TheNiche May 15 , 2016

₦200 May 15, 2016 Vol. 2 No. 40 My life outside China wants NASS, by Africa truly Ndoma-Egba developed, says envoy PAGE 51» PAGE 16»   Lagos - 32oC PortHarcourt - 23oC SUNDAY WEATHER Abuja - 31oC Fuel hike illogical, says David-West APC empowering members ahead of 2019, Balarabe Musa alleges David-West Musa By Ishaya Ibrahim the ripple effects. The professor of virology and for- 2019. and Henry Oduah Transport fares have gone up ev- mer petroleum minister argued from Importing at N86, selling at N145 Ibadan that the increase announced Ahistorical ally of President erywhere as a consequence, speed- by Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe “It is stupid for two reasons. First, Muhammadu Buhari has ing off with the prices of everything Kachikwu, does not make sense. the same NNPC (Nigerian National Pe- banded with a historical from foodstuff, other household troleum Corporation) a few days ago adversary to rail against items, plus school fees, to the cost of His view resonated up North with was filling petrol stations and the new pump price of a hair cut in small shops, and grinding Buhari’s traditional critic, former Ka- fuel, which caught con- pepper in open markets in Kano and duna State Governor, Balarabe Musa, Continues on PAGE 5 sumers by surprise on Thursday, May Calabar. who accused the president and his 12, and scattered family budgets with All Progressives Congress (APC) mem- Buhari’s right hand man, Tam Da- bers of fleecing Nigerians to amass a vid-West, picked holes in the hike in war chest for the general election in fuel price from N86 to N145 per litre.BIG ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUE ENTERTAINMENTQuestion POLITICS 15» 35 years of mark on JUDICIARY 25» reggae music Nigeria’s LIFE 31» without Bobanti-graft FAITH 40»PAGE 18»war BUSINESS 51» Marley SPORTS 59» PAGE 34»Transforming NigComSat into a revenue earner Page 54

2 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016NewssPuabinssid, byerneemfiotsvaolf fuel The announcement that fuel subsidy has been removed has prolonged queues at filling stations, turned the tables againstgreedy fuel merchants, andportrayed the government as “promise and fail”. Correspondent SAM NWOKORO reports.M inister ernment’s pocket. would not be ploughed into federal government is dete- PPPRA Executive Secretary, Farouk Ahmed of State Subsidised official pump infrastructure projects, and riorating by the day with lower for Pe- would end up in private pock- prices of crude.” troleum price was N86.50 per litre. This ets. Resourc- was a significant subsidy while Kachikwu, who doubles es, Ibe crude oil sold just under $60 Those fears have been vali- as the group managing direc-Kachikwu, announced on per barrel (pb) a year ago. But KachikwuWednesday, May 11 that any now selling less than $35, theNigerian entity is now free to subsidy has essentially been “We urge the government to revert the board of stakeholders. NLC is and communiques, we hadimport petroleum products wiped out. prices to what they were. also part of the board. stressed the need for reconsti-subject to guidelines issued by tuting the boards of the NNPCregulatory agencies. Fuel subsidy has been “We would want to put everybody on “For some time now, that or- and PPPRA and wean both That effectively ended fuel linked to both corruption and notice that we shall resist this criminal gan has not been constituted. away from the overbearing in-subsidy. scarcity. Its removal is another increase with every means legitimate …. I don’t think anybody can fix fluence of the minister of state Marketers will be allowed to major move by President Mu- the prices of petroleum prod- for petroleum resources whoimport with foreign exchange hammadu Buhari who has fo- “Our affiliates, state councils and civil ucts. So removing fuel subsidy has assumed the role of a sole(forex) procured from second- cused on reform in the oil sec- society allies are requested to commence and fixing petroleum products administrator.ary sources, and the template tor since taking office. – that is illegal.”of the Petroleum Products mobilisation.” “The allusion to the factPricing Regulatory Agency After firing the top brass of Wabba argued that the gov- that this increase was arrived(PPPRA) will reflect this in the the Nigerian National Petro- dated by the $2 billion arms tor of the NNPC, also said late ernment should focus on how at after due consultation withpricing of fuel. leum Corporation (NNPC) last fraud scandal ripping through last year that a new fuel price to “refine petroleum products stakeholders is not only ridicu- “Pursuant to this, PPPRA has year, he has set about institut- the country and several other regime that may see fuel sell in Nigeria” because to remove lous and fallacious, it goes toinformed me that it will be an- ing a more efficient and trans- allegations of financial sleaze for N85 per litre would be an- subsidy and at the same time show that the brief meetingnouncing a new price band parent mode of operation at in the Jonathan years. nounced to reflect the new fix pump price is “diversion- held today [Wednesday, Mayeffective today, May 11, 2016, the opaque NNPC. market conditions. ary”. 11], during which the govern-and that the new price for PMS Now, the mood is different. ment was advised to shelve thewill not be above N145 per li- Last month, the govern- Most Nigerians understand the Thus the latest price hike to Last Wednesday, NLC Secre- idea until at least it meets withtre,”Kachikwu said. ment cancelled the Offshore necessity of subsidy removal N145 per litre confounds both tary Peter Eson, issued a state- the appropriate organs of the Subsidy was removed after Processing Agreement which and Buhari’s strict anti-corrup- Labour and the general public ment which said: Congress, was in bad faith.a meeting attended by federal could help save $8.7 million tion stance leaves them a bit who are not abreast of the nu-lawmakers, Governors’ Forum, daily at current oil prices. more secure in the knowledge ances of Kachikwu’s postula- \"The unilateral increase in “Accordingly, we urge theNigerian Labour Congress that the billions saved will be tions. prices of petroleum products government to revert the pric-(NLC), Trade Union Congress Reforming oil sector used optimally. today by the government rep- es to what they were.(TUC), Nigeria Union of Petro- While oil sector reform is Fall out Reacting to the new pump resents the height of insensitiv-leum and Natural Gas Work- price, NLC President, Ayuba ity and impunity and shall be “We would want to put ev-ers (NUPENG), and Petroleum a key agenda of the govern- When the government Wabba, said though Labour is resisted by the Nigeria Labour erybody on notice that weand Natural Gas Senior Staff ment, the reality is fuel subsidy mooted subsidy removal in yet to receive the details, sub- Congress and its civil society shall resist this criminal in-Association of Nigeria (PEN- came at a very high cost. December last year, the NLC sidy removal is wrong-headed allies. crease with every means legiti-GASSAN). said it was illegal and diver- and illegal because it did not mate ….Corruption, scarcity Nigeria spent over $5 billion sionary, and that it would fight follow due process. “With the imposition on the Kachikwu noted that there in the first four months of this tough if Abuja went ahead citizenry of criminal and un- “Our affiliates, state councilsis persistent fuel scarcity be- year to keep subsidy in place, with the plan billed to take off But Wabba had promised justifiable electricity tariff and and civil society allies are re-cause importers are not able but given a severe cash crunch in January 2016. before now that Labour would resultant darkness and other quested to commence mobili-to source forex at the official and the need to fund capi- hold Buhari accountable on economic challenges brought sation.”rate due to the decline of forex tal projects, subsidy does not The NLC was reacting to the his promise not to tinker with on by the devaluation of theearnings by the government. make economic sense. statement made by Kachikwu subsidy. naira and spiralling inflation, Some have argued that con- “As a result, private market- that “for the first time people the least one had expected at sidering the low standard ofers have been unable to meet In 2012, marketers and will understand that the pric- “We will hold him (Buhari) this point in time was another living in Nigeria, the govern-their approximate 50 per cent transporters embarked on ing modulation I was talking accountable on his campaign policy measure that would fur- ment should have removedportion of total national supply strike over the failure of Afri- about is not a gimmick. It is for promises. If they were going to ther make life more miserable the fuel subsidy in phases, toof PMS.” ca’s largest oil producer to pay real. The objective is that we remove subsidy, that was not for the ordinary Nigerian. avoid the economic tremor the For years, fuel subsidy has up to $1 billion subsidy. cannot afford to continue to part of their campaign prom- masses now experience.been a polarising issue in Ni- subsidise. ises during the elections. “The latest increase is thegeria. It was put in place to The Goodluck Jonathan most audacious and cruel in However, it is reported thathelp reduce the price of fuel administration abruptly an- “We can’t even understand “Buhari has promised Nige- the history of product price in- Nigeria saves N647.2 million abut burned deep holes in gov- nounced removal of fuel sub- where those subsidies were rians that he will not remove crease as it represents not only day from subsidy removal. If sidy but the move was roundly going to. There is a lot of fraud fuel subsidy – that is his prom- about 80 per cent increase but the savings are managed prop- rejected by Nigerians leading element in it so we need to cut ise, we will hold him to his it is tied to the black market ex- erly the masses would also to a nationwide strike that that off. words,”Wabba had said. change rate. benefit. shutdown the economy. Public reaction “The second reason is that “The Petroleum Products “Furthermore, the process Given the credibility deficit the earning capacity of the Pricing Regulatory Agency through which the govern- A Lagosian who identified of the Jonathan government (PPPRA) by law is supposed to ment arrived at this is both il- himself simply as Cyril saw and its lack of transparency, regulate petroleum products logical and illegal as the board nothing wrong with the re- the general sentiment was that prices and it is made up of a of the PPPRA is not duly con- moval. savings from subsidy removal stituted. “In our previous statements

www.thenicheng.com TheNiche 3 May 15, 2016 Leaders and fuel price per litreWabba Eson of astonishing contrasts in the midst of its enormous natural “Ibe Kachikwu … is the face of the mentation. There will be no and human resources and ispolicy and the consequent criticism, perfect time to implement a edgy because of fuel subsidy policy such as fuel subsidy. removal by the federal gov- but he seems to be a bold public ernment.servant to find it crucial to embark on “It is understandable that the policy will cause a temporary “Interestingly, besides oil this controversial policy. hike in fuel prices and most and natural gas, Nigeria is stu- “The benefits of this policy to the filling stations will exploit it” pendously endowed with vari- eties of solid minerals of vari- country are substantial.” Another posted: “It could be ous categories, ranging from generally concluded that Ibe precious metals to diverse “The nation is equally en- cent of the population who Kachikwu, the minister of state stones, including industrial •Buhari - N86dowed with tin columbite, bathe in profligate wealth for petroleum, is the face of minerals such as marbles, ba- N145iron ore, lead, zinc, palm while the masses seethe in ab- the policy and the consequent rytes, gypsum, and Koalin, just fore the announcement wasoil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, ject poverty,”he lamented. criticism, but he seems to be a like any other country – while made, filling stations were sell- The government envis-wood, hyde and skin, and ma- bold public servant to find it its population is suffering ex- ing for N200. But a lot of them ages that by the last quar-terials for textile and cement. A commenter on the inter- crucial to embark on this con- treme poverty.” have dropped down to N150. ter of this year when it mayWithout doubt, Nigeria is fully net poste that “fuel subsidy re- troversial policy. The queues in filling stations have achieved 100 per centblessed with abundant natural moval is a good policy for the The price change took many are now gradually going down. turn around of the refineries,and human resources. country in general. “The benefits of this policy by surprise. They woke up on and the shortfall in fuel sup- to the country are substantial.” Thursday, May 12 to discover “In fact, the rate at which ply – which causes all sorts “However, it appears that 95 “Some may argue it is a bad they could no longer buy fuel they sell now is as if there had of price spikes and specula-per cent of Nigeria’s wealth is policy with the trappings of A level three student of eco- at the then unofficial going rate never been scarcity all this tions to feed greedy fuel im-controlled by less than 5 per bad things, inadequate plan- nomics at the University of of N125 per litre. while,”she said. porters, and accentuate the ning and lack lustre imple- Lagos (UNILAG), who gave subsidy bill – may have been her name as Bola, said: “Our Transportation fare has John Olokpo, a member achieved. beloved country Nigeria is full increased nationwide, with of the National Youth Service ripple effects on consumer Corps (NYSC) in Gombe, said: However, there are newFuel queue goods, including foodstuff, “I can confirm to you that fuel concerns over the recent and household items. is now sold for N145 here. blowing up of newly repaired Black marketers used to sell Warri-Escravos pipeline that Former Kaduna State Gover- for as high as N600 per litre. supplies crude oil to the refin- nor, Balarabe Musa, criticised eries in Warri, Port Harcourt, the new price and called on “Thanks to the general Kaduna by Niger Delta mili- the government to reverse it or change, the filling stations are tants. he will support Labour going now selling at N145. And the on strike. queues at the filling stations It took more than 15 years are beginning to lighten up.” to repair the damaged pipe- Edith Muomaife, a primary line, the major one that feeds school teacher in Enugu, ex- Promise the refineries with crude. pressed anger at the turnout of It appears Nigerians would events in the past few days. The latest removal of pet- have to contend with high rol subsidy may be the last of petrol prices and the eco- She lamented that “filling such social shocks until Bu- nomic dislocations and ad- stations here still sell fuel for hari’s tenure winds up in 2019. justments. N170 per litre, even as high as N200. Not even one is comply- ing with the new system. “Even the new price of N145 is displeasing to everybody. They promised us that the price would go down, now see how much they are selling fuel. People are really disappointed in Buhari’s government.” A student in Enugu, Patricia Ngozi, told TheNiche that “be-

4 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016NewsBello promises help to revamp Ajaokuta Steel Intrigues threaten PDP May 21 conventionKBy Our Reporter Ajaokuta Steel Sole Admin- Steel plant is completed to the By Henry Oduah ogi State Gov- istration, Isah Joseph, who led glory of the North and Nigeria Reporter ernor, Yahaya the delegation, disclosed that in general, is a greater chal- Bello, has as- there are 43 different compa- lenge to your administration; Some Peoples Democratic sured Ajaokuta nies in the plant, which could being the host governor of the Party (PDP) heavyweights Steel of its com- be put to productive use with- project. are itching to sack Chair- plete revival in months if brought on stream man Ali Sheriff, even beforeduring his tenure so the coun- with $500 million. “With the state of the oil and the convention on May 21, intry can tap into all the econom- gas industry today, the nation a seedy tit for tat which also in-ic spin offs, which include the “Forty of the companies are is crying for the diversification volves an allegation of N500 mil-creation of over 500,000 jobs 100 per cent completed and of our economy from its mo- lion fraud against the arrowheadand infrastructure upgrade. can be put into operation in no-product driven nature. This of the rebels. a few months. The greatest is where Ajaokuta Steel plant On Thursday, May 12, former He made the pledge when obstacle, and that is why the comes handy.” Information Minister, Jerry Gana,the management team of Russians who built the place a founding member of the PDP,the company visited him at left in 1994, is that of external Bello’s Energy and Mineral mobilised other stalwarts to tryGovernment House, Lokoja, infrastructure,”Joseph added. Resources Adviser, Otayite unseat the leadership led bywhere he stressed the need to Akerejola, reiterated that the Sheriff, who was picked earlyutilise natural resources, and “They got the place to 98 company holds immense eco- this year to the uproar of manypromised to make “concrete per cent completion and they nomic promise for both the PDP grandees.demands” of President Mu- kept asking the federal gov- state and the nation. Gana heads a group calledhammadu Buhari. ernment, ‘How are we going “Concerned Stakeholders”, to bring in the raw materials?’ Said he: “The annual rev- which held a meeting at Nicon He said he will also press enue generation from the proj- Luxury Hotel in Abuja; attendedMineral Resources Minister, “We are supposed to have ect when commissioned will by former Deputy Senate Presi-Kayode Fayemi, over the steel a rail line from Ajaokuta con- substantially impact on the dent, Ibrahim Mantu; formercomplex, which is owned by necting to Oturpko to Onne internally generated revenue Education Minister, Tunde Ad-the federal government. where coking coal can be im- of the state. Okaba and Og- eniran; and media tycoon, Ray- ported. All we need is the po- boyega coy deposits will also Bello member of the Kogi State Com- mond Dokpesi, among others. “I will go to Mr president litical will to do it.” find ready markets at Ajaokuta stream and spin-off industries mittee on the Revitalisation of Their grouse is that Sheriff’swith practical solutions to the and elsewhere in the country. will spring up in the entire the Ajaokuta Steel Company, tenure was illegally extended toproblems,”Bello promised. Joseph praised the courage state and even to over 400km said the first phase of 1.3 mil- May 21, after it ended on March of Bello to confront the oppo- “Also, the planned rail link radius from Ajaokuta. lion tonnes of liquid steel pro- 24 alongside those of other Na- “I want to let him know all nents of the project and press from Jakura to Eganyi will duction could generate direct tional Working Committee (NWC)that is involved, who started it, on with it so that Nigeria does open up the limestone dolo- “Thus from Idah to Ankpa to employment of 10,000 techni- members.where it is now, what is required not continue to depend on oil. mite and other mineral depos- Anyingba to Adogo to Okene cal staff. A communique issued afterto complete it, who should its of the central and western to Kabba to Egbe and from the meeting said the “purportedcomplete it, and how funds can “We seize this opportunity to senatorial district to Ajaokuta Ogori to Okene to Lokoja to And, he added, up to 500,000 extension”of the tenure of Sheriffbe sourced to complete it. congratulate you on your first and other markets. Kotonkarfe and, indeed the indirect jobs would also be cre- and other members of the NWC 100 days in office which has entire state, will become one ated for unskilled, semi-skilled by the PDP National Executive “I want to tell him every- been filled with positive action. “These new rail networks vast industrial estate. and skilled manpower in the Committee (NEC) was an “illegal-thing needed and I will fol- We are very proud of you. will link Kogi State to the mines, transportation, down- ity”.low up on the matter until that coastal ports and international “Unemployment, the bane of stream, and upstream indus- It insisted that the extension isplace is up and running.” “Indeed, the recent call by markets. our youths and its attendant se- tries, and other services. “untenable and contrary” to the the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad curity connotation, will become PDP constitution which gives Bello praised the manage- Abubakar, on Northern gov- “The direct impact of these a thing of the past in the state.” such powers only to the nationalment for keeping the compa- ernors at the 50th anniversary gargantuan investments on the convention of the party.ny up and promised to visit it of the demise of the Premier socio-economic life of Kogi Akerejola, who is also afor an on-the-spot assessment. of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu State can therefore only be Bello, to [ensure] that Ajaokuta imagined as upstream, down-See who is reading TheNiche... “The founding fathers, stake- holders and leaders of the party from all the six geopolitical zones” announced a 21-member steer- ing committee to manage the affairs of the PDP, and work with members of the board of trustees (BOT). They are to take charge “till such a time that a proper, lawfully organised national convention of the party, where a new authen- tic leadership of the party will be duly elected in accordance to the provisions of our party’s constitu- tion and guidelines.” But Sheriff’s spokesman, Inuwa Bwala, scoffed at the “gimmicks”, describing the Gana group as il- legal. Bwala said: “[Sheriff] has been running away from receiving that report because it is on re- cord that the same Jerry Gana, on behalf of the party without using the machinery of the party, collected a N500 million loan from Skye bank on behalf of the PDP for which the PDP has been dragged to court and is being compelled to pay back.” “Leaders of thought in this party, including some elders, have prevailed on [Sheriff] not to make this matter known and to save this man from public em- barrassment. “But as it is, [he] may be left with no option than to drag Jerry Gana before the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) to explain his role in obtaining N500 million facilityGodwin Adindu, chief press secretary to Abia State Governor, on behalf of the party and let himOkezie Ikpeazu also explain what he has done with the money.”

Newswww.thenicheng.com TheNiche 5 May 15, 2016 Ishaya Ibrahim Acting News Editor 0807 204 0241Fuel hike illogical, says [email protected] “How can you say people should import fuel and you tell them how to sell it? It is stupid. You cannot tell a private man to import fuel into the country, and when it arrives the government will now tell him how much to sell it.”Bakari, during the protest against fuel price increase in 2012By Ishaya Ibrahim directive to marketers not “The objective of this Musa added a new twist to the on fuel, jacking up the price from N65and Henry Oduah to sell above N145. to N141 per litre. mindless increase is first“How can you say people debate, saying the motive for theAhistorical ally of President sudden removal of fuel subsidy is In reaction, furious Lagosians ral- Muhammadu Buhari has should import fuel and you lied round Tunde Bakari’s Save Ni- banded with a historical tell them how to sell it? It to balance the 2016 to enrich APC leaders ahead of the geria Group (SNG) to shut down the adversary to rail against is stupid. You cannot tell a 2019 vote. megacity. the new pump price of budget; second, to coverprivate man to import fuel “We believe the objective of this fuel, which caught con- mindless increase is first to balance The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)sumers by surprise on Thursday, April into the country, and when the 2016 budget; second, to cover crippled commercial activities in12, and scattered family budgets with it arrives the government up stolen funds that up stolen funds that cannot be ac- Abuja, Kano, and other major cities,the ripple effects. will now tell him how much counted for; and third, to enrich forcing Jonathan to meet Nigerians to sell it. APC leaders so that in 2019 they halfway – N97 for a litre. Transport fares have gone up ev- “It is stupid. It negates can compete with the PDP (Peopleserywhere as a consequence, speed- Democratic Party) naira for naira,” But this time around, many Nigeri-ing off with the prices of everything cannot be accountedbasic economic principles. he alleged. ans are not likely to participate in thefrom foodstuff, other household call by the NLC for strike against theitems, plus school fees, to the cost of When I see Buhari, I will Are you sure of your facts, Musa new price. “We can trust this govern-a hair cut in small shops, and grinding was asked. He retorted: “Find out ment. It has credibility,” they say.pepper in open markets in Kano and for; and third, to enrichmake a formal statement. whether it is true or not. InvestigateCalabar. and use your understanding, and Musa countered, however, that a I cannot see how they can you will come to the same conclu- government that can be indifferent Buhari’s right hand man, Tam Da- sion.” to the suffering of the people, par-vid-West, picked holes in the hike in APC leaders so that injustify it.” ‘Increment harsh’ ticularly under these circumstanc-fuel price from N86 to N145 per litre. 2019 they can competeOther queries es, cannot be credible. “It’s not pos- with the PDP (PeoplesDavid-West said he has sible. It is self-deception.” The professor of virology and for-mer petroleum minister argued from noted 12 areas to take Ka- He asked Abuja to cancel the priceIbadan that the increase announced increase and find other ways of bal-by Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Democratic Party) nairachikwu on, not only on ancing the 2016 budget.Kachikwu, does not make sense. fuel price, but also how the for naira.” NNPC is run. Musa described the price in- “This increment itself is corruption. His view resonated up North with “But if I say it now, they crease as mindboggling, especially There cannot be any other reason forBuhari’s traditional critic, former Ka- will misunderstand me. coming at a time when inflation is this mindless and unprecedented in-duna State Governor, Balarabe Musa, They would say I want to be at a record 12.4 per cent. crease. An 80 per cent increase underwho accused the president and his All minister. I don’t want to be He scoffed at Abuja’s explana- the present condition?Progressives Congress (APC) mem- minister. My record there is tion that deregulation would leadbers of fleecing Nigerians to amass a clear. to efficient supply of petroleum “The present condition is thewar chest for the general election in “Okay, look at what [Ka- products. worse. Even the president himself ad-2019. chikwu] said – that there is “There explanation is that if they mitted that it is the worst since 1960.Importing at N86, selling at N145 hydrocarbon in every part surrender to the private sector in So why making the suffering of the of Nigeria; which is not possible. He is should not be there, petrol would sell the oil industry, oil will be available people even more? “It is stupid for two reasons. First, saying a lot of things that are outra- for N40 per litre. everywhere. But this is the promisethe same NNPC (Nigerian National geous. that all previous governments have “Nigeria is in the situation it finds it-Petroleum Corporation) a few days “There are a lot of things they add- been making, and they never met. self because the government has sur-ago was filling petrol stations and “When the time comes I will take ed to inflate it. That is cheating. rendered to private enterprise.”selling fuel for N86. How can you turn him on. I don’t want to say it now so “Oil was never available as a result Why NNPC is exempted from TSAaround a few days after to say N145?” that it is not misunderstood. I want to “They are adding NPA (Nigeria of the increase.David-West asked. see Buhari first.” Ports Authority) charge, jetty depot It was learnt that the government price, storage payment, margin for re- “There is also the question of price. has exempted ministries, depart- He said the stock now sold at N145 David-West said he believes that tailers, bank charges, transportation Even if oil is easily available every- ments and agencies (MDAs) whichper litre had been imported before Buhari does not know what Kachik- from Europe, bridging, and all sorts of where, there is a rational price. operate accounts with joint venturethe announcement. wu was cooking before the hike. things. partners from Treasury Single Ac- “People can’t afford to buy at any count (TSA). “No new petroleum has come in. It “Buhari is not in the country. They “If they remove all these, petrol price. People will be forced to sacrificetakes two weeks for vessels from Eu- rushed it because they knew that if he price will come down to N40. A Nige- their whole meal for the family for the The NNPC and six foreign multina-rope to arrive Nigeria. There is some- was around he would not allow them. rian professor of petroleum in Texas sake of buying a litre of petrol. tionals – Shell, Agip, Chevron, Exxon-thing wrong with the logic.” You increased petrol price to N145, has confirmed my figure. Mobil, Elf and Texaco (now mergedDeregulating, fixing price and you said immediately, like a mili- “True availability of petrol must be with Chevron) – operate joint ven- tary dictator.” “Let me tell you about bridging. matched with a price that people can tures (JVs). The second abnormality with the Selling petrol for N40 per litre When I was minister, bridging was afford. N145 is not affordable if youincrease, David-West insisted, is the paid by the government, not by con- take into account the level of poverty Buhari agreed that the NNPC David-West argued that he was sumers. in this country, unemployment and should be exempted from TSA be- wrongly quoted that fuel was going inflation, the end result is that it may cause of the delay in paying the share to sell for N40 per litre once Buhari “I met N400 million in the bridg- be available but not affordable.” of the profits of JV partners. got into office. ing account when I was minister. If Credibility gap you take petrol from Port Harcourt to But many argue that the exemp- Sokoto, the government pays for the tion of the NNPC could encourage haulage, not consumers.” corruption. There are also fears about unremitted funds. “I said if they removed 14 items Balarabe Musa adds new twist In January 2012, former President they are adding to pump price which Goodluck Jonathan removed subsidy

6 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016NewsWike, LP seek ways to reduce poverty Nigeria has resources to be great, NOA affirms “The state of By Temitope Ojo the nation and Women’s Editor the state of this country cannot N igeria’s human and be divorced from material resources, the state of the if properly har- Labour movement. nessed, can pro- This is the case vide for all citizens and also everywhere and project the country well in so Nigeria's own the comity of nations. is not going to be The point was reiterated any different. by National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director, Waheed Ishola, who spoke at the maiden Development Princewill Dialogue Roundtable or-Wike He spoke in Port Har- still put things right, if we to be any different. ganised in Lagos by InnateBy Joe Ezuma court where he charged Wike, represented by put round pegs in round ''A weak nation, a weak Communications. participants of Senior Ex- Deputy Governor, Ipalibo holes. We have no choice. Ishola, represented byBAssistant Editor, South South ecutive course 38, Nigerian Banigo, said their visit to We simply cannot give up. country, and a weak econ- his Deputy Director of Pro- oth Riv- Institute of Policy and Stra- communities has proven The Labour Party and the omy can only mean a weak grammes, Bowoto Raphael, ers Gover- tegic Studies (NIPSS) 2016 that Rivers State is safe and Labour movement must Labour. Politics is way too lamented that in years past, nor, Nye- to proffer policy direction hospitable as against mis- work in synergy for things important to be left to poli- the economy was entrusted som Wike, for Nigeria’s ailing econo- leading media reports of to change.” ticians.” to bad leaders and manag- and Labour my. insecurity. ers who created the current Party (LP) Princewill said the state In his view, if the Nige- problems of corruption,governorship candidate in Hosting the participants, Princewill moaned that of Nigeria's economy de- ria Labour Congress (NLC), poverty, insecurity, insur-the 2015 election, Tonye who were in Rivers to re- “our labour force is shrink- mands that Labour plays Trade Union Congress gency, and others.Princewill, have voiced search poverty level, he ing very fast, children are a frontline role in modern (TUC) and the LP join forc- Up to 50 per cent of Ni-concern over the plight of expressed the hope that crying, while a majority of day politics. es, the outcome for Nige- gerians live below the pov-workers pinned down by their interaction with the the nation is having sleep- ria would be good news, erty line, he noted, andmultiple hardships, now residents of the state would less nights just trying to “The state of the nation as the \"creation of jobs is high cost of living makes itworsened by fuel price facilitate their report that find any way to survive. and the state of this coun- bound to be central” to very difficult to afford tworise. would help Abuja to for- The situation is so bad that try cannot be divorced such an alliance. square meals a day not to mulate policy on poverty even paying salaries is now from the state of the La- mention three. Wike emphasised na- reduction and socio-eco- a lottery. bour movement. This is the “Combined, we can ei-tional effort towards pov- nomic growth. case everywhere and so ther make the difference orerty reduction. ''Incomes are down, costs Nigeria's own is not going help decide who does.'' are up. It's bad. Yet we can He said everyone agreesIkpeazu apologises over bailout fund that Nigeria is sufficiently blessed by God in numer- ous natural resources, but the global economy is in comatose and Nigeria is not Workers not yet touched State NLC Chairman, promotions are not based immune to it. by the bailout fund should Uchenna Obigwe, con- on seniority and workers Therefore, Ishola exercise patience,” he ad- gratulated Ikpeazu over reject posting. stressed, all citizens have vised. his electoral victory at the to think outside the box on Supreme Court and im- He called on the head how to survive, with focus He urged workers to be plored other contestants in of service to ensure that on hard work that ensures dedicated and shun finan- the governorship to accept godfathersim does not no one goes hungry, cre- cial leakages so that inter- defeat and team up with creep into public service, ativity, subsistence farming, nally generated revenue him to move Abia forward. especially in councils, and government intervention, (IGR) will rise to meet ob- advised workers not to al- and small scale enterprises. ligations. He, however, reminded low themselves to be used Funmi Falobi, coordina- Ikpeazu of the neglect of to destroy the civil service tor of Development Dia- Ikpeazu promised to workers’ welfare and the because it is not a political logue Roundtable, said it is find solutions to workers’ anomalies in the civil ser- party where appointments no longer news that Nigeria problems and stressed the vice which he should take are used for compensa- is going through economic need for dialogue between urgent steps to remedy. tion. downturn triggered by the the government and La- fall in the price of crude oil, bour. Obigwe said the arrears The state Joint Public its major foreign exchange of salary increase has not Service Negotiating Coun- earner. He applauded the cour- been paid since 2011 and cil (JPSNC) thanked Ik- “There is erratic electricityIkpeazu age of Abia workers and “this affect mainly workers peazu for his “friendliness” supply yet increase in tariff,By Onwukwe Ezeru their resilience as well as who do not belong to the towards workers. fuel scarcity, companies re-Special Correspondent, Umuahia the exemplary leadership core ministries and we ap- trench workers daily, some of the state chapter of the peal that workers in these It expressed hope that industries are closing down,A bia State Gover- federal bailout fund that Nigeria Labour Congress parastatals be paid. he would fulfill all his others are finding it difficult nor, Okezie Ik- was not enough to pay all (NLC). promises and advised to remain in business. peazu, has apol- the arrears of salary and “Non payment of gratu- workers to be patient with “Nigerians are bearing the ogised to civil pension. He urged Labour to ities and their arrears to him. brunt of the economic hard- servants over the change its way of negotia- retirees in the state has ship and they can no longer “The state applied for tion and think of how best become a source of worry It explained that Labour meet up with their finan- N39 billion but was only to assist the government to Labour and we urge the consists of three arms – cial responsibilities,” Falobi given N14 billion and that raise money to meet the government to do some- NLC, Trade Union Con- added. fund cannot go round. needs of workers, whom thing now.” gress (TUC), and JPSNC he also asked to join hands – and urged the govern- with the government, say- He also condemned the ment to recognise that “no ing the civil service is the distortion of seniority in arm can exist without the pivot of development. the civil service, whereby other.”Trial of rights activist over property lease begins June 13 By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka with two sureties in like sum. one dated and filed on May 12. After his arraignment, Abdullahi cation is brought pursuant to the Adegboruwa was arraigned by Abdullahi asked the court to sub- asked the court for a trial date, and provisions of sections 158 and 162TSenior Correspondent urged it to remand the accused in of the Administration of Criminal he trial of Ebun-Olu the Economic and Financial Crimes stitute same, saying the charge had prison custody. Justice Act 2015 as well as Sections Adegboruwa, a law- Commission (EFCC) on a one- been duly served on the accused. 35 of the 1999 Constitution. yer, human rights ac- count charge over alleged lease of He also asked for the amended But Adegboruwa’s counsel, tivist, and social critic, a property against court order. charge to be read to Adegboruwa Emeka Etiaba, informed the court \"I urge my lord to consider the has been adjourned for his plea to be taken. of a bail application filed on behalf submissions of counsel in deter- until June 13, 14, and When the case was called, pros- of the accused. mining whether the accused is en-15 at the Federal High Court, La- ecuting counsel, Idris Abdullahi, Oguntoyinbo, in a short ruling, titled to bail.gos. informed the court of an amended struck out the charge dated May 5 He moved the application and charge dated May 12. and replaced it with the amended urged the court to grant Adeg- \"The Blacks Law Dictionary de- The dates were picked after Jus- charge No FHC/L/CS/181C/2016. boruwa bail on self recognisance, fines entitlement as an absolutetice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo granted He submitted that the earlier submitting that he was reputed for right to a benefit, and so, the granthim bail in the sum of N10 million charge dated and filed on May 5 Adegboruwa was then arraigned his relentless service to the poor. of bail is an entitlement to a legal was no longer tenable and had on the new charge, and he plead- right. been replaced with the amended ed not guilty. Etiaba argued that “this appli-

