Bloody Rivers Re-Run Polls 5 Killed

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The Vice Chancellor, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Prof Bernard Eronmosele Aigbokhan (2nd right), presents a certificate to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, flanked by Elder, (Dr) Bisi Ogunjobi, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council (left), and Dr Olusola Okebukola, Chairman, Board of Trustees, during a Special Convocation for the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration on Oshiomhole by the university, yesterday

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right), with Senator Olamilekan Solomon from Lagos West Senatorial District; Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari ; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, during the joint 32nd, 33rd, 34th convocation ceremony and 40th anniversary of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, held at the Convocation Ground, Main Campus, Sokoto, yesterday

Woman, 47, killed as another Lagos building partially collapses By Olasunkanmi Akoni and Bose Adelaja

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ragedy occurred again in Lagos, yesterday, when a building at No 9, Alli Close, Mile 12, partially collapsed and killed a 47year-old woman, while many other residents sustained injuries.

This came barely two weeks after a five-storey building collapsed at Lekki Gardens, Okusenla Road, Ikate - Elegushi, in Eti-Osa

Local Government of the state, killing 34 persons.

The woman, in the Mile 12 incident, was said to have died on her way to hospital, following the injuries she sustained.

According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred at about 8.45 a.m.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the building had shown signs of distress as some portions of the balcony had caved in, but the residents refused to

Nigerians must unite behind Buhari — Tinubu

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor ll Progressives Congress, APC, leader, A Asiwaju Bola Ahm

ed Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to rally round President Muhammadu Buhari in his bid to restore what, he claimed, is the difficult job of clearing the rot he inherited.

Tinubu spoke in Sokoto, yesterday, at the convocation of the Usman Dan Fodio University where he was conferred with a honourary degree of Doctor of Business Administration, DBA. The event also saw the installation of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu as the new chancellor of the university.

The event was attended by

senior government officials and APC chieftains among whom were Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) and Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina). Yesterday’s event also saw Tambuwal and the leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, openly embrace after their public disagreement on the emergence of Yakubu Dogara as Speaker of the House. Tinubu, while also lauding the people of Sokoto for making a good choice in electing Tambuwal as governor, praised the host governor as representing the new hope of a new progressive political era.

vacate. The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, Mr. Micheal Akindele, while confirming the incident,

said investigation would be conducted to determine the immediate and remote cause(s) of the collapse.

He said preliminary investigation confirmed the

death of the woman, and no other casualty.

According to him, the residents of the18-roombuilding had been evacuated and the site

cordoned off.

Meanwhile, the property owner, it was gathered, had been invited to the state Secretariat, Alausa, for questioning.

Police dock two brothers over alleged N1bn shares scam

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ustice Adebukola Banjoko of an Abuja J High Court, sitting at Gudu,

has granted N20million bail to two brothers, Chinedu Ugochukwu and Udechukwu Ugochukwu, who were arraigned by the police on a nine-count charge bordering on impersonation, forgery and fraud.

The duo were alleged to have, between July and November 2009, at Abuja, conspired to commit theft, an offence punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law. Udechukwu was alleged to have paraded himself as the Managing Director ?of Ugochukwu & Sons Limited, and fraudulently caused the transfer of 1,635,805 shares

of a biscuit company worth N1billlion to his brother, Chinedu. The police alleged that the defendants used a forged letter-headed paper to perpetuate the fraud which, they said, was contrary to Sections 140, 287, 317, 319,

366 of the Penal Code.

Meanwhile, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as they persuaded the court to release them on bail, pending the determination of the case against them.

We now live in fear in Ekiti – SSG

By Dayo Johnson, Akure kiti State government, yesterday, said the E activities of the Department of

State Service (DSS) in the state have created uncertainty, fear and intimidation.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Modupe Alade, said this during an interview in Akure.

Alade was quick to declare, however, that ?the people of the

state would “resist by all means any attempt by Federal Government to truncate democracy in Ekiti”.

She was speaking in reaction to the continued detention of four members of the state House of Assembly by the DSS despite a court order to release them.

She alleged that "a list of some state EXCO members to be arrested were being circulated all over ?the state”. " ?It is quite unfortunate that

CPC asks unmetered electricity consumers to reject 'jumbo' bills

By Favour Nnabugwu onsumer Protection Council (CPC) has C warned electricity

Distribution Companies (Discos) against billing or disconnecting consumers who purchase the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) during the delivery process.

CPC Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, bill or disconnect consumers for the period to deliver and install the meter.

Atoki, at a stakeholders' workshop in Abuja, as part of a weeklong activities to mark this year's consumer rights day, stated that the Council had agreed with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to enforce the mandatory 60 days timeline to DISCos to

In granting them bail, Justice Banjoko ordered that, aside the N20m, the defendants must produce one surety each in like sum.

The court fixed April 4 to commence hearing in the matter.

provide meters to consumers who have elected to procure such under the CAPMI scheme.

She added that on the expiration of the 60-day timeline, the DISCos would lose the right to bill or disconnect consumers’ electricity source.

Apart from that, the CPC boss noted that electricity consumers, who had not been metered, also reserved the right to contest any bill

presented to them.

Atoki said: “Consumers, who have not been metered, have a right to contest 'jumbo' bills and opt to pay the last undisputed bills.

"As a result, the Council will stand with consumers who, in line with NERC guidelines, decided not to pay a disputed bill, including consumers under the CAPMI scheme who refuse to be bullied or disconnected after 60 days of not being provided with meters.”

the Federal government has kept mute over this illegality,”the SSG stated.

"People now discuss in hush tones that the DSS officials are in the state to arrest and bundle more legislators and also some EXCO member, the SSG inclusive. " All these we know are being done to Governor Fayose and those that are close to him because of his critical stance on the Federal Government and we are yet to see a new Constitution in Nigeria that makes speaking one's mind on national issues, a crime. " In spite of all these embarrassment and violation of our ?fundamental right, I wish to affirm our unalloyed support for the leadership of Governor Ayodele Fayose. " We will all stand by him and protect the mandate freely given to him by the people of Ekiti. " Therefore, I wish to strongly appeal to all wellmeaning Nigerians to advice the Federal Government to leave us alone in Ekiti and face the work of giving Nigerians the change they deserve. " If they do not like the face of our governor, must they also incarcerate all of us that are loyal to him?.”

Private schools brainstorm on ‘evils of exam malpractices’ and Thursday. across the nation.

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he South-West Conference of the National Association of the Proprietors and Proprietress of Private Schools’ (NAPPS) takes place at the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, between Wednesday

The South-West Conference, expected to be held under the chairmanship of the President, Prince Abayomi Olusegun, under the theme, “Evils of Examination Malpractices”, is expected to attract delegates from

According to a statement, this is with a view to “ultimately arresting such malpractices promptly, with erudite scholars and seasoned administrators educationally, to treat the theme very effectively and resourcefully”.

PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

BY Jimitota Onoyume, Davies Iheamnachor and Moses Bright

Goodluck alleged that fake result sheets were brought to the polling unit.

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he federal and state legislative rerun elections in Rivers State, held yesterday, erupted in violence that led to the death of at least five persons and culminated in the cancellation of polls in six local government areas of the state.

Dynamites, guns and other weapons of violence were used in the elections that were also shadowed by accusations of sloppiness by officials of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Governor Nyesom Wike, after voting in his Ward 9, Unit 7 in Obio Akpor local government area, was quick to chastise INEC for conducting what he described as a performance below expectation.

He was almost immediately countered by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, who blamed political actors for instigating the violence that led to the shifting of polls in Andoni, Bonny, Khana and Gokana local government areas.

He also described as untrue the allegations of the circulation of fake result sheets made by PDP officials, challenging them to produce what they imagined as the original result sheets.

The heaviest casualties were in Asari-Toru local government area where three of the five persons were killed.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that bullet hit a trader, simply identified as Gabriel Amachree, around the Town Square during a gun battle by political thugs in Buguma,

Wike votes, blasts INEC

Hon Dakuku Peterside, DG , NIMASA, voting during the elections.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, votes.

Photos by Nwankpa Chijioke

RIVERS RE-RUN ELECTIONS

Five feared killed •Polls cancelled in six LGAs •INEC not adequately prepared—Wike

headquarters of the local government. He was one of the two who lost their lives in Buguma.

The third fatality in the local government occurred in Abalama community.

Community sources alleged that a chieftain of one of the political parties left his ward in Buguma for Abalama. When those in Abalama insisted he should leave, he initially refused, a situation that provoked a confrontation.

The community sources said when the party chieftain saw that angry youths were surging towards him, he jumped into his car and, in his speed, he crushed a young man to death.

The fourth person was shot and killed in Eleme local government area while the fifth was allegedly shot dead in Tai local government area.

Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, said he had not been informed by the police in the area

of the deaths in Buguma and Tai local government areas.

Dynamites were reportedly detonated in Konor local government area in the course of the elections.

There was controversy also yesterday on the fate of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr Kenneth Kobani.

While PDP officials claimed he was like many other chieftains of the PDP arrested, Sunday Vanguard gathered that solders deployed to Bodo, headquarters of Gokhana local government area, restricted his movement before he was later let off.

Other PDP officials, however, insisted that he was arrested and later released in his Kono community.

In Akinima, Ahoada West local government area, it was learnt that a young man, identified as Philip, was shot by security agents while trying to hijack materials.

APC, PDP youths were

reported to have clashed in Ward 4, Unit 8, Rumuodumayan, in Obio Akpor local government area with some of them sustaining serious injuries.

Theophilus Nna Martin of the APC alleged he was stabbed by PDP thugs while Chile Ekwe made similar allegations against the APC, saying he was stabbed on the head.

Shootings in several communities

Despite the strong show of force by the security forces, there were reports of shootings by party activists to scare and intimidate opponents. In Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku Toru local government area, there was shooting in the early hours of the day in the community.

The INEC centre in Akinima, Ahoada West local government area, was allegedly attacked, leading to the beating up of some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

members by political thugs. One of the NYSC members was reportedly hospitalised on account of the beating.

A police spokesman in the state, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, said two persons were arrested around Choba with fake INEC materials and another nine picked in Tai local government area.

Late arrival of materials

Materials arrived late in several wards in the state which the shootings helped to dampen voters’ enthusiasm.

Ikwere local government area, the base of Rotimi Amaechi, the immediate past governor of the state and incumbent Minister of Transportation, was, however, an exception as there were accounts of impressive turn out of voters.

Amaechi voted in his Ubima Ward 8, Unit 14, and refused to comment on the progress of the elections.

Fake INEC materials

There were allegations of fake INEC materials in circulation in some voting units in Degema.

In Ward 12, Unit 11, Degema, one Sam

Governor Wike, who voted in his Ward 9, Unit 7 in Obio Akpor local government area, expressed dissatisfaction with INEC’s preparedness for the exercise.

Speaking on the polls, he said: “I stood for over five minutes before the card reader captured me.

“Generally on the part of INEC, I cannot give them a pass mark now on preparedness. If they are facing challenges, they should let the world know than going to the field when they are not ready, “People have expected that the elections will not hold because they are saying that there were fake result sheets everywhere. I called INEC and let them know about the development.

“INEC is not properly prepared but security agents are doing their best.”

The State REC, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, however, dismissed the insinuation of poor preparation as he pushed the blame on the political actors who he said violated the spirit of the game who through their violent conduct prevented the commission from moving election materials to some areas.

“I don’t think there was anything like fake result sheets. You can imagine

what you think but what we know in the commission was that only a result sheet was produced and you cannot say a thing that does not have a duplicate is fake because fake must be compared with the original. So what we had was the original; the fake may be in the imagination of those making such an allegation”.

The road to bloody Rivers

By Clifford Ndujihe ESTERDAY’S re-run elections for some state Y and National Assembly seats

in Rivers State lived up to preelection fears. There were incidences of violence, electoral malpractices, moves and counter moves by the leading parties to outwit one another.

The polls were huge and strategic in many respects. It is the first time in many years that National and state Assembly polls would be held on the same day.

The re-run elections took place in three senatorial districts, 12 federal constituencies, and 22 of the 32 state assembly constituencies.

Known for wholesale support for any party they choose, the Rivers electorate started sharing their votes in 2015, hence the feverish battle for their votes, yesterday.

The oil-rice state had been a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, enclave since 1999. This is apart from the fact that the state had always aligned with the party at the centre right from inception until 2015 when it became an opposition party state following the loss of the PDP at the centre to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Following frosty relations between former President Goodluck Jonathan and immediate past governor and now Transportation Minister, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers briefly became an APC state months to the 2015 general elections. Amaechi, who was the Chairman of the main faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, led four other PDP governors, some former governors and a host of aggrieved PDP leaders, who congregated on the banner of new PDP (n-PDP), to

defect to the APC ahead of the March 28, 2015 presidential poll.

The defection was decisive and swung victory in favour of the APC presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, whose over 15 million votes were 2.5million higher than Jonathan’s over 12 million voters. It was the first time an incumbent President was losing an election in the annals of electioneering in Nigeria.

However, in Rivers, the electorate chose to remain with the PDP in the elections that were characterised by violence and irregularities.

It was a tough battle between Amaechi and Governor Nyesom Wike’s camps.

Amaechi and Wike are from upland Rivers. While Amaechi wanted the Riverine part of the state to produce his successor, Wike, who was Amaechi’s Campaign Direc-

tor General and former Minister of State for Education, disagreed and insisted on running for the governorship on the grounds that Rivers deserved the best person for the job. His disagreement with Amaechi was one of the issues that polarised Rivers PDP and the state House of Assembly.

It remained so until Amaechi left for the APC, leaving PDP for Wike’s camp.

At the 2015 general elections, the PDP had the upper hand, winning all the electoral slots – the governorship, three Senate, 13 Reps and 31 House of Assembly seats. The APC won one House of Assembly seat.

The PDP swept all the three senatorial zones via Senators George Sekibo, Rivers East, Osinakachukwu Idoezu (Rivers South-West) and John Olaka-Nwogo (Rivers SouthEast).

However, alleging massive

irregularities, the APC challenged the PDP’s victories. After legal battles at the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, the election of the three senators and 12 Reps and 22 state legislators elected on PDP’s platform were nullified. The INEC was ordered to conduct re-run polls in the affected constituencies within 90 days from the date of judgment. The order paved the way for yesterday’s elections.

Wike, nine state lawmakers and one member of the House of Representatives, Hon Uche Nnam Obi of Ahoada West/Egbeama/ Ndoni Federal Constituency, escaped the Court of Appeal hammer. The Supreme Court upheld the victory of Wike and overruled the judgment of the Appeal Court which upheld the nullification of his election by the Election Petition Tribunal.

Since the 2015 polls, the Rivers political atmosphere had been tense. The cloudy political climate became thicker following the Appeal Court’s sack of the affected lawmakers and the INEC’s scheduling of the re-run for yesterday.

Before yesterday’s elections, the PDP and APC had traded allegations of plans to unleash violence and rig the polls. There was massive deployment of police and other security operatives to ensure peaceful elections. However, the fear of violence still loomed large ahead of the polls following the killing of two soldiers and one Department of State Service (DSS) operative during shoot-outs with gunmen less than 48 hours to the polls.

Thus, the electorate went to the elections, yesterday, amid fear of violence.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 7

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,000 policemen and some very senior police officers have been deployed to Rivers State for the re-run election.

What sort of impact are you expecting that to make?

Well, if you’ve been following events in Rivers State in the last eight months, you would have been able to appreciate why that needed to be so - that is, the deployment of the policemen there.

The President of this country has the responsibility to protect lives and property.

If you’ve observed very well, I have tried as much as possible to stay away from the goings-on in Rivers. The election for governorship was contested by Dr. Dakuku Peterside (APC candidate) and I left him to continue to fight his battle.

Now, the most significant role a state governor is expected to play is the protection of lives and property of the people.

I went to Omoku to visit the family of the Chairman of APC in Ward 4 of that local government.

He was murdered, his pregnant wife was murdered, his son was also murdered. The second family I went to visit, the story was the same thing - he was murdered and his pregnant wife was also murdered.

Fortunately for the child, they didn’t see him. In fact, it was the grand mother who escaped with her grandchild and that was why that one escaped death.

The police say they have looked into the matter and established cultism as the reason for these killings?

Okay, so it is PDP cultists against APC cultists, is that it?

Look, let me tell you, the reason lawlessness thrives is because you do not punish those who break the law.

I went to these communities, penultimate Saturday, Buguma, Abonema, and Omoku - these communities have been deserted.

Okay, let us even assume that all the killings are related to cultism.

The responsibility of the police is to protect lives and property.

If, for instance, a governor begins to wine and dine with alleged cultists in the state, you embolden them.

I am a Catholic Christian and I am proud of that. I will never meet with a cultist.

But then, shall we say the Federal Government has failed in its responsibility since it is in charge of the police?

I thought you know that the responsibility of protecting lives and properties in the state lies with the state governor.

visit them late at night to resolve issues with them.

My mandate now is to deliver logistics to Nigeria. I am not the governor. You cannot just drive to Government House, Rivers.

Okay, let us even assume that Peterside and I are the aggressors, what do you think the state governor should do?

Shouldn’t he find a way to reach us and seek ways of creating peace. He is the state governor for Christ’s sake.

RIVERS CRISIS

My story,

by Rotimi Amaechi

In this interview, last week, Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and now Transport Minister, bared his mind on the crisis rocking the state and why peace has continued to be elusive. Amaechi insisted that the incumbent state governor, Nyesom Wike, should tone down his rhetoric on violence, to bring down tension in the state while asking him to also distance himself from ex-militants, to send a clear message that those engaging in violence will not go unpunished. Excerpts: But state governors have always said that they don’t control the police?

That is not true. It is rare and in exceptional cases like the one I had on my hands when I was governor.

It was under the former President when the citizens and even the state government were helpless because of the siege created by the Federal Government on the state.

You know there was a time when just before an election, leaders of our party were detained. But under this President who preaches the rule of law, that is not happening.

Whereas the police are saying the reason for the killings in those communities were as a result of cult clashes, you are saying they are political. Are you, therefore, vouching for all the members of the APC that they are not violent or that none of the APC members in Rivers State is a cultist?

I wish you knew me very well.

One thing I fear about life is that it is irreplaceable and, if you are going to be one of my followers, you must not own a gun, you must not carry machetes. So you cannot work with me and carry weapons.

But that does not answer my question in the sense that what I’m saying is that, are you saying every single member of APC is not a cultist?

Yes. That is what I am saying. To follow me, you must be God-fearing.

So you’re saying there are no sinners in APC. Being God-fearing does to mean you cannot commit sins, but there is always a limit to which you definitely know you must not go beyond.

Looking at the rhetoric, is it not obvious to both you and the state governor, Wike, that your incendiary comments have been overheating the polity?

I told you I kept away from that state having served my eight years. But one man has consistently used language and words that encourage violence.

So what have you done to tone that down?

You cannot tone it down because he is the person using the violent language.

He thrives in violence.

You say that your former Chief of Staff thrives in

One thing I fear about life is that it is irreplaceable and, if you are going to be one of my followers, you must not own a gun, you must not carry machetes

violence?

That says something about you too?

He does. I had him under control.

When he became a Minister, then we all saw the true colours of the type of person he is.

A Chief of Staff is someone who is so close to you; so, for you to have appointed him meant you knew him very well?

By the time I knew who he was, we had to manage him.

If I’d heard the type of things I heard about him, I wouldn’t have appointed him. Look, I even had to return to Port Harcourt when people started feeling abandoned, that I had abandoned my people for the comfort of Abuja.

So you are on the offensive now?

No. I am not on the offensive. I just went to Port Harcourt to commiserate with the people.

It is for the state governor to be civil in his pronouncements and dealings.

Let me tell you this: Three armed robbers were arrested by the police; they were said to have confessed to have killed soldiers; but the Attorney General of Rivers State now writes a legal opinion that they should not be charged to court.

If you care for Rivers State why don’t you and the incumbent sit and find a way forward?

I’m willing, but how does that happen? When I was governor, I had people who did not like me but I had to

What is the way forward?

Those supporting and sponsoring violence must stop. If you don’t encourage these criminals, they won’t be doing what they are doing.

That was why I did not support the Amnesty Programme because I believe that, if you break the law, you must be punished. Yo u don’t pay a lawbreaker because, if you do, you embolden him or her. I predicted that if you pay militants in the South, you must pay to militants in the North too. So, if Boko Haram members come out now to demand that they want to be paid to lay down their arms, why shouldn’t we pay them?

Or if MASSOB members say they will stop their protests but they want amnesty, what do we do?

Some of us believe that if you sit down with your friend, your former Chief of Staff, to trash these issues, there will be peace in Rivers State?

Look, in politics, there are things you do as a product of consultations. We agreed to nominate somebody for the ministerial slot of Minister of State which came to Rivers State. A mutual friend advised that Wike was a bit down since his removal as Chief of Staff, and we decided that that counsel was a good one. But you know what, in retrospect, that advice was the worst advice I’ve ever received and acted on in my life. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who called on his behalf and we had to swallow the bitter pill; and mind you, people had already branded me as a stubborn person; so I also needed to bend over backwards and that was how we nominated him.

On this issue of way forward, a state governor should be able to do everything possible to have peace in his state.

As for me, I fear God a lot.

That does not mean I am a saint, but I fear God a lot because the consequences of not fearing God are so grave

•THIS INTERVIEW WAS FIRST AIRED ON CHANNELS TELEVISION

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016 — PAGE 8

From left: Mr Obinna Nwage, GM, Eastern Region, MTN; Alhaji Bama Musa, Hon Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Niger State, representing the Niger State Governor; Chief Tony Enukame, chairman of the occasion and the 63rd President of Aba Sports Club, Goeffrey Uzoragbara, MD , TONIMAS Insurance Brokers, during the inaugural hall of the 63rd President of Aba Sports Club .

From left: Managing Director, Shirleys Confectionary, Mr. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu; Shirleys Confectionary Brand Ambassador, Olajumoke Orisaguna; Senator Osita Izunaso and Mrs. Adaora Shirley Iwuanyanwu, at the unveiling of the Agege bread seller turned model as the Brand Ambassador and Face of Shirleys Confectionary, held in Abuja

Europeans wrongly believe Igboland is a region for criminals — Ebede, NICE leader

By Akoma Chinweoke

Leader of the Nigerian

Igbo Community in Europe, NICE, Chief Chris Ebede, has faulted reports circulating in the United Kingdom and some countries in Europe which describe South-East Nigeria (Igboland), Anambra State in particular, as insecure and a no-go area for visitors.

According to him, the claim that the South-East is a haven for armed robbers, kidnappers, advanced fee fraudsters and ritual murderers is untrue and unfortunate.

He pointed out that the reports circulating in the United Kingdom and some coun-

tries in Europe had led to a steady degeneration of social and economic infrastructure in the south-eastern states, coupled with the neglect of the zone by the Federal Government and secondly by the poor and dishonest leadership and governance style of the governors in spite of bogus claims of achievements.

“Another negative report was abysmal lack of employment generation facilities especially for youths in the zone which has exacerbated the rate of crime in the zone which, in this case, was true in the recent past in Anambra State, resulting, among other repercussions, in our people residing outside the state,those in

diaspora not visiting home to contribute to the development of the state,” Ebede, who led a delegation of NICE on a fact-finding visit to Anambra, stated.

He explained that the reports, which did not go down well with Igbos in diaspora and, therefore, were tabled at the organization’s biennial annual conference/convention and, consequently, the conference resolved to send the fact-finding delegation to the South-East to investigate the situation on ground.

He added that due to some logistic challenges, the organization restricted its first mission to only Anambra, using it as a pilot project.

Enough is enough, NLC tells Gov el-Rufai

By Luka Binniyat

N

igerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, yesterday, said their members had been pushed to the wall by the policies and actions of Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, and warned, “Enough is enough”.The two bodies also directed Kaduna State government workers to converge on the state secretariat of the NLC for a “super congress” where they said a decision would be taken on a matter that borders on the interference of the state government on union matters.The two unions were reacting on the Verification Form given given to workers with a clause on whether they wanted to belong to unions or not.The President of NLC,

Comrade Ayuba Waaba, and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Shehu Ayuba, addressed a joint press conference, yesterday in Kaduna on the issueSaid Waaba: “The workers verification exercise carried out by Kaduna State government was an aberration. This is the first time such an exercise would be carried out without a representative of workers. We have also heard of many things he has been doing here that are not in the interest of workers.

But, we cannot understand why he now wants to interfere in the affairs of labour unions”.“He tried breaking the ranks of workers when he was the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, but we resisted him and he failed. One would have thought that he would have learnt his lessons.

Yet, this is a man I respect as an intellectual.“For the governor to produce a form and ask workers to indicate if they want to belong to the NLC, is a clear interference on union matters”.

Group points path to free, fair Edo go enjoined them to embrace due govv. election

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DO State chapter of the League of National Patriots has advised politicians and party leaders to refrain from inciting youths against rivals and other governorship aspirants.“It

process that would lead to peaceful campaigns and primaries. “The group which made the call in a communiqué afterameetingheldinBeninCity pledged not to endorse any party’s aspirant in the forthcoming election in the state. “The non-partisan body promised to endorse and massively support the best candidate emerges after the various party primaries.“Speaking at the end of the meeting, its national mobilization officer, Haruna Destiny Mohammed who is also an indigene of the state, urged the various political parties to “ensure that candidates with the best credentials needed to create jobs, provide social amenities, quality health and education and positively impact and improve on the lives of the common man in the worsening economic situation, are given the mandate to run in the said gubernatorial election.

Globacom Business Director, James Akpomiemie (r) with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Olayiwola Adetunji, watching activities marking the grand finale of the Ibadan Week Cultural Festival at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.

National Assembly ma 16 Budge mayy pass 20 201 Budgett next week — Jibrin, Reps Finance Committee Chairman •Lauds Buhari's role in crisis resolution

By Olalekan Bilesanmi

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he Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, believes the executive arm of government will learn from the mistakes in the 2016 Budget.

Abdulmumin also disclosed that the budget could be laid before the National Assembly on Tuesday and passed next week. He noted that some of the problems in the budget were understandable because this is the first time Nigeria would have a transition, not only from one President to the other but also from one political party to another.

The Committee Chair commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his role that led to the resolution of the budget crisis.

The lawmaker told Sunday Vanguard yesterday: “I have

been the Chair of the House Finance and now Appropriation Committee for almost five years now; so I have been involved in no fewer than five budget cycles. I can tell you straight-away that the 2016 Appropriation Bill has been the most difficult I have had to deal with. I have hardly slept in the last two weeks and I can say the same for the other members of the committee, including that of the Senate”.

He continued: “But it is also interesting that the President took direct responsibility and got involved in the process, not only to ensure synergy between the executive and the legislature but also that we can both arrive at a budget that is implementable for the good of all Nigerians. I don’t want to go into details about the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari but I want to put it on record that

he has played the role of a father and he deserves commendation.

“I know there have been reports about errors, padding and all sorts of things in the budget. Most of those reports are true.

“However, Nigerians should also not forget that this is the first time we would have a transition not only from one president to another but from one political party to another, so some of these problems are understandable. I believe the executive will learn from the mistakes of this year, going forward.

“But it has been a very difficult period for the appropriation committees of both chambers though we are working round the clock to ensure that we lay the budget before the National Assembly on Tuesday so that we can get it passed next week”.

‘Family planning needs adequate funding’

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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he Nigeria Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) has urged the Federal Government to pump funds into national family

planning programmes in order to avert population explosion in the country.

The call came as NURHI lamented inadequate funding from the Federal Government

NCF .S Mission call ffor or action on ffores ores t, NCF,, U U.S orest, wildlife protection United States Consulate, Lagos, during the commemoration of

By Abiodun Alade

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he Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi, has called for more efforts to combat degradation of forests, which will in turn protect the wildlife, just as he said a similar effort was needed to stop trafficking of wildlife in the country and subSaharan Africa at large.

Karunwi made the call at the

this year’s World Wildlife Day organised by the American Consulate. According to him, the pressure for ivory as a result of the demand from parts of Asia should be curbed so as to discourage hunting and indiscriminate poaching, which have led to the decline of wildlife population including elephants and rhinos. He said other animals such as pangolins had also become endangered because of such human activities.

as an issue that had bedeviled the programme for 40 years after its introduction in the country. Meantime, the NURHI has introduced a new strategy under its phase 11 (2015-2020) programme to reduce the 22 percent unmet gaps in family planning service in Nigeria. The Project Director of NURHI, Dr. Mojisola Odeku, who disclosed this at the launch of its communication strategy, ‘Get it together,’ aimed at correcting the notion about contraceptive in child- spacing, recalled that the programme was first introducedinthecountryin1975.

Odeku said financial investment especially from the Federal Government had been very low which had affected the programme in the country.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 9

rexmarinus@hotmail.com

Probe Jonathan

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igerians elected P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari on his promise to lead the charge to eliminate corruption in public life, and move to bring those who “looted” the national treasury to book. This is a herculean obligation for which the current administration must be supported and given both cooperation and the benefit of doubt by the public. I am a supporter of this particular goal of the administration, and I have no doubts at all that a majority of Nigerians want the books opened and proper sanction meted on those who may be found culpable.

There is only one condition: that the process be within the bounds of the rule of law. Otherwise it will be seen as a witch hunt.

Recent chatter in fact indicate that the current administration is exploring moves to investigate or probe the last president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

And I say, why not? Probe him! Anyone who holds public office must be prepared to submit to scrutiny, and to account for their deeds in service to the nation. There is nothing wrong in investigating a former president, and if there is material evidence found that the former president engaged in illegal activity, and

misused his powers as president, he must be made to appear before the law courts and the heavens should not fall. There are two grounds on which to probe the former president: one is, to closely examine and ascertain any possible involvement in corrupt enrichment through the authorization of contracts to interests connected directly or by proxy to him; the nature of those contracts and the level of due diligence done in authorizing the power to execute, and any possibility of backhandedness in the form of baksheesh or kickback paid either directly to him or his proxies in furtherance of his personal interests while serving as president.

What does the expresident own, and how did he acquire these within the period he served as president; and how does his personal worth tally with his declared interests and worth submitted on the assumption of office to the Code of Conduct Bureau?

The second area for which the president should be investigated is certainly in the handling of the national accounts as determined by the laws of the federation, and within the bounds of federalism.

Did the ex-president break the laws? And if he did, did he hide any material

evidence from the National Assembly, which made it impossible for the Assembly to provide as a result, institutional oversight that should have reined-in the president? If he did not hide evidence from the National Assembly, and the National Assembly did not act, to forestall any illegalities on behalf of the nation, what agency of government failed to prevent the execution of any possible illegality by the president?

The probe and trial of Goodluck Jonathan would be good for Nigeria in a number of ways: it will test the very principle of immunity under whose coverage a lot of people have committed atrocities in the name of the nation.

A central question that has often exercised the minds of Nigerians is whether anyone who has served as president can be brought, at the end of tenure, to answer to charges for conduct in office covered under the immunity clause.

For instance, President Buhari himself refused to appear before the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, when he was summoned, during the sitting of the Human Rights Violation and Investigations Commission, also known as the Truth Commission.

They did not arrest Buhari for his contempt of the judge.

There were questions about whether the immunity granted to his person while in office extends to that process, and whether indeed he could be questioned and countermanded for acts carried out in his official capacity as president, with very wide immunity powers.

Former president Jonathan will certainly

contemplate his own response, particularly within the questions of the immunity granted his person, in the disclosure of certain routine decisions covered by his immunity and the officials secrets Act. It might require the courts to suspend those rights, and it might be a great day for

ordinary Nigerians, who have argued for limited immunity for the office of the president rather than the kind of sweeping immunity which presidents currently enjoy. Probing Jonathan will certainly be a great first step, trying him for misconduct will be a great step forward, were the government’s investigation to find serious evidence linking the former president to personal corruption.

Across the pond, Brazil is going through the same question. Nigeria and Brazil have very many things in common. Aside from being the second largest nation after Nigeria, with the largest population of black people in the world, Brazil has also suffered through many military coups and

democratic transitions.

The crash in global oil price has also hobbled Brazil’s economy, and there is wide discontent among the public.

Current president, Ms. Dilma Rouseff, is facing impeachment for manipulating budget figures to boost accounts of public spending to aid her re-election in 2014.

Sounds familiar? Well, yes, it is called “budget padding” and the Brazilians are not joking.

But more relevantly, her predecessor, Brazil’s former President, the charismatic, populist, Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva is facing a federal probe over questions of money laundering and alleged kickback received following the Petrobras scandal.

Petrobras is Nigeria’s equivalent of the NNPC. It too is mired in its own scandals.

But the proportion of that scandal, compared with what has gone on with Nigeria’s NNPC will be considered rather mild.

Yet former President Lula is being investigated for his role in the scandal while in office; brought to the police station in Sao Paolo and questioned vigorously by state prosecutors. It doesn’t matter that he was a former president.

It doesn’t matter that his party is in power, and that the current President wants to protect him. The process is independent, scrupulous, and outside of the power of the president to contain, intervene, or even initiate.

And why is “a whole former President Lula” being investigated by “ordinar y Public prosecutors”? Because he is suspected to have

much less. Many men prefer deep tissue that presses hard onto the tensed nerves other women prefer it less pressurized.

Various treatments attack the tense tissues while some relax the muscles, make sure you are conversant with the differences and go for the one that suits you most. There will always be an opportunity to try another treatment another day. There are some other fancy spas that offer what we call a water massage where you are immersed in water and it gives a wavy, bubbly feeling

quite a great experience.

Children Free Zone Some spas are attached to gyms, so provide an extra daycare service or creche facility for an extra cost. This is not really common so it is important to realize that spa centres do not allow children. Arrange for where your children will be for the duration of your treatment.

Respect the rules of the spa .

