Military Weapons Used by robbers under probe

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Arms sophistication shocking – CP Continued from page 1 Sunday Vanguard can authoritatively reveal, are normally used by the military.

Seven persons, among them three policemen, were killed by the robbers who struck in different parts of the state.

The arrested suspects and recovered arms were paraded by the police last week.

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agos State police commissioner, Mr. Umar Manko, told Sunday Vanguard at the weekend, that the day of robbery was a bad day in Lagos. Sources in Lagos and Abuja said the security services are interested in finding out how the suspected robbers came about the ammunition.

“Certainly, we want to know how they came about the arms and ammunition”, one of the sources explained. According to the source, the security agencies are making efforts to find the source of the weapons.

He went on: “To have found that large quantity of sophisticated weapons in the hands of people who are not supposed to have them, we felt very surprised because these weapons are meant to be found in the hands of people who are supposed to defend the territorial integrity of this country. If they are found in the hands of criminals whose primary purpose is to destroy, one who has the responsibility of enforcing the law will not be happy about it and if I tell you we weren’t shocked about the arms, I am telling you a lie because I couldn’t imagine criminals having that kind of arms in their possession, including rocket launchers and general purpose machine guns and high caliber weapons that are not ordinarily used by security operatives”.

Sunday Vanguard was made to understand that the arms, after investigation, will return

to the service they came from.

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nother source stated: “The step we will take first is to identify the sources of these arms. All the arms have numbers. Maybe at one time or the other, they were allocated to some security officers. We will try to locate those which came from the services and we will return them to the services. And by the time we finish with that, those we can not identify the source, of course, will be destroyed.

There are procedures for that”.

Lagos State police commissioner, who spoke exclusively to Sunday Vanguard, said his men were on the trail of other suspects in the Lagos robbery who are still on the run.

Manko’s words: “We will make efforts to get them and we are already making efforts to get them. I hardly beat my chest. People only need to be patient with us. When the robbery happened, we told

you that it wasn’t going to take us time to arrest the master minds. By the grace of Allah, today, we have some of them.

Those who are still on the run we are going to get them wherever they are. They might be at large now but their arrest will mean a lot to residents of the state and security agents.

We will not go to bed. We will go after the robbers with all our strength”.

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n what the police are doing to make Lagos safe, he said, “We are doing all we can to checkmate criminals, but that is not the duty of the police alone. It is the duty of everyone in the state. I think it is the responsibility of everyone in the state to look out for criminals and arms and alert the security agencies. In Lagos State, we are collaborating with all the security agencies to ensure that we secure the residents.

So, it is a task, a very huge one for that matter for security agencies in Lagos to ensure that we checkmate criminals”.

Governor Peter Obi , with Anglican Bishop of Mbamili, Most Rev. Henry Okeke transversing what was once a sprawling community of Umueze Anam in a boat. The entire Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra West and Anambra East are completely subsumed by flood.

Flood takes over Anambra communities, Gov Obi cries for help G

OVERNOR Peter Obi wants assistance for Anambra State which, according to him, is badly hit by flood.

He made this call yesterday while touring the affected local governments of Ayamelu, Ogbaru, Anambra West and Anambra East.

The governor, who had a hectic day accessing the affected areas in canoe, cancelled his planned trip to Mexico tomorrow on the reason that it is only a man devoid of feeling for his people that would travel out from the state for whatever reason, while his people faced dangers of death and

SOLUTION

displacement. ”The only trip I am disposed to undertake for now is answering calls to come

for aid for the affected communities or for discussions on how to mitigate the

People’s houses submerged by water.

suffering of those affected”, the governor said.

In some of the communities he visited, he held meetings with the stakeholders on the best possible way to render immediate assistance to the people. Besides giving directives to his cabinet members from affected communities to stay with their people and take charge of government support to them in the form of relief materials, the state has also set up camps for the displaced and sent vehicles and boats to evacuate those who are trapped in different parts of Anambra including those taking refuge on tree tops.

248 escape air mishap in Lagos *As plane makes emergency landing

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

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HERE was tension in the aviation industry yesterday amid speculation that there was an incident involving a Quatar Airways Airbus 332 with 284 passengers onboard on its way to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos from Doha, Quatar.

But investigations by Sunday Vanguard revealed that the aircraft had an emergency landing around 1:04 p.m. at MMIA because of low pressure in the tyres in the under carriage of the aircraft.

Words had earlier gone round that the aircraft suffered burst

tyres.

A reliable source close to air traffic controllers at the MMIA, who refused to have his name in print, confirmed that the aircraft did not have burst tyres, rather the incident happened while the aircraft was about to land.

He pointed out that the tyres in the under carriage of the aircraft burst as it made contact with the runway due to low pressure.

According to him, while the Quatar Airways Airbus 332 aircraft took off in Doha Quatar, the pilot of the airline discovered that the tyres in the under carriage had low pressure; so he had to contact the airlines staff in their

station in Nigeria to inform the ATC on duty to make precautionary arrangement to salvage the situation on landing.

He further noted that no sooner than the aircraft landed than it got stuck at the cargo side of the runway , preventing other planes from using the runway until it was toed with a push back tractor to the apron of the airport in order to disembark the passengers on board.

Sunday Vanguard gathered further that as soon as the aircraft landed, it was escorted

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Shocking U-turn: Pilgrims not deported — Hajj Commission

BY OSCARLINE ONWUEMENYI & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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he National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has described as untrue reports that female Muslim pilgrims who were airlifted back to Nigeria last week were deported by the Saudi Arabian government.

Instead,the commission said the sudden return of the female pilgrims was at the instance of N i g e r i a n government,which wanted to rectify certain anomalies.

It said Nigeria has not violated any Saudi Arabian law to warrant deportation of the pilgims.

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of NAHCON, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, reiterated that the issue of a male companion for female pilgrims to the kingdom is a fundamental aspect of the hajj exercise which Nigeria cannot afford to violate.

He said that the Federal Government delegation to Saudi Arabia was also not

denied visa to the kingdom noting that the issue of the departure of the delegation has to do with the disparity in timing between the two countries.

This was as he said that the suspended airlifting operation of the pilgrims would resume as soon as all the challenges that led to the problem are addressed. He added that eight states with 32 flight schedules are on standby to commence

operation when the challenges are sorted out.

He gave assurance that all the pilgrims would be airlifted before the October 20 closing date of the King A b d u l a z e e z International Airport Jeddah and Madinah airport, saying the approved air carriers for the operation, Max Airline, Mediview, Meridiene and Kabo airlines, are all set to commence airlifting.

L-r: Kennedy Kithake, Amit Shahi, Enase Okonedo and Riva Das, Poonam Kumar, Zubaida Bai, Kola Olajide and Bhairav Kumar Mandal at the Indiafrica Business Venture Awards ceremony in Lagos, last week

Delta community seeks FG, Delta intervention as flood displaces residents

BY EPHRAIM OSEJI &

ANOZIE EGOLE

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DOKWA National Union, NNU, has called on the federal and Delta State governments to come to the rescue of victims of the flood disaster in Ndokwa and environs.

President-General of NNU, Mr. Paul Osogbe Enebeli, at a briefing after inspecting some of the affected areas particularly called on the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the State Emergency Relief Agency, SERA, to urgent-

ly send relief materials such as food, clothing, beddings, medicine to the victims.

Enebeli commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for taking immediate action with the setting up of a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), to handle issues related to the flood disaster and urged the Utuama committee to swing into action before the situation worsened.

The NNU PresidentGeneral lamented that scores of displaced farmers in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta were seeking refuge in the upland of Ashaka and Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale towns following the

washing away of their communities, farmlands, fish ponds and crops by flood.

Communities most affected along the River Niger are, AballaOshimili, Utchi Communities of (Okwumedo, Umuochi, Owelle, Obalu, Oboma and Obeche), Okpai communities of Oluchi, Umuagulu, Obeze, Asaba Okpai, Beneku, Abalagada, Aboh, Abuato, Ugbene, Agwe-Iyom, Ise-Onokpo, Onuobiuku, UmuUgbome, Umu-Uti, Afiankwo, Umuolu, Adiai, Utuoku, Oworubia, WariIrri, and Onyah.

Enebeli said yams, cassava, plantain, vegetables, garden eggs and pepper among other

crops were completely destroyed while the entire Aboh town, the local government area headquarters, Utchi, Aballa Oshimili, Okpai, Inyi, Onoaboh, Ase may soon go under water as the markets in the

248 escape air mishap Continued from page 5 by four fire tenders and one operational vehicle to the apron side of the airport in case of any fire outbreak.

Scores of fire fighters belonging to FAAN, Lagos State Fire Service

Reps hail Chime

BY CHINENYEH OZOR,

NSUKKA

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overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has been commended by members of the House of Representatives Committee on State and Local Government, for properly utilising local government funds in his state.

Members of the committee, who paid a working visit to the 17 local government areas of the state, on Friday, applauded the state governor for initiating developmental projects such as creation of road networks, health centers, electricity, schools and agriculture with the rural parts of the State.

The leader of the eight man committee, Hon. Kayode Adebayo, while inspecting some projects at Igbo Eze North Local Government Area,

praised the governor and the council chairman, Mr. Bonaventure Onuh, for impacting on the lives of the people.

“We attribute the achievement of Igbo Eze North Local Government to the fact that state governor, Sullivan Chime does not temper with funds meant for local government councils, but releases

them as it comes from the federation allocation.

The impact can be seen throughout the state as council chairmen use the fund to embark on projects that impact on lives of the countryside dwellers. We are calling on Chime’s counterparts in other states to emulate Enugu state government and stop the use of caretaker committees”, he stated.

Olojudo in Lagos

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communities have already been submerged, adding that unless there was urgent response from the federal and state governments there could be be famine in Ndokwa land, a major food basket in Delta State.

or two days, Friday Nov. 9 and Saturday Nov. 10, indigenes of Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State resident in Lagos will play host to their monarch, Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba (Capt.) Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro.

The monarch will interact with the indegenes at Ido-Ekiti Hall, 10 Agbekolade Street, Idi-Oro, Mushin on Nov. 9.

Before then, according to Chief David Omoniyi, Chairman, Olojudo Reception Committee, the monarch will pay a courtesy call on Oba Akiolu of Lagos.

On Nov. 10, there will be a grand reception for the Olojudo and launching of N200m Ido Devt Fund at Eko FM Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

and Julius Berger, and ambulance vehicles were mobilised at the cargo unit of the airport preparatory to the aircraft landing.

Even, officials of the Lagos State emergency management agency were fully mobilised to the airport in the event of a possible crash.

The panic-stricken passengers were reluctant to speak on their experience. They were rather were grateful to God for saving them from air crash.

Speaking to reporters at the cargo section of the Lagos international airport , the media officer of NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, who led the emergency process on behalf of the agency, explained that they received a distress call from the pilot of the aircraft on approach to Lagos, that the aircraft had burst tyres on the rear side, which would require emergency management on landing.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, explained that the pilot of the aircraft took precautionary steps to land the plane.

He confirmed that the aircraft had low pressure in the tyres in the under carriage.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 7

From left: Mrs Omotayo Raji; SP Adeola Raji, Retiring Divisional Police Officer, Anthony Division, Lagos; ACP Charles Chima, Area Commander, Area H, Ogudu and Hon. Babatunde Sofola, Chairman, Kosofe Local Government, Lagos State at a send-forth party in honour of SP Adeola Raji, DPO and inspector Ayodele Robert, both of Anthony Police Division, Lagos yesterday. Photos by Lamidi Bamidele.

From left: Lion Veronica Kenine; Lion Gloria Moweta, President, Ikeja Viva L'amour Lions club; Lion GertrudeAkhimien, incoming President and Lion Schola Onyeyiri, Tail Twister at the International Association of Lions Club 2012-2013 flag off ceremony of Hope for the Nigerian Child held in Lagos .

Lawmakers asked to leave enduring legacies behind

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA

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Inspector Ayodele Robert, Anthony Division and his wife, at the send-forth party.

IGERIAN legislators have been asked to be firm in carrying out their constitutional duties in

order to leave lasting legacies behind at the end of their sojourn on earth.

The Speaker, Delta State House Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Ochei, gave the advice at a valedictory session in

Farewell to Adegbite, the bridge-builder •Jonathan, Sultan, OBJ, Shonekan, govs, others pay tributes

By DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta & BASHIR ADEFAKA

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BEOKUTA, Ogun State capital, stood still as the remains of the Secretary-General ,Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji, Abdul Lateef Adegbite, were interred, yesterday.

Adegbite passed on, on Friday.

Present at the interment of the Baba Adinni and Seriki of Egbaland, who died at the age of 79, were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Sonekan; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar; and governors of Ogun and Lagos states, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Mr Raji Fashola respectively.

Others were two ex-governors of Ogun State,Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola Alao; and the Imams from all the South west states.

Adegbite, whose body was committed to mother earth at about 4 p.m., was described by the Muslim leader in South West, Alhaji Daud Noibi, as a complete believer in Al-

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lah.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his tribute, described Adegbite as a bridge-builder who reached across ethnic and religious divides to promote peace and unity in the country.

The President said, “Dr. Adegbite’s tenure as the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) would forever be remembered for fostering peace and unity among religious groups in the country and for his moderating influence.”

In his own tribute, the Sultan of Sokoto said:” I cannot find words to express how I feel about his death. ”I have worked with Baba Adinni for six years.

He worked for Allah passionately.”

Obasanjo said: “Some of us who know him know that he was doing social service within Egba, Ogun, Nigeria and beyond.

“He has left a good legacy and we are looking for the replacement of A d e g b i t e in Egba”.

A former military governor of the defunct Western State, Brig-General, Oluwole Rotimi, said,” Adegbite was a great man

we met in college in 1950. ”When I became military governor, I made him my commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs and attorneygeneral and he did well. ”Lateef ’s voice was the government’s voice”.

Amosun described the death of the NSCIA scribe as a great loss,urging his children to uphold their father’s legacy.

Fashola described Adegbite’s death as painful and a great loss to the nation.

According to him, “the late Seriki-Adinni of Egbaland was an apostle of peaceful co-existence whose religious convictions were not in doubt but who nonetheless epitomized the peaceful essence of the Islamic religion till be breathed his last.”

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, described Adegbite’s death as very sad and shocking.

The governor regretted that the country has lost a bridge builder between the North and South who worked tirelessly for the unity and progress of the country.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, he said Adegbite’s death has created a vacu-

um among the Muslim Ummah which will be difficult to fill.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State said the death of the NSCIA scribe was a national loss.

In a statement in Akure, Mimiko said Adegbite during his life time played well his leadership role an Islamic scholar and Nigerian leader, adding that his role in ensuring Nigerians continue to live as one irrespective of religious differences cannot be over emphasised.

Arewa Consultative Forum said it received the news of Adegbite’s death with heavy heart.

“Dr Adegbite died preaching religious tolerance and co-existence because he was a true and strong believer in one united Nigeria inhabited by people who are socially diverse, economically empowered and politically active”, the group said.

A former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola, described the news of Adegbite’s demise as a rude shock.

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola said Adegbite served the country meritoriously.

The governor, who

spoke through his Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon, said: “His death is a big loss to the country. Dr. Lateef Adegbite served this country meritoriously. He was a role model, a source of inspiration to the younger generation and his life was worthy of emulation”.

A former Deputy Governor of Ogun State and serving Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Sefiu Gbenga Kaka, said, “Dr. Adegbite was an embodiment of respect who served Nigeria diligently.”

honour of the former Speaker of the third assembly, Rt Hon Young Daniel Igbrude who died on 27 August 2012 in Asaba.

Ochei described Igbrude as an articulate politician whose contributions enriched the legislative business of the House, saying that it accounted for the acclaim of the Assembly as the most vibrant in the country.

The Speaker called on Deltans to learn a lesson from the late Speaker by ensuring that their lives in whatever endeavor they may find themselves impacted positively on the well being of humanity.

He said the Delta State House of Assembly was very conscious of the expectations of Deltans and would always strive to do what was right at all times.

The valedictory session was attended by some members of the National Assembly

Burutu flood: Daubry assures victims of govt assistance

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OLLOWING the ravaging flood in Burutu local government area, Mr. Kennedy Daubry, member, representing Burutu Constituency II, in Delta State House of Assembly, has assured victims of the flood of Delta government prompt intervention.

Communities affected by the flood are Tuomo, Ta m i g b e , To r u Te b e g b e , To r u g b e n e , O j o b o , B o l o u Ndoro,Ekogbene,

O k p o k u n u , Oboro,Ayakoromo all in Burutu LGA. He further disclosed that the state government under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is already taking action to send relief materials to affected communities.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to urgently direct relevant agencies to visit affected areas with a view of finding a lasting solution to these reoccuring problems.

PAGE 8—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

BURIAL OF THE LA TE DR. LA TEEF OLADIMEJI ADEGBITE LATE LATEEF The burial of Dr. Lateef Oladimeji Adegbite, theSecretary General Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his residence Onikolobo, Abeokuta yesterday in pictures.

Photos: WUMI AKINOLA

*A cross section of dignitaries.

Chief Imam of Egbaland, Imam Liadi, leading the prayer

The children of the deceased.

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*Adegbite’s children

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 , PAGE 9

PREFACE

NIGERIA:

The search for good faith

By Jide Ajani

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n a June 16, 1902, letter written by then American President Theodore Roosevelt, to Senator George F. Hoar, discussing the possibility of supporting the Filipinos should they decide on self-government, this view was expressed: “Now I do not want to make a promise which may not be kept.

Above all things, I want for myself and for the nation that there shall be good faith…. I ask you to believe that after much painful thought, and much groping and some uncertainty as to where my duty lay, I am now doing it as light has been given me to see”.

Here was a man, a powerful man, expressing utmost desire for “good faith” and discharging his responsibilities as “light has been given me to see”.

In Nigeria since independence, virtually every Nigerian leader had distanced himself from good faith. At every turn of the road, Nigerian leaders had professed very lofty, seemingly over-bloated and some times confusing clichés that creates great expectations but delivered on nothing. Yet, in times of great depression, a people needs a leader to push them and grab them by the scruff of the neck to get going, persevere more and remain focused on the goal of development.

With a promise to deliver, President Goodluck Jonathan may have hoisted the flag of expectations of Nigerians on the paradigm of change with his TRANSFORMATION AGENDA. This is the latest chorus by appointed public office holders in Nigeria.

In times past, the long suffering people of this country have been inundated with confetti of clichés – some even better sounding - there was Low Profile, Operation Feed the Nation, OFN; Austerity Measure, Green Revolution, Counter Trade, Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP; Seven Point Agenda, the list is endless. You are then left to wonder why, with all these agendas, Nigeria is still backward.

Lack of good faith!

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Narrowing it down to this Fourth Republic, good faith has been in short supply. And it did not start with President Jonathan.

In his maiden address, President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, May 29, 1999, saw “the values of justice, equity, fairness, accountability and transparency as fundamental tenets of our creed, because I believe it is the surest way we can build the country and the community of our dreams.” However, rather than take steps towards building that country of “our dreams” Obasanjo allowed quasi-pettiness and a self-conceited approach to governance shape his utterances and actions. This, in spite of the massive energy he deployed to serving Nigeria. Lack of good faith!

There was the need for an Electoral Act in 2002. Between Obasanjo and the Senate leadership, clauses were smuggled into the yet-to-be signed bill, leading to an uproar in the land before the clauses were eventually discarded. Lack of good faith!

Between mid-2002 and January 4, 2003, Obasanjo and his deputy, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, plunged the polity into chaos because of personal ambition. Lack of good faith!

Obasanjo convened a national conference in 2005 but it turned out that he had an agenda embedded.

Lack of good faith! An attempt to amend the 1999 constitution suffered a set-back on account of tenure elongation and Obasanjo’s Third Term agenda. Lack of good faith!

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential primary threw up Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a man drafted into the race by Obasanjo, junking the likes of Peter Odili, and other contenders including Atiku. Lack of good faith! Obasanjo again imposed Jonathan as Yar’Adua’s running mate, not for any known populist considerations but just so a ‘Yes Man’ from the South would tag along with another ‘Yes Man’ from the North, in the forlorn belief of Obasanjo that he could continue to rule by proxy. Lack of good faith!

Yar’Adua took ill, was flown abroad, yet, no administrative transmission of power was engaged; instead, all

known earlier attempts to get his deputy to take charge were blocked by Yar’Adua’s wife and ‘boys’. Lack of good faith!

Jonathan eventually became President but he repudiated, within four months of Yar’Adua’s death, an earlier ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with some leaders of the North that he would not seek the presidency in 2011. Lack of good faith – in fact, the arguments on both sides of the zoning divide demonstrated the height to which bad faith could rise.

It is 17 months since Jonathan was elected on his own steam as President, but he publicly lamented recently that insecurity has changed his focus of governance urging Nigerians to overlook his shoddiness as a leader, adding that, he needed more time. Lack of good faith!

The removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, would lead to greater things, so said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy; but she did not inform Nigerians that there was massive fraud going on in the subsidy management regime. Lack of good faith! The House of Representatives set up a committee to probe subsidy funds but a member of President Jonathan’s Economic Management Team, Femi Otedola, and the Chairman, House Committee on Subsidy Funds Management, Lawan Farouk, got enmeshed in a bribe-for-extrication scandal. Lack of good faith!

Worse, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Managing Director and CEO, Access Bank, whose bank is known to have links with petrol importation business, was appointed by President Jonathan to head two verification committees on the self same subsidy funds management and determine who stole what amount of money (Read conflict of interest). Lack of good faith!

A crude explanation of what passes off as leadership in Nigeria would be jamba ra fun jamba ta, (which translates into fraud has procured something at the behest of fraud for fraud to re-sell fraudulently) – it is all about fraud because of the absence of good faith.

At every turn of the road, Nigerian leaders had professed very lofty, seemingly overbloated and some times confusing clichés that create great expectations but deliver on nothing

PAGE 10—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Why this nation is lost and drifting,

by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi W

hen a lawyer tells the court, “it is settled law”, it is because his arguments are weak and that he has no precedents to cite. However, , believe me when I state that it is settled that where a political entity encompasses a multiplicity of groups of different fundamental identities, a federal political structure that provides for separate structures around these different identities is the most appropriate response. I will cite several examples to buttress this assertion. In fact, the refusal or inability to adopt this appropriate response is what was responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Sudan, etc.

As far back as the 1500s, federalist thought had crept into the literature of political thought. Johannes Althusius regarded as the father of modern Federalist thought argued in his 1603 masterpiece, “POLITICA METHODICE DIGESTA” for the adoption of federalism to secure the rights and freedom of his people against the tyranny of the Emperor.

From the 1500s till now, Federalism had been canvassed by such scholars as Ludolph Hugo (1630-1704), Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755), David Hume (1711-1776), Abbe Charles de Saint-Pierre (1658-1743), JeanJacques Rousseau (1712-1778), Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), James Madison (1751-1836), Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804), John Jay (1745-1829), John Stuart Mill (18061873), Pierre-Joseph (1809-1865), and Altiero Spinelli, Ernesto Rossi (1944) and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

From then on, the doctrine of Federalism has influenced the rise and fall of States all over the world.

The most important of the Federalist states being the United States, Canada, India, Nigeria, Australia, Russia etc. In fact, right now, there is a Forum of Federations made up of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria and Switzerland, domiciled in Canada.

Federalism developed as a realist rather than an ideological doctrine in the sense that it was addressing specific problems of structural governance arising out of practical issues. As empires and states with multi-national complexions arose, the issue of how to govern from a centre while keeping the loyalties of the constituent nations was a matter of public policy. It was in response to this problem that the doctrine developed.

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While attention has been focused on Eastern and Western thought, it is incumbent on me as an African scholar to explore African political thought. Both the Fulani and the Yoruba empires exhibit variants of federalist structure. The outcome of the Fulani Jihad under Othman dan Fodio led by 1809 to the establishment of a Sokoto Caliphate/Empire of 30 emirates which owed allegiance to the Sultan at Sokoto while enjoining considerable independence. The Yoruba empire, owing spiritual and political allegiance to Ife, spread from Warri to present day Togo and had a complex structure of independent kingdoms whose royalty was subject to confirmation

by Ife. These two were not the only examples of multinational empires in pre-colonial Africa. The ancient Ghana, Shongai, Mali and Zulu empires were multinational entities.

Extensive research still needs to be done as to whether governance in these empires had unitary, federal or con-federal characteristics.

Great Britain, which imposed what ultimately turned out to be a federal structure on Nigeria, was ambivalent about the experiment. It was not a case of following a blueprint of federalism. While it is quite true that the British were aware of the federalist experiments in the United States (in which the British were not involved), Canada (where the British had a hand), India (where the British had a hand), and Sudan (where the British had a hand), not only did the British not experiment with federalism in such multinational states as Ghana, and Zimbabwe, Britain did not experiment with federalism in Britain itself, until recently, which was

zProf. Bolaji Akinyemi

In fact, the refusal or inability to adopt federalism is what was responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Sudan, etc zProf. Bolaji Akinyemi

composed of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

But how many Nigerians are aware that during the governorship of Sir Hugh Clifford, (1919-1925), Britain had to urgently make a most strategic intervention. Sir Hugh had proposed that either Nigeria was turned into a unitary state with a centralized government or dissolved into two separate countries. Richmond Palmer who was then the Lieutenant-Governor of the Northern Provinces petitioned London against Clifford’s proposals. The Colonial Office upheld Palmer and overruled Clifford. The status quo was maintained.

The reason why the Colonial Office overruled Clifford need not detain us here except to point out that it was most irregular and unheard of, in the British service, for a junior officer to have the temerity to petition against the position of a senior officer, and certainly, most unprecedented for the colonial office to overrule the senior officer.

The debate continued to rage within official British circles as regards the internal structure of Nigeria. Today, most Nigerians would trace the genesis of the advocacy of the six-zonal structure to former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme. In fact, the first proponent of the idea was a British colonial officer, the same Richmond Palmer who was a Lt-Governor in the Northern Protectorate, in competition with other proposals from British officials working in Nigeria.

In addition, dispersal of authority assists in dispersal of nodes or centres of development. This is evident in the way development had spread all over Nigeria. With development engineered by government, projects by the private sector has tagged on, thus creating a boom in the infrastructural sector.

Under the theoretical classification of Federalism, there are two types of federalism (according to the Stan-

Continues on page 14

In Nigeria, gross ethnicism has destroyed each and every attempt by the Nigerian elite to produce a consensus to drive the nation forward.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 , PAGE 11

National dialogue is overdue —Archbishop Adewale Martins NEW Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Metroplitan See, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, took a cursory look at the Nigerian State at 52 and concluded that the only viable pathway for the nation’s growth and development is a reversion to the ideals of our founding fathers which was based on true federalism. To him, this can only come about through a national conference of true representatives of the different peoples of the country excerpts:

By SAM EYOBOKA Photos: LAMIDI BABATUNDE Nigeria at 52: Is there any reason to celebrate?

I

believe in the scripture that says in all things we should give thanks to God therefore we give thanks for the nation, Nigeria that it has continued to exist in spite of the various challenges that we have had as a nation. Within the period under review, we have fought a civil war, we have had all kinds of religious disturbances, we still have the Boko Haram with us, we’ve had economic downturns of all kinds; but we are still one nation struggling with the diverse challenges. So, we give thanks to God. We know when the nation started in 1960, we began with the parliamentary system of government in accordance with the dreams of the founding fathers where the federal structure was well defined and was being followed to the letter at the beginning until the military intervention. When the military intervened the federal structure as conceived by the founding father was truncated and that has had a telling effect on the nation especially with regards to the federal structure because of the peculiar nature of the military. The occasion of another independence anniversary should be an opportunity for us to reflect on what more we need to do in order to keep the unity of the nation and the original vision for the nation. So, I believe it is a time for us to reassess the federal nature of our country and talking about constitutional review or amendment at this time should be an opportunity for discussion on very salient national issues that bother on the unity of the nation. I believe very strongly that if Nigeria had continued with the federal system of government that we started with in 1960 many of the challenges that have threatened the nation’s corporate existence would be minimized if not totally nonexistent.

The problem of infrastructural development would be better addressed if the different component parts of the country were able to take full control and manage the infrastructure within the nation. For instance, provision of electricity, if the component parts of the nation in term of the regions or the geopolitical zones had more opportunity to harness the resources and to have more free hands to use those resources for infrastructural develop-

A nation conference would be a path to follow if we are able to work a modality that will determine who and who will be at that forum

current system. It for those reasons that I am canvassing for the parliamentary system of government; but also I am also saying that we need to go back to the ideals that guided our founding fathers instead of component parts of the nation being made to take control of developments in their area. I believe that most of our current challenges would be better addressed if the true federal nature of the nation is respected. zRev. Adewale Martins

ment, I think we would better than what we are now. All in all, we thank God but there is still a lot to do and I think that we are able to rediscover the federal character of the nation again, we probably be on the taper of growth and development.

Are you suggesting that we should go back to parliamentary governance and revert to the six geo-political arrangement of the first republic as some people have canvassed?

At this point in time, we are operating a presidential system of government and we have all seen how they have made it so expensive such that a huge chunk of the nation’s resources is going into recurrent expenditure rather than into the provision of social amenities and infrastructure for the benefit of the masses of the people. Therefore it makes one to begin to look back with nostalgia at the parliamentary system in which the head of government was held accountable to the parliament, whereas that is not the same with the presidential system of government. For the sake of calling leaders to account for their deeds and misdeeds makes one begins to think that the parliamentary system has an attraction apart from the fact that it is not as expensive as the

Because of some of these imbalances in the nation, the clamour for a sovereign national conference had grown louder in recent times.

Are you also throwing your weight behind that agitation?