www.thenicheng.com TheNiche 7 May 15, 2016NewsThe Week Ahead Rivers elders fault govt on appointments, scholarshipsSaraki’s trial continues May 17 •As Dokubo, Ateke disagree on Biafra The trial of Sen- ate President, Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) continues on Tuesday, May 17. An investigative offi- cer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Michael Wetkas, will be cross-examined by his lawyers. Wetkas headed a three-man team set up in 2014 to investigateMetuh appears in court May 17 SWike Asari-Dokubo Horsfall Peoples Democratic upport from some Walter said there is only one non- Reactions from residents Party (PDP) National people in the South indigene among commissioners, The comments by RELEC on Publicity Secretary, Olisa South for the Indig- and insisted that Horsfall is wrong Metuh, is expected at the enous Peoples of Bi- to say that non-indigenes do not both Biafra protest and appoint- Federal High Court on afra (IPOB) when it ment of non indigenes elicited dis- Tuesday, May 17 after re- took to the streets in hold political appointments in appointment from some indigenes covering from his slump. December last year showed im- Lagos and elsewhere. and non indigenes alike who pre- provement in relations between ferred not to be dragged into the He allegedly slumped the South East and South South. matter and craved anonymity. in Abuja during the inau- Some old prejudices were dis- guration of PDP caretaker mantled to prove that the con- One expressed disappoint- committees in Yobe and cept of Biafra is being embraced longs to a people and we have ernment and all security agen- ment that such comments could Borno States. by some Igbo and oppressed 36 states in the nation, with Riv- cies to get their act together and emanate from Horsfall when minorities. ers State being one of them. act more firmly and decisively regional understanding and har-… Court rules on his alleged assault May 18 But it is also a sign that some against insecurity in Rivers State.” mony are being nurtured. people want to keep the flame of “There are indigenous people Rivers not part of Biafra Justice Folashade Ojo of the High Court of the Fed- disunity aglow and pursue sepa- of Rives State and we want to be Another said: “Biafran pro- eral Capital Territory (FCT) will on Wednesday, May ratism with passion. so recognised and treated. This Horsfall reiterated the earlier testers did not march on Port 18 rule in a N500 million suit against Olisa Metuh, his A recent study by Media Plat- state is not a free-for-all nor an position of RELECT that the Harcourt to recruit citizenship wife, and an aide. form For Peace Building iden- all-comers state. people of Rivers State do not for Biafra but marched in pro- tified the reasons as fear and belong to Biafra and would not test against the incarceration The trio are accused of assaulting two workers of selfishness, pointing out that it “I live in Lagos most of the time; want to be identified with the of Nnamdi Kanu and structural British Nigerian Academy, Abuja for confiscating their is backward for people in a glo- not even in Lagos or even now in agitation for the Republic of marginalisation of the Igbo by son, Derrick’s mobile telephone in 2011. balised world to still hoist the flag Abuja is there such a free ride for Biafra. the Nigerian government. of ethnic chauvinism. everybody to go and exercise hisCforryFsAtaCl PuaplaMcea,yM2a1n United gun Ateke Tom, leader of the Niger authority. We hear the scholar- “We discussed the resurgence “Davidson Owumi rose to be Delta Vigilante Group (NDVG) ship from here is being flung to of Biafra and we condemn it. Riv- chairman of Enugu Rangers and Crystal Palace will be first time champions of Eng- voiced support for Biafra but various places here and there. ers people are not Biafra and you he is not Igbo. Some people land’s Football Association (FA) Cup competition if it Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari, leader can see here; all the leaders and who served under federal au- beats Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Sat- of the Niger Delta Volunteer “Commissioners and advisers elders of Rivers State are here. thorities during the war and the urday, May 21. Peoples Force (NDVPF), backed from other places are being ap- We totally condemn any idea of immediate post war are still wag- the agitation. pointed here. We condemn that; linking Rivers people with the ing the war of the mind against Crystal Palace’s only previous final was in 1990, In any case, appointment of we can only accept that on recip- defunct State of Biafra.” the Igbo.” which it lost to the same opponent after a replay. non-indigenes into political offic- rocal basis. Govt denies allegations, cites es – although constitutional and Lagos Others expressed concern that If Man United wins on May 21, it would be its 12th FA is done in Lagos with applause, “If we give you a scholarship some people are still in their eth- Cup title. getting the best brains for the from here, and you are from an- However, Water Resources nic cocoon at a time Nigerians best results – is raising hackles other state, we want to know that Commissioner, Ibibia Walter, are working hard and praying for Bayern v Dortmund in DFB-Pokal in Rivers State, where the Elders your state will also give a Rivers faulted the claim by RELECT national unity. final May 21 and Leaders Council (RELEC) is man or woman the same treat- that Governor Nyesom Wike ap- Dokubo, Ateke disagree on trying to protect its own. ment; same as political appoint- pointed non-indigenes into key IPOB The two biggest German clubs, Bayern Munich and The RELEC, whose existence ments. positions in his government. Borrusia Dortmund, will go head to head at the Olym- became known after its condem- ''Pro Biafran agitators should piastadion, Berlin on Saturday, May 21 for the German nation of Biafra protests in Port “We refuse to give political ap- He said there is only one non- leave Rivers State alone. I am a Cup final. Harcourt, is also not happy at the pointments to people from other indigene among commission- law abiding citizen of the federal award of scholarships to non- states unless they do the same ers, and insisted that Horsfall is republic of this great country The two sides have previously met in four finals, indigenes, stirring ethnic grouse for Rivers people. So, whatever wrong to say that non-indigenes Nigeria,” Ateke said through his with Bayern getting the better of Dortmund with two among some residents. these things are, they must be do not hold political appoint- media aide. wins and a loss. In reaction, the state govern- reciprocal; otherwise, we do not ments in Lagos and elsewhere. ment berated RELEC for spread- accept them. However, Dokubo-Asari ex- ing propaganda and fanning Walter reiterated that in the pressed support for Biafran self- ethnic embers, after the group “We are speaking not for our- general election last year, at least determination and urged the fed- voiced its concern in Port Har- selves alone, but for the entire four non indigenes won election eral government to release IPOB court and also cited insecurity in Rivers people.” to the House of Representatives leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to enable Rivers State. Concern over insecurity from Lagos State while Igbo and him continue work on the res- other non indigenes serve in the toration of Biafra, because he has Demand for reciprocity Horsfall expressed concern state and council governments. not committed any crime. that most indigenes no longer RELEC Chairman, Albert Hors- travel to their local communities He wondered why Horsfall He praised Kanu for coming fall, said leaders of the state will for fear of being killed or kid- did not complain when former thus far and asked IPOB to ''ex- only accept appointments and napped by hoodlums. Governor Rotimi Amaechi ap- tend its campaign to every region award of scholarships to non- pointed non-indigenes into key in Biafraland and not just Igbo- indigenes if the home states of “We discussed insecurity government positions such as land alone. beneficiaries reciprocate such which is prevalent in the state; Commerce Commissioner, Chu- gestures. we want our people to feel se- ma Chinye; former Rivers State ''It is our responsibility that will cure in their own state and in Waste Management Agency Sole make Biafra restoration a suc- He added: “We discussed the their communities. Administrator, Ade Adeogun; cess. The Biafran struggle is for matter of protection of the inter- and Amaechi’s Chief Press Secre- everyone and no one can do it est of Rivers State; the state be- “In certain areas, people can- tary, David Iyofor. alone. not go home from Port Harcourt because they are afraid they may “The Biafran gospel should be kidnapped on the way, or be preached everywhere and worse, they may even be killed. people should be told why they should fearlessly join this move- “So, we ask the Rivers State ment.” authorities, the police, the gov-

8 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016 Nnanna Okere [email protected] +358 4684 74258Nokia plans 1,300 job cuts in Finland N okia has an- nounced plans specify where else in the world it quisition of Alcatel-Lucent we to cut 1,300 jobs may make staff cuts. made a commitment to deliver in Finland by EUR 900 million in synergies – 2018. The tele- The company said last year it and that commitment has not aims to make EURO 900 million changed. of efficiency savings by 2018 af- com networks ter acquiring Alcatel-Lucent. “We also know that our ac- equipment firm is targeting near- The axe will fall where there is tions will have real human con- ly EUR 1 billion in savings by fol- overlap between the two firms’ sequences and, given this, we lowing its acquisition of French operations, in particular research will proceed in a way that is con- rival, Alcatel-Lucent. and development, regional and sistent with our company values Half the job cuts will be made sales departments and support and provide transition and other in Espoo, with one quarter com- functions. support to the impacted employ- ing in Oulu and one quarter in \"These actions are designed ees.\" Tampere. to ensure that Nokia remains Nokia plans another Bridge At the end of last year the com- a strong industry leader,\" said programme, similar to the one pany employed 6,700 workers Nokia President and Chief Ex- which helped its workers tran- in Finland. Reuters reported that ecutive Officer, Rajeev Suri. sition to new careers as it cut Suri Nokia spokesperson declined to \"When we announced the ac- headcount in 2011-2013.Norway to introduce tougher immigration policytight immigration policy the year. Many of them have been criti- and tougher require- cised for preventing – rather than pro- ments for those who moting – integration. come to Norway are Critics refer to plans to make it moreA important tools for difficult for refugees to bring their man, Mazyar Keshvari, said parallel in Brussels has created fears that an at- societies also exist in Norway, citing tack could also hit Norway, but stressed Groruddalen and Sondre Nordstrand that Islamists were not responsible for in Oslo. the terror that stuck Norway in 2011. “It is obvious that we do have prob- “That goes to show that one can be avoiding radicalisation lems, one needs only look at the social blinded by the illusion that only Is- family members to Norway, but haveand parallel societies, says Integration statistics,”Listhaug acknowledged. lamists carry out terror. also said the sum of the proposals willMinister, Sylvi Listhaug. “We have foreign fighters who have “But intelligence agency threat as- make it more difficult for refugees to“Many of those who have carried left Norway and [we have] radical en- sessment for 2016 states that extreme get a foothold in Norway and a senseout terror attacks in Europe are born vironments. We should not stick our Islamists present the greatest terror of belonging.and raised in France and Belgium. It heads in the sand and say that every- and that is something we have to deal “I am focused on making some de-shows how important it is to succeed thing is good here. with.” mands of those who come to Norway.with integration and that is again con- “But fortunately we are a long way Among Listhaug’s proposals is to For example, it is important that thosenected to how many come to Norway. from the conditions we see in some expand the ability of law enforcement who will bring family members here“Therefore a tight immigration poli- other countries, for example Sweden.” agencies to acquire and store biometric can provide for them. That is an impor-cy is important,”she explained. She said a major reason that Norway information such as fingerprints. tant principle,”Listhaug insisted.In the aftermath of the terror attacks does not have the same ghetto prob- She said it is important to have con- She said ensuring better integrationin Brussels there has been a debate on lems as Sweden is that refugees and trol over who is in Norway and that PST “requires a special effort. It's not likeso-called parallel societies and neigh- asylum seekers in Norway cannot de- needs to determine whether asylum we can make plans and then every-bourhoods where the police do not cide for themselves where they should applicants present a security threat. thing will just fall in place, or that theredare to patrol. live. Her proposals were sent to parlia- is a‘quick fix.’”Progress Party’s immigration spokes- Listhaug added that the terror attack mentary hearing at the beginning of A ustria has moved to Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg tighten migrants' ac-Austria cess to the country by certain criteria ... like under the (Euro- The new rules will also force migrants points along its southern frontiers, in-announces placing tough new re- pean) Convention on Human Rights,\" to request asylum directly at the border cluding at the Brenner Pass, a key Euro- strictions on eligibility Interior Minister, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, in purpose-built registration centres, pean transit route on the Italian border. announced in Vienna. where they may be held for up to 120 hours while their application is being More than 14,000 people have ap- She said the decision is in accordance checked. plied for asylum in Austria so far thistough new and making it easier with European Union (EU) law which Illegal migrants caught inside the year, according to the Interior Ministry, to reject asylum seekers at the border. allows member states to take national nearly half of the annual quota of 37,500 By mid-May, the government will measures in emergency situations. country will be taken to the border, claims imposed by the government in only accept cases of refugees facing Austria, which last year received one Mikl-Leitner warned, while rejected January.asylum threats to their safety in a neighbouring of the highest asylum claims per capita asylum-seekers will be returned to the But the flow has slowed to a tricklerules transit country or whose relatives are in the EU, is no longer \"obliged\" to ac- nation from where they crossed into since Austria and the Balkan countries already in Austria. cept all requests because the migrant Austria. along the main migrant trail leading up \"We will not consider any asylum crisis poses \"a threat to public order and The government also reaffirmed its from Greece shut their borders at the national security,\" Mikl-Leitner said. end of February. requests unless we have to because of intention to step up controls at check-Denmark pushes EU for longer border controlsenmarkisamongsix countries asking the European Commis- sion (EC) to extendD temporary controls However, since September last ing ID checks. a result of the deal reached between year, eight of the 26 member states \"There is a continued pressure on the EU and Turkey in March, which in the area have introduced border sees migrants and refugees sent back checks to help monitor and stem the Europe's borders and migrants and from Greece to Turkey. flow of migrants. refugees are finding alternative routes when borders are closed,\" she said. However, figures from the Inter- at the internal bor- EU rules allow countries to rein- Stojberg spent some hours observ- national Organisation for Migrationders of the Schengen area, as part of state checks in certain circumstances ing Danish border control measures (IOM) suggest that the total numberefforts to more closely monitor migra- for a maximum of eight months. at Froslev and Padborg. of migrants arriving by boat to Italytion flows. Germany, the first to close its “The police are carrying out a huge or Greece increased in the first fourDenmark, Sweden, Austria, Bel- borders, will reach its time limit this job in connection with our border months of 2016, compared to a yeargium, France, and Germany have month. Denmark, which started per- controls and it is completely neces- earlier.written a letter to the EC calling for forming checks at the German border sary work that I look forward to see- Denmark received more thancurrent temporary controls to be ex- in January, will follow in September. ing in action. 21,000 asylum applications in 2015,tended for a period of six months. The Danish government renewed “There are still large numbers of a 44 per cent jump from 2014; butThey also want other member its border control measures this refugees and migrants coming to Eu- significantly fewer than its neighbourstates in the Schengen Zone to be month, the sixth time it has done so rope and we need to keep tabs on Sweden, which registered 163,000able to introduce further checks of up since implementing them in January. who is entering the country at the asylum applications in the same year.to two years if they deem it necessary. The newest 30-day extension will Danish-German border.” The number of asylum seekers inSchengen is the European Union keep the controls in place through Migration patterns in Europe have Denmark has dropped significantly(EU's) free-travel passport-free area June 2. shifted since controls were stepped this year, from 641 in the week af-where until recently 400 million EU As has been the case with every up last year, stopping thousands of ter border controls were introducedcitizens were able to move around as previous extension, Integration Min- refugees taking the previously popu- to just 45 in early May, according tothey wished, while tourists could also ister, Inger Stojberg, explained that lar Balkan route to northern Europe. police data compiled by the govern-travel by land across the zone unhin- Denmark's measures remain neces- The proportion of refugees reach- ment.dered. sary as long as Sweden keeps enforc- ing Western Europe has also fallen as Danish Integration Minister, Inger Stojberg

www.thenicheng.com TheNiche 9 May 15, 2016PhotoNewsPresident Muhammadu Buhari (right) with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev. Justin Governor Rochas Okorocha receiving a plaque from the Director-General of the NationalWelby, when Buhari visited the cleric in London. Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Suleman Kazaure, who paid him a courtesy visit at Douglas House, Owerri.L-R: Anglican Bishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma; Enugu Co-chairman, Committee for Lagos @ 50, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi (right); Special Adviser to theCAN President, Rt. Rev. Christian Obiefuna; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu; Methodist Governor on Lagos Global and member of the Committee, Prof. Ademola Abass; and anotherArchbishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Christopher Ede; Bishop Obi Onubuogu of House on the member, Sarah Boulos, during a media briefing by the Committee in Lagos.Rock, Enugu; and Anglican Bishop of Agbani Diocese, Rt. Rev. Udo Meregini, when South East CANprotested to Government House, Enugu over the suspected Fulani herdsmen attack on Nimbo.L-R: Senator Osita Izunaso, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. DakukuState during a visit of the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) fact-finding and reconciliation Peterside (right) with former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, at the opening ceremonycommittee to the governor. of NIMASATop Management retreat in Lagos.Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (right); General Manager, LR Group President of Ahiara Pillars, Ikechukwu Nwaneche (2nd right), and his wife, Amaka; with IchieRenewable Energy Divison, Avi Elkayam (left) and the Vice President, Development of LR Group Banjo (left) and Executive Editor, TheNiche, Oguwike Nwachuku – both members of theof West Africa, Dr Haim Ayalon, during a meeting of the Minister with Solar Power Promoters, group – when Nwaneche's son, Chikamso, marked his one year birthday at Ojodu area ofinvestors in Nigeria's power sector at the Main Auditorium of the Transmission Company of Lagos.Nigeria (TCN), Maitama, Abuja.

Diplomacy10 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016Echoes of global anti-graft summitin LondonCameron BuhariDuring the week, world leaders gathered in London, for an epic summit focusing on corruption. Despite upbraids andname-callings, Nigeria demanded the repatriation of its stolen assets from Britain. SAM NWOKORO presents excerpts ofLwhat transpired at the summit. eaders of about 60 in the summit, including delivering terbury, Justin Welby; and House of tastically corrupt, he said: “Yes”. dard enables disclosure of data countries from various a keynote address entitled ‘Why We Commons Speaker, John Bercow; He maintained that uppermost and documents at all stages of the continents gathered Must Tackle Corruption Together’ UK Independent reports. contracting process by defining a on Thursday, May 12, at a pre-summit conference of de- in his mind was the return of assets common data model. in Lancaster, London, velopment partners, the Common- “We had a very successful and funds stacked away in Britain for first worldwide wealth Enterprise and Investment cabinet meeting this morning, and other countries to Nigeria. Publication of the data ensures anti-corruption sum- Council, Transparency International talking about our anti-corruption greater transparency in public and other civil society groups on summit,” Cameron said when the “I am not going to demand an contracting, and can support acces- apology from anybody. All I will mit to brainstorm Queen approached. “We have got demand is the return of assets. sible and in-depth analysis of theon how to tackle the problem of Wednesday, May 11. the Nigerians – actually we have “I have already mentioned how efficiency, effectiveness, fairnesscorruption in the world today. The Buhari also spoke at the opening got some leaders of some fantasti- Britain really led and how disgrace- and integrity of public contractingsummit, with the theme ‘Expos- session of the summit with Cam- cally corrupt countries coming to ful one of the Nigerian executives systems, Adesina said.ing Corruption, Tackling Corrup- eron and the President of the World Britain.” was; he had to dress like a woman Buhari said his administrationtion and Driving Out Corruption’ Bank, Jim Yong Kim. The Queen, however, did not to leave Britain and leave behind was also taking steps to ensurewas at the behest of British Prime Buhari’s delegation to the sum- respond to Cameron’s comment, his bank account and fixed assets, greater transparency of the owner-Minister, David Cameron. mit included the Minister of Justice even as Welby intervened that “this which Britain is prepared to hand ship and control of all companiesBut two major tax havens – and Attorney-General of the Fed- particular President is actually not over to us. involved in property purchase andPanama and British Virgin Islands eration, Abubakar Malami, and the corrupt.” “This is what I am asking for. public contracting.(BVI) – were not invited to the in- acting Chairman of the Economic Nigeria is reportedly at number What will I do with apology; I need He also welcomed a proposal toaugural global meeting. They were and Financial Crimes Commission 136 in Transparency International something tangible,” he said. restrict the ability of those involvedclosely linked to the Panama Papers (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu. (TI)’s latest Corruption Perception in corruption to travel, invest andscandal, where 11 million docu- Index (CPI), while Afghanistan is Buhari’s new anti-graft strategy do business overseas.ments leaked from law firm, Mos- Nigeria ‘fantastically corrupt’ ranked 166, making it the second In London on Thursday, Buhari “We commit to joining the pilotsack Fonseca, revealed the names As Buhari was still airborne to from bottom. disclosed that he had been re- initiative for automatic exchangeand company details of those with the United Kingdom, Cameron was But the Presidency was not invigorated to ensure corruption in of beneficial information. Nigeriaoffshore investments situated in caught on camera describing Nige- amused by the comment, as it de- Nigeria is curtailed, saying Nigeria commits to deploying public-pri-so-called tax havens. ria and Afghanistan as “fantastically scribed the statement credited to would soon begin the full imple- vate information sharing partner-The Panama government told corrupt countries”. He was talking Cameron as “embarrassing”. mentation of the principles of the ships to bring together govern-The Times that it would not be with the queen about the summit Senior Special Assistant to the ‘open contracting data standard’. ments, law enforcement (agencies),attending the summit at Lancaster in a meeting, the video of which President on Media, Garba Shehu, In Nigeria’s statement to the anti- regulators and the financial sectorHouse in London, because it had was obtained by Reuters, was on shortly after the news of the PM’s corruption summit, Mr. President to detect, prevent and disruptnot received an invitation. The Brit- the eve of the summit. comment went viral on the Inter- was quoted by his media aide, Femi money laundering linked to cor-ish Virgin Islands also said that it Cameron was heard singling net, said the remark was wrongly Adesina, as saying that the Nige- ruption.”had not been invited. out the two countries as “possibly timed and in bad faith. rian government would apply thePresident Muhammadu Buhari, the two most corrupt countries in Surprisingly, Buhari agreed with standard to major projects in the U.S., Britain share blamewho the summit mattered so much the world”, in footage on ITV News the British PM. When asked by Sky oil, transportation, power, health, The summit was a time for Brit-to, was there. showing him chatting in a group News’ Diplomatic Editor, Dominic education and other sectors. ain and the United States (U.S.) toBuhari played a prominent part including the Archbishop of Can- Waghorn, whether Nigeria was fan- The open contracting data stan- look at their own policies and their

Diplomacywww.thenicheng.com 11TheNiche May 15, 2016 Climate change: Issues Nigeria would worry about The recent pronouncement on climate action by United Na- tions Secretary-General puts Nigeria on global watch con- sidering her mountain of ecological challenges, writes SAM NWOKORO On May 5, 2016, theWelby Kerry corporate customers. United Nations (UN) summit:“I have been looking hydrocarbon-bearing zones pay Efforts to rebuild trust Secretary-General, forward to this event because it ecological taxes. Even where itrole as shelters for billions just facilitate but actively Ban Ki-moon, chaired is about solution, innovation and is paid, tax collecting agencies,of dollars stolen by corrupt drive corruption of different Washington and London a summit on Climate imagination, collaboration and as revealed by recent Nigerianpoliticians in developing sorts all around the world,” see combating corruption as Action. Nigeria sent a representa- partnership between the private Extractive IndustryTranspar-countries. It shifted the he told the Voice of America a matter of legitimacy and tive to the summit, which was a and public sectors.” ency Initiative (NEITI), are hardlyfocus on global corruption, (VOA). security, analysts say, espe- decisive follow-up to the earlier diligent at tax collection.This isturning the spotlight of cially in the wake a decade Climate Change Summit in which Embedded in the speech is another challenge facing Nigerianblame away from African In the background of the of financial crises that have about 134 countries appended the unarguable realisation that authorities in keeping faith withGenerals, oligarchs and cor- summit were the Panama reduced millions of people their signatures to abide by UN not only political authorities the articles of the Paris Agreementrupt dictators and towards Papers’ revelations about to poverty, unemployment rules governing policy implemen- should be active in the task. on limiting carbon emission.the rich countries, whose how and where the world’s and frustration. tations to halt climate change. However, those conversant with Host communitiesbanks and real estate bro- powerful hide their money. policy processes in Nigeria, itskers have been the benefac- Tim Evans, a professor of At the summit, Ki-moon stated peculiar fiscal federalism and In Nigeria, host communities oftors of the stolen wealth. For Cameron, the revela- political economy at Lon- that once about 55 nations start the nature of her economy and hydrocarbon-producing firms are tions hit home, showing how don’s Middlesex University, implementing the protocol, UN level of technology agree that very randomly short-changed in U.S. Secretary of State, his late father ran an offshore sees the summit – and, more would formally ratify it.The impli- this will be a tall order. Signals of terms of compensation. Igno-John Kerry, said tens of fund to avoid paying British broadly, the drive to combat cation is that any sovereign nation this is already on the ground, as rance, lack of political power andbillions of dollars in stolen taxes. The PM eventually said corruption – as a sign of con- that falls short of policy action to- the government, burdened with various other factors make themmoney – funds that could that he, too, had a stake in cern among the elite nations. wards environmental remediation internal political combustions easy victims of government’s poorbe used for education or the dealings. and cutting back carbon emission and unending fiscal politick- concern over climate change.Theybuilding bridges in under- Reforms loom “They’re worried at the will be punished. ing between the executive and suffer flood, epidemic, polluteddeveloped lands – instead loss of legitimacy that will legislative arms, is hamstrung, so water, and all manner of accumu-are hidden in banks “in The Panama Papers disclo- come from rich and powerful Nigeria, earlier this year, signed to speak, on any policy issue so lated environmental rape.countries including ours”. sures fuelled calls for reforms people being able to evade the Paris Agreement along with far beyond exhortations, almost Low appropriation and corruption in Britain’s offshore posses- taxes and get away with it. about 134 countries. However, it a year after taking power. “We are fighting a battle sions, after it was learned So, I think there’s huge pres- lags behind in formulating endur- Analysts fear that a government– all of us – for our states, that more than half of the sure on the elite to be seen ing policies to contain simple The Muhammadu Buhari gov- that is complaining of meetingfor our countries, for our 210,000 companies exposed to be engaging the subject ecological problems at home. A ernment has talked about making budget targets and romancingnation state. Corruption is as were registered in the British and to be doing something combination of local politics of life better and addressing all with the idea of borrowing moneymuch of an enemy because Virgin Islands. about it. interest, decades-long neglect and pending environmental remedia- to finance deficit stands littleit destroys nation states as lack of political will had dragged tion mandates ordered by the UN chance of meeting up with articlessome of the extremists we Cameron announced “Given some of the Nigeria back in having a sustain- environment court so far. Even at of the Paris Agreement.are fighting,” Kerry told del- measures, including a public things, some of the riots able policy towards the environ- that, oil spills and flaming petrolegates at the summit. register, intended to force and problems we’ve seen ment. smoke on the highways and street Public institutions in Nigeria, companies to name their in Europe and in the United corners continue to blanket Nige- notwithstanding all the efforts “The extremism we see real owners – a measure that States in recent years, the For instance, the Petroleum rian skies now and then, blacken- against corrupt practices, are likelyin the world today comes British government officials politicians are fearful, and Industry Bill (PIB), which contained ing the air and contributing to to constitute impediments inin no small degree from claim will be the first of its they’re becoming focused time-bound instruments to tackle over-arching doses of chlorofluo- tacking global warming prob-the utter exasperation that kind. on trying to rebuild trust ecological problems, especially in rocarbon emission, further peeling lems with the kind of urgency itpeople have with the sense and transparency,” he said. high carbon-emitting zones of the off whatever remains of the ozone deserves.that the system is rigged,” “Why I think this matters country, such as the hydro-carbon layer in this part of the world. Zero-carbon economythe top American diplomat so much is that I believe Buhari praised Cameron’s bearing areas, is yet to become Niger Delta ecological quagmiresaid. “And we see this anger that corruption is the cancer decision to hold the summit. law. Contentions had slowed Nigeria has challenges com-manifesting itself in different at the heart of so many “I thank you very much for the passage, as diverse interests, Here, even if the Nigerian pleting some contracts it awarded.forms in different elections problems we need to tackle your courage for taking the from oil prospecting firms to host government pours all the money Most of them were not plannedaround the world – including in our world. If we want to opportunity to mobilise us communities, bicker over how it has, it can hardly assuage the on green template. So expect-ours.” see countries escape poverty and take this very, very topi- the bill, if passed into law, would environmental degradation of ing due compliance with zeroChange goes global and become wealthy, we cal and serious subject. Cor- address their grievances. Here are the area.The United Nations En- economy may be a tall order.British officials said the need to tackle corruption,” ruption is one of the greatest highlights of Nigeria’s challenges vironmental Programme (UNEP)one-day meeting that drew the British leader said Thurs- enemies of our time.” that would make her a possible slammed on Shell Petroleum De- Also, gas flaring in Nigeria mayleaders from Afghanistan, day. • With additional report from non-compliant nation to the Paris velopment Company (SPDC) $1 likely continue for a long time toColombia, Nigeria and other VOA Agreement. billion penalty to clean up Niger come as Nigeria plans to increasecountries aims at stepping The Panama Papers named Collaboration between public and Delta. But whether the fine has oil reserves by developing newup global action to expose, relatively few Americans and private entities been paid or not, there is nothing wells.punish and drive out corrup- no high-ranking public of- on the ground like federal govern-tion at all levels of society. ficial.  But anti-corruption ad- One of the issues Ki-moon ment’s commitment in addressing“If we were having this anti- vocates see the U.S. as a ma- raised during the Climate Action the monumental environmentalcorruption summit 10 years jor area of concern about tax summit was the need for effective damage in the area.ago, we would have been evasion and money launder- collaboration between govern- Ecology taxtalking about African klepto- ing, in states such as Dela- ment and private entities tocrats, the theft of state assets ware, Nevada and Wyoming, fast-track policies geared towards Here, already pending taxes tofrom the people,” said Alex which have been criticised environmental remediation and tackle carbon emission overdoseCobham of the Tax Justice for allowing corporations to carbon emission reduction. is still splitting hairs. Not all oilNetwork, a British advocacy be formed inexpensively and companies operating in thegroup. Now, he said, the secretively. The UN scribe had said at theworld has changed.   Kerry said a proposed law “We’re really thinking will force companies formedabout the providers of the in the U.S. to report com-financial secrecy that don’t plete information about their owners, and a rule will re- quire banks to keep records on the true owners of their