Steam, Sauna or Jacuzzi Having a Body Steam or Sauna using extreme heat is a good cleanser.

The steam room uses real hot steam to allow your pores to open up, release dead blocked areas and cleanse your skin, the sauna uses heat to achieve the same thing.

The protocol of body steam or sauna is that you wear your swimming costume or bikini for this treatment you are not allowed in naked. Be careful how long you spend inside to avoid breathing difficulties.

Sometimes a large sauna will allow more than one person inside be courteous with others as you use the same

The scandalous miasma in the NNPC did not begin with Jonathan. Nigerian investigators must be granted the power to examine all books back to 1975, at least, and bring all to probe, and before justice

SocialEtiquette With Janet Adetu

info@etiquetteconsortium.com JSK Etiquette & Image Training Janet@JSKEtiquette JSK Etiquette Consortium

Spa Etiquette (2)

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hope you found last week’s tips very informative. This week we include the remaining spa etiquette tips for your consumption.

After Spa Treatment When you have completed your treatment you will told that they have finished, you may take a few minutes to relax before getting up just to regain your momentum.

Most treatments would have involved various therapy oils, it is not advisable to take a bath immediately after especially for facial treatments as the pores are still very tender. Remember also that with facials no make-up is allowed for at least 24 hours to allow your pores to relax and absorb all the creams and oils, to have maximum effect on your skin. A good spa may offer you water or juice after the treatment some may also prepare assorted fruits for you while you relax in the lounge.

No Phone Zone Most Spa’s try to create a way to relax and a serene environment, by playing soothing music. Be careful how you use your phone in such areas, your tone of voice should be low and controlled. Remember spa treatments can be between 1 to 2 hours or even more depending on what you have chosen, let this time be dedicated to you and you alone. Keep your phone safely and preferably on silent, you may revisit all missed calls and text messages when you have finished.

Just imagine having to receive a phone call every 30 minutes whilst undergoing a facial. You will distract your attendant and become a nuisance eventually you will discover that you did not get the full benefit and enjoyment from the service.

The truth is once your treatment begins somehow you automatically find

yourself drifting asleep because of the comfort you are in. Don’t take the pressure to the spa leave it at the doorstep, you will be happy you did.

Extra Pressure or Soft A massage is a great experience it comes in many ways, you will find deep tissue, soft and relaxing, therapeutic, aromatherapy stretching, acupressure body scrub, reflexology. Depending on your need you can tell the attendant if you would prefer more pressure or

received bribes with which he bought a beachfront apartment in the city of Guraja. And Nigerians will ask, “just a beachfront apartment?” Well, yes, just a beachfront apartment.

The beauty, and the particular difference between societies that wish to survive, and in which the citizens are respected by their public servants, and who respect themselves is that no one is above the law.

There is neither Kabiyesi nor peasant in these matters.

A government prosecutor does his work, secure in his rights and tenure to do so; knowing also that any misuse of his office for personal and vindictive pursuits, will also earn him serious sanctions. The permission to probe does not come from the president. It comes from the constitution, and that is the difference with Nigeria.

Nigerian presidents are given the power of gods.It must be a transparent process. It must also go further than Jonathan.

We must investigate Obasanjo, Abdulsalam, Babangida, and even Buhari himself.

The scandalous miasma in the NNPC did not begin with Jonathan. Nigerian investigators must be granted the power to examine all books back to 1975, at least, and bring all to probe, and before justice. It is a good thing to probe and try Jonathan. It should open the floodgate, and permit the recovery of Nigeria’s looted patrimony. The revelations of the goings on in the Jonathan administration is shocking and horrendous. But I wager, that there is worse, and we need to bring it all to light.

So, yes, let us probe Jonathan.

With the Jacuzzi this involves warm water like a mini pool, it can also be considered a large bath tub.

The Jacuzzi creates bubbly waves in a relaxed form that works on the body. This is a very public environment that requires you wear again your swimming costume. Be wary of how you expose yourself it is not gender neutral men are also allowed in at the same time.

Do not try to dominate the usage allow others to feel welcome as they join you.

30 minutes is a good time to spend in the Jacuzzi give others an opportunity to wear.

It is not a place where you can engage in too much rapport with others but minimal. Definitely no phones are allowed in such facilities, they will surely get damaged.

Friendship or Unfriendly As much as you have gone to the spa to be revitalized or to the gym to be reenergized they are also friendly zones.

Be approachable and polite to all you meet. Enjoy your experience and learn from others, use every experience in life to better yourself.

Your health, fitness and wellbeing is a journey which you cannot make alone. Make friends in your journey of life, buy the local health magazine and be informed.

Knowledge is indeed power.

PAGE 10—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

ONE MAN, TWO WIVES CONTROVERSY

Critics are hypocrites – Senate Leader Ndume •Asks Buhari to probe pre-Jonathan regimes for alleged corruption

BY OLALEKAN BILESANMI Senator Muhammed Ndume, APC, Borno, is the Senate Majority Leader. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on national issues ranging from his controversial advice that men should marry more than one wife, to the electricity tariff, the padded national budget and the devaluation of the naira.

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he National Assembly was to pass the budget in February but for the discrepancies discovered in the estimates. Now the parliament has extended the passage to March. Does the new date still stand?

Yes. The National Assembly was to pass the budget in February, but we are likely to pass it now before the end of March. The delay, as you rightly pointed out, was essentially because there was padding by some individuals and, therefore, due process must be followed. And we have to look at the budget microscopically to pick out those anomalies before it can be said to be a credible one. Let me also add that we are working on the budget collectively, that is both the National Assembly and the Executive, as led by the Ministers of Budget Planning and Finance.

This is the first time government is doing a budget that it is owning up to. And we hope that if the President approves the budget, it would be diligently implemented to the zero level. The President has asked us to do our job diligently and that is what we are doing, which, of course, necessitated the shift in the date of the passage of the budget. And we are working to meet up with the deadline before the end of month.

The President has come under criticism on his frequent foreign trips.

I don’t think the President's trips are unnecessarily frequent. The President is not like a chief cook such that, without him, people would go hungry. The President of a country is supposed to be ruling a country with institutions running without him physically being there. It is like an aircraft which can be on auto pilot. This President is not a man that privatizes or customizes government because the previous government made it so, such that

C M Y K

once the President was not in the country, all institutions shut down. Is it not in this country that when President Buhari was away for one week, he handed over governance to his vice?

When was the last time such a thing happened? This President connects with his cabinet and government wherever he is around the world. In this digital age, a President can operate from any part of the globe, running his government. I think majority of Nigerians are is in support of the President travelling, because the visits are beginning to yield results as exemplified by the number of investments coming our way and Presidents of other countries are reciprocating the gesture. The image of the country is improving now. He goes everywhere to sign bilateral agreement. His invitation by the G.8 countries is yielding results as some of the members have pledged their support in the fight against insurgency, and this is because the President took the country’s case to these people.

But if he just sits down here asking for support, how can that work? I think going by what we have seen so far, the President should travel more. The President, anywhere around the world, can look through papers and sign them, especially where his signature is required. All that is needed is mail to him, look through, sign and return. There is really no big deal that he is travelling. I think those suggesting that are still living in the analogue age. Things have since changed.

President Muhammadu Buhari said he is yet to be convinced on why the naira should be devalued. Do you share his mindset?

I totally support the President in that regard. Naira must not be devalued. There is an official window which has pegged the official rate at 197 and there are conditions for the dollar to be sold at the official rate ares there. You know the Bureau De Change, BDC, segment of the sector was shut down because operators demand was becoming astronomical. Even then, some people were doing round tripping, money laundering and because there was a gap between the official rate and the black

market rate, everybody was seeking for the BDC license. I think the President's action in this regard is necessary. The dollar coming from our crude has gone down drastically and the demand for dollar is astronomically high. So, the demand and supply forces are playing out. I am with the President on that. I think our economic experts should come out with solutions not castigating the President. I don’t change dollar because I don’t have it. I only have Riyadh from my SaudiArabia Umrah trip. It is only those who need dollar that are keeping it especially for commercial use. I am a local person to the core. Any imported product you see me use are mostly bought in naira here in the country. I go to the market, if it is too expensive, I leave it. I don’t travel . My children are doing their postgraduate courses abroad, and you know that school fees have nothing to do with the forex issue because if you have a genuine demand, you can go through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The Senate recently insisted that the electricity tariff hike proposed by the DISCOS should be suspended as it was arbitrary and that there were no consultations before the announcement. Can you expatiate on this?

There were no adequate consultations and there was no reason they should increase the tariff up to 45%. It is like they were taking advantage of customers for something that belongs to us all, because I believe they were given these companies. Left to me, these companies should be taken back because the process of the privatization was faulty.

During the debate of the motion on the floor of the Senate, I told my colleagues that even though the price of diesel is high, I still prefer to use it because I know I got value for money. But these people, they charge for what you don’t use. In other words, I am paying for darkness. By the time the companies were taken over or bought as you put it, the Federal Government had

The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, should do more than it is presently doing.

What it is like to me is that NERC has betrayed the Nigerian trust and confidence

invested so much into the companies. Not only that, they were also given loans by the CBN based on the fact that it would improve their service, yet the service is not there and yet we are paying. Now, they said they want to increase tariff. For the service not rendered? I think government should regulate the sector more .

The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, should do more than it is presently doing.

What it is like to me is that NERC has betrayed the Nigerian trust and confidence. I don’t think they deserve any increment now.

Increment should be in relation to the service rendered, not increasing tariff for the service not rendered. I want to commend the efforts of the NLC; I am joining them to protest this arbitrary increment. They got these companies at give away prices, and yet they still want to rip off the customers. That will not be accepted. Has power improved?

No . The power generation itself before and after it was bought over, is the Federal Government not supporting them financially? I have challenged them on that before that they should show me what they have since put into the companies since they were taken over. I am yet to be proved wrong.

Insurgency appears to be gradually winding up as the Army is intensifying its onslaught against the terrorists?

The Army established the Motor Bike Battalion so that it can rout out the insurgents. Now, it has reopened some of the closed roads in the North-East which hitherto were impassable due to the activities of the insurgents. The roads include Maiduguri-Bama Road, Damatu-Bujuba Road, Maiduguri-Mongunu Roads. In fact, an Army division has been set up in Damaturu. I think the Army Chief of Staff is still on ground there in Maiduguri. A Theatre Commander has also been appointed . All the efforts are yielding results. People now, because of the relative peace restored in most of these areas, are rearing to go back home. For example, in my Local Government Area, we are making efforts to create transit camps in the local government headquarters so that

Continues on page 11

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 11

’Let Buhari also probe pre-Jonathan regimes for alleged corruption’ Continued from page 10 earnings that cannot buy more than Peugeot and he is driving a Ferrari, should be questioned to know the source of his wealth. If it is a gift, from who and for what?

Now, when you are arrested, the law says the prosecutor has the burden of proof, whereas it should be the other way round.

When your property is seized, you the accused should prove the property belongs to you. If I, the Senate Majority Leader owns a big plaza, for example, the onus should be on me to prove that I legitimately acquired the property. These are some of the ways by which government can fight and reduce corruption in the system.

There are hues and cries about your advice that the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, and other men should should marry more than one wife. What brought about the advice?

I stand by that statement. I stand by what I said. This is not a religious matter. So,my view has nothing to do with religion. There are some societies whose cultures permit more than one wife. So, what I am saying is not about religion. I am speaking on moral grounds. If you cannot tell your wife that you have a girlfriend outside, it means what you are doing is wrong, and that is a

It has nothing to do with Jonathan. I said anybody, and I think that word, anybody, covers everybody, including former presidents, members of the National Assembly, ministers, chief executives of companies, anybody.

There is nobody that should be above the law.

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s part of crime prevention and com munity safety strategy,Gombe State Police Command, under the Police Community Partnership Approach to Policing project, collaborated with a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr. Lumi Irimiya, trained 250 unemployed youths in the production of emulsion and text coat paints. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Austin Iwah, spoke with our Crime Editor, Emma Nnadozie, on how he was able to achieve fthe eat.

Excerpts: Background “Constantly, studies have revealed that majority of our youths take part in the commission of crimes due to idleness/joblessness and the desire to satisfy their daily wants. Thus, majority of offenders have been found to be young persons who lack meaningful livelihood or are engaged in any course of instruction whether formal or informal. The analysis therefore is that, these youths are involved in crimes and anti-social behaviours because their enormous and vibrant energies are not positively engaged to keep them busy and off the streets. The resultant effect is that majority of them become recruits willingly or unwillingly to miscreants who exploit their innocence to transform them to perpetrators of crimes such as theft, rape, armed robbers, etc under outlawed groups such as the Kalare Gangs.

Reduction in crime rate “The Gombe State Police Command realized that crime rate in the State would be reduced to the barest minimum when theses youths are positively engaged.

Therefore, the idea to train some of these youths in the skills of paint production was conceived in order to deal with these social problems. The concept was designed in line with the Gombe State Command’s Social Crime Prevention Programme under the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Strategy, the programme was conceived to rescue these youths from the streets, empower them and by so doing,

moral issue. However, those who are criticizing me, especially the men, are hypocrites. A lot of men who claim they have only one wife also do have chain of girlfriends. So, who is deceiving who? Which is more expensive to maintain between a wife and a girlfriend? If a lady is worthy of being your girlfriend, why is she not worthy to be your wife? That is my point. Instead of you having girlfriends here and there and in every part of the country or the world, why not have more than one wife and take them wherever you are going. The greatest love you can show to a woman is marriage. Some of the people castigating me said what I said was right but I should not have said it in the public. So, where could I have said the truth if not in the public? Some said, particularly International Federation of Women Lawyer, FIDA that I was trying to equate women with sex object. No, I could not have intended that. We are not talking of any sex object.

I never said anything about sex.

I was talking about marriage. All I am saying that men should not treat women as use and dump objects. Men should show more care to women by marrying them rather than keeping them outside their homes. In those days, any child outside wedlock would not inherit anything from the parents. And there are many of

such children in our society today.

We can avoid it if the men can do the right thing and that is by marrying these ladies legitimately. Those women castigating too, would they have wished their sisters are left unmarried? I am proud that I have two wives. No girlfriend before, now and never would there be. I have been married now for more than 23 years. I am happy with my two wives.

Marrying more than one wife is not compulsory. I am not forcing anybody. It is my own opinion which I have the right to express.

It is not everybody that would marry, how much more having more than one wife. That is why Jesus Christ never married. He never compelled anybody to do same with him. So, I am not compelling the men that they should marry more than one wife.

All I am saying is that instead of having girlfriends, some have more than 10, why not just pick one out of the lot and marry her legally? That is my point. Funny enough, I have been have a kind of solidarity from among both sex.

I have a lady that married to an already married cousin of one of the senators castigating me. She is the second wife of the cousin of the senator. They are living happily. Unfortunately truth is not respected any more, otherwise I wont be this castigated.

You said former President Goodluck Jonathan should be prosecuted if found wanting regarding the arms scandal?

Well, let me explain myself. I was talking about the level of corruption in the country and I added that whoever is found wanting, particularly in the scandal associated with the issue of arms, should be prosecuted.

And the journalists around asked if Jonathan is also found wanting, should he be prosecuted? And I said anybody, irrespective of the person or the office he or she occupies. It has nothing to do with Jonathan. I said anybody, and I think that word, anybody, covers everybody, including former presidents, members of the National Assembly, ministers, chief executives of companies, anybody. There is nobody that should be above the law. If all the revelations emanating from the arms scandal are eventually found to be true, of course after those mentioned are convicted, because until there is conviction, all those mentioned are innocent, after conviction, then we can yes, they deserve their punishment.

So, that was what I was saying that anybody implicated in the scandal and eventually convicted must not be above the law, such person should serve the punishment attached to such crime.

Youth empowerment: The police new strategy to fight crime, by Gombe CP Iwah

* CP Iwah ddressing empowerment programme beneficiaries reduce crime by a large percentage.

Paint production, skills acquisition training “In an effort to achieve the Command’s set-out goal, a partnership was formed between the Gombe State Police Command and Mr. Lumi Irimiya, who is a National youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the State, to train the youths in paint production skills acquisition. After careful planning and organization, the training commenced on 8th February, 2016, and ended on 14th February, 2016, lasting one whole week. The venue for the training was the Police Barracks Gombe, with Two Hundred and Fifty (250) unemployed youths as participants. Mr. Lumi Irimiya, with support from officers of the Command, took the trainees through theory and practical production of emulsion and text-coat paints.

At the end of the training, the trainees, divided into six groups, produced drums of paints as part of their final test to qualify as

competent persons to produce quality paints. The training session was very exciting as the youths showed great enthusiasm, dedication and hard-work such that both trainers and the trainees had a fun- filled time throughout the duration of the training.

Usage of end product “It was heart-warming that paints produced by the trainees were confirmed to be of high standard in both quantity and quality. The paints were used to re-paint Block G of the Police Barracks, Gombe which was dilapidated and looking very irritating. The repainted block is now looking bright and shining and indeed stands out visibly to any visitor to the Barracks.

Closing ceremony and presentation of certificates “In order to give the whole exercise meaningful status and also encourage the trainees that they are indeed very important, a

certificate of apprenticeship was produced and a very elaborate closing ceremony and certificates presentation was designed to mark the end of the training.

The essence of the occasion is to further spread the good news and by so doing encourage their peers to aspire to be like them and abandon the streets and miscreant life. Again, awarding them a certificate will further ease their access to opportunities for employment and other profitable venture they may undertake, especially in our society where over dependency on certificates is the order of the day.

Further development and sustainability “In order for the original intentions of the Command in organizing this training not to-be short-lived, the Command has put in place necessary machinery to keep track of the trained youths, provide guidance and counselling for them as they go along in their pursuit of purposeful ventures. Amongst others, these young paint makers will be organized into cooperative societies and associations and relevant contacts made to facilitate their easy access to funding and gainful employment/jobs.

Keying into the programme “Gombe State Police Command hopes that Governments at all levels, corporate bodies and individual members of the public, will key into this noble programme and assist the Police to not just serve them better but, help to give these willing leaders of tomorrow a brighter and purposeful life, such that, our society will be safer for improved economic growth.”

PAGE 12 — SUNDAY

Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016,

A SPECIAL PROJECTS UNIT PUBLICATION

BY FRANCIS IGATA

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he bell chimes 52 to herald Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi’s second year into the golden age.

Born in Enugu metropolis on March 20, 1964 to parents who hail from Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State,young Ugwuanyi attended St. Theresa College, STC, Nsukka, from where he gained admission into the University of Nigeria Nsukka,UNN. He obtained a B.Sc. in finance and M.Sc. in marketing (public relations). He also holds MBA degrees in finance and banking, and another MBA in accountancy, both from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology,ESUT. His commitment to excellence while working with the defunct ACB,Premier Brokers Limited, owned by the five south-eastern states, spurred him to the Chief Executive Officer position.

He had his foundation as a philanthropist laid as a Rotarian in 2002,which culminated in becoming the 16th President of the Rotary Club of Emene, Enugu. With this background, he answered the clarion call and ventured into politics.

He was first elected into the 5th House of Representatives, 2003-2007, representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency. He was overwhelmingly re-elected to the House in 2007-2011, and again to the 7th Assembly, 2011-2015. He was thus a ranking member of Parliament and the longest serving National Assembly member from Enugu North. Indeed, he was the Chairman of the Enugu State House of Representatives Caucus.

In the National Assembly, he clearly made his mark. Between 2003 and 2007, he served as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service Matters and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions. It was in this era that the evolutionary Pension Act 2004 was enacted. In 2007, he was made Chairman of the House Committee on Marine Transport.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Marine Transport, the maritime sector underwent a revolution geared towards providing a regime of new legislations that would bring the marine transport sector in the country at par with what obtains internationally. His focus was driving the legislative arm of the transportation component of the nation’s development agenda. His cardinal interests were capacity building, strengthening regulation and increased indigenous private participation in the sector.

Due to his performance, he was reappointed on re-election to the House in 2011. He thus became the first person in the history of the National Assembly (both Senate and House of Representatives) to chair this allimportant committee for two legislative sessions.

Prior to becoming governor, GburuGburu (as he is popularly known) had a track record of quiet philanthropy and goodwill, especially in Enugu State. He gave scholarships to needy students, pursued infrastructural development in educational institutions and in churches as well as provided boreholes to solve the potable water needs of communities in his constituency, among many others. He has thus been honored severally by social, religious, and traditional institutions.

Ugwuanyi is very well travelled and

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52 garlands for Gov Ugwuanyi •Celebrating An A dministrator P ar Ex cellence Administrator Par Excellence has attended several professional courses within and outside Nigeria.

A member of some professional bodies, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping in Nigeria, CISN. A family man, he is happily married to his wife, Monica.

Magic wand

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he oil glut at the international market, which plunged Nigeria’s economy into chaos because of the mono-cultural economy we practice, right thinking state governments have been putting on their thinking caps.

Ugwuanyi had, in his inaugural speech, last May 29,at the Michael Okpara Square, where he took cognizance of the prevailing economic quagmire, assured Enugu people of his administration’s resolve,to think outside the box in order to fulfill his campaign promises.

Economic indices in the state before Ugwuanyi took over showed a state with a domestic debt of over N60 billion which left little for capital expenditure after deductions for servicing.

It takes an Ugwuanyi, with a managerial touch, to keep the recurrent indicators afloat,as most states have manifestly shown their inability to pay workers salaries following the nosedive in the monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

The governor has pursued even development of critical sectors of the economy by leading a lean government to free up resources and channel them to socio-economic

arteries that are at the fundamental fabrics of our human existence.

The people had their thirst quenched when he announced, last Monday, that government has concluded plans to host the World Investment Summit from April 12 – 14, adding that a “one-stopshop” for inquiries and establishment of business investments had been set up, to weed out the encumbrances associated with setting up of businesses.

Christened,”Oganiru(progress) Enugu State World Investment Summit”, Ugwuanyi said it had become imperative to showcase the state’s latent economic potentials to the world in order to attract prospective investors for a hands-on investment in different sectors in the state.

He explained that the summit will not be a lecture or talk summit but rather, a walk-the-talk summit that will move from talking to immediate implementation where papers will be signed with potential investors that will take over or commence immediate activities on chosen sectors of the economy.

The investment summit followed advice from the Economic Advisory Committee,inaugurated last year with a charge to chart an economic blueprint that will attract prospective investors for job creation, improved living standard and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. Meanwhile, the governor has moved to revamp 17 state-owned

Prior to becoming governor, GburuGburu (as he is popularly known) had a track record of quiet philanthropy and goodwill, especially in Enugu State V

ailing industries and reconstituted the Council on Privatization and Commercialization.

The Enugu State Council on Commercialization and Privatization and the Enugu State Technical Committee on Privatization and Commercialization, headed by the State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and a seasoned investment banker, Mr. Ikechi Chioke, respectively, were saddled with the responsibilities of repositioning the economic outlook of the state in a manner to attract investors who are imbued with the financial,technical,manpower among other trappings to revolutionalize the ailing industries for immediate economic rebound.

Ugwuanyi while inaugurating the bodies at the Government House, Enugu, charged the members to swing into action immediately and effectively spearhead the drive for credible and suitable investors to turn around the fortunes of the affected enterprises and companies for its inherent economic benefits to the state.

He noted that the council and the committee have a vital role to play in the economic revival and the stability of the state in this moment of economic hardship.

Ugwuanyi added that it is expected of both bodies to give fresh impetus to the current efforts by the government to attract direct foreign and local investments to the state as part of its commitment to turn the state into a major hub for economic activities in the country.

He charged members of both bodies to deploy their integrity, experience and competences unreservedly towards the successful accomplishment of their mandates.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 13

Femi Falana speaks on lawyer-son, Falz turned musician

By TOFARATI IGE

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•Femi Falana and son, Falz

egal giant and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has said that even though he wanted his son, Folarin Falana aka Falz to follow in his footsteps in the legal profession, he is proud of the giant strides the young man has recorded in the entertainment industry. The senior Falana spoke at the premiere of Falz’s new music video, ‘Soldier,’ featuring female singer, Simi, and taking off his sophomore album, ‘Stories that Touch,’ and he couldn’t conceal his pride at the creative work of art.

After viewing the video which has a military theme, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) hugged his son warmly, and with his face lit up by bright smiles, he said, ‘I’m delighted to watch you. I sent you to school to study law, and I thought you’ll be a fantastic lawyer.

However, I have no regrets that you’re doing well for yourself. I’ve spent my life fighting the brutalisation of the military, and I’m glad that this video also has the same theme. I’ll consult with your mom tonight so we can chip in some support for you.’Unlike the usual concept of music videos, ‘Soldier’ was shot like a movie with an engaging story-line, a rich cast and well-selected locations. The 14-minute video was directed by ace music video director, Clarence Peters, and features stars like Deyemi Okanlawon, Efa, among others.

Adokiye, Agoha, others headline ‘Christians Got Talent’ show

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N peace ambassador and singer, Adokiye Kyrian, John Agoha, ElLevite, MC Pato, Adi Sean, MC Coded and Jump and Pass have been unveiled as power headliners for the ‘Christians Got Talent’ show which is set to hold on April 3rd at the Flaming Sword •Adokiye Ministries, Lewis Kyrian Street, Lafiaji, Lagos.The headliners are expected to perform, motivate and mentor the participants, using themselves as models.This season 3 of the show, according to the ministry, is going to be bigger, better and laced with more activities, not only to give participants more exposure and hype but also to provide them with greater opportunities to make their talents count in the industry.

P-Square saga: Fact, fiction or mere stunt?

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ractically, everybody in the know in the Nigerian entertainment industry believes the pop duo and twins, Psquare have broken up and already pursuing their separate solo careers, following Peter’s tweets that he is to be known as Mr P, and in the process announcing his own solo management team.

The fact that the two brothers have also released their separate solo singles in the past week and have announced separate labels and management, more than stoked the fire that indeed Nigerians may be seeing the last of what is known as P-Square.

But hasn’t Potpourri seen it all and aptly captured the gathering storm in a piece it published last year, titled ‘Why P-Square may still break up?”

The handwriting has been on the wall for years now but no one wanted to be a prophet of doom.

It was Murphy’s law in action “whatever can go wrong, will always go wrong”. Truly, it seems all is going wrong for the brothers, Peter, Paul and their manager brother, Jude.

Fact It is only the uninformed that will believe all is well with the brothers. The recent brouhaha started with Peter calling for the resignation of their brother, Jude, as their manager, stating that whoever does business with him, did so at his/her own risk.

Paul on the other hand was quick to squash the declaration, pitching his tent with their elder brother, Jude. The fact here is

that P-Square was staring down the barrel of a gun.

Weeks after that, when it looked like the cocked gun wouldn’t go off afterall, trigger-happy Peter drew another line of fire to blow everything wide open, by his famous tweets everyone has taken as a seal on the break-up of the group.

Fiction: Who’s really the problem?

From the first news of their breakup a couple of years ago, Peter had been identified as the aggressor. In fact Peter openly stated he wanted out of the group

•Psquare

for two reasons. One, he said their elder brother, Jude, disrespected his wife. Two, he complained about his brothers, Paul and Jude, treating him like a passive member of the group.

However, in spite of these ramblings, the group reconciled and moved on as P-Square. But one fact that was established was that Peter was not completely at ease with Jude. Little wonder he later called for his resignation.

So, could Jude be the problem as well?

Jude bosses them aroundHowie T

According to an online report, PSquare’s former manager, Howie T, revealed that Peter once confided in him that Jude bosses them around as an elder brother, and shares their income with them equally. In his words, ‘…Jude always uses his influence as their elder brother to boss over them. He also said managers collect between 15 – 25 % of an artiste’s income but in their case they share everything equally and he’s not happy with that sharing formula...he told me that he turned down a show Jude got them in Finland and when they called them for the Dubai show, he told the organisers what it will take to get Peter and Paul, and what it takes to get Peter or Paul alone. Secondly, things like this messes up an artiste’s creativity; Peter is a composer, dancer and singer, when they sit down to vote on songs that’ll make their album, Paul and Jude vote for more of Paul’s songs than Peter’s and these are the things that piss him off.’

A mere stunt?

In all this mess, Peter and Paul have never really gone at each other. The person in question has always been Jude. Peter has even absolved his twin brother of any blame in the crisis currently rocking the family. One of his followers on Instagram had commented on one of his posts with the following words, ‘Your brother Paul is a di@k to just leave like that because of fame, forgetting fame first before any other thing. Baba move on with your life joor, you dance more

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K

than him.’ To which Peter swiftly responded, ‘Please don’t insult my brother Paul, he has nothing to do with whatsoever. Thanks” If a thought shared by a PSquare’s fan is anything to go by, this may just be another stunt to carry us along on their ride.

He wrote, ‘Peter, I understand the drama going on, this is totally a media hype for a new project Psquare is cooking. Break up, make up, produce a hit fans rush to listen to the comeback album bla bla bla. Everyone is entitled to his own life, brothers, yes, but business wise I think they should separate and test the waters, plus if they do, it will be good business for the Nigerian music industry, check out previous group breakups n see the vast talents that were discovered.

Don Jazzy, Dbanj, see results.

Plantasun boiz, etc every time a new act is discovered. Please I support a breakup let’s see how they will fair! Enough with the buhaha already #drops mic Jude Okoye resigns as P-Square manager Jude took to his twitter account on Friday to announce that he has stepped down as the manager to the duo for the fourth time since their careers began, asking to be left in peace.

The twin brother’s seem to have moved on with their personal businesses with Peter Okoye unveiling his new stage name and management as well as Paul’s debut of his new artist.

PAGE 14 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

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SUNDAY

Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016 PAGE 15

OLU OF WARRI: Itsekiri heritage meets Yoruba royalty As Ambode, Akiolu restate commitment to common ties

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BY CHARLES KUMOLU

afford to leave out the Itsekiri. If you look at our titles, our languages and our culture, you will obviously find a symbiotic relationship between us which we must guard jealously and also improve upon as we proceed.”

Earlier, the Olu thanked Ambode for identifying with the people of Warri during the mourning period of the late monarch and during his coronation.

He said:”I came in from Ile-Ife to this place and the way the Ooni of Ife received me and my entourage confirmed the fact that we are from the same heritage. As a matter of fact, I had the honour to first receive and bless his new wife. And when I got to the palace of Oba of Lagos this morning, the reception too was like home coming.

“The Oba of Lagos left his throne and sat with me and this is just a confirmation that we are brothers and must not be separated. I am happy sitting with the Governor as a member of the same family. My appeal is that we are part of you not minding the geographical distance. There are lots of Itsekiri in Lagos and there are lots of Yoruba in Warri. I want such relationship to continue and pray that we should sustain it.”

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HE reports heralding a proposed visit by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli Emiko to Lagos simply triggered enthusiastic feelings among those conversant with the historical narrative of the Itsekiri ethnic group.

With activities lined up for the royal tour indicating that that the monarch would be visiting the Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu and National Leader of All Progressives Congress,APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, it was not difficult to deduce that the trip may turn out historically remarkable.

Such import was anticipated to profoundly impact on inter-ethnic harmony and by extension act as the much desired stimulant for peaceful coexistence in a nation of reoccurring interethnic rivalry.

The timing was also considered to be sufficiently promising considering that it was a time when the harmonious relationship among leading traditional institutions in Southern Nigeria seems threatened by divergent interpretations of historical developments.

With the totality of these, the general mood simply indicated that the royal visitation would be amply significant and momentous.

Indeed, the arrival of Ogiame Ikenwoli on March 13, 2016 in Lagos, confirmed such prognosis of an epoch-making visit.

Deepen existing socio-cultural ties

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ccompanied by most of his chiefs and other subjects, the 20th Olu of Warri, made a regal entry into Nigeria’s commercial capital amid fanfare for a trip that would for a long time deepen existing socio-cultural ties.

Adorning his royal regalia, the custodian of the over 500-year Itsekiri monarchy, arrived the Bourdillon residence of Tinubu to a warmth welcome by the latter, who is married to an Itsekiri woman.

Amid exchange of esteemed pleasantries and chants of Ogiame by the entourage, the King of Warri was ushered in for the interface with Tinubu.

On the heels of this, was the call on Oba Akiolu which greatly turned out as one of the high points among the activities marking the tour, as it literally passed for the convergence of the Itsekiri monarchy and Yoruba royalty.

Interestingly, the colorful event commenced at 10 am on March 14, amid display of cultural formalities by the visitors and the hosts.

The sight of the Oba, his chiefs and Yoruba women leaders playing host to the Olu, his chiefs, princes and other subjects, was excitingly a spectacle to behold.

While the Oba was praying over kolanuts, the intermittent chants of Kabieysi blended with the sporadic echoes of Ogiame to produce a remarkable blend of both cultures.

It was indeed a scenario that perhaps confirmed Prof Obaro Ikime’s observation that: “Though distance might be long the Yoruba and the Itsekiri have common and spiritual bond.”

Remarkable blend of both cultures

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n elated Oba Akiolu at the forum,

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Friends of Itsekiri nation

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•Olu of Warri ... preaches love

Ambode, who expressed delight at the visit, urged both tribes to continuously emphasise issues that would further strengthen the bond

said: “By the grace of God, I pray for peace and progress. Olu of Warri, this is your home. It shall be well with you. God will grant you a peaceful and prosperous reign. You were not poor before you became the Olu, I have been blessed more than I was before I became the Oba, and you will also be blessed beyond measures.”

In his response, the Olu said:What I have seen here is to show that you are a father indeed. You have accepted us with open hands and demonstrated brotherhood. You are much older than me but instead of seating on your seat, you came to sit close to me. You came out today and prayed for the success of everyone. You also commended our daughter, Senator Remi Tinubu that, she is a good ambassador of the Itsekiri nation and that is how we are.