I believe that a forum for discussing the various issues currently plaguing the nation, including that of federalism and amendment of the constitution is necessary. A nation conference would be a path to follow if we are able to work a modality that will determine who and who will be at that forum, so that we do not follow this regular pattern of political party as we have now. If we are able to work a modality of those who will truly represent the people of this country rather than through political parties, I believe that such a conference would go a long way to solve our problems. However, a sovereign national conference, as I have always seen it will be difficult, because you cannot ask the current government to vacate office and allow another group to emerge and fashion a way forward for the nation.

Certainly, we need a forum made up of true representatives of the people to have a dialogue on the state of the nation and decide a way forward for this country. The federal system of government which was in place at independence was truncated at the intervention of the military.

Since then, we have returned to

Continues on page 17

I believe that most of our current challenges would be better addressed if the true federal nature of the nation is respected

PAGE 12—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

The elite must not set Nigeria on fire — Audu Ogbeh •’How they killed the PDP vision’

Chief Audu Ogbeh was the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the Obasanjo regime. He left the office following some disagreement with the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and defected to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In this interview with BEN AGANDE, he speaks on some of the issues that touch on his turbulent days as the PDP chairman and the state of the nation. Excerpts:

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hat is your assessment of the political terrain especially in the last five

years?

I think it is an environment of great opportunities but of also opportunities lost and the usual high degree of waste which this country has become notorious for.

We have a situation which one finds extremely disturbing because at the time former President Olusegun Obasanjo left office, he left behind $25 billion in the excess crude account. I remember one night shortly after the late President Yar ’Adua came into office, the late Abubakar Rimi; myself; former Minister of the FCT, Arc. Ibrahim Bunu and Wazirin Bauchi; went to see the late president. He received us and we told him we came to suggest a few things that we felt needed to be done so that we could begin to address primarily the economic problems, because at the heart of all the chaos in this country, of all the agitations and the discontent is the economy. Nigeria has three problems: the economy, the economy and the economy. We can’t have a population growing this fast where there is so much want and so much lack. Too many homes are in pains. Rents are impossible, school fees are on the increase. You see tension on the face of Nigerians wherever you meet them. We are a good and kind hearted people. But now we are being driven in many areas to a state of barbarism. Some of the horrible things people now do: kidnap children, cut their heads off because everybody is looking for money including people who call themselves men of God; at the centre of all the chaos and political disequilibrium is the economy.

I am not an economist but economics is 90% common sense. I feel that the polity is not comfortable and there is need for more practical down to earth economic reengineering. What are the issues?

There is still not enough production at home; too much importation of thoroughly unnecessary items which we just ship in from all over the world. Nobody makes pencils here

for the over eighteen million children in primary schools. We produce nothing. Bananas are coming in from Cameroun; even garri from Benin Republic. At the centre of all the discontent in the country is the economy and unless and until the people, state governments, local governments got down to dealing with it, all the tinkering, all the constitutional amendments would be all diversions.

In the face of all these, would you say that those at the helm of affairs are adequately prepared or even competent to handle these challenges?

I think they are doing their best but going back to what we said to Yar ’Adua that night, we suggested that there are some key areas that will generate jobs. A society without work to do is in trouble. We said to President Yar ’Adua then that we should go into housing. At that time they said seventeen million housing units were needed across the country including universities. I went to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where I had a room to myself.

Not now. Why should our own children degenerate under social and economic pressures to levels which are not more than intellectual slums? Is it that we can’t do anything about it?

We suggested then that a million houses a year across the country will create 30million jobs. We thought that the government would take a loan from the excess crude account and start the houses and as it begins to sell the houses through mortgages, it would start repaying the loan. But the money was shared out to governors. How many of them applied the money to the development of their states?

Majority did not.

The government is addressing some issues but the speed needs to be looked into and the question of examining the structural defects in the economy should be looked into.

We should also review the advice of the IMF and the World Bank because I have never believed that

Chief Audu Ogbeh the advice they give is in the overall good interest of the country. I have not seen any serious efforts by government at different levels to revive the economy. Why can’t the governors sit down with those who have industries in their states and ask them what they need to revive the industriesit? If the treasury needs to help it should. America did. What are we doing here? Some states are applying this philosophy by inviting investors and providing the necessary infrastructure for them to operate. The government at the centre and the state governments need to sit down and keep doing this thing because we can’t have this pile of pain sitting on the heads of our people. If it continues this way, no matter what constitutional conference we hold, we will get no where.

Some people have blamed the party you co-founded, the PDP, for majorly responsible for the sorry state of affairs in the country.

Though you have left the party, looking back, do you think that the party is responsible for the sorry state of things in the country?

I must say that the vision we had in forming the PDP is lost. It is lost because certain individuals who came into the party and held certain offices simply saw the party and treated it as a private estate. They believed they owned the PDP. That was exactly what I could not stand.

With the connivance of many members, such pathetic sycophants could not afford to say no to arrogant authority. A party is not owned by one individual. When a party surrenders all its thinking and all the powers to one person, the party is dead. We are a very peculiar people. We are such sycophants; such cronies that nobody dare say anything. If you are the only strong person around, you are just one more poor person waiting to happen. There was no forum for the party to make inputs into the polity, there was little reference to the

Continues on page 18

I must say that the vision we had in forming the PDP is lost. It is lost because certain individuals who came into the party and held certain offices simply saw the party and treated it as a private estate

People either read religion, region or tribe to every action of government in an attempt to curb corruption

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 , PAGE 13

Nigeria badly needs a revolution …. In science and technology Professor Dike N. Kalu

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he purpose of this paper is to continue our commitment to make the Nigerian public our student body and thereby get them better informed about important issues. Because of the acknowledged importance of science and technology in social and economic development, we have tried in this article to make the Nigerian public better informed about science and technology, and to examine some of the factors necessary for it to thrive in our country.

Science has been defined in different ways by different people because it is so broad and has so many aspects. But all agree that science is basically knowledge of how the natural world works. This knowledge is acquired by experimentation and observation in the controlled environment of a laboratory. A scientist is therefore an individual engaged in the business of acquiring knowledge. In contrast, a technologist is involved in applying knowledge to provide practical tasks. A scientist can also be a technologist, and vice versa. Both are necessary in any society.

It is obvious that science and technology are two words joined together by the conjunction “and”.

They are often used together because, as we have seen, they are closely related. In fact some treat science and technology as a singular word as I will do in this article.

The popularity of the term science and technology derives from the fact that human civilization practically depends on it.

I subscribe to the view that if one is aware of the power of science and technology in promoting development, one is obligated to continue to implore the Nigerian government and the public to do what most of the advanced nations have done for centuries, and that is, to translate science into productive technologies and use the latter to fuel the development of their country. Nehru, the late prime minister of India could not have put it more succinctly when he said: I do not see any way out of our vicious circle of poverty except by utilizing the new sources of power which science has put at our disposal.

Initially, nature was studied by trial and error using natural ingenuity and very simple instruments and methods. Even though unsophisticated techniques were used in the early experiments, the conclusions that were drawn from them are still valid today because science utilizes very stringent methods and demands that scientists’ observations must be repeatable by anyone in any corner of our planet. In other words, experimental observations made by scientists are universal phenomena and can be treated as basic facts.

Types of Scientific Research Man has an unquenchable innate curiosity and has continually tried to find out through scientific research how the natural world works.

Scientific research can be classified under three headings: (a) basic or fundamental research, (b) applied research, and (c) developmental research.

Basic research is the search for truth about nature for its own sake.

The sole aim of basic research is to contribute to the pool of new knowledge and thereby provide a better understanding of the subject being studied. It is the search for truth for its own sake, and its intent is not to create or invent a product.

Basic research is very expensive and is usually funded by the government.

In contrast to basic research, applied research is usually carried out to address a specific problem and it leads to products or services or to solutions to important problems that face society. Applied research is usually funded and carried out by companies, the government, research institutes and the universities.

In the process of carrying out applied research important new basic information about nature may be uncovered. So the distinction between basic and applied research cannot be made too rigid.

Finally, research aimed at turning applied research discoveries into large-scale, marketable commercial concerns is developmental research.

In Nigeria this quintessential continuum from basic to applied to developmental research is, as yet, practically nonexistent.

The type of scientific research that a country should be doing can become a source of controversy. In some countries people are currently debating whether their government should be investing in basic or

Prof. Ita Bassey Ewa applied research. The controversy is because basic research, whose chief purpose is to add to the pool of new knowledge, is very expensive and so is funded primarily by the government and therefore by all the citizens of a country. While, in contrast, private for-profit commercial companies use basic research information to produce marketable products for the financial benefit of only a few people in the society namely, their share-holders.

We should not join this debate at this time because we currently have a more pressing problem. Rather we should devote all our efforts to ensure that Nigeria invests adequately in the training of our children locally and in science so that they are in a position to fully appreciate science and technology and its capabilities.

Our young children should be made to know quite early in school that science and technology plays a vital role in determining the efficacy of a country’s economy and the way people live. Most people know about or have used such technology as television, motor vehicle, telephone, iPad, printer, aeroplane, computer, the Internet, email and MRI used in diagnostic medicine.

The list goes on.

The point is that today technology is so ubiquitous that there is virtually no facet of our lives that is not impacted by the beneficial effects of technology whether we know it or not. In fact, Nigeria is on the way to addressing some of her developmental needs with the help of satellites which are fairly recent technologies with immense beneficial capabilities (Nigerian Satellites: The way to go. Vanguard, Feb 26, 2012). I applaud Nigeria’s decision makers for taking this progressive action.

If all the technological devices we enumerated previously originated in Nigeria you can imagine what a salutary impact this would have on Nigerian economy and how we live.

However, we acknowledge the fact that not all technologies or products of technological innovation necessarily generate beneficial effects. For instance, when President Jonathan announced his intension to use the technology of nuclear power to supplement Nigeria’s energy needs, we undertook to explain to NigeriBy

In the process of carrying out applied research important new basic information about nature may be uncovered

In Nigeria this quintessential continuum from basic to applied to developmental research is, as yet, practically nonexistent

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PAGE 14—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 Continued frompage page 10

have the Holding Together federal type which develops “from unitary states, as governments devolve authority to alleviate threats of unrest or secession by territorially clustered minorities”. Given the fact that Nigeria grew from a colonial state into an independent Federal state, it did not really fit into a neat classification. It was more or less a hybrid product.

There is another classification which emphasis the end product rather than the previous classification which emphasized the process.

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, there are two types of Federalism namely “separate (split or compact) federalism” which is federalism where “decisions made centrally do not involve member units at all” and “interlocking (or cooperative) federalism where member units are involved in central decision making.

An illustration of the first is the present Nigerian constitution where the Senate is made up of members elected directly by the people and not appointed by state governments. An illustration of the second is the independence federalism of Nigeria where regions appointed members into the Senate which like the British House of Lords, exercised the power of legislation with the House of Representatives. A third type of federalism is the asymmetric one where some units of the federation are granted special priviledges usually in language and cultural areas or in parliamentary representation. Professor Itse Sagay(see THE NATION ON SUNDAY, 19/08/2012,p.18) has drawn attention to sections 7 and 14 of the Constitution of the MidWestern Region which granted special representational privileges to minority areas namely Akoko Edo, Isoko, Warri and Western Ijaw. The priviledge was that only indigenes of these areas could represent the areas.

As part of the bonding mechanism in our present day Nigeria, where there are settlers in almost every state, these settlers could be given a quota of seats in each State Assembly.

Nigeria, made up of 250-300/350 nationalities (depending on which study one consults) of disparate population sizes, was obviously a prime candidate for federalism.

(See Is’haq Modibo Kawu, A struggle for the soul of Nigeria, Vanguard, August 16, 2012, p.

17) for the problem about classification of Nigerian nationalities) Apart from the fact that the British colonial administration had run the colonial territory of Nigeria as a Federation and was determined to hand over an independent Nigeria as a Federation, the Nigerian leaders themselves were determined to inherit an independent Nigeria as a Federation. Some may argue that neither the British nor the Nigerian leaders had much choice. But it should be borne in mind that around this time, the French, on the eve of independence broke up its West African Federation and its Central African Federation into independent constitC M Y K

zProf. Bolaji Akinyemi

Why this nation is lost and drifting, by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi uent states. I believe that the British and the Nigerian leaders were genuinely committed to the concept of Nigeria as a Federation.

Having accepted the inevitability of Nigeria as a Federation, it must be conceded that at independence, Nigeria was an imperfect Federation.

Given the piecemeal process by which Nigeria was brought into existence, one would have expected that the internal structure of Nigeria would have been more complex than the three-region structure at independence. As earlier alluded to, there was a debate among British officials as to how many internal units Nigeria should be divided into. The most theoretical proponent of Nigerian federalism who also was a practicing politician, was Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who argued in in 1947 in his PATH TO NIGERIAN FREEDOM, that Nigerian federal structure should be based on the internal nationalities. This led him to later propose that Nigeria should have 18 states. Apart from the Fulani/ Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo nationalities who were regarded as having had their own regions confirmed, the so called minorities who should really be called other nationalities mounted a spirited campaign to have regions/ states of their own before independence. The British lukewarmness towards creating more states/ regions/zones from the beginning had to do with the British disdain for huge bureaucracies and the fact that Britain had a limited budget to run Nigeria, without looking for subsidy from London.

The lukewarm-ness of Nigerian leaders, except Chief Awolowo and his Action Group, precisely had to do

with the fact that the Nigerian leaders and the British colonial authority believed that Awolowo’s Action Group would be the beneficiary of any exercise in state creation as it has been the most consistent and most persistent advocate of the right of minorities to their own states. This perception was confirmed by the electoral success of the political allies of the Action Group in elections held in minority areas.

Major exercises in state creation, in the post-independence period did not follow the nationality-driven agitation for state creation. Gowon’s states suffered further mutation in 1976, when further states were created.

Two issues were thrown up by this exercise. Two major nationalities, the Ibo and the Yoruba were further fragmented into several states. The Ibo was split into Anambra and Imo states while the Yoruba was split into Ogun, Ondo and Oyo states in addition to the existing Lagos state.

The other issue was that an attempt was made to use the nationality factor to address the minority nationalities. The Benue-Plateau state was broken into Benue and Plateau states; the North-Eastern state was divided into Bauchi, Borno and Gongola states; and Niger state was created out of Sokoto.

The point which I wish to make has been made. There was no consistent application of any coherent principle in the various state creation exercise.

Every exercise in state creation created new minority groupings while satisfying the aspiration of some.

Looking at the nationality configuration of Nigeria, Continues on page 15

The most theoretical proponent of Nigerian federalism who also was a practicing politician, was Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who argued in in 1947 in his PATH TO NIGERIAN FREEDOM, that Nigerian federal structure should be based on the internal nationalities

There was no consistent application of any coherent principle in the various state creation exercise

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 , PAGE 15

Why this nation is lost and drifting,

by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi

The struggle for state creation is driven by what I would call identity federalism: a cry by a group for its identity to be recognized

Continued frompage 14 it was an error of political judgement to have propounded a theory of federalism based on the nationality factor. But let me add here that even Chief Awolowo in his proposed 18 state structure for Nigeria ended up modifying his concept in the sense that seven (7) of the eighteen states he advocated ended up being classified by him as “mixed language states”.

What in fact we seem to have done in Nigeria is adopt the German model of federalism without being explicit about it. Article 29 of the German constitution laid it down that no single state will be more than 30% of the population or territory of the nation and that “the division of the federal territory into [state] may be revised to ensure that each [state] be of a size and capacity to perform its functions effectively.”

In breaking the Fulani/Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba nationalities into fragmented states, Nigeria sought to address the mischief of the instability of the first Republic and the civil war where it was felt that it was the size of the regions that contributed to the instability and the ensuing civil war.

However by giving the impression that creation of state is driven by the agitation for recognition of nationality identity, long after it had been repudiated, various Nigerian governments, whether civilian or military, for cheap popularity had embarked on state creation exercises, and thereby fuel the agitation for the creation of more states.

The paradox of the whole exercise is that each new state which satisfies the aspiration of a nationality creates new minorities which breeds new agitations. The political atmosphere and intra-personal relations are further poisoned by the language of propaganda employed to justify the agitation for new states. The language of propaganda usually centres around allegation of persecution of the nationality making the allegation. They usually allege that members of the nationality are denied employment and promotion opportunities, and that development projects are not cited in their areas.

These allegations usually breed antagonism and the successful cases are usually accompanied by expulsion of nationals of the nationality from the public service of the state from which the new state is being carved out.

The division of existing state assets between the old and the new state is usually acrimonious.

The crux of the matter is to what extent can Nigeria continue down the path of state creation? Is there a maximum number of states that Nigeria can be divided into internally? Going down the historical path of state creation in Nigeria, the answer would have to be, NO, as a) the issue of economic viability had never

zProf. Bolaji Akinyemi

been an evaluatory factor especially after 1967 when fiscal federalism was abandoned as a revenue distributable principle in Nigeria, and b) Nigerians have the capacity to split an atom beyond the capability of physics and physicists. Nigerian tendency to adapt and reduce everything to its level of absurdity has led to an unending agitation for state creation.

Then there is what is called a twosided federalism which as is obvious from the term is a federation made up of only two parts. Examples are the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechoslovakia made up of the Czech Republic and Slovakia until the dissolution in 1993, Cyprus made up of the union of Greeks and Turks before the invasion of the island by the Turkish army, the United Republic of Tanazania made up of the union of Tangayika and Zanzibar, and Iraq which in 2005 granted federal status to the Kurdistan region.

Then there is “intra-state federalism” which is characterized by governments of component states being represented in federal political institutions. For example, this is the German experiment where the state governments appoint their members to represent them in the Senate. This should be distinguished from the pre1966 Nigerian experiment where even though the regions appointed the Senators to represent them, they were not appointed as members of the regional governments.

What then should we regard as True Federalism? In Nigeria, it has become a mantra that is preventing us from adopting an ingenious adaptation of the elements of federalism to the realities of the Nigerian political situation. This is not to deny that federalism should have some common characteristics such as propounded by the principle of subsidiarity. An analysis of the Federal Governments of the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and India may raise the issue whether that includes a limited central government given the complexities of globalization.

The proposal for the adoption of Zonal Federalism will lead to the

same skewed Federalism which we inherited at Independence. It will address the concerns of the majorities as the North-West zone will cater for the Hausa/Fulani, the North-East will cater presumably for the Kanuri, the South-East for the Ibo and the South-West for the Yoruba. Whose interests will the North-Central and South-South zones represent? Under the circumstances, the only accurate description of the North-Central Zone is non-Fulani, and the only accurate description of the South-South is non-Ibo and non-Yoruba. In other words, we know what they are not and not what they are. Just as was the case in 1960-1966, Zonal Federalism will totally ignore the aspirations of the minorities.

I will not, in this lecture, take up the issue of the legitimacy of that Constitutional Conference on the grounds that it was boycotted by the mainstream of the proposed Western zone. The issue of legitimacy has been raised in terms of the military midwifing the 1999 constitution. The late Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, put it pithily when he said that the 1999 Constitution told a lie about itself when it said “We the People….” Whereas it should have been “ we the military….” True enough. But on the same grounds, every constitution since 1979 has told a lie about itself.

The struggle for state creation is driven by what I would call identity federalism: a cry by a group for its identity to be recognized. The antagonism that accompanies the agitation is because to make a compelling case, the group desiring the recognition has to employ identity-differentiation politics.

The crux of the issue is this: Should the demand for identity recognition need to result in state creation? A utilitarian appraisal of federalism in fact recognizes the richness of its flexibility while not detracting from its raison-d’etre: the need for a bonding of disparate Continues on page 16

Nigerian tendency to adapt and reduce everything to its level of absurdity has led to an unending agitation for state creation

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N PAGE 16 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Why this nation is lost and drifting, by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi

zProf. Bolaji Akinyemi

Continued from page 15 communities for the common good.

A good illustration is the constitution of the German Federal Republic which recognizes three different types of states. Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia are called “Free-state” (Freistaat); Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen are called “City-states” (Stadstaaten)”, while the remaining thirteen states are called “area states” (Flachenlander).

This German example suggests a possible way forward for the Nigerian project. A cry for identity recognition will not be satisfied by the creation of a Local Government. The term “Local Government” does not have the same gravistas or panache needed to satisfy or uplift. We can toy with such terms as “canton”, “city-state”, “local-state”, “Ogoni state”, “Jugun state” or whatever other coinage we can come up with.

Each will be headed by a HighCommissioner and each will have full autonomy over local issues, such as primary and secondary schools, local roads, local hospitals and such issues as will pass the test of subsidiarity. It will have its own direct allocation from the Federation account and all of these will be guaranteed by the Constitution.

For this to work, however, we will need to revisit the revenue allocation formula to enshrine the principle of revenue derivation. The Constitution can create a development fund to which all states will have access so that no state will fall below a development safety net.

Let me dwell on two more issues that are in the centre of the debate about Nigerian federalism. The first is the issue of State Police. Three arguments have been adduced in favour of this proposal. The first is

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that it is in tandem with the doctrine of federalism.

The second is that this was our practice up to 1966. The third is that it is a more effective way of policing as the members of the police would be drawn from the local community.

These are cogent reasons but they are controvertible. The first argument that it is in tandem with federalism has already been addressed when I dealt with the issue that there is nothing like TRUE FEDERALISM. Canada, a federation, does not have state police.

Nigeria has to adopt a federalism that is in tandem with its political and cultural realities. During the first Republic, the Native Authority Police was used to suppress and oppress opposition leaders. Their rallies were broken up, they were hauled into prison and some were murdered. Have we learnt any lesson from the past? Are our political leaders more tolerant now than the pre-1966 political leaders?

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he answer lies in this empirical fact. When INEC conducts an election in a state, the margin of victory is acceptably narrow. When SIEC conducts elections in the same state, the governing party usually wins with a margin of 90%-100%.

Present day political leaders especially at the state level have a high intolerance and vicious level, that there are many elite refugees in Abuja and Lagos having been driven out of town by their governors. If they could do this without state police, then you can imagine what they would do with a state police under their control.

For the avoidance of doubt, let me also say that I am opposed to the alternative proposal being flouted by

the Northern Governors Forum that Governors should be allowed to issue instructions to the Commissioners of Police and that these instructions should be obeyed. That is like a State Police through the back door, with the Federal Government picking up the bills. A good compromise is a constitutional amendment that calls for the personnel and officers of the Nigerian Police based in a state to be drawn from the inhabitants of that state but they will still operate as members of a unified Nigerian Police Force.

The last issue is that of Resource Control. From unification in 1914 to 1967, Nigeria operated a revenue derivation policy which allowed the regions to keep the proceeds of economic activities in their regions.

This was the formula freely negotiated and agreed to by Nigerian leaders. The fact that the formula was changed to enable Nigeria to fight a civil war did not mean that the formula should not have reverted to the pre-civil war formula once that war was over. Anyone who has visited the Niger Delta area, who has seen the devastation in the area and who witnesses the continuing health hazards to which the people there are subjected, will not begrudge them resource control. It is immoral to continue to oppose a revenue distribution formula based on the derivation formula.

This nation is lost and drifting.

And we the elite are to blame. In every nation in the world, it is the elite who work out a grand vision and develop a grand consensus around that vision to propel the nation forward. It is the elite that constitute the engine of change. In Nigeria, gross ethnicism has destroyed each and every attempt by the Nigerian elite to produce a consensus to drive the nation forward. I am not talking about a consensus to loot. That consensus is already there. I am not talking about a consensus to oppress the poor, the widow and orphans. That consensus is already there.

It has to be a consensus on building a nation where the poor, the widows, orphans and the oppressed will be protected. The consensus must be on how to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. The consensus should be on how to grow and distribute the common wealth such that no group is favoured, none discriminated against and all develop a sense of belonging. A consensus based on equity. A nation where one zone occupies the no. 1 post, another zone occupies the nos.

2 & 4 posts, another zone occupies no 3 post, another zone occupies nos 5 & 6 and Secretary to Government posts, but two other zones have no posts is not an equitable nation.

Here are the words of the last stanza of the 1960 national anthem which we jettisoned: O God of all creation, Grant this our one request, Help us to build a nation Where no man is oppressed, And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed.

It has to be a consensus on building a nation where the poor, the widows, orphans and the oppressed will be protected.

It is the elite who work out a grand vision and develop a grand consensus around that vision to propel the nation forward

Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, DPHIL, (OXON), CFR, was former Minister of External Affairs and member, Committee on Electoral Reforms.

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National dialogue is overdue

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 , PAGE 17

—Archbishop Adewale Martins Continued from page 11 democracy but we have really not gone back to the real issue of federalism and I think therefore that unless we consider where we were and what was our situation before the truncation of democracy by the military, we will not be abler to know exactly what to do. Because federalism is the principle by which our founding fathers decided upon that is good for the nation and if you look at what has happened before military intervention you will find out that a lot of developments took place at that time because the true federal nature of the country was respected.

We didn’t have a situation where everybody had to go the seat of federal government in order to develop the federating units of the country. For which reason, I think that if at this point in time we are not making the desirable impact as other nations that began the journey as Nigeria, then we need to go back to the beginning and consider what has gone wrong and find ways on how we are going to take care of it.

It is therefore on this basis that I believe that true federalism is something we cannot negotiate on.

It is something that is necessary for the development of the nation in such a way that we shall be at par with other nations of the world. The issue of state police also touches on federalism. If it was a federal system, truly and complete, then it should be possible for the federating units to have the type of apparatus that is needed to maintain security in their different parts of the nation.

If the federating units have a measure of control over the security agencies within their areas of operations we shall better be able to manage the security of the nation; but if as it were, everything has to go back to one single institution or one single individual, then naturally it will be impossible to have full knowledge of what is happening all over the nation.

The creeks of the Delta cannot be policed in the same way as the savannah of Kano for instance. The people that populate these areas are also different in perspectives and in attitudes and therefore we need to be able to have a situation where there areas are policed by state apparatus that is capable of knowing what is going on there. This is not to say that one is not mindful of the abuse of the state police of those days but that fear cannot foreclose the whole essence of national dialogue.

Is that another way of saying that the current attempt by the National Assembly to amend the constitution is an exercise in futility as it will not meet the aspirations of the people?

The National Assembly obviously has its duty of making laws for the nation and oversight function. That mandate was given to them when Nigerians voted them into office.

However, the issue of structure of the nation itself should be an issue that should go beyond party politics.

It should be something that is driven

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zRev. Adewale Martins

by true representatives of the people and I think that if Nigeria, as a nation, should have a coordinated dialogue the National Assembly would even be the better for it and I think it should even facilitated such dialogue outside of its hallowed chambers to gauge the thoughts and feelings of the people of this country.

From 1960 to date how has Nigeria fared economically?

Well, I am not an economist but the way it affects the generality of the people one can make deductions about the nation’s economy. When the nation started in 1960, agriculture was the mainstay and provided the resource base with the nation was built. All kinds of mineral resources were there and they were all harnessed for the growth and development of the nation; but as it is now we have a situation where oil is the only product that brings all the money the nation needs to develop. Obviously, that is too risky as several people have stated over time. We are subject to all the vagaries of oil politics and our lives as a nation in subject to it. That again is not healthy for the nation.

Therefore, our nation should go back to the good old days by diversifying the economy by going back to the days of dependence on agriculture, mining and other mineral deposits that abound in different parts of the country. We know well enough that dependence on oil is also responsible for some of the violent disruptions in recent time, and therefore if we discover other sources of revenue Nigeria will be better for it. I believe that the more money we are making from oil the more poverty we are creating among the people which mean that we are not putting the derivable resources to good use. An economy that has so much money in it but does not make the lives of the people worthwhile is certainly not the best. They should have the love of the common man by opening up other sources of wealth creation for teeming masses of the young people in the country.

Education: Where did the nation get it wrong?

Certainly, we have done a lot of

harm to education in this country beginning from the time when the military took over mission schools in the country, giving the impression that the government had the monopoly of educating the people. I think that is where we got it wrong as far as education was concerned. Prior to this time, missions and individuals running schools. They were given guidance but never coerced into doing anything. In fact, even the missions were given grant in aid in order to run the schools such that missions were able to ensure that schools were adequately supervised.

Unfortunately, the government had taken everything over giving the impression that they can do, but we all can see now that many schools are dilapidated and…I was reading in one of the newspapers a few days ago that a whole arm of a school in Edo State has only four teachers and out of the number was the principal.

For goodness sake what are we doing to education? You look at libraries; they are nothing to write home about. Everything is falling.

This is not peculiar to Edo State .

You go all around this country, it is the same picture. I believe that governments at different levels should have a rethink on how to run the nation’s education system again.

Basically, supervision is one area where the mission schools were excelling. They were going round schools to ensure that things were done properly. I am sure there is some measure of supervision now, but surely it is not as effective as it should be. Government needs to plan and cooperate more with the private sector.

Sir, the current situation is so bad that we now talk of cultism in secondary schools….

Religious and moral education in formative schools ought to be given the pride of place. I recall my days here as assistant administrator of Holy Cross we used to have certain hours when we went to St. Gregory’s College as part of the school curriculum. I think moral and religious education should be brought back to schools and then the counselors that are the schools need to be empowered the more and the school that don’t have should ensure that they have some in their employ.

I am not an economist but the way it affects the generality of the people one can make deductions about the nation’s economy

Our nation should go back to the good old days by diversifying the economy by going back to the days of dependence on agriculture, mining etc

PAGE 18—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

’How they killed the PDP vision’ Continued from page 12 manifesto and no body was allowed to say anything even when things were going wrong. Some of those killings that were happening in the PDP then: Bola Ige went, Harry Marshal, Dikibo, Funsho Williams, later, my chairman in Kwara who was butchered when he was coming to Abuja and so many strange things. Nobody was allowed to raise the alarm. I was told that as party chairman, I had no right to raise objections to certain developments which I thought were simply outrageous. Some party members said I was a poor man from Benue, so who was I to argue with the president? And I told them if you wanted a billionaire to run the party, you should have gone to Aliko Dangote or Mike Adenuga. If not being a rich man is an offence then I am guilty as accused but I did not think that was the function of the party chairman.