12 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016Civil SocietyPlatformRevisiting the Gender EqualityBillOlujimi Nhdlovu EkweremaduSince the rejection of the Gender Equality Bill (GEB) by the Senate in March 2016, civil society groups and activistshave been mounting pressure on the Red Chamber to re-present the bill, writes Senior Correspondent ONYEWUCHIOJINNAKA.If the move to re-introduce the Gender Equality Bill (GEB) sails to encourage our women and I sup- Joining the league of groups calling constitutional. There are no new rights; Discordant tunes through, Nigerian women might port this bill.” for re-presentation of the Gender and it is just to solidify the rights. It is absurd However, Regulatory Affairs have proved that they have Equal Opportunity Bill, the United Na- for the legislature to put away such a washed their hands clean enough However, Ekweremadu’s support tions Population Fund (UNFPA) urged bill. It is part of Section 42 of the Con- Director of Foundation for African for the bill could not give enough the National Assembly to take another stitution. It only expanded the rights Cultural Heritage (FACH), Nkem Agboti, weight for the bill to scale through the look at the bill, which the sponsor disagreed. She urged the lawmakersto eat with the elders. first reading as the Senate Majority as contained in the Constitution,”she not to consider a re-presentation of theOn the historical ides of March leader, Ali Ndume (Borno South, PDP), believe is geared towards transforming added. bill, submitting that apart from the billdate this year, the Senate threw out a condemned the bill and enjoined the country by 2030. Federation of Women Lawyers contravening the provisions of the 1999bill seeking equality for both gender. Nigerians to stick with either religious In Abuja, the UNFPA country re-pre- (FIDA), Lagos branch, insisted that the Constitution, it was also mismatchedPresently, the men, or so it seems, have or traditional marriage. sentative in Nigeria, Ratizai Nhdlovu, Bill should be re-presented. with the language of ACHPR.upper hand in rights (and responsibili- In same vein, Senator Sani Ahmed stated that such action would be one President of FIDA Lagos, Mrs. Eliana Agboti said that since most sec-ties) in marriage, education and job (ZamfaraWest, APC) faulted the bill, of the practicable national responses Martins, pointed out that there were tions of the bill already existed in theopportunities. saying that it was in conflict with the Ni- to help implement the Sustainable issues that could be sorted out during country’s Criminal Code, Marriage ActThe bill, entitled‘Gender Parity and gerian Constitution. He posited that the Development Agenda, as agreed by deliberations on the bill. She submitted and the Maintenance Act, there was noProhibition of Violence against Women’, bill negates the principles of the Sharia world leaders, including Nigeria’s, in that FIDA would be interested in the need for a new law.was sponsored by Senator (Mrs.) law, which the Constitution recognises. September 2015. bill sailing through. “Instead of spending time deliberat-Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti South, PDP) The bill was eventually thrown out Nhlovu explained that:“Gender “We talk about equal opportunity; ing, analysing, passing, signing freshand presented to the Senate during its when the issue was put on voice vote and Equal Opportunities Bill deserves no discrimination. Anything that shows laws, let us look at the laws we alreadyplenary session. by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki another look and adoption by the Sen- or allows discrimination is wrong and have; improve on their enforcement,According to Olujimi, the bill would (Kwara Central, APC). ate as a further step by Nigeria towards that is what the bill is all about. create awareness, so that we can takeseek equal rights for women in mar- fulfilling humanity’s vision of trans- “FIDA is interested because it would advantage of those existing provisions,”riage, education and job opportunities, Calls for re-presentation forming the world by 2030 to ensure benefit women, especially the disad- she said.adding that if the bill was passed, a Since the rejection of the bill by that all human beings can fulfil their vantaged or vulnerable group. We ask Similarly, the Director, Doctorswoman in Nigeria would automati- the Upper Chamber of the National potential in dignity and equality. for equal opportunities in workplace, in Health Initiative, Nkechi Asogwa, notedcally become the custodian of her Assembly, there has been calls and “This vision of gender equality is not job opportunities, in appointments, in that the bill injected some provisionschildren in the event of the death of agitations by civil society groups and new. It is imbedded in the International education. We are for all that is fair and that contravened the country’s consti-her husband, and would also inherit his activists, particularly the female gen- Bill of Human Rights, the UN Conven- just,”she said. tution and moral code.property. der, for its re-presentation. They argued tion on the Elimination of all forms of Mrs. Martins believes very strongly “Those applauding the bill do notIn supporting the bill, Deputy Senate that there was nothing wrong with the Discrimination Against Women, Inter- that FIDA Nigeria will be part of the coali- understand; they mistake it for a billPresident, Ike Ekweremadu, said Nigeria bill, as it does not amount to rubbing national Conference on Population and tion canvassing for the re-presentation promoting equality between menwould develop more if women were shoulders with the menfolk.    Development Programme of Action of the bill because it is a natural law.The and women. They think the bill isgiven the same rights as men. The Foundation for African Cultural and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable bill, she added, has nothing to do with aimed at promoting the economic,Buttressing his support for the bill, Heritage (FACH), a coalition of civil so- Development, all of which Nigeria has dressing or religious worship, but the political and cultural empowermentEkweremadu said:“I was going through ciety groups comprising Global Health committed to realising.” wellbeing of Nigerian woman. of the Nigerian women; but thea document prepared by George Bush Alliance, Nigerian Life League, Islamic In Lagos, a human rights activist and Executive Director of Gender and bill reveals otherwise. The public,of America.Those countries that are Platform of Nigeria, Good Parenting chairperson of Women Empowerment Development Action (GADA), Mrs. Ada especially women, need to bedoing well are those who give women and Youth Empowerment, Happy and Legal Aid (WELA), Funmi Falana, Agina-Ude, appealed to members of educated and enlightened on thisopportunities. Home Foundation, and the Nigerian told TheNiche that the bill should be the National Assembly to re-consider issue. We need to rise up and ensure“Where I come from, women do not Association for Women Advancement re-presented to the National Assembly. their stand when the bill is re-pre- that the bill is not passed,” Asogwaeat egg and are restricted from touch- among others, decried the rejection “The bill came when the House was sented for the benefit of equity and expressed.ing the non-essential parts of animals. of the bill by the National Assembly, not mobilised. I believe that most of fairness.But now, that has changed. What is saying that doing so contravenes the them were not properly enlightened or “It will strengthen the rights ofneeded is time and education, not provisions of the African Charter on educated on the bill. women,”she told TheNiche.necessarily legislation. We will continue Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR).   “The rights that are in the bill are

www.thenicheng.com 13TheNicheCivil Society Platform May 15, 2016mSptraaokkteeechctoaiolsdeneforosfr Red Cross activities, way of life – MadumereParticipants at the event As Nigeria joins (ICRC). the world in Madumere stressed thatSByTemitope Ojo claim to be, nobody would deserve to be protected,” he and the people on a daily marking 2016 takeholders in the know the outcome of their added. basis. In essence, we are in World Red Cross Red Cross members world- pen profession have advocacy in court, without danger, and if you like, we Day, the Deputy wide “are volunteers for ser- called on everyone judicial reporters reporting Ogunleye submitted that are endangered species. Governor of Imo State and vice”, unified for one single in the society to it. concern for the safety of We are as vulnerable as the Chairman of Red Cross, Imo purpose of saving lives and respect and pro- journalists should go beyond soldiers at the war front. The State chapter, Eze Madu- making the world a bet-tect journalists across the “So, if journalists perform the role of government and only difference is that they mere, has commended ter place, while caring lesscountry. these crucial functions in security agencies, as the have the support of various members for their resolve about race, tribe, religion, the society, the least they employers of journalists also governments,” she said. to be life-savers, describing ideology or even political The call was made at the deserve is the protection of have roles to play. the activities of the body as divides of a people.launch of the Nigerian Jour- all of us,” he said. Peter Nkanga, West Africa a way of life.nalists’ Safety Project, Lagos, Quoting the late newspa- Representative, Committee He also listed, amongheld recently at the Inter- He noted that if journalists per publisher, MKO Abiola, to Protect Journalists, in his In an interactive session others, neutrality, indepen-national Press Centre (IPC), are intimidated, attacked or the Provost said: “If you do paper stated that because with newsmen at his official dence, impartiality, uni-Ogba, Lagos. killed, not only their media, not pay your journalists well, of the nature of the profes- residence in Owerri, Imo versality and with primary family or loved ones suffers, others will, and they will sion, which is about asking State capital, to commemo- aim of saving humanity as Speaking at the event, the but the nation also suffer col- work for them”, adding that questions, exploring a topic rate the World Red Cross major principles of the RedProvost of the Nigerian Insti- lateral damage. when journalists are not paid of public interest that might Day, Madumere reminded Cross.tute of Journalism (NIJ), Gbe- their salaries as and when reveal secrets or uncover an the public that Red Crossmiga Ogunleye, who chaired Ogunleye further stated due, their lives and those of issue shrouded in silence, was primarily founded with While piloting the activi-the occasion, stressed that that perhaps no other indi- their dependants are at risk. in moving forward, “profes- a view to ensuring that ties as the chairman, Imodue to crucial functions vidual, living or dead, had sional journalists should pro- conflicts have acceptable Red Cross championed a lotperformed by journalists in emphasised the importance “Employers of journalists mote social justice and good rules, with a view to reduc- of life-saving causes duringthe society, they deserve the of the media and the great should also ensure that their governance, data journalism, ing human suffering. floods, accidents, aban-protection of everyone. role journalists play in any journalists are sent on hostile and digital security training doned children and other society, except the third Pres- environment training before clinic must be organised for He added that the body interventions as well as Journalism, according ident of the United States of they are deployed to conflict them”. cares more about proactive procurement of ambulanceto him, ranks as the most America, Thomas Jefferson, zones. And when they are measure of engagements to ensure quick interven-important profession in the who stated that the role of sent there, they should Director of IPC, Lanre rather than wait for out- tion during accidents.world. the press in checking the be insured; provided with Arogundade, noted that the break of conflicts that may excesses of government bullet-proof vests and given initiative was supported by bring untold hardship to “We are making efforts “The doctor, the teacher officials is so important that adequate funds,” he said. the Open Society Founda- the people. at opening up Red Crossand even the lawyer need he would prefer “to have tion with the overall goal of across the schools in the 27information not only about newspapers without govern- Mrs. Victoria Ibanga, Gen- facilitating a free and safe While disclosing that local governments of Imo,their professions but also ment to government without eral Secretary of the Nigerian environment for journalists World Red Cross Day is to keep them busy, teachabout their lives to make newspapers”. Guild of Editors (NGE), also and other media profession- marked on a day its found- them rudiments of firstinformed decisions. The jour- reiterated the urgent need als in the country. er, Sir Jean Henry Dunant, aid, what to do in times ofnalist provides that informa- Many civilised govern- to ensure a safe environment the first recipient of Noble dangerous incidences andtion. ments, he observed, have for journalists in Nigeria, The event was attended Prize was born, Madu- general techniques in sav- recognised Freedom of stressing that journalists all by mass communication mere narrated Dunant’s ing lives.\" “Doctors cannot report Expression as a fundamental over Nigeria are vulnerable. scholars, media experts, sad experience during thetheir going on strike; neither human right and one of the editors and reporters from battle of Solferino in Italy, The Imo deputy governorcan they inform the world distinguishing features of a She assured that the NGE print, broadcast and online which led to the suffering also averred that the Redwhen they have success- democratic society. would partner with stake- media as well as journalism of the people and wanton Cross, through Governorfully separated conjoined holders in the country to students and activists. destruction of lives while Rochas Okorocha, whotwins. Without information “Therefore, journalists, bring an end to incessant those who ought to be is also a Red Crosser, hasprovided by the journalist, who champion this right, cases of attacks and killings saved were left to die in achieved so much in thethe teacher would be in the who have been enjoined by of journalists. excruciating pain. area of demolishing babydark as to when his often- Section 22 of the amended factories, illegal abductionsdelayed salaries would be 1999 Constitution to moni- “We are vulnerable in the He attributed the laws and ensuring that orphanspaid. Learned as the lawyers tor governance and hold sense that our profession protecting civilians and do not suffer or lack the government accountable, demands that we interface other personnel in times of basic needs of life while between the government conflict to Geneva Conven- educating them to become tion, which could not have useful citizens of Nigeria. been possible without the activities of International Committee on Red Cross Madumere

14 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016NewsInternationalThe deaf women in Obama's White House Two women whoare deaf have risen toprominent positions alongside BarackObama in the White House.L By Erika Jones eah Katz-Hernandez, 28, is one of the first people visi- tors encounter when they enter the White House. Informally known as the Receptionist of the United States – or Rotus – she is the first ever deaf person to hold that position. Her desk is just steps away from the Oval Of- fice. \"My job involves welcom- ing people into the West Wing on a daily basis,\" she Leah Katz-Hernandez and Claudia Gordon hold positions of prominence in theWhite House says. \"Those people include Claudia Gordon became future.\" the president, along with his After Obama won, she was Programs and has held a pre- guests and senior staff. I also appointed as the First Lady's vious post as a policy adviser a lawyer after recognising For many deaf people bar- welcome world leaders from press assistant and research for the Department of Home- some people with disabili- riers and stereotypes remain. other countries.\" associate. land Security. ties were being discriminated But some are facing up to the She also oversees the Erika Jones with Leah Her journey to Washington against discrimination they see and White House guest book Katz-Hernandez. started in Jamaica where she \"It did cause me to rec- are working hard to break and the West Wing's main spent her early childhood. At ognise injustice that exists down those barriers. in society towards people But what do Gordon and who happen to be different Katz-Hernandez think their – deaf, blind, physically dis- futures will hold when the abled or have a mental dis- Obama administration hands ability. over the reins of government I realised then that society next January? does not treat people right, \"I do know for a fact that including myself. So from I will continue to strive to that experience I realised I make a difference to better wanted to be able to make society for people with dis- change, make things better abilities and other under- for people like myself.\" served groups,\" Gordon says. Katz-Hernandez and Gor- \"What that job title will be, don praise the Obama ad- what organisation or gov- ministration for its progres- ernmental body that will be, sive philosophy and values I don't know but I will con- – they aren't the only deaf tinue to follow my passion.\" people working in the White Katz-Hernandez adds: \"My House. boss [Obama] said to me: \"I want to see the deaf 'The White House is not the community become more in- top of your career, it's the be- volved with the government ginning of your future.' because it has a vital impact “It is true, it is only the be- on the lives of deaf people,\" ginning; really I want to work the age of eight she lost her Katz-Hernandez says. to better the future and rights Erika Jones with Leah Katz-Hernandez. hearing and, unable to afford \"It's important that they are of deaf people and other mi- an education in Jamaica, her included. I hope to see many nority communities.\" meeting space, the Roosevelt Her boss, Barack Obama, mother took her to New York more people like me in the • Culled from www.bbc.com Room, among other roles, recently told a packed news where she went to a school and communicates with conference that \"her smiling for the deaf and learned sign people who don't under- face is one of the first things language for the first time. stand sign language through people see when they come Lack of deaf education was an American sign-language into the White House\". not unusual then and can still interpreter. Phone calls are Katz-Hernandez reveals: be a problem today. also translated in this way. \"He knows a little bit of sign According to the World She has a background in language, not only because Federation of the Deaf, ap- politics, having studied gov- of me, but because of his proximately 80 per cent of ernment at Gallaudet Univer- relationship with other deaf the world's 70 million deaf sity in Washington and got Americans. It's not a lot of people do not have any ac- her first introduction to the sign language – he is a busy cess to education and less White House as an intern. man.\" than 2 per cent of deaf chil- Determined to be part of A colleague of Katz-Her- dren have access to learning the Obama administration, nandez is Claudia Gordon, sign language. she travelled to his head- the first deaf African-Amer- She says the discrimination quarters in Chicago during ican female attorney in the she experienced in Jamaica the mid-term elections in United States. inspired her to become a 2012, and got a job working She works at the Office of lawyer. Claudia Gordon became a lawyer after recognising some on his re-election campaign. Federal Contract Compliance people with disabilities were being discriminated against

15 TheNiche PARLIAMENT THE GRASSROOTS INTERVIEWS May 15, 2016www.thenicheng.com PoliticsBig Issue: Question mark on Nigeria’s anti-graft war PAGE 16»Emeka Alex Duru INTERVIEW FROM THEEditor, Politics & Features STATES0805 4103 327 »PAGE [email protected] »PAGE [email protected] My predecessorDaniel Kanu was corrupt, says Ogba: AgendaAssistant Editor for Ebonyi0805 618 0203 Edo [email protected] [email protected] lifeoutsideNASS, byNdoma-EgbaPAGE 16Former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), represented his CrossRiver Central Senatorial District between 2003 and 2015. Currently, back to his law practice, he speaks onhis life outside the National Assembly (NASS), among other issues. Editor, Politics/Features, EMEKA ALEXDURU, presents excerpts of the interaction.

interview16TheNiche www.thenicheng.comMay 15, 2016My life outsideNASS, byNdoma-EgbaH ow has it been mother to school even before I this while? was our Dormitory Prefect and be, or I never became what I set outside the National was eligible. Regrets? was listening to an argument out to be. I became everything Assembly? between my friend (Ambassador that I didn’t set out to be. First of all, I had a In those days, eligibility was I won’t call Mark Egbe, who just retired as life before the Sen- measured by your ability to put them regrets; an Ambassador) and I.  ate. This year, I will be 39 years your hand over your head. How I will rather You were a commissioner at 27.in the bar. I was in the Senate they came by that method, I say disap- In that school environment, How did you cope with the chal-for 12 years which means that don’t know; but you know that pointments. siesta time was supposed to be lenges of the office?I had other years to account if you are not six years old, at But whether a period of absolute quietude.for. I spent those years actively least, you won’t be able to do they turn out But Onu got interested in the ar- Actually, I was exposed toin court. I was into litigation; I that. to be disap- gument and so didn’t punish us. public office as soon as I camewas a courtroom lawyer. I had pointments eventually, it is a At the end of the argument, he back from National Youth Ser-a life before the Senate. I knew, Even before I started school, matter of time. I will give you admonished us; but told me, ‘I vice at the age of 23. If you lookab initio, that in life whatever I was already familiar with the one. As a child growing up, I think you are pursuing a wrong at the wall there, (pointing athas a beginning has an end. I school environment. By the time had hoped to be a Catholic ambition, I think you should a picture in his office) you willknew there would be life after I started, I was already familiar priest; but I never became one. read law and be like your father’. see me on the second row. I amthe Senate. Fortunately for me, with what was being taught. So, I was a science student more or The rest is history. I changed the third person from the left.I had an alternative address. If for me, life started early. By the less. I wanted to read medicine my courses about three, four That was when President ShehuI am not in politics, I am in law. time I was 16, I was a regular initially. It is a very funny story months to the exam to History, Shagari appointed me to theSo, I am back to law practice for contributor to the Nigerian how I ended up reading law English Literature and Econom- board of Cross River Basin andnow, but still actively involved Chronicle which was the big instead of medicine. We had ics. Rural Development Authority. Iin politics. newspaper then in my part of gone to Uyo for the entrance to was 23 going to 24. At the same the world. So, everything has University of Ife, now Obafemi I eventually ended up read- time, the late Dr. Clement Isong,   come early for me. Awolowo University (OAU) – a ing law which again was an who was the then governor ofYou appear to have started early group of young men; four of accident. But when I read law, I old Cross River, also appointedin politics. Why was it so? Now, about politics, I grew us. Our friend’s father was then read law to teach law. I wanted me as the first old student to up in a political environment the Principal of the Advanced to read law up to Ph.D level become the chairman of the If you put it another way, I because as a child growing up, Teachers College in Uyo. It is and become a professor of law. board of governors of Govern-started very early in life. From my mother was the chairman now the University of Uyo. He Again, I am not that professor ment Secondary School, Ikom.my part of the world, I was of Ikom County Council – then took us out. Gulder beer had of law. I will explain that in due courseprobably the first to graduate at they were called county coun- just come out and the four of us because I actually passedor before 21, to be a lawyer at cils; now we call them local drank this new beer called Gul- When I went into politics, I through two secondary schools.22. By 23, I was done with it all. government areas. She was der. When we got to the exam went into politics to be the gov- I was 23 going to 24. So, I hadIt is God’s grace because despite the first woman in the Eastern hall, we were all sleeping and ernor of my state. Again, that always virtually all my life beenthe civil war which we experi- Region to be a chairperson of a four of us failed. From that day, never happened. So you can in positions of responsibility.enced, I never lost one day of county council. So I grew up in I have not tasted Gulder and I summarise my life by saying, Ischooling. Because I had the that environment where politics don’t offer people Gulder. never became what I desired to That was why I didn’t have aunique privilege from my part was being discussed, whereof the world – perhaps among politicians were mingling and all In my final year of the A’the first, if not the first, who had of that. So, you can effectively Levels class, I was persuaded toan educated father and edu- say that I was born into politics read the arts. Guess who per-cated mother who was a teacher more or less. I took the political suaded me; Dr. Ogbonaya Onuat the time, I was exposed side from my mother and the (now Science and Technologyto school environment early legal side from my father. Minister), who himself was anbecause I started following my outstanding science student. He   What have been the regrets all

www.thenicheng.com 17TheNicheinterview May 15, 2016 I agree that the constitutional provisions that make it impossible for people to express their endowments are not in the best interest of the country. In Britain, theyhad a Prime Minister who was 23 or something. Today you have a member of the Houseof Commons who is under 18. So people have different gifts.The environment should allowthem express those gifts freely without any limitations.youth as such because when you are 23 Commissioner’. describe the person who receives that that make it impossible for people to expressand you have been given a federal respon- How did I cope? We had a group of very kind of traffic as elitist. But if you say their endowments are not in the best inter-sibility, you will have to act according to that I don’t drink in public or I don’t go est of the country. In Britain, they had athe demands of the office. So, I never had young professionals in Calabar then. We dancing, you will be right because I have Prime Minister who was 23 or something.a youth and that is why I am not the party are all very big men today; journalists, already explained to you why I don’t at- Today you have a member of the House oftype because I never had time to attend lawyers and we were all bachelors. I had tend parties. I mean, it is like if I have a Commons who is under 18. So people haveparties. In any case, I am not even that dis- this bungalow with large space in front. So, funeral to attend, I find it more comfort- different gifts. The environment should allowposed for a simple reason that if I am in a every evening, we would assemble there able attending the church service and them express those gifts freely without anyparty environment with loud music, where over barbecue and would be debating the being at the interment rather than being limitations. Maybe for judges, there mightpeople are dancing and drinking; even if I future of Cross River. We asked hypotheti- at the wake. be need for a certain minimum; but for anydrink water, I will have a hang-over for two cal questions: If you were made this, what other thing, I think people should be alloweddays. So it is in my own interest to spare would be your programme? If you were   to express their gifts.myself the hang-over. this, what would you do? I recall one of How would you compare your time of the last conversations we had before the being a commissioner at 27 and now that   Recently, we buried the governor who appointment. the constitution has pegged the age for You had a scholarship scheme while inappointed me commissioner at 27 – Navy House of Representatives at 30, Senate the Senate. Is it still going on?Captain Edet Akpan Archibong. He had I was asked: If you were Commis- and governorship 35 years, etc?never met me, never heard of me. I realised sioner for Works, what would you do? The scholarship scheme didn’t startthat I had run into him once in a lift in Swit- We debated my ideas. That became my If you recall when Dr. Idi Hong was with my coming to the Senate. It actuallyzerland. I had an uncle who was a diplomat. programme when I ended up Commis- nominated as minister, I made my com- started in 1980 when I was appointedArchibong was in the Navy and they were in sioner for Works a few weeks after the ment during his confirmation. I spoke chairman of the board of governors ofSwitzerland for a programme. He was stay- conversation. against those provisions in the constitu- Government Secondary School, Ikom. Weing with a friend in the same building my tion. I clearly spoke against them because were paid a sitting allowance which inuncle was. That was the only contact I had So, we already had a plan and all of if you follow the history of this country, today’s environment is meagre, but waswith him. Apart from greeting, we didn’t the members of that group became a lot of the personages who defined our plenty in those days. I think it was N30speak. We didn’t have any relationship. very prominent people in the society. recent history were people who were very per sitting. It was big money in those They held high political public of- young. If you take the people that fought days and I didn’t have need for it. I dis- I recall, we were appointed in fices and just executed what we were the civil war for instance, most of the big cussed with the principal and we agreedJanuary 1984 but were sworn in early discussing. We grew up in an envi- names – Theophilus Danjuma, Moham- to create a fund from where the schoolFebruary. In-between, he had to meet ronment where young people had med Suwa and Murtala Mohammed – fees of bright and intelligent studentshis commissioners. So he walked into dreams, where young people were were in their 20s at the time they fought would be paid. So the scholarship hasthe Executive Council hall and we ambitious. the civil war. been on since 1980. It became publicwere all standing. Of course, he knew knowledge when I became more visible.most of them. He was shaking their I remember when I was a lawyer, I was If you even talk of governance, how I have said it again and again that thehands and I was standing between quite active in Association of Nigerian old was Michael Okpara, Obafemi scheme is not a political scheme, it is notthe Commissioner for Health and the Authors (ANA). We had a group that was Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe? Then if tied to my politics; it is tied to my obliga-gentleman who became Commis- made up of professors, senior civil ser- you take my state for instance, Cross tion and to my debt to a society that hassioner for Trade and Investment. So vants, lawyers. We sat down every Thurs- River, our first governor, U.J. Esuene, been very generous to me.he shook the lady and skipped me day evening just to read poems. Then we was 32 the time he became governor;and was going to shake the other had another group that met once a week Paul Omu, who took over from him, In economics, we were taught thatguy. But I grabbed his hands and said just to listen to Congo music. We had an- was 36; Babatunde Elegbede, who money is what money does and by ac-‘why are you not shaking my hand?’ other group that met once a week just to took over from Omu, was 37; Dan cumulating it you are making money forHe looked at me and said ‘don’t tell play scrabble. That was the environment Archibong was 42; Inim Princewill another person. Each time I have hugeme you are one of my commission- that defined my youth. So, I was an old was 39; Clement Ebri was 39; Donald bank balances, I lost the money. I lost aers’. And I said ‘I am unfortunately, man long before I became old. Duke was 37. In the history of Cross lot of money when banks went down inone’ and he said ‘oh my God I have River, Benedict Ayade (current gov- the 1990s. You worked that hard to ac-appointed a baby’. The next day, the   ernor) is actually the oldest governor cumulate only to lose. So, why don’t youheadline in Daily Times was ‘Baby Is that why people always accuse you of we have had. just use it and give some other person being elitist? mileage in his or her life? I agree that the constitutional provisions I don’t know what they mean by be- ing elitist. If you know me, you will not