“I want to appeal that we see Lagos as our own state too, that is why we are all here to see you and you have demonstrated that from your spoken words. I want to appeal that the love you have exhibited towards my children who are here in Lagos, should continue. Any time they come to you, accept them as your children. They will continue to contribute their best towards the prosperity of Lagos. I want to tell you that Warri is also your home.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Warri.”

From the Idugaran Palace of the Oba, the Itsekiri monarch, who is regarded as an epitome of goodwill, headed for the Aluasa Round House to see Governor Ambode.

Aside the call for harmonious co-

existence by the duo of Ambode and the Olu, the visit witnessed emphasis on the historical ties between the Itsekiri and Yoruba ethnic groups.

In recognition of the need for the sustenance of such historical link, they urged both tribes to continuously dwell on issues that would further strengthen the bond.

Peace and harmonious relationship

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mbode, who expressed delight at the visit, urged both tribes to continuously emphasise issues that would further strengthen the bond.

He further congratulated the monarch for peacefully ascending the throne, noting that he is confident that the king would turn around the fortunes of the Itsekiri nation. His words: “We believe so much in him and his community.

We believe just the way he has said that we are brothers and that anything that concerns the Warri community is the concern of the Yoruba community and like he rightly said, this visit once again emphasized the need for all of us to foster peace and harmonious relationship.

“We are strongly committed to the needs of the people of Itsekiri land because we know that by history, the coming of Olu of Warri to Lagos from Ile-Ife is significant to show the Yoruba hegemony that we have always wanted and we will continue to preach about. “There is nothing we want to say about the history of the Yoruba nation that we can

he activities on the itinerary of the visiting king did not just end with the visit to Ambode, as Itsekiri indigenes resident in Lagos hosted him at a colorful traditional ceremony.

Held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, the forum was not just a gathering of sons and daughters of Iwere land, it was a melting point for friends of the Itsekiri nation.

In their numbers, they gathered to honour the monarch for embarking on the historic visit a few months after he ascended the throne.

In his remarks at the event, the monarch cautioned the various communities in Warri against engaging in communal clashes.

He also advised against wasting so much money on litigations over communal issues. In addition, the monarch said his subjects would often be consulted before vital decisions are taken.

He said: “Recently, we had an issue over land tussle and the lawyer charged us N40 million, we had to beg him to collect 20million. Why should we spend so much money on litigations when such money could be spent on the developmental projects in our communities? “During my reign as Olu of Warri, I will consult with subjects before making any pronouncement and I am also using this opportunity to call on people stealing funds meant for community development to stop forthwith. “I am also using this opportunity to thank all those who stood by me during my coronation, I pray God in his infinite mercies will stand by them as well.”

Those at the event include: Chief Philip Asiodu, Prof. John Pepper Clark, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, Chief. Mrs Rita Lori-Ogbebor; Amb Patrick Dele Cole, Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, Henry Boyo, Amaju Pinnick and Miss Temi Harriman.

Others are Chief Brown Mene, Chief Kofi Kate, Chief Prest Udenyi, Chief Emmanuel Jones, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Prince Yemi Emiko, Prince Toju Emiko, Prince Moses Emiko and others.

PAGE 16 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

Kaleidoscope

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

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hief Eric Umeofia, the CEO, Erisco Foods, believes the best option opened to Nigerians at this critical stage of our economic development is to look inward through manufacturing which to him is the only way out.

He believes if the government supports manufacturing that Nigerians will be surprised at what happens in this country in the next ten years.

He said “Erisco Foods Limited’s mission is simply to help the economy, to help Nigeria control our own economy. We deal in the manufacturing of tomato paste, to help stop the importation of fake and substandard tomato paste from China that is actually damaging both our economy and health. We want to be exporting tomato paste from Nigeria. We have the capacity and all it takes to achieve it. And by the grace of God, we are determined to do that.”

He said although it hasn’t been a smooth journey as the manufacturing sector is riddled with a plethora of problems such as power, insecurity, lack of infrastructure and poor government policy.

“The system has not been fair to us over the years, because when others were given undue advantage and waivers to import finished products, we refused to join in the destruction of the Nigerian economy, rather we believed in Nigeria and her potentials from day one; hence all our product lines are made in Nigeria.

So, since the coming of this government under the leadership of President Buhari, Umeofia will not hold any discussion without praising the administration for taking the bold step that will encourage local manufacturing.

Last week Thursday was an opportunity to do so again when the wife of the President, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, commissioned Eric Umeofia’s 450, 000 metric tonnes Erisco Foods’ Tomato Paste factory in Lagos.

“I must be quick to say here that this rare feat has been made possible only because of the fantastic policies of the present government ably led by our visionary and highly patriotic and incorruptible President Muhammadu Buhari . We have continued to salute the courage and vision of Mr. President and Vice-President Yemi Osibajo for taking the bold step to introduce FOREX restrictions on 41 items including tomato paste concentrate.

“This bold step apart from saving our scarce foreign exchange will compel Nigerian to go back to the basics of eating our own home- grown food which is better, healthier and more economically sound for us as a people in the long run as many other countries do.

He added “Erisco Foods Limited has an installed production capacity of 450,000 metric tonnes per annum in our Lagos factory alone (the biggest in Africa and 4th Largest in the World) with robust plans for backward integration that have been ongoing over the past 3

From left: Hajiya Aisha Buhari;, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and Mrs. Toyin Saraki, during the commissioning of the tomato processing factory .

Day Mr. Tomato brought Aisha Buhari to Lagos our operations and it came to a peak in the first and second quarter of 2015 when the regulators looked the other way while criminally-minded foreigners in collaboration with some wicked Nigerians flooded our dear country markets with almost 300 substandard brands of tomato pastes from Asia!.

“Sadly we were busy exporting our job opportunities to China and other parts of Asia while millions of Nigerian youth are here struggling with the pains of unemployment.

“We have huge stocks of finished products worth billions of Naira in our warehouses which we are not selling due to dumping of these substandard brands of tomato paste from China that are cheap and filled with starch and colours. We are

years, we challenged ourselves to provide leadership and fast-track our backward integration programme by developing a technology and process that will synchronize with our existing machines to produce tomato paste directly from fresh tomatoes to tomato pastes, ketchups, etc. in response to President Buhari’s call for Nigerians to

look inwards.”

Umeofia said the benefits of the Erisco Foods Revolution in tomato Paste come in many wonderful streams. “Nigerians will be able to eat fresher and healthier tomato paste proudly grown and made in Nigeria.

Since tomatoes are in rich source of Lycopene (which is a major anti-oxidant) adults and children alike will be stronger and better equipped with the nutrients to face the challenges of personal and nationbuilding. As we know, healthy person is a happy nation!

“Secondly, The Erisco Foods Revolution in Tomato Paste production will stop the annual wastages of over 75% of fresh tomatoes across Nigeria. .

He said with the good policy of the present administration maintained that there will be nothing like tomato glut anywhere in Nigeria in the next two years, “we as off-taker will produce and process to meet our local demands and export to earn foreign exchange provided government continues to support manufacturing.

“Just before this administration came on board, Erisco Foods was on the verge of shutting down the factory or relocate. We had continued to endure losses upon losses of over N2.5billion with attendant mounting bank charges during 5 years of

The Erisco Foods Revolution in Tomato Paste production will stop the annual wastages of over 75% of fresh tomatoes across Nigeria

pleading for the Government to create policies and competitive markets that will enable us to compete and have the markets to sell our products and pay our bank loan.

He called on President Buhari “to ban the importation of tomato paste, without waste of time. We can do without the imports. We don’t need it. It will create opportunities for people. Only the tomato paste industry can create jobs for more than one million people in this country, from farmers to processors to marketers.”

“Nigeria is uniquely blessed with a special climatic condition which allows us to grow tomato more than twice a year but sadly Nigeria

has remained the biggest tomato paste importer in the world. I assure you, No nation can survive the level of dumping of sub-standard and fake tomato paste and other food items. After over 50 years of independence, it is unacceptable that we continue to import what can be sourced locally and putting pressure on our foreign exchange earnings.

While expressing joy at the sacking of some agencies Directors recently, Umeofia urged the President to appoint patriotic and God-fearing Nigerians with the same zeal and vision in moving Nigeria forward to head NAFDAC. “we urge the federal Government to as a matter of national emergency direct all Heads of various Government Agencies and parastatals involved in industrial sector to stop giving undue advantage to ‘briefcase’ foreign investors who camouflage as industrialists whose primary interest is to import finished goods as raw materials without paying taxes or the relevant customs duties with the aid of some unscrupulous Nigerian officials who are always willing to sell their birth right at highest cost against our National interest.

The Erisco foods boss said the commissioned factory will save the country and farmers over 75% fresh tomato wastages. “we will eat better fleshier and healthier tomato pastes, earn foreign exchange to the country and this new technology, in the nearest future, Nigeria will no longer be the major importer of tomatoes but would now be the major exporter of tomatoes and other food items all made in Nigeria from Nigerian soil.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 17 anybody – we are going to bring any erring person to book. We are not here to plead; we are not here to beg; we are not here to beseech or to request. We are here to tell you that, should there be any problem, wherever it rises from, we

Enough of tough talk before elections

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nyone who had opportunity to follow media reports on the preparations for rerun elections in Rivers State scheduled for yesterday would agree that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police were set for the event. On its part, the electoral body said every measure and precaution had been taken to ensure free and fair elections adding that in addition to its usual logistics, 3 national commissioners and 6 resident electoral commissioners were deployed for election duty on the D-Day. On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase last Monday directed the immediate relocation of the Assistant Inspector General Adisa Baba Bolanta AIG in charge of Zone 6 Calabar, to Port Harcourt for pre-elections preparations. In addition, 3

Commissioners of Police were specifically deployed to supervise security arrangements within the three Senatorial Districts – Rivers East, Rivers West and Rivers South East, respectively. More strategic was the deployment of 6000 conventional Policemen and 14 Units of Police Mobile Force personnel (MOPOL), to compliment the personnel of Rivers State Command during the election.

Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State born Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Sontoye Wakama left no one in doubt that the police meant business. In the words of Wakama, “if volatility should arise, we are going to stretch, and I repeat, we are going to stretch the law to the fullest elasticity.

Let me explain it, if it would require us to use a mortar pestle to kill a mosquito – I am not saying we are killing PhD,Depar tment of Philosophy, University of Lagos 08116759758 opuruiche2000@yahoo.com

An unbeliever's interpretation of Easter (1)

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f, in a big auditorium full of people one were to ask all the Christians present who believe that the biblical story concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ is an established historical fact to raise up their hands, I am sure all of them would do so irrespective of the denomination they belong to. Such unanimity of response is premised on the conviction that the individual named Jesus of Nazareth was an actual human incarnation of God who was crucified on the cross to save humanity from the dire consequences of sin, which is one of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity and the reason for Easter celebrations. But for a sceptic and nonreligious humanist like myself, Easter, Id el malud, Christmas, iri ji (or new yam festival) and other widely accepted faithbased practices offer a good opportunity for examining critically the core doctrines of religion.

Without any scintilla of doubt, Nigerians love religion too much, especially Christianity and Islam. As a result, they tend to assume that outward show of religious piety is a good thing. Presently, our people have not yet grasped the potential dangers inherent in being led by two devout religionists, President Muhammadu

Buhari and his deputy, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo. I will explore the problems associated with having people with strong religious beliefs at the topmost echelons of political power in a future essay. Suffice it to say, however, that religions in Nigeria today, engender stunted intellectual and spiritual growth, selfabnegation, hatred, hypocrisy, poverty and a host of psychological disturbance among believers. Thus, it is important, using the platform of a popular religious celebration, to subject the fundamental doctrines of religion to the bright light of ratiocinative scrutiny from time to time.

Moreover, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution explicitly provides for “freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.” Therefore, our laws permit criticism of religion; in fact, the section cited above entails freedom of unbelief and suspension of belief also.

Now, the constitutionally guaranteed secularity of the Nigerian state has been whittled down by the presence of churches and mosques in Aso Rock and state government houses across the country, not to talk of the highly

As an officer who rose from the intelligence branch of the police to the top, Arase cannot be unmindful of the importance of dealing with the subject from point of view of knowledge will deal with that problem with the full weight of the law.” With such a well crafted statement, was the police merely barking? Have we not heard all of this before?

Of course election violence in Nigeria has never been handled with the severity it deserves. In 2003, the then questionable inclusion of the country in an Islamic organisation or coalition by retired general Ibrahim Babangida and President Buhari. In this regard, there is an urgent need to robustly challenge the increasing domination of the mind-set of Nigerians by religious superstition at a period in world history when serious countries are relegating religion and harnessing the technological spin-offs of scientific knowledge for sustainable national development and wealth creation.

The absurdities of religious superstition is spreading among people faster than the dreaded Ebola virus, such that, in the next few years, if those who prefer rationality to blind faith as the best strategy for living do not start speaking out now against religion, Nigeria will be overrun by a population of feebleminded theological robots destitute of the basic critical thinking skills and scientific worldview required for sane and responsible life in the community. The irrational quest for miracles, for quick supernatural interventions, is rampant now partly because extremely wicked, audacious, and diabolical "men and women of God" use hypnosis, autosuggestion, intimidation and subtle blackmail not only to steal from their congregation but also to instil fear, intolerance and obsessive-compulsive preoccupation with heaven or paradise (imaginary in my view) in those that happen to take their bombastic nonsense seriously. I am not aware of any systematic research programme detailing the effects of excessive reoccupation with religion on the individual and on the society as a whole.

Probably, many scholars

Police boss, Tafa Balogun revealed that 850 violent political thugs arrested by the Police were set free through government intervention. During the post election violence which followed the 2011 elections; the Police in Kaduna officially confirmed the arrest of more than 400 suspected perpetrators of election violence. 189 others were arrested in Zaria. What happened to the cases?

In the governorship re-run election in Delta State in January 2011, ballot snatching occurred prominently with 25,000 security operatives on ground. During the 2012 Edo governorship elections, the State Government issued a statement a few days to the election to condemn those who it claimed to be buying voters’ cards on behalf of the Governor. This made the police to swing into action and arrested 6 members of the main opposition party for allegedly ‘buying’ voters’ cards but no one was arrested for selling to them and no got to know what happened to those arrested!

In the Anambra governorship election, security agencies were battle ready and they read the riot act to would be miscreants. In the end, they arrested 183 election observers from Osun State who were lodged at Desney Hotel, Owerri for illegal assembly. Then, they restricted certain politicians

to their hotel rooms during voting and as one bizarre allegation stated, they held-up some INEC staff at Onitsha Bridge for hours on Election Day. After voting, they used tear gas to disperse about 300 women who were protesting what they felt was a poorly organized election. Some of the women fainted but alas, 28,000 security operatives led by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police deployed to secure the election could not stop the snatching of ballot boxes.

Similarly in the case of the Oguta constituency election of June 2013, security operatives armed to the teeth were everywhere. They reportedly rounded off a batch of thugs numbering about 20 at Agwa community yet; there was still ample snatching of ballot boxes. This necessitated the declaration of the election by INEC as inconclusive. How did the case of the thugs end?

As an officer who rose from the intelligence branch of the police to the top, Arase cannot be unmindful of the importance of dealing with the subject from point of view of knowledge. This probably explains why he began with a thorough surveillance of flash points. It is indeed instructive that he deployed detachments of the anti-robbery squad, antibomb squad, anti-terrorist team and a special marine force with helicopter surveillance to complement the security arrangements.

With the outright ban placed on the use of tricycles, motorcycles and motorized

speed boats with capacities of 200 horsepower and above, the nation should be interested in what the police found and how it handled its findings.

How for instance did the police manage the big Ogas?

Here are some relevant questions. Governor Nyesom Wike declared public holidays on the two days, Thursday and Friday preceding the election “to enable workers fully participate in the polls.” What type of preparations did the people need 2 days to make?

Was it for them to have enough time to search for their voters’ cards? Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi was alleged to have boasted that he would use the army to overwhelm his opponents- the Peoples Democratic Party. Luckily, the latter got the courts to restrain the federal government from involving the military in the elections. Was the court order obeyed?

However, we recall that the military was used in the governorship election which Wike won in 2015. Why is the governor’s party now against the use of the military? Was there something the military did in favour of the then ruling party which it is seeking to prevent from happening now that the positions have changed? People who rig elections should be arrested and prosecuted, but Wike says such riggers should prepare their ‘Will’ before coming to rig election in Rivers State which means they will be killed. If so, who is authorised to do the killing?

with the required expertise and competence to conduct such research are themselves devout Christians and Muslims who see nothing wrong with Nigeria's troubling reputation as one of the most religious countries in the world alongside Saudi Arabia, Iran and, possibly, the Vatican. Consequently,

would become increasing clear. Note, however, that the significance of Easter for Christians derives from the fact that without belief in what they say is the exemplary redeeming character of Christ’s mission on earth, particularly alleged death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, the entire edifice of Christianity would crumble to dust. Put differently, if it can be demonstrated that the events commemorated as Easter did not actually happen, Christianity would lose its raison d'être and the uniqueness which believers attach to Christ's life in world history.

According to the biblical point of view, God, right from the very beginning, singled out a Jew, the man Jesus, to carry the burden of redeeming humankind from sin and eternal damnation in hellfire through death by crucifixion. Hence, in Christian depiction of world history, Jesus of Nazareth occupies an unprecedented position in humanity ’s quest for reconciliation with God. The view that, out of all the peoples in the world a Jew was selected by the almighty to die an "accursed" ignoble death and resurrect on the third day to save humankind as a whole is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of self-delusional arrogance. For it is impossible, except on the basis of blind faith, to assert that a supposedly omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent deity would be so narrow-minded as to have a “chosen people” and allow his son to die in disgrace and resurrect afterwards just to atone for our sin. Why should an allpowerful all-knowing benevolent being engage in the ghoulish rigmarole of allowing Adam and Eve to commit the so-called

original sin and wait for thousands of years to send Jesus to die when he could simply have forgiven Adam finally and left the matter at that? What type of God would take a simple matter of disobedience so seriously to the extreme as to decree a punishment far beyond the gravity of the offence committed by the first couple it created without knowledge of good and evil, as recorded in Gen 3:14-19?

More pertinently, is the narrative about the death and resurrection of Jesus a historical event or a variant of the myth prevalent in Mediterranean cultures centuries ago that for the redemption of humans a God or a son of God must die and rise up from death?

To answer these questions, we shall examine the views of scholars on the biblical narratives pertaining to the arrest, trial, death and resurrection of Jesus, knowing full well, as Bertrand Russell correctly observed in his Why I am not a Christian, that the historical question pertaining to Jesus is yet to be resolved. But even at that, we still have to surmount a difficult challenge, namely, the problem of harmonising conflicting stories of the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus in the so-called synoptic Gospels.

Several commentators have analysed many of these discrepancies. For instance, J.D. Shams, a Muslim cleric, wrote a book with the tantalising title Where Did Jesus Die? In it, he highlighted contradictory stories in the Gospels of events shortly before, during, and after the purported death and resurrection of Jesus, which puts a big question mark on the credibility and veracity of the Gospels.

The significance of Easter for Christians derives from the fact that without belief in what they say is the exemplary redeeming character of Christ’s mission on earth, particularly alleged death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, the entire edifice of Christianity would crumble to dust now is the time to fill that lacuna so that people can have a better understanding of the toxic nature of religion and, hopefully, learn to move on with their lives free from religious superstition.

That said, the upcoming Easter celebration, which commemorates the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth(all of which I believe are mere allegations), ranks as one of the grossest artefacts in the museum of theological nonsense. As we go along in our analysis, justification for that bold assessment

To be continued

PAGE 18 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only

The big debate: Can you be single and happy?

I

s it possible for a spinster to be truly happy or fulfilled without a man or children in her life?

About a year ago, Kate Bolick published a controversial book which argues that modem singletons are actually content with their lot. But is the author of Spinster: Making A Life Of One’s Own deluded? Or is she on to something? Taiwo, 52 this year,.bought and read the book almost immediately copies appeared on the bookshelves and told me .sadly, that she wasn’t all that ecstatic about being single in spite of her wealth. According to her, “A few weeks ago, I found myself in the middle of a room and my eyes pricked with tears.

Mustering all my strength not to well up, I felt a gaping sense of loss. I was not at the funeral of a loved one, but at my friend’s son’s tenth birthday party, and I was the only woman there without an army of squabbling brats and a man to call my own. Most of my friends were there - a medley of middleaged couples settled around the kitchen table, content and relaxed as they swapped jokes about truculent teenagers and the grind of JAMB. “Amid the hubbub, I was shouting into my mobile, organising my weekend outings ahead.

I laughed and joked about another date, but my laughter was empty, merely a mechanism to cover up the loneliness I felt. After all, I was 52, and quite honestly, I’d much rather be spending a cosy night with a husband and children than running around like the teenager I so obviously am not.”

Yet, according to the

U.S. author, Taiwo should be out and proud, enjoying her exciting single lifestyle. Her book, part memoir and part eulogy to the state of spinsterhood, challenges the idea that women who don’t marry are somehow sad and pathetic. Being single, she says shouldn’t be seen as a default position for modem bachelorettes, but a life choice, a conscious decision to exist independently and selfsufficiently.

“I used to think like Bolick,” confessed Taiwo.

“I even gave a talk or two to professional bodies on living an unconventional life that was unfettered and free.

But who was 1 kidding?

Myself, of course.

Because the idea of being able to have a happy, fulfilled life on your own is a myth.

I can’t tell you how many times I have come home to a cold house and

an empty bed and felt utterly dejected and scared. True, I may be able to eat in bed, watch daytime soaps and drink wine when I felt like - the usual arguments trotted out by Bolick; but as pleasurable as all this may be, I know I’d enjoy it far more if I shared it with someone I loved.

Which is why Bolick’s premise that life can be lived more fully on your own she even writes of finding herself yearning, when with a man, for the extravagant pleasures of simply being alone seems to me like a slow burning recipe for unhappiness.

“Has she ever wondered what will happen when old age catches up with her?

The fact is, she’s still in her early 40s, stunning with a figure to die for.

Wait till her lips are puckered and the cheeks sunken. I often wake up in the night, terrified no man will

ever want me again.

Because - and here’s the crux - Bolick’s feminist mantra of `If bachelorhood can be celebrated, why not spinsterhood’ is simply naive. I’m sorry, but as cruel as it is, being single is different for women. It’s unfair, even disgustingly so, but it is also true.

“Only last weekend, I was at my social club chatting to a group of men in their early 60s.

They listened to me attentively, until a svelte thirtysomething wafted in. One even managed to arrange a date with her. And it’s not only dating disappointments we mid-life singletons have to contend with. I also wonder, with no children of my own and growing health niggles, who will look after me as I age? And as if that wasn’t enough, there is the problem of ageing parents. Six years ago, my mother was

And have been waiting To meet the only one Our heart can beat at once

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"

"TWO IN ONE"

I have long been searching

My heart beats for love And her heart answered When ours was joined Alas! one we became Her lip so red and charming My heart stick to it sweetly And her hand is softly warm On my chick with lovely cares In my arms she played And on her shoulder I dreamt

diagnosed with vascular dementia. My sisters, with their many childcentric responsibilities, left the bulk of caring duties to me. As my father pointed out, it wasn’t as if I had any family commitments.

And he was right.

“When she passed away last year, it was my job to look after our devastated father. To make sure the househelp cooked him the right meals, sit and chat about the happy times. I don’t resent doing all that, and am happy to be useful. But to be honest, it is a bit like landing the booby prize. Never in a million years did I ever think that my life would end up like this. It is far from the foot-loose ‘living on your own terms’ that Bolick talks about.

“So I am sorry to contradict the author and her merry army of gladto-be- single followers, because it may seem glamorous, glossy and daring now, but come a certain age, being on your own is simply and sadly lonely. No, we spinsters don’t need to be pitied or laughed at, but neither do we need to pretend to ourselves and the world we are having a ball, because we’re not!”

Next Week - Two Spinsters disagree with Taiwo Your mother-in-law can’t be all that bad!

If right now you wish you could make your motherin-law disappear without being arrested, relax. She might be top on your list of the most hated people on earth, the fact is she’s human and yes, she could be flexible - all nice and loving! To help you cope with getting along with your dreaded

mother-in-law, here are tips from a relationship counsellor: It is her, not you: Put yourself in your motherin-Iaw ’s shoes. Her hostility has more to do with the relationship she shares with her son, than it does with you. She’s probably worrying she’s lost power over him and feels that she’s been replaced. Her sniping reveals more about her own insecurities.

Don’t retaliate: Someone else’s bad behaviour is their problem, not yours. So don’t snap back or indulge in angry texting you’ll regret later.

Instead, take deep breaths and count to 10, giving yourself time to think before you speak, or stay silent.

Be true to yourself: You’re a grown up, and entitled to stand up for yourself. So if your mother-in-law doesn’t like your dress or the way you’ve straightened your hair, say: “Oh well, the main thing is that I do.”

- Don’t let her criticisms get to you.

Refuse to let anger consume you: Don’t waste energy hating your mother-in-law as it only eats you up and harms your relationship with your man. Take steps to improve the situation instead.

Don’t put him in the middle: Your man won’t appreciate a character assassination of his mother. Be specific about the things she’s said or done. Then reassure him you’d much prefer to be friends with his mum, and ask him to have a word to help.

You both love the same person: If all else fails, you can at least be grateful your mother-inlaw gave birth to the man you love!

When I saw her cute queenly face Behold, we are one in the ocean of Love.

Sunday Ogbaoyibo sunlightwoorld82@gmail.com 07032615563; 08151972318.

My World....

Wow! How time flies...is already a year when we walked down the isle against all odds. Non of their verdict could stop what we share not even science...

Our love was stronger and love won, and if what we share was a mistake then I don't want to be correct for ever... Love u now n forever.... Happy anniversary my love my Ena and my World...

Ekhas_theor y...d4greatness@yahoo.com 08158309333

SUND AY Vanguard , MARCH 20 , 2016 , P AGE 19 SUNDA

Does sex get better as a woman ages?

S

EX is supposed to be better for the average woman as she gets older. This might be true but it depends largely on your partner - you can’t have good sex if he’s not up to scratch.

Over a New Year bash, and tanked up on booze, a handful of us, ‘girls’ started discussing the joy of sex. Only, not every one was getting it and not all those who admitted getting it were singing lustfully in the bathroom! “When I got married,” Ini said, “I was barely in my 20s and didn’t know that much about sex, so I just let my husband take the lead. It was nice enough, but I’d since discovered the joy of sex! It’s the most wholesome meal in the world. As you get older and meet different partners, each partner’s .skill adds to your enjoyment of sex.

You take time to discover the things you both like and you will realise you have much energy than when you were younger!”

“My own high is down to my toy boy,” Sunmola, a mother of three said smugly. “I wasn’t looking for love when I met him six years ago. He was barely 30 and 1 was six years older. With him I’ve discovered the joy of sex, and I’m having more fun than ever. The sex isn’t better because he’s younger. It’s me who has changed. I’m more confident now. And Chris, my lover is one of the best. He was cheeky and made me laugh. His kisses

make my spine tingle. Sex with him is so different from my wedding night all those years ago. With Chris I’m full of energy and know just what I want - and I’m never afraid to tell him exactly what that is.

“Over the years we’ve explored each other completely. We watch soft porn if we feel like it, look through dirty magazines together and make love anywhere it takes our fancy. Any shyness on my part has completely disappeared. Who says older isn’t sexier?!”

Latifat, 49 next month, agreed that a lot depends on your partner. “Mine really wants to give a woman pleasure,” she purred. “Older women enjoy

sex more because they demand more from men. In your 20s you just want to please a man without knowing what you can get back, but in your 30s, you’ve more self-confidence, and in your 40s it gets even better. Mind-blowing really.”

“In my 20s, I was with all the wrong people and didn’t enjoy sex much,” chipped in Mariam. At 56, she’s still with her partner of seven years. A grandmother, she confessed that, “sometimes, I lie back on the sofa and let my man have his wicked ways with me. At times I hear a voice inside my head shrieking: What are you doing? You’re a grandmother, not a teenager!

But so what? Though I’m 56, when it comes to sex, life couldn’t be more adventurous for me, and I intend to make the most of it for as long I can ... “ And just because a lover is considerably younger doesn’t mean he’ll trample all over your feelings by flaunting younger conquests. Oge, an unrepentant cougar in her 60s is so confident she could keep her men on the leash as long as she controls the purse strings. Two years ago, Tony, a lover she considered a ‘real find’ grazed too close to home.

“I’d thrown a few juicy contracts his way,” said Oge, and he was always very grateful - buying me presents

and of course letting me have my ‘cut’ of the profits.

“Towards the end of last year, we cornered a contract that had to be done in a hurry thank goodness we met the deadline. When Tony handed over my cut, it was considerably smaller than the agreed sum. He told me glibly he had to bribe the accountant more than necessary so the money could be released before the end of the year.

Discreet enquiries showed that the accountant was a female in whom Tony was well pleased.

I was told he frequented her apartment from time to time and laid a trap for him. As soon as my ‘informant’ let me know he was settled in his latest love nest, I made my move.

“I’d brought a total stranger to Tony with me and asked him to go knock on the door whilst I stayed in the wings. Who should open the door but loverboy himself? He looked so shocked he didn’t protest as I brushed past him into the flat.

His lover was outraged. She threatened to call the police if I didn’t leave her flat. I told her to go ahead. In the end I left, what was there to hang around for? In spite of his trying to ‘explain’ himself days later, I told him I didn’t want to know and quickly replaced him with another hunk!’

So how have your New Year escapades been for you so far, dear readers? May your bell be rung over and over whenever you hit the

08052201867(Text Only)

The Locust for backpain INBOX Compliments sir, I am a barber and have been in the trade for about two decades now. I have been struggling with low backpain. Can any Yoga exercise be of help?

can help your backpain.

It always advisable to first get the nod from your doctor as Yoga is not necessarily a substitue for medical care.In this case, the Locust will be of great help to you.

I will publish this for your sake and others this Sunday, so get a copy.

Regards.

There are some exercises that

Technique

LIE flat on the floor with face downwards and keep the hands by the side of the body with the fingers clenched into fists. Rest the chin on the ground by raising the head. Inhale and stiffen the body by pressing the fists against the floor. Slowly raise one of the legs as high as possible and do same to the other leg. Then move on to raise both legs as high as possible. Keep the legs in a straight line, while the two thighs, knees and ankles touch each

other. The weight of the legs must fall on the body and hands. Contract the muscles of the buttocks, stretch the muscles of the thighs and further extend the position of the legs. Retain the posture for a few seconds in the beginning and gradually increase the duration.

Concentrate on the upper portion of the body, i.e. above the waist.

Slowly lower the legs to the floor and simultaneously exhale. Relax with normal breathing. Repeat the posture two or three times.

Relax in Makarasana.

Benefits

The practice of this Asana renders the spine supple and elastic. It relieves backache or strain on the spine caused by the hard work, etc. It also tones up the muscles at the back and the intestinal organs in the abdominal region and relieves pain in the lumbar and sacral regions.

Above all, it aids digestion and relieves gastric troubles.

Main Benefits: The Locust brings elasticity to the cervical (upper back) region, and strength to the lower back, but it is important to stretch the chin as far forwards as possible if these benefits are to be gained.

When you first attempt the Locust, you may be dismayed to find that your feet rise only slightly from the floor. Do not be discouraged.

This will improve rapidly with practice and time.

Lower back is strengthened.

Flexibility of the upper back is improved

Yoga Classes STARTED Physical Therapy Centre

*The Locust(Single leg raise)

*The Locust

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

10.00am — 11.00am on Saturdays

PAGE 20 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

The lessons Buhari made us to learn in prison — Akau, ex-Gov Lawal Kaita's associate

By Luka Binniyat Second Republic politician, Mr Ishaya Dare Akau, served as a Commissioner in the Lawal Kaita administration in the old Kaduna State. He was also the first Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC, before becoming the Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme ( SURE-P).

Akau, who trained as a teacher, taught some leading northerners in school among whom was former Vice President Namadi Sambo. In this interview, the veteran politician reminiscences on his experiences as a teacher, politician and activist. He also speaks on his detention during two different military regimes. Excerpts:

H

aving spent almost your entire life in public service, what are you doing with your time now in retirement?

As you said, I’ve committed my whole adult life to service.

Actually, I started work on September 19, 1970; it’s about 45 years now all of which I spent in public service. more in the classroom and management positions as well as serving in certain political offices.

Of course, it has been exciting and challenging and, with the help of God, I was able to do my utmost. I’ve always looked forward to being my own master; I have to determine what to do and where to go.“I wanted to be on my own long time ago, but it didn’t work. Every time I had the proposal to stand as private person, honestly something else came up and knocked it off.

First, I read law because I intended to practice law after retiring from public service. I graduated in law from the University of Abuja. Just as I was about to go to Law School, I was appointed as Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission, so that scuttled my ambition. Again, in 2006, I wanted to go to Law School after I finished my tenure as Chairman, NASC, it was again scuttled and that was when I was invited to go to Kaduna State College of Education (CEO), Gidan Waya (Jema’a LGA) as Sole Administrator. This is the first time I’m left alone to decide what to do with myself.“I’ve been in service all this while, but this time I want to serve humanity and God. I’m nearing my grave and the only thing I can think of now is serving God. God says we should serve Him in our relationships with the brethren we see.

Which of the appointments do you think was most fulfilling of all?

The way I applied myself to assignments, I found most of them fulfilling. Working with human

beings can be challenging. But when you achieve some of the targets you set for yourself, you feel happy. When you have caused some change in circumstances of the organization, in the lives of the people and community, certainly you’ll feel fulfilled. As a teacher, I once told the story; we had a staff meeting in Kano where I criticized some of the things that my Provost did and he was very angry with me. After the meeting he called me and said, `Ishaya, we’re considering your promotion this year, but I don’t see how I can recommend your promotion having behaved the way you did this morning'. So, I told him, `Sir, I came to this college to teach and not to be promoted”. I told him that I get promoted every day. If I’m aware that my students knew what I taught them, I get fulfilled from seeing my students grow up to be who they’re.