I don’t know today if that party has a forum where they can sit and agonize over certain issues except maybe when the president calls the governors together. The vision is lost and many left.

So, in order words, the feeling of many Nigerians that the problems in the country are caused by the PDP is correct.

Well it is the biggest party. It controls more states. It should be the flagship. We built it to be strong but if it degenerates to just people looking for offices for themselves and there is no collective anxiety about the overall well-being of the people, then the party has failed! There is no debate on issues. Has there been a debate on education? Has there been a debate on agriculture? What is the debate on our foreign policy? What is the policy on housing? There is no sound mortgage in this country. In a nutshell, yes the blame is there. PDP is the biggest party and therefore it cannot run away from those accusations.

There is the news going round that you are being wooed back to the PDP. Is this true?

Nobody has contacted me and I don’t think the problem in PDP is lack of manpower. They are big, they have many people and I am sure if they want to apply themselves to certain issues, they can do so.

Calling people back is not an issue. I don’t think anybody would listen to me any way if I was to go back. I have been saying the same thing for the last ten years. It is not important asking me to return or not to return.

Do you have a nostalgic feeling about your PDP days?

No I don’t have. Let me tell you this. I have always told people that every politician should have a first address: the business you do. I don’t like a man who says his profession is politician. Such a person in a developing country is a liability. I have something I do. I am still struggling to get it to where I want it to be because bank credit is difficult to access. When I applied for a loan for commercial agriculture scheme, I was turned down by my bank because they said I am a politically exposed person. My priority now is

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produce, so we all pounce on the treasury and rob the treasury. The only industry left in the country now is politics and governance.

Chief Audu Ogbeh to get my project to where I want it to be not to be going here and there.

Corruption in the country is rather on the increase rather than decreasing. Do you see a silver lining on the horizon in our fight against corruption?

Honestly I share the anxiety of many Nigerians. We have ruined everything. There is nothing you can do now in this country without bribing. The judiciary has also experienced terrible turmoil. For many of them judgments are purchased. The midnight currency is the dollars. But when government tried to move against any one, the same society begins to bring in sentiments. People either read religion, region or tribe to every action of government in an attempt to curb corruption. The situation is helpless and hopeless.

What do you think is the way forward?

First, there is the general need to get the economy going. I am not sure that every Nigerian was born a thief. There are many Nigerians who will not touch what does not belong to them if they have an option.

Secondly, it appears that we as a people are not determined to get rid of corruption because we worship it too. We shout that corruption is bad but we worship the corrupt. Thirdly people put a lot of pressure on their leaders too. If you don’t give money, you are labeled a bad man who does not want to help. It is a very complex moral enigma.

The duty of government is to look around the economy, decide what you can produce and produce it.

Others are doing it. Bank credit is still impossible here. With all the reforms, this is the only country where the interest rate is about 21%.

How do you want any producer or investor to survive this interest and still buy diesel? One prays that the power sector keeps improving. That will eliminate one obstacle on the path of production. A country that does not produce will die. We don’t

The issue of insecurity in the country has been exacerbated by the Boko Haram attacks in the North.

Do you have cause for concern that with all these challenges, Nigeria may be at the threshold of disintegration?

I am worried about the security situation and very concerned too. I remember the talk I gave in Kaduna ten years ago that the Niger Delta crisis will ease off but the chaos in Nigeria was going to come from the North. I had foreseen this ten years ago and I had said it was going to be driven by alienation, hunger and deprivation but was going to wear the face of religion. I said emirs will not sleep peacefully in their palaces and I said that some children will even be willing to kill their parents to inherit any property they thought was available.

The other day I was talking with the governor of Borno State with whom I do some work on agriculture for the state. The issue is simple.

What is it that drives people to such madness? Hunger! Of course religious fanaticism is in many parts of the world. There are fanatics who say their philosophy must be enforced by violence. But the recruitment base of all of this extreme behavior is deprivation.

There are people who have no hope and if the extremist organization is going to offer them a fee to do anything, they are willing to do.

They are easily brainwashed because they are so poorly fed that they have little capacity to reason.

We are so poorly fed in this country now that we can’t do well in sports.

The sportsmen and women come by and large from very humble homes where the daily diet is eba, garri, eba. They don’t have access to proteinous foods. So height for height, an eighteen-year-old in Nigeria is slightly shorter than his counterpart in Cameroun or Ivory Coast. But we don’t even realize that in an age that demands the sharpest brains, because of the dietary problems we have and the poor state of our agriculture, we are unable to produce some of the finest minds we dream of.

Back to the state of insecurity, it is a frightening thing and the answer is not in breaking up Nigeria. It is a bit tragic when at the slightest provocation some Nigerians begin to talk about breaking up. It is a sad thing that the elite are so fond of this thing. That is not the concern of the man on the street. The man on the street is not interested in this politics of balkanization. The elites who are the most comfortable are the ones who raise it as an option. If you begin the break up, how do you do it? I hear people talking of regions but is there permanent peace in any region if there is no economic growth? Go down to the local government or your village, there are issues over which there are strong dissents. Go down to you village, people have conflict if contentment is absent. We are too

Continues on page 19

I am worried about the security situation and very concerned too. I remember the talk I gave in Kaduna ten years ago that the Niger Delta crisis will ease off but the chaos in Nigeria was going to come from the North

I share the anxiety of many Nigerians.

We have ruined everything.

There is nothing you can do now in this country without bribing.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 , PAGE 19

’How they killed the PDP vision’ Continued frompage 18 quick to rush to that idea as a solution to our problems.

Having said that, of course violent conduct in one part of the country leading to bombings and killings will disturb especially when it looks selective. But even now you can see that Muslims and Christians are getting killed and people wonder this is almost near madness. The only real guarantee to near perfect security in any environment is the contentment of the largest segment of the population.

Would you say that northern leaders including you have done enough to re-orientate or refocus the energy of the youths from the region?

We have not! The North must now look at itself in the mirror and ask vital questions. Is it because for too long, we in the North have seen politics as the only industry worth investing in especially since the end of the first republic. There is too much interest in politics to the exclusion of economic activities. Since the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme, four hundred industries in Kano have collapsed.

The textile industry perished dragging down with it some five million families who were growing cotton. Agriculture is on the decline.

The average age of the farmer today is sixty to sixty five. There is not enough intellectual input into agriculture and agro-processing. How many new industries have been commissioned in any part of the North in the last ten years? Is there any fivestar hotel north of Abuja? There is none. What do we invest in? We were in power. The South was not in power at the political centre but they are miles ahead of us. When we have somebody in power, there is this opium addiction that we have somebody in power. What difference does it make if the man in the Villa is from Katsina or Benue? Does that decide the feeding of the majority of his villagers? I have been saying to the northern governors, you have been meeting in Kaduna, how about zonal economic summits in the three zones of the North? The president has made offers.

He wants to ban rice importation in 2015. If the South is the industrial hub, why can’t the North be the agricultural machine? Why producing less than seven million metric tons of maize? Why are we no longer producing groundnuts? We now buy groundnuts from Niger Republic. I am not objecting to a northerner being in the Villa, but for God’s sake, politics alone can only further destroy the north and worsen Nigeria’s social economic problem.

There have been sustained agitations by some section of the country for the setting up of state police. Will this solve the problems of insecurity in the country?

In a true federation, it is a fair thing to ask for. It makes sense in true federalism for states to have control of their police machinery. That is what is obtainable in the United States where we model our democracy after. But in the USA, each state has a House of Representatives, a Senate and a Supreme Court. That is how elaborate C M Y K

Chief Audu Ogbeh their system is. Our state did not develop the way the states of the United States of America developed.

Ours were created through executive fiat. It is logical for people to think of state police but, in practice, I do not support it. Do you know why? I saw local government and regional police forces in the first republic and I saw the abuse to which they were put. I even see the abuse to which the federal police in Nigeria is put from time to time, during elections especially. When I was chairman of the PDP, there were times mobile police were deployed to organize a fake sitting of the state House of Assembly at night to impeach a governor. That was abuse of process and I said so then. The Federal Government did not elect the governor. It is up to the people through the assemblies to sanction the governor if he has done anything wrong.

Assuming now that the federal police is seen as a tyranny or near tyranny or a possible tyranny, we are going to create 36 tyrannies across the country because they will be abused, terribly abused. And if we do so now, it will not be three years before Nigerians begin to cry out against the state police forces.

Finally, can we pay? I do not see any state that will have less than three thousand police men. I don’t see any state needing less than N500million extra per month to pay that police force. They need uniforms, barracks, offices and other things. If the states are now grumbling that they don’t have enough money to take care of education and health, where will they get the money to pay the police? Why are we so quick to recommend the creation of institutions without thinking of the cost? As I said before, the ultimate security any country can think of is the contentment of the largest segment of the population. It is that contentment that we should invest in now and not state police.

Even now, abuses are going on. In Jigawa State, A.C.N members are being detained in Alkali courts without trial. Which governor will not do the same? The governor names the Attorney General, he names the Chief Judge, appoints the chief of police.

Do you really think that if you are not on his side that police force will listen

to you in a country such as ours where sycophants and poverty hold sway? When that police man knows that by doing the will of the governor he will get extra cash? The demand for state police is a very dangerous diversion and if they decide to go ahead with it, it will not be two years before Nigerians will begin to cry out against the horror that would be placed on their lives. And let me tell those governors clamouring for it that it is not a priority. Let me also tell the federal police that it also need to reform. The Inspector General of Police should be strong enough to tell the president that the police force is not an instrument in the hand of the Federal Government or any body but an instrument for the enforcement of justice and fair play. Unfortunately, most IGPs see them selves as appointees of the president so they get involved in rigging elections.

Do you share the sentiment being expressed that the North should produce the president in 2015?

Sentiment is there and every society has its own sentiment. In fairness, there is reason for some balancing.

There is logic in it. You can’t keep on having one segment of the country dominating the others. People object to that. It is a fair thing. Over the years, this anxiety almost reached a fever point when Abiola won the election which was annulled. We have to commend the Yorubas for not pushing it to the extreme because they had every reason to do so. Thank God we got over it.

In 1994, I was a member of the Constitutional Conference and we began this debate among the northern group about keeping away from contesting the election. It took years and some of these meetings were very heated which was why in 1999 there was no northern candidate for president in any of the political parties. People forget so easily that it was not imposed on us. It was resolved here in Abuja. It was a mature move by the North and people must recognize that.

Towards the middle of Obasanjo’s tenure, I chaired a meeting where we said eight years North, eight years South and I put it to vote and it was carried 57 to 2 in favour of eight years between the North and the South. I left the PDP after that and the thinking changed. Even if things changed, they should have sat down to resolve the matter by bringing reasons. It did not need to degenerate to the extent it went. It could have been done through concession with the agreement to look at it all over again.

Having said all that, yes there is agitation that it should go to the North, the South-east is also clamouring. Again it can be debated and discussed but whatever we do should be through dialogue and understanding and not for one group to say we have seized it, what can you do about it? The essence of democracy is dialogue, dispute resolution and sensitivity to each other ’s feeling. Nobody should feel superior to the other. There is some logic to it. The northerners should not be made to feel that because the seat has gone South no northerner will ever sit there again. I heard that was the declaration of a certain political leader in his venom against the North. Such a language is irresponsible. Let the parties sit down and debate it. Whatever we do, the elite must not set Nigeria on fire.

The North must now look at itself in the mirror and ask vital questions.

Is it because for too long, we in the North have seen politics as the only industry worth investing in especially since the end of the first republic

I am not objecting to a northerner being in the Villa, but for God’s sake, politics alone can only further destroy the north and worsen Nigeria’s social economic problem

PAGE 20—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Nigeria badly needs a revolution …. In science and technology Continued from page 13 ans the horrendous consequences of nuclear power accidents as occurred in Japan after the tsunami of March 2011 (Nigeria’s First Nuclear Plant. Vanguard, Nov 24, 2011).

Briefly, the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan caused many world leaders to pause and rethink their nuclear ambitions. For instance, it prompted the German chancellor to immediately abandon plans for building new nuclear plants in her country and to shut down existing ones. The chancellor took these drastic actions because she marveled at the helplessness of an advanced country like Japan when confronted by a nuclear disaster. According to her she could not inflict on her people the potential for the type of humanitarian disaster imposed on Japan by the Fukushima nuclear accident. I shudder when I wonder how Nigeria would deal with such a calamity in view of her lack of the infrastructure to combat nuclear accidents. So although technology has become very pervasive and can be used to address many problems, a country must pick her technology of choice wisely.

Among Nigeria’s numerous and persistent problems, one of the most pressing is her backwardness in science and technology. As a result Nigeria’s successive governments since political independence in 1960 all pledged increased commitment to use science and technology to enhance Nigeria’s development.

Nigeria’s persistent impoverishment shows that in practice none of them succeeded. Consequently, it has been painful to remain only spectators as the advanced nations continue to employ science and technology to address their economic and social needs.

What would be required to make science and technology thrive in Nigeria? Our findings, in an effort to answer this question, are surprisingly simple as shown below.

First, money is a critical factor for stimulating science and technology.

But most people agree that it is not the lack of money that has retarded science and technology in Nigeria since she is a relatively wealthy oilproducing country.

Second, when we examined the foreign countries from where science and technology was transplanted to Nigeria, we found that these countries have been supporting these enterprises liberally for several hundred years, and that they firmly believe that science and technology is, in part, the basis for their advanced state of development and current high standard of living.

Nigeria should emulate this belief in the power of science and technology by supporting and promoting science and technology in our schools.

Finally, we identified trained manpower as the third factor required to make science and technology thrive in any country. Again Nigeria has, as it were, a head start here because she is well endowed

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President Goodluck Jonathan with human resources with her population of about 160 million people, the largest in any African country. All she needs to do is to ensure that her manpower is adequately trained in science and technology.

While our findings are not completely unexpected, the logical question that arises is, since Nigeria already has a surfeit of the main requirements for success, why has her science and technology continued to remain so unsatisfactory?

It is possible that many highly placed Nigerians only pay lipservice to science and technology, and are really uncertain as to how these powerful enterprises could ensure a nation’s development or promote an individual’s well-being, or they would have been promoting it at all costs. If you are uncertain, then just look carefully at yourself and around you, and think about what you normally do every day all day and you’ll get an idea of the massive impact of western science and technology in basically every aspect of your life. Hopefully, you can now see why you must avidly advocate a successful science and technology program for Nigeria. The ruling elite in Nigeria, in particular, have a responsibility to sincerely buy into this.

Additionally, in view of our conclusion that the lack of money cannot be blamed for the dearth of science and technology in Nigeria, we have to conclude that the sorry state of these enterprises in the country is the result of human failure. For example, it is quite feasible that successive administrations that have ruled Nigeria implemented policies that could not possibly promote the growth of science and technology in the Nigerian public.

I submit that the neglect of education and scientific training in schools by successive administrations since political independence

accounts for Nigeria’s backwardness in science and technology and its fall outs.

Science and technology is the expression of man’s highest ingenuity and man’s ingenuity can only be expressed optimally in a suitable environment which shamefully is lacking in Nigeria today.

Now, let’s pause and enquire about the key individuals that should play significant roles to ensure a successful science and technology enterprise in Nigeria.

The most important manpower requirement for a successful national science and technology is the president who is also the chief executive of the country. I say the president because, as a money intensive enterprise science and technology requires a powerful and influential advocate in government since it is the government that allocates money for science and technology. However, the president has to be genuinely convinced that the use of science and technology is the only sure way to develop the country both socially and economically. The president is also crucial because he appoints the minister that oversees the country’s efforts in science and technology.

Another manpower requirement for science and technology to thrive in Nigeria is the president of the country’s National Academy of Sciences. The importance of the National Academy of Sciences president lies in the fact that he is in a unique position to be able to provide the country’s president, irrespective of his background, useful information regarding the status of science and technology in the country because he is likely to have a wealth of ideas on the issue.

While the Academy president should seek the ear of the country’s president, the latter should grant him a cordial audience as the Academy president could not have arrived at such an important position without knowing something about science and technology for development.

The third manpower requirement for a successful science and technology in Nigeria is the people who actually carry out the work that becomes the nation’s science and technology – the professors, scientists, engineers, laboratory directors, technologists, other technical and support staff, and the educated laymen. All these individuals have one thing in common. They all need to be adequately trained.

Adequate training in science and technology takes a long time and should start early in a child’s education. It is reasonable to begin early to expose our children to the culture of science and to show them how technology is used to address specific societal problems. Since the state of most of our schools is less than desirable, it goes without saying that Nigeria has a moral duty to upgrade our schools with wellequipped and up-to-date facilities that will promote education at the elementary, secondary, university and tertiary levels where the teaching of science should be encouraged

The most important manpower requirement for a successful national science and technology is the president who is also the chief executive of the country

It is possible that many highly placed Nigerians only pay lipservice to science and technology

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 21

The case for atheism (1) most benign nations in the world today – the Scandinavian countries – are also the most atheistic, whereas the most religious countries, mostly in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, are also the most violently intolerant and inhuman.

A significant number of Nigerians are atheists, agnostics or nominal theists, but are unwilling to declare their stand publicly for fear of losing their jobs, personal relations and social status. In addition, fear of stigma-

,

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AST week I ar gued that we can not abandon our world to misanthropes in the guise of religious fundamentalists, despite the real dangers associated with criticism of religious dogmas, because doing so would imperil human civilisation. This time around, in consonance with my conviction that columnists must help spread enlightenment especially about religion among the reading public, I undertake, in the following series of essays, to lay the ground for atheism.

In other words, I will establish that atheism is a rational and humane worldview, contrary to the simplistic claim in Psalm 14:1 that “The fool hath said in his heart, ‘there is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” From a rationalscientific point of view, there are sound reasons for abandoning belief in God. Moreover, it is evident that belief in a deity, particularly the anthropomorphic deities of Abrahamic religions, increases the tendency towards intolerance, violence and destructiveness much more than humanistic atheism allows. This is indicated by the fact that

A significant number of Nigerians are atheists, agnostics or nominal theists, but are unwilling to declare their stand publicly for fear

tisation and obloquy from believers compel people to hide their true feelings about religion. Nevertheless, since I believe strongly that honesty is the best policy in religion (as in all other things for that matter), I might as well use this opportunity to affirm my disbelief in the existence of God. This implies that our discussion is a brief articulation of some of the reasons why I stopped believing in the existence of God. For starters, let

Significant other

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OLITICAL cor rectness has done a lot to straighten language and remove the many offences that can be taken when words and manners are used to segregate, discriminate and offensively identify. Now I am a person of colour or Afro Caribbean, a century ago, I would have been racially and offensively identified as a nigger. That particular hate word evolved into Negro before my race became classed as people of colour and of an Afro-Caribbean descent. To the best of my knowledge, no one has taken offence at the new appellations and I guess it may be some time before we evolve into a new identity. The black race is not the only group or interest who

us define what the word ‘God’ means in other to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. J. I. Omoregbe, in his informative essay, “What is God: A Critical Inquiry” critically examines various conceptions of the deity in different world religions and philosophical systems.

The dominant idea distillable from Omoregbe’s paper which we shall adopt in our analysis is that God is a spiritual being who created the universe and everything

benefitted from the move towards political correctness and while some may argue that not much has changed; there is a strong psychological and emotional gratification that comes from getting recognition and respect.

It is the affirmation and confirmation that we are reckoned with; that we count, that is truly gratifying.

It is the nature of man to classify and identify by titles or class. My sister is a top executive in human relations abroad and I had casually referred to a race of people by a term that seemed harmless when she shushed me.

My initial indignation turned to horror when she let me into the truth that I had just used a hate word. It was a term used to classify a race of

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in it, and deserving of worship by human beings. This is a minimalist definition, for it does not include the contradictory anthropomorphic attributes usually associated with the deity. Yet it captures the kernel of the conceptions of God in all dominant religions of the world.

Since antiquity thoughtful believers have produced arguments to establish the existence of God. Classically, such arguments

people who were expected to be at best shop keepers or cab drivers and they apparently found it offensive. As well they should; it's no better than someone labelling me a fraudster because a few Nigerians were. She reminded me that many of the richest men in the world were of that same race I had just casually denigrated. As if using that word wasn't bad enough as it made me a racist and a bigot; it could have landed me in jail as it was now a hate crime in the United kingdom. My words may not have been fuelled by hate but ignorance is as insidious a motive as any label when it identifies anything and anyone in a way that generally classifies them as less than they are.

I was reminded of an article I wrote years ago about political correctness and how the new terms and titles being

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ne of the most ven erable a posteriori arguments for the existence of God is the cosmological argument. Plato, the respected ancient Greek philosopher, was the first to formulate it explicitly, although Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas and other religious apologists over the centuries have reiterated the same theme. All cosmological arguments depend on the attempt to stop an infinite regress, to halt the endless series of an answer to a question which raises a prior question, and so on ad infinitum. For example, as the argument goes, nothing moves without an antecedent mover, or causes itself in the absence of a prior cause.

But the previous mover or cause must also have been moved or caused by something else. In order to halt the endless prior movers or causes, we have to postulate an Unmoved Mover or First Cause called God. This line of reasoning is based on the unwarranted arbitrary assumption introduced bordered on the ludicrous. Some agitations for change are nothing to do with civil rights more with grandstanding and just glory seeking but some are showing a more tolerance hue in the rainbow of human relations. My nearest and dearest was filling a form a while back and it mentioned a new title that I hadn't seen in print. Instead of

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PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos,

can be grouped into two main categories, namely, the a priori and the a posteriori. Typically, a priori arguments for the existence of God rely on what Richard Dawkins, the Oxford zoologist, described as “pure armchair ratiocination,” that is, on the manipulation of mere concepts without reference to any data from the real world. On the other hand, a posteriori arguments try to feed in information derived from inspecting the actual world while making a case for God’s existence.

that God must be the natural terminator of the infinite regress of motion or causality in the universe. Assuming that it is logically or psychologically expedient to arbitrarily assign a terminator to an infinite regress, must the terminator be a spiritual being endowed with the contradictory qualities of omnipotence and omniscience, not to talk of other human attributes such as jealousy, hatred, regret, love, compassion etc.? Moreover, why must God be immune from the regress?

If everything in the universe must have a cause, why is God not caused by something else?

In my opinion, the big bang singularity posited by cosmologists such as Roger Penrose and Stephen Hawking provides a more intellectually parsimonious and scientifically plausible end-point to the infinite series for which creationists invoke God. And supposing that the causal chain in the universe forms a loop instead of a straight line, a phenomenon known to scientists and engineers, the question of terminating an infinite regress would not arise at all.

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well-known a pri ori argument for God’s existence is the ontological argument proposed in 1078 by St. Anselm of Canterbury, which has been reformulated by different theologians ever since. According to Anselm, it is possible to conceive of a being greater than which nothing can be thought (what would such a being be like?), an infinitely perfect being. But a lives with. My convictions stop short of the condemnation of any association or even state of co-habitation that people choose; that's between them and God. I've been tasked on my position many a time but I don't believe it's up to me to approve or disapprove of anyone's choices; that's judgement; It's God's business. I do find tolerance a virtue most beau-

Some agitations for change are nothing to do with civil rights more with grandstanding and just glory seeking but some are showing a more tolerance hue in the rainbow of human relations

marital status; there was a section for "significant other". This we both found fascinating and we surmised this meant an acceptability of all unions outside of the conventionally acceptable. I do hold conservative views and believe strongly that everyone should aim to find the one person they would love to share their

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tiful and if some countries will acknowledge and give rights to unions outside of the conventional I say bravo. Love is significant in any way or the other.

My musings had a lot to do with the inscription on the birthday cake of my Dearest and my first choice had been to get on the politically correct

being which exists only in the mind but not in the actual world is not infinitely perfect. Since a being that exists both in the imagination and in the real world is more perfect than the one that exists only in the mind, it follows that God exists.

The most telling refutations of the ontological argument are usually attributed to the philosophers David Hume and Immanuel Kant. he major flaw in the ontological argument, aside from the intractable difficulties surrounding the concept of “a being greater than which nothing can be conceived,” is the tacit assumption that it is valid to reach a definitive conclusion about the existence of some entity by the mere fact that the entity in question can be conceived. Obviously I can conceive that I have one billion naira in a certain bank; but it does not follow that there is such an amount belonging to me lodged in any bank.

Again, St. Anselm was wrong in thinking that ‘existence’ is a predicate or perfection that can be ascribed to, or removed from, an object. The fact is that a term or expression might connote an entity; whether that entity actually exists or does not exist is a different matter altogether, which can only be settled when relevant investigation has been carried out by competent researchers. If the entity in question really exists then it exists, if it does not exist ascribing existence to it cannot make it pop into existence.

To be continued.

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train and write "love always to my significant other".. I felt it was witty, we would both find it funny and since I hold the dual position of BFF and wife, I proceeded to do so. I however under estimated the size of cake in question and the amount of words or is it letters it would take to write my litany. So I went back to my mental drawing board wondering what accolades I could bestow on the heart shaped red wonder I had ordered. As cakes go, less is more and I have been given a 24hour grace by Audrey to say something short and equally sweet. The Clock is ticking and I am still undecided, what a time to run short of words.

The only certain thing is a love that has no boundaries or limitations and a life long troth I make with every breathe.. I will come up with something but whatever the words or pictures; it will mean happy birthday my Darling, my friend, my companion, my confidante, my significant other and my husband; love always for life....

PAGE 22—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Presidents also cry: Tear drops

by Jonathan –1

Why can’t politicians relinquish power?

“Each person matters; no human life is redundant. Every individual must be given the opportunity to live a life in which his or her basic needs are provided for and in which, so far as it is reasonably possible , their full potential is realised”-Cardinal Basil Hume

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received a post in my mail box, some time last week, that tweaked my interest. The post you will see (included an excerpt below) in it, it gave names of some of our politicians and the length of time they had been in the political arena.

And as far as we are made to believe, they would like to remain in sit post 2015. This is a desperate state of affairs.

When do they think of handing the baton over to younger people or maybe the old saying that “old soldier never dies”?

So we assume like old soldiers, our politicians will fade away? I don’t think there is a chance of that happening anytime soon.

They seem to be fixated to the allure of power and they have dug themselves so like the old despot, Idi Amin, they want to remain President for life! Have they ever considered that the younger people are looking at them and learning their ways? So what happens when they are no longer physically able to “govern?” Then we will have a vacuum so dangerously wide that there would be no one capable to fill it. They, the politicians

the papers which account for eighty percent of circulation are all owned by southerners. In the electronic media AIT, CHANNELS, SILVERBIRD also belong to people from that zone. Any leader, starting out with that sort of home support, who is still complaining about media antagonism should examine himself.

At any rate, Jonathan should not add ingrati-

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o identify Jonath

Any leader, starting out with that sort of home support, who is still complaining about media antagonism should examine himself. At any rate, Jonathan should not add ingratitude to his list of personal defects

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tude to his list of personal defects. But, first let me categorise the President’s perceived or real enemies before dwelling on how to manage them.

Going by President Jonathan’s definition of people he considers his enemies, I am probably among top ten. I accept that categorization. In-

an’s number two enemy, a story is needed. It is personal and true. In 1960, in form three, at Igbobi College, and, after a serious problem in school, I went home. Because Daddy died while I was in form one, there were only Mummy’s ears to listen to my complaints and her

are squandering the young peoples’ future through their neglect and dereliction of duty.

So what have they done to include our young in nation building, have they invested in their well being or citizenship? So where would the next up and coming citizens come from, who will be worthy of holding public office?

As promised here is the post I received: So have a good read: “In 1979, Bamanga Tukur was the Governor

Mark (rtd) was the military governor of Niger State in 1984 and 28 years after he is still the Senate President; Governor Murtala Nyako was the governor of Niger State in 1976 and 36 years after he is still the Governor of Adamawa State; Ogbonnaya Onu was governor of Abia State in 1992 and 20 years after he is still the National Chairman of ANPP “ and the list goes on. I will not bore you, but you get the gist and then it concluded that “

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lamentations, about the media, as well as critics, apart from being inaccurate and self-pitying, sound like the temper tantrums of a child crying after deliberately spilling a well-prepared meal and being spanked for it. The media twice gave him support when he needed it most. First, to get him declared Acting President, and second, by advancing the notion that merit should supersede zoning and the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the selection of Yar’Adua’s successor.

On both occasions the support was provided over the strong opposition of the north by the southern media. Incidentally, Jonathan, in his years at the top level of government, shockingly, does not know that the several of the leading titles in the print media, as well as the electronic media, belong to people from his own zone. So, let me educate him.

GUARDIAN, VANGUARD, THISDAY, among the top seven newspapers are predominantly owned by people from the South South.

Add SUN, PUNCH, NATION and TRIBUNE and

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“Like all God’s creatures, enemies have a purpose in the world.

They offer a criticism of one’s conduct, albeit unsought, that is not always provided by friends”. Rosenblat.

(VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, p 48.

HIS column could just as well have been titled HOW TO MANAGE YOUR ENEMIES – A COURSE FOR PRESIDENT JONATHAN; and, it would be just as apt. Back in my days as a Senior Lecturer/Consultant with the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, one of my functions was writing course notes. Among more than three dozen, my two favourite course notes were TIME AND SELF-MANAGEMENT and HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BOSS. President Jonathan will benefit immensely from a course in how to manage his enemies – real or imagined.

Obviously hiring mouthorgans or “dogs” (guard or mad) has also proved abortive. Lamenting fate is proving worthless. He needs a new approach.

But, before we proceed, some observations are needed.

