

From Bayelsa State, the board members moved over to

Continues on page 35

Import duty: NCS hits N524million monthly revenue Abudu road in Edo State

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OMETIME ago, the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) ‘set up by President Goodluck Jonathan’ to look into cases of abandoned Federal Government projects released figures that could best be described as shocking.

Its report showed that an alarming 11,886 abandoned projects are begging for completion in different parts of the country.

This disturbing trend is adversely affecting the efforts of Federal Government’s development agencies. In a bid to fight this scourge, the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, said it would focus mainly on completing all on-going projects in the Niger Delta.

To breathe life into this commitment, the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Chris Oboh, said: “Our budget for 2012 would target completion of existing projects and they have all been placed on priority list. A lot of projects have been awarded since the establishment of the NDDC; we intend to focus on their completion.”

The NDDC boss said that the commission had done a thorough audit of its on-going projects across the oilproducing region. This, in his view, was a demonstration of the resolve of the board to the completion of projects awarded since the inception of the NDDC in December 2000.

Some of the board members were appointed as monitors to inspect projects in the nine NDDC states. The projects they assessed included roads, bridges, land reclamation, shore protection, flood control and channelization projects, as well as university hostel projects spread across the region.

One of the monitoring groups, which has just concluded its assignment, covered Delta, Edo and Ondo states. The team was led by Chief Solomon Ogba, the representative of Delta State on the board. He stated that cases of agitations would be reduced when the numerous projects being executed by the commission were completed and handed over to the people. He, therefore, charged the contractors working for the NDDC to buckle up as “the board will not entertain excuses for nonperformance.”

Chief Ogba said the board and management of the commission have a mandate to key into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan by increasing the tempo of infrastructure development in the oilproducing states. To this end, he said, “the commission is now paying contractors as soon as they achieved specified milestones. We have also placed some key projects on fast-track to ensure that they are completed in the shortest possible time.”

The inspection team, which included Barr.

Henry Okhuarobo, representing Edo State and Mr. Omogbemi Oladele, representing Ondo State, expressed satisfaction

Rivers State where they inspected the hostel projects at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology [RUST] and the University of Port Harcourt. After that, they moved to Buguma. Here, they inspected the Buguma-EdoAbalama-Abonema road as well as the Buguma shoreprotection and the reclamation of 150 hectares of land in OguBolo, all in Rivers State. While they expressed satisfaction with the massive land reclaimed at Ogu-Bolo, they were sorely disappointed at the poor performance of the contractor at Buguma.

In Akwa Ibom, the board members inspected the hostel at the University of Uyo permanent site and the one at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. They also looked at some on-going NDDC roads and bridges in the state. The roads visited were the 30 kilometre Nsasak JunctionOkon Essien Udim road; the 33.5 kilometre Ikot-AkpanUdoh road; Iko-AtabrikangOpolom-Iwuo Achang road with a 600-metre bridge in Ibeno and the Uquo-Odoro Nkit-Ntak-Inyang road.

Another monitoring group from the NDDC board took off from Abia State. The three-man team, led by Barrister Alloysius Nwagboso, who represents Abia State, included Barr.Peter Ezeobi, representing Imo State and Hon. Dominic Edem, representing Cross River State.

Nwagboso said that the inspection exercise was aimed at ensuring that on-going projects of the commission were completed

BY UDEME CLEMENT

The commission is now paying contractors as soon as they achieved specified milestones. We have also placed some key projects on fast-track to ensure that they are completed in the shortest possible time

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with the pace of work at the site of an extensive flood control project in Ughelli. It has 29.6 kilometres of drain channels and nine boxed culverts criss-crossing Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The board members said they were happy with the level of work at one of the university hostel projects in Abraka.

In Ondo State, the NDDC board members expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and pace of work at the shore protection and land reclamation work in Ayetoro.

Other board members also visited Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. This group was led by Barrister Edi

Orubo, representing Bayelsa State. Others were Prof.

Ibitamuno Aminigo, representing Rivers State and Engineer Imaobong Inyang, representing Akwa ibom State. According to Orubo, their task was to assess what was on the ground and recommend measures that would facilitate the completion of projects placed on fast-track by the commission.

The team leader said that the new board of the NDDC was poised to make appreciable impact on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta as quickly as possible.

The team assessed the level of work done at the site of the 29-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe

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HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun State Command, has recorded outstanding performance in revenue generation on import duty from about N381million to N524 million a month, showing phenomenal increase in revenue generation within the Command.

The outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, DC Akande Bamidele made this disclosure in Idiroko, while handing over the Command to the new CAC, Comptroller Prince Ade Dosunmu, stressing that the new CAC has wealth of experience and capability to manage the Command, which is highly volatile with porous border points.

He further disclosed that the Comptroller General of NCS, Dikko Inde, has concluded plans to introduce a new salary structure for officers by 2013, even as he attributed the initiative to the commitment by officers to their statutory duty of curtailing smuggling and generating revenue for government to run the economy. “The Comptroller General has taken the Service

to an enviable position and all of us must continue to work hard to support his efforts on the ongoing reforms. He has provided us with needed tools and necessary logistics to achieve the desired result”, he said.

Addressing officers after receiving the flag, which is a symbol of authority in NCS, the new CAC, pledged hard work and commitment to ensure good performance by his team. “We must ensure zero tolerance to corruption and indiscipline. We must enhance the anti-smuggling campaign in the Command and also facilitate trade in line with global trend. Hard work will not go unnoticed and every unit will be given adequate attention to deliver ”, he maintained.

Also, between 5 and 12 July this year, the Command recorded seizures of 27 vehicles smuggled into the country without payment of import duty. Of particular interest was the vehicle with O.P.C. Squad, Ogun State as registration number. The Command in the first quarter of 2012 realised over N1.3 billion revenue as against N730million collected the same period in 2011, which shows a difference of N613.3million.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 35

ACCESS/INTERCONTINENTAL BANKS MERGER

‘How we are tackling the challenges’ BY

UDEME

ACCESS Bank Plc and Intercontinental fused into one entity in the first quarter of 2012. This was sequel to the banking sector reforms embarked upon by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which further shrunk the number of commercial banks in the country. At the completion of the merger exercise in March, Access Bank became the surviving entity. Mr. Shofola Osho, Head, Regulatory Compliance of Access Bank, speaks on how the bank is tackling the challenges of merger and recording successes, the Gender Empowerment Programme (GEM) of the bank to boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the role of corporate governance in banking and the move by CBN to introduce N5000 bank note.

HAT are the challenges facing your bank in the aftermath of the merger deal?

The merger between Access and Intercontinental Bank is the best of its kind in the banking sector in Nigeria .

Access Bank won an award for handling one of the most successful mergers in the industry. The merger was approved and sealed by shareholders of both banks. So far, it has been going on very well. Of course in any business combination, there are bound to be challenges but we are tackling those challenges and recording successes in the exercise. We take programmes on corporate governance seriously and it gives us the opportunity to have a holistic look at what we are doing in the industry and how we can improve to meet international standards.

In Access Bank, we believe corporate governance is the key and we are concerned about improving the industry.

Our focus is setting standards for sustainable business practices as we try to deliver superior services to customers by providing innovative solutions for the financial market.

What is your bank doing in terms of growing the SMEs sub-sector to key into the transformation agenda of the Federal Government in the area of job creation and entrepreneurship development?

Currently, we have a programme called Gender Empowerment (GEM). This programme encompasses finance, capacity building, networking, advisory services and market collaborations, because it aims at supporting

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women and aspiring f e m a l e entrepreneurs through capacity building and funding to set up businesses in various locations across the country.

Under GEM, Access Bank provides f e m a l e entrepreneurs with needed finances and necessary resources to grow their businesses.

Can you give us statistics on the Mr. Shofola Osho number of female entrepreneurs who have access the finance needed to benefited from this meet business obligations. programme?

The move by the CBN to

,

STORIES CLEMENT

Policies of government are driven not just by what one man on the street thinks but a holistic approach and regulatory framework mapped out by appropriate authorities

So far, we have trained over 2,000 women and the benefits include enhancing female interest and promoting gender equality in business undertakings, provision of training programmes that educate, showcase and support entrepreneurs as they seek capital and grow their companies.

Skill-full consultants are contacted to work one on one with our GEM members to provide professional advice in the areas of management, marketing, human resources and procurement. The bank also ensures provision to

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introduce N5000 bank note is generating controversy. Some financial experts say the policy may undermine the cashless economy already in place, while others believe it could encourage money laundering and corruption.

Where do you stand?

Well, I do not think that the introduction of N5000 note would automatically give rise to money laundering and corruption as some people are saying. The reason being that it is not the currency in circulation that aids money laundering, rather people who engage in illegality and sharp

practices promote money laundering in the economy.

Beyond that, the apex bank has effective mechanism to ensure adequate control of the money in circulation and the amount of cash an individual should withdraw from his bank account in a day. So, it does not matter if it is N5000 or N10000 note.

Don’t you think that introduction of N5000 bank note while the cashless policy is still being implemented constitutes policy inconsistency?

It is not impossible to have both polices working simultaneously. We must be proactive and also look at the positive impact of these policies on the nation’s economy. An ordinary man on the street may wonder why CBN wants to introduce N5000 note. The truth is that,

policies of government are driven not just by what one man on the street thinks but a holistic approach and regulatory framework mapped out by appropriate authorities.

Beyond that, N5000 note would not be circulated like other currencies we have in the market. It is meant for specific organisations and purposes.

Does it make economic sense for a developing economy like Nigeria , facing challenges of poor infrastructure, abject poverty and unemployment to spend a whopping sum of over N40billion in currency restructuring, when we have other pressing needs?

Provision of infrastructure and employment are not the primary responsibilities of the CBN. The duty of the apex bank is to formulate and implement monetary policies fashioned out to strengthen the banking sector for greater efficiency. Aside from that, the apex bank monitors the level of compliance of policies by commercial banks to boost economic growth and development. In essence, the CBN is concerned about the fiscal and monetary aspects of the economy while the Ministry of Labour and Productivity focuses on creation of jobs.

NDDC and a litany of abandoned projects Continued from page 34 on schedule. He said: “If the NDDC is not on ground, building roads and bridges as well as other key infrastructure, we won’t be on this assignment.”

He charged all NDDC contractors to fulfil their obligations to the commission by working expeditiously to deliver the various projects on schedule and to specifications.

The inspection team was disappointed when they visited the site of the 25kilometre Uzoukwu-OwazaIguruta Road and bridge project. Nwagboso lamented that the bridge which would link Abia and Rivers states was being delayed by the

contractor who was not on site to explain why the work on the bridge appeared abandoned.

It was also a sad story at the site of the 132 KVA transmission line and substation at Ukwa-West local Government Area of Abia State. The N1.6 billion power line project, meant to serve Abia, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, appeared stalled as the premises of the substation was overgrown with weeds.

The legislator representing Ukwa-West in the House of Representative, Hon. Uzoma Abonta promised to assist the NDDC in holding contractors accountable. “it is in our interest to see that projects sited in our constituencies are not abandoned,” he said.

Banking : Regional body calls for corporate governance

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S a fresh shake-up may hit the banking sector following what the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) perceived as inadequacy of skills on executive capacity, directors of various banks have been advised to embrace corporate governance and strengthen their boards to enhance greater productivity in the sector.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Sierra Leone , Mr. Spencer Walters gave this advice while addressing directors at the regional course on corporate governance and effective board control, organised by West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management in Lagos, stressing that the challenges in West African subregion are enormous and must be tackled through effective capacity building, inter-change

of skills and technical-knowhow among stakeholders within the region.

In his keynote address, the Director General of the Institute, Professor Akpan H. Ekpo, said, “Corporate governance is aimed at safeguarding the interests of stakeholders, board of directors, management, staff and regulatory authorities through transparency and accountability”.

“Therefore, the board of directors of enterprises must ensure that the corporate governance principles are applied in practice, in order to put in place a well thought out strategy with adequate instruments to control risk, maximise opportunities and at the same time uphold integrity and high ethical values. All directors and senior managers in businesses should have a good grasp of corporate

governance principles. The course on corporate governance was designed to provide participants with in-

depth knowledge of the operational benefits of good governance for long term prosperity of their organisations”, he enthused.

L-R: Head of Brands and Communications, Philly and Mools Automobiles, Mr. Rotimi Wusu; Head of Quality Control, Mr. Sam Shettima, and the Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador (Mrs.) Angela B. Colley, during the presentation of the Innovative Award for Excellence in Automobile Marketing and Customer Service 2012 award to Philly and Mools Automobiles at the African Governance and Corporate Leadership Awards 2012 in Abuja.

PAGE 36—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

'For six days, they separated me from my ninemonth triplets' zA nursing mother's nightmare

in kidnappers den

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T was a tearful home coming for Mrs Justina Ekwu Nwakwe (nee Madu), a mother of triplets in AMAC Estate, Lugbe, off Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, last Sunday, when she returned after six days in kidnappers’ den.

Mrs Justina Ekwu Nwakwe, in her early thirties, hails from Achi, Orji River local government area of Enugu State. A staff of the Presidency, she is married to Sir Rowland Nwakwe also from Enugu State but from Mgbowo in Awgu local government area.

The husband works with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Lands.

The victim was abducted by the armed gang on Monday, September 3 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. in front of her residence. The men were said to have laid ambush for her by the gate to her residence, opened the gate for her to enter and they immediately drove away with her in her Sienna bus marked, DV 426 BWR. Her bus was discovered the next day at a bush in Sabo, Lugbe area where it was abandoned after it ran into a ditch, forcing the kidnappers to take her away in another vehicle to an unknown destination.

Her GSM handset, shoes and handbag were intact inside the bus. Also found in the bus were the caps of the kidnappers.

Mrs Nwakwe, who bore her triplets nine months ago, but one died, never lost faith that she would survive the kidnapping.

Held captive for six days, she ate noodles in the kidnappers den.

The kidnappers, moments after the kidnapping, put a C M Y K

call through to her husband, demanding a ransom of N25 million. However, it was gathered that nothing was paid to the gang at the end of the day.

A family friend of the victim, Tobias Obechina, told Sunday Vanguard that the police, on being informed of the kidnapping, launched a manhunt for the gang.

Throughout the period she was kidnapped, it became a thing of worry to the AMAC Estate residents especially against the backdrop that it was the first time an incident of such would happen in the community. The church which she and her family attend, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Sabo-Lugbe was fully involved in supporting the family with prayers for the release of the victim. It was almost an everyday block Rosary session by the parishers who gathered at her residence for prayers under the supervision of parish priest Vincent Idanwojo that God should touch the hearts of the kidnappers and release her.

The kidnapped mother final-

Ewakwe...abductors asked me to pray for them

Nursing mother...Kidnapped at home ly returned to the family last Sunday.

After six days of trauma, Mrs Nwakwe was said to have been drugged and dumped at Agwansawa, a village not too far from the Estate around 7.30 p.m. where some boys found her and took her home.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that some suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the abduction.