TheNicheBig Issue18 www.thenicheng.comMay 15, 2016Question markon Nigeria’santi-graft warThe ‘fantastically corrupt’ comment by the BritishPrime Minister, David Cameron, has raised morequestions on the true posture of Nigeria’s anti-cor-ruption fight, writes Assistant Politics Editor, DAN-IEL KANU. BuhariThe latest remark on Nigeria indicted the international commu- “It is for this reason that my govern- Cameron by United Kingdom’s Prime nity for looking the other way for too ment is determined to address illicit Minister, David Cameron, long while corrupt persons were busy financial outflows which have served that Nigeria is “fantastically stashing away stolen funds in their as a major impediment to progress in corrupt” has opened another countries. our country.vista on the perception of the nation’scorruption profile, locally and interna- He made the observation at the “I wish to reiterate our demand thattionally. opening of the anti-corruption sum- the global community must come up mit which was hosted by Cameron. with mechanisms for dismantling safe Going by the latest news leaked by havens for stolen funds and facilitatethe British Broadcasting Corporation To stem the tide, Buhari tutored the the return of stolen assets to their(BBC), the remark was made during a international community to urgently countries of origin.”conversation with the Queen at Buck- create anti-corruption infrastructure Mirroring corruption through TIingham Palace. The occasion was the and a strategic action plan to facili- reportQueen’s 90th birthday, just before the tate the speedy recovery and repa-global summit on corruption. triation of all stolen funds hidden in Despite the ongoing corruption war secret bank accounts abroad. being waged by Buhari, global anti- Cameron in the chat had described corruption agency, Transparency In-Nigeria and Afghanistan as “fan- He is of the view that new measures ternational (TI), does not think muchtastically corrupt”, a statement that against corruption that would be positive result has been recorded.has raised strong questions on the adopted by the summit should alsoeffectiveness or otherwise of the anti- include mechanisms that will assist TI still retained Nigeria in its 136thcorruption battle in the land. But re- countries like Nigeria to combat il- position out of the 170 countries inacting, the Archbishop of Canterbury, legal activities such as crude oil theft its last ranking of global CorruptionJustin Welby, exonerated President to which, he said, Nigeria loses about Perception Index (CPI).Muhammadu Buhari from corrupt $7 billion annually.Nigerian public officials. Chairman of TI, Jose Ugaz, who Said Buhari: “When it comes to made the disclosure after the anti- There have been mixed reactions tackling corruption, the international corruption watchdog released itsby Nigerians over the comment. While community has unfortunately looked 2015 CPI, observed that corruptionsome demand that apology must be away for too long. We need to step up remains a blight around the world.rendered by the British government, and tackle this evil together. That isthere are others who felt that we why we have gathered here today. Ugaz stated that 2015 was also adeserved what we got since Buhari, year when people around the worldat any slightest opportunity abroad, “Corruption creates a system where sent a strong signal to those in powerwould paint how corrupt his country resources are shared by a small elite that it was time to tackle corrup-is. Even at the summit, President Mu- while the majority wallows in poverty. tion, with various protests across thehammadu agreed with Cameron. Corruption also undermines the abil- globe, stressing that more countries, ity of countries to finance develop- however, improved in 2015. “What type of apology do we need ment.from Cameron? When our President From TI’s research, the five least cor-(Buhari) in all his numerous trips “I recall, in this regard, the land- rupt countries are: Denmark, Finland,abroad goes about declaring that mark Addis Ababa Action Agenda Sweden, New Zealand and Nether-Nigerians are corrupt, what do you of the 3rd International Conference lands. While the five most corruptexpect? You cannot rubbish your on Finance for Development held in countries are: South Sudan (163) (tiedcountry in foreign lands and expect January this year. A prominent feature with Angola), Sudan (165), Afghani-them to applaud you,” Ephraim Sube- of that global framework is the rec- stan (166), Somalia (167 tied) withru, a university teacher told TheNiche. ognition that good governance and North Korea.Buhari lashes back measures to combat corruption and curb illicit financial flows would be Given the TI corruption index, Ni- President Buhari on Thursday, integral to the effort to attain sustain- geria is expected to genuinely re-firewhile still in faraway London, equally able development globally by the its effort at anti-corruption drive, but year 2050. what obtains, commentators insist, is

www.thenicheng.com 19TheNiche May 15, 2016Faseun Fayose Jose Ugazfar from being a genuine cause in national Winnable war ment historian, says the anti-corruption silence the opposition.interest. History shows it is possible to do it. crusade is more of a distraction and decep- Last lineEFCC to the rescue? For instance, in 1990, Kim Young-sam, tion, arguing that it was not holistic, rather selective. The last time Nigeria had the opportuni- Against the backdrop of alleged mas- the opposition leader of South Korea, ty to remedy its corruption malady was atsive fraud and corrupt tendencies within merged his Democratic Reunification According to him, the President and his the early stages of the EFCC under Obasan-the nation’s system, the Economic and Party with the ruling and reportedly cor- ruling APC have no plans to rescue Nigeria jo when Nuhu Ribadu was in charge.Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and rupt Democratic Justice Party to form the from its economic malaise since they came But that was bungled by the very samethe Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) were all Democratic Liberal Party. into power. authorities that instituted the Commission,established during the regime of Olusegun as Ribadu turned out to be a willing tool inObasanjo to tackle the malaise. He won the presidency in the 1992 He noted further that Buhari and his the hands of Obasanjo’s regime to intimi- elections, served for only one term and party had gradually reneged on all the date those who were opposed to his style Going by their activities, EFCC has shown used the opportunity to clear the Augean promises they made to Nigerians and used of politics.to be more action-poised and aggressive Stables in South Korea. the anti-corruption crusade to distractin its conduct and perhaps taken the shine the people from the serious problems the With the way Buhari is believed to beoff the CCB which is recently bouncing He arrested two of his predecessors, country is facing. manipulating the EFCC and CCB, observersback with the trial of the Senate President, Roh Tae-woo (1988-1993) and Chun Doo- contend that it would spell doom for theOlusola Saraki, also perceived as a vindic- hwan (1980-1988). Roh received 17 years “Fighting corruption is a noble and cou- future.tive exercise in most political quarters. sentence and Chun was sentenced to life. rageous act in a country like Nigeria where Kim, in his anti-corruption crusade, did not it has eaten deep into its fabrics, but what Kim Young-Sam Established under the Economic and spare his biological son. In 1997, Kim Hyon we are witnessing is a sham,” he said.Financial Crimes Commission (Establish- Chol, his son known as the “Crown Prince”,ment) Act, 2004, the Commission has, was indicted for bribery and tax evasion. The problem with Buhari’s anti-corrup-among other functions, the investiga- He got a three-year sentence. This, political tion tactics, Utietiang said, is that they aretion of all financial crimes, including the watchers maintain, is what a transparent not sincere, just as he contended that “Bu-advance fee fraud, money laundering, and sincere anti-corruption agenda should hari cannot prosecute any war on corrup-counterfeiting, illegal charge transfers, fu- look like. tion with sincerity” as the major sponsorstures market fraud, fraudulent encashment of his campaign are all corrupt.of negotiable instruments, computer credit In Nigeria, critics opine that former presi-fraud and contract scam. dents and their accomplices believed to Said Utietiang: “It is impossible to have taken part in milking the country dry advance yourself as an anti-corruption It is also empowered to examine and are left untouched to enjoy their ‘loot’. crusader when the major benefactors ofinvestigate all reported cases of eco- your campaign are among the most cor-nomic and financial crimes with a view to The impression carried along by most rupt Nigerians. After his election, Buhariidentifying individuals, corporate bodies Nigerians is that the crusade is rather gave voice to these people by appointingor groups involved. It can also identify, selective. them to his cabinet and other governmenttrace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds parastatals.derived from terrorist activities, economic Some observers have continued to positand financial crime-related offences or the that the reality on the ground is that more “Their anti-corruption agenda has beenproperties the value of which corresponds looting seems to be going on with those reduced to a witch-hunt of the members ofto such proceeds. in government while the Presidency turns the opposition party, the Peoples Demo- blind eye. cratic Party (PDP). It’s getting to a year that Most political commentators have Buhari was sworn in as President of Nige-picked holes in the lack of transparency in There are some officials in Buhari’s gov- ria, (and) no member of the APC has beenthe execution of the anti-corruption war. ernment that were indicted by different arrested or prosecuted. Yet, a substantial panels, and no action was taken. For in- number of the members of the ruling And it is believed that the transpar- stance, Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, APC were formerly members of PDP whoency of the exercise, or its absence, would was indicted by a judicial committee set up enriched themselves from the governmentsignpost the actual direction of Buhari’s in Rivers State, by his rival, Governor Nye- coffers during the 16 years that PDP ruledanti-corruption agenda. som Wike, to investigate him. But he has Nigeria.” been going about as if nothing happened, Political watchers are of the view that and the Presidency has remained silent on For elder statesman and founder, Ooduaboth the EFCC and the CCB can be the ve- the issue. As far as the former Rivers gover- People’s Congress (OPC) Frederick Fase-hicle to drive the anti-corruption crusade, nor is concerned, Wike’s panel was out for a hun, the President is ruling the country byif the intentions are right. vendetta and so should be ignored. intimidation. He believes that the anti- corruption fight is vindictive and used to But as the organisations stand today, Also, Minister of Power, Works and blackmail the opposition.most political observers and critics seem Housing, Babatunde Fashola, was accusedto have lost confidence in them going by of inflating the cost of a website. Despite But Special Adviser to Buhari on Media,TheNiche public gauge. objections by some groups, Buhari went Femi Adesina, differs. He told TheNicheCritique on anti-graft crusade ahead to appoint him minister. that those afraid of the anti-corruption war The public gauge are those with skeletons in their cardboard, Critics are of the view that if Buhari arguing that nobody, without committingwants his war against corruption to be Most individuals that TheNiche sought any offence, has faced any punishment.taken seriously, he needs, in the first place, their views were unwilling to talk on theto clean up his own house, the All Progres- anti-corruption issue, as they felt the cru- “There is nothing wrong in the anti-cor-sives Congress (APC). sade was lacking in both transparency and ruption body, EFCC, inviting somebody to sincerity. They view the exercise more from make explanations on an issue the person It is believed in most political quarters a different side of the prism – to silence the was involved in. It is nothing to be afraidthat it is more of a witch-hunt weapon for opposition. of. You cannot be involved or called uponperceived political opponents while those to come and explain what you are notof the APC known to be notorious in the The views of most people who spoke on aware of,” he said.art of looting are spared. condition of anonymity could be captured with the position of Bekeh Utietiang. Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, says EFCC is a mere weapon in the hands of the Utietiang, author, teacher and develop- Presidency to witch-hunt, intimidate and

20 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comInterviewMay15,2016My predecessorwas corrupt,says EdoSpeakerNewly-elected Speaker of Edo State House ofAssembly, Elizabeth Ativie, speaks on why herpredecessor was kicked out of office. She alsotalks on the agenda of the Assembly underher leadership, among other issues. SpecialECorrespondent, TITUS OISE, covered the annoying enough. Then he called man opened up and he servants were bringingsession. one was a meeting of honourable (former Speaker) did not them out and it became that each members and asked what deny it. He did not argue very clear. At that point, mergence as Edo House time mem- the issues were. with the man. That was some members vowed Speaker bers com- when members came that they would not lead plained We listed what had back and said, this must us again. They insisted The former Speaker to the POC not been released. He stop. that those people that was very corrupt. He was (Principal Officers of the told us that out of the were fingered, that is high-handed in manag- Council) that they were 14 items listed, he had We just have 2016. By the Speaker and his ing his colleagues. We’re supposed to take care of released money for 12. 2017 and 2018, we would Deputy, must go. all equals; he was just first them, they were given the He started enumerating be preparing for another among equals. We all con- the figures before the election. When, then, will Apart from that, you tested election and came members. We had heard you be able to do some- also know that our to the House together. We that before but when thing in your constitu- level of productivity had also elected him to be our we asked the former ency that you can use to gone down as a House.Speaker. He did not know responsibility of liaising, Speaker, he would deny campaign? That was what achedanything about the fi- doing all the letters to the it; he would give us a me most because I wasnances of the House. What executive. particular figure and Now, we are going for there during the timecame in and what went They failed because we would believe him. governorship election. of Zakawanu Garubaout of the House, he didn’t those resources were be- That’s why people won- We cannot even go home and that of Uyi Igbe. Iknow. That was not right. ing diverted for personal dered why we had to to talk to our people be- knew what legislationAll the resources that uses and not for what wait for almost one year cause we cannot do one- was then and what it iscome to the House are they were meant for. The to move against him. It tenth of those things we today.stipulated, including how most painful thing was is because we believed had done that our peoplethey should be used. But that when we asked, he whatever he told us. saw that made them vote Nobody is researching,he came up with his own (deposed Speaker) told us Therefore, we had it in for us to come back. So, nobody is doing anything.men and just moved ev- that it was the chief execu- mind that it was the what has happened? When the head is rotten,erything. tive that was not releas- chief executive that was what do you expect fromMembers were not being ing it and would incite us punishing us, until the It was then that other parts of the body?taken care of properly, to to be fighting the chief members started go- This new set of lawmakersthe extent that you would executive. That led to al- ing to the papers. Civileven observe that they most three months of warwere living like paupers. between us and the chiefI don’t want to go into executive. But the chiefhis reckless spending. executive one day told theAlmost one year in office, leaders of the party that hemembers could not even was going to expose thesefeed properly. The most things; that the fight was

www.thenicheng.com 21TheNiche We shall engage in robust May 15, 2016 legislation that will help the executive in carrying Edo to a higher level. The welfare of my members will be anotherparamount issue on my mind.You can’t ask a hungry man togo and work. One year now, wedon’t have cars. It was not that Governor Adams Oshiomhole was not willing to give us the vehicles; it was the processthat was causing the problem.are educated. Many of them are widely- not been part of our business. It’s respon- the Chief Whip to go and collect the enter Edo State House of Assembly,travelled. Some of them are former local sible people that come to the gallery and mace. with the kind of work going on there,government council chairmen. They are watch their legislators talking about their you will be happy to call it your ownnot babies. Some of them are activists. issues.   Assembly.You cannot cheat them. Change in House leadership because of Why are you afraid that you are go- face-off between the governor and his We shall engage in robust legislation The moment that cheating was estab- ing to be removed if your hands are deputy that will help the executive in carryinglished, anger flared. In the process of clean; if you believe in what you are Edo to a higher level. The welfare of mytrying to take care of this anger, more doing? Right from the day he started, No, far from that. We have no busi- members will be another paramountrevelations were made every day. you had hoodlums all over the place. ness with what is happening in the issue on my mind. You can’t ask a hungry You would be walking at the corridor executive. And you’ll notice that since man to go and work. One year now, we New revelations came up every day. and you would see all sorts of boys, all that (face-off ) started, no member has don’t have cars. It was not that GovernorThe recent revelation was that a certain sorts of human beings and we don’t spoken on the issue. No honourable Adams Oshiomhole was not willing toamount of money was paid into his per- have such people. member has followed anybody on any give us the vehicles; it was the processsonal account. That was why I announced visit or anywhere. We’re not even in- that was causing the problem.that we were setting up a committee. We Those days, when you were coming terested because we want the normalactually set up a committee to look at our to the House of Assembly, your dressing thing to be done. He (former Speaker) wanted thefinances from June last year to May this alone would show how responsible you bulk figure of almost N500 millionyear because every day new revelations were. All that decorum has been thrown We are all politicians from our various given to him, so that he could gocome out. into the bush. But all that, we will revit- constituencies. We have leaders. We have and buy the cars. And the governor alise. You know that in parliament, once our constituencies’ mindset. You cannot said he could get all those people, In fact, I just told some people that I the confidence is lost, there is nothing go against your constituencies’ mindset. write surety and they will be sup-won’t start spending any money until anybody can do. Parliamentary work is It is cheap blackmail. I read in one of the plying us the cars in instalments. Ifproper auditing is done, and the line confidence-building. When you are talk- papers that we were made to go and do he had agreed to that at the initialdrawn for everyone to know where I am ing on the floor of the House, you are that, so that we can impeach the deputy stage, even if it was done every threestarting from. I don’t want to be part of talking with facts and figures, believing governor. That was far from the truth. months, by now we would have gotthat mess. I have come a long way. you are giving Edo State the true picture 24 cars. But because of greed, he of things. He (former Speaker) is still the one insisted that the money must be paid My integrity, my personality and all that that is getting people to write these into our account for him to go andI have achieved as a former youth leader   things, so that there will be diversion- buy the cars.in this state and at the federal level, leader Assuming office despite former Speaker’s ary therapy. He wants to divert us.of women and youths, cannot be messed claims of being in charge  You know, while we have not made all He was already looking at the percent-up. these things public, we have already age of commission he would get. That Yes, we have been working. We have set up a committee of five persons had been our problem. This was how the I have to sustain that integrity that I had some familiarisation visit to the Com- headed by one Emmanuel Agbaje, honourable members looked at ourselveshave built over the years. missioner of Police, the Department of who is a seasoned accountant. They and said we may end up spending two State Services (DSS), and have frozen the are going to get us results. If he is years in the House with this man putting I have just told my aide that we are go- accounts of the House. We are working found wanting, he would be pros- us in reverse gear. If the thing (impeach-ing to write to the chief auditor to send us now. ecuted. But if he is not found wanting, ment plot) had leaked, they would havean auditor to come and audit the account we will recall him from suspension. stopped us. Either the party (All Progres-of the establishment, so that after this I   Let him also feel what other members sives Congress) or the governor wouldwill have my own clean slate. At the end Retrieving Assembly property from the have been feeling. have stopped us. It didn’t leak. That wasof my tenure, let people come and audit former Speaker what helped us. The party would haveme too.   called us, bamboozled us, or threatened You know there are processes to that. Focus as Speaker us. So, to say that anybody asked us to do We are going to bring sanity to the We have to follow due process. We’ve it for whatever political reason is not true.House. If you had been entering the asked the Clerk to write to him to return First of all, the business of legisla-chambers, you would see that in recent those things, including the mace – he tFiro. nN.zWameuajore going back to the oldtimes when we were sitting, some hood- took the mace away. We have also asked times in such a way that when youlums would be at the gallery. That has

22 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comAnalysisMay15,2016The slide continues in AnambraPDPAndy (right) and Chris UbahAAnambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heads for more unpredictable turns followingnambra State chaptertaneously at EmmausMarble Arch Hotel.Committee chairman,“I cannot say any- of the Peoples Demo- House and Marble Deepening the confu- Ladi Edo, told report- thing about the rest ofemergence of three factions in its fold, Special Correspondent, OKEY MADUFORO, reports.cratic Party (PDP) lastArch Hotel, Awka, gaveers: “We are duly man-the committee mem- week failed to prove strong indications that sion further, officials dated by the National bers that are not here bookmakers wrong the embattled politi- of the Independent Working Committee with us. I am the chair- when it organised cal party that had been National Electoral Com- (NWC) of our great man. The secretary of parallel congresses. The neck deep in crises mission (INEC) were party to conduct the the committee is also gladiators even ended in the past 16 years observers at the two state congress and here with me. I do not up throwing up anoth- still has a long walk to separate activities. know where the other As if that was not that is what we have er faction of the party truce. enough, the exercise done. We are not aware committee members in the area, bringing Equally part of the further produced of any other congress are and they did not the number to three. congress of confusion another faction led by taking place in Anam- contact me to say that Before now, the party was the action of the Ngozi Agudosi, who bra State. Whatever they were coming to had two factions. One 11-man committee had obtained forms those people are doing Anambra or not.” was headed by Ejike from Abuja who was for the post of chair- is a nullity and can- At Emmaus House Oguebego, allegedly saddled with the re- man but was disquali- not stand. You can see venue of the Chris under the sponsor- sponsibility of conduct- fied along with an- that the process was Uba-led PDP congress ship of Chris Uba, the ing the exercise. Four other candidate, Emeka peaceful, free and fair committee, Shettima self-styled godfather out of the 11 members Small. and Prince Kenneth Abubakar dismissed of Anambra politics, conducted a separate At the end of the Emeakayi emerged the the claims of his chair- while the other was led congress at Emmaus exercise, the authen- new chairman of the man, insisting that the by Kenneth Emeakayi, House for the faction ticity of the two con- PDP in Anambra State. authentic venue for the said to be sponsored led by Oguebego, while gresses became an Anybody that has any exercise was where he by Senator Andy Uba, the committee chair- issue that caused deep protest or complaints was. elder brother to Chris. man and the rest of the cracks within the Abuja should petition the “I do not know anything The congresses, members supervised congress committee party’s appeal commit- on the whereabouts of which took place simul- the congress held at members. tee. the chairman. I called him

analysiswww.thenicheng.com 23TheNiche May 15, 2016Ameka Oduah Okonkwoseverally and he said he was take charge of the congress s tre s s e d.       an Ihiala High Court ruling, divided themselves into twoon his way. I arrived Anambra and he was there with the Stella Oduah, who rep- the party stakeholders had for some pecuniary reasons,State, and since then I had not Abuja Congress Committee. zoned the chairmanship po- just to deepen the party’sseen the chairman or the rest Those people you are talking resents Anambra North in sition to Ihiala Local Govern- crisis to their own interest,”of the committee members. We about always like to impose the Senate, told TheNiche ment Area, hence disqualify- he said.could not continue to wait for a system that is anti-party. I that the issue of two con- ing Agudosi and Emeka.them. So, the congress had to do not believe in what you gresses was not acceptable “People did not cast theirgo on. According to the party’s called parallel congress be- to the party, adding that Agudosi contended that votes. Emeakayi and the twoconstitution, in the event of cause PDP is one and Ogue- no amount of blackmail he should be allowed to senators, Andy Uba and Stellaa vacuum, the administrative bego is our state chairman.”  would stop the Andy Uba- make his submission by Oduah, are killing the partysecretary takes charge and he led congress from not being addressing members of the in Anambra State. All theseis here with us. He received us Another chieftain of the authentic. delegates but was turned antics are just for Andy Uba toand prepared the grounds for party, Senator John Emeka, down.        become the governorship can-the congress.  echoed the stance of Okonk- Oduah said: “You all saw didate of the PDP in Anambra wo that the state congress what happened. People can- Undaunted by the tough State.” “We have held a peaceful of the party had taken place, not continue to cut corners. stance of the party, he an-congress. Ejike Oguebego with Oguebego as the chair- People should not be deceived nounced that he had com- He asked that with Emeak-won the chairmanship posi- man, adding that anybody by what some of our party menced meetings with his ayi as chairman coming fromtion. He was duly elected. I talking about another members are doing because legal team for litigation on Anambra South with Andy,am not aware of whatever congress was only deceiv- they know that illegality cannot the issue, noting that he what becomes of the positioncongress that is taking place ing himself since there was have its way. Let them go to and his supporters were not for Anambra Central, his sena-anywhere in Anambra State. nothing like that anywhere. Abuja with whatever name and in agreement with the two torial zone. “Our position is thatMaybe, another political nobody would entertain that congresses. Anambra Central Senatorialparty is holding its own con- “Some people derive joy anyway.” zone should produce the stategress and certainly not the in circumventing the rule “I am already talking with chairman of the party sincePDP,” he said. of the law and trying to cut Concerned PDP members my legal team. We are going they want Anambra South to corners for their own selfish in the state are not finding to challenge this charade in produce the governorship can- While the confusion raged, gains,” he further remarked. the development funny. Their the court of law. My ques- didate. After Joseph Okonkwo,stakeholders across the two argument is that in the midst of tion is, who are the stake- the first elected and foundingfactions took on one anoth- However, Andy Uba, who the on-going impasse between holders that did the zoning? chairman of Anambra PDP, theer, insisting that theirs was represents Anambra South the two camps, there is a great Central has never produced thethe authentic congress. Senatorial District, picked deal of uncertainty over the “We have a Supreme Court chairman. They have produced holes in the submissions of authenticity of their separate judgment of January 29, 2016 governors such as Peter Obi Former Anambra Central his colleagues when he de- congresses. There is also the that stated that Oguebego’s ex- and Chris Ngige and never con-senator, Annie Okonkwo, scribed the faction led by his fear of imminent litigation by ecutive is authentic, but that his tested for chairman. contended that the congress younger brother as a cabal the faction loyal to Agudosi, tenure has expired, calling for athat produced Emeakayi that merely created a situa- who was disqualified by the fresh congress. How can an Ihiala “It is unfortunate thatwas a nullity, insisting that tion to rip off unsuspecting congress committee chairman High court ruling supersede that our party has created yetOguebego was the chairman party members. at the Andy Uba-led congress. of the Supreme Court? another faction led by me;of the party. but I believe that it will bet- “Which other congress? The faction had three “As far as we are con- ter the party in due time. His words: “As a legisla- Those people were out there chairmanship candidates, cerned, there was no con- Soon you would know thetor that makes laws, I can- causing confusion and creat- Emeakayi, Agudosi and Eme- gress in Anambra State. If position of the NWC whichnot be seen to be working ing opportunities to make ka. Shortly before the com- the party claims that con- would ultimately nullify theagainst the rule of law. The money from people. Whatever mencement of the exercise, gress was held, then I am the entire thing called congress,”law says that the admin- they did is complete illegality the committee chairman had chairman of the party. The Agudosi said.istrative secretary should and does not hold water,” he announced that based on congress committee com- promised and they merely

From the states24TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016Ogba: Agenda for EbonyiconstituentsOgba Umahi EgwuBarely one year in office, Senator Joseph Ogba rolls out empowerment agenda for his Ebonyi Centralconstituents, Special Correspondent, CHIJIOKE AGWU, reports.By June 9, the current set of National Assembly mem- the state wing of the Peoples Democratic with Egwu and others to recapture party are eager to know what I have done with bers would have spent one Party (PDP) in 2007. structure in the state from the then gover- the mandate given to me.” year in office. Regrettably, nor, Martin Elechi. many of them are yet to On account of his robust engagement in In this regard, he recalled that in addition meet with their constituents the politics of the state within the period, The outcome of the political struggle to attracting several projects in the district, since their inauguration. he successfully etched his name in Ebonyi is that, not only that Ogba defeated the he had commenced construction of some But in the case of Joseph history books. governor’s son, Nnanna Elechi, who ran on rural bridges and roads in some of the com-Obinna Ogba, who represents Ebonyi Cen- the ticket of Labour Party (LP), he also beat munities in his constituency.tral Senatorial District, it has been interac- A resident of Abakaliki, the state capital, the other candidates, including the currenttions and empowerments all along. who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Secretary to the State Government (SSG), He also stated that he had been sponsor- TheNiche that given the verve with which Prof. Benard Odoh, who contested on the ing some of his constituents on overseas When Ogba declared his intention to Ogba piloted the affairs of the party in the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance tours, with each receiving a minimum ofrun for the Senate in the build-up to the state, his name, in fact, became synony- (APGA). N500,000 on arrival.2015 general elections on the platform of mous with PDP and party politics in thethe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was state. Soon after his inauguration, Ogba em- Ogba equally noted that he had procuredapparent to his opponents that the contest barked on vigorous empowerment pro- equipment to help the less-privileged in hiswas going to be tough. “Whatever strong footing PDP has in grammes to ease the pains of his constitu- constituency set up small businesses to be Ebonyi today has a lot to do with the ents. able to take care of themselves and their This was on account of the reputation of inspiring role of Senator Obinna Ogba. communities. These included motorcycles,the senator. To his supporters in Ebonyi Cen- He laid the foundation when he was the In what seemed a kick-off for the people- grinding machines, power generating sets,tral and beyond, Ogba is a politician with party’s chairman in 2007. We are happy oriented agenda, during his thanksgiving cassava grinding machines and sewingthe Midas touch, hence his unusual record that he has not relented in ensuring that ceremony, he shocked his audience when machines. He urged the beneficiaries to putin securing victories in electoral contests, the party attains its lofty heights in the he announced the payment of monthly the items to judicious use in order to justifyirrespective of who his opponent is. state,” he said. stipends to over 232 persons selected from the efforts expended in procuring them. 58 wards that make up his constituency. Though he had been out of political of- The senator is equally celebrated in the H said:“I urge you to put these gifts intofice prior to 2015, he was not entirely out area of sports development in Ebonyi. Ogba, who said the empowerment good use remembering that these giftsof circulation. In fact, within the period, he Indigenes recall that during his time as Vice programme would cost his office N1 million represent your sweat during the campaignranked among the politicians in the state Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federa- monthly, pledged to sustain the initiative period.”who enjoyed state-wide followership and tion (NFF), Ogba influenced Ebonyi youths throughout his tenure.support. greatly in the area of sports. He thanked his constituents for their In similar stead, the senator has, barely support during the election, even as he Born in Amanvu Nkalagu, Ishielu Local But his ambition to go to the Senate in one year in office, secured federal employ- enjoined them to brief him from time toGovernment Area of the state, Ogba was 2007 suffered a setback when the authori- ment for more than 14 persons from his time on issues that need his attention in theamong the visible figures in the administra- ties in the state favoured return ticket for constituency. constituency.“It is true that money or mate-tion of the first civilian governor of the state, Senator Julius Ucha, erstwhile Speaker of rial gifts cannot equate the support youDr. Sam Egwu, where he served in various the House of Assembly. Speaking during his recent constituency gave me; but please do accept these as acapacities, including being the Chairman of empowerment programme in the state, token of my appreciation. I will appreciate it Other frustrating experiences came the Ogba said:“June 2016 will make it exactly if, from time to time, you brief me on other way of Ogba, but he took them in their one year since I was sworn in as a senator. I areas that need my attention.” strides until 2015 when he joined forces am aware that majority of my constituents

Onyewuchi Ojinnaka Email: [email protected] 25TheNiche 0811 181 3060Judiciarywww.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016Battle for Ikeja NBA chair• I expect credible election – UbaniAguegbodo Nweze Ogunade OgunlanaAs expected, Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will conduct elections before the nationalelections in July. ISHAYA IBRAHIM and ONYEWUCHI OJINNAKA spoke with the contestants and a formerTchairman of the branch on the electionheNiche can authoritatively reveal that the Nigerian Bar Association ation and truce. Then the welfare of our Ogunade banks on years of active service the Bar Centre, to attend to lawyers regularly (NBA) Ikeja branch elections will members will be put at the front burner,” Ogunade, a constitutional lawyer and because many of them are too busy writing hold between June 13 and 20 as she said.   briefs and attending court sessions to check directed by the national body. human rights activist, told TheNiche that their health. Four learned gentlemen – Nweze boasts of being well-grounded in the the slumber of the branch has affected its NBA to offer effective leadership.   activism, welfare towards members, being On housing, he said“it is an error that we “I was previously a treasurer of Ikeja mouthpiece to the downtrodden, and are the ones that managed people’s estate; weWale Ogunade, Gloria Nweze, Adesina branch. The template with which every many other areas. draft the agreements; we have the expertiseOgunlana and Bartholomew Aguegbodo – other treasurer since 2010 has worked with He said he is well suited to steer the but we don’t have our estate. What stops law-are in a battle. This is not their usual court- was what I put down in 2008 and 2010 ship, given his antecedents as someone yers from having estate. That is one of the firstroom battles to defend their clients. This when I was a treasurer. who has spent all his years preaching the things I am going to do.” time around, it is a battle; to become the “Between 2010 and 2012, I was the second gospel according to good governance, and On how he hopes to raise the money forchairman of Ikeja branch, Lagos State. It is vice chairman, by extension the chairman of an active member of the bar. all the projects, he said:“The money will bean election that has been seen by those the welfare committee. And under my watch, “I‘ve been involved in the activities of the bar sourced. Lawyers are rich. It is just to mo-who know as too close to call. a lot happened. It was under my watch that for more than 16 years. And that has given me bilise them. I mobilised Nigerians to voteOne of the leading contenders, Ogu- people who got married as well as the ones a very good advantage of knowing the prob- and defend their votes. So I am not new tonade, the president of Voters Awareness that put to bed in the branch were presented lems of the bar first hand, in terms of welfare, in mobilising.”Initiative (VAI), said he is vying for the posi- gifts. People who were bereaved also benefit- terms of the practice,”he said.tion because Ikeja branch, known as the ted from our welfare package,”she said.  Once elected, Ogunade said he would Credible polls expectedTiger, has gone to sleep. She is currently the first vice chairman of the launch a welfare scheme for lawyers, Speaking with TheNiche on his expecta-For Nweze, another strong contender, branch and by extension the chairman of the particularly the younger ones because, as tions, former chairman of Ikeja NBA, Mon-Ikeja branch is too polarised, hence she is human rights committee. it were, lawyers have benefitted nothing day Ubani, said he would ensure that therunning to build bridges. Two years ago, she said, her committee acti- from the bar. elections are free and fair as it was doneThe other two, Adesina and Aguegbodo, vated the discourse on human rights. “I am lawyer to Okada people (commercial under his watch as the chairman.did not speak with TheNiche. While Ad- “We organised the first ever seminar of the motorcyclists), traders, artisans among others. His expectation is that the electoral bodyesina declined to speak, Aguegbodo was human rights committee in September 2015, If they have issues either with the police or land would conduct credible elections, devoidunreachable. with the theme‘The Constitution, Law Enforce- people or other persons, I come in. And in com- of rancour and acrimony.The election, which comes up in June, ment Agencies and You’. Basically, the target au- ing in, it is their various unions that intervene “As lawyers, we must show example. Weis a prelude to the national election of the dience of that seminar includes the various law on their behalf. are supposed to show the light,”he saidNBA to elect the successor of Augustine enforcement agencies, with the police at the “This is lacking at the bar. Every lawyer is while advising the electoral body to beAlegeh, the president. forefront. And I stand to be corrected, over 100 on his own whenever we have issues. This transparent and ensure that all the contes- policemen from the various divisional offices is one of the things I am going to correct. We tants are given equal treatment.Nweze’s clincher were in attendance.  can’t have a bar which leaves everybody on his To the would-be executives, Ubani ad-The only female contender in the pack, “The one we had two months ago was own. vised them to be ready to work.Nweze, seems confident of clinching the ‘War Against Corruption and Observance “As I am talking to you, one of our own had “During my tenure, I laid a very solidpost because, for her, the criterion for the of Constitutional Rights – Striking a Bal- an accident. He is just there. The national body foundation and showed the light, whichelection is competence, not gender. ance’. The main speaker of that event was gave him a bail-out. But that is nothing. The has continued to shine. The new adminis-She added that she was running be- the immediate past chairman of National guy has been on bed in the last eight months. tration should take the branch to a highercause she has a lot to offer. Human Rights Commission (NHRC). If you But there must be a system to protect our level,”he charged.“We will try and build bridges because look at the track record, you will see that own,”he said.   Ubani, who seems to be aspiring for athe branch is too polarised for my liking. we have paid our dues.”  Ogunade plans to set up health facilities in higher office at the national level, urgedWe will build bridges and initiate reconcili- the various Lagos courtrooms, beginning with the contestants to play by the rules.