And I also told him that my greatest fulfillment is in development of others.

Today, many of my students have reason to be men of influence; they are professors and, in many areas of human endeavours, they have excelled.

But you also had a stint in politics.

Can you share your experience?

Well, I was drafted reluctantly into politics in 1977, when the then Constituent Assembly was convened under General Olusegun Obasanjo, and each local government area (LGA) elected a representative to the Constituent Assembly. The Jema’a LGA, that time led by the late Samuel Danjuma Audu, elected me to represent it in the Constituent Assembly. Jema’a LGA at that time included the present Jaba/Jema’a/ Kaura/Sanga LGAs of toda. That was my first foray into politics. With the kind of people in that Assembly and the way things were done, it was like going to school. Yes, because what it means to go and sit with people like Aminu Kano, Shehu Shagari, Sultan Dasuki, Chief Rotimi Williams, Adamu Ciroma; the late Justice Udo Udoma was Chairman. Many wonderful Nigerians who have distinguished themselves including Chief Simeon Adebo, Chief MKO Abiola, these were the people there. You gained a lot from their wisdom and experience.“I remember one day; there was a debate going on, on a particular topic and the late Chief Simeon Adebo left his seat and came and sat by my side and engaged me in a discussion. Well, I thought I had arrived and so important that I had to be consulted, I didn’t know that he didn’t want me to listen to what was going-on (laughter), because he didn’t want me to participate in what was going on. So, it was after they had finished voting on that, that I heard what it was about, but it was too late. So, that was a trick he played on me.

That means you were very vocal in the Assembly?

Well, I tried not to be too vocal. I was a young man just in my thirties.

Actually, I was just 31 years or thereabouts when I got there. So, for the one year we spent in that Assembly, honestly it was like going to a post-graduate school. I learnt a lot

from there.

What happened after the Constituent Assembly?

After the stint, all of us organized ourselves into groups and you would recall it was from those groups that the NPN,

After the stint, all of usV V organized ourselves into groups and you would recall it was from those groups that the NPN, UPN, NPP and PRP were formed

UPN, NPP and PRP were formed. We were in the NPP together with Waziri Ibrahim. It was at our convention where we were to choose the presidential candidate that there was a problem. Waziri wanted to be both the party Chairman as well as its presidential candidate. But some of us said the two should be separated, that the Chairman of the party should be different from the party’s“presidential candidate. He would not agree, so that caused division. At the convention that day, in one cinema house in Lagos Island, there was fracas and the party split into two and he went ahead to form Great Nigeria’s People Party, GNPP. You went with him?

No! We stuck to NPP where, in the first instance, I was elected Assistant Secretary; later on, I became the

National Financial Secretary and member of the National Executive of the party. So, that was my first foray into politics. We fought the 1979 elections.

We campaigned for the elections and lost at both the state and national levels. We were able to draft the late Professor Ishaya Audu to come and be the party’s representative; but along the line, the federal level wanted him more than us, so he was taken away to be running mate to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. So, we were left at the last-minute to look for someone else to replace him here. Well, we lost the election. But in our constituency, that’s Southern Kaduna Zone, we did very well.

We won majority of the seats in House of Assembly, lost the Senate narrowly but won two or three federal legislative seats.

So, that was NPP and the party we belonged to until the coup of December, 1983. After the coup, we went to prison.

You went to prison too?

Oh yes, very well!

Where were you jailed?

In Kaduna here!

But you never had any political position then!

After the 1979 elections, our party went into relationship with the PRP, and, honestly, they picked some of us from the other party (NPP) to join them. So, from the NPP, I was picked and Asandu Garba, from Saminaka, was picked, he was a UPN supporter. We joined to form the cabinet under Abba Rimi. So, I was a commissioner from 1981 – 1983. I served as Commissioner for Education, Economic Planning and Agriculture.

After this, we lost the election in August 1983 and we left the cabinet. The coup, led by the then Major General Muhammadu Buhari, came four months later. And you know, it was against anybody who had served. We were told to report at the nearest police station (laughter). We did, and the police told me they had no problem with me, that I should go. I was asked to report to the NSO here (Kaduna) and they said they had no reason to keep me. But one day, I was declared wanted and was brought to Kaduna under police escort.

We were first detained in a house along Tafawa Balewa Way. How many were you?

All of us that were commissioners in Kaduna State, about 14 of us. After staying there for two weeks, we were moved to Kaduna Prisons where we stayed for eight months. We were released in October 1984. While we were in prison, there was a committee set up, comprising the Army, Air Force, Police and NSO, that probed our activities while in power; our bank accounts investigated and everything. At the end of the day, nothing was found incriminating against us. We were given letters of discharge to go. No apologies given. You see, we were arrested and kept, then they went to look for charges against us, instead of getting the charges first… Right! That is what happened. So, I spent eight months inside Kaduna Prisons. The only time we saw the outside was when they came to carry us for investigations.

You were all locked up in room?

Cf course, we were locked up in one

room. Even inside the prisons, we were not allowed to mix with other prisoners. Yes, there was a section for the so-called VIPs where we were locked up. Frankly, it was quite challenging because the place was meant for just about 12 persons or so but there were times we were up to 45 – 48. A room that was meant for 4 – 6 persons at most was made to take more than 12 persons. People were lying on the floor; we were lucky to have been the first set to get there, we slept on double bunk beds.

You were all politicians from Kaduna State?

Four or five Ministers joined us there later. And of course some governors too - Abubakar Rimi, Sabo Barkin Zuwo, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Emir of Suleja now (Awal Ibrahim) , Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Bachaka - they were also brought there. And then a number of other people who, for one reason or the other, were arrested and brought in there. The Ministers there were Ademola Thomas of Finance, Patrick Bologo of Labour, Chief Yomi Akintola among others. Later on, the Commissioners of the NPN in Kaduna State that had served for just three months were also brought there. So, that was the crowd in the prisons but many of them were released. The NPN Commissioners were released in April 1984, but we continued to stay there until October. One of the lessons we learnt from that episode is that it was the price we had to pay for service.

So, that terminated your career as a politician?

After that I went back to the classroom; frankly I didn’t participate in party politics to the extent of going out to solicit for votes. I went back to the classroom; unfortunately, again I found myself in detention in 1987.

I spent 120 days in the CID cells here on trumped up charges of having been the brain behind the riots in Kafanchan in 1987. The riot started from the College of Education, Kafanchan. It was about a Christian preacher accused by Muslims students of misquoting the Quran. And there were people who believed that I must have had a hand in it, simply because I am a prominent indigene of Kafanchan, or for what reason I didn’t know. I was arrested again and put in jail and I spent 120 days. It was my lawyers that applied to the High Court and my rights were enforced because there was no evidence, no charges were brought against me.

“My next stint in politics really was just the last elections. I was sort of drafted into party politics since I was a political appointee; and of course I supported my party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and unfortunately we lost.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 21

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Okunbor’s N150billion farm project to create 85,000 jobs •Project dear to us — Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

H

istory was made last Tuesday when a $750million (about N150 billion) farm, designed to create 85,000 jobs in Edo State, was unveiled by business man, Captain Hosa Okunbor, at Government House, Benin City. Okunbor, who arrived the Government House with his partners from Mexico and the Director General of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Dr Segun Awolowo, told Governor Adams Oshiomhole that the farm, to be sited in Odighi, in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo, has been his dream after conquering the air as a pilot, the sea, following hundreds of his vessels in the waters ways and now the land, with the farm project. He explained that the farm will create 25,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs. Aside the farm, which will produce livestock, pineapple, banana and many other crops, an international airport will be built in the area for easy export of the farm produce. “The 9,000 hectares of land was acquired in 2006, because it is my dream project. I am partnering with investors to

From left: Mr. Segun Awolowo, Capt Hosa Okunbor, Chairman, Wells Sam Carlos Farm and Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the presentation of the Agro business plan realise this dream. It is something very special to me, I am doing this not because of money but because of what we can give back to the society, it is a legacy project” .

Okunbor said. “This will eventually outlive me when I do it the right way. This is what I call my vision, what I call my legacy, something that has been in my dreams for some time, I have been nurturing it, working

on it for over five years now. We have just kick started. Mr Governor, why this is very important to me is that at my very young age, as a pilot, I conquered my profession at the age of 30 and I left. I went into business by the grace of God. I have done so well with over 60 vessels in the sea, I think I have conquered the sea. And coming to the land I said before the land takes me, I want to conquer the land. I have started already with

a 20 hectares green house at the bypass. The green house, some of the facilities are arriving this week and, before the end of October, we will be producing about 600 tones from the green house of vegetable every month for both local or export market”.

Speaking also during the presentation, the DG of the NEPC, Awolowo, explained: “ We started as a facilitator. The idea is to bring investment into manufacturing and industry in Nigeria and this is a perfect example of that, partnering with Wells and Carlos Farms. Our soil is very fertile and very good. We can capture the European market. This is a wonderful investment that will be the envy of other states and countries in Africa”.

An elated Oshiomhole, who said he was proud that Okunbor is an indigene of Edo, said the investment keyed into the effort by President Muhammadu Buhari to diversify the economy from oil by returning the nation to farming. He said: “Let me thank you for the confidence you have reposed in your own state. I am excited with what I have seen because one way we can help our communities is to create jobs, opportunities for other people to have three square meals and save for the future. And I believe that the objective of the Wells Farm Limited complements very well the Federal Government’s commitment in the area of food security and of course with a potential for export. If any of us had thought that Nigeria can continue to live on oil revenue, recent events have shown clearly that this is not a sustainable position. I think you are on the right track and I am excited that you are from Edo.”

Kw ara fflaunts launts pilo ts’ training po Kwara pilots’ pottentials

By Demola Akinyemi

S

ince its estalishment in 2012 by former Governor Bukola Saraki, the International Aviation College was seen as a strange idea in a civil servant state like Kwara, contrary to the vision of the founder.

Against the backdrop of the scathing criticism of being elitist because of the very expensive school fees, the motive behind it’s creation was due to the shortage of pilots in the aviation industry,combined with the government’s youth empowerment

Urhobo forum urges Delta North’s support for govt

N

ATIONAL Chairman of Urhobo Solidarity Forum, USF, Chief Smith Asohro, has told the people of Delta North to stop moving out of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in order to strengthen their support base for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Noting that Okowa was their son and it was the first time somebody from Delta North was governing the state, the group held that the governor needed their support to move the state forward.

Asohro, in a statement, said, “Rather than betray Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for cheap political gains, politicians in Delta North should work closely with him to see that he succeeds as the first governor from the area”.

While describing the recent defection of some Delta North politicians from the PDP to the All Progressive Congress, APC, as shameful, he advised all those who had left the PDP to retrace their step.

C M Y K

*Inside one of the institution’s helicopters strategy and the institution’s potentials to attracted development to that contribute to Kwara’s axis,which in turn has Internally Generated increased the value of property in that area,and this has had Revenue.

Similarly,the strategic multiplier effects on the location of the institution economy.

Meanwhile, the college along the Airport Road

trained 25 cadets of the Nigeria Air Force in 2014,while several states and foreign governments have been indicating interests in sponsoring students for training in the college.

The administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed claimed it has expanded the institution’s capacity through financial support and provision of aircraft.

Last Wednesday, the aviation college broke new grounds when it flagged off helicopter training in partnership with Nigerian Navy.

Ahmed, at the ceremony, noted that since the operation began in 2012, the college has continued to focus on producing the best pilots and aviation professionals.

He said the flag-off of the helicopter training makes the aviation college, number one

destination for comprehensive aviation training in Nigeria and West Africa.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, ViceAdmiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, for the partnership assuring that Kwara State government will support the collaboration and ensure its success.

According to him, the collaboration may not have been possible without the training competences and current Aviation Training Organisation (ATO)status of the institution.

Given the college’s accomplishments,facilities and partnership with elite organisations such as the navy and the air force, Ahmed called on aviation operators to employ more locally trained pilots as Nigeria has the training facilities, structures and personnel to train world class pilots.

Community gets interim EXCO

T

he Ofagbe Development Union, OPU, in Ofagbe Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, has appointed an Interim Technical Committee (ITC) to manage the affairs of the union pending when election of new executives would be conducted.

The appointment of the ITC followed the removal of the previous executive by the Stakeholders Forum of the OPU. According to a statement by the Chairman of the forum, Rev. Simon Agoma, and Secretary, Adams Isini, the

ITC would pilot the affairs of the union for a period of 10 months.

Those appointed include; Otuonuyo Kenneth, President; Matthew Ireh, Vice President; Prince Amos Ogumayo, Secretary General; Idisi Ibrahim, Assistant Secretary and Fredrick Akpojerefa, Treasurer.

Others are Mrs. Omene Oghale, Financial Secretary; Pst. Eric Orivoh, P.R.O. I; Okudhuru Oke Prince, P.R.O. II; Uye Joseph, Auditor and Godday Odadhe, Central Chairman.

From left: Mrs Esther Oguh , Samuel Olayanju, Okanigbe Chidebere, Ukachi Esther, Pastor Daniel Oguh and Babajide Aloba, during the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Centre of Greatness Parish, Area 017,LP 48, Asiriabo, Isolo annual praise programme, tagged: Shekinah 12 hours Praise.

PAGE 22—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

POOREST NIGERIANS Buhari, Osinbajo and

ripples over u – turn on

N5,000 stipend

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

T

hey appear not to be on the same page on the campaign promise of paying N5,000 stipend to the unemployed youth. While President Muhammadu Buhari, in his usual candour, chose to be realistic, his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, a professor of law, resorted to logic and prevarications. Is there a disconnect somewhere? Why is the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, keeping mum on the issue? Endless controversy ...

Even though he confesses to be a politician, he is far from being one. A typical Nigerian politician prevaricates on about every issue. He has sugar-coated lips to tell lies.

He amplifies half truths and elevates sycophancy. He almost, always, defiles the sanctity of truth with utter provocation. He accentuates a sense of diplomacy with rhetorics, analogies and philosophical innuendoes. He is unabashedly unapologetic.

But on daily basis, this politician betrays his confession and walks on the path of candor and forthrightness.

Recall the 2016 budget.

Recall also that the Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stoutly rose in defence of the budget, saying government could not have padded the document only for him to be vehemently disowned by his principal who, while on a foreign soil, stated that the budget was altered.

But this, irrespective of its loftiness, also has its consequence and such is momentarily playing out in the political party that brought him to power.

Indeed, there is an eerie discomfort in the party. There seems to be a disconnect that may set him and his people on a collision course. Though a lot of defence is being made, the vagueness in it stands obvious.

Against every expectation, President Muhammadu Buhari spoke and in a manner that provoked some thoughts.

Unfortunately, the words had already gone out and have continued to resonate, attracting negative reactions from both the rich and the poor who may have excitedly voted for them in the 2015 presidential election based on that lone promise. What was the promise? That there would be N5,000 monthly stipend for the unemployed youth in the country.

That was one promise the Federal Government of the All Progressives Congress, APC, made during the campaigns. Trust political parties in Nigeria.

During elections, they would make a basket full of promises.

Last year's elections were no exception. There were such

I would want youths to understand that every promise must be backed up by budgetary provision and our promise to pay N5,000 is not contained in the 2015 Budget. So, definitely, it is going to begin in 2016 as we have made budgetary allocations for that

promises. While the then ruling People's Democratic Party, PDP, campaigned on the consolidation of transformation agenda (whatever that meant) of its presidential candidate, exPresident Goodluck Jonathan, APC promised a host of social packages which prominently featured the N5,000 token and a day's meal for school children.

But nine months into the administration, signs that the promise is a mirage are already pervasive.

It was the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalong, who restated to journalists at the APC National Secretariat in November, 2015 when he paid a condolence visit to the National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, on the demise of Abubakar Audu, that the Federal Government would not renege on the N5,000 stipend promise, pleading for patience on the part of the youth.

He said: "I would want youths to understand that every promise must be backed up by budgetary provision and our promise to pay N5,000 is not contained in the 2015 Budget. So, definitely, it is going to begin in 2016 as we have made budgetary allocations for that.

We are committed to the campaign promises of creating jobs, providing wealth creation and combating poverty. We have embedded in our manifesto things that we are translating to reality.

After Dalong came the Minister

of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, who also told journalists at the APC National Secretariat on January 13, this year, that the money was not for indolent youth. But he didn't say government wouldn't pay the money at all.

We also have a programme on conditional cash transfer.

Though even you journalists have said it, we won't pay N5,000 for people to be indolent. No country in the world, would pay people to go home and sleep and collect cash. So, Nigeria would not be an exception.

We will pay some people N5,000, we will pay some N10,000, and even to people in the teacher conversion scheme, we will pay more than N10,000, N15,000 as stipend while in training, and after the training, they are going to be employed by state and the federal governments in different institutions. It is not a programme we shall run alone, the state governments are going to buy into it, they are going to synchronize with us, we are going to do it in synergy", he said.

But surprise greeted even the least expectant when Buhari, the old soldier turned "politician", the de facto national leader of APC,

continue on page 23

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 23

The u-turn on N5,000 stipend for poorest Nigerians

*Army of unemployed Nigerians at the 2014 NIS interview exercise....which claimed lives continued from page 22 penultimate weekend, in Saudi Arabia, changed his mind from the course, outrightly ruling out the possibility of redeeming the promise.

To him, funds would surely raise an infrastructure which can, in turn, provide jobs for the youth rather than the anticipated monthly handouts.

Of course, there is some truth here if the President was sincere. But given the trajectory of the Nigerian politician, one is persuaded to believe that Buhari may be playing smart.

He said:"This largesse N5,000 for the unemployed, I have got a slightly different priority. I would rather do the infrastructure, the school and correct them and empower agriculture, mining so that every able-bodied person can go and get work instead of giving N5,000 to those who don't work.

But that was the outspoken President. The catalytic Buhari.

He sure spoke his mind even though he could be accused of pooh-poohing on the obvious promise. Many people are of the opinion that such a sensitive issue required a national broadcast to address it to enable Nigerians understand instead of casualizing the issue on a foreign soil.

The controversy Apparently, it was shocking to hear the President announce the reversal, citing the issue of priority. This must have jolted Vice President Osinbajo who has repeatedly mouthed a reserve of half a trillion Naira in the 2016 Budget for some social programmes aimed at stemming the challenges of poverty and penury in the country.

His excitement about the project is that this is first time such an initiative would ever be articulated by a government in the history of national budgeting in Nigeria. So, how could all that he wished away?

He must have reasoned.“But Osinbajo is also another smart man in the government. But he still needs to be tread cautiously because history has

C M Y K

shown that his boss isn't such a man to placate with cover-ups, especially when he is yet to be convinced. Recall his position on the devaluation of the Naira.

Of a truth, one was surprised to hear the office of the the Vice President blatantly deny the promise even when Buhari's admittance of such a promise was very conspicuous.

Spokesman for the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, got provoked by the media saturation of the Buhari's u-turn on the stipend and decided to defend him.“On Monday, Akande issued a statement distancing the President from such a promise. But that was even ridiculous as APC campaign billboards clearly announced the allowance for the unemployed graduates. Perhaps, the VP's spokesman, who retorted that the money was for the "extremely poor Nigerians and the vulnerable", was also acting just smart.“His words: “The budget for 2016, which has been submitted to the National Assembly, has made an allocation of half a trillion naira, the first time in the history of this country’s budget where you have that huge chunk of money allocated for social investment. In that 500 billion, which is half a trillion naira, close to about 20 per cent of the entire budget, there are six social safety net programmes.

And one of them is the conditional cash transfer where government is going to pay N5,000 monthly to the vulnerable and extremely poor Nigerians. That promise stands.

The President never promised to pay unemployed graduates N5,000; the President never made that promise and the government never made that claim that it will pay N5,000 to unemployed graduates.

The programme for unemployed graduates is the direct creation of half a million teaching jobs so that they will be trained; 500,000 unemployed graduates will be trained to teach and they will be deployed to teach, while they are looking for their career paths or jobs.

That still stands!

In addition to that, there is also a scheme to train 370, 000 nongraduate youth for skill acquisition and vocational training. During the time of that training, they will also be paid.

So the President did not say that he would be giving unemployed graduates N5,000. The N5,000 monthly which is already in the budget is for the vulnerable Nigerians and the extremely poor, and this year by the grace of God, once the budget is okay , one million

extremely poor Nigerians will receive N5,000 monthly.

It will recalled that that Osinbajo, on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, while playing host to a delegation of Reckitt Benckiser West Africa, in Abuja, revealed that the 2016 Budget contained six well articulated social welfare programmes and packages that would tackle poverty, illiteracy and health challenges of Nigerians.“Giving a breakdown of the programme, the VP said that it cuts across critical areas like education, health, employment amongst others.

All together there are 6 social protection programmes of the Buhari administration for which funds have been allocated in the 2016 budget.

These are Teach Nigeria, where 500,000 graduates would be hired as teachers, Youth Employment and Empowerment-where between 300,000-500,000 youths would go through skills acquisition and vocational training, the Conditional Cash Transfer, where one million extremely poor Nigerians will receive N5000 monthly this year, Homegrown School Feeding where one meal a day would be served to public primary school children across the country, Free Education for tertiary education 100,000 students of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the MicroCredit Scheme that will give N60,000 one time soft loans to market women, and artisan," he said.

We have to prioritize - Lai Mohammed

This largesse N5,000 for the unemployed, I have got a slightly different priority. I would rather do the infrastructure, the school and correct them and empower agriculture, mining so that every able-bodied person can go and get work instead of giving N5,000 to those who don't work

The fireworks wouldn't have ended without the Minister of Information, Mohammed, lending his voice. As usual, he had also risen in defence of the government sounding it loud and clear that one needs to prioritize after elections. He reportedly spoke to Channels Television.

When you campaign, you say you’ll do A, B, C, but when you win elections, you’ll priotize.

We were elected for a four-year period, not for one year.

Things, we hope, will not be bad all through these four years. We are still faithful to those promises, but as you have rightly said, when we were campaigning, the price of crude was $100 a barrel.

Today, its $30 a barrel, so definitely, we would have to downsize some of the things we intended to do, or prioritize them but this does not mean abandoning those promises”, he said APC governors admit promise But in a dramatic turn, Akande's note was dismissed by two APC governors, Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State, acknowledging the promise on the day Akande prevaricated on the course. But the governors agreed with Buhari's latest position on the issue. Both spoke to State House Correspondents at the

Presidential Villa, Abuja. Almakura could not fault the presidential decision.“He said: "The President is the person that can tell you precisely how he is working on promises and interventions that he has created by his ingenuity. And if at any point in time, the President is reviewing that issue, I think he is the only person to do that because what he is doing is in the best interest of the country.

And so, it is not challengeable by anybody whatever his position.

To Okorocha, the promise would be fulfilled one way or the other. He said: "To be honest with you, it is a great idea, but there are many ways to give that support.

Sometimes, it could be in cash which has its own challenges.

Handling of that is also in itself a wonderful and great idea.

Take for instance, in Imo State, they used to do what they called empowerment. They buy motorcycles and give people N5,000 or N10,000.

To me, that is not my style.

My style is to declare free education, from primary, secondary to university. Nobody pays one naira in Imo State.

The very poor people who have to cope with a lot of social inconveniences of school fees are no longer doing that. What has happened is that she has saved that money to produce further wealth.

So if you keep money through that system, it creates more impact than physical cash. Physical cash sometimes creates more problems, so it is great idea, we have to do it one way or the other as time comes.

Knocks But there are knocks for the APCled administration. One of those knocks came from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Mike Ozekhome who told Sunday Vanguard that the reversal has put the government to credibility test.

It is shameful, ungentlemanly, and puts the government's credibility to serious test. Campaign promises are solemn oath taken by politicians during campaigns upon which people vote for them. To jettison them with a wave of the hand and sweep them under the carpet is to treat Nigerian people (with levity).

The youth went into frenzy believing that their vicissitudes of life had been fully and finally dealt a mortal”, Ozekhome stated.

The VP, Lai Mohammed, Oyegun, et al, had, at one time or the other, emphasized its fruition. Is there a disconnect between the APC and its baby, the PMB government leading to these discordant tuess, tones and Babel of voices?

Bottomline In terms of present economic realities, no one can claim a deeper knowledge of the state of the economy than Buhari who superintends over the affairs of the country. It is possible that with the low crude oil prices, he, obviously, cannot meet up with the promises at least for now, a reason that should significantly necessitate a national broadcast, according to some people, to clear the issue. Rather than playing politics with the obvious, in the estimation of many, this, if done, would further showcase the sincerity of the APC government and also attract more encomiums for the President. But whichever way it goes, the APC government cannot run away from the promise. They made the promise and must fulfill it if they expect support from Nigerians.

PAGE 24 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

Continued from last week This is the concluding part of the report on tales of woes from Oloibiri, Otuabagi, Otuogidi, where oil which was supposed to be a blessing to the people of the area has now become a curse.

A source told Sunday Vanguard that at the drilling sites then, “all the amenities that make life tick were to be found: electricity, water, high-powdered marine transport vehicles and health facilities.

Yet, within a short radius of this drilling haven, there was a stark disparity in living standards.”

OTUABAGI: The situation in Otuabagi best captures what neglect means. The community lacks portable drinking water. 60 years after, the community still depends on a polluted creek as a source of water. There is nothing to envy about the nondescript settlement.

The natives said they have nothing to show for their community historic role in the economy of the country, adding that the relics and pollution associated with oil exploration in the area were still evident.

They lamented that the promises made by past administrations to develop the area and give them a sense of belonging have remained a mirage.

Lamenting the plight of his people, Lawrence Idumesaro, Obim V of Otuabagi, said that in spite of the enormous contribution of his community to the development of the country as the cradle of the nation’s crude oil industry, his community lacked the basic things of life.

Politics surrounding first oil well name “The Otuabagi community is the original landlord of the Oloibiri oil fields.

At that time, Oloibiri was the district headquarters and anything that came to the area was always going to the district headquarters.

Right from that time, the Oloibiri has been using us and has refused to cooperate with us. Oloibiri did not have a single oil well. The first oil well location was within our community. We have done our best to rectify this distortion of history but not successful”, the monarch said.

NEGLECT “If you are told that this community is where oil was first struck in the whole of West Africa, you will not believe it. In terms of development or infrastructure, we have nothing. We are suffering here.

The young men are suffering and roaming about jobless. No electricity, no water, no good roads. In fact, we are living in bondage, while they use our oil to develop other areas, what is our gain?

Nothing.

ANGER “We cannot beg the Federal Government to come and develop us; they are the one to beg us. If we have our way, we would want an instant or magical development because we have been suffering for so long and we are tired of endless waiting and vain promises.

LIFE THEN AND NOW “Meanwhile, we cannot compare life then with now, but even when Shell was working here with our fathers and grandfathers, they (Shell) did nothing for us. Today, we are struggling on our own because we cannot continue to depend on oil and oil companies. If we had been dependent on oil, we would be killing each other every now and then.

You can attest to the fact that other oil producing areas are volatile but, in terms of peaceful coexistence and hospitality, we are the best.

“We conduct ourselves in a peaceful manner. The Federal Government should come and rescue us because there will come a time when we would no longer bear the injustice and I will lead my people on a revolt, the sooner the better for us all.”

Also speaking to Sunday Vanguard, the CDC Chairman, James Samuel, said, “We have been suffering for a very long time since 1956 without assistance from anywhere. We are not asking for too much but we should be able to boast of

60 YEARS AFTER NIGERIA’S FIRST CRUDE

The Oloibiri hell!

the basic things of life like water, electricity and gainful employment for our youths.

“We have about 20 oil locations around our community and we are suffering from pollution. Our environment is polluted, our rivers are polluted, and we no longer fish in our rivers. Our soil is also polluted making farming almost an unfruitful endeavour. Even bush meat hunting has been disrupted due to pollution. Oil exploration has devastated our environment and means of livelihood.

“Our youths are idle because they are not engaged. There are no scholarship opportunities and skill acquisition programmes; I am a graduate but unemployed because there are no jobs.

We are suffering. We are humbly appealing to government at all levels and Shell to come to our aid. Even though we have no jobs, we are entitled to live in a comfortable environment.

NO WATER, FREQUENT OUTBREAK OF EPIDEMIC “You can imagine that from 1956 till date, this community has no potable drinking water; we drink from the polluted creek and rivers. We cannot count the number of deaths due to epidemic ravaging our community. Our people are dying every day due to cholera because we have no good source of drinking water, we are dying in silence.

Water is a major problem for us.

“We don’t believe in using violence to attract attention because we are a peaceful people. It is not that we cannot cause crisis, but we are exposed academically. It is unfortunate that Shell and even the Federal Government have done nothing for this community.”

Etasi Ninato-Love, a retired police officer and an indigene of Otuabagi, had this to say: “You are here and have seen things for yourselves, Shell and government have not done anything for us as the first oil producing community. You cannot even compare this place with other communities that hosts oil companies like Shell. There is nothing to write home about. Shell and governments have done nothing that is commensurate with what they have taken out of Otuabagi soil. We need good drinking water, internal roads, and empowerment for our youths”.

Kode Oguma, a youth leader, said: “The youths are angry with the situation of our community being where crude oil was first struck in this part of the world.

We are not happy. You cannot equate us with other oil producing communities, they are far better off than we are in terms of development. In spite of the marginalization, we have never resorted to sabotage of oil facilities in our domain.

We are suffering; we want employment, skills acquisition centres so that our youths can acquire skills to be selfreliant.”

OTUOGIDI: The settlement is far from civilisation. It has no link-road. The natives pass through Ogbia. And passing through the narrow concrete bridge

connecting the community with Ogbia could be a h a r r o w i n g experience for a first time visitor to the area.

King Ibobiri Nicholas, Okpini VI, the paramount ruler of Otuogidi told Sunday Vanguard that the discovery of oil in the area altered the natives lifestyle.

According to him, farming and fishing, which were their means of livelihood, were no longer fashionable due to the exploration and exploitation of crude in the area.

The royal father, who launched into history, said, “I am

The Otuabagi community is the original landlord of the Oloibiri oil fields. At that time, Oloibiri was the district headquarters and anything that came to the area was always going to the district headquarters sure they told you that when oil was struck here in 1956, Oloibiri was the district headquarters of the Ogbia area.

“At that time, Shell did not name their oil well heads indiscriminately. As a cluster, they will look for a name that befits that place and name it. Also, at that time, the Oloibiri people were the elite and they foresaw what will happen in future. But here in our community, there were no knowledgeable persons; their stock in trade was drinking, merriment, and commerce.

“So, the Oloibiri elite

used their status as district headquarters to manoeuver and project their name.

Anyway, we still own two oil wells, and 12 on the other side. So, oil was first struck here. The first oil wells are owned by this community, Otuogidi, and Otuabagi.

NEGLECT “All the goodies that Nigeria is enjoying, Abuja is just like London and was built from the money from the oil from our soil, and look at our community. Even in Oloibiri, the then district headquarters, there is nothing.

“But some big people will take pictures of beautiful places and show to the outside world that this is the community. But you can see for yourselves that there is nothing here to enjoy. We are at zero level. No federal projects, the only thing they wanted to build was a primary healthcare centre.

They were given a site where they started moulding blocks and, before we knew it, the place was abandoned, only for us to hear that the project had been completed.

COMMUNITY GREATEST NEED “We have so many needs; we have a secondary school with no buildings. We want the federal or state government to link us to the major road. We also need electricity, water, health care centre. We also do not have a befitting town hall.

LIFE DURING SHELL OPERATIONS “At that time, this place was called Bioforoama, nicknamed “Eastern Congo”, full of life. At that time, all the speedboats and houseboats of Shell workers used to anchor in our place.

People from far and near always converged here. It was a booming community till when Isaac Boro invaded this area during his 12 days revolution. It was just enjoyment without development.”

Just as indigenes of Otuabagi and Otuogidi are lamenting their woes, the story is not different at Emago-Kugbo which played host to first loading bay from where the crude oil from Oloibiri oil fields was shipped abroad.

The community is today a sad commentary of the inherent contradiction of the Nigerian state as there is nothing tangible on ground to show that Emago-Kugbo hosted the nation’s first loading bay which launched Nigeria into the elite club of oil producing countries.

Indigenes, Sunday Vanguard findings revealed, were the first to see the colour of crude oil in West Africa and that was precisely May 31, 1960 when the rural community was rocked by a catastrophe.

The incident, which has since turned out to be a constant factor in the community, occurred at the loading bay due to alleged valve failure. It led to the first oil spillage in West Africa, with production losses of about half daily production of 4,928 barrels. The spillage

subsequently contaminated the Emago-Kugbo creek with the attendant inferno.

“Our people were the very first people in this part of the world to see the colour of crude oil, the so-called black gold; when others were only hearing about it,” recalled an indigene of EmagoKugbo.

The crude reportedly gushed out for about 48 hours and devastated the community’s farmlands and aquatic environment before it was stopped.

Sadly, fire also raged on the river soon after the spill occurred and continued for several weeks before it was put off.

The loading of crude oil, it was gathered, stopped when the KugboDiobu pipeline, which terminated at Bonny, at about the mid-1960s, was constructed.

Impact Sunday Vanguard learned that, being a brackish water area, where fresh water and salt water meet, it was rich in fishes and other aquatic lives but, because of the oil spillage, most of the animals that survived migrated to other places.

However, nearly 60 years after, the people of this community, who are predominantly loggers, wood carvers, fishermen and farmers, are not happy with the turn of events in their land which lacked government presence.