,

By Henry Umoru

On how she fed while in captivity, she answered, “Once in a while, they gave me noodles”

,

The victim narrated her ordeal when Sunday Vanguard visited the family. According to her, the trauma started last Sunday evening. “They came in with me as I drove in around 7 p.m. The next thing I heard was `lie down, lie down’. I now said, `please don’t harm anybody, I will cooperate’. So, I lay down on the floor because I had already come out of the vehicle; so they said ‘if you are cooperative, we will not harm anybody’. I told them I will cooperate. ‘’They now asked me to close my eyes and jump in-

side the vehicle. I jumped inside the vehicle. They blindfolded me, tied my hands and stuffed my mouth with clothes; then they yelled at my children; `enter inside, enter inside, if you shout, we will shoot you’. Then they drove off. I really don’t know what happened throughout except the time they took me out of the vehicle and took me inside the bush.”

When asked how many the kidnappers were, she explained: “I think they were three because one took over the steering, one was with me at the back; the third one wanted to enter the back seat, they now commanded him to enter the front; so he jumped out and entered the front seat”.

When Sunday Vanguard asked if she was maltreated by the gang, Mrs Nwakwe said, “All I know is that I was walking inside the bush, they beat me, but not too much, they hit me on the side of the eye.”

On whether she asked the kidnappers if she did anything wrong to warrant the action, she answered: “Not really. I was so scared and confused, walking in the night inside the bush for more than one hour, the experience was terrible. They did not say that I offended them, they only told me that if I cooperate, they will release me.

“Initially, they told me, `Madam, do you know what is happening?’ I said no.

They said, `You have been kidnapped’. I now begged them not to kill me. I asked them if they kidnapped me for help or for money, they

said it was for money; I said I would cooperate as much as I could.”

On how she fed while in captivity, she answered, “Once in a while, they gave me noodles”.

The mother of three disclosed that she ate the noodles because there was no alternative. “I had no choice. I covered myself with the blood of Jesus. I told God, `I don’t know what I am eating, but all I know is that you have laid hand on the food that I want to eat and I will eat it.”

When asked about her message for government amidst the rampant cases of kidnapping in the country, the victim called on government to address the issue of unemployment against the backdrop that her captors told her that they had no job and they must survive.

“They told me, `Madam, you are a nice person, we go out and people are talking so good about you. It is condition that put us in the situation that we are. We really don’t mean what we are doing, but no work, no money and man has to live’. The two that released me asked me to pray for them and, that night they released me, I really prayed for them; I have forgiven them.”

The husband, Rowland Nwakwe, said he got his church members, friends and family to pray for the safe return of the wife while the kidnapping lasted. “I had the faith that nothing would happen to my wife, but it was a trying period. My neighbours, relations, church members, friends, all came together to take care of the babies.”

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 37

STORIES

BY CALEB AYANSINA

Man bags 6 months jail term for stealing aluminium zinc A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by an Abuja Magistrate Court for stealing aluminium zinc sheets.

Ibrahim Sabo of Apo Roundabout Garki Abuja, who pleaded guilty to a two- count charge of criminal trespass and theft contrary to sections 343 and 287 of penal code law, which was levelled against him and one Yellow now at large, begged the court for leniency.

The prosecution told the court that the convict trespassed into the house of one John Zakari of Zone ‘A’ Apo Legislative Quarters Abuja and stole four pieces of aluminium zinc sheets and that he was subsequently arrested, while Yellow escaped and currently at large.

The court, after a summary trial, sentenced Sabo to six months jail term with an option of fine of N1,000.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Minister of Finance

Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, Chief Executive, Access Bank Plc.

Between Aig-Imoukhuede report and finance minister P

resident Goodluck Jonathan had, in the wake of the House of Representatives report on subsidy payments, which revealed that some N2.6trilion had been paid out by government to oil importers and marketers, demonstrated his commitment to cleaning up the subsidy payment list by setting up a Presidential Verification Panel (VAP) headed by Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede , banker and Chief executive of Access Bank Plc. The setting up of the panel showed, in clear terms, Jonathan’s high regard for justice and fair play indicating that neither he nor the country stands to benefit anything from the wrongful punishment of persons who were not indeed involved in the subsidy bazaar.

This decision conforms to the legal maxim which holds that it is better for a horde of guilty persons to escape justice than for an innocent individual to be unjustly punished.

It is in the light of this that emerging concerns over the wrongful listing of some persons and businesses by the Aig-Imokhuede Panel on the list of juristic persons who must be punished by the law has become worrisome.

We are guided in our concern by the thought of Uthman Dan Fodio wherein he said a nation can survive without God, but no nation can survive without C M Y K

justice. In law, however, it is trite that justice should not only be done but also seen as being, and having been done.

Emerging concerns over the wrongful listing of oil marketers, who have produced evidence to show, and prove, that, indeed, they acted within the limits of their contractual obligations with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) ought to attract the

,

BY JUSTIN ETIM & OGOGO ALO

In law, however, it is trite that justice should not only be done but also seen as being, and having been done

,

attention of government for a review.

We are of the view that any such marketer ought to be given an opportunity for fair hearing whereby he or she would dispel every insinuation or allegation of wrongful act in the subsidy bazaar by providing necessary documentary evidence which must be verified against the issuing and receiving authorities. Whereby it is found that the receiving authorities issued clearance certificates for products not sup-

plied, then, such authority must be greatly sanctioned for sabotaging the economy.

We believe that despite the need to stamp out corruption in Nigeria’s oil, painting every marketer with the same antisocial, anti-economic and overtly corrupt brush, would, in the long run, be counter-productive.

We make bold to remind that for a country which rests its development and progress on the twin pillars of unity and peace, only justice would guarantee a focused progression towards achieving the ultimate goal.

We also remind that a fructuous and mutually suspicious nation as ours need not create more room for skewed innuendo through an unjust punishment of persons or businesses which have remained morally upright in their dealings with the country.

We must also remember that investors, who are interested in pitching tent in our economy, have their ears on the ground to know how, as a country and government, we respond to the demand for justice and equity.

We therefore call for caution and deep circumspection in order to thoroughly sieve through the Aig-Imokhuede panel report with a view to actually singling out those who indeed robbed Nigerians of their money through the subsidy sleaze.

Etim and Alo sent this piece from Abuja

Convicted applicant unable to pa ine, sent ttoo payy N2,000 ffine, prison A 20-year-old applicant is cooling off his heels in Keffi Prison, Nasarawa State after bagging three months imprisonment from an Abuja Magistrate Court, for stealing a generator belonging to one Mrs. Okeke Gloria at Bannex Plaza, Wuse 11, Abuja.

Hayatu Ali of Bannex Junction Wuse 11 Abuja, who was arraigned by the police on a one-count charge of theft contrary to section 288 of the penal code law, was sentenced after pleading guilty to the charge.

However, the court gave the convict an option of fine of N2,000.

Police prosecutor, Emmanuel Adiku, told the court that the convict was arrested on September 4 by one Corporal Sila Luka and brought to Maitama Police Station, for stealing one FIRMAN SPC 950 MODEL petrol generator valued at N16, 000.

The convict was transferred to Keffi Prison in Nasarawa State after he was unable to pay N2, 000 as fine as ordered by the court.

Varsity staff docked for theft The police have arraigned a 28-year-old university employee before an Abuja Magistrate Court, for stealing properties belonging to a private university in Abuja. Ferdinand Mba of Base University Abuja was allegedly found to have been in possession of some properties, belonging to the university. He charged with an offence of theft, contrary to section 288 of the penal code law.

Police prosecutor Anigbo Paul told the court that Mba was reported by one Ahmad Usman, also of Base University, that, on August 22, he (Usman) found some school properties in the suspect’s room and he could not give satisfactory account of them.

According to him, “on August 22, he (Usman) came to your room and discovered some school properties as follows: Two microwaves, two Sony sound systems with speakers, thirty bathmixer and PVC plastic, in your room and when you were questioned, you were unable to give satisfactory account of yourself ”.

When the charge sheet was read, the accused denied the allegation. A short adjournment was fixed for the prosecutor to open his case.

The court admitted the accused on bail in the sum of N400, 000 with two sureties who must be reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The matter was adjourned to September 25 for hearing.

PAGE 38—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

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

Imuekheme, Edo SSG

I wept openly at EXCO after a promising official was fired for misconduct *’I served in every govt’

I

f there is any man who can give you information about governance in Edo State since its creation 21 years ago, that person is Dr Simon Imuekheme, the current Secretary to Edo State Government. He has been visibly active since the inception of this democracy and has served under all the civilian administrations in the state since 1999. As the state celebrates 21 years of its creation, Sunday Vanguard spoke to Imuekheme in his office last Monday and he did not hesitate to relish his experiences under both the military and civilian administrations in the state. He also gave an insight into his personal life, declaring that contrary to the insinuation that he lives a boring life, “I relax too even more than most people. I am an all rounder”.

Excerpts: Edo State is 21 years old and you are one of the very few people in the state that have participated in the governance of the state right from the military and since this democratic dispensation began in 1999. Can you tell us how the state has fared so far?

I was in Sapele when the state was created so I had to come back to Edo since I am from Edo State and I was deployed to Central Hospital, Benin to head the Paediatric Department in 1991. I headed that department till 1994 when I was now appointed as Director of Hospital Services and Chief Executive of the hospital for five years; from 1994, June to May 31 1999. I became a Permanent Secretary in June 1999 and I was Permanent Secretary from that date till 2005 when I was appointed Head of Service.

I had worked in the office of

the Deputy Governor as Permanent Secretary in Government House and also I have worked as Chairman Board of Internal Revenue for five years; so it is true, to a very large extent, that I have seen it all since the state was created because I was there from the beginning and I have had the opportunity of working with a military government and also a civilian government. From Head of Service in 2005, I worked for six years in that position. I retired voluntarily in February 2011.

After my retirement, I was appointed briefly as chairman Taskforce on Revenue Generation and by June 20 2011, I was appointed as Secretary to the State Government; so I have had the opportunity of

,

By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin City

of Adams Oshiomhole has turned the table around because virtually all aspects of existence in the state have been touched. I am talking about the welfare of the people which is the basis for which government is existing and when you are talking about welfare, you are talking of access to good education, access to potable water, access to good roads, access to good healthcare facilities, access to light and an environment where lives and properties are secure. Edo has witnessed tremendous changes and I think what has happened is that every person has his own style of government but leadership is crucial and I think that one major difference that I have seen is the leadership

I was sole administrator of the doctors in UBTH for two years during the Idiagbon crisis when the management of that hospital felt that they could operate without doctors participating in the management

,

working with military administrators starting from Lt Col Muhammed Onuka, Colonel Bassey Asuquo, Group Captain Baba Adamu Nyiam and Navy Captain Anthony Onyeregbulem. Then for civilian administration, I worked with Lucky Igbinedion, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor and then Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

There is no doubt that there have been significant development in Edo since the state was created in 1991; although there have been some stagnation especially during the military era, the last four years

of Adams Oshiomhole because he is not just a governor who sits in his office, he is there physically, he is inspecting projects, he scrutinizes everything, makes sure before he appends his signature to any approval that approval must have immense benefit to the people of Edo or the service generally. I think that there is no doubt in my mind that looking at where we were in 1991 and where we are in 2012, Edo has developed; it is just that there is still more to be done and having set the stage, I believe that we are going to

Dr Simon Imuekheme

witness further development.

The state suffered stagnation in terms of development from 1999 until the coming of Oshiomhole and you are part of those administrations , what went wrong?

I think that resources differ from one regime to the other, commitment also differs from one regime to the other.

The drive for change differs from one regime to the other.

During the military era, the command is from the military authority and we didn’t have the House of Assembly to oversee what was happening, and the atmosphere that we were in the military regime also dampened the participation of civilians in the regime but it is not like that during the civilian regime.

What is that that made you special that every administration retains you in and saddles you with one responsibility or the other?

People don’t understand my background, they think I just found myself here. No, my backround in the medical profession is basically labour oriented. For over 13 years in Edo State and, at the national level, I was a major actor in the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). I was the President of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in UBTH for four years. I was sole administrator of the doctors in UBTH for two years during the Idiagbon crisis when the management of that hospital felt that they could operate without doctors participating in the management; so all the doctors nominated me to be there. I was national secretary of NARD and you know NARD is the militant wing of NMA. Myself and four others pioneered the present delegates system of the NMA and, at that time, I was holding two positions. I

was state secretary of NMA and national secretary general of NARD. So for 13 years I was an activist in NMA and, outside my practice, the only thing I did was medical politics and I was for five years I was chairman and Medical and Consultants Association of Nigeria and it was from that position that I was appointed the Chief Executive of Hospital Management Board. So I understand labour, I know what they want and how to handle them.

Once you consult with them, let them know the problems, let them see that you are really working; solve the ones that you can solve, you will find that they will believe in you; so my romance with labour over the years is because they see me as their genuine friend; we quarrel, we criticise ourselves, but at the end of the day, they know that if there is somebody who will tell them the truth, I am and when it is impossible I will also tell them. My experience as an NMA and NARD activist influenced my romance with labour and, for any government to succeed, there must be industrial harmony and, if you don’t want peace, then you quarrel with labour.

So what we have been doing is to make sure that we dialogue with them, we discuss with them, make friends with them and make them see our reasons and, fortunately now, we have a general who is the governor; a labour man, so he knows everything about them and with the combination we have been able to ensure there is industrial harmony in the state.

The issue of being retained by successive governments, I think it is an act of God. I be

Continues on page 39

Continued from page 38 lieve it is God’s work; if you give me an assignment, I want to do my best to make sure that you succeed, so when it comes to commitment to duty, I don’t play with it. I have been telling people that my brothers or my sisters are those who do their work whether you are from my community or not or from the same mother or not, if you don’t do my work, then you are not my brother or sister because it means you don’t want the system to succeed. And I don’t think any governor who appointed you as Permanent Secretary or HOS or appointed you as SSG appointed you because he wants to fail. He wants you to bring your cognate experience to ensure that that government is stable, that the government is focused, that the government is oriented and that is what has happened.

For instance I didn’t even know how Lucky (Igbinedion) spotted me when I was Permanent Secretary in Deputy Governor ’s office because since 1999, I have been very active in the system. I have held very sensitive positions, I have carried out very sensitive assignments and there are so many sensitive things that I have done that only the governors that I served know.

What were your happiest moments and sad moments in the course of your career?

My best moment is when I see obstacles and I overcome them because people have been wondering how I have survived so long in the system but I just believe that it is an act of God. I am not a loud person and I also appreciate that power is centered around one person in the presidential system of government and at the state level, power is centered round the governor and he alone distributes the power; therefore for you to be relevant, you have to put in your best to make sure that the governor that appointed you succeeds.