26 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016Editorial » PoliticsXtra WithSamAkpe [email protected] 0805 618 0195Zik, 20 years after Sduebcissiidoyn,rewmroonvgalt:iRmiginhgtn Thursday morning, I sent aW young man to buy petrol for my ednesday, May 11 was exactly 20 years since car. He informed me that all the Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as Zik of Africa, passed on to the great beyond. O petrol stations were shut down; at the wrong time. Were he to still be alive, November 16, 2016 Even the Holy Bible says there is time for would have been his 112th birthday, having been everything under the sun. This means that you can do even the most undesirable things including those of the Nigerian National Pe- and still gain some applause if you choose troleum Corporation (NNPC); as they were your time properly. still struggling to adjust their meters to re- born in 1904 in Zungeru, present day Niger State flect the new price regime. I have always believed that petroleumin Northern Nigeria.He died on May 11, 1996 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital But I needed to fuel the car pretty fast. subsidy was another way of corruptly en- So, I told him to secure some quantity for riching a few privileged individuals at the(UNTH), Enugu at the ripe age of 92. me at the more accessible alternative source expense of the suffering masses. Nigeria called the black market. With a princely four needed someone courageous enough to doZik was thousand naira, he left; only to resurface a away with it and damn the consequences.• General secretary of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons(NCNC) from 1944 to 1945. few minutes later. I was surprised. His story When Goodluck Jonathan announced jolted me. subsidy removal in 2012, I was one of those• President of the NCNC (1946-60). “Uncle,” he said, “10 litres of petrol in who believed in that decision. My only un- the black market now costs N5,500.” I was heard and unheeded advice was that pro-• Vice president of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (1947-60). stunned. I demanded a repeat of what he ceeds from that monumental decision be• A member for Lagos in the Legislative Council of Nigeria (1947-51).• A member for Lagos and leader of the opposition in the Western said because I was sure of an error some- used to immediately revive our dead refin- where. He obliged. One of his friends who eries, build roads and railways across theHouse of Assembly (1952-53). went with him confirmed it. country. I pulled a chair to sit down because I But Jonathan did not have the support of• Member for Onitsha in the Eastern House of Assembly (1954-60). wasn’t sure my legs were able to absorb the those he thought he was fighting for because• Premier of Eastern Nigeria (1954-59).• President of the Senate of the Federation (January-November 1960). shock that followed that disclosure. Instant- some money-miss-road politicians, parading ly, I cancelled all my engagements for the as patriots, quickly pulled out illicit funds• Governor general and commander-in-chief of Nigeria (1960-63). day. The car tank was empty but I was not from wherever they were hidden and fund- ready to pay N550 for a litre of petrol that ed nationwide protests against the policy.• President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1963-1966) and cost N86 the previous day. That protest was code-named “Occupy• Chairman and presidential candidate of the Nigeria People’s Party(1978-83). This happened less than 24 hours after the Nigeria”. Every street in major cities, particu- federal government scrapped the subsidy on larly Abuja and Lagos; and every expresswayHe deserves to be celebrated by the Nigerian state even in death. petroleum products. It was a long-awaited across the nation, were blocked with human decision. As Wilfred Petersen has noted, occupation; thus paralysing all economicIn other climes where valuable stock is laid on quality leadership and “decision is the spark that ignites action ....” and social activities.service to fatherland, such national icons do not die, literally.Twenty years would have been time enough for a country in dire need But when the best of decisions are taken Musicians were hired across the nation at the wrong time, they become punishment and platforms mounted everywhere includ-of role models to showcase Zik to the younger generation who may not and a demonstration of utter insensitivity. ing public roads and filling stations to pro- Agreed, leadership demands that you take a test government action. I simply did not un-have been in a position to appreciate his contributions to Nigeria. decision. derstand what was happening.At a time when the bonds of national unity have been so strained thatsecessionist calls are reverberating more loudly, this would have been However, when an elected government Most of the people who were behind that takes a decision by merely riding on its sub- action are today in full support of the re-an auspicious opportunity to celebrate the life and times of Zik, the pan- jective sense of righteousness, then there is moval of petroleum subsidy by the Buhari- something wrong. led administration. Most of them are in thisAfricanist, who believed in and lived for the unity and inviolability of My position may run contrary to what government and are either right on stage orthe sanctity of the Nigerian state.It is sad that the day would have passed unnoticed if not for the full Charles Blow had previously said; that “there behind the curtain. is no wrong time to do the right thing.” But Up till this moment, it is difficult to un-page advert in a national daily placed by his widow, Uche. the author, Joshua Harris, believes that “the derstand why the lions of Southwest poli- right thing at the wrong time is the wrong tics and the big Lagos landlords spent suchIn the advertorial titled, “20 years in mind; letter to my dearest,” she thing.” big money paying people to protest on theasked Zik: “Do you know that your resting place, the mausoleum, atInosi Onira Retreat, Onitsha, is yet to be completed?” That is what has happened to the decision streets against an action that was meant to by the Muhammadu Buhari and his team of pull the nation out of certain economic slav-The great Owelle of Onitsha has absolutely no need to know because it “noise makers” to finally scrap the subsidy ery. on petroleum products at a time ordinary Ni- Truth is that Jonathan’s timing was fardoes not matter to him. But Nigerians need to be reminded of that fact gerians no longer see what to pick from the better than that of Buhari in many respects.because ultimately the country is the worse for the shameful negligence.Nigerians need to know whose responsibility it is to build the dustbin to eat. This is a good decision taken Today in Nigeria, poverty has become themausoleum – federal or state government? What is the cost of the Observations from...mausoleum to necessitate the abandonment of the project?Even if the federal government refuses to complete it for whateverreason, can’t the Anambra State government, or indeed, the five South pLeetotphleer,egrbeeaNt nigaetiroian; goodEast states come together to complete it?In a country where everything is perceived through the narrow prismof ethnicity and bigotry, there is no doubt that the project has beenmired in the debilitating politics of attrition.But that explains why the country is not making much progress. Beside poor leadership that is responsible end up in the Diaspora where creativity isIf Nigeria were to be a country conscious of promoting tourism, Zik’s for the slow development of Nigeria, another encouraged.mausoleum would have been its topmost tourist destination, the same “casual agent” is a lack of economic creativ-way no tourist visits South Africa without going to the Nelson Mandela ity and idea generation. If Europe, Asia and the United States canNational Museum. succeed, Nigeria can even do better withCommonly referred to as Mandela House, the museum is on Vilakazi You see millions on the streets and 97 per sheer determination and commitment.Street, Orlando West, in the heart of bustling Soweto, where the late cent of what they wear is imported.South African president and anti-apartheid icon lived from 1946 to 1961. Individually, we owe our respective regionOn Vilakazi Street, visitors from all over the world walk past traditional Nigeria is so blessed with intellectuals, oil, our quota for its development regardless ofdancers, hawkers, and taxis to visit the building that was also Mandela's and other minerals, yet we rob ourselves whether a particular government in power ishome for 11 days when he walked free from prison on Robben Island of individual creative abilities and resort to responsive to the people or not.in 1990, thus helping transform the area into a thriving business fantasies that perhaps by a stroke of magiccommunity. Nigeria will get to an enviable height. The “change” we want in Nigeria mustThat is how countries that are conscious of national heritage treat also come from the grassroots, not from thetheir heroes and by so doing develop national monuments. The best university in Nigeria is not among leaders alone.It is a shame that 20 years after Zik’s death, his resting place at Inosi the first 500 in the world.Onira Retreat, Onitsha, is yet to be completed. Muhammadu Buhari must not be the Our youths are addicted to European president of the North alone; he promised to football but what do we stand to gain in the repair and rebuild Nigeria. long run? The onus is on us to challenge the status The West and other regions of the world quo in order to create the future we desire. were built on ideas and creativity. Nigeria can only be built by Nigerians if we are willing to sacrifice. Nigerians are known to be exceptional people the world over, but the structure and • Ifeanyi Everest environment required for this are hardly in Benin City place at home. Our best brains and talents 0805 816 5511 TheNiche on Sunday welcomes letters, maximum 250 words, from readers. Send to [email protected]

www.thenicheng.com 27TheNiche May 15, 2016 On the beat Oguwike [email protected], [email protected] Nwachuku 0805 306 9019 CTameron’s fantastic corruption gaffehe Prime Minister is not personally corrupt – but he is certainly guilty of epic hypocrisy. So, for that matter, are Britainsecond name of ordinary Ni- and the West. His confidence as he briefed Parlia- pared to hand over to us. That is what I am Asia in search of aid. They magnify crimesgerians. We spend the day ment was based on a collection of essays asking for. What will I do with apology? I committed at home to whip up sentimentwith it and go to bed think- Buhari and Afghanistan President, Ashraf need something tangible,”Buhari said. so as to hear the West tell them sorry.ing of what happens next. Ghani, wrote on the scale of corruption in their countries. I am not particularly surprised by Cam- Though Buhari appears serious about School has reopened and eron’s comment. fighting corruption, he contributes to ourparents are groaning under Number 10 Downing Street, appar- He seems good at deploying wrong diminishing relevance in the internationalthe unbearable weight of “They have spent decades ordering ently feeling embarrassed, issued a state- phrases to describe situations. community the way he opens his mouthschool fees. We have been poor countries and failed states to sort out ment saying that both Buhari and Ghani In January this year, he described im- so wide on Nigerian matters.buying petrol from the black their problems with dodgy money, even “have acknowledged the scale of the migrants as \"swarm of people\" for which That he does not see any credible Ni-market since November last while taking much of that dodgy money corruption challenge they face in their he was also cricised. gerian apart from himself, and does notyear at an amount per litre and ploughing it through their banks, countries. What bothers me is that we have not mind to tell any European or Americannever heard of in this coun- their ritzy stores, their estate agents, and “In a collection of essays on the fight rid ourselves, our psyche, of the colonial audience so is unfortunate.try. their offshore tax havens – with barely against corruption to be published on the mentality we inherited from the West, Leadership demands that our president any questions asked or eyebrows raised.” day of the Summit … Ghani writes that Britain in particular. also presents the good side of his coun- Today in Nigeria, for those – The Guardian (UK) Afghanistan is ‘one of the most corrupt At least three books – Walter Rodney’s trymen and women and not to alwayswho can afford it, you buy countries on earth’ while … Buhari writes How Europe Underdeveloped Africa and condemn all Nigerians in the name ofpetrol everyday for your car It will take a while before the dust settles that corruption became a ‘way of life’ in Chinweizu’s The West and the Rest of Us fighting corruption.and for the power generator. on British Prime Minister, David Camer- his country under ‘supposedly account- and Decolonising the African Mind – ex- Whenever Buhari speaks on the illsNever in the history of this on’s comment on Tuesday, May 10 that able democratic governments’. plain why Cameron speaks the way he of Nigeria outside its shores he may talkcountry has the demand for Nigeria is“fantastically corrupt”. “Both leaders have been invited to the does, and why more of such sinister com- about the bad citizens but he must not as-power generating sets be While briefing the Queen of Eng- Summit because they are driving the fight ments on Nigeria and indeed Africa will sume that all the 150 million people hethis high. Public power sup- land, Elizabeth II, after a cabinet meet- against corruption in their countries. dominate public space for many years to leads are corrupt.ply is becoming history. ing ahead of the Anti-Corruption Summit “The UK (United Kingdom) stands come. During his electioneering, he made on Thursday, May 12 – where President shoulder to shoulder with them as they Rodney wrote: “The decisiveness of the corruption one of his key priorities say- People are putting up Muhammadu Buhari was billed to give a do so. We cannot comment on a conver- short period of colonialism and its nega- ing, “if Nigeria doesn’t kill corruption,their refrigerators for sale keynote address – Cameron tagged Nige- sation between the PM and the Queen.” tive consequences for Africa spring mainly corruption will kill Nigeria.”because they can’t power ria alongside Afghanistan as “fantastically Cameron was merely referring to what from the fact that Africa lost power. With the arrest of many high-rankingthem again. Everything elec- corrupt”nations. the two leaders themselves had said “Power is the ultimate determinant in members of the political elite on cor-trical has lost its taste and He was speaking at Buckingham Pal- about their countries. But behind the human society, being basic to the rela- ruption charges, mainly members of thevalue. This administration ace at an event to mark the Queen's 90th scenes diplomatic engagements must be tions within any group and between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), andhas continuously claimed birthday where other public figures like going on now to mitigate the negative groups. It implies the ability to defend their collaborators in the private sector,to be fighting corruption; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin impact of his undiplomatic comment. one’s interests and if necessary to impose how else does Buhari want to convincewhich means that ordinary Welby, and House of Commons Speaker, Handlers of Cameron’s ill-conceived one’s will by any means available. Downing Street that corruption is not aNigerians can die while that John Bercow, were in attendance. comment may have realised that his gaffe “In relations between peoples, the “way of life” in Nigeria as he had earlierwar lasts. Like a fief who had gone to brief the had touched the nerve of Nigeria’s rela- question of power determines maneu- made it believe? lord of the manor, Cameron told the tions with the UK, bringing back a sad verability in bargaining, the extent to He cannot continue to speak out on Fighting corruption is Queen that “we’ve got some leaders of memory of colonisation in which Britain which a people survive as a physical and Nigerian criminals without reference toan acceptable fight; but we some fantastically corrupt countries com- was the arrowhead. cultural entity. the honest ones who contribute positive-must be alive to enjoy its ing to Britain ... Nigeria and Afghanistan, When Buhari was asked if he antici- “When one society finds itself forced ly in their different areas of calling both atbenefits. I wish the President possibly the two most corrupt countries pated an apology over Cameron’s com- to relinquish power entirely to another home and in the Diaspora.had first implemented the in the world.” ment, he put it succinctly that he was society, that in itself is a form of under- The impression Cameron and somebudget by releasing funds Welby countered: “But this particu- not after apology but the money Britain development.” other European, American and Asianinto the system as appropri- lar president is not corrupt ... he’s trying has helped some corrupt Nigerians stash African leaders are yet to find their feet leaders have of us is based, first and fore-ated. very hard.” And Bercow asked: “They away. That speaks volumes. on governance. They do not understand most, on what Buhari and other African are coming at their own expense, one as- “I am not going to be demanding any the concept of power hence they run to leaders tell them. That would have mitigated sumes?” apology from anybody. What I will be Europe and America to seek solution to And that is the easiest way of furtherthe hardship currently faced Realising the enormity of his snide demanding is the return of assets. I have matters that demand domestic intervention. subjugating us to their authority as thoseby Nigerians before afflict- comment on Nigeria, over which Brit- already mentioned how Britain led and Our leaders go outside their shores to they colonised. They grab the opportu-ing them with another one. ish newspapers and the Parliament had how disgraceful one of Nigeria’s execu- denigrate their fellow countrymen with- nity to assert the false air of superiority taken him up, Cameron on Wednesday, tives was. out knowing how much damage they are we thrust on them by our failure to get Removing the subsidy is a May 11 clarified that Nigeria and Afghani- “He had to dress like a woman to leave doing to themselves. our act together.welcomed decision; but as stan had taken “remarkable steps for- Britain and left behind his bank account Corruption is one of their sing songs That is the reason for Cameron’s fan-Peter Turla once said, it is ward”on corruption. and fixed assets which Britain is not pre- any time they are in Europe, America or tastic corruption gaffe.better to do the right thingslowly than to hurry overit and make it look like thewrong thing.Funny World © copyright. All rights reserved 2014 Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikechukwu Amaechi Executive Editor Chief Operating Officer / FM Oguwike Nwachuku Eugene Onyeji Editor, Politics/Features Human Resources Manager Emeka Duru Kehinde Okeowo Editor-at-Large Advert Manager Sam Akpe Vera Iyere Assistant Editor, North Chuks Ehirim Assistant Editor, South West Olumuyiwa Olaleyem or [email protected] or [email protected]

28 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016 »Remi SonaiyaWords&Worlds Do we (not) need a revolution?OMETIMEinmid-2012,thenews- of many in the country today is that if President Goodluck Jonathan had papers reported that two acclaimed been re-elected, the whole charade leaders of the Nigerian people, would have continued and those retired Lt. General Theophilus poor soldiers could even have been Danjuma and erudite Professor Ben executed! Several Generals and Nwabueze, expressed divergent Air Vice Marshals are now beingS views as to how the prevailing situ- personalities involved. That is, what, by AK47-wielding (Fulani) herdsmen within the ever enigmatic Nigerian are generating“war songs”that could context, would readily pit an erudite plunge the nation into serious crisis, if academic against a retired General? not carefully managed. One wondered then if it could have been based on some stories circulat- Well, as for Generals and other ing then (rumours, really) of former highly-placed members of our armed forces, their reputation has ation in the country then could be army Generals having been allocated sunk to an all-time low. While the prosecuted by the Economic and turned around. Nigeria, it seemed oil blocks in the Niger Delta, presum- matter of some of them having been Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), evident to all, appeared to be tot- ably as a reward of their services to awarded oil blocks was consigned and some days ago the army an- tering dangerously at the edge of Nigeria. If such rumours were true, four years ago to the realm of ru- nounced the court-marshalling of a precipice, about to topple over. then that could indeed explain why mours, now there is practically incon- two Generals. Crime had become so rampant and any General who had been a benefi- trovertible evidence to prove their Nigeria is currently being shaken banal, that the country had moved ciary of such largesse from govern- corruption. It was a great shock to to her foundations. It is obvious that up the ladder to terrorism – given ment would not be particularly many, at least those decent people the so-called“political class”has the spate of kidnappings and bomb warm to the idea of a revolutionary in the land who still had a function- effectively cornered much of the na- attacks going on at the time. The na- solution to the nation’s problems! ing conscience, to learn as a result of tion’s wealth and they are not about tion was being described more and Given that there was no proof that the current administration’s declared to give up their ill-gotten advan- more as a failed state and was then General Danjuma was such an war on corruption, that much of the tages easily. The behaviour of the ranked 14th in the world. individual, that idea remained at the money that was voted to our armed members of the National Assembly Professor Nwabueze felt that only level of mere speculation. forces to prosecute the fight against testifies to this: their primary interest a bloody revolution could put an end Now, fast-forward to 2016, some Boko Haram was actually diverted is their personal benefits (luxurious to Nigeria’s woes. His message was: four years later, and the plot of Nige- into the private accounts of several cars and fat salaries and allowances), “Let the blood flow!”Of course, both ria’s story has significantly thickened. army and air force top brass! Thus, not the wellbeing of the people or the guilty and the innocent would Terrorism has attained previously Nigerian soldiers were being sent to the institution they are supposed to suffer; but, according to the learned unimaginable proportions, with Boko war bare-armed, and it was no won- serve. The lot of the citizens is a hard professor,“those who survive will Haram sending suicide bombers to der that they were fleeing before one: lack of services like electricity, pick up the pieces”. General Dan- markets, motor parks, churches and their better equipped adversaries, water and good roads, low earning juma, for his part, was vehemently mosques in the North, abducting Boko Haram. Many of them thus power (a minimum wage of N18,000 opposed to the idea of a bloody hundreds or thousands of people died needlessly, and even their wid- in the public service), arrears of revolution. Rather, he called for effec- including the world renowned Chibok ows had to protest the non-payment salaries being owed and, just a few tive leadership of the country, so that school girls, and effectively destroying of their husband’s entitlements. days ago, an increase in the cost of peace and security could be restored several towns and villages in North What was most shocking in all of fuel. The question remains pertinent: to the land and life would return to East Nigeria and producing tens of this, and which showed the military what would bring the long-awaited normal. thousands of internally-displaced leaders as totally devoid of con- solution to Nigeria’s problems – Pro- My take then on the differences of persons (IDPs). As if that was not suf- science, was that they were even fessor Nwabueze’s bloody revolution opinion which pitted these two emi- ficient preoccupation for the country, bold enough to court marshal those or General Danjuma’s more peaceful nent Nigerians against each other kidnapping became the order of the “brave”soldiers who dared to refuse approach through effective gover- was to wonder what that difference day all over the country and, to crown to go and fight against Boko Haram nance? Time will tell. could be indicative of, given the two it all, cattle rustling and violent attacks with their bare hands. The thinking‘Ekiti Seven’ and fate of our roadsIBy Fred Nwaozor survivors of the accident who, on the roads was as a result of the pathetic state or ‘motor spare parts’ on our roads; it’s ob- t was a very sad moment contrary, claimed that the deceased of the roads. vious that most Nigerians, on a daily basis, indeed for the entire people driver was a professional, thus could make use of outdated vehicles or their of Ekiti State and Nigerians in not indulge in such uncultured attitude, To this end, governments at all levels are spare parts. general on Sunday, April 24, adding that the man had been working required to act fast towards re-awakening 2016, the day that dastardly with them for over four years. They fur- the pitiable state of our roads, particularly Similarly, recklessness of several drivers, ended the precious lives of ther stated that the corps was indirectly the major ones. These roads are seriously including adherence to ‘one-way’ syn- seven able-bodied gentlemen informing the general public that the 12 yearning for help, thus we need to attend drome, over-speeding, non-application of doctors in the bus couldn’t ask the driver to them urgently. I’m aware that all the seat belt, making call or texting/chatting federal roads that are currently crying foul while on the steering, drinking/smok-who hailed from the state via a to refrain from over-speeding, if truly he were captured in the 2016 budget, hence ing – driving, and what have you, shouldghastly motor accident, when was in any way involved in such act. soonest we ought to start witnessing a dif- be properly checked by the corps. Mobilethey were en route to Sokoto for a crucial It was that same Abuja-Kaduna ferent era as regards the fate of the roads courts ought to be set up at strategic loca-official assignment. expressway that took the life of the with the anticipated effort of the current tions to, as soon as possible, try anyoneThe last time I checked, among the Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour Minister Power, Works and Housing, Baba- caught in the act or accused of any untow-deceased persons were six medical and Employment, James Ocholi (SAN), tunde Fashola. ard attitude.doctors and the driver of the affected and that of his wife and son, barely few The jobs shouldn’t be awarded to However, in most occasions, you wouldvehicle. They were actually travelling to months ago. This very incident was ‘ghost’ contractors; such practice has observe that the passengers, or car ownersattend the annual general meeting of equally attributed to over-speeding by been the major problem of this coun- as the case may be, often instigate theirthe Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) the authority, but pathetically the driver try in the area of road construction. In drivers to move on a high speed, statingscheduled to hold in Sokoto, North West, of the vehicle wasn’t too strong to tell view of this, the President Muhammadu that they are already late to their destina-Nigeria. Though some of the victims of his own side of the story owing to the Buhari-led administration that has tions. Even when the commercial/privatethe ill-fated trip are alive to tell the ugly severe injury sustained. anti-corruption war as one of its priori- driver over-speeds out of pleasure, thestory, the unannounced eternal depar- As much as I sincerely sympathise with ties ought to do something differently people won’t bother to caution him.ture of the seven remains an indelible the families of the ‘Ekiti Seven’ alongside towards ensuring that the Egyptians The citizenry need to be thoroughlyshock in the lives of those they left the victims who are still lying critically in we saw yesterday wouldn’t retrace their orientated on the fact that, he whobehind to mourn them. the hospital, we need to understand one footsteps to this dispensation that’s drives safely definitely arrives safely.We learnt that the incident occurred fact: our roads aren’t in good condition, anchored on change. Such campaign requires to be carriedalong Abuja-Kaduna Expressway while and such anomaly is seriously telling on Further, the FRSC ought to stop issu- out, from time to time, by the FRSC inapproaching the latter from the former. It the contemporary Nigerian society. We are ance of driver’s licence by proxy, which is collaboration with various corporatewas gathered that the vehicle in question, not unaware that a road accident or auto ostensibly the order of the day in several bodies such as the churches, mosques,a bus, abruptly ran into a deep pothole crash could be caused by several factors to quarters across the country. It is no more civil society groups, the media, and thein the middle of the road; an unforeseen include, but not limited to, recklessness of news that some law enforcement agents National Orientation Agency (NOA). Thedevelopment that made it to leave its path the driver, overloading, indolence on the invariably connive with unscrupulous ele- time to act is now, before this untold andthereby somersaulting severally. part of the passengers, as well as the not ments towards issuing any required mate- unspeakable scenario gets out of hand.The men of the Federal Road Safety unusual nonchalant behaviours of some rial such as driver’s licence, number plate, Think about it!Corps (FRSC) had allegedly attributed officials of the FRSC. But it’s imperative to without passing through due process. Theythe incident to over-speeding. The acknowledge that the greater percentage should also abstain from condoning the • Nwaozor, Public Affairs analyst andreport was emphatically refuted by the of the carnage recently recorded on our use of scraps in the name of ‘car/vehicles’ Civil Rights activist, wrote in from Owerri.

www.thenicheng.com 29TheNicheHas this become our May 15, 2016lot? Email: nwaukpala@yahoo. »OpenCopycom Tel: 0805 410 3327 with Emeka Alex DuruNigerians may have succeeded in January 1, 2012 before industrial action by an entity where people attain political offices is nothing but a wish-list. They are not telling replacing the Peoples Democratic organised labour forced it to bring down the not essentially by merit or convincing party us how much each of their promises will cost Party (PDP) with the All Progres- rate to N97 on January 17, the story has been manifesto, but by petty sentiments of religion and where they will get the money. None talks sives Congress (APC), nearly one the same. and ethnicity. about the broken or near bankrupt public year ago. By that, it may be right to In what has become an orchestra of sorts, Is it not amazing, for instance, that months finance and the strategy to fix it.” argue that there is a new political the increase has always been explained on before the November presidential election in This is, sadly, the challenge before us.order in the land. the need to ensure product availability, com- the United States of America, the aspirants are But how could Nigerians know the think- petitive pricing and need to fix the nation’s literally being scrutinised to their pants to find ing of their eventual president, when the ba- But is there any significant change? No, dilapidating infrastructure. out how physically and mentally prepared sic demand of subjecting the candidates tothere is none, really. Rather, it is the same The price hike of last week by the Mu- they are for the high office. mere television debates is often consideredantics, the same strategies and, in some hammadu Buhari administration did not Ours is a different ball game. We always an affront in some quarters? That is why Ni-instances, the same players, despite preten- depart from the odious route. While the take a leap in the dark. Charles Soludo, gerians do not, in the real sense, get to knowsions to the contrary. Minister of State (Petroleum), Ibe Kachikwu, professor of economics and former Central who is presented before them at elections. struggled to explain the increase, it was ap- Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, can thus be Therefore, the parties and their flag-bearers This is why the rash increase in the pump parent that he was on a tough task. He was, said to have seen farther than many, when, cash in on this to ride roughshod on theprice of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the in fact, executing a brief that any one worth in the course of the campaigns last year, he people, churning out promises that theyFederal Government, last week, should not his principles would find humiliating. had alerted Nigerians on some rough times hardly give a thought on.come to any discerning Nigerian as a surprise. It was, in a way, akin to one going back to a ahead, regardless of who emerged the win- If this is not the case, how would oneIt, indeed, followed the same pattern by the vomit. Here is a government that its principal ner between the then President Jonathan explain a situation where APC, which hadadministrations before the current one. officers had, during the build-up to 2015 gen- and Buhari. sold to Nigerians the dubious impression of eral election, pledged stability in the pump He had predicted that none of the two progressive change agency, could not, since As in the past, the agenda came with an price of petrol. would be able to deliver on the fantastic after coming to power, put up any singleartificial scarcity that was deliberately injected Even some supporters that were particu- promises they were making on the economy, policy initiative that can be said to be salutaryinto the system. In-between was a staccato larly excited by the candidacy of Buhari had warning that if oil prices remained below $60, in formulation and implementation?of ill-digested and contrived official excuses taken the beat further by announcing that if there would be difficult times ahead. Granted that it may be too early to writeby state officials; occasional threats of dealing the retired General came to power, the price Soludo said:“Let me admit that the two off the party and its administration, since itwith marketers for hoarding; the usual claim for a litre of PMS would crash to N40. main parties talk around the major develop- still has three years to put things in place.of unscrupulous elements diverting products Tam David-West, the virology professor, ment challenges – corruption, insecurity, But if the current actions of the party andto neighbouring countries; unleashing rented who had stuck out his neck on this, will now economy (unemployment/poverty, power, its elected officials are to offer the compasscommentators on the people on why the be finding it hard to grapple with what is star- infrastructure, health and education among for the journey ahead, the future is, indeed,so-called subsidy on the products had been ing him at the face. others). However, it is my considered view that bleak for the country. In that case, the painsat the base of the nation’s underdevelop- But he is not alone. We have all been none of them has any credible agenda to deal Nigerians will obviously be going throughment. Then the final announcement after the conned by the smart alecs we elected as our with the issues, especially within the context on account of the senseless fuel price hikepeople must have been exasperated. leaders. What we are experiencing is expected of the evolving global economy and Nigeria’s will just mark the beginning of more trau- in a system that plays politics without the broken public finance. matic days ahead. From 1973 when the former military head people-content. It is that which manifests in “A plan without the dollar or naira signs to itof state, General Yakubu Gowon, initiated thefuel price hike from six kobo to 8.45 kobo, tillthe last Goodluck Jonathan administrationthat raised the price from N65 to N141 on Anatomy [email protected] He prefers politics to a and dumped between 1999 and 2003 in the pay a TV station over N5 million for a 30-minute0802303488 (SMS only) career or professional call- Niger Delta region did not return their guns to coverage and documentary. A former governor ing. This is because politics their masters. That marked the beginning of of one of the eastern state spent a large chunkTrademark Lines offers a very high return-on- militancy. of the state’s funds advertising the state and investment (ROI). Just do all projects which he completed only in his dreamIWith PAT AZURUNWA you can to win in an election Sometimes, he eats his tomorrow today. When on foreign TV channels. n insurance, one of the difficult and your jumbo package he sells all his belongings for an uncertain political decisions to make is whether or not is almost certainly guaranteed for four years, office, he becomes pathologically insensitive to He breaks the laws he is expected to respect to provide cover or protection for a even when for the rest of the period after an everything around him, and in the (sometimes) and obey. He drives against traffic at a mad- client with goods or commodities election the politician does practically noth- likely event that he loses in the process, his nui- dening speed, accompanied by a retinue of with inherent vice. Vice here means ing until the next election. sance value skyrockets. security personnel including the police and unwholesome, a disposition to choose He supports the quick passage or amend- other bodyguards. He jumps the queue, arrives evil, or generally, something negative. ment of any law that will make it almost impos- He is barely literate. Forget his posturing, or at events quite late when every other person Inherent means existing in someone sible for his constituents to recall him for bad the defensive mechanism he employs to cover is seated, so that he can be“properly”noticed,or something as a permanent characteris- representation. his complex; he focuses on the easier task of and generally breaks established protocols.tic or quality. Accordingly, an importer of There is a lack of ideology. To him, he can money-making and avoids the technical exigen-salt from Europe to Nigeria will pay more swing between being a progressive and a cies of his vocation. The next time a technical bill He is thick-skinned. He feels no insult, takespremium than another importer bringing in conservative in a matter of hours. He hardly is being debated, watch the number of senators no corrections, does not care a hoot about thesteel members even when the two com- understands the meaning of ideology. and members of the House of Representatives blood of the innocent shed by him directly ormodities are of equal monetary value. This is He has no modicum of decency or integrity. who will take mental flight and embrace sleep- vicariously because shame is the first thing hebecause the former can easily be destroyed Where else in the world do adults exchange ing and snoring. The brain has been configured drives away from his consciousness during hisupon contact with water, while the latter can blows as is the case with our politicians. Wives to accept discussions bordering on pecuniary political initiation.survive different conditions and situations. and children watch as charlatans disguised as rewards, and to reject any intellectual discourseSalt will always be salt – created or made in politicians fight dirty publicly, and the follow- with any bombastic sound. He is an expert user of guile. He knows he isits peculiar form. So is steel. ing day, they move on as if nothing happened dishonest, and that the next person we may yesterday. He is corrupt emotionally, psychologically, want to vote for is not any better, and therefore, The Nigerian politician has a large dose of There is exceeding love for (unearned) titles. morally, politically, and is quick to import words invests in deceit, in contemptuous behaviour,moral hazard. It follows, therefore, that he can With money, chieftaincy and academic titles to justify any action taken. So, misappropriation and makes us even more gullible because hehardly, on self-recognition, purchase a Fidelity are at his beck and call. becomes misapplication; unexecuted project continuously sharpens his monstrous crueltyGuarantee policy or a Professional Indemnity He flaunts his (ill-gotten) wealth. He makes can be“due to cost variation”. with gusto.Cover. Any underwriter who sells any of these sure that his house stands out in the commu-products to a Nigerian politician should simply nity, buys off all landed properties around his The Nigerian politician is very predictable. He Any Nigerian politician who does not haveset aside the sum insured because the crystal- house, so that the houses of the poor do not will change his telephone number when he oc- any, or all, of these characteristics should bringlisation of a claim is a fait accompli. deface his mansion. cupies a position. We will become a nocturnal me a sample of his great grandfather’s urine. Cultism is allowed. He is either training an animal; he will attempt to change his accent for Reactions are invited, especially regarding the Let us take a deep look at a typical Nigerian illegal army to protect him or to fight his op- effect. five per cent margin for error. Too much? Too lit-politician and discuss those vices that stand ponents. The boys who were used as thugs tle? Spot-on? If acceptable, then pray that yourhim out from the crowd. We are leaving a five He spends so much of public funds to adver- governor, senator, House of Representativesper cent margin for error. tise the very little job done. A state governor member, state assembly member, or councillor who provides a community with a N3 million falls within this hallowed exception-to-the borehole will on the day of commissioning rule group. Good luck. invite dignitaries from other states and possibly

