KOGI GOV POLL: Anxiety over early results

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SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 3

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KOGI GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Wife of the deputy governor, Jumbo Awoniyi, casting her vote

The state deputy governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, voting

Voters checking their names at Agbnocha Ofu LGA

The Oregbo-Attah of Agbonicha, Alhaji Tijjani Audu, at the polling station

Travellers held by securitymen after violating the restriction of movement order at Ofoke Junction on Ajaokuta – Idah highway

Gov. Idris Wada being accredited

APC’s governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, being accredited

Anxiety over early results: Wada, Audu in tight race

By Kingsley Fanwo, Boluwaji Obahopo & Omeiza Ajayi

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nxiety gripped Kogi State political leaders, last night, as early results from the governorship election, held in the state, projected Governor Idris Wada to be running neck and neck with his closest challenger, Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The first results for the two parties in the election were too close to call in most areas of Kogi West and Kogi East.

Wada’s optimism was not helped by the defeat of his campaign manager, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, in his polling booth.

Ogbeha, who hailed the professionalism of the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, who conducted the poll, saw the PDP losing his booth to the APC. Among the early results to have emerged was the one for Ekinrin Adde Ward in Ijumu local government area where the APC governorship running mate, James Faleke, hails from, and the party won by1791 to the 307 votes scored by C M Y K

PDP. The PDP running mate and incumbent deputy governor, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, also delivered for his party, winning his Ileteju Ward 02 in Mopa, Mopamura LGA. The result for the ward was PDP, 98 votes and APC, 72.

Other results confirmed were: Ankpa Ojoku Ward Bangele Unit 1:PDP 346, APC 40; Kabba/Bunu St Barnabas Unit, Odolu Ward: APC 206, PDP 95; Ijumu Ayere Unit 03: APC 101, PDP 58; AyegunleGdede/ Iluhafon Ward: APC 167, PDP 41, Oja Otun Iyara: APC 146, PDP 36; Demonstration Kabba Okekoko Ward: APC 171, PDP 70; Akefe Unit: PDP 138, APC 117.

The election was overshadowed by heavy presence of security men who put up a show of force in most areas of Kogi as the election passed off uneventfully in most areas of the state. An exception was in Ayingba, in Dekina local government area of the state where armed thugs, early in the morning, seized sensitive election materials leading to the cancelation of the election in the polling units affected.

Besides, there were reports of the malfunction of card readers with Wada

being the most prominent victim.

When the governor arrived at his Odu 001 Polling Unit in Ogboyaga, Dekina Local government area, he immediately went for accreditation, but his finger print was rejected by the card reader forcing the polling officers to register him with the Incident Form.

Speaking thereafter, he said: “It is unfortunate that despite all the assurance given by INEC, this kind of development could still occur. Though I’m not going to make quick judgment, I will relay my view to the appropriate authority”.

The governor ’s predicament was, however, better than his wife’s, whose name was not found on the voter’s register and had to be excused from voting.

The APC candidate, Audu, had an uneventful experience at his voting unit at Ogbonicha Secondary School. When he arrived for voting at the school field at about 1.45 pm, he said he was impressed with the process but expressed concern at the development in Anyigba where thugs, earlier in the day, snatched

election materials meant for some polling units in the area.

Both the PDP and the APC pointed accusing fingers at each other over the Ayingba incident.

After casting his vote at Ileteju Ward 002, in Mopa. Awoniyi told Sunday Vanguard that he was confident his party, the PDP, would win if external forces did not influence the outcome of the election.

The deputy governor, however, expressed the fear over incursion of foreign forces as he claimed that he had learnt of at least 10 buses conveying people into the

state.

“We (PDP) can only win this election if it is free and fair, but I doubt that, judging by the body language of the opposition. But going by our projection, PDP will win with 55 percent of the votes,” he said.

The candidate of the Labour Party, Dr. Philip Salau, who is also the immediate past deputy governor of the state, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, noting that the only incident reaching him was the epileptic functioning of the card readers.

“Before now, we had

reliable information that a political party would jam the card readers to justify the use of manual accreditation so that they can thumb print the ballot papers. We petitioned INEC on this and it seems our prediction is right,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, the APC running mate, Faleke, also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election even as he said the people of Kogi were conscious of the fact that their deliverance rested on the APC winning the election. Enesi Ozigi, the

Continues on page 5

Police arrest APC chieftain’s suspected killer

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

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he police in Bayelsa State yesterday confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old man over his alleged involvement in the killing of one Andrew June, at Oweigbene in Ekeremor council area of the state. It was also gathered that 17 others were invited for questioning to assist the police in their investigation over the violent clash between

members of the two rival political parties, the PDP and APC. The deceased, a member of the All Progressive Congress, APC, was reportedly butchered by machete wielding youths, on Wednesday, while returning from Ekeremor after attending the APC gubernatorial campaign while many others suffered various degrees of injuries.

Spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police

Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed that the suspected killer, Promise Meshak, was arrested yesterday by special operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“We have the suspect in our custody and and investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the SylvaIgiri Campaign Organisation commended the police for the arrest of the suspected killer.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 5

KOGI GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

*Soilders providing security

*Election officials checking finger prints at Agbnocha, in Ofu LGA

Voters on queue ahead of voting at Ejule-Ala Ward, in Kogi East

A cross section of women waiting for voting to commence at Ejule-Ala Ward.

Anxiety over early results: Wada, Audu in tight race Continued from page 4 governorship candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, on his part, told Sunday Vanguard that monetization of the election greatly corrupted the political process, lamenting

that it showed that the state may not have prepared itself for transformation.

The state chairman of PPA, Ojonuba Simeon, alleged intimidation by agents of one of the two major parties as he called

THOUGHT FOR TODAY A TEAM

By Richard Eromonsele

A team is a group of people engaged in the same activity or pursuing the same goal.It could be in sport,politics,economic,education etc.Everyone needs a team.No one builds alone.No matter who you are,you need someone to help you realise your goal, dream and vision.The first test of a leader is his ability to assemble a worthy team.Besides competence,it is important that every member of the team buys into the leader's vision.However,it is the duty of the leader to communicate his vision to the team.Thereafter, members must strive to understand and work in the pace and direction of the leader..........

on security agents to stop them.

“We wish to call the attention of security agents to an orchestrated attack on our party agents by thugs in Kabba. They allegedly chased them away from the polling units, saying PPA is no more in the race,”Simeon told Sunday Vanguard..

INEC, meanwhile, has decried the publication of the results of the election on social media by some people, saying many of the results published were incorrect.

The electoral body said it

is the only constitutionallymandated body to declare or announce election results, dissociating itself from the authors.

In a tweet, the commission described the results as grossly inaccurate and should be disregarded.

“INEC wishes to state that results of Kogi governorship election posted on social media are inaccurate and should be disregarded”, it tweeted.

According to INEC, official results of the poll will be announced and the winner by its returning

officer. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has explained why it deployed hundreds of officers and men of its armed squad for the election, saying intelligence reports had indicated that there could be attacks on some critical public assets in the state.

The NSCDC Acting Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Dr Nnamdi Nwinyi, who was leading the operations in the state, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent.

Nwinyi said apart from the initial deployment of 5, 000 personnel, 1,200 men from its specialized units were deployed following the intelligence reports.

“We decided to deploy officers and men from our armed squad because we identified many soft targets like the Geregu Power Plant, the steel infrastructure and many others. Our personnel were deployed in and around those assets to stop any untoward action from unscrupulous elements”, he added.

I never said FG will write off bailout fund – Amosun gun State governor, O Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has refuted the

claim that he said the Federal Government will write off the bailout fund extended to states of the federation.

“I was quoted out of context. I never said the Federal Government was going to write off the bailout fund,” Amosun said.

“Contrary to reports in some sections of the media, at no point during the opening session of the state Treasury Board meeting for the year 2016 budget held on Friday, November 20, did the governor categorically state that the federal government was going to write off the bailout debt of states,” a government statement said, yesterday.

“What happened is that

the governor, upon being briefed by the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, who attended the last National Economic Council meeting held on Thursday, November 19, said states of the federation spoke about challenges they were facing in meeting their obligations towards repayment of their rescheduled loans or bailout fund.

“He said in view of this, states requested for some sort of moratorium or outright cancellation of their debts. “Governor Amosun however never said that the Federal Government has decided to write off the debt or give any sort of moratorium.

“The governor also spoke about how Ogun State is the only state in the federation that opted for 10

years repayment plan as opposed to the 20 years that was originally proposed by the federal government.

“Governor Amosun, in

fact, said his administration hopes to fully repay the bailout loan before the end of his tenure of office.”

VC condemns global insecurity

BY KENNETH MBELE

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ice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof. Dapo Asaju, has condemned global insecurity and political unrest. Asaju spoke at the 2015 Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Divine Ewulomi Evangelical Church of Christ (C & S), Arowojobe Estate, Mende, Maryland, Lagos.

In his sermon at the service, tagged, “Harvest of Divine Mercy”, Asaju, a bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), bemoaned the attacks in

France and other parts of the world carried out Islamic extremists. The VC called for immediate arrest of the global unrest by going back to God with remorse and restitution. Berating the recklessness of some past Nigerian leaders, he enjoined the people to appreciate the love and mercy of God in their respective disciplines by being their brothers keepers.

Fielding questions from journalists on the sidelines of the event, the Vice Chancellor bemoaned impunity in governance.

PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

•R-L: Chief Temile.A. Emmanuel, Chief Felix Esisi, Chief KofiKartey, Chief Joseph Popo, Chief Olley Eddy Eyitemi and others at the burial ceremony of the departed Olu of Warri, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse II. Photos by: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Pa. Atiwa Amanoritsewor performing a ritual at the burial ceremony.

Fun, renewed unity as Itsekiri celebrate the late Olu of Warri

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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CTIVITIES marking the final funeral rites for the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, continued, yesterday, at Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South local government area of Delta State with entertainment and homages in honour of the departed monarch.

The 14 days final rites, which began with a vigil, Friday night, turned out to be a gathering of the Itsekiri nation as natives, joined by neighbors and well wishers, trooped into the Itsekiri ancestral home to share the joy of the event.

Chief Yaya Pessu, Ojomo of Warri and Chairman, Traditional Council of the Warri Kingdom, speaking on the significance of the occasion, said it is all about entertainment and sharing in honouring the departed monarch.

Pessu said, “The interment has already been done during the Iken rites, but we believe the soul of the dead does not journey to final rest until all the rites are performed. The final rites are the reason we are gathered now” Robinson Ariyo, lawyer and development expert, said, “For many persons, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I was so young and obviously a spectator 28 years ago when the kingdom observed these moments before the late Atuwatse II was crowned.

“Today, many present may never be alive to witness the passage and funeral of another Olu, and the significance is the opportunity for the younger generation to learn and imbibe the tradition because tomorrow will be their turn to take charge of carrying these functions.”

To Dr. Duakpemi Ayu, head of the royal family, the moments also afford the kingdom to close ties with neighbors whose support and concern help to make the celebration worthwhile.

“You have seen the spread of condolence visits during our mourning periods. People came from far and near

and our immediate neighbors in the Ijaw, Urhobo and Isoko, not forgetting our Benin and links from the West all coming to share the grief with us is something remarkable. Now in these celebrations we will also enjoy their company”, Ayu stated.

Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, Igba of Warri prayed, “I may never witness another final funeral rites for an Olu. Given my age and that of the Olu in waiting, I certainly pray I don’t witness another of these moments. It is a thing of joy

that the man who is taking over is loved by all too and promises good tidings for the kingdom.”

Above all other expressions of the mood and significance of the occasion, Prince Yemi Emiko declared that the beauty of the celebration is the symbol of unity it presents for the kingdom.

“As a people, Itsekiri can not all be one in politics, economic or social lives. It is not wrong to have differences at this levels, but the

crown binds us all. When it comes to the royalty, Itsekiri is one, all differences are collapsed. So from this passage through the coronation of the successor, it is constant reminder that we are one family, one language, one crown.”

Over the celebration, OdeItsekiri has experienced outstanding facelift. The palace grounds were wearing new paintings and robust decorations, so were other residences and the arena crafted for the entertainment and

rites.

At the time of filing this report, able bodied men dressed in white wrapper on bare upper body and bearing swords were performing the sessi-on, a sublime dance of homage before a catafalque covered with red clothes.

Chief Charles Ikomi, Ero of Warri, said, “In a few hours the catafalque containing the body of the late king will be opened and people will begin to pay homage. The catafalque was copied from the

burial ceremonies of cardinals in the Catholic church and we have observed it since then.”

From the takeoff Friday till the next 14 days, the final funeral rites continue with all Itsekiri communities expected to display dance and entertainment homages in honour of the late Olu. Immediately following afterwards in a few days will be another chapter of celebrations to install the Olu designate, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Abiloye Emiko as the 20th Olu of Warri.

Corrupt Perm Secs will not be spared — FG

By Favour Nnabugwu

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HE Federal Govern ment has said it will take tough measures against corrupt Permanent Secretaries.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, while addressing the new and old Permanent Secretaries at a oneday retreat, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, said the government will not cover up for any wrongdoing by public officers.

Oyo-Ita warned, “Mr President’s body language in this regard is clear to everyone.

Anyone found wanting should not expect any protec-

tion.”

“You must be aware of the latest development thinking . You must be in tune with the mood of the public, including the growing demand for transparency

and accountability from public office holders.”

The Head of Service cautioned the public officers against carrying on with business as usual while advising them to key into the

F

YODOR’sGlobal Head of Projects, Dr Victoria Enwemadu, says scientists in Nigeria have developed a new test for malaria using urine which will become mainstream soon in compliance with national guidelines to test before treating for malaria.

The Urine Malaria Test (UMT), developed by Fyodor Biotechnologies, doesn’t require the use of blood unlike existing rapid diagnostic test for malaria.

Speaking at the launch of UMT in Abuja, Enwemadu lamented the challenges with adopting the national malaria testing guideline mainstream

down turn in the prices of petroleum products had made it imperative for diversification of our economy that is one of the cardinal programmes of this administration. It calls for attitudinal change on all of us as public servants.”

Alleged N113m fraud: Benin High Court dismisses suit against former Edo SSG, 3 others

By Simon Ebegbulem

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Benin High Court has struck out the case of alleged misappropriation of N113million belonging to the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), brought before it by the

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), against a former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Simon Imuekheme, and three others.

Other officials of SUBEB who were given clean bill of

Researchers launch urine-based malaria test

By Victoria Ojeme

change mantra of President Buhari for the collective goal of taking country to right pedestal “The dwindling resources available to the government which is occasioned by the

because of the invasiveness of trying to get blood for testing.

She said, “ The UMT includes a strip that is dipped into urine sample for 25 minutes to give results which can be read as positive, negative or valid, when compared

against a control”.

Corroborating the claim, the Chairman of Fyodor, Dr, Eddy Agbor, said it is based on recombinant antibody technology which searches for malaria parasite in urine sample, and the stripindicatesitspresenceornot.

health by the court include a former Chairman of the SUBEB in the state, Sir Joseph Emoabino; David Eson Igbinoba and Aghator Gaskin Efe. The ICPC had, in March 2014 dragged the officials before the High Court accusing them of misappropriating N113million belonging to SUBEB. However, Justice Esther Edigin, who delivered the judgment, noted that the prosecutor failed in his case when it charged the four accused persons under Section 22, 5 of the ICPC Act 2000 which is no longer in existence, adding that the law in

operation is the 2003 ICPC Act authenticated by the National Assembly in 2007 and not the ICPC Act of 2000.

While dismissing the eightcount charge against the four accused, Edigin cited several Supreme Court rulings which puncture the argument of the prosecution, asserting. “From the pronouncements by the Supreme Court, I am convinced without any outa of doubt that corrupt practices and other related acts 2003 is in enforce of law”.

Counsel to Imuekheme, O.A.Omonuwa (SAN), described the judgment as “an extraordinary exhibition of a mastery of law”.

SSANU to return Ugwoke as president

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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HE leadership of the National President of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, Comrade Samson Ugwoke, may have endeared him to the members as majority of

the union members have unanimously endorse his second term in office.

At the last National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Jos, Plateau State, two out of the three zones of the union, Northern and Eastern zones, endorsed Ugwoke for second term, while manhy

members from the Western zone also urged him to recontest.

The Integrity Group, speaking on the forthcoming election of national officers, described Ugwoke as detribalised, charismatic and a leader who has repositioned SSANU since he came onboard.

It applauded the achievements of the SSANU president since he took the mantle of leadership of the union.

“The only basis or valid point for continuity in office is sterling performance. Such performance should be encompassing, impacting and verifiable,” the group said.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 7

rexmarinus@hotmail.com

AGAIN, BIAFRA T

he new Minister of Defence, Mr. Muhammed Dan Ali, has made what might be the first official statement by this administration on the new agitation by Biafrans for a separate country. Nigeria, he noted on his initial statement on assuming office as Defence Minister, is buffeted by “many indices of destabilisation.”

The new minister called, in what may in fact be a very conciliatory tone for a meeting between the federal government and “stakeholders” to “brainstorm and come up with roadmap in order to abort any processes that may destabilise the nation.” Until the new Minister’s statement, and following the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu of the so-called Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and what is now clearly an unlawful and needless detention, which has also been followed by widespread demonstrations in the Eastern parts of Nigeria, the Buhari administration had maintained what seemed to be a calculated, and stolid silence. It was the kind of initial silence which the Jonathan administration kept over Boko Haram, hoping that by ignoring it, Boko Haram would

somehow go away, and disappear or fizzle out. It turned out to be a mistake. It is a mistake that the current president whose public policies seems to have increasingly alienated the Eastern part of Nigeria has refused to make a categorical statement about the Biafran agitation, or the factors that are currently stoking it . Only recently, the president made but a tepid and general statement about “Nigerian unity.” President said at the ceremonies of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day: “since independence Nigeria has witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united. This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony of the determination of our citizens to remain as one people.”

It is the president hiding his head like the ostrich’s in the sand. The president is unrealistic because the Biafra agitation is clearly challenging his assumptions at different levels. These new Biafrans feel that they do not wish to live together as one people with Nigerians, and this is simply because as Ojukwu never failed to remind us, patriotism is not like cocaine; it is not addictive. It is the product of conditions of shared

wellbeing, and the current Biafran agitation for selfdetermination once more challenges that question of the “shared wellbeing” of being Nigerian. Jonathan’s initial response to Boko Haram was to adopt the policy of appeasement of the North through appointments, and the bribery of its elite. It failed because the root causes of the movement were generally ignored.

The term “stakeholders” often confines itself to the appeasement of elite interests when grassroots forces rise in response to certain historical contradictions in the polity. Yet if it were just that kind of appeasement that were needed, perhaps the escalation would have been contained earlier. However, the Biafrans also see that one of those arrested and questioned, and detained for sponsoring Boko Haram, Senator Ali Ndume, is now the Majority Leader of the Senate under the APC. Another, who had been jailed for his involvement with Boko Haram, was released from jail

by President Buhari, and given a position in the Nigerian intelligence services. The Biafrans have seen that long meditative, conciliatory silence does not earn anyone power in Nigeria; that the use of blackmail by certain forces in the North very nearly crippled Jonathan, obscured his achievements, and earned the current president the ride to the presidency. President Buhari has not been shy either in the use of his power to define the geopolitics that has exacerbated the sense of alienation of the Eastern part of Nigeria. The president has almost inexorably opened a flank, as a result, in the battle for Nigeria to those who are discontented with Nigeria.

Last week, in response to the new Biafran agitation, the General Officer Commanding the 81 Div in Enugu issued what is clearly a threat to use of military force against an unarmed civilian population which has so far staged its protests as non-violent street campaigns. Two things feel arbitrary in this sense: first, it is not the constitutional role of the Army to deploy and suppress the

I wish also that the Biafrans would rise above the agitation for a separate state of Biafra and work with their peers nationally, who are equally aggrieved and suffering from the consequences of over forty years of misrule, to create a common ground for a new nationalist movement

internal or domestic agitation of citizens. It is the function of the police. The constitutional role of the military is to defend Nigeria from external military aggression. Secondly, the president cannot deploy the military for an internal security operation until he has been expressly given authority to do so by the National Assembly under the emergency provision, otherwise, the unconstitutional use of the armed forces against an unarmed civilian population would constitute an impeachable offence. This might also be grounds for

prosecution at the International Criminals court.

The federal government should know that the supporters of this Biafran movement have the resources currently to campaign internationally and drag Nigeria to the International Criminals Court if undue violence is used to quell the legitimate, non-violent agitation for self-determination.

A Nigerian president should not be on the disgraceful list of “wanted criminals” to be arrested for the violation of the rights to life of its citizens.

Meanwhile, as I am writing, there are new Biafra Support Committees springing up quietly in private homes in various US cities, prepping to raise funds and other logistical support for this movement.

It is complex. The threat and use of violence will only make this agitation even more complex. Street campaigns will definitely grow in intensity. The Nigerian security services are far too thinly deployed to contain what might become a growing movement in the East. Soon, the elected state governments will lose their legitimacy as the Biafran activists begin to fill the gaps in the provision of the local social services that have been long absent in the East at the municipal levels, and this will transfer legitimacy and loyalty to the movement. I think Dan Ali is therefore quite correct: it is futile to ignore or threaten the Biafrans. It is time to meet and brainstorm with the stakeholders, and these are to be clear, the young, disaffected organizers of this movement. These young people, many with quality

education, but suffering the indignity and the humiliation of long and sustained unemployment and immobility, have actually nothing to lose. Those among them trained in the humanities and the social sciences would have encountered, or taken classes in the theories and practice of insurgency and counterinsurgency; those trained in the hard sciences and Engineering would have dangerous skills that can be very easily appropriated and deployed. And Nigeria has no index of where these skills are currently deployed. That should be the first rule of engagement. I personally think that it is fair to give this president a chance in the first year of his presidency to fulfil his promise, and not foreclose on him yet. I wish that the young Biafrans could channel their agitation in seeking change starting with their own elected leaders in the East who must account for the resources allotted to the East. I wish also that the Biafrans would rise above the agitation for a separate state of Biafra and work with their peers nationally, who are equally aggrieved and suffering from the consequences of over forty years of misrule, to create a common ground for a new nationalist movement, and fulfil the aborted Zikist mission of a great nation founded on individual liberty, equal citizenship, and the rights of all irrespective of ethnicity, gender, or creed, because at its very core, this is what the agitation by the new Biafra is all about: justice for an alienated people. A new state of Biafra, with its inherited contradictions may not guarantee that justice either.

MASSOB faction claims Radio Biafra promoter, Kanu, may have died

BY PETER OKUTU

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HE leadership of a faction for the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, weekend,

alleged that Nnamdi Kanu, the promoter of Radio Biafra, detained by security operatives, may have been murdered.

In a statement in Abakaliki, MASSOB

factional Director of Information, Comrade Uchenna Madu, stated that information about Kanu’s murder was made available to the group through some security operatives sympathetic to the Biafran cause.

“Factional MASSOB has discovered that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu detained by Nigeria has been murdered in Abuja,”Madu said.

“Information to Biafra Intelligence Agency (BIA), through operatives sympathetic to the Biafran cause revealed it to us. Pro. Biafran groups may not believe it until Monday, Nov 23 when Nnamdi will be arraign in court.

“The cause information we are receiving from Abuja is not healthy, we’re still waiting till Monday. Nnamdi Kanu is the arrowhead of the

Biafra agitation. Nigeria should be extremely careful on Nnamdi Kanu”.

“If government extra judicially kills Nnamdi Kanu, Nigeria will experience the worst volcanic rebellion and aggression.

“We call on the Ohaneze Ndigbo, South East Govs, Igbo leaders of thought, South-East and S o u t h - S o u t h

Foundation to honour Agbaje, Rufai, others

A

former PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, and exSuper Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, are among dignitaries to be honoured by a non-governmental organization, Symbol of Hope Foundation, at its annual leadership conference and humanitarian service award dinner.

Others to be honoured include Nollywood star, Kanayo O. Kanayo; Pastor Wale Adefarasin; Eze Nweke Ekwuruke; Barr.

Chris Nwaokobia; Buchi Atuonwu; Eze Ndigbo Ghana; Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu and Chief Azubuike Ekerekwu.

National Coordinator of the NGO, Dr. Victor Chibueze, who described the Symbol of Hope Foundation as a non-profit organization involved in reaching out to the less privileged through various life saving humanitarian

projects, scholarship for indigent students and empowerment for youths and women through vocational training, said, in Aba, Abia

State, that dignitaries are being honoured for the various contributions to the welfare of the less privileged of the society.

Appointments: Urhobo group begs Buhari

A

group, Urhobo National Youth Council, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to ignore them in appointing people into key political positions like the past government of Goodluck Jonathan did.

The group in a statement by its President, Comrade Monday Oyeghe and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade, Aghogho Orhotomare, made this appeal while condemning actions of some persons trying to tarnish the image of their respected son and major financier of Delta APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

The group who had earlier

commended Mr. President on his war against corruption, explained that the country was already in a rotten state, until the emergence of President Buhari who has commenced a good job.

While calling on Chief O’tega Emerhor not to be distracted in his bid to convert Delta into APC state, Comrade Oyeghe advised the saboteurs to desist from the pull him down syndrome and support the party to ensure APC come to stay.

The group therefore appealed to Buhari to remember the Urhobo in his appointments.

Professionals, Igbo National Assembly members, traditional / religious leaders to call Nigeria’s Presidency to order now.

“We demand that Nnamdi Kanu must appear in court on Monday, Nov 23 alive or dead. We love non-violence & wish to maintain it but Nigeria is pushing Biafrans to the wall”.

NSCDC rescues suspected kidnapper

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

A

suspected kidnapper was rescued, at the weekend, by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The NSCDC Divisional Office at Osiele received a distress call that an irate mob had descended on a man who allegedly attempted to kidnap a child on his way to school, hence they ran after him, caught up with him and beat him to pulp.

The caller explained that all attempts to prevent mob action proved abortive and he decided to call NSCDC. The suspected kidnapper (name withheld) denied the allegation, saying he ran only when he saw people chasing him with cutlasses.

Page 8 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

I survived face-to-face encounter with Kano suicide bomber — Isa, apprentice •Another survivor: 'Will I ever walk again?’

CONTROVERSIAL N25B TSA FEE The CBN, Remita, Senate stalemate

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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HERE are indications that stakeholders in the Treasury Single Account, TSA, have run into a stalemate in an attempt to renegotiate terms of the project execution.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that a meeting called last week for the purpose of this renegotiation could not hold because a lobby group had emerged to allege an under-table content in the 1.0 per cent fee approved for organisations involved in the collection process.

The organisations had allegedly collected N25 billion, being 1.0 percent of the purported N1.25 trillion remitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the TSA regime, a development now a subject of investigation by the Senate.

Meanwhile, Systemspics, owners of Remita, the technology platform for TSA, was said to have collected about N8.5 billion, being its share of the 1.0 percent fee. Other stakeholders who shared from the fee include the CBN and banks. The fee so called by Systemspics has since been returned to the CBN, reportedly on the directive of the Presidency.

Also the key parties to the TSA contract are said to be looking at the legal implications of the subsisting order by the CBN, which suspended the fee.

A source at the Federal Ministry of Finance said, last week, that the Presidency had been inundated with allegations that some elements in the former administration benefited in what they called an over-sized fee, claiming that the contract had already tied the hands of the Federal Government in terms of either suspending the fee or even renegotiating it.

Consequently, the Federal Ministry of Justice has been invited to interpret the legal implications with a view to recommending the way out.

This development, according to the source, may elongate the current logjam while at the same time threatening the execution of the TSA. Though the formal meeting was canceled at the instance of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF, it was learnt that meetings on the matter had been going on at semi-official levels between some group of stakeholders mainly to prepare their positions against expected direct intervention of the Presidency any moment from this week.

Key private sector stakeholders, which include banks and Systemspecs, owners of REMITA, the technology platform for TSA, are said to be getting their legal team ready to insist on not only earning their contract fee but also getting the outstanding backlog which they were forced to surrender by the order of the

CBN. In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, on November 6, 2015, Systemspecs had expressed displeasure with the manner the TSA fee was suspended.

Part of the letter stated :”In 2013, CBN and OAGF setup a multi-stakeholder implementation committee and organised a joint seminar with key stakeholders including banks to agree on the formalities for commencement of e-collection. The banks proposed a fee of 5% to compensate for the fact that they would no longer keep float. The implementation committee however recommended 2.5% after negotiation with the banks. The then AGF later approved 1% as processing fee which was, in turn, communicated to all the stakeholders through CBN in December 2013. Subsequently, we executed a contract with CBN and other stakeholders involved on the provision of services to support TSA. “Based on the increased scope of the TSA project following your directive in August 2015 for all MDAs to join the scheme, we had highlighted the need for a stakeholders meeting to discuss the TSA e-collection fees. This was communicated to both CBN and OAGF. “Instead of an invitation for a stakeholders meeting as requested, we received a directive from the CBN Governor to refund ALL TSA e-collection fees earned to date and to suspend all charges on the platform. SystemSpecs has since complied fully with this directive and refunded all monies earned to date to CBN. This we did in good faith and without prejudice, to avoid distractions that could becloud the bigger potentials of the TSA project for our country “While we await clarification from OAGF/CBN on the way forward, we have since suspended all TSA e-collection fees on the platform. This means that none of the TSA collection parties/channels are earning any fees for providing services to government.

“This position is however not sustainable as the collection partner banks are threatening to suspend FGN TSA collections. This would clearly be playing into the hands of those who do not wish this initiative to succeed. We understand the strategic importance of the TSA project to this administration and the country at large.

“We have demonstrated good faith and continued commitment to the project in the last four years to deliver on our mandate. We will continue to do all within our power to bring the project to full term.

“Your Excellency, we would appreciate your kind and urgent intervention to ensure a speedy resolution of this matter before the banks stop collections’’.

•Isa... I walked into deadly scene

By Abdulsalam Muhammad

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victim of Kano GSM Market blast, Ibrahim Isa, has revealed how he came face-to-face with the suicide bomber who triggered the explosion and survived.

Isa, an apprentice at the second largest GSM market in Nigeria, said “market was at its peak when news went round that a DSS operative had directed people to leave the market”.

The 30-year-old Isa, of Gyadi Gyadi quarters in Kano municipality, said: “I knew we were confronted with danger if this was coming from a security operative and was confronted to take a decision”.

The victim who sustained life threatening injuries, told Sunday Vanguard at Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital where he was recuperating, that as he made to escape from the market, little did he know he was walking to a horrendous scene.

As I made to escape from the market following the DSS directive, right before me was the female suicide bomber and what I could remember was a loud bang that sent me sprawling on the ground

In pains, he said: “As I made to escape from the market following the DSS directive, right before me was the female suicide bomber and what I could remember was a loud bang that sent me sprawling on the ground.”

Isa, who painfully made a 360 degree on his bed to expose the burns within the head region through the thorax axis, disclosed that “the burns were occasioned by live cable, and it’s still a mystery how I survived the blast and

missed being electrocuted”.

Full of praises to God for sparing his life, he said, “I saw death, yet I survived and if not the mercy from Allah, who else could have done this?”.

Isa, claiming to have lost his business to the blast, however, said: “I am confident of light at the end of this harrowing experience and with Allah I am certainly going to bounce back.

“I’m not bothered by what I have lost, it is from God and it has returned to God, afterall life is all about trial “.

‘Will I ever walk again?’

Another survivor, Musa Idris, 20, lay critically injured at Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, Nassarawa, Kano.

His right leg was wrapped in Plaster of Paris (POP) to cover the wounds he sustained from the Wednesday blast at the Kano GSM Market.

The 20-year-old economics student of Kano polytechnic could not hold back tears as he asked rhetorically whether he would ever walk with his legs again.

Musa, who hails from Okene, Kogi State, told Sunday Vanguard that his plight came out of his father’s lack of trust in him.

“My father handed N1,000 to me last Sunday to repair my phone which I gave to my friend who is a specialist in phone repairs.

“But as at Monday, my friend, who appeared hooked to academic challenges, could not repair the phone, and this brought about suspicion from my dad who suspected I was up to a game as he issued an ultimatum that I either produced the phone by Wednesday or returned his money.

“I left school for the GSM market with my friend to collect the phone, and as we entered the market, we heard a deafeaning sound that sent me sprawling on the ground.

“I tried to escape from the scene but my legs had been badly injured and I remained on the ground helpless before a Good Samaritan came to my rescue”. He asked again whether he would ever walk with his legs.

Corroborating Idris story, his father, Mallam Musa, told Sunday Vanguard: “I take full responsibility for his travails”.

The father then went philosophical: “Our activities are guided by destiny and what has happened is fulfillment of destiny. I’m confident Musa would walk again going by assurances from doctors”.

SUND AY UNDA

I cried against terrorism, only in foreign lands

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he world has been sympathising with the people of France and particularly the Parisians who last week witnessed another terrorists attack. The outpouring of grief and sorrow has been very infectious from one end of the world to another. And in the same vein, the condemnation of this unnecessary attack has been universal with no sympathy for religion or race.

It was a sad news from the beautiful city of Paris as it was "confronted" by heartless terrorists parading themselves as modern day religious jihadists. The attack, masterminded by youngsters, was inspired by the infamous ISIS. These were some of the senseless individuals that had been hoodwinked by ISIS propaganda. They had allowed these to rule their heads and pushed into action.

No doubt they were brainwashed that slaughtering innocent people is fighting a holy war, a jihad.

They would have seen beyond the killings to receive their "rewards in heaven."

Unfortunately, the French security agencies were all beating hands down, despite reports of their awareness that something terrible was about to go down in Paris. According to news stories , all the terrorists involved in the attack were known to the agencies.

November 13, 2015 shall go down in the history of the country as a day of sorrow. It was a day the terrorists turned the streets of the French capital into a river of blood. It has been described as the most cruel attack in recent times on innocent people.

The "make up" of the victims was not any different from other attacks witnessed all over the world - they were simply at the wrong places.

They were innocents people who had been going about their businesses with no inkling of the evil thoughts of fellow human beings that walk alongside of them.

Many of these victims would have laid out their plans for a "tomorrow". Unfortunately for them their tomorrow ended before it even began.

They fell to hails of gun shots, detonated bombs etc from cowardly people who had only one mission - to kill as many as they could.

As the blood of these innocent Parisians "flowed" freely through the streets, it once again brought to reality that terrorism can be as near as on our door steps or in far away places like Boston. It can be as close as the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Or a little far away in Mali where al Qaeda trained terrorists held innocent guests and workers as hostages and killed over twenty.

The attendant shock after the Paris attack was of the same scale with the Al Qaeada inspired 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York in 2001. This is understandable considering the fact that the city of Paris was witnessing the second major attack in a year.

The first being the attack by

brothers Cherifb and Said Kouachi on the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical weekly newspaper.

The import of this was not lost on world leaders as they had to push aside their differences to discuss how to defeat the evil that seem to be taking over the world. What a better place to do this than at the G20 meeting held immediately after the Paris attack. It was not surprising when the US President, Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin were caught on camera seemingly working out strategies to defeat the terrorists before they turn the world into an arena of carnage.

Drawn against the recent attack on a Russian plane in the Egyptian airspace, the leaders have to move very fast.

It is noteworthy that as the "jigsaw" of the Egypt plane crash was being worked out, the Paris attack came as a diversion. The Egyptian officials confirmed what the world already knew that the aircraft was "bombed" out of the airspace.

However, while the world was outraged at these dastardly acts, a few Nigerians "formed" themselves into a "pressure group" to condemn their fellow citizens for sympathising with the world.

In no measured terms they have termed every citizen that raised voices against the Paris attack as "ignorant and hypocritical."

A friend of mine rang me a few days after the attack and was surprised at the way and manner these Nigerians, who he described as heartless have criticised the show of solidarity. Up until his call, I did not place more than a fleeting interest in the

It is unfortunate that rather come together, we politicised terrorism in Nigeria.

The two leading political parties have been accusing each other of being the sponsors of Boko Haram comments. However after reading some of them in the course of the week, I still could not understand my friend's anger. It might sound inhuman when these Nigerians felt we should not have "cried with the world" when it was bleeding. The arguments put forward against this may seem very unsympathetic, but a closer examination shows they do have valid points.

The verdict was simple.

Nigerians love keeping up with Joneses. They would rather "weep" in the open for a

cause so they can come across as being "in the know" than express their innermost feelings. A few days after the attack, the social media company, Facebook, allowed users to update their profile pictures with a light veil of the French flag. As with many other "raves", Nigerians got on it in large numbers.

This brought out the condemnation of a few Nigerians. They questioned the sincerity of these Nigerians that had chosen the Facebook update as the golden rule. Thy were outraged at these compatriots who had all kept quiet to the daily massacre of innocent citizens by Boko Haram. To them, it is interesting to note that despite Boko Haram described as the deadliest terror groups in the world, according to a report by the Institute of Economics & Peace, Nigerians are still aloof to its activities.

Despite all the killings and massacres that are carried out by the group in recent times, Nigerians have not at any time turned out in a show of solidarity for the victims. The closest we had ever gone was with the Bring Back Our Girls campaign.

At the start of the Boko Haram killings, rather than call for prayers as we are all doing for France now, we were busy, at that time, trying to convince the world that the former administration of Goodluck Jonathan had a hand in the operations of Boko Haram.

We may ask that at what point do these Nigerians realise that there is power (and succour) in prayers? When religious leaders pleaded for peace in Nigeria and a suggestion of collective will to fight Boko Haram, we all condemned them as government sympathisers. All of a sudden now we realised, after the French attack, that terrorism is better fought in unity.

It is unfortunate that rather come together, we politicised terrorism in Nigeria. The two leading political parties have been accusing each other of being the sponsors of Boko Haram. For Boko Haram, we were all singing different tunes, pointing fingers in every direction, while the group grew in confidence. The international community was confused at our "outrage" at Goodluck Jonathan rather than sitting down to find a solution to the problem on hand.

Has it now taken the Paris attack for us to come to our senses and fight terrorism?

Can we "push" Facebook to honour the victims of all Boko Haram massacres like it did for France? Is it too late to show Boko Haram that we are united and ready to fight them head on, like some of us threatened the Paris attackers?

It is only when we do these that we can show the rest of the world that our cries for the victims of the French attack were borne out of genuine love for humanity. Nobody should die needlessly in the hands of these terrorists. But it takes the genuine interest and support of the people to defeat the hydra headed problem.

In conclusion, are our security agencies watching events in Mali? They should step up their intelligence "powers" because they need no telling that Boko Haram may borrow a page from what happened in Bamako over the weekend. Will our officers be able to counter it or nip it in the bud?

V anguard, NO VEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 9 Vanguard, NOVEMBER

Preparing for a joyful home

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his is the season of weddings. Youths engaged for marriage want to celebrate Christmas in their new homes. Others are aiming at the New Year. So, it’s not just a season of festivities, it is also a season of a new beginning for many.

Joyful Homes, this week, takes a look at preparations for marriage and how to be on guard so that “ unfriendly friends”, apologies to Pastor Bisi Olowoyo of the RCCG, Magodo, do not take advantage of the joyous event to bring sorrow into the lives of the young couple.

How to prepare The time for wedding is a time for joy and so physically all arrangements are being made to prepare for guests while the couples also embark on shopping spree to make the wedding ceremony memorable.

In the midst of this, however, prayer is very essential and that factor must not be downplayed.

Why? I will share with you a few stories. First is the story of a single lady and her fiancé who were set for their wedding. On the day of the wedding, someone took the wedding veil and they had to get another to be used for the marriage ceremony.

According to the husband, they did not know the meaning of that missing veil until they got married and they had delay in having children.

If you think they were careless, then hear this.

For another couple, the relations of the bride were engaged in large cooking for the wedding. Part of the task was for them to prepare some dinner for the wife to take to her husband’s home.

Now, they had placed someone there to make sure that everything went well.

Unknown to them, some relations had evil plans.

They simply asked the lady who was watching over them to help them get soft drinks, and, she returned, they had dropped some substance into the food that the bride and her husband took that night.

That singular action of the so-called relations caused the couple to be childless for a long time.