President Jonathan’s

deed, I cannot recollect any administration in Nigeria, except Murtala’s brief one, with which there had not been major disagreements since 1974. So, even, if I am now again cast in the role of government’s top antagonist, it is clear that there is nothing personal about the criticisms directed at GEJ. Contrary to what some of Jonathan’s “friends” might have told him, I don’t hate him anymore than I did Gowon, Shagari, Buhari, Babangida, Abacha, Abubakar, Obasanjo and Yar’Adua. They did their jobs as best as they could; and I responded as honestly as I could on these pages.

No matter how much they repackage the politics or political parties, the mixture remains the same; old wine in new bottles, still the same old plunk not worthy of its vintage

of the defunct Gongola State (now Adamawa & Taraba) and 33 years after, he is still the Chairman of the ruling Party.

Dr. Bello Halliru was commissioner in the Old Sokoto State (now Sokoto, Kebbi & Zamfara) and 33 years after, he remains the Minister of Defence(until recently); Major General David

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in 1985, IBB was the president of Nigeria and and he wants to be the president again.

This political musical chairs has gone on long enough; for far too long our politicians have seen the post as their political birthright. They even divvied up our country and grab pieces of states like a gold rush .Well when ,

shoulders on which to cry. I had a grievance against everybody – the Principal, the Vice-Principal, all the tutors, prefects, seniors and even some classmates. They were all there to make life hell for me. No prosecutor could have presented such a long charge sheet against “evil people” in any community. After listening patiently to my pleas, my mother delivered judgment in the way only a good mother should to a stupid boy. She got up; went into her room; brought a mirror and asked me to look in the mirror. “Whose face do you see there?” she asked. “Mine”, I replied.

“Then you are looking at your worst enemy”, she declared. “Change that person and you will discover that you will henceforth have very few problems”. The wisdom in that verdict did not sink in at the time, because it was contrary to what I expected. But, years later, I learnt two things from it. Like any person, I know I am my own best friend. But, unlike most people, I also now know that I am my own worst enemy. Most of the calamities which have befallen me have resulted from choices voluntarily and foolishly made; not by acts of God or anyone else. President Jonathan should look in a mirror and he will see his number “two” (don’t forget I am number one) enemy….

OCTOBER 1: OLDER PEOPLES DAY –3 IBB did abdicate in 1993, but then had a change of mind and he joined the power rush in 2011.

Why the change of mind, you asked? IBB stated he threw his cap in the ring because the younger generation are not able to rule the country! Well, that does not imbue confidence in the younger generation. I suppose he was born ready and able to rule so, he never was young or was he?

What they have done is to condemn a whole generation in one swoop and that is not right. It would have been valid, if , previous governments had not been riddled with corruption, extortion, looting of the natural resources and all manners of abuse of power.

Really, so the younger generation can’t do worse than the old guards, why should they not be given the chance?

The only reason, it seems to me that he feels he is missing out and woe betide any wiper snapper who wants to jostle him for power .

We have seen many times whenever a younger, enigmatic and idealistic person comes along, they lure him to the dark side and if that does not

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he notice is admit tedly short and the invitation to most people was on this page. But, I still think it is worthwhile to start marking this day.

The two great religions, Islam and Christianity, started with less than twenty people. Now their adherents number hundreds of millions.

Irrespective of how many of us will be there tomorrow, we will start.

Next year will be different. We will start the planning from October 2 this year. I will be there tomorrow. Please come and join us to say thank you to our parents.

LATE MAJOR “CARTER” AKINYEMI (rtd) – CONT’D ome individuals shine brighter in death than when alive.

This old Government College Ibadan old boy, called “Carter”, is one of them. Read on.

“Name and number withheld for security reasons: Just finished ‘FRANKLY SPEAKING. The GCI 66-70 set was my set. I was in Swanson House with ‘Carter’ Akinloye Akinyemi. We shared a common bunk in ’67. The class mandated me to take over his welfare in Kaduna prison in 1995 after he was commuted to life. I left Kaduna to do a programme at Ibadan in Jan 1996. Before I came back, in Dec he had been moved to Bama…We had time to talk”.

P.S. Writer is also an old Igbobian; he and his GCI classmates were aware of the injustice. Pity.

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work then, should the young person rises amongst the ranks, they are subsequently silenced(we know, they do have ways and means). No wonder that young people are hesitant to participate in the political machinery that does not include them, in fact it actively isolates them to the fringes of mainstream politics.

About time these politicians stopped playing political musical chairs with our nation’s younger generation. They do not care that many of our younger people are not in employment, training or in education so they wonder why our society is so morally vacuous?

So how have they prepared them to take over or even still compete with the rest of the world?

So when is enough enough? There has to be a limit. It is high time the old guard quietly let go and retire gracefully to pasture.

I mean they have feathered their nest enough haven’t they? No matter how much they repackage the politics or political parties, the mixture remains the same; old wine in new bottles, still the same old plunk not worthy of its vintage.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 23

What is the value of INEC’s voter’s card? fractions of her scarce resources hitherto deployed to repeated registration exercises which often produced the same defects as the previous ones. Unfortunately, the new development is capable of confusing some people who have followed INEC activities for a while. In November 2007, it was reported that Datacard Group, one of

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For the Adamawa governorship election, INEC distributed 200 instead of 1000 ballot boxes in Thukudou/Sukufu/Zar wards of the state comprising 14 polling units.

At the end of the day, there were results from the 1, 000 ballot boxes

the world’s leaders in ‘Secure ID and Card Personalization Solutions’ had been mandated by INEC after a two-year bidding process to produce the same figure of 70 million permanent voters’ cards.

The Bakassi purchase

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T best, the Ba kassi situation mirrors the extent of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s administrative incompetence even in handling matters of serious strategic relevance to Nigeria’s national security interest; at worse, it reflects the colonial conundrum – the result of the distortions in Africa’s national and cultural boundaries by, particularly, the Berlin conference where the famous “scramble for Africa” was enacted in the nineteenth century.

A careful look at the judgment of the ICJ, and the various moves in the last decade that reshaped Nigeria’s international borders from Lake Chad to the Gulf of Guinea might reveal another hand of Esau, the attempts to contain and sequestrate Nigeria by those international interests of whom Nigeria’s very presence and strategic location in this neighborhood; its potential coherence as a nation poses a problem and threatens their own strategic global interests both in the short and in the long term.

Connected to the Bakassi situation is another scramble for Africa – a new one – this time defined by a scramble for new and disappearing global energy sources rather than by trade and other forms of territorial expansionism.

New treaties are being signed; new agreements of protection that now make postcolonial African states fickle sovereignties and the new protectorates to the powerful nations in new emerging alliances within new axes shaping new territorial architectures of which Africa once again is the new frontier for a new scramble. It is a proxy battle in many regards, and the long term is to be viewed by any self-conscious Nigerian with wariness.

The cession of Bakassi by the international courts to the Cameroons seems to suggest some intrigue: Bakassi is right now a strategic trap for Nigeria, much like Kuwait became for Iraq in the long run. It is staged within Nigeria’s strategic borders, and might become the trigger for all sorts of dangerous inter-

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million next year when a world acclaimed technical group reportedly installed at her request, 5 years ago, a facility that can do the job in 70days only. It is rather simplistic to expect Nigerians to know the advan-

national incidents. Nigeria might be tempted someday to restore Bakassi to its sovereign borders by use even of the force of arms, a situation that might then open it up to the same threat, and the same alliance against which Saddam Hussein had to confront in his moves to reclaim Kuwait for Iraq in 1990.

Bakassi might become Nigeria’s own Kuwait.

It is thus imperative for the Federal Government to quickly and strategically deal with the Ba-

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N September 19, 2012, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega announced that his commission had commenced the printing of 40 million permanent voters’ cards. The cards would contain security features such as barcode, hologram, micro text, fingerprints, contactless/ embedded chip with printed voter details and photograph. Another set of 30 million cards according to Jega would be ready by 2013.

There is no doubt that the statement must have come as a relief to a number of voters as they would no longer have to re-register each time an election is close by. In other words, it is only those citizens who were not previously registered that would need to be added to the voters register. The nation has much to gain from this as she would save huge

According to media reports, it took the group only two months to do so by installing the 700 card printer’s facility in Abuja. Apart from claiming that its facility was capable of producing more than a million cards daily, the group also said that it trained 300 INEC staff. Is this Datacard story part of what INEC is talking about now or is the Jega story a new and different effort?

Nigerians ought to know why INEC has opted to produce 40 million cards this year and 30

tages of instalmental production of the cards if any. It is similarly simplistic to assume that with the making of permanent voters’ cards, the problems of Nigerian elections would drastically reduce. This is because many of our election problems have little to do with whether the voters’ cards are temporary or permanent.

One recurring problem in our electoral process is the sale of voters’ cards.

During the July 2012 Edo governorship election the state government had to issue a statement to condemn those who were buying voters’ cards on the governor.

In fact, the Police who are usually on top of every matter reportedly arrested six members of a particular political party for allegedly ‘buying’ voters’ cards but no one was arrested for selling to them.

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ll things remaining the same therefore, there is nothing to suggest that because voters’ cards are now permanent, they cannot be sold. For the same reason, under-aged voters would still receive the permanent cards in place of the old ones with which they voted before.

Oh yes, too many underaged voters illegally participate in every election demanded that the Federal Government of Nigeria re-present the Bakassi case on appeal before the International Court of Justice, before the ceiling for appeal expires in October.

Nigerians make this demand on a number of principles: first in the light of what has been described as new evidence proving that the grounds on which the ICJ arrived at its judgment were flawed, arbitrary and reckless; two on the grounds that the former president who signed off on Nigeria’s territorial rights at the socalled Greentree agreement did so without a binding protocol; that is without the accent of Ni-

It is thus imperative for the Federal Government to quickly and strategically deal with the Bakassi situation now, to resolve it in this generation

kassi situation now, to resolve it in this generation, and not to leave it as a problem for another generation of Nigerians to deal with, and that with far more dangerous consequences both for Nigeria and for the Central West African region, as well as for the strategic gulf of Guinea and the Bight of Biafra.

A groundswell in Nigerian public opinion has

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geria’s national parliament which ought to provide the mandate for such an agreement.

The Nigerian National Assembly has thus called such an agreement nonbinding on the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in so far as the ICJ rulings are predicated on bilateral agreement. President Obasanjo’s cession of Bakassi becomes there-

in Nigeria. In 2011, the practice was widely observed by election monitors in many polling units in Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Nasarawa and Taraba states. It has also happened in the last set of elections in Kogi, Sokoto, Adamawa, Bayelsa and Edo states.

There are recurring problems attributable to the administrative lethargy of INEC that cannot be solved simply because voters’ cards are now permanent. The late arrival of election personnel and materials, disappearance of some names from the register of voters and non-adherence of officials to the guidelines approved by INEC for elections are just a few of them. It is difficult to name any election in Nigeria that has begun on schedule in the last decade.

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he Jega administra tion had its own baptism when due to late arrival of materials; it had to postpone the Senatorial election slated for April 2 nd 2011. Since then, till the latest election- the governorship contest in Edo State, there has been no change. Indeed, the incumbent governor in Edo had to publicly condemn the late start of the election on July 14, 2012.

Many voters also alfore a matter of caprice and in the whim of his personal interest, in line with his own personal international commitments to his international friends, but non-binding to the government of the Federation of Nigeria.

By law, the only means by which the Greentree agreement must come into effect is for its prior ratification by the Nigerian parliament which has thus denied assent to the agreement. There is also the fact that Bakassi people have threatened to declare independence both from Cameroon, to which it is now ceded and Nigeria, from which it claims sovereign affiliation and protection, if the ICJ judgment is enforced.

It is a dangerous development in many regards.

It is in the long term interest of Nigeria to secure Bakassi for itself, both because ceding Bakassi endangers Nigeria’s maritime security and trade, and besides whoever controls that strategic peninsula controls access to the strategic Gulf of Guinea.

But how did we get this far? I see that Senator Florence Ita-Giwa is now among the banner-waving protesters from Bakassi urging the federal government to act to protect Bakassi and Bakassi people from the ICJ judgment. I’m moved to ask, why in the years she was President Obasanjo’s senior legislative adviser, defending all the Obasanjo policies, she did not

leged that their names were missing in the register of voters available in the same polling booths where they voted in the immediate past election. Media reports also showed that guidelines approved by INEC were not adhered to in some

centres.

The location of some polling units is another problem that permanent voters’ cards cannot solve. Many of the booths are located in front of or too close to people’s houses despite the availability of public schools and public places near such houses. What this suggests is that whether the voters’ cards are permanent or not, Nigeria will continue to have malpractices like incredible voter turn-out figures.

For the Adamawa governorship election, INEC distributed 200 instead of 1000 ballot boxes in Thukudou/Sukufu/Zar wards of the state comprising 14 polling units.

At the end of the day, there were results from the 1, 000 ballot boxes inclusive of those not distributed! One politician was actually caught with 6 ballot boxes inside his house. What would stop such ghost boxes from having permanent voters’ cards?

We can only applaud INEC if it evolves a device that nullifies a card used by anyone who is

not its rightful owner

resign to protest the terrible mishandling of the Bakassi case by the Obasanjo administration. I ask because we now seem to be in the fire-brigade mode with this case. Nigeria had all the time to marshal a great case and secure Bakassi. But she dawdled. Now, the story of Bakassi must give us pause. In an interview, the eminent Botanist and public intellectual, Professor Anya has suggested that Generals Gowon and Obasanjo, the two Heads of government must be tried for treason for ceding Bakassi to the Cameroons out of political expediency.

There is suggestion that Go won, following the

Maroua declaration of 1971 conceded that territory of Nigeria to the Cameroons as compensation for Cameroon’s support of Nigeria against the war with Biafrans. Obasanjo basically treaded waters at the ICJ, quickly conceding the change in Nigeria’s territorial borders for his own interests after Nigeria suffered a needless shellacking. Well, some of these claims have been disputed, chiefly by Dr. Nowa Omogui, Cardiologist and one of the more informed commentators on Nigeria’s Military and Security policies, and recently by Mr. Richard Akinjide, former Attorney-General of the Federation, who handled the Nigerian brief at the International courts.

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PAGE 24—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Mr Stingy is proposing marriage!

Dear Rebecca

I

AM a single girl of 24. I am dating a 27 year old man.

We are both workers. The relationship is about four or five years old. We love each other, and our parents are aware of our relationship. My problem is, since we have been friends, he has never ever bought me even an handkerchief, talk less of more expensive gift items. Whenever I request for one, he gives an evasive explanation.

The worst part of it now is that, he has been disturbing me and wants to marry me.

Please I need your urgent advice.

Shade, Osun State REPL Y REPLY

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T is a bit strange that your boyfriend has never given you a present, no matter how small, in your four or five years of friendship.

Could it be that he doesn’t earn much and has to cater for his parents and relations, or may be he is one of those men who don’t believe in spending on girls until they are married to them? Such men don’t want to ‘waste’ money on another man’s future wife.

However, a relationship of any sort should involve give and take, according to your means.

Have you ever sent him a card or given him a small present? I know that it is usual for men to be expected to spend on their girlfriends, but there’s nothing to stop a girl giving her boyfriend a gift she can afford. It could even be a gift of several handkerchiefs.

That may embarrass him into giving you what he can afford too.

In a truly caring relationship, especially one which both parties have agreed will lead to marriage, presents are exchanged just as a token of affection, as you both save towards your wedding and towards setting up a home together.

At 24 and a worker, you’re ready for marriage, even though there should be no desperation to do so, as you’re still

quite young. I have this impression that despite your claim that you and this man love each other, deep down, you’re not quite sure that he’s the ideal man for you.

This is not because he’s never given you a present, but because of your statement ‘the worst part of it now is that he’s been disturbing me and wants to marry me’. This does not show affection that will lead to marriage, in my opinion.

How can the worst part of the relationship be that his intention to marry you? Why should you say that he’s disturbing you with his marriage proposal? Maybe you didn’t express yourself properly, but to the rest of us, your love for him is not strong enough for you to want to be his wife, if you feel you’re being disturbed by his marriage proposal!

Girls who claim to love their boyfriends would be very happy when he seriously proposes marriage. I’m not saying that you should rush and accept to marry him. No, you should do so only when you’ve studied him well enough. Already, you dislike his stingy attitude. Your feeling is right because when a man is dating a girl, he’s supposed to be at his best behaviour. This includes giving her presents that he can afford, to show

his appreciation of their relationship. This man hasn’t done this in five years. In some cases, men who are dating a girl for marriage would even give occasional gifts to her mother and younger siblings. He may bring some fruits,

like apples, English pears, grapes, etc. while visiting you, even if your family is very wealthy.

It’s the polite thing to do. He would give your parents cards at Christmas, their wedding anniversary, etc. However, if you like most

things about him and members of his family and you think that he’s your ideal man, you’ll have to understand fully his attitude about giving. There’s no need to confront him on this again, but sit down quietly by yourself and con-

It’s best to wait for a man that your heart really desires, than to accept just any man and then find out that you can’t be happy in the union

I can’t get her out of my mind!

Dear Rebecca

I

am a boy of twenty, of moderate height.

I attended a technical school. Presently, I’m dating two ladies. The first one is still trying to resit her secondary school exams, while the other works with her mum.

Our relationship started 4 years ago. They know each other and I promised to marry them although I have not had sex with either of them. I try to treat them the same way but this has become impossible .

The first one comes from a poor family while the second one was born with a sliver spoon in her mouth. Because of my feelings for the first, I usu-

ally collect money from the second one to give to the first. In January, I had a quarrel with the second girl so that I could continue my affair with the first.

Unfortunately the later misunderstood everything and accused me of flirting.

Since then, she has not visited me. I’ve tried getting in touch with her without success.

She has left for an unknown destination probably to school. Last time I met her, she refused to give me her address or new telephone number.

She’s beginning to appear in my dreams. what can I do?

Alu, Ibadan.

REPL Y REPLY

U

SUALLY, we long for things which have become out of our reach even though we know very well that we can do without them. I think it was rash to promise marriage while you were still a teenager and very far from being in a position to settle down in mar-

riage.

At twenty, and still at school, it is too early to start considering which of two girls to marry and getting deeply involved in a romantic relationship with all the attendant headache. You should concentrate right now more on your studies and future than on

women.

As a man, you are expected to be financially sound before taking on wives. As you seem confused about both ladies I suggest you leave them alone. You long for the first one because she no longer fancies you.

If you cared so much about her, you would not have promised another girl marriage after you had told her you would marry her . So start

again and date other girls . This time around don’t promise marriage to anyone until you are about to settle down and you have met the girl you sincerely think is your ideal partner.

sider him and his financial situation. In the five years that you’ve been dating, you should know a lot about him. Is he eldest/only son in his family and the major bread winner? Is he training some siblings?

Is he earning enough to take a wife and have children? Do you think he’s capable of taking good care of a wife and children? Is he a clean, responsible, honest, reliable, polite and well-behaved person? Would you like to spend the rest of your life with him?

Do you really love him, or have you remained in this long relationship only because you are used to him/you haven’t found some other man to propose marriage to you?

It’s best to wait for a man that your heart really desires, than to accept just any man and then find out that you can’t be happy in the union. We can’t change another human being.

It’s only the grace of God that can change a person. So, don’t think that once you are married to him, you can change him to be more acceptable to you. You can’t. A man who wants to spend on a lady only when he’s married to her, will at least get her a little present from time to time while they’re courting, and he will apologize that the gift is small. I can’t imagine what acceptable excuse your boyfriend can give for not giving you anything in five years! How can he propose marriage in such a situation? How does he expect you to believe that he can look after a wife and children?

I may be wrong, but I suspect that he’s expecting that you will use your income to look after the home, and he will have very little to spend on it.

I suggest you discuss the man with your mother and ask her opinion. If you don’t want to marry him, please get out of the relationship now, so that you can be available for other men to court for marriage. Luckily, he’s not been spending money on you, so, you don’t really owe him anything.

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

SUND AY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 25 SUNDA

0808 066 0660 (Texts only!)

First time? What first time?

I

N spite of the fact that virginity has become almost obsolete in the courtship diary, some people still hang on to it. Not because they are holierthan-thou, but because they’ve not had the opportunity to ‘let it all hang out!’ “I was like the only virgin in our group of friends,” said Hadizat, a 23-year-old medical student. She was having a discussion with two of her friends, and there I was, pretending to be ensconce in the newspaper I was reading. “After being endlessly teased by my friends, I decided to do something about it.

I already had a steady boyfriend I’d been with for three years. Once in a while, I even slept over in his flat, yet we hadn’t had sex.

“It hadn’t been an issue at first. I was a virgin when I met Chris who was eight years older.

He’d understood I didn’t want to be rushed but when I hit 21, I was bent of having a taste of intimacy. He was quite a good-looking guy and it

was getting a bit frustrating, spending the night with him just cuddling and kissing. He’d always stopped before we went too far. Lately, I’d been dropping hints I was ready to go all the way but he always gave the excuse that it was best we waited a little longer.

“So, after the birthday party he gave me, I planned a seductive thank you dinner. With the food ready, I waited in the bedroom for him to return from work. I was wearing a very revealing nightie, and wafting the perfume he gave me. Shouting my name and praising the .aroma of our dinner to high heavens, he berged through the bedroom door and gawped. What was the matter with him?

Was he blind? Undeterred, I rose up from the bed and seductively eased one strap of the nightie. ‘I thought we should work up an appetite first,’ I purred. He looked frightened. ‘Sorry darling, I’m really hungry,’ he stammered, then bolted to the kitchen. I was really embarrassed.

The sexy nightie now looked a very bad idea.

Instead of making me irresistible, it had made me look cheap. This clod of a man obviously didn’t find me attractive.

Maybe he never did.

“Angry, I got dressed and went back home whilst he was in the shower. My confidence was in tatters, believe me.

And he didn’t even bother to call. The next day, Akeem, an ex boyfriend sent me a cheeky belated birthday text. I found myself flirting back. He immediately called and we talked about old times. Before I knew it, I’d agreed to dinner the next day. My boyfriend’s rejection had

The Crane, the Spinal Twist and the Headstand

S

Benefits: The Spinal Twist helps give flexibility to the spine. Excess fat about the waist is reduced and the digestive system is improved. It brings relief to constipation.

The Headstand C M Y K

Technique: Get on your knees and interlacing the fingers, place the hands on the floor in front. Lean forward and support the back of the head with the interlaced fingers. With the help of the feet, raise the hips up in the air

,

The Spinal Twist Technique: IT down with both legs outstretched in front of you.

Bending the left knee, place the left heel close to the right buttock. Also bend the right knee, place the right foot on the outside of the left thigh close to the left knee.

Bring the left hand to clutch the right thigh with the inside of the elbow on the right knee.

Pass the right arm at the back, placig the hand on the left lap close to the waistline. Look over the righjt shoulder turning the whole trunk rightward.

gland dubbed the master gland because it regulates the activities of all the others. Although no larger than a green pea – the pituitary is nonetheless of great importance to our well – being.

There are as many as twelve various hormones

The Headstand favourably affects the pituitary gland dubbed the master gland because it regulates the activities of all the others

Now, lift the knee until stillness is obtained standing on the head.

Straighten the legs rather slowly until the whole body is in a straight line from head down to feet up.

Benefits: The Headstand favourably affects the pituitary

,

reputed to be manufactured inside it. There is one hormone of the pituitary that raises blood pressure, another that makes some muscles contract, one that inhibits the kidneys from producing urine, one that stimulates the kidneys to make more urine, then there is a whole group of hormones

hurt me and I wanted to know what it was like to be desired by a man.

“Akeem and I have had our differences about my no-sex policy and he must be thanking his lucky stars I agreed to a dinner date. As soon as he picked me up, he drove straight to his flat.

As we sipped red wine, he was all over me and I didn’t protest. Hastily, he started pulling at my clothes. I wasn’t in the least nervous. I just wanted to lose my virginity. As we started having sex however, I felt sordid instead of desired. Chris’ face kept on popping into my head. I was glad when it was over.

“I felt weighed down

with guilt and regret the next day. I called Chris and told him I missed him and that I’d been foolish to walk out on him without telling him.

Instead of being angry, he sounded relieved.

‘I’ve missed you too,’ he said, obviously happy.

Then he said I needed to come down so we could talk. Talk about what? For one terrible moment, I wondered if he knew what had happened with Akeem. But as I arrived at his place, we fell into each other’s arms and I saw his worried face.

‘Hadizat don’t laugh,’ he said. ‘But the reason I wouldn’t make love to you is ... ‘ as he struggled for the right word, I gulped. What was he going to say? That he didn’t find me attractive, that he’d been seeing another woman on the side?

“He broke away from my embrace and blurted: ‘I’m still a virgin.’ Chris, a virgin? How could such a hunk be a virgin? I was supposed to be the novice at sex, not him. I’d assumed he didn’t fancy me, but he’d just been scared. ‘I’m sorry for not

telling you earlier,’ he went on. ‘Please forgive me: But there was nothing to forgive, I assured him.

“Weeks later, I still felt guilty for throwing my virginity at an undeserved opportunist. We still haven’t made love because Chris keeps on about us being virgins together and how special our first time is going to be. We’ve always talked about a weekend away in one of the neighbouring countries and he’s building it up to be an amazing opportunity for us to get a perfect setting for our ‘first’ time together.

“The big question now is, how can I tell him what I’ve done, that I lost my virginity to an ex who hadn’t bothered to call since then? My encounter with Akeem still made me feel soiled, dirty and shamed. When Chris and I eventually make love, I’m going to have to put on a very convincing act at pretending it’s been really special. I just wish I’d waited - then it would have been really magicaL.”

that regulate the other endocrine gland of the body e.g., the Adrenal and gerund or sex glands. Apart from the aforementioned, the Headstand is also said to nourish the brain and maintain mental health.

The Crane Technique: Squat on the hunches with the feet close together. Let the soles and heels rest on the floor.

Raise the buttocks up and move the trunk forward.

Breathing out, wrap the arms around the bent legs and place the palms on the floor.

Bend the elbows and raise the Heels from the floor, move the trunk a bit more forward and rest the chin on the back of the upper arms close to the armpits. Stretch the arms straight and balance the whole body on the hands.

Benefits: The crane strengthens the arms. And with the contracting of the abdomen, the organs there are massaged and toned.

* The Headstand Pose

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

P AGE 26 — PA

SUND AY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 30 , 2012 SUNDA bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

Making an easy transition from a lover to a son-in-law!

K

OLAPO, who is a very close rela tive, is not your usual run-of-the mill bum. A brilliant mechanical engineer, he has a well paid job and, until recently, didn’t give a hoot about putting down roots. By age 38, he’d had more relationships than he’d had clean clothes and most of them with women a reputable professional wouldn’t be seen dead with. As soon as he realized he felt comfortable in a woman’s company, old or young, he would simply move in with her and stick around for as long as the ride lasted. So, when he met Rose, a middle-aged, pretty and adventurous canteen owner, he left his flat in care of his two siblings and moved into her cramped two-room apartment. She was too happy to look after his needs!

When I eventually traced him to the place, he didn’t look perturbed.

Several years later, he is married and said of his ‘madam’ lover; “Was I in love with her?” He asked in retrospect. “Well, let’s just put it this way, whenever I am having a good relationship, I am in love.

Or in lust - call it whatever you like. I always find all my relationships interesting.

Once a relationship became a drag, I moved on.

And I am sure most of my lovers wouldn’t say derogatory things about me or the good times I gave them. I am not a stingy person and there would always be nice things around them to remember me by when the relationship eventually hit the skids!

“Now, to Rose, like I told you when you called to stick your nose in, she was pretty and intelligent and a good cook to boot.

I had been with her for about a year when her 24 year old daughter came

to spend the long vacation with her - she was in her final year at the university and had always lived with her dad.

If her mother was pretty, she was stunning. But I never gave taking her to bed a thought. Afterall, I was her mother ’s lover and thoughts like that would almost be incestuous.

“It was refreshing talking to her though, she was very intelligent and brilliant. I found her different from the dumb women I seemed to prefer. I started looking forward to our regular everyday banter and she used to tease me a lot that I was a no-good gigolo. I reminded her that I more than paid for my keep and was better than some of the tightarsed men that were always hanging around her.

“One fateful afternoon, Rose had gone to the market and Ify, that is her name, was being her mischievous self, teasing and flirting harmlessly with me. I pretended I was going to twist her arm but in the process grabbed her boobs!

Subconsciously, I must have been dying to do that - or how else would I explain the electric shock that went through me! In fairness to her, she was well-stacked and dressed to flaunt her assets! Ify arched her brows, looking mildly amused. That infuriated me and I grabbed her, kissing her brutally, I was amazed at her response and, before I knew it, I was making love to her on her mother ’s bed! The love-making was amazing! Mind you, I am not comparing love-making with Rose to that with Ify, but this was defInitely different. For the fIrst time, I recognized the meaning of love-making as different to having sex. It was

Y

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

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

About life

Until Abraham seperated himself from Lot, he couldnt gain alot. Until you seperate yourself from C M Y K

quite intoxicating and I felt drunk with happiness.

Her flesh was firm, her perfume exotic and her lovemaking, mind-blowing!

“I was in a mess, of course, sleeping with mother and daughter under the same roof. But I had tasted heaven in Ify’s young luscious body and wasn’t ready to give that up. For the fIrst time in my life, I was hooked. I started giving settling down a serious thought.

Ify was graduating that year and she was all the woman I had been mentally hoping for. She confessed she would hurt her mother by snatching her lover under her roof! We toyed with the idea of her getting pregnant but she refused to hurt the mother she loved so much.

“To this day, Ify and 1 don’t really know if Rose suspected we were sleeping together. But she called me to her bedroom a few weeks before Ify went back to her father and told me she would love me to marry her daughter. She said she noticed we both got along well and since there was no chance of both of us ever getting married, why didn’t I marry Ify, seeing I wasn’t getting younger?