30 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016 Ridding Lagos ofFREESPEECH Okada nuisanceBBy Adenike Ademola ernment workers and students as well law. pecting pedestrians or having head-on eing a rising African mega as traders to overcome traffic conges- Universally, the rule of law operates collision with on-coming vehicles. Conse- city, access to a highly tions and navigate roads that are inac- on the legal theory that law should quently, as fallouts of this thoughtless organised public transpor- cessible to other automobile. govern a nation and not capricious action, people are being maimed or tation system remains one Rather than serve as a credible verdicts of ‘powerful’ individuals. The killed from time to time in preventable of the major challenges alternative means of transportation, rule of law underlines the power and circumstances. In fact, a sizeable num- of Lagos residents. As it the introduction of commercial motor- weight of law within society, princi- ber of Lagos residents have had one sad is with other mega cities cycle has been the bane of the society. pally as a restraint upon behaviour. The story or another to tell about their ter-such as New York, New Delhi and Jakarta, Almost on a daily basis, we hear tales guiding principle behind the rule of rible ordeals with Okada operators.  population growth in Lagos compounds of the havoc being wreaked by com- law is the prevention of anarchy and On the whole, the anguish beingthe challenge of public transportation. mercial motorcycle operators on their the creation of a just society where ev- caused by commercial motorcycle op-With a population in excess of 18 mil- hapless passengers. And, perhaps, eryone is equal before the law. Further, eration far outweighs its significance.lion people while also attracting 65 per the most disturbing thing about the the rule of law presupposes that no However, opinions are sharply dividedcent of Nigeria’s commercial activities, operators is their constant involvement law-breaker must go unpunished. concerning whether the state govern-Lagos, no doubt, has a peculiar public in crimes, mostly armed robbery and According to the State Traffic rule, it ment should prohibit the use of Okadatransportation challenge. The ubiquitous kidnapping among others. Recently, is an offence for commercial motorcycle outright as a form of transportation.Lagos traffic, complicated by the leg- the media were awash with the news riders to ply some designated routes. While a large percentage of Lagosendary Lagosians’ knack for impatience of the kidnapping of three school girls Also, a set of codes of conduct are set residents are in support of placing aand lawlessness in addition to motorists’ from Barbington Macaulay Seminary out to guide their operations. These total ban on the activities of commer-impunity, make commuting in Lagos a School in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos. include barring of their operations on cial motorcyclists, others, especiallynear nightmare.   The criminals who invaded the school major highways, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) those that live in areas that are hard to carry out the dastardly operation lanes, medians, walkways as well as all to reach by vehicles, think otherwise. It is, therefore, a combination of the were reported to have come aboard bridges. In addition, riding without the While one agrees that in this era ofaforementioned that makes it rather motorcycles. Similarly, some of the use of crash helmets, carrying of preg- dire economic straits, an outright banexpedient for Lagos residents to ex- notorious Lagos bag-snatchers usually nant women and children, carrying of on Okada could spell doom for thoseperiment with other means of trans- carry out their nefarious acts with the more than one passenger at a time as who rely on it for economic survival,portation considered faster and timely. aid of motorbikes. well as disobedience to traffic signal it has become quite crucial for theIt is this situation that necessitated It is, thus, as a result of the threat lights are forbidden. state government to bring the fullthe introduction of commercial motor- posed by Okada riders and other traffic But more than half of commercial mo- weight of the law to bear on all errantcycles, popularly referred to as Okada offenders that the Lagos State Govern- torcyclists do not obey these rules. And Okada riders. Therefore, to minimisewhich, for obvious reasons, became ment came up with the State Traffic this has resulted in fatal accidents, which the damage being done by Okada rid-the preferred alternative of most resi- Laws. And since all efforts at initiating at- has prompted the National Orthopedics ers, the state’s traffic laws should bedents. In the olden days, motorcycles titudinal change among the commercial Hospital (NOH), Igbobi, Lagos, to dedi- enforced to the letter and law enforce-were used in villages and urban slums motorcycle operators and others have cate wards to the victims of motorcycle ment agencies in connection with thebecause they could wade through dif- not been yielding the desired results, accidents in the state. To arrive promptly enforcement of these rules must notficult terrains that buses and cars could there is the need to tackle old challenges at their destinations and also make brisk in any way compromise with culprits.not venture into. But nowadays, Okada with new methods. And to truly succeed business, the commercial bike ridersis used in major Nigerian cities such as in the war against traffic chaos in Lagos, often ride recklessly, usually against the • Ademola wrote from Lekki, Lagos. wrong; naira may be ebb -the government had to apply the rule of flow of traffic, knocking down unsus-Hanke isLagos by businessmen/ women, gov-ing, but not junk currency“By Emeka Chiakwelu currency, the naira.” role in the determination of a nation’s ential professor of allied economics. The power of life and death is in And then he made the devastating “J” wealth. Therefore, currency and its value Nigeria has a macroeconomics disloca- the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). statement. become the bellwether and principal tion that hinges on its one commodity- Words, images and remarks are indicator of the economic status and based economy and mismanagement powerful. Again, spoken words His words: “The currency (naira) is junk financial wellbeing of a given nation. rooted in mediocrity and corruption. A have consequences. One of United and the government is incompetent and nation that failed to do the right thingStates of America most respected and corrupt. The only sure-fire way to solve all I did agree with Hanke that “Nigeria is in will also pay the price when the time forinfluential economists, Steve Hanke, a these problems is for Nigeria to officially trouble” and I will further assent that the reckoningprofessor of applied economics at Johns replace its junk currency.” cause of that is rooted in corruption and comes.Hopkins University, made a remark on Ni- incompetence.geria’s currency during an interview with Those who are not accustomed to Due to colonial inferiority complexCNBC, which I philosophically disagreed how remarks and words affect global But it must be made crystal clear that embedded in low self-esteem, Africa’swith. Professor Hanke called the naira a commerce and currency, when spoken the mismanagement of naira and econ- policy-makers have failed to look inward,“junk” currency. by a highly esteemed economist like omy has been a long time problem. There- but every step of the way laid their trust, Prof. Hanke, will be asking: what is the fore there is no easy way out; neither is hope and projections on the Bretton Professor Hanke is also co-director big deal? there a panacea that can immediately Woods institutions like the Internationalof the Institute for Applied Economics, neutralise the surging and contemporary Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and anyGlobal Health, and the Study of Business Yes, it is a big deal because in most calamity facing the country. other institutions that are using Africa asEnterprise at Johns Hopkins University. cases, perception does become real- a Petri-dish to convolute, fabricate andAt Cato Institute, he is a senior fellow and ity. Already, inflation is biting hard on When Prof. Hanke said the only sure- conjure policies that may not be work-director of the Troubled Currencies Proj- ordinary Nigerians due to the weakening fire way to solve all these problems is able in any other places.ect and has been a senior adviser at the naira, but further destruction of the cur- for Nigeria to officially replace its junkRenmin University of China’s International rency will totally destabilise the country’s currency, I would like to know for sure Surely, Nigeria’s naira is in trouble. Nev-Monetary Research Institute in Beijing for economic and financial topography. what he was actual saying. Does he ertheless, it is notsome time. Therefore when he speaks, the want Nigeria to come up with a new a junk currency.world of commerce and currency listens. As I mentioned in one of my articles on currency or is he implying that further • Chiakwelu is Principal Policy Strategist at naira and wealth of a nation: The value devaluation of naira is necessary and in- AFRIPOL. His works have appeared in Wall Professor Hanke said: “Nigeria is in and worth of a currency is determined evitable? Whatever he might be saying Street Journal, Huffington Post, Forbestrouble. Amid double-digit inflation, Nige- by the wealth of a nation. In this era of or implying, Nigeria’s problem cannot and many other important journalsria’s foreign reserves are dwindling as the global capitalism, a wealth of nation be solved with his subscriptions and around the world.government races to shore up a swooning goes beyond the conventional valuation suggestions. based on the natural and human resourc- Nigeria is in a deeper hole beyond the es. A nation’s image, perception, security perception of the educated and influ- and stability also played an important

www.thenicheng.com Spotlight 31 TheNiche CLOSE UP FAITH May 15, 2016 »PAGE 34 »PAGE 40 www.thenicheng.com ‘We have OdukoyaPEOPLE CULTURE FOOD FASHION acting but lack remindsENTERTAINMENT FAITH HEALTH technical skills’ Christians ofTERH AGBEDEH the efficacy ofAssistant Life Editor the Word0805 215 [email protected]@gmail.comTEMITOPE OJOWomen's Editor0708 479 6140 35 years of reggae music without Bob Marley »PAGE 38

32 TheNiche Tunde Folawiyo: LaunMay15,2016 www.thenicheng.comProfile league of oil-produci The recent announcement by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum of commencing crude production in the Aje field, Western Nigeria, puts Chief Tunde Folawiyo in the history books of Lagos State and Nigeria’s development, writes SAM NWOKORO A S LAGOS inches towards its golden to make production activities in the jubilee next year, definitely, chroni- area become increasingly risky, both clers of Eko developmental paradigm to the natives, the environment and will find it difficult to omit corporate the country at large. names like Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum (YFP). Earlier this month, the management of YFP formally announced to the Yinka Folawiyo Group of compa- world that crude oil is now flowing nies is one of the oldest indigenous from the belly of its various rigs and conglomerates in the country that installation at OML 133 and being survived various phases of the na- stored. Its foreign partner in the proj- tion’s economic crises since 1957. ect, Panaro, confirming this in a glob- From the days of cocoa, groundnut, al press brief, stated: “Panoro Energy rubber and palm oil boom as main ASA, the independent E&P company revenue earners to both the regions with assets in Nigeria and Gabon, and the central government, up to notes the recent announcement the periods of oil boom down to made by its partner, the Operator of the present neo-liberalisation, the OML 113, Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Yinka Folawiyo Group has undoubt- Company Limited, and is pleased to edly weathered the storms. It has not announce that the first oil production fizzled out of business like other local from the Aje field, offshore Lagos, conglomerates that went moribund at commenced on May 3, 2016.” the advent of military regimes in the body politic of the nation. It has been Subsea installation activities had able to maintain the forte, weather- been underway at Aje since Janu- ing the vagaries that pervaded the ary and were completed early March business environment. That ‘never fail’ ready for the hook-up of the Front motto seemed to have enabled the Puffin FPSO, which arrived Nigeria on group to delve into riskier ventures, March 16. even after the demise of its patriarch, Yinka Folawiyo. Oil produced from the Aje field will be stored on the Front Puffin It is a statement about dynamic which has production capac- management methods that since the ity of 40,000 barrels per older Folawiyo’s death, the business day and storage group has not slumbered. This can capacity of be seen in the latest commencement 750,000 bar- of production of crude from the Aje rels. field, OML 133, which it operates in partnership with Panaro Oil and Gas, a Flow rates European exploration and production will be provid- company. The other partners are New ed in Panoro’s Age Exploration Nigeria Limited, EER next opera- (Colobus) Nigeria Limited, and PR Oil tions update, & Gas Nigeria Limited. following a period of com- OML 113 is located at the outskirts missioning and of Lagos, near the Dahomey Basin. well stabilisa- This will perhaps be the second major tion. attempt by an indigenous company to venture into that lucrative virgin field. Panoro’s Energy experts have long posited that Chief Execu- sustained exploration and production tive Officer, is in the interest of the nation’s aspira- John Hamil- tion to shore up dwindling reserves. ton, said: “We Politically, it will decelerate over- are extremely exploration and production activities pleased to in the heart of the Niger Delta states announce the where a whole set of factors conspire start of first oil production at Aje. This is a

nching Lagos intowww.thenicheng.com 33TheNicheing states May 15, 2016transformational milestone for It is not hosting many operators national reserves. The chairmanPanoro and represents a great yet. So they are going to have has also, in public estimation,achievement by the Aje project proficient hauls in the years to succeeded in consolidating onteams. It is also a key building come. The crude is sweet crude the business dynasty of theblock in our strategy to become and the coast of Dahomey is not late mogul who created one ofa full cycle E&P Company fo- yet a safe haven for militants the most enduring indigenouscused on West Africa. The com- and terrorists. So they deserve conglomerates in Africa.mencement of production at congratulations.”Aje is also significant for Nige- Putting Lagos on the map The citation of Forbes maga-ria, as it is the first commercial zine when it named the chair-production for the country in The investments of Yinka man of Folawiyo Group Africa’sthe emerging Dahomey Basin.” Folawiyo in the E&P sector is of number 39 richest man in 2014, strategic growth prospect, not noted: “Tunde Folawiyo is the Aje field is situated in water only for the group, but also in MD of Yinka Folawiyo Groupdepths ranging from 100 to the economic growth matrix Conglomerate with interest in1,000 metres about 24 kilome- of Lagos and the entire South energy, agriculture, shipping,tres from the coast. It contains West region where the group’s real estate and engineering. Hishydrocarbon resources in sand- founder, the late Wahab Fo- father, Wahab Folawiyo, a well-stone reservoirs in three main lawiyo, started business life in known Nigerian businessmanlevels – a Turonian gas conden- 1957. According to experts, the and Islamic leader, started thesate reservoir, a Cenomanian OML 133 holds reserves that group in 1957 as a commod-oil reservoir and an Albian gas can meet the energy needs of ity trading outfit and servedcondensate reservoir. Lagos for the next 10 years. as chairman until 2008 whenSignificance of OML 133 he passed away. Folawiyo now Lagos is positioned to benefit calls the shots. The company’s In the chequered history of from crude supplies from the exploration firm, Yinka FolawiyoNigeria’s efforts to involve local several refinery projects being Petroleum, owns 60 per centplayers into active exploration planned by various players in interest in an oil block thatand production (E&P) activities the hub of Nigerian economy. contains the Aje offshore field.in the energy sector, there has Integrated Oil and Gas Com- Other assets include minoritybeen the erroneous percep- pany, an indigenous oil com- stakes in Nigeria’s Access Banktion that such is feasible only pany, plans to commission a and mobile phone carrier, MTNif the entrepreneur is ‘loaded’. modular refinery near Ibafo. Nigeria.”This has for long time hindered And the President of Dangote The manmany local players who rather Group, Aliko Dangote, and hisopted to remain vendors of foreign partners are planning a Tunde Folawiyo was therefined petroleum products and mega refinery in Epe, Lagos. So, pioneer Managing Director/broker agents for big foreign before a projected 2025 date, Chief Executive Officer of Yinkaplayers. Lagos will be saturated with pe- Folawiyo Petroleum Company troleum products, to the extent Limited and Folawiyo Energy Talking about the Folawiyo/ of becoming an export base for Limited. He led several inter-Panoro breakthrough, en- refined petroleum and associ- national strategic ventures inergy expert, Fred Okogie, said: ated products. petroleum distribution through“It shows that the federal F. Energy, electrical power ingovernment’s local content Besides, according to experts, partnership with AES Nigeriapolicy drive in all phases of there is a ready market – La- Barge Limited, and banking. Hethe economy is yielding fruit. gos and the adjoining states. is a leading figure in the Nige-When the talks about selling off As one observer noted, “Lagos rian business community. Dur-marginal fields to local players can hardly be glutted with oil ing the 2005 recapitalisation/were being made, around 2002, and gas. Many investors are consolidation ... exercise in themany thought it would not be regularly setting up shops. banking industry, he led Marinapossible, that local players do The state’s development plans International Bank Limited intonot have the technical capac- are mammoth and in a few a successful merger arrange-ity, resources and manpower to years will need huge supply ment with Access Bank Plc.bid for virgin fields and delve of energy. Neighbouring Westinto the nitty-gritty of explora- African countries are regularly He serves as the Chairman oftion and production, not to talk looking towards Nigeria for E-Motion Advertising Limited as their oil supply needs. So crude well as Non-Executive Chairman of meeting up all the envi- oil storage platforms close to of Travant Capital Partners. ronmental challenges, host Lagos will solve the risks of communities’ restiveness and transporting crude or refined Folawiyo sits on the board of uncertainties in regulatory petroleum products from other MTN Nigeria, Unic Insurance regimes. parts of the country. The Yinka and Access Bank, among others. Folawiyo/Panaro ASA partner- He is also a board member of “Those scary comments ship’s bringing the field into African Leadership Academy made some slack back. But operation augurs well for the (ALA), a pan-African institution those who dared, I believe, country’s economic geo-po- in South Africa. are not regretting their deci- litical complementarity in the sions now. Nigeria has many energy sector.” He was appointed honorary lucrative fallow fields which Forward-looking boss Consul of Barbados in Nigeria. need to be active to shore up national reserves. Yinka It takes passion and focus to He serves as the Vice-Presi- Folawiyo and Panaro ASA have delve into uncharted waters. dent of Nigeria Association of by this latest feat joined the It is something of a credit that Indigenous Petroleum Explorers league of other indigenous OML113 commenced produc- and Productions (NAIPEC). field operators like Seplat, Le- tion at a period of great need koil, Chrome and Orient who for energy for immediate and Educated at the London invested in their fields, and near-future purposes. Besides, it School of Economics between I am sure they are not going shows the company’s manage- 1977 and 1985, he obtained to regret the investment. It is ment is responsive to federal B.Sc. Economics in 1980, spe- going to be a thrilling experi- government’s push to increase cialising in industry and trade; ence for the partners because LLB in 1984 and LLM in 1985 Dahomey Basin is still virgin. and was called to the Bar of England and Wales (Honourable Society of the Inner Temple).

34 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com nicheEntertMay15,201635 years of reggaemusic without BobMarleyThirty-five years after the legendary reggae singer, Bob Marley,passed on, his legacy lives on, perhaps not as strong as it was backin the days when he inspired musicians from all over the world toembrace that form of music. Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH,engaged two well-known Nigerian reggae musicians, Orits Wilikiand Ras Kimono, as well as an up-and-coming hip-hop and reggaemusician, Emodee, on the state of reggae which has inspiredmillions over the years. What they have to say is as inspiring as themusic they espouse.  For the one whose original name was If you are not inspired to play it, you are not inspired musicians these days do not want to sit down and RassamWiliki, reggae music is not dead to play it.There is so much profanity in other forms write a good song. and the little or no celebration of Bob of music, but not with reggae because it is a spiritual “Everybody wants a beat that gets the people Marley on May 11 this year is due largely music and it is not everybody that can play it. It is not dancing.That is what is moving now and everybody to the mood of the nation right now. everybody that is blessed to play reggae music, you wants to do a hit song,” “So (there are no) celebrations. It is not must understand that fact,”he declared. he said. just Bob Marley; people are looking for Until his death onwhat to eat today. Nigeria of yesteryears is not the Ras Kimono, on the other hand, says what hap- May 11, 1981, Marleysame Nigeria as you have it today.There are some pened with the Nigerian youth is pure laziness. was responsible forpockets of celebrations for Bob Marley here and some of the biggest-there, but when you talk of a big thing, the nation “Initially they thought reggae is just one key, but selling reggae songsis in a very terrible shape right now.There are hun- trust me I have been in this country and gone to ev- in the history of thedreds of millions of people that are crying blood as ery club which plays live band, they never played my genre.I speak to you. So, it is difficult for people to think of music the way it is.They say it is so simple but can’t Born Robert Nestaanything celebration right in this mood,”Wiliki said. play it. I have employed a lot of singers to come and Marley on February sing‘Rum-Bar Stylee’, very simple but they can’t sing 6, 1945, the Jamai- The‘Kole-Man Revolutionaire’disagreed with the it.They are lazy and are not playing reggae music can reggae singer,notion that no one stands out in the world today to the way it should,”Kimono said. songwriter, musiciantake over from Marley 35 years after his death. and guitarist achieved He also pointed to the fact that there is little international fame “Check out the charts for the UK Billboard and you money to be made playing reggae music. and acclaim. Startingwill see that reggae is still doing well. Maybe here, out in 1963 with theand when you say here, reggae has also evolved in “Money is not much in reggae music because group,TheWailers, hea different format of music, what you now call hip- reggae music is a conscious music.When I came forged a distinctivehop,”he said. back, some youths said Alaba is it; they give you one songwriting and vocal or two million naira for rights to your songs.You buy style that would later He however admitted that the hard-core tradi- a car and get a house. But if you stay with a record resonate with audi-tional root rock reggae might have simmered down. company, you will be there for 10 years and you ences worldwide. won’t even get N50,000. Indeed, the story Orits Wiliki “All the hip-hop that you listen to are all upshotsof reggae music,”he stated. “To me, that is penny wise, pound foolish. All of Marley’s rise to these new artistes think they are having a ball col- stardom is that of So why are there no new big names in reggae in lecting millions and selling their souls for money. dedication and hardthe country?Wiliki says the media have a lot to do In another five years, they will cry because the work and manywith that. music will phase out and they will remember‘this great musicians man cheated me’and will not get any royalties,” have taken after “If you go to the radio stations today, they are all the Under Pressure crooner said. him, including hishaving new crop of youth, little children of yesterday contemporaries likewho don’t even know what history of any kind of He explained further that reggae is about truth, Jimmy Cliff, Petermusic is. If you fall within the age bracket of those and a lot of people are afraid to say the truth. People, Tosh as well as thosethat used to enjoy this kind of music or good music he added, want to belong, sing about sex, gangster- who joined the trainessentially and you work in a radio station, you will ism, glamour and make quick money. later like the nowplay what you think is inspiring to the people. But all late Lucky Dube,the radio andTV stations are filled with youths of 22, “Reggae is not like that; that is why a lot of people Nigerians – Orits23 who play what they are used to. It is difficult to tell are afraid to handle it. Reggae music is like Rasta; Wiliki, Ras Kimono,them to play something that they don’t know the we don’t go preaching it.The deaf, dumb and blind Majek Fashek – andhistory,”he stated. (know) about reggae music. It is not me holding a host of others the Ras Kimono reggae music’s key, neither is it Bob Marley – he died Told that there are those who insist that the sim- over 30 years ago and we still continue,”he said. world over.mering down of reggae in the country is due to thelaziness of Nigerian musicians, he held a contrary For Emodee, anybody who says that reggae isview. dead does not understand what reggae music is all about.“Bob Marley died and Lucky Dube continued Reggae music, he said, is not what you play by with reggae. Reggae is not dead and it will neverpower; it is not what you play by so much creativity. die,”he said. “It is what you play as the spirit defines. Reggae The reason it is not as strong as it used to be in themusic is a spiritual music not like every other music. country, according to him, is because most of the

tainmentwww.thenicheng.com TheNiche 35 May 15, 2016 Favourites with Terh Agbedeh Oge Indiana‘I want to be number one in Africa’ Song: ‘Baby o’ by Patorank- ing and Tiwa Savage Video: ‘Baby o’ by Patorank- ing and Tiwa Savage Movie:  The Expendables 3 Book: The Gods Are not to Blame by Ola Rotimi  Ozoemelam Asked if he thinks there Birthday Umah Okorie is a chance for new acts like (a.k.a. Emodee) himself, he confessed that the Tee Mac wants to be music industry is tough,“but I the number don’t see anybody who is bet- Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, the one artiste in ter than me in the industry”. Nigerian flutist with ItsekiriAfrica. And he is certain he will and Swiss roots, will be 68 onget there. His move from Port Harcourt May 17. Among his albums to Lagos was to stamp himself are: Kutt Throat, Ready for “I have not really relented,” on the industry since, for him, Me, Just Like A Dream, Nepahe said of his plans during an the best place for music in the Oh Nepa and Night Illusion. Ainterview at TheNiche in Lagos. country is Lagos. Member of the Order of the Fed- eral Republic (MFR), he is a classical “I can remember that some “I know so many artistes musician and pop artiste.of my friends that we started who have‘blown’today inthe music together dropped Lagos, who are being cel- Also popular as Tee Mac, he combined his first de-out and now concentrate on ebrated and I am 100 per cent gree in economics from the University of St. Gallen inother businesses. Some who better than they are. I believe I Switzerland with a specialisation in classical music con-also graduated with me in the am the best and once I step in cert performance and philharmonic composition of theuniversity found themselves they will know that someone University of Lausanne. During a rich career spanningwork in companies,”said Em- has arrived,”declared Emodee over 40 years, Omatshola formed numerous bands,odee who knew he would go who has successfully organ- including Tee Mac & Afro Collection in the 1970s.into music since he was nine. ised three editions of a beauty pageant in his hometown of Tee Mac has two sons, a daughter and three grand- He explained that he got so Obiene, Ututu in Abia State. children.many jobs in Port Harcourt,including a plum bank job, but It was during the search for New Musicturned them down“because sponsorship for the pageantI decided that I would stay that he met Godwin Ekekalu, ‘Better Days’strong and I believe that one the CEO of Godek Records, aday, I would get signed on to a label he eventually convinced May7ven has released a new single titled ‘Better Days’.good record label to push me, the man to start. Barely one Described as one of the most intro-since I am not that financially year down the road, the label spective offerings of May7ven’sstrong to push myself”. has since signed on three more career so far, ‘Better Days’ sees artistes and now has a strong the British-Nigerian singer, The good news is that his base in Lagos. songwriter and performingdream has started to come artiste singing about the dif-true, as he is now signed to “I am like the founder of the ficulties of life, as she divulg-Godek Records as the label’s record label because the man es on a series of bad situa-first artiste and has a hit song was never into entertainment. Emodee tions from debt and cheatingtitled‘Toriba’already rocking It was because of me that he out as a nine-year-old. spouses to suicidal thoughts,the airwaves in Port Harcourt. fell in love with entertainment. are some artistes that were in this sneaky, irresistible, catchy, So I am the senior artiste,”said “I am doing it because there born for music. When you hear Afro-pop summer anthem. It is Although he is yet to Emodee who was signed on in is a difference between some- them sing, you will know that produced by long-time collaborator, Antoine Stone.complete work on an album, March, this year. one who loves music and the these people are for music,” “‘Better Days’ is relatable as we all have bad days andEmodee believes all he needs one just doing music. You feel said Emodee, who added that situations that almost tip us over the edge, so I put it inis a hit song that will reverber- Things are definitely moving you want to get famous. There he was born for music.ate all over the country for fast for the graduate of theatrehim to become a household and media art, University ofname. He said one such song is Port Harcourt but from the‘Toriba’whose video will hit the look of things, but the Africanairwaves this week. hip-hop and reggae artiste is taking his time to come into “‘Toriba’is a hit track. But I his music. After all, you don’tam still going to do the one become number one in Africathat will hit bigger than this in a hurry, even if you startedone,”he said. the music to inspire and encourage others. This record is youthful, but it cuts across people of all ages, withAMAA announces nominees today an empowering message for everyone, as tough times don’t last and things will turn around,” she said. LocationThe nominees in the 28 categories announced at events may not all be nominated. Nigeria, Germany, United ‘Bianu’ of the African outside Nigeria and the But the 25 made it to the States, Zimbabwe, Jamaica Tunde and Wunmi Obe (a.k.a. T.W.O), Nigeria’s most Movie Academy last being at JW Marriot final stages of AMAA se- and Burkina Faso will recognisable music couple, recently released the amazing Awards (AMAA), Hotel, Los Angeles, United lection out of the over 280 decide on which film and visuals to ‘Bianu’, the latest single off their fifth studio al-the annual pan-African States. We are having feature films received this individual talents that will bum, T.W.O. Plus, produced by Bayo Joseph and featuringreward system for mo- both the nominees’ event year from over 25 African make the nominations and fast-rising YSG Entertainment hotshot, Floss a.k.a. Mazii.tion picture practitioners, and the main awards in countries including Nige- also eventual winners.will hold in Lagos Sunday Nigeria this year. We look ria, Cape Verde, Gambia, Produced and directed by Clarence Peters for CapitalMay 15, 2016 (today) the forward to a very grand Morrocco, Uganda, Togo, The award has a very Dreams Pictures, the video features colourful and acrobat-organisers have said. awards in Port Harcourt, Burkina Faso, Ghana, thorough and four-stage ic routines by Atilogwu dancers from South East Nigeria, Rivers State, in June,’’ said Cameroun, Mali, Ethiopia, pre-screening process complementing the song’s mid-tempo English and Igbo In a statement released the AMAA 2015 jury head. Niger, Kenya, Algeria and before the College of vibe as T.W.O. explores the addictive cultural flavour ofby the Chairman of the Egypt. Also 15 short films Screeners who makes the Ndigbo for the very first time.2015 AMAA Jury, Shaibu According to the statis- (Africa and the Diaspora) final works that will go toHusseini, the nominees tics released by Husseini, made it to the final stages. the Board of Jurors. The ‘Bianu’ video depicts the fervent plea for help from awill be unveiled at a feature films, documenta- Unfortunately only eightstrictly media event at ries, animations and short of the African documen- “We are very happythe Protea Hotel, Ikeja, films were submitted by tary films and three Dias- about the quality ofLagos, and this will be a filmmakers within Africa pora short films will make works that came into thedeparture from the usual and the Diaspora for the it to nomination. competition this year, andpractice of announcing awards which is in its 12th it gladdens our heart thatthe nominees at a gala edition. The Board of Jurors every year the objectivesnight. of AMAA with members of the awards are being “Only 25 feature films which include academ- achieved with filmmakers “In the last eight years, will make it into nomina- ics, filmmakers, critics and in Africa and beyond up-the nominees have been tion stage, however they film festival curators from ping their game,” added Husseini.