Let me share with you a third experience. A hall was hired, as usual, for a wedding reception and of course it had to be supervised by some friends and relations. Unknown to the couple , one of those they put in charge was fetish and envious of the bride.

She placed an invisible substance on the seat reserved for the bride. The bride sat on it and the effect was that her womb was spiritually tied and she could have no children.

These are real stories but

the good news is that, with the power of the Almighty God, they broke through and these stories were told as testimonies.

Thank God, they were able to manage the situation with prayer.

Some other couples would have been separated forever.

This brings me to another experience. This happened in Lagos here.

A young lady ( Lady F) married a young man but the step mother of the man, for whatever reasons which I am sure not are unconnected with the unhealthy rivalry in polygamous home, vowed that the marriage will never succeed.

No one knows exactly what she did but fingers were pointed at her because she verbalized her evil thoughts.

To shorten the story, suddenly, the man went to America and never for one day called his wife.

Days, months and

Today, there are instances where a lady agrees to marry a man, and, as a result, he invests a lot on her education, sets her up in business or helps her get a good job; by the time he expects her to become his wife, he receives the shock of his life when she elopes with another man

years went by and he never called. So, the lady was married but single.

Then, one day, she went for teachers’ verification conducted by Lagos State government where she saw a relation of her husband. The relation asked if Lady F was still “ Mrs. X”. The lady replied in the affirmative.

The husband’s relation then called aside a colleague of the lady and told her, “ What a pity. This woman’s mother- in law vowed and saw that this lady ’s

marriage did not succeed”. If you think the lady was the only victim, you are wrong. The man also has remained unmarried even in America. So, both are supposed to be married but are single.

No one knows why the step mother-in-law did this.

One thing is certain, as the lady remains steadfast in prayer, the yoke will be surely be broken.

The essence of prayer With all these experiences, I have shared with you. I hope you will take prayer seriously as you prepare for that memorable event.

Be careful and watch those who embrace you on your wedding day.

The Bible teaches us to watch and pray.

Not only should the couple be prayerful, their parents also should not down play prayer as they prepare for the wedding.

This is essentially because the joy of parents remains incomplete if, for any reason, the marriage fails or has challenges that overwhelm the couple.

One expects that before two persons agree to marry, they must have committed it to prayer.

Sincere men and women of God should be engaged to be part of the prayer.

Parents consent This is another aspect that is so crucial.

Marriage partners must strive to get the consent of their parents.

Please don’t say, ‘ I’ll go ahead and damn the consequence’.

The consequence may be more than you can damn. This is an issue I will discuss in brief by God’s grace in future editions.

As I was about to conclude this article, I saw a quote in Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s daily devotion manual “ Open Heavens”, which I thought I should share especially because I am of the view that failure to do what the man of God suggested could be an obstacle to a joyful home.

Titled, “ Fraud in relationship”, Pastor Adeboye gave series of examples. He wrote,” There are men who, with the promise of marriage, were sponsored by some women to become somebody, only for them to dump these women for some other ladies.

“Today, there are instances where a lady agrees to marry a man, and, as a result, he invests a lot on her education, sets her up in business or helps her get a good job; by the time he expects her to become his wife, he receives the shock of his life when she elopes with another man”.

If your situation is similar to this, Pastor Adeboye suggested: “ Go and restitute!. Everything obtained by fraud must be returned”.

Don’t ignore this piece of advice.

Take the right steps and lay a solid foundation for your joyful home.

It is well with you in Jesus name.

PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

We’re fighting over “juice” stupid “Yes, all ministries are equal in status, but do not be fooled, some are more strategic and, if you like, ‘juicier’ than others.

Consider the top dozen: Justice, Defence, Finance, Interior, Works/Power, Petroleum, Transportation, Education, Agriculture, Communication, Health and FCT. Not one of these did the President allow an Igboman..”

Steve Osuji, THE NATION, November 13, 2015, back page. suji went further to state that “this is the first time in Nigeria’s history that appointments have been so vindictively and provocatively skewed against a section of the country ” (p 42). Nothing demonstrates how the fight over “juice”, which is my own synonym for “juicy appointments”, contracts and patronage, can induce even a public opinion molder, assumed to be current and accurate

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with facts, to allow emotions to overcome truth as can be proved than the piece by Osuji.

Those responsible for removing history from our curriculum opened Nigerians to distortion of history by anyone, as we have seen demonstrated here.

The ghost of the Jonathan administration has not been laid to rest yet. And Osuji was with the NATION from 2011 till now. Yet, only agriculture, among the Ministries he listed was given to the South-West or, if you like to “Yo r ubaman” by a President called Goodluck, Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan. At least the NNPC is in Igbo hands.

First, that puts the lie to the statement that “never in the history of Nigeria..”. Did Osuji forget so soon or was he avoiding the truth in order “to make a point?” I believe the distortion was deliberate. No veteran

Ken Saro Wiwa, twenty years on "Leaders become great,not because of their power,but because of their ability to empower other"-John Maxwell

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his November 10th, marks the 20th anniversary of Ken Saro Wiwa's death. Certainly in the UK, the media delivered a number of columns honouring him. I did the same thing three years ago. Ken was executed on trumped up charges and was executed with fellow Ogoni activists.

Ken and his fellow Ogoni activists drew the world's attention to the Abacha government and its inability to defend the rights of the Ogoni against the exploration and threatened the profits of Shell's operations in the oil producing Delta.

Of course, this was not very welcomed by those who directly benefited from corrupt activities by turning the other way, while the Ogoni people suffer as a result of the direct pollution of their land.

Ken's execution marked a seminal moment in Nigeria's relationship in international relations and Nigeria was suspended from the

commonwealth.

In 2011, a UN report vindicated his environmental and political stance and criticised Shell and the Nigerian Government for the pollution of the Ogoniland.

The report indicates that it will take $1 billion and up to 30 years to clear up of polluted areas. Talking about his father, Ken Jr., said;"My father went to the gallows an innocent man. He loved his country but refused to remain silent while his land and his people were being exploited. His real "crime" was in exposing the double standards of Shell, who had been quietly drilling oil for years in Nigeria, earning good profits for its shareholders but leaving the host community wallowing in levels of pollution that he described unflinchingly as "devastation", pointing out that the operations in Ogoniland betrayed Shell's own global standards".

Ken Saro Wiwa, has never been a man to sit and do nothing, he was committed to the welfare of his people and Nigeria in general . He once said: “The writer cannot be a mere storyteller; he cannot be

Fashola. In one fell swoop, the President created the second most powerful man in Nigeria – as well as the most envied. Henceforth, Fashola will understand the meaning of that admonition by William Shakespeare, 15641616, “”Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny.”

(VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 25). He cannot produce sufficient “juice” to

columnist could have so soon forgotten those who occupied those positions.

With three exceptions, Defence, Agriculture and Justice, the rest went to Southeast and SouthSouth. Even, the Ministry of Aviation, Exter nal Affairs, the Secretary to Federal Government, Service Chiefs and CBN, AMCON, NSE, NEXIM, NERC, DEBT MANAGEMENT etc went to Igbomen. Was it vindictive on the part of Azikiwe Jonathan? God forbid; leaders from the SE and SS are never vindictive. It is the rest of us who, when we do the same thing they did that are vindictive.

That only goes as a prelude to the sermon today; which is designed to tell the blunt truth about the sharing of portfolios to Ministers. To me, the entire palaver is all about “juice” – which explains why we have labeled Ministries “juicy” or “dry” (to use the word of a juice chaser friend of mine).

Generally, Nigerians don’t give a damn what a man can do for the nation in any given position. All we think about is how to get our own share of juice. Media people are not excluded.

Osuji, like me and others, is aware that some individuals are more approachable than others.

Obviously, we prefer such people in power than those who are less approachable or aloof.

So, that piece is a subtle confession of disappointment that “my

brothers” are not where I would want them. He is not alone.

Virtually everywhere, I go, there is disappointment about the postings. My friends in the universities cannot understand why Education was not given to Daramola or Adewole instead of Adamu Adamu. They conveniently forget that education is not about universities only; they even conveniently ignore the fact that many Professors have headed the Ministry of Education, yet everybody

agrees that standards are falling everywhere. So, why do they assume that another professor will perform the magic? The answer is: they don’t. They just want a familiar face in the office; that improves their chances of obtaining “juice” - NUC, Basic Education, VC appointments etc.

When the mind turns to Fashola, it smiles and cries at the same time. Next to Petroleum, and perhaps more than the oil sector, Buhari had created the greatest “juice” factory in Nigeria and handed it to one man (victim?) called

satisfy everybody. In fact, those who will benefit directly from his “juicy ” super-Ministry might not be more than a handful of thousands.

For every beneficiary, he would make unknown enemies who will never forgive. He will not develop high blood pressure as long as he realizes that the attack is not personal. It is all about “juice”. His predecessors in office seldom find anyone coming to visit them any more –except some childhood friends.

a mere teacher; he cannot merely X-ray society ’s weaknesses, its ills, its perils.

He or she must be actively involved shaping its present and its future.” He did exactly that.

Permit me to share my tribute to the man of the people, Ken Saro Wiwa. He was a writer, artist, journalist, and television producer and became the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors for three years until 1991, when he decided to devote himself entirely to the nonviolent struggles of his fellow Ogoni people. He was born Kenule Benson TsaroWiwa in Bori, in 1941, the son of Jim Beesom Wiwa, a businessman and community chief and a farmer.

Mr Saro-Wiwa, was a larger than life character, with trademark pipe and safari top, you could not miss him.

He was engaging and erudite and truly, a man of the people.

Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr., in his book of his father, IN THE SHADOW OF A SAINT: A SON’S JOURNEY TO UNDERSTAND HIS FATHER’S LEGACY (2001), described him as truly special that “he walked at seven months, and his parents doted on him because he was, for the first seven years of his life, their only child.”

Excerpt from: Requiem for Ken Saro-Wiwa I am not surprise at the verdict of guilty returned on Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis last Tuesday. I had forseen it as clearly indicated in my column of Sunday 8 January 1995 and Sunday 24 September 1995 respectively as reproduced below: “This is not requiem yet for Ken Saro-Wiwa. But you

wake up one day to find the inimitable writer and social conscience pricker has been murdered. The pity of it is that it would be late to do something about it and the world again will modify, by many notches up, its contempt for all of us.

But then Ken would have left his footprints on the sands of time. We shall always

common place to be unique.

Outstanding, upstanding and wicked men and women have featured in famous trials. What would make the Ogoni trial unique would not be because Ken is famous (and rich! To borrow his Basi & Company slang), but because of the deviation attendant thereon.

For a case of ordinary murder which can and should be tried by ordinary courts, a tribunal has been set up. That takes the action beyond the civil to the military. The immediate example that can be quoted is the Zango-Kataf trial and we were all witness to the injustices perpetrated.

Verdict from Nigerian tribunal cannot usually be appealed. Or appeals lie only at the courts of the persecutors-Supreme Military Council, Provisional or Permanent Ruling Council or whatever name they may be called.

And these bodies have not been famous for charity.

Dauda Komo, Rivers State Governor, has not done anything to lessen our suspicion. He had already pronounced the accused guilty even before their trial.

Of the three tribunal trial judges two were imported.

If times were normal, something like that would raise no eyebrow. But these are very uncertain times … very suspicious times.

Imported judges are suspect.

I have read a delegation of the judges coming to inspect facilities and calling on Komo (who seizes every opportunity to issue assurance which no

Generally, Nigerians don’t give a damn what a man can do for the nation in any given position. All we think about is how to get our own share of juice.

Media people are not excluded

There is a civilised norm about justice: it is never to pronounce an accused guilty until courts has found so.

remember him as a playwright, as a novelist; as the man who made us laugh at our foibles; as a man who directed our gaze and our attention at the plight of the oppressed majorities and at the game played by multinational companies game that does not recognise our dignity as human beings. Or as anything at all.

The ground is being prepared for murder. We have now been officially informed that Ken and some others will appear before a tribunal on the charge of murder. Murder trials are too

Fashola will henceforth need both the LASTMA in Lagos and FRSC at Abuja to station units 24/7 round his residences to control the traffic of those in search of “juice” at his house. His number of “friends” had probably reached 50 million by now. That tells you what possession of a “juice” factory can do to a man.

Pity.

Nor should Fashola expect that that his adversaries, now also numbering millions, especially from the zones which controlled those Ministries until May 2015, are limited to those outside the cabinet. Envy creeps into the minds of people high and low. Not all the Ministers holding “dry” portfolios can resist the tug of envy. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Russian Nobel Prize Winner, already warned the most fortunate people by saying, “You’ll find envy everywhere there’s good fortune. There are always people who will envy you if you are happy,” (VBQ p 49). It will be difficult to look across the table at Fashola for a Minister in a “dry ” job not to wonder “ what makes him so special?”

SHORT AND SHARP Buhari has shifted the power equation in the South-West. Anybody needing favours will no longer go to Bourdillon Street, Ikoyi. Fashola’s house is where the action is right now – if you can get there given the crowd heading for it for “juice”.

God help him. one believes).

A new dimension has now been added: The Guild of Editor has been invited to look around and see that the Rivers Government can smell like nothing but roses.

And I have been reading some highly tendentious nonsense in some of the papers.

And I am very apprehensive. The ground is subtly being prepared to commit legal murder. Just as we watch here in Nigeria, the international community is watching.

Ken Saro-Wiwa is an international figure and prize winner and whoever will murder him is advised to weigh the repercussion.

What I find curious is the fact it did not take judicial notice of the published fact that Ambassador E A Azikiwe and Professor A H Yadudu appeared before the Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on August 10 and 11, 1995.

Ambassador Azikiwe was reported to have pronounced Saro-Wiwa guilty of murder – a fact which Professor Yadudu, Legal Adviser to General Sani Abacha, was reported to have corroborated. There has been no refutal from official quarters about the proceedings and it cannot be that these officers of Government are blissfully unaware that their assertion can be prejudicial to the case of the accused.

There is a civilised norm about justice: it is never to pronounce an accused guilty until courts has found so.

—Kola Animasaun

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 11

Our fears for Minister Babatunde Fashola

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bout eleven days ago, Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Governor of Lagos State was assigned with a higher national responsibility as Minister of Power, Works and Housing.

Before this appointment, many people prominent among them, inhabitants of his own Lagos State worked assiduously to truncate the ambition. As a matter of fact, as soon his successor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode assumed office; Fashola began to enjoy ample bad press. Although the All Peoples Congress (APC) to which both Fashola and Ambode belong attributed the bad press to the handiworks of mischief makers sponsored by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the contents of the bad press portrayed a different direction. This is because the allegations that Fashola spent N78.3m on his personal website, www.tundefashola.com and

N139m to construct two boreholes at the Lagos House, Ikeja, when he was governor were allegedly found on the state government’s website.

Meanwhile the government did not refute the allegations but merely denied authorship making it easy for the Senate to premise its clearance of Fashola on his response to the allegations.

This column was compelled to wonder at the time why our people are ever so uncharitable bearing in mind the several achievements of the man as governor. We had thought that what happened to Fashola as soon as he left office contradicted the major infrastructural facelift he gave to Lagos in several areas like roads, hospitals and sports. It was in earnest impossible to seek to undermine the i n s t a n t a n e o u s transformation of the chaotic Oshodi bus stop and its notorious under the PhD,Depar tment of Philosophy, University of Lagos 08116759758 opuruiche2000@yahoo.com

What has changed since Buhari became President? (3)

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eanwhile, the N a t i o n a l Assembly, the Judiciary, the Army, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the EFCC and several critical agencies of the federal government, are in the hands of Northerners also. Certainly, the President cannot dictate the leadership of the federal legislature and the judiciary.

Yet, in those appointments that he has discretionary powers, Buhari has shown a marked preference for Northerners - in fact, he has just appointed another Northerner as Chairman of INEC. The truth is: never before in Nigerian history has the North been so dominant, in terms of appointments at the federal level, especially in a democratic setting, than what we have presently under Muhammadu Buhari. And the President's justification for the lopsidedness is that he was rewarding his loyalists, those he knew personally, and constituencies that voted for him overwhelmingly during the elections! As a corollary, with his "second coming" Nigeria has retrogressed in giving women their rightful place in governance. During the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, about 33% of cabinet positions were occupied by women

(with Deziani AlisonMadueke as the first woman to head the petroleum resources ministry), and there was pressure on him to raise it to 35% in line with the Affirmative Action for women, a percentage already surpassed by Cape Verde Islands (51%), South Africa (41.7%), and Rwanda (35.5%). Now, despite his campaign promise to reflect gender balance in his government, President Buhariappointed only seven women out of thirty-six ministers (19.44%). Not surprisingly, of the seven, six are from the North, a region where millions of young girls are uneducated because of the dominant antediluvian belief that modern education is an abomination, especially for women. Buharimaniacs can vituperate and generate as much hot air as they please on this issue, as they do whenever their idol is criticised. The fact remains that, if one considers inclusiveness and sensitivity to the complex geo-ethnic and gendered configuration of Nigeria as an index of change, the inevitable conclusion is that there is change all right, but it is retrogressive change, a movement in the wrong direction.

If there is one area where Nigerians expected the new President to make an immediate positive impact, it is in the petroleum sector.

This is because Buharimaniacs had argued

bridge brigandage. The same is true of his contribution to the creation of a Traffic Management Authority LASTMA- a strategy that was designed to ease the burden of the heavy traffic in Lagos. Like any other being, Fashola is human and thus can have his own weaknesses which; from the benefit of hindsight, can be said to be too few in the face of his overwhelming good performance. Those who say many of his projects

Like any other being, Fashola is human and thus can have his own weaknesses which; from the benefit of hindsight, can be said to be too few in the face of his overwhelming good performance

particularly housing were elitist may have a point but it is no longer the place of Fashola to attend to that. If he built for the rich, let his successor be admonished to now build for the poor while those of us who admired him as governor are allowed to continue to relish his simplicity and that since Buhari was a former minister of petroleum resources, he understands the challenges of the sector and, as a result, has a firsthand knowledge of how to handle them.

Hence, there was optimism that with Buhari, scarcity of petroleum products and wastages in the management of Nigeria's oil and gas resources would be as rare as water in the Sahara desert. For sure, it is unrealistic to expect the new federal government to resolve all the bottlenecks and anomalies in the oil and gas sector in six months. Yet, the direction in which the sector has been moving since May 29 is not encouraging. For example, the fuel queues are back and petrol is sold for as much as N300 in some states, whereas gas supplies to power plants in the country is as problematic as ever with no creative ideas from officialdom about how to meet the challenges.

Recently, it was alleged that wastage of scarce resources characteristic of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) still continues under Buhari's watch. To illustrate: a 110man delegation from the two establishments, including top-ranking officials and spouses of both the NLNG and NNPC and wives of some state governors, went to Seoul, South Korea, just for the commissioning of some gas transportation vessels. To get an idea of the quantum ofwastage involved in that frivolous trip, each of the Junior Suites in the Hotel Paradise where some of the delegates stayed cost N684,356 for five nights, whereas N422,442 waspaid for the Executive Double or Twin Rooms with sea view.

unfettered understanding of governance. He is a leader who listens; when we joined other Nigerians, to condemn his deportation of some Nigerians from Lagos, he reversed it with a public apology.

Luckily, President Muhammadu Buhari believes in him because he did not only discountenance the orchestrated but unproved allegations against Fashola but used his own understanding of the man’s competence to give him a 3-man assignment. We commend the President and urge other Nigerians not to get carried away by fake whistle blowers who have only a selfish agenda. One way of doing this is never to join in condemning anyone until his version is heard and rejected by a court of competent jurisdiction. For instance, while we cannot vouch for former Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s integrity or what he did as Governor of Rivers State, we learnt a lot when a professional colleague who has lived all his life in Port Harcourt said the other day that he doesn’t admire Amaechi but doesn’t prefer Governor Wike. I said why? He replied that if the allegations against the former governor were genuine; the state government would have inundated our anticorruption bodies with massive proof instead of organizing media

documentaries to prove the same allegations which a judicial commission was hearing alongside the media hate speeches.

Otherwise, why present a case to a court when simultaneous trial is holding on the media through news features, documentaries, paid averts and the internet? Even if allegations are true, our constitutional injunction that every accused person is deemed innocent until proven otherwise should prevail. It is the best way to differentiate the real from fake allegations We should always appreciate those who like Fashola have worked well.

In any case if the rest of the country cannot see sense in all we have said about Fashola, Lagos State where the primary evidence is domiciled should.

Fortunately, Governor Ambode while delivering a keynote address at the Lagos Business School Alumni Conference last week noted that “We are privileged to have my predecessor in office at the center in charge of Works, Power and Housing. This effectively means we have a synergy between Lagos and the Federal Government to accelerate and actualize our current plans for infrastructural development.” This idea is by far superior to the old posture in which Lagos was at war with the federal government to its own detriment during the

Obasanjo Presidency. More importantly, we all want an end to our perennial power dilemma. Another great Nigerian, the late Bola Ige was there before but was made to fail. Herein lies our major fear for Fashola— will generator and diesel contractors and other interests allow him to work?

Two things are however currently in favour of Fashola. The first is a track record of service which made Wole Soyinka to refer to the man as a mechanic who “approaches things in a very clinical mechanized fashion.” According to Soyinka, Fashola “diagnoses the problem and then goes at it like a skilled mechanic, looking at the pieces. The ones which work, he puts back and those that don’t work, he sets out to completely eliminate or transform them. And he does it ruthlessly because he is not a politician.” The second is poetic focus which Fashola has in abundance.

When all was against him the other day, instead of despairing, Fashola put his detractors behind when he said, “When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty. For those who still wish to remain in the mud, they should look in the mirror.

For those who wish to throw mud at me, they should look at their own hands. As for me, I have moved on. My job is done.”

We wish Fashola and Nigeria well.

But President Buhari might have set the pace in official foreign travels of doubtful value to the country when he led a thirty-three-man delegation to the United States some months ago.

And vociferous critics that lambasted Goodluck Jonathan's administration

despite its imperfections, Jonathan promptly congratulated the winners and insisted that he want to be the President who took democracy to the next level.

Now that APC is in charge and given President Buhari's hard line stance whenever he lost an election, the new ruling party seems to be involved in what one might call "political insurgency" using the instrumentality of INEC, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), and election tribunals. Aside from the siege sometime ago by operatives of the DSS in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, the APC, assisted by election tribunals, is determined to "capture" states won by the PDP in the last elections, thereby making nonsense of the pledge by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, that he would not tolerate any plot to use the judiciary to alter the results of elections. In my view, with Muhammadu Buhari in power, impunity in governance is still with us, because, among other things, Obasanjo, who may be described as the Igwe or Asiwaju of impunity, appears to be working hand in glove with the President.

Obasanjo's proclivity for impunity, blended with President Buhari's messianic predilections and the military background of both men, provides a dangerous catalyst for impunity reloaded.

Let us turn our attention to insecurity in various parts of the country, one of the areas where Jonathan's government failed woefully, according to the APC. After the well-reported tough talk by the President and initial successes recorded since he took overpower by the Nigerian military in recapturing territories annexed by Boko Haram

terrorists, Buharimaniacs believed that the terrorists would soon be liquidated.

Having changed the operational headquarters of the military force against Boko Haram from Abuja to Maiduguri, allowed the hiring of foreign mercenaries and reached cooperation agreements against the insurgents with Niger, Chad and Cameroon - the same strategies deployed by Jonathan for which he was criticised by Buhari - there is no indication that the terrorists will be defeated by the December deadline declared by Buhari.

In fact, that deadline is unrealistic, which shows that the President might be underrating the sinister adaptability and resilience of Boko Haram. Certainly, every right thinking Nigerian would want Boko Haram eliminated today or tomorrow. However, the fact that the terrorists could still launch deadly attacks, such as the ones that occurred inYola and Kano last week Tuesday, is indicative of the complexity of fighting murderous faceless terrorists. During the campaigns, APC chieftains boasted that given Buhari'smilitary experience, the days of Boko Haram were numbered, that Jonathan was "clueless" and "weak," and that the party has an effective strategy to deal with insecurity nationwide.

Now, the wind has blown and Nigerians have seen the rump of the chicken, as my people would say, because frequency of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes have not gone down appreciably since APC came to power. And to worsen an already precarious situation, things are gradually falling apart in the South East and parts of the South South as a result of pro-Biafra agitations.

To be continued

Obasanjo, who may be described as the Igwe or Asiwaju of impunity, appears to be working hand in glove with the President. Obasanjo's proclivity for impunity, blended with President Buhari's messianic predilections and the military background of both men, provides a dangerous catalyst for impunity reloaded for financial rascality have suddenly become dumb and blind; they deliberately failed to see the discrepancy between President Buhari's repeated promise of astute financial management and the millions that were spent in his "coming to America" with a motley crowd.

Meanwhile, there is no clear evidence that impunity in running the affairs of state has reduced since APC came to power. Indeed, in some instances, the situation has degenerated. Under former President Jonathan, between 2010 and 2014, the PDP lost the governorships Obasanjo "captured" for the party in Ekiti, Edo, Ondo, Anambra,and Osun states to other parties. Because he wanted Nigeria's democratic experiment to improve and stabilise

PAGE 12—SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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t was expected that with the composition of the 96 Standing Committees in the House of Representatives, the stage was set for real legislative business to commence in earnest, but developments of the past weeks suggest otherwise.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara had announced names of the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen for the standing committees for effective oversight functions, but the ripples from the election of the presiding officers and selection of principal officers still haunt the House. The insinuation that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, appears not prepared to steer the ship of leadership and the party’s inability to manage victory due to personal interest as well as the alleged over bearing influence of the leadership of the party, especially on the legislature, have also become a threat to the growth of democracy.

Five months after the 8th National Assembly was inaugurated, the Senate and House of Representatives have not known peace. Some highly placed politicians have been accused of using some of the lawmakers to manipulate the system for selfish interests.

While the lawmakers who lost out, despite being backed by the influential politicians, have vowed to make the parliament ungovernable, the APC leaders are busy pursuing those that defeated their preferred candidates in the presiding officers’ elections.

It is common knowledge that Speaker Dogara was rejected by the APC leadership during the election of House presiding officers but supported by the opposition elements.

Meanwhile, analysts worry about the trend where issues concerning the legislature is decided at party headquarters and press conferences when there is a disagreement among members.

In the selection, the ruling APC has more Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the standing committees, but some of the aggrieved members of the party, especially those that worked for the emergence of Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, who was the preferred candidate of the APC for speakership before he lost to Dogara, are still grumbling that the Speaker was not fair to them.

Interestingly, some opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, elements, who also worked against Dogara in preference for Gbajabiamila, have joined in the lamentation. Some of the PDP members, who are second and third term members, have accused the Speaker of jettisoning the House rule of ranking to compensate first time members and some of his cronies that voted for him in the speakership election. The aggrieved members claim that Dogara did not vote for the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, to emerge the Speaker of the 7th Assembly, but that did not stop Tambuwal from making him the Chairman, House Services.

Some APC lawmakers also accused Dogara of giving what they described as more juicy committees to the opposition PDP and even queried why Dogara should allow the PDP members head 45 committees as against 48 for the ruling party.

Dogara: I don’t know anything about ‘juicy committees’ However, the Speaker has told those who cared to listen to him that every section of the country, irrespective of ethnic background or political affiliation, must be carried along so as to give everybody a sense of belonging.

Inaugurating the Chairmen and their deputies, in a special session boycotted by the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, but attended by representatives of Service Chiefs, the Head of Service, Inspector-General of Police, as well as some traditional rulers, among others, Dogara explained that there were no juicy committees.

He said, “The media has been awash with how some members got ‘juicy committees’ and some didn’t. Let me use this opportunity to restate that there is nothing like `juicy committee’ or non-juicy committee.

“I personally do not understand what is meant by that. If it means opportunity to contribute, we can assure you that every member of a committee would enjoy ample and equal opportunity. Every committee of the House is very important and is designed to handle specific functions for the House and on behalf of the Nigerian people who elected us.

“We are committed to the anticorruption fight of the present administration, therefore each committee of the House is expected to lead this fight through their legislative actions. The constitution has specifically reposed in the National Assembly, not the Executive, the duty and responsibility to “expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it’. (S.88 (2)b.).

“The Committees remain the most important mechanism for carrying out this solemn constitutional mandate. The leadership of the House will, consequently, be very sensitive to any report of wrongdoing or corrupt practices by any member or leadership of a committee”.

House members turn boxers On Tuesday, a day after the inauguration, two members of the ruling APC engaged in physical combat over issues relating to the composition of the standing committees. A report said a member from Benue State had the upper hand in the clash but the situation was reportedly brought under control by Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun as an emergency caucus meeting of the APC was held to calm frayed nerves.

Reacting to this development, a member of the House, Chike Okafor, who is also an APC member representing Okigwe Federal Constituency of Imo State, said it was a normal thing in the political setting for people to be aggrieved and dissatisfied on decisions, adding, “It is all about interest. Politics, somebody says, is who gets what, when and how.

“You will not expect that, after the Speaker had exercised his constitutional responsibility of assigning members to commit-

•

Dogara ... We have mindset for good governance

We are committed to the anticorruption fight of the present administration, therefore each committee of the House is expected to lead this fight through their legislative actions tees, the exercise will go down well with everybody irrespective of whether it is APC or PDP. “Don’t forget that this is a party that is less than three years old.

Don’t forget also that this is a party that just took over power at the centre and equally assumed majority in the two chambers; so, it is not a matter of style, but I think it has to do with the fact that the party wants to get it right.”

But Rep Joan Mrakpor, PDP from Delta State, believes that the APC lawmakers and the party leadership were taking the is-

sue too far. She condemned the attitude of members lawmakers fond of running to the party secretariat or the leadership when disagreement, that concern members arise.

She said, “People should be able to separate the legislature from party politics. We all came from different parties. I came in on the platform of PDP, but I want to state here that PDP has always been very mature to legislatures whether at the state or national level.

“I have been a part of the state assembly and by the grace of God, I am here now, the party has never ever tried to interfere in the running of the legislature.

I don’t want to believe it is mainly the issue of the party, I think the members concerned should try to separate the party from the daily running of the National Assembly, a situation where you allow the party everyday to meddle into the affairs of the National Assembly, I don’t think it will breed healthy legislature.

“The legislature is supposed to be people with a mindset to do the right thing, a mindset to make the laws for good governance, a mindset to make people oriented laws, laws with human face and you must be in a particular frame of mind to be able to do that when you have to speak on a situation or an issue you know that will benefit Nigerians and you are afraid to speak because of what you think one party person is going to say to you is not in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians and the legislature.

“Even in the state House of Assembly, you hear people grumble about committees just like naturally as human beings, we grumble over everything. Some of us at a stage in our lives at times get to the stage where you even grumble about God when you want a particular thing and

you are not getting it at a moment you begin to ask yourself whether God is in existent.

“It is not just possible that the 360 of us at any particular time, will be happy with the decision of the house. If you want the house to continue you just have to burry your own personal interest beneath the general interest. But when you are looking at a situation and you are looking at that it must be your own way, then you are selfish and that does not make for a healthy legislature or a healthy nation.”

On the way out, she said, “The way out is for the APC to exhibit maturity, it should just grow up.

A married man who keeps running back to the mother everyday to complain that the wife’s soup is not delicious, will never have peace in that home, if you keep running back to your inlaws, that home will continue to be in crisis.

“As long as APC is always any little misunderstanding, you run back to the party secretariat, you run to the media, you make all sorts of uncomplimentary remarks, it is not in the interest of the legislature.”

Rep Emmanuel Ekon, from Akwa Ibom State, noted that it was normal for people to be aggrieved and that it was impossible to satisfy the 360 members of the House.

He also frowned at some members who resigned their committee positions as a result of the alleged advice of their leader.

Ekon said, “I see no reason why people should be aggrieved. A lot of people have resigned and they are saying some people asked them to do so. I told them that if my leader should ask me to resign because he is not satisfied with what I am given, I should first of all ask him to resign”.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 13

Get set for a glorious Edo — Emuan, governorship aspirant An architect by training, Mr. Austin Ilenre Emuan ventured into the media, farming, food processing, energy, environment, distributive development, among others. The Egoro Amende, Edo central local government area of Edo Stateborn politician says he sees opportunities in every obstacle and, as a “business angel,” his interests spans also into physical evolution and enhancement. That is, in the main, why he decided to take a shot at the position of the first citizen of Edo State,come 2016, on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC. He bares his mind to Vanguard Assistant Crime Editor, Evelyn Usman. ou seem to be a man of many parts. Why did you decide to go into politics?

When you are a man of many parts , it prepares and gives you a broader world view and the only way you can actually bring that to bear is to have a good platform to express yourself and there couldn’t be a better time than now.

How long have you been into politics ?

It is relative because every man is a political animal , whether or not you are in the fore front of politics as it is done in Nigeria , so long as you live in a family , you are a politician by nature . But active politics? I will say in the last three years.

Have you ever held any portfolio in any tiers of government ?

This is my first time . But I’ve been working as a consultant to government and

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building up myself. That is why I seem to be a man of so many parts. When you are properly prepared before coming up to the mainstream, things become a lot easier Why are you aiming for the highest political office in your state instead of starting from the grass roots?

First of all, Edo is one. It is time to take the future .When Edo was to be created, the Oba of Benin wrote to Tony Enahoro with one particular key aim. He told Enahoro that the Edo people are the most homogeneous people in Nigeria and that we must remain as one. Over time, this has been corrupted because we moved away from the politics of ideology that we are known for and embraced politics of despondency and dependency and this has offset the whole equation balance. Because of this, it’s now all about hate .This is not right. That is one of the reasons why the incumbent governor is being de-marketed and I think it’s very unfair because he has laid down a good foundation.

When you move away from that a little bit ,you will discover that in Edo state there are lots of opportunities but all that people see is gloom, lack of money, lack of resources and poverty. But my vision and training have put me in a position to be able to see opportunities in all obstacles. I see gaps here and there; in the political setting I see gaps, in the economy, I see a lot of gaps and I am coming in to build bridges across these gaps. Politically, what

•Mr. Austin Emuan someone like the incumbent governor met was a muddy political structure.. But he has been able to create a rough marble out of it. What I will do when I come in is to polish that into a dazzling marble.

I’m going to do that by building bridges because with my nature as someone that is very caring and has listening ears, who does not believe in hate politics, and as someone who has a teachable character and can relate with the high and mighty, I’m going to bring this ability to bear with a view to weld people back politically.

Secondly, economically, a lot need to be done . This is the area I am going to concentrate on. I am going to use a model from my blueprint which I have founded over the years called Future Imagination Centre. This idea is based on a percentile of 65 / 35 economic development philosophy.

The underlying principle of this philosophy is a presumption of yes. It means yes to all

ideas and initiatives. You cannot say no because all the ideas are going to be welcomed, as they cascade in from a waterfall of knowledge. The outcome of everything would be gathered together and thereafter we would incubate all these ideas , formulate, shape and sharpen them into a holistic economic model that would be crafted into investment templates which would be used to develop a sustainable secondary economy, not only for Edo state but for the South/South generally.

Do you think the people know you enough to give you their votes ?

According to them, I am just like a glue that connects everybody together and their prayers have been that I have an opportunity where I could do more . They have always expressed their wish that I would come out and lead the people of Edo state, The moment I made up my mind to go into the race they were all happy . As I speak, they are beating their drums of support for me, We’ve had situations where politicians make promises to better the lot of the governed during electioneering campaigns , only to renege in their promises when they assume power .

How certain are Edo indigens that you will not toe same lane if you succeed in the party’s primary and eventually become Edo state governor?

As a development expert, what we see is the final picture but what you are seeing is just the beginning and when you are looking at the beginning you will keep asking if we will ever get to the end.

There is something about progress, change and development. While change is constant, development is planned .So, the planning process doesn’t just come revolutionary like that, it has to take a diligent process and that is why I told you that I am coming to push forward progress, based on the foundation that Oshomole has laid. I would look at the foundation to see if there is any area that requires propping up. I am not going to waste my energy trading blames because I’m looking at opportunities that I see everywhere.

I share your pain and fears that is why I said I am afraid for Edo state because most of the aspirants are interested in power because they are students of power , I am not a student of power , I am a student of Politics . They are seeking power because some of them want to add it to their Cvs. I am not seeking power because I want to add it to my CV , I’m seeking power because I want to be able to have a platform to express everything that I have told you so far How do you intend to achieve this,when kidnap-

ping seem to be the order of the day in the state?

It is like that because you have a population where there are too many people without jobs. I intend to create jobs through the 65-35 development philosophy I mentioned. What that means is that the factors of production like materials , human resources that would be needed to create vibrant socio economic activities in Edo state , 65% of it would be sourced from the state. When you do that, a lot of jobless youth will be taken off the streets. Most of the people who engage in kidnapping are graduates , if you look at the sophistication of kidnap cases , you would know that it is not done by miscreants but intellectuals .

Natures abhors vacuum.

There was a vacuum that is why most of them went into kidnapping and other dangerous acts. But when you create job opportunities, all that will fizzle out.

I intend to look at educational sector with focus on vernacular education , vocational and technical training.

Vernacular education is aimed at creating an atmosphere where people are able to communicate , learn in their indigenous language whether its in science, technology or humanities. When you do that, people are able to relate closely with their immediate environment . In the United States right now , there is this professor of Linguistic from Stanford university, who is proposing that African Americans should be taught in their indigenous languages because this has been proven to bring out the best in them based on the psyco- dynamic analysis of African Americans .

PAGE 14 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

BY WALE AKINOLA with agency reports

O

f the nine people believed to have been involved in penultimate Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris, eight are now dead.

Here is what you need to know about all of the suspects, including the one still at large, Salah Abdeslam.

Abdeslam: Still at large Abdeslam, 26, is the brother of one of the suicide bombers in the Paris attacks. He was last spotted Saturday, when police stopped him at the French-Belgian border but then let him go after questioning, the Associated Press reports.

According to the New York Times, Abdeslam is French and has been living in Belgium. He is believed to have visited Syria and committed previous crimes. Abdeslam’s other brother, who is not believed to have been involved in the attack, has urged him to turn himself in. “We’re family, we’re thinking of him, we’re wondering where he is, whether he’s scared, is he eating,” Mohamed Abdeslam told French television station BFMTV. “The best outcome would be for him to turn himself in so that judicial processes can shed light on this story.”

Abaaoud: The mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, 27, the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, was killed in a French police raid Wednesday, authorities confirmed Thursday.

TIME’s Vivienne Walt reported: Police confirmed that they had killed Abaaoud when anti-terrorist police stormed a house on Wednesday before dawn, in Saint-Denis in the northeast of Paris. In an operation that began at 4.20 a.m. and lasted six hours, one woman blew herself up with a suicide belt, and one other died by “grenades and other projectiles,” according to Paris prosecutor François Molins in Saint-Denis on Wednesday. That second person, it turned out, was Abaaoud.

Even in death, Abaaoud was hard to pin down. It took investigators a day to confirm the suspected

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Men who set

France on fire

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Abdeslam

ringleader of the attacks.

His identity was confirmed via prints from fingers, palms and soles, the Paris prosecutor's office said Thursday.

Abaaoud's body was riddled with impact marks in the building where French police tactical units led Wednesday's assault.

French officials did not say whether Abaaoud blew himself up or was shot by police.

Nathalie Gallant, an attorney for Abaaoud's father, spoke on Thursday and said Oman Abaaoud was "relieved" his son was dead. Gallant made a point to say he is not glad, but is relieved.

Omar Abaaoud, who lives in Morocco, told Gallant he thinks his son was a psychopath and a devil.

The Paris attacks, which killed 129, have shaken France and the world. But Abaaoud was not an unknown threat.

Intelligence agencies had identified him as a link between ISIS leadership in Syria and European terror cells, and he is believed to

• Aminour

• Abaaoud

have moved between several European countries without being apprehended.

Abaaoud, in his late 20s, had been on the counterterrorism radar for some time and was targeted in French airstrikes on Syria last month, a French counterterrorism source told CNN.

• Ibrahim

Even in death, Abaaoud was hard to pin down.

It took investigators a day to confirm the suspected ringleader of the attacks

He was believed to be close to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

French military forces carried out airstrikes in October targeting an ISIS training camp for foreign fighters in Raqqa, Syria, in an effort to kill Abaaoud, the French counterterrorism source said.