A

nd nobody will see somebody that is hardworking and say let us throw him away. In the Bible, they say no one lights a candle and put it under the table; it will shine for others to see. When I was sworn-in in 2005, I made a statement that the civil service that I want to run is not the civil service of I am directed. My own civil service is before and after I was directed, what did I do?; so if I am directed and I find that directive unusual or abnormal, by the position I occupy, I should be able to tell the principal that this directive, there are some anomalies, let’s look at it again. And what I found out over the years is that most Chief Executives, they listen but a lot of people are frightened because they want to protect their office and, because of that they are

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

'I carried out sensitive assignments in govt'

Dr Simon Imuekheme disloyal. I once told a governor that ‘if I know the truth and I don’t tell you the truth, I am disloyal because the oath I took is to be loyal to the system, the constitution and to you so if I see you wanting to do something that is not okay and just because I don’t want you be annoyed with me, I don’t want you to sack me from my position, that means that I am disloyal’. Over the years, I have developed my own attitude to say certain things the way I see them, the final decision is that of the Chief Executive but, in the process, he is availed of the various sides of the issue so that he can take his decision from the opinion because the Service is very deep and the reason why it is in place is to guide the political class who are there. I think one of the problems we are having in this country is that people are not bold to say this is how things are supposed to go and most time, for me, the Chief Executives tend to listen.

Sometimes they may have a superior argument because they have a larger field of information more than you have.

They have political informa-

tion, they have economic information, and they have social information but as a technocrat, avail them of your own experience and let them have a pool to take decision from.

How have you been able to cope with the pressure of keeping government secrets?

I am loyal to the governor that appointed me, the oath

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C M Y

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 39

manent Secretary to the HOS is political because the law says the governor shall appoint Permanent Secretaries, the law says the governor shall appoint Head of Service from among Permanent Secretaries that is why the governors can decide to do away with any Permanent Secretary or Head of Service who is not productive. People don’t face the reality; so, for me, I have always known that those offices are political but the thing is that there is a difference between partisan politics and politics of the Service. What you do to guide yourself against as a Permanent Secretary or Head of Service is not to be actively involved in partisan politics but you cannot say you are Head of Service and then shy away from giving support to your governor and even now, there is nothing that stops any civil servant from being a civil servant and at the same time holding a party card.

The Supreme Court has long given that judgment that as a free citizen of this country, you have a right to belong to a party. I didn’t have any problem transiting from HOS to SSG because this is a system that I was already very familiar with. The day I was sworn in, I met that system and I told the governor that the character you represent both in the society and Edo

I have carried out very sensitive assignments and there are so many sensitive things that I have done that only the governors that I served know

of office is very very clear. I remember the governor saying publicly that the only sin I have committed is that I am a loyal civil servant.

It seems you had no problem transiting from Perm Sec to Head of Service and now to a more political position of SSG. Well, the office of the HOS is also political. From the Per-

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State and in the country and international body, at least, my commitment is to make that character to be visible and to be successful.

In all of these, how do you relax?

The thing is that people think I don’t relax but they don’t know me very deep because, right from my secondary school days, I have been

an active person, even in the university.

The university passed through me but the thing is that when I come to the office, I project official looks that portend me to be somebody who doesn’t smile, who doesn’t laugh and things like that but, outside the office, if you meet me when I am relaxed, you will wonder if this is the same Simon. Everybody has to adopt some self defence mechanism to survive.

My look in the office is my own self defense mechanism to survive a hostile, an extremely tricky environment but that doesn’t mean that I don’t relax. I have been in Rotary Club, I have belonged to several clubs, I am president of social clubs, I am a life member of NARD, I am a Knight of St Mulumba in the Catholic Church and several others.

What was your relationship with women before you got married?

I told you I am an all rounder. What else do you want to hear. I had fun and you will even be surprised now. (wild laughter).

D

o you play games?

I played competitive lawn tennis, I am also very good in table tennis, I played football.

I am an addict to the game and I watch various leagues and my club is Chelsea. I played chess, I played draught. I am an all rounder.

I weep easily, I am very emotional. There was a time I wept openly in the EXCO because there was somebody I thought was very good and I thought she could be very good for future assignment just messed up and she got retired, it was so painful that I started weeping. I also read a lot. Vanguard is my best paper, it is like a Bible; even when I don’t buy other papers, I must buy Vanguard.

What is the Edo of your dream?

The Edo of my dream is already emerging where there will be opportunities for everybody, where the social infrastructure will be comparable to what we have in developed countries like road, water, electricity and things like that, Edo where there will be reduction in crime rate. There is no society that is crime-free.

We want a situation where the level of crime is reduced because it is affecting our brothers, our children outside this country.

They want to come home and invest but they are afraid that when they come home they will be kidnapped and it is not too good for development. But I believe that if the current momentum of Adams Oshiomhole is sustained, the future will be very bright for us and, like I have been saying, at the end of the day he would have set up a standard which nobody coming after him could afford to drop; at the worst you try to maintain that standard.

PAGE 40 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

It's reaction that des tro ys marriage...---Bisi Ade wale destro troys Adew

P

ASTOR Bisi Adewale, an accountant, was called on campus to go and balance family lives and not accounts. Today, together with a chartered accountant wife, they have written a series of books on marriage and family life and have established a school called College of Marital Success, where they teach people on what, he described, as total home concept. They organize a yearly outreach called Lagos Couples Conference, where couples and intending couples are exposed to an Intimate Talking Time, ITT, and trained on several Godly concepts of marriage. In a recent interview with SAM EYOBOKA, the family minister said a Breakthrough Sngles Summit is scheduled for the Gymnasium Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on September 30. Excerpts….

What will you say is responsible for marital problems in the society today?

Lack of preparation, selfishness and greed!

Most people get married not because they want to serve and when anybody gets married not wanting to serve, they will always make a mess of themselves. Most people do not prepare for marriage; they only spend several months to prepare for wedding. You will be so shocked to know that many would be couples and even those who are married, cannot define love. That is why you find several husbands loving their mothers much more than their wives and verse versa. Third party problem is responsible for marital issues.

Will you agree that the marriage institution is collapsing?

I won’t say that it is collapsing. I will rather say

that marriage, like every aspect of our society, is having challenges. A recent survey showed that countries where the rate of divorces is high they also have a very high rate of suicides. You can’t compare the rate of divorce in the US to that of Nigeria. What is responsible for this?

They discovered that there is a way the family system help people to grow. Lack of knowledge is responsible for marital problems; there is no school anywhere you can study marriage.

In those days, people were taught civic responsibility—nationhood, tax and how to be patriotic—but there was no teaching on marriage, what is the role of the man, the woman and the children. For example, we have been talking about corruption. We cannot stop corruption until we first

that of the village and that is because our work schedule in the city is higher than in the towns and the villages. For instance, in Lagos the man and the woman will wake up as early as 5.00 a.m. and would not return till about 11.00 p.m. and you ask yourself, how will a wife be able to attend to her husband and family under such circumstance?

Same goes for the husband. It very often makes the man and the woman to be strangers or at best co-tenants in their own home. The government may be trying, but I think the government, the Church and the society can do more to protect family life in Nigeria through the restructure of work schedules.

*Pastor Bisi Adewale build the family because the society is an offshoot of the family. If the government wants to do well they should focus on the

family. We discover recently that rate of divorce in the city is higher than in the town and that of the town is higher than

What do you mean by breakthrough for singles summit?

It’s a programme that focuses on the generat-

ion next—people that will emerge tomorrow as good family man and women. We are taking a global look at the challenges facing the world today and saying that despite the corruption, economic hardship, no roads, no electricity, no employment etc., there is still the wisdom of God that can help us to have a solid family life.

We call it breakthrough for singles, because it is a time we teach on what they should do before they say; ‘I do,’ and how to make money rightly.

There will be seminars, music, comedy, beauty pageant, book bonanza, anointing for quick marriages and we will be giving recharge cards to people. We are expecting Erujeje, Praise Team (Prov. 9), Gyration for Christ and Living Voices. There are 21 things every single should do accepting to say: ‘I do’.

Let's stop these killings NOW! ——Pastor Chinedu Anthony

S

ENIOR pastor of Life of Freedom Ministries, Fagba, Iju Ishaga, a suburb of Lagos, Chinedu Anthony received the call to ministry in early in 2008 after an encounter after spending some moments with his maker at Dewara House of Mercy Mountain in Osun State where he went to ask God for grace, wisdom to deliver quality service to my then overseer. In this interview with OLAYINKA LATONA, the youthful pastor who hails from Akumazi Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government of Delta State, spoke on several national issues as well as the challenges facing the Nigerian Church. Excerpts….

How has the journey been?

Our first service, after my former general overseer had made a proclamation that I could go and actually prayed for me, was attended by just three persons—my and I together with a brother called Jude. It started a C M Y K

fellowship that took place on Sunday afternoon between the hours of 1.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. the following Sunday five people attended and the third was attended by nine until we got to where we are today. The journey has been good and challenging but in all, the Lord is faithful.

Starting a ministry from one’s sitting room can really be very challenging. Sometimes I do ask myself if this is what I am going to face to till Christ comes.

What is the focus of the ministry?

The primary focus is to ensure that we take the gospel or the good news of the Bible to the doorsteps of all those who have not heard about Christ and converting them for Kingdom. It is also to ensure that anyone who comes in must hear the truth and noting but the truth because the Bible says; you shall hear the truth and the truth you know and say shall set you

that some Christians hear that it is happening in this new church and everybody migrates there. No evangelism in the proper sense of the word….

The primary purpose of ministry, according to the Bible, should not be for money, but it is to ensure that one is a tool in the hand of God which should be used to pull out people out of their problems. Number two: through the assignment God had delegated to our hands as pastors, it is to win the lost back to the Kingdom.

Pastor Chinedu Anthony free. It is important that as we are winning them from the world, we should be able to sustain them with the truth. I am believing God that in the next few years this ministry will be a household name in Lagos. I

am believing God for a permanent structure.

People are saying that the Church is growing but not in depth because as a matter of fact, new souls are not being won.

What is happening is

Do you agree that preachers now water down the gospel because they want to keep their members and make more money?

It is what you have that you offer to the society.

You cannot teach what you don’t know. To some extent, some people would not want to offend their members, but I know that the truth is always insultive. You might accept it immediately. You may have to go

home and reflect on it.

There is something about the truth. Lies may endure for 30 years but the day truth appears that lie will disappear.

Message for Nigerians I will want to tell my fellow Nigerians that this is the only home we can call our home. That is why I want to beg my brothers and sisters that we should put an end to this crisis. Whosoever is responsible for this crisis should have a rethink because if anything goes wrong we don’t have a place we can call our own. Nobody will remember you for the number of things you destroy, people can only remember you for the good things you have done, because this cannot get better through the hands of white people. It is by own sweat that this country can develop. Anybody who is still dreaming of taking the life of fellow human being should please desist. Life belongs to God.

SUND AY V anguard AGE 41 SUNDA Vanguard anguard,, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 — P PA

Christ Embassy distributes 1.5m ROR

By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

TELLING LIES IN GOD’S NAME

J

ESUS calls the devil “the father” of lies. He says: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth.”

(John 8:44). This profile corresponds to that of Paul in the bible. Paul was a murderer of Christians from the beginning and he is an inveterate liar.

Paul disregards the truth. He says: “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.”

(Philippians 1:18). Like a chameleon, he declares: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (I Corinthians 9:22). Accordingly, Paul says: “I try to please everybody in every way” (I Corinthians 10:33).

Then he contradicts himself: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

He even openly boasts of his deceitfulness: “Crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!”

(2 Corinthians 12:16).

This is not the way of Christ.

Lying and swearing

J

esus says: “Do not swear at all. Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:34-37).

How-ever, Paul could not obey this injunction. He often had to resort to swearing to make up for his deficit in telling the truth. Indeed, whenever Paul swears, he tells a lie.

Paul says after his conversion, he went to Arabia, seeking no interaction with the disciples of Christ for three years.

He backs this by swearing: “Indeed, before God, I do not lie.” (Galatians 1:20). But this is a lie. Paul was instructed

by Ananias in Damascus, where he interacted with Christ’s disciples; and then Barnabas brought him to the apostles in Jerusa-lem. (Acts 9:1728).

Paul says: “In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the

Whenever Paul swears, he tells a lie wall, and escaped from his hands.” (2 Corinthians 11:32-33). Paul backs this by swearing: “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.” (2 Corinthians 11:31). But this is also a lie. His persecutor was not the Governor but Jewish Christians: “The Jews plotted to kill him.

But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.” (Acts 9:22-25).

Paul swears to Timothy: “I was appointed a preacher and an apostleI am speaking the truth in Christ and not lyinga teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2:7). But Paul is lying. Jesus does not appoint teachers. He says specifically: “Do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.” (Matthew 23: 10). Moreover, Jesus’ 12 apostles do not include Paul. (Matthew 10:2-4).

When Judas committed suicide, Matthias (not Paul) replaced him. (Acts 1:26). Jesus chose his apostles from those who had been with him from the beginning of his ministry. (John 15:27; Acts 1:21-22). This disqualifies Paul.

Christians should avoid swearing since it is so correlated to lying, as the case of Paul conclusively demonstrates.

Congenital liar

P

aul says the high priest hired him to arrest Jesus’ disciples in Damascus.

(Acts 22:4-5). However, the high priest’s authority did not extend to Damascus. Pharisees and Sadducees were implacable opponents.

But Paul, ostensibly a Pharisee, claimed to be a hatchet-man for the Sadducee high priest.

When Paul finally met his putative employer, he could not recognize

him. After cursing him in ungodly fashion, Paul pleaded: “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest.’”

(Acts 23:3-5).

Paul said Jesus told him on Damascus road: “Go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that you are to do.” (Acts 22:10). But subsequently, Paul lied to King Agrippa, claiming Jesus gave him the blueprints of his ministry there and then on Damascus road.

(Acts 26:14-18). Paul further claimed Jesus promised him: “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you.”

(Acts 26:17). This is an outright lie against Christ. Paul was not delivered from the Gentiles.

False witness

P

aul lied that he saw Jesus on Damascus road.

He asks: “Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1). The answer is “No!” Witnesses of the resurrection saw a living Jesus. But Paul only heard a voice: “Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one.”

(Acts 9:8). Elsewhere, Paul himself admits he could not see Jesus: “I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me.” (Acts 22:11). Later, Paul would further embellish this testimony; claiming Jesus did not just appear to him, but was revealed in him. (Galatians 1:1516).

In the bid to group himself with the true apostles of Christ, Paul became a false witness.

He says Jesus appeared to the 12 disciples on his resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:5). This is palpably false; Jesus only appeared to 11 disciples.

(Luke 24:33-36). Paul then says Jesus appeared to over 500 people at once. (1 Corinthians 15: 6). This is pure fabricat-

ion by someone who was not there. Peter, an eyewitness, said there were only about 120 disciples at the time of Jesus’ resurrection. (Acts 1:1415). Indeed, by deliberate design, Jesus did not even appear to all of them, but only to a select few. (Acts 10:39-41).