36 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comEventMay15,2016 Airtel partners Facebook for Free Basics Bharti Airtel Africa, with operations in 17 countries across Africa, recently launched Free Basics in Nigeria in partnership with Facebook. MD of Airtel, Segun L-R: Nitin Anand, Ogunsanya Matias Sillanpaa, Facebook Head Ahmad Mokles, of Public Policy Segun Ogunsanya, Africa, Ebele Okobi, Markku Makelainen speaking at the and Ime Archibong eventMakelainen, Jobberman Co-Archibong, and founder, OpeyemiVikas Menon of AwoyemiFacebook L-R: Archibong, Makelainen, Okobi, Ogunsanya and Anand Developers at the IdeaHub Guests at the event

www.thenicheng.com 37TheNiche May 15, 2016

38 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comClose UpMay15,2016‘We have actingbut lack technicalskills’Dr. Soji Akinkugbe is a trained medical doctor who said hehas become many things in his entrepreneurial life and haslearnt from the best. At the moment, he is in a partnershipto bring the musical, Sister Act, to Nigeria. In this interviewwith Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, he talks about theproduction and sundry issues.Why bring Sister I think Nollywood has done rian adaptation or the original Akinkugbe dard. So I think that the show, people’s performances on the Act to Nigeria? an enormous amount of work one? if well done, will sell itself. A live spot. I would like to learn from I grew up on in terms of giving young and people understudying? show is about the feel-good the best; I am a trained medical the campus of old an opportunity to express When you buy the rights to Well, the ultimate plan would factor that you can’t express doctor who has become many the University themselves. a show, you have to do it as it is. in words and you just tell your things in my entrepreneurialof Ife and of Lagos in the 70s There is not too much room for be to be able to have a training friend, please you must see that life. But I have learnt fromand 80s and we were very well Our first performance is go- changes, though you could say, facility. But the training facility show. And that’s all you do. Of people. So I haven’t found whatexposed to performing art, so ing to be Sister Act, which is a change a city from New York to that they have is really just to course, as you know, cinema I will call a skilled person thatwe grew up watching Duro La- very popular film by an African- Lagos. train the skill. There are many has become very successful in can give me what I am lookingdipo, Ogunde and many others. American actress, Whoopi Is there going to be a Nigerian other things; there is technical Nigeria; but a live performance for here. I have seen thoseOur life in Africa is a musical. The Goldberg, and it had a very suc- story after Sister Act? skill, writing skill. The universi- is completely different to shows and I have seen otherway we marry, the way we bury, cessful run in the cinema and ties have some of these skills cinema. shows; I know what kind ofthe way we have a birthday; it then went into theatre. It was The thing is that writing a and even people who are show I would like to bring to theis always a story being told in very well received in Nigeria, so musical is a skill and, as I had practising professionally, but In a musical, people are able table. I think I am more focusedsome form of movement, with we thought that a general audi- mentioned, our life is a musical. there are not that many oppor- to express themselves; they on what my original dreamdancing, with drums. Over the ence musical would be ideal to So, obviously, there would be tunities. (Hubert) Ogunde was are able to dance, sing and do was, and my dream has beenlast 10 years, I have had the start with. a learning curve for them to not a schooled man, but I think a lot of things you can’t do in long before these shows cameopportunity to watch a lot of You mentioned lack of technical translate. I mean, they have he had the most phenomenal cinema. A musical allows you to up. It took me years to find thethe big musicals that toured experience; are you working on schools of drama, theatre arts. musicals; that’s a gift. But his interact, and even for the actors, technical skill. So these showsthe world and a lot of these also training? But now to be able to bring this gift was put to work. It wasn’t as the response of the audience have come up, it is good.musicals are either celebrating at a professional level, I am only though he was gifted and just is very important to bring out How are you going to fund this?people’s lives, like Fela! that First, the team that we are interested in anything that will put up a musical. He worked their best. So, I do not worrycame here, or successful movies working with led by Delia Sains- be able to tour the world. Fela, hard, very hard and that’s why so much about the fact that We haven’t quite decidedthat they have taken on to the bury run a premium theatre as you know, was probably the even 25 years after, he is still people will say it is a foreign what we are going to do,stage because obviously the school in Cape Town; they train greatest Nigerian that has ever probably Nigeria’s best musical story; the fact that it is an all but for our interest, we aretheatre is a more dynamic way young people and get them live. The story was brought to producer. Nigerian cast, I think, already going to be looking for aof encountering a performance ready for the market. The reason life not by a Nigerian, unfortu- How long do you plan for the legitimises it as a Nigerian long-term relationship withthan a film. So, I have always I was very interested in working nately, but by people who know show to run? product. If it was bringing a cast the corporate bodies thathad the ambition of being able with a developmental organ- how to bring back content from America, obviously there’s have significant interest into bring one of these big per- isation is because that is their unto a two-hour performance If we are able to push two no take-away. If you see a well- building this industry. It is notformances to Nigeria, but I was core business, training. Also, because that is the essence weeks, we have done well. known name playing the role of likely going to be a one-off;quite emphatic that I wanted a this is going to be a learning of a musical; how to bring a People are already familiar with Deloris, people will go back to it would be what you call anNigerian cast. curve. But I am very emphatic story out, bring the music out the movie, Sister Act; do you watch the movie and say that is ideal fit. Somebody who can about having a Nigerian cast. in two hours and in a way that think this musical will be well not my own Deloris, you have see that there is value in this It has taken me over the last Ultimately, we are also going to it would have an impact on the received here? got yours. and that value in it we arefour, five years, to find what I will have a Nigerian technical team audience. So I think that from We have had Nigerian musicals going to see progressively.call a suitable technical partner to work with this team. We are here, all the skills have to be You must realise that today in recent years, what are you So we start here and we growbecause the truth is that we do going to have understudies for brought together. The content, we live in a global world, and doing differently with Sister progressively.have the acting skills, which can all the major roles; the music di- in terms of the resources. The that is why it is important that Act?be trained, but we don’t have rector, director, choreographer human skill is there, but it needs anything that is done in Nigeriathe technical skill. We also lack and costumier. to be touched. There are other must be of international stan- This is not to put otherall kinds of technical equip- things to add to it. So, we’ve gotment and a proper stage in In South Africa, the industry to accept the fact that certainNigeria. The two that we have is about 35 years old; we can’t people have certain skills andin Lagos, the National Theatre obviously leapfrog that in one those skills have to matchand University of Lagos, are in show, so we’d expect that may- what I would call internationalmoribund conditions; these be over the next three years, at standard. I don’t think, on thatare proper theatre stages but least by the time we have done level, that we are there yet. Wethey are not in active use. Un- six to 10 shows, the basic skills have our stories; but to bringdaunted by those challenges, I would have been transferred them onto a theatre stage for aam very motivated by the raw to competent Nigerians. There contemporary audience, I amtalent that we have here and would also be opportunities for not sure we are there yet. exchange programmes. You are going to be doing all Is the script going to be a Nige- these without an academy; just

Relationshipswww.thenicheng.com 39TheNiche May 15, 2016How to deal with heartbreak ATignbuabiaka Heartbreak is more preva- all the emotions that are going You also need to discipline listen to angry and sad songs Certified relationship expertlent amongst the female due to to plague you in those first yourself not to text or call him/ to help get those feelings youtheir emotional nature. But be weeks. her, because if you're constant- are having out, but don't stay 0817 313 7189it male or female, everyone do Step two ly trying to stay in communica- in that condition for so long. [email protected], [email protected] through heartbreak at some tion with your ex, you're not Step fourpoint in their life. There are, Distance yourself from your going to be able to move on, will remind you why you are ing your apartment, not beinghowever, ways to deal with ex. It is very difficult to get which will make your feelings Make plans. While you will better off without the relation- withdrawn at work, goingheartbreak and nudge yourself over heartbreak, when there of heartbreak and unhappi- need time to wallow in your ship, and remind you how to shopping, or hanging out within the right direction. is a constant reminder of the ness that much harder and that unhappiness, you also need do things on your own. friends. Exercising can be aStep one person who has caused your much harder to bear. to remind yourself why life is Step five good way to take care of your- heartbreak. Step three worth living. self and boost your mood. Accept your emotions. Take care of yourself. OneWhen you are faced with a The best thing to do is to Speak out. You should talk At first it will be really hard of the most important things Exercise releases endor-situation that has caused you cut off any means of getting about how you feel to some- to make yourself go out and to do while you are recovering phins, which can help makeheartbreak (for example, the in contact with the person or one close to you, to unburden. do anything, but trying to do at from heartbreak is to take care you feel happier and you willbreakup of a relationship), it anything that will remind you If you are not comfortable talk- least one thing a week can be of yourself. feel better about yourself inis normal to get emotional, of that person. If it takes block- ing about it just yet, you can a good place to start. general.grieve, become sad, or even ing your ex on all your social try writing about how you're A lot of times you will bewithdrawn sometimes. media platform, then go ahead. feeling. Start small. Don't try to make feeling super unmotivated and And always remember that, yourself go out to a wedding it can be hard to simple get there is a reason for absolutely You must not try to ignore This will prevent you from Every day, write down how right after the heartbreak. out of bed, but going that extra everything that happens. Takethis feeling, or try to suppress been tempted to spend hours you're feeling about the heart- Instead, start by having lunch mile for yourself can help you the break-up as an advantagethem, because if you do, it pouring over their Facebook break. Gradually, you will see with your best friend, or going from falling into a huge pit of to you, if the relationship wasmight result in worst situation page and over-analysing every that you are getting better. to hang out at the cinema. despair. meant to be, it could havesuch as depression. You are single thing they post in an lasted longer, and turned to agoing to need to give yourself attempt to figure out if they Don’t listen to heartbreak or Do things that you enjoy, es- Reward yourself for things happy ever after kind.time to grieve and to deal with regret not being with you and break-up songs; it will make pecially things that you weren't that take extra effort like clean- miss you, etc. you feel worse. It is better to able to do while being part of Be grateful that you are out a couple with your ex. This of it before it becomes too late.After ‘great sex’, he AAgunatthieathreatens to leave me 0805 450 0626 (sms only) qualities as a person? Would [email protected] Agatha this is why your relationship is empty now he miss your patience? And that the great sex is no longer there. I am in my early 20s. I love my fiance very your tolerance, that innermuch. We enjoyed a great sex life until we You see, both of you have overrated sex to beauty that makes a man want to spend the Another important question: Do you thinkhad a misunderstanding that led to our sepa- the exclusion of every other thing that makes rest of his life with a particular woman? he is capable of giving you the kind of sup-rating temporarily. a relationship an all-inclusive thing. port you need as a woman, wife, and mother? If he is already threatening you to your face We later came back and to my worry, our Your worry about losing him is already that he would find another woman to warm The future of a woman can be made viablesex life has become practically non-existent. I belated because the foundation of sex you his bed as a result of your inability to satisfy or miserable by the kind of man she ends upno longer appear to have interest in it again. both premised your relationship on is now his huge libido, do you think he has any use with. If she ends up with a man who onlySometimes I try to pretend nothing is wrong very shaky. for you beyond your body? sees her as a sex provider and baby maker,for his sake, but simply cannot find that for- you will end up depressed and wretched former excitement. Unless both of you redefine and reinvent it, You only lose what you have. Honestly, your entire life. your relationship, as it is presently, is as good you cannot lose a relationship that hasn’t Expectedly, it is causing issues between as ended. offered you anything better than sex. You The sex life of a woman is not as prolongedmy boyfriend and I. He keeps warning me cannot lose a man that does not know what as that of the man; the reason a woman hasnot to drive him away. Do you think there is As he said, he would simply move on to it is like to love a woman for himself without to be extra careful about the kind of man shesomething wrong with me? find someone with better sex qualities than having a knowledge of her. ends up with for the journey of life. yours. Sad, but the truth is, what you have Please help me. I do not want to lose him. only built with your boyfriend is what I call You cannot weep over a relationship that A woman needs a man who would be her Milli “sexlationship” and not relationship. has offered you no promises of a stable friend, companion, cheer leader and lover all Dear Milli tomorrow. rolled into one. A man has to love everything Surely, there must be more to a relation- He can easily do this because there is noth- about his woman to make her stay happy.ship than a good sex. When a relationship is ing to compel him to stay with you. What you Has it occurred to you that even if youpremised entirely on how great the sex an both have in common can be best served by manage to get by in your present arrange- Sex is only a part of it. Besides, sex trans-unmarried couple enjoy, then a lot of things another woman easily. ment and end up marrying, there is no guar- forms into lovemaking when all the indicesare wrong between them. antee that he would stay faithful to you if you are right. Just like you are experiencing, once the sex This is what becomes of a relationship have to live apart for a while, or due to healthis taken out of it, nothing would be left of the based solely on the pleasures of the body. reasons you cannot be intimate with him for You are too young to be a sex slave to arelationship. a while. man. Any man who wants you in his life must It appears you and your partner have got- Its value diminishes each time you both exercise the patience and understanding toten to the peak of your physical satisfaction of have sex, whereas if the relationship was This is the time to put your relationship meet with your inner person. He must beeach other’s body. Unless you both develop founded on enduring values sex then be- under the magnifier to enable you see clearly. diligent in finding out everything that makesnew interests in each other, find out other comes an accompaniment to a good founda- Deep down, are you really satisfied with the you who you are.reasons you want to be together. There might tion. way things are between both of you? In do-be no saving this relationship. ing this, you have to be truthful enough with Such things do not happen when the basis Even though you are yet to admit it, your Even though you are yet to accept it, your yourself on every count. for the relationship is only sex motivated.subconscious is already asking questions you time away from him helped your body andare afraid to ask yourself in the open. Your mind to realise that there is more to a rela- This isn’t time to be emotional or fearful Sit down to discuss with him only after youtime apart has given birth to whatever fears tionship than great sex. of losing him. Rather be concerned for your have done an examination of yourself andyou are brewing deep inside you. happiness and tomorrow. known what you want from life itself. The fact that your body is unable to gener- This is why your body is refusing to yield toate the kind of interest you once had in sex his touch and pressure. Your mind is refusing More than ever before you should know If this man cannot offer you guaranties onmeans both of you should sit down to discuss to cooperate because it has realised that you by now that good sex does not define a good that tomorrow every young woman craves,the future of this relationship. You should first will only get hurt at the end of the day. relationship and that so much more goes into do not short-change yourself. Take a walkunravel the reason you both got together. making a relationship successful. and allow the man who would give your Is it just to have sex or to build an endur- Therefore, for both of you to move this body respect and honour locate you.ing and workable relationship? Besides the relationship out of this drum into which One of the questions you should ask your-discovery of premium sex, what again have you have both holed it, both of you have to self at this very important point in your life is: Stop allowing yourself to be a sex slave to ayou two got going for each other? sit down to discuss your reasons for being Is this what you wanted from this relationship man whose only interest in you appears to be From where I stand, there appears to be together and what you both intend to do with when you said yes to his proposal? the appeasement of his animalistic urges.nothing holding the two of you together and your affair. If your answer is negative, what were your Surely, you are worth more than that. A I categorise it as an affair because it is only expectations? Do you think this relationship man who respects his woman would never your bodies which are involved in this game. has the potential of offering those things to issue this kind of threat and ultimatum. He you again? would take time out to find out what is both- A relationship happens when a man and ering her. woman want to know what one can offer the Taking a retrospective look at the time other outside the bedroom. you have been together, do you think he is Many blessings come veiled in disappoint- capable of giving you the kind of happiness ments. Yours could have been enveloped in Beyond sex, what would this man miss you deserve as a woman? the disagreement you had. Ask God for help. about you when you are gone out of his life? Good luck. Would he remember your exceptional

40 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comFaithMay15,2016Odukoya reminds Christians ofthe efficacy of the Word “When everything and thrown into the sea,’’ by Christ Jesus (Philippi- natural has failed us it will happen. ans 4:19). and we have only the supernatural to turn ‘“If you believe, you will In these times when to, then God shows up. receive whatever you ask things are tough and the “He may not give us in prayer.’” economic system is fail- 100 per cent, but He ing, the only option man will satisfy us in such Odukoya charged the has is to return to God, a way that the enemy congregation not to be she stressed. discouraged but rather Cwill not be able to speak to any situation “When everything natu- hinder us.” they face just as Jesus did ral has failed us and we hristians to the fig tree. have only the supernatu- have been ral to turn to, then God admon- \"Every negative situa- shows up. ished not tion will wither at your to be dis- words.” “He may not give us couraged 100 per cent, but He will by their predicament, but She gave an example of satisfy us in such a way rather speak the Word a native doctor who was that the enemy will not be of God with faith to their the talk of the town for able to hinder us.” situation constantly to the efficacy of his declara- experience change. tions, but declared that as Odukoya highlighted Nomthi Odukoya, a Christians we carry much some things Christians pastor, gave the counsel more power in our mouth. need to do, so as to get at the monthly anointing the best out of the super- service of The Fountain She urged believers to natural, even in tough of Life Church, Ilupeju, be the talk of the town in times: Lagos. a positive way by always • Ask God to open our She quoted Matthew 21: declaring God’s counsel. eyes to see what we need 21-22: “Truly I tell you, to see Jesus replied, ‘if you have “We must be known to • Ask God for the ability faith and do not doubt, speak and things happen. to hear Him clearly for di- not only will you do what Whatever you declare will rections so you do not get was done to the fig tree, surely manifest in Jesus’ confused. (Psalm 78:1-3; but even if you say to this name.” Proverbs 8:33-34) mountain ‘‘Be lifted up • Ask God for the strength Citing 2 Kings 4:1-7, to pray (Hebrews 5:6-7;Odukoya Odukoya explained that Job 22:27), as “prayer man will always be in gives us the listening ear need as long as he lives of God and puts our fear on earth, and God has into the enemy.” promised to supply all our need (not needs) accord- ing to His riches in gloryMany church leaders have missed it,Okorom lamentsG od has given to every finding it easy directing to achieve organisational “Christian leaders [should] organisation all the human their workforce towards objectives. imbibe the culture of motivating and material resources it the realisation of their people under them. If they can needs to make laudable organisations’ objectives, To Okorom, a full time impact in the society. others are just grappling to minister in charge of Are- do this it will go a long way However, the harnessing remain afloat. po Assembly in Olorunda in improving the system and and deployment of these District, many leaders Christianity will be made better. resources is usually in the “Studies have shown have missed it in church hands of organisations’ that staking of incentives management, because “Motivation starts from managers.” (motivation) tend to spur they think poverty drives acknowledging one’s efforts over workers to put in their some to go into full time Stanley Okorom spoke best always.” ministry. a particular task, if one does these words at the launch good and you praise him, he gets of his book Exploring The Okorom, a pastor, said “We have missed it in Concepts of Biblical Mo- the book draws the atten- church management; most motivated as it solves a lot of tivations at The Apostolic tion of religious and secu- leaders see those under problems in the national polity.” Church Nigeria, LAWNA lar leaders cum managers them as people who have territory. to use available resources come to beg. to motivate both their He added: “But, as in members and employees, “In most cases, some of every human endeavour, so that their God-given us were doing well in our while some managers are abilities can be deployed secular jobs, but when we received the unction

www.thenicheng.com 41TheNiche May 15, 2016 that God was calling us enlightened.” into full time ministry, we A member of the church, had no choice but to drop whatever we were doing. Ezekiel Faniyi, reiter- ated that motivation is an “My advice to Christian important management leaders is that they imbibe principle that leaders and the culture of motivating managers can adopt to people under them. If maximise the productivity they can do this it will go of those under them. a long way in improving the system and Christianity “Motivation concept is a will be made better. factor that can encourage people to perform beyond “Motivation starts from the expectations of their acknowledging one’s ef- managers. If they are truly forts over a particular task, motivated they can be able if one does good and you to deliver a very high level praise him, he gets moti- productivity that is why vated as it solves a lot of the issue of motivation is problems in the national very important. polity.” “For a manager to suc- Okorom encouraged ceed in managing roles writers and prospective and responsibilities, he has writers not to be discour- to ensure that the people aged by Nigeria’s poor he is managing are highly reading culture but to uti- motivated. lise their talents rightly as there is hope for survival. “In the church of God we have leaders in each “On the problem of poor group and each leader is reading culture, those of encouraged to adopt the us that God has endowed concept of motivation, with writing skills should to be able to make his not get discouraged, let’s followers perform to the continue to write because best of their ability,” Faniyi day after day people are said. becoming more and more OkoromFunmilade-Joel wants Nigeria to tackle greed G “Nigerians, irrespective reed, unrighteousness, of their faith, should corruption, and covetous- ness in the political class not relent in praying for and Nigerians in general Nigeria, for the peace and are the bane of national development and must progress of the nation, be cured, says Oladipupo good governance, God- Funmilade-Joel. fearing leaders and The overseer of The followers, for prayer Way of Reconciliation changes things, as the Evangelistic Ministries altar of prayer is the altar (TWOREM) International, Prophetic and Solution of change.” Chapel, Lagos, urged President Muhammadu uphold the truth of the Funmilade-Joe added Buhari to implement Gospel at all times by that Nigeria is suffering people-friendly policies guiding against error. from self-induced pov- for equitable distribution erty caused by successive of wealth. “Nigerians, irrespec- leaders who do not have tive of their faith, should the care of the people at He also sought grass- not relent in praying for heart, despite abundant roots development with Nigeria, for the peace natural resources. emphasis on agriculture and progress of the na- to diversify the economy tion, good governance, He lamented that many from oil. God-fearing leaders and infrastructure have bro- followers, for prayer ken down, power supply Funmilade-Joe decried changes things, as the is not stable, roads across the nonchalant attitude altar of prayer is the altar are in terrible shape, of Christians and Nige- of change,” he stressed. hospitals are not fully rians to the society and equipped, and unemploy- condemned hypocrisy, He attributed the nu- ment is high – all because warning that God’s judg- merous problems facing of bad leadership. ment awaits everyone on the country to the sins the last day. and shamelessness com- He, however, tasked mitted by both the leaders other religious leaders He tasked religious and followers. to always pray for Ni- leaders to always geria’s leaders to over- strengthen the faithful He warned that unless come every obstacle to and search for indiffer- Nigerians turn to God and the country’s aspiration ent and weak souls and do His will, no amount of to blessing, peace, and preach the Word of God measures taken will solve greatness. with vigour and dedica- the nation’s problems. tion in accordance with the ways of God. He charged them toFunmilade-Joel

42 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016 Becoming the bestOur emphasis inlife must change Ituah Ighodalohatarethose things that are good? What are those thingsW that are neces- Nigeria to put the most important lese hair, and SeZe-iomnniaoCirl:epPnaatssettroorr,[email protected] things first. etcetera. How we To put first the things, which place emphasis get what valuable possession they for yourself. Your possession is make for life and survival; to put on things that are temporal; things may have on board. best used when it benefits someone first the things, which make for are that we will leave here on earth. This elegant lady quickly else. sary? What are a worthy future, to put first thethose things that are important? things, which make for the pursuit The land in Mushin is definitely rushed to her private cubicle on Your money is best utilised whenThose are the things that we must of life and happiness, to put first not less valuable than that of Victo- the ill-fated ship. She came back it is re-invested for the benefit ofprioritise, not necessarily those the things, which serve the good ria Island. It is just a question of the quickly as everybody watched many. You must develop the rightthings that we desire. of all, to put first the things, which mind. Perceived values have ruined expecting to see her appear with attitude to the things you own.Solomon made silver to be as make for growth and develop- so many and pushed them to take vanity boxes and costly person- Don’t let what you own own you.stones in the City of Jerusalem and ment. outrageous decisions. als. She just had something in hereveryone thought that Solomon To put the welfare of the citizens Some men will give up their cupped hands. There was the story of a manhad performed a great feat. above all else. To put first the wives for a morsel of food. Some That heightened the curiosity who had a bar of gold which heGod would have looked down things which make for values of women will give up their husbands of fellow passengers. The captain considered extremely precious. Hefrom Heaven above and just smiled integrity, commonwealth, life and for meals. Some parents will give boldly walked up to her to know found a place to bury this treasurebecause to Him silver is nothing goodness. up their children just to be like what could be so precious to this and he would dig it up daily just tobut stones. Diamond, gold, silver, A lot of us pay too much em- someone else. wealthy lady. She opened her admire it and bury it again after-tin and coal are all stones – carbon. phasis on the things, which are not We need to change our thought hands to two oranges. wards.We have only placed mental important. frame. “Two oranges?”“That was allemphasis on them, and so we ex- Where we live, the type of cars There was the story of a certain you went for back into ship?” the That was his daily rite until somecavate them, purify them and make we drive; and what cloths we wear, wealthy and elegant lady who was rather shocked captain said. mischievous gang of boys foundthem shine. whether they are in vogue or not. on a ship sailing the high seas. The “Yes,” replied the lady, with sat- him out.They have no value in them- We get so immersed in brands – ill-fated ship hit a rock and it was isfactory contentment, “I suddenlyselves than we have reposed in Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vitton. We certain she would sink beneath the realised that we still have eight They dug up the man’s goldthem. Solomon merely reduced carry bags that will challenge other belly of the seas. days to spend on the sea and I can- and replaced it with a huge stone.silver to its appropriate value. How? bags. Tug boats were quickly lowered not eat my gold.” When this man arrived at the site,He caused a shift of attitude from We use jewellry and accessories and all the passengers were moved Most of the things we seek in life he dug up as he would, but hiswhat seems popular to what is to challenge other jewellry – yel- there. The captain announced to are mundane and valueless. It is gold had become stone.right, good and important. low gold, blue gold, reverse gold, the distressed passengers to quickly what you invest in others that addsIt behooves the leadership of Brazilian hair, Indian hair, Togo- get on the ship before it sank and values to you not what you keep He ran berserk. He screamed and cursed all over the place. One of the boys lashed back at the wild man, “But all you do with this thing is admire it and go back home.”The Eternal Cycle of Self-discoveryFour Ages (Part 3)E ach universe experiences Kavikarnapura Das a cycle of four differ- hundreds of thousands of people who This age lasted for almost ent ages, called yugas in practice cannibalism right now. 2,000,000 years, and the citizens of [email protected] sanskrit, that are much this age were the most Godconscious 0706 601 1800, 0812 324 5864 like the seasonal changes There are people in governments of all. Everything is an aggregate of around the world who make human individual and collective conscious- sacrifices and sometimes eat certain present on earth. human organs as a way of obtaining ness.Just as the seasons are characterized power. In different periods of history, aby the amount of light and heat avail- In fact, many cosmetics presently certain kind of personality predomi-able, the yugas are distinguished by on the market contain human tissue nates; the souls in those periods havethe amount of God-consciousness that from fetuses, with the claim that these similar experiences.the residents are exhibiting at the time. will slow down the aging process and For example, the souls that were intensified and unceasing pleasure is ment. rejuvenate the skin. available. These experiences are avail- Those who leave the body while Their consciousness ultimately very active during the 1960s have simi- able from the earth level up to higherinfluences the general life span, mental Whether you use human organs for lar mentalities. Adults who were born planetary systems. in the mode of passion will normallystate, and standard of living available dinner, cosmetics, or something else, during the baby boom have similar come back to an environment that isto the population. We are presently in it is still human tissue, and to use it in perspectives and life goals. There is a Although such a place is called para- predominantly self- centered. Such athe fourth age, called the age of quarrel these ways is demonic. certain mentality among the present- dise, we are not really talking about place is actually not hell, but surely it isand dissension in some teachings, an In this age of quarrel, little children day children. the place where the Supreme Lord not a heaven.age of massive chaos and pandemo- carry guns to school as a way of solv- This situation occurs because resides. We must make this distinction. The mode of goodness influencesnium. ing arguments or protecting them- When the Bible states that God cre- one to be pious, religious, philanthrop- selves. This is an age when the retort specific souls come at particular times ic, compassionate and ethical. People This age is called Kali-yuga in the “I’m going to blow your head off”must according to the work they have to ated the heavens and the earth, one in this mode try to love their neighborsVedic scriptures. This is a time marked be taken seriously. do; therefore there are some similar may wonder where God was situated as themselves.by more intrusion from the subtle patterns. when the heavens were being created.plane in the form of fairies, disembod- When people reach into their pocket Paradise Found? It can be logically concluded that there They are usually vegetarians and areied spirits, ghosts, and other entities. In to pull something out, it is no longer is a difference between the heavens greatly concerned with the earth andthis age, many people are possessed just brass knuckles or a chain; in many and where the Lord resides. its inhabitants. When they leave theirand people exhibit their most animalis- cases it is a gun or a knife. These signs Now that we have a better under- bodies, they have many opportunitiestic tendencies. show that this age is moving rapidly, standing of the functioning of the our The heavens are a part of the mate- even though we are only a few thou- universes, let’s examine the heavenly rial creation. The Lord resides in the to go to the heavenly kingdoms for During Kali-yuga one can expect to sand years into it. planets. We said earlier that there is spiritual world. various types of pleasurable experienc-live at most up to one hundred years a difference between the kingdom of es, which are like extended vacations.or so, but as the age progresses, a per- The age before Kali-yuga is called God and the heavenly planets. How is one chosen to go to heaven?son will be considered old at age thirty. Dvapara-yuga, and its duration was The key determinant is one’s con- However, even residing in the about 800,000 years. This age was In the Koran when Prophet Muham- sciousness. There are three basic heavenly kingdoms with all of their Consider a teenage girl who has led more God-oriented. People lived to mad made his ascension, he traveled modes or principles that permeate the pleasures is only temporary. It is thea rough life of prostitution and drug about one thousand years of age. with the Angel Gabriel first to the material atmosphere and influence our payment you get for the pious activityand alcohol abuse. The Bible speaks of Methuselah’s lower hellish planets and then to the consciousness. performed. She could easily look twice her age. longevity; at that time, people were heavenly kingdoms up to the SeventhThus, our lifestyle, our thoughts, and graced with a longer life span. The Heaven, which is the highest material Based on our desires, one of the It is difficult to go directly from thehow we take care of the physical and physical size of people was also larger planet. three modes will have a predomi- heavenly kingdom to the spiritualsubtle bodies has an effect on how the when the spirituality was deeper. nant influence on our mentality and world because the lack of duality andaging process manifests in our bodies. At that point, Angel Gabriel consequent actions. The first or lowest suffering in the heavenly environments Descriptions exist of the Sons of God, could not go with him any further. mode is the mode of ignorance, which prevents the inhabitants from fully People will become so gross, and who were angelic entities that many Prophet Muhammad then went to leads one to be aggressive, obnoxious, depending on the Lord.life will become so hellish that despite would consider to be giants. Over time Sidratil-Muntaha, which is beyond the unclean, animalistic, exploitative, lazy,scientific advancements, life spans will as the spirituality decreased, so did heavens; it is in the spiritual world, the and manipulative. There isn’t much opportunity forcontinue to decrease. devotional service to the Supreme. In We are only five thousand years into everything else. The memory, the intel- abode of Allah. There he had personal Those in this mode enjoy inflict- our present environment among theKali-yuga. It is scheduled to last for ap- ligence, the compassion, the love, and association with Allah. ing pain on others. People who have earth-like planets, there is more dualityproximately 430,000 years before the the longevity all began to decrease. mainly lived under that influence will and contrast. The transitory naturegeneral process comes to a conclusion Angel Gabriel wasn’t allowed to go go to a hellish environment when they of life on earth often increases one’sand we move into the next cycle. The age before Dvapara was to that level because he was not prop- leave their bodies at death. They must frustration and determination to get the Treta-yuga which lasted about erly qualified. Prophet Muhammad was spend some time there for serious beyond the temporary. There is much to expect with the 1,300,000 years. In this age, people able to have that experience because adjustment and rectification.end of this cycle. The Vedas describe lived to be about 100,000 years old, of his level of purity and dedication to Such a situation makes it more likelymuch famine, drought, and starvation, and they practiced elaborate spiritual the will of Allah. Then there is the mode of passion. that one will cry out to God. Thus, itso much so that people will become rituals. The age prior to that was called Persons in this mode are very attached is less difficult to go directly from the When we talk about heaven, we are to material gain, success, fame, and earth planet to the spiritual abode thancannibals. Don’t be shocked; there are Satya-yuga, or the golden age. talking about places or states where power. Those individuals are attached to go from the heavenly planets to the to family life and the material environ- spiritual abode.