"He was the one training foreign fighters," and he spent time at the camp, the source said, but it's not clear if Abaaoud was there at the time of the airstrikes.

Bruguiere said Abaaoud would certainly have been in contact with Baghdadi

• Hadfi about an attack like the one last week. In addition, Bruguiere said, this fits with Baghdadi's vision of establishing the ISIS caliphate and then exporting the war to the West.

A personal connection also points to Abaaoud's alleged involvement in planning the Paris attacks.

Salah Abdeslam -- the onthe-run suspected eighth attacker -- is a longstanding associate of Abaaoud, with both men involved in gangs in Molenbeek, Belgium, that carried out robberies and other petty

•Continues on page 15

C M Y K

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 15

•Continued from page 14 crimes. The two were tried in the same criminal case related to that activity five years ago, Belgian terrorism analyst Guy Van Vlierden told CNN. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the country's intelligence services have connected Abaaoud with several attempted attacks against France.

Abaaoud was implicated in an attempted attack against churches in the city of Villejuif in April, Cazeneuve said. One woman died in the foiled attack, he said.

A jihadist arrested in August told investigators he was trained by Abaaoud, who gave him a "mission" to carry out a violent attack in France or another European country, the interior minister said.

In a purported interview in the February 12 issue of ISIS' English-language online magazine Dabiq, Abaaoud bragged about being able to enter Europe and return toSyria at will.

"I was able to leave and come to Sham (Syria) despite being chased after by so many intelligence agencies. My name and picture were all over the news yet I was able to stay in their homeland, plan operations against them, and leave safely when doing so became necessary," Abaaoud claimed in the interview, according to ISIS. Omar Abaaoud thinks his son was radicalized in 2013, coming to this belief when Abdelhamid Abaaoud told him to stop educating his younger brother Younes in a "European style." The son told him that he would give Younes a "Muslim education," Gallant told CNN.

Hadfi: The stadium The three people who attacked the French stadium are dead. One was Bilal Hadfi, 20, but two have not been identified. One of them was carrying a passport identifying him as Ahmad alMohammad from Syria, but French authorities believe the passport was stolen.

Hadfi, a Belgian resident who was 19 or 20 years old, is thought to have fought in Syria, where he went under the names Abu Moudjahid Al-Belgiki and Bilal Al Mouhajir, Belgian terror expert Guy van

Ibrahim: The restaurant

•Chaos in Paris after the attacks that killed 129

Men who set France on fire Vlierden said.

Hadfi appears to have traveled to Syria as recently as spring, van Vlierden said, citing analysis of Hadfi's social media postings and other communications.

"What we didn't know is apparently he was back, as he blew himself up in Paris. But we had no knowledge of the fact that he was back in Europe," Van der Sypt said on Tuesday.

One of three bombers who detonated themselves at the Stade de France late Friday arrived on the Greek island of Leros on October 3 among numerous Syrian refugees, according to a French

My name and picture were all over the news yet I was able to stay in their homeland, plan operations against them, and leave safely when doing so became necessary

senator who was briefed by the Ministry of the Interior.

This man held an emergency passport or similar document and falsely declared himself to be a Syrian named Ahmad al Muhammad, born on September 10, 1990, the senator said.

The man was allowed to enter Greece and from there moved to Macedonia, then Serbia and Croatia, where he registered in the Opatovac refugee camp, the lawmaker said.

Eventually, he made his way to Paris.

French police on Tuesday launched an appeal to the public to help identify him.

Police issued a photo of the suicide bomber, asking the public to contact authorities through an email address (alerteattentat@interieur.gouv.fr) in an effort to get information on the man.

Aminour, Mostafi: The concert The three attackers of the Bataclan concert hall are also dead, after they opened fire inside a crowded concert and killed almost 90 people. One of the three has not been identified, and the other two were Ismaël Omar Mostefaï, 29, and Samy Amimour, 28. Both had previously been suspected of having terrorist connections.

French anti-terrorism authorities had been aware of Amimour; he had been charged for "activities in

collaboration with a terrorist enterprise" in 2012, the prosecutor's office said.

He was placed under supervision in 2012 after anti-terrorism authorities investigated an aborted attempt to travel to Yemen, a statement said.

Amimour was known to have links to terrorists and had been the subject of an international arrest warrant since 2013 after violating the judicial supervision he had been placed under, the prosecutor's office said.

Three of his relatives are in custody, it said.

Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins described Mostefai as a 29-year-old French citizen with a criminal record. He was from the southern Paris suburbs, Molins said. He was identified by fingerprints and was believed to have been radicalized in 2010 but had never been accused of terrorism, Molins said.

Mostefai lived in the French town of Chartres at least until 2012, according to Jean-Pierre Gorges, the mayor of Chartres, who is also a member of parliament.

Mostefai entered Turkey legally in 2013, a Turkish official said. The next year, France provided four names of terror suspects, and a subsequent investigation revealed Mostefai was associated with that group, the official said. In December 2014 and in June, Turkey requested more information on Mostefai, but France did not respond, the official said. There is no record of Mostefai leaving Turkey, the official said.

Ibrahim Abdeslam, 31, the brother of Salah Abdeslam, still at large, is dead after killing people who were eating outside of a restaurant. He had spent time in the same Brussels prison as Abaaoud, the alleged architect of the attacks.

Le Monde reported that Ibrahim Abdeslam was the suicide bomber who detonated near a cafe in eastern Paris. The Paris prosecutor's office has identified that attacker as a 31-year-old French citizen but hasn't disclosed his name.

Several people were injured in the attack, but only the bomber was killed.

According to Le Monde, Ibrahim Abdeslam rented the black Seat car that authorities say was used in the string of deadly attacks on restaurants and bars on Friday. It's not yet clear whether he was in the vehicle at the time of the attacks, the newspaper said.

The Seat was found abandoned in the eastern Paris suburb of Montreuil with three Kalashnikov automatic rifles inside, CNN affiliate BFMTV reported Sunday.

"Ibrahim tried to go to Syria and was sent back by the Turks in the beginning of 2015," Van der Sypt told CNN. "It was after that that we questioned him." Investigators released Ibrahim and his brother Salah Abdeslam in February after they denied they wanted to go to Syria.

A bar in Brussels, Belgium, registered to Ibrahim Abdeslam was shut down on suspicion of drug-related offenses eight days before the Paris attacks, the mayor of the Brussels suburb of Molenbeek, Francoise Schepmans, told CNN on Tuesday.

Abdeslam's brother Mohamed, who was detained last weekend, questioned, then released, told CNN's Erin Burnett on Tuesday, "My brother [Ibrahim Abdeslam] who has participated in this terrorist attack was probably psychologically ready to commit such an act. These are not regular people. You cannot have the slightest doubt that they have been prepared, that they must not leave any trace which would cause suspicion that they might do such things. And even if you saw them every day, their behavior was quite normal."

PAGE 16 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

•Nikolay Udovichenko

Our Syrian military intervention story, by Russian envoy

By Victoria Ojeme

T

he Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, Nikolay Udovichenko, in this interview, speaks on his country’s military campaign in the Syrian civil war.

What is the motive behind Russian inter vention in Syria?

To get a clear picture of the Russian motive in Syria, first of all, remember what happened in Libya and Iraq.

Since the internal stability in both countries was undermined, radical extremism has unprecedentedly expanded there. It affects not only the Middle East and North Africa, but also many other regions and countries, including N i g e r i a . We witnessed uncontrolled inflow of arms and militants, drastic increase in terror attacks and so on.The situation in Syria could produce a similar scenario. All the efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis made by some world powers have led so far to deterioration.

The international community is now worried about Syria, and, if we take a wrong path, leading to further destabilization in the country, including attempts to overthrow the legitimate

Syrian government, it can cause a reign of terrorism far beyond the region.

Under these circumstances, the Russian Federation couldn’t ignore an official request for assistance from the Syrian government, which is, regrettably, the only side really fighting ISIS. This measure is unpalatable but necessary for us to do.

Do you agree with the comment that the Russia intervention in Syria is an excuse to defend Assad, the embattled leader?

Our aim is not to defend or support someone personally.

We are confident that the inter-Syrian settlement is subject to negotiations between the government and the opposition, and no external power should push its own agenda trying to interfere in Syrian affairs.

But we are confident, as well, that actions against the legitimate Syrian government are against stability in Syria, which can cause an explosive situation in the whole region.

The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, said air strikes from Moscow will escalate the Syrian civil war. How do you respond?

If you agree with such statement, then you have to assume destroying ISIS facilities in Syria means

escalation of civil war.

We can ask in return: what about when arms and motor vehicles claimed to be supplied to the so-called moderate Syrian opposition go directly to ISIS? Isn’t it an escalation of the civil war? But the last thing we want to do now is to get into a dispute and look for someone to blame. On the contrary, we suggest that all the world powers must put their ambitions aside and, relying on international law, join efforts to create a

It affects not only the Middle East and North Africa, but also many other regions and countries, including Nigeria.

We witnessed uncontrolled inflow of arms and militants, drastic increase in terror attacks and so on

genuinely broad and effective international coalition against terrorism. That is the main idea of the draft resolution on the maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa submitted by Russia at the th 70 session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 30. We d o expect it will be supported by all the sides interested in stabilizing the situation in this explosive region. Of course, we hope as well that Nigeria will lend moral support.

Turkey issued a warning to Russia on the air strikes. Will Russia cease its attack on the Syria opposition or it will continue?

Russia is ready to clarify every step that it takes in Syria. If someone says our air force attacks wrong targets, they can share with us the true coordinates of ISIS facilities or at least name which targets shouldn’t be attacked. We are open to dialogue and promote the idea of close and reliable international collaboration to avoid any misunderstanding between all the parties involved in the fight against global terrorism. We want our partners to understand that Russia has no hidden agenda in Syria and will pursue very

clear aims, which are to support stability and integrity of the Syrian state, help to defeat ISIS and contribute to the mitigation of tensions in the region.

Will Russia continue to support Assad despite the warnings from several quarters?

I can only repeat that Russia does not support anyone personally. We are working with the legitimate Syrian government to stop the disintegration of the country.

If someone warns us against this cooperation and calls for the overthrow of Assad instead of fighting terrorism – it’s not our way.

US met with Russia several times on the Syria air strikes, are we expecting ceasefire from Moscow?

Russia offered all the parties interested in the crisis settlement to host consultations at the highest level. We don’t lose the hope that more and more countries will accept that the only way to bring peace and stability to Syria and the Middle East is a broad international coalition relying on international law. The most important thing now is to prevent deterioration in Syria and stop the spread of terrorism.

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 17

‘Christmas brings on b in Lagos’ oard Play B B arn

What I have achieved is more than any trophy

uzz Med companyia, a leading ma jo , is set to in Lagos change thr events manage w it h ‘C ment e mood o h is to hold ristmas in f Decemb for five days b Lagos’. The amaChristmas Island, L er 27, at The Muetween Decemb zing event er hri Okun Accordinagos. ola Park, 23 and g to Victoria D e o in Lagos la Adeye children ’, “The event ismo, an official of great Famand adults. The d tailored to acc ‘Christmas which is ily funfair and a aytime series is gommodate oing to b child percto be powered by Santa’s Village, fo e P e r la p the kids, y ti o B n marketi arn, Nige company n ri g a . ’s a T biggest p he night time nd kiddies ente leading of experi arties this Christmseries promises rtainment to as to prov Speakingence”. ide differehost the fu nt kinds rt h e r, she disc great loc lo ‘people wal and interconti sed that the even day long ill enjoy great fonental cuisine t will have anywhere. All we can say od and the beston display, is dri else than at `Chrisyou cannot affordnks all tmas in L to be agos’.

Rising profile of

Omoni Oboli

F

—Seyi Sha.y

S •Seyi Shay

or Omoni Oboli, 2015 is turning out to be the year of outstanding and mind blowing achievements especially after she was announced as Nollywood/ entertainment personality of the year 2015 by The Sun newspaper, taking over from popular music producer, Don Jazzy who won for the year 2014 and she signed ambassadorial deal with popular family dairy, Nunu milk, a few days ago.

Omoni Oboli’s stellar performance in “The Figurine”, “Render to Caesar” and “Anchor Baby” established her as one of the most talented actresses in Nigeria’s movie industry.

In 2014, she had released her first directorial debut “Being Mrs Elliot” and it was widely considered as the game changer in the Nollywood industry. To top that, the movie did exceedingly well at the cinemas. It was a massive hit in film houses throughout the last quarter of 2014. The movie which starred Omoni alongside AY, Majid Michel, Lepacious Bose, Uru Eke, Seun Akindele among others, earned rave reviews from industry professionals and top media practitioners. This impeccable actress was not going to rest on her oars and in 2015; she also •Omoni Oboli wrote and directed “The First Lady”. The cast included Alex Ekubo, Joseph Benjamin, Yvonne Jegede, Chinedu Ikedieze among others. The movie surpassed her previous movie in box office earnings and also earned her cult followership across the federation. The tour she embarked on with other casts to promote the flick, endeared her to her fans that had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of their heroine.

Omoni Oboli now sits atop the throne as Nigeria’s number one trending actress of 2015. And she has a lot to be happy about. She has just penned an endorsement deal with Nunu Milk to become their brand ambassador. This new development is a testament to her growing influence and popularity among Nigerians.

oulful artiste, Seyi Shay who recently launched her debut album Seyi or Shay, penultimate Friday, has got everything going for her on easy street. She’s one of the fiver top female singers in the industry and Seyi can beat her chest that it is her talent and a little bit of her attitude that brings home the goods for her. But what the Irawo crooner cannot look upon with a smirk is a shelf full of awards. At least, this year hasn’t been particularly a trophy-laden year, even though she has just clinched an endorsement deal with Pepsi.

“I think I deserve what I am getting right now. Everything I have achieved is so much more than what a trophy can basically give me. I feel my time is now” she said, in an interview to explain why not having many awards coming her way means to her.

For her fans who are confused about the title of her album, she says her alter ego will be discovered in the album. “You will discover who my alter ego is in my album. You will discover why I am called Seyi or Shay in the album”.

The album offers 19 tracks and features a host of other top Nigerian acts, including Femi Kuti, Wizkid, Phyno, Olamide, D’banj, Banky Wand, many others.

When I couldn’t stop crying on set — Queeneth Agbor T

he name, Queeneth Agbor, will definitely not start a riot. Maybe she hasn’t got the star power of Mercy Johnson or Rita Dominic, but the Cross River Stateborn upcoming actress is so beautiful and cut good to shape in the right places that you cannot fail but give her a second look. Oh yeah, she’s that good looking.

However this Royal Arts Academy graduate isn’t all beauty and a plenty dose of sex appeals, she’s a bundle of talent too. In fact she’s so good at interpreting her roles that sometimes she has problems getting out of them. We have heard of actors who have had to push themselves to the limit to get into a character. Many have even confessed breaking down in tears in the hardest to do, but not Queeneth, who likes to call herself ‘Bosslady’.

“When I get into a character, I get into it for real. There was a day I entered into a particular character and I found myself unable to get out quick enough because I got so much involved.

It was in the film ‘Broken and Shattered Soul” where I played the role of a young girl who •Queeneth was forced to sell her baby. When I entered Agbor into the character, I cried so hard I couldn’t come out of it”, she said, recalling what she called her most unforgettable experience on set.

“Tears just didn’t stop. They had to cut and give me two hours off to get myself together. I later came back and continued” Queeneth has starred in films like Saint Mary’s Broken Soul, Wounded King, Hustlers, Akwa Ibom Girls and Agony of Onuoma, to name a few.

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

PAGE 18, SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

How a female fan asked me to kiss

You are too dry on stage, fans blast Adekunle Gold

— V-Child

By KEHINDE AJOSE

By TOFARATI IGE

J

ustine Belema Andrew a.k.a VChild is a budding artiste whose love for music made him decline an opportunity to travel abroad. The Afropop artiste, who recently unveiled his song, Munagigebi recently revealed an occasion when a female fan offered to kiss him on stage. “I was billed to perform at a show and unknown to me I went with the wrong CD, a song that isn’t mine. The crowd and all my fans were standing; expecting me to do my thing .I was embarrassed. I had to resort to performing live. While performing live, a female fan came on stage for me to kiss her. It was really fun and crazy.” The budding artiste also reveals that he will love to work with Timaya and Chris Brown.

I

t is undeniable that new YBNL signee, Adekunle Gold is talented. His two songs, ‘Sade’ and ‘Orente’ are doing quite well, and his future in the music industry looks even brighter.

However, the lanky dude and his handlers have to pay urgent and special attention to his stage performances which are nothing to write home about. Many fans have complained that he is usually boring on stage, and sometimes acts as if he doesn’t really even want to be there. Being a slowtempo song, it is his performance of it that is supposed to give the number a lift and the needed gingah.

He was at the 2015 All African Music Awards (AFRIMA), last week, where he picked up the award for Revelation of the Year, and he also performed, but many of the guests in attendance complained openly that his performance was drab and lifeless. Instead of performing with a live band, all he did was mime and barely moved his body to the music.

‘This performance is so boring and I’m so disappointed in him. No doubt, he is talented, but he has a lot of work to do in terms of carrying his fans along whenever he is on stage. If he continues this way, people will easily get tired of him,’ a fan commented.

This was also the same scenario that played out at Gold’s performance at the recently concluded Felabration where many fans complained that his performance was colourless and dry.

•V-Child

How I got the name ‘Kris Klef” — Kris Klef

•Adekunle Gold

C •Kris Klef

Juliet Ibrahim, Bryan Okwara light up 3D Shapify launch

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

J

uliet Ibrahim, Bryan Okwara and a host of other celebrities gathered last weekend at the unveiling of the first 3D Shapify printing technology in Nigeria and Africa by a United States based company - 3D Makery.com (with its Nigerian company situated in Ikeja) at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

The company, founded by Nigerian serial entrepreneur, Israel Ovirih who seems to be overwhelmed by the power of innovation and the drive to continue to champion unique solutions that can bring excitement and fulfillment to lives through the deployment of technology and art forms, described the advent of the 3D technology into Africa as a significant moment, that will disrupt the lifestyle of people positively in the region.

C M Y K

According to him, the introduction of this service also marks the first in Africa and one of the numerous few that are available globally (only 19 are available worldwide including the only one in Africa). This also promises to offer Nigerians a unique experience scanning and having their 3D selfies or portrait printed.

As part of the build to the event, a leading brand from the stable of Bacardi Nigeria – Martini partnered 3D Makery in the unveiling event through the use of its brand ambassador, Bryan Okwara.

The CEO further described the 3D technology as the fourth revolution that will transform the global landscape with highdefinition digital tech systems

delivery and also asserted that it takes 6minutes to scan and print objects, image, person or group, work etc, which is a cutting edge for the technology.

The 3D selfie experience brings the ability to personalize moments and brand experiences, delivering mass customisation fitting for products and tailored to corporate and individual requirements.

•Juliet Ibrahim

hristian Edache Ogbeba known as Kris Klef, songwriter and recording gospel artiste with a touch of soul, pop and RnB has explained the inspiration behind his latest single ‘Modupe”. The artiste who holds B. Eng in electrical/electronic says the song is to glorify the beautiful work God has done in his life. “‘Modupe’ is my expression of pure gratitude to God for grace given and a life so blessed. I have enjoyed God’s unfailing love in every single sphere of my existence and have no words to express how thankful I am. In a dialect of Western Nigeria, I wish to say ‘Modupe’ (Thank You) for all God has been to me. His Grace truly found me” he quips.

Kris Klef also explained the reason behind his name, saying he got the name as a result of his love for musical instruments.

“I got named Kris Klef because I grew up playing around musical instruments especially the guitar (Klef is another word for music notes) the name Kris Klef later in 2010 was registered as an international trademark in entertainment.

Kris Klef’s musical journey began in 1998 in a high school group, and though it was amateur, he enjoyed several stage opportunities especially Gospel concerts. It was during these growing years that he learned to play rhythms with the acoustic guitar.

He had previously released an EP featuring songs like Try, Help is on the Way and Adi-Ihotu

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 19 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Music saved me from my demons —Che

Nelson Jombo brings on Uru Eke, Alex Ekubo in ‘Espionage’

By TOFARATI IGE

A

Nigerian-born German musician, Che, has returned home to make music that would appeal to the emotions of Nigerians but most importantly convey a strong message that would initiate a paradigm shift in the way music is perceived in the country.

Che’s sound which is a combination of Jazz, Country, Soul, Folk and Afrobeats is like none ever heard before, and it’s synonymous to him alone.

A singer, song-writer, poet, essayist and novelist, Che, says he finds trouble placing his music into a category as his music is not bound by rules but rather an expression of his feelings. According to him, ‘The death of my father remains my biggest motivation for recording music as it awakened in me the realisation of the transient nature of life and the need to pursue one’s passion for an enduring legacy. I use music as an instrument of awakening the consciousness of Nigerians on a need to embrace themselves and resurrect our forgotten values and dispel the foreign norms that have polluted our ideals. Of •Che the different things that I can do, music takes prominence as it was music alone that saved me from my demons; both within and without.’ Che has performed at several events including Platinum Night at Freedom Park, Lagos, where he dazzled the audience to his hit single, ‘Music Makes Me High.’

N

•Uru Eke

elson Jombo, the brother of renowned Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo is out with a suspense-packed and thrilling movie titled, Espionage. Espionage is an action packed spy flick complimented with top-notch acting. The cast includes; Alex Ekubo, Uru Eke, Kenneth Okoli, Laurel Je, amongst others. The movie was directed by ace director Uzee Madubugwu.

Espionage is the story of Grace (Uru Eke), the best undercover agent at JFCC, because she gets the mission done. Now she is going under cover again as a writer for two wealthy brothers (Alex Ekubo and Kenneth Okoli) involved in cybercrime, money laundering and murder.

In the midst of the operation, she gets intimate with one of the brothers and this might turn out to be her greatest undoing. Will her feelings for one of the brothers cloud her judgment? Will Grace use this new found intimacy to get her mission accomplished? These are some of the questions that will be answered as the movie hits cinemas across the country.

Nelson Jombo’s professionalism and attention to detail has seen him become one of the breakout movie makers of the last three years. He is now a force to be reckoned with in the industry as he continues to expand and launch into new frontiers.

His movies are now a delight for movie lovers and fans look forward to his projects with bated breath. Other projects Nelson Jombo has worked on, include movies like Stolen Lives, House Girl Lover, and my Rich Boyfriend among others.

Ciano sings

•Sandra

•Isatou

•Titilayo

Housemates for Next Movie Star 2015 unveiled

A

fter a rigorous audition process held across several states of Nigeria and a ten-day intensive training, the organizers of the Next Movie Star Reality programme has unveiled the 16 housemates that would be competing for fame and fortune in this year’s show at a colourful ceremony held in Lagos.

The lucky 16 are: Awomade Awatomisin, Temitayo Kujore, Oluwayemisi Kehinde, Folasade Abimbola, Hungbo Florence W, Adeoye Adetunji, Sandra Ifudu, Cynthia Shalom, Akinfolurin Titilayo Rebecca, and Alabi Ajoke Tamunotari.

Others are Hesed Oghenetega Sign, Otoaye Grace, Ogweche Christopher, Alex Agyemeng Ntiamoah, Isatou Jallow, Michel Koffi Ackom, Ofoegbu Chidera Vivian and Esau Owusu Dahnsau. Created eleven years ago by Sola Fajobi, to serve as a platform for budding acting talents to launch a showbiz career, the reality show has over the years churned out a number of stars like Tonto Dikeh, Annie Macaulay, Adams (Soundcity TV OAP) and Big Brother Africa winners, Kelvin Chuwang Pam, Uti Nwachukwu and Karen Igho.

Patrick Doyle, an actor, advised the housemates to be emotionally and psychologically ready for the days ahead.

“The days ahead would determine which of you can actually withstand the heat of the limelight. It is a tough world out there and what the Next Movie Star does is to prepare you for the global stage. Please, be at your best always,” he said.

about the girl he’s chasing

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

U

pcoming singing sensation, Chiso Marshal Nwachukwu, simply known as Ciano, is looking set to change the face of the music landscape of the country, not only by his singing talent but also by his attitude which may get other hip-hop artiste in the industry •Chiso going green with envy. Ciano who dropped his latest single ‘My Bella Donna, is getting everybody talking about the person inside the act, called Ciano.

In the song ‘My Bella Donna’, Ciano sings about the girl he’s chasing.

“My Bella Donna’ is about a girl I am chasing but mostly I am inspired by my environment, love and passion for beautiful people”.

With a determination to make a huge difference in the industry, he is a contemporary Afro pop & hip pop sound of the street, with a lot of danceable beats spruced with frenetic lyrics.

Apart from ‘My Bella Donna’, some of his other singles are: Room 5, Magic kondo, Shoprite, Step into my world, tribute to Dr Olubunmi Adedayo.

PAGE 20, SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Why we refused to market Bukky Fabuyi’s film —Corporate Pictures boss November 16, 2015 through an independent marketer, a nonmember of the Yoruba Video Film Producers and Marketers Association (YVFPMA), Integrity Productions and Marketing.

Since then, speculations have run wild on social media on what went wrong between the actress and the marketers

Abdulahi Rasaq

U

p and rising Yoruba actress, Bukky Fagbuyi is currently embroiled in a cold war of sort with Yoruba Video Film Producers and Marketers Association (YVFPMA) led by Alhaji Abdulahi Rasaq of Corporate Pictures, over the release of her new film ‘Sekunola’.

Information reaching Potpourri has it that the marketers association refused to distribute the film and asked its various distribution channels to shun having anything to do with the actress and her film.

However, the actress went on to release the film on DVD to the market on Monday,

We have a standard rule in our association.

Films must be approved by our Film Release Committee before it is released into the market and such film must be in a circular

Bob Manuel Udokwu, Miss Tourism International bag Anambra chieftaincy titles I

t was glitz, glamour and traditional splendour in Umuezeora Enugwu Aguleri, Anambra state, penultimate Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the annual Eri Festival to commemorate the time and arrival of Eri, (the progenitor of the Igbo race at Ime Obu-Gad Palace) as His Royal Highness, His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri (JP) Eze Eri, Ezeora 34th and Eze Aka Ji Ovo Igbo decorated nine new chiefs.

Among the nine new chiefs are veteran actor BobManuel Udokwu and reigning Miss Tourism International, Miss Ifeoma Sharon Anya. While the veteran actor got the title of Onye Anagba Okilikili of Enugwu Aguleri, meaning, “One that people rush to behold”, the beauty queen was honoured with “Ada Eji Eje Mba 1 of Enugwu Aguleri, meaning “ A woman of substance”.

For Chief Udokwu, the title bestows on him a new responsibility. ”This is no doubt a very positive development and will energise me to do more within and outside the industry. The royal title also carries a lot of responsibilities which I will be steadfast in carrying out” he says For the beauty queen, on her part, it is tourism and culture.

“As a beauty queen and title holder, I am to project Aguleri to the world through tourism and take part in all their cultural activities and let people know the history of the Igbo race” says Chief Sharon Anya, Miss Tourism International.

Bob-Manuel Udokuwu and Ifeoma Anya

association, with much of the finger-pointing directed at the president of the association.

Some have said the association is only trying to frustrate the release of the film, having failed to strike a good deal with the producer in view of the big hype that greeted the film after its successful premieres in many countries including the United States of America.

To set the record straight, Potpourri had a chat with Alhaji Abdulahi Rasaq of Corporate Pictures and President, Yoruba Video Film Producers and Marketers Association (YVFPMA).

What is the problem between Bukky Fagbuyi and Yoruba movie marketers, over the release of her film “Sekunola”?

We don’t have problems with anybody. Every association has its rule and we are not exempted. Our association protect the collective interests of our members and clients. We don’t disturb anybody from doing his or her business. I also have the constitutional right to protect the interest of my members. We have a standard rule in our association. Films must be approved by our Film Release Committee before it is released into the market and such film must be in a circular. This rule has been in existence for many years.

Also, our members have been instructed not to sell films that are not in our circular. I don’t think we have done anything outside our constitution.

Anyone can sell anything of his or her choice but our members are guided by our own rules and regulations and have to obey the rules of the association.

Must your association be the only one to release a film into the market?

No. Every Nigerian has the right to belong or not to

Bukky Fagbuyi belong to an association. What I have been discussing with you is the “Marketing Right”. I don’t really interfere in the business dealings between our members and their clients. But as the President of the association, my primary assignment is to protect the interest of my members and also ensure they abide by the rules of the association. I also need to stress that I can’t control or monitor the activities of a marketer who is not a member of our association.

However, it is not only our members that are selling films in Nigeria. We should begin to learn to do things in the right way as Nigerians.

So, why are you boycotting marketing of her film?

My point is this, anyone who wants to release a film has to follow some rules. He or she has to apply to our Film Release Committee, who will submit the documentation to Nigeria Film Censor Board. We have to see that the person must have agreed to all our rules and regulations , when this is done, then we will put the film on the list of films to be released into the market. The point is this, a non member of an association cannot enjoy the benefits of the association. Our association is well structured.

We don’t have problems with anyone releasing a film in Nigeria but if the film is to be released by a member of my association, then it has to follow our rules to the last letter.

When a person is not our member, we don’t have business with that person. In fact, the film was not submitted and as such, won’t be released.

We didn’t receive any application. It is not done in any part of the world. No one can enjoy benefits from an association he or she doesn’t belong to. How do you expect my members to sell your films, when you are not our member?

At the same time, there is freedom of association. Even our members have to submit their films into our circular, screened and approved, before their films are released.

Otherwise, other members will not market the film.

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

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 21

All about the Cool Girl!

BY ONOZURE DANIA

C

ool Girls understand the facts of life when it comes to how men can be different and what’s more they make these differences work in their favour and not against them like so many other unfortunate women.

It’s as if they’ve learned this unspoken “guy code” that most other women don’t even

Networking/ Sponsorship •Grace, 23 and resides in Delta state, needs someone to sponsor her music career.

08089133103,08038535270 Links •Kikiri Joshua wants to link up with his friends, DCN Barry, DCNS Gabriel Ojo and Chioma Johnson, all at Suleja in Abuja.07058638693 Friends Searching Female •Bella, 23 and resides in Benin, needs friends, aged 30 and above.08163194889 Searching Male •A man, 40, 5.6ft tall, dark in complexion, a businessman and from Delta state, needs a God fearing lady, for friendship. 08154954363 •Chrizdoo, 16, tall, fair in complexion, handsome and resides in Anambra state, needs a beautiful and trust worthy female friend, aged 16-17. 07059727005 •Reyo, 28, a graduate and self employed, from Delta state, needs a female friend, aged 30-45. 080608859982 •Ambrose, resides in Lagos, needs a female friend.

08060595901,08104112749 Lovers Searching Female •Jane 45, in Nigeria, for holidays, needs a man for a matured relationship.

07063042097, 07063369086, facebook Jane Akamu.

•Joy, 38, fair in complexion, average height, employed and resides in Warri, needs a God fearing man, aged 45-55, for a relationship that will lead to marriage. 07036344515, 08064401993 •Rolake, 32 and resides in Abuja, needs a caring, loving, friendly and God fearing man, for a serious relationship.

08050544365,08168247081 •Caroline, employed and from Delta state, needs a honest man for a relationship that will lead to marriage.

07063042097 •Tayo, 35, chocolate in complexion and resides in

know is going on right in front of them.

Well, today I’m letting you in on some of these codes and guidelines starting with a few of the big “Don’ts”.”Cool Girl” DON’Ts: Cool girls don’t exaggerate about what’s going on around them or what a man’s doing, unless they’re doing it as a joke or to make fun of a

man in a playful way.

Cool girls don’t say everything that they ’re feeling and experiencing.

They think before they speak.

Cool girls don’t mention bad situations, issues or problems from the past unless it’s a total “must” or extremely important and they haven’t been able to

Lagos, needs a God fearing and caring man, aged 45-55.

08073169930 •Ronke, 35, light in complexion and resides in Lagos, needs a God fearing, employed or into businessman, for a serious relationship, aged 40-60.

08027597500, 07056514964 •IV, 35, light in complexion and resides in Lagos, needs a God fearing or businessman, for a serious relationship, aged 40-60.

08055162397, 0909415249 •Liz, 26, self employed, a single mother, slim, light in complexion and resides in Delta state, needs a decent, responsible, employed and God fearing man, for a serious relationship.

07030733859 •Funke, 25, dark in complexion and resides in Lagos, needs an employed Christian man, aged 28-36, for a serious relationship.

08094991728, 07086183998

needs a good looking lady, aged 38-45, for a serious relationship.08055325938 •Peterson, 36, 6.4ft tall, dark in complexion, from Delta state, but employed and resides in Lagos, needs a matured and employed lady, for a relationship that will lead to marriage.

08027678345 •Samuel 55, 5.8ft tall, fair in complexion, AA genotype a widower from Edo state, but resides inAbuja, needs a decent, honest, God fearing and caring lady who is a Catholic, for marriage.

08188710590 •Eku j, 28, from Delta state, needs a lady, aged 18-25, for marriage.07064217501 •Tony, 48, educated and employed from Anambra state, needs a qualified nurse from Nigeria for a serious relationship.

0 8 0 3 3 7 6 1 7 4 8 •Goziem, needs a 6.8ft tall, God fearing, humble and submissive lady, who is either a doctor or a lawyer, aged 25-28, for a relationship. 08106984005 •Paul, 30, average height, from Delta state, needs a decent lady, with good manners, aged 24-45, for a serious relationship that can lead to marriage.

09098408132, 07053138433 •Peter, 23, handsome and responsible, from Delta state, needs a nice looking lady, for a relationship.

08132347996 •Chkwuemeka, 35, fair in complexion and resides in Anambra state, needs a serious lady, aged 22-27, for marriage.08061561146 •Kiel, 28, Christian, cool, mature and understanding, needs a beautiful, intelligent and decent lady, for a relationship.

08163675641,08020595496 •Iyk, 30, a graduate, employed and resides in Benin, needs a mature lady, aged 35-55, for a relationship.08038913333 •Toni, 20 and resides in Delta state, needs a sexy lady, from Delta, Benin or Anambra state, aged 17-25, for a romantic relationship.

08165833773, BB pin.

33DD74

Searching Male •Ken,50,tall,slim,light in complexion, a single father and employed, needs a rich and well to do single mother, divorcee or widow, for a relationship.09021162864 •Jide, 38, 4.9ft tall, dark in complexion, employed and resides in Lagos, needs a serious lady, for marriage, aged 25-30.07062916442, 08183038575, 07081009924 •Ifeanyi, 25, fair in complexion, cute and a graduate in the East, needs a lady, for a fun relationship.

07033002213, 08175701963 •Chuks, 26, from Delta state, needs a very beautiful, caring and sexy lady in Abraka, for a serious relationship. 07038678547, 08182828871 •Iyke, 35, needs a lady, aged 25-34, for a serious relationship. 07035208006 •Paul, 56, a divorcee, resides in Ph, needs a mature and pretty lady, aged 39- 46, for a serious relationship, in PH. 08164148463 •Francis, 28, from Delta state, needs a lady, for a serious relationship, aged18-39.

08148187365, 08188260705 •A man, 56, divorced, employed and resides in Ph,

DISCLAIMER! Dear readers, please note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking.

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

talk about it yet. They find the right time for them and their man to talk. Otherwise, cool girls live in the present moment. Cool girls don’t try to force a man to talk about his feelings.

They know that it will only backfire and he’ll think she’s being needy and close off.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking “How can they act like that? It sounds like Cool Girls are totally fake or devoid of all natural emotion.” Wrong cool girls

still experience all of the same thoughts and feelings any normal healthy woman has. But, they have chosen to adopt a different kind of behaviour that will ultimately get them the response that they are looking for with the man.

They acknowledge the irrational ways of men and let that help shape their actions, which results in very powerful, very positive reactions from the men in their lives.

•Michael, 27, needs a serious minded, matured and pretty lady, that is self reliance in Abuja, for a relationship.

08093626787,08134674673 •Mike, 34, tall, cute, handsome and resides in Imo state, needs a lady, aged 2538, for a serious relationship.

09020133663,08182316011 •John, 36, dark in complexion, a businessman and resides in Lagos, needs a caring and sexy lady, who also resides in Lagos, for a romantic relationship.

09092045522 •Kelvin, 32, a businessman, needs a tall, beautiful and God fearing lady, in Port Harcourt or Warri, for a serious relationship.08031545252 •Kent, 30, a makeup artist and model, who resides in Warri, needs a nice, busty and sexy lady, aged 20-30, for a serious relationship.08084292475,08072370105 •John, 30, fun to be with, needs a mature and sexy lady, for a serious relationship, aged 18-28. 08060341129 •Kelvin, 5.7ft tall, a businessman, needs a lady, aged 34-40, for a relationship.

08100009058, 08137674998 •Ola, 5.6ft tall, a businessman, needs a lady, aged 33-40, for a serious relationship.

08135235295 •Christopher, 33, handsome, a graduate, average height and resides in Warri, needs a lady, aged 39-40, for a relationship.07050448289,08038448055 •Ndubusis, needs an Hausa lady, for a serious relationship.

08053627409 •Bertie, 55, a divorcee, needs a tall, single lady, with figure eight, aged 30-45, for a serious relationship that can lead to marriage.

08178317694, 08032080007

for a relationship.

08050474156 •Lanre, 34, 5.7ft tall from Ogun state, needs a sugar mummy. 07053658765 •Steve, 6ft tall, slim, from Delta state, needs a sugar mummy.07069176337 •Clement from Benin i need a wealthy sugar mummy that can help me for a relationship.08143741390 •Femi, 35, good looking and romantic, needs a sugar mummy, aged 40 -55, for a relationship. 08034232469 •A guy, 28, self employed, dark in complexion, handsome, strong and energetic, needs a busty sugar mummy, for a sexual relationship.08097720156, 08031876557,08097720156 •Emmanuel, 38, from South west, needs a sugar mummy, who is caring and willing to help him financially for relationship.09084569461 •Dean, 25, calm, fun to be with and resides in Benin, needs a sugar mummy who is also fun to be with, for a relationship.09053285104 •Osa, resides in Edo state, needs a nice sugar mummy for a relationship.

08132531778 •Ben 30yrs I need a matured sugar mummy am from River state here is my number 08092449506, 07030523968 •Alexander, 23, handsome and resides in Delta state, needs a caring, sexy, loving, active and rich sugar mummy, for a relationship.

08135611632, 07051066999 •Denis, 28 and resides in Abuja, needs a romantic sugar mummy.09022184805 •Smith,35, tall, dark in complexion, handsome and resides in Lagos, needs a tall, fair in complexion, busty, beautiful sugar mummy.

08038083535 •Emmanuel, 27, resides in Lagos, needs a pretty, sexy and romantic sugar mummy, aged 30-50, for arelationship.

08139627918, 08185760611 •Ola, 40, dark in complexion, tall and resides in Lagos, needs a caring and good looking sugar mummy. 08078627882 •Zahara, 37 and resides in Warri Delta state, needs a busty and sexy sugar m u m m y. 0 8 0 5 5 1 3 5 9 4 8 , 09097906888, 08020999567 •David, 38 and resides in Ilorin, needs a sugar mummy, aged 35-55, who is slim, romantic and can take care of him.08032820002 •Natty, 26, dark in complexion, handsome and resides in Warri Delta state, needs a sugar mummy of any age, from Warri, Benin. 08163727614

Sugar Cares Searching Female •Princess, 26, sexy, pretty and busty, needs a kind and generous sugar daddy, for a relationship.08068228109 Searching Male •Moris, 29, tall, slim, cute, handsome, employed and from Delta state, needs a sugar mummy, for a relationship. 08039160617, 08059118380 •Stanley, 25, resides in Abuja, needs a sugar mummy.

08184859340, 07036585827 •Richard, 26, a graduate in PH, needs a caring and impactful sugar mummy.