More lies

P

aul claims his second visit to Jerusalem was occasioned by a revelation. (Galatians 2:2).

This is another lie. Paul was commissioned to go to Jerusalem by the church in Antioch. (Acts 15:1-3). The edict of the Jerusalem Council had four requirements for Gentile Christians: “abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.” (Acts 15:29). However, Paul lied that there was only one requirement: “They ONLY asked us to remember the poor.” (Galatians 2:10). But the poor were not even mentioned. Paul then declared deceitfully it is permissible to eat food sacrificed to idols. (1 Corinthians 8:8).

When he was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, Paul lied in the bid to divide the Pharisee members from the Sadducees: “When Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”

(Acts 23:6). This is not true. His accusers said different: “This is the man who preaches against our people and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws. He even talks against the Temple and defiles it by bringing Gentiles in!”

(Acts 21:28).

Jesus is the truth.

(John 14:6). The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth.

(John 14:17). Therefore, Christians must always be truthful. Paul says: “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7). This is facetious. Lies never promote the truth.

BENIN---CHRIST Embassy, a.k.a. Believers Love World, has kicked-off the nation’s 52nd independence anniversary billed for October 1, with the launching of Reach Out Nigeria 2012 campaign with the distribution of about 1.5 million free copies of its daily devotional, Rhapsody of Realities.

Among those present during the launching were the 4 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Abel Umahi, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olayinka Balogun and a representative of the governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The Benin zonal pastor of the church, Mary Owase said the devotional is a commemorative edition with inspirational thoughts on how to enhance spiritual growth and development.

According to her, the theme of this year's special edition is; ‘Celebrating our Possibilities’ and it is to re-express hope in the future of Nigeria, adding that the vision was sown in the general overseer of the church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome years ago and it has grown to very remarkable heights.

Besides, the ReachOut Nigeria 2012 campaign marks the 6th time that partners of the project would be distributing free copies of the devotional across 160 countries of the world.

“The devotional has been translated into several major Nigerian languages,” she said, recalling that as part of its corporate social responsibility, the church has donated boreholes to Ogida Barracks and helmets to motorcyclists in Uromi, Edo State.

Iloh charges journalists to be forthright

By BOSE ADELAJA ’’JOURNALISTS as members of the fourth estate of the realm should be bold, courageous and forthright with dignity as the watchword, devoid of brutality irrespective of whatever position the brutals may belong.’’

Those were the words of octogenerian and general overseer of Soul Winning Chapel, Dr. Moses Iloh, who expressed worries over the maltreatment of journalists globally and with particular reference to Nigerian journalists.

Iloh saw the development as an abuse of human and professional rights in the discharge of their legitimate duties.

In his words: "Looking at the current affairs in

Nigeria, it is very easy to corrupt a journalist and this makes him vulnerable to attacks.

Journalists must know that when they are corrupted by the corrupt, the information will spread and thereby putting him in serious jeopardy before the reading public."

According to the cleric, if a media house is corrupt, the employees' objectivity will be called to question. He therefore advised media practictioners to always seek redress when their rights are being trampled upon, making reference to the years when journalists were prepared to damn the consequencies and report the truth.

Meduoye urges prayers for Nigeria GENERAL Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Felix Meduoye, has called on Christians in the country to pray for the nation and her leaders as well as embrace the work of evangelism with all seriousness, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Rev. Meduoye gave the advice through the church's National Secretary, Rev. Nwachukwu Ugbaja, at the third district convocation of the church at Egbe in Lagos. The theme of the event was; “Harnessing great reward.”

The cleric also decried current security challenges including kidnapping, arm-ed robbery, terrorist attacks amongst others, noting that with prayers a new dawn shall arise for the country.

The District Overseer of Egbe, Rev. Sam Badejo noted that this year's theme was very appropriate as the coming of the Lord is imminent and God is invariably promising great rewards to those who will uphold righteousness to the very end.

He emphasised the need for the church to intensify its prayers for the nation, adding that it is a neessary sacrifice churches have to make for the redemption of souls.

C M Y K

PAGE 42—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Agunloye: I did not betray Bola Ige zThe reason I dumped

ACN’

D

On why he returned to the Labour Party he left about a year ago to now support Dr Olusegun Mimiko for his second term ambition.

I do not think it is correct to say that I was schemed out of the ACN. You will realize that the process of breaking the news of Akeredolu’s candidature started on June 10, 2012 even though, at that time, a lot of information had filtered out that it was Akeredolu that had been pre-selected since October 2011. There were moves to cover this up but it became clear at the end. When you want to decide what happened in my case, I had the opportunity to explain to Asiwaju Tinubu himself that there were one and a half issues. The half of it is that after 14 months of strenuous efforts to build ACN and spending money to build network for the party, I did not get the ticket.

So, naturally, it is painful.

Is that what eventually led to your exit?

The main issue is the process of handling the entire thing.

You should understand that I did not storm out of the party. I spent six weeks criss-crossing Nigeria chasing after the proprietor of the party to find out what could happen to my followers, how I could be compensated and what would happen. As at that time, you must understand that they did not have all these ways of explaining their choice of Akeredolu. At that time, we went round because we knew C M Y K

Dr. Olu Agunloye that the party’s structures had been weakened. The question was what to do about this and Akeredolu was one person that did not have any structure, network and even voter’s card at all in Ondo State. He has never voted before in Ondo State and he is neither known well in any part of Ondo State.

People remember him as a lawyer with white beard. On the political terrain, he is not even well known in Owo. So this shows that the proprietor of can had selected a very weak candidate which gives the impression that they were not really targeting winning

,

r Olu Agunloye was a minister under the O b a s a n j o administration, after a stint in the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). He is one of the trusted friends of the late Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige. Ahead of the 2011 polls, Agunloye was a leading senatorial candidate for Ondo North Senatorial District under the Labour Party. He left the party for the ACN after Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice got the ticket. He has since returned to join hands with Governor Olusegun Mimiko for his second term ambition following his dissatisfaction with the ACN leaders in the manner they handled issues after they picked the party governorship candidate Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in the run up to the October 20 Ondo State gubernatorial election. He speaks, in this interview, on the intrigues and politics that produced Akeredolu and why the ACN may not win the October 20 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

party Chairman to work out a formula that will be okay. I came back to Ondo State and held a meeting with Akeredolu but Alasoadura was absent. The party’s acting chairman invited the treasurer, Ade Adetimehin and secretary, Gboyega Adedipe, to the meeting. We discussed that we needed to use the platform and we agreed to reconvene the following Monday with a draft structure.

Before that meeting on Monday, Adedipe had sketched a couple of things and discussed them with me.

Adetimehin also arranged a meeting with Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ado to discuss the matter.

State? I remember vividly that Aregbesola told me he would work out some structure on how to operate it. The fact is that I could not operate Omoluwabi Platform as special adviser to Akeredolu or as personal assistant to Alasoadura. After two weeks, he could not come up with a structure and he called me back.

He called one man again, Dele Ogunsakin, who had a structure called Independent Campaign Group (ICG) which was used in Lagos State in 2003. He said the ICG would be used in Ondo State. I reminded Ogunsakin to take

You should understand that I did not storm out of the party. I spent six weeks criss-crossing Nigeria chasing after the proprietor of the party to find out what could happen to my followers, how I could be compensated and what would happen.

election.

Did you seek redress following the alleged imposition of Akeredolu by the leaders of the party?

I went round, it was about four times to Tinubu in Lagos, and I went three times to Aregbesola in Oshogbo. In one of the invitations of Aregbesola to me, I was in Abuja; I had to come by taxi to Osogbo to make that appointment on a Sunday because there was no flight. I also travelled from there to see the chairman of the party and again to Ekiti State all on this issue. The summary of it all was that he (Aregbesola) wanted to use the Omoluabi Platform. I said do I take the Omoluabi Platform because to me the platform that I set up is not what I can drive away from the party or sell to Oshiomhole in Edo

,

into consideration the difference between Ondo and Lagos State so that he did not bring Lagos formula hook, line and sinker to Ondo State. Eight days after, the structure was not ready and Aregbesola called me to Lagos State again where we met with Asiwaju who said the same thing that they needed to use the Omoluwabi Platform. The only thing I would not do is to operate it for them and Aregbesola had suggested ICG. Tinubu condemned ICG and explained how it would not work. Tinubu, Aregbesola and Akeredolu had met for several hours on the issue before I was invited to the meeting later that day. At the end of the day, Tinubu said I should go back to Ondo State and work with Akeredolu, Alasoadura and the

Workable structure I was very ready for the arrangement that would produce a workable structure for the party that would also ensure that my own followers would not be marginalized because it was clear to me having not got the ticket, my target for myself had failed.

Now I did not want a situation whereby my supporters would get out of the system without anything to show. We agreed at the meeting with Fayemi that we would take the draft plan to Oshogbo to finalize it with Aregbesola before we then take it to Tinubu.

On that Monday, I was one on one meeting with Akeredolu which was good because that was the first time we would sit together to speak on this same matter. He was worried about how this would work out but I assured him that after the general meeting with Alasoadura and others, things would be settled.

When I got to the party’s secretariat that Monday, I knew I must have joined the wrong meeting because I saw Alasoadura, Akeredolu, Chairman and two other people (Chairmen Ondo Southern and Northern Senatorial Districts). Baba Elemeje and Baba Akintimehin were in that meeting but one seat was vacant and that was the seat for the Central Senatorial District Chairman. I thought that seat was my own and I sat down. I found out that other things were being discussed and they were not going to drive me out of the meeting.

When I caught the idea of what was going on, I tried to participate but strategies and other things were going on which showed to be that work can actually go on without participation from me or my group. I also found out that two people each were selected per local government and I was not part of it.

Objection I raised objection to the fact that they selected two people from my local government without my knowledge. They said I should allow one of my principal officers from Ondo North to select two persons from that council. Meanwhile somebody had leaked to me the information about the goingson. What was actually going was to sideline me and the Omoluwabi Platform and a couple of people. They had many explanations to give which were not satisfactory.

On allegation that he was induced to return to Labour Party and that he was a mole in his for mer Party.

It is not good for me to treat that in isolation. I will treat it in batches. As part of the cries of the ACN, they had shown a lot of conflicts. One, for instance, the National Chairman of the party went ahead to say that I was a mole sent by Mimiko to ACN. It is unfortunate that Akande could say such thing in his interview.

It is a contradiction that the same people who said that I was a mole said I was induced with payment. The work I did in ACN is clear to be seen.

Akande said many things that were contradictory.

Another contradiction in the ACN is the so-called betrayal of Bola Ige. I was shocked that that came from Akande. When I became Minister of Defence, all the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors came except Adefarati. So at what stage did I become a betrayal? For nine years, I funded Bola Ige Movement and mentored it before the governors took over at the tenth year. At that time, they did not say I was a betrayal. Bisi Akande also forgot that by December 26, 2010 when I was in LP, there was an event for Bola Ige in Esa-Oke, the seats reserved for Bola Ige ‘s associates, only the two (Akande and I) of us there. Ten days after, I had problem in LP and I switched to ACN. Therefore, at what stage did betrayal come in?.

Bisi Akande and others are only contradicting themselves.

It shows that ACN only has a political business model for Ondo State and once they put their minds on that, every other thing they do will not go right.

The election is few weeks away what are the chances of the Labour Party?

Let me be honest here. Some of the way we lost teams in the ACN will turn out to be victory for LP. As at middle of April, we held a meeting where we concluded among ourselves that the LP would win the election as at that time because the ACN was not ready for the election. We then said to ourselves that we would need to work hard to take the advantage of what we had done in the ACN to win the election. April and May were gone, the integration of those that were brought to the party needed to be done, and ACN did not do it. They first asked Olaiya Oni to do it but these leaders sabotaged Olaiya Oni.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 43

Insurgency in Borno

Why we insist on dialogue, by govt spokesman z’State

not exceptional theatre of bloodshed’

By Lekan Bilesanmi Borno State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Inuwa Bwala says Governor Kashim Shettima administration is on course despite the security challenges in the state.

We know that being the government spokesman in a volatile state like Borno is certainly not a tea party. How have you been coping?

We thank God for his grace and the opportunity we have been given to serve our people at this challenging period. I regard my appointment as a call to duty, and a necessary sacrifice for the peace and progress of my state. It may look difficult and challenging, but I do not see it as an impossible task, so long as one does not insult the sensibilities of others, or veer away from the truth. I try my best in all circumstances to explain the honest position of government on all matters, without compromising the standards we set to achieve.

As information commissioner,

zInuwa Bwala I try to always rekindle peoples confidence in themselves and in the system.

We are now preoccupied with this task, given the light in which we have been painted.

You see, if one relies upon hearsay or accepts stories from third parties about the situation on ground, it may sound scary, but for those of us who live with it, we know

that the situation is often exaggerated. But we are moving on, and we pray that things will be better. Let me however correct the impression people have about Borno State, to the effect that we are the worst case in this general problem. We cannot pretend that we do not have a very serious security problem at hand, but we do not subscribe to the classification that ours is an exceptional theatre of bloodshed.

Our case is not worst than what is happening in other places. Unfortunately we have a situation where people who know nothing about Borno or have facts about the situation on ground are the ones often making analysis of the situation, especially in the media, thereby confusing public perception of the true situation. We have a duty to correct such erroneous impressions.

Given the situation, is it correct to say the activities of government have been virtually grounded?

Far from that, Government

has been working, and we have made our modest impact on the lives of the citizenry.

We have never allowed the security challenges to slow us down, and that is why we have been striving to prove critics wrong, who believe that we will crumble. We are determined to succeed and our governor, Honorable Kashim Shettima, has been a very good source of inspiration to those of us in government, such that, our citizens are very happy with the government. We came in with a clear defined set of goals, bearing in mind that the environment may not be too friendly.

We move with our heads high, knowing that what we have been able to do in the past fifteen months far surpass what others without any forms of inhibitions have done in their own states. We agree that the management of the crisis has taken a toll on our resources, but we thank God that even that was not enough to diminish our achievements.

In which specific areas

would you say the government has made impacts?

When we came in, we anchored our development agenda on five cardinal areas, namely: agriculture, education, health, poverty alleviation and water supply.

But, above all, we have no illusions that peace is a sin quanon to achieving all these.

So far, we have equipped to world standards and commissioned five General Hospitals, and put four more under rehabilitation.

We have declared a state of emergency in the education sector, to the effect that we have closed down fourteen public schools, and have awarded contracts for the total rehabilitation of all these schools. We have converted some to boarding schools and have reviewed the curriculum and feeding method of all schools as incentives to students.

All state government owned tertiary schools are currently being rehabilated. We plan to restore the allure of public schools within a short period.

‘Oshiomhole restored dignity to Edo politics’

C

harles Afe Ikhaghe is a media practitioner, consultant and author of many books. In this chat with Lucky Oji, he speaks on one of his books which will be launched soon and the positive changes across Edo State.

What prompted your book:The Wind of Change across Edo State?