1 had a good job, she went on, and she would really love to have me as a son-in-law! That was rich. I thought snidely, from lover to son-in-Iaw. Anyway, I told her I would think about it. Secretly, I felt elated that my dream was coming true. She said I shouldn’t worry about Ify - she would convince her to go for the idea. The woman was simply amazing!

“After she told me Ify wasn’t aversed to the thought of marriage to me, I moved out of Rose’s flat and Ify moved in with me.

Later, I asked Rose if she felt betrayed by it all but she assured me she would rather have her daughter marry an eligible man than for her to continue in a relationship that was doomed from the start.

How more realistic can you get? That was some few years ago. Ify and I got married as soon as she graduated and we have two lovely boys the third child is on the way. Rose always comes to stay whenever a new child arrives and leaves as soon as Ify is strong enough to cope. I am a

the crowd, you can't get a crown. Until you leave the multitude you can't reach the altitude of your blessings. Until you know your vision you can't fulfil your mission. If the egg shell is not broken, the young chick can't come out. Remember those who mind their opposition, lose their position.

Udoka K.C. Eze emeraldson4u@yahoo.com 0813 625 1188

Love

Love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.

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

happy and fulfIlled man and love my kids with a passion.

“Do I still sleep with Rose? Well, wouldn’t you want to know you snoopy woman? Let me just admit I’m looking forward to the birth of our third child when Rose would come to give her usual helping had.

Afterall, the devil you know is always better.

What’s more, I usually make Rose’s visits worth her while. I give her more than enough money to stock her shop and pay for whatever she buys here. No, I still won’t tell you whether or not I still sleep with Rose - or would you want to beat the answer out of me?” Well, wouldn’t I just!

Stumbling blocks to fertility Weight: A healthy body mass index (BMI) for woman is between 20 and 25 A BMI under 20 affects your fertility. To calculate BMI, divide your weight in kilogrammes by the answer you get when you multiply your height in metres by itself. Being obese can also affect fertility.

Age: Fertility level in

woman drops after the age of 30, not 35 as previously thought. By the age of 40 a woman has a two to five per cent chance of falling pregnant when she has sex, compared with 25 per cent for a woman in her 20s.

Smoking: Regular heavy smoking affects the quality of eggs and sperm. A German study of couples having IVF treatment found that their chances of success were dramatically reduced if the man was a smoker as smoking damages the DNA in a man’s sperm.

In the woman, smoking reduces the number of eggs produced in each cycle.

Stress: Anxiety produces the hormone proclactin, which suppresses ovulation.

Caesareans: A study by the University of Bristol shows that women who have caesareans are twice as likely as women who have natural births to take more than a year to conceive another.

How to be a man (Humour) If we males are to retain our status as head of the family (what are you sniggering at?), we must show that we can dig in the heels, that we can on occasion keep the stiff upper lip. As I said to my wife by way of an encore, “Any man who lets his wife drag him out on a Saturday afternoon to waste his wages on costly trinkets for her relatives and moreover carry them home (the trinkets not the relatives) and have his corns punched by a thousand stiletto heels, is a poor sap. Yes, a poor sap.

I’m glad I have the strength of character to refuse to be in their situation. I can’t go shopping with her on Saturday anyway - I’ll have to mind the kids and polish the floor!”

Qualities of true love

True love passes all understandings. True love expresses loyalty. True love hurts but can learn how to mend. True love dreams the highest dreams. True love waits until the stars visit the day. True love seeks good for the other. True love lends forgiveness.

True love cries but washes away the pains. True love makes an ignorant boy a mature man. True love softens the heart of a girl to a nurtured woman.True love never lies.

True love loves a person until forever.

True love sees love even though the hair is grey And most of all...TRUE LOVE never breaks promises, until the vow has been done!

Chris Onunaku 08032988826,08184844015 Chris Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 27

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

K

ubura Sofunde, a Federal Polytechnic Ilaro graduate, suffering from chronic breast cancer, is now in critical state.

She has therefore taken it upon herself to personally appeal to Nigerians to do more to save her life.

Breast cancer, especially when it is chronic, is expensive to treat. Kubura, whose father, a retired WAEC official, appreciates some sympathetic Nigerians who assisted with some donations added to what had been spent on the problem so far, said the victim will have to commence another round of treatment.

Each injection weekly, her LUTH doctors said, will cost about N33,000 and she has to be administered same indefinitely.

“Till date, over N500,000 has been spent on my treatment and I still require about same amount to continue my treatment. As a matter of urgency, I require blood transfusion, another round of chemotherapy (one round cost N33,000 per week and I am scheduled to take six), surgical operation to remove the lump, a radiotherapy (down payment of N100,000 is re-

Kuburat, girl with cancer, cries out:

Help! I don’t want to die

zKubura Sofunde...before cancer struck

quired at LUTH) and subsequent medications.

“Apart from the pain, emotional and psychological depression I am experiencing currently emanating from the knowledge that my situation

er ea attter e-b be wifePolice wif e-month iv ive-m es ffiv terminattes pregnancy

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA & O L U WAT O B I L O B A ADEYEMI

M

rs. Nnee Uloko, who dragg ed was allege dly before a Lagos customary court sitting in Agege for divorc e by her husband, Mr. Sunday Uloko, for embar rassin g him in public , allege d that her husband, a policeman, and his brother beat her and she five-m onth-o ld a lost pregn ancy in the proces s.

The 22-ye ar-old woma n informed the court that her husband brought a girlfriend to the house claiming the girl was his sister, but she disbelieved him having seen his sisters in the past.

She claimed that one of her husband’s sisters and the girlfriend threw her daughter

out of the house and warned her not to come back, adding that they vowed to kill her if she returned. ” That day coincided with the day l was served with court said. she summ on”, She urged the court to dissolve the union and grant her custod y of the only child.

Earlier in his submission, the 28-year-old police man told the court that his wife had bad character, and always looked for trouble with neighbours.

Sunday added that the wife had no respe ct for any members of his family and she once vowed to make him lose favour with his emplo yers.

He therefore urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant him custody of the only child. Meanw hile, the case was adjourned till October 16, 2012.

z Victim needs help

could become irredeemable if I do not act, the treatment requires a timely and decisiveness if I have to live. This boils down to my constraint, finance.

“I urgently seek the support

and assistance of well-meaning Nigerians, NGOs’ and the relevant government agencies to come to my aid to enable me finance my cancer treatment.

“I noticed a lump on my left breast in 2009 during my com-

pulsory one year industrial attachment program and immediately sought medical attention. It was discovered to be cancerous and, had since commenced treatment.

“During the course of my treatment, I have undergone one surgical operation and two sets of rounds of chemotherapy. All these I have been able to achieve through the help and support of my family and some well-meaning Nigerians who became aware of my situation through a publication in a national daily and decided to support.

“All avenues to continue my treatment have been exhausted. My retired civil servant dad’s savings has been drained on my treatment and the support coming from the members of the family is no more enough to cater to finance my treatment.

“This is my story and I am calling on the good people of Nigeria to come to my aid and save a life of a once lively, energetic, ambitious young lady get back on her feet.”

Donations for her support can be forwarded to GTB, Anthony Village Branch, Lagos.

Account Name: Shofunde Ibrahim Account Number: 0014148302 Phone no:08060237074

powder from mother-in-la ther-in-law gott Fe tish po wder fr om mo ther-in-la w go me int o tr ouble with hubb wif into trouble hubbyy — House Housewif wifee jokingly asked her husband to give her an egg, but he refused and suddenly pounced on her, beat the hell out of her and tore her pants and bra, adding that she managed middle aged man, Mr. Femi Bam to escape. ” What baffled me was that my idele, who was dragged before a mother -in -law encouraged my husband Grade A customary court, Agege for dito call it quits with me, and deny me my vorce by his wife, Esther, for incessant children despite the fact that she was the beating with dangerous weapons, alleged one that gave me the fetish powdery subthat his wife was fetish. Meanwhile, stance”.

Esther denied the allegation and claimed She urged the court to dissolve the that it was her mother- in- law that gave marriage and grant her custody of the chilher the fetish powdery substance he acdren.

However, Femi, who claimed to have cused her of using. lived with Esther for seven years, told the According to her, “ My mother- in -law court that he did not enjoy every bit of the told me that she had a dream that our relationship because his wife kept going in landlady is a witch, that we should relocate and out of the marriage. ” One night, l immediately”. She added that there was traced her with Okada and l caught her with a particular day she visited the mother a man. l talked to her senses.

The next in -law, and she gave her some powdery day, she refused to go to church with me”. substance which she claimed would make The applicant added that before he her meet a benefactor ( Baba Alaanu ) but returned from church, the wife had moved she quickly told her that nothing intimate would happen between them. The re- out of his house.

He also informed the court that his friends spondent however informed the court that always told him that they used to see her the mother -in -law warned her not to let in hotels.

The husband urged the court to her husband know about it. ” Since then, dissolve the marriage because he didn’t my husband kept watching my movement, want Esther to influence his children and was always inquisitive about my negatively. phone”.

The court adjourned the case till October She claimed that there was a day she 9, 2012 for further hearing.

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA & OLUWATOBILOBA ADEYEMI

A

PAGE 28—SUNDAY Vanguard,

SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Country News

z Victims evacuating

z Houses submerged

Water, water every where! zA hotel inside water

zWe ignored warning alert and paid dearly for it – Victims zFlood roadblock on Abuja – Lokoja highway: Our tales of

woes – Commutters zDespite distress, couples romance in relief camps

By Boluwaji Obahopo

L

zHouse surrounded by water

z Evidence of worst flood in decades

IKE the biblical era of Noah’s days when it was reported that God will destroy the earth with water and many took the warning with levity, so it was in Kogi State for the past two weeks as flood ravaged the state leaving many people helpless. When the warning about the state being affected by the release of water from Kainji and Shiroro dams came, many riverside residents of the state took it as one of the many things that will come and go. But when the water came, so devastating was the effect that it left bitter pills in the mouths of those affected.

It was not until the river started to rise and over flow its bank that reality actually dawned on them that it was more than they envisaged.

Many who have thought that the effect of the flood will not go beyond two days before receding have been biting their fingers for not heeding to the warning and evacuate their belongings, before the evil days arrived.

Millions of property have been destroyed by the raging water as residents fled at the eleventh hour.

Commuters are also caught in the unsavoury scenario as they pass through the state which is the gate way from many South east states to

the North.

73,000 displaced The floods have displaced about 73,000 people in nine local government areas of Kogi State. According to Mrs Alice Ogedengbe, Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), who visited the nine camps of the Internally-Displaced Persons(IDPs), the release of water from Kainji dam in Niger, Jebba dam in Kwara, Shiroro dam in Niger and Lagdo dam in Cameroon caused River Niger to overflow and the state is the worst hit for it. The affected local government areas are Ibaji, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Kogi, Omala, Idah, Igalamela, Ofu and Olamaboro which have about 20 IDP camps with over 73, 000 people.

Ibaji and Lokoja, the state capital, have been greatly affected with Ibaji being washed away. Some residents of Ibaji, who were initially adamant to relocate, had to perch on trees before rescue could come their way by boat. At press time, all the residents of Ibaji had been evacuated to Idah town.

Ogedengbe called on the Fed-

eral Government to urgently build a new dam that would channel the flow of water into different rivers instead of accumulating into River Niger alone.

Consequent upon the flood on Abuja-Lokoja Road, vehicular traffic on the road has been restrained for days on end causing many passengers to be stranded.

Many of the travelers and drivers travelling on the route were subjected to hours of hardship.

Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed, a truck driver, who said he had been on the road since Sunday evening, told Sunday Vanguard, on Wednesday, that his vehicle broke down while trying to cross the flooded road. He stressed that mechanics were demanding too much money from faulty vehicles, saying the development forced him to sell his phone to enable him afford the cost of repair.

“I had to sell my phone for #3,600 to pay the mechanic,” he lamented, saying he was traveling to Kaduna from Lagos.

Mrs Maryam Ibrahim, another traveler from Lagos to Abuja, said it had not been easy wading through the flooded road. She said the canoe that carried people across the flooded area cost #500 per person. “I had to sell

SUNDAY Vanguard,

SEPTEMBER 30, 2012,

PAGE 29

Country News

zTaken over by flood

zRoad covered by water

‘We ignored warning alert and paid dearly for it’ *

and some other hotels by the river bank were not spared of the ordeal. The Schools of Merchant Seaman were submerged along side houses and farmlands.

It was lamentation galore by the victims. Pastor Matthias Onape, a civil servant, is one of them. Onape, who first thought the flood was a child’s play, was aghast when his house was being consumed by the flood. He said problems with his landlord caused him to take loans from his bank and his cooperative society to complete his house in June only for the flood to take it over.

Another victim, who came back in the evening from work to see his house gone, rushed to the police station to report that his house had been ‘stolen’.

Estate agents in Lokoja are feasting on the development to up house rents for victims seeking alternative places to stay.

A two-bedroom flat that was going for N150, 000 per annum before is now N250, 000 while a room and parlour self-contained, which was taken for N100,000, now attracts N180, 000.

THEFT, ROMANCE, DELIVERY OF BABIES AT RELIEF CAMP

LAMENTATIONS

Another victim, who came back in the evening from work to see his house gone, rushed to the police station to report that his house had been ‘stolen’.

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Saint Luke’s Primary School, Adankolo, one of the relief camps for the victims of the flood in Kogi State, is a beehive of activities even with residents who, though not affected by the flood, have registered as victims and now queue up to collect relief items distributed on daily basis.

Officials of SEMA say over 1,000 bags of rice was consumed by the victims.

And, while men and women are kept separate at the camp, Sunday Vanguard gathered that, at night, many couples, in spite of the trauma they are going through, are seen hugging and romancing.

Close to twenty babies were reported to have been delivered by women who were pregnant but displaced by the flood across the relief camps in the state.

Eight babies were delivered in Idah and Ibaji camps while the rest were in the three camps set up at the state capital.

There have also been reported cases of house breaking.

Many of the deserted houses that were flooded, investigation revealed, have been burgled by area boys who, at night, use canoes to get into such houses carting away valuables. The flood, which has since paralyzed socio-economic activities, has led to the rising cost of foodstuff and other items.

The last time Lokoja experienced the volume of water as this was in 1939, with less damage since it had not yet assumed the status of a state capital. The flooding, according to an expert, may last for the next two months after which the water in the rivers and adjoining dams is expected to go down.

The expert said the maximum level of water after the dredging of River Niger was 2.5 metres but has now recorded much more than that making about two million people to be affected.

HOPE

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S River Niger continues to over flow its banks, hundreds of people in the state, rendered homeless, are taking refuge with relations and friends.

Even Confluence Beach Hotels

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my gold trinklet for N4,000. The food is expensive. We are being exploited here.

Mr Uche Okafor, who was traveling from Ekiti State, said he had to negotiate with a boat operator to carry his vehicle for #4,500 across the flooded portion of the road.

“The boat was carrying three vehicles at a time.

Mabel Adeyemo, a student travelling from Abuja, said she crossed the flooded road for #700.

Ruth Arowolo said she was travelling from Benin to Abuja, but found they could not cross to the other side of the road because of the flood. “I have never seen a thing like this in my life, road blocked by water,” she said.

Mr Akindele Bello said he was coming from Ondo State and had been trapped in the flood for days.

He said he had to sleep in his car in the night, saying stranded passengers were starving because hawkers took advantage of their plight to hike food prices.

As pathetic as the above scenario may look, it is nothing compared to those who had to pay with their lives. Six persons were reported dead in Koto-Karfe area of Kogi as a result of the flooding.

According to the head of the Red Cross rescue team in the state, Alhaji Mustapha Alladay, the victims died after the boat they were traveling in capsized on the river while escaping from their flooded community.

He said the volume of the water and the speed at which it was traveling caused the victims not to be reached quickly and it was too late before help could come.

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zVictims swimmig to escape

eanwhile , the Senate has called on the Federal Government to release ecological fund to the state to ameliorate the suffering of the peo-

ple. Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment, Dr. Bukola Saraki, stated this during the committee’s visit to the state.

Saraki, who said the situation was beyond the state government, said his committee will push for the release of more ecological fund for the state.

Governor Idris Wada, also assessing the situation, appealed for more Federal Government intervention, saying the impact of the flood was in nine local government areas of the state with Ibaji town completely gone.

According to him, N40 billion had been lost to the flooding in 350 communities while 100,000 people are registered as displaced persons in nine relief centers across the state.

Kogi deputy governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, who doubles as the Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, noted that the state was still taking inventory of the damage done by the flood, which he described as the worst in decades.

Towards ensuring that the envisaged food scarcity is not experienced in the state next year, he revealed that incentive will be given to farmers spared by the disaster while government would give out improved seedlings, insecticides, and tractors to farmers free of charge to encourage farming of several variety of crops that may have been destroyed.

As residents of communities suffer the devastating effects of the flooding, the Kogi government says it is beginning to concern itself with stopping outbreak of epidemics in the relief camps.

The state ministry of health is being empowered to actively prevent the outbreak of epidemics with the acquisition of mobile toilets to distribute around the camps as measures to keep the camps clean.

30—SUNDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Blissful union of Motunrayo and Rasheed

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With Ayo Onikoyi

08033286159

t was indeed a show of style and pomp when Engineer Abdulrasheed Umaru took Motunrayo Jimoh as wife at a Nikkah wedding ceremony that took place at Ten Degrees Event Centre, Alausa, Lagos. Family and friends had a delightful time with the couple.

At Our Lady of P er pe tual Help 20 12 Har Per erpe petual 201 Harvvest

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L-R: HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, chaiperson of the 2012 Harvest, Otunba and Erelu Subomi Balogun and Mr Leo Okafor

ur Lady of Perpetual Help held its 2012 Harvest mass and Bazaar at the Church premises, on Musa Yar Adua Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos last Sunday and the event turned out to be a big society event as several notable celebrities graced the event.

The Church which was dedicated on October 2010 by the Cardinal Archbishop of Lagos belongs to the Archdiocese of Lagos.

Photos by Shola Oyelese

L-R: Mr Tessy lkimi, HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and Mrs lheoma Aikhionbare

L-R:Rev (Dr) Samuel Ogedengbe, rep. Gov of Lagos state, H R H Erelu Abiola Dosunmu , Very Revd. Father Henry Omonisaye, the parish Rev d.and Mrs Veronica Panok

L-R: Dr (Mrs) Katia Ekesi, Very Revd. Father Henry, HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and Chief Phillip Asiodu, cutting the Harvest cake

L-R: Chief Phillip Asiodu, Prof. Frank Okoisor and Mrs B. Asiodu

Anniv er sar Anniver ersar saryy

Exhibition

The lovely couple; Engr. Abdul-Rasheed Umaru & Motunrayo

L-R:Ms Abimbola Amosu, mother of the bride & Hajia (Chief) Ausat Umaru, mother of the groom

L-R:High Chief (Alh.) A. Umaru, father of the groom and & Otunba Wahab Jimoh, father of the bride

Convocation

FIRSTLIGHT Christian Centre held its first anniversary recently with a thanksgiving service.

THE official opening ceremony of 2012 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Exhibition held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Wednesday. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

ONE of the graduands at the recent 7th Convocation ceremony of Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, is Miss Eloho Blessing Eyoboka

L - R: Pastor Mike Ethapemi, his wife ,flanked by Pastor Simeon Afolabi and other pastors

R-L: Iyalode Alaba Lawson, Chief Margaret Orakwusi, Chief (Mrs ) Tutu Adeleke, Special Guest of Honour and Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Oshisanya

R-L: Erhire Eyoboka, Paul Eruotor, Eloho Blessing Eyoboka, Andrew Anyansi, Peter, Enite Eyoboka and Andrew Okotie

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SUNDAY, Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 —31

Wedding bell ffor or Y etunde Ye and Oritse time yin Oritsetime timeyin With Ayo Onikoyi

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David Emelike now Isolo R otar Ro taryy President

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L- R: Chief & Mrs Joseph Sanusi, Engr. Abdul Rasaq Shittu, and Rotn. David Emelike, new President,singing Rotary Anthem

he Rotary Club of Isolo , District 9110 Nigeria has inducted a new set of officers that will lead the organisation for

L- R: Immediate Past President, Rotn. Abayomi Folarin, Rotn. & Mrs David Emelike, new President, Rotarty Club, Isolo being presented with awards

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he two major religions, Christianity and Islam, might have taken a major step toward cooperation and integration as a Deltan Christian family, the Igbene of Bateren of Warri South West and Muslim family, the Saba of Lagos were united in a Holy matrimony. Yetunde Saba and Oritsetimeyin were married at Gabriel Orororo Multi-purpose Hall Association Lagos

the next one year. The club, amongst other things highlighted projects for the next Rotary year.

The highpoints of the event included, fundraising session for selected projects and investiture ceremony of Rotarian David Emelike as the 32nd President of the Club, who took over from Rotarian Abayomi Folarin. Also singled out for honours and recognition were Chief Joseph Sanusi, the new President and the immediate past President of the Club . Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Engr.

Abdulrasaq Shittu, who was the chairman of occasion, Mr & Mrs Joseph Alao were among dignitaries who graced the occasion. Photos by Diran Oshe

The couple; Mr and Mrs Oritsetinmeyi Igbene.

Family of the groom l-r; Mrs Oyewobi, Badejo , Mrs Awani, Juaye , Mrs Avwunudiogba, Bemigho and Emmanuel

L- R: Rotn. Ayo Adeyemi and Senator Ganiyu Solomon

L- R: Rotn. Bode Oyewole, Rotn. Hazibat Basiru, Rotn. Bosun Jeje and Rotn. Kunle Jeje

Bir thda or Ev elyn Nw ani @ 50 Birthda thdayy bash ffor Evelyn Nwani

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ady Evelyn Nwamaka Nwani celebrated her 5oth birthday with pomp and pageantry at her Lagos residence penultimate Saturday. She was dully supported by her husband Chief Chris Nwani, the Esokomeze of Issele-Azagba and co-ordinator, Domvicky Foundation and children.

The celebrant,Lady Evelyn Nwamaka Nwani with her husband, Chief Chris Nwani

Celebrant, Lady Evelyn Nwamaka with her husband, Chief Chris Nwani and children, Somnazu, Ifeyinwa, Kizito and Isioma

Family of the bride; Mr Bada represening the (Dad), Mum Mrs Risikat Saba, and Sofiat Saba, step-mum and other relations.

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Relaunch

each out Nigeria of Christ Embassy was relaunched in Delta State recently at the church headquarters in Asaba, Delta state.

R-L:Lyna Ocholor Clark, Pastor (Mrs) Ewean Edun,Pastor Titi Edun, Zonal Pastor, Christ Embassy, Barr. Sam Chukwuji, Pastor Joseph Ezire, and Pastor Moses Olayemi, C M Y K

PAGE 32—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 PAGE — 33

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PAGE 34, SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012,

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 35

PAGE 36 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Nigeria at 52: Time to unite for progress

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ONIGHT at midnight, Nigeria will clock 52!

How time flies! A person of fifty-two is almost considered an elder in the society, not only because of the number of years he/she has clocked, but because of the presumed wisdom and experience he/she must have acquired to live a worthwhile life according to the person’s ability. When he/she speaks, both the older and younger people around listen, because he/she is worth listening to.

Some are mentors to guide younger people into a welladjusted adult life.

There are of course many nations in the world that are very much older than Nigeria in self-rule, some of which we look up to for guidance in development and good and workable governance, still, at 52, our country should be on the verge of being regarded a developed country. It may have taken some developed countries centuries to get to the level they are now, but that was a time when the pace of development was slow. We are living in a fast moving world these days, so, Nigeria should get on board and move forward with the progressives, and not forever be mired in retarded growth.

At 52, should we roll out the drums and celebrate the success of that number of years of self-rule, or, do we mourn a once great and highly-respected nation with great potential, which is now sliding into the abyss of continuous non-performance?

Personally, I always feel sorry for those at the helm of affairs when our national day comes round. This is because they are usually in for more flak than praise.

We hold up the slate listing all their failures and are hardly sympathetic enough to be fair and accord them praise where they deserve it.

I think it would be fair when we compare pre and post independence life in this country, to admit that not every government since independence has been a total failure, and there has been some progress in the lives of our citizens, though we lost out in some areas, such as good morals and discipline.

When we were under colonial rule, there was much poverty in the land, but people were not as greedy and discontented with life as they are today, so, the level of heinous crimes was low.

Family ties were strong, and there was discipline that

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View-Point

Helen Ovbiagele Woman Editor

No-one can solve our problems solo, because it’s our attitude to life that is bringing this country to its knees ensured that family members didn’t bring disgrace to their respective families.

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ducation and delivery of healthcare were more qualitative in preindependence than now, even though we have more educational institutions and hospitals now than then.

Children (and older people) were eager to learn then, and teachers took their job of imparting knowledge seriously, and teaching methods, though Spartan and laborious, were more effective than they are these days. The home and the school joined hands to raise worthy and disciplined citizens.

In the health sector, there was much discipline in the profession, and medical personnel were devoted to their calling, and faced squarely the challenges of the numerous diseases prevailing in the country.

There were no fake drugs.

The quality of imported goods and those produced in the country was high, and compared well with those sold in Europe. Our environment was cleaner, as our rulers then appointed Sanitary Inspectors who went round to ensure that

premises and public places were clean, and there was proper disposal of refuse.

Sanitation all over the country is so incredibly poor now that it’s no surprise that there are outbreaks of one disease or the other at any given time.

urban areas has access to a vehicle. We still import petroleum products and our refineries have problems almost all the time, but the country has not been brought to its knees yet. Security of lives and property is a very big problem which we have not been able to resolve, and this is proving a nightmare for citizens.

Now, Nigeria is not an easy country to rule, at any given time, so, let no-one think that he/she has the solutions to our myriad problems, and that if only he/she can get into the seat of governance, things would be fixed the right way.

This is not possible. People who have believed this, found when they got to power, that they’re helpless in the face of our problems.

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ou may be an honest, capable person of integrity, who sincerely wants to turn this country around, and has the right ideas, but you can’t succeed without the help and cooperation of , not only your aides, but of every citizen of this country.

No-one can solve our problems solo, because it’s our attitude to life that is bringing this country to its knees. How? Our lust for power, our greed, selfishness and insatiable quest to be outrageously wealthy, are largely responsible. If you offer/ask for bribe for contracts or provision of services, you’re guilty. If you inflate contracts and overcharge the

government, you’re guilty. If you collect full payment for very shoddy government job done, you’re guilty. If you’re involved in any shady deal and criminal activity, you’re guilty. If you go to work late, and are never on seat to carry out well your assigned duty, you’re guilty. If you put the wrong people in power, you’re guilty.

If you deliberately do things to hinder the performance of those in power, you’re guilty.

Collectively, all these things contribute to the nonperformance of any government in power, and retard the progress of the country. The Bible and Christian leaders tell us that ‘Righteousness exalts a nation’.

It isn’t the righteousness of only those in power, but the collective efforts of all of us, that can bring peace and progress to our nation. This is the only country most of us can call our own. If we want things to work, irrespective of the political party in power, we have to, abandon greed and self-interests and unite for peace and progress.

Yes, we can lift our glasses and celebrate our 52nd year of self-rule in a modest way, and pray for more patriotic and honest Nigerians, leaders, and better and peaceful times ahead. Things may be rough, but let’s do our bit from our corner, to ensure that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Cheers!

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owever, there have been strides of progress since we assumed self-rule. Women are able to get as much education as they are capable of, and they can be found in most professions.

We have more female lawyers, judges, and magistrates than many countries in the western world. Women occupy high positions both in the private sector and in civil service and government, by merit, and are proving their mettle.

We have embraced developed modern technology, and communication, internal and external is that much easier, to the relief of all. Our young people are becoming more enlightened as they can travel all over the world for business, education, etc.

Though our roads and transport system are bad, almost every family in the

Latest-Fashion-Indian-Saree-Collection-2012 style.pk

SUND AY V ANGU ARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 — P AGE 37 SUNDA VANGU ANGUARD, PA

It gives me great joy to help —Lion Gloria Moweta, President, Viva La Mour

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ion(Mrs.)Gloria Moweta sees Lionism as a good platform for dishing out love and care. Now, fate has entrusted her with the leadership of the Viva L'Amour Lions Club, Ikeja, Lagos, and this gem whose official investiture will hold at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel next Sunday, October 7th, reveals in this interview that she is ready to do much for humanity.

By JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

What actually inspired your joining the club? Was it just because you wanted to be among these women wearing yellow t-shirts and regalia?

(Laughs)Actually, I didn't know much about them. I'm a fashion-designer and one of my customers happened to be a member. I always made her clothes whenever they

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wanted to go for their yearly convention. Sometimes when I delayed the outfit, she would ask me to bring it to their meeting venue. I was able to watch what they were doing, but I had no interest in joining the club. I probably just saw them as 'some retired women coming together to have fun'.

One day, this customer of mine introduced me to one of her friends who eventually told me I had the heart of a lion. When I asked her why, she said I was 'kind and full of compassion' and should therefore come join the club

...my club will be sponsoring cornea transplants for six children, and each will cost about N500,000 for surgery and monthly followup. I know that's quite a lot of money, but I intend raising some funds for this at my investiture.

Last year, we sponsored three...

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because she had seen the way I gave help to people who came to my place for help. I turned down the offer but when she pressed further, I agreed after gaining my husband's consent. Since then, I've never regretted it because we've been rendering help from one place to another. Some years ago, one of our members walked into our meeting with a woman who was already going blind; the woman could barely see.

We learnt that she was meant

There are thousands of blind people out there; do you only help those who come to you?

In Lionism, we are always very much concerned about the sight of people because of the legacy left by our Founder, Marvin Jones. The famous Hellen Keller went to Marvin Jones, begging him to do something about the blind because they live in a world of perpetual darkness. She pleaded that as we help the needy, for her sake, we should focus on the blind and help them regain their sight if possible. She was not born blind but lost her sight by accident at a very early age.