07053802276, 08037461349 •Saviour, 21, 5.6ft tall and handsome, needs a good, caring and understanding sugar mummy. 09081898396 •Kenneth, needs a sugar mummy, that can assist him,

22 SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE Edited by: Morenike Taire

I

Agriculture, Nigeria’s only viable alternative to oil—Afoma Adigwe

BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE

n the year 2000 when A f o m a Adigwe began preaching agriculture, she didn’t quite make sense to many. However, with oil price crashing globally and nations, Nigeria especially, now looking to diversify their economies, the Delta-born designer and entrepreneur extraordinaire has become a prophet of some sort. She recently attracted the partnership of African Development Bank, AfDB, to solve Africa’s food and nutritional challenges.

Afoma operates a palm plantation in her state and has taken it upon herself to encourage and support other women to do same on the platform of Uplifting Women Through Farming, UWTF, which she founded and still presides over.

In this interview, she speaks, among other issues, about her proposed agric talk show, African First Ladies Agric Summit and how Nigeria can feed itself comfortably.

You studied film and acting in London, what inspired the switch to hoe and cutlass?

By the time my husband and I moved to Nigeria many years ago, we had an order to bring in palm oil to Paris. But when my husband went home and found out the cost, it was amazing. So, we felt it was better to go into farming instead of buying and exporting.

That motivated us to go into palm plantation 18 years ago. …and how would you describe the experience so far?

It’s been so rough, but with agriculture gaining more attention these days, things are getting better. When we started, we were mocked by almost everyone. Some told me I was wasting my education by going back to the village. But thank God the venture has paid off.

Is that the reason you’ve been calling for focus on agriculture?

Yes. For me, food is life. Agriculture is the only viable alternative to oil and gas, I believe. A lot has been said about agricultural development in Africa. Recently, my organization was invited to partner with the African Development bank from the just concluded high level conference in Senegal tagged, “Feeding Africa: An action plan on transformation of agriculture in Africa” organised by the African Development Bank.

My desire is to wake up everybody and I have been advocating that our First Ladies, as well as wives of industrialists, should have agriculture as part of the projects they would be working on.

From your work with rural women over the years, what would you say are challenges facing women farmers?

Nothing more than funding, information and land ownership.

C M Y K

Agricultural Transformation, I think people like myself have been spurred to action.

•Afoma Adigwe

There is also the problem of transportation because some of them end up selling their goods at give-away prices if they cannot get them to the market on time. Otherwise, they rot.

Information is however the worst, because how do they access funds set aside for them if they have no information? Even when they get to the banks, we know the protocols there. How many of them have collateral?

We know what it takes them to own lands in some parts of the country.

I therefore want to suggest that we solve the developmental needs of these women rather than reserve funds for them in the bank because most times, they do not need the funds more than

they need facilities to work with or infrastructure; road, water, l a n d , transportation a n d electricity. If you give them funds and they pay so much to transport their goods from one point to the other, then they would still not be okay.

So what’s your view on the efforts of successive governments towards developing agriculture in Nigeria?

They have not done enough.

That’s why we’re calling on President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to do better. We don’t want paper work anymore; we want practical development.

That is why, if you have noticed, for some time now, I’ve not been attending conferences. I actually stopped going to conferences because most decisions taken often die there at the venue. But with this recent Dakar Conference on African

What have been your achievements in the last fifteen years of preaching agriculture?

Some of the trainings I’ve done in the past; converting cassava into value-added products, collaborating with IITA, working with FAO in terms of fish and snail farming, having technical support from USAID, etc., have benefited about 7000 women nationwide. That, I count as an achievement.

My utmost goal now is to set up my own microfinance bank so as to ensure I have a very calculated system of disbursing fund to these women. Thank God I’m partnering the AfDB as well as other donor agencies, so we will have enough funds to support women.

I have always had relationships with the international community but I prefer to have a bank which the women can access directly.

We also have the agric talk show

Working with FAO in terms of fish and snail farming, having technical support from USAID, etc., have benefited about 7000 women nationwide. That, I count as an achievement

which I would be starting and anchoring. Here, we would have stakeholders talk about the issues and proffer solutions to the problems. What I did was to get people attracted to agriculture. I have also been doing a number of things with youths. I have also been collaborating with embassies and agencies as well because we all just have to rise up and feed Africa.

What are some of the things, as concluded at the AfDB conference, that would bring about the required change in the sector?

The most important is the launch of an Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa. The bank would therefore work with partners to leverage 43billion in financing for women farmers, agribusinesses and other women-owned enterprises. This will be achieved through the establishment of a US $300 million facility to de-risk financing to women-owned businesses by commercial banks and micro finance institutions.

In addition, the central banks in Africa will set aside special funds to allow farmers access credit at reduced interest rates and also for long term agricultural loans with longer term maturity. There would also be increase in commercial financing in the agriculture sector by establishing an agricultural risk sharing facility to de-risk the financial value chain and de-risk the agricultural value chains across the continent. That is not all. Some of the other things being worked on include developing agribusiness diaspora bonds to securitize remittance flows for investments in African agriculture and agribusiness.

VI R ot ar ak es free healthcare tto o Lagos communities Rot otar aryy ttak akes

N

BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE

O fewer than 500 women and men benefitted from a week-long free healthcare ranging from counseling to diabetes and blood-pressure check organized by the Rotary Club of Victoria Island recently in Lagos.

This is amid rise in diabetes and hypertension, with Nigeria said to record 160,000 cases of stroke yearly.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Vice-President of the club, Mr.Adeyinka Adedeji, said the Family

Health Week which was an initiative of Rotary International’s Rotarians for Family Health and AIDS Prevention-RFHA project was one of Rotary’s many ways of creating awareness on terminal diseases on the prowl in the country.

“We want people to understand they should always check their blood pressure, sugar level and overall health if possible.

That way, we all can prevent these deadly diseases before they manifest because prevention, they say, is better than cure,” Adedeji said.

Adding that the overall target of the annual Family

Health Week was to reach 150,000 Nigerians, Mr. John Obasi, Public Relations Director, Rotary Club of Victoria Island, disclosed that the exercise was holding simultaneously in over 130 sites across the country.

“In all, the free services include family counseling, diabetes and hypertension screening and education, breast and cervical cancers screening, polio immunisation, malaria testing and provision of long lasting insecticides nets, condom distribution, eye and dental checks, among others,” he said. In a related development, members of the

Rotary Club of Victoria Island were, last week, at marketplaces around Obalende/Ikoyi area of Lagos to sensitize traders on the need for continued immunisation against polio.

Led by the Secretary of the club, Mrs Mary Chinwendu, and Mr Falodun David, also a member, the sensitization which was in commemoration of the World Polio Day 2015, sought to sustain tempo on polio eradication while Nigeria awaits final certication from the World Health Organisation, WHO, even though it has been removed from the list of polio endemic countries.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 23

He played the ‘polygamy’ card to sleep with his PA!

I

SIOMA knew Taofik came from a polygamous home and was of the Muslim faith when they met over ten years ago, but you could hardly call him a practising Muslim. “We met abroad when I went for a six-month course in children ‘s education•h, said Isioma, “and he was on a business trip. We were introduced by a mutual friend and the attraction was electric. Taofik was almost ten years older than I was and had never married. He was too busy enjoying his money and the business world. I was in my late twenties and ready to settle down.

“But I didn’t pressurise Taofik. He was a man’s man - tall, rugged and generous and it was fun lapping up all the attention he showered on me. Within weeks, he’d completely swept me off my feet. From lavish gifts to romantic surprises, I wanted for nothing.

Things picked up really fast when I came back to Lagos and we became a hot item. I needed no persuasion to move in with him and when I got pregnant, he was really thrilled. According to him, he was more than good and ready to start a family.

“He helped set up my

nursery school and paid for most of the educational materials I needed. The premises belonged to me. After our son was born, we decided to get married - nothing over the top but it was a registry do and quite enough commitment for me. Taofik had recently set up a new company that supplied diesel and petrol to giant companies during those fuel shortage days and he was making good profit. It kept him busy but he always found time for his family.

“As his business empire flourished, he became obsessed with being rich.” ‘One of these days,’ he bragged, ‘I would move my family to a mansion on Banana Island and have my own yacht ... ‘ I was a bit worried about his sudden craze for instant wealth. And in his continued pursuit of success, he started rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and guzzling champagne. One night, he came in from a business meeting stinking of booze. ‘You stink of booze, ‘ I spat. ‘It’s none of your business,’ he snapped. ‘You don’t control me’. ‘I was only concerned for our daughter .. ‘, I began meekly, when he lashed out at me. I was shocked. It was the first time he would lash at me but it wouldn’t be the last.

“He started coming home at all hours after that. If I confronted him, he’d turn the tables and accuse me of cheating. This went on until he got himself a female PA, called

Clara, who followed him around like a lap dog. I was furious.

‘Why can’t you be like the rest of your mates who have male PAs’?’

I asked him. He had the nerve to explain a male PA wouldn’t be nice around our daughter - who was only five at the time!

A few months later, I came home early to find Clara and Taofik playing house on the dinning table with our daughter. I was upset but Clara explained she just helped because everybody was hungry. We had a livein cook who could whip up any kind of

meal at the shortest notice and I asked Clara to leave.

“Weeks later, Taofik came in one afternoon with a determined look on his face. He demanded we have a talk and he told me coldly: ‘I have feelings for Clara,’ as I gaped at him, he continued, ‘I want to have sex with him. If you give me your permission, then it won’t be cheating.

As a Muslim, am allowed more than one wife’. I was furious. ‘You can’t be serious,’ I told him. ‘You want me to let you have sex with that schemer?’ But the look on his face told me this was no joke. ‘I want us all to live together as a family,’ he continued.

‘I could have two wives.’

“You are crazy,•h I yelled

at him. ‘I’ll do it anyway,’ he assured me. ‘My conscience would be clear.

I make the rules as the head of this family.’ I reminded him that if he’d wanted to tow the religious line, he should have gotten married at the mosque, not at the registry.

If he wanted a second wife, I threatened,’ I wouldn’t be party to it.’ He just shrugged.

“I left with our daughter to live on the school premises. My daughter was confused. She kept on asking for her daddy and wanted to know why he wasn’t living with us. ‘If you let me have a second wife, then we’ll all be Ok,’ insisted Taofik. I was glad I’d removed my daughter

Forward, backward bends & the spinal twist Technique: Sit on the heels and arrange the hands next to the feet with the fingers pointing away from the body. Inhale deeply and raise the body off the heels humping up the chest and throwing back the head. The

elbows must be fully trunk from the pelvic reextended. Breathe nor- gion to the chin. It mally once you are in the strengthens the arms and posture and retain the expands position the chest for 10 allowing seconds. for more Rest a intake of bit and The Camel instills oxygen. repeat.

T h e backward flexibility Benefits: S pinal T h e to the spine Twist.

Camel Technique: ins t ills After the back-

,

T

HE ability to bend repeat on the other side. forward and Benefits: backward and The triangle improves the twist the spine laterally forward bending of the spinal INBOX ensure flexibility to the column. It massages the spinal column and rest of abdominal increasing the the torso. This supple- digestive fire and banishing ness, according to the indigestion and constipation. advanced practitioners of It helps with stretching taut, yoga, spells great health the hamstrings and and youthfulness. strengthening of the shoulA very fit upper body ders. guarantees you at The Camel. boundless energy and well-being and since most of our vital organs are encased there. It makes sense to devote sufficient time exercising it. There are many forward and backward bending postures in yoga. But we shall for now restrict ourselves to a variation of the triangle and the camel.

The triangle: Technique: Stand with the feet about a yard apart. Clasp your hands at your back and turn the fingers upward while pushing the hands as high as they’ll go. Turn the trunk to the left and lower it till the forehead is resting on the left knee or your level best. Retain the posture for, say 10 seconds and * The Carmel Pose

ward flexibility to the spine. It stretches the muscles of the front of the

,

practise of the bending postures of the Triangle and the Camel, it’s very

and myself from this toxic situation. He tried to trick me back to the family house, promising to get rid of Clara. By this time, my daughter had started blaming me for the loss of our flash lifestyle. ‘I want Daddy’ she yelled.

‘Why did you make us leave him’?’ How could I explain the truth to a fiveyear-old? So I agreed to give Taofik the benefit of the doubt.

As soon as I could, I went back to the house to see what was going on. As soon as I arrived, it was obvious Clara was still living there. All her clothes were hanging in my wardrobe. I was about to leave when I saw my second car, bought for me

by Taofik, pull onto the drive. I stared in shock as Clara climbed out. She was driving my car and living in my house with my husband. She’d more or less stolen my life! I stormed out before Taofik even showed up. A good thing I did as to this day, both of them still live together.

“Taofik is a good dad to our daughter. He sends her gifts and gives me money for her upkeep. It breaks my heart that he destroyed our perfect family to have sex with his PA!”

refreshing to perform the Spinal Twist. Sit with both legs stretching in front of you. Bend the right knee and place the right foot across the left knee. Bring the left hand to clutch the left leg passing it on the outside of the right knee. Place the right hand at the waistline and turn the trunk neck and head to the right. Breathe deeply into the lower abdomen.

Retain the position for 10 or 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Benefits: The squeezing movements improves the circulation and stops stagnation in the vital organs ridding body of poisonous wastes and breaking down fatty tissue. It allows the spinal area to come more alive with life-force giving you added strength and mental focus.

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

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

* Spinal Twist

P AGE 24 — SUND AY Vanguard , NO VEMBER 22 , 2015 SUNDA NOVEMBER

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only

An ex-wife’s remorse: I’m sorry I betrayed my ex-husband!

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OU get to a crossroads in your life and the road you decide to take could shape your life for ever - for better or worse. Some 20 years ago, Jennifer, a dentist, had an affair which broke up her marriage to a man she had fallen in love with since they met at medical school. So why is she feeling so remorseful after all these years? “The answer is simple,” she said.

“I want forgiveness. It’s a word I’ve considered a great deal in the last few years. I hope that by saying sorry for all the hurt and pain I caused in the past, I can convey how strongly I regret what I did - and that John, my ex, will be able to forgive me. In my heart, I have crafted a letter of remorse to John. It reads: •gIt all seems like yesterday, when we were both fresh-face undergraduates at medical school - the whole of our lives stretching uncertainly before us. We had what I’d call an ‘on and off ’ relationship for a few years, but we became serious after my 21st birthday party. My parents and siblings loved you and we began talking about the future together in our final year. We quickly got engaged when we started work - you with a private hospital whilst I remained at the teaching hospital.

“Two years later, we got married and began building our life together as a married couple. I was the happiest woman in the world. When I said my vows, God knows I meant them. I never ever thought I’d betray you the way I did.

At first, married life was all I’d dreamt it to be. I thought of you as my ‘partner in crime’ and I know you felt the same way. Our house was always opened to friends and family as we loved having them around. You never forgot

my birthday or our anniversary, but it wasn’t about showing gifts, it was the small thoughtful gestures too - like being a huge help in the house, even offering to cook meals when I became pregnant.

Yet, I threw it all away. How could I have been stupid?

“You were a great father to our daughter and when you got a better job, it came with living quarters and it was perfect. Sadly, you complained of being unhappy in your job and in the end, you just resigned.

We had to live in rented accommodation and money was tight. Our rows were huge and explosive.

Angry and resentful, I set myself on a destructive path, which led me into the arms - and bed - of a colleague. Of course I don’t blame you for how I reacted - it was entirely my doing - but occasionally, I wonder what might have happened if you’d only talked to me about quitting your job first. I would have supported you.

“Dare was a consultant I’d worked with for years who was constantlyly flirting with me. I was very attracted to him, but aqlways rebuffed his advances, telling him I was happily married – which I was. But one day, after you’d called me at work complaining about the owner of the clinic you now worked for, Dare came into my office and found me crying. He took me to lunch to calm me down and that’s how it began. One lunch turned into several lunches, which turned into evenings out planned around your night duties, and eventually intoa full-blown affair. And because of yoru erratic schedule at work, it wasn’t too difficult to hide what I was up to. It’s no excuse, but Dare caught me at a low point in our marriage.

“I was vulnerable alright, but I could have said no. I

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

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

RELATIONSHIP

A relationship should be one of the most beautiful things one can ever get involved in as adults; it's such a sweet feeling when two imperfect persons

was obviously looking for something that would make me feel good, something to take my mind away from the stress and tension at home. In fairness to Dare, he wasn’t just a meaningless affair. I felt in love with him – even though I was still in love with you.

Those who have never been in my position will say it is impossible to love two people at the same time, but I know it’s not. I knew I should stop seeing Dare, but an affair is like a drug – it’s addictive. It was stressful living a double life, but the highs on an affair meant I kept going back. Now, with hindsight, I still can’t believe I did it.

It’s a mistake I’ve learned from but, at the time, I was in too deep.

“Meanwhile, my relationship with you was deteriorating. We’d stopped communicting and laughing, and became distant. My behaviour must have aroused your suspicion. A few months later, mutual `friends’ at

the teaching hospital let you know what was going on and I couldn’t lie out of your accusation to save my life. When you asked if I was having an affair with Dare, I was petrified because I knew the next words to come out of my mouth were going to break our marriage. And they did.

“The disgusting look on your face made me feel so small. I couldn’t have hurt you more if I’d stuck a knife in your back. At first we thought we could work it out. It was a huge relief for me to admit to the affair as I’d been living a lie. But one big hurdle standing in our way was that I still had to work with Dare. As a couple, we couldn’t afford for me to quit my job so I continued to work in the same hospital but told Dare we had to cool things.

Unfortunately, that was harder than I expected. I really did love him, seeing him everyday fanned the flames and the affair reignited a few weeks later.

Eventually, you could take

from different family backgrounds come together to have their two hearts literally beat as one but some relationships are one-sided; only one person is giving the love while the other doesn't care. One person is fighting while the other person seems indifferent, one person is hurting while the other person doesn't show concern!

Now, I noticed something in these kind of relationships; one person is always apologizing all the time even when he/she is not at fault!

"Baby I'm sorry" "I didn't mean to offend you" has suddenly become the regular lines used in these kind of relationships!

For how long will you continue to beg? How long will you continue to feel like a stranger to someone who claims to love you? How long will you continue to beg someone to love you? How long will you continue to love and not be loved in return? Get some self-respect please! .

no more and when you told me you could no longer trust me, we agreed our marriage was over. I’d failed it, ruined it. I’d let you and our daughter down, my family too and I’d let myself down.

“With Dare’s help, I was able to live in one of the flats on the hospital premises as we agreed on a clean divorce. Still when I got the divorce papers and I saw you’d cited `adultery’, it hurt. I don’t blame you, though. What a sad ending to our love story.

Dare and I were together for 15 years afterwards, although we chose not to have more children as he already had three of his own. For a good few years after my divorce, I carried a huge amount of guilt and it took me a while to feel happy again. But I am now.

“Sadly, Dare and I drifted apart and separated four years ago. Inevitably, I reflected on whether breaking up from you had been worth it. But I’d had many good years with

Dare, and I hoped that you were happy too.

“Through snippets of information from friends and our daughter, I learnt that your second marriage is good. I truly hope that’s the case, you were a decent husband to me. So why am I feeling so remorseful now? Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had both breasts taken out. It was touch and go but after a gruelling treatment, I’m now in remission. I have no cancer symptoms and I’m living my life to the full. Selfishly, I’d thought that you might want to know I had cancer, but then our daughter must have told you. What did I expect you to do about it?

All I want is for you to forgive me and I’m sure you have. In return, I hope you are healthy and happy - you deserve to be ... “ What An Eye-Opener!

(Humour) Young Judith ran out to the back-yard, where her father is chopping wood.

She looks up at the hardworking parent, smiles and asks: ‘Daddy, what is ‘sex’?

Laying down his axe, the old-timer sits beside his daughter and starts to explain about the birds and the bees. Then he tells her about conception, sperm and eggs. Next he thinks, “What the hell - I might as well explain the whole works, and goes into great detail about puberty, menstruation, erection and wet dreams.

Judith’s eyes bulge as her old man continues his lesson, moving on to masturbation, oral and group sex, pornography, bestiality, dildos and homosexuality. Realising he has probably gone too far, the father pauses and asks: “So Judith, why do you want to know about sex?”

“Well”, says the fresh-face youngster, “Mummy said to tell you that lunch will be ready in a couple of secs.”

A relationship where you have to beg and apologize all the time is a relationship where you can never be RESPECTED! There's nothing you'll do that will please him/her! They hurt you and at the end you'll still be the one to apologize!

Is that love? What you have forgotten is that you are as important as the other person, you should not feel inferior in a relationship that's supposed to be your source of joy and inspiration!.

Always remember this; if you beg to avoid a BREAK UP when you are just dating be ready to beg to avoid a DIVORCE when you finally get married!

You deserve better.

Chris Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015 #KriSpiration.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 25 08116759757

‘BARREN DOCTOR’ IN SEARCH OF PREGNANCY DUPED

‘Alfa hypnotised me, collected N6.2 million’ *She wanted money ritual – Suspect

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

A

n Alfa, identified as Ilia su Azeez, paraded alongside suspected robbers, cultists and impersonators, has revealed that he defrauded a female doctor who came to him for what he described as money ritual.

He alleged that the doctor (names withheld) asked him to do money ritual for her. ‘’ I told her that I don’t do money ritual. I was arrested because she said I collected money from her. She said I collected N6 million but I only collected N4 million from her.’’ Sunday Vanguard gathered that, on September, 30, 2015, at about 12:30pm, the doctor, a staff member of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, petitioned the police to allege that unknown persons hypnotized and swindled her of N6.2 million under the pretext of assisting her to heal an ailment.

The case was referred to detectives who swung into action

The first day I met her, she told me she wanted a child and then I started doing prayer for her. I got involved with her because she was barren and needed a child and arrested Azeez and Yusuf Adetunji, who allegedly confessed to the crime, claiming they used the money they collected from the woman to purchase jewellery and other household items. They mentioned other members of their group to include Alhaji Rasak, aka Rosko, Akeem Azeez and Abore.

Suspect’s confession 32-year-old Azeez narrated, “I am married with three chil-

• Azeez (right) and Adetunji dren. I am from Oyo State.

There is a lady that wanted to do money ritual, she came to me and said she wanted me to help her do money ritual.

I told her that I don’t do money ritual. She now said I collected money from her. That was why I was arrested. She said I collected N6million but I only collected N4million from

her. I wasn’t the only one who collected the money; we were two that shared the money. I got only N300,000. The police arrested my younger brother and I while the others escaped. I have made about three people with mental illness well.

“The first day I met her, she told me she wanted a child

and then I started doing prayer for her. I got involved with her because she was barren and needed a child. Later, she said she wanted me to do money ritual for her. She came to me for assistance before Ileya. I told her that I don’t do money ritual. I am an Alfa. I specialise in helping people to get pregnant. I have been doing this for the past two years.

Eventually, some other person helped her to do the money ritual. I wasn’t the one that did it.”

Alfa’s younger brother, Yussuf Adetunji, 30, also arrested, told Sunday Vanguard: ‘’ I am a tailor. I don’t know anything about this case. I was arrested because they found the pictures of my brother on my phone. They used my brother to trace me. Some people called me that they were from MTN, and that I had won a package. When I met them, they took my phone and when they saw Azee’s pictures on the phone, they asked me to call him. I called him and he came to my shop where he was arrested. I don’t know anything about the fraud.’’

Lagos first kidney transplant survivor stable – Health Commissioner •’Lifestyle may kill 3 million people'

By Chris Onuoha

P

eace may be restored in Ilamoshe village near Ejigbo, Lagos soon, as the leadership of the community and the representative of judgment creditor have set up a committee to look into the crisis in the area which affected over nine streets.

At a meeting convened by Supt Segun Titiladun Ayo, Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Ejigbo Police Station, the representative of judgment creditor and Managing Director of Nigercat Nigeria Company Ltd, Alhaji Akeem Osuolale, implored owners of destroyed buildings to exercise restraint.

He said the destruction was a response to the provocative utterances of some property owners and residents.

Osuolale explained that there was a court order given by the Lagos High Court and Court of Appeal in 2011 and 2012 respectively, mandating the Family and Estate of the late Abdul Hamid Ojo (alias Ojo Barber) of 19/25, Mcween Street, Sabo, Yaba, L agos, to take possession of the land. The affected land that covers nine streets include: Tennis Club Road, Akande Close, Alhaji Alade Apatira Street, Kudirat Adenekan Street, Biliaminu Akinsanya Street, Taiwo Akinsanya Street, Akinbowale Crescent, Haleen Akiode Street and Bunmitola Adeboye Street.

They were the areas partly destroyed by agents of the judgment creditor.

Meanwhile, leaders of those

whose properties were affected and the judgment creditor have resolved to set up a committee to look into the crisis. The committee has called on those whose properties were wrongly damaged to proceed to the office of the Surveyor General of Lagos State to confirm the status of their land from survey plan

CD\778 .

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Sir Jude Emeka Idimogu, representing the area in the Lagos State Assembly, urged the landlords to proceed to the Office of Surveyor General of the state to confirm whether their properties fall

within the verged red of the land.

The Community Development Association CDA Chairman in Ilamose Village, Mr. Olokobi, confirmed that the land creditors came to their area in 2012 to take possession of the land. They pasted notices to this effect.

•Jide Idris

CRISIS OVER COURT VERDICT ON LAND

Judgment credit or creditor or,, Lagos community in peace bid

By Alade Aromashodu eace may be restored in P Ilamoshe village near Ejigbo, Lagos soon, as the

leadership of the community and the representative of judgment creditor have set up a committee to look into the crisis in the area which affected over nine streets.

At a meeting convened by Supt Segun Titiladun Ayo, Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Ejigbo Police Station, the representative of judgment creditor and Managing Director of Nigercat Nigeria Company Ltd, Alhaji Akeem Osuolale, implored owners of destroyed buildings to exercise restraint. He said the destruction was a response to the provocative utterances of some property owners and residents.

Osuolale explained that there was a court order given by the Lagos High Court and Court of Appeal in 2011 and 2012 respectively, mandating the

L-R: Val Nwachukwu; member, House of Assembly, Jude Idimogu; Joint CDA Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Adejumo (standing) and others at the peace meeting in Ejigbo police station.

Family and Estate of the late Abdul Hamid Ojo (alias Ojo Barber) of 19/25, Mcween Street, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, to take possession of the land. The affected land that covers nine

streets include: Tennis Club Road, Akande Close, Alhaji Alade Apatira street, Kudirat Adenekan Street, Biliaminu Akinsanya Street, Taiwo Akinsanya Street, Akinbowale

Crescent, Haleen Akiode Street and Bunmitola Adeboye Street.

They were the areas partly destroyed by agents of the judgment creditor.

Meanwhile, leaders of those whose properties were affected and the judgment creditor have resolved to set up a committee to look into the crisis. The committee has called on those whose properties were wrongly damaged to proceed to the office of the Surveyor General of Lagos State to confirm the status of their land from survey plan CD\778 .

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Sir Jude Emeka Idimogu, representing the area in the Lagos State Assembly, urged the landlords to proceed to the Office of Surveyor General of the state to confirm whether their properties fall within the verged red of the land.

The Community Development Association CDA Chairman in Ilamose Village, Mr. Olokobi, confirmed that the land creditors came to their area in 2012 to take possession of the land. They pasted notices to this effect.

PAGE 26— SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 08116759757

'Sorry tales of rape survivors, rehab and penalty for perpetrators'

By Abiodun Alade

J

udith Vivour-Osinaike is the Executive Director of Ben Bruce Foundation, which helps to finance children of the lessprivileged in the society. The foundation also empowers their parents while rehabilitating rape survivors. In this interview, she speaks on the activities of the foundation.

Helping children Ben Bruce Foundation (BBF) was set up by Sen. Ben Murray Bruce some years ago, where he had been sponsoring children to access primary and secondary education.

However, sometime in October 2014, we decided to register the foundation and make it open to the public to enable indigent people have the opportunity to participate in what we are doing.

The foundation presently takes on a threefold approach in our efforts to deal with humanitarianism.

The first arm of the foundation is the sponsoring of indigent children at the primary and secondary school levels.

Not only do we sponsor these indigent children by paying their fees, we also try to provide quarterly feeding for them. We make bags of rice, general foodstuff, medical bill, clothing available to them.

•Judith Osinaike Rehabilitation The third is a rehabilitation quest. It is a move to rehabilitate rape survivors. This aspect of the foundation started in October, 2014 when the foundation was officially

Empowerment The second arm of the BBF is occasional empowerment. In this case, we empower parents whose children are with us. We arrange vocational training for them as well as proffer financial assistance. The aim here is to get them to a point where they are able to comfortably cater for their children and as well be comfortable themselves.

We are willing to finance the child through primary and secondary education and hopefully before he/she rounds off his /her secondary school education, the parents will be financially buoyant enough to perform their responsibilities.

Under this arm, we work in partnership with organizations that offer trainings. We observed that it’s not that there are jobs around but most graduates are not adequately equipped to even merit a job interview.

We have had cases where people show up for interviews without a pre-knowledge on what they are supposedly applying for, some appear unkempt, for some it’s poor communication skill. This was what influenced our partnership with training organizations with the aim of getting applicants reasonably polished and packaged to at least merit an interview, and then possibly become employed.

C M Y K

We have had cases where people show up for interviews without a pre-knowledge on what they are supposedly applying for, some appear unkempt, for some it’s poor communication skill

registered. It was birthed out of the increased number of women who have experienced rape.

Most of these survivors come to Ben Bruce in confidence, narrating their unfortunate experiences.

Some Infants are also survivors of defilement. Most rape survivors have been on the receiving end of this monster from very tender age.

This eventually wires them into strange and almost dangerous characters too.

Some women with this kind of background begin to nurse crude hatred for the male folks.

Ben Bruce has been able to meet these persons because of his career path and personality.

And the sorry tales of rape survivors triggered a passion in him to do something about it.

In the move to curb this menace, he chose to assist in rehabilitating survivors.

Exposing rapists

Madam Towuaghantse passes on at 97

M

adam Janet Towuaghantse (nee Afari), a successful textile merchant in Sapele and from Batere/Jakpa, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, aged 97.

She passed on in the early hours of Thursday, November 5.

She was a devout Christian.

Burial arrangements will be announced by the family

later.

She is survived by children, grand and great grand children among whom are Mr. Moses Towuaghantse, a chartered accountant; Mrs. Rose Okorare, an educationist; Dr. Emmanuel Towuaghantse, a paediatric surgeon in the UK; Mr. David Towuaghantse a petroleum engineer and her son-in-law, Chief Gabby Okorare, CEO, MAC-G. Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

We also try to pass a message to the perpetrators of rape. The BBF pushes to make a big deal out of a rape case. The foundation would ensure that perpetrators face the law and convicted rapists are published and aired on various media platforms. The foundation looks beyond jail penalty for rapist; it aims to expose them to the public as a form of deterrent.

The foundation works with the Ministry of Justice and other affiliated bodies/agencies.

BBF is in partnership with the Mirabel Centre, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The body is a centre for rape survivors.

At this highly facilitated centre, rape survivors, who report at the centre within 72 hours of an attack, get free tests and analysis. The survivors are cleaned up and then undergo psychological realignments.

The centre then refers the survivors to prosecutors.

Using the media, BBF helps to project activities within the scope of the foundation's objectives. This move is important because a large number of rape attacks are not reported. This though, can be blamed on the mistrust on the nation's security agencies or a case of ignorance.

Usually, rape survivors have been quoted as saying 'who do we report to?'

Most survivors actually do not know what platforms are available to air their cases.

This is why the BBF came up with a talk show called "The Unspoken."

The show is aired every Saturday by 3pm on SilverBird Television. The show focuses on various sides of sexual offenses, including legal, psychological issues. The survivor's side is not left out on the show.

The foundation addresses cases with a trusted degree of confidentiality.

It offers homely comfort which is core in the quest to restore rape survivors.

BBF also tries to offer financial assistance to rape survivors; this becomes needful because rape cases sometime require relocating from one's residence.

Funding BFF is funded mainly with honorariums meant for Ben Bruce at occasions where he gets to speak. He always asks organisers of such events to pay into the account of the foundation.

Delt Deltaa ttoo reposition education

By Festus Ahon

D

elta State Commissioner for Basic & Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie, has restated the state government’s determination to position education in the state to meet the current trend in the world of computerization of information. Ebie stated this while declaring open a twoday enlightenment workshop on Offline Registration and Checking of Results for Basic Education Certificate Examinations for Principals, Examination Officers and School Administrators in public and private secondary schools in the state at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba.

He warned that his Ministry would no longer accept excuses and said the process was to make the conduct of examinations hitch free. The Commissioner, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. David Onokpe, Directors and Chief Inspectors of Education in the ministry, held that the world has come of age in the dissemination of information through computers.

He said: “The ministry, despite the challenges encountered in the previous exercise, cannot go back to manual method of submitting information by examination officers, who spent days at the ministry’s headquarters just to register their students”.

Disclosing that the workshop was running simultaneously in eight centres across the state, he said: “It has become imperative to equip all stakeholders with the techniques for the conduct of a hitch-free 2015/16 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and similar examinations in the future”. Ebie appealed to participants to take the workshop seriously in order to get the techniques of the offline registration and checking of results for BECE, Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Examinations and Standards, Prince Felix Akporugo, called on Principals and other participants to pay apt attention on “modalities of entering candidates for the offline registration, arrangement of candidates in alphanumerical order, collating of candidates data into electronic format, procedures for access into the websites for checking results and use of candidates number to check results”.

Describing the participants as partners in the conduct of examination, Akporugo told them to avail themselves of the ample opportunity of the workshop to adequately equip themselves for the forthcoming registration of Basic Education Certificate Examination scheduled to commence on December 1.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 27 08116759757

I dressed like a woman to defraud men – Alam, suspected conman

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

P

olicemen attached to Lagos State Criminal I n v e s t i g a t i o n Department (CID) Panti, Yaba are investigating a 20-year-

old man identified as Hussein Diyaya Alam from Kano State who allegedly dressed like a woman to defraud men.

According to the state commissioner of Police Fatia Owoseni, Alam had been going around with his fraudulent act but ran out of luck when one of his alleged victims, identified as Hasimu Soli, who he was said to have obtained N15,000 from under false pretence that he was going to marry him.

Subsequently, he escaped only for Soli to sight him at the CMS area of Lagos on November 15 and a quarrel ensued, leading to the police from the Lion Building Police station to arrest the two men.

CP Owoseni narrated: “On Sunday, November 15, at CMS , Lagos, a patrol team attached to the Lion Building Police Division arrested the suspect, who went about bearing a woman’s name, Kadijat, and dressed in Muslim hijab. The suspect met one Hassimu of No. 25, Iyana Street, Ajegunle and agreed to a relationship and had falsely obtained N15,000 from Mr. Soli under the guise of marrying him. Mr. Soli had wanted to take Kadijat (suspect) home, but he refused, giving various excuses.

“While they were dragging themselves at the CMS Bus Stop, policemen from Lion Building, who were on patrol, saw them and intervened.

“They were taken to the police station for causing the breach of public peace.

“At the station, Hassimu alleged that the suspect had collected about N15, 000 from him with a promise to marry him.

“Soli was shocked to hear the confession of the suspect that he is a man disguised in women’s outfit to defraud men” According to police sources, the suspect confessed that he had been into the business for about two years and that he had defrauded several men in Lagos of unspecified amount of money.

The suspect, who claimed he only speaks Hausa fluently, said: “My real name is Hussieni Biyaya from Teke town in Kano State.I relocated to Lagos early this year and I live at Bode Thomas Street, Onipanu. I dress like a woman because I look like a woman but my major aim is to deceive

C M Y K

Man, 32, accused of raping 23-yr-old lady

By Oladimeji Folashade

C

hristian Njoku, aged 32, has been charged to court for raping a 23-year-old lady. The suspect was alleged to have committed the crime on November 16 at about 8pm at No 10, Afolabi Street, Sule area, Mangoro, Agege, Lagos State and committed an offence punishable under Section 258 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Njoku pleaded not guilty and the magistrate, Mrs Akanni, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum while the case was adjourned to January 14, 2016.

We lost a strong pillar to Boko Haram – Victim’s family

*Deceased to be buried in Delta A 58-year-old woman, Mrs Deborah Ineh, who was reportedly killed in Yola, Adamawa State by the Boko Haram militants, will be buried on January 22, 2016.

The family, in a statement by Mr Peter Ineh, said the burial will take place at Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Noting that the demise of Deborah was a big loss to the family, he said the news of her death shook the entire family. He added that the deceased was one of the strong pillars of the family. While decrying the spate of killings by the Islamist group, Peter called on the Federal Government to take a more practical step towards tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.

He lamented that the country was becoming unsafe.

Umahi mourns Aja –Nwachukwu • Alam

I decided to relocate to Lagos so that people who know me in Kano State will not identify me. I usually stand at Ojulegba and CMS areas to look for men

men to give me money. I decided to relocate to Lagos so that people who know me in Kano State will not identify me. I usually stand at Ojulegba and CMS areas to look for men”.

The victim, Soli, also told his story: “I met the suspect at Obalande sometime this year.

He was standing at Obalende begging for arms. He was dressed in a hijab and painted his face. I noticed him there always begging because I sell sachet water in the area. One day, I walked up to him and asked him to date me. I thought he is a woman and I told him that he was too beautiful to beg. I gave him N500 that day and we

exchanged phone numbers. It got to a point that we became good friends but each time I told him to take me to his house, he will decline. I told him I wanted to marry him, so I took him to see my family at Apapa. After that incident, I did not see him again and he stopped picking my phone calls. Luckily for me, I saw him one day begging and I traced him to his area at Onipanu but I could not locate the exact house he entered. I asked someone passing and he told me that my girlfriend was a man. Since then I have been trying to catch him so that he can return the N15,000 he collected from me .God heard my prayer and I ran into him at CMS and the police arrested us”.

Chevron commends Delta students

T

he Managing Director of Chevron Nige ria Limited, Mr. Neff Clay, has commend ed Delta State Chemistry students for their brilliant performance at the 2015 National Chemistry Competition held in Abuja.

Clay who gave the commendation yesterday at the 2015 Awokoya Memorial/ Competition award, at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State, said Chevron will continue to encourage the study of Chemistry in the state and in Nigeria.

He noted that Chevron's unrelenting commitment and contributions towards boosting and improving Chemistry study has impacted positively on the quality and standard of education in the country.

Earlier, the chairman of Delta State chapter of Chemical Society of Nigeria, CSN, Mr. Alexander Okoroji, in his welcome address commended Chevron for sponsoring the Chemistry competition and also commended all Chemistry teachers in the state for their efforts in training the students.

G

overnor Dave Umahi has described the late Dr. Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu as an illustrious son of Ebonyi State who contributed in no small measure to the development of our nation. “As a Minister of Education, he left a footprint on the nation’s education sector. As the ProChancellor of the Ebonyi State University and an erudite scholar, he brought the education sector in our state to enviable height. We are saddened that he died at this stage of our growth as a state. We pray that God grants the repose of his soul and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss”, the governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emma Anya.

Madam Maria Aboghe dies at 73 adam Maria Ilerome Aboghe, a c o m m u n i t y M leader in Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State, and marriage counsellor, is dead, aged 73.

A devout Christian, Madam Aboghe was a member of Glorious Evangelical Mission (GTEM), Ozoro.

A service of songs for the deceased holds at her residence, Odudu Street, off Ughelli Express Road, Ozoro on Friday, while lyingin-state / Christian wake keep and funeral service take place at the same venue n Saturday.

Thanksgiving service holds at Glorious Evangelical Mission, Iyeriri Street, Ozoro on Sunday.

She is survived by many children and grandchildren including Lucky Aforkoghene Aboghe, Mrs. Beauty Olori and Mrs. Julie Umokoro.

PAGE 28 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215

Obong Attah, others add spice to the Uw aif o book launc h Uwaif aifo launch .

L-R: Obong Victor Attah,chairman of occasion, Engr Solomon Omorodion, author, and wife, Mrs Helen Uwaifo.

E

ngr.

Solomon Omorodio Uwaifo, octogenarian engineer, poet and author has publicly presented his latest book “Darkness Invisible and Until the Evening’.