Healthwww.thenicheng.com 43TheNiche May 15, 2016Patient’s death in LUTH triggersagitation for medicare revolution Agitation for a medicare March 26, 2016, and died “My option is to about 51 hours later. She was make enough noise revolution is afoot to keep medical afflicted with abdominal pain personnel on their toes and prevent from her monthly menstrual in this country to avoidable deaths in Nigerian start a medical periods shortly after 40 days of revolution because hospitals, writes Senior Copy religious fasting. we must changeI Editor, INNOCENT ANORUO. “She had taken an overdose how things are done n February 1997, a The protesters, who wore patient was fortunate black T-shirts bearing the of Piroxicam (50mg thrice in hospitals. to have survived per- picture and name of the daily for two days), a non- “Medical science forated typhoid fever deceased, arrived the gate steroidal anti-inflammatory has got to a stage and burst appendix singing solidarity songs, bran- pain-killer, which is known to that whatever they at the Ikeja General dishing different placards, and be associated with side effects are doing, patients’Hospital, now Lagos State demanded to see the hospi- of inflammation or ulceration relatives must beUniversity Teaching Hospital tal’s management to register of the stomach, even at a carried along. In(LASUTH). their protest. regular dose. some advancedImmediately the doctors Some of the placards read: countries, patients’finished surgery on him, there “We Demand Change of “She was admitted, seen bywas power blackout. And Culture Towards Our Hospi- the medical team, including relatives arethere was no standby genera- tals and Patients”,“Enough an experienced consultant allowed in operatingtor. of Medical Negligence”,“Our physician. rooms to see what isWhen a doctor was asked Hospitals and Medical Person-what would have been the nel are Meant to Save Lives”, “She was commenced on happening.”fate of the patient if he was “LUTH, We Want Life Not medications for peptic ulcersstill in the theatre during the Death”,“Are Our Hospitals or dyspepsia after ultrasound ask.blackout, he answered:“It Slaughter Houses?” scans and other tests. She was “They have been able to tellwould have been his luck.” The gate was locked and admitted to the medical wardsMeaning death. Then was manned by armed police- within 24 hours of presenta- me that my wife died withoutwhen infrastructure was the men, which prevented the tion and monitored by the them knowing at the point sheproblem. protesters from entry. They medical personnel (doctors died. It is clear to me that sheThat patient was yours truly. were later addressed by an and nurses). suffocated to death, becauseWhen Babatunde Fashola unidentified employee who there was nobody on thebecame Lagos State governor, claimed to speak on behalf of “A few hours to her demise, ground monitoring the oxygenhe changed the face of infra- the management. she started to have difficulty they put on her.structure in the public health The man, who claimed to in breathing, and was com-sector, among other achieve- be the chief security officer of menced on oxygen therapy “If you put a patient onments. Before him, doctors LUTH, said the management which she continued to have oxygen somebody should beseemed to be on holiday sent him to tell the protesters till her demise. kept to monitor it to see thebecause of poor infrastructure to bear with it as it had no progress of the whole thing. Ausbeth and Ngozi Udebu “While making the rounds to see how the patients “When I came the next fared in the night, the nurse day and met the lifeless body on duty noticed the patient of my wife, I confronted the had stopped breathing, and nurse that was on night duty. attempts to resuscitate herand equipment. prior knowledge of their visit, failed.In February 2016, Yaba Col- being on Saturday, a non-lege of Technology (YABAT- working day. “There was no distress callECH) was shut down for over “I flew in from Abuja this by the patient, other patientsa month because students pro- morning to see what is hap- or any other person aroundtested the death of a colleague pening here. I was sent to her in the ward prior to hercaused by the negligence of know if what we have been sudden death.the attendants at the school’s hearing is true or not. I amhealth centre. very sorry for what hap- “In view of the strange andOn April 23, some Lagosia- pened,”the man added. sudden death of our patient,ns, led by a non-governmental HACCI Executive Director, the managing team immedi-organisation (NGO), Hope Adaugo Nwalema, described ately requested for an autopsyAlive Child Care Initiative the action of LUTH as insensi- to unravel the immediate and(HACCI), in collaboration with tive, and said the protest was remote causes of her demisethe Medical Police, marched to show that Nigerians are fed as it’s the standard practice infrom the National Stadium, up with medical negligence such cases of unusual death.Surulere, to Lagos University and government’s poor fund-Teaching Hospital (LUTH), ing of health institutions. “This autopsy was prompt-Idi-Araba, to protest the death Ausbeth insisted that his ed by LUTH. The autopsy pre-of Ngozi Udebu. wife, a mother of four, was liminary report demonstratedShe was discovered dead at suffocated to death while evidence of asphyxia, thoughLUTH on March 28. undergoing treatment as a no foreign body or evidenceAfter participating in the result of the negligence of the of strangulation was found.”Good Friday procession with medical personnel. The protestersmembers of St. Dominic But LUTH denied the alle- However, Ausbeth dis- The nurse brought out theCatholic Church, Yaba, Ngozi gation and set up a panel that missed LUTH’s response, oxygen and told me that theycomplained of stomach ache, investigated and absolved the insisting that the report of the had to change the oxygen for ward round.” we must change how thingsand her husband, Ausbeth, personnel of blame. panel showed that his wife because they discovered that Ausbeth vowed to start a are done in hospitals.took her to LUTH. LUTH said:“Ngozi Udebu suffocated to death. it was not working.He said with LUTH’s policy was a patient in our hospital, medical revolution in Nigeria. “Medical science has got tothat no relative should stay having been admitted on His words:“I didn’t expect “I remember asking her, “I have received up to 2,000 a stage that whatever they arewith a patient overnight, an- anything less, because I know ‘at what point did you realise doing, patients’relatives must they would want to come out that the oxygen kit was no calls from people that have be carried along. In some with something to exonerate longer working’, but she was lost their loved ones at LUTH advanced countries, patients’ them, but at the end I can see unable to give me an accurate due to their staff’s negligence. relatives are allowed in op- that they have answered the answer. erating rooms to see what is questions I even wanted to “Life does not mean any- happening. “With this response, it was thing to them; the consultantsother careless stunt led to the “I have received up to 2,000 calls from clear to me that they saw her want people to come to their “That they don’t havedeath of his wife before his people that have lost their loved ones at dead when they were going private hospitals to get good a camera to capture whatvisit the next morning. medical attention. happened in the wards is LUTH due to their staff’s negligence. unacceptable in this modern Services at the hospital “Life does not mean anything to them; “The court is my last option. age and only two nurses arewere interrupted, as dozens My option is to make enough attending to over 35 patients.”of mourners stormed the main the consultants want people to come to noise in this country to startgate to protest the alleged a medical revolution becausenegligence that led to Ngozi’s their private hospitals to get good medicaldeath. attention.\"

44 TheNiche www.thenicheng.com May 15, 2016 Temitope OjoAKirdednieas [email protected] [email protected] 0708 479 6140Brain tickler HpeisrtsoornicaaliltyThere are three houses one is red, one is blue band, one is Teresa Meniru (1931-1994)white.If the red house is to the left of the house in the middle and Teresa Meniru was athe blue house is to the right to the house in the middle Nigerian writer of youngwhere is the white house? adult literature and children's stories. She was Solution born in Ozubulu. Makeup Her work deals with difficult subjects such as Answer child abuse, kidnapping, In Washington DC the status of women in Nigeria, and the burden of tradition. Meniru also wrote about the effects of war on women, such as in her book The Last Card. Her work is part of a trend in Nigerian writing which broadens the scope of African children and young adult’s literature by introducing themes and approaches that are relevant to postcolonial times. I am good at concealing what’s real and hide what’s true. Sometimes, I bring out the courage in you! What am I?Invention Water fountain The modern drinking fountain was invented and then manufactured in the early 1900s by two men and the respec- tive company each man founded: Halsey Willard Taylor and the Halsey Taylor Company; and Luther Haws and the Haws Sanitary Drinking Faucet Co. These two companies changed how water was served in public places. Taylor's father had died of typhoid fever caused by contaminated public drinking water. That motivated him to invent a water fountain to provide safer drinking water. Haws was a part-time plumber, sheet metal contractor, and the sanitary inspec- tor for the city of Berkeley, California. While inspecting a public school, he saw children drinking water out of a common tin cup tied to the tap. Haws also feared that there was a health hazard in the way the public was shar- ing water supply. He invented the first faucet designed for drinking. He used spare plumbing parts, taking the ball from a brass bedstead and a self-closing rabbit ear valve. The Berkeley school department installed the first model drinking taps.

www.thenicheng.com 45TheNiche Kiddies Arena May 15, 2016StarKid Poems Name: Sophia Esosa Edomwonyi Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Age: Nine years By Jane Taylor School: Purple Vineyard Nursery and Twinkle, twinkle, little star, Primary School, Ketu How I wonder what you are! Class: Basic 5 Up above the world so high, Career goal: Engineering Like a diamond in the sky. Best colour: Pink When the blazing sun is gone, Best food: Bread and tea When nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Be our StarKid: Send your child's full-sized photograph and details to [email protected]. Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then the traveller in the dark Thank you for your tiny spark, How could he see where to go, If you did not twinkle so? In the dark blue sky you keep, Often through my curtains peep For you never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky. As your bright and tiny spark Lights the traveller in the dark, Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star. Little Boy Blue By Anonymous Little Boy Blue, Come blow your horn, The sheep's in the meadow, The cow's in the corn; Where is that boy Who looks after the sheep? Under the haystack Fast asleep. Will you wake him? Oh no, not I, For if I do He will surely cry. Be our poet: Send your poems to [email protected].

46 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comAr tsMay15,2016 The Polyversal with Terh Agbedeh Souls storms REVIEWS&PREVIEWS LagosT he Polyversal Souls, It comes as a pulse: The Polyversal Souls with Guy accompanied by Guy the raw, funky beat One at Roskilde, Denmark in One and rising singer Weissenfeldt first July 2015 Florence Adooni, will heard on old 45s his hold a Lagos concert compatriots, includ- Krautrock legends and “world album, Invisible Joy – a manifest ther gospel singers Florence on Tuesday, May 17, ing older Whitefield music” pioneers, Embryo, on a of what Max calls “21st century Adooni and Ana’abugre, andat Freedom Park Lagos, Broad Brother Jan, played 500 concert European and Afri- global raw soul”. Kologo players, Bola AnafoStreet, Lagos Island, by 7pm. to him in the early can bus tour. and Amodoo. As a spin-off, a 1990s, well before In 2014, The Polyversal Souls full solo album with Alogte Part of a tour organised by the anyone cared for that After his Embryo period, he toured Ghana twice, supported Oho Jonas, backed up by theGoethe-Institut, the group will obscure wax. This visited South East Asia, where by the German Federal Culture fabulous Lizy Ma’aho, wasalso go to Benin, Togo, Ghana was in his parents’ he studied classical Burmese Foundation (Kulturstiftung des realised. Further, Max pro-and Cote d’Ivoire. basement in Munich, Saing Waing music. This trip was Bundes). Their tour included duced a 7 with South Ghana- Germany. followed by a time in London, a live appearance along with ian roots reggae spearhead, A statement from the Ger- living and playing with fellow their collaborating artistes, Guy Y-Bayani.man cultural institute said The Late 1960s funk musicians, the Heliocentrics. One and Alogte Oho Jonas, whoPolyversal Souls is the new and soul were the He studied with former Sun are both key figures of the vital Germany’s master tenor,Berlin-based band led by Max inspiration for the Ra Arkestra drummer, Marvin music scene of North Ghana’s saxophonist and flutist, ClaudioWeissenfeldt, one of Germany’s Poets of Rhythm, ‘Bugalu’ Smith, in the United cultural capital, Bolgatanga. Jolowicz, joins the group tomost prolific drummers. the first band in States before, in 2010, tak- This show was also broadcast on enrich the performance with which Weissen- ing his first trip to Ghana, the Ghanaian national TV. his virtuoso solo work. Together “The city’s vital music scene feldt played drums. deciding point to create the with Bastian Duncker on bari-gave him the chance to bring Barely teenag- Philophon label. And to record Early 2016, Max made a tone saxophone and Jasontogether excellent musicians ers, the Poets kick-started a all the music for his Ghanaian further visit to Ghana to Liebert on trombone, a stronglywith a common passion and movement: without them – as counterparts, Max formed a new produce the second The united three-piece horn sec-interest for sounds from insiders like Gabriel Roth and Berlin-based band, The Polyver- Polyversal Souls album called tion interweaves with the solidaround the world. The result Eothen Alapatt claim – Amy sal Souls. The city’s vital music This is Bolga! which focuses groove machine driven by Guywas the Polyversal Souls’ Winehouse, Sharon Jones and scene gave him the chance to on the various collabora- One’s tight Kologo-riffs, Jo-debut album, Invisible Joy, a the Dap Kings, Aloe Blacc and bring together excellent musi- tions with the top artistes of hannes Wehrle’s pumping key-manifest of the 21st century Mayer Hawthorne wouldn’t be cians with a common passion Bolgatanga that came into board bass lines and syncopatedglobal raw soul,” said the the internationally recognised and interest for sounds from existence over the past years: chord progressions and Max’sstatement. names they have become. all around the world. The result aforementioned Guy One very own style of drumming. was The Polyversal Souls’ debut and Alogte Oho Jonas, fur- Weissenfeldt’s is a very inter- In the early 2000s, the Poetsesting story of a man’s passion of Rhythm issued Discern/De-for music. He may have taken fine, which indicated a markedhis drums across the world, but growth, and a sophisticated ap-he’s never lost sight of his first proach to funk music, meshedlove for soulful grooves, the with Krautrock’s untamperedstarting point of a career that experimentalism, and thehas led to phenomenal collabo- Whitefield Brothers issued Inrations. Among them are his ma- The Raw, an Afro-psychedelicjor contribution to the Grammy- trip grounded by funk’s prin-winning album, Locked Down, ciples. Though the Poets ofby Dr. John and Lana Del Rey’s Rhythm would never recordUltraviolence, both produced again, The Whitefield Brothersby Weissenfeldt’s uber-fan, the issued Earthology, the pinnacleBlack Keys’ Dan Auerbach. of their worldly, musical explo- rations. But long before that hap-pened, his passion had pro- During the mid to late 2000s,pelled albums as varied as Poets Weissenfeldt was in deep study:of Rhythm’s Discern/Define and after spending five years withWhitefield Brothers Earthology. Tales With Tosinger continues Tstorytelling traditionosinger, an Af-sonal identity while teaching “I sing, I write, I act and I tell rosoul/Afrofolk life lessons. stories. I am a modern day griot singer/songwrit- and a cultural ambassador. I er and a story- Folktales and fables are an have chosen to gather adults teller passionate educational and entertain- and children alike around a about culture ing means of passing down social app, a Youtube video, and music, is traditions and customs the millennial way to get the furthering the storytelling from one generation to the world’s attention,” Tosinger, the tradition with a new Youtube next. An African tradition writer of the short stories folk- channel, Tales With Tosinger. for several generations, tale collection, Seven Afrofolk The modern day griot is tell- adults would tell tales by the tales in Seven Days, said. ing stories that give a sense moonlight while teaching of culture, history and per- morals and lessons. The channel presents a new video every Tuesday.

Ar tswww.thenicheng.com 47TheNicheC hief Executive Officer ‘Yoruba, Eng-May15,2016 of Genii Games, Ade- lish should bayo Adegbembo, veloped to help children learn Co-Creation Hub (CCHub), my has said that the Nigerian languages, ethics, primary partners. Having come Yoruba and English etiquette and more. out of the Tech-in educationlanguages should co-exist in On how he came to be a competition that was run bythe same space. He declared speaker of the two languages, them (CCHub), I received sup-this while responding to ques- he said he grew up in a house- port in the areas of funding,tions from TheNiche. hold where Yoruba remains the mentorship among others,” he language of communication. recalled. “I think both languages can “This is coupled with the fact Saying the whole idea wasco-exist as long as the Yoruba that Yoruba is the dominant driven by the need to makelanguage doesn’t suffer as it native language in Lagos where Yoruba language fun for kids,currently does. Hence, there I also grew up. With respect he explained that our localneeds to be more effort to en- to English, I learnt it at school languages can sometimescourage the use of Yoruba lan- from the nursery level,” he said. seem boring for kids, especiallyguage to further raise it to the The story of Genii Games is in light of other attractionslevel where we have accepted as interesting as it is educative. (cartoons, games etc) at theirEnglish today,” he said. Adegbembo said that though disposal. the company was incorporated “I found a need to leverage The founder of Genii Games in 2013, he started out in 2012 features that they find interest-has evolved various platforms as a way of using technology ing to help them learn Yoruba.from his deep understanding of to make the subject of Nigerian Specifically, the Yoruba101 appYoruba language and is pushing languages fun for kids using uses colourful graphics, anima-the frontiers of the language to games.ensure that people from Latin tions, text, voice, sound andAmerica can have access to it. “Starting out, I had to rely on games to teach Yoruba lan- my programming skills; but I guage and culture,” he said. His company, he said, is have since grown to leveragewhere interactive mobile apps the skills of others as a team, Adegbemboand animated videos are de-Hintermeier thanks to the support of the DFM partners Sonoton music library T his year’s edition of the Durban FilmMart, other great prizes. June 18 where delegates will be which runs from June Operating in South Africa able to meet Sonoton’s Barbara 17 to 20, includes a Hintermeier, who will demonstrate new partnership with through Synchro Music Manage- useful tips and tricks when con- ment in Johannesburg, Sonoton ducting an online music search. Sonoton, the largest offers filmmakers the option of Entry forms are available at Sono- 180,000 tracks, with more than 100 independent production music new albums in various musical and ton’s website and the deadline for library in the world, the organisers entries is noon on July 1. A random have said. compositional styles added every draw will hold on July 6. Prize win- year, sourced from composers and ners will receive their prizes by mail Sharlene Versfeld of Versfeld and producers from around the world. and the names of all winners will Associates said, in a statement, be published on Sonoton’s website. that as part of the partnership with Sonoton’s online search plat- DFM, Sonoton’s Barbara Hintermei- form, SONOfind, is an extensive The Durban FilmMart is a co- er will be hosting an online music platform for efficient music production and finance market and search workshop for filmmakers. searches, enabling users to find an a joint programme of the Durban The company will also be sponsor- appropriate track within seconds. Film Office (DFO) and the Durban ing the SONOfind contest in which International Film Festival (DIFF). entrants can win an Apple iPad and The SONOfind Workshop takes place at DFM at 2pm on Saturday,TI Remember presented in Lagos, Abuja next Farafina writing he maiden workshop close entries presentation of May 20 I Remember, an autobiographyby Prof. LadipoAdamolekun, took placeon Thursday, May 12, E ntries for the 2016 Fara-2016, at the Nigerian fina Trust Creative Writ- the form of a class. ParticipantsInstitute of International ing Workshop will close will be assigned a wide rangeAffairs (NIIA) Hall, Victoria on May 20. of reading exercises, as wellIsland, Lagos. To take place in Lagos from as daily writing exercises, andThere will be a second June 21 to July 1, it is organised participation is limited only topublic presentation in L-R: Senator Bode Olajumoke, Prof. Akinlawon Mabogunje by award-winning writer and those who apply and are ac- (CON), Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun (Author) and Mrs. Titi creative director of Farafina cepted.Abuja on Tuesday, May Adamolekun Trust, Chimamanda Adichie.17, at Merit House, Mai- Interested participants cantama, at 11am. Ad- (University of Ife, in par- individuals and libraries Sponsored by Nigerian Brew- find details at the Farafina Trust amolekun’s autobiogra- ticular), and as a leading worldwide,” he said. eries Plc, Adichie teaches the website. Adamolekun is a phy has some messages professional at the World workshop alongside her writ-veteran scholar of public for everyone. Bank, should provide Adamolekun has ing colleagues from around the Only those accepted to theadministration. useful guidance to those won many honours and world. workshop will be notified by “His parental upbring- who seek to operate at distinctions within and June 10. Accommodation in I Remember, which is ing has a message for the highest level of their outside the country, The organisers said the work- Lagos will be provided for all ac-in six parts, chronicles parents generally; his profession. A book that including the Nigerian shop aims at improving the cepted applicants who are ableAdamolekun’s rise from exploits as a student at serves as a role model National Order of Merit craft of writers and to encour- to attend for the 10-day dura-a humble background school and university for generations, it is with (NNOM) award – the age published and unpublished tion of the workshop. A literaryto a distinguished career have a strong message great enthusiasm and “highest national prize writers by bringing different evening of readings, open to thein academia and public for students. Of course, a sense of professional for academic and perspective to the art of story- public, will be held at the end ofservice. his experiences as an honesty, that I recom- intellectual attainment” telling. The workshop will take the workshop on July 1. accomplished academic mend I Remember to – conferred on him in Anthony Akinola, an at various universities December 2005.Oxford-based Nigerianpublic intellectual, said

48 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comFashionMay15,2016 Temitope Ojo [email protected] [email protected] 0708 479 6140 Closet every woman should have by 35A trusted jeans brand A favourite dress-down sneaker A statement blazer or jacket One thing you learn by the time you're in your 30s is Vans can make a too- Rather than goingthat not every denim brand is going to look great on your prim look unfussy and for another bor-body, which is okay as there are so many to choose from. cool; Keds are surpris- ing, black blazer, ingly great paired search for one with The key is to find a pair with a little stretch that doesn't with a cigarette pant a cascading lapel ordig in at the waist or gap in the small of your back, bum, (la Audrey Hepburn); maybe a peplum ator behind the knees; has a smoothing effect overall; and and Cons are the the waist, or chooselooks good with both flats and heels. perfect sneaker for a a conservative shape Saturday boyfriend- in an eye-catching It takes time to find the right style for you, but once you jeans outfit. hue.do, stock up. A black cashmere sweater There are alsoA white shirt that fits your body moto, bomber, and The fastest way to army jackets.style with no buttons at all. A simple white button- dress up jeans on a down is a wardrobe weekend dinner-and- You can throw any must-have, but getting the movie date, balance of these over a femi- shoulders, bust, and waist out a daring skirt for nine dress or pair it fit right is important. work, or look totally chic with dark-wash jeans with black pants as an for a more modern Too boxy and it will LBD alternative, this item have a waiter-like effect. goes with everything. work look. Too tight and you'll feel A ‘dressy’T-shirt uncomfortable. If black isn't your thing, don't stress. Cashmere in You don't need Keep trying on styles any neutral colour is great. to spend a tonne until you find the brand Just be sure to choose the of money to get that fits your proportions silhouette you like best for a tee that looks perfectly, and don't be your body. designer-ish. Just afraid to go up a size and look for one in a ask a tailor to take in the Curvier frames usually super-soft fabric sides as needed. look best in V-neck styles, that skims your while straighter bodies can curves and has Also, explore a white pull off crewnecks. some special button-down in a silky detail. material as opposed to Oversize turtleneck crisp cotton, or even a styles look especially great with pulled-back hair and a Stay away from bold lip, and can work wonders to make you feel more super-athleticA signature dress style pulled together on hormonal bloat days. styles with thick collars and stiff Not everyone looks good A silky button-down material. in a wrap or feels comfort- In the right fabric, you can wear this type of tee under able in a crisp-cut sheath. In recent years, this a cardigan, blazer, or denim jacket. Just add some jewelry item has come into and you're good to go. The truth is, there are no its own as a multi- rules; just search for one purpose layering tool Fancy flats that makes you feel the – it's really the most most like \"you.\" modern, grown-up We don't know about you, but we don't always feel like way to pull together a wearing heels – yet we can't necessarily wear sneakers on If you're uncomfortable work look involving a those days either. This is where fancy flats come in. and feel almost like you're blazer or pencil skirt. playing dress-up in some- Go one size up for a Whether you're a ladylike ballet flat kind of girl or an one else's clothes, that's not floatier, more femi- oxford/loafer lover, you should own a pair of nice flats the one for you. nine effect. that could easily replace pumps on the days when your feet just can't take it. Also, this is a place where prints can re- ally shine, so try those polka dots you've been on the fence about. Layered under a cardigan or sweater, they'll be subtle, not garish.

www.thenicheng.com 49TheNicheAt Just Not Married premiere May 15, 2016 Nollywood actress andproducer, Judith Audu,premiered her Just Not Marriedat Genesis Deluxe Cinema,Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was attended byactors, actresses, and movieenthusiasts. Audu was supported by herhusband, Morten Foght. Cast,crew, and stakeholders in theindustry were also spotted. Adesua Etomi Ashionye Raccah Best Okoduwa Doris Simeon Omotu Bissong Mary LazarusMorten and Judith Racheal Isaac Christiana Martin Omowunmi DadaKas and Judith Uzor Osimkpa Wole Ojo OG Nelson

50 TheNiche www.thenicheng.comFOODMay15,2016&DRINKWatermelon beyondsugar and waterWATERMELON is a vine-like flowering Watermelon Promotion Board, Orlando, in sleep, muscle movement, learning and With 92 per cent water and full of impor-plant that originated from southern Africa. USA, the fruit contains more lycopene memory. The nutrient also helps to maintain tant electrolytes, watermelon is a fantasticIts fruit, which is also called watermelon, is – an anti-oxidant that is present in most the structure of cellular membranes, aids in fruit to have on a hot afternoon, as it reducesa berry which has a thick smooth exterior fruits and vegetables – than any other the transmission of nerve impulses, assists hydration.and fleshy, juicy, sweet core referred to as fruit or vegetable. in the absorption of fat and reduces chronicendocarp. inflammation. It is great for the skin because it contains Fruits and vegetables are linked with vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum In Nigeria, the watermelon fruit, gotten a reduced risk of some lifestyle-related Watermelon is used as a natural Viagra, production that keeps hair moisturised. Vita-from the North, is considered a juicy delight health conditions. Many studies have as its improved circulation can benefit more min A is also essential for the developmentwith partial cookery range and nutritional suggested that increasing consumption than just the heart. of all body tissues, including skin and hair.value. of plant foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, The fruit fills the belly with no irregular Eating watermelon can protect against the Despite the popular belief that water- diabetes, heart disease and promotes a side-effect. It is rich in vitamins and miner- negative effects of macular degenerationmelon is made up of only water and sugar, healthy complexion and hair, as well as als, but low in calories; so there is no fear of (just a fancy word for loss of vision).the fruit actually is useful and very healthy, lower weight. increased fat in the body.providing a high amount of vitamins, miner-als and antioxidants for a low amount of Watermelon reduces blood pressure.calories. Even on your salad plate, it is a According to a study published by thesuitable substitute for tomatoes. People buy American Journal of Hypertension, wa-Watermelon for different reasons; some buy termelon extract supplementation reduc-it for a reduction in belly fat. es ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in Reasons to take watermelon obese middle-aged adults with pre-hy- Watermelon soothes aching muscles, pertension or stage 1 hypertension, andaccording to a new study in the Journal of that watermelon extract improved arterialAgricultural Food and Chemistry, by James function.Seiber. Drinking watermelon juice beforea hard workout help reduce athletes’heart Being an excellent source of vitaminrate and next-day muscle soreness. This is C and other antioxidants, the fruit helpsbecause watermelon is rich in an amino acid combat the formation of radicals that causecalled L-citrulline, which the body converts cancer. Lycopene intake, which is present into L-arginine, an essential amino acid that watermelon, has been linked to decreasedhelps relax blood vessels and improves risk of prostate cancer.blood circulation. It contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Due to the water and fibre content invitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magne- watermelon, it helps to prevent constipation,sium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, adds bulk to faeces and promotes regularitymanganese, selenium, choline, lycopene for a healthy digestive tract.as and betaine. According to the National It reduces and prevents inflammation. Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient in watermelon that aids our bodieseatoinugtJevinikevinik Place is a one-stop African dish restaurant For the meat where you can get your favourite dishes at a lovers, assorted snap. beef, bush meat, chicken, cow legJ Having been in existence for about 15 years, and tail, gizzard and goat meatJevinik offers dining services, hall rentals and food in pepper soups are in offer too. You can also havedelivery. The meals range from soups, local delica- fried and grilled fish.cies, additives and deserts, pepper soup, rice andmeat. So there is no reason to stay hungry on a Sun- There are local traditional delicacies like isi-ewuday when you can have an awesome treat. (goat head), nkwobi and abacha (African salad). In additional, there are additional side delicacies For soups, there is the Mama’s Delight soup, oha like fried plantain, moin-moin, full and side salad,soup, okra soup, egusi soup and many more. There ekpang nkukwo, plantain porridge, chips, ukwa andare ‘swallows’ (puddings) like eba, plantain flour, many more.pounded yam, semolina, and wheat flour. Jevinik is in Ikeja, Victoria Island (Lagos), Abuja, Also there are rice dishes like coconut rice, pep- Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Aba.pery rice, ofada rice, fried and jollof rice, and friedrice.