It is not every time you see genuine commitments to public improvement demonstrated by those in power.

Governor Oshiomhole is like the early morning sun rising after a dark night. The sudden change to beautiful environment, the greenery, dignity where once were dullness and devil now makes people to live a life of dignity.

Not just staying alive, waiting to die in wretchedness inspired me to write a book celebrating him, so that others seeing this may be encouraged to do same.

That’s what also moved me to write a book celebrating the achievements of Governor C M Y K

Fashola of Lagos State.

By documenting your views on Oshiomhole, what do you hope to achieve?

As I said earlier, Oshiomhole is like the early morning sun rising after a dark night. He is regarded by many as one of the bright new hope for Nigeria’s future. However, public memory is short and Nigerians in particular easily jettison the tremendous achievements of individuals for petty criticism as Mark Anthony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar said “The evil that men do lives after them, the good are often Interred with theirs bones”.

Most of the public, like the flock, follow the bandwagon. It is therefore, necessary that records of achievements needed to be kept, not only for today but also for the future. These records are independent evidence of measures through which one will be assessed. It is in view of this and others that I have written this book, “The Wind of Change across Edo State”.

Charles Afe Ikhaghe Gen. Airhiavbere has gone to the tribunal contesting the eligibility of the Governor reelection. What is your take on this?

Honestly, I try as much as possible to distance myself from partisan politics. I must also say here that there is limit to what I can comment on since the case is in court. My advice to the General is to withdraw his petition because

the transformation agenda of the present administration headed by Comrade Oshiomhole deserves the support of every resident of Edo State. That includes the gentle General.

Do you think Governor Oshiomhole is doing enough to deserve so much accolade from people ?

People are not just singing his praise for nothing. He is performing.

The infrastructural development along several fronts like schools, hospitals, transportation, sports, roads etc are there for all to see.

I am yet to see an entire state turned into one huge site of construction of projects going on simultaneously. It’s like the state just got independence from colonial masters, with the new rulers bent on developing at breakneck speed to catch up with lost time wasted by predators of the past.

What do you have to say about the appointment of

Femi Falana as SAN? Here I have little to say besides what this legal practitioner and crusader for social justice says modestly about himself. I quote “I undertake to use the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN for the liberation of Nigeria”.

Your advice for Oshiomhole He has to work harder to uplift the masses from the slums, poverty and psyche of resigning oneself to fate. The lowest trader in the environment can barely afford the little capital he or she needs to enhance business.

The government needs to set up financial loan cooperatives where anybody, whether a trader or a graduate can secure a loan to commence business. Through this, several people eke out a living. Without ideas like this, the emancipation of the poor may be an illusion and several able-bodied and educated people may remain dejected.

PAGE 44—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

Country News

Patty Obassey needs a lifeline so that Igbo gospel music does not stop!

Continued from page 27 What many may not know is that the owner of that voice that brought many succor, happiness and peace of mind at times of confusion, worry and agitation is very sick today. Yes, Obassey the crooner of the hit gospel track nwammy water is seriously sick and dying if nothing is immediately done to rescue his failing health.

Obassey is now a shadow of his ebullient self. Reduced to a heap of wrinkled face and frequent bouts of pain and sorrow, Obassey could not manage a straight one hour interview due to fatigue and exhaustion. “For over a year now, I’ve been in a bad state of health. The problem is kidney problem, holistic kidney problem.

“I don’t know how it affects the body. But they said it affects the digestive organs or system. God has been helping me to survive; because, according to the doctor, my two kidneys have failed, so what is keeping me alive must be God; prayer of the saints; that’s how I feel”.

But Obassey knows that while prayers have kept him alive this long he would require urgent medical intervention to stay alive. This is because specialist doctors managing his condition at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, UNTH, have told him that if he does not undergo immediately kidney transplant, his days are numbered.

“The doctor said all that I will require is kidney transplant”, the singer said, adding quickly: “That is where the problem is because l do not have money for transplant and the doctor said it will be in India”.

The cost for the trip and medical costs in India is N10 million, a sum Obassey confirmed is totally beyond his reach.

Asked if any of his numerous fans in the country and diaspora have given indications to help, he waxed philoC M Y K

relieve some of the aches and pains of pregnancy and will help prepare your body for childbirth.

Following your doctor ’s advice about your health during pregnancy is key if you want to make it through on top. * Make enough time for yourself. Just because the complex emotions you have during pregnancy are “normal” doesn’t mean they’re not real or that they’re not important.

Your job – your only job – during pregnancy is to make sure that your baby arrives happy and healthy. Everything else in your life takes a back seat. If you need to pull away from work or activities, do so.

Focus on you and what you need, because here in a few months

that was recommended for me; my whole body was irritating.

I was feeling pains all over and I don’t k n o w whether it has solved my problem. I don’t even k n o w whether it sophical.

W

ell, I find it difficult to answer this question be cause people always have their intention in their minds. If they make their intention known, praise God; if they don’t, I keep waiting”. But wait is one thing doctors advise against. How about the governors of the five Igbo states? Again Obassey demurred.

“I have not been able to reach the government and I don’t know any state administration I shall reach for assistance; not yet, I’m still searching” adding though he will be eternally grateful to any of them who donates to keep him alive.

“God will bless you.

God has promised to bless anybody who blesses me, and He is a good God” he prayed Obassey says the treatment he has so far received at the UNTH has been life-saving but traumatic.

“When I took the drug

has helped me” which is why he says the consultant “recommended transplant.

Obassey released about 15 albums including the multi-hit album Nwammy water heard in almost all homes in the south east and homes where Ndigbo live across the length and breadth of the country but had very little in terms of financial returns from the hit tracks, no thanks to pirates that ruled the music industry in the 70s and 80s.

One man he says he is looking up to for help is Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu, the deputy President of the Senate and senator representing him at the upper chambre of the National Assembly.

Obassey is from Mmaku in Awgu local government of Enugu State.

“I would like if he will show interest and assist me. I know he is a very busy man and he has a lot of responsibilities. If he can help resolve my

National award: Araye hails FG for honoring Uduaghan

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HE chairman, Ode-Itsekiri Development Committee,CDC, Mr. Ebobo Araye, has commended the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan, for honouring Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State with an award of Commander of the Order of the Niger, C O N .

The CDC chairman, who made the commendation in Warri, said the honour on the Governor has further

attested to his commitment and contributions to nation building adding that it was a deserved honour.

He urged Deltans to key into Governor Uduaghan’s vision of Delta beyond oil and see how the state can be totally transformed.

The PDP chieftain also commended Gov Uduaghan for the ongoing renovation of schools across the state. “ We should not relent in supporting the governor in the ongoing transformation of the state.”

Bumpy but super hot

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URING one of her stage performances as she sang to the admiration of her audience, she uttered between dance steps how much she wanted her listeners to “feel this love that is growing inside of me”. She abruptly stopped the music, dropped her microphone on the stage and went on to thoroughly massage her growing bump. I was completely mesmerized and taken over when I realized that this was how Beyonce wished to announce unashamedly to everyone that she was pregnant for her hubby Jay Z.

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eriod of pregnancy to some people means a loss of beauty or a stressed up body. To many others, it is simply an obstacle in doing or achieving so much. But while pregnant, it is imperative that a woman accepts love and care for herself and this is when she can appreciate the nine-month walk. It can be rough but with some necessary adjustments, a healthy and smart pregnant woman is usually a lovely sight to behold. As a pregnant woman, you are neither helping yourself nor

your unborn tot by organizing a pity party for both of you even if the father of your baby refuses to take full responsibility; keep faith and remain focused on life with your soonto-be- born baby.

Yes pregnancy is all about the highs and lows. It’s about morning sickness and back aches, swollen feet, constant spitting for some women and excitement and anticipation. Keeping up with the ante-natal classes usually slows down to a drag as the pregnancy grows and the thought of labour can be a scare. No one can argue that pregnancy is the most amazing and exciting time in a woman’s life.

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rinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy is dangerous for your unborn baby. While there are no guarantees, there are steps you can take to make the journey worthwhile as advised here by the experts: * Make sure you and your baby get the things you need during pregnancy. That means specific nutrients, such as folic acid and iron. It also means getting some moderate to mild exercise, which will help

your life is going to be dramatically focused outward. * Do not leave yourself looking untidy just because you are heavy. Wash properly, and use your perfume and make-up mildly.

Wear good and smart clothes that is loose around the growing tummy. Do away with stilletto shoes for the time being, rather wear flats shoes to work or other formal gathering. * Get educated.

While you’re pregnant, learn about labor and delivery. Don’t get too hung up on all of that, though, because it’s going to happen whether you’ve read about it or not. Make sure you think beyond pregnancy.

Think about what kind of parent you want to be.

Read about newborn care.

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alk with your partner about the kinds of parenting decisions you’ll be making together. Learn about all of the upcoming developmental milestones you should expect from your new baby. Don’t ignore the labor and delivery learning, but don’t get bogged down by it either.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 45

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PAGE 46—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

VIEWPOINT

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BY BERNARD UTOV VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

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N the immortal words of William Shakespeare, “some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”; this is a brief summary of the fairytale-like life and political career of Honourable Dr. Samuel Ode, erstwhile minister of state in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Born into the family of retired Col. Chris Ode – a Nigerian civil war hero and former military governor- at Mkar, Benue State on 7 November, 1968, young Sam went through all formal educational institutions with avuncular interest and a zeal to excel, until he acquired a B. A. (Hons) Theatre Arts and Communications from the University of Jos in 1993, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Abuja in 2008. He is presently pursuing a master ’s degree in Arts and a law degree, both at the University of Abuja.

Footprints at the N-Delta Ministry After doing undergoing the mandatory National Youth Service in 1995, he started his working career as an Executive Director of C & R Associations Ltd , the family business immediately, where he assisted in building and diversifying the tentacles of the concern into other areas with resounding success. He served in that capacity till 2001, when he resigned to explore other interests as a restless young man with the messianic passion to find the right vehicle to take him on a journey to improve the lot of our long neglected people.

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s a man with a pas sion for positively touching the lives of people around him and contributing to making the society a better place, he was made the Benue State Secretary of the National Democratic Party in 2002, where he cut his teeth in partisan pol-

itics and developed his extensive network of friends and his grassroots contacts, which have served as an invaluable resource base for him in his political career so far.

His subsequent appointment as a Special Assistant to the Governor

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A former minister as a political player

served for more than one year. is interpersonal skills and his talent as a good manager of men and materials were effectively deployed in this assignment through establishing personal contacts with the key factors in the Niger Delta debacle; with the support and assistance of his colleague, Elder Godsday Orubebe, this went a long way in fostering cordial relations between the government, determined to execute its transformation agenda in the Niger Delta, and the belligerent groups who were genuinely aggrieved because of the long years of neglect of the region by successive governments, just as the Amnesty programme earlier proclaimed by the government was wholehearted embraced by all the militant groups.

Ode has undergone the necessary tutelage and has effectively learnt the ropes in the difficult Nigerian politics terrain, and is, therefore, eminently qualified to play any role in terms of harnessing our enormous human and material resources to achieve set goals and objectives. *Utov is of 11B, Gwer Street, Gboko, Benue State

elected as the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government , where he embarked on executing people oriented projects which have set a benchmark in quality local government administration in Benue State.

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is record of serv

This appointment gave Ode the opportunity to work and interact closely with various grassroots groups in the state and to also understand and appreciate the peculiar problems and challenges confronting our largely agregarian communities

of Benue State in 2005 did not come as a surprise to political pundits considering his excellent interpersonal skills, his humility, patience and capacity to work hard to achieve results; he served in this position for one year, till he was

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ice endeared him to the people and motivated Governor Gabriel Suswam who, in his considered judgment elevated Ode by appointing him as the Special Adviser and Head of Bureau for Local Government and Chieftain-

cy Affairs, an appointment with cabinet designation making him a member of the State Executive Council.

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his appointment gave Ode the opportunity to work and interact closely various grassroots groups in the state and to also understand and appreciate the peculiar problems and challenges confronting our largely agregarian communities. This has equipped him adequately to work in any way within his capabilities to make a difference in the lives of our people, in terms of human capacity building and provision of infrastructural facilities.

Ode answered a call to national service when in March 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him to his cabinet as an honourable minister and posted him to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, where he

Ondo’s unique developmental strategy

BY ALABA RUFUS VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The bottom-up approach to governance.

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HE Ondo State 3’Is initiative is one policy of government which derives from an enduring pact with the people. Articulating his political vision during a recent interview, Governor Olusegun Mimiko said :“When we came on board, we said we perceived a disconnect between the government and the people and that it was our aspiration to bridge this disconnect so that government can crsytallize the environment that engenders development. The Labour Party is a social democratic party and in the ideological spectrum, we belong to the left. We believe that government has a responsibility to the people. We believe that government has to make the private sector to thrive so that private profit can motivate the people to grow the economy, but we also believe that government has the responsibility to ensure that equitable opportuni-

ty is given to people in the society as much as possible, what is known as carrying everybody along.”

The state deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, speaking in a similar vein, said : “This is the first administration in Ondo State that asks the people what they want government to do for them and goes ahead to do same. Using the philosophy of the 3Is, the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperative Services ensures that every corner and cranny of the state feels the impact of government through the execution of self-selected projects.”

Dr Aderotimi Adelola, the Ondo State Secretary to the State Government, also said :“The people have come to trust this government. They know that when we say we will do something, we will actually do it. Take our urban renewal programme for example; in other states, when they embark on such programmes, it is always a tale of misery for the people. After all, it is always easy to destroy. In our own case, we took a different approach because we realise that people are on the streets not out

of their own volition but because they have no option. They find themselves on the streets because of the circumstances of life.”

Perhaps a useful way of starting a discussion of the Ondo 3’Is initiative, then, is to situate it within the broader spectrum of the Labour Party ’s (LP) social welfarism. As is well known, the main thrust of social welfarism, taken in this context to mean the Awoist revolutionary ideology (which, for instance, places religion and belief in God as the

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VIEWPOINT

ism, primitive wealth accumulation and seizure of the commonwealth, such as those represented by the economies of other South-West states, so that critical political discourse is increasingly shifting to the embarrassing claims of a grand conspiracy against the future. The progress made so far in Ondo may be just because it has adopted Mimiko’s assertion that the right of the people to determine who rules them is the minimum condition of democracy. Building on this

The progress made so far in Ondo may be just because it has adopted Mimiko’s assertion that the right of the people to determine who rules them is the minimum condition of democracy

core of the human essence rather than a mere ideological state apparatus) derives from the credo of people-centredness, providing a viable alternative to the crisis of bourgeois and semi-feudal and fragmented societies, including capitalist economies underlined by mindless expansion-

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theory of minimum conditions, then, the masses of Ondo State realistically expect that whatever accrues to the government is theirs as a matter of right, not privilege, and that supreme concern by the government for their welfare can always be taken for granted.