The presentation took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos last week before an audience made up of high networth individuals. Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah chaired the occasion. Photos by Biodun Ogunleye

Lions Club’s big hear heartt

Y

aba Lions Club of International Associations of Lions Club, District 404A1 Nigeria donated some materials to indigent pupils in their community. Some 100 backpacks were given out as part of the activity to mark International Lions day.The event was witnessed by the District Govenor, 404A, Lion (Mrs.) Patricia Udeme

L-R: Lion Cyril Imaralu, Regional Chairman, Lion Ano Anyanwu, Zone Chairman, Lion Mrs. Patricia Udeme, District Governor, Lion Joe Ejiofor, President, Yaba Lions Club, Lion Ladi Awotinde, Immediate past President and Lion Dr. Oyedepo,First Vice President, Yaba Lions Club.

L-R: Mr Amu Lawrence and Mr Fola Lasisi L-R: Mr & Mrs John A . Jones with Mr Richard Giwa-Osagie.

Yaba Lions Club executives with the students and guardians L-R: Group Capt JP Obakpolor (Rtd) and AVM Joe Ehigie (Rtd).

L-R: Chief Salaudeen Latinwo and Engr Muzamil Abdul-Karim .

Professionals brainst orm brainstorm

P

RONET, Professsionals Network International, , organised a business seminar in Lagos recently.

L-R: Program Director, Professionals Network International, Mr. Frank Daria; Head, Recruitment, Human Edge Limited, Mrs. Olajumoke Aleoke-Malachi; President/Founder, Professionals Network International, Mr. Dennis Inyang and Managing Patner, Distinct Act company, Mr. Chucs Ahiakwo

The Delta wedding

M

r Mike Okey Obianwu weded former Miss Peace Amaka Iloh at St Albert Catholic Church, Federal College of Education, (Technical) Asaba, Delta State recently.

The couple (m) flanked by Mrs J. Obianwu, groom's mother( left), and Dr. and Mrs. Gabriel Iloh (2nd right and right) at the wedding.

Alhaja FFolarin olarin goes home

F

inal burial of Alhaja Olabisi Folarin, mother of S.O Folarin,Chairman, Themes & Shemes Limited took place in Lagos last weekend.

L-R: Mr. Kole Ademulegun, MD, Media Link Ltd; Chief Bala Yesufu, Head Corporate and Government Affairs, Cadbury and Chief and Chief(Mrs.) S.O Folarin, Chairman, Themes & Shemes Ltd.(the deceased children).

SUNDAY, Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22 , 2015, PAGE 29

Jakande, Ogunsola, Osoba, others bid Oshin farewell F

uneral service for the late Princess Alice Olayemi Oshin (nee Odutola) took place at Our Saviour ’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos. Many high profile personalities from diverse walks of life graced the occasion.

Photos by Biodun Ogunleye

Alhaji & Alhaja Lateef Jakande

L-R: Chief (Mrs) Bisi Abiola, Dr Dapo Oshin, Mrs Dupe Oshin and Mrs Dayo Oshin

Chief Ajibola Ogunshola and wife, Iyabo

Pat Ut omi, Dele Cole, J.P k Utomi, J.P.. Clar Clark at civil war reminiscences

I

L-R: Prof Modupe Adelabu, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire and Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola

L-R: Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Titi Laoye Tomori and Alhaja Bintu Tinubu.

White cap chiefs of Lagos, representing the Oba of Lagos.

L-R: Chief (Mrs) Ronke Ayuba and Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande.

t was a gathering of who’s who in the society when Dr. Titus Okereke presented his book ‘’Our Father’s Land’’, reminiscences of the Nigerian Civil War at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria, Island Lagos.

Photos by Kehinde Gbadamosi

L-R: Engr. Prof Oritsegbemi Omotete, President General, Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association [ GCUOBA], Dr Titus Okereke, author of the book, and Mrs Daisy Okereke, wife .

Cadbur Cadburyy in Lagos House Cadbury Nigeria management led by the Managing Director, Mr. Roy Naaman, paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode. The team was made up ofYimika Adeboye, Finance Director, Mr. Bala Yesufu, Head, Corporate & Government Affairs, Mr. Nasir Malik, Manufacturing Director, and Mrs. Fola Akande, Company Secretary/Chief Counsel

L-R: Cmre. Mike Okwera (retd), Professor J.P. Clark, and Chief Joseph Akpiey

L-R: Managing Director, Cadbury, Mr. Roy Naaman presenting a gift to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

The Cadbury team

L-R: Prof Pat Utomi, Mr Goke Adeniji, and Ambassador Patrick Dele-Cole, reviewer of the book

PAGE 30—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

PROLOGUE

BIAFRA

A cause in need

of redemption

BY JIDE AJANI

F

rom the cool, comfort of Ireland - at least that was where he was broad casting from - Nnamdi Kanu propagates the gospel of hate.

He spewed many, so many things that would make the most intelligent of Igbos shudder and ask this simple question: Do Igbos of Nigeria deserve the seemingly duplicitous misdirection of angst in a country of clashing socio-political and economic interests?

We will return to the question shortly.

In making reference to the deservedness of a situation or otherwise, the late first Prime Minister of independent Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, after the “Supreme Court gave judgment against his government in the case, Doherty v. Sir A. Tafawa Balewa and Others”, in his characteristic candour, told the then Chief Justice of the Federation, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, GCON, CFR, KBE: “I am glad you have put us in our place; this is what we deserve. If I do anything wrong, do not hesitate to deal with me”. That was the sitting Prime Minister of Nigeria talking.

Now, therefore, another set of questions should be asked: Have the Igbos been put in their place and are they getting what they deserve?

Is the Federal Government of Nigeria handling, appropriately, the reawakened demand for the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra?

We would address the second set of questions first.

The Igbos may have subconsciously boxed themselves into a corner (read place) where they couldn’t have gotten what they rightly deserved.

The presidency has serially eluded them not because they lacked capacity of quality but the type of politics they place allows for group exploitation by those who believe they have conquered a people.

On the handling of the present protests, there is, still, in Nigeria, the anachronistic legislation that seeks to compel the citizens to first seek approval from the Police Commissioner of a state before any form of gathering (read public protest) can be allowed. But a number of court judgments has poured cold water on that.

However, if there is a protest that portends to disrupt public peace, then the authorities need to act.

So, have the recent activities of those trooping to the streets, mostly in the five states of south-east Nigeria and Rivers State, breached known laws in Nigeria? If the answer is yes, then the authorities should act. But in acting, it should not in any way further exacerbate an already tensed situation by using excessive force which some times results in fatalities. In any case, virtually all geo-political C M Y K

zones of the country have one form of discontent or the other against the Nigerian state and, therefore, legitimate means of seeking redress is allowed.

Yes, there is misery in the land but one form of misery far outstrips some others.

And talking about misery, what confers the right on an individual to, in seeking redress for his situation, propagate hate in the guise of bringing to the fore real and perceived injustices against his people? Recently, some of the hate speeches of Kanu, the self-styled mobiliser-in-chief for the re-actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra, went viral on social media. And that ties to the first question about the intelligent among the Igbos.

To paper over the injustices the Igbos have been caused to cope with in Nigeria would not serve the end of good conscience.

But to what ends would the hate campaign of Kanu help restore the dignity the Igbos insist they have been deprived of in Nigeria?

The attempt at actualising the Biafra of old was quashed some four and a half decades ago. Even Ohaneze, the prime pro-Igbo group, acknowledges that. But the end of an insurgency should not be a magna charter for other groups of seeming co-ordinate ranking in the nation, to deprive the Igbos their ‘rightful’ place.

The present attempt has been reduced to no more than a racket, a convoluted campaign of hate which appears to be provoking more angst because the twisted articulation of the issues causing these discounts make a mockery of the quest for redress. Yes, whereas Kanu may have succeeded in reawakening the quest for Biafra, an access to a transmitting device does not make a good struggle.

And some Igbo leaders, who have been engaging in double speak, are not helping matters with their serial indifference and diffidence.

What the Biafra cause needs is pure re-engagement with a short term view of making the points clearly and a long term objective of achieving redress.

In today’s Nigeria, the grain of opinion may not be in sync with a separatist paradigm. However, if truth be told, there appears to have been an unwritten deprivation mode against the Igbos in Nigeria - and, incongruously, with the active or sub-conscious collaboration of Igbos.

The Jonathan administration presented the Igbos with a good number of high profile appointments yet the cries of marginalisation persisted and still persist.

If Igbo leaders allow the circus going on to continue in the name of mass mobilisation, those intent on hijacking a good cause for personal psychological masturbation would win. On the other hand, if the Buhari administration mishandles its response to the protests, the outcome may be a further garnering of sympathy for the cause. And anything could happen.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 31

MASSOB, IPOB Army's Rules of Engagement and defiant pro-Biafra men

By Chidi Nkwopara, Vincent Ujumadu, Ugochukwu Alaribe and Francis Igata

S

INCE the arrest of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, by the Department of State Security (DSS) on October 14 in his hotel room in Lagos, and later moved to Abuja, hundreds of pro- Biafra activists in the South East and some parts of the South –South, particularly Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital and Asaba, Delta State, have engaged in protests.

Those embarking on the protests are mostly youths born after the civil war (Nigeria – Biafra war) which ended in 1970 and claimed the lives of over one million people.

While demanding the release of Kanu, the youths also brought the issue of their dream Biafra Republic to the front burner. However, the question agitating the minds of many people in the South-East is whether the activities of the youths could lead to the breaking away of their envisioned republic from Nigeria.

Despite the massive participation of youths in the protests, it is difficult to find any prominent Igbo supporting the cause. Rather, what the youths have is condemnation by Igbo elders. Most prominent Igbo people are also not prepared to discuss the issue of Biafra.

However, what baffles people is the expertise adopted in the mobilization of the group for any protests as,. often times, they take security operatives unawares.

There are at least three major pro-Biafra group. They are the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, led by Chief Ralph Uwazurike, the Biafra Zionist Movement, BZM, led by Mr. Onwuka and the newest, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, which has Nnamdi Kanu as its leader.

Uwazurike had hoisted the Biafra flag and declared the republic at the Ariaria area of Aba, Abia State in the early 90s after which he went underground. Hundreds of his followers were to be arrested by security operatives and some of them allegedly died in detention.

Some members of the

movement later accused Uwazurike of compromising the Biafra dream. This led to the emergence of factions in MASSOB. Besides, many of the activists felt that the death of Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the leader of the defunct Biafra, was the

Despite the massive participation of youths in the protests, it is difficult to find any prominent Igbo supporting the cause. Rather, what the youths have is condemnation by Igbo elders. Most prominent Igbo people are also not prepared to discuss the issue of Biafra.

end of the republic and so, they quit the agitation.

Onwuka of BZM seized the opportunity of the crisis in MASSOB to bring his group to prominence.

However, the way he was alleged to have gone about it led to his arrest and detention by security operatives. For instance, he was accused of leading a group of his followers to invade the Enugu State Government House when he and some members of his group were apprehended and taken to Abuja. Their case is still in court.

Then came the IPOB, led by the Abia State-born Kanu, whose Radio Biafra took the Nigerian airwaves by storm.

With the radio, Kanu was able to win the hearts of many Igbo people, especially the youths. It was common to hear many people say their radios were

permanently tuned to Radio

Biafra which was giving the people the hope that Biafra was just a matter of time.

A public relations practitioner, Chief Jude Emecheta, however, believes those championing the cause of Biafra actually do not know what they want. He said: “These youths say they are looking for freedom and I don’t know how they intend to achieve that. I think the whole issue of Biafra Republic is because many people are not happy with the way things are going on in the country and they seize the opportunity of their dislike of what is happening in the polity to express their anger.

“Nobody even knows who the leaders of Biafra are and how they intend to present their case for consideration.”

Dr. Ephraim Odinaka, 68, who claimed he fought during the Biafra war, said it is difficult for anybody who witnessed the war to be part of what he described as the “ongoing madness” by Igbo youths.

According to him, if the

Continues on page 32

PAGE 32—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

Army's Rules of Engagement and defiant pro-Biafra men Continued from page 31 republic is handed over to them as they wish, they will not know what to do with it. He said: “It is not enough for any group to say that it wants to make trouble because the Niger Delta militants were settled when they made trouble, or to assume that they will be called to a round table if they continue to carry Biafra flags on the streets. “ Odinaka, however suggested that the best way to keep the Igbo youths off the streets was for government to apply equitability in the distribution of appointments and social amenities to all parts of the country, adding that a situation where Igbos were not considered fit for sensitive positions in the country makes the people to shout that their people were being marginalized.

‘Nobody can stop us’ Meanwhile, signalling it would defy the Army, IPOB has vowed to continue the protests calling for the release of its detained leader and host of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as the actualization of an independent state of Biafra.

The Rules of Engagement The Nigerian Army had,on Monday, warned MASSOB and IPOB members agitating for secession to desist from

such threat to national security as the Army was ready to flush out every element that threatens peace in the country.

While announcing the reviewed Army Rules of Engagement (ROE) for Internal Security Operations a, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Isidore Edet said it became very important to remind Nigerians that the NA would continue to defend its citizens but will not compromise any action that impedes on national peace.

Edet explained that Nigeria had fought civil war and is yet to overcome the consequences of the war and as such will not tolerate any person or group of persons that are talking about the dismemberment of the country.

He said Nigerian Army would apply the ROE to the letter on anybody, “specifically those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson’’, adding that “anybody that makes any mistake, within the ambit of the law”, will not be spared.

He averred that the Army will not hesitate to apply the ROE against any person who threatens the peace of the nation stressing: “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to a peaceful protest but

should be within the ambits of the law. When such protest lead to bringing down law and order, we are obligated by the Constitution to protect lives and properties of Nigerians and foreigners.”

While reeling out the 11point reviewed ROE,the GOC said under Section 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the Army to suppress any insurrection, and based on observed short comings especially negligence and outright ignorance by troops deployed for Operation MESA and other Internal Security (IS) operations, necessitated the need to remind Nigerians about the ROE and Code of Conduct.

Edet added that the ROE and Code of Conduct set out the circumstances and limitations under which force may be applied to achieve military objectives.

Quoting the ROE in part,the Army chief said, “The use of lethal force shall only be resorted to if other means to control the situation have failed or in case of unexpected attack or suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack during which a delay could lead to loss of life or serious injury to personnel. ‘’The decision to open fire shall be made only on orders and under the control of on-scene commander, unless there is insufficient time to obtain such order.

Fire may be opened to forcefully stop any vehicle that fails to stop at a check point or road block when ordered to stop for search’’.

Polifce remove Kanu's portraits, Biafra emblems Last week, the police in Aba, Abia State removed Biafra emblems and portraits

The MASSOB spokesman called on the Army to direct its strength to fighting Boko Haram terrorists who have killed and maimed millions of people, than engaging pro- Biafra agitators who have been nonviolent in their protests of Kanu, mounted on billboards and high-rise structures in the city. The operation, led by the Aba Area Commander, ACP Peter Wagbara, saw policemen climbing the structures to take down the Biafra flags and emblems.

But a top member of IPOB, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said they were not intimidated by the threat from the Nigerian Army.

According to him, IPOB is a non-violent organization campaigning for the release of its leader and the actualization of an independent of Biafra.

“Nobody can stop us because we are fighting for freedom. It is our right to protest and we will continue to do that until we achieve our

objectives”, he said definitely.

He added that IPOB was determined to liberate Ndigbo from what he described as the

•Agitators...We are non-violent Nigerian government bondage.

“Ndigbo is in bondage in Nigeria; we want a country of our own. Struggle is part of life. All over the world, struggle for freedom has never been easy. We have been steadfast and will achieve it soon. I want to assure Ndigbo that we will never allow anybody to distract us.”

Also reacting to the Army’s warning, MASSOB’s Assistant National Director of Information, Sunny Okereafor, said the group will not be cowed in its bid to liberate Igbo land. “I want to place it on record that MASSOB is a product of over 40 years of wicked marginalization of Ndigbo in the Nigerian federation”, Okereafor said.

“MASSOB means reaction against injustice being perpetrated against Ndigbo in Nigeria. We are agitating for Biafra. You can remember that since MASSOB was founded, many groups fighting for Biafra have gone under, but MASSOB keeps going, growing from strength to strength. It is clear that what distinguishes MASSOB from the other groups is its nonviolent approach to the realization of its set objectives.

No MASSOB member is a

criminal, we don’t bear arms.

So, why should we be afraid of security agents? We have been going about our protests in a non-violent way which has been our strategy. There is no going back; it is a struggle for freedom. MASSOB cannot be deterred.”

The MASSOB spokesman called on the Army to direct its strength to fighting Boko Haram terrorists who have killed and maimed millions of people, than engaging proBiafra agitators who have been non-violent in their protests.

Separately, a factional National Director of Information of MASSOB, Mr. Uche Madu, took President Muhammadu Buhari up on his statement that Nigeria’s unity could not be compromised.

Madu said: “Buhari’s statement that Nigeria is indivisible is diplomatic hypocrisy. President Buhari voted for and supported Islamic Palestine’s independence against Jewish state of Israel. It has dawned on him that he is presiding over a divided Nigeria.

“The major parasites that have eaten up and collapsed Nigeria to nothingness are ethnic, religious and tribal

Continues on page 33

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 33

Continued from page 33 pathological hatred/sentiment against some nationalities in the country. The political and regional imbalances against Ndigbo, lack of Federal Government’s presence in the eastern region, except the prison yard, corrupt police/ military personnel from Hausa Fulani whose pathological hatred against Ndigbo has no bound, are the factors that fuel Biafra consciousness.

“Nigeria Army should know that a government that tries to suppress or is suppressing peaceful and non-violent dissent or clamour for change is not showing strength but weakness and fear. Nothing will stop the peaceful agitation for Biafra”.

Imo: Peaceful protest amid call for modification of strategy In the meantime, reports said government and economic activities in Owerri, Imo State capital, ground to a halt for two straight days, following the peaceful procession of thousands of pro-Buafra agitators in the municipality.

The protest peaked last weekend. The protesters, acting under the aegis of MASSOB and IPOB, started the four-kilometer protest march from Naze Roundabout in Owerri North local government area Sunday Vanguard gathered that most of the protesters came in hired vehicles from the neighbouring states of Abia, Rivers, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Enugu. The crowd was unprecedented.

The long but slow march into Owerri municipality engineered traffic gridlock along the ever busy Owerri-Aba federal highway, while security operatives kept a close watch as they processed into town.

The pro-Biafra groups, spotting uniforms and carrying the Biafran flag and other branded insignia, chanted songs and danced to the rhythm of their music.

Expectedly, some traders who were not too sure of the intentions of the protesters, quickly closed shop and scampered into safety, while

•Activists...Our case for true federalism

Army's Rules of Engagement and defiant pro-Biafra men some others stood their ground and hoped that the protest would end peacefully.

A trader, who simply identified himself as Ikechukwu and spoke on strict grounds of anonymity from his Douglas Road store, wondered why the group have suddenly decided to disrupt the peaceful business climate in Owerri.

“Owerri has been very peaceful since the current protest started sweeping across the South- East and SouthSouth states. Although they have been very peaceful about the protest, my fear is that hoodlums may hijack it and cause unimaginable harm in the society”, Ikechukwu said.

Although he appealed to the government to find a way of assuaging the feelings of the demonstrators, Ikechukwu pointed out that “the military training and instinct in President Muhammadu Buhari, may scuttle this plea.

Some other demonstrators told Sunday Vanguard that the protest was part of their urging of the Federal Government to unconditionally release their colleague and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as conduct a referendum on the quest for an independent Biafra.

They faulted the Federal Government and it’s security agents for arresting, detaining and prosecuting Kanu for his belief and support for an independent Biafra.

The protesters were equally unhappy about the way Governor Rochas Okorocha had been castigating the group for seeking self determination.

“It is sad that Governor Okorocha takes delight in giving us varying derogatory names. He has deliberately decided to ignore the plight of Ndigbo in Nigeria. If Okorocha is anti- Biafra, he should peacefully leave this place for those of us that want Biafra”, Mazi Ekene C. Uko fumed.

While saying that they were not really shocked at Okoroch’s utterances, Mazi Uko also said that they did not expect anything less, but quickly added that the groups moved the peaceful protest to Owerri, to prove to Governor Okorocha that “he can have his say but cannot sustain any fight against the wish of the majority of Ndigbo.

Uko explained that the groups had carried out the demonstration in Enugu, Aba and Port Harcourt, stressing that they were in Owerri in

continuation of the crusade for a free Biafra.

“We will hopefully extend this exercise to other towns within the Biafran territory, until we achieve our dreams”, Uko said.

For Comrade Uche Mefor, IPOB Deputy Director, “the Nigerian government made the greatest mistake of the century by the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu”.

Continuing, Mefor also said that Nigeria equally goofed when it erroneously that with the arrest and detention of Kanu, the quest for a free Biafra would end.

“General Muhammadu Buhari may have been I’lladvised to the effect that arresting and unlawfully detaining Nnamdi Kanu, will quench the fire for a free Biafra, which is currently raging across the world”, Mefor said.

All the respondents, who are loyalists of MASSOB and IPOB, said that they are not afraid of the threat issued recently by the Federal Government and authorities of the Nigerian Army

•Agitators....drew the ire of the Army

In a piece titled “Biafra: Time to change strategies”, the Imo State Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Dr. George Nkworji, reasoned that the renewed agitation through mass protests should be viewed with trepidation because it is a warped step, an uphill task no matter how peaceful.

“These fears are derived from the penchant of Ngerian authorities in dealing cruelly with complaints from Ndigbo.

Having fought a war for the actualization of Biafra and lost at the cost of millions of precious lives, it is high time to modify the strategy”, Nkworji said.

While insisting that “what Ndigbo needs in today’s Nigeria is an insistence, like the Yorubas, for the operation of a true federalism, which will allow us, as Biafrans, to live and develop at our own pace”, Nkworji also reasoned that “the issue at stake in Nigeria currently had to do with the oppression of other ethnic nationalities by the ruling Hausa-Fulanis, hiding under

the cover of a federal government”.

Nkworji also reasoned that it might be most appropriate to look back at the background of Nigeria’s independence, the distortion of Nigeria’s political structures by military rules and ow Nigeria has been operating a distorted federalism to the exclusive advantage of the North.

All the respondents, who are loyalists of MASSOB and IPOB, said that they are not afraid of the threat issued recently by the Federal Government and authorities of the Nigerian Army.

They were unanimous in their belief that government had killed so many unarmed loyalists of MASSOB and IPOB in the past, adding that the groups would remain the peaceful, unarmed pressure group that had been in the past. Although they vowed to sustain the pressure until they achieve their heart’s desire, they did not however, disclose what their next line of action would be after the current protest marches.

“We will continue our current protest march across the land, but I cannot tell you what we will after now. It is no use disclosing all our strategies on the pages of the newspapers.

This does not a sound operational tactic for anybody or group engaged in a struggle for survival. Nobody exposes his plans to his enemies”, Ukoha said.

Some of the security personnel drafted to watch over the protesters were on high alert, while others were busy taking pictures with their mobile phones, as the agitators processed peacefully into Owerri.

It was also not clear a press time if any of the protesters was arrested at the end of the day as all efforts to reach the mobile line of Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, failed.

PAGE 34—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

By Clifford Ndujihe

T

ODAY is a decisive day for Igbo leaders and South-East governors, who will gather in Enugu to deliberate on the ongoing protests and agitation for the actualisation of Republic of Biafra.

For about three weeks, members and supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have been protesting in several cities of the South-East and South-South geo-political zones rooting for Biafra Republic and condemning the continued detention of Mr Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra, by the Federal Government.

Some of the cities that the agitators have taken their protests to include Enugu, Onitsha, Awka, Asaba, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Umuahia and Aba. The protests have been largely peaceful except in PortHarcourt where a soldier reportedly shot one person dead.

Disturbed by the intensity of the protests and effects on economic activities, governors of South- East states met on November 17 in Enugu and fixed Sunday (today), November 22, for an emergency meeting.

After the November 17 meeting, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, said the forum needed to ensure lasting peace in the zone and so have decided to consult widely with Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, traditional rulers, development unions, the clergy and other stakeholders.

“In furtherance to this, the South-east governors scheduled an emergency meeting of stakeholders on Sunday Nov. 22, 2015 at Enugu. Attendance at the emergency meeting will include all National Assembly members, ministers from the zone and other invited stakeholders from the zone”,Okorocha said.

Advising IPOB and MASSOB to embrace peace, which he said is the only way to the development of the zone, Okorocha said the forum agreed to appoint a high level Economic Advisory Committee to harness the economic potential of the people of the area.

It is on this score that all roads will lead to Enugu today for invited Igbo leaders and stakeholders for the decisive meeting.

Ohanaeze raises team, roots for restructuring A member of the Imeobi (inner caucus) of Ohanaeze, Chief Guy Ikokwu, told Sunday Vanguard that

BIAFRA: Igbo’s decisive day! … As govs, leaders meet

They should ask the president to start restructuring the country now. Those protesting are frustrated youths.

Some of them are graduates who are better than peers from other parts of the country the apex Igbo group had raised a team in readiness for the meeting and was just waiting for the governors’ invitation letter.

His words: ‘’Ohanaeze is waiting for the IV (invitation letter). We have selected a team, which is ready to be in Enugu, if invited. We were not part of the last meeting.

But the message is clear.

They should ask the president to start restructuring the country now. Those protesting are frustrated youths.

Some of them are graduates who are better than peers from other parts of the country. The governors should demand restructuring, devolution of powers from the centre and implementation of the 2014 National Conference report. There is no federation in the world where the Centre is controlling local councils. It is only in Nigeria. The country is made up of six geo-political zones.

Four out of the six – SouthEast, South-South, SouthWest and Middle Belt (North-Central) want the

country restructured. So it is the best thing to do in the interest of the country.” *42 Igbo groups to march for true federalism Ahead of the meeting, about 42 Igbo organisations have put the machinery in motion to push for the restructuring of the country through protest marches in 13 South-East cities.

The planned five million man march will hold in the five South East states in December, Evangelist Elliot Uko, founder of the Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, told Sunday Vanguard.

Disclosing this after a marathon meeting with Igbo Traders Organizations at the IYM Secretariat in Enugu, weekend, Uko said the 13 marches for restructuring Nigeria will hold in Afikpo, Abakaliki, Nsukka, Enugu, Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia,

Okigwe, Owerri, Orlu, Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka.

According to him, SouthSouth groups who attended the meeting in Enugu included the Union of Niger Delta and South-South Youth Congress.

Uko said these peaceful marches will be led by the clergy and students groups in each of the cities and towns in the South East.

Asked to comment on today ’s meeting of SouthEast governors and Igbo leaders, Uko said: “The current developments are beyond political interest and considerations of any individual or office holder, maintaining that only the truth can save the situation and the truth is that Nigeria must be urgently restructured in order to give all sections a sense of belonging thereby enthroning true federalism without delay, any other solution will not work.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 35

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN TO PRO-BIAFRA ELEMENTS

Don’t hurt yourselves and Igbo interests!

•Says no electricity tariffs’ hike for now •’Legal issues hindering Lagos-Ibadan expressway rehabilitation’

By Yinka Ajayi

figures.

enior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina, in this interview, asks some Igbo elements agitating for Biafra not to hurt themselves, saying they still seem to be in preelection mood. Excerpts:

How realistic is the N5,000 stipend promised unemployed youths during the APC campaign ahead of the general elections?

You know what transpired at the Senate, penultimate Wednesday, when PDP senators moved a motion for the N5,000 payment. It appeared funny, but the PDP knew it had run the country’s account dry.

The money would not be possibly available now. The campaign promises are what we will execute in 48 months.

The administration is just five months old. It does not mean it would not be achieved. You and I know we are in a difficult situation . Oil price dropped from $120 per barrel to $48. We

S

The regulatory authorities were said to have been planning new electricity tariffs. Why the amid darkness in homes and offices.

What is government’s plan to provide stable power supply in the country?

I saw the indication from NERC, bu t Vice President

Osinbajo has said the increase would not come that early. No matter what the regulatory body says, the increase is not reflective of government’s position on the matter.

Our position, however, is to improve power supply first, then, increase could follow. In terms of supply,I spoke with the Per manent Secretary on power about the problem. He identified two issues: Nigeria had lost mega-watts compared to what we had before. The first problem came from Egbin Power Station based on an industrial issue. There are new owners. Some people went into it based on the industrial action and Nigeria lost about a thousand megawatts. It’s now a question of resetting and re-boosting the mega-watts.

But the Permanent Secretary affirmed that as soon as these industrial issues are settled, things will get better again.

Once a minister comes on board, there would be action plan to forge ahead.

But there are states that are keen to generate their own power supply. Can’t there be a law that can accommodate such development?

It’s a constitutional issue, but it can be sorted out. At the opening of the ministers retreat, the issue came up again. There are lawyers in

I believe the region where such is happening, at the end of the day, would hurt itself more, unless the people quickly change their strategy

the cabinet and all they were agitating for, was the review of our laws along the change agenda. I believe power generation and power transmission aspects should be part of what would be looked into.

Is there really a fight against corruption?

Certainly, there is. Once an attorney general comes into place, things will work speedily.

Are we recovering money? I say yes. Because the president himself said in India that we had recovered huge sums of money, but we don’t have it in figures. And he promised that the CBN would provide the

can hardly even pay salaries.

For PDP senators to move for APC government to implement its manifestoes immediately is mischievous, because they know that the capacity to fulfill is not there. We need a rebuilding of the country ’s finances to support it. It doesn’t mean, however, that it has been abolished.

What is government doing about basic infrastructures nationwide, like the contract for the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan express way?

I was with the Senate Committee on Erosion in the East. During my visit to some places in the South-East, I noticed that federal roads were very bad. This did not happen a year or two ago. It is a cumulative thing. It happened over eight to ten years back. You cannot expect a government of five months to fix them overnight. The Lagos-Ibadan express way, unfortunately, I will refer to President Jonathan’s administration. I wish I didn’t have to, but then it is part of our history, we cannot wish it away. Towards the end of the last administration, capital projects were not embarked on, only recurrent. Even at that, a former Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said, two months before the elections, that government had to borrow to pay salaries. What Nigeria is going through, presently, is the consequence of corruption. The consequence could show-up in three to four years time.

Now the consequence of corruption is beginning to show-up on our roads. The Lagos-Ibadan expressway is a serious issue.

I called the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works about his position on the roads, and he revealed that the challenge is in two folds. One is legal while the second is funding.

Lagos-Ibadan expressway was contracted for N169 billion by Jonathan’s administration, they paid N50billion to kickstart the project, the concession was to last 25years. But somewhere along the line, the concession was revoked. And

•Adesina ... Electricity supply will improve

it became a legal issue. The Federal Government is being sued for terminating that concession. Government later awarded it for N157 billion.

Perhaps they could not sustain the contract. Surprisingly somebody emerged again, saying the road was concessioned to him. How can you do a concession when there was no competitive bidding?

Who knew about it? It was a behind the scene matter. Based on these issues, it is only palliative measures that can be done.

Ogun State government and the Redeemed Christian Church of God have moved in. That is the best that can be done on that road until the legal issues are sorted out. It’s unfortunate because it is one of the major roads in the country.

What is government doing about the Apapa gridlock?

We know that Lagos State government had tried, but it is a federal issue. Former Governor Fashola did a lot while in office. Apart from the congestion caused by tankers, we also have the issue of bad roads. About two weeks ago, a tanker fell at a bad point. It is a terrible situation and the country cannot continue that way. I heard the governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosu, stressed that something must be done on that road between the state government and the Federal Government. I guess

something would happen on Apapa Road, once the Minister of Works swing into action.

These are the first issues I would call his attention to – the issue of Apapa and LagosIbadan expressway. Definitely palliative measures would be taken.

What is government’s plan on judicial reform?

This was discussed at the early session of the retreat for ministers . You know that judicial reform is something we have to be circumspect about.

With the regional unrest going on with Biafra agitation, has the Federal Government any strategy of reconciliation among political parties and regions?

Although the government has to play a leading role, it is not the duty of the Federal Government alone. It is the duty of all Nigerians. Some parts of the country are still in the pre-election mood, which should not be.

Elections are over, a government has been sworn in, we should team up as Nigerians, reconcile and move our nation forward. I believe the region where such is happening, at the end of the day, would hurt itself more, unless the people quickly change their strategy.

So it is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, not just for the Federal Government.

PAGE 36 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

‘Arase’s CRU moves the police closer to you!’

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja.

T

HE Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, last week, inaugurated an innovation to detect criminality and police brutality.

The officer appointed to oversee the outfit, known as the IGP’s Complaints Response Unit (CRU), is Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abayomi Shogunle. In this interview, Shogunle explains what CRU is all about.

What is the CRU all about?

This is a community based complaint management system where citizens or members of the public’s concerns and queries regarding policing activities can be resolved and addressed in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, weekends and public holidays inclusive. You will recall that upon his assumption in office, IGP Solomon Arase rolled-out his strategic policing plan and part of it involves the use of cutting edge technology; and also bequeathing to Nigerians the police that Nigerians can actually call their friends. In doing so, one of the things the IGP has done is to establish the CRU which is the first of its kind in Nigeria where members of the public can interface with the police in real time.

How does the CRU operate?

The CRU has launched a multi-platform system through which such complaints and queries can be received from members of the public. One of it is telephone. We have two dedicated telephone lines which members of the public can call-08057000001, 08057000002. We also have a text message line to which members of the public are expected to send messages – 08057000003. Members of the public can also reach out to the CRU via ‘WhatsApp’ messenger on – 080570003.

Another platform is BBM. The BBM pin is 58A2B5DE. In addition, you can reach CRU via the twitter handle @policing_CRU, or use f a c e b o o k , w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / npfcomplaint. You can equally reach the unit via email. The address is complaint@npf.gov.ng or npfcomplaint@gmail.com.

The website is www.npf.gov.ng/complaint.

By using these platforms, we are confident that members of the public can get to us. Let me state also that no platform will have preference over the other. Complaints from all these platforms would be

treated equally, on the basis of first come first served. Once a complaint comes in, the person making the complaint will be issued with a track number, to show that your complaint has been received and is being looked into. We will give the complainant a feedback or first acknowledgement within 24 hours. And in maximum of seven days, we are sure we would give you a feedback on the status of your complaint.

Government and members of the public that may be using the platforms. This is because we are deploying technology and it is not as if we are paying for the technology. Telephone lines are already there. From statistics, we have about 138 million active mobile phone subscribers. That means 138 million Nigerians can reach the unit through phone calls or text messages at no extra cost to them, because they use them daily. We also have 70.3 million active internet users who can e-mail us, and email is not costly; neither does it have extra cost to the NPF. That means 70.3 million people can reach the CRU through internet and other social media platforms. So the issue of sustainability is taken care of because we are not spending real money in maintaining the platforms. Also, the police officers who are manning this project are serving officers whose remunerations are being taken care of.

Does the CRU have the manpower to do this job especially knowing the most cases of police brutality, harassment take place at the local level?

Absolutely yes, and let me tell you how the unit is operating. We have the main hub here at the Force Headquarters. So all these platforms are being mapped up by the FHQ. Once a complain comes in to any of the platform, we have three officers per state as base of their responsibility. They are going to serve as responding officers for the CRU in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. These officers are drawn from the Provost Office, the Office of Special

Arase ... 70 million people to be reached via social media

The slogan of the unit says, ‘No to impunity’, which means there would be no sacred cows. Every complaint is investigated, and, if an officer is found to have acted unprofessionally, appropriate sanctions would be meted out

Intelligent Bureau, SIB, and the Office of the Police Control Room. Now, when the call (complaint) comes in, the first officer in FHQ that receives the complaint will contact either of these designated officers in the command to do three things; verify the complaint, resolve the complaint and give the feedback.

These three officers from the command are carefully selected in the sense that every police station has at least one Special Intelligence Bureau officer.

So once the complaint is passed to the OSIB, the OSIB officer will contact any of his operatives in the jurisdiction to take necessary action.

The provost is in charge of discipline. Once a complaint regarding the activities of the police at the station or on the road gets to him, the provost marshal in the state is mobilized to move to the area, verify, take action and give feedback.

For the control room, you know that is where members of the public in the states call when there is distress, the control room, and the control room will take the action.

Another thing we are doing is that a special

poster cataloguing the do’s and don’ts of CRU is being distributed to every police station across the country. The CRU poster says, ‘Do you have any complaints about any of our officers? Contact us 24/7 via all these means through which we can be contacted’. It is waterproof; so if water falls on it, it will not be damaged.

Members of the public can easily make complaints to the unit right there at the police station; the poster plays supervisory role and serves as a reminder that any unprofessional conduct would be reported.

Issues of bail & human rights abuse, can they be reported as well?

These, as a matter of fact, are first among the complaints we are looking forward to receiving. On the poster, it is clearly written, ‘bail is free’.

The poster reinforces the stance of the NPF on the issue of bail, as people are not expected to pay for bail.

Do you believe this initiative sustainable?

In planning the process, we took clear cognizance of the issue of funding and the fact that, because government revenue is reducing, allocation to the NPF is also reducing.

What I assure is that the cost of implementing the CRU is close to zero to the NPF, the Federal

Is there assurance that if a policeman is found wanting, the institution with punish its own personnel?

The slogan of the unit says, ‘No to impunity’, which means there would be no sacred cows.

Every complaint is investigated, and, if an officer is found to have acted unprofessionally, appropriate sanctions would be meted out.

On the logo, we have a smiling face; that is assurance that anybody who comes in contact with the unit, the level of professionalism that would be deployed in attending to your complaints would guarantee a smile on the face of the person.

If you also look at the logo, you will see the symbol of justice; that means equality before the law. So, we will ensure equality, and the rule of law. These are values that the unit is taking so dear. Should there be any time the police dare to go outside these values, we should be reminded by the media and civil society organizations.

As elections hold in Kogi and Bayelsa States, can Nigerians make use of these platforms to capture police officers engaged in malpractices and intimidation?

If you look at the logo, you will see police colours, and what that represents is that CRU only receives complaints made against police officers and unprofessional conduct of officers. What that means is that CRU will take your complaint only when it is against a police officer. But that notwithstanding, there might be an emergency that you need the police to respond to; if such information comes in, we will get appropriate police units to respond to it.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 PAGE 37

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

T ‘New space created for HID in Awo’s mausoleum’

HE interment of the late matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief HID Awolowo, has sparked off a wave of celebrations at Ikenne and environs as visitors continue to troop into the area for the final burial rites of the woman considered to be the most influential woman in Yoruba land who died on September 19, 2015, weeks to her centenary birthday.

The streets of Ikenne are adorned with colourful posters and banners while commercial motorcyclists popularly called okada appear to have a boom in their business as a result of increased patronage. The Awolowo family says it is a celebration of the life of HID. “We have witnessed increased turnover because of the influx of visitors who are coming for the burial ceremony,” an okada operator said, while some other residents noted that the passage of HID has attracted prominent individuals from far and near to the town. Moreover, according to them, the death has equally brought about a certain level of development as some of the hitherto dilapidated roads have since been tarred and there is also an improved electricity supply to the area along with a beef up of security.

The Awolowo family house has also received a facelift with a number of renovations on the buildings ahead of November 25 burial date. The remains of HID will be lowered in a grave below the brownish sculpture of the mausoleum where the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo lies.

According to Yakub Ismaila, who has worked for the Awolowos for over 25 years, “another space meant for his

Continues on page 38 C M Y K

PAGE 38—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

‘New space created for HID in Awo’s mausoleum’

•Place where HID will be buried Continued from page 37 wife was recently created.

Some other items in the mausoleum are the photograph of the sage’s lying-in-state, the Nigerian flag beside the stairs into the graveside, three wreaths, an altar with two golden candlesticks and a cross, a Bible presented to Papa Awolowo during his 72nd birthday by Honourable Justice S.O. Sogbetun and Mrs C.B. Sogbetun on March 6, 1981.”

The interment, according to the family, will be private as only members of the family will be allowed to witness the final burial rites.

But a number of other activities have been on with music from various sources filling the air from different centres including church bands and gospel musicians around the family residence.

As encomiums continue to pour in for the HID Awolowo, the Tai Solarin Universiy of Education, Ijagun will confer a posthumous honourary doctorate degree of Business Education on her during the University’s 2015 convocation and 10th anniversary celebrations slated for November 28, 2015. In a letter dated C M Y K

November 9, 2015 and signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluyemisi Obilade, the school explained that the decision to honour the late HID was in recognition of her passion for education, her business acumen and service to humanity.