The area, which boasts of an old, untarred and very difficult-to-access road, should have been a tourist destination on account of its hosting the first crude oil loading bay in the West Africa.

Instead, the deplorable road and dilapidated bridges, used by Shell to access the first oil well called Oloibiri fields, are some of the relics in spite of the significant role of the area as a major player in the growth of the nation’s oil industry.

The now deplorable road, linking the Oloibiri oil fields with Otuabagi and Kugbo Loading Bay, was called “Location Road,” it was gathered, a name associated with the Shell facilities.

Except during the dry season, no car can access that road as the people are compelled to reach the rest of the world through the river, which is expensive and time consuming for the rural folks.

Aside the absence of government in Emago-Kugbo, the natives have had to contend with oil spills/fire along pipelines that run through the land.

“It is a sad commentary that this community, which jetty served as the harbinger of the nation to the petro dollar league, could be left in the lurch by the Nigerian state as it today cuts the forlorn look of a desolate land”, a native told Sunday Vanguard.

“The occupation of the people are basically fishing, farming, logging and palm wine tapping. However, most of the people engaged in these means of livelihood have been forced to abandon their occupation due to years of despoliation occasioned by the activities of the oil multinationals.

“It is sad to point out that the expectations of our people are dashed.

Crude oil, which should have been a blessing, is now seen as a curse.

“It is difficult for our people to go out and return to the community. We need this road to be upgraded and made usable.

Shell constructed and used that road in the 1960s to move between the Oloibiri oil fields and the Kugbo Loading Bay. The authorities and oil companies should revisit this land where crude oil was first loaded and shipped out in West Africa.”

Also speaking, an environmentalist, who had his early education in the Oloibiri district, Comrade Alagoa Morris, Field Coordinator of Environment Rights Action/Friends of the Earth in Bayelsa, expressed sadness over the fate of Oloibiri oil field communities and called on the elected representatives of the people to wake up and come to the aid of the communities.

Morris pleaded with the Ministry of the Niger Delta, NDDC, and Rivers/ Bayelsa State governments to take steps to upgrade the road from the site of Oloibiri Oil Well 1, Otuabagi, to the community.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016 — PAGE 25

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PAGE 26 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016 AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215

Encomiums galore for Omobude @ 70

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rom the presidency, to the crust of Christendom and indeed the public domain, it was encomium galore for Rev. Dr Felix Omobude, the National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and General Superintendent, Gospel Light International Ministries, when he celebrated his 70th birthday last Sunday.

Buhari, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, saluted Omobude’s vision, charisma and strength of character “ which have seen him dutifully fulfill his pastoral calling over the years, largely demonstrated in his love for a united and prosperous Nigeria”.

Mama Idahosa dancing with her son in the Lord, Rev. Felix Omobude

Elder S.N. Olaye, chairman, organising committee (l) presenting a gift to celebrant, Rev Felix Omobudem (r).

The celebrant, Rev Felix Omobude and wife, Abiola (in the middle), surrounded by friends

L-R: Dr. Effionayi Iyayi, Lady Cheri and Chief (Sir) G.O. Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.

L-R: Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa and Rev. Felix Omobude.

Osanebi splashes millions on students

Beneficiaries of the Foundation with Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi

L-R: Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, giving out a scholarship letter to a student C M Y K

IT was a day of joy and wide jubilation in Asaba recently as the Chairman of the Friday Osanebi Foundation, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi gave out over N10 million to students in the first tranche of his foundation’s 2016 scholarship award for undergraduate and post primary education students.

This according to him was in line with the foundational philosophy of the organization, which was poised at raising giants and empowering society.

Parents and guardians were stunned as the foundation gave out cheques and award letters to 60 one hundred level students from various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

Each of the beneficiaries received a cheque of N100,000 each, while the best two students went home with N150,000 each.

*Osanebi, with a member of the Foundation committee

LPastor (Mrs) Abiola Omobude (l) and Bishop Simeon Okah (r).

When Gov Oshiomhole receiv ed W ells Sams received Wells Carlos FFarm arm cre w crew

P

resentation of $750 million dollars farm project plans to Governor Adams Oshiomhole by Edo state-born business mogul, Captain Hosa Okunbor took place last Tuesday. The farm which is expected to have an International Airport will employ 85,000 people.

From left: Capt Hosa Okunbo, Chairman, Wells Sam Carlos Farm, Mr Segun Awolowo, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council andGovernor Adams Oshiomhole

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE

27

en Ok olugbo bags Ken Okolugbo Int ernational W omen’s Da ure Sir K International Women’s Dayy in Lagos and Ak Akure igerian Institute double awards of International

N

L-R: Mrs Pamela Momah, Deputy Director, Library and Documentation Service, NIIA, Lagos , HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu ,Chairperson, cuting the exhibition opening tape. On her immediaqte left: Mr Ronald Kayanja, Director, United Nations Information Centre;UNIC] and Mrs Abiola Dada, Director, Library and Documentation Services , NIIA.

Affairs (NIIA) in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), held International Women’s Day Workshop and Exhibition on Nigeria Women and the post 2015 development agenda ‘Contemporary Challenges’ conference at NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos on March 8, 2013.

A similar event led by Ondo State First Lady also held at the Democracy Park, in Akure, Ondo State.

Photos by Sola Oyelese

FORMER commissioner representing Ndokwa Nation in DESOPADEC, Sir Ken Okolugbo bagged two awards from Obiarukwu Community in Lagos in recognition of his goodwill, contributions and development of Ndokwa Nation and Ukwuani, while in office.

Sir Ken Okolugbo receiving the first award from the President General (Emeritus) of Obiaruku Community, Lagos, (OCL), Mr. Stanley Oka while other executive members look on.

L-R: Hon Justice Victoria Okobi (Retd), speaking; Barr Obiageli Obi ; Mrs Hydia Fredricks, National Cordinator of Women in Politics and Govt ; and Chioma Nwambu,Director of Programmes.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Olukemi Mimiko (middle), with the wife of the Deputy Governor, Alhaja Fatimat Oluboyo (right), and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Olasinmi Akindele-Odunbaku (2nd left

L-R: Marian Jones, secretary. FIDA, Lagos; Anthonia Eke, member, FIDA, Lagos; Ngozi Ogbolu, Vice Chairperson, FIDA, Lagos; and Chinye Efobi, Legal Adviser, NIIA and FIDA, Lagos

Sir Ken Okolugbo receiving the second award of Excellence as the 2015 OCL Eminent Personality in Ukwuani and Ndokwa Nation from the President General, OCL, Mr. Nelson I. Odumegu while OCL’s members watch in admiration.

L-R: Mr Oluseyi Soremekun, National Information Officer, UNIC , Mr Ronald Kayanja Director, United Nations Information centre UNIC, Lagos; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Chairperson; Mrs Abiola Dada, Director, Library and Documentation Services, NIIA, LAgos; and Hon Justice Victoria Okobi ( Rtd)

Sir Ken Okolugbo in a group photograph with OCL‘s members. On the left is Mr. Nelson Odumegu, President General, OCL and Mr. Stanley Oka, President General (Emeritus) on the right.

Ikpe Priv at e Sc hool holds annual int er-house spor ts Privat ate School inter-house sports

Ikpe Private School, Lagos held its annual inter-house sports recently. The sports fiesta which was the 17th edition brought together many participating schools and stakeholders to exhibit their budding talents. At the end, Green House came first with 12 Gold, 14 Silver and 10 Bronze medals. Yellow House was second with 12 Gold, 10 Silver and 11 Bronze medals while the third position went to the Pink House with 11 Gold, 12 Silver and 9 Bronze medals.

L-R: Guest of Honour, Sir Amata Akpovi; Chief Hostess, Mrs O.R. Ikpeku and Director/ CEO; Ikpe Private School, Mr. D.E.E. Ikpeku C M Y K

L-R: Director/CEO; Ikpe Private School, Mr. D.E.E. Ikpeku; father of the day, Mr. Idris Mohammed; Chairman of occasion, Pastor Omiji Samson; and Chief Umeuzuegbu at the event.

* A cross section of the pupils

PAGE 28— SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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HE annual Daughters of Sarah International Convention, an annual gathering of women of Warribased Word of Life Bible Church with delegations from different parts of world, which began on Thursday, March 10, 2016, came to a fitting end on Sunday, March 13, 2016 with a surprise visit by the first family of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG. The gaily dressed women and the menfolk rose in ecstasy at about 12.15 p.m. as Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye was led by the CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, to the altar with his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye.

As soon as he collected the microphone from his host, Pastor Adeboye thanked the Lord “that we have come at the right time when all our daughters are celebrating” and immediately decreed that “from now on celebration will not cease in your lives”.

While the visitors later retired to the host’s office, the President of Daughters of Sarah Fellowship, Pastor Helen Oritsejafor, who had earlier doled out 10 sewing machines, 10 hair dryers and 10 grinding machines to some of the delegates from outside Delta State, including Mrs. Maryam Bob-Manuel from Côte d’Ivoire, excused herself to continue with her empowerment programme, giving out expensive Singles wrapper to all the local first time visitors to the Word of Life.

The annual programme featured song ministrations, word ministration from the wife of the PFN National President, Rev. (Mrs) Abiola Omobude, Rev. (Mrs) Jakie Talena and Rev. Ayuk R. Ayuk from Cameroon taking different dimensions of this year ’s theme, “The God of my tomorrow”.

One unique aspect of the annual convention is the trade fair which was declared open on Friday, March 11 by the first family of Word of Life and it continues till March 30.

After preaching the last sermon of the conference titled; “He said, she said but God said”, where she enumerated three voices women must avoid to include the voices of doubt, fear and failure, Mama Helen (as she is fondly called) outlined three things that often prevent the female folk from a successful tomorrow to include: Lack of preparation; refusal to put the past behind and who they are listening to.

After an exhaustive day, our reporter asked her why the church always incorporates empowerment into their major programmes and she

Ese Oruru: Religion should not encourage slavery — Helen Oritsejafor

•‘I sometimes taunt my husband with beautiful ladies’ replied: “My husband and I believe in this philosophy, that life is not just about what you have, it is also about what you do to help humanity. And that is why we stretch ourselves literally to see how we can make life better for somebody else out there because one of the things we have come to realize in life is that all fingers are not equal”.

Her advice for women looking up to her to push their tomorrow in line with the theme of the programme, “I always say this; for every woman, there is a king.

A woman needs to make her husband the king, and guess who sits beside the king, it’s the queen.

So if you make your husband the king, automatically you become the queen beside the king.

“What we have witnessed here today is God Almighty reminding us of our responsibilities, not only as husbands or wives or parents, but as Christians. It is important that we do our very best to ensure that we push our husbands forward. One of the things you do by helping your husband is you also pray. When you pray, you spend time talking to God about your husband. As God makes things beautiful for him, he will also make things beautiful for you”.

Is it possible for a couple to be totally open to each other; that is to say no keeping of any secrets from each other? Having a single account, whatever belongs to the husband also belongs to the wife, is it possible?

“Yes it is! From the Book of Genesis, the Bible says Adam and Eve were naked and they were not ashamed. What normally brings secrecy into marriage is when one partner is cheating or there are some things taking place behind the curtains that the other party is trying desperately to

Pastor Helen Oritsejafor presenting a sewing machine to one of the delegates to the just concluded Daughters of Sarah international convention at the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Delta State

A woman needs to make her husband the king, and guess who sits beside the king, it’s the queen keep. In any case, put it this way, for you to achieve success or growth, for you to achieve that oneness that God has ordained from the beginning of that foundation, which is marriage; it is important that there is unity and openness. You must be able to be frank with each other. Let me tell you this, papa and I sometimes, I’m always very quick at telling him that lady is very beautiful because I love beautiful things around me. So I’ll prick papa and say look at her she’s so beautiful and papa

will look at me and say can’t you see her legs? Her leg is like that of a duck.

And there are times I could make such comments and papa will say yes you are right on point, she’s actually very beautiful. So we are that open.

If there’s anything I hate in life, is for anyone to make me think that there is something they know outside of what I know about my husband. Women don’t like that; they hate it with every passion. They want to be sure that they know their husbands more because it is important that the wife knows the husband more because it’s now the wife living with the man. So anyway, openness in marriage is key”.

Is it proper for a husband not to give a listening ear when the wife is talking to him?

“I think the greatest challenge of all men is that men process things differently. Women are up, men are very inward. A man comes back home and meets the wife; the very first thing the wife is going to tell the husband is, ‘Honey, on my way to work, Bisi said this and that’, and she tells him everything that happened that very day. But men are not interested in all the jargon. What I often say in this area of counseling is to say ‘Sweetheart,

there’s no need trying to change your husband’. The best thing to do is to try and understand him because when men are under pressure, they function differently. However, it is essential for the man to at least act up.

“Let me tell you what I mean by the acting up. Let him sit there and pay attention, while the woman is going on with all her stories, you can just say hmmmmm, yes or good.

Because if you don’t, she’s going to look for someone else out there that she’ll have to pour her heart to. Women cannot be a container where they reserve words or things that are bugging their hearts.

They have to look for an avenue to air it. So husbands, if you do not allow your wife to be able to communicate with you, guess what, she’s going to end up with bad friends that will talk her out of her marriage. Husbands, pay attention to what your wives have to say. Lastly, for women, it is not about whether you are right or wrong, they just want to be heard. Every woman wants to be heard, they don’t want to be right”. Our reporter also asked her opinion about the festering 14-year old Ese Oruru saga and she immediately shook off tired nerves, saying: “I do not think any religion would encourage slavery, abuse, or to reduce another human being to nothing. That child, according to her parents, was taken away when she was 13, meaning as a teenager, she couldn’t have known her right from her wrong. Let’s put religion aside, automatically it is important that whoever participated in this kidnapping should face the law and be dealt with in that manner.

“I also want to encourage the parliament, whether at the state level or national, on the need for them to enact laws that protect the girl-child because what we see now in this country is quite alarming. I would not want to go into the religious aspect of it, but I’d want to emphasize on the fragility of the little child who was enslaved without the consent of her parents. I’m also glad and happy that the voice of reasoning came to bear as the media houses came out to actually advocate the release of this girl and finally she was released.

“I also want to use this opportunity to encourage those who are given the opportunity to protect this country, in particular, our children; we must not subject ourselves to bigotry and shy away from the truth. The law of this country surpasses whatever it is that we believe being a secular nation.

And as such, it is expected of us to also not favour or be biased to whatever religion there is to encourage what is wrong. We must continue to do what is right in spite of whatever.

“Once again, I want to join Nigerians, in particular the parents to give glory and praise to God for bringing their daughter back, and to also encourage the young lady regardless of what might have happened, it’s not the end of the world.

Things will get better with her, which means that definitely there has to be deliverance on that child.

Our social system must be able to rehabilitate her. We shouldn’t only just have it on display on the newspapers but we should do the needful for that child so that that child can fulfill destiny to the glory of our God”.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 29

Time to discard Nigeria’s patronage system

By Ahmad Salkida

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lmost everyone agrees that the problems in Nigeria or failure to address problems is a consequence of the country’s failing institutions. Others argue that there are no institutions at all; if there are, they do not just function. The current band of lawmakers responsible for enacting laws cannot do away with ambiguities to strengthen institutions; if they do, many of them will have no role in government, going by their antecedents.

Nigeria needs to stop being foolhardy and admit its foundation is faulty, the country cannot develop or become selfreliant on a patronage system of government where successive leaders only come with a different style, without addressing the fundamental flaws that have strangled institutions from functioning over the years. On the face of it, weak institutions, to Nigeria’s political elites, mean past and present leaders are not held to account hence, the kind of recycling we see.

It is notable that nowhere in the world does a patronage economy compete globally, not even regionally. So, why is Nigeria bent on keeping faith with patronage systems? For avoidance of doubt, a patronage economy is the foundation of corruption. Segments of this nation have been suffocated and suffering under this unconscionable, faulty national foundation. The regions are in pains, in agony. The economy is currently drowning, our unity threatened and fragmented. We have environmental degradation in the South South and South East and famine in the North East, where life is short and brutish. The North Central is battling with a silent emergency by itself, without the government taking a lead role.

As Thomas Hobbes, one of the greatest 17th-century English philosophers said, without a state one would have in society a “war of all against all”, hence the only solution was to create an institution for which Hobbes used the metaphor of a “Leviathan”.

Without a Leviathan in control, society would be in trouble and for a functioning society, it was necessary for everyone “to submit their Wills, every one to his Will, and their Judgements, to his Judgement.” Without this there would be no knowledge of the face of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of C M Y K

But in reality, many politicians use these contingency or discretional funds called security votes for patronage or in simple terms, to develop their personal estates

violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

Considerably in Nigeria there is a state that has saved the country from ‘war of all against all’, but the country’s weak institutions have created palpable fear and hopelessness amongst its divided citizens, cases of inequalities and impunity are on the rise. As Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, two famous scholars argued in ‘Why Nations Fail’, the reason nations fail or succeed is not economic policies, geography, culture, or value systems, but rather political institutions. There are two types of political institutions: “extractive” institutions in which a “small” group of individuals does their best to exploit the rest of the population, and “inclusive” institutions in which “many” people are included in the process of governance, Acemoglu and Robinson argue.

Still, the questions wellmeaning Nigerians are struggling with today are as follows: are leaders accountable to the majority of the citizens, do leaders take responsibility for the actions of government under their watch, do we have laws that sievesout injustices and offer timely justice based on merits to all citizens? Many will contend that the above questions are all in the negatives in Nigeria, which means the status quo is an “extractive” one, where citizens take a back seat and a few political elites determines how society is governed.

Merely, the All Progressive Congress maintains that Nigeria’s new leader, Muhammadu Buhari, is on the path of establishing “inclusive institution,” where citizens have more say in governance, away from what we have in the past. Still, critics argue that as at date only a small group of individuals in Aso Rock runs the show. In between these two arguments, what is frightening is Nigeria is ‘building’ institutions around a personality cult rather than around structural reforms. For example, President Buhari is criticized for often expressing personalized views on matters of State. Many argue that what the law says, rather than what the president thinks, should guide a leader in any

•President Buhari

democracy. Many also argue that what will it take the Buhari government that came on a popular mandate to strengthen the country’s legal institutions rather than drive the popular anti-corruption campaign on the platform of the Buhari persona?

Apparently, the President came into government with a preconception that everyone else, other than himself or his close associates, does not fit into the frame of his revolutionary change agenda.

That alone thwarted the very concept of strengthening institutions of government. The President seems to have ‘trust’ issues and people like that tend to confide in a few people around him; then, he drops his defences and often becomes vulnerable to their subjective interpretations in dealing with national issues. This has been my personal experience with Buhari’s government.

In a country that is widely considered to be corrupt, manipulative people are never in short supply and where you are likely to have manipulative people around leadership, there will be unnecessary pain and suffering to the lives of well-meaning citizens trying to contribute or lead a decent lives. Nepotism is also at the peak of such governments, leading to low productivity, pettiness and unhealthy rivalry that is prevalent in government today.

Though the problem with leadership in Nigeria is not peculiar to the federal level, it is even worse at the local and state government levels, where large patronage systems exists.

There, family, allies and kin groups that contributed funds heavily to campaigns,

constitute a nuisance, not to mention the culture of ‘godfatherism’ that secure juicy positions and contracts to recoup their investments at the detriment of public good.

Another worrying trend of patronage system in Nigeria is “security votes”. Many politicians make use of large sums of money made available from a percentage from their statutory allocation at all levels of government, monies that nobody has to account for, for the purpose of security. But in reality, many politicians use these contingency or discretional funds called security votes for patronage or in simple terms, to develop their personal estates.

Evidently, Nigeria cannot survive under such systems. If we continue to live as we have managed, so far, the country will not make meaningful progress.

No nation can sustain an anticorruption fight with political patronage, and no economy prospers under such systems.

Patronage is antithetical to innovation, to merit and productivity, attributes necessary for development. Nigeria must learn to work with its best and not only with the privilege few that have access to power.

No one is questioning the right of the APC after winning elections to initiate the wholesale turnover in the public offices in favour of the party with the kind of mess the previous government made.

There are times when patronage is necessary to put people in government who agree with your political agenda because loyalty and faith flow from such systems, but in Nigeria patronage system has not only stalled development and encouraged corruption, it has widened inequalities. It divides the country by the day.

*Salkida is a freelance journalist and conflict analyst.

PAGE 30—SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

By Olusegun Awolowo

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il is down! Pressure on the Naira! Slowing growth!

What will Nigeria’s response be? This is the chatter all across the country on shop floors, in markets, within business circles, and in classrooms. But a close look reveals we may be focusing on the symptoms and not the cause.

Nigeria does not have an oil price problem, Nigeria has a “failure to export” problem! We have little control over the ups and downs in global crude oil markets; what we do control however is what Nigeria chooses to export, and where we choose to make money internationally.

Unfortunately, our country for decades has primarily exported one product, crude oil, which really is a perishing asset. It is for this reason that the government prioritizes Nigeria’s economic diversification. In line with this, a new agenda - the Zero Oil plan has been put together to envision a Nigerian economy without oil. What else could we export? Who would buy? How much could we make? These are the questions answered under this roadmap to change this age-old dependence on one single export commodity. Yet as noble as the idea is, it would take hard work for the objective to be realised. Still, it can be done.

As His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, said to a delegation of manufacturers in 2015, “…Nigeria must begin to behave as if we have no more oil”.

These are the words which shape our Zero Oil economic agenda, and are essential to build a strong Nigerian economy for the future.

For years Nigeria has imported thousands of goods worth over US$50 billion a year, whichwe pay for mainly with crude oil proceeds of over US$70 billion each year. Our fears have now materialized, in the past 2 years crude oil prices have fallen 60% and Nigeria’s earnings have likewise fallen by at least US$35 billion, inevitably leaving a financial hole in the economy. The pressing question now is how to fill this funding gap - and the answer is simple: Nigeria must find new things (not oil) to export quickly, in large commercial scale. If Nigeria broadens and grows its export basket, a positive chain reaction ricochets throughout the economy. The logic follows - when you grow exports, national output (agriculture, industry, solid minerals) will also grow; local businesses will grow; supporting infrastructure will expand; and jobs and investments will definitely follow.

The overall macro impacts result in growing foreign reserves (from export forex) and a more resilient economy.

We are not the only nation in history to have ever faced this challenge.

When India, the 2nd largest country in the world faced similar hardships under its founding father, Jawaharlal Nehru, his clarion call was simple, “India must Export or Perish”. Nehru’s mantra changed the thrust of his country’s economic policy and today India exports over US$300 billion of non-oil goods each year. More importantly, India made sure that no single product, not even oil (if they had it) would hold the people to ransom. Other countries have similarly done well in exports, for instance Brazil does over US$200 billion of non-oil exports and Malaysia over US$250 billion. In the case of Nigeria’s story however, there is cause to pause. Despite our population of 170 million people, and being the 7th most populous country in the world, we make only US$5

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•Segun Awolowo

The ‘Zero Oil’ plan and an export revolution

Nigeria does not have an oil price problem, Nigeria has a “failure to export” problem

billion in non-oil exports. To put this in perspective, if Nigeria did not have crude oil, our exports will account for one-third of the total exports of Trinidad and Tobago… a country that is 1% of Nigeria’s population, and far less endowed.

This is a cause for worry.

We are not starry-eyed optimists, as moving to a Nigeria with Zero Oilwill not be easy. But we should remember that we once had a country that was Zero Oil. The questions to ask are: What happened to our proud history in Palm Oil, Cocoa, Ground Nuts, Cotton? We were the toast of the world, where are these products now? We know in good days Nigeria typically makes over US$70 billion annually from crude oil exports, but the world is bigger than oil. Only 3 of the top 20 exporters in the World depend heavily on oil exports, and today even those 3 are fast diversifying. Indonesia makes over US$18 billion from only Palm Oil exports (we understand the Indonesians took their first Palm seed from Nigeria over 50 years ago); Brazil makes US$17 billion from Soybeans; Saudi Arabia makes over US$30 billion from Petrochemicals, and Bangladesh makes US$5 billion from T-shirts.

Let’s also look at the Chinese economic miracle - simply an export miracle. In 1980, both China and Nigeria each accounted for 1% of global world exports, so in a sense “then we were equals”. However by 2011 China accounted for 11% of global exports (all non-oil), while Nigeria was less than 0.4% and shrinking. China has grown richer and its currency, the Yuan, is even considered

an alternative reserve currency.

Like the Chinese the only way to strengthen the Naira is to increase productivity, increase capacity, and focus on export orientation.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) anchors the Zero Oil agenda. A few targets to note on Nigeria’s proposed journey to Zero Oil. First, we set a long-term goal of earning over US$100 billion fromnon-oil exports (i.e. 20% of today’s GDP). When compared withExport to GDP ratios of other emerging market countries, this is reasonable – China’s is 24%, Brazil 12%, South Africa 31%, and Malaysia 76%.

Nigeria’s long term goal is however further broken down into two midterm targets - which is to grow non-oil exports from US$5 billion today, to US$18 billion by 2019, and US$30 billion in nonoil exports by 2025. Growing nonoil exports 6 fold in 9 years willbe a feat indeed, but then again these are extraordinary times, and we need extraordinary economic action.

In implementing the plan, hundreds of thousands of new jobs will be created every year from numerous initiatives. The sort of scale needed to take it seriously. The Zero Oil plan identifies 21 priority countries as markets for Nigerian products (termed “Export 21”) and 11 strategic export products with high financial value to replace oil, these include Petrochemicals, Palm Oil, Cocoa, Soybeans, Rubber, to name a few.

To achieve this Nigeria must scale up domestic production to levels unprecedented, and create competitive channels to move cargo and get goods into foreign

markets. The plan envisages increases in total non-oil export volumes in Nigeria which should grow by 70 million tons, clearly a logistical challenge that would require upgrades on major transport corridors to get goods from Nigeria’s hinterlands in every single State of the Federation, to ports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. The plan facilitates export aggregators to source products from millions of micro, small, and medium sized enterprises, which ensures our grass roots, youths, and households also feel the economic impact of exports. The 36 States and FCT are also expected to play a leadership role by selecting at least one priority export product under the One-StateOne product programme.

Plainly put, with the Zero Oil plan, Nigeria will be a very different place in the next 5 years. We are a resourceful people, this is the time to dig deep and create an economy to work for us today, as well as last for generations to come. Taking a cue from Roberto Azevedo (Director General, World Trade Organisation) “…Nigeria’s economic growth has to happen independent of oil exports”.

As everyone talks about the crash in crude oil prices, From Saudi Arabia to Venezuela, and from Russia to the United States; for Nigeria we seek to go beyond oil. One of Nigeria’s responses is to restructure and drive our economy through non-oil exports. Many emerging market countries have walked this road successfully and thrived. The Zero Oil plan sets our country on this path as well. Now we need the conviction to execute, and the courage to stay the course. Time to Export, Export, and Export! *Awolowo is Executive Director\ CEO, Nigeria Export Promotion Council

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 31

6 Licensing of 2. will GHz spectrum ll-out support 4G ro SMA in Nigeria — G

We build capacity to impact Nigerian market — Microsoft MD

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•Says new digital office reflects commitment

BY EMEKA AGINAM

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ROM small group of 10 people at inception to much bigger 80 professionals currently growing the Nigerian Information Technology space , Microsoft, no doubt, has registered its foot print in the market while building capacity to impact the Nigerian market.

The impact of Microsoft in the Nigerian economy is e evidenced in the areas of employment, support for startups, education, building local innovation relevant to the market, among others.

To buttress this point, the Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Middle East & Africa, Microsoft Corporation, Ali Faramawy earlier in his remarks through video conferencing noted that the opening of the new digital office reflected Microsoft’s commitment to grow the ecosystem through innovative solutions.

He also said that the digital office showed Microsoft aspirations to play a strong role in the economic development of the Nigerian market.

Telling their success stories , the Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria Kabelo Makwane who was full of excitement told the gathering that “the new office opening presents us the opportunity to invest and enable us localize our capability to impact the Nigerian market and forge strategic partnerships such as the one with MainOne, which is an extension of our offerings.”

According to him, “Microsoft is excited to partner with the government in the areas of innovation on a global scale, creation of employment through capacity building and skills acquisition program for young talented individuals.” “ Our vision is to localise and bring the showcase to Nigeria.

We will continue to innovate to grow the Nigerian market. ”, he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Communication Barrister Adebayo Shittu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Technology, Arc. Sonny Echono, said that, “It is good to know that Microsoft is committed to increasing capacity in the ICT industry in Nigeria, and this is capable of deepening participation and widening the scope of

•Kabelo Makwane technology in Nigeria, which also present opportunities for potential investors.”

Echono said that government will continue to create enabling environment for players like Microsoft to thrive.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of MainOne Cable Company Nigeria Limited, Funke Opeke, said that, “As a partner, we have been working with Microsoft for 18 months, offering commercial cloud

Microsoft’ is commited to grow the ecosystem through innovative solutions

services to our customers in Nigeria and we have confidently delivered uninterrupted services; thanks to the technology provided by Microsoft.”

According to her, the transition to cloud based services in Lagos is coming into fruition with strategic partnership with Microsoft. “For us to promote local content in Nigeria, we have been doing most of our services in Nigeria and Microsoft has been an anabling partners to achieve this”, she explained.

For Jim Ovia, the Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc, the opening of Microsoft new digital office will further provide opportunity for incubation.

Dell out with ProSupport Plus for PCs, tablets in 33 countries

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C users are in for good times as the technology giant, Dell has announced the availability of its flagship ProSupport Plus for PCs and tablets in 33 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The innovative SupportAssist technology from Dell makes it the first and only company in the industry to offer proactive and predictive automated support for issue prevention

and resolution for end-user systems.

Speaking on the solution, Akin Banuso, Country Manager, Dell Nigeria, said that ProSupport Plus prevents issues before they occur and quickly resolves issues if it occurs eventually.

“Dell is revolutionising the support model with proactive and predictive automated support for end-user systems.

ProSupport Plus is the fastest

growing service in Dell history, as customers and partners can clearly see the value in not only resolving issues much more quickly, but actually preventing them altogether. We’re pleased to bring this service and its enabling technology to even more countries across the globe” Banuso explained.

EMC flash storage to boost fraud detection, credit card authorization

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HE President Emerging Technologies Division, EMC Corporation, CJ Desai has said that the introduction of DSSD D5, a quantum leap in flash storage will boost fraud detection, credit and card authorization Being the first of a new category of flash storage RackScale Flash, the solution, he said is a completely new architecture designed for the most dataintensive applications, both traditional and next-generation, which require extreme levels of performance and the lowest possible latency.

The solution , according EMC President reaches new performance heights, with realworld results that speed applications such as genetic sequencing calculations, fraud detection, credit card authorization, and advanced analytics by as much as 10X. While enterprises at the cutting edge demand high-performance infrastructure to leverage data growth, he said that data velocity

and variety for business and customer needs, organizations require shared enterprise-ready flash storage with the highest levels of performance, throughput and almost nonexistent latency.

According to him, the solution delivers ultra-dense, highperformance, highly available and very low latency shared flash storage for up to 48 clients.

The solution, he further explained addresses a different set of use cases than other allflash storage arrays that are designed to accelerate traditional enterprise workloads.

The ultra-high performance D5 was developed from the ground up and packaged with multiple industry-first hardware and software innovations that

set it apart from any other storage offering available on the market.

Accordingly, the product moves beyond storage into the realm of enabling nextgeneration applications that require extreme performance and scalability.

HE planned auctioning of the 2.6 GHz spectrum by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, is expected to support a successful 4G roll-out in Nigeria, the Director of Africa, GSMA , Mortimer Hope has said.

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem.

After several postponement for the auction of the 2.6 GHz spectrum by the government, NCC recently had informed parties interested in participating in the auction of frequency spectrum licences in the 2.6GHz band that the process of the auction has resumed.

Stating that the spectrum auction is key to affordable mobile services, Hope in an interview with Vanguard at the weekend said that since the first 4G network was launched, the 2.6 GHz band has played a key role in the roll-out of 4G networks around the world.

As the NCC resumes the 2.6 GHz spectrum auction process, he expressed hope that there will no more obstacles, adding that the band would pave the way for faster networks and more affordable smartphones for its citizens. “Today it is the second most used band (after the 1,800 MHz band) when counting the number of networks and number of available devices.

The popularity of a band and the scale that comes with it is important because it helps lower the cost of devices.

“4G smartphones are still more expensive than their 3G counterparts, but prices are steadily dropping.

“Assuming operators are allowed to obtain at least 2 x 20 MHz of bandwidth (as they are in many parts of the world), the band can also improve network performance, offer faster data transmissions and greater capacity. “Nigerian mobile subscribers should benefit from a higher quality viewing experience of Nollywood movies and popular video content, from the likes of Ndani.tv and Channels Television, directly on their smartphones”, he explained.

According to to him, the challenge with the spectrum is that the band is not suited to providing widespread coverage. “For a mobile operator to be able to offer great speeds as well as coverage it has to be combined with frequencies below 1 GHz, he said.

TECNO brings Droipad 7C Pro to Nigerian market

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ne of the leading mobile technology multinational, Tecno has consolidated its push for the top spot in Nigeria tablet and mini PCs market with the introduction of Droipad 7 C Pro Pad device. The product is an upgrade to Droipad 7C released last year.

This elegant hybrid Pad fuses the computing ability of high-end tablets with top-of-the-line Android experience of smart phones to give end users a twoin-one Pad + Phone experience.

Speaking alongside key retail partners at a media briefing held recently at the Digital Square building, the Marketing Lead, Tecno tablet Business Unit Gbenga Oguntade informed that that the the launch of the device was in response to a growing demand by end users for high performance products in the tablet and pad segment.

According to him, “We see a huge opportunity in the tablet and pads segment of the market; it is a largely unattended market

with few players pegging product price within the reach of end users who need them the most.