For this reason, our activities have always included some sort of eye care. For my tenure, my club will be sponsoring cornea transplants for six children, and each will cost about N500,000 for surgery and monthly follow-up. I know that's quite a lot of money, but I intend raising some funds for this at my investiture. Last year, we sponsored three surgeries, and you need to see the way the kids were happily jumping about after the surgery. These were children who were brought into the hospital blind! For all we know, we might have been saving the sight of a future eminent person, by merely helping children regain their sight!

You used the word 'merely', but do you realise not everyone feels the need to help others?

Like I said, the joy expressed by people to whom I give help is always reassuring. My mother taught me to give. We had some

neighbours who weren't well off, who attended the same church as we did. I was always very happy to turn out in lovely outfits e v e r y Sunday. One day, my mother drew my attention to the difference between me and our neighbours. I realised that there was a h u g e difference in o u r circumstances.

I went into the house and brought out some of my clothes and gave to them, and to my surprise, one of them started crying. Their mothers came round to verify and express their gratitude! I was about 11 years old then. Unfortunately, I lost my mum two years after. That seed she sowed in my heart has always made me happy when I give. I'm happy that my daughter too is growing into a cheerful giver. One day, my husband heard that someone turned into a goat because he gave alms to a beggar, and the remark he made was "Please, go and tell my wife because she's fond of giving things to all and sundry!"(Laughs).

Could you tell us about your background and childhood?

I hail from Enugu State, but by marriage, I'm from Delta State. I grew up here in Lagos.

My mother died when I was in class one and life was not the same again thereafter. I was the first of four children.

*Lion Gloria Moweta

What activities have you marked out for your tenure?

UR core theme for the year as chosen by the District Governor, Lion Stella Agbogu, is 'Hope for the Nigerian Child'.

So, everything we do must be centered on children. I've refashioned my own theme for my tenure to be 'Help for the Nigerian Child'. In line with this, we had an indigent mother whom we gave support to on the arrival of her fifth child, when she couldn't pay the hospital bill or even cater for the baby and herself.

She had actually been coming to my husband and me for financial help. After that, we went to the Gbagada General Hospital to enquire what they needed, and they told us that a set of television would help entertain hospitalized children while they are recuperating. We however noticed that the ward needed a coat of paint, so, we offered to also paint the walls. Thus, we painted the ward, replaced some worn-out items, bought them a flat screen television and subscribed to cable television for them. Later, we invited a doctor to come give some young people a talk on 'Early Sex and Abortion'. I must confess that my life has not remained the same after that show! The responses of the youths showed their level of naivety! They engage in early sex and abortion and do not even know the implications!

I'm however happy that we were able to inculcate in them, the importance of abstinence.

to go for an operation in India but could not afford the cost.

Right there and then, we all got involved, wrote out checks, and gave to her. About four weeks later, this woman returned to us with her eyes fully corrected! She was very grateful! I felt very glad that we were able to help restore her sight!

After secondary school, I did a number of jobs to be able to support my three younger ones. I later went to a fashion school before eventually getting married.

How has your childhood shaped your attitude towards life?

When I had my mum, I never lacked anything; I was the envy of my friends. But after I lost her, life became difficult and nobody was ready to assist. My siblings and I suffered lack and this taught me a lot! Now I'm happy I'm giving to others the love and care I lacked as a child because I understand what it feels like to live in lack and want.

PAGE 38—SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

M A I L B A G

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

Igbo language facing imminent extinction Dear Sir,

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VERY Igbo knows one way or the other, consciously or otherwise that it is a matter of time before the language goes extinct.

The factors that would lead to these are not far fetched; we live and act it on the daily.In many occasions we have tried to bring the attention of those that matter to this issue through the media.

We have published a number of articles and comments concerning the well being of Igbo and governance in the region, one can only hope that someday the right choices will be made. As we proceed, a better understanding to why an aggressive approach to curb this issue will suffice.

The colonial contact brought many changes in the traditions of Igbo people. With the arrival of a new culture, the Igbo traditional beliefs, religion, family structure and functions including social stratification were all affected. The gradual substitution of new status values for the old in the areas most exposed to the foreign rule had infectious impact.

Another thing is our adventurous nature. The Igbo people are increasingly mobile, they were found in all parts of the country before the civil war broke out. They are also presently found in many African countries particularly Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and Dakar.

Unfortunately, not much is done by the Igbos outside to preserve their culture and language especially to their new

born. Because they are traders and industrialists, they tend to blend with their immediate environment in all ramifications. Their dressing, language and tradition gradually fade.

The most unfortunate and a major contributor is the fact that most Igbos do not visit home often, they stay many years without a single visit.

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gbo people accept changes so easily and adapt to them. They readily embrace the western type of education through Christian philosophy of evangelism. This is what is depicted in our home videos today.

There has been no effort by the Nollywood directors and writers to

educate us a little about our history.

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nother thing is to learn to give honor to whom it is due. Prof.

Chinua Achebe, author of the famous novel, Things Fall Apart, has taken a bold step to regain the pride we once had for our language with a new Igbo dictionary/encyclopedia. This is very important as Igbo is the only tribe among the three major tribes in the country without a television station on DSTV. The others have Africa Magic in Hausa and Yoruba. Sadly, most of the English speaking Nollywood films are done by Igbo actors and directors.

Further steps needs to be taken to ensure that the language is heard on

renowned radio network service like BBC, Voice of America and others like German radio, France and Chinese radio if possible. As the Hausa tribe has achieved success with the Hausa BBC station.

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ntil we take this issue seriously, we will be working towards the prediction that the Igbo language will go extinct by 2025.

Engr. UgochukwuObinka Director, Planning and Research, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) 2c Sokoto Road Odoakpu Onitsha Anambra State Email: ndigbovoice@yahoo.com

Plea to Force Headquarters, PSC Dear Sir

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write on behalf of myself and some of my colleaques who are being owed entitlements by the police authorities and plead that the entitlements are paid. We were moved from the military to the police several years ago. Consequent upon this, we were asked to pay back to the military what we had collected as entitlements in order to receive our full benefits from the police on retirement. This we did.

But to our surprise, many of us were paid 25 years benefits while some of us got nothing on retirement. For instance, I have got nothing on my retirement as ASP since 2006. Some of my colleagues entitled to 35 years gratuity but got paid for 25 years include ASP Tiamiyu Adeyemi, ASP Solomon Jegede, ASP Waheed Bello, Inspector Olawale Oludotun and Inspector Jimoh Rabiu. Not only were they shortchanged on the gratuity, they have also not received pension since 2006. One other colleague, Inspector

Kayode Bamidele, has, since 2006 when he retired, got no gratuity and no pension. We know that the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji M.D. Abubakar, is a man full of the milk of human kindness, so we use this opportunity to appeal to him and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to intervene in our case.

Abiodun Sanni, 69 Oduduwa Street, Surulere, Lagos 08033021380

SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 — PAGE 39

THIS SEGMENT PRESENTS INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS, IN A MANNER NEVER BEFORE EXPLORED, ON CRIME AND NATIONAL SECURITY MATTERS. THIS IS DEPARTMENT 'C'

Some of the suspects. Inset: An alleged pirate ship

Jitters in the oil sector amid crackdown on thieves, pirates N

o fewer than 27 suspects are reportedly in military cells across the country following the ouslaught on armed banditry on the waters of the west coast of Africa, particularly Nigeria, in recent times with oil vessels as prime targets.

Vessels are attacked on high seas and diverted to other shores while the crew members are robbed of cash and other valuables. The unlucky ones get maimed or killed and their oil cargos emptied into other thieves vessels. Refined imported petroleum products laden vessels are largely prime targets, but crude –carrying vessels are not spared either.

Losses to oil thieves on high seas are put at several billions of naira by industry analysts with operators resigning to fate and putting a reluctant insurance sector under pressure.

Containing the pirates on Nigerian waters is a big challege to the navy, the marine police, the Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Global West Vessels Specialists Nigeria Limited, a private concern.

The hijacking of MT Anuket Emerald, which cargo of oil was stolen, was a test case to stem piracy on the nation’s waters. A vessel allegedly owned by a Nigerian firm with

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zThe confessions of the kingpin zBarons on the run z27 suspects in custody zJustice will be done –Navy 16 armed pirates on board was said to be behind the attack on the foreign ship. They apparently siphoned the contents of MT Anuket Emerald into another vessel and heeded to Lagos to store the product in some tank farms

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By Wale Akinola

Vessels are attacked on high seas and diverted to other shores while the crew members are robbed of cash and other valuables

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in Apapa for distribution and sale. The pirate vessel was reportedly impounded and now in the custody of the EFCC. A security source told Sunday Vanguard, last week, « A report of the incident by the ICC-International Maritime Bureau (Piracy Reporting Centre), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, revealed the incident happened to the oil/ chemical tanker carrying a

Panama flag and laden with a total cargo of 3,450.443 metric tonnes on August 18, 2012 close to the port of Lome, Togo. The pirates, who spoke French but were recognized to be Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Togolese nationals, were said to have aggressively attacked the ship for five days, bearing 16-20 sub machine and machine guns and AK47 riffles, which they actually used for the attack to cause extensive damage to the ship before boarding it with extended ladders. While no injuries were caused any of the 17 crew members and one technician of the fully hijacked vessel made up of three Russians, 12 Filipinos, one Ukrainian, one Latvian and a Lithuanian, the ship’s communication equipment were all damaged, all the cables were cut, the hand-held radios were stolen and the speed and rescue boats were damaged. Also, the engines were destroyed, the craft was vandalized, the ship funnel was repainted, the vessel name was changed, and the IMO Number was removed, the loading computer and hull were damaged, the printers and scanners, the antipiracy equipment-flashlights, bullet proof vests, night vision

binos, batons, safety equipment-lifebuoys & lifebuoy lights, ropes, all crew clothing, safety helmets, shoes and boiler suits were stolen. » Investigations, it was learnt, later showed that the coastal town of Igbokoda in Ondo State was the haven of some notorious pirates who may have been involved in the MT Emerald incident and the base of a training camp for pirate recruits. Officials from the navy, the army, NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist Limited (GWVSL), owned by a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo , better known as Tompolo, involved the Ondo State community penultimate week.

A suspect identified as Thomas, aka Wazobia, was said to have been arrested during the operation. Sources believe the suspect’s confessions gave him out as

Suspected kingpin of piracy

the kingpin of Nigeria’s sea hijacking syndicate. The operation reportedly lasted about 35 minutes of a gun duel between security forces and the men of the highly armed syndicate. A training camp for the pirates with a shooting range was also detected at Igbokoda. 13 other suspects were apprehended there.

Items recovered from the suspects, according to sources, include 16 sophisticated weapons made up of a small machine gun, three ML rifles, one axe, 10 AK magazines, three ML magazines, 574 rounds of 7.62mm, 44 live cartridges, three walkie-talkies, three AK-47 riffles, explosive devices, long range high calibre weapons, about 10, 000 ammunitions of all sorts, some other dangerous weapons and an operational map, which indicated that the pirates were getting set for another assault on a vessel on the high seas before the swop on them by security operatives.

The confessions of Wazobia and his men are said to be creating ripples as some top government officials, some NNPC top brass, high level oil marketers and three traditional rulers were indicted. Some of them are identified as sponsors and beneficiaries of stolen oil from hijacked vessels. Three major oil storage facilities, including one recently raided in the southwest, were allegedly fingered as receiving stolen oil from them.

The two others are reportedly under security watch while their top management staffers are on the run. One of the traditional rulers mentioned by the arrested suspects, sources claimed, has moved to Abuja from where he has been trying to get top government officials to prevail on NIMASA and security agents to halt action in the matter. The monarch, it was learnt, owns a huge oil storage facility. Along with his son, who is also believed to have fled the country for Benin Republic, the hijackers alleged, were supplying them with arms and receiving stolen oil from hijacked ships. The suspects were quoted as saying the traditional ruler’s oil facility was used as a major depot when stolen oil was stored.

The suspects also alleged that the monarch’s son not only coordinated the movement of stolen oil to the depot but was also directly involved in its sale and distribution.

The suspects, it was gathered, admitted to having successfully hijacked over 20 oil laden vessels on the high seas while killing, in the process, no fewer than 24 persons, including three foreigners and uniformed men.

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PAGE 50 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

EUTHANASIA AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

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By MAURICE EKPE UTHANASIA is from a Greek word, (Euthanatos) meaning good death. It is a fusion of two words, Eu (well or good) and thanatos (death), translating to “good death”. It refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. The word was first used as a literary term by Historian Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus in his description of Emperor Augustus death in the hands of Livia his wife in his book, The Twelve Caesars in 119. It was used in the medical context by a British Scientist Francis Bacon in his work on industrial science in the 17th century.

The definition of Euthanasia incorporates three basic elements which are essential to understanding the position of the Catholic Church on its application. These are: suffering, killing and intention.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines euthanasia using suffering as a necessary condition, stating that it is “the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma”, and this approach is supported by the works of Marvin Khol and Paul Kurtz describing it as “a mode or act of inducing or permitting death painlessly as a relief from suffering”.

However, focusing on this approach to defining euthanasia may also lead to counter examples: such definitions may encompass killing a person suffering from an incurable disease for personal gain (such as to claim an inheritance), and commentators such as Tom Beauchamp & Arnold Davidson have argued that doing such would constitute “murder simpliciter” rather than euthanasia.

The third element incorporated into many definitions is that of intentionality—the death must be intended, rather than being accidental, and the intent of the action must be a “merciful death”.

Michael Wreen argued

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that “the principal thing that distinguishes euthanasia from intentional killing is the agent’s motive: it must be a good motive insofar as the good of the person killed is concerned”, a view mirrored by Heather Draper, who also spoke on the importance of motive, arguing that “the motive forms a crucial part of arguments for euthanasia, because it must be in the best interest of the person on the receiving end.”

Definitions such as that offered by the House of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics take this path, where euthanasia is defined as “a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering”.

Beauchamp & Davidson also highlight Baruch Brody’s that, “an act of euthanasia is one in which one person...(A) kills another person (B) for the benefit of the second person, who actually does benefit from being killed”.

Classification of Euthanasia 1. Voluntary Euthanasia— Euthanasia conducted with the consent of the patient 2. Non-Voluntary— Euthanasia conducted where the consent of the patient is unavailable 3. Involuntary— Euthanasia conducted against the will of the patient

Procedures of Euthanasia

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he procedure for administering Euthanasia is either active (which entails the use of lethal substance such as lethal injection to kill or Passive (which entails the withholding of common treatments such as antibiotics).

The Catholic Church view on Euthanasia: Life is a sacred gift from God to be

*Pope Benedict XVI cherished and respected because every human being is created in the image and likeness of God for a purpose (Genesis 1:26) thereby prohibiting a claim as the “right to die”. A right is a moral claim and we do not have a claim on death rather death has a claim on us. God chooses the time of our birth and the time for our death (Ecclesiastes 3:2).

The earliest form of opposition by the Roman Catholic Church to any form of unnatural death is credited to St. Augustine, in his lengthy work, the city of God. He argued this using the fifth commandment, “thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13) as his basis. He noted that it

being that everything natural keeps itself in being, and resists corruptions so far as it can. Wherefore suicide is contrary to the inclination of nature and to charity whereby every man should love himself.

Hence suicide is a mortal sin, as being contrary to the natural law and charity.

Secondly, because every part as such, belongs to the whole; now every man is part of the community, and so as such belongs to the community, hence by killing himself, he injures the community. Thirdly, because life is God’s gift to man and subject to His power, who kills and makes to live; hence whoever takes his own life sins

Hence suicide is a mortal sin, as being contrary to the natural law and charity. applied to any form of claim to the right to end one’s life, be it suicide or homicide.

In continuation with this line of argument, in the middle ages, the influential monk St. Thomas Aquinas reinforced this view when he wrote: “it is altogether unlawful to kill oneself, for three reasons: first, because everything naturally loves itself, the re-sult

against God, even as he who kills another’s slave, sins against the slave master and as he who usurps to himself judgment of a matter not entrusted to him. For it belongs to God alone to pronounce sentence of death and life, “I will kill and make to live”(Deuteronomy 32:39) On May 5, 1980, the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the

Faith of the Church, issued an official “Declaration on Euthanasia,” approved

by His Holiness Pope John Paul II which reaffirmed the Church’s prohibition of all forms of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia.

For life is a gift of God, and on the other hand death is unavoidable; it is mandatory therefore, that we should not in any way hasten the hour of our death. We should be able to accept it with full responsibility and dignity. It is true that death marks the end of our earthly existence, but at the same time it opens the door to immortal life. Therefore, all must prepare themselves for this event in the light of human values, and as Christians even more so in the light of faith.

Reminding all those who place their faith and hope in Christ who, through His life, death and resurrection, has given a new meaning to existence and especially to the death of the Christian. St. Paul says: “If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord” (Romans 14:8; cf. Phil.

1:20).

“It is necessary to state firmly once more that nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person, or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying.

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urthermore, no one is permitted to ask for this act of killing, either for himself or herself or for another person entrusted to his or her care, nor can he or she consent to it, either explicitly or implicitly. Nor can any authority legitimately recommend or permit such an action. For it is a question of the violation of the divine law, an offense against the dignity of the human person, a crime against life, and an attack on humanity.”

Furthermore, on February 25, 2008, Pope Benedict while receiving participants in an international congress entitled: “Close by the Incurable Sick Person and the Dying: Scientific and Ethical Aspects”,

reiterated that the Church is against all forms of euthanasia.

Stating that death concludes the experience of earthly life, but through death there opens for each of us, beyond time, the full and definitive life.

For the community of believers, this encounter between the dying person and the Source of Life and Love represents a gift that has a universal value that enriches the communion of the faithful”. Though aware of the fact that ‘it is not science that redeems man’, all society, and in particular, the sectors associated with medical science, are duty bound to express the solidarity of love and to safeguard and respect human life in every moment of its earthly development, especially when it is ill or in its terminal stages.

This means ensuring that every person in need, finds the necessary support through appropriate treatments and medical procedures—identified and administered using criteria of therapeutic proportionality—while bearing in mind the moral duty to administer (on the part of doctors) and to accept (on the part of patients) those means for preserving life which, in a particular situation may be considered as ‘ordinary’. As for forms of treatment “with significant levels of risk or that may reasonably be judged to be ‘extraordinary’, recourse thereto may be considered as morally acceptable, but optional. Furthermore, it will always be necessary to ensure that everyone has the treatment they require and that families tried by the sickness of one of their members receive support, especially if the sickness is serious or prolonged”.

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n the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2003) in part three—Life in Christ, section 2: the Ten Commandments, Paragraphs 2273-79 of Article 5, the fifth commandment which deals with respect for

Continues on Page 51

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SUND AY V ANGU ARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 — P AGE 51 SUNDA VANGU ANGUARD, PA

Euthanasia and the Catholic Church

THE COR ONA TION OF JESUS CORONA ONATION

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HEY were ex pecting a visit ing Head of State from another kingdom. The streets were lined with people.

School children were everywhere, holding and waving flags. The roads were completely cleared of all vehicles.

Then suddenly there appeared a raggedy-looking man, riding a bicycle. “Get off the road,” they jeered. “Clear off.

Stupid idiot, what are you doing there?” Little did they know the man they were abusing was the visiting Head of State.

“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” (Matthew 21:5).

A shepherd-king Jesus was clearly not the person they were expecting. They were accustomed to the pomp and circumstance of other “kings.” They had seen Pastor Patrick Anwuzia of Zoe Ministries Worldwide in his cortege of cars with licenceplates Zoe 1, Zoe 2, Zoe 3. They had seen Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, with his train of Land Cruisers zooming around the streets of Lagos. They had seen Pastor Paul Adefarasin, with his fearsome body-guards and retinue of escortcars. But they did not know what to make of this “pretender ” from Nazareth.

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his king does not drive around in a Hummer. He does not have chariots and horses. On the contrary, he is a lowly king who comes on a donkey. He was born in a manger. He works as a carpenter. He is not a university graduate. He has not been to the theological seminary. But there is something telling about this “insignificant” king. This king is a shepherd.

Matthew recalls Micah’s age-old prophecy: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6). Jesus is the ruler who will shepherd.

But he is a different type of ruler and a different

The crucifixion turned out to be the coronation type of shepherd. David was ruler of physical Israel: Jesus is ruler of spiritual Israel. David was ruler of a kingdom of this world: Jesus is ruler of the kingdom of God. David was a shepherd of sheep: Jesus is the shepherd of sons of God. David himself caught the revelation of Jesus the Messiah when he wrote his most famous psalm. He said: “The LORD is my shepherd.”

(Psalm 23:1). T h a t translates today to mean; “The Lord is my pastor.”

But if you have the audacity to tell your pastor today that the Lord Jesus is your pastor, I can assure you he will not take kindly to it.

A pauper-king

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esus entered the world in a family so poor Mary had to offer two turtledoves, rather than the required lamb, as the sacrifice for her purification. (Leviticus 12:8; Luke 2:24). H e grew up in a small nondescript town of Nazareth far from the seat of political power. He lived in obscurity as a carpenter for 30 years. Finally, he inaugurated his ministry on a riverbank and, for only three years thereafter, criss-crossed the dusty roads of Palestine, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. Jesus says: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

(Matthew 8:20).

Jesus raised no army and sought no earthly position of authority. He ultimately humbled himself by accepting death at the hands of evil men who, like Herod, saw him as a threat to their position and power. And yet, through it all, Jesus is the true king. Indeed, he is the King of kings.

But the outward display of pomp and pageantry is not essential to his stature as king. Instead, he sets up a whole new set of values, proclaim-

ing that it is in these we are to find true fulfilment.

In effect, Jesus compels a choice. We can either see dominion in terms of outside splendour and power, or we can focus on strength of character to distinguish the inner core of greatness. It is important for us to see in Jesus’ humility and self-abnegation the key to true greatness and glory. The believer should seek the inner liberty that defines dominion over the shackles of sin. It is this inner freedom and power that was exhibited by Jesus.

Unstoppable king

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esus was in full control of himself. He demonstrated his kingship by showing he has authority over the worst of man’s enemies, himself.

Jesus exercised absolute freedom from within. Power without self-control is no power at all. A true king must have the power to humble himself; to submit to God and to give up his rights in obedience to God’s commandments.

Jesus exhibited such total liberty of the spirit that he went about doing good. People looked for all kinds of ways to stop him. The devil kept sending people to try and impede him. When he sent Peter to dissuade him from the cross, Jesus said: “Get thee behind me Satan.” Some argued it is not lawful to be good on the Sabbath.

But Jesus insisted it is lawful to do good every day of the week.

In the end they decided to kill him. They thought at least when he is dead and buried; he would no longer be able to do anyone any good. But that was a big mistake. His crucifixion turned out to be his coronation. When they killed him, he rose from the dead, never to die again. Thereby, he dem-

onstrated that even death cannot impede the goodness of God. King of kings

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n his resurrec tion, Jesus com missioned his disciples to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God all over the world.

However, it was understood they would do this in the same pattern he established. They would not go in pomp or luxury. They would not drive about in Jeeps and Pathfinders or live in the best hotels. Instead, they would go with Jesus’ beatitudes boldly written on their hearts and live among their fellowmen humbly and as servants. Jesus says: “Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

(Matthew 20:27-28).

How very different this is from the life that kings and mega-pastors of the world lead. Jesus says: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.” (Matthew 10:2425). Jesus’ example does not require Enoch Adeboye’s “Millionaire’s Club.” Neither does it recommend David Oyedepo’s jet-planes.

Nevertheless, pastors like Jesse Duplantis now insist Jesus’ lowly donkey is today’s equivalent of a Lincoln-Continental.

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re Christians kings like Jesus? Or are we kings like Herod and our mega-pastors? Are we kings who exercise dominion over sin? Or are we kings who only rule over men? Are we kings in control of ourselves? Or are we fake kings ruled by our temperament? Are we puppet-kings under the servitude of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and other demons?

Jesus says: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11).

Continued from Page 50 human life states: 2273: The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation: “The inalienable rights of the person must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority. These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a concession made by society and the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origin. Among such fundamental rights one should mention in this regard every human being’s right to life and physical integrity from the moment of concept-ion until death.”

Euthanasia 2276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.

2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

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hus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.

2278 Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of “overzealous” treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted.

The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always, be respected.

2279 Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.

“2280: Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and deserve it for His honour and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church).

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n conclusion, Pope John Paul II at age 73 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease which is a kind of ailment that results in the loss of cells from a particular region of the human brain. It is marked by rotary tremors of the hands, immobility and speech impediment with a masklike facial exp-ression. He was tube fed at the end because of the tracheostomy, (an opening surgically created through the neck into the trachea to allow direct access to the breathing tube), which restrained him from performing his Papal function and his ability to preside over Mass. Pope John Paul II battled this ailment for 12 years until he breathed his last on April 12, 2005. During this period, he met with several representatives of different Parkinson’s disease service organizations in his attempt to bring the attention of the world to Parkinson’s disease and search for a possible cure.

It is noteworthy that throughout this devastating illness, the Pope never contemplated euthanasia.

The Roman Catholic Church is completely against euthanasia seeing it in the same light as murder.

“Human life is sacred”. (Humanae vitae, 1968) Euthanasia is always wrong, but it is also wrong to keep a patient alive at any cost. People should be allowed to die, but only when nature, or God, decides. *Culled from Seconda Anniversaria of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria, Lagos.

PAGE 52—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

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At 52, it is a shame we have no befitting national gallery - Okonta

BY JAPHET ALAKAM ISSUES

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hief Frank Okonta, the chairman of Art gallery owners Association of Nigeria (AGAN) needs little introduction. He is the founder of Nkem art gallery in Lagos, used to be a sports administrator in his days in the civil service before he retired. A member of the vision 2010 where he represented the art industry very well. Recently Chief Okonta who turned 73 last August was made an honourary Adviser to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation due to his contribution to art. As Nigeria prepares for her 52 independent anniversary, Art on Sunday was at his gallery where he has done a lot of renovation with new works displayed all over the place and the trained broadcaster turned art addict made useful suggestions about art in Nigeria.

First on how art has faired in the last years, Okonta who believes that it has not been a bad story stated that, ‘’with the limited amount of money that is available, we have not done too bad , we need to be encouraged by the government ,in the past ten years, art has come alive, there has been lots of exhibitions, workshops, NGA has been very active, SNA has come up, AGAN and so many other associations has all come out. It is moving but not as fast as other developed countries, but it is on the move, we are coming up. I am happy with the progress that has come up. Associations like AGAN has been having exhibitions in the past five years with beautiful catalogues that are circulated all over the world.” He said.

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he great lover of art, who believes that art is life says that despite the progress, the only thing lacking is government support, as the government has not really done what it is supposed to do. “ we need government to really pump in a lot of money into arts to have a befitting national gallery at least one in Lagos and another one in Abuja so that we can showcase our works for people to see.” Okonta believes that it is possible especially , now that the country is blessed with a good honourable minister that knows and understands the importance of art in charge of the sector . As some one who knows him, the country will benefit from his wealth of experiences if he stays there for another five years. “To me he is good and even the best minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation we ever had.”

Okonta who has seen it all in arts says that the industry need a lot of publicity so as to create awareness, about the artists and their works, showcase their works to the world because Nigeria has produced a lot of credible artists that can match artist all over the world.

On the way forward, Okonta is of the view that there is need for the NGA to make art materials available to artists, sell it to them at an affordable rate so that artists will be painting. He also suggest for the establishment of an endowment fund for art so as to enable the artist get funds for their projects.

He also solicited that government should make a policy that every office in the various ministries should have an art work inside it and people should also be encouraged to also have a piece C M Y K

Chief Frank Okonta of artwork in their offices. “One thing I want to see more is to see art works in all government ministries and private offices and homes. Nothing makes me happy than when I go to people’s offices or homes and see art works hang on the walls.” He added.

Another area that will make the art grow is by taking the art works to all events and to the embassies. For example in the last Olympics they sent some art works, such is commendable.

“When I was in sports, there was no competition I attended that I did not go with art works. When I was also in

the external affairs too, we use to take art works to all the embassies, so that people from all over the world will see it, so I suggest that the people in it now should continue in that way so that Nigeria art works should be displayed in all our embassies.”

Speaking on how to address some of the issues raised, Okonta said that the minister know a lot about arts and he is doing a lot to promote art but he is not been supported by the government.

He canvassed for the establishment of an art village in Nigeria. ‘’A big industry like art need an art village, a

typical village that will depict the 36 states of Nigeria with clothing, artworks, crafts, beads etc so that tourist that come to the place will see something to buy and go home with.”

The greatest challenge facing the art sector , he noted is lack of funds to carry out the activities in the sector.

Government have been trying but they need to do more and more so private bodies and corporate organisations can also come in and assist the art sector, it should not be government alone, companies like oil companies, communications companies, banks etc can come and donate a befitting gallery to Nigeria, if they do that it is not bad after all they make a lot of money from the country. “Nigeria need a place where people can come and see our works. It is a shame that Nigeria at 52 do not have a befitting national gallery.”

Okonta also frowns at the attitude of some Nigerians who prefer foreign art works when they travel out instead of buying the ones by their fellow countrymen. To such people, Okonta says they are just suffering from inferiority complex. He then urged such people to start patronising Nigerian artists, “I have been to many places and any where I go I visit their galleries, Nigeria art works are among the best so they should start buying works by Nigerians.” He noted.

Nigeria is not new to art, the ancient art of Igbokwu, Nok and Benin made name for Nigeria, they can be found in museums all over the world. Every where you go people talk about them, Nigeria contemporary works are coming up, so he would like every body to give it the necessary support so it can be like that of the old ones or even surpass it.

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n a final note, Okonta confessed that there is a lot of improvement but there is need to do more. "I will like us to have art works in our roads , parks and public spaces, Lagos state government are trying , they create parks and beautify the place with art works , other states should follow suit.