According to Vice Chancellor, “this award is in recognition of her passion for education, business acumen and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in Nigeria. The University takes special cognizance of her being a role model and legendary example of womanhood, leadership and family support. The university joins wellmeaning Nigerians in celebrating the enviable worth of Mama and her outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.”

Prominent Yoruba sociocultural and political groups have also continued to shower praises on HID. Some of them include, the Afenifere, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) and the Oodua Foundation.

Some of the dignitaries who have also attended some of the events in connection with the burial rites include, former Ogun

State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, Senator Tony Adefuye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and Mr Jimi Agbaje, Chief Supo Shonibare, Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo (retd), Senator Kofoworola BucknorAkerele, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Doherty and Prince Sade Sangodoyin.

In his tribute, the Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, described the late Mama Awolowo as an “irreplaceable, indefatigable, unforgettable mother” whose deeds will forever remain evergreen.”

Fasoranti, whose tribute was delivered by the Secretary-General of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, noted that there is no way the story of Chief Obafemi Awolowo will be told without reference to HID. He said, “Mama was not just a woman who stood beside her husband in the days of prosperity, she showed the real woman in her as Papa’s First Lady in

Mama was not just a woman who stood beside her husband in the days of prosperity, she showed the real woman in her as Papa’s First Lady in adversity as she never wavered in all his years of persecutions - the Coker Inquiry, the treasonable felony trial and the period of imprisonment

adversity as she never wavered in all his years of persecutions - the Coker Inquiry, the treasonable felony trial and the period of imprisonment.

“In fact, the death of (Barrister) Olusegun Awolowo in his days of travail was enough for any woman to pile pressures on her husband to quit politics.

But Mama still went ahead to campaign for her husband in two unsuccessful bids for the the presidency 1979 and 1983.”

Speaking on behalf of YUF, Senator Okurounmu said, “it is most appropriate, if not an understatement, to describe Mama HID Awolowo as the quintessential heroine, one of only a very few that have emerged from within Nigeria in the last century.

“By her life, she has demonstrated the qualities of a truly virtuous wife and a dutiful mother. Papa Awolowo intended no hyperbole when he described her as his jewel of inestimable value.

On his part, Kaka described the late Mama Awolowo as a unifying factor in Yorubaland.

Also featuring at the 19 days long activities was the Pastor of Latter Rain Assembly, Tunde Bakare, who warned Nigerian politicians not to put on sale the legacies of the former Premier of old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Bakare said this while delivering his sermon at the service of thanksgiving held at Ikenne-Remo in honour of HID. He stated that he was a product of Awolowo’s free education policy, declaring that his legacies in the country cannot be bought.

The event was attended by wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, among others.

The cleric said Awolowo’s free education saved him and numerous other Nigerians from the clutches of poverty and illiteracy. He said that he would have been a carpenter but for the opportunity of the free education introduced by the late Awolowo.

“If not for Awolowo’s free education, I won’t be here tonight. I am standing on the legacy of Awolowo. This legacy is not for sale. That legacy cannot be bought by men,” Bakare said.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 39

Adeosun, Nigerians and the economy

By Hassan Gana (Jnr)

T

HE appointment of Mrs. Kemi Adeosun as Finance Minister did not come as a surprise to many analysts. She was a predictable choice, tipped by both local and international media as one of the favorites to clinch the top job because of her outstanding financial and accounting background.

Bloomberg, a United States based international financial magazine, in an article written

by Paul Wallace, had predicted - based on a survey of select analysts - that she would be Buhari’s choice for Finance Minister on the basis that she “has a strong background, … has a lot of energy, … is high on integrity; … is pro-reform and ..is a realist.”

However, given the caliber of other nominees with relatively similar background, the eventual appointment of Mrs. Adeosun has expectedly generated differing shades of reactions from the local as well as international finance and business communities.

Some critics, who question her choice, cite her age, level of management experience and support for the CBN monetary policies as a huge limitation.

For instance, Manji Cheto, Vice President of Risk Adviser Teneo Intelligence, thinks Mrs. Adeosun may struggle to convince Nigerians that she is the right person for the job because she doesn’t have a high profile like her predecessor, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Malte Liewerscheidt, senior Africa analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, was also quoted by Forbes as saying, “Adeosun has a strong background in the UK’s private financial sector but may struggle to navigate federal politics”.

However, several other experts and economists of repute have applauded her choice as fitting for the office of Finance Minister. They cite her extensive experience working with private and global financial institutions and the significant positive impact she had on the revenue profile of Ogun State as Commissioner of Finance between 2011 and 2015.

Locally, Mrs. Adeosun’s appointment has received strong endorsements from leading experts within the Nigerian financial community. One of the strongest and most respected voices, who has for decades gained near unassailable credibility as an authority on financial intelligence and economic policy in the Nigerian financial industry, Bismarck Rewane, Head of Financial Derivatives Company, described Mrs. Adeosun as “an excellent choice”. According to him, Mrs. Adeosun had turned around the financial position of Ogun State when she served as Finance Commissioner.

As someone, who has followed closely the academic and evolving professional career of Mrs. Adeosun, I also believe President Muhammadu Buhari C M Y K

made the right choice. She is qualified, competent and reform-minded enough to manage the nation’s finances.

Those who question her competence only do so because they are yet to know her beyond the youthful appearance, the brilliance of her voice and impressive British accent. She will prove her mettle, vindicate the trust and confidence that Mr. President has in her and even those who are currently in doubt will be convinced.

Born, raised and educated in London and Nigeria, the 48year old Finance Minister is a consummate economist, a member of the Institutes of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales, as well as Nigeria, and a public financial management professional from the East London University and the University of London.

ria’s policy choices, the longer the shortfall in both portfolio and direct investment will persist,” she said.

Foreign exchange policy

Attention to detail

Though relatively unknown before her nomination as Minister, those who have worked with her can attest to the fact that she possesses impressive intellectual vigor and an unscrupulous attention to detail.

She is also financially savvy with proven capacity to easily distinguish herself in all the places she worked as a high performer with an uncommon knack for creativity and innovation.

While she may not be coming from institutions like the World Bank like her predecessor, Mrs. Adeosun, also a distinguished economist, brings on board a strong academic and professional background, youthful intellect, top level private and public sector experience, deep exposure to international best practices in financial administration and a strong network within the international financial community that she can leverage on to perform her job effectively.

She was a Senior Manager, a top level position with Price

However, the experiences of countries like Ghana, Russia, Zambia and Brazil show that devaluation is not the perfect solution to our economic problems

•Kemi Adeosun, Finance Minister

Waterhouse Coopers, one of the largest professional services firms in the world, 2000- 2002, where she garnered good experience, built a global network as a member of a world class financial institution.

She later joined Chapel Hill Denham Management, a reputable investment management firm – named in 2015 as the best investment bank by Euromoney - as a financial controller in 2002, and rose through the ranks speedily to the top position of Managing Director.

Mrs. Adeosun also worked with Quo Vadis Partnership as Managing Director, from June 2010 – June 2011.

‘Refined lady’

Interestingly, the same debate about her experience and age played out four years ago, when she was appointed Ogun State Commissioner for Finance. Not many gave her a chance. A lot of critics dismissed her as a refined lady who is only good at speaking ‘English’.

Four years later, the results of her work proved her critics wrong. She had successfully overhauled the Ogun State tax administration system, expanded the tax base, introduced efficient and transparent tax system which raised the state’s revenue base.

For someone, who has had this trajectory of academic and career growth that spans over two decades within both private and public institutions, local and international environments and systems, the argument that she has limited experience to function effectively as Finance Minister does not hold water.

If a person can deliver in smaller assignments, that is sufficient proof that, given even

greater tasks, he can replicate same level of excellence.

If it is not in doubt that Mrs. Adeosun excelled and possesses these qualifications, worked at all those institutions and did an excellent job as Commissioner for Finance, then I do not really understand the basis for the hues and cries about her appointment.

Beyond the background, the initial comments of Mrs. Adeosun show that she is not a novice on the state of the nation’s finances and the challenges.

During the Senate ministerial screening, she displayed a strong understanding of the current economic crisis facing the nation as a result of the fall in global oil prices. She also showed a clear understanding of the efforts of the monetary authorities – the Central Bank of Nigeria – to manage the effects of the oil prices which have halved government revenues and the urgent need for clear and proactive fiscal measures that would complement those efforts.

As expected, her clear support for the Federal Government- backed foreign exchange controls introduced by the Central Bank have earned her hostile mentions especially within the international media and financial community.

“Adeosun’s seeming endorsement of current FX policy choices during her Senate testimony will disappoint investors who had been hoping for more rapid liberalisation of Nigeria’s FX market,” said Razia Khan, Chief Africa economist at Standard Chartered Bank.

“While, in our view, the need to boost fiscal revenue in order to bring about an economic recovery will be key to future FX policy decisions, the longer there is uncertainty over Nige-

Mrs. Adeosun is right to support the CBN policies and the hostility did not come as a surprise.

Our economy has been hit hard by a collapse in the price global price of oil, a resource that the state depends on for more than two-thirds of revenues. This has happened at a time that the country has very low savings, low foreign reserves and there is obviously no easy way out. As far as the West is concerned, the only way out of this predicament is for Nigeria to allow a full float.

However, what those calling for a floating FX regime failed to note and decided to ignore is the fact that Nigeria a high import-dependent.

However, the experiences of countries like Ghana, Russia, Zambia and Brazil show that devaluation is not the perfect solution to our economic problems. For instance, Russia and Brazil have both slumped into recession even after allowing their currencies to depreciate by 40% and 42% respectively.

In addition, Ghana and Zambia who have also allowed the value of their currencies to fall by 27% and 45% respectively are also heading fast towards recession. In fact, Ghana’s latest growth rate is less than 1% while Zambia recently declared a National Day of Prayer because of slow growth!

These comparisons are important because Nigeria and these countries share a lot in common. These countries rely on exports of raw materials as a major source of national revenues, just like Nigeria. They are also facing the challenges caused by the fall in global oil prices and lower demand for commodities from China and elsewhere in the world.

At a 2.5 GDP growth according to latest statistics, financial analysts have projected that an indeterminate fall in the naira would push inflation rate from the current 9.3% to over 13.5% a situation that would drive growth rate into negative territory and slide the country into quick recession. These possible consequences are by far worse than whatever temporal benefits currency devaluation may hold.

What Mrs. Adeosun needs is the support of the generality of Nigerians and the free hands to manage the economy, given the fact the clearly thought-out policies are needed for the nation to overcome these trying times. There must be synergy between fiscal and monetary authorities, described as the two critical legs upon which the economy stands.

•Gana (Jnr), a public affairs analyst, lives at 25 Shendam Street, Agwan Rogo, Jos, Plateau State.

PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

Nigeria and The Carnage In Paris

By Femi Fani-kayode

I

N the light of the horrendous events that took place in Paris, I believe that it is time to eliminate and exterminate every single jihadist terrorist on the face of the earth. We must show them no mercy and we must hold no quarter in our fight against them. We must prove to those that espouse the philosophy of radical Islam that, no matter the degree of their savagery and no matter the number of their despicable and barbarous acts, we shall remain strong in our resolve to overwhelm and defeat them.

We must also acknowledge the fact that America and her European allies made many mistakes in their handling of the war against terror.

For example, Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Muammar Ghaddafi of Libya, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Bashir Al Assad of Syria, despite their despotic ways and many shortcomings, suppressed the jihadists, the terrorists and the Islamic fundamentalists more than anyone else in the Arab world.

But the Americans and the West fought against them, destroyed their countries and removed them from power. Out of them all, only Al Assad remains standing and, even at that, he presides over only half of Syria and that is by the grace of Russians and Iranians.

Whilst the Americans and her Western allies despise and seek to destroy the secularist leaders of the Arab world, they appear to adore the ruling families, kings and despots of the Arab Gulf states who fund Islamist terror, who promote the Wahhabi philosophy and who export the violent and relentless Salifist tendency more than any other. It appears to me that this is the greatest paradox and contradiction of the modern age and, frankly, it is as inexplicable as it is inexcusable.

The fact of the matter is that the most powerful and deadly Islamic terrorist organisations in the world today, including Al Nusra, ISIS, Al Qaeda, Al Shabbab, Boko Haram, Islamic Jihad, Hamas and numerous others are funded by America’s greatest allies in the region, namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

The mess that we are witnessing in the world today, the terrible carnage that we witnessed in Sharm El Sheik and the Sinai desert', three weeks ago, the slaughter in Ankara, four weeks ago, the mass murder in Beirut, two weeks ago, and the butchery in Paris, one week ago, were not just acts of pure evil but they were also the ultimate manifestation of bestial savagery. Sadly, such savagery was wrought by years of doublespeak, subterfuge, weak, ineffectual, conflicting and counter-productive world leadership and Middle Eastern policies which was provided by the administration of President Barack Obama. Had it not been for President Putin of Russia, things would have been far worse.

That is the bitter truth. Obama condoned and pampered the Saudis from the outset, he turned his back on Israel, he wined and dined with the Iranians, he supported Al Nusra, he refused to confront ISIS and, instead, he supported the destruction and murder of the Arab leaders that were prepared to do it for him.

Yet, in all of this, the people that are faced with the greatest challenge when it comes to the fight against terror are Nigerians. I say this because every single day, for the past six months since President Buhari was sworn into office, there has been an obvious resurrection of the pow-

•Rescue workers at a scene of the Paris attacks er, might and confidence of Boko Haram. Meanwhile, our people have failed to recognize or acknowledge it.

They are still studying what they describe as Buhari’s `body language' and they have chosen to ignore the fact that the economy is collapsing, people are suffering, regional and ethnic tensions are boiling, food prices are rising, fuel queues are returning, corruption is thriving, the banking sector is dying, businesses are crumbling and human rights and civil liberties are being violated on a daily basis.

They have chosen to ignore the fact that a full-blown dictatorship is evolving in our country. This is a country where freedom of speech and association is discouraged, where peaceful demonstrators are shot dead and where the homes of innocent citizens are raided in the dead of the night and they are either dragged away or placed under illegal house arrest with their families.

This is a country where the rule of law is treated with contempt, where the intelligence agencies act with impunity, where court orders are ignored by the state security, where those that stand as sureties for suspects and the accused in a court of law are arrested, intimidated and threatened and where perceived enemies of the state are subjected to all manner of persecution, demonisation and misrepresentation. This is a country where those who saw through the bogus mantra of ‘’change’’ are ridiculed, humiliated, criminalized, declared guilty until proven innocent, threatened and molested and, in some cases, hounded into exile, detention and death.

The unacceptable way that President Buhari is treating Colonel Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser; Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the pro-Biafran movement; and Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, is instructive and confirms my worst fears about him.

He has lost touch with reality and he believes that he can do anything to anybody simply because he is in power. Worse still, under his watch, the Department of State Security has been transformed into something

akin to a modern-day gestapo with all its attendant consequences.

In the case of Dasuki, the President ordered his arrest even after he was illegally detained in his home for three weeks and despite the fact that a court of law had granted him permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment. I find it curious that the President would order his incarceration based on the findings of an INTERIM report as opposed to a final one.

This is especially so given the fact that he was never invited by or asked to give his own side of the story to the panel that probed the arms procurement for which he was purportedly indicted and found wanting. If it is true that Dasuki did not buy any arms or military equipment, then how on earth did the military manage to recapture 22 local government areas back from Boko Haram when he was National Security Adviser? Did they use sticks, stones and Molotov cocktails to achieve this?

Again, if it is true that no arms were bought by Dasuki, how on earth did

Worse still, the Nigerian people appear to have been left on their own by the international community to fight that war against terror and radical Islam

the Jonathan administration manage to regain virtually all of our lost territory, push Boko Haram out of Abuja and all of the North and confine their activities to more or less the Sambisa forest by the time they left office?

These questions must be answered and we, as a people, need to be far more discerning and circumspect when any government churns out grave allegations against their perceived enemies. Those that are ready to crucify Dasuki based on a string of unproven allegations and the findings of a questionable interim report that was submitted by a committee which was set up by his persecutors and tormentors ought to think twice.

It appears to me that Buhari's determination to shame, humiliate, discredit, destroy and ultimately jail Dasuki for no just cause borders on the obsessive and one wonders why.

Yet the President's inability to curb Boko Haram and his reluctance to even acknowledge the fact that the war against terror is in a much more dangerous place than it was towards the tail end of the Jonathan administration is the most glaring testimony of his inability to lead this nation on the right path and to deliver her from her demons.

The bitter truth is that the events that took place in Paris, last weekend, with its massive civilian casualties, occur in one Nigerian town or the other in the north-eastern region of our country virtually every other day, but such events are ignored by our local media, covered up by our government and no longer even get a mention on Al Jazeera, BBC or CNN. Despite the gallant efforts of our courageous soldiers, from town to town, the atrocities of Boko Haram are legion and they have slaughtered almost 8,000 innocent souls since Buhari came to power, almost six months ago.

Worse still, the bombings and killings have returned to Abuja and other towns outside the North-East such as Lokoja and Okene and the terrorists appear to be slowly making their way to the southern part of the country.

We have a President that is imple-

menting a clearly northern and Islamic agenda and who sees the South-eastern part of our country as nothing but a colony of slaves. Under such a man, it seems hardly likely that Boko Haram will be stopped or that the war against terror can be won. Worse still, the Nigerian people appear to have been left on their own by the international community to fight that war against terror and radical Islam.

Even though it is clear that not many in the international community empathise with us when our people are slaughtered by Boko Haram, it is gratifying to note that our people, as generous and as compassionate as ever, have expressed immense sorrow about the sad events in Paris and they have expressed immense solidarity with the people of France through the social media.

This is very touching and that is the Nigerian for you. He is resilient, faithful, compassionate, generous, true, caring and always ready to sympathies with others and to offer words of encouragement in difficult times. Even though our blood is being shed by Boko Haram on a daily basis without the world seeming to care or batting an eyelid, we share their pain and mourn with them when their blood is shed and when their people are killed by the terrorists.

I guess that is a testimony to our humanity: it is what makes us who and what we are.

May God protect our nation from these evil and desperate beasts who kill the defenseless, the weak and the vulnerable in the name of their god and may He deliver us from them. May the souls of all those that were murdered in Paris rest in peace, may the blood of the innocents that was shed be avenged, may the Lord comfort their families and loved ones and may He be with the people of France at this difficult time.

Permit me to end this contribution with an intervention titled, ''Re: France!'', posted by Mr. Favour B. Afolabi on his Facebook wall on the morning of November 15. He wrote the following, ''President Goodluck Jonathan addressed the United Nations General Assembly a few years ago and told world leaders that `terrorism is a global problem' (not just a Nigerian one) and that the whole world MUST stand up united against it rather than play politics with it or mock those currently dealing with it. What did the Nigerian intelligentsia do? They largely mocked him and called him `weak and clueless' - today, those Nigerians shamelessly and hypocritically `claim solidarity with France' while they largely continue to pretend as though they don't know that 40,000+ of their own citizens have been killed by Islamic terrorists in the course of the last five years. While playing the negative politics of `Jonathan is to be blamed for this', no serious nation would have allowed such madness on their own soil! Today, Jonathan is no longer President - largely blackmailed out of office by the people that became ever-willing partners to Boko Haram - 'praising them' as they killed Nigerians and morally elevating their demonic ways over the sovereignty of the Nigerian state and the institution of the Presidency. Today, those same people are seeking support for the same Presidency versus Boko Haram. If you belong to any of these groups I have listed above, you should ask God to forgive your sins as you head to church in the morning!''.

I say a loud ''Amen'' to that.

SUNDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 41

I would have been a post master— Fashola

•Fashola with members of YBLN during the mentorship session

STORIES BY ABIODUN ALADE

T

he Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, may have ended up being a post master, but for his passion for litigation as a young lawyer.

After graduating from University of Benin (UNIBEN) and he was unemployed, his father presented him with the opportunity to work with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). This was at a time working with NIPOST was a dream job. While he realised it was a fantastic opportunity, he was extremely passionate about litigation and thus turned down the offer, and opted to pursue a career as a lawyer.

“I had a different passion and that was being in the courtroom; I therefore had to go for my dream to find a job that would help my career. It took me a while before I could get a job and that meant I was jobless for C M Y K

several months after NYSC”, he said at a group mentoring programme for enterpreneurs organised by Young Business Leaders of Nigeria (YBLN) in Lagos.

He, however, noted the failing education system in country and thus lauded the YBLN’s initiative in training young entrepreneurs for positive change in the country.

The immediate past Governor of Lagos State encouraged the young entrepreneurs to pursue their careers with a view to realising their potentials. “I am happy to see young people doing great things in their various areas of business. The better Nigeria, we hoped for begins with us,” Fashola told the 20 budding enterpreneurs.

The minister also spoke of the need for youths to develop a sense of identity, to mark themselves out from previous rigorous thinking, distinctive engagement and

I had a different passion and that was being in the courtroom; I therefore had to go for my dream to find a job that would help my career. It took me a while before I could get a job and that meant I was jobless for several months after NYSC

an insistence on doing the right thing. He cited an example of a movie,”The men who built America”, and urged participants to emulate the zealous actions of those characters in their aim to change America.

The participants were full of excitement interracting with Fashola; one of them into fashion designing and label creation, Amina Abdulazeez, said, “I am happy to see his Excellency. I found him aweinspiring and I have been motivated by his words.”

Another participant, Abraham Ogwu, said, “I feel honoured to be sitting with a great leader, all thanks to Young Business Leaders of Nigeria for this opportunity.”

The 20 budding entrepreneurs were selected from over 3,000 applications that came from across the country to the YBLN and have been engaged in business and entrepreneurship coursework, complemented by an

integrated programme of leadership training, peer collaboration, experiential learning opportunities and community activities. At the end of the program, each participant would have access to special credit facilities at low interest rates and, in return, are expected to employ a minimum of five persons before December 2016.

The trainees, who also got involved in community service programs, had the opportunity to meet distinguished personalities like the U.S Acting Consulate General, Dehab Ghebreab; Public Affairs Officer of the U.S Consulate, Frank Sellin; the Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria, Kabelo Makwane; Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Yaw Nsarkoh; Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria, Dharneash Gordhon, among others . Most of the dignitaries were present at the graduating ceremony.

PAGE 42 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

OSHIOMHOLE

My many battles with the rich to empower the poor •’Edo Land Use Char ge ssttor oblem with Igbinedion’ Charge oryy and the pr problem •Sa •Sayys he does not abuse Benin leader leaderss SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

G

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State celebrated the seventh anniversary of his administration, last week. In this interview, Oshiomhole speaks on the achievements of his government as well as the challenges.

Excerpts: You just celebrated your seventh anniversary as governor of Edo State. How fulfilled are you looking back?

I feel quite fulfilled, to God be the glory. Seven years ago, the state was almost a one-party state and it was a state notorious for hosting god fathers and, inspite of the initial in roads of the ANPP in 1999, PDP became the ruling party. And, of course, every body told me that votes could not count in Edo as god fathers were in charge, and you had to be anointed and stuff like that to assume political office.

Now it is from that background that we are where we are today.

The PDP was in control from the local government level to the federal. But, today, we have moved on to a situation in which the PDP is out in the local governments, in the state and at the federal level. So, my political mission is complete. I have nothing more to prove. At that time, all the boisterous god fathers were saying ‘we will teach Comrade a lesson, he will soon find out that labour is different from politics’. But, today, they are my very poor students, they are not even among my brightest, they have all dropped out of school. So, God has been merciful. Today, not only have we dismantled their rigging machine, the game is over for them. You will recall that in 2012, two of the god fathers went to Okada. And one of them said they had declared war on Oshiomhole, ‘he will not be re-elected’, and I thundered back and said the war will consume them and, at the end, they were consumed. As we speak, they are down, we are standing. And I think the pain they have is that even age is not on their side, so they cannot say tomorrow, because tomorrow does not belong to them. They will end up as miserable opposition leaders. The political sub structure has been rebuilt. I predicted that there will be ‘re-

C M Y K

alignment of forces and people, out of free volition, will now associate on the basis of preference rather than fear. And when you look at it today, every body that matters in the PDP has left, they are all now in the APC. And more interesting, those who left the APC for the PDP are precisely the evil forces that cannot cope with the rigours of change and they have returned to the PDP where they rightfully belong. They now concede that their god father is their god who they worship and we worship God Almighty. And while they go from one shrine to the other, slaughtering animals and goats, wearing funny colours, we are covered with the precious blood of Jesus. I have seen the infinite power of God in the life of this state; so, politically, there is nothing more to prove; they are finished, we are standing and we have consolidated and matching on.

Are you never scared of fighting these god fathers. Don’t you fear juju?

What I brought to this job is the power of conviction. You must have confidence in yourself, you must be convinced about your mission and be ready to apply yourself in full. I was exposed to abuse of power very early in life at the age of 17. I saw how economic power could be abused, how managerial power could be ruthlessly deployed to repress ordinary people and, of course, later in life, I saw how political power could ruthlessly be deployed to repress society. So, one has, from that age of 17, conquered fear; so where people see danger, I see opportunities, I see challenges to be overcome. And no time to lament, no time to regret; every minute must be used to creatively mobilize, organize and strategize, identify your potential allies and target your clear opponents, identify their strengths and weaknesses and work on those strengths and, central to this is the power of communication. I know that the weakness of the god fathers and those who slavishly follow them is that, because they rely on ruthless deployment of power and money, they do not communicate and connect with the people. And yet, in a democracy, it is your capacity to connect with the people that defines your space. In my trade

The PDP was in control from the local government level to the federal. But, today, we have moved on to a situation in which the PDP is out in the local governments, in the state and at the federal level union studies, any order that excludes the majority from a system can only thrive to a level that the people can only tolerate it; if the people decide to challenge it and they have a leader they can trust to provide leadership to that challenge, that order will crumble. That is the story of apartheid and the story of multi-party democracy and I know Edo’s own will not be different.

I came clear that Edo people were in that situation precisely because nobody was ready to provide the leadership to engage them. On the juju issue, my late father told me, once you accept Christ and, in his own case the Almighty God and the principles of Islam, there is no other God than Allah as far as he was concerned, therefore no

evil no juju made by man, no secondary god can harm you.

He said to me, ‘You don’t go patronizing shrines in order to counter those who believe in it, if you do because that is their evil way, they are likely to be stronger and God, once you abandon him and subscribe to these small, fake gods, he will abandon you’. But once you choose the path of the devil, then the superior negative force will prevail. But if you insist and submit to the will of God, my own case, as a Christian, is that when you accept God and Christ as your Saviour, no weapon fashioned by man in the name of juju shall prosper. And I have seen it, I have fought battles, I was not even a governor when I knew that many persons subscribe to these things but they never worked.

How are you able to pay workers while other states are unable to do so?

Politics is a process of acquiring power and you use the power to authoritatively allocate resources, you define and decide who gets what and at whose expense; every public policy produces winners and losers. So it is clear that the responsibility of government is to decide who gets what. Given my own background and my primary constituency which is labour, there is no way I can subordinate the interest of the worker in favour of the interest of businesses. If the choice before me is either to pay the workers or pay a contractor N1billion, I will rather owe the big man rather than default in my obligation to salary earners.

The real worker’s basic need is food, transparent to work; so because of the nature of his

basic need, the way he spends is much more likely to impact on the domestic economy. If you play back my campaign rhetoric in 2006, I did say that when I was in the NLC, if all that government entails is just to go to Abuja, collect cheque and come home to distribute to workers in the name of salaries, then all you needed is not a governor but an efficient cashier and a pay clerk. The responsibility of a leader is to think and creatively put on your thinking cap and creatively look at all the options available to you and see how to tap into them. In 2008 when I assumed office, one of the first things I said was that, to fix Benin, we needed to take tough decisions which included removing illegal structures so that we could expand the roads. There was not one six-lane road in Benin, not one functional dual carriage way. And I said for us to expand to create a six-lane road, we needed to get rid of illegal structures and restore the right of way. It requires courage to do those things, you remember the fight by the PDP then. And I said people had to pay tax; from the judiciary to the House of Assembly, the executive, people were not paying correct tax.

Once we were done inwards, we went outside and asked other people to pay. We also decided that we needed to strengthen our revenue board, reform it; we enacted a law to set up the Inland Revenue Service that allowed us to employ people of competence from various professional backgrounds outside the civil service to manage our revenue drive. And

Continues on page 43

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 43

’Edo Land Use Charge story and the problem with Igbinedion’

Continued from page 42 the result of that is that we are not now completely reliant on what comes from Abuja. If we depend exclusively on what comes from Abuja, there will be no miracle.

We identified the leakages in the system, we identified that we must move away from manual to computerized payment system. We made investments in ICT; rather than use consultants, we set up our own system, we employed people and developed it. That eliminated the possibility of ghost workers. It is laughable for any organization, including government, to keep talking about ghost workers with modern technology. In Edo, you will never hear me talk about ghost workers; our system is so reformed such that the last time some people in the ICT tried to play funny games, the system was triggered and we closed in on them and, as we speak, they are in Oko prisons.

So if we were doing manual, we will be losing billions of naira every month. So, the whole thing is management.

The opposition PDP in the state says the Land Use Charge is targeted at people like Chief Igbinedion and that you have the penchant for insulting Bini elders?

First, on the issue of Land Use Act, whether true or not that a particular individual was targeted, I will say yes and no.

Don’t forget I earlier told you that governance is not valuefree, it is value-driven. I told you every public policy produces winners and losers, this is at the heart of governance. Now what defines the character of a government is who you seek to protect and at whose expense.

Governance is a biased

C M Y K

institution, it decides who to help and who pays. That is why in a mature democracy you have this huge debate, and central to electioneering campaign is tax policy.

Government does not create wealth, what it does is to create the environment for citizens to create wealth; that is why they talk about private sector running and doing business. It is through that process that they create wealth, generate income; then government uses state instrument to redistribute that wealth through taxation. So you can have a conservative tax policy, you can have a reactionary tax policy, you can have a progressive tax policy.

What we have done falls in the realm of progressive tax policy which says the richer you are, the more you pay. And it is a conscious decision to design a Land Use Charge that is based on the more land you use, the more you pay. If you occupy 500 meters, you are not affected. If you occupy 1,000 square meters, then you have to pay tax. If you occupy 20,000 meters, you pay double. Now, if you occupy 30,000 square meters like Chief Igbinedion, then you pay for the size of the land. After all, land belongs to God and He gave it to all of us to populate. No body can say I manufacture the land through our own industry. I don’t pretend the Land Use Charge is to take from the rich in order to provide public infrastructures also for the rich but also for the poor. We have built six lanes road at Airport Road with street lights. Those who use the roads more are those with vehicles, not pedestrians. The law also exempted those who live in crowded neighbourhood, traditional family houses, those in poor neighbourhoods that need state support. I am a believer that the state must

support the poor. But it must take from the rich in order to provide that support.

The other conscious decision I took was, if you look at this Government House, it is one of the oldest in the country. Some other governors have decided to build what they call state-of-the-art Government House. I did ask an architect to design a new Governor’s Lodge for me.

He did and, by the time he cost it, I looked at the figures.

Thereafter, I visited the Central Hospital and I was shocked about what I saw: Pot holes inside hospital wards with broken roof and, when it is raining, water was dropping and mosquitoes were all over. When I asked questions, I was told the hospital was built in 1903. I said we had to build a new hospital.

I looked at the cost of a new hospital and a new Government House, the cost of the hospital was more or less the same with that of the Government House. I said I would rather build a hospital than build a new Governor’s Lodge. So this is a conscious choice. So, our tax policy, our Land Use Charge, our consumption tax are all designed to ensure that those who consume more pay more tax and the revenue is used to provide for public works as well as address the critical needs of poor forgotten communities.

Look at the schools we built, they are schools the child of the poor and that of the rich can attend. Today, government schools are the most beautiful buildings you can find in our rural areas. I am satisfied that the results of these schools are quite encouraging. First, admission has doubled. I was talking to people about encouraging the girl-child and I told them that, in Edo, statistics showed that about 51 per cent of our pupils in school were girls.

So we don’t have problem with girl-child. We have also recorded more than hundred per cent increase in public school enrolment and, in our overall performance in WAEC, we have th moved from the 27 position to 3rd and, this year, we are 2nd.

Again, we abolished school fees in all our senior secondary schools so that you have complete free education and free transportation for students and pupils.

My strength lies in the power of conviction. If you work for people, people will pray for you and their prayers will shield you from harm

You have been accused of abusing elders of Benin Kingdom. How true is the claim?

The question is, who are the Bini leaders I abused? The Oba of Benin is the father of all of us and no body can accuse me of showing disrespect, in any way, to not only the Oba but also the entire royal family. If anything, some mischief makers have accused me of being subservient, but I told them I prefer to be so.

Politically, the most outstanding politician, who has made tremendous contribution to the growth of the state, is Dr Ogbemudia who is a PDP leader.

But even though he is in the PDP, I visit him from time to time; we are in good terms; he advises me all the time even on political issues. That is why some times he is misunderstood by his party members because he made generous statements about my stewardship. Infact, when some PDP leaders went to visit him in 2012 to beg him to support a PDP candidate, he asked them which road they followed on the way to his house.

They told him the road was beautiful with streets lights and he asked them who built it. They started scratching their heads.

He told them it will be difficult for him to tell the people not to vote for a man who built the roads over 40 adjoining streets with street lights, that the people will think he was crazy. He told them that, despite his membership of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, for ten years, no PDP government found it worthy to build a foot path to his house, but APC government came to do it. So if nobody has

accused me of disrespecting the royal family, or the most outstanding politician in Edo, Dr Ogbemudia, who are the elders that I abused? On the contrary, I will say that it is under my stewardship that some of the things that never accrued to the Binis started to occur and I am very proud of it. At least, for the first time, we have a Bini man as the National Chairman of a governing national party, the APC. The Binis have been struggling to have one of their own as Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. I am on record as publicly denouncing the Federal Government for not appointing a Benin man and publicly expressed my support for a Benin man to be VC of UNIBEN and, today, it came to pass. As we speak, we have a Minister from Benin. So I wonder which of the elders I have abused. If you say I exchanged words with Chief Igbinedion, may be because some people don’t know Benin history from outside, they think Esama means king because of the way he carries himself; he is just one of the chiefs of the Oba. When I assumed office as governor, the Oba of Benin suspended Chief Igbinedion and Chief Igbinedion and his son Lucky begged me to appeal to the Oba to forgive him so that the Oba could withdraw the suspension. And I appealed to many senior palace chiefs and to the Oba to please reconsider, and I remember vividly what the Oba said. He said it was not the first time the Esama will be showing disrespect to the institution of the Oba and the person of the Oba. So I have no apologize whatsoever. If I were to govern this state ten times, I will maintain the policy that it is the end of exemption. The Esama told me that he is an exemption, but I told him all Edo people are equal before the law. After all he pays tax on his properties in London, Abuja and South Africa; so why is Edo an exemption. I understand his pains, he thinks he owns this state, which is strange really. I have full respect for elders and the Benin people. I have enjoyed more support here than anywhere else and more than any politician before me. The amount of votes I won in Benin Kingdom, when Lucky Igbinedion contested election, he never got up to that. So I sympathise with them. So, no body can validly accuse me of being disrespectful to elders and I will never be disrespectful to our elders. If Chief Igbinedion wears red one million times, that red can only work against him not me. He wore it before in the 2012 governorship election and he boasted that I was gone but God over ruled him; the precious blood of Jesus is superior and will protest me from my human being. So I don’t have any fear at all.

My strength lies in the power of conviction. If you work for people, people will pray for you and their prayers will shield you from harm. That is the reason we are on and strong. The tax must be paid and; if they don’t pay, we will follow due process, prosecute them, and if we secure conviction, we will jail you; there is no question about that.

No body except the Oba of Benin is exempted.

PAGE 44 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

Why I opposed subsidy proposals in Buhari’s Supplementary Budget – Rep. Leo Ogor, House Minority Leader

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

H

on Leo Ogor, alias the General, is the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. In this chat, he speaks on why he opposed the fuel subsidy proposals in President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 Supplementary Budget and the constitution of House committees.

Why did you kick against the Supplementary Budget that Mr President sent to the House?

They were not too comfortable with it, they knew what I was saying is nothing but the truth but they insisted that they will do everything in the books to stop me. But I think, at the end of the day, I was able to pass the message to the Nigerian people and I am sure I did justice to the budget because you saw the issue of the subsidy itself.

Firstly, you are trying to pay a subsidy of about N413bn, that is the highest figure you can ever think of. That subsidy came under the fourth quarter, and it was notwithstanding that the price of PMS has dropped drastically at the international market. And you know the budget was predicated on $48 per barrel. But outside that, you can look at how long that there has been a drop in the price of oil. So, what has led to this high increase subsidy specifically when the APC government has continuously insisted that the subsidy is a fraud? And I want to quote Lai Mohammed verbatim; he insisted from day one that the subsidy regime is all fraud, it is a fraudulent process and there is no way they were going to allow it.

When you compare it to that of Jonathan’s admin, it is totally unacceptable. And that is why I insisted that C M Y K

there is no problem passing the budget. But the Committee on Finance, which is a committee of the House and not a committee of a political party, should do a proper research and ask why we should be paying subsidy at such a high rate when the price of crude oil is dropping.

The other question is, who actually are the beneficiaries of this subsidy? Because, at the end of the day, the essence of subsidy is to make sure that the common man is the beneficiary. If government is spending N413bn in less than seven months, who are actually the beneficiaries of this subsidy?

Is it the common man or the rich ones that live in high brow areas? I think these are the questions we need to answer. How many vehicles does the common man use?

How much is fuel in Abuja compared to fuel probably in Maiduguri? How much is it in Abuja compared to Kano, compared to Bornu, compared to Zamfara, compared to Onitsha or even Enugu? Are those people actually being

If government is spending N413bn in less than seven months, who are actually the beneficiaries of this subsidy? Is it the common man or the rich ones that live in high brow areas?

•Hon Leo Ogor

subsidized? These are many questions that we need to find answers to. And if you ask me, the truth here is that there is no subsidy in all these areas except Lagos and Abuja.

I was very keen and interested in pointing out all these issues so that, at the end of the day, we should look at this budget from national perspective, look at national interest and address the issues and there are so many errors in the whole budget process because, when you look at the fiscal regime presented by the executive, clearly you will see that instead of them bringing or rather articulating the subsidy as N413bn, in their proposal, it was presented as N100bn.

And there are some extra budgetary expenditure

because it was broken down into third quarter, fourth quarter and added the third quarter and fourth quarter together.

Now, if you look at the issue of All African Games; they have already spent the money and they are now coming back to seek approval from the National Assembly; that is a clear violation of Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution as amended because there was no budgetary provision for it.

But the support fund for insurgency victims that they have actually paid, we are not against that. But what we are insisting on is that Mr President should follow due process; let there be respect for the rule of law and our Constitution because we all swore to the

oath of allegiance and that oath of allegiance stipulates clearly that we must defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without fear or favour. So if you are now spending funds without authority, that is a very serious constitutional breach. You know that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. If we don’t point out these things, tomorrow you will see them going beyond this breach.

I think when you look at the budget again, much as there were violations in respect of even funds to the Nigerian military, there were already payments made but, because we have the interest of the Nigerian people at heart, vis a vis the insurgency crisis that we are facing, I stated, with all Continues on page 45

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 45

‘Why I opposed subsidy proposals in Buhari’s Supplementary Budget’ Continued from page 44 emphasis, that we would do everything to make sure that the Nigerian Armed Forces succeed in fighting the insurgency. But that does not mean that we must throw due process to the wind and I think it is more of a caution to the executive that there must be respect for the rule of law.

You can see that when the question was put, notwithstanding all those abnormalities, with all those errors, all those mistakes in the supplementary budget, there was no single dissenting voice from the PDP because I had told them that we must pass the budget but it is important that we point out those errors, those violations of the Constitution, those extra budgetary expenditure. And the beautiful thing is that we were able to show some high level of maturity, understanding of the business of governance in the whole process. And I sincerely want to thank my PDP colleagues for the maturity they displayed on the floor of the House.

Still on subsidy, the 7th assembly carried out investigation on the issue and nothing happened at the end of the day. The issue of subsidy continues to be on the front burner.