In the years ahead, Tecno hopes to control significant market share in the tablet segment of the market, by giving users best quality product at prices they can afford.”, he said.

Highlighting the key offerings of the device, Tecno pad Channel manager Peter Shi revealed that the new device boast MediaTek high performance MT8321 cortex A7 chipset, Quad-core 1.3GHz CPU plus impressive Mali-400 GPU.

PAGE 32 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

Why Buhari should stop wasting his/our time(2) “The culprits will not go unpunished. I have been a Military Governor, Petroleum Minister, Military Head of State and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund. Never have I heard of the words “Budget padding”.

President Buhari, February 25, 2016. Abuja. art one of this series started with the same promise by Buhari to deal with those alleged to have padded the budget; it ended by pointing out to the President how some of those in the innermost corridors of Aso Rock might have contributed to whatever went wrong with the 2016 budget.

The first part also subtly suggested that it might be better for all concerned to just reprimand the “offenders” and drop the matter.

Otherwise the President and his government risk serious embarrassment as a result of his insistence on punishing everybody. At this point, it is noteworthy that Buhari had always favoured punishment as the only corrective measure as if every mistake is a crime or act of sabotage that must be severely penalised.

Whatever happened to other tried and true methods of correction like reprimand, training, example and even forgiveness? If God himself punishes all human transgressions, it is doubtful

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if anyone would be alive today.

Why should any human being, no matter how highly placed assume that he can set a harsher standard for reforming fellow human beings than Allah? That is a point to ponder by our transient holder of the highest power in the land. Since this government came into power all we have heard are words like saboteurs, looters, enemies etc who will be severely punished – as if the sole purpose of government is to track down people to be eliminated – rightly or wrongly.

That said, readers need to be reminded that since Buhari is hell bent on punishing those who padded the budget, he needs certain facts brought to his attention because, in this matter, as in all the rest, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. No Nigerian should be railroaded into conviction unless the proof of guilt is beyond reasonable doubt.

Again, in part one, some doubt had been created by the fact that the Vice-President, on November 6, 2015, while no Minister had been appointed, had announced that the government was working on a budget between N7tn and N8tn. As it turned out, the real budget is N6.03tn. The V-P had inadvertently set the ball rolling for “budget padding”.

In Ekiti, the Fear of DSS, the Beginning of Wisdom

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T is a pity we are back on this Ekiti State versus the Department of State Services (DSS) imbroglio again.

Obviously it will take more than a short time for the mess caused by the arrests and subsequent detention of the four members of the state House of Assembly to be cleaned up by the parties concerned.

Last week was a busy one in and outside the state of “Fountain of Knowledge”. The “free” state lawmakers took their cases to the streets of Abuja and attempted to get the attention of the international community to the “unconstitutional” invasion of the legislative chamber, arrests and detention of four of their colleagues by the DSS. They reasoned if they could get the ears of the envoys in the embassies of the United Kingdom and the United States of America, the DSS could have a change of heart and release their colleagues.

Maybe the UK or USA can even send security operatives to effect the release of the detained lawmakers.

You will be pardoned if you had mistaken the lawmakers on Abuja streets for a bunch of labour or students union

Opinions have been divided on activities of the DSS. Some observers are confused on its role in the investigations, arrests and prosecutions of citizens in crimes members demonstrating against the high level of corruption in the country. They were given away by their flowing three piece native dresses and designer suits in the hot weather of Abuja and the well designed placards they carried aloft. The placards demanded the release of their detained colleagues, and proclamations that nobody can pressure them to impeach their leader and governor Ayo Fayose The logic behind the demonstration of these lawmakers at the gates of the embassies is still hard to understand. Apart from the noise and disturbance to the peace of the neighbourhood in Abuja, the lawmakers were not

When the 2015 budget was about N4tn, and the civil servants knew that the actual was going to be less than that, Osinbajo had mistakenly branded the new government as a potentially profligate one.

So, where an official would ordinarily want to request for N100, he raises the request to N120 or N150 – given the expected bonanza. Can anyone blame him? The last time an annual budget was increased by more than twenty five per cent over the previous year’s estimates was when General Gowon had more money than the Federal Government could possibly manage in 1974. The result was predictable – they wasted and stole a lot of it. That announcement of N7tn-N8tn sent Nigeria back to the dark ages of budgeting.

The blunder was compounded with another grave error – the attempt to introduce Zero-Sum Budgeting without servicewide training to ensure that everybody involved knew what was expected of him/her.

Nowhere in the world had it been recorded where the switch from conventional budgeting to Zero-Sum had not resulted in a mess the first time out – even when prebudget training was provided.

The hilarious episodes playing out at the National Assembly, involving Ministers and Agencies are quite common. When Herman Melville, 1819-1891, the author of the great classic, MOBY-DICK, declared that, “There are some enterprises in which a careful disorderliness is the true method”, he must have had the change from conventional to Zero-Sum in Nigeria in mind.

Why am I going to great lengths on this matter? The answer is quite simple. I was involved in such a switch before; and the errors made by all of us were not made reported to have gained access to the grounds of the embassies and made their demands to the envoys. Beyond addressing the media at the gates, it is hard to make a sense of their mission.

After the march Nigerians thought they have heard the last of the unscripted “drama”.

But we were wrong, as the state government through its Commissioner of Information, Lanre Ogunsuyi committed the biggest gaffe in information dissemination yet for 2016.

Ogunsuyi addressed a press conference on Thursday where he announced that information reaching him indicated that one of the detained Ekiti lawmakers, Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon constituency, had died in the custody of the DSS. Like many Nigerians, the information brought chills down my spine. What?

“Honourable” dead? What a wicked DSS, or is it APC? How can they allow “honourable” to die?

I did not doubt the veracity of the news, because it was from Commissioner - the supposed mouthpiece of the government who, anytime he opens his mouth, speaks on behalf of the state governor and millions of Ekiti indigenes all over the world. He had categorically told the world that Akanni died overnight after taking ill in the DSS custody.

The operatives of the DSS must have laughed themselves into a state of exhaustion on hearing this news. I can imagine them shaking their

same mistakes my colleagues and I did in 1974 in the US and nobody even received a query?

Vice-President Osinbajo should not have introduced Zero_Sum budgeting in November 2015 to be applied to the 2016 budget. He should have introduced it for application in preparing the 2017 budget.

Then the Federal government should have undertaken the massive and expensive training programmes to make it work in 2017.

Frankly speaking, Buhari would be guilty of gross injustice to punish anybody for this one.

I don’t even know who will fall under the hammer; but, I am convinced it will be unmerited

punishment. However, if the old General still stubbornly insists on carrying on with this measure, it needs to be pointed out to him that the time made available to each of us is inelastic. God in his infinite mercy has ensured that the president and the pauper have twenty four hours in a day; sixty minutes to the hour and sixty seconds to one minute. Nobody on earth can add one second to the time available to him to undertake his assignments in life. How he prioritises his work will determine the successes or failures attributed to him. Without ever stepping into the President’s office in Aso Rock, it doesn’t require rocket-science intelligence to know that he would have files filled with proposals to improve the economy, health, education, infrastructure, security, food production, transportation, housing, to fight corruption, to repatriate stolen funds abroad, to improve power and fuel supply, to stop girls from being snatched and to end the Boko Haram insurgency – among others too numerous to list. He still has several hundreds of key appointments to make and bills to package and send to the NASS etc. At the same time, sooner or later, if it has not been done, he would have deposited on the pile a TOP SECRET file labeled BUDGET PADDING. It is doubtful if Buhari can find up to 10,000 Nigerians who will approve if he opens the Budget Padding file instead of any of power, fuel, forex etc.

That brings us to the principle of “first things first”. Buhari would be best advised to treat that file on Budget Padding with benign neglect – for his own sake and our own. After all, the “padding” had been discovered and, hopefully,

removed. Why not move on to other more important matters – like power, fuel education and information management. The Minister of Power is under attack for power tariff increase; the Minister of State for Petroleum ill-advisedly announced restructuring (was it unbundling?) without consultations and shut down the nation; the Minister of Education sacked, appointed Vice-Chancellors of universities allegedly breaching due process and ignited the protests portending another ASUU strike and the Minister of Information apparently cannot speak without again having to clarify what he said.

“Doesn’t anybody on this squad [of Ministers] know how to play this game [i.e governance]”? My apologies to the US manager whose team lost seventeen games in a row in the 1970s.

LAI MOHAMMED AGAIN? “We are still faithful to those promises. But, when we were campaigning, the price of crude was $100 per barrel.

Today, it is $30 a barrel..”

Minister of “Information”, Lai Mohammed, PUNCH, March 12, 2016, p 14.

In two sentences Nigeria’s Minister of Information dropped two figures, $100 and $30. Characteristically, both were wrong – dead wrong. The campaign promises were made in the third quarter of 2014. By then, the former Minister of Finance, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, had reduced the crude oil benchmark for the 2015 budget to $65 per barrel. At any rate, at no time in 2014 was the price of crude close to $100. That was bad enough.

On the day the Minister spoke, the price of crude had climbed to $39 per barrel – even if temporarily.

Is this information? God help us.

heads in disbelief at the news that has now ranked Ogunsuyi as probably the most unprofessional government spokesperson in the world. When the DSS operatives recovered themselves from the comedy coming out of the Ekiti, they acted swiftly and called a press conference where they “miraculously” brought “honourable” Akanni back from the land of the dead.

Akanni, acting like one unprofessional Nollywood star, tried as much as possible to impress he had just been brought out of the morgue. He bent over, stretched, yawned, rested his head on the table all in unconvincing attempts to portray his health was failing or that he had been maltreated in the DSS custody. A career in acting will not earn this “honourable” any wage.

At this point I wondered what would be going on in the minds of Ogunsuyi and top officials of the state. But I could not hide my disappointment and shock at the handling of this “episode” by the state government.

Whatever sympathy Ogunsuyi or his principals expected from the false claim instantly turned into anger from Ekiti indigenes.

The citizens of Ekiti “Fountain of Knowledge” has again received a rather poor portrayal of their intelligence level.

As the scenes were playing out, the common people of the state are paying for the show of shame. There is no doubt that the machinery of governance in the state has been paralysed and nothing developmental is taking place right now. While the

lawmakers have abandoned their duty posts in Ado, members of the state executive and judiciary are looking over their shoulders every minute for the shadows of DSS. They are restless as they do not know what will happen next.

The Secretary to the State Government Dr. Modupe Alade at a press conference in Akure admitted there were heightened fears among political aides of Governor Ayo Fayose. These aides in question, it can be presumed, are the governor ’s political appointees who should “run” the state. The SSG revealed that the political aides now live in fear and are concerned with their safety, and, not the governance of the state.

There is cause for concern as the SSG also revealed that DSS “operatives” have been threatening these political aides via telephone calls. This is a serious matter that calls for investigations to ascertain if these claims are genuine and if unscrupulous individuals in the state are not using the DSS to blackmail these politicians. However, on the other hand, the politicians should not entertain any fear if truly they have no skeletons in their cupboards.

On the other hand, we should also be economical in our blames of these “political aides”. The story going around in the state is that most of them, including lawmakers, have been

pencilled down for arrests by the DSS for one charge or the other. For them, therefore, the fear of the DSS is the beginning of wisdom. They obviously do not want to be caught unawares like the lawmakers that were ‘carted’ away to Abuja..

Opinions have been divided on activities of the DSS. Some observers are confused on its role in the investigations, arrests and prosecutions of citizens in crimes. The “invasion” and arrests of the Ekiti lawmakers and the charges “rumoured” against them have exposed the DSS to criticism. Many of the charges, observers believe could have been handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police.

The arrests and detention without trial are sources of concerns for Nigerians. They argued that in this political dispensation the DSS should not be allowed the free hand to detain citizens without trials. These comments have however not fazed the operatives as they continue to maintain they have not done anything outside their line of duties.

How many times have Ekiti people been portrayed in bad light in recent times?

They seem to be attracting to themselves all the bad press one can ever imagine. Is there an end in sight for the redemption of the state? Not so much hope as the politicians waiting in the wings seem no better than the ones on “display” right now.

Crisis and infighting are the order of the day in all the political groups.

purposefully or to sabotage the company. They were just plain human mistakes which resulted from insufficient familiarity with the new method. The company itself discovered that it was futile to expect people who had spent ten; fifteen or even twenty years operating one method to mentally switch overnight. Nobody was punished. Everybody was herded back to the classrooms and re-trained. The second year was better; but still not perfect.

The question is: why is President Buhari spending valuable time hunting for people to punish when all they might have committed were the

It is noteworthy that Buhari had always favoured punishment as the only corrective measure as if every mistake is a crime or act of sabotage that must be severely penalised....If God himself punishes all human transgressions, it is doubtful if anyone would be alive today

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016 — PAGE 33

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PAGE 38 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016,

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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he trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja, could end or commence on Thursday.

The Justice Danladi Umar-led panel adjourned the matter to determine the propriety of the13-count criminal charge the Federal Government preferred against the defendant.

At the resumed sitting, last Friday, Saraki, who was governor of Kwara State between 2003 to 2011, queried the jurisdiction of the CCT to try him on the basis of a charge he said was legally defective.

The Senate President, who stormed the tribunal with 80 lawyers and over 60 senators, insisted that the Attorney General of the Federation failed to fulfill the conditions th at would have conferred jurisdiction on the tribunal to hear the case.

Arguing through his lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, he said he was never invited by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, to give clarifications on alleged discrepancies that were discovered in four asset declaration forms he submitted to the Bureau.

Saraki contended that the law establishing the CCB stipulateds that once an irregularity is spotted in an asset declaration form, the Bureau must demand explanations from the person that made the declaration.

If the Bureau is not satisfied with the clarification, it could then recommend such person for prosecution before the CCT. In the instant case, Saraki maintained that the refusal of the CCB to accord him the opportunity to explain the alleged irregularities amounted to denial of fair hearing.

To buttress his argument, the defendant cited authorities, including the charge the Federal Government instituted against a former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, which was quashed for the same reasons Saraki is canvassing.

Agabi insisted that the instant charge against his client was not different from the one that Tinubu faced before the CCT which was struck out under former President Goodluck

CCT trial : Why Saraki wants charge quashed

•Saraki Jonathan’s administration.

He noted that Tinubu was freed on the premise that the CCB also failed to invite the defendant before it dragged him before the tribunal.

“My lord, just like in that case, my client here has not been invited by the CCB up till now. That was the same reason you gave for allowing Tinubu to go home, on the ground that ten other governors were invited by the CCB to make clarifications on discrepancies in the assets they declared”, the SAN stated.

“But till now, the defendant here, who is the Senate President of this country, has not been invited. It is our position that the law is not discriminatory”.

Agabi queried the powers of the AGF to institute the charge, a responsibility he said was legally vested on the CCB to the exclusion of any other anti-graft agency in the country.

He said the charge was not only politically

motivated, but was also filed in bad faith.

According to him, the failure by the CCB to summon his client to give explanations was not only fatal to the charge, but also indicated a presumption of regularity in favour of the defendant.

The senior lawyer urged the tribunal to quash the charge against his client and discharge him accordingly, adding that the fresh application was totally different from what was previously decided by the Supreme Court.

However, the FG urged the tribunal to dismiss Saraki’s objection which, it said, constituted a gross abuse of the judicial process.

It prayed the tribunal to give it the nod to call the first witness to testify against the Senate President.

Government lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, described Saraki’s objection as a ploy to scuttle his trial.

Jacobs relied on Sections 220, 221 and 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, and argued that the law provided that such objection must be considered along with the substantive case and ruling delivered at the end of trial.

He maintained that the Ministry of Justice referred the trial of Saraki to the CCB on the strength of the joint investigation that was conducted by the EFCC and the ICPC, which, he said, established the culpability of the defendant.

The prosecutor said there was no need for the Bureau to invite Saraki to explain the irregularities in his assets, saying Section 3, Part One of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution had removed such conditions which, according to him, was provided for in the1979 Constitution.

Jacobs told the tribunal that the “false information” Saraki supplied to the CCB were not mere discrepancies or inconsistencies, “they

‘Omo-Agege won’t upstage Ogboru’

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lorogun Godwin Okene , the Ovwovworo of Orua’Ivie of Abraka Kingdom, and member of Labour Party, LP, hails from EkuandKokoricommunitiesinEthiope East local government area of Delta State.

Inthisinterview,Okene,aliasOkenzo, speaks on Delta State politics, Senator OvieOmo-Agegeemergenceassenator representing Delta Central, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru’s leadership of LP, among other issues in Delta politics.

You were once in the PDP where you contested to represent Ethiope East in the state House of Assembly during Chief James Ibori’s tenure.

What led to your leaving PDP? I am a founding member of PDP. After Ibori’s tenure of eight years and, having worked for the party, l felt it was time for the people to work for me. So, I went to vie for the ticket to go to the House of Assembly but I soon found out that the PDP is not straight forward.

Afterworkingmywaysintotheprimary knowing that whoever was my opponent, l will defeat him, given my position in Ethiope East, I decided to leave the party and joined AC, now APC,wherelcontestedtheelection.Even in the middle of the election, I was still called by PDP that they did not want their candidate, that they wanted me.

Actually I fell for them but I did not knowtheywerecomingwiththeirtricks again and that was how I lost the election and to a party where people are straight forward.

How do you describe the present crop of lawmakers in the state House of Assembly? Are they contributing positively to the growth of the state?

C M Y K

You can only pick about six or seven people out of the 29 members that are real lawmakers, the rest just went on there because they had the chance to go,butnotreallytorepresentthepeople.

And that is what happens in every administration in Nigeria where virtually all the House of Assembly members maintain a relationship with their governors, thus abandoning their legislative work or trading it out for peanut.

There is no clear separation of power and, if there is, what has happened to the creation of Asaba Development Authority which was never debated in the House but was approved? We the common people are supposed to know why a body like that is being created.

And how are they going to fund it?

That information should come throughourrepresentatives,iftherewas proper debate before this agency was created.

If things that are not supposed to be there are there and we don’t know why, then you are not representing us but representing yourself.

When I was contesting under AC against Emeyese in PDP, there was a story that I was going to challenge the siting of the University Teaching Hospital in Oghara and not Eku, because, going by law, this hospital is notsupposedbemorethan10kmaway from the main campus of the university and I felt that it was not proper because we have a structure on ground which is the Baptist Hospital, Eku. They knew that if I came into the state House of Assembly, I was going to challenge that and that was how I was robbed of my coming to the parliament and this is what the present crop of assembly members are afraid of.

•Olorogun Godwin Okene They cannot challenge the governor because of their daily bread.

When Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was hosted recently, it was observed that two of Labour Party members in the state House of Assembly were not present. Could that still be because of the fear of the state governor?

I cannot specifically say anything concerning that issue because it was a Labour Party affair. I am not aware if they were properly informed about the meeting or they deliberately stayed away. They state executive will have to ask them why they were absent.

What do you say about the ruling of the Appeal Court that gave victory to Omo-Agege? l want to commend the Appeal Court judgesoverthemannertheywentabout the case. It shows that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. It also tells you that Omo-Agege

has recovered his stolen mandate. And could Amori (the PDP candidate against Omo-Agege) have thought he would win the case or that the Appeal Court justices would reverse themselves.

And you should know too that for the period Amori was there, the only achievement he had was the thanksgiving organised and had in attendance Senate President Bukola Saraki in Mossogar. He did not move any motion in the Senate before he left.

Are you trying to tell us that Ovie Omo-Agege would be a better representativefortheUrhobopeople?

If you visit Omo-Agege’ s page on Facebook, even before he was swornin, he had started reporting to the Urhobo people what was happening in the Red chamber. On every plenary sitting, he reports to his people, so, it is for us to tell him we support this motion that is being moved or not.

That is how to represent your people.

On the day he was hosted, some Urhobo Presidents General who were there before the arrival of OmoAgegelefttheceremonyontheexcuse that the Omene-led UPU was at the ceremony. What is your take on this?

I saw about two or three presidents generalthere.Youknowthiswas a pure Labour Party affair and we in the OmoAgege political family were not aware of the invitation that was sent out by the party and, don’t forget, Ovie is a senator representing Urhobo. So, it was expected that Urhobo people will be there.

And if you listened to Ovie OmoAgegeduringhisspeech,hesaidhewas going to see to the unity of the Urhobo peopleandbringtheUPUtogether.The PGs were supposed be there, so OmoAgegedidn’tknowthatthePGshadleft

are rather made with the intention to conceal corruption and theft of public funds”.

It will be recalled that Saraki was, in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, accused of breaching Section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under Section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Aside the allegation that he falsely declared his assets, as well as made anticipatory declaration of assets,Saraki, was also alleged to have operated foreign bank accounts while in office as a public officer. He was alleged to have acquired assets beyond his legitimate earnings.

FG, among other offences, alleged that Sarakiclaimed that he owned and acquired No 15A and 15B Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos, through his company, Carlisle Properties Limited in 2000, when the said property was actually sold by the Implementation Committee of the Federal Government landed properties in 2006 to his companies, Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited, for the aggregate sum of N396, 150, 000, 00.

He was alleged to have made false declaration on or about June 3, 2011, by refusing to declare Plot 2A Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he acquired between 2007 and 2008 through his company from the Central Bank of Nigeria for a total sum of N325, 000, 000, 00.

Saraki was said to have refused to declare No1 Tagnus street, Maitama, Abuja, which he claimed to have acquired in November 1996 from one David Baba Akawu.

Saraki had, on September 22, 2015, pleaded not guilty to the charge which he said was grossly incompetent and ought to be quashed.

because he referred to them as UPU leaderspresent as heknewthataplace was created for the PGs. There was a picture circulating in the social media where the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, Chief O’tega Emerhor, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru were together. Does that mean a move by Labour Party to APC? The picture I saw brought joy into myheart,anditisanotherwayoftelling the people that it is time to take over Delta State.

Like I said, I am not in APC, but I was in AC and APC came out of AC and fromACwewenttoACNandnowAPC. So, you can see it is still the same family and having Great Ogboru being hosted by the National Chairman of APC is a wonderful thing. That is to say that our movement to APC is in top gear and we are waiting for our leaders, we are waiting for Great Ogboru and Ovie Omo-Agege to give us the go ahead that we are moving to APC. Thereisthisperceptionthatby2019, after Omo-Agege must have served his first term at the upper chamber, he is likely going to contest the governorship of Delta. Can you confirm this?

No such thing will happen. A time will come when Ovie will contest for governorship but, right now, the Ovie’s loyalty is to Great Ogboru. They are brothers, it is not like an outsider coming to the house. Loyalty is loyalty, let me disabuse peoples mind that the Ovie that I know will not contest for governorship in 2019. Great Ogboru is the leader of the party; and if he says he wants to contest in 2019, so be it. For now, Omo-Agege is not nursing that kind of ambition; he is going to the Senate to serve for eight years.

SUNDAY Vanguard,MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 39

What Buhari needs is an economic adviser, not economic summit — Bankole-Hammed

BY DAPO AKINREFON

Mr Shehu Bankole-Hameed is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In this interview, he faults the proposed economic summit urging President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an economic adviser.

W

hat do you make of the proposed economic summit as proposed by Professor Soyinka?

First of all, a summit is a form of get together; meeting or melting pot or forum for discussion or dialog by persons of very high status in government on some matter or matters, decidedly of great importance.

Now that being said, an economic summit in Nigeria will require attendance ; of the various levels of government and most probably their respective private or institutions who have been known in these government circles as economists or of economic value. I hope you are beginning to get the size and manner of the crowd expected.

Now imagine the chaos of arranging such a meeting (cash and logistics) at a time like this.

What the president and the nation needs at this time is an excellent choice of economic Adviser.

When in 2008, Obama was put in charge of a failing economy, I don’t remember him calling for an economic summit, rather he had an excellent team of economic advisers.

The Professor Aboyade school of economic thought is still alive, respected and willing to help ; these respected resources are still in University of Ibadan ,University of Lagos and that of Ife. Such a summit will be good as a response to long term economic goals , not the very immediate short term and near term.

As I have indicated, the need for a summit of economic crisis will only arise; if the nation is seriously considering growth

his friends are the only ones that are unlucky. A issue that must not be overlooked is the responsibility placed on EFCC. A question arises, are they positioned to handle the obvious hugmongous nature of the task aheadcapacity and remuneration wise?

along planned or if we as a nation want to define who we are, or be defined as a go to place for investment and investing What steps should the President take to improve the economy?

This is a very good question, there is no doubt that our over dependence on oil sales receipts ; which is driven by our need to monitor and manage the balance of payment position ( dollarized) and the craze for imports due to total failure of manufacturing capacity in the land, has led to the poor situation that we have found ourselves. If only the preparation of our budget took into consideration the aspects of internal services and revenues then, the seemingly poor situation will not be as bad. For services to be considered, there must be power; now the government has privatised the distribution of power and not necessarily the generation. If as planned, spending on power projects and road construction, including other infrastructural projects begin, then there will be noticeable improvement in the economy. Essentially the government must begin to spend wisely by deliberately employing people even if these jobs were to be seasonal.

President Buhari’s poll rating has gone down for the first time, what does this signify?

I am not surprised by the lower ratings; don’t forget that we are still awaiting a conviction from the anti corruption war, and the re injection of monies returned or confiscated to reflate the economy. It is unfair though to hold the president solely responsible for non conviction of the many suspected corrupt government officers; there’s the judiciary and the legislative arm.

The judicial aspect is to my mind most important. That is not to say that the legislative arm is off the hook ; many of our legislators are

Mr Shehu Hameed

Bankole-

just plain opportunistic people, who are not interested in the well-being of the nation or it’s citizens. Their core competences are making noise and demanding more monies for their luxurious live style.

Do you agree with the notion that the president is making anti-corruption his only agenda?

No, not at all, we have heard from his minister of power, housing and works about the plans to inject massive amounts of money in construction, installation and maintenance, including employment. We have to wait on the legislative arm to deliver the appropriations so we can have a working document.

The communication minister has spelt out his mission to make Nigeria a hub for IT innovations in Africa, we are witnessing the Finance minister ’s determination to ensure a more transparent accounting and reporting system.

The announcement by the petroleum boss to split NNPC into various units for efficiency is commendable.

As to the anti corruption campaign of the president, it has remained largely that; we have the case of a very senior member of his party - holding forte at the senior chamber still hanging, while it seems as if Dasuki and

Essentially the government must begin to spend wisely by deliberately employing people even if these jobs were to be seasonal Recall, sometimes back saying that the Southwest has been shortchanged, now that Ministers have been appointed, what has changed?

Thank you very much for this insightful question. I’m happy to note that Fashola, and Fayemi are included to bring about needed change by working hard.

Yet we notice with interest the clay footedness ( if I can use the term) displayed by these two particularly- in terms of scope of work and capacity utilization.

Take Amechi for example, he has injected his kinsman and protégé, what is the response from our own ministers to capacity building? Your guess is as good

as mine. I don’t see Fashola or Fayemi appointing any of their own. This either shows that these our representatives are truly clueless. They need to be told in plain terms - there are abundance of qualified hands in the southwest. Do not abandon them.

With the growing rate of fuel scarcity and epileptic power supply, what steps should be taken to address this situation?

This is a very important question, and I’m going to attempt to answer it. As regards the fuel scarcity; we all are witnesses to the efforts of the petroleum sector unions to scuttle any reasonable actions to bring succor. What I find disturbing is the seemingly powerless position of the minister; he needs to make example of these economic terrorists - outright sacks and prosecution - these times are difficult times for our nation and its citizens and as such any groups of people or individuals that threaten our economic or political survival should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. What stops the military being utilized for distribution of fuel? Ronald Reagan did it with the air travel controllers, Thatcher made the miners eat their words and there has been sanity in that sector since then.

In the case of power, I think we have very little generation and extremely poor distribution network. The DISCOS have been a great fraud, we have being taken for a rough ride. I hope this administration has the courage to address the inefficiency in the system. Transmission is said to be handled by a capable firm, a question arising - what is the condition of the equipment and infrastructure surrounding the transmission? The threat of strikes and disruption of work by employees of the power sector, should be addressed as I have discussed earlier.

Customs intercepts truck load of foreign poultry products

BY UDEME CLEMENT

T

he new strategies mapped out by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to stamp out smuggling and illegal trade in the country is paying off, as the headquarters Special Assignment Team ‘C’

Ogun State Unit intercepted a Volvo truck with registration number LND 298 XN loaded with imported foreign poultry products, estimated at the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N9.9million, at the axis headed by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Shittu Almarof.

The prohibited item concealed with cartons of fish by smugglers in attempt to gain entry into the local market unchecked, was intercepted by a patrol team led by, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Ismaila Aminu Umar, while on routine patrol along Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

The team leader disclosed

Hammed Ibrahim Ali

that the seizure was made possible following the strengthened antismuggling strategy of the Unit, targeted at aggressive patrol activities to curtail smuggling of contra-band and offensive items into the country. “During the random checks carried out on the suspected truck, the body language and general disposition of the occupants aroused suspicion that there could be offensive goods

other than what was seen on the surface. So, a casual search was conducted on the truck, though the occupants had earlier said that the truck was carrying only frozen fish, but the imported poultry items were found in the process. The truck was immediately taken to Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Lagos, where physical examination confirmed that the vehicle had 785 cartons of smuggled frozen poultry products concealed with 478 cartons of frozen fish”, he said.

He stressed, “The team is working assiduously in synergy with other antismuggling outfits to deal decisively with hydra headed monster of smuggling. The team has a responsibility to complement the effort of other alliedUnits in the Zone, with a view to tackling smuggling within South-West and its confines.

The team will continue to dislodge smugglers in the Zone through its latest

approach of collaboration with communities along unapproved routes for information on the activities of smugglers. We are doing everything in sync with other anti-smuggling Units namely, FOU and state Commands to protect the interest of local investors in agriculture and other critical sectors of the economy. We were given a specific mandate at the inception to aggressively patrol all flanks and flashpoints within the Zone to ensure total blockade of such identified areas.

“The capacity of the team has been strengthened to meet the exigencies of the moment. If you look at the parameters, you will agree that the heat is on these smugglers and we will do everything possible to preempt them with a view to wrecking havoc. It is on the basis of this, that we request the support of patriotic informants to avail the Service and the team with

credible information that can help us track them. I wish to reiterate that the task of eradicating smuggling within our domain remains the responsibility of all Nigerians and we must not renege. We should realise that we have a duty to safeguard the economy from the hands of economic saboteurs who are bent on destroying our country.

The team has been involved in several spectacular seizures in recent times as a result of its dexterity. Smuggling is a cancer that destroys the fabric of the Nation’s economy, therefore our team alongside others in the Zone are fully committed to be at the vanguard of this campaign for the overall benefit of the Service.

We are working in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his management strategies, which are anchored on integrity, transparency and accountability.”

Page 40—SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

VIEWPOINT

By George Akpan

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Pertinent questions for our senators ny follower of the happenings at the National Assembly will A struggle to dismiss members of the

allegedly hallowed chambers as an uninteresting lot.

You can accuse them of a wide range of ills, but they would not include dullness.TheSenate,whichisthefocus of this piece, delivers more drama than a soap opera. On Monday, it rejected a proposed law to ban child marriage and discrimination against women. The long and short of this is that the Senate is less keen on a law protecting women from a variety of abuses.

The same Senate, which has just exhibited disinterest in a law protecting women, a fortnight ago, was near-apoplectic over a matter

VIEWPOINT

By Wilson Eboh

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The new INEC boss under searchlight ne year after the 2015 general election, the Independent O National Electoral Commission

[INEC] is still in election mode. With nearly 100 re-run elections to conduct, courtesy of upturned and cancelled elections in the 2015 elections, INEC has not yet technically completed the assignment. The completion is the responsibility of the new INEC leadership under Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Much as Yakubu would have wished that he started as INEC Chairman on a clean slate, it is his burden now to clean the

VIEWPOINT

By Chike Okeke

TRIBUTE IN BRIEF

Recognition of service

O

ne of the decent minds in politics is Honourable Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwowhowassworninafewweeks ago as a member of the House of RepresentativesforNjikoka,Anaochaand Dunukofia Federal Constituency after a hard won victory at the election, but was overturned in favour of his opponent, at the Election Petition Tribunal and at the Court of Appeal. His victory justifies the saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God. A native of Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, he bagged his BSc degree in Accounting from the University of Port

VIEWPOINT

By Rasheed Ojikutu

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Taming the terrorist

nytime, Netanyahu appears before the world, you cannot but A notice his unwillingness to give the

world a respite through reasonableness and compromise that would douse tension in the Middle East, thereby swelling the population of disgruntled citizens of the world. Tyranny and autocracy that were supposedly outlawed by the world community are beginning to find shade under the fight against terrorism. Opposition to government inadequacies are now being branded as terrorism to the extent that people are given capital

DStv and the Shallow Chambers considerably less serious and for which it believes, very wrongly, that it can legislate. I am referring to the motion moved by Senator Isah Misau from Bauchi State, which led to a directive that a probe be conducted into the operations of MultiChoice, the country's leading video entertainment company. Senate President Bukola Saraki said the motion was more about protecting the Nigerians’ rights in the area of services.

Fantastic. But what about the rights of vulnerable women and children?

A little recap. Senator Misau's motion, titled “Concern About Unwholesome

Nothing like monopoly exists in the pay-TV market.

There are alternatives to DStv

Practices by MultiChoice Nigeria (DStv),” is targeted at the dominance of MultiChoice, which he said is characterised by negative and unhealthy trade practices that have led to complaints, petitions and subscriber litigations.

Misau was convinced that the motion was of public interest, given the enormous followership football and the English Premier League enjoy in Nigeria. Football fans, said Misau, are at the mercy of DStv. Misau also wailed about arbitrary increase in the subscription and refusal to adopt the pay-as-you-use model, which he claimed is used in other countries where MultiChoice operates.