Nigeria has a lot of money but they do not want to spend it on arts."

Ranga, the return of folktales in African Literature

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

BOOK LAUNCH

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HE battle to revive the dying readership culture of Nigerians with emphasis on inculcating the attitude of reading in people beginning from an early stage was rekindled at the weekend with the presentation of a story book for children titled Ranga.

Written by the proprietress of LeavesGreen School, Magodo, Lagos, Yetunde Fawehinmi, the launch of Ranga which was part of a celebration to mark her 40th year birthday was held at Ikeja, lagos. .

At a period when all focus especially that of the youths are on the internet with easy access to both destructive and useful materials, coupled with the fact that parents no longer spend quality time with their children, the presentation of the book couldn’t have been timelier.

Yetunde an indigene of Ondo state, having spent not less than sixteen years in England during which she occupied the position of Nursery school manager in England said during the celebration, that nothing would be more fulfilling for her than to bring back her wealth of experience home to make great impact on the Nigerian child. The huge gap

in children Literature created by au- that parents no longer read bedtime thors’ concentration on writing for stories to their children because the secondary schools without world is turning the women into consideration for nursery and primary corporate mums who hardly have time schools in addition to the fact that most to educate their children so, Ranga is children enjoy reading foreign out to close the gap created by materials, informed the publication of technology and modernization”.

Ranga is a very colourful the book.

Explaining further on her reasons children literature written in such for coming out with such material, simple language with pictures and Yetunde noted that,” Having looked at illustrations that aid easy comprehenhow we are gradually losing out in sion without assistance. And to demterms of teaching the children our lan- onstrate that children can read with or guage, cultures, traditions and values, without help, some Pupils of LeavesI thought it is high time we started Green School Magodo, Lagos during offering children literature rich in the presentation, read excerpts from African folktales. I used Ondo state the book. which is my state, the cities, mountain climbing festival called Mari festival, Owena Farm which is all about Cocoa farm and most importantly, ranga itself which is a model rabbit to tell an educating story. Ondo is the largest producing farm for Cocoa so, I decided to write about Cocoa farm to teach children that there’s always something exciting about someone’s The author Yetunde Fawehinmi (2nd right) with the co heritage” launcers during the presention of Ranga. Photo by Prisca

“ I also discovered Sam-Duru

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 53

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Day Achalla stood still in yam festivity CUL TURE CULTURE

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am is one of the staple food in Nigeria, though it is consumed by some at all times but to some it has a procedure which must be followed especially new ones before it is eaten. The celebration of the arrival of new yam is followed by a festival known as new yam festival.

Though many communities in Nigeria have abandoned the festival because of the influence of western cultures on Africa especially Igbo land, but few are still doing that and one of such community that has resisted that and is still doing that is the Achalla community in Awka North Local Government, Anambra State.

The community through the able leadership of the paramount ruler, Igwe Alex Nwokedi, a man who has traversed many places, held many positions in the country and values the importance of culture has demonstrated to people the need to preserve their culture. His love for the culture was demonstrated last week when the entire community, paramount rulers, government officials, friends and in laws trooped out for the celebration of the 15th annual Yam Festival of Uthoko Na Eze, the 23rd king of Achalla community at his palace.

Achalla, a serene community in Awka North Local Government, has beautiful cultural values which distinguishes her from others in the East of Nigeria, an attribute they traced to Igala, in the present day Kogi State of the North that flaunts its cultural assets.

The Yam Festival is a very big ceremony held annually as a forum for rekindling peace, unity and charting the way forward for the community and this year’s own was not an exception.

Very early in the morning, the entire community was already agog with festivity as youths held massive demonstration to herald the new Yam Festi-

val. It was glamorous with different kinds of masquerades like the Isaka (the like of Lagos Igunu ko); Jele, Oganachi and others moving around the community.

According to Sir Peter Mbonu Nwokedi, the Nwaezeatu Esu (meaning, the prince that never fears) of Uthoko Kingdom, the Oganachi masquerade was usually the first to come out four days to the king yam festival calling on the people of Achalla and the eight sub-communities under it that it was time for people to begin to eat yam.

“Oganachi took place four days before Igwe festival that is taking place today. It happened in a big way calling on Achalla people that they can now eat new yam. After that living title holders called Ozo-dindu do their own festival and the dead title holders (the Ozo-nwulaun) do their own the next day.”

After that, people kill goat for their dead fathers and mothers who were

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BY B ASHIR ADEF AKA BASHIR ADEFAKA

The new Yam Festival is a forum for rekindling peace, unity and charting the way forward for the community

Igwe Alex Nwokedi , Uthoko na Eze Achalla dancing with a masquerade during the festival.

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title holders but are dead. It is a must for everybody to do. It is general sacrifice that every affected person does.

This is followed by another event when all men go and buy Ogodi-Igbaoku (gifts) for their wives showing appreciation to them for taking good care of them during the planting season.

After the preliminaries, the main occasion which is the celebration of the king’s yam festival took off with prepared roasted yam meal served with thickly vegetable soup. All occupants of and visitors to the palace are served no other food than the meal. Thereafter, cow is slaughtered to prepare pounded yam which is served in the afternoon.

Thereafter, people trooped into the palace in groups each bearing big tubers of yam for presentation while paying homage to the paramount ruler.

The Owelle Achalla, Ogbuefi Joseph Ani, in the absence of the Igwe received those visitors and their offerings.

Later, the Igwe arrived at the main palace escorted by his security men

and members of the vigilante group and upon arrival he walked into the meeting of the elders forum said to be the most senior of all group meetings in the community. There he was welcome and he addressed the meeting briefly and then moved unto the open place where the chiefs and visitors are already seated expecting the main celebration to start.

Then various masquerade came each at its own turn and it was all festivity all through as the Igwe stood with the appearance of the each masquerade, he dance to the Ikolo drum to the massive applaud by the people and the entire community joined him. It was indeed a celebration well deserved as the various villagers danced and entertained their visitors.

This Lagos...A Canvas,an artistic look of a city

BY JAPHET ALAKAM VISUAL

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OR one week, apart from the normal visitors that visit the Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, the gallery will welcome more visitors as art lovers, patrons, collectors and other enthusiasts will converge at the place for another independence exhibition by one of Nigeria’s most exhibited artist, Oyirinde Olotu. The exhibition which is coming on the heels of the success of his last solo show at the same venue or what has come to be known as his annual ritual is tagged This Lagos....

A Canvas, an exhibition of paintings and drawings.

As was the case in his last exhibition where he dug into the history of Nigeria and painted great figures of accomplished individuals from the diverse worlds of politics, religion and the arts, in this exhibition, the Yaba trained painter who can be described as a historian through his body of works brings to the fore a documentary of the events that has shaped Lagos from the colonial era till present.

It is scheduled to open on the 1st of October and run to 8th October.

Featuring about 50 recent works of

and sketches, with pastel on paper some of those things that caught his fancy. On the colours, the artists says it is his own identity, a style he adopted so that people will easily identify his works whenever they come across it.

Taking the viewers r o u n d the works which are relatively large compared to his normal size, the artist exThe Makoko series, one of the works to be exhibited plained that most of the works centered on things within the painter and some old ones that his immediate environment. He said fused into the theme of the exhibition, that he is not just focused on any the artists who is of the view that there theme but basically he paints about is need to document events for poster- things that caught his attention. ity through the body of works tell sto“ Any activity I am interested in I ries of some of the events that shaped paint, it is not just landscape but other Lagos that is fading out now due the events that captures my fancy.” He transformations that has been going on added. Some of the works include, a in Lagos especially since the coming new Lagos, Isale Eko, Colonial resiin of the new governor of Lagos, Raji dence, Swimming still, The Makoko Fashola. Using a limited palette and series and others. toned down colours that made the A look at some of the works really works to be mostly in black and white attest to the painters ideal as a histoor what can be described as half col- rian, it was indeed an excursion in the ours, Olotu with brown colours draws history of Lagos as Olotu with the

splash of his brush paints some of the important events that shaped Lagos which are no longer in view now. For example , the piece The Premiers convoy, which depicts the scene where Chief Awo as the then premier of the west was moving with his convoy with smiles and people were waving their hands with smiles too unlike what is obtainable now with the corrupt leaders.

The Makoko series, paintings of the old Makoko, a slum suburb of Lagos and the activities that went on there before the big hammer of Fashola fell on them. Though recent but if you go to the place now, you will not see it again but through the eyes of Olotu, many will still have a look of the place.

Another piece, a colonial building in Ajele , constructed by the colonial masters with its good structures unlike what is obtainable now. There is also the Fashola’s inauguration for the second term, the Old Oshodi at night before Fashola and others.

In his artistic statement, Olotu says, “I take special interest in history,which has influenced me in documentary art. I get my references, I compose,recompose and juxtapose where necessary and then balance up my composition to get my final picture."

PAGE 54— SUNDAY

VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

STORIES BY UDEME CLEMENT

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Naira restructuring suspension: Whither Sanusi’s coin ATMs

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BVIOUSLY, the ongoing reform in the banking sector has taken a new dimension with the current move by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) capable of dispensing coins in order to encourage the culture of spending coins in the country.

The initiative according to some financial experts is in line with the monetary policy on currency restructuring, designed to imbibe the use of coins by people for goods and services in the economy.

This is happening only two weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan gave the apex bank a standing order to suspend the introduction of N5,000 bank note, which generated heated controversy in the last one month, until Nigerians are well enlightened on the need for the currency in the country. What happens to the coin ATMs will unfold when government takes a final decision on the currency restructuring.

Meanwhile, the apex bank has prohibited deposit banks from disbursing new credit facilities to about 113 companies owing huge debts ranging from N85billion to about N192.4billion. The ban affects two airlines doing business in Nigeria . The CBN explained that the affected organisations are yet to pay their debts even after the 2009 financial crisis, which prompted the intervention of the apex bank and injection of $4billion into about nine weak banks to prevent collapse in the financial system.

The Head of Shared Services of CBN, Mr. Chidi Umeano, explained that when successfully implemented, the coins dispensing machines would fast track acceptability of coins by the citizens for all forms of businesses in the economy. To implement this policy successfully, the apex bank is putting measures in place to facilitate a process described as (add-on) to all newly deployed ATMs to various banks.

Some branch managers of commercial banks visited by Sunday Business in Lagos explained that ATMs already in use in the country are configured to easily accept the add-on device, for easy adaptation to coins dispensing for daily transactions. A branch manager with Zenith bank branch at Ajose Adeogun Street , Victoria Island, who spoke under anonymity, said, “Coins is used in advanced countries. For instance, people use coins in America . So, what works in America can also work in Nigeria . Deploying ATMs for dispensing coins is realisable because the machines are configured with features that can easily be aligned to the use of coins.”

At First Bank branch, Acme road, Ogba, one of staff said, “The apex bank has the capacity to activate the add-on process and other features on the ATMs. Aside from that, the issue is that the machines are not even manufactured here in Nigeria . So, the management of CBN has a lot of work to do

The cashless money policy and currency restructuring could be implemented simultaneously but the issue is acceptability.

Some depositors are already accepting cashless economy but the problem is with coins

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Lamido Sanusi

in order to ensure efficiency in the system”.

A female manager with Diamond bank branch at Ojodu Berger added, “The cashless money policy and currency restructuring could be implemented simultaneously but the issue is acceptability.

Some depositors are already accepting cashless economy but the problem is with coins.

For instance, most customers who come to make withdrawals

on daily basis from our bank often request for bank notes like N500 and N1,000. Some customers usually reject lower denominations like N200, N100, N50 and others. They would simply tell you they need bank notes they could carry easily. So, it may take time for people to imbibe the culture of spending coins in our economy”.

The use of coins will reduce inflation in the economy-

Economics expert and Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management Professor Akpan Ekpo: The initiative by CBN to encourage the use of coins for business transactions is a welcome development because it will curtail inflationary situation in the economy. For example, the prices of goods in the market may be cheaper because people will not put too much

emphasis on paper money anymore. Also, there will be some items that people can purchase with coins.

It simply means that we can use coins in the super market, in open markets and even in petrol stations to buy fuel. For instance, coins are used in places like South Africa , Malaysia , Singapore , America , Kenya , Britain and even in Ghana very close to Nigeria . I do not know why we are not using coins in Nigeria ? I will advise the Central Bank to do a test-run for the entire process because the ATMs are not manufactured in Nigeria .

CBN is trying to use monetary policy to influence holistic economic growth and development: The former Director General, Nigeria Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Olu Ajakaiye: The CBN is doing its best in reforming the banking sector for greater productivity. If you are following the trend, you would realise that the apex bank is trying to use monetary policies to influence the process of reactivation to encourage interaction among various sectors of the economy. The monetary authority is prepared to balance and ensure stability in the financial system.

For our country to achieve holistic growth and economic stability, there should be collaboration between the CBN and Ministries of Agriculture, Commerce and other relevant agencies of government to ensure that they support and deliver on their own aspects.

Doing this would enable the monetary policies to have broad areas of influence in the whole economy.

Onne Free Trade Zone creates 30,000— Minister

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HE Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, says Onne Free Trade Zone(FTZ), located in Nigeria’s oil rich region, specifically Rivers State, has generated over $6 billion revenue for government since its inception in 1997, adding that the zone also created about 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Minister made this disclosure at the Oil and Gas Trade and Investment Forum in Onne, Rivers, stressing that Onne is now adjudged the single largest and fastest growing free trade zone in the world dedicated to oil and gas.

He went on, “Establishment of free trade zones in the country is in line with the globally-accepted new strategy for engineering industrialisation a well as promotion of sustainable economic growth and development. In the global trend, free trade zones are known to have the largest job creation capacity. Records have shown that every job in a zone creates two additional jobs through a multiplier process.

In Nigeria , such zones are strategic in facilitating economic growth through influx of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the economy”.

He continued, “Existence of Onne has contributed tremendously to increased economic activities in Onne Port. The Zone also added to the increase in government revenue earnings, particularly, through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). It is on record that investments inflows into the free zones have accounted for about 60 per cent of the total investment into Nigeria in the last one decade.

Also, the zone has attracted major oil companies that use Onne as a hub of their activities covering the whole of the Gulf of Guinea up to Angola in Southern

Africa . Government will always be ready to support would-be investors as they stick to policies and procedures laid down by the relevant legal authorities. The ministry, through Onne zone, is planning to embark on more projects, including the development of infrastructure, at Ikpokiri Island ”.

“Refineries, petro-chemical and processing companies as well as power plant would be

established for the zone. FTZs projects are integral part of Nigeria ‘s trade facilitating mechanism designed to stimulate trade and export activities in order to create more jobs in the country.

Development of viable FTZs is critical to the actualisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda in increased trade and job creation”.

From left: Alhaji Tunde Abdulkareem, Kwara State Accountant General, AG, Mr. Hilary Isobara, Akwa Ibom AG and Mr David Sunmoni, AG, Lagos State during the states Accountants General Forum's meeting in Abuja.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 55

How we are creating jobs through entrepreneurship —Okoene MidWestern Oil and Gas Company Plc is an indigenous marginal field operator in Nigeria. It was one of the firms awarded the marginal field in 2003 through the policy of Federal Government on oil and gas sector development.

Today, the company, which is one of the highest marginal field producers of oil and gas, with production capacity of over 19,000 barrels of crude oil per day, has achieved 4million man-hours operations without Lost Time Injury (LTI), even as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) commended the efficiency of the company in oil production with high safety measures.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Engineer Adams Okoene, speaks on how the company is keying into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in job creation and youth empowerment, how they achieved 4million man-hours without LTI, as well as enormous contributions to community development.

What are the challenges for operating in Niger Delta with the issue of militancy?

HE truth is that, any firm operating in that region is bound to face challenges and our company is not an exemption. The major challenge has to do with the host communities. Luckily for us, we have reached an understanding with our three host communities in the region. When it comes to dealing with communities what matters most is integrity.

If your company is transparent and they believe in what you are talking, it means the problem is half solved. That is my personal experience since we began operations in that region. For instance, if you promise to handle a community project for a stipulated period and you are able to deliver within that particular time frame, the people in the communities would associate you with integrity. As such, you would face fewer challenges with the host communities. The other half of the problem is intercommunal issues, which is the problem among the communities themselves.

Aside from integrity, we often dialogue with our host communities because we also let them understand our capability in what the company can do and what it cannot do for them. This is because we operate an open door policy.

For example, if we initiate a project for duration of 6 months, we must ensure that the project is completed within

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that time and this has instilled confidence in them.

Aside from community development, what is your company doing to key into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan on youth empowerment and job creation?

The youths are benefiting so much from the company in

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BY UDEME CLEMENT

When it comes to dealing with communities what matters most is integrity. If your company is transparent and they believe in what you are talking, it means the problem is half solved

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various ways. For instance, we engage them in skills acquisition programmes where they are trained to become entrepreneurs and employers of labour. We also give scholarship to students in secondary and tertiary institutions. Aside from that, we have plans to embark on a mega community project that can be seen as a star project for the communities. We are looking at the type of project that MidWestern Oil and Gas, the host communities and even Delta State Government should be proud of.

Can you give us statistics on the number of students who have benefited from your scholarship scheme since you commenced operations in that region?

The scholarship scheme is an annual project and is still ongoing. A lot of students from our host communities have benefited from this scheme and more are still going to benefit.

Tell us about your workforce?

We have sufficient workers who are well trained to deliver efficiently. We maintain a high level of technology because we have programmes for regular capacity building exercises, where our engineers are exposed to skill training needed to enhance efficiency and safety during operations.

MidWestern Oil and Gas recently celebrated 4million man-hours operations without LTI with top officials of DPR commending the

Engineer Adams Okoene effort of your management in giving priority to safety. Can you tell us how you achieved this?

We have been able to operate safely to the extent that we achieve 4 million man hours without casualty or accident during operations.

Also we have not recorded Lost Time Injury (LTI), which simply means that we have not recorded any major injury that

resulted in the lost of man hours during operations. We give priority to Health Safety and Environment (HSE).

Safety consciousness and practices are entrenched in our operations.

When precisely did your company start operations?

We began operations in 2005.

Midwestern was one of the companies awarded the

Marginal Oil Field in 2003.

There were about 31 Marginal Oil Fields awarded that same year for about 24 oil companies. Today, only four of us in that group are still into production because others had various challenges along the way.

We commenced production in 2008, through the policy of Federal Government, which came about government saying that the Major Oil firms had major oil projects in the country divided among themselves and there were some of their fields that they had not touched for 10 years. So, they had to give them to other firms that were ready to start work on the fields immediately. It is understandable that the Majors did not work on those fields because they had mega oil projects to embark on. So, government identified those areas and decided to award those Marginal Oil fields to other firms that were ready to commence operations, since such firms did not have mega projects like the Oil Majors. In that process, we bided and won.

Can you give us figures on how many barrels of crude oil your firm started production with?

We started with 3.000 barrels per day.

What is your production capacity currently?

At present, the company has recorded an astronomical increase in the quantity of production. We are now producing between 13.000 and 15.000 barrels of crude daily.

We have the capacity to produce more than what we are doing at the moment. We have the equipment, technology and technicalknow-how to produce 19.000 barrels on daily basis. We are among the biggest producers in the cluster of the fields in our group

52ND INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY:

Nigerians to appraise leaders on power supply

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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NE major factor that cripples business ac tivities is inadequate power supply. No wonder the hopes of many Nigerians were raised when the Federal Government recently announced plans to raise electricity output from 4,300 megawats to N9,000 megawatts by the end of the year.

Most Nigerians depend solely on electricity to power their source of livelihood. This was the view in the Nigerian manufacturing sector some years back when the problem of power supply became worrisome such that some manufacturers shifted their base to Ghana and other parts of the world to stabilise their businesses which was almost crippled by inadequate power supply.

On the other hand, many of them who could not relocate abroad found solace in solar energy and generating sets as an alternative power supply to keep their business moving not minding additional expenses that are associated

with this.

A cross section of Nigerians, especially salon operators, frozen food dealers, cyber cafe operators; hospitals and hotels managers, told Sunday Vanguard about the losses they have incurred due to inadequate power supply.

Chief executive officer of Blessing Business Centre, Ebute-metta, Lagos, Mr. Okunola Alabi, said the most tangible part of his income goes to diesel and fuel to power the alternative power supply. ‘’We have resorted to alternative power supply to retain our customers although this does not come on a platter of gold,’’ he said.

In 2011, a website was opened to showcase and appraise the performance of Nigerian leaders by stakeholders in diaspora to showcase and appraise Nigerian leaders from the best to the least performed by all stakeholders across the globe. In view of the above, an award ceremony is slated for November 2012 as a reward for excellence. Via the website, nominations have been ongoing for the award

and the news now is that the site is showcasing 10 states power projects with more coming, according to the national co-ordinator of Project LightUp Nigeria, Mr. Fr a n k Ukpabi. ‘’Out of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria, about 10 have submitted their various power projects which are currently under review on the website, others will join the race soon.’’

Apart from the annual award, the co-ordinator said the project includes a magazine showing the power projects on the website to guide Nigerians in nominations for the awards. He called on corporate organisations in Nigeria to imbibe the culture of light and improve on their corporate social responsibility, especially in the area of electrification.

Ukpabi said the project is designed to recognise, appreciate and encourage the three tiers of government in their efforts towards steady power supply and electrification. He said the project is taking up the challenge to appraise public office holders before hand.

C M Y K

PAGE 56— SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

The MultiChoice corporate citizen model * Invests over N3I billion into local content BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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ESPITE being focused on its efforts at providing quality pay television services, MultiChoice Nigeria has not failed to convince the nation, about its commitment to Corporate Social Citizenship, CSR. This drive drive to fulfil her corporate citizenship duties has manifested through its services and e x e m p l a r y organisational conduct.

For a company that came into the Nigerian market in 1993, its prosociety disposition has remained a surprise to many, who were used to failure of companies at carrying out their CSR. MultiChoice, in 1994, commenced the MultiChoice Resource Center project as its major CSR. That resulted to the embracing of the project by the authorities in the nation’s educational sector, which was aimed at introducing audio-visual learning technologies through digital satellite television and other equipment such as video recorders and DSTV decoders.

It is against the backdrop of such commitment that MultiChoice Nigeria, however, sees itself and acts as a truly Nigerian company.

Speaking on the c o m p a n y ’ s determination at giving back to the society in meaningful way:” Chairman of Multichoice Nigeria, Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, said the organisation has yielded irrepressive outcomes and attracted attestations from the public as well CS industry regulators.

“MultiChoice Nigeria is committed to giving back to the country and its people.

We demonstrate our commitment to Nigeria by regularly contributing our time and resources to uplifting the ccmmunities we operate in. Education and access information are essential to the development and growth of a nation,” he noted at a recent forum.

An attestation to this commitment has been C M Y K

Further checks indicated that similar efforts on capacity development and expansion have resulted in cameramen, technicians and directors benefitting from training programmes that have ensured that they are capable of producing high quality live sports programmes. Another outcome was that the studio production personnel and studio production staff on live productions and studio broadcasts are wholly Nigerian.

providers like M-Net and SuperSport.

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n general terms, MultiChoice’s investments, founded on its belief in the domestic broadcast industry, is gargantuan. Towards delivering high quality content to subscribers, MultiChoice has invested in local content via premium channels providers like M-Net and SuperSport. The latter has invested money in excess ofN9billion in training, production of sport

NBC’s assessment was a condensation of MultiChoice’s vast contributions to industry training development

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John Ugbe, MD MultiChoice manifesting through commen- dations from the public as well as industry regulators.

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or instance, in October 2010, MultiChoice Nigeria was honoured with an award for investment in developing local capacity by the National B r o a d c a s t i n g Commission, NBC. In arriving at the choice of MultiChoice for the honour, the NBC said: “The committee found MultiChoice eria worthy of the award after considering the level of investment it has made into developing local capacity in broadcasting in Nigeria and beyond.”

Speaking on the matter, a major customer of the company, Ogheinevo Obaro, said, “NBC’s assessment was a condensation of MultiChoice’s vast contributions to industry training development.

For one, the company has been at the forefront of driving skills transfer to personnel in the domestic film and production industries. Its Film Talent Incubator Programme, launched in 2007, was conceived to develop the skills of p r e v i o u s l y disadvantaged entry level persons in the industry.”

It was however gatherd that beneficiaries of the programme were exposed to advanced training and mentorship required to help them progress in the industry.

MultiChoice’s investment in the domestic film industry, known as Nollywood, is

also viable in the training schemes it organised to imbue participants with multi-camera, studiobased skills on the projects produced by MNet in Nigeria.

Also speaking on MultiChoice Nigeria’s contribution to socioeconomic development, an 1ndustry expert, Engr.

Don Ozah, maintaned that MultiChoice has invested over N31 billion in local content through premium channels

programmes and coverage. A sum of N135million was committed to the sponsorship of basketball. And since 1999, over N5billion llas been spent in capital investment into the business,” he noted.

In addition, Ozah said,

“ Within the same period, MultiChoice Nigeria has paid over N15billion in a variety of taxes; spent N70 million on staff, value chain development and training and about Nl50million on training in television production skills.”

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esides, Ozah added that,” eyewatering outlays have gone into the payment of licence fees to the NBC. The company’s support for entrepreneurship is by no means measly.

Through its Super Dealers Programme, started six years ago, it has raised a platoon of local entrepreneurs.

Through this programme, aspiring entrepreneurs are formally trained in handling the country’s products and services.”

Explaining further, he said, “the super dealers are then assisted to develop a business plan, attract banking facilities and other necessary assistance to grow their business. This, by far, is the most far-reaching empowerment initiative in the country ’s broadcasting industry.

The other spin-off of the initiative is that it has succeeded in getting MultiChoice’s services and products to previously unreached parts of the country.”

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 57

Orji Kalu’s gospel for leadership emergence zOoni of Ife preaches forgiveness

At 52, there has been consensus of opinion over the years that the problem of our country is largely leadership

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tell us what the problem is.’’

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Orji Uzor Kalu....What is the matter with Nigeria?

General J.T.U. Aguiyi-lronsi who became Head of State.

Did he prepare for power? No. It was just thrust on him by fate.In 1976, the military struck again, through Lt. Col. Buka Sukar Dimka, and the head of state, the charismatic and inspiring Murtala Muhammed, was assassinated. The then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, became Head of State. Was he ready for the responsibility? No. In fact, according to Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, the then Chief of the Army Staff, Obasanjo had to both be cajoled and threatened, before he accepted the responsibility of being Head of State.’’

been President, I have been Prisoner, yet you want me to be President again’.

Obasanjo ruled for eight years, despite not being prepared to be President initially and even planned for a third term.’’

Giving further examples, Kalu added thus: ‘’And, my friend, Umaru Yar ’Adua? He had been governor in Katsina

Reluctant leadership ontinuing, he said, ‘’In 1979, Alhaji Shehu Shagari wanted to just be a Senator. He ended as President, unprepared for the big task. Chief Ernest Shonekan was a corporate chieftain at the UAC. Ruling Nigeria was the farthest thing from his mind. In 1993, he was drafted into office as leader of the Interim National Government (ING). In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo had just returned from prison, when he was drafted into leadership again. I remember he said: ‘How many ‘P’s do you want to make out of me? I have

for eight years, and, according to him, he was preparing to go back to the classroom to teach chemistry.

Suddenly he was drafted to be President. We know of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, ‘the best president we never had.’ We know of Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, the man who wanted us to bid farewell to poverty.

We know of many others who had prepared and groomed themselves for leadership.

They never got it. But the reluctant ones get shoved into office and power. What is the matter with Nigeria?

Researchers in our academia, please help look into this, and

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ESPITE being convened to mark the 25th anniversary of Equity Chambers of the Obafemi Awolowo University,OAU, Ile Ife, the 2012 Prof Professor D.A. Ijalaye Lecture, provided an avenue to ponder on the vexing issue of the manner of leadership at all levels of government in Nigeria.

With the lecture entitled:Leadership: A Key Factor To A Better Nigeria, many were not in doubt that most discourses at the forum, centred on the need for a new breed of leaders in the country.

On hand to raise the curtain on the occasion, held at Ogubanjo Hall, OAU, was a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, who was the guest speaker.

Dignities at the event were: Oba James Adedotun Adegoke, Dean, Faculty of Law OAU, Professor Olu Adediran, Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Editor-inChief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Femi Adesina, Chairman, Editorial Board, The Sun, Dr. Amanze Obi, Editor, Magazines, Mr. Shola Oshunkeye, Head, Department of Business Law OAU, Dr. S. B. Odunsi, Head, Department of International Law, Dr. O.S. Oyelade, among others.

Kalu, in his lecture, which was the highpoint of the forum that also attracted a sizable number of law students, traced the failure of Nigeria’s socio-economic development to unpreparedness of past and present leaders.

The former Abia chief executive, who spoke to the admiration of the audience, regretted that since independence, the nation has had leaders, who were not ready for the burden of leadership foisted on them.

He said, ‘’Maj.-Gen. JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Sheu Shagari, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Alhaji Umaru Yar ’Adua, and President Jonathan were all unprepared for leadership. Goodluck Jonathan became Bayelsa State Governor when his former principal DSP Alamieyiesegha was impeached. All he wanted in 2007 was to get a full term in office as governor. But he was drafted to be Vice President and within three years he became president. Was he prepared to be president? The answer is no.”

Still citing examples of unpreparedness on the part of those who had governed Nigeria, Kalu said, ‘’In 1966, the military struck through Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, and some other young military officers. At the end of it all, they could not seize the reins of power. It was Major-

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BY CHARLES KUMOLU

amenting further, Kalu said, ‘’At 52, there has been consensus of opinion over the years that the problem of our country is largely leadership. Professor Chinua Achebe put it succinctly in his seminal work: ‘The Trouble with Nigeria published in 1983: where he said “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water, or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example, which is the hallmark of true leadership’.