I think why the APC is quoted to have said it was a fraud was because some people were alleged to have become wealthy without doing nothing.

How come the investigation of the House at a time you were also one of the principal officers failed?

You are not right; something came out of it. I believe you are referring specifically to the Farouk Report. Recommendations went to the EFCC and people are still even being tried in the court today on account of the recommendations. I still remember that even the son of the Chairman of our party, the, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, was actually taken before a competent court of jurisdiction, many people were tried and a lot of discoveries were made.

But my pain in respect of this N13billion subsidy money is an offensive amount of money. How come that the price of oil is

dropping and the subsidy is increasing because the Jonathan administration never paid such a huge amount of money at once.

We are shouting there is no money and we have the moral justification to go and borrow from the domestic market at that high interest rate 413billion to pay some people who are probably involved in round tripping.

The debt will continue to be there, are we not in the process of enriching some Nigerians when the price of crude keeps dropping on a daily basis? I have never seen such economic calculations where the price of crude is dropping, you expected probably by now that even there should be no subsidy and we should be reducing some level of money from the price of petrol we are getting because this subsidy is purely for PMS. But today we are paying even more than when the price of crude was almost 100 dollars. So how do you justify it?

And this budget is coming less than six weeks to the end of the financial year. So I ask, what is the purpose of this budget? Because the law clearly stipulates that in the next six weeks, whether Mr President likes it or not, he is bound by the Constitution, to present a budget to the National Assembly because the financial year ends in December.

And unfortunately also, the Medium Term Expenditure Frame work, which was supposed to be submitted to the National Assembly, four months before the end of a financial year, has not been submitted. So these are some of the challenges that we need to look at, see how we can amend the financial year to see that the interest of the Nigerian people are protected. If care is not taken and if we decide to go by the law, we may end up having a major challenge on the budget presentation because the way it stands now, there is no way the President can present the budget to the National Assembly by the end of this financial year and that will violate Section 11 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which says: Federal Government, after consultation with the states, shall not later than six months from the

And this budget is coming less than six weeks to the end of the financial year. So I ask, what is the purpose of this budget?

commencement of this Act call to be prepared and lay before the National Assembly for their consideration a Medium Term Expenditure Frame work for the next three financial years”. This provision was clear in 2007 when the Act was enacted.

Now here we have less then six weeks to go and, up till now, there is no Medium Term Expenditure Frame work, so how do we pass the budget? The way out is to either extend the financial year to about April and see how we can work out the modality and the methodology of having the Medium Term Expenditure Frame work accepted by the House and now have a budget to be treated.

Because there is no way we can carry on with the way things are at the moment.

This is a critical question that I need to ask; it has come up since 2012. And I think what happened in May this year, when the marketers refused to bring in oil so that they can get their claims and held the country to ransom for N111bn. And between then and now, we have N413bn claims.

Experts are saying this subsidy regime

is not sustainable. What is your opinion on that?

First, we have been shouting over it. We told them categorically, from day one, that there is the need for us to have a subsidy debate to know the advantages and disadvantages of this subsidy. Can we sustain it?

Can we continue to subsidize imported products? Can we continue to use resources that are from a primary product that we export and use the proceeds to buy a finished product, thus funding the employment opportunities of other nations? These are fundamental questions.

Is there room for competition? Can we allow other people to step into the market so that they can create effective competition?

Can we survive this subsidy regime? As a patriot I will tell you no, because I would not want to mortgage the future of generations unborn playing the role of “Father Christmas”.

But we have continued to play politics with it. My worry at this particular time is that the huge subsidy that we are paying; I cannot imagine us paying N413bn, that is far more than 10% of the national budget in less than seven months. And I know some subsidy has already

been paid because we budgeted only N100billion.

But today look at the figure, N413bn and who actually gave anybody the right or the authority to incur such an expenditure?

So we need to really come to terms with the reality. But I think as a people because we have continued to live like people that have the opportunity of getting free lunch on continuous basis, the poor masses of this country have been deprived of the right to development.

And I have told you that even in my home state of Benue, fuel is not sold at the N87 official price. The price is about N130. Even in Abuja now, with these queues, you cannot get fuel at N87 because you have to buy from the “black market”.

But my annoyance is that, why should crude be sold at $48 and the subsidy is increasing? These are questions people don’t want to answer, this is the reality we must come to terms with.

Let us open the market so that competition will come in and there is the tendency that the price will drop. But where the cartel is controlling the whole system, you can be rest assured that they can still slap us with another subsidy bill of probably N600billion again in the next six months.

•Ogor...Nigerians should expect N600bn subsidy claims in six months time

C M Y K

PAGE 46 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

JONATHAN AT 58: PORTRAIT OF AN AFRICAN STATESMAN

By Titus Agbo

F

ORMER President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan turned 58 on Friday, without fanfare. The day passed without so much of the flattering goodwill messages from fawning and dissembling politicians and attention seekers.““It truly was one of the best birthday moments in recent times for the former President. A self-effacing, humble, selfless and deeply religious personality, Jonathan is said to be naturally inclined to the ambience of a quiet commemoration, often spent in private reflection and commune with his family and maker.““This is the innocence he lost 16 years ago when providence fished him out, like the Biblical David, and put him up for an epoch-making stint in public service and national leadership, which spanned all the critical positions from deputy governor to President.““It is quite telling and gratifying that his first birthday out of the Presidential Chair, is coinciding with his visit to the United States where he is currently being celebrated by some strategic American“pro-democracy institutions that are obviously enthralled by his story as the conscience of Africa’s democracy and transparent elections. The development is pertinently symbolic of Jonathan’s deserving profile as a true African statesman, a towering totem of transparency, fair election, and good governance in Africa.““Jonathan’s invitation to the United States to visit and share his experience in governance with the famed Presidential Precinct and other pro-democracy institutions, in the same week he was appointed by the Commonwealth to lead the negotiations for the resolution of the political crisis in Zanzibar clearly points to one thing. It underscores the fact that, in a world where true leadership heroes are in short supply, the former President has become a global brand with irresistible democratic credentials. He stands today as the most eligible advocate of peaceful and transparent polling on the African soil.““In appointing him as Special Representative to lead the charge for the international mediation efforts in Zanzibar, the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma had described him as a leader whose experience and guidance is sufficient in building the necessary“political bridges in a challenging mission.““The mediator role was indeed a follow up to an earlier assignment where the former President had chaired the Commonwealth Observer Group to the October 25 general elections in Tanzania.

This was a task Jonathan had excellently discharged, putting up a sterling performance“that earned him the trust and respect of all the stakeholders in Tanzania’s political setting. Not

minding that it was his first time on such mission, Jonathan was said to have been so good at the job that he naturally became the face of the international observer missions which had groups from the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).““It must be said that as a former President of Africa’s most populous country who rewrote the narrative of Africa’s leadership struggles by chivalrously handing over power to the opposition, despite a beckoning opportunity for contestations, Jonathan intuitively built a soaraway“continental profile for himself. That alone set him apart in Tanzania, and obviously showcased him as the most prominent high profile international personality on election duty.““Not a man to be encumbered by labels, the former President was said to have put aside this lofty status to display an unusual sense of humility and accommodation; a trait that earned him the trust, confidence and endearment of all the political leaders. It was therefore predictable that when the need arose to appoint an international mediator in the effort to quell the tension brewing in“Zanzibar, following an unpopular polls annulment, Jonathan emerged as the natural choice of that persona that would be acceptable to all the sides.““In September 2015, Jonathan had dispatched letters to friends and close associates including Nigeria’s former heads of state, African leaders, foreign missions in Nigeria as well as well known“international figures availing them of his decision to return to work. In the letter, he had said: “On Friday, 29th May, 2015; I completed my term of office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and successfully handed over government to President Muhammadu Buhari.

I“immediately proceeded on a long deserved break; I have enjoyed a delightful time with my family and close friends. Now, well rested, I am back to work; to continue to serve and dedicate my life to“promoting peace and prosperity for all...Furthermore, I will be devoting the rest of my life and energy to making the world a better place.”Hardly had the ink dried on those letters than the world came knocking on his door.

The fact that the former President could be invited to discharge critical international assignments, only one month after announcing his return to public life, showed that the world had actually been waiting for him.““What many may have missed was that Jonathan’s trip to Tanzania was the biggest international election duty to have ever been handled by any Nigerian leader, especially as the Commonwealth which the former President represented has its 53-member nations drawn from all the“continents.““The only other leader that comes

•Jonathan... Leads negotiations to resolve Zanzibar crisis close, in terms of reputation and global acclaim, is former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd) who earned for himself, a place in the sun by restoring“democratic rule after spending less than one year as head of a military junta. For former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the terrain is different, as he had only been leading African Union and ECOWAS teams to observe elections in few African nations. This, according to analysts, is because the jury is still out on whether Obasanjo has all it takes to represent a serious global body on election matters, given his dictatorial tendencies, poor conduct of 2003 and 2007 elections, as well as unflattering record with a failed third term bid.“Jonathan’s towering image as an African nationalist didn’t come as a surprise. Although many may wish to mischievously deny this, his determination to

In appointing him as Special Representative to lead the charge for the international mediation efforts in Zanzibar, the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral

change the fortunes of the nation positively impacted many sectors of the economy. You could feel his revolutionary footprints and landmark achievement in such sectors as power, telecommunications, financial management, social infrastructure as well as agriculture where he made significant contributions to food“security and job creation.““On his achievements on the political turf, Ignatius Okpanachi, a public affairs analyst wrote in a recent newspaper article: “It was Jonathan who gave INEC its true independence and subsequently opened up the political space by allowing the registration of new parties, including the All Progressive Congress, at a time when it would have been considered inconvenient by one of his predecessors.”““His greatest fan seems to be his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, who seizes every opportunity to sing his praise, especially his roles in saving the nation from the disaster that was to come.

While receiving the handover notes from Jonathan, Buhari had said:““What I will say is since the telephone call you made (conceding defeat) you have changed the course of Nigeria’s political history. For that you have earned yourself a place in our history, for“stabilising this system of multi party democracy and you have earned the respect of not only Nigerians but world leaders.”““The rest of the world that have continued to rain plaudits on Jonathan seem to have taken a cue from this. For instance, Tanzanians were ecstatic when Jonathan was announced as leader of the Commonwealth team. This was because they were convinced that his presence would“bring hope, credibility and integrity to a close and tough contest that had left them fearing for the

worst.““This feeling was routinely echoed by the local media throughout Jonathan’s two weeks stay in the country.

Tanzanian newspapers including the Daily News, The Citizen and The Guardian wrote very powerful editorials celebrating Jonathan’s presence in their country, and generously praising his decision not to cling to power like many other African leaders.“““Jonathan’s voluntary handover of power to the opposition wrote a new chapter for Nigeria’s democracy, given the fact that it is rare for sitting presidents in Africa to hand over powers to winning opposition parties,” The Guardian wrote, stressing that the gesture was replete“with ample lessons for T a n z a n i a n politicians.““Jonathan’s counsel that ‘losers should concede defeat in the interest of peace’, resonated across the length and breadth of Tanzania, became unarguably the guiding anthem for all interest groups in Tanzania and, in the views of analysts, contributed immensely to the peaceful polling process.““Many Nigerians consider the international recognition coming Jonathan’s way at this time as quite deserving, especially against the backdrop of what the former President’s party has termed an“unjustified demarketing and witch-hunting of his administration by agents of the party in power.““Even then, it appears the narrative of the blanket condemnation and denial of the achievements of the Jonathan administration is gradually changing, as officials of the new government are now subtly making concessions. Chief Audu Ogbeh, the new agriculture minister while speaking after his swearing in last week, indicated that he would continue with the laudable policies of Jonathan’s agriculture transformation agenda.

Ditto for the new transport minister, Rotimi“Amaechi, who also expressed his readiness to complete Jonathan’s rail projects.““As the former President’s marks his 58th birthday amidst rising global visibility, the message is not lost on Nigerians and Africans that they have located a new hero. Jonathan connects easily, not only as the youngest and most energetic Nigeria’s former leader, but also as one with the most bankable democratic credentials.““This recognition for international assignments, writes Cletus Akwaya, a media consultant, “should serve as a lesson to the present and future leader on the need to serve with honour and integrity whenever they have opportunity to offer service.”““Going by the recent spell of international assignments that have come to few of Nigeria’s leaders, analysts are upbeat that the nation is actually on the path of resurgence as a regional and global player. It then goes without saying that, in the current situation, no other face is better placed to drive that agenda than that of Jonathan.

* Agbo is a senior Legislative Aide at the National Assembly, Abuja.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 47

A

MAN was employed to produce pens. His employer set him a target: he had to produce 10 pens a day. He also had three regulations: He must be punctual to work. His lunchbreaks must not exceed one hour. He was to entertain no visitors while on the job.

The man kept all three regulations but failed to produce 10 pens a day. At the end of the month, he was fired from the job. He discovered to his cost that although he observed the regulations concerning punctuality and diligence, his employer was primarily interested in him producing 10 pens a day.

Love covers all Christians need to understand the central tenets of the faith Jesus handed down. God is not looking for Christians. As a matter of fact, Jesus did not create any new faith he surnamed Christianity. God is not looking for people who diligently obey church rules and regulations. The churches dotting the Christian landscape are not the church of Jesus Christ.

Jesus says God is looking for true worshippers: “the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24).

What precisely does God require of his children? Jesus summarised all 613 laws of Moses into two: “You shall love the Lord your God with

THE HEART OF THE MATTER all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

(Matthew 22:37/39).

Paul reiterates this: “The purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” (I Timothy 1:5-7).

Love focus Therefore, let us forget about evangelism. Just let us love God. I have never met anybody who loved God that did not therefore become an evangelist. But I have met many evangelists who don’t love God. Let us forget about going to church. Let us just love God. I have never met anybody who loved God but hates fellowshipping with other believers. But I have met many people who go to church but don’t love God. Let us forget about praying several times a day; fasting twice a week; reading the bible every day and paying tithes. Let us just love God and love our

Love is always lawful. Love is always the right thing to do neighbour, for love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:10).

It is so much easier and convenient to do something for God than to love and obey him. There are many people allegedly working for God but not with him. There are many people ostensibly working for God who don’t believe in him. Many helped Noah to build the ark without believing in the ark.

Therefore, at the appropriate time, they failed to seek salvation in the ark.

Letter kills

violated the spirit of the law.

Religious people are often ungodly. They may have a zeal for God, but not according to the knowledge of his ways. (Romans 10:2).

They chase the shadow but ignore the substance. They emphasise what caters for the body, while overlooking what sustains the soul. They recite the scriptures, but without true understanding.

They eat the shell of the groundnut, but leave out the nut.

Bad Samaritans

When Judas realised that the crucifixion of Jesus spelt his condemnation, he returned the 30 pieces of silver he received as wages for his betrayal to the religious establishment. But the chief priests and elders refused to accept the money, so Judas threw it on the floor and left.

The priests had qualms about putting it in the collection-box because it was blood money. Being sticklers for the letter of the law, they failed to appreciate that killing an innocent man for malicious reasons

How could a man like Jesus who went about doing good have been despised and rejected by the very people he ministered to?

(Isaiah 53:3). How come not even a single one of the people Jesus healed came to his defence in his hour of trial? How come the only voices heard were those shouting “crucify him?” How come the beneficiaries of his ministry preferred a common criminal like Barabbas to a godly man like Jesus Christ?

Why was the religious

RCCG out with first Amusement Park Stories by OLAYINKA LATONA

T

HE Children’s Department of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has almost completed her multimillion naira children amusement park called: “Emmanuel Park” where the teens and children can relax and have fun in a godly environment and under maximum security.

Located at the Redemption Camp besides the children’s auditorium, the amusement park project was initiated by the wife of the church’s General Overseer and head of the Directorate of Teens and Children Education (DTCE), Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye.

Speaking during a short documentary on the project at the November Holy Ghost Service, Adeboye explained that the essence of the park is to enable children within and outside the camp to have a balanced life: spiritually and physically, explaining that the facilities would be available for schools and families, who want to visit the place for relaxation.

She noted that parents do not have to take their children outside the country for sight seeing as the park will be fully equipped with modern accessories that will be of great benefit for the younger ones. Mrs Adeboye further stated that the ministry is the first to embark on such a project. She therefore enjoined members to

support the laudable project, revealing that about N500 million has been expended on the project, noting that about N150 million is still needed to

install CCTV cameras, game machines, toilet facilities, Amphi Theater and other features at the park.

By

establishment offended that Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath? Why did they find it difficult to rejoice when a woman who had been sick for 18 years finally received healing? Why could they not rejoice that a man who had been sick for 38 years was finally healed? Why did they excommunicate a man who was born blind but had miraculously received his sight after listening to his testimony? (John 9:34).

The Jews claimed these acts of mercy were done unlawfully. But love is always lawful. Love is always the right thing to do.

Moreover, love is not a debt owed us by others. Love is the only debt we owe. It is a debt we must be prepared to pay and repay and repay because it is owed to our redeemer: the Lord God Almighty.

Rock of offense The truth is that the righteousness of Christ exposed the sinfulness of the Jewish religious hierarchy.

God’s actions and inactions have this nagging tendency to expose the true nature of our hearts. The question then is what line of action are we going to take? Are we going to repent or are we going to hold the truth of God in unrighteousness?

Demola

Akinyemi

T

HE Spiritual Head of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, Most Rev. Samuel Abidoye has charged Nigerians to pray for the success of the present administration, stressing that it needs prayers.

Nigerians urged to be patient with Buhari as group stages 2015 Worship Festival N

IGERIANS have been enjoined to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari so that the desired change Nigerians clamour for can be achieved, just they were charged not to be tired of telling the government what is needed to be done in order to improve the present socio-economic situation of the country.

The convener of an interdenominational annual prophetic worship programme tagged: “Worship Festival”, Mrs. Hannah Oyebanjo gave the charge while briefing journalists on preparations for the eighth edition of the programme scheduled for November 29, 2015 at Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Oyebanjo maintained that any new government must be given ample time to settle down to be able to really put things right, explaining that the desired change that Nigerians are clamoring for will not happen in a jiffy but with

patience.

On the annual prophetic worship, Pastor Oyebanjo explained that it is an annual event for pure and unadulterated worship of God Almighty with a view to reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the platform of Praise and Prophetic Worship, adding that the programme has been impactful every year.

He said: “Worship is prophetic when worshippers come with the mind to worship God in spirit and in truth not coming to block the hours. Praising God intensively and unscripted and while praising Him, there will be healing, signs and wonder, breakthrough because God Himself takes over the programme.”

Rather than repent, the Jewish clergy ultimately resolved to kill Jesus. We must never lose sight of the fact the people who plotted to have Jesus killed were the Christians of those days. In effect, the people of Jerusalem specialized in killing the prophets. The pastors of the churches resolved to kill an innocent man rather than forsake the sins for which he rebuked them. Rather than repent, Herodias resolved that John the Baptist must be silenced, even if it meant killing him. Clearly, these people did not have the love of God in them.

The Jews complained that the man who had been sick for 38 years was carrying his bed contrary to the law.

(John 5:10). In the same way, we Christians complain when a woman who has been a prostitute for 10 years wears miniskirts to church. We complain that some Christian women wear trousers and earrings.

We find fault because the love of God is not in us. We find fault because we are hard-hearted and would rather some people were not saved or healed or delivered. Knowingly or unknowingly, we believe that some people do not deserve the mercy of God. We don’t want to get to heaven and find Saddam Hussein there.

“Then (Jesus) said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent.

And he looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts.” (Mark 3:46).

C&S urges prayers for Buhari Abidoye believes that President Muhammadu Buhari will perform creditably well in the coming year and surprise Nigerians with improved and better governance and therefore urged stakeholders to be patient with him now.

Speaking in Galilee land along Ogbomosho-Ilorin Expressway while declaring open the 75th Annual Conference of the church, Abidoye said the filth of previous administrations that he (Buhari) needed to clear makes it imperative for Nigerians to be very patient with him. “He will need to clear these mess before he can do anything tangible, he has not spent up to a year, so we should be patient and stop criticising him,” he said.

Speaking on the protracted problem of insurgency, Abidoye said that only divine intervention can solve the problem, calling on Christian religious leaders in the country to come together and establish special prayers for peace to return to Nigeria.

Otuaro will go far in Politics, says Bishop Osian

T

he Bishop of the Founda tion of Truth Ministries, Bishop Triumph Osian has said that the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro will go far in politics.

"His (Deacon Otuaro) political career will go far with his Godly orientation. Nobody can stop him. Together with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, they'll raise Delta State to prosperity", Bishop

Osian posited.

Bishop Osian's comments followed a thought-provoking sermon Otuaro delivered as guest at the Annual Thanksgiving/ N20million Church Building Fundraising Service of the Foundation of Truth Ministries at Umunede, Delta State.

In his sermon titled "Know your purpose on earth", Otuaro said God Almighty was really owner

of everything, stressing that giving back to God in a willing way is possible if we are determined to do so.

"When we give, he prospers us.

When we give to building God's House, we are putting our resources where rust and moth cannot destroy ", Otuaro, a Deacon of Christ Embassy, said.

Urging the brethren to gradu

Page 48 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

VIEWPOINT

By Michael Edo Ogie

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Setting the record straight ahead of Edo 2016 governorship race

I

wish to react to an outrageous and unconscionable publication entitled, “Oshiomhole’s ill-Advised Steps In Imposing A Successor”wherein two misguided authors – Monday Egharevba and Abdul Zakariyau (fictitious names you can bet), falsely and maliciously attempted to misinform and confuse the people of Edo State and the general public that my junior brother, Barrister OSARODION OGIE, a former Chief of Staff, Edo Government House and currently Commissioner of Works, Edo State, is of Urhobo parentage in Delta State of Nigeria.

I, Chief Michael Edorodion Ogie (who no doubt is very well known in Edo State by my bylines in various newspapers and social activities), was initially hesitant to dignity this brazen underserved, mindless, callous and

VIEWPOINT

By Michael Tidi

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Raising the bar of governance

H

ISTORY was made few days ago as the leadership of Delta South turned up en masse to felicitate with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory at the election tribunal. The visit also afforded the leaders the opportunity of thanking him for being fair, just and equitable in his allotment of political appointments and developmental projects thus far. The occasion justifiably became a special presentation that panned out to be an enlarged version of the visit of the other two senatorial districts that, hitherto, similarly paid a courtesy call on the governor. This visit was quiet robust as issues bordering on the unity and progress of the state were extensively deliberated upon.

Subsequently, the issue of development in the state became the recurrent topic by various groups and personalities in the hall that afternoon. A vast majority of the participants were united in

Oshiomhole, Osaredion Ogie and history rewriters opportunistic assault on my beloved easy going, calm, responsible, focused and Godfearing junior brother (God be with him every moment of his life).

However, I quickly realized that I have a duty to defend him and confront any assault or insult hauled recklessly by any hack writer, social malcontent or venal politician on the Ogbebor/Ogie family, an illustrious family with ancient roots and a proud history of which I am today the Oka-egbe.

Our grandfather was Chief Ogbebor Osifo, one of the grandchildren of a great Benin Chief call EHONWA who was himself the son of Ezomo of Benin Kingdom at that period in history.

Ehonwa was a man of stupendous wealth whom the Binis complimented with the remark, “Ogbe ma gue Ehonwa ere onado zuroladian vbo ore nokhua”. That part of the kingdom that Ehonwa’s estate occupied is today known as Unu-Abehe, a shouting distance

from the Oba’s palace.

During his life time, Chief Ogbebor (a.k.a. Ogbebor N’Ukewhe) was a prominent official emissary of the Oba of Benin whose presence in any village or town that fell within the jurisdiction of the Oba of Benin sent shivers down the spines of every man in such community, village or town. Outside the palace of the Oba and especially in rural settlements, his word was law. Indeed he was the Oba’s taxman.

Ogbebor who died in the year 1934 sired the following male children in order of seniority: Osiomwanuri, Aghariaha, Ogie Igbinigie (the father of Barrister Osarodion Ogie and this writer), Igbineweka, Ikuaghogho and Enagbonma.

Ogie Igbinigie left home early in his life and settled down in Urhobo land in Delta State where he married three women who bore his children for him: Ofigo (from Ughiemwen), Ibamu (from Oteri

Ughelli - my mother) and Inaba (from Ekiugbo, Ughelli – Osarodion’s mother).

Osarodion and his twin brother, Osaguona (Teddy), were born at the Anglican Maternity, Awo Street, Benin City on September 24, 1960 and NOT at Sapele or anywhere in Delta as mendaciously asserted in the said publication. Osarodion Ogie is therefore on the basis of ethnic origin, education, profession, character and antecedent, eminently qualified for election as Governor of Edo State come 2016.

Pa Aghariaha and Pa Igbineweka, although now of blessed memory, still have their houses at Ogbe Quarters Benin City as at today and those houses are occupied by their children and grand children.

Osarodion’s father built his first house in Ogbesasa Street, Benin City and later built two more houses at Ugbekun (Upper Sakponba Road) where some of

his children, grandchildren and his third wife Inaba (the mother of Osarodion) are effectively in occupation today. Pa Ogie Ogbebor our dear father passed on to eternal glory on 11th March 1990 and was buried in one of his houses at Ugbekun quarters, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City.

I am not a politician nor am I on an errand for any political party. I have only dutifully decided to expose the liars and bury their falsehood in the pit of lies in my position as the Oka-egbe of both Ogbebor and Ogie families (Double Oka-egbe) In this season of lies and desperation, the general public should expect more of these embarrassments and gratuitous insults as part of the dirty game in the murky water of politics.

•Michael Edo Ogie is founder, New Life Chapel of The Trinity, Ugbor and Okaegbe of Ogbebor/ Ogie families.

Purposefully celebrating Okowa’s electoral victory their appraisal of the administration.

The overwhelming consensus is that Okowa has done quite a lot in developing the state and its citizens.

In the process, he has raised the bar of governance, as well as, qualification for appointment to political office in the state.

The ongoing transformation in the state, many believe, is a product of courage, vision and an enduring penchant for excellence which Okowa has always been noted for.

In less than 6months, the Okowa administration has impacted positively on the lives of the citizens and the various communities with its well-structured developmental strategies anchored on the SMART Agenda. Indeed, just as the Okowa Mida’s Touch is on the verge of bringing life back to two moribund industries – DSC and Delta Glass Company – which will help to expand the state’s resources, provide job opportunities for the youths, encourage new skills acquisition by workers; enlarge the middle class in the state; and, engender peace and tranquility –

relevant laws are also being put in place to protect investments and investors so as to attract billions in entrepreneurial money into the state.

Okowa’s quiet revolution in agriculture has energized this crucial and most critical sector – our next alternative to oil – leading to more youths embracing commercial agriculture under its Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program (YAGEP), Production and Processing Support Program (PPSP) and the focused development of Agro-Industries.

This pragmatic approach to agrobusiness and the attendant empowerment programs for the young farmers will potentially end up making Delta State the food basket of the nation, while raising a crop of young entrepreneurs in that long neglected sector.

Okowa has thus demonstrated that a medical doctor in government can indeed make a difference. In fact, in less than a year into his four-year term, he has evidently established himself as an

undeniably heroic builder of a new dawn, working with imagination, insight and boldness. Beyond what he ever expected as a leader, Okowa brings out the best in people, bringing them together around a shared sense of common purpose. Noteworthy is the fact that as an inspiring leader, Okowa has been able to replace transactional politics of yester years with transformational leadership. His emphasis has always been on how enduring institutional frameworks can be strengthened to ensure effective service delivery; how leaders and the led can work together to achieve common goals; and, what mechanism and processes should be put in place for genuine and effective empowerment of the citizens towards the attainment of the good life for all.

Okowa continues to espouse this concept of good governance, participatory democracy and strengthening of institutions in practical terms, especially in the running of the affairs of Delta State by laying emphasis on key elements

of good governance including accountability, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness, responsiveness, the rule of law and forward vision. He believes that trust is a public good, without which no great thing can be achieved collectively. Hence, the Governor has at every turn, displayed the fact that trust is always something to be earned. Consequently, Okowa’s unique approach to governance and peculiar style of doing development with the people in focus has inspired hope of a better tomorrow for all Deltans.

Unfortunately, this has remained a big headache for the opposition, many of whose members still find it extremely difficult to acknowledge the unprecedented pace of development that is evident in every nook and cranny of the state. Okowa is undoubtedly set to reform Delta like never before, both by creatively unveiling his own unique projects, while steadfastly is building upon the legacies of his predecessors.

•Tidi is Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on New Media

Tackling maritime crimes and petroleum facilities insecurity VIEWPOINT

By Ovweghre Jacob

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The multifaceted approach we need to fight criminals

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HE recent call on the armed forces by the GMD of NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, to secure the petroleum pipelines and prevent the theft of the country’s oil is commendable. Also, the visit of the Togo President Faure Gnassingbe to Nigeria during which he revealed that $7billion is lost to piracy in the Gulf of Guinea annually due to insecurity is timely. He also called for synergy among West African countries at a meeting in Lome in November, 2015 to find a lasting solution to curb piracy and other maritime crimes.

The message is clear, with the current security situation in the maritime and petroleum sector, a

generational security paradigm shift is overdue. A paradigm shift with new and workable strategies.

Nigeria is the pride and backbone of Africa, she must put all machinery in place with new strategies to beef up her internal security first to enable her provide the needed assistance to other West Africa countries. This would be achieved by using security operatives, maritime security experts and stakeholders who will circumvent corrupt practices.

To achieve this objective, Nigeria should be put first before our ethnic and political affiliates. This new development should not be seen as means to acquire primitive wealth or attain economic and political pursuit of any party or geo-political zones. This was what put Nigeria in this situation which President Buhari’s regime is currently cleaning up.

Rather, it should be the need to reposition the maritime and

petroleum sectors to undertake fundamental actions that will bring about change to all faces of human endeavours in the maritime and security sector.

Maritime and petroleum crimes are organized crimes, so to fight them requires a multifaceted approach that should take on board all Nigerians and government at all levels. It also requires international collective responsibility and synergy to deal with. The operation must not be sacrificed on the altar of tribalism or nepotism. This is why when President Goodluck Jonathan withdrew the Maritime Security Agency Bill and gave the security of the maritime domain and pipelines to ex-militants in 2012, the then Action Congress of Nigeria and the Congress for Progressive Change frowned at the action. Meanwhile, the establishment of Maritime Security Agency (MASECA) was crucial to the development of formidable maritime security policy

for Nigeria in 2012. In 2015, we are back to the same issue, now struggling to create a well-structured maritime security instead of using the state-of-the-act technology to control and secure the nation territorial waters. The period of January 2012 to May 2015 was a turbulent period in the Nigerian territorial waters. The menace soared because many ministers, high profile politicians and some security operatives were involved in corrupt practices with the oil cartel..

One thing is not clear, what is the difference between JTF, Operation Polo Shield and the incoming set?

What are the strategies in place to bring sanity to the maritime and the oil and gas sectors? Will it not be old wine in a new bottle?

Many maritime security experts are of the opinion that the old JTF operatives be investigated to prosecute the corrupt ones. Also, the new set of operatives must distant themselves from the old ones

operating in the petroleum sector.

The Federal Government should also sanitize the petroleum and maritime sector, implement the Local Content Bill, review the production agreement with oil companies and put in place the state of the art technology to monitor loading, movement and discharge of oil at jetties and depots.

This is one of the ways that will lead to the right strategies solutions that will help to curb insecurity in Nigerian waters.

Finally, I hope President Muhammadu Buhari will put round pegs in round holes, equip the navy, confine NIMASA to safety and administration and establish MASECA to complement the activities of the navy in maritime and petroleum sectors.

•Jacob is the Director General of the proposed Maritime Security Agency (MASECA).

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015,

VIEWPOINT

By Adebayo Rasheed Mabayoje

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Lessons for the Minister of Power

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HILE wishing him success, the advice is needful that the new Minister of Power should read the unwritten book- “Bola Ige and the power-that-be in the Power Ministry”. While nobody can find any book of this title on any shelf because it’s my coinage, the title is philosophical and passes the message that BRF must learn from the ate Chief James Ajibola Idowu Adegoke Ige, SAN. I learnt that our own “Uncle Bola Ige”, as he was popularly called, personally chosed to administer the Power Ministry during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime. He had determination, vigour and passion. He believed

VIEWPOINT

By Sesan Akinboye VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Reinventing the opposition party

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OW are the mighty fallen?

If you watched the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, during its pitiable re-branding conference, penultimate Thursday, you would be reminded of the Bourbon dynasty in France as it lost grip of power. As the story goes, through stealth and iron clad despotism, the Bourbon dynasty had bestrode much of Europe, controlling the affairs of state in France, Italy, Spain and other areas. Blinded by its seeming invincibility, it ignored the fact that its oppressive rule was breeding deep-seated resentment over the land. Like the foolish king who danced naked while his throne was being taken away, the Bourbons were eventually dumped from the throne.

Fashola must learn from Bola Ige he could turn things around within months, and “let there be light”.

But there was no light. Up till now, there has never been stable light in Nigeria! So what suddenly happened that Ige’s dream got busted and evaporated so that some cabal rejoiced. What happened is in that ‘book of the past’ that BRF should master.

Like Bola Ige, like BRF?

Like Ige, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fasola, SAN, is brilliant and has vigour too.

That he unprecedentedly has to oversee three ministries is, however, attention catching. I don’t really envy this trinity minister, though I vehemently pray for his sounding success.

What?! Three-in-one minister!

The Power Ministry is powerful.

There are lots of work to be carried out in the Works Ministry, just as a lot of strategies must be housed for implementation of good ideas that would bring success in the Housing Ministry. No. I don’t envy the former Lagos State governor.

No doubt, all the ministries are very important. However, apart from the Ministry of Petroleum, no other ministry has ever gotten as much funding as the powerful Ministry of Power. For example, a whopping sum of N2.74 trillion has so far been spent in attempts to improve power supply in Nigeria since 1999 to date. This fact was disclosed during the Senate Committee investigation of investments in the power sector in the 16 years of the PDP rule in Nigeria.

PDP and the Bourbon Spirit That was before Napoleon Bonaparte’s ascension. However, on the abdication of Napoleon, the Bourbons returned to power, only to lose it again, never to return.

Reason: They had learnt nothing; forgotten nothing.

Let us hope that unlike the Bourbons, PDP will quickly emerge from self-delusion and embrace the inevitable change without which President Olusegun Obasanjo’s prediction of the party’s death will come to pass. But if the conference of the party is anything to go by, one is left with the painful conclusion that the party seems doomed to be drowned in its crisis of self-delusion. This was a party that had prided itself as the quintessence of democracy. But what happened?

Confronted with the acid test of internal democracy, it crumbled

like a park of badly arranged cards. Faced with the freedom of choice, it bungled it so much so that the outcry against the conduct of the 2015 primaries coupled with the denial of access to aggrieved contestants to redress, led to an internal revolt, the outcome of which was that the PDP became the first party in government to lose a presidential election in Nigeria.

The re-branding conference of the party was a mediocre effort in self deception. It is not enough for the party to console itself that it undertook the electoral reforms that provided the atmosphere for it to commit political suicide; the important thing is for the party to address those undemocratic tendencies that sowed the seeds of its virtual disintegration.

Unfortunately, rather than seek an honest resolution of its problems, the party has been moving in

NLC to FG: Lingering petrol scarcity unacceptable

By Kenneth Mbele

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IGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, has implored Federal Government to take urgent measures to end current fuel scarcity in different parts of the country.

Making the appeal in a statement at the weekend, the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, lamented that it was unfortunate that the people experience untold suffering and hardship looking for fuel in spite of the fact that Nigeria is an oil producing country.

“NLC is outraged by continuing fuel scarcity resulting in skyrocketing prices and long queues at filling stations in different parts of the country. It is unfortunate that the situation has not improved after more than 72 hours assurances from government and its regulatory agencies that the situation will improve, and that Nigerians need not to go into panic buying,” Wabba stated.

While accusing marketers and some groups of holding the country hostage over the

On his assumption of office, the late Bola Ige expectedly tried to examine previous activities of the Power Ministry in order to know from where to take off in relation to the plans of the ministry and yearnings of Nigerians. To some block within the sector, it was like “katakata wan bust”, “there are troubles in the offing!”

BRF, I presume, would know that corruption is much hydraheaded in the power sector. He must take cognisance of that. Hence, it is not out of place to state that power is crucial for the revival of Nigeria.

BRF must talk less. He must not be a “noise maker” minister. While studying previous files, he would discover how almost N3 trillion had been wasted on power under PDP administration. No doubt, he would have to ask some individuals

years, he added that it was unacceptable that Nigerians are forced to go through perennial fuel shortage hardship especially towards the end of every year.

“It is unacceptable to us that Nigerians are being forced to cough out between N150 – N300 per litre for fuel instead of the official price of N87 per litre. This to us showed a clear determination by some unpatriotic operators in the petroleum industry to circumvent government regulation through blackmail and other unorthodox methods,” he stated.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for opposing removal of subsidy, the NLC leader believed the ongoing fuel scarcity was a deliberate strategy by the cabal in the oil industry to force the hands of government to remove subsidy and thereby work against the interest of the masses.

Calling on government, through the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to impose sanctions on hoarders

of fuel, Wabba said the NLC was prepared to partner with relevant agencies to enforce the official N87 per litre fuel price.

circles, with members of the national working committee, NWC, shamelessly dodging the fundamental time-honoured practice which requires those who lead their parties to disastrous elections to quit without any prompting. That is the path of honour. That is the dictate of common sense. But Uche Secondus has yet to step down so that the North-East can complete its tenure as Chairman of the party.

What makes this state of affairs completely untenable is the fact that Uche Secondus, as a caretaker chairman, ought to have stepped down three months after the resignation of the former Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ahmed Muazu, to allow for a new leader to emerge from the NorthEast zone in conformity with the Constitution of the party. The

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ROSS River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade yesterday, in Lagos, bagged the Sustainability Champion Award at the 9th Edition of the prestigious Nigeria Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards (SERAs).

The award, according to the organizers, is in recognition of the governor ’s “ well-

•From left; Mr Yinka Fabowale, South West Editor/Bureau Chief,The Sun Publicity Ltd, representing Mr Femi Adeshina, Special Adviser on Media to the President;Pastor Yinka Adepoju,Managing Director, First Class Production Ltd; Goddie Ofose, Chairman, BJAN; Mr Abdul Imoyo, Head, Media Relations, Access Bank Plc , at the 2015 Annual Brands & Marketing Conference in Ibadan/Launching of the Association's Magazine; The Mango, in Oyo State, recently.

Photo by Akeem Salau

Page 49

some questions, not probe, but there must be light in the homes of Nigerians. Whether this would translate to somebody sleeping behind bars is no big deal. Welders must get electricity to fabricate.

Small, medium and large industries must run on power that is not generated through diesel and petrol bought through the nose.

Whatever BRF has to do, he must develop the capacity to detect possible mines that could have been planted by some carbal in the sector, just as he must develop and maintain deep cordiality with Mustapha Baba Shehuri, the Minister of State, Power, Works and Housing. The cabal in the power sector, especially, must not come between them. BRF must ensure that another Yoruba Senior Advocate of Nigeria must not “fail” and later got redeployed to become the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. implication of this serious breach of the party’s constitution is that, in a strict sense, the PDP does not have a National Working Committee at this moment.

Stretched to its logical conclusion, all actions taken by the leadership could be regarded as illegal, including the farcical show that was put up in the name of a conference.

Here again, it is ironical that the party is notoriously refusing to learn the painful lessons of its obsession with impunity. Nothing can be more contradictory than High Chief Raymond Dokpesi’s apology to Nigerians over the PDP’s failure to field a northern presidential candidate during the 2015 elections while, at the same time, the party stubbornly refuses to allow the North-East to complete its tenure as Chairman of the party.

•Akinboye, a public affairs analyst, is resident in Abuja

Ayade bags award on environment documented works on the environment as the Chairman of the International Institute of Environmental Research. “ At the well attended event that took place at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Ayade was also praised for many of his seminal works and innovations that have enhanced the management of the environment.

According to his citation as read at the event, Ayade “ worked on Groundwater Remediation in Nigeria and invented a sewage treatment plant run on solar energy.