His colleagues found the motion moving. Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Na’Allah, was moved to say: “We have found ourselves in the situation where certain people position themselves for a business in such a manner because

they have exclusive monopoly. This does not help any growing economy in any country and I think the moral courage to reverse this situation in the overall interest of Nigeria rests with this Senate.”

The Senate then directed its Information Committee to hold a public hearing for stakeholders, including the civil society.

A few questions for the inhabitants of the hallowed chambers. Can the Senate determine how MultiChoice, a private concern, bills its subscribers?

Should MultiChoice have a tete-a-tete with the Senate whenever it considers increasing subscription? Do we really have exclusive monopoly in the payTV sector? Does pay-as-you-use billing model exist in other countries where MultiChoice operates? Is football of greater public interest than the rights of women? Is pay-TV a fundamental human right?

Senator Na Allah's use of the phrase

As Yakubu cleans the stable at INEC stable.

He must have discovered what the INEC job was all about the very day he assumed office. On November 10, 2015, when the INEC boss assumed office, he had decisions on the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa State waiting for him to make. The Kogi election was billed for November 21, 2015, while Bayelsa’s was for December 5.

He told a pre-election stakeholders meeting in Lokoja just before the Kogi election that he wanted elections conducted under him “to be a model for future elections in the country”.

Before then, he told the INEC staff that “ our own experience will become one of the international best practices”. Add these to his comment

immediately after his inauguration that INEC under his watch “will be courageous and guided by the Constitution and the Electoral Act”, and you have the nearest thing to Yakubu’s manifesto at INEC. But the future can be treacherous.

It did not take long for Yakubu to come face to face with the challenge of conducting elections in Nigeria.

The Kogi election had gone relatively well, until the cancellation of the poll in 91 polling units in 19 local governments across the state.

Thereafter the election was declared inconclusive. Then, the leading candidate in the election, Abubakar Audu, suddenly dropped dead.

Conspiracy theory claims started.

Then came the Bayelsa election.

Once again, INEC found itself not declaring the full result of the election. Waylaid, as it were, by electoral brinkmanship and violence, the on toward situation resulted in the cancellation of the result in Southern Ijaw, an outcome that left the election inconclusive until a supplementary election was conducted in the affected area.

On both occasions – Kogi and Bayelsa polls - the new INEC, under Yakubu, held firmly to its decisions, determined to get it right above every other thing. This is a positive testament for Mahmood Yakubu as the helmsman of INEC. The new INEC boss has navigated these elections and others in Adamawa and Benue to very successful ends,

Nwankwo – A lawmaker as a philanthropist

Harcourt Rivers State and he is currently studying for his MSc in Business Administration(LeadershipOption)inthe University of the Liverpool UK. Itisintheareaofphilanthropyandhuman capital development that Nwankwo has made his mark. His Dozie Nwankwo Foundation, established with the motto: ServicetoHumanity,isahouseholdname alloverAnambraStateforthefarreaching medical and educational touch on the citizens. Over 44,000 people from 22 communities in Anambra Central have benefited from the humanitarian programmes of the Foundation. A breakdown indicates that over 3000 widows have been assisted through the povertyalleviationscheme,500underwent eye surgery while over 1000 were treated foreyerelatedillnessesand2000giveneye glasses. Over 50,000 exercise books have been given to secondary school students.

The Foundation also drilled three boreholes spread across three local governmentareasinhisconstituency.

Nwankwo has been a man of the people sincehejoinedpolitics.In2011hecontested for the same Federal Constituency seat under the banner of the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and clearly won the election, but the usual

abracadabra of politics of Anambra State could not allow the people will to prevail.

Again he won convincingly in the 2015 elections,thistimeunderthebannerofAll ProgressivesGrandAlliance(APGA).The convincing victory was confirmed by the Election Petition Tribunal and affirmed by theCourtofAppeal,Enugu.

About five weeks ago, he was sworn in to take his seat in the Federal House. He is a member of the Federal Character, Air Force, NEMA, Health Institutions, Ports, Harbours and Waterways FCT Area Councils Committees, among others.

Nwankwo has the Youth Empowerment And Assistance to small scale enterprises as his main focus. He believes that establishmentofICTcentersinthevarious communities will assist youths acquire knowledge to be on their own while skill acquisition in soap production and other

Terrorism could be buried in the home of justice (2) punishment because of their political belief, race or religious affiliation.

Out of the billions of Muslims in the world, hardly would you fine a million that are terrorising the world. Yet, people of other religious leaning are beginning to view other Muslims as outcasts. A situation that may draw them closer to the fanatical group.

Recently, the Saudi Arabian Government executed forty-seven Shiites in broad daylight without the world blinking an eye. Two recent incidents in Nigeria would justify the theses on the injustice done to humanity in an attempt to make a case for urgent termination of terrorism. On Saturday, December 12, 2015, the Nigerian Armed

Forces on the excuse that the Chief of Army Staff was waylaid in Zaria, Nigeria brazenly murdered a group of obviously overzealous youths. As shown on Facebook in a clip purportedly released by the army, it was obvious that most of the youths were holding sticks and cutlasses which are weapons that would make it easy for the army to demobilise them, therefore, from whatever perspective one may want to look at it, the consequent death toll is most unjustifiable and callous. In a similar case, a group of protesters who are demanding for a separate state of Biafra were reported to have been killed merely because of their demand for self-emancipation The social media is inundated with

videos of young and promising black Americans being murdered by the police in the United States of America for very flimsy reasons. Young men are strangulated and shot by police in an unprecedented renewal of violence against the blacks. America that had been a model of decency and justice in the world is today becoming bad example that should not be emulated. The truth is, violence against the blacks could have a serious backlash because, that race will eventually struggle for survival if the brutality and inhumane treatment by the police do not abate. While terrorism and criminal activities cannot and should not be justified, yet, we cannot also remove the fact that retaliation would

"moral courage" is nothing but guff.

That moral courage was clearly on vacation when the protection of women's rights came up for discussion.

Pay-TV service, like air travel, is not a basic right. Nothing like monopoly exists in the pay-TV market. There are alternatives to DStv. ACTV, Consat, Montage, StarTimes and MyTV constitute options. HiTV, which, for three years, was the sole broadcaster of English Premier League matches, was here with us. StarTimes, I remember, has wrested the rights to the German Bundesliga from MultiChoice's SuperSport. Senators should use the internet to check if there is a pay-as-you-use billing system in other countries. Protecting women's rights is of greater importance to the society than granting "equal rights" to the English Premier League. The hallowed chambers look more like shallow chambers. The shallowness is astounding.

*Akpan, a former journalist, is resident in Ikot Ekpene showing along the line that he has the determination to get the right thing done in elections.

Yakubu’s flexibility in adjusting the existing accreditation/voting procedure, among few other decisions showed him to be a fast learner in his new challenging terrain. There will be other re-run elections across the country, with that of Rivers State holding just yesterday. The new Chief Electoral Officer of Nigeria has the task to properly map out his work plan for the future, because the days and elections ahead will still come with challenges. He should remain firm and keep to the rules as he has done so far.

*Wilson Eboh (w_eb68@yahoo.com) lives in Abuja

small scale businesses will keep some youthsbusy.Heseestheproblemoferosion as a major one in his constituency and believes it needs serious Federal Government attention. He is of the view thatAPGAisthepartytobeatinAnambra sinceitderivesitsmassfollowingfromthe grassroots.HeisconfidentthatChiefVictor Umeh will emerge victorious in the AnambraCentralrerunelectionwhenitis held. He is full of praises for the administrationofGovernorWillieObiano.

OnhisrelationshipwithPrinceArthurEze, thescionoftheEzefamily,whosenephew hedefeatedintheelection,hesaystheprince has always been his political mentor and oneofthegiantsofindustryandcommerce inthestate.

Nwankwo is a rising star in the politics of Anambra and will definitely make an impactbothatpresentandinthefuture.A gold fish has no hiding place.

*Okeke is a political analyst

be imminent where the victim perceives himself as helpless. There are those who are not ready to turn the left ear when you slap them on the right and it is for this set of people that we need to have some rules of engaging the menace of criminality and terrorism. This is particularly foreboding in today’s world where nobody is a monopolist of violence and aggression.

Those who are anti-terrorism would win the battle against the aggressors by ensuring that justice is dispensed appropriately, effectively and efficiently. If we fail to do justice then we may, by our sheer number and might in relation to the terrorist, win the battle but not the war.

•Ojikutu is a professor at the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Lagos

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

VIEWPOINT

By Usman Abudah

RIGHT OF REPLY

A look at the forthcoming governorship election he article by one Godfrey Osadolor, published in the T Vanguard of Monday, March 14,

2016, under the above headline, refers. “World-wide, the Dangote image, in his over successful expose, is not only a pride to the African nation, but should also be welcomed to Edo that is yet to have large scale industrial presence.“I expect Osadolor to be aware of Dangote’s classified position on the world’s successful business persons list. And that, if such a Nigerian is asked to come to Edo to change its present wretchedness in terms of

VIEWPOINT

By Enoghogho Loveday

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Making bold statements through empowerment packages

I

t is an acceptable fact the world over that a good leader considers first the good and happiness of his people before his personal interest in whatever he does.

For this reason, Osanebi is seen as “A man of the people” and his joy in putting smiles on the faces of those around him is a constant source of joy to him. It is in such act that great men like Late Nelson Mandela, Malcom X, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Martin Luther King made themselves names in the world history.

Back in Nigeria, the immediate past President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, against all odds stood for the unity and development of the

VIEWPOINT

By Soyombo Opeyemi

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

A leadership training school rebuilt by Gov. Amosun

T

he diamond anniversary of the Social DevelopmentInstitute(Shasha),Iperu literally caught me flat-footed. The news clipontheOgunStateTelevision(OGTV) somewhat jarred me. The human lenses thatbeheldtheruinsofthiscollegeshould have been part of the historic 60th celebrations. It was a brisk moment of self-flagellation.

The allegory of “dying cattle” could perspicuously substitute for the narration of this author in 2013 after the visit of the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to the institution that had sunk

VIEWPOINT

By Olabode Samuels

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Nigerians await investigation into tragic incident

efore the tragedy that struck in form of a building collapse B that claimed the lives of 35

people in Lagos what came to mind at the mention of Lekki Gardens was a foremost player in the burgeoning real sector of the Nigerian economy and arguably the country’s fastest growing residential property developer.

The question should therefore arise as to why the tragedy of March 8, 2016 occurred. What happened to a structure that was only one of the many in the area, some of which have been occupied for more than one year without complaint? How did a

Re – Edo guber: Choice before his people industrialization, I wonder why Osadolor would not wish the project well.“Osadolor made irritating comments as if he has the ENTIRE citizens of the state in his grip, including the BINI ROYAL FAMILY, in pronouncing who should step out at the end of the current government's tenure.“There are certainly many FACTORS that would play out in Gov. Adams Oshiomhole’s favour.“He certainly merits pay back by the people of Edo South who, for unknown reasons, didn’t display allegiance to the APC and its government in the last general elections, particularly in the National Assembly segment, but his home district demonstrated a soothing and appreciative THANK

YOU by producing a senator on APC’s platform.“With the progressive performance of the Oshiomhole-led government that has seen Edo emerging the best governed states in the federation, I would expect the likes of Osadolor to get a drum and beat it around Edo South and beyond to ensure that Godwin Obaseki, the governor's candidate in the forthcoming governorship election, takes over the baton from Oshiomhole as the latter ends his tenure. If Osadolor is really genuine, he should encourage people like Obaseki to grow in Edo rather than basing his judgment on sentiments. Obaseki has excelled as an administrator and a financial expert and capable of taking over

from Oshiomhole. Is it because, unlike Chris Osa Ogienwonyi and others, Obaseki doesn’t sing his praises in the media that people like Osadolor don't like him? ““Now, a lot's look at the NNPC where Ogiemwonyi worked before becoming a Minister of State is wobbling to supply products to the citizens. Ogiemwonyi’s specific achievements while at the NNPC were not made public by Osadolor to enable the Edo people juxtapose them with those of Godwin Obaseki (Sunday Vanguard, March 13, 2016 at pages 38-39 interview) who has been working with Oshiomhole to make Edo better.“Majority of the citizens of Edo will of course vote for continuity come the next election since

Page — 41

the progressive government of Oshiomhole has continued to deliver democracy dividend. The people now know the difference between “EARMARKED” in past budgets and “EYEMARKED” – seeing what is being done.““One feels relaxed that Crown Prince Eheneden and Edaiken N’Uselu would put an end to the present third party representational stance on political issues in BeninCity as His Royal Majesty is an outstanding diplomat who has been exposed to good governance, having the traditional format to know the truth from falsehood to score political points.“Edo APC members can vouch for Oshiomhole’s performance and trust him to anoint the candidate who will continue his good works after he might have left office.“ *Abudah, a journalist, lives in Benin City.

When the needs of the electorate matter country more than his personal interest. This was evident in the peaceful and bloodless transition from one civilian government to another which he supervised, that limited space would not allow me to mention in this piece.

Here in Delta State, a symbol of such selfless leader is the current Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly,Hon. Friday Osanebi, who, through his love for his people has empowered them thereby becoming a reference point in philanthropy, for which he has won various awards by the church and his people.

Very recently, he was accused of fraud by some self- serving individuals, but in his humility as a man who has no skeleton in his cupboard, came openly to defend

himself.

Many have described his action in this regard as a test of true leadership and accountability to his people. In spite of his position as the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, he was humble enough to clear himself of the allegation. He was not unmindful of the fact that as a public figure and a leader of his people, he may be unjustly maligned.

Instead of doing what some radicals in power would do, he chose the path of humility to put the record straight before the public. It was indeed a big surprise to me and many wellmeaning Deltans.

In Nigerian politics, leaders like Osanebi are rare to come by. There were cases where highly placed politicians were accused of one thing or the other and instead of coming

out to clear themselves of the allegations, engaged in verbal attacks against their perceived enemies. Osanebi is the kind of leader that the nation needs – leader that lives with his people, dines with them, know their needs and always ready to help them.

Little wonder, therefore, he making appreciable impact in politics. From very humble beginning, he is now the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly and by the grace of God, the sky will be his limit in his political career.

Back home and in the State House of Assembly, he has been described as a leader who has charisma, a man of the people, who deeply feels for the needy, a leader with a soft heart and passion to bring development to his people.

Ogun Institute as a metaphor into atrophy due to decades of neglect: “...Justpicturestructuresabandonedinthe bush for decades or that have lost their innocence to wars or some natural disasters... The termite-infested hall - the best of the buildings - the (high) table and chairs standing grudgingly on legs that had lost their souls to the rage of termites, the pock-marked asbestos ceiling, windowswithoutcovers,roofthreatening to collapse at the slightest fury of the elements...”

It was not totally an overcast day, and nothing had really forewarned the governorandhissmallentourageonhow the day might turn out to be when the convoy pulled up at the Social Development Institute (Shasha), Iperu, a college established on February 20, 1956

bythegovernmentofWesternRegion,led

by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to offer leadershiptrainingtocommunityleaders, traditional rulers and politicians. It offers Certificate and Diploma in Social Works and Social Development to youths in affiliation with the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

After a tour of the college, the governor was downcast. The journey from Iperu to Lagosafterwardswasexpectedlysombre and I fantasized the governor retiring to his bed by 1 a.m. or thereabouts mulling the ‘sight of the day’ over, imagining the numberofsuchscenesofregressionyetto be identified in addition to the thousands already known, in the face of scarce resourcesofthestate.

Effortshadtoberedoubledintherenovation

ofexistingschoolswhilebuildingnewones in order to expand access to education.

Any new school built that does not factor intheageweareisnotworthit.Sothestate governmenthadtobefuturisticinthedesign ofitsnewschools,atemplatethatcannow be imitated by any individual, group or futuregovernments.Indeed,ineverynew project embarked upon by the Amosun administrationineverysectorofthestate’s economy,compliancewiththe21stcentury was an article of faith.

AttheendofthatenervatingtourofShasha, the governor promised to rehabilitate the institution. To the glory of God, it was a renovated institution that celebrated its 60thanniversarylastWednesday.

Indeed,asIwatchedthenewsflashofthe 60th, the state’s officials that sat on the

Information has it that he has wellpackaged empowerment programmes intended to make his people have a sense of belonging in government that he periodically dole out to them. Such empowerment programmes cut across education, skills training, finance and other materials to make his people live a worthwhile life. Little wonder, therefore, many who have benefited from his benevolence say giving flows in his blood.

Perhaps one thing that is going for him is the fact that despite his position in government, he still remains humble, reassuring his constituent and Deltans that he is accountable to them, even when some lesser politicians would bluff.

•Loveday, is resident in Asaba, Delta State

high table, in the very space that the governorwasreceived in 2013, it was evident that from the ashes of neglect, a bright future had emerged for the students of Social Development Institute (Shasha), Iperu. I congratulate the students and staff of Shasha and laud the state governor for fulfilling his pledge to the premier institution. Of course, the government still has plans for the secondphaseofthereconstructionwhen financesofthestateimprove,buttheimage of a dying calf, some neglected jungle or an institution in the throes of death has nowbeensupplantedwithprospectsofa bright and flourishing future for the studentsandpeopleofOgunState.

*Soyombo is based in Abeokuta and can be reached via densityshow@yahoo.com

Lekki Building Collapse: More Questions than Answers company that places premium on quality and standard find itself in a situation in which it has to provide answers to the whys and wherefores of an occurrence it could not possibly have envisaged? Could the incidence that has tainted an otherwise unblemished record have been averted?

But while we wait for investigations to reveal what went wrong, perhaps it is worthwhile to attempt to answer an important question that may arise from the unfortunate incidence. There is, immediately, the question as to whether there was greed on the part of the owners of Lekki Gardens. This would seem far fetched, if information on the company’s operations is anything to go by.

Despite the increased attention that is being paid to provision of

houses in the country today, especially by the federal and state governments, in response to demand that has been difficult to satisfy, real estate is still a sector that is waiting to be tapped. With a population that is growing out of control, provision of houses will not be adequate in the foreseeable future. There is, therefore, no reason for greed on the part of a housing provider, certainly, not one that has built a reputation for meticulousness, as well as safety of customers and clients, within the short period of its existence.

Allegation of greed has come as fallout of the story in the public domain to the effect that the collapsed building was marked for demolition, not having met required standards, yet the company still went ahead with its construction, ostensibly looking

more at profit making than safety. A comment on this aspect of the incidence is hampered by the fact of the matter being in court, which would make it sub judicial. But it bears mentioning that at times like this, public comments are mostly coloured by emotion than reason, perhaps understandably so, especially as there has been loss of lives.

We regularly see this type of reaction when there is a crash involving an aircraft, with attendant loss of life. The government toes the familiar path and responds impulsively by suspending the operating license of the beleaguered airline, while the court of public opinion finds the airline guilty of operating flights with obsolete aircraft. It doesn’t matter that at the end of the day, the airline’s operating license will be restored and the

company will resume operations with the same obsolete aircraft.

And the same public will fly on the obsolete aircraft.

The high casualty figure in the Lekki building collapse makes dispassionate conversation on the incidence extremely difficult.

But suffice it to say that a company that is clearly ahead of its peers in terms of housing delivery does not need to cut corners to achieve success.

While we grieve with the families that lost loved ones and sympathize with the injured, it makes sense for us to await result of investigations into the incidence, as it may not go the way opinions are going already.

•Olabode is a licensed agent with over a decade’s experience in real estate.

PAGE 42—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016

Church must support anti-corruption war — Omobude REVEREND Felix Omobude is the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN and General Superintendent of New Covenant Gospel Church, Benin City. In this interview with journalists recently in Benin, he insisted that the Church has a vital role to play in the anti-corruption war of the present government. He also spoke on the abduction of 14-year Miss Ese Oruru and other national issues. GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE was there. Excerpts: How will you assess the anticorruption war of the Muhammadu Buhari administration?

Anyone that wishes Nigeria well must support the anti-corruption drive of the present administration.

Corruption has dealt so much deadly blow to our nation, and every attempt aimed at fighting this deadly disease must be commended.

We have a president who has not been accused by anybody in the media or in government, of being corrupt. So, the president is in a good position to start this fight against corruption. On the manner in which corruption is being fought, well those who are being accused have a right to deny or accept the allegations. That is why the law is supreme. The fight against corruption should be within the ambit of the laws of the land; and that is the stand of PFN. What do you think PFN can do to support the anti-corruption campaign?

We will give every logical, moral and spiritual support. The fight against corruption is a fight the Church must be involved in. It is high time we looked at ourselves and purge ourselves when necessary, and reposition ourselves to lead our people towards the right direction, towards making Nigeria better and greater.

What do you think is the solution to this dismal state of the Nigeria economy?

Again, we have to find out what is the cause. Basically, the country has been a mono-economy for a longtime and there have been attempts to diversify it. I think it is high time Nigeria really diversified

be made on the situation of the schoolgirls, if they are alive or not?

We are praying fervently for the best.

its economy. Agriculture would be an area I think the government should examine. Secondly, technocrats and professionals should be brought in to contribute their wealth of knowledge and technical knowhow so as to fashion out a solid economic blueprint that will encourage foreign direct investment flow into the country.

About two years ago, over 200 school girls were abducted in Chibok and as we speak they are nowhere to be found. Specifically, how will you rate the security situation in Nigeria and the performance of the security agencies?

Well, I can tell you there is improvement. Prior to the coming of this administration the incidence of bombings was very high, people were scared to worship in churches, people were afraid to go to the markets. I think to some extent that has significantly reduced. To the credit of this present administration; I believe they have done well to reduce the capacity of Boko Haram.

At least, we are aware that some people have returned back to their places of origin. I believe strongly that there is still more that needs to be done. The abduction of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls is something that is still disheartening. No government can sleep over that and expect that eyebrows will not be raised. I believe President Buhari is doing his best to ensure that the girls are released; and that the security situation improves.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo believes that the Chibok girls cannot be found. He is of the opinion that they might have been

Recently, the media was awash with the case of a teenage girl that was abducted from Bayelsa and taken to Kano. Though the girl has been reunited with the family, but with pregnancy. What is your take on this?

Certainly, I am happy that the girl has been reunited with her family, but you will know from what was reported that this case has been on for some time. Why will it take so long? Who are the people that shielded this girl and helped the abductors? We are looking forward to the police arraigning these people in the court of law; and whosoever aided them should be prosecuted.

Again, let me say that people should not use religion to tear this nation apart. Why will a 13-year-old girl be married? I was told that the Sharia court was involved.

Common sense will tell you that for you to marry a girl; you need the consent of the parents. I do hope that the government and the law enforcement agencies will do the proper thing and not only get to the

*Omobude

sold or taken to other countries. Sir, do you think the schoolgirls can still be found?

I believe that former President Obasanjo has some insights than some of us. I believe that we should hope for the best, something will surely happen and revelations will

NCEF disagrees with US report

By SAM EYOBOKA

T

HE National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has disagreed with certain aspects of the US 2014 International Religious Freedom Report, IRF, arguing that the portion is not a true reflection of the actual situation in Nigeria.

According to an 11-paragraph response to the 2014 US IRF report signed by the national chairman of NCEF, Chief Solomon Asemota, SAN, the Elders Forum further argued that the source of inform-ation that formed the basis of certain portions of the report may either have been compromised or delibe-rately mischievous.

The letter addressed to Ambassa-dor David Saperstein of the Inter-national Religious Freedom through Mr. Dan Joyce, Political Officer at the US Embassy, Abuja appealling for the correction of the misconception.

"We wish to thank you for making available to us at the CAN, the 2014 International Religious Freedom Report (IRF) of the US. We noted that a portion of the Report on page 11 states as follows: “Many religious leaders publicly supported tolerance and interfaith methods of conflict resolution. For example, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar held a summit on interfaith understanding in August. Some leaders, however, said distrust between Christian and Muslim communities (and

discord among denominations within the same faith tradition) could threaten interfaith efforts.

"The independent Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) com-prised of Christian and Muslim leaders, failed to meet during the year, to the frustration of many Muslim and Christian leaders. The NIREC co-chair and head of the CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has criticized Muslim leaders for not doing enough to condemn Boko Haram and has been reluctant to engage in interfaith dialogue, as a result.

Muslim and other Christian leaders have expressed disappointment at Oritsejafor ’s stance.”

"This portion in the 2014 Report is not a true reflection of the actual situation in Nigeria. It may be that the source of this information is either compromised or deliberately mischievous.

"Please permit us to correct the wrong impression that has been created by this segment of the Report. The CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has been the advo-cate for dialogue and interfaith relationship in Nigeria.

In the past three years, NIREC has not met due to the reluctance of the Muslim leaders.

"When it became apparent that NIREC was deliberately being frustrated, the CAN President proceeded to organize an interfaith programme tagged “THINK NIGERIA” which was attended by a wide spectrum of Islamic sects in Nigeria, even more than those that are permitted to participate in NIREC.

"So far, the THINK NIGERIA interfaith meeting has met four times as follows: 28th January, 2014; 19th March, 2014; 17th June, 2014 and 18th March, 2015.

"If there is any individual committed to interfaith peace and dialogue in Nigeria, it is the CAN President, Pastor Oritsejafor. This is in line with the Christian doctrine of “follow peace with all men.”

"Christians in Nigeria are committed to peaceful co-existence of all the divergent groups in the nation and if there is going to be any institution that would oppose peace and interfaith relationship, it would not be CAN."

root of the matter but bring the perpetrators to book.

A law is being proposed by the National Assembly for the allocation of land to cattle rearers to graze their cattle. Does this not portend serious security implications?

The activities of these cattle rearers across the country are becoming very worrisome. I think it is time the government of the day comes up with a strong stand in curbing these senseless killings. While there have been suggestions that grazing land is found for them; to me that is not the best solution. The solution is helping these cattle rearers develop the business of cattle rearing by building ranches for them to rear their cattle. People eat beef in Europe, but you do not see them parading their cattle on the roads or streets and invade other people’s farms. I think it is time we change; this change we talk about should affect all facets of our lives.

Sir, on March 14 you will be 70, how do you feel at 70?

Oh! God has been good to me. I thank God for all his grace; well I am sound in my body, spirit and soul.

I will just continue to give Him thanks and look up to Him for the future.

EASTER: Osinbajo, Don Moen for maiden cross campaign in Lagos

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

V

ICE President Yemi Osinbajo and renowned gospel singer, Don Moen, are expected to lead other dignitaries and men of God at the maiden cross campaign to celebrate the end of the 40 days Christian fasting period with the wearing of the cross emblem.

Osinbajo, who will be the Special Guest of Honour, is expected to deliver a goodwill message to Nigerians on unity of purpose and moral values in the society.

Rev. Yomi Kasali, founder/ overseer of Foundation of Truth Ministry, the convener of the event, disclosed this at a media briefing on the programme slated for March 27-29, noting that the event will be kicked off by a cross concert to be staged at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

The event aimed at providing conscious awareness on the essence of the Cross to Christendom, with the #I Love

The Cross, will be attended by other ministers of God such as Pastor Wale Adenuga, Cobhams Asuquo, Glowreeyah Braimah among others to celebrate Jesus Christ who laid down his life for the salvation of souls.

Kasali explained that there was the need to lay emphasis on the use of the cross because many Christians of today do not know the actual meaning of the cross and what it symbolizes to Christendom.

On March 29, over one million people, according to the man of God, are expected to wear and display an emblem of “The Cross”, (brooch, lapel, pendants) among others, in markets, work places, schools, homes and on the streets in the spirit of Easter celebration.

“The burden I have is to reawaken the essential of our faith by the use of emblem of the cross.

The cross to me is a brand identity of the Christian faith, unifying symbol of the kingdom that reveals the redemptive purpose and power of God to humanity,” Kasali stated.

Assemblies of God breaks 87-year curse in Akwa Ibom

T

HE Assemblies of God Church Nigeria recently concluded its Missions & Evangelism programme in Abak, Akwa Ibom with the General Superintendent, Rev. Chidi Okoroaofor prayerfully lifting the suspension meted to late Noah Udoetok, the human founder of Assemblies of God in Abak and curse on Abak Community by white missionaries.

While lifting the suspension and curse during the programme titled; “Abak 2016: Operation total invasion”, Rev. Okoroafor said that since the people of Nkwot in Abak have genuinely repented and asked God for forgiveness, there was need to lift the suspension and curse which had affected the people of Nkwot and Assemblies of God Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State.

He pronounced God’s blessings upon the land and the people of Abak. The people of Abak are now expectant of what God will begin to do in their land. Many people who attended the programme which from March 1-6, 2016 at Abak Sports Stadium, Abak Road, Abak LGA received diverse blessings, deliverance and miracles from God as many people surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.

During the evangelism crusade, the Executive Committee of the Assemblies of God Nigeria officially launched Decade of Rapid Multiplication, a 10-year programme aimed at winning souls for Christ and planting of churches across the states in the federation and beyond. As part of the vision, the Executive Committee commissioned 120 missionaries

with the mandate to plant a minimum of 50 churches in Abak community.

The fiery preacher, Dr. Okoroaofor, said what makes Assemblies of God Nigeria stand out from other Pentecostal is the spirit of discipline which the church had maintained since its creation in 1934 till date.

Rev. Sunday Timothy Thomas, chairman, Abak Missionary Area, in his welcome address said, “it could be recalled that Assemblies of God, first came to Abak in the 1930s but due to the unfaithfulness of the leaders then, the land was abandoned and the work seized. We are told that the white missionaries left the land in anger and cursed the people. We have not felt much impact for over 70 years now.”

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 20, 2016, PAGE 43

H

OW do we know when we are sick?

We probably feel uncomfortable, have a high temperature and are unable to eat. But our feelings are not the sickness. Our feelings are symptoms of the sickness. Our feelings are actually defensive mechanisms alerting us to the fact that we are sick. Our feelings tell us when there is sickness lurking somewhere in our bodies. So when we get to a doctor, his assignment is that of determining the precise nature of the sickness. He does this partly by asking us about the symptoms.

But what if we are sick and have no symptoms whatsoever? What if we are ill but don’t feel sick? Such a situation might actually be life-threatening. Some sicknesses, like AIDS and cancer are "sleepers." For a long time, people who are afflicted by them are unaware of them. Thus, some people just fall down and die. "But he was alright yesterday." "But I saw him today and he looked fine." He might have looked fine but in actual fact he was not. He might have looked alright, but as a matter of fact he was in the throes of death.

Our feelings are our bodyguards. If we have no feelings at all, we might fall asleep, put our feet in a fire, and not know until we were completely burnt. We might just wake up dead. But because we have feelings, if we put our hands in the fire unknowingly, the searing pain would immediately call our attention to it. Seen from this perspective, pain is actually good for the body. It protects it. Pain alerts us that there is something wrong, so that we can take prompt re-

S TILL NO AVED NOTT SSA medial action.

Pleasures of sin I have never met anybody who liked sickness. But most people love sin. People don't enjoy sickness, but we enjoy sin. One of the peculiarities of sin is that it is pleasurable. The bible is insistent in warning against the pleasures of sin. Sin kills the soul, while sickness only kills the body. Therefore sin is infinitely more deadly than sickness. Jesus says: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).

God sometimes permits sickness in order to save from sin. Indeed, sickness can sometimes be beneficial if it alerts us to the existence of lurking sin. Similarly, the wisdom of God sometimes prescribes suffering as the alternative to sin. The scriptures commend Moses for: “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” (Hebrews 11:2526).

So if our feelings serve as

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved defensive mechanisms, alerting us to the existence of sickness, what defensive mechanisms do we have to alert us to the existence of the more deadly sin? This requirement becomes even more imperative given the pleasurable nature of sin.

How can we tell what sin is lurking in the inner recesses of our souls? How can we tell in good time so that we don't end up in hell?

Blindness of David How could an anointed man like David, who walked so closely with God, have nevertheless slept with another man's wife, impregnated her, killed her husband and finally married her and be seemingly impervious to the sin? When he was told the parable of someone who committed a similar sin, he insisted that the person deserved to die.

Somehow he never made the connection that he was guilty of the same offence.

It never occurred to David that he himself was a dead

man.

David’s conscience bothered him when he cut Saul’s skirt and when he conducted a census in Israel without God’s approval. But it did not bother him when he had Uriah killed. While he was busy conceiving and executing his plans, it never occurred to him that he was dicing with death. Not until a prophet was sent to him over nine months later did David realise the gravity of what he had done. In effect, David was dying of sin, but he did not know it.

Prescribed amputations What can we do to avoid this kind of predicament? Let us be instructed by the procedure with regard to sickness. Because there are some sicknesses, like cancer, which have no discernible initial symptoms, it is advisable to go for periodic medical check-ups, even when we are feeling fine. The thing about cancer is that it can be ar-

rested if detected in its early stages. But if it is allowed to spread, there is no known cure.

Often what is done in the early stages is to remove the cancerous cells. This sometimes entails amputating the affected parts of the body. For example, mastectomies are performed whereby the breast is removed. Or hysterectomies are performed whereby the womb is removed.

The same kind of approach is prescribed for the even more deadly sin.

Jesus taught that salvation is the prime objective of life. Using medical metaphor, he describes the struggle for life: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:2930).

Fighting for life Jesus emphasised that the main struggle is against sin. The great battles of the life of a believer are not against the devil. The great battles are against sin. The believer strives and fights battles against sin all life-

long. In these battles, we are encouraged us not to give in or give up because we are more than conquerors through Christ’s love for us.

(Romans 8:37).

Those who love the Lord should hate evil. We who hate sickness should also hate sin. Sin is far more devastating than sickness.

It is far more devastating than the dreaded AIDS. The wages of sin is age-lasting (spiritual) death. The effect of sickness is only temporal (physical) death. Therefore, it becomes imperative to go for periodic spiritual check-ups where the soul is scrutinised for lurking sin.