Prof Achebe gave this

Since independence, the nation has had leaders, who were not ready for the burden of leadership foisted on them

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lamentation almost 30 years ago. Before then, the same diagnosis had been made by many commentators about Nigeria, and till today, the same thing is being said. It means our country is in the grip of bad leadership, and until we extricate ourselves from that evil grip, we will not make much progress.’’

Azikiwe’s Independence speech Going down memory lane, the former Governor recalled: ‘’Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, in his 5th independence speech to the nation in 1965, noted ‘The

leaders of our various communities are servants of the people of Nigeria. They were selected to strengthen the bonds of national unity.

Their main task is to promote understanding among the various tribes of Nigeria. So long as they faithfully do this, so long shall they have proved themselves capable of enduring the complicated problems of leadership in Nigeria.”

However, Kalu singled out the late Umar Musa Yar’Adua as a leader who, despite being unready for the job, had a good vision for the country. ‘’Musa Yar’Adua had a good vision, a good approach to leadership in Nigeria. He wanted to be a servant-leader, somebody who will love Nigerians, and serve them with all his might. But there was a problem. His health. If my good friend, Umaru Yar’Adua, had been healthier, he would have served Nigeria very creditably. But he died in office, and we are still where we are today, groping for direction, like the children of Israel in the wilderness for 40 years,’’ he added.

K

alu, whose speech was intermittently punctuated by applause from the audience, also recalled that his persistent call for a better deal from the ruling class caused a between him and Obasanjo.

Speaking specifically on the defunct third term agenda, the former Governor, who is a presidential hopeful in 2015, disclosed that Obasanjo used his power then to cripple all his chain of businesses ranging from oil, airline, banking, and a host of others because of his opposition to the third term agenda.

Also speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse11, Kalu noted that traditional rulers have a major role to play in the search for a solution to the security crisis in the country.

He said it had become worrisome that religion had become a source of division in the country.

In his remarks, the Ooni appealed to the former Governor not to take offense against anyone attacking him now.

S

ijuwade, described Kalu as one of the few leaders that have contributed to the progress of the country.

He said, ‘’You are one of the few leaders who have contributed so well to the progress of the country. I can never forget you as a person.

This country can never forget you. Your present predicament is for you to learn. God will not leave you and your family.

I have told you and I am saying it again: Don’t be annoyed with anybody but continue your prayers to God.’’ Continuing, the Ife monarch said, ‘’Anywhere you go, success will be yours by the special grace of God.” Sijuwade also informed Kalu that a committee of traditional rulers, of which he is one, is working assiduously to ensure harmonious existence in the country.

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PAGE 58—SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Constitution amendment: The Ekweremadu/Kwankwanso tango

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BY EMMANUELAZIKEN

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C M Y K

Ike Ekweremadu

Rabiu Kwankwanso criteria such as landmass and population in the creation of states.

He said: “Let us have criteria, there have to be criteria for creation of states.

I am telling you the population of some states, local governments and some zones should be on the table.

You don’t just say because you want to contest an election or make a name to create state.

We have been yearning for more states in Kano; we want to have three states. “If you divide Kano State into three states, each state is more than Enugu State in terms of landmass, population and any criteria you can think of.”

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he governor ’s deposition, however, clearly deviated from the political consideration that has historically been the primary motive in the delineation of groups into states.

,

T was almost understandable that Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano State would accuse Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate, of a hidden agenda in the ongoing process of amending the constitution.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, last weekend, Kwankwanso alleged that Ekweremadu, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, was aiming to foist amendments, mainly the creation of a new state for the Southeast and the recognition of geopolitical zones, in the constitution on the nation.

With tongue in cheek, Kwankwanso who has been speculated to be in the race for the presidency in 2015, said: “I am not playing any regional or ethnic politics. But you see, I am representing a state now. I will not allow anybody to go and make nonsense of what we have. If you want to create your state, go and create, do not call Kano anyhow,” the governor said in sharp rebuttal to the claim made by Ekweremadu at the presidential retreat on Constitution Review held early September about distortions in the nation’s federalism.

The deputy president of the Senate had in his presentation to the gathering chaired by erstwhile Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Alfa Belgore, and with President Goodluck Jonathan in attendance, cited the discrepancy in the number of local governments between Kano and Lagos States as one more need to refine the shape and structure of the nation’s federalism.

As if in anticipation of the offensive from Kwankwanso, Ekweremadu added in his speech at that occasion that the legislators in the National Assembly had no position on any of the issues at stake.

“Let me therefore reassure you that we have no position on any issues except those taken by the Nigerian people through their inputs, whether through their memoranda, contributions at public hearings and their elected representatives at both the National and State Assemblies. We bear no allegiance to any, except that which we owe to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ekweremadu said at that presidential retreat.

Kwankwanso, in his assertions, was apparently miffed by what he said was the application of political considerations instead of

must have a Constitution to allow for stability. If there is stability, there is enough on the ground for the happiness and unity of Nigerians wherever they are and we shall be more stable, united and be able to make the country great.

The Constitution is the mother of all the laws and there is enough for everybody on the ground. There will be no excuse for any Nigerian to be poor.”

What this country had suffered from is not economic mismanagement but political instability. Our poverty level is caused by instability

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Such political consideration was clearly evident in the only state creation exercise embarked upon during a civilian dispensation in the 1963 creation of Midwest out of the Western Region.

State and local government creation between then and now were undertaken by the military with criteria that obviously did not put population and land mass as basic criteria, a development that has continued to fuel

discord in the polity.

Belgore, who chaired that presidential retreat, had indeed pointed at the contentions over the direction of Nigeria, saying that it was the bad management of the country’s resources that has put the country among the poorest in the comity of nations.

“What this country had suffered from is not economic mismanagement but political instability. Our poverty level is caused by instability. We

kweremadu’s apparent effort to dig out what he has sometimes referred to as a people’s constitution has, apparently, not gone down well with some politicians.

Kwankwanso, in particular, is peeved by suggestions for the adoption of geo-political zones as the basis for the country ’s federal arrangement.

That suggestion is apparently loaded with grave implications one of which Kwankwanso noted in his interaction with journalists would mean that ministers would be selected based on geo-political zones and not the present situation where every state is constitutionally bound to be represented on an unwieldy federal cabinet.

Kwankwanso said: “Another issue that is very important is zoning. In the review, we are aware that some people want zones to be recognized and they want appointment of ministers to be based on zone not on states. We say no to that. We cannot accept that.

“The issue is that when it comes to selection of

ministers, it will be based on zone. It means the President may avoid certain states if he or she so wishes. This side of the country will not accept that.”

T

he governor, however, had apparently been following the deputy Senate president’s speeches, particularly recent injunctions for the application of true federalism in the country.

It is an issue that recently brought Kwankwaso to the front row of national discourse with his assertions against the implementation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy abrogation law in the sharing of federal revenue.

Ekweremadu, at the presidential retreat sharply rebuffed insinuations among some people that fiscal federalism would make some sections of the country poorer and used graphic illustrations to point at the potential wealth buried in many states of the country.

It is a “ wrong and an unfortunate imputation of motive,” he said.

Though the deputy Senate president is yet to give a public response to the allegations against him raised

by Kwankwanso, it is easy for his defenders to claim that he is only one of 469 members of the National Assembly involved in the process of constitution amendment at the federal level. How he would be able to subvert his colleagues to fashion his own ideas would indeed be a wonder in the politically sensitive National Assembly.

Katsina at 25: How we are building on foundation – Shema *Gov should showcase giant strides – Madaki

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former military a d m i n i s t r a t o r, Colonel John Yahaya Madaki, retd, has advised Katsina State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema, to embrace the media more so that his government’s laudable achievements can be projected to the public. Unlike his predecessor, the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua, who, according to Madaki, was never bothered about media perception of him and his government, Shema should endeavor to cultivate the media so that majority of what he is doing can be more known to the Nigerian public.

Madaki said this during Katsina State’s silver jubilee dinner and inspection of the Shema administration’s projects.

Captain Acholonu,retd, also a former military administrator of the state, noted that given all that he saw in Katsina, the governor had surpassed all the former governors achievements put together.

Colonel Lawrence Onoja, retd, a former administrator too, was full of praises for Shema whom, he observed, was gentle on the face but deep in terms of bringing development to the people of the state. He said he was even more delighted to know that despite the lean resources of

z Shema assisted by former governors of Katsina State, cutting the anniversary cake.

the state, the governor could still put up solid structures without borrowing a dime either from within or outside the country.

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thers at the dinner include a former governor of Kaduna, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, and a former President of the Appeal Court, Justice Abdulahi. Part of the projects the dignitaries inspected were Turai Yar ’Adua Maternity and Children Hospital, Barhin Housing Estate, Katsina Craft Village, Umar Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina 250-bed Orthopedic Hospital, new Government House, Katsina

Stadium still under construction and a windmill.

Madaki was particularly excited by the windmill project capable of generating 30 megawatts of electricity, saying if many state governors doing much less than the Katsina governor were showcasing their projects, Shema should do no less so that people can learn from him. esponding, the Katsina governor said the state had gone a long way since 1987 when it was created. He restated his passion to uplift his people, saying he was building on the foundation laid by his predecessors.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 59

TRIBUTES

Adejoke Orelope Adefulire at 53: Passion for service

BY TUNDE ABATAN TRIBUTE IN BRIEF A deputy governor as a defender of women’s rights

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RINCESS Victoria Ade joke Orelope- Adefu lire, the deputy governor of Lagos State, who clocks 53 today, has, in her own humble way, re-written women’s role in contemporary history and changed the perceived role of women often used as ushers and praise singers at political events and, in some cases, seen as tools to satisfy men of easy virtue. In the last two decades of her active participation in politics, she has contributed to bringing the women folk up.

According to the amiable mother and grassroots politician, “I have used the opportunity given me to serve in a responsible way because opportunity often comes with responsibility”.

Orelope –Adefulire has, in the past two decades, served in various capacities as electoral commissioner, member of the Lagos State House of As-

Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire sembly, commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation for eight years (first to hold such a position in the state for the length of time) and now as deputy to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

She has the passion to advance the cause of womanhood.

In the fight against child abuse, the amazon got Lagos State government to enact the Child Rights Act which will go a long way in enforcing the rights of the child and protect the girl-child from mo-

tion to housewives, students and unemployed graduates in the state in an effort to reduce unemployment and poverty which she said has been the bane of development and cause of societal ills. At the last count, more than 200,000 beneficiaries have graduated from these centres, with the training at no cost to them.

To borrow a leaf from her initiatives in Lagos, at least two state governments, namely Osun and Ekiti, have visited the state to study the poverty alleviation programmes initiated by Orelope-Adefulire

with the aim of adopting same in their states.

A woman of compassion and utmost dedication to the wellbeing of the family, the deputy governor wants women in the habit of sending children to hawk in the streets to discontinue the act to reduce the incidence of accidents on the

,

lestation.

To complement the fight against child abuse, she recently initiated suggestion boxes in public schools in the state to give a voice to oppressed students in an era of increasing child abuse.

Today, it is to her credit that 17 vocational centres are in operation in all parts of Lagos providing short and long-term vocation, skill acquisition and technical educa-

TRIBUTE

Today, it is to her credit that 17 vocational centres are in operation in all parts of Lagos

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highway.

Indeed the minister for women affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, who came with her team of about twenty federal civil servants to Lagos, last July, was surprised at the level of

efforts being made to reduce poverty and empower women in the state such that she recommended the programme for adoption in many states of the country.

Inspite of this modest accomplishments, Orelope-Adefulire still believes that the environment is not conducive for women to win elections in the country given the tensions and violence that accompany elections hence canvasses that women should be given an incentive like collecting free nomination forms from political parties.

Of what significance is the anniversary or the nation’s independence? To her, the 52 years of nationhood should be spent to consolidate on the modest achievements. She wants all of us to take the Nigerian project more seriously.

For Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, glory indeed has been her portion as somebody who has opportunity thrown on her laps in these past two decades of her participation in politics crowned with the position of deputy governor. * Abatan is S.A (Media) to the deputy governor of Lagos State.

Orjiako: A true child of independence

BY ELIZABETH ALAINE TRIBUTE IN BRIEF Home grown success story of a Nigerian born on independence day

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HERE is an interesting scriptural passage which helps to put into perspective the remarkable story of a highly qualified medical doctor, an astute business man, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and recent recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger, Dr. ABC Orjiako.

That passage can be found in John 1: 46: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

If someone were to pose that same question today with Nigeria in place of Nazareth, the answer could very well be ‘Come and see Dr. ABC Orjiako; a true home grown success story.’

Born in 1960, as a true child of independence, Orjiako, who turns 52 tomorrow, began life in Calabar. His primary education was cut short by the civil war as his family relocated to their hometown, Umuchima Uli in today’s Anambra State. That was where the sparks of intelligence and intellectual superiority were

first noticed as he left primary school with a distinction in 1971.

The story was no different at Uli High school where he emerged at the top of his class despite his participation in multifarious social, religious and intellectual pursuits outside his core studies. He was social prefect, a mass servant, school representative at quiz competitions and president of the debating society.

None of these pursuits deterred him from the path of academic excellence as he graduated with a Grade 1 in 1978 and then proceed to the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu where he had a short stint before proceeding to the University of Calabar to read medicine.

In 1985, the young man qualified as medical doctor emerging as the best graduating student in his final MBBCH. He found work at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and later at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi for his internship and National Youth Service respectively between 1985 and 1987.

In the eight years he worked post qualification, Orjiako’s career was a remarkable one made so by his string of successes and achievements inside and outside the theatre.

He commenced his Residency programme of both the Nigerian Post-Graduate Medical

College and the West African College of Surgeons in 1988.

By 1993, he had completed his urology, neurology, general surgery, pediatric surgery in LUTH and Part 1 Fellowship examination of the two postgraduate colleges and became their Associate Fellow in General Surgery.

He continued his career at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi as a Senior Registrar in Orthopedics and Traumatology during which he also concluded the sub-specialist training in April 1996 and passed the Part II Fellowship Examination in one sitting.

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TRIBUTE

In the 16 years that he ventured into fulltime business, he has proven himself a man with the Midas touch with a string of successful business ventures

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He was subsequently admitted to the prestigious West African College of Surgeons as a Fellow (FWACS).

But then in 1996, Orjiako, who was already working as a Specialist Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon dropped the scrubs for the suit and tie of a corporate player and thus be-

Dr. ABC Orjiako gan another successful odyssey in the world of business after making his mark in the medical world where he revived the moribund Association of Resident Doctors at Igbobi and serving as its President from 1993-1994.

In the 16 years that he ventured into full-time business, he has proven himself a man with the Midas touch with a string of successful business ventures spanning both the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil industry, shipping, banking, insurance, and pharmaceuticals.

He is currently Chairman/ CEO of the Ordrec Group, Zebbra Energy Ltd, Abbeycourt Companies, Shebah Exploration and Production Co Ltd, Helko Marines Services etc. He is also the Chairman of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals International PLC and sits on the Board of several other com-

panies. He has recently invested and sits on the board of a Norwegian Company, Green Resources ASA with huge interests in Tree farms in East Africa.

His most recent business venture, SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company Limited, which he co-founded with other investors as an SPV between Shebah and Platform, has become, in less than three years, the most successful indigenous oil independent in Nigeria with average daily production of over 37,000 barrels.

In setting up SEPLAT, he led a landmark transaction which made SEPLAT a pioneer as the first Nigerian oil company to take over operatorship of a JV asset from the IOCs: Shell, Total & Eni. This transaction attracted over $380 million in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in 2010. Orjiako currently sits on the board of Maurel & Prom, a French independent oil & gas company quoted on the Paris Stock Exchange.

Commenting on their landmark transaction and Orjiako’s role, his co-founder and Managing Director of SEPLAT Petroleum, Austin Avuru, said, “Because I had been hearing his name and about his achievements long before we met, I was surprised to find out that he was a very young man whose excellent achievements had preceded him.”

Contribution of not more than 1,200 words should be sent to sundayvanguard@yahoo.com

PAGE 60 — SUND AY V anguard ,SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 SUNDA Vanguard

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SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, PAGE 61

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PAGE 62, SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

•Nnodim wo years ago, the Flamingoes were high-flying in the group state of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago.

Just when everybody thought they were destined to the final where they were likely going to pick the trophy, they crashed, though gallantly, to Korea Republic.

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As they played their third first round match yesterday, that 2010 thriller it’s a game that still plays on their minds, but Sarah Nnodim and Oluchi Ofoegbu are planning not to crash out of Azerbaijan the same way they did at Trinidad and Tobago two years ago.

That year, having cruised through the first

round, beating the hosts, reigning champions Korea DPR and Chile to top Group A with maximum points and scoring ten goals in the process, they squared up against Korea Republic in the quarter-final in Marabella.

The game that followed was an absolute classic.

Nigeria were 2-0 and 32 up in the first half,

before needing an Ngozi Okobi strike at the death to force extra-time at 44. However Korea rallied, scoring twice more, and while Loveth Ayila got her second of the game – 101 minutes after her first – it finished 6-5.

Speaking to FIFA.com, the Flamingoes pair realise with hindsight where they went wrong.

“We lost because of a lack of experience and a lack of concentration,” said confident centre-back Nnodim. “But we believe this time around we are able to pick up the trophy.”

Ofoegbu admits to fond memories of their Caribbean adventure two years ago, but defeat has instilled a steely determination in the tenacious midfielder. “It was amazing at Trinidad and Tobago 2010. We lost that game because of a lack of concentration, but this time around I believe that we will make it up to ourselves.

“The game of football is all about experience, we believe we have learnt from our loss in 2010, so we have gained experience because of it and we will not let it happen again.”

As well as their mental

growth over the past two years, the green-clad duo was unwavering in their assessment of their own technical and footballing development. In reply to whether they had improved as players, a synchronised and vigorous: “Yes, very much so”, was their confident and crystal clear appraisal, and why not?

Azerbaijan 2012 has so far been a very positive tournament for Nigeria.

Nnodim, the taller of the pair, presided over a tight defensive display in their 1-1 draw against CONCACAF U-17 Championship runnersup Canada, a game which they rattled the woodwork no less than four times. Ofoegbu meanwhile was a central cog in Tuesday ’s 11-0 victory over the hosts, a result that neither can remember bettering but both agree can be improved on.

The well-built defensive midfielder ’s belief that her understanding of the game and her team had improved couldn’t have been more evident with her assist for their second goal. When her electric pace allowed her to charge from midfielder and break through the

backline, she instinctively looked for Halimatu Ayinde who was on hand to tap in her cross.

With the likes of Chinwendu Ihezuo, who got five and set up three, on form and the experience of fellow Trinidad and Tobago veterans Ayinde, captain Victoria Aidelomon and defender Ebere Okoye, Nigeria look in good shape to challenge.

SUNDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 — PAGE 63

Calabar Cracker: Liberia can’t secure release of Man City striker

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

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HE hope of Liberia’s Lone Star launching the Manchester City striker Alex Nimely in the crunch duel against the Super Eagles on October 13, in the final round, second leg clash of the 2013 AFCON qualifier in Calabar hit the rocks Friday as the Liberian FA was unable to establish contact with the youngster’s club.

According to a Liberian local Newspaper, Independent Eye News Friday, “the Liberian Adebayor”, Nimely was quoted as saying, “up till now, there has been no progress with respect to the Liberia Football Association (LFA) informing my club on the need to have me feature for the country and even

informing FIFA via a written communication on the issue of going through the process to enable me play the Nigeria match”.

The youngster also indicated that his father Mr. Tchuimeni, made him to understand that LFA president Musa Bility was told to get in touch with City officials but “there is still no progress as my father has told me the LFA has not made any progress as they have not yet contacted my club, and in fact they have not started the process”, Nimely lamented.

With the match just few weeks away and the process taking at least more than a month for the player to be declared eligible by FIFA, it seems the Lone Star diehards will have to wait for probably next year to see the ex

•Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s team, Flamingoes in action in Azerbaijan.

Mighty Barrolle and-Cotton Sport linchpin in the colors of the Lone Star as he aims to reign havoc on opposing defenders.

The lad has meanwhile stated “I have already told everyone that I want to play for my motherland, Liberia, and that is the major thing I can do for now, to express the desire, the onus is on the country ’s football authorities to do the necessary documentation, as I will be willing to adhere to any call or inquiry they might be keen on”.

Flamingoes zoom into q-final, USA crash out

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WO strikes, first on 32nd minute and then 75 th minute from Halimatu Ayinde plus another own goal effort from Colombia’s Diana Duarte gave Nigeria’s Flamingoes maximum points in their last group game of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan yesterday to top their group with seven points with a goal difference of +14.

Canada who nipped host Azerbaijan 1-0 in the other group game also finished on same points as the Flamingoes but remained on the second spot to pick the second quarter final ticket just as the USA crashed out after a 1-1 draw with Korea DPR who went through as group leaders with five points, same as France and USA. While Korea DPR had a +11 goals difference, France had +

8, two more than USA to qualify after they pounded West African side, Gambia 10-2.

The Peter Dedevbo-tutored girls will now face France in the

Navy donates tractor to Calabar Golf Club

By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar

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HE Nigerian Navy has donated a brand new tractor to the Calabar Golf club to make it neat and among the best Golf Clubs in the country.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim who handed over the tractor and its key to the Cross River State Commissioner for Sports and

Curtain draws on Akpabio Scrabble Classics

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HE 6th Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics comes to a close today after three days of top action at the Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo with former world champion, Pakorn Nemitramansuk from Thailand leading the Masters pack with 15 wins after 18 games as at press time yesterday.

In the absence of the current world champion, Nigel Richards from New Zealand, earlier registered for the competition but had travel difficulties ow-

quarter-finals in Baku on Thursday while Canada will tackle Korea DPR to decide who moves into the semi finals.

ing to late visa procurement, scrabble lovers looked forward to Nigerians battling for the US $15000 top prize for the Masters title.

Three Nigerians, Paul Sodje, 14 wins, Olaiya Kabir and Nsikan Etim with 13 wins each but different margins of +742 and +455 respectively trail Pakorn but with eight games left to be decided today to round off proceedings, Nigerian players who defeated the Thai player at the same competition before could still catch up with him.

Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, said it was part of its efforts towards contributing to the development of sports in the country.

The CNS who was represented by the Flag officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Calabar, Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogunjimi said the Navy had always taken interest in the development of sports in Nigeria.

According to him, the Nigerian navy takes active participation in the development of sports adding that a handful of naval personnel had taken interest in game of golf.

Receiving the tractor on behalf of the Calabar Golf Club, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Ugbe accompanied by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Sandy Onor and the Chief of Protocol to Governor Liyel Imoke, Mr. Igbe Aruku, said the donation was in fulfillment of the CNS promise to the state.

Ugbe said that the state had always enjoyed good partnership with the navy and commended the force for the gesture.

INDEPENDENCE DAY RACE:

Water Sport: Na Navy vy Sailing Club se o rescue Nigeria sett tto

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HE much-anticipated Independence Day race holding at the Navy Sailing Club to celebrate Nigeria’s 52nd anniversary promises to be full of surprises if the thoughts of the Club Commodore, Babatunde Ajayi is anything to go by.

According to him, this year’s celebration is one with a difference and as such, participants who excel in the various races would have mouth watering prizes they would be proud of to serve as an incentive to attract other sailors to join water sports.

He noted that one of the primary objectives of the Navy Sailing Club is to find ways of rescueing the nation in the development and grooming of talents in water sports.

Already, there is a frenzy of excitement ahead of the race as athletes have continued perfecting their strategies

ahead of the d-day as they look forward to carting away the top prizes.

Vice Commodore of the Club, Giwa Daramola disclosed that not only is the Navy Sailing Club celebrating the country’s national day with the race, but they are at the forefront of championing the development of water sports in Nigeria.

According to Daramola, there are more than 50 medals in water sports and starting now to focus on the young ones by showcasing their talents would go a long way in getting them interested in the sports. “The Nigerian Navy and indeed the Navy Sailing Club is in essence passing a vital message to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Sports Ministry that they are ready and willing to assist Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

NCF holds National W omen’s Women’s cricket championships

BY JACOB AJOM

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he 3rd National Women’s Cricket Championship and the maiden edition of the Regional U-17 Boys Championship will end this weekend to mark the end of activities of the Nigeria Cricket Federation in the3rd quarter.

Owerri has been the host of the Women’s Championship which is taking place at at Government Secondary School Cricket Oval on Sunday The ICC-Africa/NCF sponsored championship is being attended by Lagos, Ogun Edo and host, Imo state.

In the 20 Over format championship, Lagos will take on Edo in the first semi final

encounter on today, while host Imo will clash with Ogun state in the second semi final same day at the same venue.

Saturday will feature the losers final and the final match follows immediately.

Lagos is the defending champion. The maiden edition was held at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval and King’s College Cricket pitch, Lagos in 2010.

Action will be also be seen at four zones- Ibadan (Liberty Stadium), Awka, (St. Paul’s University), Benin (University of Benin) and Kaduna (Crocodile Cricket Club) as the maiden edition of the Regional Boys Championship kicks off from 29-30, September.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, September 30, 2012

Nigeria at 52:

Inconsistency, bane of sports – Ebewele

BY EDDIE AKALONU

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S Nigeria marks 52 years as an independent country tomorrow, former Edo State Commissioner of Sports, Brown Ebewele, has stated that sports over the past 52 years of country’s self rule has been mirred by inconsistent policies in all ramifications.

He said this encompasses issues as policy implementation, sports promotion and development and particularly athletes programming and development.

“Today we do well and tomorrow we fail to do well”, he said, adding, “there is no commitment by those entrusted with administering sports and there has been no clear-cut direction for sports these years.”

The former national decathlon champion, who was also one time Edo State director sports stated that Nigeria did better in sports in the 1970s than later years.

On why he thought sports fared better in the 1970s, he said “governments at all levels then were committed, the National Sports Festival was developed and implemented in a fashion to achieve that purpose but it’s no more the same today. Government gave adequate attention for facility development along-side athlete training and welfare and of course, performance was at it’s peak.

Government paid attention to life of an athlete after his/ her competition years because the NSC as its agency, sent people to school on scholarship for training either as coaches, organising secretaries and administrators so as to have the right manpower base for sports. That policy was suddenly stopped without any reason and those with paper qualification now dominate the system.

You could see that the few times we were able to do well in the 80s and 90s was an overflow of the work done by

administrators of the 70s. That was because government in those years placed sports as a cardinal instrument for youth development.

But today people, rather than plan and work their way to success, cut corners, hence poor funding, lip service to welfare of athletes and team and of course, inconsistency of policy is a hindrance to sports.

Administrators lack vision and of course corruption in the system has led to dwindling fortunes. Until we are able to return to the level attained in the 70s, I would say it’s low marks ,” he stated

Results Arsenal Everton Fulham Norwich Reading Stoke City Sunderland Man Utd

1 3 1 2 2 2 1 2

Chelsea Southampton Man City Liverpool Newcastle Swansea Wigan Tottenham

2 1 2 5 2 0 0 3

GOING NO WHERE.... Super Eagles forward, John Utaka being held by Namibian players during a match at the U.J.Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Joe Erico is calling for support for Stephen Keshi and the team as they battle Liberia on October 13.

Nations Cup: Eagles can’t afford to lose to Liberia – Erico •Urges total support for Keshi J

oe Erico, a retired goalkeeper of the former Green Eagles in the 1970s, wants total support for the Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, in the October13 clash against the Lone Star of Liberia in Calabar.

Erico who spoke in Lagos within the week suggested that Keshi should be given free rein to make the changes which would ensure that Nigeria qualified for the 2013 edition of the African Nations Cup. “For Super Eagles to qualify for 2013 AFCON, we need to throw our weight behind Keshi, because nobody understands a team better than their coach.

“So when he picks or drops a player, he must have his reasons for doing so; and I strongly believe that Keshi knows what he is doing.

“Though it’s only natural for people to throw tantrums, but as a coach, you must weigh your options and be able to stand by your decision,” Erico said.

Asked whether the inclusion of John Mikel Obi would not disrupt the team’s cohesion, Erico said that it was not possible.

“It’s just professional decision on the part of the coach; whatever the coach decides should be upheld, he has to do it, I am not here to

condemn him,” Erico said.

Erico, a member of the bronze winning Green Eagles squad at the 1976 of the AFCON in Ethiopia, stressed that the team’s approach to playing was of no consequence for now.

“The most important pattern of play that should be adopted is one that would clinch the

qualifying ticket for the country, because we need to qualify for the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.

“I know it’s not going to be a walk in the park, but we must work harder than we have previously done, to achieve this objective,” he said.

ACROSS 1. Nigerian state (5) 3. African river (7) 7. Near-extinct animal (5) 8. Roof part (5) 9. Greek alphabet (3) 10. Supplement (3) 12. Widespread (4) 14. Replies (7) 17. Let (5) 19. Limbo (3) 20. Donkey (3) 21. Cots (4) 24. Pitcher (4) 26. Reverential fear (3) 27. Goal (3) 28. Peruses (5) 30. Sure (7) 34. Eleven (4) 35. Flying mammal (3) 37. Unwell (3) 38. Hausa boy’s name (5) 39. .Possessor (5) 40. Wearing away (7) 41. Commonplace (5)

DOWN 1. Prevents (6) 2. Church part (4) 3. Queen Amina’s old city (5) 4. Anchors (5) 5. Bird of prey (5) 6. Notions (5 11. Niger-Delta tribe (8) 13. Zealous (5) 15. Nigerian state (8) 16. Bar (3) 18. Vital liquld (5) 21. Animal (5) 22. Therefore (2) 23. Exist (2) 25. Misery (3) 29. Polluted (6) 30. Earnestly wish for (5) 31. Wireless (5) 32. Excuse (5) 33. Synthetic fabric (5) 36. Pie (4)

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE

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