“Professor Ayade has won laurels from the Japanes Government and elsewhere for his oustanding reserch on global warming.”

Other prominent Nigerians who were also honoured with awards at the event include businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for being the single highest investor in corporate social responsibility and sustainability in the country in the period under review.

PAGE 50—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

• Inset: Mr. Folorunso Oginni

AMID WORSENING FUEL CRISIS

‘Like S/Arabia, petrol can be available everywhere in Nigeria at N22 per litre’

BY UDEME CLEMENT Mr. Folorunso Oginni is a former Lagos Zonal Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). He speaks on the worsening fuel scarcity in the country and the need for government to stop importation of refined petroleum products. s a stakeholder in the sector, what do you think is responsible for the worsening scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly known as petrol, even after approval of the payment of N413billion by the Federal Government as outstanding subsidy claims to oil marketers?

Government has refused to do the needful, that is why we are experiencing recurring scarcity of petroleum products in the country.

Go to Saudi Arabia now and you will realise that they are selling petrol at equivalent of N22 per litre, but in Nigeria we buy at N87 and above per litre. Saudi Arabia is able to sell petrol at N22 per litre because it is an oil producing country and they refine their crude oil within their country.

They do not take their crude oil outside their shores to refine and import it back as refined products to sell at exorbitant rates to their citizens.

Why is our government not doing the same to find a lasting solution to the problem of fuel scarcity in the country?

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said they have pumped about 25million litres of fuel into the system, how come scarcity of fuel is even biting harder?

If that is the case, where is the petrol? Why is the scarcity worsening by the day? These and many more, are the questions Nigerians are asking and government is not being sincere with us. Government should stop dribbling Nigerians and do the right thing. Crude oil price is declining at the international market, yet Nigerians are buying fuel at a very high price, and

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government is not being honest with Nigerians about the true position of things. This is what is paining us the most. Government must rise to it responsibility, to tackle the problem of fuel scarcity.

As long as government continues to import refined petroleum products, we are bound to experience scarcity of fuel.

But government is also saying that some oil marketers are hoarding the product. Have you taken cognisance of this?

Where is the product they are hoarding? Why didn’t they hoard petrol around May/June this year?

How come they are hoarding the product now that it is scarce? It is only when a product is scarce that people can hoard it.

As a stakeholder in the oil and gas sector, can you give us the current statistics of daily fuel consumption in Nigeria?

At present, we have a population of over I60 million and the quantity of fuel we consume on daily basis is about 38.4million litres. And if our four refineries are producing at full installed capacity, they will produce about 18.2million litres of petrol. This implies that even when the plants are producing at optimum capacity, we will still need more products. So, until we stop importation and build more and new plants, we may not make any appreciable improvement.

What is the way forward?

All the four refineries we have now, non is producing at 60 percent installed capacity, yet instead of building new plants government keeps dribbling us, saying that the plants are working.

Now, if the plants are working, why are we experiencing persistent scarcity of petrol? These plants were built since 1979 and they are obsolete. Government should stop importation of products and build new refineries across the country. For instance, let government build at least one plant in each zone in the country.

For example, if you do the analysis on the difference between 38.4million litres and 18.2million installed capacity of our

We have advised government several times and at different occasions to stop importation of refined products and build new refineries across the country, but they are not yielding. Look at the sad situation we are in now refineries, you will see the wide gap, meaning we need new and active refineries to meet our daily consumption need.

In that case, has PENGASSAN as a body advised government on how to tackle the challenge of fuel scarcity in the country?

We have advised government several times and at different occasions, to stop importation of refined products and build new refineries across the country, but they are not yielding. Look at the sad situation we are in now. We

even appealed to government to build new refineries, at least one plant each across the six geopolitical zones in the country, but they refused, saying Nigerians are not managing government enterprises well. So, we further advised government to build the plants and give them out to third parties who can manage them profitably. In doing so, government can have agreement with them on how much they will remit to government every year, and within a short period, government will recoup its investment. After which, more revenue will still come in as profits from the refineries. For example, there are many hotels built in Lagos and given out for other people to manage. This is because the owners of such hotels realised that they do not have the technical-know-how to manage them prudently, so they built, equipped and gave them out for experts to manage.

Our government takes delight in importation of fuel and payment of subsidy. Let the media investigate the reasons behind huge subsidy allocations and issuance of licences for importation of products into the country. It is glaring that if you close subsidy and importation, it simply means you are closing the sources of their income. So, you

can see the situation we are in this country. The sad thing is that the import licences are issued to their friends and cronies, who are making a lot of money for themselves, to the detriment of the entire masses of Nigeria.

Importation and subsidy allocations have become veritable sources of income for some individuals, while the large percentage of Nigerians suffer in abject poverty and unemployment. That is why government is not interested in building new refineries to stop importation, and our economy is going backward, instead of moving forward like advanced countries. The reality is that, if you fail to plan, it means, you are already planning to fail. This is our situation in Nigeria today and we can see it playing out not only in oil and gas, but in almost every sector of the economy. Does it make any economic sense for Nigeria, which is one of the largest crude oil producing countries to import refined petroleum products? We have what it takes to build refineries in Nigeria, but those in authority are not interested due to selfish reasons.

That is why we are experiencing recurring scarcity fuel in the country.

Singapore for instance, has no crude oil, but that country has over 30 refineries. They buy crude oil from outside, refine and sell to develop their economy. The problems in Nigeria are not diversion of product and hoarding as government is making Nigerians to believe, but corruption associated with issuing import licences and subsidy. They are putting lies on Nigerians, so that government will put everything at the door step of few individuals to enrich themselves.

You can only hoard a product that is scarce.

Can you give us the monetary estimate on how much government needs to build refineries across Nigeria?

Government can build a modern refinery with $4billion. What obtains all over the world now is modern automated refinery and not analogue. If the production capacity can meet our consumption need, why do we deceive ourselves with importation of fuel. When Niger Republic built a refinery and their President was asked what their plans were, since they may not consume everything that will come out of the plant, he said, they will sell to neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.

Can you imagine how our situation has deteriorated so much that, a country like Niger Republic is targeting Nigeria for fuel export? Does what is happening now not speak volumes about the negligence of our government? Look at the power crisis in Nigeria, other countries are generating power with hydro-carbon but in Nigeria, everyone is interested in oil when other resources are neglected.

Expert faults Buhari on ministerial portfolios .Calls for immediate separation of power ministry from housing

BY UDEME CLEMENT

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ntrepreneurs under the umbrella of Constance Shareholders Association of Nigeria have expressed displeasure about the formation of the ministerial portfolios by President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that combining departments and ministries that are not related in functions would create bureaucracy in the system.

The President of the

association, Mr. Shehu Mallam Mikail, said this in a chat with Sunday Vanguard in Lagos, calling on the Federal Government to ensure immediate separation of power ministry from works and housing to allow effective supervision .

He said, “Merging ministries of works/housing with power, which requires enormous work, investments, supervision and regulation to enhance electricity generation would not allow for efficiency in the system. This type

of merger would pave the way for conflict and contradiction in administrative procedures.

Works/housing and power are not related in any way. At present, our economy is not doing well because power that is a major infrastructure is lacking. Beyond that, many industries are closing shop because of erratic power supply. Therefore, merging works/housing with power that

•Continues on page 51

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 22, 2015, PAGE 51

Agric ministry lauds firm’s’ value creation efforts

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for mer Per manent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arc. Sonny Echono, has lauded the efforts of Primlaks Group, producers of the Sympli brand of convenience foods, for raising the bar of innovation and value addition to Nigeria’s indigenous foods.

Echono gave the commendation during his visit to the Sympli exhibition stand at the just concluded 2015 FOODBEXT WEST AFRICA Exhibition in Lagos where he tasted Sympli yam fries and plantain chips to the delight of visitors and other stakeholders.

“Sympli has shown that it is not enough to just grow crops, we must add some value, do some processing, improve packaging and then the products will be exportable and can earn more revenue for Nigeria,” he said, adding, “Value addition is the way to go, the opportunities are bountiful, it is profitable, it also ensures that we create additional jobs for our people and we can get additional value.”

He urged the company to intensify efforts at creating awareness and getting markets for its products, leveraging on the quick preparation and affordability of local agricultural produce.

“We have the right economic conditions, good soil and labour. So once you can improve on these, you can compete with anybody anywhere and that is what you should be doing,” he said.

Earlier at the opening ceremony of the AgrikExpo, the founder of the Centre for Value and Leadership, Prof Pat Utomi, said: “It is my view that if we focus on the strategy of processing what we produce and there is a clear national strategy, corporate strategy will key into it and use it as a great advantage to help drive the economy of this nation.”

Chairman of VPPL, Otunba Christopher Tugbobo, said, “I am very happy to be a part of this venture because Sympli proves that Nigeria is capable

of doing new things in agriculture that can help reduce our dependence on oil and gas.”

“Sympli is produced 100% locally by Nigerians for Nigerians and this gives me

hope as it creates much needed employment, helps reduce post-harvest losses and gives Nigerians a home grown brand in the frozen food segment that we can all be proud of,” he said.

Sympli is the registered brand name of a range of IQF foods produced by Venus Processing and Packaging Limited (VPPL), which is a part of the PRIMLAKS Group. The locally farmed, processed and

Entrepreneurial education inadequate to meet modern jobs — Varsity dons

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU & GRACE UDOFIA

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raduate unemployment in Nigeria is attributable to the fact that employees’ education and skills acquired are inadequate to meet the demands of modern day jobs.

This issue has become a national concern as unemployed youths grows.

Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in an interview in Abuja, pondered why it is difficult for present day graduates to get jobs contrary to the 80s where graduates picked jobs with entrepreneurial studies in the universities back then,Awuzie admitted that all stakeholders in the educational system have failed in their responsibilities to the young generations.

“We have abandoned our responsibility. If you go to any of the federal establishments, go and look at those building erected as secretariats, ministry of finance, ministry of education, how many people are occupying those rooms?’’,he said.

“I do not think our problem is entrepreneurial studies not being there or that the people training them are not good enough because those that we trained are not good enough because those were the people we taught. So, we should be getting better with age and not worse.

“I appreciate the fact that there is technology and green revolution but those ones are not responsible for increasing labour market but that the fact is that we failed or do not want to create the enabling environment. We do not want to create the jobs for the Nigeria people who come out from schools to get jobs.

“We cannot continue to blame the graduates, saying they are not

employable yet those people who are arguing that those graduates are not employable are the same people we trained.” ‘’Universities or polytechnics don’t make one an entrepreneur.

A graduate must have to work somewhere to get experience before he then established your own. The country’s most referred personalities like the late Onosode, Pascal Dozien, etc got their wealth of experience from companies that employed them before they established their own.

“Why can’t we give our graduates the opportunity to work, get the required experience before they find their feet. Will they just come out of school and become an entrepreneurs? We cannot continue to shift our responsibilities to our young people.”

Prof Shehu Abdulrahman, ViceChancellor Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, believed that if the students are properly counseled on the line of disciplines before they entered the universities, we won’t get to this level.

Defining employability, Shehu said it means that a graduate should be able to apply his knowledge in getting himself something to do irrespective of the availability of government job or not.

“And that is why most are universities trying to address the issue of entrepreneurship because we want to make our graduates employable. Once graduates are employable the problem of unemployment will disappear.”and employ Also, Dr. Gylych Jelilov, of Nigerian Turkish Nile U n i v e r s i t y, d e s c r i b e d entrepreneurial education as an important tool for Nigeria to advance fight against unemployment especially among the youth.

Jelilov Head of Economics Department of the university, acknowledged that most Nigerian universities have initiated enterpreneural programmes, little research is available to assess its impact to confirm if a relationship exists between students taking the programmes and their intention of becoming entrepreneurs.”

The HoD harps on the need for the development and complete overhaul of the education system in Nigeria.

It is fundamental to improve and enhance the people’s ability and capacity to be absorbed in the competitive and bloated labour market.

Jelilov advised on the need for universities to focus on the teaching of entrepreneurship as skills acquisition rather than its education.

“For instance students often are taught how to manage business ventures while entrepreneurial centres are concerned with the

N

uel Mark & Partners, a renowned firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, has expressed grave concern over the increasing housing deficits in Nigeria which is now over 17 million.

It also noted that more than 15 percent of the 17 million deficits are peculiar to the Niger Delta region and blamed the situation on lack of an existing land administrative process that will enable investors/developers access land for mass housing development.

Speaking, Emmanuel Mark, lead consultant and head of practice of the company said in a bid to bridge the existing gap and consolidate on its achievements, the firm would be holding its inaugural summit on Land administration and Mass Housing Construction in Port –

Harcourt, Niger Delta, as part of the event to mark her 10th anniversary celebration.

Mark however pointed out that for Nigeria to reduce its housing deficit, policies relating to land needed for development, must be readily made available to developers.

He also said the Nuel Mark Foundation will be unveiled on November 26, 2015 adding that the firm was creatively conceived to, at all time to offer a total well being experience and peace of mind to all her numerous customers .

The foundation according to him, is an opportunity to give back to the society. “God has been very kind to us and we’ve decided to use this platform to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in our society.

“The master plan reflects some of the live-work-play ideas of creative ingenuity as reflected in some major projects the company

has handled in the past. Our tested reputation based on experience, maturity, professionalism and prompt service delivery remains our hallmark .

“With well over 400, four hundred choice properties in her business portfolio strategically located all over Nigeria, this industry game changer specializes in all facets of the thriving property management and consultancy business..”.

He noted that Nuel Mark, which was established about 10, ten years ago, supervised and managed by Nigerians has gained global recognitions as evidenced by her membership of the prestigious International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). “ Nuel Mark,has been forward looking in its sensitivity to global trends, empirical reports, best practices and as a result effectively addresses the global

dynamics and knowledge of the enterprise,”he said.

It not necessary for a student to know how to repair shoe but how to set up and manage a shoe making factory, the rest is left for those with technical skills.

“There is greater need to emphasise on how an individual could establish and efficiently manage a business rather than know how to make those goods he/she sells.”

The Federal Government had established the YOU-WIN program designed to create job opportunities while participants are required to develop and execute their own business ideas that will provide jobs for themselves and other youths who may or not be graduates.

The program was to have provided 40,000 to 50,000 new jobs, encouraged expansion, specialization and job spinoffs of existing businesses, and enabled young entrepreneurs to have a broad professional and business network by the end of this year.

Expert faults Buhari on ministerial portfolios •Continued from page 50

needs urgent attention may not produce the desired result.

He went on, “Power ministry is in charge of ensuring constant electricity supply for domestic and industrial consumption. So, combining power, which is highly technical and problematic with works/housing means creating another bureaucracy in the system. This type of bureaucracy is already affecting our economy negative, because many investors complain about the bottlenecks

Nuel Mark moves to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit

BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE & CHRIS NJOKU

packed Sympli products, which include ‘Yam Fries’, ‘Yam Cubes,’ Plantain ‘Dodo’ and Plantain Chips, are delivered in ready-to-cook state for frying, steaming or baking.

warming challenge as an integral element in its universe of design factors.. The success of the company is grounded by the exemplary corporate, governance policies and ethical standards established by a board of accomplished professionals in Estate management, Construction, Design and Law. The foundation he also noted played some vital role during the last flood disaster in Egbema, Ogba-Egbema Ndoni L. G.A, Rivers State by donating reasonable quantities of beddings, food items, and other instructional materials to the flood victims. He further said the foundation, is currently constructing a state of the art Police Station at Omagwa, Port – Harcourt, Rivers State which would be formally hand over to the top echelons of the Nigeria Police at an event that will also collaborate with the foundation’s official public presentation.

in our business environment. So, creating more bottlenecks by merging of ministries that ought to play separate functions would discourage inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country. The President should as a matter of urgency separate power from works/housing to fast track development in the power sector”.

He continued, “Aside from power, Buhari should separate ministry of planning from budgeting, so that finance and budgeting can be merged together. How can you separate finance from budgeting? Now, ministry of planning is merged with budgeting, which is not appropriate for fiscal planning of a modern economy. For our economy to achieve greater growth, government must create an appropriate administrative structure capable of moving the citizens out of poverty. Nigeria has what it takes in terms of resources to be a viable economy, but government must create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. If not, we may begin to experience conflict between agencies that are not related in administrative structures and functions, but forcefully merged together.”

On if merging of ministries can bring positive outcome for the economy in the long-run, he explained, “We need short term intervention to reposition the economy, to prevent it from going into recession. There is uncertainty in the system now, as investors are not sure of government policies. This means we need efficient administrative structure to regulate the entire system for optimum growth now and in the long-run”.

52 — S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 22 , 2015

AAG fall-out: Chukwumerije blasts taekwondo ‘rumour mongers’ C

Doping: Russian whistleblower goes into hiding

By Ben Efe

ONCERNED senior Ta e k w a n d o practitioners have called on the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation and National Sports Commission to urgently dispatch justice on the alleged physical assault on three female players by Chika Chukwumerije.

But the three time Olympian, stated that the group was made of people who are just out to frustrate efforts to move the sport forward in the country, adding he will be ready to talk to them, if they have something significant to present with regards to the development of taekwondo.

He denied ever assaulting any athlete in Congo as being claimed by the group, whom he described as ‘rumour mongers’ The concerned senior Taekwondo practitioners submitted that the NTF president, GM George Ashiru set up a disciplinary committee led by ACP Gideon Akinsola to investigate the matter and report on November 6, but the issue seems to have been swept under the carpet. They accused Chukwumerije, a member of the NTF board of gatecrashing the camp of the athletes in Congo.

“His name was not on the official delegation to the games. Subsequently, he invaded the camp and turned himself to an emergency coach, thereby compromising the work of the coaching team, which ultimately resulted in the dismal performance by the team at the games.

“The high point of Chukwumerije’s outing was his alleged physical assault on three female athletes which resulted in serious body and psychological injuries on those affected directly by his actions,”said a statement signed by Grandmaster George Akinola.

He urged the NTF to act dispassionately in the matter and apportion blame to avert a re-occurrence.

“We, the concerned Nigeria Taekwondo Practitioners, urgently call on the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation and the National Sports Commission to make immediate pronouncements on this misdemeanor as it is capable of generating

T

HE sportswoman who blew the whistle on doping in Russian athletics is in hiding abroad, pursued by a barrage of criticism from former colleagues and officials at home who accuse her of betraying her country.

Yulia Stepanova, an international runner who was herself suspended for doping offences, secretly recorded Russian coaches and athletes over almost two years describing how they used performanceenhancing drugs.

The 29-year-old’s evidence formed a major part of an investigation that led to Russian athletes being suspended from international competition this month, triggering the deepest crisis in Russian sport since the boycott-hit 1980 Moscow Olympics.

•KICKING...Chika Chukwumerije in action at the London 2012 Olympics. noxious implications that could compromise Nigeria Taekwondo in particular and Nigeria sports development in general.”

Chukwumerije, said nothing of such happened in Congo, rather the team was focused on winning medals for the country and this group are only trying to destabilise efforts being made to see that Nigeria remains a force in world Taekwondo.

“Do they know the meaning of assault? I am a gentleman, and for goodness sake will never descend to that level. I am the athletes’ representative on the board and I know how difficult things have been. These guys are just a bunch of jokers. I would rather not listen to them.

“I will only respond when the NTF and the National Sports Commission ask questions.

They are the bodies in charge of the sport. Right now, I am so focused on how Nigerian taekwondo will be in the next four years.

“I want to see kids from 5-10 actively involved in Taekwondo. We are pushing to have the sport in all the schools and also have a Nigerian league.

These are the things I am eager to talk about and anyone who is interested should contact me,” said Chukwumerije.

Nigerian taekwondo athletes won a gold, four silver and two bronze medals at the African Games.

African Title: ‘I’m Unstoppable,’ Skoro Declares

W

EST African Boxing Union Featherweight champion, Waidi “Skoro” Usman, has declared himself unstoppable by any boxer in his weight division. Skoro, who is billed to take a shot at the African Boxing Union (ABU) title at the GOtv Boxing Night next month, made the declaration in Lagos on Friday.

A gold medalist at the National Sports Festival in 2006, Skoro regards himself as an explosive puncher and methodical boxer. “ At this point, I am ready, willing and able to defeat any opponent. I am a powerful puncher. I train with boxers in higher weight categories. If any opponent runs into my punch, he is finished. I can’t wait for December to come so I can add the ABU title to my list of honours. I want to do it for myself and for Nigeria,” he said.

Skoro boasts an impressive record. “I have come a very long way. As an amateur, I was undefeated. I three times that champion in my weight category at Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government.

As a professional, I have had 15 fights and lost just one.

That should tell my opponent that he is coming to face fire at the GOtv Boxing Night,” he raved.

The boxer is thrilled at current developments in the sport, which he said was close to dying of poor organisation and funding.

Osmanlispor block Aminu from U23 AFCON

U

MAR Aminu will not feature for Nigeria at this month’s U23 AFCON after his Turkish club Osman-lispor refused to release him for the competition which will produce Africa’s flag bearers at next year ’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Aminu starred for Nigeria’s Dream Team VI at the recent All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, where Nigeria finished third.

However, he suffered a knee injury at the AAG, which sidelined him for several weeks and this may well have informed his club not to release him for the forthcoming U23 championship in Senegal.

•Skoro

Dalung: I’ll not be minister of football

S

PORTS minister, Solomon Dalung said he will give equal attention to all sports during his tenure.

Mr. Dalung who was speaking on Friday in Lagos stated that his major prioty now is to ensure that Nigeria post a good result in the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“I’ll make sure as I preside over this ministry, I do not

remain a minister of a particular sport, whether of basketball, football, or boxing which I belong, but I’ll ensure I be a minister of sport where everybody is given regular support and encourage-ment so that they can make this country proud.” He said at the 2015 Nigerian Sports Award held in Lagos.

“We need to come together

and harness our potentials, and try to sanitize the industry by ensuring transparency so that investors can put in money, and I think that government alone cannot sustain viably the sport industry. I appeal to all investors that we are going to create the enabling environment so that investment will yield positive result.

S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 22 , 2015 — 53

FIFA ethics committee wants lengthy ban against Blatter, Platini F

IFA’S ethics committee has concluded investigations into suspended president Sepp Blatter and Uefa president Michel Platini and is understood to be seeking lengthy bans for the pair.

A statement from the investigatory chamber of the committee said final reports had been submitted containing “requests for sanctions” over a payment made to Platini by Fifa in 2011.

It is understood this request will be for bans of several years based on four potential ethics code breaches: mismanagement, conflict of interest, false accounting and non cooperation with or criticising the ethics committee.

There was no written agreement for the 2million Swiss franc payment – Blatter and Platini say it was an oral agreement made between them 13 years previously. It is also being investigated by Swiss legal authorities as a “disloyal payment”, and the fact they did not report it the outstanding debt to Fifa’s financial department in the intervening years could be a case of false accounting.

The next step is for HansJoachin Eckert, the German judge who heads the adjudicatory panel of the ethics committee, to decide whether to summon Platini and Blatter to disciplinary

hearings. He is likely to make that decision early next week after studying the investigators’ report.

Blatter and Platini had appeals against their bans dismissed by Fifa’s appeals committee earlier this week and on Friday the latter – who wants to stand to be Blatter’s replacement in February – took his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

An ethics committee statement said: “The investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has submitted its final reports containing requests for sanctions against Joseph Blatter and Michel Platini to the adjudicatory chamber chaired by Hans-Joachim Eckert.

“The final report regarding Joseph S. Blatter was submitted by Robert Torres, the report regarding Michel Platini was submitted

by Vanessa Allard. For reasons linked to privacy rights and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the chamber will not publish details of the concluded reports and the requested sanctions against the two officials.”

Blatter said earlier this week that he was disappointed to have lost his initial appeal and that there was no evidence of improper conduct relating to the payment to Platini.

R

•Michel Platini (right) had been favourite to succeed Sepp Blatter (left) before both were provisionally suspended.

Lukaku tears it up, again Romelu Lukaku palpably grows in stature by the week. With every net he leaves bulging it seems like the big Belgian breaks a new record.

This effortless brace makes him the fifth player to score 50 Premier League goals before the age of 23 (joining Owen, Fowler, Rooney and Ronaldo), and Lukaku is now the quickest Everton player to reach 10 goals in a season (the 16th game) since Gary Lineker.

His improvement, after bagging 20 goals last term, only highlights just how vast his potential is with the best years of his career still

Barca Continued from B/P clear cut chance. But after just 10 minutes, Luis Enrique’s team had the lead with their first attack.

Sergi Roberto danced his way around Toni Kroos and Luka Modric before laying on a superb ball for Suarez.

The Uruguayan curled the ball home with the outside of his right boot and wheeled away in celebration.

Madrid seemed to be shell shocked by that, but rather than respond, failed to get hold of the ball and calm things down. Time and time again, Barca cut their hosts open, getting particular joy out of Danilo who was all at sea.

The question wasn’t if Barca would score again but when. And it came on 39 minutes. Sergio Ramos stepped up trying to play the offside but mistimed his C M Y K

effort, allowing Neymar to run in on goal and fire under Keylor Navas.

Things could have been even worse before the break but for Marcelo’s goal line clearance.

Madrid showed some sort of fight immediately after the break but any thoughts of a comeback were ended seven minutes into the second half when Andres Iniesta netted the third.

Neymar confused the defence with a neat back heel and the World Cup winning midfield slammed home his effort into the top corner from 12 yards.

In response, and perhaps in a signal to Florentino Perez that he wants to do things his way, Benitez removed James and Marcelo for Carvajal and Isco. The changes had little effect. The Real midfield was non existent and the front three of Benzema,

Mancini: Inter must improve to win Scudetto

Bale and Ronaldo were peripheral figures.

Leo Messi came on for Barca, as if things couldn’t get any worse, and fifteen minutes from time, the rout continued as Suarez finished off from a pass by the Argentinean.

The white flag had already been lifted by the home side, and Isco’s sending off for kicking Neymar 10 minutes from the end was a sign of frustration at the evening’s events.

Real boss Benitez now has huge questions to answer. Going into the under pressure because of a lack of free flowing football and talk of problems with senior players, his line up in the Clasico, and the lack of response to events as the match progressed will the pressure cranked up a notch or two.

to come. Exponentially he looks on course to be scoring 30 goals a season before

he’s 25, but will Everton manage to keep hold of him that long? We can only hope.

•Lukaku

OBERTO Mancini feels Inter still have room for improvement if they are to challenge for the Serie A title this campaign.

The Giuseppe Meazza side sit joint first on the league table alongside Fiorentina after 12 games, with both sides on 27 points.

Mancini is not getting carried away, though, and has acknowledged his team must step up if they are to win silverware.

“We need to improve in two or three areas if we want to stay up there in the mix until the end,” Mancini said at a news conference before the match at home to Frosinone today.

“There are lots of games to play. Hopefully the fans will keep coming to San Siro in droves. We need them.

“This sort of game isn’t easy for anyone. Frosinone are having a great season.”

Inter have been struggling going forward this campaign - irrespective of their fine start - and Mancini has acknowledged attackers Mauro Icardi and Stevan Jovetic are still getting used to each other.

“Icardi and Jovetic need to play together more often.

They have tremendous potential for improvement,” he added, before revealing part of his starting XI for the encounter today.

Chelsea can finish in the top four —Mourinho winning ways he was there - I was feeling, the

J

OSE Mourinho has not given up hope of his side finishing in the top four this season - but has ruled out retaining the Premier League title.

Chelsea beat Norwich 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a Diego Costa goal , and while Mourinho is pleased to be back to

firm in his insistence that this is not the start of a title-winning run.

“It’s a bit of a relief,” said Mourinho , after Costa’s first goal since the win over Aston Villa ended a three-match losing streak.

“The pressure was

players were feeling too.

“We coped well with that and we got a result which obviously we needed very, very much.

“Fourth position for me is not an impossible mission. If you ask me the title I would say impossible mission.

Nigeria U-23 hits Real De Banjul 3-0

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HE U-23 National Team, Dream Team, yesterday defeated Gambian top team, Real De Banjul 3-0 in its first friendly game at a pre-Africa U-23 Cup of Nations camp in The Gambia.

The encounter which was played at the FIFA Goal Project, Banjul and watched by a handful ofspectators including the President of the Gambian Football Federation, Lamin Kaba

Bajo, Secretary General of the Gambian FF, Abass Bah, the President of Real de Banjul, William Abraham and Tunde Adelakun, special assistant to the NFF President on international affairs, saw Coach Samson Siasia fielding a strong team including the likes of Emmanuel Daniel, Oduduwa Segun, Captain Sincere Seth, Oghenekaro Etebo, Stanley Dimgba, Kufre Ebong and Tonbara

Tiongoli.

The Nigeria U-23 immediately took control of the game piling pressure on the Gambian vice champions, with wingers Stanley Dimgba and Tonbara Tiongoli tormenting the defense line of their opponents at will, and in one of such early moves Etebo fluffed a clear chance to put the Dream Team ahead after collecting a pass from Dimgba.

54 — S UNDAY Vanguard SUNDAY Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 22 , 2015

2015 Federation Cup Final... 2015 Federation Cup Final...

Baraje guns for Akwa victory

T

READY TO GO.... Akwa United players warming up for today’s showdown with Lobi Stars at the Federation Cup final.

Lobi set for second Federation Cup triumph L

OBI Stars are the favourites to win a second Federation Cup today at the expense of fellow premier league side Akwa United, who are appearing at their first-ever cup final.

Lobi beat Sharks 2-0 in the 2003 final to clinch the country’s oldest football competition and were also beaten finalists in 2012, when they lost 2-1 to Heartland.

Last week, both teams clashed in a final league gamewithAkwaUnitedwinning by the odd goal to stay afloat in the country’s top flight.

Both teams battled against relegation in the just concluded season and will now end the season on a high by an-

nexing a major piece of silverware.

It could well be the last hurrah on the big stage for Lobi’s vice-chairman Dominic Iorfa, who has been in charge of the club for more than a decade.

AkwaUnitedandLobiStars have experienced coaches namely Zakary Baraje and Justin Tenger respectively on their benches with Tenger even previously in charge of the Uyo club.

The goalkeepers of Lobi Stars and Akwa United, Tekai Melai and Olufemi Kayode, are claiming victory ahead of today’s showdown.

Lobi’s Tekai Melai said triumph in the cup competition

will return the Makurdi club to the top of Nigerian football.

“I am very excited and happy we are playing the Federation Cup final because it will go a long way to prove that Lobi Stars rightfully belong to the top as far as Nigerian football is concerned, we want to prove that by winning it,” said thepenalty-scoringgoalkeeper, whose team will be wearing commemorative jerseys specially for the final.

“We have been preparing for the game in the usual manner with our eyes fully fixed on the trophy. We want to win the cup for the government and good people of Benue State.”

In same vein, Akwa Unit-

ed safest hands Olufemi Kayode said they are set to hit the continent as Federation Cup winners.

“We are very focused on the Federation Cup final and we are going all out for victory to get a continental ticket,” said Kayode.

“We are not allowing the victory we have over them in the last game of the season get into our heads because it’s a different ball game, so we are focused on doing the job on today.”

HE coach of Akwa United, Zachary Baraje, has said that he is excited by the prospects of becoming the first man to win a trophy for the Akwa Ibom state side.

Baraje, who had coached both Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Enyimba of Aba, will undoubtedly see a trophy win with Akwa United should they accomplish it, the crowning momemt of his career.

“This is the first time that Akwa United will play in the finals of the Federation Cup and I am happy that I led them to achieve this feat, Baraje said “I want to make history with the team by winning the trophy in our first time of making it to the final of the competition.

“Akwa United may not have done well in the Nigeria Premier League, but we are in the Federarion Cup, we are going to win it this first time that we have qualified for the finals “The people of Akwa Ibom have been very supportive and they deserve to see the trophy when we beat Lobi Stars on Sunday (today)” Meanwhile, the skippers of both Akwa United and Lobi Stars, are embroiled in war of words Terna Ikpeen, the skipper of Lobi Stars and Akwa

A

KWA Ibom state gov ernor, Udom Emmanuel has moved to fire up the players of Akwa United ahead of today,s Federation Cup final against Lobi Stars at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Emmanuel while charging the players to do the state proud in an interactive session held in Uyo disclosed that he has re-

L

C M Y K

United Captain, Otonbong Effiong both had strong words ahead of the showdown.

“We have the experience in Cup game having won the trophy in 2003. We know how to play Cup matches, Ikpeen said.

“Akwa United might be a good side, but they should wait for their time to win this trophy. This is not their year, we are ready and everything is working in our favour in this competition “We are poised to lift the trophy and take it to Makurdi to tell our supporters that we are a good side irrespective our performance in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

We know what is at stake and I am optimistic that we are going to win the trophy and become champions again”, he concluded.

Governor Udom lifts Akwa with N100m

•Udom Udom leased N100m to the team to enable it settle all out-

Okpotu sad missing Cup final

CHEERS!.... Players of Lobi Stars acknowledging cheers from fans.

•Baraje

OBI Stars striker Tony Okpotu has revealed he is disappointed he will not feature in today’s Federation Cup final because he was not registered by the Makurdi club.

This year’s Federation Cup final is between Lobi and Akwa United, who both battled against relegation this past league season.

“It is very painful that I

will miss the Federation Cup final. No player will be happy seeing his team in the final of a competition of such magnitude and won’t be able to play,” Okpotu lamented.

The striker scored 12 goals this past season in the league. Okpotu joined up with hometown club Lobi after the deadline for the registration for the cup competition had ran out.

standing financial commitments.

The governor said he looks forward to the Uyo Nest of Champions hosting continental football next season. He pointed out that the state will be a good advertisement for the country when it comes to African football as it boasts the best arena in Nigeria today.

Emmanuel who promised to be in Lagos to cheer the team and God willing kiss the nation,s most glamorous soccer diadem stated:”I m sure the cup is coming to Akwa Ibom for the very first time. We are going to make history on Sunday.”

The state sports commissioner, Monday Uko while thanking the Governor for his support said the team is in high spirit and would carry the form that saw them beat the same Lobi last weekend in Uyo into today’s final.

S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 22 , 2015 — 55

Costa eases pressure on Chelsea

Arsenal fall to West Brom

D

A

IEGO Costa’s second-half strike helped Chelsea get back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Norwich City at Stamford Bridge.

Costa scored his third league goal of the season after 64 minutes, the Spain international’s first strike since finding the back of the net against Aston Villa in October.

And the forward’s winner brought to an end a poor run of seven defeats in their last 12 games for the champions, including three consecutive top-flight losses.

Chelsea had manager Jose Mourinho back in the dugout after his one-match ban at Stoke City last time out, and the Portuguese made three alterations from the team that lost 1-0 at the Britannia.

One of those changes saw Kenedy make his firstever Premier League start in an unfamiliar left-back role, however, the 19-yearold enjoyed an impressive first half.

It was Norwich though

C M Y K

•Striking distance....Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (L) scores. who had the first real opening of the game as Dieumerci Mbokani’s flick on found Nathan Redmond, with the England U21 international then testing Asmir Begovic at his near post with a well-struck shot.

However, Chelsea were starting to look more like the side that won the title last season, and none more so than playmaker Eden Hazard, who Mourinho had opted to field in the ‘hole’ behind lone frontman Costa.

RSENAL missed a chance to move top of the table with a stunning 2-1 upset loss at the Hawthorns against mid table West Bromwich Albion.

Powered by a fine performance from James McClean down the left channel against an Arsenal side that looked weary, WBA fully deserved their win on the day. Santi Cazorla missed a late penalty kick that would have preserved a point for Arsenal to complete a frustrating afternoon.

It was an agonizing

Liverpool knock City at home starting XI with no outI V E R P O O L weak defending from and-out striker, but that L s h o c k e d City to put Jurgen mattered little for Manchester City with Klopp’s men 3-0 up three first-half goals at the Etihad Stadium to earn a 4-1 win against Manuel Pellegrini’s Premier League title contenders.

Eliaquim Mangala scored a comical own goal seven minutes in, while Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino capitalised on more

within 32 minutes.

Sergio Aguero hit back a minute before half-time as Manuel Pellegrini’s side tried to regroup, but the damage was already done as Martin Skrtel volleyed home late on with Liverpool denying City the chance to retake top spot from Leicester City.

Klopp selected a

Liverpool as City could not cope with the visitors’ movement in between the lines.

Liverpool started brightly and punished City seven minutes in — Bacary Sagna was caught in possession at right-back, and Firmino’s low cross to the near post was finished by Mangala as he struggled to

outing for the Gunners, who had plenty of chances, but looked short of fitness and ultimately lacked a true cutting edge. Despite seeing plenty of the ball and getting another fine show in midfield from Mesut Ozil, Arsenal were disconnected and only rarely were able to break down a well-organized Albion.

This was not a park-thebus game from WBA manager Tony Pulis, known for his defensive rigor. Indeed, WBA forced Cech into more saves than usual. readjust his feet.

Klopp’s side continued to press a City back line without captain Vincent Kompany, and had their second on 23 minutes on the counter once more.

Firmino played an inch-perfect cross-pass for Coutinho from the right flank, and the playmaker turned the ball home underneath Joe Hart’s legs to double their advantage.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

EL CLASICO:

Barca batter Blancos

0 d i dr 4 a l M lona a Re arce B

R

•Benzema

Akwa Utd dare Lobi in Fed Cup final —P.54

EAL Madrid suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu – a defeat that will crank up the pressure on boss Rafa Benitez.

Luis Suarez (2), Neymar and Andres Iniesta got the goals that ensured the La Liga champions moved six points clear of their rivals. The home fans jeered, whistled and held up the white hankies to show their displeasure at such a result.

Los Blancos were looking to get back on track following their loss to Sevilla last time out. And with Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the line up, there was plenty of optimism around the stadium that Real could get the goals they needed to overcome their freescoring visitors.

But what they hadn’t expected was for the midfield and defence to go AWOL throughout, inviting Barca to attack wave after wave.

Before kick off, both teams lined up on the field and the stadium fell silent as the French national anthem played to remember those who lost their lives in the attacks in Paris last week.

Once underway, Real actually started quite brightly, dominating possession in the opening seven or eight minutes without creating a

Continues on Page 53

Agony for Chelsea beat Norwich to Carzola as end disastrous run – P.55 Arsenal lose —P.55 CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Governor of Sokoto State (8) 5. Assistant (4) 7. Praise (5) 8. Upright (4) 9. Lantern (4) 11. Tradition (6) 13. Lagos masquerade (3) 15. Exclamation (2) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 18. Agent (3) 20. Glitters (6) 24. Forward (5) 25. Nigerian state (6) 27. Boring tool (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric (5) 31. Perform (2) 32. Oshiomhole’s state (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 36. Vow (4) 38. Musical quality (4) 39. Inclination (5) 40. Eager (4) 41. Damages (8)

DOWN 1. Sample (5) 2. Niger state town (4) 3. Observe (5) 4. Lecture (6) 5. Everyone (3) 6. Use (6) 10. Inquires (4) 12. Carpet (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Resistance unit (3) 17. Coax (4) 19. Rollicked (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 22. Satisfied (4) 23. Nigerian state (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 27 . African country (6) 28. Endure (4) 29. Child (3) 30. Spoke (6) 31. Adorn (5) 33. Baking chambers (5) 35. Asterisk (4) 37. Possessed (3)

•Hart

Reds rout hapless City 5 5 .

P 4 –1 — RESULTS EPL

Fifa ethics committee

wants lengthy ban against Blatter, Platini —P.53

See solution on page 5

Watford Chelsea Everton Newcastle Utd Southampton Swansea City WestBrom Man. City

La Liga

Real Sociedad Real Madrid

Ligue 1

FT Lorient

Bundesliga

1 1 4 0 0 2 2 1

Man. United Norwich City Aston Villa Leicester City Stoke City Bournemouth Arsenal Liverpool

2 0 0 3 1 2 1 4

2 0

Sevilla Barcelona

0 4

1

PSG

2

Hannover 96 B\Leverkusen Mainz 05 Werder Bremen Augsburg

1 3 0 0 4

Borussia Mo'bach 2 E\Frankfurt 1 FC Cologne 0 Wolfsburg 6 VfB Stuttgart 0

Tottenham TODAY'S vs WestMATCH Ham 5.00pm

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