That is why churches where pastors persistently preach “prosperity messages” are deadly. These pastors are quack doctors telling people all is well when it is not. What kind of church was David attending that allowed him to be so oblivious to his sin? What kind of messages was he listening to that made his conscience to be so seared?

What kind of pastor did he have? That is why it was necessary for God to send Nathan, a true prophet, to expose his sin to him.

Thus, a repentant David would no longer live in the kind of self-delusion many of us live in today. Every so often, David would go before the Lord and say: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Jeremiah warns: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” (Jeremiah 8:20).

Why I use coffin to illustrate my preaching---Kogberegbe

By Olayinka LATONA

A

COFFIN is not always a pleasant especially when it is brought within a church premises because it presupposes that a fellow human being who had just died is being prepared for interment. The sight can be scary and awe-inspiring. But at the Holy Michael Church of The Lord (Aladura) Cherubim & Seraphim,

founded by Prophet Samuel Olawale Kogberegbe coffins are a common sight because they form part of the preaching tools. Odd? Asked what was the correlation between an empty coffin and the church at the 2016 Descencion programme at Ori Oke Olorunda Esan Cathedral, Ikotun Egbe Road, Egbe, Lagos, the Eruwa, Oyo Stateborn prophet, said during the church 2016 Descension programme that he uses the

coffin as an illustration to teach Nigerians to be conscious about death and change their negative ways.

The octogenarian, who has been in ministry for over 50 years, also debunked a report that he slept in a coffin for 40 years.

“Death is certain and we are all going to end up in a coffin one day. I only use it as an example that one day, we will all die notwithstanding our position in the society and we will give a report of our

Speakers harp on national transformation at Fakeye's posthumous birthday

By Olayinka LATONA

N

IGERIANS have been advised to shun all forms of ethnicity and bigotry, the twin evil that have hinder-ed peace and progress of the giant of Africa and contribute their quota towards the nation's dev-elopment.

The call was made by the General Leader, Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Surelere District, Ayo Ni O, Prophet Sunday Korode and Dean, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State Uni-versity, Ojo, Prof. Abolade Adeniji at the first Post-humous Birthday Lecture for late Apostle Gabriel Fakeye at the church premises in Lagos.

Theme of the lecture was: “Religion, Politics, Ethni-cism and the quest for true national transformation in Nigeria”.

Prof. Adeniji, who was the guest speaker, said it was high time Nigerians em-braced positive change that would engender a prosperous nation, adding that Nigeria’s journey to prosperity could only be achieved if the leadership and followership imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and accountability.

In his words: “For true transformation in Nigeria, there is need for us to rededicate ourselves on the Nigerian project. It is known that this country had good promises that can work but the challenge is what can we do to make this country work?

Differ-ent ethnic groups have to contribute their quota, politicians must play the politics well and religious leaders should know that they have the responsibility to

impact positively on their members and society at large.

“We have put our hands on the plough; I will encourage Nigerians not to look back but instead support this administra-tion,” he stated, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the 2014 National Conference report, because, according to him, the implementation of the report would help to revamp and re-launch the country.

On his part, the General Leader of the church, Prophet Korode admonish-ed religious leaders to preach messages of peace, unity and love among their members, noting that more emphasis should be laid on spiritual prosperity rather than material prosperity.

*Samuel Olawale activities to God.” Continuing, he said: “Only

if kidnappers, armed robbers, politicians can buy a casket each for themselves today, and begin to lay inside, constantly reminding themselves that death looms even as they go about kidnapping, extorting money from families and putting their victims in untold pains.

"It is possible to realize at a point that all their activities will one day end up in a casket, and there, their flesh will rotten. The same is applicable to everybody on earth. We need to realize that the world is bizarre and empty; as vanity plus vanity will always end up in vanity," the prophet stated.

"I have a coffin which I carry about while preaching.

I did not sleep in it for 40 years. All I am pointing out is that no matter how wealthy

you are, you will not leave this world with the money. You will not go into the grave with your money; be you a civil servant who stole money; be you an armed robber or a landlord or a caretaker, your money and wealth ends here the moment you are dead.

“If you are buried with an expensive coffin, clothes and jewelleries, all will be stolen from you in the night and your carcass will be left. To me, life has no meaning until we come to God. Things are going wrong in this world and we should mend our ways,” the prophet emphasized.

He revealed that he would soon build a mosque for Muslim worshippers within his church premises, explaining that he believes that both Christians and Muslims call on the same God.

Prophet gives N4.5m Jeep to traditional ruler

P

ROPHET Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries, Warri on behalf of Diamond Partners of Mercy TV on Sunday, March 6, gave HRM Igwe Sylvester Ayogu Eze Ndigbo I of Ofu LGA, Kogi State a four-wheel runner jeep valued at N4.5 million, a cash donation of N1.5 million and four pairs of brand new shoes.

Prophet Jeremiah, in a statement, shortly before the presentation disclosed that the monarch needed an

upgrade to the status of a dignified royal father.

While presenting the keys and the documents, the gospel minister decreed that all traditional rulers in Nigeria and neighbouring nations who are passing through hard times in their kingdoms are set free from any kind of bondage.

During the prophecy time, Prophet Jeremiah saw the traditional ruler in the spiritual realm, and narrated how rich the man was before he was crowned an Igwe, revealing how bad fortune

had befallen the royal father.

The man of God said, dwindling fortune forced the monarch to seek solution from both herbalists and churches all to no avail, until the king became a taxi driver.

Interestingly, the Igwe and his wife, Lolo Calister Sylvester confirmed the prophecy to be absolutely accurate and true. Irked by the handiwork of Satan upon the life the king, Prophet Jeremiah decided to use himself as an agent of positive change to restore the fortune of the pauperized monarch.

PAGE 44—SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

My love for African literature pushed me into digital library---Gersy Ejimofo

By PRISCA SAM-DURU INTERVIEW

Uk-based Gersy Ifeanyi Ejimofo is the founder of Digitalback Books, an e-book subscription service with a catalogue of comprehensive collection of African stories.

With a BSc (Joint Hons) from the University of Birmingham and a Masters from the London School of Economics, Gersy left her career in the technology industry and launched into the world of digital subscription service that offers instant and unlimited access to literary works from across Africa and the Diaspora. Gersy who has worked on many projects for global publishers developing and implementing digital strategies internationally, spoke to Sunday Arts. Excerpts.

W

hat is Digitalback Books all about?

Digitalback Books was launched in December 2014 and is an e-book subscription platform which offers a comprehensive collection of books written on Africa by African writers from across the world. We work with publishers from across the continent and the diaspora, to get content from them to make sure they are easily accessible. We have books from Kachifo, Z Books, African collectives and the idea behind it is that we Africans need to be more proactive about creative content.

We have great writers here, great publishing houses and we have companies like Etisalat Nigeria

By PRISCA SAM-DURU DRAMA

T

here is hardly any difference between the Pete Edochie’s Ambassador’s Statue, and the iconic actor himself, as both stand together during the 69th birthday celebration of the iconic actor, and kudos must be given to the artist that created the piece for the display of such artistic ingenuity.

The Ambassador’s Statue was presented to him by leading Lager Beer brand, Dubic ‘Nke Anyi’ as part of activities marking the 69th birthday anniversary of the veteran actor, Pete Edochie, the Ogadagidi 1 of Igbo land, who is also the beer’s brand ambassador, last Monday.

By JAPHET ALAKAM

A

REVIEW

persuasive speech is defined as a specific type of speech in which the speaker has a goal of convincing the audience to accept his or her point of view.

The speech is arranged in such a way as to hopefully cause the audience to accept all or part of the expressed view. If this definition is anything to go by, then the book Persuasive Speaking for Leaders: Mastering the Twelve Rules for Winning Your Listeners Over is a very good attempt by a seasoned Communication Skills instructor, Henry Agbebire at solving some of the pressing problems of all who wants to improve their speaking skills to win their audience in this competitive world.

Thus, in the 253 page book published by Greenfield Publications, Lagos, the author who is the founder and principal facilitator of Greenfield consult, a specialist training centre where individuals and professionals learn how to speak and write well after many years of teaching decided to put the courses in print hence the book.

According to the author, who is of the view that no matter the position you occupy, your speeches and presentations will

which sponsors and encourages writing but we have a big problem around distribution as well as piracy in the country.

For me, having a digital library that people can access on their mobile device and choose

Its a new business model, having something that is focusing on African writing because there isn’t any such thing that collates our content in digital library

•Gersy Ifeanyi Ejimofo subscription to enable them read the book, is something exciting.

That is, to use technology to circumvent all these distribution challenges that we have.

Isn’t this coming as a response to fears that hard copies may soon be history?

I think at the heart of, its really about finding a way to circumvent the distribution challenges that’s one thing but yes, people are moving towards digital reading in the West. Certain genre lend themselves better to reading

digitally but I think in Nigeria and the continent, you can’t just walk into a bookshop and find the book you want to read, also ordering it is a challenge. So we are going digital to find a model that will circumvent the challenges.

When exactly did you commence operation?

Digitalback Books was soft launched in May till December 2014 and by soft launched, I mean that we launched first for a proof of concept. We wanted to show the market, that is the publishers that this is a product.

With that you are not buying the books, you are buying access to a wide collection of books. So, since then we’ve been working really hard to get publishers to get more of their books. Now we have over 400 books and we are discussing with more publishers.

Interestingly, we got shortlisted for the Etisalat Prize for Innovation and I’m so excited about it.

What informed your idea of a digital library?

Well I attended Federal Government College, Onitsha and I remember then that it was difficult to access books. Also during those days in boarding school, when people brought

fiction books to school, people rushed to read, it was like gold.

So, the challenge of getting books was something I remembered, it was frustrating even when we had fantastic books out there. Also, the kind of books that were available; Enid Blyton, Secret Seven were really good but now that I have kids I recognise the need for them to also read African literature as a way of exposing them to a wide variety of content.

This forced me to make that available.

Before Digitalback Books, what where you doing?

Before the launch of Digitalback Books, I spent the first ten years of my career working in technology sector, serving the banking and insurance sector. At a point, I thought about what I want to do for the next ten years and I thought about what I’m so passionate about, what excites me, where can I add value and that’s when I made the transition but still within technology. The seed of Digitalback Books was planted many years ago when Heinemann announced the discontinuation of the African Writers Series. So, recognising that Africans need to take a more proactive approach to their creative content, and my love for African literature pushed me into starting this journey into digital distribution of books and its been very exciting.

Day Dubic Nke Anyi celebrated

Pete Edochie

T

he multiple award winning actor and veteran in the Nigerian movie industry was also presented with special birthday gifts at a colourful celebration at his home in Enugu .

The brand also seized the opportunity to launch an advertising campaign themed ‘Who the Cap fits’ featuring Chief Pete Edochie; the campaign is visible on TV, Billboards and Radio across the East. It demonstrates how Dubic Lager, like real Honor, is specially made for men who have done all they can to deserve it, urging them on in their quest to earn respect, celebrating each

milestone achieved and refreshing every moment shared in the company of like minds and like hearts.

Speaking at the occasion, the Senior Brand Manager, Lager, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr. Sina Ajiboye, stated that the leading beer manufacturer is happy to share the joyous occasion with the Nollywood icon.

“This special occasion gives us and millions of Dubic ‘Nke Anyi’ consumers the privilege and opportunity of celebrating you on your birthday, it is indeed an honour to celebrate an icon such as yourself

l-r: Dennis Ebeye, Divisional Sales Manager, East Division, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Chief Pete Edochie, Dubic ‘Nke Anyi’ Beer Brand Ambassador and Sina iconic Ajiboye, Senior Brand Manager-Lager, Guinness Nig. Plc with the ambassador’ statue during his 69th birthday celebration in Enugu

today. Your talent and wisdom have paved the way for so many and

Secrets of persuasive speaking made easy amount to nothing if you cannot win the respect and trust of those you lead through what you say, said “the business of speaking is prominently the business of persuasion. Persuasive Speaking for Leaders is based on the philosophy that many of us have the aptitude for speaking, but ultimately need to master the underlying techniques for persuasion in speech.”

Divided into twelve essential principles or rules where factors that would facilitate persuasion in speech are discussed exhaustively. while Rule one tagged Show that you know the topic, here the author opened with the first rule which is to speak on a topic you know, or essentially a topic of your choice, Rule two, Ensure your message is clear, from the beginning to the end, points to the fact that every good speech delivery must have a central message, a thesis or purpose.

The third rule is to tell them what they stand to benefit. with these tips, convince them that you care for them, show them that you understand their needs, tell them what they stand to lose, talk about their strengths and make the benefits real and

Persuasive Speaking for Leaders:Mastering the Twelve Rules for Winning Your Listeners Over; Henry Agbebire; Greenfield Publications, Lagos, Nigeria; 2011; PP. 253

tangiable.

Rule six and seven talks about the use of simple and effective language and the need to be confident and personable, pointing out their importance to a good speaker. While eight and nine, points the need to speak for a short and keep to time, and building trust, by sharing your personal experience, provide proofs and evidences and emphsize on integrity.

In rule ten, the author takes a

look at the importance of emotional and empathic speech as it touches the audience very well. Here, the power of your voice, the right language and the style and technique of great speakers makes a difference.

While rule eleven , be optimistic provides steps to build the self esteem like looking at the brighter side of life,inspire your listeners to take action, use positive words and others.

Applying his experience as a seasoned communication skills instructor, the author sums up the eleven rules in rule twelve, titled Never be boring, and concluded that if one can be able to master them, one will never make a boring presentation.

Written in very simple language with examples for easy understanding, the book, Persuasive Speaking for Leaders is a valuable manual for all leaders and anyone who may be engaged in the overriding business of public speaking like corporate executives, politicians, preachers, student, leaders, broadcasters, toastmasters, master of ceremonies, and all individuals aspiring to excel in the art of public speaking and presentation.

generations to come will forever be grateful. We are proud to be associated with you and wish you many more years in good health and prosperity.”

Ajiboye revealed that the celebration underlines the company’s commitment to the partnership between the Dubic ‘Nke Anyi’ brand and the veteran actor.

He noted that the brand ambassador has not only demonstrated his commitment to the achievement of the brand’s objectives but is also supporting its vision of becoming the most desired beer brand in the region. “ We recognize and appreciate your contributions to the success and growth of Dubic Nke Anyi in the Eastern region and this is our little way of showing appreciation to an exemplary and dedicated ambassador”, he added. “He said the company will strive to maintain these cordial relations with his ambassador even as it continues to provide quality products to its consumers and also get involved in activities that will delight them”.

Dubic Lager is a proudly Nigerian beer with origins in the East having been produced first in Aba by a son of Ndigbo. “Dubic ‘Nke Anyi’ has been well received by consumers in the East since its re-launch into the market in December 2015, the Nke Anyi tag is a way of conferring indigene status on the popular Eastern beer brand.

S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MARCH 20, 2016—45

Iwobi’s rise thrills Gunners boss A

LEX Iwobi scored his first EPL goal with Arsenal yesterday, and coach Arsene Wenger revealed that the youngster ’s rise was not a surprise to him.

Iwobi has been in a rich vein of form, making a great impact since he was plucked from Arseanl’s junior ranks. He has made 13 appearances for Arsenal this season including his outing in the Champions League 3-1 defeat at Camp Nou to Barcelona.

“I know that Alex has impressed a lot of people since he came into the first team squad. He is a creative player, a guy who provokes mistakes from the opponents with the vertical way he plays.

“That can be expressed on the flanks or through the middle.

In fact when he was in the youth team he only played on the flanks and I put him in the centre because I liked the way he read the game and the speed of his understanding of the game.

“I saw him emerge in training but he was not one of the obvious ones who looked like breaking through.

“When he was in the youth team you had to keep a really close eye on him to see what was behind.

“I’m not surprised that he does so well but it is true that at the beginning of the season even I would not have predicted that he would make such an impact in such a short space of time.

“He can express his talent in every single offensive position.

Alex has the stature and can use his body power to play a bit deeper in midfield,” he concluded.

•Alex Iwobi

Oshoala: Feels good to be a Gunners’ lady

N

•Asisat Oshoala

IGERIA international Asisat Oshoala has revealed she couldn’t turn down the offer to move to Arsenal having supported them when she was growing up.

“It feels like a dream come true,” she told the Arsenal website. “It was the team I supported when I was small.

When I first started playing and watching football, I started supporting Arsenal because I love good football.

“Everyone is happy because it is a very popular club in my country. Having their own player playing for the club is a great thing. Everyone was happy about it - not just my family but football fans around Nigeria.”

Arsenal Ladies kick off their

season against Birmingham Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, and Oshoala is hoping to make an instant impact.

“I can’t wait for the start of the season to happen,” she said. “I’m really eager for that - I just want to show what we have to the fans.

“When I came here last week, I had a very long conversation with Pedro [Martinez Losa] and he told me the goals of the club, what the club has to offer and what the club is looking to do in the future. I think I’m comfortable and happy with the dream of the club.

“He was talking about the organisation and professionalism of the team. It is getting better each year. The coming years are going to be far better.”

UCL: Simeone welcomes Barcelona challenge

A

TLETICO Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he is ‘very excited’ at the prospect of going head to head with compatriots Barcelona in the Champions League, who lead them at the top of La Liga by eight points, and claims he wants to be pitted against the best teams in the world.

Two Spanish outfits will face off in the quarter-finals, with Atletico being drawn against the team that most would have preferred to avoid, with Luis Enrique’s men being earmarked as the tournament favourites, but Simeone told a presser he was looking forward to the clash.

“We’ve only just learned of the draw, Barcelona are the best team

in the world and what better than to play against them? It makes me very excited.” He said, reflecting on how the Catalan outfit have improved and change in their style under Enrique, with the presence of their lethal trio up front giving them ‘more options’.

“They’re improved on setpieces and counterattacks [under Luis Enrique], plus there’s the continuity of Neymar and Suarez’s presence. They’re a different team, with more options than before.”

In the last round of the Champions League, Atletico had to rely on extra time and penalties to squeeze past PSV, but Simeone thinks the team will be in good shape fitness wise.

“They’ll have felt 120 minutes, but hopefully we pick the best [prepared] team. We need the focus of all 18 players so we can take the match to where we want.”

•Diego Simeone

Open letter to President Buhari

D

EAR sir, for the first time, I want to congratulate you on your election as president of our great country, the most populous black nation on earth. I want to also commend you on the onerous task of trying to rid our country of corrupt elements who have, no doubt held down our country from witnessing real development since independence almost 56 years ago.

You rightly noted during one of your numerous speeches that the fight against corruption was not going to be easy because “when you fight corruption, corruption will fight you back”.

This notwithstanding, it is my hope that you will not succumb to the antagonism of these corrupt elements and remain steadfast because no matter how hard they try, victory is assured and Nigeria will be the better for it.

You are not only fighting corruption but have also shown that you abhor injustice when you decided to redeem the promise you made to some of our sports men, precisely the world conquering Golden Eaglets of 1985, the very first of our global football heroes who were denied their reward owing to circumstances beyond your control at the time.

That you decided to redeem the promise you made to the young lads, now adults, 30 years after by divine favour that brought you back as one that God has chosen to take our country out of the Biblical Egypt.

This brings me to the magnanimous reward you showered on Nigerian athletes who won laurels at different competitions in 2015. One of the federations which brought honour to our country is the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF through two of its teams, the senior national male team who won the Afrobasket (basketball’s Nations Cup) in Tunisia and the U-16 female team who won Silver in the African championship and thus qualified for the U-17 World Championship holding in Spain later in the year.

The reward system which was prepared by the National Sports Commission received some flaks from the basketball family who queried why their senior team got lesser reward compared to football’s U-17 team. The blame naturally went to the sports officials who may not have advised your office properly.

Surprisingly too, these officials removed the names of some officials who contributed to the success of the senior team in Tunisia and fraudulently inserted the names of some officials who were not part of the team.

Sir, while this was still being looked into, these officials again did the unthinkable, flouting your directive by short-paying the innocent U-16 players. Instead of the N400,000 you approved, each player was given N300,000 which they rejected any way.

The same officials are giving the basketball federation different reasons for the shortfall, stressing they have to get back to your office for another approval. We know this is just a cover up to pool wool over our eyes in a glaring case of fraud.

I am hoping that the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung who has consistently complained about the ‘fraudulent’ nature of the sports sector would be directed to order that full payments be made to the young players. Also those members of delegation of the senior team whose names were omitted should also get their dues so that your regime’s fight against corruption is not tainted by some unscrupulous officials.

Scrapping of the NSC

S

IR the sports family was aghast at the news of the scrapping of the National Sports Commission, NSC at a time when we should be consolidating on the gains your regime has recorded in the few months it has been in the saddle.

The Sports Commission, like the NYSC, is a special parastatal of the merged ministries of Youth and Sports headed by directors general.

We know the merging of ministries is meant to cut cost but it should not be to the detriment of the development of any sector like sports which caters majorly for the teeming youths of our country.

Instead of scrapping the NSC, the government instead should give it legitimacy to function as the technical arm of the Youth and Sports ministry which should be the administrative headquarters of all the parastatals under it.

The scrapping of the NSC will return sports to the suffocating bureaucracy of a ministry which it was intended to avoid for good governance by its administrators and good performance by the athletes.

A good example is the provision of funds for our various team’s preparation for the Rio Olympics but without camping of the athletes a few weeks to the commencement of the Games. An NSC with a functional Board and a competent director general like it was during the days of the late Isaac Akioye and Dr Samuel Ogbemudia would be proactive and focused to develop a working document to take our sports to the next level.

It is on this note Mr. President, that I appeal to you sir, on behalf of the sports family, to take a second look at the scrapping of the NSC and seek a way to strengthen it for the benefit of the sports sector and our teeming youths who remain the hope of our great country.

46 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

Int’l friendly: We’re going to Brazil to win, says Amaefule A

BIA Warriors defender Chizoba Amaefule says the Nigeria U23s are targeting victory when they confront the Bra-

zilian U23s squad in a high-profile international friendly on Thursday, March 24.

And he has stated that the

AFCON 2017 qualifiers, EPL, La Liga live on GOtv Beginning from 23 March, GOtv will broadcast live qualifying matches of the 2017 Africa Nations Cup (AFCON).

Subscribers will be able to follow the action on SuperSport Select 1 and SuperSport 9, as their favourite teams seek to secure slots in Africa’s

Amaefule

World Cup: Dedevbo fears no foe C

OACH Peter Dedevbo in sists that his U-20 women national team will not be starting as underdogs for whatever reason when the 8th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup starts in Papua New Guinea in November this year.

“I don’t see why we need to fear any team. Rather, those teams should be the ones to be scared. Our pedigree at this level is intimidating.

“However, we would not be under-rating any of Spain, Canada or Japan. Our principle, as always, would be to take it one match at a time and focus on our objective of doing Nigeria proud.”

Dedevbo was also in charge when the Falconets cruised elegantly into the final of the last competition in Canada, losing to Germany only after extra time.

Thursday’s draw at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich threw the Nigeria U-20 girls into Group B, against known foes Canada and Japan, and relatively unfamiliar Spain.

At the inaugural edition in Canada 14 years ago, when the tournament was known as U-19 World Cup, Nigeria and and Japan battled to a 1-1 draw in the group stage, and eight years lat-

Awoniyi Continued on backpage Anderlecht’s Imoh Ezekiel and Junior Ajayi from CS Sfaxien.

FULL LIST Goalkeepers: Emmanuel Daniel, Yusuf Mohammed Defenders: Godswill Ekpolo, Segun Oduduwa, Chizoba Amaefule, Ndifreke Effiong, Agboyi Ovbokha, Musa Mohammed, Sincere Seth Midfielders: Stanley Dimgba, Saturday Kaego, Sodiq Popoola, Ubong Ekpai Attackers: Victor Osimhen, Nathan Oduwa, Junior Ajayi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Imoh Ezekiel, Theophilus Solomon, Iyayi Believe

er, in Germany, the Falconets edged the Asians 2-1 in another group stage match. sHowever, as hosts in 2012, Japan edged the Falconets 2-1 in a third place match in Tokyo.

Hosts Canada defeated Nigeria 2-0 in a group stage match in 2002, but the Falconets earned a 3-2 win in another group stage match against the North Americans in Russia four years later.

The Falconets reached the quarter -finals in Thailand 2004, Russia 2006 and Chile 2008, finished as runners-up in Germany 2010 and Canada 2014 and reached the semi finals in Japan 2012.

Guinness rewards more winners in the ‘Every Minute Made of Black’ promo Dedevbo

Asaba 2016: African Wrestling body gives Powerlee May 1 deadline

T

HE President of Pro Wres tling Africa (PWA), Jacob Makia has said that the wrestling contest between Powerlee of Nigeria and Buffalo of Angola will no longer be rescheduled as May 1 remains the deadline for the fact that the bout has been postponed four times.

In a letter titled “Re- return of Glory Wrestling championship tagged; Asaba 2016” made a available to newsmen, specifically stated that Powerlee, the current PWA African heavyweight champion and must defend his title unfail-

Nigeria Continued on backpage Mozia and sprinter OghoOghene Egwero who held a little bit of hope for the country failed to find their form.

Egwero ran 6.75 seconds, which was not good enough to see him to the final of the 60m dash won by Trayvon Bromell in 6.47 seconds. In the Shot Put throw Mozia placed 12th after two attempts fetched him 19.84m. The event was won by construction worker Tom Walsh with 21.78m to become the first New Zealander to win

biggest football tournament.

With the European football season at its peak, subscribers will also enjoy live matches of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, English Football Championship League, Barclay’s Premier League, the Spanish La Liga and Nigeria Professional Football Leagueall for only N1,800 monthly.

For the AFCON qualifiers, the most anticipated match will be between seven-time AFCON champions, the Pharaohs of Egypt, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The first leg, scheduled to be played in Kaduna on 25 March, and as the second-leg in Alexandria in Egypt on 29 March, will both be broadcast live on GOtv.

Olympic National Team will not be intimidated by the Seleção stars and their passionate fans, arguing that he has trust in the players selected to face the South Americans.

“I am very happy to be selected in the squad, this is an opportunity to show myself and play for my country, “ said Chizoba Amaefule.

“With the kind of players that made the squad we are going to win.

“We have the players that will not be afraid of playing, no matter the support coming from the Brazilian fans.”

Brazil coach Dunga has called up several European-based stars for the friendly against the West Africans including Andreas Pereira (Manchester United), Malcom(Bordeaux) and Ederson(Benfica).

“For me, every player in the Brazil squad is important, we are not planning on keeping an eye on one special player but all the players,”Amaefule concluded.

The 21-year-old Chizoba Amaefule was part of the Dream Team squad that won the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal.

ingly on May 1, 2016, failing to defend the title against Marvelous Buffalo of Angola, the number three contender on the said date, will be stripped off the title and presented to Michel Noundem, the opponent Powerlee defeated to win the title September last year in Cameron.

Makia further disclosed that the decisions of the management board of the African wrestling organization towards this contest is not a threat, but it is the standard of the pro wrestling Africa which serves as the mouthpiece of African pro wrestling.

A

S more winners emerge in the on-going Guinness ‘Every Minute Made of Black’ Promo, many Nigerians have been pouring encomiums on the innovative football promo by Guinness as lovers of football, including winners who have emerged are being rewarded on a regular basis.

Dubbed the biggest football promotion so far in recent times, every minute made of black promo has continued to reward and thrill consumers with so much excitement, while also gaining more acceptance and relevance especially amongst football fans nationwide.

Ace Sports Pundit and CEO, Elev8 Sports, Mr. Abiola Kazeem who was present at the Headquarters of Guinness Nigeria Plc. during one of the cheque presenta-

Iwobi gold in 16 editions of the world indoors.

Today, Amata with a season best of 1.93m is in contention for gold in women high jump.

But she would have to put up her best ever to beat front front runners like Spain’s Ruth Beitia and Vashti Cunningham of the USA. The Women 4x400m on paper with their personal best of 3.29.67 seconds have the chance to win a medal if they get their acts right. They have USA and Jamaica to contend with.

Continued on backpage counter attack by Arsenal, firing through the legs of Joel Robles,who raced off his line to try and salvage the situation.

Few minutes later, the attacking midfielder, who was not lacking confidence,would have grabbed his second senior goal but his effort drifted past the post.

The 19-year-old Alex Iwobi was replaced by Calum Chambers in the 86th minute of the contest.

tions described the promo as the biggest part of the Barclays Premier League this season as thousands of football fans have been super excited.

One of the lucky ‘one hundred thousand naira winners’, who recently received his cheque, Mr. Onifade Oluwashola shared his experience on how he won saying “I was at a party and was served Guinness drink, I initially threw the crown cork on the floor but my friend told me about the promo, insisting that it is real.

When I got home I opened the crown cork and sent the code with my team name. After one week, I got a call that I’ve won #100,000, I didn’t believe it till I got the winning code to collect the money on my phone.”

Enyimba Continued on backpage too little too late over the two legs.

It wasn’t a pleasant outing for Warri Wolves. They were beaten 1-0 by El Merreikh in Khartoum bring scores to 2-0 aggregate.

Nasarawa United fell 4-1 at CS Constantine of Algeria to fall out of the Confederation Cup 4-2 on aggregate after they won 1-0 at home a week ago.

The Algerians took the lead on the stroke of half time from the penalty spot courtesy of Yassine Bezzaz, before Nigeria ‘B’ international Bature Yaro drew the Lafia club level in the 67th minute.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016 — PAGE 47

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 20, 2016

Iwobi lifts Arsenal with first EPL goal T

EENAGE sensation, Alex Iwobi scored his first senior goal for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger’s men bounced back from a disastrous week to maintain their faint hopes of a late Premier League title challenge.

The 19-year-old Nigeria international showed tremendous composure to score the visitor’s sec-

ond shortly before halftime after Danny Welbeck had broken the deadlock early with his fourth goal in nine games.

After crashing out of the FA Cup and Champions League in the preceding seven days, it was an impressive statement of intent from Arsenal even though they still trail Leicester City and Totten-

ham in the table.

The Nigeria international finished off a swift

Continues on page 46

Awoniyi

Osimhen

Awoniyi, Osimhen make U-23 squad N

IGERIA under-23 coach Samson Siasia has selected 20 players, including Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Osimhen, for the international friendly with the Brazilian Under-23 side scheduled for Thursday.

Both teams are using the test game to prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and it will take place on the 20th anni-

versary of Nigeria defeating Brazil in the semifinals of the football event of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Nigeria went on to win the gold medal defeating Argentina in a very entertaining final game.

The list has nine homebased players and 11 foreign-based players to complete those who will make the trip to the South

American country for the friendly.

Goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel and Sincere Seth have been recalled from the Super Eagles squad to beef up the squad.

Barcelona B’s Godswill Elohor Ekpolo headlines a list of foreign-based players which includes

Continues on page 46

World Indoors: Nigeria’s medal chance slim •Amata, Women 4x4 offer last hope

By Ben Efe

N

IGERIA’s last chance of winning a medal at the IAAF World Indoors rests on the women’s 4x400m and high jumper, Dorren Amata as the curtains close on the championships today in Portland Oregon, USA. Shot Putter Stephen

Continues on page 46

CELEBRATION: Alex Iwobi dances away after scoring Arsenal's second goal against Everton yesterday. Arsenal won 2-0.

DOWN ACROSS 1. Sample (5) 1. Governor of Sokoto 2. Niger state town (4) State (8) 3. Observe (5) 5. Assistant (4) 4. Lecture (6) 7. Praise (5) 5. Everyone (3) 8. Upright (4) 6. Use (6) 9. Lantern (4) 10. Inquires (4) 11. Tradition (6) 13. Lagos masquerade (3) 12. Carpet (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Exclamation (2) 15. Resistance unit (3) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 17. Coax (4) 18. Agent (3) 19. Rollicked (6) 20. Glitters (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 24. Forward (5) 22. Satisfied (4) 25. Nigerian state (6) 23. Nigerian state (3) 27. Boring tool (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric (5) 27 . African country (6) 31. Perform (2) 28. Endure (4) 32. Oshiomhole’s state (3) 29. Child (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 30. Spoke (6) 36. Vow (4) 31. Adorn (5) 38. Musical quality (4) 33. Baking chambers 39. Inclination (5) (5) 40. Eager (4) 35. Asterisk (4) 41. Damages (8) 37. Possessed (3)

CAF Champions League: Enyimba make round of 16

N

IGERIA’s repre sentatives in the CAF Champions League, Enyimba Fc of Aba are through to the round of 16, despite falling 2-1 to Vital’O of Burundi yesterday.

Ikechukwu Ibenegbu gave Enyimba the lead on 28 minutes, while Shasiri Nahimana levelled up for Vital’O in Bujumbura two minutes later.

Burundi international striker Laudit Mavugo put the locals ahead five minutes past the hour See solution on page 5

Continues on page 46

Nigeria's women relay team in an international meet

RESULTS Everton Chelsea C/Palace Watford West Brom Swansea City

0 2 0 1 0 1

Arsenal 2 West Ham Leicester Stoke City Norwich Aston Villa

2 1 2 1 0

TODAY’S MATCHES NPFL El Kanemi Enugu Ranger Heartland Ikorodu Utd Plateau Utd Shooting Wikki

v v v v v v v

Ifeanyi Ubah Akwa MFM FC Giwa Lobi Rivers Utd Tornadoes

4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

EPL Newcastle Southampton Man City Tottenham

v v v v

Sunderland Liverpool Man Utd Bournemouth

2:30pm 2:30pm 5:00pm 5:00pm

LA LIGA Espanvol Villarreal Valencia Real Madrid

v v v v

Ath Bilbao Barcelona Celta Vigo Sevilla

12pm 4pm 6:15pm 8:30pm

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