The 3’Is initiative n initiative under the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development & NGO Matters in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development & Co-operative Services, the 3’I’s Initiative (an acronym for Infrastructure, Institution and Industry) focuses on rural and community development using the participatory, community-driven approach. In strategic terms, the state government is driven by the idea that increasing the capacity of the people of Ondo State positively through the implementation of a variety of development programmes (including free community health services, free education, skills acquisition and training, micro-credit, natural resources and environmental management, women and youth empowerment, provision for basic infrastructure including roads, transportation, water and sanitation, housing , commercial innovations and creating an enabling environment for partnerships and investors thereby turning Ondo

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State into a commercial centre) should begin from a recognition of the right of the people to determine their future by choosing those projects themselves. This aligns perfectly with the overarching vision of the Awoist socialist ideology, which is to equip the people with the raw materials to take charge of their future.

Therefore, since the projects executed are dictated by the people themselves, within the overall design of the state government to make the state a model for Africa, the disconnect between the government and the people is eliminated, while cases of sabotage arising from dissatisfaction with executed projects are largely nonexistent. In addition, the programme of looking at key issues and laying the framework for an enabling environment that will attract funding for rural and community development programmes has been a unique success.

The 3’Is initiative is comprehensive, focused, and total, being a deterministic outgrowth of an all-inclusive, mega human development plan.

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

VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT

BY TUNJI OLAOPA VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF A professor’s life as metaphor for public service

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HE lifetime and career of Professor Ojetunji Aboyade — father, friend, economist, administrator, Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) and public intellectual par excellence—constitute a profound intellectual and practical mine of ideas and ideals for a historical and national re-evaluation of our collective struggle as Nigerians.

As his biographer, I barely succeeded in plucking the depth of his awesome life and story in A Prophet is with Honour: The Life and Times of Ojetunji Aboyade published in 1997.

The nation has a lot to tap from his solid policy and management genius”.

I was still struggling with some of the historical dynamics within which Aboyade worked and experienced in Nigeria as an academic, technocrat and administrator. Of course, Aboyade recognized that wielding political power would have made a whole lot of difference in the attempt of his generation to institute fundamental changes in the policy making framework of the Nigerian state, yet he drew back. Professor Aboyade lived in a period in history when Nigeria was seriously searching for the right mix of policies, ideas and methodologies to chart a path to national greatness. It became imperative, as a matter of national urgency, to constitute a storm troop of academic, technocratic and managerial elites to chart the right course for a post-colonial state already compromised by the colonial geometry of power.

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hus, Aboyade found him self in the enviable intellectual cum policy circle made up (not in any order of age or geo-political representation) of the likes of Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Pius Okigbo, Wole Soyinka, Ukpabi Asika, Akin Mabogunje, Ali Akilu, Adebayo Adedeji, Allison Ayida, Chukwuka Okonjo, Sam Aluko, Bolanle Awe, Claude Ake, Billy Dudley, Ayodele Awojobi, Phillip Asiodu, Ahmed Joda, Clement Isong, Sunday Awoniyi, Jibril Aminu, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Michael Omolayole, Ibrahim Dasuki, Gamaliel Onosode, Christopher Kolade, Ibrahim Damcida and the rest of what has been called the “ wasted generation”. Aboyade’s life and ideals intersected the many challenges of the development agenda and the policy ambivalence that attended it. As Claude Ake rightly observed, “Here was a man who epitomised all the things we professed to value most: phenomenal learning and brilliance, patriotism, unwavering commitment to public service and the public interest, abiding faith in the potentialities of Nigeria and stoical acceptance of the effort necessary to realize them”.

Yet, here was a man who

Ojetunji Aboyade and the burden of national progress aligned resources and investment to specified development outcomes though seriously undermined by a misplaced confidence in the viability of a state-led development paradigm.

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Late Professor Ojetunji Aboyade eventually died lonely in his struggle to achieve the synthesis of “knowledge, power and responsibility”.

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rofessor Aboyade’s con frontation with the intense policy environment in the 70s critically outline for us the difficulties which constitute the burden of national progress against which Nigeria’s leadership must strive if it would ever hope to escape remaining in perpetual transition. For instance, there were two serious challenges to the trajectory of policy practice for the technocrats during Aboyade’s intervention.

The first, obviously, is the no-

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 47

sectoral synergy, joint project design as well as the economies of scale needed to revise the pervasive silo mentality and territorial protection by agencies which ultimately circumscribe policy outcomes.

Prof. Aboyade also had to struggle against the current pervaded by a glaring staleness of data and critical mass of policy intelligence necessary for deepening policy analysis, the poor maintenance culture, disregard for the intangibles that drive productivity, poor skill set, poor R & D investment culture, and so on.

By the time the formulation of the third national development plan began, the Aboyade-in-

By rebuilding our institutions to become value-based institutions leveraging global benchmarks, Nigeria can begin to chart a path to what is possible in terms of rehabilitating the Nigerian Project

torious policy-implementation gap occasioned by the difference between the demands of policymaking, the expediencies of politics and the implementation capability readiness of the public service constrained by a limiting old public administration business model which reform demands a paradigm shift that is underpinned by deep-seated culture change and developmental industrial relations. The second challenge derives from the dominance of the recurring narrow economic perspective on policy issue with scant sensitivity for the inter- and multi-disciplinary reality required by policy management through inter-ministerial and

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duced discipline in policy and planning management had already collapsed under the weight of militarism and oil boom.

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nspite of the uncertain in terplay of policy analysis, expert advise, realpolitik, implementation and outcomes in which he operated, Aboyade consistently project his hope and optimism of a sound development agenda through a conceptual and theoretical analysis of policy and planning disciplined by empiricism.

This was manifested, mostly, in his envisioning of the second national development plan around a core of national objectives and strategy that

s his own unique revi sionism of the narrow economic vision of policy in government, Aboyade established the Development Policy Centre (DPC), Ibadan, which is a structural representation of a multidisciplinary matrix Aboyade was advocating for policy research and analysis to backstop the development process. Its objective is to synthesize a sociology of development from the backdrop of policy, business, culture, value, institution, development communication, research and science and technology. It was a joint venture conceptualized with like minds and partners like Mabogunje from the academics, Omolayole from industry, Ayida from the civil service, Vincent Maduka from engineering, Bimpe Aboyade from development communication/ documentation research, Alhaji Umaru Ndanusa, from the business community and from the international community, Bax Nomvete from South Africa as well as Joe Abbey from Ghana. This led to his collaboration, with Prof. Akin Mabogunje, on the Optimum Community (OPTICOM) development approach at Awe, Oyo State. OPTICOM (an acronym given by Chief Obafemi Awolowo during a seminar interaction with the duo to integrate it into his development blueprint in 1979) was meant to make a point about the role of government as a galvanizer of development. Thus, in grassroots mobilization, Aboyade makes the critical point that it is not only what the individual does in the society that drives development, but what the government enables the individuals to achieve for themselves and their society.

As Chinua Achebe rightly observes,

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ssentially, Aboyade was an elite without being elitist. He served his nation and he served his people.

Does Nigeria cultivate her heroes? Ask Ake. Ask Soyinka. Ask Aboyade. Wole Soyinka delivers a blunt on the death of Aboyade: “Nigeria kills us slowly; one by one, but surely. In spite of all these summation, Professor Ojetunji Aboyade — development thinker, conceptual worker, policy adviser, public servant, husband, father and patriot — died, on that fateful 31st of December, 1994, with a smile on his face. Has the nation

taken the first step in deploying her heroes and heroic ideas towards building a great Nigeria? By rebuilding our institutions to become valuebased institutions leveraging global benchmarks, Nigeria can begin to chart a path to what is possible in terms of rehabilitating the Nigerian Project. Aboyade was a product of an institution; the university and he gave his best. I doubt if we have even began to understand the extent of that kind of public service as sacrifice, and the depth of ideas, merit, selflessness in cause of national development.

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e however get on a dif ferent turf in terms of whether the nation recognizes the herculean struggle of its heroes, dead or alive. Does Nigeria cultivate her heroes?

Ask Ake. Ask Soyinka. Ask Aboyade. For Claude Ake, the paradox of Nigeria is that it needs heroes, in fact, it yearns for them; yet, it fails to acknowledge their existence and continually derails their efforts. Wole Soyinka delivers a blunt on the death of Aboyade: “Nigeria kills us slowly; one by one, but surely. In spite of all these summation, Professor Ojetunji Aboyade — development thinker, conceptual worker, policy adviser, public servant, husband, father and patriot — died, on that fateful 31st of December, 1994, with a smile on his face. The difference between a nation that succeeds and the one that fails however, is that readiness to deploy heroic ideas and ideals and, with political will, follow them through. Has the nation taken the first step in deploying her heroes and heroic ideas towards building a great Nigeria? I suggest we look to the education system breeding ground and our institutions for an answer. By rebuilding our institutions to become value-based institutions leveraging global benchmarks, Nigeria can begin to chart a path to what is possible in terms of rehabilitating the Nigerian Project.

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boyade was a product of an institution; the university and he gave his best. I doubt if we have even began to understand the extent of that kind of public service as sacrifice, and the depth of ideas, merit, selflessness in cause of national development.

It is enough for me that I knew this man and was able to gain privileged entry into his amazing and intriguing world. I consider it as one of my tasks in life and part of my service to the Nigerian nation to continually highlight the significance of heroes of the Nigerian Project. That was the essence of the biography. If I had the opportunity to revisit his epitaph, I won’t hesitate to write: “Here lies a simple man, just a man but a patriot and public servant, who attempted to wrest the albatross from around the neck of his country. The frontiers he suggested still lie untrampled; his beacon is still indicating a path to follow.” z Tunji Olaopa, a federal permanent secretary, wrote in from Abuja.

PAGE 48—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

chimeena@yahoo.com

Edge of the Brink tackles social decadence wealth of experience used her everyday experience to put the story in a dramatic format in order to deliver the message In Odoe’s debut play, a poor man in the fictional African country of Erega is desperate to get medical attention for his pregnant wife.

Extortionate doctors eventually treat the man’s wife; they can’t save her, but they successfully deliver the baby, Chidi, who, after becoming his father ’s mainstay in life, dreams of attending the local university. In a series of quick, bare-bones scenes, Odoe portrays the boy as surrounded

Ifechi Jane Odoe

BY JAPHET ALAKAM BOOK NEWS

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ORRIED by the series of social problems associated with the greed of many leaders in the country, a new play that intends to address some of those issues will soon hit the book -shelves.

The new play titled, Edge of the Brink , written by Ifechi Jane Odoe chronicles how Chidi, one of those persons on the lowest social ladder survives all the odds a rotten society throws at him to find himself in the corridors of power but fail to do the right thing.

He and his cohorts instead of turning things around, they join the band cult of selfish leaders, who continue to deepen the wounds of bad leadership.

The author portrays the lifestyle of the average Nigerian politician who climbs to the top and forgets the very road he has passed. In the 133 page book, the author brings to the fore the case of corruption, unemployment, crimes of all sorts, broken infrastructure, incessant loss of lives and property and poverty which is prevalent in the country, while the leaders corruptly enrich themselves.

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The author portrays the lifestyle of the average Nigerian politicians who climbs to the top and forgets the very road he has passed

doe who had her first degree in Journalism from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and once worked with The Guardian, where she was exposed to practical journalism and garnered a C M Y K

by people every bit as corrupt as the doctors who brought him into the world: Bogus apothecaries adulterate their drugs and inflate their prices, street vendors collude with each other to rip off every customer, college admissions officials demand large bribes and then don’t deliver on their promises, bus drivers bilk their customers, and all road traffic is subject to nearly inevitable banditry. Chidi and the friends he makes in college are eager not to right the wrongs of their society but to become rich (“No more poverty forever!” they vow) through highhanded government work. Evidently, citizens from all walks of life are equally venal: Employment officials expect sex in exchange for job placement, professors ignore their responsibilities in order to vie for the affections of “babes” in their classes, and pastors and cult leaders are virtually indistinguishable. In these stiff scenes, a moral point is all they have to offer. The characters talk in the same stilted, arch phrases, and any natural human drama is sacrificed to underscore the author ’s point: Greed and corruption lurk everywhere in the rotten government system. The text is littered with lines that read like clumsy translations (“Her joy knows no bounds as she basks in her newfound joy,” etc.) and typos abound—glaring editorial mishaps that distract from what might have conveyed a certain Brechtian bleakness.

Edge of the Brink is a product of her journalistic experience combined with observation of everyday reality. She is married and lives in Lagos with her family.

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World musicians convene for US OneBeat tour

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

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S part of its social and cultural responsibility to positively promote, through a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional, and sports exchange programs thereby, encouraging the youths to engage in meaningful activities, the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs last week sponsored musicians from 21 countries, including Nigeria, who will travel to the United States to engage audiences in Main Street America through Cultural Diplomacy.

OneBeat Programme being the platform for the event builds on US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power ” which embraces a full range of diplomatic tools, which includes music, to bring people,

especially youths together to foster greater understanding. As a cultural diplomacy initiative, the programme kicked off from 10th of September in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, OneBeat, will connect international musicians with American musicians and audiences, especially underserved youth.

Places to be toured include, Charleston, SC; Asheville, NC; Floyd, VA; Roanoke, VA; Washington D.C, Philadelphia, and New York, where they will engage with local musicians, and also conduct outreach workshops with local youths. The musicians are expected also to perform in ensembles, reinvent traditional tunes, compose original works, record in the state-ofthe-art OneBeat mobile studio, and prepare for performances and educational workshops.

Michael Olukayode Kuti, former bass player of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Egypt 80 Band, whose musical career started at the early age of 15, is also billed to join the other musicians for the tour.

Book on youth devt for launch

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ORRIED by the moral decadence in the society and in particular among the youths, a young writer, Akinlawon Nathan who believes that hope is not lost for Nigeria if the youths can take the lead as role models has come out with a new book titled You Too Can Be a Role Model .

The book which is the author’s first book is borne out of the passion to see all of God’s creation fulfill their God-given mandate and live accordingly to God’s intended purpose and design.

According to Akinlawon, it is a book written for young people to move their lives from ordinary to extraordinary hence becoming role models and leaders in the society. “This book is guided by the belief that we are all wonderfully and fearfully made in the image and likeness of God and are supposed to be pacesetters, solution providers, change

agents, problem solvers and result achievers in the society. Since God does not create flops we all have something to give to our world by means of discovery, improvement, release and maximization of our gifts and resources.” He said.

It provides deep knowledge and insights in topics such as succeeding at the workplace, building successful businesses, timeless truths about starting out and succeeding in marriage as well as running a successful home and family.

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he book is aimed at young school leavers, singles, couples, aspiring business people or entrepreneurs, aspiring ministers of the gospel etc. Simply put, it is designed for everyone who dreams and intends to maximize his or her full potentials thus becoming a role model and an example for the world at large to emulate.

Akinlawon Nathan is a graduate of the University of Lagos and the C.E.O of NIWAY International Company.

DELSU hosts 3rd International Arts Conference

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he Faculty of Arts of the Delta State University, Abraka is set to host the intellectual world as its 3rd International Conference tagged THE HUMANITIES AND SECURITY ISSUES IN AFRICA opens on Wednesday 19th September 2012 by 10:00am at the Mini-Auditorium of the Faculty of the Social Sciences. In a statement issued by the Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee Prof (Mrs.) Grace Ojie-Ogwu, the conference theme spans the entire range of all of the disciplines in the liberal arts and it is conceived to rethink Africa’s security challenges in order to frame sustainable solutions that will rehumanize the continent and

put her on the path of development.

Notable scholars have indicated their intention to attend the Conference with over a hundred abstracts and titles already sent in. The keynote speaker is Prof. Abednego Ekoko a distinguished professor of strategic studies and military history, while the celebrated playwright and famed folklorist Prof. Sam Ukala is the lead paper presenter.

The Vice Chancellor of the host university Prof. Eric Arubayi is the Chief Host, while the Dean of Arts Prof. (Mrs.) Rose Aziza is the convener. Apart from paper presentations, there will be other attractions including stage plays, art exhibition and visit to designated tourist sites in the historic town of Abraka.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, PAGE 49

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Shyllon decries leaders' ineptitude towards visual art master artists as Akinola Lashekan, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Ben Enwonwu from the walls of the Vice Chancellor’s official quarters as well as a door carved by the late Lamidi Fakeye. The Vice Chancellor has since sent all these great works to the storage section of the institution’s Museum of National History.

Also disturbing according to him, is the fast-declining heritage as a great sculptural nation. "If you recall, our forebears were more celebrated and acclaimed as

BY JAPHET ALAKAM DISCOURSE

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ontinuing he pointed out, “It appears that Nigeria is made up of people, who live in a country where artists are sentenced to marginalization and at which, visual art is at best seen as a feature of mere fancy. In Nigeria, everything points to the fact that our leaders are generally ambivalent towards visual art. Our attitude to art is unfortunately part and parcel a product of our colonial mentality.”

He also criticised the attitude of some individuals and agen-

Chase Magazine rejigs, goes monthly

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Prince Yemisi Shyllon cies who sell the country out especially on the case of return of looted artefacts. “Another important case of ineptitude demonstrated by us as a people is typified by our contribution and complacency to the recent insult at our intelli-

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ENOWNED art collec tor and founder of OYASAF, Yemisi Shyllon has lampooned Nigeria leaders for their general ineptitude towards the development and growth of visual art in the country.

Shyllon expressed his feelings in a paper he presented at the 2012 AGM of the Society of Nigerian Artists recently held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Shyllon who started by commending the entire members of the council of the Society of Nigerian Artists for recognizing him and other art connoisseurs , for their roles as collectors in the symbiotic sustenance and growth of Nigerian visual art highlighted some disturbing cases of disregard and devaluation of the creative values in the national development and wealth.

In his paper titled, The general Ineptitude of creativity in Nigeria, the worried art collector pointed out the ugly developments going on in the art sector. First was the case of the ongoing renovation of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos where the works of some of the present and past heroes are being desecrated.

According to him, “These our artistic heroes include such living legends as Prof Yusuf Grillo and Bruce Onobrakpeya whose works gave commendable value and aesthetics to the airport but are being destroyed without any consultation with, involvement or information to the artists. Other artists, whose works are open to being desecrated at the renovation of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, are the works of late Professor Agbo Folarin, the late Isiaka Osunde and Demas Nwoko.

This kind of disregard to creativity is heartbreaking and I am forced to ask in this circumstance; what the collective mission of the SNA is? What has the SNA done since this anomaly was brought to public attention."

sculptors than painters. This is more with particular reference to the situation observable at the Yaba College of Technology, which happens to be the first creative art institution in Nigeria."

According to him, the 2011/ 2012 graduation class has only one sculptor trained by eitht to ten lecturers, while there are 18 painters being trained by the same number of lecturers. The situation in YABATECH is not particularly different from what is happening in other art institutions in Nigeria."

asked about what his country was doing about returning the looted works. In reply, he told us to rather concentrate more on the benefits accruing to us from the on-going human-capacity development programme of the British Mu-

It appears that Nigeria is made up of people, who live in a country where artists are sentenced to marginalization and which, visual art is at best seen as a feature of mere fancy

gence by the British Museum.

The British Museum in avoiding the consistent and increasing pressure for the return of our looted artworks have of recent past, strategically arranged some assisted, cheap and insulting trips to England for some low and middle level civil servants of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments to carry out some curatorial works for private and public collections in England in exchange for some payment of mere pittance to the Nigerians, when compared to what they would have paid if they had used their own citizens.”

Going down memory lane, Shyllon stated that the Nigerian art works in the collection of the British Museum are mostly the looted works carted away from our country by imperialists from 1897 and during the period of colonisation. "Our collective intelligence has of recent been insulted by a spokesman of the British Museum, when he was

,

seum by their assisted training program in England, of civil servants instead of calling for the return of the looted works.”

Other recent noticeable insult he noted, is the action of the Museum of Art in Vienna through its funding of a widely publicised exhibition of lace textile materials in the Lagos Museum under the pretext of helping us to celebrate lace textiles, as part of our collective heritage. In reality, the whole essence of the funding of that exhibition by the Austrians is to reactivate their dying Austrian lace export trade to Nigeria.

Another painful disturbing experience of recent, is the behaviour of a Vice Chancellor of one of the first five universities in Nigeria. This Vice Chancellor had an “Anyanwu” (a bronze work of about ten feet) by Ben Enwowu uprooted from the living-room of his official residence.

The man also removed works of such great renowned

hase Magazine, an international crime oriented magazine hit the news stand in 2009 and ever since then the magazine which has as its mission to publish in-depth investigative news and features without fear or favour, with a view to promoting social transformation for the qualitative development of a crime free society has been toiling it out in the arduous task in the publishing industry.

The magazine which is the brain child of Princess Tonia Maijeh , one of the foremost and first female crime reporter with the Vanguard Newspaper recently marked her three years in circulation.

In a chat with Art on Sunday, the woman who disclosed that the love and interest for the job has been the secret behind her survival however said that it has not been easy as the challenges has been much.

A

tion the magazine, Maijeh pointed out that after three years of publishing quarterly, the company is set to go monthly in order to meet the aspirations and need of the society. "The publication of the magazine is now going to be monthly and apart from crime related stories, it will also incorporate other issues like sports, entertainment, human angle and other juicy stories that will captivate the readers."

S

he then solicited for the assistance of all and sundry towards the realisation of their set goals. Firstly, she urged the various security agencies and others to open up to them so that they can be able to get adequate information about crime as that is the only way, the problem will be solved.

"The goal of the magazine is to reduce crime to the barest minimum and the only way we can do that is through the pen and that is why we are appealing to individuals and corporate organisations to partner with us.” She added.

She also appealed to well meaning individuals to partner with them so that they can be able to continue with the business of providing the right information to them as “the only way we can have peace and development is when the crime rate in the society is reduced .” She noted.

ccording to her, the challenges includes the following: as female, it has been difficult reaching out to the different security agencies for information, the fear on the side of many individuals on releasing information, lack of funds , getting the right people to talk to, the issue of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram and others. The seasoned journalist is of the view that the issue of Boko Haram has made it difficult to get information from people as almost every body is afraid to speak out.

But despite all these hurdles, she has been able to move firward through the grace from the Almighty God coupled with the help of some organisations and individuals.

And as part of plans to reposiPrincess Tonia Maijeh( The Publisher)

C M Y K

C M Y K

PAGE 52 — SUNDAY VANGUARD ,SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

L

Oh Love!

ove is precious in many ways. Love is eternal happiness.Love is heart felt emotions. Love is the understanding of one another.

Love is that special someone. Love is flying without wings. Love is the joy you feel with someone.

Love is caring for someone special. Love is that who touches your heart. Love is what makes your heart beat.

Love is the healing power of your heart and soul.

Love is that beauty within. Love is what makes dreams come true. Love is the fuel of the heart and soul. Love is the foundation of life. Love is the meaning of life.cheers!

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SUNDAY Vanguard, September 16 , 2012 — 53

Paralympics: After London 2012 what next?

N

IGERIAN paralym pians recorded an unprecedented outing at the London London 2012 Games. The country’s athletes were the toast of the ever cheering spectators at the London ExCel Centre where Nigeria dominated the power-lifting event.

And Nigerian officials celebrated the feat like there was no tomorrow. It was quite a spectacle at the Nigerian Ambassador’s residence in London as food and drinks freely flowed. National Sports Commission director-general Patrick Ekeji danced to the music of Iyayan like a man who had just reunited with his long lost lover, while his subordinates, Simon Ebojiaye, Olu Akoja and Al Hassan Yakmut prowled all over the premises like over pampered pet dogs. Why not? Only in August Nigerian sports officials had buried their heads in the sands after Nigerian able-bodied athletes failed to win a single pin at the London 2012 Olympics and here was the Paralympians raking in a total of 13 medals.

But on unknowing to the the Nigerian officials other countries have taken note of Nigeria’s dominance of the power-lifting event and they left London with thoughts of how to stop the all conquering Nigerians at the next Games in Rio 2016.

As the athletes returned home on Tuesday it dawned on them that it was everyman and woman to your tents until three months to the next Paralympics Games. These athletes had voiced their concern over the poor state of their sport, they want the government to pay adequate attention to disabled sports so that more athletes will be able to participate in the Paralympics and more medals won for the country.

At London 2012 emphasis was placed only on power-lifting whereas there are other disciplines, like athletics, which had produced four different gold medals in the past.

There was also table tennis where Nigerian athletes distinguished themselves in previous games.

“We have so many talented disabled people out

there in the street. Only if the government can put more money in the sport, a whole lot of them will be taken from the streets,” said wheelchair tennis coach Frank Termena.

His athletes were almost missing out the London games, after they were ostracized by the NSC because they have no potentials to win medals. It was the Nigeria Olympics Committee president Sanni Ndanusa that paid wheelchair tennis players’ way to London.

“There is a whole lot of work to be done if we are to surpass what we achieved in London 2012.

We have other sports that we could do well, but the the NSC director-general was ill advised to ignore certain sports and concentrated on power-lifting. Nigerian could have won more medals if we paid attention to other athletes with potentials,” the coach added.

Dr. Ekeji himself admitted that if Nigeria hope to beat what they achieved in London 2012 more has to be done in terms of preparing the athletes for the Rio Games in 2016.

Vanguard, he opens up on his passion for golf, how he got into the game and the lessons Nigerians can derive from playing golf . Enjoy it!

Starting off golf When I was commissioner in 2003, a friend

Grace Anozie

Ferdinand snubs Terry as Chelsea, QPR draw

A

Instead, the match will be remembered for Ferdinand’s pre-match snub of Terry, who was accused of racially abusing the QPR centre-back in the corresponding fixture last season.

England international Cole was also ignored by Ferdinand in the handshakes before kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

The left-back had stood as a character witness for Terry when the case

went to magistrates’ court.

Terry was cleared of the charge but a Football Association investigation into the alleged racism is ongoing.

For table-topping Chelsea, it was the first points they have dropped this season after a 100 per cent record in their opening three games, while QPR are still to win a Premier League game.

ise. Golf also teaches you a lot of things.

Gradually, I took much interest in the game and after my training, I became a regular player.

Interest in the game golf No, I never at any time harboured interest in

Just like every other field of endeavour, you have to go through some rigours to be able to succeed. And during that period you subject yourself to the rules and regulation. For me it wasn’t really tough per se. I just see it as a routine that I want to get used to. And with it, patience and tolerance come in. Also I have to listen to my trainer. Having watched people play the game I was able to get deeply involved.

Golf and the lesson Nigerians should learn Golf is neither a difficult game nor an elite sports as people would perceive it to be. The thing is that, it is not a sports that one can just jump into like other sports without knowing or learning the rudiments.

We have low and high class people who play the game. I think the idea that golf is only for the elite is borne out of ignorance. Really, the problem is that it is not a common game unlike other sports where you can easily play. Gener

ally, golf is of a pecular nature, you must get its course and it has to be designed. It is not something you can really time. So at the beginning most people were not properly given the orientation about the game and it is not common here compared to other sporting activities.

But there is more awareness now about the game and I see a time when people would begin to understand that golf is also a very good sporting activity like every other sport.

Toughest moments I can’t remember any tough moment in my golf career. May be the difficulty was when I was learning the rudiments of the game. Because you can’t get to the club and go into the course to play, you go through a professional or a coach that would teach you about the game the preliminaries and all the rudiments. So that you don’t go there and hit the ball wrongly and create havoc. Then I was subjected to a learning process. At that time, I can admit it was difficult playing the game.

But for me, I see it as a normal thing in every field of endeavour, especially when you don’t have any knowledge of what you are into.

NTON Ferdinand’s refusal to shake hands with John Terry or Ashley Cole overshadowed Queens Park Rangers’ 0-0 draw with London rivals Chelsea.

Neither side really did enough to win the game at Loftus Road and Eden Hazard missed the best chance in the final minutes when scooping a horrible miss over the crossbar.

There are many lessons to learn from golf —Ugboma O

mordi George U g b o ma is the captain of the Ibori Golf and Country Club,Asaba, Delta State. A top government f u n c t i o n a r y, Ugboma who has headed various positions, in both public sector and private sectors has a lively personality. Presently, he is the political adviser to His excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Executive Governor of Delta State. In this interview with

,

By BEN EFE

Golf is neither a difficult game nor an elite sports as people would perceive it to be. The thing is that, it is not a sports that one can just jump into like other sports without knowing or learning the rudiments

of mine who was also a commissioner encouraged me to play golf and when I came here( Ibori Golf and Country club) I saw that it was worth doing, especially to keep the body and mind together. And at the same time it gives one the opportunity to meet a lot of people to social-

,

golf, though I have been a sports man right from time, I can swim very well, I can also play football, Table tennis and Lawn tennis. As a youth I did a lot of sporting activities, really golf never crossed my mind; if not my friend Tough beginning as a golfer

PAGE 54 -- SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012

The 13th Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp ended in Lagos last weekend. The final bore a carnivallike atmosphere as the over 300 kids who attended the event jumped, dunked and slammed. “It is a day to remember,” little Akinbobola Tayo told Saturday Sports Vanguard at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National stadium,Lagos, venue of the event.

In the midst of his busy schedule, initiator of the camp and captain of the national team, D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji took time off to chat with JACOB AJOM. Excerpts:

T

HE camp is drawing to a close today (September 8, 2012), how would you rate this year’s edition?

This year’s camp has really been special because before we came to Lagos, we had been to Oshogbo in Osun and Ibadan in Oyo States.

The Lagos leg which began September 3rd 8th has been like a bomb as so many kids turned out. At the end, we could only take 300 kids.

The week-long camp has witnessed celebrities come here and talk to the children on different aspects of life.

Remember, the Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp is not only about basketball. Here, we realize that not everybody will end up playing basketball. As a result, we also prepare them children for life outside basketball. This year we had celebrities like Kaffe who has made her mark in life through dance. She came here to tell them how you can achieve whatever you want through your Godgiven talent.

Apart from Kaffe, the national team coach, Ayo Bakare and the h o n o u r a b l e Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Enitan Oshodi were also

here to address the kids.

Their presence here was quite rewarding.

How much do you think the children have gained from this weeklong camp?

So far, it is difficult to put everything into their heads in one week. What we attempt to do here is give them the basics and try to give them an early direction on how basketball is played. It has been a very good exercise because some of them have shown a lot of improvement, far better than the way they came.

For them it has been a worthwhile exercise.

In view of the ages of some of the participants, the parents must have played a role in the success of the camp. How would you assess their role?

They have just been wonderful. They have shown tremendous support as most of them were as regular here as their wards. They watch what we do with keen interest and encourage the children. I consider it a thing of honour to always have them around. I admire them all.

There are so many trophies and plaques

•Oyedeji.

Putting smiles on the faces of children motivates me— Oyedeji and a lot more memorabilia on the table, you give awards?

I don’t know whether to call them prizes. We give awards in various categories like the Most Valuable Player, the best shooter, the most

disciplined, most dedicated, a lot of awards that cut across the entire gamut. I told you it is not only about basketball. We also look at discipline, leadership qualities and so on.

What gives you the motivation to continue this annual camp, despite the apparent lack of adequate sponsorship?

I am motivated by the fact that I put smiles on

Efe Ambrose prepares for life in Scotland E

AGLES defender Efe Ambrose is expected to arrive in Scotland this weekend to start a new football life with Celtics.

Ambrose who featured for the Eagles in their last Nations Cup qualifiers against Liberia stated that he is looking

forward to a new era in his career and was delight with the chance to play in the Champions League with

Taiwo settles in at Dynamo Kiev

E

STRANGED Super Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo disclosed that he was looking to relaunch his career after settling down in Ukraine.

Taiwo who lost his place in AC Milan and also has been absent from the national team secured a

loan move to Dynamo Kiev at the beginning of the season after his loan spell with Queens Park Rangers last season yielded little dividends.

“The atmosphere in the team is great; we hit it off, because we spend a lot of time together at the

base. On the field, we are also beginning to understand each other better and better.

“We train together, spend time together, joking, laughing. I had a great talk with Ukrainian children,” Taiwo added.

the Scottish league giants.

“I want to prove to Celtic that they can rely on me and the only way I can do so is to play well for the team and help them achieve both League and European competition success,” Ambrose who was formerly played for Israeli side Ashdod.

He disclosed that he was eagerly looking forward to play in the champions league where his new club has been paired with former

champions, Barcelona and Spatak Moscow. He stated that playing against Lionel Messi and Emmanuel Emenike was an interesting prospect.

“Lionel Messi is not a stranger to me because I was in Nigeria’s U- 23 team that played the final against Argentina in the 2008 Olympics,” Ambrose “I also played against him in our friendly match in Bangladesh last year.

So he won’t pose much problems to me because I will do my best in marking him out.”

the faces of these children. I see them grow to become stars. I want to contribute to their lives the little way I can.

It is a task I assigned to myself, with or without outside help. The Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp will continue for as long as I can go.

Looking back, this is the 13th edition of the camp, who are the stars you can point to have come out of the camp?

There are lots of them. I have played alongside four of them in the national team. Players like Ayodeji Akindele, Ibrahim Yusuf, Solomon Tat, Mike Oyero, among others. Charles Okwando plays in the United States of America. One of the products of this camp just got drafted to the NBA and they about 100 of them playing in the US. Thank you.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 — 55

By EDDIE AKALONU

O

NE time Nigeria Football Association board-member, Brigadier-General Gregory Adebiyi (rtd) has tipped the Super Eagles to overcome the Liberia’s Lone Star and pick the ticket to the African Cup of Nations in South Africa next year.

Despite playing to a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Monrovia, General Adebiyi however, noted that the odds still favour Nigeria to win although he acknowledges that Keshi and the players must up their game to ensure total victory when the two teams meet in Calabar next month.

“Let me advice Keshi not to engage in any war of words with the opponents but stay focused on preparations for the match because the Liberians want to use all available tactics to distract him and our team and the weapon open to them is come here and make noise such that would make our team lose concentration. I’m sure the opponents have realised they have no chance against us here even though they will try to put up a fight to see if we will buckle to hand them what they could not achieve in their place,” he stated.

The former NFA technical committee chairman gave his nod to Keshi’s

Odds favour Eagles against Lone Star – Gen. Adebiyi

Rangers: Victim of Boardroom politics

TEEING OFF... Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere teeing off at the MTN World Golfers Championship Business Forum held at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State recently. plan for the up-coming game, part of which is to get the players to report to camp days early to play as a team and conclude match plans.

He enjoined Keshi and his assistants to concentrate on strategies that

win games particularly improving on the team’s cohesion and scoring ability in matches of this nature, saying that “goals and only goals are the only things that matter. Like I said, we can win it but the team must work harder.

Champions League: Injury KO’s Utaka from Arsenal tie

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UPER Eagles striker John Utaka will miss Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal after he suffered a groin injury in a league tie.

Champions Montpellier fell 3-1 Friday night at Reims with Utaka limping out after 25 minutes when his groin snapped.

A scan will be conducted Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

He is likely to be sidelined for between four and six weeks and he is certainly ruled out of a Champions League clash against Arsenal.

A top source close to Utaka informed MTNFootball.com that the experienced striker is devastated he will miss this much-anticipated clash.

“Utaka was playing very well before he suffered a serious groin injury when he tried to deliver a cross after just 25 minutes of action in Friday night’s game at Reims,” the

source said, adding “He said he heard a snapping noise as he tried to make a cross.”

Utaka was looking forward to the Arsenal game, saying he wanted to complete “unfinished business” in reference to his unsettled time in the English Premier League with

Portsmouth.

He started like a house on fire at Fratton Park but a slump in form and the financial troubles at Pompey combined to force him to return to the French Ligue 1 with Montpellier and he went on to win a historic championship.

Murray targets more Grand Slam successes

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S Open champion Andy Murray says he will work hard to improve his game as he sets his sights on more Grand Slam success and the world number one spot.

Murray beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 to become the first British male Grand Slam winner in 76 years.

“You want to try to win those big matches and big tournaments and I’ll keep working hard,” said Murray.

On the top ranking, the world number three add-

ed: “I’m definitely going to try. It’s something I’d love to do.” Victory at Flushing Meadows caps a fine year for Murray, who made the semi-finals of the Australian Open, where he was beaten by Djokovic, and then bowed out of the French Open in the quarter-finals.

At Wimbledon, Murray advanced to the final but lost in four sets to Roger Federer before exacting his revenge with victory in the London 2012 Olympic final over the Swiss world number one.

I cannot imagine the English Premiership title being decided via a boardroom decision, but that was what happened last week after the Nigeria Premier League, NPL decided to expel Ocean Boys Football Club of Yenagoa from the league for violating one of the rules of the competition.

Victor Ramson Baribote has proved by the way he ran the NPL that he was not the messiah he said he was after he led the coup that ousted former chairman, Davidson Owumi. The so-called chairmen of clubs who supported Baribote will now be biting their fingers for the shoddy way the league was run during the just concluded 2011/2012 season.

When Owumi mounted the saddle as NPL chairman, he rolled out a programme that would have taken the league to new heights. One item on his programme was the securing of a title sponsorship from which the clubs would have benefited.

Those who had grudges against Owumi for supporting their ouster from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF ganged up to plot his removal on a flimsy excuse that he was not qualified to run for the election. That was after he was duly cleared to contest.

Their favoured candidate, Baribote took over and the first thing he did was to scuttle the sponsorship deal Owumi had secured for the league.

So again, clubs had to play with nothing to aim for, except to qualify for continental ticket because he couldn’t secure

another sponsor for the league.

Clubs were even begged to bear the burden of paying the indemnities of match officials, without the assurance that they will get reimbursement when the league body’s finances improved. With this arrangement, no one could rule out the possibility of the paying clubs not influencing the results of their home games.

Rangers Football Club of Enugu, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Kano Pillars were in the race for the league title and Rangers in particular had the luck of beating Ocean Boys, who were managing to survive in the league over poor management and funding, home and away.The action of the NPL to deduct the six points Rangers had garnered beating troubled Ocean Boys, caused the Enugu side to lose the title they deserved.

If Ocean Boys defaulted by missing two consecutive matches and got automatically relegated, the aspect of deducting points from clubs which beat them is too extreme to say the least.

If 20 clubs started the league, the same number should have ended it.

What the NPL should have done was to walkover Ocean Boys in the remaining matches yet to be played and fine them accordingly in addition to being relegated.

In football, we are told

by FIFA that even if a referee commits an error of awarding a dubious

penalty for a team to win, the result of the match stays whether the referee gets suspended or banned for his action. So why deduct points a team had already won on the pitch. What happens to the resources they put into the match to earn the result? Will they get compensated?

It is unfair to deny Rangers the title they fought hard for through dubious boardroom politics of the NPL. They should not be pacified with the so-called second ticket to play in the 2012/ 2013 CAF Champions League for placing second.

Already, Ocean Boys are crying foul and threatening to sue the NPL claiming they couldn’t honour some of their matches because the NPL forced them to spend money on referees’ indemnities. A loop hole created by Baribote and his men on the NPL Board, you would say.

The same Baribote Board that could not account for millions of Naira which disappeared from the NPL coffers, had to make clubs foot bills of referees and turn around to punish clubs which could not honour matches owing to lack of funds.

If the Nigerian league wants to rank among the best in the world, the likes of Baribote should make way for resourceful administrators to manage the league professionally so that true champions will emerge to fly Nigeria’s flag in the continent.

Congrats great Paralympians As you read this, our heroic Paralympians would have been honoured last night by the Federal Government in Abuja for doing the country proud in London, same venue where their able bodied colleagues were a sorry sight during the Olympic Games two weeks earlier.

I comgratulate them for one thing, that is they didn’t duel much on monetary demands but charged the government

to give them a level playing field with their able bodied coounterparts, help them develop facilities for their various sports so they can continue to excel and bring honour to the country.

They also argued that the government and people of Nigeria don’t take their physical disability into reckoning each time they are building infrastructure, hence they go through hell trying to

move around and do things for themselves like boarding taxis and buses or even going into offices or homes without being assisted. So apart from whatever monetary reward the government gives them, their demands for improved welfare and development should be looked into urgently. Government must not wait until another Paralympic year to roll out the drums for them again.

SUNDAY Vanguard, September 16, 2012

Odemwingie sees ‘red’ as West Brom crash O

UT of favour Super Eagles and West Bromwich Albion striker, Osaze Odemwingie was

shone the red card yesterday as his team fell 0-3 at Craven Cottage with his coach Steve Clarke lamenting a slow start against

Stop using match rusty players — Ladipo charges Keshi

By JACOB AJOM

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HE rage is still on from aggrieved Nigerians who are yet to come to terms with the 2-2 draw the Super Eagles had with the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia. Former Green Eagles captain Segun Odegbami told Nigerians yesterday that he was still in shock as a result of the result.

On Friday, former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu said Nigerians should stop building castles in the air by expecting too much from the present crop of Eagles whom he described as not better than greenhorns and no where near the shadows of the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, late Rashidi Yekini and Austin Okocha.

And today, President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo has added his voice with a call on national team head coach, Stephen Keshi to make tougher conditions for players who pick Super Eagles shirts during crucial matches involving the team.

He counseled that the Super Eagles should not be an all-comers club where “just anybody will have an easy passage to play.”

He added, “The national team must change. The technical crew must give us a team we all can be proud of.”

Speaking ahead of the return leg of the 2013 Afcon qualifier between Nigeria and Liberia in Calabar, Ladipo said, “Keshi and his men must give us a national team of tested players who feature regularly for their clubs.

If you are not playing for your

CALM DOWN... Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo calming down his colleagues during a match as qualification for thje Nations Cup gets tough again.

club you will be match rusty and when you are asked to play for the national team it will definitely show.”

Ladipo who is also the head of

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RSENAL benefited from two own goals and saw unlikely centre-forward Gervinho score twice as they hammered Southampton 6-1 at Emirates Stadium to go joint third in the Premier League.

Gervinho had not scored in 2012 but produced one of his

19-match unbeaten streak by the defending champions spanning two seasons.

Esperance needed to dodge defeat in Algeria to climb above six-time Champions League title holders Al Ahly of Egypt, who went 19 matches unbeaten between the 2004 and 2006 seasons.

RESULTS Norwish Arsenal Aston Villa Fulham Man Utd QPR Stoke Sunderland

0 6 2 3 4 0 1 1

the African Football Supporters’ Union warned, “Keshi must know that if he fails to qualify us for the African Cup of Nations, nobody will be happy with

him.” Consequently, he charged, “Liberia must be beaten. We should not just win them by a lone goal, they must be roundly trounced in Calabar.”

•Osaze

Arsenal shoot down Southampton 6-1

Esperance fail UNISIAN club Esperance failed to create a record unbeaten run in the CAF Champions League after losing 1-0 at ASO Chlef of Algeria Friday.

Cameroon-born striker Anicet Eyenga played the party-pooper, scoring midway through the opening half in Chlef to end a

Fulham.

Odemwingie, who vowed to learn from the mistake that cost him the card, was shown a straight red card in the 38th minute, when Fulham were just one ahead, and Clarke admitted it had been a tough day at the office.

“It is obviously disappointing.

We started the game slowly and I was disappointed with that. We allowed Fulham to control the game,” the Baggies boss told Sky Sports.

“We deservedly went a goal down and the sending-off of Peter compounded the problems we had and made for a long afternoon.”

Clarke refused to be too critical of Odemwingie, saying: “We are all human, everybody has got emotions.

“He thought he had a free-kick against him, the red mist obviously came down and he will take his punishment.

“He will get his three-game ban and the club have got a disciplinary process we will go through, and we move on. In football it happens, people get sent off.”

West Ham Southampton Swansea West Brom Wigan Chelsea Man City Liverpool

0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1

best performances in an Arsenal shirt when filling in for Olivier Giroud in attack, the Ivorian scoring with a firm finish after 35 minutes and a close-range shot in the second half.

Southampton, bottom of the Premier League having now lost four from four, found themselves 4-1 down at half-

time with Jos Hooiveld and Nathaniel Clyne putting the ball into their own net and Lukas Podolski continuing his quick acclimatisation to English football with a lovely free kick. Wojciech Szczesny’s awful error allowed Saints to pull one back just before the break but Gervinho’s second of the game killed off any hopes of

an unlikely comeback and Theo Walcott added a sixth against his former side with two minutes remaining.

Arsenal chose to drop summer signing Giroud to the bench but Arsene Wenger surprisingly opted to leave Podolski wide on the left as Gervinho was tasked with playing through the centre.

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